| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09104210B2 |
Tire temperature control device
A tire temperature control device includes a temperature control unit that controls at least one of a tire temperature of front wheels and a tire temperature of rear wheels based on a temperature difference between the temperature of the tire on the front wheel and the temperature of the tire on the rear wheel of a vehicle. The temperature control unit controls, for example, the tire temperature corresponding to predetermined temperatures based on temperature characteristics that are related to maneuverability of the vehicle, fuel economy of the vehicle, and a friction coefficient. |
| US09104208B2 |
Regulator with bleed valve
A process fluid regulator includes a regulator body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet connected by a fluid flow path. A control element is disposed within the fluid flow path, the control element cooperating with a seat to control fluid flow through the regulator body. An actuator is attached to the regulator body, the actuator providing force to move the control element relative to the seat. The actuator includes a housing and a diaphragm within the housing, the diaphragm dividing the actuator housing into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A high pressure bleed valve is attached to the lower chamber to vent residual gas from the lower chamber, which creates additional volume for process liquid in the lower chamber. This additional volume improves effectiveness and response time of the process fluid regulator. |
| US09104198B2 |
Optimized storage and access method for a historian server of an automated system
Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure relate to a method and a system for the storage and processing of process values of a technical process or a technical installation in a historian server which can be integrated into a process control system of a technical installation or of a technical process. In such a method and system a dedicated signal cache can be associated with every process value for its raw values provided by the process. The raw values provided by the process are stored in the respective signal caches and additional internal signal-individual aggregate accumulators for the desired aggregates are associated with every raw value. The aggregate accumulators are incrementally modified for the defined interval when a new raw value is received. |
| US09104196B2 |
Substrate processing system and group managing apparatus
There is provided a communication unit configured to receive monitor data showing a progress state of substrate processing or a state of substrate processing apparatus, from a substrate processing apparatus; a database part configured to readably store the monitor data received by the communication unit, in association with production information data; a file archive part configured to read the monitor data and the production information data from the database part, then create typical value data based on the monitor data, and prepare a file including the monitor data, the production information data, and the typical value data, and readably store this file; and a data searching part configured to receive an input of a prescribed searching condition to search the file, and display data stored in the file and matching with the searching condition, on a display unit. |
| US09104193B2 |
Robot programming device
A robot programming device (10) includes: a processing line designating unit (21) that designates a processing line (41); an operation mode designating unit (22) that designates an operation mode of the teaching point; a program generation unit (23) that generates a program for a robot (12) based on the processing line and the operation mode; an interference target designating unit (24) that designates a tool non-processing part as an interference target; an interference detection unit (25) that detects interference between the robot and the workpiece, at a teaching point; a non-interference position search unit (26) that searches for a non-interference position; and a correction unit (27) that corrects a position of the teaching point based on a search result. |
| US09104192B2 |
System and method for controlling machines according to pattern of contours
A set of costs representing operations of a machine along a set of trajectories connecting a set of exit and entry points on contours of a pattern is determined. Each trajectory represents an operation of the machine proceeding from an exit point with an exit velocity to an entry point with an entry velocity according to dynamics of the machine. The set of trajectories includes at least one trajectory representing the operation along a contour with non-zero velocities at corresponding exit and entry points, and at least one trajectory representing the operation between different contours with non-zero velocities at the corresponding exit and entry points. A sequence of the trajectories optimizing a total cost of operation of the machine tracking the pattern is determined based on the costs, and a set of instructions for controlling the machine is determined according to the sequence. |
| US09104191B2 |
Process for preparation of quadrangle unit
Disclosed herein is a method of cutting one or more kinds of quadrangular unit pieces having a relatively small size from a quadrangular base material having a relatively large size using a cutter frame including a plurality of cutters to manufacture the quadrangular unit pieces, the method including (a) an inspection step of scanning a quadrangular base material in a longitudinal direction and in a lateral direction of the quadrangular base material to check positions of defects on the quadrangular base material, (b) a calculation step of calculating a yield when imaginarily cutting the quadrangular base material using two or more kinds of cutting frames, (c) a selection step of selecting one of the cutting frames in which the yield calculated at the calculation step (b) is within a range of upper 30%, and (d) a manufacturing step of cutting the quadrangular base material using the cutting frame selected at the selection step (c) to manufacture quadrangular unit pieces. |
| US09104188B2 |
Equipment controlling system and controlling method thereof
An equipment controlling system and a controlling method thereof are disclosed. The system includes a first controller connected to equipments of a first group to monitor and control operations of the equipments; and a second controller connected to equipments of a second group to monitor and control operations of the equipments; the first controller emergently controlling the equipments of the second group when the second controller malfunctions, and the second controller emergently controlling the equipments of the second group when the first controller malfunctions. When control problem of equipments such as indoor and outdoor unit due to malfunction of a controller is solved, a systemic and consistent control are enabled by consistently controlling the equipments so that control efficiency is enhanced and the equipments are kept in operating to provide a comfortable condition and an improved convenience to a user. |
| US09104186B2 |
Stochastic apparatus and methods for implementing generalized learning rules
Generalized learning rules may be implemented. A framework may be used to enable adaptive signal processing system to flexibly, combine different learning rules (supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement learning) with different methods (online or batch learning). The generalized learning framework may employ time-averaged performance function as the learning measure thereby enabling modular architecture where learning tasks are separated from control tasks, so that changes in one of the modules do not necessitate changes within the other. The generalized learning apparatus may be capable of implementing several learning rules concurrently based on the desired control application and without requiring users to explicitly identify the required learning rule composition for that application. |
| US09104182B2 |
Electronic timepiece and electronic device
An electronic timepiece enables a simple construction, and an electronic device has the electronic timepiece. A wristwatch 1 has a button A 6; a mode setting unit 32 that sets the operating mode of the wristwatch 1 based on an input operation of the button A 6. Based on the continuous input time that the button A 6 is operated continuously, the mode setting unit 32 changes the operating mode between a timekeeping mode that receives satellite signals from one or more GPS satellites and adjusts the internal time information based on time information contained in a received satellite signal; and a positioning mode that receives satellite signals from three or more GPS satellites and adjusts the internal time information based on time information and positioning information contained in the received satellite signals. |
| US09104181B1 |
Time-to-digital converter
A time-to-digital converter includes a first gated ring oscillator, a second gated ring oscillator, a phase adjusting unit, and a digital converter unit. The first gated ring oscillator includes a plurality of first delay cells connected in a cyclic structure and operating in response to an enable signal. The second gated ring oscillator includes a plurality of second delay cells connected in a cyclic structure and operating in response to the enable signal. The phase adjusting unit adjusts a phase of a second circulation signal circulating in the second gated ring oscillator so as for the second circulation signal to have a predetermined phase difference with respect to a first circulation signal circulating in the first gated ring oscillator. The digital converter unit samples output signals of the first delay cells and the second delay cells to output a digital value corresponding to duration of the enable signal. |
| US09104167B2 |
Protection device, image forming apparatus and method, and non-transitory computer readable medium
A protection device includes a pair of electrodes and an output unit. In the pair of electrodes, one electrode, connected to a connection line that connects a load and a power supply that supplies voltage to the load, performs discharge toward the other electrode in response to application, to one electrode, of an abnormal voltage greater than or equal to a pre-set voltage exceeding a steady-state voltage output by the power supply in a steady state. The output unit detects discharge current that flows in the other electrode and outputs the detected discharge current as a control signal. |
| US09104165B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method of handling a sheet conveyance error therein
An image forming apparatus, in which a method of handling a sheet conveyance error is performed, includes an apparatus body, a fixing unit fixing an image to a recording medium at a nip area thereof, a sheet conveying path, a sheet output roller unit outputting the recording medium outside the apparatus body, a sheet output detector detecting the recording medium, a post-fixing nip detector detecting the recording medium, a notifying unit notifying a user of an error recovery process when the error is detected by the error detector, and a controller. A distance from the post-fixing nip detector to the sheet output detector is smaller than a given size of the recording medium. When the error is detected by the error detector and the recording medium is detected by the sheet output detector, the controller causes the notifying unit to display a different process according to the detection results. |
| US09104163B2 |
Image forming apparatus and post-processing apparatus
Provided is an image forming apparatus capable of executing a plurality of kinds of binding process in one job. A printer control section transmits, to a finisher, a job for equal to or larger than a total number of copies being a sum of a first number of copies for performing the binding process by using a staple and a second number of copies for performing the binding process without use of the staple. On the finisher side, in accordance with the job, a finisher control section causes a stapler to perform a stapling process for the first number of copies and an eco-stapler to perform an eco-stapling process for the second number of copies. |
| US09104160B2 |
Image forming apparatus that adjusts density of toner image based on replacement rate of toner in developing part and toner in replaced cartridge
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a developing part, a storing part and an adjusting part. The image carrier includes a surface. An electrostatic latent image formed on the surface is developed by a toner, and then, a toner image is formed on the surface. The developing part contains the toner supplied from a toner cartridge and supplies the toner to the image carrier. The storing part stores information relating to a replacement rate when a first toner in the developing part is replaced by a second toner, in a case where kinds of the first toner contained in the developing part and the second toner being supplied from the toner cartridge are different. The adjusting part adjusts density of the toner image on the basis of the replacement rate when a toner cartridge containing the first toner is replaced by another toner cartridge containing the second toner. |
| US09104159B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member to bear a latent image on a surface thereof, a developing unit to develop the latent image on the image bearing member with toner, a driving unit to drive the developing device, a storage unit to store a cumulative travel distance of the developing roller at predetermined timing, a total travel distance of the developing unit, and control conditions for the developing unit, a controller to obtain a difference between the total travel distance of the developing roller and the cumulative travel distance up to a predetermined point in time in image forming operation and to instruct intermittent printing in which continuous printing is limited to a certain number of pages in a predetermined time period when the difference is equal to or greater than a threshold travel distance, and an operation unit in which the control conditions are set. |
| US09104152B2 |
Pressing member, fixing device, and image forming apparatus
A pressing member includes a heat resistant material, highly heat conductive needle shaped fillers included in the heat resistant material, and hole portions included in the heat resistant material. The pressing member is provided in a fixing device including a fixing member, a heating member to heat the fixing member, and a pressure roller. The pressing member is arranged to press the fixing member and form a nip portion between the fixing member and the pressure roller through which a recording sheet passes. |
| US09104150B2 |
Fixing unit, image forming apparatus incorporating the fixing unit, and image forming method
A fixing unit includes an endless belt unit accommodating a heat source, a pressure roller to rotate in contact with the fixing belt unit forming a pressure border therebetween, and a heat transfer member heated by the heat source to heat the fixing belt unit. The heat transfer member is secured inside an inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt unit and supports the fixing belt unit. A fixed member is secured inside the inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt unit and is pressed against the pressure roller via the fixing belt unit. The heat transfer member has at least one convex portion partially formed in an outer circumferential surface of the heat transfer member in a rotational direction of the fixing belt unit and a longitudinal direction of the heat transfer member to narrow a gap formed between the heat transfer member and the fixing belt unit. |
| US09104147B2 |
Image forming apparatus with controlled fixing temperature, control method and storage medium
An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of this invention controls a fixing temperature when a fixing device of a printer engine fixes an image on a recording material. More specifically, the image forming apparatus sets the fixing temperature to a value lower than that in a normal mode when printing an image in a power saving mode, and decides an amount of applied toner with which the fixing device can fix the image on the recording material at the set fixing temperature. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus generates print data corresponding to the decided amount of applied toner from input image data, and prints the image on the recording material based on the generated print data. |
| US09104146B2 |
Sheet separating mechanism
A sheet separating mechanism is provided to solve the problem that a sheet processed by heating step is easy to stick with surface of the heating roller. The sheet separating mechanism according to the present invention applies combination of contactless separating structure and contact-type separating structure to reduce the cost and manufacture process of contact part. Besides, the sheet separating mechanism can decrease the probability of the heating roller damaged by the contact-type separating structure, so as to increase the usage life of the heating roller. |
| US09104144B2 |
Image forming apparatus having fixing device with differential pressure at outlet and inlet
A fixing device includes a fixing rotary body that heats toner while rotating and fixes the toner on a recording medium, a pressurizing rotary body that sandwiches and pressurizes the toner and the recording medium by the fixing rotary body, and a supporting part that supports the fixing rotary body from the inside so that a peak pressure on an outlet side of the recording medium becomes equal to or lower than a peak pressure on an inlet side, in a contact part where the fixing rotary body and the pressurizing rotary body come into contact with each other. |
| US09104143B2 |
Liquid electrophotographic inks
A liquid electrophotographic ink is disclosed. The liquid electrophotographic ink includes a carrier liquid, a polymer resin, and a pearlescent pigment particle. |
| US09104139B2 |
Developing device, process cartridge, remanufacturing method for developing device and process cartridge
A remanufacturing method for a developing device and a process cartridge includes a dismounting step of dismounting a regulating member from a development frame member, a cleaning step of cleaning a blade sealing member, and a mounting step of mounting the regulating member to the development frame member after the cleaning step. |
| US09104137B2 |
Toner conveying device, image forming apparatus, and toner case
A toner conveying device includes a toner containing part, a conveying member, and a vibration mechanism. The toner containing part contains a toner. The conveying member rotates around a rotation axis so as to convey the toner in the toner containing part. The vibration mechanism vibrates the conveying member in directions of the rotation axis. |
| US09104118B2 |
Exposure device and method for producing structure
In order to exposure interference fringes to photoresist and form a desired irregular pattern, it is necessary to know the cycle of the interference fringes in advance. In order to confirm the cycle of the interference fringes beforehand, conventional techniques include observing the formed irregular pattern with the use of a microscope or measuring a diffraction angle of incident light and repeating processes of exposure, development, and observation (measurement) while slightly changing incident angles of light fluxes for the formation of the interference fringes until a desired cycle is confirmed. These operations take considerable amount of time. The fact that it takes considerable amount of time to confirm the interference fringes has not been considered in the conventional techniques. Observation of a moire generated by a standard sample containing a fluorescent sample that can be repeatedly used and adjustment of the cycle of interference fringes reduce time for the adjustment. |
| US09104110B2 |
Polymer, resist composition and patterning process
A photo or heat-sensitive polymer comprising recurring units having polymerizable anion-containing sulfonium salt and phenolic hydroxyl-containing recurring units is useful as a base resin to formulate a resist composition having high sensitivity, high resolution and low LWR. |
| US09104106B2 |
Negative photoresist composition and patterning method for device
The present invention relates to a negative photoresist composition and a patterning method for device in which a photoresist pattern having a high sensitivity with a good reverse taper profile can be formed not only to realize an effective patterning of various thin films but also to facilitate removal of the photoresist pattern after the patterning. The photoresist composition comprises an alkali-soluble binder resin; a halogen-containing first photo-acid generator; a triazine-based second photo-acid generator; a cross-linking agent having an alkoxy structure; and a solvent. |
| US09104103B2 |
Information recording medium and method of manufacturing the same
An information recording medium manufacturing method includes steps of forming, on a support, a recording layer containing a polymer compound having an azobenzene structure, irradiating the recording layer with first writing light to form a first light-diffracting structure having a three-dimensional relief pattern on the surface of the recording layer, fixing the relief pattern by forming a deformation preventing layer on the surface of the recording layer, and irradiating the recording layer having the fixed relief pattern with second writing light to forcedly inhibit deformation caused by the movement of molecules, thereby forming a second light-diffracting structure having a refractive index change inside the recording layer. |
| US09104101B2 |
Resist composition, method of forming resist pattern and polymeric compound
A resist composition including a resin component which generates acid upon exposure and exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution under the action of acid, the resin component including a resin component having a structural unit represented by a general formula (a0-0-1) shown below in which R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, R0-1 represents a single bond or a divalent linking group, each of R2, R3 and R4 independently represents a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group which may have a non-aromatic substituent, or R3 and R4 may be bonded to each other to form a ring together with the sulfur atom, and X represents a non-aromatic divalent linking group or a single bond. |
| US09104099B2 |
Curable coatings for photoimaging
There is herein described curable coatings for use in a photoimaging process. In particular, there is described curable coatings in the form of 100% or substantially 100% solids energy curable coatings for use in a photoimaging process wherein a substrate is covered with a wet curable photopolymer and the photoimaged substrate is used to form images such as electrical circuits or other features used in the Photochemical Machining Industry (PCMI) such as for example lines, squares, spirals, circles, or other geometric and non-geometric shapes. |
| US09104096B2 |
3D-image display apparatus, 3D-image capturing apparatus, and 3D-image display method using longitudinal line images for parallax information
A stereoscopic image display apparatus includes: an image data acquiring unit which acquires two pieces of image data having horizontal parallax; a composition unit which generates display data by composing the two pieces of image data; a line image overlapping unit which overlaps two longitudinal line images with an image based on the display data, and independently moves the two longitudinal line images in a horizontal direction; a parallax information derivation unit which derives parallax information about parallax between the two longitudinal line images; a parallax information overlapping unit which additionally overlaps the parallax information with the image based on the display data; and a display unit which displays the images based on the display data, on which the longitudinal line images and the parallax information are overlapped, such that a producer may easily and accurately identify parallax of each subject image in the display data. |
| US09104095B2 |
Stereoscopic display illuminator and stereoscopic display device
A stereoscopic display illuminator includes a first light source, a curved mirror, a rotational wheel, an actuator, a multi-band filter, and an optical module. The first light source is used for providing a first light beam. The rotational wheel is disposed between the first light source and the curved mirror. The first light beam is reflected and passes through the rotational wheel in sequence. The multi-band filter allows portion of the first light beam to pass through, and allows another portion to be reflected, where the wavelengths of these two portions do not overlap. The optical module disposed between the first light source and the rotational wheel is used for guiding the first light beam to the rotational wheel, and guiding the first light beam to propagate either from the first reflective segment or from the curved mirror to two opposite sides of the multi-band filter. |
| US09104093B2 |
Illumination optical system and image projection device
An illumination optical system includes a lens unit that is arranged on a path of an emitted light to an image forming element for forming an image; a holding unit that holds the lens unit; and an elastic body that is attached to the holding unit, and has integrally-formed first and second parts, the first part being biased in a direction of an optical axis of the light to press the lens unit, and the second part being biased in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the optical axis to press the lens unit. |
| US09104089B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device includes a lens assembly, a lens focusing rod, a power switch and a lens protective cover. When the lens protective cover is located in the first position, the lens assembly is shielded by the lens protective cover, the power switch is turned off, and the lens protective cover is separated from the lens focusing rod. When the lens protective cover is located in the second position, the power switch is turned on, and the lens protective cover is contacted with the lens focusing rod. When the lens protective cover is moved between the second position and the third position, the power switch is turned on, and the lens assembly is driven by the lens protective cover through the lens focusing rod for focusing operation. |
| US09104085B2 |
Method for modulating a carrier light wave
Method for modulating a carrier light wave with symbols, led through a modulating interferometer, the total path phase shift being the sum of a respective first, second, third or fourth static phase shift and a respective first, second, third or fourth variable modulating phase shift amount. For each of at least two symbols:the first variable modulating phase shift equals the sum of the first pair phase shift and the common phase shift;the second variable modulating phase shift equals the sum of the negative of the first pair phase shift and the common phase shift;the third variable modulating phase shift equals the sum of the second pair phase shift and the negative of the common phase shift;the fourth variable modulating phase shift equals the sum of the negative of the second pair phase shift and the negative of the common phase shift. |
| US09104078B2 |
Display device
Provided is a display device, in which: a center position of a row-wise width of a black matrix located between a red pixel and a green pixel is displaced toward a red pixel side from the center position of a row-wise line width of a data line overlapping with the black matrix in a plan view; and the center position of the row-wise width of the black matrix located between the green pixel and a blue pixel is displaced toward a blue pixel side from the center position of the row-wise line width of the data line overlapping with the black matrix in a plan view. |
| US09104075B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
In one embodiment, a first shield electrode and a second shield electrode are arranged on a first substrate. A first source line and a second source line are arranged facing the first and second shield electrodes through an insulating layer, respectively. A first main common electrode and a second main common electrode are formed facing the first and second source lines through an insulating layer, respectively. A main pixel electrode is formed so as to locate between the first and second main common electrodes. A second substrate includes a third main common electrode and a fourth main common electrode facing the first and second main common electrodes, respectively. A liquid crystal layer is held between the first and second substrates. The first, second, third and fourth main common electrodes are set to the same electric potential. |
| US09104072B2 |
Liquid crystal device
The present invention is directed to the provision of a liquid crystal device constructed by sealing a liquid crystal material between substrates, wherein provisions are made to prevent reflections at the sealing, thereby achieving excellent transparency. The liquid crystal device includes a first substrate disposed on a viewing side, a second substrate disposed opposite the first substrate, a sealing member disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate and sealed by the sealing member, and a muslin structure or moth-eye structure placed between the first substrate and the sealing member. The muslin structure or moth-eye structure serves to form a smooth refractive index gradient between the sealing member and the first transparent substrate, thereby enhancing the transparency of the liquid crystal device. |
| US09104071B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
In the step of curing a resin for bonding a TFT substrate and a counter substrate each having an alignment film that has been optically aligned by using UV-light, damage to the alignment film due to the UV-light can be prevented without using a light shielding mask. A UV-light absorption layer is formed between each black matrix on the counter substrate. The TFT and the counter substrates are sealed at their periphery by a resin that is cured by UV-light radiated from the counter substrate side. Since the absorption layer has a high absorbability to UV-light at a wavelength of 300 nm or less that degrades the alignment film, damage to the alignment film due to the UV-light for curing the resin can be prevented. Thus, provision of a light shielding mask for shielding the UV-light for the display region can be saved. |
| US09104070B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel and display apparatus using the same
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel and a display apparatus using the same. The LCD panel comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer and quarter wave (λ/4) retarder films. The liquid crystal layer is formed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The second substrate comprises a second electrode, wherein the second electrode comprises a trunk portion and plurality of branch portions, and there is a predetermined angle between the trunk portion and the branch portions, and the predetermined angle is less than or greater than 45 degrees. The λ/4 retarder films are bonded to outer surfaces of the first substrate and the second substrate. The present invention can improve the color shift problem and the transmittance of the LCD panel. |
| US09104069B2 |
Backlight module and liquid crystal display device using the same
A backlight module includes a back plate having at least one side and a backlight unit including an optical plate and an optical film. The at least one side has a surface, and the surface is disposed with a supporting member. The supporting member includes a horizontal portion and a vertical portion extended from the horizontal portion. In addition, the vertical portion includes a plane surface and a protruding piece, and the plane surface is used for supporting the optical plate and the protruding piece is used for positioning the optical film; and a liquid crystal display device has the backlight module. |
| US09104062B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a first substrate; a second substrate; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and second substrates; a color filter on one of the first and second substrates; a first polarization plate under the first substrate; a second polarization plate over the second substrate; a backlight unit under the first polarization plate; and a quantum rod sheet disposed between the color filter and the second polarization plate. |
| US09104059B2 |
Image display device and light source cooling method
An image determination section determines whether an input image signal represents a bright image or a dark image. A control section switches between a first lighting mode in which the output of a power supply section is a first power value and a second lighting mode in which the output of power supply section is a second power value based on the determined result of the image determination section. The control section refers to a first table that contains data representing the relationship between the power value of the power supply section and the number of rotations of a cooling fan in the case in which the output of the power supply section is increased from the second power value to the first power value at a constant rate when the second lighting mode is switched to the first lighting mode. |
| US09104058B2 |
Optimized frame system for a liquid crystal display device
An image display device comprising an image display panel, a frame system including a framework operatively engaging the image display panel and a plurality of electronic components operatively engaging the framework, heat dispersion material operatively engaging the framework and in operative thermal contact with the electronic components, where the frame system exhibits a support factor of less than about 375 mm-W/m° K. |
| US09104054B2 |
Liquid crystal display with display screen extending out of casing
An exemplary liquid crystal display (LCD) includes a casing and a liquid crystal panel accommodated in the casing. The casing includes a frame and a window surrounded by an inner side of the frame. The liquid crystal panel includes an outside surface essentially serving as a display screen for displaying images and a peripheral wall. The liquid crystal panel is attached to the frame, with the inner side of the frame contacting the peripheral wall of the liquid crystal panel, and the display screen exposed outside of the casing. |
| US09104053B2 |
Liquid crystal display and projection display
A liquid crystal display includes: a liquid crystal panel containing an effective pixel region that is configured to emit light corresponding to an image; and a frame member provided on a light emission side of the liquid crystal panel, and having an opening opposed to the effective pixel region of the liquid crystal panel. An edge portion of the opening of the frame member is formed of a low-reflection material having a reflectance of less than about 1.5% to green light. |
| US09104050B2 |
Protective covering for LCD
A protective covering for a LCD display is provided. The protective covering includes a sheet-like front portion, which rests over the surface of the LCD display when in use, a top portion that extends backwards from the sheet-like front portion, a back portion that extends downward from the top portion, and a pair of tabs that extend inward from the back portion such that the protective covering can be secured in place over the LCD monitor. |
| US09104045B2 |
Method of determining parameters for fitting an ophthalmic lens to a frame
A method of determining parameters for fitting an ophthalmic lens to a frame, including the following steps: providing an eyeglass frame including at least one temple portion having a bezel intended to enable the nesting of an ophthalmic lens; and determining the shape of the profile of the bezel at a point in the temple portion of said frame. Associated method of fabricating an ophthalmic lens. |
| US09104043B2 |
Detachable lenses for eyewear
Modular eyewear includes a frame and lens assemblies insertable into and removable from the frame which has a rim located between a bridge and each of two temples. Each rim includes a front face, a groove adjacent to the bridge, and an indentation adjacent to the temple. Attached along each of the groove and the indentation are frame magnets. The lens assemblies include a lens having a perimeter surrounding a body with front and rear surfaces. A tab is applied to and extends from the front surface of each lens at the perimeter. Magnetic couplings are attached along a first portion of the perimeter behind the tab and along a second portion of the perimeter, respectively. When the eyewear is assembled, the frame magnets magnetically attach to the corresponding magnetic couplings, and the tab is inserted into the indentation to fill the indentation flush with the frame front face. |
| US09104039B2 |
Methods and systems for performing vision-aided passive alignment during the assembly of an optical communications module
Vision-aided passive alignment systems and methods are provided that detect tilt misalignment of an optics system during the process of mounting the optics system on an upper surface of the circuit board and remove tilt misalignment to ensure that a lens of the optics system is precisely aligned with an optoelectronic device mounted on the upper surface of the circuit board. |
| US09104037B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a circularly polarizing VA mode liquid crystal display device having an excellent gray scale viewing angle from an intermediate gray scale to a high gray scale at an azimuth angle of 45°. The liquid crystal display device according to the present invention includes: a first polarizer; a first λ/4 plate; liquid crystal cell; a second λ/4 plate; and a second polarizer in this order, wherein when an azimuth of an absorption axis of the second polarizer is defined as 0°, an in-plane slow axis of the second λ/4 plate forms an angle of approximately 45°; an in-plane slow axis of the first λ/4 plate forms an angle of approximately 135°; the absorption axis of the first polarizer forms an angle of approximately 90°, and wherein a display brightness is varied by changing an alignment state of liquid crystal molecules in a liquid crystal layer from a state that the liquid crystal molecules are approximately vertically aligned to a substrate surface, to a state that the liquid crystal molecules are tilted to the substrate surface; and the liquid crystal layer has a domain in which the liquid crystal molecules are tilted in an azimuth angle range of 12.5° to 32.5°, a domain in which the liquid crystal molecules are tilted in an azimuth angle range of 102.5° to 122.5°, and a domain in which the liquid crystal molecules are tilted in an azimuth angle range of 192.5° to 212.5°, and a domain in which the liquid crystal molecules are tilted in an azimuth angle range of 282.5° to 302.5°. |
| US09104035B2 |
Display device and driving method of display device
A display device for a user to observe a stereo image through a pair of polarization glasses includes a projector, a switchable polarizer, and a sensor. The projector sequentially displays a first image, a first middle image, a second image, and a second middle image on a projection screen. The switchable polarizer is located between the projector and the projection screen and is switchable between a first mode and a second mode, so that each of the first and second images has a first or second polarization after passing through the switchable polarizer in the first or second mode and is then projected onto the projection screen. The sensor is coupled to the switchable polarizer and senses the images on the projection screen. When the sensor senses the first middle image or the second middle image, the switchable polarizer switches between the first mode and the second mode. |
| US09104034B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a display panel, a polarization converting unit, a first micro-lens layer and a second micro-lens layer. The polarization converting unit is disposed on the display panel. The first micro-lens layer is disposed on the polarization converting unit and includes a plurality of first lenticular lenses parallel with and adjacent to each other. A first adjacent edge is formed between each two adjacent first lenticular lenses. The second micro-lens layer is disposed on the first micro-lens layer and includes a plurality of second lenticular lenses parallel with and adjacent to each other. A second adjacent edge is formed between each two adjacent second lenticular lenses. The first and second lenticular lenses are extended in a same direction and have a same width. There is an interval between an axis center line of each second lenticular lens and an axis center line of each first lenticular lens. |
| US09104025B2 |
Display for incorporating in a pair of eyeglasses
The invention relates to a display comprising an optical imager (5) for shaping light beams emitted by a light beam generator system (4), said beams being introduced into said imager via an inlet face, and for directing the beams towards the eye (O) of a wearer in order to enable an image (I) to be viewed, two hooks (10, 11) being in reference positions relative to the imager, and said light beam generator system including a connection arrangement for connection to said hooks (10, 11), the connection between said system and said hooks being releasable and said hooks (10, 11) being designed to be received in housings carried by the connection arrangement. According to the invention, said housings are arranged in such a manner that said connection arrangement is assembled on said hooks by applying thrust against one of said hooks (11), by turning about said hook, and by snap-fastening onto the other hook (10). |
| US09104022B2 |
Electrowetting display device
An electrowetting display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a conductive fluid and a non-conductive fluid. The first substrate includes a first base substrate, a first electrode layer, a hydrophobic insulation layer and a partition wall. The first electrode layer is formed on the first base substrate and includes pixel electrodes spaced apart from each other and a common notch electrode formed between the pixel electrodes. The hydrophobic insulation layer is formed on the first electrode layer. The partition wall is formed surrounding the pixel electrodes and the common notch electrode on the hydrophobic insulation layer. The second substrate is opposite to the first substrate. The conductive fluid and the non-conductive fluid are interposed between the first and second substrates. The conductive fluid and the non-conductive fluid are controlled to vary transmittance of light in accordance with an electric signal applied to the pixel electrodes. |
| US09104021B2 |
Binoculars
The binoculars include right and left optical systems including right and left image stabilizing lenses, a lens holding member holding the image stabilizing lenses and being movable in a plane orthogonal to an optical axis direction, first and second guiding members disposed between the lens holding member and a base member, a first guiding mechanism allowing rolling of a first ball in a first direction between the lens holding member and the first guiding member, a second guiding mechanism allowing rolling of a second ball in a second direction between the first and second guiding members. The binoculars further include a first biasing member applying a biasing force toward the optical axis direction to the first and second guiding members, and a second biasing member applying a biasing force toward a direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction to the second guiding member. |
| US09104020B2 |
Method and system for illuminating a sample
A method for illuminating at least one sample in SPIM microscopy includes generating a light beam and forming a light strip from the light beam using an optical device that interacts with the light beam. The light strip is passed strip through at least one objective having optics configured to deliver detection light emanating from the sample directly or indirectly to a detector, with the objective optics interacting with the light strip. The light strip is deflected using a light-redirecting device downstream of the objective optics so as to propagate the light strip, after deflection, at an angle other than zero degrees with respect to an optical axis of the objective in order to illuminate the sample. |
| US09104016B2 |
Optical projection system
An optical projection system for a microlithography system includes a light path, a first lens unit receiving a first part of the light path, a second lens unit receiving a second part of the light path, and a support unit supporting the first and second lens units. The first and second lens units are elongated lens units including a plurality of lenses. The support unit includes a housing receiving a third part of the light path and enclosing a reflective element. The housing includes first and second interfaces. The first interface is a first support interface supporting the first lens unit. The second interface is a second support interface supporting the second lens unit at a location substantially opposite to the first interface. |
| US09104013B2 |
Imaging lens
An image lens is disclosed. The image lens includes, arranged in succession from the object side to the image side, an aperture stop S1, a first lens L1 having two convex surfaces and having a positive refractive power, a second lens L2 having a meniscus shape convex toward the object side and having a negative refractive power, a third lens L3 having a positive refractive power, a fourth lens L4 having a meniscus shape convex toward the image side and having a positive refractive power, and a fifth lens L5 having a meniscus shape convex toward the object side and having a negative refractive power. |
| US09104010B2 |
Imaging lens, imaging apparatus, and information device
An imaging lens includes a plurality of lenses, wherein a surface on an image side of a lens on an object side and a surface on the object side of a lens on the image side of two lenses arranged adjacently and separately from each other face each other across an air space, the air space is termed an air lens, a shape of the air lens is defined such that the surface on the image side of the lens on the object side is taken as a surface on the object side of the air lens and the surface on the object side of the lens on the image side is taken as a surface on the image side of the air lens, and an air lens positioned on a most object side and an air lens positioned on a most image side each have a biconvex shape. |
| US09104008B2 |
Optical fiber coating to prevent adhesion at high temperatures
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatus for cables having one or more fibers that may function as a sensing device within a wellbore, wherein the fibers do not adhere to each other or to an inner wall of the cable during a high temperature operation, such as in a thermal recovery operation that may last over 30 days. |
| US09104003B1 |
Embedded optical interconnect devices for optical data pipes and methods of use thereof
In one instance, an optical interconnection is embedded in a structure. The optical interconnection embedded in the structure enables interfacing electrical subsystems and sharing electrical signals across the structure by converting electrical signals into optical and vice a versa by means of the optical data pipe technology. The system of these teachings enables methods for decreasing the weight and size of the system, for decreasing sensitivity to electromagnetic interference and for obtaining data from the interior of a system. |
| US09104001B2 |
Ruggedized fiber optic/electrical connection system
A fiber optic and electrical connection system includes a fiber optic cable, a ruggedized fiber optic connector, a ruggedized fiber optic adapter, and a fiber optic enclosure. The cable includes one or more electrically conducting strength members. The connector, the adapter, and the enclosure each have one or more electrical conductors. The cable is terminated by the connector with the conductors of the connector in electrical communication with the strength members. The conductors of the connector electrically contact the conductors of the adapter when the connector and the adapter are mechanically connected. And, the conductors of the adapter electrically contact the conductors of the enclosure when the adapter is mounted on the enclosure. |
| US09103999B2 |
Optical data communication module having EMI cage
An optical data communication module, such as a transceiver, transmitter or receiver, has two parallel substrates with metal layers. An opto-electronic device between the substrates is shielded against electromagnetic interference by the metal layers and conductors, such as vias, which are distributed around a periphery of the opto-electronic device and connect the metal layers. |
| US09103998B2 |
Optical fiber connector
An optical connector includes a first optical-electric coupling element and a second optical-electric coupling element. The first optical-electric coupling element includes a first side surface and a second side surface facing away from the first side surface. The first optical-electric coupling element includes two extension portions substantially perpendicularly extending from the first side surface. Each extension portion includes an inside surface substantially perpendicular to the first side surface. Each extension portion includes a rotation post substantially perpendicularly extending from the inside surface. The second optical-electric coupling element includes a third side surface. The second optical-electric coupling element includes a protrusion portion substantially perpendicularly extending from the third side surface. The protrusion portion includes two outside surfaces substantially perpendicular to the third side surface. Each outside surface defines a rotation hole spatially corresponding to a respective one of rotation posts, the rotation posts are inserted into the rotation holes. |
| US09103995B2 |
Field terminable optical fiber connector with splice element
An optical fiber connector includes a housing configured to mate with a receptacle, a collar body that includes a fiber stub and a mechanical splice device, a backbone to retain the collar body within the housing, and a boot. The backbone includes a fiber jacket clamping portion to clamp a jacket portion that surrounds a portion of the terminated optical fiber upon actuation. The boot actuates the fiber jacket clamping portion of the backbone upon attachment to the backbone. The optical fiber connector can be terminated in the field without the need to use a separate termination platform or tool. |
| US09103993B2 |
Optical fiber coupling connector with layered arrays of optical fibers
An optical fiber coupling connector of compactness includes a main body, and first and second layers of optical fibers which are all parallel. The main body includes an upper surface, a lower surface, a front surface, and a back surface. The upper surface carries a row of light-emitting optical fibers and the lower surface carries a row of light-receiving optical fibers. The upper surface partially or entirely overlaps the lower surface perpendicularly. The light-emitting fibers are fixed in the upper surface with first glue body and any excess glue flows to and collects by a recess in the upper surface. The light-receiving fibers are fixed in the lower surface with second glue body and any excess glue flows to and collects in a recess in the lower surface. |
| US09103992B1 |
Flexible bandwidth wavelength selective switch
A method and an apparatus for switching a beam from a first port to a second port in an optical switch are described. Switching is performed by a single-axis beam steering element and one or more actuatable beam diffraction devices. Each beam diffraction device is actuatable between diffracting and non-diffracting states. Each beam diffraction device is configured to deflect the optical beam when in the diffracting state such that at least part of the optical beam is diffracted outside a detection area of a column of I/O ports. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. |
| US09103991B2 |
Multi-pole optical signal switch
An optical switch having multiple input and output ports directs any number of WDM signals, each arriving at a respective input port, to any one of the output ports. The optical switch includes an array of LC pixels, each positioned to receive a WDM signal transmitted through one of the ports, and an array of reflective elements, each associated with one of the LC pixels. The LC pixels are controlled to cause a WDM signal incident thereon to attain an attenuation state while an output of the WDM signal is being switched by an associated reflective element, such that when an output for a WDM signal is switched from a first port to a second port, the switching can be performed in a hitless manner. |
| US09103990B2 |
Optical fiber coupler having male port and female port
An optical fiber coupler includes a male port and a female port. The male port includes a main body, the male transmission lens and the male receiving lens positioned on the main body, and a male optical wave guide assembly. The male base board includes at least one male optical wave guide. Each male optical wave guide includes a male first alignment portion and a male second alignment portion. The male first alignment portion is optically coupled with one male receiving lens; and a male second alignment portion has a greater width than that of the male first alignment portion. The structure of the female port is similar to the male port. |
| US09103989B2 |
Method of manufacturing phase difference plate and 3D display panel
The disclosed technology relates to a method of manufacturing a phase difference plate and a three dimensional (3D) display panel. The method comprise the following steps: S1: applying an alignment layer on a surface of an upper polarizer of a display panel; S2: performing an alignment treatment on the alignment layer, so as to divide the alignment layer into a plurality of regions with at least two different alignment directions; and S3: applying a layer of reactive mesogens on the alignment layer subjected to the alignment treatment, and solidifying the reactive mesogens after being aligned, so as to form the phase difference plate. |
| US09103985B2 |
Optical waveguide device and a manufacturing method for an optical waveguide device
To reduce the wavelength dependence of the phase difference given to the lightwaves traveling through the optical waveguide arms of a coherent mixer, the optical waveguide device includes a first optical branching device branching a first input light and outputting to a first and a second optical waveguides, a second optical branching device branching a second input light and outputting to a third and a fourth optical waveguides, a first optical coupler that mixes lightwaves travelling through the first and the third optical waveguides, and then branches and outputs a first and a second output lights, a second optical coupler that mixes the lightwaves which travel through the second and the fourth optical waveguides, and then branches and outputs a third and a fourth output lights. Here optical path lengths are mutually equal between the first and the second optical waveguides, and between the third and the fourth optical waveguides. |
| US09103977B2 |
Method for manufacturing a hard, water-resistant anti-fog coating
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a hard, water-resistant anti-fog coating, and particularly relates to a method for manufacturing a hard, water-resistant anti-fog coating on plastic material. In this method, an organic-inorganic hard adhesion layer and a hydrophilic anti-fog coating film are prepared for manufacturing a hard, water-resistant anti-fog coating. Both of the organic-inorganic hard adhesion layer and the hydrophilic anti-fog coating have C═C double bonds. Therefore, the organic-inorganic hard adhesion layer and the hydrophilic anti-fog coating are adhered to each other tightly. It brings high hardness, high water resistance and good anti-fog effect. |
| US09103970B2 |
Optical layered body, method for producing optical layered body, polarizer, and image display device
The present invention provides an optical layered body that has multiple laminated layers of which the refractive indexes are greatly different. The optical layered body can suitably prevent interfacial reflection and interference fringes attributed to the reflection in the interfaces between the layers. The optical layered body has a light-transmitting substrate, and at least an optical functional layer (1) on one surface of the substrate, wherein the refractive index of the optical functional layer (1) in the thickness direction continuously increases from the surface on the light-transmitting substrate side to the surface opposite to the light-transmitting substrate side to show a sigmoid curve. |
| US09103963B2 |
Rod lens array and equal-magnification imaging optical apparatus using rod lens array
A rod lens array is configured so that when a relation between R and r0 is set to be R≧r0≧0.8R, and the gradient index of the rod lens is approximate to n(r)2=n02{1−(g·r)2}, an overlap degree m, defined by m=X0/2R, is 2.55 or more and 4 or less and an aperture angle of the rod lens, represented by n0·g·r0, is 0.1 or more and less than 0.22. The array is capable of minimizing light quantity unevenness even where there may be assembly error or aged deterioration occurs. An equal-magnification imaging optical apparatus usefully includes a rod lens array. |
| US09103959B2 |
Lighting device for vehicle
A lighting device for a vehicle may include one or more light sources and one or more light conducting rods including a lens through which light radiated from the light source enters and a light outlet surface through which light entering an inside through the lens exits to an outside, in which the lens includes a light inlet surface configured to refract the light entering from the light source in parallel and a light outlet surface configured to collect parallel light passing through the light inlet surface to an upper portion of the light conducting rod, and a reflective body configured to reflect the light collected at the upper portion of the light conducting rod toward the light outlet surface of the light conducting rod may be installed on the light conducting rod, thereby improving light efficiency. |
| US09103955B2 |
Backlight module with light guide plate with light sources, and liquid crystal display apparatus with such module
The present invention provides a backlight module and a liquid crystal display apparatus. A light guide plate of the backlight module comprises hollow structures. Each of the hollow structures corresponds to one of the light sources and comprises two air layers with an included angle there-between, and the two air layers are a first hollow layer and a second hollow layer. A normal direction is vertical to the light-incident surface, and there is a first oblique angle between the first hollow layer and the normal direction, and there is a second oblique angle between the second hollow layer and the normal direction, and a depth of the hollow structures satisfies a predetermined equation. |
| US09103954B2 |
Cell for light-emitting device and light-emitting device
The present invention can further increase the efficiency of light extraction from the light exit surface of a light-emitting device. A cell (10) for a light-emitting device includes: a first main wall (10a) and a second main wall (10b) which are disposed facing each other with a distance therebetween; and a sidewall (10c). The sidewall (10c) connects the first main wall (10a) and the second main wall (10b). The sidewall (10c) defines, together with the first and second main walls (10a, 10b), an internal space (10A) into which a luminescent substance is to be encapsulated. A portion of the sidewall (10c) located laterally of the internal space (10A) is white. |
| US09103953B2 |
Off-axis illumination LED luminaire
This is directed to a LED light fixture having a shaped light guide array with a CPC reflector for directing light off-axis, and methods for constructing the same. A LED light fixture includes a LED module providing light and an elongated light guide array placed adjacent to the LED module. The elongated light guide array can include a curved outer surface through which light is emitted into an environment. To further control the output of light, and to direct light off-axis, the light guide array can include a CPC reflector disposed around a boundary or periphery of the light guide array. The CPC reflector can be angled such that light is directed at angles above a cut-off angle by which the reflector is rotated about a focus. |
| US09103952B2 |
Lens barrel, image-capturing device, and method for controlling lens barrel
Provided is a lens barrel in which tilt adjustment can be made depending on the position of a lens unit in the optical axis direction. This lens barrel is characterized by comprising: at least three guide bars provided so as to extend along the optical axis direction; drive means that respectively drive said at least three guide bars in the optical axis direction; a lens frame holding unit that holds an image-capturing lens, the lens frame holding unit being attached to at least three guide bars and being driven in the optical axis direction by said at least three guide bars; and a control unit that controls said at least three linear actuators so as to adjust the respective drive amounts in the optical axis direction of said at least three guide bars and to tilt the lens frame holding unit from a direction orthogonal to the optical axis. |
| US09103939B2 |
Method and device for detecting a conductive object
A method for detecting an electrically and/or magnetically conductive object in a vicinity of a sensor head of a device, having the following steps: emitting a transmitting signal into the surroundings, receiving a received signal as a function of the transmitting signal and the characteristics of the object and the surroundings, analyzing a response signal formed from the received signal. According to the invention, the detection is controlled by providing a class system having a number of classes, which differ from one another in at least one object and/or surroundings characteristic, and classifying instantaneous object and/or surroundings characteristics as a function of the analyzed response signal in a class of the class system, and predefining detection characteristics which are preset in the classified class, a further response signal being detected using the predefined detection characteristics. |
| US09103938B2 |
Systems and methods for holographic simultaneous localization and mapping
The systems and methods described herein relate to systems and methods for synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) or radar including simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) for holographic navigation. |
| US09103933B2 |
Estimating a property by assimilating prior information and survey data
Prior information describing a distribution of values of a parameter relating to physical characteristic of a target structure is received. Acquired survey data of the target structure is received. Using a probabilistic technique, the prior information and the survey data is assimilated to produce an estimated property of the target structure. |
| US09103922B2 |
X-ray imaging apparatus and method of operating the same
An apparatus including a scintillator panel which absorbs X-rays radiated from an X-ray generator and converts the X-rays into visible light; an image detector including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix array and charging the plurality of pixels with electric charges proportional to intensity of the visible light converted by the scintillator panel; a gate driver which selects a line in the image detector and applies a drive signal to pixels in the selected line; an automatic exposure request signal generator which generates an automatic exposure request signal as a trigger signal informing of X-ray radiation through detection of X-rays radiated from the X-ray generator; and a controller which controls a time point of performing an exposure operation depending on a state of the drive signal applied to the pixels of the selected line in response to the automatic exposure request signal is disclosed. |
| US09103919B2 |
Method for transmitting register contents of a CT detector with hierarchical hardware structure and CT detector of a CT system
A method is disclosed for transmission of register contents of a CT detector with hierarchical hardware structure, wherein the first hierarchy level is formed by a control unit containing a register table for the read-out register contents of FPGAs lying lower down in the hierarchy and an intermediate register store for register contents to be written. With each new reading, the new register contents for FPGAs lying lower down in the hierarchy arriving during the respective preceding reading from the central control at the control unit are forwarded to the next hierarchy level. With each new reading, the register contents of all FPGAs lying lower down in the hierarchy are re-entered into the register table of the control unit. Finally, in the event of a readout command transferred asynchronously from the central control, the register contents are read out exclusively from the register table. |
| US09103918B2 |
Enhanced radar range resolution
A synthetic aperture radar imaging method that combines each radar return pulse with a sinusoid to reduce the radar return pulses to a baseband frequency and deskew each radar return pulse. It includes determining a maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) of residual motion parameters for a dominant scatterer on the ground relative to the airborne radar and correcting for errors in inertial navigation system measurements based on the MLE residual motion parameters. It includes convolving each radar return pulse with its corresponding radar transmission pulse to generate a range compressed image for each radar return pulse and generating a sub-band range profile image for each radar return pulse and its corresponding radar transmission pulse based on the corresponding range compressed image that has been corrected for residual motion. Performing bandwidth extrapolation on each sub-band and subsequently combining the three bands to produce an enhanced resolution image without grating lobes. |
| US09103916B2 |
Apparatus and method for indoor positioning
Apparatus and method for positioning a wireless device. In one embodiment, a method for indoor positioning includes determining a reference location of a wireless device, based on satellite positioning, as the device passes between areas of satellite positioning signal reception and satellite positioning signal non-reception. While in the areas of non-reception, signals transmitted by wireless local area network (WLAN) access points (APs) and parameters of motion of the device are measured. Positions of the device are estimated while in the areas of non-reception based on the reference location and the parameters of motion. A positioning grid for positioning is generated based on the signals measured by the wireless device at the estimated positions. |
| US09103912B2 |
Inter-channel bias calibration for navigation satellite systems
Dynamic inter-channel bias calibration of a navigational receiver is provided. A reference signal is propagated through front-end circuitry of the receiver. A delay caused by the propagation of the reference signal through the front-end circuitry is measured. The inter-channel bias of the navigational receiver is reduced using the measured delay associated with the front-end circuitry of the receiver. |
| US09103904B2 |
Interferometric millimeter wave and THz wave doppler radar
A mixerless high frequency interferometric Doppler radar system and methods has been invented, numerically validated and experimentally tested. A continuous wave source, phase modulator (e.g., a continuously oscillating reference mirror) and intensity detector are utilized. The intensity detector measures the intensity of the combined reflected Doppler signal and the modulated reference beam. Rigorous mathematics formulas have been developed to extract bot amplitude and phase from the measured intensity signal. Software in Matlab has been developed and used to extract such amplitude and phase information from the experimental data. Both amplitude and phase are calculated and the Doppler frequency signature of the object is determined. |
| US09103901B2 |
Position determination methodology selection
Various methods, apparatuses and articles of manufacture are provided for use in or with a mobile device to identify one or more attributes for each of a plurality of positioning resources available at the mobile device. In an example, positioning resources may provide all or part of a position fix based, at least in part, on one or more wireless signals received by the mobile device, and/or one or more electrical signals received from one or more sensors onboard the mobile device. For example, in certain instances at least one of the positioning resources may have at least one attribute that is different than at least one other attribute of anther positioning resource. In certain examples, at least one of the positioning resources may be selected for obtaining a position fix based, at least in part, on a request and one or more particular attributes. |
| US09103900B2 |
System and method of gathering WLAN packet samples to improve position estimates of WLAN positioning device
In one embodiment, techniques are employed to estimate a position of a wireless local area network (WLAN) enabled mobile device. The mobile device sniffs one or more WLAN packets destined for one or more WLAN devices other than the mobile device. Information identifying one or more WLAN APs is extracted from the one or more WLAN packets destined for the one or more WLAN devices other than the mobile device. A record of the one or more WLAN APs is generated that includes at least some of the extracted information. A WLAN positioning system (WPS) is cooperated with, to use the generated record of the one or more WLAN APs to obtain an estimate of a position of the mobile device. |
| US09103895B2 |
Automated emergency power supply test using engine exhaust temperature
An automated emergency power supply system (EPSS) and testing solution that records generator load values and engine exhaust temperature values to evaluate whether an EPSS test satisfies legislated test criteria. The EPSS test is carried out under software control, which initiates a test by instructing an automatic transfer switch (ATS) to change its status to a test status, causing the essential loads to be powered by a generator instead of a main utility power source. Power monitors record the ATS and generator status during the test as well as electrical parameter data from the ATS and generator and exhaust temperature data and other engine parameter data from the generator. When the test is concluded, the ATS is instructed to return the status to normal so that power delivery is resumed from the main power source. The electrical and engine parameter data is analyzed and compared against legislated test criteria to determine a pass/fail result of the EPSS test. |
| US09103894B2 |
Battery-monitoring device
A battery-monitoring device that monitors a state of charge of each battery cell constituting a battery is provided, including: a voltage detection circuit that individually detects a voltage of the battery cell; a voltage comparison circuit that individually compares the voltage of the battery cell and a threshold voltage, and outputs a signal having a first level when the voltage of the battery cell is equal to or greater than the threshold voltage, and a signal having a second level when the voltage of the battery cell is less than the threshold voltage; and a determination unit that determines the overcharged state of the battery cell when at least one condition is satisfied from among two conditions of: a voltage detection value which is input from the voltage detection circuit being equal to or greater than a threshold; and a signal which is input from the voltage comparison circuit being a first level. |
| US09103891B2 |
Voltage monitoring circuit, test method therefor, and voltage monitoring system
A voltage monitoring circuit includes a plurality of voltage input terminals which input a voltage across each of a plurality of series-coupled battery cells, a selection circuit which, by selecting two of the voltage input terminals, selects a voltage across one of the battery cells, an A/D converter which converts the voltage across the battery cell into a digital value, a control unit which sends the digital value to an external controller, a ground wiring which is coupled to a ground terminal for inputting a ground level voltage for the voltage monitoring circuit, the ground terminal being among the voltage input terminals, and through which the voltage monitoring circuit is supplied with the ground level voltage, a terminal which is supplied with a lowest fixed potential, and a switch circuit which is coupled between the first terminal and the ground wiring. |
| US09103888B2 |
Protection circuit and gate driving circuit for semiconductor switching device
There are provided a protection circuit and a gate driving circuit for a semiconductor switching device. The protection circuit for a semiconductor switching device includes an overcurrent determining unit operated according to a gate signal to determine whether a load current flowing through the semiconductor switching device controlling the load current is an overcurrent, a load open determining unit determining whether a load is open, on the basis of a detection value from a current detection unit detecting the load current, and an error detection unit generating a fault signal when it is determined that the overcurrent flows and the load is open, while the gate signal is in a turned on level of the semiconductor switching device. |
| US09103879B2 |
Test coverage of integrated circuits with test vector input spreading
An apparatus and method is provided for switching input pins to scan channels to increase test coverage. In one embodiment, a scan system connects a small number of input pins to several scan channels so that the input pins may be selectively switched. The input pins may transmit independent test vectors to test a large number of test areas on a semiconductor chip. The scan system may include a switching device such as a multiplexer (MUX). |
| US09103873B1 |
Systems and methods for improved power control in millimeter wave transceivers
In an embodiment, a system for measuring high frequency response of a DUT having improved power leveling includes a signal source, a modulator, an upconverter, and a leveling loop having dynamic gain adjustment. The signal source generates a test signal and the modulator modulates the amplitude of the generated test signal to target a requested power. The converter multiplies a frequency of the test signal. The leveling loop is configured to detect an intermediate frequency (IF) signal generated in response to the upconverted test signal. Modulation of the amplitude of the generated test signal by the modulator is adjustable based on the IF signal detected by the leveling loop. |
| US09103869B2 |
Cable diagnostics for Base-T systems
A method includes generating a pulse, transmitting the pulse on a first cable of a multi-cable communication system, monitoring a second cable of the multi-cable communication system for the pulse or a reflection of the pulse on the second cable, and, if the monitoring detects the pulse or the reflection on the second cable, outputting a notification of a short between the first cable and the second cable. |
| US09103868B2 |
Vertical hall sensors
Embodiments relate to vertical Hall sensors for use with spinning current techniques. In an embodiment, a symmetric arrangement of two vertical Hall devices is used, in which all sense terminals of the Hall devices are used in all clock phases. Such a configuration can achieve better offset error suppression as compared with conventional solutions. |
| US09103866B2 |
Device plug detection apparatus and method
A particular apparatus includes a receptacle having a first pin configured to contact a tip region of the device plug at a first location when the device plug is inserted into the receptacle. The first location may be located between a midpoint of the tip region and a tip of the device plug. The receptacle further includes a second pin configured to contact a second region of the device plug at a second location. The receptacle further includes a third pin configured to contact a third region of the device plug at a third location. The receptacle further includes a fourth pin configured to contact a fourth region of the device. |
| US09103864B2 |
Non-intrusive cable fault detection and methods
In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a cable fault detection device is described. The device includes a conformal monopole structure and a ground plane structure. The ground plane structure is configured to be generally parallel to the cable longitudinal axis. |
| US09103862B2 |
Method of checking the directivity and polarization of coherent field distributions in a reverberant medium
A method for generating and checking a spatio-temporal field distribution having predefined characteristics such as one or more directions of propagation, a high level of field intensity and a polarization in a reverberant chamber. To do this, two separate networks of transducers are provided so as to estimate a transfer function between these two networks and to determine excitation signals using the principle of temporal return. The excitation signals are used to generate the spatio-temporal field according to the predefined characteristics. |
| US09103861B2 |
Multi-function sensor and method
A multi-function sensor apparatus includes multiple sensing electrodes and a control circuit adapted to receive signals from each of the sensing electrodes and to deem whether the sensing electrodes are in a touched state or an untouched state. The control circuit also is adapted to selectively provide an output based on the sensor's states and the manner in which the sensors came to be in such states. |
| US09103857B2 |
Gradiometer for determining the electrical conductivity of a medium contained in a containment
A gradiometer for determining electrical conductivity of a medium contained in a containment, comprising: at least a first electrical coil, a second electrical coil and a third electrical coil, wherein the first coil is embodied as a transmitting coil, wherein the second and third coil are embodied as receiving coils; and a holding apparatus. The first, second and third coils are wound on the holding apparatus. The holding apparatus is arranged through a containment opening in a containment wall in such a manner that the first coil is positioned centrally with respect to the containment wall. The second and third coils are arranged mirror symmetrically to the first coil and are inductively coupled with the first coil. |
| US09103856B2 |
Hand-held microwave spectrum analyzer with operation range from 9 KHz to over 20 GHz
A spectrum analyzer that provides from below 9 kHz to above 20 GHz operation range while remaining hand-held. The spectrum analyzer includes an integrated precision stand-alone step attenuator that does not rely on printed circuit board (PCB) mounted circuit elements within the signal path. Further, a PIN diplexing switch separates signals into different base-band and highband paths. The baseband path includes a pre-amplifier for low frequency signals, while the higher frequency bands may not necessarily include a pre-amplifier. The highband path incorporates multi-throw MMIC PIN diode switches to selectively filter different bands of input signals. |
| US09103853B2 |
Current sensor
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a current sensor including a conductive element and at least two magnetic field sensors. The conductive element includes at least three separate terminal areas, a common conductive area and at least three separate intermediate areas connecting the respective separate terminal areas to the common conductive area. Each of the terminal areas is connected separately via a respective separate intermediate area of the at least three separate intermediate areas to the common conductive area to guide a current applied to the respective terminal area into the common conductive area. The at least two magnetic field sensors are arranged at different geometric positions adjacent to the at least three separate intermediate areas, wherein each of the magnetic field sensors is configured to sense a magnetic field component of each current flowing into the common conductive area to provide a sensor signal based thereon. |
| US09103852B2 |
Direct current sensing circuit and circuit interrupter including the same
A circuit for sensing a direct current includes a first resistance and a second resistance. A first portion of the direct current flows through the first resistance and a second portion of the direct current flows through the second resistance. The circuit further includes a current sensor having an opening, first and second conductors inductively coupled with the current sensor, and a switching circuit having a pair of switches structured to alternatingly switch in order that the second portion of the direct current alternatingly flows through the first and second conductors. The second portion of the direct current flowing through the first conductor passes through the opening of the current sensor in a first direction and the second portion of the direct current flowing through the second conductor passes through the opening of the current sensor in a second direction opposite to the first direction. |
| US09103850B2 |
Micromechanical sensor with multiple spring bars
A micromechanical sensor comprising a substrate (5) and at least one mass (6) which is situated on the substrate (5) and which moves relative to the substrate (5) is used to detect motions of the sensor based on an acceleration force and/or Coriolis force which occur(s). The mass (6) and the substrate (5) and/or two masses which move toward one another are connected by at least one bending spring device (1) for a relative rotational motion. The bending spring device (1) has multiple, in particular two, spring bars (2) extending essentially parallel to one another for improving the linear spring characteristic of the bending spring device during the rotational motion, and at least one meander (3) on at least one, preferably on all, of the spring bars (2). |
| US09103849B2 |
Impact indicator
A device and technique for impact detection includes a tube having a first fluid and a second fluid disposed therein, wherein a viscosity of the second fluid is greater than a viscosity of the first fluid, and wherein, responsive to a predetermined level of impact received by the impact indicator, at least a portion of the first fluid mixes into the second fluid to create a change in color of the second fluid to provide a visual indication of the received impact. |
| US09103848B2 |
System and method for detecting and measuring impacts in handheld devices using an acoustic transducer
A system and method is provided for detecting and measuring impacts in a wireless device. The wireless device has a processor coupled to a memory and an acoustic transducer. The method comprises acquiring data from the acoustic transducer, the data acquisition including the processor taking samples of an electrical input signal supplied to an input of the processor by the acoustic transducer; saving the acquired data in the memory; detecting whether an impact has occurred; and halting data acquisition after the impact is detected. |
| US09103846B2 |
Measuring device for determining an operating state variable of a rotating structural element, in particular a bearing
A measuring device for determining an operating state variable of a rotating structural element, in particular a bearing, which has a plurality of components. Specifically, the measuring device has a permanent magnet, an encoder ring for manipulating the magnetic field which is generated by the permanent magnet, a magnetic field sensor, a radio unit for transmitting measurement signals from the magnetic field sensor to an evaluation unit, and an energy converter unit for converting rotation energy into electrical energy. The encoder ring is produced from a ferromagnetic and non-premagnetized material. |
| US09103843B2 |
Device and methods for detecting analytes in saliva
The invention provides a device for detecting drugs of abuse or other compounds in saliva. The invention thus provides a device for detecting the presence of one or more analytes in a saliva sample, comprising: (a) One or more pre-treatment regions for specifically or non-specifically removing at least a part of the fraction of the saliva sample interfering with detection of the one or more analytes; and (b) A detection region comprising a biosensor surface, the surface comprising: molecules capable of specifically binding the one or more analytes; or the one or more analytes and/or analyte analogs. |
| US09103841B2 |
Method for determining glucagon-like peptide-1, and kit for use in said method
Provided is a method of measuring the presence and/or the amount of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in a sample, which method is characterized by comprising the step of treating the sample in advance with an acidic solution, and a kit of measuring the presence and/or an amount of GLP-1 in a sample, the kit containing (a) the acidic solution, (b) an antibody specific to GLP-1, and (c) an instruction manual. |
| US09103836B2 |
Procollagen C-proteinase enhancer (PCPE) biomarker for bone formation
A method of analyzing bone formation or determination of cell state with regard to differentiation of osteoblasts and/or fibroblasts in a subject is provided, the method comprising detecting PCPE isoforms in a biological sample from the subject; and comparing the PCPE isoforms from the sample of biological fluid with PCPE isoforms of a predetermined standard or a sample obtained from healthy individuals. |
| US09103834B2 |
Methods for identifying and monitoring drug side effects
The present invention relates generally to methods for identifying drug side effects by detecting perturbations in organ-specific molecular blood fingerprints. The invention further relates to methods for identifying drug-specific organ-specific molecular blood fingerprints. As such, the present invention provides compositions comprising organ-specific proteins, detection reagents for detecting such proteins, and panels and arrays for determining organ-specific molecular blood fingerprints. |
| US09103831B2 |
Orally administered bacteria as vehicles for systemic delivery of agents
The current invention relates to the use of a bacterial species in the preparation of a composition adapted for oral administration for the delivery of an agent to a site in the body. The site in the body may be an organ or a tumour site. The bacterial species is a food grade, non-pathogenic, gram-positive bacteria capable of anaerobic growth. |
| US09103828B2 |
Method for diagnosing Streptococcus, Enterococcus and Peptostreptococcus genera infections
The invention concerns a method to determine if an individual is infected by a bacterium selected from the group consisting Streptococcus, Enterococcus and Peptostreptococcus genera comprising: (i) detection of antibodies directed against at least one protein of sequence SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6 or SEQ ID NO: 8, in a biological sample of the individual, and (ii) deducing therefrom that the individual is infected by a bacterium selected from the group consisting of Streptococcus, Enterococcus and Peptostreptococcus genera. The invention further concerns the kit for diagnosing of such an infection. |
| US09103823B2 |
Methods, devices, kits and compositions for detecting roundworm
Methods, devices, kits and compositions for detecting the presence or absence of roundworm in a fecal sample are disclosed herein. The methods, devices, kits and compositions of the present invention may be used to confirm the presence or absence of roundworm in a fecal sample from a mammal that may also be infected with one or more of hookworm, whipworm, and heartworm. Confirmation of the presence or absence of roundworm in the mammal may be made, for example, for the purpose of selecting an optimal course of treating the mammal and/or for the purpose of determining whether the mammal has been rid of the infection after treatment has been initiated. |
| US09103822B2 |
Polymeric carriers for immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization
Certain disclosed embodiments of the present invention concern the synthesis, derivatization, conjugation to immunoglobulins and signal amplification based on discrete, relatively short polymers having plural reactive functional groups that react with plural molecules of interest. Reactive functional groups, such as hydrazides, may be derivatized with a variety of detectable labels, particularly haptens. The remaining reactive functional groups may be conjugated directly to a specific binding molecule, such as to the oxidized carbohydrate of the Fc region of the antibody. Disclosed conjugates display large signal amplification as compared to those based on molecules derivatized with single haptens, and are useful for assay methods, particularly multiplexed assays. |
| US09103820B2 |
Method for screening toxin neutralizing peptide, STX2 inhibiting peptide and verotoxin neutralizing agent
A screening method directed towards; (1) specifying a receptor binding site by introduction of mutation, and (2) specifying a binding site-specific peptide motif on the basis of an amino acid selection ratio by contrast between a peptide motif bound to a wild-type subunit and a peptide motif bound to a mutant functionally deficient in the binding site according to a peptide library method. A peptide which inhibits a toxin whose receptor binding portion has a subunit structure is screened. Accordingly, an STX2 inhibitor in which an STX2 inhibiting peptide is incorporated in a molecular nuclear structure portion having three molecules of lysine (Lys) peptide-linked thereto and which is easy to synthesize and can inhibit verotoxin is provided. |
| US09103817B2 |
Method of determining the point at which coagulating blood forms a clot
The present invention is concerned with a method and apparatus for determining the instant at which coagulating blood forms a clot—the primary function of a clot being to act as a hemostatic plug at the site of a lesion in the circulatory system. The method comprises applying a harmonically time-varying stress and strain of controlled amplitude and frequency to the blood using a rheometer and through the use of the Chambon-Winter Gel Equation, the method is capable of determining the gel point which precedes the clotting time indicated by a thromboelastograph. |
| US09103815B2 |
Apparatus for testing electrical activity from a biological tissue sample
An apparatus (100) for testing electrical activity from a biological tissue sample comprises a body (1) provided with a well (4), stimulating means (8) for stimulating a sample located in the well (4), and detecting means (9) for detecting electrical activity in the sample. In one embodiment the apparatus has a fluid inlet means (10) and a fluid outlet means (16) in fluid communication with the well (4). The inlet means (10) comprises an electrically conductive conduit (11A) which is in fluid contact with a fluid flowing, in use, though the outlet means (16). In some embodiments the apparatus is provided with an electrically conductive member (19) which is in electrical contact with a fluid contained, in use, in at least one of the well (4), inlet means (10) and outlet means (16). The stimulating means (8) and detecting means (9) are engaged with the body (1) by a gripping means (32) which comprises an electrically conductive gripping member (36). Related methods and apparatus are also disclosed. |
| US09103809B2 |
Liquid handler with dual pipetting groups
An automated liquid handling system is disclosed. A system includes a first pipetting group, which includes at least one pipettor, movably arranged on a first arm; and a second pipetting group, which includes at least one pipettor, movably arranged on a second arm, wherein the first arm and the second arm are movably arranged on at least one track such that the first arm and the second arm can independently move along the at least one track while keeping the first arm parallel with the second arm, wherein the at least one pipettor of the first pipetting group is arranged on a side of the first arm facing the second pipetting group, wherein the at least one pipettor of the second pipetting group is arranged on a side of the second arm facing the first pipetting group. |
| US09103806B2 |
Robotic system with autonomously operable tools
Method and apparatus for performing a liquid handling process involves the use of a robotic device that manipulates a plurality of separate tools. A first tool may be removably engaged with the robotic device, which manipulates and control the first tool to perform at least one liquid handling task or operation with respect to at least one liquid sample. The first tool may then be positioned at a first location on a support, and disengaged from the robotic device. Thereafter, the first tool may perform at least one liquid handling task or operation while on the support and separated from the robotic device. |
| US09103803B2 |
Defect detection in saturable absorbers
Technologies are generally described for identifying defects in saturable absorbers, such as graphene, by the saturable property of decreasing light absorbance with increasing light intensity. For example, a graphene coated substrate may be imaged twice under two distinct incident intensities. At a gap in the graphene, the substrate may reflect light proportional to the incident intensities. The graphene may show a non-linear increase in reflected light as the intensity of illumination increases. A difference between the two incident intensities may reveal the gap in the graphene. Any suitable imaging technique may be employed such as confocal microscopy or linear scanning. The imaging may be scaled up for high volume automated inspection. |
| US09103799B2 |
Method for monitoring glass melting furnace, method for controlling introduction of raw material, and device for controlling introduction of raw material
Method for monitoring molten state of a glass batch charged into a melting bath of a glass melting furnace, and a method and control device for controlling an amount of a glass batch to be so charged. Regions to be measured are set in regions corresponding to particular partial regions on an image obtained by capturing an image of a liquid surface of the bath to be monitored using a camera. The occupying ratio of an area occupied by image portions representing unmolten glass batches in each region, and a distribution state of the batches in the partial region is recognized from the measured value of the occupying ratios so as to determine whether the molten state quality of the batch is favorable. When the determined quality is not favorable, the amounts thereof to be charged by batch chargers are controlled so that appropriate distribution states can be obtained. |
| US09103790B2 |
Linker for unimolecular FRET biosensor based on principle of fluorescence resonance energy transfer
A linker for a unimolecular FRET biosensor based on a principle of fluorescence resonance energy transfer, the linker including: a polypeptide containing 52 to 400 amino acids residues, wherein at least 45% of a total number of the amino acid residues are glycine, alanine, or both thereof, and at least 10% of the total number of the amino acid residues are alanine. |
| US09103789B2 |
Method and device for determining content of the middle and protein bound uremic toxins in a biological fluid
This invention relates to a novel method and a device for determining middle and protein bound uremic toxins in the biological fluids. More specifically, the present invention relates to an optical method utilizing fluorescence, preferable fluorescence of the spent dialysate, and a specific model, including a unique set of optical spectral components at certain wavelengths, to determine, preferable on-line, the concentration of the middle and protein bound uremic toxins such as beta2-microglobulin (B2M), and indoxyl sulfate (IS). |
| US09103784B1 |
Fluorescence axial localization with nanometer accuracy and precision
We describe a new technique, standing wave axial nanometry (SWAN), to image the axial location of a single nanoscale fluorescent object with sub-nanometer accuracy and 3.7 nm precision. A standing wave, generated by positing an atomic force microscope tip over a focused laser beam, is used to excite fluorescence; axial position is determined from the phase of the mission intensity. |
| US09103781B2 |
Sample separation and adsorption appliance
A sample separation and adsorption appliance (100) includes a negative electrode (2), a positive electrode (3), a sample separation unit (6) that has a first opening (17) opened to a side facing the negative electrode (2) and a second opening (18) opened to a side facing the positive electrode (3), the sample separation unit containing a separation gel (7), and a slit structure (8) including a slit (1) at a position facing the second opening (18). A transfer film (9) is arranged between the second opening (18) and the slit (1). |
| US09103780B2 |
Pretreatment device for dissolved ions analysis and dissolved ion analysis system
A pretreatment device 10 for analysis of dissolved ions, which comprises: a sample solution flow channel 11 through which a sample solution containing dissolved ions flows; an acceptor solution flow channel 13 which is arranged adjacent to the sample solution flow channel 11 so as to intercalate a dialysis membrane 12 between the acceptor solution flow channel 13 and the sample solution flow channel 11; a pair of electrodes 14a, 14b which are so arranged as to intercalate the sample solution flow channel 11 and the acceptor solution flow channel 13 therebetween, wherein one of the pair of electrodes 14a, 14b is provided on the sample solution flow channel 11, and the other one of the pair of electrodes 14a, 14b is provided on the acceptor solution flow channel 13; a direct current power source 5 which enables the generation of a predetermined potential difference between the electrodes 14a, 14b; and an electrode separator 15 provided between the dialysis membrane 12 and an inside surface of the electrode provided on the acceptor solution flow channel 13. |
| US09103779B2 |
Electrophoresis buffer for faster migration, improved resolution and extended shelf-life
There is provided an electrolyte solution for extending shelf life, and/or accelerating or improving resolution or improving transfer efficacy for blot applications, or accelerating and improving resolution, or accelerating and improving transfer efficacy of gel electrophoresis and containing Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (TRIS), at least one zwitterion, and water. The electrolyte solution may be used in buffer systems for gel electrophoresis and the preparation of gels for gel electrophoresis, such as Western blot. |
| US09103772B2 |
Body for storing biosensors and measurement device using the biosensors
The purpose of the present invention is to facilitate the extraction of plate-shaped biosensors stored in a container body. More specifically, a body for storing biosensors is provided, the body including: a tube-shaped storage container body having an open upper face; a lid body for covering the upper face opening of the storage container body so that the lid can open and close the upper face opening; and plate-shaped biosensors stored within the tube-shaped container body. The biosensors are each provided with a measurement section disposed at one end thereof; a connection terminal section disposed at the other end thereof; and a connection section disposed between the one end and the other end and electrically connecting the measurement section and the connection terminal section. The biosensors each have a protrusion disposed at an end thereof in the longitudinal direction thereof. |
| US09103768B2 |
Analysis system and method for visualizing heat conduction
Disclosed is an analysis system and method for visualizing heat conduction of a solid state sample. The analysis system includes a sealed jig chamber, a jig, an air tempering unit, and a thermal image camera. The sealed jig chamber includes a chamber door for opening/closing the jig chamber. The jig is removeably mounted in the jig chamber and comprises a heat source in surface contact with a solid state sample to induce the heat conduction of the solid state sample. The air tempering unit supplies hot air into the jig and supplies cool air into the jig chamber. The thermal image camera photographs the heat conduction of the solid state sample to acquire a thermal image or video. |
| US09103767B2 |
Methods and devices for optically determining a characteristic of a substance
Using an optical computing device includes optically interacting electromagnetic radiation with a sample and a first integrated computational element arranged within a primary channel, optically interacting the electromagnetic radiation with the sample and a second integrated computational element arranged within a reference channel, producing first and second modified electromagnetic radiations from the first and second integrated computational elements, respectively, receiving the first modified electromagnetic radiation with a first detector, and receiving the second modified electromagnetic radiation with a second detector, generating a first output signal with the first detector and a second output signal with the second detector, and computationally combining the first and second output signals with a signal processor to determine the characteristic of interest of the sample. |
| US09103765B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining the dimensions and external properties of three-dimensional objects such as sawn timber
The present application relates to a method and apparatus for determining the dimensions and external properties of three-dimensional objects such as sawn timber, in which method objects like timber are moved in a transverse position over a target area in conveying direction, the target area is illuminated, and the target area is scanned upwards by a camera. In accordance with the invention each object like timber is scanned or exposed at least twice in the target area, and the timber is conveyed in the target area over support bars, which are in an angle (α) in relation to the conveying direction. |
| US09103760B2 |
Fluorescence flow cytometry device and method
A flow cytometer including a laser, indexing structure, adjustment structure, and sensor structure. The cytometer is conventionally used with a removable microfluidic cassette, which is installed at a first position that is enforced by the indexing structure. The adjustment structure changes a relative position between an interrogation aperture of the cassette and the laser beam. Feedback from the sensor structure is used to optimize propagation of the laser through the interrogation aperture to reduce (and hopefully eliminate) autofluorescence caused by beam impingement onto the cassette. |
| US09103759B2 |
Nucleated red blood cell analysis system and method
Systems and methods for analyzing blood samples, and more specifically for performing a nucleated red blood cell (nRBC) analysis. The systems and methods screen a blood sample by means of fluorescence staining and a fluorescence triggering strategy, to identify nuclei-containing particles within the blood sample. As such, interference from unlysed red blood cells (RBCs) and fragments of lysed RBCs is substantially eliminated. The systems and methods also enable development of relatively milder reagent(s), suitable for assays of samples containing fragile white blood cells (WBCs). In one embodiment, the systems and methods include: (a) staining a blood sample with an exclusive cell membrane permeable fluorescent dye; (b) using a fluorescence trigger to screen the blood sample for nuclei-containing particles; and (c) using measurements of light scatter and fluorescence emission to distinguish nRBCs from WBCs. |
| US09103758B1 |
Methods for fabricating test specimen assembly having weak adhesive bonds
A method for manufacturing a test specimen assembly. A first material for the test specimen assembly and a witness coupon are positioned relative to each other. A surface treatment is applied onto a first surface of the first material and onto a surface of the witness coupon. An adhesive is applied onto the first surface of the first material. A second surface of a second material for the test specimen assembly is placed onto the first surface of the first material with the adhesive. The adhesive is cured to form the test specimen assembly. |
| US09103755B2 |
Sample holder and method for fragmenting sample material
Method and apparatus for holding and/or treating a sample material. A sample may be positioned in a vessel and a crushing force may be applied to the sample material while in the vessel, e.g., by a plunger that is part of a cap to pulverize the sample at cryogenic temperatures. The sample holder may include an acoustic window arranged to admit acoustic energy into the vessel for acoustic treatment of the sample. A flexible film may be used at a portion of the vessel, e.g., at the acoustic window, to cooperate with a plunger for crushing a sample. |
| US09103753B2 |
TEM-lamella, process for its manufacture, and apparatus for executing the process
A process for manufacturing a TEM-lamella includes mounting (51) a plate shaped substrate having a thickness in a support, manufacturing (53) a first, strip-shaped recess on a first side of the substrate under a first angle to the support by means of a particle beam, and manufacturing (55) a second strip-shaped recess on a second side of the substrate under a second angle to the support by means of a particle beam, such that the first and the second strip-shaped recess mutually form an acute or right angle, and between them form an overlap region of lesser thickness. The lamella has a thicker rim region and a thinner central region, with a first strip-shaped, recess on a first side of the lamella and a second strip-shaped recess on a second side of the lamella, wherein the first and the second strip-shaped recess mutually form an acute or right angle, and between them form an overlap region having a thickness of below 100 nm. An apparatus for executing the process or manufacturing the lamella includes a lamella support pivotable about a transverse axis and a longitudinal axis inclined, to the vertical direction, a device for rotating about the longitudinal axis, and stop means for limiting a tilt of the lamella support about the transverse axis. |
| US09103748B2 |
Method for detecting microorganisms and microorganism detecting apparatus
It is possible to determine the presence of bacteria in a sample solution in a shorter period of time without changing a conventional incubating method. Bacteria in a sample solution are incubated in, for example, a sterilized agar medium 10 having a layer thickness of 0.1 μm to 1 μm formed on an electrode of a crystal resonator 2, and an oscillation frequency is measured. When the bacteria proliferate, the mass of the entire crystal resonator 2 increases, and the oscillation frequency decreases. Therefore, by monitoring presence of such a change over time, presence of bacteria in the sample solution can be determined quickly. |
| US09103746B2 |
OTDR mapping method
A method is provided for mapping the position of a customer fiber end on a passive optical network (PON). The method comprises the steps of: connecting an optical reflector to a specific customer fiber end; carrying out an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) trace of the a passive optical network utilising a central office OTDR device; identifying a target reflection event in the OTDR trace having an increased amplitude relative to other reflection events in the OTDR trace, consequent upon the presence of the optical reflector; and mapping data associated with the target reflection event to the specific customer. |
| US09103743B2 |
Computer-assisted and/or enabled systems, methods, techniques, services and user interfaces for conducting motor vehicle and other inspections
A computer-assisted inspection system including an integrated software suite provides vehicle inspection services for various clients. Features include automatic grading, flat car part picking, easy to use, ability to run in an environment where the inspector has no constant connectivity to the network (no guaranteed access to the internet, full data replication, intermittent connectivity, synch back up), inspectors can be geographically separated (e.g., all over the country), and the system is installable over the internet to provide efficient installation to far-flung install sites. |
| US09103737B2 |
Vehicle brake system testing device and method
Devices and methods for testing the brake system of a vehicle. Embodiments of the invention generally include an extendable rod that is adapted for removable installation between the steering wheel and brake pedal of a vehicle whose brake system is to be tested. Manual depression of the brake pedal with the device in place causes an extension of the extendable rod, the magnitude of which is measured by an associated sensor as brake pedal travel. A force sensor is provided to detect the amount of force applied to the brake pedal by a user's foot during testing. A controller receives signals from the sensors and determines whether the brake system passes the test. The controller may be coupled to an on-board diagnostics connector of the vehicle to receive and analyze other vehicle data, and to read the VIN of the vehicle. |
| US09103736B2 |
Modeling an interpretation of real time compaction modeling data from multi-section monitoring system
A method, apparatus and computer-readable medium for determining deformation of a plurality of coupled members. A distributed strain sensor string on a first member is coupled to a distributed strain sensor string on a second member. Signals are obtained from the sensor strings. A subset of strain data relating to sensor strain on the first member and the second member is created. A virtual sensor string is created having a plurality of virtual sensors placed on the first and second members including a joint therebetween. Strain data of sensors in the distributed stain sensor strings is mapped to sensors in the virtual sensor string. The deformation of the plurality of coupled members is determined using the strain data of the virtual sensors. |
| US09103734B2 |
Impact indicator
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device and technique for impact detection is disclosed. The impact indicator includes a housing and a mass member located within the housing. The housing is configured to enable movement of the mass member from a first position to a second position within the housing in response to receipt of an acceleration event by the housing. The impact indicator also includes a spring member disposed within the housing and configured to bias the mass member to the first position, and wherein in response to receipt by the housing of the acceleration event, the mass member is configured to overcome the bias and move from the first position to the second position. The mass member is configured to rotate within the housing in the second position to enable retention of the mass member in the second position. |
| US09103731B2 |
High temperature resistive temperature detector for exhaust gas temperature measurement
The present disclosure relates to a high temperature resistance temperature detector for measuring exhaust gas temperature for example. The structure includes a resistive element disposed on an insulated carrier. The structure further includes a housing disposed over the carrier and resistive element for inhibiting oxidation of the element which would result in failure of the detector. |
| US09103729B1 |
Method and apparatus for determining curie temperature distribution of a sample of magnetic material
Determining a Curie temperature (Tc) distribution of a sample comprising magnetic material involves subjecting the sample to an electromagnetic field, heating the sample over a range of temperatures, generating a signal representative of a parameter of the sample that changes as a function of changing sample temperature while the sample is subjected to the electromagnetic field, and determining the Tc distribution of the sample using the generated signal and a multiplicity of predetermined parameters of the sample. |
| US09103727B2 |
Composite Fabry-Pérot sensor
A self-referencing composite Fabry-Pérot cavity sensor, including methods of use and manufacture. The cavity sensor comprises a substrate defining a first cavity portion juxtaposed to a second cavity portion. The first and second cavity portions are provided having a predetermined depth offset. A polymer or other dielectric material is disposed within the first and second cavity portions. An interference spectrum resulting from a light source of a known wavelength is reflected through the sensor and produces a first refractive index from the first cavity portion offset by a second refractive index from the second cavity portion. The difference in refractive indices can be used to determine various physical parameters. An optical sensor according to the present technology may be used with vapor sensing, pressure sensing, protein detection, photo-acoustic imaging, and the like. |
| US09103724B2 |
Semiconductor device comprising photosensor comprising oxide semiconductor, method for driving the semiconductor device, method for driving the photosensor, and electronic device
This invention has for purpose to provide a photosensor that is small in size and can obtain high-contrast image data and to provide a semiconductor device including the photosensor. In the photosensor including a light-receiving element, a transistor serving as a switching element, and a charge retention node electrically connected to the light-receiving element through the transistor, the reduction in charge held in the charge retention node is suppressed by extending the fall time of the input waveform of a driving pulse supplied to the transistor to turn off the transistor. |
| US09103723B2 |
Optical surveillance systems and methods
Systems and methods presented herein provide for optical surveillance using modulated lasers, or other forms of light, and optical detection. In one embodiment, an optical surveillance system includes a light source, such as a laser or light emitting diode, and a signal generator operable to modulate the light source. The system also includes a detector operable to detect the modulated light source and a processor communicatively coupled to the detector to distinguish the modulated light source from other detected light based on the modulating waveform of the modulated light source. The processor is also operable to determine a presence of an object between the laser and the detector based on an obscuration of the laser pulses on the detector. |
| US09103722B2 |
Unit pixels, depth sensors and three-dimensional image sensors including the same
A unit pixel of a depth sensor includes a light-receiver configured to perform photoelectric conversion of an incident light to output an electrical signal and at least two sensors adjacent to the light-receiver to receive the electrical signal from the light-receiver such that a line connecting the sensors forms an angle greater than zero degrees with respect to a first line, the first line passing through a center of the light-receiver in a horizontal direction. |
| US09103719B1 |
Computation of glint, glare, and solar irradiance distribution
Described herein are technologies pertaining to computing the solar irradiance distribution on a surface of a receiver in a concentrating solar power system or glint/glare emitted from a reflective entity. At least one camera captures images of the Sun and the entity of interest, wherein the images have pluralities of pixels having respective pluralities of intensity values. Based upon the intensity values of the pixels in the respective images, the solar irradiance distribution on the surface of the entity or glint/glare corresponding to the entity is computed. |
| US09103713B2 |
All-optical hydrophone insensitive to temperature and to static pressure
The invention consists of an optical hydrophone, an optical fiber element forming a laser cavity, housed in a mechanical structure which comprises an open cylindrical rigid body, defining the cavity enclosing a fluid and in which the optical fiber element is housed, and closed at its ends by two end caps which keep the optical fiber element permanently under tension, in a longitudinal rectilinear position inside the cavity. The end caps are configured in such a way that when the exterior pressure varies, they undergo a deformation giving rise to a variation in the length of the optical fiber element and that when the temperature varies, they undergo a deformation giving rise to a variation in the length of the optical fiber element which compensates for that induced on this element by the temperature variation. The mechanical structure furthermore exhibits one or more orifices allowing equilibration of the static pressures. |
| US09103711B2 |
Beam scale for proportioning a first component and a second component
A beam scale assembly for proportioning a first component in a first container and a second component in a second container including a balance beam extending between a first balancing area and a second balancing area for receiving the first and second containers respectively. A pivot extends downwardly between the first and second balancing areas along a tipping axis. The balancing areas each have a center and define a distance axis across the center in spaced and parallel relationship to the tipping axis. A connection interconnects the balancing area and the balance beam along an adjustment axis and facilitates rotation of the balancing area relative to the balance beam about the adjustment axis for adjusting the distance between the distance axis of the balancing area and the tipping axis. |
| US09103709B2 |
Optical switch system for a prover
Apparatus for flow prover precisely measures the volume and the flow rate of a fluid through a cylinder. The prover includes a piston within a cylinder supporting a shaft extending longitudinally through the cylinder, which cylinder receives and discharges the fluid by translation of the piston from the fluid receiving end to the fluid discharging end. Motive means draws the shaft and piston toward the fluid receiving end of the cylinder. Travel of the piston in the direction from the fluid receiving end to the fluid discharging end of the cylinder is sensed at discrete locations to provide an indication of the volume of fluid therebetween and the related flow rate. Each of a plurality of emitter/detector modules provides piston position sensing signals reflective of the volume and rate of fluid flowing through the cylinder. A switch bar rigidly and permanently fixes the position of the emitter/detector modules with respect to the piston and with respect to one another. An immovable gate or aperture regulates the cross-section of the light beam striking the detector and ensures that the measured volume is repeatable and cannot be altered due to external factors such as in-field use, service, maintenance on components or the like. |
| US09103707B2 |
Method and systems for estimating a fuel level of a liquid natural gas storage container
Various methods and systems are provided for modifying a fuel volume of a fuel container based on fuel consumption. In one embodiment, a method comprises storing an initial fuel volume measurement for a fuel container of a first rail vehicle and modifying the initial fuel volume measurement based on fuel consumption of an engine of a second rail vehicle to determine a modified fuel volume. |
| US09103704B2 |
Holding device to hold a reflector and an electromagnetic guiding device
A holding is presented. The holding device includes a male connector comprising a first male extension and a second male extension that extend out of opposite surfaces of a male central disk, an electromagnetic guiding device continuously passing through a central hole that continuously passes through the first male extension, the male central disk and the second male extension, a reflector that is in a direct physical contact with a first end of the electromagnetic guiding device that ends at a top surface of the first male extension, and a holder that covers the first male extension to hold the reflector, and maintain the physical contact between the first end of the electromagnetic guiding device and the reflector. |
| US09103698B2 |
Transmission and reception unit and rotary encoder comprising same
The invention relates to a transmission and reception unit for the detection of an angle of rotation comprising a light transmitter (20), a light receiver (22) and a transparent support (24) which is arranged therebetween and which lies areally on the light receiver (22) and covers it, wherein the light transmitter (20) is attached to the support (24) and irradiates in a direction (28) away from the light receiver (20), wherein the light transmitter (2) is arranged centrally above the light receiver (22) such that received light (32) can be incident past the light transmitter (22) on the light receiver (32) and to a rotary encoder comprising such a unit. |
| US09103694B2 |
Method and apparatus for conditional driving guidance
An approach is provided for presenting guidance information to a driver of a vehicle in terms of safety and legality based on the vehicle's current position, direction, and speed and/or the driver's current behavior. A feasibility platform processes and/or facilitates a processing of contextual data associated with at least one vehicle to determine feasibility information associated with performing at least one maneuver using the vehicle. The feasibility platform also determines one or more user interface elements for presenting guidance information for the at least one maneuver based, at least in part, on the feasibility information. |
| US09103692B2 |
Navigation method of mobile terminal and apparatus thereof
A navigation method and apparatus of a mobile terminal displays only a particular point of interest (POI) existing by the roadside of a pre-set route when the POI is selected by the user, to thereby provide the user-selected POI without changing the route (or without re-searching the route). The navigation apparatus of a mobile terminal includes a display unit configured to display a route from a current location to a destination on map data, and a controller configured to search a first point of interest (POI) among the first POI located by the roadside of the route and a second POI located near the route, and display location information of the searched first POI on the display unit. |
| US09103691B2 |
Multimode user interface of a driver assistance system for inputting and presentation of information
In a method for multimode information input and/or adaptation of the display of a display and control device, input signals of different modality are detected which are supplied via the device to a voice recognition unit, thus initiating a desired function and/or display as an output signal, which are displayed on the device and/or output by voice output. Touch and/or gesture input signals are provided on or to the device for selection of an object intended for interaction and activation of the voice recognition unit and for the vocabulary which is provided for interaction to be restricted with the selection of the object and/or activation of the voice recognition unit as a function of the selected object, on the basis of which a voice command from the restricted vocabulary is added to the selected object as an information input and/or for adaptation of the display, via the voice recognition unit. |
| US09103689B1 |
Proposing transit points by analyzing travel patterns
A computer-implemented method for analyzing travel patterns in transit systems is provided. The method includes identifying an existing transit point of a transit system and receiving location information including geo-location paths of a plurality of mobile devices. Each of the geo-location paths includes the identified transit point. The method also includes determining a congestion level for transit points of the transit system based on the received location information. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided. |
| US09103687B1 |
Locating fuel options and services
Systems and methods may provide for generating and using information about fuel options along a predetermined route. An optimized fuel location server may use information related to the fuel efficiency in a given vehicle and information related to the amount of fuel currently present in a fuel tank associated with the vehicle to determine where along the predetermined route fuel will be required. The optimized fuel location server may also determine where the vehicle should stop for fuel to navigate the route in the lowest cost way possible. The optimized fuel location server may further consider user preferences, such as preferred fuel providers, in determining which fuel option should be used. Finally, the optimized fuel location server may be configured to send notifications (e.g., real-time, etc.) to a user device when the user device is within the vicinity of one or more fuel options. |
| US09103684B2 |
System and method for odometer calibration
A system for odometer calibration for a motor vehicle is provided. The system can include a first source of speed data that provides first speed data during operation of the motor vehicle, and a second source of speed data that provides second speed data during a portion of the operation. The system can also include a vehicle speed control module that computes overall average speed data based on the first speed data and a duration of operation. The system includes a speed control module that determines an average first speed for the portion of the operation in which the second source of speed data provides the second speed, and computes an average second speed. The system can include an odometer correction control module that computes corrected odometer data based on the overall average speed data and a ratio of the average second speed to the average first speed. |
| US09103682B2 |
Apparatus for applying multi-axial inertial force
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for applying multi-axial inertial force, the apparatus including: a lower support plate; two first support members fixed to stand up from the lower support plate; a second support member positioned to be orthogonal to inner sides of the two first support member in a stand-up direction thereof and rotatably coupled to the first support member; and a third support member stacked on the second support member and coupled to the second support member so as to be rotatable based on a rotational axis corresponding to a stacked direction. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an apparatus for applying multi-axial inertial force in which vibration excitation and rotation may be performed in multiple-axes directions using a uni-axial inertial force generator that may be vibration-excited and rotated only in a single direction. |
| US09103681B2 |
Navigation application with several navigation modes
A method for providing navigation instructions on a device is described. As the device traverses a navigated route according to a first mode of transportation, the method displays a first turn-by-turn navigation presentation defined for the first mode. Based on data gathered by the device, the method determines that the device is navigating the route according to a second mode of transportation. The method automatically displays a second, different turn-by-turn navigation presentation defined for the second mode. |
| US09103675B2 |
Resonator with a partial metal-plated layer
A hemispherical resonator includes a bell fastened to a base. The base carries a main electrode extending facing an annular edge of the bell, and at least one guard electrode adjacent to the main electrodes. An electrically conductive layer covers at least part of the inside surface, the annular edge of the bell, and covers a portion of an outside surface of the bell adjacent to the annular edge thereof. |
| US09103673B2 |
Inertial sensor using sliding plane proximity switches
A time-domain inertial sensor comprising: a support structure having an electrode plane parallel to an x-y plane of an x-y-z mutually orthogonal coordinate system, wherein the support structure's largest dimension lies within the x-y plane; a proof mass having a first surface parallel to the x-y plane; wherein the proof mass is springedly coupled to the support structure such that the first surface is separated from the electrode plane by a gap; a driver configured to drive the proof mass to oscillate with respect to the support structure in approximately only the x-direction such that, while oscillating, the gap does not vary significantly; and a first, time-domain, proximity switch disposed to switch from an open state to a closed state each time the proof mass is in a first reference position with respect to the support structure. |
| US09103671B1 |
Mapping techniques using probe vehicles
Method and system for mapping terrain including one or more roads includes a vehicle equipped with at least one camera, a position determining system that determines its position and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that provides at least one inertial property of the vehicle, all of which are in a set configuration relative to one another. A processor at a remote location apart from the vehicle converts images from the camera(s) to a map including objects from the images by identifying common objects in multiple images and using the position information and the inertial measurement information from when the multiple images were obtained and knowledge of the set configuration of the camera(s), the position determining system and the IMU. The images, position information and inertial measurement information are transmitted to the processor by a communications unit on the vehicle. |
| US09103668B2 |
Laser generated measuring device
The present invention relates to a laser-based measuring device which can be used to measure geometrical sizes and lines of a plane from a distance away. The device comprises a hand-held or mountable housing unit containing a laser projector, two pivotally fixed mirrors moveable by a first and second motor respectively, and at least one range finder, wherein the laser generates a visible line whose width is determined by the on time of the laser the angle of reflection of the first mirror and the rotational speed of the second mirror. The range finder(s) project the laser beam through a marked lens which then illuminate a ruled line or grid upon the planar surface to be measured. |
| US09103666B2 |
Compact 3D scanner with fixed pattern projector and dual band image sensor
A structured light 3D scanner consisting of a specially designed fixed pattern projector and a camera with a specially designed image sensor is disclosed. A fixed pattern projector has a single fixed pattern mask of sine-like modulated transparency and three infrared LEDs behind the pattern mask; switching between the LEDs shifts the projected patterns. An image sensor has pixels sensitive in the visual band, for acquisition of conventional image and the pixels sensitive in the infrared band, for the depth acquisition. |
| US09103658B2 |
Optical navigation module with capacitive sensor
Optical navigation modules and methods of operating the same to sense relative movement between the optical navigation module and a tracking surface are provided. In one embodiment, the optical navigation module comprises: (i) a light source to illuminate at least a portion of a surface relative to which the optical navigation module is moved; (ii) an integrated circuit (IC) including a photo-detector array (PDA) to detect a light pattern propagated onto the PDA from the surface, and a signal processor to translate changes in the light pattern propagated onto the PDA into data representing motion of the optical navigation module relative to the surface; and (iii) a substrate to which the light source and IC are mounted, the substrate including an aperture in a light path between the surface and the PDA. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US09103657B2 |
Magnetic field sensor system with a biasing magnet producing a spatially symmetric magnetic field within a plane being defined by magnetoresistive sensor elements
A magnetic field sensor system for measuring rotational movements of a shaft is disclosed. The sensor system includes a biasing magnet configured for generating a biasing magnetic field and a magnetic wheel having a wheel axis and a circumferential surface which comprises a regular structure of teeth and gaps arranged in an alternating manner. The magnetic wheel is attachable to the shaft and is magnetizable by the biasing magnetic field. A magnetoresistive sensor arrangement comprising four magnetoresistive sensor elements being connected with each other in a Wheatstone bridge, respectively two of the magnetoresistive sensor elements being assigned to one half bridge of the Wheatstone bridge. The four magnetoresistive sensor elements are arranged within an x-y plane. |
| US09103656B2 |
Method for cleaning skid of surface roughness tester
A method for cleaning a skid of a surface roughness tester including the skid provided with a skid aperture in a vertical direction, and a stylus disposed in the skid aperture of the skid and capable of moving in the vertical direction, wherein the surface roughness tester measures surface roughness of an object by moving the skid along a surface of the object. The method includes removing a foreign substance existing in a gap between the skid aperture and the stylus after measuring the surface roughness of the object. |
| US09103652B2 |
Non-contact sheet conductivity measurements implementing a rotating magnetic braking system
A non-contact sheet conductivity measurement system includes a magnetic head apparatus, a computing system coupled to the magnetic head apparatus, a linear actuator coupled to the magnetic head apparatus, a motor controller coupled to the magnetic head apparatus, a power supply coupled to the magnetic head apparatus and a frequency meter coupled to the magnetic head apparatus. |
| US09103649B2 |
In situ calibration of interferometers
In-situ calibration of an interferometer includes making a sequence of phase measurements of a test object using the interferometer, each of the measurements having a same carrier fringe frequency, where at least some of the measurements are made at three or more different orientations of carrier fringes, and determining information about the test object based on at least some of the phase measurements, in which determining the information includes reducing errors in the measurements arising from imperfections in the interferometer based on the measurements made at the three or more different orientations. |
| US09103647B2 |
Position detection device
A position detection device includes a first component provided by molding of a first mold resin with a first hall IC, a second component provided by molding of a second mold resin with a second hall IC, a terminal connected to a first wiring of the first component and to a second wiring of the second component, and a third mold resin molded to hold and protect the first component, the second component and the terminal. The third mold resin fixing the first component and the second component to each other. Accordingly, the position detection device can be provided, which includes a component usable commonly for a variety of position detection devices which are different in the number of hall ICs. |
| US09103633B2 |
Lightweight projectile resistant armor system
An armor system with a lightweight armored panel manufactured as a multi-material structure having a multiple of layers including a hard ballistic material layer of a Ceramic/CMC (Ceramic Matrix Composite) hybrid armor material capable of defeating ballistic threats. |
| US09103631B2 |
Sight for an archery bow
An archery sight for a bow is provided. The sight provides at least one sight pin that is adjustable, such as a sliding pin adjustable in a vertical direction, and a plurality of fixed sight pins. The plurality of sight pins are repositionable such that they may either be placed in alignment with the adjustable sight pin or moved out of the way so as avoid obstructing an archer's target or vision. |
| US09103627B1 |
Assembly for holding a concealed handgun behind a handheld electronic device
An assembly for holding a concealed handgun behind a handheld electronic device in a carrier. A carry case is provided that has a front panel, a rear panel, and a middle panel. The front panel, middle panel and rear panel are oriented in parallel. The front panel contains at least one area that is transparent. A forward compartment is defined within the carry case between the front panel and the middle panel. The forward compartment is sized to receive and hold a handheld electronic device. A rearward compartment is defined within the carry case between the middle panel and the rear panel. A gun holster is connected to the carry case within the rearward compartment. The rearward compartment is behind the forward compartment and is large enough to surround the gun holster and a handgun set into the gun holster. |
| US09103625B2 |
Firearm with keyhole-shaped mounting points
A firearm with keyhole-shaped rail mounting points has a forend element having an exterior surface and interior surface. The forend element defines a plurality of rail mounting apertures extending from the interior surface to the exterior surface. Each of the apertures has a first portion with a first diameter to closely receive a fastener head of a first diameter. Each of the apertures has a second portion with a second width less than the first diameter size to receive a shank portion of a fastener. There may be a recess on the interior surface size to receive the fastener head, the recess positioned at the second portion. |
| US09103624B1 |
Ballistic trajectory adjustment mechanism for toy gun
A ballistic trajectory adjustment mechanism for a toy gun includes an inner barrel penetrating through a gun base, a rubbing sleeve mounted on the inner gun barrel and a rubbing portion positioned inside the inner gun barrel. The inner gun barrel penetrates through a gear set. A flexible press plate includes one end inserting into the gear set and another extended to the rubbing sleeve. An adjustment barrel rotates under the exertion of an external force to drive the gear set to rotate in order to allow a restricting end of the flexible press plate to generate upward and downward movements and to press onto the rubbing sleeve for changing the position of the rubbing portion. With such configuration, the position of the rubbing portion can be adjusted via the adjustment barrel; therefore, the objective of correcting the ballistic trajectory is achieved. |
| US09103621B1 |
Quiver connection system
A coupling system including a mounting plate for anchoring to a substrate and a pair of clasp elements for anchoring to an object to be coupled to the mounting plate. The mounting plate carries a longitudinal slot disposed at its distal end and a transverse slot disposed at its proximal end. Each clasp element is structured to define a groove shaped, dimensioned, and disposable to effect a press-fit registration with a respective slot. One clasp element is structured to form a press-fit installation into the transverse slot when the other resilient element is installed in press-fit registration in the longitudinal slot. Sometimes, the mounting system may include a deflection-limiting structure operable to resist wobble of a coupled object with respect to the substrate. |
| US09103620B2 |
Squirting toy
A squirting toy including a housing. The housing includes a chamber having an interior wall, a first end that defines a hole, a second end, and a bushing disposed at the second end, the bushing having an outer surface that defines an opening and a flange formed around the opening. A piston is slidably engaged with the interior wall of the chamber and connected to a shaft. The shaft extends from the second end of the housing through the opening and includes a handle external to the housing. A soft non-water-absorbing shell is disposed over a portion of the housing. A packaging label is held by the flange and extends around the handle of the squirting toy to thereby prevent the housing from falling away from the handle when the squirting toy is hung vertically for display. |
| US09103616B2 |
Dump magazine with high capacity
A dump magazine with a high capacity includes: a bullet container for containing bullets, wherein a bullet outlet is provided on said bullet container; a guide provided in said bullet container for forming a spiral tunnel extending to a center of said bullet container for storing bullets; the bullets are filled into said spiral tunnel from said bullet outlet to an end thereof; and a spiral spring device for pushing the bullets towards said bullet outlet, wherein said spiral spring device is mounted aside said guide; a pushing device is mounted on said spiral spring device and extends into said spiral tunnel; when the bullets are filled into said spiral tunnel through said bullet outlet, said pushing device moves along said spiral tunnel in such a manner that said spiral spring device is compressed. |
| US09103613B2 |
Multiple cartridge assembly for less than lethal cartridge
A multiple cartridge assembly is described which facilitates speed loading of a four barrel less than lethal gun. Four less than lethal cartridges are attached to the multiple cartridge assembly and arranged to correspond with the breech of a four barrel less than lethal gun. Each less than lethal cartridge is constructed with a projectile which when fired has a velocity which will not kill an individual struck by the projectile. The less than lethal cartridge has a rim which is deeper or thicker than a rim on a conventional lethal cartridge. The caliber of the cartridge is also selected so that regular lethal ammunition is not available in this caliber. The preferred caliber of the less than lethal cartridge is 0.490. The less than lethal cartridge contains a polymeric projectile or alternatively, a sealed filled polymeric pouch containing shot therein. |
| US09103611B2 |
Compressible bolt carrier extension system
A semi-automatic or automatic rifle comprising a barrel attached to and upper receiver and including a compressible bolt carrier extension system. The compressible bolt carrier extension system includes a bolt carrier, an extension spring, two pins, and a reciprocation bolt carrier extension piece. As a whole, the compressible bolt carrier extension system makes possible the use of elongated upper and lower receivers to be used for chambering long-action or other center fire cartridges for use with AR rifles such as the M-16, and M4 etc., eliminating the need for any buffer or buffer tubes other than those commercially available. A further advantage of the compressible bolt carrier extension system is the reduction of felt recoil as the system fully loads during the recoil stroke as it pushes against the buffer absorbing additional recoil energy. The system can be incorporated into firearms using a variety of cartridges. |
| US09103610B2 |
Tool-less variable gas block
An adjustable gas block is provided enabling variable adjustment of the amount of gas return. The adjustment knob is provided at a non-perpendicular/non-parallel angle to the firearm barrel enabling manual adjustment and without requiring tools to perform the adjustment, thereby providing a gas block that can variably adjust the amount of gas entering the gas tube. |
| US09103608B2 |
Firearm with improved reloading
Firearm comprising a receiver (2); a barrel (6) mounted with one end on the receiver (2); a breech (8) equipped with a loading lever (9) mounted, in a way so that it can slide, in the receiver (2); at least one return spring (15) to return the breech (8) to its closed position, characterized in that the return spring (15) is a tension spring of the ‘constant-force’ type that is mounted between the breech (8) and a fixed support (12) with respect to the receiver and the barrel. |
| US09103607B2 |
Porous layer
Heat exchange device with a boiling surface comprising a porous surface layer arranged on a solid substrate, the porous surface layer comprises a porous wall structure defining and separating macro-pores that are interconnected in the general direction normal to the surface of the substrate and have a diameter greater than 5 μm and less than 1000 μm wherein the diameter of the pores gradually increases with distance from the substrate wherein the porous wall structure is a continuous branched structure. |
| US09103606B2 |
Heat dissipating mechanism adapted to an electronic device and electronic device therewith
A heat dissipating mechanism includes a first housing, a second housing and a tributary hole structure. The first housing is installed on a host casing. At least one inlet and at least one outlet are formed on two sides of the first housing. The second housing combines with the first housing, and the second housing and the host casing form a flow channel for communicating with the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet, so as to guide liquid from the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet. The tributary hole structure is formed on the flow channel and located in a position between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet. The tributary hole structure is higher than the at least one outlet for guiding air from the at least one inlet to a fan. |
| US09103603B2 |
Thermal conductive cylinder installed with U-type core piping and loop piping
The present invention relates to a thermal conductive cylinder installed with U-type core piping and loop piping for being installed within natural thermal storage body or artificial thermal storage body; wherein the piping segments of fluid inlet terminal and/or outlet terminal of the U-type core piping and loop piping are directly made of thermal insulating material, or thermal insulating structure is installed between the inlet terminal and the outlet terminal; so as to prevent thermal energy loss between adjacent piping segments on the same side when thermal conductive fluid with temperature difference passing through. |
| US09103602B2 |
Evaporators including a capillary wick and a plurality of vapor grooves and two-phase heat transfer systems including such evaporators
A two-phase heat transfer system includes an evaporator, a condenser, a vapor line, and a liquid return line. The evaporator includes a liquid inlet, a vapor outlet, and a capillary wick having a first surface adjacent the liquid inlet and a second surface adjacent the vapor outlet. The condenser includes a vapor inlet and a liquid outlet. The vapor line provides fluid communication between the vapor outlet and the vapor inlet. The liquid return line provides fluid communication between the liquid outlet and the liquid inlet. The wick is substantially free of back-conduction of energy from the second surface to the first surface due to an increase in a conduction path from the second surface to the first surface and due to suppression of nucleation of a working fluid from the second surface to the first surface to promote liquid superheat tolerance in the wick. |
| US09103600B2 |
Injector cooling apparatus and method
A system for cooling a reductant injector in an emissions module is provided. The system includes an emissions module, coupled to an engine exhaust duct, and a cooling system fluidly coupled to the emissions module. The emissions module includes a reductant system and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) module. The reductant system includes a reductant injector having a cooling passage. The cooling system includes a reservoir tank, a supply pump fluidly coupled to the reservoir tank, and a siphon tank fluidly coupled to the supply pump and the reductant injector cooling passage. The siphon tank is disposed proximate to the reductant injector, and a gravitational elevation of a base of the siphon tank is greater than a gravitational elevation of the reductant injector. |
| US09103599B2 |
Flake and method for reducing temperature of waste heat discharged from air conditioner
The invention provides a flake and method for reducing waste heat using water produced when an air conditioner operates and thereby heat exchange efficiency can increase. Accordingly, an energy-saving effect can be achieved. The flake is placed at an inner bottom side of the air conditioner and between a condenser fan and a condenser coil. When the condenser fan operates, wind power created by the condenser fan has a portion blowing toward the flake, and then blowing toward underlying water, produced when the air conditioner operates, along the flake such that the water can move to the condenser coil and cool the condenser coil. Thereby, the temperature of discharged waste heat can be reduced. When the condenser coil cools, heat exchange efficiency increases. Accordingly, an indoor cooling effect can be improved and an energy-saving effect can be achieved. |
| US09103598B2 |
Heat exchanger for two fluids, in particular a storage evaporator for an air conditioning device
A heat exchanger (10) includes at least one header box (12, 14) delimiting a first chamber (42) for a first fluid (F1) and a second chamber (44) for a second fluid (F2), as well as a beam of tubes (16) ending into the header box (12, 14) and comprising at least one first tube (18) communicating with the first chamber (42) of the collecting box (12, 14) and at least one second tube (20) communicating with the second chamber (44) of the collecting box, the first tube (18) being coupled with the second tube (20) to constitute a module (22) allowing a heat transfer between the first tube (18) and the second tube (20). The ends (32) of the first tube (18) is off-set with respect to the ends (30) of the first tube (18), so that such ends (30, 32) can be received in an alternate way in insertion holes (34) of the header box (2, 14), said holes (34) being spaced with a constant step (P). |
| US09103597B2 |
Plate heat exchanger
A plate heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchanger plates formed of a metal sheet and permanently joined to each other by means of a braze material to form a plate package having first plate interspaces and second plate interspaces. Each heat exchanger plate has a pattern forming a heat transfer area and a plurality of porthole areas. Each heat exchanger plate extends along a main extension plane. The areas extend, on one side of the heat exchanger plate, between a primary level at a distance from the main extension plane and a secondary level at a distance from and on an opposite side of the main extension plane. Each heat exchanger plate has a depth defined by the distance between the primary level and the secondary level. The depth is equal to or less than 1.0 mm. |
| US09103596B1 |
Evaporative cooler regulation system and method
An evaporative cooler regulation system and method provides adaptable connectors and directional dispersion components that couple to an evaporative cooler and tubes for distribution and directional dispersion of a fluid, such as evaporated air. The evaporative cooler system also provides at least one aperture that facilitates external access to the controls of the evaporative cooler. In this manner, the evaporative cooler and the resultant fluid may be regulated externally. The fluid is further regulated by expanding and interchanging the number of distribution tubes that carry the fluid. A hood attaches to the evaporative cooler, forming a seal. The hood comprises apertures for accessing controls and also for dispersing the fluid. A tube coupler joins the hood and a tube. The tube disperses the fluid through an attached dispersion grill. The dispersion grill pivots to directionally disperse the fluid. A series of tubes extend the range of the system. |
| US09103595B2 |
Shrink wrap tunnel with dynamic width adjustment
A heat shrink tunnel with width adjustment includes a pair of opposing side wall assemblies, each assembly including an outer wall and an inner perforated wall defining a plenum therebetween. The opposing side walls define a product path therebetween having a longitudinal axis. The side wall assemblies are movable toward and away from the axis. A heater/blower assembly is disposed in each of the opposing side walls, each having an outlet directed into the product path and drawing air from the product path, through its respective plenum. A top wall extends between the pair of opposing side wall assemblies and has an adjustable width to accommodate movement of the side wall assemblies. |
| US09103592B2 |
Burner with velocity adjustment for flash smelter
A burner for a flash smelting furnace. The burner has an adjustable nozzle to control the velocity of the combustion gas supply to the reaction shaft. The nozzle is defined by the burner injector and a surrounding structure that extends from the burner wind box through an opening in the burner block that integrates the burner with the furnace. The nozzle is adjusted by control means that is exterior of the wind box. |
| US09103591B2 |
Method for producing cement clinker in a plant, and plant for producing cement clinker as such
A method for producing cement clinker in a plant that includes: a first cyclone preheater and a second cyclone preheater for preheating first and second portions of a raw material, respectively; a precalcinator using a combustion gas for burning a fuel, the fumes released by the precalcinator being directed to the second cyclone preheater; a rotary furnace provided with a fuel burner, the fumes released by the rotary furnace being directed to the first cyclone preheater; and a clinker cooler that blows cooling air across the clinker at the outlet of the rotary furnace. According to the method, the precalcinator combustion gas contains between 90 and 100 vol % of oxygen. The precalcinator may consist of a fluidized bed, the fluidization gas being the combustion gas. The invention also relates to a plant as such. |
| US09103589B2 |
Clothes dryer exhaust device
A clothes dryer exhaust line blower system is provided that assists a clothes dryer venting hot air and lint from the dryer interior and through the length of the dryer ducting to maintain a clear pathway and maintain the dryer's efficiency over time. A Y-pipe having a main exhaust line and an intermediate line is installed on the dryer exhaust port and connects the dryer exhaust outlet to an existing dryer duct that is adapted to communicate dryer exhaust from the dryer to the exterior of a dwelling. An intermediate section of the Y-pipe connection includes an electric blower assembly that functions as an auxiliary venting means, which generates air pressure to assist the dryer assembly vent the heated air through the exhaust conduit during the drying process. The blower is electrically driven and is controlled via a manual switch or timer switch that functions in conjunction with the drying cycles of the dryer. |
| US09103588B2 |
Dryer for gas masks
A forced air dryer for gas masks or other face pieces having a drinking tube attached. A housing having a blower is attached to a distribution manifold with a heater therein. Spaced riser tubes each with spaced tubular mask support arms attached thereto are releasably fastened to the manifold for receiving forced air therein. In one version, adapted for wall mounting, the riser tubes extend vertically downward from the manifold; and, in another free standing version, the riser tubes extend vertically upward from the manifold. Each support arm has a wire support frame or “basket” thereon configured to support a gas mask or face piece with attached drinking tube thereon with a nozzle discharging forced air upwardly through the wire frame to the interior of the gas mask. Each riser has a separate air discharge nipple proximate each support arm and configured for threaded engagement with a canteen cap connected to the drinking tube for concurrently forcing air through the drinking tube. The dryer may be shipped disassembled in kit form, for ready reassembly, in situ, by the user. |
| US09103584B2 |
Carbon dioxide capture and liquefaction
An energy-efficient method of recovering carbon dioxide (CO2) in a liquid state from a high-pressure gas stream is provided. The method includes cooling, condensing, and/or separating CO2 from a high-pressure gas stream and further purifying the resulting liquid CO2 in a purification zone to thereby provide a purified CO2 product. The purified liquid CO2 product may then be pumped to a higher pressure for further utilization and/or sequestration for industrial or environmental purposes. |
| US09103581B2 |
Continuously adjustable door bins
Provided is a storage system and a refrigeration appliance including the storage system for storing food items in a temperature-controlled environment. The storage system includes a bin and a tab attached to the bin. The tab is configured to couple the bin to a track and guide the bin along a continuum of positions on the track. The storage system further includes an actuator attached to the bin that is selectively movable between a first position and a second position. The storage system still further includes a pin slidingly engaged with the bin. The bin is movable into a plurality of positions relative to the track. The pin in an engaged position is configured to prevent movement of the bin at any desired point within the continuum of positions on the track. |
| US09103579B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator including an extractable container, and a conveying unit formed in an inner space of a vertical wall of the extractable container. The conveying unit includes a guide part to guide the movement of a partition member that divides a storage space of the extractable container, and a fixing part to restrict the movement of the partition member. |
| US09103576B2 |
Ice building machine
An ice building machine for spraying a fluid comprising water to form ice is described. The machine comprises: a chassis; a power generating source connected with the chassis; a control module electrically connected with the power generating source; and a fluid spray system coupled with the chassis and arranged to spray a fluid under control of the control module and powered by the power generating source, the fluid spray system arranged to access the fluid from below a lower surface of the ice building machine. |
| US09103574B2 |
Air conditioner, refrigerant filling method of air conditioner, method for judging refrigerant filling state of air conditioner as well as refrigerant filling and pipe cleaning method of air conditioner
An air conditioner includes: a heat source-side unit having a compressor, a heat source-side heat exchanger, a first throttle device and a super-cooling heat exchanger; a load-side unit having a second throttle device and a load-side heat exchanger; a switching device for switching connections of discharge and intake sides of the compressor between the heat source-side unit and the load-side unit; a refrigerant reservoir supplying refrigerant and connected to a refrigerating cycle between the first throttle device of the heat source-side unit and the heat source-side heat exchanger through a refrigerant filling switch valve; and a controller controlling the switching device, the first throttle device, the second throttle device and refrigerant filling switch valve. |
| US09103572B2 |
Physically separated hot side and cold side heat sinks in a thermoelectric refrigeration system
A thermoelectric system includes a cooling chamber and a thermoelectric heat exchange system. The thermoelectric heat exchange system includes a hot side heat sink, a cold side heat sink that is physically separated from the hot side heat sink, and a heat conduit that thermally couples the hot side heat sink and the cold side heat sink. |
| US09103571B2 |
Refrigeration apparatus
A refrigeration apparatus includes a multistage compression mechanism, a heat-source-side main heat exchanger, at least one heat-source-side sub heat exchanger, a usage-side heat exchanger, a switching mechanism, an expansion mechanism and a refrigerant piping group. The refrigerant piping group connects the multistage compression mechanism, the switching mechanism, the heat-source-side main heat exchanger, the heat-source-side sub heat exchanger, the expansion mechanism and the usage-side heat exchanger so that during the heating operation, the heat-source-side main heat exchanger and the heat-source-side sub heat exchanger are connected in series. |
| US09103569B2 |
Higher efficiency appliance employing thermal load shifting in refrigerators having vertical mullion
An appliance includes a cabinet; a first compartment; and a second compartment. The first compartment and the second compartment are separated by a vertical mullion. The cabinet also typically includes a coolant system that has: a single compressor for regulating a temperature of the first compartment and a temperature of the second compartment operably connected to at least one evaporator; a shared coolant fluid connection system; and a coolant fluid spaced within the shared coolant fluid connection system used to regulate both the temperature of the first compartment and the second compartment. The compressor can provide the shared coolant at at least two different pressures to at least one evaporator using the shared coolant fluid connection circuit. The ratio of the substantially steady state heat gain for the first compartment to the substantially steady state total heat gain for the overall cabinet is about 0.65:1 or greater. |
| US09103566B2 |
Solar light collecting device and solar heat collecting facility
A solar light collecting device includes: a rectangular-shaped frame-like body 22 supported by a strut body 21 so as to be tiltable in a vertical plane; a flexible reflecting mirror 24 having two side edges 22a held by the frame-like body 22 and a quasi-parabolic cross section along the short sides thereof to reflect solar light; and a tilting cylinder device 25 which tilts the frame-like body 22 according to the altitude of the sun and guides the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 24 to a heat collecting device disposed at the focal point of the reflecting surface of the reflecting mirror. A curve adjusting device 27 contacts the rear surface of the reflecting mirror 24 according to the tilting position of the reflecting mirror 24 to change the degree of curve of the reflecting surface. |
| US09103564B2 |
Solar energy converter and method for converting solar energy
The solar energy converter for generating electric energy and heated fluid comprises a multi-layer assembly, a photovoltaic panel and a manifold assembly. The multi-layer assembly is a casing and comprises N layers separated by at least one separator floor, each layer has at least one channel adapted to contain a fluid stream, and each layer has a first opening and a second opening. The photovoltaic panel has a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface of the photovoltaic panel contacts the multi-layer assembly. The manifold assembly comprises N passages for containing the fluid streams, the Kth passage is adapted to distribute the fluid stream to be heated into the channel of the Kth layer through the corresponding first opening and collect the heated fluid stream from the channel of the Kth layer through the corresponding second opening, wherein N is a positive integer, K is a positive integer less than or equal to N. |
| US09103563B1 |
Integrated thermal module and back plate structure and related methods
A thermal solar system having a fire rating of at least A. In a specific embodiment, the system includes a thermal solar module having an aperture region and a backside region. The system has a shaped thickness of material having a first side and a second side. In a preferred embodiment, the shaped thickness of material is characterized by a fire rating of at least A. The material has a thickness suitable to be free from penetration of moisture according to one or more embodiments. The thickness of material also has a structural characteristic capable of maintaining a shape and coupling to the backside region of the thermal solar module according to one or more embodiments. The system also has an air plenum provided between the thermal solar module and the thickness shaped thickness of material. In a preferred embodiment, the system further has a frame assembly operably coupled to the shaped thickness of material to support the shaped thickness of material and the thermal solar module. |
| US09103560B2 |
Furnace vent with water-permeable inner pipe
A vent system for improving the efficiency and/or reducing emissions of a combustion device is disclosed. The vent system may include an outer pipe and an inner pipe having a longitudinal section that is permeable to water or water vapor and is longitudinally disposed within the outer pipe. The inner pipe defines a first passageway and the outer and inner pipes define a second passageway therebetween. As the moisture and/or heat are transferred from the flue gas to the intake air through the longitudinal section of the inner pipe, the efficiency of the furnace may be improved and the NOx emission of the furnace may be reduced. |
| US09103558B2 |
Method for detecting physical presence of a specific individual to control HVAC settings
A heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system includes a system controller configured to control the operation of a demand unit to maintain an environmental set point of a control zone. The system controller is further configured to control the demand unit in response to a location signal received from a location-reporting device. |
| US09103554B2 |
Hot-water storage type heating unit
In a hot-water storage type heating unit 1, a liquid-liquid heat exchanger 15, which exchanges heat between a first hot-water circulation circuit 12 through which hot water stored in a hot-water storage tank 11 circulates and a heating circulation circuit 14 in which the hot water flows from a radiator unit 3 for heating, is disposed above the hot-water storage tank 11, and a circulation pump 16 is disposed in the first hot-water circulation circuit 12 on the downstream side of the liquid-liquid heat exchanger 15. In order to return the gas, which is separated by a gas-liquid separator 17 provided so as to be interposed in the first hot-water circulation circuit 12 between the liquid-liquid heat exchanger 15 and the circulation pump 16, to the hot-water storage tank 11, a return passage 18 which communicates between the hot-water storage tank 11 and the gas-liquid separator 17 is provided. |
| US09103550B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling a water heater
A control system for a water heater generally includes a water heater controller configured to receive upper and lower sensor temperatures associated with water in the respective upper and lower portions of the tank. The water heater controller is configured to determine a value indicative of a portion of water in the tank at a desired set-point temperature as a function of the upper sensor temperature, the lower sensor temperature, and the desired set-point temperature. The water heater controller is configured to wirelessly transmit at least one signal indicative of said value indicative of the portion of water in the tank at the desired set-point temperature. A user interface includes a plurality of selectively illuminated segmented portions. The user interface is configured to receive said value from the water heater controller and to selectively illuminate a number of segmented portions representative of said value. |
| US09103548B2 |
Reactors for conducting thermochemical processes with solar heat input, and associated systems and methods
Reactors for conducting thermochemical processes with solar heat input, and associated systems and methods. A system may include a reactor having a reaction zone, a reactant source coupled in fluid in communication with the reactant zone, and a solar concentrator having at least one concentrator surface positionable to direct solar energy to a focal area. The system can further include an actuator coupled to the solar concentrator to move the solar concentrator relative to the sun, and a controller operatively coupled to the actuator. The controller can be programmed with instructions that, when executed, direct the actuator to position the solar concentrator to focus the solar energy on the reaction zone when the solar energy is above a threshold level, and direct the actuator to position the solar concentrator to point to a location in the sky having relatively little radiant energy to cool an object positioned at the focal area when the solar energy is below the threshold level. |
| US09103546B2 |
Hand held device with non-permanent LED line guides, bookmark, and hand support features
A hand held device includes a container body having a column of individually controlled LED lights for use as guide lines for handwriting and for use as a highlighting feature. Processing circuitry is included that stores LED light configurations to be recalled for later use. |
| US09103541B2 |
Lamp having outer shell to radiate heat of light source
A lamp includes an outer shell having heat conductivity, a base provided in the outer shell, and a cover provided in the outer shell. The outer shell has a light source support, and a heat radiating surface exposed to the outside of the outer shell. The light source support is formed integral with the heat radiating surface. A light source is supported on the light source support. The light source is heated during lighting, and thermally connected to the light source support. The light source is covered with the cover. |
| US09103539B2 |
Light-emitting systems for headgear
A light-emitting system is provided which is removably attachable to headgear for personal illumination to enhance visibility of the user to others. The light-emitting system includes a housing that defines a receiving aperture and is configured to surround a portion of the headgear when the light-emitting system is removably attached to the headgear for use. The light-emitting system further includes at least one lens and a plurality of lighting elements coupled to the annular housing which are configured to selectively generate a halo or at least a partial halo of light that radiates outwardly away from the annular housing through the at least one lens to provide enhanced personal illumination. |
| US09103538B2 |
Portable electric lamp with a compact casing housing a lighting module controlled by a rotary actuator
A portable electric lamp with a compact casing housing a lighting module and an electric circuit coupled to the lighting module and provided with a controlled switch, comprising an actuator rotating around an axis of rotation and mounted fixed in translation in the direction of said axis of rotation to control the switch, and a control knob rotating around the axis of rotation of the actuator, the control knob further being mounted movable in translation along the axis of rotation of the actuator between a driving position in which the control knob drives the actuator in rotation and at least one blocking position in which the control knob prevents rotation of the actuator in at least one direction of rotation. |
| US09103535B1 |
Decorative lights installation systems
A system including a J-shaped portion defined via an elongated trough and an elongated leg. The trough having an elongated inner channel. The leg having an elongated inner surface exposed to the inner channel. The J-shaped portion having a first elongated end at the trough and a second elongated end at the leg. The first end having an elongated grasping lip curving toward the inner channel. The inner surface having a plurality of decorative light holders stationed along the inner surface. The holders are disposed between the inner channel and the second end. |
| US09103533B1 |
High intensity studio lamp and method using a plasma source
A studio lamp apparatus includes a housing structure including front and back ends, and an interior region between the front and back ends. The apparatus also includes a support structure coupled to the housing structure, which holds the housing structure in a suspended state. The apparatus includes a Fresnel lens coupled to the front end and a plurality of vents on the back end. The apparatus includes a lamp assembly within a portion of the interior region. The lamp assembly may have a reflector device operably coupled to a lamp device that has a resonator structure and a bulb including a fill material coupled to the resonator structure. The lamp device may also have an RF probe coupled to the bulb to supply power to the fill material and a focusing device between the Fresnel lens and the lamp assembly. |
| US09103530B2 |
Arrangement for directed light emission
The invention relates to an arrangement for light emission, comprising at least one LED illuminant in a long arrangement, a carrier element carrying the LED illuminant, and a light emitting element that can be connected to the carrier element. The light emitting element comprises a first region (41) wherein traversing light is extensively scattered. It also comprises a second region (40) wherein traversing light is scattered significantly less than in the first region. |
| US09103528B2 |
Solid state continuous white light source
A solid state illumination system is provided as a replacement for conventional arc light, metal halide and Xenon white-light sources for applications in life sciences including, microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and endoscopy. The solid state illumination system generates high quality white light output from LED light sources. The white light output is continuous in the visible spectrum from 380 nm to 650 nm and is suitable for imaging all the most common fluorophores and fluorescent proteins. In embodiments, an LED light pipe engine is used to generate a portion of the spectral content of the white light output. In alternative embodiments the solid state illumination system produces light output of a selectable color. |
| US09103524B2 |
Immersive display with minimized image artifacts
Methods and apparatus provide for a display device comprising a plurality of display panels arranged adjacent to one another along the respective peripheral edges thereof, and wherein respective first and second viewing planes form an obtuse angle T relative to each other. The display device further includes a cover sheet located in proximity to, and covering the first and second viewing planes, and includes a light compensation portion located proximate to the peripheral edges of the first and second flat panel displays, and has a curvature complementary to the obtuse angle between the respective first and second viewing planes. The light compensation portion bends light produced by respective peripheral areas of the first and second flat panel displays proximate to the respective peripheral edges thereof to reduce visual discontinuities introduced by the peripheral edges into an image displayed on the first and second flat panel displays. |
| US09103522B2 |
Photographic reflector
An photographic reflector comprising a frame and a first cover. The frame may comprise a central post, a plurality of ribs connected to the central post and extendable outwardly therefrom to define a concavity, and, a plurality of struts connected to mid-span portions of said ribs, respectively and secured to the central post. The first cover may be conformed to the ribs and the concavity. The first cover may comprise a light reflective inner surface. The light reflective inner surface may have some maximum projected area having a perimeter, wherein the perimeter is non-circular. |
| US09103520B1 |
Combination turn and tail multi-color LED lamp
An automotive combined turn signal and tail/stop lamp (10) having co-axial transparent collimating inner and outer light guides (18, 30). Inner collimating light guide (18) receives light from a yellow LED (16), outer collimating light guide (30) receives light from red LEDs (14), the yellow and red LEDs located in thermal communication with a common heat sink (2). Mirror optics (40, 42) reflect light from respective light output prisms (28, 35) of the inner and outer light guides outward to nested reflectors on the automobile. Electrical conductors (48) between the light guides (18, 30) can feed power from a PC board (12) to supply additional light sources within an RCL housing, such as white back-up light. |
| US09103515B1 |
Replacement LED lamp module for street light
A replacement LED lamp module for a street light includes a heat dissipating cover (10), a driver (20), and an LED module (30). The heat dissipating cover (10) has a receiving cavity (14) and a receiving recess (15) disposed inward of a bottom of the heat dissipating cover (10). The driver (20) is installed in the receiving cavity (14). The LED module (30) is disposed corresponding to the receiving recess (15) and fixed to the heat dissipating cover (10); the LED module (30) is electrically connected to the driver (20). Thus, the replacement of the LED lamp module can be achieved without affecting the main structure of the conventional street light. |
| US09103511B2 |
Universal light emitting diode illumination device and method
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for providing a light emitting diode and driving circuitry integrated into a component module that will retrofit common incandescent lightbulb applications. The disclosed embodiments will perform with high efficiency at a wide operating voltage range with a very small size allowing for the incorporation within the envelope and form of existing lightbulb bases. Therefore, a single universal LED light bulb module can be used to replace the dozens of conventional LED and incandescent lights currently being used. The electronic circuitries used to drive the LEDs are extremely compact and consequently can be incorporated in nearly any standard bulb base. |
| US09103510B2 |
Hard-pressed glass light emitting diode flood lamp
In various embodiments, a light emitting diode (LED) flood lamp is provided. The LED flood lamp may include a base cap; a first housing having a first end and a second end, the first end secured to the base cap; a second housing having at least in part a partially conical shape, an end of the second housing having a smaller diameter secured to the second end of the first housing; at least one LED secured within the second; driver circuitry secured within the LED flood lamp between the end of the base cap and the at least one LED; a reflector having a partially conical shape; and a diffuser element secured to at least one of a wider end of the reflector or the end of the second housing having the larger diameter. In some embodiments, the first or second housing may include one or more vents. |
| US09103509B2 |
Lighting device and method for operating a lighting device
A lighting device may include: at least one two-dimensional semiconductor light source, at least one reflector unit, which can be switched between a plurality of reflector settings, wherein in a first reflector setting, a first reflector surface of the reflector unit can be illuminated by the at least one semiconductor light source, and in a second reflector setting, a second reflector surface of the reflector unit can be illuminated by the at least one semiconductor light source. |
| US09103504B2 |
Internal girth weld liquid coating cart
The invention relates to a machine for coating the interior of a pipe. The machine can be pulled through and positioned within a pipe or pipeline by a internal pipe tractor, and can be used to apply viscous liquids, including two part epoxies and urethanes, to the interior wall of the pipe. The machine is typically used for the overcoating of portions of pipe having defects in their internal coatings, for example, at their girth welds. |
| US09103503B2 |
Device for injecting gas into a metallurgical vessel
The invention relates to a device for injecting gas into a metallurgical vessel, comprising a blowing head (5) having a feed line (5b) for delivering gas, in particular oxygen, to the blowing head (5), and at least one Laval nozzle (1) disposed on the blowing head (5), said nozzle having an inlet section (2) which conveys the gas and an outlet section (3), wherein the gas is delivered to the inlet section (2) via the feed line (5b) and leaves the outlet section (3) at supersonic speed, wherein the Laval nozzle (1) comprises at least one first nozzle part (2, 3) and a second nozzle part (7), wherein the nozzle parts (2, 3, 7) are adjustable relative to one another by changing the geometry of the Laval nozzle (1). |
| US09103502B2 |
Method and device for controlled laminar flow patterning within a channel
A device and method of laminar flow patterning of at least one sample fluid in a main channel in a microfluidic device are provided. A first input channel is provided in the microfluidic device. The first input channel has an output end communicating with the first end of the main channel and an input end communicating with a first input port. A buffer fluid is deposited in the main channel and the first input channel and a first sample fluid is deposited in the first input port. A first pressure is generated in response to the depositing of the first sample fluid in the first input port so as to cause laminar flow of the first sample fluid in the main channel. |
| US09103500B2 |
Pressure vessel boss and liner interface
A boss for a pressure vessel has a flange. The flange includes an interior keyway having an inner sidewall and a plurality of bores disposed on the inner sidewall. A pressure vessel includes a main body section and an end section. The end section includes a boss and the boss includes a flange. The flange includes an interior keyway having an inner sidewall and a plurality of bores disposed on the inner sidewall. In another aspect, a pressure vessel includes an outer shell, and inner liner and a boss including a flange with an exterior side and an interior side. The liner is mechanically integrated with the flange via a plurality of anchors, each anchor contacting the flange only on the interior side. A method of forming a pressure vessel includes providing a boss having a flange. The flange has an interior keyway having an inner sidewall and a plurality of bores disposed on the inner sidewall. The method comprises allowing a fluid polymer material to flow into the interior keyway and into the plurality of bores. |
| US09103497B1 |
Elimination of fog formation during ambient air regasification of liquefied natural gas
A system and method for regasifying LNG using ambient air vaporizers without ambient air fog formation. The warm moist ambient air is cooled and dried using cold recovery from the cryogenic LNG stream by means of an intermediate heat transfer fluid circulated in a closed loop followed by the addition of a warm diluent air stream such that the final temperature of the exit stream of mixed air is at or above the ambient air dew point. Adjustable diluent air dampers permit an induced draft ambient vaporizer assembly. |
| US09103496B2 |
Light curtain with machine sensing
A light curtain for use with a machine, such as a press brake. The light curtain includes a controller which is communicatingly connected to a controller of the machine, and at least one presence detector which is connected to the controller of the light curtain. The light curtain also includes at least one sensor which is configured to sense position and/or speed of movement of a moveable part of the machine, in use, the controller of the light curtain receives feedback from the at least one presence detector as well as from the at least one sensor which is configured to sense position and/or speed of movement of the moveable part of a machine. The controller of the light curtain signals the controller of the machine to operate the machine based on the feedback which is received by the light curtain. Preferably, the at least one presence detector is sequentially programmable to effectively provide blanked-out sections, and the controller of the light curtain uses the at least one sensor to detect when the moveable part of the machine is moving through the blanked-out section, and cause the machine to slow down to a safer speed. |
| US09103487B2 |
Adjustable mounting clip and system using same
An adjustable mounting clip for an electronic device, such as a cellular telephone or smart phone. The mounting clip may be adapted to be supported by a flexible support apparatus, such as a tripod. The mounting clip may support a variety of electronic device types with an automatically adjusting variable device receiver. The mounting clip may be adapted to retract into a compact stowed position when not in use. |
| US09103486B2 |
Locking swivel support apparatus
An improved hanging apparatus with a locking swivel for suspending objects from an overhead structure is provided. The apparatus may advantageously be employed to suspend a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) unit from a ceiling, ceiling joists, beams, trusses, rafters, or the like of a room or space to be heated or cooled by the HVAC unit. |
| US09103482B2 |
Vacuum heat insulating material, heat insulating box, refrigerator, refrigerating/air-conditioning apparatus, water heater, appliance, and manufacturing method of vacuum heat insulating material
A highly reliable vacuum heat insulating material having excellent processability, handleability and heat insulating performance, and a heat insulating box using the vacuum heat insulating material are provided. In the vacuum heat insulating material with the inside in an approximately vacuum state by sealing a core material 5 having a structure wherein plural pieces of fiber assembly 1 are laminated by a gas-barrier outer cover material 4, by using long fiber for the core material, fiber dust or remaining fiber by cutting is prevented from protruding into a sealing portion of the outer cover material from a cut surface of a sheet or an opening portion, and sealing failure is reduced. Further, since the core material is structured so as to be wound continuously from an inner side toward an outer side, the vacuum heat insulating material is easily manufactured, and excellent in handleability. |
| US09103479B2 |
Connecting device for the connection of a pipe socket and a hose
A connecting device with a pipe socket and a hose made of rubber-like material. The pipe socket and the hose abut in a sealing zone which is encased over at least a part of its length by a hose reinforcement which forms part of a geometric fastening configuration with which the pipe socket and the hose are held together. |
| US09103473B2 |
Connection appliance and connection arrangement comprising such a connection appliance
A connection appliance for connecting an end section of a first conduit to an end section of a second conduit that is fixed to a holding unit of a subsea support structure. The connection appliance comprises a base structure that is connectable to a base frame of the subsea support structure; a sliding unit, to which the end section of the first conduit is to be fixed and which is slidably mounted to the base structure, and an actuating unit configured to act between the base structure and the sliding unit in order to push the sliding unit and the end section of the first conduit axially forwards in relation to the base structure so as to bring the end sections of the conduits into contact with each other. |
| US09103469B2 |
Arrangement for sealing line interfaces in a motor vehicle
The invention relates to an arrangement for sealing line interfaces in a motor vehicle in which lines from an engine compartment of the motor vehicle are led into a vehicle interior, wherein the engine compartment is separated from the vehicle interior by a partition which has an opening, through which the lines are led, and the opening is closed on the vehicle interior side by a seal, which is fastened to a functional unit arranged in the vehicle interior. In order to enable a reliable sealing function despite the assembly tolerance to be compensated, a flange of the functional unit that bears the seal can be moved relative to the functional unit, or the seal is movably arranged on the flange, which is rigidly fastened to the functional unit. |
| US09103468B2 |
Enhanced flow boiling in microchannels by high frequency microbubble-excited and -modulated oscillations
Microfluidic devices, along with their methods of formation and use, are provided. The microfluidic device can include a substrate with a main channel and a first auxiliary channel defined in the substrate's surface. The main channel has a main width of about 1000 μm or less. The first auxiliary channel intersects with the main channel at a first aperture defined in a first side wall of the main channel. A second auxiliary channel can intersect with the main channel at a second aperture defined in a second side wall of the main channel. A plurality of main channels and respective auxiliary channel(s) can be included on the surface. |
| US09103467B2 |
Vibration damping device for a valve
Embodiments of the invention provide a vibration damping system including a fixed element, a moveable element arranged to move linearly along an axis relative to the fixed element in response to a non-mechanical force, and an inerter element coupling the moveable element to the fixed element, and configured to convert the linear motion of the moveable element into rotational motion about the axis. The vibration damping system may be applied to many types of valves. In some embodiments, the vibration damping system may be applied to pressure relief valves. In some embodiments, the moveable element rotates to provide inertial damping. In other embodiments, the inerter element rotates to provide inertial damping. |
| US09103466B2 |
Vibration damping device
Embodiments of the invention provide a vibration damping system including a fixed element, a moveable element arranged to move linearly along an axis relative to the fixed element in response to a non-mechanical force, and an inerter element coupling the moveable element to the fixed element, and configured to convert the linear motion of the moveable element into rotational motion about the axis. The vibration damping system may be applied to many types of valves. In some embodiments, the vibration damping system may be applied to pressure relief valves. In some embodiments, the moveable element rotates to provide inertial damping. In other embodiments, the inerter element rotates to provide inertial damping. |
| US09103464B2 |
Holding circuit, electromagnetic valve, valve selector, and flow controller
Relating to a solenoid used as a solenoid valve, a holding circuit and the like for suppressing the occurrence of back electromotive force, and preventing magnetic flux density from deterioration, without a major change of the conventional circuit constitution, is provided. A capacitor is connected in parallel with a resistance which is connected in series to a solenoid. The solenoid is driven at rated voltage by making a first switch and a second switch ON state and the solenoid is kept at holding voltage by making the first switch OFF state. The capacitor slows down the speed of change of applied voltage to the solenoid from the rated voltage to the holding voltage so that the back electromotive force of the solenoid is absorbed, which prevents the extinguishment of magnetic flux density. |
| US09103463B2 |
Pressure balanced solenoid operated valve
A pressure balanced solenoid operated valve includes a solenoid portion having a coil in a coil retainer. A valve member portion defines a body connected to the solenoid portion. A slidable valve member in the body has opposed first and second ends and a shoulder between the ends. The first end with the coil energized is magnetically drawn toward the coil retainer moving the valve member between a valve closed and a valve open position. A pressure equalizing passage extends in the valve member from the second end. An inlet passage communicates a pressurized fluid at a valve inlet port to the pressure equalizing passage. A connecting passage communicates between the pressure equalizing passage and the shoulder. The pressurized fluid in the pressure equalizing passage acts against the second end and equally and oppositely against both the shoulder and the first end in both the open and closed positions. |
| US09103462B2 |
Pressure control valve
The invention refers to a valve which can be operated by a solenoid. The armature of the solenoid acts here on a control element. This is axially shifted here in such a way that the gap width of a gap provided in a valve bush changes. The control element consists of a control pin and a control part which manufactured separately from this and attached to the control pin, the control part interacting with the gap. |
| US09103460B2 |
Control head for a fluid-actuated valve
A control head for a fluidically actuated valve having a main body which comprises a coupling device for fixing the main body to a shaft section of the valve and which supports a control valve device which is designed to provide a control fluid flow for actuating a fluid regulating agent in order to activate the valve, said regulating agent being arranged in the shaft section in a linearly movable manner, and having a path measurement device arranged on the main body, which is designed to determine an axial position of the regulating agent along a movement axis. |
| US09103457B2 |
Assembly having a dual barrier gasket
An assembly having a dual barrier gasket located at an interface between a first body and a second body is disclosed. The dual barrier gasket may include a substantially cylindrical inner surface. The dual barrier gasket may further include a gasket outer surface that is configured to provide an inner sealing barrier and an outer sealing barrier, where a first tangent plane to a portion of the outer sealing barrier is radially offset from a second tangent plane to a portion of the inner sealing barrier. The gasket outer surface may include a first port and a second port. A channel may extend from the first port through the dual barrier gasket to the second port. The first body (or the second body) include a channel extending from a cavity between the two sealing barriers of the dual barrier gasket and the first body (or the second body) to an external port. |
| US09103453B2 |
Valve shaft apparatus for use with rotary valves
A valve shaft apparatus with a rotary valve includes a shaft having a first portion in an opening of a valve body and a second portion in a cavity of a closure member. A first seal is coupled to the first portion to prevent fluid leakage into the opening of the valve body, where the first seal defines a first leakage detection area. A second seal is coupled to the second portion to prevent fluid leakage into the cavity, the second seal is to define a second leakage detection area. A passageway in the shaft is fluidly coupled to the first and second leakage detection areas to provide an indication of fluid leakage past the first seal in the opening or to detect fluid leakage past the second seal in the cavity. The passageway is in fluid communication with a shaft outlet formed in an end of the shaft. |
| US09103447B1 |
Method and system of valve refurbishment
A valve assembly is disclosed with a housing having generally collinear inlet and outlet ports in the side walls thereof and an interior annular face about each of the inlet and outlet ports. The housing is made of a first metal with a yield strength. The assembly also has a chamber disposed between the inlet and outlet ports, wherein a vertical axis of the chamber is normal to longitudinal axes of the inlet and outlet ports. An annular groove is disposed about the interior annular face of the inlet port and the interior annular face of the outlet port. A second metal is disposed within each of the annular grooves, the second metal having a yield strength greater than the yield strength of the first metal. |
| US09103444B2 |
Acrylic rubber composition
An acrylic rubber composition comprising 100 parts by weight of an ACM polymer, which contains monomers each having a carboxyl group(s) as crosslinking-site monomers, respectively, and 5 to 30 parts by weight of vein graphite or flake graphite. An acrylic rubber composition having 100 parts by weight of an ACM polymer, which contains monomers each having a carboxyl group(s) as crosslinking-site monomers, respectively, 5 to 30 parts by weight of vein graphite or flake graphite, and 0.5 to 1.5 parts by weight of a liquid paraffin. |
| US09103440B2 |
Motor vehicle drive train device comprising a multi-group transmission and shifting method for a multi-group transmission
A motor vehicle drive train device has a multi-group transmission that includes a main group, a front-mounted group upstream from the main group, and/or a downstream group downstream from the main group, and a control/regulation unit. The motor vehicle drive train device is provided for shifting, at least in one transmission gear change operation, the front-mounted group and/or the downstream group into neutral before engaging a target gear in the main group. The control/regulation unit is provided for shifting the front-mounted group and/or the downstream group into neutral in the transmission gear change operation only after at least partial synchronization of the main group. |
| US09103439B2 |
Method and control device for resolving a tooth-on-tooth position
A method of eliminating a tooth-on-tooth position at an interlocking shifting element. The tooth-on-tooth position is eliminated by operating at least one actuator such that, during a first operating attempt the actuator is operated using a defined target parameter, after which it is checked whether as a result of the operation of the actuator the tooth-on-tooth position has been eliminated. If the tooth-on-tooth position is not eliminated, then repeating subsequent operating attempts of operation of the actuator, each time with an increased target parameter, until, after the corresponding operation of the actuator, the tooth-on-tooth position is eliminated by the m-th operating attempt. For elimination of a subsequent tooth-on-tooth position, the target parameter defined for the first elimination attempt is adapted such that the subsequent tooth-on-tooth position is eliminated by an n-th attempt. |
| US09103435B2 |
Device for operating a transmission apparatus having a plurality of electrohydraulically actuated friction-fit and form-fit shift elements
A mechanism for actuating a transmission having shifting elements. A self-holding valve device is movable into a first position, by a pilot pressure, against a force directed to a second position and held by a pressure holding signal in the first position. Transmission of a pressure signal, to a switching valve, is blocked by the self-holding valve device in the first position but, in the second position, is applied to the switching valve. When the driver sets the switching valve to a first shift position, the pressure signal can be applied to valve devices of at least two of the shifting elements that produce an actuating pressure and, in a second shift position of the switching valve, the onward transmission of the pressure signal, to the valve devices of the shifting elements that produce an actuating pressure, is blocked in the area of the switching valve. |
| US09103429B2 |
Reservoir assembly with breather vent
A vehicle hydraulic oil reservoir assembly includes a main reservoir and an auxiliary reservoir. The main reservoir has a lower portion and an upper portion. The auxiliary reservoir has a lower portion and an upper portion. The auxiliary reservoir has a port formed in the upper portion thereof. The lower portion of the auxiliary reservoir is communicated with the lower portion of the main reservoir. A breather vent is in communication with atmosphere. A vent pipe communicates the port with the breather vent. |
| US09103428B2 |
Structure for coupling V-belt type continuously variable transmission with engine
In a structure for coupling a V-belt type continuously variable transmission with an engine of a vehicle, the engine includes a first opening through which a crankshaft passes. A coupling plate mounted on a plate mounting surface that surrounds the first opening includes a second opening through which the crankshaft and an upper end flange of the oil pan pass. First and second seal plates are disposed on front and back surfaces of the coupling plate, and the first and second seal plates seal a space into which the upper end flange is inserted. A liquid seal agent seals gaps of various locations of the second opening. |
| US09103424B2 |
Vehicle driving force transmission structure
The vehicle driving force transmission structure of a power unit can include a main transmission having a transmission shaft group and parallel to a crankshaft and provided in a crankcase on the side of the crankshaft. The transmission structure can also include a large rotational body provided at an end of the crankshaft, and an auxiliary transmission provided as a separate body from and connecting to the main transmission. The auxiliary transmission has a transmission shaft group parallel to the transmission shaft group of the main transmission and disposed so as to form a periphery of the large rotational body. The auxiliary transmission includes a transmission driving mechanism disposed below the large rotational body. |
| US09103423B2 |
Linear actuator
There is provided a linear actuator including an output shaft formed with a helical groove, a retainer having a cylindrical shape to receive the output shaft therein, and provided with a plurality of concave portions in dotted manner at positions of an inner peripheral surface thereof along the helical groove, and a rotor magnet fixed to the retainer. Balls are retained in the plurality of concave portions, respectively, and when the retainer is rotated, the balls are moved along the helical groove of the output shaft in a state where the balls are retained in the concave portions. |
| US09103421B2 |
Rotary-to-linear motion actuator having a helical bevel gear and method of use thereof
A rotary-to-linear motion actuator having helical bevel gear and methods of use thereof are described. The actuator may be utilized with an apparatus for managing a fluid flow passage between one or more input ports and output ports. A pinion gear engages, and during operation turns, a bevel ring gear arranged on a helical path along an external periphery of a sleeve retaining a seat, which forms a fixed orifice. The teeth of the bevel gear are arranged on the helical path at the same pitch as external threads on the sleeve, which in turn, engage internal threads in an apparatus body. The area of the flow passage is changed by movement of the fixed seat orifice axially with respect to a contoured plug assembly. The threads of the sleeve and the body resist axial load imparted by the pressure drop across at the fixed orifice. |
| US09103419B2 |
Radially engaging system
The radially engaging systems includes a housing having at least one guide channel formed therein. At least one sliding member is slidably received in the guide channel to selectively extend or retract therein in order to connect and lock mechanical components together. Each sliding member is provided with an elongate follower. A rotator is operatively mounted to the housing. The rotator includes at least one guide curve based upon an Archimedian spiral. The follower rides inside the guide curve. Selective rotation of the rotator converts the rotation into linear movement of the connected sliding member. Conversely, selective linear movement of the sliding member converts the same into rotation of the rotator. |
| US09103416B2 |
Floating collar clamping device for auto-aligning nut and screw in linear motion leadscrew and nut assembly and methods thereof
An auto-aligning linear motion apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a leadscrew. The apparatus also includes a nut arrangement configured to surround the leadscrew, wherein the nut arrangement includes at least a nut, a nut bracket, and a floating collar. A shoulder screw is inserted through a nut bracket slot of the nut bracket and a nut slot of the nut to rest at least partially within the floating collar. One dimension of the not bracket slot is larger than a dimension through a cross-section area of the shoulder screw to enable the shoulder screw to move within the nut bracket slot to adjust the nut arrangement as the leadscrew is rotated to maintain a concentric relationship between the nut arrangement and the leadscrew. |
| US09103415B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission may include: a first shaft; a second shaft parallel with the first shaft; a first gear set on the first shaft including a first element selectively connected to the first shaft, a second element selectively connected to the first shaft and a transmission housing, and a third element; a second gear set on the second shaft including a fourth element operably connected to the first element and selectively connected to the first shaft, a fifth element connected to the third element and directly connected to an output gear, and a sixth element selectively connected to the first shaft and selectively connected to the housing; three transfer gears; and frictional elements including clutches selectively connecting the first shaft to elements of the first and second gear sets and brakes selectively connecting elements of the first and second gear sets to the housing. |
| US09103414B1 |
Six shift-element step-ratio automatic transmission
A nine speed transmission having six shift-elements. An input being selectively coupled with an interior-gear capable of being braked and an end-gear from a first gearing-arrangement and coupled with an interior-gear of a fourth gearing-arrangement. An opposite end-gear from the first gearing-arrangement being fixedly coupled with an interior-gear of a second gearing-arrangement. An end-gear of a third gearing-arrangement being a ground or capable of being braked. An output being coupled with an interior-gear from the third gearing arrangement and an end-gear from the fourth gearing-arrangement. An end-gear of the second gearing-arrangement being a ground and the opposite end-gear being coupled with opposite end-gears from the third and fourth gearing-arrangements. The opposite end-gear of the second gearing-arrangement also being selectively coupled to the interior-gear of the first gearing-arrangement. Coupled, as used here, may mean selectively or fixedly coupled. |
| US09103410B2 |
Preassembled traction mechanism drive
A preassembled traction mechanism drive having at least two drive wheels (1, 2) around which an endless traction mechanism (3) is wrapped, and a tensioning device (6) that has a housing (4) and is supported on the internal side of the endless traction mechanism (3). In the housing (4), at least two fixation elements (5) are provided that are fixedly connected to the housing (4) and that fix the drive wheels (1, 2), around which the endless traction mechanism (3) is wrapped, at an operational distance from one another. |
| US09103409B2 |
Readily releasable wedge assembly for holding a wire rope in a socket
A readily releasable wedge assembly for holding a wire rope in a socket comprises first and second wedge components and a release assembly. The first and second wedge components are joined together adjacent respective first ends thereof at a pin connection. The first and second wedge components have respective second ends opposite the first ends, which are spaced from the first ends in a longitudinal direction. The first and second wedge components are pivotable relative to each other about the pin connection and together define an outer periphery shaped to receive a wire rope. The release assembly is positioned between the second ends of the wedge components. The release assembly is threadedly actuatable to release the first and second wedge components from an expanded position and reconfigure the wedge assembly into a contracted position allowing the wedge assembly to be removed from a socket. |
| US09103407B2 |
Disk set arrangement for a chain-type CVT
The invention relates to a disk set arrangement with a driving disk set and a driven disk set for a chain-type CVT, wherein each disk set of said arrangement comprises two disks that are axially displaceable relative to one another on a shaft and a chain arrangement comprising thrust pieces that are active between said disks. The longitudinal axis of said thrust pieces runs parallel to the rotational axis of the shaft, and the frictional surfaces of the disks and the thrust pieces have a curvature determined by a radius and an eccentricity, wherein the eccentricity of the disk in the driving disk set is different to that of the driven disk set. |
| US09103406B2 |
Transmission vee-belt comprising an elastically deformable peripheral cushion
A vee-shaped transmission belt (1) has a main core (10) in the shape of a trapezium made of natural and/or synthetic rubber, containing at least one substantially inextensible cord (20) extending over the entire length of the belt (1). At least one layer (14) of fiber-reinforced elastomer is placed in contact with the core (10) near the long base (2) of the trapezium. At least one thin external coating layer (18) envelopes the entirety of the core (10) and the reinforced layer (14) over the entire length of the belt (1). A peripheral cushion (17) made of an elastomer that is elastically softer and more deformable than the core (10) surrounds the core (10) and the layer (14) of fiber-reinforced elastomer and is surrounded by the coating layer (18). |
| US09103398B2 |
Variable damping force damper
A solenoid-type variable damping force damper prevents excessive opening of a valve plate when the damper operates at a high speed, thereby achieving reduced electric power consumption. A valve body of an expansion-side valve plate is opened by pressure of hydraulic oil flowing in from an expansion-side first communication oil passage, but at this time, the oil pressures on the side of the upper surface and on the side of the under surface of the valve body are substantially equal to each other within the expansion-side pressure accumulation chamber, owing partly to a flow of the hydraulic oil passing through flow rate adjustment holes. Therefore, even when the damper undergoes an expanding action at a high speed and the hydraulic oil flows in from the expansion-side first communication oil passage at a high inflow rate, the valve body of the expansion-side valve plate is less likely to open excessively. |
| US09103389B2 |
Transmission brake hub
A brake assembly includes first and second brakes, a gearset including first and second members, a hub held against rotation, the first brake selectively producing a connection between the hub and the first member, the second brake selectively producing a connection between the hub and the second member, and a support secured to a transmission case and the hub, the support formed with brake-apply circuits, each circuit corresponding to one of the brakes. |
| US09103383B2 |
Clutch link for a driving clutch
A first clutch link for a driving clutch is capable of engaging another clutch link through interaction of a receptacle chamber and a projection. The first clutch link includes a contact surface and a counter surface, which are located on parallel planes. A hole is implemented behind the counter surface and is connected via a gap to the receptacle chamber. This hole extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the driving clutch. A spring element is situated in the hole and has a contact area for contact on the other clutch link, which protrudes through the gap into the receptacle chamber. The hole has at least one opening, whose edge projects at least partially radially inward with respect to the hole in order to prevent the spring element from slipping through the opening of the hole. |
| US09103382B2 |
Rolling bearing, hub unit, rolling contact member, universal joint, torque transmission member for universal joint, and method of producing the same
A deep-grooved ball bearing including a rolling contact member formed of a sintered β-sialon inexpensive and capable of reliably ensuring sufficient durability includes an outer ring and an inner ring, and a plurality of balls arranged in contact with the outer ring and the inner ring on an annular raceway. The ball is configured of a sintered body that contains as a main component a β-sialon represented by a compositional formula of Si6-zAlzOzN8-z and satisfying 0.1≦z≦3.5 and has a remainder formed of an impurity. |
| US09103381B2 |
Carrier ring for an encoder
A carrier ring for an encoder assembly includes a suspension device with resilient members. The encoder assembly includes a sensing device, such as a sensor head, for scanning directly toward a rotatable encoding member positioned on the carrier ring. The carrier ring is intended to be installed on a shaft of a machine. |
| US09103380B2 |
Axle support structure
An axle support structure includes a drive source output shaft, an axle, a vehicle body-side member, a vehicle wheel bearing and a floating shaft. The drive source output shaft is configured to be rotated by a drive source. The axle is disposed coaxially with the drive source output shaft to rotate integrally with a vehicle wheel. The vehicle wheel bearing is coupled to the axle for rotatably supporting the axle on a vehicle body-side member. The floating shaft has a first linking part linked with the drive source output shaft with a degree of freedom in a non-rotational direction, and a second linking part linked with the axle with a degree of freedom in a non-rotational direction, such that power is transmitted from the drive source output shaft to the axle. The vehicle wheel bearing is disposed axially between the first and second linking parts. |
| US09103379B2 |
Controllable composite clutch having limited torque while being in released state
A controllable composite clutch having limited torque while being in a released state, in which a clutch capable of being controlled for performing engaging/releasing function and a physical limited torque device having relatively smaller torque being axially installed between an input/output shaft and an output shaft, or being radially installed between an input shaft and a cylindrical outputting rotation part; so that when the clutch is controlled to be in an engaged state, the rotary kinetic energy between the input shaft and the output shaft is transferred through the clutch; and when the clutch is controlled to be in a released state, the physical limited torque device performs limited torque coupling, such that the rotary kinetic energy between the input shaft and the output shaft can continue to be transferred and the slip rotational speed differential is generated due to over-torque can be carried out by smaller set torque. |
| US09103376B2 |
Chambered shaft for improved bearing lubrication
A shaft for a bearing lubrication assembly includes an outer surface and a reservoir disposed within the shaft. A first seal groove is formed on the outer surface and extends a full circumference of the outer surface. A second seal groove is also formed on the outer surface and extends the full circumference of the outer surface. A radial port extends from the reservoir to the outer surface, the radial port intersecting the outer surface between the first seal groove and the second seal groove. A plurality of chambers are formed in the shaft and disposed axially between the first seal groove and the second seal groove. The plurality of chambers are open to the outer surface with each chamber having a closed bottom disposed radially inward from the outer surface. Each chamber is also circumferentially spaced from one another. |
| US09103374B2 |
Retainer for ball bearing, and ball bearing
A retainer for a ball bearing includes two annular members that face each other in an axial direction thereof. The two annular members include opposed surfaces each having hemispherical pockets that are formed at positions in a circumferential direction of each of the two annular members and configured to receive balls. The opposed surfaces are snap-fitted to each other to couple together the two annular members. The hemispherical pockets each have an inner peripheral surface provided with ball contact and ball non-contact surfaces. The ball contact surface is formed at a central portion in a pocket circumferential direction and at least at a central portion in a pocket axial direction of the inner peripheral surface. The ball non-contact surface includes a recess recessed to an opposite side to a corresponding ball across the ball contact surface and is opened in at least one of pocket axial ends. |
| US09103371B2 |
Self-coupling track clamp for securing a linear motion guide track to a support base without the use of fasteners, and methods for implementing same
A track clamp for coupling linear motion guide tracks with standard linear motion support bases without the use of fasteners comprises a clamp body having a plug portion and an outwardly-opening guide track-receiving channel, the plug portion having outwardly-extending deformable protrusions on its outer surfaces that, upon insertion of the plug portion into a selected slot of a support base, deform upon engagement with the slot thereby securing the plug portion in the slot, the track-receiving channel holding a linear motion guide track. In one embodiment upwardly-extending clamp arms formed in the plug portion by the guide track receiving channel deflect inwardly upon insertion of the plug portion into the selected slot thereby clamping the guide track in the channel. |
| US09103368B2 |
Locking hinge mechanism for a collapsible play yard frame
A folding playpen or play yard frame and/or a locking hinge mechanism for a folding playpen or play yard frame of the type having tubular rails for supporting sides and a floor of the playpen or play yard. The locking hinge mechanism includes a housing and a lock assembly movably mounted to the housing. The lock assembly is pivotally attached to proximal portions of the tubular rails for locking and unlocking the rails relative to the housing. The lock assembly and housing are configured and adapted to require the locking hinge assembly to be lifted to effect limited relative motion between the housing and the proximal portions of the tubular rails prior to unlocking the lock assembly and permitting greater relative motion between the housing and proximal portions of the tubular rails. This provides greater safety against the hinge accidentally being folded or being folded by a child. |
| US09103367B2 |
Polyaxial locking interface
An interlocking interface retains a screw head in a socket to prevent migration of the screw head out of the socket, or to lock the screw head in the socket. The interlocking interface may retain or lock the screw at various polyaxial angles with respect to the socket. The screw head includes external corrugations. The socket includes an internal corrugated structure which interlocks with the external corrugations of the screw head when the screw is at various polyaxial angles with respect to the socket. |
| US09103365B2 |
Strut-channel nut
A nut for a channel of a strut is disclosed. In one embodiment, the length of the nut is greater than the width of the nut. In one embodiment, the first end surface of the nut meets the first side surface at a first rounded corner, and the second end surface meets the second side surface of the nut at a second rounded corner (opposite the first rounded corner). In one embodiment, the first side surface includes a first protrusion at a third corner adjacent the first rounded corner and the second side surface includes a second protrusion at a fourth corner adjacent the second rounded corner. In one embodiment, the first rounded corner and the second rounded corner allow the nut to be rotated in a channel of a strut. In one embodiment, the third corner and the fourth corner disallow further rotation in the channel of the strut. |
| US09103355B2 |
Flow control valve for construction machine
A flow control valve for a construction machine is provided, which can constantly control a flow rate of hydraulic fluid supplied to a hydraulic actuator through a flow control spool in a spool. The flow control valve for a construction machine, having a valve body in which a supply passage communicating with a pump passage and actuator ports connected to a hydraulic actuator are formed, and a spool installed in the valve body to be shifted, includes a flow control spool shifted in the spool to variably control a cross-sectional area of a passage connected to the one actuator port if a flow rate of the hydraulic fluid that flows through the supply passage is higher than a set flow rate, a first passage formed on the spool to communicate with the supply passage and a second passage formed on the spool to communication with the one actuator port and having a cross-sectional area that is varied depending on the shifting of the flow control spool. |
| US09103352B2 |
Ventilator
A ventilator for use in air-conditioning and refrigeration technology has a housing of plastic material in a one-part configuration having integrally formed therein an inlet nozzle, cylinder-shaped flow guiding means, outlet guide vanes, and a diffusor. A drive motor is arranged in the housing. An impeller wheel is rotatably supported about a central axis in the housing and driven by the drive motor. A protective screen is connected to the housing. A motor support is connected by the outlet guide vanes to the housing. The impeller wheel has vanes with radially outwardly positioned vane ends, wherein the vane ends are embodied as flow elements (winglets). The flow elements are spaced at a minimal spacing relative to a sidewall of the housing. The drive motor is an external rotor motor that is embodied either as an alternating current asynchronous motor (AC) or an electronically commutated direct current motor (EC). |
| US09103351B2 |
Cooling pump for a cooling system
A cooling pump receives fluid from a heating system and supplies cooled fluid to an engine. The cooling pump includes a body housing and a cover housing. The cover housing is attached to the body housing to define an internal pumping chamber. The internal pumping chamber is defined between an inlet passage and an outlet passage of the body housing. A chamber outlet opening is defined between the internal pumping chamber and the outlet passage such that fluid flows from the internal pumping chamber and into the outlet passage. The cover housing includes a sloped wall which extends into the outlet passage between the chamber outlet opening and a terminus. The sloped wall has a concave portion and a convex portion disposed such that the concave portion is between the chamber outlet opening and the convex portion to direct fluid through the outlet passage and into the engine. |
| US09103350B2 |
Ceiling fan blade
A ceiling fan blade includes a blade having at least one locking plate embedded in the interior. The locking plate is provided thereon with at least one locking base protruding out of the reverse side of the blade. A blade holder to be locked with the blade is bored with a locking hole at a location corresponding with the locking base for the locking base to be inserted therein. The blade is firmly locked on the blade holder via at least one locking member. By so designing, there is not any locking member on the downward obverse side of a ceiling fan blade, able to maintain a smooth and pretty external appearance of the ceiling fan blade. |
| US09103348B2 |
DC motor device and DC fan using the same
A DC motor device includes a first converting circuit, a second converting circuit, and a DC motor. A switch element is coupled to the DC motor device, and provides an alternating current to the first or second converting circuit. The first converting circuit receives the alternating current, and generates a first rotation speed signal. The second converting circuit receives the alternating current, and generates a second rotation speed signal. The DC motor is driven at a rotation speed according to the first or second rotation speed signal. |
| US09103345B2 |
Supersonic compressor rotor
Provided is a supersonic compressor having a supersonic compressor rotor including a clockable rotor disk allowing restriction or opening of portions of a fluid flow channel of the rotor in order to enhance performance of the rotor during different operational stages, for example rotor start-up or steady state. The supersonic compressor has a first rotor disk, a second rotor disk and a third rotor disk which share a common axis of rotation. The first and second rotor disks are rotatably coupled, and the third rotor disk is disposed between them. The third rotor disk is independently rotatable relative to the first and second disks, and has a raised surface structure for restricting or opening a portion of the flow channel defined by the three rotor disks and at least two vanes. The flow channel contains a supersonic compression ramp and encompasses the raised surface structure. |
| US09103342B2 |
Underwater delivery unit
The invention relates to an underwater delivery unit with a pump and a drive device that is sealed against the surrounding water and a process medium. According to the invention, the pump (31) and the drive device (32) are combined into a module with a module housing (3) and are arranged in a pressure housing (2), wherein the pressure housing (2) is filled with the process medium and surrounds the module housing (3). |
| US09103340B2 |
Peristaltic pump and hose cartridge therefor
A hose cartridge for removably mounting a hose on a peristaltic pump has a roller wheel for pumping a fluid through the hose in a closed loop encircling an opening through which the roller wheel extends when the hose cartridge is mounted. A method for mounting such a hose cartridge includes introducing a holding rod of the pump into a holding portion of the hose cartridge, and carrying out a rotational movement of the hose cartridge about an axis defined by the holding rod until the working position of the hose cartridge is reached. The holding rod and the fixing bar both thus extend substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the roller wheel. |
| US09103338B2 |
Hydraulic system for aircraft actuators
An electric motor drives a variable capacity backup hydraulic pump that can supply pressure oil to an actuator when a loss or reduction occurs in the function of an aircraft central hydraulic power source. A power source unit rectifies electric power supplied from a variable frequency supply. A driver supplies the electric power from the power source unit, and drives the electric motor so as to rotate the pump at a predetermined constant rotational speed. The constant rotational speed is set, based on the change in the efficiency of each of the pump, the electric motor, and the driver with respect to the rotational speed of the pump, such that the overall efficiency, obtained as a product of these efficiencies, has a maximum value. |
| US09103333B2 |
Axial piston machines
The invention relates to an axial piston machine of a kind that has a plurality of pistons each reciprocating in a respective cylinder in a direction substantially parallel or at an angle less than 30 degrees to a crankshaft axis. The crankshaft axis presents a crank that is at an angle to the crankshaft axis and to which a reciprocator is mounted. The reciprocator effects the controlled movement of the pistons in their cylinders via a connection mechanism that connects each said piston with said reciprocator. The machine includes at least one pair of rotational constraint mechanisms to constrain the movement between the reciprocator and the pistons. |
| US09103331B2 |
Electro-osmotic pump
An electroosmotic pump comprises a plurality of membranes comprising one or more positive electroosmotic membranes and one or more negative electroosmotic membranes, a plurality of electrodes comprising cathodes and anodes, and a power source. Each of the positive electroosmotic membranes and negative electroosmotic membranes are disposed alternatively and wherein at least one of the cathodes is disposed on one side of one of the membranes and at least one of the anodes is disposed on other side of the membrane. At least one of the cathodes or anodes is disposed between a positive electroosmotic membrane and negative electroosmotic membrane. |
| US09103328B1 |
Magnified solar energy generator
Method and apparatus for a solar energy generating system to provide electricity to a structure ranging from a single family dwelling to multi-unit dwellings to commercial buildings, or a power plant or power grid. The system includes a solar collector having a magnifying lens to direct and focus sun rays to a solar energy collector, a heat transfer unit, boiler, a water heater backup system, a condenser unit and steam engine, and plural electrical energy storage units to store and dispense electricity to the selected type of electricity user. |
| US09103327B2 |
Estimation of wind properties using a light detection and ranging device
Embodiments of the invention provide methods, systems, and apparatus for determining a property of wind approaching a wind turbine. A light detection and ranging equipment may be used to determine a property of the wind at a plurality of locations ahead of a turbine. A wind flow model may be used to determine the property of wind expected at the rotor of the wind turbine based on the readings of the light detection and ranging device. |
| US09103326B2 |
Wind turbine bedplate support frame
A bedplate assembly of a wind turbine is provided. The bedplate assembly includes a rotor shaft with a first end coupled to a rotatable hub of the wind turbine via a rotor flange and a second end coupled to a gearbox. The bedplate assembly also includes a bedplate support frame coupled to the gearbox and to the rotor shaft for supporting the gearbox. The bedplate support frame includes a torque arm support device for supporting torque arms of the gearbox. The bedplate support frame also includes a circular support for housing a shaft support bearing for supporting the rotor shaft at the first end. Further, the bedplate support frame includes a cross-structure located under the rotor shaft, wherein the cross-structure comprises one or more arms connected internally to a first side wall and a second side wall. |
| US09103325B2 |
Winglet for a wind turbine rotor blade
In one aspect, a winglet for a rotor blade is disclosed. The winglet may generally include a winglet body extending at least partially between a winglet origin and a blade tip. The winglet body may define a sweep and a pre-bend. The sweep defined between the winglet origin and the blade tip may range from about 0.5% to about 4.0% of a span of the rotor blade. The pre-bend defined between the winglet origin and the blade tip may range from about 1.5% to about 4.5% of the span of the rotor blade. |
| US09103322B2 |
Independent power generator assembly and power generator system using same
Disclosed herein is an independent power generator assembly comprising a driving magnetic member in which N pole and S pole are arranged alternately; a first power generation module including an induction coil, and plural power supply generating members having isolation spaces with the driving magnetic member as the center, and arranged and constructed along the circumference of the driving magnetic member, the power supply generating member having a magnet vibrator; and a second power generation module in which induction coils are arranged along the isolation spaces; wherein the first power generation module and the second power generation module are repeatedly arranged with an annular ring shape: another first power generation module is arranged at the circumference of the second power generation module and another second power generation module is arranged at the circumference of such an another first power generation module. |
| US09103319B2 |
Wind turbine generator service by airship
The invention relates to a method for positioning an airship 100 at a wind turbine generator. The method comprises the step of docking the airship 100 at the wind turbine generator with a forwards docking section, a rearwards docking section, a sideways docking section, or an upwards docking section of the airship being connected to the wind turbine generator. After the airship 100 has docked, at least one wind turbine generator component or at least one person is unloaded from the airship or loaded from the wind turbine generator to the airship. Docking of the airship 100 may be performed at one of the following components of the wind turbine generator: the nacelle 116, the hub 118, the tower, one or more of the blades 120, the foundation, or a substation of the wind turbine generator. The invention also relates to use of an airship 100 for being connected to a wind turbine generator and for loading or unloading wind turbine generator components or personnel to or from the wind turbine generator. |
| US09103315B2 |
Bouyant actuator
A buoyant actuator (19) for coupling wave motion to a device operable in response to wave motion in a body of water. The buoyant actuator (19) comprises a generally spherical body (20) defining an exterior surface and a hollow interior adapted to contain water received from the body of water. The exterior surface comprises a plurality of facets (101) which are tessellated. Typically, there are 36 facets (101), of which 12 comprise generally pentagonal facets (105) and 24 comprise generally hexagonal facets (107). The body (20) comprises a plurality of openings (143) for fluid flow between the hollow interior and the surrounding body of water. A closure configured as a flap (145) is provided for each opening (143) to block or at least inhibit fluid flow therethrough, the closure being adapted to move away from the opening to permit fluid flow therethrough in response to a predetermined fluid pressure differential imposed thereon between the hollow interior and the surrounding body of water. The exterior surface of the body (20) is configured to viscously couple with water surrounding the body (20). The viscous coupling between the surrounding water and the exterior surface of the body (20) provides added effective mass to the buoyant actuator (19) which is additional to the physical mass of the buoyant actuator and the mass of the volume of water contained in the body. |
| US09103313B2 |
Corona ignition device having asymmetric firing tip
A corona ignition system for providing a corona discharge (24) includes an igniter (20) having an electrode (26) with an asymmetrical firing tip (28) relative to an electrode center axis (ae). The firing tip (28) includes a first surface area (A1) facing the fuel injector (42) which is greater than a second surface area (A2) facing a cylinder block (32). The first surface area (A1) presents a projection (60) having a sharp edge, and the second surface area (A2) presents a round outward surface (62). Accordingly, a radio frequency electric field emitted from the first surface area (A1) provides a robust corona discharge (24) in a flammable area at an outside edge (30) of the fuel spray. No electric field is emitted from the second surface area (A2), and no power arcing occurs between the second surface area (A2) and the cylinder block (32). |
| US09103310B2 |
Fuel injector
A fuel injector, in particular for the direct injection of fuel into the combustion chamber of a mixture-compressing, spark-ignited internal combustion engine, includes a functional part, which has at least one nozzle body, parts of an actuator, an axially movable valve closing body, which forms a sealing seat together with a valve seat surface, as well as a hydraulic extension part, which is fixedly and tightly connected to the functional part. The extension part is an interface between a connection-side inlet stub and the functional part. At least one of the frontal contact surfaces of inlet stub, functional part, and extension part, with which these components press against one another and are fixedly connected, is designed to be convexly curved. |
| US09103307B2 |
High-pressure pump arrangement
A high-pressure pump arrangement (1) which can be especially used for a common rail injection system and has a pump member (2) that contains a low-pressure inlet (8) and a high-pressure outlet (9). A pressurization chamber (12) is provided, within which a plunger (3) is movably mounted and which is connected to the high-pressure outlet via a high-pressure valve (7). Furthermore, a suction chamber (6) that is fitted with a suction valve (5) is provided within the pump member. In addition, an intake duct (13) which extends between the low-pressure inlet and the suction chamber is provided within the pump member. The low-pressure inlet is connected to an electrically regulated pre-supply pump (10) which is permanently operated such that a low pressure is sure to be maintained in the suction chamber (6) of the pump. |
| US09103306B2 |
Engine noise attenuation
An induction passage noise attenuator and a system are provided. The induction passage noise attenuator may include a series of surfaces arranged within an enclosure upstream from a clean side air duct on an induction inlet for an internal combustion engine. Each surface of the series of surfaces may have a diametric extent being substantially in line with an inner diameter of the clean side air duct. |
| US09103305B2 |
Internal combustion engine
A modular engine family comprises an engine block assembly having an upper end extending at an angle a from a rear of the engine block assembly to a front thereof. An engine block closes the upper end and defines a crankcase comprising a crankshaft having three journals supported by journal bearings for rotation therein. First and second piston pins and associated first and second piston/rod assemblies are disposed in piston cylinders of a first cylinder housing assembly wherein the first and second piston pins are located in the same radial position on the crankshaft and are spaced longitudinally to define a firing interval of 360 degrees. A cylinder head is configured to close open ends of the piston cylinders to thereby define combustion chambers with the first and second pistons; the cylinder housing assembly reclined from vertical towards the rear of the engine block by an angle β. |
| US09103291B2 |
Control system for internal combustion engine
A control system for an internal combustion engine having a throttle valve disposed in an intake passage of the engine. A target intake air amount of the engine is calculated, and an intake pressure of the engine is estimated. A wide-open intake air amount is calculated according to the engine rotational speed, and a theoretical intake air amount is calculated according to the wide-open intake air amount and the intake pressure. The wide-open intake air amount is an intake air amount corresponding to a state where the throttle valve is fully opened, and the theoretical intake air amount is an intake air amount corresponding to a state where no exhaust gas of the engine is recirculated to a combustion chamber of the engine. further, an exhaust gas recirculation ratio is calculated using the theoretical intake air amount and the target intake air amount, and a target output torque of the engine is calculated using the target intake air amount and the exhaust gas recirculation ratio. The engine is controlled using the target output torque. |
| US09103289B2 |
Method for controlling the limiting of the rotational speed of a combustion engine
A method controls the rotational speed limiting of an engine in a handheld work apparatus. The crankshaft of the engine drives a worktool via a clutch which engages in dependence on the motor rotational speed. Above an engaging speed of the clutch, a drive connection with the crankshaft is made and below the engaging speed, the drive connection is interrupted. A speed control unit monitors the rotational speed of the engine and includes a rotational speed lock circuit which limits the speed to a limit below the engaging speed. During the start of the engine, the lock circuit is switched on; it is switched off after the engine has been taken into operation when a deactivation signal is present, wherein the deactivation signal is generated when an operation change signal of the work apparatus is detected. |
| US09103288B2 |
Parallel aspirator arrangement for vacuum generation and compressor bypass
Methods and systems are provided for a parallel arrangement of at least two aspirators bypassing an intake compressor in an engine system, the aspirator arrangement including an aspirator shut-off valve arranged in series with each aspirator. The aspirator shut-off valves may be controlled based on engine vacuum needs as well as based on intake manifold pressure, during non-boost conditions, and compressor surge, during boost conditions. For example, during boost conditions, the aspirator shut-off valves may be controlled to enable a selectable discrete compressor recirculation flow rate, whereas during non-boost conditions the aspirator shut-off valves may be controlled to enable a selectable, discrete level of vacuum generation for use by various engine vacuum consumers. |
| US09103287B1 |
Systems and methods for redundant drive-by-wire control of marine engines
Drive-by-wire control systems and methods for a marine engine utilize an input device that is manually positionable to provide operator inputs to an engine control unit (ECU) located with the marine engine. The ECU has a main processor that receives the inputs and controls speed of the marine engine based upon the inputs and a watchdog processor that receives the inputs and monitors operations of the main processor based upon the inputs. The operations of the main processor are communicated to the watchdog processor via a communication link. The main processor causes the watchdog processor to sample the inputs from the input device at the same time as the main processor via a sampling link that is separate and distinct from the communication link. The main processor periodically compares samples of the inputs that are simultaneously taken by the main processor and watchdog processor and limits the speed of the engine when the samples differ from each other by more than a predetermined amount. |
| US09103285B2 |
Purge system, system including a purge system, and purge method
A purge system and liquid fuel atomizing system, a system including a purge system and liquid fuel atomizing system, and a method of purging and atomizing are disclosed. The purging involves a first nozzle, a second nozzle, a third nozzle, and a staged compression system having a first stage and a second stage. The first stage is configured to selectively direct a first pressurized fluid stream to the first nozzle and the second nozzle. The second stage is configured to selectively direct a second pressurized fluid stream to the third nozzle. |
| US09103284B2 |
Utilization of fuel gas for purging a dormant fuel gas circuit
An approach for utilizing fuel gas to purge a dormant fuel gas circuit is disclosed. In one aspect, there is a fuel gas supply that supplies fuel to fuel gas circuits. Gas control valves, each coupled to one of the fuel gas circuits control the flow of fuel gas thereto from the fuel gas supply. A fuel purge system selectively purges fuel gas circuits from the fuel gas circuits that are dormant with fuel gas from the fuel gas supply. |
| US09103281B2 |
Gas turbine engine havinga rotatable off-take passage in a compressor section
A gas turbine engine has a compressor section with rotational compressor components rotatable with respect to static compressor components. A compressed air bleed arrangement is provided to cool one or more other rotational components of the gas turbine engine. The compressed air bleed arrangement takes a flow of compressed air from the compressor section along an off-take passage. The off-take passage opens in the compressor section at an off-take port. The off-take passage is rotatable, in use, with the rotational compressor components. The compressed air bleed arrangement is operable to provide the air in the off-take passage with higher static pressure than the air in the compressor section at the off-take port, by diffusing the air in the off-take passage. The off-take passage further includes off-take vanes, operable to increase the tangential velocity of the air in the off-take passage compared with the air at the off-take port. |
| US09103280B2 |
Aircraft airflow modulation system and method
The present invention relates to a mechanical system and method that modulates airflow in an aircraft inlet diffuser that is used in conjunction with an aircraft engine that integrates both a center turbine engine and a high Mach engine such as a constant volume combustor (CVC) arrangement or ramjet arrangement with intakes formed co-centrically about the turbine. The modulation system uses two articulating components, a movable air flow duct and an articulating cone. The air flow duct, in a first position, is in exclusive air flow communication with the circular intake face of the turbine in a first position to receive air from the intake diffuser. In this configuration the expandable cone is in a retracted position and does not redirect airflow and allows the aircraft to operates in low speed mode as only the turbo jet receives airflow. In a transition speed mode, the air flow duct is retracted to allow air flow to both the turbo jet and the CVC. At its widest expanse, the articulating cone completely covers the turbo jet circular intake face directing air solely to the high Mach aircraft engine to allow the aircraft to operate in high speed mode. |
| US09103278B2 |
Straddle-type vehicle
An engine of a straddle-type vehicle includes first, second, and third cylinders arranged, in this order, from right to left in a front view of the vehicle; first, second, and third intake pipes in communication with the first, second, and third cylinders, respectively; and first, second, and third exhaust pipes in communication with the first, second, and third cylinders, respectively. The first, second, and third exhaust pipes have different lengths and the first, second, and third intake pipes have different lengths. |
| US09103277B1 |
Moment-cancelling 4-stroke engine
A moment-cancelling, four-stroke engine is disclosed. The engine includes a first cylinder having a first piston and a second cylinder having a second piston, a first crankshaft operably connected to the first piston and a second crankshaft operably connected to the second piston. The first crankshaft rotates in a first direction and the second crankshaft rotates in a second direction that is opposite the first direction to cancel the moments applied to the engine and reduce engine vibration. |
| US09103275B2 |
Supercharged internal combustion engine and method for operating an internal combustion engine of said type
A method and system is provided to heat and cool the charge air in an intake system via a compressor coolant duct to reduce condensate formation on the one hand respectively increase charge air cooling on the other hand. Potential heat sources for the low temperature circuit do include the high temperature engine cooling circuit as well as exhaust gas. A shut-off element arranged in a bypass line about the heat exchanger may be adjusted to control delivery responsive to the charge air temperature condition. |
| US09103274B2 |
Multi-stage turbocharger system
A turbocharger system comprises a first relatively small high-pressure (HP) turbocharger and a second relatively large low pressure (LP) turbocharger. The turbine of the LP turbocharger is connected in series downstream of the turbine of the HP turbocharger in a first exhaust gas passage. An exhaust bypass flow passage provides a bypass flow path around the HP turbine. A rotary valve is located at a junction of the bypass flow passage and a first exhaust gas flow passage. The rotary valve comprises a valve rotor which is rotatable to selectively permit or block flow to the LP turbine from either the first exhaust gas passage or the bypass gas passage. |
| US09103273B2 |
Method and system for binary flow turbine control
Methods and systems are provided for adjusting the opening of a scroll valve of a binary flow turbine. Scroll valve adjustments are used at different engine operating conditions to improve engine performance and boost response. Scroll valve adjustments are coordinated with wastegate and EGR valve adjustments for improved engine control. |
| US09103271B2 |
Exhaust leakage management
Embodiments may provide an exhaust gas management arrangement for an engine. The exhaust gas management arrangement may include a port disposed to capture an exhaust gas leaked from a movable portion of an exhaust gas flow directing mechanism. The arrangement may also include a passage to direct the leaked exhaust gas to a crankcase of the engine. |
| US09103266B2 |
System and method for diagnosing failure of thermostat
A system and method for diagnosing failure of a thermostat that includes a controller configured to measure a coolant temperature and a coolant model temperature and determine a temperature of engine oil, when the coolant temperature is greater than a first reference temperature and the coolant model temperature is equal to or less than a second reference temperature. In addition, the controller is configured to determine an open status or a close status of the thermostat and diagnoses whether there is a failure in the open status of the thermostat, using the temperature of the engine oil as an independent variable. |
| US09103265B2 |
Freeze detecting device for active shutter of vehicle
A freeze detecting device for an active shutter of a vehicle includes an engine control unit that outputs an opening signal, opens an active shutter, takes in travelling wind to an engine compartment, and inhibits heat damage when an external air temperature is at or below a freezing determination temperature and also a load state is high. On the other hand, when an opening signal is output from the engine control unit but the active shutter does not perform an opening action, a determination of being frozen solid is made, a warning is displayed on the display to warn the vehicle driver. |
| US09103255B2 |
Methods and systems for emission system control
Methods and systems are provided for controlling an engine in a vehicle, the engine having a turbocharger, and a particulate filter upstream of a turbocharger turbine. In one example, the method comprises, under selected boosted operating conditions, injecting a reductant upstream of the filter during an exhaust stroke to generate an exothermic reaction at the filter. |
| US09103245B2 |
Engine system and a method of manufacturing same
An engine system is disclosed in which the transfer of heat from pressurized oil flowing through an integrally formed oil transfer passage of the engine is reduced by providing a thermal barrier between the oil and the engine. In one example the thermal barrier is provided by the use of a thick walled plastic tube and in other embodiments ribs are used to separate an oil flow passage from the engine. |
| US09103240B2 |
Camshaft adjuster
A configuration of a camshaft phaser (1), which has a drive element (2), and at least two output elements (3, 4), the drive element (2) and the output elements (3, 4) having a plurality of radially oriented vanes (6) which overlap the lateral surfaces (9) of the adjacent element in the axial direction (7). |
| US09103238B2 |
Continuous variable valve lift device
A continuous variable valve lift device includes a rotatable input shaft, an input cam rotating with the input shaft, a control shaft rotatably disposed parallel to the input shaft, an input rocker mounted to, and rotatable round, the control shaft so as to be in contact with the input cam to have a torque forwarded thereto from the input cam, a control link mounted to the control shaft eccentrically, an input link having one end connected to the input rocker, a connecting rod connected between the other end of the input link and the control link, and a valve operating unit mounted to rotate as one unit with the control shaft for operating the valve, the valve operating unit having a control long hole for movably inserting the connecting rod therein, for improving the fuel consumption at a low load operation range of the engine. |
| US09103236B2 |
Cam follower
A cam follower for actuating at least one gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine is provided, including a cam contact roller that is supported by a plain bearing on a pin (13). A first sliding surface of the plain bearing faces the cam contact roller and a second sliding surface of the plain bearing faces the pin. The plain bearing has a lubricant reservoir, in order to provide at least one of the sliding surfaces of the plain bearing with lubricant, and the lubricant reservoir is arranged at a distance from the end sides of the plain bearing. |
| US09103231B2 |
Bearing support for a turbocharger
A bearing support for a turbocharger assembly is provided. The bearing support may include a cylindrical body with a tip end, a base end, and a conical outer surface extending from the tip end to the base end. The bearing support may also include an annular protrusion extending from the base end in a direction away from the tip end, and a stepped bore formed within the cylindrical body and passing from the tip end through the annular protrusion. The bearing support may also include a first conduit disposed within the cylindrical body and extending from an intersection of the annular protrusion and the base end of the cylindrical body toward the tip end. |
| US09103229B2 |
Vane travel adjustment screw
An arrangement is provided for controlling a variable position of vanes at a turbine in a flow channel of a turbine. The arrangement includes a nozzle ring carrying a set of vanes, each of the vanes being connected to a vane pin housed in the nozzle ring. A rotational position of the vanes is accomplished via a vane displacement drive train including a pivotally supported pivot axle, a first actuator arm arranged on the pivot axle, which first arm is connectable to a drive actuator, a second actuator arm arranged on the pivot axle, which second arm is connected to a pin engaged with an unison ring for pivoting the unison ring, and a vane arm being connected to each vane pin and the unison ring for displacement of the vanes via pivotal displacement of the unison ring, and wherein a stop screw is arranged for limiting the pivotal displacement of the vanes. |
| US09103227B2 |
Gas turbine engine with fan-tied inducer section
A gas turbine engine includes a shaft, a speed change device driven by the shaft, and a fan including a fan rotor driven by the speed change device. At least one inducer stage is positioned aft of the fan and is coupled for rotation with the fan rotor. |
| US09103225B2 |
Blade outer air seal with cored passages
A blade outer air seal for a gas turbine engine includes a wall, a forward hook, and an aft hook. The wall extends between the forward hook and the aft hook, which are adapted to mount the blade outer air seal to a casing of the gas turbine engine. The wall includes a cored passage extending along at least a portion of the wall. The cored passage extends radially and axially through a portion of the aft hook to communicate with one or more apertures along a trailing edge of the aft hook. |
| US09103221B2 |
System and method for blade retention
A system and method for securing a blade within a disk so as to eliminate the need for permanently deforming materials associated with the blade disk is disclosed. A recess is formed generally within each slot used to secure a blade within the disk. A retaining insert is positioned within the recess and a wedge insert is positioned within a slot of the retaining insert, such that a pressure is applied to the retaining insert thereby deflecting the retaining insert into a pre-set radial position to prevent axial movement of the blade within the slot of the disk. |
| US09103220B2 |
Interface element between a blade root and a blade root housing of a turbine disc, and turbine rotor comprising an interface element
An interface element to be mounted between a blade root and a blade root housing provided in a turbine disc of a gas turbine engine to limit wear between the root and the housing. The interface element includes: a base, configured to be aligned with a lower part of the root; and first and second upper side walls connected to the base and configured to surround the blade root up to an upper portion thereof, the first upper side wall including at least one ventilation opening to allow a flow of cooling air flowing through the rotor disc housing to flow over the upper portion of the root via the ventilation opening. |
| US09103219B2 |
CMC turbine nozzle adapted to support a metallic turbine internal casing by an axial contact
A composite material turbine nozzle blade including an airfoil adapted to have a cooling fluid flow through it and extending between a shroud and a root is provided. The shroud is shaped to be attached to one or more turbine casings of a turbomachine and the root is shaped to provide a junction with a turbine internal casing. The root is produced with a loosened texture and includes an external upstream side loosened texture lug and an external downstream side loosened texture lug, the ends of the two external side lugs extending axially relative to the rotation axis of the turbomachine to form a device for supporting and centering the internal casing. |
| US09103218B2 |
Turbine shroud
A turbine blade assembly is disclosed. The turbine blade assembly includes a turbine blade and an outer shroud section at the radially outer end of the turbine blade. The turbine blade intersects or joins the shroud section. For increased stiffness, the shroud section has a reinforcing rib extending along its outer face and extending substantially in the direction of the principal axis of inertia. |
| US09103215B2 |
Method of producing a guide vane
The invention relates to a method of producing a guide vane, the method comprising a step of fabricating at least a portion of a metal body of the guide vane by additive fabrication, with at least one outside surface thereof presenting a plurality of cavities; and a step of filling said cavities with a material of lower density than the metal body in order to form at least one substantially smooth airfoil surface. |
| US09103213B2 |
Scalloped surface turbine stage with purge trough
A turbine stage includes a row of airfoils joined to corresponding platforms to define flow passages therebetween. Each airfoil includes opposite pressure and suction sides and extends in chord between opposite leading and trailing edges. Each platform has a scalloped flow surface including a purge trough commencing tangentially in a blend area of the platform. The purge trough extending axially toward the suction side of the airfoil, aft of the leading edge, to channel a purge flow. |
| US09103206B2 |
Methods of increasing fracture resistance in low permeability formations
A method of increasing the fracture resistance of a low permeability formation that includes emplacing a wellbore fluid in a wellbore through the low permeability formation, the wellbore fluid comprising: a settable carrier fluid; and a solid particulate bridging material; increasing the pressure in the wellbore such that fractures are formed in the formation; allowing the settable carrier fluid to enter the fractures; bridging and sealing the mouths of the fractures to form a substantially impermeable bridge proximate the mouth of the fractures thereby strengthening the formation; and holding the increased pressure for an amount of time sufficient for setting of the carrier fluid in the fractures is disclosed. |
| US09103199B2 |
Apparatus and method for pumping a fluid and an additive from a downhole location into a formation or to another location
An apparatus and methods for pumping a fluid mixture from a wellbore location to a selected location is disclosed. The apparatus, in one embodiment, includes a container configured to be placed in the wellbore, wherein the container is configured to mix therein a fluid received from a first source and an additive received from a second source, and a pump unit coupled to the container and configured to pump the mixed fluid from the container to the selected location. The method in one embodiment includes: supplying a fluid from a first source to a container placed in a wellbore; supplying an additive from a second source to the container; allowing the fluid and the additive to mix in the container to form a mixed fluid; and pumping the mixed fluid from the container to the selected location. |
| US09103198B2 |
System and method for remote sensing
A system, method and device may be used to monitor conditions in a borehole. Well tubing and casing act as a conductive pair for delivering power to one or more downhole active sensors. At the surface, power and signal are isolated so that the same conductive pair may act to transmit the sensor signals to the surface. In an embodiment, the sensor signals are RF signals and the surface electronics demodulate the RF signals from the sensor power. |
| US09103192B2 |
Methods for geosteering a drill bit in real time using drilling acoustic signals
Disclosed is an apparatus, method, and program product for steering a drill bit within a pay zone in a lateral well. The method includes receiving acoustic signature data from a downhole processor assembly. The acoustic signature data includes an amplitude spectrum and one or more acoustic characteristics evaluated from an acoustic signal provided by a sensor arranged adjacent to a drill bit and generated in real-time as a result of rotational contact of the drill bit with encountered rock in the lateral well during drilling. The method further includes comparing the received real-time acoustic signature data to predetermined acoustic signatures determined for a plurality of rock samples, and identifying a lithology type of the rock being encountered by the drill bit based on the comparison. Further, the method includes steering the drill bit in a predefined direction, in real-time, based on the identified lithology type of the rock, for maintaining the drill bit within the pay zone of the lateral well. |
| US09103191B2 |
Master plan for dynamic phase machine automation system
A method, apparatus, and program product facilitate the automation of an oil & gas process, e.g., a drilling process, through the use of a dynamic phase machine incorporating multiple autonomous agents. A master plan may be queried during the performance of an oil & gas drilling process, e.g., by a drilling automation system and/or agents registered therewith, to provide data associated with the oil & gas drilling process and thereby assist the drilling automation system with implementing the process. |
| US09103190B2 |
Inert gas supply equipment for oil and gas well operations
An apparatus for the supply of inert gas at a well site, the apparatus comprising one or more pressure vessels containing liquefied inert gas, a heat exchanger, one or more units of fracturing equipment connected to a manifold, a submersible pump in each of the one or more pressure vessels, each submersible pump being connected to supply liquefied inert gas to a supply line that passes through the heat exchanger and the supply line being connected to supply inert gas vaporized by the heat exchanger to the manifold. |
| US09103182B2 |
Metal-to-metal sealing arrangement for control line and method of using same
A well completion system includes a wellhead, a control line assembly for use in completions that is mounted to the wellhead, and a tubing hanger. The control line assembly includes a cylinder, a main housing assembly, a passage and a metal-to-metal seal. A split lockout ring provides a positive lock to the passage. Control lines enter the tubing hanger and exit via the wellhead. This arrangement on the wellhead provides sufficient height and clearance to allow for the installation of a plurality of control lines. |
| US09103181B2 |
Heater cable for tubing in shale type hydrocarbon production wells exposed to high pressures and wells with annular space flooded eventually or permanently or a combination of both
A heater cable for hydrocarbon drilling tubing, preferably applicable to pressurized or flooded annular space shale type wells, to prevent and/or remove obstructions in petroleum production wells tubing, caused by the accumulation of substances such as paraffin and hydrates or by a sharp increase in viscosity of the type which extends alongside a metallic thermo conductor duct affixed to the tubing by means of fixation elements. The cable is formed by an inner sheath insulating the electrical conductors, a metallic coat on said conductors' insulating sheath, a fluoropolymeric jacket surrounding said metallic sheath and an outer armor generally defined by a spring which surrounds the jacket in a helicoidal way. The coating of the conductors' insulating sheath is defined by a laminar band which protects all the surface of said sheath arranged in a surrounding way alongside it following a helicoidal arrangement and whose successive spirals are partially overlapped between them. According to a preferred embodiment, said laminar band is formed by an outer aluminum sheath and an inner polymeric sheath. |
| US09103173B2 |
Graphene-coated diamond particles and compositions and intermediate structures comprising same
Coated diamond particles have solid diamond cores and at least one graphene layer. Methods of forming coated diamond particles include coating diamond particles with a charged species and coating the diamond particles with a graphene layer. A composition includes a substance and a plurality of coated diamond particles dispersed within the substance. An intermediate structure includes a hard polycrystalline material comprising a first plurality of diamond particles and a second plurality of diamond particles. The first plurality of diamond particles and the second plurality of diamond particles are interspersed. A method of forming a polycrystalline compact includes catalyzing the fox of inter-granular bonds between adjacent particles of a plurality of diamond particles having at least one graphene layer. |
| US09103170B2 |
Impregnated drill bit
A drill bit that includes a body having a lower end face for engaging a rock formation. The end face having a plurality of raised ribs extending from the face of the bit body and separated by a plurality of channels therebetween At least one of the plurality of ribs has a varying width along at least a portion of a rib height. |
| US09103163B2 |
Door frame protection apparatus
A door frame protection apparatus includes a first upright bar having a first end and a second end, the first end being anchored to a surface at a first anchor point, a second upright bar having a third end and a fourth end, the third end being anchored to the surface at a second anchor point, an overhead crossbar coupled to the second end of the first upright bar and to the fourth end of the second upright bar, a first impact absorption member resting on the first anchor point and having the first upright bar extending therethrough, the first impact absorption member being rotatable about the first upright bar, and a second impact absorption member resting on the second anchor point and having the second upright bar extending therethrough, the second impact absorption member being rotatable about the second upright bar. |
| US09103162B2 |
Device for applying spacer tape
A device for applying an elastoplastic spacer tape as a spacer during the production of insulating glass panes has at least two supply reels for spacer tapes, several driven tape guide rollers, and a movable application head for the selected spacer tape, with whose assistance the spacer tape is pressed onto a glass pane. For coating one or the other spacer tape, a coating station with two coating nozzles is provided, from which adhesive glue is sprayed on the lateral surfaces of the selected spacer tape. The spacer tape that is unneeded in each case is stopped in the application head in such a way that one or the other of the spacer tapes as desired, depending on which spacer tape is required for the production of a special insulating glass pane, is applied to the glass pane. Thus, the laborious threading and unthreading of spacer tapes is not necessary. |
| US09103158B2 |
Tassel for blind cords
A tassel for blind cords comprising at least two independent parts associated to the ends of the operating cords of blinds and some means to retain the these separate pieces in an assembled position thereby forming a tassel to operate blind cords, which also split apart when force is applied to the cords associated with the parts. The invention consists of means to retain the independent parts that form the tassel, is made of a retention elastic piece that embraces the outside surface of the independent parts and tends to keep them grouped together in an assembled position. |
| US09103157B2 |
Spring counterbalance apparatus and method
A spring counterbalance apparatus and method consists of a shade system with a torque profile, where the shade system is connected with a drive shaft. A first spring system is connected with the drive shaft where the first spring system is a standard wound spring system. A second spring system is connected with the drive shaft where the second spring system is a reverse wound spring system and where, in combination, the first spring system and the second spring system produce a counterbalance torque profile approximately equal to the shade system torque profile. |
| US09103156B1 |
Attachable built-in blinds for doors and windows
A blind system uses a typical door or window frame that has a hermetically sealed double glazing within an opening of its main frame. A blind assembly is removably received within a rabbet of the main frame while a secondary frame is removably attached to the main frame by passing screws through the secondary frame, the screws being received within bosses located in the rabbet of the main frame, the secondary frame overlying the blind assembly. A single glazing is sealably attached to the secondary frame. The blind assembly is bordered by a spacer that holds a desiccant therein. |
| US09103148B2 |
Shower door assembly
A shower door assembly is disclosed comprising a top frame and a bottom frame; a first movable glass door having at least two first roller units at a top end of the first movable glass door and at least two second roller units at a bottom end of the first movable glass door; and a second movable glass door having at least two third roller units at a top end of the second movable glass door and at least two fourth roller units at a bottom end of the second movable glass door. The first and third roller units are slidably engaged with the top frame, and the second and fourth roller units are slidably engaged with the bottom frame. At least one of the first roller units is located between the third roller units and pressed by a first pressing device provided on the third roller units, and as a result at least one of the second roller units is located between the fourth roller units and pressed by a second pressing device provided on the fourth roller units. |
| US09103147B1 |
Synchronized multiple-angle rotatable dual-pivot structure
A synchronized multiple-angle rotatable dual-pivot structure includes a first pivot, a second pivot, a plurality of connection members, and a support frame. The first pivot and the second pivot are each provided with an installation slot. The connection members are of the same length and each has two ends respectively and movably mounted in the installation slots of the first pivot and the second pivot. The support frame has two ends respectively coupled to the first pivot and the second pivot. The connection members are connected between the first pivot and the second pivot so that when one of the first pivot and the second pivot is rotated, forces are induced between the first pivot and the second pivot to mutually pull and push each other so that synchronized rotation can be achieved in an easy and effortless manner and the rotation angle can reach at least 180 degrees. |
| US09103143B2 |
Door handle apparatus for vehicles
A door handle assembly extends a door handle in parallel from an outer surface of a vehicle door and retracts the door handle until it is flush with the outer surface. The door handle assembly includes a door handle formed from a planar handle member and a handle base member. The planar handle member is coupled to the handle base member and a swing arm coupled to the backside of the handle base member extends and retracts the door handle. A first upper fork is rotably coupled to a backside of the handle base member near the distal portion of a first post portion and a second upper fork is rotably coupled to the backside of the handle base member near the distal portion of a second post portion. The lower dual fork portion of the swing arm pivots about a shaft mounted to an inner door surface. |
| US09103142B2 |
Merchandise display security tether including releasable adhesive
A merchandise display security tether includes a mounting base, a releasable adhesive for releasably attaching the mounting base to an article of merchandise, and a housing configured to be positioned over the mounting base and a releasing portion of the releasable adhesive. The housing is secured to the mounting base by a tamper-proof fastener to prevent access to the releasing portion of the releasable adhesive. The security tether further includes a security cable having a first end attached to the housing and a second end for attachment to a merchandise display. The housing is removable by a special tool to expose the releasing portion of the releasable adhesive. The releasing portion is pulled to release the mounting base and the article of merchandise without damage to the merchandise and without leaving an adhesive residue on the merchandise. |
| US09103134B1 |
Adjustable open space office system
The present invention relates to furniture and devices and a system for forming working areas within open spaces. More specifically, the present invention relates to furniture, devices and systems that can be used to create individual working areas and offices in an open space with the ability to create privacy similar to an enclosed office without constructing permanent walls and partitions. The invention includes a main support frame/structure supported off the floor which receives and connects to component panels also supported off the floor which function like office walls. The configuration of the resulting compartments is adjustable using different sized panels and by positioning panels and opening in different locations. The system has an open top configuration with an upward lighting system integral to the top support member and inside it to provide upward lighting to the space(s). A privacy door slidably connected to the top support member provides the ability to create privacy like an office with permanent walls. |
| US09103132B2 |
Dual-function, sequential-task, lug-registry, pick and stack-align building-component handling system
A system for handling various structural building components including a pick and stack-registry lug which is anchorable to the top of a building component for handling that component in either one, or both sequentially, of its two, pick and stack-registry functional modes, (b) a clamshell-style, releasably lockable clasp adapted to receive and close capturingly upon the lug under operational circumstances with the lug anchored to the top of a building component, and ready to function in its pick category of component-handling behavior, and (c) a guide socket includable in the base of a building component functional for camming, guided reception of a lug with the lug then functioning in its stack-registry mode of behavior to facilitate overhead stack registering of two building components in relation to the lowering of an overhead component onto the top of an underlying component whose top also has a lug anchored to it. |
| US09103130B2 |
Formwork support beam
A formwork structural member having at least one core made of a material that has a density between approximately 40 kg/m3 and approximately 500 kg/m3, and at least one metal casing that substantially covers an outer contour of the core, the metal casing being arranged attached to the core. |
| US09103125B2 |
Snow/ice dam bracket for solar panels
A non-intrusive solar panel bracket for the prevention of the sudden displacement of large amounts of snow and ice from solar panels mounted on a pitched roof, the brackets selectively snap fit over the lower horizontal frame member of a solar panel, a portion of the bracket extending upwardly above the level of the solar panel preventing the downward displacement of snow and ice, yet at a height so as not to interfere with the solar panels generation of electricity. |
| US09103124B2 |
Shingle inserts and method for eliminating and preventing growth of algae, moss, or lichens on a roof
A shingle insert and method for eliminating and preventing growths on a shingled roof in which copper strips forming the inserts are installed with an upper edge disposed beneath a course of shingles with the remaining portions of the insert exposed. The insert strips have a confined space defined beneath a stiffening lengthwise extending arched hump formed in the exposed copper strip portions which has an array of elongated indentations formed therein with slits therein to allow slow drainage of water impounded by the arched hump through the inserts may contain a growth toxic material, in solid or granular form which releases a substance toxic to the growths when rainwater runoff passes into the confined space and over the material and thereafter flows out down the roof. |
| US09103114B2 |
Vacuum heat insulation material and manufacturing method therefor
A plurality of thin-wall parts (9a) of a sealant layer (7) are formed in a portion continuously changed in the interval of one sealing part (8) and a gas barrier layer (6) of other laminate film (4). At the inner circumferential side between the adjacent thin-wall parts (9a) and the thin-wall part (9a) at the innermost circumferential side and at the outer circumferential side of the thin-wall part (9a) of the outermost circumferential side, a thick-wall part (9b) of the sealant layer (7) is formed. All of the opposing sealant layers (7) between the two adjacent thin-wall parts (9a) are mutually heated and fused, so that an excellent adiabatic performance is maintained for a long period. |
| US09103113B2 |
Wall stud with a thermal break
Insulating material is sandwiched between one edge of a structural 2×4 and one edge of a structural 2×2 to form a 2×6 wall stud with a thermal break. While shapes, sizes and compositions of the structural members can vary, the insulated wall stud has the advantage of being the size of conventional lumber reducing installation cost. |
| US09103112B2 |
Non-invasive roof mounting adapter and method for installing same
A mounting adapter for attaching an object to a mounting surface such as a flat roof includes a planar anchor plate having first apertures and second apertures extending therethrough. The first apertures receive an elongated fastener having a length sufficient to fasten the anchor plate over and to a support structure positioned beneath the mounting surface. A cover plate includes third apertures aligned with the second apertures and at least one fourth aperture. The cover plate extends over the first apertures and a second fastener extends through each third aperture and engages with a corresponding second aperture to secure the cover plate over the anchor plate. At least one third fastener interfaces with the at least one fourth aperture for attaching the object to the adapter such that load forces from the object are transferred directly to the support structure beneath the mounting surface through each elongated fastener. |
| US09103110B1 |
Geo shelter
A temporary or permanent shelter in kit form having extruded interlocking panels that easily clip together to create the general shape of a geodesic dome. The kits can be stored in a very small space when not assembled, and are primarily contemplated for use in emergencies and disaster relief. The sides of panels can be color-coded for fast and accurate assembly. Light-transmitting panels, reinforced panels, and entrance structures can also be used according to need. Furthermore, multiple kits can be can be transported at once by helicopter when roads are not available, they are easily and quickly constructed and disassembled, and are made from strong extruded and composite materials that do not mold or burn. |
| US09103108B2 |
Drywall backing connector for steel studs
A connection between standard metal studs with a separate backing connector is provided. The backing connector has a planar backing web with lateral longitudinal flanges that receives the lip flange of a first wall stud and a projecting tab that interfaces with the side member of the first wall stud. The backing connector also has members that interface with and attach to selected portions of the surfaces of the second wall stud without engaging the lip flange of the second wall stud. The backing connector is adjustable in length. |
| US09103105B1 |
Toilet fill valve
In various embodiments, a water inlet of a toilet fill valve receives water from a water supply. A tank water outlet of the toilet fill valve provides a first portion of the water to a toilet tank. A bowl fill outlet port of the toilet fill valve provides a second portion of the water to a bowl fill restriction that is in direct contact with an extended portion of the toilet fill valve. The bowl fill restriction restricts the flow of the second portion of the water. The bowl fill restriction provides the second portion of the water to a tube that is in direct contact with the bowl fill restriction. The tube provides the second portion of the water to a toilet tank overfill tube. |
| US09103100B2 |
Grader blade assemblies
A grader blade assembly for mounting a blade to a grader comprises at least one bearing plate which reduces vibration of the blade during use and wherein at least one shim is used to reposition the bearing plate as it is subjected to wear. A grader blade assembly may alternatively or additionally include at least one bearing pad which reduces vibration of the blade during use and wherein at least one shim is used to reposition the bearing pad as it is subjected to wear. The shims are flexible and can conform to the contour of the bearing plate or pad and are of the same shape as the plate or pad with which it is to be used. |
| US09103086B2 |
Open water oil skimmer
An oil spill skimmer for removing heavy hydrocarbons from bodies of water, having a plurality of oleophilic oil separation devices, a housing and frame structure that is suitably supported above a body of water, an adjustable wave damper supported by the housing at a front of the skimmer, an at least one flow inducer supported by the housing at a rear of the skimmer, and ballast-adjustable tanks. The at least one flow inducer for inducing inflow such that water is pulled at the front of the skimmer and directed out a bottom of the skimmer while collecting the spillage in a collection area. The ballast can be moved in and out of the tanks to increase or decrease buoyancy and influence the wave riding or wave heave of the skimmer. |
| US09103084B2 |
Intelligent hydroelectric dam with power storage
Dams are a useful source of energy. An embodiment of a dam according to the present invention includes precast segments configured to be coupled together to form a dam optionally used to generate energy. An embodiment includes encasing an existing dam structure using interconnected precast segments. An underpinning system may penetrate the existing dam structure and be employed to assist in maintaining position of the dam or segmental components. A further embodiment includes encasing a main energy generation component using interconnected precast segments formed from a composite material including electrically conducting fibers, an electric circuit configured to measure and report the electrical resistance using a transmitter or transceiver to a dam stress/strain monitoring server. The electrical circuit may be powered directly or indirectly by available power supplied by the main energy generation component. |
| US09103078B2 |
Screed plate
An improved screed plate having a top surface, a bottom surface, a curved leading edge and a trailing edge adapted for attaching to a screed of a paving machine is disclosed. The improved screed plate comprises a tapered groove extended from the curved leading edge towards the trailing edge along the top surface and terminated in a groove end. The tapered groove is arranged deepest at the curved leading edge and shallowest toward the trailing edge so as to provide flexibility to the screed plate while not reducing screed plate lifetime due to increased wear and tear. The increased screed plate flexibility facilitates crowning and other adjustments that require bending of the screed plate, and allow harder steels to be used than are used in conventional screed plates. |
| US09103077B2 |
Vibratory mechanism including double helical key shaft, compactor including vibratory mechanism, and method of operating a vibratory mechanism
A vibratory mechanism for a compaction machine, the vibratory mechanism including first and second eccentrics, and a key shaft including oppositely helically splined portions. The first helically splined portion is complimentary to and disposed at least partially within a first internally helically splined bore of the first eccentric. The second helically splined portion is complimentary to and disposed at least partially within second internally helically splined bore of the second eccentric. The key shaft is disposed to linearly translate within the helically spined bores to cause the second eccentric to rotate in a direction opposite the first eccentric. |
| US09103072B2 |
Paper product having unique physical properties
A web product having at least two plies is disclosed. One of the at least two plies has a continuous knuckle area disposed upon a surface thereof. A first portion of the continuous knuckle area has a first width, W1, and a length, L1. A second portion of the continuous knuckle area in contacting engagement and in fluid communication with the first portion has a second width, W2, and a length, L2, where W1≠W2 and L1=L2. The web product has a Basis Weight, BW, value greater than 51.6 gsm and a Dry Bulk, DB, value greater than 15.5 cc/g. |
| US09103070B2 |
Flash tank with adjustable inlet
A flash tank including: a closed interior chamber; a gas exhaust port coupled to an upper portion of the chamber; a liquid discharge port coupled to a lower portion of the chamber; an inlet nozzle attached to an inlet port of the chamber, wherein the inlet nozzle includes a flow passage, and a movable valve plate in the flow passage, wherein the valve plate has a first position which defines a first throat in the flow passage and a second position which defines a second throat having a smaller cross-sectional area than the first throat. |
| US09103068B2 |
In-situ-rubberized layered cord that can be used in a tire belt
Metal cord (C-1) having two layers (Ci, Ce) of 3+N construction, rubberized in situ, comprising an inner layer (Ci) formed from three core wires (10) of diameter d1 wound together in a helix with a pitch p1 and an outer layer (Ce) of N wires (11) N varying from 6 to 12, of diameter d2, which are wound together in a helix with a pitch p2 around the inner layer (Ci), wherein said cord has the following characteristics (d1, d2, p1 and p2 are expressed in mm): 0.20 |
| US09103062B2 |
Appliance with features for preventing additive drying
An appliance is provided with features for preventing fluid additive drying in a conduit of the appliance. The appliance includes a tip configured for receipt of a cover fluid. The cover fluid is disposed within the tip such that the cover fluid deters evaporation of fluid additive in the conduit. |
| US09103061B2 |
Product service system and method
An appliance is configured to establish a communications link through the appliance between a user and a service representative as part of installing, diagnosing and servicing the appliance. |
| US09103058B2 |
Insulated article that changes fill power through displacement adjustment
An insulated article that changes its fill power through adjustment in displacement is provided. Outer and inner surfaces of a folded web consisting of slanting lapped continuous filaments tow band are attached with an outer shell fabric and a lining fabric made of nonwoven or cloth, respectively. This forms a sandwich structure similar to the birds' down feathers underneath the contour feathers. By adjusting the horizontal displacement between the outer and lining fabrics, the fill power (or fluffiness) of the folded web can be changed. Thus, the present invention is applicable to products such as sleeping bags, duvets, snow suits, snow boots and the like. It also has sound and heat proof properties as well as better thermal insulation. |
| US09103057B2 |
Nonwoven calendered fabrics
Nonwoven calendered materials for various applications such as household use and personal and hygienic care are provided. In particular, the present invention can be applied to the manufacture of wipes and cleaning cloths. Methods for making and using nonwoven calendered fabrics are also provided. |
| US09103052B2 |
Fine carbon fiber, fine short carbon fiber, and manufacturing method for said fibers
A novel fine carbon fiber produced by vapor growth, in which a graphite-net plane consisting of carbon atoms alone forms a temple-bell-shaped structural unit including a closed head-top part and a body-part with an open lower-end, in which an angle θ formed by a generatrix of the body-part and a fiber axis is less than 15°, 2 to 30 of the temple-bell-shaped structural units are stacked sharing a central axis to form an aggregate, and the aggregates are connected head-to-tail with a distance to form a fiber. Fine short carbon fibers with excellent dispersibility can be obtained by shortening the fine carbon fiber. |
| US09103045B2 |
Device and method for coloring anode coatings using the coloring device
A device for applying a magnetic field to a container comprises an adjustable magnetic field generator. The adjustable magnetic field generator is adjacent to the container and has a magnet having one magnetic pole adjacent a wall of the container and another magnetic pole away from the wall of the container. The adjustable magnetic field generator comprises a magnet. The intensity of magnetic field applied to the container gradually decreases from the container wall adjacent the magnetic pole of the magnet to the opposite container wall. Method for coloring anode coatings using the coloring device is also provided. |
| US09103043B2 |
Electrolyzing system
An electrolyzing system for electrolyzing a brine solution of water and an alkali salt to produce acidic electrolyzed water and alkaline electrolyzed water is provided. The system includes an internal chamber for receiving the brine solution and two electrolyzer cells immersed in a brine bath. Each electrolyzer cell includes an electrode, at least one ion permeable membrane supported relative to the electrode to define a space communicating between a fresh water supply and a chemical outlet into which brine enters only through the membrane. One of the electrodes is coupled to a positive charging electrical supply and the other to a negative charging electrical supply. |
| US09103036B2 |
Hard coatings comprising cubic phase forming compositions
Refractory coatings for cutting tool applications and methods of making the same are described herein which, in some embodiments, permit incorporation of increased levels of aluminum into nitride coatings while reducing or maintaining levels of hexagonal phase in such coatings. Coatings and methods described herein, for example, employ cubic phase forming compositions for limiting hexagonal phase in nitride coatings of high aluminum content. |
| US09103034B2 |
Method of coating a metallic article with a surface of tailored wettability
A method of coating a metallic article having an at least part-metallic surface comprising a first metal, with a surface having a pre-determined wettability, the method at least comprising the steps of: (a) coating at least a part of the metallic article with a layer of a second metal to provide a metal-metal bonded surface, said surface being rough either prior to or because of step (a); and (b) contacting the metal-metal bonded surface of step (a) with a material to provide the surface having the pre-determined wettability. The first metal may be one or more of the group comprising: iron, zinc, copper, tin, nickel and aluminum, and alloys thereof including steel, brass, bronze and nitinol for example. Preferably, the second metal is coated onto the first metal using electroless Galvanic deposition. The nature of the coated metallic article is non-limiting, as the ability of the present invention is to provide a tailored surface with a pre-determined wettability thereon, including superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic wettability. This allows the invention to be capable of application to a wide range of metal types used in different fields. |
| US09103033B2 |
Reel-to-reel reaction of precursor film to form solar cell absorber
A roll-to-roll rapid thermal processing (RTP) tool with multiple chambers for forming a solar cell absorber by reacting a precursor layer on a continuous flexible workpiece. The RTP tool includes an elongated housing having a heating chamber with a predetermined temperature profile, a supply chamber and a receiving chamber. The heating chamber includes a small process gap in which the precursor layer is reacted with a Group VIA material to form an absorber layer. The continuous flexible workpiece is unrolled and advanced from the supply chamber into the heating chamber, and the processed continuous flexible workpiece is taken up and rolled in the receiving chamber. |
| US09103030B2 |
Film deposition apparatus
In a film deposition apparatus, a first separation gas is discharged from a separation gas supplying portion to a separation area between a first process area to which a first reaction gas is supplied and a second process area to which a second reaction gas is supplied. A heater is provided to heat the turntable by radiation heat. An outer sidewall member is provided in a bottom part of a vacuum chamber to surround the turntable in an area where the heater is provided. A space forming member is provided between the separation areas adjacent to each other in a rotating direction of the turntable and extending from the outer sidewall member to form a narrow space between the turntable. A purge gas flows from a lower side of the turntable to an area outside the turntable in a radial direction through the narrow space. |
| US09103029B2 |
Processing apparatus and film forming method
A processing apparatus for processing objects, includes: a processing container structure having a bottom opening and including a processing container having a processing space for housing the objects, the container having a nozzle housing area on one side of the processing space and a slit-like exhaust port on the opposite side of the processing space from the nozzle housing area; a lid for closing the bottom opening of the processing container structure; a support structure for supporting the objects and which can be inserted into and withdrawn from the processing container structure; a gas introduction means including a gas nozzle housed in the nozzle housing area; an exhaust means including a plurality of exhaust systems for exhausting the atmosphere in the processing container structure; a heating means for heating the objects; and a control means for controlling the gas introduction means, the exhaust means and the heating means. |
| US09103027B2 |
Polishing and electroless nickel compositions, kits, and methods
Disclosed are various methods, kits, and compositions in the field of electroless nickel plating and chemical polishing. An electroless nickel plating composition may include a surfactant-brightener; a coupler; a bismuth metallic stabilizer; and organosulfur stabilizer and a bismuth complexer. Prior to plating, a substrate may be polished with a polishing composition that includes a surface blocker and a surface leveler. When practiced in accordance with the preferred teachings described herein, the electroless nickel plating composition is capable of providing a mirror-bright, lustrous finish, and has good leveling properties. The composition may be made without lead or cadmium. |
| US09103026B1 |
Filter circuit for a magnetron deposition source
A magnetron sputtering system comprising a vacuum processing chamber having a chamber shield, a magnetron assembly, and a substrate, the magnetron assembly comprising a permanent magnetic assembly and an electromagnetic coil assembly, a first impedance circuit coupled between a power supply and the electromagnetic coil assembly, the first impedance circuit comprising a first resistor and a first capacitor, and a second impedance circuit having a second resistor and a second capacitor, and coupled between the substrate and a susceptor. |
| US09103019B2 |
Metal precursors containing beta-diketiminato ligands
Methods and compositions for depositing a metal containing thin film on a substrate comprises introducing a vapor phase metal-organic precursor into a reaction chamber containing one or more substrates. The precursor has at least one β-diketiminato ligand, and has the general formula: M(R1C(NR4)CR2C(NR5)R3)2Ln wherein M is a metal selected from nickel, cobalt, ruthenium, iridium, palladium, platinum, silver and gold. Each of R1-5 is an organic ligand independently selected from H; and a C1-C4 linear or branched, alky group, alkylsilyl group, alkylamide group, alkoxide group, or alkylsilylamide group. Each L is independently selected from: a hydrocarbon; an oxygen-containing hydrocarbon; an amine; a polyamine; a bipyridine; an oxygen containing heterocycle; a nitrogen containing heterocycle; and combinations thereof; and n is an integer ranging from 0 to 4, inclusive. A metal containing film is deposited onto the substrate, while the substrate is maintained at a temperature between about 100° C. and about 500° C. |
| US09103017B2 |
Organic display panel, organic display device, organic light emitting device, method of manufacture of these, and thin film formation method
An organic display panel having a high luminance, and including an organic light emitting element that includes a bottom electrode, a hole-injection layer, an organic light emitting layer, and a top electrode layered in the stated order on a substrate. The bottom electrode is composed of a material that is aluminum, silver, or an alloy including at least one of aluminum and silver. The hole-injection layer contains an oxide of a transition metal. The organic light emitting element further includes a mixed oxidized thin film interposed between and in contact with the bottom electrode and the hole-injection layer, the mixed oxidized thin film being composed of an oxidized mixture of the same material as the material in the bottom electrode and the same transition metal as the transition metal in the hole-injection layer. |
| US09103014B2 |
Display panel and method of manufacturing the display panel
A method of manufacturing a display panel includes forming a pixel-defining layer on a substrate, disposing a mask on the pixel-defining layer on a first region of the substrate, and forming a first emission layer, and disposing the mask on the pixel-defining layer on a second region of the substrate, and forming a second emission layer. |
| US09103012B2 |
Copper plating method
A method of activating a copper seed layer during a plating process is disclosed that comprises application of vapor generated by an ultrasonic wave nebulizer. The energized vapor droplets include water and a weak organic acid such as acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, uric acid, oxalic acid, or formic acid that have a vapor pressure proximate to that of water. The weak organic acid preferably has a pKa high enough to avoid Cu etching but is sufficiently acidic to remove copper oxide at a rate that is compatible with high throughput manufacturing. In one embodiment, weak acid/water vapor is applied to a substrate in a spin bowl and is followed by a deionized water rinse step in the same spin bowl. Improved wettability results in improved uniformity in subsequently plated copper films. Considerable cost savings is realized as a result of reduced chemical consumption and higher product yields. |
| US09103011B2 |
Solution heat treatment and overage heat treatment for titanium components
A method of fabricating a Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy component including solution heat treating a forged Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy component at a temperature within the alpha+beta two-phase field for the material of the component for a predetermined period of time, and subsequently cooling the component. The component is then age heat treated using an overaging process at a predetermined overaging temperature for a predetermined time, and the component is cooled to room temperature. The overaging temperature is selected to be a higher temperature than an aging heat treatment temperature for effecting a maximum yield strength in the component. |
| US09102999B2 |
Methods of recovering scandium from titanium residue streams
A method for selectively removing scandium from a scandium-containing feed solution includes contacting the scandium-containing feed solution with a solvent stream in plural stages using cross current extraction, in which the solvent is loaded with at least a portion of the scandium from the feed solution, and/or ion exchange, and separating the loaded solvent from remaining scandium-containing feed solution. |
| US09102998B2 |
Method of recovering rare earths from a solid mixture containing a halophosphate and a rare earth compound and solid mixtures suitable for this method
An acid treatment, in a liquid medium, of a solid containing a halophosphate and a rare earth compound is described. Further described, is the addition of a base to the medium obtained previously and separation of a solid phase from a liquid phase; mixing and calcination of the solid obtained previously with an alkaline solid compound; redispersing the calcined product in water, separation of the solid product from the suspension obtained in the preceding step; dispersing this solid in water and acidification of the dispersion and separation of the solid from this dispersion. |
| US09102997B2 |
Method of purification for recycling of gallium-69 isotope
A method of purification for recycling of gallium-69 isotopes includes processes of proton irradiation and dissolution for a silver alloy plating target with gallium-69. After the proton irradiation and dissolution, a high concentration elution liquid of gallium-69 and germanium-68 is obtained by washing through an ion-exchange resin to filter out gallium-69 solution, followed by neutralizing precipitation, drying, and sintering treatments to obtain a gallium oxide. The gallium oxide can be dissolved to produce a solid target, and the washing processes can be repeated. The solid target after use can be placed in recycling again. This method is not only implemented to reduce the cost of production and comply with recycling notion nowadays, but also enhance efficiency in the practical application of radioisotopes. |
| US09102990B2 |
Apparatus and method for frame and brick constructions
A frame/brick and/or a stave/brick construction, having a frame having a plurality of ribs and a plurality of channels, wherein a front face of the frame defines a first opening into each of the channels, and a plurality of bricks wherein each brick is insertable into one of the plurality of channels via its first opening to a position, upon rotation of the brick, partially disposed in the one channel such that one or more portions of the brick at least partially engage one or more surfaces of the one channel and/or of a first rib of the plurality of ribs whereby the brick is locked against removal from the one channel through its first opening via linear movement without first being rotated. |
| US09102989B2 |
Non-revertible β-oxidation blocked Candida tropicalis
Genetically modified strains of C. tropicalis, which will not revert to wild-type activity at the POX 4 and/or POX 5 locus, are disclosed. The strains are β-oxidation blocked and have been transformed through homologous recombination with a construct which deletes a portion of the POX 4 and/or POX 5 gene. The modified strains may be used to increase yields of dicarboxylic acids produced in host cells of the strains. Methods for blocking the β-oxidation pathway in a C. tropicalis host cell are also provided. |
| US09102977B2 |
Method for analysis of cellular DNA content
Disclosed is a fast and simple method for quantification of nucleic acid of biological cells as 2-step protocol. In the first step cells are treated with an acidic solution containing a non-ionic detergent and a fluorescent DNA specific label. In the second step the sample may be neutralized. Determining of the content of nucleic can be performed by fluorescence microscopy. The method may also be used for obtaining information of cell cycle analysis, ploidy determination, measurements of nucleotide incorporation and assays for proliferation, health, stress level, apoptosis, necrosis, or other state of conditions of cells. The invention also relates to a kit of parts comprising an acidic agent, a detergent, a labelling agent and optionally a neutralization agent. |
| US09102971B2 |
Process for production of protein
The present invention relates to a method for integrating a gene fragment inserted between a pair of transposon sequences into a chromosome of a mammalian cell, comprising introducing at least one expression vector which comprises a gene fragment comprising a DNA encoding a protein of interest and also comprises a pair of transposon sequences at both terminals of the gene fragment, into a suspension mammalian cell; and a method for producing the protein of interest comprising suspension-culturing a suspension mammalian cell which produces the protein of interest; and an a suspension mammalian cell which expresses the protein of interest. |
| US09102970B2 |
Process for production of recombinant human growth hormone using growth media with added trace elements from E. coli cells
The subject invention provides an improved process for the production of human growth hormone. |
| US09102968B2 |
Cells, nucleic acids, enzymes and use thereof, and methods for the production of sophorolipids
The invention relates to cells, nucleic acids, and enzymes, the use thereof for producing sophorolipids, and methods for producing sophorolipids. |
| US09102967B2 |
PmST2 enzyme for chemoenzymatic synthesis of α-2-3-sialylglycolipids
The present invention provides novel methods for preparing glycolipid products. Novel sialyltransferases are also disclosed. |
| US09102965B2 |
Saccharide-solution producing apparatus, fermentation system, saccharide-solution producing method, and fermentation method
A saccharide-solution producing apparatus 11A according to the present invention is a saccharide-solution producing apparatus for producing a saccharide solution 22 derived from a carbohydrate-based material 21, and includes a saccharide-solution controlling unit 15A that controls the saccharide solution derived from the carbohydrate-based material 21, a cellulosic biomass saccharifying unit 16 that saccharifies hydrothermally treated biomass obtained by hydrothermally decomposing a cellulosic biomass material 35 that contains a lignin component and a hemicellulose component, and produces a diluted saccharide solution 37, and a diluted-saccharide-solution supply pipe L11 that mixes the diluted saccharide solution 37 produced by the cellulosic biomass saccharifying unit 16 into the saccharide-solution controlling unit 15A. With this configuration, it is possible to improve production efficiency of the saccharide solution 22 and to realize cost reduction. |
| US09102962B2 |
Production method for solid cultured active mushroom mycelium and fruit-body metabolites (AMFM) products thereof
A production method effectively increases the amount and yield of mushroom beta-glucan, and widely applied in the fields of food, biotechnology, cultivation and medical development. The cultivating medium contains the nutrition of three natural grains, including brown rice, adlay and oat, to provide a complete physiological environment for the mushrooms to grow well. Experimental results strongly suggest that AMFM treated cell activities are significantly enhanced in comparison with those without AMFM treated. |
| US09102958B2 |
Methods of producing 6-carbon chemicals via CoA-dependent carbon chain elongation associated with carbon storage
This document describes biochemical pathways for producing adipic acid, caprolactam, 6-aminohexanoic acid, hexamethylenediamine or 1,6-hexanediol by forming two terminal functional groups, comprised of carboxyl, amine or hydroxyl groups, in a C6 aliphatic backbone substrate. These pathways, metabolic engineering and cultivation strategies described herein rely on CoA-dependent elongation enzymes or analogues enzymes associated with the carbon storage pathways from polyhydroxyalkanoate accumulating bacteria. |
| US09102957B2 |
Method for degrading organic material using mother cell lyases formed in association with spore formation of microorganism
Provided is a method for degrading an organic material. Also provided is a useful low-molecular organic material. The method for degrading an organic material is characterized by comprising a step for preparing the organic material to be degraded, and a step for treating said organic material with mother cell lytic enzymes which are formed through cytolysis associated with the spore formation of a spore-forming aerobic bacterium. |
| US09102954B2 |
Production of isoprenoids
A recombinant yeast that makes an isoprenoid compound is provided. The yeast comprises an endogenous mevalonate pathway comprising (i) an enzyme that converts acetyl-CoA to acetoacetyl-CoA, (ii) an enzyme that converts acetoacetyl-CoA to hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA, (iii) an enzyme that converts hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA to mevalonic acid, (iv) an enzyme that converts mevalonic acid to phosphomevalonic acid, (v) an enzyme that converts phosphomevalonic acid to phosphomevalonate, and (vi) an enzyme that converts phosphomevalonate to isopentenyl pyrophosphate. The yeast further comprises heterologous nucleic acid sequences encoding an enzyme that converts hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA to mevalonic acid, an enzyme that converts mevalonic acid to phosphomevalonic acid, an enzyme that converts phosphomevalonic acid to phosphomevalonate, and an enzyme that converts phosphomevalonate to isopentenyl pyrophosphate. Carbon flow through the mevalonate pathway is increased in the recombinant yeast compared to a yeast that does not comprise the heterologous nucleic acid molecule encoding an enzyme that converts hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA to mevalonic acid. |
| US09102953B2 |
Biogasification of coal to methane and other useful products
Method of bioconversion of coal to methane, carbon dioxide, and other valuable gaseous and liquid products in a multi-step process that may include particle size reduction, separation of non-coal materials, addition of chemicals, and multi-stage anaerobic fermentation are disclosed. |
| US09102952B2 |
Process for the production of isoprenol from mevalonate employing a diphospho-mevolonate decarboxylase
Described is a method for the enzymatic production of isoprenol using mevalonate as a substrate and enzymatically converting it by a decarboxylation step into isoprenol as well as the use of an enzyme which is capable of catalyzing the decarboxylation of mevalonate for the production of isoprenol from mevalonate. Furthermore described is the use of mevalonate as a starting material for the production of isoprenol in an enzymatically catalyzed reaction. Also disclosed is a method for the production of isoprene comprising the method for the production of isoprenol using mevalonate as a substrate and enzymatically converting it by a decarboxylation step into isoprenol and further comprising the step of converting the produced isoprenol into isoprene as well as a method for the production of isoamyl alcohol comprising the method for the production of isoprenol using mevalonate as a substrate and enzymatically converting it by a decarboxylation step into isoprenol and further comprising the step of converting the produced isoprenol into isoamyl alcohol. |
| US09102951B2 |
Process for recovering salt during a lignocellulosic conversion process
The present invention relates to a process for generating steam and recovering salts during a lignocellulosic conversion process. The process comprises de-salting a still bottoms stream; incinerating a stream comprising lignin and the de-salted still bottoms stream in an incinerator; and utilizing the heat generated from said incinerating to produce steam. Further provided is a process that comprises feeding a concentrated still bottoms stream to a crystallizer and forming insoluble solids therein comprising salts. Furthermore, the invention relates to a process for recovering salts from a lignocellulosic conversion process, which process comprises the addition of solvent to a still bottoms stream to precipitate salts therefrom. Also provided is a still bottoms composition, a fertilizer product and a composition for incineration. |
| US09102950B2 |
Compositions and methods for enhancing immune responses to vaccines
The disclosure provides adjuvants, immunogenic compositions, and methods useful for vaccination and immune response. In particular, the disclosure provides a class of adjuvants comprising cationic lipid:co-lipid mixtures and methods for delivering formulated compositions. |
| US09102939B2 |
Genetic inhibition by double-stranded RNA
A process is provided of introducing an RNA into a living cell to inhibit gene expression of a target gene in that cell. The process may be practiced ex vivo or in vivo. The RNA has a region with double-stranded structure. Inhibition is sequence-specific in that the nucleotide sequences of the duplex region of the RNA and of a portion of the target gene are identical. The present invention is distinguished from prior art interference in gene expression by antisense or triple-strand methods. |
| US09102937B2 |
Stable and selective formation of hoogsteen-type triplexes and duplexes using twisted intercalating nucleic acids (TINA) and process for the preparation of TINA
The present invention describes a flexible basestacking monomer that can be incorporated into an oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analogue, as well as triplex forming oligonucleotides comprising the flexible basestacking monomer. Triplex forming oligonucleotides of the invention are capable of binding sequence specifically to doublestranded target nucleic acids and are therefore of interest for modulation of the activity of target nucleic acids and also detection of target nucleic acids. |
| US09102929B2 |
BGL6 beta-glucosidase and nucleic acids encoding the same
The present invention provides a novel β-glucosidase nucleic acid sequence, designated bgl6, and the corresponding BGL6 amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding BGL6, recombinant BGL6 proteins and methods for producing the same. |
| US09102927B2 |
Variant CBH2 cellulases and related polynucleotides
The invention provides variants of a Streptomyces sp. CBH2 that have improved properties compared to the wild type enzyme and methods of using the variants in the hydrolysis of substrates comprising cellulose. |
| US09102924B2 |
DNA polymerases and related methods
Disclosed are mutant DNA polymerases having improved extension rates relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The mutant polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. The mutant polymerases overcome the inhibitory effects by an intercalating dye. Therefore, the mutant polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed methods in combination with an intercalating dye. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the mutant DNA polymerases. |
| US09102922B2 |
Trehalose phosphorylases and their use in the biocatalytic production of trehalose-analogues and glycosyl phosphates
The present invention relates to trehalose phosphorylases which are useful for the industrial production of trehalose-analogs and glycosyl phosphates. More specifically, the invention discloses trehalose phosphorylases which are mutated in specific amino acid regions. These specific mutations result in modified substrate specificities of the enzymes. In addition, the present invention discloses a wild type trehalose phosphorylase from the marine organism Caldanaerobacter subterraneus, and mutated types thereof, which are highly thermostable and have a broad acceptor and donor specificity. |
| US09102919B2 |
WNT pathway stimulation in reprogramming somatic cells with nuclear reprogramming factors
The invention provides compositions and methods of use in reprogramming somatic cells. Compositions and methods of the invention are of use, e.g., for generating or modulating (e.g., enhancing) generation of induced pluripotent stem cells by reprogramming somatic cells. The reprogrammed somatic cells are useful for a number of purposes, including treating or preventing a medical condition in an individual. The invention further provides methods for identifying an agent that reprograms somatic cells to a pluripotent state and/or enhances the speed and/or efficiency of reprogramming. Certain of the compositions and methods relate to modulating the Wnt pathway. |
| US09102918B2 |
Methods for rejuvenating red blood cells
Methods and a system for transfusing blood to a mammalian subject. The method includes obtaining a volume of donated red blood cells (RBCs), adding an enhancement composition to the RBCs to form a treated blood composition, incubating the treated blood composition to form an incubated blood composition, and administering the incubated blood composition to a patient. The system includes a functionally-closed, sterile Y-type tube set. |
| US09102915B2 |
In vitro expansion of postpartum-derived cells using microcarriers
Compositions and methods for the growth and expansion of mammalian cells in culture are provided. In particular, methods for the growth and expansion of postpartum-derived cells in vitro are provided using surfaces such as microcarrier beads. |
| US09102911B2 |
High density self-contained biological analysis
Devices, containers, and methods are provided for performing biological analysis in a closed environment. Illustrative biological analyses include high density nucleic acid amplification and detection and immuno-PCR. |
| US09102906B2 |
Adhering acidic sanitary cleaner and fragrancer
The invention relates to a sanitary composition for cleaning and/or disinfecting and/or for fragrance release, which composition is applicable directly to the sanitary unit, adheres there and can be rinsed off only after a relatively large number of rinse operations, and which composition comprises surfactants and at least one adhesion promoter, said adhesion promoter being an oxo acid of the following formula and R being an alkyl or aryl radical, R′ is an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group, R″ is an alkyl, aryl or alkoxyalkyl radical, X a main group element of main groups 5 or 7 from the 3rd period, selenium, tellurium, or a transition group element, m=1 to 50, n=0, 1, 2, q=1, 2, r=0, 1 and p=1, 2, and the viscosity of the composition, measured with a Haake viscometer, plate-cone system, PK 5 1° sensor, shear rate of 25 s−1 and 20° C., is at least 15 000 mPas. |
| US09102897B2 |
Lubricating oil composition for transmissions
A lubricating oil composition for transmissions comprises a lubricating base oil comprising (A) a lubricating base oil so adjusted to have a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of from 1.5 to 5 mm2/s and a % CN of from 10 to 60 (B) a mineral lubricating base oil having a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of from 10 to 50 mm2/s and a sulfur content of from 0.3 to 1 percent by mass and (C) a synthetic oil composed of carbon and hydrogen and having a number average molecular weight of from 2,000 to 20,000, in respective specific amounts and (D) an extreme pressure additive of from 0.05 to 2 percent by mass, based on the total amount of the composition, of comprising a phosphorus-based extreme pressure additive, a sulfur-based extreme pressure additive and/or a phosphorus-sulfur-based extreme pressure additive, wherein in the composition, the phosphorus content (P) is from 0.01 to 0.05 percent by mass, the total sulfur content (S) is from 0.05 to 0.3 percent by mass, and the P/S ratio is from 0.10 to 0.40. The lubricating oil composition has both excellent fuel economy performance and satisfactory durability for gears and bearings and furthermore excellent low temperature viscosity and oxidation stability. |
| US09102893B2 |
Equipment lubricating microbial compositions
An exemplary embodiment is directed to an equipment lubricating composition comprising useful microorganisms. An exemplary embodiment comprises a water insoluble, water-absorbent substance and an encapsulated microorganism component including viable microorganisms. This encapsulating material may encapsulate and protect the microorganisms by essentially preventing the microorganisms from contacting the external environment. Based on the protection afforded by the encapsulation, exemplary embodiments may include previously inhospitable carrier compounds such as particulate machine lubricants. |
| US09102891B2 |
Diesel fuel additive
A diesel fuel additive composition, a fuel containing the fuel additive, a method for improving diesel engine performance using the additive. The diesel fuel additive includes a reaction product of (a) a hydrocarbyl-substituted acylating agent and (b) a reactant selected from the group consisting of a nitrogen-containing compound, a hydroxyl-containing compound, and water that provides a reaction product selected from the group consisting (1) a mono-amide/mono-acid or metal free mono-acid salt thereof, (2) a diacid or metal free diacid salt thereof, and (3) mono-ester/mono-acid or metal free mono-acid salt thereof. The reaction product includes at least about 10 molar percent acid groups based on total moles of the reaction product. |
| US09102889B2 |
Fluidized catalytic cracker riser quench system
The present application generally relates to a riser quench system comprising a quench line and one or more quench injecting ports for injecting a renewable fuel oil into the riser of a fluidized catalytic cracker co-processing a renewable fuel oil and a petroleum fraction as reactants. |
| US09102888B2 |
Methods for renewable fuels with reduced waste streams
The present application generally relates to the introduction of a reduced volatility renewable fuel oil as a feedstock and processing it with a petroleum stream in the presence of a catalyst to reduce the generation of waste streams in refinery systems or field upgrading equipment. |
| US09102881B2 |
Process for increasing aromatics production from naphtha
A process for reforming a hydrocarbon stream is presented. The process involves splitting a naphtha feedstream to at least two feedstreams and passing each feedstream to separation reformers. The reformers are operated under different conditions to utilize the differences in the reaction properties of the different hydrocarbon components. The process further includes passing one or more catalyst streams through the reformers to optimize selectivity and conversions. |
| US09102879B2 |
Process to produce biofuels from biomass
Biomass is contacted with an aqueous media to form an extracted biomass. An aqueous liquor separated from the extracted biomass is treated with a purification substrate to form a treated carbohydrate stream having less than 35% of the sulfur content and less than 35% of the nitrogen content, based on the untreated aqueous liquor stream, prior to contact with an aqueous phase reforming catalyst to form oxygenated intermediates that can be further processed to form a liquid fuel. An extracted biomass solids stream is also separated from the extracted biomass which is contacted with a first digestive solvent and then a second digestive solvent to form a solubilized pulp. This solublilized pulp may be combined with the aqueous liquor stream or combined to an aqueous reforming reaction system or recycled to the aqueous media to be processed further for an effective process to produce the liquid fuel. |
| US09102878B2 |
Process to produce biofuels from biomass
Processes to produce biofuels from biomass is provided where the biomass is contacted with an aqueous media to form a extracted biomass and at least a portion of an aqueous liquor separated from the extracted biomass containing soluble carbohydrate is treated with a purification substrate to form a treated carbohydrate stream having less than 35% of the sulfur content and less than 35% of the nitrogen content, based on the untreated aqueous liquor stream prior to contact with a hydrogenolysis catalyst to form a plurality of oxygenated intermediates that can be further processed to form a liquid fuel. An extracted biomass solids stream is also separated from the extracted biomass which is contacted with a first digestive solvent to form a pretreated biomass and then a second digestive solvent to form a solubilized pulp comprising soluble carbohydrates. |
| US09102877B2 |
Systems and methods for producing fuels from biomass
The present invention relates to systems and methods for producing fuels. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of producing a diesel-equivalent fuel, including pyrolyzing biomass to form a pyrolysis oil and contacting the pyrolysis oil and an alcohol with a metal oxide catalyst at a temperature of greater than about 60 degrees Celsius. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of refining pyrolysis oil including contacting pyrolysis oil and an alcohol with a metal oxide catalyst at a temperature of greater than about 60 degrees Celsius. In an embodiment, the invention includes a system for processing biomass into fuel including a pyrolysis chamber defining an interior volume; a first heating element configured to heat the pyrolysis chamber; a refining chamber in selective fluid communication with the pyrolysis chamber, the refining chamber defining an interior volume, a metal oxide catalyst disposed within the interior volume; and a second heating element configured to heat the refining chamber. Other embodiments are also described herein. |
| US09102873B2 |
SM-activated aluminate and borate phosphors
Disclosed are phosphors of formula (I) (Ln1−a−bGdaSmb)wMgxSry(Al1−cBc)zO(3/2w+x+y+3/2z) (I), where Ln=Y, La and/or Lu; a, c=0.0 to 1.0; 0 |
| US09102871B2 |
Liquid crystal compound showing negative dielectric anisotropy, liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
To provide a liquid crystal compound having a large negative value of dielectric anisotropy (Δ∈). A compound is represented by formula (1): wherein, in formula (1), one of Y1 and Y2 is fluorine, and the other is CF2H or CF3; G is a ring represented by formula (pr-1) or formula (pr-2): wherein A1 to A3 are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; Ra and Rb are independently hydrogen, alkyl having 1 to 20 carbons, or the like; Z0, and Z1 to Z3 are independently a single bond, —(CH2)2—, —CH═CH—, —CF2O—, —OCF2—, —CH2O—, —OCH2—, —COO— or —OCO—; j, m and n are an integer from 0 to 2, and a sum of j, m and n is 0, 1 or 2, however, when m is 0, Y1 is CF2H or CF3, Y2 is fluorine, and Z0 is a single bond, G is a ring represented by formula (pr-1). |
| US09102870B1 |
Additives for soil, soil compositions and methods of making
Improvements for soil are described that include a first particle in dry or powder form with a calcium oxide content greater than a second particle, the second particle, also in dry or powder form, with a calcium oxide content less than the first particle and preferably a low sulfate content. When added to soil the improvement maintains a low sulfate content, generally 5,000 ppm or less. Methods of improving soil are also described. When added to soil, the improvement described increases the original soil strength, sufficient for foundation and piling structures, road works and/or buildings or equipment. When soil is modified as described, the improved soil will have an unconfined compressive strength of less than 100 psi or less than 75 psi in 28 days. The improved soil is stronger, suitable for large scale projects while satisfying or maintaining a low sulfate content and a desired UCS value. |
| US09102869B2 |
Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal composition and an AM liquid crystal display device are described. The liquid crystal composition contains a specific compound having a small viscosity as a first component, may further contain a specific compound having a large negative dielectric anisotropy as a second component and a specific compound having a small viscosity as a third component, and has a negative dielectric anisotropy and a ratio of rotational viscosity to an elastic constant in the range of 4.2 GPa·s/N or lower. The liquid crystal display device includes the composition. |
| US09102865B2 |
Wellbore servicing fluids comprising cationic polymers and methods of using same
A method comprising placing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising a cationic polymer into wellbore wherein the cationic polymer has a molecular weight of from about 300,000 Daltons to about 10,000,000 Daltons. A composition comprising a wellbore servicing fluid, a cationic polymer, and a brine. |
| US09102860B2 |
Method of inhibiting or controlling release of well treatment agent
A microemulsion delivery system containing a well treatment agent in a water-in-oil microemulsion may be used for well remediation as well as in other treatment operations including stimulation, acidizing, and drilling. In addition, the water-in-oil microemulsion delivery system may be used to clean surface equipment and downhole equipment. |
| US09102858B2 |
Abrasive grain agglomerates, process for the production thereof and the use thereof for producing abrasives
The present invention relates to abrasive grain agglomerates composed of fine-particle primary abrasive grains which are held together by means of a binder based on an aluminosilicate having a molar ratio of Al2O3 to SiO2 of from 1:2 to 1:20. The particular advantage of these abrasive grain agglomerates is that the binder cures fully at below 450° C., preferably below 400° C., to form abrasive grain agglomerates having an extraordinarily high strength. |
| US09102849B2 |
Thermoplastic polymer composition and molded article
A thermoplastic polymer composition which is excellent in flexibility, mechanical properties, and moldability and is capable of adhering to ceramics, metals, and synthetic resins even by heat treatment at a low temperature (for example, 190° C. or lower) without the treatment with a primer, and a molded product obtained by using the thermoplastic polymer composition. The thermoplastic polymer composition includes 100 parts by mass of a thermoplastic elastomer (A), 1 to 100 parts by mass of a polyvinyl acetal resin (B), 5 to 100 parts by mass of a polar group-containing olefin-based copolymer (C), and 0.1 to 300 parts by mass of a softener (D). The thermoplastic elastomer (A) is a block copolymer which has a polymer block constituted by aromatic vinyl compound units and a polymer block constituted by conjugated diene units or a hydrogenated product of the block copolymer. |
| US09102846B1 |
Self priming spackling compound
A self-priming spackling compound includes between about 35% by weight and about 65% by weight acrylic latex resin, between about 20% by weight and about 50% by weight filler material, and between about 1% by weight and about 20% by weight water. In certain aspects, the latex resin may have an average latex particle size of less than about 0.18 microns, a minimum film formation temperature of less than about 15 degrees Celsius, and/or a glass transition temperature (Tg) of less than about 25 degrees Celsius. To further enhance the self-priming performance of the spackling compound, the formulation may further comprise a colorant such as titanium dioxide. |
| US09102842B2 |
Ink composition and recording apparatus
Disclosed is ink composition used in a recording apparatus provided with a pressure regulation valve which performs opening and closing operations to adjust a pressure in a recording head and is covered with an elastic member. The ink composition includes a slip agent and a lactone system medium. The slip agent is preferably at least one kind selected from a group consisting of a silicon system compound, a hydrocarbon system compound, a fluorine system compound, an amide system compound, and acrylic compound. In addition, the content of the slip agent is preferably not more than 1% by mass. |
| US09102840B2 |
Polyurethane resin addition pigment, process for producing polyurethane resin addition pigment, pigment dispersion composition, and jet printing ink composition
A polyurethane resin-bonded pigment may exhibit excellent image density, dispersibility, storage stability, and resolubility, and may form an ink film that exhibits marker resistance and rubfastness. The polyurethane resin-bonded pigment is produced by bringing (I) a pigment having a surface acidic group into contact with (II) a basic compound having two or more amino groups selected from a primary amino group and a secondary amino group in its molecule in an aqueous medium to obtain a pigment having an unreacted surface amino group, and bringing the pigment having an unreacted surface amino group into contact with (III) a water-dispersible polyurethane resin having an isocyanate end group and (IV) a polyisocyanate compound to bond the pigment having an unreacted surface amino group and the water-dispersible polyurethane resin (III) having an isocyanate end group via a urea bond. |
| US09102838B2 |
Anti-corrosive coating composition precursor
An anti-corrosive coating composition precursor enabling easily obtaining an anti-corrosive coating composition using a polyaniline powder is provided. The anti-corrosive coating composition precursor comprises polyaniline, polyvinyl butyral and an alcohol-containing solvent and has a storage modulus G′ of 0.01 to 300 Pa and a loss modulus G″ of 0.01 to 100 Pa obtained by a frequency dispersion measurement at a temperature of 25±1° C. at a frequency of 0.1 to 100 rad/s. |
| US09102837B2 |
Apparatus and method for removing painted markings
An apparatus for use in removing painted markings is provided that includes a first covering that is dissolvable by water. A second covering is included that is dissolvable by water. A paint removal agent is present and is located between the first covering and the second covering. A method for removing painted markings is also provided. |
| US09102836B2 |
Anti-reflection coating composition and process for preparing the same
The present invention relates to an anti-reflection coating composition containing hollow particles, an adhesive, and a hydrophobic organic solvent, wherein the weight ratio of the hollow particles to the solids content of the adhesive is in the range of 1:2 to 1:20. The present invention also provides a method for producing the anti-reflection coating composition. |
| US09102835B2 |
Methods of using dyes in association with nucleic acid staining or detection and associated technology
Methods of using dyes and associated technology are provided. A dye, such as a monomeric dye or a dimeric dye, may be used in a nucleic acid gel staining application and/or a nucleic acid detection application. Such a dye and a salt that comprises an anion that is associated with a strong acid and a cation that is associated with a strong base may be used in such an application. A dimeric dye, such as a dimeric dye capable of forming a hairpin-like structure, may be used to stain and/or detect nucleic acids via a release-on-demand mechanism. A dimeric dye having low background fluorescence in the absence of nucleic acids and high fluorescence in the presence of nucleic acids, upon binding therewith, may be used to stain and/or detect nucleic acids. |
| US09102833B2 |
Curable resin composition, curable resin molded body, cured resin molded body, method for producing each of same, and laminate body
Provided is a curable resin composition comprising a thermoplastic resin (A) that includes a cyclic structure in its main chain, and has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 140° C. or more, and a monofunctional curable monomer (B). The present invention provides: a cured resin formed article that has heat resistance and low birefringence, a method for producing the same, a curable resin composition and a curable resin formed article that are useful as a raw material for producing the cured resin formed article, and a laminate that includes a layer formed of a cured resin. |
| US09102832B2 |
Aircraft component comprising flame retardant compositions and methods of manufacture
An aircraft component wherein the component is a partition or a light cover, and wherein the aircraft component is molded or formed from a thermoplastic polymer composition including: a siloxane-containing copolymer in an amount effective to provide a total of 0.2 to 6.5 wt % of siloxane units based on the total weight of the polymers in the thermoplastic polymer composition, a bromine-containing polymer in an amount effective to provide 9 to 13 wt % of bromine, based on the total weight of the polymers in the thermoplastic polymer composition, and optionally a third polymer, wherein the wt % of the siloxane-containing copolymer, the bromine-containing polymer, and the optional third polymer, sum to 100 wt %, and 0.05 to 10 wt % of a light diffuser additive, based on the total weight of polymers in the thermoplastic polymer composition. |
| US09102830B2 |
Bis-(α-amino)-diol-diester-containing poly (ester amide) and poly (ester urethane) compositions and methods of use
The present invention provides biodegradable, biocompatible bis-(α-amino acyl)-diol-diester-containing poly(ester amide) (PEA) and poly(ester urethane) (PEUR) co-polymer compositions with mechanical properties that can be readily tailored by selection of various combinations and proportions of the building blocks of the co-polymers. The compositions are suitable for use in production of drug-releasing biodegradable particles and implantable surgical devices, such as stents and internal fixation devices. The co-polymer compositions, particles and surgical devices biodegrade in vivo by enzymatic action to release bioactive agents in a controlled manner over time as well as biocompatible breakdown products, including one to multiple different amino acids. |
| US09102829B2 |
Method of producing hybrid polyhydroxyurethane network on a base of carbonated-epoxidized unsaturated fatty acid triglycerides
A method of obtaining hybrid polyhydroxyurethane compositions cross-linked at ambient temperatures. The method comprises: (a) reacting epoxidized unsaturated fatty acid triglycerides with carbon dioxide in the presence of a catalyst to obtain carbonated-epoxidized unsaturated fatty acid triglycerides, wherein conversion of oxyrane groups to 2-oxo-1,3-dioxolane groups (cyclic carbonate groups) for said carbonated-epoxidized unsaturated fatty acid triglycerides ranges from 35% to 85%; (b) mixing and reacting the carbonated-epoxidized unsaturated fatty acid triglycerides with a compound having amine functionality comprising at least one primary amine group realized at stoichiometric or within nearly balanced stoichiometry; (c) mixing and reacting the product of step (b) with a compound having amine functionality comprising at least two primary amine groups realized at excess of an amine-functional compound; (d) subsequently mixing the product of step (c) with a compound having amino-reactive groups. |
| US09102826B2 |
Curable compositions
Embodiments include a curable composition comprising an epoxy resin, a non-halogen flame retardant agent comprising at least two of an aryl-cyanato group and at least two of a phosphorus group, and a styrene and maleic anhydride copolymer. Embodiments include method of preparing the curable composition, prepregs that include a reinforcement component and the curable composition, and an electrical laminate formed with the curable composition. |
| US09102825B2 |
Dynamically crosslinked thermoplastic material process
A method for making a thermoplastic material includes: (a) partially crosslinking an elastomer composition at a first crosslinking temperature to form a thermoplastic, partially crosslinked elastomer composition; (b) mixing a thermoplastic polymer composition with the thermoplastic, partially crosslinked elastomer composition and heating the mixture to a second crosslinking temperature higher than the first crosslinking temperature, wherein the thermoplastic polymer composition is liquid at the second crosslinking temperature; and (c) continuously mixing the mixture while further crosslinking the elastomer composition to form a thermoplastic material having a dispersed phase of crosslinked elastomer composition in the thermoplastic polymer composition. The elastomer composition may include an elastomer compounded with a curing agent and optionally additional components. A thermoplastic material resulting from this process may be molded or shaped by any method used for forming thermoplastic materials into articles, such as molding, extrusion, or thermoforming. |
| US09102822B2 |
Roll member, charging unit, process cartridge and image forming apparatus
Disclosed is a roll member including a core, and an elastic layer arranged on the core, the elastic layer containing a rubber material and polyalphaolefin. |
| US09102819B2 |
Polyolefin composition
The instant invention provides a polyolefin composition suitable for injection molding applications, and method of making such injection molded articles. The polyolefin composition suitable for injection molding applications comprises: an ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer composition comprising: (a) from 25 to 50 percent by weight of a first ethylene/α-olefin copolymer fraction having a density in the range of from 0.924 to 0.937 g/cm3, a melt index (I2) in the range of from 0.03 to 0.3 g/10 min, (b) from 50 to 75 percent by weight of a second ethylene homopolymer fraction having a density in the range of from greater than 0.960 g/cm3, a melt index (I2) in the range of from 100 to 180 g/10 minutes, wherein said ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer composition has a density in the range of from 0.950 to 0.958 g/cm3, a melt index (I2) in the range of from 1.0 g/10 min to 3.5 g/10 min, a zero shear viscosity ratio (ZSVR) in the range of from 1.01 to 2.5, a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) in the range of from 2.0 to 4.0, and tan delta at 0.1 radian/second and 190° C. in the range of from 9 to 50. |
| US09102816B2 |
Tire rubber composition and pneumatic tire
Provided are: a tire rubber composition improving fuel economy and abrasion resistance while maintaining good wet-grip performance or improving it; and a pneumatic tire including the same. The composition contains: a rubber component including a diene polymer (1); silica; and a diene polymer (2), the polymers (1) and (2) being modified diene polymers obtained by reacting components (A)-(B), the polymer (1) having a Mn of 110000-1500000, the polymer (2) having a Mn of 1000-100000, the amount of polymer (2) being 2-25 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component, wherein (A): an active alkali metal-terminated conjugated diene polymer obtained by polymerizing a conjugated diene monomer alone or with an aromatic vinyl monomer, in the presence of a component (C); (B): a modifying agent containing a functional group; (C): a chemical species obtained by reacting an organic alkali metal compound with a compound of formula (1): |
| US09102812B2 |
Process for producing silica and sulfur containing rubber composition
A rubber composition capable of improving all of processability, abrasion resistance, rolling resistance property and wet skid performance and a pneumatic tire using the same are provided. A rubber composition comprising 25 to 100 parts by weight of a surface-treated silica based on 100 parts by weight of a rubber component comprising a natural rubber and/or a diene synthetic rubber, the surface-treated silica being obtainable by mixing a silica and a sulfur-containing organic silicon compound represented by the general formula (1): or the general formula (2): in an amount of 1 to 20 parts by weight of the sulfur-containing organic silicon compound on the basis of 100 parts by weight of the silica under a temperature of 130° to 180° C. |
| US09102811B2 |
Pigment dispersion, ink composition including pigment dispersion, and color filter yellow resist composition including pigment dispersion
The present invention provides a pigment dispersion excellent in dispersibility. Furthermore, the present invention provides a color filter yellow resist composition and an ink composition, which include the pigment dispersion. A pigment dispersion containing at least a compound represented by General formula (1) and a yellow pigment represented by General formula (2) in a dispersion medium and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. Furthermore, a color filter yellow resist composition and an ink composition are provided, wherein images can be displayed with high spectral characteristics and high display contrast because the brightness is high and the hue of yellow is excellent. |
| US09102810B2 |
Alkaline earth metal carbonate micropowder
Dispersibility of an alkaline earth metal carbonate micropowder in a polymer resin or in an organic solvent is improved by treating the surface of the alkaline earth metal micropowder with a surfactant having hydrophilic groups and hydrophobic groups and groups that form anions in water. |
| US09102807B2 |
Toughening cross-linked thermosets
Grafted triglycerides comprising an acrylated triglyceride grafted with a fatty acid residue containing 4 to 28 carbon atoms. Also described are methods for making a grafted triglyceride and for curing a material selected from vinyl esters and unsaturated polyesters and mixtures thereof and optionally a reactive diluent. The method includes the steps of mixing a grafted triglyceride of the present invention with a material selected from vinyl esters, unsaturated polyesters and mixtures thereof to form a mixture, and curing the mixture to form a cured resin system. A cured resin system comprising a cured product obtained by the foregoing method and composites containing the cured product and a filler or reinforcing material are also disclosed. This method also includes use of the grafted triglycerides to make toughened resin and composite systems with reduced hazardous air pollutants without significantly reducing the glass transition temperature and significantly increasing the viscosity. |
| US09102805B2 |
Masterbatch for foam molding and molded foam
The present invention has its object to provide a masterbatch for foam molding, which can be suitably used for molding processes involving high shearing force, such as kneading molding, calender molding, extrusion molding, and injection molding, which shows a high expansion ratio, and which yields a foamed product with a good appearance. The present invention also has its object to provide a foamed product using the masterbatch for foam molding.A masterbatch for foam molding comprises a base resin and a thermally expandable microcapsule, the base resin being a thermoplastic resin having a melting point of 100° C. or higher, the masterbatch containing 10 to 230 parts by weight of the thermally expandable microcapsule to 100 parts by weight of the base resin, and the masterbatch having a true density of 0.80 g/cm3 or more, a bulk density of 0.35 g/cm3 or more, and a masterbatch size of 450 mg/30 pieces or more. |
| US09102804B2 |
Production method for water-absorbing resin powder
A method for producing a water-absorbing resin comprises circulation of the water-absorbing resin in a predetermined amount in a pulverization step before a surface cross-linking step. At least a part of a classified polymer is supplied again to the same or a different pulverization step before the surface cross-linking step, wherein the circulation pulverization ratio in the pulverization step, represented by the following equation, is 1.10 to 1.50: (Circulation pulverization ratio)=(total supply amount of the water-absorbing resin to the pulverization step)/(total discharge amount of the water-absorbing resin at the drying step) wherein (total supply amount of the water-absorbing resin to the pulverization step)=(total discharge amount of the water-absorbing resin at the drying step)+(amount of the classified polymer supplied again to the same or a different pulverization step). |
| US09102801B1 |
Lignin nanoparticle synthesis
A method including reducing a particle size of lignin particles to an average particle size less than 40 nanometers; after reducing the particle size, combining the lignin particles with a polymeric material; and forming a structure of the combination. A method including exposing lignin to a diazonium precursor including a functional group; modifying the lignin by introducing the functional group to the lignin; and combining the modified lignin with a polymeric material to form a composite. An apparatus including a composite of a polymer and lignin wherein the lignin has an average particle size less than 100 micrometers. |
| US09102798B2 |
Method for producing low-halogen polybiphenylsulfone polymers
The present invention relates to a process for the production of low-halogen-content polybiphenyl sulfone polymers, to the resultant polybiphenyl sulfone polymers, to polybiphenyl sulfone polymers having less than 400 ppm content of polymer-bonded halogen, to thermoplastic molding compositions comprising these polybiphenyl sulfone polymers, and to their use for the production of moldings, of fibers, of films, of membranes, or of foams. |
| US09102797B2 |
Polymers with carbazole structural units
The present invention relates to polymers containing at least one carbazole structural unit of the general formula (I) where Ar1, Ar2, Ar3 is each, independently of one another, denote an aryl or heteroarylgroup, which may be substituted by one or more radicals R of any desired type; m, o is, independently of one another, 0 or 1; n is 1, 2 or 3 and the dashed lines represent the linking in the polymer; and at least one arylamine structural unit of the general formula (II) and/or (III) where Ar4, Ar5, Ar7, Ar8 is each, independently of one another, an aryl or heteroaryl group, which may be substituted by one or more radicals R of any desired type; Ar6 is an aryl or heteroaryl group, which may be substituted by one or more radicals R of any desired type, or represents a group of the formula Ar9-Ar9, where Ar9 is in each case, independently, an aryl or heteroaryl group, which may be substituted by one or more radicals R of any desired type or linked to one another; p is 1, 2 or 3; q is 0 or 1 and the dashed lines represent the linking in the polymer. Furthermore, the present invention relates to processes for the preparation of these polymers and to formulations and electronic devices which comprise these polymers. |
| US09102788B2 |
Process for forming an aramid copolymer
The invention concerns processes for forming polymer crumb comprising residues of 2-(4-amino phenyl)-5 (6) amino benzimidazole (DAPBI), paraphenylene diamine (PPD), and terephthaloyl dichloride (TCl), comprising the steps of: i) forming a slurry of b mole percent DAPBI in a solvent system comprising organic solvent and c weight percent of an inorganic salt, wherein the inorganic salt is present in an amount of at least 5 weight present of the organic solvent; ii) contacting the slurry with a less than stoichiometric amount of terephthaloyl chloride to form an prepolymer solution; and iii) contacting the prepolymer solution with y mole percent of PPD and additional TCL to form a polymer solution; wherein the total amount of TCL added in steps ii) and iii) is a stoichiometric amount based on the total amount of DAPBI and PPD added in steps i) and iii); the DAPBI and PPD are added in an amount sufficient for providing a polymer solution having a weight percent solids of 12 percent or greater on a polymer basis; and wherein the sum of y+b is 100 and the product of b×c is 225 or greater. |
| US09102784B2 |
Acrylic anticrater additive for electrocoats
The present disclosure is directed to an anticrater additive that is useful for providing a smooth surface to a cured layer of an electrocoating composition on a substrate. The anticrater additive comprises the reaction product of a polyisocyanate with an acrylic polymer having one isocyanate reactive functional group. The acrylic polymer can be an acrylic polymer that is terminated with a chain transfer agent. Also disclosed is an electrocoat composition comprising the anticrater additive and a substrate coated with a cured layer of the electrocoat composition. |
| US09102782B2 |
Transparent copolyester, preparing method thereof and articles made from the same
The present invention relates to a transparent copolyester, wherein the transparent copolyester comprises an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester segment A, a segment B having repeating units —O—CH(CH3)—C(O)—, and structural units C derived from polyisocyanate(s), wherein the weight ratio for the segment A, segment B and structural unit C is 100:(100-2000):(0.1-10) and wherein the weight-average molecular weight Mw of the transparent copolyester is from 50,000 to 1,000,000. The present invention further relates to a preparation method for a transparent copolyester, including polymerizing lactide, a hydroxyl-terminated aliphatic-aromatic copolyester and a polyisocyanate in the presence of a catalyst; wherein the weight ratio for the aliphatic-aromatic copolyester, lactide and polyisocyanate is 100:(100-2000):(0.1-10). The present invention further relates to a transparent copolyester prepared by said method and an article made from the transparent copolyester according to present invention. |
| US09102780B2 |
Catalysts for reaction between an isocyanate and an alcohol
Processes are described for preparing polyurethane polymers by reacting an isocyanate with an alcohol using a non-tin based catalyst having the formula where R1, which are identical or different, are a fluoroalkyl, monovalent alkyl, cycloalkyl, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, or the ring of the cycloalkyl group that optionally comprises at least one heteroatom, R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an aromatic, arylalkyl, fluoroalkyl, alkylamine, alkylguanidine, monovalent alkyl, cycloalkyl or an alkyl group substituted by an optionally substituted ring, which optionally comprises at least one heteroatom, and R3 represents an arylalkyl, fluoroalkyl, alkylamine, alkylguanidine, monovalent alkyl, cylcoalkyl, or alkyl group substituted by an optionally substituted ring which optionally comprises at least one heteroatom, when the R2 radical is not a hydrogen atom, the R2 and R3 radicals optionally being linked to form a 3 to 7 membered optionally substituted aliphatic ring, and the R1, R2 and R3 radicals do not comprise a silicon atom. |
| US09102779B2 |
Method for producing oxidation discoloration resistant polyurethane foam
A flexible polyurethane foam with improved resistance to discoloration from oxidation is disclosed. Such discoloration may be due to exposure to oxides of nitrogen, for example, the oxides commonly found in burnt gas fumes. The foam may be used for applications such as intimate apparel and other consumer products that need extended term color stability. The foam composition includes high levels of reactive and non-reactive phosphite esters that improve color stability without disadvantage to the foam's physical and aesthetic properties during and after production. |
| US09102772B2 |
Thickening vinyl copolymers
A rheology modifier copolymer of formula (I) wherein A is a polyacidic vinyl monomer selected from maleic, fumaric, itaconic, citraconic and acid combinations thereof and anhydrides and salts thereof, B is an acrylic or methacrylic acid or salt thereof; C is a C1-C8 ester of (meth)acrylic acid; D is an associative monomer; and optionally E is a crosslinking monomer. |
| US09102770B2 |
Process for the manufacture of isotactic polypropylene
Slurry polymerization process for the preparation of a polypropylene (PP) having a decaline soluble fraction (DS) of equal or below 2.5 wt.-%, wherein (a) a Ziegler-Natta catalyst (ZN), (b) propylene and optionally ethylene and/or an C4 to C12 α-olefin, and (c) a diluent (D) comprising a donor agent (DA), are fed into a first reactor vessel (R1) and the polymerization of said polypropylene (PP) takes place in at least said first reactor (R1). |
| US09102766B2 |
Method for producing a hydrogenated block copolymer, hydrogenated block copolymer obtained by said production method and composition thereof
The present invention relates to a method for producing a hydrogenated block copolymer, comprises the steps of: (a) forming a block copolymer by allowing a living polymer having a specific structure to react with a bis-silane coupling agent having a specific structure; (b) hydrogenating the block copolymer to form a hydrogenated block copolymer; and (c) isolating the resultant hydrogenated block copolymer, in which the number of functional groups derived from the coupling agent in the hydrogenated block copolymer isolated in the step (c) is 1.5 or less per block copolymer molecule; a hydrogenated block copolymer obtained by the method; and a composition containing the hydrogenated block copolymer. |
| US09102764B2 |
Guar process monitoring methods
Disclosed are methods relating to monitoring the processing of polysaccharides and, in particular, monitoring the processing of guar in order to improve guar yield and/or lower impurity concentration in the wash effluent fluid. |
| US09102758B2 |
Insulin-oligomer conjugates, formulations and uses thereof
An insulin conjugate is disclosed in which insulin is coupled to a modifying moiety of the formula X—R1—Y-PAG-Z—R2 wherein X, Y, and Z are linking groups, R2 is a capping group, and PAG is a carbon chain that incorporates one or more alkylene glycol moieties. |
| US09102757B2 |
Chimeric aquaretic and natriuretic polypeptides lacking vasodilatory activity
This document provides aquaretic and natriuretic polypeptides. For example, this document provides polypeptides having aquaretic and/or natriuretic activities. In some cases, a polypeptide provided herein can have aquaretic and natriuretic activities, while lacking the ability to lower blood pressure. This document also provides methods and materials for inducing aquaretic and/or natriuretic activities within a mammal. |
| US09102751B2 |
Huwentoxin-IV variants and methods of use
The present invention relates to Huwentoxin-IV variants, polynucleotides encoding them, and methods of making and using the foregoing. |
| US09102750B2 |
Branchiostoma derived fluorescent proteins
The present invention provides compositions, combinations, methods, sequences and kits for use of novel fluorescent proteins derived from the genus Branchiostoma. Specifically, polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences encoding fluorescent proteins isolated from Branchiostoma floridae, including harmonized sequences, which permit enhanced expression of the encoded polypeptides in mammalian cells in vivo are provided. |
| US09102747B2 |
cDNA-derived nucleic acids encoding red-shifted channelrhodopsins
Methods and compositions are used to identify and characterize new channelrhodopsins derived from algae and several of which are red-shifted. The rhodopsin domain of these red-shifted channelrhodopsins can be cloned and expressed in mammalian systems and used in optogenetic applications and as therapeutic agents. Also provided are methods and compositions for use in red-shifting the absorbance maxima of channelrhodopsins in order to improve their utility for use in vivo. |
| US09102745B2 |
Antibodies which bind to signal peptide-containing molecules
The invention provides human signal peptide-containing proteins (HSPP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode HSPP. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for diagnosing, treating, or preventing disorders associated with expression of HSPP. |
| US09102744B2 |
Conjugated anti-CD38 antibodies
Isolated antibodies that bind to human CD38 and cynomolgus CD38 are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the disclosed antibodies, and therapeutic and diagnostic methods for using the disclosed antibodies. |
| US09102742B2 |
Serologic correlates of protection against Bacillus anthracis infection
Regions of B. anthracis protective antigen are provided representing sequences recognized by antibodies in subjects that have vaccine induced lethal toxin neutralizing anti-PA IgG responses. The recognition of these PA regions enhances the utility of anti-PA IgG reactivity as an immune correlate of protection against anthrax in a subject and increases predictive probability of survival. Also provided are vaccines that include at least one of these PA regions that when administered to a subject improve the predictive value of vaccine induced anti-PA IgG and TNA responses as immune correlates of protection against inhalation anthrax. |
| US09102740B2 |
Cna-B domain antigens in vaccines against gram positive bacteria
The invention provides protective antigens which are useful in vaccine compositions to induce protection against gram positive bacteria, particularly against S. agalactiae, S. pyogenes, S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, S. suis, and S. equi. |
| US09102739B2 |
Anti-glypican-3 antibody
An anti-glypican-3 antibody comprising one or more amino acid substitutions introduced in the Fc region is disclosed. Preferably, in the anti-glypican-3 antibody, one or more of the amino acid residues at the positions 239, 298, 326, 330 and 332 in the Fc region are substituted with other amino acid residues. Since the Fc-modified anti-glypican-3 antibody of the invention exhibit enhanced ADCC activity, it is useful in treating cancers, such as hepatic cancer. Also disclosed are an anticancer agent comprising the anti-glypican-3 antibody of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, as well as a method of treating a patient with cancer comprising administering to the patient the anticancer agent of the invention. |
| US09102737B2 |
Human anti-CD27 antibodies, methods and uses
Human antibodies immunospecific for human CD27 are capable of blocking CD27 binding to its ligand CD70 and neutralizing bioactivity of CD27 including, but not limited to, CD27 intracellular signaling, T-cell proliferation and activation, B-cell proliferation and differentiation, plasmablast formation and alleviation of antibody responses, stimulation of tumor cells by CD70, and the production of soluble mediators from T and B-cells. The antibodies are useful in diagnosing or treating CD27 activity associated diseases and conditions. |
| US09102736B2 |
Multispecific deimmunized CD3-binders
The present invention provides a cytotoxically active CD3 specific binding construct comprising a first domain specifically binding to human CD3 and an Ig-derived second binding domain. Furthermore, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CD3 specific binding construct of the invention is provided. Further aspects of the invention are vectors and host cells comprising said nucleic acid sequence, a process for the production of the construct of the invention and composition comprising said construct. The invention also provides the use of said constructs for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of particular diseases, a method for the treatment of particular diseases and a kit comprising the binding construct of the invention. |
| US09102735B2 |
Immunoconjugates with an intracellularly-cleavable linkage
The present invention relates to therapeutic conjugates with improved ability to target various diseased cells containing a targeting moiety (such as an antibody or antibody fragment), a linker and a therapeutic moiety, and further relates to processes for making and using the conjugates. |
| US09102734B2 |
Fusion proteins comprising antibody and HPV E6 and E7 antigens
The present invention includes compositions and methods for the expression, secretion and use of novel compositions for use as, e.g., vaccines and antigen delivery vectors, to delivery antigens to antigen presenting cells. In one embodiment, the vector is an anti-CD40 antibody, or fragments thereof, and one or more antigenic peptides linked to the anti-CD40 antibody or fragments thereof, including humanized antibodies. |
| US09102733B2 |
Anti-OX40L antibodies
This invention relates to anti-OX40L antibodies and, in particular, to anti-OX40L antibodies and variants thereof that contain a Fc part derived from human origin and do not bind complement factor C1q. These antibodies have new and inventive properties causing a benefit for a patient suffering from inflammatory diseases. |
| US09102732B2 |
Antibodies against glucagon receptor and their use
Disclosed are immunological compositions and methods for reducing activity of glucagon signaling using antibodies against glucagon receptor. |
| US09102731B2 |
Human CGRP receptor binding proteins
Antigen binding proteins that bind to human CGRP receptor (CGRP R) are provided. Nucleic acids encoding the antigen binding protein, vectors, and cells encoding the same are also provided. The antigen binding proteins can inhibit binding of CGRP R to CGRP, and are useful in a number of CGRP R related disorders, including the treatment and/or prevention of migraine headaches. |
| US09102726B2 |
Nucleic acid of recombination expression vector encoding soluble forms of CD83, host cells transformed/transfected therewith and pharmaceutical compositions containing same
The present invention provides methods of using soluble forms of CD83 and nucleic acids encoding them for the treatment or prevention of diseases caused by the dysfunction or undesired function of a cellular immune response involving T cells. The invention moreover provides soluble CD83 proteins, specifically suited for said purpose, nucleic acids and vectors encoding said CD83 proteins, cells transformed/transfected with the nucleic acids or vectors, methods for producing said CD83 proteins, pharmaceutical compositions containing said CD83 proteins, nucleic acids or vectors, and antibodies against said soluble CD83 proteins and assay methods and kits comprising said antibodies. |
| US09102725B2 |
Human monoclonal antibodies to programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1)
The present disclosure provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to PD-L1 with high affinity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of this disclosure, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of this disclosure are also provided. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The disclosure also provides methods for detecting PD-L1, as well as methods for treating various diseases, including cancer and infectious diseases, using anti-PD-L1 antibodies. |
| US09102723B2 |
Purified antibody composition
The invention provides a method for producing a host cell protein-(HCP) reduced antibody preparation from a mixture comprising an antibody and at least one HCP, comprising an ion exchange separation step wherein the mixture is subjected to a first ion exchange material, such that the HCP-reduced antibody preparation is obtained. |