| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09081416B2 |
Device, head mounted display, control method of device and control method of head mounted display
A device includes a detection unit that detects states of eyelids of a user, and a control unit that performs operations in response to the states of the eyelids of the user detected by the detection unit. |
| US09081415B2 |
Indicator operation detecting device
An indicator operation detecting device includes a sensor including two sets of electrodes intersecting each other, an operation detecting circuit configured to detect a position indicated by an indicator (e.g., a finger) with respect to the sensor as a coordinate value on predetermined coordinate axes (e.g., X and Y axes), and a surface operation part disposed to receive an operation (e.g., touching) of the indicator with respect to the sensor. The surface operation part includes a first input part having a curved surface and employing a corresponding area of the sensor as a detection area, and a second input part having a linear region and employing a corresponding linear area of the sensor surrounded by the area for the first input part as a detection area. A surface shape of the linear region is different from the curved surface of the first input part to be tactilely distinguishable. |
| US09081413B2 |
Human interaction system based upon real-time intention detection
A system for human interaction based upon intention detection. The system includes a sensor for providing information relating to a posture of a person detected by the sensor, a processor, and a display device. The processor is configured to receive the information from the sensor and process the received information in order to determine if an event occurred. This processing includes determining whether the posture of the person indicates a particular intention, such as attempting to take a photo. If the event occurred, the processor is configured to provide an interaction with the person via the display device such as displaying a message or the address of a web site. |
| US09081412B2 |
System and method for using paper as an interface to computer applications
A system and method for using paper to interface with handwritten annotations and/or pre-defined templates with one or more computer applications is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes imaging content in the paper including pre-defined handwritten commands, associated syntax, one or more computer application identifiers and pointed data which is already existing on the paper, analyzing the imaged content to identify the pre-defined handwritten commands, the one or more computer applications associated with the one or more computer application identifiers, the associated syntax and the pointed data, extracting the pointed data into a specified format associated with the one or more computer applications, executing the one or more computer applications based on the identified pre-defined handwritten commands, the one or more computer application identifiers and the associated syntax, and importing the extracted pointed data into the one or more executed computer applications. |
| US09081411B2 |
Rapid development of virtual personal assistant applications
A platform for developing a virtual personal assistant (“VPA”) application includes an ontology that defines a computerized structure for representing knowledge relating to one or more domains. A domain may refer to a category of information and/or activities in relation to which the VPA application may engage in a conversational natural language dialog with a computing device user. Re-usable VPA components may be linked to or included in the ontology. An ontology populating agent may at least partially automate the process of populating the ontology with domain-specific information. The re-usable VPA components may be linked with the domain-specific information through the ontology. A VPA application created with the platform may include domain-adapted re-usable VPA components that may be called upon by an executable VPA engine to determine a likely intended meaning of conversational natural language input of the user and/or initiate an appropriate system response to the input. |
| US09081410B2 |
Loading content on electronic device
In one embodiment, as a user is scrolling through a first series of content items and reaches the nth content items from the first series of content items, display a visual indication that there are additional content items from the first series of content items existing after the nth content item. Upon receiving a first user input, enable the user to scroll through the additional content items existing after the nth content item. Upon receiving a second user input, enable the user to scroll through a second series of content items. |
| US09081408B2 |
Acceleration device
Each of a cross sectional shape of a contacting portion of a stopper arm and a cross sectional shape of an outer peripheral surface of a pedal shaft is formed in a circular shape, wherein a curvature radius is equal to each other. Each of a cross sectional shape of a stopper surface of a supporting body and a cross sectional shape of an inner peripheral surface of a bearing portion is formed in a circular shape, wherein a curvature radius is equal to each other. A distance between a center of a first virtual circle formed by the contacting portion and a center axis of the pedal shaft is made to be equal to a distance between a center of a second virtual circle formed by the stopper surface and a center axis of the bearing portion. An angle of the stopper arm with respect to the supporting body is not changed, even when the center axis of the pedal shaft is displaced with respect to center axis of the bearing portion. |
| US09081400B2 |
Apparatus and method for outputting signal
There is provided an apparatus for outputting a signal, including: a reference signal generating unit outputting a first temperature coefficient signal having a positive temperature coefficient and a second temperature coefficient signal having a negative temperature coefficient; and an output unit outputting an output signal having a plurality of temperature coefficients, based on the first temperature coefficient signal and the second temperature coefficient signal. |
| US09081398B2 |
Adaptive startup control for boost converter
This document discusses apparatus and methods for a boost converter start-up circuit. In an example, a start-up circuit can include a linear current generator configured to couple a supply terminal of the voltage converter to an output terminal of the voltage converter. The linear current generator can include a modified current mirror and a feedback circuit configured to provide a first representative of an output voltage of the output terminal to an input of each of a first and a second adjustable current source of the modified current mirror. |
| US09081397B2 |
Constant on time multi-phase switching converter and control method thereof
A multi-phase switching converter comprising a plurality of switching circuits, a comparing circuit and a control circuit. The comparing circuit generates a comparison signal based on a reference signal and the output voltage of the multi-phase switching converter. The control circuit can turn on the following switching circuit based on the comparison signal only after the time from the current switching circuit being turned on reaches a first time threshold or the off-time of the current switching circuit reaches a second time threshold, wherein the first time threshold is longer than the second time threshold. |
| US09081396B2 |
Low power and dynamic voltage divider and monitoring circuit
A voltage divider circuit is provided that automatically and dynamically adjusts its voltage divider chains as a supply voltage changes. The voltage divider circuit includes a plurality of voltage divider branches having different divider factors to divide the supply voltage and obtain a divided supply voltage. Additionally, a control circuit is coupled to the plurality of voltage divider branches and adapted to automatically monitor the supply voltage and dynamically select a voltage divider branch from among the plurality of voltage divider branches to maintain a selected divided supply voltage within a pre-determined voltage range. |
| US09081393B2 |
Thermostat with electronic image display
A programmable controller for homes and/or buildings and their related grounds, such as thermostat, that has a display and an external interface. The external interface may be use for uploading electronic images and/or other information from an external data source, and may use the uploaded electronic images and/or other information for programming and/or updating the controller and/or for viewing the electronic images and/or other information on the display of the controller. |
| US09081391B2 |
Valve assembly for pressure storage vessel
A pressure shut-off valve unit for a pressure accumulator vessel. A valve housing has a valve chamber with an accumulator region, an intake opening and an outlet opening facing the pressure accumulator vessel. A piston has at least one axial connecting channel, a first effective piston surface facing an inlet region of the valve chamber and a second effective piston surface adjacent to the accumulator region, the piston being axially movable via a change in pressure of the accumulator region of the valve chamber. Sealing elements are arranged in the valve chamber and which are configured to guide in an axially movable manner the piston. A sealing body of the at least two sealing elements or the valve housing form a valve seat, and a passage opening arranged between the intake opening and the outlet opening is reversibly closed and opened via a change in pressure of the accumulator region of the valve chamber. In a unpressurized state, the passage opening is kept open by at least one spring. The accumulator region of the valve chamber is configured for connection to the inlet region of the valve chamber. |
| US09081390B2 |
Back pressure valve
A back pressure valve comprises a pressure regulator housing affixed to a pressure controller housing and a diaphragm disposed between the pressure regulator housing and the pressure controller housing. In one aspect, the back pressure valve includes a valve member moveable between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The pressure regulator housing includes an inlet chamber communicating with an outlet chamber through at least one fluid passage in a sleeve. The valve member includes a stem connected to a valve head. The valve head includes an outer surface that is received and guided during movement by an inner surface of the sleeve. Upper and lower outer surface of the valve head provide stability to the valve member during opening and closing of the back pressure valve. |
| US09081388B2 |
Flow rate control device
A mass flow controller comprises a flow rate measuring part that measures a flow rate of a fluid flowing in a flow channel and outputs a measured flow rate value, a control valve, a valve control part that controls an opening degree of the control valve based on an entirely-close command to entirely close the control valve compulsorily or a set flow rate value set as a target value, and an external output part that outputs an external output flow rate value based on the measured flow rate value to the outside, and at a time when the valve control part receives the entirely close command or zero as the set flow rate value, the external output part outputs zero as the external output flow rate value, irrespective of the measured flow rate value. |
| US09081384B2 |
Autonomous electronic apparatus and navigation method thereof
An autonomous electronic apparatus and a navigation method thereof are provided. The navigation method includes the following steps. Firstly, a calling signal from a target is received through a wireless sensor network. A position relationship between the target and the autonomous electronic apparatus is analyzed to generate a first speed. Next, an image set is captured and an image relationship between the image set and the target is analyzed to generate a second speed. Afterwards, a weighting value related to the position relationship is calculated. Besides, a moving speed is calculated according to the weighting value, the first speed and the second speed, and a moving status of the autonomous electronic apparatus moving toward the target is controlled via the moving speed. |
| US09081383B1 |
Enhancing basic roadway-intersection models using high intensity image data
Systems and methods are provided that may optimize basic models of an intersection in a roadway with high intensity image data of the intersection of the roadway. More specifically, parameters that define the basic model of the intersection in the roadway may be adjusted to more accurately define the intersection. For example, by comparing a shape of the intersection predicted by the basic model with extracted curbs and lane boundaries from elevation and intensity maps, the intersection parameters can be optimized to match real intersection-features in the environment. Once the optimal intersection parameters have been found, roadgraph features describing the intersection may be extracted. |
| US09081379B2 |
Evacuation system alerts based on process tool systems bus monitoring
In a method of controlling operation of a processing system, a host computer, a process tool and a component of an evacuation system, for example an abatement tool, are connected to a system bus. The abatement tool monitors signals transmitted on the system bus between the host computer and the process tool, and signals received directly from the process tool. The abatement tool uses information contained within the monitored signals to generate a signal for the process tool regarding an operating characteristic of the abatement tool. This signal is transmitted either directly or over the system bus to the process tool, which uses the generated signal to control an operating state of the process tool. |
| US09081377B2 |
Closed-loop control structure for damping low-frequency vibrations
A closed-loop control structure for positioning a load with the aid of an electric motor includes a device for the active damping of unwanted, low-frequency vibrations. The closed-loop control structure has a position controller, a speed controller, and a current controller, which together, form a cascaded control loop. Damping signals which counteract unwanted, low-frequency vibrations are applied to the control loop, at least one first and one second damping signal of different phase angle being derived from a single sensor signal, and the first damping signal being injected between the position controller and the speed controller, and the second damping signal being injected between the speed controller and the current controller. |
| US09081376B2 |
Hybrid modular/decoder irrigation controller
A plurality of receptacles in an irrigation controller removably receive a plurality of modules. At least one station module is configured for insertion into a first one of the receptacles and is connectable to a corresponding solenoid actuated valve through a dedicated field valve line and common return line. The station module includes at least one switching device for selectively providing a first power signal that energizes the corresponding solenoid actuated valve. At least one encoder module is configured for insertion into a second one of the receptacles and is connectable to a multi-wire path for sending encoded signals and a second power signal along the multi-wire path for selectively energizing one of a plurality of solenoid actuated valves connected to corresponding decoder circuits connected along the multi-wire path. A processor executes the stored watering program and controls the station module and/or the encoder module in accordance with the stored watering program. |
| US09081366B2 |
Timepiece to display a value of a time unit
A timepiece for displaying a value of a time unit is provided, comprising a read element (5), wherein a rotation of the read element (5) can be controlled manually, and a form element (4), which rotates according to the time unit, wherein the rotation of the form element (4) is independent of a manually induced rotation of the read element (5), wherein the value of the time unit can only be read when the read element (5) and the form element (4) coincide, in that the angular position of the coincidence indicates the value of the time unit. |
| US09081364B2 |
Optical information recording/reproducing apparatus, optical information recording/reproducing method, and optical information recording medium
In an optical information recording/reproducing apparatus using holography, there are provided the optical information recording/reproducing apparatus, method thereof, and optical information recording medium which correct a zero point and variation of unit quantity of a reference beam angle between apparatus and perform recording or reproducing operation with high compatibility between apparatus. The optical information recording/reproducing apparatus detects a reference beam angle suitable to reproduce angle correction data recorded on the optical information recording medium and corrects a zero point and unit quantity of the reference beam angle at the time of recording or reproducing operation based on the detection angle information. |
| US09081360B2 |
Image formation apparatus
An image formation apparatus applies electrical charge to an image carrier surface of a photosensitive body during a period between light exposure scanning for successive pages, and performs a first control such that rotation distance of the photosensitive body during the period is shorter than circumferential length thereof. The image formation apparatus includes a coverage calculation unit that calculates coverage of a target page, a prediction unit that, when inter-image distance between images of the target page and a next page, in terms of a sub-scanning direction, is shorter than the circumferential length, predicts whether image noise will occur for the next page based on the coverage, and a sheet interval control unit that, upon the prediction unit predicting affirmatively, suspends the first control and performs a second control on the rotation distance such that the inter-image distance is extended to be at least as long as the circumferential length. |
| US09081359B2 |
Image forming apparatus and process cartridge
An image forming apparatus, having process cartridges each including a photosensitive drum and a developing roller, includes a movable member movable between an inside and an outside of a main assembly of the image forming apparatus in a movement direction crossing a longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum, and a mounting portion for supporting the process cartridges, wherein the process cartridges are detachably mountable to the mounting portion from a direction crossing the longitudinal direction and the movement direction. In addition, and an interrelating member, movable in interrelation with movement of the movable member, moves the developing roller relative to the photosensitive drum so that a distance between a rotation center of the photosensitive drum and a rotation center of the developing roller is decreased with respect to the movement direction when the movable member is moved from the inside to the outside of the main assembly. |
| US09081355B2 |
Recovery unit and image forming apparatus
A reserve portion is an inner tube that reserves waste toner in a reserve space in a main body of the reserve portion, and includes a protrusion row on an outer peripheral surface. A recovery inlet is formed in an upper portion of the reserve portion. A container portion is an outer tube that incorporates the reserve portion. An inlet protruding the container portion is formed in a lower portion of a side wall of the container portion. A driving unit makes the reserve portion rotate with respect to the container portion about a rotational shaft integrally formed with the reserve portion via a docking gear. As the reserve portion rotates with respect to the container portion, the waste toner supplied to a conveyance path is conveyed from the inlet to the recovery inlet to be supplied to the reserve space. |
| US09081351B2 |
Supporting mechanism and image forming apparatus
Disclosed is a supporting mechanism including a bearing support portion that supports a bearing and is open so that the bearing is removed in a first direction that crosses a rotating shaft that is supported by the bearing, a driving shaft coupling that transmits a driving force to the rotating shaft by being connected to a rotating shaft coupling that is provided at one end of the rotating shaft, and a contact member that includes a bearing contact portion that makes contact with the bearing. |
| US09081350B2 |
Image decolorizing device with movable contact parts, and related method
An image decolorizing device according to an embodiment comprises a heating unit configured to generate heat and apply the heat to a recording medium, and a pressure roller that forms a nip with the heating unit. The image decolorizing device further comprises a first contact part positioned in contact with the heating unit at a first position upstream of the nip in a rotation direction of the heating unit and fixed in the rotating direction, and a second contact part positioned in contact with the heating unit at a second position upstream of the nip in the rotation direction and fixed in the rotating direction. In the image decolorizing device, the first and second contact parts are configured to apply a voltage to the heating unit causing the heating unit to generate heat over a heating area between the first and second positions. |
| US09081347B2 |
Lubricant supplying device, image forming apparatus, and process cartridge
In an embodiment, provided is a lubricant supplying device that includes: a solid lubricant; a supplying member that supplies lubricant of the solid lubricant to a lubricant supplying target; and a remaining amount detecting unit that detects an amount of the solid lubricant being at a given amount or less. The remaining amount detecting unit is provided on a downstream side in a rubbing direction of the supplying member with respect to the solid lubricant. |
| US09081341B2 |
Image heating apparatus
An image heating apparatus includes: a heating member configured to heat a toner image formed on a sheet by using a toner containing a wax; an exciting coil; a magnetic flux suppressing member configured to suppress a part of magnetic flux actable from the exciting coil onto the heating member; a screw shaft configured to hold the magnetic flux suppressing member and configured to slide the magnetic flux suppressing member along a longitudinal direction of the heating member; and a controller configured to control a rotational movement operation of the screw shaft so that the magnetic flux suppressing member is moved to a position depending on a width of the sheet. The controller is, during non-image heating, capable of executing an operation in a mode in which the screw shaft is rotationally moved so that the magnetic flux suppressing member is reciprocated at least once in a predetermined range. |
| US09081337B2 |
Fixing device ensuring smooth delivery of sheet
A fixing device includes a fixing member, a pressure member, and a guiding member. The guiding member includes a first guide surface, a second guide surface, and a pair of third guide surfaces consecutively installing both end portions in the axial direction of the first guide surface and both end portions in the axial direction of the second guide surface. The first end edge of the first guide surface has a first circular arc shape arranged such that a center portion in the axial direction projects toward the downstream side in the rotation direction with respect to both end portions in the axial direction. The second guide surface is one of a curved surface in a second circular arc shape arranged such that a center portion in the axial direction is close to the first circumference surface with respect to both end portions in the axial direction. |
| US09081335B2 |
Transfer device with transfer voltage unit and image forming apparatus using the same
According to an embodiment, provided is a transfer device including: a nip forming member that abuts against a surface of an image carrier carrying a toner image; and a transfer voltage application unit that applies a transfer voltage including a DC component and an AC component. The transfer voltage is an alternating voltage in which a supply voltage having polarity in a transfer direction and a return voltage having polarity opposite. A time average value Vave of the transfer voltage is set to be at polarity in the transfer direction and is set to be closer to a peak value Vt of the supply voltage relative to a center value Voff between a maximum and minimum value. An absolute value of the peak value Vr of the return voltage is set to be larger than an absolute value of the time average value Vave. |
| US09081334B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrying member for carrying a toner image; an intermediary member for carrying the toner image transferred from the image carrying member; a first transfer member for transferring the toner image from the intermediary member onto a sheet, the first transfer member having a first resistance and being contacted to the intermediary member; a second transfer member for transferring the toner image from the intermediary member onto the sheet, the second transfer member having a second resistance higher than the first resistance and being contacted to the intermediary member at a position downstream of the first transfer member; and a voltage applying source, connected to both of said first and second transfer members, for applying the same voltage to the first and second transfer members to transfer the toner image onto the sheet. |
| US09081331B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus
A developing device includes a developing roller, a regulating blade, seal members, and contact members. The regulating blade extends in a rotation axis direction of the developing sleeve, is disposed opposite to a circumferential surface of the developing sleeve, and regulates a quantity of the toner on the circumferential surface of the developing sleeve. The seal members are disposed opposite to the circumferential surface without being in contact with both ends of the developing region in the rotation axis direction. Each contact member is an edge on the developing region side in the rotation axis direction, provided at a position at an upstream side in a rotational direction of the circumferential surface of the developing sleeve relative to an arrangement position of the regulating blade, and configured to be in contact with the circumferential surface of the developing sleeve. |
| US09081329B2 |
Developing apparatus, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
When a stirring member that stirs developer in a developer containing portion rotates at high speed, toner flies and the detection accuracy of light transmission type toner remaining amount detection is degraded. A developing apparatus including a developer containing portion that contains developer, a stirring member that stirs the developer in the developer containing portion, and a partition member which is disposed to separate the developer containing portion from a space adjacent to the developer containing portion and which bends to block at least a part of a light path, which is formed in the space and used to detect an amount of the developer, when being pressed by the stirring member via the developer. |
| US09081328B2 |
Method to adjust the hue of print images in an electrophotographic printer
In a method to adjust hue of a print images by toner layer thickness a photoconductor element is charged to a charge potential. A potential image of the print image made up of image points is generated via exposure and discharge of the photoconductor element. The potential image is inked by charged toner via a developer element at a BIAS potential. With a character generator, generating a potential of an individual image point of the print image via local discharge of the photoconductor element, the potential of the image point lying between the BIAS potential and a potential established by a maximum achievable discharge depth of the photoconductor element, and so that the individual image points have same or different potentials, depending on the exposure, so that the exposed area overall has a resulting potential, and a depositing of toner on this area and therefore the toner layer thickness on this area is proportional to the resulting potential. |
| US09081316B2 |
Electrophotographic toner and method of preparing the same
An electrophotographic toner including a binder, a colorant and a releasing agent, and a method of preparing the electrophotographic toner. |
| US09081315B2 |
Phosphorescent toner and methods of forming and using the same
A toner composition including at least one phosphorescent pigment that absorbs energy released by natural or artificial light, and is able to be seen in a dark environment through luminescence of a certain color created by the energy released as light, and a method of forming and using the toner are described. The phosphorescent toner has a particle size in the range of about 15-40 microns, which allows the toner to have the ability to absorb and then release the needed amount of light energy to be noticeable in a dark environment. |
| US09081301B2 |
Movable body drive method and movable body drive system, pattern formation method and apparatus, exposure method and apparatus, device manufacturing method, and calibration method
A controller measures positional information of a stage within an XY plane using three encoders which at least include one each of an X encoder and a Y encoder of an encoder system, and the stage is driven in the XY plane, based on measurement results of the positional information and positional information (p1, q1), (p2, q2), and (p3, q3) in a surface parallel to the XY plane of a head (an encoder) used for measurement of the positional information. Accordingly, it becomes possible to control the movement of the stage with good precision, while switching the head (the encoder) used for control during the movement of the stage using the encoder system which includes a plurality of heads. |
| US09081300B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
An immersion lithographic apparatus has adaptations to prevent or reduce bubble formation in one or more gaps in the substrate table by preventing bubbles escaping from the gap into the beam path and/or extracting bubbles that may form in the gap. |
| US09081299B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method involving removal of liquid entering a gap
An exposure apparatus including a liquid supply system configured to provide a liquid to a space between the projection system and an object, and a movable table having a recess, the recess including therein the object or a surface to hold and support the object, wherein a gap opening into which the liquid can enter is defined between a peripheral wall of the recess and the object, and the recess further including a fluid opening, below the gap opening, to remove the liquid entering the gap opening. |
| US09081295B2 |
Catadioptric projection optical system, exposure apparatus, and exposure method
A catadioptric projection objective for imaging a pattern provided in an object plane of the projection objective onto an image plane of the projection objective. The projection objective includes a first objective part that includes one or more refractive optical elements to image the pattern provided in the object plane into a first intermediate image, a second objective part that consists of reflective optical elements including at least one concave mirror to image the first intermediate image into a second intermediate image, and a third objective part that includes one or more refractive optical elements to image the second intermediate imaging onto the image plane. The projection objective includes at lease one double asphere having a first aspheric surface and a second aspheric surface immediately adjacent to the first aspheric surface, the double asphere being formed by facing adjacent aspheric surfaces of two consecutive lenses. |
| US09081294B2 |
Method for measuring an angularly resolved intensity distribution and projection exposure apparatus
A method for measuring an angularly resolved intensity distribution in a reticle plane (24) of a projection exposure apparatus (10). The apparatus includes an illumination system (16), irradiating a reticle (22) arranged in the reticle plane (24) and having a first pupil plane (20). All planes of the projection exposure apparatus which are conjugate thereto are further pupil planes, and the reticle plane (24) and all planes which are conjugate thereto are field planes. The method includes: arranging a spatially resolving detection module (44) in the region of one of the field planes (24, 30) such that the detection module is at a smaller distance from this field plane than from the closest pupil plane (20), radiating electromagnetic radiation (21) onto an optical module (42) from the illumination system, and determining an angularly resolved intensity distribution of the radiation from a signal recorded by the detection module. |
| US09081289B2 |
System and method for optimization of an imaged pattern of a semiconductor device
In a method, a layout of a device having a pattern of features is provided. The method continues to include identifying a first portion of at least one feature of the plurality of features. An image criteria for the first portion may be assigned. A lithography optimization parameter is determined based on the assigned image criteria for the first portion. Finally, the first portion of the at least one feature is imaged onto a semiconductor substrate using the determined lithography optimization parameter. |
| US09081288B2 |
Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) mask, method of fabricating the EUV mask and method of inspecting the EUV mask
An out-of-band (OoB) suppression layer is applied on a reflective multiplayer (ML) coating, so as to avoid the OoB reflection and to enhance the optical contrast at 13.5 nm. A material having a low reflectivity at wavelength of 193-257 nm, for example, silicon carbide (SiC), is used as the OoB suppression layer. A method of fabricating an EUV mask having the OoB suppression layer and a method of inspecting an EUV mask having the OoB suppression are also provided. |
| US09081283B2 |
Spatial and temporal control of brush formation on surfaces
The invention disclosed herein provides highly efficient methods and materials useful for surface patterning via polymerization reactions. In particular, by using a light-mediated radical polymerization procedure, brush formation from a surface can be regulated spatially by controlling the area of irradiation. In embodiments of the invention, polymer chain length (and/or film thickness) can be effectively controlled by either the amount of time a surface is irradiated with light (temporal control) or by the intensity of light allowed to reach the surface. Such light-mediated control allows artisans to use the disclosed processes to form complex 3-dimensional structures on a variety of surfaces. Moreover, the simplicity of the disclosed polymerization processes allows them to be adapted for use in a wide range of technologies. |
| US09081276B2 |
Photosensitive resin composition production kit, and use thereof
The object of the present invention is to provide a photosensitive resin composition which is excellent in: storage stability in a long-term storage; microfabricability; developability; low-temperature curability; flexibility in a cured film; electrical insulation reliability; solder heat resistance; resistance to an organic solvent; and flame retardancy and low in post-curing warpage when processed into a substrate. The object can be attained by use of a photosensitive resin composition production kit which includes at least two or more components including an A component and a B component. The A component contains a (A) compound having a carboxyl group. The B component contains a (B) compound having a reactive group which is reactive to a carboxyl group, a (C) oxime ester photopolymerization initiator, and a (D) compound having a photosensitive group but no carboxyl group. |
| US09081273B2 |
Radiation-sensitive colored composition, color filter, method for producing a color pattern, method for producing color filter, solid-state imaging device, and liquid crystal display apparatus
The radiation-sensitive colored composition contains (A) a dye polymer containing a structural unit having a dye structure polymerized using a chain-transfer agent having a LogP value of 5 or less, and (B) a solvent. |
| US09081272B2 |
Leveling apparatus and atomic force microscope including the same
The present invention relates to a leveling apparatus that levels an object to be leveled with a surface of a substrate by measuring the force applied to the object, and an atomic force microscope including the leveling apparatus.A leveling apparatus according to the present invention, which levels an object with a substrate such that one side of the object is brought in parallel contact with the surface of the substrate, includes: force sensors disposed to measure force at at least three points on the other side of the object; an angle adjusting unit disposed to adjust the angle between the object and the surface of the substrate; and a controller connecting with the force sensors and the angle adjusting unit to drive the angle adjusting unit on the basis of data from the force sensors. The controller obtains the data on force applied to the force sensors by bringing one side of the object in contact with the surface of the substrate at a predetermined angle, calculates the degree of relative inclination between the object and the surface of the substrate from the data on force, and levels the object with the surface of the substrate by adjusting the angle of the object or the substrate with the angle adjusting unit on the basis of the degree of relative inclination. |
| US09081271B2 |
3D image cinema system
A 3D image cinema system having at least one projection room for viewing 3D images or 2D images is divided into forward and rearward viewing directions for the projection of an image on a front screen and a rear screen which are provided in a front end and a rear end of the projection room, respectively. Further, a front direction chair and a rear direction chair having a different viewing direction are provided on a front step and a rear step between the projection room and the front and rear screens where the theater can be easily installed in a general building and the 3D and 2D image has as much as 1.5-2 times wider viewing as a prior image. |
| US09081269B2 |
Lighting device with wireless multimedia playback module
A lighting device equipped with means for receiving and delivering multimedia content is described. Such a device can be mounted on any type of pre-existing standard lamp-holder so as to transform it into a sophisticated system for providing adjustable lighting and for delivering multimedia content that can be updated as desired by the user, thus being able to be integrated in a simple and cost-effective way into the room furniture without requiring the addition of other elements or the replacement of any pre-existing lighting system. |
| US09081263B2 |
Camera set up for fitting on board a vehicle
A camera set up for fitting on board a motor vehicle. The camera has an electronic sensor, a multifocal, particularly bifocal optical device, an optical lens focused in long-range field, the multifocal optical device and the optical lens being set up to be able to form a first image (IM1) on the sensor, focused in long-range field, and a second image (IM2) focused in close-range field, these first and second images extending into respective distinct regions of the sensor. |
| US09081262B2 |
Methods and apparatus for ultra-fast camera
In exemplary implementations of this invention, a set of two scanning mirrors scans the one dimensional field of view of a streak camera across a scene. The mirrors are continuously moving while the camera takes streak images. Alternately, the mirrors may only between image captures. An illumination source or other captured event is synchronized with the camera so that for every streak image the scene looks different. The scanning assures that different parts of the scene are captured. |
| US09081261B2 |
Illumination apparatus, imaging apparatus, camera system, and control method
An illumination apparatus includes a main body, a movable unit, a first driving unit, a second driving unit, and a control unit. The movable unit is rotatable with respect to the main body and includes a light emitting unit and an optical member disposed in front of the light emitting unit to refract incident light. The first driving unit rotates the movable unit with respect to the main body. The second driving unit moves at least one of the light emitting unit and the optical member to change relative positions. Power is supplied to the second driving unit from a power source that supplies power to the first driving unit. The control unit controls a rotation operation performed using the first driving unit and a moving operation performed using the second driving unit so that the rotation operation is performed after the moving operation is performed. |
| US09081260B2 |
Dome camera
A dome camera includes a spherical cover, a camera lens provided inside the spherical cover and a darkening unit arranged between the spherical cover and the camera lens so as to partially block light entering the camera lens and to suppress image quality deterioration. The camera lens is rotatable in a tilt direction, and when a tilt angle of the camera lens exceeds a predetermined threshold angle, the darkening unit is inserted between the spherical cover and the camera lens. |
| US09081256B2 |
Quick release camera mounting device and methods of use
A camera mounting device and associated method are disclosed. The device can securely affix a camera to a strap of varying properties. The device provides a strap attachment mechanism used to connect the device to a strap such as a belt or a backpack strap. The device also includes a camera attachment mechanism used to attach a camera to the device while allowing its locking and release through a quick release mechanism. The device also includes a lens support extension with a support extension sized and oriented to provide secondary support to a long lens of a camera, such as a lens of a SLR-type camera. |
| US09081255B2 |
Embedded linear motor drive for IR camera shutter
An embedded linear motor drive for an IR camera comprising linear motor components that integrates into a sliding shutter is disclosed. The linear motor components can be a linear array of magnets, or a series of ridges or gear teeth. A motor drive is aligned with the linear motor components. The drive can be a series of coils connected to a power source that can move the shutter when the coils are energized in series. The drive can also be a pinion shaft with a friction wheel at one end or pinion gear that can connect to the ridges or gear teeth and move the shutter when the shaft is rotated. |
| US09081246B2 |
Wireless powered electrochromic windows
Electrochromic windows powered by wireless power transmission are described, particularly, the combination of low-defectivity, highly-reliable solid state electrochromic windows with wireless power transmission. Wireless power transmission networks which incorporate electrochromic windows are described. |
| US09081242B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
In one embodiment, a liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate. The first substrate includes a first gate line and a second gate line extending in a first direction, respectively. A first source line and a second source line extend in a second direction orthogonally crossing the first direction. A pixel electrode includes a first main pixel electrode in the shape of a belt located on an edge of the first source line and extending in the second direction, and a second main pixel electrode in the shape of a belt located on an edge of the second source line and extending in the second direction. A second substrate includes a main common electrode located between the first main pixel electrode and the second main pixel electrode and extending in the second direction. |
| US09081238B2 |
Liquid crystal optical element and image display device
According to one embodiment, liquid crystal optical element includes: first board; second board; liquid crystal layer; first electrodes; second electrodes; third electrodes; and fourth electrode. The liquid crystal optical element generates refractive index distribution functioning as a lens. The first electrodes are at positions corresponding to end portions of the lens and on the liquid crystal layer side of the first board. The second electrodes are at positions corresponding to discontinuity points of the lens and on the liquid crystal layer side of the first board. The third electrodes are at positions corresponding to lens surfaces of the lens and on the liquid crystal layer side of the first board. The fourth electrode is provided to the whole surface on the liquid crystal layer side of the second board and includes first cutout portions formed at parts opposing the third electrodes. |
| US09081236B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display includes: a first substrate including a first through-hole; a second substrate facing the first substrate and including a second through-hole corresponding to the first through-hole; a sealant coupling the first substrate and the second substrate; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; a spacer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; and a supporting assistance member including a third through-hole connected to the first through-hole and the second through-hole, wherein the supporting assistance member includes a first supporting assistance member made with the same material as the spacer. |
| US09081233B2 |
Polarizing liquid crystal panel, display apparatus including the same and method of manufacturing the same
A polarizing liquid crystal panel includes a first substrate including a first base substrate, a first alignment layer, and a first electrode between the first base substrate and the first alignment layer, a second substrate including a second base substrate, a second alignment layer, and a second electrode between the second base substrate and the second alignment layer, the second substrate facing the first substrate, a spacer between the first and second substrates and maintaining a cell gap therebetween, and a liquid crystal flow preventing portion between the first and second substrates. The liquid crystal flow preventing portion extends in a first direction, and restricts movement of the spacer in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. |
| US09081229B2 |
Surface light source unit, surface illumination device, and liquid crystal display device
Provided is a surface light source unit which has a high-directivity point light source and has a decreased thickness in the in the direction in which light is irradiated from said point light source. Also provided are a surface illumination device and a liquid crystal display device. A plurality of small chambers (311 to 322) having an opening on the top are formed in a housing (3) from side plates (3b to 3e) that have a predetermined height and partition plates (4) which partition the inside of the housing (3). Each small chamber is provided with a point light source (2) on the bottom part. The opening of each small chamber (311 to 322) is covered with a light transmitting/reflecting plate (511 to 522) which has a surface area (S), and comprises: a central reflecting section that has a surface area (ΔS), exhibits high reflectance and low transmittance, and is positioned directly above the point light source (2); and an outer reflecting section that surrounds the central reflecting section and is configured so that the light transmittance increases at distances further from the central reflecting section. The surface area (ΔS) and surface area (S) of each light transmitting/reflecting plate (511 to 522) are set in a manner such that the ratio ΔS/S is a predetermined value. |
| US09081227B2 |
Lighting device having reflecting sheet and connector for fastening said reflecting sheet and display device
A lighting device includes LEDs, a reflecting sheet that reflects light emitted from the LEDs, and connectors electrically connected to the LEDs. The reflecting sheet has integrated superposed portions on which the connectors are superposed, and the connector surface on the reflecting sheet side thereof serves as a sheet pressing surface for pressing down the superposed portions of the reflecting sheet. |
| US09081226B2 |
Light-emitting module
A light-emitting module includes a printed circuit board (PCB) and a light emitting package. A hole is formed through the PCB. The light emitting package has a light source and a lead, and is disposed on the PCB. The light emitting package has a stepped portion having predetermined height. The stepped portion is disposed in the hole formed through the PCB. Thus, a thickness of the light-emitting module may be decreased, reliability of the light-emitting module may be enhanced, and thus a thickness and a bezel of a display apparatus may be decreased. |
| US09081225B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
Provided is a liquid crystal display device which is capable of eliminating a non-display region at a peripheral edge of a display screen, and displaying an image on the entire surface thereof. A backlight unit (22) emits parallel rays. The liquid crystal panel (24) transmits the parallel ray as a unit parallel ray in pixel unit, thereby forming an original image. An image enlarging panel (26) is an optical element having a flat-plate shape. The image enlarging panel (26) causes the unit parallel ray of each pixel to obliquely travel by refraction to shift a position of the unit parallel ray in a flat-plate plane, to thereby forms a display image enlarged the original image. A viewing angle enlarging panel (28) expands an angular distribution of the entering unit parallel ray from the image enlarging panel (26), thereby enlarging a viewing angle of the display image. |
| US09081221B2 |
Slim bezel liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a slim bezel liquid crystal display device, which includes a rear enclosure, a front enclosure mating the rear enclosure, and a liquid crystal display module arranged inside the rear enclosure. The quid crystal display module has two opposite sides each forming a raised portion. The rear enclosure forms retention sections respectively corresponding to the raised portions, whereby the raised portions are fit into the retention sections so as to fix the liquid crystal display module in the rear enclosure. The slim bezel liquid crystal display device uses a raised portion formed a liquid crystal display module and a retention section formed in a rear enclosure so that during assembling, the raised portion is fit into and engages the retention section so as to fix the liquid crystal display module in the rear enclosure. |
| US09081220B2 |
Optimized frame system for a display device
An image display device comprising an image display panel, heat dispersion material positioned proximate to the image display panel, a frame system including a framework positioned proximate to the heat dispersion material opposite the image display panel, and a plurality of electronic components engaging the framework, where the image display device exhibits a support factor of less than about 375 mm-W/m° K. The framework can be adhesively bonded to the heat dispersion material. The framework can include a height and a width wherein the heat dispersion material substantially spans the height and the width. Additionally, a first cross support can span the framework and a plurality of second electronic components can engage the first cross support. Additionally a second cross support can span the framework wherein at least one of the second electronic components engages the second cross support. |
| US09081218B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device (1) includes: a plurality of groups of scanning lines (Gia) and (Gib) via which gate signals are outputted to a plurality of pixels (PIX); and scanning line driving circuits (5a) and (5b) which generate the gate signals and which are disposed for each separate one of a plurality of groups of scanning lines (Gia) and (Gib), the liquid crystal display device (1) further including potential control circuits (15a) and (15b), placed in front of the scanning line driving circuits (5a) and (5b), respectively which incline, for each separate one of the groups of scanning lines (Gia) and (Gib), falling edges of high-potential signals (VGH1) and (VGH2) in accordance with which the gate signals are generated and which are composed of pulse waves. This prevents luminance unevenness from occurring in each display region. |
| US09081216B2 |
Optical device having optical modulators
An optical device includes first and second optical modulators formed on a substrate having electro-optical effect. The first optical modulator includes a first optical waveguide; a first signal electrode configured to provide a first data signal for the first optical waveguide; and a first DC electrode, arranged at an output side of the first signal electrode, and configured to provide first DC voltage for the first optical waveguide. The second optical modulator includes a second optical waveguide; a second signal electrode configured to provide a second data signal for the second optical waveguide; and a second DC electrode provided, arranged at an input side of the second signal electrode, and configured to provide second DC voltage for the second optical waveguide. Input portions of the first and second signal electrodes are arranged at a same side edge of the substrate. |
| US09081211B2 |
Magnetic hinge
A magnetic hinge (24) having a magnet (68) that is rotatably connected to frame front (14) or temples (18, 19) of eyewear (10). Magnet (68) has a contact surface that cooperates with a magnetically reactive body (76) and can be secured in a housing (34) that is rotatably connected to eyewear (10) by protrusions (60, 62). |
| US09081201B2 |
Optical unit and wavelength selective switch
In a wavelength selective switch, a holding member is used to rotate one end of optical fibers and a collimator array around a rotation axis to thereby change an incident angle of collimated light with respect to incident surfaces of a beam expander optical system. When the incident angle of the collimated light on the beam expander optical system is changed, an amount of variation in an emission angle of light from the beam expander optical system is not proportional (inversely proportional) to the magnification of the beam expander optical system. Thus, this wavelength selective switch can easily fine-tune the incident position (beam position) of light with respect to each reflecting surface of a MEMS mirror by rotating the holding member. |
| US09081200B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring picture quality of stereoscopic display device, and picture quality analyzing method using the same
Disclosed are an apparatus and method for measuring picture quality of a stereoscopic display device, and a picture quality analyzing method using the same, which quantify a motion artifact of a 3D moving picture in consideration of even an undesired moving picture artifact caused by a motion and gray-to-gray crosstalk, and moreover measure a motion blur. The picture quality measuring apparatus includes a pattern generator, a 3D display device, a polarization member, a following camera, and an analyzer. The pattern generator generates a right-eye and a left-eye moving picture pattern which move at a predetermined scroll speed. The 3D display device displays the right-eye and left-eye moving picture pattern inputted from the pattern generator. The following camera follows respective boundary portions of the right-eye and left-eye moving picture pattern, which pass through the polarization member and are incident on the following camera, to measure luminance. |
| US09081194B2 |
Three-dimensional image display apparatus, method and program
According to one embodiment, a three-dimensional image display apparatus includes a display unit and a generating unit. The display unit includes a two-dimensional image display device includes a display surface with a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, and a plurality of light ray control elements provided on the display surface of the two-dimensional image display device corresponding to the pixels. The generating unit generates an optimal elemental image by determining a value of at least one pixel from a weighted sum of values of at least two pixels of a generated image or an input image, and weights calculated based on light ray distributions indicating directions and scattering degrees of light rays from the light ray control elements. The display unit displays the optimal elemental image. |
| US09081191B2 |
Compact projector with high optical performance
A projector includes an illuminating system and an imaging system. The illuminating system includes a light source module, a lens array, a condenser lens and a display panel, in which light beams are generated by the light source module, uniformly dispersed by the lens array, condensed by the condenser lens, and reflected by the display panel to obtain image light, and the condenser lens has an effective focal length substantially equal to a product of an f-number of the illuminating system and a thickness of the lens array. The imaging system outwardly projects the image light. |
| US09081190B2 |
Voltage controlled microlens sheet
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus relating to implementations of an electrically controlled light conditioning sheet. In one aspect, the electrically controlled light conditioning sheet includes a planar electrode having a first conductor and a second conductor and a transmissive elastic layer. The transmissive elastic layer is configured to deform in response to a potential difference applied between the first and the second conductor and produce regions of optical refractive power. The angular spread and/or the radiation pattern of an incoming beam of light incident on the electrically controlled light conditioning sheet is altered by the action of the regions of optical refractive power produced by the applied potential difference. |
| US09081186B2 |
Microscope device for generating images of a specimen using phase distribution of light
A microscope device according to the present disclosure (the present microscope device) includes: a light source configured to oscillate coherent illuminating light, the illuminating light being applied on a specimen; a detecting unit configured to detect fluorescent light from the specimen as feedback light, the specimen being irradiated with the illuminating light; a phase distribution control unit disposed in an optical path of the illuminating light, the phase distribution control unit being configured to control phase distribution of the illuminating light; a controller configured to control the phase distribution control unit to vary the phase distribution; and an image generating unit configured to operate a difference of the feedback light between before and after the phase distribution varies, to generate an image of the specimen. |
| US09081184B2 |
Head-up display device for vehicle and self-checking method therefor
A head-up display device and a self-checking method therefor are provided, which are able to suppress the direct output of a laser beam to outside. A reflecting means reflects an image generated by a scanning means and projects the image outside of a case, and an angle-adjusting means adjusts the reflecting means to a desired angle. After the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned on, a light-emitting means outputs a scanning laser beam, and the value of the current flowing to the light-emitting means is detected, or a first light intensity, which is the light intensity of the scanning laser beam, is detected. For a period extending at least from the output of the scanning laser beam by the light-emitting means to the establishment of a predetermined condition, the angle-adjusting means is controlled such that the reflecting means is set to a non-visible position at which the scanning laser beam is reflected inside the case. |
| US09081178B2 |
Projection display for displaying an image to a viewer
A projection display is provided including a first plate-like waveguide (7), an image providing light source device (10 and 11) located to inject image bearing light into the first plate-like waveguide 7. An input means (12) is provided on the waveguide (7) to reflect the image bearing light internally along the waveguide (7). A transmission grating (13) within the first plate-like waveguide (7) is provided to output image bearing light from the waveguide (7). A second plate-like waveguide (8) is located co-planar with the first plate-like waveguide (7) and has a coupling grating (17) therein to receive the image bearing light from the first plate-like waveguide (7). The second plate-like waveguide (8) also includes an exit grating (18) therein for diffracting the received image bearing light, diffracted by the coupling grating (17) out of the second plate-like waveguide (8) towards a viewer (6). |
| US09081177B2 |
Wearable computer with nearby object response
Exemplary methods and systems relate to detecting physical objects near a substantially transparent head-mounted display (HMD) system and activating a collision-avoidance action to alert a user of the detected objects. Detection techniques may include receiving data from distance and/or relative movement sensors and using this data as a basis for determining an appropriate collision-avoidance action. Exemplary collision-avoidance actions may include de-emphasizing virtual objects displayed on the HMD to provide a less cluttered view of the physical objects through the substantially transparent display and/or presenting new virtual objects. |
| US09081175B2 |
Fluorescence observation device, domed base and fluorescence microscope provided with multiple light sources having different illumination angles
The present invention relates to a fluorescence observation device, a domed base and a fluorescence microscope. The fluorescence observation device includes a dome, a multi-angle light-emitting unit and a controller unit. The dome includes a transparent thermal insulation layer and a heat sink layer. The multi-angle light-emitting unit includes multiple directional narrow light field electro-luminescence devices thermally connected to the heat sink layer and adapted to emit light at different angles to pass through the transparent thermal insulation layer. The narrow light field electro-luminescence devices are selectively activated to emit light by the controller unit, so that the illumination angle of the multi-angle light-emitting unit can be adjusted. The fluorescence observation device can be combined with a base to constitute the domed base. Alternatively, narrow light field electro-luminescence devices are mounted on the base. |
| US09081173B2 |
Laser scanning microscope for scanning along a 3D trajectory
A laser scanning microscope is provided with a laser beam focusing device, a drive for the focusing device, a laser beam deflector, and a control system that coordinates movement of the focusing device with that of the laser beam deflector. |
| US09081169B2 |
One piece light beam twister
A beam twister consists of roof reflector-mirror pair is described. The pair reflects incoming light beam and, in the meantime, rotates the beam around its propagating direction by 90 degrees. For beam array, its size-divergence product can be changed by an array of the pairs, which makes it possible to focus the beam array into small spot. If the pair is integrated into a solid piece, the device is very robust and works with wide optical spectrum and high damage threshold. |
| US09081166B2 |
Inner focus lens system, interchangeable lens apparatus and camera system
An inner focus lens system comprising lens units each composed of at least one lens element, wherein a most object side lens unit is provided and is fixed with respect to an image surface in focusing, and the conditions: BF/Y<1.7 and (L×FNo)/f<2.2 (BF: a distance from an image side surface apex of a most image side lens element to the image surface, Y=f ×tan ω, L: an overall length of lens system, FNo: a F-number of lens system,f: a focal length of lens system, ω: a half view angle of lens system) are simultaneously satisfied, or only the condition: (L×FNo)/f<2.0 (L: the overall length of lens system, FNo: the F-number of lens system,f: the focal length of lens system) is satisfied. |
| US09081165B2 |
Method and apparatus for fixing strained optical fibers against creep and temperature and strain sensors using said technology
Optical fiber anchors accomplishing low creep confinement or fixing of a section of optical fiber in an assembly compact enough to be used conveniently as an anchor or as an enabling part of a strain or temperature sensor while retaining low optical losses and the original buffer coating to prevent the fiber from being exposed to abrasion and other influences that could lead to breakage. A rigid body is used that is mechanically stiff and hard enough to prevent the fiber from cutting into it or distorting the medium or substrate when subjected to stress, even over a long period of years. Trapping can be accomplished by molding the bent fiber into the substrate or body, adhesively bonding or soldering the optical fiber into a confining curved groove in a body or substrate. |
| US09081163B2 |
Fiber optic cable with bend preference
A fiber optic cable includes a polymeric jacket, an optical fiber, and first and second longitudinal strength elements. The jacket defines an outer periphery and a cavity interior thereto. The cavity is elongate and the outer periphery is polygonal. The optical fiber is positioned within the cavity of the jacket. The first and second longitudinal strength elements are embedded in the jacket on an opposite sides of the cavity from one another. The cable resists bending in a non-preferential plane by no more than five times as much as the cable resists bending in a preferential plane. |
| US09081159B2 |
Optical waveguide and method of manufacturing the same, and optical waveguide device
A method of manufacturing an optical waveguide, includes forming a first light path core layer having a first light path length on a first cladding layer, forming a groove portion having an inclined surface in an end side of the first light path core layer, forming a second light path core layer having a second light path length which is longer than the first light path length, in a lateral area of the first light path core layer, forming a groove portion having an inclined surface, arranged to an outer side than the groove portion of the first light path core layer, in an end side of the second light path core layer, forming partially a metal layer on the respective inclined surfaces of the first and second light path core layer, and forming a second cladding layer covering the first and second light path core layer. |
| US09081152B2 |
Adapter pack with removable sleeves
A sleeve for an adapter pack includes: a main body; a first axial bore on the main body sized to receive a portion of a first fiber optic connector; a second axial bore on the main body sized to receive a portion of a second fiber optic connector so that a connection is made between the first fiber optic connector and the second fiber optic connector; a first arm extending from the main body; and a second arm extending from the main body, the second arm extending in a direction opposing the first arm. The first and second arms are compressible towards one another as the sleeve is introduced into the adapter pack. When fully inserted, the first and second arms decompress to engage the adapter pack to retain the sleeve within the adapter pack. |
| US09081150B2 |
Rayleigh reflectors and applications thereof
In one aspect, optical devices and components are described herein. In some embodiments, a device comprises a substrate and a grating layer disposed on the substrate, wherein the grating layer comprises a periodic grating structure and a sublayer beneath the grating structure and adjacent the substrate. In some cases, the sublayer has a small thickness compared to the wavelength of light incident on and/or coupled into the device. For example, the sublayer of a device described herein can have a thickness of less than about 200 nm. Moreover, devices and components described herein can exhibit both guided-mode resonance (GMR) effects and a Rayleigh anomaly and can be used to provide various optical components such as optical couplers, substrate wave couplers, and flat-top angular reflectors or flat-top angular filters. |
| US09081143B2 |
Packaged fiber-optic component and method of manufacturing thereof
The invention concerns a fiber-optic component, in particular a fiber coupler, and method for manufacturing thereof. The component comprises a housing (25), at least one first optical element (21) capable of guiding light and having an output end, the first optical element (21) being affixed to said housing (25) at a mounting zone (26A), and at least one second optical element (22, 23) optically coupled to the first optical element (21) at a coupling zone (27) for receiving light from the output end of the first optical element (21). According to the invention, the component comprises at least one zone (29) of light-scattering material arranged in the vicinity of the first optical element (21) at a region between the coupling zone (27) and the mounting zone (26A). By means of the invention, the effect potentially harmful reverse radiation in fiber-optic components can be mitigated. |
| US09081140B2 |
Luminescence-based reflective pixel
Disclosed herein are various embodiments related to luminescence-based reflective display pixels. In one embodiment, among others, a luminescent-based pixel includes a luminescent layer including luminophores distributed in a matrix. The luminescent layer is configured to receive light from an ambient environment through a first side of the luminescent layer and has an index of refraction that is higher than an index of refraction of the ambient environment. The luminescent-based pixel includes a mirror disposed on a second side of the luminescent layer that is opposite the first side of the luminescent layer. The luminescent-based pixel also includes a diffusive surface to randomize the direction of incident light. |
| US09081138B2 |
Waveguide structure
According to embodiments of the present invention, a waveguide structure is provided. The waveguide structure includes a silicon-on-insulator layer, and a semiconductor waveguide disposed on the silicon-on-insulator layer, wherein the semiconductor waveguide includes a tapering region. |
| US09081137B2 |
Implementing embedded hybrid electrical-optical PCB construct
Methods and structures are provided for implementing embedded hybrid electrical-optical printed circuit board (PCB) constructs. The embedded hybrid electrical-optical PCB construct includes electrical channels and optical channels within a single physical PCB layer. The embedded hybrid electrical-optical PCB construct includes an electrically conductive sheet or a copper sheet, and a reflective mesh adhesive layer provided with the electrical channels and optical channels within the single physical PCB layer. |
| US09081134B2 |
Substrate having low reflection and high contact angle, and production method for same
Provided are a substrate including a base with a pattern on at least one side thereof, in which a refractive index in a lower region of the pattern and a refractive index in an upper region of the pattern are different from each other according to a shape of the pattern; and a water repellent coating layer provided on at least one side with the pattern of the base, an optical product including the same, and a manufacturing method of the substrate. The substrate according to the present invention has both an excellent anti-reflective property and an excellent water repellent property. |
| US09081132B2 |
Adhesive film for a reflection sheet and reflection sheet using the same
An adhesive film for a reflection sheet and a reflection sheet using the adhesive film is provided. The adhesive film comprises a plastic base film having a heat shrinkage of −0.1 to 0.5% at 150° C. in machine and transverse directions; an adhesive layer formed on one side of the base film by applying an adhesive composition; and an anchor coating layer formed on the other side of the base film, opposite to the side on which the adhesive layer is formed. The adhesive film for a reflection sheet according to the present invention is manufactured by applying an adhesive composition on a plastic base film where heat shrinkage is controlled. Thus, the adhesive film has superior dimensional stability at a high temperature and excellent workability in a post process for laminating a reflection layer. Partial detachment does not occur when an adhesive layer is detached from an adherent, and stable physical properties can be achieved. |
| US09081126B2 |
Illumination device, display device, and television reception device
Disclosed is an edge-light type illumination device that saves space while increasing the heat dissipation efficiency of heat emitted from a light source. The disclosed illumination device is provided with: a light source (17); a light guide plate (18) having a light-receiving surface (18a) disposed facing the light source (17) and receiving light from the light source (17), and a light-emitting surface (18b) from which the light is emitted; a chassis (14) having a bottom plate (14a) arranged in parallel with the light emitting surface (18b), with the light source (17) arranged on an edge of the bottom plate (14a); and a heat dissipating member (30) having a mounting section (31) that faces the light-receiving surface (18a) and that has the light source (17) mounted thereon, and a heat-dissipating section (32) connected with the mounting section (31) so as to transfer heat and being in contact with the bottom plate (14a) of the chassis (14). |
| US09081124B2 |
Backlight module
The present invention provides a backlight module, which includes: a backplane (2), a light guide plate (4) arranged in the backplane (2), a backlight source (6) mounted on the backplane (2), and a heat dissipation film (220) mounted on the backplane (2). The heat dissipation film (220) is made of graphene and has a thickness of 0.01-0.05 mm. The backlight module of the present invention provides includes a graphene-made heat dissipation film formed on a backplane to effectively improve the heat dissipation performance of the backlight module, allowing thermal energy to be uniformly distributed on the entire surface of the heat dissipation film in the plane direction to eliminate localized hot spots. Further, the graphene material is light-weighted so that addition of the heat dissipation film made of graphene does not significantly increase the weight of the backlight module. |
| US09081120B2 |
Apparatus and method for low-tension retrieval of instrumented marine cables
Apparatus and method for retrieving instrumented marine cables. The cable-handling apparatus comprises carriers that capture and pull on rigid elements in or on a marine cable to retrieve the cable hand-over-hand onto a deployment vessel. The carriers are spaced apart along an endless path on spacings matching the spacings of the rigid elements in the cable. A take-up mechanism allows manual adjustment of the relative spacings of the carriers to account for tolerances in the spacings of the rigid elements on the cable. |
| US09081117B2 |
Method and apparatus for predicting petrophysical properties from NMR data in carbonate rocks
An apparatus and method for determining a property of an earth formation using a radial basis function derived from a catalog of rock samples. Parameters of a Thomeer capillary pressure fitting curve are derived and used for analyzing rocks with unimodal or multimodal pore size distributions. |
| US09081115B2 |
Convergence rate of full wavefield inversion using spectral shaping
Method for speeding up iterative inversion of seismic data (106) to obtain a subsurface model (102), using local cost function optimization. The frequency spectrum of the updated model at each iteration is controlled to match a known or estimated frequency spectrum for the subsurface region, preferably the average amplitude spectrum of the subsurface P-impedance. The controlling is done either by applying a spectral-shaping filter to the source wavelet (303) and to the data (302) or by applying the filter, which may vary with time, to the gradient of the cost function (403). The source wavelet's amplitude spectrum (before filtering) should satisfy D(f)=fIp(f)W(f), where f is frequency, D(f) is the average amplitude spectrum of the seismic data, and Ip(f) is the average amplitude spectrum for P-impedance in the subsurface region (306,402) or an approximation thereof. |
| US09081114B2 |
Multi-array laterolog tools and methods with split monitor electrodes
Multi-array laterolog tool systems and methods acquire a set of array measurements sufficient to provide laterolog tool measurements of differing array sizes. Such systems and method offer multiple depths of investigation while offering greater measurement stability in borehole environments having high resistivity contrasts. In at least some system embodiments, a wireline or LWD tool body has a center electrode positioned between multiple pairs of guard electrodes and a pair of return electrodes. At least some of the guard electrodes are positioned between component electrodes of associated split monitor electrodes that enable more accurate measurement of the guard electrode potential. The tool's electronics provide a current from the center electrode to the pair of return electrodes and currents from each pair of guard electrodes to the pair of return electrodes. Each of the currents may be distinguishable by frequency or distinguishable by some other means. |
| US09081111B2 |
Method of providing seismic data
A method of providing seismic data (such as marine seismic data). A seismic source is actuated at a plurality of source locations (S2, S4). For each source location, a multicomponent seismic measurement is performed at least one receiver location (S3). A reconstructing method is applied to each multicomponent measurement to obtain additional data corresponding to source locations additional to the source locations at which the source was actuated (S5). The additional data are output and/or used (S6). |
| US09081109B1 |
Ground-tracking devices for use with a mapping locator
A ground tracking apparatus for connection to a locator or other measurement device and configured to determine position, motion, and/or orientation information is disclosed. The ground tracking apparatus may include a ground follower assembly including one or more wheels, which may be detachably coupled to a buried object locator system to capture three-dimensional positional and orientation information during a locate process, as well as provide output data or information to be integrated with maps, photographs, drawings, or other data or information. |
| US09081100B1 |
Apparatus and method for determination of one or more free neutron characteristics
A neutron detection system may include a neutron detector including a plurality of neutron detection devices, a plurality of discrete neutron moderating elements, wherein each of the neutron moderating elements is disposed between two or more neutron detection devices, the plurality of neutron detection devices and the plurality of discrete neutron moderating elements disposed along a common axis, a control system configured to generate a detector response library, wherein the detector response library includes one or more sets of data indicative of a response of the detector to a known neutron source, receive one or more measured neutron response signals from each of the neutron devices, the one or more measured response signals response to a detected neutron event, and determine one or more characteristics of neutrons emanating from a measured neutron source by comparing the one or more measured neutron response signals to the detector response library. |
| US09081098B2 |
Detection device, detecting method and detection program
This disclosure provides a device, which includes a transceiver for outputting a reception signal according to an echo intensity of a transmission signal, a reception signal monitoring module for monitoring an intensity of the reception signal based on a saturation condition, and a transmitting condition setting module for controlling a transmitting power according to the intensity of the reception signal monitored by the reception signal monitoring module. |
| US09081097B2 |
Component frame enhancement for spatial compounding in ultrasound imaging
Steered spatial compounding is provided in ultrasound imaging. Component frames of data associated with different spatial response are processed to identify different sources of signals. Matched filtering and/or spatial variance with erosion distinguish between sources of signals, such as distinguishing between (1) anatomical structure and (2) soft tissue and/or noise. The locations in the patient are segmented by the source of signals and different compounding is applied for the different sources. |
| US09081094B2 |
Aircraft radar altimeter structure
Embodiments described herein are directed towards a radar altimeter for mounting onto an aircraft. The radar altimeter includes a base configured to mount to an external surface of an aircraft, the base having an inner portion and a flange disposed around the inner portion, wherein the inner portion has a generally rectangular geometry defining a long dimension and a short dimension. A chassis is mounted to the base and has a planar portion that is disposed perpendicular to a plane formed by the base. A plurality of circuit boards are mounted to the planar portion of the chassis and disposed parallel to the planar portion of the chassis. The base is configured to mount over a second aperture in the external surface of the aircraft such that the chassis and the plurality of circuit boards are placed through the aperture and are disposed inside of the aircraft. |
| US09081085B2 |
Spread spectrum radar apparatus and method of controlling the same
A radar apparatus includes: a transmission circuit; a reception circuit; a Doppler filter that discriminates baseband signals per distance and per Doppler frequency corresponding to the speed of an object; a threshold processing unit group that removes unwanted signals from output signals of the Doppler filter; and an estimation unit that estimates a position and speed of the object from the output signals removed of the unwanted signals. The threshold processing unit group includes threshold processing units corresponding to respective discriminated Doppler frequencies. Each threshold processing unit calculates a threshold value for a corresponding Doppler frequency using a peak value of the output signals in a range of distance corresponding to an object detection area, and determines output signals in the range that are no greater than the threshold value to be the unwanted signals. |
| US09081079B2 |
Adaptive updating of indoor navigation assistance data for use by a mobile device
Various methods, apparatuses and articles of manufacture may be implemented for use in one or more computing platforms to adaptively provide and/or obtain indoor navigation assistance data (INAD) update(s) for use by a mobile device. An INAD update may, for example, comprise a subset of INAD available for an indoor environment. Such a subset may be determined based, at least in part, on a bounded region in an electronic map of the indoor environment. Such a bounded region may, for example, have a shape and/or a size based, at least in part, on at least one parameter indicative of a motion state of the mobile device. |
| US09081077B2 |
System for tracking ships at sea
The system comprises terminals that are mounted onto a predetermined number of feeder vessels, comprises means for detecting identification signals sent by surrounding ships, and moreover comprises means for recording identification information that include the detected identification signals and the current position of the feeder vessel. Said system also comprises a system for transmitting data via satellites, said data transmitting system making it possible to transmit data between the terminals and a monitoring center, said monitoring center including a means for generating requests intended for the terminals in order to ask said terminals to provide the recorded identification information. Said monitoring center also includes a means for analyzing the received identification information. |
| US09081076B2 |
System and method for object tracking anti-jitter filtering
Object tracking anti-jitter filtering systems and methods. A plurality of raw location points for a tracking tag attached to a tracked object is received. The raw location points are stored within a raw location points buffer. Raw location points within an averaging window are averaged to generate an averaged location point. The averaged location point is stored within an averaged location points buffer for use within the object tracking system. |
| US09081073B2 |
System for suppression of artifacts in MR imaging
An MR system acquires, over multiple heart cycles, image datasets representing multiple image slices of an anatomical region of interest of a patient. In the device, an RF signal generator and a magnetic field gradient generator provides an RF pulse and magnetic field gradient sequence for RF signal excitation of the region of interest and for acquiring RF data following the signal excitation. The sequence comprises, a first sequence occurring substantially immediately after the acquisition of image data using a readout magnetic field gradient. The first sequence includes an RF pulse with a predetermined flip angle followed by a magnetic field gradient pulse for reducing field magnetization to substantially zero. The first sequence is preceded by a dummy acquisition sequence comprising the elements of the first sequence except substantially without acquisition of data. |
| US09081069B2 |
Protection IC and method of monitoring a battery voltage
A protection IC connected to cell groups of a secondary battery assembly of a secondary battery connected in series and monitoring battery voltages of the cells in the cell groups, including terminals connected to connection points of the cells in the cell groups and both ends of the cell groups; a first alarm generating portion detecting an overvoltage by comparing voltages of the cells of the cell groups on both ends of the cells and generates the first alarm signal; and a second alarm generating portion detecting disconnection in connection points of the cells and disconnection between the connection points of the cell groups and the both ends and the terminals by detecting voltage drop or current decrement at the connection points of the cells of the cell groups and at one end of the cell groups in the cells, and generates a second alarm signal. |
| US09081067B2 |
Phased array MR RF coil which is not visible in X-ray image
An phased array RF coil used for MR imaging is designed so that it remains in place in the field of view of an X-Ray imaging system and comprises a support board on which copper or aluminum conductive traces are carried. The attenuation of the X-Rays caused by the traces is visible in the radiation image but this is compensated by arranging the non-conductive material of the support board such that the attenuation is substantially constant. The phased array includes individual coil loops which are overlapped with the traces being of half thickness at crossing locations of the traces and with one of the loops on one side and the other loop on the second side of the substrate sheet. |
| US09081065B2 |
Inductance measuring device and method for measuring an inductance parameter of permanent motor
The present disclosure provides an inductance parameter measuring device of the permanent motor and the method thereof. The method includes: providing a d-axis given current signal and a q-axis given current signal; converting the d-axis given current signal and the q-axis given current signal to a three-phase command signal and outputting a motor control signal corresponding to the three-phase command signal, and obtaining a three-phase feedback signal, from which a d-axis feedback signal and a q-axis feedback signal is generated, based on the motor control signal; calculating a d-axis inductance and a q-axis inductance based on the first, second, third and fourth response signals when the permanent motor is in a stationary state, wherein the first, second, third and fourth response signals are respectively corresponded to the d-axis given current signal, the q-axis given current signal, the d-axis feedback signal and the q-axis feedback signal. |
| US09081064B2 |
IC scan cell coupled to TSV top and bottom contacts
An integrated circuit die includes a substrate of semiconductor material having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an opening through the substrate between the top surface and the bottom surface. A through silicon via (TSV) has a conductive body in the opening, has a top contact point coupled to the body at the top surface, and has a bottom contact point coupled to the body at the bottom surface. A scan cell has a serial input, a serial output, control inputs, a voltage reference input, a response input coupled to one of the contact points, and a stimulus output coupled to the other one of the contact points. |
| US09081062B1 |
Memory error detection and correction circuitry
Integrated circuits with memory error detection and correction (EDC) circuitry are provided. The EDC circuitry may include first and second data registers and a comparator. The first data register may store data read from a selected frame. The second data register may be loaded with a predetermined bit stream. If a soft error is detected, correct bits generated using a logic function associated with the predetermined bit stream may be written back to the selected frame. In another suitable arrangement, the EDC circuitry may include first and second registers, a mask register, and a comparator. The first data register may store data read from a selected frame. The second data register may be loaded with desired data. The mask register may be loaded with mask bits. If a soft error is detected, the correct bits may be written back to the selected frame if the corresponding mask bits are high. |
| US09081057B2 |
Probe card handling carriage
A probe card handling carriage is applicable to various working environments. The probe card handling carriage includes a main body provided to be travelable on the ground, a drawer unit provided to be movable in a forward and backward direction with respect to the main body, and a transfer robot installed on the drawer unit to transfer a probe card. |
| US09081055B2 |
Method for reducing local specific absorption rate in magnetic resonance imaging using radio frequency coil array dark modes
A method for reducing local specific absorption rate (“SAR”) during imaging of a subject with a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system is provided. A radio frequency (“RF”) excitation pattern is selected for an RF coil array to be used during the imaging. In this RF excitation pattern, locations in which local SAR exceeds a preselected threshold value are identified. Examples of threshold values include regulatory limits on local SAR. Using the identified local SAR hotspot locations, a cancellation electric field pattern that is defined by so-called “dark modes” of the coil array is determined. Imaging of the subject commences using the RF coil array and the MRI system, in which the RF coil array is used to simultaneously produce an RF excitation field and a cancellation electric field using the respective field patterns. This simultaneous production of the RF excitation and cancellation electric fields reduces local SAR at the hotspot locations. |
| US09081054B2 |
Board assembly, electronic device test apparatus and water jacket
A board assembly which enables reduction of the size of an electronic device test apparatus is provided. A test module 20 comprises: a first pin electronics card 21; a second pin electronics card 22; and a single intermediate water jacket 23 which is sandwiched between the first pin electronics card 21 and second pin electronics card 22. The intermediate water jacket 23 is in close contact with the first inside main surface 212 of the first pin electronics card 21 which faces the second pin electronics card 22 and is in close contact with the second inside main surface 222 of the second pin electronics card 22 which faces the first pin electronics card 21. |
| US09081049B2 |
Minimum-spacing circuit design and layout for PICA
PICA test circuits are shown that include a first transistor and a second transistor laid out drain-to-drain, such that a gap between respective drain regions of the first and second transistors has a minimum size allowed by a given fabrication technology. |
| US09081046B2 |
Proximity detection system with concurrent RF and magnetic fields
This disclosure provides a method and system for extending the capability of a proximity detection system that is based on use of low frequency magnetic fields, to avoid conflicts in crowded work sites. The improvement is attained by combining the advantages of these low frequency magnetic fields with the advantages of much higher frequency, radiated (RF) signals that are controlled to be produced at the same time, concurrent with each other, in a coordinated and/or synchronous manner. |
| US09081045B2 |
High frequency analysis of a device under test
Analyzing a device under test (“DUT”) at higher frequencies. A phase shifter varies the phase of a standing wave on a transmission line coupled to the DUT. The standing wave magnitude is sampled at each of the phase shifts and one or more DUT characteristics are determined as a function of the sampled magnitudes and phase shifts. Further aspects include a related phase shifter comprising a waveguide having a plurality of sub-resonant slots formed therein and having active elements for loading the slots to control the phase shift applied to the signal. |
| US09081042B2 |
Resistive memory element sensing using averaging
A system for determining the logic state of a resistive memory cell element, for example an MRAM resistive cell element. The system includes a controlled voltage supply, an electronic charge reservoir, a current source, and a pulse counter. The controlled voltage supply is connected to the resistive memory cell element to maintain a constant voltage across the resistive element. The charge reservoir is connected to the voltage supply to provide a current through the resistive element. The current source is connected to the charge reservoir to repeatedly supply a pulse of current to recharge the reservoir upon depletion of electronic charge from the reservoir, and the pulse counter provides a count of the number of pulses supplied by the current source over a predetermined time. The count represents a logic state of the memory cell element. |
| US09081041B2 |
High accuracy differential current sensor for applications like ground fault interrupters
A sensor with multiple magnetic field sensing elements for use in current sensing and other applications is presented. In one configuration, the sensor can obtain differential and absolute current measurements of current in current-carrying conductors. When employed in a ground fault interrupter (GFI) application, a first magnetic field sensing element can be used to measure the absolute current flowing in the phase conductor (phase current), a second magnetic field sensing element can be used to measure the absolute current flowing in the neutral conductor (neutral current) and a difference between the phase and neutral currents can be measured by a third magnetic field sensing element or determined from measurements of the first and second magnetic field sensing elements. In another configuration, the sensor can obtain a measure of the difference between currents and/or the sum of currents in current-carrying conductors. |
| US09081040B2 |
Sensor devices and methods for use in sensing current through a conductor
A utility meter and related methods are disclosed. The utility meter includes a sensor device positioned around a conductor to sense current flowing through the conductor. The sensor device includes a non-magnetic substrate, a coil comprising a plurality of turns wound about the substrate, and a dielectric material having a dielectric constant and positioned between the coil and the conductor. The utility meter also includes a meter control board in communication with the sensor device to determine an amount of electricity transmitted through the conductor from the power source to the user over time. The dielectric constant of the dielectric material is selected to reduce a capacitive coupling between the coil and the conductor and to reduce a sensitivity of the sensor device such that the meter control board comprises only one calibration coefficient for calibrating the sensor device over a current range. |
| US09081039B2 |
Vehicle electrical system fault detection
Methods and systems are provided for sensing electrical faults. The system includes a current sensor disposed between a battery and at least one electrical load. The current sensor is capable of sensing electrical current flowing from the battery to the load at a sensitivity sufficient to detect a current transient. The system also includes a controller in communication with the current sensor. The controller is capable of comparing the sensed current transient to a predetermined current transient for the load and signaling a fault when the sensed current transient and the predetermined current transient vary by a predetermined amount. |
| US09081038B2 |
Voltage monitor
A voltage monitor comprising a first capacitive potential divider for presenting an attenuated representation of an input voltage to a comparator. |
| US09081037B2 |
Attachment of an electrical element to an electronic device using a conductive material
An electrical element can be attached and electrically connected to a substrate by a conductive adhesive material. The conductive adhesive material can electrically connect the electrical element to a terminal or other electrical conductor on the substrate. The conductive adhesive material can be cured by directing a flow of heated gas onto the material or by heating the material through a support structure on which the substrate is located. A non-conductive adhesive material can attach the electrical element to the substrate with a greater adhesive strength than the conductive adhesive. The non-conductive adhesive material can also be cured by directing a flow of heated gas onto the material or by heating the material through the support structure on which the substrate is located. The non-conductive adhesive material can cover the conductive adhesive material. |
| US09081036B2 |
Adjustable measurement device
An adjustable measurement device includes a case, a positive contact portion, a negative contact portion, a test probe, a first wire, and a second wire. The positive contact portion is positioned on an end of the case and electrically connected to the first wire. The negative contact portion is movably received in the case and electrically connected to the second wire. A receiving hole is defined in the negative contact portion for the test probe. The test probe includes a main body electrically connected to the negative contact portion, a tip portion electrically connected to the positive contact portion, and an insulating portion positioned between the main body and the tip portion. A distance between the positive contact portion and the negative contact portion is adjustable by moving the negative contact portion. The negative contact portion and the positive contact portion are isolated from each other. |
| US09081035B2 |
Test probe with integrated test transformer
A measuring device used for registering a test signal originating from a circuit structure applied to a wafer. The measuring device provides at least one test probe and at least one test transformer. The at least one test transformer is connected to the at least one test probe in an electrically conductive manner. In this context, the test transformer is arranged on the test probe. |
| US09081034B2 |
Rigid probe with compliant characteristics
A method of probing compliant bumps of a circuit with probes is described. The method includes disposing the probes on a substrate, a base of each of the probes being coupled to the substrate. The method also includes disposing the circuit such that each of the compliant bumps is in contact with the probe tip of a corresponding one of the probes, each probe tip being connected to each base of each probe through a cantilever, and supplying current to the probes to test the circuit. |
| US09081030B2 |
Computer-aided simulation method for atomic-resolution scanning seebeck microscope (SSM) images
A computer-aided simulation method for an atomic-resolution scanning Seebeck microscope (SSM) image is provided. In the computer-aided simulation method, a computer may calculate a local thermoelectric voltage for a position of a voltage probe, to acquire an SSM image corresponding to the position. |
| US09081028B2 |
Scanning probe microscope with improved feature location capabilities
An SPM assembly includes an SPM and a wide field image acquisition device that can be used to rapidly locate a region of interest and position that region within a SPM scan range of 100 microns or less. The wide field image acquisition device may include a low resolution camera having wide field of view in excess of 12 mm, and a high magnification camera having a field of view in the single mm range. Alternatively, a single camera could be used if it has sufficient zoom capability to have functionalities commensurate with both cameras. Collocation preferably is employed to coordinate translation between the low magnification and high magnification cameras (if separate cameras are used) and between the high magnification camera and the SPM. |
| US09081027B2 |
Yaw-rate sensor
A yaw-rate sensor having a substrate and a plurality of movable substructures that are mounted over a surface of the substrate, the movable substructures being coupled to a shared, in particular, central spring element, where the movable substructures are excitable into a coupled oscillation in a plane that extends parallel to the surface of the substrate, the movable substructures having Coriolis elements, where deflections of the Coriolis elements induced by a Coriolis force are detectable, a first Coriolis element being provided for detecting a yaw rate about a first axis, a second Coriolis element being provided for detecting a yaw rate about a second axis, the second axis being oriented perpendicularly to the first axis. |
| US09081026B2 |
Opening/closing body inspection apparatus and opening/closing body inspection method
An opening/closing body inspection apparatus evaluates the closing performance of an opening/closing body open-and-closably attached to an opening/closing body support member. The apparatus includes a marker configured to be attached to the opening/closing body, a load-detecting device for detecting a load upon the opening/closing body attached to the marker, an image-capturing device for capturing an image of the movement path of the marker as the marker moves in tandem with the motion of the opening/closing body being closed by the load, an image-processing device for analyzing image data obtained by the image-capturing device, and a performance-assessing device for assessing the closing performance of the opening/closing body on the basis of the movement distance calculated by the image-processing device and the load detected by the load-detecting device. |
| US09081021B2 |
Platelet measurement reagent, platelet measurement reagent kit, and platelet measurement method
A reagent for measuring platelets comprising Nile Blue hydrogensulfate, or Nile Blue and an acid, a reagent kit for measuring platelets comprising the reagent for measuring platelets, and a method for measuring platelets using the reagent or reagent kit. |
| US09081014B2 |
Nucleic acid encoding a self-assembling split-fluorescent protein system
The invention provides a protein labeling and detection system based on self-complementing fragments of fluorescent and chromophoric proteins. The system of the invention is exemplified with various combinations of self-complementing fragments derived from Aequorea victoria Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP), which are used to detect and quantify protein solubility in multiple assay formats, both in vitro and in vivo. |
| US09081013B2 |
Marker for detecting gastric cancer and method for detecting gastric cancer
It is intended to provide a method for detecting gastric cancer, which is low invasive to a human test subject and has high detection sensitivity and accuracy. The present invention provides a method comprising measuring in vitro the amount of COTL1 protein, a variant thereof, and/or a fragment thereof in a body fluid sample derived from a human test subject, and detecting the presence or absence of gastric cancer affecting the test subject on the basis of the amount, and a kit for gastric cancer diagnosis comprising an antibody capable of specifically binding to the protein. |
| US09081006B2 |
Rapid homogeneous immunoassay using electrophoresis
The present invention concerns methods, compositions and apparatus for detection and/or determination of concentration of target molecules. In preferred embodiments the methods comprise allowing target molecules to form a complex with a first binding agent conjugated to a detection molecule and a second binding agent conjugated to a capture molecule, allowing the complex to further bind to an essentially uncharged polymer capable of binding to the capture agent, and performing a vertical gradient electrophoresis to separate the complex from unbound target, first and second binding agents and polymer. The intact complex is concentrated by electrophoresis at a stacking layer and the detection molecule is detected and/or quantified. Because the complex contains a very high mass to charge ratio, it becomes essentially immobile at the stacking layer, while unbound components migrate through the stacking layer and are separated from the complex. This provides a very rapid and sensitive assay that can detect very low concentrations of target molecules in short time. |
| US09081005B2 |
Biochip
A biochip including a metal nanoparticle layer on a multilayer substrate can perform qualitative and quantitative analyses simply without a separate tag. A biochip including a metal nanoparticle layer on a multilayer substrate and using a CMOS image sensor can be an economically beneficial biochip reusable and convenient in use by employing a relatively simple detection method without a need of using a separate tag. |
| US09080998B2 |
Reagent store
An automated analyzer with an on-board fridge for long-term cooling of reagents, and a method for isolating and analyzing an analyte comprising long-term cooling of reagents. |
| US09080995B2 |
Method for quantitatively analyzing cysteine and cystine and reagent kit for quantitatively analyzing cysteine and cystine
A method for quantitatively analyzing cysteine and cysteine includes a first step of adding a methyl-sulfurating agent to a sample that includes cysteine and cystine to obtain a methyl-sulfurated cysteine, a second step of adding a derivatizing agent to the methyl-sulfurated cysteine and the cystine to obtain a cysteine derivative and a cystine derivative, respectively, and a third step of quantifying the cysteine derivative and the cystine derivative. |
| US09080992B2 |
Adjustable variable resolution inspection systems and methods
Camera heads configured to provide digitally articulated images or video, at adjustable resolutions and/or offsets and orientations, to a camera control unit (CCU) or other electronic computing system for display, storage, and/or transmission to other systems are disclosed. |
| US09080989B2 |
Whisker manufacturing, detection, response, and compound manufacturing apparatus and method
An invention for making productive uses of normally undesirable whiskers is provided. Embodiments of the invention include a variety of apparatuses and methods associated with forming and using whiskers as well as forming whisker compounds is disclosed. For example, whisker detection modules can be created which provide a whisker surveillance capability. The whisker detection modules can further be coupled with a whisker response system such as an alarm or insulating material dispersing system. Another aspect of the invention is providing a variety of environments or microenvironments with regard to a whisker forming structure to affect whisker creation such as maximizing whisker formation. Another example includes provision of a variety of embodiments for manufacturing compounds of whiskers of various metal and metal alloys, including structures and methods is provided. Whisker compounds produced using various embodiments of the invention can be used for various applications. |
| US09080981B2 |
Nanoscale array structures suitable for surface enhanced raman scattering and methods related thereto
Methods for fabricating nanoscale array structures suitable for surface enhanced Raman scattering, structures thus obtained, and methods to characterize the nanoscale array structures suitable for surface enhanced Raman scattering. Nanoscale array structures may comprise nanotrees, nanorecesses and tapered nanopillars. |
| US09080979B2 |
Single molecule imaging techniques to aid crystallization
This invention relates to a method to rapidly find crystallization conditions for a biomolecule in a desired conformation using single-molecule, fluorescent resonance energy transfer (smFRET) imaging techniques. The method provides significant cost and time advantages over the empricial exploration for crystallization conditions. |
| US09080978B2 |
Method and system for standardizing microscope instruments
Methods and apparatus for standardizing quantitative measurements from a microscope system. The process includes a calibration procedure whereby an image of a calibration slide is obtained through the optics of the microscope system. The calibration slide produces a standard response, which can be used to determine a machine intrinsic factor for the particular system. The machine intrinsic factor can be stored for later reference. In use, images are acquired of a target sample and of the excitation light source. The excitation light source sample is obtained using a calibration instrument configured to sample intensity. The calibration instrument has an associated correction factor to compensate its performance to a universally standardized calibration instrument. The machine intrinsic factor, sampled intensity, and calibration instrument correction factor are usable to compensate a quantitative measurement of the target sample in order to normalize the results for comparison with other microscope systems. |
| US09080971B2 |
Metrology systems and methods
Various metrology systems and methods are provided. One metrology system includes a light source configured to produce a diffraction-limited light beam, an apodizer configured to shape the light beam in the entrance pupil of illumination optics, and optical elements configured to direct the diffraction-limited light beam from the apodizer to an illumination spot on a grating target on a wafer and to collect scattered light from the grating target. The metrology system further includes a field stop and a detector configured to detect the scattered light that passes through the field stop. In addition, the metrology system includes a computer system configured to determine a characteristic of the grating target using output of the detector. |
| US09080969B2 |
Backside CMOS compatible BioFET with no plasma induced damage
The present disclosure provides a bio-field effect transistor (BioFET) device and methods of fabricating a BioFET and a BioFET device. The method includes forming a BioFET using one or more process steps compatible with or typical to a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process. The BioFET device includes a gate structure disposed on a first surface of a substrate and an interface layer formed on a second surface of the substrate. The substrate is thinned from the second surface to expose a channel region before forming the interface layer. |
| US09080963B2 |
Devices and methods for collection of data
Devices and methods for remotely collecting data for the assessment of value and/or like, kind, and quality are provided, including a mobile device equipped with an application configured to enable collection of data; the data acquired using the device are received by a service provider; and following the assessment transmitting of the assessment analysis by the service provide to the display of the mobile device of the user. |
| US09080962B1 |
Device for analysing composition of contents of a container by measuring absorption
The invention relates to a device for analyzing the composition of the contents of a container, characterized in that it comprises spectral analysis means of the contents of the container for measuring the absorption of waves by the container and its contents, and means (50) for providing information relative to the nature of the contents of said container (R) as a function of the absorption measuring. |
| US09080955B2 |
Biosensor, biosensor chip and biosensor device
A biosensor includes a working electrode 101, a counter electrode 102 opposing the working electrode 101, a working electrode terminal 103 and a working electrode reference terminal 10 connected to the working electrode 101 by wires, and a counter electrode terminal 104 connected to the counter electrode 102 by a wire. By employing a structure with at least three electrodes, it is possible to assay a target substance without being influenced by the line resistance on the working electrode side. |
| US09080952B2 |
Method and a device of phased array inspection with pulse rate optimization
Disclosed is a method and a phased array inspection device enabling calibration of the device with an optimized pulse rate, the pulse rate is derived based on the true adaptive value of the impedance of the specific phased array probe circuit or the pulser circuit and the circuit energy consumption limitations. The energy consumption limitations include the total energy made available by the power supply to the pulser and probe circuit and the pulser energy consumption with limitation due to pulser circuit's physical limit such as thermal limitation. |
| US09080949B2 |
Detecting broadside and directional acoustic signals with a fiber optical distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) assembly
A Distributed Acoustic Sensing(DAS) fiber optical assembly comprises adjacent lengths of optical fiber A, B with different directional acoustic sensitivities, for example by providing the first length of optical fiber A with a first coating 35, such as acrylate, and the second length of optical fiber B with a second coating 36, such as copper, wherein the first and second coatings 35 and 36 may be selected such that the Poisson's ratio of the first length of coated fiber A is different from the Poisson's ratio of the second length of coated fiber B. The different Poisson's ratios and/or other properties of the adjacent lengths of optical fiber A and B improve their directional acoustic sensitivity and their ability to detect broadside (radial) acoustic waves. |
| US09080948B2 |
Dynamic peak tracking in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement tool
Systems and methods for performing X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) measurements in a semiconductor environment are disclosed. A reference element peak is selected and tracked as part of the measurement process. Peak shift of the reference element peak, in electron volts (eV) is tracked and applied to other portions of acquired spectrum to compensate for the shift, which results from surface charge fluctuation. |
| US09080942B2 |
Flexible multi-moduled nanoparticle-structured sensor array on polymer substrate and methods for manufacture
A flexible chemiresistor (CR) sensor for sensing a molecule of interest in a fluid (liquid or gas) is provided. The flexible CR sensor comprises a flexible chemiresistor (CR) module. The flexible CR module comprises a flexible substrate such polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) or polyimide (PI), and a thin film nanoparticle assembly assembled on the flexible substrate. The thin film nanoparticle assembly comprises metal or metal alloy core, ligand-capped nanoparticles and molecular linkers connecting the nanoparticles. The flexible CR sensor and an intelligent pattern recognition engine can be incorporated in a handheld device that can detect a molecule of interest in a fluid (e.g., a liquid or gas) accurately, rapidly, and without false positives. Any sensing array nanomaterial, pattern recognition, and compact/or electronic hardware can be integrated to achieve a desired detection limit and response speed. |
| US09080937B2 |
Apparatus and a method for investigating a sample by means of several investigation methods
A sample carrier suitable for receiving a sample, a first investigation device for investigating the sample and having a first optical beam path for a first measurement light, a second investigation device for investigating the sample and having a second optical beam path for a second measurement light, wherein the first or the second investigation device comprises a probe microscope suitable for investigating the sample and an optical component having a light-permeable section for the first measurement light and an at least partially reflecting section for the second measurement light and disposed in the first and in the second beam path such that the first optical beam path is formed by a material of the optical component in the light-permeable section and that the second optical beam path is formed with a light-reflecting deflection at the at least one partially reflecting section is provided. An associated method is also provided. |
| US09080936B2 |
Glow discharge ion source
A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a glow discharge device within the initial vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer. The glow discharge device may comprise a tubular electrode (14) located within an isolation valve (15) which is provided in the vacuum chamber. Reagent vapor may be provided through the tubular electrode (14) which is then subsequently ionized by the glow discharge. The resulting reagent ions may be used for Electron Transfer Dissociation of analyte ions generated by an atmospheric pressure ion source. Other embodiments are contemplated wherein the ions generated by the glow discharge device may be used to reduce the charge state of analyte ions by Proton Transfer Reaction or may act as lock mass or reference ions. |
| US09080935B2 |
Image analysis method for cell observation, image-processing program, and image-processing device
An image-processing program for cell observation comprises obtaining a first image showing a plurality of cells in an observation region, the first image being captured by an imaging device, and a second image showing the observation region, the second image being captured by the imaging device a predetermined time before the first image is captured; selecting one cell as a cell of interest from the plurality of cells included in the first image; specifying cells on the periphery of the cell of interest as peripheral cells; calculating movement statistics of the peripheral cells with respect to the cell of interest on the basis of the amount of relative movement of the cell of interest and the peripheral cells in the first image and the second image; and outputting the calculated movement statistics of the peripheral cells. |
| US09080933B2 |
Stimuli-responsive polymer diagnostic assay comprising magnetic nanoparticles and capture conjugates
The present disclosure utilizes the aggregation of stimuli-responsive polymers to isolate a diagnostic target (e.g., an antigen) from a solution using magnetophoresis. Isolating the diagnostic target provides a route to identify the presence of the diagnostic target in the solution. |
| US09080929B2 |
Parallel belt sampler
Apparatus for sampling material being conveyed on a primary conveyor comprises a diverter arranged to divert material onto a sampling conveyor running alongside the primary conveyor where it can be weighed by a weightometer and elevated to a discharge point before falling into a falling-stream sample cutter. Material is then returned to the primary conveyor at by a return conveyor. Options include the use of an impact conveyor between the diverter and the sampling conveyor, and the configuration of the sampling conveyor with a wider belt running at a slower speed to improve accuracy. |
| US09080928B2 |
Apparatus and associated methods
An apparatus including first and second sensor elements, the first sensor element includes a first sensor material. The second sensor element includes a second sensor material. The first sensor material is configured such that an electrical property of the first sensor material is dependent upon the temperature of the environment in which the first and second sensor elements are located. The second sensor material is configured such that the same electrical property of the second sensor material is dependent upon the relative vapor pressure of a fluid in the environment in which the first and second sensor elements are located, the respective temperature and fluid relative vapor pressure dependencies of the first and second sensor materials allowing the temperature and fluid relative vapor pressure of the environment to be determined based on combined measurements of the electrical property of the first and second sensor materials in the environment. |
| US09080920B2 |
System and method for multiplexed and buffered miniaturized sensor arrays
A miniature pressure scanning system includes a plurality of miniature pressure sensors where each pressure sensors includes at least one sensor output for providing an analog output signal indicative of a detected pressure on a body, and each pressure sensor output has an associated output impedance; a plurality of buffers, each buffer electrically connected to the output port of a corresponding one of the pressure sensors, and configured to reduce the associated output impedance of the corresponding sensor output coupled thereto, and further configured to provide at an output of the buffer the analog output pressure signal from the pressure sensor; and a multiplexer coupled downstream of the plurality of buffers and configured to multiplex the buffered analog output pressure signals to output a multiplexed analog signal representing the detected pressures. |
| US09080917B2 |
System and methods for using dielectric properties of an insulated conductor in a subsurface formation to assess properties of the insulated conductor
A system for assessing one or more temperatures along an insulated conductor in an opening in a subsurface formation includes an insulated conductor with a length comprising at least two sections of insulation with different capacitances. The sections with the different capacitances include different takeoff temperatures for at least one dielectric property of the insulation. |
| US09080915B2 |
System for matching color and coarseness appearance of coatings
A method and a system is provided for producing one or more matching formulas to match color and coarseness appearance of a target coating on a substrate. The method includes, but is not limited to providing a set of coating chips comprising at least two coating chips having different lightness values, and at least two coating chips having matching lightness values and different coarseness values. A system is also provided for matching color and coarseness appearance of the surface coating. |
| US09080912B2 |
Display panel attachment mechanism
A light-emitting display system has interlocking tiles. In an implementation, each tile has a portion of a clamp that joins with another portion of the clamp on another tile. A tile is removed from the display by unlocking the clamp portions. The tile is removed without affecting the position of the other tiles in the display. |
| US09080911B2 |
Boost converter for tracking input voltages
A boost converter is provided for tracking change in input voltage. The boost converter comprises at least one input for connection to a DC voltage source for supplying an input voltage; at least one output configured to supply an output voltage having a value that is greater than a value of said input voltage by at least a predetermined offset value; feedback means adapted to provide a feedback voltage, based on said output voltage, to a switching element of said boost converter, and a feedback voltage regulator means adapted to combine said feedback voltage with an input voltage characteristic so as to adjust said output voltage to be offset and proportional to said input voltage characteristic. |
| US09080906B2 |
Ultrasonic flow meter with zero impedance measuring electronics
The present invention discloses an ultrasonic flow meter comprising a generator circuit and a receiver circuit electrically separated from the generator circuit. The flow meter further comprises transducer switching means for controlled connection of ultrasonic transducers to either the generator circuit or to the receiver circuit. The output impedance of the generator circuit and the input impedance of the receiver circuit are controlled to be substantially zero. |
| US09080904B2 |
System and method for the real-time measurement of a flow of discharge material from a mineral-grinding mill
A system and a method is provided to measure the material discharge from a mill for grinding one in a real time. The system includes at least a strain gage located on at least one insert positioned in a pulp lifter or discharge cone. The strain gage is connected to an adaptor unit. A wireless transmitter is connected to the adaptor unit to transmit signals from the strain gage to a wireless receiver. A signal reader is connected to the wireless receiver to process the signal. |
| US09080903B2 |
Water resistant aircraft pitot device
A pitot tube system having a pitot tube containing a porous hydrophobic fabric that blocks water and contaminants from reaching a pressure sensor. The distance in the pitot tube between the fabric and a front orifice of the tube is less than 2.4 times the height of the orifice, and preferably less than or equal to 0.38 times the height. The section of the tube through which the fabric extends defines an opening characterized by a minimum dimension greater than 0.15 inches, and preferably being at least 0.21 inches. The tube is a removable structure that attaches to a mount that forms a passage for communicating the pressure in the tube. That passage contains a second porous hydrophobic fabric that also blocks water and contaminants from reaching a pressure sensor. |
| US09080898B2 |
Encoder, optical module, and servo system with specific spacing between light source and light receiving array
This disclosure discloses an encoder. The encoder includes a slit array and an optical module. The optical module includes a point light source and a light receiving array comprising a plurality of light receiving elements arranged side by side along the measurement axis and arranged around the point light source in a plane parallel to the slit array, the light receiving elements being respectively receiving light irradiated from the point light source and reflected from the reflection slit. The light receiving array includes a first light receiving array and a second light receiving array. The point light source, the first light receiving array and the second light receiving array are arranged in the manner that a shortest distance between the point light source and the first light receiving array is smaller than a shortest distance between the point light source and the second light receiving array. |
| US09080893B2 |
Server, user terminal, and service providing method, and control method thereof
A control method of a server is provided. Location information is extracted from photographed data. The photographed data is linked to a course of travel having a pre-stored street image, by applying a predetermined standard based on the extracted location information. The photographed data is provided together with the linked course of travel having the pre-stored street image. |
| US09080892B2 |
Mobile terminal and method of controlling the same
A mobile terminal and a method of controlling the same are provided. The mobile terminal selectively provides 2D map data and 3D map data according to a predetermined event in a navigation mode, and thus by calling a driver's attention, the driver's visibility is improved, and a more accurate navigation service can be provided. |
| US09080890B2 |
Method and system for obtaining destination information from proximate devices based on time and heading information
Methods and systems of operating a personal navigation device (PND) are disclosed. In particular, the methods and systems allow for the PND to obtain location data for each of one or more destinations from a destination source device over a wireless network link. In one embodiment, the destination source device is a server computer on a network or a mobile communications device (MCD) that is in proximity with the PND. |
| US09080889B2 |
Personal wireless coverage map
Methods and systems respectively provide for receiving a wireless signal coverage map request from a wireless device. A map is generated in accordance with the request and provided to the wireless device. The map includes symbology keyed to wireless signal services within a particular geographic area. Such symbology can be indicative of recommended areas and travel routes having particular types of wireless signal coverage, regions of poor or non-existent wireless signal service, areas presently experiencing heavy wireless signal usage, and so on. In this way, a wireless device user can seek to access specific wireless services and/or avoid suspect trouble regions within a geographic area. |
| US09080887B2 |
Navigation device and method using map data correction files
A method of operating a PND or navigation system is described, together with a PND or navigation system for performing such a method. The PND or navigation system includes memory storing map data consisting of base map data files and supplemental corrective data files. In at least one embodiment, the method includes correlating the current location with the map data, and in the event that the current location and derived map data are seemingly at odds with one another, performing at least one secondary action. In at least one embodiment, the secondary action may be the issuing of an approve/reject prompt to the user, or the automatic creation, modification or deletion of a new or pre-existing correction. In a further aspect, at least one embodiment of the invention also provides for a PND or navigation system storing an indication of a home location, and prompting a user to visit nearby locations for which corrections exist, followed by prompted or automatic confirmation or rejection thereof. |
| US09080885B2 |
Determining to display designations of points of interest within a map view
Methods and apparatus for a map tool for determining which points of interest in a map region for which to display designations or labels in a map view such that a displayed designation does not disappear and reappear as a user zooms in or out of a map view or as a user pans across a map region. Also disclosed are methods and apparatus for a ranking tool that uses a hierarchy of categories in order to classify points of interest, where for each given hierarchical category, the points of interest within the given hierarchical category are further ranked according to ranking data for each given point of interest and also ranked according to the quantity of the ranking data for the given point of interest. |
| US09080882B2 |
Visual OCR for positioning
A mobile device can receive OCR library information associated with a coarse position. The coarse position can be determined by the mobile device, or by a network server configured to communicate with the mobile device. A camera on the mobile device can obtain images of human-readable information in an area near the coarse position. The view finder image can be processed with an OCR engine that is utilizing the OCR library information to determine one or more location string values. A location database can be searched based on the location string values. The position of the mobile device can be estimated and displayed. The position estimated can be adjusted based on the proximity of the mobile device to other features in the image. |
| US09080879B2 |
Display terminal and server installed in vehicle
A smartphone (10) includes an area information obtaining unit (17), a map information obtaining unit (18), and a display unit (12). The area information obtaining unit (17) obtains area information indicating at least one area communicable directly or indirectly. The map information obtaining unit (18) obtains location information indicating a location associated with the airplane (2). The display unit (12) displays the area information and the location information in a superimposed manner. |
| US09080877B2 |
Customizing destination images while reaching towards a desired task
Customized images can be used to improve navigation of a user to a particular destination. For example, a mobile device can receive a first destination location of the first user. Additionally, the mobile device can receive one or more media files of the first destination location, wherein at least one of the media files is created with a recording device. Furthermore, the mobile device can further receive an indicator associating the one or more media files with the first destination location. Subsequently, the mobile device can receive a current location of the mobile device of the first user. Finally, the mobile device can display the one or more media files when the current location is within a specified distance of the first destination location. |
| US09080870B2 |
MEMS structure for an angular rate sensor
A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) structure for an angular rate sensor includes seismic masses arranged to have a first degree of rotational freedom about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of a silicon substrate, and a second degree of rotational freedom about an axis substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis of driving beams to which the seismic masses are attached. A sensing system is arranged such that, when the structure is subjected to an angular velocity around a third axis that is substantially in the plane of the silicon substrate and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the beams, a Coriolis force arises which causes the secondary oscillation of the seismic masses. |
| US09080868B2 |
Mechanical and fluid system and method for the prevention and control of motion sickness, motion-induced vision sickness, and other variants of spatial disorientation and vertigo
A non-electronic head-worn system for providing visual inertial head orientation information to a person is disclosed. The system comprises a head-worn unit that displays at least one orientation reference symbol to the person wearing the unit wherein the orientation reference symbol stays in a fixed visual position for the person when the person's head changes orientation. The system also comprises a pitch indicator that gives visual pitch information to the person and a roll indicator that gives visual roll information to the person. The pitch indicator and the roll indicator are responsive to a pendulum, a rolling element, or a fluid in a reservoir. The pitch element and the roll element do not use electricity or electronics. |
| US09080867B2 |
Measuring method for an articulated-arm coordinate measuring machine
A measuring method for determining a measurement position of a probe element 6 can include using a coordinate measuring machine 1 having a base and members that can be moved relative to the base and relative to each other, wherein one of the members, as the probe member TG, comprises a probe element 6, so that the probe element 6 can move freely within a prescribed volume of space, wherein the measurement position is captured by the probe element 6, a measurement variable set is taken by measuring measurement variables linked to a measurement position of the members, wherein the measurement position is determined by a relative location of the members to each other and of at least one of the members to the base, and the measurement position is determined relative to the base. |
| US09080865B2 |
Orthogonality compensation method for length measurement device and length measurement device using same
The present invention provides an orthogonality compensation method for length measurement device, including: providing a measuring platform and a plurality of alignment marks, wherein the measuring platform comprises a chassis, a rectangular measuring table mounted on the chassis, an inspection microscope arranged above the measuring table, and a laser device mounted on the chassis and coupled to the inspection microscope; mounting the alignment marks on the measuring table and recording the coordinates of the alignment marks with respect to the coordinate system of the measuring table to provide reference coordinates; using the inspection microscope to read actual coordinates of the alignment marks with respect to the coordinate system of the measuring table and comparing the actual coordinates with the reference coordinates; and carrying out correction of coordinates if differences exist between the actual coordinates and the reference coordinates, so as to make the actual coordinates equal to the reference coordinates. |
| US09080861B2 |
Observation device, and observation method
The observation device 1 is to observe the surface or the inside of an observation object 9, that has light sources 11 and 12, lenses 21 to 25, an aperture 31, an optical multiplexer 41, an optical demultiplexer 42, a half mirror 43, an image pickup unit 51, an analyzing unit 52, a display unit 53, a light receiving unit 61, a displacement detecting unit 62, a piezoelectric actuator 71, a drive unit 72, a mirror 73, a stage 81, a drive unit 82, and a control unit 90. The analyzing unit 52 determines a complex amplitude of an interference light figure taken as an image by the image pickup unit 51 with a phase shift technique after an optical path difference is set to each target value in sequence, and determines an amount of change per certain time of a phase component of a reflected light generated on the surface or the inside of the observation object 9 on the basis of an absolute value of an amount of change per certain time of the determined complex amplitude and an absolute value of the complex amplitude. |
| US09080860B2 |
Method for detecting the shape and/or dimensions of a wheel on vehicle repair workshop machines or the like
A method for detecting the shape or dimensions of a wheel on vehicle repair workshop machines comprises the stages of: projection of a line of light onto the surface of a portion of a wheel (3) mounted rotating on a vehicle repair workshop machine; acquisition of at least a two-dimensional image of the projected line of light; processing the acquired image to determine the profile of the portion of the wheel; at least two stages of complete rotation of the wheel; and a distributed detection stage, wherein the projection stage and acquisition stage are performed in correspondence to first angular positions of the wheel during the first rotation stage, and in correspondence to second angular positions of the wheel during the second rotation stages, the first angular positions and the second angular positions being at least partially distinct the one from the other. |
| US09080851B2 |
Size inspection device
A size inspection device includes a detecting platform, a positioning assembly, four first detecting assemblies, four second detecting assemblies, a third detecting assembly, and a controller. The detecting platform includes a mounting plate. The positioning assembly is detachably mounted on the mounting plate for holding the workpiece on the detecting platform. The controller is electronically connected to the first detecting assemblies, the second detecting assemblies, and the third detecting assembly. The four first detecting assemblies and the four second detecting assemblies are slidably mounted on the mounting plate and are capable of obtaining a first moving distance and a second moving distance respectively. The third detecting assembly is mounted on the mounting plate and is capable of obtaining a third moving distance. The controller obtains the moving distances and determines whether or not the workpiece is of passing or failing quality. |
| US09080837B2 |
Firearm multi-purpose tool
A multi-purpose firearm servicing tool has an elongated tool body having a first end portion and a second end portion. A gas tube clamp is provided at a position between the first and second end portions of the elongated tool body. Opposing tube clamp surfaces of the gas tube clamp are selectively movable between a tube clamping configuration and a tube receiving configuration. A torque handle body has a tool body receiving cavity accessible through an opening at an end face at a first end portion thereof. The first and second tool body structures are stowable within the tool body receiving cavity. The torque handle body and the tool body each include respective means for allowing the tool body to be coupled to the torque handle body for allowing a rotational torque to be applied to the tool body through rotation of the torque handle body. |
| US09080835B1 |
Tactical attachment system for firearms
A system for mounting a plurality of tactical attachments to firearms having a magazine tube is disclosed. Tactical attachments or devices such as laser illumination sights, flashlights, magazine extension tubes, and breaching tools are interchangeable and attached with a single adapter mounted to the end of a magazine ammunition tube. Adapters of varying lengths provide increased ammunition capacity. The tactical devices have a common mounting structure for mating to the adapter, which includes a optional locking ring to assure the tactical device cannot become dislodged from the adapter during firearm usage. The adapter/tactical device interface allows rapid swapping of tactical devices without the need of tools. |
| US09080834B1 |
Tactical attachment system for firearms
A system for mounting a plurality of tactical attachments to firearms having a magazine tube is disclosed. Tactical attachments or devices such as laser illumination sights, flashlights, magazine extension tubes, and breaching tools are interchangeable and attached with a single adapter mounted to the end of a magazine ammunition tube. Adapters of varying lengths provide increased ammunition capacity. The tactical devices have a common mounting structure for mating to the adapter, which includes a optional locking ring to assure the tactical device cannot become dislodged from the adapter during firearm usage. The adapter/tactical device interface allows rapid swapping of tactical devices without the need of tools. |
| US09080827B2 |
Robotized arm for a vehicle
A robotized arm is installable on a vehicle by a supporting plate, on which the arm is mounted. The vehicle includes a conventional passenger compartment, adapted to house operators. At the free end of the arm is supported an armament and the robotized arm enables the armament to have at least four degrees of freedom in space. |
| US09080816B2 |
Exhaust recovery heat exchanger with inlet damper
A heat exchange unit (100) for hot gas recovery includes an inlet duct (34) in which a heat exchange duct (59) and a bypass duct (58) are connected, one being surrounded by the other, a heat exchange array (2) situated within the heat exchange duct (59) and a damper (50) arranged to direct the flow of gas through the unit (100), such that the damper (50) is situated within the inlet duct (34) and has two extreme positions, such that in a first extreme position the damper provides a first continuous surface and substantially seals one of the heat exchange and bypass ducts from the inlet duct and in the other extreme position the damper provides a second continuous surface and substantially seals the other of the ducts from the inlet duct. |
| US09080810B2 |
Hydrocarbon gas processing
A process for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The stream is cooled and is thereafter expanded to the fractionation tower pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at a lower mid-column feed position. A distillation stream is withdrawn from the column below the feed point of the stream and is then directed into heat exchange relation with the tower overhead vapor stream to cool the distillation stream and condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the fractionation tower at an upper mid-column feed position. A recycle stream is withdrawn from the tower overhead after it has been warmed and compressed. The compressed recycle stream is cooled sufficiently to substantially condense it, and is then expanded to the pressure of the fractionation tower and supplied to the tower at a top column feed position. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the fractionation tower are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of the fractionation tower at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered. |
| US09080806B2 |
Adjustable shelf to be accomodated in freezer compartment to improve cooling process speed
A refrigerator with a fast freeze compartment is disclosed. The refrigerator comprises a no frost freezer compartment and a fresh food compartment. The refrigerator has a fast freeze compartment disposed within the fresh food compartment in which a food item can be placed, wherein the fast freeze compartment comprises an adjustable baffle adapted to change the cross section area of the air passage. The refrigerator further has a fan configured to propel cold air toward the fast freeze compartment, wherein the fast freeze compartment has a rear wall provided with at least one fan and a front swinging door, the adjustable baffle being located between side walls. |
| US09080805B2 |
Cooling storage cabinet with dual evaporators and an inverter compressor
A cooling storage cabinet includes a freezing compartment, a refrigerating compartment, a compressor, a three-way valve, and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured such that: when an internal temperature of the freezing compartment becomes lower than a lower limit temperature during R-compartment F-compartment alternate cooling, starting R-individual overcool preventing control is requested, the rotational speed of the compressor is decreased by one stage and, subsequently, the three-way valve enters “R-side open state”, and individual cooling of the refrigerating compartment is executed; thereafter, every 30 seconds, the rotational speed of the compressor is decreased by one stage; when the refrigerating compartment temperature becomes lower than a lower limit temperature, stopping R-individual overcool preventing control is requested; and then, the process shifts to individual cooling of the freezing compartment, and after the freezing compartment again becomes lower than the lower limit temperature, the compressor is stopped. |
| US09080804B2 |
Refrigerator and rapid fluid cooling apparatus
Provided are a cooling apparatus and a refrigerator having the same. The cooling apparatus includes a case configured to receive a container holding a liquid, and an agitating member that is positioned within the case and that is configured to agitate the container holding the liquid. The cooling apparatus also includes an electro-magnetic power generator that includes an electromagnet and that is configured to generate a driving force that causes the agitating member to agitate the container holding the liquid. |
| US09080802B2 |
Modular ice storage for uninterruptible chilled water
A backup cooling storage system comprising at least one cooling and storage unit configured to cool a liquid supply using a quantity of cooled material when a main chiller of the liquid supply is not operational, and at least one chilling element configured to generate the quantity of cooled material for the at least one cooling and storage unit when the main chiller of the liquid supply is operational. Additional embodiments and methods are further disclosed. |
| US09080800B2 |
Molded clear ice spheres
A method of making clear ice spheres includes a providing a mold apparatus having a first mold portion and a second mold portion having mold cavity segments which define one or more mold cavities when the mold apparatus is assembled in an ice forming position. The mold apparatus is then cooled using a cooling source in thermal communication with the first mold portion. Water is then injected into the mold cavities, such that a portion of the water injected into the mold cavities is solidified in a directional manner from the first mold portion to the second mold portion to create a clear ice structure. Water is continuously circulated within the mold cavities to ensure clear ice is formed by injecting and simultaneously ejecting water from the mold cavities during ice formation. The ice clear structures are then released from the mold apparatus by disassembling the mold apparatus. |
| US09080797B2 |
Variable speed compressor
A compressor, as well as a lightweight and strong casting for a compressor, are disclosed. The compressor, which may be a reciprocating compressor for use in compressing high-pressure refrigerants such as CO2, includes substantially reduced wall thicknesses (t) compared to prior art castings. The side walls of the compressor can be manufactured to such reduced thicknesses (t) through the use of a bridge spanning across the crankcase. This not only allows the opposing side walls to be manufactured of a thinner material, but the bottom cover removably mounted to the crankcase can be manufactured from a thinner and lighter material as well. Through the use of such a bridge, the resulting compressor is not only able to satisfy current strength requirements, but at significant weight, size and cost savings as well. |
| US09080792B2 |
Method and apparatus for mounting solar panels
Solar panel array with a plurality of solar panels on support system attached at corners or off such corners for foundation structure needs and irregularities secured to roof by lag bolt with mount channel and flashing pre-assembled into mount by crimp for positive seal and mount riser height adjustable can include bilateral or quadrilateral mounts, a coupler seat to affix panel to mount and lateral movement seat for solar panel. An intercalative junction piece, nut, or washer has tines for grounding, a dissociation guide and flexture and keeps off the surface for association and perforation to clamp panel firmly via different clamps including wedge clamps, top restraints, lip end clamps, side support clamps, compression clamps, etc. |
| US09080791B1 |
Docking and locking system for solar panel cleaning system
Solar panels row cleaning system that can dock and lock itself at a docking extension attached to the solar row. The self-docking and self-locking is optimally used when the cleaning system is not working. Movement of a cleaning apparatus of the cleaning system is controlled to cause an anchoring element on the cleaning apparatus to engage with an anchoring element on the docking extension when in the docking position and thereby lock the cleaning apparatus preventing its movement in horizontal and downward directions. This is particularly useful when strong wind gusts are present. |
| US09080784B2 |
HVAC controller with component change notification
HVAC methods and systems are provided for issuing a component change notification to a user when an air filter or other replaceable component should be changed. In some instances, an HVAC controller may solicit information from a user that is related to one or more features of the replaceable component (e.g. air filter) of the HVAC system. This can include, size, type, model number and/or any other suitable feature, parameter and/or property. In some cases, the time before a component change notification message is issued by the HVAC controller may be dependent on, determined by, and/or adjusted based on the received information. In some instances, the HVAC controller may display at least some of the received information in a subsequently issued component change notification message. |
| US09080783B2 |
Pneumatic energy saving control
The objective of the invention is to bypass the existing pneumatic thermostats/controllers providing on off auto operation for VAV boxes, reheat coils, classroom unit ventilators, fan coil units, fin tube radiators, damper actuator's, water control valves and the like, with a remotely controlled three way valves and wireless controlled and self-contained power. |
| US09080779B1 |
Roof vent
A roof vent comprising several components. First there is a base plate for contacting an existing recipient surface, such as a building roof. Next there is a lower vent section coupled to the base plate. Lastly, there is an upper vent section coupled to the upper extent of the lower vent section. The roof vent has a flapper and a exclusion screen. |
| US09080774B2 |
Cooker
A cooker is provided. The cooker includes a casing defining an exterior of the cooker, a cavity part disposed in the casing, the cavity part including a cooking chamber having an interior to receive food, a burner disposed in the cooking chamber to burn a mixture gas of air and gas so as to supply energy to the interior of the cooking chamber, a compartment member dividing the interior of the cooking chamber into a food cooking region and a gas mixing region where air and gas are supplied to form a mixture gas, and a door configured to selectively close or open the cooking chamber. A portion of air flowing in the casing is supplied to the gas mixing region. |
| US09080773B2 |
Pitot tube pressure sensor for radiant tube heater
A pitot tube assembly is provided for a radiant tube heater having a blower for providing combustion air to a burner. The assembly includes a mounting plate for attaching the assembly to a wall of a housing of the blower. First and second, substantially L-shaped pitot tubes extend through the mounting plate and are connected thereto and have respective inner leg sections which are arranged within an outlet section of the blower during use of the radiant tube heater. These leg sections extend in opposite directions to their respective pressure sensing ends. The first pitot tube measures impact pressure created by the blower and the second pitot tube measures static pressure. These tubes are connectible to a differential pressure switch arrangement for controlling operation of the burner. As part of a burner assembly, there is a mixing cup unit mountable within the burner tube of the heater and capable of mixing primary air and combustible gas. A gas valve unit regulates flow of the gas to the cup assembly. |
| US09080772B2 |
Continuous ignition
An ignition system includes a housing defining an interior and an exhaust outlet. The housing is configured and adapted to be mounted to a combustor to issue flame from the exhaust outlet into the combustor for ignition and flame stabilization within the combustor. A fuel injector is mounted to the housing with an outlet of the fuel injector directed to issue a spray of fuel into the interior of the housing. An igniter is mounted to the housing with an ignition point of the igniter proximate the outlet of the fuel injector for ignition within the interior of the housing. |
| US09080771B2 |
Combustion chamber having a ventilated spark plug
A combustion chamber of a gas turbine engine including a wall, a well secured to the wall, the well forming a recess for a spark plug leading into the combustion chamber, and a spark-plug guide mounted on the well to be transversally mobile relative to the axis of the well, the spark-plug guide including a cylindrical wall portion for guiding and supporting the spark plug and a seal ring mounted such as to engage slidably with a bearing surface of the well. In the combustion chamber the spark-plug guide includes a cooling chamber having openings for supplying cooling air to the chamber. |
| US09080769B2 |
Apparatus for indicating level of pilot flame output
An apparatus is provided for a heating appliance that includes a manually-opened pilot valve that is held in an open position when a sufficient voltage is applied to a valve operator, and a thermocouple that converts heat from a pilot flame into a voltage that is applied to the valve operator. The apparatus includes a voltage measuring circuit that provides an output indicative of a magnitude of the voltage generated by the thermocouple, and a light emitting device. A controller is coupled to the voltage measuring circuit and the light emitting device. The controller is configured to establish, based on the output indicative of the magnitude of the voltage generated by the thermocouple, a switch sequence for switching the light emitting device on and off in a flashing manner, to provide an indication of when the magnitude of the voltage is sufficient to cause the valve operator to hold the gas valve open. |
| US09080765B2 |
Systems and methods for heat recovery steam generation optimization
The embodiments described herein include a system and a method. In a first embodiment, a system includes a controller configured to control power plant operations. The system further includes a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) monitor communicatively coupled to the controller and configured to receive inputs corresponding to the power plant operations. The system additionally includes an HRSG life prediction model configured to predict an operating life for an HRSG component. The HRSG monitor uses the HRSG life prediction model and the inputs to communicate a control action to the controller. |
| US09080762B2 |
Flameless candle with integrated fountain
A decorative display apparatus comprising a flameless candle with an integrated fountain is disclosed. The flameless candle with integrated fountain is designed to be a stand-alone device. The flameless candle with integrated fountain includes a translucent candle body containing a water reservoir to which an optional scent may be added, a power source which may be a battery, USB or DC supply from an AC converter, a pump and an integrated water and light diffuser. The flameless candle with integrated fountain may be operated in either candle-only mode or candle and fountain mode. The device may also be operated on a timer. |
| US09080750B2 |
Inter-locking mechanism for lighting components and method thereof
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a locking mechanism for securing lighting components to each other, particularly a light-emitting diode (LED) or light engine to a heat sink. The locking mechanism comprises: a base component and a retention ring. The base component comprises: a mounting component comprising a lighting component compartment; and an assembly component comprising: an opening through which wires pass, at least two slots or ramps, and at least one bottom ledge. The retention ring further comprises: at least two winged protrusions, each to engage with a slot of the assembly component, at least one top and bottom ledge, and at least one slot. |
| US09080748B2 |
Display panel having improved light-use efficiency, display device including the display panel, and method of manufacturing the display panel
A display panel may include a plurality of opening regions controlling one of transmission and blocking of incident light to form an image, a non-opening region between the plurality of opening regions, the non-opening region configured to not transmit the incident light, and at least one oblique reflective plate in the non-opening region to obliquely reflect the incident light. |
| US09080745B2 |
Angled emitter channel letter lighting
The present embodiments provide channel letter lighting devices and/or systems. A lighting system, comprising a plurality of electrically connected lighting units, comprising conductors to provide an electrical signal to each of the units. Each of the lighting units comprise a housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted within the housing and having a plurality of tabs and a plurality light emitting elements on the tabs. The tabs are angled in relation of the remainder of the PCB or housing. The electrical signal applied to the light emitting elements causes them to emit light substantially away from said housing. The lighting system further comprises a sealant within the housing filling cavities around the light emitting elements and the cavity around said PCB and a mounting mechanism for mounting the unit to a structure. |
| US09080743B2 |
Lens, LED backlight module and display device
This invention is suitable for optical technology field. A lens, LED back light module and display device are provided. The lens receives light emitted by the light source through a light incident surface, the light emitted by the light source enters in the lens, a part of the light is refracted from one light exiting surface, a part of the light is reflected from one light exiting surface to another light exiting surface or bottom surface, then is reflected from the another light exiting surface or bottom surface to further another light exiting surface and finally is refracted from the further another light exiting surface, therefore the light emitted by the light source is separated in the lens, and then each light is refracted from different light exiting surface of the lens thereby increasing the light exiting area and the uniformity. The lens of the present invention is suitable for the LED back light modules and display devices. |
| US09080742B2 |
Near infrared illuminator
A near infrared illuminator can facilitate the adjustment of an optical axis thereof with favorable accuracy. The near infrared illuminator can include: a light source configured to emit near infrared rays; and a projector lens configured to project the near infrared rays emitted from the light source forward to form a predetermined light distribution pattern in front thereof. The projector lens can include a light distribution control section configured to project part of the near infrared rays emitted from the light source forward to form the predetermined light distribution pattern, and a marker forming section configured to project part of the near infrared rays emitted from the light source forward to form an alignment marker for positioning the light distribution pattern at a predetermined position beside the light distribution pattern. |
| US09080739B1 |
System for producing a slender illumination pattern from a light emitting diode
An optic can receive light from a dome of a light emitting diode and output light that, when cast upon a nearby flat surface, forms a strip of illumination. The optic can comprise a cavity that receives the light from the dome and an outer surface that emits the received light. An edge of the cavity can extend peripherally around the cavity in an oblong geometry. An edge of the outer surface can extend peripherally around the outer surface in an oblong geometry that is rotated ninety degrees relative to the oblong geometry of the cavity. A sidewall of the outer surface can comprise a region that is concave in nature or sags. |
| US09080734B2 |
Modular flash light with magnetic connection
A modular lighting system with a magnetic plug and socket connection between a battery module, light module, and other modules is provided. The plug and socket include magnets which are attached magnetically to each other to hold the battery module and light module together. Electricity is transmitted through the magnets to power the light module. The connection system allows a user to easily customize the lighting system to meet different needs. |
| US09080731B2 |
Lighting housing with LED illumination insert
A LED assembly and method for retrofitting a fluorescent lighting fixture into an LED lighting fixture. The resulting retrofit LED lighting fixture includes the preexisting fluorescent lighting housing, a lens door, a sheet metal LED insert, and a modular LED printed wiring assembly. |
| US09080729B2 |
Multiple-LED emitter for A-19 lamps
An LED (light-emitting diode) high-power wide-angle A-19 lamp needs only a single LED emitter having multiple LEDs. The LED A-19 lamp includes a lamp envelop structure configured for transmission of light therethrough and a base structure coupled to a lower portion of the lamp envelop structure for coupling to an external power source. The dimensions of the lamp envelop structure and the base structure conform to requirement of a conventional A-19 lamp. The LED emitter includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed in a single recess in a substrate and a single lens disposed over the LEDs and the substrate. In a specific embodiment, the emitter is configured to consume electrical power of 30 Watts or higher and to provide light distribution at 130 degrees or wider at 50% peak intensity without additional secondary optical components. |
| US09080725B2 |
Pressure vessel
A pressure vessel includes an inner liner, a tubing connector, and an anti-leakage unit. The inner liner is disposed in an outer shell and defines an inner space. The tubing connector is disposed outwardly of the inner space and is welded to the outer shell. The anti-leakage unit has inner and outer sealing rings, and a clamping member that extends into the tubing connector and the inner space and that has inner and outer end flanges. The inner and outer end flanges are disposed inside and outside the inner space, respectively. The inner and outer end flanges cooperatively provides a clamping force to press the inner and outer sealing rings against the inner liner and the tubing connector, respectively. |
| US09080723B2 |
Personnel classification and response system
A personnel classification and response system, and related method and computer program product are disclosed. The system may comprise an image capture member and a controller connected to the image capture member. Some embodiments may also comprise a ranging apparatus. The ranging apparatus may be configured to provide a distance from a person to a vehicle. The image capture member may be configured to provide an image of the vicinity of the vehicle, the image including the person. The controller may be configured to identify in the image a marker and to activate a warning apparatus based on the marker and a zone in which the marker is disposed. |
| US09080722B2 |
Adjustable weight supporting apparatus and method
An adjustable weight supporting apparatus is provided with a horizontal member, vertical member and legs. The weight supporting apparatus may be used to support the weight of an automobile or other object. The horizontal member may be placed on a lifting device, which may be lifted to contact an object. Legs and the vertical member may be added to the horizontal member to support the weight without a lifting force, which may be temporarily fixed in place with one or more pin. The horizontal member may include an elongated portion and a cuff. Various aspects of the apparatus may be adjusted to support a desired object at a desired height and/or footprint to provide sufficient access under the object. |
| US09080719B2 |
Display device
According to one embodiment, a display device includes a panel cell, a member structurally independent from the panel cell, and a fixing portion fixing the panel cell and the member. |
| US09080716B2 |
Cradle apparatus and method for rotating and linearly displacing an electronic device
A case construction encases an electronic device and enables a user to rotatably and linearly displace the electronic device relative to a select surface of the case construction. The case construction includes a case with a cradle-receiving surface, a cradle sized and shaped to removably receive an electronic device, and a device-to-surface anchor assembly. The cradle includes a centralized region having an oblong aperture. The oblong aperture defines a cradle displacement zone segment. The device-to-surface anchor assembly secures the cradle device to the cradle-receiving surface and is cooperable with the oblong aperture for enabling a user to linearly and rotatably displace the centralized region along the cradle displacement zone segment. Certain methodology for displacing an electronic device relative to select surfacing so as to position the electronic device in a select orientation relative to the select surfacing is further provided. |
| US09080708B2 |
Autonomous pipeline buckle arresting isolation tool
A robotic unit for coupling to an internal buckle arresting pipeline isolation tool that is suitable for use in a pipeline that is being laid from a reeled pipeline vessel. The robotic unit having the ability to position the isolation tool either above or below the SAG bend or touchdown point of the pipeline. The robotic unit has first and second ends which are separable from each other and a hydraulic system having a plurality of pipeline engaging means positioned along an exterior surface of the robotic unit. The hydraulic system of the robotic unit being operable to returnably separate the first and second end of the robotic unit and to engage the pipeline engaging means with the interior surface of the pipeline. The robotic unit further comprising a control unit in communication with the hydraulic system to control the movement such that the robotic unit propels the isolation tool along the inside of a pipeline. |
| US09080704B2 |
Universal pipe coupler
A universal pipe coupler is disclosed. The coupler has a support ring with an outer surface, a plurality of blades arranged into a blade array surrounding the support ring, each blade having a proximal end and a distal end, and a flexible restraining member moveable between an elongated position and a shortened position. Each blade proximal end is pivotally attached to the outer surface of the support ring. Each blade distal end extends radially away from the ring and is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The restraining member is positioned to slidably engage each blade, whereby when the restraining member is in the elongated position, the blades are movable to the open position and when the restraining member is in the shortened position the blades are drawn to the closed position. |
| US09080703B2 |
Connecting device to be connected to at least one pipe
A connecting device comprising at least a telescopic connecting system mounted on a carrier housing and capable of being actuated by an actuating mechanism for deployment and connection to a pipe. The telescopic connecting system is connected to a first portion of the actuating mechanism arranged inside the carrier housing and the actuating mechanism comprises a control rod crossing at least one wall of the carrier housing and connecting said first portion to a control system arranged on the outside of the carrier housing. |
| US09080700B2 |
Coupling gaskets and associated methods
Coupling devices for joining pipe ends include annular gaskets. Example gaskets include pipe interface profiles for sealing performance and manufacturability. |
| US09080698B2 |
Clamp
A clamp for attaching a pipe with a narrow width portion to a support member, includes a first member including a first concave portion adapted to be connected to the support member; and a second member whose base end is hinge-connected to the first member and whose front end is selectively engaged with the first member. The second member includes a second concave portion facing the first concave portion and defines a housing portion receiving the narrow portion together with the first concave portion in a state wherein the front end is engaged with the first member. The first concave portion and the second concave portion support the narrow portion in a posture wherein the first radial direction is orthogonal to a direction in which the first member and the second member face each other, and abut against a portion in the first radial direction of the narrow portion. |
| US09080695B2 |
Strut and trapeze system
An assembly comprising a strut comprising mounting holes to affix one or more attachments and one or more fixtures to the strut, and support holes shaped to receive and couple beaded rods with the strut for suspension of the strut, wherein the strut is coupled to the beaded rods without a threaded coupling. |
| US09080690B2 |
Tunable check valve
Tunable check valves reduce valve-generated vibration to increase the reliability of tunable fluid ends. Selected improved designs described herein reflect disparate applications of identical technical principles (relating to, e.g., the vibration spectrum of an impulse). Tunable check valve embodiments comprise a family including, but not limited to, tunable check valve assemblies, tunable valve seats, and tunable radial arrays. Each such tunable embodiment, in turn, contributes to blocking excitation of fluid end resonances, thus reducing the likelihood of fluid end failures associated with fatigue cracking and/or corrosion fatigue. By down-shifting the frequency domain of each valve-closing impulse shock, initial excitation of fluid end resonances is minimized. Subsequent damping and/or selective attenuation of vibration likely to excite one or more predetermined (and frequently localized) fluid end resonances represents further optimal use of fluid end vibration-control resources for improving high-pressure fluid end reliability. |
| US09080688B2 |
Flow reversing valve and heat pump device using same
A flow reversing valve includes a reversing valve main body adapted to assume a first circulatory state where a first main valve part is in a fully-open state and a second main valve part is in a fully-closed state and a second circulatory state where the first main valve part is in a fully-closed state and the second main valve part is in a fully-open state; and a flow regulating valve adapted to regulate the pressures of the respective back pressure chambers and of the first main valve part and the second main valve part. The flow regulating valve places the reversing valve main body in the first circulatory state by gradually reducing the pressure of the back pressure chamber of the first main valve part, and in the second circulatory state by gradually reducing the pressure of the back pressure chamber of the second main valve part. |
| US09080681B2 |
Device for withdrawing liquid from a container
A device is placed upon a container that is sealed by a sealing element and filled with a liquid, the device allowing the liquid to be withdrawn. The device is provided with a penetration element with a hollow needle that is held in an unused position on a head section. The penetration element is held by guide elements on the head section so that the element can be pressed against the sealing element in a withdrawal position, in which the hollow needle penetrates the sealing element. At least one aeration channel is provided to equalize the pressure in the container during the withdrawal of the liquid, the channel running preferably along the hollow needle. The air sucked from the atmosphere enters the aeration channel via a filter. This prevents the contamination of the liquid and the latter can be withdrawn without the risk of a reverse flow. |
| US09080679B2 |
Valve assembly
A valve assembly including a valve support and electrically actuated valves mounted thereon. A reception passage includes a control circuit board contacted to the valves extends in the valve support. In the interior of the valve support, there further extend several electric conduction rods which are responsible for power supply and which are electrically contacted to the control circuit board via takeoff contact means. |
| US09080677B2 |
Valve assembly
A valve assembly comprising an inner housing in which is provided a first port, a second port, and a third port, and a valve member assembly which is movable between a first position, a second position, and a third position. An outer housing is separate from and encloses at least part of the inner housing, the outer housing having a first port and a second port, the Inner housing and outer housing each being provided with first mating parts, which engage to provide a substantially fluid tight seal while enclosing a conduit for fluid communication between the first port of the inner housing and the first port of the outer housing, and second mating parts, which engage to provide a substantially fluid tight seal while enclosing a conduit for fluid communication between the second port of the Inner housing and the second port of the outer housing. |
| US09080676B2 |
Poppet valve with an impact damper and method for reducing impact wear in hyper compressors
Disclosed herein is a differential pressure poppet valve comprising: a valve body, the valve body having at least one flow inlet and at least one flow outlet; at least one shutter guide disposed inside the valve body; at least one poppet shutter guided by the shutter guide; at least one flow passage from the flow inlet to the flow outlet, the flow passage being formed between an inside surface of the valve body and an outside surface of the shutter guide and of the poppet shutter. The valve further comprises at least one biasing member configured to bias the poppet shutter towards a closed position so as to block the flow passage through the flow inlet. To reduce impact wear at least a first damper is provided, configured and arranged to at least partly absorb impact energy of the poppet shutter when the poppet shutter opens or closes the flow inlet. |
| US09080668B2 |
Method and apparatus for driveline softening utilizing a vehicle to cloud to vehicle system
A vehicle includes a power source, such as an engine, an electric machine, or combination thereof. A torque converter is selectively coupled to the power source such that torque is altered before being distributed into a transmission of the vehicle. A torque converter bypass clutch enables torque from the power source to selectively transmit torque directly to the transmission with little or no torque altering provided by the torque converter. At least one controller in the vehicle is in communication with a remote facility in a vehicle-to-cloud (V2C) system. The controller sends road condition data to the remote facility regarding a road segment. During a subsequent drive to or over the road segment, the controller receives the road condition data and enables the torque converter bypass clutch to slip to dampen driveline disturbances when the vehicle passes over the road segment. |
| US09080664B2 |
Shift lever operating force transferring device of manual transmission
Disclosed herein is a shift lever operating force transferring device of a manual transmission. The device includes a shift cable that connects a shift lever with a control shaft. Furthermore, the shift cable absorbs vibration and shock transmitted to the shift lever. Additionally, the device includes a bush insertion groove in which a select bush 32 is inserted and a closing member configured to seal the bush insertion groove from the exterior. |
| US09080658B2 |
Electromagnetic clutch for connecting a steam engine to a combustion engine
An electromagnetic clutch (4) which serves for connecting a steam engine (2) to a combustion engine (3), wherein a first shaft (8) which can be driven by the steam engine (2) and a second shaft (9) which can be driven by the internal combustion engine (3) are provided, wherein an intermediate gear (23) which is connected to the first shaft (8) and a clutch bell (26) which is at least indirectly connected to the second shaft (9) are provided, wherein a freewheel (27) is provided between the intermediate gear (23) and the clutch bell (26). |
| US09080656B2 |
Apparatus for converting a rotational movement into an axial movement
An apparatus for converting a rotational movement into an axial movement. A threaded rod is provided, on which a nut is arranged to be movable axially to the threaded rod. At least one blocking structure is provided, which is so arranged that it blocks rotational movement of the nut during the axial movement along the threaded rod. There is provided on the threaded rod at least one end stop, which limits axial movement of the nut along the threaded rod. Between the axially movable nut and the end stop, a wedge lock washer pair is arranged. The wedge lock washer pair is so embodied that the wedge lock washers are brought into engagement by the pressing of the nut against the end stop and produce a prestress torque, wherein torque for releasing the nut from the end stop is smaller, essentially by the prestress torque of the wedge lock washer pair, than the torque applied as the nut first pressed against the end stop. |
| US09080645B2 |
Compressed air device for allowing the expeditious adjustment of drive belts
The present invention provides methods and systems for a device for producing compressed air that allows for the expeditious adjustment of a drive belt that includes a base having a substantially triangular shape with at least a first side having a top portion and a bottom portion, a second side having a top portion and a bottom portion, and a third side having a top portion and a bottom portion. The first side, second side, and third side collectively form a cavity therein. A motor is disposed within the cavity of the base and engaged to the first side of the base. A first compressor is slidingly engaged to the second side of the base and a second compressor is slidingly engaged to the third side of the base. |
| US09080641B2 |
Tensioner
In a tensioner having a housing and a plunger protruding in an advancing direction from a plunger-accommodating hole formed in the housing. The plunger has a cylindrical outer wall for sliding contact with the wall of the plunger-accommodating hole, and a tapered the rear end wall. A small clearance between the cylindrical outer wall of the plunger and the wall of the plunger-accommodating hole allows the plunger to become inclined by a small amount, which increases as the plunger advances. The angle of the taper at a boundary where the end wall meets the cylindrical outer wall is substantially equal to the maximum inclination of the plunger when the plunger is in its fully advanced condition. |
| US09080640B2 |
Multi-strand tensioning arrangement with moving arms
An apparatus (10) for imparting tension to multiple strands of an endless power transferring member loop (12) encircling a drive sprocket (14) and at least one driven sprocket (16a, 16b). Two tensioning arms (18a, 18b) are spaced apart and have guided movement relative to at least one fixed pin (26), and support inwardly facing shoes (20a, 20b) with power-transferring-member-sliding faces (22a, 22b). A link assembly (60) includes at least two link members (32a, 32b) pivotally connected to one another at respective first ends (40a, 40b). The connected first ends (40a, 40b) are constrained for limited movement along a fixed slot (36) extending generally along a centerline of the power transferring member loop (12) between the drive sprocket (14) and the driven sprockets (16a, 16b). The link members (32a, 32b) are pivotally connected individually to opposite ends of the two spaced apart tensioning arms (18a, 18b) at second locations (42a, 42b). |
| US09080639B2 |
Driving belt and method for assembling the same
A driving belt comprising plate elements juxtaposed in its thickness direction and a flat ring fastening the elements annularly. The elements includes at least one adjuster element configured to adjust an endplay as a total of clearances between the adjacent elements in the elements fastened annularly by the ring. The adjuster element comprises an insertion groove opening toward the endplay, and an inserting member inserted into the insertion groove and configured to protrude partially from the insertion groove thereby adjusting the endplay. |
| US09080638B2 |
Unbalanced shaft and method for producing same
An unbalanced shaft for compensating for inertial forces and/or mass moments of inertia of an internal combustion engine (1), having an unbalanced portion (8), the center of mass of which extends eccentric to the axis of rotation (11) of the unbalanced shaft (6) for generating the shaft imbalance (7), a bearing portion (9) adjacent to the unbalanced portion, and a bearing race (10) joined thereto, the outer surface (13) of which serves as a race for the rolling elements of a roller bearing rotationally supporting the unbalanced shaft, and the inner surface (12) of which retracts radially relative to the outer circumscribed circle (14) of the unbalanced portion in a bearing circumference region running in the direction of the imbalance. In order to assemble the bearing race on the bearing portion, the following geometric relationships are provided: (i) d2>d1, (ii) e>½(d2−d1), (iii) e<½(d2+d1), where d1=outer circumscribed circle diameter of the unbalanced portion and the bearing portion, d2=inner diameter of the bearing race, and e=center point offset between d2 and d1. |
| US09080634B2 |
Shock absorber with frequency dependent passive valve
A shock absorber has a pressure tube with a piston assembly slidably disposed within the pressure tube and attached to a piston rod. The piston assembly divides the pressure tube into an upper working chamber and a lower working chamber. The piston assembly includes a frequency dependent valve assembly attached to the piston rod which defines a housing attached to the piston rod and a piston disposed within the housing. The piston moves within the housing to control the fluid flow through a bypass fluid passage that bypasses the piston assembly. |
| US09080633B2 |
Shock absorbing device for mating of an integrated deck to jacket legs
The present invention relates to a shock absorbing device (100) for mating an integrated deck to a jacket leg (51), characterized by: a hollow constraining cylinder (10) having a bottom closure (11), connected to the top of the jacket leg (51); an elastomer module (20) provided in the hollow constraining cylinder (10), wherein inner diameter of the hollow constraining cylinder (10) is larger than outer diameter of the elastomer module (20) thereby forming an annular space; a plurality of reinforcing plates (30) embedded within the elastomer module (20), vertically spaced apart from each other; a protective assembly comprising a elastomeric cap (41) and a minimum of one protective ring (42) mounted to the elastomeric cap (41); wherein during mating of the integrated deck to jacket leg (51), a support column (52) of the integrated deck abuts on the protective assembly and compresses the elastomer module (20) to secure the connection of the integrated deck to the jacket leg (51). |
| US09080632B2 |
Bearing for a motor vehicle
A bearing for a motor vehicle has an inner part and an outer part which surrounds the inner part. An elastomer body connects the inner part and the outer part to one another by at least one spring leg which is provided substantially below the inner part in the direction of the weight force (G). A plug-in holder is at least partially received by the inner part. The inner part has a cutout on one side filled at least in some regions with an elastomer material. The plug-in holder has a stop opposite the cutout. The stop presses the elastomer material of the cutout against the outer part. |
| US09080631B2 |
Damper unit
A damper unit includes first and second chambers, a first piston dividing the first chamber into first and second volumes, and a second piston dividing the second chamber into third and fourth volumes. Each piston is moveable along the respective chamber. The second chamber has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first chamber so that the second chamber at least partially slides inside the first chamber and at least part of the first chamber can be located around the outside of the second chamber. The first piston is attached to the part of the second chamber that slides inside the first chamber. The position of the second piston is fixed relative to the first chamber as the second chamber slides relative to first chamber. The length of the damper unit changes as the second chamber slides relative to the first chamber. |
| US09080621B2 |
Freewheeling synchronizer
A freewheeling synchronizer for a power transmission device includes a clutch race rotationally fixable to a component of the power transmission device, and a synchronizer hub disposed radially outwardly of the clutch race and unidirectionally rotatable relative to the clutch race. The clutch race and synchronizer hub are freewheelable relative to one another. |
| US09080617B2 |
Method for controlling a friction clutch
A method for controlling a friction clutch in a drive train of a motor vehicle, using a clutch actuator, on the basis of a clutch model. A nominal characteristic curve of the clutch moment, which is transmitted via the friction clutch, is adapted continuously to actual operating parameters. In order to counteract a loss of comfort of the motor vehicle, which is caused by the running-in behavior, for example, of the friction linings of the friction clutch, the friction clutch is operated by way of different sets of operating parameters during a running-in phase of the friction clutch, and after the run-in phase of the friction clutch. |
| US09080611B2 |
Drive tool having an angled connector
A tool connecting device has a first member extending along a first axis and has an internal cavity adjacent a first end and a threaded outer surface. A second member extends along a second axis and has a tool at a first end and a joint element at a second end. The joint element is pivotally mounted in the cavity of the first member. The second member has an angled surface intermediate the first and second ends. The angled surface is angled outwardly in a direction from the second to the first end. A sleeve is provided which has a threaded inner bore mounted on the threaded outer surface of the first member and is capable of moving along the first axis. The sleeve has a tapered leading end for contacting the angled surface of the second member. The sleeve is movable on the first member to multiple positions along the first axis each position allowing an angle between the second axis and the first axis to be limited to any angle between 0 degrees and approximately 45 degrees. |
| US09080610B1 |
Vortex suppression fairings
An apparatus including a suppression device dimensioned to suppress a vortex induced vibration of a tubular. The apparatus further including an adjustable strap assembly attached to the suppression device, the adjustable strap assembly dimensioned to secure the suppression device to the tubular. Alternatively, the apparatus may include a support arm extending from the suppression device to rotatably attach the suppression device to the tubular, the support arm having a guide member at one end dimensioned to be received by a slot formed around an outer surface of the tubular. A method including positioning a suppression device dimensioned to suppress a vortex induced vibration of a tubular against the tubular and attaching the suppression device to the tubular such that the suppression device is movable about the tubular. |
| US09080607B2 |
Thrust bearing snap ring retainer
An assembly includes a rotatable member formed with a recess, a first component, a snap ring located in the recess for limiting axial displacement of the first component, and a bearing located between the first component and a second component, including a finger extending from a race of the bearing toward the bearing and able to limit radial movement of the snap ring. |
| US09080598B2 |
Double sided double telescoping drive coupling
A double-sided drive shaft with a telescoping end on each side is provided. In particular the double-sided drive shaft is also double-telescoping because each telescoping end on each side of the double-sided drive shaft is able to extend and retract. The double-sided drive shaft is configured to transfer rotation from a rotational power source within an agricultural implement. The double-sided and double-telescoping drive shaft includes one or more shafts and one or more sleeves having an interior surface configured to transfer torque. |
| US09080593B2 |
Embeddable assembly
An external surface for a fastener insert to be embedded in a component includes a plurality of spaced rings surrounding a embeddable shank of the insert. The rings define a plurality of waves. The ring height can be increased progressively from a distal end of the insert to the rings nearest the head of the insert, thereby providing a generally tapered outer configuration for the insert. |
| US09080590B2 |
Threaded fastener and fastener system
A threaded fastener and threaded fastener system. The threaded fastener includes a body having at least one outer surface and at least one thread forming a spiral about the outer surface of the body. The thread forms a plurality of crests and a plurality of roots and the tangential distance between adjacent crests is substantially constant. The threaded fastener system includes the threaded fastener and a workpiece with an opening having at least one inner surface dimensioned to mate with outer surface of the threaded fastener. |
| US09080588B2 |
Quick fastening clip
Quick fastening clip, such as those used in the motor vehicle industry, having formed therein, extending from a vault-like surface, legs which by means of a fold are folded in the form of an internal extension, forming, when both of them on each side are joined together, the contact point for a retaining sill; having flanges inclined so as to be directed approximately towards the centre of said bottom surface; flexible wings are provided, being formed by means of a fold which creates a surface, and, by means of another fold which extends into a descending vertical zone, a through-opening with approximately vertical access is created by means of a band which protrudes transversely from said descending surface. |
| US09080584B2 |
Pneumatic cylinder having a self-adjusting end position damping
A pneumatic cylinder having end position damping of the cylinder piston is controlled by means of a vent path and a control valve, the control valve comprises a control piston, the control side of which is pressurized by a pneumatic pressure which exists in a control chamber. The movement of the control piston into its closing position is pneumatically controlled by the increasing pressure in the damping chamber during the beginning of the damping. No additional components or controls are to be provided, so that the control of the end position damping occurs exclusively by the pressure conditions prevailing at the time when the damping begins. |
| US09080583B2 |
Compact linear actuator with anti-rotation device
A linear actuator is provided having a housing with a bore having at least first and second portions extending therethrough. The second portion has a polygonal geometry with substantially rounded corners having at least one planar bearing surface. A shaft is in sliding engagement with the first portion of the bore, and a piston member is operatively coupled to the shaft. The piston member has a mating geometry to the second portion of the bore, wherein the piston member is in sliding engagement with the second portion of the bore. An anti-rotation member is coupled to the piston member or shaft and has a generally D-shaped geometry with a planar anti-rotation bearing surface. Contact between the anti-rotation member and the housing is limited to a sliding engagement between the anti-rotation bearing surface and one of the at least one bearing surfaces based on an orientation of the anti-rotation member. |
| US09080578B2 |
Compact drive for compressor variable diffuser
A compressor has an impeller and an inlet delivering air to the impeller. A variable diffuser is positioned downstream of the impeller and includes a plurality of pivoting vanes. A drive arrangement pivots the vanes, and includes an electric motor causing a pinion gear to rotate. The pinion gear has gear teeth engaging gear teeth on a rack section. Rotation of the rack section causes the vanes to pivot. |
| US09080571B2 |
Pump enveloped with thermally conductive material
A pump comprises a rotor arrangement and a stator arrangement. The stator arrangement comprises a first part made from a corrosive resistant material which defines a volume which in use is swept by the rotor arrangement for pumping fluid from an inlet to an outlet of the stator arrangement. A second part of the stator arrangement is made from a thermally conductive material which envelopes the first part so that heat generated in the first part can be transferred to the second part at the interface surface between the two parts. The second part has formed therein at least one duct for conveying a liquid coolant through the second part so that heat can be transferred from the second part to the liquid coolant for cooling the stator arrangement. |
| US09080569B2 |
Portable, rotary vane vacuum pump with automatic vacuum breaking arrangement
A portable, rotary vane vacuum pump with an automatic vacuum breaking arrangement that vents the pump to atmosphere whenever the drive motor ceases to rotate the pump. The arrangement prevents lubricating oil in any substantial amount from being undesirably drawn into the evacuated pump when the drive motor is shut off either intentionally or unintentionally. If the system being evacuated is also still connected to the pump, the arrangement will additionally vent it and greatly limit any amount of oil that may be undesirably sucked back into it. The pump further has a primary oil container that essentially holds all of the oil for the system. The primary container is preferably made of clear, rigid plastic and is also removable from the main body of the pump so it can be quickly and easily replaced with another container of fresh oil even while the pump is still operating. |
| US09080568B2 |
Rotary expansible chamber devices having adjustable arcs of rotation, and systems incorporating the same
Rotary expansible chamber (REC) devices having one or more working-fluid ports that are adjustable, for example, in size or location. In some embodiments, the variable port mechanisms can be used to control any one or more of a plurality of operating parameters of a REC device independently of one or more others of the operating parameters. In some embodiments, the REC devices can have a plurality of fluid volumes that change in size during rotation of the REC device, and that transition to a zero volume condition during the rotation of the REC device. Systems are also provided that can include one or more REC devices. Methods for controlling various aspects of REC devices, including methods of controlling one or more operating parameters, are also provided. |
| US09080567B2 |
Scroll compressor
The compressor includes a sealed enclosure containing a compression stage, an electric motor having a stator provided with a first and second end windings, an intermediate casing surrounding the stator so as to define an annular outer volume with the sealed enclosure, connecting means arranged to fluidly connect the compression stage and a distal chamber defined by the intermediate casing and the electric motor and comprising the second end winding, and a refrigerant suction inlet emerging in the annular outer volume. The connecting means include at least one refrigerant circulation duct situated outside the intermediate casing, and at least one distal window formed on the intermediate casing and emerging on the one hand in the at least one refrigerant circulation duct and on the other hand in the distal chamber near the second end winding of the stator. |
| US09080562B2 |
Suction arrangement for a hermetic refrigeration compressor
The suction arrangement of the present invention is for a hermetic compressor of the type which includes a hermetic shell; a cylinder block defining, in a single piece, a shell portion and a compression cylinder having an end opened to the exterior of the hermetic shell and closed by a valve plate; a head affixed to the cylinder block onto the valve plate so as to define, with the latter, at least one suction chamber receiving refrigerant gas from a gas inlet pipe external to the hermetic shell. The suction arrangement of the present invention comprises a gas inlet duct defined through the shell portion and through the valve plate and having an outer end hermetically coupled to the gas inlet pipe and an inner end opened to the suction chamber. |
| US09080561B2 |
Hydraulic aggregate
A hydraulic aggregate, particularly for supplying conveyor and lifting devices with pressurized fluid, has a tank (1) on the end side relative to a main axis of the device and functional components mounted on it. The functional components are a hydraulic pump (5) and a coupling body (3) having a valve device and a line arrangement for drawing in and returning hydraulic fluid to and from the tank (1). Configured as a reversing aggregate, the inlet end (19) of the suction line (15) of the line arrangement is disposed at a location within the tank (1) where the bottom of the fluid present in the tank (1) is located when the aggregate is operated with the main axis vertical and when the aggregate is operated with the main axis tilted relative to the vertical, preferably perpendicular to the vertical. |
| US09080553B2 |
Method and apparatus for control of redundant devices in a wind turbine
A method and apparatus for control of redundant devices in a wind turbine is provided, comprising operating a first redundant device and at least one other redundant device such that the first redundant device is expected to fail before any of the at least one other redundant devices. |
| US09080551B2 |
System for generating electrical powerfrom aircraft exhaust
An energy generation system works to convert wind created by aircraft exhaust into electrical power. The system uses a wind turbine including a plurality of blades extending from a shaft with a generator coupled to the shaft. The wind turbine is placed behind a runway to collect the wind from the engine of an aircraft, generating energy and converting the energy into electricity. |
| US09080550B2 |
Airborne wind energy conversion system with fast motion transfer
Airborne wind energy conversion system a with flying wing, using a cable or belt to transmit motion to a rotor of a ground based electrical generator with high velocity, achieving high aerodynamic efficiency of the wings and high power for a given torque. |
| US09080548B2 |
Method of controlling depth of a buoyant submersible apparatus in a fluid flow
An underwater apparatus for generating electric power from ocean currents and deep water tides. A submersible platform including two or more power pods, each having a rotor with fixed-pitch blades, with drivetrains housed in pressure vessels that are connected by a transverse structure providing buoyancy, which can be a wing depressor, hydrofoil, truss, or faired tube. The platform is connected to anchors on the seafloor by forward mooring lines and a vertical mooring line that restricts the depth of the device in the water column. The platform operates using passive, rather than active, depth control. The wing depressor, along with rotor drag loads, ensures the platform seeks the desired operational current velocity. The rotors are directly coupled to a hydraulic pump that drives at least one constant-speed hydraulic-motor generator set and enables hydraulic braking. A fluidic bearing decouples non-torque rotor loads to the main shaft driving the hydraulic pumps. |
| US09080546B2 |
Method for cylinder equalization in a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine
A method is provided for equalizing the cylinders of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine is configured as a reciprocating engine having direct injection and spark ignition. A fuel mass is injected in a cylinder-specific manner, and a cylinder-specific air mass and a cylinder-specific ignition time are each adjustable. An injection amount is equalized, then a charge is equalized and then a mean combustion pressure is equalized. |
| US09080543B2 |
Combustion engine starter with output pinion
The combustion engine starter with output pinion (18) comprises a front bearing (12) provided with a front face (120) having an opening (312), a drive assembly equipped with a bush (26) passing through the opening (312) and bearing the output pinion (18) outside the front bearing (12), complementary splines (67,167). A groove (64, 164) interrupts the splines (67) of the bush (26) in order to mount a stop (60, 160) for immobilizing the pinion, a play-compensating spring (61) urging the pinion into contact with the stop (60, 160) formed by a spring ring which has a height greater than its thickness and which is housed with radial clearance at least partially in an annular recess (62) made in the front face (183) of the pinion (18); the internal periphery of the spring ring (60, 160) being mounted in the groove (64, 164) in the bush (26). |
| US09080539B2 |
Electromagnetic fuel injection valve
In an electromagnetic fuel injection valve which is configured to absorb an unbalanced load applied to sliding portions between a fixed core and a valve stem, thereby enabling a reduction in a frictional resistance of the sliding portions, a guide bush is press fitted in an inner peripheral surface of the fixed core, the valve element includes a valve part configured to cooperate with the valve seat, and the valve stem continuously provided to the valve part and extending toward the guide bush, a sliding member configured to be slidably fitted to an inner peripheral surface of the guide bush is press fitted on the valve stem, wherein an annular gap is provided at least at one of a location between the fixed core and the guide bush and a location between the valve stem and the sliding member, within sliding regions of the guide bush and the sliding member. |
| US09080538B2 |
Injector assembly for an injection valve
A jet needle has a front face turned away from an injection opening. An injector assembly has a chamber within the body adjoining the front face, a throttle module arranged in the chamber having a fluid supply chamber being hydraulically coupled to the fluid inlet, a control space hydraulically coupled to the fluid supply chamber via an inlet throttle, and a valve chamber hydraulically coupled to the control space via an outlet throttle for accommodating a valve that is designed to lead fluid into a fluid return line arranged in a control module. There are precisely two sealing edges designed between the throttle module and the injector body and/or the control module by which additional hydraulic couplings of the fluid supply chamber to the control space and the valve chamber are cut off. A third sealing edge is designed between the injector body and the control module. |
| US09080537B2 |
In-tank filter of fuel pump module
Provided is an in-tank filter, which is a component of a fuel pump module positioned in a fuel tank of a vehicle, etc., to supply fuel to an engine. The in-tank filter includes: a filter media filtering foreign materials; an upper container made of a synthetic resin material and having a filter media insertion space therein, the filter media insertion space having a filter media inserted thereinto; a lower container made of a synthetic resin material and coupled to the upper container to block a lower portion of the upper container; and a deformation prevention reinforcing ring having a container insertion hole formed therein so as to be closely adhered to an outer side of the upper container when the upper container is inserted thereinto and preventing the upper container inserted into the container insertion hole from expanding. |
| US09080535B2 |
Reciprocating internal combustion engine having at least one piston
A reciprocating internal combustion engine includes a reciprocating piston in a cylinder bore of a cylinder housing forming an assembly together with a cylinder head. Two connecting rods are connected between the piston and first and second crankshafts. The two crankshafts are functionally connected to two synchronization gears of a spur gear box. The synchronization gears are connected to the crankshafts in a torque-proof manner such that the crankshafts rotate synchronously in opposite directions. The engine operates based on the diesel principle and with exhaust gas turbocharging, wherein the engine is an outboard engine for a watercraft. The exhaust gas turbocharger has an exhaust gas turbine and a compressor and/or a shaft which carries a turbine wheel and a compressor wheel which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the watercraft. The turbocharger is attached on an upper end-face wall of the assembly. |
| US09080534B2 |
Idling stop control device, vehicle and vehicle control method
An idle reduction control device mounted on a vehicle equipped with an engine and a brake comprises: a pumping operation detector that detects a pumping operation of the brake; and an engine controller that controls a start and a stop of the engine. The engine controller stops the engine after elapse of a predetermined time since a stop of the vehicle, when a number of the pumping operations during a deceleration period before the stop of the vehicle is less than a predetermined value. |
| US09080533B2 |
Fastener fitting between the movable portion of a deployable diverging bell for a thruster and a mechanism for deploying said movable portion
The fastener fitting (40) has a first fastener zone (42) for fastening to an element (24) of the deployment mechanism. This fastener fitting (40) has two longitudinal arms (46A, 46B) that extend substantially in parallel and in the same direction from the first fastener zone (42). The free ends of these arms that are remote from the first fastener zone are separate, with each arm being provided with a distinct fastener surface (48A, 48B), these respective fastener surfaces together forming the second fastener zone. |
| US09080524B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for sulfur recovery on an SCR catalyst
System, apparatus, and methods are disclosed for treating a reduction catalyst that has been exposed to an amount of sulfur. The treating of the reduction catalyst includes providing a fluid stream at a position upstream of the reduction catalyst. The fluid stream includes a temperature and a reductant amount, and the reductant amount includes an amount of urea, ammonia, or hydrocarbons. |
| US09080523B1 |
Method to improve blowthrough via split exhaust
Methods and systems are provided for a boosted engine having a split exhaust system. One method includes reducing knock by flowing a combination of exhaust from towards the end of an exhaust stroke and blowthrough air to the intake of a compressor via a compressor inlet valve. |
| US09080522B2 |
Engine efficiency system for a vehicle and method of operating an engine efficiency system
An engine efficiency system for a vehicle includes an electromechanically operated oil distribution device disposed proximate an oil environment of the vehicle. Also included is a current detection system for detecting a current change rate of the electromechanically operated oil distribution device, wherein the current change rate corresponds to a viscosity of an oil disposed in the oil environment of the vehicle. Further included is at least one efficiency device activated over a range of the viscosity of the oil. |
| US09080521B2 |
Method and related system of using crankcase pressure to to detect pre-ignition in spark ignition engine
Methods and a related system of preventing a pre-ignition event in a spark ignition engine. Unusual crankcase pressure fluctuations often occur prior to a Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) event. A high speed high resolution pressure transducer (60) attached to the crankcase (30) of an engine (10) takes a plurality of engine crankcase pressure measurements and relays these measurements to an engine control module (70). The pressure measurements are analyzed to determine if unusual pressure fluctuations within the crankcase are occurring. If so, one or more engine control parameters are adjusted in order to mitigate a LSPI event. Various engine control parameters may be adjusted including fuel injection, engine load and combustion timing. |
| US09080515B2 |
System and method for controlling engine torque to prevent driveline bump when a driver depresses an accelerator pedal
A system according the principles of the present disclosure includes a torque determination module and a torque limit module. The torque determination module determines a first torque that prevents an engine from stalling. The torque limit module limits engine torque based on the first torque when a driver actuates an accelerator pedal from a first position in which the accelerator pedal is not depressed to a second position in which the accelerator pedal is depressed. |
| US09080511B2 |
Integrated thermal system for a gas turbine engine
An integrated thermal system for a gas turbine engine includes an Air-Oil Cooler and an Air-Air PreCooler within a housing, the Air-Air PreCooler downstream of the Air-Oil Cooler. |
| US09080504B2 |
Actuating device for an exhaust gas flow control element of an exhaust gas turbocharger
Actuating device for a gas flow control element arranged in an inflow path of a turbocharger turbine and connected to a spindle traversing a turbine housing wall and fixed to an adjusting element adjoining said wall; a resilient seal pretensioned in the spindle axis direction comprises at least one annular sealing disc traversed by the spindle and being a resilient sheet metal ring is installed between said wall and the adjusting element said ring being pressed with bead feet of at least one annular half bead against an abutment surface fixed relative to the adjusting element and an abutment surface fixed relative to said wall, and the seal together with said abutment surfaces and at least the spindle delimit a space being sealed gastightly except for at least a gap between the spindle and said wall. |
| US09080503B2 |
Hydraulic turbo accelerator apparatus
A hydraulic drive assists to increase the acceleration rate of a turbocharger impeller/turbine shaft assembly and provide a secondary means of driving the compressor impeller at lower engine speeds where exhaust gases alone does not generate adequate shaft speeds to create significant induction boost. The hydraulic circuit includes a dual displacement motor, which provides high torque for acceleration yet converts to a single motor for high-speed operation. When the exhaust driven turbine function allows compressor speeds, beyond which the hydraulic system can contribute, a slip clutch allows disengagement of the hydraulic drive. The hydraulic circuit is integrated with the power steering circuit to conserve energy and supportive components such as lines and reservoir. In an alternative embodiment, there is no turbocharger and the hydraulic drive provides means of forced induction air alone. |
| US09080499B2 |
Method for controlling a variable charge air cooler
Embodiments for a charge air cooler are provided. In one example, an engine method comprises increasing intake air flow velocity through a charge air cooler and coordinately adjusting a position of one or more of an intake manifold throttle and a turbocharger wastegate in response to the increased intake air flow velocity to maintain torque. In this way, intake air flow velocity may be increased while maintaining desired torque. |
| US09080492B2 |
Multiple-shell silencer / rear shell port
An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine includes an outer housing having a front shell and a rear shell, a prechamber in which exhaust gas from the combustion chamber enters, and an intermediate shell having a front and back as well as a catalytic converter holder. A catalytic converter element is arranged on the catalytic converter holder where an exhaust port directs exhaust gas from the catalytic converter element. To place the center of gravity of the exhaust system near the internal combustion engine or cylinder, the intermediate shell forms the prechamber and the exhaust port. |
| US09080490B2 |
Selective catalytic reduction sensor
A Selective Catalytic Reduction sensor that does not degrade a measurement accuracy of a quality sensor even when a remaining amount of a urea tank is reduced. A quality sensor is installed between a minimum remaining amount liquid level and a bottom portion of the urea tank; a drop pipe is installed from a ceiling portion of the urea tank to a top space in the urea tank; a support is installed from a bottom portion to the ceiling portion of the urea tank; the quality sensor and the drop pipe are integrated through the support; and a bubble diffusion region caused by the urea aqueous solution dropping from the drop pipe is out of a sensitive region of the quality sensor. |
| US09080489B2 |
Selective catalytic reduction system
A Selective Catalytic Reduction (“SCR”) system that can detect a NOx concentration accurately irrespective of an operation state of an engine is provided. The SCR system including: an SCR device; a dosing valve; a NOx sensor; and an urea solution injection control unit. |
| US09080486B2 |
Method and device for regenerating a particle filter
A method and device for monitoring and controlling the regeneration of a particle filter in an exhaust gas duct of an internal combustion engine which has a three-way catalytic converter downstream of the particle filter, wherein the particle filter is regenerated by oxidative burning of the particles during a regeneration phase, wherein oxygen consumption is balanced, directly or indirectly, during the regeneration phase via the temporal variation of a first signal of a first lambda probe, which is arranged upstream of the particle filter, in comparison to the temporal variation of a second signal of a second lambda probe, which is arranged downstream of the particle filter. A lambda value of λ=1 is set downstream of the three-way catalytic converter during the regeneration of the particle filter by means of lambda control and the second lambda probe which is arranged downstream of the three-way catalytic converter. |
| US09080485B2 |
Device for providing reducing agent and motor vehicle having the device
A device for providing reducing agent includes a tank, a delivery unit disposed at least partially in the tank and having a suction point through which the delivery unit can draw reducing agent out of the tank, and a filter covering the suction point. An intermediate space or chamber is formed between the delivery unit and the filter, and the filter is disposed on the delivery unit in such a way that it can perform a deflection movement away from the suction point if ice forms in the intermediate chamber. A motor vehicle having the device is also provided. |
| US09080480B2 |
Exhaust purification system for internal combustion engine
A wall flow type particulate filter is arranged inside the exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine where combustion is performed under an excess of oxygen. The particulate filter carries a solid acid. The solid acid has an acid strength which is higher than the acid strength of sulfurous acid and lower than the acid strength of sulfuric acid. To remove the ash from the particulate filter, ash atomization processing for rendering the state of the particulate filter a state where the exhaust gas which flows into the particulate filter is lowered in concentration of oxygen and the particulate filter is raised in temperature is temporarily performed. |
| US09080478B2 |
Oil separator
Embodiments may provide an oil separator that may include a reservoir attached to a bottom of the oil separator to collect oil that passes from the oil separator. An outlet may be located on the reservoir and may be positioned to allow oil at or above the outlet to overflow from the reservoir and to flow, or drip, toward an engine cylinder head. The oil separator may also include a tube located at least partially inside the reservoir formed within the bottom to pass the oil into the reservoir. |
| US09080476B2 |
Lubricating device for engine provided with turbocharger
An engine provided with a turbocharger includes a timing chain, a chain case mounted to one end in an axial direction of a crankshaft disposed in the so as to cover the timing chain to define a chain chamber, a turbocharger disposed on one side in a width direction of the engine and driven by an exhaust gas and including a bearing portion, and a lubricating device for lubricating oil within the engine. The lubricating device includes an oil pan disposed below the engine, and an oil drain passage through which the oil lubricating the bearing portion returns to the oil pan. The oil drain passage has an oil drain port which is opened to the chain chamber defined by the one end portion of the axial direction of the crankshaft in the engine and the chain case. |
| US09080473B2 |
Cam torque actuated—torsional assist phaser
A variable cam timing phaser for an internal combustion engine includes a housing (10) and a rotor (20) connected coaxially with respect to a camshaft for rotation relative to one another. The housing (10) and the rotor (20) can define at least one cavity (10a) with a vane (22) dividing each cavity (10a) into a first chamber (16) and a second chamber (18). A control valve (24) can have a longitudinally reciprocal spool (36). The spool (36) can move between an advance timing position and a retard timing position within a Cam Torque Actuated mode of operation, an advance timing position within a Torsional Assist mode of operation, and at least one null position. The spool (36) can connect the first chamber (16), the second chamber (18), a check valve (40) and an actuating fluid supply source (46) with respect to one another, and can connect a passage (62) associated with a lock pin (60) between an exhaust vent (48a, 48b) and the actuating fluid supply source (46). |
| US09080472B2 |
Valve train of a reciprocating piston combustion engine
In a valve train of a reciprocating piston combustion engine, comprising cylinders controlled by at least three valves (1, 2) actuated by lobes (5, 6) of a camshaft (3; 4), wherein at least two valves (1; 2) operate equally in terms of function as intake or outlet valves (1; 2), the engine driving and/or braking operation are to be improved. For this purpose, such a valve train is characterized in that the lobes (3, 4) of the camshafts (3, 4) actuating the at least two equally operating valves in terms of function, which are primary and secondary valves (1p, 1s; 2p, 2s), are configured so that they are phase-adjustable in relation to each other. |
| US09080466B2 |
Method and system for controlling a valve of a turbomachine
A method and a system for limiting steam flow entering a steam turbine are provided. The method and system may intentionally unbalance the steam flow apportioned between sections of the steam turbine. The steam turbine comprises at least: a first section, a second section, and a rotor disposed within each section. The method may receive a speed/load command, or the like, which provides reference strokes for a first valve, associated with the first section; and a second valve, associated with the second section. The method may also determine an operational parameter that may limit the reference strokes relative to the speed/load command. The operational parameter may determine the allowable steam flow for each section of steam turbine, independent of the speed/load command. |
| US09080465B2 |
Method for controlling a short-term increase in power of a steam turbine
A method is provided for controlling a short-term increase in power in a steam turbine including a fossil-fired steam generator having a flow path through which a flow medium flows. The method involves tapping off the flow medium from the flow path in a pressure stage and injecting it into the flow path on the flow-medium side upstream of a super heater heating surface of the respective pressure stage. A first characteristic value is used as a controlled variable for the amount of injected flow medium. The first characteristic value is characteristic of the deviation between the outlet temperature of a final super heater heating surface of the respective pressure stage on the flow medium side and a predetermined nominal temperature value. The nominal temperature value is reduced and, for the duration of the reduction in the nominal temperature value, the characteristic value is temporarily increased over-proportionately to the deviation. |
| US09080461B2 |
Fan and boost joint
A gas turbine engine having at least one spool assembly, the at least one spool assembly including a fan rotor, a compressor disposed downstream of the fan rotor, a turbine and a shaft connecting the fan rotor, compressor and turbine, a joint affixed to an upstream end of the shaft, and including a first link connecting the fan rotor to the shaft and a second link connecting the compressor to the shaft, the second link being less rigid then the first link. |
| US09080456B2 |
Near flow path seal with axially flexible arms
The present application provides a near flow path seal for a gas turbine. The near flow path seal includes a base, a pair of arms extending from the base, and a curved indentation positioned between the pair of arms. |
| US09080453B2 |
Thermographic detection of internal passageway blockages
A method of thermal inspection of a component defining at least one internal passageway at a thermal equilibrium state with its surrounding environment, the method includes: capturing a sequence of thermal indications of a surface of the component, delivering an airflow pulse at the thermal equilibrium state of the at least one internal passageway into the at least one internal passageway, and receiving a temperature response signal as a function of time based on the received thermal indication. The method also includes determining a level of blockage of the at least one internal passageway based on the temperature response signal. |
| US09080451B2 |
Airfoil
An airfoil includes an interior surface, an exterior surface opposed to the interior surface, a pressure side, a suction side opposed to the pressure side, a stagnation line between the pressure and suction sides, and a trailing edge between the pressure and suction sides and downstream from the stagnation line. A first column of overlapping stagnation trench segments is on the exterior surface, and the stagnation line passes through at least a portion of each of the overlapping stagnation trench segments. At least one cooling passage in each stagnation trench segment provides fluid communication from the interior surface to the exterior surface. |
| US09080442B2 |
Modular device for liquid/liquid gravity separation
A modular liquid/liquid gravity separation device for separating the aqueous phase and the oil phase of a crude oil at the sea bottom. The device has a plurality of separation modules coupled to a common manifold device. Each separation module has a fluid delivery pipe coupled to at least one gravity separation pipe by a tubular bend device. The common manifold device has a first tank fed with crude oil by a feed pipe resting on the sea bottom via a first inlet orifice, a plurality of first outlet orifices feeding crude oil to said delivery pipes. The aqueous and oil phases are separated within the separation pipes before being delivered into a second tank via second inlet orifices of the second tank to which the separation pipes are coupled. The oil phase is conveyed to the surface from the second tank via a first removal pipe. The aqueous phase is conveyed to the sea bottom. |
| US09080438B1 |
Wireless well fluid extraction monitoring system
A system for wirelessly monitoring a well fluid extraction process, which operates in conjunction with a host computer. The system includes a wireless base that has a base radio and a communication port to interface with the host computer. The system also has a first remote with a first remote radio that communicates with the base radio using a radio protocol. The first remote also has a first sensor interface that can receive a first sensor signal. The first remote digitally samples the first sensor signal at a predetermined sampling rate, and then communicates first sampled data to the wireless base through the radio protocol. A host software application, which executes on the host computer, receives the first sampled data from the wireless base communication port. |
| US09080435B2 |
Upgoing drainholes for reducing liquid-loading in gas wells
Gas from a tight gas formation may be produced using a drain hole having a juncture to a main wellbore and a terminal end at a depth higher than the juncture. The terminal end may be positioned in the tight gas formation. |
| US09080431B2 |
Method for perforating a wellbore in low underbalance systems
By substantially eliminating the crushed zone surrounding a perforation tunnel and expelling debris created upon activation of a shaped charge with first and second successive explosive events, the need for surge flow associated with underbalanced perforating techniques is eliminated. The break down of the rock fabric at the tunnel tip, caused by the near-instantaneous overpressure generated within the tunnel, further creates substantially debris-free tunnels in conditions of limited or no underbalance as well as in conditions of overbalance. |
| US09080427B2 |
Seabed well influx control system
Apparatuses useable in an offshore drilling installation close to the seabed for controlling well influx within a wellbore are provided. An apparatus includes a centralizer and flow constrictor assembly, a sensor and a controller. The centralizer and flow constrictor assembly are configured to centralize a drill string within a drill riser and regulate a return mud flow. The sensor is located close to the centralizer and flow constrictor assembly and configured to acquire values of at least one parameter related to the return mud flow. The controller is coupled to the centralizer and flow constrictor assembly and the sensor. The controller is configured to control the centralizer and flow constrictor assembly to achieve a value of a control parameter close to a predetermined value, based on the values acquired by the sensor. |
| US09080426B2 |
Anti-channeling pack-off particles used in a production section of an oil-gas well, and completion method and production method using such particles
Anti-channeling pack-off particles used in a production section of an oil-gas well, a completion method, and a production method are provided. The anti-channeling pack-off particles are macromolecule polymer particles having an average particle diameter of 0.05-1.0 mm and a real density of 0.8-1.4 g/cm3. The particles are compactly filled into a space of the oil-gas well, which is required to be filled and packed off so that there is no channeling path after filling, thus effectively pack-off or sectioning the oil-gas well into multiple, relatively independent regions for production from the oil-gas well, and thus improving the production efficiency of the oil-gas well. Even if a channeling path occurs, a very small flow of channeling fluid of a carrier medium will move some of the anti-channeling pack-off particles in a direction towards the channeling path and accumulate those particles until the channeling path is filled, thereby achieving favorable effects of anti-channeling, packing-off, and sectional flow control. |
| US09080422B2 |
Liner wiper plug with bypass option
Methods and apparatus for liner wiper plugs with bypass options to allow displacing fluid to be pumped through after the liner wiper plug is set in a liner hanger system landing collar. By pumping displacing fluids through the bypass, uncured cement may be removed from the shoe track area and an area external to the shoe track area. |
| US09080421B2 |
Mechanically adjustable flow control assembly
A flow control assembly can be mechanically adjusted, rotationally or translationally, inside a tubing downhole between multiple positions by an intervening tool from the surface to change resistivity to flow through the flow control assembly. The positions among which the flow control assembly can be adjusted can include a closed position, a fully open position, and positions at which fluid experiences various resistances prior to flowing to an inner area of the tubing. |
| US09080419B2 |
Bentonite collars for wellbore casings
Casing assemblies and methods of using the casing assemblies to isolate selected sections of a subterranean wellbore are provided. Also provided are methods of fabricating the casing assemblies. The casing assemblies comprise one or more water-swellable tubular collars disposed around the exterior surface of a conduit, such as a wellbore casing. The water-swellable collars are formed from a material comprising sodium bentonite, a swelling inhibitor and reinforcing fibers. |
| US09080418B2 |
Dirty fluid valve with chevron seal
An apparatus for controlling a fluid flow in a borehole may include a tool body that retrieves a fluid sample from a subsurface formation. The tool body has a fluid conduit having an inlet for receiving the fluid sample and an outlet for conveying the fluid sample to a selected location. A mandrel selectively blocks flow across the fluid conduit; and a seal disposed on the mandrel includes at least one chevron seal element that cooperates with the mandrel to selectively block flow across the fluid conduit. |
| US09080415B2 |
Annular barrier and annular barrier system
An annular barrier system for expanding an annular barrier in an annulus between a well tubular structure and an inside wall of a borehole downhole includes an annular barrier having a tubular part for mounting as part of the well tubular structure. The annular barrier further has an expandable sleeve surrounding the tubular part, at least one end of the expandable sleeve being fastened in a fastener of a connection part in the tubular part. The annular barrier system also comprises a tool for expanding the expandable sleeve by letting a pressurized fluid through a passage in the tubular part into a space between the expandable sleeve and the tubular part. |
| US09080413B2 |
Downhole pressure nozzle and washing nozzle
A nozzle apparatus that can be inserted downhole into a well casing has an attachment component at an open end of a hollow cylinder that is in communication with a pressurized liquid supply source. The hollow cylinder extends from the attachment component and has a closed end. A plurality of apertures extend from an interior surface of the hollow cylinder to an outer surface of the hollow cylinder sides. The outer surface of the nozzle cylinder can be uneven. The outer surface of the nozzle cylinder can have an unequal radius. The nozzle surface can contain bypass slits. In one embodiment the nozzle can have a threaded attachment component at the bottom. A scraper or other cleaning device can be attached to the threaded component. |
| US09080411B1 |
Subsea diverter system for use with a blowout preventer
An apparatus for diverting a fluid from a subsea well has a blowout preventer with an upper portion and a lower portion, and a diverter affixed between the upper and lower portions of the blowout preventer. Each of the upper portion and lower portion of the blowout preventer has a flow passageway extending vertically therethrough. The diverter has an interior passageway extending vertically therethrough in alignment with the flow passageway of the upper and lower portions of the blowout preventer. The diverter has a flowline communicating with the interior passageway and extends outwardly therefrom. The flowline has a valve thereon which is movable between an open position and a closed position. The open position is suitable for allowing at least a portion of the fluid from the flow passageway to pass outwardly of the flowline to a location remote from the blowout preventer. |
| US09080407B2 |
Pressure and flow control in drilling operations
A well drilling system includes a flow control device regulating flow from a rig pump to a drill string, the flow control device being interconnected between the pump and a standpipe manifold, and another flow control device regulating flow through a line in communication with an annulus. Flow is simultaneously permitted through the flow control devices. A method of maintaining a desired bottom hole pressure includes dividing drilling fluid flow between a line in communication with a drill string interior and a line in communication with an annulus; the flow dividing step including permitting flow through a flow control device interconnected between a pump and a standpipe manifold. |
| US09080402B2 |
Method and apparatus for removing unexpanded shoe
A method of removing an unexpanded shoe comprises disposing a tool in a wellbore. The tool includes a latch assembly and a mill body. The latch assembly is engaged with a shoe assembly that is coupled to the wellbore by a tubular having an expanded portion and an unexpanded portion. The mill body is rotated relative to the latch assembly so as to mill the unexpanded portion of the tubular until the shoe assembly is uncoupled from the wellbore. The tool and the shoe assembly are then pulled through the expanded portion and out of the wellbore. |
| US09080400B1 |
Rotational drill bits and drilling apparatuses including the same
A roof-bolt drill bit may include at least one cutting element having a cutting face and a cutting edge adjacent the cutting face. The roof-bolt drill bit may also include a bit body rotatable about a rotational axis in a rotational direction, with the rotational axis extending between a forward end and a rearward end of the bit body. The at least one cutting element may be mounted to the bit body at the forward end. The bit body may include at least one debris port defined in a side portion of the bit body located axially rearward from at least a portion of the at least one cutting element. The bit body may also include an internal passage defined within the bit body and at least one debris channel defined in the bit body. |
| US09080399B2 |
Earth-boring tools including retractable pads, cartridges including retractable pads for such tools, and related methods
An earth-boring tool may comprise at least one cavity formed in a face thereof. At least one retractable pad residing in the at least one cavity may be coupled to a piston located at least partially within the at least one cavity. Additionally, a valve may be positioned within the earth-boring tool and configured to regulate flow of an incompressible fluid in contact with the piston through an opening of a reservoir. A cartridge may comprise a barrel wall defining a first bore, and a piston comprising at least one retractable pad positioned at least partially within the first bore. The barrel wall and the piston may define a first reservoir within the first bore, and a valve may be positioned and configured to regulate flow through an opening to the first reservoir. Related methods and devices are also disclosed. |
| US09080392B1 |
Vortex-induced vibration suppression devices for retrofitting
A vortex-induced vibration (VIV) suppression device including a body portion dimensioned to surround a structure subject to VIV, the body portion having a first side and a second side separated by a first opening formed along a length dimension one side of the body portion and a second opening formed along the length dimension of another side of the body portion. The device further including a biasing hinge mechanism attached to the first side and the second side at the first opening, the biasing hinge mechanism to bias the first side and the second side toward one another. The device further including a closure mechanism attached to the first side and the second side at the second opening, the closure mechanism to secure the first side and the second side in a closed position around the structure. The device may be installed according to a retrofit installation method. |
| US09080391B2 |
Insulated conductor for downhole drilling equipment and method
A downhole drilling tool includes a tubular housing having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, and a stator disposed in the tubular housing, said stator defining an internal cavity passing there through. The stator includes at least a first protective electrically insulated layer, a second protective electrically insulated layer, and an electrically conductive layer disposed between the first and second protective layers. The electrically conductive layer coupled at a first end to a first electrical device and coupled at a second end to a second electrical device. A rotor is operatively positioned in the internal cavity to cooperate the stator. |
| US09080390B2 |
Turbine driven reaming bit with profile limiting torque fluctuation
A reaming bit designed to operate with low torque fluctuation when driven with a turbine at speeds in the order of 300-600 RPM and above features a profile that is arcuate from the gauge dimension to the nose area or alternatively has a blunt straight taper section but with a ratio of profile length (PL) to bit size (BS) of under 0.75. The blades extend into a concave cone and the cutting structure continues along the blades towards the center. The blades have a step near the gauge section to increase the exposure of the blade cutting structure. An array of protrusions are disposed parallel to and behind the cutting structure to increase high speed stability and adjacent the blade step transition to protect outer casing on run in. |
| US09080389B2 |
Method and device for drilling shafts in ground layers consisting of rock, clay and/or related materials
The invention relates to a method for drilling shafts (2) in ground layers (3). The method comprises of arranging a borehole casing (4) in the ground (3), lowering into the borehole casing (4) a hollow drill string (5) provided with a drill head (7) with cutting tools (8), arranging a water column (10) in the borehole casing (4), and then setting the drill string (5) into rotation (20) in the borehole casing (4) so that ground material (31) is dislodged by the cutting action of the cutting tools (8). At the position of the drill head (7) a first fluid (26) is injected under a first pressure into the ground layers (3) by means of one or more nozzles (25). The method has a higher drilling efficiency than the known method. The invention also relates to a device for performing the method, and a jack-up pontoon provided with the device. |
| US09080387B2 |
Directional wellbore control by pilot hole guidance
A directional drilling apparatus include a first cutter that substantially cuts a wellbore bottom along a first axis and a second cutter that cuts the wellbore bottom along a second axis different from the first axis. The second cutter may extend an adjustable amount out of the first cutter. The pilot string may connect the second cutter to the first cutter. |
| US09080386B2 |
Magnetic gear for use with wellbore instruments
A wellbore rotating instrument system includes a source of rotational energy for transmission thereof to within a wellbore. At least one magnetic gear assembly is coupled at its input to an output of the source. A rotating load is coupled at its input to a rotational output of the magnetic gear assembly. The at least one magnetic gear assembly comprises a housing, a stator disposed in the housing proximate an inner wall thereof, a second shaft rotatably supported on bearings disposed at longitudinally spaced apart locations inside the housing and a first shaft rotatably supported inside the output shaft. The stator comprises a plurality of magnets disposed in generally circular laminations. The second shaft comprises a non-magnetic, electrically non-conductive body and a plurality of pole pieces disposed circumferentially therearound. The first shaft comprises magnets disposed around its exterior circumference and shaped to fit rotatably within the second shaft. |
| US09080384B2 |
Pressure balanced fluid operated reaming tool for use in placing wellbore tubulars
An apparatus for cutting a wellbore includes a motor having a stator and a rotor. The rotor has an output shaft connected to a cutting structure. The stator and rotor are spaced radially outwardly of the axis of rotation of the rotor such that at least one of the stator and the rotor had an access bore extending through the motor to adjacent the cutting structure. A further object can pass therethrough, without obstruction. The further object comprises a further cutting. A flow diverter is disposed in the motor proximate a connection between the motor and a wellbore tubular, and has a first fluid outlet in fluid communication with a power section of the motor, and a second fluid outlet in fluid communication with the access bore. The flow diverter is coupled to the stator such that axial loading created by fluid pressure is substantially transferred to the stator. |
| US09080383B2 |
Climb assist system
A motorized climb assist assembly is provided. The motorized climb assist assembly includes a looped belt, an attaching member, a motor assembly and a fall arrest system. The attaching member is coupled to the looped belt. A safety harness is in turn coupled to attaching member. The motor assembly includes a motor and a drive sheave. The motor has a drive shaft. The drive sheave is coupled to the drive shaft. In addition, the drive sheave is in contact with the looped belt. The fall arrest system is integrated with the drive sheave and is configured to limit the looped belt movement as the result of a fall event. |
| US09080376B2 |
Glass-enclosed chamber and internal venetian blind having slats of improved reflectance and diffusivity over a wider spectral interval of incident solar radiation
Inside a glass-enclosed chamber is a Venetian blind connected to internal elements for operating it, the elements being workable from outside to raise, lower and incline the slats. The raw slats of the blind are obtained by moulding a rolled strip of aluminum alloy hardened by magnesium. The strip has not been lapped in order to maintain a degree of roughness on both surfaces, ready to receive a reflecting layer. Reflective stratification includes a layer of pure aluminum adherent to the body of the slat that serves to fix a reflective type of interferential dielectric multilayer. Average thickness of the layer of sputtered aluminum depends on the diffusivity of reflected radiation required in relation to the maximum height of the peaks of surface roughness on the body of the slats. Useful multilayers increase reflectance to levels averaging over 85% on a wide interval of wavelengths from near infrared to ultraviolet. |
| US09080374B2 |
Sheltering device
A sheltering device configured for being installed over a designated object such as a vehicle's roof. The sheltering device includes: a single flexible cover having a shape of varying width; foldable supporting arms, attachable to the cover; and a retractable mechanism configured for folding and unfolding the foldable supporting arms for folding and unfolding the cover. The foldable supporting arms are configured to simultaneously move along predefined non-parallel trajectories when unfolding, to allow the flexible cover, attached thereto, to unfold in a forward and sideways movement throughout the unfolding movement, while creating two (or more) stable supporting points suspended in air at its distal edges and/or along the bars, which provide tension to the cover attached in all required direction, thus eliminating the necessity of using a ridged connection between these distal edges. |
| US09080369B2 |
Flood protection barrier system and method
A flood barrier device that includes a fluid-tight flexible chamber with front panel, a rear panel, opposite lateral sidewalls, top end walls, bottom end walls and an opening to allow the introduction of fluid into said chamber. The device includes a pair of support members that include a rigid spar connected to the chamber and having a bend at a medial position to orient a first section of the chamber in a first horizontal plane and a second section of said chamber into a second upright plane and a re-sealable waterproof seal device between the chamber and an adjacent fluid tight flexible chamber. |
| US09080367B2 |
Automatic door opener for delivery trucks
An automatic door opener for delivery trucks may include a door opener motor, clutch, and transmission which are connected to a door opener rail. The automatic door opener is attached to the roof of a delivery truck cargo bay and the door opener motor is operable to open and close a cargo door. The clutch and motor are controlled by a motor control computer which may be programmed to automatically operate the clutch, close the cargo bay door, and disengage the clutch as desired. A rail carriage may be connected to the cargo bay door by a door connector arm which includes a quick release connection to the carriage and which may be operated from the outside of the cargo bay door. A sensor may be connected to the door opener rail and to the motor control computer such that the motor control computer tracks the position of the carriage along the door opener rail independent of the operation of the motor. |
| US09080363B2 |
Vehicle door swing governor
A vehicle door swing governor is positioned between a door and a body of a vehicle. The door swing governor includes a motor and a controller for controlling the mechanical resistance applied by the motor to the door so as to control velocity of the door swing. The mechanical resistance applied to the door is a function of the velocity of the swing of the door. |
| US09080362B2 |
Shower door bumper
A shower door assembly includes a frame having an upper frame member that is elongated with a generally constant cross-section. The cross-section of the frame member may define a channel. The shower door assembly also includes a door that slides in a direction parallel with the channel, as well as a bumper. The bumper is positioned within the channel of the upper frame member and limits movement of the door. The bumper is connected to the upper frame member by the upper frame member compressing a portion of the bumper, or the bumper compressing a portion of the upper frame member, or both. |
| US09080361B2 |
Overhead door backup spring system
The present invention essentially comprises an overhead door backup spring system for providing an auxiliary spring counterweight to operate an overhead door shaft upon failure of a spring. The system has an activation unit, a control assembly, an engagement assembly operably associated with the activation unit, and an auxiliary spring engagement assembly operably associated with the control and engagement assemblies. The control assembly has an engagement block engageable with a spring post of the auxiliary spring assembly. The engagement assembly has an engagement post engageable with the spring post to transfer torque from the auxiliary spring to the overhead door shaft. An engaged position has the engagement post not engaged with the spring posts while the engagement block is engaged with the spring post. A non-engaged position has the engagement post engaged with the spring post, and the engagement block not engaged with the spring post. |
| US09080360B2 |
Semi-hidden framing for panels
The invention relates to a semi-hidden framing for panels (5) sliding in an opening (3) defining an outer surface (Se), in particular for windows and French windows, arranged to hold at least one panel (5) comprising a fixed frame (1) and an intermediate element (4) intended to be fixed to the said panel (5) and cooperating with displacement means (2) associated with the said fixed frame (1) so as to permit the displacement of the said panel (5) along the said fixed frame (1), wherein the opening (3) comprises at least one through slot (6a, 6b), and wherein the said intermediate element (4) comprises at least one main longitudinal wing (4a, 4b) passing through the said at least one through slot (6a, 6b), and at least one longitudinal pad (4d, 4e) connected to one of the ends of the said at least one main longitudinal wing (4a, 4b) and intended to cooperate with the displacement means (2), the said fixed frame (1) being positioned entirely above or below the outer surface (Se) so that the fixed frame does not disclose any element protruding to the outside of the opening (3). |
| US09080358B2 |
Hinge assembly
A hinge assembly comprising a hinge and an autonomous remote switch unit. The hinge comprises two hinge parts that are connected by an intermediate joint of which a first hinge part is connected to a stationary component, and a second hinge part is coupled via the joint to a pivoting element, especially a door, to pivot relative to the first hinge part, and the autonomous remote switch unit comprises a radio unit and a generator unit having an actuation element that transmits an opening and closing of the hinge to the generator unit such that the generator unit induces an electrical current pulse to supply power to the radio unit. The generator unit induces an electrical current pulse both during transmission of the opening and closing of the hinge by the actuation element, and the radio unit transmits data when power is thereby supplied. |
| US09080356B2 |
Casement window hinge with reduced sash-sag
A casement window hinge protects against sash sag by providing a guide arm that substantially fills the space between the sash and the window frame when the window is closed. This space-filling guide arm may be produced with lightweight thermoplastic material whose pivoting connection to the sash arm may be strengthened through a wood screw providing an axis for the pivot that may be stabilized within the sash into which the screw is driven. |
| US09080355B2 |
Circuit and method for preventing inadvertent opening of a vehicle door
Described herein is a circuit arrangement for a motor vehicle door having a detent mechanism which keeps the motor vehicle door in the closed position and opens it and at least one operating element, for example, an outer door handle and/or inner door handle, wherein an electric drive, for example, an electric motor, drives the detent mechanism, and the motor can be connected by means of a control module. In one embodiment, at least one electrical switching element is arranged in the circuit of the motor. In another embodiment, when the operating element is operated, the electrical circuit of the motor can be completed by means of the electrical switching element. Also described is a method for actuating a detent mechanism in a motor vehicle door and a controller for a detent mechanism which keeps a motor vehicle door in the closed position or opens it. |
| US09080351B2 |
Door lock
The deadbolting means of the lock according to the invention comprise a locking piece (15) to establish and release the locking of the deadbolting means in the deadbolting position. The locking piece is pivotably supported on the lock body (3) and comprises a mechanical control part (19) and at least one electrical control part (20A, 20B). The mechanical control part is functionally linked to a mechanical controller. The electrical control part is functionally linked to an electric actuator. |
| US09080350B2 |
Apparatus and method for vending securely stored products to consumers
A lock mechanism is disclosed, the lock mechanism having a rotary latch configured for rotation between a locked position and an unlocked position, the rotary latch rotating in a first plane and the rotary latch is retained in the locked position after it has been rotated into the locked position from the unlocked position, the rotary latch being spring biased into the unlocked position by a biasing member; and a first lock mechanism for retaining the rotary latch in the locked position after rotation of the rotary latch into the locked position, the rotary latch being capable of being manipulated back into the unlocked position from the locked position after actuation of the first locking mechanism into a release position, wherein actuation of the first lock mechanism is in a second plane that is not parallel to the first plane. |
| US09080348B2 |
Systems and methods for lock notification
Methods and apparatus are provided for notifying an operator that a door of a vehicle is locked. The method can include receiving a request to lock a lock associated with the door, and determining an ambient lighting condition associated with the vehicle. Based upon the ambient lighting condition, outputting audible data, visual data or both audible data and visual data to indicate that the door is locked. |
| US09080346B2 |
Tower section storage
A tower section storage device for storing a tower section of a wind turbine tower is provided. The device comprises a central body frame defining a center point, at least three feet, and at least three tower section receiving areas (9, 9a, 9b, 9c) connected to the central body frame. All of the feet are connected to the central body frame such that they are moved away from and/or towards the center point. A method for storing a tower section, in particular of a wind turbine tower by means of such device is also provided. |
| US09080342B2 |
Suctioning device for travelling a tank bottom
The present invention comprises an efficient filtration process of water from a tank, where the filtration is performed over a small volume of water and not on the totality of the water from the tank; the process comprises the following steps: (a) emitting ultrasonic waves in the tank; (b) adding a flocculant agent to the water; (c) covering the tank bottom with a suctioning device which suctions a water flow with flocculated particles, discharging to a collecting effluent line; (d) filtering the effluent flow of the suctioning device from said collecting effluent line; and (e) returning the filtered flow to the tank. The present invention additionally comprises a suctioning device used in said efficient filtration process. |
| US09080335B2 |
Scaffolding component with at least one connection head and method for fastening a scaffolding component having at least one connection head to a vertical scaffolding element
The invention relates to a scaffolding component (45) with at least one connection head (61) for forming a releaseable connection with a vertical scaffolding element (41) extending in the direction of a longitudinal axis (47). On this scaffolding element is fastened a projection (44) which extends transversely to its longitudinal axis (47) and which has an aperture (55) for the insertion of a wedge (62). The connection head has an upper head part (74) with an upper wedge opening (80) and a lower head part (75) with a lower wedge opening (81), for the wedge (62) which can be inserted through the wedge openings (80, 81). Disposed between the upper head part (74) and the lower head part (75) is a slot (67) which is open towards the front and which is intended for the fitting of the connection head (61) onto the projection (44). The connection head (61) has a wedge-support body (85) with wedge-support surfaces which is arranged above the slot (67) so as to engage over the latter towards the front, for vertically supporting the wedge (62) in the region of its lower wedge end against unintended movement of the wedge (62) vertically downwardly into a blocking position. Above the wedge-support surfaces of the wedge-support body (85), the connection head (61) has a wedge-pivoting abutment (86). |
| US09080332B1 |
Concrete log siding
Systems and methods directed to the art of simulated log siding are provided. Concrete log siding members may be installed as siding on a structure, and methods for making and installing such concrete log siding members on a structure are disclosed. The concrete log siding members have attachment means embedded in the concrete and protruding outward therefrom. |
| US09080330B2 |
Floor panel
A floor panel includes a substrate and a top layer provided on the substrate. The top layer is composed of a print and a transparent thermoplastic layer having a thickness of 0.5 mm or less and being situated above said print. The floor panel, at least on two opposite edges, is provided with a straight or curved chamfer extending to below the global level of the print. |
| US09080328B1 |
Downsprout drain connector
A downspout drain collar for connecting a rain gutter downspout to a downspout attachment is provided. The collar includes a collar flange adapted to removably engage the downspout attachment. The collar includes a collar body having a top portion, a bottom portion, a transition portion connecting the top portion to the bottom portion, and an axis extending through an opening defined by the body. The collar includes at least one armature extending from the collar toward the axis when the downspout drain collar is not secured to the rain gutter downspout, with each armature configured to be moved to removably secure the downspout drain collar to the rain gutter downspout. |
| US09080324B2 |
Biodegradable shower weep hole gasket
A ring-shaped biodegradable shower drain weep holes gasket is disclosed that slips over the top of the shower drain. The gasket fits tightly over the top of the drain to solve the problem of material clogging the shower drain weep holes and additionally preventing any deck mud or debris from entering and clogging the weep holes during installation. Approximately ⅞ths inch high by 5/2ths inch wide at an inner diameter of 31/5ths inch, the biodegradable shower gasket then surrounds the shower drain's top flange and weep holes. Over a short period of time, the moisture in the cement along with any moisture that seeps through the tile or grout will dissolve the biodegradable gasket creating a permanent opening for water to drain out through the weep holes. |
| US09080322B1 |
Lavatory sink cover for hair grooming
A sink cover is provided with a domed portion to accommodate conventional sink fixtures and allow the cover to lay in a generally planar attitude in use. The perimeter of the cover includes folded portions to capture and retain loose hair that falls onto the cover during use. The cover is preferably formed of thin water-resistant paper to enable compact packaging. |
| US09080317B2 |
Excavation control system and construction machine
An excavation control system includes a working unit, hydraulic cylinders, a prospective speed obtaining part, a speed limit selecting part and a hydraulic cylinder controlling art. The prospective speed part is configured to obtain a first prospective speed depending on a first distance between the bucket and a first designed surface, and a second prospective speed depending on a second distance between the bucket and a second designed surface. The speed limit selecting part is configured to select one of the first and second prospective speeds as a speed limit based on a relative relation between the first designed surface and the bucket and a relative relation between the second designed surface and the bucket. The hydraulic cylinder controlling part is configured to limit a relative speed of the bucket relative to one of the first and second designed surfaces to the speed limit. |
| US09080316B2 |
Controlling a digging operation of an industrial machine
Systems, methods, devices, and computer readable media for controlling the operation of an industrial machine including one or more components. A method of controlling the industrial machine includes determining a position of at least one of the one or more components of the industrial machine during a digging operation, determining a hoist bail pull setting based on the position of the at least one of the one or more components and a relationship between component position and hoist bail pull, and setting a level of hoist bail pull to the hoist bail pull setting. The level of hoist bail pull early in the digging operation is greater than the level of hoist bail pull later in the digging operation. |
| US09080313B2 |
Excavation tooth assembly
A lock for an excavation tooth assembly, the lock comprising: a body; first and second engaging portions mounted to the body and movable between respective first and second positions; wherein the engaging portions being interdependent so that movement of at least one of the first and second engaging portions causes a corresponding movement of the other of the first and second engaging portions. |
| US09080308B2 |
Work machine
Provided is a working machine, which can release exhaust gas at a position above a counterweight even if no space is secured for the installation of an exhaust pipe on an upperstructure or on an upper wall of the counterweight, and which can suppress heating of the counterweight by exhaust gas. The working machine is provided with a muffler (10) into which exhaust gas is guided from an engine, and a tailpipe (11) connected to the muffler (10). Defined through a counterweight (7) is a passage (7a) in which the tailpipe (11) is inserted. The working machine is further provided with an exhaust pipe holding member (12) and an exhaust pipe (13). The exhaust pipe holding member (12) is attached to an outer side wall of the counterweight (7), and has a passage (12a) which is in communication with the passage (7a) of the counterweight (7) and in which the tailpipe (11) is inserted. The exhaust pipe (13) is disposed and held upright on the exhaust pipe holding member (12), and has a lower part, in which the tailpipe (11) is inserted, and an upper part defining therein an exhaust outlet (13a) through which the exhaust gas guided via the tailpipe (11) is released. |
| US09080304B1 |
Collapsible, multi-lap foundation assembly
A collapsible, multi-lap foundation assembly having four perimeter rails; a plurality of rib elements, each having a central rib portion and flexible rib tab elements formed at each end of the central rib portion, and a plurality of half-lap rib joints extending from an upper portion of the central rib portion; and a plurality of spine elements, each having a central spine portion and flexible spine tab elements formed at each end of the central spine portion, and a plurality of half-lap spine joints extending from a lower portion of the central spine portion; wherein the spine elements are aligned with the rib elements in an interlocking fashion; and wherein the rib tab elements are attached or coupled to an interior surface of two perimeter rails and the spine tab elements are attached or coupled to an interior surface of two perimeter rails. |
| US09080301B2 |
Pile with low noise generation during driving
A pile with a low effective Poisson's ratio is disclosed, which greatly reduces the sound coupling to the water and sediment or other ground when driving piles. In some embodiments the pile includes geometric features that reduce the radial amplitude of the compression wave generated during hammering by providing a space for circumferential expansion along the length of the pile. The geometric features may comprise slots and/or grooves. In an embodiment, a driving shoe has a perimeter that extends beyond the pile tube such that the sediment produces less of a binding force on the pile. The pile may be formed as a double-shelled pile with either or both shells having effective low Poisson's ratio properties. A bubble generating plenum may be attached to the shoe to further reduce friction during installation. |
| US09080298B2 |
Retaining wall construction system for preventing tsunamis and flood damages and construction method thereof
Disclosed is a retaining wall construction system for preventing tsunamis and flood damages and a construction method thereof. The retaining wall construction system includes hexagonal multi-layered interlocking blocks built in a plurality of lines for forming a retaining wall, wherein S-shaped connection sections are formed on an outer periphery for a plurality of interlocking blocks, and hexagonal multi-layered interlocking blocks, which are adjacent to each other and different from each other, are connected to each other via the S-shaped connection sections to be movable in the vertical direction. |
| US09080296B2 |
Alkali resistant preformed thermoplastic pavement marking composition
The present disclosure describes a preformed or hot applied thermoplastic marking composition comprising at least 5 weight percent of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, wherein said composition includes a planar top surface portion and a planar bottom portion that are coplanar to each other, wherein said bottom portion is directly applied to an alkaline substrate wherein the alkalinity of said substrate is measured by pH and said pH is greater than 8.0 and wherein said preformed thermoplastic is adhered to said substrate via application of heat or pressure or both heat and pressure and wherein said top surface portion and bottom planar portion comprises an intermix that exists throughout said thermoplastic composition. |
| US09080295B2 |
Removable base for the vertical elements of street furniture
The device includes a base for supporting one or more vertical elements of a piece of street furniture (such as a lamp post, a traffic sign, an advertising post, etc.), wherein the base can include two parts or pieces nested together, one over the other, with a lower part anchored to the ground while the upper part is nested against the other by a pair of flanges. The relative movement between the upper and lower parts is restrained by the action of a brake including a plate which is fastened with a bolt and a nut to the upper part of the base. The plate has a recessed area at each end, where a nylon pellet is placed and whose breakage, when caused by a lateral force to the base, frees the upper part, allowing it to slide over the lower part. |
| US09080294B2 |
Pick assembly, pick holder for same, pick tool for same and strike element for same
A pick assembly (100) comprising a pick tool (200), a pick holder (300) and a rotatable drive means (400); in which the pick holder is attached to the rotatable drive means and the pick tool comprises a base (220) and a strike element (210) capable of being attached to the base, the strike element comprising a strike tip (212) defining a strike tip axis (213) and the base capable of being attached to the pick holder; the pick holder and pick tool being configured in relation to the drive means operative to the strike tip axis being oriented to within a strike angle of at most 5 degrees with a strike plane on which the strike tip will travel when driven by the drive means. |
| US09080288B2 |
Method for producing paper, board or the like and agglomerate
The invention relates to a method for producing paper, board or the like. In the method is obtained an aqueous filler dispersion, comprising particles of at least one first filler, the filler dispersion having a floc size distribution with original mean chord length value. The particles of the first mineral filler are brought into a contact with a cationic pre-treatment agent, which is capable of initiating flocculation of the filler particles in the dispersion, whereby a pre-treated filler dispersion comprising flocs, which comprise first mineral particles, is formed. The pre-treated filler dispersion is combined with a stock of fibers. The floc size distribution of the filler dispersion is changed with the pre-treatment agent, which is a natural and/or synthetic polymer, so that the mean chord length value increases at least with 2% from the original mean chord length value. The invention relates also to an agglomerate comprising at least one first mineral filler particle, a plurality of second mineral filler particles attached to at least one first filler particle by a pre-treatment agent, which is a natural and/or synthetic polymer. The average particle size by weight of the first mineral filler particles is 1.5-4.0 μm, the average particle size by weight of the second mineral filler particles is 0.5-2.4 μm, provided that the second mineral filler particles are smaller than the first mineral filler particles, and the mean chord length of the agglomerate is <40 μm. |
| US09080287B2 |
Industrial roll with multiple sensor arrays
An industrial roll includes: a substantially cylindrical core having an outer surface; a polymeric cover circumferentially overlying the core outer surface; and a sensing system. The sensing system includes: a first signal carrying member serially connecting a first set of sensors; a second signal carrying member serially connecting a second set of sensors; and a signal processing unit operatively associated with the first and second signal carrying members and configured to selectively monitor the signals provided by the first and second set of sensors. |
| US09080284B2 |
Ironing board assembly with configurable ironing surface
An ironing board assembly includes an ironing board with a main board having a substantially flat ironing surface that extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. The ironing board assembly also includes at least one wing being integrally and movably connected to the main board and having a wing surface for extending the ironing surface of the main board. |
| US09080282B2 |
Laundry moisture sensing, control, diagnostic and method
A laundry dryer includes a drum. A moisture sensing system detects an average moisture content of launderable items as they are dried within the drum and provides a moisture signal to an electronic controller. A user interface presenting a setpoint selection element such that when a moisture setpoint is selected by a machine operator during a drying cycle, an operational state of the dryer machine is controlled by the electronic controller based on the moisture setpoint and the moisture signal. |
| US09080279B2 |
Washing machine to produce three-dimensional motion
A washing machine includes a main body defining an outer appearance, a tub disposed within the main body, a main drum rotatably mounted in the tub, a sub drum mounted in the main drum to be relatively rotatable with respect to the main drum, an outer shaft for rotating the main drum, an inner shaft for rotating the sub drum, being disposed inside the outer shaft, and a driving motor having a stator, an outer rotor connected to the inner shaft that is rotatable outside the stator, and an inner rotor connected to the outer shaft that is rotatable inside the stator, wherein the driving motor independently drives the main drum and the sub drum. |
| US09080278B2 |
Washing machine and method for manufacturing the same
A washing machine capable of preventing a balancer from being deviated from the center of a washing tub and eccentrically assembled to the washing tub, and a method of manufacturing the same is provided. For this purpose, a bending part bent corresponding to an outer circumference of the balancer may be formed at the washing tub. The balancer may include a connection rim formed at the outer circumference thereof for easier connection with the washing tub, and the bending part may enclose the connection rim. |
| US09080273B2 |
Method for the treatment of washing and program-controlled washing machine suitable therefor
A method for treating a load of washing by sensing a quantity of liquid in an outer tub with a sensor, monitoring a signal from the sensor, wetting a washing with a quantity of water that is less than a quantity of water required to saturate the washing, rotating the drum at a first speed which is greater than a speed required to spread the washing around the drum, until a space between the outer tub and a drum is filled with suds and the suds reach the interior of the drum, and activating a heater. |
| US09080272B2 |
Washing machine
A washing machine including a main body and a control panel mounted to the main body. The control panel includes a control panel frame assembled to the main body, a circuit board housing coupled to a rear side of the control panel frame and having an open rear side, and a circuit board accommodated in the circuit board housing. The circuit board is inserted into the circuit board housing through the open rear side of the circuit board housing such that a front surface thereof, on which light emitting elements to display operational modes of the washing machine are mounted, faces an inner wall surface of a front wall portion of the circuit board housing. |
| US09080271B2 |
Clothes treating apparatus with liquid supply unit
A washing-drying system and a water supply controlling method, the system comprising: a first main body configured to perform washing; a second main body installed at one side of the first main body and configured to perform drying; water supply lines formed both in the first and second main bodies; and a water supply controlling unit configured to control an open or closed state or a connected or disconnected state of the water supply lines, wherein warm water and cold water respectively supplied from warm water source and cold water source both existing outside the system flow through the second main body to thusly be supplied into the first main body, whereby wastewater having high temperature generated after drying or dehumidifying laundry can be used for warm water washing, so as to save water required for the warm washing, and also to reduce energy consumed to generate warm water. |
| US09080269B2 |
Needle threader of sewing machine and sewing machine
A needle threader includes a needle bar supporter to which a needle bar holding a needle with a needle hole is attached, a threader shaft supported in a movable manner in a vertical direction and in a rotatable manner, a thread holding mechanism and a threader mechanism which is held by the threader shaft and which comprises a threader hook. The threader hook includes a capturing portion that captures the thread at a tip part of the capturing portion. The capturing portion includes a thread pathway and a thread capturing space. A width of a part where the thread pathway becomes the narrowest is formed so as to be narrower than a width of the thread capturing space. The thread enters or leaves the thread pathway in a tensioned condition, and the width of the part where the thread pathway becomes the narrowest is formed. |
| US09080268B2 |
Device and non-transitory computer-readable medium
A device includes a processor and a memory configured to store computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the device to perform processes that include acquiring image data, extracting one or more first pixels, arranging one or more first line segments in one or more first positions, determining one or more first colors, connecting the one or more first line segments, arranging one or more second line segments in one or more second positions such that none of the one or more second line segments overlaps with any one of the one or more first positions, determining one or more second colors, connecting the one or more second line segments, and creating embroidery data based on the connected one or more first line segments and on the connected one or more second line segments. |
| US09080267B2 |
Foaming porous pad for use with a motorized device
A foaming porous pad suitable for coupling to a hand-held device and for application to human skin includes a porous pad substrate and a foaming composition disposed on the porous pad substrate. The porous pad substrate includes a nonwoven pile fabric having a nonwoven backing layer and a pile comprising individual fibers extending from the backing layer. The nonwoven pile fabric has fibers having a denier of less than about 9. Other aspects of the disclosure include a kit including a foaming porous pad and a motorized handheld device, methods of making the foaming porous pad, and methods of using the foaming porous pad. |
| US09080264B2 |
Fabric made up of at least two laps interwoven along a common stretch and method for its production
A fabric is made up of at least two laps (20, 21), each of which is formed by a series (22, 24) of longitudinal threads of yarn that are interwoven with one or more series (23, 25) of threads of yarn transverse to these. The first (20) and second laps (21) are joined along a common interweave stretch (30), respectively, parallel to the threads of warp yarn (22, 24) or parallel to the threads of weft yarn (23, 25) and in which the threads of weft yarn (23, 25) and of warp yarn (22, 24) of the two laps (20, 21) are interwoven. The common interweave stretch (30) extends laterally to the laps (20, 21) in such a way as to form a sort of third lap of width at least sufficient to guarantee the solidity of the join of the laps (20, 21) along the stretch of joining (30). |
| US09080263B2 |
Multifilaments with time-dependent characteristics, and medical products made from such multifilaments
The invention relates to a resorbable multifilament comprising a number of individual resorbable filaments of a first type having a first degradation time and a number of individual resorbable filaments of a second type having a second degradation time, wherein the filaments of the first type and the filaments of the second type are arranged in close relationship to form a composite multifilament having a length and a specific composite cross-section comprising cross-sections of the individual filaments of the first type and second type, wherein the cross-sections of the individual filaments of the first and second type are located at determined relative positions, wherein the relative positions amongst the individual cross-sections of the filaments of the first and second types are invariant over the length of the composite multifilament. |
| US09080261B2 |
Method for removing sulfur from fiber using monovalent salt ion exchange
The present invention concerns methods for removing sulfur from a fiber made from a polymer comprising imidazole groups, said method comprising: a) contacting never-dried sulfate anion containing polymeric-fiber with aqueous salt having monovalent anions to displace at least a portion of the sulfate anions; and b) rinsing the fiber to remove displaced sulfate anions. |
| US09080253B2 |
Method for manufacturing epitaxial wafer
In a method for manufacturing an epitaxial wafer by which an epitaxial layer is formed on a surface of a silicon wafer arranged in a reactor by distributing a raw material gas in the reactor, a temperature of a susceptor at the time of carrying the silicon wafer into the reactor is adjusted in accordance with a resistivity of the silicon wafer. There is provided the method for manufacturing an epitaxial wafer, the method enabling reduction in generation of particles from friction of a back surface edge portion and the susceptor due to warpage of the wafer caused at the time of carriage into the reactor and occurrence of scratches on the silicon wafer back surface edge portion without requiring a complicated apparatus. |
| US09080252B2 |
Method of manufacturing crystalline silicon ingot
An approach is provided for a method to manufacture a crystalline silicon ingot. The method comprises providing a mold formed for melting and cooling a silicon feedstock by using a directional solidification process, disposing a barrier layer inside the mold, disposing one or more silicon crystal seeds on the barrier layer, loading the silicon feedstock on the silicon crystal seeds, heating the mold to obtain a silicon melt, and cooling the mold by the directional solidification process to solidify the silicon melt into a silicon ingot. The mold is heated until the silicon feedstock is fully melted and the silicon crystal seeds are at least partially melted. |
| US09080251B2 |
Single crystal silicon pulling device, method for preventing contamination of silicon melt, and device for preventing contamination of silicon melt
A velocity of Ar gas flow passing through between a lower end of a cylindrical body and a thermal shielding body is influenced by arrangement of a pulling path of single crystal silicon, a cylindrical body, and a thermal shielding body. Accordingly, the velocity of the Ar gas flow passing through between a lower end of the cylindrical body and the thermal shielding body is controlled by adjusting a relative position of the pulling path of the single crystal silicon, the cylindrical body, and the thermal shielding body. As described above, dust falling off to silicon melt can be reduced, thereby preventing deterioration in quality of the single crystal silicon. |
| US09080249B2 |
Anodizing treatment station in a vertical paint plant of aluminum profiles and paint plant integrating such anodizing treatment station
The anodizing treatment station (3) in a vertical paint plant (2) of aluminum profiles hanging in succession by means of hooks (8) on a main overhead conveyor (4) moving along a main conveyor line (5) which passes through at least one pre-treatment station and at least one powder or liquid paint station, comprises at least one oxidation bath (9) and a secondary overhead conveyor (10) moving along secondary conveyor line (11) in synchronism with said main conveyor (4), the main conveyor line (5) having a first main loading and/or unloading segment (12), facing said oxidation bath (9), wherein specific first main loading and/or unloading means (13) are adapted to transfer groups (8c) of hooks (8) from said main conveyor (4) to said oxidation bath (9) and/or vice versa, in that the secondary conveyor line (11) has a first secondary loading and/or unloading segment (14), facing said oxidation bath (9), wherein specific first secondary loading and/or unloading means (15) are adapted to transfer groups (8c) of hooks (8) from said secondary conveyor (10) to the oxidation bath (9) and/or vice versa, a first diverter (21) being provided which upstream of the oxidation bath (9) alternately transfers to the secondary conveyor (10) groups (8c) of hooks (8) conveyed by the main conveyor, and a second diverter (22) which to recompose the continuous succession of hooks (8) downstream of the oxidation bath (9) transfers the groups (8c) conveyed by the secondary conveyor (10) to the segments (8b) without hooks (8). |
| US09080245B2 |
Crust breaking device
A crust breaking device for metal melts includes a pneumatic cylinder having a cylinder housing, a piston, which is axially displaceable within the cylinder housing, and a piston rod, which is fastened to the piston. The piston rod is guided by the cylinder housing and movable between a retracted final position and an extended final position. The device includes an electronic control unit and a valve arrangement, which can be actuated via the electronic control unit and is connected via control lines to front and rear pressure chambers inside the cylinder housing. The device further includes at least one metal plate that is fixedly arranged within the cylinder housing in order to define a final position of the piston or the piston rod. The metal plate and the piston are electrically connected to the control unit such that a contact of the piston with the metal plate closes a circuit. |
| US09080244B2 |
Process for iron and steel production
A method of producing iron by: solubilizing iron oxide as a lithiated iron oxide in a molten carbonate having lithium carbonate; and subjecting the lithiated iron oxide to electrolysis to obtain iron and oxygen. The molten alkali metal carbonate salt may further include lithium oxide. Additionally the lithium carbonate may be simultaneously subjected to electrolysis to produce steel instead of iron. |
| US09080242B2 |
Pressurized electrolysis stack with thermal expansion capability
The present techniques provide systems and methods for mounting an electrolyzer stack in an outer shell so as to allow for differential thermal expansion of the electrolyzer stack and shell. Generally, an electrolyzer stack may be formed from a material with a high coefficient of thermal expansion, while the shell may be formed from a material having a lower coefficient of thermal expansion. The differences between the coefficients of thermal expansion may lead to damage to the electrolyzer stack as the shell may restrain the thermal expansion of the electrolyzer stack. To allow for the differences in thermal expansion, the electrolyzer stack may be mounted within the shell leaving a space between the electrolyzer stack and shell. The space between the electrolyzer stack and the shell may be filled with a non-conductive fluid to further equalize pressure inside and outside of the electrolyzer stack. |
| US09080239B2 |
Method and apparatus for angular high density plasma chemical vapor deposition
Forming a shallow trench capacitor in conjunction with an FET by forming a plurality of STI trenches; for the FET, implanting a first cell well having a first polarity between a first and a second of the STI trenches; for the capacitor, implanting a second cell well having a second polarity in an area of a third of the STI trenches; removing dielectric material from the third STI trench; forming a gate stack having a first portion located between the first and the second of the STI trenches and a second portion located over and extending into the third trench; and performing a source/drain implant of the same polarity as the second cell well, thereby forming a FET in the first cell well, and a capacitor in the second cell well. The second polarity may be opposite from the first polarity. An additional implant may reduce ESR in the second cell well. |
| US09080234B2 |
Process for the surface-modification of flyash and industrial applications thereof
Processes for the surface-modification of flyash and industrial applications thereof are described in this invention, which involve surface-sensitization, surface-activation, and subsequent Cu or Ag coating of as-received flyash particles in a conventional electroless bath. These new surface-modification processes offer efficient and cost-effective alternatives to conventional processes which modify the surface of flyash particles with a costlier Sn—Pd catalyst-system. Flyash processed with the inventive processes is also suitable for a greater number of industrial applications relative to that processed with the costlier Sn—Pd catalyst-system. The as-received flyash particles, processed via the inventive surface-modification processes, find industrial applications as conductive fillers for manufacturing conducting polymers, paints, adhesives, sealers, and resins used for EMI shielding of electronic devices, in lead-based composites used in the automobile industries, and as a catalyst to purify industrial waste-water by decomposing longer chains of organic molecules into smaller ones. |
| US09080231B2 |
Hot-dipped steel and method of producing same
The present invention provides a hot-dipped steel 1 that demonstrates favorable corrosion resistance and formability, and has a favorable appearance of a plating layer. The hot-dipped steel of the present invention includes a steel substrate formed thereon with an aluminum-zinc alloy plating layer. The aluminum-zinc alloy plating layer contains Al, Zn, Si and Mg as constituent elements thereof and the Mg content is 0.1% to 10% by weight. The aluminum-zinc alloy plating layer contains 0.2% to 15% by volume of an Si—Mg phase, and the weight ratio of Mg in the Si—Mg phase to the total weight of Mg is 3% or more. |
| US09080228B2 |
Copper alloy sheet and method for manufacturing copper alloy sheet
An aspect of the copper alloy sheet contains 5.0 mass % to 12.0 mass % of Zn, 1.1 mass % to 2.5 mass % of Sn, 0.01 mass % to 0.09 mass % of P and 0.6 mass % to 1.5 mass % of Ni with a remainder of Cu and inevitable impurities, and satisfies a relationship of 20≦[Zn]+7×[Sn]+15×[P]+4.5×[Ni]≦32. The aspect of the copper alloy sheet is manufactured using a manufacturing process including a cold finishing rolling process in which a copper alloy material is cold-rolled, the average crystal grain diameter of the copper alloy material is 1.2 μm to 5.0 μm, round or oval precipitates are present in the copper alloy material, the average grain diameter of the precipitates is 4.0 nm to 25.0 nm or a proportion of precipitates having a grain diameter of 4.0 nm to 25.0 nm in the precipitates is 70% or more. |
| US09080227B2 |
Copper alloy sheet and method of manufacturing copper alloy sheet
A copper alloy sheet according to one aspect contains 28.0 mass % to 35.0 mass % of Zn, 0.15 mass % to 0.75 mass % of Sn, 0.005 mass % to 0.05 mass % of P, and a balance consisting of Cu and unavoidable impurities, in which relationships of 44≧[Zn]+20×[Sn]≧37 and 32≦[Zn]+9×([Sn]−0.25)1/2≦37 are satisfied. The copper alloy sheet according to the aspect is manufactured by a manufacturing process including a finish cold-rolling process of cold-rolling a copper alloy material, an average grain size of the copper alloy material is 2.0 μm to 7.0 μm, and a sum of an area ratio of a β phase and an area ratio of a γ phase in a metallographic structure of the copper alloy material is 0% to 0.9%. |
| US09080226B2 |
Copper-based alloy
Alloy on the basis of copper, zinc, nickel, lead and manganese having properties of resistance to corrosion, notably to inks and gel-inks. The inventive alloy can have a mono-phased alpha structure and a bi-phased alpha-beta structure and is especially suited to the production of tips and reservoirs for writing implements. |
| US09080223B2 |
Steel tube for airbags and a process for manufacturing same
A steel tube for an airbag which has a low alloy cost and a strength of at least 1000 MPa and vTrs100 of −80° C. or below and a process for its manufacture which can minimize the number of times that softening annealing treatment is performed in a cold drawing step are provided. Stable properties are obtained even when quench hardening is carried out by high frequency induction heating on a large scale. The steel tube has a steel composition which comprises, in mass percent, C: 0.05-0.20%, Si: 0.10-0.50%, Mn: 0.10-1.00%, P: at most 0.025%, S: at most 0.005%, Al: 0.005-0.10%, Ca: 0.0005-0.0050%, Nb: 0.005-0.050%, Ti: 0.005-0.050%, Cu: 0.01-0.50%, Ni: 0.01-0.50%, Cr: 0.01-0.50%, B: 0.0005-0.0050%, N: 0.002-0.010%, and a remainder of Fe and unavoidable impurities. |
| US09080222B2 |
Method and device for hardening profiles
The invention relates to a method for producing hardened profiles, in particular hardened open profiles, wherein the component is at least partly heated to above the austenitizing temperature of the base material and after heating the component is cooled at a rate above the critical hardening rate, the energy necessary for the heating being introduced at least partly by induction, wherein free edges are provided in the component to adjust a temperature or hardness gradient over the cross section of the component, the size, type and extension of the edges being set for a desired degree of hardness and/or hardness gradient. |
| US09080221B2 |
System and process for refining sugar
A system and process for refining raw sugar, comprising a melting unit configured to receive the raw sugar and an eluent to produce a melt liquor, a decolorization unit configured to receive the melt liquor and to produce a fine liquor, a crystallization unit configured to fractionate high-purity crystalline sucrose from the fine liquor and to provide a run-off syrup, a softening unit configured to receive the run-off syrup to produce a softened syrup, at least one separation unit configured to receive the softened syrup to produce a low-invert sucrose product, and a recycle line configured to relay the low-invert sucrose product from the at least one separation unit to the melting unit. |
| US09080220B2 |
Simultaneous, separate or sequential therapeutic use of at least one botulinum neurotoxin and of at least one opiate derivative
The present invention relates to a composition comprising: at least one botulinum neurotoxin, and at least one opiate derivative or its salt. The invention also relates to a product comprising at least one botulinum neurotoxin and at least one opiate derivative or its salt, as a combination product for simultaneous, separate or sequential therapeutic use in the treatment or prevention of pain and of neuromuscular disorders. |
| US09080213B2 |
Methods of determining chondrocytes
A method of determining identity, purity and/or potency of chondrocytes in vitro includes a) isolating and, optionally, culturing chondrocytes from a biological sample, and b) determining gene expression of at least one marker in the chondrocytes selected from the group consisting of FLT-1, IL-1beta, BSP-2, and type I collagen. |
| US09080211B2 |
Transposon end compositions and methods for modifying nucleic acids
The present invention provides methods, compositions and kits for using a transposase and a transposon end for generating extensive fragmentation and 5′-tagging of double-stranded target DNA in vitro, then using a DNA polymerase for generating 5′- and 3′-tagged single-stranded DNA fragments without performing a PCR amplification reaction, wherein the first tag on the 5′-ends exhibits the sequence of the transferred transposon end and optionally, an additional arbitrary sequence, and the second tag on the 3′-ends exhibits a different sequence from the sequence exhibited by the first tag. The method is useful for generating 5′- and 3′-tagged DNA fragments for use in a variety of processes, including processes for metagenomic analysis of DNA in environmental samples, copy number variation (CNV) analysis of DNA, and comparative genomic sequencing (CGS), including massively parallel DNA sequencing (so-called “next-generation sequencing.). |
| US09080210B2 |
High throughput screening using combinatorial sequence barcodes
The invention involves methods and uses of a combination of at least two nucleotide sequence identifiers in the preparation of a sample DNA for high throughput sequencing. Accordingly, in the high throughput sequencing a plurality of prepared sample DNAs, each preparation of a sample DNA comprises a unique combination of the at least two nucleotide sequence identifiers wherein a first nucleotide sequence identifier is selected from a group of nucleotide sequence identifiers and a second nucleotide sequence identifier is selected from the group of nucleotide sequence identifiers. |
| US09080208B2 |
Composite liquid cells
A sample handling method may include drawing an encapsulating liquid from an encapsulating-liquid input; discharging the drawn encapsulating liquid (a) onto a free surface of a carrier liquid in a carrier-liquid conduit comprising a stabilization feature and (b) proximate to the stabilization feature, the encapsulating liquid being immiscible with the carrier liquid, so that the discharged encapsulating liquid does not mix with the carrier liquid, floats on top of the carrier liquid, and is immobilized by the stabilization feature; drawing a sample liquid from a sample-liquid input; and discharging the drawn sample liquid, the sample liquid being immiscible with the encapsulating liquid and with the carrier liquid, so that the sample liquid does not mix with the encapsulating liquid or with the carrier liquid. |
| US09080207B2 |
Microfluidic system for amplifying and detecting polynucleotides in parallel
The present technology provides for an apparatus for detecting polynucleotides in samples, particularly from biological samples. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. The apparatus includes a microfluidic cartridge that is configured to accept a plurality of samples, and which can carry out PCR on each sample individually, or a group of, or all of the plurality of samples simultaneously. |
| US09080204B2 |
Compositions and methods for rapid, real-time detection of influenza a virus (H1N1) Swine 2009
Disclosed are oligonucleotide amplification primers and detection probes specific for the amplification and detection of pathogenic organisms, including for example, specific Influenza A H1N1 viral isolates. Also disclosed is a biological organism identification kit including the disclosed nucleic acid probes and primers, as well as thermal cycling reagents that is both portable and durable, and may also be self-contained for remote, or in-field analysis and identification of particular influenza isolates from a variety of biological specimen types. |
| US09080201B2 |
Method for measuring cholesterol in HDL subfraction, and reagents and kit therefor
The present invention provides a method for simply and precisely measuring cholesterol in an HDL subfraction contained in a sample. This is a method for measuring cholesterol in HDL3 contained in a sample, which comprises reacting a sample with (1) a combination of a cholesterol ester hydrolase and a cholesterol oxidase or (2) a combination of a cholesterol ester hydrolase, an oxidized coenzyme and a cholesterol dehydrogenase in an aqueous medium containing: (a) a divalent metal salt; (b) an alkali metal salt selected from the group consisting of a sulfate, a nitrate, a carbonate, an acetate and a halide; and (c) dextran sulfate or a salt thereof, and measuring a substance formed or consumed in the reaction without separating and removing lipoproteins other than HDL3. |
| US09080199B2 |
Method to generate novel bioactive molecules
The present invention describes a method to generate new chemical entities (NCEs) that have well-defined activities such as, but not limited to, anti-bacterial, antifungal and anthelmintic effects. The NCEs are generated through adaptive evolution of one microbe (the producer) against another organism or cell type (the target). The producer is made to compete against the target over time by co-culturing the two together and serially passing the producer organism until the producer adaptively evolves by synthesizing an NCE(s) that inhibits growth of or kills the target. The molecular structure of the chemical entity (or entities) is then elucidated using tools from genomics, molecular biology, computational biology, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry and related fields. |
| US09080192B2 |
Processes using amino acid dehydrogenases and ketoreductase-based cofactor regenerating system
The present disclosure relates to the use of an amino acid dehydrogenase in combination with a cofactor regenerating system comprising a ketoreductase. In particular embodiments, the process can be used to prepare L-tert-leucine using a leucine dehydrogenase. |
| US09080191B2 |
Method for biocatalytic production of nitriles from oximes and oxime dehydratases usable therein
The present invention relates to novel methods for biocatalytic production of nitriles from oximes using oxime dehydratases and novel mutants with oxime dehydratase activity and use thereof in a process for biocatalytic production of nitriles, such as in particular for the production of citral nitrile, neral nitrile, geranial nitrile or citronellyl nitrile from citral oxime, neral oxime, geranial oxime or citronellal oxime; and oxime dehydratases usable therefor, nucleotide sequences therefor and expression constructs or microorganisms comprising these. |
| US09080189B2 |
Method for producing an organic acid
An organic acid is produced by allowing a bacterium which has an ability to produce an organic acid and has been modified so that expression of the sucE1 and mdh genes are enhanced, or a product obtained by processing the bacterium, to act on an organic raw material in a reaction mixture containing carbonate ions, bicarbonate ions, or carbon dioxide gas, and collecting the organic acid. |
| US09080184B2 |
Transgenic therapeutic stem cells and methods for their use and manufacture
The invention relates to transgenic stem cells for therapeutic use. Stem cells according to the invention comprise at least one therapeutic trans gene that is expressed when transplanted to a subject. Methods of use and manufacturing the transgenic stem cells of the invention are also contemplated, including the use of transiently transgenic G-CSF bone marrow stem cells for treating the penumbra of ischemic tissues such as central nervous system tissues. |
| US09080181B2 |
Nucleic acid constructs methods for altering plant fiber length and/or plant height
Nucleic acid constructs and methods are disclosed for modifying fiber length, plant height, and/or plant biomass in plant tissues. Plants are genetically engineered with constructs encoding an Arabidopsis thaliana wall-associated kinase gene, which alters fiber length and/or plant height when overexpressed under the control of a cambium/xylem preferred promoter. Plant transformants harboring a wall-associated kinase gene show increased fiber length, a trait that is thought to improve woody trees for pulping and papermaking. |
| US09080177B2 |
pAVEC
This application provides, in part, pAVEC plasmids and methods of use of such plasmids for the production of polypeptides such as immunoglobulins as well as the generation of recombined versions of such plasmids which contain polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides. |
| US09080176B2 |
Multimodality imaging of reporter gene expression using a novel fusion vector in living cells and animals
Novel double and triple fusion reporter gene constructs harboring distinct imagable reporter genes are provided, as well as applications for the use of such double and triple fusion constructs in living cells and in living animals using distinct imaging technologies. |
| US09080175B2 |
Organic compositions to treat Beta-ENaC-related diseases
The present disclosure relates to RNAi agents useful in methods of treating Beta-ENaC-related diseases such as cystic fibrosis, pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1 (PHA1), Liddle's syndrome, hypertension, alkalosis, hypokalemia, and obesity-associated hypertension, using a therapeutically effective amount of a RNAi agent to Beta-ENaC. |
| US09080170B2 |
Modified U7 snRNAs for treatment of neuromuscular diseases
The present invention relates to a method to improve the activity of engineered U7 snRNAs used in the context of RNA-based therapeutics; particularly in exon skipping, exon inclusion, and mRNA eradication strategies. The resulting modified U7 snRNAs are useful for treating neuromuscular diseases, in particular Duchenne neuromuscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy DM1 and spinal muscular atrophy. |
| US09080164B2 |
Mutant β-glucosidase, enzyme composition for decomposing biomass, and method of producing sugar solution
A β-glucosidase exhibits high activity in the presence of biomass and has high thermal stability compared to conventional enzymes. The β-glucosidase includes substitutions and/or deletions of amino acids, at least three amino acids selected from the group consisting of Glu39, Asp169, Arg170, Arg220, Tyr227, and Glu330, of the parent β-glucosidase with other amino acids and exhibits a decomposition activity. |
| US09080163B2 |
Cellobiohydrolase variants
The invention relates to recombinant expression of variant forms of C1 CBH1a and homologs thereof, having improved thermostability, low-pH tolerance, specific activity and other desirable properties. Also provided are methods for producing ethanol and other valuable organic compounds by combining cellobiohydrolase variants with cellulosic materials. |
| US09080161B2 |
Polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides. |
| US09080160B2 |
Polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention provides isolated polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also provides nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides. |
| US09080158B2 |
Method of producing S-adenosyl-L-methionine-containing dry yeast having excellent storage stability, the product thereof and composition for oral intake
A method for producing a dry yeast containing S-adenosyl-L-methionine using a yeast having production capability of S-adenosyl-L-methionine, in which an ascorbic acid compound or a salt thereof is added to a yeast concentrate separated from a fungus culture liquid of the yeast, and the concentrate is then dried, a dry yeast containing SAMe obtained by the production method, and a composition for oral ingestion formed by molding the dry yeast. A method capable of producing a dry yeast containing SAMe in a high concentration excellent in storage stability conveniently at low cost is established, and a dry yeast containing SAMe obtained by the production method and a composition for oral ingestion formed by molding the dry yeast are provided. |
| US09080148B2 |
Neuronal cells cultured on microparticles and methods of using the neuronal cells
The present invention provides methods for culturing neuronal cells for transplantation into a subject. The methods include culturing neuronal cells with microparticles to provide a microparticle and neuronal cell culture composition, wherein the microparticles are coated with a compound that provides for attachment of neuronal cells. The present invention also provides methods of screening the cultured neuronal cells as well as kits and systems for the method of screening. |
| US09080141B2 |
In vitro growth of tissues suitable to the formation of bone and bone forming tissue formed thereby
The present invention is directed to a device for the growth of new bone or bone-like tissue under in vitro cell culture conditions. |
| US09080138B2 |
Cell culture system, cell culture method, cell culture vessel and method for manufacturing cell culture vessel
A cell culture system comprising a light source for emitting light, a light intensity regulator for regulating the light intensity of the light emitted by the light source, a cell activity-measuring device for measuring the activity of cells cultured on a photocatalytic film irradiated with the light, and an association device for associating the light intensity with the cell activity. |
| US09080132B2 |
Use of heptylpolyglycosides for solubilising non-ionic surfactants in aqueous acidic cleaning compositions, and aqueous acidic cleaning compositions comprising same
A composition (C) of formula (I): R1—O-(G)p-H (I). G is a reducing sugar, R1 is a heptyl radical, p is a decimal number, and 1 |
| US09080129B2 |
Hydrophobically modified cationic polymer
The present invention relates to hydrophobically modified cationic polymers obtainable by the polymerization of one or more cationic ethylenically unsaturated monomers with an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having anhydride, imide, lactone, carboxylic acid, isocyanate or blocked isocyanate group and a reactive siloxane and processes for preparing them. These polymers are useful i.a. as a depositioning aid of hydrophobic actives onto fibrous substrates. |
| US09080127B2 |
Composition, compound and film forming method
A composition comprising at least one compound represented by the following formula (Z) is disclose. A-L-{D1-(E)q-D2-(B)m—Z1—R}p (Z) In the formula, A represents a p-valent, linear or cyclic residue; L represents a single bond or a divalent linking group; p indicates an integer of at least 2; D1 represents a carbonyl group (—C(═O)—) or a sulfonyl group (—S(═O)2—); D2 represents a carbonyl group (—C(═O)—), a sulfonyl group (—S(═O)2—), a carboxyl group (—C(═O)O—), a sulfoxyl group (—S(═O)2O—), a carbamoyl group (—C(═O)N(Alk)-), or a sulfamoyl group (—S(═O)2N(Alk)-); E represents a divalent group; R represents a hydrogen atom, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having at most 7 carbon atoms; B represents oxyethylene group or the like; Z1 represents a single bond, or a divalent group. |
| US09080125B2 |
Lubricating oil composition
A lubricating oil composition contains: at least one lubricating base oil selected from the group consisting of a mineral lubricating base oil and a synthetic lubricating base oil; (a) a neutral phosphorus compound; (b) at least one acid phosphorus compound selected from the group consisting of a specific acid phosphate amine salt and a specific acid phosphite; and (c) a sulfur compound. |
| US09080124B2 |
Use of graft polymers
The invention relates to the use of graft polymers obtained by polymerization in two stages. In a first stage, at least one graft basis is produced by radically polymerizing a monomer composition A) containing 0 to 40 percent by weight of one or several ethylenically unsaturated ester compounds of formula (I), wherein R represents hydrogen or methyl, R1 represents a linear or branched alkyl radical comprising 1 to 5 carbon atoms, R2 and R3 independently represent hydrogen or a group of formula —COOR′, wherein R′ represents hydrogen or an alkyl group comprising 1 to 5 carbon atoms, 60 to 100 percent by weight of one or several ethylenically unsaturated ester compounds of formula (II), wherein R represents hydrogen or methyl, R4 represents a linear or branched alkyl radical comprising 6 to 40 carbon atoms, R5 and R6 independently represent hydrogen or a group of formula —COOR′, wherein R′ represents hydrogen or an alkyl group comprising 6 to 40 carbon atoms, and 0 to 40 percent by weight of comonomers, the percentages being relative to the weight of monomer composition A). In a second stage, a monomer composition B) containing 20 to 100 percent by weight of at least one monomer that comprises at least one nitrogen-containing group is grafted onto the graft basis in order to reduce wear in lubricant oil compositions. Said graft polymer comprises a maximum of 200 ppm of sulfur while the weight ratio between monomer composition A) and monomer composition B) ranges between 99.7:0.3 and 80:20. |
| US09080119B2 |
Synthesis of high caloric fuels and chemicals including pentanol from coal, natural gas, and biomass
In one embodiment, the present application discloses methods to selectively synthesize higher alcohols and hydrocarbons useful as fuels and industrial chemicals from syngas and biomass. Ketene and ketonization chemistry along with hydrogenation reactions are used to synthesize fuels and chemicals. In another embodiment, ketene used to form fuels and chemicals may be manufactured from acetic acid which in turn can be synthesized from synthesis gas which is produced from coal, biomass, natural gas, etc. |
| US09080118B2 |
Diesel engine injector fouling improvements with a highly paraffinic distillate fuel
The invention provides the use of a highly paraffinic distillate fuel in a diesel fuel composition for reducing the formation of injector nozzle deposits when combusted in a diesel engine having a high pressure fuel injection system, wherein the distillate fuel has an aromatics content less than 0.1 wt %, a sulfur content less than 10 ppm and a paraffinic content of at least 70 wt %, such that the diesel fuel composition has a relative fouling behavior of 70% or less and a density of more than 0.815 g. cm−3 (at 15° C.). |
| US09080111B1 |
System and method for adding blend stocks to gasoline or other fuel stocks
A method, system, and apparatus for addition of a blending stock to a fuel stock flowing through a line in order to blend up the fuel stock, and/or to blend up a heel material contained in a tank to which the blended product is to be delivered. The actual volatility of the blended product flowing through the line is monitored using an automated volatility analyzer. The blending stock is added to the fuel stock in the line at a blending rate which is automatically controlled by comparing the measured actual volatility value to either a target volatility value for the blended product or a modified target volatility value which can be implemented for the purpose of also blending up a tank heel. |
| US09080110B2 |
Composition comprising combination of esters of carboxylic acids for removing metals from hydrocarbon feedstock
Method of removing metals from hydrocarbon feedstock using esters of carboxylic acids, and additives for the same, are provided, wherein hydrocarbon stream including crude oil containing metals and salts thereof, wherein metal is calcium and its salt is calcium naphthenate, is mixed with an effective metal-removing-amount of an aqueous extraction-solution of non-precipitating and non-fouling additive comprising a chemical compound selected from a group consisting of methyl or ethyl or propyl or isopropyl mono- and/or di-esters of any one of the carboxylic acids selected from the groups consisting of maleic acid, maleic anhydride, and fumaric acid, or an appropriate combination of said esters, or an appropriate combination of any of said esters with any of said carboxylic acids to form a hydrocarbonous phase and an aqueous phase containing the metal ions; and separating aqueous phase. |
| US09080108B2 |
Process for producing at least one product from at least one gaseous reactant in a slurry bed
A process for producing at least one product from at least one gaseous reactant includes feeding the gaseous reactant, as a gaseous feed or as part of a gaseous feed which is at an inlet superficial gas velocity of at least 0.5 m/s, into a vessel holding an expanded slurry bed of solid catalyst particles suspended in a suspension liquid so that the gaseous reactant can bubble upwardly through the slurry bed. The slurry bed has a catalyst loading of less than 14% by volume of degassed slurry. The gaseous reactant is allowed to react catalytically at a pressure above atmospheric pressure as the gaseous reactant bubbles upwardly through the slurry bed to produce at least one product. The product and any unreacted gaseous reactant are withdrawn from the vessel. |
| US09080104B2 |
Mn-activated phosphors
The invention relates to compounds of the general formula (I): Lu3−x−zAxAl5−y−zScyO12:MnzCaz,, where A stands for Y, Gd or Tb, x stands for a value from the range from 0 to 2.90, y stands for a value from the range from 0 to 0.50, z stands for a value from the range from 0.005 to 0.05, and to a process for the preparation of these phosphors and to the use thereof as conversion phosphors or in lamps. |
| US09080100B2 |
Polymerizable liquid crystal composition
To provide a polymerizable liquid crystal composition showing good coating properties even when a support substrate has a low solvent resistance, and having uniform alignment properties. A polymerizable liquid crystal composition is prepared by containing as components an acrylate polymerizable liquid crystal compound, a compound represented by formula (3), and a non-liquid crystalline compound having an acryloyl group or a methacryloyl group as a reactive moiety, and having a functional group including a hydroxyl group as a reactive dilution solvent in one molecule. When the polymerizable liquid crystal composition is applied onto the support substrate, dried and irradiated with light, the polymerizable liquid crystal composition showing good coating properties even when the support substrate has the low solvent resistance, and having the uniform alignment properties can be obtained. |
| US09080094B2 |
Methods and compositions for enhancing well productivity in weakly consolidated or unconsolidated formations
Methods of fracturing a subterranean formation that include the steps of placing a stabilizing fluid comprising a formation stabilizing agent and a degradable fluid loss controlling agent into the subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture therein, wherein the degradable fluid loss controlling agent at least partially covers a face of the fracture; placing a treatment fluid comprising proppants into at least a portion of the fracture; bridging the fluid loss controlling agent, the proppants, or both at or near the tip of the fracture to induce a tip screenout; allowing the proppants to form a proppant pack in the portion of the fracture; and allowing the degradable fluid loss controlling agent to degrade. |
| US09080087B2 |
Reduction in modulus of polyurethane sealants and adhesives
Low modulus, polyurethane sealant or adhesive compositions and a method of reducing the modulus of a polyurethane sealant or adhesive composition, including adding a modulus reducing additive of at least one of rosin esters, hydrogenated rosin esters, or mixtures thereof, to a sealant or adhesive composition including a polyurethane prepolymer, optionally having a bio-based content of from about 15% to about 75% by weight. |
| US09080086B2 |
Melamine-reinforced UF glues with up to 0.9% of melamine for producing medium-density fiberboard
The present invention relates to a process for producing melamine-urea-formaldehyde resins with up to 0.9% of melamine by reacting a) urea which comprises from 0 to 10% by weight of one or more compounds A, formaldehyde, and melamine in the presence of a base at a pH of from 7.5 to 11, at a temperature of from 20 to 120° C., and at a pressure of from 0.1 to 10 bar, b) and then carrying out reaction in the presence of an acid which optionally comprises urea with from 0 to 10% by weight of one or more compounds A, at a temperature of from 60 to 180° C., and at a pressure of from 0.1 to 10 bar, and c) and then adding urea which comprises from 0 to 10% by weight of one or more compounds A, which comprises carrying out b) at a pH of from 4 to 5.9. |
| US09080084B2 |
Photolytically induced redox curable compositions
Photolytically induced redox curable compositions, which show a delayed onset of cure resulting in controllable “open times” for the end user consumer, are provided. These compositions are activated by exposure to electromagnetic radiation, such as UV/VIS radiation with a wavelength in the range of 254-470 nm, but show a commercially meaningful “open time” prior to cure. This property is particularly attractive when opaque substrates and/or substrates with low transmissivity are to be assembled. |
| US09080078B2 |
Functional surfaces comprised of hyper nanocomposite (HNC) for marking subsystem applications
Provided are hyper nanocomposite, hyper nanocomposite coatings, devices, and articles including s hyper nanocomposite coatings. An article can include a surface including at least one region and a hyper nanocomposite coating disposed over the one region, wherein the hyper nanocomposite coating can include a plurality of nanoparticles substantially uniformly dispersed in one or more cross-linked hyperbranched polymers selected from the group consisting of polycarbosilane, polycarbosilixane, and polycarbosilazene, polyfluorocarbon. |
| US09080070B2 |
Inkjet ink for printing on fluoropolymers
A continuous inkjet ink composition includes a solvent, fluoropolymer, a fluorosurfactant, and a colorant. A conductivity salt can also be included. A dispersion resin and/or dispersant can also be included. The continuous inkjet ink is suitable for printing on a fluoropolymer substrate, such as poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE), with an inkjet printer and curing by heating. The ink can be made by mixing together the solvent, fluoropolymer, fluorosurfactant, and colorant, and optionally the conductivity salt, dispersion resin, and/or dispersant and filtering the mixture. |
| US09080069B2 |
Composition for inkjet and recording material
A composition for inkjet adapted to be discharged by an inkjet method includes a metal powder, an organic solvent, and a binder resin. The metal powder is treated by a surface preparation with a fluorinated silane compound and/or a fluorinated phosphate ester as a surface preparation agent. |
| US09080064B2 |
Method of applying a coating composition of quaternary ammonium salts containing non-halogen anions as anticorrosive agents
Disclosed are quaternary ammonium salts containing non-halogen anions (e.g., quaternary ammonium carbonates, bicarbonates, and mixtures thereof) as anti-corrosive agents. The invention relates to a method for inhibiting the corrosion of metal surfaces by applying a composition containing one or more quaternary ammonium carbonate or bicarbonate. The disclosure is also directed to anti-corrosive coatings for metal substrates containing these compounds, to metal substrates having these anticorrosive coatings, and to aqueous cleaning solutions containing these compounds. |
| US09080060B2 |
Water-based coating system with improved adhesion to a wide range of coated and uncoated substrates including muffler grade stainless steel
The present invention provides a water-based coating system that can be used to form a durable, abrasion resistant, tough, protective coating on a wide range of substrates. The coating system advantageously has excellent adhesion properties and can be directly coated onto stainless steel surfaces without requiring an intervening primer layer. Primer layers or other types of coatings can be used in combination with the coating system of the present invention if desired, however. The coating system is particularly effective for protecting metal-containing substrates such as intermodal, refrigerated cargo containers. The resultant coatings are flexible and impact resistant. Being water-based, the coating compositions have lower VOC emissions and less residual odor than solvent-based compositions. |
| US09080059B2 |
Coating compositions
A coating composition comprising an advanced epoxy resin polymeric composition having the following chemical structure:(formula) I where n is a number from 1 to about 3000; each m independently has a value of 0 or 1; each R0 is independently —H or —CH3; each R1 is independently —H or a C1 to C6 alkylene radical (saturated divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon radical); R′1-R′4 are independently hydrogen, an alkyl, cycloalkyl, an aryl or an aralkyl group or other substituent, for example, a nitro, an isocyanate, or an alkyloxy group; additionally, any two of R′1-R′4 may form fused ring independently; and X is cycloalkylene group, including substituted cycloalkylene group, where the substituent groups include an alkyl, cycloalkyl, an aryl or an aralkyl group or other substituent group, for example, a halide, a cyano, a nitro, a blocked isocyanate, or an alkyloxy group; the combination of cycloalkylene and alkylene groups and the combination of alkylene and cycloalkylene group with a bridging moiety in between. |
| US09080058B2 |
Hard coating film, hard coating agent, and polarizing plate including the hard coating film
A hard coating film that is curled to a height of less than 20 mm and has a pencil hardness of 3H or harder, the hard coating film including a hard coating agent that includes a hyperbranched (meth)acrylate oligomer having about 50 to about 200 (meth)acrylate groups, reactive nanoparticles, and a polyfunctional monomer. |
| US09080055B2 |
Photoelectric conversion device using TiOF2 as semiconductor
Use of TiOF2 as semiconductor in a photoelectric conversion device, in particular in a dye-sensitized solar cell. A photoelectric conversion device, in particular a dye-sensitized solar cell, comprising a semiconductor layer containing at least TiOF2. The TiOF2 is preferably used in the form of nanoparticles. Dyes, method(s) of making them, and their use in photoelectric conversion devices, especially in dye-sensitized solar cells. A dye-sensitized solar cell comprising at least one fluorinated compound as a dye and at least TiOF2 as semiconductor. |
| US09080052B2 |
Precursor polymer compositions comprising polybenzimidazole
Stable, high performance polymer compositions including polybenzimidazole (PBI) and a melamine-formaldehyde polymer, such as methylated, poly(melamine-co-formaldehyde), for forming structures such as films, fibers and bulky structures. The polymer compositions may be formed by combining polybenzimidazole with the melamine-formaldehyde polymer to form a precursor. The polybenzimidazole may be reacted and/or intertwined with the melamine-formaldehyde polymer to form the polymer composition. For example, a stable, free-standing film having a thickness of, for example, between about 5 μm and about 30 μm may be formed from the polymer composition. Such films may be used as gas separation membranes and may be submerged into water for extended periods without crazing and cracking. The polymer composition may also be used as a coating on substrates, such as metal and ceramics, or may be used for spinning fibers. Precursors for forming such polymer compositions are also disclosed. |
| US09080051B2 |
Gelatinous triblock copolymer elastomer particles in polyurethane flexible foams
Combinations of gelatinous elastomer and polyurethane foam may be made by introducing a plasticized triblock copolymer resin and/or a diblock copolymer resin at least partially cured into gel particles into a mixture of polyurethane foam forming components including a polyol and an isocyanate. The plasticized copolymer resin is polymerized to form a cured gelatinous elastomer or gel, which is then reduced in size, for instance to give an average particle size of 10 millimeters or less. Polymerizing the polyol and the isocyanate forms polyurethane foam. The polyurethane reaction is exothermic and can generate sufficient temperature to at least partially melt the styrene-portion of the triblock copolymer resin thereby extending the crosslinking and in some cases integrating the triblock copolymer within the polyurethane polymer matrix. The gel component has higher heat capacity than polyurethane foam and thus has good thermal conductivity and acts as a heat sink. |
| US09080050B2 |
Use of vinylaromatic-diene copolymers in lactam compositions
A lactam composition which comprises the following components: from 3 to 25% by weight of a random vinylaromatic-diene copolymer (A), where the random vinylaromatic-diene copolymer is composed of at least one block (S) which forms a hard phase and which is composed of vinylaromatic monomers, and of at least one random block (S/B) which forms a soft phase and which has vinylaromatic monomers and diene monomers, from 75 to 97% by weight of at least one lactam component (B), and also optionally reinforcing materials and/or additives has improved viscosity in the melt and can be used for producing polyamide moldings. |
| US09080044B2 |
Rubber stopper for medical treatment
This invention is a rubber stopper for medical treatment, which is obtained by molding a resin composition containing a component (A): at least one of a block copolymer having at least two of a polymer block P containing a vinyl aromatic compound as the core and at least one of a polymer block Q containing a conjugated diene as the core and a hydrogenated block copolymer thereof, a component (B): a hydrocarbon-based softening agent for rubbers, and a component (C): a polyolefin-based resin, wherein the resin composition contains a specified amount of the component (C) based on the total amount of the component (A) and the component (B), and the resin composition has a specified molecular weight distribution. |
| US09080041B2 |
Rubber composition including a polar thermoplastic elastomer including an alkylacrylate unit
A rubber composition used for forming a tread of a tire includes an elastomer matrix, a reinforcing filler, and a coupling agent. The elastomer matrix includes from 60 to 95 phr of at least one diene elastomer and from 5 to 40 phr of a polar thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The polar TPE includes at least one elastomer block and one polar thermoplastic block selected from a homopolymer or copolymers of an alkylacrylic acid ester, with an alkyl radical containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The reinforcing filler includes a reinforcing inorganic filler. The presence of the polar TPE makes it possible to improve a compromise of wet grip and dry grip performances of the tread. |
| US09080039B2 |
Thermoplastic resin composition having improved thermal conductivity and articles thereof
A thermoplastic resin composition comprises (A) about 30 to about 50% by weight of a thermoplastic resin, and (B) about 50 to about 70% by weight of a spherical magnesium oxide, wherein the thermal diffusivity of the thermoplastic resin composition in the horizontal or vertical direction is about 0.065 to about 0.20 cm2/sec and the ratio of thermal diffusivity of the horizontal direction:vertical direction is about 1:0.5 to about 1:1. A thermoplastic resin composition according to a second embodiment comprises (A) about 30 to about 50% by weight of a thermoplastic resin, and (B) about 50 to about 70% by weight of a spherical magnesium oxide, wherein the spherical magnesium oxide is treated on its surface with a silane compound. |
| US09080037B2 |
Ultra-low petroleum plastics
Plastic-like compositions having ultra-low contents of petroleum derived materials are provided. The materials comprise up to about 80% by weight of an inorganic salt having an average particle size between about 0.001 and about 300 μm and a plastic binder. The compositions have a low propensity to ignite or smoke in the presence of heat or flame. |
| US09080034B2 |
Thermoplastic melt-mixed composition with amino acid heat stabilizer
Disclosed is a thermoplastic melt-mixed composition including: a) a polyamide resin; b) 0.50 to about 5.0 weight percent of one or more amino acid selected from the group consisting of primary amino acids and secondary amino acids; said amino acid having no hydroxyl groups and no more than one carboxylic acid; optionally, c) one or more polyepoxy compound including at least two or more epoxy groups; d) reinforcing agent; e) polymeric toughener; and f) further additives; wherein the weight percents of components a), b), c) d) e) and f) are based on the total weight of the thermoplastic melt-mixed composition. Also disclosed are processes for making the compositions. |
| US09080030B2 |
Low VOC and APE free universal paint colourant compositions
The present invention relates to a universal colorant composition that is essentially free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and alkyl phenol ethoxylates (APEs). The present invention comprises a dispersing vehicle that comprises a low molecular weight carbamide compound, a C3-C5 polyalcohol, a polyethylene glycol, and optionally water. The dispersing vehicle provides excellent humectant and dispersing properties. The colorant composition comprising the dispersing vehicle maintains its stability and functionality following extended exposure to the atmosphere and/or temperature extremes. The present invention provides a colorant composition that is universally compatible with a wide variety of aqueous/water-based and organic solvent-based paints and coatings, while exhibiting physical and performance characteristics that are comparable to conventional colorant compositions that contain VOCs and APEs. A process for preparing a universal colorant composition for tinting a wide variety of aqueous/water-based and organic solvent-based paints and coatings is also provided. |
| US09080029B2 |
E/E connector and polymer composition used therein
This invention relates to a flame retardant polyamide composition comprising a semi-aromatic polyamide, a flame retardant system and a reinforcing agent, wherein the semi-aromatic polyamide comprises units derived from dicarboxylic acids comprising terephthalic acid and aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, and aliphatic diamines. In the semi-aromatic polyamide the aliphatic diamines consist of 10-70 mole % of a short chain aliphatic diamine with 2-5 C atoms and 30-90 mole % of a long chain aliphatic diamine with at least 6 C atoms; the dicarboxylic acids consist of 5-65 mole % aliphatic dicarboxylic acid and optionally aromatic dicarboxylic acid other than terephthalic acid and 35-95 mole % terephthalic acid; and the combined molar amount of terephthalic acid and the long chain aliphatic diamine is at least 60 mole %, relative to the total molar amount of the dicarboxylic acids and diamines. The invention also relates to a housing for an electrical/electronic (E/E) connector and use therein of the flame retardant polyamide composition, to a surface mounting process wherein the E/E connector is used and to a surface mounted device comprising the E/E connector. |
| US09080024B2 |
Heat control system for consolidation roller
A heat control system for an adaptive consolidation roller (8) for the production of consolidated layers (2) made of fiber reinforced polymers comprising the adaptive consolidation roller (8) for applying, on an application surface (3), a band (4) formed of at least one resin pre-impregnated flat tape (5), and a heating system (6, 7) adapted to emit heat radiation directed towards the band (4). Said adaptive consolidation roller (8) is rotatable on a spindle (9) and comprises a surface made of an elastic deformable, flexible material. At least one additional roller (10) with thermal control means is provided and said at least one additional roller (10) is pressed from radial outside against the surface of the adaptive consolidation roller (8). |
| US09080023B2 |
Foam molding method, foaming agent and foamed plastic
A foam molding method, a foamed plastic formed by the method, and a foaming agent used in the foam molding method are provided. The foam molding method may include rotating a screw provided in a barrel, feeding a granular or powdered raw material and a foaming agent into the barrel, the foaming agent producing foam through a chemical reaction, melting the fed raw material and producing a gas from the foaming agent, and phase-changing the produced gas to a supercritical state and mixing the gas with the melted raw material. |
| US09080017B2 |
Siloxane-based composition and cured product thereof, and use therefor
A composition containing a metal compound and a siloxane compound (A) represented by general formula (1): wherein X is represented by general formula X1 or X2: wherein the number of X1 is 1-8; the number of X2 is 0-7; the sum of the number of X1 and the number of X2 is 8; R1 to R4 represent a hydrogen atom, a C1-8 alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkynyl group, or a C6-8 aryl group, a hydrogen atom thereof optionally being substituted by a fluorine atom; R5 represents a C1-18 alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkynyl group or aryl group, a hydrogen atom thereof being optionally substituted by a fluorine atom, a carbon atom being optionally substituted by an oxygen atom or a nitrogen atom; R6 represents a hydrogen atom, a vinyl group or an allyl group; m and n represent an integer of 1-4; and 3≦m+n. |
| US09080009B2 |
Biomass-resource-derived polyester and production process thereof
The present invention provides a resin capable of contributing greatly to solve environmental problems and problems related to exhaustion of fossil fuel resources and having physical properties suited for practical use.The polyester according to the present invention has a diol and a dicarboxylic acid as constituent components and has an amount of terminal acid of 50 equivalents/metric ton or less. |
| US09080007B2 |
Anhydride accelerators for epoxy resin systems
Carboxylic acid salts of tertiary amines for use as an accelerator for an anhydride based epoxy curing agents are disclosed. The disclosed carboxylic acid salts of certain tertiary amines are latent anhydride accelerators and enable epoxy resin curing when heated to an elevated temperature (e.g., an onset temperature of greater than about 50° C.). |
| US09080006B2 |
Pressure-sensitive adhesive compound
The present invention relates to the use of an adhesive compound, in particular a pressure-sensitive adhesive compound, based on silylated polyurethanes for bonding optical components, in particular optical films, wherein the adhesive compound has a transmission according to ASTM D 1003 of greater than 86% and a haze according to ASTM D 1003 of less than 5%. |
| US09080005B2 |
Process for the production of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate isomer mixtures with high 2,4′-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate purity
The present invention includes a process and apparatus for the production of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) isomer mixtures with a low 2,2′-MDI isomer content and a high 2,4′-MDI isomer content. The resulting mixtures have an increased reactivity and are acceptable in food grade application due to the reduction in primary aromatic amines formed during the curing process. The process and apparatus also include controlling the amount of 4,4′-MDI, which is the most reactive isomer in the mixture allowing use in a wide variety of applications. |
| US09080004B2 |
Diethylene glycol monomethyl ether resistant coating
Diethylene glycol monomethyl ether resistant coatings include a base component including a sulfur-containing, epoxy functional polyol, and an activator component including an isocyanate curing agent. |
| US09080002B2 |
Coating composition comprising calcium hydrogen-phosphate, processes for preparing it, its use and substrates coated with it
The abstract concerns a coating composition comprising 25-55% by weight of one or more film formers, 2.5-55% by weight of one or more fillers, 0-10% by weight of one or more additives, and 0-30% by weight of a solvent, based on the total weight of the coating composition. As the filler or a filler the composition comprises calcium hydrogen phosphate in a mass fraction of 2.5-20%, preferably 5-15%, more preferably 7.5-11% by weight based on the total weight of the coating composition. The invention further concerns processes for preparing this coating composition, its use as a coating material in the vehicle sector, and substrates produced therewith. |
| US09080001B2 |
Flame-retardant derivatives
A chemical compound of structural formula (I) useful in preparation of flame retardant materials is disclosed. Homopolymer, and copolymers of a compound of formula (I), as well as methods of preparing said homo- and copolymers are also disclosed. Polymers described herein advantageous possess low heat release capacities and high char yields. |
| US09080000B2 |
Method of forming a non-random copolymer
A non-random copolymer is formed, and its structure controlled, using a method including the step of combining a mixture of a first radical polymerizable compound and an organoborane initiator, a second radical polymerizable compound, and an organoborane decomplexing agent, at a rate sufficient to form the non-random copolymer. The non-random copolymer may be a silicon gradient polymer. To form the silicon gradient copolymer, the first and second radical polymerizable compounds are polymerized in the presence of the organoborane initiator and the organoborane decomplexing agent. The silicon gradient copolymer has a polymer backbone consisting of organic moieties and has at least one silicon containing pendent group. |
| US09079996B2 |
Polymer mixture comprising a comb copolymer
The present invention relates to a polymer mixture consisting of at least one comb copolymer I containing blocks consisting of special structural units and at least one copolymerisate II comprising polymerised, optionally substituted styrene and maleic anhydride units, the carboxyl groups of which are present at least partially as alkali metal, earth alkali metal or ammonium salts, and also to the use of these polymer mixtures as wetting and dispersing agents. |
| US09079994B2 |
Polymerizable compositions
A polymerizable composition that comprises a first component comprising a (meth)acrylate and an organic peroxide as an oxidizing agent and a second component comprising a (meth)acrylate and a cysteine as a reducing agent which has a partial structure represented by the following structural formula, the first component and/or the second component further comprising a polymerization promoter: |
| US09079989B2 |
Charge control resin and manufacturing method of the same
Here is provided a charge control resin which is prompt in charge rising up, excellent in electrostatic charging propensity and easy in manufacturing. This charge control resin contains a polymer as an active ingredient having a constituent unit represented by following Formula (1) in the Formula (1), R1 is independent of one another, and is a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a halogen atom, a carboxy-containing group, a straight-chained or branched alkyl group having 1-18 carbon atoms, or a straight-chained or branched alkoxy group having 1-18 carbon atoms; R2 is a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a halogen atom, a carboxy-containing group, a straight-chained or branched alkyl group having 1-18 carbon atoms, or a straight-chained or branched alkoxy group having 1-18 carbon atoms; g is a number of 1-3; h is a number of 1-3; and M is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, a straight-chained or branched alkyl group having 1-18 carbon atoms, an ammonium radical or a mixture of any of these. |
| US09079983B2 |
Chemoselective enrichment for compound isolation
Chemoselective isolation of hydroxyl group-containing and carboxyl group-containing compounds is accomplished via formation of polymeric silyl ethers and polymeric siloxyl esters, respectively. Preparation of chemoselective polymeric reagents for capture of hydroxyl group containing compounds and carboxyl group containing compounds is described. |
| US09079978B2 |
Treatment of fibres to endure processing
The invention relates to a method of treating chemical pulp fibers by a polymerizing hydroxy acid, the fibers thus obtained and the products refined from them. In the method, the hydroxy acid reacts with the reactive groups of the fibers in the presence of a catalyst, forming ester bonds. The following units of the same hydroxy acid are oligomerized and/or polymerized to these grafted acid residues. The fibers thus treated and the products refined thereof endure better processing stages that include drawing and stretching than untreated fibers. |
| US09079976B2 |
Immunostimulatory compositions and methods
The invention provides conjugates comprising an immune co-stimulatory polypeptide and an antigen or infectious agent. The conjugates are useful for generating or enhancing an immune response against the antigen or infectious agent. The invention also provides immune cells modified with a conjugate that are useful for generating or enhancing an immune response to an antigen or infectious agent. The invention also provides immunostimulatory moieties comprising an immune co-stimulatory polypeptide that are useful for stimulating an immune response. The invention also provides immunotherapy methods and methods of treating or preventing infections. |
| US09079975B2 |
Insulin analogues with chlorinated amino acids
An insulin analogue comprises a B-chain polypeptide incorporating a chlorinated phenylalanine. The chlorinated phenylalanine may be located at position B24. The chlorinated phenylalanine may be para-monochloro-phenylalanine. The analogue may be of a mammalian insulin, such as human insulin. A nucleic acid encodes such an insulin analogue. The chlorinated insulin analogues retain significant activity. A method of treating a patient comprises administering a physiologically effective amount of the insulin analogue or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof to a patient. Chlorine substitution-based stabilization of insulin may reduce fibrillation and thereby enhance the treatment of diabetes mellitus in regions of the developing world lacking refrigeration. |
| US09079973B2 |
Natriuretic polypeptides for reducing restenosis
Materials and methods related to using natriuretic polypeptides to reduce proliferation of smooth muscle cells, and to reduce or prevent restenosis. |
| US09079972B2 |
Method of screening a substance for improving insulin resistance
An insulin resistance marker, a method of evaluating insulin resistance, a method of screening a substance that improves insulin resistance, and a pharmaceutical composition for improving insulin resistance are provided. The insulin resistance marker includes a polypeptide comprising at least any 15 continuous amino acids in the specific amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 (sequence of a proepithelin protein). The insulin resistance marker includes a polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of (1) a polynucleotide comprising at least any 45 continuous bases in the base sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 encoding the above specific amino acid sequence, and (2) a polynucleotide that is complementary to the polynucleotide of (1). |
| US09079965B2 |
Bispecific antibody
Provided are bispecific antibodies comprised of a single-chain unit having specificity to an immune cell and a monovalent unit having specificity to a tumor cell or a microorganism. The single-chain unit includes a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) fused to an Fc fragment and the monovalent unit includes a light chain and heavy chain pair. Also provided are methods of preparing bispecific antibodies and pharmaceutical and diagnostic uses of these antibodies. |
| US09079964B2 |
Immunoassay for cyclopropylindole based synthetic cannabinoids, metabolites and derivatives thereof
The invention relates to the detection and quantification of cyclopropylindole based synthetic cannabinoids UR-144 and XLR-11 by providing antibodies based on novel immunogens. These antibodies can be incorporated into methods and kits for the detection of UR-144, XLR-11 and their metabolites. |
| US09079960B2 |
Methods and compositions for inhibiting CD32B expressing cells
The present invention relates to immunoglobulins that bind FcγRIIb+ cells and coengage the antigen on the cell's surface and an FcγRIIb on the cell's surface, methods for their generation, and methods for using the immunoglobulins. |
| US09079957B2 |
Diagnosis and treatment of cancer using anti-TMPRSS11E antibody
[Problem to be Solved]An object of the present invention is to provide novel means for the treatment and diagnosis of cancer.[Solution]The present inventors have obtained a monoclonal antibody against TMPRSS11E and found that this antibody binds to a native form of TMPRSS11E, and TMPRSS11E is highly expressed on the cell membranes of cancer cell lines in flow cytometry. This antibody exhibits antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity activity (ADCC activity) and antitumor effect based on internalization activity and is promising as a therapeutic target. Moreover, this antibody has neutralization activity against protease activity and is also expected to have effect brought about by the inhibition of TMPRSS11E functions. |
| US09079952B2 |
Method for delivering agents into cells using bacterial toxins
The invention provides compositions and methods for delivering a bioactive moiety comprising at least one non-natural component into a cell cytosol of an eukaryotic cell. The bioactive moiety is linked to an A component of a bacterial toxin, a functional wild-type or modified fragment thereof, or an A component surrogate or mimetic. For delivery, the cell is contacted with the linked bioactive moiety and a corresponding B component of the bacterial toxin or a functional fragment thereof. |
| US09079946B2 |
Immunogenic proteins and compositions for the treatment and prevention of streptococcus agalactiae
The invention provides proteins and compositions for the treatment and prevention of Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B streptococcus; GBS). |
| US09079940B2 |
Light-sensitive ion-passing molecules
Disclosed are polynucleotides and methods for expressing light activated proteins in animal cells and altering an action potential of the cells by optical stimulation. The disclosure also provides animal cells and non-human animals comprising cells expressing the light-activated proteins. |
| US09079935B2 |
Reducing risk of contracting Clostridium-difficile associated disease
A method of treating a patient to reduce risk of developing Clostridium difficile-associated disease or reducing existing Clostridium difficile-associated disease in a mammalian subject involves administering to a mammalian subject an effective amount of a germination-inhibiting compound derived from taurocholate. Novel compounds of this class are also provided. |
| US09079933B2 |
Manufacturing method for polyphenol composition
A method for producing a polyphenol composition including a step of subjecting (A) a hardly water-soluble polyphenol and (B) one or more selected from cathechins, chlorogenic acids and methylated compounds of hardly water-soluble polyphenols to a heat treatment at from 100 to 180° C. in the presence of an aqueous medium. |
| US09079931B2 |
Ruthenium complex and method for preparing optically active alcohol compound
The present invention provides a novel ruthenium complex which has an excellent catalytic activity in terms of reactivity for asymmetric reduction of a carbonyl compound and enantioselectivity, a catalyst using the ruthenium complex, and a method for preparing optically active alcohol compounds using the ruthenium complex. The present invention relates to a ruthenium complex having ruthenacycle structure, a catalyst for asymmetric reduction consisting of the ruthenium complex, and a method for preparing optically active alcohol using the ruthenium complex. |
| US09079925B2 |
Alkaline earth metal-complexed metal amides
The present invention relates to metal amides of the formula (I), to a process for preparation thereof and to the use thereof as bases for aromatics, heteroaromatics, alkenes, alkynes and other organic compounds having activated C—H bonds. |
| US09079924B2 |
Method for producing metal compounds
The invention relates to processes for preparing metal(IV) compounds which are suitable especially as catalysts for preparation of polyesters, polyurethanes and polysiloxanes, and to the use of the metal compounds for preparation of polyesters, polyurethanes or polysiloxanes. |
| US09079920B2 |
Compound containing 5-membered heterocycles, organic light-emitting device using same, and terminal comprising the latter
Disclosed are a compound including 5-membered heterocycles, an organic electronic device using the same, and a terminal including the latter. |
| US09079919B2 |
Spiro-[1,3]-oxazines and spiro-[1,4]-oxazepines as BACE1 and/or BACE2 inhibitors
The present invention provides spiro-[1,3]-oxazines and spiro-[1,4]-oxazepines of formula I having BACE1 and/or BACE2 inhibitory activity, their manufacture, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as therapeutically active substances. The active compounds of the present invention are useful in the therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment of e.g. Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes. |
| US09079916B2 |
Heteroaryl derivatives as CFTR modulators
The present invention relates to modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (“CFTR”), compositions thereof, and methods therewith. The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using such modulators. |
| US09079911B2 |
Disubstituted octahydropyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrroles as orexin receptor modulators
Disubstituted octahydropyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole compounds are described, which are useful as orexin receptor modulators. Such compounds may be useful in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the treatment of diseased states, disorders, and conditions mediated by orexin activity, such as insomnia. |
| US09079905B2 |
Compounds for the treatment of CNS disorders
The invention relates to novel cycloalkyl- or cycloalkenyl-substituted pyrazolopyrimidinones of formula (I). wherein A, R1-R5 and x are as defined herein, and their use as medicaments for improving perception, concentration, learning and/or memory in patients in need thereof. |
| US09079898B2 |
Polycyclic heteroaryl substituted triazoles useful as Axl inhibitors
Polycyclic heteroaryl substituted triazoles and pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds are disclosed as being useful in inhibiting the activity of the receptor protein tyrosine kinase Axl. Methods of using the compounds in treating diseases or conditions associated with Axl activity are also disclosed. |
| US09079897B2 |
Imidazo-pyridine derivatives as activin-like receptor kinase (ALK4 or ALK5) inhibitors
Compounds of formula (I): in free or salt or solvate form, where X, R1, R2, R3 and R4 have the meanings as indicated in the specification, are useful for treating diseases mediated by the ALK-5 and/or ALK-4 receptor. Pharmaceutical compositions that contain the compounds and processes for preparing the compounds are also described. |
| US09079895B2 |
Morpholino compounds, uses and methods
The invention relates to morpholino-derivatives according to Formula (I) or stereoisomers or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvate thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, m and n are as defined in the specification. The compounds are antagonists, reverse agonists or agonists of G-protein coupled receptors, such as dopamine D4 and 5HT1a. The inventions also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds and methods involving the compounds and compositions. The compounds and compositions of the invention may in particular be used in the treatment of diseases and disorders, such as neurological and neurodegenerative diseases; or as lead compounds for the design and selection of further therapeutic compounds. |
| US09079893B2 |
Ureido-pyrazole derivatives for use in the treatment of respiratory syncitial virus (RSV) infection
Medicinal use The disclosure relates to compounds of formula (I) for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of respiratory syncitial virus (RSV) infection in particular viral exacerbation of a respiratory disorder such as bronchitis, asthma, COPD and/or cystic fibrosis, methods of treating or preventing RSV infection employing said compounds or pharmaceutical composition comprising the same. |
| US09079889B2 |
Kinase inhibitors and methods of their use
New compounds, compositions and methods of inhibition of Provirus Integration of Maloney Kinase (PIM kinase) activity associated with tumorigenesis in a human or animal subject are provided. In certain embodiments, the compounds and compositions are effective to inhibit the activity of at least one PIM kinase. The new compounds and compositions may be used either alone or in combination with at least one additional agent for the treatment of a serine/threonine kinase- or receptor tyrosine kinase-mediated disorder, such as cancer. |
| US09079886B2 |
Substituted triazole derivatives as gamma secretase modulators
The present invention is concerned with novel substituted triazole derivatives of Formula (I) wherein Het1, R1, R2, A1, A2, A3, A4, L1, and L2 have the meaning defined in the claims. The compounds according to the present invention are useful as gamma secretase modulators. The invention further relates to processes for preparing such novel compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds as an active ingredient as well as the use of said compounds as a medicament. |
| US09079885B2 |
Fluorescent isoindoline dyes
The present invention provides a new class of excited state intramolecular charge transfer (ESIPT) dye compounds based on mono or dihydroxy substituted 1,3-bisiminoisoindole motif and metal complexes containing such compounds as ligands. The present invention also provides OLEDs containing the compound and/or metal complex as the emissive material. |
| US09079882B2 |
Process for the preparation of substituted pyrimidine derivatives
The present invention is directed to processes for the preparation of substituted pyrimidine derivatives, useful as intermediates in the synthesis of histamine H4 receptor modulators, and to intermediates in H4 modulator synthesis. |
| US09079879B2 |
Heterocyclic compound, light-emitting element, light-emitting device, electronic device, and lighting device
An object is to provide a novel heterocyclic compound which can be used for a light-emitting element, as a host material of a light-emitting layer in which a light-emitting substance is dispersed. Other objects are to provide a light-emitting element having low driving voltage, a light-emitting element having high current efficiency, and a light-emitting element having a long lifetime. Provided are a light-emitting element including a compound in which a dibenzo[f,h]quinoxaline ring and a hole-transport skeleton are bonded through an arylene group, and a light-emitting device, an electronic device, and a lighting device each using this light-emitting element. The heterocyclic compound represented by General Formula (G1) below is provided. |
| US09079874B2 |
α-Lipoic acid nanoparticles and methods for preparing thereof
Provision of a stable α-lipoic acid. A method for producing α-lipoic acid nanoparticles, the method comprising the steps of: preparing an aqueous dispersion liquid containing α-lipoic acid and a nonionic surfactant; adding a divalent metal salt into the aqueous dispersion liquid, wherein the divalent metal salt is a divalent metal halide, a divalent metal acetate or a divalent metal gluconate; and adding an alkali metal carbonate or an alkali metal phosphate into the aqueous dispersion liquid which has been added with the divalent metal salt, thereby forming α-lipoic acid nanoparticles. |