| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09063450B2 |
Apparatus and method for performing exposure on photoreceptor drum
In a case where a determination is made that a density of a pixel of interest is greater than a threshold, or in a case where a pixel having a greater density than the threshold is present in a neighborhood of the pixel of interest at a predetermined distance from the pixel of interest, exposure with intensity corresponding to a density of the pixel of interest to which a predetermined density has not been added is performed on a photoreceptor drum at a position corresponding to the pixel of interest. Otherwise, exposure with intensity corresponding to a density of the pixel of interest to which the predetermined density has been added is performed on the photoreceptor drum at the position corresponding to the pixel of interest. |
| US09063449B2 |
Electrophotographic image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus capable of reducing fluctuations in the rotational speed of an image carrier caused by harmonic noise. A surface of the image carrier is charged with electricity. An exposure unit forms an electrostatic latent image by exposing on the charged surface of the image carrier to light. A rotational drive unit rotates the image carrier. A first detecting unit detects a rotational speed of the image carrier. A second detecting unit detects a home position of the image carrier. An exposure control unit controls timing with which the exposure unit exposes the image carrier to light based on the rotational speed of the image carrier detected by the first detecting unit and the home position detected by the second detecting unit. |
| US09063447B2 |
Imaging members having a cross-linked anticurl back coating
The disclosure provides a flexible electrophotographic imaging member having an optically clear, cross-linked anticurl back coating of melamine formaldehyde to effect complete and absolute imaging member flatness. |
| US09063441B2 |
Electrophotographic photoconductor, image forming apparatus, and process cartridge
Provided is an electrophotographic photoconductor including an electroconductive substrate, a photoconductive layer on the electroconductive substrate, and a protection layer on the photoconductive layer, wherein the protection layer contains two or more metal oxides having different average primary particle diameters, a binder resin, and a charge transporting material, the content of the metal oxides in the protection layer is 50% by mass or higher, and the average primary particle diameters of the metal oxides satisfy all of formula (I) to (III) below: d(1) |
| US09063440B2 |
Charged particle beam writing apparatus and charged particle beam writing method
A charged particle beam writing apparatus includes a storage unit to store each pattern data of plural figure patterns arranged in each of plural small regions made by virtually dividing a writing region of a target workpiece to be written on which resist being coated. The charged particle beam writing apparatus further including an assignment unit to assign each pattern data of each figure pattern to be arranged in each of the plural small regions concerned, and a writing unit to write, for each of plural groups, each figure pattern in each of the plural small regions concerned by using a charged particle beam. |
| US09063435B2 |
Exposure adjusting apparatus, image normalizing apparatus and image normalizing method
An exposure adjusting apparatus, which comprises: an image sensor, for catching an image according to an exposure parameter; a computing apparatus, for computing an exposure amount of the image and for determining whether the exposure amount is in a predetermined exposure range or not; and an exposure updating apparatus. If the exposure amount is in the predetermined exposure range, the exposure updating apparatus does not adjust the exposure amount. If the exposure amount is not in the predetermined exposure range, the exposure updating apparatus generates at least one adjusting amount according to at least one of the predetermined exposure range, the exposure amount and the exposure parameter, and utilizes the adjusting amount to increase or decrease the exposure parameter to generate a new exposure parameter. |
| US09063434B2 |
Sub-diffraction-limited patterning and imaging via multi-step photoswitching
Sub-diffraction-limited patterning using a photoswitchable recording material is disclosed. A substrate can be provided with a photoresist in a first transition state. The photoresist can be configured for spectrally selective reversible transitions between at least two transition states based on a first wavelength band of illumination and a second wavelength band of illumination. An optical device can selectively expose the photoresist to a standing wave with a second wavelength in the second wavelength band to convert a section of the photoresist into a second transition state. The optical device or a substrate carrier securing the substrate can modify the standing wave relative to the substrate to further expose additional regions of the photoresist into the second transition state in a specified pattern. The method can further convert one of the first and second transition states of the photoresist into an irreversible transition state, while the other of the first and second transition states remains in a reversible transition state. The photoresist can be developed to remove the regions of the photoresist in the irreversible transition state. |
| US09063432B2 |
Illumination optical apparatus, exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method
An illumination optical apparatus guides exposure light emitted from an exposure light source, to an illumination target object. The illumination optical apparatus has a plurality of spatial light modulation members arranged in an array form, and each spatial light modulation member is so configured that a plurality of reflecting optical elements each including a movable reflecting surface are arranged in an array form. At least one of the spatial light modulation members is arranged in an optical path of the light emitted from the light source. |
| US09063427B2 |
Photomask blank and manufacturing method thereof
An object of this invention is to provide a photomask blank in which there is little warpage and is which an amount of warpage change after a photomask manufacturing process ends is also small. First, a phase shift film is deposited (S101), next, the phase shift film is subjected to a heat treatment within a temperature range of 260° C. to 320° C. for four hours or more (S102), and thereafter a flash irradiation treatment is performed thereon (S103). A light-shielding film is deposited on the phase shift film after the aforementioned treatments (S104), to thereby obtain a photomask blank (S105). |
| US09063422B2 |
Photosensitive resin composition and application of the same
A photosensitive resin composition includes (A) an alkali-soluble resin, (B) a polysiloxane, (C) an ethylenically unsaturated compound, (D) a photo-initiator, (E) a black pigment, and (F) a solvent. The alkali-soluble resin includes an unsaturated-group-containing resin obtained by subjecting a mixture containing (i) an epoxy compound having at least two epoxy groups and (ii) a compound having at least one carboxyl group and at least one ethylenically unsaturated group to polymerization. A weight ratio of the unsaturated-group-containing resin to the polysiloxane ranges from 0.1 to 3.0. Application of the photosensitive resin composition is also disclosed. |
| US09063421B2 |
Chemically amplified positive resist composition and pattern forming process
A chemically amplified positive resist composition comprising (A) 100 pbw of a base resin which is normally alkali insoluble or substantially insoluble, (B) 0.05-20 pbw of a photoacid generator, (C) 0.1-50 pbw of a thermal crosslinker, and (D) 50-5,000 pbw of an organic solvent is coated to form a thick film having a high sensitivity and resolution. |
| US09063419B2 |
Photo-curing polysiloxane composition and application thereof
Disclosed is a photosensitive polysiloxane composition including: a polysiloxane; a quinonediazidesulfonic acid ester; a pyridine derivative of Formula (II) wherein one to three of R1-R5 independently represent a hydroxyl-substituted C1-C6 alkyl group, and the rest of R1-R5 independently represent hydrogen or a C1-C6 alkyl group; and a solvent. |
| US09063414B2 |
Photoresist composition
The present invention provides a photoresist composition comprising a resin which comprises a structural unit derived from a compound having an acid-labile group and which is insoluble or poorly soluble in an alkali aqueous solution but becomes soluble in an alkali aqueous solution by the action of an acid, an acid generator and a compound represented by the formula (I): wherein R1 and R2 are independently in each occurrence a C1-C12 hydrocarbon group, a C1-C6 alkoxy group, a C2-C7 acyl group, a C2-C7 acyloxy group, a C2-C7 alkoxycarbonyl group, a nitro group or a halogen atom, and m and n independently each represent an integer of 0 to 4. |
| US09063413B2 |
Resist composition, patterning process, monomer, and copolymer
A polymer is obtained from copolymerization of a recurring unit having a carboxyl and/or phenolic hydroxyl group substituted with an acid labile group and a recurring unit having formula (1) wherein R1 is methyl, ethyl, propyl, methoxy, ethoxy or propoxy, R2 is H or CH3, and m is 1 to 4. The polymer is used as a base resin to formulate a resist composition, which is improved in contrast of alkali dissolution rate before and after exposure, acid diffusion control, resolution, and profile and edge roughness of a pattern after exposure. |
| US09063411B2 |
Additive for resist and resist composition comprising same
A resist additive represented by Formula 1 below and a resist composition including the additive are disclosed. The resist additive improves hydrophobicity of the surface of the resist film to prevent materials from being leached in water during exposure of immersion lithography and is converted to have hydrophilicity by deprotection reaction during development. As a result, a micropattern of a resist film with excellent sensitivity and high resolution is formed. In Formula 1, the substituents are defined as described in the specification. |
| US09063403B2 |
Projector having fluorescent body and associated sensor
A projector includes a light source that emits excitation light, a fluorescent body that converts the excitation light into fluorescence, a liquid crystal optical modulation device that modulates light output from the fluorescent body, an optical sensor that detects at least one of the excitation light passing through the fluorescent body and the fluorescence converted by the fluorescent body, and a control device that controls at least one of the light source and the liquid crystal optical modulation device based on a detection result of the optical sensor. |
| US09063402B2 |
Illuminating optical system and projector using the same
An illuminating optical system is realized which can efficiently produce longer-life and higher-luminance illuminating light with a small etendue. The illuminating optical system includes a concave reflection mirror (100), a fluorescent material supporting body (400) that supports fluorescent materials (401 to 403) at the substantially the focal point position of the concave reflection mirror, a plurality of laser light sources (200) that are disposed on the concave reflection mirror at positions perpendicular to the central axis of the concave reflection mirror and that emit excitation light toward the fluorescent materials, and a window (102) covering the open surface of the concave reflection mirror that reflects the excitation light and allows to pass therethrough fluorescence generated when the fluorescent material is irradiated with the excitation light. |
| US09063400B2 |
Projector light source having three cooling airflow delivery ports
A light source device includes a reflector that reflects light received from an arc tube toward an illumination receiving area, and a housing that houses the reflector to form a space through which cooling air for cooling the arc tube flows. The housing has three delivery ports disposed side by side as ports from each of which the cooling air is delivered into the space. A first delivery port included in the three delivery ports is located such that the center of the first delivery port is disposed substantially at a position aligned with the optical axis of the arc tube. Second and third delivery ports included in the three delivery ports are disposed in the vicinity of one and the other sides of the first delivery port, respectively, with respect to the optical axis. |
| US09063396B2 |
Integrated photobooth technology for passenger vehicles
Methods and structure are provided for integrating photography systems into passenger vehicles. The system includes an imaging device, a billing system, and a controller. The imaging device is able to generate a photograph of a passenger in a vehicle. The billing system is within the vehicle, and accepts payment from the passenger for a fare. The controller is able to access the billing system to accept payment for the generated photograph. |
| US09063392B2 |
Imaging unit
An imaging unit includes an image sensor, an imaging optical system which includes a prism that is positioned on the object side of the image sensor, wherein the prism bends an optical path of light emanating from an object to lead the light to the image sensor; a housing which accommodates and supports the image sensor and the prism; a light shield frame, which forms a part of the housing, provided on the object side of an incident surface of the prism, wherein the light shield frame shields a part of the light incident on the incident surface of the prism; and a prism positioning surface which is formed on the housing and contacts the prism to position the prism with respect to the housing. |
| US09063391B2 |
Method and system for increasing the size of the area scanned by an airborne electro-optic reconnaissance system in a given time
The invention relates to an airborne reconnaissance system which comprises: (a) optical unit for acquiring light rays from a terrain portion, said optical unit comprises a plurality of optical components that are positioned along an optical path and designed to maneuver said light rays to produce at a focal plane an acquired image of a terrain portion, said acquired image having an area S which is several times larger than the area A of a focal plane array which is positioned at same focal plane; (b) gimbals unit for performing a continuous back and forth across-track scanning movement of a respective line of sight formed between said optical unit and the terrain below the aircraft; (c) a first back-scanning mirror along said optical path, for compensating for said continuous across track movement of the line of sight, said compensation is performed during a respective integration period for a section of said acquired image of area S which falls during said period on said focal plane array; and (d) a second, along-track mirror also positioned along said optical path, which alternates between plurality of along track states, each state causes a different diversion of the light rays within said optical path thereby to impinge on said focal plane array another along-track section of said acquired image of area S; and (e) capturing means for recording in each state of said along-track mirror the corresponding section of the terrain image which is impinged during said state on the focal plane array. |
| US09063390B2 |
Aerial movement system with reactive line
An aerial movement system for supporting an object that includes main reels with associated motors and support lines and an auxiliary reel with an associated motor and auxiliary line wherein upon failure of the main reels, the auxiliary reel switches from a first mode of operation to a second mode of operation. The auxiliary line may also be capable of transmitting data from the object to a computer. |
| US09063383B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate opposite to the first substrate, and a liquid crystal (LC) layer sandwiched between the two substrates. The first substrate includes gate lines and data lines, and the gate lines and the data lines data lines are intersected with each other to define pixel areas. Each of the pixel areas includes a pixel electrode and first common electrodes arranged at different layers, and the first common electrodes are electrically coupled to each other. The second substrate includes a second common electrode, and the LC layer comprises negative LC molecules. |
| US09063380B2 |
Method for manufacturing liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device, which hardly causes display unevenness in joining parts in which mutually neighboring exposure regions are overlapped upon carrying out a photo-alignment treatment for forming a horizontal alignment film. The method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device of the present invention includes a step of forming a horizontal alignment film by carrying out a photo-alignment treatment of irradiating a photo-alignment film material applied to at least one substrate of a pair of substrates with polarized light, wherein the photo-alignment treatment is carried out by exposure to a plurality of regions of one substrate surface; two neighboring regions among the plurality of regions to be exposed include an overlapped part; an irradiation amount of the polarized light to the overlapped part is gradually lowered in one of the two neighboring regions toward the other of the two neighboring regions; and the overlapped part of the two neighboring regions has a width of 20 mm or wider. |
| US09063377B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device which is excellent in uniformity of visual angles even when divided alignment regions are distorted due to an external pressure such as pressing pressure. The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device comprising: a pair of substrates; and a liquid crystal layer between the substrates, wherein, as viewed in a plan view of a main surface of one of the substrates, the liquid crystal display device has an alignment division pattern in which each pixel is divided into four or more alignment regions, and each set of a plurality of pixels constitutes one unit, and each of the units of the alignment division pattern comprises, in at least one pixel, an alignment region whose alignment direction is different from alignment directions of alignment regions which are located at same vertical and horizontal positions in the other pixels. |
| US09063376B2 |
Exposure device of an alignment material film
In an exposure device, picture elements or pixels of a liquid crystal display device are split into two parts in the width direction, and exposed from different directions, whereby an alignment material film is photoaligned. The exposure device causes two beams of exposure light outputted by two light sources (a first light source and a second light source to be transmitted through respectively different light transmission regions in a predetermined pattern of a mask, to irradiate regions of an alignment material film formed on a member for exposure, which regions correspond to split regions of pixels or picture elements. The exposure device causes the two beams of exposure light to mutually intersect on the optical path between the first and second light sources and the alignment material film. |
| US09063374B2 |
Backplane, backlight module using the same, and LCD device
The present invention discloses a backplane, a backlight module using the same, and an LCD device, wherein the backplane comprises a main frame which comprises a plurality of brackets, and bridges which are arranged on the brackets and used for fixing PCBs; the bridges can rotate relative to the fixed points of the bridges to the brackets. In the present invention, because the backplane forms a frame structure through a plurality of brackets and the frame is provided with the bridges used for installing components such as PCBs and the like, both of the brackets and the bridges can be formed by combining universal shaping pieces; the manufacturing cost is lower; a large number of materials are saved. Simultaneously, the bridges can rotate relative to the fixed points of the bridges to the brackets, so that the positions of hillocks on the bridges can be adjusted when the bridges rotate; and then, the hillocks correspond to the locking points of the corresponding PCBs to satisfy the needs of the PCBs of different dimensions and enhance the universality of the backplane. |
| US09063373B2 |
Light emitting diode module and light bar having the same
A light bar includes a printed circuit board, and light emitting diode (LED) modules adhered to the printed circuit board. Each LED module includes an LED, a frame and a lens. The frame includes a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, the top surface being recessed towards the bottom surface to define a cavity in the frame. The LED is received in the cavity. The bottom surface of the frame is adhered to the printed circuit board. The lens is mounted on the top surface of the frame and covers the LED. A bottom surface of the lens occupies an area substantially the same as that occupied by the top surface of the frame. |
| US09063366B2 |
Display device using micropillars and method therefor
In one aspect, a display device includes a light source for supplying light energy and a light modulation layer including a plurality of micropillars that each have a fixed end and a free end. An activation layer is configured to activate the micropillars to modulate light energy from the light source passing through the micropillars. |
| US09063363B2 |
Electronic displays using optically pumped luminescent semiconductor nanocrystals
A multicolor electronic display is based on an array of luminescent semiconductor nanocrystals. Nanocrystals which emit light of different colors are grouped into pixels. The nanocrystals are optically pumped to produce a multicolor display. Different sized nanocrystals are used to produce the different colors. A variety of pixel addressing systems can be used. |
| US09063350B1 |
Colored contact lens
A colored contact lens having a transparent body with a concave surface and a convex surface. A first colored material layered externally on one of the surfaces of the lens. A second colored material is layered externally on the lens and is arranged relative to the first colored layer of material so as to provide an inversion marker when viewed from the concave side of the contact lens whereby enabling the wearer of the contact lens to properly install the lens. |
| US09063346B2 |
Imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus includes an anti-shake system provided with a first guide portion supporting a movable frame, supporting a front lens element, at three support points to allow the movable frame to move relative to a base member, which supports a reflector element; a second guide portion which allows the movable frame to move, relative to the base member, in a linear direction and rotate; a limit portion defining a range of movement thereof; and two actuators. The rotational axis of the second guide portion is positioned outside a support intra-region defined by three sides connecting the three support points; a point of intersection between two planes passing through the centers of the actuators and extending in the intersecting driving-force directions of the actuators is positioned inside the support intra-region; and the limit portion and the center of gravity of the movable frame are positioned inside the support intra-region. |
| US09063338B2 |
Autostereoscopic display that provides a 3-dimensional visual impression
An autostereoscopic display includes a background illumination with a multiplicity of parallel light strip groups with in each case at least two parallel light strips, wherein the individual light strip groups are arranged next to one another with a first grid dimension, and a lens grid arranged before the background illumination and has a multiplicity of parallel lens strips, wherein the lens strips are arranged next to one another with a second grid dimension, as well as a light modulator arranged before the lens grid and displays image information. |
| US09063337B2 |
Optical scanning device, image forming apparatus with optical scanning device, and method for adjusting mass of oscillating mirror part of optical scanning device
An optical scanning device includes an oscillating mirror part, a torsion bar part, a piezoelectric element (driving part), a housing, and an optical element part. The oscillating mirror part includes a reflective surface capable of reflecting light from a first light source and a mass adjustment part formed on an opposite surface of the oscillating mirror part to the reflective surface and configured to be capable of reducing a mass thereof by exposure to laser light. The torsion bar part supports the oscillating mirror part. The piezoelectric element is configured to torsionally oscillate the oscillating mirror part about the torsion bar part. The housing accommodates the oscillating mirror part, the torsion bar part, and the piezoelectric element. The optical element part is configured to reflect or transmit the laser light from a second light source disposed outside of the housing to expose the mass adjustment part to the laser light. |
| US09063336B2 |
Optical element having a plurality of reflective facet elements
An optical element for use in an illumination optical unit of an EUV microlithography projection exposure apparatus includes a plurality of reflective facet elements. Each reflective facet element has at least one reflective surface. In this case, at least one facet element is arranged in a manner rotatable about a rotation axis. The rotation axis intersects the at least one reflective surface of the facet element. With such an optical element, it is possible to alter the direction and/or the intensity of at least part of the illumination radiation within the illumination optical unit in a simple manner. |
| US09063335B2 |
Apparatus and method for examining a specimen by means of probe microscopy
The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for examining a specimen by means of probe microscopy, in particular scanning probe microscopy. The apparatus comprises a probe microscope device which has a specimen holder for holding a specimen to be examined, a measurement probe and a displacement unit which is configured to displace the specimen holder and the measurement probe relative to one another for an examination of the specimen by means of probe microscopy, and comprises a condenser illumination and also an optical system which is arranged downstream of the condenser illumination and is configured to project condenser light, which is emitted by the condenser illumination in a condenser light path, into the region of the specimen holder for optical microscopy of the specimen to be examined, while at least partially maintaining condenser light parameters with which the condenser light is emitted by the condenser illumination. |
| US09063334B2 |
Microscope having switchable illumination modes and method of operating the same
The present invention relates to a microscope illumination system for switching between a first, confocal and a second, non-confocal microscope illumination mode, the system having an illumination unit that, in order to provide the first illumination mode, includes an illumination source for generating an illumination beam propagating parallel to the optical axis; a scanning mirror for deflecting the illumination beam perpendicular to the optical axis; and a scanning eyepiece and a downstream scanning tube lens for imaging the scanning mirror into the back focal plane of a microscope objective and for expanding the illumination beam, the objective focusing the illumination beam onto a specimen to be examined. In order to provide the second illumination mode, the system has a focusing lens inserted into the path of the illumination beam in such a way that the illumination beam is focused into the back focal plane of the microscope objective. |
| US09063332B2 |
Light screening apparatus and electronic device including the same
A light screening apparatus and an electronic device including the light screening apparatus are provided, where the electronic device could be an imaging device or a display device. The light screening apparatus includes a base plate, a rollup blade, and a driving unit. The base plate includes a lower electrode and a light transmitting portion through which light passes. The rollup blade includes an upper electrode and at least two layers having different optical properties. The driving portion is electrically connected to the base plate and the rollup blade, and it controls the amount of light passing through the light transmitting portion of the base plate. The outer circumferential surface of the rollup blade, when in a rolled-up position, may be an anti-reflection surface. |
| US09063331B2 |
Optical system for near-eye display
Embodiments are disclosed herein that relate to compact optical systems for incorporation into near-eye display devices. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a near-eye display system may comprising a light source, a first polarizing beam splitting surface configured to receive light from the light source, a mirror configured to reflect light passed by the first polarizing beam splitting surface, and a quarter wave plate positioned between the first polarizing beam splitting surface and the mirror. The near-eye display system may further include a second polarizing beam splitting surface positioned at an angle relative to the first polarizing beam splitting surface and a microdisplay configured to produce an image via light received from the second polarizing beam splitting surface. |
| US09063328B2 |
Head-up display apparatus and method for vehicle
Disclosed herein is a head-up display apparatus for a vehicle. The head-up display includes an information analysis unit, a first information determination unit, a second information determination unit, and an information display unit. The information analysis unit collects vehicle state information, driver state information, driving environment state information, driver gaze information, individual characteristic information and common characteristic information from a plurality of information collection units, and analyzes the collected information. The first information determination unit prioritizes the vehicle state information, the driver state information, and the driving environment state information. The second information determination unit determines a driver's field of view based on driver field of view information and driver individual and common characteristic information. The information display unit changes information to be displayed to the driver based on priorities and the driver's field of view, and then displays the changed information. |
| US09063327B2 |
Adjustable head-up display device
The invention relates to a head-up display device, including a projector for generating a light beam carrying information to be displayed, a combiner having a display position for displaying the information in the field of vision of a user, and an optical system defining an optical path between the projector and the combiner when the latter is in the display position thereof, for directing the light beam onto the combiner. The optical system includes a first and a second deflecting mirror. The first mirror is arranged for receiving the light beam from the projector and for sending said light beam to the second mirror, the latter being arranged for sending the light beam over the optical path toward the combiner. An actuation system is provided for adjusting the length of the optical path between the projector and the combiner by positioning the first and second deflecting mirrors. |
| US09063324B2 |
Optical instrument
An optical instrument of the present invention has a first lens group and a second lens group capable of moving in an optical axis direction in order to perform optical zooming, and comprises a storage section for storing first position information relating to positions of the first lens group and positions of the second lens group corresponding to identical focal lengths that fall within a focal length region range in which zoom operations of the optical instrument are carried out, and second position information relating to positions of the first lens group and positions of the second lens group corresponding to different focal lengths that fall within the focal length region, and establishes a second optical state of a higher shooting magnification than a first optical state, when establishing substantially the same focal length as a focal length of the first optical state based on the first position information. |
| US09063322B2 |
Zoom lens and imaging apparatus
A zoom lens includes: a first lens group having a positive power; a second lens group having a negative power; a third lens group having a positive power; and a fourth lens group having a negative power, in this order from an object side. All of the groups move along an optical axis such that the distance between the first group and the second group gradually becomes greater, the distance between the second group and the third group gradually becomes smaller, and the distance between the third group and the fourth group gradually becomes greater, when changing magnification from a wide angle to a telephoto end. The zoom lens satisfies the conditional formulae: −2.0 |
| US09063319B1 |
Image capturing lens assembly, image capturing device and mobile terminal
An image capturing lens assembly includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element, a fifth lens element, and a sixth lens element. The first lens element with positive refractive power has an object-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof. The second and third lens elements have refractive power. The fourth lens element with refractive power has an object-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof. The fifth lens element with refractive power has an object-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof and an image-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof. The sixth lens element with refractive power has an image-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof. The image capturing lens assembly has six lens elements with refractive power. |
| US09063318B2 |
Imaging lens
A low-cost imaging lens which corrects aberrations properly with a small F-value, ensures high performance with a larger number of constituent lenses and has a more low-profile design than before. The constituent lenses are arranged in the following order from an object side to an image side: a positive (refractive power) first lens having a convex object-side surface near an optical axis; a positive second lens having convex object-side and image-side surfaces near the optical axis; a negative third lens having a concave image-side surface near the optical axis; a fourth lens having at least one aspheric surface; a meniscus fifth lens having a concave object-side surface near the optical axis; a sixth lens as a double-sided aspheric lens; and a negative seventh lens as a double-sided aspheric lens having a concave image-side surface near the optical axis. These constituent lenses are not joined to each other. |
| US09063315B2 |
Optical cable, downhole system having optical cable, and method thereof
An optical cable includes an outer tubing. At least one optical fiber disposed within the outer tubing. A stiffening member configured to bend with bending of the outer tubing; wherein the stiffening member shifts a neutral plane of the cable away from the at least one optical fiber. Also included is a method of increasing a bending sensitivity in an optical cable. |
| US09063309B2 |
Optoelectronic module with flexible substrate
An optoelectronic module for data communication through an optical fiber. The optoelectronic module may comprise a base, an outer cap, an inner cap, a flexible substrate, an attachment member, a moisture barrier and an optoelectronic module. The outer cap may have a first cavity and coupled with the base. A slit may be formed on the outer cap. The flexible substrate may be extended through the slit of the outer cap. The inner cap may be disposed within the first cavity. The inner cap may comprise a second cavity. The attachment member may be disposed within the first cavity and configured to attach the inner cap to the base. The moisture barrier may be disposed within the first cavity and encapsulates the attachment member. The optoelectronic component may be disposed within the second cavity and proximate to the flexible substrate. |
| US09063307B2 |
Printed circuit board assembly and a method for manufacturing the printed circuit board assembly
Printed circuit board assembly including an optical subassembly having a carrying face for carrying at least one optoelectronic component in a such way that light emitted from/directed to is transmitted through the optical subassembly; a printed circuit board having a supporting area for supporting the optical subassembly; wherein the printed circuit board supporting area includes a hole lodging at least one part of the optoelectronic component and wherein at least one part of the carrying face is fixed by flip-chip bonding to at least one part of the supporting area. |
| US09063304B2 |
Ferrule and ferrule with optical fiber
Provided is a ferrule which includes a positioning mechanism configured to position an optical fiber having a predetermined outer diameter, and a recess configured for an adhesive to be disposed therein and having a first inner wall from which a front end of the optical fiber portion positioned by the positioning mechanism is protrudable, and a second inner wall opposite to the first inner wall. A distance between the first inner wall and the second inner wall is less than or equal to four times the outer diameter of the optical fiber. |
| US09063301B2 |
Optical fiber connector
An optical fiber connector, for clamping an optical fiber cable, includes a housing, a fiber clamping assembly, a fiber ferrule, and a fixing assembly. The fiber ferrule is clamped at an end of the fiber clamping assembly. The fixing assembly includes a mounting seat, a fixing seat received in the mounting seat, and a covering member rotatably mounted on the mounting seat to clamp to the fixing seat. The housing is sleeved on an end of the mounting seat, and the fiber clamping assembly and the fiber ferrule are received in the mounting seat. The fixing seat comprises a fixing post axially defining a through hole; the fiber ferrule is aligned to the fixing post. |
| US09063300B2 |
Electrical-optical hybrid connector and receptacle thereof
A receptacle of an electrical-optical hybrid connector including a plug having an insertion fitting part and the receptacle having a housing space that receives the insertion fitting part includes an optical connection part disposed in a space in communication with the housing space, and an electrical connection part disposed in front of the optical connection part, a shutter that is opened when the receptacle and the plug are connected to each other is provided in front of the optical connection part of the receptacle, and the optical connection part of the receptacle moves forward in association with the shutter when the shutter is opened, and moves rearward in association with the shutter when the shutter is closed. |
| US09063299B2 |
Two-part surgical waveguide
An apparatus includes a light source configured to provide radiation at a wavelength and a conduit configured to direct radiation at a wavelength from the light source to a target location of a patient. The conduit includes a first optical waveguide extending along a waveguide axis, the first optical waveguide being a flexible waveguide having a hollow core, the first optical waveguide being configured to guide the radiation at through the core along the waveguide axis; and a second optical waveguide extending along the waveguide axis, the second optical waveguide having a hollow core and being coupled to the first optical waveguide to receive the radiation from the first optical waveguide and to deliver the radiation to the target location. The first optical waveguide is a photonic crystal fiber and the second optical waveguide is not a photonic crystal fiber waveguide. |
| US09063298B2 |
Connectors and adapters with auto-latching features
Fiber optic connectors and adapters may be automatically secured and released via a management system. Such automation may inhibit accidental and/or unauthorized insertion of fiber optic connectors into adapter ports. The automation also may inhibit accidental and/or unauthorized removal of the fiber optic connectors from the adapter ports. |
| US09063297B2 |
Adjustable optical fiber connector
A connector for an optical fiber includes a housing defining a lumen and having a proximal end and distal end, and an adjustable ferrule secured to the proximal end of the housing and rotatable with respect to the housing to translate a proximal end of the optical fiber longitudinally with respect to a proximal end of the adjustable ferrule. |
| US09063296B2 |
Optical fiber connector, optical fiber adapter, and assembly therewith
A waterproof optical fiber assembly includes an optical fiber connector mating with an optical fiber adapter. The optical fiber connector includes a fiber joining head, a sealing member, a sleeve, a housing, and a boot. The sleeve defines an annular groove for receiving the sealing member and two latching protrusions adjacent to the annular groove, the housing defines two unlocking grooves for the two latching protrusions, the fiber joining head is sleeved in the sleeve adjacent to the annular groove, the housing is fitted around an end of the sleeve away from the fiber joining head. The optical fiber adapter includes an assembling seat including a base board, a barrel, and two elastic arms. |
| US09063295B2 |
Mirror drift compensation in an optical circuit switch
Methods of operating an optical circuit switch and optical circuit switches are disclosed. To make a connection between a first port and a second port, baseline voltages may be determined, baseline voltages being voltages that, if respectively applied to one or more electrode coupled to a first mirror element uniquely associated with the first port and one or more electrode coupled to a second mirror element uniquely associated with the second port, cause the first and second mirror elements to rotate to make the connection in the absence of accumulated mirror element drift. Accumulated drift data associated with one or both of the first mirror element and the second mirror element may be retrieved from a memory. One or more of the baseline voltages may be modified based on the accumulated drift data to provide corrected voltages, and the corrected voltages may be applied to the electrodes. |
| US09063291B2 |
Omnidirectional reflector
An omnidirectional structural color (OSC) having a non-periodic layered structure. The OSC can include a multilayer stack that has an outer surface and at least two layers. The at least two layers can include at least one first index of refraction material layer A1 and at least one second index of refraction material layer B1. The at least A1 and B1 can be alternately stacked on top of each other with each layer having a predefined thickness dA1 and dB1, respectively. The dA1 is not generally equal to the dB1 such that the multilayer stack has a non-periodic layered structure. |
| US09063284B2 |
Light control film
Light control films, and a method for manufacturing tools used to microreplicate light control films. |
| US09063281B2 |
Optical connector
An optical connector includes a substrate, a light emitter, a case, an optical fiber, and a photo detector. The light emitter, the case, and the photo detector are positioned on the substrate, and the case covers the light emitter and the photo detector. The case defines a first slot and a second slot. The first slot is configured for splitting a light beam of the light emitter into a part transmitting to the optical fiber for data transmission and another part to a side surface of the second slot and directed to the photo detector for intensive and stability measurement of the light beam. |
| US09063278B2 |
Miniature MEMS actuator assemblies
In one embodiment, an electrostatic actuator includes a generally planar fixed frame, a generally planar moving frame coupled to the fixed frame by a flexure for substantially coplanar, perpendicular movement relative to the fixed frame, a plurality of interdigitated teeth, a fixed portion of which is attached to the fixed frame and a moving portion of which is attached to the moving frame, and an elongated output shaft having opposite input and output ends, the input end being coupled to the moving frame. |
| US09063276B2 |
Polarizing lens constituted of aromatic polycarbonate
Provided is a polarizing lens which is excellent especially in terms of impact resistance, appearance, and prevention of eye strain and which has high precision of the surface shape. The polarizing lens is formed by laminating a sheet of an aromatic polycarbonate through an adhesive layer to each surface of a film having polarizing properties, curving the resultant laminate so as to impart spherical or aspherical surfaces thereto to obtain a polarizing sheet, inserting the polarizing sheet into a mold, and injecting an aromatic polycarbonate, wherein the polarizing sheet is obtained through the laminating so that the stretch axis of one of the aromatic-polycarbonate sheets is perpendicular to the absorption axis of the film having the polarizing properties. |
| US09063272B2 |
Camera module for easy adjustment of the focal length
Disclosed is a camera module. The camera module includes a lens barrel including a lens, a lens holder coupled with the lens barrel, and a sensor unit in the lens holder. The lens holder includes a body part including the sensor unit, and a focal length adjusting unit interposed between the lens barrel and the body part to adjust a focal length between the lens and the sensor unit. The focal length of the camera module is easily adjusted without disassembling the camera module. |
| US09063271B2 |
Optical imaging lens assembly and image capturing device
An optical imaging lens assembly includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element, a fifth lens element and a sixth lens element. The first lens element with positive refractive power has a convex object-side surface. The second lens element with negative refractive power has a concave object-side surface and a convex image-side surface. The third lens element and the fourth lens element both have refractive power. The fifth lens element has refractive power, wherein both of the surfaces thereof are aspheric. The sixth lens element with negative refractive power has a concave object-side surface and a concave image-side surface, wherein the surfaces thereof are aspheric. The optical imaging lens assembly has a total of six lens elements with refractive power. |
| US09063270B2 |
Light-uniforming anti-glaring structure and light-emitting device
A light-uniforming anti-glaring structure includes a light-polarizing reflection unit and a light-polarizing position adjusting unit. The light-polarizing reflection unit includes a multilayer reflector composed of a plurality of inter-stacked polymer films. One of the inter-stacked polymer films is a birefringence material layer that conforms to the condition of NX≠NY≠NZ, wherein NX is the index of refraction of light at X direction, NY is the index of refraction of light at Y direction, and NZ is the index of refraction of light at Z direction. The light-polarizing position adjusting unit is coupled with the light-polarizing reflection unit for adjusting the position of the light-polarizing reflection unit. |
| US09063268B2 |
Dual coated optical fibers and methods for forming the same
Dual coated optical fibers and methods for forming dual coated optical fibers are disclosed herein. The dual coated optical fibers include a glass fiber comprising a core region, a cladding region and a dual coating layer surrounding the glass fiber. The dual coating layer includes an inner coating and an outer coating. The inner coating surrounds the glass fiber and includes a first polyimide material. In one embodiment the first polyimide material also includes an adhesion promoter. The outer coating surrounds and is in direct contact with the inner coating and includes a second polyimide material having a decomposition threshold temperature greater than the first polyimide material. The second polyimide material may also have a modulus of elasticity greater than the first polyimide material and a moisture uptake lower than the first polyimide material. |
| US09063266B2 |
Transparent liquid crystal display device
A transparent liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display panel displaying an image in an image display mode and transparently implementing in a transparent mode; a backlight unit including a light guide plate disposed on a rear surface of the liquid crystal display panel and a light source array disposed at one side of the light guide plate; a light source driving unit supplying a driving current to the light sources; a cover bottom enclosing an edge of the side and rear surfaces of the backlight unit; and an illumination sensor measuring illumination of an external light incident to the rear surface of the cover bottom. |
| US09063264B2 |
Simplified edge-lit backlight system
A backlight system includes an extended area light guide (120) and crossed first (128) and second (130) prismatic recycling films. The light guide provides a first light distribution that has a maximum luminance at a first polar angle, e.g., from 70 to 90 degrees, relative to the optical axis (116) of the system. The recycling films provide a second light distribution. No diffuser film is provided between the light guide and the recycling film disposed nearest the light guide. Instead, light is specularly transmitted from the output surface (120a) of the light guide to the input surface (128a) of the recycling film nearest the light guide. The recycling films comprise prisms having refractive indices tailored to provide the second light distribution with a maximum luminance at a polar angle of 10 degrees or less. The prisms preferably have a refractive index from 1.63 to 1.76. Related methods and articles are also disclosed. |
| US09063261B2 |
Light-controlling element, display device and illumination device
A light-controlling element includes an illumination unit capable of controlling an amount of emitted light, and a light guide body on which the light emitted from the illumination unit is incident. The light guide body has a function of propagating the light while totally reflecting the light inside the light guide body, and the light guide body has a function of propagating the light emitted from the illumination unit at a plurality of different propagation angles inside the light guide body. The light guide body includes a plurality of light extraction regions having a function of extracting the light to the outside. At least two of the plurality of light extraction regions have different incidence angle ranges in which the light is capable of being extracted to the outside. |
| US09063259B2 |
Illuminating device, liquid crystal display device and television receiving device
Provided is an illuminating device capable of preventing luminance unevenness from developing therein. An illuminating device (1) includes a plurality of light-emitting boards (5), each of which includes a long wiring board (52), a plurality of light-emitting elements (51) mounted on the wiring board and clearances (53) between the adjacent light-emitting boards, and a light guide plate having a rectangular shape and arranged to guide light that enters from its end faces (71) inward and emit the light from its front face (73), wherein the plurality of light-emitting boards are aligned along each of the end faces of the light guide plate, the end faces being opposed to each other, while the clearances between the adjacent light-emitting boards on the opposed end faces do not face each other while sandwiching the light guide plate therebetween. |
| US09063256B2 |
Display module having support structure for display panel
A display module includes a display panel and a backlight module. The display panel has overlapped first and second substrates, wherein the first substrate extends beyond the second substrate at a first side. The backlight module is disposed on one side of the display module opposite to the display surface and includes a support unit disposed along the first side. The support unit has a first tier portion and a second tier portion, which is lifted toward the display panel with respect to the first tier portion and supports the display panel. A projection region of the display panel supported by the second tier portion on the first substrate covers or overlaps the edge of the second substrate at the first side and extends to an overlapping area of the first substrate and the second substrate. |
| US09063255B2 |
Backlight module
A backlight module includes a light guide plate, a light coupling unit and a plurality of light emitting devices. The light guide plate has a light incident side. The light coupling unit includes a plurality of light coupling devices arranged in a side-by-side manner. Each light coupling device has a first side and a second side, and the first and second sides are opposite to each other. The second side is adjacent to the light incident side. Each light coupling device is configured to have a thickness gradually decreasing from the first side toward the second side. The light emitting devices are disposed beside the first sides of the light coupling devices. Another backlight module is also provided. |
| US09063254B2 |
Waveguide coupled surface plasmon polarition photo detector
A metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) device couples light from an optical mode in a waveguide to a surface plasmon polarition (SPP) mode on an electrode surface of the MSM device. Once in an SPP mode, the absorption of light in the semiconductor can take place in a very small area. This may allow for a shrinking of the active detector area and allow for low capacitance, very short transit distance for the electrical carriers and allow for very low voltage devices and/or very high frequency. |
| US09063252B2 |
System, method, and nanorobot to explore subterranean geophysical formations
An system and method for exploring geophysical formations at great depths below the surface of the earth. In order to explore the formation, nanorobots with a size less than 500 nanometers are inserted into the formation. The nanorobots propel through the formation, analyzing fluids and conditions as each moves through the formation. The nanorobots can communicate with a machine on the surface via a series of receivers and transmitters located in the wellbore. The machine on the surface is able to combine and analyze the data from the nanorobots to create a three dimensional map of the formation. The map shows the locations of pathways through the formation, pockets of hydrocarbons within the formation, and the boundaries of the formation. |
| US09063251B2 |
Stress in formations from azimuthal variation in acoustic and other properties
The present disclosure is related to methods and apparatuses for acoustic velocity well logging. The method may include estimating a magnitude of a principal horizontal stress in a borehole in a formation. The method may include obtaining a far field stress orientation and making a measurement of near borehole stress orientation. The present disclosure also includes an apparatus configured to be conveyed into a borehole and perform the method. Formation stresses and directions may be estimated. |
| US09063246B2 |
Exploitation of self-consistency and differences between volume images and interpreted spatial/volumetric context
Self-consistency and/or differences between volume images and interpreted spatial/volumetric context may be exploited for improving seismic imaging and estimation of attributes of geobodies, in accordance with one or more embodiments. Exemplary embodiments allow exploitation of positional and/or shape discrepancies and/or similarities of geobodies in image volumes associated with a geologic model of a geologic volume of interest to improve the accuracy of the geologic model and/or the image volumes. Constraints associated with the geologic volume of interest may be determined and/or utilized to confirm and/or specify dependencies between attributes that are potentially associated with individual geobodies. |
| US09063242B2 |
Acoustic transducers with dynamic frequency range
In one aspect, an apparatus for use downhole is provided, which apparatus, in one embodiment, includes an acoustic transducer having a first member in pressure communication with a confined fluid, wherein a displacement of the first member causes a volume change in the confined fluid that amplifies displacement of a second member to generate a pressure wave in medium. |
| US09063240B2 |
Radiation detector assembly with test circuitry
A radiation detector assembly (20) includes a detector array module (40) configured to convert radiation particles to electrical detection pulses, and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) (42) operatively connected with the detector array. The ASIC includes signal processing circuitry (60) configured to digitize an electrical detection pulse received from the detector array, and test circuitry (80) configured to inject a test electrical pulse into the signal processing circuitry. The test circuitry includes a current meter (84) configured to measure the test electrical pulse injected into the signal processing circuitry, and a charge pulse generator (82) configured to generate a test electrical pulse that is injected into the signal processing circuitry. The radiation detector assembly (20) is assembled by operatively connecting the ASIC (42) with the detector array module (40), and the signal processing circuitry (60) of the ASIC of the assembled radiation detector assembly is tested without the use of radiation. |
| US09063238B2 |
Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor X-ray detector
In accordance with one embodiment, a digital X-ray detector is provided. The detector includes a scintillator layer configured to absorb radiation emitted from a radiation source and to emit optical photons in response to the absorbed radiation. The detector also includes a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) light imager that is configured to absorb the optical photons emitted by the scintillator layer. The CMOS light imager includes a first surface and a second surface, and the first surface is disposed opposite the second surface. The scintillator layer contacts the first surface of the CMOS light imager. |
| US09063234B2 |
Gas-tight packaging of detectors
An atomic particle detection assembly includes one or more detectors that detect atomic particles. The detectors are positioned within a first chamber having a first operating pressure. The atomic particle detection assembly includes a junction apparatus supporting the detectors. The junction apparatus defines a second chamber having a second operating pressure that is different from the first operating pressure. Sensing electronics are attached to the detectors and the sensing electronics are housed within the second chamber of the junction apparatus. |
| US09063232B2 |
Moving-entity detection
A system and method for enabling transmission of a stepped-frequency radar signal can involve a first antenna and a second antenna. The system can also involve receiving circuitry configured to receive detected reflections from the antennas and to generate data including information associated with frequency and phase shifts. The system can further involve a processor configured to receive the generated data from the receiving circuitry and to analyze the generated data to determine information associated with a moving object located at a side of a wall opposite to the system by differentiating reflections of the transmitted signal detected with the first antenna from reflections of the transmitted signal detected with the second antenna. |
| US09063222B2 |
Almanac maintenance for mobile station positioning
An almanac data management system at a location remote from a cell phone (20) has an almanac memory (44) for containing at least a current version of almanac data (52). A mobile device information memory (48) contains an identification of a version of almanac data held by the cell phone (20). A downloading system (56) selectively downloads at least a subset of the current version of almanac data (52) to the cell phone (20) if the current version of almanac data (52) is later than the version of almanac data held by the cell phone (20). |
| US09063220B2 |
Object information acquiring apparatus
An object information acquiring apparatus including: a plurality of receiving elements receiving an acoustic wave propagating from an object and converting the acoustic wave into an electrical signal; a delaying unit aligning phases of electrical signals of M (a positive integer) channels outputted from the plurality of receiving elements; an eliminator reducing the electrical signals of the M channels to electrical signals of L channels (L |
| US09063218B2 |
Positioning system and method
The present invention relates to a positioning system and method. The system and the method are particularly well-suited for indoor positioning of several idle objects or moving objects, preferably with very short time between two successive position determinations. According to the invention, two signals of different propagation velocities (preferably ultra-sound and radio frequency) are sent out by an object. Alternatively, the radio signal can be sent out from a central unit. Preferably the transmission takes place simultaneously. Based on the time difference between reception of the two signals at two or more base receivers, the position of the object relative to the basic positions is determined. |
| US09063217B2 |
Radar system and methods of controlling a radar system and the provision of a range-doppler target image signature
A method of controlling a radar system by receiving a radar return signal from a target and generating a range-Doppler target image signature of the target; selecting a spectral line within the range-Doppler target image signature from a modulation feature on the target which includes an effective point scatterer; providing a range profile for the spectral line; obtaining a reference range profile of a reference point scatterer; determining a difference between a power at a range shorter than a peak corresponding to the modulation feature in the range profile and a power at a corresponding range of the reference range profile; and generating a first control signal or a second control signal arranged to provide or prevent provision of the range-Doppler target image signature based on the difference. |
| US09063212B2 |
Indoor navigation with low energy location beacons
Low energy location beacons provide a robust indoor navigation solution that is potentially accessible to anyone with a cell phone. |
| US09063210B2 |
Method for de-interleaving received radar pulses using dynamically updated weights
The present invention provides a method for separating, or de-interleaving, a stream of radar pulses, interleaved in time, received by a receiving antenna (10) and receiver (12) from several radar sources. De-interleaving the stream of received pulses may include forming clusters of pulses having similar parameter values around anchor points, where each cluster is defined by a window around its anchor point. The dimensions of each window may be determined by a weighted distance, i.e., a measure of dissimilarity, calculated using weights. Each weight may depend inversely on the measurement error in the parameter with which the weight is associated. Each anchor point may have a set of weights adjusted to its parameter values, and which may change as operating conditions change. The weights may be determined using a method including a calibration step, which may include injecting pulses with known parameters into the receiver (12). |
| US09063208B2 |
Assisted global navigation satellite system for indoor positioning
A method and a system for accurately positioning an electronic device located in an indoor area, generates a request signal for determining the indoor location of the device, and sends the signal to a server coupled to the device through a network. The request signal contains certain parameters pertaining thereto, including the signal strength, and the information of the cell towers through which the device sent the signal. The server uses the signal parameters to determine information pertaining to an approximate spatial position of the device, and sends and information to the device. Multiple positioning algorithms are embedded in the computing hardware of the device, and the device executes these algorithms to determine the exact indoor location thereof. |
| US09063207B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and blood vessel image capturing method
There is provided an MRI apparatus and a blood vessel image capturing method capable of improving the separability of an artery and a vein. In order to do so, using an imaging sequence obtained by combining a first sequence portion for measuring a first echo signal used for acquisition of a blood vessel image of a desired region of an object with a second sequence portion for measuring a second echo signal used for acquisition of blood flow information of the object, the object is imaged by one examination scan. In addition, blood flow information is acquired using the second echo signal, and at least one of an artery and a vein is extracted in an image, which is reconstructed using the first echo signal, using the acquired blood flow information. |
| US09063204B2 |
Increasing the perfusion signal to noise ratio (SNR) in velocity selective arterial spin labeling (VSASL) in magnetic resonance imaging
Techniques, systems computer program products are disclosed increasing tagging efficiency in velocity selective arterial spin labeling using multiple velocity selective saturation modules. In one aspect, a magnetic resonance imaging method for tagging arterial blood includes using two or more velocity selective saturation (VSS) modules to tag arterial blood. The tagged arterial blood is imaged. |
| US09063199B2 |
Local coil
The present embodiments relate to a local coil for a magnetic resonance tomography system. The local coil includes a preamplifier for amplification of a signal received by the local coil from an examination object in a receive phase of the local coil. The local coil also includes a detuning device for detuning the local coil in a transmit phase of the local coil, and a rectification device for supplying voltage to the preamplifier. |
| US09063191B2 |
Electrical test device and method
An electrical test device may include a power supply, a conductive probe element, and a spectral analysis block. The conductive probe element may be energized by a power supply. The probe element may be placed in contact with an electrical system under test and apply an input signal containing current for measuring at least one parameter of the electrical system. The spectral analysis block may be connected to the probe element and may receive an output signal from the electrical system in response to the application of the current to the electrical system. The spectral analysis block may analyze frequency spectra of the output signal and detect a broadband increase in energy of the frequency spectra above a predetermined energy threshold. The broadband increase in energy may be representative of the occurrence of arcing in the electrical system. |
| US09063189B2 |
Magnetic resonance system and method to detect and confirm analytes
A system and method are provided to detect target analytes based on magnetic resonance measurements. Magnetic structures produce distinct magnetic field regions having a size comparable to the analyte. When the analyte is bound in those regions, magnetic resonance signals from the sample are changed, leading to detection of the analyte. |
| US09063188B2 |
Apparatus and method for identifying high risk non-ceramic insulators (NCI) with conductive or high permittivity defects
An apparatus and method for identifying the presence of high conductivity or permittivity conditions in a wide range of electrically insulating materials is disclosed. The apparatus includes a grounded enclosure containing electronics for controlling measurement and communication processes and first and second spaced-apart electrode assemblies for engaging an insulator to be tested. The first and second electrode assemblies are mounted in the enclosure for linear movement such that pressing of the first and second electrodes against an insulator causes the electronics to initiate a measurement. |
| US09063185B2 |
Current sensor
A first magnetic sensor and a second magnetic sensor are disposed so that the main sensitivity axis direction of the first magnetic sensor is oriented in the direction of an induction magnetic field from a current flowing through a current line, the main sensitivity axis direction of the second magnetic sensor is oriented in a direction opposite to the direction of an induction magnetic field from the current flowing therethrough, the individual main sensitivity axis directions of the first and second magnetic sensors are oriented in a same direction, and the individual sub-sensitivity axis directions of the first and second magnetic sensors are oriented in the same directions as or directions opposite to the directions of the sub-sensitivity axis components of the induction magnetic fields to which the first and second magnetic sensors are individually subjected from a current flowing through an adjacent current line adjacent to the current line. |
| US09063184B2 |
Non-contact current-sensing and voltage-sensing clamp
A clamping current and voltage sensor provides an isolated and convenient technique for measuring current passing through a conductor such as an AC branch circuit wire, as well as providing an indication of an electrostatic potential on the wire, which can be used to indicate the phase of the voltage on the wire, and optionally a magnitude of the voltage. The device includes a body formed from two handle portions that contain the current and voltage sensors within an aperture at the distal end, which may be a ferrite cylinder with a hall effect sensor disposed in a gap along the circumference to measure current, or alternatively a winding provided through the cylinder along its axis and a capacitive plate or wire disposed adjacent to, or within, the ferrite cylinder to provide the indication of the voltage. When the handles are compressed the aperture is opened to permit insertion of a wire for measurement. |
| US09063181B2 |
Memory management for an intelligent electronic device
A device and method are provided for managing flash memory of an intelligent electronic device (IED) to maximize the IED life. The IED includes at least one sensor for sensing at least one electrical parameter distributed to a load. At least one analog-to-digital converter is coupled to the at least one sensor for converting an analog signal output from the at least one sensor to digital data. A processing unit is coupled to the at least one analog-to-digital converter to receive the digital data and store the digital data in a memory. The memory includes sectors configured to store the digital data. The processing unit stores the digital data in each of the sectors and equalizes usage of each sector over time by equalizing a number of erases for each of the sectors over time. |
| US09063180B2 |
Electromagnetic field space distribution visualizing device, electromagnetic field space distribution visualizing method, and program thereof
A device includes an electromagnetic field sensor which detects an intensity of an electromagnetic field; and a single video camera which captures video of space in which the electromagnetic field sensor is included. A determining unit is configured to determine at least a two-dimensional location of the electromagnetic field sensor by analyzing the video captured by the video camera; and a visualizing unit is configured to visualize the space distribution of the electromagnetic field, based on the intensity of the electromagnetic field detected by the electromagnetic field sensor and the two-dimensional location determined by the determining unit. |
| US09063179B2 |
System and method for determining an isolation resistance of a battery pack disposed on a vehicle chassis
A system for determining an isolation resistance is provided. The system includes a voltage source that applies an output voltage level between first and second electrical terminals of a battery pack. The system further includes a voltage meter that measures a first voltage level between the first electrical terminal and a vehicle chassis, and measures a second voltage level between the first electrical terminal and the vehicle chassis when a resistor is coupled between the first electrical terminal and the vehicle chassis. The voltage meter measures a third voltage level between the second electrical terminal and the vehicle chassis. The system further includes a microprocessor that determines a first isolation resistance value based on the first, second, third voltage levels and the predetermined resistance level. |
| US09063177B2 |
Electric power metering device and method
The electric power metering device comprises a pulse meter to provide an electric pulse or a closing of an electric circuit at each predefined quantity of electric power. A communication module is connected to said pulse meter to send electric power and/or consumed electric power information. Two inputs of the communication module receive the connection with the pulse meter. Said communication module comprises discrimination means connected to the inputs to differentiate power pulse information and status information of an electric apparatus connected to said inputs. The electric power metering method comprises a discrimination step to differentiate power pulse information and status information of an electric apparatus connected to said inputs of the communication module. |
| US09063175B2 |
Electric power metering device and method
The measuring device with electric voltage divider comprises a first measuring resistor connected between a voltage measurement input and a common point, and a second measuring resistor connected between said common point and a reference electric ground. A measurement output is connected to the common point. An outer shielding enclosure surrounds the first and second measuring resistors and is connected to the reference electric ground. An inner capacitive electrode surrounding the first and second measuring resistors is arranged inside said outer shielding enclosure. To improve the phase difference and passband, the device comprises a phase difference compensation circuit connected between said inner capacitive electrode and said common point. |
| US09063173B2 |
Iridium alloy excellent in hardness, workability and anti-contamination properties
The present invention provides an iridium alloy suitable for a wire rod for probe pins, with zirconium as an additive element contained as an essential element and with aluminum and/or copper further added. In this iridium alloy, the additive concentration of zirconium is 100 to 500 ppm and the total additive concentration of aluminum and copper is 10 to 500 ppm. The present invention will be able to meet such requirements placed on a material for probe pins as that further miniaturization thereof would be demanded in the future and that use environment thereof becomes severe. |
| US09063153B2 |
Cytokine biomarkers as predictive biomarkers of clinical response for glatiramer acetate
A method for treating a human subject afflicted with multiple sclerosis or a single clinical attack consistent with multiple sclerosis with a pharmaceutical composition comprising glatiramer acetate and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, comprising the steps of determining whether the human subject is a glatiramer acetate responder by evaluating a biomarker selected from the group consisting of IL-17 concentration, TNF-α concentration, IL-2 concentration and IFN-γ concentration, or a combination thereof, in the blood of the human subject and administering the pharmaceutical composition comprising glatiramer acetate and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to the human subject only if the human subject is identified as a glatiramer acetate responder. |
| US09063152B2 |
Method for detection of active periodontal disease at the local tooth site
A method for site-specific detection and early diagnosis of periodontal disease using periodontal pocket fluid biomarkers is disclosed. |
| US09063150B2 |
Method for detection of antigen-specific antibodies in biological samples
Disclosed herein is a rapid and universal assay for the detection of antigen-specific antibodies in biological samples. The assay allows for the detection of antigen-specific antibodies in any species, including species for which secondary antibodies or antisera have not been developed or are not available. Biological samples to be tested are directly labeled, such as with biotin, and contacted with antigen-bound microparticles. The presence of antigen-specific antibodies in the biological samples is detected using a binding partner for the label, such as a biotin binding partner, conjugated to a detectable label, such as a fluorophore. This improved test provides a total antibody assay that is capable of detecting all classes of antibodies simultaneously. |
| US09063149B2 |
Quantitative standard for mass spectrometry of proteins
This invention relates to a method of determining the absolute amount of a target polypeptide in a sample using mass spectrometry. |
| US09063148B2 |
Immunoassays for citrullinated proteins
Methods and kits are provided for assessing radiation injury and exposure in a mammal. The methods comprise the steps of: obtaining one or more test samples from the mammal, contacting the test samples with an antibody immunoreactive with a citrullinated protein to form an immunocomplex; and detecting the immunocomplex with an ELISA; wherein a decrease in the quantity of the immunocomplex in the test samples, as compared to the quantity of immunocomplexes formed under identical conditions with the same antibody and a control sample from one or more mammals known to have a lower degree of radiation injury or exposure, indicates a higher degree of radiation injury and exposure to the mammal. The information obtained from such methods can be used by a clinician to accurately assess the extent of radiation injury/exposure in the mammal, and thus will provide a valuable tool for determining treatment protocols on a subject by subject basis. |
| US09063143B2 |
Cancer platinum resistance detection and sensitization method
The phosphorylation status of the BAD protein is a determinant of ovarian cancer cell responsiveness to platinum chemotherapy. Indirect manipulation of BAD phosphorylation status influences cisplatin sensitivity. BAD phosphorylation represents a biomarker that predicts platinum sensitivity and is a therapeutic target to increase platinum sensitivity. The methods employ phospho-specific antibody against a particular amino acid residue or site. Phospho-specific protein characterization methods include immunohistochemical (IHC), flow cytometric, immunofluorescent, capture-and-detection, or reversed phase assay. |
| US09063140B2 |
Whitefly ecdysone receptor nucleic acids, polypeptides, and uses thereof
The present invention relates to a novel isolated whitefly ecdysone receptor polypeptide. The invention also relates to an isolated nucleic acid encoding the whitefly ecdysone receptor polypeptide, to vectors comprising them and to their uses, in particular in methods for modulating gene expression in an ecdysone receptor-based gene expression modulation system and methods for identifying molecules that modulate whitefly ecdysone receptor activity. |
| US09063139B2 |
Variants in complement regulatory genes predict age-related macular degeneration
Methods for identifying a subject at risk for developing AMD are disclosed, as are kits which can be used to practice the methods. The methods include identifying specific protective or risk polymorphisms or genotypes from the subject's genetic material, including polymorphisms in the BF, C2 and/or CFH genes. Microarrays and kits for use in these methods are also provided. |
| US09063135B2 |
Method for chip-integrated label-free detection and absorption spectroscopy with high throughput, sensitivity, and specificity
Systems and methods for chip-integrated label-free detection and absorption spectroscopy with high throughput, sensitivity, and specificity are disclosed. The invention comprises packaged chips for multiplexing photonic crystal waveguide and photonic crystal slot waveguide devices. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09063134B2 |
Multi-unit plate for immunoblot analysis
This invention provides for multi-unit plates that comprise a layer of membrane, preferably nitrocellulose or PVDF membrane, on the surface of individual unit of the multi-unit plate. These multi-unit plates are particularly well suited for high throughput immunoblot analysis including Zestern analysis. |
| US09063133B2 |
Methods and devices for biomolecular arrays
Provided herein are methods of assembling high density biomolecular arrays. The disclosed methods and devices combine a photolithographic step with the assembly of particles conjugated to biomolecules. The methods provided herein are particularly useful for the assembly of large, high density biomolecular arrays like protein arrays for chip-based assays and DNA arrays for genomic analysis. |
| US09063131B2 |
Methods and compositions for highly sensitive detection of molecules
Disclosed are methods, kits, and compositions for the highly sensitive detection of molecules. The methods, kits, and compositions are useful in determining concentrations of molecules in samples to levels of 1 femtomolar, 1 attomolar, or lower. The methods, kits, and compositions also allow the determination of concentration over a wide range, e.g., 7-log range, without need for sample dilution. |
| US09063128B2 |
Three dimensional lignocellulosic detection device
A three dimensional lignocellulosic detection device includes a first lignocellulosic substrate and a second lignocellulosic substrate. When the first lignocellulosic substrate is in contact with a liquid specimen through capillary effect, the sample is absorbed into the second lignocellulosic substrate through the first lignocellulosic substrate, reacts with the detecting reagent on the second lignocellulosic substrate and makes a detection test. The three dimensional lignocellulosic detection device of the present invention has the inherent advantages of a lignocellulosic material such as natural material, low cost, easy manipulation and capillary effect and results in a good preventive diagnostic platform. Also, users may achieve preventive disease diagnostic without spending additional time and/or money. |
| US09063125B2 |
Compositions comprising cells expressing cold- and menthol-sensitive receptor (CMR1) polypeptides
The present invention relates to regulation of cold sensation and pain. More particularly, the present invention is directed to nucleic acids encoding a member of the transient regulatory protein family, CMR1, which is involved in modulation of the perception of cold sensations and pain. The invention further relates to methods for identifying and using agents that modulate cold responses and pain responses stimulated by cold via modulation of CMR1 and CMR1-related signal transduction. |
| US09063124B2 |
Method for identifying compounds that modulate a T2R taste receptor
The invention provides nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for a novel family of taste transduction G-protein coupled receptors, antibodies to such receptors, methods of detecting such nucleic acids and receptors, and methods of screening for modulators of taste transduction G-protein coupled receptors. |
| US09063123B2 |
Transgenic mice expressing human toll-like receptor 8
Provided herein are human Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8)-expressing transgenic s and methods of use thereof. |
| US09063122B2 |
Biomodulators for treatment or prevention of disease
The invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment or prevention of animal disease whereby the compositions are biomodulators of plant physiological activity. Inventive methods include administration of one or more biomodulators to an animal such as human for the treatment of cell proliferation or differentiation diseases such as cancer. |
| US09063113B2 |
Thermal H2S detection in downhole fluids
An apparatus for detecting a chemical of interest in a fluid or estimating a concentration of the chemical in the fluid includes: a carrier configured to be conveyed through a borehole penetrating an earth formation; a first temperature sensor disposed at the carrier and configured to sense a temperature of the fluid and provide a first temperature output; and a second temperature sensor disposed at the carrier and covered with an exothermic reaction material that experiences an exothermic reaction when exposed to the chemical of interest and configured to sense a temperature and provide a second temperature output. The apparatus further includes a processor coupled to the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor and configured to detect the chemical or estimate the concentration using the first temperature output and the second temperature output. |
| US09063112B2 |
Steam sterilization indicator pack
Provided is a simplified steam sterilization indicator pack that is able to improve reliability of Bowie & Dick Test, and also is able to be downsized and improves handling.A steam sterilization indicator pack comprises:a pack which accommodates a sterilization confirmation indicator part that comprises steam transmitting adjustment layers 20, 20, of which total thickness is 5-25 mm, arranged so as to sandwich a sterilization confirmation indicator sheet 22 applying a printed pattern which colors or discolors due to contacting with steam, in a paper container 12 that passes steam more than the steam transmitting adjustment layers, and the steam transmitting adjustment paper sheets 18 include a sheet that has at least a density of 0.75 g/cm3 so that in a case where pressurized steam is introduced at 134° C. for 3.5 minutes in a vacuumed autoclave into which the pack is put and residual air remains in the autoclave, portions of the patterns of the sterilization confirmation indicator sheet 22 that finish discoloring and other portions thereof that do not discolor can be differentiated with the naked eye. |
| US09063109B2 |
Polyanthrylene materials and methods for their preparation and use
Compositions containing polyanthrylene and methods of making these compositions are disclosed herein. The polyanthrylene composition can, for example, be used for detection of iron in a sample. |
| US09063105B2 |
Method for recognizing sensor poisonings and test station for carrying out the method
A method for recognizing sensor poisonings in portable gas-measuring devices with a test station having a main unit with a control and analysis unit and test modules connected with the main unit for data exchange with an connected device. The test station recognizes device model and/or gas sensor model of the connected device. The main unit has gas inlets for different test gases and there is a first gas feed line for sending test gas to the test modules and a second gas feed line for sending purging gas to the test modules and a gas drain line to return gas from the test modules to the main unit. The method includes detection of a first measured value and of a second measured value and determination of sensor poisoning on the basis of the two values. The test station control and analysis unit carries out the method. |
| US09063103B2 |
Conveyor of specimen containers with spur units in laboratory automation systems
It is described a conveyor of specimen containers (9) supported by carriers (8) in laboratory automation systems comprising at least one analyzer (10, 50, 60). Said conveyor comprising a main transport unit (2), at least one spur transport unit (4-5, 7) allowing the positioning of the specimen container (9) inside said at least one analyzer (10, 50, 60) without removing said specimen container (9) from its carrier (8). |
| US09063101B2 |
Centralized monitoring system, analyzing system and centralized monitoring method
An analyzing system, including: a plurality of inspection lines, each including a reagent supplying apparatus, and a plurality of hematology analyzers, each analyzing a measurement sample prepared from a blood sample and a reagent supplied from the reagent supplying apparatus; and a computer connected to the reagent supplying apparatuses, wherein each reagent supplying apparatus includes a storing part adapted to store a concentrated reagent, a detector adapted to detect a weight of or liquid level in the storing part, a first controller adapted to calculate a remaining amount of the concentrated reagent from an output of the detector and to transmit the calculated amount to the computer, and wherein the computer includes a display, and a second controller adapted to receive the amount data transmitted from the reagent supplying apparatuses, to generate display data integrating the plurality of received amount data and to show the display data on the display. |
| US09063099B2 |
System for handling slides having a linear transport mechanism for transporting the racks
The present invention relates to a system (10, 100) for handling slides, including an input compartment (14) for inputting racks (16) and the slides held therein, and a coverslipper module (30, 32) for coverslipping slides. The system (10, 100) further includes an output compartment (22) for outputting racks (16), a transport unit (20) for transporting the racks (16), and a control unit (52) for controlling the transport unit (20). The transport unit (20) is designed to be capable of transporting the racks (16) between the input compartment (14), the coverslipper module (30, 32) and the output compartment (22). |
| US09063098B2 |
Method of inspecting mask, mask inspection device, and method of manufacturing mask
There is provided a method of high-sensitively detecting both of a phase defect existing in a mask blank and a phase defect remaining after manufacturing an EUVL mask. When the mask blank is inspected, EUV light having illumination NA to be within an inner NA but a larger value is irradiated. When the EUVL mask is inspected, by using a dark-field imaging optical system including a center shielding portion for shielding EUV light and a linear shielding portion for shielding the EUV light whose width is smaller than a diameter of the center shielding portion, the center shielding portion and the linear shielding portion being included in a pupil plane, the EUV light having illumination NA as large as or smaller than the width of the linear shielding portion is irradiated. |
| US09063094B2 |
Automated wood species identification
Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for identification of wood species based on one or more pitch characteristics. A workpiece may be exposed to a beam of radiation from a radiation source. The beam of radiation may cause pitch on or within the workpiece to emit visible light. The emitted light may be imaged and used to determine pitch content, pitch location, a pitch deposition pattern, pitch emission wavelength, and/or other characteristics of the workpiece. One or more of these characteristics may be used to identify a tree species or group of tree species from which the workpiece was cut or manufactured. |
| US09063092B2 |
Sensing system for sensing a substance in a fluid
The invention relates to a sensing system for sensing a substance in a fluid. The sensing system comprises a sensing site (132) at which the substance is to be sensed and a reference site (131). A signal generation unit generates a sensing signal by sensing the sensing site (132) and a reference signal by sensing the reference site (131). The reference signal is used for normalizing the sensing signal, wherein the sensing site (132) and the reference site (131) are arranged such that a drift variation of the normalized sensing signal is within a noise variation of the normalized sensing signal. This improves the accuracy of the normalized sensing signal. |
| US09063090B2 |
Method for fabricating thin-film structure magnetizable bead detector
A ferromagnetic thin-film based magnetic field detection system used for detecting the presence of selected molecular species. A magnetic field sensor supported on a substrate has a binding molecule layer positioned on a side thereof capable of selectively binding to the selected molecular species held on a magnetic particle. The magnetic field sensor can be substantially covered by an electrical insulating layer having a recess therein adjacent to the sensor in which the binding molecule layer is provided. A thin-film channel structure to the sensor is supported on the substrate that can be accompanied by a reservoir structure, and an electrical interconnection conductor is supported on the substrate at least in part between the sensor and the substrate, and is electrically connected to the sensor. The magnetic field sensor can be provided in a bridge circuit, and can be formed by a number of interconnected individual sensors. |
| US09063089B2 |
Optical measuring apparatus, flow cytometer, and optical measuring method
Provided is an optical measuring apparatus including a light irradiating unit that irradiates a sample flowing through a flow path with light, a light detecting unit that detects optical information emitted from the sample due to light irradiation by the light irradiating unit, and a rate information adding unit that adds a predetermined display corresponding to a flow amount of the sample per unit time obtained from the optical information to a waveform data graph obtained from the optical information. |
| US09063088B2 |
Methods and systems for image data processing
Embodiments of the computer-implemented methods, storage mediums, and systems may be configured to determine locations of particles within a first image of the particles. The particles may have fluorescence-material associated therewith. The embodiments may include calculating a transform parameter, and the transform parameter may define an estimated movement in the locations of the particles between the first image of the particles and a second image of the particles. The embodiments may further including applying the transform parameter to the locations of the particles within the first image to determine movement locations of the particles within the second image. |
| US09063080B2 |
Method of deposition monitoring
The invention provides methods and compositions for measuring the formation of scale within a process system. The method involves measuring changes in the cell fouling as reflected on the refraction index measurements of a liquid medium with a refractometer and determining the scale formation from changes in the cell fouling factor. This allows for a refractometer to determine the formation of scale in locations that otherwise would not be measurable. |
| US09063070B2 |
Measurement and uses of oxidative status
The present invention provides a method of determining the overall oxidative status of a body fluid or a tissue of a patient by measuring the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of the body fluid or tissue. The method has been found to be useful in the diagnosis, evaluation and monitoring of patients who have suffered a trauma (such as a head injury), patients suspected of being critically-ill, patients who have a viral infection, and patients suspected of having a myocardial infarction. The method has also been found useful in monitoring and evaluating exercise performance in patients. In addition, the method has been found useful in monitoring and evaluating stored blood products and patients who will receive such a product. |
| US09063066B2 |
Method for analysis using X-ray fluorescence
The present invention is a method to quantify biomarkers. The method uses an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to perform an X-ray fluorescence analysis on the sample to obtain spectral features derived from the biomarker; and quantifying the X-ray fluorescence signal of the biomarker. |
| US09063064B2 |
X-ray analysis apparatus and method of X-ray analysis
An X-ray analysis apparatus includes: an X-ray source that emits an X-ray irradiating a specimen; a specimen holding unit that holds the specimen; and an X-ray detecting unit that detects the X-ray diffracted by the specimen; wherein the specimen holding unit includes a second φ-axis rotating stage rotating the specimen about a φ-axis, a first φ-axis rotating stage rotating the entirety of the second φ-axis rotating stage about the φ-axis, the second φ-axis rotating stage being disposed on the first φ-axis rotating stage, a φ-axis rotating stage that rotates the entirety of the first φ-axis rotating stage about a φ-axis, an ω-axis rotating stage that rotates the entirety of the χ-axis rotating stage about an ω-axis, and a 2θ-axis rotating stage rotating the X-ray detecting unit about the 2θ-axis, wherein the second φ-axis rotating stage unit rotates at a speed higher than that of the first φ-axis rotating stage. |
| US09063060B2 |
Solid-state NMR spectrometer, sample holder therefor, and method of solid-state NMR spectroscopy
A high-resolution solid-state NMR spectrometer which can measure a disklike sample. The spectrometer includes: a stator having an air bearing disposed within the static magnetic field, the rotor being disposed in the stator; and an engaging mechanism mounted in a one-end portion of the rotor and detachably holding a sample holder that holds the disklike sample. |
| US09063059B2 |
Three-dimensional matrix phased array spot weld inspection system
A system for characterizing a spot weld including an acoustic probe that further includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements arranged in a curved array, wherein the transducer elements are operative to generate ultrasonic signals and to receive reflections thereof; and a combination of materials for allowing the probe to conform to a contoured surface of the spot weld while enabling sound energy to be transferred directly into the spot weld under test conditions; a phased array excitation unit coupled to the array of transducer elements for ultrasonically exciting transducer elements; and a controller coupled to the phased array excitation unit for controlling the operation of the phased array unit, gathering and processing information from the ultrasonic transducers, and generating a two-dimensional, color coded image that characterizes the integrity of the spot weld. |
| US09063050B2 |
Weathering test instrument and solid-state light-emitting device system
Provided is a weathering test instrument that includes: a light source section including a plurality of solid-state light-emitting elements, in which the solid-state light-emitting elements are different in kind from one another, and are configured to emit light beams having respective wavelength regions that are different from one another; a light receptor configured to receive the light beams radiated from the light source section individually for the respective wavelength regions; and a controller configured to control radiant intensities of the respective solid-state light-emitting elements individually, based on received light amounts for the respective wavelength regions derived from the light receptor, and thereby control irradiance at a sample surface for each of the wavelength regions to allow an accelerated test of a sample to be performed. |
| US09063048B2 |
Hardness tester and program
A hardness tester having an image capturer capturing an indentation image, a data memory, an automatic size-scanning program scanning an indentation size, and a hardness calculation program includes: an identification information providing program providing image data with test specimen identification information and indentation identification information; a memory control program having the image data associated with the identification information stored; a specifying program specifying, when a scanning error occurs, identification information of image data in which the scanning error has occurred; an obtaining program obtaining the image data from the data memory based on the specified identification information; and a re-scanner (a display, an operator, and a manual size-calculation program) re-scanning an indentation size from the obtained image data. |
| US09063046B1 |
Hand-held device with reagents and method for detection and diagnostics
A hand-held device and method of processing a biological threat agent sample such that any infectious organism is rendered harmless while preserving it for subsequent testing, the method comprising placing a sample comprising a biological threat agent in a reservoir; adding a first reagent comprising peracetic acid in sufficient concentration to reach a predetermined minimal concentration after mixing with the sample in the reservoir; inactivating the sample upon interaction of the sample with the first reagent for a predetermined period of time at a predetermined temperature; removing the inactivated sample from the reservoir; and providing the inactivated sample for subsequent diagnostic testing, wherein the subsequent diagnostic testing is unaffected by inactivation of the sample. In another embodiment, the first reagent comprises a cupric salt, which is mixed with ascorbic acid and hydrogen peroxide to generate cupric ascorbate. |
| US09063044B2 |
Magnetic aggregating and washing device for in vitro assays and methods of use thereof
Provided herein are magnetic aggregating and washing devices. Further provided herein are methods using magnetic aggregation to aggregate and wash sample molecules in an in vitro assay. |
| US09063036B2 |
Sample for electron microscopy and method of manufacturing the same
A sample for electron microscopy includes a base member and a sensor. The sensor is configured to measure data on the sample. The sensor includes an insulating member and a measuring element. The insulating member is deposited in or near an area of observation that is defined on a surface of the base member. The measuring element is deposited on a surface of the insulating member or over the surface of the base member and the surface of the insulating member. |
| US09063030B2 |
Apparatus and method for visualizing the position of a rotating structure with respect to a stationary structure
A computer-animated graphical model visually conveys the movement and vibration of an entire shaft rotating within its bearings, and the behavior of the shaft at each individual bearing. The model aids a user in (1) visualizing an animated three-dimensional mode shape of a modeled shaft at high speeds, (2) visualizing the alignment state of the bearings of a modeled shaft at slower speeds, (3) visualizing the axial movement of a modeled shaft relative to a stationary component, and (4) visualizing the relationship between a rotating element, such as rotor, and a stationary element, such as a rotor housing, at locations other than the bearing locations. The model enables a user to compare shaft behavior at different operating conditions during a transient event, to see if a shaft is running at a proper position within its bearings, and to see if a shaft is contacting bearing surfaces or is dangerously close to such contact. |
| US09063025B2 |
Position indicator
A position indicator includes a capacitor having a capacitance that changes in correspondence to a force applied to one end part of a housing. The capacitor is configured by a pressure detecting chip that includes a first electrode and a second electrode disposed opposite to the first electrode with a predetermined distance defined therebetween to have capacitance Cv formed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The capacitance Cv changes when the force applied to the one end part of the housing is transmitted to the first electrode to thereby change a relationship (e.g., the distance) between the two electrodes. A pressure transmitting member having predetermined elasticity is disposed on the first electrode such that the force applied to the one end part of the housing is transmitted to the first electrode of the semiconductor element via the pressure transmitting member. |
| US09063024B2 |
Bicycle rear hub
A bicycle rear hub includes a hub spindle, a drive part, a hub shell and a driving force measuring part. The drive part is rotatably supported on the hub spindle, and configured to receive a driving-force-input member. The hub shell is rotatably supported on the hub spindle and operatively coupled to the drive part for rotation by the drive part on the hub spindle. The driving force measuring part includes a magnetostrictive element disposed in a driving force transmission path between the drive part and the hub shell, and a detection coil disposed in opposition to the magnetostrictive element. |
| US09063022B2 |
Warm-up operation display device of chassis dynamometer system
When a warm-up operation at a set speed is carried out to measure a mechanical loss that is generated during warm-up operation, a device to display setting of operation time, vehicle speed, etc. and the operation status on a single window is demanded. An operation display portion on a top display screen provided on a control terminal includes a menu function block having a warm-up window calling section for calling a warm-up operation window function block. The warm-up operation window function block includes a warm-up condition setting section configured to set a warm-up operation condition, a measurement flow indicating block configured to indicate a warm-up operation by a pattern, a trend indicating section configured to indicate a braking force that is generated upon the warm-up operation in time sequence, and a measurement status indicating block comprising a judgment indicating section configured to indicate measurement results. |
| US09063015B2 |
Stimulus indication employing polymer gels
Techniques and devices are presented for communicating exposure to a potentially harmful stimulus. The devices include a stimulus sensitive gel which changes volume in response to exposure to the stimulus and thereby presents a contrast in color that serves as a visual indicator that exposure to the stimulus has occurred. |
| US09063013B2 |
Infrared detector
Provide is an infrared detector that has a simple configuration, has a high amplification factor, and is configured to operate at low voltage. An NMOS transistor at an output stage of a pyroelectric infrared detection element serves as a common source amplifier circuit in which a source is connected to GND via a resistor and a capacitor that are connected in parallel. |
| US09063012B2 |
IR detector system and method
An Infra Red detector system and method is disclosed. There is benefit in providing signal processing functions into each pixel of a 2D focal plane IR detector for applications such as hostile target detection. The thermal characteristics of muzzle flash or a projectile and it's trajectory for example are distinguishable from background scene. A technique to add a signal detection function to normal IR detector thermal imaging operation to a standard direct inject Integrate While Read (IWR) pixel circuit and for providing target detection at extremely high data rates is described. |
| US09063011B2 |
Method of signal adjustment in an optical sensing device and the optical sensing device
A method of signal adjustment in an optical sensing device is provided. The optical sensing device includes a first optical sensor and a first reference optical sensor. The first optical sensor corresponds to a first specified ideal spectral response and generates a first output signal corresponding to light detected thereby. The first reference optical sensor generates a first reference signal corresponding to light detected thereby, and is disposed adjacent to the first optical sensor such that the light detected by the first reference optical sensor is substantially the light detected by the first optical sensor. The method includes the steps of: a) receiving the first output signal and the first reference signal; and b) generating a first adjusted output signal having a spectral response that approximates the first specified ideal spectral response, by adjusting the first output signal according to the first reference signal. |
| US09063010B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjusting sensing threshold of infrared proximity sensor
A method and an apparatus for adjusting a sensing threshold of an infrared proximity sensor are provided. The method includes: obtaining, through the infrared proximity sensor, a reflected infrared ray intensity value in an environment of a current light intensity; comparing the obtained reflected infrared ray intensity value with a pre-stored reflected infrared ray intensity value, so as to obtain a first difference; and when the first difference is greater than a preset first threshold, modifying the sensing threshold. It avoid misjudge of blocking of the mobile phone because a light transmittance of a lens is reduced, and the fault is solved by modifying the sensing threshold, so that a proximity sensing function of the mobile phone can be automatically repaired without changing hardware. |
| US09063006B2 |
Optical source assembly suitable for use as a solar simulator and associated methods
An apparatus may have a light source configured to generate light, a reflector configured to collect the light and direct the light in a desired direction, a spectral filter assembly configured to receive the light from the reflector. The spectral filter assembly may have a stationary frame and a plurality of filter elements supported by the stationary frame. Filter elements of the plurality of filter elements may simultaneously filter a desired quantity of light within wavelength band to provide a filtered output light beam. A homogenizer may be configured to receive the filtered output light beam and produce a homogenized light beam having a substantially uniform irradiance distribution across a cross-section of the homogenized light beam. |
| US09063001B2 |
Optical fault monitoring
Various embodiments related to monitoring for optical faults in an optical system are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides, in an optical system comprising a light source, a light outlet, and an optical element disposed between the light source and the light outlet, a method of monitoring for optical system faults. The method includes detecting, via a light sensor directed toward an interface surface of the optical element closest to the light source, an intensity of light traveling from the interface surface of the optical element to the light sensor, and comparing an intensity of light detected to one or more threshold intensity values. The method further includes identifying an optical system fault condition based on comparing the intensity of light detected to one or more threshold values, and modifying operation of the optical system. |
| US09062999B2 |
System and method of encoding item information from a scale in a self-service scanning solution
This invention relates to a system including a scale that weighs an item placed on the scale and encodes the weight and/or other item information into a machine readable code. The system may include a display that is coupled to the scale and displays the machine readable code. The scale may encode the item in Quick Response (QR) code format, Universal Product Code (UPC) format, and/or other computer-readable format. A mobile device may take a picture of or otherwise scan the machine readable code to determine the weight and/or other information encoded therein. The system may include a wireless transmitter that wirelessly transmits the weight. The mobile device may include a wireless receiver that wirelessly receives the weight transmitted from the scale. The mobile device may execute a self-scan application that uses the de-encoded or otherwise obtained weight for pricing the item based on the weight or other purposes. |
| US09062996B2 |
Device for supplying the liquid material inside a filling container and method of controlling the liquid level inside the filling container for said liquid material supply device
Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for supplying a liquid and controlling its level inside of a container. In particular, the liquid inside of the container may be a liquid material suitable for use in a chemical vapor deposition process, wherein the liquid is controlled and supplied in a manner which minimizes the introduction of impurities. |
| US09062995B2 |
Method for calibrating a device for measuring phase fractions of polyphase fluid under flow conditions, measuring method, and related device
This method comprises taking a first pressurized gaseous phase sample in a flow channel and transferring the first sample in the measuring channel. It comprises activating a second sensor to collect a first piece of information representative of the first pressurized sample. The method comprising taking a second pressurized liquid phase sample, transferring the second sample in the measuring channel and activating the second sensor a second piece of information representative of the second pressurized sample. The method comprises the computation of at least one calibration coefficient connecting the property to the or each piece of information received from the sensor, based on the first piece of information and the second piece of information. |
| US09062991B2 |
Dial locking system using snap fit and a method thereof
The present invention relates to a dial locking system. More particularly related to, the dial (100) having dial pinches (101, 102) at center and dial locking profile (106) at periphery. The compartment (200) has a central axis (7) with slots (201, 202) and resting profile (205) to accommodate the dial locking profile (106) for locking at periphery. The bulged profiles (203, 204) at the slots (201, 202) of the compartment (200) faced downwards for locking at center by the dial pinches (101,102). The time required to assemble the dial (100) with compartment (200) is reduced which in turn increases the production rate. |
| US09062987B2 |
Travel guidance system, travel guidance apparatus, travel guidance method, and computer program
A travel guidance system including a navigation-route setting unit; a traffic-light-position acquiring unit that acquires a position of an exit-side traffic light at a preceding junction that is located closer to a departure place of a navigation route than a guidance junction; a movable-body-position acquiring unit that acquires a position of a movable body; a guidance-starting-point acquiring unit, the guidance starting point being determined from a position of the movable body relative to the exit-side traffic light at the preceding junction; a passage determining unit that determines whether the movable body has passed through the guidance starting point from the position of the movable body and the position of the guidance starting point; and a junction guiding unit that starts the guidance on the guidance junction when the passage determining unit determines that the movable body has passed through the guidance starting point. |
| US09062984B2 |
Technique for processing cartographic data for determining energy-saving routes
A technique is described for determining an energy-saving route between two geographic positions on the basis of predefined cartographic data, the cartographic data describing a real traffic route network in the form of route segments and route nodes. A method aspect comprises the steps of subdividing the route segments provided for a route calculation into route segment portions that each have a predefined speed profile, providing an energy consumption value to be expected for each of the route segment portions, on the basis of the respectively assigned speed profile, and calculating weights for the respective route segments on the basis of the energy consumption values provided for the route segment portions, wherein the weights can be used to determine the energy-saving route in the context of the route calculation. |
| US09062981B2 |
Map information processing apparatus
An apparatus includes a map information storage section (16) that stores map information on an area by area basis formed in meshes; a positioning section (15) for measuring its own present location; a new road detecting section (19) for deciding that a new road is detected when the present location is determined to be on a road not included in the map information; a new road registration decision section (20) for deciding that the new road is registerable to the map information stored in the map information storage section when the road density in the area including the new road is equal to or less than a predetermined value; and a new road registration section (21) for registering the new road to the map information stored in the map information storage section, when the new road is determined to be registerable. |
| US09062980B2 |
Autonomous mobile system
An autonomous mobile system for a mobile body which moves while localizing itself in a space includes a shape detector and travel distance detector for measuring whether objects are present in set regions determined by dividing a three-dimensional space into a plurality of segments, a storage device into which map data is stored that indicates a region of the set regions that has been set as having a stationary object in the region, a determining section that determines, from frequency of the object detection by the shape detector during a predetermined time for each of the set regions, whether the object that has been detected in each set region is a stationary object or a moving object, and a localizer that localizes a vehicle by matching the region that the determining section has determined to have a stationary object in the region, and the map data. |
| US09062977B2 |
Navigation of on-road vehicle based on object reference data that is updated
A vehicle can include a navigation unit configured to determine a position of the vehicle. A detection unit can be configured to recognize position and features of objects external to the vehicle. An identification unit can be configured to identify objects expected to be detected based on a determined position of the vehicle, by comparing the recognized features to feature data of object reference data stored in a local database. When the identification unit is unable to identify an object, the identification unit can compare recognized or stored object features to the additional feature data received from a remote database. A navigation unit can update the position of the vehicle based on position data of identified objects and more accurate and safe autonomous operation of a vehicle can be achieved. |
| US09062975B2 |
Carrier
A carrier which automatically travels on a pathway. A carrier comprising: a carrier main body which travels on the pathway including a first area and a second area other than the first area; a distance measuring sensor which is provided in the carrier main body, measures an intensity of reflected light a plurality of times, and obtains a plurality of pieces of measured data; a map data storage unit which stores map data in which structures provided along the pathway are recorded; an approximate line calculation unit which calculates an approximate line based on a set of pieces of measured data having the light intensity equal to or more than a predetermined threshold among the plurality of pieces of measured data in the first area and calculates the approximate line based on the set of the plurality of pieces of measured data in the second area; and a position calculation unit which calculates a position of the carrier main body by collating the approximate line and the map data. |
| US09062973B2 |
Atom beam gyroscope
One embodiment of the invention includes an atom beam gyroscope system. The system includes an atom beam system that generates an atom beam comprising alkali metal atoms along a length of a detection region orthogonal to a sensitive axis. The system also includes a detection system comprising a detection laser and photodetector. The detection laser can generate an optical detection beam that illuminates the detection region to pump the alkali metal atoms. The photodetector can measure an optical absorption of the optical detection beam by the alkali metal atoms in the atom beam and to generate an intensity signal associated with the measured optical absorption. The system further includes a gyroscope sensor configured to calculate rotation of the atom beam gyroscope system about the sensitive axis based on a magnitude of the intensity signal due to a Doppler-shift in energy of the alkali metal atoms in the atom beam. |
| US09062972B2 |
MEMS multi-axis accelerometer electrode structure
This document discusses, among other things, an inertial sensor including a single proof-mass formed in an x-y plane of a device layer, the single proof-mass including a single, central anchor configured to suspend the single proof-mass above a via wafer. The inertial sensor further includes first and second electrode stator frames formed in the x-y plane of the device layer on respective first and second sides of the inertial sensor, the first and second electrode stator frames symmetric about the single, central anchor, and each separately including a central platform and an anchor configured to fix the central platform to the via wafer, wherein the anchors for the first and second electrode stator frames are asymmetric along the central platforms with respect to the single, central anchor. |
| US09062971B2 |
E-compass, tilt sensor, memory and processor with coarse detilting procedure
An electronic circuit includes an electronic compass having e-compass sensors mounted on different axes and operable to supply e-compass sensor data, memory circuitry, and an electronic processor coupled to said e-compass sensors and to said memory circuitry, said electronic processor operable to execute an electronic ellipse-fitting procedure responsive to the e-compass sensor data to generate at least one signal related to an ellipse tilt angle, and store the at least one signal in said memory circuitry as a tilt calibration parameter for the e-compass. Processes for calibrating an e-compass, as well as electronic circuits and processes for correcting measured heading, and processes of manufacture are also disclosed. |
| US09062967B2 |
Measurement apparatus for measuring a surface shape of an object based on an interference signal
The present invention provides a measurement apparatus which measures a measurement surface based on an interference signal obtained by causing measurement light reflected by the measurement surface and reference light reflected by a reference surface to interfere with each other, the apparatus including an interference optical system including a lens for focusing the measurement light to be incident on the measurement surface, and configured to cause the measurement light and the reference light to interfere with each other, and an adjusting device configured to adjust a focusing state of the measurement light focused by the lens such that a measurement point on the measurement surface positions within a range of a depth of focus of the lens, wherein the interference signal is obtained with the focusing state adjusted by the adjusting device. |
| US09062960B2 |
Flexible waveguides for optical coherence tomography
A system and method for depth-resolved imaging of a sample are presented. The system for depth-resolved imaging of a sample includes a substrate of substantially flexible material, a plurality of waveguides disposed on the substrate, an optical element disposed at a distal end of the plurality of waveguides, and one or more interferometers. Light is collected from the sample through the optical element and plurality of waveguides on the flexible substrate on its path to the one or more interferometers. The interferometers are configured to combine a reference light with the light received by at least a portion of the plurality of waveguides to resolve contributions from one or more depths of the sample. The system further includes a light guiding element coupled between the plurality of waveguides and the one or more interferometers. |
| US09062957B2 |
Multi-wavelength interferometer, measurement apparatus, and measurement method
A multi-wavelength interferometer includes a beam splitter configured to split plural light fluxes into a reference beam and a measurement beam, a frequency shifter configured to shift a frequency of at least one of the reference beam and the measurement beam to make the frequencies of the reference beam and the measurement beam different from each other, an optical system configured to cause the measurement beam to be incident on a measurement surface and to cause the measurement beam reflected from the measurement surface to interfere with the reference beam to obtain interference light, a dividing unit configured to divide the interference light into a plurality of light beams, and a detection unit configured to detect the plurality of light beams divided by the dividing unit. |
| US09062955B2 |
Moving object detection apparatus
A moving object detection apparatus includes a current mirror circuit including first and second transistors connected in parallel between a power source and ground and having gates connected to a ground-side terminal of the first transistor, first and second magnetoresistive elements having pin layers and respectively arranged between the first and second transistors and the ground, a constant voltage circuit, a voltage output circuit having third and fourth transistors respectively arranged between the first and second transistors and the first and second magnetoresistive elements and respectively applying constant voltages to the first and second magnetoresistive elements based on output of the constant voltage circuit when the output of the constant voltage circuit is applied to gates of the third and fourth transistors, and a fifth transistor arranged between the second and fourth transistors to operate according to a potential of a power-source-side terminal of the fourth transistor. |
| US09062951B2 |
Shotgun shell or low velocity grenade dispenser and reloader system
A shotgun shell or low velocity grenade dispenser and reloader system that can quickly and efficiently dispense a shell without requiring the focus of the operator. The dispenser can be attached to the operator's belt, leg, forearm, or a weapon. Alternatively the dispenser may be left unattached. The dispenser delivers a shell in an orientation that allows rapid loading of a weapon with minimal shell manipulation. |
| US09062932B2 |
Thermal marking systems and methods of control
A target marking system includes a light source emitting a thermal beam and an optics assembly directing the thermal beam to impact a target, the target directing radiation to the optics assembly in response to the impact. The target marking system further includes a detector, and an optics assembly optically connected to the detector. |
| US09062928B2 |
Pneumatic toy gun for shooting soft balls and nozzle therefor
The pneumatic toy gun has a nozzle through which a soft ball travels. At one end of the nozzle there is an outlet from which the ball is expelled and at the other end there is an inlet for receipt of a stream of gas under pressure. A constriction such as fins or an annulus are mounted within the tube and function to inhibit the use of the gun to fire balls having a diameter smaller than that of balls which are intended to be shot from the toy gun. |
| US09062922B1 |
Revolver cylinder for a shotgun
A revolver type cylinder with a plurality of chambers for a shotgun. The rotating cylinder is generally hexagonal in cross-section and formed as an injection molded plastic part with openings that receive metal chamber sleeves. The cylinder has a rotation axis and a seventh opening surrounding the axis. The cylinder is mounted to, and rotatable on a receiver on a rotor and a cylinder pin captured within the seventh opening so as to prevent rotation of the cylinder pin with respect to the cylinder body. The cylinder pin has portions forming a central axial opening which extends along the rotational axis and a spring arranged to retract the cylinder pin into the cylinder body. A trigger linkage is mounted for movement in the central axial opening for linking a trigger to a firing mechanism through the opening. |
| US09062915B2 |
Tower grain dryer
A rotatable grain tower mounted on a stationary base. The base includes an opening for the removal of grain from a grain plenum in the tower. As the tower is rotated, a metering device adjacent the opening meters the rate of grain exiting the plenum. The rotating tower alleviates uneven drying due to sun, wind and other conditions to more evenly dry grain in the plenum. A cleaning device may be positioned adjacent the tower to clean the plenum as the tower rotates, thereby eliminating catwalks and other expensive equipment and devices used for cleaning stationary towers. |
| US09062914B2 |
Method of preventing damage of sterile wraps using a tray liner including a foam layer and a paper layer
The present invention is directed to a two-ply absorbent liner for use in a sterilization process and, more particularly, to an absorbent liner having a foam layer and a paper layer for cushioning sterilization trays and surgical instruments in a sterilization pack and providing advantageous moisture absorption functionality during and after completion of a sterilization process. The absorbent liner functions advantageously with steam or ethylene oxide gas as the sterilization agent. The absorbent liner is fabricated from a foam material, preferably a hydrophilic polymeric foam material, e.g., a hydrophilic polyurethane foam flame laminated to paper, preferably medical grade paper. The disclosed liner may be advantageously utilized in sterilizing surgical instruments and in conjunction with sterilizing trays such that potential residual moisture is eliminated from the surface of the instruments or trays and metal surfaces are cushioned. |
| US09062913B2 |
Cooling fabrics
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to cooling fabrics having an array of cooling elements coupled to a base fabric, and in particular to methods and fabrics that utilize an array of cooling elements coupled to a base material to absorb heat while also maintaining desired properties of the base material. In some embodiments, the cooling elements may include a cooling gel or polymer or a phase change material, and the cooling elements may undergo a chemical or physical change when exposed to moisture, thereby absorbing heat. |
| US09062910B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator may include a main body having at least one storage chamber, a drawer mount installed in the at least one storage chamber that guides at least one drawer provided therein so as to be inserted into and pulled out of the at least one storage chamber, a cover configured to cover an upper opening of the at least one drawer and including guide grooves formed at left and right edges of the cover and guide rails mounted in the guide grooves and formed of metal, a shelf supported by the cover so as to be slidable on the cover by the guide rails, and a pair of supports provided at both sides of a lower surface of the shelf. |
| US09062907B2 |
Refrigerator with sealing apparatus for drawer
A refrigerator includes a drawer, a sealing member disposed between a case and a front part to seal the inside of the case, a manipulation member disposed on the drawer, and a sealing apparatus for closely attaching the front part to the case and maintaining the front part closely attached to the case by the manipulation of the manipulation member. The sealing apparatus includes a hook part disposed on the case and a latch member connected to the manipulation member on the front part to move according to the manipulation of the manipulation member, thereby being inserted into the hook part, the latch member being configured so that the front part moves toward the case and is closely attached to a front surface of the case according to a contact state with the hook part. |
| US09062905B2 |
Low temperature device with low-vibration sample holding device
A low temperature device has a low temperature container with an investigational opening. A material sample to that is to be examiner is mounted on a sample-holding device in the low temperature container. A sample that is fastened to the sample holding device can be cooled to the desired temperature using a cooling device, such as a pulse tube cooler, with a cold head that is inside the low temperature container. The sample holder is disposed in the low temperature container in such a way that the sample can be seen through the investigational opening. Because the investigational opening is flexible and not rigidly connected to the low temperature container, vibrations produced by the mechanical cooling device are prevented from being transferred to the investigational opening. Thus, a vibration-sensitive investigating and manipulating device can be coupled to the investigational opening without vibrations being transferred to the investigating and manipulating device. |
| US09062900B2 |
Integrated evaporator and accumulator for refrigerant systems
A space-saving cooling system for an aircraft may include an evaporator in an enclosure with an accumulation region in the enclosure for a liquid mixture of liquid refrigerant and lubricating oil. Space saving may be achieved through a combining of evaporator functions and accumulator functions in a single enclosure. A heat exchanger may be interposed between the evaporator and the compressor for heating refrigerant emerging from the evaporator so that liquid refrigerant does not reach an inlet of the compressor. |
| US09062899B2 |
Pairs of working substances for absorption heat pumps, absorption refrigeration machines and heat transformers
A working substance pairing comprising a working substance and an ionic liquid, its use in absorption heat pumps, absorption refrigeration machines and heat transformers and also corresponding apparatuses. |
| US09062893B2 |
Speed adjustment of an actuator for an HVAC system
An actuator for moving a component of an HVAC system includes a housing, a motor, and a hub configured to receive a shaft. The actuator also includes a processing circuit configured to temporarily shift the actuator from a first speed mode to a second speed mode that is different than the first speed mode upon receiving an input signal. |
| US09062892B2 |
Ventilation system
A ventilation system (S) includes: a first ventilation device (10a) and a second ventilation device (10b) each including an air supply fan (26) and an exhaust fan (25); a booster fan (1) placed upstream in supply air of the air supply fan (26) of each of the ventilation devices (10a, 10b); and a controller (100) configured to control actuation of the ventilation devices (10a, 10b) and the booster fan (1). The controller (100) determines whether actuation of the ventilation device (10a, 10b) is requested or not, and outputs an actuation signal to the air supply fan (26) to the ventilation device (10a, 10b) whose actuation has been requested such that the booster fan (1) is actuated after the air supply fan (26) has been actuated. |
| US09062890B2 |
Energy recovery ventilator
An energy recovery heat exchanger (100) includes a housing (102). The housing has a first flowpath (144) from a first inlet (104) to a first outlet (106). The housing has a second flowpath (146) from a second inlet (108) to a second outlet (110). Either of two cores may be in an operative position in the housing. Each core has a number of first passageways having open first and second ends and closed first and second sides. Each core has a number of second such passageways interspersed with the first passageways. The ends of the second passageways are aligned with the sides of the first passageways and vice versa. A number of heat transfer member sections separate adjacent ones of the first and second passageways. An actuator is coupled to the carrier to shift the cores between first and second conditions. In the first condition, the first core (20) is in the operative position and the second core (220) is not. In the second condition, the second core is in the operative position and the first core is not. When a core is in the operative position, its first passageways are along the first flowpath and the second passageways are along the second flowpath. |
| US09062888B2 |
Air conditioner
An air conditioner includes a propeller fan within a unit body, an L-shaped heat exchanger on a lateral surface and a rear surface of the unit body, a bell mouth installed radially outward of the propeller fan, and a plate to partition compressor space from propeller fan space, and to guide an airstream from the heat exchanger toward the bell mouth. A first bell mouth portion, which includes a sectional position and thereabout where a length of a segment connecting an end of the heat exchanger on a fan rotating direction side and a fan center is maximized, extends toward an upstream side longer than a second bell mouth portion which is located at a sectional position in a line-symmetrical relation to the first bell mouth portion with respect to a vertical line passing the fan center. |
| US09062887B2 |
Modular heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems and methods
Embodiments of a modular air conditioning (AC) unit include a base unit and a blower selected from a group of blowers configured for different cooling capacities. The module AC unit also includes at least one heat exchanger unit selected from a group of substantially identical modular heat exchanger units, the number of heat exchanger units being selected based upon the desired cooling capacity. The at least one heat exchanger unit and the blower are assembled to the base unit to form a modular air conditioning circuit. |
| US09062885B2 |
Fuel nozzle, gas turbine combustor with the same, and gas turbine with the same
A fuel nozzle for a gas turbine combustor includes: an internal cylinder; a burner cylinder concentrically provided on the outer circumference of the internal cylinder in the vicinity of its distal end to surround the distal end portion of the internal cylinder; an air passage provided between the burner cylinder and the internal cylinder for delivering combustion air; a space provided at an axial center of the internal cylinder and extending in the axial direction of the internal cylinder; a plurality of inner passages provided at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the internal cylinder for injecting fluid through its distal end portion; and at least one communication portion provided on the upstream side of the distal end portion of the internal cylinder and extending from the outer wall of the internal cylinder toward the inner side in the radial direction to communicate with the space. |
| US09062884B2 |
Combustors with quench inserts
A combustor is provided for a turbine engine. The combustor includes a first liner having a first hot side and a first cold side; a second liner having a second hot side and a second cold side, the second hot side and the first hot side forming a combustion chamber therebetween. The combustion chamber is configured to receive an air-fuel mixture for combustion therein. The combustor further includes an insert having a body portion extending through the first liner and terminating at a tip, the body portion configured to direct air flow into the combustion chamber. The insert further includes a cooling hole defined in the body portion and configured to direct a first portion of the air flow toward the tip as cooling air. |
| US09062878B2 |
Corrosion-resistant structure for high-temperature water system and corrosion-preventing method thereof
The present invention provides a corrosion-resistant structure for a high-temperature water system comprising: a structural material 1; and a corrosion-resistant film 3 formed from a substance containing at least one of La and Y deposited on a surface in a side that comes in contact with a cooling water 4, of the structural material 1 which constitutes the high-temperature water system that passes a cooling water 4 of high temperature therein. Due to above construction, there can be provided the corrosion-resistant structure and a corrosion-preventing method capable of operating a plant without conducting a water chemistry control of cooling water by injecting chemicals. |
| US09062875B2 |
LED light source
An LED light source includes a plurality of longitudinal extrusions arranged in an array, the extrusions having an upper and lower end, an interior longitudinal slot, and outside longitudinal grooves. A printed circuit board is fitted and supported within the extrusion slots and has wiring. A plurality of LEDs is connected in series to the wiring, spacedly mounted along the board. High frequency electronic driver means is connected in series to the LEDs on the printed circuit boards and adapted to be further connected to a DC power source. A power supply for connection to and converting available AC to DC, is connected to the driver means. Lenses have ends fitted within the extrusion grooves, the lenses spaced from and covering the printed circuit boards and LEDs thereon. Upper and lower end caps are affixed to the upper and lower ends of the extrusions, respectively, and hold the printed circuit boards and lenses in place. A means is provided for connecting the light source to an external fixture. The driver means and power supply may be positioned within the extrusion array. Water and dirt resistant seals may be placed on the upper and lower end caps, a plug holding the upper seal in place and a disc positioned beneath the lower seal for preventing damage to same. |
| US09062870B2 |
UV bulb configuration
A UV light and socket assembly having a pin and hole arrangement with a central pin and corresponding hole with peripheral pins and corresponding holes arranged approximately 120 degrees from each other from the central pin and opening. The light and socket assembly including a locating projection and corresponding locating opening that receives the projection that is positioned so as to be aligned with one of the peripheral pin and openings and the central pin and opening. |
| US09062869B2 |
Lighting apparatus with mounting bracket, and method
A lighting apparatus has an upper housing assembly and at least one additional housing assembly. The upper housing assembly has a top wall and at least one sidewall. The top wall includes a mounting portion with mounting brackets that are configured to attach to respective extension members when the lighting apparatus is rotated into a locking arrangement, with the mounting plate. |
| US09062868B2 |
Light emitting diode luminaire
A luminaire includes a light fixture having a heat conductive shell having an opening and at least one LED positioned on a plate within the heat conductive shell to emit light through the opening, wherein the heat conductive shell further comprises an ionic wind fan positioned on the plate so as to directly cool said at least one LED by moving air heated by the at least one LED through the opening. |
| US09062865B2 |
Housing and light emitting device having the same
A housing of light emitting device including a first part for accommodating a light emitting diode module and providing a space for heat dissipation is disclosed. The first part includes an outline casing forming an enclosed room and at least one heat conductive structure disposed inside the enclosed room. The heat conductive structure couples to a heat dissipating side and a light emitting side of the outline casing. |
| US09062861B2 |
Lens and light source module with same
The present disclosure relates to a lens. The lens includes a bottom surface, a light input surface, a light output surface and reflective structure. The light input surface is a curved surface depressing from a center of the bottom surface. The light output surface is opposite to the bottom surface. The light output surface includes a concave surface located at a center thereof and a convex surface located at peripheral thereof and surrounding the concave surface. The reflective structure is received in the light input surface. The reflective structure includes a plurality of globoid reflective units. The present disclosure also relates to a light source module with the lens. |
| US09062859B2 |
Wafer edge inspection illumination system
Wafer edge inspection approaches are disclosed wherein an imaging device captures at least one image of an edge of a wafer. The at least one image can be analyzed in order to identify an edge bead removal line. An illumination system having a diffuser can further be used in capturing images. |
| US09062855B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a substrate, a light emitting element layer that is on the substrate and that includes a light emitting element, an encapsulation thin film layer that is on the substrate and the light emitting element layer and that encapsulates the light emitting element layer, a buffer film on the encapsulation thin film layer and adhered to the encapsulation thin film layer, and an optical film on the buffer film and adhered to the buffer film. |
| US09062853B2 |
Broadband infrared light emitting device
[PROBLEM] There is provided a broadband infrared light emitting device that radiates infrared light having a band broader than a conventional broadband infrared light emitting device.[MEANS FOR SOLVING] The broadband infrared light emitting device at least includes: a light source 4 that emits first excitation light λ1 in a first wavelength range; a first glass phosphor 51 that has an excitation band in a first wavelength range, and when the first excitation light λ1 is incident thereon, emits second excitation light λ2 in a second wavelength range and first infrared light λ3 in a third wavelength range; and a second glass phosphor 52 that has an excitation band in the second wavelength range and does not have an excitation band in the third wavelength range, and when the second excitation light λ2 is incident thereon, allows the first infrared light λ3 to pass therethrough and emits second infrared light λ4 in a fourth wavelength range, and the broadband infrared light emitting device radiates broadband infrared light including at least a part of the third wavelength range and at least a part of the fourth wavelength range to an outside of the broadband infrared light. |
| US09062850B2 |
Reflecting member and flame sensor
A reflecting member made from a tube-shaped member has an inner peripheral surface that structures a reflecting surface on an axis of the tube-shaped member. A slope, relative to the axis, of a tangent line of the inner peripheral surface in a cross-sectional plane containing the axis changes monotonically along the axis. In relation to a target facing a smaller opening of the tube-shaped member, at a specific distance therefrom, and having a flat region perpendicular to the axis and axially symmetrical relative to the axis, of an electromagnetic radiation incident along the axis from a larger opening of the tube-shaped member, that radiation reflected at a specific location on the larger opening side is incident on one end side of the flat region, and that radiation reflected at a specific location on the smaller opening side is incident on the other end side of the flat region. |
| US09062843B2 |
Lighting unit and luminaire for road and/or street lighting
A lighting unit for use in a luminaire, in particular a luminaire for road and/or street lighting, comprising a plurality of light sources and a reflector unit arranged in front of the light sources to control the distribution of the light emitted by said light sources, wherein he reflector unit comprises a plurality of reflector elements arranged parallel to each other, with at least some of the reflector elements comprising a first portion adapted for total reflection and a second portion adapted for partial reflection. |
| US09062841B2 |
Two-dimension configurable lighting system with enhanced light source placement capabilities
A lighting system having neural hubs that connect to other neural hubs in a manner that allows a lighting system to be configured in a two dimensional pattern that can propagate out from a single neural hub. Straight sections can be provided for use in connection with the neural hubs to enhance the configurability of the lighting system. |
| US09062838B1 |
Downwardly-extending light fixture
A lighting fixture formed having a housing, a lens and a luminaire. The housing having a wall extending between an upper end and a lower end. An upper flange circumscribing the wall and extending outwardly from the upper end of the housing. A lower flange inscribing the wall and inwardly extending from the lower end of the housing. The lens carried by the lower flange. The lighting fixture is carried by the upper flange, such as resting on the grid of a dropped ceiling. The luminaire is carried on an insert, with the insert resting above the upper flange. |
| US09062836B2 |
Cassette for receiving a planar light source
A cassette includes a substantially planar base plate having a first or bottom side and a second or top side. A slide channel capture ring or other retention structure is provided on the first side of the base plate for releasably retaining a planar light source to this side of the base plate. Another slide pocket, or other slide-in retention structure is provided on the second side of the base plate for coupling the cassette to a connector structure. |
| US09062832B2 |
Light emitting diode illumination system
In various embodiments of the invention, a unique construction for Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) with at least one luminescent rod and extracting optical elements used to generate a variety of high brightness light sources with different emission spectra. In an embodiment of the invention, forced air cooling is used to cool the luminescent rod. In an embodiment of the invention, totally internal reflected light can be redirected outward and refocused. In another embodiment of the invention, light emitted by the luminescent rod is out-coupled for use in a variety of applications. |
| US09062831B2 |
LED module with improved cooling and LED lamp with LED modules distributed three-dimensionally
The present disclosure provides an LED module and an LED lamp made of the same. In one aspect, an LED module includes a base, an LED circuit board fixed on the base, and one or more LED lamp beads located on the LED circuit board, each of the LED lamp beads being provided with one lens disposed on the LED circuit board, the base being provided with a plurality of cooling fins and at least one air convection cooling hole traversing through the base. In another aspect, an LED lamp includes non-planar LED module mounting plate, which is provided with a plurality of said LED modules distributed in different directions in the three-dimensional space. The LED lamp has a higher light utilization rate, greatly improving the illumination uniformity, thus having high light efficiency. |
| US09062829B2 |
Rectangular parallelepiped fluid storage and dispensing vessel
A fluid storage and dispensing apparatus including a fluid storage and dispensing vessel having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and an integrated gas cabinet assembly including such fluid storage and dispensing apparatus and/or a point-of-use ventilation gas scrubber in the vented gas cabinet. By the use of physical adsorbent and chemical sorbent media, the gas cabinet can be enhanced in safety of operation, e.g., where the process gas supplied from the gas cabinet is of a toxic or otherwise hazardous character. |
| US09062825B2 |
Grease gun
A grease gun head has a rotating cylindrical lobed channel situated within the head so that the grease gun may utilize its own grease pump to refill its grease reservoir. The channel and configuration of ports may also be modified to remove the need for rotation of the grease channel. |
| US09062822B2 |
Stand device for mobile terminal
A stand device for a mobile terminal is provided. The device includes a body and at least one slope unit. The body has a seat and a lower side. The seat seats the mobile terminal thereon. The lower side of the body is curved so that the body may be tilted. The at least one slope unit tilts the body in a relevant direction by moving a center of mass. |
| US09062821B2 |
Apparatus for suspending and releasably holding an electronic media device having a viewable screen
An apparatus for releasably holding an electronic media device having a generally flat screen on which an image can be electronically displayed. In one form, such apparatus includes a base including hinged first segment and a second segments whereby allowing the base segments to be adjustably positioned and held in selected angular positions relative to each other so as to substantially reduce an operative length of the base and facilitate storage and transportation of the apparatus. The first segment of the apparatus includes structure for suspending the base from a support. The second segment of the apparatus includes structure for receiving, releasably holding and stabilizing the electronic media device with the generally flat screen of such device facing away from the front of the base. |
| US09062820B2 |
Holder mechanism for a multi-function electronic device
In an embodiment, a holder mechanism is provided. The holder mechanism has an upper and a lower sliding plate, an upper and a lower lever guide arm, and an upper and a lower spring. The sliding plates have an adjustment lever plate rod slot and one or more fingers. The lever guide arms have a hinge end and a spring end and are hinged to their respective sliding plates at a hinge end. Each spring pulls the spring end of its respective lever guide arm and its respective sliding plate together. An adjustment lever between the sliding plates has an upper and a lower guide rod. Each guide rod is between the respective sliding plate and the respective lever guide arm. An adjustment lever plate rod passes through adjustment lever plate rod slots in the upper and lower sliding plates, and is connected to the adjustment lever. |
| US09062819B1 |
Collapsible computer laptop table
A collapsible computer laptop table having a folding table with a rectangular upper platform with an upper socket, a vertical section having a ball disposed on each end, one ball rotatably disposed within the upper socket, a first lower platform having a squared end spaced apart from a thin edge, a lower socket in receipt of the second ball, a second lower platform having a squared end spaced apart from a thin edge, a pair of 90 degree hinges, one of each 90 degree hinge connecting the first end to the upper platform, one of each 90 degree hinge connecting the second end to the first lower platform, the folding table selectively collapsed to a first position, the table expanded into a second position, and wherein a user selectively sits atop the first lower platform and the second lower platform with the folding table in the second position. |
| US09062815B2 |
Rotational adjuster for item with a hanging loop
A loop adjuster having two parts that are rotatable with respect to each other. Each of the two parts has a slot therein that can be aligned to insert a loop of material therein. The two parts of the loop adjuster can then be rotated with respect to each other to impart a twist in the loop of material. The two parts of the loop adjuster are hollow so that the twisted part of the loop of material is located in the hollow part of the loop adjuster. The two slotted parts of the loop adjuster can be fabricated as hollow hemispheres that are snap locked together at an equator. |
| US09062812B2 |
Holder for portable electronic device
A holder for supporting a portable electronic device and includes a pedestal and a supporting board. The supporting board includes a resisting portion and at least one resonator portion. The resisting portion is mounted on and has a predetermined angle with a top surface of the pedestal. The resonator portion is connected to an edge of the resisting portion and extends from the edge towards a side contrary to the resisting portion a predetermined distance and then extends towards the resisting portion. The resisting portion and the top surface of the pedestal cooperatively support the portable electronic device. The resonator portion is configured to resonate and guide sounds generated by the portable electronic device. |
| US09062811B2 |
Support structure and electronic device using same
An inbuilt support structure for holding an electronic device includes a stand and a holding mechanism. The stand includes a support body and a shaft. The shaft is connected to a first end of the support body. The holding mechanism includes a holding portion and a connecting portion. The connecting portion is positioned on the holding portion and receives the shaft. The holding portion holds the electronic device. A second end of the support body rests stably on an external surface so as to support the electronic device when being viewed. |
| US09062809B2 |
Heatable medium pipe and method for producing same
A heatable medium pipe having at least one pipe connector and heating element, wherein the heating element has a few wires, in particular two wires, and said wires extend continuously along the medium pipe and along the at least one pipe connector. In a method for producing such a heatable medium pipe, the heating element is continuously wound around a tubular medium pipe and the heating element is pre-assembled on the medium pipe in that the heating element is fastened or fixed by at least one fastening element, the medium pipe is cut to a first length for the particular application, the length corresponding to the desired medium pipe length (lR) plus the heating element length (lH) required for wrapping around the at least one pipe connector and the transition area the fastening element is removed in the region outside the desired medium pipe length (lR), the heating element is unwrapped from the medium pipe section cut from the first length, the medium pipe is cut to the desired medium pipe length (lR) to form a second medium pipe section, the medium pipe section is connected to the at least one pipe connector as the medium pipe, and the heating element is at least wrapped around the at least one pipe connector. |
| US09062805B2 |
Quick-connection hydraulic coupling joint
A quick-connection hydraulic coupling joint (1) is described, comprising a female connection component (1a) equipped with a first passage duct (3a) of a pressurized working fluid connected with a first passage opening (5a) of such fluid, and a male connection component (1b) equipped with a second passage duct (3b) of such fluid connected with a second passage opening (5b) of such fluid, such male connection component (1b) being equipped with a projecting connection element (7b) on the surface of which such second passage opening (5b) is arranged, and such female connection component (1a) being equipped with a corresponding seat (7a) on the surface of which such first passage opening (5a) is arranged and is adapted to house therein such projecting connection element (7b) in order to share a common flow axis F-F of such fluid placed at an angle α<<90° with respect to a virtual, front connection interface plane P. |
| US09062803B2 |
Extrudable multilayer tubing
Method of fabricating a polymeric tube for attachment to a prefabricated tubular polymer body comprising: selecting an ethylene copolymer functionalized with a conjugated vinyl moiety, and coextruding an outer tubular layer comprised of the selected functionalized ethylene copolymer together with at least one inner tubular layer comprised of a thermoplastic elastomeric material to form a mating tube having an outer surface comprised of the functionalized ethylene copolymer, a central tubular passage having a longitudinal axis and opposing ends. |
| US09062798B2 |
Pressure regulating device and method of operating a pressure regulating device
A pressure regulating device has a pressure regulating valve with a valve casing and a regulating unit which is movable relative to the former. The regulating unit contains an actuation element which may be moved by a control pressure, and two first and second closing members, each spring-biased in a closed position, which may be switched by the actuation element. The connection between a primary port and a secondary port is controlled by the first closing member. Fixed immovably to the actuation element is a restrictor element which is moved into a restriction position when the actuation element is so positioned that the first closing member is normally moved into its closed position. If, because of a fault, the first closing member is not moved into the closed position, only a very small amount of pressure medium flows to the secondary port, so that consequential damage may be avoided. |
| US09062791B2 |
Electric connection structure of electromagnetic valve drive assembly, electromagnetic valve drive assembly, and vehicle brake fluid pressure control apparatus
An electric connection structure of a solenoid valve drive assembly has a solenoid valve, a coil that drives the solenoid valve, and a housing in which the solenoid valve and the coil are located, so that a terminal of the coil and a terminal inside the housing are electrically connected to each other. In the electric connection structure, a coil urging part that urges the coil is provided between the housing and the coil, and the coil urging part has: a base portion to be attached to the housing, and an elastic portion that extends from the base portion to press the coil. |
| US09062790B2 |
System and method to position and retain a sensor in a faucet spout
A faucet having an electronic valve is provided. The faucet includes a spout having a first end through which a fluid exits, a second end coupled to a faucet body, and a sidewall disposed between the first end and the second end. The spout extends along a curved longitudinal axis. A sensor is disposed completely within the spout along a curved portion of the sidewall. The sensor is operatively coupled to the electronic valve. |
| US09062787B2 |
Valve block, and valve block unit
A valve block and a valve block unit which allow simplification and miniaturization of a pipe arrangement. The valve block includes at least one flow switching valve including a valve body, the valve selectively switching between conductions of a fluid (heat medium), a first pipe (heating outward-flow main pipe) and a second pipe (cooling outward-flow main pipe), switched by the flow switching valve, allowing the fluid to be conveyed therethrough, and a third pipe (first branch pipe) that selectively communicates with the first pipe or the second pipe, the flow switching valve, the first pipe, the second pipe, and the third pipe being connected to each other. |
| US09062783B2 |
Piston bore undercut and methods of manufacturing a piston bore undercut for a series progressive divider valve
A series progressive divider valve comprises a valve body and pistons. The valve body comprises a fluid inlet, piston bores, outlet bores, porting and undercuts. The fluid inlet extends into an exterior of the valve body. The piston bores extend through the valve body from a first end to a second end. Each piston bores includes a piston. The outlet bores extend into the valve body, each outlet bores comprises a first set of outlet bores and a second set of outlet bores. The porting forms a plurality passageways connecting the piston bores to each other and with the outlet bores such that when high pressure fluid is applied to the inlet each of the pistons reciprocates from the first end to the second end in sequence. An undercut is located at an intersection between each passageway and piston bore. |
| US09062780B2 |
Pressure regulator with slide-mount lobes
A pressure regulator for regulating the pressure of a fluid from an associated pressure reservoir includes a regulator body housing a shuttle assembly and supporting a multiplicity of radially-distributed service lobes. Each service lobe includes features in fluid communication with one or more chambers within the regular body, and performs a particular function relating to the pressure and contents within those chambers. Such lobes may include one or more of a bias lobe for regulating pressure within the shuttle bias chamber, a fill lobe through which the reservoir may be filled, a gauge lobe which displays the pressure within the reservoir, and a relief lobe including one or more burst disks to relieve over pressurization in the reservoir or output chamber of the regulator. Each service lobe may slideably engage a respective interface on the regulator body, and be releasably secured there by way of a threaded retainer. |
| US09062779B2 |
Valve assembly
A valve assembly has a valve manifold which includes a housing having a central mixing chamber and a shell surface, and further has at least two diaphragm valves which are each adapted to be attached to a valve port provided on the shell surface. A first valve port has three openings, and the further valve ports each have at least two openings. A respective first opening of the valve ports is in direct fluid communication with the central mixing chamber and the second and third openings of the valve ports are each in fluid communication with an inflow or outflow via a duct. Each valve includes inlets or outlets which correspond with the openings of the valve ports and which are each in fluid communication with an opening. Each valve is adapted to shut or open the flow path between the first opening of a valve port and the second or third opening. |
| US09062772B2 |
Stir chambers for stirring molten glass and high-temperature sealing articles for the same
Stir chambers for stirring molten glass are disclosed. The stir chambers include a support frame, a sealing article, and a removable cover panel. The stir chambers also include a gland coupled to one of the support frame or the removable cover panel, and into which the sealing article is inserted. The stir chambers further include a seal land coupled to one of the support frame or the removable cover panel. The sealing article includes a plurality of ceramic filaments bundled together to form a core portion and a jacket portion that includes a plurality of ceramic filaments woven together. The removable cover panel is coupled to the support frame such that at least a portion of the seal land is positioned inside the gland to compress the sealing article. |
| US09062764B2 |
Clutch control system for transmission
A clutch control system for a transmission for detecting if hydraulic control during shifting is not executed. A first clutch and a second clutch are switched from a disengagement state to an engagement state by receiving a predetermined pressure generated by a hydraulic pump. A transmission executes shifting to an adjacent gear step by operation of switching the engagement state of the first clutch and of the second clutch from one side to the other side. If an elapse time t from the start of clutch switching operation reaches a predetermined time and an input-output speed ratio which is a ratio between engine speed and counter shaft rotational number falls within a predetermined range corresponding to a gear step before shifting, the transmission control unit discontinues the clutch switching operation by stopping the supply of hydraulic pressure to the other side clutch to bring it into the disengagement state. |
| US09062763B2 |
Method for synchronizing a gear on a gearbox shaft
A method for synchronizing a gear on a parallel-shafts vehicle gearbox shaft including at least one primary shaft connected to a power source, one secondary shaft driven by the primary shaft to transmit driving torque to wheels over plural transmission ratios, and at least one mechanism coupling a gear to its shaft to engage a transmission ratio without mechanical synchromesh members. The power source is made to operate to produce a signal commanding the reference torque (T1ref), equal to minimum torque that can be transmitted to minimize a discrepancy (ω2K−ω1) between a primary speed (ω1) and a secondary speed (ω2) multiplied by a reduction ratio (K), when the relevant gear is coupled to its shaft, wherein the control signal is given by the sum (KwKω2−Ksω1+T1int), in which (T1int) is a term derived by integrating the primary speed (ω1). |
| US09062758B2 |
Chainring
A solitary chainring of a bicycle front crankset for engaging a bicycle drive chain, including a plurality of teeth formed about a periphery of the chainring. One or more clearance chamfer surfaces are formed on the chainring body, each of the chamfer surfaces substantially centered between adjacent pairs of the plurality of teeth. |
| US09062755B2 |
Planetary gear assembly
A transmission planetary gear assembly, having: a carrier housing with axial orifice; a pinion shaft fitted through the axial orifice; a first fastener configured to axially secure the pinion shaft with respect to the carrier housing at one end of the shaft; and a second fastener configured to axially secure the pinion shaft with respect to the carrier housing at another end of the shaft. |
| US09062752B2 |
Park release apparatus for a transmission
An apparatus for manually shifting an automatic transmission can include a lever assembly, a coupling member and a lock arrangement. The lever assembly can include a variable length lever. The coupling member can be connected at a first end to the lever assembly and can be adapted to be coupled at a second end to a shift lever of the transmission. The lock arrangement can be associated with the lever assembly, and can be configured to provide for selective movement of the variable length lever between a stowed position having a first length and a deployed position having a second length greater than the first length. Actuation of the lever assembly can be adapted to move the shift lever to manually release a parking lock of the automatic transmission. |
| US09062751B2 |
Rivet for use with angled fixture and method thereof
A method of connecting plates in a torque converter including: forming a head of a rivet with an end surface that is curved or forms multiple planes; forming a portion of an interior surface of the cover to protrude or indent with respect to a surrounding portion of the interior surface; disposing the body of the rivet in respective holes in respective portions of the plates; and displacing the plates such that the end surface of the rivet head contacts the portion of the interior surface, the respective portions of the first and second plates are at an acute angle with respect to the surrounding portion of the interior surface, and a longitudinal axis of the rivet is at an acute angle with respect to a line orthogonal to the surrounding portion of the interior surface. |
| US09062750B2 |
Differential gears with a mechanism for controlling differential motion
A differential device has a clutch which is provided between at least one side gear and a differential case to limit relative rotation of the side gear and the differential case. The clutch includes one or more inner pawl discs and outer pawl discs alternately arranged in an axial direction of the side gear between an inner peripheral surface of the differential case and an outer peripheral surface of the side gear. The side gear includes a gear-side fit part extending in the axial direction to which the inner pawl disc is concave-convex fitted. The differential case includes a case-side fit parts extending in the axial direction to which the outer pawl clutch is concave-convex fitted. At least one of the gear-side fit part and the case-side fit part is formed in a spiral shape angled with respect to the axial direction. |
| US09062747B2 |
Lead screw locking mechanism
A method and apparatus for locking an externally threaded member in place. An apparatus comprises a number of internally threaded members and a shape memory element associated with the number of internally threaded members. The number of internally threaded members is configured to engage the externally threaded member. Changing a baseline shape of the shape memory element to a modified shape either prevents or allows movement of the number of internally threaded members relative to the externally threaded member. |
| US09062743B2 |
Shovel
A shovel includes a turning drive unit. The turning drive unit includes a turning electric motor, a turning speed reducer configured to transmit the rotational driving force of the turning electric motor to a turnable body, and a brake unit configured to maintain the turnable body in a state where the turning of the turnable body is stopped. The turning speed reducer includes a planetary speed reducer including a planetary carrier. The planetary carrier includes an output shaft part that forms an output shaft and a carrier part that holds a planetary gear in such a manner as to allow the rotation of the planetary gear. The output shaft part and the carrier part are fastened by a fastening member. |
| US09062742B2 |
Continuously-variable transmission and continuously-variable transmission control method
A continuously-variable transmission, which has a first pulley, which has a first fixed pulley and a first mobile pulley, a second pulley, which has a second fixed pulley and a second mobile pulley, and a drive force transmitting member, which is stretched between the first pulley and the second pulley, is provided, and this continuously-variable transmission has an indicated pressure calculation section, which calculates the indicated pressure of the first pulley, a stroke speed calculation section, which calculates the stroke speed of the first mobile pulley, and an oil pressure calculation section, which, when oil is discharged from an oil chamber, calculates the amount of increase of oil pressure in a first pulley oil chamber that increases compared to the indicated pressure due to the channel resistance of the discharge path, based on the channel resistance and the stroke speed, and a correction section, which, when oil is discharged from the first pulley oil chamber, subtracts the amount of increase of oil pressure from the first pulley pressure based on a target speed ratio and input torque, and corrects the indicated pressure of the first pulley. |
| US09062741B2 |
Ratchet-type tensioner
A ratchet-type tensioner, comprising: a housing; a plunger supported by the housing for movement in opposite advancing and setback directions, the plunger having rack teeth provided thereon, and being arranged to advance with respect to the housing along the advancing direction for applying tension to a traveling transmission medium engaged with rotating members; and a ratchet mechanism capable of restricting the plunger from setting back due to a reaction force acting in a setback direction from the transmission medium; said ratchet mechanism comprising: a ratchet-receiving hole provided within the housing; a ratchet element slidable in the ratchet-receiving hole and movable in a sliding direction transverse to the advancing and setback directions; ratchet teeth on the ratchet element engageable with the rack teeth of the plunger; and a ratchet-biasing means for biasing the ratchet element in an engaging direction along the sliding direction so that the ratchet teeth engage with the rack teeth; said ratchet mechanism being capable of restricting the plunger from being set back by a reaction force acting in a setback direction from the transmission medium; said rack teeth having a concave-convex form and being composed of stop surfaces facing in the setback direction and sliding surfaces facing in the advance direction, said sliding surfaces being inclined relative to the sliding direction and facing in a disengaging direction opposite from the engaging direction; each of said sliding surfaces having an entry starting location which the ratchet teeth first engage when starting to enter the rack teeth, and an entry ending location where the engagement of the ratchet teeth with the rack teeth ends; each said sliding surface being a curved surface, all of said curved surface, between said entry starting location and said entry ending location of said sliding surface, bulging in the advancing direction of the plunger and in the disengaging direction of the ratchet element from an imaginary reference plane intersecting said entry starting location and said entry ending location of said sliding surface and perpendicular to another imaginary plane to which the advancing and setback direction of the plunger and the sliding direction of the ratchet element are parallel; and at least a part of said curve midway along said curve between the entry starting location and the entry ending location is convex. |
| US09062739B2 |
Electric cylinder
An electric cylinder has a cylinder housing and a clamping assembly in the cylinder housing. An electric motor assembly is coupled with the clamping assembly to drive the clamping assembly between a first and second position. The electric motor assembly has an electric motor with a rotary output. The clamping assembly has a drive pulley assembly coupled with the rotary output. A lead screw is rotatably coupled with the drive pulley for axial movement. The lead screw moves between the first and second positions. A compliance coupling is positioned between the lead screw and the drive pulley. The compliance coupling is axially movable in the pulley assembly for absorbing shock when the piston assembly encounters a stop. |
| US09062736B2 |
Nodal spring assembly for an electronic toothbrush
A nodally mounted spring arrangement for a drive train which is used in an electronic toothbrush which includes a housing. A V shaped spring member (15) is secured at both ends thereof, wherein the spring member has a node point (30) along a ridge line, approximately halfway along the length of the spring member. A mounting plate (26) member is fixedly connected to the node point of the spring member and also fixedly connected to the housing of the toothbrush. |
| US09062735B2 |
Support construction, fixing element and method
The invention relates to a support construction (1) for fabrication equipment of microscopic structures, comprising a monolithic foundation body (3) on which, for fixing the fabrication equipment, a fixing element (6) is provided comprising a resilient element. The fixing element further comprises a rigid element (10) whose rigidity decreases significantly when applying a dynamic force to the fixing element which force exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The support construction is further designed such that, regardless of the size of the dynamic force applied to the fixing element, a static force applied to the fixing element is substantially transmitted via the resilient element to the foundation body. |
| US09062733B2 |
Gas spring oil reservoir
A gas spring includes a housing having an end configured to receive a rod therethrough, the rod extending to a piston movably positionable within the housing. A spacer separates a pair of sealing devices and forming a compartment containing oil that is positioned near the end of the housing, the compartment having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is defined by the sealing devices, the spacer and the rod. The second portion is defined by the sealing devices, the spacer and the housing. The first portion is in fluid communication with the second portion permitting circulation of oil therebetween. |
| US09062732B2 |
Hydraulic pressure spring and method of manufacturing the same
A hydraulic pressure spring 1 includes a hollow cylindrical cylinder 4 having a threaded portion 3 at one end 2 thereof; a closure means 5 which is threadedly engaged with the threaded portion 3 at the one end 2 of the cylinder 4 and closes the one end 2 of the cylinder 4; a closure means 7 which is provided at the other end 6 of the cylinder 4 and closes the other end 6 of the cylinder 4; a compressible liquid 9 which is sealed in an interior 8 of the cylinder 4 and is pressurized to a predetermined pressure; a rod 10 which is passed through the closure means 5 movably in an axial direction A and causes the liquid 9 in the interior 8 of the cylinder 4 to undergo a pressure rise as the rod 10 enters the interior 8 of the cylinder 4; and a piston 11 disposed in the interior 8 of the cylinder 4 and attached to one end of the rod 10. |
| US09062728B2 |
Hinged table brake shoe
A brake shoe for a drum brake is provided. The brake shoe includes an arcuate brake table defining a radially outer side configured to receive a brake lining and a radially inner side opposite the radially outer side. The brake table further defines a plurality of sleeves proximate a first end of the brake table. The sleeves are aligned along an axis and axially spaced from one another. Each of the sleeves is configured to receive an anchor pin therein through which the brake shoe may be pivotally coupled to a brake spider. The sleeves are disposed about more than half of a perimeter of the anchor pin. |
| US09062726B2 |
Disc brake device and caliper
A disc brake device includes a disc rotor, which rotates around a rotation axis, friction pads opposed to friction surfaces of the disc rotor, a first member provided on a fixed part on a vehicle body side, a second member supported so as to be slidable relative to the first member by a slide mechanism, a third member, which holds the friction pads and is supported so as to be swingable relative to the second member around a swing axis in a radial direction of the disc rotor as a center of swing by a swing mechanism, and a return mechanism provided on the swing mechanism to apply force to the third member to restore the same to an initial position in a swing direction. Therefore, the disc brake device has an effect of inhibiting abnormal noise. |
| US09062718B2 |
Connection of a shaft to a mounting part
In a connection of a shaft to a mounting part, in particular a shaft-hub connection, the shaft has a first axial region which is able to be accommodated in the mounting part, the shaft has an additional axial region which has a larger diameter than in the first axial region, a transition region is provided between the first and additional axial region, whose diameter increases in the axial direction from the first to the additional axial region, from the value of the diameter of the first axial region to the value of the diameter of the additional axial region, in particular not exclusively abruptly, a bushing is provided between the shaft and the mounting part, the bushing having an axial region, in particular an axial terminal region, which is elastically deflectable by the transition region such that it is pressed against the wall of the mounting part, in particular when the shaft is inserted into the mounting part. |
| US09062716B2 |
Guide carriage
A moveable guide carriage forms a linear roller bearing on a guide rail. The guide carriage has four endlessly revolving rows of rollers that are guided in respective roller tracks. The guide carriage has a central main body with two end sides that are spaced apart from each other in the direction of movement. A respective end cap is arranged on the two end sides of the main body. The rows of rollers are deflected in the end caps. At least one of the end caps includes a lubricant input on an outer side. The guide carriage includes a branching lubricant line between the lubricant input and the four rows of rollers or the four roller tracks. At least two internal nonreturn valves are provided in the lubricant line in the interior of the end cap or between the end cap and the main body. |
| US09062707B2 |
Bearing member, end member, photosensitive drum unit, process cartridge, and method for manufacturing bearing member
A bearing member placed at an end of a photosensitive drum, and a shaft member is attached thereto. The bearing member has a cylindrical body and a retaining portion placed in the cylindrical body, retaining a torque transmission pin provided in the shaft member, and removably provided. The retaining portion is provided with swaying grooves at least two grooves extending in an axial direction of the cylindrical body, placed opposite each other, and whose bottoms have each a curved surface exhibiting a bow with respect to the axial direction; inlet grooves at one end thereof connected to the respective swaying grooves and at the other end thereof connected to outside of the retaining portion and placed at an upstream position with respect to the swaying grooves along a direction of rotation of the cylindrical body; and a pedestal interposed, at one end, between the two swaying grooves. |
| US09062706B2 |
Mechanism for operating vehicle split seat
The present invention provides a mechanism for operating a vehicle split seat whereby operation levers of two seat backs can be arranged compactly on a wall surface of a luggage compartment or the like such that the two operation levers have the same pivot support point, without impairing operability of the levers.Two operation levers 31, 32 are respectively connected to locking mechanisms of at least two adjacent seat backs 11B by way of operation cables 22, 23, the operation levers 31, 32 being formed of a central lever 32 and an outer lever 31 provided outside the central lever having the same pivot support point, operation parts being provided on the free end sides of arm parts of both the levers 31, 32 and operating spaces X, Y, Z which allow both the levers 31, 32 to be operated individually also being provided. |
| US09062705B2 |
Lockable single piece nut assembly
A nut assembly is provided. The nut assembly includes a nut having a bottom extension surface and an intermediate member. The intermediate member includes at least one radially extending slot. The nut assembly also includes a washer having a base and an inner wall. The inner wall has a locking feature. The nut and the washer are operably coupled by a plurality of locking pins. The locking pin slidingly fits in the slot on the intermediate member and engages the locking feature when the nut assembly is in the installed configuration. |
| US09062704B2 |
Compact, portable resistance heating device
A compact, portable resistance heating device that takes a source of alternating current electricity and through a series of connections and circuitry splits the alternating current electricity into a plurality of circuits. The compact, portable resistance heating device is capable of heating a plurality of cartridge heaters at one time, individually or a combination thereof. The compact, portable resistance heating device is controlled by at least one controller that controls three (3) power output receptacles. The controller is capable of producing 0-100% output power to each respective cartridge heater. Each cartridge heater may be individually controlled by an on/off switch, and an indicator light may be provided and illuminate when each cartridge heater is energized. The cartridge heaters of the compact, portable resistance heating device do not require close tolerances with an axial bore of a stud or threaded bolt and are further capable of being bent to suit the particular operation. |
| US09062703B2 |
Blind rivet and workpiece arrangement
A blind rivet having a rivet sleeve and a pin, the rivet sleeve having a sleeve head for contact with a visible-side workpiece surface and a sleeve shank and a through hole, through which the pin is guided, the pin having a blind-side pin head for contact in the region of a blind-side end of the sleeve shank, and the sleeve shank having a first forming section and a second forming section which is arranged axially spaced apart from the first forming section and closer to the sleeve head, a first intermediate section being formed between the first and the second forming section, which first intermediate section, during setting of the blind rivet, can form a first blind head which can be formed at axially different points in order to set up different clamping thicknesses. |
| US09062701B2 |
Pitch diameter shank bolt with shear sleeve
A fastener includes a fastening portion including a head, a threaded portion having a first diameter, and a shank having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter. The shank is located between the head and the threaded portion. A sleeve surrounds the shank. The sleeve and the shank are uncoupled. |
| US09062694B2 |
Linear actuator and position sensing apparatus therefor
A linear actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder has linear position sensing apparatus. At least one magnet is provided in a recess in outer surface of the piston for generating a magnetic field that passes through the wall of the cylinder housing. A magnetic sensor arrangement determines the axial position of the piston relative to the housing and comprises at least a pair of magnetic sensor elements arranged at spaced apart locations along the external surface of the wall for sensing the strength of the magnetic field passing through the wall of the housing. The recess in the piston is axially positioned between the first and second end surfaces of the piston and the at least one magnet is disposed between axially spaced north and south pole pieces. |
| US09062682B2 |
Applications of pump performance monitoring
The present invention provides a processor or signal processing module that features one or more modules configured to receive an input signal containing information about the unsteady pressures or acoustic emissions caused by a medium flowing through a pump, and also configured to provide of an output signal containing information about the performance of the pump. The information about the performance of the pump may include information about pump performance monitoring by a slip flow measurement, about predicting impeller wear, about pump impeller cavitation monitoring, about pump monitoring through acoustic emissions, about pump leak detection, about pump efficiency monitoring and about positive displacement pump monitoring. |
| US09062680B2 |
Dual channel compliant turbine pump
A pump has a housing that defines a pump chamber (200) with a fluid inlet and outlet (26, 28). An impeller (30) is mounted for rotation in the pump chamber. A raceway (40) is in floating axial relationship with the impeller and divides the pump chamber into an inlet chamber (202), an impeller chamber (204) and a discharge chamber (206). The raceway has preferably two flow channels, in separated end-to-end arrangement. Each flow channel has an inlet passage and an outlet passage, establishing a fluid conduit from the inlet chamber to the impeller chamber and then to the discharge chamber. A spring (60) provides resistance to axial movement of the raceway away from the impeller. A seal chamber (42) formed on the raceway and pressurized by the fluid, urges the raceway towards the impeller. |
| US09062679B2 |
Double throat pulsation dampener for a compressor
A method of attenuating fluid dynamic pulsations that propagate through a flow of fluid at a convective velocity of the fluid, the pulsations having an organized vortical structure includes directing the flow to a pulsation dampener inlet having a first area and transitioning the organized vortical structure to a small-scale turbulent structure by squeezing the vorticies by passing the flow of fluid through a passage having a second area that is smaller than the first area, then rapidly expanding the flow of fluid by passing it into a chamber having a third area measured at an inlet of the chamber that is substantially larger than the second area. The method also includes discharging the flow of fluid from the chamber. The flow of fluid includes substantially attenuated fluid dynamic pulsations and acoustic pulsations that travel through the flow of fluid at the speed of sound. |
| US09062678B2 |
Hermetically sealed compressor
A hermetically sealed compressor in which the occurrence of heat generation and insulation breakdown is reduced at the connection portion between a lead wire of a motor and an external terminal is configured as follows. The compressor main body and the motor are integrally structured. The flow path of a fluid to be compressed is in fluid communication with the internal space of the motor. The stator of the motor is formed by winding each of a plurality of independent coils in multiple turns. Each of the coils is provided with a separate external terminal. |
| US09062676B2 |
Positive displacement pump with improved sealing arrangement and related method of making
A rotary positive displacement pump comprising a pair of forwardly-positioned sealing arrangements and a pair of rearwardly-positioned selective sealing arrangements. The forwardly-positioned sealing arrangements each form a dynamic seal between a central portion of the one of the rotors and a corresponding hub proximate the forward ends of the shafts on which the rotors are received. The rearwardly-positioned selective sealing arrangements are located between the gear case and the pump body proximate the rearward ends of the shafts. When the rotors are secured to the shafts, the rearwardly-positioned selective sealing arrangements do not establish seals between the gear case and the pump body. However, when the rotors are removed from the shafts, the rearwardly-positioned selective sealing arrangements establish seals between the gear case and the pump body. |
| US09062672B2 |
Pump module, pump base module and pump system
The invention-base pump module comprises a linear pump channel which is curved at least in sections, a pump channel inlet and a pump channel outlet, wherein the pump channel inlet and the pump channel outlet are connected with the pump channel for supplying a fluid into the pump channel and discharging a fluid from the pump channel, so that through a periodically rotating deformation of the membrane a fluid can be pumped through the pump channel from the pump channel inlet to the pump channel outlet, wherein in the section between the pump channel inlet and the pump channel outlet the pump channel is designed in a way that differs from a genuine circular design. |
| US09062670B2 |
Diaphragm machine with a plurality of pump chambers
A diaphragm machine including a drive unit for producing pulsating hydraulic fluid flows for driving the diaphragms, and a delivery unit for delivering a delivery medium and having pump chambers with volumes that can be varied by the movement of a respective diaphragm. Each pump chamber is connected by a pressure valve to a pressure line and by a suction valve to a suction line. The delivery unit includes at least two hydraulic bodies and a diaphragm body in which the pressure and suction lines are arranged. Each hydraulic body is connected to the drive unit, and formed between each hydraulic body and the diaphragm body is a cavity in which one of the diaphragms is arranged so that by production of the pulsating hydraulic fluid flows, the diaphragms are moved within the cavities and the delivery medium is periodically transferred from the suction line into the pressure line. |
| US09062666B2 |
Swash plate type variable displacement compressor and method of controlling solenoid thereof
The swash plate type variable displacement compressor includes a rotary shaft, a swash plate, a plurality of pistons, a first rotor, a second rotor, a solenoid and a cone clutch. The second rotor transmits the rotation of the first rotor to the swash plate. The solenoid produces electromagnetic force that acts on the first rotor or the second rotor so that the first rotor and the second rotor move toward each other. The cone clutch is engageable by energization of the solenoid. The cone clutch has a male cone portion and a female cone portion. The male cone portion has a conical surface provided on one of the first rotor and the second rotor. The female cone portion has a conical surface provided on the other. The conical surface of the female cone portion is connectable to and disconnectable from the conical surface of the male cone portion. |
| US09062660B2 |
Bearing for wind turbine
A bearing has a circular element (12) normally fixed with respect to ground (111). The circular element (12) associated with the ground element is permitted to idle in rotation, so as to distribute wear around the circumference thereof. Various means of controlling and causing idle rotation are disclosed. Rolling elements (113) are preferably provided between inner and outer races (112, 115) of a bearing assembly. |
| US09062654B2 |
Modular micro wind turbine
A modular wind turbine has been developed that includes a turbine housing that contains a circular stabilization ring. The turbine also includes a central hub with multiple airfoil blades that are attached to the interior of the circular stabilization ring. A drive shaft extends from the central hub that turns an electric generator with multiple magnets and coils that generate electricity upon rotation of the of the drive shaft. |
| US09062653B2 |
Changing a mode of operation of a wind turbine
A method of operating a wind turbine has the following steps: receiving (13) multiple sensor signals being indicative of the state of the wind turbine (19); analyzing (14) the multiple sensor signals in order to determine whether a specific alarm condition is met as predefined in one of a plurality of different predefined alarm scenarios (30); further analyzing (15) at least one of the multiple sensor signals in accordance with analyzing steps as predefined in the alarm scenario (30) for which the specific alarm condition is met in order to determine (16) whether the wind turbine (19) is to be put into either a predefined safe mode, a shutdown mode or a continued operation mode. |
| US09062650B2 |
Wells turbine having passive rotor blade displacement
The invention concerns a Wells turbine, comprising a hub with a plurality of rotor blades having a drop-shaped profile orienting from a profile nose; the rotor blades are attached to the hub in a rotary fashion by means of a foot part such that the rotor blade angle is variable with respect to the plane of rotation, wherein the associated rotational axis intersects the chord for each profile section in a threading point, which is located in a region between the profile nose and the aerodynamic center of the profile; the adjustment of the blade angle is made passively by the equilibrium occurring during the operation of the wells turbine between the aerodynamic torque, acting on the rotor blades, and the centrifugal torque, wherein the average density of the rotor blade is selected to be less than 2700 kg/m3 and/or the mass distribution within the profile is selected such that the surface centrifugal torque of the rotor blade is reduced relative to a profile made from a solid and/or the surface centrifugal torque of the rotor blades is at least partially balanced by compensatory weights, disposed at a distance from the rotational axis and perpendicular to the chord. |
| US09062648B2 |
Method for operating a HF ignition system
The invention relates to a method for operating a HF ignition system, wherein electrical energy for generating a corona discharge is fed with a voltage pulse into the HF ignition system and a series of measured values of an electrical variable is measured during the voltage pulse, and the measured values are evaluated in order to detect malfunctions. It is provided according to the invention that the measured values are evaluated by determining a characteristic variable for the fluctuation range of the same and comparing the determined characteristic variable with a threshold, or in that by means of a transformation of said series, the frequency spectrum of said series is calculated, and it is checked for at least one frequency range if a threshold is exceeded. |
| US09062647B2 |
Semiconductor device including current control function and self-interrupt function
In aspects of the invention, there is provided an igniting semiconductor device that can prevent burning of an IGBT or ignition coil, and erroneous ignition, even when reducing the size of a capacitor that generates a self-interrupting circuit time constant. In some aspects, a semiconductor device of the invention is configured of an IGBT and a current control circuit. The current control circuit can be configured of a first series circuit wherein an IGBT and a sense resistor are connected in series, a drive signal control circuit, and a self-interrupting circuit. At a time of abnormal operation, the self-interrupting circuit can output a voltage whose amplitude temporally drops in stages toward 0V to the drive signal control circuit. The drive signal control circuit can control the amplitude of a drive control signal so that the voltage across the sense resistor is equivalent to the output voltage of the self-interrupting circuit. |
| US09062646B2 |
Starter
In a starter, an output shaft is supported by a main tube body according to a direct contacting structure that outer surfaces other than a male helical spline and inner surfaces other than a female helical spline of a pinion tube contact directly. Thereby, the output shaft can be supported by the pinion tube without other parts. As a result, a clearance that occurs in a radial direction can be limited to a clearance in the radial direction formed between an outer surfaces of the output shaft and an inner surfaces of the pinion tube regarding a support of the output shaft by the pinion tube, and since an inclination of the pinion tube and the pinion relative to the output shaft can be suppressed, a life improvement effect of the starter can be enhanced. |
| US09062643B2 |
Method for determining the amount of fuel leaving an injector
A method for determining the quantity of fuel leaving an injector of a direct-injection diesel engine, the quantity of fuel supplying a cylinder of the engine in which a piston moves, the injection of fuel being performed by a pilot injection during which a first quantity of fuel is injected into the cylinder followed by a main injection during which a second quantity of fuel, greater than the first quantity of fuel, is injected into the cylinder, the method including the following steps: a) operating the engine at idle speed, b) determining the maximum pressure in the cylinder, and c) determining, from the maximum pressure, the quantity of fuel injected into the cylinder during the pilot injection, by way of a predefined one-to-one relationship, at idle speed, between a maximum pressure value in the cylinder and a quantity of fuel injected into the cylinder during the pilot injection. |
| US09062639B1 |
Dual inlet air induction system with panel filter for vehicle engine
An air induction system includes a housing defining an inner cavity. The housing has a first wall with a first air inlet, a second wall with a second air inlet, and an air outlet for directing air to the vehicle engine. A panel filter is mounted within the housing and divides the inner cavity so that the first inlet and the second inlet are upstream of the panel filter and the outlet is downstream of the panel filter when air flows through the housing from either of the air inlets to the air outlet and through the panel filter from a first side of the filter to a second side of the filter. The first air inlet, the second air inlet, and the panel filter are positioned so that the first side is lower than the second side when the housing is installed in the vehicle. |
| US09062637B2 |
Turbocharged engine purge flow monitor diagnostic
A method is provided for testing the evaporative emission system of a vehicle having a forced induction engine. The method includes controlling a vacuum bypass valve and a purge flow control valve to create the necessary conditions to perform the testing of the evaporative emission system. The method determines whether an evaporative system integrity monitor switch is open after a timer is initiated and the vacuum bypass valve is opened. |
| US09062634B1 |
EGR cooler
An EGR cooler core has multiple tubes for conveying engine exhaust gas. Tube inlets are joined to a flat inlet header plate at tube/header plate joints in a flat zone of the inlet header plate. An endless groove in the inlet header plate circumscribes the joints while reducing a constant nominal thickness of the header plate in the flat zone along the groove without creating an opening through the header plate. This gives some compliance to the flat zone for mitigation of stresses induced by tube growth. |
| US09062629B2 |
Carburetor fuel supply system
A purge and prime assembly for a carburetor includes a purge and prime pump that alternately takes in and discharges fluid, and a plurality of passages through which fluid is routed. The passages may include a purge passage through which fluid is drawn by the purge and prime pump, a return passage through which fluid is discharged from the purge and prime pump and discharged from the carburetor, and a priming passage through which a portion of the fluid discharged from the purge and prime pump is routed to a main bore of the carburetor. The assembly may also include a purge valve that prevents fluid from being discharged from the purge prime pump through the purge passage, and a return valve that prevents fluid in the return passage from being drawn into the purge and prime pump. |
| US09062625B2 |
Fuel control system and fuel control method of a gasoline direct injection engine
A fuel control system and fuel control method of gasoline direct injection engine can improve noise vibration harshness (NVH) by preventing fuel from flowing backward into a low pressure pump by determining whether the ignition of the engine is turned off and maintaining the operation of an inlet valve of a high pressure pump for a predetermined time when the ignition of the engine is determined to be turned off. |
| US09062624B2 |
Fuel injector communication system
An injector for a fuel injection system comprising: input means for receiving drive signals from an injector drive circuit for controlling operation of the injector, and an ID chip wherein the injector further comprises an electronic latch means arranged to move between a first state in which the electronic latch means is arranged to be enabled such that the ID chip is in communication with the injector drive circuit via the input means, and a second state in which the electronic latch means is arranged to be disabled such that the ID chip is not in communication with the injector drive circuit via the input means wherein the electronic latch means is arranged to move from the first state to the second state upon receipt at the injector of a drive pulse signal from the injector drive circuit. |
| US09062623B2 |
Method and diagnostic device for diagnosing a heatable exhaust gas sensor of an internal combustion engine
A method is described for diagnosing a heatable exhaust gas sensor of an internal combustion engine, in which a predefined chronologically varying or constant voltage or a predefined chronologically varying or constant current is generated with the aid of a voltage source, the voltage or the current is applied to terminals of the exhaust gas sensor, a current or applied voltage, which flows through the voltage source when the voltage or the current is applied, is detected, and the current or the voltage is analyzed to diagnose the exhaust gas sensor. To diagnose the exhaust gas sensor, which permits a reliable and accurate diagnosis of the exhaust gas sensor and allows a statement about the type of a possibly existing error on the exhaust gas sensor, the method is executed independently of a control and/or regulating unit of the internal combustion engine, an operating temperature of the exhaust gas sensor being regulated to a predefined temperature value with the aid of a regulating element, which is separate from the control and/or regulating unit. |
| US09062622B2 |
Air-fuel ratio control apparatus
An air-fuel ratio control apparatus of the present invention comprises an inverse direction spike introducing section and an inverse direction spike interval setting section. The inverse direction spike introducing section introduces, while an air-fuel ratio correction required by an output of a downstream air-fuel ratio sensor is being carried out, an inverse direction spike which is an air-fuel ratio spike to temporarily change an air-fuel ratio of an exhaust gas toward a direction opposite to a direction of the air-fuel ratio correction with respect to a target control air-fuel ratio. The inverse direction spike interval setting section sets, based on an operating state of an internal combustion engine system, an inverse direction spike interval which is an interval between two of the inverse direction spikes next to each other in time. |
| US09062617B2 |
Autostarting a vehicle based on user criteria
A method of remotely performing a vehicle autostart function when starting a vehicle engine. A vehicle may be associated with a handheld communication device (HCD) using a vehicle mobile application (e.g., on the HCD). Using the application, a configuration of at least one vehicle function and autostart criteria may be received. The auto-start criteria may define a geographic area. It may be determined that the vehicle and the HCD are located within the geographic area at a time when it is desirable to autostart the vehicle. Weather data may be determined for the geographic area at that time. The vehicle's engine may be autostarted and at least one vehicle autostart function may be performed. |
| US09062613B1 |
Variable stroke and compression ratio internal combustion engine
A variable stroke and compression ratio internal combustion engine comprised of: a conventional crank shaft, a horizontal connecting rod, and a swinging block, which constitutes a typical swinging block slider crank mechanism; and a piston, a vertical connecting rod, and a pin mounted on the horizontal connecting rod, which constitutes a typical slider crank mechanism. The pivot of the swinging block is moveable based on a certain controlling strategy to realize variations of strokes and compression ratios. |
| US09062610B2 |
Exhaust cone
A gas turbine engine exhaust cone (40) comprising one or more acoustic absorption chambers (48), each chamber (48) comprising two side walls (50) and an acoustic attenuation wall (62). The side walls (50) define the circumferential extent of the chamber (48). The acoustic attenuation wall (62) has one or more acoustic attenuators (64) and is positioned circumferentially intermediate the side walls (50). The side walls (50) extend axially along the exhaust cone (40) at least one of them with a circumferential progression. The acoustic attenuation wall (62) extends axially along the exhaust cone (40) with or without a circumferential progression. |
| US09062607B2 |
Method of operating a gas turbine power plant and gas turbine power plant
A method of operating a gas turbine power plant with a first gas turbine group, including a first turbine assembly, and a second gas turbine group, including a compressor assembly and a second turbine assembly which are mechanically coupled to one another, and useful work is extracted by a device being included in the plant, where a flue gas stream is produced by a combustion device, which is placed in a gas flow stream upstream of the second turbine assembly, where the second turbine assembly and compressor assembly are balanced to each other such that work produced by the second turbine assembly is consumed by the compressor assembly, and where the first turbine assembly is balanced to the device for the extraction of useful work such that work produced by the first turbine assembly is consumed by the device for the extraction of useful work. |
| US09062599B2 |
Crankshaft support structure in internal combustion engine
In a crankshaft support structure of an internal combustion engine, an oil pump can be miniaturized with miniaturizing the internal combustion engine by using a slide bearing. In the support structure for the crankshaft supported by right-left split crankcases 25 which are joined from both the sides in the axial direction of the crankshaft 41 so as to sandwich the crankshaft 41 therebetween, slide bearings 111 are applied to both crank bearings for supporting both the ends of the crankshaft 41, and a roller bearing 112 is applied to a bearing for a big end portion 42. |
| US09062598B2 |
Internal combustion engine operable in homogeneous-charge compression mode
In an internal combustion engine, a valve actuating mechanism actuates an intake valve member to open an intake port, and actuates an exhaust valve member to return a first part of exhaust gas with a high-temperature from a gas exhaust passage into a combustion chamber via an exhaust port. A cooling and recirculation system recirculates a second part of the exhaust gas from the gas exhaust passage into the gas intake passage via a recirculation passage while cooling the second part of the exhaust gas. This results in a stratified temperature distribution of a high-temperature mixture of first fresh air and the first part of the exhaust gas with the high temperature and a low-temperature mixture of second fresh air and the second part of the exhaust gas with a low temperature in the combustion chamber. |
| US09062595B2 |
Turbocharger operating system and method for an internal combustion engine
A method of operating a turbocharger apparatus on an internal combustion engine, having a first oil circuit and a second oil circuit, includes steps of sensing a plurality of engine operating parameters via a plurality of sensors associated with the internal combustion engine; providing oil to the engine from the first oil circuit at a first pressure level; controlling operation of the second oil circuit for said engine via an electronic control unit, based on the sensed engine operating parameters; and applying a variable hydraulic preload to said first and second bearing assemblies via the operation of the second oil circuit, wherein oil from the second oil circuit is provided at a second pressure level which is different from the first pressure level. A system usable for carrying out such method is also described. |
| US09062591B2 |
Fan system for a cooling system of an internal combustion engine
Fan system (1) for a cooling system of an internal combustion engine, having an electric machine (2) and an impeller wheel (3), wherein the electric machine (2) comprises a pole housing (20), which is rotatably mounted by means of a bearing (21, 22), wherein the impeller wheel (3) is coupled to the pole housing (20) of the electric machine (2), wherein the impeller wheel (3) has a first engagement element (40), and the pole housing (20) has a second engagement element (50) which corresponds to the first engagement element (40), wherein the two engagement elements (40, 50) engage one in the other in such a way that they form a bearing seat (212) for the bearing (21) of the pole housing (20). |
| US09062588B2 |
Exhaust system of saddle-ride type vehicle
A saddle-ride type vehicle that allows easy axle adjustment even if the exhaust system has such a structure wherein a muffler is close to an axle of a rear wheel. The exhaust system includes a tubular muffler connected to an exhaust pipe for discharging the exhaust of an engine. In the exhaust system, the muffler is disposed laterally to a rear wheel rotatably supported by swingarms via an axle. An end cap covering a muffler rear end portion of the muffler is detachably and attachably provided on the muffler rear end portion with the end cap being disposed on a vehicle outer side of the axle at such a position that the axle is invisible in a side view of the vehicle. |
| US09062586B2 |
Impermeable polymer coating on selected honeycomb channel surfaces
Absorbent structures for CO2 capture include a honeycomb substrate having partition walls that extend through the honeycomb substrate. The partition walls have channel surfaces that define a plurality of individual channels including a plurality of reaction channels and a plurality of heat-exchange channels. The reaction channels and the heat-exchange channels are arranged such that individual reaction channels are in thermal communication with individual heat-exchange channels. Surfaces of the reaction channels surfaces include a sorbent material, and surfaces of the heat-exchange channels include a coating layer. The coating layer includes a water-impermeable layer formed from a polymer material. The polymer material of the water-impermeable layer does not substantially penetrate into the sorbent material of the partition walls or of the reaction-channel surfaces. Methods for forming the absorbent structures include coating the surfaces of the heat-exchange channels with the polymer material using a liquid composition such as an aqueous polymer emulsion. |
| US09062585B2 |
Large-capacity metal catalyst carrier and catalytic converter using same
Provided is a large-capacity metal catalyst support and a catalytic converter using the same, in which a number of unit catalyst support blocks are changed in a form of being effectively assembled so as to be applied to a catalytic converter that is required for processing a large amount of exhaust gas such as large vessels or plants employing a number of large-scale internal combustion engines, or large food processing devices, to thus easily assemble the unit catalyst support blocks into a large-scale assembled structure. The catalyst support includes: a number of unit catalyst support blocks in which cell formation bodies formed of a number of hollow cells that are aligned in a longitudinal direction are accommodated and stacked in a polygonal supporter wherein a catalyst is coated on the surfaces of the hollow cells; and a number of assembly members each for fixing a pair of adjacent supports that mutually contact between the stacked unit catalyst support blocks. |
| US09062583B1 |
Systems and methods for the use of virtual emblems
A virtual space is provided to users. In views of the virtual space, avatars represent users, including a first avatar representing a first user, engaging in the virtual space. Individual avatars are visually associated with an emblem in views of the virtual space. Systems and methods to enable the use of emblems present an emblem visually associated with a second avatar in a view of the first avatar to indicate a relationship between the first user and the second user. |
| US09062582B2 |
Exhaust post-treatment device and method for a vehicle, with a reductant vaporising surface being warmed by a Peltier element
An exhaust post-treatment device (2) for a vehicle (4) for reducing nitrogen oxides present in the exhaust gases (20) of the vehicle (4) by supply of liquid reducing agent (18) to the exhaust gases (20) in an exhaust pipe (32). The device (2) locally warms a surface (31) within the exhaust pipe (32) by a Peltier element (6) by using thermal energy from the exhaust gases (20) to vaporize liquid reducing agent (18) which reaches the surface (31), thereby avoiding the formation of deposits of reducing agent within the exhaust pipe (32). Also a method for post-treatment of exhaust gases from vehicles with an exhaust post-treatment device (2) including a Peltier element (6). |
| US09062579B2 |
Integrated engine exhaust and heat process flexible and low emissions combined heat and power process and system
The invention provides systems and methods for electric power production and integrated combustion and emissions control. The invention may include an engine capable of receiving air and fuel, and producing power and an engine exhaust gas. The invention may also include a first reaction zone receiving the engine exhaust gas from the engine configured to combust fuel and air having an equivalence ratio of more than one, thereby generating a first product. The combustion may reduce nitrogen containing species. The invention may also include a second reaction zone receiving the engine exhaust gas from the engine configured to combust fuel and air having an equivalence ratio of less than one, thereby generating a second product. The combustion may reduce or minimize NOx. The invention may also include a mixing zone configured to receive the first product and second product, and mix and react the first and second products, thereby generating an exhaust with reduced NOx levels. This may occur with sufficient residence time and temperature to complete combustion and promote nitrogenous species reduction reactions. For inventions with multiple zones, fuel or air or exhaust gas may be adjusted, diverted or turned off as load is reduced to maintain flame stability for all zones that remaining operational. For inventions with engine exhaust that provides less oxidant than the burner requires, an air eductor means may be arranged between the engine and the burner that entrains needed additional oxidant and simultaneously recovers the flow energy in the turbine exhaust. |
| US09062572B2 |
Variable cam phaser for automobile engine and controller therefor
This invention provides an improved variable cam phaser for an automobile engine equipped with a controller capable of enabling execution of a given phase angle varying command in a shortened response time. The variable cam phaser has two control rotors which are arranged coaxial with a camshaft and rotatable relative to each other under the influence of two electromagnetic actuators and driven by the crankshaft of the engine. The variable cam phaser also has a relative phase angle varying mechanism for varying the relative phase angle of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft. When the two electromagnetic actuators are simultaneously energized, the two control rotors are held mutually unrotatable. However, when the braking torque of one actuator is reduced, the control rotor associated with that actuator is rotated relative to the other control rotor to immediately start the execution of the command. |
| US09062568B2 |
Asymmetric butterfly plate for steam turbine exhaust hood
An asymmetric butterfly plate for a steam turbine exhaust hood includes a non-symmetrical curvilinear profile having a first section that extends to a second section through a vertex. The first section has a first curvilinear profile and the second section has a second curvilinear profile that is distinct from the first curvilinear profile. |
| US09062567B2 |
Fan
A fan includes a stationary portion, a rotating portion, and a plurality of blades. The stationary portion includes a stator, an integral one-piece molded metal bearing housing, a bearing portion in the bearing housing, and a molded resin base portion supporting the bearing housing. The rotating portion includes a rotor holder, a rotor magnet, and a shaft. The bearing housing includes a cylindrical portion, and a protruding portion extending radially outwards from a lower portion of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion includes a groove portion extending in an axial direction and arranged in a circumferential direction. The groove portion is joined to a region on the lower side of the protruding portion along a connecting position between the cylindrical and protruding portions. A resin on an upper side of the protruding portion, a resin on a lower side, and a resin in the groove portion are continuous. |
| US09062565B2 |
Gas turbine engine containment device
A fan containment system for a gas turbine engine, and a method of making the same, is disclosed that in one embodiment includes casing that surrounds at least a portion of a plurality of fan blades. In one form, a pair of standoff rings is formed in an outer surface of the casing that are spaced apart from one another a predetermined distance running circumferentially about the inner nacelle ring. A containment ring is positioned around a radially outer surface of the standoff rings to form an interference fit between the two. |
| US09062564B2 |
Solvent based slurry compositions for making environmental barrier coatings and environmental barrier coatings comprising the same
Organic solvent based slurry compositions for making an environmental barrier coating including from about 6.8 wt % to about 96.1 wt % solvent; from about 3.9 wt % to about 93.2 wt % primary material; and from about 0.01 wt % to about 20 wt % slurry sintering aid. |
| US09062563B2 |
Surface treatments for preventing hydrocarbon thermal degradation deposits on articles
A method of preventing thermal hydrocarbon degradation deposits on a surface of a gas turbine component, the method includes providing the turbine component comprising the surface configured for contacting a hydrocarbon fluid, wherein the substrate comprises a material having a nominal liquid wettability sufficient to generate, with reference to an oil, a nominal contact angle, disposing a plurality of features on the substrate to form an anti-deposition surface texture, wherein the plurality of features have a size, shape, and orientation selected such that the surface has an effective wettability sufficient to generate, with reference to an oil, an effective contact angle of greater than the nominal contact angle, and the features comprise a width dimension (a), and a spacing dimension (b), wherein the features prevent the hydrocarbon fluid from penetrating into the surface texture and thereby reduce the adhesion of the thermal hydrocarbon deposits to the surface. |
| US09062557B2 |
Flow discourager integrated turbine inter-stage U-ring
A gas turbine having rotor discs (9), a disc cavity (13) and a stator stage (25) extending to the disc cavity (13). Seal housing flanges (43, 44) extend from a seal housing (29) of the stator stage (25). Rotor flanges (41i, 41o) extend from a rotor disk (9-1). An inner rotor flange (41i) and first seal housing flange (43) are inward from a second seal housing flange (44). One rotor flange (41o) is outward from the second seal housing flange (44). The inner rotor flange (41i) and first seal housing flange (43) extend toward one another to limit movement of main gas flow (17). An inlet (47) injects air (50) between the outward rotor flange (41o) and second seal housing flange (44). |
| US09062553B2 |
Anti-wear device for the blades of a turbine distributor in an aeronautical turbine engine
A blade sector of a turbine distributor to be carried by a turbine casing of an aeronautical turbine engine, including a front connection mechanism and a rear connection mechanism, wherein the front connection mechanism is adapted so as to bear against a holder carried by the turbine casing. The sector further includes an anti-wear device formed by a piece of a metal material surrounding the front end of the front connection mechanism and provided between the front connection mechanism and the holder to ensure a sliding contact between the two parts. The anti-wear device is axially maintained in position on the blade sector using an attachment mechanism engaging with the front connection mechanism. |
| US09062552B2 |
Turbine engine stator and method of assembly of the same
A turbine engine stator stage includes a plurality of vanes with each of the plurality of vanes having a camber angle. The plurality of vanes is arranged in a plurality of groups with each group including a pre-determined sequence of vanes. The ordering of vanes within each group is determined by the camber of the individual vanes. This results in an arrangement of vanes within the stator stage which can modify the flow characteristics of the air entering the stator stage to reduce the circumferential pressure variation in the flow region immediately downstream of the stator stage. |
| US09062544B2 |
Formation fracturing
A method described herein involves lowering a tool into a wellbore adjacent a subterranean formation and inflating a first packer on the tool to initiate a fracture of the formation. The method also includes inflating second and third packers on the tool to seal an interval of the wellbore containing the fracture where the first packer is located between the second and third packers. The method further includes pumping fluid into the interval to increase a pressure in the interval to propagate the fracture. |
| US09062542B2 |
System and method for waterflooding offshore reservoirs
A mobile water injection system and method for performing waterflooding in offshore reservoirs, and more particularly to enhance oil recovery in marginal offshore reservoirs is disclosed. The mobile water injection system and method include portable equipment, including a submersible pump to recover water from a body of water, a water storage tank, filtration and chemical treatment equipment to treat the recovered water, and an injection pump to pump the treated water at high pressure into the reservoir such that the residual oil is driven to adjacent production wells to increase oil recovery. |
| US09062528B2 |
Systems, methods, and devices for predicting borehole geometry
System, methods and devices for measuring and predicting complex borehole geometries are presented herein. A method is disclosed for determining a trajectory of a borehole that is generated by a drill string. The method includes: receiving data indicative of one or more drilling parameters between at least two survey points; averaging the received data over predetermined increments between the at least two survey points; calculating from at least the averaged data a predicted drill string response for each of the predetermined increments; determining from at least the predicted drill string response a change in inclination and azimuth for each of the predetermined increments; generating a predicted wellbore trajectory from the change in inclination and azimuth; comparing the predicted wellbore trajectory to a measured wellbore trajectory; and, if the comparison is favorable, determining a probable borehole position from the change in inclination and azimuth for each of the predetermined increments. |
| US09062527B2 |
Sub-sea chemical injection metering valve
An apparatus that includes a chemical injection management system. The chemical injection management system may include an interface configured to couple the chemical injection management system to a mineral extraction system. In addition, the chemical injection management system may include an ultrasonic flow meter. |
| US09062524B2 |
Method and apparatus for correcting data points acquired during well drilling
Described herein are a method, apparatus and computer readable medium for correcting data points acquired during well drilling. The data points are typically stored in a text file that is accessible by a processor. The processor applies one or more tags to the data points, with each of the tags corresponding to a characteristic of the data points. The processor then identifies one or more data faults in the data points using the one or more tags. Each data fault is indicative of inaccurate data in the data points; i.e., data that does not accurately represent the well as drilled. Following identification of the one or more data faults, the processor corrects one or more of the data faults. The resulting corrected, or cleaned, data is more indicative of the well as actually drilled than the uncorrected data. The processor can be connected to a computer readable medium that stores the statements and instructions that the processor executes. |
| US09062521B2 |
Hybrid fluid lift valve for commingling gas production
A method and apparatus for commingling sweet gas and sour gas production in a gas well having an upper sweet zone and a lower sour zone. The apparatus comprises a commingling valve which prevents cross flow of sour fluids into the sweet zone or casing annulus. |
| US09062520B2 |
Retrievable cementing bushing system
A technique facilitates downhole service operations including cementing operations. A retrievable cementing bushing is designed to facilitate the service operation and includes a body on which is mounted an engagement lug. The engagement lug is mounted for movement in a radial direction and includes an outer engagement feature and an inner engagement feature. The inner engagement feature is oriented for cooperation with a slick joint. The engagement lug is biased in a radially outward direction for engagement with corresponding features of a surrounding wall. |
| US09062518B2 |
Chemical injection system
A technique facilitates controlling fluid flows, such as fluid flows in a downhole well zone or zones. A flow control valve is employed to control a fluid flow and is operationally linked with an injection valve. Actuation of the flow control valve is used to automatically actuate the injection valve between corresponding positions allowing or blocking fluid injection. Closing or opening of the flow control valve thus results in a desired corresponding action of the injection valve, such as blocking flow or allowing flow through the injection valve. |
| US09062517B2 |
Well containment system
A well containment system is described, the system comprises a blow out preventer, the blow out preventer defining a throughbore and including at least one well containment barrier adapted to seal the throughbore, at least one first seal adapted to seal against the lower end of a riser, and at least one second seal adapted to seal against the upper end of a downhole tubular wherein the at least one first seal is located above the at least one well containment barrier and the at least one second seal is located below the at least one well. |
| US09062514B2 |
Downhole valve
A tool that is usable with a well includes a valve element, a mechanical operator, a pressure chamber and a regulator. The valve element has a first state and a second state. The mechanical operator responds to a predetermined signature in an annulus pressure relative to a baseline level of the annulus pressure to transition the valve element from the first state to the second state. The pressure chamber exerts a chamber pressure to bias the mechanical operator to transition from the second state to the first state. The baseline level is capable of varying over time, and the regulator regulates the chamber pressure based on the baseline level. |
| US09062513B2 |
External hydraulic tieback connector
A connector for tie back liners has a tubular housing having at least one interior locking dog window. A setting chamber having a setting piston is located in the housing. A retraction chamber is in the housing, spaced axially from the setting chamber and having a retracting piston. Locking dogs are movably coupled in the locking dog window and axially spaced between the setting chamber and the retraction chamber. An actuating sleeve has a cam surface in engagement with the locking dogs and end portions with the setting piston and the retracting piston. Linking elements are in engagement with the locking dogs and a load shoulder located in the housing. The linking elements extend through linking element windows in the actuating sleeve. A shock absorber on the end of the housing absorbs shock when the connector lands on a wellhead. |
| US09062510B1 |
Interchangeable orifice plate wellhead system
An interchangeable orifice wellhead system is disclosed which comprises a flow control valve comprised of a male union, a female union, a valve cap, and an orifice plate. The orifice plate can include a display tab, which visually communicates to the technician the size of orifice plate aperture. Orifice plates having different size apertures can be interchanged within the same flow control valve. In some embodiments, the male union of the flow control valve can be machined or interchanged with another male union to be used with different size orifice plates. |
| US09062508B2 |
Apparatus and method for milling/drilling windows and lateral wellbores without locking using unlocked fluid-motor
In one aspect, a method of performing a downhole operation is disclosed that in one embodiment may include running a downhole tool including an anchor, a whipstock, a cutting device, and an unlocked fluid-operated motor into a wellbore; wirelessly transmitting signals relating to orientation of the downhole tool from a sensor associated with the downhole tool; orienting the whipstock in response to the transmitted signals and without flowing a fluid through the cutting device; setting the anchor in the wellbore without flowing the fluid through the cutting device; and performing the downhole operation using the motor. |
| US09062507B2 |
Differential pressure wellbore tool and related methods of use
A power head for connection in a tubing string suspended in a subterranean location in a wellbore is useful for removing debris from the wellbore. When the power head is in the closed position, well fluids pumped down the tubing string will flow through the power head. When the power head is moved to the open position by dropping a actuator ball onto a seat in the power head, the power head creates flow down along the annulus to circulate debris laden well fluids into a catch apparatus such as a catch basket or screen. In the open position, nozzles and the eductor create the reverse flow. |
| US09062505B2 |
Method for laser cutting polycrystalline diamond structures
Methods of laser cutting polycrystalline diamond tables and polycrystalline diamond compacts are disclosed. Laser cutting of the polycrystalline diamond table provides an alternative to electrical-discharge machining (“EDM”), grinding with a diamond wheel, or lapping with a diamond wheel. Grinding or lapping with a diamond wheel is relatively slow and expensive, as diamond is used to remove a diamond material. EDM cutting of the polycrystalline diamond table is sometimes impractical or even impossible, particularly when the cobalt or other infiltrant or catalyst concentration within the polycrystalline diamond table is very low (e.g., in the case of a leached polycrystalline diamond table). As such, laser cutting provides a valuable alternative machining method that may be employed in various processes such as laser scribing, laser ablation, and laser lapping. |
| US09062503B2 |
Rotary coil tubing drilling and completion technology
An apparatus for performing a drilling operation or a non-drilling wellbore operation may include a string that has a rigid tubular, a connector coupled to the rigid tubular, a non-rigid tubular coupled to the connector; and at least one motor positioned along the string. In some embodiments, a plurality of motors may be positioned along the string to rotate one or both of the non-rigid tubular and a drill bit connected to the string. In some embodiments, the connector may be configured to release the non-rigid tubular from the rigid tubular and thereby leave the non-rigid tubular in the wellbore. |
| US09062502B2 |
PDC disc cutters and rotary drill bits utilizing PDC disc cutters
A disc cutter and a downhole tool including disc cutters therein. The disc cutter is disc-shaped and includes a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion is fabricated using a substrate material. At least a portion of the upper portion's perimeter is fabricated using at least one of polycrystalline diamond, synthetic diamond grit, natural diamond grit, and cubic boron nitride. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the disc cutter also includes an intermediate layer, which is fabricated from the substrate material, extending outwardly from at least a portion of the lower portion to a distal end positioned within the upper portion. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the disc cutter is disc-shaped and includes an inner portion made of substrate material, an outer portion made of at least one of polycrystalline diamond, synthetic diamond grit, natural diamond grit, and cubic boron nitride, and a channel extending orthogonally through the inner portion. |
| US09062501B2 |
Downhole centraliser
A downhole centralizer arranged to receive a downhole tubular has a tubular body with opposed ends and is formed of plastics material A respective end ring is mounted in the or each opposed end and is formed of a plastics material having a Youngs Moldulus no greater than that of the tubular body. |
| US09062499B2 |
Laser drilling method and system
A laser drilling system (100) for drilling rocks, soil and engineering materials with the aid of high-intensity laser light is described, which comprises an optical drill (104) for supplying laser light for the drilling of said materials provided with sensors (106); a control and operations center (101) comprising computer and supervising software with integrated logic; a cooling and debris withdrawal system (105) an energy source (102); an energy conductor (103) provided with sensors (107) and laser systems (201) for emitting high-intensity laser light and optical fibers (123) for conducting the so-generated laser light, so that the information collected by sensors (106), (107) supply said control and operations center (101) and said control and operations center (101) determines improved operation conditions of the optical drill (104) for the drilling of said solid materials or mixtures of solid and liquid materials relative to state-of-the-art drilling systems. The drilling method employing the system of the invention is also described. |
| US09062489B2 |
Method for making and selling a shutter kit
A kit containing components which can be assembled into a shutter panel includes a header, a footer, a plurality of brackets, a first stile, a second stile, a plurality of louvers. One embodiment also contains a jig to align the bracket with the header or footer for attachment. Each bracket is sized and configured to be connected to an end of the header or footer. The stiles each have a longitudinal channel which enables the stiles to be fitted over at least one of the brackets. The jig has a mouth sized to receive an end of the footer or header and a cavity adjacent the mouth such that a user of the jig can place one end of a bracket in the cavity and the other end of the header or footer in the mouth. The kit may be packaged in two packs. One pack contains a header, a footer and a plurality of brackets. The second pack contains mounting frame pieces, at least one first stile, at least one second stile, a plurality of louvers, louver strips, a tilt rod, screws and other hardware which can be assembled into a shutter panel having the desired dimensions. The header, footer, stiles and brackets are provided to a retailer in standard sizes. The retailer may then trim these components as required to create a shutter having the desired dimensions. |
| US09062487B2 |
Child safety casement operator cover
A child safety device for a casement window includes a handle-driven gear reduction assembly having a sensor gear driven at a reduced speed relative to the handle, a sensor arm driven by the sensor gear of the gear reduction assembly and a slider movable between a stop position where rotation of the handle is prevented and a retracted position where rotation is allowed. A spring biases the slider towards the stop position. The slider is held in the retracted position by a catch and is released by the sensor arm to prevent further opening of the window when the sensor gear reaches a predetermined location. The safety device resets when the window is closed and can be overridden to allow full opening of the window by an adult. In the preferred design, the child safety device is a cover that can replace the cover of an existing casement window operator. |
| US09062485B2 |
Articulating roller arm assembly
An articulating roller arm assembly comprising a single integral piece cantilever beam with a span section and a throw section, with the span section oriented substantially transverse the throw section. A first distal end of the throw section and a distal end of the span section form a bend of the single integral piece cantilever beam. The articulating roller arm assembly further including a first wheel that is coupled with a first distal end of the throw section, and a second wheel that is coupled with a second distal end of the throw section. |
| US09062482B2 |
Electromagnetic doorlock with shock detection and power saving device
The invention relates to an electromagnetic doorlock with shock detection and power saving device comprises an electromagnet assembly and a corresponding attraction assembly. The electromagnet assembly is connected to a shock detection module and the attraction assembly has a pressing unit to press the shock detection module. When the door is opened, the electromagnet assembly does not supply power; when the door is closed, the electromagnet assembly with electromagnetic attraction attracts the attraction assembly and the pressing unit presses the shock detection module. That is, the electromagnetic doorlock usually stays in a low-energy attraction state; however, when a shock detection module is triggered, the electromagnetic doorlock returns to normal lock state for achieving power saving effect and control of the external force detection. |
| US09062475B1 |
Roseless trim for architectural hardware
A roseless trim for a mortise or tubular lock includes through bolts on a bolt circle of less than one inch (25.4 mm). Spindle hubs with a curved slot allow at least one of the through bolts to pass through the spindle hubs. A tubular lock embodiment uses arms with a cutout. The arms function as through bolts when screws attach the arms to mounting plates on opposite sides of the door. Each handle is attached to a corresponding handle base with a bushing. The handle base and small diameter bolt circle cooperate to provide the appearance that the handle extends directly into the door without a rose, escutcheon or any other attachment structure at the base of the handle. |
| US09062474B2 |
Vehicle cargo lid assembly having compact reversible handle
A vehicle cargo lid assembly includes a reversible vehicle cargo lid, a plunger movably mounted to the cargo lid for movement between an extended position for latching the vehicle cargo lid in a closed position and a retracted position for unlatching the vehicle cargo lid, a first handle mounted on a first side of the cargo lid and a second handle mounted on a second, opposite side of the cargo lid. The first and second handles are arranged so that rotation of either handle moves the plunger from the extended position to the retracted position. At least one of the first handle and the second handle includes at least one tab laterally offset from a center line of the plunger that engages and moves the plunger when said at least one of the first side handle and the second side handle is rotated. |
| US09062473B2 |
Water jet pool cleaner with opposing dual propellers
A robotic pool or tank cleaner is propelled by water jets, the direction of which is controlled by the direction of rotation of a horizontally mounted pump motor within the pool cleaner housing, having a propeller attached to either end of the motor drive shaft which projects from opposing ends of the motor body, each of the propellers being positioned in a water jet discharge conduit that terminates in discharge ports in opposing ends of the housing. Each discharge conduit has a pressure-sensitive flap valve downstream of the respective propellers. When the propellers rotate in one direction, the water is drawn through one or more openings in the base plate, passes through one or more filter assemblies associated with the pool cleaner and is discharged through one of the discharge ports as a water jet of sufficient force to propel the pool cleaner along the surface being cleaned. |
| US09062468B2 |
Head attachment and temporary support pole assembly with hinged door retainer for securing flexible partition material
A temporary support pole assembly including removable head attachment is disclosed. The head attachment includes a pivotally movable retainer selectively positionable relative to the head between an open position and a closed position to retain and secure a flexible partition material thereto. |
| US09062463B2 |
Construction set for covering substrate, in particular floor substrate
The present disclosure refers to a construction set for covering a substrate, in particular a floor substrate, comprising plate structural elements for covering the substrate, and connecting elements for joining together the neighbouring plate elements, optionally while preserving a fixed distance between them to form a dilatation gap, characterized in that the connecting elements (4) comprise at least two, located on a base (5), assembly protrusions (6) seated in the neighbouring, connected plate elements (1) equipped on their substrate side with identical assembly sections (2) comprising at least one drilled assembly hole (3), and in the holes (3) there are seated, by means of the assembly protrusions (6), the connecting elements (4) joining the neighbouring plate elements (1). |
| US09062462B2 |
Trellis and accent band
A trellis system is disclosed wherein the trellis comprises a front tube, a back tube, and two end tubes joined together, a plurality of roof panels, each panel having a perimeter, wherein the perimeter of the panel is coupled to at least a back tube surface and a front tube surface; a plurality of cross member assemblies wherein the cross member assemblies assist in creating tension between the front tube and the back tube, and a plurality of fasteners coupling the front tube to the end tubes, the back tube to the end tubes, and the roof panels to at least the front tube and the back tube, wherein the fasteners are not visible when the trellis system is installed. The trellis system also includes accent bands. A plurality of turnbuckles allows for easy leveling of the trellis. |
| US09062459B2 |
Roll roofing
A roll roofing material is provided in the form of a cylindrical roll that may or may not have an exterior covering thereon, and with transverse members being provided, carried by the cylindrical roll, and which protrude generally outwardly of an exterior cylindrical surface of the roll. The transverse members inhibit rolling of the roll roofing either off a pitched roof. One or more inserts may be provided in a hollow core of the roll, and connectors may attach a strap to these inserts for transporting the same from ground to a rooftop, or otherwise. Protective covers may be provided at opposite ends of the roll roofing, and the protective covers may comprise the transverse members, as may be desired. |
| US09062456B2 |
Support construction having increased structural dampening
In a load-bearing construction (1) having at least one load-bearing element (2), the load-bearing element (2) has at least one cavity (5) in which at least one rod (4) is disposed, the total cross-sectional area of all rods (4) each arranged in a cavity (5) being smaller than the cross-sectional area of this cavity (5), and the remaining volume of the cavity (5) being filled with a material (6). The rod (4) is displaceable along its length relative to the load-bearing element (2) when the load-bearing element (2) is deformed, the rod (4) being non-displaceably fixed at only one point relative to the load-bearing element (2) and being designed such that it dissipates energy upon the occurrence of a relative displacement with respect to the load-bearing element (2). |
| US09062453B1 |
Expansion/control joint for stucco surfaces
An expansion/control joint, used to separate stucco or plaster material into sub-portions during application of the stucco or plaster material to a wall, and to relieve stress and limit or control cracking in a stucco or plaster wall or surface caused by stucco or plaster shrinkage and thermal movement in the stucco or plaster wall or surface, includes an expansion/contraction member comprising two flexible panels extending between second sides of first and second stucco stop walls, the two panels comprising an upper panel and a lower panel, the panels forming in conjunction with the second sides of the first and second stucco stop walls a flexible hollow tube which extends along and between the second sides of the first and second stucco stop walls and which flexes to accommodate expansion and contraction of the stucco or plaster material responsive to weather induced movement of the stucco or plaster material. |
| US09062448B2 |
Pivotally erectable structural frame system
A building frame module comprises first and second parallelogram-collapsible frame sections. Each frame section comprises: a plurality of elongate, rigid first frame members; and a plurality of elongate, rigid second frame members. Each second frame member is single-axis pivotally coupled at spaced apart locations to at least two of the plurality of first frame members and each first frame member is correspondingly coupled to at least two second frame members. The building frame module also comprises a plurality of elongate, rigid cross-link members. Each cross-link member links a second frame member of the first frame section to a second frame member of the second frame section. Each cross-link member is single-axis pivotally coupled to each second frame member that it links for relative pivotal movement therebetween. Each coupling between a cross-link and a corresponding second frame member permits pivotal movement about an axis parallel to the plane in which the corresponding frame section (which includes the second frame member) is parallelogram-collapsible. |
| US09062446B2 |
Floor element for forming building blocks
A floor element for forming building floors, which is designed in the form of a wood/reinforced concrete composite part, includes at least two wood beams (1-4) extending parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction of the floor element and a reinforced concrete body (5), which has a plate-shaped section (6) resting on the wood beams (1-4). Furthermore, the reinforced concrete body (5) has first and second sections designed in the form of edge beams (7, 8), which extend at an angle to the wood beams (1-4) and lie against the opposite end faces (9, 10) of the wood beams (1-4). |
| US09062445B2 |
Wax free kit for new and existing construction
A wax free toilet installation kit allows plumbers to approach new construction and old closet flanges with one economical and efficient set of parts that will work with both three and four inch soil pipes. A new threaded adapter sleeve 100 fits into both three and four inch traditional closet flanges to retrofit old wax system installations. The threaded adapter sleeve has a threaded body 110 to accommodate a variety of height adjustment nuts, which include a compact adjustment nut 125 and a lip and valley expanded adjustment nut 128. A new male female pipe coupler 200 may be used in new construction and comports with both three and four inch soil pipes. The threaded adapter sleeve 100 fits into the male female pipe coupler 200. The threaded adapter sleeve is quickly adjusted to accommodate varying floor heights. |
| US09062444B2 |
Flush toilet
A flush toilet having a toilet main unit cleaned by flush water is disclosed. The flush toilet comprises a reservoir tank for storing therein flush water; a bowl portion having a waste-receiving surface and a rim section; a drainage passage for expelling waste therethrough by means of siphon action; a rim water spouting port provided in the rim section at a position corresponding to a lateral region of the bowl portion; a jet water spouting port for spouting flush water toward an inlet of the drainage passage; a rim water guide passage for guiding flush water to the rim water spouting port; a jet water guide passage for guiding flush water to the jet water spouting port; and a flow dividing chamber for dividing and distributing flush water to the rim water guide passage and the jet water guide passage, wherein the flow dividing chamber, the rim water guide passage and the rim water spouting port are formed approximately along the same straight line. |
| US09062441B2 |
Cable overload device
A cable overload device for a cable-actuated drain system having a drain valve assembly and a drain control assembly where the cable includes a driving end connected to the control assembly and a driven end. The overload device includes a plunger, a linking member, a sleeve, and an energy absorber. The plunger is configured to be coupled to the driven end of the cable. The linking member is configured to move the drain valve assembly between open and closed positions. The sleeve includes a bore that extends from a first side to a second side of the sleeve, wherein the bore is configured to receive the plunger through the first side and to receive the linking member through the second side. The energy absorber is provided in the bore between the plunger and the linking member to absorb a force imposed into the linking member from the drain valve assembly. |
| US09062438B2 |
Faucet with spray head
Disclosed is a swivel faucet, such as one having a pull-out sprayer. In one aspect the inlet and outlet lines are formed in an integral structure with a transverse plate that faces a mixing valve. In another aspect the control handle for the faucet is provided with a concentric visible bore and hidden set screw bore combined with a bushing having a cutout to facilitate their use. In still another aspect there is provided a bearing that mounts to a pivotable sprayer and provides distinct swivel positions through the use of a detent connection to a land. |
| US09062437B2 |
Vibratory ripper having depth adjustable ripping member
In an aspect of the invention a ripping mechanism for a vehicle is provided which includes a support frame, a ripping member and an impact mechanism, such as a vibrator, which is configured to reciprocate the ripping member forwardly and rearwardly about a transverse pivot axis. The ripping member is mounted within a sleeve that pivots with the ripping member about the pivot axis, while at the same time selectively permitting movement of the ripping member along the sleeve. The ripping member may thereby be raised or lowered relative to the sleeve in order to adjust the depth of the engagement head relative to the support frame. |
| US09062433B2 |
Method and apparatus for gradually introducing thin-walled pipes into the ground
A method for gradually introducing thin-walled pipes into the ground includes inserting a pipe clamp, which has been arranged horizontally on a mast, into a horizontal pipe, bracing the pipe clamp (pipe gripping jaw) with the rear part of the pipe, moving the pipe clamp back with the pipe braced thereon, erecting the mast, with the tools, the pipe clamp and the pipe, into a vertical position, introducing the pipe to the desired depth with the tools, unclamping the pipe clamp and pulling it out of the pipe, and repositioning the mast back into a horizontal position. A device has a carrier unit, a mast, which can be pivoted between vertical and horizontal, tools with a pipe clamp, arranged on the mast, and a magazine a pipe arranged substantially horizontally. The pipe clamp is inserted into the pipe coaxially in relation to the pipe and substantially horizontally. |
| US09062427B2 |
Extracting energy from flowing fluids
A Barrage apparatus is a method and device for extracting energy from flowing fluids in an open flow by means of a submerged barrage or barrages that obstruct and channel flows at increased velocities to downstream turbine power take off modules. Increasing the velocity of the flow increases the amount of power available for extraction thereby providing opportunities to extract energy from low flow sites and facilitate the use of low cost small marine turbines to provide an ecologically sound, efficient and cost effective method of renewable energy extraction from fluid flows. |
| US09062424B2 |
Animal waste disposal tool
A tool for retrieving animal waste is effective in complete removal as it deploys at its end a row of tines that are inserted beneath the solid waste so that is can be lifted from the ground as the first step for proper disposal. The waste is then removed from the tines by a plate that pushes it off into a waste receptacle. |
| US09062421B2 |
Protection system for tension members of a structure for collecting ice accumulations detaching from a tension member
A protective system having a protective device for tension members for collecting ice accumulations detaching from a tension member that is anchored on the structure in a first abutment and in a second abutment. The tension member is exposed to climatic conditions by the section running between the abutments. To guarantee protection from falling ice accumulations, the protective device has a hose-shaped envelope, which surrounds the tension member on the circumferential side. The hose-shaped envelope is disposed on a partial longitudinal section of the tension member in an axially compressed or folded manner in a first operating position, and is movable, with the aid of a drive system, to a second operating position, in which the hose-shaped envelope extends over the length of the tension member in the stretched state. |
| US09062416B2 |
Apparatus, system, and process for determining characteristics of a surface of a papermaking fabric
A process of determining the depth of pockets in a woven fabric that includes warp yarns and weft yarns. The process includes forming a representation of a portion of a surface of the woven fabric to provide a fabric representation, with the fabric representation showing locations and sizes of knuckles and pockets at the surface of the fabric. Knuckles surrounding a pocket in the woven fabric are identified, and a path is determined that passes from a first of the knuckles across the pocket to a second of the knuckles. The woven fabric is scanned using a measurement device along a line that corresponds to the determined path to provide a scan of the woven fabric, and a depth of a pocket is determined based on the scan of the woven fabric. |
| US09062413B2 |
Functionalizing cellulosic and lignocellulosic materials
Irradiated lignocellulosic or cellulosic materials are provided which contain carboxylic acid groups and/or other functional groups not present in a naturally occurring cellulosic or lignocellulosic material from which the irradiated material was obtained. |
| US09062411B2 |
Silicone rubber composition for coating for woven fabric, and coated woven fabric
A silicone-rubber composition for coating textile fabrics characterized in that the silicone-rubber composition comprises the following components: an alkenyl group-containing organopolysiloxane (A) that comprises a mixture of an organopolysiloxane (A-1) that contains in one molecule at least two alkenyl groups in the amount not exceeding 2 mass % and an organopolysiloxane (A-2) that contains in one molecule at least two alkenyl groups in amount of 5 mass % or more; an organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B) that comprises a mixture of an organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B-1) that has in one molecule on average three silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms and an organohydrogenpolysiloxane (B-2) that has in one molecule on average two silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms; a hydrosilylation catalyst (C); and a reinforcement fine silica powder (D); and elongation according to JIS K6251 of the cured product of the composition is equal to or greater than 800%. |
| US09062408B2 |
Method of controlling washing machine
A method of controlling a washing machine is provided. The rotation and rotation driving time of a inner tub having an auto balancer are controlled based on preset values considering sections during which a horizontal unbalancing phenomenon and a vertical unbalancing phenomenon occur. Accordingly, abnormal vibrations and resultant damage or deformation of the washing machine may be prevented. Further, electricity may be saved. |
| US09062405B2 |
Drum type washing machine and method for fabricating drum therefor
A drum type washing machine and a method for fabricating a drum thereof are provided. The drum type washing machine includes a motor, a drum having a drum center of a cylinder shape and a drum back connected to an opening formed in a side of the drum center to define a rear surface of the drum, a connector mounted in the rear surface of the drum, and a rotation shaft connected to the connector to transmit a rotation force of the motor to the drum. The drum back is formed in a bowl shape to have a drum expanding part expanding toward an outer side of the drum from the opening of the drum center, and a portion of the drum back where the connector is mounted is recessed toward an inside of the drum to reduce a distance between the drum center and the connector. |
| US09062404B2 |
Bearing assembly for washing machine tubs
A bearing assembly is for a washing machine, the washing machine having a tub and a drum rotatable about an axis, the bearing assembly includes first and second bearings spaced apart along the drum axis and a spacer disposed at least partially between the two bearings. A housing is connectable with the drum, configured to contain the bearings and the spacer, and includes an annular rim extending axially away from first bearing and generally coaxially about the drum axis, the rim defining a seat for a sealing element. Preferably, the housing is formed of a polymeric material and is molded to the tub. |
| US09062401B2 |
Method of sewing a fastener stringer
A method of sewing a fastener stringer includes the steps of conveying a fastener stringer and an attached body to a sewing section of a sewing machine in a state with the fastener stringer superposed on the attached body, and arranging an element guide section in the sewing section of the sewing machine, bending a fastener tape in a direction in which a tape bent section opens, guiding the element rows to the element guide section, and sewing the fastener tape to the attached body. Accordingly, the method enables a sewing line formed by a sewing thread to be disposed at a predetermined position and the fastener tape and the attached body to be easily and efficiently sewn together. |
| US09062397B2 |
Simplified system and method for managing the feed of a plurality of yarns at constant tension and/or velocity to a textile machine
A system and method for managing the feed of a plurality of yarns at constant tension and/or velocity to a textile machine of circular, loom or yarn preparation type, the yarns being fed to the machine by a corresponding plurality of feed devices. Setting controller is provided, connected to the plurality of devices and arranged to set their operation, the setting controller receiving synchronization signals from the machine and measuring on the basis of these signals every portion of an article production cycle, the cycle being divided into different stages, the setting controller acting on each individual feed device on the basis of the stages such that each feed device feeds the respective yarn with predefined tension and/or velocity individual to each of the stages. |
| US09062392B2 |
Methods for isolating a peptide methods for identifying a peptide
The present invention is directed to methods, for example phage display assays, for bioengineering peptides that bind to individual distinct nucleotides. Also provided are peptides engineered by such methods. Specifically, cyclic peptides that bind individual distinct nucleotides are provided herein. |
| US09062379B2 |
Wafer processing deposition shielding components
Embodiments described herein generally relate to components for a semiconductor processing chamber, a process kit for a semiconductor processing chamber, and a semiconductor processing chamber having a process kit. In one embodiment a lower shield for encircling a sputtering target and a substrate support is provided. The lower shield comprises a cylindrical outer band having a first diameter dimensioned to encircle the sputtering surface of the sputtering target and the substrate support, the cylindrical band comprising a top wall that surrounds a sputtering surface of a sputtering target and a bottom wall that surrounds the substrate support, a support ledge comprising a resting surface and extending radially outward from the cylindrical outer band, a base plate extending radially inward from the bottom wall of the cylindrical band, and a cylindrical inner band coupled with the base plate and partially surrounding a peripheral edge of the substrate support. |
| US09062378B2 |
Compositions for the currentless deposition of ternary materials for use in the semiconductor industry
The present invention relates to the use of ternary nickel-containing metal alloys of the NiMR type (where M=Mo, W, Re or Cr, and R=B or P) deposited by an electroless process in semiconductor technology. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of these deposited ternary nickel-containing metal alloys as barrier material or as selective encapsulation material for preventing the diffusion and electromigration of copper in semiconductor components. |
| US09062377B2 |
Reducing glitching in an ion implanter
Methods of reducing glitch rates within an ion implanter are described. In one embodiment, a plasma-assisted conditioning is performed, wherein the bias voltage to the extraction electrodes is modified so as to inhibit the formation of an ion beam. The power supplied to the plasma generator in the ion source is increased, thereby creating a high density plasma, which is not extracted by the extraction electrodes. This plasma extends from the ion source chamber through the extraction aperture. Energetic ions then condition the extraction electrodes. In another embodiment, a plasma-assisted cleaning is performed. In this mode, the extraction electrodes are moved further from the ion source chamber, and a different source gas is used to create the plasma. In some embodiments, a combination of these modes is used to reduce glitches in the ion implanter. |
| US09062374B2 |
Method for film formation, apparatus for film formation, and computer-readable recording medium
Disclosed is a method for film formation, comprising allowing a treatment gas stream containing a metal carbonyl-containing treatment gas and a carbon monoxide-containing carrier gas to flow into a region on the upper outside of the outer periphery of a substrate to be treated in a diameter direction of the substrate while avoiding the surface of the substrate and diffusing the metal carbonyl from the treatment gas stream into the surface of the substrate to form a metal film on the surface of the substrate. |
| US09062373B2 |
Film deposition apparatus
A film deposition apparatus includes a turntable including plural substrate placing areas in the circumferential direction; a gas nozzle provided to extend from an inner edge to an outer edge of the substrate placing area; a gas evacuation port provided outside of an outer edge of the turntable and downstream in a rotational direction of the turntable with respect to the gas nozzle for evacuating the gas; and a regulation member including a wall portion provided between the gas nozzle and the gas evacuation port for isolating the gas nozzle and the gas evacuation port at least at a part between the inner edge to the outer edge of the substrate placing area while having a space extending from the inner edge to the outer edge of the substrate placing area when a substrate is placed on the substrate placing area. |
| US09062369B2 |
Deposition of high vapor pressure materials
The present invention provides deposition sources, systems, and related methods that can efficiently and controllably provide vaporized material for deposition of thin-film materials. The deposition sources, systems and related methods described herein can be used to deposit any desired material and are particularly useful for depositing high vapor pressure materials such as selenium in the manufacture of copper indium gallium diselenide based photovoltaic devices. |
| US09062368B2 |
Method of monitoring photoactive organic molecules in-situ during gas-phase deposition of the photoactive organic molecules
A method for in-situ monitoring of gas-phase photoactive organic molecules in real time while depositing a film of the photoactive organic molecules on a substrate in a processing chamber for depositing the film includes irradiating the gas-phase photoactive organic molecules in the processing chamber with a radiation from a radiation source in-situ while depositing the film of the one or more organic materials and measuring the intensity of the resulting photoluminescence emission from the organic material. One or more processing parameters associated with the deposition process can be determined from the photoluminescence intensity data in real time providing useful feedback on the deposition process. |
| US09062364B2 |
Method for producing carbonitrided member
A method for producing a carbonitrided member comprising the steps of carburizing a steel part having a composition of, by mass percent, C: 0.10 to 0.35%, Si: 0.15 to 1.0%, Mn: 0.30 to 1.0%, Cr: 0.40 to 2.0%, S: 0.05% or less with the balance being Fe and impurities in a carburizing atmosphere of 900 to 950° C. The carburized steel part is carbonitrided in a carbonitriding atmosphere with the temperature of 800 to 900° C. and the nitrogen potential of 0.2 to 0.6%. The carbonitrided steel part is qhenched and then shot peened. The shot peening treatment may be further performed while heating to a temperature not higher than 350° C. or immediately after heating to a temperature not higher than 350° C. After quenching, the shot peening treatment may be further performed after tempering in the temperature range exceeding 250° C. and not higher than 350° C. |
| US09062361B2 |
Si-killed steel wire rod and spring excellent in fatigue properties
A Si-killed steel wire rod for obtaining a spring excellent in fatigue properties and a spring excellent in fatigue properties obtained from the steel wire rod are provided.The Si-killed steel wire rod of the present invention contains Sr: 0.03-20 ppm (means “mass ppm”, hereinafter the same), Al: 1-30 ppm and Si: 0.2-4% (means “mass %”, hereinafter the same) respectively, and contains Mg and/or Ca by a range of 0.5-30 ppm in total.Also, in the Si-killed steel wire rod of the present invention, oxide-based inclusions present in the wire rod contain SiO2: 30-90%, Al2O3: 2-50%, MgO: 35% or below (not inclusive of 0%), CaO: 50% or below (not inclusive of 0%), MnO: 20% or below (not inclusive of 0%) and SrO: 0.2-15% respectively, and total content of (CaO+MgO) is 3% or above.A spring excellent in fatigue properties can be obtained by forming the spring from such steel wire rod. |
| US09062355B2 |
Carbonitriding method, machinery component fabrication method, and machinery component
A carbonitriding method that can improve the nitrogen permeating rate to render the carbonitriding process effective includes an atmosphere control step, and a heating pattern control step. The atmosphere control step includes an undecomposed NH3 partial pressure control step, and a CO/CO2 partial pressure control step. The undecomposed NH3 partial pressure control step and the CO/CO2 partial pressure control step are carried out in the atmosphere control step such that ac* defined by the following equation (1) is at least 0.88 and not more than 1.27, and α defined by equation (2) is at least 0.012 and not more than 0.020, where PN is the undecomposed ammonia partial pressure and PH is the hydrogen partial pressure in the heat treatment furnace, wherein a c * = ( Pco ) 2 K × Pco 2 ( 1 ) PCO: partial pressure of carbon monoxide (atm), PCO2: partial pressure of carbon dioxide (atm) K: equilibrium constant at |
| US09062350B2 |
Method of mutation detection in blood cell-free DNA using primer extension (PE) and PCR
A method of detecting mutation in blood cell-free DNA, includes providing a serum sample, isolating DNA from the serum sample, amplifying the DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), subjecting the PCR product to primer extension (PE), and separating the PE reaction product and identifying the mutation by gel electrophoresis. In order to improve accuracy and sensitivity, the PE reaction can be carried out by using a primer that blocks the extension of the wild or non-mutated sequence. |
| US09062348B1 |
Method for high-throughput AFLP-based polymorphism detection
The invention relates to a method for the high throughput discovery, detection and genotyping of one or more genetic markers in one or more samples, comprising the steps of restriction endonuclease digest of DNA, adaptor-ligation, optional pre-amplification, selective amplification, pooling of the amplified products, sequencing the libraries with sufficient redundancy, clustering followed by identification of the genetic markers within the library and/or between libraries and determination of (co-)dominant genotypes of the genetic markers. |
| US09062345B1 |
Processes for synthesizing DNA with non-standard nucleotides
The disclosed invention provides processes to synthesize DNA analogs that contain non-standard nucleotides, defined as those which form nucleobase pairs that fit standard Watson-Crick geometry, but are joined to their complements by hydrogen bonding patterns different from those that join standard A:T and G:C pairs. The disclosed process resembles “rolling circle amplification”, but uses primers that contain non-standard nucleotides, as well as 2′-deoxynucleotide triphosphates whose heterocyclic “nucleobases” are also non-standard. An example is provided that shows this process using 6-amino-5-nitro-3-(1′-beta-D-2′-deoxyribofuranosyl)-2(1H)-pyridone to implement the non-standard “small” donor-donor-acceptor (pyDDA) hydrogen bonding pattern, and 2-amino-8-(1′-beta-D-2′-deoxyribofuranosyl)-imidazo[1,2-a]-1,3,5-triazin-4(8H)-one to implement the “large” acceptor-acceptor-donor (puAAD) pattern. |
| US09062344B2 |
Isothermal nucleic acid amplification
The disclosure relates to an isothermal process for amplifying a double-stranded nucleic acid target molecule. The process comprises providing an upstream primer, a downstream primer, a strand invasion system and an oligonucleotide. The upstream and downstream primers are not substrates for the strand invasion system during the amplification process and do not amplify the target molecule independently of the strand invasion system, and the oligonucleotide is a substrate for the strand invasion system. |
| US09062343B2 |
Integrated device for real time quantitative PCR
A method for real-time quantitative detection of single-type, target nucleic acid sequences amplified using a PCR in a microwell, comprising introducing in the microwell a sample comprising target nucleic acid sequences, magnetic primers, and labelling probes; performing an amplification cycle to form labelled amplicons; attracting the magnetic primers to a surface through a magnetic field to form a layer including labelled amplification products and free magnetic primers; and detecting the labelled amplification products in the layer with a surface-specific reading method. |
| US09062340B2 |
Process for the selection of PHB-producing methanotrophic cultures
A method of selection for type II methanotrophs is provided that includes enriching a microbial feedstock using a non-sterile bioreactor with a methane source and a nitrogen source, where the microbial feedstock includes a mixture of Type I and Type II methanotrophic cells, where an inhibited growth of the Type I methanotrophic cells and an enhanced growth of the Type II methanotrophic cells forms. The method further includes exposing intermittently the enriched microbial feedstock to i) nitrate, ii) urea, or i) and ii), where enhanced growth of the Type II methanotrophs is established, and exposing the Type II methanotrophs to an unbalanced growth condition where production of polyhydroxybutyrate is induced. |
| US09062339B2 |
Methods and compositions for the identification of antibiotics that are not susceptible to antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
The “instant evolution” system was initially developed in E. coli, primarily because of the ease with which this organism can be genetically manipulated. Because many of the functionally important regions of rRNA are conserved among bacteria, drug leads developed against conserved targets in the E. coli system may produce broad-spectrum anti-infectives. In order the develop a system to product narrow-spectrum anti-infectives, herein we disclose methods for identifying functional mutant P. aeruginosa ribosomes suitable as drug targets and for identifying drug candidates that do not bind to the human 16S rRNA. |
| US09062337B2 |
Cell culture medium and process for protein expression, said medium and process comprising a PAM inhibitor
The present invention is related to a cell culture medium for the expression of a protein, which medium comprises a PAM inhibitor, or a physiological equivalent thereof, and to a cell culture process for the expression of a protein, in which process a PAM inhibitor, or a physiological equivalent thereof, is used (FIG. 1). |
| US09062332B2 |
Process for the fermentative preparation of sulphur-containing amino acids
Disclosed herein is a process for the fermentative preparation of sulphur-containing amino acids chosen from the group of L-methionine, L-cysteine, L-cystine, L-homocysteine and L-homocystine, comprising the steps: a) provision of a microorganism of the family Enterobacteriaceae or of a microorganism of the family Corynebacteriaceae which has an increased thiosulphate sulphurtransferase activity compared with the particular starting strain; b) fermentation of the microorganism from a) in a medium which contains an inorganic source of sulphur chosen from the group of salt of dithiosulphuric acid or a mixture of a salt of dithiosulphuric acid and a salt of sulphuric acid, a fermentation broth being obtained, and c) concentration of the sulphur-containing amino acid in the fermentation broth from b). |
| US09062320B2 |
Biological systems input-output response system and plant sentinels
A eukaryotic input circuit: computationally designed receptors, synthetic eukaryotic signal transduction pathways, and a synthetic signal sensitive promoter that allow highly specific transcriptional induction in response to an externally provided ligand is disclosed. The input circuit is able to specifically bind a targeted substance and transmit a signal to the nucleus where transcription of a gene is activated. An output circuit serves as a simple readout system of the substance detected by the input circuit. The readout circuit exemplified here is a degreening circuit which causes plants to turn white. Activation of the degreening circuit can be detected by eye, or remotely with a variety of machines (hand-held, aircraft or satellite based) and is also resettable. When linked the input circuit if operably linked to the output circuit, produces a functional plant detector. |
| US09062318B2 |
Genes that increase plant oil and method for using the same
This invention is intended to be used to search for a transcription factor having novel functions of increasing the weight of an individual plant, increasing the weight of a given tissue per individual plant, or improving the productivity of a given substance per individual plant and to improve such properties in the plant. The weight of an individual plant is increased, the weight of a given tissue per individual plant is increased, the productivity of a given substance per individual plant is improved, or the content of a given substance per given tissue of a plant is increased via expression of a transcription factor that has been modified to suppress transcription accelerating activity. |
| US09062311B2 |
Means and methods for modulating NOTCH3 protein expression and/or the coding region of NOTCH3; compositions and use thereof in the treatment of CADASIL
The invention among other provides means and methods for modulating NOTCH3 expression and/or protein coding domain. In one aspect the invention provides a method for at least reducing an elevated level of NOTCH3 protein in a NOTCH3 expressing cell or the immediate vicinity thereof said method comprising providing said cell with an anti-sense oligonucleotide specific for NOTCH3 m RNA or pre-m RNA thereby decreasing production of said NOTCH3 protein or thereby altering the protein coding region in said NOTCH3 m RNA or pre-m RNA. |
| US09062304B2 |
Spatially inhomogenously functionalized porous media and method for use in selective removal of contaminants
Compositions and methods for separating double-stranded nucleic acids out of a mixture comprising single-stranded nucleic acids and/or dNTPs and/or enzymes. The method uses spatially inhomogenously functionalized nanoporous materials. For example, the compositions and methods of the present invention can be used to purify DNA amplification reaction products. |
| US09062302B2 |
Innovative discovery of therapeutic, diagnostic, and antibody compositions related to protein fragments of p38 multi-tRNA synthetase complex
Provided are compositions comprising newly identified protein fragments of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, polynucleotides that encode them and complements thereof, related agents, and methods of use thereof in diagnostic, drug discovery, research, and therapeutic applications. |
| US09062296B2 |
Recombinant meso-active thermostable proteins and processes of design and biosynthesis thereof
The present invention deals with examination of the alterability of part, or whole, of the surfaces of beta sheet-based protein structures, focusing especially on enzymes. The alteration is done by supplanting/transplanting a part, or whole, of the surface of one protein onto the surface of a homologous protein of superimposable polypeptide backbone, by exploiting the structural features of beta sheets to alter only the regions of the surface involved in substrate/ligand binding and catalysis. The transplantation involves replacement of a selected set of non-contiguous residues constituting the surface regions desired to be altered in one enzyme/protein, by a set of non-contiguous residues located at analogous positions in the other enzyme/protein, in a manner that is likely to facilitate folding and function of the new protein formed by combining residues from both enzymes/proteins. The present invention also deals with using this surface engineering approach to selectively combine enzyme/protein characteristics from different domains of life that are not ordinarily combined by natural evolution, such as the creation of novel proteins that retains the bulk of the thermostable scaffold of a thermophile enzyme onto which the active surface of a mesophile homolog is transplanted, so as to create a thermo-stable protein with meso-active functional characteristics of pH and temperature of optimal function. |
| US09062294B2 |
Renewable fuels produced from oleaginous microorganisms
Disclosed herein are methods of manufacturing renewable chemicals through the manufacture of novel triglyceride oils followed by chemical modification of the oils. Methods such as transesterification, hydrogenation, hydrocracking, deoxygenation, isomerization, interesterification, hydroxylation, hydrolysis and saponification are disclosed. Novel oils containing fatty acid chain lengths of C8, C10, C12 or C14 are also disclosed and are useful as feedstocks in the methods of the invention. |
| US09062293B2 |
Bacterial compositions of Staphylococcus vitulinus having nitrate reductase activity and of lactic acid bacteria and methods using these compositions
The invention relates to a method for converting nitrates to nitrites and to specific compositions of bacteria belonging to the Staphylococcus vitulinus species optionally in association with lactic acid bacteria such as Lactococcus genus or Pediococcus genus and their use for developing the red color of a food product containing myoglobin. |
| US09062292B2 |
Mutant T7 polymerases
Provided are mutant polymerases that comprise a deletion of at least four amino acids among the amino acids at positions corresponding to 167-174 of SEQ ID NO:1. Also provided are mutant polymerases having greater resistance to 30 mM NaCl, 7.5 mM phosphate, or 20 μg/ml single stranded DNA than a wild-type T7 RNA polymerase having SEQ ID NO:1 or a wild-type T3 RNA polymerase having SEQ ID NO:3. Nucleic acids comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding any of the above mutant polymerases are also provided, as are vectors comprising those nucleic acids and host cells transformed with the vectors Additionally, methods of amplifying mRNA using the mutant polymerases described herein are also provided. Further, compositions comprising any of the mutant polymerases described herein, and a reagent at a concentration that is inhibitory to wild-type T7 RNA polymerase is provided. |
| US09062286B2 |
Amadoriase having altered substrate specificity
This invention provides an amadoriase having high substrate specificity to fructosyl valyl histidine. Such amadoriase comprises substitution of one or more amino acid residues at positions corresponding to amino acids selected from the group consisting of position 98, position 259, position 154, position 125, position 261, position 263, position 106, position 103, position 355, position 96, position 66, position 67, position 70, position 100, position 110, position 113, position 114, and position 156 in the amadoriase derived from the genus Coniochaeta. This invention enables accurate measurement of α-fructosyl valyl histidine derived from the β-chain amino terminus in glycated hemoglobin in the presence of ε-fructosyl lysine. |
| US09062285B2 |
Compositions and methods for modulating AMPA receptor-mediated excitotoxicity
The present invention provides AMPAR excitotoxicity mediating polypeptides comprising the GAPDH(2-2-1-1) (I221-E250)amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:2). Also disclosed are nucleotide sequences encoding the polypeptides, methods of inhibiting GAPDH association with the GluR2 subunit or p53. Methods of inhibiting AMPA receptor mediated excitotoxicity using the polypeptides and nucleic acids are also disclosed. |
| US09062283B2 |
Method of reducing curvature in a meniscus of liquid medium
The present application is directed to methods of improving cell culture vessel assays. In one aspect the application is directed to a method of reducing the curvature of the meniscus comprising applying a coating material to the interior wall of the vessel, wherein the coating material provides a receding contact angle of about 90 degrees with aqueous solutions and culture media. In another aspect, the application is directed to a method of labeling cells in a first solution by generating droplets of a second solution containing at least one cell-labelling agent and allowing the droplets of the second solution to contact the surface of the first solution. |
| US09062282B2 |
Leather and/or vinyl cleaner and moisturizer and method of making same
The present invention comprises a hard surface cleaning and treatment composition with a synergistic combination of mild surfactants that makes the composition particularly suited for leather, synthetic leather, vinyl and stainless steel. The composition is gentle and non-damaging to leather and synthetic leather, and leaves no sticky residue. The composition can clean food soils such as mustard, ketchup, shortening and grease and requires no personal protective equipment when being used. In addition, a method of preserving a leather surface or article by contacting said surface with said substrate is disclosed as well as specific methods associated with making the composition to form a stable water in oil emulsion. |
| US09062279B2 |
Laundry detergent compositions comprising lipolytic or lipase enzymes
Detergent compositions containing high efficiency lipase enzymes and specific detergent formulations comprising a high reserve alkalinity, greater than 7.5, and less than 15 wt % zeolite and phosphate builder are described. Preferred formulations comprise surfactants selected from alkyl benzene sulphonates in combination with alkyl ethoxylated sulfates or MES or non-ionic surfactants. |
| US09062278B2 |
Preparing ether carboxylates
The present invention relates to a process for preparing ether carboxylates. |
| US09062276B2 |
Conjugated linoleic acid rich vegetable oil production from linoleic rich oils by heterogeneous catalysis
The invention is generally directed to conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)-rich vegetable oil production from linoleic rich oils by heterogeneous catalysis. A heterogeneous catalytic vacuum distillation process is used under high temperature conditions to isomerize linoleic acid in triacylglyceride vegetable oils to CLA to produce CLA-rich oils. After processing, the catalyst may be removed by filtration or centrifugation to obtain high quality, CLA-rich oils. The CLA-rich oils may then serve as a potent and bioactive nutraceutical and can be incorporated into various food products, such as a CLA-rich dressing, margarine or chips. |
| US09062269B2 |
Method for improving thermal-oxidative stability and elastomer compatibility
A method for improving thermo-oxidative stability and elastomer compatibility in an apparatus lubricated with a lubricating oil by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oil including a lubricating oil base stock. The lubricating oil base stock includes a multi-aromatic base stock of the formula: R1—R2—(X—R2)n—R1 wherein each R1 is the same or different and is a terminal group, each R2 is the same or different and represents a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic moiety; each X is a linking moiety that is carbon-carbon single bond or a linking group, n is a number from 1 to 2000, and the ratio of the total number of aromatic ring carbon atoms to aliphatic carbon atoms in said formula is greater than 0.32:1. The multi-aromatic base stock has a kinematic viscosity greater than 20 mm2/s at 100° C. |
| US09062267B2 |
Use of tetrahydrobenzoxazines as stabilisers
The use of tetrahydrobenzoxazines I where R1 is a hydrocarbyl radical and R2, R3, R4 and R5 are each independently hydrogen atoms, hydroxyl groups or hydrocarbyl radicals, and where R2 to R5 may also form a second and a third tetrahydrooxazine ring, with the proviso that at least one of the substituents has from 4 to 3000 carbon atoms and the remaining substituents, when they are hydrocarbyl radicals, each have from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, as stabilizers for stabilizing inanimate organic material, especially turbine fuels, against the action of light, oxygen and heat. |
| US09062262B2 |
Process for 1,3-butadiene separation from a crude C4 stream with acetylene converter
Disclosed is a method of recovering 1,3-butadiene from a C4 stream containing butane, isobutane, 2-butene, 1-butene, isobutene, butadiene and acetylene. The process of recovering highly pure 1,3-butadiene includes acetylene conversion for selectively converting acetylene through liquid-phase hydrogenation, so that the acetylene content is decreased to 70 wt ppm or less, and 1,3-butadiene extraction using an extractive distillation column, a pre-separator, a solvent stripping column, a solvent recovery column, and a purification column. Through the acetylene conversion, the concentration of vinylacetylene is decreased to 70 wt ppm or less, after which 1,3-butadiene is recovered using only one extractive distillation column, thereby considerably decreasing the degree of utility and the loss of streams in the course of extraction. The number of units necessary for the process is decreased, thus remarkably reducing the time during which impurities can accumulate in a processing unit. |
| US09062260B2 |
Removing unstable sulfur compounds from crude oil
A crude oil which contains at least 0.1 wt % unstable sulfur compounds is treated in a reaction zone at low temperature to convert at least 50 wt % of the unstable sulfur compounds contained therein. The reaction and removal of sulfur from the crude may be facilitated by contacting the crude oil with a catalytic material in the presence of a stripping fluid. |
| US09062258B2 |
Process for hydrotreating a diesel fuel feedstock, hydrotreating unit for the implementation of the said process, and corresponding hydrorefining unit
The invention relates to a process for the catalytic hydrotreating of a feedstock of petroleum origin of diesel fuel type and of a feedstock of biological origin based on vegetable oils and/or animal fats in a stationary bed catalytic hydrotreating unit, the said process being characterized in that the feedstock of petroleum origin is introduced into the said reactor upstream of the feedstock of biological origin.It also relates to a catalytic hydrotreating unit for the implementation of the said process and to a corresponding hydrorefining unit. |
| US09062254B2 |
Tungstate fluorescent materials and preparation methods thereof
Tungstate luminescent materials and preparation methods thereof are provided. The said luminescent materials are represented by the following general formula: RWO4:xM, wherein R is selected from one or two of Ca, Sr or Ba, M is selected from one or two of Ag, Au, Pt or Pd metal nano-particles; 0 |
| US09062252B2 |
Phosphor, manufacture thereof, light-emitting device, and image display device
Provided is a chemically-thermally stable phosphor having different emission characteristics from the conventional and exhibiting high emission intensity with an LED of 470 nm or less. A phosphor of the present invention includes an inorganic crystal of a crystal represented by Sr1Si3Al2O4N4, another inorganic crystal represented by A1(D,E)5X8 and having the same crystal structure as Sr1Si3Al2O4N4, and/or a solid-solution crystal thereof, all with M (one or more kinds of elements selected from Mn, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, and Yb) being solid-solved, wherein A is one or more kinds selected from Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba; D is one or more kinds selected from Si, Ge, Sn, Ti, Zr and Hf; E is one or more kinds selected from B, Al, Ga, In, Sc, Y and La; and X is one or more kinds selected from O, N and F. |
| US09062245B2 |
Liquid-retaining elastomeric compositions
Disclosed are compositions-of-matter composed of a continuous elastomeric matrix and a liquid; the matrix entrapping the liquid therein in the form of closed-cell droplets dispersed throughout the matrix. The disclosed compositions-of-matter are characterized by a low tensile/compressive modulus and are capable of retaining the liquid for exceedingly long periods of time. Further disclosed are processes for forming the compositions-of-matter and uses thereof. |
| US09062238B2 |
Methods and compositions for viscosifying heavy aqueous brines
A method for viscosifying brine systems utilized in oilfield applications comprising: a) preparing a heavy brine system comprising obtaining an aqueous brine system comprising a hydrated polysaccharide and at least one multivalent salt, wherein the density of the aqueous brine system is greater than about 10 pounds per gallon (ppg), and adding an effective amount of an alkaline agent, thereby increasing the viscosity of the brine system. Also disclosed are methods for viscosifying brine systems utilized in well servicing applications comprising obtaining an aqueous brine solution comprising at least one multivalent salt, wherein the density of the aqueous brine system is greater than about 10 pounds per gallon (ppg); adding a polysaccharide; adding an effective amount of an acid buffering agent to the brine system to lower the pH of the brine system, whereby the polysaccharide is capable of substantially hydrating into the brine system; and adding an effective amount of an alkaline agent, thereby substantially increasing the viscosity of the brine system. |
| US09062236B2 |
Random copolymer oil return agents
The present invention relates to polymeric oil-return agents which solubilize or disperse mineral oil and/or synthetic oil lubricants with hydrofluorocarbon, hydrochlorofluorocarbon, and hydrofluoroolefin-based refrigerants and refrigerant compositions containing them. The polymeric oil-return agents are random copolymers containing less than about 30 wt % fluorine and produced from at least one monomer providing compatibility with the oil phase and at least one monomer providing compatibility with the refrigerant phase. The polymeric oil-return agents provide for more efficient return of mineral oil and/or synthetic oil lubricants from non-compressor zones back to a compressor zone in a refrigeration system. |
| US09062232B2 |
Sealing material of polypropylene with improved optical performance
Polypropylene composition comprising a propylene homopolymer having a melt flow rate MFR2 (230° C.) in the range of 1.0 to 20.0 g/10 min and a propylene copolymer, said copolmyer comprises •a polypropylene fraction having a comonomer content of not more than 1.0 wt.-%, the comomers are C5 to C12 α-olefins, and •a propylene copolymer fraction having a comonomer content 4.0 to 20.0 wt.-%, the comomers are C5 to C12 α-olefins, wherein further •the propylene copolymer has a comonomer content of at least 2.5 wt.-%, the comomers are C5 to C12 α-olefins, •the melt flow rate MFR2 (230° C.) of the propylene homopolymer is higher than the melt flow rate MFR2 (230° C.) of the polypropylene fraction, •the weight ratio of the polypropylene fraction to the propylene copolymer fraction is in the range of 30/70 to 70/30, and •the weight ratio of the propylene copolymer to the propylene homopolymer is in the range of 95/5 to 75/25. |
| US09062228B2 |
Aqueous inkjet inks containing polyurethane binders with components to interact with cellulose
Disclosed are aqueous inkjet inks containing a polyurethane ink additive as a binder. The binder contains a component capable of interacting with cellulose. Certain heterocycles having similar Hansen solubility parameters as cellulose were incorporated into the polyurethane binders. Prints from these inks have better durability and optical properties than similar additives that do not have the components capable of interacting with cellulose. |
| US09062216B2 |
Pigments of simultaneously substituted pyrochlore and related structures
A compound or a pigment comprising a compound where there is simultaneous substitution of more or more elements onto both the A and B sites of a pyrochlore lattice or a lattice related to a pyrochlore. The pigment comprises a compound with the formula of AyA′y′BxB′x′Zp. Elements A and A′ have a valence of 1, 2, or 3; and are selected from the elements of groups 1, 2, 12, 13, 14, 15, and the first row of transition metals, excluding H, Pb, Cd, Hg, N, As, and Tl. Elements B and B′ have a valence of 3, 4, 5, or 6; and are selected from the elements of the first, second, or third row of transition metals, groups 13, 14, and 15, excluding V, C, Pb, and Tl. Element Z is selected from O, F, N, a chalcogen, S, Se, hydroxide ion, and mixtures thereof. |
| US09062215B2 |
Paint binder composition
The present invention relates to composition and use of a binder for the production of paints and inks. Said binder comprises the following elements: waxes, emulsifying agents, curing agents, drying oils, resins, metal ions and water. Furthermore, the present invention discloses a process for the preparation of binder compositions and paints containing them. |
| US09062210B2 |
Compositions and methods for making glass fortified wood
A method of treating wood including providing wood having an outer layer, the outer layer including an acetylated wood cell wall; and applying a supercritical fluid mixture to the outer layer to form a treated wood, in which the supercritical fluid mixture includes a silicate precursor dissolved in a supercritical fluid, and in which the silicate precursor is attached to the acetylated wood cell wall in the treated wood is described. A glass fortified wood composition having: an acetylated wood cell wall; and a silicate precursor including a long chain alkyl group, in which the long chain alkyl group of the silicate precursor is embedded into the acetylated wood cell wall. A kit for treating wood is described including a silicate precursor; a supercritical fluid; and a catalyst capable of facilitating the formation of Si—O—Si linkages. The silicate precursor may be dissolved in the supercritical fluid. |
| US09062209B2 |
Polymer encapsulated aluminum particulates
A coated platelet that includes a robust polymer coating that has substantially uniform structures, a method for producing the coated platelet and a system that includes the coated platelet are described. The disclosed method involves immobilizing initiator molecules onto the surfaces of the platelet by using surface coupling groups and polymerization from initiating sites of the initiator anchored on the surface of the platelet. The disclosed method allows uniform growth of the polymer chains so as to produce robust coated platelets with a smooth coated surface. The disclosed system includes only the disclosed coated platelet and a solvent and eliminates the need to add polymer resins separate from the resins that are covalently attached to the platelet. |
| US09062205B2 |
Alkyl amine compounds for fluorescent labeling
Alkyl amine dyes, oligonucleotide probes prepared from the alkyl amine dyes, phosphoramidites and solid supports prepared from the alkyl amine dyes, and methods of labeling biological agents using the alkyl amine dyes. |
| US09062203B2 |
Binder composition, reinforcing-fiber base material, preform, fiber-reinforced composite material, and manufacturing method therefor
A binder composition comprising [A] an amorphous polyamide with a glass transition temperature of 140° C. or higher having a dicyclohexylmethane skeleton in the molecule and [B] a sulfonamide compound is used to provide a binder composition, a reinforcing-fiber base material and a preform respectively most suitable for RTM, which respectively exhibit excellent impact resistance and physical properties remaining stable over the variations of molding conditions and can be used for producing a fiber-reinforced composite material most suitable for members such as primary structures of aircraft. |
| US09062202B2 |
Resin-polyester blend binder compositions, method of making same and articles made therefrom
An aqueous binder system including a mixture of urea-formaldehyde resin and water-dispersible polyester resin. A combination of the binder system applied to fiber insulation, a composite glass mat, glass/polyester mat, polyester mat, or substrate of a coated abrasive product. Fiber insulation, a composite glass mat, glass/polyester mat, polyester mat, or coated abrasive product with the binder system including urea-formaldehyde resin and water-dispersible polyester. |
| US09062196B2 |
High heat polycarbonates, methods of making, and articles formed therefrom
Disclosed herein is a polymer blend comprising a first polycarbonate comprising a first structural unit derived from a 2-aryl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine and a second structural unit derived from a dihydroxy aromatic compound, wherein the second structural unit is not identical to the first structural unit, and a second polycarbonate comprising a structural unit derived from a dihydroxy aromatic compound, wherein the polymer blend has a glass transition temperature of 155 to 200° C.; and wherein a test auricle having a thickness of 3.2 mm and molded from the blend has a haze of less than or equal to 3.0 measured in accordance with ASTM D1003-00. A method of making the polymer blend, and articles prepared from the blend, are also disclosed. |
| US09062187B2 |
Optical film
Provided is an optical film which exhibits low internal haze, low internal scattering, and excellent moisture resistance though the film contains diacetylcellulose having excellent retardation-inducing properties. An optical film characterized by comprising: a cellulose acetate α which has a 6% viscosity of 70 to 250 mPas and a degree of acetyl substitution of 2.0 to less than 2.5; another cellulose acetate β which has a 6% viscosity lower than that of the cellulose acetate α and a degree of acetyl substitution of 2.0 to less than 2.5; ester compound C which has 1 to 12 pyranose or furanose structures of at least one kind and in which all or a part of the OH groups of the structures are esterified; and polyester D represented by Formula (1). B-(G-A)n-G-B (1). |
| US09062183B2 |
Fiber reinforced polyoxymethylene composition with improved thermal properties
The present disclosure relates to a molding composition and to molded products made from the composition. In accordance with the present disclosure, the polymer composition contains a polyoxymethylene copolymer having a relatively low amount of comonomer units. The polyoxymethylene polymer is combined with at least one reinforcing fiber and a coupling agent. The above polymer produces a composition have a relatively high heat deflection temperature, while also having excellent mechanical properties. |
| US09062180B2 |
Polymeric articles comprising oxygen permeability enhancing particles
The present invention relates to a composition comprising a hydrogel polymer having less than 100% haze, and distributed therein an oxygen enhancing effective amount of oxygen permeable particles having an oxygen permeability of at least about 100 barrer, average particle size less than about 5000 nm. |
| US09062172B2 |
Resin composition adhesive film and prepreg containing the same, multilayered printed wiring board containing an insulating layer formed by curing such a resin composition, semiconductor device containing such a multilayered printed wiring board, and method of producing such a resin composition
A resin composition which is low in a roughness of an insulating layer surface and capable of forming thereon a plated conductor layer having a sufficient peel strength in a wet roughing step and which is excellent in dielectric characteristics and a coefficient of thermal expansion, is disclosed. The resin composition contains a cyanate ester resin and a specified epoxy resin. |
| US09062171B2 |
Method for producing rubber composition
After step (I) of kneading a diene rubber and a carbon black to be mixed with each other, and then discharging the resultant mixture containing the diene rubber and the carbon black from an internal mixer, step (II) of kneading the mixture again in the internal mixer to crush a re-aggregate of the carbon black in the mixture, and step (III) of charging the dihydrazide compound into the internal mixer, and kneading the mixture and the dihydrazide compound to be mixed with each other are carried out. The period of step (II) for the kneading is 15 seconds or longer, and the rotating speed of the stirring rotor of the internal mixer is 35 rpm or more. The period of step (III) for the kneading is 40 seconds or longer, and the rotating speed of the stirring rotor of the internal mixer is from 15 to 25 rpm. |
| US09062169B2 |
Slit film tape compositions for improved tenacity and methods for making same
Slit film tapes comprising (i) 1 to 50 wt % of a propylene elastomer based upon the total weight of the blend comprising 70 wt % to 95 wt % propylene and about 5 wt % to about 30 wt % alpha-olefin comonomer based upon total weight of the propylene elastomer. The propylene elastomer has a melt flow rate of 1 to 35 dg/min, a peak melting point of less than 115° C., and an mm triad tacticity of at least 70%; (ii) about 50 to about 99 wt % of a polypropylene based upon total weight of the blend comprising about 90 to about 100 mol % propylene wherein the polypropylene has a melt flow rate of 2 to 35 dg/min and a peak melting point of at least 130° C.; and (iii) 0.1 to 50 wt % of filler based upon the total weight of the blend. |
| US09062160B1 |
Catalyst-free methods of forming polyurethanes from pentafluorophenyl carbonates
One catalyst-free method of forming a polyurethane comprises forming a first emulsion comprising a first monomer, a surfactant, a water immiscible organic solvent, and water. The first monomer comprises two or more pentafluorophenyl carbonate groups. The first emulsion is combined with an aqueous mixture containing a second monomer comprising two or more nucleophilic amine groups, thereby forming a second emulsion. The first and second monomers of the second emulsion are allowed to react by interfacial polymerization, thereby forming a polyurethane. The polyurethane can have a number average molecular weight (Mn) of about 30000 to about 80000. The method is compatible with introducing pendant functionality into the polyurethane by way of cyclic carbonate precursors to the first monomer. |
| US09062159B2 |
Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) synthesized via copolycondensation catalyzed by biomass creatinine
A method for synthesizing a medical grade biodegradable material, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), copolycondensation of lactic acid and glycolic acid catalyzed by biomass creatinine. The present invention uses commercialized creatinine (a type of biomaterial organic guanidine compounds—the arginine metabolite creatinine (CR) in human body) as the catalyst and industrial lactic acid (LA, mass content 85%, aqueous solution) and glycolic acid (GA, 95%) as the monomer to synthesize the high biosafety of medical poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) in terms of two steps polycondensation without solvent. The method of the present invention has the following characters: green technology is used, raw materials required are low in costs, operation is simple and convenient, and it is easy for industrialization; the catalyst, creatinine, used in the invention has high biocompatibility and biosafety, and no cytotoxicity; the poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) synthesized is free of any metal and other toxic residues; Further, the molecular weight distribution for all synthesized products is narrow and the molecular weight is controllable within 1.8-17.7×104; and the poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) synthesized is suitable for use as implantable material for hard tissue repair, surgical sutures, and the carrier for targeting drugs and controlled release drugs. |
| US09062158B2 |
Polyester polyols based on aromatic dicarboxylic acids
The present invention relates to polyester polyols based on aromatic dicarboxylic acids and their use for producing rigid polyurethane foams. |
| US09062157B2 |
Late-addition catalyst formulation, reactor system, and method for producing polycarbonate
The present invention provides a melt polymerization reactor system and method of producing polycarbonate using a late-addition catalyst formulation having a melt transesterification catalyst dispersed in a liquid carrier system which preferably includes less than 10 wt % water. The formulation also preferably includes a liquid carrier system having phenol and a cosolvent. The melt transesterification catalyst can be present in the formulation in a range of 50 ppm to 60,000 ppm. |
| US09062152B2 |
Organic electronic devices, including organic photovoltaic devices, polymers, and monomers
Materials for organic electronic devices including organic photovoltaic devices. An oligomer or polymer comprising: wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are independently hydrogen or solubilizing groups. Monomers and ink compositions can be also prepared. The materials can be used in an OPV active layer and show excellent absorption properties with bathochromic shift. |
| US09062147B2 |
Lactide copolymer, a preparation method thereof, and a resin composition including the same
The present invention relates to a lactide copolymer having good flexibility in addition to excellent properties such as mechanical properties and processability and preferably being applicable as a packaging material, a preparation method thereof, and a resin composition including the same. The lactide copolymer includes two or more specific block copolymerized repeating units that the hard segments of polylactide repeating units are connected to both ends of the soft segments of polyether polyol repeating unit, and the block copolymerized repeating units are connected to each other through the intermediation of urethane connecting groups derived from polyvalent isocyanate compound of which the average equivalent of isocyanate group per a molecule is more than 2 and less than 3. |
| US09062143B2 |
Water-redispersible polymer powder
Polymer powders comprising in copolymerized form a) one or more vinyl aromatic comonomers, b) one or more 1,3-diene comonomers, c) from 0.1 to 15 percent, based on the total comonomer weight, of one or more comonomers selected from the group consisting of ethylenically unsaturated mono- and dicarboxylic acids and their salts, wherein at least 75 percent of the total number of carboxylic groups present in the polymer are located at the surface of the polymer particles in the powder and at least 75 percent of the carboxylic groups located at the surface of the polymer particles in powder are present in their salt form, and d) from 0 to 40 percent, based on the total comonomer weight, of one or more additional comonomers have an excellent redispersibility in water. |
| US09062141B2 |
Radiopaque shape memory polymers for medical devices
Radiopaque polymer compositions and methods for making the compositions are provided. These radiopaque polymer compositions include shape memory polymer compositions comprising a crosslinked polymer network, the network comprising a first repeating unit derived from a monofunctional iodinated monomer and a second repeating unit derived from a multifunctional non-iodinated monomer wherein neither of the two monomers is fluorinated. Devices formed from radiopaque polymer compositions are also provided. |
| US09062139B2 |
Sulfone-containing polythioethers, compositions thereof, and methods of synthesis
Sulfone-containing polythioethers, compositions containing sulfone-containing polythioethers, methods of synthesizing sulfone-containing polythioethers and the use of sulfone-containing polythioethers in aerospace sealant applications are disclosed. The sulfone-containing polythioethers have sulfone groups incorporated into the backbone of the polythioether. Cured sealant compositions comprising the sulfone-containing polythioethers exhibit enhanced thermal resistance. |
| US09062136B2 |
Polymerizable alkylidene-1,3-dioxolane-2-one and use thereof
Polymerizable alkylidene-1,3-dioxolan-2-one monomers, a process for preparation of polymerizable alkylidene-1,3-dioxolan-2-one monomers, and the use thereof for preparation of polymers. The invention also relates to the homopolymers and copolymers obtained by homopolymerization or copolymerization of alkylidene-1,3-dioxolan-2-one monomers and to the use thereof as a component in 2K binder compositions. |
| US09062135B2 |
Manufacturing method of solid catalyst for propylene polymerization
Disclosed is a method for preparing a solid catalyst for propylene polymerization, specifically to a method for preparing a solid catalyst for propylene polymerization which can produce a polypropylene having high melt flow rate, a wide molecular distribution and excellent stereoregularity with a high production yield. |
| US09062132B2 |
Dispersion stabilizer for suspension polymerization
The present invention provides a dispersion stabilizer having an excellent polymerization stability. When used for suspension polymerization of vinyl compounds even in small amounts, the dispersion stabilizer according to the present invention attains the effects that: with respect to vinyl polymer particles to be obtained, the plasticizer absorptivity is high, leading to easy processing; residual monomer components such as a vinyl compound can be removed easily; the number of coarse particles is small; the obtained particles are as uniform as possible in particle size so that formation of fish-eyes can be prevented. The present invention provides a dispersion stabilizer for suspension polymerization including a polyvinyl alcohol polymer (A) having a saponification degree of 60 mol % or more and a polymerization degree of 200 or more, and a polyvinyl alcohol polymer (C) obtained by esterifying a polyvinyl alcohol polymer (B) having a saponification degree of less than 60 mol % with a carboxylic acid compound. |
| US09062130B2 |
Cross-linking of low-molecular weight and high-molecular weight polysaccharides, preparation of injectable monophase hydrogels, polysaccharides and hydrogels obtained
A process for the crosslinking of at least one polymer selected from polysaccharides and derivatives thereof, which is carried out in an aqueous solvent by the action of an effective and non-excessive amount of at least one crosslinking agent, characterized in that it is carried out on a mixture containing at least one low-molecular weight polymer and at least one high-molecular weight polymer. A process for the preparation of an injectable monophase hydrogel of at least one crosslinked polymer selected from polysaccharides and derivatives thereof. Crosslinked polymers and injectable monophase hydrogels respectively obtainable by each of said processes. |
| US09062129B2 |
Hyaluronic acid esters, their preparation and use in dermatology
New ester derivatives of hyaluronic acid with hydroxy-cinnamic acid, their rheological and anti-radical properties are used as protective agents in dermatology. |
| US09062126B2 |
Compositions comprising receptor-associated protein (RAP) variants specific for CR-containing proteins and uses thereof
The present invention relates generally to receptor-selective variants of the low-density lipoprotein receptor-associated protein (RAP) and compositions thereof, methods of generating such variants and methods of using such receptor-selective RAP variant compositions for therapeutic purposes. |
| US09062116B2 |
Anti-fatty acid amide hydrolase-2 antibodies and uses thereof
Antibodies that specifically bind to fatty acid amide hydrolases and methods of using the antibodies are provided herein. |
| US09062109B2 |
Anti-ephrin-B2 antibody and compositions comprising it
The present invention relates to a novel antibody against ephrin B2 and its use to detect the protein and as a medicament for inhibiting angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in the treatment of diseases in which these processes are implicated, for example, cancer. |
| US09062108B2 |
Dual specific binding proteins directed against IL-1 and/or IL-17
Engineered multivalent and multispecific binding proteins that bind IL-1β and/or IL-17 are provided, along with methods of making and uses in the prevention, diagnosis, and/or treatment of disease. |
| US09062103B2 |
Adult stem cells/progenitor cells and stem cell proteins for treatment of eye injuries and diseases
The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for treating an ocular disease, disorder or condition in a mammal. The invention includes a population of mesenchymal stromal cells that possess anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, immune modulatory and anti-tumorigenic properties. The invention includes administration of TSG-6, STC-1, or a combination thereof to the ocular as a treatment for an ocular disease, disorder or condition in a mammal. |
| US09062100B2 |
Anti-human TROP-2 antibody having anti-tumor activity in vivo
The present invention provides: an antibody, which specifically reacts with hTROP-2 and has anti-tumor activity in vivo; a hybridoma, which produces the aforementioned antibody; a complex of the aforementioned antibody and a drug; a pharmaceutical composition for diagnosing or treating a tumor; a method for detecting a tumor; and a kit for detecting or diagnosing a tumor. |
| US09062096B2 |
HER2Delta16 peptides
The present invention provides cyclic peptides comprising a dimer of peptides, each peptide comprising a sequence corresponding to the HER2 splice variant HER2Delta16, wherein the cyclic peptide is cyclized via a disulfide bond between the peptides and via an amino acid linking the peptides. The invention also provides methods of making antibodies that specifically bind to HER2Delta16 homodimers using said cyclic peptides. |
| US09062091B2 |
Polymerase enzyme substrates with protein shield
Compositions and methods are provided for nucleotide analogs comprising protein shields for improving enzyme photostability in single molecule real time sequencing. Nucleotide analogs of the invention have a protein shield between the dye moieties and nucleotide moieties of the analog. The protein prevents the direct interaction of the dye moiety with the enzyme carrying out nucleotide synthesis preventing photodamage to the enzyme. The nucleotide analogs of the invention can have multiple dyes and multiple nucleotide moieties. |
| US09062079B2 |
Hydrophobic diacrylamide compound
A silyl protected diacrylamide compound is described. A method of forming such a compound includes mixing a silylation reagent with a hydroxylated diamine compound under first reactive conditions to form a product in a first solution, separating the product from the first solution, and mixing the product with acryloyl chloride under second reactive conditions in a second solution to form a silyl protected diacrylamide compound. |
| US09062077B2 |
Benzopyranobenzothiazinones and their use as fungicides, antibiotics and antitumor agents
This invention relates to the field of biologically active compounds and specifically to phaeofungins, of the general formula (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt, solvate, hydrate or a pharmacologically acceptable formulation thereof, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, methods for the production of the phaeofungins and their use as fungicide, antibiotic as well as antitumor agent. |
| US09062075B2 |
Tetrahydropyridine derivatives as FabI inhibitors
The present invention relates to tetrahydropyridine derivatives of formula (1) which may be therapeutically useful as anti-bacterial agents, more particularly FabI inhibitors. in which X, Y, Z and “n” have the same meanings given in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and pharmaceutically acceptable stereoisomers thereof that are useful in the treatment and prevention in diseases or disorder, in particular their use in diseases or disorder where there is an advantage in inhibiting Enoyl-ACP reductase enzyme (FabI) activity. The present invention also provides methods for synthesizing and administering the FabI inhibitory compounds. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising at least one of the FabI inhibitory compounds together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient therefor. |
| US09062074B2 |
(9E)-15-(2-pyrrolidin-1-yl-ethoxy)-7,12,25-trioxa-19,21,24-triaza-tetracyclo[18.3.1.1(2.5).1(14,18)]hexacosa-1(24),2,4,9,14,16,18(26),20,22-nonaene citrate salt
The present invention relates to certain salts of a 9E-15-(2-pyrrolidin-1-yl-ethoxy)-7,12,25-trioxa-19,21,24-triaza-tetracyclo[18.3.1.1(2,5).1(14,18)]hexacosa-1(24),2,4,9,14,16,18(26),20,22-nonaene (Compound I) which have been found to have improved properties. In particular the present invention relates to the citrate salt of this compound. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing the citrate salt and methods of use of the citrate salt in the treatment of certain medical conditions. |
| US09062073B2 |
Pyrimido-pyrrolo-oxazine-dione compound inhibitors of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein and uses therefor
Provided herein are benzopyrimido-pyrrolo-oxazine-dione (BPO) compounds and pyrimido-pyrrolo-quinoxalinedione (PPQ) compounds, and compositions comprising these compounds, that inhibit cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mediated ion transport and that are useful for treating diseases and disorders associated with aberrantly increased CFTR chloride channel activity, such as polycystic kidney disease and secretory diarrheas. The compounds and compositions comprising the compounds described herein may be used for inhibiting expansion or preventing formation of cysts in persons who have polycystic kidney disease. |
| US09062071B2 |
Substituted piperidines as HDM2 inhibitors
The present invention provides a compound of Formula I (The formula should be inserted here) as described herein or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. The representative compounds are useful as inhibitors of the HDM2 protein. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the above compounds and potential methods of treating cancer using the same. |
| US09062068B2 |
Protein kinase C inhibitors and uses thereof
This disclosure concerns compounds which are useful as inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC) and are thus useful for treating a variety of diseases and disorders that are mediated or sustained through the activity of PKC. This disclosure also relates to pharmaceutical compositions that include these compounds, methods of using these compounds in the treatment of various diseases and disorders, processes for preparing these compounds and intermediates useful in these processes. |
| US09062063B1 |
Forms of oxymorphone hydrochloride
The present disclosure is directed to crystalline forms of oxymorphone hydrochloride and compositions comprising any of the crystalline forms of oxymorphone hydrochloride. Also provided are processes for the preparation of crystalline forms of oxymorphone hydrochloride. |
| US09062061B2 |
Compound having PARP inhibitory activity
A compound represented by the following general formula (1) or a salt thereof. R1 represents a halogen atom and so on; R2 and R3 each represent a hydrogen atom and so on; R4 and R5 each represent a hydrogen atom and so on, or R4 and R5 may form an oxo group; Ra and Rb each represent a lower alkyl group optionally having a substituent and so on, or they may bind to each other to form a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring which may be substituted by one or plural Rc; Rc represents an aryl group optionally having a substituent and so on; ring A represents a benzene ring and so on; and m represents 0, 1 or 2. |
| US09062056B2 |
Aza-benzimidazolone Chymase inhibitors
Disclosed are small molecule inhibitors of the formula (I): and the pharmaceutical compositions thereof and processes of making the same. The compounds are useful in treating various diseases and conditions involving chymase. |
| US09062053B2 |
Crystalline forms of trans-7-oxo-6-(sulphooxy)-1,6-Diazabicyclo[3,2,1]octane-2-carboxamide sodium salt
The present invention relates to novel crystalline forms of sodium salt of trans-7-oxo-6-(sulphooxy)-1,6-diazabicyclo[3,2,1]octane-2-carboxamide (e.g., NXL-104) thereof. The present invention relates to compositions comprising a crystalline form of sodium salt of trans-7-oxo-6-(sulphooxy)-1,6-diazabicyclo[3,2,1]octane-2-carboxamide (e.g., NXL-104) alone or in combination with an antibacterial agent (e.g., ceftaroline fosamil). Processes for the preparation of the crystalline forms and methods of treating bacterial infections by administering the crystalline forms alone or in combination with an antibacterial agent (e.g., ceftaroline fosamil) are also described. |
| US09062052B2 |
Carboxamide compounds and methods for using the same
Disclosed are carboxamide compounds, as well as pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use. One embodiment is a compound having the structure in which R1, R2, R3, R4, D, J, Z, T, p, q, w and x are as described herein. In certain embodiments, a compound disclosed herein activates the AMPK pathway, and can be used to treat metabolism-related disorders and conditions. |
| US09062047B2 |
Crystalline form of pyrimido[6,1-A] isoquinolin-4-one compound
The current invention is directed towards a polymorph of N-{2-[(2E)-2-(mesitylimino)-9,10-dimethoxy-4-oxo-6,7-dihydro-2H-pyrimido[6,1-a]-isoquinolin-3(4H)-yl]ethyl}urea, in the form of a crystalline solid consisting of greater than 99% by weight of N-{2-[(2E)-2-(mesitylimino)-9,10-dimethoxy-4-oxo-6,7-dihydro-2H-pyrimido[6,1-a]-isoquinolin-3(4H)-yl]ethyl}urea, at least 95% in the polymorphic form of a thermodynamically stable polymorph (I) of N-{2-[(2E)-2-(mesitylimino)-9,10-dimethoxy-4-oxo-6,7-dihydro-2H-pyrimido[6,1-a]-isoquinolin-3(4H)-yl]ethyl}urea, wherein said polymorph is determined by single crystal X-ray structural analysis and X-ray powder diffraction pattern. |
| US09062041B2 |
2H-indazoles as EP2 receptor antagonists
The present invention relates to novel 2H-indazoles of the general formula (I), methods for the preparation thereof and the use thereof for the production of pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of diseases and indications which are linked with the EP2-receptor. |
| US09062032B2 |
Aminoalkyl-substituted N-thienylbenzamide derivative
[Problem] To provide a compound that has an intestinal phosphate transporter (NPT-IIb) inhibitory action and is useful as an active ingredient of an agent for treating and/or preventing hyperphosphatemia.[Means for Solution] The present inventors conducted their studies on a compound that has an NPT-IIb inhibitory action and is useful as an active ingredient of an agent for treating and/or preventing hyperphosphatemia. As a result, they created an aminoalkyl-substituted N-thienylbenzamide derivative which has NPT-IIb inhibitory action, thereby completing the present invention. The aminoalkyl-substituted N-thienylbenzamide derivative of the present invention has an NPT-IIb inhibitory action and can be used as an agent for preventing and/or treating hyperphosphatemia. |
| US09062023B2 |
Heterocycle compounds and uses thereof
The invention relates to chemical compounds, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof of the formula (Q) or (I), which penetrate the blood-brain barrier, inhibit the formation and accumulation of beta-amyloid, and are useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Further, the compounds of the present invention inhibit certain kinases, thereby being useful for the treatment of cancers of the central nervous system. |
| US09062013B2 |
Positive allosteric modulators of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and uses thereof
The present invention relates to compounds useful in the positive modulation of the alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR). The invention also relates to the use of these compounds in the treatment or prevention of a broad range of diseases in which the positive modulation of α7nAChR is advantageous, including neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases and also inflammatory diseases. |
| US09062004B2 |
Cannabinoid-2 agonists
The present specification discloses cannabinoid-2 agonists, compositions comprising such cannabinoid-2 agonists, and methods of treating an individual suffering from a disease by administering compositions comprising such cannabinoid-2 agonists. (Formula I and III) |
| US09062002B2 |
Substituted pyridine derivatives as FabI inhibitors
The present invention provides substituted pyridine derivatives of formula (I), which may be therapeutically useful as as anti-bacterial agents, more particularly FabI inhibitors. Formula (I) in which R1 to R5 and L have the meanings given in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof that are useful in the treatment and prevention in diseases or disorder, in particular their use in diseases or disorder where there is an advantage anti-bacterial agents, more particularly FabI inhibitors. The present invention also provides methods for synthesizing and administering the FabI inhibitor compounds. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising at least one of the FabI inhibitor compounds together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient therefor. |
| US09062001B2 |
Substituted N-aryl pyridinones
Disclosed herein are substituted N-Aryl pyridinone fibrotic inhibitors and/or collagen infiltration modulators of Formula I, process of preparation thereof, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of use thereof. |
| US09061993B2 |
Derivatives of propane diyl dicinnamate
The present invention provides a method for treating a cancer in a subject involving administering to the subject a compound of formula (II) or (II′): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 are independently H, OH, alkoxy or alkylcarbonyloxy, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Also provided is a compound of formula (II) or (II)′, wherein R1 and R2 are independently OH, alkoxy or alkylcarbonyloxy, R3 and R4 are independently H, OH, alkoxy or alkylcarbonyloxy, R6 is H, alkoxy or alkylcarbonyloxy, R5 is H, OH or alkylcarbonyloxy, R6 is H or alkoxy, and R7 is H, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. |
| US09061989B1 |
Method for producing terephthalic acid
A method for producing terephthalic acid comprises the steps of: subjecting methyl acrylate to contact with aluminum chloride so as to form a complex; adding isoprene to the complex to result in a Diels-Alder reaction which is kept at a temperature no higher than 50° C. by cooling so as to obtain a cyclic adduct product; subjecting the cyclic adduct product to separation so as to obtain a cyclic para-precursor; and subjecting the cyclic para-precursor to a chemical reaction so as to obtain terephthalic acid. |
| US09061986B2 |
Acid/salt separation
A method for preparing a carboxylic acid, includes the steps of: providing magnesium carboxylate, wherein the carboxylic acid corresponding with the carboxylate is selected from the group made of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, fumaric acid, adipic acid, itaconic acid, citric acid, glutaric acid, maleic acid, malonic acid, oxalic acid and fatty acids having more than 10 carbon atoms; acidifying the magnesium carboxylate with hydrogen chloride (HCl), thereby obtaining a solution including carboxylic acid and magnesium chloride (MgCl2); optionally a concentration step, wherein the solution including carboxylic acid and MgCl2 is concentrated; and precipitating the carboxylic acid from the solution including the carboxylic acid and MgCl2, thereby obtaining a carboxylic acid precipitate and a MgCl2 solution. |
| US09061983B2 |
Methods of inhibiting xanthine oxidase activity in a cell
Small molecule xanthine oxidase inhibitors are provided, as well as methods for their use in treating gout or hyperuricemia. |
| US09061979B2 |
Mercapto benzophenone compounds, compositions and preparations method thereof
The present invention provides a photocurable composition prepared using mercapto benzophenone compounds as key raw materials. The present invention aims to solve the problems existing in the prior photo-curing technology that low-molecular photoinitiators are easy to remain and migrate, while macromolecular photoinitiators has low initiation efficiency due to a low content of effective components and also has the problem of certain migration. The photocurable composition in the present invention can be easily prepared and has high addition efficiency with ethylenically unsaturated compounds, and the photocurable composition obtained by addition has no residual mercapto and has features of high initiation activity and zero migration rates when it is used in photocurable coatings, binder and ink formula. |
| US09061978B1 |
Process for the production of ethionic acid
The present invention discloses a process for the production of ethionic acid by reacting ethanol with sulfur trioxide in a molar ratio of 1:2 at a temperature from 40 to 100° C. in a falling film reactor while cooling the reactor with a cooling means. |
| US09061977B2 |
Purification of precursor compound by crystallisation
The invention relates to a process for preparation of radiopharmaceutical precursors, and in particular protected amino acid derivatives which are used as precursors for production of radiolabelled amino acids for use in vivo imaging procedures such as positron emission tomography (PET). Particularly, the invention relates to a process for preparation of a precursor useful in the preparation of the [18F]-1-amino-3-fluorocyclobutanecarboxylic acid ([18F] FACBC) PET tracer. |
| US09061974B2 |
Process for producing phenol
A process for producing phenol is described in which a feed comprising cyclohexylbenzene hydroperoxide is contacted with a cleavage catalyst comprising an aluminosilicate zeolite of the FAU type having a unit cell size less than 24.50 Å under cleavage conditions effective to convert at least part of the cyclohexylbenzene hydroperoxide into phenol and cyclohexanone. |
| US09061971B2 |
Method for purifying residues containing isocyanates
The present invention comprises a process for purifying isocyanate-comprising residues. |
| US09061969B2 |
Photoluminescent organic material
A compound of formula (I) is disclosed: wherein definitions of R1, R2, and R3 are the same as those defined in the specification. The compound of formula (I) can emit light via an intramolecular interaction of an imino group and an electron-donatable moiety contained in the compound. A photoluminescent organic composition is also disclosed, which includes a compound represented by formula (II) in the presence of an electron-donatable compound, wherein definitions of R4, R5, and R6 are the same as those defined in the specification. The photoluminescent organic composition can emit light via an intermolecular interaction of an imino group contained in the compound of formula (II) and an electron-donatable moiety contained in the electron-donatable compound. |
| US09061968B2 |
Polymorphs of bromfenac sodium and methods for preparing bromfenac sodium polymorphs
Different polymorphs of bromfenac sodium may be prepared and interconverted using crystallization/recrystallization, drying and/or hydration techniques. |
| US09061967B2 |
Substituted diphenylamine compounds, preparation method and use thereof
Substituted diphenylamine compounds of general formula I are provided, in which each substituted group is defined as in the description. The compounds of general formula I have broad-spectrum fungicidal activity in the field of agriculture. Furthermore, the preparation methods of the above compounds are simple. |
| US09061966B2 |
Cyclopropylamine inhibitors of oxidases
The invention relates to cyclopropylamine compounds, in particular the compounds of Formula (I) as described and defined herein, and their use in therapy, including, e.g., the treatment or prevention of cancer. |
| US09061965B2 |
Low volatile reactive malodor counteractives and methods of use thereof
The present invention provides a novel compound for counteracting amine-based malodor in consumer, industrial and textile products. |
| US09061964B2 |
Method for producing tertiary amine
The present invention discloses the method for producing a tertiary amine, using the column reactor packed with catalyst layers, containing supplying a liquid and a gaseous raw materials from the bottom of the column, reacting these raw materials in the column, and discharging the product from the top of the column, wherein the column reactor includes two or more honeycomb catalyst layers as the catalyst layers, one or more spaces between each honeycomb catalyst layer, and one or more rectifying sections that prevents a partial or whole back flow of the raw materials, arranged in each space without contacting with the honeycomb catalyst layer. |
| US09061963B2 |
Process for preparing aromatic and heteroaromatic amines
A process is described for preparing aromatic and heteroaromatic amines of the general formula (I) Ar—NR1R2, in which an aromatic compound with the general formula (II) Ar—X is reacted in the presence of a catalyst with an amine of the general formula (III) H—NR1R2 and a base, wherein the catalyst is selected from transition metal complexes having one or more ligands with the general formula (IV). |
| US09061961B2 |
Method for direct amination of hydrocarbons to form amino hydrocarbons with the electrochemical separation of hydrocarbon
Process for the direct amination of hydrocarbons to aminohydrocarbons, which comprises the steps: a) reaction of a feed stream E comprising at least one hydrocarbon and at least one aminating reagent to form a reaction mixture R comprising aminohydrocarbons and hydrogen and b) electrochemical separation of at least part of the hydrogen formed in the reaction from the reaction mixture R by means of a gastight membrane-electrode assembly having at least one selectively proton-conducting membrane and at least one electrode catalyst on each side of the membrane, where at least part of the hydrogen is oxidized to protons over the anode catalyst on the retentate side of the membrane and the protons are, after passing through the membrane, b1) reduced to hydrogen and/or b2) reacted with oxygen from an oxygen-comprising stream O which is brought into contact with the permeate side of the membrane to form water over the cathode catalyst on the permeate side. |
| US09061952B2 |
Fischer-tropsch synthesis
A process (10) to produce Fischer-Tropsch products includes feeding feed synthesis gas (30) with a substantially constant target feed synthesis gas H2/CO ratio to a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis stage (16). A portion of the feed synthesis gas (30) is converted to Fischer-Tropsch products in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis stage (16). The Fischer-Tropsch products (20) from the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis stage (16) are withdrawn. A Fischer-Tropsch synthesis stage tail gas (26) which includes unconverted H2 and CO is obtained. The operating conditions of the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis stage (16) are manipulated to achieve a substantially constant target tail gas H2/CO ratio, with the target tail gas H2/CO ratio being substantially different from the target feed synthesis gas H2/CO ratio. |
| US09061949B2 |
Metal component absorption enhancer in plant
A metal component absorption enhancer which enhances the absorption of at least one metal component selected from the elements belonging to groups 2 to 12 in the third to fourth periods when a plant grows. The metal component absorption enhancer contains 5-aminolevulinic acid or a derivative thereof represented by the following general formula (1), or a salt thereof as an active ingredient: R2R1NCH2COCH2CH2COR3 (1) wherein R1 and R2 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an acyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group; R3 represents a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, an acyloxy group, an alkoxycarbonyloxy group, an aryloxy group, an aralkyloxy group, or an amino group, and is used for performing a treatment with 0.001 to 20 ppm of the 5-aminolevulinic acid, the derivative thereof, or the salt thereof per each time. |
| US09061943B2 |
Method for metallizing ceramic surface and method for connecting ceramic with aluminum
A process for metalizing a ceramic surface or attaching a ceramic to a metal is provided. The process may comprise: immersing the ceramic into an aluminum or aluminum alloy melt, making the ceramic move or stay still relative to the melt to adhere the melt to the ceramic; and then removing the ceramic from the melt to unaffectedly cool the film adhered thereto. The process can attach an aluminum or aluminum alloy thin film having a thickness of several to tens of micrometers on a ceramic surface. The thin film is formed by solidification, and does not have microscopic faults such as oxide film inclusions or pores, therefore having proper physical of mechanical properties of aluminum. Ceramics or a ceramic and a metal can be brazed via the surface metalizing film, the bonding strength of their interface can over the strength of aluminum itself. |
| US09061938B2 |
Alkali-free glass
Provided is an alkali-free glass, comprising, as a glass composition in terms of mass %, 58 to 70% of SiO2, 15.5 to 20% of Al2O3, 0 to 1% of B2O3, 0 to 5% of MgO, 3.5 to 16% of CaO, 0.5 to 6.5% of SrO, and 5 to 15% of BaO, being substantially free of alkali metal oxides, and having a strain point of more than 725° C. |
| US09061935B2 |
Method for producing synthetic quartz glass
A method for producing synthetic quartz glass comprises providing a liquid SiO2 feedstock material containing mainly octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane D4, vaporizing the SiO2 feedstock material into a feedstock vapor, converting the feedstock vapor into SiO2 particles, depositing the SiO2 particles on a deposition surface while forming a porous SiO2 soot body. and vitrifying the SiO2 soot body while forming the synthetic quartz glass. To produce large—volume cylindrical soot bodies with outer diameters of more than 300 mm of improved material homogeneity. the liquid feedstock material contains additional components comprising hexarnethylcyciotrisilxane D3 and its linear homolog with a weight fraction mD3, dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane D6 and its linear homolog with a weight fraction mD6, and tetradecamethylcycloheptasiloxane D7 and/or hexadecamethylcyclooctasiloxane D8 and its linear homologs with a weight fraction mD7+. The weight ratio mD3/mD6 is in a range between 0.5 and 500 and the weight fraction mD7+is at least 20 wt. ppm. |
| US09061923B2 |
Methods and systems for disinfecting potable water supplies
The invention described herein contains two aspects, usable together or separately, that address the needs in the art described above, namely a first aspect that relates to the provision of a transportable water purification system that can be contained on a passenger transport vehicle, and that can use, but does not require, continuous, real-time monitoring, and a second aspect that relates to the use of UV purification of the water as it is uploaded to the passenger transport vehicle after a single pass through the UV chamber. |
| US09061917B2 |
Combinatorial synthesis of the diamond unit cell
A combinatorial synthesis of the diamond unit cell is disclosed wherein a carbon atom free of meta-stable radical impurities reacts with cyclic hydrocarbon compounds or heterocyclic compounds whose structure is tetrahedral or nearly tetrahedral. Reactions conducted in the vapor phase and in the solid state are disclosed. |
| US09061913B2 |
Injector apparatus and methods for production of nanostructures
An apparatus for use with a reactor for synthesis of nanostructures is provided. The apparatus includes a chamber having one end in fluid communication with the reactor and defining a pathway along which a fluid mixture for the synthesis of nanostructures can be injected into the reactor. The apparatus also has a tube in fluid communication with an opposite of the chamber to impart a venturi effect in order to generate from the fluid mixture small droplets prior to introducing the fluid mixture into the chamber. A heating zone is situated downstream from the tube to provide a temperature range sufficient to permit the formation, from components within the fluid mixture, of catalyst particles upon which nanostructures can be generated. A mechanism is further provided at a distal end of the chamber to minimize turbulent flow as the fluid mixture exits the chamber, and to impart a substantially laminar flow thereto. A method for synthesis of nanostructures is also provided. |
| US09061912B2 |
Methods of fabrication of graphene nanoribbons
Methods of fabricating graphene nanoribbons include depositing a catalyst layer on a substrate. A masking layer is deposited on the catalyst layer. The masking layer and the catalyst layer are etched to form a structure on the substrate, the structure comprising a portion of the catalyst layer and a portion of the masking layer disposed on the catalyst layer, with sidewalls of the catalyst layer being exposed. A graphene layer is formed on a sidewall of the catalyst layer with a carbon-containing gas. |
| US09061906B2 |
Thermoacoustic device
A thermoacoustic device includes a first substrate, a sound wave generator, a first electrode, a second electrode and a second substrate. A number of recesses are defined on a surface of the first substrate. The sound-producing parts of the wave generator are located on the surface and suspended over the recesses to enable very rapid expansion by heat, and contraction. The first electrode and the second electrode are spaced from each other and electrically connected to the sound wave generator. The sound wave generator is held in place by the first substrate and the second substrate. A number of through holes are defined by the second substrate. Some of the through holes correspond with the recesses to allow the output of sound. |
| US09061903B2 |
Sulfonate modified nanocrystals
A nanoparticle having one or more phosphonates or phosphinate ligands on their surface can be converted into nanoparticles with sulfonate ligands on their surface, by contacting the phosphonate-containing nanoparticles with a silylsulfonate reagent. Such nanoparticles are activated toward reactions with nucleophilic groups; thus the method provides activated nanoparticles, and methods of making and using them to produce modified nanoparticles. |
| US09061898B2 |
Memory device
According to one embodiment, a memory device includes the following structure. A first double tunnel junction structure includes a first nanocrystal layer that includes first conductive minute particles, and first and second tunnel insulating films arranged to sandwich the first nanocrystal layer. A second double tunnel junction structure includes a second nanocrystal layer that includes second conductive minute particles, and third and fourth tunnel insulating films arranged to sandwich the second nanocrystal layer. A charge storage layer is arranged between the first and second double tunnel junction structures. First and second conductive layers are arranged to sandwich the first double tunnel junction structure, the charge storage layer, and the second double tunnel junction structure. The first conductive minute particles has an average grain size which is different from that of the second conductive minute particles. |
| US09061895B2 |
Micromechanical structure comprising a mobile part having stops for out-of plane displacements of the structure and its production process
A process for producing a micromechanical structure including a substrate and a stack of at least two layers arranged on the substrate is provided. A mobile part is formed in the stack and a fixed part relative to the substrate is formed in the stack, and an opposite surface is formed between the fixed part and the mobile part, to present a stop device to limit displacement of the mobile part in a direction substantially perpendicular to the stack. The process uses at least one sacrificial layer between the substrate and the stack made of material suitable to be etched selectively relative to the materials of the stack. |
| US09061887B2 |
Moisture-resistant package
Apparatus and method of making an improved moisture-resistant package for a MEMS device having movable parts, the package including a substrate, a translucent cover over the substrate, a seal and moisture barrier and a plurality of parallel sidewalls around the periphery of the substrate and cover. The sidewalls have ends and an area between the sidewalls, and the sidewalls separate the substrate and cover by a sufficient distance to provide clearance for the movement of the movable parts. The package is sealed using a glue layer that at least partially fills the area between the sidewalls, and lies between the ends of the sidewalls and one of the substrate or cover. The glue layer causes the substrate or cover, respectively, to adhere to the ends of the sidewalls. The glue layer and the sidewalls together prevent moisture from entering the package. |
| US09061879B2 |
Secure liquid drug dispenser and method for delivering liquid medication
A secure liquid drug dispenser for delivering pre-determined doses of medication for oral administration, including an airtight container (1) pressurized thanks to a micro pump (28) defining a pressurized area (10) in which a flexible bag (13) containing the drug to deliver is attached, the flexible bag (13) being connected to a valve (20) located within a second non pressurized area (21) of the container for delivering doses of drug trough a delivery port (23). A microcontroller within the pressurized area (21) controls the opening of the valve for precise delivery of drug doses and monitors the pressure within the pressurized area (21). The drug dispenser is further equipped with a neutralization subsystem (16) for inactivating the medication contained in the flexible bag (13) and biometrics elements are provided to identify the patient. A method of delivering doses of liquid medication is also disclosed. |
| US09061878B2 |
Wine extraction and preservation device and method
Devices and methods are disclosed for extracting fluids from within a container sealed by a cork or septum without removal of the cork or septum or the contamination of the fluid within the container by reactive gases or liquids. Embodiments of the device can include a needle connected to a valve which is in turn connected to a source of pressurized gas for displacing the fluid. Further embodiments of the device can comprise additional components that act to force the needle to be inserted through the cork or septum along a linear path, to aid in preventing buckling of the needle, to clamp the device to the container, to prevent expulsion of the cork or septum from the container, and to guide the needle through a specified region of the cork or septum. This device is particularly suited for the dispensing and preservation of wine. |
| US09061877B2 |
Method and apparatus for beverage extraction needle guiding
Devices and methods for guiding a needle in movement through a bottle closure, such as a cork, to extract fluids from the bottle without removal of the cork. A needle may be attached to a device body by a needle base, which includes a surface arranged to engage with a needle guide to guide movement of the needle base and needle relative to the guide. A needle guide may also provide a shield for the needle tip and/or a needle opening. |
| US09061872B2 |
Lifting device and method for testing and monitoring such a lifting device
The invention relates to a lifting device for raising and lowering loads and to a method for testing and monitoring the lifting device (11), comprising a lifting unit (14) and a support (16) guided by the lifting unit (14), on which support a load-accommodating means (17) can be arranged, a drive unit (25), which moves the load-accommodating means (17) up and down, at least one energy store (29), which supplies at least the drive controller (25) with energy, a charging unit (36) for the at least one energy store (39), at least one actuator (23, 31) and/or at least one sensor (30), by means of which at least one stroke motion of the load-accommodating means (17) can be monitored, and at least one indicating device (49), which indicates at least individual operating states of the lifting device, wherein a drive controller (25) has a control circuit board (33), to which connections (41, 43, 46, 48) of the at least one energy store (29), of the charging unit (36), of the drive unit (15), which comprises at least one actuator (24, 31) and/or at least one sensor (30), and/or of the at least one indicating device (49) can be connected. |
| US09061870B2 |
Winch
A winch for a sailboat comprises a support for mounting the winch with respect to a sailboat, a winch drum rotatable with respect to the support, a ring gear fixed with respect to the winch drum, a main drive gear meshing with the ring gear for driving rotation of the winch drum, a manual drive spindle 300 and a motor gear shaft 114. Forward winding of the winch drum in a first gearing ratio and in a second gearing ratio which are selected depending on the direction of rotation of the manual drive spindle. Gear trains provide the first and second gearing ratios. Manual and motorized operational arrangements are possible. |
| US09061868B1 |
Vacuum-assisted carton or box lifter
An automated vacuum carton lifter has a movable chassis with at least one vacuum cup mounted thereon, oriented so as to provide for gripping the carton or box from one of its vertical sides. A slack cable sensor used to turn on and off a vacuum. Alternatively, an air valve with an associated lever can be used, wherein the valve is depressed when the apparatus engages the carton or box. A vacuum generator is operatively connected to the vacuum cup(s). A device is provided for lifting and lowering the carton or box, the device having a cable slidably mounted to an air cylinder-operated carriage retained by a track; the device being movable to a position at the balance point of the carton or box. An adjustable control handle is provided and is associated with a force transducer that controls the lifting and lowering device. A microprocessor-based controller is operatively connected to a slack cable sensor, the vacuum generator, and the device for lifting and lowering the carton or box. |
| US09061861B2 |
Apparatus for guiding a flexible member
An apparatus (1) for guiding a flexible member (6) comprising a drum (4) mounted for rotation about a drum axis (5) and a pulley (2) mounted for rotation about a pulley axis (3), the drum and pulley axes being inclined. The apparatus defines a path for the flexible member including first and second drum wrap portions (7,9) on axially spaced first and second fixed drum diametric planes, a pulley wrap portion (8) on a fixed pulley diametric plane, and first and second connecting portions (7a, 7b). The arrangement is such that the connecting portions (7a, 7b) lie on the respective first and second drum diametric planes and both lie on the pulley diametric plane. As the drum (4) and pulley (2) rotate with the flexible member (6) in use, the arrangement is such that the first and second drum wrap portions (7,9) remain on the fixed drum diametric planes and the pulley portion of wrap (8) remains on the fixed diametrical plane of the pulley. The apparatus reduces slippage of the flexible member (6) and associated wear. |
| US09061857B2 |
Tape head for case sealing
A tape head includes a two-stage system by which a spring is tensioned. In a first stage, the spring may be partially tensioned when a case, moving along a conveyor, contacts a first application roller. The spring may be additionally tensioned when the case, continuing to move along the conveyor, contacts the second stage. In one example of the second stage, a lever is moved by contact with the moving case. Movement of the lever moves tensions the spring further. By tensioning the spring in multiple stages, assemblies and/or processes, less force is applied by the case to the first application roller. Accordingly, it is less likely to deform the case. The tensioned spring provides energy to move a second application roller around a trailing edge of the case, and thereby press a cut end of the tape against a side of the case. |
| US09061852B2 |
Apparatus for the intermediate storage of planar articles, in particular print products, which can be spooled in an imbricated stream arrangement, and a method for operating such an apparatus
The invention relates to an apparatus (10) for the intermediate storage of planar articles, which can be spooled in an imbricated stream arrangement, which intermediate storage apparatus (10) has a plurality of substantially mutually adjacent winding stations (D1, . . . , D4), to which the articles to be temporarily stored are fed for spooling on connecting lines (14) or from which the temporarily stored articles, after being unspooled, are led off on the connecting lines (14), as well as at least one supply line (11) and at least one discharge line (12), which cross the connecting lines (14) at predefined junctions. The transfer apparatuses (13) are arranged displaceably on the connecting lines (14), which transfer apparatuses at the junctions selectively connect the connecting lines (14) to the at least one supply line (11), or the at least one discharge line (12), for transfer of the planar articles between the lines (11; 12; 14). |
| US09061850B2 |
Fixing device, image forming apparatus, and sheet detecting mechanism
A fixing device includes a sheet detecting mechanism configured to detect a sheet. The sheet detecting mechanism includes an actuator, a link member, and a detecting part. The actuator swings by being pushed by the sheet. The link member swings in conjunction with the swing of the actuator. The detecting part detects the swing of the link member. When a shift of a position of the actuator with respect to the detecting part is caused, the actuator slides with respect to the link member to absorb the shift. |
| US09061849B2 |
System and method of article feeder operation
Embodiments of a system and method for shingulating, singulating, and synchronizing articles in an article feeder system are disclosed. The article feeder system may include a shingulating device configured to receive a stack of articles and to produce a positively lapped stack of articles, a plurality of picking devices configured to pick one or more articles from the positively lapped stack of articles and to produce one or more singulated articles, and one or more synchronization devices configured to deliver the one or more singulated articles to one or more sorter windows. |
| US09061848B2 |
Sheet feeder and image forming apparatus
A sheet feeder includes an air blower adapted to blow air onto an end face of a stacked sheet bundle to thereby float the sheets of the sheet bundle, a conveying section adapted to convey the uppermost floated sheet, a brightness measuring section adapted to measure brightness of light reflected from the end face of the sheet bundle at two or more points in the height direction of the sheet bundle, a determination unit adapted to determine, based on the brightness of each point measured by the brightness measuring section, whether or not the air blowing amount of the air blower is appropriate, and a controller adapted to control the air blowing amount of the air blower based on the determination of the determination unit. |
| US09061846B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a registration roller pair, which is arranged on a downstream side in a sheet feeding direction with respect to a nip portion of a sheet feeding roller and a separation roller, configured to cause a leading edge of a sheet, the sheet is conveyed while being nipped by the sheet feeding roller and the separation roller, to abut against the stopped registration roller pair to form warping in the sheet. And, a backup sheet is deformed toward a separation roller side by abutting against the sheet, which has been warped by abutting the leading edge of the sheet against the registration roller pair, from the separation roller side in a vicinity of the downstream side in the sheet feeding direction with respect to the nip portion. |
| US09061843B2 |
System and method for integral planning and control of container flow operations in container terminals
A system and method for automatically planning and controlling container flow operations in a large-scale container terminal shipping container transportation and storage terminals such as those at ports is disclosed. The system and method automatically scheduling operations of the container terminal in a holistic manner in multiple different time windows in advance in which operations are scheduled in a far-ahead horizon time window, in a candidate horizon time window, and in an imminent horizon time window. |