| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09964980B2 |
Method and apparatus for optimal power flow with voltage stability for large-scale electric power systems
An optimal power flow (OPF) problem formulates constraints and operation of an electric power system. A method and system is provided for generating a secure OPF solution that solves the OPF problem. A list of contingencies is created from system data. An OPF solution is computed for the electric power system to optimize an objective function value under the constraints of the electric power system. Voltage stability analysis is performed on the electric power system that operates in states represented by the OPF solution. Then the contingencies are ranked according to load margins of the electric power system. If there is at least an insecure contingency with a non-positive load margin in the list of contingencies, a set of preventive controls are computed and applied to control components in the electric power system. The method is performed iteratively to obtain the secure OPF solution. |
| US09964976B2 |
Voltage regulator with improved electrical properties and corresponding control method
A voltage-regulator device includes an error-amplifier stage configured to receive a first reference voltage and a feedback voltage, an output amplifier stage coupled to the error-amplifier stage and configured to generate an output voltage related to the first reference voltage by an amplification factor, and a feedback stage configured to generate the feedback voltage. A compensation stage is configured to implement a second feedback loop, and cause, in response to a variation of the output voltage, a corresponding variation of a first biasing voltage for the output amplifier stage. The compensation stage includes a coupling-capacitor element coupled between the output amplifier stage and a first internal node, and a driving module coupled between the first internal node, and the output amplifier stage and configured to generate a compensation voltage for driving the output amplifier stage. |
| US09964975B1 |
Semiconductor devices for sensing voltages
A circuit includes a first resistive element having a first terminal coupled to an input node to receive a negative voltage, a second resistive element having a first terminal coupled to a first power supply terminal, and a third resistive element having a first terminal coupled to the first power supply terminal. A first current mirror includes a first transistor coupled to a second terminal of the second resistive element and a second transistor coupled to a second terminal of the third resistive element and the first transistor, wherein the output node corresponds to the second terminal of the third resistive element. A second current mirror includes a third transistor coupled to the first transistor and a fourth transistor coupled to the second transistor, third transistor, and a second terminal of the first resistive element. The circuit converts the negative voltage to the positive proportion voltage. |
| US09964972B2 |
Mixed mode compensation circuit
A mixed mode compensation circuit for a power converter generate a digital signal according to a reference signal and a feedback signal which is related to the output voltage of the power converter, convert the digital signal into a first analog signal, offset the first analog signal with a variable offset value to generate a second analog signal, and filter out high-frequency components of the second analog signal to generate a third analog signal for stable output voltage of the power converter. The mixed mode compensation does not require large capacitors, and thus the circuit can be integrated into an integrated circuit. |
| US09964971B2 |
Power supply device, power supply system, and power supply control method
A power supply device includes: a power supply circuit configured to supply electric power; a signal input-and-output portion to be coupled to a sub board, the sub board including a first load configured to receive the electric power and a voltage range generation circuit configured to generate a voltage range signal indicative of a power supply voltage range of the first load; and an arithmetic circuit configured to compute an output voltage of the power supply circuit based on the voltage range signal which is input via the signal input-and-output portion and first power supply voltage information relating to a first voltage at a first supply terminal of the first load to be supplied with the electric power. |
| US09964970B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling heat in wireless communication terminal
Disclosed herein is an apparatus and a method for controlling heat according to a use environment of a wireless communication terminal in the wireless communication terminal. The method includes measuring an internal temperature of the wireless communication terminal when the wireless communication terminal performs communication by using a predetermined channel or band. The method includes acquiring a heat control method matched to a currently-measured internal temperature from a heat control table having temperature ranges of heat generated within the wireless communication terminal, after the wireless communication terminal selects at least one of bands or channels and performs communication by using the selected at least one band or channel, and storing a heat control method in each temperature range. The method includes controlling the heat generated within the wireless communication terminal according to the acquired heat control method. |
| US09964967B2 |
System and method for control performance monitoring
A method for monitoring a control of a parameter of one or more devices or systems in an oil or gas production site includes receiving process data, the process data being a result of the control of the parameter of the one or more devices or systems in the production site; smoothing the process data using a polynomial filter while preserving features of the process data to obtain smoothed data; and applying a pattern recognition algorithm to the smoothed data to determine whether there is a malfunction condition in the one or more devices or systems. |
| US09964964B2 |
Automatic balancing valve with preset flow rate
An automatic balancing valve is described, wherein a flow controller device is provided and comprises at least translationally movable plug and a respective valve seat that cooperates with the plug in order to automatically adjust the fluid flow rate through the valve. A ring nut, combined with the flow controller device, is rotationally hand-operated to move a choking member placed inside the valve. The movement transmission from the ring nut to the choking member is achieved by a mechanism comprising a plurality of toothed gears. |
| US09964963B2 |
Pressure equalizing insert
The invention relates to a pressure equalizing insert (1) which is provided for installation in a valve (10) for regulating a fluid stream in particular in a HVAC system. The pressure equalizing insert (1) comprises a housing (2) having an actuating member (3) which is movably mounted thereon and is configured to at least partially guide the fluid stream regulated by the valve (10) and, when the pressure equalizing insert (1) is installed, co-operates with a valve seat (15) depending upon a pressure difference prevailing in the fluid stream in order to regulate the fluid stream. The invention further relates to a valve (10) having an installed pressure equalizing insert (1), wherein the pressure equalizing insert (1) can be inserted in particular as a pre-assembled assembly into the valve (10). |
| US09964961B2 |
Store separation autopilot
A method and apparatus are presented for guiding a store, represented by a dynamic system having transitory nonlinear characteristics, between release from a platform and an activation of a mission autopilot along an optimal path. A nominal reference trajectory is determined that optimizes a desired performance index for the dynamic system using optimal control theory. A feedback control system is implemented that optimizes an original performance index to second order in a presence of disturbances along the optimal path using neighboring optimal control. The feedback control system converges to a linear time invariant regulator approaching the desired operating condition along the optimal path. Finally, control of the store is transitioned to the mission autopilot. |
| US09964958B2 |
Driverless vehicle, and apparatus, system, and method of vehicle control
A vehicle control system determines a travel priority of a vehicle based on a travel condition of the vehicle. In response to detection of an oncoming vehicle ahead of the vehicle along a single guide path, the system compares between the travel priority of the vehicle, and a travel priority of the oncoming vehicle, and selects one of the vehicle and the oncoming vehicle as a vehicle to change a traveling route, to allow the unselected vehicle to continue traveling along the single guide path. |
| US09964956B2 |
Operating environment information generating device for mobile robot
An operating environment information generating device is provided which estimates, upon contact of a mobile robot (1) with a surface portion of an external object, a position and posture of the contact surface on the basis of a posture state of the robot (1), and, in the case where the degree of difference between the estimates and a position and posture of the surface portion of the external object indicated by environment information created based on measurement data by an external-object recognition sensor (46, 47) is large, corrects the environment information at the contact location in such a way as to make the position and posture of the contact surface match the estimates. |
| US09964955B2 |
System and methods of determining a geometric pose of a camera based on spatial and visual mapping
The disclosure provides systems and methods of use pertaining to a visual mapping and transportation management system for determining a location of a user and directing a vehicle to the user's location. Embodiments include a navigation application installed upon a user's mobile computing device and configured to transmit a user image from the device to an image-matching server storing a map composed of keyframes, each having a stored image, a known geometric pose, and numerous extracted interest features. The server also includes a processor configured to extract interest features from the user image, compare the interest features between the user image and the stored images, identify common interest features between the two, and based on the common interest features and known geometric poses of the stored images, determine a global geometric pose of the user image before directing the vehicle to the user's location. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US09964953B2 |
Autonomous moving object
An autonomous moving object includes: at least one distance sensor configured to detect distances to first and second positions located in a moving direction of the autonomous moving object on a road surface; and a determination unit configured to calculate a difference between a differential time between a time when the distance value to the first position detected by the at least one distance sensor is greater than a first threshold value and a time when the distance value to the second position is greater than a second threshold value and a moving time in which the autonomous moving object moves between the first and second positions and to determine that the distance sensor is abnormal only when the calculated difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. |
| US09964948B2 |
Remote control and concierge service for an autonomous transit vehicle fleet
Methods and systems for assisting autonomous vehicles are provided. The methods and systems can help increase safety and consumer satisfaction with autonomous vehicles and help bridge the gap towards completely autonomy. A method for assisting autonomous vehicles can include providing an autonomous vehicle having sensory inputs and providing a remote control center having two-way communication with the autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle can send its sensory input information to the control center and the control center can send control information to the autonomous vehicle. |
| US09964947B2 |
Warning message with respect to the use of head-mounted displays in a vehicle
A device for a vehicle is disclosed, including: a transmitting and receiving unit for wireless data transmission; an electronic computing unit which is operatively coupled to the transmitting and receiving unit; wherein the computing unit is configured to execute: Receiving of radio signals from data glasses using the transmitting and receiving unit, from which glasses no signals had previously been received; recognition that the data glasses are in use relative to the vehicle, including recognition of a temporal relation between an operation of the vehicle and the reception of radio signals of the data glasses, wherein the operation of the vehicle includes in particular the unlocking of the vehicle, the movement of windows of the vehicle, the opening of a door of the vehicle, or the activation of operating elements of the vehicle: In response to the recognition of the temporal relation, execution of a specified function. |
| US09964943B2 |
Numerical controller operating based on tabular data
When a command for outputting a movement amount at a specific reference value is included in a command block, a numerical controller which controls a position of a control axis in synchronization with a reference value by using tabular data registers the reference value and the movement amount of the command in a shift table while associating the reference value with the movement amount. Then, when the current reference value reaches the reference value registered in the shift table, the numerical controller superposes the movement amount of the control axis that is associated with the reference value in the shift table on a distributed movement amount to the control axis, and outputs the superposed movement amount as a movement amount of the control axis. |
| US09964941B2 |
Method, device and system for improving system accuracy of X-Y motion platform
Disclosed are a method, a device and a system for improving system accuracy of an X-Y motion platform, and the method includes: taking a picture of a preset calibration board synchronously as a controlled equipment on an X-Y motion platform moves, and analyzing the picture to obtain pixel coordinates of a calibration point in the picture, where the preset calibration board is taken as a reference; acquiring actual coordinates of the calibration point on the calibration board, and calculating actual position coordinates of the controlled equipment on the X-Y motion platform from the actual coordinates and the pixel coordinates of the calibration point; and adjusting a motion control system of the X-Y motion platform according to the actual position coordinates, to control the motion of the X-Y motion platform to perform motion compensation for the controlled equipment. With the technical solution of the invention, the system accuracy can be improved, and the requirements for assembly and device selection can be reduced. |
| US09964936B2 |
Wireless network machine control for a hydraulic system
A machine control system, comprises at least first and second nodes of a wireless network in communication with each other, each node including a three axis accelerometer having a data output coupled to a respective sensor input of the node; and a hydraulic machine having a manifold and a plurality of hydraulic mechanisms coupled to respective outputs of the manifold, the manifold being responsive to electrical actuating signals provided from respective electrical outputs of the first node in response to gesture signals sent from the second node. |
| US09964934B2 |
Data acquisition unit and automation system
A data acquisition unit for an automation system, with at least one communications interface which is designed for connection to an operating bus and is set up to receive control commands from a field unit and data from operating bus participants with a processing device which is designed for the processing of the received control commands and/or data to give processing results, and with a memory device designed for the storage of processing results. |
| US09964932B2 |
Virtual demand auditing of devices in a building
Automation systems, methods, and mediums. A method includes identifying a first amount of energy consumed by a plurality of devices in a building during a first period of time while a first device in the plurality of devices is in a first state to form a first baseline. The method includes identifying a second amount of energy consumed by the plurality of devices during a second period of time while the first device is in a second state. Additionally, the method includes generating an estimated energy consumption of the first device based on a difference between the first baseline and the second amount of energy consumed. |
| US09964931B2 |
Numerical controller with machining condition adjustment function which reduces chatter or tool wear/breakage occurrence
A numerical controller includes a machine learning device for performing machine learning of machining condition adjustment of a machine tool. The machine learning device calculates a reward based on acquired machining-state data on a workpiece, and determines an adjustment amount of machining condition based on a result of machine learning and machining-state data, and adjusts machining conditions based on the adjustment amount. Further, the machine learning of machining condition adjustment is performed based on the determined adjustment amount of machining condition, the machining-state data, and the reward. |
| US09964924B2 |
Holographic 3D recording device, reproducing device and display apparatus
A holographic 3D recording device includes: a photorefractive crystal and a microlens array. The microlens array includes an array face and a side face. The microlens array is provided in a light path from an object to be photographed to the photorefractive crystal such that first light of object emitted through a diffuse reflection of the object to be photographed passes through the array face of the microlens array and becomes second light of object that is emitted to the photorefractive crystal. The photorefractive crystal is configured to receive the second light of object emitted by the microlens array and reference light, respectively, and save therein an interference fringe formed by the reference light and the second light of object. The first light of object and the reference light are coherent light. |
| US09964909B2 |
Sheet conveying device and sheet accumulating device provided with the same
The present invention is to provide a sheet conveying device capable of reducing noise. The sheet conveying device includes an endless belt that gives a conveying force to a sheet and a rotating member engaged with an outer peripheral portion of the endless belt. The endless belt has, on its outer peripheral portion, a plurality of convex portions arranged in a peripheral direction thereof, the convex portions each extending in a width direction thereof. The rotating member has a contact portion that contacts the outer peripheral portion of the endless belt and deforms a plurality of points of each of the convex portions in the width direction. |
| US09964907B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming system
An image forming apparatus includes a feeding unit, a regulation member, a detection unit, and a control unit. The feeding unit feeds a recording material from a storage unit to a conveying path. In the storage unit, the regulation member controls a trailing edge of the recording material in a feeding direction. The detection unit detects time until the recording material reaches a predetermined position along the conveying path after the feeding unit begins to feed the recording material. The control unit determines a state of the regulation member based on the detected time. Where the time detected by the detection unit is a value between a first threshold and a second threshold, which is larger than the first threshold, the control unit determines that the regulation member is shifting from a position corresponding to a size of the recording material in the feeding direction. |
| US09964904B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A fixing device includes a fixing member, which includes heat-generating layer, and an induction heater to inductively heat the fixing member. The induction heater includes an excitation coil disposed facing an outer circumferential surface of the fixing member to generate a magnetic flux, a ferromagnetic core assembly containing a ferromagnetic core to form a magnetic path to direct the magnetic flux generated by the excitation coil to the fixing member, and a holder to hold the excitation coil and the ferromagnetic core assembly. The ferromagnetic core is insert-molded in and covered by the holder. The holder has a plurality of spherical marks created by a plurality of stabilizing members each having a spherical tip to stabilize the ferromagnetic core in a mold. |
| US09964898B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus including a cleaning unit removably mountable to an apparatus main body under a state of being supported by a transfer unit, and movable with respect to the transfer unit in a longitudinal direction of a cleaning member under a state of not being mounted to the apparatus main body. The apparatus main body includes a frame unit portion configured to position a cartridge with respect to the apparatus main body in an axial direction of a photosensitive drum. The frame unit portion is configured to position the cleaning member with respect to the apparatus main body in the longitudinal direction under a state in which the transfer unit is mounted to the apparatus main body. |
| US09964897B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus
A developing device includes a first developing roller, a second developing roller, a first end portion configured to restrict the amount of developer on the second developing roller, a restriction member, and a collecting roller configured to collect developer on the first developing roller. The second end portion is located at a position where magnetic force interference with a magnetic force generated by the second developing roller and the collecting roller is not caused. |
| US09964893B2 |
Toner case and image forming apparatus
A toner case includes a case main body, a cover, and an agitating member. The case main body is configured to contain a toner and to rotate. The cover is configured to cover an opening part arranged at the case main body and to maintain a rotation stop state when the case main body rotates, the cover having a communication space which communicates with an inside space of the case main body via the opening part. The agitating member is configured to rotate integrally with the case main body and to agitate the toner in the communication space. |
| US09964892B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus of the present disclosure includes a developing device and a toner storage container. The toner storage container is detachable and attachable with respect to an apparatus main body. The toner storage container includes a supply screw which conveys toner by rotating forward, and a first engagement unit coupled via a gear train to a rotation shaft of the supply screw. The apparatus main body includes a second engagement unit which engages with the first engagement unit to restrain detachment/attachment of the toner storage container by engaging with the first engagement unit. In a case where an amount of toner in the toner storage unit has become equal to or less than a predetermined amount, a control unit makes the supply screw rotate backward to thereby release engagement between the first and second engagement units. |
| US09964891B2 |
Systems for optical communication between an image forming device and a replaceable unit of the image forming device
A replaceable unit for an image forming apparatus according to one example embodiment includes a housing and at least one transmissive member positioned on an exterior of the housing. The at least one transmissive member is arranged to receive optical energy from the image forming apparatus and has a transmissivity for modifying an amount of the optical energy that leaves the at least one transmissive member relative to an amount of the optical energy received by the at least one transmissive member. The at least one transmissive member indicates information relating to a characteristic of the replaceable unit. |
| US09964888B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An incidence angle of laser light with respect to a photosensitive member in a main-scanning direction is different depending on an exposure position. Hence, the spot shape of the laser light on the photosensitive member is different in the main-scanning direction. A filter coefficient is changed in the main-scanning direction, and image data is corrected with the filter coefficient. |
| US09964887B2 |
Light scanning apparatus and image forming apparatus
A light scanning apparatus, including: a light source; a light intensity detecting portion configured to detect a light intensity of the light beam emitted from the light source; and a light intensity controller configured to control the light intensity based on a detection result of the light intensity detecting portion, wherein the light intensity controller is configured to supply, in advance, to the light source, a bias current smaller than a threshold current at which the light source starts emitting the light beam, and is configured to control a supply of a drive current to the light source, the drive current being generated by superimposing, on the bias current, a switching current for controlling the light source in accordance with an image signal, and the light intensity controller includes a current stopping unit configured to stop a supply of the bias current and the drive current to the light source. |
| US09964886B2 |
Electrostatic latent image developing core-shell type toner, method for manufacturing same, and image forming method using same
Provided is an electrostatic latent image developing toner that, while ensuring low temperature fixability, can ensure image quality stability even during high-speed continuous printing. The toner is an electrostatic latent image developing core-shell type toner containing at least a binder resin. The binder resin includes a crystalline polyester resin, an amorphous polyester resin, and a hybrid amorphous vinyl resin in which a vinyl polymerization segment is chemically bonded to a polymerization segment other than the vinyl polymerization segment, in which a core portion of the toner contains the crystalline polyester resin and the amorphous polyester resin, whereas a shell portion of the toner contains the hybrid amorphous vinyl resin, and the hybrid amorphous vinyl resin has a vinyl polymerization segment content of from 51 to 99% by mass. |
| US09964884B1 |
Yellow toner
To provide a yellow toner that it provides a sharper color than ever before in small amounts and the hue is greener than ever before, whereby the color range can be increased. Disclosed is a yellow toner containing a binder resin and a yellow colorant, wherein, as the yellow colorant, a compound A represented by the following general formula (1) and a compound B represented by the following formula (2) are contained, and wherein, with respect to 100 parts by mass of the binder resin, a content of the compound A is from 0.5 to 7.5 parts by mass, and a content of the compound B is from 0.5 to 8.0 parts by mass: |
| US09964881B2 |
Toner
A toner comprising toner particles, each of which contains a binder resin and a colorant, wherein an onset temperature Te (° C.) of a storage elastic modulus E′ obtained in a powder dynamic viscoelastic measurement on the toner is at least 50° C. and not more than 70° C., and a value at Te (° C.) of a storage elastic modulus G′ obtained in a pellet dynamic viscoelastic measurement on the toner is at least 4.0×107 Pa and not more than 1.0×1010 Pa. |
| US09964880B1 |
Phase inversion emulsification process for controlling latex particle size
A phase inversion emulsification process for controlling latex particle size including a) combining a resin, an organic solvent, an optional neutralizing agent, and a first portion of water in a reactor; wherein said reactor is equipped with a jacket, a vacuum, a condenser connected to the reactor by a distillate conduit, and a receiver connected to the condenser by a condensate conduit, to form a water-in-oil dispersion mixture; b) adding a second portion of water to the reactor to convert the water-in-oil dispersion mixture into an oil-in-water dispersion comprising a latex emulsion of latex particles; c) forming a distillate and controlling the distillate temperature by at least one of: adjusting the jacket temperature, adjusting the vacuum level, or a combination thereof; wherein controlling the distillate temperature controls a particle size distribution change of the latex particles during solvent removal; wherein the distillate temperature is from about 30 to about 80° C.; d) performing solvent removal wherein volatile organic compounds are pulled out of the liquid phase in the reactor to a vapor phase and transferred to the condenser via the distillate conduit; e) cooling distillate vapor in the condenser to a liquid phase; and f) collecting the liquid condensate in the receiver. |
| US09964876B2 |
Toner and method for manufacturing the same
A toner includes toner particles which contain a binder resin, a colorant, a wax, and a resin A having an organic polysiloxane structure; the amount of Si atoms of the toner particles is 4.5 to 10.0; in an analysis of a cross-section of each toner particle, in a surface layer region R from the periphery of the cross-section of the toner particle to the inside at a distance of 10.0% of the particle diameter in the cross-section of the toner particle, the content of Si atoms derived from the organic polysiloxane structure is 90.0% or more with respect to the total amount of Si atoms contained in the toner particle; and in a line analysis along a straight line between the periphery of the surface layer region R and a gravity center of the cross-section, an intensity count of Si atoms in the toner particle satisfies formula Si0>Si1>Si2>Si3≥0. |
| US09964868B2 |
Electrophotographic photoreceptor, electrophotographic photoreceptor cartridge, and image forming apparatus
The invention relates to a multilayer type electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising: a conductive support; and, on the conductive support, a charge generation layer containing a hydroxygallium phthalocyanine pigment and a charge transport layer,wherein the content of α-chloronaphthalene in hydroxygallium phthalocyanine pigment in the charge generation layer is in a range of 0 ng/cm2 to 0.1 ng/cm2, the charge transport layer contains a non-halogen organic solvent having a boiling point of 140° C. or more, and the content of the non-halogen organic solvent having a boiling point of 140° C. or more is in a range of 0.1 μg/cm2 to 5 μg/cm2. |
| US09964865B2 |
Method of adjusting speed and/or routing of a table movement plan and a lithographic apparatus
A method of adjusting speed and/or routing of a part of a movement plan of a table under an immersion fluid supply system of a lithographic apparatus. The method includes splitting the movement plan of the table into a plurality of discrete movements; determining a risk of a bubble of a size greater than a certain size being present in immersion fluid through which a patterned beam of the lithographic apparatus will pass during a certain discrete movement by determining whether the immersion fluid supply system passes over a position at which immersion fluid leaked from the immersion fluid supply system is present; and adjusting the speed and/or routing of a part of the movement plan corresponding to (i) a discrete movement earlier than a discrete movement for which the risk of a bubble is determined, and/or (ii) a discrete movement for which the risk of a bubble is determined. |
| US09964861B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method involving a liquid confinement structure
In an immersion lithography apparatus in which immersion liquid is supplied to a localized space, the space is substantially polygonal in plan substantially parallel to the substrate. In an embodiment, two corners of the space have a radius of curvature no greater than the width of a transition zone between the space configured to contain liquid and a surrounding configured not to contain liquid. |
| US09964859B2 |
Lithography projection objective, and a method for correcting image defects of the same
A lithography projection objective for imaging a pattern in an object plane onto a substrate in an image plane. The projection objective comprises a multiplicity of optical elements along an optical axis. The optical elements comprise a first group of optical elements following the object plane, and a last optical element, following the first group and next to the image plane. The projection objective is tunable or tuned with respect to aberrations for the case that the volume between the last optical element and the image plane is filled by an immersion medium with a refractive index substantially greater than 1. The position of the last optical element is adjustable in the direction of the optical axis. A positioning device is provided that positions at least the last optical element during immersion operation such that aberrations induced by disturbance are at least partially compensated. |
| US09964853B2 |
Method of determining dose and focus, inspection apparatus, patterning device, substrate and device manufacturing method
A method of determining exposure dose of a lithographic apparatus used in a lithographic process on a substrate. Using the lithographic process to produce a first structure on the substrate, the first structure having a dose-sensitive feature which has a form that depends on exposure dose of the lithographic apparatus on the substrate. Using the lithographic process to produce a second structure on the substrate, the second structure having a dose-sensitive feature which has a form that depends on the exposure dose of the lithographic apparatus but which has a different sensitivity to the exposure dose than the first structure. Detecting scattered radiation while illuminating the first and second structures with radiation to obtain first and second scatterometer signals. Using the first and second scatterometer signals to determine an exposure dose value used to produce at least one of the first and second structures. |
| US09964847B2 |
Mask substrate structure
The present disclosure relates to lithographic masks and, more particularly, to a lithographic mask substrate structure and methods of manufacture. The mask includes a sub-resolution assist feature (SRAF) formed on a quartz substrate and composed of a patterned transition film and absorber layer. |
| US09964846B2 |
Two-dimensional heterostructure materials
Methods, articles of manufacture and systems for creating new nanoscale two dimensional materials comprising designed arrays of lateral or vertical heterojunctions may be fabricated by first lithographically masking a 2D material. Exposed, or unmasked, regions of the 2D material may be converted to a different composition of matter to form lateral or vertical heterojunctions according to the patterned mask. PLD and high kinetic energy impingement of atoms may replace or add atoms in the exposed regions, and a plurality of the exposed regions may be converted concurrently. The process may be repeated one or more times on either side of the same 2D material to form any suitable combination of lateral heterojunctions and/or vertical heterojunctions, comprising semiconductors, metals or insulators or any suitable combination thereof. Furthermore, the resulting 2D material may comprise p-n, n-n, p-p, n-p-n and p-n-p junctions, or any suitable combination thereof. |
| US09964841B2 |
Light source device, projection display device, and light source control method
A light source device includes: a phosphor rotating body on which a phosphor that is formed on a surface and that is used in a rotating state with an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the surface; a first excitation light source that generates first fluorescent light by irradiating first excitation light upon a first position that is separated from the center of rotation on the surface; a detection light generation unit that irradiates detection light upon a second position that is separated from the center of rotation on the surface and that differs from the first position; an optical detection unit that supplies a detection signal corresponding to emission light emitted from the phosphor rotating body in response to the detection light; and a control unit that receives the detection signal and controls the intensity of the first excitation light on the basis of the detection signal. |
| US09964837B2 |
Mounting arrangement for mounting a device, and methods for mounting the mounting arrangement
A mounting arrangement for mounting a device in an opening in a structure comprising a socket configured to receive the device, an anchoring element, and a fastening element configured for adjustable engagement with the anchoring element is disclosed. The socket has a plate portion and a body portion to be insertable in the opening, and an abutment flange extending from the body portion and dimensioned to abut a first side of the structure, and an aperture for receiving the fastening element. The anchoring element is insertable through the opening and has abutment portions for abutting a second side of the structure, the anchoring element comprising an opening for receiving and holding the fastening element. The fastening element has a distal end configured to adjustably engage with the opening of the anchoring element, and a proximal end configured to engage with the aperture of the socket and to hold the socket. |
| US09964836B2 |
Aerial camera system
An aerial camera system including a plurality of main reels, a camera interface/safety reel and a stabilized camera head. The camera head is supported from main cables from the main reels with a safety reel cable providing power, data and video communication between the camera head and a main computer system. Each of the main reels, the camera interface/safety reel and the camera head are in communication with the main computer system, which controls the feeding and reeling in of the main cables. Further, the computer system controls the feeding and reeling in of the safety reel cable, which typically only follows the camera head as it moves in three-dimensional space, but may in emergency mode support the weight of the camera head and be used to slowly pull the camera head up and out of the way so that it does not interfere with any activity below the flight area. |
| US09964835B2 |
Shake correction method, imaging device provided with same, interchangeable lens device, and camera body
A shake correction method for a camera satisfies 1 |
| US09964833B2 |
Planar beam forming and steering optical phased array chip and method of using same
A one-dimensional planar beam forming and steering optical phased array chip is a simple building block of a two-dimensional beam forming and steering solid-state lidar, enabling manufacturing of said lidars at high yield and low cost through the use of a plurality of said chips. Innovative photonic integrated circuit chip architectures that follow design for manufacturing rules enable said building blocks. |
| US09964832B2 |
Distributed mach-zehnder modulator (MZM) driver delay compensation
An electronic driver circuit for use with a modulator such as a segmented Mach-Zehnder Modulator (MZM) is provided. The electronic driver circuit includes a first delay buffer implemented as a first complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) inverter and a second delay buffer implemented as a second CMOS inverter. The second CMOS inverter follows the first CMOS inverter and has a second gate width smaller than a first gate width of the first CMOS inverter. The first CMOS inverter is configured to produce a first delayed electrical signal from a received electrical signal and the second CMOS inverter is configured to produce a second delayed electrical signal from the first delayed electrical signal produced by the first CMOS inverter. |
| US09964831B2 |
Electro-optic assemblies, and adhesives and binders for use therein
An electro-optic assembly comprises an adhesive layer and a layer of electro-optic material. The adhesive layer comprises a polymeric adhesive material and an ionic material having either its cation or its anion fixed to the polymeric adhesive material. The ionic material reduces the volume resistivity of the polymeric adhesive material and is not removed upon heating to 50° C. In a similar electro-optic assembly comprising an adhesive layer and a layer of electro-optic material, the adhesive layer comprises a polymeric adhesive material which has been subjected to dialysis or diafiltration to remove organic species having a molecular weight less than about 3,500, so that the adhesive material has a content of N-methylpyrrolidone not exceeding 500 ppm based upon the total weight of the adhesive layer and layer of electro-optic material. |
| US09964826B2 |
Liquid crystal display device being switchable between transmission mode and reflection mode and display module thereof
The present disclosure provides a transflective switchable liquid crystal display device and its display module. The liquid crystal display module includes a liquid crystal unit and a transflector driving unit arranged in this order; wherein the transflective driving unit further includes a first substrate, a first electrode layer arranged on the first substrate, a first liquid layer arranged on the first electrode layer, and a second liquid layer surrounding and covering the first liquid layer. The spreading and shrinking state of the first liquid layer are changed by controlling the voltage of the first electrode layer, and the transmissive mode and the reflective mode of the liquid crystal display module are switched. The liquid crystal display module enables the liquid crystal display to have a high opening, a high penetration, or a highly reflective display in both the transmission mode and the reflection mode. |
| US09964814B2 |
Liquid-crystal display device
A liquid-crystal display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate including pixels, a liquid-crystal layer interposed between the first and second substrates, pixel electrodes disposed on the first substrate, each of the pixel electrodes disposed in a pixel region of the respective pixels, and a common electrode overlapping the pixel electrodes, where each of the pixel electrodes includes, a stem electrode extended in a first direction and in a second direction intersecting the first direction to divide the pixel region into quadrants, the quadrants corresponding to first to fourth domains, respectively, first branch electrodes, second branch electrodes, third branch electrodes, a first in-between electrode, and a second in-between electrode, and where widths of the first to third branch electrodes are equal to one another, and widths of the first and second in-between electrodes increase as farther from the stem electrode. |
| US09964812B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
In a first substrate, a first organic insulating film is arranged in an active area, and includes a first surface and a first concave portion in a peripheral area outside the active area. The first concave portion is located more close to a substrate end side than the first surface. In a second substrate, a shield layer is arranged in the peripheral area facing the first substrate. A second organic insulating film includes a second surface facing the first surface and a second concave portion facing the first concave portion. The second organic insulating film overlaps the shield layer in the peripheral area. A pillar-shaped spacer is arranged between the first surface and the second surface in the peripheral area. A seal material contains the pillar-shaped spacer and is arranged between the first surface and the second surface, and between the first concave portion and the second concave portion. |
| US09964811B2 |
Curved display panel and display apparatus containing the same
The present disclosure provides a curved display panel. The curved display panel includes two substrates each having a first curvature, each of the two substrates including two first side regions with the first curvature and two second side regions; a sealant for bonding the two substrates together, the sealant having a first sealant portion configured to seal the first side regions and a second sealant portion configured to seal the second side regions, wherein a Young's modulus of the first sealant is less than a Young's modulus of the second sealant. |
| US09964810B2 |
Display panel
A display panel includes a pair of substrates a display medium layer held between the pair of substrates and has a display region and a frame region outside the display region and a hole on an inner side of the frame region penetrating the pair of substrates and the display medium layer. The display panel further includes a hole-periphery sealing part disposed between the pair of substrates so as to surround the hole, in which the hole-periphery sealing part includes an angled portion or a protrusion. |
| US09964805B2 |
Backlighting technique for liquid crystal and other displays in electronic instruments
A backlight system for a display device which comprises a light emitting diode comprising an encapsulating lens and an aspheric lens interposed between the light emitting diode and the display device. The backlight system provides a luminance of substantially 100K nits at a cone angle of substantially 12° and is of particular utility in conjunction with laser-based range and speed measurement instruments. |
| US09964804B2 |
Display device comprising a plurality of reflector units located between a quantum dot film and a display panel
The present invention provides a display device using a quantum dot film, including a display panel, a backlight module (2) located under the display panel, a quantum dot film (3) located between the display panel and the backlight module (2), and a plurality of reflector units (41) located between the quantum dot film (3) and the display panel. The quantum dot film (3) can be excited by light emitting from the backlight module to give off excitation light. The liquid crystal panel includes therein a black matrix. The plurality of reflector units (41) is arranged to correspond to the black matrix. The display device using a quantum dot film of the present invention has a wide color gamut range and has good image quality and high quantum dot excitation rate and utilization of backlighting. |
| US09964801B2 |
Display substrate, manufacturing method thereof and display device
The present invention provides a display substrate comprising a plurality of pixel regions and a thin film transistor provided in each of the pixel regions. Each of the pixel regions comprises a transmissive region and a reflective region, and a protection layer is provided on the thin film transistor. A portion of the protection layer corresponding to the reflective region is a protrusion portion, and a portion of the protection layer corresponding to the thin film transistor is provided with a via therein. |
| US09964797B2 |
Manufacturing method for color film substrate and LCD apparatus
The invention provides a manufacturing method for color film substrate and LCD apparatus. The method utilizes the quantum dot (QD) material to form a color film layer having a red, green, cyan and blue filter layer on the bottom substrate to realize four-color display scheme, improve QD utilization and improve display color domain; the LCD apparatus comprises a color film layer and a blue backlight module, the color film layer comprises red, green, cyan and blue filter layer, the red filter layer comprises a red filter film and a red QD film on the red filter film; the green filter layer comprises a green filter film and a green QD film on the green filter film; the cyan filter layer comprises a green QD film; by using QD material to mix blue backlight and color film layer to realize four-color scheme, improve QD utilization and improve display color domain. |
| US09964791B2 |
Display panel, its driving method, and display device
The present disclosure provides a display panel, its driving method, and a display device. The display panel includes a first substrate and a second substrate arranged opposite to each other to form a cell, a liquid crystal layer arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a pixel electrode arranged on the second substrate. A sensing electrode to which an external voltage is to be applied is arranged at a region of the first substrate corresponding to the liquid crystal layer. At a display stage, an electric field is generated between the sensing electrode to which the external voltage is applied and the pixel electrode to which a data voltage is applied, so as to drive liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer to deflect. The sensing electrode is a black matrix and/or color filter made of a conductive material and arranged on the first substrate. |
| US09964790B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel and liquid crystal display device
The present disclosure provides a liquid crystal display panel and a liquid crystal display device. The liquid crystal display panel includes a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate. The first substrate includes a first common electrode and a dielectric layer. The second substrate includes a second common electrode and a pixel electrode. The dielectric layer includes at least two dielectric sub-layers in a region corresponding to each pixel unit. Dielectric constants of the at least two dielectric sub-layer are different from each other. |
| US09964786B2 |
Outer frame and display device
The present invention provides an outer frame and a display device. The outer frame is configured to package an edge of a liquid crystal module and includes at least one sub frame, the sub frame comprises a side plate, a first packaging plate, a second packaging plate and a supporting plate, the side plate, the first packaging plate, the second packaging plate and the supporting plate are formed integrally, a first accommodation groove for accommodating an edge of the liquid crystal module is formed by the side plate, the first packaging plate and the supporting plate, and a second accommodation groove for accommodating an edge of the back cover plate configured to cover the back surface of the liquid crystal module is formed by the side plate, the supporting plate and the second packaging plate. |
| US09964784B2 |
Modulator with signal electrode enclosed by ground electrode
A modulator may include a substrate. The modulator may include one or more waveguides formed upon or formed in the substrate. A signal electrode may be provided adjacent to at least one of the one or more waveguides and may include a curved outer surface. The modulator may include one or more ground electrodes provided adjacent to the signal electrode. Each ground electrode, of the one or more ground electrodes, may include a respective curved inner surface that is radially spaced from the curved outer surface of the signal electrode. The one or more ground electrodes and the substrate may at least substantially enclose the curved outer surface of the signal electrode. |
| US09964783B2 |
Nanofiber sheet
A nanofiber sheet is described that is composed of a substrate and a layer of oriented nanofibers. Nanofibers of the sheet can be oriented in a common direction. In some orientations, light absorbent sheets can absorb over 99.9%, and in some cases over 99.95%, of the intensity of light incident upon the sheet. Methods for fabricating a light absorbent sheet are also described. |
| US09964780B2 |
Methods and apparatus to enhance oxygen concentrations for advanced ophthalmic devices
Methods and apparatus to enhance levels of oxygen in tear fluid under a worn advanced contact lens are described. The advanced contact lens may include an insert which is impermeable to fluid flow across its body. The method of enhancement may include creating pores through the insert, creating channels in portions of the contact lens body, including layers of absorptive material, including devices to generate or release oxygen or means of moving tear fluid under the contact lens. |
| US09964775B2 |
Lens moving apparatus
A lens moving apparatus includes a housing supporting a driving magnet, a bobbin provided on an outer surface thereof with a coil disposed in the driving magnet and moving in a first direction in the housing, a base disposed under the bobbin to be spaced apart from the bobbin by a predetermined distance, an upper elastic member disposed above the bobbin and including an inner frame connected to the bobbin and an outer frame coupled to the housing, and a support member coupled at a lower portion thereof to the base and including a projecting portion protruding upward and bent at at least a portion thereof, at least a portion of the bent portion of the projecting portion being coupled to the upper elastic member. |
| US09964774B2 |
Speckle reducting device and projector
A speckle reducing device includes: a polarization splitter element with a polarization splitter portion that splits incident light into first and second light containing a first and a second component respectively, which outputs the first and the second light along different directions; a first reflecting member that reflects the first light to reenter the polarization splitter element; a first conversion member disposed between the first reflecting member and the polarization splitter element, which converts the first light to third light containing the second component; a second reflecting member that reflects the third light to reenter the polarization splitter element; and a second conversion member disposed between the second reflecting member and the polarization splitter element, which converts the third light to fourth light containing the first component, wherein: the polarization splitter element outputs the second and the fourth light along one direction. |
| US09964773B2 |
True three-dimensional volumetric imaging device and display device
A true three-dimensional volumetric imaging device includes an imaging light source, a light source adjusting unit, an imaging plate, and a movement driving unit. The light source adjusting unit is arranged between the imaging light source and the imaging plate, and the imaging plate is connected to the movement driving unit. A light beam emitted from the imaging light source is incident onto the imaging plate after being adjusted by the light source adjusting unit, and the movement driving unit causes the imaging plate to oscillate in a direction parallel to an outgoing direction of the light beam emitted from the imaging light source. In the true three-dimensional volumetric imaging device, the true three-dimensional volumetric display of an image is achieved. An algorithm herein is simpler, and a more complete volumetric object can be shown. |
| US09964772B2 |
Three-dimensional image display apparatus, methods and systems
The present disclosure provides a three-dimensional image display apparatus, which includes a first reflecting plate and a display unit. The first reflecting plate corresponds to a first visual angle, has a first reflecting surface, and is made of a translucent material. The display unit receives a first color-depth image corresponding to the first visual angle, and projects the first color-depth image to the first reflecting surface to form a virtual image. The display unit also has a first side, which is used to display the first color-depth image, and a predetermined angle is formed between the first side and the first reflecting surface. |
| US09964771B2 |
System for reproducing stereoscopic images by projection
The present invention relates to a system for reproducing stereoscopic images comprising a projection screen, a projector, a first optical device, comprising a matrix of converging lenses having a focal distance f1, located in front of the projection screen, at a distance equal to twice the focal distance, a second optical device located in the focal plane of the first optical device and comprising a matrix of converging lenses, having a focal distance f2 equal to half the focal distance f1, located between the first optical device and the projection screen, and a third optical device located between the second optical device and the projection screen, in contact with the second optical device, the third optical device comprising a matrix of discriminating elements. |
| US09964768B2 |
Head mounted display using spatial light modulator to generate a holographic image
A head mounted display device includes a light source that emits a high coherence light beam, a beam expansion/diverging element that expands the light beam emitted by the light source, and a beam converging element that converges the expanded light beam into a viewing zone. The light beam from the beam converging element is incident onto a spatial light modulator (SLM), and the SLM is configured to add a phase pattern and/or an amplitude pattern to the light beam to generate a virtual image that is visible to a user wearing the head mounted display device. The light converging element creates a beam or scanning beam axis that converges towards the eye, which enables a large field of view for a virtual or holographic image to be displayed. |
| US09964762B2 |
Electric reflective plate device
The invention relates to an electric reflective plate device, which includes a rotary shaft, a reflective plate, a shaft set and a motor module. By the composition of above structure, the flip angle of the reflective plate may be adjusted by the motor module, and the previous flip angle may be memorized every time when the reflective plate is opened, so that the reflective plate may be quickly flipped to a desired angle, to thereby conveniently use a head-up display. |
| US09964759B2 |
Image capturing system, image capturing module and electronic device
An image capturing system includes a barrel, a lens assembly, at least one planar light shielding sheet and at least one space maintaining member. The lens assembly includes lens elements disposed in the barrel. The planar light shielding sheet has an aperture for light to travel through. The space maintaining member is disposed in the barrel for adjusting a relative position of two of the lens elements. The space maintaining member includes a regulating portion, and the regulating portion includes an annular groove. The planar light shielding sheet is assembled to the annular groove, and the regulating portion is for adjusting and limiting a position of the planar light shielding sheet. A thickness of the planar light shielding sheet is smaller than a width of the annular groove. |
| US09964758B2 |
Deflection mirror arrangement for optical measurement apparatus having drive unit between parallel transmitting mirrors and corresponding optical measurement apparatus
A deflection mirror arrangement for an optical measurement apparatus having at least one mirror unit, which is arranged on a rotatable shaft and includes at least one deflection mirror, and having a drive unit, which drives the rotatable shaft, and to an optical measurement apparatus having such a deflection mirror arrangement is disclosed. The at least one mirror unit may include at least two deflection mirrors, which are arranged in a common horizontal plane and spaced apart radially with respect to the rotatable shaft. The drive unit may be disposed at least partially in the space between the two deflection mirrors. |
| US09964755B2 |
Optimized actuators for ultra-thin mirrors
A method and apparatus for correcting error modes of a deformable mirror, including selecting or targeting one or more target error modes of a deformable mirror; and designing a pattern and/or shape of one or more electrodes, wherein the pattern and/or shape of the electrodes are designed to optimally correct the target error modes when the electrodes are disposed on the deformable mirror via an active material. Also disclosed is a deformable structure, including a composite shell including a plurality of plies each including carbon fibers embedded in a resin; a nanolaminate comprising individual nanolayers attached to a first side of the composite shell; an actuation structure attached to a second side of the composite shell; and a flexible electrode routing layer attached to the actuation structure. |
| US09964754B2 |
Method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium for switching optical paths
Presented is a method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium for selectively switching optical paths. The apparatus includes a directing mirror for redirecting light from an incoming path to one of a plurality of input paths and redirecting the light from one of a plurality of output paths to an outgoing path, and a plurality of input mirrors, each one of the plurality of input mirrors operable for redirecting the light from one of the plurality of input paths to one of a plurality of transition paths. The apparatus includes a plurality of light modifying elements, each one of the light modifying elements in a corresponding transition path and a plurality of output mirrors, each one of the plurality of output mirrors operable for redirecting the light from one of the plurality of transition paths to one of a plurality of output paths. |
| US09964752B2 |
Light-conducting device for an endoscope
A light-conducting device for an endoscope for conducting observation light from a proximal end of the endoscope to a distal end of the endoscope includes a number of optical fibers. Each optical fiber includes a proximal end with a light inlet surface, which is provided for positioning on a proximal end of an endoscope, and a distal end with a light outlet surface, which is provided for positioning on a distal end of an endoscope. Each of the number of optical fibers including in a proximal region a first cross-section with a first surface area, and in a distal region a second cross-section with a second surface area. The first surface area is larger than the second surface area. |
| US09964749B2 |
Total internal reflection fluorescence microscope (TIRFM)
Disclosed is a fluorescence microscope for imaging a specimen containing a fluorescent substance, the fluorescence microscope including an excitation light source configured to emit an excitation light that excites a fluorescent substance to emit fluorescence; a de-excitation light source configured to emit a de-excitation light that de-excites the fluorescent substance excited by the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source; an optical body configured to overlap a light emitted from the excitation light source and a light emitted from the de-excitation light source, and to discharge the overlapped light toward the specimen; and a solid immersion lens to which the light discharged from the optical body is incident, and configured to refract the light discharged from the optical body toward the specimen. A total internal reflection of the light incident to the solid immersion lens occurs on a bottom of the solid immersion lens. |
| US09964745B2 |
Compact laser radar corner cube
Focus assemblies for laser radar are situated to receive a measurement beam that is focused at or in the focus assemblies. In some examples, focus assemblies include a corner cube and a return reflector, and the measurement beam is focused on, at, or within the corner cube or return reflector. A polarizing beam splitter and a quarter wave plate can be situated so that an input measurement beam and an output measurement beam can be separated. |
| US09964743B2 |
Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus including the same
Provided is a zoom lens, including, in order from an object side to an image side: a positive first lens unit; a negative second lens unit; a positive third lens unit; and a rear lens group including at least one lens unit, in which the first lens unit is not configured to move for zooming, and the second lens unit, the third lens unit, and at least one lens unit included in the rear lens group are configured to move during zooming so that intervals between adjacent lens units are changed during zooming. A lateral magnification of the second lens unit at a wide angle end, a lateral magnification of the second lens unit at a telephoto end, a movement amount of the third lens unit during zooming from the wide angle end to the telephoto end, and a total length of the zoom lens are appropriately set. |
| US09964742B2 |
Optical system and optical instrument, image pickup apparatus, and image pickup system using the same
An optical system which forms an optical image on an image pickup element, comprising in order from an object side, a first lens unit having a positive refractive power, which includes a plurality of lenses, a stop, and a second lens unit which includes a plurality of lenses, wherein the first lens unit includes a first object-side lens which is disposed nearest to an object, and the second lens unit includes a second image-side lens which is disposed nearest to an image, and the first lens unit includes a negative lens, and a positive lens which is disposed on the object side of the negative lens, and the following conditional expressions are satisfied: β≤−1.1 (15) 0.08 |
| US09964737B2 |
Optical image capturing system
A six-piece optical lens for capturing image and a six-piece optical module for capturing image are provided. In order from an object side to an image side, the optical lens along the optical axis includes a first lens with refractive power, a second lens with refractive power, a third lens with refractive power, a fourth lens with refractive power, a fifth lens with refractive power and a sixth lens with refractive power. At least one of the image-side surface and object-side surface of each of the six lens elements is aspheric. The optical lens can increase aperture value and improve the imagining quality for use in compact cameras. |
| US09964734B2 |
Optical image capturing system
An optical image capturing system, sequentially including a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element and a fourth lens element from an object side to an image side, is provided. The first lens element has negative refractive power. The second through third lens elements have refractive power. The fourth lens element has positive refractive power. At least one of the image-side surface and the object-side surface of each of the four lens elements are aspheric. The optical lens elements can increase aperture value and improve the imagining quality for use in compact cameras. |
| US09964733B2 |
Holding structure for holding reflecting mirror, projection optical system unit, optical engine, and image projecting apparatus
A holding structure holds a reflecting mirror. The holding structure includes a reflecting mirror bracket holding the reflecting mirror; a protrusion disposed on the reflecting mirror; a protrusion supporting part disposed on the reflecting mirror bracket and supporting the protrusion; and a spacer disposed between the protrusion supporting part and the reflecting mirror bracket. |
| US09964731B2 |
Vibration type motor, and lens drive apparatus, lens unit and image pickup apparatus using vibration type motor
A vibration type motor includes a vibrator, a friction member extending in a predetermined direction and including a first surface in pressed contact with the vibrator and a second surface positioned on a side opposed to the first surface and a holding member holding the friction member. The first surface forms with a surface adjacent thereto a first corner portion extending in a direction parallel with the predetermined direction, the second surface forms with a surface adjacent thereto a second corner portion, the first corner portion is different in radius of curvature from the second corner portion, either one of the first surface and the second surface is in contact with the holding member, either one of the first corner portion and the second corner portion has a radius of curvature smaller than the other. |
| US09964728B2 |
System and method for mounting and aligning optical components using single-rail mounting
The disclosure relates to an apparatus for mounting optical components in a manner that self-aligns the optical axes of the optical components. The apparatus uses an optical component mount that includes a housing consisting of a single rail mount configured to mechanically couple to a portion of a rail for supporting the optical component mount on a rail. The housing also has an optical component dock configured to support an optical component in a manner that defines an optical axis. The rail mount and the optical component dock are configured to make the optical axis substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the rail. Using such optical component mounts secured to the rail would result in the self-alignment of the optical axes of optical components on the optical component mounts. Various embodiments of such apparatus are also provided in the disclosure. |
| US09964727B2 |
Assembly for distributing trunk cable to furcated cable with a bossed spacer having legs
A cable distribution assembly includes: a housing having a first side and a second side, wherein a plurality of bores extend through the housing from the first side to the second side; a plurality of furcation tubes inserted into the bores at the second side of the housing; a trunk cable comprising a jacket and a plurality of optical fibers, wherein one or more of the optical fibers are threaded through the bores and into the furcation tubes; a spacer adjacent the first side of the housing and the cable jacket, the spacer creating space in which the optical fibers are routed from the trunk cable to the bores at the first side of the housing; and a cover that covers the spacer and at least partially covers the trunk cable and the first side of the housing. |
| US09964720B2 |
Monitoring and controlling temperature across a laser array in a transmitter optical subassembly (TOSA) package
The temperature at different locations along a multiplexed laser array may be monitored by sensing temperature at two locations within a transmitter optical subassembly (TOSA) package housing the laser array. The temperature at the two locations is used to determine a temperature tilt across the laser array. Estimated temperatures may then be determined at one or more other locations along the laser array from the temperature tilt. The estimated temperature(s) may then be used to adjust the temperature proximate the other locations, for example, for purposes of tuning lasers at those locations along the laser array to emit a desired channel wavelength. The TOSA package may be used in an optical transceiver in a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical system, for example, in an optical line terminal (OLT) in a WDM passive optical network (PON). |
| US09964719B1 |
Fan-out wafer level integration for photonic chips
The present disclosure discloses an assembly. The assembly includes a photonic chip and an electrical chip disposed side by side. The assembly also includes mold compound that encapsulates the photonic chip and the electrical chip. The assembly further includes a redistribution layer (RDL) that extends across the top surface of the photonic chip and the top surface of the electrical chip and connects the photonic chip with the electrical chip. Moreover, the photonic chip includes an exposed optical interface for transmitting optical signals between the photonic chip and an external optical device. |
| US09964711B1 |
Optical cable for avionics applications, method of manufacture thereof and articles comprising the same
Disclosed herein is an optical cable connection comprising a buffer sleeve having an inner portion and an outer portion; where the inner portion comprises an optical core that is operative to transmit light; and a tight buffer layer disposed on the core; where the buffer sleeve is trimmed back at its end to provide an exposed protruding length of the tight buffer layer with the core included therein; where the outer portion of the buffer sleeve is configured to form a socket that is operative to receive a connector ferrule; where the connector ferrule comprises; an annular tubular plug having a center opening; where the annular tubular plug mates with the socket formed in the outer portion of the buffer sleeve; a ferrule seated in the plug; where the ferrule receives the exposed protruding length of the tight buffer layer that extends axially outwardly from the buffer sleeve into the center opening of the ferrule. |
| US09964710B2 |
Tunable optical fiber connector and tuning methods for optical fiber cable assemblies
A tunable optical fiber connector for use with an optical fiber cable that supports an optical fiber is disclosed. The connector includes a ferrule, an inner housing and an outer housing. The ferrule has a diameter dF, an outer surface, and an axial bore configured to operably support a bare fiber portion of the optical fiber. The inner housing has an interior and a front-end section that defines a front end of the inner housing. The interior of the inner housing supports the ferrule so that the ferrule front end extends beyond the inner housing front end by a distance DF, wherein dF≤DF≤4·dF. The outer housing has an interior configured to receive the inner housing in one of at least four possible orientations of the inner housing. Cable assemblies and sub-assemblies, as well as connector sub-assemblies, are also disclosed. |
| US09964708B2 |
Bending compensating device, system and method for optical waveguides
A bending compensation device for a waveguide, including a direction changing device configured to maintain a constant bending angle to the waveguide, a distal end of the waveguide having a first orientation, and the proximal end of the waveguide having a second orientation, and a motion device connected to the direction changing device, the motion device configured to move the direction changing device upon a movement of the waveguide. |
| US09964706B2 |
Structure of an input end of an optical fiber
The present invention discloses a structure of an input end of an optical fiber, comprising a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber; wherein the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber are coaxial, one end of the first optical fiber is used to receive light beam, and the other end of the first optical fiber is engaged with the second optical fiber; wherein the first optical fiber comprises a fiber core and a first cladding; the second optical fiber comprises a fiber core and a first cladding; wherein a diameter of the first cladding of the first optical fiber is larger than a diameter of the first cladding of the second optical fiber and a difference between them is larger than a first preset threshold; wherein a diameter of the fiber core of the first optical fiber is smaller than or equal to a diameter of the fiber core of the second optical fiber and a difference between them is smaller than a second preset threshold. The structure of the input end of the optical fiber provided by the present invention has advantages such as simple structure, easy for implementation, high reliability; and can efficiently prevent light from entering the cladding of the optical fiber thus avoiding thermal damage to the optical fiber. |
| US09964704B2 |
Spot size converter, light source, optical transmitter, optical receiver and optical transmitter-receiver
A spot-size converter includes a substrate, a first core provided over the substrate, and second and third cores provided over the substrate and over or under the first core with a cladding layer sandwiched therebetween and extending in parallel to the substrate and the first core. |
| US09964702B1 |
Surface-normal optical coupling interface with thermal-optic coefficient compensation
The disclosed embodiments provide a system that implements an optical interface. The system includes a semiconductor chip with a silicon layer, which includes a silicon waveguide, and an interface layer (which can be comprised of SiON) disposed over the silicon layer, wherein the interface layer includes an interface waveguide. The system also includes an optical coupler that couples an optical signal from the silicon waveguide in the silicon layer to the interface waveguide in the interface layer, wherein the interface waveguide channels the optical signal in a direction parallel to a top surface of the semiconductor chip. The system additionally includes a mirror, which is oriented to reflect the optical signal from the interface waveguide in a surface-normal direction so that the optical signal exits the top surface of the semiconductor chip. |
| US09964701B2 |
Methods of manufacturing wide-band multi-mode optical fibers and core preforms for the same using specific fluorine doping parameter and 850 nm alpha profile
A method of making a multi-mode optical fiber that includes: depositing a porous germania-doped silica soot to form a germania-doped porous soot preform; depositing a porous silica layer over the porous soot preform; doping the porous soot preform and the porous silica layer with a fluorine dopant to form a co-doped soot preform having a core region and a fluorine-doped trench region; consolidating the co-doped soot preform to form a sintered glass, co-doped core preform having a refractive index alpha profile between 1.9 and 2.2 measured at 850 nm; depositing a cladding comprising silica over the sintered glass, co-doped preform to form a multi-mode optical fiber preform; drawing the optical fiber preform into a multi-mode optical fiber. Further, the step of doping the germania-doped soot preform and the porous silica layer is conducted according to a doping parameter (Φ) that is set between 20 and 300, and given by: Φ = 1 × 10 14 R prc 2 exp ( - E / RT dop ) T dop 1 / 2 x 3 / 4 . |
| US09964700B2 |
Optical fiber core and optical fiber tape core
An optical fiber comprises a glass fiber, and a coating resin layer with which the glass fiber is covered, the coating resin layer has a plurality of layers, the plurality of layers includes a first layer being in contact with the glass fiber, and a longest diameter at −40° C. of a void formed in the first layer is 100% or more and 300% or less of a longest diameter at 23° C. thereof, or a longest diameter at −40° C. of a void formed in the first layer is 100% or more and 600% or less of a longest diameter at 23° C. thereof, and a Young's modulus of the first layer is 0.3 MPa or less. |
| US09964699B2 |
System and method for using hollow core photonic crystal fibers
Disclosed herein are systems and methods related to use of hollow core photonic crystal fibers. A system includes a tube and a collimating lens configured in a first end of the tube, wherein a single mode fiber is coupled to a first end of the collimating lens. A second lens is supported by a structure at a second end of the tube, the second lens receiving a first signal from a second end of the collimating lens and outputting a second signal that is coupled into a first end of a hollow core photonic crystal fiber. A first gas tube is configured to introduce gas through the structure into a chamber and a sealant seals at least one of the collimating lens and the structure within the tube. An output signal is received at a detector that catches the entire beam to suppress multiple-mode beating noise. |
| US09964696B2 |
Lighting module
A lighting module comprises: a light guide plate comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the light guide plate is configured to emit a first light upward from the top surface and a second light downward from the bottom surface; a first case covering an one side of the light guide plate; a second case covering an other side of the light guide plate; a first light source which is disposed in the first case and is configured to emit light to the one side of the light guide plate; and a second light source which is disposed in the second case and is configured to emit light to the other side of the light guide plate. |
| US09964694B2 |
Backlight device and display apparatus
A plurality of LEDs emit light to a right end surface of a light guide plate. The light guide plate emits the light from a front surface, the light being made incident on the right end surface. The heat dissipater dissipates heat generated by the plurality of LEDs. A backlight chassis supports the light guide plate. The backlight chassis includes: a cover plate for covering a rear surface of the light guide plate; and an upper wall connected to the cover plate, for covering an upper end surface of the light guide plate adjacent to the right end surface. The heat dissipater includes a right side wall for covering the right end surface of the light guide plate. The right end of the upper wall of the backlight chassis and the upper end of the right side wall of the heat dissipater are connected by a non-transparent connecting part. |
| US09964693B2 |
Monitor and the backlight module thereof
The present disclosure discloses a monitor and a backlight module thereof. The backlight module includes a circuit board, a strip light, a buckle, and a quantum tube. The strip light is fixed to the circuit board. The buckle is fixed to the circuit board. The quantum tube is engaged into the buckle, and the quantum tube is parallel to the strip light, which are provided with an interval. The quantum tube is located between the light guide plate and the strip light, the light is emitted from the strip light to the light guide plate through the quantum tube. Through the above way, the present disclosure can ensure high luminous efficiency of the quantum tube in the backlight module, so that the color gamut of the backlight module is maintained at a high state. |
| US09964692B2 |
Illuminated feature for an LED luminaire
Aspects of this invention relate to a system that provides an illuminated feature for an LED luminaire that can be used with opposite linear runs of LEDs to light the edges or sides of a luminaire without requiring additional LEDs. The system may include a light guide assembly located along an end housing of a light fixture, the light guide assembly including a light guide with a light guide end located proximate to one or more captured LEDs from a first plurality of LEDs located along a first side housing of the light fixture, and another light guide end located proximate to one or more captured LEDs from a second plurality of LEDs located along a second side housing of the light fixture, wherein the light guide receives the light from the one or more captured LEDs from the first plurality of LEDs and the one or more captured LEDs from the second plurality of LEDs and projects the light through the light guide, wherein when covered by a lens, the light emitted from the light guide is equivalent in appearance to the light emitted from the first plurality of LEDs and the second plurality of LEDs. |
| US09964685B2 |
Adhesive fluorescent films having prismatic layer
The fluorescent film includes a transparent base layer and an adhesive layer bonded to the one surface of the transparent base layer, and a fluorescent powder uniformly dispersed in an adhesive of the adhesive layer. |
| US09964684B2 |
Light emitting device
The present disclosure relates to a light emitting device that can improve design of emitted light.A communication substrate is provided with an LED indicator which emits light. A light guiding plate has a concave surface portion which is a concave surface to cover the LED indicator, and receives the light from the LED indicator using the concave surface portion. A storage case stores the communication substrate and the light guiding plate in a state where a part of the light guiding plate is exposed. The light guiding plate allows the light from the LED indicator to penetrate to a part of the light guiding plate exposed from the storage case by diffusing the light received using the concave surface portion. For example, the present disclosure is applicable to the light emitting device that emits light using an LED or the like. |
| US09964683B2 |
Light guide plate, backlight module and liquid crystal module
The present disclosure discloses a light guide plate, a backlight module and a liquid crystal module. The light guide plate includes a plurality of light guide blocks; the light guide blocks are doped with scattering particles. Since the light guide plate includes a plurality of light guide blocks, this can simplify the cutting of the light guide plate and the making of grid points. The light guide blocks are doped with scattering particles, so that most of rays incident upon the light guide blocks are scattered in a preset direction and guided to a middle part and the light-far end of the backlight module to compensate the brightness of the middle part and the light-far end, thus making the brightness of the side light type backlight display uniform. |
| US09964681B2 |
High-diffusion-coefficient and high-brightness light source generation device
A high-diffusion-coefficient and high-brightness light source generation device comprising: a light source module, an optical fiber bundle and an optical fiber hemisphere emitter, wherein the light source module provides the optical fiber bundle with a plane light source having the same size as an end surface of an incident end thereof, the incident end receives light emitted from the light source module, exit ends transmit the light to the optical fiber hemisphere emitter, the exit ends of the optical fiber bundle arranged on a hemispherical wall of the optical fiber hemisphere emitter in an equal solid angle manner, an end surface of each optical fiber exit end located on the same surface as the inner wall of a hemisphere, a bottom plate arranged above an opening of the optical fiber hemisphere emitter, and an opal glass window arranged at the circle center position of the bottom plate. |
| US09964676B2 |
Optical element, window material, fitting, solar shading device, and building
An optical element is provided with an optical layer in which a concavo-convex surface is formed on the surface thereof, and a wavelength-selective reflection layer formed on the concavo-convex surface. The wavelength-selective reflection layer directionally reflects light having a specific wavelength band selectively, while transmitting light having wavelength bands other than the specific wavelength band. The concavo-convex surface is provided with a plurality of first structural elements that are extended in a first direction within the surface of the optical layer and a plurality of second structural elements that are extended in a second direction within the surface of the optical layer, and placed to be spaced apart from each other, with the first direction and the second direction intersecting with each other. |
| US09964675B2 |
Photo-luminescent visual elements, systems and methods
Disclosed are embodiments of photo-luminescent display systems and photo-luminescent visual elements creating eye-catching displays of visual advertising or marketing messages that are very effective at generating interest, engagement, and loyalty in the viewing public. Photo-luminescent pigment containing visual elements are illuminated by one or more remotely located emitters at a first wavelength that is outside the human visual spectrum. In response, the visual elements then radiate at one or more wavelengths within the human visual spectrum. Additional features control unwanted reflections and unwanted transmission of radiation at the first wavelength. Additional features control the uniformity of radiation of one or more wavelengths within the human visual spectrum. |
| US09964674B2 |
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. |
| US09964672B2 |
Method for optimizing a piezoelectric actuator structure for a deformable lens
The present invention comprises a system and a method thereof for identifying a specific Interdigitated Electrode pattern arrangement for piezoelectric actuators located around an aperture of a flexible lens body, wherein the Interdigitated Electrode configuration is configurable, when activated, to provide a specific definable bending force distribution, thereby providing a specific definable shaping of the flexible lens body, thereby providing specific definable optical characteristics of the flexible lens body. |
| US09964670B2 |
Inorganic optical element having a birefringent film with a columnar structure and a protective film formed thereon and method for manufacturing same
An inorganic optical element, including: a birefringent film 12 having a columnar structure; and a protective film 13 formed on the birefringent film 12, wherein a component of the protective film 13 enters a gap of the birefringent film 12. |
| US09964665B2 |
Gamma-ray spectrometer calibration systems and methods
A gamma-ray spectrometer calibration system comprises a light guide, a photomultiplier tube, a laser, and analysis electronics. The light guide is optically coupled to the scintillation crystal, the laser and the photomultiplier tube, such that the laser can provide reference signals to the photomultiplier tube. In some embodiments, one or more temperature sensors are provided, such that the analysis electronics determine initial settings and adjust the initial settings based on the temperatures measured by the temperature sensors. Additional apparatus, methods, and systems are disclosed. |
| US09964663B2 |
Extended infrared imaging system
An apparatus having: one or more infrared imagers capable of detecting light having wavelengths of 8-10 microns and 20-22 microns and a window transparent to light having wavelengths of 8-10 microns and 20-22 microns. |
| US09964662B2 |
Directional measurements using neutron sources
A measurement tool, primarily for use in a bore hole, has a neutron source located within a housing and a neutron-based detector located within the housing. At least one of the neutron source and the neutron-based detector offset from a longitudinal axis of rotation. The axially offset neutron source or neutron-based detector allow directional measurements to be made of the formations surrounding the bore hole by rotating the tool within the bore hole. |
| US09964661B2 |
Determination device, electrical device, and method of determining moving state
A determination device includes a geomagnetism value obtaining unit for obtaining a geomagnetism value detected with a geomagnetism sensor; and a geomagnetism value determining unit for determining a type of moving object among a plurality of types of moving objects according to the geomagnetism value obtained with the geomagnetism value obtaining unit. |
| US09964659B2 |
High directionality galvanic and induction well logging tools with metamaterial focusing
Metamaterials are used in well logging measurement tools to provide high directionality galvanic and induction tools having metamaterial focusing. Using metamaterial lenses, currents injected by galvanic tools can be focused in both axial and azimuthal directions. In addition, the focus plane can be shifted away from the tool body into a borehole formation, making measurements more sensitive to zones of interest and less sensitive to boreholes and invaded zones. Another metamaterial lens can bend injected currents toward the head of the tool, adding a look-ahead functionality. |
| US09964654B2 |
Seismic attribute color model transform
A method can include providing data from at least two data sets in a continuous color model that includes at least two color axes; transforming the data from the continuous color model to a hue, saturation and value color model to generate at least saturation data; applying an edge detection algorithm to the saturation data to generate enhanced data; and rendering at least a portion of the enhanced data to a display. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US09964650B2 |
Radiation detector, tomography imaging apparatus thereof, and radiation detecting apparatus thereof
A radiation detector includes a plurality of pixels configured to detect radiation, and at least one of the plurality of pixels includes a radiation absorbing layer configured to convert photons incident on the radiation absorbing layer into a first electrical signal, and a photon processor including a plurality of storages configured to count and store the number of the photons based on the first electrical signal. At least one of the plurality of storages is configured to compare the first electrical signal with a first reference value to obtain a second electrical signal, and count and store the number of the photons based on a third electrical signal that is obtained based on a comparison of the second electrical signal with a second reference value. |
| US09964636B1 |
Directional speed and distance sensor
A method of using a directional sensor for the purposes of detecting the presence of a vehicle or an object within a zone of interest on a roadway or in a parking space. The method comprises the following steps: transmitting a microwave transmit pulse of less than 5 feet; radiating the transmitted pulse by a directional antenna system; receiving received pulses by an adjustable receive window; integrating or combining signals from multiple received pulses; amplifying and filtering the integrated receive signal; digitizing the combined signal; comparing the digitized signal to at least one preset or dynamically computed threshold values to determine the presence or absence of an object in the field of view of the sensor; and providing at least one pulse generator with rise and fall times of less than 3 ns each and capable of generating pulses less than 10 ns in duration. |
| US09964634B2 |
Imaging tissue motion estimation
A motion processor (118) includes a motion estimator (306) that iteratively estimates a motion between a pair of consecutive frames of pre-processed echoes, wherein the motion estimator (306) generates the estimated motion based on at least on one iteration. A method includes iteratively estimating tissue motion between a pair of consecutive frames of pre-processed echoes over at least one iteration. |
| US09964631B2 |
Radar apparatus and antenna apparatus
A radar apparatus includes: a transmission unit including a plurality of transmission antennas which are arranged at a predetermined transmission antenna interval, and configured to radiate a transmission signal using the plurality of transmission antennas; a reception unit including a plurality of reception antennas which are arranged at a predetermined reception antenna interval, and configured to receive a reception signal when the transmission signal is reflected by an object, through the plurality of reception antennas; and a signal processing unit configured to detect the object based on the reception signal received by the reception unit. |
| US09964628B2 |
Water-resistant exterior joint compounds
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to joint compounds for sealing exterior sheathing wallboards applied on the exterior of buildings. This invention also relates to a process of preparing such exterior joint compounds. The joint compounds of this invention comprise an aqueous emulsion system and provide water resistance comparable to the substrate on which they are applied, that is, the exterior sheathing wallboards. |
| US09964626B2 |
Positioning method and apparatus therefor in wireless communication system
A method for performing positioning for estimating position in a wireless communication system according to the present invention comprises transmitting, by a first UE, a positioning request message for performing the positioning to an eNB; transmitting, by the eNB, an anchor request message to neighboring UEs within a cell to find UEs which may become a second UE; receiving, the eNB, an anchor response message corresponding to a response to the anchor request message from at least one UE from among neighboring UEs within the cell; and determining, by the eNB, the second UE based on the received anchor response message. |
| US09964624B2 |
Computer vision-based object tracking system
A computer-implemented method for utilizing a camera device to track an object is presented. As part of the method, a region of interest is determined within an overall image sensing area. A point light source is then tracked within the region of interest. In a particular arrangement, the camera device incorporates CMOS image sensor technology and the point light source is an IR LED. Other embodiments pertain to manipulations of the region of interest to accommodate changes to the status of the point light source. |
| US09964623B1 |
Dynamic selection and modification of tracking device behavior models
A tracking device broadcasts beacon signals that are separated in time by broadcast intervals. The tracking device determines the broadcast intervals based on a behavior model. The behavior model specifies one or more conditions, such as times of day within a 24-hour day, and associates a usage probability with each condition. A higher usage probability causes the tracking device to broadcast beacon signals at shorter broadcast intervals. A mobile device in communication with the tracking device can reconfigure the behavior model, either by modifying portions of the behavior model or by replacing the behavior model with a different behavior model. This allows the behavior model to adapt to different circumstances, such as different usage patterns during weekdays, weekends, and vacations. |
| US09964622B2 |
Device for detecting laser spot with matrix deviometer having a readout circuit and a matrix of photodiodes
In the field of deviometers used for detecting and locating laser spots, and more precisely to a laser spot detector with matrix deviometer, a device comprises a readout circuit exhibiting a matrix of pixels, a matrix of photodiodes produced on a single substrate, said photodiodes each comprising an individual electrode, and a laser pulse detection device. The particular feature of the device resides in the fact that said matrix of photodiodes is hybridized on said readout circuit by way of balls made of flexible and conducting material, such as indium, placed in contact with the pixels of the readout circuit, so that said single substrate constitutes an electrode common to the set of photodiodes and that said individual electrodes are linked to said pixels by said balls. |
| US09964619B2 |
Method and magnetic resonance apparatus for determination of radio-frequency pulses
In a method and magnetic resonance apparatus for determination of radio-frequency pulses, a time-parallel transmission of a radio-frequency pulse influences the transverse magnetization of an object under examination in a specified spatial region. The spatial region is depicted as a vector and approximated by decomposition into a finite number of weighted basis functions of the decomposition. As a result, the length of the approximated vector is less than the length of the original vector. The radio-frequency pulse is determined as a function of the approximated vector. This method can be used to determine a multichannel RF pulse. |
| US09964616B2 |
Fast group matching for magnetic resonance fingerprinting reconstruction
Methods, apparatus, and other embodiments associated with producing a quantitative parameter map using magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) are described. One example apparatus includes a data store that stores a grouped set of MRF signal evolutions, including a group representative signal and a low-rank representative, a set of logics that collects a received signal evolution from a tissue experiencing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in response to an MRF excitation, a correlation logic that computes a correlation between a portion of the received signal evolution and a portion of a group representative signal, a pruning logic that generates a pruned grouped set, and a matching logic that determines matching quantitative parameters based on the received signal evolution and the low-rank representative. |
| US09964613B2 |
Shimming assistance unit, shimming assistance method, MRI apparatus and magnet apparatus
The shimming work assistance unit performs singular value decomposition of a response matrix, which represents the relationship between an error magnetic field distribution and an adjusted magnetic moment placement distribution. From the multiple eigenmodes obtained, the eigenmodes are selected and added one by one in order from the eigenmode with the highest singular value, and the residual magnetic field error, which represents the fluctuation range of the difference between the magnetic field distribution, generated by the placement of the shimming magnetic moments corresponding to said eigenmode, and the error magnetic field distribution, is displayed on a display unit as a function graph of eigenmode order (line graph (1)). |
| US09964611B2 |
NMR spectrometer with ergonomically advantageous sample changer
An NMR spectrometer (1′) has a sample changer (4′) with at least one cylindrical sample holder (7′, 7″) for receiving an elongated NMR sample at a loading position (5) and for transferring the NMR sample into the measurement volume at a transfer position (6). The sample holder is open in an upward direction and the cylinder axis of the cylindrical sample holder is inclined at the loading position by an angle of inclination a of between 30 and 60 degrees with respect to the vertical and it extends vertically at the transfer position. A positioning device is provided, which transfers the NMR sample at or after the transfer position into the measuring position in the measurement volume with a vertically aligned sample axis of the NMR sample. The spectrometer enables a more ergonomically favorable feed of the sample. |
| US09964609B2 |
Optically pumped magnetometer
There is provided an optically pumped magnetometer, in which a pump light having a first wavelength to spin-polarize a first alkali-metal atom group is made to enter a cell containing the first alkali-metal atom group and a second alkali-metal atom group interacting via spin exchange with the first alkali-metal atom group, a probe light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength to measure spin polarization of the second alkali-metal atom group is made to enter the cell to form the same optical axis as the pump light, a wavelength discrimination unit is provided to discriminate between the pump light and the probe light that passed through the cell depending on a different in wavelength, and the rotation angle of a polarization plane of the probe light that passed through the cell is measured so that the degree of flexibility of the device layout can be increased. |
| US09964604B2 |
Magnetic field measurement method and magnetic field measurement device for measuring and offsetting original magnetic field
A light source unit irradiates a gas cell disposed in a measurement region with linearly polarized light in which the direction of travel is a z-axis direction and the vibration direction of an electric field is a y-axis direction. A polarimeter detects optical characteristics of light passing through the gas cell. A magnetic field generator applies an artificial magnetic field, capable of varying an x-axis component, a y-axis component, and a z-axis component, to the measurement region. A calculation control unit generates a plurality of artificial magnetic fields, calculates a magnetization value or a value corresponding to the magnetization value on the basis of the detection results of the polarimeter, and calculates an original magnetic field present in the measurement region, using an artificial magnetic field when the magnetization value or the value corresponding to the magnetization value satisfies a condition for external value. |
| US09964602B2 |
Magnetic sensor
A magnetic sensor includes: a first current line, a second current line and a third current line that are disposed in parallel to each other in sequence in a width direction and electrically connected in series; and a magnetoresistive effect element disposed under the second current line and extending along a direction of extension of the second current line, the magnetoresistive effect element having an electric resistance that changes by an induced magnetic field generated by current flowing through the first current line, the second current line and the third current line, the following inequality expression (1) being satisfied: Ls/Wg≤5 (1) where Ls is a length from an outside of the first current line to an outside of the third current line in a width direction, and Wg is a length in the width direction of the magnetoresistive effect element. |
| US09964600B2 |
Open switch fault detection and identification in a two-level voltage source power converter
A method of open-switch fault detection in a two-level voltage source power converter comprises the steps of: i. acquiring the waveforms of three-phase alternating current of the two-level voltage source power converter; ii. calculating at least a first time derivative of each acquired waveform; and iii. using the at least first time derivatives to determine whether an open-switch fault is present in the two-level voltage source power converter. |
| US09964595B2 |
Register circuit
A register circuit for which an initial value can be changed without using a flip-flop including both a set terminal and a reset terminal is provided. The register circuit includes an initial value wiring line, a write signal terminal, a clock signal terminal, a first flip-flop, an output control circuit, a second flip-flop, and a selector. |
| US09964589B1 |
System for detection of a photon emission generated by a device and methods for detecting the same
A system for detection of a photon emission generate by a device of an integrated circuit, and methods for detecting the same are provided. The system includes a device space configured to include the device. The system further includes an electrical probe proximate the device space and configured to couple to the device. The electrical probe is configured to induce the device to generate the photon emission. The system further includes an optical fiber having a first end proximate the device space and a second end spaced from the first end. The first end is configured to receive the photon emission generated by the device. The optical fiber is configured to transmit the photon emission from the first end to the second end. The system further includes a detector in communication with the second end of the optical fiber and configured to detect the photon emission transmitted by the optical fiber. |
| US09964586B2 |
Circuit and method for testing RF device and RF device with built-in testing circuit
In a testing circuit performing a testing operation to detect an RF circuit characteristic, a first filter unit is provided, having a first external terminal electrically coupled to a testing signal and a second external terminal electrically coupled to an RF circuit of the RF device. The first filter unit is configured to allow the testing signal to enter the RF circuit while blocking an RF signal transmitted in the RF circuit from entering the testing circuit. In addition, a testing-result informing unit is provided, having an external input electrically coupled to the first external terminal, and generating an informing signal, which indicates a condition of the RF circuit according to an electric level at the external input. |
| US09964584B2 |
Method for manufacturing display device
A method for manufacturing a display device including a light-emitting pixel and a drive transistor that drives the light-emitting pixel using current, includes: (a) placing the display device in a light-emitting state; (b) placing the display device in a no-light-emitting state after (a); (c) leaving the display device in the non-light-emitting state for a predetermined period; (d) placing the display device in the light-emitting state again after (c); and (e) start measuring luminance of the display device at a start of (d). |
| US09964579B2 |
Voltage detection apparatus
An object of the present invention is to diagnose a state of a voltage divider while performing a normal measurement to improve reliability. A voltage detection apparatus according to the present invention includes: a first resistor for dividing voltage of a detection unit into a first divided voltage value; and a test pattern insertion circuit unit including a second resistor for dividing the first divided voltage value into a second divided voltage value and a switching device, wherein the test pattern insertion circuit unit is connected to an equipotential connection point to the first divided voltage value, and wherein a state of the first resistor is detected based on the second divided voltage value when the switching device is conductive. |
| US09964568B2 |
Apparatus and methods thereof for error correction in split core current transformers
A self-powered power sensor (SPPS) measures electrical parameter measurements at points of interest, such as circuit breakers, machines, and the like. The SPPS which comprises of components that may require corrections, such as the errors induced by, but not limited to, the use of a split core mounted around a current carrier, and hence calibration coefficients are provided based on test, measurements and/or calculations respective of the devices. These coefficients may be stored in a database for retrieval when calibration of measurements received from a measuring device. In one embodiment at least one of the calibration coefficients is stored on SPPS. |
| US09964566B2 |
Power line monitoring apparatus and method
Devices and methods for measuring an electrical characteristic, in particular, for measuring current are provided. The devices can use a pair of MEMS optical modulators as opposed to the more conventional coil and associated oil insulation arrangement. |
| US09964562B2 |
Capacitance type physical quantity sensor
A capacitance type physical quantity sensor including a movable electrode formed in a weight part, and a fixed electrode facing the movable electrode is provided. A first movable sensing electrode and a first fixed sensing electrode face each other in a first y direction. A second movable sensing electrode and a second fixed sensing electrode face each other in a second y direction. A first movable damping electrode is located in the middle between two first fixed damping electrodes, faces one of the first fixed damping electrodes in the first y direction and faces the other of the first fixed damping electrodes in the second y direction. A plurality of the first movable damping electrodes are located point-symmetrically with respect to the center of the weight part or line-symmetrically with respect to a center line passing the center in the y direction. |
| US09964559B2 |
Cross track error calculation from active light sensors
Disclosed is apparatus for determining cross track error between a stored planted location and the actual physical location of plants. An array of active light sensors is mounted on a vehicle for travel above the plants. The array of active light sensors generate an electrical signal from each sensor corresponding to the reflected light from the sensor. A computer system generates a reflectance curve from the array of sensors to determine the location of a plant below the array of sensors and also generates the cross track error. |
| US09964558B2 |
Automatic analyzer
Dilution of a sample occurring in a sample dispensing operation is a problem in terms of analysis accuracy. Although the dilution amount is alleviated to some extent by a technique of sucking the sample excessively, the problem may emerge along with a requirement for reducing the sample dispensing amount, an increase of sucking and discharging speed in response to improvement of a processing capability, and an increase of the number of items to be analyzed simultaneously. Provided is an automatic analyzer including a mechanism monitoring conductivity of system water filled in a nozzle and an electro-physical amount such as voltage and capacitance of a probe to enable detection of mixture of the sample and a reagent into the system water and dilution of the sample and the reagent. |
| US09964552B2 |
Mass spectrometric identification and/or quantitation of catecholamines using aminopyrazoles
A method is described for mass spectrometric analysis, detection and quantification of catecholamines. The methods can comprise reacting the catecholamines with a 4-aminoantipyrine reagent and detecting and/or quantifying the adduct produced by the reaction. The methods can also allow for multiplexing. Compounds formed by the reactions are also provided. |
| US09964551B2 |
Antibody-based affinity reagents for binding paclitaxel
Optimized affinity reagent compositions for binding paclitaxel, such as antibodies, antibody fragments, and antibody derivatives, related methods of use, and related kits, are provided herein. Affinity reagents that comprise one or more complementary determining regions (CDRs) optimized from anti-paclitaxel antibodies antibody 8A10 and 3C6 are specifically provided. The disclosed affinity reagents are useful for binding and detecting paclitaxel in a sample, such as for determining or optimizing future doses of paclitaxel in a subject that was previously administered with paclitaxel. |
| US09964550B2 |
At-home blood pregnancy test kit
Disclosed is an at-home blood pregnancy test kit that can identify the presence of hCG in a blood sample to detect pregnancy in female mammals. The present kit includes a housing having a sample strip that is in fluid communication with a sample pad for holding a blood sample, a test pad, and a conjugate pad. The housing further includes a test window and a push button for releasing a reagent that can react with hCG. The reagent and the test pad include antibodies that can bind with hCG antigens to detect presence of the same. The test window is adapted to display a symbol that indicates a negative pregnancy test result in the absence of hCG, or display a symbol that indicates a positive pregnancy test result in the presence of hCG. |
| US09964546B1 |
C peptide detection by mass spectrometry
Methods are described for measuring the amount of C peptide in a sample. More specifically, mass spectrometric methods are described for detecting and quantifying C peptide in a sample utilizing on-line extraction methods coupled with tandem mass spectrometric or high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometric techniques. |
| US09964543B2 |
Selection of medicaments that modulate the function and activity of interleukin 13
Medicaments in the form of therapeutic molecules including inflammatory modulators are designed and selected. A target site is on Interleukin 13 (IL-13) in which a glycosaminoglycan (GAG) molecule or polyanionic glycoconjugate or anionic polysaccharide modulates IL-13 activity or function. The target site can include amino acids located in the AB loops and/or helix D of human IL-13 or its homolog or derivative. The IL-13 target site is used to design a medicament for modulating physiological processes. Therapeutic and prophylactic compositions can include the designed medicaments. |
| US09964536B2 |
Methods of identifying xenohormetic phenotypes and agents
Methods of identifying a xenohormetic induced phenotype in an organism are provided. Also provided are methods if using organisms having a known xenohormetically induced phenotype in a number of different applications, such as the identification of xenohormetic agents and the generation of chemical entities and foodstuffs under specific conditions of production governed by xenohormetic effects. |
| US09964535B2 |
Treatment of inflammatory diseases
The invention described herein relates to methods of screening for pro-inflammatory genes and anti-inflammatory genes which may be useful for treating an inflammatory disease, disorder, or otherwise abnormal condition, such as an inflammatory lung disease. The identified pro-inflammatory genes and anti-inflammatory genes may be used to produce pharmaceutical compositions for use in treating the inflammatory disease, disorder, or otherwise abnormal condition. |
| US09964524B2 |
Method and an apparatus for bolt inspection
A method and an apparatus for bolt inspection are presented. The bolt has a cylindrical threaded surface delimited by a pair of end faces that are opposite to each other. An ultrasonic transducer device contacts one of the pair of end faces for performing a scan operation. A guide structure is engaged with the bolt that guides a motion of the ultrasonic transducer device such that only a portion of a transducer contact surface contacts the one of the pair of end faces during the scan operation. The guide structure delimits a radial extent of the motion of the ultrasonic transducer device during the scan operation. |
| US09964522B2 |
Component inspection apparatus and method
A component inspection apparatus and a method for ultrasonic inspection of a component, including low pressure last stage steam turbine blades, are disclosed. The apparatus includes a guide member, a guide adapting member and scanning probes. The guide member includes a first surface and a distal second surface. The first surface is configured to adaptably mirror the shape of portions of the component to be inspected. The guide adapting member is capable of releasably attaching the second surface of the guide member. to be changeable as per the shape of the component. The scanning probes may be located on the guide adapting member in a manner configured to be movable along the second surface of the guide member to generate and receive ultrasonic waves used to inspect the component. |
| US09964520B2 |
Surface property inspection device and method
To provide a surface property inspection device and method capable of inspecting the surface treatment state of treated material subjected to surface treatments. A surface property inspection device 1 includes an AC power supply 10, an AC bridge circuit 20, and an evaluation apparatus 30, and the AC bridge circuit 20 is formed by a variable resistor 21 with a distribution ratio of γ, a reference detector 22, and an inspection detector 23. The inspection detector 23 includes a coil 23b wound so as to oppose the surface property inspection area of the test object M; an eddy current is excited in the test object M by supplying AC power to the coil 23b. A reference test object S with the same structure as the test object M is placed in the reference detector 22 to cancel inspection environment effects. |
| US09964519B2 |
Non-destructive system and method for detecting structural defects
A device for discovering, identification and monitoring, of mechanical flaws in metallic structures is disclosed, based on magneto-graphic/magnetic tomography technique to identify stress-related defects. The device can determine the position of the defect or stress including depth information. The device includes registration means that optimized for use with metallic structures of various types, shapes, and sizes. Applications include a real-time quality control, monitoring and emergency alarms, as well structural repairs and maintenance work recommendations and planning. Examples of the device implementation include pipes for oil and gas industry monitoring, detection of flaws in roiled products in metallurgical industry, welding quality of heavy duty equipment such as ships, reservoirs, bridges, etc. It is especially important for loaded constructions, such as pressured pipes, infrastructure maintenance, nuclear power plant monitoring, bridges, corrosion prevention and environment protection. |
| US09964518B2 |
Electroplating solution analyzing apparatus
An electroplating solution analyzing apparatus measures a first current that flows between a counter electrode and a working electrode placed in electroplating solution while depositing metal on the working electrode by applying a set first voltage between a reference electrode and the working electrode and then measures a second current that flows between the counter electrode and the working electrode with a cycle set in advance while dissolving the metal deposited on the working electrode into the electroplating solution by applying a second voltage, which changes at a rate set in advance, between the reference electrode and the working electrode. During measurement, the first voltage is changed in a range set to produce a current density within a current density range set in advance. An analysis process then analyzes the state of the electroplating solution based on the values acquired by measurement. |
| US09964515B2 |
Integrated sensor arrays for biological and chemical analysis
An apparatus comprising a chemical field effect transistor array in a circuit-supporting substrate is disclosed. The transistor array has disposed on its surface an array of sample-retaining regions capable of retaining a chemical or biological sample from a sample fluid. The transistor array has a pitch of 10 μm or less and a sample-retaining region is positioned on at least one chemical field effect transistor which is configured to generate at least one output signal related to a characteristic of a chemical or biological sample in such sample-retaining region. |
| US09964512B2 |
Exhaust gas analyzing system
An exhaust gas analyzing system makes it possible to determine appropriate maintenance timing of sampling pumps in the system, including sampling pumps and provided in a main flow path in order to sample exhaust gas sent from an introduction port, analysis parts provided on the upstream side or downstream side of the sampling pumps and in the main flow path, flow meters provided on the upstream side or downstream side of the analysis parts in the main flow path, and pump abnormality determination parts and for determining abnormality of the sampling pumps by comparing pump flow rates obtained by the flow meters to a predetermined abnormal flow rate. |
| US09964509B2 |
Drift compensated ion sensor
An ion sensor for sensing an ion concentration in a bulk solution comprises a reference electrode embedded in an reference electrolyte solution, and a first ion-selective electrode. The ion sensor moreover comprises a second electrode sensitive to the reference ions or to an ion different from the ion to be measured, whereby the second electrode is in direct contact with the bulk solution when the ion sensor is immersed therein. The potential difference between the first electrode and the reference electrode is a measure for the ion concentration in the bulk solution and is corrected with the potential difference between the second electrode and the reference electrode to compensate for the drift of the reference electrode. |
| US09964508B2 |
Sensing water vapour
A water vapor sensor comprises a substrate and a film of carbon nanotubes impregnated with surfactant on the substrate. The substrate is of material which is inert relative to the film. Two or more electrical conductors are in contact with in spaced apart zones of the film, whereby the impedance of the film may be measured. The sensor is housed in housing which protects the sensor but also allows exposure of the film to water vapor. |
| US09964507B2 |
NOx gas sensor including nickel oxide
One example includes a sensor for sensing NOx, including an electrically insulating substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode, each disposed onto the substrate, wherein each of the first electrode and the second electrode has a first end configured to receive a current and a second end and a sensor element formed of nickel oxide powder, the sensor element disposed on the substrate in electrical communication with the second ends of the first electrode and the second electrode. In some examples, electronics are used to measure the change in electrical resistance of a sensor in association with NOx concentration near the sensor. In some examples, the sensor is maintained at 575° C. |
| US09964506B2 |
Sensor system for determining the moisture content of a fluid medium flowing in a main flow direction
A sensor system for determining a moisture content of a fluid medium flowing in a main flow direction, e.g., an intake air of an internal combustion engine, includes: a sensor housing; at least one moisture sensor situated in the sensor housing for determining the moisture content of the fluid medium; at least one retaining element at least partially permeable to moisture; an inlet opening for channeling moisture into the sensor housing and to the moisture sensor; and at least one outlet opening situated separately from the inlet opening and channeling moisture from the sensor housing into the flowing fluid medium. The retaining element is situated in the sensor housing in such a way that the moisture sensor is acted upon by the moisture via the inlet opening and the retaining element. |
| US09964499B2 |
Method of, and apparatus for, material classification in multi-energy image data
An apparatus for processing multi-energy image data to separate at least two types of material comprises a classification unit, wherein the classification unit is configured to obtain a classification of pixels or voxels belonging to the types of material based on a threshold which is adaptively changed in dependence on multi-energy intensity information associated with the pixels or voxels. |
| US09964496B2 |
Method for the quality assessment of a component produced by means of an additive manufacturing method
The invention relates to a method for the quality assessment of a component produced by means of an additive manufacturing method. In the course of the method, it is checked first of all whether the component violates predetermined absolute limits in order to rule out the existence of serious malfunctions in the additive manufacturing process. Subsequently, a component-dependent targeting process is determined. On the basis of this targeting process, the limits for deviations are established and deviating actual values of the component are isolated and assessed by means of various parameters. |
| US09964495B1 |
Method and system for spatially-resolved 3-dimensional characterization of near-field sprays
Near-field spray characteristics are established from local measurements which are acquired by data acquisition sub-system capable of complete scanning of the area (volume) of interest in the spray which uses different laser-based probes (shadowgraphy, PIV, diffraction) to obtain drops related measurements. A mechanical patternator measures volume flux distribution of the spray under study. The measurement data are post-processed to obtain spatially-resolved spray characteristics which are mapped in a spherical coordinate system consistent with the kinematics of the spray. A data compression scheme is used to generate compact analytical functions describing the nozzle spray based on the measurement data. These analytical functions may be useful for initiating the nozzle spray in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based spray dispersion and fire suppression modeling. |
| US09964486B2 |
Assembly for attenuating impinging light of a beam of radiation
An assembly (100) for attenuating the impinging light of a beam of radiation of finite expansion with the objective of realizing reliable attenuation particularly of directly impinging light comprises a light source (10) for producing a beam of unpolarized light, preferably unpolarized monochromatic light, a useful light region (50) through which the unpolarized light passes and preferably passes through in a straight line from the light source (10) as well as an absorption device (30) arranged downstream of the useful light region (50) and preferably downstream in the direction of the direct beam radiation for at least partly absorbing impinging light, wherein the absorption device (30) comprises at least one polarization device (31, 32) arranged in the direction of the light beam. |
| US09964482B2 |
Detecting clouds using polarized sunlight
A novel methodology for detecting cloud particles is disclosed herein. This methodology exploits the optical glory phenomenon. According to one embodiment, a method for detecting clouds includes receiving data from a sensor which is configured to measure polarization of scattered light in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of incident light, and identifying, from the received sensor data, a cloud based on the polarization of the scattered light. |
| US09964481B2 |
Method and system for exhaust particulate matter sensing
Methods and systems are provided sensing particulate matter by a particulate matter (PM) sensor positioned downstream of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) in an exhaust system, where the PM sensor may include plurality of individual electrode pairs coupled to plurality of voltage sources and further to plurality of measurement devices. In one example, a method may include determining a total PM sensor current by summing current generated across the plurality of electrode pairs by determining the sum total of the current generated across the individual electrode pairs. In this way, the PM sensor may detect PMs in the exhaust more accurately, and not be affected by large particulates depositing on the electrodes. |
| US09964480B2 |
Test film for detecting surface particles in clean room
The present invention relates to a test film for detecting surface particles in a clean room in order to prevent inferior products by measuring the contamination level of the clean room using the surface particles. The present invention provides a test film for detecting surface particles in a cleanroom, the test film comprising a substrate which has a predetermined thickness and is formed of a transparent synthetic resin material; a first adhesive layer which is formed at one side of the substrate and collects the surface particles; a release film which is adhered to the first adhesive layer and is separated from the first adhesive layer when the surface particles are collected; a second adhesive layer which is formed at the other side of the substrate; and a protective film which is adhered to the second adhesive layer so as to protect the substrate and has gradations indicated thereon. According to the present invention, there is an effect in that it is possible to easily and quickly check whether or not a clean room is contaminated by collecting, on the adhesive layer-applied surface of a substrate to which an adhesive is applied, surface particles adhered to an object to be measured, and then measuring the number, size, distribution, etc. of the surface particles with the naked eye or using instruments such as a light, a magnifier, a microscope, or the like. |
| US09964476B2 |
Shear sensor array
The present disclosure relates to shear sensor arrays. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a floating element shear stress sensor array on a chip that is calibrated to high shear levels and is calibrated to determine the sensitivity to streamwise pressure gradients. |
| US09964475B2 |
Device and method using infrared radiation to observe coal rock fracture development process
A device and method of using infrared radiation to observe coal rock fracture development processes, for use in experiments to monitor coal rock fracture development using infrared radiation comprises three telescopic box bodies sleeved together. An infrared thermal imager connected to a computer is arranged at the front end of the telescopic box bodies, and a light-blocking plate is installed on a rear end. The distance between a coal rock test block and a lens of the infrared thermal imager can be freely adjusted via the three telescopic box bodies. The telescopic box bodies are installed on a rock press, and a loading test is performed on the coal rock test block. |
| US09964474B2 |
Microorganism concentration process and device
A process for capturing or concentrating microorganisms for detection or assay comprises (a) providing a concentration device comprising a sintered porous polymer matrix comprising at least one concentration agent that comprises diatomaceous earth bearing, on at least a portion of its surface, a surface treatment comprising a surface modifier comprising ferric oxide, titanium dioxide, fine-nanoscale gold or platinum, or a combination thereof; (b) providing a sample comprising at least one microorganism strain; and (c) contacting the concentration device with the sample such that at least a portion of the at least one microorganism strain is bound to or captured by the concentration device. |
| US09964473B2 |
Method of removing floatation liquid
A method of removing a floatation liquid from between a microscope slide and a paraffin embedded biological specimen including position the microscope slide with the paraffin embedded biological specimen floated thereon onto a slide support element. The slide support element is rotated to cause the microscope slide and the paraffin embedded biological specimen to move in a way that causes the floatation liquid disposed between the microscope slide and the paraffin embedded biological specimen to be removed from between the microscope slide and the paraffin embedded biological specimen. |
| US09964470B2 |
Methods and apparatus for indoor air contaminant monitoring
Methods and apparatus for determining indoor air contaminant levels independent of outdoor contaminant levels. In one embodiment, an infinite geometric series is used to compute a true indoor air contaminant level in a room. |
| US09964463B2 |
Variable load and load vector application system
An article under test, such as a wing or other aerodynamic component of an aircraft, is load tested by applying a desired load at a desired angle. When a change in attitude of the article under test is determined, a position of a load mechanism that provides the load to the article under test is changed in real time to maintain the desired angle. The load may also be dynamically adjusted according to the position of the article under test. |
| US09964460B2 |
Pressure sensor having a front seal
This disclosure provides example methods, devices, and systems for a sensor having a front seal. In one embodiment, a system may comprise a sensing element; a header coupled to the sensing element; a housing coupled to the header; a screen joined to an adaptor and coupled to the housing, wherein a first gap separates the adapter and the sensing element and a second gap separates the adapter and the header; and wherein a stress applied at a front surface of the adapter is transferred to the housing, and the first gap is used to isolate the sensing element from the stress and the second gap is used to isolate the header from the stress. |
| US09964459B2 |
Pass-throughs for use with sensor assemblies, sensor assemblies including at least one pass-through and related methods
Transducer assemblies may include a sensor and a housing including a pass-through portion comprising at least one aperture in a portion of the housing extending along a longitudinal axis of the housing and the sensor. Methods of forming transducer assemblies may include welding a first housing section of the transducer assembly to a second housing portion of the transducer assembly and forming at least one aperture in the first housing section extending along a longitudinal axis of the transducer assembly, along a chamber for holding a sensor, and through the weld. |
| US09964458B2 |
Pressure sensor device with anchors for die shrinkage and high sensitivity
The voltage output span and sensitivity from a MEMS pressure sensor are increased and pressure nonlinearity is reduced by thinning a diaphragm and forming the diaphragm to include anchors that are not connected to or joined to diaphragm-stiffening beams or thickened regions of the diaphragm. |
| US09964455B2 |
Methods for monitoring strain and temperature in a hot gas path component
A method of monitoring a surface temperature of a hot gas path component includes directing an excitation beam having an excitation wavelength at a layer of a sensor material composition deposited on a hot gas path component to induce a fluorescent radiation. The method includes measuring fluorescent radiation emitted by the sensor material composition. The fluorescent radiation includes at least a first intensity at a first wavelength and a second intensity at a second wavelength. The surface temperature of the hot gas path component is determined based on a ratio of the first intensity at the first wavelength and the second intensity at the second wavelength of the fluorescent radiation emitted by the sensor material composition. |
| US09964452B2 |
Measuring the temperature of the rotor of an electrical machine
A method for measuring the temperature of a permanent magnet disposed on a rotor of an electrical machine, a magnetic property of the permanent magnet dependent on the temperature of the permanent magnet being sensed and the temperature of the permanent magnet being ascertained therefrom, and to an electrical machine, a processing unit, and a computer program for carrying it out. |
| US09964451B2 |
Temperature sensor
Provided is a temperature sensor which does not easily cause a crack in a Ti—Al—N-based thermistor material layer when the film is bent, can be directly deposited on a film or the like without firing, and has a high reliability with a high heat resistance. The temperature sensor includes an insulating film 2, a thin film thermistor portion 3 made of a Ti—Al—N-based thermistor material formed on the insulating film, a pair of pattern electrodes 4 formed on the insulating film with a pair of opposed electrode portions 4a being arranged so as to be opposed to each other on the thin film thermistor portion, wherein the pair of opposed electrode portions covers the entire surface of thin film thermistor portion excluding the region between the opposed electrode portions. |
| US09964449B2 |
Interferometer for spatial chirp characterization
Spectral interferometric systems and methods to characterize lateral and angular spatial chirp to optimize intensity localization in spatio-temporally focused ultrafast beams are described. Interference between two spatially sheared beams in an interferometer leads to straight fringes if the wavefronts are curved. To produce reference fringes, one arm relative to another is delayed in order to measure fringe rotation in the spatially resolved spectral interferogram. Utilizing Fourier analysis, frequency-resolved divergence is obtained. In another arrangement, one beam relative to the other is spatially flipped, which allows the frequency-dependent beamlet direction (angular spatial chirp) to be measured. Blocking one beam shows the spatial variation of the beamlet position with frequency (i.e., the lateral spatial chirp). |
| US09964445B1 |
Color-matching apparatus and color-matching method for repair paint
Provided are a color-matching apparatus and a color-matching method for a repair paint capable of sufficiently supporting a color-matching operation that has been conventionally performed by experience and intuition, mainly at an automobile repair shop. The color-matching apparatus and the color-matching method for a repair paint calculates, for each coordinate axis, an error between colorimetric data of a painting object portion and colorimetric data of a painting plate (S3), retrieves, for each coordinate axis, a mixed paint having characteristic information acting in a direction of reducing the error as a color-matching candidate (S5), calculate a basic amount of the color-matching candidate corresponding to an amount of the repair paint used for painting the painting object portion (S7), calculate, for each coordinate axis, an error rate by dividing the error by a reference value corresponding to the colorimetric data (S8), and calculate a color-matching amount for each color-matching candidate by multiplying the basic amount of the color-matching candidate by the error rate (S10). |
| US09964432B2 |
Method of vibration measurement and interferometer
Method and system for measuring vibration in two or three directions in objects (12) by using three illumination light beams (11A-C) for measurement of in-plane vibrations in two directions, where one of the three illumination light beams (11A-C) is common for the two in-plane measurements, and where the three illumination light beams (11A-C) are configured to provide free space at one side of the object (12) for easier access to the object. The method and system is further arranged for using two illumination light beams (30A-B) for measuring vibrations in the object (12) in a third direction, which third direction is out-of-plane direction, where one illumination light beam (30A) is illuminating the object (12) through an imaging objective (16) and one illumination light beam (30B) is used as reference beam. |
| US09964431B1 |
Narrow bandwidth detection of vibration signature using fiber lasers
The various technologies presented herein relate to extracting a portion of each pulse in a series of pulses reflected from a target to facilitate determination of a Doppler-shifted frequency for each pulse and, subsequently, a vibration frequency for the series of pulses. Each pulse can have a square-wave configuration, whereby each pulse can be time-gated to facilitate discarding the leading edge and the trailing edge (and associated non-linear effects) of each pulse and accordingly, capture of the central portion of the pulse from which the Doppler-shifted frequency, and ultimately, the vibration frequency of the target can be determined. Determination of the vibration velocity facilitates identification of the target being in a state of motion. The plurality of pulses can be formed from a laser beam (e.g., a continuous wave), the laser beam having a narrow bandwidth. |
| US09964430B2 |
Apparatus and a method for analyzing the vibration of a machine having a rotating part
An apparatus for analyzing the condition of a machine having a part rotatable with a speed of rotation, includes an input for receiving an analog measurement signal indicative of a vibration signal signature having a vibration frequency and a repetition frequency; an A/D converter for generating a digital measurement signal dependent on the analog measurement signal, the digital measurement signal having a first sample rate, which is at least twice the vibration frequency; an enveloper for generating an enveloped signal indicative of the repetition frequency; a decimator for generating a decimated first digital signal dependent on the enveloped signal such that the decimated first digital signal has a reduced sample rate; an enhancer having an input for receiving the decimated signal, wherein the enhancer operates in the time domain to perform discrete autocorrelation for the decimated first digital signal so as to generate an enhancer output signal sequence; and an analyzer for performing a condition monitoring function so as to analyze the condition of the machine dependent on the output signal sequence. |
| US09964426B2 |
Process and apparatus for the measurement
A method and device for level measurement according to the propagation time method in which at least one conductor unit (1) is supplied with pulse-like electromagnetic transmission signals and in which electromagnetic response signals are tapped from the conductor unit (1). The method for level determination is improved as compared to the prior art by the conductor unit (1) being supplied with transmission signals with either positive or negative polarity. |
| US09964422B2 |
Airflow meter
An airflow meter includes a flow rate sensor for measuring a flow rate of intake air sucked into an engine, a humidity sensor that outputs an intake air humidity signal in accordance with humidity of the intake air, an intake air temperature sensor that outputs an intake air temperature signal in accordance with temperature of the intake air, and a humidity correction section that corrects the intake air humidity signal based on the intake air temperature signal. |
| US09964421B1 |
Fluid flow rate measuring device
An fluid flow rate measuring device preferably includes an airfoil, a differential pressure sensor and a programmable electronic controller. The airfoil includes a leading edge, a first pressure chamber, a second pressure chamber, and a trailing edge. At least one first hole is formed through the first pressure chamber. At least one second hole is formed through the second pressure chamber adjacent the trailing edge. The at least one first hole communicates with the first pressure chamber. The at least one second hole communicates with the second pressure chamber. The first and second pressure chambers are connected to first and second input ports of the differential pressure sensor. The differential pressure sensor outputs a voltage to the programmable electronic controller. The programmable electronic controller takes a square root of the differential pressure and multiplies it by a K factor to produce an fluid flow rate in CFM. |
| US09964420B2 |
Distributed brillouin sensor
A distributed Brillouin sensor system comprising a pump laser, and a combined fiber assembly including at least a first optical fiber section and a second optical fiber section is described. The pump laser is arranged so as to send a pump signal into a first end of combined fiber assembly, and the detector system is arranged to detect Brillouin backscattering from the combined fiber assembly. The combined fiber assembly is characterized by the first section having a low Brillouin gain, and the second fiber section having a high Brillouin gain. |
| US09964417B2 |
Calibration device and calibration method for a laser beam horizontal trueness testing device
Calibration device and calibration method for calibration of a laser beam horizontal trueness testing device whereby the calibration device comprises an elongated support body for support of an elongated laser housing with a longitudinal axis and a laser source, whereby a laser beam is emittable in a direction of the longitudinal axis. According to the calibration method, calibration parameters are determined based on at least three impinging positions of the laser beam of the laser housing for at least two different rotational positions of the laser housing in a first face and at least one position of the laser housing in a second opposing face. |
| US09964414B2 |
Lane-level vehicle navigation for vehicle routing and traffic management
A lane-level vehicle routing and navigation apparatus includes a simulation module that performs microsimulation of individual vehicles in a traffic stream, and a lane-level optimizer that evaluates conditions along the candidate paths from an origin to a destination as determined by the simulation module, and determines recommended lane-level maneuvers along the candidate paths. A link-level optimizer may determines the candidate paths based on link travel times determined by the simulation module. The simulation may be based on real-time traffic condition data. Recommended candidate paths may be provided to delivery or service or emergency response vehicles, or used for evacuation planning, or to route vehicles such as garbage or postal trucks, or snowplows. Corresponding methods also may be used for traffic planning and management, including determining, based on microsimulation, at least one of (a) altered road geometry, (b) altered traffic signal settings, such as traffic signal timing, or (c) road pricing. |
| US09964410B2 |
System and method for the calculation and use of travel times in search and other applications
A system and method are provided for generating travel sheds which show the area reachable in a given amount of time by different modes of transport. A travel shed may consist of a series of polygons or other geometric shapes showing areas which are reachable from a given address or location within a specified travel time by utilizing a specified mode of transport (e.g. driving, biking, walking, public transportation, etc.). Techniques are disclosed for enabling the rapid calculations of travel times. In one embodiment, the rapid generation of travel times and associated travel sheds may be enabled by performing a number of pre-processing steps (e.g. downsampling, progressive road type removal, etc.) on road graph data. The pre-processing steps reduce the size of the road graph while still preserving enough of the road graph to generate accurate travel sheds. One example use of travel sheds is to enable searching for points of interest (e.g. homes, apartments, hotels, restaurants, schools, parks, etc.) according to specified travel times. |
| US09964409B1 |
Localized map generation
A method of creating a local map includes: receiving, at a mobile electronic data processing apparatus, a request from a server to generate a map of a specified destination; sending to the server a message accepting the request to generate the map responsive to receiving, at a user input of the mobile electronic data processing device, a user command indicating acceptance of the request; generating, using a processor, information related to construction of the map; an transmitting, from the mobile electronic data processing apparatus, the information related to construction of the map. |
| US09964407B2 |
Leveling device
A leveling device having at least one opening that houses a leveling vial and having a channel formed from a working surface, where at least one magnet and at least one spacer are retained in the channel. |
| US09964402B2 |
Two-camera triangulation scanner with detachable coupling mechanism
A three-dimensional (3D) scanner having two cameras and a projector is detachably coupled to a device selected from the group consisting of: an articulated arm coordinate measuring machine, a camera assembly, a six degree-of-freedom (six-DOF) tracker target assembly, and a six-DOF light point target assembly. |
| US09964401B2 |
Inspection system for inspecting an object and inspection method for same
A system for inspecting an object has at least one light projector and at least one camera jointly defining a field of view and a computer operatively connected thereto. The computer is configured to acquire object data representative of the outer surface of the object through projection of light thereon by the light projector and acquisition of return light by the camera. The object data relates surface points on the outer surface of the object to one or more source point of the light projector. The computer is further configured to generate inspection information data based on the acquired object data and project the inspection information data on at least some of the surface points of the outer surface of the object using the corresponding source points of the at least one light projector. A method inspects an outer surface of an object. |
| US09964397B2 |
Multiple reference OCT system
The invention provides for generating a set of signature signals that correspond to a range of depths within a target. These signature signals can include multiple individual reference signals and be can modified to compensate for specific characteristics of the target. In the preferred embodiment the members of the set of signature signals are correlated with data sets by phase rotating individual reference signals to determine maximum and minimum correlation and thereby enabling determination of the scattering characteristic of the target at each depth. Also a pilot signal is monitored to dynamically determine the phase relationship between individual reference signals and thereby avail of phase sensitive detection techniques to enhance SNR at deeper regions where multiple individual reference signals exist. |
| US09964395B2 |
Position indicator and position indicating method
A position indicator includes a resonant circuit configured to receive electromagnetic waves transmitted intermittently from a position detection device with a first duration and a second duration. The second duration is shorter than the first duration. The position indicator also includes a load resistance value control circuit configured to control a load resistance of the resonant circuit such that different values of the load resistance are set for the first duration and the second duration. A value of the load resistance set for the second duration is smaller than a value of the load resistance set for the first duration. |
| US09964389B2 |
Measuring device
A device for measuring a workpiece surface along an X-axis, the measured surface residing generally within an X-Y plane. The measuring device has a ring body supported on a pivot body for pivoting in a limited angular range about a pivot axis spaced from and substantially parallel to the X-axis. The measuring device also has a base fixed in the direction of the Y-axis and a ring body supported on the base for limited movement relative to the base in a direction substantially parallel to the Y-axis. A measurement wheel is rotatable about an axis of rotation defined by the ring body and rolls along the workpiece surface when the workpiece and the measurement device move relative to one another in the direction of the X-axis. |
| US09964388B1 |
Polymer ammunition cartridge having a two-piece primer insert
The present invention provides ammunition cartridge having a two piece primer insert with a flange, a polymeric middle body extending from the primer insert to a cylindrical middle body coupling region, and a polymeric projectile end having a projectile aperture mated to the polymeric middle body. |
| US09964385B1 |
Shock mitigation body
A shock mitigation casing includes a monolithic body made from a solid material. The monolithic body includes a first wall, a second wall spaced apart from the first wall, and axial end walls contiguous with the first wall and the second wall. A chamber is defined between the walls. A powder fills the chamber. The powder is a powdered form of the solid material. |
| US09964384B2 |
Electronic tracking system
An electronic tracking system for obtaining geographic or other information about a targeted object from deployed ordnance. Ordnance can be delivered from any suitable weapon or weapons system, including hand-held or artillery guns, manned or unmanned aircraft, etc. The ordnance can be substantially any projectile targeted at a human, animal or other object. Once deployed, the ordnance can provide a variety of information about location, the target, the shooter, or the ordnance itself. Such information can be transmitted at any suitable interval, even time-delayed or upon a condition. Preferably, the system also contains a receiver to receive the transmitted information. Once received, the information can be then provided to users in any appropriate fashion. |
| US09964383B2 |
Toy projectile and method of making
A toy projectile and method of making the toy projectile is provided herein. The toy projectile having: an elongated dart body secured to a tip assembly, the tip assembly comprising: a tip insert secured to a forward end of the elongated dart body and a tip secured to the tip insert, wherein the tip comprises a styrene ethylene butylene styrene copolymer (SEBS rubber) tip. |
| US09964382B2 |
Target acquisition device and system thereof
A target acquisition device and a system thereof called ArmConnect™ are disclosed. The target acquisition device of the present invention comprises an optical module, an image sensor, a compass, an acceleration sensor, an accessory connector, a display and a sight control circuit. The target acquisition system of the present invention comprises a target acquisition device, a range finder and a mobile device, wherein the target acquisition device further comprises a wireless transmission module for connecting to the mobile device. The range finder is connected to the target acquisition device by the accessory connector. Some assistant devices, such as a remote control, a weather station, a night vision, a recorder, a camera and etc., can also be connected to the target acquisition device for providing supports to make the ammunition hit the target. |
| US09964378B1 |
T-handle firearm cleaning tool
A T-handle firearm cleaning tool includes a T-handle firearm cleaning tool body having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface and a T-handle firearm cleaning tool body longitudinal axis. A flexible cable has a connector mechanically coupled to a first flexible cable end and a cleaning tool bit mechanically coupled to a second flexible cable end opposite the first flexible cable end. A tapered cavity is disposed in either of the first surface or the second surface, the tapered cavity having a tapered cavity long axis substantially perpendicular to the T-handle firearm cleaning tool body longitudinal axis. The connector and the cleaning tool bit are sized to interference fit in the tapered cavity and the tapered cavity sized to capture the connector or the cleaning tool bit in the tapered cavity. |
| US09964377B2 |
Gun barrel cleaning device
The present invention is an improvement to a gun barrel cleaning tool which enables a user to attach and remove gun barrel cleaning devices to a gun barrel cleaning rod by inserting a cleaning device into a recess formed in the cleaning rod whereupon a latch located in the recess engages a recess of the cleaning device to secure the cleaning device to the barrel cleaning rod. |
| US09964376B2 |
Bore extender for accurate sighting and continuous indexing
The current system is a method for easily attaching firearm devices to the end of a firearm. The system is used to improve the relative alignment between firearm devices and the bore of the firearm. The system solves the problem of non-uniformity when attaching devices to a firearm, by providing a uniform mounting surface. The system includes three main parts: a muzzle extender, a device, and a clamping method. The extender includes a threaded female receptor for attaching to the firearm muzzle and a clamping surface to be used with a clamping method to attach the device. The system has multiple embodiments including, built in muzzle devices, different clamping methods, and multiple devices to attach to the system. |
| US09964374B1 |
Modular firearm system
A modular firearm system capable of easily attaching and detaching an upper receiver and a barrel is disclosed. The upper receiver is operably coupled to a bearing case. A biasing member is positioned on the bearing case. A plurality of bearings are positioned on the bearing case. A spring sleeve is engageable with the biasing member and circumscribes the bearing case, biasing member and bearings. A face plate is positioned adjacent to the bearing case and fixedly coupled thereto. The face plate engages the spring sleeve such that the biasing member and bearings are enclosed within the spring sleeve and the face plate. A barrel sleeve is operably coupled to the barrel. In an engaged state, the barrel sleeve is positioned within the bearing case and the bearings are positioned between the barrel sleeve and bearing case such that the upper receiver and barrel are substantially aligned. |
| US09964373B2 |
Magazine loading device and method for loading a magazine
A magazine loader having a base member and support members, the base member being configured to sit upon the magazine fixed to a rifle, the base member having a first end wall, a second end wall, and a pair of sidewalls defining a rectangular shape, wherein the first end wall has an opening that allows the base member to sit upon the magazine fixed to a rifle, wherein an entirety of the second end wall and an entirety of each of the sidewalls are coplanar, wherein the support members have a first support member and a second support member each extending from a top surface of the base member, wherein the first support member has a plurality of support lips that forms a channel that is capable of accepting a retainer strip of cartridges, and wherein the second support member receives a bullet end of a cartridge, and related methods. |
| US09964371B1 |
Charging handle assembly
A charging handle having a charging handle body including a base portion; a handle element slidably and at least partially rotatable relative to said base portion; and a latch element slidable and at least partially rotatable relative to said handle element, and wherein at least a portion of said latch element is formed so as to interact with at least a portion of said handle recess such that rotational or longitudinal movement of said handle element relative to a longitudinal axis of said charging handle produces lateral, translational movement of said latch element relative to said charging handle body. |
| US09964362B2 |
Twisted tube thermosyphon
A thermosyphon heat exchanger includes a plurality of first conduit elements and a plurality of second conduit elements. Each first conduit element has a heat absorbing portion defining a first plane and a first fluid transfer portion defining a second plane. The first plane and the second plane are twisted relative to each other. Each second conduit element has a heat releasing portion and a second fluid transfer portion or a connection to a fluid return line. At least one first conduit element and at least one second conduit element are connected to each other such that the fluid in the thermosyphon heat exchanger can flow in a closed loop through said first conduit element and said second conduit element. |
| US09964361B2 |
Brazed plate heat exchanger with a functional component
A brazed plate heat exchanger with at least one stack of heat exchanger plates and at least one functional component connected by piping physically and in terms of flow to the stack, for example, a collecting tank, in which case the stack executes a settling movement during brazing. Production is achieved in that the plate heat exchanger with the functional component is produced in a vacuum brazing furnace in a single brazing process, in which at least one structure is contained in the piping that compensates for the settling movement of the plate stack. A corresponding production method is also proposed. |
| US09964360B2 |
Method of manufacturing a slag discharge door
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a slag discharge door, which is provided separately from a molten-steel discharge opening in an electric furnace and opens and closes a slag discharge opening for discharging slag. The method of manufacturing the slag discharge door, which moves up and down on the slag discharge opening to open and close the slag discharge opening, includes the steps of: forming a door body by forging, forming a coolant passage, a coolant inlet, and a coolant outlet in the door body by drilling, and then finishing a passage that blocks a portion that is open toward an outer surface of the door body. |
| US09964354B2 |
Method for producing pressurized gaseous oxygen through the cryogenic separation of air
A method is provided for production of gaseous oxygen at high pressures by splitting a main air feed into at least three separate streams, with the first stream being fed to a heat exchanger and then a column system for rectification; the second stream being further compressed in a warm booster, partially cooled in the heat exchanger, expanded in a turbine coupled to the warm booster and then fed to the column system; the third stream being expanded in a warm expander before being introduced to the heat exchanger and introduced to the column system. In certain embodiments, substantially all of the main air feed is eventually introduced to the column system for rectification, resulting in reduced sizing of a main air compressor and improved product recoveries. |
| US09964352B2 |
Separating carbon dioxide and ethane from a mixed stream
Embodiments described herein provide methods and systems for separating a mixed ethane and CO2. A method described includes generating a liquid stream including ethane and CO2. The liquid stream is flashed to form an ethane vapor stream and solid CO2. The solid CO2 is accumulated in an accumulation vessel and the gas is removed from the top of the accumulation vessel. |
| US09964350B2 |
Control system for a refrigerated merchandiser
A refrigerated merchandiser including a case defining a product display area supporting product and an evaporator disposed in an air passageway in fluid communication with the product display area via an outlet to direct a refrigerated airflow into the product display area. The merchandiser also includes a control system in communication with and programmed to control the refrigeration system so that the product display area is maintained within a predetermined temperature range. The control system also varies the temperature of the refrigerated airflow through the outlet above an airflow temperature threshold between about 35 degrees Fahrenheit and 41 degrees Fahrenheit at least once during a predetermined time period to avoid formation of frost on the evaporator while maintaining the product display area within the predetermined temperature range. |
| US09964340B2 |
Stirling refrigerator
In a Stirling refrigerator, a displacer has an internal space. An expander body houses the displacer so that the displacer can be reciprocated. A temperature sensor is arranged in the internal space of the displacer. A displacer rod, having an internal space, may connect to the displacer. A wiring may provide an electrical connection to the temperature sensor, the wiring arranged through the internal space of the displacer rod to outside of the expander body. |
| US09964337B2 |
Progressive air temperature booster powered by the sun
A closed loop fluid thermosiphon that uses solar energy to progressively boost the air temperature passing through it and comprises a heat sink segment capable of absorbing energy from the sun and a heat exchange segment that transfers energy to the air passing through the heat exchange and progressively boosts the air's temperature that is capable of being either used independently with other passive solar elements, as part of a solar energy system, or in combination with active solar elements, as part of a hybrid solar energy system. |
| US09964332B2 |
Systems and methods for bulk vaporization of precursor
A vaporization system for liquid precursor includes a bubbler portion configured to store liquid precursor and to supply carrier gas into the liquid precursor to vaporize the liquid precursor to generate vaporized precursor. A baffle portion is arranged in fluid communication with the bubbler portion and includes N heated baffles, where N is an integer greater than or equal to one. The vaporized precursor generated by the bubbler portion passes through the N heated baffles before flowing to a substrate processing system. |
| US09964323B2 |
Creation and configuration of a distributed heating, ventilation, and air conditioning network
In some embodiments, a system for operating an HVAC control network includes a first control unit communicatively coupled to a first plurality of HVAC units and a first interactive display, the first control unit further comprising a software access point (softAP). A second control unit, the second control unit communicatively coupled to a second plurality of HVAC units and a second interactive display. The second control unit may include a push button. The second control unit may connect to the first control unit to create an HVAC control network using a Wi-Fi direct protocol by invoking a Wi-Fi direct, push button configuration protocol in response to detecting that the push button has been depressed. The first control unit may control the second plurality of HVAC units over the HVAC control network in response to the second control unit connecting to the first control unit. |
| US09964322B2 |
Controller set point adjustment based on outdoor temperature
Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of apparatus and methods for adjusting controller set points based on outdoor temperature. In an exemplary embodiment, a climate control system controller for providing climate control in a structure includes a processor and memory configured to obtain adjusted heating and cooling set point values determined by combining adjustment amounts with heating and cooling set points set for the climate control system. The adjustment amounts are determined in accordance with deviations of sensed outdoor ambient temperature (OAT) values from an intermediate OAT value predefined in a range of OAT values. The controller, in response to sensed outdoor temperatures in the range of OAT values, controls heating and cooling in the structure in accordance with the adjusted heating and cooling set point values. |
| US09964317B2 |
Portable DC air-conditioner having a rotatable air outlet structure relative to the refrigeration housing
A portable DC air-conditioner has a cooler circulation system inside a housing, including a DC compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator. The evaporator is disposed inside an air duct which has an end thereof connected to a fan and another end thereof forming a discharging exit. The condenser is arranged below the evaporator and the air duct has a guiding tube at the bottom thereof so that the water drops made by the evaporator would be guided to flow into the condenser. A distributing portion is disposed on the housing, including a base connected to the discharging exit and at least one hollow frame having a circular slit on the inner edge for cooled air to be discharged. The evaporator in the air duct would produce cooled air and transport the cooled air to the discharging exit to flow out from the circular slit, forming a cooler circulation system with small volume and great efficiency. |
| US09964307B2 |
Interface heat shield for a combustor of a gas turbine engine
A combustor for a gas turbine engine includes an interface shield between a first heat shield and a second heat shield. |
| US09964304B2 |
Combustion acoustic noise prevention in a heating furnace
A control module for preventing acoustic resonance noise generation from a heat exchanger of a heating furnace, comprising a control signal generated by the control module. The control signal is configured to operate an induction fan of the heating furnace at more than one speed for a given heat demand mode of the heating furnace. |
| US09964303B2 |
Combustion boiler with pre-drying fuel chute
A solid fuel boiler with one or more fuel chutes configured to pre-dry wet solid fuel prior to loading into a combustion chamber of the boiler, enabling higher thermal efficiencies and burning less fuel to produce the same steam quantity. The pre-drying fuel chutes pass through the boiler where hot combustion gases radiantly and convectively—heat the chute walls to dry the wet solid fuel by radiant, convective, and/or conductive heating. Agitator mechanisms or structures within the chute mix the fuel for uniform heating, break up clumps of wet fuel, regulate the speed of falling fuel, prevent sticking, dry the fuel by means of steam and/or hot air, transport and deliver a cooling medium while a chute is offline in an operating boiler, and suppress fire using steam injection. Fuel from the chute can flow into a fuel storage bin or directly into the combustion zone of the furnace. |
| US09964301B2 |
Fluidized bed boiler with a support construction for a particle separator
A fluidized bed boiler with a support construction for a particle separator. The fluidized bed boiler includes a bottom-supported furnace in which at least one particle separator with a support construction is in gas flow connection with an upper portion of the furnace and includes a furnace side portion, an outer portion opposite to the furnace side portion, and a conical lower portion. At least two bottom-supported downcomer pipes are in fluid connection with a steam drum and adjacent to the outer portion of the particle separator. The support construction includes a frame-like supporting member surrounding at least a portion of the conical lower portion, and an outboard portion of the supporting member is attached to the at least two downcomer pipes to support the at last one particle separator. |
| US09964298B2 |
Heat distributing lamp shield
In an example a lamp shield comprises: a front face; a skirt extending from the front face, wherein the skirt comprises a heat spreader; and an extended arm connected to the front face or the skirt. A headlamp assembly can comprise: a reflector and the lamp shield. |
| US09964292B2 |
Angle adjustment mechanism for LED bar lighting
An angle adjustment mechanism for LED bar lighting includes a lamp body, two end covers arranged two ends of the lamp body along an axial direction thereof, two lamp frames respectively mounted on the two threading pipes, two wheel gears respectively fixed on the two lamp frames, two outer end caps fixed and covered on the two end covers, respectively, and at least two stopping plates respectively received in the two lamp frames. Each of the two end covers includes a threading pipe extending along the axial direction of the lamp body. Each of the two wheel gears includes a plurality of gear teeth taken along a radial direction thereof and rotating around the threading pipe. Each of the stopping plates provides at least one stopping tooth which is coupling to the gear teeth. |
| US09964290B2 |
Portable light having a clip
A portable light may comprise: a light housing extending from a light head and defining an envelope line extending along a side thereof, the light housing having a recess in the side thereof inward of the envelope line; a light source supported by the light head and energizable to produce light; a switch for selectively energizing the light source; and a clip disposed in the recess of the light housing and configured so that the clip is substantially in the recess and substantially within the envelope line of the light housing. |
| US09964289B2 |
LED light fixtures having plug-together light fixture modules
An LED light fixture having adjacent interconnected light fixture modules, each comprising a power system extrusion, an LED light module body attachable to the power system extrusion, female and male end caps at opposite ends of each extrusion and respectively including a female electrical connector and a male electrical connector, a male electrical connector being configured to plug into the female electrical connector of an adjacent extrusion, and a power box component having a female electrical connector configured to plug into a male electrical connector of a male end cap. |
| US09964278B2 |
Vehicle lamp
A reflecting surface of a reflector has a structure where a plurality of reflecting elements are arranged in rows in an up-and-down direction, and the reflecting elements are arranged as a plurality of sets in a left-and-right direction. The surface of each reflecting element is composed of a curved surface having a horizontal section curvature larger than a vertical section curvature. Thus, a horizontally long light distribution pattern may be easily formed by light reflecting from each reflecting element. Each reflecting element is connected to each of four reflecting elements which are adjacent thereto in the left-and-right direction and are shifted therefrom in the up-and-down direction, through a boundary line extending from a vertical plane in an inclined direction in the left-and-right direction. Thus, the horizontally long light distribution pattern formed by the light reflecting from each reflecting element becomes a bright light distribution pattern having four chipped corners. |
| US09964277B2 |
Lamp apparatus for vehicle
A lamp apparatus for a vehicle may include a light source radiating light for specific images; reflectors symmetrically disposed at both sides of the light source and reflecting light from the light source, and a condensing lens disposed ahead of the light source, receiving light from the light source and light from the reflectors, having two or more lenses to concentrate light, and having a curved shape with respect to the light source so that a plurality of images is formed by the light from the light source. |
| US09964269B2 |
Light distribution systems and methods
Apparatuses, systems, and methods in which reflective slats are configured to redirect light received from various sun positions are provided. The slats or mirrored array could be coupled to a base of the redirector, such that an adjustment of an angle of the base relative to the horizontal adjusts an angle of each slat relative to the horizontal. In some aspects, an algorithm can be used to determine the angle of tilt that maximizes the transmission efficiency for the mirror array. |
| US09964265B2 |
Light emitting diode luminaire device and system with color temperature tunning
A lighting system is disclosed that includes lighting zones. Each of the lighting zones include LED light fixtures with different sets of LED arrays mounted to modular light boards that emit different output spectra. Each of the zones also includes a layer pack control unit coupled to the LED light fixture to control power to the LED light fixtures and to execute or run lighting protocols. The lighting system preferably includes a user interface device coupled to LED light fixtures in each of the light zones through a system bus and is capable independently control light output from the LED light fixtures in each of the zones. |
| US09964264B2 |
Flashlight
A flashlight is operable by a power source. The flashlight includes a body having a first end and a second end. The body is configured to support the power source. The flashlight also includes a first light source positioned adjacent the first end. The first light source is electrically coupled to the power source and fixed relative to the body. The flashlight further includes a second light source coupled to the body. The second light source is movable relative to the first light source about a hinge defining a pivot axis. |
| US09964260B2 |
LED lighting device with improved light distribution
A lighting device and a lighting unit comprising a reflector and a lighting device, or LED lamp are described. The LED lamp have a first and a second LED assembly. Each LED assembly comprises at least one LED element with an LED chip and a carrier with a flat surface for carrying the LED chip. The LED chip emits light with a main optical direction. The first and second LED assembly are mounted relative to each other so that at least a first LED element from the first LED assembly and a second LED element from the second LED assembly enclose a rotating angle (γ) between their respective flat surfaces with respect to an axis of rotation (A) so as to involve light angle between the first and second main optical directions. The axis of rotation (A) is parallel to a plane of a flat carrier surface of at least one LED element. The first and second LED assemblies are arranged offset from each other parallel to the axis of rotation (A). Thus, a lighting device with small dimensions and advantageous light distribution is obtained. |
| US09964256B2 |
Conversion of organic oxygenates to hydrocarbons
In a process for the catalytic conversion of organic oxygenates to hydrocarbons, a feed comprising at least one organic oxygenate is contacted with a zeolite catalyst under conditions effective to produce a hydrocarbon product comprising aromatics, olefins and paraffins. At least a fraction of the hydrocarbon product containing C4+ hydrocarbons, including at least part of the olefins, is then contacted with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst under conditions effective to saturate at least part of the olefins in the C4+-containing fraction and produce a hydrogenated effluent containing less than 1 wt % olefins. The hydrogenated effluent is useful as a diluent for heavy crude oils. |
| US09964238B2 |
Stretch hose and hose production method
An extensible-retractable helically reinforced hose is formed by helically wrapping a freshly extruded bead of thermoplastic material about a rotating mandrel to form a helical array of spaced reinforcing coils, and by helically wrapping a freshly extruded thin yet wide web of thermoplastic material so edge regions of the wide web are placed onto and bond continuously with the peripheries of each adjacent pair of the reinforcing coils, with a leading edge region of each new wrap of the web overlying and bonding to a trailing edge region of a prior web wrap. Central portions of each web wrap extend radially inwardly and are sandwiched between adjacent reinforcing coils when the hose is retracted to a minimal axial length. |
| US09964236B2 |
Modular conduit system
A modular conduit system is provided which includes at least one longitudinally extending shell component including an interior wall and an exterior wall, a first longitudinally extending edge, a second opposed longitudinally extending edge, an engagement tab located adjacent the first longitudinal edge, an engagement slot located adjacent the second longitudinally extending edge, the engagement slot having an enlarged portion and a narrow portion, the enlarged portion configured to receive an engagement tab from another longitudinally extending shell, the narrow portion configured to interfere with removal of the tab in a direction transverse to the slot. The longitudinally extending shells are combinable to form a conduit member which are themselves combinable to form a longitudinally extending array of conduit members. Swiveling elbow joints may be inserted between conduit members to provide changes in direction. Also provided are interengaging panels that cooperate to form containment barriers and which are configured to allow conduit members to pass into or out of the containment barriers. |
| US09964233B2 |
Pipe-laying vessel and method of laying a pipeline
A pipe-laying vessel (1) is provided, including a tower (2) extending upwardly from the vessel, a pipe loading arm (9) for raising a length of pipe from the deck to a position aligned with the tower, a travelling clamp assembly (30) mounted for movement along the tower. The pipe-laying vessel may include a fixed clamp assembly (60) located in the region of a lower portion of the tower, wherein the travelling clamp assembly and/or the fixed clamp assembly includes both a friction clamp (34, 63) and a collar clamp (62), each of the friction clamp and the collar clamp being movable between an operative position, in which it is adjustable between a clamping and a released position, and an inoperative position. Alternatively or additionally the travelling clamp assembly (30) includes both a line-up clamp (33) and a pipeline tension bearing clamp (34). Alternatively or additionally there may be provided three or more line-up clamps (33, 35, 36) spaced along the tower for receiving the length of pipe from the loading arm. |
| US09964230B2 |
Retarder control valve assembly and system for rail cars
A retarder control valve assembly and system for controlling speed of rail cars, utilizes cartridge valves carried in a manifold body including piping and pilot control apparatus, but no wearing surfaces, dynamic seals, or moving parts. The cartridge valves are replaceable without replumbing, and include all moving valve elements and dynamic seals. The valves each include a piston controlled poppet carried on a spool movable within a cartridge body to open and close the valve and supported to withstand high side loads. The pressure sensing and feedback to the retarder system controller is at the manifold, in a pressure spike attenuating circuit having a phase modulating capability to mimic retarder pressure remotely. |
| US09964223B2 |
Bleed valves for gas turbine engines
A bleed valve for a gas turbine engine compressor has a valve body and a flapper. The valve body defines a flow path and includes a flapper seat. The flow path extends through the valve body. The flapper is pivotally connected to the valve body and is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position the flapper seats against the flapper seat and blocks the flow path. In the open position the flapper is angled towards the valve body inlet such that fluid moving through the valve body exerts force on the flapper, urging the flapper towards the closed position. |
| US09964217B2 |
Proportional valve
A proportional valve (100) is provided that includes a movable armature (104) within a body (102), with the armature (104) including a poppet (107) and with the body (102) including one or more inflow ports (135) and an outflow bore (123), a valve seat (120) located on a projecting valve seat structure (119), with the valve seat (120) including a valve orifice (130) in fluid communication with the one or more inflow ports (135) and the outflow bore (123), and a flow flange (116) extending from the poppet (107) and including a flow flange wall (117) that surrounds the valve seat (120), forming a flange inflow channel (129) of a predetermined cross-sectional inflow area between the flow flange wall (117) and the valve seat structure (119), wherein the poppet (107) moves between closed and opened positions without changing the predetermined cross-sectional inflow area provided by the inflow channel (129). |
| US09964215B2 |
Sliding component
A sliding component is characterized in that the sealing face of one of a pair of sliding parts that slide relative to each other is provided with a first pumping groove that is open to the high-pressure fluid side but isolated from the low-pressure fluid side by a seal area and also angled to discharge the fluid toward the high-pressure fluid side by sliding relative to the mating sealing face, as well as a second pumping groove that is open to the low-pressure fluid side but isolated from the high-pressure fluid side by a seal area and also angled to discharge the fluid toward the high-pressure fluid side by sliding relative to the mating sealing face, wherein the low-pressure fluid-side end of the first pumping groove is arranged adjacent to the high-pressure fluid-side end of the second pumping groove. |
| US09964214B2 |
Seal with non-metallic interface
A seal for use between a first duct and a second duct and, the ducts having relative motion therebetween, includes a first plurality of fingers for attachment to the first duct to be disposed about one of the first duct and the second duct, a seal land attaching to about an other of the first duct and the second duct, and a seal attaching to the seal land and in contact with the plurality of fingers wherein one of the plurality of fingers and the seal is metallic and an other of the seal land or the plurality of fingers is non-metallic. |
| US09964212B2 |
Wear resistant insert for pneumatic scotch yoke piston
A piston assembly includes a piston cross-member having a first end disposed opposite a second end. The piston assembly also includes a first cap disposed on the first end of the piston cross-member, and a second cap disposed on the second end of the piston cross-member. A slot is formed in the piston cross-member transverse to a length of the piston cross-member. An insert is disposed in the slot, wherein the insert is a wear article configured to contact a crank. |
| US09964210B1 |
Transmission actuator for an outboard motor having a planetary transmission
An outboard motor having an internal combustion engine that causes rotation of a driveshaft and a planetary transmission that operatively connects the driveshaft to a transmission output shaft, the planetary transmission being operable in a forward gear in which forward rotation of the driveshaft causes forward rotation of the output shaft, a reverse gear in which forward rotation of the driveshaft causes reverse rotation of the output shaft, and a neutral gear in which rotation of the driveshaft does not cause rotation of the output shaft, a band brake configured to shift the planetary transmission amongst the forward gear, neutral gear, and reverse gear, and a hydraulic actuator configured to actuate the band brake. |
| US09964209B2 |
Maximum axial position changing RPM methods
Methods that can be used to “limit the maximum shaft/spline rpm (speed) at which axial position changing of a variator mounted on it is performed to a “maximum axial position changing rpm value” for all variator mounted shafts/splines of a CVT, while still allowing a safe driving experience and also allowing the driver to use the full power of the engine when needed. |
| US09964208B2 |
Hydrostatic continuously variable transmission
A neutral biasing mechanism in a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission includes a plurality of springs attached so as to be spanned from a pivot arm to a base. The plurality of springs bias the pivot arm such that a roller is fitted into a cam portion. A variable spring configured such that a biasing force thereof can be changed and another spring that is different from the variable spring are provided as the plurality of springs. The variable spring and the other spring are arranged at separate positions in a state where attachment positions thereof in the pivot arm and the base are separate from each other. |
| US09964207B2 |
Continuously variable transmission and method for controlling the same
A transmission controller increases hydraulic pressure supplied to a secondary pulley and decreases hydraulic pressure supplied to a primary pulley to shift a variator to a mechanical Low speed ratio during the hydraulic pressure supplied to the primary pulley and the secondary pulley vibrates. The mechanical Low speed ratio is a speed ratio where a groove width of the primary pulley has a maximum value possible to be employed in structure of the primary pulley. |
| US09964206B2 |
Hydraulic control device for automatic transmission
A hydraulic control device for an automatic transmission, wherein when the first switching valve is switched to the first state while the second switching valve is in the third state, the reverse range pressure applied from the reverse range pressure input port of the second switching valve can be supplied from the first output port to the hydraulic servo for the first friction engagement element via the fourth output port of the second switching valve and the first input port of the first switching valve, and when a shift range is shifted from a neutral range to a reverse range, the second switching valve is in the fourth state, and the first switching valve is switched from the first state to the second state, so that the reverse range pressure applied to the reverse range pressure input port is cut off by the second switching valve. |
| US09964205B2 |
Controller and control method for electric oil pump
An electric oil pump (ELOP) provided in parallel to a mechanical oil pump driven by an engine supplies oil to a clutch of a transmission. The ELOP is rotated in advance of a request to operate the ELOP at a targeted relatively-low first preoperation rotational speed. When an actual rotational speed matches the first preoperation rotational speed and an actual current matches a threshold, the ELOP is rotated at a targeted relatively-high second preoperation rotational speed. At least when an actual rotational speed matches a second predetermined rotational speed not higher than the second preoperation rotational speed, it is determined that preoperation is completed. If the number of restarts during the preoperation as one operation history of the ELOP reaches or exceeds the predetermined number of times, the current supply to the ELOP is interrupted to limit the restart, thereby reducing the number of repeated restarts of the ELOP. |
| US09964201B2 |
Lubrication reservoir for lead screw assembly
A nut driven by a lead screw and stepper motor has an internal concave recess for holding high viscosity grease that is semi-solid at ambient temperature and spaced from the lead screw. Grease flow ensues with lead screw motion causing a slow flow of grease coating the lead screw with a thin coating of grease as the nut travels back and forth over the lead screw. The nut may be an anti-backlash nut or a single member nut with both having a concave recess about the lead screw for the grease. |
| US09964200B2 |
Slewing ring grease assembly
A slewing ring grease assembly for providing grease to internal gear teeth of a slewing ring. The slewing ring grease assembly includes a bulkhead fitting having a flange and a shaft, the shaft extends through a hole in the bulkhead attached to the slewing ring such that the shaft extends over the internal gear teeth of the slewing ring. The bulkhead fitting flange is secured to the bulkhead on a side opposite the internal gear teeth of the slewing ring. A passage through the bulkhead fitting is provided which is capable of delivering grease through the bulkhead fitting and onto the internal gear teeth of the slewing ring. The grease assembly may include a wall fitting extending through a wall of housing supporting the bulkhead and a connecting tube capable of delivering grease from the wall fitting to the passage of the bulkhead fitting. |
| US09964198B2 |
Linear electro-mechanical actuator
The present invention relates to a linear electro-mechanical actuator for transferring a rotational motion to a linear motion. The actuator provides a piston having an outer load-carrying surface and being at least partly arranged inside a housing. The actuator further provides a transmission module adapted to transfer a rotational motion generated by a motor to a linear motion of the piston. The actuator includes a separating member and a lubricating member having a porous polymeric matrix and a lubricating material, the separating member and the load-carrying member being arranged adjacent to each other. Thereby, the actuator allows for lubrication of at least a portion of the outer load-carrying surface of the piston by the lubricating material upon movement of the piston. For instance, the linear electro-mechanical actuator may not require, or may at least minimize, the need of relubrication. |
| US09964196B2 |
Bicycle sprocket
A bicycle sprocket comprises sprocket teeth. The sprocket teeth include at least one first tooth and at least one second tooth. The at least one first tooth has a first radial-tooth height. The at least one first tooth has a first chain-engaging axial width which is smaller than a first distance defined between opposed outer link plates of a bicycle chain and which is larger than a second distance defined between opposed inner link plates of the bicycle chain. The at least one second tooth is adjacent to the first tooth and is disposed on a downstream side in a rotational driving direction of the bicycle sprocket. The at least one second tooth is configured to engage with inner link plates of the bicycle chain. The at least one second tooth has a second radial-tooth height. The first radial-tooth height is greater than the second radial-tooth height. |
| US09964191B2 |
Step-by-step mechanism
A step-by-step mechanism with a housing (2) in which an outer ring (3) and an output element (4) are disposed, the outer ring (3) including double-clamp ramps (6) and the output element (4) including an inner clamping track (7), and, in an annular space (8) formed between the outer ring (3) and the output element (4), clamping bodies (9) being disposed which cooperate with the double-clamp ramps (6), the clamping bodies (8) being spring-loaded. Provided in the housing (2) is a housing-fixed sleeve (10) and spring elements (13) that spring-load the clamping bodies (9) are supported on the sleeve (10). |
| US09964190B2 |
Gear shift operation mechanism
A gear shift operation mechanism capable of achieving reduction in size and weight, reduction in power consumption, simplification and reduction in number of component parts, and cost reduction is provided. A screw shaft that configures a ball screw, a motor that rotates the screw shaft, a nut that is screwed onto the screw shaft, a clutch that is disposed on the screw shaft, and a select lever that is integrated with the screw shaft by switching on the clutch, and has restraint cancelled with respect to the screw shaft by switching off the clutch are included, one end of a main lever is engaged with the nut, the other end is engaged or connected with a shaft, and the select lever is engaged with the main lever. |
| US09964188B2 |
Drive system
A drive assembly for driving an implement is provided. The drive assembly includes a gear drive mechanism comprising a first drive gear rotatable about a first axis of rotation; a second drive gear rotatable about a second axis of rotation and engaged to the first drive gear; a driven member driven by the second drive gear, engaged to the implement, and rotatable about a third axis of rotation; a lobe; and a flexible link engaged to the first drive gear and the lobe, the flexible link comprising a first loop engaged to the lobe and a second loop engaged to the first drive gear. The drive assembly also includes a handle member engaged to the gear drive mechanism and configured to drive the lobe. The implement is rotated about the third axis of rotation as the handle member is moved from an unfired position to a fired position. |
| US09964184B2 |
Variable speed aircraft transmission
A variable state planetary shifting transmission can include an input shaft, an output shaft; and a planetary system having a sun gear associated with the input shaft, a planetary carrier, and a ring gear associated with a ring housing. The transmission can include an overrunning clutch operably coupled to the planetary carrier. The transmission can include a clutch assembly coupled to the planetary carrier. The transmission is capable of changing the speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft by selective engagement of the clutch assembly against the ring gear which can cause either the freeing or locking of the planetary carrier by the overrunning clutch. |
| US09964183B2 |
Transmission with high speed clutch hub
A clutch hub is selectively held against rotation by a brake and selectively coupled to an input shaft by a clutch. The clutch pack for the brake is splined to the outside of the clutch hub while the clutch pack for the clutch is splined to the inside. To reduce axial length, the clutch packs are packaged radially outside of a gear set, increasing the diameter of the clutch hub. When the clutch hub is subjected to high rotational speeds, high centrifugal stresses result. These stresses are reduced by openings in the spline teeth and in the recesses between the spline teeth. Fluid flow to the outer clutch pack is controlled by openings in a clutch housing. |
| US09964181B2 |
Vehicle gear-type speed changer and motorcycle speed reducer
Out of a plurality of speed change gears on one of an input shaft and an output shaft, for example, on the output shaft, two adjacent speed change gears disposed via an axial space therebetween are axially fixed and rotatably fitted around the output shaft. A dog ring for a dog clutch disposed between the speed change gears is fixed around the output shaft and axially slidably fitted thereto. The speed change gears on the output shaft and the dog ring are each provided with an engagement portion for the dog clutch engaged and disengaged by axial shift of the dog ring. The two speed change gears on the input shaft meshing with the two speed change gears on the output shaft are provided integrally with the input shaft. |
| US09964177B2 |
Dual mass flywheel
The dual mass flywheel comprises a spring assembly (4; 104; 112; 128; 129), if necessary, with two stages of which one can include a spiral spring. Furthermore, the dual mass flywheel comprises a friction damping system (111) that applies torque independently of the rotational speed of the flywheel. |
| US09964176B2 |
Torsional vibration damper assembly with pre-tensioning
A torsional vibration damping arrangement particularly for the drivetrain of a vehicle, having a carrier arrangement which is rotatable around an axis of rotation, a deflection mass which is movable in circumferential direction relative to the carrier arrangement. The carrier arrangement and the deflection mass are coupled so as to be rotatable relative to one another via a plurality of radially extending, flexible restoring elements which are arranged in circumferential direction. A restoring element is deformable in each instance around a force application point which is movable in radial direction under centrifugal force and which is associated with the restoring element. A first restoring element is preloaded in a first direction in inactive position of the torsional vibration damping arrangement, and in that a second restoring element is preloaded in a second direction opposite to the first direction in the inactive position. |
| US09964173B2 |
Antivibration device
An antivibration device capable of attaining damping performance in a comparatively broad frequency band range is provided. In the antivibration device, between an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder, formed are a first liquid chamber, a second liquid chamber, and a third liquid chamber. There are provided a first orifice passage that makes the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber communicate with each other, and a second orifice passage that makes one of the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber and the third liquid chamber communicate with each other. |
| US09964172B2 |
Adjustable damping valve device
An adjustable damping valve device includes a pressure-dependent auxiliary damping valve with an auxiliary damping valve body having at least one through-channel whose outlet side is at least partially covered by at least one valve disk. The at least one valve disk is centered at its outer diameter with respect to the auxiliary damping valve body, and the auxiliary damping valve body is constructed integral with a centering collar at which the at least one valve disk is guided. |
| US09964171B2 |
Damper assembly
A damper assembly (20) is disclosed, and it comprises: a first rube (22) defining an inner surface (24) extending along an axis (A) to define a fluid chamber (30) containing a damping fluid (32); a rod (34) extending axially in the first rube (22); a guide (40) annularly disposed about the rod (34) and engaging the first tube (22); a piston (42) and a retainer (46) which are attached to the rod (34) and are slidably disposed in the first tube (22); a first spring (50) engaging and extending axially away from the retainer (46); a valve body (52) which is disposed adjacent to the first spring (50) and has a periphery (54) spaced from the inner surface (24) of the first tube (22) to define an annular channel (60); a second spring (66) extending axially away from the valve body (52); a bumper (68) engaging the second spring (66). The valve body (52) moves into sealing engagement with the retainer (46) in response to the bumper (68) engaging the guide (40). This causes the damping fluid (32) to move exclusively through the valve body (52) providing additional damping force. |
| US09964170B2 |
Force limiting device
A force limiting device comprises a housing defining an axially extending chamber containing a working fluid. A force transmitting member may be mounted for linear reciprocable movement inside the chamber under the action of external loads. An axial array of plates is floatingly disposed in the chamber between the force transmitting member and an end wall of the chamber. At rest, each plate is spaced from an adjacent plate by a gap occupied by the working fluid. When the force transmitting member is displaced towards the array of plates, the fluid in the chamber causes the plates to be successively pushed against each other, thereby causing some of the fluid to be squeezed out from between the plates. |
| US09964169B2 |
Damper having torque limiter function
A damper includes an outer cover having a front cover and a rear cover. The covers are joined to form a lubricant oil accommodation chamber for accommodating liquid. A damper device, a limiter mechanism, a first plate including a first collar portion located toward the front of the limiter mechanism, and a second plate including a second collar portion located toward the rear of the limiter mechanism are arranged in the outer cover. The limiter mechanism includes a first limiter plate, which is an input side on the torque transmission path, a second limiter plate, which is an output side on the torque transmission path, and a limiter disc spring, which presses the limiter plates. |
| US09964168B1 |
Brake pad wear and temperature sensor
A brake pad monitoring sensor includes an erodible, electrically non-conductive body, and an electrical circuit disposed within the body. The electrical circuit includes a first wear indicating portion. Electrical continuity of the first wear indicating portion is broken when the body erodes, in response to abrasion against a brake rotor, beyond a first depth relative to a contact surface of the body, to sense a first degree of wear. The electrical circuit includes a first thermocouple that is operable to generate a temperature dependent voltage signal for sensing a temperature of the brake pad. The brake pad monitoring sensor may be used to determine both brake pad wear, and brake pad temperature. |
| US09964167B2 |
Vehicle braking systems and methods
A method in which at least one piezoceramic sensor, which converts every mechanical force to which it is subjected into an electrical signal and having a Curie temperature higher than 200° C., is solidarized directly onto the surface of a metal support element of a vehicle braking element, which during use faces a vehicle element to be braked. While in contact with such a surface, an electrical circuit is implemented that picks up and eventually processes the electrical signal, the electrical circuit being connected with a connector integrated with the metal support element. An electrically insulating layer sandwiches the at least one piezoceramic sensor and the electrical circuit, and a block of friction material with an underlying damping layer is formed upon the electrically insulating layer. After forming the block of friction material, the piezoceramic sensor is polarized by applying a predetermined potential difference thereto by means of the connector. |
| US09964165B2 |
Brake piston
A brake piston includes a piston pocket. The piston pocket receives a nut that is axially movable along a center axis. The nut is restricted from rotating within the piston pocket when a torque due to a frictional engagement between a nut seal and an inner pocket wall, one or more projections, or both is greater than an input torque at the nut. The nut is rotatable within the piston pocket when a torque due to the frictional engagement between the nut seal and the inner pocket wall, the one or more projections or both is less than the input torque at the nut and is less than the torque due to the frictional engagement between the piston and the piston seal. |
| US09964158B2 |
Damper disk assembly
A damper disc assembly includes first and second input plates, an output unit, a high stiffness damper unit, and first and second low stiffness damper units. The output unit includes an input-side member and an output-side member disposed rotatably relative to each other. The high stiffness damper unit elastically couples the input-side member and the first and second input plates in a rotational direction and is actuated in a high torsion angular range of torsional characteristics. The first and second low stiffness damper units elastically couple the input-side member and the output-side member and are actuated in a low torsion angular range of the torsional characteristics. The second low stiffness damper unit is actuated later than actuation of the first low stiffness damper unit. |
| US09964152B2 |
Lubrication for an expendable bearing
An expendable bearing and a method for making the same including an inner race defining an inner bearing diameter, an outer race defining an outer bearing diameter, a seal attached to the outer race and positioned adjacent and in contact with the inner race, where the inner race, the outer race, and the seal define a bearing cavity, a plurality of rolling elements positioned adjacent to the inner and outer races in the bearing cavity, a dry film lubricant on a surface of at least one of the inner race, the outer race, or the plurality of rolling elements, and a powder lubricant comprising carbon nanotubes disposed in the bearing cavity. |
| US09964149B2 |
Cage for a ball bearing provided with a wire and added interposed parts
A cage for a ball bearing is provided with a wire having a first group of heels spaced apart in the circumferential direction and form a first discontinuous ring, a second group of heels spaced apart in the circumferential direction and form a second discontinuous ring, and a plurality of connecting portions extending between one of the heels of the first group and second group. The connecting portions and the heels of the first group and/or the second group delimit a plurality of spaces each intended to receive a ball of the bearing. The cage also provides at least one interposed part disposed inside each space and is provided with a body for accommodating a ball and coupling means for fastening the body to at least one of the connecting portions of the wire. Each of the bodies of the interposed parts fully positioned in the circumferential direction. |
| US09964148B2 |
Fluid dynamic bearing apparatus, spindle motor, and disk drive apparatus
A fluid dynamic bearing apparatus includes a stationary body, a rotating body, and a lubricating oil arranged therebetween. One of the stationary and rotating bodies includes a shaft. Another one of the stationary and rotating bodies includes a sleeve. The sleeve includes a communicating hole arranged to pass therethrough in an axial direction or obliquely with respect to the axial direction. A groove array is defined in the stationary body or the rotating body to cause the lubricating oil to flow into the communicating hole. An opening area of an inlet of the communicating hole may be arranged to be greater than a cross-sectional area of a tubular portion of the communicating hole to make it easier for the lubricating oil to flow into the communicating hole. Further, the shape of the inlet may be modified to make a loss coefficient at the inlet lower than a loss coefficient at an outlet. This contributes to preventing a leakage of the lubricating oil. |
| US09964147B2 |
Magnetic bearing, shaft and shaft monitoring for a spinning rotor of an open-end spinning machine
A magnetic bearing for the mounting of a shaft, in particular for a spinning rotor of an open-end spinning device, features several pole shanks of a stator for the active radial magnetic mounting of the shaft in two degrees of freedom, which in each case are surrounded by a coil and are radially arranged to each other, in such a manner that they define an opening for the shaft. In the area of the opening, the pole shanks are connected to each other. For the passive axial mounting of the shaft, at least one permanent magnet is arranged between the coils and the opening. The invention also includes a shaft for mounting with at least one corresponding magnetic bearing. The shaft is a composite component, which at least partially consists of non-ferromagnetic material. In the area of the radial and axial mounting, a component made of a ferromagnetic material is arranged. A shaft mounting is also provided and features, for the passive axial mounting of one degree of freedom of the shaft and for the active radial mounting of two degrees of freedom of the shaft, at least one, preferably two, corresponding magnetic bearings. |
| US09964146B2 |
Magnetic bearing having reduced leakage magnetic flux
A magnetic bearing which would reduce a leakage magnetic flux to be generated between teeth is provided. A predetermined one of its teeth (24) is configured so that a pitch (P1) between the predetermined tooth (24) and one of two adjacent teeth (24) that are located on clockwise and counterclockwise sides thereof in the circumferential direction is broader than a pitch (P2) between the predetermined tooth (24) and the other tooth (24) and that a magnetic flux flows in the same radial direction through the predetermined tooth (24) and the tooth (24) spaced from the predetermined tooth (24) by the narrower pitch (P1) but flows in two different radial directions through the predetermined tooth (24) and the tooth (24) spaced from the predetermined tooth (24) by the broader pitch (P2). |
| US09964145B2 |
Suspension thrust bearing device
A suspension thrust bearing provides a bearing with annular upper part and annular lower part. The lower part provides an axial hub, an outwardly projected radial flange extending from the axial hub, and a curved connecting portion between the axial hub and radial flange. The lower part provides an exterior support surface that axially supports an upper end of a suspension spring by a damping device made from resilient material. The exterior support surface provides at least one longitudinal groove, the damping device including an interior surface contacting the exterior support surface and including a complementary shape to mate with the groove. The groove extends along the connecting portion, disposed in a recessed portion between two longitudinal side walls, a first groove end on or directed towards the hub, and a second groove end on or directed towards the flange, the second groove end being a transverse wall. |
| US09964144B2 |
Manufacturing method for fluid dynamic bearing devices
The present invention relates to a manufacturing method for a fluid dynamic bearing device, the method involving: forming an axial clearance 14 having a clearance width δ equal to a total amount of clearance widths of two thrust bearing clearances δ1, δ2 between a second bearing surface C of a bearing member 22 fixed to an outer periphery of a shaft member 21 and a sealing member 9; relatively moving the shaft member 21, the shaft member 22, and the sealing member 9 with respect to a housing 7 while the clearance width δ of the axial clearance 14 is maintained after forming the axial clearance 14; and fixing the sealing member 9 to the housing 7 at a time when a first thrust bearing surface B of the bearing member 22 comes into contact with a bottom surface 7b of the housing 7. |
| US09964143B2 |
Foil bearing and method for manufacturing thereof
A foil bearing (thrust foil bearing (40)) includes a foil holder (41) and a plurality of foils (42) arrayed in a circumferential direction. Each of the foils (42) includes a body portion (42a) having a thrust bearing surface (S2) and an extended portion (42b) extending from the body portion (42a) to a radially outer side. An end portion (42d) of the body portion (42a) of each of the foils (42) on one circumferential side is arranged so as to be overlapped on the body portion (42a) of adjacent one of the foils (42). The extended portions (42b) of the plurality of foils (42) are fixed onto the same plane of the foil holder (41). |
| US09964141B2 |
Bearing assembly with inner race having one or more flats
A bearing assembly includes an outer race and an inner race. The outer race has a body extending between a pair of axial faces and defines a radially-inward facing bearing surface. The inner race is received in the outer race and has a radially-outward facing bearing surface that bears against the radially-inward facing bearing surface of the outer race. The radially-outward facing bearing surface has one or more flat surfaces removed from it. These flats on the inner race can reduce the dimensional entry requirements for insertion of the inner race into the outer race and either permits the receiving slots in the outer race to be reduced in dimension (thereby relatively thickening the wall of the outer race, which structurally strengthens the outer races) or permits the receiving slots to be eliminated altogether. |
| US09964134B1 |
Smart IOT sensor having an elongated stress sensor
An Internet of Thing (IoT) device includes a head portion; an elongated stress sensor coupled to the head portion, the stress sensor coupled to a surface; a processor coupled to the stress sensor; and a wireless transceiver coupled to the processor. |
| US09964132B2 |
Quick hook
An adapter for anchoring an object to an existing support structure comprises: a securing block comprising a first inner block, a second inner block complementary to the first inner block, the first and second inner blocks defining a channel therethrough when placed in opposition for receiving and securing to the existing support structure, the first inner block comprising a first securing means and the second inner block comprising a second securing means; and an outer sleeve for coupling to the securing block, having: an opening to receive the existing support structure; a sleeve channel for receiving the securing block; and an attachment arm attached to an outer surface of the outer sleeve for anchoring the object. |
| US09964123B2 |
Axial fan having balance correction portions and a cone located axial of one of the balance correction portions
An impeller of an axial fan includes a cup-shaped blade support portion configured to cover a rotor holder, and blades arranged in a circumferential direction radially outside of the blade support portion. Rotation of the impeller generates a downward air flow. The axial fan includes first and second balance correction portions. The first balance correction portion is located between the blade support portion and the rotor holder. The second balance correction portion is located axially below the first balance correction portion, and is located axially below the rotor holder and a junction of each blade with the blade support portion. The impeller includes a first cone portion located axially below the second balance correction portion, and decreases in diameter with decreasing height. |
| US09964110B2 |
Bearing arrangement and wear indicator for a liquid ring vacuum pump
A liquid-ring vacuum pump comprises a pump casing and a shaft eccentrically mounted in the pump casing. An impeller and a rotor of a drive motor are connected to the shaft. A disk cam is arranged parallel to the impeller. A first main bearing for the shaft is arranged between the impeller and the rotor of the drive motor, on the plane of the disk cam. The impeller is arranged between the first main bearing and a second main bearing. The arrangement of the bearings prevents the shaft from bending, thus allowing the leakage gap between the impeller and the disk cam to be kept small. |
| US09964109B2 |
Apparatus for driving fluid having a rotating cam and rocker arm
An apparatus for driving fluid includes a housing having an interior chamber in communication with a fluid inlet for receiving the fluid and a fluid outlet for expelling the fluid, a cam rotatably mounted within the interior chamber, the cam configured to drive fluid to flow, the cam having an annular channel formed therein, a working vane extending into the annular channel for sliding therein as the cam rotates, wherein the working vane divides the annular channel into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber such that, as the cam rotates, the inlet chamber expands and the outlet chamber contracts, a follower vane extending into the annular channel for sliding therein as the cam rotates, wherein the follower vane allows fluid to pass in the annular channel, and a rocker arm for providing dependent motion between the working vane and the follower vane. |
| US09964106B2 |
Diaphragm pump with dual spring overfill limiter
A diaphragm pump includes a housing having a pumping chamber containing fluid. The pump has a transfer chamber containing hydraulic fluid, and a hydraulic fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the transfer chamber. The pump housing forms a cylinder with a piston defining a piston inner chamber and sliding in the cylinder. A valve leads to the piston inner chamber with a valve spool slidably mounted in the piston inner chamber to cover the valve and uncover the valve. A diaphragm connects to the valve spool by a plunger. An overfill limiter includes a spacer slidably mounted in the piston inner chamber. A first spring is intermediate the valve spool and the spacer and a second spring is intermediate the end of the piston inner chamber and the spacer, the second spring having a second spring constant greater than the spring constant of the first spring. |
| US09964104B2 |
Air compressor
An improved air compressor includes a cylinder with a piston body and an air storage container. The air storage container can be detachably mounted to the cylinder to define a primary air chamber, and an auxiliary air chamber which can reduce the motion resistance of the piston body, so that the piston body can conduct reciprocating motion in the cylinder more smoothly. Furthermore, the cylinder has an open bottom that is divided into two halves according to a central vertical line (Y) of the cylinder, wherein one half of the open bottom is horizontal while the other half of the open bottom is slanted. When the piston body reaches the bottom dead center, the head of the piston body will be entirely within the cylinder and thus keep air-tight with the cylinder. Therefore, the performance of compressing air and the operational safety can be increased. |
| US09964100B2 |
Compressed gas motor for operation of a lavage system
A compressed gas motor (1) comprising a vibration body (10) made to vibrate by a compressed gas being guided through the compressed gas motor (1), and a plunger (12) supported as in a bearing by a restoring element (14) in spring-like manner, the vibration body (10) and the plunger (12) being positioned and supported such that the vibration body (10) repeatedly hits against the plunger (12) during the vibration and displaces it against the restoring element (14), whereby the motion of the plunger (12) is utilized as the drive of the compressed gas motor (1). |
| US09964099B2 |
Device for holding and deploying apparatus for use in space
A device for holding and deploying apparatus for use in space includes a fixed body and a movable body coaxially connected to each other through balls displaceable from a retention position to a release position, and a shape memory alloy actuator remote-controllable to displace the balls from the retention position to the release position and the ensuing separation of the moveable body from the fixed body under the action of axial thrust elastic means. The shape memory alloy actuator consists of a torsionally-deformable bar. |
| US09964096B2 |
Triaxial fiber-reinforced composite laminate
Provided is a rotor blade that may include a first layer having a first plurality of non-woven fibers oriented at first angle of about 10 to 30 degrees relative to a long axis of the rotor blade, a second plurality of non-woven fibers oriented at a second angle of about 60 to 75 degrees relative to the first plurality of fibers, and a third plurality of non-woven fibers oriented at a third angle of about −60 to about −75 degrees relative to the second plurality of fibers. |
| US09964094B2 |
Internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine including at least one cylinder with a piston moveable therein in an engine block in which microwaves are introduced into a combustion chamber through a microwave window, wherein the combustion chamber is formed by a piston base and a cylinder head, characterized in that the combustion chamber includes a combustion chamber wall which functions as a microwave window at least in portions wherein the combustion chamber wall is made from a wall layer that is made from a ceramic material in which wall layer at least one annular circumferential hollow conductor cavity is arranged with at least one inlet opening for the microwave and which includes at least one outlet opening for the microwave that is run in the annular hollow conductor cavity of the wall layer. In general the invention provides safe ignition of lean fuel air mixtures. |
| US09964091B2 |
Apparatus for voltage dip stabilization in a motor vehicle
Methods and apparatuses for voltage dip stabilization in a motor vehicle are described herein. The apparatus of one embodiment includes a first connection for connecting the apparatus to an energy source, in particular to a vehicle battery and a second connection for connecting the apparatus to a starting apparatus of a motor vehicle. The apparatus also includes a current-limiting module for limiting a starter current, a control unit for driving the current-limiting module, and at least one starting process detector, which is connected to the control unit, for identifying a starting process. The control unit, on the basis of a starting process signal from the starting process detector, prompts the current-limiting module to carry out a starter current-limiting measure. |
| US09964088B2 |
Multi-hole fuel injector with sequential fuel injection
Methods and systems are provided for direct fuel injection. In one example, a fuel injector system includes an injector needle with an injector pin with a curved fuel channel around the outer circumference of the injector pin, fluidically connected along the length of the curved fuel channel with a fuel reservoir inside the injector pin. An actuator coupled to the injector needle may sequentially move and position the injector needle to establish fluidic connection between the curved fuel channel and with one or more nozzle holes of the fuel injector at each position, discharging fuel from only those nozzle holes, thereby minimizing fuel spray interaction. |
| US09964081B2 |
Fuel pump system for bubble control
A fuel system includes an air residence chamber operative to receive fuel from a fuel tank and allow degassed air to separate from fuel to an upper portion, and a boost pump including a boost pump inlet and a boost pump outlet. The boost pump inlet is in fluid communication with a lower portion of the air residence chamber to pump fluid from the air residence chamber. The system also includes an accumulator in fluid communication with the boost pump outlet. The accumulator includes a reservoir having a reservoir inlet in fluid communication with the boost pump outlet and a reservoir outlet. The accumulator also includes a piston slidably disposed in the reservoir. The piston is operative to push fluid through the reservoir outlet when a pump pressure of the boost pump drops below a predetermined pressure value. |
| US09964073B1 |
Liquid rocket engine with hybrid electric motor driven pump
A nuclear thermal rocket with a superconducting electric motor driven boost pump submerged within a tank of liquid hydrogen, where the boost pump is driven by both an electric motor and a turbine. The boost pump can be submerged in liquid hydrogen so that the electric motor operates as a superconducting motor. Also, a turbopump for a rocket engine can include both a turbine and an electric motor to drive the liquid oxidizer and liquid fuel pumps of the turbopump. |
| US09964067B2 |
Internal combustion engine with oil circuit and oil-lubricated shaft bearings
An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder head, a cylinder block serving as an upper crankcase half for holding a crankshaft in at least two crankshaft bearings, at least one further shaft mounted in at least two shaft bearings, an oil circuit with oil-conducting lines for supplying oil to at least two bearings, and an exhaust-gas recirculation arrangement. A heat conductor runs between at least one of the bearings and a thermally more highly loaded region of the internal combustion engine which, at least in the warm-up phase of the internal combustion engine, is at a higher temperature than the associated bearing. |
| US09964066B2 |
Internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder head including an intake port, an exhaust port, a water jacket, an intake valve, an exhaust valve, an intake valve seat, and an exhaust valve seat. The water jacket is positioned between the intake port and the exhaust port. The intake valve includes an intake valve head, and the exhaust valve includes an exhaust valve head. The intake valve contacts an intake valve seat surface of the intake valve seat. The exhaust valve head contacts an exhaust valve seat surface of the exhaust valve seat. The shortest distance between the water jacket and the intake valve seat surface is shorter than the shortest distance between the water jacket and the exhaust valve seat surface. |
| US09964064B1 |
Method of improving active fuel management reactivation torque responsiveness
A method of improving active fuel management reactivation torque responsiveness. The method includes detecting a driver torque request signal for increased torque output during active fuel management reactivation, modifying a torque request signal ramp rate based on excess air pressure available within an engine manifold during active fuel management, performing torque shaping on the driver torque request signal using the modified torque request signal ramp rate to obtain a shaped driver torque request signal, modifying manifold model torque estimation based on the excess air pressure available within the engine manifold during active fuel management reactivation, and modifying the smoothed driver torque request signal based on the modified manifold model to increase torque output responsiveness proportional to the driver torque request signal when exiting active fuel management. |
| US09964063B2 |
Fuel injection valve with cylinder internal pressure sensor
Within a resin mold portion of a fuel injection valve, an amplifying member having a substrate is provided. An engagement hole that penetrates in an axial direction is formed in another end part of the amplifying member, and an engagement pin, which is formed on a bobbin of a housing, is inserted through the engagement hole. A second connector of a second signal transmitting member, which constitutes part of a signal transmitting unit, is inserted from below into a connecting hole formed in the substrate. In addition, when the resin mold portion is molded, the amplifying member is retained in a state with the engagement pin and the second connector being inserted, respectively, into the engagement hole and the connecting hole. |
| US09964058B2 |
System and method for increasing fuel economy of a vehicle including a SCR catalyst
Methods and systems for increasing fuel economy of a vehicle including a SCR catalyst are presented. In one example, an amount of EGR provided to an engine is decreased in response to performance of the SCR being within a predetermined range of performance. The methods and systems may increase vehicle fuel economy while vehicle tailpipe emissions are achieved. |
| US09964052B2 |
Multi-source gaseous fuel blending manifold
A device, system, and method are provided for blending multiple fuels in multiple states and optimizing the blended fuel for parameters including cost, energy content, pressure, etc. In a primary fuel/supplemental fuel system, the present invention allows a user to consume as much primary fuel as possible even if the primary fuel is hampered by inconsistent pressure or quality issue, thus ensuring a downstream engine runs continuously. |
| US09964051B2 |
Firing fraction management in skip fire engine control
In various described embodiments skip fire control is used to deliver a desired engine output. A controller determines a skip fire firing fraction and (as appropriate) associated engine settings that are suitable for delivering a requested output. In one aspect, the skip fire controller is arranged to select a base firing fraction that has a repeating firing cycle length that will repeat at least a designated number of times per second at the current engine speed. Such an arrangement can be helpful in reducing the occurrence of undesirable vibrations. |
| US09964048B2 |
Systems and methods for adaptive throttle filtering
Systems and methods for adaptive throttle filtering are disclosed. One method includes receiving vertical acceleration data indicative of a plurality of vertical accelerations of a machine, receiving first throttle pedal data indicative of a plurality of throttle pedal movements, determining a filter factor based at least on the vertical acceleration data, filtering the first throttle pedal data, based at least on the filter factor, to determine second throttle pedal data, and causing the second throttle pedal data to be transmitted to a controller to effectuate control of an operation of an engine. |
| US09964040B2 |
Spiral cooling of combustor turbine casing aft plenum
A spiral cooling system for cooling an aft turbine casing of a gas turbine engine. The gas turbine engine includes a turbine casing having a fore end and an aft end, a star bearing support member supporting a bearing housing and including a plurality of struts each mounted to an aft flange at the aft end of the turbine casing. The turbine casing includes an outer casing wall and an inner casing wall at the aft end defining an airflow plenum therebetween that receives cooling air at an input end opposite to the aft flange. The spiral cooling system includes a plurality of fins secured to an inside surface of the outer wall and being spaced from the inner wall that directs the airflow from the input end in a circular manner around the plenum to an output end of the plenum. |
| US09964039B2 |
Auxiliary lubricant supply pump stage integral with main lubricant pump stage
A disclosed lubrication pump includes a main pump stage, an auxiliary pump stage, and scavenger pump stages. The lubrication pump therefore may be driven by a common shaft of the accessory gearbox. |
| US09964033B2 |
Two-spool design for a turboshaft engine with a high-pressure compressor connected to a low-pressure turbine
A turboshaft engine including a low-pressure compressor, a high-pressure compressor, a low-pressure turbine, a high-pressure turbine, and a regulator for regulating a speed of rotation of the low-pressure turbine to a speed that is substantially constant. The low-pressure turbine is coupled by a first shaft to the high-pressure compressor, while the high-pressure turbine is coupled by a second shaft to the low-pressure compressor. |
| US09964028B2 |
Turbocharger system
A turbocharger system for a light or heavy duty vehicle, a maritime vehicle or a construction vehicle comprises a turbocharger device, an exhaust manifold conduit, a valve, a receptacle for compressed gas and a gas compressor for compressing gas. By opening the valve during a predetermined pulse duration time period, compressed gas may be provided from the receptacle to the exhaust manifold conduit for initial turbocharger compressor spin-up. The turbocharger system further comprises a cooling means configured to decrease temperature of compressed gas provided by the gas compressor, and a heating means configured to increase temperature of the gas pulse generated by opening of the valve. By decreasing the temperature of the compressed gas in the receptacle upstream of the valve and subsequently heating up the generated air pulse before being provided to the exhaust manifold conduit, the response time of the turbocharger device can be improved. |
| US09964024B2 |
Charge air cooler control system and method
A charge air cooler arrangement, a charge air cooler tank, and method are disclosed. The charge air cooler arrangement includes a charge air cooler having an operable thermal transfer area configured to transfer heat from inside the charge air cooler to outside of the charge air cooler. The charge air cooler arrangement may also include a valve configured to change the operable thermal transfer area from a relatively large area to a relatively small area. |
| US09964019B2 |
Method and system for a dual loop coolant system
Methods and systems are provided for a dual loop coolant system used to control an engine transmission oil temperature. In one example, a high temperature coolant loop comprises a first heat exchanger and a control valve positioned upstream of the first heat exchanger whose coolant flow is separate from a second, low temperature coolant loop containing a second heat exchanger. An engine fluid circuit fluidically coupling the first heat exchanger, second heat exchanger, and an engine system component via a bypass valve positioned between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. |
| US09964016B2 |
Exhaust gas aftertreatment device
The aftertreatment device has a casing (10), which has an inlet opening (12) for the inflow of the exhaust gas, an outlet opening (14) for the outflow of the exhaust gas and a feed hole (16) for dispensing reactive substance to the casing. The reactive substance can be for example fuel, ammonium or urea/water solution. As an extension of the outlet opening there is a mixing tube (18) directed outwards from the casing for mixing the exhaust gas and the reactive substance. Inside the casing there is a feeding channel (20) for guiding the exhaust gas to the mixing tube. The feeding channel has an open first end extending to the outlet opening, the cross-sectional area of which first end is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the outlet opening. The wall (22) of the feeding channel has holes (24) for the inflow of the exhaust gas. Preferably, the wall of the feeding channel has at least along a part of its length a conical shape. The second end of the feeding channel can be connected to the end wall of the casing, whereby the exhaust gas can flow into the feeding channel only through the holes in the wall of the feeding channel. The exhaust gas can flow to the mixing tube through the feeding channel as well as through the annular slot around the first end of the feeding channel. The exhaust gas flowing through the feeding channel forms a center flow to the mixing tube and the exhaust gas flowing through the slot surrounding the feeding channel forms an edge flow surrounding and rotating around the center flow. |
| US09964012B2 |
Method for sizing and positioning catalytic converter insulation
The substrate is used in a catalytic converter can to which a cylindrical inlet pipe leads and has an inner catalytic zone portion, an outer catalytic zone portion and an insulation material thermally separating the portions. The insulation extends through the substrate and has a uniform cross-section substantially defined by the intersection of two notional cylinders and the upstream face of the substrate, each notional cylinder having: a nominal diameter that is between 1.08 and 1.20 of the diameter of the inlet pipe; a thickness of 1-4 mm; and an axis aligned with the gas direction at the point of maximum velocity at the intersection of the inlet pipe and the can. One of the cylinders is associated with the gas flow at the lower limit of the operating range and the other of the cylinders is associated with the gas flow at the upper limit of the operating range. |
| US09964010B2 |
Turbocharger actuation shaft exhaust leakage containment method
An internal combustion engine, includes a turbocharger with a variable geometry turbine having an actuator shaft passing through the turbocharger housing. The actuator shaft opening is vented to the engine crankcase for diverting exhaust that passes through the actuator shaft opening to the crankcase instead of being released to the under-hood environment. |
| US09964009B2 |
Oil supply system for engine
An oil supply system for an engine is provided, which includes an oil pressure controller for controlling a variable displacement oil pump to adjust a discharge pressure thereof to reach a target oil pressure corresponding to an operating state of the engine, the variable displacement oil pump capable of adjusting a discharge amount of oil, a load detector for detecting an engine load, and an oil temperature detector for detecting an oil temperature. When the engine load is low, to increase an amount of oil mist flowing inside a crank case of the engine, the oil pressure controller controls the variable displacement oil pump to increase the discharge amount as the oil temperature becomes lower, the oil mist generated by the oil flowing out of a bearing part rotatably supporting at least a crankshaft and being atomized, the engine load being considered low when below a predetermined reference load. |
| US09964008B2 |
Lubrication circuit layout
An engine-case component and a variable displacement oil pump are provided for an internal combustion engine. The engine-case component includes, but is not limited to a first oil channel suitable for connecting an oil outlet of the variable displacement oil pump with a primary control chamber of the same variable displacement oil pump, a second oil channel suitable for being independently connected with a secondary control chamber of the variable displacement oil pump, and a seat communicating with the first oil channel and the second oil channel, which is suitable for accommodating an electrically driven control valve for selectively opening and closing the communication between the first and the second oil channel. |
| US09964007B2 |
Variable valve duration/variable valve lift system and engine provided with the same
The present disclosure provides a variable valve duration/variable valve lift system including a camshaft in a first cam with a variable relative phase angle with respect to the camshaft, an inner bracket transmitting rotation of the camshaft, a slider housing, a first rocker arm of which a first end contacts the first cam, a rocker shaft connected to the first rocker arm on which hydraulic lines are formed, solenoid valves configured to selectively supply hydraulic pressure through the hydraulic lines, a position controller configured to selectively change a position of the slider housing according to supplied hydraulic pressure from the solenoid valves, a first bridge connected to a second end of the first rocker arm and to which a first valve is connected, and a first valve lift device disposed within the first bridge for changing valve lift of the first valve according to supplied hydraulic pressure from hydraulic lines. |
| US09964006B2 |
Actuator for axial displacement of an object
An actuator for axial displacement of an object, includes an actuator piston and an actuator piston rod, wherein the piston is displaceable in the axial direction, and a hydraulic circuit including a liquid filled chamber, a first end of the actuator piston rod being displaceable in the axial direction within the liquid filled chamber, wherein an axially extending recess mouth in the liquid filled chamber is arranged to receive the first end. The actuator piston rod in the area of the first end presents a cylindrical envelope surface, and the recess presents a cylindrical inner surface having a matching shape, wherein the actuator includes a passage extending between the recess and liquid filled chamber when the cylindrical envelope surface and the cylindrical inner surface are located in overlapping configuration, wherein the passage presents at a braking overlap section a cross section area that decreases as a function of increasing overlap. |
| US09964005B2 |
Method for diagnosing variable valve actuation malfunctions by monitoring fluid pressure in a control gallery
A system and method for diagnosing malfunctions in a variable valve actuation device. The method uses a rocker arm assembly with a hydraulically operated latch for latching together first and second arms of the rocker arm assembly when latched. The rocker arm assembly includes a source of pressurized fluid connected to a hydraulic valve that provides fluid high or low pressure fluid to the hydraulically-operated latch. A control gallery connects the hydraulic valve to the latch. A pressure transducer is positioned within the gallery and is adapted to create a signal indicating the pressure in the gallery. A control unit is coupled to the hydraulic valve and the pressure transducer. The control unit is adapted to sense engine operation parameters, actuate the hydraulic valve, read the signal from the pressure transducer; and identify malfunctions of the rocker arm assembly based upon the signal from the transducer. |
| US09964000B2 |
Combined heat and power system including expander having expansion volume ratio equal to or less than that of theoretical rankine cycle
A combined heat and power system according the present disclosure includes a Rankine cycle apparatus including an evaporator that heats a working fluid by heat exchange between the working fluid and a heat source medium, an expansion machine that converts expansion power of the working fluid into rotational power, and a condenser that cools the working fluid by heat exchange between the working fluid and a heat medium, and a thermal circuit for using the heat medium heated by the condenser. An expansion volume ratio of the expansion machine is equal to or less than an expansion ratio in a theoretical Rankine cycle determined based on a state of a temperature and a pressure of the working fluid at a discharge port of the expansion machine and a state of a temperature and a pressure of the working fluid at a suction port of the expansion machine. |
| US09963997B2 |
Tank and method for manufacturing same
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a tank (1) comprising a main body (4) with several compartments (7), a base (6) closing the lower part of the main body (4), and a cover (5) closing the upper part of the main body (4), said method comprising the following steps: shaping sheets to produce the parts making up the tank (1); assembling each of the component parts by butt welding in order to produce the tank (1). |
| US09963989B2 |
Gas turbine engine vane-to-transition duct seal
A vane seal assembly for a gas turbine engine comprises of a case including a first connector. A notch in the case adjoins the groove. A vane having a second connector mates with the first connector. A seal assembly is provided between the vane and the case to provide a sealed cavity adjoining the notch. |
| US09963988B2 |
Self-adjusting device for controlling the clearance between rotating and stationary components of a thermally loaded turbo machine
A self-adjusting device for controlling the clearance (C), especially in the radial direction, between rotating and stationary components of a thermally loaded turbo machine, changes clearance (C) in a linear and/or non-linear way during transition of the machine between standstill and steady-state operation. Simple and effective control can be achieved, even in the case of a nonlinear variation of the clearance during transitional operation, by the self-adjusting device including at least two different driving elements (A, B) to move the rotating and fixed components relative to each other in order to change the clearance (C) between them, and by the different driving elements (A, B) being configured to be activated at different times during the transition of the machine. |
| US09963986B2 |
Coupling part structure for vane and jet engine including the same
A coupling support member including a pair of divided pieces is placed between an end portion of a guide vane and an attachment flange, and the pair of divided pieces is joined to the vane end portion from both sides in the vane thickness direction. A linear protrusion is formed on one of joint surfaces of the vane end portion. A groove engaged with the linear protrusion is formed in one of respective joint surfaces of the pair of divided pieces. The vane end portion is fastened between the pair of divided pieces. It is possible to obtain a high structural strength while contributing to a reduction in weight of a jet engine. |
| US09963984B2 |
Structural guide vane for gas turbine engine
A guide vane for use in a gas turbine engine fan section has an airfoil extending between a radially inner platform and a radially outer platform. The radially inner platform has a radially outwardly facing surface from which the airfoil extends and a radially inwardly facing underside. The airfoil has a trailing edge extending to a leading edge. The underside is attached to a mount bracket and a main rib extending from the underside of the platform adjacent the trailing edge and in a direction generally towards the leading edge, and merging into a top surface on the mount bracket. A pair of shoulders is formed on each of two circumferential sides of the rib. Each of the shoulders is spaced from each other at a point on the shoulders connected into the top surface of the mount bracket. The shoulders extend circumferentially toward each other and the under surface. |
| US09963982B2 |
Casting optimized to improve suction side cooling shaped hole performance
A gas turbine engine component includes a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, a trailing edge, an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface is positioned within the outer surface and defines a core. The inner surface has a first protrusion. |
| US09963980B2 |
Turbomachine rotor blade
A turbomachine rotor blade, said blade having, at the distal end thereof, a heel comprising: a platform (2) having a first edge (201) on the lower side and a second edge (202) on the upper side, at least one sealing member having a first end portion (301) on the lower side and a second end portion (302) on the upper side, said sealing member having a sealing top that extends radially outwards from said platform (2) between said first and second end portions (301, 302), characterized in that, for at least one sealing member, the heel (105) comprises, on at least at one of the edges (201, 202), a portion forming a bowl (5) extending along the end portion (301, 302) of the sealing member which corresponds to the edge (201, 202), the portion forming the bowl (5) being suitable for receiving a deposit of anti-wear material. |
| US09963979B2 |
Composite components for gas turbine engines
A turbine wheel for use in a gas turbine engine having a plurality of blades attached to a rotor disk. Each blade is formed as a composite structure including a number of plies of ceramic-containing material. The blades each include a root to fit within dovetail slots of the rotor disk to couple the blades to the rotor disk. |
| US09963977B2 |
Advanced gamma TiAl components
Components include a low pressure turbine having a plurality of rotor assemblies including a first gamma TiAl intermetallic blade having a maximum operating temperature over 1180° F. (638° C.). At least two of the rotor assemblies include gamma TiAl intermetallic alloy blades. In an embodiment, a method of making a turbine having a plurality of rotor assemblies includes attaching a first gamma TiAl intermetallic alloy blade to an upstream stage of the plurality of rotor assemblies. |
| US09963976B2 |
Core positioning
A method locates and maintains a core in fixed space relationship within the interior of a shell mold. The method provides at least one pin extending into the core with at least one axial end of the pin protruding from the core. A wax pattern having an outer surface is formed by encasing the core and at least one protruding axial end of the pin in wax such that at least one protruding axial end of the pin terminates at the outer surface of the wax pattern. A shell mold is formed around the wax pattern such that, upon removal of the wax pattern, and in a subsequent casting process for production of hollow metal components, at least one protruding axial end of the pin abuts the shell mold, thus fixing the pin and maintaining a position of the core relative to the mold. The protruding axial end of the pin has an enlarged head. |
| US09963969B2 |
Piston assembly for internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine may include an engine block, a cylinder within the engine block, and a piston within the cylinder. The piston may have an outer peripheral wall, and a groove in the outer peripheral wall of the piston may have a first edge and a second edge spaced from the first edge. The piston may have a piston ring in the groove, and the piston ring may have a shape that meanders within the groove, such that the shape of the piston ring differs from a shape of the groove and such that the piston ring does not substantially fill the groove. The piston ring may be constructed of a material that when subjected to heat causes a shape of the meanderings to change, thereby enabling the piston ring to expand in an axial direction of the piston, between the edges of the groove. |
| US09963961B2 |
Automated system for monitoring and controlling water transfer during hydraulic fracturing
An exemplary automated system and method are provided for monitoring and controlling the transfer of water to frac water tanks during hydraulic fracturing. In one embodiment, the automated system includes a first manifold, a plurality of controllable valves, a plurality of level indicators, a pump, controller(s), storage device, and display. In one implementation, the controller is configured to control the opening/closing of the plurality of controllable valves based, at least in part, on the water levels of the frac water tanks. The controller(s) may include one or more control modes. In other implementations, the system may include a second manifold (or additional manifolds) and the capability to blend water from two or more sources, such as from an impaired water source, using either a single or multiple-manifold configuration. In other implementations, an assembly is provided, such as a skid or trailer mounted assembly, for use in a mobile automated system. |
| US09963959B2 |
Hydrocarbon resource heating apparatus including upper and lower wellbore RF radiators and related methods
A device for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having at least one pair of laterally extending upper and lower wellbores therein may include a radio frequency (RF) source. The device may also include an upper wellbore RF radiator to be positioned in the laterally extending upper wellbore and including a plurality of first terminals. The device may further include a lower wellbore RF radiator to be positioned in the laterally extending lower wellbore and comprising a plurality of second terminals. The device may also include an interconnection arrangement configured to couple the RF source and the first and second terminals so that at least one of the upper and lower wellbore RF radiators heat the hydrocarbon resource in the subterranean formation. |
| US09963958B2 |
Hydrocarbon resource recovery apparatus including RF transmission line and associated methods
An apparatus for hydrocarbon resource recovery from a subterranean formation includes a radio frequency (RF) source, an RF antenna to be positioned within the subterranean formation to deliver RF power to the hydrocarbon resource within the subterranean formation, and an RF transmission line extending between the RF source and the RF antenna. The RF transmission line may include RF transmission line sections coupled together in end-to-end relation. Each section may include an inner conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor, and an outer load-carrying tubular member surrounding the outer conductor. A respective coupling assembly joins ends of adjacent sections together. Each coupling assembly may include an electrical coupler being fixedly connected to first ends of corresponding inner and outer conductors and being slidably connected to opposing second ends of adjacent inner and outer conductors, and a mechanical coupler connecting ends of adjacent load-bearing tubular members together. |
| US09963954B2 |
Caliper steerable tool for lateral sensing and accessing
Embodiments of a method and apparatus for locating lateral wellbores extending from a main wellbore includes a caliper sensing tool having spring actuated calipers extending radially therefrom. Each of the calipers is connected to a sensor, such as a linear variable displacement sensor, that is used to calculate the radial extension distance of the respective caliper. When the tool is inserted through a wellbore and moves past a lateral wellbore opening, the calipers extend into the lateral wellbore opening. The extension, as well as contact with the surfaces of the lateral wellbore, are used to determine the wellbore depth location and azimuthal direction of the lateral wellbore. A deflectable steering arm is operable to be selectively steered into the lateral opening to facilitate access to the lateral wellbore for logging or intervention purposes. |
| US09963951B2 |
Annular blowout preventer
An annular blowout preventer includes a housing, an annular piston positioned within the housing, and an annular packer positioned within the housing. The annular blowout preventer also includes at least one radially-extending conduit disposed in the annular piston, the annular packer, or a plate positioned axially between the annular piston and the annular packer. The radially-extending conduit is configured to enable a fluid to flow from a central bore to an annular space between the annular packer and the housing when the annular blowout preventer is in a closed position. |
| US09963950B2 |
Multi-function tool for a drilling riser
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a multi-function tool that includes a positioning assembly configured to move with a first degree of freedom of rotation, a second degree of freedom of axial movement in a first direction, and a third degree of freedom of axial movement in a second direction crosswise to the first direction, a cutting tool configured to selectively couple to the positioning assembly, and a measurement tool configured to selectively couple to the positioning assembly. |
| US09963946B2 |
Method of filling a coring tool inner barrel with a coring fluid
A method for obtaining a core sample from a wellbore using a coring tool is disclosed. The method includes providing an outer barrel in the wellbore. The wellbore and outer barrel are at least partially filled with a drilling fluid. The method further includes lowering an inner barrel partially into the drilling fluid and displacing the drilling fluid in the inner barrel with a coring fluid. |
| US09963935B2 |
Position lock for roller supported architectural coverings
A covering for architectural openings including a roller, a shade wrapped around the roller, the shade extendable from the roller when the roller rotates in a first direction, and retractable onto the roller when the roller rotates in a second direction. The covering also includes a retraction mechanism operably associated with the roller for biasing the roller in a direction to retract the shade and a positioning device operably engaging the roller for selectively holding the shade at a selected extension location and selectively releasing the shade for additional extension or retraction. The positioning device is actuated to hold the shade at the selected extension position by movement of the shade in either the extension or retraction direction. |
| US09963933B2 |
Blind body braking mechanism for non-cord window blind assembly
A blind body braking mechanism used in a non-cord window blind assembly is disclosed to include two take-up wheels, two one-way clutch units respectively disposed adjacent to the two take-up wheels and respectively provide one clutch wheel, two guide rods respectively disposed at one lateral side relative to one respective take-up wheel in a parallel manner relative to the axis of the take-up wheels, and two transmission cords respectively extending over one respective guide rod and wound round one respective one-way clutch wheel with respective one end thereof fixedly connected to one respective one-way clutch wheel. Subject to the functioning of the guide rods, the transmission cords can be properly wound round the respective take-up wheels. |
| US09963932B2 |
Safety gate and locking device for the same
A safety gate has a gate body and at least one locking device. The at least one locking device is mounted on the gate body, and each has a fixing member, a sliding member, and a positioning member. The fixing member is tubular and has a closed end, at least one sliding protrusion, and a recess. The at least one sliding protrusion is formed on the closed end. The sliding member is mounted rotatably around the fixing member and has at least one guiding track and a holding hole. The at least one curved guiding track is formed on and protruding from an inner surface of the sliding member. Each guiding track has an inclined guiding surface to define a high end and a low end respectively at two ends of the guiding track. |
| US09963931B1 |
Barrier with panels sliding parallel
A barrier employed to keep children and/or pets in or out of certain areas in the house. The barrier includes four panels. Two main panels slide parallel to each other to lengthen or shorten the barrier as a whole. Two side panels stabilize the main panels and extend to the front and rear faces of the main panels to provide a self-supporting in-house barrier. Each of the panels includes a wooden frame. The wood lends less weight, less sharp edges, and more pleasing aesthetics than, for example, a metal gate. Legs are connected to the side panels to further stabilize the side panels and main panels. |
| US09963927B1 |
Systems, devices, and/or methods for managing objects
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system. The system can comprise a frame, a slidable cover; a cabinet, and/or a drawer coupled to the cabinet, etc. In certain exemplary embodiments, when the slidable cover is lifted to a predetermined position, the drawer rotates. When the drawer rotates, an object comprised by the drawer can be exposed. |
| US09963926B2 |
Detecting objects within a vehicle in connection with a service
A system for monitoring a vehicle used in providing a service is disclosed. The system detects when the service is complete, and upon detecting that the service is complete, the system determines, from one or more sensors of the vehicle, that an object which should have been removed from the vehicle after completion of the transport service, remains in the vehicle. The system then automatically initiates performance of a remedial action. |
| US09963921B1 |
Access control electro-permanent magnetic lock
Provided is an access control electro-permanent magnetic lock for locking and unlocking physical barriers with electromagnetism, but without a continual power source. The lock comprises permanent magnets juxtaposed with electro-permanent magnets. The polarity of the permanent magnets is fixed and aligned. The polarity of the electro-permanent magnets can be switched by introducing a pulse of electric current for a fraction of a second at low voltage to the electro-permanent magnets. A strong magnetic field generating a locking or holding force is produced when the polarity of the electro-permanent magnets aligns with or is in the same direction as the polarity of the permanent magnets. The magnetic field is canceled such that there is no locking or holding force when the polarity of the electro-permanent magnets is opposite to the polarity of the permanent magnets. The lock can further provide fail-secure or fail-safe protections in the event of power loss. |
| US09963919B2 |
Locking device
A locking device provided with: a striker-contact member (201) which is positioned on a hook (157) and is abutted against a striker being entered the groove (157a) of the hook (157) so as to sandwich the striker in cooperation with the groove (157a) of the hook (157); and a spring (hook-biasing member) (171) that urges the hook (157) in the unlocked position direction via the striker-contact member (201) and that urges the striker-contact member (201) in a direction a direction to be abutted against the striker. |
| US09963917B2 |
Hood stop assemblies for a vehicle and methods for setting a position of a vehicle hood
Hood stop assemblies and methods of setting a hood of a vehicle to a support frame. The receptacle includes an interior wall that defines a first part of a linear ratchet. The shaft includes a head and a wedge tooth lock that forms a second part of the linear ratchet. The first part of the linear ratchet engages the second part of the linear ratchet in a range of height positions. The methods disclosed relate to setting, adjusting and locking the hood stop. |
| US09963906B2 |
Lock
A lock, attachable to a coupling in a bushing coupled to an outside structure, includes a housing, an actuatable lock assembly and a latching assembly. The actuatable lock assembly is rotatable relative to the housing assembly in a closed orientation and an open orientation, and, has a spindle member having a knob attachment portion and a coupling attachment portion. Here, the spindle member and a knob are configured to rotate relative to the housing assembly. The coupling attachment portion is extendable into a central bore and attachable to a coupling. Upon attachment, relative rotation of the spindle member and the coupling is substantially precluded. The latching assembly is positionable in one of a locked position and an unlocked position. The latching assembly is positioned within the cavity of the housing assembly and includes a motor to direct the actuatable lock assembly from a closed orientation to the open orientation. |
| US09963892B2 |
Modular privacy booth for cooperative use with a teller station, ATM, or the like
A privacy booth for isolating a user from the surrounding environment so as to provide acoustical and possibly visual privacy to the user. A single privacy booth may be utilized when a user must interact with an electronic device or terminal, for example, an ATM. When interacting with a human, for example, a bank teller, a pair of joined privacy booths provide acoustical and visual privacy to both interacting parties. The solid but possibly transparent barrier between the user and the teller helps prevent “snatch and grab” type crimes and protects the teller from armed robbery attempts. Access to the user's privacy booth may be controlled using access keypads that open semi-circular doors. A transaction pass-through tube allows for passing documents, etc. back and forth between the user and the teller. The privacy booth may have an elevatable and rotatable floor allowing access to wheel chair confined persons. |
| US09963889B2 |
Sealed and integrated climbing scaffold and method for using the same
The present application relates to a sealed and integrated climbing scaffold, comprising a hollow frame structure, a plurality of mechanical arm devices, a plurality of climbing fulcrums, a lifting system, and a construction operation platform structure; wherein, the hollow frame structure includes an inner guide rail and an outer guide rail, the inner guide rail and the outer guide rail are capable of sliding relative to each other; at least two of the mechanical arm devices are fixed on the outer guide rail, at least two of the mechanical arm devices are fixed on the inner guide rail. When implementing the sealed and integrated climbing scaffold of the present application, it improve the level of mechanization and automation in lifting platform of high-rise construction, improve the efficiency of construction, save the workforce, realize standardization and modularization, effectively protect the internal lifting system and decline equipment failure rate. |
| US09963887B2 |
System and method for a vented and water control siding, vented and water control sheathing and vented and water control trim-board
A vented and water control paneling has improved drainage and integrated ventilation air space. The water control paneling may be fabricated with an omnidirectional relief pattern formed on its back surface. The relief pattern spaces the vented and water control paneling away from a structure to which it is secured, thereby providing an omnidirectional drainage plane between the back surface of the paneling and the structure. The omnidirectional drainage plane provides an unimpeded ventilation and drainage path of water and/or water vapor. |
| US09963879B2 |
Multiwall polymer sheet, and methods for making and articles using the same
In one embodiment, a multiwall sheet comprises: non-intersecting polymer walls comprising outer layers and transverse layers. The transverse layers intersect the walls to form cells. The multiwall sheet has a non-uniform cell density. In another embodiment, a multiwall sheet can comprise: non-intersecting polymer walls comprising outer layers and a transverse layer and/or a divider. The transverse layer and/or the divider extends from one of the polymer walls to another of the polymer walls to form cells. The multiwall sheet has a non-uniform cell density. In yet another embodiment, a multiwall sheet comprises: non-intersecting polymer walls comprising outer layers and transverse layers. The transverse layers intersect the walls to form cells. The multiwall sheet has a different number of inner layers, transverse layers, and/or dividers, in different portions of the sheet. The multiwall sheets can be used, for example, in a naturally light structure. |
| US09963874B2 |
Multi angle roof truss tie-down apparatus and method
The present invention relates to a roof truss tie-down apparatus including a pin and bracket engagement which enables a wall frame to accommodate any style of roof truss at any angle, and a method of constructing such a roof frame. |
| US09963873B2 |
Flexible, sound-attenuating roll-up wall system
The present invention is directed to a roll-up, flexible, sound-attenuating wall system. More particularly, this invention relates to a retractable wall system and its components which may be used to divide existing larger spaces into smaller spaces with sound-attenuating barriers. In each unit the flexible, sound-attenuating wall is attached to a receiver tube which, when turned on its axis, deploys or retracts the flexible, sound-attenuating wall. The flexible, sound-attenuating wall is guided by a guide roller to intersect with other flexible, sound-attenuating walls at various angles. The receiver tube and guide roller are attached at either end to independent support brackets. This invention discloses a plurality of interlocking connector systems for connecting a plurality of flexible, sound-attenuating walls at various angles. Further, this invention discloses a winding mechanism disposed in and attached to receiver tube which turns the receiver tube on its longitudinal axis to deploy or retract the flexible, sound-attenuating wall. |
| US09963864B2 |
Powerless automatic flushing toilet seat for water tank having air exhaust and intake control functions only through human body weight and powerless automatic flushing toilet seat for water tank
Provided is a powerless automatic flushing toilet seat for a water tank having air exhaust and intake control functions only through human body weight and a powerless automatic flushing toilet seat for a water tank that can automatically control an opening/closing operation of a siphon cover through intake and exhaust of air in conjunction with an elevating operation of a human body detection unit for detecting the weight of a user. |
| US09963860B2 |
Sanitary insert unit
A sanitary insert unit is provided having a jet regulator which has a housing with a housing inlet and a housing outlet, and a jets splitter in the housing interior. The jet splitter protrudes partially into a diffuser ring, delimiting an annular channel therebetween. The diffuser ring is insertable into an outlet-side housing part of the housing until an annular step on the outer circumference of the diffuser ring bears on an inlet-side mating surface on an outlet-side housing part. A circumferential locking cam on an outer circumference of the diffuser ring is movable into locking engagement with a locking groove provided on an inner circumference of the outlet-side housing part. The locking cam has a run-on bevel which interacts with a mating bevel upstream from the locking groove in an insertion direction that has a greater angle of inclination with respect to a longitudinal axis in comparison with the run-on bevel. |
| US09963859B2 |
Sanitary fitting with two valves
A sanitary fitting having a housing with at least one mixing unit for mixing a cold water and a hot water into a mixed water, wherein the mixed water can be directed through a first flow path and a second flow path to a spout of the housing, and wherein the first flow path can be at least partially closed by a first valve and the second flow path can be at least partially closed by a second valve, so that an outflow of the mixed water from the spout can be controlled by means of the first valve and the second valve independently from one another. |
| US09963858B2 |
Mounting system for plumbing fixture fitting
The present invention provides a mounting system for a plumbing fixture fitting that provides a rigid mounting even when the plumbing fixture fitting has an extended height. |
| US09963853B2 |
Lip for excavating bucket
A lip for an excavating bucket with a front beam and a rear beam extending along the length of the lip and defining at least one recess between them. The front beam includes noses extending forward of the beam for mounting ground engaging tools. Ribs extend between the front beam and the rear beam. The ribs separate recesses extending between the beams. |
| US09963852B2 |
Test method for friction resistance at inner and outer sidewalls of pipe pile
The invention relates to a method to test friction resistance at inner and outer sidewalls of pipe pile through in-situ test. The method comprises embedding a strain sensor at inner or outer sidewalls of pipe pile to measure strain variation generating on pipe pile body under the action of load; carrying out static load test with the soil plug remaining in the pipe pile to obtain the strain variation εp1j,i of the pipe pile body at the ith soil layer; taking out the soil plug remaining in the pipe pile and carrying out static load test to obtain the strain variation εp2j,i of the pipe pile body at the ith soil layer; and obtaining the friction respectively at the outer and inner sidewalls of the pipe pile at the ith soil layer according to the measured strain variation, εp1j,i and εp2j,i. |
| US09963844B2 |
Energy absorbing guardrail system
A highway crash attenuation system having W-beam rail elements attached to a plurality of vertical posts. An impact terminal with a feeder chute guides one or more of the W-beam rail elements through the impact terminal. The feeder chute has an impact shield extending along a traffic-facing side of the chute from an upstream-most end to a downstream-most end of the chute closing the traffic-facing side of the chute. The system also has an anchor cable release mechanism for releasing the cable downstream of the first vertical post and an improved first breakaway post. |
| US09963842B2 |
Method for optimizing a cutting process in road milling machines, as well as milling machine for machining road coverings
In a method for optimizing a cutting process in milling machines which are used to machine road coverings, which comprise a milling device fitted with milling tools which is sprayed with liquid in order to cool the milling tools, in addition to a drive motor, the following steps are provided: detection of the at least one parameter which is representative of the instantaneous power output of the milling device and controlling the amount of cooling liquid supplied according to the at least one parameter which is representative of the instantaneous power output of the milling device. |
| US09963839B2 |
Apparatus and method for a joint density endgate assembly
A joint density assembly adapted for use on a screed. The preferred joint density assembly comprises an endgate having a vertical axis. The preferred endgate comprises a frame adapted to be mounted to the screed, a mounting means adapted to mount the frame to the screed, a pivoting shoe adapted to be pivotally adjusted, and a means for adjusting the pivoting shoe which is adapted to move the pivoting shoe between a retracted position and an extended position. The preferred pivoting shoe is adapted to pivot about the vertical axis of the endgate. A method for increasing the density of an asphalt longitudinal joint comprising providing a joint density assembly and adjusting the pivoting shoe. |
| US09963837B1 |
Method for operating an asphalt plant
A method for operating an asphalt plant includes using sensors to quickly pinpoint a problem area and to determine the best course of action to maintain quality production with minimum wasted material and minimum plant downtime. |
| US09963831B2 |
Soft absorbent sheets, structuring fabrics for making soft absorbent sheets, and methods of making soft absorbent sheets
Soft absorbent sheets, structuring fabrics for producing soft absorbent sheets, and methods of making soft absorbent sheets. The soft absorbent sheets have a plurality of domed regions or projected regions extending from a surface of the sheets, and connecting regions form a network between domed regions. The domed and projected regions include indented bars that extend across the domed and projected regions in a substantially cross machine direction of the absorbent sheets. The absorbent sheets can be formed by structuring fabrics that have long warp yarn knuckles. |
| US09963827B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for controlling a manufacturing line used to convert a paper web into paper products by reading marks on the paper web
A converting line for producing a paper product. The converting line includes a paper web being unwound from a parent roll. The paper web has a plurality of sections with at least one mark, associated with an action score, assigned to each of the plurality of sections. The converting line also includes a mark reading unit, which reads one of the plurality of marks on the paper web. The converting line further includes a controller configured to obtain the action score associated with a second one of the plurality of marks; to calculate a distance between the one mark read by the reading unit and the second one of the plurality of marks; and to change at least one operational parameter of the converting line based upon the action score of the second one of the plurality of marks when the calculated distance is less than a threshold. |
| US09963826B2 |
Sheet manufacturing apparatus
A sheet manufacturing apparatus includes a rotatable drum unit that includes an opening section having a plurality of openings on a surface thereof and a cylindrical section having no opening; a material supply unit that is provided to supply a material containing fibers to the drum unit by airflow; and a forming unit that forms a sheet by using the material passing through the openings, in which at least one of the drum unit and the material supply unit has a diffusion section in which airflow is diffused further on a downstream side than on an upstream side in a supply direction of the airflow. |
| US09963823B2 |
Methods of reducing the size of lignocellulosic material, and related systems
The present disclosure includes embodiments of methods and systems for reducing the size of lignocellulosic feedstock. The present disclosure also includes embodiments of methods and systems for separating oversized, in process lignocellulosic material, reducing the size of the oversized lignocellulosic material offline, and the reintroducing the lignocellulosic material back into the main process flow after size reduction. |
| US09963821B2 |
Moisture-management in hydrophilic fibers
Provided is a fabric having improved moisture-management performance and being resilient to repeated washing, as well as a process for manufacturing the fabric. The process, employing consecutive steps of hydrophilization and hydrophobization, includes defatting cotton or cellulose fibers and their coating with silicone nanoparticles. |
| US09963820B2 |
Cellulose fiber and process for the production thereof
The invention concerns a cellulose fiber of the genus Lyocell which is treated with a cross-linking agent, with the cross-linking agent inducing a protection from fibrillation on the fiber and exhibiting the following properties: the protection from fibrillation induced by the cross-linking agent changes if the fiber is stored within a pH range from 4.0 to 10.0, in particular under the influence of moisture and/or heat, within the pH range from 4.0 to 10.0, an optimum value exists at which the stability of the protection from fibrillation induced by the cross-linking agent during storage is highest a suitable range exists around the optimum value in which the stability is reduced by 20% at the most, compared to the stability at the optimum value, within the pH range from 4.0 to 10.0, the suitable range is limited by at least one limiting value at which the stability is reduced by 20% compared to the long-term stability at the optimum value and with a further decrease in stability occurring below and above said value, respectively, and the cross-linking agent has the capability to change the pH value. The fiber according to the invention is characterized in that the fiber comprises a buffering substance in the suitable range and exhibits a buffer capacity of at least about 12 mmol/kg fiber, preferably from about 15 to about 70 mmol/kg fiber, in the suitable range. |
| US09963819B2 |
Multi-stage fluid additive dispenser
An additive dispenser for a washing machine appliance is provided. The additive dispenser includes sidewalls and a bottom wall defining an additive reservoir. A first siphon and a second siphon are positioned within the additive reservoir. The first siphon defines a first peak and a first inlet. The second siphon defines a second peak and a second inlet. The first peak is defined at a lower vertical height than the second peak, and the first inlet is defined at a greater vertical height than the second inlet. Also provided are methods for operating a washing machine appliance having an additive dispenser, where the additive dispenser includes sidewalls and a bottom wall defining an additive reservoir, a first siphon defining a first inlet, and a second siphon defining a second inlet. The methods include opening and closing one or more valves to flow water to the additive reservoir of the dispenser. |
| US09963812B2 |
Quilting systems and methods
Apparatuses, systems and methods for quilting are provided. In an illustrative embodiment, a quilt support includes a platform adapted to support an embroidery machine capable of quilting a quilt sandwich. A first support arm is coupled to the platform. The first support arm is adapted to support a portion of the quilt sandwich. A second support arm is coupled to the platform. The second support arm is offset from the first support arm and adapted to support a portion of the quilt sandwich. Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided. |
| US09963811B2 |
Device for separating needles
A device for separating needles (1) includes a receiving element (2) for needles (1) and a separating device (3). The receiving element (2) includes at least one through opening (4). The separating device (3) includes an ejection device (5) which can be passed through the through-opening (4) of the receiving element (2). The ejection device (5) has a contact area (6) on the upper edge which corresponds at least to a needle (1) and detects the needle. |
| US09963808B2 |
Knit EMI shield and method of construction thereof
An electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield assembly and method of construction is provided. The assembly includes a body having a wall of warp knit nonmetallic yarn having opposite sides extending generally parallel with one another between opposite ends and a plurality of weft inserted metal wires. The wire is inserted to provide discrete bundles each arranged in side-by-side relation with one another and extending beyond the opposite sides of the wall to provide a plurality of exposed free ends. The nonmetallic yarn is looped about the wires, thereby fixing the wire relative to the nonmetallic yarn and to other wires in an optimal EMI shielding position. Metal brackets adapted for ready attachment to a source of electrical ground are attached to the exposed free ends. The individual bundles of wires extend parallel to one another, with a gap having a predetermined width extending between the adjacent bundles. |
| US09963805B2 |
Polypeptide electrospun nanofibrils of defined composition
Electrospun nanofibrils and methods of preparing the same are provided. The electrospun nanofibrils comprise at least one polypeptide. A polypeptide can be dissolved in a solution, and the solution can be electrospun into a nanofibril. The solution can be added to a syringe or syringe pump, and an electric field can be applied to electrospin the at least one polypeptide. |
| US09963794B2 |
Hydrogen-containing water generating electrode and hydrogen-containing water generating device
According to an aspect of the present invention, a hydrogen-containing water generating electrode includes a positive electrode that is a tubular conductor and includes a plurality of openings in a side portion, an insulator that is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the positive electrode and includes a plurality of openings, and a negative electrode that is a tubular conductor provided on an outer peripheral portion of the insulator and includes a plurality of openings in a side portion. The openings of the positive electrode and the openings of the negative electrode are larger than the openings of the insulator. |
| US09963792B2 |
Electrochemical gas separator for combustion prevention and suppression
An inert gas generating system includes an air source configured to provide an air stream that comprises at least one of ram air, external air, conditioned air, or compressed air. An electrochemical gas separator is configured to receive the air stream and to produce an oxygen-depleted air stream. A contained volume is configured to receive the oxygen-depleted air stream. |
| US09963790B2 |
Bio-electrochemical systems
The present invention provides bio-electrochemical systems having various configurations for the treatment of water, wastewater, gases, and other biodegradable matter. In one aspect, the invention provides bio-electrochemical systems configured for treating wastewater while generating multiple outputs. In another aspect, the invention provides bio-electrochemical systems configured for improving the efficiency of electrodialysis removal systems. In yet another aspect, the invention provides bio-electro-chemical systems configured for use in banks and basins. |
| US09963787B2 |
Paint pretreatment agent for coating-type paint, and coating-type painting method
The pretreatment agent for use before forming a coat by paint application of the present invention contains (A) one or more metal elements selected from a group consisting of zirconium, titanium and hafnium, (B) fluorine, (C) one or more coupling agents selected from an amino group-containing silane coupling agent, its hydrolyzate, and its polymer, and (D) a component of at least one of an allylamine and a polyallylamine, in which the ratio by mass of the coupling agent (C) to the component (D), (C/D) is 1 or more. The coating method by paint application of the present invention includes a chemical conversion treatment step of chemically treating a metal substrate with the pretreatment agent, and a step of forming a coat by paint application on the chemically-treated metal substrate. When a coating film is formed through forming a coat by paint application on the surface of a metal substrate that has been pretreated according to the present invention, the coating film can have excellent adhesion, salt water resistance and impact resistance. |
| US09963783B2 |
Plasma processing member, deposition apparatus including the same, and depositing method using the same
A deposition apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of reaction spaces, a plurality of plasma electrodes respectively disposed in the reaction spaces, a first plasma processor connected to at least two plasma electrodes, and a first plasma power source connected to the first plasma processor. The first plasma processor may include a plasma distributor or a plasma splitter. |
| US09963781B2 |
Carbon nanotubes grown on nanostructured flake substrates and methods for production thereof
Carbon nanotubes grown on nanostructured flake substrates are disclosed. The nanostructured flake substrates include a catalyst support layer and at least one catalyst layer. Carbon nanotubes grown on the nanostructured flake substrates can have very high aspect ratios. Further, the carbon nanotubes can be aligned on the nanostructured flake substrates. Through routine optimization, the nanostructured flake substrates may be used to produce single-wall, double-wall, or multi-wall carbon nanotubes of various lengths and diameters. The nanostructured flake substrates produce very high yields of carbon nanotubes per unit weight of substrate. Methods for making the nanostructured flake substrates and for using the nanostructured flake substrates in carbon nanotube synthesis are disclosed. |
| US09963779B2 |
Methods for modifying pressure differential in a chemical vapor process
A process for densifying an annular porous structure comprising flowing a reactant gas into an inner diameter (ID) volume and through an ID surface of the annular porous structure, flowing the reactant gas through an outer diameter (OD) surface of the annular porous structure and into an OD volume, flowing the reactant gas from the OD volume through the OD surface of the annular porous structure, and flowing the reactant gas through an ID surface of the annular porous structure and into the ID volume. |
| US09963773B2 |
Durable MgO—MgF2 composite film for infrared anti-reflection coatings
This disclosure is directed to an optic having a composited MgO—MgF2 infrared anti-reflective coating that is suitable for use in LWIR, MWIR and SWIR ranges, and is particularly suitable for use in the LWIR range. The coated optic disclosed herein passes the severe abrasion test with a barring force between 2 pounds and 2.5 pounds. The MgO—MgF2 infrared anti-reflective coating has a thickness in the range of 500 nm to 1500 nm and a reflectance value Rx at 12° of less than 2% in the wavelength range of 7.25 nm to 11.75 nm. |
| US09963768B2 |
Method for manufacturing amorphous alloy by using liquid pig iron
A method for manufacturing an amorphous alloy by using liquid pig iron is described. An exemplary embodiment provides a method for manufacturing an amorphous alloy, including providing liquid pig iron, adding an alloy material to the liquid pig iron, and solidifying the liquid pig iron. |
| US09963765B2 |
Copper alloy for use in a member for use in water works
A copper alloy for use in water works has not only a reduced lead content and the lowest possible Ni content, but also a reduced Bi content, and still exhibits suitable properties. The copper alloy includes: less than 0.5% by mass of Ni; 0.2% by mass or more and 0.9% by mass or less of Bi; 12.0% by mass or more and 20.0% by mass or less of Zn; 1.5% by mass or more and 4.5% by mass or less of Sn; and 0.005% by mass or more and 0.1% by mass or less of P; wherein the total content of Zn and Sn is 21.5% by mass or less, and the balance is a trace element(s) and Cu. |
| US09963756B2 |
Method for production of martensitic steel having a very high yield point and sheet or part thus obtained
The present invention provides a method for the fabrication of a martensitic steel sheet with a yield stress greater than 1300 MPa. The method includes the steps of obtaining a semi-finished steel product, the composition of which includes, whereby the contents are expressed in percent by weight: 0.15%≤C≤0.40%, 1.5%≤Mn≤3%, 0.005%≤Si≤2%, 0.005%≤Al≤0.1%, S≤0.05%, P≤0.1%, 0.025%≤Nb≤0.1%, and optionally: 0.01%≤Ti≤0.1%, 0%≤Cr≤4%, 0%≤Mo≤2%, 0.0005%≤B≤0.005%, 0.0005%≤Ca≤0.005%. The remainder of the composition is iron and the inevitable impurities resulting from processing. The semi-finished product is reheated to a temperature T1 in the range between 1050° C. and 1250° C., then the reheated semi-finished product is subjected to a roughing rolling at a temperature T2 in the range between 1050 and 1150° C., with a cumulative rate of reduction ϵa greater than 100%, to obtain a sheet with a not totally recrystallized austenitic structure with an average grain size less than 40 micrometers and preferably less than 5 micrometers. The sheet is then cooled to prevent a transformation of the austenite at a rate VR1 greater than 2° C./s to a temperature T3 in the range between 970° C. and Ar3+30° C., is then subjected to a finishing hot rolling at the temperature T3 of the cooled sheet, with a cumulative rate off reduction ϵb greater than 50% to obtain a sheet, then the sheet is cooled at a rate VR2 which is greater than the critical martensitic quenching rate. Steel sheets are also provided. |
| US09963752B2 |
Conductive leather materials and methods for making the same
Conductive leather materials and methods for making the same are provided. The conductive leather materials may have a conductivity suitable to operate touch-sensitive electronic devices without a conductive path to the human body. |
| US09963748B2 |
Methods and compositions for classifying DLBCL
Provided herein are methods and compositions to classify DLBCL subtypes using quantitative RT-PCR. |
| US09963745B2 |
Hematological disorder diagnosis by 3D q-FISH
Provided are methods for prognosing a clinical outcome in a subject with a hematological disorder comprising determining a 3D telomeres organization signature of a test sample cell from the subject, wherein the 3D telomeres organization signature of the test sample cell is indicative of the clinical outcome of the subject. |
| US09963744B2 |
Composition for promoting chondrocyte differentiation or treating cartilage diseases, containing KLF10 expression inhibitor, and method for promoting cartilage differentiation by using same
The present invention relates to a Krueppel-like factor 10 (KLF10) gene expression inhibitor promoting cartilage differentiation, and more specifically, to: a composition for promoting chondrocyte differentiation or treating cartilage diseases, containing a KLF10 gene expression inhibitor promoting cartilage differentiation and inhibiting the hypertrophy and dedifferentiation of chondrocytes; a cell therapeutic agent containing the composition; a method for promoting cartilage differentiation in bone marrow stem cells, comprising a step of expressing the composition in bone marrow stem cells; and a method for screening a chondrocyte differentiation promoter or a chondrocyte therapeutic agent. The present invention first examined the generation inhibition mechanism of indian hedgehog (IHH) protein of which the molecular biological mechanism has not yet been clearly examined, and ascertained that chondrocyte differentiation is promoted and chondrocyte hypertrophy is inhibited when chondrocyte differentiation is induced by expressing the KLF10 expression inhibitor in bone marrow stem cells. Therefore, the present invention has an advantage of enabling the use of bone marrow stem cells, which express a KLF10 expression inhibitor, as a chondrocyte therapeutic agent. |
| US09963741B2 |
Screening methods for transfusion related acute lung injury (TRALI)
The invention relates to the discovery that HNA-3a and HNA-3b are antigens within a polypeptide sequence that is highly similar to the CTL2 amino acid sequence. This invention provides methods and kits for screening for HNA-3a and HNA-3b specific antibodies, HNA-3a and HNA-3b polypeptides and HNA-3a and HNA-3b nucleic acids in a sample of a biological tissue intended for transplantation. |
| US09963740B2 |
Method and device for marking articles
Provided are a method and device for marking an article for security, tracking or authentication. The method includes depositing a solution comprising a nucleic acid marker onto at least a portion of the article. The nucleic acid marker may be activated, for example, by adding a functional group to the nucleic acid marker. The activation of the nucleic acid marker may be performed by exposure to alkaline conditions. The method is well suited for marking fibers and textiles, as well as many other items. |
| US09963736B2 |
Using repetitive sequences for DNA quality assessments
The present disclosure provides methods, arrays and kits for assessing the quality of genomic DNA samples, especially those obtained from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. The methods, arrays and kits provided herein use primer pairs specific to regions in the genomes of the organisms from which genomic DNA samples are obtained that have identical or nearly identical copies distributed across multiple chromosomes. |
| US09963733B2 |
Devices, systems and methods for detecting viable infectious agents in a fluid sample
Various devices, systems and methods for detecting a susceptibility of an infectious agent to an anti-infective are described herein. A method comprises introducing a fluid sample to a first surface and a second surface; exposing the first surface to a first solution; exposing the second surface to a second solution, wherein the second surface comprises an anti-infective; sampling the first solution after exposing the first solution to the first surface; sampling the second solution after exposing the second solution to the second surface; monitoring a first electrical characteristic of a first sensor exposed to the first solution sampled; monitoring a second electrical characteristic of a second sensor exposed to the second solution sampled; and comparing the first electrical characteristic and the second electrical characteristic to assess the susceptibility of the infectious agent to the anti-infective. |
| US09963732B2 |
Thermochromic sensing devices, systems, and methods
One or more live substances is cultured at a plurality of test locations of a test vessel. The test locations include a thermochromic material and one or more test substances. A spectral shift in light emanating from the thermochromic material of the test locations is detected. The spectral shift occurs in response to an increase or decrease in energy conversion by the live substance. An effect of the one or more test substances on the live substances is determined based on the detected spectral shift. |
| US09963730B2 |
Processing biomass
Provided herein are methods for processing biomass materials that are disposed in one or more structures or carriers, e.g., a bag, a shell, a net, a membrane, a mesh or any combination of these. Containing the material in this manner allows it to be readily added or removed at any point and in any sequence during processing. |
| US09963726B2 |
Fiber-containing carbohydrate composition
A food product comprises an oligosaccharide composition that is digestion resistant or slowly digestible. The oligosaccharide composition can be produced by a process that comprises producing an aqueous composition that comprises at least one oligosaccharide and at least one monosaccharide by saccharification of starch, membrane filtering the aqueous composition to form a monosaccharide-rich stream and an oligosaccharide-rich stream, and recovering the oligosaccharide-rich stream. Alternatively, the oligosaccharide composition can be produced by a process that comprises heating an aqueous feed composition that comprises at least one monosaccharide or linear saccharide oligomer, and that has a solids concentration of at least about 70% by weight, to a temperature of at least about 40° C., and contacting the feed composition with at least one catalyst that accelerates the rate of cleavage or formation of glucosyl bonds for a time sufficient to cause formation of non-linear saccharide oligomers, wherein a product composition is produced that contains a higher concentration of non-linear saccharide oligomers than linear saccharide oligomers. |
| US09963723B2 |
Synthesis of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids by recombinant cells
The present invention relates to methods of synthesizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, in recombinant cells such as yeast or plant cells. Also provided are recombinant cells or plants which produce long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a group of new enzymes which possess desaturase or elongase activity that can be used in methods of synthesizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. |
| US09963715B2 |
Methods and compositions for treatment of a genetic condition
Disclosed herein are nucleases and methods of using these nucleases for alteration of a globin gene and generation of cells. |
| US09963713B2 |
Brassica plants resistant to clubroot
The present invention relates to a Brassica plant, in particular a Brassica oleracea plant carrying a genetic determinant that may comprise QTLI and/or QTL2 and/or QTL3, which confer resistance against Plasrnodiophora brassicae, and which genetic determinant is present in plants that are grown from seeds which were deposited with the NCIMB under NCIMB accession number 41851. The present invention further relates to a nucleic acid molecule causative of resistance against Plasrnodiophora brassicae, which may comprise a DNA sequence, located on chromosome 3, a nucleic acid molecule causative of resistance against Plasrnodiophora brassicae, which may comprise a DNA sequence located on chromosome 8, and a nucleic acid molecule causative of resistance against Plasrnodiophora brassicae, which may comprise a DNA sequence, located on chromosome 4. |
| US09963712B2 |
Gene IbENOD93 and transgenic plants using the same
The present invention relates to a novel gene, IbENOD93, and transgenic plants using the same. More specifically, the present invention provides an IbENOD93 gene, an open reading frame (ORF) of the IbENOD93 gene, a recombinant vector comprising the gene or the ORF, and a transformant transformed with the vector. Moreover, the present invention provides a composition for enhancing root thickening growth and promoting maturation in a plant having storage root(s). Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for producing a transgenic plant having storage root(s) with enhanced thickening growth, and a method for regulating or enhancing root thickening growth and maturation in a plant having storage root(s). According to the present invention, it is possible to promote the thickening growth of storage roots as well as the growth of aerial part. Therefore, the present invention can be effectively used to promote the thickening growth of storage roots of high-value root crops such as ginseng, sweet potato, etc. and to produce early-maturing transgenic plants. |
| US09963709B2 |
Transformable Rhodobacter strains, method for producing transformable Rhodobacter strains
The invention provides an organism for expressing foreign DNA, the organism engineered to accept standard DNA carriers. The genome of the organism codes for intracytoplasmic membranes and features an interruption in at least one of the genes coding for restriction enzymes. Further provided is a system for producing biological materials comprising: selecting a vehicle to carry DNA which codes for the biological materials; determining sites on the vehicle's DNA sequence susceptible to restriction enzyme cleavage; choosing an organism to accept the vehicle based on that organism not acting upon at least one of said vehicle's sites; engineering said vehicle to contain said DNA; thereby creating a synthetic vector; and causing the synthetic vector to enter the organism so as cause expression of said DNA. |
| US09963708B2 |
Recombinant vector for foreign gene expression without biological circuit interference of host cell and uses thereof
A recombinant vector enables independent expression of a foreign gene without interfering with a biological circuit of a host cell. A gene encoding a guanylyl cyclase, a gene encoding cGMP receptor protein, and a regulatory nucleotide sequence to which cGMP receptor protein binds, which are derived from a microorganism, are recombined in at least one plasmid. Using the recombinant vector, a foreign gene may be independently expressed without interfering with a biological circuit of a host cell. |
| US09963705B2 |
DNMT inhibitors
RNA molecules inhibiting a DNMT and methods and compositions incorporating or generating the RNA molecules are described. |
| US09963704B2 |
Modulating the interaction between ZO-2/TJP2 and a Snail zinc finger transcription factor family member
There is provided a method of identifying candidate agents capable of modulating interaction between a first polypeptide and a second polypeptide, wherein the first polypeptide is ZO-2/TJP2 or a functional variant thereof and the second polypeptide is a Snail zinc finger transcription factor family member or a functional variant thereof. |
| US09963698B2 |
Control of gene expression
The present invention relates generally to a method of modifying gene expression and to synthetic genes for modifying endogenous gene expression in a cell, tissue or organ of a transgenic organism, in particular a transgenic animal or plant. More particularly, the present invention utilizes recombinant DNA technology to post-transcriptionally modify or modulate the expression of a target gene in a cell, tissue organ or whole organism, thereby producing novel phenotypes. Novel synthetic genes and genetic constructs which are capable of repressing delaying or otherwise reducing the expression of an endogenous gene or target gene in an organism when introduced thereto are also provided. |
| US09963696B2 |
Method for screening mutant microorganism overproducing target metabolite using synthetic suicide genetic circuit
The present invention relates to a method of screening a target metabolite-overproducing mutant strain using a synthetic suicide genetic circuit, and more particularly to a method of screening only a metabolite-overproducing mutant strain while killing a mutant strain that does not produce the metabolite, by introducing into mutant strains a synthetic suicide genetic circuit comprising a suicide gene coupled with a riboswitch. The method for screening a target metabolite-overproducing mutant strain according to the present invention has advantages in that a metabolite-overproducing mutant strain having a relatively fast or slow growth rate can be separated by visual observation, and in that the riboswitch that is used in the synthetic suicide genetic circuit can be replaced depending on the kind of target metabolite, and thus the synthetic suicide genetic circuit can be applied commonly to various strains. |
| US09963695B2 |
Diagnosis of prostate cancer
The invention provides methods for isolating RNA from whole urine and urine fractions for the diagnosis of prostate cancer and/or benign prostate hyperplasia. An exemplary method for diagnosing prostate cancer in an individual, said method comprises: (a) determining the amount of RNA encoding one or more diagnostic genes in the soluble urine fraction of a urine sample obtained from said individual; (b) comparing the amount of said RNA to a reference value for said one or more diagnostic genes, wherein said reference value is derived from the amount of RNA encoding said one or more diagnostic genes in one or more individuals that do not have prostate cancer; and (c) diagnosing said individual as having prostate cancer when the amount of said RNA is greater than said reference value. |
| US09963693B2 |
Cell washing device using a wave
A system is disclosed for washing a selected component and removing the selected component from a wash material. The selected component may include red blood cells that are washed to remove a rejuvenating solution. The red blood cells may then be removed with various systems, such as a standing acoustic wave system from the wash solution. Pumps and flow restrictors that provide steady flow from pumps that generate pulsed flow are also disclosed. |
| US09963692B2 |
Thermostable cellobiohydrolase
The thermostable cellobiohydrolase of the present invention is a polypeptide which has cellobiohydrolase activity at least under conditions of a temperature of 75° C. and a pH of 5.5, and which includes a polypeptide including an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, 3, 5, or 7, a polypeptide including an amino acid sequence in which one or several amino acids are deleted, substituted, or added in an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, 3, 5, or 7, or a polypeptide including an amino acid sequence having 80% or greater but less than 100% sequence identity with an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, 3, 5, or 7. |
| US09963691B2 |
β-fructofuranosidase
An improved β-fructofuranosidase is provided. The improved β-fructofuranosidase may comprise an amino acid sequence having 60% or higher identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, and may contain an amino acid mutation that replaces histidine (H) corresponding to position 395 counted from the N terminus of SEQ ID NO: 2 with arginine (R) or lysine (K), an amino acid mutation that replaces leucine (L) at position 123 counted from the N terminus of SEQ ID NO: 2 with cysteine (C), and/or an amino acid mutation that replaces phenylalanine (F) at position 473 counted from the N terminus of SEQ ID NO: 2 with tyrosine (Y). |
| US09963688B2 |
Heavy metal resistant esterase
EstATII is an esterase that a halotolerant, thermophilic and resistant to a spectrum of heavy metals including toxic concentration of metals. It was isolated from the lowest convective layer of the Atlantis II Red Sea brine pool. The Atlantis II brine pool is an extreme environment that possesses multiple harsh conditions such as; high temperature, salinity, pH and high concentration of metals, including toxic heavy metals. A fosmid metagenomic library using DNA isolated from the lowest convective layer this pool was used to identify EstATII. Polynucleotides encoding EstATII and similar esterases are disclosed and can be used to make EstATII. EstATII or compositions or apparatuses that contain it may be used in various processes employing lipases/esterases especially when these processes are performed under harsh conditions that inactivate other kinds of lipases or esterases. |
| US09963687B2 |
Fusion polymerase and method for using the same
This disclosure provides, among other things, a composition comprising: comprising a fusion protein comprising: (a) a DNA polymerase; and (b) a heterologous sequence-specific DNA binding domain. A method for copying a DNA template, as well as a kit for performing the same, are also described. |
| US09963685B2 |
Engineered transaminase polypeptides for industrial biocatalysis
The present disclosure provides engineered transaminase polypeptides useful for the synthesis of chiral amine compounds under industrially relevant conditions. The disclosure also provides polynucleotides encoding the engineered transaminase polypeptides, host cells capable of expressing the engineered transaminases, and methods of using the engineered transaminases for the production of chiral amine compounds. |
| US09963676B2 |
Method for isolation and purification of epithelial stem cells from skin
The current invention concerns a method for obtaining a cellular composition comprising epithelial stem cells (EpSCs) from mammalian skin, whereby said composition comprises at least 90% of viable EpSCs, comprising the steps of: —obtaining a mammalian skin sample; —obtaining a cell suspension from said skin sample by performing at least one enzymatic dissociation step; and —culturing said cell suspension under low-attachment conditions. Preferably cellular composition comprises epithelial stem cells derived from the epidermal layer. In a second aspect, the current invention provides for a cellular composition obtained by the method according to the invention. |
| US09963673B2 |
Sugar mixtures and methods for production and use thereof
A sugar mixture comprising: monosaccharides; oligosaccharides in a ratio ≥0.06 to total saccharides; disaccharides in a ratio to total saccharides ≥0.05; pentose in a ratio to total saccharides ≥0.05; at least one alpha-bonded di-glucose; and at least one beta-bonded di-glucose. Also disclosed are methods to make and/or use such mixtures. |
| US09963670B2 |
Apparatus and method for a lysis of a sample, in particular for an automated and/or controlled lysis of a sample
The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for a lysis procedure, in particular for an automated and/or controlled lysis procedure of a sample, in particular a biological sample. The apparatus comprises at least one rotation disc (31), at least one vial holder (90) which is configured to receive a vial (100), wherein the vial holder (90) is arranged on the disc (31), at least one driving device (20) which is configured to rotate the disc (31) and the vial holder (90), at least one heating device (60) which is configured to heat the sample to a determined incubation temperature, and—at least one control device (70) which is configured to control the driving device (20) and/or the heating device (60) by means of a timing and/or step control, and/or—at least one transmitting device (80) for inductive coupling for energy and signal transmission, which is configured to transmit the energy for heating to the heating device (60), and/or—wherein the driving device (20) is configured to rotate the disc (31) in a first direction (A1) and/or with a first speed, and to rotate the vial holder (90) in a second direction (A3) and/or with a second speed. The apparatus and the method are adapted for an (automated) lysis procedure, wherein the lysis can be carried out in a safe, efficient and effective manner. |
| US09963668B2 |
Combined filter
The invention relates to a device for culturing cells in a bioreactor, the waste-air line of which leading out of the reactor interior comprises a waste-air filter having a sterile-filtration microfilter membrane, wherein at least one prefilter having a hydrophobic filter material is placed upstream of the waste-air filter toward the reactor interior. |
| US09963666B2 |
Array of micromolded structures for sorting adherent cells
An apparatus for collecting or culturing cells or cell colonies includes: a common substrate formed from a flexible resilient polymeric material and having a plurality of wells formed therein; and a plurality of rigid cell carriers releasably connected to said common substrate, with said carriers arranged in the form of an array, and with each of the carriers resiliently received in one of the wells. A method of collecting or culturing cells or cell colonies with such an apparatus is carried out by depositing a liquid media carrying cells on the apparatus so that said cells settle on or adhere to said the carriers; and then (c) releasing at least one selected carrier having said cells thereon by gradual application of release energy to each carrier from the cavity in which it is received (e.g., by pushing with a probe). |
| US09963659B2 |
Intercalated bleach compositions, related methods of manufacture and use
The invention relates to compositions, methods of use, and methods of manufacture for an intercalated bleach compound and compositions thereof. The intercalated bleach compound has the formula Mx(OCl)y(O)m(OH)n where M is an alkaline earth metal such as magnesium, calcium or mixture thereof. The values of x and y independently equal any number greater than or equal to 1 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.), and m and n independently equal any number greater than or equal to 0 (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.), but m and n are not both 0. In addition, the molar ratio of the alkaline earth metal (e.g., magnesium or calcium) to hypochlorite is at least 3:1. In other words, x is ≥3y. The compounds exhibit excellent stability, little or no chlorine bleach odor, exhibit excellent pH buffering characteristics, and less reactivity with organic materials as compared to alternative chlorine bleach products. |
| US09963656B2 |
Lubricating oil compositions
An internal combustion engine crankcase lubricating oil composition having a sulphated ash content of no greater than 1.2 mass %, based on the mass of the lubricating oil composition, and a phosphorous content of no greater than 0.1 mass %, based on the mass of the lubricating oil composition, which lubricating oil composition comprises or is made by admixing: (A) a crankcase base oil of lubricating viscosity, in a major amount; and (B) the following additives, in respective minor amounts: (B1) a polymeric friction modifier being the reaction product of (a) a functionalized polyolefin, (b) a polyether, (c) a polyol, and (d) a monocarboxylic acid chain terminating group; and (B2) at least one oil-soluble molybdenum compound. |
| US09963650B2 |
Method for making sequesterable biochar
A method and process is described for producing negative carbon fuel. In its broadest form, a carbon-containing input is converted to combustible fuels, refinery feedstock, or chemicals and a carbonaceous solid concurrently in separate and substantially uncontaminated form. In an embodiment of the invention, biomass is converted via discrete increasing temperatures under pressure to blendable combustible fuels and a carbonaceous solid. The carbonaceous solid may be reacted to synthesis gas, sold as charcoal product, carbon credits, used for carbon offsets, or sequestered. |
| US09963649B2 |
High temperature and pressure solids handling system
A fluidized bed gasification system which comprises a fluidized bed gasification reactor having a bottom ash discharge outlet below the reactor, wherein an L-valve is used to control the rate of bottom ash discharge. The L-valve uses an aeration port located on distal side of the L-valve vertical pipe at a location that is above the center line of the horizontal pipe. Also provided are methods of controlling the bottom ash discharge as well the fluidized reaction bed height of the system. |
| US09963647B2 |
Method to optimize crude slate for optimum hydrodesulfurization performance
Methods are provided for selecting optimal operating conditions for the hydrodesulfurization of a liquid hydrocarbon feed in a reactor. According to one aspect, a desired sulfur content of the product stream is selected. The carbazoles content of a first liquid hydrocarbon feed is measured, and a reaction order for the first liquid hydrocarbon feed is calculated based on the measured carbazoles content. An operating severity index based on the calculated reaction order is then calculated. According to one aspect, the operating severity index comprises an operating temperature of the reactor to yield the product stream with the desired sulfur content from the first liquid hydrocarbon feed. According to another aspect, the carbazoles content of a plurality of liquid hydrocarbon feeds are measured to generate a database of the measured carbazoles content. |
| US09963640B2 |
Coal pyrolyzing and carbonizing device of coal pyrolyzing furnace
A device of a coal pyrolyzing furnace is arranged in a center of a body of the coal pyrolyzing furnace and includes: a carbonizing room, an external gas heating device, an internal burning heating device and a flame path bow, wherein the carbonizing room is in a loop chamber above the flame path bow, the loop camber is formed by an internal loop wall and an external loop wall made of fire-resistant and heat-conductive materials; the external gas heating device is around an external circle of the external loop wall of the carbonizing room, wherein the external gas heating device comprises at least one equal set of a first gas heater, a second gas heater and a gas reversing device; the internal burning heating device is inside the internal loop wall of the carbonizing room. |
| US09963630B2 |
Method for a fracturing fluid system at high temperatures
The method for well-stimulation through a wellbore in a rock formation is hydraulic fracturing under high temperature conditions. The method includes injecting a fracturing fluid system to the rock formation; fracturing the rock formation at a temperature between 150-260 degrees Celsius; and recovering fluid components of the fracturing fluid system from the wellbore and setting the proppant in the fractures. The fracturing fluid system includes proppant and a plurality of fluid components. The fluid components can include water, a gelling agent, and a stabilizer made of ascorbic acid. The ascorbic acid stabilizes viscosity of the gelling agent, adjusts pH, and delays cross linking. Amount of components and additional components, such as a cross-linking agent, a breaker, another adjusting agent and an inverting surfactant adjust the fracturing fluid system for well conditions and a type of treatment to be completed. |
| US09963629B2 |
Foamers for unloading high-condensate gas wells
Foamable compositions useful for deliquifying gas wells, particularly gas wells having at least 40 vol. % of a hydrocarbon condensate, are disclosed. The compositions comprise, in addition to the condensate, an aqueous brine and 250 to 10,000 ppm of a monounsaturated betaine or sulfobetaine. A method for deliquifying the production line of a natural gas well is also disclosed. The method comprises introducing into a gas well a monounsaturated betaine or sulfobetaine to form a foamed composition, and removing at least a portion of the foamed composition from the production line. Certain betaines and sulfobetaines are remarkably effective in producing foams useful for gas well deliquification, particularly gas wells characterized by high or very high condensate levels. The inventive compositions and method provide a cost-effective way to enable thousands of gas wells to be utilized more productively. |
| US09963628B2 |
Curauá fibers as lost-circulation materials and fluid-loss additives in wellbore fluids
A method and wellbore fluid using Curaua fiber to prevent or cure loss circulation during well operations. The wellbore fluid includes a base fluid and a plurality of Curaua fibers. The wellbore fluid may include concentration up to 120 lb/bbl Curaua fibers. The base fluid may include at least one of water-based fluid, brine-based fluid, oil-based fluid, synthetic-based fluid, or Pneumatic-drilling fluid system. The water-based fluids may further include at least one of seawater, brine, saturated brine, or formate brine. The water-based fluid may include a dispersed system. The water-based fluid may further include a non-dispersed system. The oil-based fluid may include at least one of diesel, mineral oil, and low-toxicity linear olefins and paraffins. The synthetic-based fluid may include at least one of one of esters, internal olefins and linear paraffins. The oil-based and the synthetic-based fluids may further include lime. |
| US09963627B2 |
Nanostructured phase change materials for solid state thermal management
Nanostructured phase change materials (PCMs) which are heterogeneous materials having at least two phases, at least one of the phases having at least one of its dimensions in the nanoscale, and comprising a first agent that undergoes an endothermic phase transition at a desired temperature and a second agent that assists in maintaining a nanostructure, are provided. There are also provided methods for manufacturing such PCMs, and applications thereof for providing thermoregulatory coatings and articles containing such coatings for use in a wide range of applications, such as cooling textiles, wipes, packaging, films, walls and building materials. |
| US09963624B2 |
Curable composition, method for producing curable composition, cured object, method for using curable composition, and optical device
The present invention is: a curable composition comprising a component (A), a component (B), and a component (C), the curable composition comprising the component (A) and the component (B) in a mass ratio (component (A):component (B)) of 100:0.3 to 100:50, the component (A) being a curable polysilsesquioxane compound that comprises a repeating unit represented by a formula (a-1), R1SiO3/2 (a-1) wherein R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, the component (B) being fine particles having an average primary particle size of 5 to 40 nm, and the component (C) being a silane coupling agent that comprises a sulfur atom in its molecule. This invention provides: a curable composition that produces a cured product that exhibits excellent adhesion, excellent delamination resistance, and excellent heat resistance, and exhibits excellent workability during the application step, a method for producing the same, a cured product obtained by curing the curable composition, a method for using the curable composition as an optical element-securing adhesive or an optical element sealing material, and an optical device. |
| US09963618B2 |
Articles, compositions, systems, and methods using selectively detackified adhesives
Adhesive compositions are described which can be selectively detackified or deadened. Articles using such adhesive compositions are also described. Also described are techniques in which select regions of adhesive layers in the articles are detackified. Also described are systems and methods using the various articles and adhesive compositions. And particular label constructions are described. |
| US09963617B2 |
Acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive composition and pressure-sensitive adhesive products
There are provided a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition which is excellent in durability, whitening resistance, hot-melt processability, pressure-sensitive adhesion properties, holding power at high temperatures, heat resistance, weathering resistance, compatibility with tackifying resins, low-temperature properties and transparency, is excellent also in balance of these properties and rarely suffers adhesion acceleration, and pressure-sensitive adhesive products using the pressure-sensitive adhesive composition. The pressure-sensitive adhesive composition comprises an acrylic block copolymer (I) having a polymer block (A) comprising methacrylic acid ester units and a polymer block (B) comprising acrylic acid ester units which are derived from an acrylic acid ester (1) represented by the general formula CH2═CH—COOR1 (1) (wherein R1 is an organic group of 4 to 6 carbon atoms) and an acrylic acid ester (2) represented by the general formula CH2═CH—COOR2 (2) (wherein R2 is an organic group of 7 to 12 carbon atoms), the mass ratio (1)/(2) of said acrylic acid ester (1) to said acrylic acid ester (2) being 65/35 to 20/80. |
| US09963616B2 |
Biomimetic dry adhesives and methods of production therefor
A dry adhesive structure and a method for manufacturing thereof is disclosed. In an embodiment, the dry adhesive structure comprises a base structure and a plurality of fiber structures is disclosed, wherein each of the plurality of fiber structures comprises a cap structure that substantially overhangs its corresponding fiber structure on at least one side. The method for manufacturing the dry adhesive structure comprises applying a photosensitive material to substrate comprising polymethyl acrylate, patterning and developing the photoresistive material to form a mask comprising the overhanging cap structure, exposing the mask to UV light, developing the substrate to form undercut fiber structures, molding an elastomer rubber materials to form an elastomer rubber negative mold, and molding a flexible polymer material in the elastomer rubber negative mold to form the dry adhesive structure. |
| US09963614B2 |
Copper-containing articles and methods for providing same
A water-soluble composition includes reducible copper ions or copper nanoparticles complexed with a reactive polymer. The reactive polymer can be crosslinked using suitable irradiation to provide copper-containing water-insoluble complexes. The water-soluble composition can be used to provide various articles and electrically-conductive materials that can be assembled in electronic devices. The reactive polymer has greater than 1 mol % of recurring units comprising sulfonic acid or sulfonate groups, at least 5 mol % of recurring units comprising a pendant group capable of crosslinking via [2+2] photocycloaddition, and optionally at least 1 mol % of recurring units comprising a pendant amide, amine, hydroxyl, lactam, phosphonic acid, or carboxylic acid group. |
| US09963610B2 |
Additives to improve open-time and freeze-thaw characteristics of water-based paints and coatings
Waterborne coatings are described having an acceptable balance of properties both during the storage of coating, application and drying. The period in which irregularities in a freshly applied coating can be repaired without resulting in brush marks is referred to as the open time. Aqueous coatings generally employ dispersed high molecular weight polymers as binders. These binders often provide short open times when the coating is dried since the dispersed polymer particles tend to be immobilized quickly in the edge region of an applied coating. As a result, the viscosity of the coating increases rapidly, which leads to a limited window of workability. The instant invention provides additives that are not volatile but that will extend the time that the film is malleable after it is applied without interfering with other attributes, such as the resistance of the coating to freezing while in the can prior to application. |
| US09963607B2 |
Non-Newtonian inkjet inks
The present disclosure provides non-Newtonian inkjet inks and related methods. In one example, a non-Newtonian inkjet ink can comprise a low molecular weight organic gelator in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 10% by weight based on the total weight of the non-Newtonian inkjet ink; a salt in an amount of 0.05% to 20% by weight based on the total weight of the non-Newtonian inkjet ink; and an organic solvent. Additionally, the low molecular weight organic gelator and the salt can form a structured network and the inkjet ink can have a viscosity ranging from 100 cps to 10,000 cps at a temperature of 25° C. and a viscosity ranging from 1 cps to 10 cps at a temperature of 50° C. |
| US09963604B2 |
Inkjet ink
According to one embodiment, an inkjet ink includes a non-conductive metal pigment, a resin, and a solvent, and the surface of the non-conductive metal pigment is coated with an alkoxide including an alkoxysilane, and the coating film has a crosslinked structure. |
| US09963602B2 |
Ultraviolet curable white ink composition for inkjet printing, method for preparing white bezel pattern using same, and electronic device comprising white bezel pattern prepared by same
The present invention relates to an ultraviolet curable white ink composition for inkjet printing comprising a pigment dispersion, a binder solution, a monofunctional monomer and a photoinitiator and, more particularly, to an ultraviolet curable white ink composition for inkjet printing which, at the time of forming a pattern, has a thickness of 30 μm or less and a contrast ratio of 98% or more, a method for preparing a white bezel pattern using the same, and an electronic device comprising the white bezel pattern prepared by the method. |
| US09963599B2 |
Material compositions for lightning strike protection
Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for implementing lightning strike protective compositions. In one aspect, a composition for providing protection against electrical discharges (e.g., including lightning strikes) for composite structures includes a binder material capable of dispersing material structures therein and attaching to a surface of a substrate, and a plurality of pigment structures dispersed in the binder material. The pigment structures include a central layer including an electrically conducting material, and outer layers formed on the central layer, in which the outer layers include an optical absorber material or a dielectric material. The composition, when attached to the substrate, is capable of providing electrically conductive paths to transfer electrical current from a multi kiloamp electrical discharge within the composition. |
| US09963595B2 |
Coating composition and method for producing powder coating
A powder coating composition is provided herein. The powder coating composition includes a glycidyl-functionalized (meth)acrylic resin as a film-forming binder, a cross-linking agent (hardener) for the binder, particles chosen from the group comprising aluminum oxide Al2O3 and aluminum hydroxide Al(OH)3 particles, and a coating additive, the wt % based on the total weight of the powder coating composition. A process for the production of a scratch resistant powder coating is also provided herein. The process includes the steps of a) applying a transparent clear coat or a pigmented top coat directly onto a substrate surface or onto a prior coating, and b) curing the clear coat or the top coat applied in step a) wherein the transparent clear coat or the pigmented top coat includes the powder coating composition. |
| US09963593B2 |
Interference pigments on the basis of perlite flakes
The present invention relates to pigments, comprising a plate-like substrate of perlite, and (a) a dielectric material, especially a metal oxide, having a high index of refraction; and/or (a) a metal layer, especially a thin semi-transparent metal layer; a process for their production and their use in paints, ink jet printing, for dyeing textiles, for pigmenting coatings (paints), printing inks, plastics, cosmetics, glazes for ceramics and glass. |
| US09963592B2 |
Modified colorants and inkjet ink compositions comprising modified colorants
The present invention relates to a modified colorant comprising a colorant having at least one polymer attached or adsorbed thereto. The polymer comprises at least one functional group, and various embodiments of the functional group are disclosed. For each of these embodiments, preferably the functional group has a defined calcium index value. Also disclosed are various uses for these modified colorants, including inkjet ink compositions. Thus, the present invention further relates to an inkjet ink composition comprising a) a liquid vehicle, b) at least one colorant, and c) at least one polymer comprising at least one functional group as described herein. |
| US09963584B2 |
Block copolymer composition, production method therefor, and film
The present invention provides a block copolymer composition comprising a block copolymer A represented by formula (A) and a block copolymer B represented by formula (B), the block copolymer composition having a water content of 200 ppm by weight or less when the block copolymer composition has been formed in a shape of pellets, dried, and allowed to stand at a temperature of 37° C. and a relative humidity of 70% for 24 hours. In the formulas, Ar1a, Ar1b, and Ar2b are aromatic vinyl polymer blocks having a weight average molecular weight of 6,000-18,000, Ar2a is an aromatic vinyl polymer block having a weight average molecular weight of 40,000-400,000, and Da and Db are specific conjugated diene polymer blocks. The block copolymer composition has a high modulus of elasticity, exhibits low tension set, and ensures that the formation of a hole is prevented when a film is formed by melt-forming the block copolymer composition. Ar1a-Da-Ar2a (A) Ar1b-Db-Ar2b (B) |
| US09963582B2 |
Expandable polymeric composition with improved flexibility and relative preparation process
The present invention relates to a polymeric composition which comprises: a) vinyl aromatic polymers and/or copolymers in an amount ranging from 50% to 99% by weight, calculated with respect to the overall composition, b) a polyolefin or a relative copolymer with an ester in an amount ranging from 1% to 50% by weight, calculated with respect to the overall composition, c) olefinic elastomer grafted with a.-vinyl aromatic polymer in an amount ranging from 0.01% to 40% by weight, calculated with respect to the sum of (a)+(b), d) an expanding agent in an amount ranging from 1% to 10% by weight, calculated with respect to the sum of (a)+(b)+(c). |
| US09963579B2 |
Thermoplastic resin moulded article, and production method for thermoplastic resin moulded article
A thermoplastic resin molding according to the present invention contains carbon fibers. An amount of the carbon fibers falls within a range from 0.4 mass % to 10 mass %. An average length of the carbon fibers falls within a range from 0.5 mm to 15 mm. The thermoplastic resin is polypropylene. The polypropylene includes polypropylene containing at least one of a carboxyl group, a carbonyl group, or a hydroxyl group. Surfaces of the carbon fibers contain at least one of a carboxyl group, a carbonyl group, a hydroxyl group, or a Cl group. |
| US09963578B2 |
Black polyimides and synthesis thereof
Black polyimides polymer and a method of synthesizing the same have been developed. The black polyimide polymer includes at least one acid monomer, at least one diamino monomer and a solvent-soluble black dye. The acid and diamino monomers having been reacting in a solvent under suitable conditions to form a polyimide precursor polymer. |
| US09963576B2 |
Fiber-reinforced composite sheet and integrated molding
The present invention provides a light-weight fiber-reinforced composite material that has excellent flame retardance and mechanical properties and never emits a halogen gas. The present invention also provides a prepreg and en epoxy resin composition suited to obtain the above described fiber-reinforced composite material. The present invention also provides an integrated molding which is produced using the above described fiber-reinforced composite material, thereby suitable for use in electric/electronic casings. The epoxy resin composition is such that it contains the following components [A], [B] and [C]: [A] epoxy resin, [B] amine curing agent, and [C] phosphorus compound, wherein the concentration of the component [C] is 0.2 to 15% by weight in terms of phosphorus atom concentration. |
| US09963575B2 |
Sterically hindered amine light stabilizers with a mixed functionalization
Disclosed herein is a compound of the formula (I), wherein one or two radicals of the radicals R1 are independently of one another C1-C20alkyloxy or C3-C12cycloalkyloxy and the remaining radicals R1 are independently of one another hydrogen, C1-C20alkyl or C3-C12cycloalkyl; the radicals R0 and R2 are independently of one another hydrogen, C1-C20alkyl, C3-C12cycloalkyl or a group of the formula (II-a) with R3 being hydrogen, C1-C20alkyl, C3-C12cycloalkyl, C1-C20alkyloxy or C3-C12cycloalkyloxy; Y is C2-C12alkylene; m is 0 or 1; n is 1, 2 or 3; when n is 1, X is hydrogen, C1-C20alkyl, C3-C12cycloalkyl or a group of the formula (II-a); when n is 2, X is C2-C12alkylene; when n is 3, X is a group N(Z—)3 with Z being C2-C12alkyl. |
| US09963573B2 |
Polyolefin pipe
This invention relates to a polymeric pipe, and more particularly a polymeric pipe where the pipe comprises a crosslinked polyolefin formed from extruded polyolefin comprising a photoinitiator and a reactive extrusion species. More particularly, this invention relates to the manufacturing of plastic pipes and tubing by utilizing co-rotating twin screw extrusion combined with photo-induced crosslinking, of thermoplastic polymers such as polyethylene, to produce PEX pipes and tubing. |
| US09963569B2 |
Method of making light-blocking high opacity articles
A method for providing a foamed, opacifying element includes providing a foamable aqueous composition, aerating it to a foam density of 0.1-0.5 g/cm3, applying the foamed aqueous composition to a porous substrate, drying, and densifying the dried layer. Such foamable aqueous compositions have 0.05-15 weight % of porous particles; at least 20 weight % of a binder; at least 0.0001 weight % of additives (including a surfactant); water; and at least 0.001 weight % of an opacifying colorant. Each porous particle includes a continuous polymeric phase and discrete pores; a mode particle size of 2-50 μm; and a porosity of 20-70 volume %. The continuous polymeric phase Tg is >80° C. and has a polymer viscosity of 80-500 centipoises at an ethyl acetate shear rate of 100 sec−1 at a concentration of 20 weight % at 25° C. |
| US09963567B2 |
Propylene based resin composition and use thereof
Means for solving the problemsThe thermoplastic resin composition (X1) of the present invention comprises (A1), (B1), (C1), and optionally (D1) below: 1 to 90 wt % of an isotactic polypropylene (A1); 9 to 98 wt % of a propylene/ethylene/α-olefin copolymer (B1) containing 45 to 89 mol % of propylene-derived structural units, 10 to 25 mol % of ethylene-derived structural units, and optionally, 0 to 30 mol % of C4-C20 α-olefin-derived structural units (a1); 1 to 80 wt % of a styrene-based elastomer (C1); and 0 to 70 wt % of an ethylene/α-olefin copolymer (D1) whose density is in the range of 0.850 to 0.910 g/cm3, wherein (A1)+(B1)+(C1)+(D1)=100 wt %. |
| US09963563B2 |
Reversible derivatization of poly (aryl ether ketones)
The embodiments of the present disclosure present systems and methods for the reversible solubilization of (aryl ether ketones) (PAEKs). A thioacetalization process is employed to modify the PAEKs into poly (aryl ether thioacetals) which, unlike PAEKs, are substantially soluble in common solvents. This modification allowing selected analysis techniques to be more easily performed on PAEKs, such as gel permeation chromatography. The thioacetalization may be reversed through a deprotection reaction to recover the original PAEK without substantial degradation, allowing for non-destructive characterization of the PAEK. Advantageously, the thioacetalization process is generally applicable to a broad range of PAEKs, unlike presently known methods of solubilizing PAEKs. Solubilization of PAEKs further expands the utility of the PAEKs, opening up additional routes to chemical modification of PAEKs, as well as allowing for the possibility of processing PAEKs from solution. |
| US09963561B2 |
Phenol free stabilization of polyethylene
This invention provides a process for the stabilization of thermoplastic polyolefins during melt processing operations. The stabilizer package of this invention is “phenol free” and comprises at least two selected phosphite stabilizers. In some embodiments, the process is suitable for the manufacture of polyethylene film. |
| US09963560B2 |
Process for dispersing particles in filled resin compositions
An improved process for dispersing filler particles in a resin composition is disclosed. The filler particles, for instance electrically conductive or metal particles, are mixed with a resin material or blend of materials including a resin material to form a mixture that is subjected to an acceleration force. The acceleration force can be generated by passing the mixture through a static nozzle having particular dimensions to generate an acceleration of the mixture in the nozzle in excess of 400,000 m/sec2. The treated particles become uniformly dispersed in the resin composition and a reduction in average particle size of the filler material can be achieved. |
| US09963552B2 |
Condensation-curable silicone resin composition, condensation-curable silicone resin cured product, and sealed optical semiconductor element
The present invention aims to provide a condensation-curable silicone resin composition with excellent adhesion properties. The present invention also aims to provide a condensation-curable silicone resin cured product formed from the condensation-curable silicone resin composition and a sealed optical semiconductor element formed by using the condensation-curable silicone resin composition. The present invention is a condensation-curable silicone resin composition including: a condensation-curable silicone resin mixture; and an adhesion-imparting agent, the adhesion-imparting agent including a compound that includes at least one group A, wherein the group A is represented by the formula wherein R2a represents a C1-C8 alkylene group in which a carbon atom other than a carbon atom bonded to a silicon atom is optionally partially substituted with an oxygen atom; R2b's each independently represent a C1-C3 alkylene group; R3's each independently represent a C1-C3 alkylene group; R4's each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C1-C3 alkyl group, an OH group-containing C1-C3 alkyl group, or a halogen group; and x is an integer of 0 to 2. |
| US09963550B2 |
Polymers and organic electronic device
A polymer comprising repeat units of formula (I) and repeat units of formula (II): wherein: Ar1 and Ar2 independently in each occurrence represents an aryl or heteroaryl group that may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents; Ar3 represents a fused aromatic or heteroaromatic group that may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents; R is a substituent; m is 0, 1 or 2 with the proviso that Ar2 is not phenanthrene if m is 1; each R9 is independently a substituent, and the two groups R9 may be linked to form a ring; each z is independently 0, 1 or 2; and each R10 is independently a substituent. The polymer may be used in an organic light-emitting device. |
| US09963549B2 |
Biodegradable polyesteramide copolymers for drug delivery
The present invention relates to a poly (ester amide) (PEA) having a chemical formula described by structural formula (IV), wherein m+p varies from 0.9-0.1 and q varies from 0.1 to 0.9 m+p+q=1 whereby m or p could be 0 n is about 5 to about 300; (pref. 50-200) R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of (C2-C20) alkylene, (C2-C20) alkenylene, —(R9—CO—O—R10—O—CO—R9)—, —CHR11—O—CO—R12—COOCR11— and combinations thereof; R3 and R4 in a single backbone unit m or p, respectively, are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, (C1-C6)alkyl, (C2-C6)alkenyl, (C2-C6)alkynyl, (C6-C10)aryl, (C1-C6)alkyl, —(CH2)SH, —(CH2)2S(CH3), —CH2OH, —CH(OH)CH3, —(CH2)4NH3+, —(CH2)3NHC(═NH2+)NH2, —CH2COOH, —(CH2)COOH, —CH2—CO—NH2, —CH2CH2—CO—NH2, —CH2CH2COOH, CH3—CH2—CH(CH3)—, (CH3)2—CH—CH2—, H2N—(CH2)4—, Ph-CH2—, CH═C—CH2—, HO-p-Ph-CH2—, (CH3)2—CH—, Ph-NH—, NH—(CH2)3—C—, NH—CH═N—CH═C—CH2—. R5 is selected from the group consisting of (C2-C20)alkylene, (C2-C20)alkenylene, alkyloxy or oligoethyleneglycol R6 is selected from bicyclic-fragments of 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitols of structural formula (III); R7 is selected from the group consisting of (C6-C10)aryl (C1-C6)alkyl R8 is (CH2)4-; R9 or R10 are independently selected from C2-C12 alkylene or C2-C12 alkenylene. R11 or R12 are independently selected from H, methyl, C2-C12 alkylene or C2-C12 alkenylene whereby a is at least 0.05 and b is at least 0.05 and a+b=1. |
| US09963548B1 |
Solvent resistant, aromatic polyamide films for transparent flexible substrates
Solvent resistant, transparent films prepared from solutions of aromatic polyamides and multi-functional carboxylic acids in polar aprotic solvents are described herein. Solvent resistance is achieved by heating the films for a short time above 300° C. near the polyamide Tg. The films have CTEs less than 40 ppm/° C. and are optically clear displaying transmittance above 75% between 400 and 750 nm. The films are useful as substrates for flexible electronic devices. |
| US09963545B2 |
Processes for enhancing flame retardance and chemical resistance of polymers
Processes for increasing the chemical resistance of a surface of a formed article are disclosed. The formed article is produced from a polymeric composition comprising a photoactive additive containing photoactive groups derived from a monofunctional benzophenone. The surface of the formed article is then exposed to ultraviolet light to cause crosslinking of the photoactive additive and produce a crosslinked surface. The crosslinking enhances the chemical resistance of the surface. Various means for controlling the depth of the crosslinking are also discussed. |
| US09963541B2 |
Photosensitive resin composition for optical waveguide, photocurable film for formation of optical waveguide core layer, optical waveguide produced by using the resin composition or the photocurable film, and hybrid flexible printed wiring board for optical/electrical transmission
According to the present invention, a photosensitive resin composition for an optical waveguide contains a resin component and a photopolymerization initiator. The resin component has an absorbance of less than 0.03 as measured at 2960 cm−1 by an attenuated total reflection measurement (ATR) method by means of a Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FT-IR), and includes a polymerizable substituent-containing resin as a main component. Where the inventive optical waveguide photosensitive resin composition is used as a material for the optical waveguide, particularly as a core layer formation material for the optical waveguide, it is possible to reduce a loss, for example, by avoiding vibrational absorption occurring at an optical waveguide transmission light wavelength of 850 nm due to a resin skeleton. |
| US09963535B2 |
Swell index of hips using additives
A process for producing a high impact polystyrene having a high swell index may include feeding at least one vinyl aromatic monomer and at least one elastomer to at least one polymerization reactor to form a reaction mixture. The process may include polymerizing the reaction mixture, combining a chain transfer agent to the reaction mixture leaving the at least one polymerization reactor to form a combined mixture, and sending the combined mixture to a devolatilization zone. The process may include obtaining a HIPS product having a high swell index. |
| US09963533B2 |
Copolymer and epoxy resin composite
A copolymer is provided, which includes a chemical structure of: R is C1-6 alkylene group. T is a terminal group including C1-6 alkyl group, C3-6 cycloalkyl group, or C6-12 aromatic group. l is 0.05 to 0.3, m is 0.1 to 0.2, n is 0.5 to 0.8, l+m+n=1, x is 40 to 100, and o is 10 to 120. An epoxy resin composite is also provided, which includes 100 parts by weight of epoxy resin and 1 to 20 parts by weight of toughness enhancer such as the above copolymer. |
| US09963524B2 |
Tubular low density ethylene-based polymers with improved balance of extractables and melt elasticity
The invention provides an ethylene-based polymer comprising the following properties: a) weight fraction (w) of molecular weight above 5*106 g/mol, w>A−B*I2, where A=0.4 wt %, and B is 0.02 wt %/(dg/min), and w |
| US09963523B2 |
Polyethylene production with multiple polymerization reactors
A system and method for discharging a transfer slurry from a first polymerization reactor through a transfer line to a second polymerization reactor, the transfer slurry including at least diluent and a first polyethylene. A product slurry is discharged from the second polymerization reactor, the product slurry including at least diluent, the first polyethylene, and a second polyethylene. The velocity, pressure drop, or pressure loss due to friction in the transfer line is determined, and a process variable adjusted in response to the velocity, pressure drop, or pressure loss not satisfying a specified value. |
| US09963520B2 |
Aqueous emulsion and adhesive in which same is used
The present invention relates to an aqueous emulsion including an ethylenically unsaturated monomer unit-containing polymer as a dispersoid and a polyvinyl alcohol as a dispersant. The content of a free polyvinyl alcohol in the aqueous emulsion is 0.2 to 20 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the ethylenically unsaturated monomer unit-containing polymer. The free polyvinyl alcohol has a degree of saponification of 80.0 to 99.5 mol % and a viscosity-average degree of polymerization of 200 to 5000, and the free polyvinyl alcohol has a symmetry factor (W0.05h/2f) that satisfies the following expression (1) as determined by gradient high-performance liquid chromatography for reversed-phase separation using a water-acetone eluent according to JIS K 0124 (2011). 0.85≤W0.05h/2f≤1.30 (1) (The definitions of the symbols are omitted.) |
| US09963511B2 |
Expression vector organization, novel production cell generation methods and their use for the recombinant production of polypeptides
Herein is reported an expression vector comprising—an antibody light chain expression cassette, —an antibody heavy chain expression cassette, and—a selection marker expression cassette, wherein the expression cassettes are arranged unidirectional, and wherein the expression cassettes are arranged in the 5′ to 3′ sequence of antibody heavy chain expression cassette, antibody light chain expression cassette and selection marker expression cassette. Further are reported herein methods for the generation of antibody producing cells and the use of these cells for the recombinant production of antibodies. |
| US09963510B2 |
Covalent diabodies and uses thereof
The present invention is directed to diabody molecules and uses thereof in the treatment of a variety of diseases and disorders, including immunological disorders, infectious disease, intoxication and cancers. The diabody molecules of the invention comprise two polypeptide chains that associate to form at least two epitope binding sites, which may recognize the same or different epitopes on the same or differing antigens. Additionally, the antigens may be from the same or different molecules. The individual polypeptide chains of the diabody molecule may be covalently bound through non-peptide bond covalent bonds, such as, but not limited to, disulfide bonding of cysteine residues located within each polypeptide chain. In particular embodiments, the diabody molecules of the present invention further comprise an Fc region, which allows antibody-like functionality to engineered into the molecule. |
| US09963509B2 |
Anti-B7H3 binding compounds and uses thereof
The invention is directed to novel antibody binding compounds specific for the human B7H3 and uses of such compounds for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. |
| US09963504B2 |
Anti-CXCL13 antibodies and methods of using the same
Compositions and methods are provided for treating diseases associated with CXCL13 expression, including certain autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and cancers. In particular, anti-CXCL13 monoclonal antibodies have been developed to neutralize CXCL13. |
| US09963499B2 |
Expression of monoclonal antibodies in ciliate host cells
The present invention is related to a system for the heterologous expression of a monoclonal Antibody (mAb) or a fragment or derivative thereof, said system comprising at least one ciliate host cell, and incorporated, into said ciliate host cell, at least one heterologous nucleic acid molecule encoding for said monoclonal Antibody, or a fragment or derivative thereof. |
| US09963498B2 |
Peptides that inhibit syndecan-1 activation of VLA-4 and IGF-1R
A fusion peptides with sequences derived from the extracellular domain of syndecan-1 that inhibits VLA-4 and IGF-1R signaling are disclosed. The fusion peptides include an IGF-1R-binding segment having the amino acid sequence LPAGEGPKEGEAVVLPEVEPGLTAREQ (SEQ ID NO:1) and a VLA-4-binding segment having the amino acid sequence sequence DFTFETSGENTA (SEQ ID NO:2). |
| US09963496B2 |
Stable glucagon analogues and use for treatment of hypoglycaemia
The invention relates to derivatives of glucagon analogs comprising the substitutions Imp1 and His3, a substituent having three to ten negatively charged moieties covalently attached to a side chain of a lysine as well as intermediates and compositions thereof and their use in medicine. |
| US09963494B2 |
Methods of using compositions comprising variants and fusions of FGF19 polypeptides for reducing glucose levels in a subject
The invention relates to variants and fusions of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), variants and fusions of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), fusions of FGF19 and/or FGF21, and variants or fusions of FGF19 and/or FGF21 proteins and peptide sequences (and peptidomimetics), having one or more activities, such as glucose lowering activity, and methods for and uses in treatment of hyperglycemia and other disorders. |
| US09963490B2 |
Influenza nucleoprotein vaccines
The present invention is related to a fusion protein comprising a variant of a nucleoprotein antigen from Influenza strain A, B or C, and a variant of a C4bp oligomerization domain for increasing the cellular immunogenicity of the nucleoprotein antigen from Influenza. The invention is also related to nucleic acids, vectors, fusion proteins and immunogenic compositions, for their use as a vaccine or immunotherapy for the prevention and treatment of influenza disease. |
| US09963489B2 |
House dust mite allergen
An immobilized polypeptide including a polypeptide bound to a surface of a polypeptide array or a chip, wherein the polypeptide has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:1 lacking the N-terminal methionine, SEQ ID NO:3 lacking the N-terminal methionine, or a combination thereof. |
| US09963486B2 |
Peptidomimetics for treating HER2-overexpressed cancer
Novel peptidomimetic compounds are disclosed, compounds that inhibit protein-protein interactions (PPI) of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR), also called human epidermal growth factor receptors (HERs), and that block signaling for cell growth in HER2-overexpressed cancers. The novel peptidomimetics specifically bind the HER2 protein, and thereby inhibit dimerization. The peptidomimetics disrupt both HER2-HER3 and EGFR-HER2 heterodimer formation. The peptidomimetics can be used in the treatment of various types of HER2-overexpressed cancers, including lung, breast, and ovarian cancers. |
| US09963482B2 |
Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitor and pharmaceutical composition
A substance contains a phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor including a depsipeptide-class compound represented by formula (1), or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof that combines a PI3K inhibitory effect and an HDAC inhibitory effect to provide an anti-cancer pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of an intractable cancer. |
| US09963481B2 |
Chiral oligomeric pentenoate amides as bio-oligomer mimetics
Chiral oligomeric pentenoate amides are bio-oligomer mimetics possessing a high degree of conformation rigidity. Conformational rigidity is desirable in the design of molecules with high affinities for biological receptors and enzymes. Libraries of such oligomeric mimetics, such as of chiral oligomeric pentenoate amides can be used to probe biological systems. The present invention provides a method for preparation of chiral oligomeric pentanoate amides comprising conversion of a chiral oxazolidinone (4) to a chiral monomer of formula (1) which can be oligomerized to a chiral compound of formula (12) and so forth. |
| US09963475B2 |
Anthracene-9, 10-dione dioxime compound prodrugs and their uses
Chemical agents, such as disulfonamide derivatives of fluorene, anthracene, xanthene, dibenzosuberone and acridine, and similar heterocyclic ring structures; including, salts thereof that act as anti-cancer and anti-tumor agents, along with methods for preparing such agents, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing such agents as active ingredients and methods of using these as therapeutic agents. |
| US09963472B2 |
Stable pantetheine derivatives for the treatment of pantothenate kinase associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) and methods for the synthesis of such compounds
The invention relates to (S)-acyl-4′-phosphopantetheine derivatives, methods of their synthesis, and related medical uses of such compounds. Preferred medical uses relate to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as PKAN. |
| US09963471B2 |
Liquid crystal vertical alignment agent, liquid crystal display element and manufacture method of liquid crystal display element
The present invention provides a liquid crystal vertical alignment agent, and the liquid crystal vertical alignment agent can make the liquid crystal molecules vertically orientated relative to the substrate surface. The liquid crystal vertical alignment agent makes a cheap price, a stable performance and can make the liquid crystal molecules be vertically aligned. The alignment film such as polyimide (PI) in the present liquid crystal display (such as TFT-LCD) can be replaced, which is beneficial for raising the display performance of the liquid crystal display. The present invention further provides a liquid crystal display element, and the liquid crystal display element utilizes the said liquid crystal vertical alignment agent to make the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the vertical direction more consistent and have long term stability. |
| US09963469B2 |
High refractive index siloxanes
A polymer material comprising a constraint bicyclic bridged structure such as bicyclo(2,2,1) ring system, most preferably a norbornyl group, pendant to a siloxane backbone. The bridged bicyclic-containing materials can exhibit good refractive index, transparency, gas permeability, and/or other properties making them suitable for use in a variety of applications. |
| US09963467B2 |
Boronic acid derivatives and therapeutic uses thereof
Disclosed herein are antimicrobial compounds compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, the use and preparation thereof. Some embodiments relate to boronic acid derivatives and their use as therapeutic agents. |
| US09963461B2 |
Phillygenin ibuprofen ester, preparation method therefor, and application thereof
The present invention provides a pharmaceutical compound of phillygenin ibuprofen ester as represented by formula (I), preparation method thereof, and applications thereof in anti-virus, antipyresis, anti-inflammation, analgesia and the like: |
| US09963451B2 |
Fused ring pyrimidine compound and pest control agent containing the same
Provided is a pest control agent containing a fused ring pyrimidine compound represented by the following formula (I) or a salt thereof as an effective component. In formula (I), A represents a nitrogen atom or C—R4, B represents a nitrogen atom or C—R5, D represents a nitrogen atom or C—R6, X represents an oxygen atom, N—R7 or the like, each of R1, R2, R4 and R6 independently represents a hydrogen atom or the like, each of R3a and R3b independently represents a hydrogen atom or the like, R5 represents an alkylthio group or the like, R7 represents an alkoxy group or the like, and Ht represents a pyridyl group that may be substituted, or the like. |
| US09963449B2 |
Process for the preparation of Paliperidone palmitate
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of pure Paliperidone Palmitate, which comprises: (a) providing a solution of Paliperidone Palmitate in an alcoholic solvent; (b) adding the alcoholic solution of Paliperidone palmitate to water or vice versa; and (c) isolating the product to obtain pure Paliperidone Palmitate. |
| US09963448B2 |
Bicyclic inhibitors of PAD4
The present invention provides compounds useful as inhibitors of PAD4, compositions thereof, and methods of treating PAD4-related disorders. |
| US09963439B2 |
Specific inhibitors of cytochrome P450 26 retinoic acid hydroxylase
The present disclosure is generally directed to compositions and methods for treating diseases that are ameliorated by the inhibition of CYP26 mediated retinoic acid metabolism. The compositions comprise compounds of formula (I). A repreid50000060307390 IB/345 nullsents aryl optionally substituted with one, two, three, or four groups that are each independently halogen, cyano, nitro, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 haloalkyl, —NH2, —NH(C1-C6 alkyl), —N(C1-C6 alkyl)2, —OH, C1-C6 alkoxy, and C1-C6 haloalkoxy; X is a bond, —CH2—, —CHR5—, —C═CHR4—, —NR4—, —N═O—R4—, —O—, —S—, —SO—, —SO2—, —C(O)—, or —C(NR4)—, or X is of formula (a), (b) or (c), wherein each n is independently 1, 2, or 3; each R4 is independently hydrogen or C1-6 alkyl; R5 is independently hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl, or —OR6, where R6 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, C2-6 alkynyL C3-12 cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, arylC1-6 alkyl, heteroaryl, or heteroarylC1-6 alkyl; Y is C1-6 alkylene, C2-6 alkenylene, or C2-6 alkylylene moiety. |
| US09963438B2 |
Method for the production of vitamin E with a high purity, vitamin E produced by said method, and a composition comprising said vitamin E
A method is provided for manufacturing high-purity vitamin E compounds by selectively separating vitamin E compounds such as tocotrienols and tocopherols from oil raw materials such as deodorized distillate, and more specifically, a method is provided, applying to a rich fraction of vitamin E compounds, for obtaining high-purity vitamin E compounds by separating and removing only free fatty acids contained as impurities. The method comprises a process in which a solution containing vitamin E compounds and free fatty acids is placed in contact with a weakly basic anion exchanger, and the free fatty acids are preferentially adsorbed. |
| US09963437B2 |
Process for the production of furan and its derivatives
The present invention provides a process for the treatment of a liquid first furan stream comprising furan and carbon monoxide, said process comprising the steps of: i) contacting said first furan stream with a CO-lean first gaseous stream; and ii) stripping at least a portion of the carbon monoxide in the first furan stream into the first gaseous stream to produce a second furan stream comprising less carbon monoxide than the first furan stream and a CO-enriched second gaseous stream. |
| US09963435B2 |
Compounds for therapeutic use
Chemical entities of Formula (I): Including enantiomers thereof, wherein R1 has any of the values described herein, and compositions comprising such chemical entities; their preparation; and their use in various methods, including the treatment of depression, pain, cognitive disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, and other neurological and peripheral disorders. |
| US09963433B2 |
Anticancer drugs including the chemical structures of an androgen receptor ligand and a histone deacetylase inhibitor
A novel class of drugs for treating androgen receptor (AR) positive cancer including prostate cancer and breast cancer are described. The drugs include the chemical scaffolds of a high affinity androgen receptor ligand and a histone deacetylase inhibitor. Also described are compositions including the novel drugs and methods of treating AR positive cancer using the compositions. |
| US09963430B2 |
Process for the preparation of intermediate of dolutegravir
The present invention provides a novel processes for preparation of methyl 3-(benzyloxy)-5-(2,4-difluorobenzylcarbamoyl)-4-oxo-1-(2-oxoethyl)-1,4-dihydropyiridine-2-carboxylate using novel intermediates. |
| US09963429B2 |
Carbazole derivative, material for organic electroluminescent element which comprises same, and organic electroluminescent element and electronic device each manufactured using same
A novel carbazole derivative represented by formula (1) in which two or more groups each having a specific structure, such as a carbazolyl group, are bonded to two or more of 2-, 3- and 4-positions of the carbazole derivative is useful as a material for organic electroluminescence devices. A material for organic electroluminescence devices including the carbazole derivative, an organic electroluminescence device employing the carbazole derivative, and an electronic equipment are described. wherein at least two selected from B1 to B3 are represented by formula (2) and A, X1 to X4, L, n, Y, and R1 to R8 are as defined in claim 1. |
| US09963423B2 |
Synthesis of 4-amino-2, 4-dioxobutanoic acid
A synthesis method comprises opening an anhydride to a 4-carbon acid-amide, removing ethanol soluble products, treating the resulting 4-amino-2-methylene-4-oxo-butanoic acid with Ozone in water, and evaporating the ozonolysis products to synthesize 4-amino-2,4-dioxobutanoic acid. |
| US09963422B2 |
Process for the synthesis of melphalan and the hydrochloride salt
The present invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of Melphalan, more specifically the invention relates to an efficient process for the preparation of substantially pure Melphalan hydrochloride (I). |
| US09963419B2 |
Process for in situ water removal from an oxidative esterification reaction using a coupled reactor-distillation system
A process for removing water from an oxidative esterification reactor includes (a) conducting an oxidative esterification reaction in a reactor; (b) removing a crude product stream from the reactor; (c) passing a first portion of the crude product stream directly to a product recovery zone; (d) introducing a second portion of the crude product stream to a distillation column to generate a column overheads stream and a column bottoms stream; (e) passing at least a portion of the columns bottoms stream to the product recovery zone; and (f) recycling a recycle stream comprising at least a portion of the overheads stream to the reactor; wherein the recycle stream contains less than 1 weight percent (wt %) water based on the total weight of the recycle stream, wherein the weight ratio of the first portion to the second portion is at least 1:10, and wherein the amount of the recycle stream recycled to the reactor is such that the reactor contains less than or equal to 2.5 wt % water, based on the weight of the reactor contents. |