Document Document Title
US10241679B2 Mapping of logical volumes to host clusters
A method for data storage includes defining a host cluster within a group of host computers, which access a storage system that includes multiple logical volumes. The host cluster includes two or more of the host computers. Responsively to a single mapping instruction, each of the host computers in the host cluster is mapped to access the logical volumes in the set. In another disclosed method, a single control instruction, which specifies the host cluster and a configuration operation to be applied to the host computers in the host cluster, is accepted. Responsively to the single control instruction, the configuration operation is applied to each of the host computers in the host cluster. The configuration operation may comprise assigning a specified level of service to each host computer in one of the first subset of the host computers and the second subset of the host computers.
US10241675B2 Method for rebuilding flash translation layer table of solid state drive
A method is provided for rebuilding a flash translation layer table of a solid state drive. The superblock includes plural superpages. Each of the plural superpages includes plural physical pages. The method includes steps of confirming if the flash translation layer table is lost or not after the solid state drive is powered on; if the flash translation layer table is lost, starting a superblock scanning method for determining a status of the superblock; and rebuilding the flash translation table according to the status of the superblock. The superblock scanning method includes steps of reading contents of a first physical page and a last physical page of a last superpage in the superblock, and determining a status of the superblock according to the contents of the first physical page and the last physical page.
US10241669B2 Touchscreen device
A method is provided which includes displaying an output of an application on a touchscreen, receiving a user input for the application on the touchscreen, and determining the location of the received user input on the touchscreen. Further, the method includes generating an additional pop-up window for display on the touchscreen, and selecting a location for the additional pop-up window, where the selected location for the additional pop-up window does not coincide with the determined location of the user input for application. Further, the method includes displaying the additional pop-up window at the selected location for the additional pop-up window.
US10241666B2 Display apparatus to control connection, a display method and a non-transitory computer readable medium
A display apparatus that includes circuitry that displays a user interface screen including device information that identifies a plurality of output device groups and a plurality of input device groups to control connection between one of the output device groups and one of the input device groups; and receives an input that designates a combination of said one of the output device groups and said one of the input device groups, the user interface screen includes a matrix comprising a plurality of cells in a row direction and a column direction, the input designates the combination by designating one of grouped cells corresponding to the combination of said one of the output device groups and said one of the input device groups in the matrix, and the grouped cells are grouped such that the input designates the combination as a group.
US10241664B2 Method and system for displaying a cursor on a trading screen
A method, system, and computer program products are provided for updating the location of a cursor in a display window on a trading screen when certain events occurs. In a preferred embodiment, as market conditions change, the market information may be rearranged on a screen. To reduce the chances of missing a market opportunity by sending orders or managing them, the cursor moves in association with the market information such that the cursor appears fixed to the market information until a user moves the pointer device.
US10241663B2 Information processing apparatus capable of being operated by multi-touch
An information processing apparatus capable of easily adjusting parameter values of operation elements by multi-touch operation. Operation elements are displayed on a touch panel. A CPU detects a touch on a first operation element, like a first fader, as a first touch. When detecting a touch on a second element, like a second fader, as a second touch while the first touch is maintained, the CPU reflects a parameter value set on the first operation element onto a parameter value of the second operation element.
US10241658B2 Information processing apparatus, non-transitory computer-readable recording medium with information processing program recorded thereon, and information processing method
An information processing apparatus includes a display section, a storage section, and a control unit. When accepting a predetermined gesture under a gesture acceptance control, the control unit allows the storage section to store window information indicating a size and a position of a window being displayed on the display section, creates an icon associated with a file being displayed in the window, and allows the display section to display the icon. When accepting a launch gesture on the icon under the gesture acceptance control, the control unit retrieves the window information from the storage section and allows the display section to display a window for displaying the file associated with the icon in the size and position indicated by the window information.
US10241656B2 Batch processing method and terminal
Provided is a batch processing method and a terminal. The batch processing method comprises: according to a trigger action of a user, selecting a first operation target area on an operation interface, a remaining area on the operation interface and/or another operation interface being a second operation target area; moving the first operation target area to cover the second operation target area; executing a predetermined operation on an operation target covered in the second operation target area. Via the technical solution of the present disclosure, an operation target area is selected on an operation interface, the selected operation target area is moved and a batch operation is performed on an operation target in a remaining area, thereby significantly simplifying cumbersome operations of existing batch operations, and saving operation time.
US10241655B2 Multiple key value assignment system
Multiple letters, characters, numbers, strokes and symbols to be assigned to a given physical key on a physical keypad residing on a physical keypad integrated into, or attached to, an electronic device used for electronic financial transactions such as an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or Point of Sale (POS) terminal, that is used for data entry on the display screen of an electronic device and the methodology of automatically displaying and inserting the characters assigned to that physical key on the display screen of said electronic device. As the user continues to touch/press said physical key on the electronic devices keypad, the first software module will display and bring into focus the characters assigned to the appropriate time duration of the continued touch/press of said physical key in a visual manner on the display screen of said electronic device and will continue rotating thru the assigned characters as long as the physical key touch/press continues. When the user releases the touch/press of said physical key, the software module will present the character assigned to that time duration to the display software for insertion into the active data entry area shown on the display screen.
US10241654B2 Computer method and apparatus for automated scheduling
A computer based scheduling and rescheduling method, apparatus and system for an electronic calendar. The electronic calendar illustrates a time progression of scheduled tasks in a horizontally or vertically oriented view of time. The electronic calendar and its graphical user interface (GUI) provide a viewing pattern for the user. Direction in the viewing pattern is synonymous with increasing/decreasing dates-times in the time progression of scheduled tasks. A scheduling-rescheduling engine schedules into the calendar user requested tasks and automatically reschedules impacted previously scheduled tasks. The scheduling-rescheduling engine also schedules user selected resources (e.g., people, robots, tools, etc.) per scheduled task.
US10241649B2 System and methods for application discovery and trial
The present disclosure relates to devices and device configurations. In one embodiment, a process for providing application discovery and trial includes presenting a widget element on a display of the device, wherein the widget element includes graphical elements for a plurality of trial applications, and detecting a selection of one of the trial applications in the widget element. The process also includes updating the display to present a selected trial application based on the selection, wherein presentation of the selected trial application includes display of an overlay element, detecting a selection of the overlay element, and presenting a trial application control window based on the selection of the overlay element, the trial application control window including graphical elements for one or more of terminating, continuing and conversion of the selected trial application.
US10241644B2 Actionable reminder entries
Techniques for processing task items are provided. A task item is electronic data that represents a task to be performed, whether manually or automatically. A task item includes one or more details about its corresponding task, such as a description of the task and a location of the task. Specifically, techniques for generating task items, organizing task items, triggering notifications of task items, and consuming task items are described. In one approach, a task item is generated based on input from a user and context of the input. In another approach, different attributes of task items are used to organize the task items intelligently into multiple lists. In another approach, actions other than the generation of notification are enabled or automatically performed, actions such as emailing, calling, texting, and searching.
US10241642B2 Emergency information access on portable electronic devices
Improved techniques for facilitating emergency access to one or more contacts stored on a portable electronic device are disclosed. One or more contacts on the portable electronic device are designated as emergency contacts. While the portable electronic device is password-locked, a request to display the one or more emergency contacts on the password-locked portable electronic device is received. Without requiring a password, the one or more emergency contacts are displayed on the portable electronic device.
US10241640B2 System and method for visualization of history of events using BIM model
Systems and methods for visualizing the history of events are provided. Some methods can include displaying, on a user interface device, a BIM of a secured area, displaying, on the BIM on the user interface device, a respective representation of each of a plurality of sensors within the secured area, the respective representation being displayed on the BIM at a respective location corresponding to respective geographic coordinates of a respective one of the plurality of sensors in the secured area, receiving first user input indicative of a specified time, and displaying, on the BIM on the user interface device, a respective geographic indicator of at least one of the plurality of sensors that was active at the specified time, the respective geographic indicator being displayed at or connected to the respective location on the BIM of the respective representation of the at least one of the plurality of sensors.
US10241638B2 Method and apparatus for a three dimensional interface
Method and apparatus for interacting with a three dimensional interface. In the method, a three dimensional interface with at least one virtual object is generated. An interaction zone is defined and generated, enclosing some or all of the object. A stimulus of the interaction zone, e.g. approach/contact with a finger/stylus is defined, and a response to the stimulus is defined, e.g. changes to the object, system actions, feedback, etc. When the stimulus is sensed the response is executed. The apparatus includes a processor that generates a three dimensional interface with at least one virtual object, defines an interaction zone for the object, and defines a stimulus and a response. A display outputs the interface and object. A camera or other sensor detects stimulus of the interaction zone, whereupon the processor generates a response signal. The apparatus may be part of a head mounted display.
US10241637B2 Method for reducing power consumption in electronic devices
Methods and devices are disclosed for delaying screen-on notification broadcasting. In one embodiment, a method for delaying screen-on notification broadcasting in a device comprises: detecting a display screen wakeup event for a display screen of the device, when the display screen wakeup event is detected and a current interface is a lock screen interface, intercepting a screen-on notification information broadcasted by an operating system of the device to applications running on the device, and when switching of the display screen from the lock screen interface into an unlocked interface after unlocking by a user is detected, sending the intercepted notification information to the applications.
US10241636B2 User interface for collecting criteria and estimating delivery parameters
The present invention relates generally to a method of identifying data delivery parameters relating to delivery of data accessible from a network location via a communications service provider. Embodiments of the invention are particularly well suited to identifying delivery parameters when the delivery of data is metered, such as when data are delivered to terminals connected to mobile networks.
US10241635B2 Linear Progression based window management
Some embodiments implement a linear switching application that provides functionality for switching between different windows based on an x-axis ordering of the windows instead of the z-axis or other ordering of prior art. The linear switching application identifies an array of currently open windows and sorts the array based on the leftmost x-coordinate position of the windows in the array. Optionally, the linear switching application modifies the GUI to display window identifiers based on the leftmost x-coordinate position of each window to orient the user to the x-coordinate position of each of the windows on-screen. The application determines an index in the current x-sorted array for the window that is currently frontmost and changes the frontmost window based on the current frontmost window and a directional input provided by the user.
US10241633B2 Intelligent sensing touch display device
An intelligent sensing touch display device, including a first electrode group, a display material layer or a display and touch sensing material layer, an active array unit and a touch and display driving unit to provide at least one AC path touch sensing unit, and a plurality of the AC path touch sensing units being able to be connected to form a combined AC path touch sensing unit, so that the touch and display driving unit can be responsive to an application program to perform a first touch detection procedure on the first electrode group, or perform a second touch detection procedure on the active array unit, or perform the first touch detection procedure on the first electrode group, and then perform the second touch detection procedure on at least one area of the active array unit.
US10241632B2 Touch detecting method, touch detecting system and touch terminal for touch sensor
The present disclosure relates to a touch technology field, provides a touch detecting method for a touch sensor, the method comprises the following steps: putting the touch sensor into a mutual capacitance mode and a self capacitance mode alternatively, and scanning and detecting the rows and columns of a capacitance array of the touch sensor; when a touch state is preliminarily judged as no touch according to a scanning and detecting result in the mutual capacitance mode, implementing envelopment analysis for data obtained by sampling in the self capacitance mode and determining whether the touch exists in the mutual capacitance mode, updating no reference in the mutual capacitance mode if the touch exists, and updating the reference in the mutual capacitance mode if no touch exists.
US10241619B2 Touch sensitive processing apparatus and electronic system for detecting whether touch panel is mostly covered by conductive liquid or object and method thereof
A touch sensitive processing apparatus is provided for detecting whether a touch panel is mostly covered by a conductive liquid or object. The apparatus includes a driving circuit for providing a driving signal to one of multiple parallel electrodes of the touch panel; a sensing circuit for sensing multiple values by the electrodes with respect to the driving signal; and a processor. The processor is configured for commanding the driving circuit to provide the driving signal and receiving the multiple sensing values from the sensing circuit; calculating a maximum difference between the largest and the smallest values of the sensing values; and if the maximum difference is less than a threshold, then determining that the touch panel is mostly covered by a conductive liquid or object.
US10241617B2 Apparatus and method for obtaining coordinate through touch panel thereof
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a display, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a processor configured to obtain, using the first sensor, location information corresponding to an active area of the display, in response to contact between an external object and the display, obtain, using the second sensor, pressure information corresponding to a pressure applied to the display resulting from the contact between the external object and the display, and determine a validity of the location information based on whether the pressure information satisfies a designated condition.
US10241613B2 Mobile terminal and method for controlling the same
A mobile terminal including a touch screen; a stylus pen including a pressure sensor and an optical sensor; a wireless communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate with the stylus pen; and a controller configured to drive the stylus pen in a first operation mode in which the pressure sensor provided in the stylus pen is activated and the optical sensor is deactivated, when sensing information sensed by the pressure sensor indicates the stylus pen is in contact with the touch screen, and drive the stylus pen in a second operation mode in which both the pressure sensor and the optical sensor provided in the stylus pen are activated, when the sensing information sensed by the pressure sensor indicates the stylus pen is not in contact with the touch screen.
US10241612B2 Decimation supplementation strategies for input event processing
In an embodiment, a touch sensitive device includes a touch interface having rows and columns and a signal generator for generating unique orthogonal signals on a plurality of the rows, respectively. A touch processor is identifies touch on the touch interface by processing touch signals present on the columns, and outputting a stream of touch events. A decimator receives the stream of touch events, selectively identifies one or more of the touch events in the stream and assembles information concerning one or more touch events in the stream, and outputs both the selectively identified touch events and the assembled information for use by the touch sensitive device.
US10241608B2 Display device and driving method for display device using the same
A display device including a display unit including sensing input signal lines, sensing output signal lines, and touch sensors disposed on the sensing input signal lines and the sensing output signal lines, a sensor unit including gripping sensors corresponding to the sensing input signal lines, the sensor unit configured to generate a gripping signal including touch information of a first gripping sensor and position information of a first sensing input signal line corresponding to the first gripping sensor, and a signal controller configured to control a sensing scan control signal such that a first sensing input signal including a higher voltage than a reference voltage is applied to the first sensing input signal line according to gripping signal, and a sensing scan driver configured to generate a sensing input signal that is applied to the sensing input signal lines according to the sensing scan control signal.
US10241605B2 Liquid crystal display device
According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal display device includes touch-sensor electrodes, an array substrate including pixel electrodes, gate lines, source lines, switching elements, a light-shielding layer, and a plurality of stripe-like common electrodes, a counter-substrate, and a liquid crystal layer, wherein the common electrodes included in the array substrate are used not only as electrodes for display, but also as touch-sensor electrodes and, in a touch operation, a touch drive signal is input to each drive unit electrode including a plurality of common electrodes, and the light-shielding layer is divided into parts each of which corresponds to the drive unit electrode, and is provided to extend across a region opposed to a region of the drive unit electrode.
US10241603B2 Touch panel device
There is provided a touch panel device including an advance key that is assuredly touchable by an operator with no cost increase. A touch panel device (1) includes a plurality of keys (3) to (13) each including an indication part on which a corresponding one of functions is indicated, and a plurality of touch detection areas provided over the respective indication parts of the plurality of keys (3) to (13). The touch panel device (1) recognizes an operation instruction in any of the touch detection areas that corresponds to a predetermined key when the indication part of the predetermined key is touched. The plurality of keys include at least an advance key (13). The touch detection area (13B) of the advance key (13) is larger than the indication part (13A) of the advance key (13).
US10241601B2 Mobile electronic device, control method, and non-transitory storage medium that stores control program
A mobile electronic device includes a housing, an atmospheric pressure sensor configured to detect atmospheric pressure inside the housing, and at least one controller configured to shift a current first mode to a second mode when it is determined that the housing is gripped by a user of the mobile electronic device based on the detected atmospheric pressure.
US10241595B2 Electronic pen and position detection system
An electronic pen is readily provided with an expanded function and remains easy to use without complicated power supply management. An electronic pen body implementing an electronic pen function is connected with an expansion device implementing a laser pointer function via a connector jack and a connector plug. A chargeable battery mounted in the electronic pen body keeps the center of gravity of the body low and is arranged to feed power to the expansion device. A control circuit of the electronic pen body suitably controls the supply of power from the battery to the expansion device in accordance with a status of use of the electronic pen body and of the battery. A switch of the expansion device is operated to emit a laser beam.
US10241587B2 Magnetic tracker power duty cycling
A mixed-reality system for augmenting spatial sensor device readings comprises a first magnetic sensor device configured to transmit a magnetic field signal at a reduced rate relative to a previous transmission rate. The system also comprises a second magnetic sensor device configured to determine a measurement of the magnetic field signal. The measurement indicates a pose estimation of the first magnetic sensor device. Additionally, the system comprises a third spatial input device configured to acquire pose data of the first spatial input device through means other than the magnetic field signal. Further, the system comprises one or more processors configured to compute a pose of the first magnetic sensor device by at least augmenting the measurement of the magnetic field signal with the pose data acquired by the other spatial input device.
US10241585B2 Smart watch and gesture input method for the smart watch
The present disclosure provides a smart watch and a gesture input method for the smart watch. The present disclosure starts to acquire data of gestures by receiving gestures of the user, collects the data of the gestures of a user at a continuous time section, and finds proximate text corresponding to the obtained data of the gestures from the prestored corresponding relationship between the data of the gestures and the text, namely the proximate text is final output text. The present disclosure can accurately obtain output text that the user need and meets the user requirement for the smart watch without changing size of a screen of the smart watch.
US10241584B2 Gesture detection
Apparatuses, methods, systems, and program products are disclosed for gesture detection. A method includes detecting an auditory cue associated with a predefined gesture based on input received from one or more sensors. The method includes detecting a gesture in response to the auditory cue based on gesture input received from the one or more sensors. The method includes performing an action associated with the detected gesture in response to determining the detected gesture is the predefined gesture associated with the auditory cue.
US10241581B2 RF-based micro-motion tracking for gesture tracking and recognition
This document describes techniques for radio frequency (RF) based micro-motion tracking. These techniques enable even millimeter-scale hand motions to be tracked. To do so, radar signals are used from radar systems that, with conventional techniques, would only permit resolutions of a centimeter or more.
US10241578B2 Operation apparatus
An operation apparatus includes: an operation plate having an operation surface performed by a pressing operation with an operation body; a vibrator including a movable yoke and a fixed yoke for generating a magnetic circuit for guiding a magnetic flux, and an exciting coil for generating the magnetic flux, and the vibrator vibrating the operation plate through a magnetic force generated by an electrical conduction on the exciting coil; a detector detecting a pressing amount by the pressing operation; a press determinator determining based on the pressing amount detected by the detector whether the pressing operation is performed; and a vibration controller for an electrical conduction on the exciting coil when the press determinator determines that the pressing operation is performed. The detector detects the pressing amount by detecting a change in an electrostatic capacitance generated between the movable yoke and the fixed yoke.
US10241575B2 Direct neural interface system and method
A direct neural interface system comprises: a signal acquisition subsystem for acquiring electrophysiological signals representative of neuronal activity of a subject's brain; and a processing unit for representing electrophysiological signals acquired over an observation time window in the form of a N-way data tensor, N being greater than or equal to two, and generating command signals for a machine by applying a regression model over the data tensor; wherein the processing unit is configured or programmed for generating command signals for a machine by applying Generalized Linear regression, with a nonlinear link function, over the data tensor. A method of interfacing a subject's brain to a machine by using such a direct neural interface system is provided.
US10241573B2 Signal generation and detector systems and methods for determining positions of fingers of a user
A method for determining positions of fingers of a user is described. The method includes transmitting a power signal from a head mounted display (HMD) to provide power to a plurality of light emitters. The light emitters emit light in a sequence upon receiving the power signal. The method includes using the light emitted by the light emitters to determine a plurality of positions of the light emitters. The positions are used to play a game using the HMD.
US10241571B2 Input device using gaze tracking
An input device includes a display unit for displaying, on a screen, at least one key having a display region and a recognition region, a gaze tracking unit for calculating a gaze position of a user on the screen, and an input unit for determining, when the gaze position exists inside a recognition region of a particular key from among the at least one key, that a corresponding character in a display region of the particular key has been inputted.
US10241566B2 Sensory feedback systems and methods for guiding users in virtual reality environments
Sensory feedback (“chaperoning”) systems and methods for guiding users in virtual/augmented reality environments such as walk-around virtual reality environments are described. Exemplary implementations assist with preventing collisions with objects in the physical operating space in which the user acts, among other potential functions and/or uses.
US10241565B2 Apparatus, system, and method of controlling display, and recording medium
In response to receiving a captured user image while the output image is being displayed to the user, display of the output image is controlled so as to reflect characteristics of the user that is determined based on the captured user image and a user instruction that is recognized based on the captured user image.
US10241564B2 Electronic apparatus and method of detecting tap operation
To provide an electronic apparatus, a method of detecting a tap operation, etc. for performing appropriate detection processing of a tap operation. The electronic apparatus includes a setting unit 110 that sets a sampling frequency for acceleration detection of an acceleration sensor 10, a processing unit 120 that performs a determination of a tap operation based on sensor information from the acceleration sensor 10, an operation information acquisition unit 130 that acquires operation information from an operation unit 140, and a communication unit 150 that performs communication processing of information, wherein, when reception of the information by the communication unit 150 is detected or when acquisition of the operation information by the operation information acquisition unit 130 is detected, the setting unit 110 sets the sampling frequency to F2 as a higher frequency than the sampling frequency F1 before detection.
US10241563B2 Dynamically changing data access bandwidth by selectively enabling and disabling data links
Bandwidth for information transfers between devices is dynamically changed to accommodate transitions between power modes employed in a system. The bandwidth is changed by selectively enabling and disabling individual control links and data links that carry the information. During a highest bandwidth mode for the system, all of the data and control links are enabled to provide maximum information throughout. During one or more lower bandwidth modes for the system, at least one data link and/or at least one control link is disabled to reduce the power consumption of the devices. At least one data link and at least one control link remain enabled during each low bandwidth mode. For these links, the same signaling rate is used for both bandwidth modes to reduce latency that would otherwise be caused by changing signaling rates. Also, calibration information is generated for disabled links so that these links may be quickly brought back into service.
US10241559B2 System and method for dynamically switching high-speed clock of a host device
This disclosure relates generally to a host-peripheral interface, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for dynamically switching a high-speed clock of a host device. In one embodiment, a method is provided for dynamically switching a high-speed clock of a host device. The method comprises determining a status of the host device and a peripheral device coupled to the host device with respect to a transmission and a reception of high-speed data respectively, and switching the high-speed clock between the host device and the peripheral device based on the status.
US10241556B2 Autonomously controlling a buffer of a processor
In an embodiment, an apparatus includes an input/output (I/O) buffer to couple a logic unit to another device coupled via a pad, and a logic coupled to the I/O buffer to detect a value on the pad and to control the I/O buffer to provide the value to the pad, responsive to entry into an architectural state. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US10241553B2 Apparatus and method for waking up a processor
An apparatus and method for waking up a main processor (MP) in a low power or ultra-low power device preferably includes the MP, and a sub-processor (SP) that utilizes less power than the MP to monitor ambient conditions than the MP, and may be internalized in the MP. The MP and SP can remain in a sleep mode while an interrupt sensor monitors for changes in the ambient environment. A sensor is preferably an interrupt-type sensor, as opposed to polling-type sensors conventionally used to detect ambient changes. The MP and SP may remain in sleep mode, as a low-power or an ultra-low power interrupt sensor operates with the SP being in sleep mode, and awakens the SP via an interrupt indicating a detected change. The SP then wakes the MP after comparing data from the interrupt sensor with values in storage or with another sensor.
US10241551B2 Control and synchronization mechanism for a complex distributed power management system
A distributed power management system comprising at least two power management integrated circuits PMICs is presented. A master power management integrated circuit PMIC supplies power to a subsystem of an electronic device based on a current state of a master finite state machine FSM executed by the master PMIC. A slave power management integrated circuit PMIC executes a slave finite state machine FSM and supplies power to another subsystem based on the current state of the master FSM. For synchronizing the operation of both PMIC, the master PMIC transmits, to the slave PMIC, synchronization information indicative of at least one of an input signal of the master FSM, a state of the master FSM, a state transition of the master FSM, and an output signal generated by the master FSM. A distributed power management method is presented which is carried out by a master PMIC and a slave PMIC.
US10241550B2 Affinity aware parallel zeroing of memory in non-uniform memory access (NUMA) servers
A method for zeroing memory in computing systems where access to memory is non-uniform includes receiving, via a system call, a request for a pool of memory, determining a size of the requested pool of memory, and creating a dummy memory segment. The size of the dummy memory segment is larger than the size of the requested pool of memory. The dummy memory segment is filled with one or more pages, based on the determined size of the requested pool of memory, and the dummy memory segment is deleted.
US10241549B2 Electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus is provided. The electronic apparatus includes a case body including a single crystal body in at least a portion thereof, the single crystal body containing alumina (Al2O3) as a main component; a plurality of information processing devices in the case body; and a thermally conductive portion that thermally connects at least one of the information processing devices to the single crystal body.
US10241548B2 Computing device employing a self-spacing hinge assembly
The description relates to hinged devices, such as hinged computing devices. One example can include a first portion and a second portion. The example can also include a pair of self-spacing hinge assemblies rotatably securing hinge ends of the first and second portions and camming the first and second hinge ends apart from one another at non-parallel orientations of the first and second portions sufficient to prevent contact of the first and second hinge ends at the non-parallel orientations while allowing the first and second hinge ends to contact one another at other orientations.
US10241544B2 Information processor
A novel information processor that can be easily operated is provided. In addition, a novel information processor that is less likely to be operated incorrectly is provided. The conceived information processor includes an arithmetic device including an arithmetic unit and a storage unit that stores a program to be executed by the arithmetic unit and an input/output device including an input unit that can supply an operation instruction and a bend sensor that can supply bend data. The program makes the arithmetic device execute different types of processing in accordance with the combination of the supplied operation instruction and bend data.
US10241542B2 Flexible display device and method of controlling same
A flexible display device is provided. The flexible display device includes: a display; a sensor configured to detect at least one rolling characteristic in response to the display being rolled; and a controller configured to perform a first function of the flexible display device based on the detected at least one rolling characteristic.
US10241537B2 Digital on-chip duty cycle monitoring device
An apparatus includes an oscillator circuit, a counter circuit, and a control circuit. The oscillator circuit may receive an input clock signal and an inverse input clock signal, and, for a first time period, may generate an oscillator output signal with a frequency based on a duty cycle of the input clock signal. For a second time period, the oscillator circuit may generate the oscillator output signal with a frequency based on a duty cycle of the inverse input clock signal. The counter circuit may count oscillations of the oscillator output signal over the first time period and over the second time period. The control circuit may determine, based on the oscillations counted by the counter circuit during the first time period and the second time period, a duty cycle value indicative of the duty cycle of the input clock signal.
US10241528B1 Demand response technology utilizing a simulation engine to perform thermostat-based demand response simulations
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for performing a thermostat-based demand response event. In one aspect, a method includes accessing, for sites, historical readings of HVAC activity, indoor temperature, and outdoor temperature and building a model for each of the sites using the historical readings of HVAC activity, indoor temperature, and outdoor temperature. The method also includes using a simulation engine to achieve a target load shed and load reduction shape for a thermostat-based demand response event, and performing the thermostat-based demand response event based on results of the simulation engine.
US10241527B2 Thermostat graphical user interface
A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system is described, the thermostat having a user interface that is visually pleasing, approachable, and easy to use while also providing intuitive navigation within a menuing system. In a first mode of operation, an electronic display of the thermostat displays a population of tick marks arranged in an arcuate arrangement including a plurality of background tick marks, a setpoint tick mark representing a setpoint temperature, and an ambient temperature tick mark representing an ambient temperature, the setpoint temperature being dynamically changeable according to a tracked rotational input motion of a ring-shaped user interface component of the thermostat. In a second mode, the a plurality of user-selectable menu options is displayed in an arcuate arrangement along a menu option range area, and respective ones of the user-selectable menu options are selectively highlighted according to the tracked rotational input motion of the ring-shaped user interface component.
US10241523B2 Differential pressure regulating shut-off valve
Provided is a valve assembly system including a flowbody including a channel formed at an inner surface thereof, a butterfly plate disposed within the channel and rotatably mounted within the flowbody. The system also includes a pair of dual-sided pistons that receive differential pressure at an input side and an output side of the valve assembly system. A spring is controlled for biasing against at least one of the dual-sided pistons based on the differential pressure, and to rotate the butterfly plate to regulate the differential pressure and the valve assembly system to a predetermined output pressure.
US10241522B2 Communication method in a system comprising a power supply and communication entity and a home automation actuator
A communication method for a home automation actuator comprising an electric motor driving a moving element in a building and two electric terminals making it possible to power the actuator by a power supply and communication entity (IMS) and allowing communication between the actuator and the power supply and communication entity (IMS), the method comprising the following steps: analysis of a power supply signal supplied by the power supply and communication entity; generation of a first time-sequence of a response signal, representative of a first predetermined calibration information element, called first calibration sequence; sending of a series of time-sequences of the response signal, representative of a series of information elements, each information element of this series, equal to the calibration information element, being represented by a time-sequence which is an image of the first calibration sequence.
US10241514B2 Systems and methods for initializing a robot to autonomously travel a trained route
Systems and methods for initializing a robot to autonomously travel a route are disclosed. In some exemplary implementations, a robot can detect an initialization object and then determine its position relative to that initialization object. The robot can then learn a route by user demonstration, where the robot associates actions along that route with positions relative to the initialization object. The robot can later detect the initialization object again and determine its position relative to that initialization object. The robot can then autonomously navigate the learned route, performing actions associated with positions relative to the initialization object.
US10241513B2 Automated systems, devices, and methods for transporting and supporting patients
Systems, devices, and methods are described for moving a patient to and from various locations, care units, etc., within a care facility. For example a transport and support vehicle includes a body structure including a plurality of rotatable members operable to frictionally interface the vehicle to a travel path and to move the vehicle along the travel path, and a surface structured and dimensioned to support an individual subject. A transport and support vehicle can include, for example, an imager operably coupled to one or more of a power source, a steering assembly, one or more of the plurality of rotatable members, etc., and having one or more modules operable to control the power source, steering assembly, one or more of the plurality of rotatable members, etc., so as to maintain an authorized operator in the image zone.
US10241512B1 Apparatuses, systems and method for transitioning between autonomous and manual modes of vehicle operations
Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for determining whether a vehicle driver is ready for an associated vehicle to be transferred from an autonomous operation mode to a manual operation mode. More particularly, apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for determining whether a vehicle driver is ready for an associated vehicle to be transferred from an autonomous operation mode to a manual operation mode based on vehicle interior image data.
US10241509B1 Autonomous vehicle control assessment and selection
A computer-implemented method for operating an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may include identifying a vehicle operator and retrieving an associated vehicle operator profile. Operating data regarding operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be received that includes data from sensors disposed within the vehicle. When a request to enable an autonomous operation feature is received, (i) autonomous operation risk levels associated with vehicle operation by the autonomous operation feature based upon the received operating data, and (ii) operator risk levels associated with vehicle operation by the vehicle operator based upon the vehicle operator profile are determined. Autonomous operation feature enablement may be allowed based upon a comparison of (i) autonomous operation risk levels with (ii) operator risk levels. As a result, only safe autonomous feature engagement may be facilitated, and risk averse vehicle owners may receive insurance discounts based upon this safe autonomous feature engagement functionality.
US10241508B2 Remote assistance for autonomous vehicles in predetermined situations
Example systems and methods enable an autonomous vehicle to request assistance from a remote operator in certain predetermined situations. One example method includes determining a representation of an environment of an autonomous vehicle based on sensor data of the environment. Based on the representation, the method may also include identifying a situation from a predetermined set of situations for which the autonomous vehicle will request remote assistance. The method may further include sending a request for assistance to a remote assistor, the request including the representation of the environment and the identified situation. The method may additionally include receiving a response from the remote assistor indicating an autonomous operation. The method may also include causing the autonomous vehicle to perform the autonomous operation.
US10241504B2 Playback device control
Examples described herein involve a playback device with an enclosure including a first external surface where out-ward facing speakers of the playback device are positioned and a second external surface substantially orthogonal to the first external surface, an array of proximity sensors underlying the second external surface of the playback device; and an orientation sensor. The playback device receives data user input, the user input comprising a first physical contact at a first location on the array of proximity sensors followed by a second physical contact at a second location on the array of proximity sensors; and in response to receiving the data, causes a playback volume of the playback device to change. The playback volume increases if the orientation sensor indicates that the enclosure is in a first orientation and decrease if the orientation sensor indicates that the enclosure is in a second orientation.
US10241502B2 Methods of error detection in fabrication processes
Methods and computer program products for performing automatically determining when to shut down a fabrication tool, such as a semiconductor wafer fabrication tool, are provided herein. The methods include, for example, creating a measurement vector including process parameters of semiconductor wafers, creating a correlation matrix of correlations between measurements of parameters obtained of each wafer, creating autocorrelation matrixes including correlations between measurements of the parameter obtained for pairs of wafers; creating a combined matrix of correlation and autocorrelation matrixes, obtaining a T2 value from the measurement vector and combined matrix, and stopping a semiconductor wafer fabrication tool if the T2 value exceeds a critical value.
US10241496B2 Multi-axis motor synchronization control system and method thereof
A multi-axis motor synchronization control system is provided, which may include a plurality of driving axes and the driving axes are coupled to one another; each of the driving axes may include a position loop controller, a velocity loop controller, a motor and a synchronization calibration device. The position loop controller may generate a velocity signal according to a position command. The velocity loop controller may generate a velocity command according to the velocity signal. The motor may operate according to the velocity command. The synchronization calibration device may calculate the average value of the position signal of the motor and the position signals of the motors of the adjacent driving axes, and then feedback the average value to the position loop controller so as to perform the synchronization calibration.
US10241494B2 Cutting method and tool path generating device
A cutting method in which a workpiece is cut on the basis of a plurality of tool paths parallel to one another into a shape having a corner that protrudes outward. A machining step for machining the workpiece on the basis of one tool path and a moving step for moving to the starting point of the next machining step after the completion of the one machining step are repeated. In the machining step, a cutting step for cutting the workpiece in the one tool path and a removing step for removing a burr by moving a tool relatively to the workpiece in the same tool path as that of the cutting step in a region forming the corner are successively performed.
US10241492B2 Label processing apparatus
In accordance with an embodiment, a label processing apparatus comprises a conveyance mechanism, a radio wave shielding mechanism, an antenna and a reader/writer. The conveyance mechanism conveys a paper on which a a plurality of s are attached with a RFID tag are arranged. The radio wave shielding mechanism includes an opening moving in synchronization with each RFID tag arranged on the paper conveyed by the conveyance mechanism. The antenna receives and transmits a radio wave for communication via the opening while the opening moves in synchronization with the RFID tag. The reader/writer communicates with the RFID tag of the paper conveyed by the conveyance mechanism via the antenna.
US10241491B2 Interfaces for connected software applications in automation environments
A method of executing apps on a production device in an automation environment includes storing a plurality of apps in a runtime environment of the production device. A metadata file is stored for each respective app included in the plurality of apps. The metadata file comprises an indication of a network interface that may be used for communication with the respective app by other apps, and an indication of one or more interface dependencies to other network interfaces corresponding to other apps. Prior to executing a particular app on the production device, an operation is performed to verify that each interface dependency associated with the particular app can be fulfilled by the plurality of apps.
US10241489B2 Control device and diagnosis-information recording/displaying device
A control device includes a diagnosis-information output circuit constituted by a condition monitoring circuit, a condition determining circuit, a condition-controlling-signal monitoring circuit, an output-information generating circuit that generates diagnosis information indicating a condition of the control device, and a condition controlling circuit that changes a signal in the control device in response to a signal for controlling the control device.
US10241479B2 Apparatus for the controlled mixing and dispensing of liquids
A new apparatus & method of use thereof for providing a selectable e-liquid juice solution from a dispenser are provided. In one embodiment a method for (a) providing a user determined combination of various liquids in a predetermined mixture that results in customized e-liquid juice having user specified quantities of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, nicotine, and flavoring is disclosed; (b) separately storing at least four liquids to be mixed after user determined selections are input; (c) facilitating the storage in memory of recipes for e-liquid juice or combinations thereof; (d) receiving a selection or user input for a specific combination of liquids; (e) dispensing automatically in response to the selection or user input the resulting volume of liquid combination.
US10241473B2 Method for maintaining and regulating a timepiece resonator
A method for maintaining and regulating frequency of a timepiece resonator mechanism around its natural frequency, the method including: at least one regulator device acting on the resonator mechanism with a periodic motion, to impose a periodic modulation of resonant frequency or quality factor or a position of a point of rest of the resonator mechanism, with a regulation frequency between 0.9 times and 1.1 times the value of an integer multiple of the natural frequency, the integer being greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 10, and the periodic motion imposes a periodic modulation of the quality factor of the resonator mechanism, by acting on losses and/or damping and/or friction of the resonator mechanism.
US10241472B2 Modular timepiece movement with functional modules
A mechanical timepiece movement in the form of a modular unit. The movement includes at least one modular unit for performing a particular timepiece function, which is irremovably pre-adjusted by irremovably securing adjustment and/or assembling components included in the functional module after the particular horological function has been adjusted and function checked on the test bench. The pre-adjusted functional module is irremovably secured to a plate included in the movement or included in another pre-adjusted functional module of the movement, or irremovably secured to another pre-adjusted functional module included in the movement.
US10241469B2 Morphological cell parameter-based red blood cell test method and digital holographic microscope used therein
Provided are a morphological cell parameter-based erythrocyte test method and digital holographic microscope used therein, and the morphological cell parameter-based erythrocyte test method includes performing modeling to create a 3D image of an erythrocyte to be tested and measuring morphological parameters of the erythrocyte based on the 3D image.The morphological cell parameter-based erythrocyte test method performs modeling of a 3D image for an erythrocyte to be tested and measures morphological parameters of the erythrocyte based on the 3D image. Therefore, time and effort consumed in measurement may be reduced, and accuracy of the measurement is excellent.
US10241465B2 Opening and closing mechanism and image forming apparatus
An opening and closing mechanism includes: an opening and closing door that is supported rotatably so as to be movable between a closed position where to close an opening of an apparatus body and an open position where to open the opening; a link member that is supported rotatably by a rotary shaft that is attached to the apparatus body; a guide member having a first guide surface that moves being kept in contact with the link member when the opening and closing door is moved toward the closed position and a second guide surface that moves being kept in contact with the link member when the opening and closing door is moved toward the open position; and a switching member that guides the link member from the first guide surface and the second guide surface.
US10241460B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus including a normal power mode and a power saving mode includes a fixing unit configured to bring first and second rotary members into contact with each other to form a nip portion and fix a toner image onto a sheet with a pressing force of the nip portion. The image forming apparatus executes a rotation operation or a separation operation to separate the first and second rotary members from each other in order to prevent a deformation of the nip portion in the fixing unit. The image forming apparatus measures a time during which the first and second rotary members are in contact with each other without rotating. The image forming apparatus determines whether to execute the separation operation or the rotation operation based on a result of the power mode determination and the measured time.
US10241458B2 Image forming apparatus
A sheet guide of an image forming apparatus includes a first upstream guide member and a first downstream guide member. The first upstream guide member includes an upstream front guide surface and an upstream rear guide surface. The first downstream guide member includes a downstream front guide surface and a downstream rear guide surface. The downstream front guide surface intersects with an imaginary plane formed by extending, toward a downstream side in a conveyance direction of a sheet, the upstream rear guide surface. The upstream front guide surface intersects with an imaginary plane that is formed by extending, toward an upstream side in the conveyance direction, the downstream rear guide surface. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the upstream rear guide surface, an edge portion of the first upstream guide member on the downstream side is inclined with respect to a width direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction.
US10241455B2 Fixing device having a pressing mechanism that presses first and second rotatable members together
A fixing device includes first and second rotatable members that form a nip for fixing a toner image on a recording material, and a pressing mechanism that presses one of the first and second rotatable members toward the other. A pressure P1 at a first position, in an upstream side of a center of a recording material feeding direction, and which is a maximum pressure in the nip, an average pressure P0 from the first position to a second position, which is a downstream end of the nip in the recording material feeding direction, a toner melt viscosity M1 at the first position, and a toner melt viscosity M2 at the second position, satisfy: 0.3 MPa≤P1≤0.6 MPa, 0
US10241454B1 Image forming apparatus capable of suppressing noise generated when second fixing member changes its position relative to first fixing member through cam member
An image forming apparatus includes: a first fixing member; a second fixing member; a holding member; a cam member; an urging member; a spring member; a drive source; a transmission section; a regulating member; and a controller. The cam member is rotatable about an axis in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. The spring member has one end portion movable in interlocking relation with the cam member and another end portion whose movement is regulated by the regulating member. The spring member suppresses rotation of the cam member in the first direction while storing a restoring force by the rotation of the cam member in the first direction; and facilitates rotation of the cam member in the second direction while releasing the restoring force by the rotation of the cam member in the second direction.
US10241447B2 Image forming apparatus having a heat insulation duct that discharges a cooling medium
An image forming apparatus includes: an image former that includes an imaging part that forms a toner image; a fixing apparatus that fixes the toner image transferred to a sheet by a heating roller and a pressure roller extending in an axial direction; and a heat insulation duct that is disposed between the image former and the fixing apparatus and introduces a cooling medium therein along the axial direction, wherein the heat insulation duct has an opening portion that discharges the cooling medium introduced into the heat insulation duct to a region between the image former and the fixing apparatus.
US10241446B2 Intermediate transfer member and image forming apparatus
The present invention relates to an intermediate transfer member and an image forming apparatus. The intermediate transfer member is an intermediate transfer member having a resin-made base material layer and a surface layer; the surface layer is a cured substance of a composition containing a radically polymerizable vinylic compound and a metal oxide fine particle; and the vinylic compound has a structural unit represented by the following formula (1): wherein each R1 independently denotes a C2-8 alkylene group; each R2 independently denotes a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and m denotes a positive number, and n denotes a positive number of 10 or more.
US10241445B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus operable in a mode of forming an image using only a part of image forming stations. In the mode, a developing device contacts an image bearing member in a part of the image forming stations, and the developing device is spaced from the image bearing member in the rest of the image forming stations. The contact pressure between the image bearing member and a transferring device is made smaller in the rest than in the part. The image forming operation in the mode is executed while the image bearing members of the part and the rest are rotated. A controller is configured such that when the operation in the mode is continuously executed for a time period longer than a predetermined period, the contact pressure in the rest is made larger than the above-mentioned smaller contact pressure.
US10241443B2 Systems, methods and apparatuses for authorized use and refill of a printer cartridge
A chip for a cartridge with dispensable material may be provided. In one aspect, the chip may comprise a non-volatile memory for storing a number tracking amount of dispensable material in the cartridge, a key storage for storing an encryption key, a signature verification module and circuit components. The circuit components may be configured to receive and process a first message, receive and validate a second message, and update the amount of dispensable material if the validation of the second message succeeds. The first message may comprise a first command and an operation input value for a print job at the cartridge, and to process the first message may comprise decreasing the amount of dispensable material. The second message may comprise a second command to increase the amount of dispensable material, and may be validated using the signature validation module and the encryption key.
US10241442B2 Process unit
A process unit has an image carrying unit having an image carrying member configured to be rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction, and a developing agent removing member, a developing unit having a developing agent carrying member configured to be rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis, and a waste developing agent collecting unit configured to collect the developing agent removed by the removing member from the image carrying member. The waste developing agent collecting unit is arranged on one side in the first direction with respect to the developing unit such that the waste developing agent collecting unit faces the developing unit, and the developing unit is connected to the waste developing agent collecting unit such that the developing unit being movable in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction with respect to the waste developing agent collecting unit.
US10241438B2 Developing device having a developing unit that is pivotally supported about the axis of a shaft, and image forming apparatus
A developing device includes a developing unit including a developer bearing member and a developing frame member configured to support the developer bearing member. The developing unit is supported to be pivotable about a first shaft and a second shaft. A biasing member configured to bias the first shaft is provided.
US10241437B2 Image forming apparatus with an improved adjustment patch for toner density adjustment
An exposure device irradiates a light beam to the photoconductor drum and thereby forms an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductor drum. A developing roller causes toner to adhere to the electrostatic latent image and thereby develops a toner image. A development bias power supply circuit applies a development bias to the developing roller. A direct current detection circuit detects a direct current that flows between the development bias power supply circuit and the developing roller. A control circuit (a) causes the exposure device to form an electrostatic latent image of an adjustment patch for toner density adjustment, (b) measures a value of the direct current at a timing when the developing roller causes the toner to adhere to the electrostatic latent image of the adjustment patch, and (c) performs the toner density adjustment on the basis of the measured value of the direct current.
US10241435B1 Image forming apparatus having a main body, attaching/detaching section, uneven part, and cleaning member
In accordance with an embodiment, an image forming apparatus comprises a main body, an attaching/detaching section, an uneven part, and a cleaning member. A conveyance path is formed inside the main body. The attaching/detaching section housed in the main body is detachably drawn out with respect to the main body along the conveyance path. The uneven part has a convex part and a concave part and is arranged in the attaching/detaching section. The cleaning member arranged in the main body is slidable with the convex part in a direction in which the attaching/detaching section moves along the conveyance path.
US10241434B2 Image forming apparatus and position detection method
An image forming apparatus includes a photo sensor, which is configured to detect a measurement image formed on an intermediate transfer belt, and a controller. The controller includes a first comparator, a second comparator, an XOR unit, and a CPU. The first comparator is configured to binarize an analog detection waveform, which represents a detection result of a measurement image by the photo sensor, in accordance with a first threshold value to generate a first binary signal. The second comparator is configured to binarize the detection waveform in accordance with a second threshold value to generate a second binary signal. The XOR unit is configured to perform an XOR operation in accordance with the first binary signal and the second binary signal to generate an XOR signal.
US10241421B2 Vacuum system, in particular EUV lithography system, and optical element
A vacuum system, in particular an EUV lithography system, includes: a vacuum housing, in which a vacuum environment is formed, and also at least one component (14), e.g., an optical element, having a surface (14a) which is subjected to contaminating particles in the vacuum environment. A surface structure (18) is formed at the surface in order to reduce adhesion of the contaminating particles, said surface structure having pore-shaped depressions (24) separated from one another by webs (25). The optical element has a substrate (19), and a multilayer coating (20) applied to the substrate and configured to reflect EUV radiation (6). The surface structure formed at the surface (14a) of the multilayer coating (20) reduces adhesion of contaminating particles (17) via pore-shaped depressions (24) separated from one another by webs (25).
US10241420B2 Position adjusting unit of optical element and maskless exposure apparatus including the same
A position adjusting unit according to some example embodiments includes a base; a mounting part, a driving unit, and a locking part on the base. The mounting part may be movably installed on the base and configured to have an optical element mounted thereto. The driving unit may include a plurality of actuators connected between the base and the mounting part. The driving unit may be configured to move the mounting part with respect to the base. The locking part may be configured to provide a fixing force for fixing a position of the mounting part. The locking part may be configured to release the fixing force when electricity is supplied to the locking part.
US10241418B2 Method and apparatus for obtaining diagnostic information relating to a lithographic manufacturing process, lithographic processing system including diagnostic apparatus
A diagnostic apparatus monitors a lithographic manufacturing system. First measurement data representing local deviations of some characteristic across a substrate is obtained using sensors within a lithographic apparatus, and/or a separate metrology tool. Other inspection tools perform substrate backside inspection to produce second measurement data. A high-resolution backside defect image is processed into a form in which it can be compared with lower resolution information from the first measurement data. Cross-correlation is performed to identify which of the observed defects are correlated spatially with the deviations represented in the first measurement data. A correlation map is used to identify potentially relevant clusters of defects in the more detailed original defect map. The responsible apparatus can be identified by pattern recognition as part of an automated root cause analysis. Alternatively, reticle inspection data may be used as second measurement data.
US10241414B2 Image forming device and dot pattern determining method
An image forming device in which a plurality of nozzles are aligned in a designated alignment direction, wherein a plurality of pixels constituting a formed image includes dot omission pixels continuous in a scan direction by a defective nozzle included in the plurality of nozzles, and neighboring pixels within a designated distance in the alignment direction from the dot omission pixels, the image forming device comprising a pattern determining unit configured to determine a dot pattern after supplementation formed on neighboring pixels within designated range based on at least the number of dots to be formed on the pixels within the designated range including a portion of the dot omission pixels and a portion of the neighboring pixels according to recording data before supplementation of dots by the defective nozzle, and a pattern forming unit configured to form the dot pattern after supplementation.
US10241413B2 Composite printing form precursor and method for preparing a printing form precursor for treatment
The invention relates to a method for preparing a relief printing plate from a printing plate precursor wherein at least an end of the precursor is attached to a leader forming a composite printing form precursor that securely mounts the precursor in a treatment processor. The present method advantageously allows for all or substantially all of the area of the precursor to be utilized for forming the relief surface suitable for printing.
US10241407B2 Thermal acid generators and photoresist pattern trimming compositions and methods
Provided are ionic thermal acid generators of the following general formula (I): wherein: Ar1 represents an optionally substituted carbocyclic or heterocyclic aromatic group; W independently represents a group chosen from carboxyl, hydroxy, nitro, cyano, C1-5 alkoxy and formyl; X is a cation; Y independently represents a linking group; Z independently represents a group chosen from hydroxyl, fluorinated alcohols, esters, optionally substituted alkyl, C5 or higher optionally substituted monocyclic, polycyclic, fused polycyclic cycloaliphatic, or aryl, which may optionally comprise a heteroatom, provided at least one occurrence of Z is a hydroxyl group; a is an integer of 0 or greater; b is an integer of 1 or greater; provided that a+b is at least 1 and not greater than the total number of available aromatic carbon atoms of the aromatic group. Also provided are photoresist pattern trimming compositions and methods of trimming a photoresist pattern using the trimming compositions. The thermal acid generators, compositions and methods find particular applicability in the manufacture of semiconductor devices.
US10241402B2 Naphthyl acrylates as writing monomers for photopolymers
The invention relates to naphthyl urethane acrylates particularly useful as writing monomers in photopolymer formulations for holographic media. The invention further relates to a photopolymer formulation comprising matrix polymers, writing monomers and photoinitiators, wherein the writing monomers comprise a naphthyl urethane acrylate according to the invention, to a holographic medium comprising matrix polymers, writing monomers and photoinitiators, wherein the writing monomers comprise a naphthyl urethane acrylate according to the invention, and also to a display comprising a holographic medium according to the invention.
US10241401B2 Method of making a flexographic printing plate
A method of producing a flexographic printing plate using a continuous liquid interphase is provided herein. This method allows for significantly reduced production times and fewer preparation steps compared to standard non-continuous techniques and results in less waste than typical methods for preparing flexographic printing plates. The printing plate provided by using continuous liquid interphase production results in a printing plate with desirable elastomeric elongation, desirable hardness, plate thickness in the range of 0.030 inches to 0.250 inches, and comprises printing dots with desirable characteristics.
US10241399B2 Polymerizable composition comprising an oxime sulfonate as thermal curing agent
The present invention relates to a polymerizable composition comprising at least one ethylenically unsaturated, polymerizable compound and at least one oxime sulfonate compound of the formula I QAaBbCc  (I) where a is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6, b is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6, and c is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6, where the sum of a+b+c is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6 where A is a group B is a group C is a group where # denotes the point of attachment to Q; X is S or NR14 and Q, R1, R2, R3 and R14 are as defined in claim 1 and in the description. The present invention also relates to the use of the this composition, to novel oxime sulfonates and the use of the oxime sulfonates as thermal curing promoter.
US10241397B2 Imprint apparatus and imprint method
According to one embodiment, an imprint apparatus including multiple types of imprint units and a conveyor to convey a substrate is provided. Each of the imprint units includes a suction mechanism configured to hold the substrate with multiple suction portions on a substrate holder, and a template having an imprint surface on which a concavo-convex pattern is formed on one face of a template substrate and having a recessed region in the other face, the recessed region corresponding to the imprint surface. The imprint units have different depths of the recessed regions in the templates and different arrangements of the suction portions in the suction mechanisms depending on the types.
US10241395B2 Pattern correction amount calculating apparatus, pattern correction amount calculating method, and storage medium
A pattern correction amount calculating apparatus includes: an accepting unit that accepts pattern information; a micro side group acquiring unit that acquires a micro side group, which is a group of continuous sides forming a contour of a pattern figure indicated by the pattern information, and is a group of micro sides that are each small enough to satisfy a predetermined condition; a virtual side acquiring unit that acquires a virtual side, which is a side that approximates micro sides contained in the micro side group; a virtual side correction amount calculating unit that calculates a virtual side correction amount, which is a correction amount for the virtual side; and a micro side correction amount calculating unit that calculates micro side correction amounts, which are correction amounts respectively for the micro sides contained in the micro side group corresponding to the virtual side, using the virtual side correction amount.
US10241394B2 Pattern formation method, control device, and semiconductor device manufacture method
In a pattern formation method according to an embodiment, a resist pattern is formed on a first film formed on a substrate. In the process for forming the resist pattern, the resist pattern includes a first pattern including a defect in a predetermined region on the first film. Next, a second film is accumulated on the first pattern in the predetermined region. Furthermore, a second pattern is formed in the first film with the resist pattern and the second film. Then, a third pattern is formed in the predetermined region on the first film.
US10241393B2 Pellicle
There is provided a pellicle wherein each edge area where the inner wall of the pellicle frame meets the upper end face or the lower end face, respectively, of the pellicle frame consists not only of the conventional single chamfer face but also of additional attempt(s) to make the edge area virtually rounded, such as additional chamfering(s) or rounding, whereby the edge area is devoid of cracking and scars.
US10241392B2 Glass substrate for mask blank, and method for producing the same
A glass substrate for a mask blank includes two main surfaces facing each other and surfaces to be chamfered. The surfaces to be chamfered are provided peripherally around the two main surfaces. A flatness of one of the main surfaces is 100 nm or less. On the surface to be chamfered from which substrate corner parts are excluded, each of the substrate corner part being portions where a distance from an outer end of a two-dimensional projection profile of the one of the main surfaces and the surface to be chamfered is within 10 mm, a waviness measured in a range of 2 mm at an arbitrary part in a direction parallel to one side closest to the surface to be chamfered in the two-dimensional projection profile is 50 nm or less.
US10241390B2 Reflective mask blank and process for producing the reflective mask blank
To provide a reflective mask blank having pseudo defects significantly excluded. The reflective mask blank comprises a substrate, a reflective layer for reflecting EUV light, formed on the substrate, and an absorber layer for absorbing EUV light, formed on the reflective layer, wherein Ssk<1.0 is satisfied, where Ssk is skewness in a region of 1 μm×1 μm on the absorber layer side surface.
US10241388B1 Image reading apparatus and image forming apparatus
An image reading apparatus comprises a housing having a document table glass, a scanner section, a cover member, an adsorption board, a driving section and a controller. The cover member is connected to the housing to be rotatable around a first rotation center line with respect to the housing between a closed position where the document table glass is covered and an open position. The adsorption board, arranged in a part at a housing side at the time the cover member is positioned at the closed position, has an adsorption surface adsorbing the original document, and is connected to the cover member to be rotatable around a second rotation center line parallel to the first rotation center line. The driving section adsorbs the original document on the adsorption surface of the adsorption board.
US10241383B2 Extendible L-plate for camera equipment
A two-piece extendable L-plate provides clearance between a camera and a quick-release receiver securing the camera to a support permitting a camera having cables connected to the side of the camera's body to be secured in either a landscape or a portrait orientation.
US10241379B1 Radio-frequency loss reduction in photonic circuits
In photonic integrated circuits implemented in silicon-on-insulator substrates, non-conductive channels formed, in accordance with various embodiments, in the silicon device layer and/or the silicon handle of the substrate in regions underneath radio-frequency transmission lines of photonic devices can provide breaks in parasitic conductive layers of the substrate, thereby reducing radio-frequency substrate losses.
US10241374B2 Liquid crystal display assembly
A liquid crystal display assembly is provided. The liquid crystal display assembly includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer. First component units are disposed on a bottom surface of the first substrate. Second component units are disposed on a top surface of the second substrate. The first component units and the second component units have a one-to-one correspondence. A first thin-film transistor and a second thin-film transistor overlap with each other along a direction perpendicular to the first substrate and the second substrate.
US10241373B2 Display device comprising first and second transistors wherein gates of the first and second transistors are supplied with a same selection signal
A display device that is suitable for increasing in size is provided. A display device with high resolution is provided. The display device has a structure in which two adjacent gate lines are supplied with the same selection signal. In addition, two pixels adjacent in the column direction are connected to respective source lines. Furthermore, one of the two source lines overlaps with a conductive layer functioning as a pixel electrode. Moreover, part of a semiconductor layer of a transistor is provided between the two source lines.
US10241372B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device comprising a TFT substrate having pixels each including a common electrode formed on an organic passivation film, an interlayer insulating film formed so as to cover the common electrode, a pixel electrode having a slit and formed on the interlayer insulating film, a through-hole formed in the organic passivation film and the interlayer insulating film, and a source electrode electrically conducted to the pixel electrode via the through-hole. A taper angle at a depth of D/2 of the through-hole is equal to or more than 50 degrees. The pixel electrode covers part of a side wall of the through-hole but does not cover the remaining part of the side wall of the through-hole. This configuration facilitates the alignment film material to flow into the through-hole, thereby solving a thickness unevenness of the alignment film in vicinity of the through-hole.
US10241366B2 Display device and manufacturing method of display device
A display device includes a first substrate, a wavelength conversion layer disposed on the first substrate, an inorganic film disposed on the wavelength conversion layer, a flattening film disposed on the inorganic film, and a first polarizing layer disposed on the flattening film, where a difference between a coefficient of thermal expansion of the flattening film and a coefficient of thermal expansion of the inorganic film is about 50 ppm/K or less.
US10241365B2 Backlighting device, particularly for head-up display, and head-up display for motor vehicle
The invention relates to a backlighting device (14), particularly for head-up display. Said device includes: at least one light-emitting diode (16), emitting light beams; an optical system (20) for shaping light beams; and a light diffuser (22), receiving the shaped light beams and said diffuser also comprises a heat sink (18) formed of at least two parts including a base plate (50) and at least one strip (52) that is attached onto said base plate. The strip comprises at least one fold (90) for forming at least one cooling fin (80) and at least one area (60) intended for thermal contact with said base plate (50).
US10241363B2 Lens array substrate, method of manufacturing lens array substrate, electro-optical device, and electronic apparatus
A lens array substrate includes a substrate with a concave portion provided in a first face thereof, and a lens layer having a substantially flat surface provided to cover the first face and fill the concave portion. The lens layer includes a first layer and a second layer which are sequentially laminated from a substrate side by reflecting the shape of the concave portion therein. A refractive index of the first layer is different from a refractive index of the second layer. The second layer, the first layer, and the second layer are sequentially exposed to the surface of the lens layer in this order in a first direction in a plan view. The second layer, the first layer, the substrate, the first layer, and the second layer are sequentially exposed to the surface of the lens layer in this order in a second direction that intersects the first direction.
US10241362B2 Liquid crystal panel and method for fabricating the same, display device
The present disclosure provides a liquid crystal panel and a method for fabricating the same, and a display device. The liquid crystal panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer, and has a plurality of pixel regions. In each pixel region, a surface of the first substrate close to the liquid crystal layer has a first cambered surface, and a surface of the second substrate close to the liquid crystal layer has a second cambered surface; the first cambered surface and the second cambered surface bend in a direction away from a light emergent surface of the liquid crystal panel, and axes of the first cambered surface and the second cambered surface coincide with each other; and 0° viewing angle point of the pixel region is located on the axes.
US10241360B2 Display device having improved light emission and color reproducibility
An exemplary display device includes: a display panel; a color conversion panel overlapping the display panel; and an optical bonding layer positioned between the display panel and the color conversion panel. The color conversion panel includes: a substrate; a color conversion layer and a transmission layer positioned between the substrate and the display panel; a first capping layer having one side facing the color conversion layer and the transmission layer, and another side facing the display panel; a second capping layer positioned between the first capping layer and the display panel; and an optical layer positioned between the first capping layer and the second capping layer and/or between the second capping layer and the optical bonding layer. A refractive index of the optical layer is lower than at least one of a refractive index of the first capping layer and a refractive index of the second capping layer.
US10241359B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device, whereby transparency when no voltage is applied and scattering properties when a voltage is applied, are good, adhesion between a liquid crystal layer and a vertical liquid crystal alignment film is high, and its lifespan is long even in a severe environment. The liquid crystal display device has a liquid crystal layer formed by disposing a liquid crystal composition containing a liquid crystal and a polymerizable compound between a pair of substrates provided with electrodes, and irradiating and curing the composition with ultraviolet rays by an ultraviolet irradiation apparatus, and at least one substrate is provided with a liquid crystal alignment film to vertically align a liquid crystal, wherein the ultraviolet irradiation apparatus is an ultraviolet irradiation apparatus capable of controlling the irradiation light intensity and wavelength of the ultraviolet rays to be irradiated and the surface temperature of the pair of the substrates.
US10241358B2 Liquid crystal grating and manufacturing method and driving method therefor, and spliced screen
A liquid crystal grating and a manufacturing method and a driving method therefor, and a spliced screen including a liquid crystal grating are disclosed. The liquid crystal grating includes: a first substrate and a second substrate arranged opposite to the first substrate; and liquid crystal molecules filled between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate, the second substrate and the liquid crystal molecules are provided to define at least one grating unit. Each of the grating units includes: a display region; a frame region surrounding the display region; a first frame electrode located on the first substrate and arranged corresponding to the frame region; and a second frame electrode located on the second substrate and arranged corresponding to the frame region. The first frame electrode and the second frame electrode are configured for forming a voltage difference when displaying in the display region, so as to control deflection of the liquid crystal molecules in the frame region, such that light rays scattered into the frame region are emitted out from the frame region of the second substrate. The above liquid crystal grating enables a seam of a spliced screen to have a certain display brightness, thereby improving the display effect of the spliced screen.
US10241357B2 Mould frame and liquid crystal display module having thereof
A mold frame of a liquid crystal display module can include a body for coupling a liquid crystal display panel and a back light unit including a light emitting device (LED) array having a plurality of LED packages thereon; an extension unit extended from an upper surface of the body to cover a light source of the back light unit; and an inclined surface disposed at the extension unit for reflecting light from the light source to control an amount of the light supplied to the liquid crystal display panel.
US10241352B2 Integrated-optics-based stress-optic phase modulator and method for forming
A phase controller for controlling the phase of a light signal in a surface waveguide and a method for its fabrication are disclosed. The phase controller controls the phase of the light signal by inducing stress in the waveguide structure, thereby controlling the refractive indices of at least some of its constituent layers. The phase controller includes a phase-control element formed on topographic features of the top cladding of the waveguide, where these features (1) provide a shape to the phase-control element that matches the shape of the mode field of the light signal and (2) give rise to stress-concentration points that focus and direct induced stress into specific regions of the waveguide structure, thereby providing highly efficient phase control. As a result, the phase controller can operate at a lower voltage, lower power, and/or over a shorter interaction length than integrated-optic phase controllers of the prior art.
US10241351B2 Eyewear with magnetic track for electronic wearable device
An eyewear system according to the present disclosure may include at least one temple, and a temple guide provided on the at least one temple, wherein the temple guide comprises a guide surface defined by a ferromagnetic material of the temple, and wherein the temple guide is configured to magnetically retain an electronic wearable device in slidable attachment therewith and to restrict lateral movement of the electronic wearable device relative to the temple when the electronic wearable device is engaged with the temple guide.
US10241350B1 Mapping a central visual field onto a peripheral visual sensor
One or more peripheral optical elements direct light emanating from a central field portion of a visual field (via one or more central optical elements of a visual sensor) onto a peripheral sensor portion of the visual sensor. The peripheral optical element(s) map an image of the central field portion onto the peripheral sensor portion for detection by the visual sensor. The central optical element(s) define the central field portion and form (from light emanating from the central field portion and directly incident on the central optical element(s)) an image of the central field portion on a corresponding central sensor portion of the visual sensor distinct from the peripheral sensor portion.
US10241346B2 Degrees of freedom for diffraction elements in wave expander
Disclosed are an apparatus and method for providing additional degrees of freedom for diffraction gratings of an output waveguide in a near-eye display device. The near-eye display device includes an imager to generate an image based on light from a light source. The device further includes a waveguide to input a light wave representing the image received from the imager and to output the light wave representing the image toward an optical receptor of a user. The waveguide includes a plurality of diffractive optical elements (DOEs) in a common light path from an input of the waveguide to an output of the waveguide. The DOEs include a plurality of periodic diffraction patterns. Each of the periodic diffraction patterns is represented by a diffraction pattern vector. The periodic diffraction patterns are determined such that a vector summation of the diffraction pattern vectors equals zero.
US10241344B1 Advanced retroreflecting aerial displays
A retroreflecting display that enables the formation of a real image in free space includes a first light source that generates a first light output; a first beam splitter module; and a retroreflector module opposite the first light source.
US10241337B2 Tunable spectral slicer and methods of use
Systems and methods for filtering an optical beam are described. In one implementation, a system for filtering an input optical beam includes a first beamsplitter, a first spectral slicing module, a second spectral slicing module, and a second beamsplitter. The first beamsplitter is configured to split the input optical beam into a first optical beam and a second optical beam. The first spectral slicing module has a first passband and is configured to filter the first optical beam. The second spectral slicing module has a second passband and is configured to filter the second optical beam. The second beamsplitter is configured to combine the first optical beam and the second optical beam into an output optical beam. The first and second spectral slicing modules may each comprise a longpass filter and a shortpass filter aligned along its optical axis, and the longpass filter and/or the shortpass filter are rotatable relative to the optical axis. Advantageously, the optical system allows for tunable spectral filtering of the input optical beam suitable for 2-D imaging systems.
US10241336B2 Retinal scanning display device and beam width expander
In a retinal scanning display device, a scanning section scans a light beam emitted from a light source to form a scanned image. The light beam emitted from the scanning section is expanded in beam width of the light beam in a first direction by a first beam width expander. The first beam width expander includes alternately stacked first partially reflective layers and first light-transmissive layers disposed between a pair of first reflection faces that face each other in the first direction. The plural partially reflective layers include a partially reflective layer having a transmittance exceeding 50%. This enables the light intensity distribution to be appropriately adjusted in the first direction for a light beam expanded in the first direction.
US10241335B2 Semiconductor laser module
A semiconductor laser module comprises a tapered laser diode and/or a tapered amplifier diode equipped with beam shaping optics. The tapered laser diode and/or the tapered amplifier diode includes an emission facet for emitting a laser beam along a beam axis. The beam-shaping optics comprise a plano-convex cylindrical lens oriented so as to change divergence of the beam in the fast axis direction, the plano-convex spherical cylindrical lens having a planar surface arranged facing the facet and a circular cylindrical surface facing away from the facet. The refractive index of lens may be uniform throughout the entire lens. Alternatively, the lens may have a refractive index varying in the direction of the slow axis and/or in the direction of the fast axis.
US10241332B2 Reducing stray light transmission in near eye display using resonant grating filter
A near eye optical display system comprising a waveguide and diffractive optical elements (DOEs) for in-coupling, exit pupil expansion, and out-coupling reduces the transmission of stray light in the system using a doubly-periodic surface relief microstructure that combines a guided-mode resonant filter with Bragg reflectance. Such resonant grating filter may be configured with grooves and/or ridges of different widths that are located on the waveguide that have respective sub-periods that match Bragg reflectance periods for particular wavelengths. The interaction of the sub-periods gives rise to a photonic band gap effect in which the resonant grating's effective refractive index is modulated to increase angular sensitivity and wavelength bandwidth of the resonant grating filter. The sub-periods define an overall period (i.e., a super period) for the resonant grating filter by which incident light is coupled into the waveguide, guided, and then coupled out of the waveguide at the side of incidence.
US10241330B2 Method and apparatus for generating input images for holographic waveguide displays
An image generation device having: a spatial light modulator; a source of light; a beam deflector; an illumination waveguide and an image transport waveguide, each waveguide containing at least one switchable grating; and a coupler for directing scanned light into a first set of TIR paths in said illumination waveguide. A switchable grating in the illumination waveguide diffracts light onto the SLM, a switchable grating in the image transport waveguide diffracting image-modulated from the SLM into a waveguide path.
US10241329B2 Varifocal aberration compensation for near-eye displays
A method of operation in a near-eye display system includes determining, using an eye tracking component of the near-eye display system, a pose of a user's eye. A shift vector is determined for a magnifier lens of the near-eye display system based on the pose of the user's eye, and the shift vector is communicated to an actuator of the near-eye display system to instruct translation of the magnifier lens relative to the user's eye. After translation of the magnifier lens, an array of elemental images is rendered at a position within a near-eye lightfield frame and communicated for display at a display panel of the near-eye display system.
US10241323B2 Micromechanical device and method for the two-dimensional deflection of light
A micromechanical device and a method for the two-dimensional deflection of light. The device includes a mirror unit having a mirror surface for deflecting light striking the mirror surface; the mirror unit being rotatably situated about a first axis within a first frame unit and being fastened to the first frame unit; the first frame unit being rotatably situated about a second axis within an actuator structure and being fastened to the actuator structure; the actuator structure including at least four piezoelectric actuator units; and the positions of the at least four piezoelectric actuator units being situated symmetrically with respect to the first axis and also with respect to the second axis.
US10241318B2 Telescoping sight with interoperating dual course and fine controls for focus, and methods of assembly and operation thereof
A telescoping sight having a sight housing, a moveable lens within the sight housing, a course focus adjustment control being operable to move the moveable lens via a spiral track, and a fine focus adjustment control, the fine focus adjustment control being interoperable with the spiral track.
US10241316B2 Sample observation method and sample observation device
A sample observation method includes an acquisition of for acquiring an electronic image of a sample, and a subtraction step of subtracting a DC component from a signal of the electronic image, and the acquisition step is performed in a state of bright-field observation, the electronic image at the subtraction step is an image acquired in a first predetermined state, and in the first predetermined state, at least a position of the sample and a in-focus position of an image forming optical system are different. A sample observation device includes a light source, an illumination optical system, an image forming optical system, an image-pickup device, and an image processing device, and the illumination optical system is disposed so as to irradiate a sample with illumination light from the light source, the image forming optical system is disposed so that light from the sample is incident thereon and an optical image of the sample is formed, the image-pickup device is disposed at a position of the optical image, and the image processing device is configured to implement the aforementioned sample observation method.
US10241311B2 Optical methods for observing samples and for detecting or metering chemical or biological species
The invention relates to a method for observing a sample under optical microscopy, in incoherent, unpolarised light, using a sample substrate including a contrast-amplifying layer having a complex index of refraction. The invention also relates to a method for detecting or metering at least one chemical or biological species using such a sample substrate.
US10241310B2 Method of forming an imaging calibration device
A method of forming an imaging calibration device for a biological material imaging system, the method comprises: providing one or more discrete regions upon or within a retaining member, each region for the receipt of a selected predetermined biological stain material; selecting one or more predetermined biological stain materials, wherein each of the selected predetermined biological stain materials has a predetermined optical response, and providing one or more of the selected predetermined biological stain materials to the said one or more discrete regions such that the said material is localised in the said region.
US10241306B2 Telephoto lens and image pickup apparatus using the same
A telephoto lens includes a first lens unit having a positive refractive power, a second lens unit having a negative refractive power, and a third lens unit, and the first lens unit includes a front-side lens unit having a positive refractive power and a rear-side lens unit, and the second lens unit moves at the time of focusing, and the third lens unit has a positive lens and a negative lens, and the front-side lens unit includes lenses positioned closer to the object side than a predetermined negative lens that satisfies Conditional Expression (a), and the rear-side lens unit has the predetermined negative lens and a positive lens, and Conditional Expressions (1A) and (14) are satisfied: 0.5≤|f/fLn|  (a), 0.015≤DGFGR/f≤0.25  (1A), and 0.19≤DGFairmax/DGF≤1.0  (14).
US10241305B2 Image capturing lens assembly, imaging apparatus and electronic device
A image capturing lens assembly includes six lens elements, the six lens elements being, in order from an object side to an image side: a first lens element with positive refractive power having an object-side surface being convex thereof; a second lens element having negative refractive power; a third lens element; a fourth lens element; a fifth lens element with positive refractive power having an object-side surface being convex and an image-side surface being convex thereof; and a sixth lens element having an image-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof, the image-side surface having at least one convex critical point in an off-axial region thereof, and an object-side surface and the image-side surface being aspheric.
US10241304B2 Optical image capturing system
The invention discloses a six-piece optical lens for capturing image and a six-piece optical module for capturing image. In order from an object side to an image side, the optical lens along the optical axis comprises 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; a sixth lens with refractive power; and 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.
US10241302B2 Imaging lens
An imaging lens includes a first lens having positive refractive power; a second lens having positive refractive power; a third lens; a fourth lens; a fifth lens; and a sixth lens having negative refractive power, arranged in this order from an object side to an image plane side. The sixth lens is formed in a shape so that a curvature radius of a surface thereof on the object side and a curvature radius of a surface thereof on the image plane side are negative. The surface of the sixth lens on the image plane side has the specific curvature radius so that a specific conditional expression is satisfied.
US10241297B1 Camera optical lens
The present disclosure discloses a camera optical lens. The camera optical lens including, in an order from an object side to an image side, a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, a fifth lens, a sixth lens and a seventh lens. The first lens is made of glass material, the second lens is made of glass material, the third lens is made of plastic material, the fourth lens is made of plastic material, the fifth lens is made of plastic material, the sixth lens is made of plastic material, and the seventh lens is made of plastic material. The camera optical lens further satisfies specific conditions.
US10241296B1 Camera lens
A camera lens includes, arranged sequentially from an object side to an image side: a first lens with positive refractive power; a second lens with negative refractive power; a third lens with positive refractive power; a fourth lens with positive refractive power; a fifth lens with negative refractive power. The camera lens satisfies specific conditions.
US10241295B2 Imaging lens assembly, image capturing unit and electronic device
A imaging lens assembly includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element, a fifth lens element and a sixth lens element. The first lens element has negative refractive power. The second lens element has positive refractive power. The third lens element has positive refractive power. The fourth lens element has positive refractive power. The fifth lens element has positive refractive power. The sixth lens element has negative refractive power. The imaging lens assembly has a total of six lens elements.
US10241292B2 Ultra-fast and mechanically stable zoom lens
A zoom lens having unpowered optical elements changeably inserted between conventional powered optical zoom elements enables ultra-fast and mechanically stable stepped changes in zoom state.
US10241289B2 Pass-through assembly having an anchor member and a cover
Anchoring an input cable (190) at an input port (123, 223) of an enclosure (110) includes inserting the input cable (190) through an anchor member (151, 251) so that a cable jacket (191) terminates within the anchor member (151, 251) and at least one optical fiber (195) extends outwardly from the anchor member (151, 251). The anchor member (151, 251) is secured to the cable jacket (191) using the sheath (175). A cover (162, 260) is mounted to the anchor member (151, 251) to form a pass-through assembly (150, 250) defining an enclosed region. Material is injected into the enclosed region to fix strength members (197) and/or optical fibers (195) of the input cable (190) to the pass-through assembly (150, 250). The ruggedized pass-through assembly (150, 250) is disposed at a base (120, 220) of the enclosure (110).
US10241288B2 Fiber optic adapter for proofing dust and light
Provided is a fiber optic adapter for proofing dust and light. The fiber optic adapter includes an adapter body and a lightproof plate assembly. The adapter body includes a body portion and a cover. The body portion has a concave space provided with openings in two directions. The cover is engaged to the body portion and closes one opening of the concave space to form a port provided with one opening. The lightproof plate assembly includes a lightproof plate. Every two adjacent ports on a same side share one lightproof plate. A first end of the lightproof plate is provided with a rotation shaft. Inner walls of two adjacent ports sharing one lightproof plate are provided with a rotation slot. The rotation slot is provided from a side of the body portion facing the cover to a direction away from the cover.
US10241287B2 Fiber optic splice enclosures
A fiber optic splice enclosure includes a basket. The basket includes an outer shell, the outer shell including an outer sidewall defining at least a portion of a periphery of the basket. The basket further includes an insert disposed within the outer shell, the insert including a first sidewall and a second sidewall spaced apart from each other along a transverse axis and each extending along a longitudinal axis to define an inner channel therebetween. The first sidewall and the second sidewall are each further spaced apart from the outer sidewall along the longitudinal axis to define a first outer channel and a second outer channel. The fiber optic splice enclosure further includes a splice tray assembly including at least one splice tray, the splice tray assembly disposed within the inner channel.
US10241285B2 Method of cooling stacked, pluggable optical transceivers
An optical transceiver cooling assembly includes stacked cages mounted to a PCB. A heat radiator also is mounted on the PCB. Cooling devices (e.g., heat pipes) are coupled to the heat radiator and at least one of the cages. In some embodiments, the cages may include a divider that extends beyond the cage and is coupled to at least one of the cooling devices outside the cage. In some embodiments, the cooling devices extend into the cage and may be coupled together.
US10241282B2 Optical transceiver with fiber tray securing inner fiber
An optical transceiver performing the full-duplex transmission in a plural channel is disclosed. The optical transceiver provides an optical receptacle, a semiconductor optical device, an inner fiber that optically couples the optical receptacle with the semiconductor optical device, and a fiber tray that secures an extra length of the inner fiber. The fiber tray provides an inner wall inclined toward a direction perpendicular to a direction along which the inner fiber warps. The inner fiber is set within the space as touching the inclined inner wall and sliding thereon toward the inclined direction.
US10241277B2 Optical fiber polarity tester
The present disclosure includes systems and methods for testing bundles of fiber optic fibers, such as fiber optic trunk cables, for correct polarity of connections at each end of the bundle of fibers while preventing the fiber optic fibers from contacting any other components during testing. The systems include a processor, a plurality of signal generators interfaced with a plurality of signal generator ports, a sensor interfaced with a sensor input port, a first selector switch, and a display, the processor operable to stimulate the plurality of signal generators one at a time in a first sequence to produce a signal, the first sequence based on a position of the first selector switch, the processor further operable to cause the display to display an output of the sensor.
US10241269B1 Grating couplers with multiple configurations
The present disclosure relates to semiconductor structures and, more particularly, to grating couplers with multiple configurations and methods of manufacture. A structure includes: a grating coupler having a sawtooth configuration provided over a semiconductor slab; and a back end of line (BEOL) stack over the sawtooth configuration of the grating coupler.
US10241268B2 Filling a cavity through a reservoir and a feed-channel and related apparatus and methods
Aspects of the present application provide an optical device comprising a suspended optical component over a cavity, such as an undercut region in a substrate. The cavity is filled with a filler material. In some embodiments, the optical device and a method may be provided to fill the cavity with the filler material using a reservoir and a channel in the substrate connecting the reservoir to the cavity to be filled.
US10241265B2 Apparatus for alleviating nonlinear temperature effect of arrayed waveguide gratings
An apparatus for alleviating a nonlinear temperature effect of an arrayed waveguide grating, comprising an integrated optical circuit base for an arrayed waveguide grating chip and an actuator. The integrated optical circuit base includes a first region, a second region connected by a hinge. The actuator includes two or more actuating rods having a thermal expansion coefficient different from that of the integrated optical circuit base. In different temperature ranges, the first region and the second region are driven by different actuating rods to rotate and/or translate relative to each other, so that the first region and the second region have a nonlinear displacement as the temperature changes, which brings the two parts of the arrayed waveguide grating chip to move relative to each other to accurately compensate drifting of a central wavelength of the arrayed waveguide grating chip in the different temperature ranges.
US10241258B2 Flexible biodegradable polymeric step-index optical fiber
A biocompatible and biodegradable polymeric step-index optical fiber includes a core and a cladding around the core. The core is made from a core material fabricated by bonding a citric acid and at least a first monomer using a synthesis process. The cladding is made from a cladding material fabricated by bonding the citric acid and at least a second monomer using the synthesis process. The core has a refractive index higher than that of the cladding, while a difference between an initial modulus of the core and the cladding is preferably less than 30% and a difference between the biodegradation rates of the core and cladding is preferably less than 30% after about 4 weeks. Optical properties of the core and cladding are tunable by adjusting monomer ratios, choices of monomers or cross-linking degrees.
US10241257B2 Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes: a display panel; a light guide plate disposed behind the display panel; a printed circuit board; a heat radiator disposed on the printed circuit board and configured to radiate heat; and a plurality of light source packages disposed on the printed circuit board and configured to supply light to the light guide plate, each light source package of the plurality of light source packages including: a light source configured to generate the light; a light converter configured to convert properties of the light generated by the light source, and a package housing in which the light source is installed, the package housing being disposed on the printed circuit board and in contact with the light converter to transfer heat from the light converter to the heat radiator.
US10241255B2 Backlight module and liquid crystal display
The present disclosure discloses a backlight module and a liquid crystal display, the backlight module comprises: a light guide plate, a first light source and a second light source; wherein said light guide plate comprises a light emitting surface and a bottom surface as well as a side surface; said light emitting surface and said bottom surface define thickness of said light guide plate, said light guide plate at least comprises a first portion which is relatively thicker and a second portion which is relatively thin; said first light source is provided opposite the side of said light guide plate, said second light source is provided opposite said bottom surface or said light emitting surface of said light guide plate second portion. Through the above way, the present disclosure can achieve the split-screen display of the display device, simultaneously reducing the power consumption of the display device.
US10241251B2 Polarizing plate and image display device
The present invention is to provide a polarizing plate exhibiting sufficient adhesiveness between a resin layer and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer and excellent peeling property in reworking process, and an image display device provided with the polarizing plate. The polarizing plate of the present invention includes a polarizer, and the resin layer that is in direct contact with the polarizer, in which the thickness of the polarizer is 20 μm or less, a hydrogen bonding component of a surface free energy of the resin layer is 3.5 mN/m or more, and the thickness of the polarizing plate is 70 μm or less.
US10241250B2 Adhesive composition for polarizing plate, polarizing plate including the same, and optical display including the same
An adhesive composition for polarizing plates includes a (meth)acrylic copolymer prepared by copolymerization of a monomer mixture and a curing agent. The monomer mixture includes a hydroxyl group-containing (meth)acrylic monomer, a tertiary amine group-containing (meth)acrylic monomer and a monomer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of about 100° C. or greater. The adhesive composition has a gel fraction of about 50% or greater after aging for 12 hours. An adhesive film is formed from the adhesive composition. An optical display includes the adhesive film.
US10241247B2 Coloring composition, method for producing coloring composition, color filter, pattern forming method, method for manufacturing color filter, solid-state imaging device, and image display device
A coloring composition includes Color Index Pigment Red 264, a graft resin having an acid group, a photopolymerizable compound, and a photopolymerization initiator.
US10241245B2 Optical filter and method for manufacturing optical filter
There are provided an optical filter excellent in weather resistance and a method for manufacturing an optical filter. The optical filter of the present invention includes a transparent substrate, and an optical multilayer film provided on a surface of the transparent substrate. In the optical multilayer film, a low-refractive index film containing silicon oxide (SiO2) and a high-refractive index film higher in refractive index than the low-refractive index film are alternately stacked. A density of a portion of the low-refractive index film close to an interface between the low-refractive index film and the high-refractive index film is lower than a density of a portion of the low-refractive index film other than the portion close to the interface.
US10241244B2 Thin film total internal reflection diffraction grating for single polarization or dual polarization
A diffraction grating may include a substrate. The diffraction grating may include an etch stop layer to prevent etching of the substrate. The etch stop layer may be deposited on the substrate. The diffraction grating may include a marker layer to indicate an etch end-point associated with etching of a dielectric layer. The marker layer may be deposited on a portion of the etch stop layer. The diffraction grating may include the dielectric layer to form a grating layer after being etched. The dielectric layer may be deposited on at least the marker layer.
US10241243B2 Minimum retroreflectivity compliance system, method and assembly
A system, method and assembly for performing traffic sign inspections is provided. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a first plurality of sheetings that each have a combination of retroreflectivity and color that is different from the combination of retroreflectivity and color of each of the other first plurality of sheetings; a first clamp and second clamp for clamping one of said first plurality of sheetings to a traffic sign; a first handheld light source; and a first enclosure for removably housing the first plurality of sheetings, said first and second clamps, and said first handheld light source. The assembly may further include a second enclosure for removably housing a second plurality of sheetings that each has a combination of retroreflectivity and color that is different from the combination of retroreflectivity and color of each of the other second plurality of sheetings.
US10241242B2 Methods for fabrication of and highway marking using agglomerated retroreflective beads
A retroreflective device securable to a highway by bonding thereto preferably with a viscous strip applied to the highway prior to solidifying cure of the strip includes a generally globular glass central member, a desirably pigmented adhesive layer over the central member and a plurality of peripheral globular glass members connected to the central member by the pigmented adhesive layer. A method for fabricating the retroreflective device is also disclosed.
US10241241B2 Light reflecting film, and light controlling film, optical film, functional glass and head-up display including the light reflecting film
A light controlling film comprises a light reflecting film and a light controlling layer that are laminated. The light reflecting film comprises at least two laminated light reflecting layers including at least one of light reflecting layers PRL-1 to PRL-3 that a central reflection wavelength of 400 nm-500 nm, 500 nm-600 nm, and 600 nm-700 nm, respectively, and a reflectance to ordinary light at the central reflection wavelength of 5%-25%. The at least two light reflecting layers have central reflection wavelengths that are different from each other. All of the at least two laminated light reflecting layers have a property of reflecting polarized light having the same orientation. The light controlling layer comprises two quarter wave plates, and the light reflecting film is laminated so as to be interposed between the two quarter wave plates.
US10241238B2 Corrosion resistant optical device
A corrosion-resistant optical device is disclosed. The device includes a substrate, a silver layer upon the substrate, and an insulating layer that provides abrasion resistance. The device is immersed in a thiol-rich solution. The thiols form a corrosion-inhibiting monolayer upon any exposed silver surface. This increases the environmental resistance of the optical device, keeping water from interacting with the silver layer.
US10241236B2 Polarizing plate
A primary object of the present invention is to provide a polarizing plate excellent in durability. A polarizing plate (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a polarizer (10); and a protective film (21 and 22) arranged on at least one side of the polarizer (10). The polarizing plate (100) has a dimensional change ratio of −0.2% or more in a transmission axis direction thereof when the polarizing plate (100) cut into a size measuring 100 mm by 100 mm is bonded to a glass plate with a pressure-sensitive adhesive and the following operation is repeated 100 times: the polarizing plate (100) bonded to the glass plate is left to stand under an atmosphere at −40° C. for 30 minutes and then left to stand under an atmosphere at 85° C. for 30 minutes.
US10241235B2 Optical layered object, polarizer obtained using same, and image display device
Provided are an optical laminate including a resin layer on an acrylic base material in which the generation of an interference pattern is suppressed and the adhesiveness between the acrylic base material and the resin layer improves and a method for efficiently manufacturing the optical laminate. In the optical laminate including the resin layer on one surface of the acrylic base material, in a cross-section of the optical laminate in a thickness direction, an interface between the acrylic base material and the resin layer exhibits a ridge having crests and troughs and a length of the ridge corresponding to a standard length of 30 μm set in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the optical laminate is in a range of 31 μm to 45 μm.
US10241234B2 Silicone hydrogel soft contact lens having wettable surface
Provided is a silicone hydrogel soft contact lens obtained by curing in a double-sided casting mold, a liquid mixture including glycerol mono(meth)acrylate and at least one type of silicone monomer having at least one hydroxyl group or polyethylene glycol group in the molecular structure thereof, the silicone hydrogel soft contact lens having a wettable surface without a polymerized lens-shaped material being subjected to post-processing to improve the water wetting properties of a surface thereof.
US10241232B2 Geomechanical and geophysical computational model for oil and gas stimulation and production
In some aspects, a number of subsystem models is accessed by a computer system. Each subsystem model represents dynamic attributes of a distinct physical subsystem in a subterranean region. At least one of the number of subsystem models represents dynamic attributes of a mechanical subsystem in the subterranean region. A discrete fracture network (DFN) model representing a fracture network in the subterranean region is accessed at the computer system. The DFN model includes junction models. Each junction model represents interactions between a respective set of subsystem models associated with the junction model. Junction variables of the junction model can be defined based on dynamic attributes of the respective set of subsystem models associated with the junction model. A stimulation treatment for the subterranean region can be simulated by operating the DFN model including the junction variables.
US10241230B2 Downhole sensing using solitons in optical fiber
A downhole sensing method includes modulating light to form a soliton that propagates through an optical fiber acting as a sensing element that measures a downhole parameter. The method further includes obtaining scattered light created as the soliton propagates through the optical fiber. The method further includes determining a value for a downhole parameter based on the scattered light, and displaying a representation of the value.
US10241228B2 Apparatus and methods to find a position in an underground formation
Various embodiments include apparatus and methods related to finding a position in an underground formation. Apparatus and methods can include receiving signals from a receiver in an underground formation in response to signals generated from transmitting sources, each of the transmitting sources located at a known position; and processing the received signals, based on the signals generated from the transmitting sources, to determine the position of the receiver. A number of techniques can be applied to processing the received signal. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US10241227B2 Method and apparatus to detect formation boundaries ahead of the bit using multiple toroidal coils
An apparatus and method for a property ahead of a drill bit in a borehole penetrating a formation. The apparatus may include at least one receiver toroid disposed on a carrier and a transmitter toroid configured to induce an electromagnetic signal in the formation and disposed between the drill bit and the at least one receiver toroid. The apparatus may include at least one processor configured to estimate the property using a signal produced by the at least one receiver. The method may include estimating the property using the signal produced by the at least one receiver toroid. The method may also include one or more of: (i) generating a conductivity curve based on signals from at least one receiver toroid, (ii) validating signals from one receiver toroid based on a conductivity curve of another receiver toroid, and (iii) filtering a receiver toroid signal using lateral resistivity information.
US10241220B2 Combination motion and acoustic piezoelectric sensor apparatus and method of use therefor
Sensors used in mapping strata beneath a marine body are described, such as used in a flexible towed array. A first sensor is a motion sensor including a conductive liquid in a chamber between a rigid tube and a piezoelectric motion film circumferentially wrapped about the tube. A second sensor is a traditional acoustic sensor or a novel acoustic sensor using a piezoelectric sensor mounted with a thin film separation layer of flexible microspheres on a rigid substrate. Additional non-acoustic sensors are optionally mounted on the rigid substrate for generation of output used to reduce noise observed by the acoustic sensors. Combinations of acoustic, non-acoustic, and motion sensors co-located in rigid streamer housing sections are provided.
US10241218B2 Methods and systems for computing notional source signatures from near-field measurements and modeled notional signatures
Methods and systems for computing notional source signatures from modeled notional signatures and measured near-field signatures are described. Modeled near-field signatures are calculated from the modeled notional signatures. Low weights are assigned to parts of a source pressure wavefield spectrum where signatures are less reliable and higher weights are assigned to parts of the source pressure wavefield spectrum where signatures are more reliable. The part of the spectrum where both sets of signatures are reliable can be used for quality control and for comparing the measured near-field signatures to modeled near-field signatures. When there are uncertainties in the input parameters to the modeling, the input parameters can be scaled to minimize the differences between measured and modeled near-field signatures. Resultant near-field signatures are computed by a weighted summation of the modeled and measured near-field signatures, and notional source signatures are calculated from the resultant near-field signatures.
US10241216B2 Radiation image detection panel and radiation detection device
A radiation image detection panel includes: a scintillator layer formed of columnar crystals; an optical coupling layer; and a planar light receiving element, wherein a material constituting the optical coupling layer has a storage elastic modulus of 1×107 Pa or more at 0 to 40° C.
US10241213B2 Timer initiated convergence of a GNSS receiver
A method of implementing convergence of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver is disclosed. A GNSS receiver which is coupled with a mobile machine is shut down. The GNSS receiver is in a converged state at shut down. The GNSS receiver is automatically powered up at a preset time. A convergence algorithm is automatically initiated prior to start of work that utilizes the GNSS receiver.
US10241208B2 Steerable high energy beam
A LIDAR system is provided. The LIDAR system comprises at least one processor configured to: control at least one light source in a manner enabling light flux of light from at least one light source to vary over a scanning cycle of a field of view; receive from at least one sensor reflections signals indicative of light reflected from objects in the field of view; coordinate light flux and scanning in a manner to cause at least three sectors of the field of view to occur in a scanning cycle, a first sector having a first light flux and an associated first detection range, a second sector having a second light flux and an associated second detection range, and a third sector having third light flux and an associated a third detection range; and detect an object in the second sector.
US10241206B2 Sensor system for a vehicle for detecting bridges or tunnel entrances
A sensor system for a vehicle for detecting bridges and tunnels is described, which includes a lateral LIDAR sensor, which is located on a first side of the vehicle and has a detection area covering a lateral surrounding area of the vehicle, and a control unit for evaluating the measuring data from the lateral LIDAR sensor. The lateral LIDAR sensor is positioned rotated about a vertical axis so that part of the detection area of the lateral LIDAR sensor at the front in the travel direction detects an upper spatial area located at a predefined distance ahead of the vehicle. The lateral LIDAR sensor is tilted about its transverse axis with respect to the horizontal, so the detection area of the lateral LIDAR sensor detects the remote upper spatial area at a predefined height above the vehicle using its part which is at the front in the direction of travel.
US10241205B2 Tracking system
A system simultaneously tracks multiple objects. All or a subset of the objects includes a wireless receiver and a transmitter for providing an output. The system includes one or more wireless transmitters that send commands to the wireless receivers of the multiple objects instructing different subsets of the multiple objects to output (via their respective transmitter) at different times. The system also includes object sensors that receive output from the transmitters of the multiple objects and a computer system in communication with the object sensors. The computer system calculates locations of the multiple objects based on the sensed output from the multiple objects.
US10241204B2 Method for illuminating an object
A method is provided for illuminating an object and for determining a distance value R. The object is illuminated with a light source and the light intensity of the light source is switched at a time T0 from an intensity Iout,h to an intensity Iout,l being lower than Iout,h and switched back to Iout,h at a time T0+Tn. A signal value U is outputted at the end of an integration window time period which has such a predetermined delay relative to T0 that either Ttof or Ttof+Tn is between an integration start point in time Tsd of the integration window time period and an integration end point in time Tsd+Ts, with Ttof being a point in time when light with the intensity Iin,l arrives first at the photo element, and Ts is longer than Tn.
US10241202B2 Reduction of receive data of a radar, in particular, a synthetic aperture radar
A method for the reduction of receive data of a radar includes receiving a radar echo signal emanating from a chirp-like transmit signal and specifying a temporal receive window of the radar echo signal as a function of an area to be detected by a radar. The method also includes dividing the received radar echo signal into a plurality of spectral sub-bands, determining sub-band windows for each of the plurality of spectral sub-bands, activating the sub-band windows within the temporal receive window of the radar echo signal as a function of a receive time of the radar echo signal, and then sampling the radar echo signal using a sampling rate that is adjusted as a function of a number of sub-band windows active at a respective sampling instance.
US10241201B1 Subsurface imaging system and method for inspecting the condition of a structure
In a method and system for inspecting the condition of a structure, the structure is scanned with a three-dimensional (3D) scanner. The 3D scanner includes a sensing system having one of a radar sensing device or an ultrasonic detection device. The sensing system detects 3D information about a subsurface of the structure, and the 3D scanner generates 3D data points based on the information detected by one or more of the radar sensing device and the ultrasonic detection device. A 3D model is constructed from the 3D data and is then analyzed to determine the condition of the subsurface of the structure.
US10241198B2 Lidar receiver calibration
A method for calibrating lidar systems operating in vehicles includes detecting a triggering event, causing the lidar system to not emit light during a calibration period, determining an amount of noise measured by the lidar system during the calibration period, generating a noise level metric based on the amount of noise detected during the calibration period, and adjusting subsequent readings of the lidar system using the noise level metric. The adjusting includes measuring energy levels of return light pulses emitted from the lidar system and scattered by targets and offsetting the measured energy levels by the noise level metric.
US10241197B2 Method of preparing histograms of a sensor signal from an array of sensors, in particular proximity sensors, and corresponding device
A method includes preparing a first histogram from the emission of initial optical radiation and including at least one processing iteration performed at a rate of a clock signal having an internal period equal to a sub-multiple of the optical period a sensor signal and a reference signal. Successive iterations of histogram preparation are performed so that in each iteration a time shift of the initial optical radiation is provided by a first fraction of the internal period until at least one portion of the internal period is covered to obtain an additional histogram at the conclusion of each iteration. A numerical combination of the first histogram and additional histograms is performed to obtain a final histogram having a finer time granularity than that of the first histogram.
US10241195B1 Method for assessing a condition of an axle of a moving vehicle
A vehicle measurement station utilizing one or more displacement sensors disposed on each opposite side of an inspection region of a vehicle inspection lane to acquire displacement measurement data along associated measurement axes. At least a portion of the displacement measurement data is associated with the outermost wheel assemblies on an axle of a moving vehicle passing through the inspection region, and utilized to determine one or more vehicle characteristics, such as an axle total toe condition.
US10241186B2 Cooperative automatic tracking
A system and method are provided for automatic cooperative object tracking using gain comparison of antenna pairs facing different directions. In cooperative object tracking, the object is associated with a radiation source, or beacon, that emits radiation that is detected by the tracking system. The present invention makes use of antennas that are not highly oriented antennas but are characterized by having a steep drop in their gain profiles at a particular angle of incidence of the radiation that they detect.
US10241180B2 System and method for mapping and quantifying in-vivo blood flow stasis
Described here are systems and methods for producing an image that depicts blood flow stasis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Doppler echocardiography, or other medical instruments for measuring flow velocities in a human body. A time series of three-dimensional (3D) image volumes is provided, where this time series of 3D image volumes contains flow velocity information at voxel locations in a 3D volume in a subject. One or more regions-of-interest are then segmented from the 3D image volumes. For each voxel in the regions-of-interest, velocity magnitudes are calculated. Using the velocity magnitudes, a flow stasis volume is produced by computing a relative stasis value for each voxel location in the corresponding region-of-interest. This flow stasis volume can be provided as a 3D flow stasis image, or a flow stasis map can be produced by projecting the flow stasis volume onto a two-dimensional (2D) plane.
US10241175B2 Medical imaging apparatus having multiple subsystems, and operating method therefor
In a method for operating a medical imaging examination apparatus having multiple subsystems controlled by a control computer in a scan sequence, a control protocol for the scan is provided to the control computer, which determines sequence control data for the control protocol that define different functional subsequences of the scan, with different effective volumes assigned to each functional subsequence. Current ambient conditions of the apparatus are determined that are decisive for the determined relevant sequence control data and associated effective volumes. Control signals for the scan are determined from the sequence control data, the effective volumes and the current ambient conditions determined that optimize the functional subsequences of the scan.
US10241174B2 Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) fingerprinting
Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with NMR fingerprinting are described. One example NMR apparatus includes an NMR logic configured to repetitively and variably sample a (k, t, E) space associated with an object to acquire a set of NMR signals. Members of the set of NMR signals are associated with different points in the (k, t, E) space. Sampling is performed with t and/or E varying in a non-constant way. The varying parameters may include flip angle, echo time, RF amplitude, and other parameters. The NMR apparatus may also include a signal logic configured to produce an NMR signal evolution from the NMR signals, a matching logic configured to compare a signal evolution to a known, simulated or predicted signal evolution, and a characterization logic configured to characterize a resonant species in the object as a result of the signal evolution comparisons.
US10241172B2 Refocussing pulse having an incremental phase
An example pulse sequence for performing phase coherence order selection within a single transient acquisition includes an excitation pulse with a tip angle of 90° and phase ϕA, followed by a train of N refocusing pulses with tip angles of 180°, with the center of the first refocusing pulse occurring time τ after the center of the excitation pulse, and the center of the nth refocusing pulse occurring at time (2n+1)τ after the center of the excitation pulse. This causes a train of echoes to form at times 2nt after the center of the excitation pulse. In this example, the first refocusing pulse has phase ϕB, where \ϕB−ϕA\=90°, and each successive refocusing pulse (304) has a phase ϕδ greater than the last refocusing pulse. This incremental change in pulse phase over the course of the echo train has the effect of aiabatically “dragging” the echo phase around the unit circle in a predictable manner corresponding to the phase coherence order of the relevant signals.
US10241168B2 Magnet coil assembly, comprising an HTS strip conductor and an LTS wire, which form a joint
A magnet coil system (1) has a first end section (19a) of an HTSL-tape conductor (4) located ahead of a first end (19) of an HTSL-tape conductor (4) and a first end section (20a) of an LTS wire (7) located prior to a first end (20) of the LTS wire (7) which are connected electrically but not in a superconducting way in a connecting section (17) along the length of the connecting section. The LTS wire (7) has a flat shape at least within the connecting section (17) and one side of the flat LTS wire (7) abutting the HTSL-tape conductor (4) and the connecting section (17) has a length of at least 5 m. The magnet coil system has an acceptably small residual ohmic resistance which is achieved by simple means.
US10241165B2 Inductive coupling in multiple resonance circuits in a nuclear magnetic resonance probe and methods of use
In various embodiments of the invention, inductive coupling can be to a secondary coil rather than a primary coil in order to optimize the topology of the NMR probe. In addition, by coupling to a secondary coil using a detection coil located below the lower insulator the RF homogeneity and signal to noise can be improved together with the NMR probe topology. By effecting inductive coupling to an inductor in a multiple resonance circuit, rather than to the sample inductor parameters associated with the NMR, probe construction can be arranged to increase RF homogeneity and signal to noise, while reducing space utilization constraints. In various embodiments of the invention, the primary mode in a secondary coil can be split into two modes with a resonator with inductive coupling to the secondary coil.
US10241160B2 Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and control method thereof
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus includes a gantry including a bore, and an image output screen configured to rotate around the bore and output visual information to an object placed in the bore.
US10241158B2 Apparatus and method for estimating absolute axes' orientations for a magnetic detection system
A system for determining an orientation of a nitrogen vacancy (NV) diamond material is disclosed. The system includes the NV diamond material having a plurality of NV centers, a magnetic field generator that generates a magnetic field, a radio frequency (RF) excitation source that provides RF excitation, an optical excitation source that provides optical excitation, an optical detector that receives an optical signal emitted by the NV diamond material, and a controller. The controller controls the magnetic field generator to generate a control magnetic field and controls the magnetic field generator to successively generate calibration magnetic fields. The controller successively receives light detection signals from the optical detector, stores measurement values based on the successively received light detection signals, and calculates an orientation of the NV diamond material based on the stored measurement values.
US10241154B2 Voltage monitoring module and voltage monitoring system
A voltage monitoring module includes a first terminal configured to be coupled to a high-potential-side terminal of a first battery cell, and a second terminal configured to be coupled to a low-potential-side of the first battery cell.
US10241152B2 Automated motor adaptation
A method of determining electromagnetic characteristics of an asynchronous motor system is described. A motor system model is presented including a stator resistance, a transient inductance, a magnetizing inductance and a rotor resistance. A DC sequence is used to determine the stator resistance, a voltage pulse is used to determine the transient inductance, a binary injection frequency search algorithm is used to determine the magnetizing inductance, and an AC sine wave at slip frequency with DC offset is used to determine the rotor resistance.
US10241146B2 Test system and method
Presented embodiments facilitate efficient and effective access to a device under test. In one embodiment, a test system comprises: a device interface board (DIB) configured to interface with a device under test (DUT); and a primitive configured to control the device interface board and testing of the device under test. The primitive is an independent self contained test control unit comprising: a backplane interface configured to couple with the device interface board; a power supply component configured to control power to the backplane interface; and a site module configured to control testing signals sent to the device interface board and device under test. The site module is reconfigurable for different test protocols. The primitive can be compatible with a distributed testing infrastructure. In one exemplary implementation, the primitive and device interface board are portable an operable to perform independent testing unfettered by other control components.
US10241145B2 Gate driving circuit and method for detecting same, array substrate and display apparatus
The present disclosure provides a gate driving circuit, a method for detecting the gate driving circuit, an array substrate and a display apparatus. The gate driving circuit comprises a plurality of cascaded gate driving units, access units, a first signal line and a second signal line. Each access unit is connected to its corresponding gate driving unit and the gate driving unit at the next stage to its corresponding gate driving unit. The access unit corresponding to the gate driving unit at each odd stage is connected to the first signal line such that the first signal line detects an output signal from that gate driving unit via the access unit, and the access unit corresponding to the gate driving unit at each even stage is connected to the second signal line such that the second signal line detects an output signal from that gate driving unit via the access unit.
US10241144B2 Deterioration detecting apparatus and deterioration detecting method
A deterioration detecting apparatus includes: a capacitor that is connected to an electric power source through a connection switch; a deterioration detection switch that is provided between the electric power source and a ground point; a charging-path forming unit that controls the connection switch and the deterioration detection switch, such that the electric power source, the capacitor, and the ground point are connected, to form a charging path for charging the capacitor; a voltage detecting unit that detects a voltage of the capacitor charged through the charging path; and a deterioration detecting unit that detects a deterioration in elements such as the capacitor positioned on the charging path, on the basis of the voltage of the capacitor detected by the voltage detecting unit.
US10241141B2 Apparatus for measuring resistance value
An apparatus for measuring resistance value may include a reference resistance including one end supplied with a first voltage and the other end connected with a target resistance; a variable voltage generating circuit for generating the first voltage varied according to temperature and supplying the first voltage to the one end of the reference resistance; and a signal processor for outputting resistance of the target resistance corresponding to a voltage outputted to the other end of the reference resistance.
US10241140B2 Systems and methods for monitoring power consumption
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for monitoring power consumption of individual devices on an electric power system. A monitoring system may identify unique power characteristics of each device. The monitoring system may use the identified unique power characteristics to disaggregate electric data representative of the power consumption of all of the devices on the electric power system into portions associated with each device.
US10241139B2 Mobility platform based non-contact voltage detector
A non-contact voltage detector module pluggable to a mobile communication device. The non-contact voltage comprises an antenna, a connector configured for connecting to a connector of a mobile communication device, and an assembly coupled to the antenna and the connector. The assembly converts an electromagnetic field received by the antenna to an indication of a strength of the electromagnetic field and transmits the indication of the strength of the electromagnetic field via the connector.
US10241138B2 Current measuring equipment and methods
Optical fiber based current measuring equipment for measuring the current circulating through a conductor. The equipment includes an interrogator having a light emitter and a light receiver, and a sensing portion close to the conductor, the interrogator and the sensing portion being connected through at least one standard single-mode intermediate fiber. The light emitter of the interrogator is configured to emit sets of at least two polarized light pulses to the sensing portion, the pulses being polarized with a specific degree difference, and the light receiver (4) is configured to determine the current circulating through the conductor depending on the pulses it receives in return from the sensing portion. A method for measuring the current circulating through a conductor with the use of an optical fiber based current measuring equipment is also provided.
US10241137B2 Current sensor having electromagnetic shield
First and second magnetic detection units are disposed at positions where an S/N ratio, which is a ratio between the strength of a magnetic field generated by a current to be measured flowing through a current path and the strength of an external magnetic field, is the same. A processing unit determines a normal operation state in a case where the detection signal of the first magnetic detection unit and the detection signal of the second magnetic detection unit approximately match each other. The processing unit determines that either one of the first and second magnetic detection units has failed in a case where the detection signals do not match each other.
US10241129B1 MEMS piston-tube based capacitive accelerometer
A novel high resolution, low noise MEMS capacitive accelerometer is disclosed. The accelerometer utilizes a piston-tube electrode configuration that enables the use of a wide area for the electrodes. Therefore, a high capacitive sensitivity is achieved. The accelerometer consists of two structures: upper and lower. The lower structure contains a plurality of fixed electrodes that are attached to the base and have a piston-style shape (teeth). Those pistons form the sensing electrodes of the accelerometer. The upper structure contains a plurality of moving electrodes that have a tube-style shape (through holes), and they are attached to a substrate via restoring mechanical springs. The proof mass of the accelerometer is distributed around these tubes to reduce squeeze thin film damping in the system. The accelerometer is able to sense linear acceleration along the z-axis and/or the angular acceleration about the in-plane axes (x and y).
US10241127B2 Method, apparatus and computer program product for collecting activity data via a removable apparatus
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for collecting activity data with a removably attached mobile device. The mobile device may be moved to various holders configured to be used in different activities. The data is collected according to a determined activity. The start and end of a session is automatically detected based on connectivity to the holder. Metrics may be tracked for specific gear, as well as various spans of time such as sessions, seasons, and/or lifetimes. Milestones and highlights may be determined for various combinations of the various activities, gear and/or terms.
US10241124B2 Method to perform a measurement of an analyte in a sample using an automatic analyzer
A method of performing a measurement of an analyte in a sample using an automatic analyzer is provided. The automatic analyzer comprises: a cartridge for dispensing a fluid, a measurement unit for performing the measurement, a sample holder for receiving the sample, and a pump for pumping the fluid out of the cartridge and into the sample holder. The cartridge comprises: a rigid portion, a flexible bladder, and an outlet. The rigid portion comprises an opening, which is connected to an inner cavity. The flexible bladder seals the opening to form a fluid chamber from the inner cavity. The fluid chamber is at least partially filled with the fluid. The pump is connected to the outlet. The method comprises: placing the sample into the sample holder, controlling the pumping of the fluid from the cartridge into the sample holder, and performing the measurement of the analyte using the measurement unit.
US10241123B2 Laboratory instrument and method of using the same
Disclosed is a method of operating a laboratory instrument (100, 1000), wherein the laboratory instrument is configured for receiving a sample rack (112) with one or more sample tubes (126), wherein the laboratory instrument comprises a robotic head (106) for bringing a pipettor (108) into fluidic contact with the one or more sample tubes when the sample rack is in an operating position (122), wherein the robotic head is configured for loading the sample rack into the operating position, and wherein the method comprises the steps of: receiving (200) the sample rack by the laboratory instrument; and loading (202) the rack into the operating position using the robotic head.
US10241122B2 Method of measuring artificial sweeteners in bodily waste to identify and quantify drug consumption
We disclose a drug tracking system and method of use which may be used to screen a subject's bodily waste in order to assess whether the subject has consumed a drug. The system includes a drug composition which is tagged with at least one artificial sweetener that may be detected in the subject's bodily waste. The subject may consume the tagged drug and a user may obtain a sample of the subject's bodily waste. The bodily waste sample may be analyzed to detect the artificial sweetener or its metabolite. In some embodiments, the result of the analysis of bodily waste may be entered into a database, compared to standards that comprises analyses of a plurality of drug tags, and the identity of the drug tag, and consequently the drug composition, determined.
US10241121B2 Method of selecting antioxidants for use in topically applied compositions
Antioxidant-containing compositions and methods for confirming antioxidant activity of a composition formulated for topical application to skin. Methods for testing a composition for ability to inhibit both ultraviolet radiation-induced lipid peroxidation on skin and ultraviolet radiation-induced reactive oxygen species formation in the stratum corneum. Compositions and methods for treating and preventing photodamage to skin.
US10241120B2 Method and device for assaying an antigen present on erythrocytes or an antibody binding to an antigen present on erythrocytes
An assaying kit is for pre-transfusion blood group matching between two blood samples. The kit includes at least two assemblies (101,201) corresponding to the first and the second blood sample, each assembly has at least two test units (1). Each test unit (1) includes a reagent containing an antigen present on erythrocytes or an antibody able to bind to an antigen present on erythrocytes. Each test unit (1) also includes a membrane (2) permeable to free erythrocytes (6) and impermeable to hemagglutinated erythrocytes. The antibody contained in the first test unit for both the first assembly (101) and the second assembly (201) corresponds to a first blood group and the antibody contained in the second test units for both the first assembly (101) and the second assembly (201) corresponds to a second blood group.
US10241119B2 High sensitivity measurement of parathyroid hormone-related peptide using LC-MS/MS and associated methods
Methods for measuring and analyzing parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) using LC-MS/MS, including applications of the methods thereof, are disclosed and discussed. Such methods can include, along with the use of an isotope-labeled internal standard, purifying PTHrP from a biological sample, proteolytically digesting the PTHrP, and measuring specific digestion products using the using LC-MS/MS.
US10241118B2 CCL22 and CCL17 cancer biomarkers
The present invention provides methods of obtaining information relevant to monitoring and diagnosing cancer, particularly monitoring the progression or development of cancer, monitoring the response of cancer to treatment, diagnosing cancer, making a cancer prognosis, predicting the likelihood of a cancer responding to treatment and stratifying subjects having cancer. The methods involve determining the ratio of circulating CCL17 to circulating CCL22 in a sample from a subject.
US10241112B2 Serology assays
The invention provides methods and kits for measuring the ability of a test sample to inhibit the binding of a receptor expressed by a pathogen to a host cell ligand of the pathogen.
US10241111B2 Electroluminescent binding assays
Methods of producing light in liquid media are provided using nanoparticles capable of generating electroluminescence when stimulated by an electrical signal. The nanoparticles are provided as a label on a target species or on a specific binding partner of the target species to be detected in a test method. The nanoparticle-labeled species are drawn into operable proximity to electrodes which, when energized by a power source, excite the nanoparticles to produce electroluminescence. Methods of performing binding assays are described using the disclosed methods.
US10241109B2 Method of stabilizing molecules without refrigeration using water soluble polymers and applications thereof in performing chemical reactions
The present application is directed to methods of performing chemical reactions, including multi-step chemical reactions in which two or more of the reagents in the chemical reaction are incorporated or entrapped in a solid polymeric structure comprising pullulan. In certain embodiments, the chemical reaction or multi-step reaction serves as a sensor. Accordingly the present application is also directed to sensors for performing the methods of the application. In certain embodiments, at least one of the reagents is a biomolecule and the sensor is a biosensor. In certain other embodiments, the solid polymeric structure comprising pullulan and the reagents for performing a chemical reaction form a convenient device for performing a chemical reaction.
US10241105B2 Portable device having exhalation sensing function
A portable device having an exhalation sensing function is provided. The portable device includes a gas detector that analyzes exhalation, and a device main body including a receiving portion in which the gas detector is received, the device main body having a call function, wherein, when a user makes a call using the device main body, the gas detector is automatically projected from the receiving portion of the device main body, and senses the user's exhalation.
US10241103B2 Foam testing apparatus
A foam testing apparatus with a closed loop air circulation along a sample cylinder which maintains a lubrication oil sample at a desired temperature during a test procedure. The apparatus may include a digital camera adjacent to the sample cylinder for observation and recording of foam characteristics during the test procedure.
US10241102B2 System and method for determining properties of an oil material
Systems and methods for classifying oil materials. A method of determining a refractive index of oil comprising: generating an incident beam, incident on a conductive material and at an angle of incidence to the conductive layer, between the conductive material and an oil material; monitoring the power of a reflected beam; and determining an angle of resonance by changing the angle of incidence of the incident beam; determining a refractive index of the oil material using at least the power of the reflected beam. Systems and methods may be provided for on-surface testing or downhole in situ testing.
US10241101B2 Method and apparatus for determining permittivity of rock matrix
A method for determining permittivity of a rock formation mineral matrix includes measuring a permittivity of a sample of the rock. A fractional volume of pore space in the sample is determined. A mixing law and a permittivity of a fluid filling the pore space are used to determine the permittivity of the formation mineral matrix from the measured permittivity.
US10241098B2 Continual crop development profiling using dynamical extended range weather forecasting with routine remotely-sensed validation imagery
A modeling framework for estimating crop growth and development over the course of an entire growing season generates a continuing profile of crop development from any point prior to and during a growing season until a crop maturity date is reached. The modeling framework applies extended range weather forecasts and remotely-sensed imagery to improve crop growth and development estimation, validation and projection. Output from the profile of crop development profile generates a combination of data for use in auxiliary farm management applications.
US10241097B2 Multi-sensor platform for crop health monitoring
A multi-sensor device comprises a housing containing multiple sensor modules for capturing and transmitting sensor data for plants in a crop. A control unit within the housing is operable to control the sensor modules, and a communications interface is connected to the control unit for transmitting data from said plurality of sensor modules. The sensor modules can include a physiological sensor, a surface analysis sensor, and chemical sensor. The multi-sensor device can be used as a hand-held device or mounted to a mobile platform for use in an automated crop monitoring system.
US10241095B2 Multi-component gas and vapor monitoring sensor
A series of optical spectral sensors for gas and vapor measurements using a combination of solid-state light sources (LED or Broadband) and multi-element detectors, housed within an integrated package that includes the interfacing optics and acquisition and processing electronics. The sensor is designed to be produced at a low cost and capable of being fabricated for mass production. Spectral selectivity is provided by a custom detector eliminating the need for expensive spectral selection components. The multi-component gas monitor system of the present invention has no moving parts and the gas sample flows through a measurement chamber where it interacts with a light beam created from the light source, such as a MEMS broad band IR source or a matrix of LEDs. A custom detector(s) is/are configured with multi-wavelength detection to detect and measure the light beam as it passes through the sample within the measurement chamber.
US10241094B2 Micro heater, micro sensor and micro sensor manufacturing method
A micro heater includes a substrate formed of an anodized film and a heater electrode formed on the substrate and provided with a heat generation wiring line. The heat generation wiring line is formed in a laminated state. Also disclosed are a micro sensor and a micro sensor manufacturing method.
US10241092B2 Gas chromatograph device
A gas chromatograph includes a column module for independently adjusting the temperature of a separation column. The column module is held by an oven with the separation column being horizontal. The column module includes the separation column for separating a sample gas into components, a column accommodating member accommodating inside the separation column while surrounding the separation column by a heat insulating member, and including a gap between the separation column and the heat insulating member for air to flow along the separation column, and a heater, provided inside the column accommodating member, for heating the separation column by being in direct or indirect contact with the separation column. The column accommodating member includes an air inlet port for introducing external air into the gap between the separation column and the heat insulating member, and an air outlet port for exhausting air in the gap.
US10241091B2 Diagnosis of thermal spray gun ignition
An example system includes at least one acoustic sensor configured to generate at least one acoustic data signal indicative of an acoustic signal generated by a thermal spray system comprising a flowstream, a computing device, and an acoustic data signal processing module operable by the computing device to determine an ignition attribute of the thermal spray system by analyzing at least a pre-ignition window of the acoustic data signal received by the computing device.
US10241090B2 Method and apparatus for evaluating an ultrasonic weld junction
A method and a test fixture for evaluating a battery cell composed of a cell body having a plurality of electrode foils, a positive terminal and a negative terminal, wherein the positive terminal and the negative terminal are each joined to the cell body at weld junctions. This includes retaining the cell body of the battery cell in a first clamping device. The terminal is grasped in a terminal gripper. A dynamic stress end effector coupled to the terminal gripper applies a vibrational excitation load to the terminal. A static stress end effector applies a static load to the terminal. Integrity of the weld junction is evaluated based upon the applied static load.
US10241088B2 Photo-acoustic gas sensor module having light emitter and detector units
A photo-acoustic gas sensor includes a light emitter unit having a light emitter configured to emit a beam of light pulses with a predetermined repetition frequency and a wavelength corresponding to an absorption band of a gas to be sensed, and a detector unit having a microphone. The light emitter unit is arranged so that the beam of light pulses traverses an area configured to accommodate the gas. The detector unit is arranged so that the microphone can receive a signal oscillating with the repetition frequency.
US10241078B2 Functionalized nanotube sensors and related methods
Functionalized nanotube arrays, sensors, and related methods of detecting target compounds are presented. A functionalized nanotube array (235) can include a plurality of metal oxide nanotubes (240). The metal oxide nanotubes (240) can be formed of a metal oxide and can have an interior or exterior surface that is optionally functionalized with at least one metal ion. These metal nanotubes (240) can be used in a sensor (200) for detecting target compounds such as volatile organic compounds, and biomarkers in a fluid environment. The sensor (200) can further include a power source (245) configured to apply a voltage to the nanotube array (235) and a current sensor (250) configured to monitor and detect changes in a response current which varies upon binding with the target compounds.
US10241075B2 Methods, systems, and computer readable media for nucleic acid sequencing
A method for nucleic acid sequencing includes receiving a plurality of signals indicative of a parameter measured for a plurality of defined spaces, at least some of the defined spaces including one or more sample nucleic acids, the signals being responsive to a plurality of nucleotide flows introducing nucleotides to the defined spaces; determining, for at least some of the defined spaces, whether the defined space includes a sample nucleic acid; processing, for at least some of the defined spaces determined to include a sample nucleic acid, the received signals to improve a quality of the received signals; and predicting a plurality of nucleotide sequences corresponding to respective sample nucleic acids for the defined spaces based on the processed signals and the nucleotide flows.
US10241074B2 Gas sensor
Provided is a gas sensor having excellent detection sensitivity and responsiveness. In a sensor element, 3.5≤D2/D1≤6 is satisfied, where D1 is a value of a diffusion resistance of a measurement gas via a main gas distribution part extending from an outside edge position of a first gas inlet to the second internal space, and D2 is a value of a diffusion resistance of a measurement gas flowing via a second gas inlet that causes the outside and the second internal space to communicate with each other. The concentration of a predetermined gas component contained in the measurement gas through the second gas inlet is determined on the basis of a potential difference between the sensing electrode and a reference electrode, while pumping oxygen in or out for the measurement gas via the main gas distribution part such that the oxygen concentration of the second internal space is maintained at 1 vol % or more.
US10241073B2 Wireless near-field gas sensor system and methods of manufacturing the same
A wireless near-field gas sensor system includes a wireless communications tag and a printed gas sensor. The wireless communications tag includes an integrated circuit and a wireless antenna. The printed gas sensor includes a sensor housing having one or more gas access regions, an electrolyte cavity positioned within the sensor housing, an electrolyte housed within the electrolyte cavity, and one or more electrodes positioned within the electrolyte cavity in electrochemical engagement with the electrolyte, and a resistor communicatively coupled to the one or more electrodes and the wireless communications tag.
US10241071B2 Magnesium sensing membrane for potentiometric ion selective electrode for measuring ionized magnesium and methods of production and use thereof
A potentiometric ion selective electrode for detecting ionized magnesium is disclosed that exhibits improved stability upon exposure to surfactant-containing reagents. Kits containing same are also disclosed, along with methods of production and use thereof.
US10241068B2 Reference electrode
In order to provide a reference electrode capable of suppressing an error in a measured value even when refilling an internal solution during sample measurement, a reference electrode including: a casing adapted to store the internal solution in an internal space; and an internal electrode that rises from the bottom surface of the internal space and is immersed in the internal solution further includes: a surrounding wall that rises from the bottom surface so as to surround the side circumferential surface of the internal electrode; and an inlet port that is for refilling the internal solution in the casing. In addition, in the reference electrode, the surrounding wall is adapted such that a fore end surface thereof is opened and the height thereof is higher than the height of the internal electrode, and the inlet port is adapted to be opened toward a space outside the surrounding wall.
US10241067B2 Semiconductor gas sensor and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor gas sensor includes a substrate having a cavity, a first insulation layer formed on the substrate, including an exposure hole formed at a position corresponding to the cavity and a peripheral portion of the cavity, a second insulation layer formed on the first insulation layer, covering the exposure hole, a heating electrode formed on the second insulation layer, being formed at a position corresponding to the cavity, a sensing electrode formed over the heating electrode, being electrically insulated from the heating electrode, a detection layer covering the sensing electrode, being capable of having a variable resistance when acting with a predetermined kind of gas, and a vent hole formed by penetrating the second insulation layer to communicate with the exposure hole, and the vent hole being capable of dissipating heat from the heating electrode in a upward direction with respect to the substrate. Thus, the exposed hole and the cavity may relieve sage of a membrane toward the cavity and may dissipate heat from the heating electrode swiftly and efficiently.
US10241061B2 Non-destructive inspection device and method
A non-destructive inspection device 10 using backscattering of neutrons includes a neutron source 3 that radiates a pulse neutron beam to a surface 1a of an inspection target 1, a neutron detection device 5 that detects scattered neutrons scattered in the inspection target 1 and returned, and a measurement device 7 that measures the detection number of scattered and returned neutrons detected by the neutron detection device 5 and generates detection number data expressing the detection number with respect to time.
US10241058B2 Systems and methods for quality control of a periodic structure
Quality control of a periodic structure is performed using the damping rate of acoustic waves generated in the periodic structure. In this technique, an excitation light beam illuminates the first layer in the periodic structure to excite an acoustic wave. Possible irregularities in the periodic structure can scatter the acoustic wave, thereby increasing the damping rate of the acoustic wave. A sequence of probe light beams illuminates the periodic structure to measure the acoustic wave as a function of time to generated a temporal signal representing the damping rate of the acoustic signal. The acquired damping rate is employed to evaluate the quality of the periodic structure.
US10241056B2 Inspection apparatus, inspection method, and program
To facilitate adjusting of a distance from an inspection target to an illumination section by providing a movable illumination section that is movable independently of the imaging section. An illumination apparatus has a plurality of LEDs arranged in a substantially annular form, a light diffusion member for diffusing light emitted from the plurality of LEDs, and a lighting control part for lighting the plurality of light sources in accordance with a predetermined lighting pattern when designated to start lighting. In particular, the illumination apparatus moves independently of a camera to adjust a distance to a workpiece.
US10241045B2 Spectrally encoded microbeads and methods and devices for making and using same
Spectrally encoded microbeads and methods and devices for making and using spectrally encoded microbeads are provided. The disclosed methods and devices facilitate the preparation and use of microbeads containing multiple lanthanide nanoparticles, which microbeads have uniquely identifiable spectral codes. The disclosed microbeads, and the methods and devices for making and using same, find use in multiplexing and high-throughput biomarker analysis.
US10241044B2 NDIR glucose detection in liquids
For determining concentration of targeted molecules MG in a liquid sample admixed with interfering molecules MJ which overlap their absorption band, a special NDIR sampling and calibration technique is employed. Besides the signal source, a reference and one or more interference sources are added. The selection of the wavelength for the interference sources enables its measured transmittance value to be used for deciding the validity of the calibration curve for molecules MG in the liquid sample. This value can further be used to adjust the calibration curve via a parameter linking the transmittances measured at the signal and interference wavelength channels in order to assure its validity.
US10241043B2 Micro object detection apparatus
A micro object detection apparatus includes an optical system. The first optical system includes a first reflection region, a second reflection region, and a light reception element. The first reflection region has an ellipsoidal shape, and reflects scattered light scattered when irradiation light hits a particle to direct the scattered light to the light reception element, by utilizing two focal point positions of the ellipsoidal shape. The second reflection region reflects scattered light coming from the particle to direct the scattered light to the first reflection region, so that the scattered light is directed to the light reception element by utilizing the ellipsoidal shape of the first reflection region. The light flux diameter of the scattered light reflected by the second reflection region is larger than the particle, at the position of the particle at which the scattered light is generated.
US10241042B2 Wearable device and charger, and method for estimating absorbance of wearable device
A wearable device, a charger, and a method for estimating absorbance of the wearable device are provided. The wearable device includes a spectroscope configured to emit a first light to a reference material of a charger, measure an intensity of the first light reflected from the reference material, emit a second light to a skin of a user, and measure an intensity of the second light reflected from the skin of the user; and a processor configured to determine absorbance of the skin of the user based on the intensity of the first light and the intensity of the second light.
US10241040B2 Method for characterizing a product by means of topological spectral analysis
The invention relates to a method for characterizing a target product, including the steps of: (a) forming a bank of spectral data comprising samples; (b) having measured characteristics and spectra; (c) performing a spectral analysis of the target product and comparing the spectrum obtained with the spectral data in the data bank; (d) identifying the “near neighbor” points of the target product; and (e) performing a topological calculation of the characteristic of the target product as a function of the corresponding characteristics of the near neighbor points, based on a weighting linked to the inverse of the distance between the target product and the near neighbor points.
US10241033B2 Spectroscopic sensor device and electronic equipment
A spectroscopic sensor that applies lights in a wavelength band containing plural wavelengths to an object and spectroscopically separates reflected lights or transmitted lights from the object using plural light band-pass filters that transmit the respective specific wavelengths and plural photosensor parts to which corresponding transmitted lights are input based on output results of independent photosensors. The spectroscopic sensor may be integrated in a semiconductor device or module by integration using a semiconductor process and downsizing may be realized.
US10241030B2 Optical spectrometer and downhole spectrometry method
An optical spectrometer includes a near black body light source, a reference detector in a first optical path and a single measurement detector in a second optical path. A sample cell including a fluid flow line may be positioned in the second optical path upstream of the measurement detector. Optical energy may be emitted at a plurality of filament temperatures and first and second sets of optical intensities measured at the reference and measurement detectors. The first and second sets of optical intensities may be processed to compute a substantially continuous transmittance spectrum of a fluid sample in the fluid flow line by inverting the acquired optical intensity measurements.
US10241025B2 Microparticle sorting device, and method and program for sorting microparticles
Provided are a microparticle sorting device, and a method and a program for sorting microparticles capable of stabilizing sorting performance over a prolonged period of time. The microparticle sorting device includes an imaging element and a controller. The imaging element obtains an image of fluid and fluid droplets at a position where the fluid discharged from an orifice which generates a fluid stream is converted into the fluid droplets. The controller controls driving voltage of an oscillation element which gives oscillation to the orifice and/or controls a position of the imaging element based on a state of the fluid in the image and/or a state of a satellite fluid droplet. The satellite fluid droplet does not include microparticles and exists between the position, where the fluid is converted into the fluid droplets, and a fluid droplet, among fluid droplets including the microparticles, which is closest to the position where the fluid is converted into the fluid droplets.
US10241020B2 Atmospheric particle counting
Atmospheric particle detectors having a hybrid measurement cavity and light baffle are provided. In one aspect, an atmospheric particle detector includes: an optical measurement cavity; a light baffle attached to the optical measurement cavity, wherein the light baffle is configured to i) permit unobstructed airflow into the optical measurement cavity and ii) block ambient light from entering the optical measurement cavity; a photodetector on a first side of the optical measurement cavity; a retro reflector on a second side of the optical measurement cavity opposite the photodetector, and a light source configured to produce a light beam that passes through the optical measurement cavity without illuminating the photodetector. A method for particle detection using the atmospheric particle detector is also provided.
US10241018B2 Wear test apparatus
Disclosed is an exemplary test apparatus having an autoclave head, a fretting mechanism connected on a first end to a first side of the autoclave head, a load train operably connected with a first end of the fretting mechanism, an autoclave adapter connected on a first side to a second side of the autoclave head, and a force balance assembly connected to a second side of the autoclave head and configured to equalize a pressure acting on the load train. Certain exemplary embodiments include an upper plate, a plurality of upper tie rods connected to a first side of the upper plate and a second side of the autoclave adapter, a lower plate, a plurality of lower tie rods connected to the first side of the autoclave head and a first side of the lower plate, and a pressure vessel sealingly connected to the first side of the autoclave head.
US10241013B2 Inline dilution and autocalibration for ICP-MS speciation analysis
Systems and methods for inline and automatic dilution of chemicals of interest for speciation and subsequent analysis by ICP spectrometry are described. A system embodiment includes a first valve to receive a sample into a holding loop; a plurality of syringe pumps coupled to the first valve to deliver an inline diluted sample from the first valve; and a second valve coupled to the first valve to receive the inline diluted sample from the first valve into a sample holding loop coupled to the second valve, the second valve configured to couple to at least one of an eluent source or a carrier fluid source to receive at least one of an eluent fluid or a carrier fluid to transfer the inline diluted sample from the sample holding loop to a speciation column to separate one or more species from the inline diluted sample.
US10241010B2 Apparatus and methods of collecting and sampling hydrocarbon fluids
Methods and apparatus for the collection, transportation, and analysis of gas samples which may be required in various scientific, environmental, and natural resource contexts is provided. An isolating container for removing a component from a fluid sample includes a body defining a sampling chamber having a first end and a second end; a first valve assembly coupled to the first end; a reactant material positioned within the sampling chamber for reacting with the component; and a second valve assembly coupled to the second end, wherein the fluid sample enters the sampling chamber through the first valve assembly and exits through the second valve assembly.
US10241008B2 Vehicle restraining device
An object of the present invention is to reproduce vehicle behavioral frequencies during a vehicle test that are close to those on a road. Vehicle restraining devices 1 restrain a vehicle 3 provided on a chassis dynamometer 2 and are each provided with a first attachment member 4, a support post unit 5, a second attachment member 6 and a buffer unit 7. The first attachment members 4 are attached to right and left front end portions and rear end portions of the vehicle 3. The second attachment members 6 are attached to the support post units 5. The buffer units 7 are provided between the first attachment members 4 and the second attachment members 6. Further, the buffer units 7 are filled with air and can be compressed freely.
US10241007B2 System and method for the calculation of a fuel lacquer index
A system and method for the calculation of a fuel lacquer index using environmental monitoring is disclosed. The system and method may comprise: capturing a fuel temperature data; determining a fuel quality rating; calculating a volumetric fuel flow; calculating a fuel filter differential pressure; and calculating a fuel lacquer index. The fuel lacquer index may be calculated as a percentage value based upon the fuel temperature data, the fuel quality rating, the volumetric fuel flow, and the fuel filter differential pressure.
US10241005B2 Method for detecting a voltage offset at least in a portion of a voltage lambda characteristic curve
A method for a two-point lambda sensor includes, changing a composition of an air/fuel mixture supplied to an internal combustion engine from a predefined lambda value to lambda=1, determining a delay time of the voltage value reaching a value corresponding to the lambda=1, again changing the composition of the air/fuel mixture from the predefined lambda value to lambda=1, determining a characteristic of the changing performed in the second regulation based on the delay time, determining an actual value of lambda on an actual voltage-lambda characteristic curve of the two-point lambda sensor that corresponds to the predefined lambda value which is in reference to a reference voltage-lambda characteristic curve based on the determined characteristic, and identifying a voltage offset between the characteristic curves based on a deviation of the actual value from the predefined value.
US10241004B2 System and method for monitoring the structural health of coupled bearings
Placement of structural health monitoring sensors within a coupled bearing assembly. An exemplary structural health monitoring system comprises first and second bearings configured for rotatable positioning along a structure, and a spacer positioned between the first and second bearings. The first and second bearings are placed against opposing sides of the spacer, and have a preload force engaging the respective first and second bearings against the opposing sides of the spacer. A plurality of sensors are coupled to the spacer so as to be positioned between the spacer and at least one of the first and second bearings, the sensors further coupled to at least one of the first and second bearings so as to be configured to monitor a structural health of the at least one of the first and second bearings.
US10241002B2 Optical fiber test apparatus with combined light measurement and fault detection
An optical fiber test apparatus includes an optical power meter operable to detect light at a predetermined wavelength, and a laser source operable to generate a visible laser beam. The optical fiber test apparatus further includes an optical fiber extending between a first end and a second end, and a diplexer which includes a first optical connector and is coupled to the optical power meter, the laser source, and the first end of the optical fiber. The optical fiber test apparatus further includes a second optical connector coupled to the second end of the optical fiber and including a test port. The diplexer is operable to transmit light at the predetermined wavelength from the second optical connector to the optical power meter and transmit the visible laser beam from the laser source to the second optical connector.
US10240991B2 Vibration and dynamic acceleration sensing using capacitors
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus comprising at least one sensing capacitor and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to receive a signal from the at least one sensing capacitor indicative of a change of charge of the sensing capacitor, and wherein the controller is configured to determine an amount of force applied to the sensing capacitor, an acceleration of the sensing capacitor, a torsion of the sensing capacitor, a vibration of the sensing capacitor or a pulling force applied to the sensing capacitor based on the change of charge of the at least one sensing capacitor.
US10240989B2 Magnetoelastic sensor using strain-induced magnetic anisotropy to measure the tension or compression present in a plate
A magnetoelastic sensor. The magnetoelastic sensor uses strain-induced magnetic anisotropy to measure the tension or compression present in a plate. During construction, an annular region of the plate is magnetized with a circumferential magnetization. Magnetic field sensors are placed near this magnetized band at locations where the magnetization direction is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the axis of tension. The strain-induced magnetic anisotropy caused by tension or compression then produces a shift in the magnetization direction in the plate regions near the field sensors, thereby causing magnetic field changes which are detected by the magnetic field sensors. The magnetic field sensors are connected to an electronic circuit which outputs a voltage signal which indicates the tension or compression in the plate.
US10240987B2 Temperature measurement method
The invention relates to a method for measuring the temperature of at least one electronic component (2) using a sensor (4) that supplies a temperature-dependent voltage. The method comprises the following steps in which: a signal representative of the voltage delivered by the sensor (4) is made to pass through an isolated differential amplifier (13), and the signal output from said isolated differential amplifier (13) is used to determine the temperature measured by the sensor (4).
US10240986B2 Thermographic temperature sensor
A system includes a thermographic temperature sensor that may measure a temperature of a fluid. The thermographic temperature sensor includes a probe, an optical source coupled to the probe, and a detector coupled to the probe. The system also includes a housing of the probe; and a light pipe of the probe disposed within the housing and including a thermographic phosphor that may phosphoresce in response to absorbing light from the optical source. The phosphorescence by the thermographic phosphor is representative of a temperature of the fluid within a flow path of the fluid, and the detector may detect the phosphorescence by the thermographic phosphor.
US10240977B2 Method for 2D/3D inspection of an object such as a wafer
A method is provided for inspecting the surface of an object such as a wafer having tridimensional structures, using a confocal chromatic device with a plurality of optical measurement channels and a chromatic lens allowing optical wavelengths of a broadband light source to be focused at different axial distances defining a chromatic measurement range. The method includes a step of obtaining an intensity information corresponding to the intensity of the light actually focused on an interface of the object within the chromatic measurement range at a plurality of measurement points on the object by measuring a total intensity over the full spectrum of the light collected by at least some of the optical measurement channels in a confocal configuration.
US10240976B2 Measuring device, measuring method, and programs therefor
A technique for identifying a measurement planned position for electromagnetic waves in a three-dimensional space in a simple and easy manner is provided. A position of a measuring unit 200 that is carried by an operator 100 is measured by a position measuring device that is configured to measure a position by laser light. A positional relationship between the measured position and the position of a measurement planned position 601 is displayed on a terminal 300 that is carried by the operator 100. This display guides the operator 100, and the operator 100 identifies the measurement planned position 601 and measure illuminance thereat.
US10240974B2 Infrared projector and infrared observation system
An infrared projector and an infrared observation system by which unevenness of wavelengths in a projection pattern is reduced are provided. An infrared projector (100) is provided with infrared semiconductor laser elements (11a to 11d) that emit near-infrared laser light beams (L1a, L1b, L1c, and L1d), a scattering member (51) that receives and scatters the near-infrared laser light beams, and a projecting member (61) that projects the near-infrared laser light beams scattered by the scattering member.
US10240972B2 Doppler ultrasonic velocity probe
A system and method for measuring the vibrations of a test object, such as a machine shaft or other rotating equipment. The system includes a probe sensor fitting having an ultrasonic speaker and an ultrasonic microphone. The probe sensor fitting includes a temperature and relative humidity sensor. The system further includes a probe analyzer circuit with a microcomputer that generates vibration analysis data and probe health diagnostics.
US10240971B2 Vibration visualizer, vibration measurement system, and vibration measurement method
A vibration visualizer comprising an optical member including a fixed section to be fixed to a measurement object; and a movable section movably supported by the fixed section such that a first positional relationship between the fixed section and the movable section is changed by application of an acceleration to the fixed section in a predetermined direction. The optical member changes a reflection intensity of light or electromagnetic wave reflected in a retroreflection direction according to a change of the first positional relationship. The first positional relationship in a stationary state where the acceleration is not applied to the fixed section and the first positional relationship is maintained constant, is different from the first positional relationship most suitable for retroreflection.
US10240965B2 Flexible fluid level sensor with improved measurement capability
A capacitive fluid sensor is provided having a substrate having upper and lower ends and conductive members supported by the substrate. The conductive members are provided between the upper and lower ends of the substrate. The conductive members include an upper end conductive member, a lower end conductive member, and at least one included conductive member which is positioned between the upper and lower end conductive members. Each conductive member is separated from every other one of the members, thereby providing that each member has distinct upper and lower ends and acts as an independent sensor. At least one pair of proximally positioned members are positioned relative to each other such that the distinct lower end of one of the pair of conductive members is positioned closer to the lower end of the substrate than is the distinct upper end of the other one of the pair of conductive members.
US10240964B1 Fuel fill volume estimation using virtual zone and fuel tank float
Method and apparatus are disclosed for fuel fill volume estimation for a vehicle. An example vehicle includes a fuel tank float, a dashboard display, and an engine control module. The engine control module divides a fuel tank into zones. When the vehicle is not in motion and a position of the fuel tank float changes by a threshold amount, engine control module measures an initial fuel level. When the position of the fuel tank float does not change for a threshold period of time, the engine control module measures a final fuel level. Additionally, the engine control module calculates an amount of fuel added to the fuel tank based on the zones associated with the initial fuel level and a final fuel level and display the amount on the dashboard display.
US10240963B2 Measuring spoon apparatus
A measuring spoon device includes a rear shaft with a tapered end portion, elongated apertures, guide grooves, a rear connector section; a divider section with apertures; slidable spoon assemblies with push members, including finger button protrusions, and measuring spoons, including spoon portions and spoon stems; and a front cylindrical section; such that the measuring spoons can be retracted for storage inside the front cylindrical section, and can be extracted for use in measuring a plurality of seasonings.
US10240959B2 Devices, systems, and methods for volumetrically measuring syringe fluid
Devices, systems, and methods for volumetrically measuring syringe fluid are disclosed. In one aspect, a device for volumetrically measuring syringe fluid includes a reference plate, a flange adapter base attached at a first end of the reference plate for receiving a flange of a syringe, a plunger adapter disposed adjacent to a housing for receiving a plunger of the syringe, the plunger adapter being configured to slidingly move along a length of the reference plate, a displacement sensor disposed in the housing and configured to measure a displacement of the plunger adapter in relation to the flange adapter base as the plunger adapter is slid along the length of the reference plate, and a displacement conversion mechanism disposed in the housing and configured to convert the displacement measurement of the plunger adapter to a volumetric measurement in order to determine a volume of fluid the syringe has drawn in.
US10240957B2 Thermal airflow sensor
A thermal airflow sensor includes a semiconductor device, a protective film a bonding wire, and a resin. The resin covers over a part of the semiconductor device so that the bonding wire is covered with the resin and the region including a thin-wall portion is exposed. The protective film is not covered with the resin and has an outer peripheral edge located outside the thin-wall portion.
US10240956B2 Thermal flowmeter
A flowmeter of the thermal type, having a heated flow-sensing probe and a temperature-sensing reference probe, in which the flow is passed through nozzles to form two jets and those jets are directed at the heated portion of the heated probe and the temperature-sensing portion of the reference probe, while flow around the supporting portion of the heated probe is minimized. Such a flowmeter allows low gas flows to be measured without the use of capillary elements that are subject to plugging and can create unwanted pressure drops.
US10240954B2 Indicating device with rear projection structure
A dial plate being nonopaque is in a disc shape. A slit member has slits each extending through the slit member in a thickness direction. A light source is located on an opposite side of the slit member from the dial plate. The light source is configured to emit light through the slits of the slit member toward the dial plate to project images on the dial plate.
US10240953B2 Housing with a damping element for a micromechanical sensor element
A housing for a micromechanical sensor element, including a cavity in which the sensor element is disposable, and a damping element, the micromechanical sensor element being immobilizable in the cavity by the damping element so that the damping element and the sensor element together have a substantially common center of mass.
US10240948B2 Occupant detection apparatus
An occupant detection apparatus includes: a sensor electrode; a conductor portion facing the sensor electrode; a moving object that moves by input of a seat load loaded on a seat and changes an electrostatic capacitance between the sensor electrode and the conductor portion; and a signal output unit that outputs a sensor signal based on the electrostatic capacitance.
US10240946B2 Angle sensor
An angle sensor for detecting a rotational angle on the basis of a relative angular position of a physical field. The sensor includes a first sensor element and a second sensor element, between which elements the physical field can be transmitted. The first sensor element includes a blind hole in which the second sensor element is rotatably mounted.
US10240945B2 Correlation coefficient correction method, exercise analysis method, correlation coefficient correction apparatus, and program
Disclosed are a correlation coefficient correction method, a correlation coefficient correction apparatus, and a program, capable of improving estimation accuracy of a walking velocity or a stride of a moving object, and an exercise analysis method capable of analyzing a user's exercise with high accuracy. In one aspect, the correlation coefficient correction method includes calculating a reference velocity by using a detection result in a first sensor, calculating characteristic information regarding walking of a moving object by using a detection result in a second sensor mounted on the moving object, and correcting a correlation coefficient in a correlation expression indicating a correlation between the characteristic information and a walking velocity or a stride of the moving object by using the reference velocity.
US10240944B2 Viewing, modifying, and/or creating routes
Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for creating, modifying, and viewing geographic areas and their corresponding routes and items of work. For example, an interface can be provided with a map display area and a route display area. The map display area and the route display area can be synchronized to create new routes, modify existing routes, and/or view information about various routes and/or items of work.
US10240938B1 Self-driving vehicle systems and methods
A vehicle management system can send a first pick-up location to a remote computing device of a prospective rider. A location tracking system is configured to monitor a location of the rider as the rider walks to rendezvous with the vehicle. The vehicle management system can later determine, based on the location of the rider as the rider walks to rendezvous with the vehicle, that the vehicle could rendezvous with the rider sooner by using a second pick-up location. The vehicle management system can prompt the vehicle navigation system to cease directing the vehicle toward the first pick-up location and instead direct the vehicle toward the second pick-up location. The vehicle management system can prompt the remote computing device to cease directing the rider toward the first pick-up location and instead direct the rider toward the second pick-up location.
US10240935B2 Vehicle software upgrade techniques
A method for maintaining vehicle-resident map information may include, in a vehicle with at least one communications processor integrated within the vehicle, the at least one communications processor being operable to receive wireless transmissions including map information from a remote location separate and apart from the vehicle, obtaining GPS information relating to the vehicle. The map information received by the at least one communications processor may be downloaded from the remote location. A map corresponding to the map information, and an indication of the current vehicle location may be displayed within the map, based on the GPS information. The map information may correspond to the GPS information. Road information may be wirelessly transmitted to one or more locations based on the GPS information.
US10240933B2 Method for guiding a vehicle and a driver assistance system
A method for guiding a vehicle, at least one parameter of the surroundings of the vehicle being detected by at least one sensor; a travel corridor being ascertained based on the parameter; a trajectory being ascertained as a function of at least one other parameter within the travel corridor; and the guidance of the vehicle being adapted as a function of the ascertained trajectory.
US10240931B2 System and method for navigation by applying corrected bias values to gyroscopic data
A disclosed method includes computing, for each of a plurality of values of at least one type of error parameter, a distance traveled for each of a plurality of directions of travel. The method includes selecting, from the plurality of values of the at least one type of error parameter, a value that provides a greatest distance traveled for any of the plurality of directions of travel relative to the unselected ones of the plurality of values. The method further includes applying the selected value of the at least one type of error parameter to gyroscopic sensor data, and then determining navigation information based on the gyroscopic sensor data with the selected value of the at least one type of error parameter applied.
US10240930B2 Sensor fusion
Systems, methods, and devices are provided for collecting positional information for and controlling a movable object. In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for collecting positional information for a movable object includes: receiving data from a first sensing system coupled to the movable object; receiving data from a second sensing system coupled to the movable object; determining a weight value for the data from the second sensing system based on a strength of the signal received by the sensor of the second sensing system; and calculating the positional information of the movable object based on (i) the data from the first sensing system and (ii) data from the second system factoring in the weight value.
US10240929B2 Methods and systems for vertical trajectory determination and automatic jump detection
The present disclosure provides a jump detection system for inertial measurement unit (IMU) integrated with a barometric altimeter in the same device (IMU-baro). The processor is configured to record time-series data of both a vertical component of the measured IMU-baro acceleration and the estimated vertical velocity of the IMU-baro, detect a potential jump by comparing the vertical component of the measured IMU-baro acceleration to one or more acceleration thresholds, and, validate the potential jump by comparing a difference between a maximum velocity and a minimum velocity within a vicinity of the potential jump in the time-series data of the estimated vertical velocity of the IMU-baro to a velocity threshold.
US10240921B2 Method and device for determining an angle of rotation of an object about a rotation axis
A method and a device for determining an angle of rotation of an object about a rotation axis. The method includes measuring a first acceleration profile of an acceleration sensor mounted on the object during a first period of time; and computing the angle of rotation by which the object has rotated about the rotation axis during the first period of time, based on the first accelerations during the first period of time and based on a predetermined distance of the acceleration sensor from the rotation axis. The device includes an acceleration sensor which is mountable on the object; and a computing device which is designed for determining the angle of rotation based on an acceleration profile measured by the acceleration sensor during a period of time, and based on a predetermined distance of the acceleration sensor from the rotation axis.
US10240920B2 Deformation analysis apparatus
Position data interpolation unit interpolates 3D coordinate values or rotation angles, for periods of time, at each interpolation position on line segments that connect adjacently installed sensors, based on 3D coordinate values or rotation angles of the respective installation positions of the plurality of sensors measured by the measurement unit. A coordinate conversion unit computes 3D coordinate values of each position corresponding to a 3D shape of the measurement target object at periods of time, based on 3D coordinate values or rotation angles of the respective installation positions of the plurality of sensors measured at periods of time, based on 3D coordinate values or rotation angles of each of the interpolation positions on line segments that connect sensors interpolated at periods of time, and based on relative distances between the adjacently installed sensors along deformed shape of the measurement target object.
US10240913B2 Three-dimensional coordinate measuring apparatus and three-dimensional coordinate measuring method
The invention makes it possible to measure an object with a three dimensional shape that is made of various materials with a high degree of precision and at high-speed, without requiring a vast amount advance of preparation. A measuring unit detects internal scattering light measuring areas in a captured image, and obtains profiles of internal scattering light components in the areas. An estimating unit estimates the internal scattering light components in three-dimensional coordinate measuring areas based on the profiles of the internal scattering light components in the internal scattering light measuring areas. A reducing unit reduces the internal scattering light components in the three-dimensional coordinate measuring areas to generate a direct-reflected light component image. Then, a calculating unit calculates three-dimensional coordinates on measuring lines based on the direct-reflected light component image.
US10240909B2 Three-dimensional gap measurement systems and methods
An electronic feeler gauge comprises a sensor blade, a transmitting system, and a receiving system. The sensor blade comprises transmission induction coils, reception induction coils, and measurement sites, spaced in two dimensions about the sensor blade. Each of the measurement sites is associated with at least one of the transmission induction coils and at least one of the reception induction coils. The transmitting system is configured to drive direct electrical current across the transmission induction coils to produce transmitted probe signals from the transmission induction coils. The receiving system is configured to receive response signals from the reception induction coils due to the transmitted probe signals.
US10240907B2 Bullet cartridge and case testing device
An ammunition inspection assembly that includes a cartridge tester having a main body portion with a bore extending axially therethrough, a bullet pusher, and a case pusher. The bore includes an inner surface, a front opening and a rear opening and is configured to receive a bullet cartridge therein.
US10240906B2 Penetrator incorporating a core enclosed in a ductile sheath and manufacturing process for such a penetrator
A heavy metal penetrator with a high tungsten content incorporating a central part or core formed of an alloy comprising from 85% to 97% in mass of tungsten associated with additional metals and which is enclosed by a peripheral sheath made of a more ductile tungsten alloy than that of the core. The sheath of the penetrator is made of an alloy comprising 30% to 72% in mass of tungsten, the core comprising nodules of tungsten bound in a matrix of a gamma phase γC associating tungsten with additional metals, the two gamma phases being continuously joined to one another with no transition zone.
US10240903B2 Projectile collection system
A lead collection system and method for reducing the incidence of equipment failures, equipment breakages, and/or safety hazards is provided. The lead collection system may include one or more augers that carry lead to a lead containment barrel. The auger(s) may be equipped with a specialized shear coupling designed such that the shear coupling breaks and stops auger movement before the auger may break. The auger(s) may also be equipped with one or more rotational sensors to detect actual shaft speed and compare it to the inputted speed, and cause a system error if a difference is detected. A lead containment barrel may also be provided, with an ultrasonic sensor for detecting lead fill in the barrel.
US10240901B1 Quick release mounting device for M-LOK handguard of rifle
The mounting device includes keys or pressing element, a movable fastener, a positioning bar and elastic elements, which are assembled in a receiving room of a base. The base is formed with an island type engagement portion having a shape corresponding to a slot of an M-LOK rail. The keys or pressing element is transversely movable in the receiving room. The movable fastener is longitudinally movable in the receiving room and has a latch bar projecting to a bottom of the island type engagement portion. The keys or pressing element and the movable fastener are provided with a driving slant and a driven slant, respectively. A slidable planar contact is formed between the driving slant and the driven slant by means of both the driven slant being shifted by pushing the driving slant and elasticity of the elastic elements. Pressing the keys or pressing element drives the latch bar to make a longitudinally to-and-fro shift.
US10240891B2 Reinforcement member for a firearm stock and related methods
A firearm stock with a reinforcing member and related methods are disclosed. A reinforcing member has a proximal end having at least one proximal tab shaped to engage a firearm housing, and a distal end having a locking pin engagement surface and at least one distal tab shaped to engage at least one of the firearm housing or a battery tube. The member also has a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a first wall having a longitudinal length greater than a width. The member also has at least one sidewall one of coupled to or unitary with the first wall, and at least one side tab positioned on the sidewall and extending towards a center portion of the reinforcing member.
US10240884B1 Mountable fixture for absorbing recoil
A fixture is provided for supporting load from weapons recoil, being mountable on a flat bed of a road vehicle disposed on ground. The flat bed can receive a weapons mount. The vehicle has longitudinal, lateral and vertical orientation directions. The fixture includes a horizontal deck, a slide assembly, a dampener housing, port and starboard lateral beams, together with first, second and third posts. The horizontal deck receives the weapons mount. The slide assembly supports the deck. The dampener housing receives the slide assembly. The port and starboard lateral beams extend laterally from the dampener housing. The first and second posts extend vertically downward from their corresponding beams to engage the ground. The third post extends vertically downward from the housing to engage the ground. Brackets on the slide assembly extend longitudinally from the platform for enabling the vehicle to drive away from the fixture. The posts are retractable for stowage and extendible for raising the flat bed above the ground.
US10240883B2 Firearm receiver assembly
An upper receiver assembly for a firearm having an upper receiver with an integral barrel nut, a handguard assembly and a barrel nut assembly with a barrel and lock nut is provided. The barrel is received by the upper receiver and is secured directly to the upper receiver using the lock nut. The upper receiver also includes an integral handguard mounting member to which the handguard assembly may be directly attached. The upper receiver assembly allows the user to attach both the barrel and handguard assemblies directly to the upper receiver, independently of one another.
US10240882B1 Crush inducing cartridge chamber
A bottleneck cartridge chamber wherein a circumferential relief recess is placed within the shoulder region of the chamber. As opposed to the continuous angled shoulder of conventional cartridge chambers, the proposed relief recess is envisioned as an angular segment of larger included angle than the conventional chamber shoulder angle (thereby creating a compound angle cartridge chamber shoulder region) or a radial recess that would eliminate a portion of the conventional chamber shoulder.
US10240880B1 Firearm enhancing trigger connector
A firearm enhancing trigger connector having a torso with first and second edges. The torso has a guide lip mount extending from the torso beyond the first edge at a first predetermined angle. The guide lip mount has a guide lip positioned at a predetermined angle approximately 65-75 degrees with respect to the second edge. The torso further has a first connector leg extending from the torso towards the first edge. The first connector leg has a reset tab. The torso also has a second connector leg that removably fits within a trigger housing of the firearm. A trigger bar nearly contacts or contacts the guide lip when the firearm is in a rest position.
US10240879B2 Magazine loader
A magazine loader for loading a batch of rimmed cartridges into a tubular rifle magazine is disclosed. In embodiments, the magazine loader comprises an elongate body comprising a hopper portion and a tubular magazine receiving portion with a circular aperture for receiving the tubular rifle magazine. In embodiments, the body defines a feed passageway extending between the hopper portion and the circular aperture of the tubular magazine receiving portion. The body may define, extending along the feed passageway, a first cartridge orienting passageway defined by a first cartridge orienting portion, a second cartridge orienting passageway defined by a second cartridge orienting portion, a third cartridge orienting passageway defined by a third cartridge orienting portion, and a fourth cartridge orienting passageway defined by a fourth cartridge orienting portion.
US10240878B1 Kinetic magazine loader
An apparatus for loading cartridges into a magazine comprises a setting mechanism including a sleeve, a body, a setting tool, and a link. The body may be slidingly disposed about the sleeve so that the body and the sleeve can slide relative to one another along a sliding axis. The body may translate between an upper position and a lower position along the sliding axis. A first end of the setting tool may be pivotally coupled to the sleeve for relative rotation between the setting tool and the sleeve about a forward axis. The setting tool rotates about the forward axis as the body translates between the upper position and the lower position.
US10240875B2 Active cryogenic electronic envelope
A data acquisition module is disclosed for use with electronic components such as superconductive magnets wherein the electronic components and the data acquisition module may reside inside a cryostat. The data acquisition module allows conventional electronic technologies to work inside cryostats at cryogenic temperatures as low as 4° K. This is achieved by management of heat inside the module to keep the module operating at a temperature above the cryogenic temperature. This approach avoids the difficulties that arise from changes in carrier mobility in semiconductors operating at deep cryogenic temperatures. A cryogenic system comprises a cryostat containing a cryogenic fluid and at least one sensor, and a data acquisition module located within the cryostat, the module in communication with the at least one sensor to acquire data, wherein the module comprises a thermal package, a conditioning and digitizing electronic module, a controller module, a power module, and a thermal management module.
US10240872B2 Indirect charge-air cooler
A heat exchanger, such as an indirect charge-air cooler for an internal combustion engine, may include a first duct system including a plurality of pipes, a second duct system, a collector including a base part and a box part, and at least two opposite side parts. The plurality of pipes may be arranged between the side parts, and the first duct system may be fluidically separated from the second duct system. The box part may bear against at least one of the side parts via a first contact surface. At least one frame part may be provided and coupled in a non-positively locking connection and/or a cohesive connection, for example by pressing and/or brazing, to a respective outer edge of the side parts, a respective outer edge of the base part, and/or a respect outer edge of the box part.
US10240871B2 Method for calibrating an annealing furnace used to form thermal donors
A method for calibrating a furnace enabling a semiconductor material to be subjected to a first thermal donor formation annealing that includes a temperature rise, a first temperature plateau and a temperature drop of the furnace, the method to including providing a calibration piece of the semiconductor material; determining the interstitial oxygen concentration of the piece; subjecting the piece to a second thermal donor formation annealing in the furnace, the second annealing including rise and drop in temperature of the furnace identical to those of the first annealing and a second plateau at the set temperature for a set time; determining the concentration of thermal donors formed in the piece during the second annealing; determining an equivalent annealing time at the set temperature, corresponding at least to the rise and drop in temperature of the furnace, from the interstitial oxygen concentration, the thermal donor concentration of the piece and the set time.
US10240870B2 Method for operating a power-compensated fusion furnace
A method for operating a power-compensated fusion furnace that includes a power control system having one switching device per heating element, power measurement circuitry, a master temperature sensor, and a controller. Each switching device is electrically connected to a respective heating element. The controller, in conjunction with the switching devices, is able to individually control the electrical energy flowing to each heating element, thereby controlling the duty cycle of each heating element. The duty cycles are corrected for one or more of variations in the electrical resistance of each heating element and position-dependent variations in furnace cavity temperature.
US10240869B2 Pressing arrangement for treating substances
The present invention relates to a pressing arrangement for treatment of articles by hot pressing and in particular to a pressing arrangement for hot isostatic pressing of containers holding substances. The method comprises: placing containers including the substance in a load compartment in the furnace and loading a pressure medium into the pressure vessel and substantially all pressure medium flowing out from the furnace chamber (18) passes at least one substance capturing module, which may include the walls of the guiding passage, at least one condensation element (35) in the guiding passage, filters (41, 43) arranged in the guiding passage, before making contact with the pressure vessel including the top and bottom closures (8, 9).
US10240868B2 Submerged combustion furnace for producing frit and method for producing frit
The present invention relates to a submerged combustion furnace for melting ceramic frits by means of a submerged combustion process, said furnace comprising at least one control loop with feedback of the overall weight regulating at least one process variable of the furnace for producing ceramic frit.The invention also relates to a regulating method for a submerged combustion furnace having these features, whereby obtaining a batch production of a ceramic frit having certain characteristics. The regulating method is implemented in the system by means of regulating process variables relating to the production of molten material during production.
US10240867B2 Methods and apparatuses for drying electronic devices
Methods and apparatuses for drying electronic devices are disclosed. Embodiments include methods and apparatuses that heat and decrease pressure within the electronic device. Some embodiments increase and decrease pressure while adding heat energy, such as by using a heated platen in contact with the electronic device or by supplying a gas (e.g., air), which may be heated, into the interior of the electronic device.
US10240858B2 Home appliance having drawer-type movable container with a handle
A home appliance, particularly a domestic refrigerator, includes a container being a drawer-type movable container and having a handle for the container. The handle has a connection profile fixed to the container and a second profile fixed to the connection profile, for forming the handle.
US10240852B2 Ice sensor for a heat pump
In various implementations, an ice sensor may include heater(s), ice accumulation surface(s), and/or temperature sensor(s). During operation, heat from a heater may be provided to an ice accumulation surface and a temperature sensor(s) may determine temperature(s) of the ice accumulation surface. A determination of whether ice is present on the ice sensor may be based at least partially on the determined temperature(s).
US10240847B1 Efficient electric trailer refrigeration system
A trailer refrigeration system incorporates a trailer refrigeration unit that is powered by multiple sources including a generator coupled to the truck, photovoltaic cells and a battery pack. The trailer refrigeration unit may be a conventional refrigerator having a compressor, an evaporator and a compressible refrigerant. The refrigeration unit may be powered by one or more electric motors, such as an axial flux or transverse flux motor that has high efficiency, high torque at low revolutions per minute (RPM). The refrigeration unit is powered at least in part by the generator when the truck is running below a threshold power level and may be powered by the battery pack and/or photovoltaic cells when the truck engine is not running or running above a threshold power level. A power management system including the battery management system is used to control the flow of power to the refrigeration unit and to and from the battery pack.
US10240844B1 Ice bagger for ice merchandiser
A bagger for an ice vending machine provides improved design, operation, and maintenance characteristics. An ice vending machine includes a merchandiser having a door providing access into an interior, an ice maker with a chute, and an ice bagger mounted to the merchandiser in communication with the ice maker. The ice bagger includes a frame having opposed, unitary, first and second frame elements, a spool of bags pivoted to a front of the frame on a swingarm, a cutting element mounted to the frame for reciprocal movement, and a tensioning assembly carried on the frame to provide tension to bags unrolled from the spool.
US10240843B2 Refrigerator ice bin
An ice bin (10) is disclosed which includes a storage bin (13) having a pair of side walls (14), and an pair of end walls (15) and a bottom wall (16). The side walls have a T-shaped recess (17) having a central base recess (18) and two arm recesses (19). Each central base recess is defined by a floor ledge (21) and a pair of side edges (22). The end walls also have grip recesses (20) which extend directly from the arm recesses. The arm recesses are defined by side top ledges (28) while the grip recesses are defined by end top ledges (29). The ice bin also includes a pair of pivotable handles (23) coupled to the storage bin. Each handle has a pair of leg portions (24), a pair of arm portions (25), and a grip portion (26) extending between the pair of arm portions.
US10240836B2 Energy management for refrigeration systems
A system and method are provided including a system controller for a refrigeration or HVAC system having a compressor rack with a compressor and a condensing unit with a condenser fan. The system controller monitors and controls operation of the refrigeration or HVAC system. A rack controller monitors and controls operation of the compressor rack and determines compressor rack power consumption data. A condensing unit controller monitors and controls operation of the condensing unit and determines condensing unit power consumption data. The system controller receives the compressor rack power consumption data and the condensing unit power consumption data, determines a total power consumption of the refrigeration or HVAC system, determines a predicted power consumption or a benchmark power consumption for the refrigeration system, compares the total power consumption with the predicted power consumption or the benchmark power consumption, and generates an alert based on the comparison.
US10240835B2 Refrigeration cycle device and pilot on-off valve
A pilot on-off valve in a refrigeration cycle device includes a main on-off valve that opens or closes a bypass passage through which a high-pressure side portion and a low-pressure side portion of a cycle communicate with each other, and a pilot valve that opens or closes a communication passage through which an inflow port and an outflow port of the pilot on-off valve communicate with each other. When the main on-off valve opens the bypass passage, the pilot valve opens the communication passage in a state where a refrigerant passage, in which a refrigerant flowing out of the pilot on-off valve flows, is closed.
US10240833B2 Oil separator having nanorod surface layer inside
An oil separator is provided. The oil separator includes a housing providing an oil separation space therein. An inlet introducing oil/gas mixture into the oil separation space is provided within an upper portion of the housing. An outlet discharging oil is provided within the lower portion of the housing. A gas discharge conduit is connected to the oil separation space. A portion of a surface exposed in the oil separation space is provided with a nanorod layer.
US10240830B2 Expansion valve comprising a stop element
An expansion valve (1) for a vapor compression system, the valve (1) comprising a first valve part (5) having an outlet orifice (7) and a piston (8) movable inside the outlet orifice (7) in response to a differential pressure across the expansion valve (1), controlling a fluid flow through the valve (1). The piston (8) comprises a stop element (9) at an outlet end (8b) of the piston (8) and mechanical forcing means (10) to force the piston (8) towards a position in which the stop element (9) is brought into abutment with a valve seat (12) of the first valve part (5). A differential pressure below a predefined threshold value causes the stop element (9) of the piston (8) to abut the valve seat (12) of the first valve part (5), preventing fluid flow through the first valve part (5), via the forward fluid passage.
US10240813B2 Fully-wetted, refractory-free tubeless fluid heating system with negligible thermal expansion stress
A fluid heating system including: a pressure vessel shell including: a first inlet and first outlet; a tubeless heat exchanger core disposed entirely in the pressure vessel shell, the tubeless heat exchanger core including a second inlet and a second outlet; an outlet member, which penetrates the pressure vessel shell and which connects the second outlet of the tubeless heat exchanger core and an outside of the pressure vessel shell; and a conduit having a first end connected to the second inlet of the tubeless heat exchanger core and a second end disposed on the outside of the pressure vessel shell.
US10240803B2 Airfoil frame for computer room air conditioning unit
A computer room air conditioner (CRAC) unit includes a housing having an inlet configured to receive IT air and an outlet configured to exhaust treated air. The CRAC unit further includes a heat exchanger supported by the housing and disposed between the inlet and the outlet of the housing and at least one fan module supported by the housing. The at least one fan module is configured to draw IT air into the housing through the inlet, direct IT air through the heat exchanger, and exhaust treated air through the outlet. The CRAC unit further includes an airfoil frame secured to the housing at the inlet of the housing.
US10240797B2 Method of operating a cooking appliance, control unit and cooking appliance
A method of operating a cooking zone (2) of a cooking appliance (1). The method includes determining an actual temperature value representative of an actual temperature of an item (6) to be heated; determining a power level (I) set on a user control device (3); and calculating a rectified power level (II) based on the actual temperature value, the actual power level (I) and a preset setpoint temperature. The rectified power level (II) is configured to remove differences between the actual temperature value and setpoint temperature and the rectified power level (II) is indicated on a user display (9, 4).
US10240791B2 Combustion burner, combustor, and gas turbine having a swirl vane with opposite directed surfaces
A combustion burner includes a nozzle and a swirl vane disposed in an axial flow path extending along an axial direction of the nozzle. The swirl vane includes a tip portion for swirling gas, the gas flowing through a radially-outer region of the axial flow path, and a root portion disposed on an inner side in a radial direction of the nozzle, the root portion having a cutout on a side of a trailing edge. The radially-outer region and a radially-inner region of the axial flow path communicate with each other, at least in a range in the axial direction in which the swirl vane is disposed. The swirl vane has a pressure surface, a downstream region of the pressure surface of the root portion being defined by the cutout as a curved surface which curves in a direction opposite to the swirl direction toward the trailing edge.
US10240784B2 Burner assembly for flaring low calorific gases
A burner assembly (100) for flaring low calorific gases, such as methane with high carbon dioxide content, may be configured to provide a gradual decrease in flow velocity. The burner assembly (100) may include a conical deflector (140) that creates a relatively large recirculation zone (154) downstream of the deflector (140), thereby to stabilize fluid flow. A swirl inducing structure positioned in a final stage of the burner assembly (100) further stabilizes the fluid flow and flame at different gas flow rates.
US10240777B2 Plate heat exchanger plate for a plate heat exchanger and a plate heat exchanger comprising such plates
A heat exchanger plate for a plate heat exchanger (12) includes a first side, a second side and a center point (P) through which an imaginary center axis (A) extends in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the plate. The plate comprises a first port for a first medium, and at least a second port and a third port for a second medium. The plate further comprises a first sealing arranged on the second side around the first port, a second sealing arranged on the second side at a circumference of the plate, and a closed third sealing arranged between the first and second sealings to form a first heat transfer area and a second heat transfer area separated from the first heat transfer area. The second port is arranged in the first heat transfer area and the third port is arranged in the second heat transfer area.
US10240776B2 Liquid biomass heating system
The present disclosure generally relates to the introduction of a liquid biomass in heating systems such as commercial boilers in order to reduce dependence on petroleum-based heating fuel oils as a source of combustion fuel. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to systems, methods, and apparatuses utilizing a liquid thermally produced from biomass into commercial and industrial boiler or thermal systems such as boilers, furnaces, and kilns, and methods for generating renewable identification numbers (RINs), alternative energy credits (AECs) and renewable energy credits (RECs).
US10240772B2 Lightweight heat sinks and LED lamps employing same
A heat sink comprises a heat sink body, which in some embodiments is a plastic heat sink body, and a thermally conductive layer disposed over the heat sink body. In some embodiments the thermally conductive layer comprises a copper layer. A light emitting diode (LED)-based lamp comprises the aforementioned heat sink and an LED module including one or more LED devices in which the LED module is secured with and in thermal communication with the heat sink. Some such LED-based lamps may have an A-line bulb configuration or an MR or PAR configuration. Disclosed method embodiments comprise forming a heat sink body and disposing a thermally conductive layer on the heat sink body. The forming may comprise molding the heat sink body, which may be plastic. In some method embodiments the heat sink body includes fins and the disposing includes disposing the thermally conductive layer over the fins.
US10240768B1 Light fixture panning apparatus
A light fixture panning apparatus including a base, a light fixture rotatably coupled to the base such that the light fixture rotates about an axis relative to the base, and a bearing that facilitates rotation of the light fixture relative to the base about the axis. The bearing includes a raceway and a rolling element that rolls along the raceway as the light fixture rotates about the axis relative to the base. The raceway is curved such that the raceway extends around at least a portion of the axis.
US10240767B1 Lampholder with universal joint
A light fixture allowing a user to tighten a single tightener to simultaneously restrict movement around a first axis and a second orthogonal axis. The light fixture includes a joint housing coupled between an anchor and a light housing assembly, the anchor has a first protrusion rotatably coupled to the joint housing along a first axis, the light housing assembly has a second protrusion rotatably coupled to the joint housing along a second axis, a clamp arm inside the joint housing that has a first end clamp and a second end clamp, and a tightening member is operably coupled to the clamp arm through the joint housing allowing tightening of the tightening member to apply pressure from the first end clamp to the first protrusion and simultaneously apply pressure from the second end clamp to the second protrusion, thereby limiting rotation in both the first and second axes.
US10240760B1 Horizontal light guide based lighting fixture
A lighting fixture includes a housing bracket and pair of side rails, each side rail located adjacent opposite sides of the housing bracket. Further, the lighting fixture includes a light guide that is oriented horizontally and securely retained by the pair of side rails. Furthermore, the lighting fixture includes a plurality of light sources that are disposed on or within a cavity defined by at least one of the side rails such that the plurality of light sources are positioned in close proximity to and along an edge of the light guide. The light guide receives light emitted by the plurality of light sources through the edge of the light guide and emits the light through a major surface of the light guide. Further, the lighting fixture includes an end plate and an end cap disposed on each lateral end of the lighting fixture.
US10240758B2 Apparatus for creating a storage compartment in a flashlight and method of its use
A storage compartment for a flashlight with a cylindrical barrel, a tail cap and a conductive spring fitted to the tail cap. The conductive spring is removed from the tail cap and fitted to the barrel end of a cylindrical compartment which has an outer diameter substantially the same as that of the barrel and then the tail cap is threaded into a tail cap end of the cylindrical compartment, thus sealing off an inner compartment.
US10240756B2 Recessed lighting fixture with independent adjustment between a light assembly and a driver assembly
A recessed lighting fixture apparatus is disclosed. An example apparatus includes a driver box, a light box, and a fixture box each with an open side and closed sides. The open side of each of the boxes is configured to face an internal side of a ceiling. The example driver box and light box are adapted to slide together horizontally within the fixture box to enable access to either of the light box and the driver box through an opening in a ceiling. In addition, the light box is adapted to slide vertically relative to the driver box to enable a portion of the light box to be pulled through the opening in the ceiling to facilitate servicing of a light assembly.
US10240755B2 Optical lens assembly and illumination device comprising the same
An illumination device and the optical lens assembly thereof are provided. The illumination device includes the optical lens assembly, a light source and a driving device. The optical lens assembly includes an inner lens and an outer lens. The inner lens has a reflector having a light emission portion and a light incidence portion. An accommodating space is formed in the reflector adjacent to the light incident portion. The outer lens has a light guiding column and an outer light emission portion connected to the top of the light guiding column. The outer lens is disposed at a side of the inner lens, the light guiding column corresponds to the accommodating space, the outer light emission portion corresponds to the light emission portion. The driving device enables the outer and inner lenses to move toward or away from each other. The guiding column moves relative to the accommodating space.
US10240753B2 LED insert having a light house ring and a lens house ring that is movable with respect to the light house ring
An LED insert for a parabolic aluminized reflector light. The LED insert includes a light housing including a first ring. A plurality of support rods extending perpendicular from a front side of the light housing. A lens housing includes a second ring having a plurality of apertures disposed thereon, wherein each aperture receives one of the plurality of support rods therethrough. The LED insert further includes a motor operably connected to a control circuit, a first gear operably connected to the motor via a drive belt, and a second gear engaging the first gear, the second gear oriented perpendicular to the first gear. A threaded rod extends from the second gear through a threaded aperture on the lens housing. The lens housing is configured to translate along the length of the threaded rod upon actuation of the motor.
US10240752B2 Novelty swivel electronic candle
A novelty swivel electronic candle, includes a base, motor, drive bearing, swivel bracket bar, upper PCB, lower PCB, LED control chip, LED bulb, casing, and wiring. The motor is installed above the base, and the drive bearing is installed above the motor, the swivel bracket bar is vertically installed above the drive bearing. The bar is penetrated through the center of the lower PCB, which is installed above the drive bearing, likewise the bar is also penetrated through the center of the upper PCB, which is installed above the lower PCB. The upper PCB and the swivel bracket bar are fixedly connected together, and the bar is also penetrated through the center of the LED control chip which is installed above the upper PCB. The casing is installed above the base side as a lampshade.
US10240748B2 Variable modular lighting system
Various embodiments relate to device including a hollow box, having a central rectangular cuboid with a first edge, second edge and a third edge and four faces, where the first, second and third edges are perpendicular and so define the cuboid in three dimensions, two opposed irregular triangular prism-shaped wings with each irregular triangular prism-shaped wing attached to a full first edge and a full second edge, and a fourth edge not touching the central rectangular cuboid.
US10240745B2 Fiber optic light panel device with plural outputs
A lighting device for a vehicle includes a lighting module for a vehicle having a light source and a panel optically coupled to the light source. The panel includes a plurality of fibers, and a first illumination region of first light output for a first vehicle lighting function and a second illumination region of second light output for a second vehicle lighting function.
US10240744B2 Headlight with scanning light device
A motor vehicle headlight and a motor vehicle illumination device, which includes at least one light source for emitting light rays, a wavelength conversion element arranged to receive the light rays on a zone and to re-emit a light radiation to produce a light beam, a reflecting element for redirecting light rays from the light sources towards the conversion element, and a scanning apparatus configured to scan the reflecting element with the light rays in a first direction between extreme positions, the reflecting element being configured to reflect light rays at said extreme positions to a central part of the zone so as to form the central part of the light beam.
US10240743B2 Vehicular light
The objective of the invention is to provide a vehicular light equipped with an odd-shaped lens wherein light distribution loss has been suppressed. This vehicular light is equipped with: a light source unit comprising at least five light-emitting chips disposed horizontally; and an odd-shaped lens having a convex entry surface on the light source unit side and a convex exit surface in the direction leaving from the light source unit, wherein the entry surface comprises a free-form curved surface whereof the horizontal curvature radius increases gradually from the lens optical axis Z in the outward direction.
US10240737B2 Vehicle light assembly
A light assembly for a vehicle is provided herein. The light assembly includes a housing and a lens. A light source is disposed between the housing and lens. A bulb shield is disposed between the light source and the lens. A peripheral portion of the bulb shield has a first optical transmittance and a central region of the bulb shield has a second optical transmittance.
US10240736B2 Light engine for and method of simulating a flame
An apparatus, system, and method for lighting effects, including simulating a flame. A three dimensional carrier includes an array of a plurality of light sources distributed on it. A control circuit coordinates on/off of the light sources in a manner to simulate a jumping flame. In one embodiment, the three dimensional carrier and LEDs are encapsulated in an at least partially light transmissive cover. This light modular engine includes a control circuit and an interface to electrical power. The system can include the light engine in a light fixture such as an architectural fixture. The methodology can include a sequence of on/off and brightness variations for the array of light sources.
US10240735B1 Artificial candle lamp
The disclosure provides an artificial candle lamp, including a candle body provided with a candlewick through hole, a power source, and a shell provided in the candle body and located below the candlewick through hole, and further including a candlewick sheet, an elastic vibration device, a driving device, and a first light source provided in the shell; one end of the candlewick sheet is a free end and is exposed from the candlewick through hole, and the other end thereof is a connecting end extending into the shell; the connecting end is connected to the elastic vibration device; the elastic vibration device is fixed in the shell; the driving device is powered by the power source and drives the elastic vibration device to displace the candlewick sheet; the first light source is provided in the shell, and the light thereof is projected to the free end of the candlewick sheet. The artificial candle lamp of the disclosure is environment-friendly and safe, and can closely imitate combustion dynamics of a candle flame.
US10240734B1 Outdoor lamp capable of changing colors
An outdoor lamp capable of changing colors includes a support member, a lamp holder disposed on the support member, and an LED light module disposed in the lamp holder. The LED light module includes at least one PCBA (printed circuit board assembly) arrayed with a plurality of LED groups. Each of the LED groups is composed of at least one white/warm white LED and at least one RGB LED adjacent to each other. Each of the white/warm white LED and the RGB LED can emit light simultaneously or individually. When the RGB LED emits light to change colors, the luminous flux of the entire LED light module can be improved by the aid of the white/warm white LED, and a color gradient effect is generated.
US10240729B1 Portable light and charging device therefor
A portable light and charging device therefor. The portable light includes a light head that is pivotable relative to a light body and that has a projection, wherein the light body has a latch ring that can engage the projection to retain the light head in a stowed position and can be stowed. The charging device defines a receptacle for receiving the portable light and has a pair of latch arms that pivot to permit the portable light to be placed into and removed from the receptacle and that are biased to retain the portable light in the receptacle.
US10240722B2 Cryogenic fluid system and method of operating same
A cryogenic fluid system includes a vessel and a pumping system positioned for submerging within cryogenic fluid within the vessel. The pumping system includes an electric drive structured to move a pumping element within a pumping chamber to pump cryogenic fluid out of the vessel. A cooling jacket forms a heat exchange cavity about the electric drive such that heat is rejected externally of the storage vessel.
US10240718B2 Cover and methods of making and using same
Apparatus and methods for containing leakage of a grease gun. In certain embodiments, a cover includes a body which has an open end, a closed end, and a sidewall extending between the open end and the closed end. The sidewall has an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface which encompasses an inner space for receiving a leaking lubricant.
US10240715B2 Adjustable panel mount
A panel mount including a base, a first jaw, and a second jaw is provided. The panel mount includes a first and second threaded hole in the first jaw having fasteners received therein. The first threaded hole is nearer to the base than the second threaded hole. The panel mount includes a first and a second protrusion when fasteners are adjusted to protrude from the first jaw towards the second jaw. The panel mount includes a pivot protrusion on the second jaw. A panel is to be fastened between the pivot protrusion and at least one of the first protrusion or the second protrusion. Further, when one of the threaded fasteners protrudes from the first jaw at a greater distance than the other of the threaded fasteners, the panel may pivot about an axis centered on the pivot protrusion.
US10240712B2 Ball mount assembly for vehicle
A socket for a vehicle assembly is disclosed. The socket comprises a mounting structure comprising a plurality of side portions forming a first frame and a ball receiving structure formed by a second frame. The second frame is disposed within a perimeter of the first frame and comprises a plurality of support beams interconnected with the side portions of the first frame. The socket further comprises a ball mount interface comprising a contoured recess formed in each of the beams. The ball mount interface is configured to receive an exterior surface of a ball to form a ball and socket assembly.
US10240710B2 Insulation compression reduction assembly for piping systems
An insulation compression reduction assembly for reducing compression of an insulating material surrounding a horizontally extending pipe in combination with a pipe support supporting said pipe. The compression reduction assembly includes a base pressure skate element sized and shaped to fit within the pipe support, a pipe holder structure sized and shaped to rest against an outer surface of the horizontal extending pipe, and a spacing element connecting the base pressure skate element and the pipe holder structure and forming an offset spacing therebetween for reducing compression of the insulating material. An insulation compression reduction kit of disassembled components of the above assembly that can be used to form the above compression reduction assembly is also provided according to the present invention.
US10240708B2 System for applying a web around a cylindrical object with even tension
A system for applying a web around a cylindrical object with even tension containing a core having a generally cylindrical shape and a pair of handles. The wall of the cylindrical object contains a plurality of ribs spaced around the circumference, where each rib connects the inner diameter and the outer diameter and extends from the first end to the second end defining honeycomb areas within the wall. Each handle has a insertion area, a collar area, a gripping area, and at least 2 locating pins. The collar area is sandwiched between the insertion area and the gripping area and the insertion diameter is less than the inner diameter of the core at the first end and second end. The location pins extend from the collar area and are located such that the pins fit into the honeycomb areas within the wall of the core.
US10240707B2 Spinner assembly for applying lining materials in pipes
A spinner apparatus for applying lining material to the interior of a pipe, the spinner apparatus having a cylindrical material accelerator coaxially positioned about a distribution manifold, the distribution manifold having a plurality of equally spaced, radially oriented slots extending from an axial chamber that receives lining material, wherein lining material is extruded through the slots onto the interior of the material accelerator and slung onto the pipe interior in an annular pattern. Movement of the spinner apparatus along the pipe produces a tubular lining member.
US10240704B2 Molded fluid transfer assemblies having increased working pressures and burst pressures
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a fluid connection including a plurality of flexible polymeric tubes; an integral fluid connector coupled to and in fluid communication with each of the plurality of tubes; and a shell disposed over and encapsulating the fluid connector. The fluid connection surprisingly exhibiting significant increases in the working pressure, particularly in biopharmaceutical fluid transfer systems.
US10240702B2 Lower effort quick-connect coupler
A sealing member, whose unique manner of movement provides an improvement to a quick-connect valve assembly, for fluid control. A coupling force, required to couple the quick-connect valve assembly containing the improvements, is substantially reduced, resulting in an improvement to a typical quick-connect valve assembly (prior-art). The quick-connect valve assembly is comprised of at least a male coupler, a female coupler and a sealing member. During the resultant coupling of the quick-connect assembly, the sealing member, is firstly moved, in a rotational manner and then secondly, if desired, in a more typical translational manner. Multiple options for implementation of these improvements are available utilizing typical quick-connect valve components. The implementation options include; individual component replacement, upgrading of prior-art components or introduction of new components. All implementation options provide the improvement of a substantially reduced coupling force.
US10240700B2 Expansion joint and compression system
An expansion joint, which connects pipes to each other and is capable of expanding and contracting, the joint being provided with: a first end pipe and a second end pipe; a connecting pipe for connecting the first end pipe to the second end pipe so as to be capable of approaching and separating from each other; and a thrust-absorbing device having a pressure chamber, which can expand and contract in the direction in which the first end pipe and the second end pipe are linked and into which a fluid pressure that differs from the pressure inside the pipes can be introduced, the pressure chamber comprising a first pressure-receiving section, which is fixed to the first end pipe and faces in the direction from the second end pipe toward the first end pipe, and a second pressure-receiving section, which is fixed to the second end pipe and faces in the direction from the first end pipe towards the second end pipe.
US10240692B2 Fastening-type pipe supporting apparatus for curved pipe
A fastening-type pipe supporting apparatus capable of supporting a curved pipe against loads acting on a curved portion of the pipe via clamps having curved surfaces and being easily attached to and detached from the curved portion of the pipe. The fastening-type pipe supporting apparatus includes: a first clamp having a semicircular cross-sectional shape and a curved surface with a curvature to surround the curved portion of a pipe; a second clamp having a semicircular cross-sectional shape and a curved surface with a curvature to surround the curved portion of the pipe, the second clamp being coupled to the first clamp; a connection bolt coupling the first clamp with the second clamp; and a washer placed around the connection bolt.
US10240690B2 Stationary pipeline support
The disclosure relates to a saddle support for use in above-ground pipeline construction in severe geological conditions, such as permafrost. The support provides structural stability and redistribution of a load from a pipeline to a pile foundation. The saddle support includes the spool coupled to four adjustable stands through electric insulating units. The stands can be adjusted to change a height and slope angle of the support and are fastened to a single-level pilework that supported by the pile foundation via flanges. The spool is a pipe having an external case and a heat-insulating layer. Longitudinal ribs are fastened to the spool to fasten the spool to the stands. The load-bearing structure of the spool resists axial and side movements of the pipeline and transfer the load absorbed by the spool to the pilework foundation via the electric insulating units on the adjustable stands.
US10240687B2 Methods and apparatus of testing a solenoid valve of an emergency valve via a positioner
Methods and apparatus of testing a solenoid valve of an emergency valve via a positioner are disclosed. An example method includes conducting a solenoid valve test by initiating a pulse duration and a monitoring duration for the solenoid valve test. Conducting the solenoid valve test further includes instructing a solenoid valve to transition from a first state to a second state during the pulse duration. The solenoid valve is in fluid communication with an actuator to enable the actuator to actuate an emergency valve. Conducting the solenoid valve test further includes determining a functionality of the solenoid valve by measuring, via a valve positioner, a maximum pressure change of a pressure chamber of the actuator during the monitoring duration. The example method includes, upon determining the solenoid valve is in a functioning state, conducting a partial stroke test of the emergency valve via the valve positioner.
US10240686B2 Methods and apparatus for conducting in-service testing of pneumatic signal amplifiers
Methods and apparatus for conducting in-service testing of a pneumatic signal amplifier are disclosed. In response to a test initiation signal, a processor of a valve controller operatively coupled to the pneumatic signal amplifier supplies a pressurized control fluid to an inlet of the pneumatic c signal amplifier. The processor determines a first pressure value corresponding to an inlet pressure of the pressurized control fluid at the inlet of the pneumatic signal amplifier, and further determines a second pressure value corresponding to an outlet pressure of the pressurized control fluid at an outlet of the pneumatic signal amplifier. The processor determines a ratio value between the first and second pressure values and determines whether the ratio value satisfies a threshold. In response to determining that the ratio value satisfies the threshold, the processor generates a notification indicating that the pneumatic signal amplifier is functional.
US10240685B2 Secure valve access
A secure valve access system includes a cover mounted over the valve stem of a valve. The cover is attached to a support which is mounted on the valve so the cover cannot be removed. Fasteners extend through the support and are selectively jammed against a wrench flat thereby providing a torque transmitting connection between the cover and a valve operator. Retraction of the fasteners breaks the torque transmitting connection allowing the cover to free wheel thereby preventing unauthorized operation of the valve. Rotation of the fasteners is done by an unusual drive socket.
US10240681B1 Oil pump pressure relief valve layout
A pressure relief valve includes a valve housing having an inlet end with an inlet opening having a valve seat surface surrounding the inlet opening. The valve housing defines an outlet end with a plurality of outlet holes and a valve chamber disposed between the valve seat and the outlet end. One of the plurality of outlet holes has a smaller cross section than the other outlet holes. The valve chamber includes a plurality of radially protruding grooves extending radially beyond a base diameter. One of the plurality of radially protruding grooves has a groove cross section that is smaller than a groove cross section of the remaining grooves, which along with the smaller outlet hole cause a lateral pressure imbalance on the valve member so that the valve member tends to remain in contact with a side of the valve seat while permitting relief flow.
US10240669B2 Gearing having a first and a second housing part
A gearing is described as having a first and a second housing part, an intermediate shaft of the gearing being supported via two bearings in a bushing accommodating the bearings, the bushing centering the first housing part with respect to the second housing part.
US10240668B2 Transmission assembly
A transmission assembly for a drive train of a vehicle for connecting a drive motor to a traction drive of the vehicle, includes a main shift transmission with multiple transmission-ratio stages, wherein multiple shift states of the main shift transmission can be connected by a shifting, as required, by means of shift points of one or more transmission-ratio stages, and a planetary gear, wherein the main shift transmission and the planetary gear are drivingly connected or can be connected as required to each other by means of two connection shafts.
US10240667B2 CVT drive train
A CVT drive train having an input drive, a start-up element, a continuously variable variator, and a differential. A direct shifting stage bridges the variator and is connected directly to the input drive. The direct connection of the direct shifting stage to the input drive enables the direct shifting stage to be used advantageously independently of the start-up element and can be connected, for example, to a gear that is used in conventional CVT drive trains to drive a hydraulic pump.
US10240661B2 End fixing structure of composite wire rod
An end fixing structure of a composite wire rod includes a composite wire rod, a wedge body that is formed into a cylindrical shape with an enlarging diameter from a front end portion, wherein an inner wall surface is formed for engaging with the outer surface of the composite wire rod which is copied onto the inner wall surface, and a sleeve provided on an outer peripheral side of the wedge body and having a conical and hollow inner structure, and the wedge body consists of a plurality of divided wedge bodies, facing each other on their divided surfaces with a space therebetween, and the inner wall surface in the divided wedge body is made of microscopic irregularities, thereby shortening a processing time and maintaining a sufficient gripping power over long term.
US10240659B2 Control device of a powertrain with a centrifugal pendulum damper
A control device of a powertrain with a centrifugal pendulum damper is provided in which the centrifugal pendulum damper and a power transmission shaft are operatively coupled via a connection/disconnection mechanism, and the control device of the powertrain with the centrifugal pendulum damper includes a connection/disconnection control module for controlling an engagement degree of the connection/disconnection mechanism by controlling the engagement degree of the connection/disconnection mechanism such that the centrifugal pendulum damper rotates at or below a predetermined upper rotational speed limit.
US10240658B2 Torsional vibration damping device
A vibration damping device that can prevent interference between a rolling mass and a cover resulting from deformation of the cover caused by pressure rise, and that can suppress noises is provided. The torsional vibration damping device comprises: a rotary member that is arranged in a torque converter; a rolling mass that is oscillated relatively to the rotary member by torque pulse; a bore that is formed on an outer circumferential portion of the rotary member in such a manner as to penetrates through the rotary member in a direction parallel to a rotational center axis; a cover that covers the rolling mass and the bore liquid-tightly to protect from oil in the torque converter; and a deformation-preventing member that prevents a deformation of the cover in a direction toward the rolling mass.
US10240654B2 Hybrid spring device
The invention is directed to a hybrid spring device comprising an outer tubular shell, and an inner part enclosed in the outer tubular shell comprising a fiber reinforced plastic material. According to the invention the outer tubular shell is designed as self-supporting part made from a metallic material. The invention further provides suitable methods for producing such types of hybrid spring devices.
US10240648B2 Electromagnetic-released, multi-disc enclosed safety brake
An electromagnetic-released, multi-disc, enclosed safety brake for primary use in offshore marine winch applications includes a stationary coil housing that encompasses springs that apply pressure to an armature, a pair of separator plates, three friction plates and a stationary endplate. The multi-disc brake is released by means of a DC voltage applied to the brake coil. The excited coil generates an electromagnetic force that attracts the armature across an air-gap thus reducing the spring force applied to the disc pack. The brake is applied when the DC voltage is removed from the brake coil. Various structures and methodologies for reducing vibrations in the brake are also provided.
US10240647B2 Adjustable friction brake
An adjustable friction brake assembly may adjust a variable amount of frictional force required to translate or rotate a shaft, rather than merely locking or unlocking the shaft. The brake assembly includes a housing for internally receiving the shaft, the external portion of the housing including external threading leading into circumferentially spaced fingers extending axially and oriented radially inward to engage the shaft. The brake assembly includes a rotatable adjuster having an internally threaded throughbore for engaging the housing and directing the fingers radially inward to engage the shaft, thereby increasing the required frictional force. For example, by rotating the adjuster clockwise, the required force can be increased; similarly, by rotating the adjuster counterclockwise, the required force can be decreased.
US10240646B2 Hydraulic control system for dual wet clutch
A hydraulic control system (21) for a dual wet clutch (1)has two clutches (4, 5). The hydraulic control system (21) includes a housing (41) having an internal tube (42) extending axially around the axis X and configuring an internal space intended for passage of the two input shafts (2, 3) of a gearbox, and first and second annular chambers (43, 44) concentric around the axis X and disposed radially around the internal tube (42). The hydraulic control system (21) further includes first and second annular pistons (45, 46), which are respectively mounted axially slidingly inside the first and second annular chambers (43, 44). Each of the first and second annular pistons (45, 46) carrying a rotating stop (49, 50). The internal tube (42) has at least one flow conduit (55) for a cooling fluid, intended to direct the cooling fluid to the clutches (4, 5).
US10240644B2 Fluid driving device, motor assembly and friction clutch thereof
A fluid driving device, a motor assembly and a friction clutch thereof are disclosed. The friction clutch includes: a fixing member fixed on a rotary shaft; a connecting member slidable disposed on the rotary shaft, wherein when the rotary shaft starts rotating, an axial distance between the connecting member and the fixing member changes such that a friction force between the fixing member and the connecting member increases until the connecting member rotates synchronously with the fixing member; a loading member slidable disposed on the rotary shaft, the loading member and the connecting member being circumferentially positioned; and a restoring member configured to reduce an amount of change of the axial distance between the fixing member and the connecting member when the rotary shaft stops rotating.
US10240637B2 Bearing structure
A bearing structure includes a shaft member coupled to a motor, two bearings on the shaft member with a distance therebetween in an axial direction, and a housing rotatable relative to the shaft member by means of the bearings, and an electrically-conductive seal member provided between the shaft member and the housing and abutting on the shaft member and the housing. The bearings include inner and outer rings fitted to an outer peripheral surface of the shaft member and an inner peripheral surface of the housing, respectively. The shaft member, housing, and seal member constitute an oil passage. At least one of an abutment portion where the seal member abuts on the shaft member or an abutment portion where the seal member abuts on the housing has a guide groove that guides oil entering the abutment portion from the oil passage to an external space of the oil passage.
US10240630B2 Leveling plate and thrust bearing device using the same
A leveling plate including a main body and an end protrusion. The end protrusion is provided at both ends in a longer side direction of the main body, and protrudes from the main body in a thickness direction, the end protrusion having an end circumferential surface whose central axis extends in parallel with a shorter side direction of the main body.
US10240627B2 Smart stud-nut assembly
The present disclosure discloses a fastener assembly. The assembly comprises a stud having a head portion connectable to an actuator, and a shank extending from the head portion. At least a portion of the shank comprises threads, and an insulating material extends on the threads. A resistor module comprising one or more resistors is configured on the insulating material. One end of the one or more resistors is connectable to a power source, and other end of the one or more resistors is connectable to the power source through a nut engageable with the threads. A movement of the stud relative to the nut varies net resistance across the resistor module. The variation of net resistance across the resistor module may be used to determine position of the nut relative to the stud.
US10240623B2 Locking mechanism and method for an electro-pneumatic controller
An electro-pneumatic controller for use with a regulator. The electro-pneumatic controller includes a base having a body, a top surface, and a bore formed within the body. A locking mechanism is disposed within the bore of the body of the base, the locking mechanism having a top surface flush with the top surface of the base. A cover is coupled to the base and includes an open end with a rim, the rim contacting the top surface of the base and a portion of the top surface of the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is rotated via a tool in a counter-clockwise direction after the cover contacts a portion of the top surface of the locking mechanism to lock the cover to the base.
US10240621B2 Valve positioner having bypass component and control valve comprised thereof
A valve positioner that can maintain operation of the control valve despite failures in one or more components. The valve positioner may reduce downtime by allowing in-situ repair to occur on the valve positioner. The valve positioner may incorporate a by-pass component, which can utilize control input signals (e.g., a 4-20 mA signal) to energize one or more components (e.g., a current-to-pressure converter) to cause the control valve to modulate fluid flow without the digital microprocessor and/or related components.
US10240619B2 Bicycle operating device
A bicycle operating device comprises a base, an operating member, a hydraulic cylinder, a piston, a connecting link, and a guiding structure. The operating member is pivotally coupled to the base. The hydraulic cylinder is mounted to the base. The piston is movably provided in the hydraulic cylinder. The connecting link is pivotally coupled to each of the operating member and the piston to move the piston relative to the hydraulic cylinder in response to a pivotal movement of the operating member relative to the base. The guiding structure is coupled to the piston to guide the piston relative to the base.
US10240617B2 Water pump bearing with active condensate purging system
A coolant pump with an integrated shaft bearing (ISB) assembly is provided. The ISB has a bearing housing, and at least one bearing located therein supports a shaft. A bearing seal is connected to the bearing housing at a first axial end and contacts the shaft, and a vent cover is also located at the first axial end to define a vent space between it and the bearing seal. A seal assembly is located between the shaft and the vent cover. A vent insert is located in the vent space and connected for rotation with the shaft. Venting air enters via a vent space inlet connected to the vent space, and is exhausted by a vent space outlet. A generally annular collection cavity is located inside the vent space and connected to the vent space outlet. This allows for active purging of condensate or coolant leakage to protect the bearing.
US10240611B2 Flow conditioning feature for suction diffuser
A suction diffuser or arrangement is provided featuring a main suction diffuser body and a flow conditioning arrangement. The main suction diffuser body is configured with an inlet to receive an incoming fluid flow, an interior cavity to receive the incoming fluid from the inlet, and an outlet to receive the incoming fluid from the interior cavity and provide an outgoing fluid. The flow conditioning arrangement is configured in relation to the inlet and also comprises a flow conditioning portion having at least one inwardly contoured surface, configured to extend into the interior cavity, diffuse the incoming fluid passing from the inlet into the interior cavity, and provide a flow conditioning that produces a uniform flow of the outgoing fluid by directing the incoming fluid towards the outlet, based at least partly on a contoured design corresponding to the at least one inwardly contoured surface.
US10240606B2 Pumping system with two way communication
A pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool includes a water pump, a variable speed motor, and an arrangement for controlling the variable speed motor. The pumping system further includes an auxiliary device operably connected to the arrangement for controlling, which is capable of receiving a parameter from the auxiliary device. The arrangement for controlling is capable of independently controlling the variable speed motor without receipt of a parameter from the auxiliary device. In addition or alternatively, the arrangement for controlling is operable to selectively alter operation of the motor based upon the parameter.
US10240605B2 Pump control unit located in the power cord and compatible with multiple pump units
Disclosed is a system for controlling a pump, such as a submersible pump intended for pumping water, including a pump and a separate electronic control unit connected to the pump by an electrical cable. The control unit is adapted to be detachably connected to the pump. The control unit is adapted to allow the pump's power supply to pass through the control unit. An electronic controller is arranged in the pump for controlling at least one of the pump's functions and/or monitoring at least one of the pump's operating conditions. The pump and the control unit are adapted to communicate with each other and transmitting signals, including necessary control and/or monitoring information/data, between each other.
US10240598B2 Valve for a downhole pump
A valve assembly includes a valve body having a first port and a second port, the first port forms a fluid pathway from a first surface of the valve body to a second surface of the valve body, and the second port forms a fluid pathway from the second surface of the valve body to a third surface of the valve body. The valve assembly also includes a first plate having a first blocking member, the first blocking member configured to block the first port at the first surface of the valve body when the first plate is in a first closed position. The valve assembly also includes a second plate having a second blocking member, the second blocking member configured to block the second port at the second surface of the valve body when the second plate is in a second closed position.
US10240596B2 Sterilizable pump unit
The pump unit (10) has a particularly simple design, which includes just two housing parts (14, 15) and also four valve closure members (37) and pump pistons (25, 29). The valve closure members (37) are preferably identical to one another and are trapped in a pocket between both housing parts (14, 15). The housing parts (14, 15) are preferably permanently interconnected by an ultrasonic weld seam. The valve closure members are formed by disc-like or plate-like plastic parts, which are resilient per se and which may optionally have a central pin (42) as an assembly and orientation aid. As desired, the valve closure members bear against their respective valve seat (43) with or without bias and form valves which open and close particularly reliably, are responsive to the slowest flow velocities and can be easily sterilized.
US10240595B2 Method for emptying a device for providing a liquid additive
A method for operating a device for providing a liquid additive includes feeding the liquid additive along a feeding path. The feeding path has at least one first portion in which a peristaltic pump is disposed. The pump, in particular, has a reversible feeding direction and can be damaged by deposits discharged from the liquid additive. The feeding path also has at least one second portion in which a component susceptible to freezing is disposed. At first liquid additive is fed along the feeding path of the device. Subsequently, the feeding of the liquid additive is stopped. The feeding path is then partially emptied in such a way that liquid additive remains in the at least one first portion of the feeding path while the at least one second portion is emptied. A device for providing a liquid additive is also provided.
US10240593B2 Systems and methods of controlling pressure maintenance pumps and data logging pump operations
Controlling the operation of a jockey pump in a fire pump system including a jockey pump controller which includes an electronic circuit board configured to receive a signal indicating a pressure value, and compares the pressure value to a threshold for initiating operation of the jockey pump. The jockey pump controller may further include memory configured to store event statistics indicating information regarding past operation of the jockey pump.
US10240592B2 Portable air compressor
A portable air compressor including a housing, an air compressing assembly within the housing, the air compressing assembly including a switch, a motor, a gear assembly, and a piston, and a storage unit integrated as part of the housing and retaining a power cord and an adapter.
US10240590B2 Pump based fluid flow meter
A fluid flow meter comprising a fluid pump to displace fluid with pumping strokes of one or more pumping stroke types wherein each of the one or more stroke types displaces a known volume of fluid, a sensor functionally associated with a fluid reservoir and adapted to generate a signal indicative of a fluid pumping condition within the fluid reservoir, which fluid reservoir is integral or functionally associated with the pump, and circuitry to trigger one or a sequence of strokes of the pump in response to a signal from the sensor.
US10240588B2 Ultra high pressure pump with an alternating rotation to linear displacement drive mechanism
A high pressure pump including a linear actuator having a servo motor to axially rotate a hollow rotor shaft in alternating directions, the servo motor having a stator positioned co-axially around the hollow rotor shaft with an interior of the rotor shaft being co-axially coupled to a drive member to convert axial rotation into reciprocal displacement, the drive member being constrained against linear movement and supporting a shaft. At least one piston is coupled to the shaft and the piston is arranged within a cylinder to define a pumping chamber, whereby alternating rotation of the rotor shaft causes reciprocal linear displacement of the piston to pressurize fluid in the pumping chamber. A drive mechanism includes a controller coupled to a servomotor and an encoder to measure movement of the hollow rotor or output shaft and send a feedback signal proportional to the movement to the controller.
US10240587B2 Hydrostatic axial piston machine
A hydrostatic axial piston machine includes a pot-like housing, a connection plate that closes the pot-like housing, a rotatably mounted cylinder drum, and pistons arranged in cylinder chambers of the cylinder drum. The cylinder chambers are each alternately connected via a cylinder chamber opening to a low-pressure control opening and a high-pressure control opening of a resting control part. The control part has two switching regions located between the low-pressure and high pressure control openings. A piston reverses its movement direction in a dead center within the two switching regions. In the switching region, the cylinder chambers are connected via a connecting line to a fluid volume arranged in the housing. The fluid volume extends between the connection plate and the housing such that it is sealed to an interior by the connection plate and the housing.
US10240582B2 Wind turbine with a rotor positioning system
The invention provides a wind turbine having a system for positioning the rotor in an azimuthal reference position Azref and for maintaining it therein for a predetermined period of time, the wind turbine being arranged in test mode. Said rotor positioning system comprises a first controller (31) configured to generate a generator speed reference Ωref from the difference between the rotor azimuthal reference position Azref and the rotor azimuthal measured position Azmeas and a second controller (35) configured to generate a generator torque reference Tref from the difference between said generator speed reference Ωref and the generator speed measured Ωmeas.
US10240578B2 Erosion resistant aerodynamic fairing
An erosion resistant aerodynamic fairing for a rotor blade. A fairing body is formed from at least one reinforcing fiber layer set in a cured resin. An erosion resistant pre-form is fixed to an outer surface of the fairing body. The erosion resistant pre-form comprises a thermoplastic film outer layer fused to a fiber substrate. The fiber substrate of the erosion resistant pre-form is impregnated with the cured resin of the fairing body which fixes at the preform to the fairing body.
US10240576B2 Wind turbine noise reduction with acoustically absorbent serrations
A wind turbine blade includes a trailing edge including a radially inboard portion and a radially outboard portion opposite the radially inboard portion. The trailing edge further includes at least one serrated portion extending at least partially between the radially inboard portion and the radially outboard portion. The serrated portion includes at least one substantially acoustically absorbent material.
US10240572B2 Engine starting apparatus
The rotation speed and the crank position of an engine in an engine stopping process are detected; then, in the case where when the detected crank position is at an intermediate point between the top dead center of any one of the cylinders and the top dead center of the cylinder following said one of the cylinders, it is determined that the engine rotation speed is within a predetermined range, drive of the starter is prohibited for a predetermined time period.
US10240571B2 Managing automatic stop/start frequency
An apparatus includes a stop/start module in operative communication with an engine. The stop/start module structured to determine whether a stopping event has occurred, determine whether an inhibiting condition is activated, turn off the engine for at least a portion of time in response to determining that a stopping event has occurred, and determine an actual stop ratio for the engine based on a number of times the engine is turned off in response to determining the occurrences of stopping events. Turning off the engine is inhibited in response to determining that an inhibiting condition is activated. The inhibiting condition is activated based on the actual stop ratio for the engine being greater than a target stop ratio at a beginning of a driving event. The target stop ratio is based on an operating parameter.
US10240570B2 Reciprocating piston internal combustion engine including a sensor system on a gas exchange valve
A reciprocating piston internal combustion engine includes: a sensor system on a gas exchange valve which has a valve head situated at a first end of a valve stem; a lever element which engages at a second end of the valve stem and which is designed to actuate the gas exchange valve by displacing the valve head; a detection element which, upon actuation of the gas exchange valve, is displaced along a displacement path; and a sensor device configured to ascertain a position of the detection element. The sensor device is situated in such a way that the detection element, during a displacement along a portion of the displacement path, moves predominantly in a movement toward the sensor device or away from the same, thereby providing a measurement of valve timing of the gas exchange valve.
US10240563B2 Scavenged gas amount calculation device and internal EGR amount calculation device for internal combustion engine
A scavenged gas amount calculation device for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of accurately calculating a scavenged gas amount under conditions where scavenged gases are produced during a valve overlap time period, and an internal EGR amount calculation device for the engine, which is capable of calculating an internal EGR amount using the scavenged gas amount thus calculated. The internal EGR amount calculation device includes an ECU. The ECU calculates a basic blown-back gas amount using an average intake pressure, a maximum exhaust pressure, and a correction coefficient (step 6), calculates a scavenged gas amount using the average intake pressure, a minimum exhaust pressure, and a scavenge ratio (step 8), calculates a blown-back gas amount by correcting the basic blown-back gas amount by the scavenged gas amount (step 11), and calculates the internal EGR amount according to the blown-back gas amount (step 12).
US10240562B2 Machine system having submersible pumping system, and method
A submersible pumping system in a machine system includes a pumping element, and a drive mechanism for actuating the pumping element. The drive mechanism has an electromagnetic element with a superconducting state at or below a critical temperature. A temperature control jacket and cooling mechanism are provided to pump heat from a heat exchange cavity to cool the drive mechanism to or below a critical temperature less than an ambient temperature in a cryogenic environment.
US10240561B2 Aerodynamic track fairing for a gas turbine engine fan nacelle
A gas turbine engine includes an aerodynamic track fairing adjacent to a convergent-divergent nozzle, the aerodynamic track fairing including a localized curvature along an outside edge. The aerodynamic track fairing is configured to offset a circumferential pressure gradient otherwise introduced in part by a transition between the convergent-divergent nozzle with the aerodynamic track fairing.
US10240560B2 Boot for repair of chevron on nacelle
Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a system that includes a boot configured to attach to a chevron of an aircraft nacelle, and an attachment mechanism configured to attach the boot and the chevron. In some embodiments, a boot includes a first surface and a second surface, where the surfaces are attached by inwardly tapering sidewalls that form an opening that is configured to surround a chevron of an aircraft nacelle. In some embodiments, a repair of a chevron on an exhaust nozzle of an aircraft engine includes placing a chevron-shaped boot with a pocket over at least a portion of a chevron structure on an exhaust nozzle of an aircraft engine, the pocket having a shape that generally conforms to an external surface of the chevron, covering the portion of the chevron structure with the boot, and fastening the boot to the chevron through at least one of bonding or mechanical fastening.
US10240559B2 Piston arrangement and internal combustion engine
A piston arrangement comprising: a piston, a first chamber, a second chamber and a power transfer assembly; wherein the piston comprises a first head movable within the first chamber and a second head movable within the second chamber; wherein, in operation, the piston follows a linear path in reciprocating motion along a first axis; wherein the power transfer assembly comprises a shaft rotatably coupled to a shuttle bearing and arranged to convert the reciprocating motion of the piston to rotary motion of the shaft; wherein the shuttle bearing moves relative to the piston in reciprocating motion along a second axis substantially transverse to the first axis; and wherein the shuttle bearing is coupled to the piston via a non-planar bearing surface thereby allowing rotation of the shuttle bearing.
US10240558B2 Piston for a two-stroke engine working with advanced scavenging and a two-stroke engine
A piston for a two-stroke engine operating with advanced scavenging has a piston base and a piston skirt. The piston has a piston pocket which has a smallest distance (e) from a top side of the piston base. The piston has a section plane perpendicularly to the longitudinal center axis of the piston, the distance of which section plane from the top side of the piston base is greater than the smallest distance (e). A middle plane of the piston intersects the piston skirt at a location. In the circumferential direction between the pocket and this location, a thickened area is arranged in the section plane, the greatest wall thickness of which area is at least 1.1 times the wall thickness at the location. The piston has an edge at a recess at which the piston skirt has a reduced height. A chamfer is arranged on the radially outer side of the piston.
US10240556B2 Piston with cooling gallery cooling insert and method of construction thereof
A piston for an internal combustion engine and method of construction thereof is provided. The piston has a top part and a bottom part. The top part has an upper combustion surface including a top surface with a combustion bowl recessed therein. An annular combustion bowl rim extends between the top surface and a side wall of the combustion bowl. The bottom part has a bottom wall and a pair of pin bosses depending therefrom. The top part is fixed to the bottom part with an annular cooling gallery defined therebetween. The side wall of the combustion bowl has a radially outwardly facing side bounding a portion of the cooling gallery, wherein an annular recessed channel is formed therein adjacent the combustion bowl rim. A cooling ring is disposed in the annular channel. The cooling ring channels coolant adjacent the combustion bowl rim to facilitate cooling the combustion bowl rim.
US10240555B2 Fluid conduit assembly for connecting orthogonally oriented fluid connections
Technology is provided for a fluid conduit assembly for connecting orthogonally oriented connections. The assembly includes a first tube arcuately extending from a first proximal end portion to a first distal end portion. The first proximal end portion includes a first fitting connectable to a first fluid connection. A second tube arcuately extends from a second proximal end portion to a second distal end portion. The second proximal end portion includes a second fitting connectable to a second fluid connection that is orthogonally oriented with respect to the first fluid connection. A coupling connects the first distal end portion and the second distal end portion. The first rigid tube is rotatably positionable with respect to the first fluid connection whereby a first distal axis and a second distal axis are substantially coaxially aligned when the first fitting and second fitting are connected to the first and second fluid connections, respectively.
US10240554B2 Methods and systems for adjusting a direct fuel injector
Methods and systems are provided for reducing direct injector fueling errors due to injection variability in a transition region of a direct injector map. Fuel injection, including usage of one or more direct and port injected fuel pulses, may be planned based on engine operating conditions including engine temperature and driver demand. Responsive to any of the direct injected fuel pulses having a pulse-width that lies in a high variability transition region of the direct injector, the fuel injection may be adjusted via adjustments to a number and/or split ratio of the injections so as to not operate in the transition region.
US10240546B2 Method and device for operating an internal combustion engine
The present disclosure relates to internal combustion engines in general. The teachings may be embodied in methods and devices for operating an internal combustion engine having one or more cylinders which are each assigned gas inlet valves. The method may include: in a first operating state, determining a model temperature of a gas in the intake tract cyclically for a present point in time using a predefined intake pipe model without reference to a present temperature measurement value of the gas; determining a cylinder air mass situated in a respective cylinder after closing the gas exchange valves based at least in part on the model temperature determined for the present point in time; and metering fuel into the respective cylinder based at least in part on the determined cylinder air mass. The model temperature for the present point in time depends at least in part on a model temperature determined for a preceding point in time.
US10240544B2 Adaptive controller using unmeasured operating parameter
The disclosure includes a system that includes a real-time engine model module and an adaptive control module. The real-time engine model module is configured to determine an engine parameter estimate signal based on at least one feedback signal indicative of an operating parameter of an engine. The adaptive control module is configured to receive a power request signal and receive, from the real real-time engine model module, the engine parameter estimate signal. The adaptive control module is further configured to determine a power demand signal based on the power request signal and the engine parameter estimate signal, wherein the adaptive control module is configured to determine the power demand signal based on the power request signal using a set of control laws. The adaptive control module is further configured to output the power demand signal to control at least one component of the engine.
US10240543B2 Integrated ignition and electronic auto-choke module for an internal combustion engine
An integrated ignition and electronic auto-choke module for an internal combustion engine and an internal combustion engine including the same. In one aspect, the module includes a housing that is configured to be mounted to an engine block of an internal combustion engine. The housing may contain at least a portion of a first temperature sensor that measures a first temperature indicative of an engine temperature. The housing may also contain a controller and at least a portion of an ignition circuit. The controller may be coupled to the first temperature sensor and configured to determine a starting position of a choke valve based on the first temperature and operate an actuator to move the choke valve into the starting position accordingly.
US10240542B1 Methods and systems for fuel system monitoring
Methods and systems are provided for detecting a fuel dispensing nozzle coupled to a fuel tank of a vehicle and providing a visual indication of the presence of the fuel dispensing nozzle to a vehicle operator. In one example, a method may include detecting the fuel dispensing nozzle within the fuel tank and illuminating a portion of a fuel tank access region. Further, vehicle operation may be adjusted based on the detection, and one or more alerts may be communicated to the vehicle operator.
US10240536B2 Fluid system
A gas turbine engine is disclosed including a bifurcation fairing located in a bypass duct of the gas turbine engine and traversing the radial extent of the bypass duct. The bifurcation fairing has a delivery conduit inlet leading to a delivery conduit extending inside the bifurcation fairing, the delivery conduit being arranged in use for delivery of bypass air to one or more components of the gas turbine engine. A diverter conduit has a diverter conduit inlet from the delivery conduit upstream of the delivery conduit reaching the one or more components of the gas turbine engine. The diverter conduit has an outlet to a location other than the one or more components of the gas turbine engine.
US10240535B2 Gas turbine silencer, and gas turbine provided with same
A gas turbine and a gas turbine silencer are provided. A silencer panel has a structure that can be divided into an upstream silencer panel and a downstream silencer panel in an airflow direction, a stepped part is defined in an opening-side portion of the downstream silencer panel, and the upstream silencer panel and the downstream silencer panel are linked by the stepped part fitting into an opening in the upstream silencer panel.
US10240532B2 Frame junction cooling holes
A module for a gas turbine engine comprises a frame and a frame cooling system. The frame includes a circumferentially distributed plurality of radially extending struts. Each strut is joined to an outer frame section at an outer frame junction, and joined to an inner frame section at an inner frame junction. The frame cooling system comprises an inlet, a plurality of cooling air passages extending from the inlet radially through each of the plurality of frame struts; and an outlet. The outlet is in fluid communication with at least one of the cooling air passages and includes a film cooling hole formed through the frame proximate the outer frame junction.
US10240531B2 Heat exchange module for a turbine engine
A heat exchange module is provided for a turbine engine. The heat exchange module includes a duct and a plurality of heat exchangers. The duct includes a flowpath defined radially between a plurality of concentric duct walls. The flowpath extends along an axial centerline through the duct between a first duct end and a second duct end. The heat exchangers are located within the flowpath, and arranged circumferentially around the centerline.
US10240530B2 Container for a system for storing and restoring heat, comprising a double wall formed from concrete
The invention relates to a container (200) for a heat storage and restitution system, comprising a vessel in which a gas is circulating in order to be cooled or heated. The vessel is limited by a first jacket formed from concrete (203) surrounded by a thermally insulating layer (206), which is itself surrounded by a steel shell (204). The vessel comprises at least two modules (210), each comprising a double wall formed from concrete and a perforated base (205) limiting at least two volumes (217 and 216) which are each capable of containing a fixed bed of particles of a material for storage and restitution of heat (207). The modules are disposed one above the other in a centered manner such that the double wall formed from concrete forms the first jacket formed from concrete (203) and a second jacket formed from concrete (215).
US10240528B2 Filtration system and method for cleaning the intake air of a gas turbine
In a filtration system, in particular for cleaning the intake air of a gas turbine, including a flow channel surrounded by walls with an inflow opening and an outflow opening, a partition wall with at least two openings between a dirty side and a clean side which is positioned between the inflow opening and the outflow opening and limited by the walls of the flow channel, and at least two filters for purifying a flowing fluid. At least one filter is installed at a first opening on the dirty side of the partition wall and at least one filter at a second opening on the clean side of the partition wall.
US10240516B2 System for wastegate control
Methods and systems are provided for controlling a wastegate coupled to a turbine. In one example, a method may include during steady engine operation, actuating a wastegate to introduce an oscillation in boost pressure, and updating gain of a wastegate feedback controller responsive to the oscillation in boost pressure.
US10240514B2 Water-cooled intercooler system using air conditioning system and control method thereof
A water-cooled intercooler system using an air conditioning system, may include a water-cooled intercooler for cooling intake air compressed in a turbocharger by cooling water, a water pump for supplying the cooling water to the water-cooled intercooler, and a radiator of the water-cooled intercooler for cooling the cooling water by traveling wind or fan wind, wherein the intercooler system may include a bypass line allowing a condenser of the air conditioning system and a compressor of the air conditioning system to fluidly communicate with each other and passing through the interior of a surge tank of the radiator of the water-cooled intercooler.
US10240512B2 Rankine cycle system
A rankine cycle system includes: an internal combustion engine; a gas-liquid separator; a first pump; a steam generator; a superheater; an expander; a condenser; a first control valve; and a controller.
US10240506B2 Estimating nitrogen oxide values for vehicles
Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for estimating nitrogen oxide values for vehicles. In accordance with one embodiment, a system includes a memory and a processor. The memory is configured to store one or more kinetic models pertaining to a propulsion system for a vehicle. The processor is configured to at least facilitate obtaining a nitrogen value pertaining to a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) unit of the propulsion system, obtaining an initial nitrogen oxide measurement via a nitrogen oxide sensor of the propulsion system, using the nitrogen value as an input for the one or more kinetic models pertaining to the propulsion system, generating a kinetic model output from the one or more kinetic models, and estimating an updated value for the initial nitrogen oxide measurement based on the kinetic model output.
US10240500B2 Exhaust system for a compression ignition engine having a capture face for volatilised platinum
An oxidation catalyst for treating an exhaust gas produced by a compression ignition engine comprising: a substrate having an inlet end surface and an outlet end surface; a catalytic material disposed on the substrate, wherein the catalytic material comprises platinum (Pt); and a capture material, wherein the capture material is disposed on the outlet end surface.
US10240495B2 Latch pin assembly; rocker arm arrangement using latch pin assembly; and assembling methods
A rocker arm for engaging a cam in a valve actuation arrangement includes a latch pin assembly having includes a latch pin, retainer, and biasing mechanism. The latch pin has a pin body with a head and a tail at the second end; the body defining an open volume; the tail having an open mouth in communication with the open volume of the body; and the open volume having a non-circular cross-section. The retainer has a male engagement portion and an outer portion. The male engagement portion is within the open volume of the body through the open mouth. The male engagement portion has a non-circular cross section. The outer portion is non-removably secured to an outer arm of the rocker arm. The biasing mechanism is oriented in the open volume of the body and between and against the latch pin and the retainer.
US10240491B2 Control system of engine
A control system of an engine is provided. The control system includes an exhaust variable valve mechanism for changing an operation mode of an exhaust valve, a fuel injection controlling module for controlling a fuel injector to inject fuel at a fuel injection timing associated with an operating state of the engine, a variable valve mechanism controlling module for operating the exhaust valve via the exhaust variable valve mechanism in a first operation mode when the operating state of the engine is within a compression self-ignition range, and in a second operation mode when the operating state of the engine is within a spark-ignition range, and a first in-cylinder state quantity estimating module for estimating a first state quantity inside the cylinder relating to a burned gas amount within the cylinder.
US10240489B2 Variable valve mechanism of internal combustion engine
A variable valve mechanism of an internal combustion engine includes a camshaft having a general shaft part and a cam part arranged next to each other in an axial direction, an input arm that swings when pressed by the cam part, an output arm that is swingably mounted and that drives a valve when swinging, and a switch device that switches the variable valve mechanism between a coupled state where the input arm and the output arm are coupled to swing together and an uncoupled state. The output arm has a great height so that clearance between the output arm and the general shaft part is 3 mm or less when the variable valve mechanism is in the coupled state and the valve is closed. If the output arm bounces in the uncoupled state, the output arm comes into contact with the general shaft part through the clearance.
US10240488B2 Exhaust gas system for a motor vehicle
An exhaust gas system for a motor vehicle may include an exhaust gas aftertreatment device communicating fluidically with an exhaust gas evaporation device. The exhaust gas aftertreatment device and the exhaust gas evaporation device may be arranged in one or more housings. A connecting line may be provided to fluidically connect the exhaust gas aftertreatment device to the exhaust gas evaporation device. The connecting line may include a fluid inlet connected to the exhaust gas aftertreatment device and a fluid outlet connected to the exhaust gas evaporation device. An evaporation bypass line may branch off from the connection line at a branching-off point. A valve apparatus may be arranged in at least the connecting line and may be adjustable between a first position to fluidly connect the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet, and a second position to fluidly connect the fluid inlet to the evaporator bypass line.
US10240481B2 Angled cut to direct radiative heat load
A fairing (118) comprises an inner platform (122), an outer platform (120), a plurality of vane bodies (124), and a flange (126). The inner and outer rings define radially inner and outer boundaries of an airflow path. The vane bodies extend radially from the inner platform to the outer platform. The flange extends radially outward from the outer platform, and is defined by a frustoconical surface (S) extending radially inward and axially aft from a substantially radial upstream surface.
US10240480B2 Variable turbine geometry vane with single-axle, self-centering pivot feature
A vane pack assembly (25) for a variable geometry turbocharger (10) including a an upper vane ring (28) and a lower vane ring (30) and a plurality of single-axle, self-centering adjustable guide vanes (26) disposed in a turbine housing (20). The plurality of guide vanes (26) include a post (50) having a vane (52) formed integrally therewith. Each post (50) includes a convex self-centering pivot feature (56a, 56b) at one end adapted to seat in a complementary shaped concave self-centering pivot recess (48) of the lower vane ring. The vanes (52) are positioned between the upper and lower vane rings (28, 30) and pivot to control exhaust flow to a turbine wheel. The self-centering pivot features compensate for movement or deformation of the turbine housing (20) and vane rings (28, 30) due to the effects of differential thermal expansion.
US10240479B2 Variable area turbine arrangement for a gas turbine engine
A variable area turbine arrangement according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first turbine section having at least a first variable vane row and a second turbine section downstream from the first turbine section and having at least a second variable vane row. A transition duct is disposed between the first turbine section and the second turbine section.
US10240475B2 Heat shields for air seals
An outer air seal includes a seal wall, a heat shield, a side wall and a blade seal disposed radially inward of the seal wall. The seal wall has axially opposed first and second ends. The heat shield is radially outward of the seal wall and has first and second ends axially opposed ends. The second end of the heat shield is joined to the second end of the seal wall. The side wall is between the seal wall and the heat shield and spaces the first ends of the heat shield and the seal wall apart to form an inner cavity therebetween. Inner and outer diameter ends of the side wall are joined to the first ends of the seal wall and of the heat shield, respectively. The heat shield is configured to thermally isolate an outer case from the inner cavity and the seal wall.
US10240473B2 Bifurcated sliding seal
The present disclosure relates generally to a sliding seal between two components. The sliding seal includes a first seal section and an uncoupled second seal section which allows the first and second seal sections to move relative to one another during relative movement between the two components.
US10240472B2 Brush seal for a turbomachine
A brush seal for a turbomachine includes a support that has a recess, in which a spring element is clamped axially, which fastens a brush element, where the spring element is axially locked at an undercut in the recess.
US10240470B2 Baffle for gas turbine engine vane
A vane structure includes an airfoil section with a first inner airfoil wall surface and a second inner airfoil wall surface. A baffle is mounted within the airfoil section between the first inner airfoil wall surface and the second inner airfoil wall surface.
US10240468B2 Turbine engine vane arrangement having a plurality of interconnected vane arrangement segments
A turbine engine vane arrangement and a method for manufacturing a turbine engine vane arrangement are provided. The vane arrangement includes a plurality of vane arrangement segments arranged circumferentially around an axial centerline. Each of the vane arrangement segments includes an airfoil that extends radially between a first platform segment and a second platform segment. The first platform segment extends circumferentially between a first mate face and a second mate face. The first mate face of a first of the vane arrangement segments is bonded to the second mate face of a second of the vane arrangement segments.
US10240466B2 Fiber preform for a hollow turbine engine vane
A fiber preform for a hollow turbine engine vane, the preform including a main fiber structure obtained by three-dimensional weaving and including at least one main part, wherein the main part extends from a first link strip, includes a first main longitudinal portion forming a pressure side wall of an airfoil, an U-turn bend portion forming a leading edge or a trailing edge of the airfoil, a second main longitudinal portion facing the first main longitudinal portion and forming a suction side wall of the airfoil, and terminating at a second link strip. The first and second link strips are secured to each other and form a link portion of the main fiber structure. The main longitudinal portions are spaced apart so as to form a gap between the main longitudinal portions forming a hollow in the airfoil.
US10240465B2 Cooling circuits for a multi-wall blade
A trailing edge cooling system for a multi-wall blade, including: a set of outward legs extending toward a trailing edge of the multi-wall blade and fluidly coupled to a coolant feed; a set of return legs extending away from the trailing edge of the multi-wall blade and fluidly coupled to a coolant collection passage; and a connecting system for fluidly coupling the set of outward legs and the set of return legs; wherein the set of outward legs is radially offset from the set of return legs along a radial axis of the multi-wall blade.
US10240453B2 Solid state phase change flasking for a downhole tool component
A heat sink of solid state phase change material for a heat sensitive downhole tool component. The heat sink may be of a polyhydric alcohol based or other suitable material which is capable of undergoing a phase change from one solid form to another. That is, the phase change material need not undergo a phase change into a liquid form in order to absorb well heat and provide substantial protection to the heat sensitive downhole tool component. Thus, cost effectiveness, manufacturability and performance may all be enhanced which may be particularly advantageous where the component is of a single application use variety.
US10240451B2 Downhole tomographic imaging
A tomographic imaging apparatus utilizes Compton backscattering to evaluate cement behind the casing. The imaging apparatus includes a slant-hole or pin-hole collimator coupled to a series of detectors in order to count the number of photons that backscatter off from the cement. The number of backscattered photons is proportional to the density of the cement behind the casing. Using the photon count, an image processing unit of the imaging apparatus generates a 2D or 3D tomographic image of the borehole.
US10240449B1 Methods and materials for hydraulic fracturing
Compositions and methods are provided for treatment of a wellbore in a subterranean formation. Exemplary compositions comprise a mixture of particles, some of the particles being degradable and other particles being elongated, having good compressive strength, and not being readily degradable at the conditions of the formation. The mixture of particles can temporarily bridge or plug fractures within the formation, and thus acts as a temporary diversion agent. After the degradable particles dissolve, the particles which are not readily degradable can remain in the fracture, helping to keep the fracture open and acting as a proppant.
US10240448B2 Smart frac plug system and method
A frac plug system for use at the end of well drill string in a fractured underground formation, including an elongated mandrel body, a nose cone, a mandrel head, and a sealing assembly; at least one sensor positioned on the nose cone, the sensor being optionally a temperature sensor, pressure sensor, pH sensor, or fluid composition sensor; a battery operated microcontroller located in the mandrel body, the microcontroller constructed and arranged to periodically read the data output of the sensor and store the data from the sensor; a transmitter constructed and arranged to transmit the stored data from the set of sensors to a receiver on a pup joint when the receiver is in receiving range of said transmitter, the receiver constructed and arranged to write the transmitted stored data to an electronic memory; and whereby the data may be retrieved from the electronic memory.
US10240446B2 Reverse flow seat forming apparatus and method
A seat forming apparatus for use in a downhole tool comprising a driving member and dog elements that are disposed and movable within an outer housing of the downhole tool has been disclosed. The dog elements align in grooves recessed in the outer housing of the downhole tool in a first position and disengage from the grooves in a second position. The driving member travels in a reverse direction and enables the dog elements to move from the first position to the second position and form a seat in the downhole tool. The seat formed has an inner diameter smaller than the restriction element to allow the restriction element to be seated.
US10240439B2 Running tool and liner hanger contingency release mechanism
A running tool for installing a liner in a wellbore of the type which can be disconnected from the liner by applying a weight down condition to the tool and rotating the work string in the right-hand direction.
US10240438B2 Subsea horizontal connection arrangement
A horizontal connection arrangement for subsea connection of a first hub arranged on a first subsea module to a second hub arranged on a second subsea module. The first hub is fixed to a first holding unit and the second hub is fixed to a second holding unit. A sliding unit is slidably mounted to the first holding unit so as to be horizontally moveable in relation to the first holding unit. A connector for connecting and securing the first hub to the second hub is mounted to the sliding unit and horizontally moveable together with the sliding unit between a retracted position, in which an outer end of the first hub projects beyond a front side of the connector, and an advanced position, in which the outer end of the first hub is received inside the connector.
US10240436B2 Method of treating subterranean formation
A method of treating a subterranean formation, including obtaining information of a subterranean formation, generating a three-dimensional model of at least a portion of the subterranean formation, and performing an experiment on the three-dimensional model. The three-dimensional model may be constructed by x-ray scanning of a core of the subterranean formation, and by additive manufacturing using the obtained x-ray image. The subterranean formation may be treated using a treatment designed based upon the experiments performed on the three-dimensional model.
US10240435B2 Electrical generator and electric motor for downhole drilling equipment
An electrical generator positionable downhole in a well bore includes a tubular housing having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, the housing having an internal passageway with a plurality of layers. The layers comprise at least a first protective layer, a second protective layer, and an electrically conductive layer positioned between the first and second protective layers. The layers define an internal cavity. A shaft with magnetic inserts is movably positioned in the internal cavity. Electrical current is generated when the shaft is moved. Alternatively, the device may be supplied with electrical power and used as a downhole motor.
US10240434B2 Junction-conveyed completion tooling and operations
An assembly and method for completion of lateral wellbores is disclosed. The completion assembly includes a junction fitting with main and lateral legs, and a lateral completion string and anchoring device connected to the downhole end of the lateral leg and the uphole end of the junction fitting, respectively. A working string, positioned within the lateral leg, anchoring device, and lateral completion string, includes a setting tool that is removably connected to the anchoring device and a completion tool assembly located within the lateral completion string. The completion assembly is run by the working string into the wellbore. After setting the anchoring device, the working string conveys the completion tool assembly within the lateral completion string for gravel packing, fracturing, frac-packing, acidizing, cementing, perforating, and inflating packers, for example. After wellbore completion, the completion tool assembly is removed through the lateral leg of the junction fitting.
US10240420B2 Method for recovering tubular structures from a well and a downhole tool string
This invention relates to a method for recovering a tubular structure (3) from a well (1), wherein a so-called free point is defined as the location where the tubular structure is stuck in the well. The method comprising providing a downhole tool string comprising a pipe-severing tool and an upper part of the downhole tool string; lowering the downhole tool string into the tubular structure to release the free pipe. Before the step of triggering the pipe-severing tool to sever the tubular structure, the method includes releasing the pipe-severing tool and subsequent withdrawing the upper part, of the downhole tool string away from the free point towards the surface over at least a predefined distance. The invention relates to a downhole tool string for use in such method.
US10240417B2 Well tool
The present invention provides a tool (1) for removing metal debris from a well bore, comprising a magnet element (2), rotation generating means (5), a debris removal unit (3) and a debris container (6), wherein the magnet element comprises a cylinder-shaped housing (10) having a first end (7) and a second end (8); the debris removal unit (3) comprises a first helix-shaped longitudinal guide element (4) arranged around the cylinder-shaped housing; the rotation generating means (5) are operably connected to the cylinder-shaped housing or the first helix-shaped longitudinal guide element; the debris container (6) comprises a first opening (9) arranged at the second end (8) of the cylinder-shaped housing, wherein the cylinder-shaped housing (10), or the first helix-shaped longitudinal guide element (4), is rotatable around its centerline (C), and configured such that metal debris accumulating on the cylinder-shaped housing during use is guided by the first helix-shaped longitudinal guide element towards the first opening (9) of the debris container when the rotation generating means are operated.
US10240414B2 Regulating downhole fluid flow rate using an multi-segmented fluid circulation system model
A method for regulating a downhole fluid flow rate, in at least some embodiments, comprises partitioning a fluid circulation system into a sequence of segments, the sequence including a pump segment at one end and a drill bit segment at another end; obtaining a desired pressure for the drill bit segment; determining, for each of the segments in the sequence except for the drill bit segment, a desired pressure based at least in part on the desired pressure for a preceding segment in the sequence; determining a pump setting based on the desired pressure for the pump segment; and applying the pump setting to a pump used to move drilling fluid through the fluid circulation system.
US10240413B2 Non-contact flow rate measurement of fluid using surface feature image analysis
Comparative image analysis is utilized to determine the flow rate of fluids, such as, for example, drilling fluid, completion fluid or hydrocarbons. As fluid flows through a conduit or open trough, a flow rate measurement device illuminates the surface of the fluid. Images of common surface features are then acquired at some time interval. Thereafter, the displacement of the common surface features in the images is analyzed to determine the flow rate of the fluid. Thus, non-contact flow rate measurements of opaque and non-opaque fluids are obtained.
US10240410B1 Hydraulic filtration and pressure testing device
A floating vessel with a filtration and testing device integral thereon, for simultaneously performing cleaning of fluid used in the oil and natural gas industry for completions, workovers, and commissioning of wells while simultaneously pressure testing of two separate groups of pressurized equipment using fluid cleaned by the filtration and testing device. The floating vessel having a hull with a support structure mounted thereto which contains a cleaning cycle assembly and a pressure testing cycle assembly connected in parallel to a controller for cleaning fluid and regulating pressure by comparing fluid pressures to preset limits. The controller regulates cleaning of first and second dirty hydraulic fluids and regulates pressure of cleaned hydraulic fluids and secondary fluids for pressure testing of the two different groups of pressurized equipment simultaneously.
US10240406B2 Dual-walled running string for electric devices with power transmission through running string
Arrangements for transmitting electrical operating power to a downhole electrically operated tool via a dual-walled conductive running string.
US10240405B2 Fluid flow control systems and methods
A fluid flow control assembly includes a first pipe-in-pipe assembly comprising an inner tubular member disposed in an outer tubular member, wherein the inner tubular member comprises an inner bore and an annulus is formed between the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member, a terminating bulkhead assembly coupled to the first pipe-in-pipe assembly, wherein fluid communication is provided between a bore of the bulkhead assembly and the inner bore of the inner tubular member while fluid communication is restricted between the bore of the bulkhead assembly and the annulus of the first pipe-in-pipe assembly, and an annulus conduit coupled to a radial port of the first pipe-in-pipe assembly, wherein fluid communication is provided between the annulus conduit and the annulus of the first pipe-in-pipe assembly while fluid communication is restricted between the annulus conduit and the inner bore of the inner tubular member.
US10240400B1 Mini-riser for SCR coiled tubing and wireline interventions
A novel configuration of lightly tensioned or substantially untensioned, i.e. substantially compliant mini-riser is provided to facilitate coiled tubing and/or wireline interventions in rigid catenary riser installations. Those can include in particular clearing hydrates that may accidentally plug risers or subsea pipelines connected to those risers. Existing Intervention Y units can be used, or they can be modified to suit design condition of particular installations.The mini-riser can be used with flexible joint hang-offs, Titanium Stress Joint hang-offs or with novel Spoolflex hang-offs.
US10240399B2 Downhole drill bit cutting element with chamfered ridge
A cutting element for a drill bit is advanceable into a subterranean formation to form a wellbore. The cutting element includes an element body having a face at an end thereof, and a ridge. The element body has a face at an end thereof. The face has a ramp and a pair of side regions thereon. The ramp has a curved edge along a periphery of the face and two sides. Each of the two sides extends from opposite ends of the curved edge and converges at a location along the face. The face has a chamfer along a peripheral edge thereof. The ridge is between the chamfer and the location. Each of the pair of side regions is positioned on opposite sides of the ridge and extends between the periphery, the ridge, and one of the two sides of the ramp whereby the chamfer engages a wall of the wellbore and extrudate is drawn along the pair of side regions.
US10240394B1 Slip-resistant support base and method of making
A slip-resistant support base and method of making and using such a support base. A slip-resistant support base may include a resilient pad having an exposed lower expanse opposite an upper pad surface, the lower expanse being characterized by a two-dimensional distribution of downwardly open concave recesses having rims forming a lower extremity of the support base. The lower expanse may be made by shearing off a layer of a first major face of a pad of resilient closed cell foam to expose an expanse of cut cells. In some examples, the support base includes a body and the resilient pad as a resilient substrate. The body is preferably configured to support an external object positioned on a body upper surface. The resilient substrate is preferably attached to and extends along at least a portion of a body lower surface. The resilient substrate lower expanse is opposite the body lower surface.
US10240393B2 Thermal expansion and contraction system
A thermal expansion and contraction system secures cables to a ladder rung. The thermal expansion and contraction system includes a cable grip secured to the ladder rung. The cable grip includes a protective grommet for holding cables to the ladder rung, a metal plate and wire forms to secure the protective grommet to the metal plate. The thermal expansion and contraction system also includes a cable divider secured to the ladder rung to maintaining separation of cables and a cable containment clamp secured to the ladder rung.
US10240392B2 Vertically oriented ladder apparatus for allowing a climber to adopt an improved climbing stance in use
A vertically orientated ladder apparatus allowing a climber to adopt an improved climbing stance wherein the climber's arms are poised economically in front of the climber within the climbing passage; the climber's legs are spread for the lateral stability of the climber so as to reduce the tendency of the climber falling sideways; and the climber is substantially upright such that the climber's center of gravity lies substantially between the opposing steps (11) so as to allow the climber to release the climber's grip on the hand rails (14) while remaining balanced and supported by the legs of the climber. Opposing steps (11) are level or staggered. Embodiments include three or four stiles (12, 15).
US10240386B2 Automatic vehicle door opening and closing system
An automatic vehicle door opening and closing system is a system for a vehicle having a controller with at least one button for each door having the system installed, that allows the driver of the vehicle to open or close a preferred door on the vehicle without leaving the driver's seat. A lockout circuit prevents the doors from opening with the automatic function while the vehicle is in motion though the doors may be opened manually if not locked using the vehicle's own door lock system.
US10240380B1 Adornment for door stop and door stop with interchangeable adornment
A door stop includes an elongated body defining an axis, at least one attachment structure disposed near a first end of the elongated body, and at least one adornment coupler. The adornment coupler can include a channel formed in the elongated body parallel to its axis and having a cross-section in the shape of an inverted “T”. The adornment coupler enables different adornments to be interchangeably attached to the door stop. An adornment of the invention includes a decorative portion and a mounting structure coupled to the decorative portion. The mounting structure is configured to removably engage a complementary adornment coupler (e.g., the channel) of the door stop, whereby the adornment can be mounted to the door stop.
US10240379B2 Hinge for pieces of furniture with deactivatable deceleration device
A hinge for pieces of furniture with deceleration device, comprising a fixed part which is adapted to be connected to the body of a piece of furniture, a moveable part which is adapted to be connected to a leaf of the piece of furniture, the fixed part and the movable part being mutually articulated by way of at least one connecting oscillating rocker, a decelerator being further provided; the decelerator comprises elements for at least partial deactivation of deceleration, which are adapted to uncouple the rocker from the decelerator.
US10240377B2 Hinge device and hinge device base
Provided is a hinge device easy to machine and manufacture. A shaft guiding recessed section and a fitting recessed section are formed on a first face of substrate of a hinge device base. As a first position adjusting mechanism, a substrate side guiding section is provided on a bottom face of the shaft guiding recessed section, and a first adjusting shaft is provided between the substrate and a first movable member. A first shaft-side guiding section of the first adjusting shaft engages with the substrate side guiding section by being accommodated in the shaft guiding recessed section, and a first shaft part of the first adjusting shaft rotatably engages with the first movable member. A fitting section is provided in the first movable member, and the fitting section is inserted into the fitting recessed section so as to be able to slide in a first direction.
US10240373B2 Modular latch system
A modular latch system has an activation module comprising an activation rod, a latch module comprising a biased latch, and a control cable connecting the activation module to the latch module so that rotation of the activation rod can retract the latch.
US10240372B2 Door latch for an electrical household appliance, for example a washing machine
A door latch for an electrical household appliance includes a latch housing in which a gripping unit is received. The door latch further includes a first arresting element which is received in the latch housing such that it is movable between a release position and an arresting position. In the arresting position, the first arresting element blocks the gripping unit to prevent rotation into the open rotational position and, in the release position, permits a rotation of the gripping unit into the open rotational position. A second arresting element is received in the latch housing such that it is movable between an unlocking position and a locking position. In the locking position, the second arresting element effects a blocking of the first arresting element to prevent rotation into the release position, in the unlocking position, the second arresting element permits such a movement of the first arresting element.
US10240366B2 Electronic lock
An electronic lock defines an open position and a closed position and includes a mobile carriage moveable in a linear manner. The mobile carriage is coupled to a closure element and to an actuation mechanism. A first spring is provided between the mobile carriage and the closure element and is configured to move in relation to the mobile carriage. A lock sensor is provided for controlling the position of the closure element. An electronic control module is connected to the sensor for identifying non-authorized manipulations of the lock when it should be closed. The lock sensor detects when the closure element is in the open position or, if it should be open, the lock sensor does not detect when the closure element is in the open position.
US10240365B2 Electronic lock system having proximity mobile device
An electronic lock, such as a deadbolt, with a locking device movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The lock includes a key fob including a RFID circuit indicative of a valid access code for the locking device. A circuit is provided that is configured to control movement of the locking device between the locked position and the unlocked position. The circuit includes a sensor, such as a contract sensor or a proximity sensor, which detects when a user is within range of a RFID device. When this happens, the sensor is configured to generate an electrical signal, which is used to activate the RFID device for a predetermined period of time. If the RFID device reads a valid access code, the device is unlocked.
US10240358B2 Water treatment and purification system and methods thereof
A modular antimicrobial and antifungal treatment system for a spa or pool includes a main module. The main module comprising a transition metal mesh configured to allow fluid to enter and exit the main module. An anti-microbial and antifungal plastic material arranged in an interior portion of the main module. Individual modules in the main module includes a time release anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, or both, components, a sea salt component, and an adsorbent material. Further, a modular antimicrobial and antifungal treatment system for a spa or pool includes a support member coupled to the main module configured to hold the main module within an interior portion of a filter.
US10240356B2 Narrow edge lifting insert
A lifting insert, particularly for embedment in the edges of thin concrete elements is disclosed. The insert has a head at one end which has a through aperture for the connection of a co-operating lifting link and another end for embedment within the concrete. The head of the insert has an interior region bounded on each side by an exterior region which extends to the longitudinal edges of the insert. The exterior region is thicker than the interior region and the boundary between the two regions defines an abutment surface. The thickness and width of the interior region is dimensioned to allow the lifting link to be connected to the head of the insert and the thickness of the outer region is dimensioned so as to restrict the rotation of the lifting link when a load is applied normal to the axis of the insert, and to effectively transfer the load by a couple developed across the full cross-section of the insert e.g. when tilting the concrete element from a horizontal position to a vertical position.
US10240353B2 Shipping system with pre-hung door
A shipping system for a pre-hung door having a door panel hinged to a frame. The shipping system includes a bracket configured to wrap at least partially around a portion of the frame, the bracket having a first leg for extending between the door panel and the frame. The first leg may include an opening passing therethrough. The opening is intended to align with an edge bore of the door panel and with a catch bore in the frame. The shipping system also includes a door plug for insertion into a face bore of the door panel to reside at least partially within the edge bore of the door panel. The door plug is designed to releasably engage the opening of the bracket by rotation of the door plug. The bracket is removable from the pre-hung door after the pre-hung door is installed in a rough opening.
US10240349B2 Mechanical locking system for floor panels
Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a vertical locking system on short edges comprising a displaceable tongue that is displaced in one direction into a tongue groove during vertical displacement of two panels. The displaceable tongue may be provided in a sidewardly open displacement groove at an edge of a building panel, the displaceable tongue including a main body extending along the edge of the panel and a tongue locking surface located at an upper and outer part of the tongue.
US10240347B2 Apparatus for improving the acoustics of an interior space, a system incorporating said apparatus and method of using said apparatus
An acoustic panel for use in an interior space is disclosed along with a system and method for using two or more of such panels to improve the acoustics of the interior space. Each acoustic panel comprises a substrate and a plurality of nodules affixed to the substrate wherein each nodule has a width and a substantially right triangular shape across the entire width with a first leg of the right triangular shape substantially perpendicular to the substrate, a base of the right triangular shape substantially parallel to the substrate and a hypotenuse, the first leg of each nodule having a height that is substantially less than a length of a quarter wave formed in the interior space by a lower frequency signal. For any one particular acoustic panel, the nodules are oriented such that their hypotenuse slopes right, left, down or up as determined for each nodule by a predetermined, generally desired direction for redirecting the sound while providing fractal-chaotic differentiality in the portion of the sound waves that are reflected by the acoustic panel.
US10240342B2 Building panel for ceilings or walls
A building panel for a wall or ceiling is provided. The panel comprises a first plate forming a front of the panel, a second plate forming a rear of the panel, and a core structure positioned between the first plate and the second plate and being adhesively bonded to the first plate and the second plate. The panel further comprises an attachment member for attaching the panel to a wall or ceiling or to a structure attached to a wall or ceiling, and a mechanical fastening device which extends between and mechanically fastens the first plate to the second plate and/or the attachment member.
US10240339B1 Mobile cellular transmission system
A portable cellular site includes a modular shelter having pre-configured equipment to communicate with a telecommunication facility, wherein the shelter is combinable with one or more additional modular units, wherein the modular unit and the modular shelter conforms to at least one common dimension associated with a standard International Organization for Standardization (ISO) freight container.
US10240335B2 Self-draining support beam
A structural support beam having a top wall joined to a side wall at an angle substantially different from a right angle. When installed in a facility or machine with the side wall parallel to a vertical reference, no surface on the support beam is parallel to a horizontal reference, thereby providing for rapid and thorough draining of water deposited on any surface of the beam. Some beam embodiments place the top wall at an angle of about twenty degrees above a horizontal reference when the beam is installed. Alternatively, the top wall may be at an angle of about twenty degrees below the horizontal reference. Some beam embodiments have an open side. Alternatively, a bottom wall may be attached to a side wall to form a tubular support beam. A support beam may include a lower beam joined to an upper beam by a connector bar.
US10240333B2 Backwater valve assembly and method
The present disclosure is directed to a backwater valve assembly comprising a main valve body, a flapper sub-assembly, and a cap. The main valve body has an inner wall that can define a recess into which the flapper sub-assembly can be removably secured. The flapper sub-assembly includes at least one flapper element that can pivot between an open position, in which the flapper element allows fluid to flow through the backwater valve assembly, and a closed position, in which the flapper element prevents fluid from flowing in the opposite direction. The flapper sub-assembly can be removably coupled to the cap to allow the flapper sub-assembly and cap to be installed in or removed from the main valve body together as a unitary assembly.
US10240330B2 Compact drain snake
A drain snake may include a hollow body having a rearward end and a forward end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the rearward and forward ends. The forward end has a cable feed passage. The drain snake may further include a cable having a first portion coiled in the body around the axis in a location between the rearward and forward ends. The cable has a second portion extending out of the feed passage of the forward end of the hollow body. The drain snake also include a fastener extending through the body at the forward end and into the feed passage to secure and release the cable.
US10240327B2 Passive-fluid dosing assembly
A passive fluid dosing assembly and system is provided. The passive fluid dosing system may include a passive dosing body, a pressure plate, and a treatment enclosure. The passive dosing body may define a primary flow path and a liquid treatment path. The primary flow path may be defined between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The liquid treatment path may be defined between a high pressure port and a low pressure port, bypassing a portion of the primary flow path. The pressure plate may be disposed within the passive dosing body between the high pressure port and the low pressure port. The pressure plate may define an internal orifice. The treatment enclosure may be positioned in fluid communication between the high pressure port and the low pressure port along the liquid treatment path. The treatment enclosure may define a solute chamber housing a dosed media.
US10240323B2 Surroundings monitoring system, work vehicle, and surroundings monitoring method
A surroundings monitoring system includes: a detection device that is disposed in a work vehicle and configured to be able to detect an object around the work vehicle; an acquisition unit that acquires a command signal indicating an operation checking mode for inspecting the detection device; a determining unit that determines a quality of an operating state of the detection device based on a detection result of the detection device after the command signal is acquired; and a display device that displays identification information of the detection device of which the operating state is determined to be not good by the determining unit.
US10240315B2 Tieback anchor alignment and access device
A tieback alignment and access device has a hollow core and vertically aligned angled anchor subassemblies that provide attachment points for tieback anchors that pass laterally through the hollow core. The hollow core is configured to allow a cutting tool (e.g., a drill bit) to be inserted therein longitudinally and used to cut the tieback anchors at any time. When cast into a contiguous temporary support-of-excavation wall, the angled anchor subassemblies are set back from an outwardly facing surface of the wall resulting in a smooth surface.
US10240314B2 Apparatus and method to enhance the utility of hydrodynamic compaction machine
An apparatus intended for incorporation as a module within ground improvement pokers such as those already patented (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,554,543 and 8,419,316) in order to enhance the field performance of those hydrodynamic compactors by either improving their ground penetration capability, and/or, maintaining or recovering the permeability of their outer seepage filtration element; involving a method which can be activated remotely at the operator's discretion, while those parent devices are at depth within the earth. This apparatus and method may have application in water well installations and reviving flow in oil wells.
US10240311B2 Contraction and confinement of oil slicks on water, including water where ice is present, using non-ionic surfactants
Methods for reducing the size of an oil slick on a water surface or on a water surface when ice is present are described. Spreading of oil can be reversed by reducing the surface tension of the seawater, for example, by using a low concentration of at least one water-soluble surfactant, such as a non-ionic surfactant. A controlled amount of the surfactant or surfactant mixture may be discharged over time at the inner-wall of a spill control boom surrounding the oil spill, or within the vicinity of the oil spill in the absence of control booms using a soaker hose or a floating polyethylene or polypropylene hose impregnated with surfactant, whereby the confinement and contraction of the oil slick is maintained by compensating for dissolved surfactant and surfactant moving away from the oil slick. Water-soluble surfactants are typically solids or gels at low temperatures when no organic co-solvent is added to the surfactant. The solid or gel form is advantageous for generating slow, but continuous release of surfactant, and thus there is no need for an organic co-solvent. This is not the situation for oil-soluble surfactants, which require an organic co-solvent to be successfully applied at low temperatures. Mixing oil-soluble surfactants with water-soluble surfactants may overcome the problem of dispersing oil-soluble surfactant without an organic co-solvent at low temperatures.
US10240310B2 Berm or levee expansion system and method
A system and method to create or elevate a berm of a liquid retention facility by placement of lightweight liquid impervious. The system and method can also be used to elevate the liquid retention height of the berm in combination with impervious liner retention material. By constructing the berm system on an existing levee, the effective height of the levee can be increased. The lightweight fill material provides the shape of the berm or levee extension. The liquid impervious liner material provides a watertight surface, the media for joining of the lightweight fill material, and the anchoring of the lightweight fill material to the existing berm or levee structure. The system may use solid wall hollow body structures to elevate the berm. The system may also use lightweight frames to support the vertical elevation of a liner above the berm.
US10240307B2 Belt stanchion for a people guidance system
The present invention relates to a belt stanchion for a people guidance system, comprising a belt that can be extended from the belt stanchion, counter to the force of a retracting device. The belt stanchion further comprises a closure having two mutually complementary coupling members, of which the first coupling member is disposed at the free end of the belt and the second coupling member is disposed on the belt stanchion. At least one of the coupling members is configured with an opener for the closure. The opener comprises a receiver for detecting a remote control signal, an actuator activated by the receiver upon such detection for opening the closure, and at least one energy store supplying the receiver and the actuator.
US10240306B2 Method and apparatus for cutting non-linear trenches in concrete
A walk-behind apparatus and method for cutting non-linear trenches in concrete includes a frame supported by fixed direction wheels at a front end on a fixed axis of rotation, and multi-directional wheels at a rear end to rotate on movable axes of rotation, to permit the frame to rotate about a vertical axis passing through the frame. A handle is engageable by a user walking behind the frame for pushing the apparatus forward and/or for steering. A cutting wheel has a diameter of 5-20 inches and a cutting portion having a width of 0.5-1.5 inches. The cutting rotates on an axis parallel to the fixed axis and which extends notionally through the fixed direction wheels. The cutting wheel is disposed within a protective shroud viewable by the user to permit the user to visually align and guide the cutting wheel along a non-linear path on the ground while steering.
US10240303B2 Paver locking apparatus and method
The present invention is directed to a paver edge restraint system for reducing shifting of a paver units making up a paved surface having one or more edge restraints installed along at least a portion of the periphery of the paved surface. The paver edge restraint system includes at least one peripheral edging member, at least one edging securement member for holding the at least one peripheral edging member to the ground, at least one paver retention strap that extends underneath a plurality of paver units constituting a portion of the paved surface, and at least one clamping unit mounted on the at least one peripheral edging member for securing and tightening the at least one strap to maintain the joint integrity of the plurality of paver units installed above and adjacent to the at least one strap.
US10240301B2 Artificial flagstone for providing a surface with a natural random look
An artificial flagstone for use in combination with other similar flagstones for covering a surface with a natural random look, the flagstone having a generally hexagonal body comprising a first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth consecutive vertices; a first pair of first and second sides extending radially from the first vertex; a second pair of third and fourth sides extending radially from the third vertex; a third pair of fifth and sixth sides extending radially from the fifth vertex; wherein the sides of at least one of the first, second and third pair of sides have at least one split deviation along their length and are respectively rotational images of each other, and the artificial flagstone has no rotational symmetry when rotated about a central axis.
US10240300B2 Tamping machine for compacting the ballast bed of a track
A tamping machine for compacting the ballast bed of a track comprises at least two tamping units for each side of the tamping machine, which units can be displaced transversely relative to the longitudinal direction of the tamping machine by means of a transversal displacement device. At least two guides, in particular motion bars or sliding tubes are associated with both tamping units of each side of the tamping machine, said guides being offset in relation to one another with respect to their height and in the longitudinal direction of the tamping machine. Each outer tamping unit and its associated guides can be displaced transversely to the longitudinal direction of the tamping machine using an adjusting drive and the inner tamping unit can be displaced on the same guides, independently of the outer tamping unit, transversely to the longitudinal direction of the tamping machine using an adjusting drive.
US10240298B2 Unitary deflection member for making fibrous structures having increased surface area and process for making same
A unitary deflection member. The unitary deflection member can have a fluid pervious reinforcing member and a patterned framework. The patterned framework can have a plurality of regularly spaced protuberances extending from the reinforcing member. At least two of said protuberances can be similar in size and shape, and each protuberance can have a transition portion having a transition portion width and a forming portion having a forming portion width. The transition portion width can be less than the forming portion width.
US10240296B2 Sanitary tissue products
Sanitary tissue products employing fibrous structures that exhibit novel combination of average TS7 values and slip stick coefficient of friction and/or compressibility properties and methods for making same.
US10240292B2 Through-air drying apparatus and methods of manufacture
Unlike conventional through-air drying processes the instant invention utilizes at least two through-air driers where the first dyer is at least partially encircled by a first through-air drying fabric and the second dyer is at least partially encircled by a second through-air drying fabric. By providing each through-air dryer with its own fabric the overall drying performance may be increased. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the first and second fabrics may be different to optimize both the drying performance and/or tissue product properties.
US10240291B2 Roller with coating
A heatable roller suitable for a machine for producing and/or upgrading a web of material, in particular a fibrous material web such as a paper, paperboard or tissue web. The roller has a main element with a metallic and cylindrical roller wall which is heatable by suitable means and on the radially outer side of which there is, at least in sections, a coating. When the roller is used as intended, the coating provides a web contact side which can be brought into contact with the web of material. The coating includes, or is formed by, at least one metallic or metal-carbidic layer with a first layer component providing a matrix and a second layer component distributed in the matrix. The first layer component has a higher abrasion resistance than the second layer component and the second layer component has a greater thermal conductivity than the first layer component.
US10240288B2 Method of producing microfibrillated cellulose
The invention relates to methods of producing microfibrillated cellulose (MFC). According to the invention a fibrous pulp suspension is fibrillated mechanically at a consistency of less than 12.5%, dewatered to raise the consistency of the fibrillated suspension to at least 12.5%, and then subjected in the dewatered condition to further fibrillation. Alternatively an initially fibrillated fibrous pulp suspension may be dewatered and fibrillated in the dewatered condition, after which these dewatering and fibrillating steps are repeated one or more times so that pulp consistency is increased for each fibrillation step. The goals of raising the consistency between subsequent fibrillations are energy saving and an increased aspect ratio in MFC. The invention even comprises uses of the MFC product, e.g. as an additive for papermaking furnish or injection molded plastic composites.
US10240285B2 System for and method of manufacturing hemp products
A manufactured hemp product comprising a plurality of adhesively bonded and pressed hemp strands where the majority of the hemp strands are of generally the same length and comprise a naturally-occurring, generally elongate internal structure extending generally along one axis of the strand that has been at least partially laterally broken and at least permeated by an adhesive. The hemp strands are oriented roughly parallel to one another along their length. The manufactured hemp product comprises an amount of adhesive between about 5% to about 49% by weight. The manufactured hemp product can be used as a wood substitute in terms of appearance and performance. The manufactured hemp products may have aesthetic and structural qualities that are suitable for high traffic, high visibility applications such as boards, blocks, beams, panels, flooring, furniture, building materials and other wood products.
US10240279B2 Steam device with a noise generator
The present application relates to a steam device comprising a steam generator (60), at least one steam vent (37) through which steam is emitted from the steam device, a steam path (50) between the steam generator (60) and the at least one steam vent (37). The steam path (50) has a base (53) along which scale is able to pass. The steam device also comprises a noise generator (60) configured to act on steam generated by the steam generator (60) to generate noise. The noise generator (60) is spaced from the base (53) of the steam path (50) so that scale is not obstructed by the noise generator (60).
US10240276B2 Clothes treating apparatus with heat pump cycle and method for controlling the same
A clothes treating apparatus that includes a heat pump cycle and a dehumidifying device is provided herein. The clothes treating apparatus may include a case and a drum installed within the case and configured to accommodate an item for drying. A circulation duct may be provided to form an air circulation flow channel that allows air to circulate through the drum. The heat pump cycle may include an evaporator and a condenser disposed to be spaced apart from one another within the circulation duct, the heat pump cycle being configured to absorb heat of air released from the drum through the evaporator and transmit the absorbed heat to air introduced to the drum through the condenser, by using a working fluid that circulates by way of the evaporator and the condenser. Moreover, the dehumidification device may be provided to dehumidify air passing through the evaporator in the circulation duct.
US10240271B2 Sewing apparatus
A sewing apparatus includes a housing, an arm shaft that extends through the housing in a longitudinal direction, a cam member coupled to the arm shaft, the cam member including a front face and a rear face positioned opposite the front face, where the cam member includes a lobe positioned on one of the front face and the rear face, a needle assembly coupled to the housing, the needle assembly including a needle shaft and a needle coupled to the needle shaft, and an arm pivotally coupled to the housing and engaged with the cam member, where the needle assembly is slidably engaged with the arm in a vertical direction and the needle assembly is constrained with respect to the arm in the longitudinal direction and a lateral direction that is transverse to the longitudinal direction.
US10240266B2 Circular knitting machine with an engaging and disengaging mechanism of the hook plate of the dial group
A circular knitting machine (1) for knitwear or hosiery, comprising a bearing structure, needle cylinder (C), a plurality of needles, and a dial group. The dial group comprises a support ring (4), a hook plate (5), and a thread feeding and cutting organ. The knitting machine comprises rotation transmission means (10) comprising: a drive pulley (11), a hook plate shaft (12), a flange (13) and an engaging mechanism (20) which operates between an engaged configuration, in which it constrains the pulley and the flange to one another, and a disengaged configuration, in which the flange is free from constraints. The engaging mechanism comprises an engaging organ (21) and actuating means (30) which enable the passage from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration in any angular position assumed by the flange or the pulley, and the passage from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration with the engaging organ positioned at a predetermined number of angular engaging and disengaging positions (40).
US10240263B2 Blended fiber yarns and fabrics including oxidized polymeric fibers
An article comprising a fabric comprising: (a) a blended yarn comprising: (i) from about 10% to about 85% by weight of at least one biregional fiber comprising an oxidized polymer selected from the group consisting of acrylonitrile based homopolymers, acrylonitrile based copolymers, acrylonitrile based terpolymers, and combinations thereof; (ii) at least one companion fiber selected from the group consisting of FR polyester, FR nylon, FR rayon, FR treated cellulose, m-aramid, p-aramid, modacrylic, novoloid, melamine, wool, nylon, regenerated cellulose, polyvinyl chloride, antistatic fiber, poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO), polybenzimidazole (PBI), polysulphonamide (PSA), and combinations thereof; and (b) optionally including a companion yarn different from said blended yarn; wherein said companion yarn includes p-aramid in an amount less than 20% of the fabric weight; and wherein the fabric has a weight from about 3 oz/yd2 to about 12 oz/yd2.
US10240259B2 Process for the production of shaped cellulose articles
A method of manufacturing a cellulose-based shaped article. The method comprises subjecting a solution of lignocellulosic material, dissolved in a distillable ionic liquid, to a spinning method, wherein the ionic liquid is a diazabicyclononene (DBN)-based ionic liquid. DBN-based ionic liquids have good dissolution power, high thermal and chemical stability, lack runaway reactions and exhibit low energy consumption, due to low spinning temperatures. The shaped cellulose articles can be used as textile fibers, high-end non-woven fibers, technical fibers, films for packaging, and barriers films in batteries, as membranes and as carbon-fiber precursors.
US10240257B2 Systems and methods for controlled laydown of materials in a fiber production system
Described herein are apparatuses and methods of creating fibers, such as microfibers and nanofibers. The methods discussed herein employ centrifugal forces to transform material into fibers. Apparatuses that may be used to create fibers are also described. To improve the collection of fibers, various devices and systems for controlling the deposition pattern of the produced fibers are described.
US10240256B2 Electro spinning apparatus
An electro spinning apparatus according to embodiments of the inventive concept includes a nozzle unit discharging nano fiber on a substrate, and an alignment device having the substrate disposed thereon and aligning the nano fiber, wherein the alignment device includes a body and an angle adjustment unit adjusting an angle formed by a straight line connecting two electrodes disposed to face each other among the electrodes and the substrate.
US10240249B2 Use of nonafluorobutanesulfonic acid in a low pH etch solution to increase aluminum foil capacitance
Anode foil, preferably aluminum anode foil, is etched using a process of treating the foil in an electrolyte bath composition comprising a perfluoroalkylsulfonate, a sulfate, a halide, and an oxidizing agent. The anode foil is etched in the electrolyte bath composition by passing a direct current charge through the bath. The etched anode foil is suitable for use in an electrolytic capacitor.
US10240245B2 Systems, methods, and anodes for enhanced ionic liquid bath plating of turbomachine components and other workpieces
Ionic liquid bath plating systems, methods, and plating anodes are provided for depositing metallic layers over turbomachine components and other workpieces. In an embodiment, the method includes placing workpieces in a plurality of cell vessels such that the workpieces are at least partially submerged in plating solution baths, which are retained within the cell vessels when the plating system is filled with a selected non-aqueous plating solution. After plating anodes are positioned adjacent the workpieces in the plating solution baths, the plurality of cell vessels are enclosed with lids such that the plurality of cell vessels contain vessel headspaces above the plating solution baths. A first purge gas is then injected into the plurality of cell vessels to purge the vessel headspaces. The workpieces and the plating anodes are then energized to deposit metallic layers on selected surfaces of the workpieces utilizing an ionic liquid bath plating process.
US10240242B2 Bromide removal from aqueous solutions
Systems and processes for removing and purifying bromide from an aqueous bromide solution are described. Electrochemistry is used to either convert bromide to bromine to allow its extraction in an organic phase, or to cause deposition of bromine onto an electrode. In either case, once removed from the aqueous bromide solution, the bromide can be recovered and purified.
US10240238B2 Nickel based thermal spray powder and coating, and method for making the same
Provided in one embodiment includes a multi-fully alloyed powder that provides a wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant coating on a substrate when applied by a thermal spraying process. The coating exhibits desirable hardness, toughness, and bonding characteristics in a highly dense coating that is suitable for a wide range of temperatures. The embodiment provides a method of forming a coating, the method comprising: providing a substrate; and disposing onto the substrate a coating, comprising: a powder-containing composition comprising an alloy, the alloy comprising a solid solution comprising nickel, and a first component comprising at least one transition metal element and at least one nonmetal element.
US10240237B2 Black coupling member for vehicles, having excellent corrosion resistance and black appearance
Provided is a black coupling member for vehicles, comprising a trivalent chromium black chemical conversion film and a black coating film upon the trivalent chromium black chemical conversion film, on the surface of a zinc-plated metal substrate. The trivalent chromium black chemical conversion film is formed using a hexavalent chromium-free trivalent chromium black chemical conversion treatment solution having a Zn ion concentration of no more than 20 g/L. The lightness (L) of the trivalent chromium black chemical conversion film is no more than 33. The black coating film includes a black chemical conversion component, a modified organopolysiloxane, and a friction coefficient-adjustment component. The black chemical conversion component content is 2-25 wt % relative to 100 wt % of the black coating film. The lightness (L) is no more than 28.
US10240235B2 Method and apparatus for depositing a material layer originating from process gas on a substrate wafer
An apparatus for depositing a material layer originating from process gas on a substrate wafer, contains: a reactor chamber delimited by an upper dome, a lower dome, and a side wall; a susceptor for holding the substrate wafer during the deposition of the material layer; a preheating ring surrounding the susceptor; a liner, on which the preheating ring is supported in a centered position wherein a gap having a uniform width is present between the preheating ring and the susceptor; and a spacer acting between the liner and the preheating ring, the spacer keeping the preheating ring in the centered position and providing a distance Δ between the preheating ring and the liner.
US10240227B2 Zirconium based bulk metallic glasses with hafnium
Various embodiments of zirconium based bulk metallic glass with hafnium are described herein. In one embodiment, an alloy composition includes zirconium (Zr), hafnium (Hf), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), at least one element from a group consisting of niobium (Nb) and titanium (Ti), and at least one element from a group consisting of nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), and cobalt (Co).
US10240225B2 Steel material, material processing method, and material processing apparatus
Disclosed herein is a technique to reduce the residual stress of a steel material while improving the mechanical property and the corrosion resistance of the material. A steel material is provided that includes a plurality of ferrite crystal grains, and a laminar iron-rich phase formed at unidirectionally occurring grain boundaries of all grain boundaries of the ferrite crystal grains. A material processing method is provided that includes: heating a steel material that contains a plurality of ferrite crystal grains; applying a magnetic field to a heated portion while heating the steel material; applying an electric field to the heated portion in a direction that crosses the direction of the applied magnetic field while heating the steel material; and measuring a displacement occurring in the steel material under the magnetic field and the electric field.
US10240222B2 Current schedule for optimized reaction metallurgical joining
A method of joining a first metal workpiece substrate and a second metal workpiece substrate by way of reaction metallurgical joining involves passing a pulsating DC electrical current through the metal workpiece substrates and a reaction material disposed between confronting faying surfaces of the workpiece substrates. The electrical current comprises a plurality of current pulses that generally increase in applied current level.
US10240215B2 Method for producing astaxanthin by fermentation
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for microbioiogically producing astaxanthin of high concentration at low cost while suppressing production of canthaxanthin. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for producing carotenoids including astaxanthin comprising culturing a bacterium that concurrently produces astaxanthin and canthaxanthin in a medium containing biotin, wherein a ratio of concentration of produced canthaxanthin to concentration of produced astaxanthin in a culture product after the end of culture in the medium is lower than that in a culture product alter the end of culture in a biotin-free medium.
US10240212B2 Systems and methods for detection of cells using engineered transduction particles
Systems and methods for detecting and/or identifying target cells (e.g., bacteria) using engineered transduction particles are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes mixing a quantity of transduction particles within a sample. The transduction particles are associated with a target cell. The transduction particles are non-replicative, and are engineered to include a nucleic acid molecule formulated to cause the target cell to produce a series of reporter molecules. The sample and the transduction particles are maintained to express the series of the reporter molecules when target cell is present in the sample. A signal associated with a quantity of the reporter molecules is received. In some embodiments, a magnitude of the signal is independent from a quantity of the transduction particle above a predetermined quantity.
US10240209B2 Detecting mutations for cancer screening
Embodiments are related to the accurate detection of somatic mutations in the plasma (or other samples containing cell-free DNA) of cancer patients and for subjects being screened for cancer. The detection of these molecular markers would be useful for the screening, detection, monitoring, management, and prognostication of cancer patients. For example, a mutational load can be determined from the identified somatic mutations, and the mutational load can be used to screen for any or various types of cancers, where no prior knowledge about a tumor or possible cancer of the subject may be required. Embodiments can be useful for guiding the use of therapies (e.g. targeted therapy, immunotherapy, genome editing, surgery, chemotherapy, embolization therapy, anti-angiogenesis therapy) for cancers. Embodiments are also directed to identifying de novo mutations in a fetus by analyzing a maternal sample having cell-free DNA from the fetus.
US10240208B2 MicroRNA assay for detection and management of pancreatic cancer precursors
The current invention pertains to miRNAs that are differentially expressed in samples of an individual having pancreatic cancer, or having a high risk of developing pancreatic cancer, as compared to the corresponding sample of an individual not having pancreatic cancer, or having low risk of developing pancreatic cancer, respectively. In certain embodiments, the miRNAs are differentially expressed in a tissue sample or blood plasma sample of an individual having a pancreatic lesion and having a high risk of developing pancreatic cancer as compared to the corresponding tissue sample or blood sample of an individual having the pancreatic lesion and having no risk or low risk of developing pancreatic cancer. These differentially expressed miRNAs can be used as biomarkers for diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of pancreatic cancer, particularly, in a subject having a pancreatic lesion. Microarray containing miRNAs indicative of the presence of pancreatic cancer, or having a high risk of pancreatic cancer development, particularly, in a subject having a pancreatic lesion, and methods of use of the microarrays are also provided.
US10240207B2 Cancer treatment with c-met antagonists and correlation of the latter with HGF expression
The present invention concerns cancer biomarkers. In particular, the invention concerns HGF as a biomarker for patient selection and patient prognosis in cancer, as well as methods of therapeutic treatment, articles of manufacture and methods for making them, diagnostic kits, methods of detection and methods of advertising related thereto.