| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US11402956B2 |
Display device including position input function
A liquid crystal display device 10 includes pixel electrodes 11g that are spaced apart from each other, touch electrodes 14, each of which forms a capacitance with a finger, which is a position input body performing position input, to detect a position of input by the finger, which is the position input body, a touch line 15 that is sandwiched between adjacent pixel electrodes 11g and is connected to the touch electrodes 14, and at least two source lines 11j that extend parallel to the touch line 15. The source lines 11j transmit image signals to the pixel electrodes 11g. The source lines 11j are disposed such that one of the two pixel electrodes 11g is sandwiched between the touch line 15 and one of the two source lines 11j and another one of the two pixel electrodes 11g is sandwiched between another one of the two source lines 11j and the touch line 15. |
| US11402955B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device includes a display layer and a sensor layer on the display layer. The sensor layer includes an electrode and a cross electrode. The electrode includes a plurality of first portions spaced from each other in a first direction and a plurality of second portions between the plurality of first portions. The cross electrode includes a plurality of first cross portions spaced from each other in a second direction crossing the first direction and a plurality of second cross portions between the plurality of first cross portions. The second portion includes a first pattern portion extending in the first direction and a plurality of second pattern portions extending in the second direction. A first opening is in the plurality of first portions, a second opening is in the first pattern portion, and a size of the first opening is greater than a size of the second opening. |
| US11402954B2 |
Flexible touch control display module
A flexible touch control display module includes an array substrate, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) light emitting layer, a thin film encapsulation layer, a touch control layer, and a polarizing film layer. The polarizing film layer includes an adhesive layer, a photo alignment layer, and a protective layer. The photo alignment layer is disposed on the touch control layer, and the adhesive layer is disposed between the touch control layer and the photo alignment layer, such that the photo alignment layer is adhered to the touch control layer, and the protective layer is disposed on the photo alignment layer. |
| US11402952B2 |
Method and circuit for obtaining capacitive feedback signal of capacitive feedback-type micro torsion mirror
A method and circuit for obtaining a capacitive feedback signal of a capacitive feedback micro torsion mirror are provided to solve the problem of poor stability of the capacitive feedback signals of the micro torsion mirror. First, a pulse signal is used as a driving signal to drive the capacitive feedback micro torsion mirror to vibrate; it is ensured that the micro torsion mirror may twist freely for at least 0.5 cycles during an interval of two adjacent sets of driving pulses; secondly, the capacitive feedback signal of the capacitive feedback micro torsion mirror is extracted, and converted into a voltage signal; then, the voltage signal is amplified; and finally extracted during the interval of the two adjacent sets of driving pulses, and taken as a real capacitive feedback signal. A carrier generation circuit and a detection circuit are omitted, and the influence of the carrier generation circuit and the detection circuit on a capacitive feedback signal is eliminated. The circuit is more concise and the stability of the capacitive feedback signal is improved. Further, a specific driving form and signal extraction manner are used to obtain the real capacitive feedback signal. |
| US11402948B2 |
Electronic device and information processing method
An electronic device includes a first input module located at a first region, a second input module located at a second region, a detection module, and a processing module. The detection module is configured to transmit a first signal to the first region and the second region and receive a second signal returned based on the first signal. The processing module is connected to the detection module and configured to analyze the second signal to obtain an analysis result, and shield input information of the first input module or the second input module according to the analysis result. |
| US11402943B2 |
Input sensing unit and display device including the same
An input sensing unit may include the following elements: a first sensing electrode including first sensors and a first connector coupling the first sensors; a second sensing electrode including second sensors and a second connector coupling the second sensors; a first sensing line including first sensing line parts and a third connector coupling the first sensing line parts; a second sensing line; and an insulating layer including a first insulating side and a second insulating side opposite the first insulating side. The first sensing line parts may overlap the first sensors and may be disposed on the first insulating side. The second sensing line may overlap the second sensors and may be disposed on the first insulating side. The first sensors may be disposed on the second insulating side. The second sensors may be disposed on the second insulating side. |
| US11402938B1 |
Fingerprint detection apparatus, system, and method
A touch detecting system includes a detection panel that generates a detection signal based on a received transmitter signal and an object placed in proximity to a detection panel. The detection signal includes information about the object. A receiver circuit receives the detection signal and includes a control circuit that determines, each time a transmitter start signal becomes active, a delay time to add when generating an adaptive control signal. The transmitter start signal indicates a start of operation of the transmitter signal. A mixer circuit receives the detection signal and the adaptive control signal, and outputs a demodulated detection signal based on the detection signal and the adaptive control signal. An output circuit receives the demodulated detection signal and outputs an output detection signal that includes the information about the object placed in proximity to the detection panel. |
| US11402936B2 |
Touch display device and display panel
Provided are a touch display device and a display panel. A bridge pattern connecting touch electrodes is provided in an open area in which a single color filter is provided, so as not to overlap an area in which a plurality of color filters are provided. Short circuit defects between the touch electrodes and touch lines are prevented, and improved touch sensing or accurate touch sensing is enabled. |
| US11402932B2 |
Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing system
There is provided an information processing device enabling reduction in cost and identification of input devices, the information processing device including: a light emission control unit that performs control such that a first light emission instruction is output to a first input device, if first identification information has been received from the first input device; and a processing unit that associates first light emission position information with the first identification information, if the first light emission position information has been acquired, the first light emission position information indicating a position where light has been emitted by a first light emission unit of the first input device. |
| US11402926B2 |
Ambient light sensing device and method, and interactive device using same
The invention provides an ambient light sensing device which receives at least one visible light image sensed by an image sensor. The ambient light sensing device includes an image sampling unit and an analyzing unit. The image sampling unit divides the visible light image into plural image blocks, extracts at least one sample data in each image block, and generates a comparison data according to a difference between the sample data extracted at different time points. The analyzing unit analyzes the comparison data and generates an output analysis signal accordingly. |
| US11402911B2 |
Contracting and elongating materials for providing input and output for an electronic device
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for providing haptic output on an electronic device. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes an actuator configured to move in a first direction. The electronic device also includes a substrate coupled to the actuator. When the actuator moves in the first direction, the substrate or a portion of the substrate, by virtue of being coupled to the actuator, moves in a second direction. In some implementations, the movement of the substrate is perpendicular to the movement of the actuator. |
| US11402910B2 |
Tactile feedback array control
One or more computing devices, systems, and/or methods for controlling a tactile feedback array are provided. For example, object information of objects displayed within a user interface rendered on a display screen of a computing device is extracted. The object information is evaluated to identify a target object. A location of the target object within the user interface relative to the tactile feedback array is determined. One or more tactile feedback devices of the tactile feedback array are triggered to activate based upon the location of the target object. |
| US11402909B2 |
Brain computer interface for augmented reality
An apparatus, system, and method of a brain computer interface in a headset including an augmented reality display, one or more sensors, a processing module, at least one biofeedback device, and a battery. The interface may include a printed circuit board that has the sensors to read bio-signals, provides biofeedback, and performs the processing, analyzing, and mapping of bio-signals into output. The output provides feedback via stimulation of multiple sensory brain systems of a user, including audio and visual on the augmented reality display, or audio and haptic in terms of vibration patterns that a human user may feel. All together this forms a closed-loop system, by detecting the bio-signal, then providing sensory-feedback, which in turn enhances the bio-signal. |
| US11402907B2 |
Information processing system and non-transitory computer readable medium
An information processing system includes a processor configured to determine an operation based on a combination of first features of first biological information detected from a user and second features of second, different biological information detected from the user, the user being monitored for both the first biological information and the second biological information simultaneously, the first biological information being brain waves, and instruct a device to perform the operation. |
| US11402906B2 |
System and method for detecting eye activity
A system for detecting eye blink activity, the system including one or more processors in communication with non-transitory data storage media having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the one or more processors configure the one or more processors to perform the steps of receiving, with a receiving module, a signal associated with eye blink activity; filtering, at a processing module, the signal to reduce noise from the signal; calculating, at the processing module, a variance of the filtered signal for estimating background noise; removing, at the processing module, background noise associated with the variance; and detecting, at the processing module, eye blink activity by performing duration detection. |
| US11402904B1 |
Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback when interacting with virtual objects
Systems and methods for providing enhanced surface electrical neurostimulation and haptic feedback to a user within a simulation environment are provided. Enhanced surface electrical neurostimulation (eSENS) platforms are able to elicit distally referred tactile percepts while avoiding large charge densities as a method to deliver intuitive haptic feedback during functional tasks. |
| US11402903B1 |
Fiducial rings in virtual reality
A virtual reality system enables a user to interact with virtual objects. The system includes a fiducial ring, an imaging device and a console. The fiducial ring includes a ring body that includes a plurality of fiducial markers that each correspond to a different location on the ring body. An imaging device is configured to capture one or more images of the fiducial ring. The console receives the images that include an image of one or more fiducial markers. Based on the received images of the fiducial markers, the console determines a location on the fiducial ring that corresponds to the imaged fiducial marker. The console determines a position of the fiducial ring based on the determined location of the fiducial marker on the fiducial ring. The console provides content to a head mounted display (HMD) based on the determined position of the fiducial ring. |
| US11402902B2 |
Gesture based user interfaces, apparatuses and systems using eye tracking, head tracking, hand tracking, facial expressions and other user actions
User interaction concepts, principles and algorithms for gestures involving facial expressions, motion or orientation of body parts, eye gaze, tightening muscles, mental activity, and other user actions are disclosed. User interaction concepts, principles and algorithms for enabling hands-free and voice-free interaction with electronic devices are disclosed. Apparatuses, systems, computer implementable methods, and non-transient computer storage media storing instructions, implementing the disclosed concepts, principles and algorithms are disclosed. Gestures for systems using eye gaze and head tracking that can be used with augmented, mixed or virtual reality, mobile or desktop computing are disclosed. Use of periods of limited activity and consecutive user actions in orthogonal axes is disclosed. Generation of command signals based on start and end triggers is disclosed. Methods for coarse as well as fine modification of objects are disclosed. |
| US11402899B2 |
Electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus includes an infrared ray module, a camera module, and a display module including an active area through which an image is displayed and a non-active area adjacent to the active area and including a high transmittance area and a low transmittance area which are defined in the active area. The high transmittance area includes a first transmission area and a second transmission area, the camera module overlaps the first transmission area, and the infrared ray module overlaps the second transmission area. |
| US11402898B2 |
Current drain reduction in AR/VR display systems
In some embodiments, eye tracking is used on an AR or VR display system to determine if a user of the display system is blinking or otherwise cannot see. In response, current drain or power usage of a display associated with the display system may be reduced, for example, by dimming or turning off a light source associated with the display, or by configuring a graphics driver to skip a designated number of frames or reduce a refresh rate for a designated period of time. |
| US11402897B2 |
Position estimation apparatus, position estimation method, and program
A position estimation apparatus, a position estimation method, and a program that can estimate a position of a tracker with high accuracy while the power consumption is reduced is provided. An estimation result storage section (50) stores a result of estimation of a position of a tracker (12). An acceleration data acquisition section (52) repeatedly acquires acceleration data indicative of an acceleration of the tracker (12) from a sensor that detects an acceleration of the tracker (12). An estimation result updating section (56) updates the result of estimation on the basis of the result of estimation of a position of the tracker stored in the estimation result storage section (50) and the acquired latest acceleration data. A velocity information acquisition section (54) acquires information of the velocity of the tracker (12). The estimation result updating section (56) updates, when the velocity information is acquired by the velocity information acquisition section (54), the estimation result of a position of the tracker (12) stored in the estimation result storage section (50) on the basis of the velocity information and the acquired latest acceleration data. |
| US11402896B2 |
Display apparatus and display action control method
A display apparatus includes a display which performs digital display; a sensor which detects use of the display apparatus by a user; and at least one processor. The processor controls the display to set a digital display to be in a burn-in prevention state in a first time period. When the sensor detects use in a second time period including the first time period, the processor stops the burn-in prevention state and changes data regarding setting of the first time period. |
| US11402893B2 |
Low power data processing offload using external platform component
Described is an apparatus comprising a first interface, a second interface, a third interface, and an interconnection fabric. The first interface may transfer a first stream of data traffic. The second interface, which may be an enhanced Serial Peripheral Interface (eSPI) interface, may transfer a second stream of data traffic and a third stream of data traffic. The third interface may transfer a fourth stream of data traffic. The interconnection fabric may couple the first interface to the second interface and may couple the second interface to the third interface. The second interface may initiate a transfer of an outbound data stream from one of the second stream of data traffic or the third stream of data traffic based on an available-space credit indicator. The second interface may receive an inbound data stream based upon the outbound data stream. |
| US11402890B1 |
Systems and methods for communicating with a device in a low power mode
A first server system is configured to communicate with a first client device through a first application executing on the first client device. The first server system determines that communication with the first client device through the first application has been lost due to the first client device entering an idle mode. The first server system receives a request from a second client device that triggers reestablishing communication with the first client device through the first application. In response, the first server system transmits a request to a second server system to wake the first client device from the idle mode. The first server system receives, from the first application on the first client device, an indication that communication has been reestablished between the first server system and the first application. The first server system transmits a control command to control the first client device. |
| US11402886B2 |
Systems and methods for reconfiguring dual-function cell arrays
A system comprises an integrated circuit die substrate; volatile memory electrically coupled to the integrated circuit die substrate; a first integrated circuit die element electrically coupled to the integrated circuit die substrate, the first integrated circuit die element comprising a first field programmable gate array (FPGA), and the first integrated circuit die element disposed adjacent to the volatile memory; a battery charger operable to receive power from a main power supply, the main power supply having an on state and an off state, wherein the main power supply is supplying power in the on state and not supplying power in the off state; and a battery module disposed on a top portion of the first integrated circuit die element, the battery module operable to receive power from the battery charger, and the battery module operable to supply power to the volatile memory at least when the main power supply is in the off state. |
| US11402881B2 |
Electromagnetic leakage prevention device and component fixing member
An electromagnetic leakage prevention device includes a bottom surface, first side walls, second side walls, a first connecting portion, and a second connecting portion. The first side walls are coupled to a side of the bottom surface. The second side walls are coupled to a side of the bottom surface opposite the first side walls. The first connecting portion is coupled to ends of the first side walls away from the bottom surface. The second connecting portion is coupled to ends of the second side walls away from the bottom surface. A distance between the first side walls and the second side walls increases along a direction away from the bottom surface. |
| US11402880B2 |
Two-dimensional curved display
According to aspects of the disclosure, an electronic display configured to output information to a user is provided comprising a display screen curved in a first dimension and a second dimension aligned with a field-of-view of the user, the first dimension being perpendicular to the second dimension. |
| US11402877B2 |
Protective case for folding electronic device
A protective case for a foldable electronic device. The protective case includes a first member, a second member, and a hinge member. The first and second members each have a ball extending from an edge. The hinge member has a first socket and a second socket in which the first ball and the second ball, respectively, are captured and rotate thereby permitting the first member to articulate relative to the second member such that the foldable electronic device electronic remains articulable between the closed positions and the opened position when the protective case is installed on the foldable electronic device. The hinge member is configured to pivot inward when the protective case is transitioned from the opened position to the closed position to prevent the foldable electronic device from sliding out of the protective case. |
| US11402870B2 |
Foldable display device and method of operating the same
A foldable display device, includes a foldable display module including a first non-folding portion, a second non-folding portion, and a folding portion disposed between the first non-folding portion and the second non-folding portion; a first support member disposed on the first non-folding portion supporting the first non-folding portion; a second support member disposed on the second non-folding portion supporting the second non-folding portion; and a third member rotatably coupled to the first support member. |
| US11402868B2 |
Hybrid coverlay/window structure for flexible display applications
Protective cover layers for electronic devices are described. In an embodiment, an electronic device includes a display panel and a protective cover layer over the display panel. The protective cover layer includes a transparent support substrate and a hardcoat layer covering an exterior facing surface of the transparent support substrate. The display panel may be a flexible display panel and the protective cover layer may flex with the flexible display panel. |
| US11402860B2 |
Voltage regulator having minimal fluctuation in multiple operating modes
In an embodiment, an apparatus includes: an amplifier to compare a reference voltage to a feedback voltage and to output a comparison signal based on the comparison; a first loop circuit coupled to the amplifier to receive the comparison signal and output a first feedback voltage for the amplifier to use as the feedback voltage in a first mode of operation; and a second loop circuit coupled to the amplifier. The second loop circuit may be configured to receive the comparison signal and output a second feedback voltage for the amplifier to use as the feedback voltage in a second mode of operation. The second feedback voltage may be greater than the first feedback voltage, and the second loop circuit may output a regulated voltage based on the comparison signal. |
| US11402855B2 |
Processing device, drive control device, data processing method, and storage medium for attitude control of moving body based on wind conditions
This data processing device is provided with: an acceleration acquisition unit that acquires the acceleration of a moving body equipped with a mechanism for generating a propulsion force and equipped with a measuring instrument for measuring the strength of at least a one-direction component of the wind to which the moving body is exposed; a wind information acquisition unit that acquires wind information indicating the blowing direction of the wind and the strength of the wind, both of which are identified from the values measured by the measuring instrument; an external force estimation unit that estimates, on the basis of the acceleration and the direction and magnitude of the propulsion force, the magnitude of an external force exerted by the wind on the moving body; and a generation unit that generates relational information indicating the relation between the wind strength and the estimated magnitude of the external force. |
| US11402854B2 |
Platooning control via accurate synchronization
Various embodiments provide for platooning control via accurate synchronization that will not result in string instability. Some embodiments provide a distributed control scheme for platoon motion control that provides a decentralized implementation of the leader information controller. These control techniques are able to manage the performance of the string of vehicles by maintaining a desired spacing distance between any two successive vehicles in the presence of communications induced delays. In order to regulate the spacing between a vehicle and its predecessor in the string, every vehicle (with the exception of the leader vehicle) uses the relative distance from itself to its predecessor (e.g., as measured using a laser ranging sensor) and a control signal of the predecessor (e.g., received via a wireless link). Various embodiments are capable of dealing with non-homogeneous strings of vehicles and non identical controllers for each vehicle in the string. |
| US11402849B2 |
Automated material spreading system
A vehicle may be configured to recognize a material pile and locate the material pile within a physical environment. The vehicle may also determine various characteristics or properties associated with the material pile and, based on the determined characteristics, define one or more tasks associated with spreading the material over a defined region according to defined spreading parameters. |
| US11402848B2 |
Collision-avoidance system for autonomous-capable vehicles
A collision-avoidance system for use with an autonomous-capable vehicle can continuously receive image frames captured of the roadway to determine drivable space in a forward direction of the vehicle. The system can determine, for each image frame, whether individual regions of the image frame depict drivable space. The system can do so using machine-learned image recognition algorithms such as convolutional neural networks generated using extensive training data. Using such techniques, the system can label regions of the image frames as corresponding to drivable space or non-drivable space. By analyzing the labeled image frames, the system can determine whether the vehicle is likely to impact a region of non-drivable space. And, in response to such a determination, the system can generate control signals that override other control systems or human operator input to control the brakes, the steering, or other sub-systems of the vehicle to avoid the collision. |
| US11402845B2 |
Wide-view LIDAR with areas of special attention
A system and method include scanning a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device through a range of orientations corresponding to a scanning zone while emitting light pulses from the LIDAR device. The method also includes receiving returning light pulses corresponding to the light pulses emitted from the LIDAR device and determining initial point cloud data based on time delays between emitting the light pulses and receiving the corresponding returning light pulses and the orientations of the LIDAR device. The initial point cloud data has an initial angular resolution. The method includes identifying, based on the initial point cloud data, a reflective feature in the scanning zone and determining an enhancement region and an enhanced angular resolution for a subsequent scan to provide a higher spatial resolution in at least a portion of subsequent point cloud data from the subsequent scan corresponding to the reflective feature. |
| US11402841B1 |
Approach for consolidating observed vehicle trajectories into a single representative trajectory
A method and apparatus is provided for controlling the operation of an autonomous vehicle. According to one aspect, the autonomous vehicle may track the trajectories of other vehicles on a road. Based on the other vehicle's trajectories, the autonomous vehicle may generate a pool of combined trajectories. Subsequently, the autonomous vehicle may select one of the combined trajectories as a representative trajectory. The representative trajectory may be used to change at least one of the speed or direction of the autonomous vehicle. |
| US11402835B2 |
Radio-controlled seed planter
The present disclosure relates to a radio-controlled seed planter. The radio-controlled seed planter comprises a radio-controlled (RC) truck including a remote control module to cause the RC truck to be controlled remotely by a radio control unit; and a seeding unit coupled and installed in the RC truck to perform seeding work. The RC truck comprises a main frame; a subframe formed to be spaced apart from the main frame; an engine installed on the main frame; a battery installed on the subframe; driving units disposed on front and rear sides on both sides of the subframe, respectively, to drive wheels; and damper units installed between the main frame and the subframe to dampen impact. The radio-controlled seed planter makes it possible to carry out sowing work remotely, thereby improving the convenience and efficiency of sowing work and at the same time reducing labor. |
| US11402832B2 |
Determining device, determining method, and recording medium having determining program recorded thereon
The present invention addresses the problem of providing a determining device that can improve the precision of determination as to the presence or absence of an abnormality as indicated by an output value. In order to solve this problem, a determining device according to the present invention includes a deriving means, a determining means, and an output means. The deriving means derives a degree value from an output value output from a sensor, the degree value indicating a degree of temporal variation in the output value. The determining means derives a third determination result relating to a first output value, which is the abovementioned output value, from a first determination result and a second determination result. Here, the first determination result is a determination result about the magnitude of the first output value relating to a first time, associated with the time when the sensor outputted the first output value. |
| US11402829B2 |
Digital platform, computer program product and method for integrating data from assets to a technical installation into the digital platform
A method for integrating data from assets of a technical installation into a platform, wherein general models are initially defined for the assets of domain-specific technical installations, where data from the identified general data sources are then assigned to previously defined general models, an asset is then selected for a specific installation and the corresponding general model is imported into the platform, the data sources of the specific installation are configured such that a general model can be iteratively filled at runtime with the specific data relating to this installation for the selected asset based on data sources of specific installations, entities for the selected asset are formed by filling the general model with the specific data and stored in the platform, and where the asset entities are configurable in the platform, such that applications can access asset entities and the data thereof without any problems via programming interfaces. |
| US11402828B2 |
Method, system and non-transitory computer-readable medium for reducing work-in-progress
A method for improving a cycle time of a process of a product is provided. The method includes: collecting process profile data from a plurality of tool groups running the process, and calculating values of a plurality of key-performance-indicators (KPIs) of each tool group including calculating a standard deviation of an output of a stage of a bottleneck tool group of the tool groups; feeding the values of the KPIs and a work-in-progress (WIP) of each tool group into a neural network model in order to output an impact on the WIP for each KPI of each tool group by the neural network model; selecting a set of major KPIs of each tool group from the KPIs according to the impact of each tool group; and controlling the tool groups according to the impact of the set of major KPIs of each tool group in order to reduce a total WIP. |
| US11402826B2 |
Methods and systems of industrial production line with self organizing data collectors and neural networks
Systems and methods for data collection in an industrial production line are disclosed. A systems may include a plurality of data collectors, including a swarm of self-organized data collector members, wherein the swarm of self-organized data collector members organize to enhance data collection based on at least one of capabilities and conditions of the data collector members of the swarm, and a data acquisition and analysis circuit for receiving the collected data and analyzing the received collected data using a neural network to determine an occurrence of an anomalous condition of at least one component. |
| US11402812B1 |
Apparatus and method for controlling a device
In one aspect, a user device is provided that includes a processor configured to execute a user interface application, a controllable device application, and an operating system of the user device. The user device includes communication circuitry configured to facilitate communication between the controllable device application and the controllable device. The user interface application is configured to detect a notification of the controllable device application communicated to the operating system, the notification pertaining to a state of the controllable device associated with the controllable device application. The user interface application is configured to determine the state of the controllable device based at least in part on the notification of the controllable device application communicated to the operating system of the user device. The user interface application is configured to provide, via a user interface of the user device, the state of the controllable device determined by the user interface application. |
| US11402809B2 |
Computing stochastic simulation control parameters
A computing device is provided, including memory storing a cost function of a plurality of variables. The computing device may further include a processor configured to, for a stochastic simulation algorithm, compute a control parameter upper bound. The processor may compute a control parameter lower bound. The processor may compute a plurality of intermediate control parameter values within a control parameter range between the control parameter lower bound and the control parameter upper bound. The processor may compute an estimated minimum or an estimated maximum of the cost function using the stochastic simulation algorithm with the control parameter upper bound, the control parameter lower bound, and the plurality of intermediate control parameter values. A plurality of copies of the cost function may be simulated with a respective plurality of seed values. |
| US11402806B2 |
Control system and control method
This control system comprises controllers and slave devices. A control network is formed by connecting the slave devices between the controllers over communication cables. The controller generates and manages control frames for communication through the control network. The controller receives and copies the control frames, and perform loopback communication of the control frames to the controller of the control network. The controller stores the copied the control frames, or transmits the copied control frames to a database device connected by an information communication network. |
| US11402805B2 |
Device and method for measuring horological shakes
A device for measuring horological shakes, including a structure carrying an articulated mechanism with a compliant mechanism having a linear force/stroke characteristic connecting a first fixed element to a second element capable of moving linearly under the effect of an actuator manoeuvring same in a contactless manner in both directions, and a position sensor determining the position of the second element in a direction, and a load sensor determining the variation in the axial pushing or pulling load of the second element carrying a gripper clamping a mobile component, and/or the variation in the gradient of this load, generating a signal for triggering the position measurement during each sudden change in gradient of the load in each direction of running, to determine the shake of the mobile component, by comparing the positions measured during the sudden changes in gradient during the outward and return strokes. |
| US11402804B2 |
Timepiece oscillator insensitive to angular acceleration caused by wear
A timepiece movement, including a mechanism including an inertial element arranged to oscillate or pivot about a first axis of pivoting relative to a structure of the movement, and arranged to cooperate directly or indirectly with an energy distribution wheel set that pivots relative to the structure about a second axis of pivoting parallel to or coincident with the first axis of pivoting and subjected to a torque exerted by an energy source, wherein the energy distribution wheel set meshes directly or indirectly with at least one inertia wheel set that pivots about a third axis of pivoting relative to the structure, each inertia wheel set is arranged to pivot in the opposite direction to the energy distribution wheel set, and the total inertia of the inertia wheel sets is between 60% and 140% of the inertia of the energy distribution wheel set. |
| US11402801B2 |
Systems and methods for fabricating a multilayer optical structure
Systems and methods for fabricating optical elements in accordance with various embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes a method for fabricating an optical element, the method including providing a first optical substrate, depositing a first layer of a first optical recording material onto the first optical substrate, applying an optical exposure process to the first layer to form a first optical structure, temporarily erasing the first optical structure, depositing a second layer of a second optical recording material, and applying an optical exposure process to the second layer to form a second optical structure, wherein the optical exposure process includes using at least one light beam traversing the first layer. |
| US11402796B2 |
Developing cartridge including developing roller to contact photosensitive drum and image forming apparatus including the same
A developing cartridge for use with a drawer including a photosensitive drum and an electric terminal. The developing cartridge includes a casing, a developing roller, a storage medium and a holder. The casing is configured to accommodate developing agent therein. The developing roller is rotatable about an axis extending in a first direction. The developing roller is movable with the casing. The storage medium has an electrical contact surface. The holder holds the electrical contact surface and is movable with the casing. The casing is movable relative to the drawer in accordance with movement of the drawer from a first position in which developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum and the electrical contact surface is separated from the electric terminal to a second position in which the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum and the electrical contact surface is in contact with the electric terminal. |
| US11402795B2 |
Replaceable cartridge with driven coupler
An example cartridge may be detachably attached to a main body of an image forming apparatus. The cartridge includes a rotation member and a driven coupler to receive a rotation force to rotate the rotation member. The driven coupler includes a power transmission member connected to the rotation member, an extension member extending from the power transmission member and including an outer diameter portion, a hollow portion, and a through portion, a protrusion member located at the hollow portion and movable between a protrusion position for receiving the rotation force and a retreat position, a switching member inserted into the hollow portion and movable between first and second positions for locating the protrusion member at the protrusion position and the retreat position, respectively, and an elastic member to apply an elastic force to the switching member in a direction for location at the second position. |
| US11402791B2 |
Image forming apparatus and lubricant supply control method
Provided is an image forming apparatus including: a transfer member; a first image carrier on which a first toner image using toner of a first color is formed; a second image carrier which is provided on a downstream side relative to the first image carrier in a moving direction (rotating direction) of the transfer member, and on which a second toner image using toner of a second color is formed; a lubricant supply section that supplies a lubricant to the second image carrier; and a control section that controls a supply amount of the lubricant to the second image carrier in accordance with an overlap amount between the first toner image and the second toner image which are transferred from the first image carrier and the second image carrier to the transfer member. |
| US11402790B2 |
Imaging system
An imaging system includes a main body to accommodate a roller, and a lubricant unit. The lubricant unit includes a casing having an opening and a lubricant storage disposed inside the casing to store a lubricant. The casing is pivotably connected to the main body to displace the casing between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the lubricant storage is positioned to bring the lubricant in contact with the roller through the opening, and the pivotable connection is disposed below the casing. In the open position, the opening is exposed to an outside of the main body, and the opening of the casing is disposed upward. |
| US11402789B2 |
Image forming system with covered accommodating portion for a cable that connects an operating unit to electric power
An image forming system includes an openable portion, an operating unit, a cable, an accommodating portion, a cable cover, a retaining portion, and an opening. When the cable cover is viewed along a vertical direction, an edge portion of the opening and an end portion of the cable are defined, specifically, the opening defines an edge portion of an edge of the opening on a side where the openable portion is positioned with respect to a left-right direction, and the cable defines an end portion of an outer peripheral surface of the cable retained by the retaining portion with respect to the left-right direction. With respect to the left-right direction, the edge portion is positioned further on a side opposite from the side where the openable portion is positioned than the end portion is. |
| US11402784B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image formation method
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device, a density deviation detector, and processing circuitry. The circuitry performs a density deviation adjustment mode to: cause the image forming device to form a first image pattern having a uniform image density in the width direction on a surface of an image bearer; cause the detector to detect a first image density deviation in the width direction in the first pattern; adjust the first deviation based on a detection result of the first pattern; cause the image forming device to form a second image pattern on a surface of the image bearer after adjustment of the first deviation; cause the detector to detect a second image density deviation in the width direction in the second pattern; and correct a light intensity sensitivity in adjusting the second deviation, based on a detection result of the second pattern. |
| US11402783B2 |
Image forming apparatus having detection unit with shutter
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, an image forming unit, a detection unit, and a control portion. The detection unit includes a casing, an optical sensor, a shutter portion, a moving member, a groove portion, and a projection portion. The optical sensor is disposed within the casing facing the image bearing member to detect the toner image and comprises a light emitting portion emitting light to the image bearing member through the opening portion and a light receiving portion receiving the light reflected from the image bearing member. The shutter is configured to open/close the opening portion as the projection portion moves in a direction intersecting with the predetermined direction as the moving member moves in the predetermined direction. The groove portion is disposed perpendicularly above an extension line of an optical axis of the light irradiated from the light emitting portion to the image bearing member. |
| US11402781B2 |
Heating device, liquid applying apparatus, image forming apparatus, post-processing apparatus, and conveying device
A novel heating device includes a heating member configured to heat a sheet on an opposite face opposite a liquid applied face. The heating member has a curved portion along which the sheet is conveyed and warped so that the liquid applied face has a concave shape. |
| US11402780B2 |
Fixing device and image forming device
A fixing device including: a heating rotating body; a pressure member pressed against the heating rotating body to form a nip; a first acquisition unit that acquires a first index value indicating a change in coefficient of friction between the heating rotating body and the pressure member; a second acquisition unit that acquires a second index value indicating a change in rigidity of an elastic layer in the heating rotating body and/or the pressure member; and a controller that executes at least one of two controls according to the index values: a first control during idling rotation after fixing job execution, for controlling temperature of the heating rotating body and time from a start of the idling rotation to an end of the idling rotation and a second control during idling rotation before and/or after fixing job execution, for controlling rotation speed of the heating rotating body. |
| US11402776B2 |
Image heating apparatus and image forming apparatus
Provided is an image heating apparatus including: a film that contacts with the recording material; a heater unit configured to be in contact with an inner surface of the film, the heater unit including a heater, and a heater support supporting the heater, wherein the heater is fixed to the heater support; a pressing roller that forms a nip together with the heater unit through the film, the nip being for nipping and conveying a recording material; a pressing member that presses the heater toward the pressing roller without through the heater support; a pressing force adjustment mechanism for adjusting pressing force in the nip; and a control portion that controls the pressing force adjustment mechanism, wherein the control portion causes the pressing force adjustment mechanism to adjust the pressing force based on temperature detected by a temperature detection member that detects temperature of the heater. |
| US11402775B2 |
Image heating apparatus and image forming apparatus
The present invention provides an image heating apparatus including an acquiring portion which acquires thickness information of a recording material, and a control portion controls a power to be supplied to a heating element which heats a region where the recording material does not pass through among a plurality of heating regions based on a control target temperature which is set based on the thickness information. |
| US11402771B2 |
Apparatus for use in an electrographic printer
In one aspect an apparatus for use in an electrographic printer is described. The apparatus includes a housing defining a cavity, a developer roller, a developer electrode for developing printing substance onto the developer roller, the electrode being arranged within the cavity, and a heater for heating printing substance to be developed onto the developer roller, the heater being arranged in the cavity. |
| US11402770B2 |
Seal for an electrophotographic image forming device
A toner sealing system is described including a seal having first and second alignment features. The seal is selectably installable on one of a first toner container of a first type and a second toner container of a second type. The first alignment feature is matable with a first corresponding alignment feature on the first toner container when the seal is installed on the first toner container for aligning the seal to the first toner container. The second alignment feature is matable with a second corresponding alignment feature on the second toner container when the seal is installed on the second toner container for aligning the seal to the second toner container. Embodiments include those wherein the first alignment feature does not align the seal to the second toner container, and the second alignment feature does not align the seal to the first toner container. |
| US11402765B2 |
Print material container
A print material container comprising a body, a transfer mechanism, an inner connector, and an outer connecter. The transfer mechanism is to move print material in or out of the body. The inner connecter is on a connecting side of the body, and is to couple to a first location of an image forming apparatus to provide print material to the image forming apparatus. The outer connecter is on the connecting side of the body, and is to couple to a second location of the image forming apparatus to collect or receive unutilized print material transferred or received from the image forming apparatus. |
| US11402761B2 |
Semiconductor lithography system and/or method
A lithography method to pattern a first semiconductor wafer is disclosed. An optical mask is positioned over the first semiconductor wafer. A first region of the first semiconductor wafer is patterned by directing light from a light source through transparent regions of the optical mask. A second region of the first semiconductor wafer is patterned by directing energy from an energy source to the second region, wherein the patterning of the second region comprises direct-beam writing. |
| US11402756B2 |
Silicone structure-containing polymer, photosensitive resin composition, photosensitive resin coating, photosensitive dry film, laminate, and pattern forming process
A photosensitive resin composition comprising a silicone structure-containing polymer having crosslinking groups or crosslinking reaction-susceptible reactive sites in the molecule is coated onto a substrate to form a photosensitive resin coating which has improved substrate adhesion, a pattern forming ability, crack resistance, heat resistance, and reliability as protective film. |
| US11402755B2 |
Chemically amplified positive-type photosensitive resin composition, method for manufacturing substrate with template, and method for manufacturing plated article
A chemically amplified positive-type photosensitive resin composition capable of forming a resist pattern having excellent cross-sectional perpendicularity of a nonresist section even when a resist pattern is formed on a metal surface, and a method for manufacturing a substrate with a template and a method for manufacturing a plated article using the composition. The composition contains an acid generator, a resin, and a sulfur-containing compound including a sulfur-containing compound and a thiol compound that is different from the sulfur-containing compound. |
| US11402754B2 |
Photosensitive resin composition, solder resist film using said photosensitive resin composition, flexible printed wiring board, and image display device
The present invention provides a photosensitive resin composition from which a dry resist film having excellent resilience, storage stability and heat resistance can be produced. The photosensitive resin composition according to the present invention includes a photosensitive prepolymer having a carboxyl group and an ethylenically unsaturated group, a photopolymerization initiator and a thermal curing agent, wherein the thermal curing agent is a polycarbodiimide compound having a carbodiimide group, the carbodiimide group in the polycarbodiimide compound is protected by an amino group that can be dissociated at a temperature equal to or higher than 80° C. and the polycarbodiimide compound has a weight average molecular weight of 400 to 5000 and a carbodiimide equivalent of 180 to 2500. |
| US11402752B2 |
Fabrication of optical interconnect structures for a photonic integrated circuit
A method of fabricating an optical connection to at least one planar optical waveguide integrated on a planar integrated circuit (PIC) uses a machine vision system or the like to detect one or more positions at which one or more optical connections are to be made to at least one planar optical waveguide located on the PIC. A spatial light modulator (SLM) is used as a programmable photolithographic mask through which the optical connections are written in a volume of photosensitive material using a photolithographic process. The SLM is programmed to expose the photosensitive material to an illumination pattern that defines the optical connections. The programming is based at least in part on the positions that have been detected by the vision system. The optical connections are printed by exposing the photosensitive material to illumination that is modulated by the pattern with which the SLM is programmed. |
| US11402748B2 |
Method for texturing discrete substrates
A roll-to-plate process for texturing or patterning discrete substrates, such as displays, lighting or solar panels comprising the steps of supplying an imprinting lacquer, texturing or patterning the imprinting lacquer with an imprint texture which imprint texture is formed by openings and elevations thus creating volumes in the imprint texture to obtain an imprinted lacquer and optionally followed by curing the imprinted lacquer to obtain a solidified textured or patterned layer, characterized in that the texturing or patterning is performed with an imprint texture that comprises domains of greater volumes at its edges, and with a flexible stamp with a Young's Modulus of between 0.1 Giga Pascal (GPa) and 10 Giga Pascal (GPa). |
| US11402747B2 |
Multiple-mask multiple-exposure lithography and masks
Examples of a multiple-mask multiple-exposure lithographic technique and suitable masks are provided herein. In some examples, a photomask includes a die area and a stitching region disposed adjacent to the die area and along a boundary of the photomask. The stitching region includes a mask feature for forming an integrated circuit feature and an alignment mark for in-chip overlay measurement. |
| US11402746B2 |
Mask protective module, pellicle having the same, and lithography apparatus having the same
A mask protective module is provided. The mask protective module includes a frame and a membrane supported by the frame. The membrane may include regions of which light transmittances, heat conductivities and/or strengths are different from each other. |
| US11402744B2 |
Photomask blank, manufacturing method of photomask and photomask
A photomask blank has a first layer, a second layer, a third layer and a fourth layer. The first layer has a chromium content of 40 atomic % or less, an oxygen content of 38 atomic % or more, and a nitrogen content of 22 atomic % or less. The second layer has a chromium content of 38 atomic % or less, an oxygen content of 30 atomic % or more, a nitrogen content of 18 atomic % or less, and a carbon content of 14 atomic % or less. The third layer has a chromium content of 50 atomic % or less, an oxygen content of 30 atomic % or less, and a nitrogen content of 20 atomic % or more. The fourth layer has a chromium content of 44 atomic % or less, an oxygen content of 20 atomic % or more, a nitrogen content of 20 atomic % or less, and a carbon content of 16 atomic % or less. |
| US11402737B2 |
Light source device and projector including a phosphor and a color-changing section
A light source device comprising: a light source section which generates any one of blue light, red light, and green light; a phosphor which generates a fluorescence including the two colors other than the color of the light emitted from the light source section; a color-changing section which changes one of the two colors of the fluorescence emitted from the phosphor to another color regularly and irradiates it to the image-forming element; and a light path-switching section which switches a light path in which a fluorescence excited by the color light emitted from the light source section passes towards the color-changing section and a light path in which the color light emitted from the light source section passes towards the image-forming element regularly. |
| US11402735B2 |
Projection system for projection display
A projection system, comprising: a light-emitting apparatus for providing first light and second light emitted in a time sequence; a light-splitting system for dividing the first light into first primary color light and second primary color light, and dividing the second light into two paths of third primary color light; a spatial light modulator, comprising a first region and a second region, wherein the primary color light emitted along a first optical path enters the first region, and the primary color light emitted along a second optical path enters the second region; and an image processing apparatus for dividing, corresponding to the first region and the second region, image signals to be output into two groups, and changing the sequence of at least one of the groups so as to match the time sequence of primary color light received in a corresponding region. |
| US11402734B2 |
Multi lens array, luminous source and vehicle
A multi-lens array is provided for a luminous source of a vehicle. The array includes at least one light source and multiple lens arrangements. Each lens arrangement includes a condenser lens and a projector lens as optical elements. The at least one light source is enabled to expose each of the multiple lens arrangements with light, and the projections of the multiple lens arrangements of this light interfere to form a single projected image. |
| US11402731B2 |
Microlens array substrate, light modulator, and projector
A microlens array substrate includes a substrate having a first surface and a plurality of recesses corresponding to a plurality of pixels, and a microlens array including a plurality of microlenses corresponding to the plurality of recesses. The microlenses each have a refractive index different from a refractive index of the substrate, and each have a light incident surface and a light exiting surface. The light incident surface has a first curvature region and a second curvature region. The second curvature region surrounds the first curvature region when viewed along the optical axis of one microlens and has a curvature greater than the curvature of the first curvature region. The light exiting surface includes a light collecting structure configured to converge the light incident via the light incident surface. The light collecting structure overlaps with part of the first curvature region when viewed along the optical axis. |
| US11402729B2 |
Gimbal assembly and handheld gimbal imaging device
A gimbal assembly includes a body and a gimbal frame movably connected with the body. The gimbal frame is configured to completely fit with the body or partially fit with the body through a sliding mechanism to reduce a volume of the gimbal assembly. The sliding mechanism includes a first sliding member disposed at the body and a second sliding member disposed at the gimbal frame to match with the first sliding member, such that the gimbal frame slides from an extended position to a receiving position with respect to the body. |
| US11402727B2 |
Optical apparatus and imaging system including the same
An optical apparatus includes: an optical system; and a holding member configured to hold the optical system, wherein the holding member includes a first connection portion provided on an object side of the optical system, and a second connection portion provided between the optical system and the first connection portion, and wherein a lens apparatus is detachably mountable to the optical apparatus via the first connection portion, and an optical element is detachably mountable to the optical apparatus via the second connection portion. |
| US11402726B2 |
Camera with alignable image sensor
A camera has a lens mount and an image sensor for sensing images. A holder of the camera can captively hold the image sensor such that the image sensor is moveable relative to the lens mount when the image sensor is not attached to the holder. The holder is further operable to fixedly hold the image sensor such that the image sensor is unmoveable relative to the lens mount at an aligned position of the image sensor when the image sensor is attached to the holder. The image sensor may be attached to a printed circuit board. The holder may include first and second rails comprising first and second printed circuit boards, respectively. The holder is then operable to fixedly hold the image sensor by the printed circuit board being soldered to at least one of the first and second printed circuit boards. |
| US11402714B2 |
Pixel array substrate, a driving method, and a display apparatus
The present application discloses a pixel array substrate. The pixel array substrate includes a plurality of pixels arranged in an array having multiple data-input terminals. N columns of subpixels per each column of pixels are associated with N sets of M numbers of data lines. N is an integer equal to and greater than 1 and M is an even number equal to or greater than 2. The pixel array substrate also includes N sets of M numbers of switches coupled respectively to the N sets of M numbers of data lines. Control terminals of each set of M numbers of switches are respectively coupled to M numbers of clock-signal terminals to receive respective clock control signals to control M groups of subpixels in each corresponding one column of subpixels for connecting with one of the multiple data-input terminals respectively via each corresponding set of M numbers of data lines. |
| US11402713B2 |
Display device
A display device includes: an array substrate; a counter substrate; a liquid crystal layer; and a light source. The array substrate includes: signal lines arranged in a first direction; scanning lines arranged in a second direction; switching elements coupled to the scanning lines and the signal lines; an organic insulating layer covering at least the switching elements; and a metal layer overlapping the organic insulating layer. A region surrounded by the scanning lines and the signal lines has a region having a thickness less than that of the organic insulating layer. The metal layer covers a first slant surface of the organic insulating layer on a side of the organic insulating layer closer to the light source than the switching element is, and a second slant surface of the organic insulating layer on a side of the organic insulating layer farther from the light source than the switching element is. |
| US11402712B2 |
Electro-optical device and electronic apparatus
In an electro-optical device, a transmission gate includes two or more n-channel type transistors controlled by a positive logic selection signal line and a p-channel type transistor controlled by a negative logic selection signal line. Each of the selection signal lines includes a main line part extending in a first direction and a branch line part extending in a second direction, and the n-channel type transistors and the p-channel type transistor are alternately arranged along the second direction. |
| US11402709B2 |
Repairing method for broken gate and data line in array substrate and array substrate
A repairing method for an array substrate is provided. The array substrate includes at least one defective signal line, which is a data line or a gate line having a breakpoint. The defective signal line is divided by the breakpoint into a first portion and a second portion. The repairing method includes disconnecting a connection between a first thin film transistor and a data line or a gate line to which the first thin film transistor is connected, the first thin film transistor being a thin film transistor closest to the breakpoint among thin film transistors connected to the first portion; electrically connecting a first terminal of the first thin film transistor to the first portion; and taking a common electrode line segment from a common electrode line to which the first pixel electrode corresponds as a repair line. |
| US11402704B2 |
Display device
A circuit section of a display device is provided with a display element section on which a plurality of display elements are arranged at positions overlapped with a display region on which a display functional layer is formed, an input section for transmitting a signal for driving the display functional layer to the display element section and a lead-out wiring section for electrically connecting the display element section to the input section. Moreover, the lead-out wiring section is provided with a plurality of stacked wiring layers, and the plurality of wiring layers include a first wiring layer on which a plurality of first wirings having a first wiring width and a second wiring layer on which a plurality of second wirings having a first wiring width that is narrower than the first wiring width are formed. |
| US11402703B2 |
Arrays of electrodes to control pixel contrast at display devices
An example device includes a light source, a liquid crystal layer, and an array of pixel electrodes disposed between the light source and the liquid crystal layer. The array of pixel electrodes is to control orientation of liquid crystal of the liquid crystal layer to modulate light incident from the light source to produce an image composed of pixels. The example device further includes an array of scattering electrodes to selectively influence orientation of liquid crystal of the liquid crystal layer to degrade contrast of selected pixels of the image. |
| US11402698B2 |
Display device
According to one embodiment, a display device includes first to third scanning lines, first and a second protrusion portions disposed on the second scanning line and arranged in a first direction, third and seventh protrusion portions disposed on a side close to the third scanning line on the second scanning line, fourth and sixth protrusion portions disposed on a side close to the first scanning line on the second scanning line, and a fifth protrusion portion disposed between the first protrusion portion and the second protrusion portion. The third and sixth protrusion portions are arranged in the second direction, and the fourth and seventh protrusion portions are arranged in the second direction. |
| US11402697B2 |
Display device
According to one embodiment, a display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate opposing the first substrate, a first spacer projecting from the second substrate towards the first substrate and including a distal end portion opposing the first substrate with a gap therebetween, a second spacer projecting from the second substrate towards the first substrate and in contact with the first substrate and an adhesive member adhering the distal end portion and the first substrate together. A total height of the first spacer and the adhesive member is the same as a height of the second spacer. |
| US11402695B2 |
Liquid crystal display apparatus
A liquid crystal display apparatus having improved viewing angle characteristics in a region vertically asymmetrical. A liquid crystal display apparatus of the present invention includes: a liquid crystal cell including a liquid crystal layer containing liquid crystal molecules aligned in homogeneous alignment under a state in which an electric field is absent; a first polarizer arranged on a viewer side of the liquid crystal cell; a second polarizer arranged on a back surface side of the liquid crystal cell; a first optical compensation layer arranged between the liquid crystal cell and the first polarizer; and a second optical compensation layer arranged between the liquid crystal cell and the first optical compensation layer. A refractive index nz1 in a thickness direction of the first optical compensation layer is less than 1.5187, and a refractive index nz2 in a thickness direction of the second optical compensation layer is less than 1.5340. |
| US11402691B2 |
Light source and light plate for light emitting module
A light emitting module comprising a light guide plate and a light source. The light guide plate has a polygonal shape with a plurality of corners in a plan view. The light guide plate has a first primary face which serves as an emission face, a second primary face opposing the first primary face, and a recessed portion in the second primary face. The light source is disposed in the recessed portion. The recessed portion has an opening on the second primary face, and a bottom face having a polygonal shape in a plan view. The light source has lateral faces along sides of the bottom face of the recessed portion. In a plan view, diagonal lines connecting opposing corners of the first primary face intersect with the sides of the bottom face of the recessed portion. |
| US11402690B2 |
Backlight unit and liquid crystal display device including the same
The disclosure relates a direct type backlight unit, and provides a backlight unit capable of reducing the thickness by maintaining necessary and sufficient optical characteristics and reducing the optical distance (OD), and a liquid crystal display apparatus including the same. Provided is a backlight unit including: light source; a diffusion plate provided to diffuse light emitted from the light source; and an optical sheet disposed between the light source and the diffusion plate and having a plurality of protrusions having a pyramidal shape and the plurality of protrusions protrude toward the light source so that light emitted from the light source is incident onto the plurality of protrusions. |
| US11402688B2 |
Display device and backlight module
The present disclosure relates to an electronic apparatus, a display device, and a backlight module, and relates to relates to the field of display technologies. The backlight module includes a back panel, a light guide plate and a light bar. The back panel has a bottom plate and a peripheral plate surrounding edges of the bottom plate, the peripheral plate is provided with a limit structure protruding into an area surrounded by the peripheral plate; the light guide plate is provided within the peripheral plate; the light bar is provided between the peripheral plate and the light guide plate and abutting against the limit structure to be blocked by the limit structure in at least one of a direction perpendicular to the bottom plate and a circumferential direction of the peripheral plate. |
| US11402683B2 |
Display panel and liquid crystal display device
A display panel and a liquid crystal display device are disclosed. The display panel includes an array substrate, a color filter substrate, an alignment film, a liquid crystal layer, and at least a bank portion. The bank portion is disposed on a peripheral region of the display area, and includes at least a first platform and at least a second platform. An edge of the alignment film adjoins the bank portion, and the first platform has a thickness different than a thickness of the second platform. By disposing the bank portion on the display panel, thicknesses of the alignment film in middle and peripheral areas of the display panel are substantially the same, and non-uniform brightness of the peripheral areas of the display area can be prevented. |
| US11402682B2 |
Touch sensor device
A common electrode for a display, which is originally provided in a liquid crystal display element, is also used as one (drive electrode) of a pair of electrodes for a touch sensor, and the other (detection-electrode-for-the-sensor) of the pair of electrodes is newly formed. An existing common drive signal as a drive signal for display is used in common for a drive signal for the touch sensor. A capacitance is formed between the common electrode and the detection-electrode-for-the-sensor, and touch detection is performed by utilizing a change of this capacitance caused by a finger touch of a user. Thus, a display device with a touch sensor is also applicable to a mobile device in which electric potential of the user is inconstant in many cases. The newly-provided electrode is only the detection-electrode-for-the-sensor, and it is unnecessary to newly prepare a drive signal for the touch sensor. |
| US11402679B2 |
Liquid crystal display device wherein a time average of voltage applied between a pixel electrode and a reflective electrode is substantially the same in a maximum and minimum gray scale display state
A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a vertical alignment liquid crystal layer, and a plurality of pixels. Each of the pixels includes a reflective region for performing display in a reflection mode. The first substrate includes a reflective electrode including a first region located within each of the plurality of pixels and a second region located between any two pixels, of the plurality of pixels, adjacent to each other, a transparent insulating layer provided to cover the reflective electrode, and a pixel electrode formed from a transparent conductive material and provided on the transparent insulating layer in each of the plurality of pixels. The second substrate includes a counter electrode. Voltage of the same polarity is applied to the liquid crystal layer of any two pixels, of the plurality of pixels, adjacent to each other along a row direction, any two pixels, of the plurality of pixels, adjacent to each other along a column direction, or all of the plurality of pixels. A time average of voltage applied between the pixel electrode and the reflective electrode is substantially the same between a maximum gray scale display state and a minimum gray scale display state. |
| US11402677B2 |
Optical film and method of manufacturing the same, backlight module, and display apparatus
An optical film includes a light-transmissive substrate and a first annular lens group. The light-transmissive substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The first annular lens group is disposed on the second surface, and the first annular lens group is configured to allow light to pass through. The reflectivity of the first annular lens group decreases along a direction away from a central axis of the first annular lens group, and an extending direction of the central axis is the same as a thickness direction of the light-transmissive substrate. |
| US11402676B2 |
Viewing angle switchable display apparatus
A viewing angle switchable display apparatus including a display panel, an electrically controlled viewing angle switching device, an electrically controlled light scattering switching device, and a backlight module is provided. The electrically controlled viewing angle switching device includes two first transparent substrates, two first transparent conductive layers, a liquid crystal layer, and a first polarizer located on a side of the electrically controlled viewing angle switching device which is far away from the display panel. The liquid crystal layer includes liquid crystal molecules, and optical axes of the liquid crystal molecules are parallel or perpendicular to a transmission axis of the first polarizer. The electrically controlled light scattering switching device is located between the display panel and the backlight module and includes two second transparent substrates, two second transparent conductive layers, and an electronically controlled polymer material layer. |
| US11402674B2 |
Silicon-based electro-optic modulator
A silicon-based electro-optic modulator includes a substrate layer, an insulation layer, and an optical waveguide layer stacked sequentially, traveling wave electrodes disposed above the optical waveguide layer, and a metal grating structure periodically configured along the direction in which an electrical signal propagates in the traveling wave electrodes. The metal grating structure is disposed above the optical waveguide layer. |
| US11402673B2 |
Waveguide array
There is described an RF waveguide array. The array comprises a substrate comprising a plurality of optical waveguides, each waveguide being elongate in a first direction. An electrical RF transmission line array is located on a face of the substrate and comprises a plurality of signal electrodes and a plurality of ground electrodes, each electrode extending in the first direction. Each signal electrode is positioned to provide a signal to two respective waveguides. The ground electrodes include at least one intermediate ground electrode positioned between each pair of signal electrodes. Each intermediate ground electrode includes a portion extending into the substrate. |
| US11402670B2 |
Light modulator, beam steering device including the light modulator, and electronic device including the beam steering device
A light modulator for amplifying an intensity of incident light and modulating a phase of the incident light is provided. The light modulator includes: a first distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) layer having a first reflectivity and comprising at least two first refractive index layers that have different refractive indices from each other and are repeatedly alternately stacked; a second DBR layer having a second reflectivity and comprising at least two second refractive index layers that have different refractive indices from each other and are repeatedly alternately stacked; and an active layer disposed between the first DBR layer and the second DBR layer, and comprising a quantum well structure. |
| US11402665B2 |
Optical attachment for surgical loupe glasses
An optical attachment for surgical loupe glasses is disclosed. The optical attachment for surgical loupe glasses includes a visor sized to cover at least a portion of a first carrier lens of the surgical loupe glasses. The optical attachment also includes at least one loupe orienting feature defined by the visor. |
| US11402662B2 |
Optical designs of electronic contact lens to decrease myopia progression
A soft contact lens comprises a plurality of light sources coupled to a plurality of optical elements. The plurality of light sources and the plurality of optical elements are embedded in a soft contact lens material. Each of said plurality of optical elements generates an image focused in front of a peripheral retina of a wearer. In some embodiments, each of the images is focused at a distance in front of the peripheral retina at a location, and each of the images comprises a depth of focus and a spatial resolution. The depth of focus can be less than the distance, and the spatial resolution greater than a spatial resolution of the peripheral retina at the location. |
| US11402655B2 |
Image display system, non-transitory storage medium having stored therein image display program, image display apparatus, and image display method
An example of an image display system includes a goggles apparatus and is capable of setting an angle of view of a virtual camera disposed in a virtual space to a first angle of view or a second angle of view smaller than the first angle of view. If the angle of view of the virtual camera is set to the first angle of view, the image display system sets a parallax between an image for a left eye and an image for a right eye to a first parallax. If the angle of view of the virtual camera is set to the second angle of view, the image display system sets the parallax between the image for a left eye and the image for a right eye to a second parallax smaller than the first parallax. |
| US11402650B2 |
Optical unit with shake correction function
An optical unit with a shake correction function includes a movable body having an optical module, a gimbal mechanism structured to swingably support the movable body around a first axial line and a second axial line, a fixed body supporting the movable body through the gimbal mechanism, and a shake correction drive mechanism structured to swing the movable body around the first axial line and around the second axial line. The gimbal mechanism includes a gimbal frame which connects the movable body with the fixed body, the gimbal frame has a first frame portion located on one side in an optical axis direction with respect to a first end part which is an end part on the one side of the fixed body, and the movable body has a movable body protruded portion located on the one side in the optical axis direction with respect to the first end part. |
| US11402649B2 |
System and method for optimally forming gratings of diffracted optical elements
Optical grating components and methods of forming are provided. In some embodiments, a method includes providing an optically transparent substrate, and forming an optical grating layer on the substrate. The method includes forming an optical grating in the optical grating layer, wherein the optical grating comprises a plurality of angled components, disposed at a non-zero angle of inclination with respect to a perpendicular to a plane of the substrate. A first sidewall of the optical grating may have a first angle, and a second sidewall of the grating has a second angle different than the first angle. Modifying process parameters, including selectivity and beam angle spread, has an effect of changing a shape or dimension of the plurality of angled components. |
| US11402647B2 |
Devices with monochromatic liquid crystal on silicon displays
A method includes projecting a single color illumination light having a first color on a liquid crystal on silicon display device, thereby obtaining a single color image light having the first color from the liquid crystal on silicon display device. The method also includes receiving image light having at least a second color that is different from the first color from a display panel that is different from a liquid crystal on silicon display device and combining the single color image light and the image light for projection toward an eye. |
| US11402646B2 |
Display apparatus, display control method, and program
A control unit controls a movement of a viewpoint-following display area that moves in accordance with the movement of a user's point of regard, and determines whether to cause the viewpoint-following display area to follow the user's point of regard or to stop the viewpoint-following display area from following the user's point of regard, according to the staying time of the user's point of regard. The display apparatus is configured as a three-dimensional display apparatus or a HUD that allows the viewpoint-following display area to be observed in front of a fixed display area. In a case where the staying time of the user's point of regard reaches or exceeds a specified time t set in advance, the control unit does not cause the viewpoint-following display area to follow the user's point of regard, but fixes the viewpoint-following display area for display. |
| US11402640B1 |
Display adjustment for head-mountable device
A head-mountable device can include an optical module that provides a display element that is moveable based on pressure and/or temperature changes within an enclosed chamber. The control mechanisms can directly and/or indirectly alter one or more of the temperature, pressures, and/or volume of the enclosed chamber. As the conditions within the chamber are altered, an extendable member can expand and/or retract to move the display element towards and/or away from a user's eye. The mechanisms for controlling the position of the display element can be actively and/or passively controlled. |
| US11402633B2 |
Head-up display device, method for controlling the same, and vehicle
A head-up display device, a method for controlling the same, and a vehicle are provided. The head-up display device includes a display component, a first optical component, a second optical component, and a synthesizing component. The light in different polarization directions or states can be transmitted or reflected by the first optical component, so that state information projection light and augmented reality information projection light can be separated from each other to thereby be dual-layer displayed. For example, augmented reality information can be displayed at a longer distance from eyes of a driver so that the focus of the human eyes does not need to be adjusted frequently to thereby make it comforter to view the information so as to eliminate a hidden risk. |
| US11402631B2 |
Motor vehicle control member, associated control device and method
The invention concerns a motor vehicle (1) control member (3) comprising: —a gripping element (6) that can be operated by a user in order to implement a control, such as the control of an element installed onboard said vehicle (1), the gripping element (6) being mounted so as to be able to rotate on a guide (12) of the control member (3), and —an encoder (9) configured to deliver a signal that depends on the position or the variation in position of the gripping element (6), characterised in that the guide (12) is configured to be attached to a window (4) of the motor vehicle (1), such as a front windscreen (8), rear windscreen, side window or sunroof, or to a rear-view mirror inside said vehicle (1). The invention further relates to an associated control method. |
| US11402629B2 |
Separated pupil optical systems for virtual and augmented reality and methods for displaying images using same
An imaging system includes a light source configured to produce a plurality of spatially separated light beams. The system also includes an injection optical system configured to modify the plurality of beams, such that respective pupils formed by beams of the plurality exiting from the injection optical system are spatially separated from each other. The system further includes a light-guiding optical element having an in-coupling grating configured to admit a first beam of the plurality into the light-guiding optical element while excluding a second beam of the plurality from the light-guiding optical element, such that the first beam propagates by substantially total internal reflection through the light-guiding optical element. |
| US11402625B2 |
Phosphor wheel having a balancing piece
A phosphor wheel (300, 400, 500, 600) includes an annular disc (310, 410, 510, 610) having phosphor segments (320, 420, 522, 524, 620) and an exposed annular sector (305, 405, 505, 605), a hub (330, 430, 530, 630) coupled to the inner perimeter (304, 413) of the annular disc, and a balancing piece (340, 440, 540, 640) located between the hub and the exposed annular sector. The balancing piece minimizes the initial imbalance of the phosphor wheel about the center (301, 441, 541) of the disc due to the exposed annular sector by making up the difference in torque. A method for making a phosphor wheel, a projector comprising a phosphor wheel, and a method for minimizing imbalance in a phosphor wheel. |
| US11402623B2 |
Flexible subtrate and circuit for liquid lens system
A flexible-substrate circuit for a liquid lens, a liquid lens system, and a method of making a liquid lens system are provided. The system can include a plate having an array of wells and a flexible-substrate circuit. The flexible-substrate circuit can have a longitudinal portion disposed on ridges of the plate, between wells of the plate, and a wing portions transverse to the longitudinal portion that extend into the wells, bonded to walls of the corresponding wells. The wing portion have a first electrode and a second electrode electrically connected to a controller via the longitudinal portion. |
| US11402622B2 |
Display panel, method for driving the same, and display device
This disclosure discloses a display panel, a method for driving the same, and a display device. The display panel includes a first substrate and a second substrate arranged opposite each other, and a plurality of pixel elements located between the first substrate and the second substrate, where each of the plurality of pixel elements includes a photonic crystal light-modulating structure. The photonic crystal light-modulating structure can be configured to adjust an intensity of light emitted from the pixel element, so as to take the place of a liquid crystal layer in the prior art. |
| US11402619B2 |
Immersion microscope objective
An immersion microscope objective includes: a first lens group that includes a meniscus lens component that is closest to an image among the components of the first lens group, the meniscus lens component having a convex surface facing an object; and a second lens group that includes at least one lens component. The first lens group includes a first cemented lens that is closest to the object. The first cemented lens consists of a planoconvex lens that includes a plane surface facing the object and a meniscus lens that has a negative refractive power. The objective satisfies the following conditional expressions: 2.4≤f1/fob (1) 1.8≤n12≤1.85 (2) where f1 indicates a focal length that the first cemented lens has for an e line, fob indicates a focal length that the objective has for the e line, and n12 indicates a refractive index that the meniscus lens has for the e line. |
| US11402613B2 |
Camera optical lens
The present disclosure relates to the field of optical lenses and provides a camera optical lens. The camera optical lens includes, from an object side to an image side: a first lens having a positive refractive power; a second lens having a positive refractive power; a third lens having a positive refractive power; a fourth lens; a fifth lens; and a sixth lens. The camera optical lens satisfies following conditions: 2.00≤f2/f3≤5.00; and 1.00≤d3/d5≤2.00. The camera optical lens can achieve a high imaging performance while obtaining a low TTL. |
| US11402612B2 |
Optical image capturing system
An optical image capturing system includes, along the optical axis in 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. At least one lens among the first to the sixth lenses has positive refractive force. The seventh lens can have negative refractive force, wherein both the surfaces of the seventh lens are aspheric surfaces, and at least one surface of the seventh lens has an inflection point. The lenses in the optical image capturing system which have refractive power include the first to the seventh lenses. The optical image capturing system can increase aperture value and improve the imaging quality for use in compact cameras. |
| US11402610B2 |
Camera optical lens
The present disclosure relates to the technical field of optical lens and discloses a camera optical lens. The camera optical lens includes, from an object side to an image side: a first lens, a second lens having a positive refractive power, a third lens having a negative refractive power, a fourth lens, a fifth lens and a sixth lens. And the camera optical lens satisfies following conditions: −5.00≤f1/f3≤−2.50 and −10.00≤R5/R6≤−2.00, where f1 denotes a focal length of the first lens; f3 denotes a focal length of the third lens; R5 denotes a curvature radius of an object-side surface of the third lens; and R6 denotes a curvature radius of an image-side surface of the third lens. The camera optical lens of the present disclosure can achieve a high imaging performance while obtaining a low TTL. |
| US11402608B2 |
Imaging lens system
An imaging lens system includes sequentially from an object side, a first lens group and a second lens group. The second lens group includes a focus lens group configured to move during focusing or the first lens group and the second lens group are divided at a position of a maximum air gap. Conditional Expressions (1) and (2) are satisfied as follows: −2.0 |
| US11402606B2 |
Mirror device
A mirror device includes: a mirror including a rotation shaft; a gear unit having gear teeth and coupled to the rotation shaft; a worm that meshes with the gear teeth; a holding member that supports the worm; a motor configured to rotationally drive the rotation shaft via the worm and the gear teeth; and a stopper mechanism (16) that has a rotating member disposed coaxially with the worm, and restricts a rotation range of the worm, in which the stopper mechanism includes: a first contact portion that is provided on the rotating member and comes in contact with the worm to receive force in the rotation direction from the worm; and a second contact portion that is provided on the rotating member and is locked by the holding member, the stopper mechanism being configured to allow the worm to rotate relative to the holding member by more than one rotation. |
| US11402604B2 |
Camera device actuator
A camera device actuator includes: a magnet disposed on a side surface of a lens carrier disposed to be movable in an optical axis direction in an internal space of a fixed housing; a member to be detected disposed on the side surface of the lens carrier, connected to the magnet, and having a width in the optical axis direction that is less than a width of the magnet in the optical axis direction; a driving coil disposed opposite to and spaced apart from the magnet, on a panel disposed on the housing; and a sensing coil including a first sensing coil and a second sensing coil disposed on the panel, spaced apart from and opposite to the member to be detected, and arranged in-line with each other in the optical axis direction. |
| US11402596B2 |
Terminal system assemblies with breakout/adapter modules
A terminal system assembly includes a base plate, a spool, an adapter module for securing a connection between a fiber of an input fiber cable and a fiber of an output fiber cable, and a cable management plate coupled with the spool. The spool is rotatably mounted to the base plate and is configured to receive the input fiber cable. The adapter module is configured to be coupled with the cable management plate. The spool containing the fiber input cable is allowed to freely rotate until the adapter module is coupled with the cable management plate. The adapter module includes an anti-rotation portion that is configured to cooperate with a portion of the base plate to prevent rotation of the spool and the adapter module when the adapter module is coupled with the spool. |
| US11402595B2 |
Telecommunications assembly
A telecommunications assembly includes a chassis defining an interior region and a tray assembly disposed in the interior region. The tray assembly includes a tray and a cable spool assembly. The cable spool assembly is engaged to a base panel of the tray. The cable spool assembly is adapted to rotate relative to the tray. The cable spool assembly includes a hub, a flange engaged to the hub and an adapter module. The flange defines a termination area. The adapter module is engaged to the termination module of the flange. The adapter module is adapted to slide relative to the flange in a direction that is generally parallel to the flange between an extended position and a retracted position. |
| US11402593B2 |
Optical communication system
An optical communication system includes a light source module, a circuit board, a light emitter and a ROSA. The circuit board is disposed in the light source module. The light emitter is disposed in the light source module and electrically connected to the circuit board. The ROSA is located outside the light source module, and the ROSA is optically coupled to the light emitter. |
| US11402588B2 |
Female hardened optical connectors for use with male plug connectors
A female hardened fiber optic connector for terminating an end of a fiber optic cable that is suitable for making an optical connection with another hardened cable assembly and cable assemblies using the same are disclosed. The female hardened fiber optic connector includes a connector assembly, a crimp body, a connector sleeve, and female coupling housing. The connector sleeve has one or more orientation features that cooperate with one or more orientation features inside the female coupling housing. The crimp body has a first shell and a second shell for securing the connector assembly at a front end of the shells and a cable attachment region rearward of the front end for securing a cable. |
| US11402587B2 |
Reduced-profile data transmission element connectors, adapters, and connection assemblies thereof
Reduced-profile connection components are described. The reduced-profile connection components are configured to connect various data transmission elements, including cables, network devices, and computing devices. A non-limiting example of a connection component includes a fiber optic connection component, including connectors, adapters, and assemblies formed therefrom. In some embodiments, the connection components may include mechanical transfer (MT) and multi-fiber push-on/pull-off (MPO) connection components, such as MT ferrules and MPO adapters. The reduced-profile connection components configured according to some embodiments have a smaller profile and/or require less parts to achieve a connection compared to conventional connection components. In some embodiments, the reduced-profile connection components may be used with conventional connection components. For example a reduced-profile connector may use a conventional MT ferrule to establish a connection within a conventional MPO adapter. |
| US11402583B2 |
Assembly comprising a substrate and two components including optical waveguides, as well as method for production
An assembly may include at least one camera and a controllable mechanical handling device. The system may further include a first component, including a first optical waveguide and a second component, including a second optical waveguide. The first component and the second component are fixedly connected to a substrate and arranged directly next to one another on the substrate and relative to one another in such a way that a coupling side of the first component and a coupling side of the second component are situated opposite each other on a first and second side of a coupling plane. The optical waveguides of the first and second component each end at a first coupling surface or a second coupling surface. The first and second coupling sides are aligned, and optically coupled with one another at a first and second end face. |
| US11402582B2 |
Optical connector member, optical connector kit, and optical interconnection
An optical connector member is provided, which includes an optical waveguide retaining portion provided on one of opposite sides of an optical coupling portion and having a cavity for retaining an end portion of an optical waveguide, and an optical fiber retaining portion provided on the other side and having a through-hole for retaining an end portion of an optical fiber. A distal end face of the end portion of the optical waveguide retained in the cavity of the optical waveguide retaining portion and a distal end face of the end portion of the optical fiber retained in the through-hole of the optical fiber retaining portion are positioned in opposed relation to each other in the optical coupling portion with an optical axis of the optical waveguide in alignment with an optical axis of the optical fiber. |
| US11402576B2 |
Passive compensation of non-uniform channel characteristics of spectrally selective device arrays in multiwavelength photonic integrated circuits
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to wavelength division multiplexing systems comprising arrays of spectrally selective devices that are arranged on a substrate to compensate for perturbations of the spectral characteristics of the devices due to factors such as temperature non-uniformity, inherent spectral non-uniformity, and the like. As a result, shifts in the center wavelengths and/or changes in the wavelength spacing for the wavelength channels of a WDM system due to such perturbations are mitigated. In some embodiments, an array of spectrally selective devices is arranged on a substrate such that their respective wavelength channels are not linearly correlated with their physical position within the array, enabling the devices to be arranged in pairs that are subject to substantially the same environmental conditions and/or operate on nearly the same spectral range. |
| US11402568B2 |
Light emitting device
A light emitting device includes a light source, a light guide member, and a defining member. The light source is configured to emit light. The light guide member is configured to guide the light and having a light incident end surface on which the light is to be incident. The defining member is arranged between the light source and the light guide member to define a distance between the light source and the light incident end surface of the light guide member. The defining member includes a light passage member configured to allow the light to pass between the light source and the light incident end surface, and a light transmission member configured to transmit the light between the light passage member and the light incident end surface. The light source is spaced apart from the light transmission member. |
| US11402567B2 |
Backlight assembly and display device
A backlight assembly and a display device are provided. The backlight assembly includes a light guide plate, a light source, and a first reflector sheet. The light guide plate includes a bottom surface and a light emitting surface opposite to each other, and a light incident surface intersecting the bottom surface and the light emitting surface. The light source is on the light incident surface of the light guide plate. The first reflector sheet is on the bottom surface of the light guide plate and at an end of the light guide plate distal to the light source. The backlight assembly further includes a second reflector sheet proximal to the light source. The second reflector sheet is on the bottom surface and/or the light emitting surface of the light guide plate, and a reflectivity of the second reflector sheet is greater than 90%. |
| US11402564B2 |
Lighting fixture for direct and indirect lighting with patterned light emitting area
A lighting fixture for direct and indirect lighting employing a generally rectangular sheet of an optically transmissive material having a first broad-area surface configured for light output, an opposing second broad-area surface extending parallel to the first broad-area surface and configured for light output, a first edge configured for light input, and an opposing second edge configured for light input. The lighting fixture further employs two series of compact solid-state light sources optically coupled to the first and second edges, a plurality of patterned light extraction areas distributed over an area of the rectangular sheet and separated from one another and from the first and second edges by separation areas, and a housing encasing the solid-state light sources and one or more edges of the rectangular sheet. |
| US11402562B2 |
Method of making illumination systems employing thin and flexible waveguides with enhanced light coupling
A method of making an illumination system with enhanced light utilization using an optical waveguide and a linear array of discrete side-emitting light emitting diode (LED) packages which provide a light source. The method includes providing an optical waveguide formed from a thin and flexible light transmissive sheet having a light input edge, a patterned light extraction area located at a distance from the light input edge, and a light mixing area located between the light input edge and the light extraction area. The LEDs are arranged on a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) which is positioned parallel to the light transmissive sheet and has a substantial portion of its area disposed in a space between the light input edge and an opposite edge. The method further includes positioning a reflective layer on a light emitting side of the thin and flexible light transmissive sheet and positioning the flexible PCB in a parallel orientation with respect to the first and second broad-area surfaces and in direct or indirect contact with one of the first and second broad-area surfaces. |
| US11402559B2 |
Optical filter with layers having refractive index greater than 3
An optical filter includes a substrate and a first filter layer stacked on a first surface of the substrate. The first filter layer includes a plurality of lower refractive index layers having a refractive index of less than 3; a plurality of higher refractive index layers having a refractive index of greater than 3; and a plurality of medium refractive index layers having a refractive index of 3 or more and smaller than that of the higher refractive index layers, and one higher refractive index layer and one medium refractive index layer are interposed in at least one of regions between two lower refractive index layers. |
| US11402555B2 |
Display panel, manufacturing method therefor and display device
A display panel, a manufacturing method therefor and a display device are provided. The display panel includes a first substrate and color resists. An alignment film is formed on outer surfaces of the color resists. The first substrate includes a display color resist region and a dummy color resist region. A channel depth of the dummy color resist region is smaller than a channel depth of the display color resist region. |
| US11402543B2 |
All silicon broadband ultra-violet metasurfaces
A device has a substrate transparent to ultraviolet (UV) light, and at least one metalens formed of a material having large permittivity of UV light on the substrate. A device has a UV reflector, a UV transparent film on the reflector, and at least one metalens formed of a material having large permittivity of UV light on the film. |
| US11402542B2 |
Forecasting method with machine learning
The systems and methods described herein provide a mechanism for collecting information from a diverse suite of sensors and systems, calculating the current precipitation, atmospheric water vapor, or precipitable water and other atmospheric-based phenomena based upon these sensor readings, and predicting future precipitation and atmospheric-based phenomena. |
| US11402541B2 |
Determining a REALFEEL seasonal index
A system and method for forecasting perceived transitions to the four annual seasons in geographic areas is disclosed. The perceived transitions are identified by comparing forecasted daily temperatures in each geographic area to thresholds generated based on normal daily temperatures in those geographic areas. The forecasted daily temperatures may be calculated using both forecasted temperatures and forecasted perceived ambient temperatures (calculated using both temperature and humidity, cloud cover, sun intensity, and/or wind speed). |
| US11402536B2 |
High-voltage protection and shielding within downhole tools
A downhole tool may include a voltage multiplier within a housing. The voltage multiplier may transform input power to the downhole tool from a first voltage to a second voltage higher than the first. The downhole tool may also include multiple shielding rings surrounding at least the voltage multiplier to reduce electric field stresses within the downhole tool. Additionally, the downhole tool may include an insulator located between the shielding rings and the housing. |
| US11402529B2 |
Identifying geologic features in a subterranean formation using seismic diffraction and refraction imaging
A process for seismic imaging of a subterranean geological formation includes generating a source wavefield from seismic data representing a subterranean formation. The process includes generating a receiver wavefield from the seismic data representing the subterranean formation. The process includes decomposing the source wavefield to extract a source depth component and decomposing the receiver wavefield to extract a receiver depth component. The process includes applying a transform to each of the source depth component and the receiver depth component. The process includes combining the source depth component and the receiver depth component to generate an imaging condition. The process includes extracting a low-frequency term from the imaging condition to generate a wave-path tracking data, generating a wave path from the wave-path tracking data, and rendering a seismic image of at least a portion of the subterranean geological formation from the generated wave path. |
| US11402526B2 |
Seismic sensor system with microelectromechanical systems (“MEMS”) oscillator clock
Embodiments included herein are directed towards a seismic spread system that may use a MEMS oscillator as a timing reference. The system may include a plurality of nodal seismic sensor units. The system may also include a plurality of MEMS oscillator clock devices, wherein each of the plurality of MEMS oscillator clock devices is associated with a respective one of the plurality of nodal seismic sensor units, the plurality of MEMS oscillator clock devices being configured to input time synchronization to the seismic system. Each MEMS oscillator clock device may include a MEMS resonator in communication with an integrated circuit. |
| US11402525B2 |
Earthquake detector
Earthquake detector is a solid-state device that detects the motion of a building or structure and initiates an alarm when the motion of a building or structure rises above a certain base level or threshold level of motion that is automatically calibrated or manually entered for the specific building or structure and the specific location of the building or structure. Earthquake detector measures the amplitude of movement and the magnitude of acceleration of the actual building or structure caused by a seismic event, earthquake, or other external force because this is the primary cause of damage to the building or structure and the associated potential for collapse of the building or structure. Earthquake detector has a circuit board; a microprocessor, integrated circuit, or chip; an accelerometer integrated circuit or chip; an alarm module; a connection to a power source; and a calibration control. |
| US11402524B2 |
Geometric calibration of X-ray imaging systems
An apparatus for calibrating an X-ray imaging system including: an X-ray source including a plurality of focal spots; a detector panel; and at least one planar structure including markers placed at pre-determined positions on the at least one planar structure, the at least one planar structure configured to estimate a position of the plurality of focal spots with respect to the detector panel. |
| US11402521B2 |
System and method for cooling components in an imaging system
An imaging system based on an imaging device and/or a cooling system is provided. The imaging system may include a control module, an imaging device, and/or a cooling system. The imaging device may include a first portion and a second portion. The cooling system may include a cooling module configured to generate a cooling medium, and/or a cooling medium passage configured to spread the cooling medium. The cooling medium passage may belong to a closed loop. At least part of the cooling system may be located within the imaging device such that the cooling medium may be in direct contact with the at least part of the imaging device. |
| US11402516B2 |
System and method for neutron and gamma radiation detection using non-homogeneous material scintillator
A scintillator system is disclosed for detecting incoming radiation. The system makes use of a scintillator structure having first and second dissimilar materials. The first dissimilar material emits a first color of light and the second dissimilar material emits a second color of light different from the first color of light. Either one, or both, of the first or second colors of light are emitted in response to receipt of the incoming radiation. A plurality of light detectors is disposed in proximity to the scintillator structure for detecting the first and second different colors of light and generating output signals in response thereto. A detector electronics subsystem is responsive to the output signals and provides an indication of colors emitted by the scintillator structure to infer at least one property of the incoming radiation. |
| US11402515B2 |
Gamma probe and multimodal intraoperative imaging system
An intraoperative imaging system combines a gamma probe and an ultrasound probe. The probes are linked to provide co-registration of gamma radiation detected by the gamma probe with an image acquired by the ultrasound probe. The gamma probe has a converging collimator made of a metal block having a plurality of channels therein, which converge from an output face toward an input face. Each channel extends between and opens out at the faces such that openings at the input face have smaller cross-sectional areas than openings at the output face so that each channel tapers inwardly from the output face to the input face. The collimator has an external focal point distant from the input face. The system improves identification and localization of cancerous cells, facilitating more accurate biopsy data and more complete surgical resection. The gamma probe increases sensitivity, while maintaining spatial resolution, and increasing depth of view. |
| US11402511B2 |
Spectrally-resolved raman water lidar
A spectrally-resolved Raman water lidar, including: a transmitter unit, a receiver unit, and a data acquisition and control unit. The transmitter unit includes a seeder, a solid Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, a beam expander, and a first reflecting mirror to emit a 354.8-nm laser beam. The receiver unit includes a telescope, an iris, a collimator, a second reflecting mirror, a first bandpass filter, a beam splitter, a narrow-band interference filter, a third lens, a first detector, a second bandpass filter, a coupler and a home-made dual-grating polychromator to enable simultaneous profiling of backscattered Raman spectrum signals from water vapor, water droplets and ice crystals as well as aerosol fluorescence in the atmosphere. The data acquisition and control unit includes a computer to store the acquired data and guarantee an automatic operation of the lidar system through a time-sequence circuit. |
| US11402509B2 |
Method and system for use in performing localisation
A method for use in performing localisation in a three-dimensional (3D) environment, the method including in one or more electronic processing devices: determining from a local scan performed by at least one laser sensor, intensity data based at least in part on a power of radiation returned to the at least one laser sensor from points in a local point cloud obtained from the local scan; calculating a first intensity descriptor for the local point cloud using the intensity data; retrieving a plurality of previously calculated second intensity descriptors that are each associated with a respective portion of a map of the 3D environment; comparing the first intensity descriptor with at least some of the second intensity descriptors; and, determining a location with respect to the map at least in part in accordance with results of the comparison. |
| US11402507B2 |
Positional tracking system and method
A position tracking system has a laser transmitter, a control tracker and a layout indicator. The laser transmitter has a laser for emitting a laser beam, a controller controlling the laser, and a motor for rotating the emitted laser beam. The control tracker has a housing, at least two photo diodes disposed on the housing, and a laser assembly for generating a beam to be projected unto a surface. The layout indicator has a housing, and at least two photo diodes disposed on the housing. A network server communicates with at least one of the laser transmitter, the control tracker and the layout indicator. |
| US11402506B2 |
Laser measuring method and laser measuring instrument
A laser measuring instrument comprises a light emitter, a driver, a scanning unit, a light receiving signal processing module for detecting a reciprocating time per pulsed light of a distance measuring light and performing a distance measurement, and a timing generating circuit for issuing a timing signal, wherein the timing generating circuit is configured to issue a timing signal for making the light emitter pulse-emit in a short cycle and a timing signal for pausing a light emission, the driver is configured to make the light emitter pulse-emit according to the timing signals, a light emission time interval in the short cycle is set such that a measuring point is multiply irradiated with the pulsed light by two or more times within a time when the pulsed light passes the measuring point, and the light receiving signal processing module is configured to integrate acquired light receiving signals and to carry out the distance measurement. |
| US11402492B2 |
Surroundings detection system for motor vehicles
A surroundings detection system for motor vehicles, including multiple sensors which are sensitive to electromagnetic radiation in different ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum, and including associated evaluation modules for locating and/or classifying objects present in the surroundings based on the data supplied by the sensors, including a model module in which a surroundings model is stored which, in addition to the 3D position data of the objects, also contains data about the spectral reflection properties of surfaces of the objects, the model module being capable of providing these data to the evaluation modules. |
| US11402491B2 |
Method for determining a distance between two nodes
The present invention relates to a method and a first node for performing the method of determining a distance between the first and a second node. The method comprises time stamping a data packet to be transmitted from the first node to the second node with a first time stamp, transmitting said data packet to the second node, receiving the transmitted data packet back from the second node, repeating the transmitting and receiving step at least one more time, time stamping the last received data packet from the second node with a second time stamp, and calculating the distance between the first and second node based on the first and second time stamp, the number of repetitions of the repeating step and the internal delays in the first and second node. |
| US11402483B2 |
Systems and methods to detect motion on sloped surfaces
Systems and methods are described to identify motion events on a sloped surface, such as a mountainside, using transmitted and received radio frequency (RF) chirps. A one-dimensional array of receive antennas can be digitally beamformed to determine azimuth information of received reflected chirps. Elevation information can be determined based on time-of-flight measurements of received reflected chirps and known distances to locations on the sloped surface. Motion events may be characterized by deviations in return power levels and/or return phase shifts. The systems and methods may, for example, be used to provide real-time detection of avalanches and/or landslides. |
| US11402480B2 |
Method and apparatus for obstacle detection
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method, apparatus and computer program product for obstacle detection. A method implemented at a base station includes transmitting a positioning reference signal; receiving a transmission leakage signal and a reflection signal of the positioning reference signal; determining whether there exists an obstacle based on the reflection signal; and determining position information of the obstacle based on the transmission leakage signal and the reflection signal. |
| US11402478B2 |
System for rough localization of moveable cooperative targets during laser tracker based industrial object measurement
A system configured for rough localization of moveable cooperative targets. The system includes at least one laser tracker, having a moveable upper part connected to a base part, an optical target rough location detector automatically detecting a rough location of a cooperative target, a target fine position detector automatically detecting a fine position of a cooperative target within a fine position field of view, motors for changing an orientation of the moveable upper part, a motor controller, and a computer, a first and a second radio frequency telegram (RFT) transceiver (RFTT) anchor-module, wherein each RFTT anchor-module's position is referenced to the laser tracker, a cooperative target associated with a RFTT tag-module and each of the RFTT tag- and anchor-modules an evaluation unit configured for determining a RFT-transmission specific parameter based on the transmission of RFTs between the RFTT anchor- and tag-modules and providing said RFT-transmission specific parameter to the computer. |
| US11402477B2 |
System and methods for ranging operations using modulated signals
Methods and apparatus for performing a ranging operation are provided. In one example, an apparatus comprises a transmitter circuit, a receiver circuit, a controller, and a code storage. The controller can obtain a first code from the code storage, determine, from the first code, first timing information and first amplitude information of a corresponding first group of one or more signals, and control the transmitter circuit to transmit the first group of one or more signals based on the first timing information and the first amplitude information. The controller can configure a matched filter based on the first timing information and the first amplitude information, identify return signals of the first group of one or more signals based on processing received signals using the configured matched filter, and perform a ranging operation based on the identified return signals and the first group of one or more signals. |
| US11402469B2 |
Radar target detection system and method
A drone detection radar configured to identify, from information present on returns reflected from a target, the presence of a drone, by identification, within Doppler information on the returns, of: i) Doppler signals being characteristic of rotating parts of a motor; ii) Doppler signals being characteristic of rotating parts of a blade; and, by identification from temporal information in the reflected returns; and iii) signals being characteristic of flashing of the blade of a drone. The target is assumed to be a drone if signals i, ii, and iii are present above respective predetermined thresholds. The largest return from a drone is often from the body, but this is often filtered by a clutter filter. The identified parameters therefore improve detection ability. The characteristic form of the Doppler signals in some instances allow the body return to be implied, thus providing information as to drone velocity. |
| US11402465B2 |
Radar leakage cancelation based on spatiotemporal relationship of transmit and receive antenna pairs
A method and electronic device for leakage cancellation. The electronic device includes a first antenna pair, a memory, and a processor. The first antenna pair includes a first transmitter antenna configured to transmit signals and a first receiver antenna configured to receive signals. The memory is configured to store data. The processor is configured to identify, from the data stored in the memory, a first leakage factor associated with at least the first antenna pair, control the first transmitter antenna to transmit a first signal, generate a first CIR based on receipt, by the first receiver antenna, of reflection of the first signal, determine leakage in the first CIR based on at least the identified first leakage factor, and cancel the determined leakage from the first CIR. |
| US11402457B2 |
System and method for integrated test on primary-secondary pole-mounted breaker
A system and a method for an integrated test on a primary-secondary pole-mounted breaker. The method includes: establishing an electrical connection between the system and the primary-secondary pole-mounted breaker; establishing a communication connection between the system and the primary-secondary pole-mounted breaker; applying, by the system, a voltage signal and a current signal to the primary-secondary pole-mounted breaker through the electrical connection, to generate a voltage and a current on the primary-secondary pole-mounted breaker; collecting, by the system, signals of the voltage and the current fed back from the primary-secondary pole-mounted breaker through the communication connection; performing, by the system, an integrated accuracy test and an integrated protection test; outputting a test result of the accuracy test and a test result of the integrated protection test to the industrial control machine, to generate the test report. A blind zone in quality control of primary-secondary pole-mounted breakers is eliminated. Efficiency is improved in testing primary-secondary pole-mounted breakers. |
| US11402454B2 |
Correction of distorted diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance image data
The disclosure relates to techniques for reducing eddy current-induced magnetic field interferences for a diffusion imaging pulse sequence. A gradient impulse response function (GIRF) is determined, and an interference gradient sequence (Gx/y/z(t)) is defined on the basis of the diffusion imaging pulse sequence. A time interval (t1, t2) is determined for the acquisition of diffusion image data. On the basis of the determined gradient impulse response function (GIRF) and the interference gradient sequence (Gx/y/z(t)), a time-dependent magnetic field deviation (ΔBx/y/z(t)) in the determined time interval (t1, t2) is determined. An image distortion of an acquisition of diffusion imaging is compensated, which takes place by application of the diffusion imaging pulse sequence on the basis of the determined magnetic field deviation (ΔBx/y/z(t)). |
| US11402450B2 |
RF coil device and RF shield device for different MRI modes
The present invention provides a radio frequency (RF) shield device (124) for a magnetic resonance (MR) examination system (110), whereby the RF shield device (124) comprises a first shield (250) and a second shield (252), the first shield (250) and the second shield (252) are arranged with a common center axis (118), the first shield (250) has a shield structure (254) different from a shield structure (254) of the second shield (252), and the first shield (250) and the second shield (252) are designed in accordance with different modes of operation of a RF coil device (140). The present invention also provides a radio frequency (RF) coil device (140) for a magnetic resonance (MR) examination system (110), whereby the RF coil device (140) comprises a first coil (200) and in a second coil (202), the first coil (200) and the second coil (202) are provided as birdcage coils, the first coil (200) and the second coil (202) are arranged with a common center axis (118), the first coil (200) and the second coil (202) have rungs (204), which are arranged non-parallel to the center axis (118) of the RF coil device (140), the first coil (200) has a coil structure (210) different from a coil structure (210) of the second coil (202), and the first coil (200) and the second coil (202) are switchable to be active for different modes of operation. The present invention further provides a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system (110), comprising such a RF coil device (140) and/or such a RF shield device (124). |
| US11402443B2 |
Magnetic characteristic measuring apparatus and method
A magnetic characteristic measuring apparatus measures a magnetic characteristic of a sample having a core wound by a primary coil and a secondary coil with high accuracy at high frequency. The apparatus includes: an air-core coil wound by a primary coil and a secondary coil; and a capacitor. The primary coil of the sample, the primary coil of the air-core coil and the capacitor are serially connected, and the capacitance CL of the capacitor is selected as ⅓ω2La≤CL≤1/ω2La, wherein La is an inductance of the air-core coil at a frequency ω/2π. |
| US11402441B2 |
Magnetic sensor and inspection device
According to one embodiment, a magnetic sensor includes a first element part. The first element part includes a first magnetic element, a first conductive member, a first magnetic member, and a second magnetic member. The first magnetic element includes a first magnetic layer, a first counter magnetic layer, and a first nonmagnetic layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the first counter magnetic layer. A direction from the first magnetic layer toward the first counter magnetic layer is along a first direction. The second magnetic member is separated from the first magnetic member along a second direction crossing the first direction. The first magnetic element includes a first element region, a first other-element region, and a first intermediate element region. The first magnetic member includes a first partial surface and a second partial surface. |
| US11402437B2 |
Real-time detection/recovery system of power line failure in power distribution system and construction method therefor
A real-time detection/recovery system of a power line failure in a power distribution system, which immediately alerts, shuts off, and recovers power in real-time when a disconnection, a resistance increase, a contact failure, a half-disconnection, or a short circuit occurs in a single-phase power supply side of a three-phase or single-phase power distribution system. A power distribution system can be provided with one or more of a power supply side detection/recovery device and a load side detection/recovery device. The power supply side and load side detection/recovery devices can recover, shut off, alert, notify, or control an electrical failure in a power supply line of a single-phase or three-phase power supply by forming a neutral point with an element electrically/electronically connected to the single-phase or three-phase power supply to ground the neutral point or detect a potential difference between the neutral point and the ground. |
| US11402424B1 |
Low profile slide screw tuners and method
A low-profile passive slide screw load pull tuner is used on-wafer, especially in millimeter-wave frequencies from 25 to 110 GHz and above. It uses special rotating tuning probes insertable in a short slabline mounted inside the tuner housing, which holds the control gear. The tuner is mounted at an angle matching the angle of the wafer-probe, is connected directly of the wafer-probe and ensures optimum reflection factor tuning range. |
| US11402423B2 |
Operating component
An operating component has a sensor device for recording measurement values and a communication device for transmitting a status report. A data storage device stores the recorded measurement values and a status estimation device determines an operating status with the aid of the recorded measurement values. |
| US11402422B2 |
Methods for detecting sensor faults in a consumer appliance
A method for operating a consumer appliance, as provided herein, may include detecting a preliminary first conversion value from a first sensor input pin electrically connected to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and detecting a preliminary second conversion value from a second sensor input pin electrically connected to the ADC in electrical parallel with the first sensor input pin. The method may further include determining a preliminary variation between the preliminary first and second conversion values is less than or equal to a predetermined preliminary threshold. The method may still further include activating a pull-up resistor in electrical communication with the first sensor input pin, identifying a fault state in response based on a conversion value variation following activating the pull-up resistor, and directing the appliance based on the determined fault state. |
| US11402418B2 |
Time-domain reflectometry protocol for sensors
Provided is a method for collecting sensor data using time-domain reflectometry (TDR). A primary device transmits a TDR signal to a first sensor. A reflected signal is received in response to the transmitted TDR signal. The reflected signal is analyzed to determine an impedance of the first sensor. Based on the impedance of the first sensor, a sensor value for the first sensor is determined. |
| US11402413B1 |
Droop detection and mitigation
In an embodiment, a method includes filtering, with a low-pass filter, a voltage signal (Vdd) of a chip to create a filtered signal (Vref). The method further includes dividing Vref by a given factor. The method further includes determining whether a voltage droop occurred in Vdd by comparing Vdd to the divided Vref. The method further includes outputting a droop detection signal if Vdd is less than the divided Vref. In an embodiment, dividing Vref by the given factor includes selecting, with a multiplexer, one of a plurality of divided Vref signals outputted by a voltage divider. The selecting is based on a selection signal. |
| US11402411B2 |
Switching arrangement and method for monitoring AC signals
A switching arrangement for monitoring AC signals includes: one or a plurality of comparators, to which an AC signal to be monitored or a signal obtained therefrom is feedable in each case at a first comparison input, for comparison with a defined amplitude threshold value present at a second comparison input, so as to generate a first output signal at an output; a zero crossing detector, to which a reference signal or a signal obtained therefrom is feedable at a monitoring input, so as to generate a second output signal at an output of the zero crossing detector; a first timing element downstream of the zero crossing detector configured to generate a first clock signal as a function of the second output signal; and a second timing element downstream of the zero crossing detector configured to generate a second clock signal as a function of the second output signal. |
| US11402409B1 |
Differential current sensor package
Methods and apparatus for measuring a current difference between at least two primary current paths in a current sensor integrated circuit package. Each primary current path generated a magnetic field which may then be measured by at least one magnetic field sensing element positioned on an integrated circuit die. An output disconnect signal may be provided from the current sensor integrated circuit package when a current difference above a predetermined threshold exists in the two or more current traces. |
| US11402407B2 |
Positionable probe card and manufacturing method thereof
A positionable probe card includes a space transformer, a plurality of positioning pins, and a probe head. The space transformer includes a space transforming substrate, the space transforming substrate includes a plurality of apertures, and the positioning pins are respectively fixed in the apertures. The probe head includes a plurality of positioning holes, and the positioning pins are respectively inserted into corresponding positioning holes. In addition, a method of manufacturing a positionable probe card is also disclosed herein. |
| US11402404B2 |
Scanning probe microscope and a method for operating thereof
A method of operating a scanning probe microscope, wherein a control loop is provided which is configured for controlling one or more feedback parameters of the scanning probe microscope. One or more system identification measurements are performed during operation of the control loop, wherein during the one or more system identification measurements an excitation signal with a plurality of frequency components is introduced in the control loop and a resulting response signal indicative of a cantilever displacement or a stage-sample distance between a sensor device and a sample is measured. A model response function is identified using said excitation signal and said resulting response signal, wherein one or more settings and/or input signals are adapted in the control loop based on the identified model response function. The scanning probe microscope is used for characterization of the sample using the adapted one or more settings and/or input signals. |
| US11402399B2 |
System and method for improved liquid handling
A liquid handling system and method includes a liquid handling device with a plurality of pipetting heads and a tip box having a plurality of tips for removable attachment to the pipetting heads. A lever mechanism engages the liquid handling device and tip box during insertion of the pipetting heads into the tips to lesser the required insertion force. |
| US11402397B2 |
Automatic analyzer
In the case of adopting a configuration in which reagent bottles are radially disposed on a reagent disk and a reagent dispensing mechanism is rotated to access the reagent bottles, one reagent bottle includes a plurality of suction ports in which suction positions are different from each other, resulting in prolonging a step of dispensing a reagent. The invention is directed to an automatic analyzer including: a reagent disk that accommodates a plurality of reagent bottles including a plurality of suction ports and conveys the reagent bottles to a desired position by rotating in a circumferential direction around a central axis; and a reagent dispensing mechanism that rotates around a rotational axis and sucks a reagent of the reagent bottle placed at a predetermined position on the reagent disk. The reagent bottle is accommodated in the reagent disk such that the central axis of the reagent bottle and a diameter of the reagent disk form a predetermined inclination. |
| US11402396B2 |
Process record slide and method of using the same for loose cells
The present application relates to process record slide and method of using the same for loose cells. A single to multi-region slide wherein each region contains one to four control targets and is suitable for processing through Special Stains, IHC or CC, and others. Each region may be bonded by a hydrophobic barrier to form a well. The slide has an adhesive coating suitable for capturing loose cells and cell debris. |
| US11402395B2 |
Compounds and methods for use in detecting gabapentin
Compounds and methods for use in detecting gabapentin in a sample suspected of containing gabapentin are disclosed. Gabapentin derivatives are used to produce gabapentin conjugates. A gabapentin-immunogenic carrier conjugate may be used as an immunogen for the preparation of an anti-gabapentin antibody. A gabapentin-detectable label may be used in a signal producing system in gabapentin assays. |
| US11402384B2 |
Thermostable glucose biosensors and uses thereof
The present subject matter provides glucose biosensors as well as compositions, devices, and methods comprising such biosensors. |
| US11402379B2 |
Methods and materials for identifying and treating autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy
This document provides methods and materials involved in identifying and treating autoimmune GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) astrocytopathy, a novel meningoencephalomyelitis, in humans as well as methods and materials for identifying and offering early treatment for patients having autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy whose autoantibody profile predicts a high likelihood of having underlying cancer (e.g., adenocarcinoma or teratoma). |
| US11402378B2 |
Biomarkers and methods for assessing response to inflammatory disease therapy
Provided herein are methods for assessing response to inflammatory disease therapy. The methods include performing immunoassays to generate scores based on quantitative data for expression of biomarkers relating to inflammatory biomarkers to assess disease activity in inflammatory diseases, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis. Also provided are uses of inflammatory biomarkers for guiding treatment decisions. |
| US11402377B2 |
Membrane carrier for liquid sample test kit, liquid sample test kit, and membrane carrier
A membrane carrier for a liquid sample test kit that detects a substance to be detected in a liquid sample, the membrane carrier including at least one integrally-molded flow path capable of transporting the liquid sample, in which a microstructure that causes a capillary action for transporting the liquid sample is provided on a bottom surface of the flow path, and the microstructure has two or more peak positions at which a height becomes maximum per one repeating unit structure. |
| US11402376B2 |
Methods and devices for detection of biological materials using electric field assisted rapid analyte capture
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a system for detecting a target analyte which includes a microfluidic device having least one microfluidic channel with a binding surface positioned in the microfluidic channel with further include a first electrode and a second electrode. The system may further include a detector and a voltage supply. Also included is a method to detect a target analyte using a described microfluidics device, introducing solution with a target analyte to a binding surface, and binding the target analyte to the binding surface by applying an electrical potential between the first and second electrodes during at least a portion of the binding step, which enhances the rate of binding of the target analyte molecules to the binding molecules. The method then includes the steps of detecting a reporter molecule which corresponds to the amount of the bound target analyte molecules, which correlates with the amount of target analyte in the original sample. The method may also include multiple applications of sample to the binding surface prior to the detection step. |
| US11402374B2 |
Method of detecting label particles
The invention relates to a method for the detection of target components that comprise label particles, for example magnetic particles (1). The method includes (a) collecting the target components at a binding surface (12, 112, 512) of a carrier (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511); (b) directing an input light beam (L1, L1a, L1b) into the carrier such that it is totally internally reflected in an investigation region (13, 313a, 313b) at the binding surface (12, 112, 512); and (c) determining the amount of light of an output light beam (L2, L2a, L2b) that comprises at least some of the totally internally reflected light. Evanescent light generated during the total internal reflection is affected (absorbed, scattered) by target components and/or label particles (1) at the binding surface (12) and will therefore be missing in the output light beam (L2). This can be used to determine the amount of target components at the binding surface (12) from the amount of light in the output light beam (L2, L2a, L2b). A magnetic field generator (41) is optionally used to generate a magnetic field (B) at the binding surface (12) by which magnetic label particles (1) can be manipulated, for example attracted or repelled. |
| US11402373B2 |
General detection and isolation of specific cells by binding of labeled molecules
The present invention relates to detection molecules comprising at least one binding molecule, at least one linker and at least one label, and detection methods making use of same. The invention provides a high-throughput method for detection, isolation and/or identification of specific entities or cells. |
| US11402370B2 |
Alarming method for platelet aggregation sample, blood cell analyzer and storage medium
An alarming method for a platelet aggregation sample can include providing a blood sample, preparing a first test sample from the blood sample under a first reaction condition, acquiring a test signal of the first test sample, and obtaining first platelet test data. The method can also include preparing a second test sample from the blood sample under a second reaction condition, acquiring a test signal of the second test sample, and obtaining second platelet test data. The method can further include obtaining an evaluation result based on the first platelet test data and the second platelet test data, determining whether the evaluation result meets a predetermined condition, and alarming that the blood sample may be the platelet aggregation sample if the evaluation result meets the predetermined condition. The second reaction condition may include a reaction condition for reducing the platelet aggregation degree of the blood sample. |
| US11402367B2 |
Integrated multi-electrode array and trans-endothelial electrical resistance in organ-on-a-chip microsystems
An organ-on-chip device for monitoring a biological function and including a membrane layer located at an interface region between a top microchannel and the a microchannel. The membrane includes a first type of cells forming a barrier between the top microchannel and the bottom microchannel. The device further includes a top layer having a first plurality of transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurement electrodes for enabling direct monitoring of cell function and electrical activity of the first type of cells on the membrane. The device also has a multi-electrode array (MEA) layer with a second plurality of TEER measurement electrodes for enabling direct monitoring of cell function and electrical activity of a second type of cells on the MEA layer. |
| US11402366B2 |
Methods of characterizing ion-exchanged chemically strengthened glasses containing lithium
Methods of characterizing ion-exchanged chemically strengthened Li-containing glasses include: a) measuring a mode spectrum of the glass sample; b) using the mode spectrum, estimating a first contribution to the center tension associated with a spike region and estimating a second contribution to the center tension due to a deep region only, wherein the deep region is assumed to follow a power-law stress profile; and c) determining a total center tension by adding of the first and second contributions to the center tension. The methods can be used for quality control during manufacturing of glass samples by comparing the total center tension to a center tension specification that provides optimum strength and durability. |
| US11402364B1 |
Apparatus for the detection, assessment and mitigation of cyanobacteria in real time and method of using the same
The invention relates to the detection, assessment and mitigation of harmful water-borne bacteria such as cyanobacteria. Multiple apparatus embodiments and variations are described. One apparatus can apply at least one of UV-C irradiation, microbubbles containing ozone and ultrasonic sound to mitigate the harmful water-borne bacteria. The systems and methods of the invention can be applied to bodies of water, including fresh water and salt water, and can be applied to wastewater treatment. The systems and methods of the invention can be used to reduce the concentration of algae directly and can be used to reduce the concentration of nutrients in water that algae use to grow. Methods of mitigation of the harmful bacteria are described that do not involve the introduction of chemicals into the environment. |
| US11402361B2 |
Personnel-tolerant carbon dioxide beamline variation reduction
A method of controlling a gas mixture for a laser includes receiving as an input one or more of a plurality of concentration values. Each of the concentration values respectively corresponds to a constituent of a plurality of constituents of air. In the method, a blend of the plurality of constituents of air is generated based on the received one or more of the concentration values. The method also includes determining whether the blend of the plurality of constituents of air is within a threshold range for a ratio of the concentration values for the plurality of constituents of air. A flow of the blend of the plurality of constituents of air is controlled to be routed through an output circuit for use as the gas mixture for the laser following a determination that the blend of the plurality of constituents of air is within the threshold range. |
| US11402354B2 |
Method for generating ultrasound transmission waves and ultrasound system for carrying out the said method
A method is provided for generating ultrasound transmission waves comprising: a) providing an array of electroacoustic transducer elements each one being connected to an electric excitation signal generator by a dedicated feeding channel; b) feeding at least a part of the electroacoustic transducer elements with a pulsed electric signal having a predetermined frequency, a predetermined amplitude, a predetermined length or duration and a predetermined phase or a predefined delay with respect to the pulsed electric signals fed to the adjacent transducer elements, the said pulsed electric excitation signals comprising a sequence of pulses; c) modulating each or at least part of the pulsed electric signals by feeding to the transducer elements only a predetermined portion of the pulses of the said pulsed electric signals. Modulating is carried out by cutting the duration of each pulse of the pulsed electric excitation signal according to a predetermined time period. |
| US11402351B1 |
Apparatus, systems, and methods for discriminate high-speed inspection of tubulars
High-speed tubular inspection systems include a frame at least one magnetic flux generator contained in a coil annulus and a detector assembly each having inlet and outlet openings for passing a tubular member there through. The detector assembly has one or more magnetic detectors and one or more eddy current detectors configured to be spaced a first distance from the tubular member during an inspection. The detectors are each contained in one or more EMI detector shoes. A conveyor supports the frame and a drive mechanism configured to drive the tubular member through the coil annulus (or drive the coil annulus past the tubular member) at high-speeds. |
| US11402350B2 |
Post-separation mobility analyser and method for determining ion collision cross-sections
There is provided a method comprising separating a first population of ions according to a first physico-chemical property in a first separation device, and separating one or more groups of ions emerging from the first separation device in a drift tube and sampling each group of ions using the drift tube to determine the collision cross section of ions in each group of ions, wherein each group of ions corresponds to a range of the first physico-chemical property. The drift tube is configured such that multiple groups of ions in the first population of ions can be sampled by the drift tube in a single cycle of separation of the first separation device. The step of sampling each group of ions comprises determining the mobility of ions in each group of ions by measuring their drift time through the drift tube, and determining the collision cross section of the ions in each group of ions using the determined mobility. |
| US11402345B2 |
Method for continuously determining all of the components of the resistance tensor of thin films
A method for continuously determining all of the components of the resistance tensor of thin films, such as thin film resistors and thin film sensors of all types, is disclosed. A continuous determination of all the components of the resistance tensor is facilitated without switching the contact points using a minimum number of contacts. A homogeneous thin film part of any shape is provided with a least three contact points arranged at distances from one another. An input voltage is applied at each of the contact points, the current flowing through the contact points are detected, and the complete resistance tensor of the thin film part is determined from the voltage and current values. |
| US11402341B2 |
Quantitative phase analysis device for analyzing non-crystalline phases, quantitative phase analysis method for analyzing Non-Crystalline phases, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing quantitative phase analysis program for analyzing Non-Crystalline Phases
A quantitative phase analysis device for analyzing non-crystalline phases comprising at least one microprocessor configured to: acquire the powder diffraction pattern of the sample; acquire information on one non-crystalline phase and one or more crystalline phases contained in the sample; acquire a fitting function; execute whole-powder pattern fitting, acquire a fitting result; and calculate a weight ratio of the one non-crystalline phase and the one or more crystalline phases. The fitting function for each of the one or more crystalline phases is one fitting function selected from the group consisting of a first fitting function that uses an integrated intensity obtained by whole-powder pattern decomposition, a second fitting function that uses an integrated intensity obtained by observation or calculation, and a third fitting function that uses a profile intensity obtained by observation or calculation. The fitting function for the one non-crystalline phase is the third fitting function. |
| US11402340B2 |
Method for detecting defect in insulating material
A device for detecting a defect in an insulating material to be measured, may include a case having a test chamber in which the insulating material is accommodated; a withstand voltage tester applying a voltage to the insulating material accommodated in the test chamber; a plurality of X-ray modules disposed in the test chamber and irradiating X-rays toward different regions or in different directions; and a partial discharge sensor measuring a partial discharge generated from the insulating material accommodated in the test chamber. |
| US11402339B2 |
Scanning method and apparatus comprising a buoyancy material for scanning an underwater pipeline or a process vessel
The invention discloses a scanning method and apparatus suitable for scanning a pipeline or a process vessel in which a beam of gamma radiation from a source is emitted through the pipeline or the process vessel to be detected by an array of detectors, which are each collimated to detect gamma radiation over a narrow angle relative to a width of the emitted beam of gamma radiation. |
| US11402337B2 |
Video pipe inspection systems with video integrated with additional sensor data
Video inspection systems are disclosed. In one embodiment a video camera for use in a pipe inspection system includes a camera head including an outer housing, a camera module assembly including video and non-video sensors, a processing circuit, and a data link receiver. |
| US11402333B2 |
Method for chemiluminescent sulphur detection and a furnace
The invention is directed to a method for chemiluminescent sulphur detection wherein the method comprises the following steps. (a) oxidation of a gaseous starting mixture comprising one or more sulphur compounds to obtain an oxidized gas mixture. (b) reduction of the oxidized gas mixture as obtained in step (a) to obtain a gaseous mixture of reduced sulphur compounds in the presence of a ceramic surface. (c) reacting the mixture of reduced sulphur compounds obtained in step (b) with ozone to obtain a sulphur compound in excited state and measuring a chemiluminescent emission of the sulphur compound in excited state to obtain a measure for the amount of sulphur compounds in the gaseous starting mixture. The ceramic surface in step (b) is a magnesium aluminium silicate comprising surface. |
| US11402331B2 |
Imaging and manipulation of biological sample
A system for manipulating a biological sample, and a method for operating such a system. The system includes an imaging device arranged to image a biological sample; a controller operably connected with the imaging device for processing the images obtained by the imaging device; and a tool manipulation device operably connected with the controller and arranged to be connected with a tool for manipulating the biological sample. The controller is arranged to control operation of the tool manipulation device based on the processing of the images. |
| US11402330B2 |
Method for measuring optical signal detector performance
A method for measuring optical signal detector performance that includes directing light emitted from an optical signal detector onto a first non-fluorescent surface portion in a first detection zone of the optical signal detector. A first characteristic of light detected by a first sensor of the first optical signal detector is measured while the first non-fluorescent surface portion is in the first detection zone of the optical signal detector. Light emitted from the optical signal detector is directed into a first void in the first detection zone of the optical signal detector. A second characteristic of light detected by the first sensor of the optical signal detector is measured while the first void is in the first detection zone of the optical signal detector. And an operational performance status of the optical signal detector is determined based on at least one of the first characteristic and the second characteristic. |
| US11402327B2 |
Optical imaging based on spectral shift assessment
A method for optical imaging based on spectral shift assessment. The method includes generating a sample by mixing an object with a fluorophore, stimulating the sample by emitting a laser beam, extracting a plurality of fluorescence spectra from a plurality of fluorescence emissions emitted from the sample, detecting a plurality of fluorescence peaks and a plurality of peak wavelengths in the plurality of fluorescence spectra, extracting a plurality of fluorophore concentrations from a database, and generating a concentration image. The plurality of peak wavelengths are detected by detecting a respective peak wavelength of the plurality of peak wavelengths. Each of the plurality of fluorophore concentrations is associated with a respective peak wavelength of the plurality of peak wavelengths. The concentration image includes a first plurality of pixels. The concentration image is generated based on a respective fluorophore concentration of the plurality of fluorophore concentrations. |
| US11402320B2 |
Phase difference control device
A phase difference control device comprises: a splitting polarizer splitting a light incident from a light source into a measurement light and a reference light, both of which are linearly polarized; a PEM imparting a phase difference to the measurement and reference lights to correspond to the spectrometry; a PEM driver supplying a modulation voltage to the PEM; a PEM control circuit inputting the reference light as a feedback signal and outputting a modulation control quantity signal to the PEM driver; and a CPU circuit monitoring the wavelength of the light in the splitting polarizer to input a wavelength variation as a wavelength signal, wherein the CPU circuit converts the wavelength signal to a feedforward signal which is output to the PEM control circuit; and the PEM control circuit performs arithmetic processing by the feedback and feedforward signals to output the modulation control quantity signal to the PEM driver. |
| US11402319B2 |
Testing platform with floating cylinder for high-pressure and high-speed reciprocating sealing experiment
A testing platform with a floating cylinder for high-pressure and high-speed reciprocating sealing experiment, characterized in that, includes a frame, a cylinder body for testing and a high-speed driving device, the frame comprises a horizontal rolling guide rail (9), the cylinder body for testing comprises a cylinder, the cylinder is floatingly mounted on the rolling guide rail and is mounted to the frame through a tension-compression sensor which is in the same direction as the rolling guide rail, the cylinder is cylindrical as a whole, has a cavity in a middle and openings on two sides with a diameter slightly greater than a diameter of a test rod, the cylinder includes a left end cover affixed on a left side, a right end cover affixed on a right side, a left seal between the left end cover and the cylinder, a right seal between the right end cover and the cylinder, the piston rod penetrates into the cylinder horizontally and passes through the left end cover, the left seal, the right seal and the right end cover, the piston rod has one side connected to the high-speed driving device with a motor. The present invention can provide stable high-pressure and high-speed working conditions, can accurately measure the frictional force of the sealing ring, and provide more extensive experimental conditions and experimental data for the research of reciprocating sealing performance. |
| US11402318B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring a corrosive environment for electrical equipment
According to one aspect, an apparatus includes a first printed circuit board (PCB), the first PCB including a first interface, and a corrosion sensor assembly. The corrosion sensor assembly including a second interface arranged to be coupled to the first interface, the corrosion sensor assembly further including a signal trace field and a plurality of components, wherein the signal trace field and the plurality of components are arranged to provide an indication of whether the apparatus is in an environment that is corrosive. |
| US11402316B2 |
Device and method for measuring two-phase relative permeability curve of unconventional oil reservoir
Device and method for measuring two-phase relative permeability curve of unconventional oil reservoir are provided, wherein the device comprises: two-dimensional porous seepage microscopic model; injection components connected to inlet end of the two-dimensional porous seepage microscopic model; confining pressure components arranged outside the two-dimensional porous seepage microscopic model; a camera component arranged on one side of the two-dimensional porous seepage microscopic model; back pressure components connected to outlet end of the two-dimensional porous seepage microscopic model; and outlet pressure measuring and recovery components connected to outlet end of the two-dimensional porous seepage microscopic model. Two-phase relative permeability curve of unconventional oil reservoir can be measured accurately through the device. |
| US11402315B2 |
Estimating relative permeability and capillary pressures of a geological formation based on multiphase upscaling
A system can access geological data describing a plurality of rock types in a physical rock sample drilled from a reservoir. The system can generate synthetic rock samples and execute single phase upscaling to compute absolute permeabilities for the physical rock sample and the synthetic rock samples. The system can execute a first multiphase upscaling based on the single phase upscaling to determine relative permeabilities for the physical rock sample and the synthetic rock samples. The system can compare the relative permeability of the physical rock sample to the relative permeabilities for the synthetic rock samples and select a synthetic rock sample that varies the least from the physical rock sample. The system can perform at least one additional multiphase upscaling on the physical rock sample and the synthetic rock samples to determine a second multiphase upscaling result and to develop a plan for drilling operations. |
| US11402312B2 |
Methods and systems for handling fresh concrete based on hydraulic pressure and on rheological probe pressure
There are described methods and systems for handling fresh concrete inside a drum. In an aspect, a method of determining calibration data for use in determining workability of fresh concrete inside a rotating drum based on hydraulic pressure is described. This method has receiving a probe pressure value indicative of pressure exerted on a rheological probe mounted inside the drum and immerged in the fresh concrete; determining a workability value indicative of workability of the fresh concrete based on the probe pressure value and on calibration data for the rheological probe; receiving a hydraulic pressure value indicative of pressure of a hydraulic fluid used for rotating the drum; and determining hydraulic calibration data by associating the hydraulic pressure value and the workability value to one another. |
| US11402311B2 |
Pycnometer with acclimation chamber
An arrangement for measuring a volume of a solid or liquid sample includes a first chamber for accommodating the sample; at least one second chamber connectable to the first chamber; a third chamber connectable to a gas supply source and connected to a gas entry path leading to at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber; a pressure sensor; plural gas paths comprising plural valves; a temperature equalization system configured to temper at least the first chamber, the second chamber and the third chamber to substantially a same temperature, wherein the gas paths and the valves are arranged and connected such as to allow, filling gas out of the third chamber into at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber, and measuring a pressure in at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber. |
| US11402306B1 |
Auto-sampling system with automatic matrix matching capability
The present disclosure is directed to an auto-sampling system with syringe, valve configurations, and control logic that allow automatic, inline matrix matching of calibration standards to samples. In implementations, this can be accomplished with three independent syringes connected to a valve system to dynamically introduce a carrier, diluent, and ultrapure stock matrix flows for each blank, standard, or sample. |
| US11402304B2 |
Environmental sampling system and method
An environmental sampling system includes a passage in an aircraft component and a removable collector disposed in the passage. The passage has an inlet at a first region and an outlet at a second region. When the aircraft component is in operation the first region is at a greater pressure than the second region such that air flows through the passage from the inlet to the outlet. The removable collector is configured to retain constituents from the air and to react with the media designed to mimic corrosion effects seen at higher temperatures on engine parts. The constituents can then be characterized and correlated to engine deterioration to predict maintenance activity. |
| US11402298B2 |
Device for detecting a defect of a rotating arrangement
A device for detecting a defect of a rotating arrangement is disclosed. The rotating arrangement provides one or more rotating elements or groups of rotating elements. The device includes a definition unit for defining a dynamic threshold based on a static threshold of an actually monitored rotating element or group of rotating elements and based on a mean value of static thresholds of a plurality of similar functioning rotating elements or groups of rotating elements, and a detection unit for detecting a defect by comparing a current parameter value of the actually monitored rotating element or group of rotating elements with the dynamic threshold. Also, a method for detecting a defect of a rotating arrangement is disclosed. |
| US11402294B1 |
System and method for flexible solar tracker and testing
Disclosed herein is a technique of configuring flexible photovoltaic tracker systems with high damping and low angle stow positions. Under dynamic environmental loads implementing a high amount of damping (e.g., greater than 25% of critical damping, greater than 50% of critical damping) or a very high amount of damping (e.g., 100% or greater of critical damping, infinite damping) enables the flexible tracker system to prevent problematic aeroelastic behaviors while positioned in a low stow angle. The disclosed technique is further applied to a prototyping process during wind tunnel testing. |
| US11402292B1 |
System and method for leak detection using a manifold assembly and model monitor cylinder
The present invention is a system and method for detecting water leaks and calculating leak rates. The system is comprised of a “water widget”, a manifold assembly, and “expansion gauge”, and two flexible hoses. The system is connected to an existing plumbing system and the plumbing system is pressurized to determine the size of a “phantom water widget”. The “phantom water widget” is used to mathematically represent the additional water in a pressurized plumbing system due to the expansion of certain materials (e.g., PEX pipes). The “phantom water widget” and the “water widget” are then used to determine the leak rate. The invention is further comprised of a mobile phone application which used to calculate the leak rate based on data derived from the system. |
| US11402291B2 |
Method of assessing damage to composite members
A method of assessing damage to a composite member requires the formation of a composite member comprising at least one cavity. A first pressure differential is then established between the cavity and the surrounding ambient pressure. The rate of change of the pressure differential over a first predetermined period is monitored and then the pressure differential is allowed to subside. The result of the monitoring step is stored as a reference value, so that after the composite member is damaged, or after it has been in service for a predetermined time, the test can be repeated and compared with the reference value. If the result of the repeated monitoring differs from the reference value by more than a predetermined amount, it is determined that the composite member is defective. |
| US11402289B2 |
Means for implementing a method for detecting and compensating for a rapid temperature change in a pressure measuring cell
The invention relates to various means for implementing a method for compensating measured values in capacitive pressure measuring cells using a measuring capacity and at least one reference capacity, comprising the following steps: determination of a pressure-induced capacitance change of the reference capacitance as a function of a pressure-induced capacitance change of the measuring capacitance, determination of a thermal shock-induced capacitance change of the reference capacitance as a function of a thermal shock-induced capacitance change of the measuring capacitance, measurement of the measuring capacitance and of the at least one reference capacitance, determination of the thermal shock-induced capacitance change of the measuring capacitance from a combination of the above dependencies, compensation of the measured measuring capacitance by the thermal shock induced capacitance change of the measuring capacitance, and determination and output of the pressure-induced capacitance change or a quantity derived therefrom. |
| US11402284B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring toe flexion and extension
A toe dynamometer is configured to accurately and precisely measure toe extensor strength. The toe dynamometer includes a platform configured to accommodate a patient's foot, and a sensor assembly comprising a force sensor and a toe cap connected to the force sensor. The force sensor is configured to measure forces applied to the force sensor by toe flexion on the force sensor and from toe extension away on the force sensor through the toe cap. |
| US11402282B2 |
Piezoelectric substrate, piezoelectric textile, piezoelectric fabric, piezoelectric device, force sensor, actuator, and biological information acquisition device
Provided is a piezoelectric substrate including: an elongate conductor; and an elongate first piezoelectric material helically wound in one direction around the conductor, in which the first piezoelectric material includes an optically active helical chiral polymer (A), the lengthwise direction of the first piezoelectric material and the principal orientation direction of the helical chiral polymer (A) included in the first piezoelectric material are substantially parallel to each other, and the first piezoelectric material has an orientation degree of F. in a range of from 0.5 to less than 1.0, determined from X-ray diffraction measurement by the following Formula (a): orientation degree F.=(180°−α)/180° (a) (in Formula (a), α represents a half width of a peak derived from orientation). |
| US11402278B2 |
Low-temperature dry block temperature calibrator
A low-temperature dry body temperature calibrator used for temperature calibration of an element, and including a furnace body, a control panel assembly and a housing of modular design, the furnace body and control panel are assembled in the housing, the top surface of the housing has a plurality of heat dissipation holes, the top of the control panel assembly is spaced apart from the top surface of the housing, a flow guiding fan is at the top of the control panel assembly, and a flow guiding plate inclined to the heat dissipation holes on the top surface of the housing is above the flow guiding fan. The furnace body has a compact structure, and the radiators have a light weight and a high heat dissipation efficiency, improving the operation stability and temperature measurement accuracy of the furnace body, and the furnace body is suitable for temperature measurement of low-temperature elements. |
| US11402275B2 |
Sensor apparatus
A sensor apparatus includes: a sensor that includes a resistor bridge circuit; a temperature detection circuit that provides a first path and a second path; a voltage measurement portion that measures a voltage of each of the differential output terminals; a controller that causes the voltage measurement portion to measure the voltage of each of the two differential output terminals; and a calculator that calculates a difference between the voltages of the two differential output terminals to acquire temperature information of the sensor. |
| US11402269B2 |
Advanced fluorescence and systemic noise reduction in time-gated spectroscopy
Systems and methods for reducing fluorescence and systematic noise in time-gated spectroscopy are disclosed. Exemplary methods include: a method for reducing fluorescence and systematic noise in time-gated spectroscopy may comprise: providing first light using an excitation light source; receiving, by a detector, first scattered light from a material responsive to the first light during a first time window; detecting a peak intensity of the first scattered light; receiving, by the detector, second scattered light from the material responsive to the first light during a second time window; detecting a peak intensity of the second scattered light; recovering a spectrum of the material by taking a ratio of the peak intensity of the first scattered light and the peak intensity of the second scattered light; and identifying at least one molecule of the material using the recovered spectrum and a database of identified spectra. |
| US11402264B2 |
Photoelectric conversion device, method of driving photoelectric conversion device, imaging system, and moving body
A photoelectric conversion device includes an avalanche multiplying photodiode, a signal generation unit that includes a control unit configured to control an applied voltage to the photodiode and generates a photon detection pulse based on an output generated by incidence of a photon to the photodiode, and a counter that counts the photon detection pulse output from the signal generation unit, and the counter outputs a setting value detection signal when a count value of the photon detection pulse reaches a predetermined setting value, and in response to receiving the setting value detection signal, the control unit controls the applied voltage to the photodiode so as to stop generation of an avalanche current in the photodiode. |
| US11402263B2 |
Optical sensor and method of operating an optical sensor
An optical sensor includes at least one photodetector configured to be reverse biased at a voltage exceeding a breakdown voltage by an excess bias voltage. At least one control unit is configured to adjust the reverse bias of the at least one photodetector. A method of operating an optical sensor is also disclosed. |
| US11402260B2 |
Method for adjusting openable angle of display screens and multi-screen terminal
A method for adjusting an openable angle of display screens, and a multi-screen terminal. The method includes: detecting, by a multi-screen terminal, an intensity of ambient light and a corresponding light incident angle of each display screen, and obtaining a currently used display screen as well as a viewpoint angle between the currently used display screen and a user; judging, by the multi-screen terminal, whether the intensity of ambient light corresponding to a light incident angle having the smallest difference with the viewpoint angle is greater than a preset value, and adjusting, under the condition that the viewpoint angle is greater than the preset value, an openable angle between the display screens until the multi-screen terminal judges that the intensity of ambient light corresponding to the light incident angle that is closest to the current viewpoint angle is less than or equal to the preset value. |
| US11402256B2 |
Weigh-in-motion system with channel data
A weigh-in-motion system includes a base, a load cell assembly supporting a leading edge of a platform structure movable with respect to the base, and a load cell assembly supporting a trailing edge of the platform. A processor is configured to execute program instructions in a memory to obtain load profile data generated by the load cells and to determine a weight associated with a vehicle using the load profile data. The processor is further configured to execute the program instructions to generate an output based upon the determined weight. |
| US11402254B2 |
Ultrasonic flow meter calibration system and method
An ultrasonic flow meter configured to measure a flow within a conduit configured for autozeroing during active flow operation of the flow meter. The flow meter includes a printed circuit board including circuitry for conducting ultrasonic transit time flow measurements, the printed circuit board including transducer swap relays and first and second transducer cables connecting the first and second transducers, respectively, to the transducer swap relays. The flow meter further includes a programmable processor configured to generate flow measurement data based on an ultrasonic flow meter calibration performed by the ultrasonic flow meter in situ while measuring flow through the conduit. Calibration includes determining a zero offset value, determining a swap offset value by measuring transit time forward and backward between the first and second transducers through the flow in the conduit, activating the transducer swap relays to physically swap the first and second transducers, and measuring transit time forward and backward between the swapped first and second transducers through the flow in the conduit, determining a flow zero value based on the zero offset and swap offset, and generating flow rate data based on the flow in the conduit and the flow zero offset. |
| US11402253B2 |
Fluid sensing apparatus and method for detecting failure of fluid sensor
A fluid sensing apparatus includes a fluid sensor configured to detect a temperature distribution on a detection surface caused by heating, and output a signal value corresponding to a flow of a fluid; a falling time counting unit configured to count a falling time of the signal value after stopping the heating; and a failure determining unit configured to perform failure determination based on the falling time. |
| US11402250B2 |
Liquid level meter, vaporizer equipped with the same, and liquid level detection method
The liquid level meter according to the present invention includes a resistive temperature detector, a temperature measuring body located above it, a temperature detecting unit detecting temperatures of the resistive temperature detector and the temperature measuring body, a current controlling unit determining a current value to be flowed through the resistive temperature detector so that the resistive temperature detector and the temperature measuring body become a predetermined temperature difference, a power supply unit supplying the current of the determined current value to the resistive temperature detector, and a liquid level detecting unit detecting a position of a liquid level. The liquid level detecting unit detects the change in the relative position of the liquid level relative to the resistive temperature detector by determining whether a change width of the current value flowing through the resistive temperature detector during a predetermined period of time is positive or negative, and whether the change width is not less than a predetermined value. As a result, the position of the liquid level can be accurately detected without being affected by the variation in the characteristics of the resistive temperature detector. |
| US11402248B2 |
Flow sensor devices and systems
A flow rate assembly can include a fluid flow interface portion having a front facing wall and a back facing wall. The flow interface portion can include an inlet passage within the fluid flow interface portion, an outlet passage within the fluid flow interface portion, at least one inlet aperture extending through the front facing wall of the fluid flow interface portion into the inlet passage, and at least one outlet aperture extending through the back facing wall of the fluid flow interface portion into the outlet passage. In some cases, the fluid flow interface portion includes a plug forming at least a portion of the inlet passage. |
| US11402247B2 |
Gas meter system and method for diagnosing grid pressure from pressure regulator
Embodiments relate to a system including a gas meter, regulator, and head end system. The system can include installing a regulator in a gas supply grid. The system may also include installing a gas meter in a gas supply grid, wherein the gas meter is installed to diagnose a grid pressure over flow rate of the regulator. In addition, the system may include determining, by the gas meter, an initial fingerprint of the regulator, wherein the initial fingerprint indicates an initial pressure and flow rate profile over a time period after the gas meter was installed. Further, the system can include comparing, by the gas meter, continuous pressure readings of the regulator with the initial fingerprint, wherein the gas meter determines if the continuous pressure readings correspond to the initial fingerprint. The system may also include notifying, by the gas meter, a head end system of the continuous pressure readings. |
| US11402245B2 |
Air data probe corrosion protection
An air data probe with a corrosion protection coating system includes a body with an external and an internal surface and a uniform, pinhole-free first protection layer applied by atomic layer deposition (ALD) to reduce corrosion of the body, including corrosion initiated by sulfur and nitrogen compounds. The air data probe further includes a second protection layer, covering the first protection layer over the external surfaces of the body to protect the air data probe from foreign object impact damage. |
| US11402242B2 |
Dial plate
A clear decoration body includes a character display area and an indicator display area that light up and display a design pattern by transmitting light. A first partition layer is laminated on a carbon style irregular surface, shields light, and forms a first partition boundary of the character display area. A carbon colored layer is laminated on the carbon style irregular surface, shields light, and forms a first partition boundary of the indicator display area. The character display area of the clear decoration body is provided with a projecting flat part that at least projects relative to a bottom part of irregularities of a decoration surface toward a side opposite to a viewing side, and that is formed in a flat shape. |
| US11402241B2 |
Systems and methods for an integrated optical atomic sensor
Systems and methods for an integrated optical atomic sensor are provided. In one embodiment, an optical atomic sensor comprises: first and second photonic integrated circuits and an atom trapping chamber positioned between and bonded to the photonic integrated circuits with the integrated circuits aligned parallel to each other; and atomic vapor sealed within the chamber; wherein the first and second photonic integrated circuits each comprise: a plurality of grating emitters fabricated into respective surfaces of the first and second photonic integrated circuits waveguides configured to couple laser light from laser light sources to the grating emitters; wherein at least one set of the grating emitters are arranged to launch laser light beams into the chamber in a pattern structured to cool the vapor and produce at least one atom trap; wherein the grating emitters further include at least one grating emitter configured to emit a laser light probe into vapor. |
| US11402240B2 |
Structured optical fibre sensor integrating a tunable vernier effect laser emission device
The invention is concerned with a structured optical fibre sensor, comprising a light source (1), a detection system (2) and a Bragg grating optical fibre (3) connected to said source and said system. The light source is a wavelength-tunable laser emission device (1) comprising a cavity (CA) delimited by a first and a second Sagnac mirror (M1, M2). The cavity comprises an amplifying medium (AM) and a tunable spectral filter using the Vernier effect (F), said filter (F) comprising at least three resonant rings (R1, R2, RN−1, RN) arranged in cascade, each resonant ring integrating a wavelength-tunable reflectivity loop mirror (MBR). |
| US11402239B2 |
Magnetic-based tracking system
A vehicle movement tracking system that employs floor mats for generating location information using magnetic stripes, detectable with a magnetic sensor in a wheel of the vehicle. Two sensors are in a wheel of a vehicle. One sensor senses wheel rotation, and the other sensor senses a magnetic. The vehicle passes over a floor mat comprising magnetic stripes thereon that code the mat and thereby indicate the location at which the mat is at. When the vehicle travels over this mat, the magnetic sensor in the wheel detects the magnetic stripes and the wheel rotation sensor detects the distance between the magnetic stripes. In combination, these two sensors are used to create a location word that denotes the mat over which the vehicle passes over. The location word is stored in non-volatile memory and later uploaded to a location collection station. |
| US11402236B2 |
Device for detecting an intention to lock or unlock a door of a motor vehicle, comprising an electrode or target supported by a foam block
Disclosed is a device for detecting a user's intention to lock or unlock a motor vehicle opening element, the device being intended to be integrated into a handle or into a frame of the opening element and including a voltage source, a printed circuit and at least one sensor for detecting an approach and/or contact of a hand of the user on the handle or the frame. A detection unit of the detection sensor is at least partially in the form of a metallized layer borne by part of an outer contour of a foam block in contact against the housing through a bearing face, the face of the foam block opposite the bearing face bearing the majority of the metallized layer. |
| US11402234B2 |
Distance sensor test system
A distance sensor and a measured object are positioned at a known distance from each other. A measured distance between the distance sensor and the measured object is obtained from the distance sensor, where the distance sensor uses a plurality of signals at a plurality of angles to generate the measured distance. The known distance and the measured distance are compared in order to test the distance sensor and produce a test result. |
| US11402233B2 |
Maintaining a trained neural network in magnetic fingerprint based indoor navigation
A method and system of maintaining a trained neural network for mobile device indoor navigation and positioning. The method comprises receiving a set of magnetic measured parameters acquired at a mobile device positioned at a first location of an indoor area; computing, at an output layer of a trained neural network, an output error based on comparing a magnetic input feature in accordance with the magnetic measured parameters to a magnetic output feature generated at the output layer, the magnetic output feature being generated at least in part based on a matrix of weights associated with at least a first neural network layer; and if the output error exceeds a threshold value, re-training the neural network based at least in part upon re-initializing the matrix of weights associated with the at least a first neural network layer. |
| US11402232B2 |
Off-viewport location indications for digital mapping
Systems and methods for providing map data of a selected region and supplemental data associated with one or more locations outside of the selected region are disclosed. A computing system can initiate a request for map data associated with a selected region of a mapped region. The one or more requests can be associated with one or more search criteria. The computing system can receive the map data associated with the selected region and supplemental data associated with a subset of records. Each record may satisfy the one or more search criteria and be associated with a respected location outside of the selected region. The computing system can present, within a viewport of a digital mapping application, the map data of the selected region and a visual indication of the supplemental data associated with the subset of records. |
| US11402228B2 |
Vehicle control system and computing device
A vehicle control system includes in-vehicle devices, a comparison unit, and an occupation management unit. The comparison unit calculates a section and time of a road occupied by a first vehicle and unavailable for another vehicle to travel based on the trajectory of the first vehicle generated by the trajectory generation unit. The occupation management unit adds the section and the time calculated by the comparison unit into the occupation information. |
| US11402224B2 |
Central operations center for autonomous vehicle enhancement system
The present application is directed to an Autonomous Vehicle Enhancement System (AVES) and method for monitoring and managing a virtual or existing fleet of autonomous vehicles in a transportation network and dispatching the autonomous vehicles to users. The AVES includes an AVES Central Operations Center (COC) that communicates with AVES vehicle equipment installed in the autonomous vehicles and AVES applications installed on computing devices accessible by the users. The AVES improves the operating efficiency of a transportation network by monitoring the condition of autonomous vehicles, optimizing the geographical distribution of the autonomous vehicles and optimizing assignment of the autonomous vehicles to users requesting services. The AVES COC monitors and controls the autonomous vehicles via the AVES vehicle equipment. The AVES vehicle equipment and the AVES applications installed on the computing devices communicate with each other to fulfill user request for services. |
| US11402223B1 |
Systems and methods for generating scenic routes
Systems and methods of generating scenic routes and safe parking locations near scenic points are provided. Based at least in part upon a driver indication of a preference for a scenic route from an origin location to a destination location, a mobile device application may generate a scenic route by selecting route segments between the origin location and the destination location associated with a large number of scenic points. Scenic points may be identified based at least in part upon historical driver telemetry data and POI data. For instance, if historical telemetry data indicates that a large number of drivers stop briefly at a location not known to be near a POI, that location may be a scenic location (e.g., a location where drivers frequently leave their vehicles to take photos). Additionally, safe parking locations near each scenic point may be identified based at least in part upon historical vehicle damage data, and navigation directions to safe parking locations may be provided. |
| US11402222B2 |
Route determination based on fuel stops and waypoints that are part of route restrictions
A device receives, from another device, a request for navigational instructions for a vehicle. That request includes data that identifies stops for the vehicle. The device receives route restriction data that identifies route restrictions that include a set of waypoints. The device selects, by analyzing the route restriction data, particular waypoints to include in the stops. The device determines an initial route through the stops that include the particular waypoints. The device obtains fuel selection data to use to identify fuel stops. The device identifies a subset of the fuel stops that are near the initial route. The device selects a fuel stop, to include in the stops, based on at least one of: fuel data, fuel cost data, weather data, or traffic data. The device determines a final route that includes the stops, and provides, to the other device, the final route to permit the vehicle to be navigated. |
| US11402220B2 |
Maplets for maintaining and updating a self-healing high definition map
An apparatus onboard a vehicle and in communication with sensors onboard the vehicle is configured to receive a maplet request identifying a request region; determine that the apparatus has entered the request region; process and fuse sensor data captured by two or more sensors of the sensors to generate a multi-sensor data stream comprising a plurality of observations corresponding to a portion of a road network; generate a maplet based on the multi-sensor data stream and the maplet request, wherein generating the maplet comprises using a predetermined data model to encode road data, from the multi-sensor data stream, corresponding to at least one environment element of the road network; and provide the maplet such that a network apparatus receives the maplet. The network apparatus is configured to (a) validate or (b) update map data of a digital map representing the road network based at least in part on the maplet. |
| US11402215B2 |
Indoor positioning method for a moving apparatus using first and second two-dimensional maps of z-axis areas
An indoor positioning method and apparatuses for performing the same are provided. The method includes generating a three-dimensional (3D) interior area for an interior based on sensing data obtained by sensing the interior, generating a first map of the 3D interior area based on a first area including a first obstacle in the entire area of the 3D interior area, generating a second map of the 3D interior area based on a second area including the first obstacle and a second obstacle different from the first obstacle in the entire area, and estimating a posture of the moving apparatus and planning a movement path, based on the first map and the second map. |
| US11402212B2 |
Biomagnetic sensor
Motor vehicles use biomagnetic sensors to determine global position by detecting Earth's geomagnetic field. Magnetosensitive bioparticles, such as magnetotactic bacteria or organelles from a magnetoreceptive eukaryotic species, are dispersed in a gel medium. The magnetosensitive bioparticles generate a local magnetic moment that changes in response to fluctuations in the immediate geomagnetic field vector, the latter of which is dependent on global position. An integrated circuit, such as an array of superconducting quantum detects changes in the local magnetic moment, and a controller thereby determines the ambient geomagnetic field vector. The controller accesses a database having a correlation of geomagnetic field vector and geolocation. |
| US11402210B2 |
Method for ascertaining the change in a spatial orientation of an NMR gyroscope and an NMR gyroscope
A method for ascertaining a change in a spatial orientation of a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) gyroscope having a diamond doped with color centers includes applying a static external magnetic field in a first direction, polarizing a nuclear spin of the color centers of the diamond in a direction of the static magnetic field, and generating a cophasal Larmor precession of the nuclear spin of the color centers of the diamond through application of an alternating magnetic field in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, whose frequency corresponds to the Larmor frequency of the nuclear spin of the color centers. The method further includes measuring a phase of the Larmor precession, and ascertaining a change in the spatial orientation in a plane perpendicular to the first direction based on a deviation of the precession frequency from an expected value. |
| US11402209B2 |
Sensor
According to one embodiment, a sensor includes a movable member including a first movable portion and a second movable portion, and a first fixed member. At least a portion of the first fixed member is between the first movable portion and the second movable portion. The first fixed member includes a first fixed counter portion opposing the first movable portion, and a second fixed counter portion opposing the second movable portion. The first fixed counter portion includes a first fixed protruding portion protruding toward the first movable portion. The second fixed counter portion includes a second fixed protruding portion protruding toward the second movable portion. |
| US11402203B2 |
Sensor module for applications with handheld rangefinder instrument
A sensor module for connection to a handheld rangefinder instrument and for providing sensor data for the rangefinder instrument includes an electronic interface for connection to an applicable interface of the rangefinder instrument, and at least one electronic sensor component for generating the sensor data. A system for handheld measurement of distances to a surface region of an object includes a sensor module of this kind and a handheld rangefinder instrument having a first laser rangefinder. When the interfaces are connected to one another, the sensor module is configured for transmitting the sensor data to the rangefinder instrument, and the interfaces are configured for transmitting electric power from the rangefinder instrument to the sensor module, in which the sensor module is configured to operate the at least one sensor component by means of the electric power transmitted by the rangefinder instrument. |
| US11402200B2 |
Measuring device, observing device and measuring method
The present invention relates to a measuring device having a structure for adjusting inclination of an observation surface of a sample with respect to a reference surface which is orthogonal to an optical axis of an objective lens, and the like. The measuring device includes a scanner, arranged on a propagation path of illumination light traveling from a light source toward the sample, configured to change an emission angle of the illumination light, and inclination information of the sample is obtained by associating a signal value of a detection signal for reflected light from the sample and the emission angle of the illumination light, while changing the emission angle of the illumination light by the scanner. |
| US11402197B2 |
Distance measuring module
A structure for measuring a distance on the basis of the principle of triangulation is simplified. A distance measuring module includes a diffractive optical element, an imaging element, and a distance measuring unit. The diffractive optical element emits a predetermined number of line light beams. The imaging element images the line light beams with which the subject is irradiated. The measuring unit measures a distance from the subject by using triangulation on the basis of the imaged line light beams. Thus, by imaging the line light beams emitted via the diffractive optical element, the distance from the subject is measured with a simple structure. |
| US11402196B2 |
Device and method for distributed detection of straightness of working face of scraper conveyor based on optical fiber sensing
Disclosed is a device and method for distributed detection of straightness of a working face of a scraper conveyor based on optical fiber sensing. The device includes a broadband light source, a first optical fiber circulator array, a second optical fiber circulator array, a collimator array, a reflecting film array, a third optical fiber circulator array, and an optical path analyzer. During transmission of light emitted from the broadband light source, the light with different wavelengths is separated via several optical gratings etched on a single-mode optical fiber (SMF), and reaches reflecting films adhered to the working face of the scraper conveyor through first optical fiber circulators, second optical fiber circulators, and collimators. The light with the different wavelengths is then reflected back from the reflecting films, enters the SMF through third optical fiber circulators, and finally enters the optical path analyzer. |
| US11402186B2 |
Expanding bullet
An expanding bullet having a one-piece structure has a cylindrical section and a section that is essentially shaped as a truncated cone, with the bullet tip being situated at the end of the latter section, which end faces away from the cylindrical section, and at least one planned breaking point being formed in this section, wherein the section shaped as a truncated cone is divided into segments and has a channel that has a mouth in the region of the bullet tip, wherein the channel has a bell-shaped widened region, which has its greatest diameter in the region of the transition from the cylindrical section to the section shaped as a truncated cone. |
| US11402185B1 |
Projectile with improved flight performance
A projectile having a spin stabilized gyroscopically stable flight path due to a base flange. With the base flange, the aerodynamic overturning moment about the center of gravity is reduced to increase the gyroscopic stability factor for stable flight. In one application, a medium-caliber untethered human electro-muscular incapacitation (HEMI) projectile has improved effectiveness due to its stable flight from launch to targets. Other applications for damping resulted in significant improvement in ground dispersion of 40 mm projectiles. The increased stability and increased aerodynamic damping reduce coning motion during flight which ensures that the projectile arrives at the target with greater accuracy, and with its nose oriented for effective incapacitation of the target. |
| US11402180B2 |
Actuatable multi-bay conducted electrical weapon
An actuatable bay conducted electrical weapon comprises a plurality of bays. Each of the bays is configured to releasably receive a deployment unit comprising one or more electrodes. At least one of the bays the plurality of bays is coupled to a body of the conducted electrical weapon via a respective movable member. Each respective movable member is coupled to the body of the conducted electrical weapon by a respective kinematic joint. Responsive to an activation of a control interface, each respective movable member is configured to move about each respective kinematic joint to an expanded position, wherein a distance between each of the bays of the plurality of bays is greater in the expanded position than in a collapsed position. The increased distance is configured to provide a greater initial spread between the one or more electrodes to increase a likelihood of causing NMI in a target. |
| US11402172B2 |
Crossbow
A crossbow includes a barrel having a flight section and a head. The head includes a main part and two extensions extending laterally from the main part. The main part is detachably connected to the flight section. Two cam units each include two first limb connected to the two extensions, and two cams. Two second limbs each are a curved limb and have a first end and a second end. The two first ends of the two second limbs are respectively and directly connected to two sides of the flight section or the head. A first string is wrapped around and connected between the two cams. Two second strings are connected between the cams and the second end of the second limbs. The weight center of the crossbow is located close to the user's body and is benefit for operating the crossbow with high balance and accuracy. |
| US11402169B1 |
Switch barrel rifle with adjustable headspace
An interchangeable barrel system for a firearm includes one or more barrels each having an outer surface, and an inner surface defining a longitudinal bore open between a muzzle end and an action end. The action end has a threaded portion that includes one or more tangential notches formed partially therethrough. A receiver includes one or two threaded adjustment bolt apertures that tangentially intersect a barrel port. In use, with the action end of one of the barrels threadedly engaged with the barrel port and manually tightened to align one of the threaded adjustment bolt apertures with one of the notches, an adjustment bolt is tightened to contact an end of the notch to apply a tangential force to the barrel to further tighten the barrel within the receiver and to provide a desired headspace between the action end of the barrel and a bolt of the firearm. |
| US11402165B1 |
Recoil-operated pistol
A recoil-operated pistol has an arrangement which lowers the barrel bore axis and reduces the effect of felt recoil on the user. The pistol has a frame having a handgrip adapted to receive a magazine and a slide mounted for alternating longitudinal movement. A barrel carrier is mounted for alternating longitudinal horizontal movement along the frame and has a barrel rotatably connected to it near its muzzle end. The axis of the barrel bore when in the position for firing is below the lips of the magazine. An actuating mechanism under the influence of the recoiling barrel carrier rotates the barrel upwards such that the breech end of the barrel moves upwards to allow a cartridge to be removed. The recoiling barrel carrier urges the slide rearwards to facilitate the extraction and feeding of cartridges. |
| US11402164B2 |
Cooling tower water diversion system and method
A system and method for installing a water diversion system to a cooling tower flume and distribution basin to dam a section of the basin includes installing first and second basin dams extending radially from respective first and second parapets of the flume wall to the basin wall in sealing contact with a basin floor, blocking water from flowing from the undammed section of the basin into the dammed section using the basin dams, and installing a flume dam to each notch of one or more notches distributed peripherally along the flume wall between the first and second parapets, blocking water from flowing from the flume into the distribution basin through the one or more notches using the flume dam, and such that the flume dams installed to the one or more notches in combination with the first and second basin dams define a dammed section of the basin. |
| US11402161B2 |
Distributor, heat exchanger, indoor unit, outdoor unit, and air-conditioning device
A distributor distributing refrigerant to multiple pipes including a tubular member including, at a side surface thereof, multiple insertion ports into which the multiple pipes are inserted and a supply port through which the refrigerant is supplied, a first closing member and a second closing member configured to close the tubular member at two spots positioned along a longitudinal direction of the tubular member, and a partition member extending from the first closing member to the second closing member and configured to divide an internal space of the tubular member into a space on an insertion port side and a space on a supply port side. The partition member includes two protruding portions contacting tip ends of the multiple pipes, and includes a refrigerant flow path between the two protruding portions on a first closing member side of one of the insertion ports closest to the first closing member. |
| US11402159B2 |
Heat exchanger and heat exchange method using same
Heat exchanger presenting a first gas flow path containing a heat-regenerative packing and a separate second gas flow path containing a heat-conductive packing and use of same for heating a gas to be heated by means of heat recovered from a hot gas in a two-phase alternating heat-recovery process. |
| US11402154B1 |
Fuel gas conditioning
Compressed rich natural gas is divided into a cooling gas stream and a fuel gas stream. The cooling gas stream is depressurized. The cooling gas and the fuel gas are then heat exchanged to provide a first cooling step to the fuel gas. The cooled fuel gas continues into a second cooling step in a second heat exchanger, and then flows into a separator vessel where liquids are removed from the bottom of the separator and conditioned fuel gas exits the top of the separator. The conditioned fuel gas from the separator and produced from its influent is depressurized and heat exchanged to provide the second cooling fluid for the second heat exchanger. |
| US11402153B2 |
Systems and processes for upgrading natural gas liquids from shale gas
Systems and processes for upgrading natural gas liquids (NGL). A natural gas, preferably a shale gas, comprising methane and one or more natural gas liquids can be converted to one or more liquid hydrocarbons. Methane can be separated from the one or more liquid hydrocarbons using a liquid absorbent to provide a first separated stream comprising the methane from the converted stream and a second separated stream comprising the one or more liquid hydrocarbons from the converted stream. At least a portion of the one or more liquid hydrocarbons can be recycled as the liquid absorbent. |
| US11402145B1 |
Split air flow system
A refrigerator includes an evaporator, a first fan, a first duct, a second fan, a second duct, and a plate. The first duct is mounted between the evaporator and the first fan. The first fan moves air from the first duct into a first zone. The second fan moves air from the second duct into a second zone. The plate is mounted between the evaporator and the second duct. The plate includes a plate aperture wall that defines a duct aperture formed through the plate. A first aperture of the second duct is adjacent the second fan. A second aperture of the second duct is positioned to encompass the duct aperture. A center of the duct aperture is positioned a distance from a center of the evaporator measured in a first direction. The distance is between 0% and 40% of a total length of the evaporator in the first direction. |
| US11402144B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator include: an inner case having a storage chamber; a thermoelectric module including a thermoelectric element and a cooling sink; a fan configured to circulate air to the storage chamber; a fan cover configured to cover the fan and having an upper discharge hole, a lower discharge hole, and an inner suction hole formed between the upper discharge hole and the lower discharge hole; a first receiving member disposed in the storage chamber; and a second receiving member disposed over the first receiving member to be spaced apart from the first receiving member. At least a portion of each of the inner suction hole and the lower discharge hole faces a portion between the first receiving member and the second receiving member, and at least a portion of the upper discharge hole faces a portion between a top surface of the storage chamber and the second receiving member. |
| US11402142B2 |
Deodorizing apparatus comprising suction fan, and refrigerator including the same
A deodorizing apparatus including: a base, in which a suction port and a discharge port are disposed; a cover coupled to the base; a suction fan fixed to the base so as to suction air through the suction port; a first fixing member disposed between the suction port and the discharge port so as to support a filter; a light emitting module including a light emitting diode; and a second fixing member for supporting the light emitting module. The first fixing member includes a first body part for spacing the filter apart from the base. |
| US11402132B2 |
Solar energy converter and related methods
A solar thermal energy device is provided. Also provided is a method of making a solar thermal energy device. |
| US11402131B1 |
Hardened solar energy collector system
A hardened solar thermal energy collector (STEC) system that is adapted to withstand a nuclear detonation or other powerful explosion in the vicinity. The STEC system comprises a plurality of collector tubes arranged side by side in an array that carry and circulate a working fluid, each of the plurality of collecting tubes having an upper radiation collection surface having a diffractive optical structure and a bottom surface, a supporting tray upon which each of the collector tubes is securely mounted, an insulated housing set beneath a ground surface level enclosing the plurality of collector rubes and supporting trays, and a secured underground geothermal storage unit fluidly coupled to the array of collector tubes. The housing, the plurality of collector tubes, and the tray are positioned such that topmost portions thereof are at the ground surface level or below. |
| US11402128B2 |
Temperature control for gas water heaters and related methods
A processor for a controller of a water heater is configured to receive water heater control parameters and an output from a sensor indicating a measured temperature of water in the water heater. The processor is also configured to determine whether to enter an anti-stacking control mode or to enter a demand anticipation control mode. In the anti-stacking control mode the processor is configured to initiate a call for heat when the measured temperature reaches a trigger temperature, calculate a burner on delay value and set a second timer with the calculated value, and calculate a reduced activation time. In the demand anticipation control mode the processor is configured to increase the variable offset based on a frequency of the demand anticipation control mode being activated, initiate a call for heat, and control, based on the reduced activation time or the increased offset value, the burner. |
| US11402125B1 |
Enhanced heating system
Systems and methods are involved for an enhanced heating system includes (I) an enclosure, (II) a burner, (III) an electrically-powered fan, (IV) a wall partition, and (V) a thermoelectric generator to generate electrical power for the electrically-powered fan. In addition, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. |
| US11402117B2 |
Ventilation and air conditioning system
A ventilation and air conditioning system includes: an air conditioner that cools air in an air conditioning room; a plurality of transfer air fans that are installed for a plurality of rooms, which are independent of the air conditioning room, in one-to-one correspondence and each deliver the air in the air conditioning room to a corresponding room; and a system controller. For each of the plurality of rooms, the system controller calculates a dew point temperature in the room on the basis of the temperature and the humidity in the room, determines, on the basis of the calculated dew point temperature in the room and the temperature in the air conditioning room, the occurrence of condensation resulting from delivery of the air in the air conditioning room to the room, and controls, according to the result of the determination, the airflow of the transfer air fan corresponding to the room. |
| US11402110B2 |
Pressure equalization device for attic
A pressure equalization device for installation on or at an entry of an attic of a home or other building is described. The pressure equalization device can be an access panel of an attic access hatch. The access panel is a solid, generally flat panel of material such as wood or plastic. The access panel includes an aperture that passes therethrough. The aperture is covered with an air-permeable cover made from a material such as cloth or plastic mesh. The mesh is constructed to allow air to pass through the aperture between the attic and interior of the building for purposes of equalizing pressure between them. Pores of the mesh are sized so that insects, rodents, and other animals and dust and debris cannot pass through and into the interior of the building. |
| US11402108B2 |
Wall, system of highly clean rooms, production method thereof and construction
Provided are a system of highly clean rooms capable of continuously maintaining high cleanliness of air of class 1 or above and supplying enough oxygen inside the room for several persons to live in and a wall adapted to the structure of such a system. The system of highly clean rooms 10 is provided with a living space 6 and a space 5 between the roof and the ceiling as subspaces of an enclosed space formed by a room 1a. One of the lateral walls of the room 1a is constituted of a wall 9 with an internal space 7, which is a hollow wall. The internal space 7 and the living space 6 are in contact via an inner wall 9a of the wall 9, and a gas exchange membrane 26 is stretched in the inner wall 9a. Furthermore, a gas flow path 24 is provided inside the inner space 7 and the gas flow path 24 allows airtight communication between an opening 23 provided on the lowest part of the internal wall 9a and a gas entry opening of a fan filter unit 21 provided on a ceiling wall 2a inside the space 5 between the roof and the ceiling. |
| US11402107B2 |
Device for climate control of a building and method for this purpose
A device for climate control of a building (20), in which flatly formed external temperature elements (5) at least partially cover an outer side of the building (20), wherein the external temperature-control elements (5) are settable to a predefinable temperature value. Furthermore, a temperature-control element (5) and a method for climate control of a building (20) are specified. |
| US11402105B2 |
Spill proof warming drawer
A warming drawer insert is provided that can be situated into and removed from a warming drawer without tools via a series of flanges positioned along the walls of the warming drawer insert. These flanges also suspend the warming drawer insert in the warming drawer, and create an air gap to allow heated air to flow into the warming drawer through a series of vents positioned along the walls of the warming drawer. The warming drawer is also spill proof and prevents damage to the electric components of the warming drawer while also allowing for easy cleaning. |
| US11402100B2 |
Ring assembly for double-skin combustor liner
A ring assembly for holding a double-skin combustor liner has an inner skin of ceramic matrix composite and an outer skin. The assembly comprises an annular end body, a first projecting portion projecting relative to the annular end body at least partially in an axial direction, the first projecting portion configured for supporting the inner skin, a second projecting portion projecting relative to the annular end body at least partially in the axial direction, the second projecting portion configured for supporting the outer skin. The first and second projecting portions are radially spaced apart to provide a radial spacing between the inner skin and the outer skin. An expansion joint is between the ring assembly and the inner skin configured to permit motion resulting from a variation in thermal expansion between the inner skin and the ring assembly. |
| US11402097B2 |
Combustor assembly for a turbine engine
A combustor assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a dome defining a slot. The combustor assembly also includes a liner at least partially defining a combustion chamber and extending between an aft end and a forward end. The forward end is received within the slot of the dome. In one exemplary aspect, the combustor assembly includes features that warm the forward end of the liner during transient operation of the engine. Furthermore, the combustor assembly includes features that reduce the thermal gradient between the forward end and the other portions of the liner. In this way, improved durability of the liner may be achieved. |
| US11402096B2 |
Combustor dome via additive layer manufacturing
A combustor dome may be formed by way of additive layer manufacturing. The combustor dome may further include a raised outer surface and a recessed outer surface on a hot side of the combustor dome. The recessed outer surfaces may be closer to the cold side than the raised outer surfaces. The combustor dome may include a shadow surface defined between the raised outer surface and recessed outer surface. The shadow surface may define a corresponding cooling outlet in fluid communication with an internal cooling channel defined inside of the combustor dome. The cooling outlet may release air from the internal cooling channel to the hot axial side of the combustor dome. |
| US11402094B2 |
Complex of equipment and method of waste-free processing of biodegradable municipal waste
Complex of equipment for a waste-free processing of biodegradable municipal waste is solved in such a way that at the input (1) of BMW a crusher (2) is included, the output of with is connected to either a hygieniser (3) or a drying line (5). The output from the hygieniser (3) is connected to the biogas plant (4) input. The output of the bulk intermediate from the biogas plant (4) is connected to the drying line (5). The drying line (5) output is connected either to a pyrolyzer (7) with a second product output (7.1) of bio-coal or is connected to a compaction machine (8). The drying line (5) or the compaction machine (8) has the first product output (8.1) of soil substrate. From the pyrolyzer (7) to the drying line (5) there is a return loop included through a mixing device (6) with input (10) of bio-nutrient waste, whereby the compaction machine (8) included after the drying line (5) has a third product output (8.2). |
| US11402080B2 |
Dynamic illumination using a coherent light source
An illumination source, comprising: (a) at least one coherent light emitting device (CLED) configured for emitting coherent light having an optical path; (b) at least one optical element in said optical path for converting at least a portion of said coherent light to incoherent light, said optical element being configured to emit said incoherent light in a direction; and (c) a light control mechanism (LCM) for altering said direction of said incoherent light. |
| US11402077B2 |
Fluorescent member and light-emitting module
A fluorescent member includes: a wavelength converter including an incidence part on which a light of a light source is incident and an output part from which a converted light subjected to wavelength conversion as a result of excitation by an incident light is output; and a reflecting part provided in at least a portion of a surface of the wavelength converter. The wavelength converter is comprised of a material whereby a degree of scattering of the light of the light source incident via the incidence part and traveling toward the output part is smaller than in the case of a polycrystalline material. |
| US11402075B2 |
Vehicle lamp using semiconductor light-emitting device
Discussed is a vehicle lamp using a semiconductor light-emitting device. The vehicle lamp includes a light source unit for emitting light. The light source unit includes a base substrate; a first electrode arranged on the base substrate; a plurality of semiconductor light-emitting devices arranged on the first electrode; and a second electrode arranged on upper sides of the semiconductor light-emitting devices and arranged so as to overlap with the semiconductor light-emitting devices, wherein the second electrode includes a plurality of protruding electrodes protruding toward a lower side of the second electrode, and the protruding electrodes can come in contact with the semiconductor light-emitting devices such that the protruding electrodes are electrically connected to the semiconductor light-emitting devices. |
| US11402070B2 |
Transporting bitumen froth having coarse solids through a pipeline
A method for transporting a bitumen froth having coarse solids having a particle size>180 μm through a pipeline is provided comprising injecting into the pipeline a bitumen froth slug having a lower temperature or a lower water content or both that the bitumen froth. |
| US11402068B2 |
Compact power plant
A power plant for energy production from a liquid gas product stored in a cryogenic storage tank, and comprises a container housing and an inlet to receive the gas product from the tank via a line. An evaporation unit converts the liquid gas product to a gaseous phase. The plant comprises an aggregate for the combustion of the gaseous phase to provide an electrical current to an external consumer. A circuit brings the liquid and/or gaseous phase to the motor via the evaporation unit. A regulating unit regulates the pressure and/or temperature. The liquid gas product is supplied to the motor in the gaseous phase by passive liquid and gas transport. A cooling circuit transfers heat from the motor to a heat exchanger in the evaporation unit. |
| US11402067B2 |
Storage tank with pressure actuated fill termination assembly
Gas pressure actuated fill termination valves for cryogenic liquid storage tanks and storage tanks containing the same. |
| US11402061B2 |
Mounting apparatus for electronic devices and objects
An adjustable mounting apparatus for mounting electronic devices and objects of various sizes on a flat surface comprises a first bracket and a second bracket. Each of the first and second brackets comprise a substantially horizontal plate, a substantially vertical plate, a back plate extending substantially vertically from a second transverse edge of the substantially horizontal plate, and a reusable adhesive layer disposed at a rear portion of the back plate. The substantially horizontal plate of each of the first and second brackets comprise a first retaining abutment extending substantially vertically from a first transverse edge of the substantially horizontal plate. The substantially vertical plate of each of the first and second brackets comprise a second retaining abutment extending substantially laterally from a first transverse edge of the substantially vertical plate. |
| US11402050B1 |
Pipe fitting internal liner systems and methods
Techniques for implementing and/or operating a pipeline system. The pipeline system includes a pipe segment, in which the pipe segment includes tubing that defines a pipe bore and a fluid conduit in a tubing annulus, and a pipe fitting to be secured to the pipe segment. The pipe fitting includes a fitting body that defines a fitting bore, a fitting jacket implemented circumferentially around the fitting body to define a tubing cavity, in which the tubing of the pipe segment is to be inserted into the tubing cavity and the fitting jacket is to be conformally deformed around the tubing of the pipe segment, and a fitting liner secured in the fitting bore of the pipe fitting such that a body section of the fitting liner is secured directly against the fitting body to facilitate blocking a solid particle in a slurry that flows therethrough from contacting the fitting body. |
| US11402043B2 |
Exhaust bellows installation tool
A method for aligning different portions of a conduit includes adjustably holding a first portion of a conduit in a first position, adjustably holding a second portion of a conduit in a second position relative to the first position of the first portion of the conduit, and inserting a bellows installation tool between the first portion of the conduit and the second portion of the conduit. |
| US11402042B2 |
Torsionally flexible attachment system and method
A flexible attachment assembly is described having a bellows capable of absorbing torsion having a first end; a second end opposite to the first end; and a plurality of tubes, each of which is hollow and wound around a longitudinal axis while extending from the first end to the second end, where the plurality of tubes are communicated with each other all along the longitudinal length of the bellows so as to form a bore between the first end and the second end. Also provided is a bellows assembly having at least two sections, each section having a plurality of tubes, each of which is hollow and wound around a longitudinal axis and thus form a bore, where the plurality of sections are connected with each other so that their bores are communicated. |
| US11402037B2 |
Pipe structure having a foam core
A pipe structure has an outer layer of a skin material with a first thickness and which defines an outside diameter of the pipe structure. The pipe structure has an inner layer of a skin material with a second thickness and which defines an inside diameter of the pipe structure. The pipe structure has a core layer of a foam material disposed between the inner and outer layers and having a third thickness. The inner, outer, and core layers are formed such that the pipe structure has a tube shape in cross-section. The first, second, and third thicknesses, respectively, combine to define a wall thickness of the pipe structure. The pipe structure has improved cold impact performance according to the ratio of the thicknesses of the inner and outer layers relative to the core layer. |
| US11402034B2 |
Underground storage tank drop tube removal device and method of removing an underground storage tank drop tube
A device for facilitating removal of a drop tube from an underground liquid storage tank, comprises a plate configured to fit within a spill restrictor fitted to the underground liquid storage tank. The plate may comprise a first main surface; a second main surface that is separated from the first main surface by a thickness of the plate, the second main surface being configured to rest on a bottom surface of the spill restrictor; a first truncated portion configured to clear any structure projecting from the bottom surface of the spill restrictor when the device rests on the bottom surface; a centrally-disposed opening configured to conform to and fit over a collar that is configured to attach to a riser pipe that rises from the underground liquid storage tank and to the drop tube; and at least one peripherally-disposed through hole traversing the thickness of the plate, the at least one peripherally-disposed through hole being configured to enable a elongate bar to be inserted therethrough and make contact with the bottom of the spill restrictor. |
| US11402031B2 |
Expansion valve
An expansion valve operable by a stepper motor, the expansion valve including a housing; a hollow shaft arranged in the housing; a valve base that supports the hollow shaft and closes the housing; a rotor drivable by a stator of the stepper motor; a center spool arranged in the hollow shaft and drivable by the rotor so that a rotation of the center spool is transferrable by a threaded connection into an axial movement of the center spool that opens or closes the expansion valve; and a sleeve that includes a receiving portion that includes at least portions of the center spool, of a compression spring and of a force transmission element respectively and a valve needle, wherein the receiving portion of the sleeve element is closed by a bushing. |
| US11402021B2 |
Lifting bellows
The invention relates to a lifting bellows (1), for example for axle-lifting apparatuses of vehicles. The invention is based on the object of creating a lifting bellows (1) which is lightweight and of simple construction and which can be produced inexpensively. The object is achieved by virtue of the fact that the lifting bellows (1) has at least one hose-shaped elastomer main body (2) with an elastomer matrix and has reinforcing supports (6, 7) embedded in the elastomer matrix, two end covers (3, 3A) and two clamping elements (4), wherein the reinforcing support (6, 7) of the main body (2) is built up from at least two thread plies (6, 7), wherein each thread ply (6, 7) is arranged, in the non-loaded state, at a winding angle (11A, 11B) with respect to the circumferential direction, the absolute value of which winding angle (11A, 11B) is less than 35.3°, wherein the two winding angles (11A, 11B) have virtually the same absolute value but different signs, and that the end covers (3, 3A) are each connected at both ends to the main body (2) in an air-tight fashion by means of the clamping elements (4). |
| US11402019B2 |
Parking lock arrangement
A parking lock arrangement for an electromotively driven motor vehicle, including a parking lock wheel which is rotationally conjoint with respect to a shaft in the drive train and which has multiple cutouts, a lock element which is movable between a locking position and a release position along a movement path and which, in the locking position, engages in a form-fitting manner into a cutout of the parking lock wheel and, in the release position, is out of engagement with the cutouts of the parking lock wheel, a parking lock actuator which is operatively connected to the lock element and wherein the lock element is adjustable between the locking position and the release position along its movement path. The movement path of the lock element can be rectilinear. |
| US11402018B2 |
Alternator driving apparatus for driving an alternator
An alternator driving apparatus for driving an alternator may include a crank pulley mounted on a crank shaft of an engine, an alternator pulley connected to the crank pulley through a driving belt, an alternator shaft connected between the alternator and the alternator pulley, and a rotation speed varying mechanism configured to vary a rotation speed of the alternator shaft. |
| US11402016B2 |
Method for operating a multi-clutch transmission, multi-clutch transmission for a motor vehicle, and motor vehicle having a multi-clutch transmission
A method for operating a multi-clutch transmission for a motor vehicle, having at least the following steps: a) closing a first clutch of the multi-clutch transmission, in order to transfer an input torque (M_k1) between a drive machine of the motor vehicle and at least one first sub-transmission of the multi-clutch transmission; b) applying a drag torque (M_k2) to a second sub-transmission of the multi-clutch transmission, which is coupled to the first sub-transmission, via a second clutch of the multi-clutch transmission; c) detecting a clutch slip of the second clutch, which is dependent on the drag torque (M_k2); and d) determining a current gear selection of the multi-clutch transmission by evaluating the clutch slip. The disclosure further relates to a multi-clutch transmission and to a motor vehicle having a multi-clutch transmission. |
| US11402015B2 |
Hydraulic system for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle
A hydraulic system for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, including a high pressure circuit in which a pressure accumulator, at least one clutch and a gear selector are connected, and comprising a low pressure circuit for cooling the clutch, wherein the high pressure circuit and the low pressure circuit have at least one hydraulic pump that can be driven by an electric motor, and including a control unit that actuates the electric motor of the hydraulic pump when a pressure accumulator charging requirement is detected, wherein the high and low pressure circuits are connected via a bypass line to an integrated accumulator charging valve. |
| US11402013B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for operating a high efficiency, high output transmission
A transmission includes an input shaft coupled to a prime mover, a countershaft, main shaft, and an output shaft, with gears between the countershaft and the main shaft. A shift actuator selectively couples the input shaft to the main shaft by rotatably coupling gears between the countershaft and the main shaft. The shift actuator is mounted on an exterior wall of a housing including the countershaft and the main shaft. A controller controls the shift actuator utilizing an actuating pulse and an opposing pulse. |
| US11402011B2 |
Transmission mechanism with monitoring function
A transmission mechanism with monitoring function includes a shaft, a moving part, a circulating device, a plurality of rollers and a monitoring module. The shaft has a roller groove. The moving part is movably disposed on the shaft. The moving part has a roller slot corresponding to the roller groove. The roller slot has an effective thread section and an ineffective thread section. The effective thread section and the roller groove together form a load path. The circulating device is disposed on the moving part. The circulating device has a return channel communicated with the load path. The return channel and the load path together form a circulating path. The plurality of rollers are disposed in the circulating path. The monitoring module includes a gathering body and a sensor. The sensor is for detecting a metal content of the lubricant in the gathering channel. |
| US11402003B2 |
Self-erecting threaded spindle module for a motor vehicle brake
A threaded spindle module includes a threaded spindle which extends along a longitudinal axis and has an external thread at an output-side end and, offset with respect to the external thread, a drive-side end with a peg for rotationally fixed coupling to an actuator interface, and with a threaded nut which is screwed onto the external thread, and a joint-like curved support point of the threaded nut is provided as a pivot joint of the threaded spindle module, with a pivot joint center relative to an associated receiver. |
| US11402002B2 |
Ball screw device
A ball screw device includes a plurality of ball screw devices. In one ball screw device, a recirculation member is larger than the recirculation member in another ball screw device in terms of one mounting dimension of two mounting dimensions selected from a circumferential length of a part at a side of a pick-up opening portion in each pick-up portion, a circumferential length of a part at a side opposite to the pick-up opening portion in each pick-up portion, a circumferential length of a connection passage portion and an axial length of the connection passage portion, and the recirculation member is smaller than the recirculation member in the other ball screw device in terms of another mounting dimension of the two mounting dimensions, the other ball screw device being different in a diameter of a screw shaft from the one ball screw device. |
| US11401991B2 |
Slack adjuster main spring housing contaminant sump
A drainage system for use with a slack adjuster for a railway brake rigging wherein the slack adjuster includes a main spring housing, a cone nut housing enclosing a critical operating area of the slack adjuster, and an over travel housing. The drainage system includes at least one opening extending through a sidewall portion of the main spring housing. The opening is configured to allow fluid and/or contaminates to drain therethrough to reduce exposure of the critical operating area of the slack adjuster to the fluid and/or contaminants. A seal/splash guard can be provided at the intersection of the main spring housing and the cone nut housing to prevent fluid and contaminants from entering into the cone nut housing. |
| US11401987B2 |
Control of the engagement rate of a clutch
The control of the engagement rate of a clutch in a driveline is described herein. The clutch engagement rate is determined using at least one parameter of the driveline. An illustrative example where the parameters include the slipping level of the clutch and the rotational speed at the output of the clutch is described herein. |
| US11401985B2 |
Epicyclic gear system and gas turbine engine
An epicyclic gear system for a gas turbine engine includes a planet carrier with at least one structural member, on which a planet gear is pivot-mounted by a bearing that is radially arranged between the planet gear and the structural member. Furthermore, a roller bearing device is arranged radially between the planet gear and the bearing. A relative movement between the planet gear and the bearing is prevented by the roller bearing device, if a friction torque in the region of the bearing is less than or equal to a threshold value. |
| US11401983B2 |
Magnetically actuated clutch for an additive manufacturing system
A bidirectional magnetic clutch for an additive manufacturing system, comprising a concentric arrangement of an inner drive member (2) and an outer drive member (3) enclosing the inner drive member (2), the inner and outer drive members (2,3) being rotatable relative to each other. The inner drive member (2) comprises at least two outward facing recesses (5, 6) and the outer drive member (3) comprises at least two inward facing recesses (8,9). Each outward facing recess (5,6) comprises a radially moveable roller member (10,11) of ferromagnetic material. The inner drive member (2) further comprises a magnetic biasing system (12) configured to magnetically bias the roller members (10,11) into the outward facing recesses (5,6). The bidirectional magnetic clutch further comprises a magnet actuator (13) at least partially circumferentially arranged around the outer drive member (3) and configured to maintain an engaged state or disengaged state of the bidirectional magnetic clutch. |
| US11401981B2 |
Switching unit for cooling oil, and hybrid module having a switching unit
A switching unit for a hybrid module for a drivetrain of a hybrid vehicle is provided. A first clutch is selectively closable to transmit torque from a drive shaft to a first output shaft. A second clutch is selectively closable to transmit torque from the drive shaft to a second output shaft. A plurality of ducts include a cooling oil supply duct, a first cooling oil duct configured to supply cooling oil to the first clutch, and a second cooling oil duct configured to supply cooling oil to the second duct. A switching unit selectively supplies cooling oil to the first and second clutches via the first and second cooling oil ducts, respectively, wherein the switching unit includes a slide having an aperture extending therethrough, and the slide is configured to move to alternatively fluidly the coiling oil supply duct with the first or second cooling oil ducts. |
| US11401978B2 |
Disconnectable mechanical anti-backlash coupling mechanism for torque transmitting shafts
Coupling mechanisms for torque transmitting shafts are provided with sliding and fixed plates operably connectable to respective torque transmitting shafts, and a leaf spring having a preloaded spring force exerted on the sliding plate when the sliding and fixed plates are operably connected to one another. A hub is attached to the leaf spring and coaxially received within the sliding plate to allow the sliding plate to be capable of reciprocal axial movements relative to the hub between engaged and disengaged positions wherein the sliding and fixed plates are engaged and disengaged with one another so as to allow and prevent torque being transmitted from one to another of the shafts, respectively. An inner piston is coaxially received within the hub and moveable between a first position wherein the hub retains the sliding plate in the engaged position thereof, and a second position wherein the hub releases the sliding plate to allow movement of the sliding plate under bias force from the leaf spring into the disengaged position thereof. |
| US11401977B2 |
Vehicular power transmission device
A vehicular power transmission device includes: a support member; first and second rotating shafts rotating about a shaft; and first and second bearings supporting first and second rotating shaft, respectively, to be rotatable with respect to the support member. Further, an oil hole is formed in the support member for supplying lubricating oil to a space between the first bearing and the second bearing, the space is divided into first and second spaces on sides of first and second bearings, respectively, by a partition wall formed on the support member, the oil hole is formed in the support member so as to discharge the lubricating oil to one space of the first space and the second space, and a communication hole communicating with the first space and the second space is formed in the partition wall. |
| US11401972B2 |
Cage for a rolling-element bearing
A rolling-element bearing cage includes a plurality of pockets each configured to receive a rolling element, and retaining elements associated with each of the plurality of pockets, each of the retaining elements being configured to secure the rolling elements against falling out of the pockets in a radially inward direction while permitting the rolling elements to be inserted into the pockets in a radially outward direction. |
| US11401970B2 |
Magnetic bearing control device and control method
Magnetic bearing control device and control method are disclosed. A magnetic bearing control device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a bearing control unit for outputting a plurality of switch control signals on the basis of gap information of a bearing coil and a rotor and current information applied to the bearing coil; and a coil driving unit for turning a plurality of self-formed switching elements on/off in accordance with the plurality of switch control signals and controlling the amount of current applied to the bearing coil and thus adjusting the magnetic field strength between the bearing coil and the rotor. The bearing control unit generates and outputs the plurality of switch control signals such that bootstrap capacitor charging time of the coil driving unit may be secured. Therefore, a magnetic bearing control circuit structure may be simplified by means of an additional bootstrap capacitor structure. |
| US11401965B2 |
Fastening structure of electric member, fastening method of electric member and releasing method of electric member
A first and second electric members respectively having electrical connection portions are electrically connected in a state that mutual positions are regulated by guide pins, and fastening screws which are inserted through fastening screw insertion holes of the second electric member are screwed into screw holes for fastening of the first electric member, and thereby the first and second electric members are fastened. At least one of the screw holes for fastening has large-diameter portions into which the guide pin is detachably inserted, and small-diameter portions equipped with female screw portions. The female screw portions are not arranged in the large-diameter portions, and inner diameters of the large-diameter portions are larger than root diameters of the female screw portions, and outer circumferential surfaces of the fastening screws which are screwed with the female screw portions and inner circumferential surfaces of the large-diameter portions are not in contact with each other. |
| US11401962B2 |
Furniture bracket assembly
A bracket assembly includes a bracket, such as a flat plate bracket, including a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a number of apertures through the bracket extending from the first surface to the second surface. The first surface engages at least one table top board. The bracket assembly also includes a number of studs protruding from the second surface of the bracket, the studs to selectively attach the bracket to a second bracket structure, such as a leg support system. The bracket assembly can be used in furniture assemblies to secure table tops, shelves, or other structures to a support structure. |
| US11401956B2 |
Apparatus for supporting an explosive device
An apparatus (1) for supporting an explosive device (13) including a base member (3), one or more support members (11) and a fluid aperture (19). The base member (3) includes a base member aperture (5) to provide a passage (7) to a base chamber (9) of the base member (3). The one or more support members (11) are telescopically receivable through the base member aperture (5) and into the base chamber (9), wherein the one or more support members (11) support the explosive device (13). The fluid aperture (19) allows pressurised fluid into the base chamber (9) to force the one or more support members (11) towards an extended configuration (23) such that at least part of the one or more support members (11) are telescopically extended out of the base chamber (9). |
| US11401954B2 |
Subsea hydraulic pressure boosting and regulating system
A hydraulic boosting and regulating system includes an intensifier circuit and a regulator and employs low leak, low crossover valves. |
| US11401951B2 |
Compressor having adjustment mechanism
A compressor for a charging device, and a charging device having a corresponding compressor. The compressor comprises a compressor housing having a compressor inlet and a compressor outlet, and a compressor wheel and an adjustment mechanism. The compressor wheel is arranged in the compressor housing and can be rotated along a compressor axis. The adjustment mechanism is arranged in front of the compressor wheel axially in the current direction and can be adjusted between a first position and a second position in order to change an inlet cross-section of the compressor inlet. As a result of the adjustability of the adjustment mechanism, the inlet cross-section can be changed between a maximum inlet cross-section and a reduced inlet cross-section. Here, the adjustment mechanism forms the reduced inlet cross-section in such a way that the reduced inlet cross-section is arranged eccentrically in relation to the compressor axis. |
| US11401949B2 |
Blower
A blower according to a present embodiment includes a blower unit that has a housing on which a slit is formed to extend vertically, and a support unit that has a support pillar inserted through the slit and pivotally coupled with the blower unit to be swingable vertically. And, by forming a distance between a lower end of the slit and the support pillar in a horizontally directed state in which an airflow direction of the blower unit is in line with a horizontal direction, it is configured to make the blower unit swingable such that the airflow direction of the blower unit is directed toward a lower side below the horizontal direction. |
| US11401948B2 |
Turbocharger compressor with inlet-adjustment mechanism having pivoting blades forming adjustable uninterrupted blade ring
A turbocharger includes a compressor equipped with an inlet-adjustment mechanism disposed in the air inlet of the compressor, the inlet-adjustment mechanism including a plurality of arcuate blades distributed about a circumference of a circle and partially overlapping one another so as to form an uninterrupted 360-degree blade ring. Each blade is pivotable about a respective fixed pivot point such that the ring is adjustable between a maximum-open position and a minimum-open position, the ring being adjustable via simultaneous coordinated pivoting of the blades about the respective fixed pivot points. The blades are structured and arranged to form said uninterrupted 360-degree blade ring in the maximum-open position and the minimum-open position and any intermediate position therebetween. |
| US11401947B2 |
Hydrogen centrifugal compressor
The present disclosure relates to multistage centrifugal high purity hydrogen compressors for compressing low molecular weight fluids. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the multistage high purity centrifugal hydrogen compressors wherein each stage comprises an vaned diffuser having at least two rows of a plurality of blades. |
| US11401945B2 |
Compressor blade assembly structure, gas turbine having same, and compressor blade assembly method
A compressor blade assembly structure, a gas turbine having the same, and a method of assembling compressor blade are provided. The compressor blade assembly structure includes a compressor blade having an airfoil, a platform part, and a dovetail part, a compressor rotor disk having a dovetail slot into which the dovetail part is inserted, and a locking key mounted in a key slot formed in the dovetail slot to support the compressor blade in an axial direction. |
| US11401941B2 |
Air blower
An air blower capable of preventing a deformation of the vane wheel is provided. A cylindrical holder is provided on rotatable shaft. A vane wheel is provided on the outer circumference of the holder. The holder includes a top section including a plurality of first openings at one end thereof in the axial direction, and includes a flange including a plurality of second openings at the other end thereof, and the vane wheel includes first protrusions to be inserted into the first openings of the holder and fixed to the top section by deformed sections protruding from the first openings, and second protrusions to be inserted into the second openings of the holder and fixed to flange by deformed sections protruding from the second openings. |
| US11401938B2 |
Motor drive system and method
A motor drive and method to control a motor in a fluid system. The method may comprise determining a pressure; determining a proportional error as a limited difference between the pressure and a pressure setpoint; determining an integral step as a limited proportional error; determining an integral error as a limited sum of the integral step and a preceding unbound integral error; determining an error as the product of the integral error, the proportional error, and a gain factor; and generating a control signal to cause the inverter to output a motor voltage to drive the motor and maintain the pressure about the pressure setpoint. |
| US11401934B2 |
Rotary displacement compressor having a check valve and a backflow control valve arranged in series through a discharge pipe
An object of the present invention is to provide a rotary displacement compressor capable of determining whether a check valve has failed, and preventing the life of a compressor body from being reduced when a compression operation stops. In order to achieve the object, a rotary displacement compressor includes a compressor body that compresses a medium by reducing a volume of the medium using rotation; a discharge pipe through which a compressed medium, which is discharged through a discharge port of the compressor body, flows; a check valve that shuts off the compressed medium flowing backward to the compressor body; and a backflow control valve that allows a predetermined rate of the compressed medium to flow backward. The check valve and the backflow control valve are disposed in series via the discharge pipe. |
| US11401931B2 |
Screw pump with intersecting bores having a longer first axis of symmetry than a second axis of symmetry
A screw pump, including a housing with a running bore having at least two intersecting bores, each of which receives a spindle, wherein the spindles have worm screw profiles which intermesh in portions and in operation bend in a defined bending direction under a hydraulic bending pressure, wherein each bore is configured as a slot with a longer first axis of symmetry and a shorter second axis of symmetry standing orthogonally thereto, wherein the longer first axis of symmetry runs in the bending direction. |
| US11401928B2 |
Variable flow rate mechanical pump assembly
A mechanical pump includes a motor with an output shaft, a cam coupled to the output shaft for rotating the cam when the motor is energized, and a driver with spaced ledges engaging the cam and driven linearly by the rotating cam. The piston is driven by the driver. A cylinder receives the piston therein and includes an inlet section for drawing fluid into the cylinder and an outlet section for pumping fluid out of the cylinder as the piston reciprocates in the cylinder. |
| US11401923B2 |
Capacity control valve
A capacity control valve includes: a valve housing having a Pc port, a Ps port and a Pd port; a main valve element which includes a main valve portion coming contacting and separating from a main valve seat opening and closing communication between the Pd port and the Pc port by a drive force of a solenoid; an intermediate communication path communicating the Pc port with the Ps port; and a pressure-sensitive valve opening and closing the intermediate communication path by an ambient pressure, in which the valve housing have a differential pressure valve housed therein, the differential pressure valve including a differential pressure valve element and opening and closing a communication between the Pc port and the Ps port by the differential pressure valve element moved by an operation force of an operation member operated by a discharge pressure Pd from the Pd port. |
| US11401916B2 |
Method of controlling a wind turbine generator
A method 300 of controlling a wind turbine generator is disclosed. The method comprises operating 302 the wind turbine in accordance with a power curve having a knee region and monitoring 304 a temperature of at least one thermal hotspot of the wind turbine generator. The method further comprises initiating 306 a power boost to temporarily increase an active power generated by the wind turbine generator above a rated power when the wind turbine generator enters the knee region of the power curve and controlling 312 at least one of a magnitude and a duration of the power boost in dependence on the temperature of the at least one thermal hotspot of the wind turbine generator. |
| US11401911B2 |
Energy-generating apparatus for utilizing the energy of a flowing medium
The subject of the invention is an energy generating apparatus for utilizing the energy of a flow medium having a support structure (13), at least one waving element (1), at least two fastening elements (4), a drive and control unit (5), and an energy recovery and transfer unit (10), wherein the waving element (1) is connected to the fastening elements (4), the drive and control unit (5) is connected to the fastening elements (4). It is characterized in that it comprises at least one turbulizer element (2), the waving element (1) between two fastening elements (4) is described as a regular waveform, determined by a function, and comprises at most one full wave period. The subject of the invention also includes the method for application of the apparatus. |
| US11401905B2 |
Predictive pole slip using time synchronization
Systems and apparatuses include an alternator including a stator and a rotor structured to be coupled to a crankshaft of a prime mover, and processing circuits structured to: determine a crankshaft position, associate a crankshaft timestamp with the crankshaft position, determine a stator voltage waveform position, associate a stator voltage waveform timestamp with the stator voltage waveform position, determine a common time base using the crankshaft timestamp and the stator voltage waveform timestamp, determine a rotor position based on the crankshaft position and associated with the common time base, determine a load angle based on the rotor position and the stator voltage waveform position using the common time base, compare the load angle to a stability limit, and transmit a predicted pole slip signal to at least one of the prime mover or the alternator to inhibit a pole slip event when the load angle exceeds the stability limit. |
| US11401903B2 |
Methods and systems for an engine
Methods and systems are provided for an engine. In one example, a method of operating an engine of a vehicle, the vehicle comprising a brake pedal, a clutch pedal and a transmission having a neutral position and at least one in-gear position, comprises starting the engine if either the brake pedal of the vehicle is released or the transmission has been in neutral for a predetermined period of time, and the clutch pedal of the vehicle is depressed concurrently with the transmission being moved out of the neutral position into an in-gear position. |
| US11401900B2 |
Fuel protection apparatus and related systems for use with vehicles
Fuel protection apparatus and related systems for use with vehicles are disclosed. A disclosed vehicle includes a fuel component in an engine compartment of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a spacer coupled to a cam carrier and positioned proximate to the fuel component. The vehicle also includes a protector coupled to a cylinder head and spaced from the spacer and the cam carrier. The protector is configured to receive a load from a cowl brace or firewall of the vehicle during a vehicle impact event in which an engine assembly of the vehicle moves relative to the cowl brace or firewall. The protector is configured to transfer the load to the cylinder head, the cam carrier, and the spacer to protect the fuel component. |
| US11401898B2 |
Method for manufacturing a waterproof felt duct and a waterproof felt duct
A method for manufacturing a waterproof felt duct may include (a) laminating a waterproof film on one side of a first nonwoven fabric and laminating a second nonwoven fabric on the waterproof film laminated on the first nonwoven fabric to form a laminated body; (b) forming a waterproof felt base material by thermally adhering the laminated body; (c) cutting the waterproof felt base material into a desired shape; (d) molding a duct while surrounding the waterproof felt base material cut into the desired shape around the external surface of a molding jig having a worm gear shape; (e) heat-treating the molded duct; (f) cooling the heat-treated duct; and (g) ejecting the cooled duct from the molding jig. |
| US11401896B2 |
Intake passage structure for multi-cylinder internal combustion engine
A sleeve structure comprises a plurality of sleeve main bodies fitted respectively into intake ports of a cylinder head of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine and a shared base provided on one end of the plurality of sleeve main bodies. By fixing this sleeve structure to the cylinder head, an amount of labor involved in a fixing operation for fixing sleeves to a cylinder head is reduced. |
| US11401894B2 |
Air cleaner housing, an air cleaner housing arrangement, and a method
The invention relates to an air cleaner housing (200) for an air filter for an internal combustion engine in a vehicle, the air cleaner housing (200) being adapted for attachment to an outer cover (100) of said internal combustion engine (100), and comprising an inlet (201) for receiving unfiltered air and an outlet (202) for outputting filtered air. The air cleaner housing (200) comprises at least one slide member (210) configured to be slidably arranged to a corresponding guide member (110) of said outer cover (100), such that, when said slide member (210) is in connection with said guide member (110), said air cleaner housing (200) is supported by said guide member (110), and said air cleaner housing (200) is slidably movable at least along said guide member (110); and a fixation member (220) configured to secure the housing (200) to the outer cover (100) in a fixed position along said guide member (110). The invention also relates to an air cleaner housing arrangement, a method, and a vehicle. |
| US11401890B2 |
Turbofan engine assembly with intercooler
A turbofan engine assembly including a compressor, an intermittent internal combustion engine having an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the compressor through at least one first passage of an intercooler, a turbine having an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the intermittent internal combustion engine, the turbine compounded with the intermittent internal combustion engine, a bypass duct surrounding the intermittent internal combustion engine, compressor and turbine, and a fan configured to propel air through the bypass duct and through an inlet of the compressor, wherein the intercooler is located in the bypass duct, the intercooler having at least one second passage in heat exchange relationship with the at least one first passage, the at least one second passage in fluid communication with the bypass duct. |
| US11401888B2 |
Steam turbine and construction method of steam turbine
A steam turbine 1 includes a turbine body 11 which includes a rotor 5 which is configured to rotate around an axis Ac, and a casing 6 which covers the rotor 5 to form a flow path through which steam flows in an axis Ac direction, together with the rotor 5, a thermal insulation member 12 which is provided to be in contact with an outer surface of the casing 6 in a high-pressure side region 61 out of the high-pressure side region 61 and a low-pressure side region 62 of the steam in the axis Ac direction of the casing 6, and a soundproof cover 13 which covers the low-pressure side region 62 out of the high-pressure side region 61 and the low-pressure side region 62 via a space between the outer surface of the casing 6 and the soundproof cover 13. |
| US11401884B2 |
Methods and systems for controlling a fueling strategy for internal combustion engines
A method for controlling fuel injection aspects of a fuel system of an internal combustion engine includes determining a fuel injection strategy for each engine cycle including a pilot fuel injection, a main fuel injection, and a dwell time between the pilot and main fuel injections. The method also includes automatically adjusting the dwell time for each engine cycle based on a sensed ambient temperature and ambient pressure associated with the internal combustion engine. |
| US11401880B2 |
Injection control device
When injecting fuel from a fuel injection valve by energizing thereof, an energization time correction amount calculator performs an area correction of an electric current flowing in the fuel injection valve, and calculates an energization time correction amount. An injection instruction state determiner determines an inter-cylinder injection instruction interval among cylinders which inject fuel in series or determines an injection instruction overlapping state. An upper guard value setter sets an upper guard value of the energization time correction amount based on the inter-cylinder injection instruction state determined by the injection instruction state determiner. |
| US11401879B2 |
Fuel injection control device
Provided is a fuel injection control device capable of reducing variations in injection amounts of a plurality of fuel injection valves. Thus, the fuel injection control device of the present invention includes a control unit that controls voltages applied to coils of a plurality of fuel injection valves, the coils being adapted for energization. The control unit performs control such that the voltage being applied to the coil is cut off. The control unit changes a timing at which the cutoff of the voltage to the coil of at least one fuel injection valve is started or a timing at which the cutoff of the voltage to the coil of at least one fuel injection valve is ended, based on a valve closing time until closing of the fuel injection valve is completed or a valve opening time until opening of the fuel injection valve is completed. |
| US11401878B2 |
Fuel injection control apparatus
A fuel injection control apparatus including a microprocessor. The microprocessor is configured to perform calculating a target injection time, determining a first crank angle defining a start of fuel injection and a second crank angle defining an end of fuel injection, controlling a fuel injector in an injection start priority mode in which the fuel is injected for the first target injection time from a first time point corresponding to the first crank angle or an injection end priority mode in which the fuel is injected for the second target injection time from a second time point corresponding to a target crank angle, and the controlling including controlling the fuel injector so as to inject the fuel in the injection start priority mode or the injection end priority mode in accordance with an injection mode. |
| US11401866B2 |
Active device for attenuating acoustic emissions for a turbojet engine including controlled turbines
An active device for attenuating the acoustic emissions of an aircraft turbojet engine includes circulation conduits for a pressurized air flow rate supplying rotary elements each having a pulsation system for the delivered air. The rotary elements are controlled in amplitude and phase and deliver, to outlet diffusers, a pulsed air flow rate with a pulsation at the frequency of the noise to be attenuated having an amplitude and a phase adjusted according to a local feedback law with microphones to attenuate the radiated acoustic power. |
| US11401863B2 |
Centrifugal deaerator for a turbomachine
The invention relates to a centrifugal deaerator for an air/oil mixture of a turbomachine, comprising: an annular housing (10) for the centrifugal separation of said mixture, arranged around a hollow shaft (11); axial inlets (14) for the flow of said air/oil mixture into said housing (10); a pinion (20) for rotating said housing (10); and radial oil outlets (15) and oil-free air outlets (16), characterised in that it comprises a metal foam (50) housed in said housing (10) by partially extending along the axial direction (XX′) so as to define two successive spaces, a foam-free space (51) and a foam-lined space (52), said foam-free space opening up towards said axial inlets. A device can be advantageously added to the hollow shaft in order to reduce the free-vortex phenomenon and to thereby significantly reduce the load losses of the deaerator. |
| US11401859B2 |
Device for varying a compression ratio, reciprocating-piston internal combustion engine and working device
An apparatus configured to change a compression ratio of a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine includes an externally toothed eccentric, an adjusting unit, and a coupling unit. A first takeoff shaft is coupled mechanically to the external toothing system of the eccentric. A second takeoff shaft is coupled mechanically to the adjusting unit. The first and second takeoff shafts of the coupling unit, the eccentric and/or the adjusting unit are configured for the partial or complete arrangement in the interior of a crankcase of the crankshaft, within an installation space of a web of the crankshaft and/or within an installation space of a counterweight. |
| US11401858B2 |
Exhaust turbocharger with an exhaust control device, exhaust control device for an exhaust turbocharger, and method for operating an exhaust turbocharger
An exhaust turbocharger includes an exhaust control device provided with an exhaust flap for adjusting an exhaust gas flow flowing through a turbine stage of the exhaust turbocharger during the operation thereof, a control gear coupled to the exhaust flap, and a servomotor via which the exhaust flap can be moved in a regulated and/or controlled manner by operation of the control gear at least between a closing position, in which the exhaust flap closes an exhaust gas opening in a turbocharger housing of the turbocharger, through which exhaust gas flows during the operation of the exhaust turbocharger, and at least one other position in which the exhaust flap allows exhaust gas to flow through the exhaust gas opening. The control gear is a self-locking gear via which the exhaust flap can be prestressed in the closing position thereof in relation to the turbocharger housing. |
| US11401855B2 |
Predictive methods for emissions control systems performance
Particulate filters are used to remove particulate matter such as soot and ash in the emissions control systems of vehicles, including gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines. Methods are provided to predict the long-term performance and durability of emissions control systems having particulate filters. The methods account for factors such as thermal aging, soot accumulation and regeneration, and ash loading. |
| US11401854B2 |
Systems and methods for optimizing engine-aftertreatment system operation
Systems and methods for optimizing a performance variable for an engine system. The method includes applying constraints of manipulated variables as well as performance variables, mechanical constraints and other engine responses to response models. The response models each represent a piecewise linear relationship between the manipulated variables and other engine responses including performance variables and constraints. The method also comprises determining an optimal target for each of the manipulated variables by using a quasi-simplex optimization process on the response models. The optimal targets of the manipulated variables correspond to an optimal value of the performance variable. |
| US11401853B2 |
Systems for a fastening device of an exhaust-gas aftertreatment system
Systems are provided for a coupling element. In one example, the coupling element comprises a rotating element configured to rotate an aftertreatment device relative to a section of an exhaust passage in response to a force greater than a threshold force. |
| US11401852B2 |
In-exhaust electrical element for NOx storage catalyst and SCR systems
An exhaust system comprising: a NOx storage catalyst; an electric heating element; and a NOx reduction catalyst wherein the heating element is located downstream of the NOx storage catalyst. |
| US11401849B2 |
Internal combustion engine exhaust purification device
An internal combustion engine exhaust purification device includes a filter which is disposed in an exhaust path and collects particulate matter in exhaust gas, an injection valve which is disposed upstream of the filter in the exhaust path and injects fuel into the exhaust path, a fuel pump which supplies a fuel to the injection valve, a shut-off valve which is interposed between the fuel pump and the injection valve, and selectively shuts off a fuel supply from the fuel pump to the injection valve, and a control unit which controls the injection valve and the shut-off valve. The control unit closes the shut-off valve when the control unit detects an opened adherence failure of the injection valve and detects an abnormal temperature rise of the filter during regeneration of the filter. |
| US11401845B2 |
Engine device
An engine includes: an exhaust manifold 7 close to one of left and right side surfaces of an engine; a turbocharger 60 having an exhaust-side inlet connected to the exhaust manifold 7; and a rocker-arm-chamber-integrated intake manifold 8 being disposed on an upper surface of a cylinder head 5 and integrally including a rocker arm chamber 90 and an intake manifold 6. The intake manifold 8 has a wall 101 dividing the rocker arm chamber 90 close to the one of the left and right side surfaces of the engine 1 and the intake manifold 6 close to the other of the left and right side surfaces to isolate the rocker arm chamber 90 and the intake manifold 6 from each other. The rocker arm chamber 90 has, in its upper portion, a positive crankcase ventilation device 69 protruding therefrom and being configured to return blowby gas to an intake system. The positive crankcase ventilation device 69 has, in its side surface, a blowby-gas discharge port 67 connected with a gas conduit 68 through which blowby gas is delivered to an intake-side inlet of the turbocharger 60. |
| US11401843B2 |
Cooling lubrication system comprising a dry sump
A cooling lubrication system comprises a dry sump, an oil tank, and a pump system that operates an oil circuit in which an oil pump delivers oil from the dry sump into the oil tank, and the pump system comprises a vane cell pump and two gerotor pumps on a shaft. |
| US11401830B2 |
Geometry for a turbine engine blade outer air seal
A blade outer air seal for a gas turbine engine includes a platform having a leading edge and a trailing edge, and at least one cooling cavity disposed within the platform. A pair of circumferential edges connects the leading edge and the trailing edge. An end wall protrudes radially outward from the platform at the trailing edge. A support hook protrudes radially outward from a leading edge of the platform. A boss structure protrudes radially outward from the platform and defining a solid kinetic energy path from an inner diameter of the platform to a radially outward facing surface of the boss structure, wherein the boss structure extends less than a circumferential length of the platform. |
| US11401829B2 |
Gearbox efficiency rating for turbomachine engines
A turbomachine engine can include a fan assembly, a vane assembly, a core engine, a gearbox, and a gearbox efficiency rating. The fan assembly can include a plurality of fan blades. The vane assembly can include a plurality of vanes, and the vanes can, in some instances, be disposed aft of the fan blades. The core engine can include one or more compressor sections and one or more turbine sections. The gearbox includes an input and an output. The input is coupled to the one or more turbine sections of the core engine and comprises a first rotational speed, the output is coupled to the fan assembly and has a second rotational speed, and a gear ratio of the first rotational speed to the second rotational speed is within a range of 4.1-14.0. The gearbox efficiency rating is 0.10-1.8. |
| US11401826B2 |
Stator structure and gas turbine having the same
A stator structure and a gas turbine having the same are provided. The stator structure includes a plurality of rows of stators arranged on an inner peripheral surface of a casing, the stators being arranged alternately with a plurality of rows of blades arranged on an outer peripheral surface of a rotor, wherein each of the stators includes a vane including a first end and a second end, the first end of the vane being coupled to the inner peripheral surface of the casing by a first rotating member and a diaphragm coupled to the second end of the vane by a second rotating member. A first gap is formed between the first end of the vane and the inner peripheral surface of the casing, and a second gap is formed between the second end of the vane and the diaphragm. The vane may be provided with a slot part connected to the first and second ends of the vane to bypass a part of working fluid to the first and second gaps. |
| US11401824B2 |
Gas turbine engine outlet guide vane assembly
A single unducted rotor engine includes a power source; a casing surrounding the power source; an unducted rotor assembly driven by the power source having a single row of rotor blades; and an outlet guide vane assembly having a plurality of pairs of outlet guide vanes, each pair of the plurality of pairs of outlet guide vanes including a first outlet guide vane extending from the casing at a location downstream from the single row of rotor blades of the unducted rotor assembly and a second outlet guide vane also positioned downstream from the single row of rotor blades of the unducted rotor assembly. The first outlet guide vane of each pair of outlet guide vanes defines a first geometry. The second outlet guide vane of each pair of outlet guide vanes defines a second geometry. The first geometry is not equal to the second geometry. |
| US11401820B1 |
Cooling structure and method of trailing-edge cutback of turbine blade, and turbine blade
A cooling structure on a trailing-edge cutback of a turbine blade, including a plurality of lands, a trailing edge cutback and a dimple group. Adjacent lands are arranged on wall surfaces at two sides of the trailing edge cutback. The wall surfaces are each provided with the dimple group including multiple dimples. An extension direction of at least one dimple forms an inclined angle with the land on one side, and/or an extension direction of at least one dimple forms an inclined angle with the land on the opposite side. The cooling air enters the trailing edge, and after passing through pin fins, then flows over the dimples along the cutback surface to generate a spiral vortex which is guided to the lands on both sides thereof. |
| US11401819B2 |
Turbine blade platform cooling holes
During operation of a gas turbine engine, the turbine blades are subjected to extremely high temperatures. While internal cooling passages may be provided within the turbine blades to cool the airfoils, the platforms of the turbine blades also experience high temperatures. In an embodiment, cooling holes are provided in each platform to cool distressed locations in the platform and improve the durability of each turbine blade. |
| US11401814B2 |
Rotor assembly with internal vanes
A rotor assembly is provided for a gas turbine engine. This rotor assembly includes a first rotor disk, a second rotor disk, a plurality of rotor blades and a plurality of vanes. The first rotor disk is configured to rotate about a rotational axis. The second rotor disk is configured to rotate about the rotational axis. The rotor blades are arranged circumferentially around the rotational axis. Each of the rotor blades is axially between and mounted to the first rotor disk and the second rotor disk. The vanes are arranged circumferentially around the rotational axis. The vanes include a first vane that is integral with the first rotor disk and projects axially to the second rotor disk. |
| US11401804B2 |
Solvent extraction and analysis of formation fluids from formation solids at a well site
Systems and methods for extracting and analyzing formation fluids from solids circulated out of a subterranean formation are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a sample of formation solids that have been separated from a fluid circulated in at least a portion of a well bore penetrating a portion of a subterranean formation at a well site; performing a solvent extraction on the sample of formation solids using one or more solvents at an elevated pressure at the well site, wherein at least a portion of one or more formation fluids residing in the formation solids is extracted into the one or more solvents to produce an extracted fluid; and analyzing the extracted fluid at the well site to determine the composition of the extracted fluid. |
| US11401801B2 |
Systems and methods for real-time hydraulic fracture control
Disclosed are systems and methods for receiving historical production data associated with at least one hydraulic fracturing well, receiving time-series data associated with the at least one hydraulic fracturing well, the time-series data representing at least one type of data, receiving non-temporal data associated with the at least one hydraulic fracturing well, generating a machine learning model based on the historical production data, the time-series data associated with the at least one hydraulic fracturing well and based on an original job design during a first stage of the job at a particular hydraulic fracturing well, and the non-temporal data, determining an optimized job design for the particular hydraulic fracturing well having an objective function using a prediction based on the machine learning model, and implementing the optimized job design for the particular hydraulic fracturing well. |
| US11401799B2 |
Drill strings with probe deployment structures, hydrocarbon wells that include the drill strings, and methods of utilizing the drill strings
Drill strings with probe deployment structures, hydrocarbon wells that include the drill strings, and methods of utilizing the drill strings are disclosed herein. The drill strings include a pipe string and a drill bit attached to the pipe string. The drill strings also include a probe deployment structure attached to the pipe string and a downhole communication device attached to the pipe string. The probe deployment structure includes a probe and is configured to selectively insert the probe into a subterranean formation via a wellbore of the hydrocarbon well. The probe is configured to measure at least one property of the subterranean formation. The downhole communication device is configured to communicate with the probe. The hydrocarbon wells include a drill string support structure, which supports the drill string, a wellbore extending within a subsurface region, and the drill string extending within the wellbore. |
| US11401795B2 |
Collar control system for mobile drilling machines
A collar control system and methods for mobile drilling machines are disclosed. One method may include: automatically initiating rotation of a drill bit based on collar settings; automatically feeding the drill bit at a feed rate to form an initial hole at a predetermined reaming increment; and automatically retracting the drill bit from the initial hole when the predetermined reaming increment is achieved, but prior to reaching a collar depth. Another method may include: measuring values of multiple drill bit inputs at a predetermined sample depth region during the collar operation; storing average values for each of the drill bit inputs over the predetermined sample depth region; monitoring values of the drill bit inputs when the drill bit moves beyond the predetermined sample depth region; and ending the collar operation prior to a desired collar depth when any of the monitored values change by a predetermined threshold. |
| US11401794B2 |
Apparatus and methods for determining information from a well
A system for drilling a well may be adapted to process signals received from a fiber optic cable located in the casing of a previously drilled well or wells. The fiber optic cable may act as a distributed sensor receiving acoustic signals generated during the drilling of the well, and the system may be programmed to process the signals from the fiber optic cable to locate the borehole of the well being drilled, including its location relative to the previously drilled well or well. The system may be used to automatically update a well plan for the well being drilled responsive to information about the location of the borehole and also may be used to automatically adjust one or more drilling parameters or drilling operations responsive to the location of the second well borehole. |
| US11401793B2 |
Optimizing proppant placement for fracturing operations
System and methods of optimizing proppant placement for stimulation treatments are provided. Properties of a reservoir formation and a treatment fluid to be injected into the formation are determined for a multistage stimulation treatment to be performed along a wellbore drilled within the formation. A proppant transport model uses the properties to determine a proppant profile for a fractured area of the formation for each treatment stage along the wellbore. A proppant pack conductivity for each stage is determined based on a proppant conductivity model and the proppant profile for that stage. A rate of hydrocarbon production expected from the wellbore is estimated based on a well production model and the proppant pack conductivity. A distribution of proppant to be injected into the formation during the treatment is determined, based on the production rate and one or more constraints. The stimulation treatment is performed based on the determined proppant distribution. |
| US11401791B2 |
Method and system for mixing liquid and gas that have been separately injected into a well comprising two coaxial cylinders and discharging the liquid/gas mixture into an underground formation
A method and system enable injection of gas into an underground formation, enhanced by the simultaneous injection of liquid. Mixing of the gas and the liquid that have been separately injected into a well comprising two coaxial cylinders can occur at different levels in the well in order to facilitate the flow and to limit the gas pressure necessary for reinjection at the wellhead. Thus, the system and the method require less energy and the associated gas compression equipment is less expensive.The method and system can be applied to geothermal energy applications, underground gas storage, notably CO2, or to enhanced recovery in petroleum reservoirs. |
| US11401784B2 |
In-situ hydraulic jet exploiting device and method of low-permeability natural gas hydrate reservoir
An in-situ hydraulic jet exploiting device and method of a low-permeability natural gas hydrate reservoir. The device includes a high-pressure reaction kettle configured for formation, fracturing and exploiting of a hydrate, a stable-pressure gas supply module configured to adjust and control a gas flow rate, a constant-speed constant-pressure liquid supply module configured to control a liquid flow rate or keep liquid injection pressure constant, a thermostatic water bath configured to provide a constant-temperature environment for a device system, a back-pressure module configured to automatically control an exploiting rate or exploiting pressure, an in-situ hydraulic jet permeability enhancement module, a data collection and processing module configured to collect and process basic system parameters, and a pipeline connecting various components. |
| US11401783B2 |
Fault tolerant downhole power regulator
A high-speed current sensing circuit configured to measure current associated with switching devices of a power generation system. The circuit includes logic for turning one or more corresponding switching devices off before failure, so as to limit the duty cycle of the one or more corresponding switching devices. In the event of a failure, the system is configured to continue operating and generating energy to complete or at least continue performing the service despite the failure. |
| US11401779B2 |
Hydraulic fracturing plan and execution of same
A hydraulic fracturing plan executable by a hydraulic fracturing system to hydraulically fracture a plurality of oil and gas wells. |
| US11401776B2 |
Downhole operations relating to open hole gravel packs and tools for use therein
The present invention provides a method of sealing a region of a sand screen of an Open Hole Gravel Pack without the need to perforate the sand screen and a tool for use in such. The tool being a eutectic/bismuth based alloy well plugging/sealing tool (1) having a tubular heater body (2) with an internal cavity (4) capable of receiving a chemical heat source (105). The tool is provided with a quantity of eutectic/bismuth based alloy (3) around an outer surface of the heater body (2) such that it can be heated by the chemical heat source (105). In addition the tool (1) has an insulating sleeve (7) provided around an outer surface of the alloy (3), wherein the sleeve (7) is configured to provide a focused egress for the alloy (3) as it is melted by the chemical heat source (105). |
| US11401774B2 |
Seal arrangement
A sealing method and sealing arrangement is described. The sealing arrangement comprises a body and first and second sealing elements mounted thereon. The sealing elements are each movable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration and are configured to move from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration in response to an axial compression. The second sealing element is however maintained in its retracted configuration until the first sealing element has moved from its retracted configuration to its extended configuration. The sequential extension of the sealing elements can deform to assume the extended configuration under compression and the progression and the form of the deformation can be arranged to improve the quality of the seal achieved. An extended sealing element in engagement with the bore wall may also serve as an anchor or retainer and facilitate application of a compression force to an intermediate sealing element. |
| US11401769B2 |
Head apparatus
The invention provides an apparatus for dropping at least one object into a wellbore tubular string. The tool comprises a mandrel having an inlet and an outlet. The tool also comprises a movable member comprising a bore for receiving the at least one object. The member is movable relative to the mandrel between a first condition in which the bore is not aligned with the mandrel outlet and a second condition in which the bore is aligned with the mandrel outlet. |
| US11401766B2 |
Versatile flying lead (VFL) termhead system
A versatile flying lead (VHL) termination head system comprises an underwater vehicle interface, an interface plate, a termination frame, and an adjuster, disposed proximate the termination frame's connection end, which is configured to provide a configurable declination angle which sets a hang-off angle of a device connected to the interface plate with respect to the underwater vehicle interface. A subsea termination head may be manufactured and assembled by obtaining a predetermined set of standardized structural building blocks that fit together to form a complete termination frame which is as described herein, using the predetermined set of standardized structural building blocks to construct a subsea termination head from the predetermined set of standardized structural building blocks substantially in parallel and connecting the underwater vehicle interface to the frame at a predetermined angle using the adjuster. |
| US11401765B1 |
Stuffing box compression assembly
A compression assembly for maintaining integrity of the seals in a stuffing box. The compression assembly includes a housing which is adapted to connect to the body of a stuffing box. There is an internal annular piston chamber formed in the housing and an annular piston reciprocally disposed in the piston chamber. There is a chamber formed by piston cylinder walls and the top of the piston whereby grease or other fluid under pressure can be introduced so as to exert pressure on the piston and hence movement thereof toward the stuffing box seals. The assembly also comprises a position sensor to monitor travel of the piston. |
| US11401762B2 |
Roll-out apparatus, method, and system
A roll-out apparatus, method, and system is disclosed for deployment in a subterranean well at a setting location. The roll-out apparatus, method, and system includes a load ring and an energizing ring. The load ring may include an outer surface having an outer circumference and a slot extending through the entire wall thickness that follows a circuitous path from a front face to a back face of the load ring. The energizing ring includes an outer surface configured to contact an inner surface of the load ring to enlarge the outer circumference of the load ring in a radial direction. This causes the outer surface of the load ring to seal to an inner surface of the subterranean well at the setting location. |
| US11401758B2 |
System and apparatus comprising a guide for a gripping tool and method of using same
Apparatus, system and method for guiding a gripping tool into a structure to be gripped. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a nubbin and a guide structure fixed to the nubbin. In a second aspect, the system comprises the apparatus and a target structure to be gripped by the gripping tool. In a third aspect, the method comprises coupling the nubbin to a target structure to be gripped by a gripping tool and moving a leading portion of the gripping tool through the apparatus and into the target structure. |
| US11401754B2 |
Systems and methods for drill head position determination
Systems and methods for drill head position determination are disclosed. A method for determining a position of a drill head of a drilling machine may include: retrieving a stored rotational position of at least one sheave and a stored position of the drill head; measuring the rotational position of the at least one sheave using a sheave sensor; initially calibrating the rotational position of the at least one sheave before the drill head moves; dynamically determining the position of the drill head based on the rotational position of the at least one sheave while the drill head is moved; and storing the rotational position of the at least one sheave and the position of the drill head during a shutdown event of the drilling machine. |
| US11401753B2 |
Cable management on marine drilling risers
A drilling riser cable management system includes a plurality of clamping mechanisms pre-installed on riser joints and a robotic arm. The robotic arm has a cable handling mechanism that is configured to securely install the cable on each clamping mechanism without relying on human manipulation of the cable during installation. |
| US11401752B2 |
Ruggedized centralizer for sonde-based measurement while drilling and logging while drilling tools
A centralizer includes a centralizer body having a through-bore for receiving a tool. The centralizer includes a centralizer fin radially extending from the centralizer body and longitudinally extending along the centralizer body. The centralizer fin includes a diverter portion. The diverter portion has a front surface at one longitudinal end of the centralizer fin. The centralizer fin includes an engagement portion coupled to the diverter portion distal to the centralizer body. The centralizer fin includes a cladding applied to the front surface of the diverter portion. |
| US11401751B2 |
High pressure electrical connector cable for oil and gas applications
Downhole connection assemblies include a connector to receive a conductor and pin at opposite ends. The connector includes a first electrical collet, a separate second electrical collet and a sleeve. The first collet includes a first recess in a first end to receive the conductor and a second recess in a second end to receive the pin. The second collet is positioned around the pin and separated from the first collet. The sleeve is positioned around the pin, first collet and the second collet. Downhole cables include a center electrical conductor, a first insulator positioned around the center conductor, a second insulator positioned around the first insulator, and a pressure tube surrounding the second insulator. The cable further includes one or more slots extending axially along a length of the second insulator, or one or more slots extending axially along an inner diameter of the pressure tube. |
| US11401750B2 |
Telemetry pipe system
A telemetry pipe system used to transmit a beacon signal through a drill string. The system comprises a plurality of pipe sections joined end-to-end to form the drill string, each pipe section having an inner tube made from a conductive material. The system further comprises a plurality of connectors. Each connector is installed within a pipe joint formed between adjoining pipe sections. The connector comprises an elongate spine and a bristle assembly supported on each end of the spine. The spine and bristle assemblies are each made of a conductive material. The spine extends between adjacent pipe sections within the pipe joint such that each bristle assembly is conductively engaged with adjacent inner tubes. The inner tubes and connectors form a conductive path within the drill string for transmitting the beacon signal through the drill string. |
| US11401746B2 |
Sensor unit manufacturing method
A sensor unit manufacturing method includes: a core metal insertion process of inserting a core metal member having a length dimension smaller than a length dimension of a core metal accommodation portion into a predetermined location (a section of a curving portion) extending along a longitudinal direction of the core metal accommodation portion; and a bending process of bending the section (the section of the curving portion) of a fixation base portion, into which the core metal member is inserted, following a curved shape of a sensor bracket. |
| US11401744B2 |
Dampened hinge assembly
A dampened hinge assembly has a male leaf and a female leaf. The female leaf has spaced apart first and second end barrels coaxially rotating with respect to a central barrel of the male leaf therebetween. An axial shaft is fixed to the second end barrel of the female leaf at a proximal end of the axial shaft. The axial shaft has a distal helicoidally threaded spindle. A compression gear having a helicoidally threaded bore matching the helicoidal thread of the spindle displaces towards the first end barrel when the leaves move into alignment and towards the second end barrel when the leaves move out of alignment. The dampened hinge assembly may be reconfigured to provide soft closure, end-of-range soft closure and/or backcheck damping. |
| US11401743B2 |
Camera housing
A camera housing includes a simplified draw latch for securing a first portion and a second portion of the camera housing together. The draw latch can include a draw hook and a wireform mid-linkage. The draw latch enables a user to easily open and close a camera housing, and to establish an air-tight or water-tight seal between the housing portions for use in various activities, including scuba diving. |
| US11401740B2 |
Component carrier for electrical/electronic parts for attachment in a motor vehicle door lock
A component carrier for electrical/electronic parts for attachment in a motor-vehicle door lock. Said component carrier is equipped with at least one carrier plate of plastic and with a metal conducting-track structure for electrically contacting the parts. According to the invention, the conducting-track structure and the carrier plate are produced in a combined plastic injection-molding and metal casting method. |
| US11401739B2 |
Actuation device for a motor vehicle lock
An actuation device for a lock of a motor vehicle, said actuation device allowing a plurality of functions without requiring a large number of parts and/or a complex and/or voluminous structure. This is achieved in that the actuation device according to the claims for opening a locking mechanism of a motor vehicle lock comprises an anti-theft device, a central locking device, and a childproof lock device. A multifunction coupling lever is provided which is capable of opening a locking mechanism of a motor vehicle lock by means of an opening movement. The opening movement of the multifunction coupling lever can be prevented by the anti-theft device, the central locking device, and the childproof lock device. Thus, an actuation device is provided which is capable of performing a plurality of functions while comprising few components. Because only a few components are required, the structural complexity can be low. |
| US11401735B2 |
Sliding door latch systems and method
A sliding door latch system and method is disclosed herein. The sliding door latch system is used to prevent movement of a sliding door between a closed position and an open position relative to a fixed door frame. The device may be installed as a secondary safety latch on a sliding door having a primary latch that is located at an elevation within the reach of the child. The device may be installed at an elevation above the reach of the child, but readily within the reach of an adult user. The sliding door latch includes a latch arm located outside the sliding door to simplify installation. The latch arm is user-locatable in a latched position, a momentarily released position, and a held-in-release position. |
| US11401733B2 |
Wireless lockset with integrated angle of arrival (AOA) detection
A lockset with a latch assembly having a bolt movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The lockset includes a motor configured to move the bolt between the extended position and the retracted position. A controller is provided that is configured to electronically control the motor to control movement of the bolt between the extended position and the retracted position responsive to receiving a valid authentication from an authentication device. The lockset includes a receiver connected to an antenna to detect an incoming wireless signal transmitted from an authentication device. The controller includes an angle of arrival sensor configured to determine a distance and a direction to the authentication device by analyzing a wireless phase and timing of the incoming wireless signal transmitted by the authentication device. The controller is configured to control movement of the bolt between the extended and retracted positions based, at least in part, on the distance and the direction to the authentication device. |
| US11401732B2 |
Modular lock mechanism
A locking module for selectively coupling a first component and a second component of a lockable device includes a housing and a magnet arranged within said housing. A locking element is movable relative to said housing between an unlocked position and a locked position. An engagement member is operable to selectively decouple said locking element from said magnet to move said locking element between said unlocked position and said locked position. |
| US11401730B2 |
Foldable closed cell foam sleeping pad
A closed cell foam sleeping pad has a foldable configuration and can be folded accordion style. The sleeping pad's top and bottom surfaces have a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of indentations, wherein the protrusions and indentations are arranged at different locations on different but adjacent foldable sections of the sleeping pad body such that when the pad is folded accordion style, the protrusions nest into the indentations perfectly to give the sleeping pad a smaller packing density while at the same time providing the protrusions for added user comfort. |
| US11401727B1 |
Portable hunting blind system
A portable hunting blind system is provided comprising a hunting blind having a plurality of frame members supporting a blind cover. Each of the plurality of frame members may terminate at one or more pivot joints and the blind cover may comprise a plurality of windows each defined by a flap and a coupling seam. The hunting blind may transition between an active state, a transitional state and an inactive state. In the active state, each of the plurality of frame members may be disposed relative one another about the one or more pivot joints at an angle between 15 and 180 degrees. In the inactive state, each of the plurality of frame members may be disposed relative one another about the one or more pivot joints at an angle between 0 and 15 degrees. |
| US11401725B2 |
Cleaning different regions of a pool
A set of pool cleaning robots for cleaning a pool, wherein a first pool cleaning robot of the set and a second pool cleaning robot of the set are configured to clean different regions of the pool. |
| US11401723B1 |
Low profile circular drain with water stop for swimming pool and diverter for use therein
A sump drain for installation in a surface of a swimming pool or spa, the sump drain comprising an annular chamber having a contiguous annular top opening, a plurality of outlet ports, an inner and an outer water stop, a plurality of diverter plates configured to removeably couple to an inner surface of the annular chamber, each diverter plate comprising a bottom surface having a plurality of louvers, wherein one diverter plate is placed over each outlet port, and a grid cover configured to cover the chamber, the grid cover having a multiplicity of openings. The diverter plate can be curved along its length and have a central opening, optionally in the shape of a cross. |
| US11401722B1 |
Method and system for providing an improved wall structure for security cages
A method and system for providing improved wall structures within a security cage includes one or more unique couplings that are provided at the intersection where two wall panels may join together. Each wall panel of the security cage may have two edges where each edge is designed to mate with another edge of a respective adjacent wall panel. Each edge may have a geometry that is one of two types: an open facing geometry and a closed facing geometry. Each open facing geometry edge is designed to mate with a closed facing geometry edge. This means that usually a first wall panel having an open facing geometry edge will mate with a second wall panel having a closed facing geometry edge and vice-versa. Each open facing geometry wall edge may have a first unique geometry and each closed facing geometry wall edge may have a second unique geometry. |
| US11401721B2 |
Device for leveling and aligning tiles and method for leveling and aligning tiles
A device for leveling and aligning tiles and a method for leveling and aligning tiles are disclosed. In one embodiment of the tile leveling device, a body defines a viewing opening. A base is orthogonally coupled to the body with a base to body coupling including a frangible breakaway section. The base and the body are integral prior to frangible separation and the frangible breakaway section, upon breaking, frangibly separates the body from the base. Respective arms are moveably connected to the body opposite the base. Each of the arms may operate from an open position to a closed position where the arm releasably mates one or more tiles. |
| US11401713B2 |
Linear drive louvered roof apparatus and control system
A new louver, and a louvered roof assembly having a plurality of these louvers is provided wherein the plurality of louvers, are movable within a frame between an open condition and a closed condition. The louvers, each having first and second ends, are pivotally coupled to the frame for rotation about an axis. A linear drive motor is coupled to a moveable arm bar to which each louver is connected by a pin which pin is attached at the pin's opposite end to a member disposed within the center of each respective louver. Single set and dual sets of louvers may be operated by a single linear drive actuator. |
| US11401708B2 |
Anchor holders and anchor assemblies for metal decks
An anchor holder for concrete decks comprises a body for being inserted into an opening in a metal deck, the body including an outside vertical wall and an opening for receiving an anchor. The body includes arms normally biased extending outwardly from the vertical wall, the arms being collapsible toward the body when the body is inserted into the opening in the metal deck and expanding outwardly after passing the opening to be disposed below the metal deck. A support is attached to the body, the support to engage a top surface of the metal deck to apply an upward force on the body and keep the collapsible arms engaged against an underside of the metal deck when the body is attached to the metal deck. |
| US11401707B2 |
Prefabricated wall and assembly structure for prefabricated building, and construction method therefor
A prefabricated wall for a prefabricated building includes a concrete body and a rigid framework arranged inside the poured concrete body, the rigid framework comprises n longitudinally extending vertical rebars, with n being an integer greater than or equal to three; an upper end face and a lower end face of the prefabricated wall are formed with m mechanical connection portions at positions sharing the same axes as the vertical rebars, with m being an integer less than or equal to 2n; and the mechanical connection portions are all formed at end portions of the vertical rebars. An assembly structure for a prefabricated building is further provided. The assembly structure is formed by filling an assembly gap with an on-site poured layer after rebars are firmly connected at an overhead region between an upper-layer wall, a lower-layer wall and a floor slab by means of fastening components. |
| US11401705B2 |
Container filling faucet
A faucet includes a spout, a water level sensor, and a controller. The spout includes a water outlet having a first set of nozzles oriented at an angle with respect to a central axis defined by the water outlet such that water discharged from the first set of nozzles converges at the central axis at a focal distance from the water outlet. The water level sensor is disposed on the spout, and is configured to detect a distance between the water outlet and a level of water in a container disposed below the water outlet. The controller is configured to control the flow of water through the water outlet based on a comparison between the detected distance and the focal distance. |
| US11401704B2 |
On-basin installation device of faucet
An on-basin installation device of a faucet is provided, wherein a basin surface is disposed with an installation hole. The device includes an installation seat, for installing the faucet above the basin surface and disposed with a limiting hole; a fastener, disposed with a first connection hole and a second connection hole; a driving member, disposed with a driving part at one end thereof, wherein the driving part abuts to a top surface of the installation seat, another end thereof passes through the limiting hole and the installation hole to extend below the basin surface, and a portion thereof extending below the basin surface penetrates the first connection hole and is screwed with the first connection hole; and an anti-rotation member, with one end thereof fixed to the installation seat and another end thereof penetrating the second connection hole and abutting to a side wall of the second connection hole. |
| US11401702B2 |
Backflow preventer and system separator especially for fire-fighting applications
There is provided a system separator having a backflow preventer including a housing enclosing a main flow conduit, a valve seat inside the housing on the main flow conduit, and a valve body movable relative to the valve seat to close off the main flow conduit together with the valve seat in a closed position and to release the main flow conduit in an open position. The valve body is alternately movable between the closed position and the open position by at least one of a pressure difference in the main flow conduit or a force of a spring element, and the main flow conduit is divided in the area of the valve body into at least one outer flow conduit and one inner flow conduit, and the valve body encloses the inner flow conduit and forms at least one valve-body valve seat on the inner flow conduit. |
| US11401690B2 |
Filling earth into a vehicle using a cooperative fleet of vehicles
This description provides an autonomous or semi-autonomous earth shaping vehicle that is capable of cooperatively filling earth into a fill location in a dig site. A first earth shaping vehicle configured with a hauling tool carrying a volume of earth navigates to the fill location. At the fill location, the first earth shaping vehicle navigates over a target tool path to fill earth from the hauling tool into the fill location. As the first earth shaping vehicle fills earth into the fill location, a measurement sensor coupled to the first earth shaping vehicle measures a compaction level of earth filled into the fill location. If the measured compaction level is determined to be below a threshold compaction level, the first earth shaping vehicle communicates a request for a second earth shaping vehicle configured with a compaction tool to compact earth in the fill location. |
| US11401688B2 |
Loading machine control device and control method
A control device of a loading machine includes an adjustment determination unit and an operation signal output unit. The loading machine includes a swing motor and a swing body. The adjustment determination unit determines whether or not an angle formed by an azimuth direction of a swing body when the swing body stops and a target stop azimuth direction is less than an allowable angle based on an azimuth direction, a swing speed, and the target stop azimuth direction of the swing body during braking of the swing motor. The operation signal output unit outputs a swing control signal for driving the swing motor in a case in which it is determined that the angle formed by the azimuth direction of the swing body when the swing body stops and the target stop azimuth direction is equal to or greater than the allowable angle. |
| US11401683B2 |
Bucket actuator assembly with resilient bump stop
A work tool includes a bucket and a hydraulic actuator that pivots the bucket on a frame. The loaded bucket applies a maximum compressive force Fc against a resilient bump stop, which reacts a proportion of the applied force as a restoring force Fr against the actuator. A major proportion of the applied maximum compressive force Fc is reacted between the piston and cylinder, while the restoring force Fr is arranged to be greater than the force Fe applied by the self weight of the empty bucket, such that (Fc>2·Fr), and (Fr>Fe). |
| US11401677B2 |
Mineral wool erosion control roll
An erosion control roll comprises a porous outer casing having an interior, a fill material within the interior, wherein the fill material comprises a mineral wool. The erosion control roll is flexible and positionable where it can provide one or more of erosion control, sediment separation, water flow diversion, and a fire barrier. |
| US11401676B2 |
Drilling machine, assembly procedure, and kit for a drilling machine
A drilling machine includes a main body, a mast to mount a drilling tool, a kinematic mechanism movably constraining the mast to the main body while allowing mutual rotation. The kinematic mechanism includes an elongated component hinged at two ends. When the drilling machine is in a drilling configuration, the elongated component performs a structural function to constrain the mast to the main body. An assembling and moving equipment includes a moving element movably mounted to the drilling machine and supporting the elongated component. A moving actuator controls the relative position between the moving element and a mounting portion of the drilling machine. When the drilling machine is in an assembling configuration, one end of the elongated component is released and the moving element acts upon the elongated component. Moving the moving element relative to the mounting portion of the drilling machine causes rotation of the elongated component. |
| US11401672B2 |
Impeller design for snow blower
An example snow blower machine includes a first stage snow mover and a second stage snow mover. Snow is received at an inlet opening of the first stage and expels snow to the discharge opening. In a second stage, an impeller chamber receives snow from the first stage. The impeller chamber extends from a snow receiving end proximate the discharge opening to a distal end rearward of the discharge opening. To receive expelled snow from the first stage and deliver the snow to a second discharge opening, an impeller rotatable around an impeller axis at a hub is disposed in the impeller chamber. The impeller may be rotated by an impeller motor having a motor body that is at least partially disposed within the hub. |
| US11401670B2 |
Self-propelled equipment for street sweeping and/or weeding
Disclosed is self-propelled equipment for street sweeping and/or weeding, where modifications were made to the cleaning system of the filters, the battery for driving the motors with electric start, front fairing assembly over the turbine, combustion or electric motor, debris suction pipe, hydraulic components, headlights, motor protection and brooms and motors for each front wheel and telescopic brooms that will act at a 180° angle by sweeping away debris from the sidewalk or even from the street ahead of the main brooms. |
| US11401666B2 |
Raised pavement markers removal system and method
A raised pavement markers removal vehicle system and method for the removal of raised pavement markers from a roadway. As the vehicle is driven along a roadway, a grinder unit alongside the forward portion of the vehicle grinds away the raised pavement markers to be removed. A sensing unit senses the relative lateral positions of the grinder unit and the upcoming raised pavement markers to be removed. A controller receives position information from the sensing unit and sends appropriate commands to an alignment adjuster to match the lateral position of the grinder unit to the lateral position of the upcoming pavement markers to be removed. After removal by grinding, the debris from the removed raised pavement markers is swept from the roadway into a sweeper-hopper unit for transport to a suitable unloading place. A warning board mounted at the rear of the sweeper-hopper unit provides a visual warning to other users of the road. |
| US11401661B2 |
Recyclable composition for waterproofing paper utilizing a plant derived wax, pellets of the composition, recyclable waterproof paper laminate including the composition, recyclable hot beverage cup including the laminate, pod for making hot beverages including the laminate, and drinking straw including the laminate
A composition that includes plant derived wax having a melting point of at least 70° C. can be used to waterproof cellulose based materials like paper and board. Suitable waxes include sugarcane wax and rice-bran wax. A surfactant such as stearic acid improves the adhesion of the composition to the underlying material. The resulting waterproof laminate can be economically recycled. Hot beverage cups made from the laminate are waterproof and recyclable without first being separated into components. Coffee pods and drinking straws that are waterproof and recyclable are manufactured with the waterproof laminate. |
| US11401658B2 |
Laminated papermaking belt
Disclosed is a two layered belt useful in the manufacture of tissue products comprising a first woven layer and a second nonwoven layer joined together in a laminated arrangement. The woven layer typically forms the machine contacting layer of the belt and is woven from a highly abrasion resistant material, while the nonwoven layer contacts the nascent tissue web. The woven layer may be provided with valleys and ridges that the nascent web is molded into, while the nonwoven layer may be provided with elements that impart a visually aesthetic pattern to the web. In this manner the belt may be useful in the production of products having desirable physical properties resulting from molding into the woven fabric while also being visually pleasing to the user. |
| US11401657B2 |
Method for producing a tension member, tension member, and use thereof
The invention relates to a method for filling in a tension member in particular for conveyor belts, in particular a tension member which is configured as a steel cable. The method is intended to allow the full penetration of the tension member structure. Here, the method contains at least the following method steps: —introducing the individual wires (2, 2′, 2″, 2′″, 2″″) of the strand (5) into the stranding head (1) of a stranding machine (10) and —partially or fully applying at least one coating agent to at least 50% of the individual wires (2, 2′, 2″, 2′″, 2″″) of the strand (5) prior to the twisting of the individual wires (2, 2′, 2″, 2′″, 2″″) to form a strand (5) or simultaneously with the twisting of the individual wires (2, 2′, 2″, 2′″, 2″″) to form a strand (5) and —twisting the individual wires (2, 2′, 2″, 2′″, 2″″) to form a strand (5), wherein at least 50% of the individual wires (2, 2′, 2″, 2′″, 2″″) have been provided with at least one coating agent, and —making a cable from at least one strand (5). |
| US11401652B2 |
Pre-treatment composition and printable medium
A pre-treatment composition comprising water, reactive crosslinking agents and polyurethane particles polyurethane particles including sulfonated- or carboxylated-diamine groups, isocyanate-generated amine groups, and polyalkylene oxide side-chains. Also disclosed is a pre-treated printable medium comprising a base substrate and the pre-treatment composition, such as described herein, that is applied over, at least, one side of the base substrate, forming an image-receiving surface. Also disclosed is the method for making such printable medium. |
| US11401650B2 |
Tub for washing machine and washing machine having the same
A tub of a washing machine includes: a first case and a second case welded to each other; a first coupling surface formed along a circumference of the first case facing the second case; a second coupling surface formed along a circumference of the second case facing the first case and bonded to the first coupling surface; and a coupling protrusion that protrudes along the first coupling surface and includes a protruding end portion welded to the second coupling surface. The coupling protrusion includes: a main coupling protrusion protruding along the first coupling surface; and an auxiliary coupling protrusion protruding along the first coupling surface and outwardly spaced apart from the main coupling protrusion. Further, an opening for communicating a space between the auxiliary coupling protrusion and the main coupling protrusion to an outside of the tub is defined in a bottom of the tub. |
| US11401649B2 |
Washing apparatus and control method thereof
A washing apparatus and a control method of the washing apparatus in which a detergent received in a detergent supply case capable of being inserted or separated is automatically supplied to a mixing tank or a softening agent received in a softening agent supply case capable of being inserted or separated is automatically supplied to the mixing tank. According to one embodiment of the washing apparatus and the control method thereof, the detergent automatically supplied from the detergent supply case capable of being inserted or separated and a washing water are mixed together and a detergent-mixed water is supplied to a washing tub, or the softening agent automatically supplied from the softening agent supply case capable of being inserted or separated and a washing water are mixed together and then a softening agent-mixed water is supplied to the washing tub. |
| US11401647B2 |
Drive assembly for washing machine
A drive assembly may transmit a driving force in a washing machine and comprise a stator and a rotor, a washing shaft connected to the rotor and to a pulsator of the washing machine, a spin-drying shaft surrounding the washing shaft and connected to an inner tub of the washing machine, a coupler provided to be vertically movable in an inner side of the spin-drying shaft to selectively connect the spin-drying shaft to and from the rotor, and a clutch providing power to move the coupler. A first bearing may support an upper outer circumferential surface of the washing shaft and a second bearing may support a lower outer circumferential surface of the washing shaft. The coupler may be provided between the first bearing and the second bearing in an axial direction. |
| US11401645B2 |
Lifter for laundry treating apparatus
A lifter for a laundry treating apparatus includes a first member mounted at an inner side of a drum; and a second member mounted on the first member and protruded toward an inside of the drum, wherein the first member includes a hook protruded and formed along a circumference of the first member, at least part of which is disposed to cover an inner circumferential surface of the drum when inserted into a fastening hole of the drum and then slid in one direction; and a shield protruded and formed at an inner side of the first member and configured to completely cover the fastening hole when the hook is inserted into the fastening hole and then slid in one direction. |
| US11401644B2 |
Method of controlling a laundry treating device
The present disclosure relates to a method of controlling a laundry treating device comprising a tub configured to store wash water therein, a drum rotatably disposed within the tub to receive laundry therein, a heater configured to heat the wash water supplied to the tub, a circulating pump configured to circulate the wash water supplied to the tub, and a controller configured to control the tub, the drum, the heater, and the circulating pump. The method comprises detecting an amount of laundry received in the drum, supplying the wash water to the tub based on the amount of laundry, and soaking the laundry by operating the circulating pump. The step of soaking the laundry is selectively progressed based on the amount of laundry detected. |
| US11401641B2 |
Sewing machine
In a sewing machine, an arm includes, on one side thereof in a first direction, a head. A needle bar is disposed at the head to reciprocally move in a second direction. A feed mechanism feeds a workpiece from one side toward the other side of the head in a third direction. The projection unit disposed at the head projects a projection image toward a bed. The projection unit includes an emitter for projecting image light of the projection image. The photographing unit disposed at the head captures a photographing target. The photographing unit includes an incident portion on which light reflected by the photographing target is incident. The emitter and the incident portion are disposed further toward the one side of the arm in the first direction than the needle bar, and further toward the one side of the head in the third direction than the needle bar. |
| US11401639B2 |
Corrosion-resistant non-woven for pipe liner pultrusion applications
A non-woven chopped fiber mat includes a mixture of glass fibers and synthetic fibers. The non-woven mat is formed using a binder composition that includes a binder resin, a coupling agent, and a corrosion inhibitor. The non-woven mat is non-corrosive and resistant to volatile unsaturated monomers such as styrene, but still remains fully compatible with solvent-containing polyester resins, such that it can be used in various pultruded products. |
| US11401636B2 |
Sock with tab
Aspects herein are directed to a sock having an integrally knit, two-layered tab positioned interior to a collar of the sock, where the collar defines an opening for a wearer's foot. By positioning the tab interior to the collar, the tab can be used to assist the wearer in donning and/or doffing the sock by acting as the primary structure by which the wearer pulls an elastic collar around the wearer's foot when donning the sock. |
| US11401632B2 |
Electronic functionality in textiles
Examples are disclosed herein that relate to electronically functional textile articles. One example provides a knitted textile article comprising a first conductive thread and a second conductive thread knit into the article in such a manner as to form a conductive junction separated by a gap. The knitted textile article further comprises a knitted surface texture feature formed at a location that defines an opening over the gap, and an electronic component connecting the gap to form a circuit with the first conductive thread and the second conductive thread. |
| US11401629B2 |
Nanofibers and preparation methods therefor
The present invention discloses a method for preparing graphene nanofibers and non-woven fabrics using a fluid with a ultra-high draw ratio by means of a high-voltage electrospinning method. Compared with other methods for preparing graphene fibers (such as wet spinning, air-assisted spinning, etc.), the graphene fibers obtained by the present method have smaller diameters (about 100 nm to 500 nm) and a higher yield. The fibers themselves have better mechanical and electrical properties. The invention discloses a method for preparing ultra-fine graphene nanofibers and non-woven fabrics by electrospinning a mixed spinning liquid system of polymer and graphene oxide (the polymer is sodium polyacrylate). This method is highly efficient and environmentally friendly, and the resulted graphene nanofibers are the thinnest graphene fibers as currently known. |
| US11401626B2 |
Seeding method for crystal growth
A seeding method for crystal growth comprising: a first seeding step: rotating a crucible with a first rotation speed to grow the crystal to a first length; a second seeding step: gradually increasing the rotation speed of the crucible from the first rotation speed to a second rotation speed, and growing the crystal to a second length; a third seeding step: rotating the crucible with the second rotation speed to growing the crystal to a predicted length. By separating the seeding stage to three steps and gradually increasing the rotation speed in the second step of the crucible, the silicon melt convection is enhanced and the temperature at center of the silicon melt is kept to be not lower than the starting temperature of the seeding. Thereby, the removal of dislocation within the seed crystal can be increased, and the growth problems such as broken or polycrystallization can be prevented. |
| US11401625B2 |
Nanopore forming method and uses thereof
The invention relates to a method for making nanopores in thin layers or monolayers of transition metal dichalcogenides that enables accurate and controllable formation of pore within those thin layer(s) with sub-nanometer precision. |
| US11401623B2 |
Controlling plating electrolyte concentration on an electrochemical plating apparatus
Methods and electroplating systems for controlling plating electrolyte concentration on an electrochemical plating apparatus for substrates are disclosed. A method involves: (a) providing an electroplating solution to an electroplating system; (b) electroplating the metal onto the substrate while the substrate is held in a cathode chamber of an electroplating cell of electroplating system; (c) supplying the make-up solution to the electroplating system via a make-up solution inlet; and (d) supplying the secondary electroplating solution to the electroplating system via a secondary electroplating solution inlet. The secondary electroplating solution includes some or all components of the electroplating solution. At least one component of the secondary electroplating solution has a concentration that significantly deviates from its target concentration. |
| US11401622B2 |
Composite array electrode, preparation method thereof and use thereof
Provided are composite array electrode, preparation method thereof and use thereof. The composite array electrode comprises a microelectrode array substrate, and a modification layer formed on a surface of a microelectrode of the microelectrode array substrate, wherein the modification layer comprises a plurality of electrically conductive layers arranged at intervals on the surface of the microelectrode, an insulating layer arranged on the surface of the microelectrode except the electrically conductive layers, and wherein material for the electrically conductive layers comprises one or more of nano platinum, nano iridium, conductive polymer and carbon nanotubes. The composite array electrode effectively eliminates the influence of edge effect such that the electric field distributes uniformly on the microelectrode surface of the composite array electrode, significantly improving electrochemical performance and detection capability of the electrode. |
| US11401620B2 |
Method of producing patterned microwire bundles
Systems and methods for manufacturing and processing microwires for use as microelectrodes are disclosed. The disclosed techniques provide methods for creating microelectrode bundles with different organizations and patterns. Systems and methods of the present disclosure also provide methods for electrochemically modifying bundles of microelectrode ends. |
| US11401619B2 |
Sacrificial coating and procedure for electroplating aluminum on aluminum alloys
A method of applying a protective coating with improved adhesion on an aluminum alloy component includes first pretreating the surface of a component by depositing a sacrificial protective immersion layer using a zincating or similar process. Portions of the protective immersion layer as well as portions of the underlying aluminum alloy substrate are then electrolytically etched off in an ionic liquid. A protective aluminum coating is then electrodeposited on the component in an ionic liquid. |
| US11401616B2 |
Method for making water sterilization electrodes and device having the same
The method for forming a water sterilization electrode includes heating a conductive medium to an elevated temperature in a heating apparatus. The method further includes growing oxide nanostructures on the conductive medium at the elevated temperature by supplying one or more oxidizing gases to the heating apparatus. The method further includes ramping down from the elevated temperature at 2-30° C./min to a room temperature to form the water sterilization electrode having the oxide nanostructures on the conductive medium. |
| US11401615B2 |
Filter press end assembly and fluid management system for use in unipolar electrochemical devices
Disclosed is an end assembly for use in a unipolar filter press electrolyser, where the unipolar filter press electrolyser has a filter press stack. The end assembly of the unipolar filter press electrolyser includes an end plate component having two apertures, the two apertures being alignable with channels formed in the filter press stack. The two apertures include a first aperture configured to receive a stream of liquid electrolyte and gases from the filter press stack, and a second aperture configured to receive a stream of recirculated liquid electrolyte. In addition, the end assembly includes an end clamp configured to apply a clamping force on the end plate component to securely retain the filter press stack. The end clamp includes one gas offtake port to extract gases from the stream of liquid electrolyte and gases from the first aperture and discharge the gases out of the unipolar filter press electrolyser. |
| US11401612B2 |
Surface-treated copper foil, copper foil having carrier, laminated material, method for producing printed wiring board, and method for producing electronic apparatus
To provide a surface-treated copper foil that can favorably decrease the transmission loss even used in a high frequency circuit board, and has improved acid resistance. A surface-treated copper foil containing a copper foil, and a surface treatment layer containing a roughening treatment layer on at least one surface of the copper foil, wherein the surface treatment layer contains Ni, the surface treatment layer has a content ratio of Ni of 8% by mass or less (excluding 0% by mass), and an outermost surface of the surface treatment layer has a ten-point average roughness Rz of 1.4 μm or less. |
| US11401610B2 |
Temperable coatings comprising diamond-like carbon
A coated substrate, includes a coating that includes, starting from the substrate in this order: a) a layer of diamond-like carbon (DLC), b) a metallic, single-ply or multi-ply layer, and c) an oxygen barrier layer, wherein the metallic, single-ply or multi-ply layer contains b1) tin or tin and at least one alloying element for tin, which are present unalloyed and/or alloyed, or b2) magnesium and at least one alloying element for magnesium, which are present unalloyed and/or alloyed. The coated substrate protects the DLC layer, as a result of which said layer can be tempered. The coating has good mechanical stability and good aging stability before heat treatment. |
| US11401605B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus
A substrate processing apparatus capable of preventing deflection of exhaust flow which may occur when an asymmetric exhaust structure is introduced includes: an exhaust unit providing an exhaust space surrounding a reaction space; an exhaust port connected to the exhaust unit; and a flow control unit disposed in the exhaust space, wherein the exhaust port is arranged asymmetrically with respect to the reaction space, and the flow control unit may include: an upper flow control plate including a plurality of first through holes; and a lower flow control plate disposed below the upper flow control plate and including a plurality of second through holes. |
| US11401602B2 |
Catalyst enhanced seamless ruthenium gap fill
Methods of depositing a metal film with high purity are discussed. A catalyst enhanced CVD process is utilized comprising an alkyl halide catalyst soak and a precursor exposure. The precursor comprises a metal precursor having the general formula (I): M-L1(L2)y, wherein M is a metal, L1 is an aromatic ligand, L2 is an aliphatic ligand, and y is a number in the range of from 2 to 8 to form a metal film on the substrate surface, wherein the L2 comprises 1,5-hexdiene, 1,4-hexadiene, and less than 5% of 1,3-hexadiene. Selective deposition of a metal film with high purity on a metal surface over a dielectric surface is described. |
| US11401600B1 |
Variable-temperature and fast-sintering process of aluminum-doped zinc oxide target material
A variable-temperature and fast-sintering process for an alumina-doped zinc oxide target material is provided. Integrated degreasing and sintering processes are carried out on an alumina-doped zinc oxide biscuit, The degreasing process is carried out in air atmosphere, and a high-density alumina-doped zinc oxide target material is produced by a variable-temperature treatment during the sintering process under a state of circulating controllable mixed atmosphere. The mixed atmosphere is air and oxygen. As a result, a sintering time is greatly reduced, so that a fast-activated sintering is realized to inhibit grain growth. |
| US11401599B2 |
Erosion resistant metal silicate coatings
Disclosed are rare earth metal containing silicate coatings, coated articles (e.g., heaters and susceptors) or bodies of articles and methods of coating such articles with a rare earth metal containing silicate coating. |
| US11401595B2 |
High-strength steel sheet and production method therefor
A high-strength steel sheet having a TS of 780 MPa or more, excellent stretch flangeability, and excellent in-plane anisotropy of TS is provided. A high-strength steel sheet comprises: a predetermined chemical composition; a steel microstructure including, in area fraction, ferrite: 20% or more and 50% or less, lower bainite: 5% or more and 40% or less, martensite: 1% or more and 20% or less, and tempered martensite: 20% or less, and including, in volume fraction, retained austenite: 5% or more, the retained austenite having an average grain size of 2 μm or less; and a texture having an inverse intensity ratio of γ-fiber to α-fiber of 3.0 or less. |
| US11401593B2 |
Maraging steel and method for manufacturing same
The invention relates to a maraging steel containing C: 0.02% (mass %, hereinafter the same) or less, Si: 0.3% or less, Mn: 0.3% or less, Ni: 7.0 to 15.0%, Cr: 5.0% or less, Co: 8.0 to 12.0%, Mo: 0.1 to 2.0%, Ti: 1.0 to 3.0%, and Sol.Al: 0.01 to 0.2%, where the balance includes Fe and unavoidable impurities of P: 0.01% or less, S: 0.01% or less, N: 0.01% or less, and O: 0.01% or less. The parent phase of the maraging steel includes a martensitic phase. The parent phase contains a martensitic phase obtained by reverse transformation from a martensitic phase to an austenitic phase and then transformation from the austenitic phase, in an area fraction of 25% to 75%. |
| US11401586B2 |
High-strength A356 alloy and preparation method thereof
A high-strength A356 alloy and a preparation method thereof are disclosed. Modifiers Ba and Zr are added to improve the as-cast structure of the alloy. The high-pressure solidified A356 alloy prepared by a high-pressure solidification technology has finer grains, and the elements such as Mg and Si have higher supersaturated solubility in a matrix. |
| US11401585B2 |
Multicomponent aluminum alloys for applications such as additive manufacturing
Materials, methods and techniques disclosed and contemplated herein relate to multicomponent aluminum alloys. Generally, multicomponent aluminum alloys include aluminum, nickel, zirconium, and rare earth elements, and include L12 precipitates having an Al3X composition. Rare earth elements used in example multicomponent aluminum alloys disclosed and contemplated herein include erbium (Er), zirconium (Zr), yttrium (Y), and ytterbium (Yb). Example multicomponent aluminum alloys disclosed and contemplated herein are particularly suited for use in additive manufacturing operations. |
| US11401583B2 |
Aluminium or copper-carbon nanotube composite material and method for preparing same
The present invention relates to a composite material based on aluminium or copper and tin oxide-functionalized carbon nanotubes, to the method for producing same and to a cable comprising said composite material as the electrically conductive element. |
| US11401582B2 |
Ni-based forged alloy article and turbine high-temperature member using same
An objective of the invention is to provide a Ni-based forged alloy article based on a superhigh precipitation-strengthening Ni-based alloy material that has mechanical properties balanced at higher level than before, and a turbine high-temperature member formed of the forged alloy article. There is provided a Ni-based forged alloy article comprising crystal grains of the γ phase and precipitation particles of the γ′ phase, and having a chemical composition enabling to precipitate a γ′ phase in an amount of 50-70 volume % at 700° C. within a matrix of a γ phase. The γ′ phase comprises: aging precipitation γ′ phase particles precipitating within the γ phase grains; and eutectic reaction γ′ phase particles precipitating between/among the γ phase grains. The eutectic reaction γ′ phase particles comprise a higher content of Ni and Al than the aging precipitation γ′ phase particles and have an average particle size of 2 to 40 μm. |
| US11401581B1 |
Tarnish and sweat resistant low karat gold alloys
This invention provides low karat, low silver, 6 kt gold-copper-zinc alloys with acceptable workability that can be processed into wire, tube, sheet stock, or cast. The alloys are annealed at 1200° F., rapidly cooled, and heat treated at about 6000 to 800° F., which increases the hardness and durability in finished parts made from these alloys. The alloys include grain refiners. The alloys are resistant to oxidation from sweat and tarnishing. Additional fabrication operations can form jewelry items such as balls, chain, hoops and studs. |
| US11401580B2 |
Method for pre-treatment of gold-bearing oxide ores
The disclosure relates to pre-treatment of precious metal-bearing oxide ores, prior to precious metal leaching by thiosulfate. The process comprises mixing oxide ore in oxygenated water in the presence of a carbon-based material (e.g., activated carbon or other type of carbon). The carbon-based material can be separated from the ore slurry, and, the gold is thereafter leached by a thiosulfate lixiviant. |
| US11401579B2 |
Rare earth metal oxide process including extracting rare earth metal from acidic solution with an ionic liquid composition
A method for extracting a rare earth metal from a mixture of one or more rare earth metals, said method comprising contacting an acidic solution of the rare earth metal with a composition which comprises an ionic liquid to form an aqueous phase and a non-aqueous phase into which the rare earth metal has been selectively extracted; recovering the rare earth metal from the non-aqueous phase; and processing the recovered rare earth metal into a rare earth metal oxide. |
| US11401573B2 |
Ferritic stainless steel sheet and method for manufacturing the same
A ferritic stainless steel sheet having excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and ridging resistance and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. A ferritic stainless steel sheet has a chemical composition containing, in terms of mass %, C: 0.005 to 0.030%, Si: 0.05 to 1.00%, Mn: 0.05 to 1.00%, P: 0.040% or less, S: 0.030% or less, Al: 0.001 to 0.150%, Cr: 10.8 to 14.4%, Ni: 0.01 to 2.50%, and N: 0.005 to 0.060%, with the balance being Fe and incidental impurities. The elongation after fracture is 28% or more, and the ridging height of a surface of a steel sheet to which a tensile strain of 23% has been applied in a rolling direction is 3.0 μm or less. |
| US11401571B2 |
Hot-rolled steel sheet
A hot-rolled steel sheet includes a specific chemical composition, and includes a microstructure represented by, in vol %: retained austenite: 2% to 30%; ferrite: 20% to 85%; bainite: 10% to 60%; pearlite: 5% or less; and martensite: 10% or less. A proportion of grains having an intragranular misorientation of 5° to 14° in all grains is 5% to 50% by area ratio, the grain being defined as an area which is surrounded by a boundary having a misorientation of 15° or more and has a circle-equivalent diameter of 0.3 μm or more. |
| US11401570B2 |
Martensitic stainless steel seamless pipe for oil country tubular goods, and method for manufacturing same
The invention is intended to provide a martensitic stainless steel seamless pipe for oil country tubular goods having high strength, and excellent sulfide stress corrosion cracking resistance. A method for manufacturing such a martensitic stainless steel seamless pipe is also provided. The martensitic stainless steel seamless pipe for oil country tubular goods has a yield stress of 758 MPa or more, and a composition that contains, in mass %, C: 0.0010 to 0.0094%, Si: 0.5% or less, Mn: 0.05 to 0.5%, P: 0.030% or less, S: 0.005% or less, Ni: 4.6 to 7.3%, Cr: 10.0 to 14.5%, Mo: 1.0 to 2.7%, Al: 0.1% or less, V: 0.2% or less, N: 0.1% or less, Ti: 0.01 to 0.50%, Cu: 0.01 to 1.0%, and Co: 0.01 to 1.0%, in which C, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Mo, W, Nb, N, and Ti satisfy the predetermined relations, and the balance is Fe and incidental impurities. |
| US11401569B2 |
High-strength cold-rolled steel sheet and method for manufacturing same
Provided is a high-strength steel sheet having a tensile strength (TS) of 750 MPa or more and excellent in ductility and stretch flangeability, in which the steel sheet has a predetermined chemical composition and a microstructure containing, in area ratio, ferrite: 50% to 90%, quenched martensite: 1% to 8%, tempered martensite: 3% to 40%, and retained austenite: 6% to 15%, the quenched martensite has an average grain size of 2.5 μm or less, the quenched martensite has an average circularity index of 0.50 or more, the circularity index being defined as 4 πM/D2, where D is a perimeter of the quenched martensite and M is an area of the quenched martensite, and the steel sheet has a ratio of an area ratio of the quenched martensite fM to a total area ratio of the quenched martensite and the tempered martensite fM+TM, fM/fM+TM, of 50% or less. |
| US11401568B2 |
Steel material for line pipes, method for producing the same, and method for producing line pipe
A method for producing a steel material for line pipes which has a tensile strength of 570 MPa or more, a compressive strength of 440 MPa or more, and a thickness of 30 mm or more, the method including heating a steel having a specific composition to a temperature of 1000° C. to 1200° C.; performing hot rolling such that a cumulative rolling reduction ratio in a non-recrystallization temperature range is 60% or more, a cumulative rolling reduction ratio in a temperature range of (a rolling finish temperature +20° C.) or less is 50% or more, and a rolling finish temperature is the Ar3 transformation point or more and 790° C. or less; and subsequently performing accelerated cooling from a cooling start temperature of the Ar3 transformation point or more, at a cooling rate of 10° C./s or more, until the temperature of a surface of a steel plate reaches 300° C. to 500° C. |
| US11401556B2 |
Prognostic method for determining the risk of relapse in renal cancer patients with a clear cell type of renal carcinoma, stages I and II, and kit for same
A prognostic method, and a kit, for determining the risk of relapse of renal cancer of the clear cell renal carcinoma type, stages I and II, in a human subject; comprised of: (a) determining, in a tumor sample (biopsy) from the human subject, the levels of expression of the microRNAs hsa-miR-223, hsa-miR-103, hsa-miR-107, hsa-miR-425, hsa-miR-340, hsa-miR-130b, hsa-miR-652, hsa-miR-214, and hsa-miR-204; (b) determining a value which depends on the levels of expression of the microRNAs; and (c) determining the risk of relapse in renal cancer of the clear cell renal carcinoma type, in stages I and II, in the said human subject, by comparing the value obtained in step (b) with a cut-off value. |
| US11401548B2 |
Primers with self-complementary sequences for multiple displacement amplification
The present disclosure provides primers, primer sets, kits and methods for multiple displacement amplification, especially in combination with nucleic acid sequencing. The primers comprise self-complementary sequences at their 5′ termini and random or semi-random sequences at their 3′ termini. Use of such primers facilitates handling of multiple samples, increases sequence coverage uniformity, and improves sequencing error corrections. |
| US11401547B2 |
Methods and systems for performing digital measurements
Methods and systems for digital measurements are provided. In an embodiment, the method includes producing a plurality of droplets, wherein at least one of the droplets of the plurality of droplets contains an analyte molecule from a sample; measuring at least a first portion of the plurality of droplets to determine individual volumes of droplets in the first portion of the plurality of droplets; analyzing at least a second portion of the plurality of droplets to determine a number of droplets in the second portion of the plurality of droplets that contain the analyte molecule; and using individual volumes of the droplets in the first portion of the plurality of droplets and the number of droplets in the second portion of the plurality of droplets that contain the analyte molecule to determine the concentration of the analyte molecule in the sample. |
| US11401545B2 |
Spatially encoded biological assays
The present invention provides assays and assay systems for use in spatially encoded biological assays. The invention provides an assay system comprising an assay capable of high levels of multiplexing where reagents are provided to a biological sample in defined spatial patterns; instrumentation capable of controlled delivery of reagents according to the spatial patterns; and a decoding scheme providing a readout that is digital in nature. |
| US11401542B2 |
Acoustically actuated droplet apparatus and a chemical analysis method by using acoustically actuated droplet
An acoustically actuated droplet apparatus includes a first sound source, a second sound source, a thread, two fixed columns and at least one droplet transporter. The first sound source includes a first emitting surface. The second sound source includes a second emitting surface, wherein the second emitting surface and the first emitting surface are arranged opposite to each other. The thread is coaxially passed through and placed between the first sound source and the second sound source, wherein the thread is hydrophobic. The two fixed columns are connected to two ends of the thread, wherein the first sound source and the second sound source are placed between the two fixed columns. The droplet transporter includes a tubing, a droplet dispenser and a solution container, wherein the droplet dispenser is connected with the solution container by the tubing, and the droplet dispenser is placed near the thread. |
| US11401539B2 |
Methods of producing polyol lipids
Provided are methods and yeast cultures for producing polyol lipids and polyol lipid compositions. |
| US11401538B2 |
Structuring fats and methods of producing structuring fats
Recombinant DNA techniques are used to produce oleaginous recombinant cells that produce triglyceride oils having desired fatty acid profiles and regiospecific or stereospecific profiles. Genes manipulated include those encoding stearoyl-ACP desaturase, delta 12 fatty acid desaturase, acyl-ACP thioesterase, ketoacyl-ACP synthase, and lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase. The oil produced can have enhanced oxidative or thermal stability, or can be useful as a frying oil, shortening, roll-in shortening, tempering fat, cocoa butter replacement, as a lubricant, or as a feedstock for various chemical processes. The fatty acid profile can be enriched in midchain profiles or the oil can be enriched in triglycerides of the saturated-unsaturated-saturated type. |
| US11401536B2 |
D-psicose production using probiotic microorganisms
The present invention provides a method of preparing D-psicose comprising the steps of (i) providing a mixture of D-psicose and D-fructose; and (ii) contacting the mixture of D-psicose and D-fructose with a probiotic microorganism that is capable of metabolizing D-fructose but not D-psicose and capable of converting D-fructose into L-lactic acid and subjecting the microorganism to culture conditions that allow fermentative removal of D-fructose from the mixture of D-psicose and D-fructose with concomitant production of L-lactic acid. Further provided are uses of a probiotic microorganism that is capable of metabolizing D-fructose but not D-psicose and capable of converting D-fructose into L-lactic acid for fermentative removal of D-fructose from a mixture of D-psicose and D-fructose. In particular, the probiotic microorganism is Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or Saccharomyces boulardii. |
| US11401535B2 |
Process of production of vanillin with immobilized microorganisms
The present invention refers to a cyclic process for the production of vanillin, including (a) adding a solution of ferulic acid or a salt thereof, to a solid structure containing immobilized microorganisms of the Actinomycetales group, (b) incubating the solid structure to carry out the biotransformation process, (c) recovering the solution obtained in step (b), and (d) repeating steps (a) to (c) by feeding a fresh solution of ferulic acid or a salt thereof. |
| US11401531B2 |
AAV vectors encoding NF1 and uses thereof
Aspects of the disclosure relate to compositions and methods of treating certain genetic disease (e.g., Neurofibromatosis type I) by delivering functional neurofibromin 1 (NF1) protein (e.g., mini-NF1 protein and/or full-length NF1 protein) to target cell (e.g., cells and/or tissue of a subject). The disclosure is based, in part, on isolated nucleic acids (e.g., rAAV vectors) and rAAVs engineered to express a functional NF1 protein (e.g., mini-NF1 protein and/or full-length NF1 protein) or variants thereof. |
| US11401527B2 |
Compositions and methods useful for prophylaxis of organophosphates
rAAV compositions useful for preventing the toxicity associated with organophosphate exposure are provided herein. The rAAV co-express a human butyrylcholinesterase and a proline-rich peptide. Each the esterase and the peptide may have an exogenous signal sequence. Also provided are compositions, e.g., aqueous liquid suspensions containing the rAAV. |
| US11401525B2 |
Solanaceae plant rich in anthocyanins concentration
Described herein are Solanaceae plants for producing fruits rich in anthocyanins concentration, wherein said plant comprises a mutated fading gene. Also described herein is a method of providing a Solanaceae plant for producing fruits rich in anthocyanins concentration. |
| US11401523B2 |
Methods of producing promoter variants
A method of producing a protein of interest (POI) by culturing a recombinant eukaryotic cell line comprising an expression construct comprising a regulatable promoter and a nucleic acid molecule encoding a POI under the transcriptional control of said promoter, comprising the steps a) cultivating the cell line with a basal carbon source repressing the promoter, b) cultivating the cell line with a limited amount of a supplemental carbon source de-repressing the promoter to induce production of the POI at a transcription rate of at least 15% as compared to the native pGAP promoter, and c) producing and recovering the POI; and further an isolated regulatable promoter and a respective expression system. |
| US11401516B2 |
Channel modulators
The inventions relate to compositions and articles of manufacture comprising connexin modulators, pannexin modulators, gap junction modulators, hemichannel modulators, and pannexin channel modulators and their use, alone or in combination, in treating ocular and other disorders. |
| US11401514B2 |
Compositions and methods for identifying RNA binding polypeptide targets
The present invention features compositions comprising fusion polypeptides comprising an RNA binding polypeptide operationally linked to an RNA modifying enzyme (e.g., adenosine deaminase, cytidine deaminase), and methods of use therefore. |
| US11401513B2 |
Modified membrane type serine protease 1 (MTSP-1) polypeptides and methods of use
Provided are MTSP-1 polypeptides modified to have altered activity and/or specificity so that they cleave a complement protein, such as complement protein C3, to inhibit its activity and thereby inhibit complement activation. The modified MTSP-1 polypeptides that inhibit complement activation can be used for treatment of diseases and conditions in which complement activation plays a role. Such diseases and conditions include inflammatory diseases and diseases with an inflammatory component. Exemplary of these disorders are ischemic and reperfusion disorders, including myocardial infarction and stroke, sepsis, autoimmune diseases, ophthalmic disorders, such as diabetic retinopathies and macular degeneration, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and transplanted organ rejection, such as renal delayed graft function (DGF). |
| US11401510B2 |
Generation of airway basal stem cells from human pluripotent stem cells
Described herein is a method of generating in-vitro differentiated airway basal cells and compositions thereof. Also described herein is a method of treating a pulmonary disease comprising administering the in-vitro differentiated airway basal cells and compositions thereof. In another aspect, described herein is a disease model comprising patient-derived or genetically modified in-vitro differentiated airway basal cells and compositions thereof. |
| US11401508B2 |
Methods for isolating human cardiac ventricular progenitor cells
The present invention provides methods for isolating human cardiac ventricular progenitor cells (HVPs), wherein cultures of day 5-7 cardiac progenitor cells are negatively selected for one or more first markers expressed on human pluripotent stem cells, such as TRA-1-60, to thereby isolate HVPs. The methods can further include positive selection for expression of a second marker selected from the group consisting of JAG1, FZD4, LIFR, FGFR3 and TNFSF9. Large populations, including clonal populations, of isolated HVPs that are first marker negative/second marker positive are also provided. Methods of in vivo use of the HVPs for cardiac repair or to improve cardiac function are also provided. Methods of using the HVPs for cardiac toxicity screening of test compounds are also provided. |
| US11401503B2 |
Methods of growing tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in gas-permeable containers
An embodiment of the invention provides a method of promoting regression of cancer in a mammal comprising obtaining a tumor tissue sample from the mammal; culturing the tumor tissue sample in a first gas permeable container containing cell medium therein; obtaining tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) from the tumor tissue sample; expanding the number of TIL in a second gas permeable container containing cell medium therein using irradiated allogeneic feeder cells and/or irradiated autologous feeder cells; and administering the expanded number of TIL to the mammal. Methods of obtaining an expanded number of TIL from a mammal for adoptive cell immunotherapy are also provided. |
| US11401495B2 |
Power device of a micro channel for external circulation of a bioreactor
The present disclosure provides a power device of a micro channel for external circulation of a bioreactor. The power device of the micro channel may be disposed outside the bioreactor and in fluid connection with the bioreactor, the power device of the micro channel may be of a shape of a box body. The power device of the micro channel may comprise: a stacked layer disposed in the box body, including a first shell plate, a second shell plate, and a sealing film sandwiched between the first shell plate and the second shell plate; and a liquid buffer device including a first liquid cavity and a second liquid cavity disposed in the box body, the first liquid cavity and the second liquid cavity may be fixed to an outer end surface of the stacked layer. The power device of the micro channel may be of a box shape, thereby reducing the volume and production cost thereof. |
| US11401488B2 |
Stable anhydrous cleanser concentrate formulation and method of making same
The invention relates to stable, anhydrous concentrated cleanser formulations. |
| US11401484B2 |
Cleaning compositions and methods for modifying turbidity and enhancing fragrance performance
Disclosed are cleaning compositions including at least two anionic surfactants, such as a mixture of a linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) and a sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), wherein the mixture is present in the cleaning composition in a total amount combined of LAS and SLES of about 1%-2% by weight and wherein a weight ratio of LAS:SLES is about 3:1 to about 1:1 or about 6:1 to about 4:1; an ionic agent in an amount of about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight, a nonionic surfactant in an amount of greater than about 0% to less than about 0.45% by weight, and a fragrance. Methods of preparing and using the present cleaning compositions are also disclosed. |
| US11401481B2 |
Lubricant composition and method for producing same
The present invention relates to a lubricant composition containing: a base oil (A); at least one kind of calcium-based detergent (B) selected from (B1) calcium sulfonate having a base number of 5.00 mgKOH/g or more and 100 mgKOH/g or less, (B2) calcium salicylate having a branched acyclic hydrocarbon group, and (B3) overbased calcium phenate having a branched acyclic hydrocarbon group; and at least one kind of ashless detergent (C) selected from (C1) a hindered amine compound having one piperidine-derived backbone in a molecule, and (C2) a specific diethanolamine compound. In the lubricant composition, the calcium atom content is 100 ppm by mass or more and 600 ppm by mass or less with respect to the total mass of the lubricant composition, and the ratio (NC/CaB) of the nitrogen atom content (NC) of the ashless detergent (C) to the calcium atom content (CaB) of the calcium-based detergent (B) is 1.3 to 3.1 as a mass ratio. |
| US11401480B2 |
Thin-wall bonded self-lubricating plate
Disclosed is a thin-wall bonded self-lubricating plate, the composite material structure thereof being composed of a surface self-lubricating layer, an intermediate bonding layer, and a metal backing layer. The surface self-lubricating layer includes polytetrafluoroethylene, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, etc. The surface self-lubricating layer thereof is thicker than an ordinary sintered self-lubricating material, thereby reducing vibration and prolonging the service life. Components, such as bushings, gaskets, sliding plates, composite bearings and other special-shaped members, made of the thin-wall bonded self-lubricating plate, have broad application prospects in low-speed rotation and relative sliding parts of vehicles, general machinery, office furniture, etc. |
| US11401474B2 |
Systems and methods for producing fuel intermediates
The present disclosure relates to a method that includes pyrolyzing a biomass to produce a pyrolysis oil and upgrading the pyrolysis oil to yield a first upgraded pyrolysis oil, where the pyrolysis oil is in at least one of a liquid phase and/or a vapor phase, the pyrolyzing is performed in a pyrolysis reactor at a first temperature between 400° C. and 600° C., the biomass has a residence time of less than five seconds in the pyrolysis reactor, the upgrading is performed in a fluidized bed reactor, and the upgrading is catalyzed using a zeolite. |
| US11401473B2 |
Process to maintain high solvency of recycle solvent during upgrading of steam cracked tar
Processes for improving hydrocarbon feedstock compatibility are provided. More specifically, a process for preparing a liquid hydrocarbon product includes heat soaking a tar stream to produce a reduced reactivity tar and blending the reduced reactivity tar with a utility fluid comprising recycle solvent to produce a lower viscosity, reduced reactivity tar. The process also includes hydroprocessing the lower viscosity, reduced reactivity tar at a temperature of greater than 350° C. to produce a total liquids product containing the liquid hydrocarbon product and the recycle solvent. The process further includes separating the recycle solvent from the total liquids product, where the recycle solvent has the SBN of greater than 110, and flowing the recycle solvent to the reduced reactivity tar for blending to produce the lower viscosity, reduced reactivity tar. |
| US11401466B2 |
Nanocrystal with a large stokes shift and a method for preparing the same
A nanocrystal with a large Stokes shift includes a matrix domain having a composition of M1xM2yAz, and a plurality of seed domains which are distributed in the matrix domain and each of which has a composition of M1x′M2y′Az′, wherein M1, M2, A, x, y, z, x′, y′, and z′ are as defined herein. |
| US11401464B2 |
Ceramic composite
A ceramic composite having a phosphor particle and a coating layer on the surface of the phosphor particle, in which a matrix crystal structure of the phosphor particle and the coating layer have identical garnet structures, and the thickness of the coating layer is greater than or equal to 0.001 μm and smaller than or equal to 0.450 μm. |
| US11401461B2 |
Zirconia sintered body containing fluorescent agent
The present invention provides a zirconia sintered body containing a fluorescent agent and having excellent translucency and excellent strength. The present invention also provides a zirconia shaped body and a zirconia calcined body from which the zirconia sintered body can be obtained. The present invention relates to a zirconia sintered body comprising a fluorescent agent, wherein the zirconia sintered body comprises 4.5 to 9.0 mol % yttria, and has a crystal grain size of 180 nm or less, and a three-point flexural strength of 500 MPa or more. The present invention relates to a zirconia shaped body comprising a fluorescent agent, wherein the zirconia shaped body comprises 4.5 to 9.0 mol % yttria, and has a three-point flexural strength of 500 MPa or more after being sintered at 1,100° C. for 2 hours under ordinary pressure, and a crystal grain size of 180 nm or less after being sintered at 1,100° C. for 2 hours under ordinary pressure. The present invention relates to a zirconia calcined body comprising a fluorescent agent, wherein the zirconia calcined body comprises 4.5 to 9.0 mol % yttria, and has a three-point flexural strength of 500 MPa or more after being sintered at 1,100° C. for 2 hours under ordinary pressure, and a crystal grain size of 180 nm or less after being sintered at 1,100° C. for 2 hours under ordinary pressure. |
| US11401458B2 |
Friction reducer compositions
Methods and systems for reducing friction in fracturing fluids are disclosed. An exemplary friction reducing composition includes a synthetic water-soluble polymer and a nanocellulose. This friction reducing composition is added to aqueous saline fluid for hydraulic fracturing treatment of hydrocarbon wells. |
| US11401457B2 |
Glycosyl hydrolase enzymes in high temperature industrial processes
Novel hyperthermophilic Dictyoglomus beta-mannanases are provided for use in high temperature industrial applications requiring enzymatic hydrolysis of 1,4-β-D-mannosidic linkages in mannans, galactomannans, and glucomannans. Also provided are methods and compositions for fracturing a subterranean formation in which a gellable fracturing fluid is first formed by blending together a hydratable polymer and a Dictyoglomus beta-mannanase as an enzyme breaker. An optimized and stabilized recombinant Dictyoglomus beta-mannanase is provided that shows superior performance/effectiveness and properties in degrading guar and derivatized guars at pH ranges from 3.0 to 12 and temperatures ranging from 130° F. to in excess of 270° F. |
| US11401452B2 |
Methods of selective and non-selective plugging for water flooding in enhanced oil recovery
Materials and methods for enhanced oil recovery are provided. In particular, a composition for improved selective and non-selective plugging is provided, the composition comprising one or more biological polymers selected from polysaccharides, in addition to one or more bio surfactants Methods are also provided for enhanced oil recovery wherein the biological polymer composition, one or more biosurfactants and one or more solvents are injected into an oil-bearing formation undergoing water flooding. |
| US11401448B2 |
Adsorptive temporary fixing sheet
Provided is an adsorption temporary fixing sheet having a sufficient shear adhesive strength in a direction parallel to its surface, having a weak adhesive strength in a direction vertical to the surface, and having excellent antistatic performance. The adsorption temporary fixing sheet includes a foam layer including an open-cell structure, and has a surface resistivity of from 1.0×104 to 1.0×1010Ω/□, wherein, when a silicon chip vertical adhesive strength of a surface of the foam layer after 18 hours at each of such different temperatures as −30° C., 23° C., or 80° C. is represented by V1, V2, or V3 (N/1 cm2), and when a silicon chip shearing adhesive strength of the surface of the foam layer after 18 hours at each of such different temperatures as −30° C., 23° C., or 80° C. is represented by H1, H2, or H3 (N/1 cm□), relationships of V1 |
| US11401444B2 |
Filament reinforced tapes useful as underwater pipe wrap
A member for use in undersea applications comprising a plurality of conduits assembled into a bundle; the bundle being wrapped with a pressure-sensitive tape comprising a backing, a layer of corrosion-resistant filaments on one surface of the backing, and pressure-sensitive adhesive layer that coats the filaments and binds them to the backing. |
| US11401438B2 |
Method of applying a coating composition to a substrate
A system for applying a coating composition is provided herein. The system includes a first high transfer efficiency applicator defining a first nozzle orifice and a second high transfer efficiency applicator defining a second nozzle orifice. The system further includes a reservoir. The system further includes a substrate defining a first target area and a second target area. The first high transfer efficiency applicator and the second high transfer efficiency applicator are configured to receive the coating composition from the reservoir and configured to expel the coating composition through the first nozzle orifice to the first target area of the substrate and to expel the coating composition through the second nozzle orifice to the second target area of the substrate. |
| US11401437B2 |
Method of forming multiple coating on dry plating member and molded article manufactured using the same
Disclosed are methods of forming a multiple coating on a dry plating member and a molded article manufactured using the same. The method may include applying a color coating agent onto a surface of a plating layer of a plating member and then drying the applied color coating agent to form a color coating layer, and applying a clear coating agent onto a surface of the color coating layer and curing the applied clear coating agent to form a clear layer, wherein the plating member includes a substrate, an undercoat layer formed on a surface of at least a part of the substrate, and a plating layer formed on a surface of the undercoat layer. |
| US11401436B2 |
Method of making UHMWPE hybrid nanocomposite coating reinforced with nanoclay and carbon nanotubes
A method for forming a nanocomposite coating on a substrate is described. The nanocomposite substrate comprises polyethylene, functionalized carbon nanotubes, and nanoclay. The method may use microparticles of UHMWPE with functionalized carbon nanotubes and clay nanoplatelets to form a powder mixture, which is then applied to a heated substrate to form the nanocomposite coating. The nanocomposite coating may have a Vickers hardness of 10.5-12.5 HV and a debonding strength of at least 25 N. |
| US11401427B2 |
Conductive paint composition
Disclosed herein is conductive paint for electro-deposition painting. The conductive paint includes non-oxide ceramic particles each configured such that an oxide layer is provided on a surface thereof. In this case, the non-oxide ceramic particles include at least one type of AxBy-form particles, where the sum of x and y is 7 or less. |
| US11401425B2 |
Coating compositions
The present disclosure provides for an aqueous dispersion for use in coating applications. The aqueous dispersion includes an aqueous composition and a solid content of a melt blend product having an acid functionalized polypropylene base polymer, a polypropylene copolymer, an acid functionalized polypropylene wax and an acid functionalized polyolefin. The aqueous dispersion is included in a coating composition, where the coating composition includes the aqueous dispersion, a solvent, a crosslinker and a basic water composition having water and a base. The present disclosure also provides for a coated article having a substrate and a coating on the substrate, where the coating includes the coating composition of the present disclosure. |
| US11401419B2 |
Dealcoholization room-temperature curable organopolysiloxane composition, and article sealed by cured product of same
This dealcoholization room-temperature curable organopolysiloxane composition contains (A) a diorganopolysiloxane having a silicon atom-bonded hydroxy group and/or a hydrolyzable silyl group at both ends of the molecular chain, and has a coefficient of viscosity of 20-1,000,000 mPa·s, (B) an organopolysiloxane which is a partial (co-)hydrolysis-condensation product of a hydrolyzable organosilane compound having one or more silicon atom-bonded alkenyl groups and 1-3 silicon atom-bonded alkoxy groups, per molecule, (C) a hydrolyzable organosilane compound having one or more phenylene backbones and two or more amino groups, per molecule, and/or a partial hydrolysis-condensation product thereof. The dealcoholization room-temperature curable organopolysiloxane composition has good curability and storage stability even when the composition does not contain a metal catalyst, is less toxic to the human body and is environmentally friendly, is cost-competitive, and has good rubber physical properties and adhesiveness after being cured. |
| US11401418B2 |
Method for producing aqueous polyimide precursor solution composition
A method for producing an aqueous polyimide precursor solution composition includes reacting a tetracarboxylic dianhydride and a diamine in the presence of an imidazole, using water as a reaction solvent to provide an aqueous polyimide precursor solution composition. The polyamic acid and the imidazole are dissolved in the water. A concentration of the polyamic acid is 5 to 45 wt %, The imidazole is an imidazole having two or more alkyl groups as substituents. An amount of the imidazole is 1.6 moles or more per mole of the tetracarboxylic dianhydride, and a concentration of the imidazole compound based on a sum of the imidazole compound and the water is 9.47 wt % or less. The diamine component includes a diamine having a solubility in water at 25° C. of 0.1 g/L or more. |
| US11401417B2 |
Polyamide composition comprising a specific co-polyamide comprising caprolactam monomer, a semi-crystalline polyamide and a reinforcing filler with enhanced gloss performance
Described herein is a composition including a) at least one co-polyamide including caprolactam monomer or the corresponding amino acid, at least one aromatic diacid co-monomer and at least one cycloaliphatic diamine co-monomer; b) at least one semi-crystalline polyamide; and c) at least one reinforcing filler. The a) at least one co-polyamide has a crystallization temperature (Tc) of 150° C. or less and the difference between the melting temperature (Tm) and Tc of 50° C. or more. |
| US11401410B2 |
Block copolymer compositions, prepregs, and laminates made therefrom
A resin composition that allows production of laminated sheets excellent in heat resistance and processability is disclosed. The resin composition comprises: a) a block copolymer, where the block copolymer comprises at least one polymer block comprising polymerized acyclic conjugated diene units, such as butadiene units, and at least one polymer block containing units like a conjugated cyclic diene such as 1,3-cyclohexadiene or monomer units characterized by unit Tg above 100° C., b) a curing initiator, and c) optionally diene-based polymer selected from a polybutadiene polymer and the copolymer of butadiene with styrene or other styrenic monomers, c) optional additives comprising but not limited to a multi-functional co-curable additive, a diene based rubber, a halogenated or non halogenated flame retardant, an inorganic or organic filler or fiber, an antioxidant, a adhesion promotor, a film forming. |
| US11401409B2 |
Thermoplastic resin composition
The present invention relates to a thermoplastic resin composition, including a first graft copolymer including an alkyl (meth)acrylate-based polymer-derived unit, an aromatic vinyl-based monomer-derived unit, and a vinyl cyanide-based monomer-derived unit; a copolymer including an aromatic vinyl-based monomer-derived unit and a vinyl cyanide-based monomer-derived unit; a polyester-based elastomer; and a phthalate-based plasticizer. |
| US11401399B2 |
Polymer compositions of improved scratch resistance, improved mechanical stability and improved haze
The present invention provides a composition comprising (i) a polymer, (ii) an organic compound A carrying at least two amide functionalities, and (iii) 12 to 1'000 parts per million (ppm) of a compound B selected from the group consisting of an organic compound C carrying at least two amide functionalities, sugar alcohol acetals and derivatives thereof, metal salts of organic acids and precursor-systems thereof, metal salts of organic phosphoric acids and precursor-systems thereof and metal salts of polyols and precursor-systems thereof, and mixtures thereof, based on the weight of the polymer, as well as shaped articles obtainable from this composition. |
| US11401398B2 |
Terephthalic acid esters formation
The present disclosure relates to the formation of dimethyl terephthalate (DMT). The present invention also relates to the depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and the recovery of dimethyl terephthalate (DMT). |
| US11401394B2 |
Method for altering polymer properties for molding of parts
A method for altering polymer properties for the molding of parts comprises exposing, to a scission-causing stressor, a region of a polymer form. The scission-causing stressor is controlled to achieve, in a relatively higher molecular-weight polymer at the region, an amount of scission that results in a reduction in the molecular weight of the relatively higher molecular-weight polymer, thereby forming a relatively lower molecular-weight polymer at the region. |
| US11401390B2 |
Polymer membrane and methods of manufacturing thereof
This invention relates to a polymer membrane comprising a hydrogen bond donor polymer and a hydrogen bond acceptor polymer and to the use of such membrane as the shell of a capsule. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a polymer membrane comprising a step of contacting an aqueous phase comprising a first polymer, and an oil phase comprising a second different polymer; wherein one polymer is a hydrogen bond donor polymer and the other polymer is a hydrogen bond acceptor polymer. The invention also relates to a method of encapsulation comprising a step of manufacturing a polymer membrane. |
| US11401389B2 |
Transparent fluoropolymer films
In a first aspect, a transparent fluoropolymer film includes, a vinyl fluoride polymer, 2 to 8 wt % of an acrylate polymer, and 0.1 to 4 wt % of a triazine UV absorber. After heating at 100° C. for 96 hours, the transparent fluoropolymer film has a 340 nm absorbance of at least 1.5. In a second aspect, a transparent multilayer film includes a polymeric substrate film and a fluoropolymer film. The fluoropolymer film includes a vinyl fluoride polymer, 2 to 8 wt % of an acrylate polymer and 0.1 to 4 wt % of a triazine UV absorber. After heating at 100° C. for 96 hours, the transparent fluoropolymer film has a 340 nm absorbance of at least 1.5. |
| US11401388B2 |
Process of forming an acid-doped pol y aniline solution
A method of forming an acid-doped polyaniline (emeraldine salt) (PANi-ES) solution including steps of: (i) mixing polyaniline (emeraldine base) (PANi-EB) with a PANi-EB solvent and a gel-inhibitor to form a gel-inhibited PANi-EB solution; (ii) removing the gel-inhibitor from the gel-inhibited PANi-EB solution to form a PANi-EB solution; and (iii) adding an acid dopant to the PANi-EB solution to form a PANi-ES solution. |
| US11401385B2 |
Ordered nanoscale domains by infiltration of block copolymers
A method of preparing tunable inorganic patterned nanofeatures by infiltration of a block copolymer scaffold having a plurality of self-assembled periodic polymer microdomains. The method may be used sequential infiltration synthesis (SIS), related to atomic layer deposition (ALD). The method includes selecting a metal precursor that is configured to selectively react with the copolymer unit defining the microdomain but is substantially non-reactive with another polymer unit of the copolymer. A tunable inorganic features is selectively formed on the microdomain to form a hybrid organic/inorganic composite material of the metal precursor and a co-reactant. The organic component may be optionally removed to obtain an inorganic feature s with patterned nanostructures defined by the configuration of the microdomain. |
| US11401383B2 |
Vehicle exterior protective coating
A composition is provided comprising a high viscosity amino functional silicone fluid, a surface modified colloidal silica, and a nanodiamond slurry. The composition is characterized by providing a protective coating and enhancing the appearance of a wide variety of painted and unpainted vehicle exterior material surfaces, including rubber, vinyl, metal, metal alloys, chrome, glass, carbon fiber, aluminum, plastic made from renewable sources, and plastic made from non-renewable sources. |
| US11401376B2 |
Chemical compounds for coating of nanostructures
The present application relates to a chemical compound comprising an aromatic core, or a carbocyclic, non-aromatic, core, wherein the aromatic core is a benzene ring or a biphenyl; the carbocyclic, non-aromatic core is a 5 to 7 membered ring. The core has covalently attached thereto: at least two anchoring groups, each anchoring group comprising an activated silane group, wherein the anchoring groups have the following general formula -A-(CH2)nSiY3 wherein A is a covalent bond or O, “n” is an integer from 1 to 3, and Y is independently a methoxy group or an ethoxy group; and at least one hydrophilic group extending from the core, the hydrophilic group comprising one or more hydrophilic polymer residues with a molecular composition of (aO+bN)/(cC+dS+eSi+fP)>0.3 where a, b, c, d, e and f are the mol percentage of oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), carbon (C), sulfur (S), silicon (Si) and phosphorus (P), respectively; wherein the hydrophilic polymer residue(s) is(are) selected, independently of each other if more than one hydrophilic group is present, from —(O—CH2—CH2)m—OX, wherein X is CH3 or H, and “m” is an integer from 6 to 25; and the number of hydrophilic groups extending from the core is from one to the number of ring structures in the core. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising the chemical compound and nanostructures comprising residues of the chemical compound as well as the use of such nanostructures. Furthermore, the invention relates to methods for obtaining the chemical compounds and the nanostructures. |
| US11401373B2 |
Continuous method for producing an aliphatic polyester
The invention relates to a continuous process for producing an aliphatic polyester constructed from aliphatic dicarboxylic acids and aliphatic diols comprising the steps of a) esterification, b) polycondensation and optionally c) chain extension, characterized in that during step b) in which the polycondenser functions as a degassing apparatus (B) and/or b′) after the polycondensation in an additional degassing apparatus (B′) the crude polyester is degassed at a pressure of 0.01 to 5 mbar in the presence of 1% to 7% by weight, based on the total weight of the crude polyester of water, introduced into the gas space of the degassing apparatus B and/or B′ as an entraining agent. |