Document Document Title
US09110494B2 Pedal device for vehicles
A pedal device for vehicles includes: a pedal arm provided in a pedal housing and connected to a pedal pad at a first end thereof, and rotated around a hinge shaft mounted to a second end of the pedal arm; a pressure member, a first end of which is held by the first end of the pedal arm, and a second end of which is placed between the hinge shaft and an inner surface of the pedal housing; and an elastic member provided between a middle portion of the pressure member and the inner surface of the pedal housing, and functioning to impose an elastic reaction force on the pressure member when a driver presses the pedal pad down. The elastic member brings the second end of the pressure member into frictional contact with the inner surface of the pedal housing.
US09110487B2 Voltage regulator
Provided is a voltage regulator including an overcurrent protection circuit, which does not need a test circuit. The voltage regulator has a configuration in which a reference voltage circuit includes an element that determines a reference voltage and an overcurrent protection circuit includes an element that determines a maximum output current, the element of the reference voltage circuit and the element of the overcurrent protection circuit having the same characteristics. Accordingly, there is a correlation between an output voltage before trimming and the maximum output current for overcurrent protection. Thus, a maximum output current before trimming can be estimated without performing evaluation by a test circuit.
US09110484B2 Temperature dependent biasing for leakage power reduction
Temperature dependent biasing for leakage power reduction. In some embodiments, a semiconductor device may include a biasing circuit configured to generate a voltage that varies dependent upon a temperature of the semiconductor device and a logic circuit operably coupled to the biasing circuit, where the voltage is applied to a bulk terminal of one or more transistors within the logic circuit, and where the voltage has a value outside of a voltage supply range of the logic circuit. In another embodiment, a semiconductor device may include a biasing circuit configured to generate a voltage that varies according to a temperature of the semiconductor device and a power switch operably coupled to the biasing circuit, where the voltage is applied to a gate terminal of the power switch, and where the voltage has a value outside of a voltage supply range of the power switch.
US09110478B2 Temperature regulation of measurement arrays
A system for regulating a temperature of a measurement array is disclosed. The system includes a measurement array including a plurality of sensors, wherein the plurality of sensors are integrated onto an integrated circuit die. The system includes a thermal sensor integrated onto the integrated circuit die, wherein the thermal sensor senses a temperature associated with the plurality of sensors. The system further includes a heat pump coupled to the integrated circuit die, wherein the heat pump is controlled by a feedback control circuit including the thermal sensor.
US09110475B2 Integral filter and regulator for valve
A valve assembly comprises a closure element disposed in a flow control duct, a fluid-driven actuator assembly, a shaft operable to translate linear movement of the actuator assembly into rotation of the closure element, and an integral filter and pressure regulator unit disposed in line with an actuator fluid supply passage. The actuator fluid supply passage extends between the flow control duct and the actuator assembly. The integral filter and pressure regulator unit includes a regulator housing having at least one cylindrical wall surrounding a vent cavity and a regulator cavity. Filter media is secured to the regulator housing and is disposed across a regulator orifice in communication with the regulator cavity.
US09110473B2 Apparatus and method for controlling sun visor
A sun visor control apparatus is provided that includes: at least one sun visor, which is provided in a vehicle to block light from being incident therein; a sun visor driver, which drives the at least one sun visor; and at least one camera, which captures an image of the outside of the vehicle. A controller detects a shadow of the vehicle from the image of the outside of the vehicle, calculates a direction of the shadow and a length of the shadow, and controls the sun visor driver so as to block the incident light in consideration of the direction of the shadow and the length of the shadow.
US09110472B2 Moving robot and method to build map for the same
A moving robot and a method to build a map for the same, wherein a 3D map for an ambient environment of the moving robot may be built using a Time of Flight (TOF) camera that may acquire 3D distance information in real time. The method acquires 3D distance information of an object present in a path along which the moving robot moves, accumulates the acquired 3D distance information to construct a map of a specific level and stores the map in a database, and then hierarchically matches maps stored in the database to build a 3D map for a set space. This method may quickly and accurately build a 3D map for an ambient environment of the moving robot.
US09110469B2 Self-propelled work apparatus, method, and computer-readable medium
A self-propelled work apparatus includes a traveling unit, a work unit, and a user interface. The traveling unit moves in a self-propelled manner to a position near a user. The work unit performs predetermined work. The user interface adjusts a position of the traveling unit located near the user, in accordance with a motion of the user. The work unit starts the predetermined work when the user interface is activated in accordance with the user motion.
US09110467B2 Automatic control of a marine vessel during sport fishing mode
The disclosure relates to a marine vessel having a control system for automatically steering the marine vessel for the purpose of aiding an angler who has hooked a fish. The control system includes a GPS unit for determining the orientation of the marine vessel, a sonar unit for determining the bearing of a fish, and an algorithm for minimizing the error between the two. The control system will execute steering commands in the propulsion system in order to minimize the error in order to aid the angler as he tries to land the hooked fish.
US09110465B1 Methods for providing asymmetric run to run control of process parameters
Methods for providing asymmetric control of process parameters are described. One such method includes receiving a data point for the process parameter relative to the wafer, selecting a first value for a process weighting factor when the data point is consistent with a first criteria, selecting a second value for the process weighting factor when the data point is consistent with a second criteria, where the second value is not equal to the first value, calculating an exponential weighted moving average of the process parameter based on the data point and the process weighting factor, updating the process parameter with the exponential weighted moving average, and using the updated process parameter to control the process and thereby treat the wafer. The methods can use one or more weighting factor switch limits to define different areas of risk associated with a target for the process parameter.
US09110460B2 Management system for operation items used in manufacturing
A management system for operation items used in manufacturing on a production line includes a module on which one of several production based operation items is storable as a header of a group list in relation to a manufacturing sub-system. For each production based operation item, at least one non-production based operation item is storable as a content of the corresponding group list, so that a hierarchical subdivision of production/non-production operation items in a plurality of group lists is provided in order to input them on a processing unit in a standard form. Since a hierarchical subdivision of production/non-production operation items in a plurality of group lists is permanently provided for each subsystem and their processes to be managed, a very simple and uniform/universal structure for management of all items can be advantageously obtained in a central way at the processing unit.
US09110456B2 Robotic machining with a flexible manipulator
A robot machining with a flexible manipulator has an end effector which may either hold the tool to perform the machining or the work piece to be machined. A signal representative of a force applied by said tool to said work piece is used to control either the relative motion between the tool and the work piece to give a controlled material removal rate (CMRR) or the relative position between the tool or the work piece to provide deformation compensation or both CMRR and deformation compensation. A force sensor provides the signal for deformation compensation. For CMRR the signal may be obtained from either a force sensor or the current flowing in the motor of the robot's spindle. The force sensor can be mounted either on the robot or together with either the tool or work piece adjacent to the robot.
US09110452B2 Inferential process modeling, quality prediction and fault detection using multi-stage data segregation
A process modeling technique uses a single statistical model developed from historical data for a typical process and uses this model to perform quality prediction or fault detection for various different process states of a process. The modeling technique determines means (and possibly standard deviations) of process parameters for each of a set of product grades, throughputs, etc., compares on-line process parameter measurements to these means and uses these comparisons in a single process model to perform quality prediction or fault detection across the various states of the process. In this manner, a single process model can be used to perform quality prediction or fault detection while the process is operating in any of the defined process stages or states.
US09110450B2 Systems, devices, and methods for dynamically assigning functions to an actuator
The present disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for dynamically adjusting functions of an automation system. More particularly, the present disclosure includes systems, devices, and methods for intelligently controlling one or more energy-consuming devices in a structure such as a residential, commercial, or industrial building. One embodiment include determining an identity of a person and/or the direction the person is traveling, and then changing a function of an actuator based on the determination(s).
US09110448B2 System and method for processing a point cloud using a computing device
In a method for processing a point cloud using a computing device, a straight line fitted by the point cloud comprising border points is determined as a benchmark line. An inflection point in the point cloud of the benchmark line is determined. If the vertical distance of the inflection point is not greater than the preset filtration value, needless border points in the point cloud are deleted and a remainder point cloud is obtained. If the vertical distance between the inflection point and the benchmark line is greater than a filtration value, the point cloud is divided into two sub-point clouds, and the one sub-point cloud having border points less than the preset number is deleted, and the other sub-point cloud is set as a remainder point cloud.
US09110447B2 Watch having microphone
A watch includes a main body and a sound input body. The sound input body includes a microphone, a signal transmitting coil unit, a power receiving coil unit, and a power receiving unit. The main body includes an interface unit, a signal receiving coil unit coupling the signal transmitting coil unit, a signal amplification unit, a power transmitting unit, a power transmitting coil unit, and a control unit. The microphone converts a voice signal input to an electric signal, which is transmitted to the control unit by the signal transmitting coils coupling with the signal receiving coils. The control unit executes corresponding function in response to the electric signal. The electric signal obtained by the control unit is transmitted to the power receiving unit by the power transmitting coils coupling with the power receiving coils to power the microphone.
US09110445B2 Control mechanism with a securely removable stem
Control mechanism for a timepiece movement, including, in a housing in a main plate, a control stem that is movable in a longitudinal direction and including a groove cooperating with a stud comprised in a pull-out piece for actuating the pivoting of the pull-out piece on the main plate, this pull-out piece is held in position by a jumper spring, and the mechanism including a bridge cooperating with the main plate to confine the stem, and this bridge includes a housing in which there is a movable limiter piston, arranged to abut on one end of a trunnion comprised in the pull-out piece under the application of a force in a transverse direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, to allow the release of the stem after a given travel of the limiter piston.
US09110438B2 Flange member, photosensitive drum, process cartridge, image forming apparatus, and image forming method
A disclosed flange member includes a press-fitted portion to be press-fitted in an axial end-opening portion of a hollow and cylindrical sleeve member; an axle opening portion including an axle opening into which a shaft member is inserted when the press-fitted portion is press-fitted in the end-opening portion; and a linking portion extending in a direction parallel to a circular cross section of the sleeve member and connecting the axle opening portion to the press-fitted portion. The linking portion includes a stress-absorbing portion that is deformed so as to absorb stress to which an outer peripheral surface of the press-fitted portion is subjected upon contact with an inner peripheral surface of the sleeve member when the press-fitted portion is press-fitted in the end-opening portion, thus preventing the stress from being transmitted to the axle opening portion via the linking portion.
US09110435B2 Device capable of extracting output control information, control method thereof, and storage medium
To change a detection target region of output control information for each function to be used in an MFP having multiple functions. A device that outputs document data has a detection unit configured to detect, from document data, information to control output of the document data and a control unit configured to control the output of the document data according to the detected information, and the device includes a setting unit configured to set a detection target region by the detection unit either to the entire surface or to a specific region of the document data.
US09110434B2 System and method for pre-treating magnetic ink character recognition readable documents
Disclosed herein is a printing system is described having a first printer including a fuser employing fuser oil, and a coater disposed upstream or downstream from the first printer and being configured to deposit a wax coating on a portion of the substrate. A corresponding method and a substrate also are described. The system, method and substrate are useful for preparing MICR encoded documents such as checks.
US09110431B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a charger having a case surrounding a discharge electrode, an opening on the photosensitive member side and a grid disposed in the opening and having a mesh area, a shutter that covers the opening, and first and second contact members. The contact members are disposed on a downstream side of the charger and an upstream side of a cleaning blade in a rotational direction of the photosensitive member and come in contact with areas of the photosensitive member corresponding to both longitudinal ends of the mesh area of the grid.
US09110429B2 Image forming apparatus
A controller determines a mode at a current time point, and corrects, on the basis of the determined mode and an elapsed time from a start time of the mode clocked by a timer to a current time point, an in-apparatus temperature detected by an in-apparatus temperature sensor on the basis of correction data so that the corrected temperature is calculated as an outside-air temperature.
US09110422B2 Color image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a process unit arranged in the vicinity of the circumference of each photosensitive member and the process unit is configured to act on the photosensitive member in forming a toner image thereon. The image forming apparatus detects a time period since a laser beam emission unit emits a laser beam to the photosensitive member to form an electrostatic latent image for detection until the formed electrostatic latent image for detection or a toner image based on the electrostatic latent image for detection reaches the process unit, and performs color misregistration correction control based on the result of detection. In this case, a control unit at least decreases the light amount of a pre-exposure LED when the electrostatic latent image for detection passes through a position facing the pre-exposure LED.
US09110420B2 Image forming system
An image forming system includes an image forming portion, an image data generation portion, a position information obtaining portion, a position information adding portion, a storage portion, an image data searching portion, and a list display portion. The image forming portion forms an image on a print sheet based on image data. The position information obtaining portion obtains position information associated with a place where the image data has been generated. The position information adding portion adds the obtained position information to the generated image data. The storage portion stores therein the image data to which the position information has been added. The image data searching portion searches for the stored image data based on the position information. The list display portion displays a list of the searched image data as a candidate for the image data to be printed by the image forming portion.
US09110419B2 Image forming system and image forming apparatus
Disclosed is a tandem-type image forming system performing single-sided printing and double-sided printing on a sheet, the image forming system including: a first image forming apparatus; and a second image forming apparatus connected with the first image forming apparatus in series, wherein when the single-sided printing is performed, either the first image forming apparatus or the second image forming apparatus performs printing on a sheet, and when the double-sided printing is performed, both the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus performs the printing on a sheet, the image forming system further including: a control section which controls a sheet-passing image forming apparatus which is either the first image forming apparatus or the second image forming apparatus, and does not perform the printing but performs sheet-passing in the single-sided printing.
US09110415B2 Fuser member
The present teachings provide a fuser member. The fuser member comprises a release layer comprising microcrystalline cellulose particles dispersed in a fluoropolymer.
US09110414B2 Fixing device and image forming apparatus
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention encompass a fixing device that includes an endless heat generating section including a conductive layer, an induction-current generating section configured to generate an induction current in the conductive layer, a temperature-sensitive magnetic body present in a position opposed to the induction-current generating section via the heat generating section, and a magnetic plate present in a position opposed to the heat generating section via the temperature-sensitive magnetic body.
US09110411B2 Fixing member manufacturing method and fixing member manufacturing apparatus
A fixing member manufacturing method includes: a step of coating an outer peripheral surface of an elastic material with an adhesive; a step of externally fitting a resin tube around the elastic material coated with the adhesive; a step of temporarily fixing the resin tube onto the elastic material by heating the resin tube at a longitudinal end portion; a step of temporarily fixing the resin tube onto the elastic material by heating the resin tube at the other longitudinal end portion except for a circumferential part of the resin tube; a step of squeezing out an excessive adhesive from between the elastic material and the resin tube, in a direction from the longitudinal end portion to the other longitudinal end portion of the resin tube; and a step of fixing the resin tube onto the elastic material by heating the adhesive.
US09110409B2 Intermediate transferrer, transfer device, and image forming apparatus
A volume resistivity RA of an elastic layer of an intermediate transferrer is larger than a volume resistivity RB of a base layer of the intermediate transferrer under a HT/HH environment, and is smaller than RB under a LT/LH environment. A transfer device includes the intermediate transferrer. A volume resistivity RC of a transfer member of the transfer device is smaller than RA and RB under any temperature or humidity environment. An image forming apparatus includes the transfer device. The apparatus can suppress the occurrence of a transfer failure due to a change in temperature or humidity.
US09110408B1 Adjusting tone reproduction curve and belt tension to control printing errors
When performing a printing operation, methods and devices automatically increase a marking material quantity setting when an excessive speed variation condition of a transfer surface is present and an excessive background marking condition is absent. Alternatively, the methods and devices automatically increase tension of the transfer surface and decrease a marking material quantity setting when the excessive speed variation condition is present and the excessive background marking condition is also present. Otherwise, these methods and devices automatically provide a message on the graphic user interface of a printing device when the excessive speed variation condition is present, the marking material quantity setting is at a marking material quantity maximum setting, and the tension of the transfer surface is at a tension maximum. The message provides instructions to use a different type media or initiate a service call.
US09110401B2 Interval guarantee member, developing apparatus, process cartridge
An interval guarantee member including: a first image bearing member side sliding portion in sliding-contact with the image bearing member; a first developing side sliding portion in sliding-contact with the developer bearing member; a second image bearing member side sliding contact portion in sliding-contact with the image bearing member; and a second developing side sliding contact portion in sliding-contact with the developer bearing member, wherein the distance between the first image bearing member side sliding contact portion and the first developing side sliding contact portion is longer than that between the second image bearing member side sliding contact portion and the second developing side sliding contact portion, and the first image bearing member side sliding contact portion and the first developer side sliding contact portion come into contact with the image bearing member and the developer bearing member.
US09110398B2 Multi pass type color image forming apparatus and control method thereof
A multi pass type color image forming apparatus and control method are provided. The apparatus advances an exposure time point of forming electrostatic latent images of second and subsequent colors more than that of a first color of a page during consecutive printing or reduces the velocity of a motor to rotate an intermediate transfer belt to minimize a color registration error between a developing agent image of the first color and developing agent images of the subsequent colors of the page caused by cleaning of the intermediate transfer belt and a control method thereof.
US09110396B2 Mechanism for electrifying, method of electrifying, and conductive member
A mechanism for electrifying a rotator that is used in an image forming apparatus includes a cloth-like or sheet-like conductive member, wherein part of the conductive member comes into contact with an object to be electrified and the other part of the conductive member comes into surface contact with any one contact member of the rotator, a rotating shaft that rotates together with the rotator, and a shaft where the rotator is rotatably supported, so that the object to be electrified and the contact member are electrically connected to each other through the conductive member.
US09110394B2 Image forming apparatus and control method for the same
An image forming apparatus, which achieves reduced color registration time and real-time calibration of color position shift, and a control method for the same, is provided. The image forming apparatus includes plural photoconductors corresponding to plural colors, an exposure unit to form an electrostatic latent image by emitting light to the photoconductors, a developing unit to form a toner image by feeding toner to the photoconductors, an intermediate transfer body to which the toner image, formed on each photoconductor, is transferred, a sensing unit to sense the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer body, and a controller which forms images in respective image forming sections of the intermediate transfer body and test-pattern sets for color registration in respective blanks between the neighboring image forming sections, the controller implementing color registration calibration using color registration calibration values acquired from four test pattern sets among the formed test pattern sets.
US09110391B2 Super low melt toner having crystalline diesters with an aromatic core
A toner includes a polymeric resin, optionally a colorant, and a small molecule crystalline diester having an aromatic core and a molecular weight less than 1,000 g/mol. The polymeric resin may be an amorphous resin and a mixture of the amorphous resin and the crystalline aromatic diester may be characterized by a reduction in glass transition temperature from that of the resin and by the lack of a significant solid to liquid phase transition peak for the small molecule compound as determined by differential scanning calorimetry, the enthalpy of fusion for the small molecule compound in the mixture being measured to be less than 10% of the enthalpy of fusion of the compound in pure form. Furthermore, the toner may be configured to have a crease fix minimum fusing temperature (MFT) less than or equal to the crease fix MFT of a benchmark ultra-low-melt emulsion aggregation toner.
US09110389B2 Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method makes use of a liquid confined in a reservoir between the projection system and the substrate. Bubbles forming in the liquid from dissolved atmospheric gases or from out-gassing from apparatus elements exposed to the liquid are detected and/or removed so that they do not interfere with exposure and lead to printing defects on the substrate. Detection may be carried out by measuring the frequency dependence of ultrasonic attenuation in the liquid and bubble removal may be implemented by degassing and pressurizing the liquid, isolating the liquid from the atmosphere, using liquids of low surface tension, providing a continuous flow of liquid through the imaging field, and/or phase shifting ultrasonic standing-wave node patterns.
US09110385B2 Metrology method and apparatus, lithographic apparatus, and device manufacturing method
A metrology apparatus includes first (21) and second (22) radiation sources which generate first (iB1) and second (iB2) illumination beams of different spatial extent and/or angular range. One of the illumination beams is selected, e.g. according to the size of target to be measured. The beam selection can be made by a tillable mirror (254) at a back-projected substrate plane in a Kohler illumination setup.
US09110381B2 Substrate conveyance device and substrate conveyance method, exposure apparatus and exposure method, device manufacturing method
A lithographic projection apparatus includes a substrate table configured to hold a substrate, a projection system arranged to project a patterned beam of radiation onto the substrate, a liquid supply system configured to supply liquid to a space between the projection system and the substrate, and a residual liquid detector configured to detect liquid remaining on the substrate and/or the substrate table after an exposure is completed. A device manufacturing method includes projecting, using a projection system of a lithographic apparatus, a patterned beam of radiation through a liquid onto a substrate, the substrate being held by a substrate table, and, after the projecting is complete, detecting residual liquid on the substrate and/or the substrate table.
US09110377B2 Lithographic apparatus, EUV radiation generation apparatus and device manufacturing method
An EUV radiation generation apparatus includes a laser configured to generate pulses of laser radiation, and an optical isolation apparatus that includes a rotatably mounted reflector and a radially positioned reflector. The rotatably mounted reflector and the laser are synchronized such that a reflective surface of the rotatably mounted reflector is in optical communication with the radially positioned reflector when the optical isolation apparatus receives a pulse of laser radiation to allow the pulse of laser radiation to pass to a plasma formation location and cause a radiation emitting plasma to be generated via vaporization of a droplet of fuel material. The rotatably mounted reflector and the laser are further synchronized such that the reflective surface of the rotatably mounted reflector is at least partially optically isolated from the radially positioned reflector when the optical isolation apparatus receives radiation reflected from the plasma formation location.
US09110374B2 Exposure amount evaluation method and photomask
According to the exposure amount evaluation method of the embodiment, a photomask including a long-wavelength light reflective film and a mask pattern is set in an EUV exposure apparatus. The long-wavelength light reflective film reflects long-wavelength light having a wavelength longer than that of EUV light and absorbs the EUV light. The mask pattern is formed by an absorption film which is arranged on the upper side of the long-wavelength light reflective film and absorbs the EUV light and the long-wavelength light. A substrate on which resist is coated are set in the EUV exposure apparatus. Exposure light reflected by the photomask is irradiated to the substrate, and a light amount distribution of the long-wavelength light irradiated to the substrate is measured on the basis of an exposure amount of the exposure light irradiated to the substrate.
US09110373B2 Phenolic resin and material for forming underlayer film for lithography
There is provided a novel phenolic resin which can be used as a coating agent or a resist resin for a semiconductor, which has a high carbon concentration and a low oxygen concentration in the resin, which has a relatively high heat resistance and also a relatively high solvent solubility, and which can be applied to a wet process. There are also provided a material useful for forming a novel photoresist underlayer film which has a relatively high solvent solubility, which can be applied to a wet process, and which is excellent in etching resistance as an underlayer film for a multilayer resist, an underlayer film formed using the same, and a pattern forming method using the same. A resin of the present invention is obtained by reacting a compound having a specified structure and an aldehyde having a specified structure in the presence of an acidic catalyst. In addition, a material for forming an underlayer film for lithography of the present invention includes at least the resin and an organic solvent.
US09110372B2 Anti-reflective coatings using vinyl ether crosslinkers
Novel, wet developable anti-reflective coating compositions and methods of using those compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a polymer and/or oligomer having acid functional groups and dissolved in a solvent system along with a crosslinker and a photoacid generator. The preferred acid functional group is a carboxylic acid, while the preferred crosslinker is a vinyl ether crosslinker. In use, the compositions are applied to a substrate and thermally crosslinked. Upon exposure to light, the cured compositions will decrosslink, rendering them soluble in typical photoresist developing solutions (e.g., alkaline developers).
US09110371B2 Photosensitive resin composition, photosensitive element, method for forming resist pattern and method for producing wiring board
Provided is a photosensitive resin composition, including: a binder polymer; a photopolymerizable compound having an ethylenically unsaturated group; a photopolymerization initiator; a benzotriazole compound; and an aliphatic diamine compound having from 8 to 30 carbon atoms.
US09110370B2 Photoactive additive with functionalized benzophenone
Photoactive additives are disclosed. The additive includes a benzophenone having at least one substituent that comprises a divalent linker and a linking group, wherein the linking group is a carboxyl group, ester group, or acid halide group. The additive can be a polymer, an oligomer, or a compound. When added to a base polymeric resin, the photoactive additive permits crosslinking upon exposure to ultraviolet light.
US09110364B1 Passive projection screen for presenting projected images in 3D
A directive projection screen is configured to present images projected from a remote projector in three dimensions (3D) to a viewer. The screen includes a plurality of passive optical elements arranged on a structural substrate. The optical elements are configured to receive incident light projected from the projector and reflect the light such that first portions of the image are directed in a first direction to be viewed by a first eye of the viewer and second portions of the image are directed in a second direction to be viewed by a second eye of the viewer.
US09110363B2 Polarization preserving projection screen with engineered pigment and method for making same
Polarization preserving projection screens provide optimum polarization preservation for 3D viewing. The projection screens additionally provide improved light control for enhanced brightness, uniformity, and contrast for both 2D and 3D systems. Generally, the disclosed method for providing a projection screen comprises stripping an optically functional material from a carrier substrate, thus creating engineered particles from the optically functional material. The engineered particles may then be deposited on a second substrate to create a substantially homogeneous optical appearance of the projection screen.
US09110361B2 Illumination optical system and projection display apparatus
Disclosed is an illumination optical system that includes: two solid-state light sources (11 and 12); first light guide (21) configured to guide light emitted from one solid-state light source in a first direction; second light guide (22) configured to guide light emitted from the other solid-state light source in a second direction different from the first direction; and optical path conversion units (31 and 32) including total reflection surfaces for totally reflecting the lights guided by the first light guide and the second light guide to enter the lights into third light guide (50). A projection display apparatus that uses the illumination optical system thus configured can enter light emitted from a plurality of light sources straight into an image forming element by one optical system.
US09110352B2 Systems and methods for fiber optic parametric amplification and nonlinear optical fiber for use therein
A high confinement nonlinear optical fiber is provided along with methods of parametric amplification for use thereof The nonlinear optical fiber may include a plurality of concentric layers which are configured to provide different guiding regimes to low-frequency and high-frequency components through transverse geometry and refractive index profiling, thus reducing waveguide dispersion. The resulting optical fiber provides a parametric device with phase-matching in any spectral region of interest, such that a fiber optic parametric amplifier (FOPA) implementing the optical fiber can amplify in any spectral window of interest. A narrow-band FOPA configured to minimize phase mismatching is also provided for use with the optical fiber, and may be implemented as a light source or a monochromator.
US09110350B2 Color conversion filter
A color conversion filter contains at least one kind of squarylium dye that radiates fluorescence light, has a wavelength conversion capability, absorbs light in an unneeded wavelength region, radiates fluorescence light in a preferable wavelength region, and does not allow decrease in brightness, and thus is preferable for color conversion light-emitting devices, photoelectric conversion devices and the like. Specifically, the color conversion filter has an absorption having a high intensity in the range of 570 to 600 nm, and thus is preferable for use in a color conversion filter that radiates fluorescence light having a high intensity in the range of 600 to 780 nm.
US09110349B2 Waveguide lens with modulating electrode and ground electrodes
A waveguide lens includes a substrate, a planar waveguide, a media grating, a modulating electrode, and two ground electrodes. The planar waveguide is formed on the substrate and is coupled to a laser light source which emits a laser beam into the planar waveguide. The media grating is formed on the planar waveguide and arranged along a direction that is substantially parallel with an optical axis of the laser beam. The modulating electrode is positioned on and covers the media grating. The ground electrodes are positioned on two sides of the planar waveguide and opposite to each other. The modulating electrode and the ground electrodes cooperatively change an effective refractive index of the planar waveguide to change an effective focal length of the diffractive waveguide lens, utilizing an electro-optical effect, when an electric field is applied thereto.
US09110346B2 Electrochromic device
An electrochromic device includes: a substrate having an inner surface; at least one first electrode layer formed on the inner surface; at least one second electrode layer formed on the inner surface and spaced apart from the first electrode layer; and an electrochromic unit formed on the first and second electrode layers and including an electrochromic layer and an electrolyte layer that is in contact with the electrochromic layer. When a potential is applied between the first and second electrode layers, the electrochromic layer can undergo chemical reduction or oxidation reactions and change color.
US09110344B2 Liquid crystal display
A pixel electrode and a direction control electrode capacitively coupled to the pixel electrode are provided in a pixel. A pixel thin film transistor is connected to a gate line, a data line, and the pixel electrode. A direction control electrode thin film transistor is connected to a previous gate line, a previous data lines or a next data line, and the direction control electrode. The gate lines are supplied with scanning signals, and each scanning signal includes first and second pulses in a frame. The first pulse of a scanning signal is synchronized with the second pulse of a previous scanning signal.
US09110341B2 Liquid crystal display device
In one embodiment, a first substrate includes a gate line extending in a first direction, a source line extending in a second direction orthogonally crossing the first direction, a sub-pixel electrode extending in the first direction, and a pixel electrode having “n” main pixel electrodes electrically connected with the sub-pixel electrode and extending in the second direction (“n” is positive integer). A second substrate includes a main common electrode extending in the second direction in parallel with the “n” main pixel electrodes, and a liquid crystal layer held between the first and second substrates and including liquid crystal molecules. The dielectric constant anisotropy Δ∈ of the liquid crystal molecules satisfies a following relational expression with respect to a definition depending on an inter-electrode distance between the main pixel electrode and the main common electrode in the first direction. Δ∈≧−0.014×(definition)+(19.7−4(n−1))
US09110336B2 Liquid crystal display device
Columnar spacers are formed on a TFT substrate where a TFT circuit layer is formed. The TFT circuit layer has a TFT and a pixel electrode. A spacing between the TFT substrate and a counter substrate having a color filter, a black matrix, and an overcoat film is controlled by columnar spacers. The columnar spacers are inserted into an overcoat film formed on the counter substrate. Thus, the counter substrate and the TFT substrate are protruded inward. The substrates protruded inward are unlikely to be deformed. When an external pressure is applied or the front window or the like is bonded to the liquid crystal display panel with resin, the counter substrate is unlikely to be deformed by a stress applied by shrinkage on resin curing. Moreover, the number of columnar spacers can be properly set, thereby preventing the occurrence of low-temperature air bubbles.
US09110333B2 Backlight unit and display device using the same
Disclosed is a backlight unit and a display device using the same, which includes a first reflector, a second reflector 300 and at least one light source module 100 disposed between the first and second reflectors, wherein a back surface of the first reflector comprises an inclined plane 201 and a flat surface 202, with facing the second reflector, and the inclined plane is adjacent to the light source and the flat surface is extended from an end of the inclined plane, with the inclined plane and the flat surface being collinear.
US09110331B2 Ultra-thin backlight for LCD displays through use of field-induced polymer electro luminescence panels including integrated light guide
A display system, having an emissive body, emitting light over a complete surface as part of a display system. The emissive body can be a FIPEL type device with a first transparent conductive coating over a light emitting substrate. A transparent substrate, has first and second surfaces, with the first surface coupled to the first transparent conductive coating, and the second surface of the transparent substrate including a surface formed with plural light channeling structures thereon.
US09110330B2 Automatic darkening and glare reducing liquid crystal mirror
An automatic darkening and glare reducing liquid crystal mirror for vehicles is disclosed. The mirror has a front substrate (101) of transparent glass or plastic and a back substrate (109) of glass or plastic with a highly reflective or transflective mirrored coating (108). The front and back substrates are spaced apart a small distance to define a liquid crystal cell between the substrates and a liquid crystal fluid (106) incorporating dichroic dyes is contained within the liquid crystal cell. A conductive thin film (102) is applied onto the interior surface of the front substrate and the reflective or transflective coating (108) of the back substrate also is conductive. An alignment compound is deposited on the conductive thin film (102) and on the reflective or transflective coating (108) and the alignment compound bounds the liquid crystal cell. An electronic control circuit is adapted to apply selectively a voltage signal to the conductive thin film and the reflective or transflective coating (108) to affect the transmittance of the liquid crystal fluid, and thereby the darkness of the mirror.
US09110323B2 Liquid crystal display device
According to one embodiment, a light guide plate includes a light guide plate main body disposed with one end side thereof opposed to a light source and convex portions provided on the both lateral portions in positions separate from the both end portions toward the center of the light guide plate main body. A frame includes fitted portions recessed in positions corresponding to the respective convex portions, into which the convex portions are to be fitted. A bonding member bonds the fitted portions and the convex portions fitted into the respective fitted portions and serves as a light-blocking member covering the interior of the fitted portions and the exterior of the convex portions.
US09110322B2 LCD module and assembling method thereof
A liquid crystal display (LCD) module includes a backplane, and the backplane is configured with fixed beams to vertically fix the backplane.
US09110321B2 Frameless liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a frameless liquid crystal display device, which includes a rear enclosure, a backlight module arranged inside the rear enclosure, a mold frame arranged on the backlight module and mounted to the rear enclosure, and a liquid crystal display panel arranged on the mold frame. The liquid crystal display panel includes a CF substrate and a TFT substrate laminated on the CF substrate with first and second steps formed between edges of the CF substrate and the TFT substrate that correspond to opposite sides of the mold frame. The mold frame forms a retention section corresponding to the second step. The second step is received in and retained by the retention section. A surface decoration is bonded to the first step and fixed to the mold frame so as to fix the liquid crystal display panel to the mold frame.
US09110317B1 Advanced drive circuitry for Sagnac interferometric switch utilizing faraday rotation
A pre-pulsed magnetic field generation circuit for a fiber-based, magneto-optic (MO) optical modulator or switch for use in an interferometer is provided. The pre-pulsed magnetic field is used to control the amount of rotation in the state of polarization (SOP), and therefore, the ON-OFF extinction ratio. The circuit includes a pair of amplifier circuits that control the current through a coil to generate the pre-pulsed magnetic field. One amplifier controls a magnitude of a steady state portion of the magnetic field, while the other controls both the amplitude and duration of a pre-pulse portion of the magnetic field.
US09110315B2 Optical device, modulator module, and method for manufacturing the optical device
An optical device includes a ridge-like optical waveguide portion, a mesa protector portion that is arranged in parallel to the optical waveguide portion, a resin portion that covers upper parts of the mesa protector portion and is disposed at both sides of the mesa protector portion, an electrode that is disposed on the optical waveguide portion, an electrode pad that is disposed on the resin portion located at an opposite side to the optical waveguide portion with respect to the mesa protector portion, and a connection portion that is disposed on the resin portion and electrically connects the electrode to the electrode pad.
US09110311B2 Eyewear nose support for low bridge nose
The present invention provides a nose support device for eyewear, the nose support device comprising an adjustable nose pad attached to a cross piece that is perpendicular to an adjustable nose pad arm, the adjustable nose pad arm attaching the nose pad to the eyewear, wherein the nose pad rests on the crook of a nose bridge of a wearer of the eyewear. The present invention provides a nose support device for eyewear, the nose support device comprising an adjustable nose pad attached to a cross piece that is perpendicular to an adjustable nose pad arm, the adjustable nose pad arm attaching the nose pad to the eyewear, wherein the nose pad rests on the crook of a nose bridge of a wearer of the eyewear.
US09110309B2 Method for selecting progressive ophthalmic lenses
The disclosure relates to a method for selecting progressive ophthalmic lenses for a given frame and wearer, the progressive ophthalmic lenses having one area for distance vision and one area for near vision, said given frame having two recesses suitable for receiving a progressive ophthalmic lens, respectively, said two recesses defining a recess midplane. The method includes the following steps: a) fitting said wearer with said given frame; b) determining the position of a first point of intersection between a first direction of the gaze of said wearer in a distance vision posture and said recess midplane; c) determining the position of a second point of intersection between the gaze of said wearer in a near vision posture and said recess midplane; d) assessing the distance between said intersection points; and, e) selecting progressive ophthalmic lenses in which the progression length corresponds to said distance assessed between said intersection points.
US09110308B2 Self-leveling five-beam laser device
A five-beam laser device that is designed in a self-leveling way and includes three laser sources, wherein two laser beams created by the laser sources are each divided into two partial beams, wherein one of the partial beams in each case meets with the beam of the third laser source at a point P.
US09110307B2 Optical apparatus including a holding member having an opening or a cutout, and display including the optical apparatus
There is provided a display apparatus and an optical apparatus by which the generation of interfering pattern can be reduced while achieving miniaturization. The optical apparatus includes an optical device through which laser light passes; one or more holding members holding the optical device; and a driving section allowing the optical device to vibrate in a plane orthogonal to a light path of the laser light. Each of the holding members has an opening or a cutout through which the optical device passes at the time of vibration.
US09110306B2 Tissue-slice image acquirement and display apparatus, tissue-slice image acquirement and display method, and tissue-slice image acquirement and display program
A tissue-slice image acquirement and display apparatus includes: an entire-image acquirer that acquires a bright-field image of an entirety of a first slice of a tissue and a dark-field image of an entirety of a second slice of the tissue; a modifier that modifies a profile shape of a slice portion in the dark-field image on the basis of a profile shape of a slice portion in the bright-field image; a magnified-image acquirer that determines a range encompassing the second slice on the basis of the profile shape of the modified slice portion and that acquires, in a dark field, a magnified image of the second slice in the determined range; and a display controller that causes the bright-field image to be displayed and that causes a portion of the magnified image, the portion corresponding to a position selected in the bright-field image, to be displayed.
US09110299B2 3D display devices
In an embodiment of the invention, a 3D display device is provided. The 3D display device includes: a first substrate including a plurality of right eye pixels and left eye pixels in an alternate arrangement; a second substrate opposite to the first substrate; a first optical modulating unit with a first inclined direction located in the right eye pixels between the first substrate and the second substrate; a second optical modulating unit with a second inclined direction located in the left eye pixels between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the first inclined direction is distinct from the second inclined direction; and a light transparent element disposed on the second substrate.
US09110298B2 Naked-eye stereoscopic display apparatus
A naked-eye stereoscopic display apparatus satisfies θ=arctan {(Ax·px)/(Ay·py)}, GF=Bx·Lx/px, Ay≧2 and Bx≧2, Lx=α·px+β·py·tan θ, and GH=(α·px)2+(β·py)2. In these expressions, px is a pixel pitch in a horizontal direction, py is a pixel pitch in a vertical direction, Lx is a lens pitch of cylindrical lenses in the horizontal direction, θ is an inclination angle of cylindrical lenses, Ax and Ay are integers prime to each other, and α and β are integers. Bx is a minimum natural number in which a numeric value GF becomes an integer. When α0 is defined as the value of α that minimizes the numeric value GF, α0 is not a multiple of the number of types of color pixels. When Lx=δ·px is established, the naked-eye stereoscopic display apparatus satisfies tan θ=(7−δ)·(px/py) and 5.3≦δ≦5.4.
US09110297B2 Image display device
According to an embodiment, the display unit includes pixels, each pixel includes sub-pixels having different colors, arranged in a matrix in a first direction and in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The light beam controller faces the display unit, extends in a third direction making an angle smaller than 90° with the second direction, includes light beam control elements periodically arranged at a first pitch in the first direction and at a second pitch in the second direction, and can control direction of light beams from the display unit. The first and second pitches make a substantially equilateral triangle by joining the nearest same-color sub-pixels. When “s” represents the number of the sub-pixels included in the pixels along the first direction, the first pitch is 5/s or greater of a third pitch of each pixel.
US09110295B2 System and method of controlling discharge of a firearm
A method includes defining a designation point on a target within a view area of a scope coupled to a firearm and determining an angular motion deviation of a muzzle of the firearm from the designation point. The method further includes initiating firing of the firearm when the angular motion deviation is below an acceptable level.
US09110292B1 Multiple filter photon conversion assembly
A photon conversion assembly. A first filter assembly is configured to transmit photons in at least one received band in a downstream direction of an optical pathway and to reflect photons in at least one converted band that are moving in an upstream direction of the optical pathway. A photon conversion material has a first side and a second side. The first side is downstream of the first filter assembly, and the second side is upstream of a second filter assembly. The photon conversion material is configured to convert photons in at least one received band to photons in at least one converted band. A second filter assembly is configured to transmit photons in the at least one converted band in a downstream direction of the optical pathway and to reflect photons in the at least one received band that are moving in the downstream direction of the optical pathway.
US09110290B2 Low outgassing resonator
The invention relates to an optical resonator made of low-outgassing materials, comprised of at least one chamber, a non-linear crystal arranged in the chamber, and an array of mirrors arranged in the chamber and comprised of a plurality of mirrors for deflecting a light beam. To specify such a resonator which is low-outgassing and which ensures fine adjustment of the optical elements at the same time, the present invention proposes that the non-linear crystal and at least one mirror of the array of mirrors is arranged on one movable carrier each, wherein the said carrier is fabricated from a low-outgassing material and seals the chamber.
US09110281B2 Vertically etched facets for display devices
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for masked reflective structures which can be integrated into display devices. In one aspect, masks and etch leading layers can be used to control the etching of a stack of layers to form masked reflective structures having a desired profile. In particular, tapered edges at a particular angle can be formed, and the resulting structures used in a roll-to-roll process to fabricate a device component.
US09110279B2 Optical imaging system for pickup
An optical imaging system for pickup, sequentially arranged from an object side to an image side, comprising: the first lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface, the second lens element with refractive power, the third lens element with refractive power, the fourth lens element with refractive power, the fifth lens element with refractive power; the sixth lens element made of plastic, the sixth lens with refractive power having a concave image-side surface with both being aspheric, and the image-side surface having at least one inflection point.
US09110276B2 Full-field GEO imager optics with extended spectral coverage
A wide field-of-view infrared optical imaging system with extended spectral coverage into the 1.0 to 2.5 μm wavelength range. In one example, an optical imaging system includes an imaging detector sensitive to light in a wavelength range of at least 1.0 μm to 5.0 μm, and a plurality of lenses optically coupled together and configured to focus incoming light onto the imaging detector, the plurality of lenses each comprised of a material that is transparent to the light in the wavelength range of at least 1.0 μm to 5.0 μm, wherein a pupil of the optical imaging system is located external to the plurality of lenses between the plurality of lenses and the imaging detector.
US09110275B2 Zoom lens and image-pickup apparatus
A zoom lens includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first, a second, a third, a fourth and a fifth lens units respectively having positive, negative, positive, negative, and positive refractive powers. The first lens unit includes negative, positive, and positive lenses in order from the object side to the image side. The second lens unit includes negative, negative, and positive lenses in order from the object side to the image side. Each lens unit moves during zooming. The predetermined conditional expressions are satisfied.
US09110270B2 Image pickup lens
An image pickup lens includes a first lens having a positive refractive power with a convex surface facing the object side, a second lens having a negative refractive power with a concave surface facing the image side, a third lens having a positive refractive power with a convex surface facing the object side, a fourth lens having both sides formed as aspheric surfaces and having a negative refractive power with a concave surface facing the image side, and a fifth lens having both sides formed as aspheric surfaces and having a positive refractive power with a concave surface facing the image side, wherein the first lens and the second lens satisfy following conditional expressions (1), (2) and (3); 45<ν1<90  (1) 22<ν2<35  (2) 2.0<ν1/ν2 <2.6  (3) where ν1 represents an Abbe number of the first lens, and ν2 represents an Abbe number of the second lens.
US09110267B2 Strain relief device for cables and fiber optic distribution device
A strain relief device having a first U-like shaped basic body having first and second opposite lateral walls connected to a second U-like shaped basic body having first and second opposite lateral walls by a film hinge integral with the first and second basic bodies. Wherein the second lateral wall of the second U-like shaped basic body has a recess, wherein the protrusion is insertable into the recess by a film hinge. The first and second basic bodies pivot with respect to each other to transfer the strain relief device between an opened installation state and a closed operation state. The first and second U-like shaped basic bodies releasably lock in the closed state and define in the closed operation state a feed-through channel for a cable to be strain relieved.
US09110264B2 Optical module
An optical module includes a wiring board on which a first opening and a second opening are provided having, between the first and second openings, a traversing portion on which a signal wire is arranged, an optical component that is mounted on a first plane side of the first opening and the second opening of the wiring board and that generates heat, a heat sink arranged on a second plane side, which is on a reverse of the first plane side, of the first opening and the second opening of the wiring board, and an anisotropic heat dissipation sheet that is provided between the traversing portion and the heat sink, and the optical component, and that has a thermal conductivity higher in second directions, which cross the traversing portion in a plane orthogonal to first directions, than in the first directions, which are thickness directions of the wiring board.
US09110260B2 Hybrid optical coupling module having an alignment mark formed on an optical transmission means and an array lens and manufacturing method thereof
Provided are a hybrid optical coupling module and a manufacturing method thereof.The hybrid optical coupling module includes an optical unit configured to include an optical transmission means that transmits an optical signal, and an array lens that is bonded at a point where the optical signal of the optical transmission means is output and focuses the output optical signal, and an electrical unit configured to receive the optical signal focused through the array lens and convert the received optical signal into an electrical signal. Here, an alignment mark is formed on the optical transmission means and the array lens so that the array lens is bonded at the point where the optical signal of the optical transmission means is output.
US09110259B1 Interleaved aliased AWG filter for continuous wideband wavelength discrimination
A plurality of AWG filters with aliasing responses are selected such that the wavelength range of a fundamental response of the AWG filters results in the aliased range of AWG filters to be adjacent to a fundamental range of the AWG filters. A plurality of optical sources is provided sufficient to cover each fundamental wavelength range and each alias wavelength range of the AWG filters. When a single one of the optical sources is enabled, reflected optical energy from a series string of FBGs coupled to the optical source is applied to the plurality of AWG filters, and the AWG output in combination with the wavelength range of the optical source is used to discriminate reflected wavelength from the FBG sensors.
US09110255B2 Optical connector, optical transmission device and assembly method for optical transmission device
The present invention discloses an optical connector comprising a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes: a first space to accommodate a first fiber joint and a part of a first optical transmission line; a first front opening to expose a first signal transmission interface of the first fiber joint; a first rear opening through which the first optical transmission line connects with the first fiber joint; and a first fastening. The second connector includes: a second space to accommodate a second fiber joint and a part of a second optical transmission line; a second front opening to expose a second signal transmission interface of the second fiber joint; a second rear opening through which the second optical transmission line connects with the second fiber joint; and a second fastening to be fixed to the first fastening in a nondestructive detachable way.
US09110253B2 Optical connector and method for assembling optical connector
An optical connector and a method for assembling the optical connector with which the optical connector can be easily assembled are provided. An optical connector includes a ferrule assembly including a ferrule that holds an embedded fiber, a sleeve that holds the ferrule assembly, and a rear housing that is connected to the sleeve and through which an optical fiber that is connected to the embedded fiber is inserted. The ferrule assembly is fixed to the sleeve by threadably engaging a male screw of the ferrule assembly with a female screw of the sleeve.
US09110250B2 Flexibly bended boot for optical fiber connector
A boot for an optical fiber adapter according to the present disclosure is provided. The boot includes an elastic hollow cylinder and a shape-maintainable member. The hollow cylinder defines an axial direction and the shape-maintainable member is formed on inner surfaces of the hollow cylinder. According to the present disclosure, the boot may be bent to a desired shape in subjection to an external mechanical force. When the boot is bent, the shape-maintainable member will also be bent accordingly. The boot may still be kept in the desired shape even though when the external mechanical force is removed. The boot may be bent to an original shape with an appropriate mechanical force.
US09110249B2 In-line fiber optic monitors responsive to optical intensity
Apparatus and methods to monitor optical intensity within optical fibers in a substantially non-invasive fashion are disclosed. Optical monitors are comprised of thin, conductive coatings applied to transparent substrates and patterned to form pairs of resistive elements, one of which intersects an optical beam propagating through optical fiber cables. Systems of distributed optical monitors interconnecting optical fiber links enable automated monitoring of the optical status across a communications networks.
US09110248B2 Connector assembly
A connector assembly capable of efficiently dissipating heat is provided. The connector assembly includes: an optical cable; and a connector module, and the optical cable includes an optical fiber core wire, an outer cover provided around the optical fiber core wire, and a metallic braid provided between the optical fiber core wire and the outer cover, and the connector module includes a housing defining a space, and a circuit board received in the space of the housing and mounted with a photoelectric conversion unit connected with the optical fiber core wire, and the metallic braid of the optical cable and the circuit board of the connector module are thermally connected to each other.
US09110246B2 High power spatial filter
An improved high power spatial filter, system and method. In the system, an optical fiber is disposed inside a ferrule channel structure, and the channel structure is aligned with a focusing lens system. The end of the fiber is at a distance D from the channel opening that faces the focusing lens system, and D is determined by the system's numeric aperture factor and the cladding thickness of the optical fiber.
US09110245B2 Low layer count reflective polarizer with optimized gain
Multilayer reflecting polarizing films are disclosed having increased in-plane refractive index differences between adjacent microlayers along both the pass and block axis, and having negative refractive index differences between adjacent microlayers along the thickness or z-axis. Major front and back surfaces of the film exposed to air provide a Fresnel reflectivity component to the pass axis reflectivity, and the microlayers provide a microlayer component to the pass axis reflectivity, such microlayer component preferably having a reflectivity of p-polarized light that increases with incidence angle faster than the Fresnel reflectivity component decreases so as to substantially avoid off-axis gain peaks for p-polarized light. The films preferably utilize a relatively small total number of microlayers, arranged in a single coherent stack with monotonic optical repeat unit thickness profile, and at least some microlayers preferably include polyethylene naphthalate or a copolymer thereof.
US09110244B2 Polyester-based primer composition, optical film and polarizing plate comprising
There is provided a polyester-based primer composition including 100 parts by weight of a polyester resin, 1 to 20 parts by weight of water-dispersible particles, and water as a remainder. Since a polyester-based primer composition of the present disclosure is excellent in water resistance and solvent resistance differently from a urethane primer composition, the polyester-based primer composition may obtain sufficient adhesive strength between a protection film and a functional coating layer even without assistance from additives such as a cross-linking agent, and may retain stable adhesive strength for a long period of time.
US09110238B2 Ocular optical system and image pick-up apparatus incorporating the same
An ocular optical system used to view an image displayed on an image display surface, which includes a first lens having positive refractive power, a second lens of meniscus shape having negative refractive power with its concave surface facing the image display surface side, and a third lens having positive refractive power arranged in this order from the image display surface side to a viewer side. A focal length of the first lens, a focal length of the second lens and a focal length of the entire system need to be determined suitably.
US09110237B2 Method of manufacturing optical waveguide
A method of manufacturing an optical waveguide is provided which enables a recognition device such as a CCD camera to easily recognize an alignment mark for positioning a mold for over cladding layer formation. The method includes the steps of: forming protruding cores and a protruding alignment mark on an upper surface of an under cladding layer on a substrate by a photolithographic method; and forming the over cladding layer by use of the mold positioned using the alignment mark as a guide. For the formation of the alignment mark, a photomask is used which has an opening pattern for alignment mark formation including an opening, and a light transmission amount reduction region provided around the opening and having an aperture ratio within a range greater than 10% and less than 80%. The alignment mark is formed to have a peripheral side surface in the form of an inclined surface.
US09110235B2 Retroreflective sheeting and license plate with reduced retroreflectivity at high entrance angles
The present application relates to retroreflective sheeting that is capable of use in a license plate and that can be accurately read and/or detected by an ALPR system. The retroreflective sheeting is a microsphere-based retroreflective sheeting that provides reduced retroreflectivity at high entrance angles. The retroreflective sheeting can also be a microsphere-based retroreflective sheeting that exhibits reduced retroreflectivity of incident infra-red light from high entrance angles and substantially unaffected retroreflectivity of incident visible light from entrance angles in the vicinity of the normal.
US09110231B2 Inner focus lens system, interchangeable lens apparatus and camera system
An inner focus lens system, in order from an object side, comprising: a first lens unit including a most-object-side negative first lens element; a positive second lens unit; and a negative third lens unit, wherein an aperture diaphragm is included, the first lens unit, the third lens unit, and the aperture diaphragm are fixed relative to an image surface in focusing, the second lens unit moves relative to the image surface in the focusing, and the conditions: BF/Y<1.7 and TH/f>1.6 (BF: a distance from an apex of an image-side surface of a most-image-side lens element to the image surface, Y: a maximum image height, TH: a distance from an apex of an object-side surface of a most-object-side lens element to the apex of the image-side surface of the most-image-side lens element, f: a focal length of the lens system) are satisfied.
US09110230B2 Scratch-resistant articles with retained optical properties
One or more aspects of the disclosure pertain to an article including an optical film structure disposed on an inorganic oxide substrate, which may include a strengthened or non-strengthened substrate that may be amorphous or crystalline, such that the article exhibits scratch resistance and retains the same or improved optical properties as the inorganic oxide substrate, without the optical film structure disposed thereon. In one or more embodiments, the article exhibits an average transmittance of 85% or more, over the visible spectrum (e.g., 380 nm-780 nm). Embodiments of the optical film structure include aluminum-containing oxides, aluminum-containing oxy-nitrides, aluminum-containing nitrides (e.g., AlN) and combinations thereof. The optical film structures disclosed herein also include a transparent dielectric including oxides such as silicon oxide, germanium oxide, aluminum oxide and a combination thereof. Methods of forming such articles are also provided.
US09110226B1 Monitoring a black cell environment in real-time
A system of monitoring a black cell environment using sensors is presented, in which the sensors can be easily replaced during a sealed period of the black cell environment. The black-cell monitoring system includes at least one sealed vessel that is disposed within the black cell environment. The vessel is configured to store a hazardous mixed substance and is sealed from the external environment for a pre-determined amount of time. The black-cell monitoring system also includes at least one tubing that extends from the outside of the vessel to the inside of the vessel. The black-cell monitoring system also includes a fiber optic cable that is disposed within the lumen of the tubing. At least a portion of the fiber optic cable is disposed within a portion of the tubing located inside the sealed vessel.
US09110223B2 Method for treating the surface of a substrate based on sulphur polymer, intended to be covered with a coating
The invention relates to a method for treating at least one surface of a substrate based on sulphur polymer intended to be covered with a coating, said method comprising, prior to depositing the coating onto the surface of the substrate, a step of bringing the surface of the substrate into contact with a treating composition comprising at least one reducing agent.
US09110222B2 Image pickup system
An image pickup system includes two lens apparatuses each including a movable optical member, a driving unit that drives the movable optical member, and a driving signal generating unit that generates a driving signal for causing the driving unit to drive the movable optical member, a command signal generating unit that generates a command signal to command driving of the movable optical member, a posture determining unit that determines the posture of each lens apparatus, and a master-slave setting unit that sets each lens apparatus, based on the determined posture of the lens apparatus, as one of a master lens apparatus in which the driving signal generating unit generates the driving signal based on the command signal and a slave lens apparatus in which the driving signal generating unit generates the driving signal based on the position of the movable optical member in the other lens apparatus.
US09110217B2 Electronic device with hidden gap between frame and lens
An electronic device is provided and includes a substrate assembly comprising a first area and a frame at a periphery of the first area and a lens, which is configured to be affixed to the first area, and which comprises a second area and a curved area at a periphery of the second area. The curved area is separated from the frame by a gap and is configured to reflect light across the gap to hide the gap from an observer looking into the gap.
US09110215B2 Display device
A display device includes a display panel having an active display area, an optical film set, a light source module, and a frame. The light source module includes a light guide plate (LGP) and a light source adjacent to a side surface of the LGP. The optical film set is located between the display panel and the LGP. The frame disposed between the LGP and the optical film set extends to the LGP and covers a portion of the LGP. The frame has a first surface carrying the optical film set, a second surface facing to the light emitting surface, and a chamfered inclined surface. The chamfered inclined surface is within the active display area and connects the first and second surfaces. An extending distance of the first surface in the active display area is smaller than an extending distance of the second surface in the active display area.
US09110214B2 Backlight assembly and display device having the same
A backlight assembly includes an optical member, a receiving container and a combining member. The optical member is configured to change optical characteristics of light. The receiving container includes a bottom plate and a sidewall. The bottom plate is disposed under the optical member and is configured to receive the optical member thereon. The sidewall extends from the bottom plate to form a receiving space with the bottom plate. The optical member is received in the receiving space. The combining member includes a first frame, a second frame and a third frame. The first frame partially covers a bottom surface of the optical member. The second frame protrudes upwards from the first frame. The third frame protrudes from an inner surface of the second frame to partially cover an upper surface of the optical member.
US09110212B2 Light source module and light source assembly having the same
A light source module includes a light source unit which generates a light; a light emitting part spaced apart from the light source unit and comprising a light emitting surface; and a light transmitting part which transmits the light generated by the light source unit to the light emitting part. The light emitting part emits the light transmitted by the light transmitting part, through the light emitting surface.
US09110207B2 Optical diffusing film and a liquid crystal display backlight using the same
An optical diffusing film and a LCD backlight using the same are provided. The optical diffusing film comprises a transparent substrate made of an optically transparent material with a refractive index of 1.4 to 1.8, and a diffusing coating with a refractive index of 1.4 to 1.7 disposed on an upper surface of the transparent substrate, wherein diffusing particles with a refractive index of 1.4 to 1.7 are distributed in the diffusing coating, and the diffusing particles are in close contact with each other, the diffusing coating has a thickness of ½ to ⅔ of the largest particle size of the diffusing particles, and the coating density of the diffusing particles is 103 to 106 particles per square millimeter.
US09110204B2 Light emitting device, display unit, and illumination unit
A light emitting device includes: a light source; an optical component including a light incident surface, the light incident surface facing the light source; and a wavelength conversion member provided between the light source and the light incident surface, the wavelength conversion member crossing a first region and extending to a second region outside the first region, the first region being surrounded by the light incident surface and light paths of light that is emitted from the light source and enters edges of the light incident surface.
US09110203B2 Display device with light guide plate and optical path conversion unit
Provided is a display device. The display device includes a light guide plate; a light source disposed at a lateral side of the light guide plate; and an optical path conversion unit converting a path of the light emitted from the light source. A first area corresponding to a light emitting plane of the light guide plate and a second area adjacent to the first area are defined. The optical path conversion unit is disposed in the second area.
US09110201B2 Metamaterial structure
This invention relates to a metamaterial structure, which can simultaneously cause resonance at a wavelength of light that excites quantum dots and a wavelength of light produced by the quantum dots in a local space where quantum dots are located. The metamaterial structure, which can resonate with two wavelengths unlike conventional metamaterial structures that resonate with a single wavelength, includes a substrate, a quantum dot layer, and a resonance layer formed between the substrate and the quantum dot layer and having two rectangular holes which are formed to cross each other so that resonance occurs at two different resonance wavelengths.
US09110200B2 Illumination device comprising a film-based lightguide
A light emitting device includes a film lightguide. The lightguide includes a lightguide region and an array of coupling lightguides continuous with the lightguide region, each terminating in a bounding edge and folded such that the bounding edges define a light input surface. A light source emits light into the light input surface. Light propagates within each coupling lightguide to the lightguide region, with light from each coupling lightguide combining with light from one or more other coupling lightguides and totally internally reflecting within the lightguide region. One or more light extraction features frustrate the totally internally reflected light such that light exits the lightguide in a light emitting region. Surface relief features on a surface of a low contact area cover are adjacent to a region of the lightguide with one or more of the surface relief features contacting the lightguide. A method of producing a device is disclosed.
US09110199B2 Backlight module and liquid crystal display
The present invention discloses a backlight module and a liquid crystal display. The light guide plate is formed with hollow structures therein, and the hollow structures includes a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface; the first reflecting surface has a first inclination; the second reflecting surface has a second inclination; based on the first inclination, the first reflecting surface reflects light emitting toward the first reflecting surface; and based on the second inclination, the second reflecting surface reflects light emitting toward the second reflecting surface.
US09110197B2 Method and device for the anticipated detection of icing on a runway
Device and method for anticipating the deposition of ice on a runway, comprising an object having a non-zero relative velocity with respect to the atmosphere surrounding the runway, this surrounding atmosphere being at a certain temperature, a means for determining the thickness of ice present on said moving object, which further includes a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the runway, a means for regulating the temperature of said object in such a way that the temperature of said moving object is substantially equal to or slightly below the temperature of the runway, a computing means, for defining at time t0 a level of icing at time t1 of the runway as a function of the thickness of ice present on the object, and a warning means allowing the results obtained by the computing means to be communicated to a monitoring station.
US09110192B2 Methods and apparatus to identify layer boundaries in subterranean formations
Methods and apparatus to identify layer boundaries in subterranean formations are described. An example method of identifying a layer boundary of a subterranean formation includes transmitting an acoustic signal from a transmitter into a borehole of the subterranean formation and receiving the acoustic signal at a receiver coupled to the downhole tool and spaced from the transmitter. Additionally, the example method includes logging an energy value associated with the acoustic signal received by the receiver as the downhole tool is moved in the borehole and identifying a change in the logged energy value associated with an impedance change in the subterranean formation to identify the layer boundary.
US09110191B2 Multiple attenuation for ocean-bottom seismic data
Multiple Modeling, wherein the wavefield is separated into up/down wavefield on either source-side or receiver-side; wherein WEMM is used to extrapolate and predict multiples, which are attenuated from OBC seismic data.
US09110188B2 Detecting bed boundary locations based on gradients determined from measurements from multiple tool depths in a wellbore
Systems, methods, and software for detecting bed boundary locations are described. In some aspects, the boundaries of a subsurface layer are identified based on a measurement from a logging point and a gradient associated with the measurement from the logging point. A first measurement is generated based on operating a transmitter and a receiver of a resistivity logging tool at a first tool depth. The gradient is calculated from the first measurement and a second measurement. The second measurement is generated based on operating the transmitter and the receiver of the resistivity logging tool at a second, different tool depth.
US09110180B2 Method for acquiring and processing marine seismic data to extract and constructively use the up-going and down-going wave-fields emitted by the source(s)
A method for acquisition and processing of marine seismic signals to extract up-going and down- going wave-fields from a seismic energy source includes deploying at least two marine seismic energy sources at different depths in a body of water. These seismic energy sources are actuated with known time delays that are varied from shot record to shot record. Seismic signals from sources deployed at different depths are recorded simultaneously, Seismic energy corresponding to each of the sources is extracted from the recorded seismic signals. Up-going and down-going wave-fields are extracted from the sources deployed at different depths using the extracted seismic energy therefrom. A method includes the separated up-going and down-going wave-fields are propagated to a water surface or a common reference, the up-going or the down-going wave-field is 180 degree phase shifted, and the signals from these modified up-going and down-going wave-fields are summed.
US09110177B1 Generation and use of seismic survey designs violating Freznel zone constraints
A seismic survey design generation method is disclosed for generating seismic survey design data for performing a seismic survey. The survey design data purposefully violates Freznel zone constraints related to source and/or receiver bin sizes by providing exceptionally small bin sizes. In particular, the seismic survey design generation method and apparatus therefor generates seismic survey design data where the Freznel zone constraints are violated in order to obtain enhanced resolution seismic images not possible in the prior art.
US09110176B2 Radiation detecting element
Provided is a radiation detecting element, including: needle crystal scintillators and a protruding pattern in which: one end of the needle crystal scintillators is in contact with of upper surfaces of the multiple protrusions; a gap corresponding to a gap between the multiple protrusions is provided between portions of the needle crystal scintillators in contact with the upper surfaces of the multiple protrusions; and a number of the needle crystal scintillators in contact with one of the upper surfaces is 5 or less. Conventionally, since the needle crystals exhibit a state of a polycrystalline film in an early stage of vapor deposition, and light also spreads in a horizontal direction, the light received by a photodetector portion and the spatial resolution was lower than ideal values. The present invention enables the deviating region to be the ideal state in an early stage of growth.
US09110171B2 Multimodality nuclear imaging reconstruction method
A method for obtaining a high-resolution nuclear image of a biological object, which image is acquired by a nuclear detector inside an MRI system includes the steps of acquiring MRI information pertaining to a wide field of view; focusing a field of view of the nuclear detector to a small region that covers only the target region; obtaining a nuclear image of the small region; and using a priori information included in the MRI information to eliminate image artifacts in the nuclear image. An apparatus for performing the method and a data image formed by practice of the method is also included.
US09110168B2 Software-defined multi-mode ultra-wideband radar for autonomous vertical take-off and landing of small unmanned aerial systems
A small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) is used for aerial and on the ground surveillance while an operator of the sUAS, or other personnel, remain at a safe distance. The sUAS system can perform an autonomous landing and can be operated at an extended, e.g., greater than 100 meters, standoff from the detection apparatus and potential harm. The sUAS may be implemented as an easy-to-operate, small vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft with a set of optical, thermal, and chemical detection modules for performing aerial surveillance and ground surveillance after landing.
US09110161B2 Antenna selection for GNSS receivers
Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method to improve the performance of a GNSS receiver using antenna switching. The system has a plurality of antennas and at least one radio frequency RF chain. There are fewer RF chain(s) than antennas. A receiver processes a plurality of signals sent by a plurality of transmitters. The system also includes antenna switches and switch controller. The method includes processing signals from a plurality of satellite vehicles SVs using an antenna selected from a plurality of antennas.
US09110160B2 Location finding using cellular modal antenna
The instant disclosure concerns an antenna system and method for location-finding of a wireless communication device. A cellular multimode antenna is configured to analyze pilot signals from base station towers across a plurality of antenna modes. Information corresponding to the received signals and each antenna mode is analyzed to determine a location fix. In certain optional embodiments, the location fix determined by the cellular multimode antenna is used to determine an optimal mode for a second GPS modal antenna, such that the selected mode of the GPS modal antenna provides optimum signal quality with the global positioning system. In this regard, the cellular multimode antenna estimates the location of the device, and a mode for the GPS modal antenna is selected based on the location fix such that the GPS antenna is capable of quickly determining a precise position of the device.
US09110159B2 Determining indoor location or position of a mobile computer using building information
A mobile computer may use building information to determine its indoor location or position. The mobile computer determines the dimensions of a room in a building using range determination or a range finder in the mobile computer. The determined dimensions of the room may be compared to the building information to locate, position, or track the mobile computer in the building.
US09110157B2 Using multiple sources of location-aid data to determine position information
A wireless location/position computation system, device, and method are directed to multiple aid-data sources each providing location-related aid information, a wireless device configured to communicate with the aid-data sources, and a location computation module either integrated with or external to the wireless device. The wireless device may include a transceiver to communicate wireless, data and other signals. The wireless device may receive a position request to compute a position of the wireless device, and in response, initiate a compute-position session. In the compute-position session, the wireless device sends aid requests to and retrieves the location-related aid information from the aid-data sources and processes the location-related aid information from the aid-data sources to generate integrated location information. The location computation module may compute the position of the wireless device based on the integrated location information and satellite location information received from a satellite.
US09110154B1 Portable programmable ladar test target
A method of testing a Laser Detection and Ranging (LADAR) or LIght Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) system includes receiving an input signal from the LADAR/LiDAR and triggering light/laser sources to output pulses. The method includes transmitting the light/laser pulses into a first end of two or more fiber optical delay lines. The method includes transmitting the pulses throughout a length of two or more fiber optical delay lines. The method includes after a delay time corresponding to the length of the fiber optical delay lines, transmitting the pulses out through a second end of the fiber optical delay lines arranged within a target plane. The pulses output yield a return signals transmission from the target plane to the LADAR/LiDAR. The return signal transmission is delayed by times for the light/laser pulses to traverse the length of the fiber optical delay lines.
US09110151B2 Method and device for improving the localization and mobility control of persons or things
A method for improving the localization and mobility control of persons or things applicable to a mobile radio terminal associated with a telephone network, having a plurality of base radio stations is disclosed. The method includes a first step in which the mobile radio terminal receives first service signals associated with each base radio station within radio visibility, a second step in which, by means of processing means, the mobile radio terminal detects the relative temporal delays, calculated with respect to a predetermined time reference, with which are received the service signals of each base radio station from which the mobile radio terminal received a corresponding first service signal, and in which second step, by means of position detection means, associated with the mobile radio terminal, the absolute geographical position occupied by the mobile radio terminal is supplied to the mobile radio terminal. In the second step, by means of the processing means, the mobile radio terminal calculates the absolute geographical position of each of the base radio stations, from which the mobile radio terminal has received a first service signal, according to the relative temporal delays, wherein the relative temporal delays are correlated with the absolute geographical position of the mobile radio terminal as supplied by the position detection means.
US09110147B1 Differential emitter geolocation
An unknown location of a transmitter of interest is determined based on wireless signals transmitted by both the transmitter of interest and a reference transmitter positioned at a known location. The transmitted signals are received at a plurality of non-earthbound platforms each moving in a known manner, and phase measurements for each received signal are used to determine the unknown location.
US09110146B2 Method to determine electron relaxation times, T1, in EPR tomography
A method for determination of the images of electron relaxation times, T1, in EPR tomography consists in the resultant relaxation time, T1, established from the ratio of amplitudes of signals recorded for various scanning directions is found, whereupon a variability function of the resultant relaxation time, T1, is found for at least two different scan frequencies, whereupon projections for the respective relaxation times are established for every point of the recorded spectra by matching functions specific for the respective relaxation times to the resultant function of variability of relaxation time, and then images are reconstructed in 1D or in 2D or in 3D depend of the experimental conditions.
US09110141B2 Flip-flop circuit having a reduced hold time requirement for a scan input
A scan flip-flop circuit comprises a scan input sub-circuit and a selection sub-circuit. The scan input sub-circuit is configured to receive a scan input signal and a scan enable signal and, when the scan enable signal is activated, generate complementary scan input signals representing the scan input signal that are delayed relative to a transition of a clock input signal between two different logic levels. The selection sub-circuit is coupled to the scan input sub-circuit and configured to receive the complementary scan input signals and, based on the scan enable signal, output an inverted version of either the scan input signal or a data signal as a first selected input signal.
US09110140B2 Scan circuit, semiconductor device, and method for testing semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes: a combination circuit; and a scan circuit, wherein the scan circuit includes: a first scan chain in which a plurality of first flip-flops are connected in series; and a second scan chain in which a plurality of second flip-flops are connected in series. The first scan chain is configured to capture first output data of at least one of the first flip-flops of the second scan chain, and the second scan chain is configured to capture second output data of at least one of the second flip-flops of the first scan chain.
US09110135B2 Chip testing with exclusive OR
First and second scan channels each comprise a plurality of scannable latches that apply input to and receive output from logic circuits on a chip under test. First input is scanned into the first scan channel and second input is scanned into the second scan channel. Output from the first scan channel is hashed using a first XOR on the first scan channel and output from the second scan channel is hashed using a first XOR on the second scan channel. Output from the first XOR on the first scan channel is hashed using a second XOR on the first scan channel. A rotator creates adjustment data from the output from the second XOR on the first scan channel. The adjustment data and output from the first XOR on the second scan channel are hashed using a second XOR on the second scan channel.
US09110125B2 Method and apparatus for detecting relationship between thermal and electrical properties of semiconductor device
A method for detecting a semiconductor device property is provided. First, a semiconductor device is provided. Thereafter, a detecting current is applied and the semiconductor device is heated, and temperatures and voltages of the semiconductor device are measured, so as to establish a relationship between the temperatures and the voltages of the semiconductor device. Accordingly, a temperature sensitive parameter (TSP) is calculated. An apparatus for detecting a semiconductor device property is also provided.
US09110123B2 Apparatus and method for sequentially resetting elements of a magnetic sensor array
A semiconductor process and apparatus provide a high-performance magnetic field sensor with three differential sensor configurations which require only two distinct pinning axes, where each differential sensor is formed from a Wheatstone bridge structure with four unshielded magnetic tunnel junction sensor arrays, each of which includes a magnetic field pulse generator for selectively applying a field pulse to stabilize or restore the easy axis magnetization of the sense layers to orient the magnetization in the correct configuration. prior to measurements of small magnetic fields. The field pulse is sequentially applied to groups of the sense layers of the Wheatstone bridge structures, thereby allowing for a higher current pulse or larger sensor array size for maximal signal to noise ratio.
US09110121B2 Spinning current hall sensor with residual offset calibration signal
A spinning current Hall sensor configured to provide a sequence of input signals in response to a bias current being applied to a sequence of terminals of Hall sensing elements of the Hall sensor, the terminals of the Halls sensing elements configured to be interconnected in a sequence of configurations between a bias current supply and ground, with the bias current supply being connected to and applying the bias current to a different one of the terminals of each configuration. A chopping circuit demodulates the sequence of input signals to provide a corresponding sequence of demodulated positive and negative signals, with a residual offset calibration signal for the spinning current Hall sensor being based on the sequence of demodulated positive and negative signals.
US09110119B2 Electric current measurement method
An electric current measurement method is provided with: a first controlling process of sweeping a sensing current in a negative magnetization direction in a condition that a core is saturated magnetically in a positive magnetization direction; a second controlling process of sweeping the sensing current in the positive magnetization direction in a condition that the core is saturated magnetically in the negative magnetization direction; a first specifying process of specifying a value of the sensing current if the core is demagnetized in the first controlling process; a second specifying process of specifying a value of the sensing current if the core is demagnetized in the second controlling process; and a calculating process of calculating a value of a target electric current on the basis of the specified current values, the first and second controlling processes being performed repeatedly.
US09110118B2 Proximity sensor with health monitoring
A proximity sensor includes a relatively simple health monitoring circuit. The proximity sensor includes a variable gain oscillator, a feedback circuit, and a proximity determination circuit. The variable gain oscillator has a gain that varies with the proximity of a target to a sensor coil, generates an oscillating electrical signal having a substantially constant amplitude magnitude, and generates an energy signal representative of the electrical energy needed to sustain oscillations. The feedback circuit supplies feedback to the oscillator, and the proximity determination circuit, based on the energy signal, supplies a proximity signal representative of target proximity to the sensor coil. The health monitor circuit also receives the oscillating electrical signal and supplies a health status signal representative of proximity sensor health.
US09110116B2 Electric charge flow circuit for a time measurement
A charge flow circuit for a time measurement, including a plurality of elementary capacitive elements electrically in series, each elementary capacitive element leaking through its dielectric space.
US09110115B2 Modular stretchable and flexible capacitance sensors for use with electrical capacitance volume tomography and capacitance sensing applications
A flexible capacitance sensor having multiple layers for communicating signals to a data acquisition system for reconstructing an image of an area or object located in a subject being sensed, the flexible capacitance sensor having a flexible layer of capacitance plates; a flexible shielding ground layer next to the layer of capacitance plates; a flexible layer of signal traces next to the shielding ground layer, where the layer of signal traces has a plurality of trace lines; and where the capacitance sensor is flexible and adapted to be wrapped around the subject being sensed. The sensor is adapted to communicate signals via the plurality of trace lines to a data acquisition system for providing an image of the area or object between the capacitance plates.
US09110114B2 Detection circuit for capacitive sensor
A detection circuit for a capacitive sensor includes a drive signal generator for applying drive signal to a sensor common terminal, a sense amplifier having input terminals respectively connected to sensor detection terminals, and a controller for controlling input common-mode voltage of the sense amplifier to predetermined voltage. The controller includes a feedback amplifier for outputting feedback voltage according to difference between the common-mode and predetermined voltages, a pair of first feedback capacitors having one ends respectively connected to the detection terminals and another ends connected together, a second feedback capacitor having one end connected to the other ends, and a voltage switcher for applying first preset voltage to the other ends during first level of the drive signal and for applying second preset voltage to the other ends and the predetermined voltage to another end of the second feedback capacitor during second level of the drive signal.
US09110108B2 Power management arrangement and method in a utility meter
A system includes a utility meter housing, a power supply, a non-volatile memory, an energy storage device, and a control circuit. The utility meter housing includes metrology circuitry configured to generate metering data regarding electrical power provided to the load. The energy storage device is operably coupled to the power supply. The control circuit is operably coupled to receive power generated by the power supply and receive power from the energy storage device. The control circuit is configured to: receive a first bias power signal; erase first metering information stored in the non-volatile memory; process, subsequent to erasing the first memory location, metering data received from the metrology circuit; receive a first interruption signal indicative of an interruption of power in the power supply; and store, responsive to receiving the first interruption signal, second metering information in the non-volatile memory using power from the energy storage device.
US09110106B2 Phase difference detector, phase difference detection program, and plasma processing system using the phase difference detector
A phase difference detector detects the phase difference between two AC signals at a high speed and with high accuracy. A phase difference computation unit computes the phase difference φr(=φ2−φ1) between two detected voltages v1 (phase angle: φ1) and v2 (phase angle: φ2). The phase difference computation unit uses a sine wave vs and a cosine wave vc generated separately and having the same frequency as the fundamental frequency of the voltages v1 and v2, to perform computation of v2s=v2×vs, v2c=v2×vc, v1s=v1×vs, v1c=v1×vc, and then extracts DC components I2=(−A2/2)·sin(φ2), R2=(A2/2)·cos(φ2), I1=(−A1/2)·sin(φ1), R1=(A1/2)·cos(φ1) at low-pass filters. The phase difference computation unit computes R3=R1×R2+I1×I2 at a complex multiplying unit to obtain R3=(A1·A2/4)·cos(φr), computes I3=R2×I1−R1×I2 to obtain I3=(A1·A2/4)·sin(φr), and computes φr=tan−1(I3/R3) at the arctangent calculation unit, thereby obtaining the phase difference φr.
US09110101B2 Method and system for packet acquisition, analysis and intrusion detection in field area networks
A system for intrusion detection in a field area network where data is transmitted via packets, includes a processor for analyzing the packets to ascertain whether the packets conform to a sets of rules indicating an intrusion, and a database for storing an alert indicating an intrusion if the packets conform to at least one rule in the sets. The sets of rules are for field network layer data, internet protocol traffic data and field area application traffic data. A method for detecting intrusion in a field area network where data is transmitted via packets, including analyzing the packets to ascertain whether the packets conform to the sets of rules, and storing an alert indicating an intrusion if the packets conform to at least one rule in the sets of rules.
US09110100B2 Circuit module and battery pack including the same
A circuit module of a battery pack includes a pattern resistor having conductivity; a temperature sensor that is adjacent to the pattern resistor and that senses a temperature of the pattern resistor; and a current detecting unit that is electrically connected to both ends of the pattern resistor, that is electrically connected to the temperature sensor, and that detects a current flowing in the pattern resistor based on a voltage across the ends of the pattern resistor and a temperature of the pattern resistor.
US09110099B2 Shielded antenna for a downhole logging tool
A downhole logging tool includes a tool body having a co-located set of antennas located on the tool body and first and second antennas formed from respective first and second pairs of coil windings having a closed-loop pattern. Both the first and second pair of coil windings are arranged on diametrically opposed antenna sections. A cylindrical shield is disposed over the co-located set of antennas and has a first set of vertical slots arranged interposed between each of the underlying antenna sections, a second set of vertical slots arranged over each of the underlying antenna sections, with each of the second set of vertical slots being perpendicular to a portion of the coil winding in the underlying antenna section, and a set of non-vertical slots arranged over each the underlying antenna sections. Each of non-vertical slots is perpendicular to a portion of the coil winding in the underlying antenna section.
US09110098B2 Probe card and testing apparatus
Provided is a probe card capable of effectively placing electronic parts. A probe card according to the present invention includes a plurality of probes that come into contact with a plurality of electrodes of a device, a probe board including the plurality of probes provided thereon, a wiring board that is placed facing a surface of the probe board opposite to a surface including the probes provided thereon, a connector that includes a connection pin and a holder, in which the connection pin electrically connects a line of the probe board and a line of the wiring board, and the holder holds the connection pin between the probe board and the wiring board, and a first electronic part that is mounted on a probe board side surface of the wiring board and placed in a mounting space formed by a through hole or a recess provided in the holder.
US09110095B1 Electric testing tool for railroad relays
A tool for use in the testing of railroad relays allows for the uninterrupted completion of an electric circuit while performing a mechanical operation. The device provides an electrical connection point at a midpoint of a driver shaft. The connection point is used to connect a voltmeter or similar measuring instrument lead. The connection point utilizes a copper brush mechanism to keep constant electrical contact with the shaft even when turning. The connection point is held in place by a pair of retaining washers. These features allow a user to perform electrical readings through the driver while using the driver to perform mechanical adjustments.
US09110094B2 Measurement of surface energy components and wettability of reservoir rock utilizing atomic force microscopy
An instrument (and corresponding method) performs AFM techniques to characterize properties of a sample of reservoir rock. The AFM instrument is configured to have a probe with a tip realized from reservoir rock that corresponds to the reservoir rock of the sample. The AFM instrument is operated to derive and store data representing adhesion forces between the tip and the sample at one or more scan locations in the presence of a number of different fluids disposed between the tip and the sample. The AFM instrument is further configured to perform computational operations that process the data representing the adhesion forces for a given scan location in order to characterize at least one property of the rock sample at the given scan location. The properties can include total surface energy of the rock sample as well as wettability of the rock sample.
US09110089B2 System and method for predicting a force applied to a surface by a body during a movement
According to one embodiment, a system includes at least one memory and at least one processor. The processor receives information that includes a position or motion of one or more points of a body during a movement. Based at least on the position or motion of the one or more points of the body during the movement, the processor calculates a first one or more curves indicative of a first force between a surface and at least a first portion of the body, and calculates a second one or more curves indicative of a second force between the surface and at least a second portion of the body. The processor further predicts a force applied to the surface by the body during the movement by combining the first and second one or more curves.
US09110087B2 Polymer for filler for preprocessing column
The present invention provides a polymer of the compound represented by formula [1]: and the compound represented by formula [2]: to a glycidyl group of which an anion exchanging group is introduced; a filler for measuring an acidic group binding to a perfluoro compound at a terminal, which comprises the polymer; a column filled with the filler; a method for measuring said perfluoro compound having an acidic group at a terminal by using the column; a filler or a column filled with the filler comprising the polymer for measuring a drug; and a method for measuring a drug by using the column.
US09110086B2 Lipid biomarkers for stable and unstable heart disease
The present invention relates generally to the field of diagnostic and prognostic assays for heart disease. More particular, the present invention provides an assay for diagnosing the presence or extent of development of heart disease or its classification or state thereof. The assay of the present invention is also useful in the stratification of a subject with respect to a risk of developing heart disease. The assay of the present invention is also capable of integration into pathology architecture to provide a diagnostic and reporting system.
US09110082B2 Methods for the identification and treatment of patients sensitive to anti IGF-1R inhibition therapy
The present invention relates to methods for treating a dalotuzumab responsive cancer, in a patient, comprising determining the expression level of liver kinase B1 (LKB1), in a cancer cell from the patient, and when said expression is determined to be lower than that of a control cell; administering, to said patient, a therapeutically effective amount of dalotuzumab. The invention also relates to methods for assessing neoplastic cells, selecting patients, selecting therapies as well as diagnostic methods.
US09110076B2 Method for quantifying modified peptides
The present invention provides a method for quantifying modified peptides in a sample, the method comprising: (a) obtaining peptides from the sample; (b) adding reference modified peptides to the peptides obtained in step (a) to produce a mixture of peptides and reference modified peptides; (c) carrying out mass spectrometry (MS) on said mixture of peptides and reference modified peptides to obtain data relating to the peptides in the sample; and (d) comparing the data relating to the peptides in the sample with data in a database of modified peptides using a computer program; wherein the database of modified peptides is compiled by a method comprising: (i) obtaining peptides from a sample; (ii) enriching modified peptides from the peptides obtained in step (i); (iii) carrying out liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) on the enriched modified peptides obtained in step (ii); (iv) comparing the modified peptides detected in step (iii) to a known reference database in order to identify the modified peptides; and (v) compiling data relating to the modified peptides identified in step (iv) into a database.
US09110073B2 Liquid chromatograph, liquid chromatograph column and filter for liquid chromatograph column
In a liquid chromatograph, the disulfide adsorption of iron atoms in a filter for a column is avoided and thus peak tailing in a chromatogram is prevented to thereby prevent a lowering in the sample recovery rate. A liquid chromatograph column comprising a hollow tubular column body, a bead-shaped packing material which is packed in the hollow part of the column body, a filter provided with a mesh which has a mesh size smaller than the particle diameter of the packing material, and a cap which presses the filter against the packing material to thereby enclose the packing material within the column body, characterized in that the main component of the filter is nickel or hastelloy.
US09110071B2 Chromatographic columns with integrated electrospray emitters
A method of fabricating a chromatographic column and columns produced by such a method are disclosed. The method includes: (a) obtaining a tube comprising two open ends and a lumen with a diameter of 75 microns or less extending between the two open ends; (b) depositing a liquid silicate composition into the tube lumen at a first open end of the tube; (c) forming a porous ceramic material from the composition in the tube lumen at a location near the first open end such that a space is formed between the ceramic material and the open end that is substantially free of the ceramic material; and (d) forming a tapered emitter having an orifice diameter of less than 3 microns at the first open end.
US09110070B2 Chromophore compositions and methods of making and using the same
Chromophore compositions and methods of making and using the same are provided. Aspects of the chromophore compositions include a chromophore component having a chromophore, such as a fluorescent dye moiety, stably associated with a prosthetic group binding cavity of a metalloprotein. Also provided are methods of making, methods of use, systems and kits related to the subject fluorescent compositions.
US09110062B2 Assessment of cardiac health and thrombotic risk in a patient
The invention features methods and compositions for assessing risk, particularly immediate risk, of thrombotic events in patients with suspected or known vascular disease, and more particularly to assessing risk of thrombotic events in patients with coronary artery disease, particularly acute myocardial infarction, stroke, unstable angina, stable angina, or restenosis. Risk of thrombosis can be assessed by analysis of platelet reactivity and/or velocity of thrombin or fibrin formation, and determining whether the patient has a score associated above a risk threshold value. In other embodiments, risk of thrombosis in a patient is evaluated in the context of a profile generated from values obtained from one or more assays that evaluate various factors associated with thrombosis and/or atherosclerosis.
US09110058B2 Porous solid phase for binding assay, and binding assay method using the same
A porous solid phase for binding assay that enables a test sample such as whole blood to be analyzed promptly, conveniently, accurately, and inexpensively without requiring a pretreatment, and a binding assay method using said porous solid phase are disclosed. At least one surfactant is incorporated into the porous solid phase for binding assay prior to addition of a test sample, the at least one surfactant being selected from the group consisting of (A) a sugar-containing surfactant that comprises a compound shown by a general formula (I), (B) a sugar-containing surfactant that comprises a sucrose fatty acid ester wherein the constituent fatty acid has 5 to 14 carbon atoms, and (C) a steroid surfactant.
US09110055B2 Nanoscale sensors
A nanocoaxial sensor includes an outer conductor, an inner conductor, a dielectric material disposed between the outer and inner conductors, a nanocavity sized to allow target species to enter the nanocavity between the outer and inner conductors, and an active sensing element immobilized within the nanocavity on at least one of the inner or outer conductors. The active sensing element is adapted to selectively capture the at least one of the target species.
US09110050B2 Measuring multi-analyte samples using an in-line flow cell
Methods and systems for analyzing ratios of analytes within a flowing sample are provided. The flowing sample can be processed in real-time to determine a time interval over which a predetermined amount of a group of analytes passes by a fixed point in a flow cell. The predetermined amount can be routed to a sample container for future processing. The sample can comprise diluted blood and the analytes can comprise a component of hemoglobin, such as A1c, and the total amount of hemoglobin, of which the predetermined amount is metered.
US09110044B2 System for the integrated and automated analysis of DNA or protein and method for operating said type of system
An embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for the integrated and automated analysis of DNA or protein, including a single-use cartridge, an analysis device comprising a control device, and devices for capturing and processing signals. An embodiment of the present invention relates, in particular, to the control device for carrying out a completely automatic process and evaluation of molecular diagnostic analysis via single-use cartridges (Lab-on-a-Chip). The first devices are provided for controlling an analysis process which occurs in the cartridge, subsequently the displacement and the thermostatisation of liquids, and the second devices are provided for processing the signals which are obtained during the analysis. The first and the second devices are synchronized in such a manner that the analysis process of the sample can be carried out in a totally integrated manner thus producing an immediate result.
US09110043B2 Cuvette supplying device and specimen analyzer
A cuvette supplying device is disclosed. The cuvette supplying device comprises: a cuvette storage for storing cuvettes; a carrier, provided inside the cuvette storage, for carrying the cuvettes in the cuvette storage outside the cuvette storage; a conveyor for conveying the cuvettes existing at the bottom of the cuvette storage towards the carrier; and an arranging section for arranging the cuvettes carried outside the cuvette storage by the carrier at a predetermined position. The specimen analyzer comprising the cuvette supplying device is also disclosed.
US09110040B2 Exhaust gas measurement device and recording medium having program for exhaust gas measurement device recorded thereon
An exhaust gas measurement device includes a pressure regulator for keeping a pressure of sample gas in a sensor flow line or a bypass flow line to be a set pressure value, a flow rate sensor provided on the bypass flow line for measuring a flow rate of the sample gas flowing through the bypass flow line, and an attention attracting part for displaying that the flow rate of the sample gas is reduced in the case where the flow rate measurement value measured by the flow rate sensor becomes equal to or smaller than an attention attracting flow rate value larger than a pressure controlling limit flow rate value by a predetermined value, the pressure controlling limit flow rate value being a lower limit flow rate value that is pressure-controllable by the pressure regulator.
US09110038B2 Asymmetric pattern projection apparatus
An apparatus for inspection of a surface of a device comprises a projection module operative to project a pattern along a projection axis of the projection module onto the device. An imaging module receives an image of the pattern reflected from the device along an imaging axis of the imaging module onto an image sensor. A lens comprised in the imaging module has a first magnification in a first direction orthogonal to the imaging axis and a second magnification different from the first magnification in a second direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the imaging axis, which produces different fields of view of the image sensor and resolutions of the image in the first and second directions.
US09110036B2 Assembly with a universal manipulator for inspecting dovetail of different sizes
Disclosed is an ECA probes assembly capable of providing reliable and durable ECA inspections of dovetail slots without the use of an external guiding mechanism. The design combines a novel universal probe manipulator with a probe support suited for a wide range of probe supports which fit a rage of turbine disks. The probe support embodies a rigid yet expandable core, exerting a force pushing the array probe against the inner cavity of the dovetails. The pushing force is strategically located in critical areas of the dovetail leading to array probe to be self-guiding into the dovetail, and to provide optimum performance with consistent and stable lift-off.
US09110034B1 Night vision device test apparatus
Night vision devices utilize image intensifier tubes to see in low light conditions. A man-portable tester allows an operator to check for defects and determine the image resolution of the image intensifier tube quickly and easily without a power source or a darkened room.
US09110033B2 Front quartersphere scattered light analysis
A surface inspection system, as well as related components and methods, are provided. The surface inspection system includes a beam source subsystem, a beam scanning subsystem, a workpiece movement subsystem, an optical collection and detection subsystem, and a processing subsystem. The optical collection and detection system features, in the front quartersphere, a light channel assembly for collecting light reflected from the surface of the workpiece, and a front collector and wing collectors for collecting light scattered from the surface, to greatly improve the measurement capabilities of the system. The light channel assembly has a switchable edge exclusion mask and a reflected light detection system for improved detection of the reflected light.
US09110029B2 Kits and methods for cyanide detection
Provided herein are compositions, kits, methods and devices for cyanide detection, particularly for cyanide detection in biological samples such as whole blood. The method comprises (1) contacting a sample with a cobinamide conjugate comprising a cobinamide moiety and a carrier; and (2) measuring the absorbance of light by the cobinamide conjugate. The present disclosure provides field-deployable cyanide detection methods, compositions, kits and devices, which provide rapid, accurate readout at the point of contact. Further provided herein is a method for determining exposure of a subject to cyanide.
US09110028B2 Sorbent media exhaustion indicator
A Sorbent media exhaustion indicator produces color change when the sorbent media is saturated. The indicator's fluid inlet attach to the fluid outlet of a sorbent media device such as filter. It includes is a hollow tube or a hollow polyhedron prism that fluids flow freely through it. The indicator also includes colorimetric sensor that changes color when exposed to trace amount of toxic fluids and a trap member that prevent toxic fluids exist in the surrounding environment from changing the color of the colorimetric sensor, hence preventing false indication of sorbent media exhaustion. Another function of the trap member is to trap toxic fluids from exiting to the surrounding environment when toxic fluids breakthrough the sorbent media device.
US09110024B2 Fiber optical asssembly for fluorescence spectrometry
System is provided for detecting the presence of an analyte of interest in a sample, said system comprising an elongated, transparent container for a sample; an excitation source in optical communication with the sample, wherein radiation from the excitation source is directed along the length of the sample, and wherein the radiation induces a signal which is emitted from the sample; and, at least two linear arrays disposed about the sample holder, each linear array comprising a plurality of optical fibers having a first end and a second end, wherein the first ends of the fibers are disposed along the length of the container and in proximity thereto; the second ends of the fibers of each array are bundled together to form a single end port.
US09110012B2 Gas sensor
A gas sensor including a sensor element constituted by an oxygen-ion conductive solid electrolyte as a main component and detecting a predetermined gas component in a measurement gas includes: an external communication part having an opening opened to the outside, and introducing the measurement gas from the outside under a predetermined diffusion resistance; an internal space communicating with the external communication part; a first electrode formed on a surface of the internal space; a second electrode formed in a space different from the internal space; and a pumping cell operable to pump out oxygen existing in the internal space when a predetermined voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. The thickness of the external communication part is 50% or more and 100% or less of the thickness of the internal space.
US09110011B2 Remote measurement system and method for pesticide fog distribution and drifting tendency in aerial pesticide application
Disclosed are a remote measurement system and method for pesticide fog distribution and drifting tendency in aerial pesticide application, which relate to the technical field of hazardous substance monitoring. The system comprises: a collection module, used for collecting infrared radiation in a detected area, and enabling the infrared radiation to be incident on an optical module; the optical module, used for obtaining, according to the incident infrared radiation, an infrared imaging spectrum in the detected area where a pesticide fog cloud cluster is distributed, and sending the infrared imaging spectrum to a processing module; the processing module, used for analyzing the infrared imaging spectrum, identifying the pesticide fog cloud, obtaining a concentration image of the pesticide fog cloud through inversion, and predicting a drifting tendency of the pesticide fog according to the concentration image. The system and method of the present invention can comprehensively reflect the drifting condition of the pesticide fog in the air in real time, and can obtain the concentration and components of the pesticide fog. The method and system improve the pesticide application efficiency, and prevent damages on the environment and residential areas while saving the cost.
US09110010B2 Electrical detection using confined fluids
A device having: a laminar flow channel for liquids; two or more electrodes; a confining fluid inlet; a sample inlet; and a meter for measuring the impedance of any fluid between the electrodes. The device may have one or more specific binding sites, or it may have sheathing and unsheathing fluid transporting structures. A method of: providing the device; flowing a confining fluid and a conductive liquid that may contain cells or particles through the channel as described herein; and measuring the impedance between the electrodes.
US09110007B2 Image forming apparatus having optical sensor system, optical sensor system having detection modules, and method thereof
An optical sensor system is disclosed including a source module, a first detection module, and a second detection module. The source module includes a source housing unit having a source window member. The source module may emit a detection signal through the source window member. The first detection module and the second detection module are spaced apart from the source module.
US09110005B2 Stud detector
A stud detector has a voltage source, a first device, and a second device. The first device serves to generate a voltage that is galvanically decoupled from the voltage source. The second device serves for the potential-free transmission of a control signal.
US09110003B2 Microdiffraction
A method of X-ray diffraction illuminates a beam (4) of X-rays along an illuminated strip (16) on a surface (14) of a sample (10). The X-rays are diffracted by the sample (10) and pass through a mask (20) having a slit extending essentially perpendicularly to the strip (16). The X-rays are detected by a two-dimensional X-ray detector to measure the diffracted X-rays at different positions along the strip (16).
US09109997B2 Method for determining and/or monitoring at least one physical, process variable of a medium
A method for determining and/or monitoring at least one physical, process variable of a medium with an oscillatable unit, wherein the oscillatable unit is excited by means of a frequency search sweep within a predetermined frequency band in the working range of the oscillatable unit in the form of transmitted signals successively to oscillate with discrete exciter frequencies wherein the corresponding oscillations of the oscillatable unit are received in the form of received signals, wherein, via the frequency search sweep, the exciter frequency is ascertained, in the case of which the oscillatable unit oscillates with an oscillation frequency, which has a predetermined phase shift between the transmitted signal and the received signal. The transmitting/receiving unit excites the oscillatable unit to oscillate with the ascertained oscillation frequency. The selected points in time depend on the predetermined phase shift between transmitted signal and received signal and that the voltage values sampled at the discrete exciter frequencies of the received signal are evaluated with reference to their amplitude.
US09109993B2 Method and apparatus for sorting particles
A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate.
US09109992B2 Method for strengthening a wellbore of a well
One of the challenges of modern hydrocarbon production is the efficient sealing of a lost circulation zone. It has been discovered that it is possible to efficiently seal the fractures of lost circulation zones by formulating a fracture sealing composition based on a width of the fracture. In particular, it has been found that when the spurt loss volume is less than or equal to the fracture volume capacity of the fracture, then the sealing fluid can be pumped into the wellbore to form a sealing relationship with the fracture.
US09109987B2 Particle detecting device and particle detecting method
A particle detecting device includes: a fluorescence measuring instrument that measures light in a fluorescent band, which is produced in a region that is illuminated by an excitation beam from a light source; and an evaluating portion that evaluates whether the light measured by the fluorescence measuring instrument includes Raman-scattered light and florescent light, to evaluate that a fluorescent particle is included in the fluid if the evaluation is that the measured light includes florescent light, and to evaluate that the fluid does not include a fluorescent particle if the evaluation is that the measured light does not include fluorescent light, to evaluate that moisture is included in the fluid if there is an evaluation that the measured light includes Raman scattered light, and to evaluate that the fluid does not include moisture if there is an evaluation that the measured light does not include Raman scattered light.
US09109982B2 Sliced specimen preparing apparatus
A sliced specimen preparing apparatus prepares a sliced specimen by slicing a surface of a specimen block in which a specimen is embedded in an embedding-substance. The apparatus includes: a cutter configured to slice the surface of the specimen block; a surface exposure determination unit configured to determine whether or not the area of a specimen portion on the surface of the specimen block is sufficient for the preparation of the sliced specimen; and a specimen block transporting unit configured to transport the specimen block between the surface exposure determination unit and the cutter. The surface exposure determination unit includes a humidifying unit configured to humidify the surface of the specimen block; an irradiating unit configured to irradiate the surface of the specimen block with light; an imaging unit configured to receive reflected light from the humidified surface of the specimen block which is irradiated from the irradiating unit to acquire image data; an image data processing unit configured to discriminate the specimen portion on the surface of the specimen block from the embedding-substance portion based on the image data acquired by the imaging unit; and a controller configured to control the imaging unit, the irradiating unit, and the image data processing unit, and to determine whether or not the area of the specimen portion on the surface of the specimen block, the specimen portion being acquired by the image data processing unit, is sufficient for the preparation of the sliced specimen.
US09109980B2 Systems and methods for automated collection of analytes
One embodiment of the invention includes an automated system for collecting analyte. The system comprises a screen supply cartridge for holding a stack of clean tabs including sorbent coated screens (SCS) residing in SCS channels. The stack of tabs are arranged such that SCS tabs directly above and/or below a given SCS tab include SCS channels offset from the SCS channel of the given tab to isolate the SCS channels from one another and the environment. The system includes an air source that provides an analyte to be adsorbed by an SCS channel of a respective tab at a sampling region and a linear actuator that moves a given clean tab into the sampling region for exposing the SCS channel of the given clean tab to the analyte and providing a given exposed tab.
US09109978B2 Light cover or hood for live optical fiber identifier tool
A light hood for a fiber identifier tool that includes a head portion having interior photo detectors, a slot for receiving an optical fiber to be tested, and a clamp mechanism for urging the fiber to bend in the vicinity of the photo detectors when the mechanism is operated. The hood has a generally T-shaped body that defines a lower hood portion arranged to engage the clamp mechanism and operate the mechanism when the lower hood portion is pulled downward by a user. An upper hood portion of the body is configured so that when the lower hood portion is engaged with the clamp mechanism and pulled downward, the upper hood portion descends to cover the head portion of the tool including the slot. Outside light is then blocked from entering the slot and reaching the photo detectors whenever a fiber is tested by the tool, thus preventing false indications.
US09109974B2 Tire shape inspection method and tire shape inspection apparatus
A tire shape inspection method executes the following steps: first, as a teaching operation step, boundary lines of the bulge and dent marks are detected in a sample source image of a sample tire, a mask image is generated which denotes the boundary lines, regions are removed from the sample source image which correspond to the boundary lines which are denoted in the mask image, and a height offset image is generated which represents the heights of the remaining regions with one or more offset values. Next, as an inspection operation step, the height offset image is subtracted from an inspection image of the inspection tire, the boundary regions which the mask image represents are removed, and, on the basis of the obtained bulge/dent removal image, shape defects of the sidewall surfaces of the inspection tire are inspected.
US09109970B2 Method for circuit separation testing in a double gearwheel pump
A method for circuit separation testing in a double gearwheel pump having two gearwheel pumps includes charging one of the two gearwheel pumps with pressure and measuring the pressure build-up in the charged gearwheel pump and/or the pressure-build up in the other gearwheel pump. The pressure build-up is preferably realized by the gearwheel pump itself. The gearwheel pumps have a common pump shaft and are preferably configured as hydraulic pumps of a hydraulic vehicle brake system with slip control. The method detects any leak at the leadthrough of the pump shaft through a partition wall between the two gearwheel pumps.
US09109969B2 Co-registration of cores in multicore optical fiber sensing systems
A twisted, multicore fiber communicates light input to each core to an output. The twisting mitigates relative time delays of the input light traveling through each of the cores in the multicore fiber to the output caused by bending of that multicore fiber. An example application is in an optical network that includes an optical input terminal and an optical sensor connected by a twisted multicore connecting fiber. One example of twisted multicore optical fiber is helically-wrapped, multicore fiber.
US09109967B2 Irreversible hydrostatic pressure indicator
An irreversible pressure indicator, comprising a sealed vessel forming a fluid chamber and at least one indicating chamber; an indicating material contained within the fluid chamber, said material capable of being acted upon by a pressure force; and a gas contained within the indicating chamber, said gas capable of being displaced or compressed by said indicating material, and a method for using the same.
US09109965B2 Torque angle sensor
A torque angle sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a torque sensor unit and an angle sensor unit at a housing centrally arranged with a rotation shaft, the torque sensor unit including a stator installed inside the housing, a torque magnet rotatably installed at a center of the stator in conjunction with rotary operation of the rotation shaft, a collector installed at the housing to transmit a magnetic field of the torque magnet, a magnetic device module formed with an individually operating first magnetic device and a second magnetic device in one package to detect the magnetic field transmitted by the collector, and a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) mounted with the magnetic device module, wherein the PCB is arranged to a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the rotation shaft and installed at a distal end with the magnetic device module.
US09109962B2 Electromagnetic wave radiation detection member, electromagnetic wave radiation detection method, and device including electromagnetic wave radiation detection member
To provide an electromagnetic wave radiation detection member, an electromagnetic wave radiation detection method, and a device including the electromagnetic wave radiation detection member that make it possible to determine whether an object to be detected has been heated by electromagnetic wave radiation by a microwave oven or the like. One embodiment includes a detection material 1 containing liquid and discoloring a substance to be attached to which the detection material adheres, and a bag 2 including the detection material 1 therein and from which the liquid flows out due to radiation of electromagnetic waves. Accordingly, the substance to be attached is discolored due to electromagnetic wave radiation, thereby making it possible to determine whether the electromagnetic waves have been radiated.
US09109957B2 Temperature sensor unit and a method for making the same
A method of manufacturing a temperature sensor unit comprising the steps of: providing the conductors in the sheath such that in a first zone a space is defined between the sheath and the conductors; providing the second insulating material in liquid form in the space; positioning the sensors in the space such that the conductors are provided closer to the center of the sheath than the sensors; and soldering and/or welding the set of conductors to the set of terminals. A temperature sensor in which sets of conductors and one or more temperature sensors are arranged inside a sheath and with respect to each other such that the conductors are provided closer to the center of the sheath than the temperature sensors.
US09109954B2 Optical microscope and optical instrumentation
An optical microscope that can prevent an increase in the complexity of the light source system is equipped with optics readily capable of adequate operation even when the modulation frequency is increased to reduce the impact of the intensity noise of the laser. The optical microscope irradiates a sample with a first train of optical pulses having a first optical frequency, which is generated by a first light source, and a second train of optical pulses having a second optical frequency, which is temporally synchronized with the first train of optical pulses and is generated by a second light source, and detects light scattered from the sample. A first repetition frequency of the first train of optical pulses is an integral sub-multiple of a second repetition frequency of the second train of optical pulses.
US09109949B2 Near-field optical sensing system
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for sensing touch and/or gestures in the near-field area overlying a light-guiding layer within a device or other optical sensing system. In one aspect, modulated infrared light is emitted into the overlying area, and the light reflected by objects within the overlying area is redirected through the light-guiding layer to infrared sensors. In one aspect, a masking structure can be located between the light-guiding layer and the infrared sensors. In some aspects, probability mapping or backtracing can be used to estimate the locations of objects within the overlying area.
US09109948B2 Coupling optical signals into silicon optoelectronic chips
A method and system for coupling optical signals into silicon optoelectronic chips are disclosed and may include coupling one or more optical signals into a back surface of a CMOS photonic chip in a photonic transceiver, wherein photonic, electronic, or optoelectronic devices may be integrated in layers on a front surface of the CMOS photonic chip. Optical couplers, such as grating couplers, may receive the optical signals in the front surface. The optical signals may be coupled into the back surface of the chips via optical fibers and/or optical source assemblies. The optical signals may be coupled to the optical couplers via a light path etched in the chips, which may be refilled with silicon dioxide. The chips may be bonded to a second chip. Optical signals may be reflected back to the optical couplers via metal reflectors, which may be integrated in dielectric layers on the chips.
US09109947B2 Apparatus and method for navigation
An apparatus and system for use in determining location of a celestial body are presented. The apparatus comprises: a polarizer comprising an array of polarized light filter cells and a light sensor array. The array of polarized light filter cells comprises at least a first polarization direction and a second polarization direction different from said first polarization direction. And the polarizer thereby produces polarized light of at least first and second different polarizations. The light sensor array is configured to receive the polarized light from the polarizer and produce data indicative of a pattern of at least one of light polarization intensity and direction. The pattern is indicative of at least one of azimuth and elevation of the celestial body to be located.
US09109944B2 Method and system for enhancing the spatial resolution of a fiber optical distributed acoustic sensing assembly
The spatial resolution of a fiber optical Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) assembly is enhanced by: arranging an optical DAS fiber with a series of contiguous channels that are sensitive to vibration in a U-shaped loop such that substantially parallel fiber sections include pairs of channels that are arranged at least partially side by side; transmitting a series of light pulses through the optical fiber and receiving back reflections of said light pulses by a light transmission and receiving assembly; and processing the received back reflections such that back reflections stemming from at least one pair of channels that are arranged at least partially side by side are correlated to each other.
US09109941B2 Microwave emitter and level measuring device
A microwave transmitting device for a level measuring device (1) having an electronic device, a microwave emitter and a waveguide (3). The inside of the waveguide is filled with a casting compound. A microwave transmitting device that is particularly compact and cost-effective is implemented by the microwave emitter and the electronic device being enclosed by a casting formed of a casting/potting compound.
US09109937B2 Level measurement of process fluid using a remote seal
An apparatus is provided for measuring level of a process fluid in a container opening. The apparatus includes a remote seal configured to be inserted into the container through an opening and configured to receive a pressure related to the level of process fluid in the container. A capillary tube filled with a fill fluid extends from the remote seal to the opening and is configured to convey the pressure therebetween. A pressure sensor coupled to the capillary tube senses the pressure from the capillary tube and responsively determines the level of the process fluid in the container. The remote seal includes a bellows portion arranged to isolate the process fluid from the fill fluid in the capillary tube and convey the pressure therebetween.
US09109934B2 Solution processing apparatus, solution processing method, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus is configured to perform a solution process by supplying a processing solution from a processing solution supply source to the substrate held on a substrate holder via a flow path member and a nozzle at a flow rate equal to or less than 1 mL/sec. The apparatus includes a solution transfer unit configured to transfer the processing solution to the nozzle, and mounted to the flow path member, and an ultrasonic flowmeter mounted to the flow path member at a downstream side from the solution transfer unit. In this embodiment, a lower limit of a flow rate range which is measured by the ultrasonic flowmeter is equal to or less than 1 mL/sec.
US09109932B2 Pipeline or measuring tube having at least one layer which insulates at least in certain regions, and method for the manufacture thereof
A pipeline or measuring tube having at least one insulating layer, at least in certain regions, and comprising, manufactured in a primary shaping method, a tubular element, which has an otherwise closed structure and which has at least one region with an open-pored, cellular structure, wherein the material of the insulating layer, in the applying of the insulating layer, can penetrate into the pores of the open-pored, cellular structure of the tubular element and the insulating layer has on the side to be insulated a closed, homogeneous structure.
US09109929B2 Fluid flow monitoring system
A fluid flow conditioning conduit for a fluid flow control gate which generates a conditioned fluid flow coupled to a flow meter which measures the velocity of the conditioned fluid flow allowing calculation of the volume of the conditioned fluid flow.
US09109927B2 Pointer-type meter
A pointer-type meter is provided in which, even when a pointer has a meandering shape, the influence thereof on the operation characteristics of the pointer can be minimized. The meter includes a display 1, display plates 21 and 22 having indicator portions 211 and 221, respectively, and placed to allow visual recognition of the display 1, a driving apparatus 6 placed at the back of the display 1 and having a pointer shaft 61 protruding toward the display 1, and a pointer 7 pivoting about the pointer shaft 61 serving as a rotation center axis RC to point to the indicator portions 211 and 221, the pointer 7 including a detour portion 71 and a pointing portion 72 pointing to the indicator portions 211 and 221, wherein a point P1 of the detour portion 71 farthest from the rotation center axis RC is closer to the rotation center axis RC than a tip P2 of the pointing portion 72.
US09109923B2 Electromagnetic pushing and knocking-type object detector
A level sensor, particularly an electromagnetic pushing and knocking-type object detector, comprising: a magnetic swinging rod, an electromagnet that is disposed on one side of the magnetic swinging rod, and an electronic module that controls the electromagnet in driving the magnetic swinging rod to swing, and amplifies, processes, and time-delay outputs the swinging signals of the magnetic swinging rod, which swinging signals are collected by the electromagnet, said magnetic swinging rod is suspended with a suspension device on one side of a main housing, and the electromagnet, which is composed of an electromagnet iron core and an electromagnet coil, is disposed inside the main housing. The electric module comprises a power supply circuit, a pulse generation circuit, a pulse driving circuit, a signal amplification circuit, a signal processing circuit, and a signal time delay output circuit, and the aforementioned circuits are all disposed in the main housing or are isolated from the main housing and enclosed separately. The present invention has the advantages of high sensitivity, accuracy, and reliability; has a wide range of applications; is maintenance-free; and features a long service life.
US09109917B2 Systems and methods for providing input suggestions via the head unit of a vehicle
To assist a driver with requesting navigation data via a head unit of a vehicle, partial user input provided to the head unit is received via a short-range communication link and suggested input corresponding to the partial user input is generated. The partial user input includes a sequence of alphanumeric characters. The suggested input includes the sequence of alphanumeric characters and one or more additional characters and corresponds to a set of one or more geographic locations. The suggested input is provided to the head unit via the short-range communication link.
US09109916B2 Method and system for using routine driving information
A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes a controller to process a criterion for selecting a point-of-interest (POI). The criterion can be based on historical trip data. Data related to a POI, including a community-of-interest rating, for example, can be accessed through a satellite and terrestrial mobile communication network. Multiple POIs can be graphically represented for user selection based on the criterion and/or other data. Once a POI is selected, data related to the selected POI, including navigation data, can be displayed. In another embodiment, the controller can access navigation data to a specified destination. The navigation data can be based on historical trip data such as route segments and destination areas. The navigation data can be accessed from an in-vehicle system or from a navigation service provider and can be displayed to assist a user in reaching the specified destination.
US09109914B2 Energy efficient routing using an impedance factor
A method and system for calculating an energy efficient route is disclosed. A route calculation application calculates one or more routes from an origin to a destination. For each of the routes, the route calculation application uses impedance factor data associated with each segment in the route. The impedance factor is calculated using probe data when the probe data is available for a road segment. When probe data is unavailable, the impedance factor is calculated using machine learning techniques that analyze the results of the impedance factor classifications for road segments having probe data.
US09109912B1 Mobile navigation system operating with a remote server
A client navigation system establishes a wireless connection to a navigation server on a computer network. The client requests a route by uploading start and stop specifications. The server calculates an optimal route based on real-time data available on the network. A generic natural language description is used to specify the optimal route downloaded to the client. The natural language description is independent from the local mapping database software on the client and includes a plain text description for each link using pre-defined generic terms. The client interprets the route, interfaces with the local mapping database and reconstructs the optimal route using a mapping reconstruction algorithm. The route is displayed on the client navigation system using whatever mapping database is present.
US09109907B2 Vehicle position recognition apparatus and method using image recognition information
Provided is a GPS correction system and method which corrects position information obtained from a low-precision GPS device using image recognition information. The GPS correction system using image recognition system includes: a GPS module; an image recognition device having a line recognition function; a road map storage unit configured to store road map information including line characteristic information or a road map receiving unit configured to receive the road map information; and an information processing device configured to compare the line recognition information acquired through the image recognition device to the line characteristic information, correct a current position measured by the GPS module, and calculate traveling lane information.
US09109905B2 Device location determination
Methods, apparatuses and systems of estimating a location of a device are disclosed. One method includes determining a first position of the device, sensing at least one magnetic anomaly at the first position, estimating a location of the magnetic anomaly relative to the first position by determining a plurality of magnetic properties of the magnetic anomaly based on sensed signals of at least a magnetic sensor, and estimating a second position of the device based on a sensed change in a distance from the magnetic anomaly to the device.
US09109904B2 Integration of map services and user applications in a mobile device
A location is specified, e.g., a current location of a mobile device or a user-specified location. A representation of the location is represented on a map displayed by the mobile device. A set of contacts having a corresponding address in proximity to the location is determined. A graphical representation of the set of contacts is provided on the map proximate to the one or more corresponding addresses. If the location is a current location of a mobile device, the map can be updated in response to the current location changing with a representation of an updated current location and a representation of an updated set of contacts.
US09109903B2 Transmitting location data in wireless networks
A wireless access point in a wireless network that may be adapted to transmit location data indicating its location to other devices within range, including other wireless access points and client devices. In some embodiments of the invention, the location data may be embedded in a control message or announcement transmission transmitted by the wireless access point, or other message conventionally used to broadcast network characteristics necessary for a client device to establish a connection to the wireless access point. In terms of the Open Systems Interconnect (OSI) layered model of a network, layer 2 control messages, including beacons, probe responses, or other suitable transmissions may be used for control messages or announcement transmissions. The other wireless access points and client devices may receive the location data broadcast by the wireless access point without establishing a connection to the client device. Devices receiving the location data may use the received location data to determine their own locations, and may provide the determined locations to consumers of location data.
US09109901B2 System and method for monitoring a gyroscope
Systems and methods are provided for monitoring operation of MEMS gyroscopes (110). A test signal generator (124) is configured to generate and apply a test signal to the rate feedback loop (112) of a MEMS gyroscope (110). A test signal detector (126) is coupled to the quadrature feedback loop (114) of the MEMS gyroscope (110) and is configured to receive a quadrature output signal from the quadrature feedback loop (114). The test signal detector (126) demodulates the quadrature output signal to detect effects of the test signal. Finally, the test signal detector (126) is configured to generate a monitor output indicative of the operation of the sensing device based at least in part on the detected effects of the test signal in the quadrature output signal. Thus, the system is able to provide for the continuous monitoring of the operation of the MEMS gyroscope (110).
US09109899B2 Information processing apparatus, route navigator, information processing method, and computer program storage medium
An information processing apparatus may be implemented as a route navigator, which uses a route navigation method and a computer program product. A processing circuit is used to calculate respective passage frequencies of passageway segments in a passage history. The processing circuit then selects a navigation route to a destination, includes at least one passageway segment with a passage frequency that is a low or zero passage frequency.
US09109898B2 Laser radar through the window (LRTW) coordinate correction method
A method for corrections of measurements of points of interests measured by beams of radiation propagating through stratified media including performance of ray-tracing of at least one ray lunched from a metrology instrument in a direction of an apparent point of interest, calculation a path length of the ray through stratified medium, and determination of coordinates of true position of the point interest using the at least one path length and the direction of propagation of the ray.
US09109896B2 Model-based egress support system
A model-based egress support system (10) employs models to generate an optimal egress route for occupants in a region. The system includes an egress controller (16) that is connected to receive detection data. The egress controller (16) executes an optimization algorithm (22) to select an egress route based on model-based egress estimates generated by an egress prediction model (18) in response to the detection data.
US09109893B2 Micro-gyroscope and method for operating a micro-gyroscope
A micro-gyroscope for determining a rate of rotation about a Z-axis includes a substrate and two sensor devices each of which comprises at least one drive mass, at least one anchor, drive elements, at least one sensor mass and sensor elements. The drive mass is mounted linearly displaceably in the direction of an X-axis, and can be driven in an oscillatory manner with respect to the X-axis. The sensor mass is coupled to the drive mass by means of springs. The sensor mass is displaceable in the Y-direction, and sensor elements detects a deflection of the sensor mass in the Y-axis. The two sensor devices are disposed parallel to each other and one above the other in the direction of the Z-axis, and the drive mass in these two sensor devices are coupled to each other by means of a coupling spring.
US09109892B2 Light-enabled plumb indicator and wall brace device
A device for positioning an object such as a framed wall plumb or perpendicular relative to a support surface therefor. The device features first and second elongated members which are rotationally engaged. With a first end of the second elongated member engaged to the vertically disposed object, and the distal end of the first elongated member positioned upon the support surface, a tilting of the wall is accomplished by pressure applied to a handle portion of the second elongated member. The tilting causes movement of a projected light beam from a position at the first end of the second elongated member. Continued tilting allows a user to align an illumination point of the light beam, with a mark on the support surface, and ascertain the object is plumb relative to the support surface.
US09109891B2 Stereo camera
The present invention relates to a stereo camera which includes: a main camera which photographs a first image; a sub-camera which has camera parameters different from those of the main camera and photographs a second image; a distance information acquiring part which associates each pixel in the first and second images and acquires distance information including parallax information; and a right/left image generating part which generates a stereo view image based on one of the first and second images and the distance information.
US09109889B2 Determining tilt angle and tilt direction using image processing
A survey instrument includes a surveying device configured to perform survey measurements and an imaging device coupled to the surveying device and having a known spatial relationship with the surveying device. The imaging device may be configured to obtain image information. The survey instrument also includes a processor in electrical communication with the imaging device. The processor may be configured to receive the image information from the imaging device, process the image information to determine a pose of the imaging device, and determine a tilt angle of the survey instrument and a tilt direction of the survey instrument in a reference frame. Tilt angle and the tilt direction of the survey instrument may be determined using the pose of the imaging device.
US09109885B2 Optical sensor and sensing method using the same
The optical sensor according to an embodiment disclosed herein includes: a lighting unit; a color photographing element for obtaining a color image in the sensing region; a photographing control unit for controlling a light irradiating time; a memory unit for storing a color image and a resultant image; a measurement light image extracting unit for processing the color image or the resultant image; a distance calculating unit for calculating distance or location information of the object; and a color correcting unit for calculating corrected distance or location information of the object.
US09109884B2 Method and equipment for manufacturing electric resistance welded steel pipe
A method for manufacturing an electric resistance steel pipe having a good toughness at a welded portion is provided, the method being capable of stably manufacturing an electric resistance welded steel pipe having a desirable toughness at a welded portion although a steel strip serving as a base material has a dimensional variation. Groove shapes and are applied to edges and of an open pipe, an edge shape monitor continuously captures images of the edges and immediately before electric resistance welding, and the captured images are input to an arithmetic processing unit for image processing.
US09109883B2 High resolution large displacement/crack sensor
A structural displacement sensor that includes an arched member having two ends, where each end is attached to a fastening member. In an embodiment of the invention, the fastening members are configured to be attached to a structure. Further, a strain gauge is attached to the arched member, and the strain gauge is operatively connected to a signal processing device. In an embodiment, the arched member and strain gauge are configured to measure a displacement of the structure based on the amount of strain detected on the strain gauge.
US09109881B2 Prism coupling methods with improved mode spectrum contrast for double ion-exchanged glass
Methods of capturing improved-contrast mode spectra of a double ion-exchanged (DIOX) glass sample using prism coupling of index np. The DIOX glass sample has a refractive index profile with a first region adjacent the surface that satisfies 0.0005 ≤  λ n ⁢ ⅆ n ⅆ x  ≤ 0.0009 , where λ is a wavelength of measuring light. The prism-sample interface includes an interfacing liquid of index nf that differs from np by no more than 0.03, and that can exceed np. The mode spectra have a contrast that is higher than that obtained by conventional prism coupling by using gradient illumination or partially blocked illumination that reduces the amount of background reflected light from the coupling prism. The improved-contrast mode spectra can be processed using conventional means to determine at least one stress characteristic of the DIOX glass sample.
US09109875B2 Roofing template and method of cutting roofing shingles
Disclosed is a template and method for use in the roofing industry for cutting roofing shingles on site in multiple useful lengths with each individual cut. The template, formed of a durable material such as aluminum, comprises a base plate having an upwardly facing planar surface. Border walls rise from two adjacent sides of the planar surface of the base plate and have abutment surfaces facing inwardly towards the planar surface of the base plate. Permanent markings on the abutment surfaces and the planar surface are visible at a fixed point above the template so as to enable a person with a T-square and a cutting instrument to cut a standard size shingle piece into two useful pieces or to cut multiple shingles stacked on top of one another into two useful pieces.
US09109874B2 Modular, six-axis-adjustable, concrete-pour form-structure system
A precision fabrication form system for preparing a poured-concrete (with upwardly projecting anchor bolts) footing for anchorably supporting the base of an elongate, upright, structural-frame column. The system includes a reversibly stackable plurality of independent, intercooperative, fabrication-form templates—grade, pedestal, base-plate, anchor-bolt and centerline—reversibly assembleable in a predetermined stack order above a prepared ground excavation into which concrete pouring to be associated with such a footing is to occur, certain ones of these templates being infinitely adjustable relative to one another and to the ground in both pre-pour and post-pour conditions to accommodate staged, precision, X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis, and pitch, roll and yaw axes dispositions for the concrete and anchor bolts in such a footing.
US09109873B1 Apparatus and method for inspecting a turbine blade tip shroud
An apparatus for inspecting a tip shroud includes a frame having top and bottom surfaces. A first stop is connected to the bottom surface to contact a first side surface of the tip shroud, and a second stop is in sliding engagement with the frame to contact a second side surface of the tip shroud. A method for inspecting a tip shroud includes placing an apparatus against the tip shroud, wherein the apparatus has a first stop connected to a frame and a second stop in sliding engagement with the frame. The method further includes engaging the first stop with a first side surface of the tip shroud and sliding the second stop with respect to the frame until the second stop contacts a second side surface of the tip shroud.
US09109871B2 Vertical leap measuring device
A vertical leap measuring device is provided. The device comprises rotatable blades mounted to a support mechanism mounted to a mount, which can be mounted to a support structure. The support mechanism is configured to rotate with respect to the mount between an operable position and a stored position. In the operating position, the blades are configured to rotate about the support mechanism in response to user-applied force. Once displaced, the blades can be automatically reset to an original position by operation of a remote-controlled transmitter that commands positioning members to return displaced blades back to their original position. The blades are made of a combination of flexible and non-flexible members.
US09109869B2 Interferometer and fourier-transform spectroscopic analyzer
An interferometer (1) measures a measuring interference beam, while detecting the position of a moving mirror (16) on the basis of detection results obtained from a reference beam detector (25). In the interferometer, a reference beam source (21) is configured by including a light source (21a) composed of a semiconductor laser device. A reference optical system (20) has a collimating optical system (22) for a reference beam, said collimating optical system converting a laser beam outputted from the reference beam source (21) into a collimated beam, and the collimated beam is diagonally inputted to a fixed mirror (15).
US09109868B2 Method and program for using gestures to control a coordinate measuring device
A coordinate measuring device includes a measuring probe measuring three-dimensional coordinates; a measuring arm supporting the measuring probe and outputting position information for calculating the three-dimensional coordinates; a controller connected to the measuring arm and detecting the three-dimensional coordinates based on the position information; and a display displaying a menu. The controller further displays the menu on the display when a predefined menu display operation performed using the measuring probe is detected.
US09109867B2 Weld detecting method and weld detecting apparatus
A weld detecting method that detects a weld on a work includes: obtaining in advance at least one correlation, from among a correlation between a width of the neck and an amount of elongation of the work and a correlation between the width of the neck and an amount of change in at least one of a sheet thickness and a sheet width of the work before and after elongation of the work, and calculating the width of the neck based on the at least one correlation by obtaining at least one of the sheet thickness, the sheet width, or the amount of elongation of the work from the obtained at least one correlation; setting a conveying speed, according to the calculated width of the neck; and detecting the neck by measuring the sheet width of the work at predetermined intervals, while conveying the work the set conveying speed.
US09109863B2 Vibrating projectile
A projectile that includes a vibrating function is presented. The vibrating projectile, such as an arrow, is structured to penetrate flesh of an animal more easily than a standard projectile. After the arrow has reached its target, a switch turns on a vibrating mechanism that causes the arrowhead, such as a broadhead to vibrate as it is traveling into the animal. This deeper penetration causes more injury to the animal and reduces the time between arrow penetration and animal expiration.
US09109862B2 System, device, and method of protecting aircrafts against incoming threats
System, device and method for protecting aircrafts against incoming threats. The system includes: (a) a dual-band Radio Frequency (RF) track-and-confirm module comprising: a dual-band RF receiver to receive high-band RF signals and low-band RF signals; a threat confirmation module to confirm a possible incoming threat based on processing of RF signals received at the dual-band RF receiver; a threat parameters calculator to calculate a fine angular position and a precise angular position of a confirmed incoming threat, based on processing of RF signals received at low-band RF for fine angular position and at high-band RF for precise angular position; (b) a countermeasure directed Laser module to activate a directed Laser countermeasure towards said precise angular position of said confirmed incoming threat.
US09109861B1 System for assembling a derived nucleotide sequence
Systems and methods automatically assemble a set of read sequences into one or more larger nucleotide sequences using a set of comparing sequences as a template. The sequences of each set are divided into smaller mer sequences and sorted to arrange the mer sequences in order, and the sets of mers originating from the read sequence set and the comparing sequence set are compared pairwise to determine matching regions between the sequences of the read sequence set and the sequences of the comparing set. The sorting of the sequence sets prior to the pairwise comparison reduces the amount of volatile memory required to assemble the read sequence set and also reduces the overall time to assemble the read sequence set into one or more larger nucleotide sequences.
US09109860B2 Active blast countermeasures
An explosion countermeasure system is provided including a first sensor device with a plurality of accelerometers configured to detect vertical acceleration of a vehicle; a countermeasure; a safe and arming device configured to impede activation of the countermeasure; and a processor in communication with the first sensor device and the safe and arming device. The processor may be configured to process acceleration signals received from the first sensor device and to make ready the safe and arming device and initiate the countermeasure based on results of processing the acceleration signals. Making ready the safe and arming device may be based on an initial acceleration exceeding a first threshold, and initiating the countermeasure may be based on the initial acceleration exceeding a second threshold and a velocity change exceeding a third threshold.
US09109858B1 Amphibious armor
Buoyant armor for jacketed rounds includes an outer, laminate reinforced strike face having a hardness greater than 640 Brinell. The strike face is configured to strip the jacket off a projectile as it passes through the strike face and to rotate the projectile. An inner, laminate reinforced strike face is separated from the outer, laminate reinforced strike face by a spacer layer. Foam greater than 40 mm thick is disposed behind the inner strike face and is configured to disperse a round and/or its fragments and to provide buoyancy to the armor.
US09109854B1 Comb for recoil of shoulder fired weapon
A comb and mounting mechanism for a shoulder fired weapon, wherein the mounting mechanism isolates the comb from the recoil of the shoulder fired weapon, the comb being a piece of the original stock of the shoulder fired weapon along the upper ridge, which is removed from the weapon.
US09109853B2 Paintball marker and loader system
Among other things, methods and apparatus regarding collection, dissemination and display of information concerning paintball loaders and markers are disclosed. A loader includes a heads-up display, electronic devices for gathering, storing and disseminating information, and an antenna for sending and receiving data. Wireless voice communications among paintball players is possible via associated headsets. There is also disclosed paintball equipment and methods for controlling both the firing and loading mechanism of paintball equipment. Current systems or mechanisms have individual and discrete electronic control systems for firing operations, e.g. located in the paintball gun itself, and loading operations, e.g. located inside the paintball loader. The present disclosure unifies the electronic control of said firing and loader operations into a single electronic circuit board located on either the paintball gun or paintball loader.
US09109850B2 Shotshell type ammunition, firearms for firing such shotshell type ammunition, and methods of manufacturing such shotshell type ammunition
Shotshell type ammunition includes a hull, a sabot disposed within the hull, and at least one projectile disposed within the sabot. The hull has a rimless first end that includes a primer for firing the ammunition. The hull also has a seat surface for seating the hull against a complementary seat surface in a firing chamber of a firearm. The seat surface is located a distance from an outer end surface of the hull at the rimless first end. The hull further includes an outer cylindrical side surface extending from the rimless first end of the hull to the seat surface of the hull. Methods of fabricating such ammunition include forming such a hull, providing one or more projectiles within a sabot, and disposing the sabot with the one or more projectiles therein at least partially into the hull. Shotgun type firearms are configured for firing such ammunition.
US09109847B1 Shotgun reloading apparatus to enhance shooting efficiency
A shotgun reloading apparatus to conserve user effort and movement in reloading shells in a shotgun to enhance shooting efficiency is provided. The reloading apparatus includes a base member coupled to a side portion of the shotgun, and a storage member coupled to the base member and having a cradle and a plurality of fingers such that space between the cradle and fingers is sufficient to secure a shotgun shell in a first position where a longitudinal axis of the shell is parallel to a longitudinal axis of a breech of the shotgun. This enables a user to rotate the secured shell from the first position to a second position proximate the breech to permit a disposal of the shell into the breech to reload the shotgun.
US09109845B2 Outdoor heat exchanger and air conditioner including the same
An outdoor heat exchanger in cooling operation includes: a first header pipe into which a refrigerant compressed by a compressor flows; a first heat exchanging unit connected with the first header pipe and allowing a refrigerant to exchange heat with the air; a bypass pipe through which the refrigerant exchanging heat in the first heat exchanging unit flows; a first distribution pipe connected with the bypass pipe; a distribution pipe check valve that is disposed in the first distribution pipe and preventing the refrigerant exchanging heat in the first heat exchanging unit from passing through the first distribution pipe; a second header pipe into which the refrigerant passing through the bypass pipe flows; a second heat exchanging unit connected with the second header pipe and allowing a refrigerant to exchange heat with the air; and a second distribution pipe through which the refrigerant exchanging heat in the second heat exchanging unit passes.
US09109843B1 Radiator systems
Radiator systems utilizing controlling features for shutdown and restart for varying heat load applications.
US09109838B2 Gas blowing nozzle
This invention relates to a gas blowing nozzle for blowing a gas to a molten metal in a furnace, the gas blowing nozzle including: a first nozzle section including a plurality of first narrow metal pipes having open furnace-side tips exposed to an inside of the furnace and being in the state of capable of blowing a gas to the molten metal in the furnace, a first surge tank communicated with the first narrow metal pipes, and a first refractory protecting the first narrow metal pipes and the first surge tank; and a second nozzle section including a plurality of second narrow metal pipes, a second surge tank communicated with the second narrow metal pipes, and a second refractory protecting the second narrow metal pipes and the second surge tank.
US09109837B2 System for substance separation and energy recovery by thermal treatment
A system for substance separation and energy recovery by thermal treatment is disclosed. The system includes a thermal treatment reactor, a circulation piping, a heat exchanger, a discharge pipeline, a latent heat recovering device, a gasifier, and a combustion furnace. The substance is fed into the thermal treatment reactor for heating the treated substance so as to produces a gaseous substance by evaporation or pyrolysis. The treated substance is separated into the gaseous substance circulating between the heat exchanger and the thermal treatment reactor and a residual substance being fed into the thermal treatment reactor. The increased gaseous substance, during the circulation process, is fed into a latent heat recovery device, wherein the gaseous substance exchanges heat with a cold fluid and condenses to release latent heat, forming a liquid condensed substance and a non-condensed substance.
US09109835B2 Method and control system for controlling supply of heat energy from a furnace to mulitple dryers
A method for controlling supply of heat energy from a furnace to multiple dryers includes: determining a preset temperature, a preset humidity and a drying time for each of the dryers; calculating heat energy demand of each of the dryers according to the preset temperature, the preset humidity and the drying time of a respective one of the dryers, and calculating a fuel amount to be supplied to the furnace, and a volume of hot air to be supplied to each of the dryers; detecting a drying temperature in each of the dryers; and for each of the dryers, comparing the drying temperature and the preset temperature of the dryer, increasing the volume of hot air when the drying temperature is lower than the preset temperature, and decreasing the volume of hot air when the drying temperature is higher than the preset temperature.
US09109834B2 High performance grain dryer
High performance grains dryer fed by a heat generating source through hot air stabilizers linked to the drying column and the dryer tower, which is constituted by a series of parallel ducts, between which passes the downstream vertical now of grains, unevenly set in oblique alignment and fed so that each duct that operates as hot air entry presents laterally adjacent ducts that operate as used air exit, causing the appearance of air lows crossed to the right, crossed to the left, concurrent and countercurrent, the adopted air flows varying along the drying tower, decreasing along the same, while the perimeter walls of the dryer are equipped with particles separators that generate air flow to the dryer and separate the particles expelled by the drying process, re-conducting them to the burning in the furnace through return ducts. The drying tower is assembled on a hydraulic discharge mechanism, which controls the speed of the grains inside the dryer, releasing the grains in short cycles, eliminating self-classification and providing a uniform discharge of the product, the bottom presenting windows for the reversion of the air flow at the grains discharge.
US09109831B2 Process and apparatus for the separation of a gaseous mixture
A process for separating carbon dioxide from a carbon dioxide containing fluid comprises the steps of: compressing the fluid in a compressor to form a compressed fluid, drying at least part of the compressed fluid to form a compressed and dried fluid, cooling at least part of the compressed and dried fluid to form a compressed, dried and cooled fluid, separating the compressed, dried and cooled fluid at a temperature lower than 0° C. into a carbon dioxide rich stream, a carbon dioxide lean stream and at least one intermediate purity liquid stream having a carbon dioxide purity lower than that of the carbon dioxide rich stream and higher than that of the carbon dioxide lean stream, expanding at least one intermediate purity liquid stream to produce at least one expanded stream using at least one expanded stream to cool the compressed and dried fluid and recycling at least part of the expanded stream.
US09109830B2 Low ambient cooling kit for variable refrigerant flow heat pump
Systems and methods for low ambient air temperature cooling in air-source based heat pump systems wherein an outdoor heat pump unit includes a discharge hood positionable over its fan. The hood including a damper that is openable and closeable as a function of outside temperature. The outdoor unit may also include wind deflectors positioned over the coil openings of the disclosure. During cooling operations below a low outside air threshold temperature, e.g., below 23° F., the damper assembly partially closes to reduce airflow across the condenser coil of the outdoor unit to a level below that which is possible at minimum fan speed. As the outdoor temperature continues to drop, the damper assembly continues to close to further reduce airflow.
US09109827B1 Revolving framed refrigerator device
A revolving framed refrigerator device having an inverted U frame having an interior side, a top end, a pair of spaced apart legs, and a center, a motor disposed within the frame proximal the center, a rotation control disposed on one leg, the rotation control in operational communication with the motor, a multi-doored refrigerator disposed within the frame, the refrigerator having a front side spaced apart from a back side, a first side spaced apart from a back side, a top side spaced apart from a bottom side, the top side connected to the motor, a plurality of doors disposed on the front side, a plurality of doors disposed on the back side, and a bearinged base wherein the rotation control rotates the refrigerator to a desired position.
US09109824B2 Expansion valve with force equalization
An expansion valve having an inlet opening, at least one outlet opening and first and second valve parts. The inlet opening is adapted to receive fluid medium in a liquid state. The outlet opening(s) is/are adapted to deliver fluid medium in an at least partly gaseous state to a flow path. The valve parts are arranged movable relative to each other such that the mutual position of the valve parts determines a fluid flow between the inlet opening and the outlet opening(s). During normal operation, a resulting force acts upon the first valve part and/or the second valve part to press the first and second valve parts towards each other. The expansion valve having ability for reducing the resulting force acting upon the valve part(s). Thereby the valve parts can easier be moved relative to each other, and the force required in order to operate the valve is thereby reduced.
US09109822B2 Expansion valve
An expansion valve is disclosed herein and includes a valve body having a chamber; a valve seat and a valve core are provided in the chamber; a first opening and a second opening in communication with the chamber, wherein the valve core moves relative to the valve seat to control a size of a flow channel between the first opening and the second opening, wherein the valve core includes a valve core head portion facing the valve seat, the valve head portion is provided with an axial through hole, a piston is provided in the axial through hole, the piston is connected with the valve body. The piston which is connected with the valve body is provided in the axial through hole of the valve core head portion of the expansion valve. Therefore, fluid pressure may be transmitted to the valve body by the piston, so as to reduce the forces applied on the valve core, and balance the influence of differential pressure between high pressure and low pressure on the valve core more steadily, which in turn can reflect the change in the superheat degree at the outlet of the evaporator truly.
US09109817B2 Air conditioner and method of operating an air conditioner
An air conditioner and a method of operating an air conditioner are provided. The air conditioner may include a heat pump having a water-refrigerant heat exchanger that condenses or evaporates a refrigerant by heat exchange with heat source water; a heat source water flow path connected to the water-refrigerant heat exchanger; a pump installed on the heat source water flow path; a variable flow valve installed on the heat source water flow path; and a variable flow valve controller that controls an opening degree of the variable flow valve. The variable flow valve controller may include a heat source water minimum flow manipulator that manipulates a minimum flow rate of the heat source water and regulates the opening degree of the variable flow valve according to the manipulation of the heat source water minimum flow manipulator. Accordingly, a user or installation personnel may selectively regulate power consumption and efficiency as desired.
US09109811B2 Heat pump water heater assembly
A heat pump water heater assembly is provided. The heat pump water heater assembly comprises a water tank, a cover having opposing first and second surfaces, a compressor, a connector configured to connect the compressor to the first surface of the cover, and at least one bracket comprising a first section mounted to the second surface of the cover by the connector and a second section extending outward from the first section and into a space between the water tank and the cover.
US09109810B2 System and method for ventilating a turbine
This ventilation system (1), notably for a gas turbine, comprises at least one fan (2) opening into an air extraction duct (5).It comprises at least one device (6) for varying the pressure drop in the air extraction duct (5), comprising a means (8) of regulating the air flow rate in the air extraction duct (5).
US09109808B2 Variable desiccant control energy exchange system and method
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for providing conditioned air to at least one enclosed structure. The system may include at least one conditioning module configured to provide conditioned air to the at least one enclosed structure. The conditioning module(s) may include a conditioning energy exchanger. The conditioning module(s) is configured to circulate desiccant through a desiccant circuit to condition air passing through the conditioning energy exchanger. The conditioning module(s) may be configured to receive at least one of concentrated desiccant or diluted desiccant in order to vary temperature or concentration of the desiccant circulating through the desiccant circuit.
US09109807B2 Device for desorption and dehumidification and system using the same
The present invention provides a device and system for desorption and dehumidification, comprising a conductive electrode, a moisture absorber, and a power source. The conductive electrode comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the first surface has a plurality of protrusion elements. The moisture absorber comprises a third surface formed on the plurality of protrusions. The power source provides power to the conductive electrode such that a uniform and stable micro-discharge phenomenon is generated thereby forming a continuous charge flow. The continuous charge flow can further generate an electrical interruption for depolarizing the attraction between the moisture molecules and moisture absorber whereby the moisture molecules can be desorbed from the moisture absorber more easily.
US09109806B2 Heating/cooling system that utilizes secondary fluid pumped through a heat exchanger by the pressure of a thermal exchange fluid
A building heating/cooling system utilizes secondary fluid that at least partially circulates through a secondary fluid pump set and a heat exchanger. The secondary fluid is heated or cooled by thermal energy exchange with a thermal energy fluid in the heat exchanger. The thermal energy fluid in the heat exchanger also drives the secondary fluid pump set that circulates the secondary fluid.
US09109800B2 Quick disengaging field joint for exhaust system components of gas turbine engines
A quick disengaging field joint connects a first component of an exhaust system of a gas turbine engine to a second component of the exhaust system. The field joint includes a pair of opposed stepped liners connected via exterior-facing connecting flanges. The field joints can be disassembled entirely from outside the exhaust housing without requiring access to the interior of the exhaust housing.
US09109797B2 Metallic wick assembly
A metallic wick assembly includes at least one mesh member and a sleeve member. The at least one mesh member includes a first length defined between first and second ends thereof. The sleeve member is mounted around the mesh member and includes a second length defined between two longitudinal opposite ends thereof. The second length is less than the first length. A third length is defined between a distal end of the sleeve member and the first end of the mesh member. The sleeve member is slidable with respect to the mesh member to adjust the third length for controlling the flame scale.
US09109795B2 U-tube vaporizer
A vaporizer includes a plurality of U-shaped tubes contained in a vessel and are arranged in at least one plane. The vessel is closed at one end by a plate having openings adapted to mate with the end of the U-shaped tubes, and there is a dome covering the plate on the opposite side of the tubes. The dome is bounded by a wall forming an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, the inlet chamber being split into two parts by a partition perpendicular to the plane of the tubes and to the wall to form a chamber for admitting liquid between the plate and the partition and an auxiliary chamber on the other side of the partition. The auxiliary chamber is configured to receive liquid from the admission chamber such that liquid from the outside arriving in the admission chamber enters the tubes via the bottom openings only.
US09109789B2 Omni-directional LED lamp
A lamp includes an LED assembly and a heat sink in thermal communication with the LED assembly. The heat sink includes a plurality of fins disposed around a body and extending away from the body. The lamp includes a plurality of lenses disposed around the body, in between the plurality of fins. A lens includes a slot disposed at the top of the lens and a protruding pin configured to engage with a hole on the heat sink. The lamp also includes a cap disposed at the top of the lamp. The cap includes a plurality of ridges configured to align with and interlock with the grooves of the plurality of lenses.
US09109781B2 Device and apparatus for efficient collection and re-direction of emitted radiation
An apparatus is described that includes a light source, a first reflector, a lens and a second reflector. The first reflector is positioned to reflect a first portion of light from the light source, wherein the first portion of light is radiated from the light source in a central forward solid angle as defined by an outer edge of the first reflector. The lens is disposed azimuthally horizontal to the light source for accepting a second portion of light from the light source emitted in a peripheral forward solid angle. The second reflector reflects the first portion of light after reflectance from the first reflector and the second portion of light after passing through the lens in a composite beam, wherein the first reflector and the lens are configured such that the first and second portions of light behave as though they were emitted from a point source at the focus of the second reflector.
US09109777B2 Linear fresnel optic for reducing angular spread of light from LED array
A light source may comprise a cylindrical lens, for example a cylindrical Fresnel lens, a linear array of light-emitting elements, the linear array aligned with and emitting light through the cylindrical Fresnel lens, wherein the cylindrical Fresnel lens reduces the angular spread of light in a widthwise axis of the linear array, the linear array spanning a lens length.
US09109776B2 Segmented LED lighting system
The present invention is a segmented LED lighting system. In particular, the present invention is directed to a set of channel segments connected by a flexible lens sleeve that can be positioned in a variety of ways. A printed circuit board with at least one LED is mounted in each channel segment. Each segment preferably has a base with two ribbed vertical sides. The lens sleeve is preferably coextruded from flexible acrylic and has opaque side grips that grip the ribbed vertical sides and a translucent lens portion with an air gap. Pairs of encapsulated PCB modules are preferably connected in series to allow the system to be cut in the field.
US09109771B2 Light projecting device and vehicular headlamp
A light projecting device of the present invention includes: a light source unit including (i) a laser element for emitting light, (ii) a light converging lens for converging the light emitted from the laser element, and (iii) a light emitting section for emitting light upon receipt of the light converged by the light converging lens; and a reflector for projecting light emitted from the light source unit. The light source unit is provided so as to be attached to or detached from a fixed part to which the light source unit is to be fixed.
US09109767B2 Mechanical bypass light unit
A light unit includes a bulb having a light source with lead wires and a separator, a switch member that includes a support member and a pair of spring terminals, and a socket having two or more conductive terminals and adapted to receive the bulb and the switch member. The switch member is adapted to cause the pair of spring terminals to contact one another to form an electrical short circuit across the pair of conductive terminals and the light source when the bulb is completely or partially removed from the socket. The lead wires form an electrical connection across the conductive terminals and the separator breaks contact between the pair of spring terminals when the bulb is seated in the socket.
US09109762B2 White light source and white light source system including the same
The present invention provides a white light source comprising a blue light emitting LED having a light emission peak of 421 to 490 nm and satisfying a relational equation of −0.2≦[(P(λ)×V(λ))/(P(λmax1)×V(λmax1))−(B(λ)×V(λ))/(B(λmax2)×V(λmax2))]≦+0.2, assuming that: a light emission spectrum of the white light source is P(λ); a light emission spectrum of black-body radiation having a same color temperature as that of the white light source is B(λ); a spectrum of a spectral luminous efficiency is V(λ); a wavelength at which P(λ)×V(λ) becomes largest is λmax1; and a wavelength at which B(λ)×V(λ) becomes largest is λmax2. According to the above white light source, there can be provided a white light source capable of reproducing the same light emission spectrum as that of natural light.
US09109761B2 Lamp mounting base and light emitting diode lamp incorporating the same
An LED lamp includes a supporting base and a reflector having a plurality of reflecting tabs mounted thereon. The reflector includes many circumferentially arranged tabs around a central axis of the supporting base. Many LED light sources are mounted in the supporting base and divided into an outer array and an inner array. Each reflecting tab has a fixed end connected to the supporting base and a free end distant from the supporting base. Each reflecting tab extends upwardly and outwardly from a central portion of the supporting base toward an outer periphery thereof. The inner array of the LED light sources is surrounded by the reflector. A hole is defined in a free end of each reflecting tab and aligned with one of the LED light sources of the outer array. A lamp mounting base is also provided.
US09109759B2 Light-emitting element
A light-emitting device having an organic EL element that has a light-emitting surface and emits light from the light-emitting surface, and a structure layer disposed directly or indirectly on the light-emitting surface. The structure layer has, on a surface thereof that is opposite to the organic electroluminescent element, a concavo-convex structure including a first streak array extending in a first direction that is parallel to the surface, a second streak array extending in a second direction that is parallel to the surface and intersects with the first direction, and a third streak array extending in a third direction that is parallel to the surface and intersects with the first direction and the second direction.
US09109756B2 Pump system for food machine
Dual foods pump arrangement that includes a pump manifold, two food pumps, and a rotary valve element removably located within the manifold. The rotary valve element is operated to selectively direct the flow of food product from the two food pumps in alternating fashion through a single manifold outlet. The food pumps are driven by servo actuated cylinders. A tool is provided for lifting the valve element from the manifold that includes a pivotal removal bar that can be attached to a top of the valve element.
US09109753B2 Gas pressure regulator having energy absorbing features
A gas pressure regulator adapted for being mounted to a gas cylinder is provided. The gas pressure regulator includes a body defining a front portion and opposed side portion and a plurality of gas pressure indicators mounted to the front portion of the body. A bonnet is mounted to an exterior portion of the body, and a pressure adjustment knob is mounted to one of the side portions of the body, proximate the bonnet, and horizontally relative to a longitudinal axis of the pressurized gas cylinder. An energy absorbing device is operatively engaged with the pressure adjustment knob and the bonnet, the energy absorbing device being capable of absorbing energy from impact loads imposed on the pressure adjustment knob.
US09109752B2 Internal pressure vessel
Provided is a pressure vessel able to sustain a circular shape without deforming to ellipsoidal shape due to machining of side port apertures therein, and maintain pressures as high as 800-1,200 PSI. The pressure vessel is intended for use in seawater desalination by reverse osmosis, and comprises a pipe body (1) formed by filament winding (FW), and is furnished with an occluding cover (2) at each end of the pipe body (1), the peripheral surface of the pipe body being furnished, inward from the occluding covers (2), with inflow/outflow parts (3) through which the fluid flows in or out. The pipe body (1) is constituted by a helical layer (4), hoop layers, and a seal layer (6) furnished as the innermost layer. The helical layer (4) is furnished with a divergent part (7) diverging away from the seal layer (6) and extending from a location outward from the occluding cover (2) to a location inward from the inflow/outflow part (3). The hoop layers are constituted by a first hoop layer (8) furnished between the divergent part (7) and the seal layer (6), and a second hoop layer (9) furnished at the outer circumference of the helical layer (4), and extending from a location outward from the occluding cover (2) to a location inward from the inflow/outflow part (3).
US09109751B2 Compressed gas storage and collection apparatus
An apparatus for storing and collecting compressed gas is disclosed. The apparatus includes a gas vessel for the storage of gas and further includes a sheath surrounding the gas vessel for collecting any gas that escapes from the vessel.
US09109749B2 Oil changing device for a transmission
An oil changing device for a transmission includes a tub body having a receiving space for receiving transmission oil, a main assembly having a base body, a manual set and a backflow valve, the base body mounted to the tub body, the base body having a main channel, a first passage and a backflow passage, the base body configured to connect with one end of an injection tube, another end of the injection tube connected to a transmission, the injection tube communicating with the main channel, the base body having a through hole opened therethrough, the through hole communicating with the main channel, the manual set having a second passage defined therein, the first passage connected between the main channel and the second passage, the backflow valve inserted into the through hole, and the backflow valve selectively closing or unclosing the backflow passage.
US09109748B2 Machine conditioning monitoring closed loop lubrication system and method
In one embodiment, the disclosed method for lubricating a machine bearing system includes monitoring a bearing system using a vibration sensor, such as an accelerometer, receiving a signal from the vibration sensor, calculating a parameter based on the signal; and adding a lubricant to the bearing system based upon the parameter. In another embodiment, a system may include a vibration sensor, a monitor configured to receive a signal from the vibration sensor and calculate a spike energy value, and a lubrication device configured to add a lubricant to a bearing system based on the spike energy value. The system and method help reduce maintenance and repair costs, while prolonging the life of the machine system components being monitored.
US09109745B2 Hanger system for suspendible illuminated fixtures
A hanger system capable of securing an illuminated fixture to a load bearing element is presented. The hanger system includes a cap, a base, a gripper, and at least two cables. The cap includes a top wall with a first hole and a first side wall with at least one ridge. The base includes a bottom wall and a second side wall. A sleeve extends from the bottom wall toward the top wall and is aligned with the first hole. At least two channels extend from the bottom wall and contact the second side wall. A slot is disposed along the contact between each channel and the second side wall. The slot at least partially traverses the bottom wall within each channel. The base is slidably disposed within the cap with the ridges slidably engaged along the slots. The gripper secures the cap to the base via a lower stem and is removably attachable to an upper cable via an upper stem. The lower cables are removably attachable at one end to the illuminated fixture and at another end to the channels.
US09109744B1 Beverage container holding device
A beverage container holding device provides a portable structure into which a beverage container may be placed and maintained at a cool temperature. The device includes a receiver having a bottom wall and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the perimeter wall define an interior space of the receiver configured to receive a beverage container therein. An upper edge of the receiver defines an access opening into the interior space of the receiver. An arm is coupled to the receiver. The arm is configured for attaching to a support structure to support the beverage container from the support structure. The arm is movably coupled to the receiver such that the arm is positionable at a selectable location relative to the receiver.
US09109726B2 Set for obtaining a threaded connection, method for making up and breaking out said connection, and use of said connection in a riser
A set for obtaining a threaded connection used in hydrocarbon wells includes a first tubular component, a second tubular component, and a third tubular component. A threaded zone provided on an internal circumferential surface of an end of the third component cooperates by makeup with one of two threaded zones of an end of the first component. A threaded zone provided on an external circumferential surface of the end of the third component cooperates by makeup with one of two threaded zones of the second component. The second and third components define an end of makeup of the threaded zones. The other threaded zone provided on the end of the first component cooperates by makeup with the other threaded zone provided on the second component.
US09109713B2 Control device and use thereof
A control device may include a control drive and a coupling unit coupled to a drive side of the control drive for performing bidirectional control motions and also be coupled to an output side of the control member to be bidirectionally actuated. The coupling unit may have a drive element on the drive side coupled to the control drive. The coupling unit may have an output element on the output side coupled to the control member and to the drive element via a joint for transferring tensile and compression forces in a longitudinal axis of the output element. The joint may be configured to allow pivot motions between the drive element and the output element about a transverse axis running in the joint transverse to the longitudinal axis. The joint may also be configured to allow linear motions parallel to the transverse axis.
US09109709B2 Residual pressure valve
A residual pressure valve (10; 10a; 10b) for a flow medium, in particular for air, the flow passage (30) of which is arranged in a valve housing (15) and is designed so as to allow flows to pass in different directions and so as to be interrupted by an at least partially movable sealing element (41; 41a) depending on the pressure of the flow medium, wherein an energy store (45) which is in particular designed as a pressure spring, the sealing element (41; 41a) is seated against a counter element (21; 21a) in a sealing manner when the flow medium drops below a minimum pressure in order to interrupt the flow passage (30), and wherein the flow path (30) has two separate bores (32, 58) which are arranged coaxially in relation to one another and are connected to one another by at least one connecting channel (33).
US09109708B2 Engine breathing system valve and products including the same
One embodiment may include an engine breathing system valve (10) for an internal combustion engine breathing system (12) including a valve body (60), a stem (62), and a valve member (64). The valve body (60) has a port (66) with a center axis (CP). The valve body (60) may have a seating surface (68) lying along a cone outer surface (CS) of an imaginary cone (C). The imaginary cone (C) has a cone center axis (CA). The stem (62) is carried by the valve body (60) so that it can rotate. The stem (62) has an axis of rotation (R-i) radially offset from the port center axis (CP). The valve member (64) is connected to the stem (62) and may have a valve member plane (M) axial Iy offset from the axis of rotation (R-i).
US09109707B2 Seal assembly
A seal assembly 10 includes an attachment stud 11, a reinforcing mesh 12, a rigid carrier 13, an elastomeric body 14, and an elastomeric film 15, each having a longitudinal axis 16. The carrier 13 includes an inner peripheral surface 31 defining a central opening 33 and an outer peripheral surface 32. A lateral surface 35 of the carrier 13 extends between the peripheral surfaces. Corner towers 38 and intermediate towers 39 are arranged along the outer peripheral surface 32. The towers are spaced apart by openings 40 and terminate in control surfaces 41. The body 14 includes a stationary portion 47 generally aligned with the carrier 13 and a diaphragm portion 48 generally aligned with the opening 33. The film 15 extends over and is bonded to the body portion 14 and the towers 38, 39 to provide a smooth uninterrupted chemically resistant surface for the seal assembly 10.
US09109706B2 Coking drum
A coking drum is provided, especially for petroleum coke production, which has an approximately cylindrical basic body and also at least one inlet opening and outlet opening, a shut-off valve (1, 1′) being arranged at the outlet opening and/or inlet opening. The coking drum is characterized in that there is provided, at approximately the same height as the shut-off valve (1, 1′), at least one input opening (19, 19′) for feeding residual materials, especially from a vacuum distillation process upstream of the coking, into the coking drum.
US09109705B2 Sealing ring, in particular for a hydraulic piston pump
A sealing ring, in particular for a hydraulic piston pump, for sealing a pressure chamber which is filled with a fluid is disclosed. A sealing lip having a contour contacts a sealing surface and is movable relative thereto. The contour of the sealing lip is adapted according to the speed of the sealing lip relative to the sealing surface, such that a defined leakage of the fluid out of the pressure chamber is adjusted.
US09109704B2 Compressed-air control device with molded seal
A compressed-air control device includes at least one first component, and a second component arranged so as to be movable relative to the first component. A molded seal is arranged in a groove of the first component, and is in contact with the second component. A first chamber formed on one side of the molded seal between the first and the second components can be charged with a first pressure, and a second chamber formed on the opposite side of the molded seal between the first and the second components can be charged with a second pressure. The molded seal together with the first component forms at least one overflow valve.
US09109701B1 Pipe joint gasket and method of making same
A gasket for preventing separation of interconnected pipes including a compressible body having a plurality of metal segments partially embedded therein. Each of the metal segments includes an inner surface having at least one tooth configured for engaging a spigot end of a pipe and an outer surface having an arm with a substantially flat portion arranged adjacent to a forward section of a retainer groove of the gasket, the substantially flat portion being configured for displacing the segment radially and axially upon insertion of the spigot end into a bell end of the other pipe thereby decreasing the spigot insertion force required to seat the spigot end within the bell end and the gasket.
US09109699B2 Structure for mounting piston ring
A structure for mounting a piston ring mounted around a piston head of a piston is provided. The structure includes a ring groove formed along the piston head with a guide recess circumferentially formed in the ring groove in a certain section. The piston ring is rotatably fitted into the ring groove. A guide protrusion is formed on the piston ring and is provided in the section of the guide recess such that the guide protrusion is rotated within the section. The structure is configured such that when a plurality of piston rings is mounted around the piston head, rotation sections of the end gaps of the piston rings are not aligned with each other.
US09109698B2 Automatic transmission and select operation determination method for automatic transmission
A transmission controller determines that a select operation has been performed from a reverse range to a drive range if a time during which a range other than the drive range has been selected is longer than a predetermined time threshold value and an input rotation speed of a transmission is lower than a predetermined rotation speed threshold value and determines that the select operation has been performed from a parking range or a neutral range to the drive range if the time during which the range other than the drive range has been selected is shorter than the time threshold value or the input rotation speed is higher than the rotation speed threshold value when the select operation has been performed from the range other than the drive range to the drive range during vehicle stop.
US09109695B2 Fluid transmission device
A fluid transmission device includes a fluid transmission section capable of transmitting power transmitted to an input member to an output member via a working fluid, a lock-up clutch section capable of transmitting power transmitted to the input member to the output member via a friction engagement section, and a control unit configured to execute a torque ratio variable control that makes a torque ratio which is a ratio between torque output from the output member and torque input to the input member variable by adjusting a friction engagement state of the friction engagement section, when the fluid transmission section is in an operation state that the fluid transmission section amplifies torque input to the input member and outputs torque from the output member.
US09109690B2 Pivot pin with internal oil passage
A system for an engine comprising an engine drive system and an oil delivery system is provided. According to one embodiment, the engine drive system includes a chain that engages a plurality of drive sprockets and a chain guide that pivots about a pin. Further, the pin may include an internal oil passage that is in fluidic communication with the oil delivery system. In this way, improved oil lubrication can be provided with simplified structure and manufacturing.
US09109683B2 Multi-speed transmission with an integrated electric motor
A transmission with an integrated electric motor includes an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of three to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.
US09109679B2 Toroidal traction drive transmission
A continuously variable transmission includes a gearbox with a forward mode and a reverse mode. The gearbox includes a plurality of gear members and further includes at least two torque transmitting devices such as, a clutch and a brake that are selectively employed to engage various combinations of the gear members such that a particular combination is associated with one of the forward mode and the reverse mode.
US09109676B2 Adjusting drive
An adjusting drive for adjusting a first structural component part relative to a second structural component part has a linear drive and a piston-cylinder unit connected in parallel with the linear drive for drive purposes. A control is provided for controlling the adjusting speed of the adjusting drive depending upon the adjusting path.
US09109671B2 Multi-ratio transmission
A multi-stage transmission with eight forward and one reverse gear including planetary gearsets, shafts, and shift elements. The sun gear of gearset (P1) couples shaft (3) and the ring gear of gearset (P4) and can couple the housing via brake (03). The drive shaft couples the carrier of gearset (P1) and can couple shaft (5) via clutch (15). Shaft (5) couples the ring and sun gears of respective gearsets (P2, P4). The ring gear of gearset (P1) couples shaft (6) and the sun gear of gearset (P2). Shaft (8) couples the carrier and sun gears of respective gearsets (P4, P3). Shaft (4) couples the carrier of gearset (P3) and can couple the housing via brake (04). Output shaft couples the ring gear of gearset (P4) and can couple, via clutch (27), shaft (7), which couples the carrier of gearset (P2). Clutch (67, 56, 57) engages to block gearset (P2).
US09109667B2 Contra-rotating mechanism
A contra-rotating mechanism includes master and slave shafts coaxially arranged to rotate in first and second directions, the first direction being opposite to the second, a master driving member fixed around and to the master shaft to rotate therewith; a plurality of drive-transfer units symmetrically and radially arranged around the master driving member and receiving a driving force from the master to rotate in the second direction; a plurality of rotation reversing units symmetrically and radially arranged around the slave shaft, each rotation-reversing unit disposed between corresponding neighboring drive-transfer units of the drive-transfer units and configured to receive rotation-force from the corresponding drive-transfer units to rotate in the first direction, a slave driven member fixed around the slave shaft to rotate therewith in the second direction, the slave driven member to mesh with the plurality of rotation-reversing units to rotate in the second direction; and first and second panels.
US09109666B1 Dual ratio constant mesh gearbox
A dual ratio constant-mesh gearbox is provided that is suitable for use with an automobile, and particularly well-suited for an electric vehicle. The gearbox, which may be configured either as a manual or automatic gearbox, utilizes a planetary gear set and a pair of clutches to shift between under drive and direct drive modes.
US09109663B2 Input clutch assembly for infinitely variable transmission
The present invention provides an infinitely variable transmission for a powered vehicle which includes a power source. The transmission includes an input shaft and an output shaft, the output shaft being spaced from the input shaft. The transmission further includes a variator coupled between the input shaft and output shaft. In addition, at least two planetary gearsets are disposed adjacent to the variator and an input coupler is configured to selectively couple the variator to the power source.
US09109662B2 Wave generator for wave gear device
A wave generator for a wave gear device is provided with a pair of first rollers arranged in a position that is point-symmetric in relation to the center of a flexible externally toothed gear, a pair of second rollers, and a pair of third rollers. The first rollers are located on a long axis of the flexible externally toothed gear that is being flex into an ellipsoidal shape, and the second and third rollers are located in positions that are linearly symmetric in relation to the long axis between the long axis and a short axis. Support bearings of the first rollers are larger than those of the second and third rollers. The rolling fatigue life of a roller-type of the wave generator can be to be enhanced.
US09109660B2 Automatic manual transmission for a car provided with an internal combustion engine
An automatic manual transmission for a car provided with an internal combustion engine, the automatic manual transmission having: a mechanical gearbox provided with at least one primary shaft, at least one secondary shaft, a plurality of pairs of gears and a plurality of locking devices, actuated by first actuators, a variable ratio transmission device, which is arranged upstream of the primary shaft and is adjustable to have two different transmission ratios: a first unitary direct drive transmission ratio and a second multiplying transmission ratio, and a second actuator, which is coupled to the transmission device to vary the transmission ratio of the transmission device itself.
US09109658B2 Silent chain
A silent chain 1 in which a plurality of links 2 each having a pair of tooth parts 21 which mesh with sprockets and a pair of pin holes 20 are arranged in the lengthwise direction and thickness direction and are linked so as to be able to pivot about one another by linking pins 5 which are inserted into the pin holes 20, and sliding plates 3 are provided. The sliding plates 3 have a pair of pin holes 30 into which the linking pins 5 are inserted, and also have a back surface part 3a which has a greater back surface height h2 than the back surface height h1 of the links 2 and comes into contact with a tensioner arm or chain guide. The sliding plates 3 do not have tooth parts which mesh with the sprockets.
US09109655B2 Elements of drive power transfer belt of belt-drive continuously variable transmission for vehicle
Provided are elements arranged along a ring of a drive power transfer belt wound on pulleys of a belt-drive continuously variable transmission. Each element has a recess at one side of the element and a projection projecting from the other side to fit into the recess of the adjacent element. The projection has a first engagement portion provided at its base side such that a predetermined engagement gap is created on the radially outer side when the projection fits in the recess of the adjacent element, and a second engagement portion provided at the tip side of the projection and decreasing in diameter toward the tip of the projection from the first engagement portion. The gradient with which the diameter of the second engagement portion decreases is larger than the gradient with which the diameter of the first engagement portion decreases toward the tip of the projection.
US09109654B2 Failsafe magnetorheological (MR) energy absorber
A compact and failsafe magnetorheological energy absorber design including both a light weight piston (LWP) embodiment in which linear motion is subjected to a linear damping force, and a light weight rotary vane (LWRV) embodiment in which linear motion is converted into rotary motion and is subjected to a rotary damping force. Both embodiments allow increased damper stroke within a compact mechanical profile. A new lightweight Magnetorheological energy attenuation system (LMEAS) for a vehicle seat is also disclosed using the new LMRW MREA.
US09109651B2 Brake component with an encapsulant and method of applying the encapsulant to a brake component
A brake device comprising: a brake component including: a carrier and an encapsulant, wherein the carrier and encapsulant are disposed on and/or within one or more brake components, and the carrier assists in adhering the encapsulant to the brake component and wherein the encapsulant includes one of more lubricants and/or one or more adhesives, or both and the encapsulant, the carrier, or both are dry to the touch after the encapsulant is attached to the brake component and prior to an initial brake apply.
US09109649B2 Synchronizing device for movably mounted furniture part
A synchronizing device for a movably mounted furniture part synchronizes a movement between at least two adjusting devices via a synchronizing rod. The synchronizing rod has at least two sub-shafts between which an overload protection device is arranged, and the overload protection device can release a relative rotational movement between the two sub-shafts when a specified holding torque between the two sub-shafts is exceeded.
US09109648B2 Control device for vehicle
A hybrid vehicle includes a clutch on a power transmission path between a motor generator and a driving wheel. If the vehicle moves backward when the vehicle starts forward acceleration from standstill on an ascending slope, the charging level of the battery that is attributable to power generation by the motor generator due to the backward travel is compared with a current maximum charging power of the battery. If the charging level of the battery is greater, the quantity of slippage of the clutch is controlled according to the excess to lower the rotational speed of the motor generator, hence to lower the power generation. That enables an increase in the torque of the motor generator within the range in which the battery may be charged. Performance is thus improved during acceleration from standstill.
US09109647B2 Device and method for control of a motor vehicle's propulsion
A method, a device and a computer program for control of a motor vehicle's propulsion. When a clutch torque (Req T) is demanded by a driver activating of an accelerator pedal, the degree of closure (G) of the vehicle's clutch actuator is controlled by feedback on the basis of a monitored engine torque. There is at least one further consumer (290) of engine power in addition to propulsion. The method includes detecting (s410) activation of the at least one further consumer and, when such activation is detected, changing (s420) the feedback control to open control, whereby the degree of closure (G) of the vehicle's clutch actuator is based on a predetermined relationship between the degree of closure (G) and the clutch torque (Req T).
US09109646B1 Transfer case with lever applied solenoid clutch actuator
A number of variations may include a transfer case comprising: a clutch pack, wherein the clutch pack includes a first plurality of clutch plates rotatably coupled with an output member, a second plurality of clutch plates interleaved with the first plurality of clutch plates and rotatably coupled with an input member, and an apply plate; a solenoid operably associated with the friction clutch pack, wherein the solenoid includes a coil and an armature; at least one lever mechanism, wherein a first end of the at least one lever mechanism is stationary and a second end is attached to and moves with the armature; and wherein when the solenoid is deenergized there is an air gap between the armature and the coil and when the solenoid is energized the armature moves toward the coil causing the first end of the lever component to engage the clutch pack.
US09109642B2 Rotation transmission device
A rotation transmission device includes a two-way clutch and an electromagnetic clutch for engaging and disengaging the two-way clutch and which can be easily assembled without the need for a shim to prevent movements of the clutches. The two-way clutch (10) and the electromagnetic clutch (50) are mounted in a housing (3) including at one end a positioning arrangement (5). The two-way clutch (10) and the electromagnetic clutch (5) are biased by an elastic member (7) supported by the positioning arrangement (5) toward an anti-separation ring (8) provided on the inner periphery of the housing (3) at the other end thereof, and are thus prevented from moving.
US09109640B2 Friction plate with a paper friction lining, method for producing such a friction plate and wet-running multiplate clutch or brake comprising such a friction plate
A friction plate (2) with a friction lining carrier (18) and a paper friction lining (24) arranged on one side of the friction lining carrier (18) to form a friction surface, which comprises at least one first friction lining portion (32) and at least one second friction lining portion (34), the friction surface (36) in the first friction lining portion (32) being raised relative to the friction surface (38) in the second friction lining portion (34). The first friction lining portion (32) exhibits a lower resin absorption than the second friction lining portion (34). The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing such a friction plate (2) and to a wet-running multiplate clutch or brake comprising such a friction plate (2).
US09109635B2 Axle assembly having a moveable clutch collar
An axle assembly having a clutch collar. The clutch collar is moveable between a first position in which the clutch collar couples the spider housing to the hub and a second position in which the clutch collar decouples the spider housing from the hub.
US09109633B2 Driving force transmission mechanism and image forming apparatus
A driving force transmission mechanism includes a connection for integrally rotating a driving shaft on the driving source side and a driven shaft of a rotary member. The connection includes a tubular boss portion; and a fitting shaft portion fitted into the tubular boss portion. An inner shaft portion is provided in a projecting manner from bottom center of the tubular boss portion toward inside the tubular boss portion. An inner recessed portion into which the inner shaft portion fits is provided in center of a leading edge plane for fitting of the fitting shaft portion. Micro gaps are provided between an inner surface of the tubular boss portion and an outer surface of the fitting shaft portion and between an inner surface of the inner recessed portion and an outer surface of the inner shaft portion.
US09109629B2 Bearing cage with self-lubricating grease reservoirs
A bearing cage, including an outer circumferential surface, an inner circumferential surface, a radial surface aligned in a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation, at least one chamber located in material forming the bearing cage and one of at least one first channel connecting the at least one chamber to the radial surface and at least one second channel connecting the at least one chamber to one of the inner circumferential surface or the outer circumferential surface, or at least one first channel connecting the at least one chamber to the inner circumferential surface and at least one second channel connecting the at least one chamber to the outer circumferential surface.
US09109627B2 Sliding device including sliding bearing
A sliding device includes a sliding bearing, and a shaft which is rotatable and in slidable contact with the sliding bearing in presence of a lubricating oil. The sliding bearing has a surface hardness smaller than a surface hardness of the shaft. Additionally, the sliding bearing has a surface roughness Ra of not larger than 0.2 micrometer, and the shaft has a surface roughness of not larger than 0.05 micrometer.
US09109623B2 Integrated cartridge double-row ball bearing for a nuclear reactor control rod drive mechanism
A duplex bearing is configured for use with a nuclear reactor control rod drive mechanism. The duplex includes an outer member and an inner member wherein each defines an interior surface and an exterior surface. The outer member interior surface defines a first and second outer raceway; and the inner member defines a first and second inner raceway. A first plurality of load-carrying rolling elements and a first plurality of spacer rolling elements are disposed in a first annular cavity defined between the first inner raceway and first outer raceway. A second plurality of load-carrying rolling elements and a second plurality of spacer rolling elements are disposed in a second annular cavity defined between the second inner raceway and the second outer raceway. The duplex bearing is configured to operate with sealed de-ionized water exhibiting a temperature in the range of up to about 1200° F. as a sole lubricant.
US09109614B1 Compressed gas energy storage system
Embodiments of the present invention use compressed air to store and deliver electrical, mechanical, and/or thermal power with high round-trip efficiency. Various embodiments may be scalable for use in a variety of environments—from wind farms to power plants to motor vehicles. An energy storage system according to the present invention can operate as a stand-alone storage system that connects electrically to the grid, it can be tightly integrated with a wind turbine, and/or it can be co-located with a thermal power generation facility and operate with even higher efficiency by scavenging low-grade waste heat.
US09109611B2 Device for storing hydraulic fluid
A device for storing fluid, of a transmission hydraulic system, having at least one storage chamber that is defined by a housing and a delimiting device, which can be connected with the hydraulic system. The volume of the chamber depends on operation of the delimiting device and/or the housing. The delimiting device and/or housing can be set such that the storage chamber has a defined volume, in opposition to a restoring effort of the housing and/or delimiting device, starting from an operating condition which differs from the operating condition equivalent to the minimum volume of the storage chamber toward their operating condition equivalent to the minimum storage chamber volume. When the holding device is actuated, the operating conditions of the delimiting device and/or the housing assembly vary between operating conditions in which the storage chamber volume is either a maximum or corresponds to the defined storage chamber volume.
US09109609B2 Submersible pump motor cooling through external oil circulation
An electrical submersible pump motor has motor oil flowing through external circulation tubes for cooling the motor. A substantial portion of the exterior of each tube is submerged in and exposed to wellbore fluid. Heat is transferred from the motor to the motor oil, and then circulated through the external circulation tubes to conduct heat to the wellbore fluid. Internal or external motor oil pumps may be used to propel the motor oil through the circulation tubes. Guards or baffles may be used to protect the circulation tubes and to influence the flow of production fluid over the circulation tubes.
US09109607B2 Blower fan
A motor arranged to rotate an impeller includes a rotor magnet fixed to a shaft, and a stator arranged opposite to the rotor magnet. The motor is arranged on an axially lower side of an impeller cup. The stator is fixed to an inner circumferential surface of a stator support portion. An opening-side end portion of the impeller cup is arranged opposite to an upper surface of the stator support portion. The upper surface of the stator support portion includes an expanded portion defined in a portion thereof which is opposed to the opening-side end portion of the impeller cup. The expanded portion is preferably located a greater distance from the opening-side end portion of the impeller cup than a distance between the opening-side end portion and a remaining portion of the upper surface of the stator support portion.
US09109604B2 Fan control circuit
A control circuit controls a fan to cool an integrated baseboard management controller (iBMC) in a server. The control circuit includes a state determination module. When the server is powered off and the iBMC is operating, the state determination module receives low level signals from a power supply unit (PSU) and the iBMC. The state determination module connects the PSU and the fan, such that the fan is operating. When the server and the iBMC are powered off, the state determination module receives a low level signal from the PSU and a high level signal from the iBMC. The state determination module disconnects the PSU from the fan, turning the fan off. When the server is operating, the state determination module receives a high level signal from the PSU. The state determination module disconnects the PSU from the fan, turning the fan off.
US09109594B2 Radiator configuration
A modular mobile fract pump unit having for a radiator with a heat exchanger vertically for generally horizontal flow of air through the radiator and a duct provided on an air exit side of the heat exchanger to direct air exiting the heat exchanger upwardly. Preferably, the duct comprises a retractable duct for movement between an operative position for use in parked cooling operation and a storage position for transport of the unit as a road worthy vehicle, within the storage position the duct not increasing the overall width of the unit and in the operative position the duct extending laterally to the side of the unit beyond the storage position and increasing the overall width of the unit.
US09109591B2 Methods and systems for dosing control in an automated fluid delivery system
Methods and systems for dispensing a fluid using an automated fluid delivery system are disclosed. A pump may be configured to force an aliquot of fluid into a fluid delivery channel. A processor may receive values of a property for the aliquot and the source of the aliquot. The processor may use the values to determine the volume of the aliquot. The determined volume is compared by the processor against an expected volume to establish the amount of fluid being pumped by the pump per unit, such as time or revolutions. The processor controls operation of the pump to dispense a predetermined dose based on the amount of fluid being pumped by the pump per unit.
US09109590B2 Pump and pump control circuit apparatus and method
Embodiments of the invention provide a pump control circuit for use with a pump. The pump control circuit includes a temperature sensor capable of producing a signal representative of a temperature of the pump and a microcontroller coupled to receive the signal from the temperature sensor and programmed to control a current provided to the pump. The pump control circuit also includes an output power stage coupled to receive a control signal from the microcontroller and capable of controlling the application of current to the pump in response to the control signal in order to stabilize the temperature of the pump.
US09109584B2 Thermal ratchet system
A thermal ratchet system includes a ratchet housing, a ratchet mandrel, a first ratchet, and a second ratchet. The first ratchet is disposed at a position generally fixed with respect to the ratchet housing and is urgeable with respect to the ratchet mandrel in an axial direction by a change in environmental temperature in a first direction. The second ratchet is disposed at a position generally fixed with respect to the ratchet housing and is urgeable with respect to the ratchet mandrel in the axial direction by a change in environmental temperature in a second direction opposite to the first direction. At least one of the first ratchet and the second ratchet is engaged with the ratchet mandrel.
US09109568B2 Crank trigger distributor
A crank trigger distributor assembly and method for sealing the crankcase from leaking vacuum through the distributor installation hole. A crank trigger distributor assembly and method for minimizing and/or preventing crankcase leakage, while being adjustable and adaptable to engine blocks or intake manifolds of various manufacturers. A crank trigger having a distributor stem, a collar located on the distributor stem, and at least one sealing element, the at least one sealing element incorporated within the collar. A crank trigger distributor assembly and method for adjusting rotor tip phasing without touching the distributor hold-down, as the cap itself can be adjusted.
US09109567B2 Starter control device, starter control method, and engine starting device
A starter includes a pinion gear, an actuator for moving the pinion gear to a position where the pinion gear is engaged with a ring gear in a driven state, and a motor for rotating the pinion gear. An ECU includes a rotation mode in which the motor is driven before the actuator is driven and an engagement mode in which the actuator is driven before the motor is driven. In the engagement mode, the actuator is driven after lapse of a predetermined first time period since a decision to start an engine was made, and the motor is driven after lapse of a second time period longer than the first time period since the decision to start the engine was made. In the rotation mode, the motor is driven after lapse of the second time period since a decision to start the engine was made.
US09109563B2 Cradled fuel injector mount assembly
A fuel injector cradle mount assembly for a vehicle includes a fuel injector rail, a connective inlet assembly coupled to the fuel injector rail, a cradle coupled to the connective inlet assembly, and a fuel injector. The fuel injector includes a torso and a nozzle. The torso includes a base portion on a first end, and defines an inlet on a second end opposite the first end. The fuel injector is arranged between the connective inlet assembly and the cradle. The inlet of the fuel injector is coupled to the connective assembly, the base portion of the fuel injector rests on the cradle, and the cradle supports the fuel injector from the connective inlet assembly and the fuel injector rail.
US09109562B2 Fuel supply device for internal combustion engine
A fuel supply device supplies fuel from a fuel tank to an injector by driving a diaphragm pump by use of pressure variation within a crankcase. The diaphragm pump includes: a pump casing; a diaphragm partitioning the interior of the pump casing into a negative pressure chamber and a pump chamber; and a plunger connected to the diaphragm and reciprocatively movable to and from the pump chamber. A pressure receiving area over which the plunger receives, at its end surface in a plunger advancing/retracting direction, pressure from the pump chamber is set smaller than a pressure receiving area over which the diaphragm receives pressure from the negative pressure chamber in the advancing/retracting direction.
US09109557B2 Connector arrangement for a fluid system
A connector arrangement for a fluid system includes a fuel injector that defines a first fluid passage having a connector, a pipe that is engageable with the connector of the first fluid passage, preferably to form a high pressure seal, and a nut arranged to connect the pipe to the connector of the first fluid passage. A chamber is defined between the nut and the fuel injector, such chamber serving to collect leaked fluid from the first fluid passage. The fuel injector is provided with a second fluid passage having a first end in communication with the chamber and a second end in communication with a low pressure drain such that leaked fuel is provided with a drain path.
US09109555B2 Structure for joining valve casing to manifold body of intake manifold
A valve casing of a flow regulating valve is welded to an end of a downstream section of a manifold body. Two passages are formed in the valve casing of the flow regulating valve. The valve casing accommodates a valve plate for switching at least one of the passages selectively between an open state and a closed state. A joint portion between the manifold body and the valve casing has height difference such that the portion in the vicinity of the passage corresponding to the valve plate is located at a position higher than the portion in the vicinity of the other one of the passages.
US09109554B2 Fuel pump module for vehicle having excellent filtering efficiency
Provided is a fuel pump module for a vehicle includes: a flange assembly positioned at a top portion of a fuel tank; a reservoir body assembly positioned at an inner bottom portion of the fuel tank; and a guide rod connecting the flange assembly and the reservoir body assembly to each other, wherein the reservoir body assembly includes: a fuel pump forcibly supplying fuel in the fuel tank to an engine; and a filter having a column shape in which it includes a hollow having the fuel pump positioned therein, installed in a form in which it is inserted into a case forming an appearance of the reservoir body assembly and having the fuel pump installed therein, and installed to allow the fuel before passing through the fuel pump to pass therethrough, thereby filtering foreign materials included in the fuel.
US09109552B2 Canister purge valve with integrated vacuum generator and check valves
An integrated canister purge valve for a turbocharged vehicle engine includes a valve member having a housing and being constructed and arranged to control vapor purge flow from a fuel tank and canister structure to an air intake manifold. A body is coupled to the housing. The body defines an interior space. Structure separating the interior space into a first chamber and a second chamber isolated from the first chamber. The first chamber has an inlet port and an outlet port. A vacuum generator is provided in the first chamber and in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet ports. A first check valve is in the first chamber between the vacuum generator and the valve member and a second check valve is in the second chamber between the valve member and a manifold outlet port.
US09109542B2 Carburetor
In a carburetor (1) including a choke valve (7) on the upstream side inside an aspiration passage (3) and a throttle valve (8) on the downstream side, the valves (7) and (8) are disposed at positions such that the valves adjacently oppose each other when having been turned to be in the fully open state, a bulging part (11) that bulges toward the region (A1) between the adjacently opposing valves (7) and (8) is integrally provided inside a venturi (9), and the aspiration passage (3) is divided into an air-fuel mixture passage (4) located on the side where a main jet (10) is provided and an air passage (5) through which leading air circulates by the bulging part and the valves (7) and (8), both of which are in the fully open condition.
US09109537B2 Tip turbine single plane mount
A tip turbine engine assembly (8) includes a fan (32) rotatable in a fan plane (22) about an engine centerline (112). The fan (32) includes a fan blade (34) that defines a core airflow passage therethrough. An engine case (10) surrounds and supports the fan and engine. A plurality of engine mounts (20) for mounting the engine to an aircraft are positioned circumferentially about the outside of the engine case in a single mounting plane (22) that is perpendicular to the engine centerline.
US09109536B2 Engine thrust reverser lock
In some aspects, an aircraft engine thrust reverser lock system includes a pin-capturing member. The pin-capturing member includes a body that is rotatable about an axis defined by a pivot extending through the body. The body includes an interior surface that defines a slot. The slot has an opening that is sized to receive a pin into the slot. One side of the slot includes a protruded sidewall surface that protrudes into the slot toward an another sidewall surface of the slot. The protruded sidewall surface defines an apex between the open and closed ends of the slot. Between the apex and the closed end of the slot, the protruded sidewall surface faces the rotational axis.
US09109529B2 Fuel supplying controller
A fuel supplying controller detecting a clogging of a fuel filter includes a period setting portion setting a non-detection period where a clogging detection is prohibited, an ambient-temperature detection portion detecting an ambient temperature of an exterior of a vehicle, and a residual-fuel detection portion detecting a residual-fuel quantity in a fuel tank. The period setting portion sets the non-detection period, based on the ambient temperature detected by the ambient-temperature detection portion and the residual-fuel quantity detected by the residual-fuel detection portion.
US09109525B2 Laser heating system
A method for vaporizing fuel is provided. The method comprises heating the fuel in a cylinder of an engine via radiation to vaporize the fuel without ignition. In this way, the fuel may be heated to increase vaporization efficiency prior to ignition.
US09109523B2 Methods and systems for humidity and PCV flow detection via an exhaust gas sensor
Methods and systems are provided for estimating a PCV flow to an engine based on the output of an exhaust gas oxygen sensor. During DFSO conditions, a reference voltage of the sensor is modulated initially with an intake throttle open and then with the intake throttle closed. PCV flow leaking past the piston valves in an aging engine, as well as an ambient humidity estimate, are inferred based on the outputs of the sensor during the modulating with the intake throttle open and closed.
US09109521B2 Engine speed control
According to one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling operation of an internal combustion engine includes a conditions module that is configured to determine an out-of-gear condition of the internal combustion engine. The apparatus also includes a permission module that is configured to allow a speed of the internal combustion engine to exceed a maximum engine speed limit if the determined out-of-gear condition meets a threshold, and prevent the speed of the internal combustion engine from exceeding the maximum engine speed limit if the determined out-of-gear condition does not meet the threshold.
US09109519B2 Method for controlling air system states in an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine
A method for controlling at least one air system state in an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine, at least one control variable which influences the at least one air system state being predefined with the aid of an actuator; at least one control variable limitation of the actuator is taken into account in the control.
US09109515B2 Gas seal for aerospace engines and the like
A gas seal for aerospace engines has a stationary seal housing, a rotating seal plate mounted on the engine drive shaft and a carbon ring seal movably supported in the housing with a face which mates with the face of the seal plate to create a gas seal therebetween. A plurality of flexible pins have first ends supported on the housing and second ends slidably connected with the carbon ring seal to permit the latter to shift axially. A plurality of compression springs bias the two seal faces together. The housing has a first twist lock which selectively engages a second twist lock on the carbon ring seal to movably retain the latter in the housing. The second ends of the spring pins resiliently deflect during mutual rotation of the carbon ring seal and the housing to facilitate engagement and disengagement of the first and second twist locks.
US09109513B2 Combined cycle electric power generation plant and heat exchanger
A loss of heat that can be recovered in a heat recovery steam generator is eliminated, whereby a combined cycle electric power generation plant with high heat recovery efficiency is provided. A combined cycle electric power generation plant is adopted that includes a heat recovery steam generator 30 that generates steam for driving a steam turbine 20 using heat of exhaust gas of a gas turbine 10, a cooling air cooler 71 that causes high-pressure feed water supplied from a low-pressure economizer 37 of the heat recovery steam generator 30 and compressed air for turbine cooling extracted from a compressor 11 of the gas turbine 10 to perform heat exchange to heat the high-pressure feed water to thereby cool the compressed air, and a fuel gas heater 72 that causes the compressed air cooled in the cooling air cooler 71 and a fuel gas of the gas turbine 10 to perform heat exchange to further cool the compressed air to thereby heat the fuel gas.
US09109509B2 Unit for an aircraft thruster
A unit for an aircraft thruster is provided that includes a first ferrule configured to be attached to a second ferrule and a first connection flange configured to be secured to a second corresponding connection flange secured to the second ferrule. The connection flange includes a portion forming a plane extending along a radial direction with respect to the first ferrule. A link between the first ferrule and the corresponding connection flange is offset to a distance from said plane corresponding to a length for damping a shear-generating flexural moment, generated by fluxes of forces passing through the first ferrule.
US09109508B2 Action reaction combustion engine
An action reaction combustion engine comprising of one or more engines with one or more pistons having adequate mass being housed in mated cylinders and having two opposing heads also having valving plumbing fuel delivery and starting means and allowed to reciprocate on linear bearings delivering a workforce on each end of back and fourth stroke one force when the pistons compresses and stops and one force when fuel ignites or high pressure air pushes and drives the piston back producing four power events every one complete reciprocating cycle or revolution of the crank or other drive mechanism.
US09109506B2 Method for operating a pressure ignition engine
Method and system for operating a compression engine on ether containing fuel obtained by conversion of a primary fuel based on alcohol comprising the steps and means for: (a) continuously withdrawing the primary fuel based on alcohol from a fuel tank and pressurising the primary fuel based on alcohol in its liquid form to a final engine injection pressure; (b) continuously introducing the pressurized primary fuel based on alcohol into a fuel accumulation chamber; (c) continuously distributing the pressurized primary fuel based on alcohol into pipes connecting the accumulation chamber with fuel injectors of the engine; (d) prior to the fuel injectors continuously converting the pressurised primary fuel based on alcohol to an ether containing fuel by contact with an alcohol dehydration catalyst being arranged in each of the pipes upstream the fuel injectors; (e) continuously injecting the ether containing fuel at injection pressure into the engine; and (f) continuously withdrawing a part of the introduced primary fuel based on alcohol from the accumulation chamber; and (g) depressurising and recycling the withdrawn primary fuel based on alcohol to the fuel tank.
US09109503B2 Waste heat recovery device
There is disclosed a waste heat recovery device including a turbine 1 driven by an exhaust gas and a compressor 8 which compresses a gas, comprising: a generator 2 which generates electric power by rotation of the turbine 1; an electric motor 7 which rotationally drives the compressor 8; and a control device 17 which drives the electric motor 7 by using the electric power generated by the generator 2 as a power source.
US09109497B2 Vehicle cooling device
A vehicle cooling device includes a pump, circulation paths connected to the pump for circulating coolant between a cooling object and a heat exchanger, a solenoid valve for opening and closing at least one of the circulation paths, and a control unit for controlling pump operation. The solenoid valve includes a valve body movable between a position separated from a valve seat and a position abutting the valve seat, the valve body being held in abutment with the valve seat, and a solenoid maintaining the abutment when energized. The valve body allows coolant fluid pressure to move the valve body separate from the valve seat when the solenoid is not energized and the pump is in operation, and the control unit performs controlling to stop the pump and start solenoid energization when conditions are ready for stopping coolant circulation through the circulation path in which the solenoid valve is disposed.
US09109492B2 Exhaust purification system of internal combustion engine
An exhaust purification system of an internal combustion engine including an ammonia oxidation catalyst device and an ammonia holding device arranged immediately upstream of the ammonia oxidation catalyst device is provided. The ammonia holding device has a solid acid, holds ammonia to restrain the ammonia from flowing into the ammonia oxidation catalyst device when a temperature of the ammonia oxidation catalyst device is within a N2O producing temperature range, and releases the held ammonia to make the ammonia flow into the ammonia oxidation catalyst device when the temperature of the ammonia oxidation catalyst device is out of the N2O producing temperature range.
US09109489B2 Vehicle
In a vehicle including an EHC containing a catalyst base material and an insulator insulating the EHC from the outside, an ECU estimates a temperature of the catalyst base material and a temperature of the insulator immediately after a state of the vehicle is switched from a Ready-OFF state to a Ready-ON state, as a base material temperature for determination THcpost and an insulator temperature for determination THipost, respectively. Then, when base material temperature for determination THcpost is lower than a base material threshold temperature THcth and when insulator temperature for determination THipost is lower than an insulator threshold temperature THith, the ECU allows EHC power feed, and otherwise it does not allow but prohibits EHC power feed.
US09109480B2 Method and system for initiating an engine after-run state and controlling a nitrogen oxide sensor self-diagnostic tool
A system and method for initiating an engine after-run state and controlling a nitrogen oxide sensor self-diagnostic tool are provided. The system may include an internal combustion engine, an exhaust system, a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) device and at least two NOx sensors to measure the efficiency of the SCR device and a controller or host machine. The controller, via the present method, executes a first control action to disable the self-diagnostic tool when one of an occurrence of a particulate filter regeneration event and a non-occurrence of a calibration threshold is detected. The controller executes a second control action, initiating an engine after-run state and enabling the self-diagnostic tool when one of a non-occurrence of a particulate filter regeneration event and an occurrence of the calibration threshold is detected.
US09109473B2 Valve-timing control apparatus of internal combustion engine and cover member of valve-timing control apparatus
A valve-timing control apparatus includes a phase change mechanism configured to change a valve timing, a cover member provided near a front end side of the phase change mechanism; slip rings provided to one of a front end portion of the phase change mechanism and a facing surface of the cover member which faces the phase change mechanism; a pair of brushes provided to another of the front end portion of the phase change mechanism and the facing surface of the cover member to be axially slidable. One end portion the pigtail harness is connected with the corresponding brush. Another end portion of the pigtail harness is connected with a connector terminal under a deflected state, at a location radially shifted from an axis of the corresponding brush. The another end portions of the pair of pigtail harnesses are separated from each other by a partition wall.
US09109472B2 Apparatus and method for controlling variable valve mechanism
An control apparatus for a variable valve mechanism, is capable of executing fail safe control in a case in which locking occurs in either one of a cam shaft of a double shaft structure. The control apparatus for a variable valve mechanism has a cam shaft of a double shaft structure including an outer cam shaft and an inner cam shaft, such that it is possible to adjust the phase of a sub cam of inner cam shaft with respect to an main cam of outer cam shaft, and by means these cams, at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve of an internal combustion engine is operated. When an abnormality is detected in one of the cam shafts, the control apparatus controls the phase of the cam of the other cam shaft, in accordance with the determined current phase of the cam.
US09109464B2 Distributed lubrication system
A gas turbine engine includes a spool, a gearbox having gearing driven by the spool, and a lubrication system. The lubrication system includes a first heat exchanger positioned in a first air flow path, a second heat exchanger positioned in a second air flow path, and a lubrication pump fluidically connected to both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. A first air fan is driven by the gearbox for inducing air flow through the first air flow path. A second air fan is driven by an electric motor for inducing air flow through the second air flow path.
US09109456B2 System for coupling a segment to a rotor of a turbomachine
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a system having a turbine blade segment having a blade and a mounting segment coupled to the blade. The mounting segment is configured to couple to a slot in a rotor, and the mounting segment has a cavity extending radially into the mounting segment.
US09109451B1 Turbine blade with micro sized near wall cooling channels
A turbine blade with a plurality of rows of micro sized near wall cooling channels formed within an outer side of the airfoil wall to produce near wall cooling of the hot surface of the airfoil. The near wall cooling channels extend around the entire airfoil surface from the trailing edge to the leading edge regions and are formed using a metal printing process. Each row of near wall cooling channels discharges into a trench that opens onto the blade tip to provide a seal against hot gas leakage across the blade tips.
US09109447B2 Combustion system including a transition piece and method of forming using a cast superalloy
A combustion system including a transition piece and method of forming the transition piece using a cast nickel-based superalloy is provided. The transition piece includes a body defining a flowpath and enclosure, the body having a circular inlet section for receiving combustion product from the combustor and an outlet end for flowing the combustor products into a first stage nozzle of a gas turbine. The transition piece comprises a one-piece single casting construction of the circular inlet section, the body, and the outlet end. The transition piece is formed from a nickel-based superalloy. The transition piece has a thick-to-thin ratio of wall thickness of thick transition to wall thickness of thin transition of about 1.1 to about 2.5.
US09109445B2 Shield canopy for a shield-type support
A shield canopy for a shield-type support for underground mining having a canopy plate and a supporting structure being welded on below the canopy plate and having a plurality of longitudinal spars which extend from a rear canopy region up to a front canopy region. At least two of the longitudinal spars having section struts which are provided with a top section flange and a web running perpendicularly to the top section flange, and the canopy plate and the section struts are angled upwards in the front canopy region.
US09109443B2 Formulation and method of use for exploitation of heavy and extra heavy oil wells
A combined injection and production method includes establishing a production well and an injection well into a hydrocarbon-bearing formation; introducing a mixture of a surfactant, a co-surfactant and a carrier fluid into each of the production well and the injection well so that the mixture flows into porous media surrounding the production well and the injection well; holding the mixture in the porous media surrounding the production well in the presence of water for a period of time sufficient to form a water film on surfaces of the porous media surrounding the production well; and injecting an injection fluid into the injection well while producing from the production well, whereby hydrocarbons flow from the porous media around the injection well toward the production well.
US09109438B2 Device and method for well stimulation
A device for well stimulation comprising a carrying element (22) with a first delimiting element (23) and a second delimiting element (25), also at least one charge pack (30), which comprises one or more charge units (31) of a solid fuel, and also at least one detonator (40) for detonating the at least one charge pack (31), the charge pack or the charge packs being arranged on the carrying element (22) between the delimiting elements (23, 25), wherein the charge units (31) are configured as cylinders with a continuous axial clearance, and the carrying element (22) is formed as a rod or cable and is led through the axial clearances.
US09109437B2 Method of using an expansion tool for non-cemented casing annulus (CCA) wellbores
A method for centralizing an inner casing within an outer casing includes introducing an expansion tool into the inner casing, the expansion tool having an elongate body having a first force multiplier case coupled to an expansion tool case. A piston is arranged within the first force multiplier case and is actuated to move the piston axially in a first direction. A ram is arranged within the expansion tool case and engaged with the piston while moving in the first direction. One or more lug assemblies are arranged within the expansion tool case and are radially expanded with the ram as the ram axially translates in the first direction. The inner casing is plastically deformed with the one or more lug assemblies, which generate a corresponding one or more lugs in the inner casing configured to engage an inner surface of the outer casing.
US09109436B2 Method for repairing a liner hanger, device and blank for implementation thereof
Method for repairing a hanger (D) of a liner (B), for making a leak-tight connection, the liner (B) being placed inside and in the continuation of the casing (A) of a well, the method consisting in axially positioning a metal tubular blank (1) in the well, the blank having a solid wall radially deformable beyond its elastic limit and comprising an upper cylindrical portion (10) whose outer diameter is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the casing (A), a lower portion (13) also cylindrical whose outer diameter is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the liner (B), and an intermediate portion (11, 12) of diameter varying between these two diameters, and causing radial expansion of at least one of these two cylindrical portions (10, 13) beyond its elastic limit so that they are applied closely and firmly and in leak-tight manner against the inner face of the wall opposite the casing (A) or liner (B).
US09109433B2 Early kick detection in an oil and gas well
An apparatus, method and computer-readable medium for detecting a gas influx event in a borehole fluid during a drilling operation is disclosed. A measurement of an acoustic velocity of the borehole fluid is obtained at an acoustic sensor disposed in a borehole. A measurement of temperature of the borehole fluid is obtained at a temperature sensor disposed in the borehole. A process compares the measurement of the acoustic velocity of the borehole fluid to the measurement of the temperature of the borehole fluid to detect the gas influx event.
US09109431B2 Reducing differential sticking during sampling
A method includes lowering a downhole tool via a pipe into a wellbore drilled through a formation via the pipe and establishing a fluid communication between the downhole tool and the formation at a location in the wellbore. The method also includes extracting from the formation a first fluid stream through the fluid communication and passing the first fluid stream through the downhole tool for a first duration. The method further includes breaking the fluid communication between the downhole tool and the formation, moving the pipe in the wellbore, and reestablishing the fluid communication between the downhole tool and the formation essentially at the location in the wellbore subsequent to moving the pipe in the wellbore.
US09109429B2 Engineered powder compact composite material
An engineered dispersed particle-cellular nanomatrix composite material is disclosed. The engineered dispersed particle-cellular nanomatrix composite material is configured for contact with a fluid and configured to provide a selectable and controllable transition from one of a first strength condition to a second strength condition that is lower than a functional strength threshold, or a first weight loss amount to a second weight loss amount that is greater than a weight loss limit, as a function of a time in contact with the fluid.
US09109423B2 Apparatus for autonomous downhole fluid selection with pathway dependent resistance system
An apparatus is described for controlling flow of fluid in a tubular positioned in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. A flow control system is placed in fluid communication with a main tubular. The flow control system has a flow ratio control system and a pathway dependent resistance system. The flow ratio control system has a first and second passageway, the production fluid flowing into the passageways with the ratio of fluid flow through the passageways related to the characteristic of the fluid flow. The pathway dependent resistance system includes a vortex chamber with a first and second inlet and an outlet, the first inlet of the pathway dependent resistance system in fluid communication with the first passageway of the fluid ratio control system and the second inlet in fluid communication with the second passageway of the fluid ratio control system. The first inlet is positioned to direct fluid into the vortex chamber such that it flows primarily tangentially into the vortex chamber, and the second inlet is positioned to direct fluid such that it flows primarily radially into the vortex chamber. Undesired fluids, such as natural gas or water, in an oil well, are directed, based on their relative characteristic, into the vortex primarily tangentially, thereby restricting fluid flow when the undesired fluid is present as a component of the production fluid.
US09109419B2 Plug installation system and method
A system for maneuvering a plug in and out of a tubing hanger mounts to a subsea wellhead assembly. The system includes a tractor and an end effector that are sheltered in a housing. A control cable spools from a reel mounted on the housing and attaches to the tractor. The control cable provides communication from a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to the tractor and end effector so that commands from the ROV via the control cable control the tractor and end effector. After the housing connects to the wellhead assembly, control signals from the ROV activate the tractor to drive the end effector into the wellhead assembly and command the end effector to set the plug in the tubing hanger, or to remove the plug from the tubing hanger.
US09109414B2 Solids waste, solidification material mixing and conveyance unit
A system for processing solids may include a solids mover configured to receive the solids from the separator and convey the solids to at least one disposal container and a solidification material applicator configured to apply a solidification material to the solids in the solids mover. A related method includes conveying the solids from the separator to at least one disposal container using a solids mover and applying the solidification material to the solids in the solids mover using a solidification material applicator.
US09109412B2 Rotational drill bits and drilling apparatuses including the same
A roof-bolt drill bit. The roof-bolt drill bit may include a bit body rotatable about a central axis and a cutting element coupled to the bit body. The bit body may comprise a forward end, a rearward end axially spaced away from the forward end, and an internal passage defined within the bit body, with the internal passage extending from a rearward opening defined in the rearward end of the bit body through at least a portion of the bit body. A fluid port is configured to direct fluid from the internal passage through a port opening in a direction that forms an angle with respect to a forward direction of the central axis.
US09109410B2 Method system and apparatus for reducing shock and drilling harmonic variation
A downhole device comprising a mandrel suitable for connection to a drilling assembly, a housing surrounding the mandrel with the housing being suitable for connection to the alternate end of a drilling assembly and a compensating mechanism configured to adjust an axial force applied to said mandrel by changing the relative position of the mandrel with respect to the housing.
US09109407B2 Unequal load collet and method of use
A downhole actuation system comprises an actuation mechanism comprising an indicator; a wellbore tubular; and a collet coupled to the wellbore tubular. The collet comprises a collet protrusion disposed on one or more collet springs, and the collet protrusion has a position on the one or more collet springs that is configured to provide a first longitudinal force to the indicator in a first direction and a second longitudinal force to the indicator in a second direction. The first longitudinal force is different than the second longitudinal force.
US09109406B2 Method for removing a hydrocarbon production platform from sea
A method for removing a hydrocarbon production platform at sea, the production platform being connected to a hydrocarbon well, and including a support structure and an upper part being supported by the support structure, where the method includes the steps of; temporarily closing the well, removing at least part of the upper part from the support structure, positioning a well abandonment module on the support structure, which well abandonment module is constructed and arranged to perform well abandonment operations, performing abandonment operations from the well abandonment module to abandon the well, removing the well abandonment module from the support structure after the well abandonment operations are completed.
US09109404B2 Riser string hang-off assembly
A hang-off assembly for supporting a riser string from an off-shore drilling rig. The hang-off assembly includes a housing with a passage through the housing and an open section allowing access to the entire length of the passage from outside the housing. The assembly also includes a gate member movable relative to the housing from an open position to a closed position, the gate member preventing access to the passage through the open section when in the closed position. A motor moves the gate member between the open and closed positions. An adapter attachable to the riser string includes a profile landable in the housing to support the riser string when connected to the adapter.
US09109403B2 Drill bit assembly having electrically isolated gap joint for electromagnetic telemetry
A drill bit assembly having an electrically isolated gap joint for electromagnetic telemetry comprises a drill bit, a pin body, an electrically insulating gap joint therebetween, and an electrical conductor extending across the gap joint. The bit head has a cutting end and an opposite connecting end with an engagement section. The pin body has a tubular body with an axial bore therethrough, and comprises a connecting end with an engagement section. The pin body connecting end is connected to the bit head connecting end such that the engagement sections overlap. The electrically insulating gap joint fills an annular gap between the bit head and pin body engagement sections such that the bit head and pin body are mechanically connected together at the connecting ends but are electrically separated. The electrical conductor has one end electrically contacting one of the bit head and pin body, and the other end communicable with electronics equipment.
US09109402B1 Steering assembly for directional drilling of a wellbore
A steering assembly includes a housing having a longitudinal axis, a mandrel having a front connecting extremity and a rear connecting extremity, the mandrel passing through the housing and arranged in a first position coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the housing, a deflector device configured to exert a side force on the mandrel to offset the front connecting extremity of the mandrel from the longitudinal axis, and a tool face assembly configured to rotate the front connecting extremity of the mandrel in a desired direction.
US09109398B2 Method for forming a geothermal well
Methods for forming a geothermal well are provided. A method for forming a geothermal well can include drilling a first wellbore having a substantially linear segment connected to an arcuate segment. A second wellbore can be drilled to connect to a terminating end of the arcuate segment, thereby forming a wellbore loop. A thermally conductive tube can be disposed through the wellbore loop.
US09109396B2 Ladder having narrow base
A ladder includes a stair section having a plurality of steps, a vertical upright that connects to a top of the stair section, a base that connects a bottom of the stair section and a bottom of the vertical upright, and one or more wheels connected to the bottom of the vertical upright. The ladder may also include a front locking step and a rear wheel assembly. A narrow base extends between a step of the stair section above a bottom step or locking step and the vertical upright.
US09109389B1 Hollow core door with internal air flow
Hollow core door apparatus for preventing the build up of pressure in a room having a register through which air flows into the room and a center panel in the door with at least a single opening through the center panel; the door has an inside door skin and an outside door skin, both of which include openings spaced apart from the center panel, and an inside panel and an outside panel disposed in the respective openings in the inside and outside door skins. The inside and outside panels are spaced apart from the center panel within the respective door skin openings, and the spacing within the door skin openings define peripheral openings at least as great as the area of the opening in the center panel and are offset from the opening in the center panel to provide for a non-linear flow of air through the door to prevent the build up of pressure in the room. Several different embodiments are illustrated. An embodiment combining a noxious gas absorbent material with the pressure build up prevention capabilities is also illustrated.
US09109386B2 Window sash counterbalance with independently operable sashes
A window, with a hybrid sash counterbalance and assist mechanism, includes a frame having upper and lower sashes slidable within the frame. A sash coupling element extends between the upper and lower sashes. The hybrid sash counterbalance and assist mechanism is coupled with the sash coupling element. The window with the hybrid sash counterbalance and assist mechanism is operable in a sash counterbalance mode and in an independent sash movement mode. In the sash counterbalance mode, movement of the upper or lower sash causes converse movement of the lower or upper sash through the sash coupling element, and the movement of the upper or lower sash is assisted. In the independent sash movement mode, one of the upper and lower sashes is held static while the other of the lower or upper sashes is moved, and the moved sash is assisted.
US09109385B2 Tool and method for adjusting a hinge
Tools for grasping and aligning a number of knuckles of a hinge are presented, the tool including: a tube having a bore and a slotted opening in a side of the tube connecting with the bore and parallel thereto, where the bore extends from one end of she tube to another end of the tube, and where the bore includes a diameter sufficient to permit telescoping the tube onto the number of knuckles; a stop located along one end of the tube and perpendicular thereto; sad a pair of flattened surfaces formed along an outside surface of the tube and opposite one another, where the pair of flattened surfaces are configured to receive a leveraging tool. In some embodiments, the flattened surfaces include: a raised flattened surface and an indented flattened surface.
US09109382B2 Door locking device
A door locking device which is reduced in size relative to a conventional device includes a key operation transmission link, which transmits a key operation force relative to a key cylinder to a relay lever corresponding to “a lock switch member”, and which is arranged to rotate about a common rotation axis shared with the relay lever. In addition, a rotation space for first and second movable contact portions fits within a circular-shaped area around the common rotation axis because a first fan-shaped protruding portion including the first movable contact portion for transmitting a force to the key operation transmission link and the relay lever and a second fan-shaped protruding portion including the second movable contact portion for transmitting the force to the key operation transmission link and the relay lever are arranged around the common rotation axis.
US09109380B2 Motor vehicle door lock
A motor vehicle door lock is provided with a catch with an actuating-lever mechanism which acts on the catch. There is also a locking lever which, together with the actuating lever, renders the actuating-lever mechanism inactive when accelerating forces of predetermined magnitude occur, for example in the event of a crash. The actuating lever and locking lever disable the actuating-lever mechanism mechanically, as a result of the accelerating forces occurring, by associated deflection. Following dissipation of the accelerating forces, the actuating lever and locking lever reconnect the actuating-lever mechanism.
US09109374B1 Landscape timber anchoring system
An anchoring system for landscape projects uses at least a pair of hollow lightweight spaced apart post such that each post has a body member removably sitting atop a base and having either another body member or a cap sitting atop its upper surface. Each post has openings thereon such that a landscape timber extends between corresponding openings on adjacent body members pairs. The hollow internal cavity of each post may be filled with appropriate weighting material.
US09109370B2 Scaffolding post
The invention relates to a scaffolding post (25) made of metal, including a tube (26) and a tubular tube connector (27) integrally molded therewith. In a transition region between the tube connector (27) and the tube (26) a stop (46) is formed, the stop being in the form of an annular post-supporting end face (50) running perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the scaffolding post (25) and circumferentially around the longitudinal axis. The slide-on area (37) of the tube (26) has a plurality of indentations (86), each extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the scaffolding post (25) and each being designed with a tube inner cross-section reduction. The indentations are arranged distributed in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis of the scaffolding post (25) at regular intervals or equidistant and each extends continuously for a length in the tube slide-on region (37), starting directly from a tube-supporting end face in the direction of the tube connector (27). The indentations (86) are each configured in an L-shape or T-shape with a longitudinal supporting indentation (90) and a transverse centering indentation (91). In the region of the post-supporting end face (50) the tube connector (27) includes a centering region (65) spanning a first tube connector outside diameter and further includes a supporting region (73) spanning a second tube connector outside diameter, wherein the first tube connector outside diameter is slightly larger than the second tube connector outside diameter. The tube (26) includes a substantially circular cylindrical tube portion (55), which merges in the direction of the free tube connector end directly, substantially sharp-edged via an annular edge or with a slight transitional radius, into the post-supporting surface (50).
US09109369B2 Building insulation and siding kit
A building side kit is provided where the siding board is attached to an insulation board from their upper edges and a one step installation of the kit is provided with attachment clips. The insulation boards may have interlocking male extension and female deeps on their upper and lower edges. Attachment clips fitting with siding board/insulation board assemblies with male extensions on the upper edge of the insulation board are also provided. The system may also include a reflective backing and/or drainage grooves on the back of the insulation board.
US09109367B2 Thermal insulation composite system, building comprising such a system and method for producing a thermal insulation composite system
The invention relates to a thermal insulation composite system, comprising a plurality of panel-shaped thermal insulating bodies and a plurality of fixing devices for fixing the thermal insulating bodies to an external wall of a building, wherein each of the fixing devices contains a fixing plate for fixing the fixing device to the outer wall, a connecting bridge mounted on the surface side of the fixing plate, and an insert plate that is fixed to the fixing plate via the connecting bridge in a plane substantially parallel to the fixing plate. At least a first portion of the insert plate is designed for relative engagement in the first slot of at least a first of the thermal insulation bodies. The connecting bridge is designed for complete relative engagement in a second slot of the at least one first thermal insulation body, said second slot corresponding to the thickness of the connecting bridge.
US09109365B2 Insulated cover for attic openings
An insulated cover for attic openings is provided which is adapted for pivotal mounting to the portion of the building surrounding the attic opening. The insulated cover includes cover structure for positioning in spanning relationship across the opening, a pivotal mount for enabling the cover to pivot from a spanning position enclosing the opening to an access-permitting position, and a magnetic coupler including a plurality of magnetic pairs for releasably holding the cover structure in position. The cover structure includes a recess for receiving a pullcord of the like, and a receiver adapted to couple with a rod for controlled pivoting of the cover structure and release of the magnetic connection between the magnetic pairs.
US09109363B2 Interlocking panel siding
An interlocking panel system including: a pair of panels, each including: a front face including a fastener notch; a rear face; a top edge, wherein the top edge includes a top front edge that extends above a top rear edge; and a lower edge, wherein the lower edge includes a front edge that extends below a bottom middle edge and a bottom rear edge, further wherein the bottom rear edge extends below the bottom middle edge; wherein, when the lower edge of the first panel is placed onto the top edge of the second panel, the bottom front edge of the first panel covers the fastener notch of the second panel.
US09109351B2 Connector assembly for a drainage conduit
A connector for connecting lengths of conduit sections having an outer corrugated surface, comprising a body having apertures, an outer rigid surface and an inner deformable surface as well as opposite open extremities. The inner surface defines a channel for receiving at least one conduit section through at least one of the open extremities. Fasteners are inserted into the channel through said apertures. When the corrugated conduit is fitted into the channel, the fasteners are insertable through the apertures for extending into the channel thereby interfering with the corrugated surface of the conduit and substantially preventing the conduit from being removed from the channel.
US09109349B1 Water management system and method
A water management system for reducing the damage caused by leaks in a structure including a manifold having first and second electronic valves and connected to a supply line. The system also includes a purge line and a connection line attached to the manifold as well as a requesting member with an activating member affixed thereto and a transmitter positioned proximal that signals the first electronic valve to open when the activating member is engaged. A method of using the system to reduce flooding risks in a structure is also disclosed.
US09109348B2 Monitor and working vehicle provided with the monitor
A monitor includes a display in a form of a liquid crystal display, a rubber frame having a surrounding face that surrounds an outer circumferential surface of the liquid crystal display, and a front case having a housing that houses the liquid crystal display attached with the rubber frame. The rubber frame includes a projection that projects from a surface of the surrounding face and that is elastically deformed by contacting with an inner circumferential surface of the housing.
US09109344B2 Working machine
In the working machine, first and second pilot flow paths are directly or indirectly connected to a tank flow path (52). A first restrictor is disposed between the first pilot flow path and the tank flow path. A second restrictor is disposed between the second pilot flow path and the tank flow path. An actuator control unit is configured to control an actuator based on a hydraulic pressure detected by a first hydraulic pressure detector unit and that detected by a second hydraulic pressure detector unit sensor.
US09109341B1 Ground anchor body having rotation release structure
Disclosed herein is a ground anchor body having a rotation release structure. The ground anchor body includes a waterproof cap, a head coupler, a wedge, a tubular guide, a movable body, and a compression spring. The head coupler is coupled to a lower end of the waterproof cap. A tapered hole is longitudinally formed in the head coupler. The wedge is disposed in a tapered hole of the head coupler to hold the PC strand. The guide is installed in the waterproof cap. A slide slot is longitudinally formed in the guide. The movable body is disposed in the guide and provided with a slide protrusion inserted into the slide slot. The wedge is coupled to the movable body, and a key depression is formed in the movable body so that an end of the PC strand is key-coupled to the movable body. The compression spring elastically compresses the movable body downward.
US09109340B1 Pile-supported cable-reinforced building
A building is reinforced by bonding a foundation slab to piles driven into the earth. Each pile has a cap attached to it at a height selected so that at least a portion of the cap can be captured within the foundation slab when it is poured. Before pouring, reinforcing cables are connected horizontally between selected attachment points on the pile caps and are set to a selected tension. Roof reinforcing cables may also be run from a pile cap upwardly through a wall, generally horizontally so as to capture roofing members, and down through another wall to be attached to a second pile cap.
US09109333B2 Hopper insert for asphalt paving machine
A hopper insert for the hopper of a paving machine is installed above a hopper conveyor that conveys asphalt material in a hopper conveying direction. The hopper insert has a front end and a rear end and a plurality of walls that together define an opening adjacent to the hopper conveyor. The opening to the hopper conveyor increases in width from front end of the hopper insert to the rear end.
US09109331B2 Fluorescent brighter #71 used for the papermaking process
Fluorescent whitening agent 71 (FB #71) 4,4′-bis[4-anilino-6-morpholino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]amino-2,2′-stilbene disodium salt (CAS #16090-02-1) is used on the wet-end papermaking process and coating papermaking process to increase the brightness of paper.
US09109329B2 Lignin dewatering process
A lignin plastics solids mass containing lignin solids and liquids with up to 85% liquids can be partially dewatered by heating the lignin plastics solids mass to above a critical temperature at which time the lignin plastics solids agglomerate into lower moisture granular solids with between about 45% to 55% liquids releasing excess liquid which can be easily removed from the solids. The process is particularly useful for lignin plastics solids removed from black liquor from paper mills, or for similar lignin plastics solids masses, which can contain up to 85% liquids and which need to be dried to form useful lignin solids, which can be used for example for fuel. The dewatering process can be combined with the process for separating the lignin from the black liquor to separate the dewatered lignin directly from the black liquor.
US09109326B2 Antibacterial artificial hair and antibacterial coating agent for artificial hair
An antibacterial artificial hair of the present invention includes an artificial hair and organic resin particles adhering to the artificial hair. The organic resin particles are powdered fine particles including an organic resin and an aluminum salt that is chemically bonded to the organic resin. An antibacterial coating agent for artificial hair of the present invention is used for an artificial hair and obtained by dispersing the organic resin particles in an aqueous medium. The presence of the organic resin particles including the aluminum salt not only provides the luster and texture similar to those of human hair, but also imparts the antibacterial properties.
US09109322B2 Washing machine having balancer
A front loading washing machine including a housing; a water reservoir installed in the housing for containing washing water; a spin tub provided in the water reservoir to hold laundry to be washed, the spin tub having an annular recess and rotating with respect to a horizontal axis of the washing machine; and at least one balancer installed in the annular recess of the spin tub, the balancer comprising an annular shaped race formed of a plastic material.
US09109319B2 System and method to detect child presence using active MEMS sensors
The presence of a child within an enclosed space in an appliance, such as a washing machine, dishwasher or refrigerator, is detected using one or more MEMS sensors positioned to detect movement within the enclosed space through various measured characteristics. In preference, combinations of different types of MEMS sensors are utilized to detect the movement. Movement may be attributed to the presence of a child inside the enclosed space, rather than resulting from other influences, with increased reliability if the determination is made based upon such combinations of different characteristics. Safety processes may be initiated upon detecting the presence of the child.
US09109317B2 Controlled moisture removal in a laundry treating appliance
An automatic washing machine including a tub, a drum mounted for rotating within the tub, a treating chamber for receiving laundry to be treated, a door selectively moveable between opened and closed conditions to provide access to the treating chamber, a position sensor configured to sense the opened and closed conditions of the door and accordingly output a door condition signal, a humidity reduction device coupled to the treating chamber, and a controller configured to execute a treating cycle of operation and operably coupled with the position sensor to receive the door condition signal and the humidity reduction device to control its actuation, and further configured to operate the humidity reduction device and to rotate the drum to reduce the humidity in the treating chamber in response to the door being opened and subsequently closed after the completion of the treating cycle of operation.
US09109308B2 Loom and method for creating an article
A device having a housing structure, a plurality of pegs in communication with the housing and the plurality of pegs extending at an angle relative to a plane so that the plane extends between at least a plurality of pegs and wherein the angle of plurality of pegs are in different directions so that the at least a portion of plurality of pegs are movable from a first side of the plane to the second side of the plane.
US09109305B2 Preparation method for hollow carbon fiber
Disclosed is a method for preparing hollow carbon fibers having an empty space in the cross section thereof. More specifically, the disclosed method includes preparing a spinning solution of an acrylonitrile-based polymer having a viscosity ranging from 2000 to 5000 poise at room temperature; spinning the prepared spinning solution using a spinneret designed for spinning hollow fibers; super-drawing and drawing spun fibers to prepare hollow precursor fibers; and stabilizing and carbonizing the hollow precursor fibers to prepare the hollow carbon fibers. The hollow carbon fibers obtained by the disclosed method have a lower specific gravity by 10 to 50% than conventional hollow carbon fibers (solid), but have similar mechanical properties to the conventional fibers. Furthermore, in the method, the diameter of carbon fibers can be adjusted. Thus, it is possible to widen the application of hollow carbon fibers.
US09109303B2 Susceptor and vapor-phase growth apparatus
The present invention provides a susceptor which is rotatably provided in a chamber and has a plurality of substrate mounting parts, and a substrate on which a thin film is deposited is rotatably mounted on the substrate mounting part, and the susceptor has a disk-shape wherein there is an opening at an inner periphery of the susceptor, into which a rotating shaft to rotate the susceptor is inserted, and the susceptor has a plurality of notches extending in a radial direction at an outer periphery and/or a periphery of said opening.
US09109301B2 Crystalline silicon formation apparatus
In a crystalline silicon formation apparatus, a quick cooling method is applied to the bottom of a crucible to control a growth orientation of a polycrystalline silicon grain, such that the crystal grain forms twin boundary, and the twin boundary is a symmetric grain boundary, and the crystal grain is solidified and grown upward in unidirection to form a complete polycrystalline silicon, such that defects or impurities will not form in the polycrystalline silicon easily.
US09109293B2 Electrocatalyst for electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide
An electrocatalyst for the electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide to hydrocarbons is provided. The electrocatalyst for the electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide includes copper material supported on carbon nanotubes. The copper material may be pure copper, copper and ruthenium, copper and iron, or copper and palladium supported on the carbon nanotubes. The electrocatalyst is prepared by dissolving copper nitrate trihydrate in deionized water to form a salt solution. Carbon nanotubes are then added to the salt solution to form a suspension, which is then heated. A urea solution is added to the suspension to form the electrocatalyst in solution. The electrocatalyst is then removed from the solution. In addition to dissolving the copper nitrate trihydrate in the deionized water, either iron nitrate monohydrate, ruthenium chloride or palladium chloride may also be dissolved in the deionized water to form the salt solution.
US09109292B2 Anti-microbial coated devices and methods for making same
An anti-microbial coated device includes a device sized and configured for use in a microbe-contaminating environment. The device includes a substrate having a surface configured to be exposed in the microbe contaminating environment. A cold-sprayed anti-microbial coating is deposited on at least a portion of the surface of the substrate. The anti-microbial coating includes fused metal particles and having a thickness in a range from 100 nm to 1 mm.
US09109288B2 Gas supply system
A fluorine gas generation system includes a plurality of fluorine gas supply systems and a controller. Each of the fluorine gas supply systems includes a fluorine gas generation apparatus. Each of the fluorine gas supply systems is connected to a CVD device group. The fluorine gas generation apparatus includes a fluorine gas generator and a buffer tank. An opening/closing valve is inserted through a piping. The other end of the piping is branched into a plurality of pipings. Each of the pipings is connected to CVD devices. Pipings in the adjacent fluorine gas supply systems are connected to each other via a piping. An opening/closing valve is inserted through each of the pipings.
US09109287B2 Solid source container with inlet plenum
A vessel for conveying a precursor fluid from the vessel, comprising: an interior volume having an upper volume and a lower volume, wherein the two volumes are in communication and the lower volume contains precursor; a lid comprising a fluid inlet directing carrier gas into the vessel, a “T” fluid outlet, a sidewall having an upper lip wherein the upper lip contacts the lid; a separator interposed between the lid and the sidewall wherein the separator resides adjacent the upper lip and segments the interior volume into the upper volume and a lower volume; and an inlet plenum in communication with the fluid inlet having a plenum chamber opening towards the separator to direct the carrier gas through the separator and towards the precursor. A method for using the apparatus is also disclosed.
US09109285B2 Film-forming apparatus
An apparatus includes a plurality of target electrodes having attachment surfaces, a substrate holder, a first shutter member provided between the plurality of target electrodes and the substrate holder and having a plurality of openings, a first separating portion disposed between the openings of the first shutter member on its surface of the target electrode side, and a second separating portion disposed between the first shutter member and the target electrodes. The first shutter member is driven so as to bring the first separating portion and the second separating portion toward each other so that an indirect path can be formed between the first separating portion and the second separating portion, and driven so as to bring the first separating portion and the second separating portion away from each other so that the first shutter plate can be rotated.
US09109281B2 Metal heterocyclic compounds for deposition of thin films
Methods and compositions for depositing a metal containing film on a substrate are disclosed. A reactor and at least one substrate disposed in the reactor are provided. A metal containing precursor is provided and introduced into the reactor, which is maintained at a temperature of at least 100° C. A metal is deposited on to the substrate through a deposition process to form a thin film on the substrate.
US09109278B2 Method of forming self-assembly and uniform fullerene array on surface of substrate
The present invention provides a method of forming a self-assembly fullerene array on the surface of a substrate, comprising the following steps: (1) providing a substrate; (2) pre-annealing the substrate at a temperature ranging from 200° C. to 1200° C. in a vacuum system; and (3) providing powdered fullerene nanoparticles and depositing them on the surface of the substrate by means of physical vapor deposition technology in the vacuum system, so as to form a self-assembly fullerene array on the surface of the substrate. The present invention also provides a fullerene embedded substrate prepared therefrom, which has excellent field emission properties and can be used as a field emitter for any field emission displays.Finally, the present invention provides a fullerene embedded substrate prepared therefrom, which can be used to substitute for semiconductor carbides as optoelectronic devices and high-temperature, high-power, or high-frequency electric devices.
US09109275B2 High-strength galvanized steel sheet and method of manufacturing the same
Provided is a galvanized steel sheet having a tensile strength of 770 MPa or more including a steel sheet portion, and a plated layer formed on the surface of the steel sheet portion, in which the plated layer is a galvanized plated layer or an galvannealed plated layer, the steel sheet portion has a soft layer that directly adjoins the interface with the plated layer and an inside layer that is other than the soft layer, the thickness D of soft layer is 0.001% to 5% of thickness t of the steel sheet portion, and, when the hardness of the soft layer measured by nano-indentation method is indicated by H1, and the representative hardness of the steel sheet portion measured by the nano-indentation method is indicated by Ha in cross section that goes along the thickness direction of the steel sheet portion, H1 is 5% to 75% of Ha.
US09109264B2 Compositions and methods for detecting hepatitis B virus
Compositions, methods and kits for detecting viral nucleic acids. Targets that can be detected in accordance with the invention include HBV and/or HIV-1 and/or HCV nucleic acids. Particularly described are oligonucleotides that are useful as hybridization probes and amplification primers that facilitate detection of very low levels of HBV nucleic acids.
US09109263B2 Compositions to detect Candida albicans nucleic acid
Compositions are disclosed as nucleic acid sequences that may be used as amplification oligomers, including primers, capture probes for sample preparation, and detection probes specific for Candida albicans 26S rRNA sequences or DNA encoding 26S rRNA. Methods are disclosed for detecting the presence of C. albicans in samples by using the disclosed compositions in methods that include in vitro nucleic acid amplification of a 26S rRNA sequence or DNA encoding the 26S rRNA sequence to produce a detectable amplification product.
US09109262B2 Compositions and methods to detect Candida albicans nucleic acid
Compositions are disclosed as nucleic acid sequences that may be used as amplification oligomers, including primers, capture probes for sample preparation, and detection probes specific for Candida albicans 26S rRNA sequences or DNA encoding 26S rRNA. Methods are disclosed for detecting the presence of C. albicans in samples by using the disclosed compositions in methods that include in vitro nucleic acid amplification of a 26S rRNA sequence or DNA encoding the 26S rRNA sequence to produce a detectable amplification product.
US09109261B2 Method and kit for identifying antibiotic-resistant microorganisms
The invention provides a rapid sample-processing method for preparing hybridization reaction mixtures substantially depleted of RNA, and a method of identifying the methicillin-resistance status and vancomycin-resistance status of an organism.
US09109257B2 Prognostic method
A method for prognosing recurrence of prostate cancer (PCa) in a subject following prostatectomy using the outcomes of selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and clinical variables. A method for genotyping PCa associated genetic variations comprising use of a DNA microarray. A microarray for use in the described methods.
US09109255B2 Methods and compositions for determining responsiveness to antibody therapy
Methods and compositions are provided for determining whether a subject suffering from a neoplastic condition is responsive to an antineoplastic therapy, such as antibody therapy, e.g., Rituximab. In practicing the subject methods, the subject is genotyped to determine whether the subject has a least one favorable FcγR polymorphism, e.g., the 131 H/H genotype or the 158 V/V genotype. In addition, reagents, devices and kits thereof, that find use in practicing the subject methods are provided.
US09109252B2 Identity elucidation of unknown metabolites
A method of elucidating the identity of an unknown metabolite comprising measuring amounts of known and unknown metabolites in subjects; associating the unknown metabolite with a specific gene from a gene association study; determining a protein associated with the specific gene and analyzing information for the protein; associating the unknown metabolite with concentrations and/or ratios of other metabolites in subjects; obtaining chemical structural data for the unknown metabolite; and using the information obtained to elucidate the identity of the unknown metabolite.
US09109250B2 Production of closed linear DNA
An in vitro process for the production of closed linear deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) comprises (a) contacting a DNA template comprising at least one protelomerase target sequence with at least one DNA polymerase in the presence of one or more primers under conditions promoting amplification of said the template; and (b) contacting amplified DNA produced in (a) with at least one protelomerase under conditions promoting production of closed linear DNA. A kit provides components necessary in the process.
US09109247B2 In vitro method for the determination of glycemic index of food products
The present invention provides an in vitro method for determining the glycemic index values for various food products. The present invention provides an accurate and inexpensive in vitro method for determining the glycemic index of a wide variety of both food ingredients and finished food products.
US09109237B2 Method of preparing piceatannol using bacterial cytochrome P450 and composition therefor
Provided is a method of preparing piceatannol, and more particularly, to a method of preparing piceatannol from resveratrol using bacterial cytochrome P450 BM3 (CYP102A1) or mutants thereof, and a composition and a kit therefor.
US09109236B2 Microorganisms and methods for conversion of syngas and other carbon sources to useful products
A non-naturally occurring microbial organism having an isopropanol, 4-hydroxybutryate, or 1,4-butanediol pathway includes at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an isopropanol, 4-hydroxybutryate, or 1,4-butanediol pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce isopropanol, 4-hydroxybutryate, or 1,4-butanediol. The aforementioned organisms are cultured to produce isopropanol, 4-hydroxybutryate, or 1,4-butanediol.
US09109232B2 Ets2 and Mesp1 generate cardiac progenitors from fibroblasts
A method for modulating cell differentiation capabilities using heterologous gene expression. Some embodiments of the invention relate to a method for inducing a cardiac progenitor cell by delivering a reprogramming factor to the cell, wherein the reprogramming factor comprises ETS2 or a combination of ETS2 and Mesp1.
US09109231B2 Synthetic insecticidal proteins active against corn rootworm
Traditionally, the primary method for impacting insect pest populations is the application of broad-spectrum chemical insecticides. However, there is increasing concern about the environmental hazards associated with the production and use of synthetic chemical pesticides. Thus, there is substantial interest in developing alternative pesticides, including biological control of insect pests of agricultural significance using a microbial agent or another species of insect. The present invention provides compositions and methods for such biological control. Modified Cry3 pesticidal polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides, and methods of use are disclosed. The modified polynucleotides provided herein can be used to transform organisms and cells of hosts comprising plant, insects, and microorganisms. The expression of modified polypeptides can provide the host with improved insecticidal activity against one or more insect pathogens.
US09109230B1 Inbred corn line MV3111BM
An inbred corn line, designated MV3111BM, the plants and seeds of the inbred corn line MV3111BM, methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred corn line MV3111BM with itself or with another corn plant, and hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line MV3111BM with another corn line or plant and to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic corn plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line MV3111BM, to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line MV3111BM and to the inbred corn lines derived by the use of those methods.
US09109228B2 Compositions and methods for regulating RNA translation via CD154 CA-dinucleotide repeat
Compositions and methods for regulating CD154 gene expression are provided that rely on the interaction of hnRNP L with the CA-dinucleotide rich sequence of the 3′-untranslated region of CD154.
US09109221B2 Particles containing organic catalytic materials and uses
Semi-permeable particle can be used to facilitate chemical reactions such as catalytic reactions. The semi-permeable particles are permeable to molecules having a molar mass of 1000 Daltons or less and have a mode particle size of at least 1 μm. The semi-permeable particles have multiple discrete cavities containing an aqueous solution or suspension of an organic catalytic material. The semi-permeable particles are also impermeable to the organic catalytic materials so they are retained within the multiple discrete cavities, and the semi-permeable particles can be reused multiple times for the same or different chemical reaction.
US09109219B2 MGMT-based method for obtaining high yields of recombinant protein expression
The present invention relates to a novel enhancer of protein production in host cells. It discloses a vector for expressing recombinant proteins in these cells, comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a) a secretion peptidic signal, b) a 6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase enzyme (MGMT, EC 2.1.1.63), a mutant or a catalytic domain thereof, and c) a recombinant protein. Said MGMT enzyme is preferably the so-called SNAP protein.
US09109217B2 ADAMTS-13 mutant
An enhanced disintegrin-like domain, and metalloprotease, with an isolated human thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS-13) that includes substitutions at one or more positions in the isolated human ADAMTS-13.
US09109215B2 Polypeptides having xylanase activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having xylanase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
US09109210B2 Enhanced phytase variants
The present invention provides the field of enhancing proteins and in particular to that of proteins enhanced by molecular change. It provides a variant of a phytase that is termed enhanced in that is has better thermostability and/or activity than the original phytase. The invention also provides a nucleic acid coding for said variant, a cassette or an expression vector containing said variant, a host cell expressing said variant, a composition comprising said variant and uses thereof, principally in the preparation of food additives and animal feed.
US09109206B2 Method for treating chronic nerve tissue injury using a cell therapy strategy
A method for treating a degenerative or traumatic injury to a nerve tissue or the brain by administering at or near the injury site a composition containing adherent bone marrow stem cells suspended in a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid in an amount effective to elicit axonal regeneration or re-myelination at the site of injury.
US09109205B2 Method of constructing masses of myocardial cells and use of the myocardial cell mass
The object of the present invention is to improve the post-transplantation engraftment rate of cardiomyocytes that have been purified to such an extent that they are free from non-cardiomyocytes and any components derived from other species.To solve this problem, the present inventors studied the possibility of constructing cell masses from the purified cardiomyocytes. As a result, they revealed that the stated problem could be solved by providing a method of preparing cell masses of cardiomyocytes derived from pluripotent stem cells, characterized in that cell masses of aggregated cells containing cardiomyocytes that had been differentiated and induced from pluripotent stem cells were dispersed to single cells to thereby obtain purified cardiomyocytes, which were then cultured in a culture medium under serum-free conditions so that they were reaggregated.
US09109203B2 Method of extracting neural stem cells using nanoparticles
A method of extracting neural stem cells from a living subject, comprising the steps of introducing magnetic nanoparticles into the subject, targeting the neural stem cells with the magnetic nanoparticles to form magnetic nanoparticle-targeted cells, isolating the magnetic nanoparticle-targeted cells, extracting the magnetic nanoparticles-targeted cells from the subject.
US09109201B2 Purification of vaccinia viruses using hydrophobic interaction chromatography
The present invention relates to methods for purification of Vaccinia viruses (VV) and/or Vaccinia virus (VV) particles, which can lead to highly pure and stable virus preparations of predominantly biologically active viruses. The invention encompasses purifying a virus preparation in a sterilized way with high efficiency and desirable yield in terms of purity, biological activity and stability, aspects advantageous for industrial production.
US09109199B2 Methods to produce bunyavirus replicon particles
The invention relates to methods of producing infectious bunyavirus replicon particles. These bunyavirus replicon particles are safe and can be used outside a biosafety containment. The invention further relates to recombinant bunyavirus replicon particles and uses of these recombinant bunyavirus replicon particles.
US09109197B2 Device for concentrating and separating cells
Provided is a device for concentrating and separating cells, which has a function for continuously concentrating cells; a function for then continuously arranging the concentrated cells in predetermined regions of a flow path; a function for simultaneously identifying shape and fluorescent emission in one-cell units on the basis of cell concentration and purification images, which serve to continuously separate and purify cells that have different properties in that they are either attracted to or repelled by an induction electrophoresis force of a predetermined frequency; and a function for identifying cells on the basis of this shape and fluorescent emission information and thereby separating and purifying the cells.
US09109194B2 Device for harvesting bacterial colony and method therefor
When multiple kinds of bacterial colonies are present in a petri dish and, for example, a drug tolerance is to be measured, harvesting of mixed colonies of different types of bacteria makes it impossible to accurately determine the drug tolerance. Also, it is required to improve the throughput of a device for harvesting a bacterial colony. From images illuminated from multiple directions, isolating bacterial colonies are automatically extracted. Next, the image feature amounts are calculated from the multiple images that are illuminated from multiple directions and colonies are grouped depending on the feature amounts. Then, bacterial colonies to be harvested are determined based on the results of the grouping.
US09109193B2 Continuous perfusion bioreactor system
Systems and methods for containing and manipulating liquids, including vessels and unit operations or components of cell culture, cell containment, bioreactor, and/or pharmaceutical manufacturing systems, are provided. In certain embodiments, such vessels and unit operations are directed to continuous perfusion reactor or bioreactor systems and may include one or more disposable components. For instance, in one aspect, a system includes an apparatus in the form of a bioreactor for harvesting cells which produce one or more products. The apparatus may include a disposable, collapsible bag adapted for containing a liquid, the collapsible bag in fluid communication with a liquid-solids (e.g., cell) separation device. For example, an outlet of the collapsible bag may be connected to an inlet of the separation device, and an outlet of the separation device may be connected to an inlet of the collapsible bag for recycle. Accordingly, after separating the cells from the liquid in the separation device, the cells can be flowed back into the collapsible bag where they can be re-harvested. Meanwhile, product contained in the liquid can be collected in a separate container. The efficiency of product formation in such a system may be enhanced by using mixing systems described herein.
US09109191B2 Emulsion compositions and a method for selecting surfactants
A method for preparing a microemulsion is disclosed which employs a method based upon identification of the phase behavior of a plurality of components comprising the microemulsion. Further disclosed is a microemulsion composition comprising a first component, coupling agent, and surfactant.
US09109190B2 Cleaning compositions employing extended chain anionic surfactants
The invention discloses synergistic combinations of surfactants blends and cleaning composition. In certain embodiments a surfactant system is disclosed which includes extended anionic surfactants, linker surfactants, and a multiply charged cation component. This system forms emulsions with, and can remove greasy and oily stains, even those comprised of non-trans fats. The compositions may be used alone, as a pre-spotter or other pre-treatment or as a part of a soft surface or hard surface cleaning composition.
US09109189B2 Liquid detergent composition
A dishwashing composition comprising a hydrophobic emollient and an enzyme, preferably a protease, to provide improved hand skin care benefits and superior cleaning and/or suds mileage.
US09109185B2 Sliding member and sliding material composition
An object of the present invention is to provide a sliding member capable of rapidly wrapping a mating member, and reducing the surface roughness of the mating member after wrapping. The present invention relates to a sliding member for sliding with a mating member subjected to hardening treatment, the sliding member including a coating layer containing a binder resin, molybdenum disulfide, and hard substance particles in massive form.
US09109183B2 Lubricating compositions for continuous casting processes and methods for making and using same
Lubricating compositions for use in the casting of steel, in particular in continuous casting processes are provided. Methods for making and using such compositions are also provided.
US09109176B2 Method for making marine bunker fuels
This invention relates to low sulfur marine/bunker fuel compositions and methods of making same. Contrary to conventional marine/bunker fuel compositions/methods, the inventive lower sulfur compositions/methods focus on use of mostly uncracked components, such as (cat feed) hydrotreated gasoils, and/or can also have reduced contents of residual components.
US09109175B2 Isoprenoid based alternative diesel fuel
Fuel compositions are provided comprising a hydrogenation product of a monocyclic sesquiterpene (e.g., hydrogenated bisabolene) and a fuel additive. Methods of making and using the fuel compositions are also disclosed.
US09109171B2 System and method for gasification and cooling syngas
A system includes an integrated gasification vessel including an enclosure including a first section and a second section that may enclose a gasifier, one or more injectors circumferentially disposed within the gasifier. The one or more injectors may supply the gasifier with a fuel. The system also includes a syngas cooler disposed within an annulus of the gasification vessel. The syngas cooler includes a shell that may flow a coolant and the syngas cooler includes a plurality of tubes surrounding the gasifier and that may flow a syngas from the gasifier. The system further includes a reinforcement system configured to reinforce at least a portion of the enclosure and the gasifier. The reinforcement system may include one or more reinforcement beams disposed within the annulus and that may couple the enclosure and the gasifier.
US09109170B2 Biodiesel cold filtration process
An improved biodiesel production process includes the steps of processing a feedstock to produce biodiesel, cooling the biodiesel so as to form sediment, and filtering the biodiesel to remove the sediment. The resulting biodiesel from the cold filtration process avoids problems of sediment formation during storage and transportation.
US09109167B2 Integrated process for treatment and gasification of bituminous feedstocks by chemical looping combustion
The object of the invention is a process for treating bituminous feedstocks wherein the energy required to separate the organic and mineral fractions of said bituminous feedstocks in a treatment unit powered by hot water is provided by chemical looping combustion (CLC).
US09109166B2 Treating a crude and natural gas stream
A process for treating a crude and natural gas stream, which at least comprises the steps of: (a) passing a crude and natural gas stream (10) through an inlet (12) into a stabilization unit (14) to provide a stabilizer content (20); (b) passing an overhead gaseous stream (30) separated from the stabilizer content (20) through a first outlet (16); and (c) passing a bottom stream (40) comprising crude liquid hydrocarbons separated from the stabilizer content (20) and free water through a second outlet (18).
US09109165B2 Coking of gas oil from slurry hydrocracking
Integrated slurry hydrocracking (SHC) and coking methods for making slurry hydrocracking (SHC) distillates are disclosed. Representative methods involve passing a slurry comprising a vacuum column resid, a liquid coker product, and a solid particulate through an SHC reaction zone in the presence of hydrogen to obtain the SHC distillate. Atmospheric distillation in the SHC product recovery section yields a combined SHC gas oil/SHC pitch stream that is sent to coking to generate the liquid coker product. In a representative embodiment, vacuum distillation in the SHC product recovery is avoided, thereby eliminating equipment that is often most susceptible to fouling.
US09109163B2 Lighting devices with prescribed colour emission
Optical conversion layers based on semiconductor nanoparticles for use in lighting devices, and lighting devices including same. In various embodiments, spherical core/shell seeded nanoparticles (SNPs) or nanorod seeded nanoparticles (RSNPs) are used to form conversion layers with superior combinations of high optical density (OD), low re-absorbance and small FRET. In some embodiments, the SNPs or RSNPs form conversion layers without a host matrix. In some embodiments, the SNPs or RSNPs are embedded in a host matrix such as polymers or silicone. The conversion layers can be made extremely thin, while exhibiting the superior combinations of optical properties. Lighting devices including SNP or RSNP-based conversion layers exhibit energetically efficient superior prescribed color emission.
US09109161B2 Illuminant and light source containing the same, and method for producing said illuminant
An illumination from the class of oxynitridosilicates, doped with bivalent europium and comprising a cation M2+, said illuminant corresponding to the basic formula M(l-c)Si202N2:Dc wherein the following holds good: M=Sr(1-x)Bax mit 0.3
US09109160B2 Reactive mesogen based polymer particles
This invention relates to polymer particles comprising monomer units of at least one reactive mesogen, a process for their preparation, the use of these particles for the preparation of optical, electrooptical, electronic, electrochemical, electrophotographic, electrowetting and electrophoretic displays and/or devices and security, cosmetic, decorative, and diagnostic applications, and electrophoretic fluids and displays.
US09109156B2 Chemiluminescent system
An aqueous-based self-illuminating bubble-forming composition is provided. The composition comprises an oxalate component comprising an oxalate ester and a solvent; an activator component comprising a peroxide, a catalyst, and water; a surfactant; and a fluorescer in admixture with an aqueous bubble-forming solution. One or more of the same or different surfactants may be present in the activator component; the oxalate component; the activator component and the oxalate component; the aqueous bubble-forming solution; the activator component and the aqueous bubble-forming solution; the oxalate component and the aqueous bubble-forming solution; or in the oxalate component, the activator component and the aqueous bubble-forming solution.
US09109151B2 Process for preparing thermally stable oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions
A method for preparing a thermally stable well servicing fluid in the form of an oil-in-water (O/W) macroemulsion, a water-in-oil (W/O) macroemulsion or a water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsion at the well drilling location is provided. The servicing fluid is prepared by mixing a hydrocarbon phase, a water phase and a surfactant phase to obtain either an O/W macroemulsion, a W/O macroemulsion or a W/O microemulsion. The surfactant phase comprises a first surfactant and/or a second surfactant. The first surfactant comprises a fatty acid mixture and a hygroscopic first additive. The second surfactant comprises a C4-C6 alcohol. Whether or not an O/W macroemulsion, W/O macroemulsion or a W/O microemulsion is produced is determined by the concentration of the phases, the first surfactant, the second surfactant and the timing upon which the first additive, water phase and second surfactant are introduced to the mixture.
US09109150B2 Fast recovery of thixotropy by organogels with low molecular weight gelators
Low molecular weight gelators, methods of making such gelators, organogels comprising such gelators and methods of using such organogels are described. In exemplary methods, the gelators can be used in a variety of applications including the delivery of pharmaceutical active pharmaceutical ingredients, in food, cosmetics and consumer products, and in containing the unexpected release of chemical that occur for example in spills.
US09109149B1 Drop in refrigerant blend for mineral oil based systems
The present disclosure relates to refrigerants generally, and more specifically to non-flammable, non-ozone depleting mixtures of refrigerants that may be substituted for (HCFC R-22, R-407C, R-417A, R-502, R-402A, R-402B, R-404A, R-408A &R-507A) and usable in mineral oil systems. Among the most preferred embodiments of the present invention(s) are mixtures that are substitutes for these refrigerants, comprising about 35 to 65 weight percent R-125, and about 20 to 55 weight percent R-134a, and about 5 to 25 weight percent of R-143a and about 1 to 5 weight percent hydro component of (R-600 OR R-601) or combination, and about 2-10 weight percent of R-227ea the weight percentages of the components being weight percentages of the overall mixture.
US09109147B2 Adhesive composition for semiconductor and adhesive film comprising the same
An adhesive composition for a semiconductor has two exothermic peaks between 65° C. and 350° C. and has an area ratio of voids of less than 10%, measured after curing at 150° C. for 10 minutes and then at 150° C. for 30 minutes, and then molding at 175° C. for 60 seconds. A first exothermic peak appears between 65° C. and 185° C. and a second exothermic peak appears between 155° C. and 350° C.
US09109145B2 Strippable adhesive composition and uses thereof
The invention relates to a strippable adhesive composition, and it has the advantage of good stripability and coating. The invention also provides a strippable material and method for manufacturing the same and an electronic component and method for manufacturing the same.
US09109142B2 Photocurable adhesive composition, photocurable adhesive layer, and photocurable adhesive sheet
A photocurable pressure-sensitive adhesive composition, a photocurable pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and a photocurable pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet including a support and such a photocurable pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed on at least one side of the support are provided. The photocurable pressure-sensitive adhesive composition can form an adhesive layer that has sufficient initial adhesive strength through the process of drying and cross-linking without having any adhesive protruding at normal temperatures and pressures, hardens easily with light irradiation, and has a high peeling resistance. The photocurable adhesive composition contains a graft polymer that graft-polymerizes a monomer containing a cyclic ether group to a (meth)acrylic polymer and a cationic photopolymerization initiator. The photocurable adhesive layer and the photocurable adhesive sheet are prepared by using said photocurable adhesive composition.
US09109138B2 Optically clear biaxially oriented polyester film with anti-iridescent primer layer
A highly optically clear, composite film has a predominantly thermoplastic polyester base layer of A/B/C-layered structure and a polyester and polyurethane blend primer layer Preferably core layer B of the base layer is substantially particle-free polyester and outer layers A and C include organic and/or inorganic particles. The primer layer is crosslinked using a carbodiimide crosslinking agent. The primer layer and base layer composite can be laminated with a protective layer of primarily acrylic polymer for a solar control film. Functional additives, such as UV light blockers can be present in layers of the composite and solar control films. The primer layer combination of polyurethane and crosslinking by carbodiimide, provides the acrylic coated polyester solar control film with notably reduced iridescence and durable adhesion between polyester and acrylic layers in moist and warm service conditions.
US09109136B2 Photopolymerizable inkjet ink, ink cartridge, and inkjet recording device
A photopolymerizable inkjet ink including: at least one selected from the group consisting of (meth)acrylic acid esters negative for skin sensitization and (meth)acrylamides negative for skin sensitization; and at least one selected from the group consisting of vinyl ethers negative for skin sensitization, t-butyl methacrylate negative for skin sensitization, n-pentyl methacrylate negative for skin sensitization, and n-hexyl methacrylate negative for skin sensitization.
US09109133B2 Ink jet ink and recorded object
The ink jet ink includes pigment, first resin which has a glass-transition temperature of less than 20° C. and a weight-average molecular weight of not more than 10000, second resin which has a glass-transition temperature of not less than 23° C., and specific polyoxyalkylene glycol monoalkyl ether.
US09109128B2 Ink compositions
Polyurethanes containing at least one bisphosphonate group, as well as related compositions, articles, and methods, are disclosed.
US09109126B2 Ink compositions comprising colorant particles containing polymeric particles
Ink compositions for use in capillary-action markers are provided. More particularly, an ink composition includes a solvent, a colorant particle, and a resin component.
US09109125B2 Ink composition for ultraviolet curable ink jets, ink jet recording apparatus using the same, ink jet recording method using the same, and ink set
An ink composition for ultraviolet curable ink jets including monomer A represented by a general formula (I): CH2═CR1—COOR2—O—CH═CH—R3  (I) (in the formula, ‘R1’ represents a hydrogen atom or methyl group, ‘R2’ represents a divalent organic residue having a carbon number of 2 to 20, and ‘R3’ represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic residue having a carbon number of 1 to 11), and a photopolymerization initiator containing an acylphosphine oxide-based photopolymerization initiator and a thioxanthone-based photopolymerization initiator, in which the total content of the acylphosphine oxide-based photopolymerization initiator and the thioxanthone-based photopolymerization initiator is 8% by mass to 16% by mass with respect to the total mass of the ink composition.
US09109122B2 Easy-clean cooking surface and culinary article or domestic electrical appliance comprising such a cooking surface
Provided is a food-cooking surface for a culinary article or domestic electrical cooking appliance, consisting in depositing Zr and/or Nb and/or Ti on a substrate, the production process including a step of carburizing and/or nitriding at least one of the aforementioned elements, characterized in that the cooking surface also includes depositing Si so as to produce (Zr/Nb/Ti)—Si—(N/C) coatings. Also provided is a culinary article or domestic electrical or gas cooking appliance comprising such a cooking surface.
US09109120B2 Process for isolation and purification of carotenoids
The present invention discloses a novel saponification process for the isolation and purification of highly pure carotenoids from different carotenoid rich oleoresin derived from plants and microorganisms without the use of toxic chemicals and hazardous solvents. The hydrolysis is carried out by treating the carotenoid rich oleoresin with a novel mixture of a Fatty alcohol, alkali and a fatty acid without the use of any other solvents. Further the invention explains a process of stabilizing the carotenoids from getting degraded due to high temperature and exposure time during the saponification process. Further the invention discloses an economically viable process of isolating high pure carotenoids with higher yield.
US09109118B2 Cellulosic inclusion thermoplastic composition and molding thereof
A cellulosic inclusion-thermoplastic composition that includes cellulosic inclusions and a thermoplastic polyolefin that forms a matrix in which the cellulosic inclusions are dispersed. A maleated polymer and a polar thermoplastic polymer resin of a polyamide or polyester are provided to improve adhesion between the cellulosic inclusions and the thermoplastic polyolefin. The polar thermoplastic polymer resin is characterized by a melting temperature greater than that of the thermoplastic polyolefin. The composition as provided has increased break tensile strength relative to a composition devoid of the polar thermoplastic polymer resin but otherwise is unchanged. The break tensile is measured at 23° Celsius and at an elongation rate of 50 millimeters per minute.
US09109114B2 Polyamides having improved anti-delamination
The present invention generally relates to polyamide compositions having improved anti-delamination. More specifically, the present invention relates to novel polyamide compositions demonstrating improved anti-delamination, which have at least one low purity polyamide.
US09109106B2 Impact copolymer compositions for use in corrugated board
The present invention relates to polymer compositions comprising a propylene impact copolymer and a processing aid, as well as corrugated boards made from such compositions. The impact copolymer has a melt flow range of from 1.5 to 3.5 g/10 min and a dispersed phase content of from 5 to 30% by weight. The dispersed phase of the impact copolymer has an ethylene content of from 30- to 70% by weight of the dispersed phase. The matrix phase of the impact copolymer is a propylene homopolymer or a random copolymer comprising units derived from propylene and a second copolymer selected from either ethylene or 1-butene wherein the units derived from the second copolymer comprise from 0 to 5% by weight of the dispersed phase.
US09109105B2 Process for preparing Ziegler-Natta produced polyethylene blends
A process for preparing a multimodal polyethylene product with at least two different polyethylene resins can include producing a first polyethylene resin in the presence of a Ziegler-Natta catalyst in a reactor. The Ziegler-Natta catalyst used for the production of the first polyethylene resin has an average particle size (D50) of at most 15 μm. The HLMI of the first polyethylene resin is between 0.01 and 5 g/10 min. The process can include separately producing a second polyethylene resin in the presence of a Ziegler-Natta catalyst in a reactor. The MI2 of the second polyethylene resin is between 1 and 150 g/10 min. The process can include physically blending together the first and second polyethylene resins to produce a multimodal polyethylene product. The physical blending can be performed in a device for continuously melting and blending the first and second polyethylene resins.
US09109103B2 Functionalized polymer, rubber composition and pneumatic tire
The present invention is directed to a functionalized elastomer comprising the reaction product of a living anionic elastomeric polymer and a polymerization terminator of formula I wherein R1 is C1 to C4 linear or branched alkanediyl; Z is R2, —OR3, or —R4—X; R2, R3 are independently C1 to C18 linear or branched alkyl; R4 is C1 to C18 alkanediyl; X is halogen or a group of structure II, III, IV, V or VI wherein R5, R6, R7, R8, and R9 are independently H or C1 to C8 alkyl; R10 is C2 to C8 alkanediyl; R11 and R12 are independently H, aryl or C1 to C8 alkyl; Q is N or a group of structure VII wherein R13 is C1 to C8 alkyl.
US09109100B2 Composition for preparing artificial graphite element, powdery material, and method for fabricating the element
A composition for producing an artificial graphite element and a method for producing the same are provided. The composition includes a carbon-containing raw material such as fly ash, an adhesive, and a dispersant. The method for producing the artificial graphite element of the present invention includes the steps of mixing the above composition; baking the mixed composition to obtain powder having a plurality of particles; screening the powder to select particles having suitable particle diameters; molding the plurality of screened particles into an article; heating the article at 500 to 1000° C.; and graphitizing the heated article to obtain the artificial graphite element. The method of the present invention is simple and cost-effective. The artificial graphite element produced has a considerably large specific surface area due to its porous property, such that it is suitable for use as a heat-dissipating substrate.
US09109099B2 Polyethylene additive
A new additive for plastics (for example, polyethylene) is prepared by reacting a fatty acid ester of glycerol (such as glycerol monostearate) with a source of a reactive divalent metal selected from zinc, calcium, and magnesium. In an embodiment, Zinc oxide is the reactive divalent metal and the reaction is conducted in the presence of an acid such as zinc acetate. In one embodiment, a molar excess of zinc oxide (compared to the fatty acid ester) is used. The additive is suitable for use in the preparation of injection molded parts, rotomolded parts, and films.
US09109098B2 Carbon black, rubber composition and pneumatic tire
The present invention provides carbon black, the standard deviation σ of aggregate size distribution of which is obtained by alight scattering method using an ultraviolet ray, the standard deviation σ satisfying the expression (1): σ<−48.7×(24M4DBP/Dst)+161.8 (1). In the expression (1), 24M4DBP represents the dibutyl phthalate absorption number (cm3/100 g) of compressed sample, and Dst (nm) is a Stokes' equivalent diameter providing the mode in aggregate size distribution obtained by a centrifugal sedimentation method. The carbon black can improve both the abrasion resistance and the low rolling resistance of a tire. The present invention also provides a rubber composition mixed with this carbon black, and a pneumatic tire including a tread part formed by using this rubber composition.
US09109094B2 Highly adhesive polyester film and packaging material using the same
Disclosed is a highly adhesive polyester film having a highly adhesive primer layer disposed on at least one side of a substrate polyester film. The substrate polyester film is a stretched film having linear tearability and formed of a mixed polyester resin containing polyethylene terephthalate and a modified polybutylene terephthalate, and the highly adhesive primer layer contains a polyester resin (A) having an acid number of 20 to 60 mg KOH/g and a hydroxyl number of 30 to 150 mg KOH/g, and having an oligomer content of 2.0% by mass or less, and substantially contains no crosslinking agent component.
US09109093B2 Formation of structural components using ceramic fibers
Materials, apparatus and methods of forming structural components for consumer electronics devices are described. In one embodiment, ceramic fibers, such as alumina, are mixed with a thermoplastic, such as nylon, to form a composite material usable in an injection molding process. The volume percent of ceramic fibers used with the thermoplastic can be selected to improve the strength properties of the composite material. Pigments can be added to the composite material to affect its aesthetic appeal. In one embodiment, the composite material including the ceramic fibers can be used to form frame components usable in a consumer electronic device. The frame components can be load bearing structures that are externally visible or used within the interior of the device.
US09109090B2 Amino acid-modified organopolysiloxane, making method, and cosmetics
An amino acid-modified organopolysiloxane can be prepared under mild reaction conditions by reacting an amino-modified organopolysiloxane with an amino acid or amino acid derivative ester in the presence of an organometallic catalyst. The amino acid-modified organopolysiloxane having a hydrophilic group is useful in cosmetics, powder surface treatment, fiber or fabric treatment, coating, and resin modification.
US09109087B2 Low molecular weight branched polyamines for delivery of biologically active materials
A branched polyamine comprises about 8 to about 12 backbone tertiary amine groups, about 18 to about 24 backbone secondary amine groups, a positive number n′ greater than 0 of backbone terminating primary amine groups, and a positive number q greater than 0 of backbone terminating carbamate groups of formula (2): wherein (n′+q) is a number equal to about 8 to about 12, the starred bond of formula (2) is linked to a backbone nitrogen of the branched polyamine, L′ is a divalent linking group comprising 3 to 30 carbons, and q/(n′+q)×100% equals about 9% to about 40%.
US09109084B1 Synthesis of polyepoxy succinic acid compounds using free radical initiators
Methods of synthesizing polymers including repeat units of the formula comprise the step of polymerizing repeat units of the formula in the presence of a free radical catalyst, where each R and each M is separately and independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-C12 straight or branched chain alkyl, aryl, amine, amide, and ester groups, halides, and mixtures thereof, and n ranges from about 2-15.
US09109079B2 Eco-friendly solderable wire enamel
Described is a polyurethane wire enamel composed of at least one blocked polyisocyanate adduct, blocked with alkylphenols, at least one hydroxy polyester comprising ester and/or imide and/or amide groups, at least one hydrocarbon-based organic solvent, and further auxiliaries and additives.
US09109078B2 Polymer polyol, method for producing the same, and method for producing polyurethane resin
A polymer polyol (I) is provided that is formed of a polyol (A), polymer particles (B) obtained by polymerization of an ethylenically unsaturated compound (b), and an active-hydrogen-containing compound (d) having an aromatic ring and having a number-average molecular weight of 150 to 2,000, wherein a content of (d) is 1 to 20% on the basis of a weight of (B). The polymer polyol of the present invention contains polymer particles having sufficiently small particle diameters, has a low viscosity, and has excellent handleability. A polyurethane resin obtained by using the polymer polyol of the present invention has excellent mechanical strengths such as elongation at break.
US09109073B1 Bifunctionalized polymer
The present invention is directed to a bifunctionalized elastomer comprising the reaction product of (1) a living anionic elastomeric polymer initiated with a functional initiator and (2) a functional polymerization terminator.
US09109067B2 Blanket materials for indirect printing method with varying surface energies via amphiphilic block copolymers
An intermediate transfer member containing a multi-block copolymer containing at least an A block and a B block, wherein the A block has a higher surface energy than the B block, and a method of forming an intermediate transfer member. A method of printing an image to a substrate including applying an ink onto the intermediate receiving member using an inkjet printhead; spreading the ink onto the intermediate receiving member; inducing a property change of the ink; and transferring the ink to a substrate.
US09109056B2 Method of preparation of spherical support for olefin polymerization catalyst
Provided is a method of preparation of a spherical support for an olefin polymerization catalyst. Specifically, provided is a method of preparation of a support which can be used in preparation of an olefin polymerization catalyst, wherein, MgX(I) (X=halogen atom) is prepared by reacting a reaction initiator, nitrogen halide, and magnesium metal, and then magnesium metal and alcohol are reacted in the presence of the MgX, thereby resulting a smooth-surfaced spherical dialkoxy magnesium support having a uniform particle size distribution.
US09109054B2 Process for emulsion polymerization
Process for polymerizing at least one monomer under emulsion polymerization conditions, characterized in that the (co)monomers are selected from vinyl aromatic compounds, ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids with 3 to 10 carbon atoms, C1-C10-alkyl esters of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids with 3 to 10 carbon atoms, 1,3-butadiene, and a-olefins bearing in the range of from 10 to 250 carbon atoms per molecule, in pure form or as mixture with isomers, and using a surfactant mixture comprising (A) an alkoxylation product of at least one alkanol (a), characterized in that alkanol (a) has 6 to 12 carbon atoms per molecule and the average number of alkylene oxide units per molecule in alkoxylation product (A) assumes a value in the range of from 35 to 55, the alkylene oxide units are selected from C2-C10-alkylene oxide units and alkanol (a) has an average degree of branching of at least 1; and (B) an alkoxylation product of at least one alkanol (b), characterized in that alkanol (b) has 13 to 19 carbon atoms per molecule and the average number of alkylene oxide units per molecule in alkoxylation product (B) assumes a value in the range of from 35 to 55, the alkylene oxide units are selected from C2-C10-alkylene oxide units, or (C) an alkoxylation product of at least one linear C12-C22-alkyl alcohol (c), characterized in that the average number of alkylene oxide units per molecule in alkoxylation product (C) assumes a value in the range of from 35 to 55, the alkylene oxide units are selected from C2-C10-alkylene oxide units.
US09109044B2 Manufacture of factor H (FH) and FH-derivatives from plasma
The present invention provides compositions and pharmaceutical formulations of Factor H derived from plasma. Also provided are methods for the manufacture of the Factor H compositions and formulations, as well as methods for the treatment of diseases associated with Factor H dysfunction.
US09109043B2 Screening method for antidiabetic agent using newly identified insulin secretion regulation factor
It is an object of the present invention to provide a newly identified insulin secretion regulation factor that can control blood sugar in the normal range, and a method for screening an antidiabetic drug using said factor.In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a composition which is (i) a protein comprising an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 4; or (ii) a protein comprising an amino acid sequence in which one or several amino acids are deleted, substituted or added in an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 4 and negatively regulating insulin secretion, as well as a method for screening antidiabetic drug using said protein or a nucleic acid encoding the same.
US09109040B2 Treatment and prevention of malaria
The present invention relates to polypeptides from Plasmodium and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention further relates to compositions comprising the polypeptides and their use in the treatment and prevention of malaria.
US09109039B2 Plant defense signal peptides
A 23 amino acid peptide, AtPep1, plays an important role as a signaling component of the innate immune system of Arabidopsis. The peptide precursor gene is transcribed in response to elicitors generated by pathogens, and AtPep1 is produced to amplify the signaling pathways. Seven paralogs of the AtproPep1 gene have been identified in the Arabidopsis genome, and orthologs have been identified in species of several agriculturally important families. AtPep1 and its paralogs and orthologs play important roles as endogenous signals to amplify innate immunity. The sequences of two AtPep1 receptors from Arabidopsis are also provided.
US09109036B2 Immunogenic composition comprising alpha-hemolysin oligopeptides
The present invention provides immunogenic compositions useful in prevention and treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infection. In particular, the present invention provides methods of inducing an immune response against an alpha-hemolysin-expressing S. aureus, methods of preventing or treating S. aureus infections, and composition for preventing or treating S. aureus infections.
US09109035B2 Anti-TAT226 antibodies and immunoconjugates
Anti-TAT226 antibodies and immunoconjugates thereof are provided. Methods of using anti-TAT226 antibodies and immunoconjugates thereof are provided.
US09109028B2 Compositions produced using enteric pathogens and methods of use
The present invention provides compositions including polypeptides having the characteristics of polypeptides expressed by a reference microbe such E coli or Salmonella. Examples of Salmonella strains that can be used include, for instance, S. enterica serovar Newport, S. enterica serovar Enteritidis, S. enterica serovar Typhimurium, and S. enterica serovar Dublin. Also provided are compositions including polypeptides having a particular molecular weight and a mass fingerprint that includes polypeptide fragments having a particular set of masses, or polypeptides having an amino acid sequence with at least about 95% identity with an amino acid sequence, wherein the polypeptide has seroreactive activity. The present invention also provides methods of making and methods of using such compositions.
US09109027B2 Antibodies against human angiopoietin 2
The present invention relates to a method of treating a disease or disorder in a patient comprising administering, to a patient in need of such treatment, an antibody which binds specifically to human angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2). The present invention also relates to a method for preventing metastasis in a patient suffering from primary cancer comprising administering, to a patient in need of such preventative treatment, an antibody which binds specifically to human angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2).
US09109026B2 Dual variable domain immunoglobulins and uses thereof
The present invention relates to engineered multivalent and multispecific binding proteins, methods of making, and specifically to their uses in the prevention, diagnosis, and/or treatment of disease.
US09109024B2 Anti-RSPO1 antibodies and uses thereof
The present invention relates to RSPO-binding agents and methods of using the agents for treating diseasesF such as cancer. The present invention provides antibodies that specifically bind human RSPO proteins and modulate β-catenin activity. The present invention further provides methods of using agents that modulate the activity of RSPO proteins, such as antibodies that specifically bind RSPO1, RSPO2, and/or RSPO3 and inhibit tumor growth. Also described are methods of treating cancer comprising administering a therapeutically effect amount of an agent or antibody of the present invention to a patient having a tumor or cancer.
US09109022B2 Production of carrier-peptide conjugates using chemically reactive unnatural amino acids
Provided are methods of making carrier polypeptide that include incorporating a first unnatural amino acid into a carrier polypeptide variant, incorporating a second unnatural amino acid into a target polypeptide variant, and reacting the first and second unnatural amino acids to produce the conjugate. Conjugates produced using the provided methods are also provided. In addition, orthogonal translation systems in methylotrophic yeast and methods of using these systems to produce carrier and target polypeptide variants comprising unnatural amino acids are provided.
US09109020B2 Use of ADCC-optimized antibodies for treating weak patients
The invention concerns the use of human or humanized chimeric monoclonal antibodies which are produced in selected cell lines, said antibodies bringing about a high ADCC activity as well as a high secretion of cytokines and interleukins, for treating underpopulations of so-called weak-response patients exhibiting CD16 FCGR3A-158F homozygote or FCGR3A-158V/F heterozygote polymorphism.
US09109019B2 Anti-inflammatory agents
This invention is in the field of treating or preventing inflammation in humans and animals and relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating or preventing various inflammatory conditions. In particular, the invention relates to compositions and methods for treating or preventing inflammatory conditions such as citrulline-related inflammatory diseases. The invention provides specific binding molecules directed against citrulline-containing epitopes for use in the therapy and prevention of inflammatory conditions.
US09109018B2 Yersinia spp. polypeptides and methods of use
The present invention provides isolated polypeptides isolatable from a Yersinia spp. Also provided by the present invention are compositions that include one or more of the polypeptides, and methods for making and methods for using the polypeptides.
US09109017B2 Human binding molecules capable of neutralizing influenza virus H5N1 and uses thereof
Described are binding molecules such as human monoclonal antibodies that bind to influenza virus H5N1 and have neutralizing activity against influenza virus H5N1. Also described are nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies, and compositions comprising the antibodies and methods of identifying or producing the antibodies. The antibodies can be used in the diagnosis, prophylaxis, and/or treatment of an influenza virus H5N1 infection. In certain embodiments, the antibodies provide cross-subtype protection in vivo, such that infections with H5, H2, H6, H9, and H1-based influenza subtypes can be prevented and/or treated.
US09109016B2 Derivatisation of biological molecules
The present disclosure relates to a new polymerisation process in which ethylenically unsaturated monomers are polymerised by a living radical polymerisation process in the presence of an initiator and a catalyst. Polymers produced by this new process are also thought to be novel and may be used to derivatise biological molecules to improve their efficacy as therapeutic treatments. A preferred polymer is of formula The polymers are particularly suitable for derivatising proteins, such as interferon-α.
US09109011B2 Dendritic cell-specific antibody conjugate comprising anti-CD40 monoclonal antibodies conjugated to HIV-1 Gag/Nef
The present invention includes compositions and methods for making and using a vaccine that includes a DC-specific antibody or fragment thereof to which an engineered Gag antigen is attached to form an antibody-antigen complex, wherein the Gag antigen is less susceptible to proteolytic degradation by eliminating one or more proteolytic sites or a DC-specific antibody or fragment thereof to which an engineered Nef antigen is attached to form an antibody-antigen complex, wherein the Nef antigen comprises one or more codon usage optimization that increase antibody-antigen complex secretion, or both, wherein the vaccine is able to elicit an HIV-specific T cell immune response to Gag p17, Gag p24, Nef and/or Cyclin D1.
US09109009B2 Template-fixed peptidomimetics with CXCR7 modulating activity
Novel template-fixed β-hairpin peptidomimetics of the general formula (I), wherein the single elements T or P are α-amino acid residues connected from the carbonyl (C═O) point of attachment to the nitrogen (N) of the next element in clockwise direction and wherein said elements, depending on their positions in the chain, are defined in the description and the claims have the property to act on the receptor CXCR7. Thus, these β-hairpin peptidomimetics can be useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases or conditions in the area of dermatological disorders, metabolic diseases, inflammatory diseases, fibrotic diseases, infectious diseases, neurological diseases, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, gastro-intestinal tract disorders, urological diseases, ophthalmic diseases, stomatological diseases, haematological diseases and cancer; or the mobilization of stem cells.