| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09134972B2 |
User interface generation apparatus
A user interface generation device includes: a generation unit which generates a user interface for instructing an execution unit to execute a function based on an application program; and a storage unit which stores a definition file defining a user interface object and information indicating a display ability of a display unit. The generation unit selects or discards the object definition information and judges whether all the objects can be displayed. If No, the generation unit rewrites the information relating to the object size according to the information in the display unit so that all the objects can be displayed. After this, the generation unit generates a synthesis user interface according to the information. |
| US09134966B2 |
Management of mixed programming languages for a simulation environment
A system and a method for simulation using multiple programming languages is provided. The method can include receiving an annotated source having a first plurality of instructions written in a first programming language and receiving an annotation having a second plurality of instructions written in a second programming language and associated with an annotated instruction from the first plurality of instructions. The method can include extracting the second plurality of instructions to create a routine from the annotation. The method can include building a shared library that contains the routine. The method can include building an application object file by assigning an address to each instruction of the first plurality instructions. The method can include creating an annotation table that contains an address for the annotated instruction and an associated symbol. |
| US09134965B2 |
Method for developing software and system therefor
A method for developing software includes providing a source component repository storing source code of multiple software components, providing a binary component repository storing binary code of the multiple software components, editing the source code included in a component of the multiple software components, downloading the binary code included in at least one other component of the multiple software components, and generating a target application from a combination of the component including the edited source code and the at least one other component including the downloaded binary code. The source code of each of the multiple software components is individually editable. Each of the multiple software components is configured to perform a single and complete function. Each of the multiple software components is substantially independent of any runtime environment. The binary code of each of the multiple software components is individually downloadable. |
| US09134964B2 |
Systems and methods for a specialized application development and deployment platform
Systems and methods for developing, customizing, and deploying applications for devices are provided through a application development and deployment platform. Preferably, these systems and methods are implemented in an Internet based environment that allows non-technical users to build sophisticated, highly-customizable cross-platform applications. The platform allows users to select, input, create, customize, and combine various content, design characteristics, and application components, such as modules, some of which utilize features and functionality associated with various devices capable of running applications, operating systems, and app-enabled accessories. In certain embodiments, the platform allows users to compile and generate a configuration file for the application that can be distributed to end users for execution on various devices and operating systems. When the application is installed on, or executed by the device, the configuration file may enable the retrieval of various data associated with the application. |
| US09134961B1 |
Selecting a test based on connections between clusters of configuration changes and clusters of test scenario runs
Selecting a test scenario template relevant to a configuration change involves executing the following: receiving data indicative of configuration changes made to software systems; clustering the configuration changes into clusters of similar configuration changes; identifying runs of test scenarios run by users belonging to different organizations; clustering the runs to clusters of similar runs; generating connections between the clusters of similar configuration changes and the clusters of similar runs; weighting the connections based on the number of different organizations associated with the connections; receiving a certain configuration change of a certain software system; selecting a certain connection, weighted above a threshold, between a cluster of similar configuration changes, to which the certain configuration change corresponds, and a certain cluster of similar runs; and selecting a test scenario template representing the certain cluster of similar runs. |
| US09134957B2 |
Recommending tags based on user ratings
A method of recommending tags for user includes receiving a current rating of current user on current objects; determining a candidate tag set based on the current user and the current rating; ordering each candidate tag in the candidate tag set based on index value thereof; and recommending tags for the current user based on the ordering. |
| US09134955B2 |
Customization of a vehicle
Devices, systems, and techniques are provided for customization a vehicle and the interior thereof. The customization can be based at least on customization themes associated with an occupant of the vehicle and/or the vehicle. In addition or in the alternative, the customization can be based at least on vehicular context of the occupants and the vehicle. A specific customization can be effected in response to a change in context of vehicle, and thus the vehicle can be dynamically customized in response to a specific vehicular context as the context is realized. The customization themes can integrate with an in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system and/or one or more of in-cabin lighting, projection or other rendering features, or data streams. Customization can be accomplished via configuration of one or more customization components comprising sensors, rendering units, lighting fixtures, or control components. |
| US09134951B2 |
Contents reception system, attachment, and terminal device
In a terminal device, contents data from an attachment mounted on the device is received by a transmission/reception section and replayed by a first playback section. A detection section detects the mounting or removing of the attachment during the playback of the contents data. As an output destination for the contents data, a selection section selects the first playback section when the attachment has been mounted, or selects a first storage section when the attachment has been removed. In the attachment, the contents data is outputted to one of the first storage section and the first playback section based on the selection result of the terminal device. Accordingly, the usage mode of contents data can be readily changed with the mounting or removing of an attachment as a trigger. |
| US09134950B2 |
Video wall display system
A video wall system which includes a plurality of display devices, the video wall display system including a plurality of display devices, and each of the display devices including: a pair of input and output connectors comprising an input connector connected to a first neighboring display device among the plurality of display devices to input an image signal from the first neighboring display device, and an output connector connected to a second neighboring display device to output the input image signal; a signal processor which processes the input image signal; and a display which displays an image based on the processed image signal. |
| US09134946B2 |
Electronic apparatus and method for data transmission from an electronic apparatus to a display device
The invention provides an electronic apparatus. In one embodiment, the electronic apparatus is coupled to a display device, and comprises a memory, a data transmission interface, and a control module. The memory comprises a virtual frame buffer for storing data to be transmitted to the display device. The data transmission interface performs data transmission between the electronic apparatus and the display device. The control module stores a current character image corresponding to a current character in the virtual frame buffer when users input the current character to an input device, determines whether a prior image which has not been transmitted to the display device exists in the virtual frame buffer, determines whether the current character image matches the prior image, and combines the prior image with the current character image to obtain a combined image in place of the prior image when the current character image matches the prior image. |
| US09134945B2 |
Zero client device with integrated serial bandwidth augmentation and support for out-of-band serial communications
System and method for zero client communications. A zero client device includes a housing, and in the housing, a transcoding processing unit (transcoder) and a communications processing unit coupled to the transcoder. The transcoder is configured to receive input data from human interface device(s), encode the input data, and provide the encoded input data to the communications processing unit for transmission over a network to a server. The communications processing unit is configured to receive the encoded input data from the transcoder, transmit the encoded input data over the network to the server, receive output data from the server, and send the output data to the transcoder. The transcoder is further configured to receive the output data from the communications processing unit, decode the output data, and send the decoded output data to at least one of the human interface devices. |
| US09134944B1 |
Systems, methods, and mediums for selecting a printing device in a network
Examples are generally described that include methods and systems for selecting a printing device from a plurality of printing devices. Some exemplary methods and systems may include receiving a print job from a computing device coupled to the plurality of printing devices via a network. In some examples, the printing device may be selected based on a printing device meeting one or more criteria. In some examples, first identification information also may be received via the network. In addition, second identification may be received from a selected one of the plurality of printing device. In response to identifying a correlation between the first identification information and the second identification information, the stored print job may be provided to the selected one of the plurality of printing devices. |
| US09134943B2 |
Terminal device and control of setting selection images of terminal device
A non-transitory computer-readable medium having a computer program stored thereon and readable a computer of a terminal device, the computer program, when executed by the computer, causes the computer to perform: controlling a display unit to display a first image as a selection image including first and second items for receiving instructions relative to image processing; controlling the display unit to display a second image as the selection image if the terminal device and the first image processing device are connected using the second wireless communication system; instructing a first image processing device to perform the image processing in response to receiving a performance instruction. In the first image, the first item is displayed preferentially. In the second image, the second item is displayed preferentially. |
| US09134942B2 |
Printing system, intermediate server, printing device, job system, method for executing print job, and computer-readable storage medium for computer program
An intermediate server used outside a network having one or more printing devices and a distributing server for distributing data to each of said one or more printing devices is provided. The intermediate server includes a receiving portion for receiving job data for execution of a print job and designation data indicating an identifier of each executing printing device that is to execute the print job among the printing devices; a first transmission portion for sending, to the distributing server, the job data and the designation data received; a saving portion for saving the job data when the job data cannot be transferred to the distributing server; and a second transmission portion for sending, in response to a request from any one of the printing devices, the job data saved in the saving portion to the printing device as a request source. |
| US09134941B2 |
Printer
A printer may supply edit web page data to an external device for a web browser to display an edit web page. The edit web page may include a first area for displaying an object corresponding to object data to be edited. The printer may receive operation information corresponding to a first type of operation from the web browser. The printer may edit the object data in response to the operation information. The printer may send update information for updating a displaying content within the edit web page to the web browser. The printer may receive a first type of print instruction from the web browser. The printer may perform a print process using the object data stored in the storing unit upon receiving the first type of print instruction. |
| US09134940B2 |
Printing system, computer, image forming apparatus and printing method
In a printing system configured such that a computer and an image forming apparatus can be connected via a network, the computer sets a stamp image and transmits the set stamp image to the image forming apparatus via the network. The image forming apparatus includes a reading device that reads an original image, an image combining unit that reads out at least one stamp image from a storage unit, combines the stamp image with the original image read by the reading device, and forms a composite image, and a printing unit that prints the composite image on recording paper. |
| US09134938B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method for setting printing information
An information processing apparatus connected to a printer includes dialog screen producing section, a common preview producing section, and a display section. The dialog screen producing section is configured to produce a dialog screen that includes a plurality of tab sheets. The tab sheets prompt an operator to input first setting information for printing. The common preview producing section is configured to produce a common preview image that should be displayed on the dialog screen. The common preview image appears in all of the plurality of tab sheets. The display section is configured to display the dialog screen and the common preview image. |
| US09134937B2 |
Secure printing
A system for secure printing is disclosed herein. An example of the system includes a client that initiates a print request, creates an identifier, transmits the print request and identifier, and renders print data. The system also includes a cloud-connected printer and a server to which the cloud-connected printer is coupled that receives the transmitted print request and identifier, verifies the availability of the cloud-connected printer, transfers the identifier to the available cloud-connected printer, and establishes a secure connection between the available cloud connected printer and the client. Other details of the system are disclosed herein, as are other examples of the system. Examples of a method for secure printing and a non-volatile storage medium are also disclosed herein. |
| US09134936B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method of generating information regarding printer, and recording medium
In response to information indicating data to be printed from a portable device, a system generates compatible printer information indicating one or more compatible printers compatible with printing of the data to be printed, sing information related to the data to be printed and device information of each one of the nearby printers. Based on the compatible printer information, a display for the system displays thereon a screen that lists one or more compatible printers that are compatible with printing of the data to be printed. |
| US09134935B2 |
Methods and apparatus for secure document printing
A secure document printing system is provided. A policy server is used to define access rules for a document, and select individual users and/or groups that will have access to the document. The policy server stores the access rules along with a document decryption key. The policy server's name and address are packed in the document, and then encrypted and sent to a print server which stores it for later access. A recipient is notified that the document resides on a particular print server. The print server retrieves the specified document, contacts the policy server named in the document, and requests the document decryption key and access rules for the user, print server, and document from the policy server which replies with the related decryption key and access rules. The print server decrypts the document and prints the document based on the access rules. |
| US09134929B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method and computer-readable recording medium
A storage apparatus having an application program and connected to a data processing apparatus, the storage apparatus including a reception part configured to receive data from outside and store the data in the storage apparatus; and an execution part configured to operate the application programs and transmit an execution request to the data processing apparatus via an interface which is specific to the data processing apparatus so that a data processing is executed by functions provided to the data processing apparatus when the storage device receives a data processing request related to the data stored in the storage apparatus. |
| US09134923B2 |
Electronics device
A storage device 3, such as an SD card, that is coupled to a host device 2, such as a mobile phone, includes a computing environment 8. The computing environment 8 comprises an application processing part 6, an interface processing part 7, and a shared memory 9, and is operable to execute one or more applications on the storage device 3, and a set of software components that together provide a server module on the storage device 3. There is a corresponding set of client software components on the host device 2 that together provide a client module on the host device 2 that can cooperate with the server module on the storage device 3 to allow an application that is being executed in the computing environment 8 of the storage device 3 to access and use input and output functions of the host device 2. |
| US09134919B2 |
Memory device including priority information and method of operating the same
A memory device and a method of operating the same are provided. The memory device includes a control logic and a memory cell array. The control logic is configured to receive input information including a plurality of commands, a plurality of addresses, and priority information, and to change an execution sequence of the received commands of the input information according to the priority information. The memory cell array is configured to include a plurality of memory cells, and the memory device is configured to perform an operation on one or more memory cells based on the changed execution sequence. |
| US09134918B2 |
Physical compression of data with flat or systematic pattern
Systems and methods are disclosed to improve the performance of a memory system by freeing up physical memory areas that correspond to logical block address ranges that have repeated data patterns. A controller detects data patterns in incoming data. When a data pattern is detected, the data is not written to non-volatile storage area. Rather, the logical block address range of the data is marked in a data structure as having pattern data. The pattern may also be recorded in the data structure as a pattern descriptor. Because the data having the data pattern is not written to the non-volatile storage area, the freed up corresponding physical memory area may be utilized by the memory system for other purposes, thereby improving the overall performance and endurance of the memory system. |
| US09134917B2 |
Hybrid media storage system architecture
A hybrid media storage architecture has a log-structured file system configured to control a plurality of different storage media organized as hybrid storage media that cooperate to provide a total storage space of a storage system. The log-structured file system is configured to perform initial placement and migration of data, as well as fine-grain write allocation of the data, among storage space locations of the hybrid storage media to thereby improve the performance characteristics of the media. By defining and implementing heuristics and policies directed to, e.g., types of data, the file system may initially place data on any of the different media and thereafter migrate data between the media at fine granularity and without the need for manual enforcement. |
| US09134916B1 |
Managing content in a distributed system
Embodiments of the invention relate to implementing management policy in a computer system. The management policy may be applied to a first content unit by using metadata associated with first content unit to manage storage of or access to the first content unit. The metadata associated with the first content unit may be stored in a second content unit that includes in its content, an identifier that identifies the first content unit. |
| US09134910B2 |
Set head flag of request
A request is output to a first queue of a storage device. A head flag of the request is set based on whether the request is a read type request and a comparison of a percentage of requests queued at the first queue that are read type requests to a threshold percentage. The storage device is to store the request at a head of the first queue if the head flag of the request is set. |
| US09134908B2 |
Logical volume space sharing
Space sharing between logical volumes is achieved through a technique that enables available storage space to be flexibly consumed and released by the logical volumes. Each logical volume is associated with an address tree that defines how available storage space is consumed by the logical volume. The technique involves receiving an input/output (I/O) operation that specifies a logical address within an address tree associated with the logical volume, parsing the address tree to identify an entry therein, if any, that is associated with the logical address, where the entry stores physical address information that is associated with the logical address. If it is determined that the entry exists, then one or more translated I/O operations are generated based on the physical address information and forwarded to a physical device manager to carry out the translated one or more I/O operations. |
| US09134904B2 |
Displaying documents to a plurality of users of a surface computer
Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for displaying documents to a plurality of users of a surface computer, the surface computer comprising a surface, surface computer capable of receiving multi-touch input through the surface and rendering display output on the surface, that include: registering a plurality of users with the surface computer, the plurality of users including a moderator and a plurality of participants; assigning, to each registered user, a portion of the surface for interaction between that registered user and the surface computer; selecting, by the moderator for sharing with the plurality of participants, a document stored in the surface computer; rendering contents of the document on the moderator's assigned portion of the surface; and rendering the contents of the document on each of the participants' portions of the surface. |
| US09134902B2 |
Mobile terminal having a touch screen and method for providing a user interface therein
A mobile terminal having a touch screen and a method present a user interface in the mobile terminal having a touch screen. The method includes: detecting a touched area corresponding to a touch when the touch is sensed in the touch screen; and executing different functions according to whether the detected touched area is equal to or greater than a preset area threshold. Various touch inputs are sensed through a touch screen in the mobile terminal, and the mobile terminal and method present user interfaces corresponding to the respective touch inputs. |
| US09134897B2 |
Electronic system and method for operating touch screen thereof
The disclosure provides an unlock method of an electronic system with a touch screen. The unlock method includes steps below: receiving a triggering event when the system is locked; activating the touch screen in response to the event; receiving an input gesture; comparing the gesture with a customized gesture; unlocking the system in case that the input gesture is matched to the customized gesture, which is customized by user, and is not a default unlock gesture built in the electronic system. |
| US09134896B2 |
Embedded authentication systems in an electronic device
This invention is directed to an electronic device with an embedded authentication system for restricting access to device resources. The authentication system may include one or more sensors operative to detect biometric information of a user. The sensors may be positioned in the device such that the sensors may detect appropriate biometric information as the user operates the device, without requiring the user to perform a step for providing the biometric information (e.g., embedding a fingerprint sensor in an input mechanism instead of providing a fingerprint sensor in a separate part of the device housing). In some embodiments, the authentication system may be operative to detect a visual or temporal pattern of inputs to authenticate a user. In response to authenticating, a user may access restricted files, applications (e.g., applications purchased by the user), or settings (e.g., application settings such as contacts or saved game profile). |
| US09134894B2 |
Electronic device, storage medium and method for selecting objects of the electronic device
In a method for selecting objects of an electronic device, a touch operation performed on a touch screen of the electronic device is detected. A selection region on the touch screen is determined according to a touch operation that is detected from the touch screen. The selection region is scaled according to one or more predetermined ratios when contact points of the touch operation move on the touch screen. Objects displayed on the touch screen are selected according to the determined selection region. |
| US09134891B1 |
Format and display configuration selection of a display device
An apparatus for providing format and display configuration selection includes a display device, a user interface device, and a computer control system communicatively coupled to the display device and the user interface device, wherein the computer control system is configured to initiate a display format selection menu in a display area of the display device, wherein the display format selection menu includes an application menu area, a display configuration area, and an application configuration preview area, select an application from the application menu area, select a display configuration from the display configuration area, generate a multi-application display preview by displaying the one or more selected applications in a configuration defined by the selected display configuration in the application preview area, and implement the previewed multi-application display in response to a signal received from the user interface device indicative of acceptance of the previewed multi-application display. |
| US09134887B2 |
Multi-device visual correlation interaction
Multi-device visual correlation interaction includes displaying, by a first device, a user interface representation of a user interface displayed by a second device, the user interface representation containing one or more element representations, each element representation corresponding to an element contained within the user interface displayed by the second device; receiving from a user of the first device, a selection of a particular element representation of the user interface representation, the particular element representation corresponding to a particular element contained within the user interface; transmitting to the second device, by the first device, a contextual information request corresponding to the selection; in response to transmitting the contextual information request, receiving from the second device, by the first device, contextual information corresponding to the selection; and generating based on the contextual information, by the first device, a contextual list of actions associated with the particular element. |
| US09134885B2 |
Information processing apparatus, display processing method, program, and recording medium to display off-screen objects in sub-windows
An embodiment provides an information processing apparatus having software running thereon, the software having a window as a user interface for displaying a plurality of objects on a display apparatus, the information processing apparatus performing: in response to a user selecting a desired region in a display region of the display apparatus, putting a mark on the region and an object which is present in the region; when the object of the marked region is not displayed in the window, displaying the object in the marked region in a periphery of the window as a sub-window; and closing the sub-window in response to the object in the marked region being displayed in the window. |
| US09134883B2 |
Flipping through content
Systems and methods for enabling users to rapidly flip through displayed pages of content in an intuitive manner are provided. Graphical animations for transitioning from one page to another can be executed so that portions of three or more pages can be simultaneously viewed. This enables a user to make snap judgments as to whether she wishes to explore any one of those pages in more detail as she rapidly flips through the pages. |
| US09134882B2 |
Methods and apparatus for presentation of software as a service applications
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for flexible presentation of Software As A Service (SAAS) applications to one or more client devices such as multi-function devices (e.g., MFPs). A management system receives presentation layout information for subscribed SAAS applications from users and administrators, generates a menu of subscribed SAAS applications for presentation to a user on a display of the client device, and transmits the menu to a client device for presentation to the user on a display of the client device. The management system may also provide for user/administrator customization of the menu of applications available to users, and for revocation of applications by an administrator of the management system. |
| US09134879B2 |
Graphical user interface for displaying histories of setting panels in a stack view for easy manipulation
A user interface display method that facilitates setting of various setting parameters for controlling an application program and preserving past values of the setting parameters as historical snapshots. When a setting panel is displayed and the user modifies setting parameter values in the setting panel and saves the new values, the pre-modified setting parameter values are saved as a historical snapshot, and the modified values are saved as the current setting parameters for controlling the program. Historical snapshots of setting panels that have been saved in the past can be displayed simultaneously with the current setting panel in a manner that visually simulates a stack of panels. The user can select any one of the historical panels in the stack, modify the setting values in that panel, and save the modified values as the current settings while keeping the historical snapshot. |
| US09134878B2 |
Device and method for secure user interface gesture processing using processor graphics
A device and method for securely rendering content on a gesture-enabled computing device includes initializing a secure execution environment on a processor graphics of the computing device. The computing device transfers view rendering code and associated state data to the secure execution environment. An initial view of the content is rendered by executing the view rendering code in the secure execution environment. A gesture is recognized, and an updated view of the content is rendered in the secure execution environment in response to the gesture. The gesture may include a touch gesture recognized on a touch screen, or a physical gesture of the user recognized by a camera. After the updated view of the content is rendered, the main processor of the computing device may receive updated view data from the secure execution environment. |
| US09134877B2 |
Keeping focus at the top of the device when in landscape orientation
Systems and methods are provides for adjusting focus during an orientation change. A full screen window has focus before the orientation change. After the device is oriented in the landscape orientation, the focus is maintained on the window. However, a configurable area associated with at least one screen that displays the full screen window is changed to display the configurable area on the screen that is at the top of the device. |
| US09134874B2 |
Media player user interface systems and methods
An exemplary method includes a media player user interface system 1) displaying a GUI on a display screen associated with a computing device, the GUI including a user-scrollable media content menu that contains a display area associated with a media feed accessible by the computing device, 2) selecting menu display content for the display area based at least in part on a scroll status of the user-scrollable media content menu, 2) and populating the display area with the selected menu display content. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed. |
| US09134873B2 |
Apparatus and methods for presenting interaction information
Methods and apparatus for presenting interactable item information include receiving interaction information relating to one or more interactable items. The methods and apparatus may further include calculating a display rate for displaying the interaction information. The display rate is based upon a number of the interaction information occurring during a time period. The methods and apparatus may also include sending a feed with the interaction information and the display rate for generation on an output mechanism. |
| US09134865B2 |
Touch input system, touch input apparatus, storage medium and touch input control method, for displaying a locus of a line on a display by performing an input operation on an input terminal device
A non-limiting example game system includes a game apparatus which is connected with a television. Furthermore, there is provided with an input terminal device which functions as an input device for the game apparatus. A game screen is displayed on a screen of the television, and a player draws a locus in accordance with a predetermined course from a start to a goal included in the game screen by performing an input operation using the input terminal device. At this time, an inputting surface of a touch panel provided on the input terminal device is turned toward the television. Accordingly, the locus by a slide operation is depicted on the game screen as if the locus is reflected in a mirror. |
| US09134864B2 |
Electronic device with controller and touch panel for rapid restoration from power-saving mode
To simplify an operation at the time when a controller which can control a touch panel returns to the normal mode. The touch panel includes a capacitive sensor having a pair of electrodes. The controller includes a control switch controlling supply of a potential to one electrode of the capacitive sensor; a current detection circuit detecting current flowing through the other electrode of the capacitive sensor; a power source circuit controlling supply of power source voltage to the current detection circuit; a power supply start switch including a power supply selection transistor whose gate potential is changed in accordance with a potential of the one of the pair of electrodes and controlling output of the power supply start signal to the power source circuit in accordance with a gate potential of the power supply selection transistor; and a control circuit controlling the control switch and the power source circuit. |
| US09134863B2 |
Input device for capacitive touch panel, input method and assembly
Disclosed is an input device for a capacitive touch panel, which is an input device for inputting the position on the touch panel by making the input device contact with the touch panel, including an insulating layer (11) having flexibility and optical permeability, and a conductive layer (12) having optical permeability and laminated onto the insulating layer (11), and the input device (10) is integrally formed into a cylindrical shape so that the insulating layer (11) and the conductive layer (12) become a portion to be contacted with the touch panel. Thereby, users less likely to have a sense of wear and tear of fingers, the position pointed by the input device on the touch panel is precisely recognized with ease, the accuracy of the position detected by the touch panel is improved, and input means is less likely to be lost though the input device is lost. |
| US09134855B2 |
Positioning module, optical touch system and method of calculating a coordinate of a touch medium
A positioning module of calculating a coordinate of a touch medium is disclosed in the present invention. The positioning module includes at least one image detecting unit, a first light source, a second light source and a processor. The image detecting unit includes a lateral side and an upper side. The image detecting unit captures an image reflected from a reflection component. The first light source is disposed on the lateral side and outputs a first beam. The second light source is disposed on the upper side and outputs a second beam. The processor is electrically connected to the image detecting unit. The processor determines a touch status of the touch medium according to a first image generated by the first beam, and further determines a touch coordinate of the touch medium according to a second image generated by the second beam. |
| US09134853B2 |
Computer system and related touch method
The present disclosure provides a computer system. The computer system comprises a stylus pen and an optical touch system. The stylus pen comprises an optical lens for retrieving relative movement information of the stylus pen when the stylus pen is moving, a first processing unit for analyzing the relative movement information and generating a control signal and a light-emitting unit for sending an optical signal according to the control signal, wherein the optical signal includes the relative movement information. The optical touch system comprises a sensing module for receiving the optical signal and a second processing unit, for calculating relative coordinates of the stylus pen according to the relative movement information included in the optical signal. |
| US09134852B2 |
Static elimination method for a touch screen
The present invention relates to A static eliminating method for a touch screen comprising: detecting if the touch screen departs from an object by using said photo sensor, and counting the number of communication failures between the touch screen and a control chip or detecting if the touch screen of a hand-held device is switched from the state of facing down into the state of facing up by using a gravity sensor, counting the number of failures of communication between the touch screen and the control chip; executing the reset operation of turning off and then turning on if the number of failures exceeds a communication failure set value; or executing the reset operation of resetting the register software of the touch screen/turning off and then turning on touch screen if the number of failures is smaller than a communication failure set value and the number of touch events in the same area of the touch screen in a set time exceeds a false report set value.(executing the reset operation of resetting the register software of the touch screen in a preferable embodiment) By using this method, the touch screen can be quickly reset to recover normal service if the touch screen is affected by static. |
| US09134851B2 |
Light sensitive display
A light sensitive display. |
| US09134847B2 |
Touch sensing system and operation method thereof
A touch sensing system includes a touch panel, a driving apparatus and a processing circuit. The touch panel includes a plurality of touch sensing units arranged in form of a matrix. The driving apparatus is configured to drive the touch sensing units, receive a sensing signal from each of the touch sensing units, convert each of the received sensing signals to have a digital format and output the digital sensing signals. The processing circuit is configured to define a matrix of sensing value according to values of the received sensing signals and positions of the respective touch sensing units, scan the non-zero elements in the matrix by a predetermined mean, refer all the located non-zero elements to as a part of the contour of the object and calculating a size of a contour of an object. An operation for the touch sensing system is also provided. |
| US09134846B2 |
Image display apparatus and method of controlling the same
An image display apparatus includes a display defined by a front surface for outputting screen information and a rear surface opposite to the front surface, and a bezel part formed along edges of the display, wherein the display includes a plane portion configured to output at least part of the screen information, and at least one bent portion integrally formed with the plane portion and bent from an edge of the plane portion by a preset angle, the at least one bent portion outputting at least one of a part of the screen information and a preset image. |
| US09134845B2 |
Method for multi-touch control and associated apparatus
A method for multi-touch control and associated apparatus is provided. The method includes indentifying two peak sensing values from a plurality of sensing values of a touch panel, providing a threshold according to intrinsic characteristics of the touch panel and features of the sensing values, comparing whether the sensing values between the two peak sensing values are lower than the threshold, and selectively reporting multi-touch events. |
| US09134842B2 |
Pressure sensing touch systems and methods
The presssure-sensing touch systems and methods employ a light-source system and a detector system operably adjacent respective input and output edges of a waveguide. Pressure at a touch location on the waveguide gives rise to a touch event causes the waveguide to bend or flex. The waveguide bending causes a change in the optical paths of light traveling by FTIR, causing the light distribution in the output light to change. The changes are detected and are used to determine whether a touch event occurred, as well as the time-evolution of the touch event. The changes in the output light can include polarization changes caused by birefringence induced in the waveguide by the applied pressure applied. Various detector configurations are employed for sensing the location and pressure of a touch event. |
| US09134840B2 |
User input apparatus, computer connected to user input apparatus, and control method for computer connected to user input apparatus, and storage medium
A user input apparatus is provided with user input means for the user to input data or a command by using the user's human body, and use-form detection means for detecting a form in which the user uses the user input means by the user's human body. A computer connected to the user input apparatus changes the operation of the application being executed by application execution means, according to a detection result obtained by the use-form detection means. Therefore, input operations can be performed without inconvenience even if the user cannot use one hand due to another work. |
| US09134839B2 |
Electronic device with touch screen and method for determining relative position of the electronic device with respect to another electronic device
In a method for determining a position of a first electronic device including a first touch screen relative to a second electronic device including a second touch screen, a communication connection between the first electronic device and the second electronic device is established. When a user slides an object from the first touch screen to the second touch screen, a departure touch point and a departure time that the object departs from the first touch screen, an arrival touch point and an arrival time that the object arrives at the second touch screen are obtained. If a difference between the departure time and the arrival time falls within a specified range, the position of the first electronic device is determined. The position of the first electronic device is stored into a storage system of the first electronic device. |
| US09134838B2 |
Touch panel
A touch panel providing a touch signal is disclosed. The touch panel includes a substrate, a first visual masking layer, an electrode layer, a metal material layer, and a second visual masking layer. The substrate has a surface. The first visual masking layer is disposed on at least one edge area of the surface. A part of the electrode layer is disposed at a display area on the surface adjacent to the edge area, and another part of the electrode layer covers at least a portion of the first visual masking layer. The metal material layer is disposed at the edge area and electrically connected with the electrode layer. The second visual masking layer is disposed at the edge area and stacked on the first visual masking layer. The said another part of the electrode layer is sandwiched between the first visual masking layer and the second visual masking layer. |
| US09134837B2 |
Display apparatus with reduced signal interference
In a display apparatus, a first substrate includes a plurality of pixels and a plurality of first signal lines connected to the pixels. A second substrate includes a plurality of sensors and a plurality of second signal lines connected to the sensors and extended in a direction in which the first signal lines are extended. Each of the second signal lines is disposed between two first signal lines adjacent to each other and disposed closer to a center line, which divides an area between the two first signal lines into two portions, than the two first signal lines. Thus, signal interference between the first and second signal lines may be reduced, thereby preventing mis-operation or malfunction of the display apparatus. |
| US09134833B2 |
Electronic apparatus, method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium
An electronic apparatus includes a touch screen display and a processor. The processor is configured to output, on a screen of the touch screen display, information regarding a plurality of strokes that are input on the touch screen display. When a first stroke indicative of a selection of a first stroke group on the screen of the touch screen display and a second stroke indicative of a request for a search process are input, the processor is configured to output, on the screen of the touch screen display, information regarding a second stroke group with a degree of similarity to the first stroke group equal to or larger than a threshold value. |
| US09134832B2 |
Portable electronic device and method of controlling a portable electronic device having a proximity-sensing user interface
A portable electronic device comprises a proximity-sensing user interface and a controller. The proximity-sensing user interface is configured to capture position information and distance information. The controller is coupled to the proximity-sensing user interface and is configured to process first distance information (31) captured by the proximity-sensing user interface during a pre-determined touch action, to determine whether a material layer (25) is interposed between the user's skin and the proximity-sensing user interface. The controller is configured to selectively set an input mode from a first input mode to a second input mode when the first distance information indicates that no material layer (25) is interposed between the user's skin and the proximity-sensing user interface. |
| US09134831B2 |
Input apparatus
An input apparatus for, in response to a user's sliding operation on an operation surface, inputting a coordinate point in the operation surface to move a pointing image to a target button image is disclosed. The apparatus acquires the coordinate point in the operation surface and sets, as a characteristic line, a tendency of trace of the coordinate point in the user's sliding operation directed to a lateral direction or a longitudinal direction of the operation surface. The apparatus corrects the coordinate point with reference to the set characteristic line so that the trace of the coordinate point is corrected to be a horizontal line or a vertical line. The apparatus outputs the corrected coordinate point for moving the pointing image. |
| US09134830B1 |
Touch screen scale
A touch screen on a user device is used to measure the weight of one or more objects on a measurement device that is placed on the touch screen. The measurement device may include a plurality of styluses. The user device receives pressure data indicating the amount of pressure or force caused by the measurement device and one or more objects and calculates a weight based on the pressure data. The pressure data may be received from one or more of the measurement device or from the touch screen. |
| US09134828B2 |
Touch panel having a shielding structure and method of manufacturing the same
The present disclosure relates to a touch panel having a shielding structure and a method of manufacturing the same. The touch panel having a shielding structure comprises a conductive ring disposed on periphery of an upper surface of a substrate, a shielding layer disposed on a lower surface of the substrate, and a plurality of conductive connection points electrically connecting the shielding layer and the conductive ring. By connecting the shielding layer and the conductive ring by the conductive connection points, impedance of the shielding layer is consistent for different distances between the shielding layer and flexible printed circuit, thereby eliminating noise interference from a liquid crystal display or an electronic device under the touch panel, while using the touch panel. Moreover, the manufacturing method of the touch panel with a shielding structure is a simple process, which reduces the manufacturing cost. |
| US09134827B2 |
System and method for mathematically independent signaling in gradient sensor devices
A processing system for an input device includes a transmitter module, a receiver module, and a determination module. The transmitter module is configured to simultaneously drive a first end of a transmitter electrode with a first drive signal and drive a second end of the transmitter electrode with a second drive signal to produce a voltage gradient across the transmitter electrode, wherein the first drive signal and the second drive signal are mathematically independent. The receiver module is configured to receive a resulting signal with a receiver electrode, the resulting signal comprising effects of the voltage gradient. The determination module is configured to determine positional information for an input object based on the resulting signal. |
| US09134825B2 |
Systems and methods for display systems with dynamic power control
Methods and systems to dynamically adjust a voltage supply of a display are provided. Systems are provided to receive a digital data input indicative of an amount of luminance to be emitted from the display, to determine a desired supply voltage to supply to the display based on the received digital data, and to adjust an adjustable voltage supply according to the determined desired supply voltage. Furthermore, the methods and systems disclosed herein provide for dynamically separately controlling supply voltages supplied to distinct subsections of the display. Systems and methods are also provided for operating a display device in an idle mode by turning off subsections of the display that would otherwise be shown dark and thereby save energy required to program the subsections with display information. |
| US09134823B2 |
System and method for insulin pump medical device including a slider assembly wherein images on display allow for highlighting and magnifying images
A medical system includes an input assembly for receiving one or more user inputs. The input assembly includes at least one slider assembly for providing an input signal. Processing logic receives the input signal from the input assembly and provides a first output signal and a second output signal. A display assembly is configured to receive, at least in part, the first output signal from the processing logic and render information viewable by the user. The second output signal is provided to one or more medical system components. The information rendered on the display assembly may be manipulatable by the user and at least a portion of the information rendered may be magnified. |
| US09134811B2 |
Angular sensitized keypad
Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to improving the efficiency of text input by measuring the angle of each key press and rejecting improbable keys pressed at an off-center angle. Examples include a text-entry device which has logic for resisting error while the user enters text on a keyboard of the text-entry device. Each key determines the angle at which the key is pressed. Logic on the text-entry device assigns a range of acceptable angles to each key. If a key is pressed within the range of acceptable angles, then the entry is permitted. If a key is pressed outside the range of acceptable angles, then the entry is denied. Once text is entered, logic assigns a prediction value to each key based on a statistical probability that the key will be entered next. The keyboard logic then adjusts the range of acceptable angles based on that statistical probability. |
| US09134810B2 |
Next letter prediction for virtual keyboard
A method including receiving an input of a character from a virtual keyboard displayed on a display, generating one or more sets of predicted input characters based on the input character, wherein each set of predicted input characters corresponds to a subsequent candidate input character, and displaying a visual indication of at least some of the one or more sets of predicted input characters, wherein the visual indication is displayed at keys of the virtual keyboard associated with subsequent candidate input characters corresponding to the sets of predicted input characters. |
| US09134809B1 |
Block-based navigation of a virtual keyboard
Some implementations provide a virtual keyboard having a plurality of keys grouped into a plurality of blocks of multiple keys. For instance, a first type of keyboard control input may navigate a focus of the keyboard from a first block of keys to a second block of keys as a shortcut for quickly traversing a number of keys. A second type of keyboard control input may navigate the focus from a first key to an adjacent key. Navigation of the focus to a target block may result in the focus being centrally located within the target block so that the keys in the target block can be accessed with a minimal number of additional control inputs. Further, in some implementations, one or more suggested words maybe displayed based, at least in part, the keys contained within a block in which the focus is currently located. |
| US09134805B2 |
Intelligent graphics interface in a handheld wireless device
Various embodiments of the invention may allow applications and information to be clustered together in ways that simplify and automate various tasks. Other embodiments may present a graphical user interface to the user that allows the user to choose from a matrix of information categories and applications that can help provide that information. Still other embodiments may provide different user interface methods based on status awareness. |
| US09134803B2 |
Systems and methods for mapping message contents to virtual physical properties for vibrotactile messaging
Systems and methods for mapping message contents to virtual physical properties for vibrotactile messaging are disclosed. For example, one disclosed method includes the steps of receiving a sensor signal from a sensor, the sensor configured to detect an interaction with a messaging device, determining a virtual physical property of a virtual message object based at least in part on the sensor signal, determining a haptic effect based at least in part on the virtual physical parameter; and generating a haptic signal configured to cause an actuator to output the haptic effect. |
| US09134799B2 |
Interacting with a projected user interface using orientation sensors
Aspect methods and systems enable interaction with projected user interface through user input gestures performed on a mobile device. The mobile device may project the user interface image on an external surface, such as from a pico projector, and detect user input gestures performed by users. The mobile device may interpret the detected user input gestures, and change the projected user interface image in response to the interpreted user input gestures. User input gestures may be in the form of touch gestures performed on a touchscreen of the mobile device and/or in the form of hand gestures performed by turning, rotating and/or hoping the mobile device. |
| US09134798B2 |
Gestures, interactions, and common ground in a surface computing environment
Aspects relate to detecting gestures that relate to a desired action, wherein the detected gestures are common across users and/or devices within a surface computing environment. Inferred intentions and goals based on context, history, affordances, and objects are employed to interpret gestures. Where there is uncertainty in intention of the gestures for a single device or across multiple devices, independent or coordinated communication of uncertainty or engagement of users through signaling and/or information gathering can occur. |
| US09134797B2 |
Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback to touch-sensitive input devices
Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback to touch-sensitive input devices are disclosed. For example, one disclosed system includes an input device having a housing having an exterior surface; a touch-sensitive surface configured to transmit a contact signal indicating a contact with the touch-sensitive surface; a sensor disposed within the housing, the sensor configured to sense movement of the input device and to transmit a sensor signal indicating movement of the input device; an actuator disposed within the housing, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect based on an actuator signal, the actuator signal based at least in part on the contact signal. |
| US09134783B2 |
Power capping feedback normalization
A power capping system (10) and method (200) are provided. In one embodiment, a power capping system (10) includes a power controller (16) configured to calculate an error between a predefined maximum desired power and a power feedback signal associated with actual power consumption of a server (12) and to provide a power capping signal that substantially limits the power consumption of the server (12) based on a predetermined gain constant and the error. The system also includes a management interface (18) configured to generate a normalization factor based on the power feedback signal. The normalization factor can be implemented to normalize the error. |
| US09134779B2 |
Power distribution management in a system on a chip
A method, circuit arrangement, and program product for dynamically reallocating power consumption at a component level of a processor. Power tokens representative of a power consumption metric are allocated to interconnected IP blocks of the processor, and as additional power is required by an IP block to perform assigned operations, the IP block may communicate a request for additional power tokens to one or more interconnected IP blocks. The interconnected IP blocks may grant power tokens for the request based on a priority, availability, and/or power consumption target. The requesting IP block may modify power consumption based on power tokens granted by interconnected IP blocks for the request. A power management block may adjust power token allocation of one or more IP blocks by communicating a command to one or more IP blocks and/or by adjusting a power token request. |
| US09134776B2 |
Device in computer system
A device includes a PCH including a reset control pin and a disable control pin. A BIOS chip to control the PCH to send a low logic level from the reset control pin to the reset pin to reset a Ethernet controller. A timing adjusting circuit and the Ethernet controller. The Ethernet controller includes a reset pin and a disable pin, the reset pin is connected to the reset control pin via the timing adjusting circuit, and the disable pin is connected to the disable control pin via the timing adjusting circuit. The PCH sends a low logic level from the disable control pin to the disable pin to disable the Ethernet controller, and the timing adjusting circuit delays the low logic level, which makes the low logic level of the disable pin come later than the high logic level of the reset pin. |
| US09134771B2 |
Raid devices, systems, and methods
The invention is directed to a storage device utilizing laptop storage drives and rackmount server adapted to use the same. The storage device includes a body and drive software. The drive and internal portions of the body are adapted to form contact fits. The software of the storage device provides an electronic interface that permits operations of advantageous RAID configurations. |
| US09134769B2 |
Portable electronic device and an input module and a flexible bridging board thereof
An input module is mounted on a portable electronic device and has a sensing substrate and a cover lens mounted on a top surface of the sensing substrate, a physical switch mounted on and electrically connected to a bottom surface of the sensing substrate, and a flexible bridging board having two opposite short sides respectively protruding from two short sides of the sensing substrate for the two short sides of the flexible bridging board to be mounted on the electronic device. As the two short sides of the input module are mounted on the electronic device and a lever arm between a pressed point to a fixed point of the input module is shortened, a torque applied to the input module is lowered and the input module is not easily deformed. |
| US09134763B2 |
Externally mounted display device
An electronic device includes a housing and a display device. The housing includes at least one recess. The display device includes a plurality of layers that externally couple to the housing. One of the layers includes at least one tab extending perpendicular to a surface of the display device. The tab is coupled to at least a portion of a perimeter of the recess. |
| US09134762B2 |
Mobile device cover with display module
A mobile device case or cover can include a display module that can display notifications or other useful data to users. The display module can communicate wirelessly with the mobile device to obtain notifications. In addition, in some embodiments, the display module can communicate with a secondary mobile device (such as a phone in a user's pocket) to obtain notifications or other data. |
| US09134758B2 |
Connecting mechanism and electronic device using the same
A connecting mechanism for connecting a first unit and a second unit together is illustrated. The connecting mechanism includes a first linkage bar, a second linkage bar for being coupled to the first unit, and a third linkage bar for being slidably connected to the second unit. The first linkage bar includes a first end with a latching protrusion and an opposite second end. The second linkage bar includes a third end, an opposite fourth end, and a number of teeth. The first end is slidably connected to the second linkage bar. The latching protrusion is configured to selectively interlock with any one of the teeth of the second linkage bar. The third linkage bar includes a fifth end pivotally connected to the second end of the first linkage bar and a sixth end pivotally connected to the fourth end of the second linkage bar. |
| US09134757B2 |
Electronic device having passive cooling
An electronic device is provided that includes a base having a first side and a second side, and a lid having a first side and a second side. The electronic device may also include a heat exchanger provided at the base. The heat exchanger may have a first surface exposed to outside the base. |
| US09134752B2 |
Time measurement device, micro-controller and method of measuring time
A time measurement device includes a first measurement unit configured to measure a clock number of a first reference clock signal within a specific cycle of a second reference clock signal; a calculation unit configured to calculate a physical amount indicating a variance amount of the clock number relative to a reference clock number; a compensation unit configured to compensate an expected measurement value indicating the clock number of the first reference clock signal corresponding to a time as a measurement target according to the physical amount calculated with the calculation unit; and an output unit configured to output time information indicating that the clock number of the first reference clock signal reaches the expected measurement value when the clock number of the first reference clock signal measured with the first measurement unit reaches the expected measurement value compensated with the compensation unit. |
| US09134750B2 |
Embedded multimedia card (eMMC), eMMC system, and methods of operation
An embedded multimedia card (eMMC) communicating with a host includes; a latch circuit that receives and latches a data signal according to either a first edge or a second edge of a clock to thereby generate a latched data signal, and a start bit detector that detects in the latched data signal a start bit and provides a valid data signal from a portion of the latched data signal following the start bit. |
| US09134748B2 |
Pedal actuation detector
A pedal operation amount detection apparatus comprises: a transmitting member; a pivot lever provided on the transmitting member; and a deformable body, the pedal operation amount detection apparatus electrically detecting a pedal operation amount based on a deformation of the deformable body, the deformable body is fixed to the transmitting member, a sensor rod is fixedly fitted to the deformable body so as to extend upright relative to the deformable body, an elastic member is provided across the sensor rod and the pivot lever so as to be connected to each other, so that the pedal operating force or a reaction force corresponding to the pedal operating force is transmitted from the pivot lever to the sensor rod via the elastic member, and the sensor rod is passed, with a play, through the pivot lever so that the play allows the pivot lever to pivot. |
| US09134746B2 |
Systems and methods for harmonic resonance control
Systems and methods for harmonic resonance control are described. In some embodiments, a system comprises a first switch-controlled VAR source and a harmonic management block which may each be configured to be coupled to a distribution power network. The first switch-controlled VAR source may comprise a first processor, a voltage compensation component, and a switch. The first processor may be configured to enable the voltage compensation component after a delay by controlling the switch based on first proximate voltage after a duration associated with the delay to adjust voltage volt-ampere reactive. The harmonic management block may be configured to compare a second proximate voltage to at least one resonant threshold to detect potential resonance caused by enablement of the voltage compensation component and to engage based on the comparison the resonance compensation component to manage the potential resonance. |
| US09134743B2 |
Low-dropout voltage regulator
A low-dropout voltage regulator includes a power transistor configured to receive an input voltage and to provide a regulated output voltage at an output voltage node. The power transistor includes a control electrode configured to receive a driver signal. A reference circuit is configured to generate a reference voltage. A feedback network is coupled to the power transistor and is configured to provide a first feedback signal and a second feedback signal. The first feedback signal represents the output voltage and the second feedback signal represents an output voltage gradient. An error amplifier is configured to receive the reference voltage and the first feedback signal representing the output voltage. The error amplifier is configured to generate the driver signal dependent on the reference voltage and the first feedback signal. The error amplifier includes an output stage that is biased with a bias current responsive to the second feedback signal. |
| US09134742B2 |
Voltage regulator and voltage regulation method
A voltage regulator, alternatively operating in an active mode in response to an enabled mode indication signal, and operating in a standby mode in response to the disabled mode indication signal, is provided. The voltage regulator comprises a regulation unit and a feedback circuit. The regulation unit drives an output node with an output signal. The feedback circuit comprises a first resistance unit, connected between the output node and the feedback node, and a second resistance unit. The second resistance unit is connected between the feedback node and a ground reference voltage, and the resistance thereof is scaled down when a mode indication signal is enabled, so as to achieve a level dip event on a feedback signal, and accordingly driving the regulation unit enhancing its drivability of the output signal. |
| US09134734B2 |
Method for the autonomous localization of a driverless, motorized vehicle
A range-measuring sensor is arranged on a vehicle. The direction of measurement or plane of measurement of the sensor can be altered by driving a sensor motor. A map of the environment is produced by using natural landmarks. A predetermined route along which the vehicle is intended to move is stipulated. Landmarks which can serve as a localization aid along the predetermined route are determined. The environment is scanned at different times by using the sensor in order to detect the previously determined landmarks while the vehicle is moving along the predetermined route. The vehicle is localized by comparing the detected landmarks with the landmarks recorded on the map. The sensor motor is actively controlled, at least in areas of the environment with only a few previously determined landmarks, such that the sensor is oriented to these landmarks in order to ensure that they are detected. |
| US09134730B2 |
Method of managing a turning movement of an aircraft taxiing on the ground
The invention relates to a management method for managing a turning movement of an aircraft taxiing on the ground, the aircraft having wheels each fitted with an independent drive device, in which method commands are generated for the independent drive devices so that at least some of those devices contribute to the turning movement. According to the invention, the method comprises the steps of: estimating at each instant during the turning movement: an instantaneous total power developed by all of the independent drive devices in response to the commands; and an instantaneous mean angular acceleration for all of the wheels; and adapting the commands to the independent drive devices such that the total instantaneous power developed by all of the independent drive devices is minimized, while conserving the mean angular acceleration. |
| US09134728B2 |
System and method for the loss-free processing of process values of a technical installation or a technical process
The disclosure relates to a method and a system for the loss-free processing of process values which can be integrated into a process control system of a technical installation or of a technical process. The method and system can include process values acquired as raw data by means of an acquisition unit. A physical unit and a measuring range are associated with the respective process value and the acquired raw data are used to generate archivable data. The archivable data in the predetermined tolerance range can be selected by an archive function and are stored in a history server in a raw data format. |
| US09134723B2 |
Path interference and generation device and method
In devices for generating a path of a tool of a processing machine by way of computer simulation, an NC program is created using a generated processing path. The NC program used to be corrected by verification of actually moving the processing machine. In contrast, the disclosed processing path generation device has been constituted to be provided with a means for calculating a closest distance and direction from a relationship of a position and posture between a tool and a work at an arbitrary point upon the processing path; a means for imparting a color determined by the closest distance and the direction calculated at the point upon the processing path; a means for panoramically displaying the color imparted to the work; and a means for correcting the relationship of the a position and posture between the tool and the work on the basis of information from a display device. |
| US09134719B2 |
Self-describing device module and system and computer-readable medium for the production thereof
A system, method, and computer-readable medium for generation of a controlled device Module are provided. Various components are provided to a Module designer for selection, and the designer defines the interface APIs specifying the component functionalities. The designer may specify custom commands or events for the Module including Commands, Properties, and Parameters, and custom components corresponding to the custom commands are generated. A self-describing capabilities component is then generated for each component, and a composite capabilities component may then be generated from the capabilities components of each of the components. The completed Module package is then produced by an integrated development environment station. |
| US09134716B2 |
Detection of blockages and interruptions with an aspirating smoke detector (ASD)
An aspirating smoke detector detects blockages and interruptions in a pipe system. Air is aspirated, by a ventilator and via the pipe system, from rooms and devices that are to be monitored, and monitoring takes place for any characteristics of burning. The air flow of at least one part of the aspirated air is measured, as is the air temperature. A blockage signal is emitted if the air flow falls below a predetermined lower limit value and/or an interruption signal is emitted if the air flow rises above a predetermined upper limit value. The rotational speed of the ventilator is increased as air temperature rises and reduced as air temperature lowers. |
| US09134714B2 |
Systems and methods for display of controls and related data within a structure
The system helps facility managers and other users to efficiently navigate through a building or complex of buildings, and quickly gather information for (and control) individual building systems or groups of systems. A method includes displaying an image representing at least a portion of a building; and displaying a gradient indicator representing a parameter associated with a zone of the building, wherein the gradient indicator is displayed with the image in accordance with the zone for the parameter. |
| US09134711B2 |
Advanced batch control
A method for advanced batch control of a batch process. The method discloses completing at least one cycle of the batch process and collecting data on at least one process variable and at least one product property. A model is created based on the data, wherein the model comprises inputs. Thereafter the batch process is initiated. At one or more decision points the model is utilized to obtain outputs. A controller utilizes the model outputs to control the batch in accordance with the model outputs. Final product properties are reached at decreased variability compared to the prior art. |
| US09134709B2 |
Power supply control device and power supply control method
Provided is a power supply control device capable of reducing power consumption even when the amount of time the electrical equipment is used is indeterminate. This power supply control device (700) controls the supply of power to multiple lines on which electrical equipment is arranged, and has: a power supply control instruction unit (760), which provisionally supplies power to lines to which power is not being supplied; a power calculation unit (730), which determines for each line whether there has been an increase in the power consumption; and a power supply status determination unit (750) which, after power has been supplied provisionally, stops the provisional supply of power to a line when the power consumption on that line has not increased. |
| US09134704B2 |
Electronic device with antenna
A small electronic device enables improving transmission and reception performance with stable operation. An example of the electronic device is an electronic wristwatch having a display; a circuit board disposed on one side of the display; an antenna is disposed on the opposite side of the circuit board as the display, and includes a dielectric layer, a ground conductor disposed on one side of the dielectric layer, and a radiating conductor disposed on the other side of the dielectric layer. The ground conductor is disposed on the surface of the dielectric layer on the side near the circuit board, and is connected to the ground potential of the circuit board. The radiating conductor is disposed on the surface of the dielectric layer on the side far from the circuit board, and is connected to the signal potential of the circuit board. |
| US09134703B2 |
At least partially enamelled relief dial
The invention relates to an at least partially enamelled dial whose visible surface includes areas standing out in relief, including a first part made of ceramic material or another compatible substrate that may or may not be coated with enamel including at least one through hole and at least one second part made of ceramic material or another compatible substrate that may or may not be coated with enamel. According to the invention, said at least one second part includes a main, projecting face which is larger than the section of said at least one hole and said at least one second part is secured to the first part to totally cover the periphery of said at least one hole without the second part projecting into the hole, so as to form a relief dial with improved rendering.The invention also relates to the method of manufacturing this type of dial. The invention concerns the field of at least partially enamelled dials. |
| US09134699B2 |
Apparatus and method for displaying holographic image using collimated directional backlight unit
A holographic three-dimensional (3D) image generating apparatus that may use a collimated directional backlight unit (CD BLU) is provided. The CD BLU may output a collimated light of which an emitting light is adjusted. The convergent lens may enable the outputted collimated light to converge into a viewing area of a viewer and thus, a viewing window may be generated. A spatial light modulator (SLM) may perform spatially-varying modulation with respect to the collimated light converging into the viewing area to generate a focused beam. |
| US09134698B2 |
Three dimensional display compute system
System and method for video holographic display. Information is received regarding a 2D hogel array with multiple hogel apertures, specifying number, size, and/or spacing of the hogel apertures. Information regarding a 3D scene is received, including a scaling factor mapping the 3D scene to a 3D display volume. Due to gradual variation of radiation patterns from hogel to hogel, a full set of color radiation intensity patterns for the entire hogel array may be generated by interpolating the color radiation intensity patterns from a sparse subset of the hogels without having to compute all of the patterns. The full set of color radiation intensity patterns may then be used to holographically display the 3D scene. |
| US09134697B2 |
Powder container, powder supply assembly, and image forming apparatus in which a powder outlet faces in an opposite direction as an opening of a container body
A powder container includes a powder containing compartment having a powder outlet connectable to a horizontally extending tube of an apparatus in conjunction with installation of the powder container in the apparatus, a removably insertable plug member to open and close the powder outlet in conjunction with installation of the powder container, and at least one discrimination protrusion projecting from an outer circumferential surface of the powder container. The powder contained in the powder containing compartment is discharged from the powder outlet thereof to the tube. A downstream end of the discrimination protrusion is positioned downstream from a downstream end of the powder outlet of the powder containing compartment in an installation direction in which the powder container is installed in the apparatus, and at least one of shape, arrangement, and quantity of the discrimination protrusion is unique to the type of powder contained in the powder container. |
| US09134694B2 |
Image forming apparatus including guide grooves and a photoreceptor cartridge including guide axles
The present invention provides an image forming apparatus and a photoreceptor cartridge usable in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus comprises a chamber part, right and left side walls, a first guide groove, a second guide groove, an accessory plate that is a first operation unit, and a writing unit that is a second operation unit. The photoreceptor cartridge comprises a first guide axle, a second guide axle, a first surface and a second surface. A distance between a groove opening of the first guide groove and the accessory plate is shorter than a distance between the second guide axle and the first surface, and a distance between a groove opening of the second guide groove and the writing unit is shorter than a distance between the first guide axle and the second surface. |
| US09134693B2 |
Image forming apparatus with developing unit and control method therefor
First and second developing members are moved to a developing position from a retracted position respectively in the order of a first developing member and a second developing member, and image forming is started by adhering toner to a first photosensitive member and a second photosensitive member in this order, and a period in which the first developing member moves from the retracted position to the developing position is shorter than a period in which the second developing member moves from the retracted position to the developing position. |
| US09134690B2 |
Image forming apparatus capable of reliably protecting exposure member
An image forming apparatus includes: a main casing; a photosensitive member; a moving mechanism; a movable member; and a cartridge. The photosensitive member is provided in the main casing. The movable member moves between an inside position in which the movable member is inside the main casing and an outside position in which the movable member is at least partly outside the main casing. The movable member includes: a frame; a protection member; and an exposure member. The protection member is fixed to the frame. The moving mechanism moves the exposure member between an exposing position in which the exposure member exposes the photosensitive member to light and a protected position in which the exposure member is protected by the protection member. The cartridge includes a developer bearing member. The cartridge is supported at the movable member. |
| US09134687B1 |
Waste toner bottle for uniform distribution of residual toner from an image forming device
A waste toner bottle for an imaging device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for storing toner. A tube defines an auger path about the housing. The tube is in fluid communication with a plurality of inlets of the housing and has a transfer auger disposed along the auger path to move toner into the reservoir. The tube extends upward into the upper region of the housing above the plurality of inlets. The tube extends from a first end of the reservoir to a second end of the reservoir in the upper region of the housing. The tube includes perforations in a bottom of the tube between the first end of the reservoir and the second end of the reservoir in the upper region of the housing to drop toner from the auger path into the reservoir. |
| US09134685B1 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
In accordance with one embodiment, an image forming apparatus comprises a plurality of image forming sections including e a cleaner section for removing the toner left on the image carrier after the image is transferred to the image formed medium. At least one of the plurality of image forming sections is provided with a toner recycling section for collecting the toner removed by the cleaner section and reusing the collected toner in the image formation again. Control section separates the image forming section provided with the toner recycling section from the transfer position of the transfer section in a case in which the image forming section provided with no toner recycling section is forming an image. |
| US09134683B2 |
Image forming apparatus having a cleaning unit to clean an optical sensor unit
An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive unit to form an visible image, a printing medium storage unit to store a printing medium, a pickup device to pick up the printing medium from the printing medium storage unit, a developing unit to develop the electrostatic latent image of the photosensitive unit into a visual image, an optical sensor to inspect the visual image, and a cleaning unit to clean a light window arranged at the optical sensor according to a control of the pickup device. |
| US09134676B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An improved image forming apparatus is described in which, even when a conveyance unit is switched from a pressure engaged state to a disengaged state, misalignment of a sheet during conveyance can be inhibited. A control unit conveys a sheet between a transfer unit and paper stop rollers, while forming a loop of the sheet therebetween, by setting the speed of conveying the sheet passing between the paper stop rollers to be higher than the speed of conveying the sheet passing through the transfer unit. In addition to this, when the pair of rollers serving as the paper stop rollers are switched from a pressure engaged state to a disengaged state, the paper stop rollers are controlled to reduce the speed of conveying the sheet therethrough in advance of this switching operation. |
| US09134674B2 |
Replaceable unit, image forming apparatus that incorporates the replaceable unit and method for attaching a part to the replaceable unit
A replaceable unit is removably inserted into an apparatus. An installation detecting board has a first edge, a second edge a third edge, and a fourth edge. The first edge is located on a side of the installation detecting board opposite the second edge. The third edge is located on a side of the installation detecting board opposite the fourth edge. The replaceable unit has a body in which a first positioning portion and a second positioning portion are formed. The first and second positioning portion are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the replaceable unit such that the first positioning portion abuts the first edge and the second positioning portion abuts the second edge. A retainer is mounted on the body, and abuts at least one of the third edge and the fourth edge to prevent the installation detecting board from moving relative to the body. |
| US09134668B2 |
Image forming apparatus
According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion configured to selectively form a toner image on an image bearing member using a developing device including a decolorizable toner or a developing device including an undecolorizable toner, a transfer portion configured to transfer the toner image, which is formed on the image bearing member, onto a transfer material, and a fixing portion configured to fix the toner image, which is transferred by the transfer portion, on the transfer material. The undecolorizable toner has at least a fixing temperature range in a range equal to or higher than a fixing temperature lower limit of the decolorizable toner and lower than decoloring temperature of the decolorizable toner. |
| US09134666B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a pair of detachable rollers and applies heat and pressure to a sheet nipped between the rollers to fix a toner image formed on the sheet to the sheet. The fixing device includes a biasing part which gives a biasing force to bring one of the rollers into tight contact with the other, an adjusting part which adjusts the biasing force of the biasing part, and a guide indication part providing a guide for an amount of adjustment to be made by the adjusting part in accordance with the hardness of the surface layer of a roller of the rollers. |
| US09134664B2 |
Member for electrophotography, fixing device, and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
Provided is a member for electrophotography including a fluorine resin surface layer formed by melting fluorine resin powder, the member being capable of stably maintaining rubber elasticity over a long time period. Further, provided are a fixing member, a fixing device, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus each capable of stably providing the image quality of an electrophotographic image. The member for electrophotography is a member for electrophotography, comprising: a substrate; a cured silicone rubber elastic layer; and a fluorine resin surface layer obtained by melting a fluorine resin powder, wherein: when a microhardness of a cured rubber forming the cured silicone rubber elastic layer is defined as Hμ0, and a microhardness of a rubber obtained by soaking the cured rubber in a methyl hydrogen silicone oil for 24 hours, and then further curing the cured rubber is defined as Hμ1, Hμ1/Hμ0 is 2.5 or more and 5.0 or less. |
| US09134656B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a transfer member, a power supply, and a control device that controls the power supply to output a DC-AC superimposed bias or a DC bias to transfer a toner image on the image carrier onto a recording medium. The control device controls the power supply to alternately output a first bias being a DC component the same in polarity as the DC bias and a second bias being a DC component opposite in polarity to the DC bias to clean the transfer member when image formation is not taking place. The first bias is output with two target output values including a first value and a second value lower than the first value. The second bias is output with one target output value. An output time of the second bias is longer than an output time of the first bias. |
| US09134647B2 |
Image forming apparatus that corrects developing bias voltage
An image forming apparatus that reduces density irregularity caused by SD gap variation. A developing bias voltage for forming a developing electric field between a photosensitive drum and a developing sleeve is applied to the developing sleeve. A rotational period of the photosensitive drum is divided into a plurality of blocks, and current values are acquired for each block. An average value of the acquired current values for each block is stored until the photosensitive drum is rotated a predetermined number of times, for each of the predetermined number of times of rotation. A moving average value of the average values in each block is calculated, and a correction table for correcting the developing bias voltage to be applied in each block is created using the calculated moving average values, and the developing bias voltage is controlled based on the created correction table. |
| US09134646B2 |
Image forming apparatus having development bias control
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a development device that includes a developer bearing member in a development position opposite to the image bearing member to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the image bearing member, and a bias applying portion that applies a development bias to the developer bearing member. A degradation sensing portion senses information related to a level of degradation of toner stored in the development device, and an acquisition portion acquires information on a type of a recording material to which a toner image developed by the development device is transferred. In addition, a controlling portion controls a condition of the bias applied to the developer bearing member so that a development ability of the development device is decreased when the degradation sensing portion senses information that the level of degradation of toner is less than a predetermined level and the acquisition portion acquires information that smoothness of the recording material is more than a predetermined reference. |
| US09134643B2 |
Image forming apparatus including control unit for controlling charging bias and laser power
The image forming apparatus is capable of executing a color mode for forming images of a plurality of colors using the plurality of developer bearing members, and a mono-mode for forming images of mono color using one developer bearing member of the plurality of developer bearing members. The control unit, when the color mode is executed, determines the charging bias and, the first laser power and the second laser power for respective image bearing members, based on information about the plurality of image bearing members. The control unit, when the mono-mode is executed, determines the charging bias and, the first laser power and the second laser power to image bearing member for mono-mode, based on information about image bearing member for mono-mode. |
| US09134642B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device to form a toner image according to image data, a density adjustment toner pattern, and a timing adjustment toner pattern on an image bearer, a detector to detect the density adjustment toner pattern and the timing adjustment toner pattern, and an image density adjustment unit to execute image density adjustment based on an amount of toner adhering to the density adjustment toner pattern detected by the toner amount detector. The image density adjustment unit causes the image forming device to form the timing adjustment toner pattern before the density adjustment toner pattern is formed, and the image density adjustment unit adjusts a detection timing of the density adjustment toner pattern based on a detection timing of the timing adjustment toner pattern detected by the toner amount detector. |
| US09134641B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: a plurality of image bearing members, provided in parallel, each for forming a toner image; a first intermediary transfer member for forming a primary transfer portion between itself and each of the image bearing members, wherein the toner images formed on the image bearing members are to be primary-transferred onto the first intermediary transfer member; a second intermediary transfer member onto which the toner images are to be secondary-transferred from the first intermediary transfer member; and a transfer member for tertiary-transferring the toner images from the second intermediary transfer member onto a recording material. The first and second intermediary transfer members are integrally assembled into a transfer unit. The transfer unit is movable relative to a main assembly of the image forming apparatus in a direction in which the image bearing members are provided in parallel. |
| US09134640B2 |
Clear styrene emulsion/aggregation toner
The present disclosure describes processes for making clear, high-gloss toners, including toner compositions resulting from such processes that find applications in overcoating and gloss enhancement. |
| US09134639B2 |
Magenta toner
An object of the present invention is to provide a magenta toner having high lightness and saturation and having spectral reflection properties having a wider color range.A magenta toner including magenta toner particles each including a binder resin and a colorant, wherein the colorant includes a compound represented by a formula (1): (wherein R1 and R2 represent an alkyl group or an alkoxyalkyl group, and at least one of R1 and R2 has not less than 7 carbon atoms). |
| US09134638B2 |
Toner, developer using the toner, image forming apparatus
A toner including at least a crystalline resin as a binder resin, wherein a tetrahydrofuran soluble content of the toner includes 5.0% or more as a peak area of a component having a molecular weight of 100,000 or greater in a molecular weight distribution measured by gel permeation chromatography, and the tetrahydrofuran soluble content of the toner has a weight-average molecular weight of 20,000 to 60,000. |
| US09134634B2 |
Control device for preventing meandering of patterns on patterned films
A control device for preventing meandering of patterns for use in a patterned film manufacturing device which includes a film transferring equipment and a pattern forming equipment, includes a marking unit that forms markings on a predetermined reference position on the film, a recognizing unit that is located at the rear of the marking unit and recognizes positions of the markings on the film, a computing unit that computes an amount of meandering based on differences between the reference position and the recognized positions of the markings, a control unit that generates a correction signal for correcting positions of the marking unit and the pattern forming equipment corresponding to the computed the amount of meandering, and a correction unit that receives the correction signal and corrects positions of the marking unit and the pattern forming equipment based on the received correction signal. |
| US09134630B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A lithographic apparatus having an optical column capable of creating a pattern on a target portion of a substrate is disclosed. The optical column may have a self-emissive contrast device configured to emit a beam, and a projection system configured to project the beam onto the target portion. The apparatus may also have an actuator to move the optical column or a part thereof with respect to the substrate. The apparatus may be constructed to reduce the optical effect of density variation in a medium around the moving part of the optical column on the beam. |
| US09134614B2 |
Photoimaging
There is herein described a method and apparatus for photoimaging. More particularly, there is described a method and apparatus for photoimaging a substrate (e.g. a web) covered with a wet curable photopolymer wherein a rotatable phototool is pressed and rotated against the substrate to create an imaged substrate which is used to form images suitable for forming electrical circuits such as for printed circuit boards (PCBs), flat panel displays and flexible circuits. There is also described a method and apparatus for directly photoimaging a substrate covered with a wet curable photopolymer, wherein the photoimaged substrate is used to form images such as electrical circuits and a method and apparatus for exposing at least part of a solder mask on a printed circuit board (PCB) using a wet curable photopolymer wherein an imaging process may thereafter occur on the area above the solder mask. |
| US09134612B2 |
Printing form precursor having elastomeric cap layer and a method of preparing a printing form from the precursor
The invention pertains to a printing form precursor, a method of preparing a printing form from the precursor, and a process of preparing the precursor. The printing form precursor includes a photopolymerizable layer, an elastomeric layer having at least an elastomeric binder and particulate, and an actinic radiation opaque material on, adjacent, or disposed above the elastomeric layer opposite the photopolymerizable layer. The particulate is selected from specific material particles having an average diameter from 1 to 10 micron and a refractive index that is within 0.04 units of an index of refraction of the composition forming the elastomeric layer. |
| US09134607B2 |
Photoresist composition and method for producing photoresist pattern
A photoresist composition comprising a resin which comprises a structural unit represented by formula (I); wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and R2 represents C1-C10 hydrocarbon group; and a resin which comprises a structural unit having an acid-labile group and no structural unit represented by formula (I); and an acid generator represented by formula (II): wherein X2 represents a C1-C6 alkanediyl group where a hydrogen atom can be replaced by a hydroxyl group or a group —O—R5 and where a methylene group can be replaced by an oxygen atom or a carbonyl group, R4 and R5 each independently represent a C1-C24 hydrocarbon group where a hydrogen atom can be replaced by a fluorine atom or a hydroxyl group and where a methylene group can be replaced by an oxygen atom or a carbonyl group, and Z+ represents an organic cation. |
| US09134600B2 |
Large screen display drive mechanism and truss
A large screen display drive mechanism. A drum is rotatably mounted to a truss by an axle that extends centrally through the drum and mounted by bearings, in turn, mounted to the truss. A large screen display is wrappable on the drum and is electrically connected by a cable assembly extending through the drum and outwardly thereof through a sprocket fixedly mounted to an end of the drum. The cable assembly is wrapped around a portion of the axle extending outwardly of the drum. A motor with sprocket and chain drives the sprocket attached to the drum. |
| US09134594B2 |
Projection device management system
The present invention provides a projection device management system including two or more projection devices which project images on a projection surface; and a management device which corrects the image projected by each projection device based on information on each projection device and manages information for maintenance of each projection device, the two or more projection devices being installed in the same theater. |
| US09134592B2 |
Ceiling hanger
A ceiling hanger includes: a first plate fixed to a ceiling surface; a second plate forming a first rotation axis in the up-down direction after fitted to the first plate, and allowing control in the horizontal direction; a third plate forming a second rotation axis in the front-rear direction after fitted to the second plate, and allowing control in the left-right direction; and a fourth plate fixing a projector, forming a third rotation axis in the left-right direction after fitted to the third plate, and allowing control in the up-down direction. |
| US09134590B2 |
Camera body
A camera body includes body-side bayonet lugs concentric with lens-side bayonet lugs, circular-arc openings, a circular arc protrusion positioned inside the camera body and projecting forward and concentric with the body-side bayonet lugs, body-side contact portions provided and arranged on the front end surface of the circular arc protrusion and come into contact with lens-side contact portions which are provided on the lens barrel, and rearward biasers provided immediately behind two of the body-side bayonet lugs to bias and move the lens-side bayonet lugs rearward, wherein two of the body-side contact portions located at both ends in the lengthwise direction and the two rearward biasers lie on radial-direction extension lines of the circular arc protrusion, respectively, as viewed in an optical axis direction. |
| US09134588B2 |
Stop apparatus, and lens apparatus and image pickup apparatus having the same
A stop apparatus includes a stop operation member, a plurality of stop blades, each of which is provided with a pivot and a driving pin, a blade supporter that supports the stop blades in such a way that the stop blades are rotatable about the pivots of the respective stop blades, a first cam member provided with a first cam groove with which the driving pins of the respective stop blades engage, a second cam member provided with a second cam groove having a shape different from the first cam groove, and a driving force transmission member that transmits rotational driving force of the stop operation member to the second cam member. At least one of the driving pins engages with both the first cam groove and the second cam groove. |
| US09134583B2 |
Array substrate for liquid crystal display device, liquid crystal display device and method of fabricating the same
An array substrate for a liquid crystal display device includes a gate line on a substrate including a display region and a non-display region at a periphery of the display region; a common line on the substrate; a data drive integrated circuit in the non-display region; first and second data lines crossing the gate line to define a pixel region in the display region, the first and second data lines having a difference in a distance from the data drive integrated circuit; first and second data link lines connected to the data drive integrated circuit, the first and second data link lines respectively connected to the first and second data lines; a thin film transistor in the pixel region connected to the gate line and one of the first and second data lines; a pixel electrode in the pixel region and connected to the thin film transistor; and a first conductive pattern in the non-display region and connected to the common line such that a common voltage is applied to the first conductive pattern, the first conductive pattern overlapping the first and second data link lines to form first and second capacitors, respectively. |
| US09134571B2 |
Liquid crystal panel and display device
A liquid crystal panel and a display device are disclosed. In the liquid crystal panel, the first anisotropic optical layer comprises a first phase difference film and a second phase difference film, the second anisotropic optical layer comprises a liquid crystal film and a third phase difference film, wherein an orientation of liquid crystals in the liquid crystal film and an orientation of the liquid crystal layer are parallel to each other, a slow axis direction of the second phase difference film is vertical to the orientation of liquid crystals in the liquid crystal film. |
| US09134570B2 |
Color regulating device for illumination and apparatus using the same, and method of regulating color
There is provided a color-regulating device for illumination. The color-regulating device includes a light-valving structure for adjusting a flux ratio of outgoing light through the light-valving structure to incident light entering the light-valving structure, and a color-adjusting structure having a wavelength-band converting element for changing incident light with a wavelength band into outgoing light with a different wavelength band through the element. Wherein, the light-valving structure and the color-adjusting structure do not overlap on the traveling path of the light emitted from the light source. Mixing the outgoing light of the light source passing through the light-valving structure with the outgoing light of the light source passing through and at least a portion thereof converted by the color-adjusting structure with a different wavelength band yields a color-adjusted light of different color temperature from that of the light source. |
| US09134569B2 |
Liquid crystal lens manufacturing method and liquid crystal lens
Provided are a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal lens which, even with the use of a thin sheet glass as a glass sheet for dividing a liquid crystal layer, can reduce the likelihood of breakage of the thin sheet glass in the production process and the liquid crystal lens. A mother liquid crystal lens having a plurality of liquid crystal lens units arrayed in a longitudinal direction thereof is cut for each of the liquid crystal lens units to separate out the liquid crystal lens units and thus manufacture respective liquid crystal lenses 10. Longitudinally extending side surfaces 13c, 13d, 14c, and 14d of glass ribbons which provide thin sheet glasses 13 and 14 have an outwardly bulging curved shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. |
| US09134567B2 |
Method for manufacturing transparent conductive film and method for manufacturing CF substrate having conductive film
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a transparent conductive film and a method for manufacturing a CF substrate having the transparent conductive film. The method for manufacturing a conductive film includes: step 1: dissolving a mixed powder of graphene oxide and pure graphene in water and carrying out an ultrasonic treatment to obtain a stable aqueous solution of mixed graphene oxide and pure graphene; step 2: coating the stable aqueous solution of mixed graphene oxide and pure graphene on a substrate; step 3: subjecting the aqueous solution of mixed graphene oxide and pure graphene that is coated on the substrate to a drying treatment at 30-90° C. so as to obtain a film of mixed graphene oxide and pure graphene; step 4: applying a reducing agent to cause chemical reduction of the graphene oxide contained in the film of mixed graphene oxide and pure graphene so as to obtain a film of pure graphene, wherein the reducing agent is an ascorbic acid solution; and step 5: washing and drying the film of pure graphene obtained after chemical reduction so as to form a transparent conductive film on the substrate. |
| US09134565B2 |
Pixel unit and display panel having the same
In a pixel unit and a display panel having the pixel unit, the pixel unit includes a pixel portion configured to display a color, and a transmissive portion configured to transmit light. The pixel portion is disposed at a central portion of the pixel unit and the transmissive portion is disposed at a peripheral portion adjacent to the central portion, or the transmissive portion is disposed at the central portion of the pixel unit and the pixel portion is disposed at the peripheral portion adjacent to the central portion. |
| US09134564B2 |
Color liquid crystal display device
A color liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display element and a backlight unit. The liquid crystal display element includes a color filter having a red filter segment, a green filter segment, and a blue filter segment. The blue filter segment is prepared from a blue photosensitive resin composition. The blue photosensitive resin composition includes a pigment combination, an alkali-soluble resin, a compound having an ethylenic group, and a photoinitiator. The pigment combination includes a copper phthalocyanine-based blue pigment. The color filter has a z value ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 in a chromaticity diagram of a XYZ color system. The backlight unit is coupled to the liquid crystal display element and has a color temperature ranging from 8,000 K to 20,000 K. |
| US09134562B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a display panel having a plurality of selective light transmitting regions through which light can be controllably transmitted and one or more light blocking regions. It further includes a backlighting unit disposed and configured to supply backlighting light to the display panel and a backlighting light changing layer configured to change one or more optical characteristics (e.g., polarization) of light passed therethrough. The display device further includes a reflection pattern layer disposed between the backlighting light changing layer and the backlighting unit and including a plurality of light-passing regions configured to let light pass therethrough and one or more reflection portions configured to reflect light, where the reflection portions are disposed to intercept, and reflect light coming from the backlighting unit and heading forward to a corresponding one or more of the light blocking regions of the display panel back to the backlighting unit. |
| US09134561B2 |
Writing tablet information recording device
A drawing tablet device, utilizing a data capture device in connection with a pressure sensitive display, provides electronic information corresponding to images drawn on the pressure sensitive display to an external device. The drawing tablet includes a communication interface to couple the drawing tablet to the external device to transmit electronic information corresponding to images in real-time or as stored files. |
| US09134553B2 |
Optical modulator and method for manufacturing the same
An optical modulator and a method for manufacturing an optical modulator are provided. The optical modulator includes a first waveguide, a second waveguide, a modulating portion connected between the first waveguide and the second waveguide, the modulating portion being configured to receive an input signal from the first waveguide, to modulate the input signal and to supply a corresponding modulated input signal as an output signal to the second waveguide, wherein the modulating portion includes a semiconductor substrate, one end thereof being coupled to the first waveguide, and a corresponding opposite end thereof being coupled to the second waveguide, a Germanium rib provided on the substrate such that the input signal propagates through the Germanium rib along a longitudinal axis thereof, and a first electrode and a second electrode respectively provided on the substrate, wherein the Germanium rib is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, and wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to apply an electrical field to the Germanium rib in order to modulate the input signal propagating through the Germanium rib. |
| US09134551B2 |
Wide band variable transmittance optical device and mixture
We describe a wide band variable transmission optical device, mixtures for use in such a device, and methods of making the same. The wide band optical device includes a cell comprising a guest-host mixture of a liquid crystal host and a dichroic guest dye material contained between a pair of plastic substrates. The optical device does not use polarizers. The liquid crystal host has an axis orientation that is alterable between a clear state orientation and a dark state orientation perpendicular thereto and the dichroic guest dye material includes one or more dichroic dyes. The optical device is characterized in that it exhibits a wide absorption band that is greater than 175 nm within a visible wavelength range of 400-700 nm and has a clear state transmission equal to or above 30% and a dark state transmission equal to or below 40%. |
| US09134550B2 |
Photorefractive polymer composite, and photorefractive device and hologram display device including the same
Provided are a photorefractive polymer composite, and a photorefractive devices and hologram display device including the same. The photorefractive polymer composite includes a photoconductive polymer matrix, a nonlinear optical chromophore, a plasticizer, and a graphite-based photocharge generator. |
| US09134547B2 |
Eyewear with chroma enhancement
Some embodiments provide a lens including a lens body and an optical filter configured to attenuate visible light in certain spectral bands. At least some of the spectral bands can include spectral features that tend to substantially increase the colorfulness, clarity, and/or vividness of a scene. In certain embodiments, eyewear incorporates an optical filter that enhances chroma within one or more spectral bands. In some embodiments, a wearer of the eyewear can perceive the increase in chroma when viewing at least certain types of scenes. |
| US09134546B2 |
Ophthalmic lens with segmented ring layers in a functionalized insert
This invention discloses various designs for rings and ring segments that make up functionalized layers in a functional layer insert, for incorporation into an ophthalmic lens. The layer insert which can include substrate layers that are intact full rings, segmented rings or a combination of both. Segmented rings may include Arc-Matched and Non Arc-Matched arcuate segments. |
| US09134545B2 |
Method for stabilizing contact lenses
A method for stabilizing contact lenses includes providing a lens design with a nominal set of stabilization zone parameters, applying a merit function to the lens design based on balancing moments of momentum, and creating a contact lens design with improved stabilization based on the application of the merit functions to the lens design with a nominal set of stabilization zone parameters. |
| US09134543B2 |
Imaging system with optimized extended depth of focus
An optical processor is presented for applying optical processing to a light field passing through a predetermined imaging lens unit. The optical processor comprises a pattern in the form of spaced apart regions of different optical properties. The pattern is configured to define a phase coder, and a dispersion profile coder. The phase coder affects profiles of Through Focus Modulation Transfer Function (TFMTF) for different wavelength components of the light field in accordance with a predetermined profile of an extended depth of focusing to be obtained by the imaging lens unit. The dispersion profile coder is configured in accordance with the imaging lens unit and the predetermined profile of the extended depth of focusing to provide a predetermined overlapping between said TFMTF profiles within said predetermined profile of the extended depth of focusing. |
| US09134540B2 |
Three dimensional display system
A three dimensional display system comprises a display (207) presenting a plurality of views of a scene where each view corresponds to a viewing direction for the scene. A rendering unit (203) generates an image for each of the views. The rendering unit (203) is capable of generating differentiated images for neighboring views containing differentiated image data providing a three dimensional depth effect when neighboring views are viewed by different eyes of a viewer. A user processor (209) generates a user presence estimate in response to an attempted detection of a user in a viewing area for the display system. A 3D mode controller (213) modifies the three dimensional effect in response to the user presence estimate. For example, the display system may provide a two dimensional image when no user is present and a three dimensional image when a user is present. This may reduce discomfort experienced by viewers in suboptimal positions. |
| US09134538B1 |
Methods, systems, and apparatus for coherent beam combining
Coherent beam combining of laser gain elements achieves high output power in a diffraction limited beam. An active beam combining system coherently combines optical beams emitted by semiconductor laser gain elements in an external resonant cavity configuration. A beam combiner in the resonant cavity combines the outputs of the laser gain elements into a single coherent output beam whose power is monitored by a photodetector. A processor uses the photodetector's output to adjust the phases of the respective optical beams emitted by the laser gain elements so as to increase or maximize the coherent output beam's power. The processor may vary the optical beams' phases according to a stochastic parallel gradient descent (SPGD) algorithm for active phase control. Experimental results show a beam combining efficiency of 81% with an upper limit of 90% or higher and without the scaling limits imposed on passive-phasing systems. |
| US09134533B2 |
Optical scanner and image forming apparatus
An optical scanner includes: a light reflecting section having light reflectivity; a movable plate which includes the light reflecting section and can be displaced; four link sections connected to the movable plate; and a supporting section supporting the four link sections. The four link sections are provided on an outer circumference of the movable plate at 90-degree intervals along a circumferential direction of the movable plate in a plan view. Each link section includes a turnable drive section, and a shaft section which connects the movable plate and the drive section. The shaft section is bent and deformed in a thickness direction of the movable plate by turning the drive section. |
| US09134532B2 |
MEMS shutter assemblies for high-resolution displays
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for generating images using dual-shutter shutter assemblies. Such shutter assemblies include two shutters that move over a common aperture to selectively obstruct the passage of light there through. In the closed position, portions of one of the shutters overlaps a portion of the other shutter to provide such light obstruction without the two shutters needing to come into contact. |
| US09134531B2 |
Display device and method for manufacturing the same
Provided is a display device, including: a sealing member including an opening and surrounding a space defined by a pair of light transmissive substrates; an end seal for closing the opening of the sealing member to form an encapsulation space; oil filled in the encapsulation space; a spacer for maintaining an interval between the pair of light transmissive substrates; a shutter; a drive portion arranged in the oil, for mechanically driving the shutter; and a wall portion formed on at least one of opposed surfaces of the pair of light transmissive substrates. The wall portion includes a part arranged at a position interrupting a shortest path between the opening of the sealing member and a display region. The wall portion is made of a material forming the spacer, the shutter, and the drive portion. |
| US09134522B2 |
Autofocus apparatus
An autofocus apparatus includes a light source; an optical coupler having a first port, second port and a third port; wherein the optic coupler couples to the light source at the first port; an optical collimator for directing a light output from the second port of the optical coupler onto a sample through a Dichroic mirror and a microscope objective, wherein the sample is placed on a substrate supported by an adjustable microscopy stage; a scanning device for focusing the light at a plurality of focal points along an axis; a photodiode detector for converting a reflected light signal into an intensity signal; a memory device for storing a signal template; and a microprocessor for detecting a peak in the intensity signal by cross-correlating the intensity signal with the signal template; wherein the microprocessor generates a command for moving the position of the adjustable microscopy stage along the axis. |
| US09134516B2 |
Zoom lens, optical apparatus and method for manufacturing zoom lens
A zoom lens consisting of, in order from an object side: a first lens group G1 having negative refractive power; and a second lens group G2 having positive refractive power, the first lens group G1 including, in order from the object side, a first negative meniscus lens having a convex surface facing the object side, a negative lens, a second negative meniscus lens having a convex surface facing the object side, and a positive lens, a distance between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 being varied thereby carrying out zooming, and given conditional expressions being satisfied, thereby providing a zoom lens having excellent optical performance and high resolution with being compact and lightweight, an optical apparatus, and a method for manufacturing the zoom lens. |
| US09134513B2 |
Projection lens, projection device and optically-induced microparticle device
A projection lens, a projection device and an optically-induced microparticle device are provided. The projection lens includes an aperture, a first and a second lens groups. The aperture, the first and the second lens groups are disposed on a projection path of an image. The aperture is between the first and the second lens groups. The first and the second lens groups are suitable for interchanging with each other to switch the magnification ratio. When in a first state, the first lens group is between the object and the aperture and the second lens group is between the aperture and a projection surface, herein the projection lens has a first magnification ratio. When in a second state, the first lens group is between the aperture and the projection surface, and the second lens group is between the object and the aperture, herein the projection lens has a second magnification ratio. |
| US09134510B2 |
Imaging lens
An imaging lens which can be very compact and thin, corrects various aberrations properly and provides a small F-value and a wide view angle at low cost. In the imaging lens, designed for a solid-state image sensor, arranged in the following order from an object side to an image side are: a first positive (refractive power) lens with a convex object-side surface; a second positive lens; a third positive lens; a fourth positive lens; and a fifth negative lens with a concave image-side surface. None of these lenses is joined to each other and all the lens surfaces are aspheric. The object-side and image-side aspheric surfaces of the fifth lens have a pole-change point in a position other than a point of intersection with an optical axis. A diffractive optical surface is formed on one of three surfaces from the first lens image-side surface to the second lens image-side surface. |
| US09134500B2 |
Lens barrel and imaging device
An object is to realize further size reduction in a lens barrel in which a barrel unit is rotatable in three axis directions. The lens barrel includes a support portion for supporting the barrel unit, a part of the support portion being fixed to an external member, an actuator including a drive base movable in a direction parallel to a surface passing through an optical axis of the barrel unit, and a universal joint mechanism portion for linking the barrel unit and the drive base of the actuator. The support portion supports the barrel unit rotatably about a pitch axis, a roll axis, and a yaw axis with respect to the optical axis direction, and the actuator drives the barrel unit about the pitch axis, the roll axis, and the yaw axis by moving the drive base. |
| US09134498B2 |
Coupling system for optical fibers and optical waveguides
An optical coupler may include a fiber optic structure that has a portion of an outer surface that is beveled at a predetermined angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the fiber optic structure. The beveled outer surface portion may be optically coupled with a waveguide core of an optical integrated circuit. The fiber optic structure may also include a second outer surface portion that is butt coupled to an end of an optical fiber to optically couple the second outer surface portion with the optical fiber. |
| US09134496B2 |
Modular plug and play connectivity platform
Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of a modular plug and play connectivity platform, system and method. The disclosed modular plug and play connectivity platform provides a convergent/distribution/conversion point for multiple services and transmission mediums. In exemplary embodiments, the platform includes a base plate configured to be mounted on a wall in a premises over a junction box and to support one or more data distribution or conversion modules. An interchangeable plate is securable to the base plate and provides interfaces for the one or more data distribution or conversion modules. A cover is securable to the base plate and forms an enclosure coving any data distribution or conversion modules supported by the base plate. |
| US09134494B2 |
Optical interconnect
The disclosure generally relates to sets of optical waveguides such as optical fiber ribbons and embedded optical waveguides (132a-d), and optical interconnects useful for connecting multiple optical waveguides such as in optical fiber ribbon cables and printed circuit boards having optoelectronic capabilities. In particular, the disclosure provides an efficient, compact, and reliable optical waveguide connector (100) that incorporates microlenses and re-directing elements (136a-d) which combine the features of optical waveguide alignment, along with redirecting and shaping of the optical beam. |
| US09134493B2 |
Fiber optic cable with electrical connectors at both ends
A connecting device for a fiber optic cable includes a first part having a first housing and first and second electrical connectors located on the first housing, and a second part having a second housing and a third electrical connector located on the second housing. The second and third electrical connectors are adapted to be mechanically and electrically connect with each other or disconnected from each other. The first part further includes electrical components disposed within the first housing and electrically connected to the first and second electrical connectors. The second part receives end portions of optical fibers of the fiber optic cable, and further includes optical transceivers disposed within the second housing which are electrically connected to the third electrical connector and optically coupled to the optical fibers. Also disclosed is a cable device employing an optical fiber cable and two connecting devices at its two ends, where at least one of the connecting devices has a structure described above. |
| US09134491B2 |
Optical module for transferring optical signal to electrical signal and optical module assembly used thereof
An optical module (8) set on a substrate (6) for assembling with a fiber (72) and includes a resin seat (1), an optical member (2) assembled on the resin seat (1) for receiving and transferring light signals sent by the fiber (72) to electrical signals and a connecting member (3) set on the optical member (2), the optical member (2) includes a first surface (21) perpendicular to the fiber (72) and a second surface (22) opposite to the first surface (21), the first surface (21) faces to the fiber (72), the connecting member (3) set on the first surface (21) of the optical member (2) and soldered to the substrate (6). |
| US09134489B2 |
Optical engine for active optical cable
An optical engine is provided for an active optical cable. The optical engine comprises a substrate having electro-optical (EO) components coupled or connected to a same side of the substrate. The optical engine further comprises a molded optical structure (MOS) that couples or connects to the substrate and to optical fibers of the optical cable. The MOS interfaces with the substrate at a position adjacent the EO components. Optical paths through the MOS include a lens system comprising two optical power surfaces or lenses and one reflecting surface. The MOS lens system enables alignment of the optical fibers in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis established by the EO components. |
| US09134483B2 |
Optical coupling system having an optical coupler and a light-transmissive external medium and also production and use of such a system
An optical coupling system having an optical coupler and a light-transmissive external medium, the optical coupler comprising a light guide which extends parallel to a main plane of the optical coupler, a mirror surface which is inclined relative to the main plane by an angle of inclination and an outer surface of the coupler which abuts on the medium, the waveguide. |
| US09134476B2 |
LED module with light guiding plate
An LED module includes an LED, a light guiding plate and a lens. The light guiding plate includes a light incident face confronting the LED, a light diffusion face and a light emerging face. The lens includes an aspheric light incident face and an aspheric light emerging face opposite to the aspheric light incident face. Light emitted from the LED is diffused by the light guiding plate and diverged by the lens to have a wide illumination area. |
| US09134472B2 |
Deflecting plate and liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a polarizer plate including at least a protective layer A, a polarizer, and a protective layer B in that order, the protective layer A including at least layers a and b respectively including a thermoplastic resin as a main component, the layer a having a flexural modulus higher than that of the layer b; and a liquid crystal display device including a light source, an incident-side polarizer plate, a liquid crystal cell, and an exit-side polarizer plate in that order, the incident-side polarizer plate and/or the exit-side polarizer plate being the polarizer plate of the present invention. According to the present invention, a polarizer plate exhibiting high tenacity and high surface hardness and a liquid crystal display device including the polarizer plate are provided. |
| US09134469B2 |
Composite for black matrix resist, method for manufacturing black matrix resist, color filter array panel, and method for manufacturing the same
A resist composition for a black matrix, the resist composition including carbon nanotubes, a halosulfonic acid, an alcohol, an ammonium hydroxide compound, and a fluorosilane. |
| US09134466B2 |
Mirror having reflective layer of or including silicon aluminum
Embodiments relate to mirrors having a reflective layer of or including silicon aluminum (e.g., SiAl). The mirrors may be first surface mirrors, or second surface mirrors. The mirrors may be flat or bent in different instances, and may or may not be heat treated. In certain example instances, such mirrors may be used in interior residential, commercial, appliance, and/or other applications. |
| US09134465B1 |
Deflective electromagnetic shielding
Systems according to the present disclosure provide one or more surfaces or structures that function as power transferring surfaces or structures (deflective shields) for which at least a portion of which includes or is composed of “fractal cells” placed sufficiently closed close together to one another so that a surface (plasmonic) wave causes near or similar replication of current present in one fractal cell in an adjacent fractal cell. A fractal of such a fractal cell can be of any suitable fractal shape and may have two or more iterations. The fractal cells may lie on a flat or curved sheet or layer and be composed in layers for wide bandwidth or multibandwidth transmission. The surfaces and/or structures can also provide cloaking of objects inside the shields. |
| US09134464B2 |
Focus module and components with actuator
A focus module contains a boundary element and a focus element. The focus element includes a fluid and a deformable membrane, with the fluid being entrapped between the boundary element and the deformable membrane. The focus module also includes a pressure element, which is capable of deforming the focus element by pressing on the deformable membrane in the direction of the boundary element. |
| US09134460B2 |
Adhesive composition, adhesive layer, polarizing film provided with adhesive layer, and image formation device
A pressure-sensitive adhesive composition comprising (A) a (meth)acryl-based polymer, (B1) an ionic compound comprising a cation component and an anion component having an organic group of three or more carbon atoms, and (B2) an ionic compound comprising a cation component and an anion component having an organic group of two or less carbon atoms. The anion component having an organic group of three or more carbon atoms is preferably at least one of anion components represented by formula (1): (CnF2n+1SO2)2N− (1) in formula (1), n is an integer of 3 to 10, formula (2): CF2(CmF2mSO2)2N− (2) in formula (2), m is an integer of 2 to 10, formula (3): −O3S(CF2)lSO3− (3) in formula (3), l is an integer of 3 to 10, and formula (4): (CpF2p+1SO2)N−(CqF2q+1SO2) (4) in formula (4), p and q are each an integer of 2 to 10. |
| US09134454B2 |
Method and system for finite volume simulation of flow
There is provided a method for modeling a hydrocarbon reservoir that includes deriving a computational mesh on a fine unstructured mesh using a multilevel mixed multiscale finite volume (MMMFV) method. Deriving the computational mesh includes computing a first algebraic multilevel basis function for a pressure, constructing an interaction region, and generating a primary mesh. A second algebraic multiscale basis function for a velocity approximation is computed and the primary mesh is discretized. The hydrocarbon reservoir is simulated using the computational mesh. A data representation of a physical hydrocarbon reservoir is generated in a non-transitory, computer-readable, medium based at least in part on the results of the simulation. |
| US09134450B2 |
Cold atom gravity gradiometer
A cold atom gravity gradiometer system includes a laser source that generates a laser beam that propagates along a propagation direction. The system further includes a reflector that reflects a portion of the laser beam and transmits another portion of the laser beam (the transmitted portion). A second reflector spatially separated from the first reflector along the propagation direction reflects the transmitted portion of the laser beam. |
| US09134444B2 |
System and method for deducing cavern properties
Strength parameters of the contents of subsurface caverns are deduced through seismic information. Known properties of formations surrounding the caverns, and ratios of seismic amplitudes between the caverns and the surrounding formations are leveraged to deduce the strength parameters within the caverns. |
| US09134438B2 |
Radiation detecting element using oxide crystal and method of manufacturing oxide crystal
Provided is a radiation detecting element, including: a semiconductor layer including a tin oxide crystal; and a detecting unit configured to detect, as an electrical signal, charges generated in the semiconductor layer when the semiconductor layer is irradiated with radiation, in which a resistivity of the semiconductor layer is 107 Ω·cm or more. |
| US09134437B2 |
Radiation detecting device
Provided is a radiation detecting device, including: a scintillator which emits light when radiation is irradiated thereto; and a photosensor array having light receiving elements for receiving the emitted light which are two-dimensionally arranged, in which: the scintillator has a phase separation structure for propagating the light emitted inside the scintillator in a light propagating direction, the phase separation structure being formed by embedding multiple columnar portions formed of a first material in a second material; the radiation is irradiated to the scintillator from a direction which is not in parallel to the light propagating direction; and the light emitted inside the scintillator is propagated through the scintillator in the light propagating direction and is received by the photosensor array which is placed so as to face an end face of the scintillator. |
| US09134431B2 |
Radiation detector
A radiation detector 100 has a plurality of single-photon-counting imaging cells, including an imaging cell 1 configured to generate a detection signal in accordance with the intensity of radiation, a digitization circuit 5 configured to digitize the detection signal, a data read structure 11 configured to count the digitized detection signal and to keep the result as a data bit, and a send-out register 13 configured to control the input of a predetermined data bit output from the data read structure 11 by a data shift in accordance with a first clock Pck, to keep the input data bit as a result of the control, and to send out the kept data bit by a data shift in accordance with a second clock Sck. |
| US09134428B2 |
Method and apparatus for power control of a location-based mobile device
A technique to extend location-based (e.g. GPS) mobile device battery lifetime by reducing the location-based (e.g. GPS) circuitry power consumption is provided. The technique defines and controls when to start power and when to stop power to the device in the context of a mobile terminating (MT) location request and/or a mobile originated (MO) location request that is either on-demand or periodic. |
| US09134426B1 |
Systems and methods for identifying attributes located along segments of a driving route
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer program products for identify the probability of a particular attribute being located along a segment of interest for a driving route. In general, various embodiments of the invention involve representing the segment of the driving route by patterns of speed variations obtained from GPS elements along the segment of the driving route and using the representation as input for functions representing various types of attributes to determine the probability of a particular type of attribute existing along the segment of the driving route. |
| US09134424B2 |
Method and system for determining position using a satellite system
A GNSS enabled handset receives signals from different resources comprising GNSS satellites and/or from a wireless network. The GNSS enabled handset acquires location information comprising various positioning resource data comprising GPS data and/or WiFi data from the received signals. The GNSS enabled handset calculates a plurality of possible position fixes based on the acquired location information using various positioning approaches. A current position fix associated with the GNSS enabled handset is determined based on the plurality of calculated possible position fixes via running a location-based service (LBS) client on the GNSS enabled handset. The LBS client determines the plurality of possible position fixes using various positioning approaches in a particular or determined order. Confidence levels for each of the calculated plurality of possible positions are determined and used to refine the current position fix. The refined current position fix is used for a location-based service from a LBS application server. |
| US09134423B2 |
Range sensor and range image sensor
A photogate electrode PG has first and second sides opposed to each other. First and second semiconductor regions FD1, FD2 are arranged as spatially separated from each other on the side where the first side of the photogate electrode PG exists and along the first side. Third and fourth semiconductor regions FD3, FD4 are arranged as spatially separated from each other on the side where the second side of the photogate electrode PG exists and along the second side. First gate electrodes TX1 are provided between the photogate electrode PG and the first and third semiconductor regions FD1, FD3. Second gate electrodes TX2 are provided between the photogate electrode PG and the second and fourth semiconductor regions FD2, FD4. The first to fourth semiconductor regions FD1-FD4 are formed so as to overlap with respective p-type well regions W1-W4 and so as to be surrounded by the respective well regions W1-W4. |
| US09134421B2 |
Substrate wafer with optical electronic package
An electronic package includes a substrate wafer having front and rear faces and a through passage having a front window and a blind cavity communicating laterally with the front window. A receiving integrated circuit chip is mounted on the rear face and includes an optical sensor situated opposite the blind cavity. A transparent encapsulant extends above the optical sensor and at least partially fills the through passage. An emitting integrated circuit chip, embedded in the transparent encapsulant, includes an optical emitter of luminous radiation. The emitting integrated circuit chip may be mounted to the front face or within the through passage to the receiving integrated circuit chip. The substrate wafer may further include a second through passage. The receiving integrated circuit chip further includes a second optical sensor situated opposite the second through passage. A cover plate is mounted to the front face at the second through passage. |
| US09134419B2 |
Ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus
The ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus according to the embodiments transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject, generates an ultrasound image based on the signals received from the subject, and comprises sub arrays, a main array, an aperture diameter setting part, and a delay pattern setting part. The sub arrays consist of a plurality of ultrasound transducers that are two-dimensionally disposed, and have a fixed delay pattern during a single receiving period. The main array consists of sub arrays. The aperture diameter setting part sets the aperture diameter of the main array. The delay pattern setting part changes the delay pattern for each of the sub arrays depending on the aperture diameter. |
| US09134418B1 |
Weather hazard threat level computation and display
A method for computing and displaying a weather hazard threat level for a weather radar system of an aircraft includes receiving weather radar returns from a radar antenna of the weather radar system. The weather radar returns include at least one of horizontal scans and vertical scans. Radar reflectivity may be determined from the weather radar returns, and, for at least one of the horizontal scan data and the vertical scan data, areas of radar reflectivity and a temperature associated with the areas of radar reflectivity may be determined. A lightning flash rate may be estimated using the radar reflectivity, areas of radar reflectivity, and temperature associated with the areas of radar reflectivity. Weather radar information may then be displayed, wherein the weather radar information is adjusted on the display based on the lightning flash rate. |
| US09134416B2 |
Systems and methods of providing a TCAS primary radar
Systems and related methods are delineated for employing a TCAS to provide a radar function for a UAS. One such system comprises a TCAS having at least a transceiver and an antenna, and a processor coupled to the transceiver for receiving signals generated from receipt of reflected energy received over the antenna, the reflected energy resulting from the one or more of a Mode S interrogation waveform and an ATCRBS interrogation waveform transmitted from the antenna. |
| US09134414B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining a doppler centroid in a synthetic aperture imaging system
There is described a method for determining a Doppler centroid in a synthetic aperture imaging system, comprising: receiving raw data representative of electromagnetic signals reflected by a target area; selecting, among the raw data, at least two sets of sub-area data each representative of electromagnetic signals reflected by a corresponding sub-area of the target area, the sub-areas being substantially aligned along an azimuth axis of the target area and having a substantially identical surface area; for each one of the sets of sub-area data, generating an image corresponding to the corresponding sub-area; and measuring a mean intensity of the image; and estimating the Doppler centroid from a skew of an intensity function representing the mean intensity as a function of a look number for the corresponding sub-area. |
| US09134413B2 |
Method of measuring distance bound using radio frequency identification (RFID) and system thereof
A tag decides a response based on a plurality of queries received from a reader, determines whether to transmit the response, transmits the response to the reader according to the results of the determination, and transmits a message authentication code including communication content to the reader. The reader calculates a consumed time period which is the time difference between a transmission time at which the queries are transmitted and a reception time at which the response is received, calculates an average consumed time period of the consumed time period, and measures a distance to the tag based on the average consumed time period. Accordingly, it is possible to check an attacker's intervention with a high probability, thereby improving distance measurement performance. Also, the tag may efficiently perform computing and communication. |
| US09134409B2 |
Vehicle-mounted radar apparatus
A vehicle-mounted radar apparatus for transmitting radar waves in a forward traveling direction of a vehicle mounting the apparatus thereon (radar-mounting vehicle) and receiving the radar waves reflected from an object to acquire information about the object. In the apparatus, a target detection unit transmits and receives the radar waves to detect positions of targets. A representative target selection unit selects a representative target from the targets detected by the target detection unit. A same-object target selection unit selects targets belonging to the same object as the representative target. An object position determination unit calculates a value of a predefined function of lateral positions of two or more targets of all the targets selected by the same-object target selection unit as a lateral position, along a vehicle-width direction of the radar-mounting vehicle, of the specific reflecting object. |
| US09134408B2 |
Apparatus and method for traffic lane detection
Two radar devices are installed for adjacent lanes. A memory sequentially stores a received power value at a time when the two radar devices receive the reflected wave from a vehicle at specified time intervals. A calculator calculates, when a vehicle moves in a direction approaching the two radar devices, as a representative value of the received power at a specified time, a weighted average value when weights, which become heavier as an acquisition time of the received power value becomes farther from the specified time, are assigned to a specified number of received power values, whose acquisition time is prior to a specified time, where a priority is given to the received power values whose acquisition time is close to the specified time. A discriminator determines a lane in which the vehicle is traveling according to a result of comparing the sizes of the calculated representative value. |
| US09134406B2 |
Method and device for measuring a change in distance
Described is a device as well as a method for measuring a change in distance between a stationary initial point and an object, wherein frequency-modulated, continuous electromagnetic microwaves are emitted as an emitting signal (4) in the direction of the object such that the emitting signal (4) is reflected by the object and an echo signal (5) generated at the object following the reflection of the emitting signal (4) is received and evaluated.The method described or the FMCW radar apparatus designed according to the invention, respectively, is based on a hardware extension of a standard FMCW radar apparatus and offers the possibility of evaluating a time-independent part of the mixed signal phase (6) by means of evaluation electronics (18) while taking into account a propagation time of the emitting (4) and/or echo signal (5) between emitting unit (2) and object so that a change in distance between emitting unit (2) and object can be detected as a result of a change in propagation time. |
| US09134405B2 |
Radar apparatus
A radar apparatus transmits a radio frequency transmission signal from a transmitter antenna in a given transmission period, and receives a signal of a reflected wave reflected by a target via a receiver antenna. The radar apparatus includes a transmission signal generator that generates a first transmission signal obtained by modifying a code having a third sub-code sequence and a fourth sub-code sequence coupled to each other in a first transmission period, and generates a second transmission period obtained by modifying a code having a fifth sub-code sequence and a sixth sub-code sequence coupled to each other in a second transmission period, and a transmitter RF unit that converts the first and second transmission signals into radio frequency transmission signals, and transmits the radio frequency transmission signals from the transmitter antenna. |
| US09134404B2 |
Electronic device and method for sensing active state of object
An electronic device and a method for sensing an active state of an object are provided; the electronic device includes a signal generating module, a non-symmetric antenna module and a signal analyzing module. The signal generating module is configured to generate a pulse width modulation signal, generate a measuring signal with overshoot and undershoot pulses according to the pulse width modulation signal, and generate a reference signal according to the measuring signal. The non-symmetric antenna module includes a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna. The transmitting antenna is configured to transmit the measuring signal to an object. The receiving antenna is configured to receive the measuring signal reflected by the object. The signal analyzing module is configured to receive and process the reference signal and the measuring signal reflected by the object, so as to obtain an object active state signal. |
| US09134398B2 |
Wireless location using network centric location estimators
A wireless location system is disclosed having one or more location centers for locating mobile stations (MS) based on, e.g., WIFI, CDMA, AMPS, NAMPS, TDMA, GPRS, and GSM. MS location requests can be processed via, e.g., Internet communication between a network of location centers. A plurality of MS locating technologies may be used, including those based on: two-way TOA and TDOA; pattern recognition; distributed antennas; and reduced coverage base stations. The system includes strategies for: automatically adapting and calibrating system performance according to environmental and geographical changes; automatically capturing location signal data for enhancing a historical data base retaining predictive location signal data; evaluating MS locations according to heuristics and constraints related to, e.g., terrain, MS velocity and path; and adjusting likely MS locations adaptively and statistically. The system is useful for emergency calls, tracking, routing, people and animal location including applications for confinement to and exclusion from certain areas. |
| US09134395B2 |
Method for testing comparator and device therefor
An integrated circuit facilitates a self test routine that verifies proper operation of an analog comparator. In response to entering the self test routine, the voltage provided to an input of a comparator is changed from being at an operating voltage supply to being at a self test voltage that is used to verify operation of the comparator. In response to the comparator operating properly, the self test voltage provided to the input of the comparator is replaced with the operating voltage supply, and normal operation resumes. The duration of the self test cycle is based upon the amount of time during which the self test voltage is provided to the comparator is asynchronous in nature, and therefore not a function of a clock signal. |
| US09134393B2 |
System and method for improved efficiency in magnetic resonance elastography
A system and method for generating a magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) report includes a) acquiring MRE data from a subject including positively motion encoded medical imaging data and negatively motion encoded medical imaging data and b) deriving uncorrected difference medical imaging data from the MRE data for a given slice. The method also includes c) filtering the uncorrected difference medical imaging data to create filtered medical imaging data corrected for errors associated with phase ramps occurring during gradient switching used to derive the positively motion encoded medical imaging data and negatively motion encoded medical imaging data, d) generating a corrected difference image for the given slice from the filtered medical imaging data and the uncorrected difference medical imaging data, e) repeating steps b) through d) for each slice reflected in the MRE data, and f) generating a report of elastic properties of the subject from the corrected difference image. |
| US09134389B2 |
MR coil with movable antenna elements
The present embodiments relate to a local coil for a magnetic resonance tomography system. The local coil includes at least one coil element having an antenna. The at least one coil element is movable relative to a housing of the local coil. |
| US09134388B2 |
Control module interface for MRI biopsy device
A biopsy system includes a biopsy device, a control module, a control module interface, at least one wireless data communication link, and an encoder. The biopsy device is operable to capture a tissue sample and includes a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The reusable portion includes an MR compatible motor. The disposable portion is adapted to be releasably joined with the reusable portion. The control module interface is configured to provide an interface between the control module and the reusable portion of the biopsy device. The at least one wireless data communication link includes a first data link configured to permit communication of data between the reusable portion of the biopsy device and the control module interface. The encoder is operationally coupled with the MR compatible motor. |
| US09134387B1 |
Test head positioner system
A manipulator system comprising a column unit and a carriage supported by the column unit and configured to move along a desired axis of translation. A marker is provided on the column unit along the axis of translation. A sensor is associated with the carriage and configured to sense a position along the marker. A position display unit is configured to receive a position signal from the sensor and display a current position of the carriage along the axis of translation. In another aspect, the column unit defines at least one slot. A lock assembly is attached to the carriage and includes a tang axially moveable between an unlocked position wherein the tang is disengaged from the at least one slot and a locked position wherein the tang is engaged in the at least one slot. |
| US09134376B2 |
TDO multiplexers series coupling augmentation instruction register with instruction registers
An architecture for testing a plurality of circuits on an integrated circuit is described. The architecture includes a TAP Linking Module located between test pins on the integrated circuit and 1149.1 Test Access Ports (TAP) of the plurality of circuits to be tested. The TAP Linking Module operates in response to 1149.1 scan operations from a tester connected to the test pins to selectively switch between 1149.1 TAPs to enable test access between the tester and plurality of circuits. The TAP Linking Module's 1149.1 TAP switching operation is based upon augmenting 1149.1 instruction patterns to affix an additional bit or bits of information which is used by the TAP Linking Module for performing the TAP switching operation. |
| US09134367B2 |
Sensing structure of alignment of a probe for testing integrated circuits
A sensing structure for use in testing integrated circuits on a substrate. The sensing structure includes at least two sensing regions connectable to a probe and at least one first sensing element. Each of the at least one first sensing elements is directly connected to two sensing regions such that for each sensing region a different value of an electrical parameter is measurable between the sensing region and a first reference potential so as to reliably determine a drift direction of a probe. |
| US09134364B2 |
Determining the current return path integrity in an electric device connected or connectable to a further device
A method for determining current return path integrity in an electric device with a plurality of signal lines and supply lines. A library with at least one reference signal pattern of a near end crosstalk signal on a defined signal line arising from an input signal on another defined signal line is provided, a predetermined signal to a selected signal line of the electric device is applied, the near end crosstalk signal on at least one further signal line of the electric device is detected, said near end crosstalk signal is compared with the corresponding reference signal pattern from the library, and if there is a deviation between the near end crosstalk signal and the corresponding reference signal pattern, an information that there is any defect in the electric device is displayed. |
| US09134362B2 |
Method for automatically sorting LEDs according to electrostatic resistance and system using the same
Disclosed is a method for automatically sorting LEDs (light emitting diode) according to electrostatic resistance and a system using the same. The system includes a transport carrier for laying LEDs and passing LEDs through an electrostatic discharging zone, a lightening evaluating zone, and a sorting zone in sequence. An electrostatic discharging device discharges an electrostatic power to the LED in the electrostatic discharging zone. Furthermore, a lighting device inputs a lightening power to the LED in the lightening evaluating zone. Moreover, an evaluating device in the evaluating zone generates an evaluating signal to a sorting device in the sorting zone according to the lighting condition of the LED for allowing the sorting device to sort LEDs according to electrostatic resistance. Thereby the reliability both for the failure rate and the detection rate can be raised. |
| US09134354B2 |
System and method for ground fault detection and fault type evaluation
The embodiments disclose a circuit for detecting and determining a type of ground fault in a security system. An operational amplifier (OA) having positive and negative inputs and an output may receive AC input signals having different frequencies, f1 and f2 at a positive input and provide an AC output signal at the output. An OA feedback loop may comprise a ground fault equivalent impedance connected at the OA negative input and a feedback resistor connected between the OA output and the OA negative input. A rectifier may convert the AC output signal to a DC signal and a filter to obtain a steady DC voltage from the rectified DC signal. A steady DC voltage for two different AC input signals may be obtained and converted to a relative voltage with respect to a constant input voltage amplitude. The relative voltages may be compared to detect and determine a type of ground fault condition. |
| US09134353B2 |
Comfort-driven optimization of electric grid utilization
A system for electric grid utilization and optimization comprising a communications interface executing on a network-connected server and adapted to receive information from a plurality of iNodes, the plurality of iNodes comprising a source iNode, a sink iNode, a plurality of transmission or distribution iNodes, an event database coupled to the communications interface and adapted to receive events from a plurality of iNodes via the communications interface, a modeling server coupled to the communications interface, and a statistics server coupled to the event database and the modeling server, wherein the modeling server, receives a request to establish an allocation of at least one of transmission losses, distribution losses, and ancillary services to a specific sink iNode, computes at least one virtual path for electricity flow between a source iNode and the specific sink iNode, the computed path being determined based on optimization of perceived comfort of users in affected areas. |
| US09134346B2 |
Method of making contact probe
A method of making a contact probe including a step of making a first printed wiring board having a signal electrode and a ground electrode used as a contact part of the contact probe with respect to a measuring object, in which the signal electrode and ground electrode are formed of a metal wiring pattern, and making a second printed wiring board with a coaxial line structure having a shield electrode which encloses a signal line and the surroundings of the signal line through an insulating layer. The signal electrode of the first printed wiring board and the signal line of the second printed wiring board are electrically connected together, and the ground electrode of the first printed wiring board and the shield electrode of the second printed wiring board are electrically connected together. |
| US09134342B2 |
Intergrated apparatus and method for testing of semiconductor components using a turret machine
The invention discloses a semiconductor components delivery system associated with a turret type testing apparatus for testing integrity and functionality of semiconductor components wherein at least two input feeders loadable with semiconductor components to be vision checked, tested and/or packed are provided. The delivery system is also provided with multiple output means such as a tube, a tape or a bin or a combination thereof for semiconductor components determined to be non defective. |
| US09134336B2 |
Dual analyzer system for biological fluid
The described apparatus for analyzing a biological sample includes a first analysis instrument fluidly connected to a reservoir for receiving a first flow of the biological fluid and adapted for performing a measurement of a property of the biological sample. A second analysis instrument is fluidly connected to the reservoir for receiving a second flow of the biological fluid and adapted for performing a thermally controlled analysis of the biological sample. The second analysis instrument includes a thermally controlled chamber. A flow stopping device stops the second flow within the thermally controlled chamber in order to allow the second analysis instrument to perform the thermally controlled analysis of the biological sample. The first analysis instrument may include, for example, a hematology analyzer or a flow cytometer, and the second analysis instrument may include, for example, a dynamic light scattering instrument. |
| US09134335B2 |
Ceramic injection needle
A needle for handling a fluid in an analysis system is described. The needle includes a needle body made of a ceramic material and having a fluid conduit extending between a fitting end and a seat end. The fitting end is configured to be connected to a fitting and the seat end (308) being insertable into a seat. The needle body is tapering towards the fitting end. A fixing body is arranged on the needle body next to the fitting end for exerting an axial force when the needle body is connected to the fitting, and a slide-on element to be slid over the needle body so as to push the fixing body towards the fitting end. |
| US09134328B2 |
Methods of using benzothiazole derivative compounds and compositions
This invention provides benzothiazole derivative compounds, compositions comprising such compounds, methods of preparing such compounds, and methods of using such compounds for detecting amyloid deposit(s) and for diagnosing a disease, disorder or condition characterized by amyloid deposit(s). |
| US09134323B2 |
Antibody that specifically binds to an epitope in the tureet region of a human Kir channel
Methods for identifying compounds that modulate the ion channel activity of a Kir channel are provided. Methods for identifying compounds that selectively modulate the ion channel activity of specific types of Kir channels based on the turret region of a Kir channel are also provided. Methods for identifying compounds to treat conditions associated with abnormal ion channel activity are also provided. Compounds including purified antibodies and methods of making antibodies which bind to the turret region of a Kir channel are provided. Purified polypeptides including at least a portion of the turret region of a Kir channel and nucleic acid sequences encoding these polypeptides are also provided. |
| US09134322B2 |
Combination for early exclusion of acute myocardial infarction
A method for ‘ruling out’ acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in a subject presenting with chest pain expected to be cardiac in nature. The method includes a) recording an Electrocardiography (ECG) reading from said subject, b) determining the amount of Heart-type Fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) and cardiac Troponin T (cTnT) in a sample from said subject, c) comparing the results from b) to reference values for ruling out an acute Myocardial Infarction in a subject, and d) based on the results from steps a)-c) either ‘ruling out’ or ‘ruling in’ a diagnosis of acute Myocardial Infarction in said subject. |
| US09134321B2 |
Detection and diagnosis of inflammatory disorders
Soluble H4 (sH4) levels have been discovered to correlate with the stage or severity of inflammatory disorders including autoimmune disorders. In particular, circulating levels of sH4 can be used as a diagnostic for determining the severity of an inflammatory disorder or the propensity for developing an inflammatory disorder. The severity of an inflammatory disorder can be determined by assaying the levels of sH4 in a subject and comparing the levels of sH4 to reference sH4 concentrations that correlate to specific stages of an inflammatory disorder. The therapeutic efficacy of treatments for inflammatory disorders can also be determined by comparing levels of sH4 before and during treatment. Methods and devices for measuring sH4 are also provided. |
| US09134319B2 |
Method for replacing biomarkers of protein kinetics from tissue samples by biomarkers of protein kinetics from body fluids after isotopic labeling in vivo
Provided herein are method for measuring the rate of synthesis, breakdown, transport, or other kinetic parameters of a protein in a tissue of medical interest, without requiring physical sampling of the tissue, by a measurement of the protein in a body fluid. Methods may include selecting one or more target proteins in a tissue; administering an isotope-labeled molecule to a subject for a period of time sufficient for said isotope-labeled molecule to enter into and label the one or more target proteins to produce one or more isotope-labeled target proteins; collecting a volume of a body fluid, wherein the volume comprises one or more isotope-labeled target proteins that escaped or were released from the tissue; enriching or isolating the one or more isotope-labeled target proteins from the volume; performing a mass spectrometric measurement of the isotopic content, rate of incorporation, and/or pattern or rate of change in isotopic content and/or pattern of isotope labeling of the one or more enriched or isolated isotope-labeled target proteins; and calculating at least one kinetic parameter of the one or more enriched or isolated isotope-labeled target proteins, where the kinetic parameter of the one or more isotope-labeled target proteins from the volume of a body fluid reflects the corresponding kinetic parameter of the one or more target proteins in the tissue; and inferring the at least one kinetic parameter of the one or more target proteins in the tissue based on the corresponding at least one kinetic parameter of the one or more target proteins in the body fluid. |
| US09134312B2 |
Antibacterial phage, phage peptides and methods of use thereof
The present invention is directed to the field of phage therapy for the treatment and control of bacterial infections. In particular, the present invention is directed to the novel bacteriophages F1245/05, F168/08, F170/08, F770/05, F197/08, F86/06, F87s/06 and F91a/06, isolated polypeptides thereof, compositions comprising one or more of the novel bacteriophages and/or isolated polypeptides and methods for the treatment and prevention of bacterial infection, either alone or in combination with other antibacterial therapies, e.g., antibiotics or other phage therapies. |
| US09134311B2 |
Methods and compositions for treating and preventing malaria using an invasion ligand directed to a protease-resistant receptor
This invention relates to an immunogenic molecule comprising a contiguous amino acid sequence of an invasion ligand of a strain of Plasmodium falciparum, the invasion ligand capable of binding to an erythrocyte receptor, the receptor function being resistant to trypsin and neuraminidase and chymotrypsin, wherein when administered to a subject the molecule is capable of inducing an immune response to the strain. The invention further relates to compositions and methods for the treatment of diseases such as malaria. |
| US09134306B2 |
Integrated high throughput system for the analysis of biomolecules
Described is an affinity microcolumn comprising a high surface area material, which has high flow properties and a low dead volume, contained within a housing and having affinity reagents bound to the surface of the high surface area material that are either activated or activatable. The affinity reagents bound to the surface of the affinity microcolumn further comprise affinity receptors for the integration into high throughput analysis of biomolecules. |
| US09134304B2 |
Protein screening methods
The invention provides methods and compositions useful for identifying polypeptides with desired characteristics in vitro. |
| US09134303B1 |
ICT immunoassay for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen employing affinity purified antibodies thereto
The present invention involves extracting from Legionella bacteria, particularly L. pneumophila bacteria, an essentially protein-free O-polysaccharide or carbohydrate antigen, coupling this antigen to an activated chromatographic column through a protein spacer molecule which is first conjugated to the antigen, utilizing the column thus prepared for the affinity purification of raw polyvalent antibodies to the same Legionella bacterium from which the O-polysaccharide or carbohydrate antigen was separated—thereby obtaining antigen-specific antibodies which are useful for the rapid detection of the corresponding Legionella bacterium or its antibody in human bodily fluids such as urine, sputum, blood and the like or in environmental samples suspected of harboring the Legionella bacterium. |
| US09134296B2 |
Method for observing stem cells, method for removal of cell region in state tending toward differentiation, and device for observing stem cells
A method for observing stem cells by an observation device 1 comprises, placing stem cells C in a petri dish 11, mounting the petri dish 11 on a waveguide 21 via water 13, emitting illumination light L1 into the waveguide 21 and emitting the illumination light L1 to the stem cells C in the petri dish 11 via the water 13, and detecting scattered light L2, the scattered light L2 being the illumination light L1 emitted to the stem cells C that is scattered by the stem cells C and has passed through the waveguide 21. Then, in the light image detected by means of the scattered light L2, a region that is markedly darker than other regions is identified as being in the state tending toward differentiation. |
| US09134295B1 |
Serial arrays of suspended microchannel resonators
Serial suspended microchannel resonator sensor array. The array includes a plurality of resonator cantilevers in fluid communication with one another and a plurality of delay channels in fluid communication with, and disposed between, the resonator cantilevers. An object introduced into the array will flow in one direction and be measured by each of the cantilevers in turn after a selected delay in the delay channels. |
| US09134294B2 |
Method and apparatus for high throughput diagnosis of diseased cells with microchannel devices
The method and apparatus of the present invention detects changes in cell biomechanics caused by any of a variety of diseases and conditions. In one embodiment, the method and apparatus of the invention detect infection of red blood cells. In one embodiment, the invention is a method and apparatus comprising a microfluidic channel with a constriction, for trapping infected red blood cells while allowing healthy red blood cells to deform and pass through the channel. In another embodiment, the invention comprises a suspended microchannel resonator for detecting and counting red blood cells at the constriction of the microfluidic channel. |
| US09134290B2 |
Methods and apparatus for determination of halohydrocarbons
A real-time, on-line method and analytical system for determining halohydrocarbons in water which operate by (1) extracting on-line samples; (2) purging volatile halohydrocarbons from the water (e.g., with air or nitrogen); (3) carrying the purge gas containing the analytes of interest over a porous surface where the analytes are adsorbed; (4) recovering the analytes from the porous surface with heat (thermal desorption) or solvent (solvent elution) to drive the analytes into an organic chemical mixture; (5) generating an optical change (e.g., color change) in dependence upon a reaction involving the analytes and a pyridine derivative; and (6) measuring optical characteristics associated with the reaction to quantify the volatile halogenated hydrocarbon concentration. |
| US09134289B2 |
Apparatus for on-line continuous chlorine analysis in turbid water and process streams
The invention is directed towards methods and apparatus for accurately detecting the presence and concentration of an oxidant in a turbid water sample. This method is very helpful in allowing accurate and efficient (not too much nor too little) amounts of microbe killing oxidants to be introduced to water supplies that require oxidants but which at present cannot be measured properly. The method comprises the steps of: passing the water through at least one filter array, passing the filtered water to an analyzer, and then returning from the analyzer a measurement of the concentration. The filter array comprises at least one filter constructed and arranged to remove turbidity inducing material but not oxidant from the water sample. The analyzer can be a commonly commercially available analyzer that currently cannot accurately measure the oxidant concentration if the water had not been so filtered. This method allows users to apply easily available oxidant measuring technology to applications such as paper mill water where it is needed but was previously was not applicable. |
| US09134287B2 |
System for providing food expiration date information using TTI and method for providing food expiration date information using the same
The present invention relates to a system for providing food expiration date information using a TTI (time temperature integrator) and a method for providing food expiration date information using the same. The system for providing the food expiration date information and the method for providing the food expiration date information using the same of the present invention includes: an input unit for receiving TTI information, food information, and distribution history information; a calculation unit for producing a TTI indication value corresponding to an expiration date of the food; and an output unit which determines and outputs a color corresponding to the expiration date of the food among stages of colors which can be expressed through the TTI according to time and temperature conditions using the TTI indication value. According to desired embodiments, the present invention enables a consumer to confirm correctly the expiration date of the corresponding food by providing the TTI indication value corresponding to the expiration date of the food. |
| US09134286B2 |
Analyzing device, analyzing apparatus using the device, and analyzing method
An analyzing device including a capillary cavity and an inlet protruding circumferentially outward from an axial center. The capillary cavity and the inlet are connected by a guide section formed so as to extend circumferentially inward and on which a capillary force acts. A sample liquid collected from a leading end of the inlet is transferred to a separation cavity. A bent section and a recess are formed at a connected section of the guide section and the capillary cavity so as to change the direction of a passage. |
| US09134279B2 |
Internal defect inspection method and apparatus for the same
An internal defect inspection method where an ultrasonic wave is emitted from an ultrasonic wave transmitter toward a sample, the ultrasonic wave reflected by the sample is detected by an imaging type common-path interferometer as an interference signal, an ultrasonic wave signal is obtained from the interference signal, and any defect within the sample is detected from the ultrasonic wave signal. An internal defect inspection apparatus including an ultrasonic wave transmitter, an imaging type common-path interferometer and an ultrasonic wave signal detecting device is also provided. |
| US09134278B2 |
Method for testing the integrity of a flexible tubular pipe
Method for testing a pipe for carrying hydrocarbons. The pipe has at least one internal sealing sheath made of polymer material, incorporating elements of reactive compound capable of reacting with corrosive gases contained in the hydrocarbons which diffuse radially through the sheath. The reaction forms a first layer, extending radially from the internal surface, in which the elements of reactive compound have reacted with the gases. A second layer, extends between the first layer and the external surface, in which the elements of reactive compound have not yet reacted with the gases. The method uses ultrasound to determine the position of an interface between the first and second layers to measure the progression of the diffusion of the gases through the sheath. |
| US09134277B2 |
Apparatus and method for real time monitoring of tube systems
The internal state of a tube system is detected and monitored by coupling multiple inspection modules to the tube system. Each inspection module injects a signal into the tube system and detects reflections of the signals. The distance between the module and the fault causing a reflection is determined by analyzing the timing between the transmitted signal and detected reflection, along with a known propagation speed of the signals. The location of faults is determined by comparing the distance calculations from two or more inspection modules. Monitoring can be performed over time to identify the development or changes of faults. Monitoring can be done while tube system is active without disrupting the flow of material through the active tube system. |
| US09134276B2 |
Bulk acoustic wave resonator sensor
A bulk acoustic wave resonator (BAWR) sensor is provided. The BAWR sensor includes a signal BAWR that measures a resonance frequency that is modified due to a reaction with a target material, a reference BAWR that measures a reference resonance frequency without reaction with an external environment, and a sensing unit that senses the target material, based on the modified resonance frequency and the reference resonance frequency. |
| US09134274B2 |
Discharge ionization current detector
A discharge ionization current detector is provided with a dielectric tube through which plasma generating gas flows, a plasma generating unit formed from one section of the dielectric tube in a flow direction of the plasma generating gas, a casing connected to a lower end portion, in the flow direction of the plasma generating gas, of the dielectric tube, a sample ionization unit provided inside the casing, and an ion current detection unit for detecting a sample component ionized by the sample ionization unit. The lower end, in the flow direction of the plasma generating gas, of the dielectric tube protrudes into the space inside the casing. |
| US09134270B2 |
Amorphous thin film for sensing
An apparatus and method for low-power sensing, for example, sensing of chemical or biochemical analytes in a gas or liquid phase are disclosed. One aspect relates to the use of a thin continuous film without grain boundaries as a sensing layer in devices for sensing a predetermined analyte and to low power devices having such sensing layer. The sensing layer has a surface exposed to the analyte. The electrical impedance of the sensing layer changes upon adsorption of the predetermined analyte on the exposed surface of the sensing layer. The sensing layer may have a thickness in the range between about 1 nm and 100 nm, such as between about 1 nm and 30 nm. The sensing layer may be an amorphous layer. |
| US09134269B2 |
Methods and apparatus for measuring analytes using large scale FET arrays
Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis. |
| US09134267B2 |
Method and device using nanoporous membrane for detecting and quantifying heavy metal ions in a fluid by anodic stripping voltammetry
Method and a device for capturing heavy metal ions included in sewage sludge. The method includes steps of: a) placing in the fluid a functionalized radiografted track-etched membrane FRTEM which contains polymer nanopores; this membrane including a first electrode on one side of the membrane, b) selectively capturing heavy metal ions inside the polymer nanopores, c) applying an anodic stripping voltammetric ASV analysis on the membrane in order to differentiate and quantify captured metal ions, the first electrode being used as an ASV detection electrode. |
| US09134262B1 |
Multi-channel contaminant measurement system
A multi-channel contaminant sensor includes a first contamination test platform including an exposed first base metal portion that react in a first manner when exposed to one or more airborne contaminates. A second contamination test platform includes an exposed second base metal portion that reacts in a second manner when exposed to the one or more airborne contaminants. |
| US09134261B2 |
Inspection apparatus
An inspection apparatus capable of facilitating reduction in cost of the apparatus is provided. The inspection apparatus includes: beam generation means for generating any of charged particles and electromagnetic waves as a beam; a primary optical system that guides the beam into an inspection object held on a movable stage in a working chamber and irradiates the inspection object with the beam; a secondary optical system that detects secondary charged particles occurring from the inspection object; and an image processing system that forms an image on the basis of the detected secondary charged particles. The inspection apparatus further includes: a linear motor that drives the movable stage; and a Helmholtz coil that causes a magnetic field for canceling a magnetic field caused by the linear motor when the movable stage is driven. |
| US09134258B2 |
Systems and methods for imaging and detecting sheet-like material
A method for imaging an object is provided. The method includes acquiring image data of the object, wherein the image data includes a plurality of original voxels, and identifying, using a processing device, a first subset of voxels from the acquired image data. The method also includes performing a principal component analysis (PCA) on the first subset of voxels and determining whether sheet-like material is present in the object based on the results of the performed PCA on the first subset of voxels. |
| US09134253B2 |
Inspecting apparatus and inspecting method
According to one embodiment, an inspecting apparatus is provided with a contact position obtaining unit and an inspection status determining unit. The contact position obtaining unit obtains, by using an inspection result of whether there is a particle on an inspection surface of a holding object and coordinate information of a convex portion in an electrostatic chuck holding mechanism, a contact position of the inspection surface with the convex portion. The inspection status determining unit determines whether a size of the particle adhering to a contact region with the convex portion of the inspection surface is within an allowable range by using a first determining criterion value and determines whether the size of the particle adhering to a non-contact region with the convex portion of the inspection surface is within an allowable range by using a second determining criterion value larger than the first determining criterion value. |
| US09134251B2 |
Porous chemical indicator for gaseous media
Chemical indicators for acidic or basic gases include an inert, porous substrate, an indicator dye or mixture of dyes contained within at least some of the pores of the inert, porous substrate, and an inert adhesive layer attached to the inert, porous substrate. The porous substrate may be a microporous substrate. |
| US09134249B2 |
Electric field generating apparatus for performing spectroscopy
According to an example, an apparatus for performing spectroscopy includes a substrate on which a plurality of surface-enhanced spectroscopy (SES) elements are positioned substantially along a first plane. The apparatus also includes a first electrode positioned adjacent to the plurality of SES elements substantially along the first plane and a second electrode positioned adjacent to the plurality of SES elements substantially along the first plane and on a side of the plurality of SES elements that is opposite the first electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are to generate an electric field around the plurality of SES elements when voltages are applied through the first electrode and the second electrode. |
| US09134247B2 |
Method and apparatus for two-step surface-enhanced raman spectroscopy
A SERS method and apparatus employ a sample device having support structure including a first material containing a SER-active metal functionalized with a binding agent having specific capability for binding a designated target analyte. An analyte sample is introduced upon the functionalized SER-active metal; conditions to effect binding of the target analyte to the binding agent are maintained; unbound chemicals, biochemicals, or biologicals are removed; a second SER-active material is introduced to cause it to attach to the bound target analyte; the support structure is irradiated to generate a SER spectrum, with the first and second SER-active materials acting in concert; and the SER spectrum is detected and analyzed to determine the presence and quantity of the target analyte. Alternatively, the second SER-active material may be functionalized with a binding agent, with the procedure being modified accordingly. |
| US09134246B2 |
Light source adjustment unit, optical measurement device, subject information obtaining system, and wavelength adjustment program
An optical measurement device includes a light source unit including a first laser light source configured to emit a laser beam having a first wavelength and a second laser light source configured to emit a laser beam having a second wavelength, a measurement wave number setting unit, and a light source adjustment unit configured to adjust at least one of the first wavelength and the second wavelength such that a difference between or a sum of a first wave number corresponding to the first wavelength and a second wave number corresponding to the second wavelength matches a measurement wave number set through the measurement wave number setting unit. |
| US09134238B2 |
Method for determination of system parameters for reducing crude unit corrosion
The invention provides a method and apparatus for determining the amount of various materials in a liquid sample. Because the apparatus is particularly resilient it can be used repeatedly with very harsh liquid samples such as boot water from an oil refinery. The apparatus uses at least one volume and/or concentration independent optical analysis method to determine at least one of: the pH, amount of chloride, and/or amount of iron in the sample. The optical property can be colorimetric, fluorescent or both and result from adding dyes, complexing agents, turbidity inducing compounds, and other optically effecting reagents to the sample. Because the measurements are concentration and volume independent they can be done continuously, quickly, and avoid the inconvenient start and stop procedures in prior art measurement regimens. The method further includes using a BDD cell to oxidize materials (such as sulfoxy compounds) that would otherwise interfere with the optical analysis and/or to sparge the sample with gas. |
| US09134237B2 |
High sensitivity multiparameter method for rare event analysis in a biological sample
A sample of blood containing CTCs, or other cells of interest, is stained with fluorescent markers for image analysis and scanned to identify the presence and location within the cartridge of target cells or subcellular elements. A sample containing desired target cells or subcellular elements is then further processed, in part by photobleaching the sample, so that those same targets may be re-analyzed with additional biomarkers conjugated to the same or different fluorochromes using the same imaging criteria that were used for the initial analysis. The present invention has applications with targets such as circulating epithelial, cells, circulating tumor cells, circulating endothelial cells, leukocytes, lymphocyte subsets, cells containing an organelle or receptor of interest, cellular debris, disrupted cells and their debris, or any other formed element that might be captured and imaged. The invention provides a means to further interrogate individual targets of interest, especially when coupled with genetic analysis such as FISH. |
| US09134236B2 |
Method of fluorescence imaging
Method of fluorescence imaging including: illuminating a sample to excite its fluorescence and acquiring an image thereof; based on fluorescence spectral and spatial information from the sample's fluorescence image, segmenting the image into regions of similar spectral properties; for each image segment, exciting the fluorescence of the corresponding sample region, and detecting the corresponding fluorescence; based on modelling, determining expected fluorescence parameters from the fluorescence signals detected for each region; scanning the sample and determining final fluorescence parameters based on said expected fluorescence parameters. |
| US09134234B2 |
Single particle detection device, single particle detection method, and computer program for single particle detection, using optical analysis
There is provided a single particle detection technique based on the scanning molecule counting method which individually detects single particles using light measurement with a confocal or multiphoton microscope, where the existences of a non-light-emitting particle and a light-emitting particle can be detected while being discriminated from one another in a sample solution. The inventive technique of detecting a single particle detects light from a light detection region during moving the position of the light detection region of the microscope in a sample solution containing a non-light-emitting particle and a light-emitting particle to generate time series light intensity data; and detects in the time series light intensity data a light intensity increase relative to background light intensity as a signal indicating the existence of the light-emitting particle and a light intensity reduction relative to the background light intensity as a signal indicating the existence of the non-light-emitting particle. |
| US09134233B2 |
Drop detection assembly and method
A drop detection method comprises ejecting an ink drop that includes a fluorescent agent, illuminating the ink drop in flight with excitation light to excite the fluorescent agent, detecting fluorescence emitted by the drop in flight, having a longer wavelength than a wavelength of the excitation light, and, prior to such detecting, filtering out light having a shorter wavelength than the fluorescence wavelength; and a printer with drop detection assembly for performing the method. |
| US09134230B2 |
Microbial detection apparatus and method
A microbial detection apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a parabolic reflector. A light source is configured to direct a beam of light toward the focal point of the parabolic reflector. A fluid flow tube passes through the focal point of the parabolic reflector, such that the light beam path and the flow tube intersect at the focal point of the parabola. The fluid flow tube is configured to contain a flow of fluid. A first detector is included for detecting fluorescence light emitted from microbes within the fluid passing through the flow tube. A second detector is included for detecting Mie scattered light from particles within the fluid passing through the flow tube. |
| US09134228B2 |
Method for determining a concentration of a polysorbate species in a mixture
The present invention relates to a method of measuring polysorbates, such as polysorbate 80, using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). |
| US09134222B1 |
System and method for stress corrosion testing
A testing apparatus may include a reservoir and a test tank. The reservoir may contain a solution. The test tank may contain a test specimen for stress corrosion testing. A fill pump may pump the solution from the reservoir to the test tank. A sequence controller may be communicatively coupled to the fill pump and may provide sequence timing to control an immersion time period and a drying time period of the test specimen. |
| US09134221B2 |
Fluidic flow cytometry devices and particle sensing based on signal-encoding
Microfluidic devices, systems and techniques in connection with particle sorting in liquid, including cytometry devices and techniques and applications in chemical or biological testing and diagnostic measurements. |
| US09134218B2 |
Methods of testing a honeycomb filter
Methods of testing a honeycomb filter for defects include the step of wetting at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion to provide at least one wetted end portion. The method further includes the step of monitoring the second end portion for fog passing through the filter. |
| US09134211B2 |
Surface shape measuring device
A surface shape measuring device includes a substrate, an electrode portion including at least one electrode pattern, the electrode pattern extending on the substrate, a coating layer on the substrate to cover the electrode pattern, and a detector electrically connected to the electrode pattern and detecting a change in a physical quantity of the electrode pattern generated by the deformation of the substrate or the coating layer by an external load applied thereto. |
| US09134209B2 |
Apparatus for interfacing with a test specimen
The disclosure is directed at a system for applying a displacement, strain, stress or load to a test specimen. The system includes an interface manufactured from a deformable material which is connected to an actuator and to the test specimen. Application of a displacement by the actuator causes the test specimen to displace in multiple directions. |
| US09134208B2 |
Solid phase micro extraction (SPME) vacuum inlet
A sample introduction system configured for introducing analytes of a solid phase micro extraction (SPME) sample into an analytical instrument system (e.g., mass spectrometer) is described. The sample introduction system includes a pressure vessel configured with an inlet port via which a probe portion (e.g., SPME fiber) of a SPME assembly is received into a sealed volume of the pressure vessel. The probe portion of the SPME assembly is coated with an extracting phase material, the analytes being absorbed into and/or adsorbed onto the extracting phase material. The pressure vessel is configured for providing an environment in which desorption of the analytes from the extracting phase material occurs at a gaseous pressure which is substantially less than atmospheric pressure (e.g., less than 100 mTorr). The desorbed analytes are then directed to the vacuum chamber of the analytical instrument system via an outlet port of the pressure vessel. |
| US09134205B2 |
System and method for removing surface particles from an object
A fluid jet may be delivered by an outlet to dislodge particles from an object, such as a person. An image sensor may determine a target location on the object for delivering the fluid jet. In some embodiments, the image sensor may locate particles of interest to determine the target location. A steering mechanism may direct the fluid jet, so that it impacts the target location. The dislodged particles may then be captured for analysis. A distraction mechanism may distract the object and/or mask the sound of the fluid jet to prevent the object from realizing the fluid jet has been delivered. Additional substances and/or tags may be delivered by the outlet to the object and/or particles. |
| US09134203B2 |
Blood sample tube indicator
A blood sample apparatus includes a blood sample tube, a cap, and an indicator. The blood sample tube has an exterior surface, an inner cavity disposed within the exterior surface, and an open end. The cap closes the open end of the blood sample tube. The inner cavity is under a vacuum-seal or connected to a suction device for drawing a blood sample into the inner cavity. The indicator is attached to or includes a portion of the blood sample tube for indicating a type, or lack thereof, of blood additive disposed within the inner cavity. When the cap is removed from the open end of the blood sample tube the indicator remains attached to or still includes the portion of the blood sample tube. If the indicator is a label it extends around at least half of a perimeter of the blood sample tube. |
| US09134198B2 |
Method and device for detecting a rotational separation adversely affecting a turbine engine compressor
A method and device detecting a rotating stall affecting a turbine engine compressor. The detection method includes: detecting an abnormal acceleration of the engine or an operating line of the compressor that is characteristic of a failure of the engine; storing a reference temperature measured at an outlet from a turbine of the engine at an instant of detection; comparing a determined temperature threshold with the difference between a current temperature at the outlet of the turbine as measured after detection and the reference temperature; and identifying that a rotating stall is present in event of the threshold being exceeded. |
| US09134196B2 |
Inlet icing protection simulation system
A method and apparatus for generating a flow of heated air in an airfoil model of an inlet of an aircraft engine. Heated air is sent into a duct system associated with the airfoil model of the inlet of the aircraft engine. The heated air is circulated within the airfoil model of the inlet of the aircraft engine using the duct system in a manner that simulates air flowing in the inlet of the aircraft engine. |
| US09134191B2 |
Resistive device comprising a silicon-nanowire-comprising strain gauge and method for optimizing the electrical consumption of such a device
A resistive device which includes at least one strain gauge (12, 14) comprising silicon nanowires, a power supply (16) that has at least one current source (22, 24) able to generate a current (Ibias) for biasing the strain gauge; and acquisition means (18) able to deliver a measurement signal which can be used to determine the variation in the electrical resistance of the gauge is provided. The power supply includes a chopper (26) allowing the biasing current generated by each current source to flow through each gauge only during a fraction of an operating cycle of the device. |
| US09134190B2 |
Method and apparatus for internally determining a load applied by a jack
An embodiment of the subject invention is directed to a jack incorporating one or more strain gauges. The one or more strain gauges can be positioned on, within, or integral to the jack. When a load or force is applied by the jack, one or more materials within the jack are deformed or displaced as a result of the applied load. The one or more strain gauges are used to measure the deformation or displacement and thus measure the strain. The measured strain can be used to determine the magnitude of the load applied by the jack. In an embodiment, a plurality of strain gauges are used and the resulting strain measurements can be combined to determine the applied load. |
| US09134186B2 |
Process condition measuring device (PCMD) and method for measuring process conditions in a workpiece processing tool configured to process production workpieces
A process condition measuring device (PCMD) may include first and second substrate components. One or more temperature sensors are embedded within each substrate component. The first and second substrate components are sandwiched together such that each temperature sensor in the second substrate component is aligned in tandem with a corresponding temperature sensor located in the first substrate component. Alternatively first and second temperature sensors may be positioned in parallel in the same substrate. Temperature differences may be measured between pairs of corresponding temperature sensors when the PCMD is subjected to process conditions in a workpiece processing tool. Process conditions in the tool may be calculated from the temperature differences. |
| US09134184B2 |
Methods and systems for temperature compensated temperature measurements
Methods and systems for compensating temperature measurements by a temperature gauge comprising a first temperature sensor and a second reference temperature sensor, having different thermal properties, located in the same temperature environment to be measured. The methods and systems compensate for errors in the measured temperatures due to variations in the reference sensor caused by temperature effects. |
| US09134180B2 |
Detector
A detector comprises a housing (1), a pyroelectric array sensor (2) mounted within the housing, a heater (4) associated with the pyroelectric array sensor, and control means (6) for varying the power supplied to the heater to control the temperature of the pyroelectric array sensor relative to the ambient temperature in order to minimise the rate of change of temperature of the pyroelectric array sensor and to keep a predetermined difference between the temperature of the pyroelectric array sensor and the ambient temperature. |
| US09134177B2 |
Self-referencing fiber-optic Raman probe
In accordance with the present invention, a novel self-referencing fiber optic Raman probe is disclosed. It uses the Raman signal generated by a crystalline optical fiber to normalize the Raman signal produced by the sample in order to compensate for changes in the output power of the excitation laser light source, the coupling efficiencies of the optical fibers connecting the light source to the probe and the probe to the analyzing spectrometer, and the alignment of optical components within the probe. |
| US09134172B2 |
Ambient light sensing method and an ambient light sensing device
An ambient light sensing method is provided. The ambient light sensing method comprises: acquiring the sensitivity settings, an exposure time and obtaining a sensing signal of a light sensor according to the sensitivity settings and the exposure time; determining whether the magnitude of the sensing signal is within a predetermined range when the sensing signal is available, wherein the predetermined range has an upper value and a lower value; updating the sensitivity settings and the exposure time of the light sensor according to the determined result for the magnitude of the sensing signal; and acquiring the sensing signal of the light sensor with the updated sensitivity settings and the updated exposure time. |
| US09134171B2 |
Apparatus for monitoring the process performance of a laser system with a power optical fiber
The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring the process performance of a laser system with a high-power optical fiber cable (3), specifically an optical fiber cable made for transmitting power levels up to and exceeding 20 kW. Generally the fiber cable has an entrance end (1) for an incident beam-light and an exit end (2) where the beam-light is leaving the optical fiber, and wherein at least one of the ends is provided with a connector device (4,5) having sensor means (14) for monitoring the optical fiber cable status. According to the invention the sensor means (14) are located inside the connector device (4,5) and arranged for monitoring and controlling a laser application process during action as well as detection of conditions within the connector device, such as scattered light, temperatures or the like. The sensors (14) are connected to a fiber interlock circuit (30) to activate an interlock break when measured signals are higher than threshold levels (31) and the comparison of the signals to the threshold values is integrated inside the connector device (4, 5). Preferably the sensor means includes diodes (15,16,17) of the light sensor type located in the rear part of the connector device (14,15). A very fast interlock break system is then provided which has the signal control integrated inside the fiber connector. |
| US09134168B2 |
Vibration sensor and external detection device
A vibration sensor has a first substrate, a second substrate relatively movable by an external vibration while opposed to the first substrate, an electret group having a plurality of electrets that are arrayed in a relative movement direction on a side of one of surfaces of the first substrate, and an electrode group having a plurality of electrodes that are arrayed in the relative movement direction on a side of a surface of the second substrate. The surface of the second substrate is opposed to the electret group. A positional relationship between the electret group and the electrode group changes with a relative change in position of the first and second substrates by the external vibration to output an external vibration detection signal. |
| US09134167B2 |
Acoustic apparatus
Measurement signals for calculating acoustic characteristics of the acoustic space are reproduced in a plurality of periods at sound reproduction intervals. A picked-up signal is acquired by picking up a reproduced signal. The picked-up signal is divided for each period, and the acoustic characteristics of the acoustic space are calculated from an arithmetic unit of the divided periodic signals and the measurement signal. Before sound reproduction, a background noise signal in the acoustic space is measured, and a peak frequency component of a frequency characteristic of the background noise signal is detected. The number of periods and sound reproduction intervals of measurement signals to be reproduced are controlled so as to cancel out a detected peak frequency component at the time of calculating arithmetic unit. |
| US09134165B2 |
Method for detecting accretion or abrasion in a flow measuring device
A method for detecting accretion or abrasion on a first measuring tube of a flow measuring device. A first temperature as a function of time is registered via a first temperature sensor, which is arranged on the first measuring tube in such a manner that, between the first temperature sensor and the medium, at least one measuring tube wall of the first measuring tube is embodied. Parallel in time, a second reference temperature as a function of time is registered by a second temperature sensor, which is spaced from the first temperature sensor and thermally coupled to the medium. Therefrom, at least one variable characteristic is determined, and accretion or abrasion on the first measuring tube is detected, if the at least one determined characteristic variable or a variable derived therefrom deviates by more than a limit value from a predetermined reference variable. |
| US09134164B2 |
Non-contact deviation measurement system
A non-contacting deviation measurement system projects a first line and a second line upon a surface of an object. The projections of the first line and second line are arranged to overlap at an intersection line oriented at a nominal location such that when the surface is oriented at the nominal location, the intersection line appears on the surface. As the location of the surface deviates from the nominal location, the first line and second line as projected upon the surface move away from one another. The distance between the lines may be used to calculate the deviation from the nominal location. The deviation calculated may be compared to a predetermined maximum allowable deviation. |
| US09134163B2 |
Multi-tank indirect liquid-level measurement
A multi-tank indirect liquid level measurement device and method are disclosed. The device and method may be implemented using a sealable reservoir that holds an indicating liquid and pressurized air, a pump that supplies and/or pressurizes the air in the reservoir, a plurality of pipes each of which connect on one end to the tanks to be gaged and on their other ends to a valve for selectively and exclusively connecting to the pressurized air, and a manometer tube that displays the pressure difference between the sealable reservoir and atmospheric pressure as a height reading of the indicating liquid. |
| US09134158B2 |
Device and method for determining a flow velocity of a fluid or a fluid component in a pipeline
A device and a method for determining a flow velocity of a fluid or a fluid component in a pipeline is described. The device comprises a transmitter adapted to be placed inside the pipeline and arranged to transmit an ultrasound signal into the fluid or fluid component in a first direction; a receiver adapted to be placed inside the pipeline and arranged to receive a dispersed ultrasound signal, generated by dispersion of the ultrasound signal by the fluid or the fluid component in a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction, and to provide a receiver signal representing the dispersed ultrasound signal; and, a processing unit arranged to receive said receiver signal and to determine a frequency difference between the transmitted ultrasound signal and the dispersed ultrasound signal and determining the flow velocity of the fluid or the fluid component based on said difference. |
| US09134151B2 |
Method for operating a sensor in a multisensor system, especially in a field device in the form of a measuring device for process automation technology, and sensor for performing the method
A method for operating a sensor in a multisensor system, especially in a field device in the form of a measuring device for process automation technology, wherein data output from the sensor are evaluated by the measuring device connected with the sensor and the measuring device supplies the sensor with energy. In order reliably to limit production of lost heat in a measuring device to a certain value and, in spite of this, to be able to connect a number of sensors with different energy requirements to a measuring device, before a startup of the sensor, it is checked whether, with startup of the sensor, a maximum consumption of electrical energy of the measuring device would be exceeded. |
| US09134148B2 |
Vehicle seat comprising load sensor and side frame with outside protruding section
A vehicle seat includes a load sensor that is configured to measure a load applied from an occupant, a seat cushion frame that includes a right side frame and a left side frame, a pan frame, and a rail extending along a front-rear axis. An outside protruding section of one of the right and left side frames and a shaft center of the rod are intersected by a same vertical plane that is orthogonal to the rail. |
| US09134145B2 |
Angle measuring method and angle measuring system
An angle measuring system including: a rotary encoder including an encoder main body and a rotating shaft which is freely rotatable with respect to the encoder main body, the rotary encoder which detects a relative rotation angle of the rotating shaft with respect to the encoder main body; a regulation member which regulates an absolute rotation angle of the encoder main body about the rotating shaft within a fixed range; an absolute angle detecting device which detects the absolute rotation angle of the encoder main body about the rotating shaft concurrently with detection of the relative rotation angle by the rotary encoder; and a correction device which corrects the rotation angle detected by the rotary encoder based on the rotation angle detected by the absolute angle detecting device. |
| US09134143B2 |
Absolute position detector with abnormality detection function
In an absolute position detector, a relative error calculation circuit calculates, at times indicated by a clock signal C1, a relative error E between an output θ2 from an absolute position detection sensor and a position output θ1 from a high-resolution position detection sensor. An abnormality judgment unit judges whether the relative error E exceeds a preset abnormality judgment value. A clock switching unit outputs, as the clock signal, a high-speed clock CH having a period shorter than a noise generation period when the relative error E is judged as exceeding the preset abnormality judgment value, and outputs a slow-speed clock CL in other cases. A counter measures, based on the clock signal C1, a duration in which the abnormality detection signal AF is maintained HI, and outputs an alarm when the duration exceeds the noise generation period. |
| US09134139B1 |
Compani bridge, nut, and fingerboard combination designs for stringed musical instruments
In a conventional stringed musical instrument the nut, the bridge and the fingerboard are either all radius or all flat. Bowed instruments such as cellos and violins require radius structures so that single note melodies can be played on the middle strings. But for some players the radius fingerboards are a bit harder while playing melodies. Classical and flamenco guitars have flat nut, bridge and fingerboards for ease of plucking and strumming the strings close to the bridge. However, flat fingerboards are harder to bar for playing cords. [Delete paragraph mark and indent] Combinations of flat nut with radius bridge and radius nut with flat bridge can be used if the fingerboard surface is changed to have a specific 3-dimensional curvature and may be preferred for their playability by some players. |
| US09134135B2 |
Navigation system with mode based mechanism and method of operation thereof
A method of operation of a navigation system includes: identifying an activity area with a control unit based on a user's travel meeting or exceeding a travel threshold; determining a guidance mode based on a current location within the activity area and the current location for locating a device; and setting a guidance level based on the guidance mode for presenting a navigation guidance on the device. |
| US09134134B2 |
Method and apparatus for estimating and displaying destination and recording medium using the same
A method, an apparatus, and a recording medium for estimating and displaying a destination are provided. In the method, a plurality of places frequently visited by a user is set first. Then, a current location of the electronic apparatus is continuously detected by using a positioning module, and a distance between the current location and each of the places is calculated. Whether the distance between the current location and each of the places increases is determined. When the distance increases, the corresponding place is removed and the remaining places are displayed. |
| US09134129B2 |
Navigation device for dead reckoning
A navigation device is provided that includes a processor configured to track a path of the navigation device based on a first signal received by the navigation device, and calculate a calculated position of the navigation device based on a second signal different from the first signal. The navigation device may further include a graphical user interface configured to display a calculated position graphical element representing the calculated position determined based on the second signal and display a tracked position graphical element representing the path of the navigation device determined based on the first signal, the tracked position graphical element and the calculated position graphical element being distinguishable in appearance. |
| US09134127B2 |
Determining tilt angle and tilt direction using image processing
A method of determining a tilt angle and a tilt direction of a survey instrument. The survey instrument has an imaging device that captures first images at a first location. The first images include features from an environment around the survey instrument. The imaging device also captures second images at a second location. The second images include a portion of the features. A pose of the imaging device is determined at the second location using observed changes in location of a common portion of the features between the first images and the second images. The tilt angle and the tilt direction of the survey instrument at the second location are determined using the pose of the imaging device. |
| US09134122B2 |
Apparatus for detecting the flatness of wafer and the method thereof
An apparatus for detecting the flatness of a top surface of a wafer includes a plurality of detector elements, a metal sink and a plurality of injection pipes. Each detector element comprises: a metal tube body, jet pipes, a light receiver and a light emitter. The method comprises: injecting ultra-pure water into the detector elements by injection pipes; emitting parallel beams along an upward-oblique direction, a preset Angle θ being formed between the beams and the vertical direction. The radiated beams above the water surface are incident on a receiver. The intensity of the beams received by the light receiver is used to calculate the height of the detecting point of the surface of the silicon wafer to determine the flatness condition of the wafer surface. The flatness of the photo-resist covered on the wafer surface can also be accurately measured by this method. |
| US09134118B2 |
Tilt check apparatus and method thereof
A tilt check apparatus and a tilt check method are provided. The tilt check apparatus checks a lens module including a sensor and a lens and includes: a light-emitting part which diffuses and outputs light to check a tilt of the lens module; a reflector which reflects the diffused light; an interface which, if the reflected light is sensed by the sensor of the lens module, receives the sensed result from the sensor; and a detector which detects depth information by using the sensed result received through the interface and detects a tilt state between the lens and the sensor based on the depth information. Therefore, efficiency of a tilt check process is improved. |
| US09134112B2 |
Critical dimension uniformity correction by scanner signature control
A contribution to a wafer level critical dimension distribution from a scanner of a lithography system can be determined based on measured wafer level critical dimension uniformity distribution and a contribution to the wafer level critical dimension distribution from a photo mask. Light transmission (104) across the photo mask (162) can be measured, a transmittance variation distribution of the photo mask can be determined, and the contribution to the wafer level critical dimension distribution from the photo mask (162) can be determined (132) based on the transmittance variation distribution of the photo mask. |
| US09134110B2 |
Phase image acquisition device
Provided is an observation device which can obtain a phase image of a moving object rapidly with high sensitivity even when using a photodetector having a slow read-out speed per pixel. The observation device 1 comprises a light source 10, a first modulator 20, a second modulator 30, a lens 40, a beam splitter 41, a photodetector 46, and an arithmetic unit 50. The lens 40 receives scattered light generated by a moving object 2 and forms a Fourier transform image of the object 2. The photodetector 46 outputs data representing a sum in a v direction of data temporally changing at a frequency corresponding to a Doppler shift frequency of the light having reached each position on a light-receiving surface through the lens 40 at each position in a u direction at each time. The arithmetic unit 50 obtains an image of the object 2 according to the output of the photodetector 46. |
| US09134109B2 |
Phase image acquisition device
Provided is an observation device which can obtain a phase image of a moving object rapidly with high sensitivity even when using a photodetector having a slow read-out speed per pixel. The observation device 1 comprises a light source 10, a first modulator 20, a second modulator 30, a lens 40, a beam splitter 41, a photodetector 46, and an arithmetic unit 50. The lens 40 receives scattered light generated by a moving object 2 and forms a Fourier transform image of the object 2. The photodetector 46 outputs data representing a sum in a v direction of data temporally changing at a frequency corresponding to a Doppler shift frequency of the light having reached each position on a light-receiving surface through the lens 40 at each position in a u direction at each time. The arithmetic unit 50 obtains an image of the object 2 according to the output of the photodetector 46. |
| US09134107B2 |
Solenoid valve having a condition monitoring unit, and a method of condition monitoring a solenoid valve
A solenoid valve having a condition monitoring unit, and a method of condition monitoring this solenoid valve are specified. A core of the solenoid valve can be shifted with respect to a holding coil and a measuring coil. A reading voltage is applied to the measuring coil, and the current intensity of a current flowing through the measuring coil is determined at a first and a second time. The first measuring is performed during a switching-on or switching-off operation of the current flowing through the measuring coil. The second measuring is performed when the current intensity of the current flowing through the measuring coil has reached a stationary condition. |
| US09134104B2 |
Mobile measuring platform for precision measuring system
A mobile measuring platform, comprises a fixing seat; a driving assembly fixed to the fixing seat, the driving assembly comprises an electric motor and a leadscrew driven by the electric motor; two leading guides mounted on the fixing seat; each of the two leading guides comprises a slide member parallel to the leadscrew, and a guide track slidably sleeved on the slide member; a sliding assembly fixed to the guide track of each of the two leading guides; and a driving guide comprising a slide member perpendicular to the leadscrew and a guide track slidably sleeved on the slide member of the driving guide; wherein the guide track of the driving guide is driven by the electric motor via the leadscrew, the slide member of the driving guide is fixed to the sliding assembly, and the two leading guides and the driving guide are all gas hydrodynamic guides. |
| US09134103B1 |
Methods using reverse extrusion for production of identifiable projectiles
The current invention is directed to a cost effective method of manufacturing bullets or projectiles for use in firearms which are identifiable after firing and undergoing damage from striking targets. The mass production of large quantities of low cost ammunition makes adoption of a requirement that projectiles be so identifiable unlikely unless manufacturing methods and costs are not substantially disrupted.The method envisioned produces projectile bodies from rod or wire stock by parting slugs, piercing recesses, inserting tags and swaging a projectile body with a wholly or partially encased identification with indicia. The stock may be extruded around premade identification tags. The tags may have repeated indicia in each projectile and some indicia may be accessible from the outside of a completed round of ammunition. The swaging process retains the identification tags which are protected by the body of the projectile for recovery after the projectile is used. |
| US09134096B2 |
Ballistic resistant article comprising a styrene butadiene resin and process to manufacture said article
A ballistic resistant article is presented comprising a plurality of fibrous layers, each of said layers comprising a network of fibers, wherein the fibers have a strength of at least 800 mN/tex (1100 MPa) according to ASTM D 7269-07 and a matrix material, wherein the matrix material comprises a mixture comprising: at least one styrene butadiene random copolymer resin, and at least one tackifier. Compared with an article of the same construction but with a matrix material without a tackifier the article according to the invention comprises a higher adhesion between the fibrous layers both in the unaged and aged state and a lower water pick up after water soak. The article additionally comprising a plate of metal or ceramic exhibits minimal or even no delamination of the fibrous layers after ballistic attack. In contrast an article of the same construction but with a matrix material without the styrene butadiene random copolymer resin exhibits (very strong) interior delamination of the fibrous layers and the article of the same construction with the styrene butadiene random copolymer resin, but without the tackifier as the matrix material exhibits light delamination. |
| US09134092B2 |
Firearm modification accessory
A bottom hand grip for a firearm, such as AK-47 type rifle is mountable on the rifle in place of a bottom forend. The bottom hand grip engages a front end of the receiver assembly and is further supported by an attachment bolt passing through its bottom plate. Double-walled body of the bottom hand grip is provided with a plurality of openings that help dissipate heat from the firing mechanism and also serve as a means for mounting a rail for a firearm accessory. |
| US09134089B2 |
Airsoft guns structure with improved reality and safety gasification system for the compressed gas cartridge
An airsoft gun structure redesigns the conventional high-pressure toy gun to shunt high-pressure air flow during shooting. Therefore, the shunted high-pressure air flow simulates recoils as real bolt-action, single-shot rifles. Also, the ammunition supply includes different cartridges to select one of the supply-type by the users and whether shell case ejection or not. When the airsoft gun is operated, the realistic action is achieved to enhance the fun of shooting. Furthermore, the dual hop up system makes the flight path of bullets more stable without shift. Moreover, the safety gasification system could make the supplied amount of the output compressed high pressure air be almost constant to enhance security during operation. |
| US09134083B2 |
Handgun
According to the invention, a handgun has an electronic device with a timer. The timer defines a period of time. If the period of time has expired, the mechanical device for triggering the cartridge is mechanically blocked. |
| US09134078B2 |
Synthetic jet embedded heat sink
A system and method for cooling heat-producing devices using synthetic jet embedded heat sinks is disclosed. The cooling system includes a heat sink comprising a base portion and a plurality of fins disposed on the base portion and extending vertically out therefrom, the plurality of fins spaced to define a channel between adjacent fins. The cooling system also includes at least one synthetic jet actuator attached to the heat sink, with each of the at least one synthetic jet actuators comprising a plurality of orifices therein and being configured to generate and project a series of fluid vortices out from the plurality of orifices and toward at least a portion of the channels of the heat sink. |
| US09134077B2 |
Heat sink assembly with connecting member protruding from heat sink
An exemplary heat sink assembly includes a heat sink, a connecting member, and a mounting member. A mounting hole and a receiving hole are defined in the heat sink and communicating with each other. The connecting member is adapted for fixing the heat sink. The connecting member includes a connecting section and an extending section extending from the connecting section. The mounting member fixes the connecting member to the heat sink. The connecting section is received in the receiving hole of the heat sink, the extending section is protruding from the heat sink, and the mounting member extends through the mounting hole and engaging with the connecting section to fix the connecting member to the heat sink. |
| US09134076B2 |
Radiator and method of manufacturing radiator
A radiator including: a plurality of radiation fins; and a radiation fin support base having a heater element mounted to one surface thereof and a plurality of parallel fin grooves to which the radiation fins are installed and a projection configured to fix the radiation fin formed to the other surface thereof, wherein a top of the projection pushes one side surface of the radiation fin to push the other side surface of the radiation fin toward a side surface of the fin groove, and wherein the fin groove and the projection are each divided in a plurality of pieces in a longitudinal direction of the fin groove, and each of the divided fin grooves and each of the divided projections have a same length in the longitudinal direction of the fin groove and are paired with each other. |
| US09134069B2 |
Device for transmitting a torque to a rotary kiln
In a device for transmitting a torque to a rotary kiln (13), including a drive shaft driven by a motor and having a drive pinion driving a gear rim connected to the rotary kiln, the drive pinion (5) drives the gear rim (12) via an interposed transmission (6), wherein a gear wheel (7) of the transmission (6) engages with the drive pinion (5) in a manner displaceable in the axial direction. |
| US09134067B2 |
Dehumidifying apparatus for dryer
A dehumidifying apparatus for a dryer is provided that includes a case, a drum disposed inside the case that receives objects to be dried therein, and a hot air supplier that supplies hot air into the drum and dries the objects to be dried. The dehumidifying apparatus includes a heat exchanger that heat exchanges with air flowing from the drum, and an injection nozzle portion disposed between the hot air supplier and the heat exchanger so as to inject a certain jet. When gas introduced into the dehumidifying apparatus from the drum passes through the jet, foreign substances such as lint, contained in the gas may be separated, thereby preventing accumulation of the foreign substances on the dehumidifying apparatus. |
| US09134066B2 |
Glue-thermal curing equipment
A glue-thermal curing equipment includes a chassis, a support, a heating baking plate and a lifting device. The chassis is formed with an accommodation space therein. The support is fixedly disposed in the accommodation space. The heating baking plate is disposed on the support, and has a top surface acting as a heat generating surface. The heat generating surface allows a panel device to be directly disposed thereon, and fully provides uniform thermal energy to a liquid-state glue layer disposed on the panel device. The lifting device is elevatably disposed on the support and enables the panel device to be lifted and separated from the heat generating surface. |
| US09134065B2 |
Kitchen utensil dryer
A multi layered kitchen utensil dryer is provided comprising at least one layer of porous absorbent material enveloped by at least one sheet material, said sheet material being secured to the absorbent material. |
| US09134064B2 |
Process vessel cooldown apparatus and method
A system and method of use of same for cooling process vessels, particularly those having reactor beds inside such as hydrotreaters, hydrocrackers, and catalytic reformers as part of processing units, during unit turnarounds. While the process vessel is in normal operation or in a preliminary cool down phase, quench gas flow is routed through a bypass flow path while a recirculating gas cooling system is installed in the primary flow path, requiring no unit downtime. During a turnaround, the process vessel temperature is lowered to a desired temperature, permitting entry and replacement of catalyst inventory, using the existing hydrogen recirculating (recycle gas) compressor to circulate a recirculating gas stream through the recirculating gas cooling system, the process vessel, and back through the compressor and recirculating gas cooling system. The cooling system removes heat from the circulating flowstream, thus lowering the process vessel temperature, faster than cold nitrogen injection methods. |
| US09134063B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator includes an ice maker disposed at one side of a storage chamber for storing food, a folding shelf disposed at the ice maker to be folded in a vertical direction or unfolded in a horizontal direction to efficiently use a space formed on the side of the ice maker, a shelf supporting member fixed to the ice maker to rotatably support the folding shelf, and a locking part disposed at the shelf supporting member to support the folding shelf when the folding shelf is unfolded to be arranged in a horizontal direction. When the folding shelf disposed in the storage chamber is folded in a vertical direction, there is formed a space capable of storing containers or food products having a great height. When the folding shelf is unfolded in a horizontal direction, containers or food products having a small height may be put on the folding shelf. Thus, a storage space of the refrigerator may be more efficiently used. |
| US09134060B2 |
Ice and chilled water producing and dispensing machine
An ice producing and dispensing machine for delivering ice on demand to a consumer with a housing containing an ice maker having a discharge outlet for discharging ice. An ice bin is disposed below the ice maker having an open top for receiving ice from the ice maker and a bottom opening for discharging ice therefrom; a vertical tube is connected with the bottom opening for receiving discharged ice with an auger in the tube for driving the ice vertically in the tube; and a receiving chute connected with the tube for conveying the ice to the ice delivery outlet either in a bag or as free ice cubes. Melted water and ice chips from the ice production are recycled and used to cool the water that is fed to the ice maker. |
| US09134056B2 |
Air cooled absorption cooling system operable by low grade heat
An air-cooled absorption refrigerating system and method is provided An evaporated refrigerant is mixed with a weak refrigerant stream Portions of the evaporated refrigerant are absorbed into the weak refrigerant stream via air-cooled absorber means to form a reconstituted solution which is pumped into heater means in heat exchange relationship with a hot weak refrigerant. The hot weak refrigerant stream is conducted therefrom Refrigerant is evaporated from the reconstituted solution via generator means in heat exchange relationship with a heat transfer fluid The generator means stream is separated into a hot weak refrigerant stream and a main refrigerant vapor stream The main refrigerant vapor stream is condensed via air-cooled condenser means The pressure of a condensed refrigerant vapor stream is reduced and conducted into evaporator means, where it is evaporated to form an evaporated refrigerant stream and conducted therefrom. |
| US09134052B2 |
Magnetic heat exchange unit
A magnetic heat exchange unit includes a magnetocaloric material, and at least one fluid pathway. The fluid pathway is formed in the magnetocaloric material and has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A main fluid flowing direction is defined between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, and the cross-section of the fluid pathway varies along the main fluid flowing direction. |
| US09134051B2 |
Magnetocaloric heat generator
A magnetocaloric heat generator (1) in which a driving mechanism is (26) in fluidic connection with first and second ends (3 and 4) of a thermal module (2), via at least one heat exchange mechanism (7, 27), so that the heat transfer fluid circulates in a closed constant-volume fluidic circuit through the magnetocaloric heat generator (1). |
| US09134048B2 |
Regenerative refrigerator and partitioning member
A regenerative refrigerator includes a cylinder, a regenerator containing a regenerator material, and a partitioning member provided in the regenerator and partitioning off the regenerator material. The partitioning member includes a ring member having a center opening and having an outer circumferential surface fitting with the inner circumferential surface of the regenerator, and a layered body provided on the ring member to close its center opening. The layered body includes a filter member and a reinforcing member stacked in multiple layers. The filter member is configured to prevent passage of the regenerator material and to allow passage of a refrigerant gas. The reinforcing member is configured to reinforce the filter member. The layered body has a peripheral edge portion held tight from the first and second opposite sides of the layered body in its stacking direction by the ring member. |
| US09134047B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus for cryogenic refrigeration
Cryogenic refrigeration employs a pulse tube cryo-cooler and a dilution refrigerator to provide very low temperature cooling, for example, to cool superconducting processors. Continuous cryogenic cycle refrigeration may be achieved using multiple adsorption pumps. Various improvements may include multiple distinct thermal-linking points, evaporation pots with cooling structures, and/or one or more gas-gap heat switches which may be integral to an adsorption pump. A reservoir volume may provide pressure relief when the system is warmed above cryogenic temperature, reducing the mass of the system. Additional heat exchangers and/or separate paths for condensation and evaporation may be provided. Multi-channel connectors may be used, and/or connectors formed of a regenerative material with a high specific heat capacity at cryogenic temperature. Flexible PCBs may provide thermal links to components that embody temperature gradients. Various components may be pre-cooled, for example via a switchable thermalization system. |
| US09134046B2 |
Pulse tube refrigerator and regenerative refrigerator
A pulse tube refrigerator includes a first pulse tube; a first regenerator connected to the first pulse tube; a compressor configured to compress the coolant gas; a first supply side valve; a first filter provided between a supply side of the first supply side valve and the high temperature end of the first regenerator; a first suction side valve connected to the first filter via a first joint point; a first self seal joint provided between the supply side of the compressor and a suction side of the first supply side valve; a second self seal joint provided between a supply side of the first suction side valve and the suction side of the compressor; and a third self seal joint provided between a first regenerator side of the first filter and the high temperature end of the first regenerator. |
| US09134045B2 |
Modular solar support assembly
A solar tracker and more specifically to a modular support assembly for a solar tracker that allows reduced assembly and transportation costs. |
| US09134043B2 |
Heat transfer passes for solar boilers
A boiler for a solar receiver includes a plurality of boiler walls arranged end to end surrounding a boiler interior space. Each wall includes a plurality of side by side solar receiver panels. The panels are fluidly connected to one another by way of a steam circuit. The boiler also includes a plurality of conduits each forming a portion of the steam circuit fluidly connecting the panels. The panels and conduits form a plurality of heat transfer passes in the steam circuit. In certain embodiments, the steam circuit includes between two and ten passes, inclusively. |
| US09134040B2 |
Curb adapter
Provided is a curb adapter, comprising a first wall along a first direction of extension; a second wall along a second direction of extension that is different from the first direction of extension; and a corner support mechanism coupled at a corner that includes an edge of the first wall and an edge of the second wall. The corner support mechanism includes at least one fastener coupled to the edge of the first wall and at least one fastener coupled to the edge of the second wall. |
| US09134035B2 |
Portable fuel-fired cooking appliance
A portable self-contained fuel-fired cooking appliance (10) for heating food stuffs that does not have an exposed flame and is useable in all weather conditions The cooking appliance includes a base (12) with peripheral side walls (18), a handle (46), legs (58) and an open top (26), a heat source (32) positioned in the base (12), a cooking pan (30) removably received in the base, a lid (31) received on the pan and a gas supplying container (50) The base (12) also includes at least one air inlet passage (34), one air exit passage (36) and air baffles (40). |
| US09134032B2 |
Artificial fireplace
An artificial fireplace comprising a screen and a fuel bed portion. An optical element is provided which is configured to transpose an image of one of the screen and fuel bed to create the impression of a burning fire. |
| US09134026B2 |
Method for operating a gas burner
Method for operating a gas burner, wherein a gas/combustion air mixture is fed to the gas burner for combusting in said gas burner in such a way that a combustion air flow, which is inducted by a fan, is mixed with a gas flow and the resulting gas/combustion air mixture is fed to the gas burner, wherein to this end a control device, on the basis of a control deviation between an actual value, which is recorded by a sensor providing an electrical or electronic measurement signal and acting on a gas line which carries the gas flow, and a corresponding reference value, determines a manipulated variable for a gas valve which influences the gas flow, wherein the gas valve is adjusted in dependence upon this manipulated variable in order to make available to the gas burner the gas/combustion air mixture with a desired gas/combustion air ratio, and wherein the control device alters the gas/combustion air ratio of the gas/combustion air mixture in dependence upon a rotational speed of the fan in such a way that at relatively low rotational speeds of the fan in comparison to relatively high rotational speeds of the fan the gas proportion is reduced in relation to the air proportion so that the gas/combustion air ratio becomes leaner in gas. |
| US09134024B2 |
Radial burner air inlet with linear volumetric air control
An apparatus and method are provided for controlling the introduction of air into a burner. More particularly, the invention provides for a damper system that controls the introduction of air into a burner system by altering the size of a peripheral flow path for the introduction of air into the plenum of the burner. |
| US09134022B2 |
Method and device for reducing hazardous emissions in internal combustion systems
A method for reducing pollutant emissions uses a two-stage primary combustion process for a solid-containing fuel including a primary furnace having a combustion chamber, a solid fuel burnout zone and a primary flue-gas post combustion chamber, and a separate secondary combustion train. The fuel is burned in the primary combustion chamber while supplying primary gas in a substoichiometric amount so as to form high heating-value gas and low-carbon solid residue. A partial stream of this gas is diverted and the remainder is passed to the post-combustion chamber. The diverted stream is passed to the secondary combustion train, which includes a conditioner, a secondary combustion chamber and an energy recovery device. Energy-spent exhaust gas from the train is recirculated to the furnace upstream of the post-combustion chamber in which it is burned with the remainder of the high heating value gas and an oxygen-containing gas supplied in superstoichiometric amounts. |
| US09134020B1 |
Color changing container apparatus
A color changing container apparatus is disclosed. The color changing container apparatus includes a container having an open top, a bottom and a side, and constructed from a material such that at least a part of the container transmits light there-through; and at least one light emitting device attachable to the container to direct light through the container when the container is connected to the at least one light emitting device and providing at least one light color to illuminate the container. |
| US09134013B2 |
Photoluminescent sleeve
An elongate tube formed from a composite material comprising a polymer and a photoluminescent material has a cylindrical wall that defines an arc of between about 180 degrees and 360 degrees or greater. An elongate opening is defined in the wall along the length of the tube. The wall of the tube is flexible which permits the opening to be manually enlarged to enable the tube to be mounted over an electric light source. The wall is configured to approximate the outer dimensions of the light source which retains the tube on the light source. The photoluminescent material in the tube wall is energized by the light source and emits sufficient light for a period of time if the electricity to the light source is temporarily interrupted. |
| US09134011B2 |
Apparatus for planar lighting
An apparatus for planar lighting configurable with light emitting devices is disclosed. The apparatus for planar lighting includes a plurality of light sources arranged on a circuit board; a reflective layer disposed on the circuit board; a transmission regulation layer disposed on the reflective layer and provided with a hole pattern allowing light to be transmitted therethrough, wherein a size of the hole disposed proximate to the light source is smaller than a size of the hole disposed between adjacent two light sources; a spacer disposed between the reflective layer and the transmission regulation layer such that the spacer maintains a distance between the reflective layer and the transmission regulation layer, wherein the spacer comprises at least one protrusion formed by bending a plate member; and an optical sheet disposed on the transmission regulation layer. |
| US09134003B2 |
Automotive headlamp, heat radiating mechanism, light-emitting apparatus and light source fixing member
In an automotive headlamp, a light-emitting module is configured such that a light-emitting element and a control circuit unit for controlling the lighting of the light-emitting element are structured integrally with each other. A control circuit unit in a position anterior to the light-emitting element in a lamp unit is located below a shade section so that the control circuit unit can be clear of the path of light used to form a low beam light distribution pattern of the light emitted by the light-emitting element. In this setting, the light-emitting element is so located that a main optical axis Ax2 is perpendicular respect to an optical axis Ax1 of the lamp unit and that a light-emitting portion of the light-emitting element protrudes higher than the control circuit unit in the direction of the main optical axis Ax2. |
| US09134000B2 |
Illuminating module for a motor vehicle
An illuminating module for a motor vehicle lamp able to form a wide light beam containing a cutoff, which module is equipped with optical elements comprising an output lens and a plurality of concave reflectors associated with a deflector having a reflective face intended to deflect light beams generated by light sources located in the concavities of the reflectors. The output lens is a toric lens, and these optical elements are arranged in order to make the light beams generated by said light sources converge on points of focus before these light beams are transmitted through the output lens. The module comprises two reflectors (102, 102′) oriented toward each other. |
| US09133996B2 |
Emergency vehicle light with illuminated bezel
A bezel for a light fixture appears illuminated when a bezel light source is energized and the bezel appears opaque when the bezel lights source is not energized. The bezel has a metalized coating which reflects light transmitted from a location remote from and external to the bezel and which transmits light emitted by the bezel light source. |
| US09133995B2 |
LED lamp assembly having heat conductive LED support member
A sealed optical street luminaire having a luminaire housing fitted with a clear, flat lens and provided with an LED light source assembly mounted in the housing. The light source assembly has a heat dissipating LED support member secured to a heat conductive adapter for securement in the luminaire housing. A reflector is secured in the luminaire housing. The LED support member supports LED modules at a predetermined angle and orientation relative to an inner reflective surface of the circumferential wall of the reflector. The heat dissipating LED support member and the heat conductive adapter dissipate heat through the luminaire housing whereby to operate the LED modules at a lower temperature than the critical thermal temperature Tc of the LED modules whereby to achieve lifespan, photometric and colorometric rating of the LED modules. |
| US09133994B2 |
Extended reach recharegable lighting systems
Lighting systems for remote placement and powering of a lighting device. The lighting systems include a lighting device for placement on a wall or ceiling and an external power supply selectively attachable to and detachable from the lighting device. The lighting device includes a power receiving structure that receives power from the external power supply and delivers electrical power to a rechargeable battery and/or light source. The external power supply includes a corresponding power delivery structure that delivers power to the power receiving structure of the lighting device. The power receiving and delivery structures may constitute an inductive power transfer system composed of one or more batteries or capacitors, a DC-to-AC inverter, electromagnetic power transfer and receiving coils, and an AC-to-DC convertor or rectifier. Alternatively, the power receiving and delivering structures may constitute direct electrical contacts. |
| US09133988B2 |
LED-based lamp including shaped light guide
A light guide (302) for a lamp includes a proximal end (510) configured to receive light from at least one LED. The received light forms an internal beam inside the light guide. The light guide angularly redistributes the LED light to have a specified angular output distribution. The light guide includes a distal end (520) having a peripheral portion (522). The light guide has a longitudinal axis (A) extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The light guide includes a lateral side (530) extending from the proximal end (510) to the peripheral portion (522) of the distal end (520). In a cross-section that includes the longitudinal axis, the lateral side of the light guide includes both a convex region and a concave region. |
| US09133987B2 |
LED lighting devices
An LED-based lighting device may comprise a substrate having a top surface with a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed on the top surface of the substrate. The LEDs can be arranged in a plurality of concentric rings on the substrate with each LED having a major length being oriented along the circumference of the concentric rings. An electrical driver board can be electrically connected to the plurality of LEDs. A heat sink can be thermally connected to the substrate and the plurality of LEDs. The electrical driver board can be disposed at least partially within the heat sink. A reflector assembly can be disposed on the heat sink such that the focal plane is disposed generally adjacent to the plurality of LEDs. The light assembly can generate a luminous flux greater than 650 lumens. |
| US09133984B2 |
Guard for gas cylinder actuators
A guard for gas cylinder actuators, comprising a rigid or deformable covering element, to be fixed to the stem of the gas cylinder actuator with which it is associated or to the translating body against which the gas cylinder actuator is intended to act, the covering element being contoured so as to extend radially from the fixing region in order to protect the stem and the opening of the body of the actuator from which the stem exits. |
| US09133983B2 |
Lubrication system and a working machine
The present disclosure relates to a lubricating system for lubricating an implement to be lubricated in the boom system of a working machine, the system comprising a lubricant source which can be installed in a base machine for the working machine and coupled to the implement to be lubricated. The lubricating system further comprises a dispensing unit which can be connected to the implement to be lubricated, for dispensing lubricant to the implement to be lubricated. The present disclosure also relates to a working machine comprising a lubricating system. |
| US09133982B1 |
Articulated computer mounting system
The articulated arm assembly for movably mounting an object to a support surface includes a hinge that may be coupled to the support surface. A cylindrical arm is operationally coupled to the hinge. The cylindrical arm is positionable at a selected position with respect to the hinge. A mounting arm is operationally coupled to the cylindrical arm. The mounting arm may support the object. The object is positionable at a selected position with respect to the support surface. |
| US09133975B2 |
Device and process for the output of medical data
A device is provided for the output of medical data with an output device (1) for the output of medical data in a first output mode or in a second output mode different therefrom. The device includes a detection device (3, 4) for detecting an ambient parameter and an automatic switchover device for the output of medical data in the first output mode if the ambient parameter detected by the detection device is in a first range of values, and for the output of medical data in a second output mode if the ambient parameter detected by the detection device is in a second range of values different from the first range of values. |
| US09133973B2 |
Method of using thermal insulation products with non-planar objects
High-efficiency thermal insulation products and methods for use thereof for insulating cylindrically-shaped and other non-planar objects such as pipes, tanks, and the like. One method includes heating a substantially gas-tight enclosure to render the gas-tight enclosure pliable, wrapping the inner surface of the gas-tight enclosure about at least a portion of a non-planar surface, and cooling the gas-tight enclosure to render the gas-tight enclosure substantially unpliable about the non-planar surface. The gas-tight enclosure may include a sealed interior portion having a pressure that is not greater than about 500 mbar at a temperature of about 20° C. before the heating step and/or after the cooling step. A ratio of a thickness of the gas-tight enclosure to a radius of curvature of the portion of the non-planar surface may be at least about 1 to 8. |
| US09133972B2 |
Tube
The present invention relates to a container for holding viscous substance. More particularly the present invention relates to a squeezable tube (1) with an enclosable head (3). It is an object of the present invention to provide a tube which is easily recyclable and has relatively better stress crack resistance and squeezability. Surprisingly it has been found by the way of present invention that a mixture of Linear Low Density Polyethylene, Linear Medium Density Polyethylene and Ethylene Vinyl Acetate when used in certain weight percentage gives both the stress-crack resistance and the squeezability required for making a tube integral with head/cap. The tube of the present invention is recyclable together with the head/cap, thus making the process sustainable. |
| US09133970B2 |
Attachment for different air valves
An air valve connecting device or attachment includes a housing having an inlet barrel, a sliding member slidably engaged in the housing and having an upper portion extendible out of the housing, the sliding member includes a pathway for selectively aligning with the inlet barrel, a catching element is attached to the sliding member, a gasket is engaged in the catching element, and an inflation valve is engageable into the gasket for depressing the gasket and the catching element and the sliding member to engage into the housing and for moving the sliding member out of the housing, and the inflation valve is detachable from the housing by depressing the sliding member into the housing. |
| US09133968B2 |
Tubing section coupling
A tubing section coupling comprises a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion (18,20) having an external surface adapted to slidingly engage an internal surface defined by the first tubular portion. The first and second tubular portions (18, 20) are axially restrained by means of a fixing device adapted to releasably connect the first and second tubular portions together. The first and second tubular portions (18, 20) each define a profile; the profiles are adapted to be connected to rotationally restrain the tubular portions. |
| US09133962B2 |
Exhaust gas system component for internal combustion engine and method of manufacturing an exhaust gas system component
The invention relates to an exhaust gas system component for an internal combustion engine, in particular for an automotive engine of a commercial vehicle, having a plurality of mutually connected exhaust gas system elements which can be flowed through by the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine, characterized in that the exhaust gas system elements are supported in a first frame and in a second frame spaced apart therefrom and connection struts fixedly connect the frames to one another. |
| US09133959B2 |
Virtual limit switch
A method associated with a valve package having a process valve, an actuator and a controller. The method includes obtaining a baseline signature corresponding to opening or closing the valve as the valve moves from a first position to a second position. The method also includes obtaining an operating signature corresponding to values associated with the baseline signature each time the valve moves from the first position to the second position. In addition, the operating signature is compared to the baseline signature. The method further includes determining if one or more of the values associated with the operating signature is within an acceptable range from the corresponding one or more values in the baseline signature. |
| US09133957B2 |
Magnet valve for controlling a fluid
A magnet valve configured to control a fluid includes an armature with a base region, a casing region, and a head region. The magnet valve also includes a valve element that is connected to the armature and an armature housing component. A flow path is formed between the armature and the armature housing component. The flow path runs from a lower armature chamber to an upper armature chamber and back to the lower armature chamber. The head region of the armature has a flattened section, and the upper armature chamber is defined between the armature housing component and the flattened section. At least one groove is formed on the casing region of the armature starting from the base region. The at least one groove ends in the casing region before the flattened section of the head region. |
| US09133954B2 |
Electromagnetic linear valve
An electromagnetic linear valve includes a housing including a core closing an opening at one end portion of the body portion, and a separation portion separating an interior into a first liquid chamber located in a core side and a second liquid chamber; a plunger disposed in the first liquid chamber so as to move along the axis in a state in which one end thereof faces to the core and the other end can sit on a hole; an elastic member applying a force to move the plunger away from the core; and a coil generating magnetic field to move the plunger toward the core. A recess is formed in a section of an inner circumferential portion of the body portion which intersects with an end face of the core in the first direction. |
| US09133953B2 |
Linear travel structure of electrical operating device
A linear travel structure of an electrical operating device includes a body, a substrate, a cover, a first transmission assembly, a second transmission assembly, and a third transmission assembly. The body receives the substrate to mount thereto so as to enclose and define a first receiving space. The cover is mounted to the body and, together with the substrate, encloses and defines a second receiving space. The substrate includes an electrical machine mounted thereto and received in the second receiving space. The first transmission assembly, the second transmission assembly, and the third transmission assembly are all received in the first receiving space. The electrical machine is connected in cascade with the first, second, and third transmission assemblies for operation therewith. With such a multiple-staged transmission arrangement, advantages including high transmission efficiency, high bearing capacity, high speed ratio, and small volume, can be achieved over the conventional devices. |
| US09133952B2 |
Thermostatic bypass valve with a unique valve seat
A fluid control thermostatic valve contains thermally responsive wax. As temperature rises, the wax expands thus pushing a deformable member up a confined path defined by guide 40 until the member contacts a fixed post 60. An immobile retainer 72 is secured to the fixed post 60. Force from the elastic member against the post causes actuator 30 to separate from retainer 72, thus opening a flow passage. The control valve is unique because retainer 72 functions as both a valve seat for actuator 30 and a fixed support for spring 84. |
| US09133951B2 |
Gasket type orifice and pressure type flow rate control apparatus for which the orifice is employed
An orifice changeable pressure type flow rate control apparatus comprises a valve body of a control valve for a pressure type flow rate control apparatus installed between an inlet side fitting block provided with a coupling part of a fluid supply pipe and an outlet side fitting block provided with a coupling part of a fluid takeout pipe; a fluid inlet side of the valve body and the inlet side fitting block, and a fluid outlet side of the valve body and the outlet side fitting block are detachably and hermitically connected respectively so a flow passage for gases through the control valve is formed; and, a gasket type orifice for a pressure type flow rate control apparatus is removably inserted between a gasket type orifice insertion hole provided on the outlet side of the valve body and a gasket type orifice insertion hole of the outlet side fitting block. |
| US09133950B2 |
Rotary servo pulser and method of using the same
A servo pulser used to actuate a pulser valve and create pressure pulses in downhole measurement while drilling tools is described. An electric gearmotor is used to rotate a shaft which in turn operates a servo valve. A facing portion of the shaft is compressed onto the face of a servo seat having passages connected to the inside of a drill collar and the rotating action is used to open and/or obstruct a fluid path through those passages. The shaft may include wear-resistant tips to obstruct the fluid path. Part of the torque-transmitting apparatus between the gearmotor and the shaft can be hydrostatically compensated, and part sealed against the operating environment. A magnetic torque coupler may be used as part of the torque-transmitting apparatus between the gearmotor and the shaft. The servo pulser is coupled to a pulser valve, a power source and a sensor package all of which reside inside a short section of drill pipe near the bottom of well bore being drilled. |
| US09133945B2 |
Pressure regulator for watering system
A water pressure regulator includes a sealing member and a body having a diaphragm assembly. The diaphragm assembly is positioned and secured within the body to define first and second chambers. The diaphragm assembly has a force acting thereon from within the second chamber. The first chamber defines first and second zones and first and second passageways therebetween. An inlet of the body is configured to provide water to the first zone and an outlet of the body is configured to deliver water out of the second zone. The sealing member is positioned within the first zone. The water pressure regulator further includes one or more plugging members for plugging/unplugging the first and second passageways, thereby controlling the operation of the water pressure regulator. The water pressure regulator may be used in a watering system. |
| US09133943B2 |
Flow path switching valve and discharge control apparatus for fluid material using the same
A flow path switching valve has an injection side portion formed with an injection chamber and an outer valve seating surface, and a discharge side portion provided with a partition member formed with an inner valve seating surface. A discharge control block communicating with a discharge chamber is formed with a control flow path which is increased and decreased in volume by a discharge rod. To fill the control flow path with grease, a valve element closes an inner flow path and opens an outer flow path. On the other hand, to discharge the grease in the control flow path to the discharge chamber, the valve element closes the outer flow path and opens the inner flow path. After being supplied to the control flow path, the grease is supplied to the discharge chamber. |
| US09133942B2 |
Valve structure for fluid pressure device
A valve structure for a fluid pressure device. A valve element for constituting a pressure reducing valve is provided with a first housing which is interconnected with a stem, a second housing which is provided on the outer peripheral side of the first housing, and packing which is provided between the first housing and the second housing. The packing is mounted and sandwiched between a tapered section of the first housing and an outer wall section of the second housing, and thereby the packing is affixed. A first tube section of the first housing is inserted into a second tube section of the second housing, and the first housing and the second housing are affixed integrally to each other by, for example, welding or adhesion. |
| US09133938B2 |
Sealing device
A sealing device with a lip edge portion 2a and a sealing-space-opposite-side conical surface 2b whose diameter increases from the lip edge portion 2a toward a sealing space B opposite side is formed on an inner peripheral surface of a seal lip 2, and a first thread ridge 21 that obliquely extends in a given direction with respect to a circumferential direction, a second thread ridge 22 that obliquely extends in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first thread ridge 21 obliquely extends, and a circumferential ridge 23 that extends in the circumferential direction while intersecting the first thread ridge 21 and the second thread ridge 22 are formed on the sealing-space-opposite-side conical surface 2b. |
| US09133936B2 |
Seal retainer device and power transmission unit with seal retainer device
A seal retainer device for fixing the position of at least one sealing device, comprising at least one contact surface for fixing the position of a seal in the radial and/or axial direction, a first functional surface for linking to a component, and at least one second functional surface to form an axial or radial bearing sliding surface. In addition, the invention relates to a power transmission unit having a seal retainer that holds seals for sealing off two pressure chambers. |
| US09133931B2 |
Ball stud, dust cover, and stabilizer link
A ball stud has a flange that outwardly projects in a radial direction of a stud portion. The flange has a concave portion that has a curved shape from a root to an outer circumferential portion in cross section. The concave portion is concave with respect to a straight line connecting an end on the root side and an end on the outer circumferential portion side of the curved shape. A dust cover has a lip to be abutted on a sealing portion and the flange of the ball stud. The lip is formed with a side lip portion. The side lip portion has a shape corresponding to the curved shape of the concave portion of the flange so as to be abutted on the concave portion. |
| US09133926B2 |
Pinion gear assembly
A pinion gear assembly having a pinion, a collar, and a bearing. The pinion may have a gear portion and a hub portion disposed proximate the gear portion. The collar may be fixedly disposed on the hub portion and the bearing may be fixedly disposed on the collar. |
| US09133916B2 |
Traction-means tensioning device having a securing element, and internal combustion engine having such a traction-means tensioning device
A traction-means tensioning device having a housing that contains aluminum as a material, into which a slide sleeve is inserted axially immovably, within which a hydraulically actuatable, axially extendable piston is supported; a pressure chamber being provided between the piston, which is made of steel, and the slide sleeve, which is made of steel, that can be filled with a hydraulic medium; a securing element engaging on the slide sleeve and the housing to fix the axial position of the slide sleeve relative to the housing, the securing element being provided with an elongate fastening portion that is configured to be fixed in position in the housing and is provided at a housing-distal end with a head that is in form-fitting contact with the slide sleeve. Also, an internal combustion engine having such a traction-means tensioning device and a traction means. |
| US09133912B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle
A planetary gear train may include a first shaft receiving torque from an engine, a second shaft disposed in parallel with the first shaft, a first planetary gear set disposed on the first shaft including a first rotation element, a second rotation element and a third rotation element operated as an output element, and a second planetary gear set disposed on the second shaft including a fourth rotation element, a fifth rotation element, and a sixth rotation element. A planetary gear train may further include four transfer gears connecting rotation elements of the second planetary gear set with the first shaft and rotation elements of the first planetary gear set, and frictional elements connecting rotation elements with each other or with the first shaft and brakes connecting with the transmission housing. |
| US09133911B2 |
Double clutch transmission of vehicle
A double clutch transmission of a vehicle is disclosed. The double clutch transmission may selectively transmit power of a power source to two input shafts through two clutches and may output changed power through two output shafts after the power selectively transmitted to the two input shafts is changed. The two input shafts may respectively have a plurality of input gears fixed thereon, the two output shafts may respectively have a plurality of speed gears rotatable on the output shafts and a plurality of synchronizers operably connecting each speed gear to any one of the output shafts, and each input gear may be engaged with at least one speed gear. |
| US09133909B2 |
Hand-held tool device
A hand-held tool device includes a planetary transmission and a striking mechanism. The striking mechanism has at least one striking mechanism shut-off clutch and a striking mechanism switching spring which opens the striking mechanism shut-off clutch in at least one operating state. The planetary transmission has at least one planetary transmission stage which at least partially encloses the striking mechanism switching spring in at least one plane. |
| US09133905B2 |
Torsion vibration damper assembly and vibration damper device, in particular in a torsion vibration damper assembly
A torsional vibration damper arrangement includes a vibration damper device (10) having a deflection mass carrier (12) and at least one deflection mass (14) which is supported at the deflection mass carrier (12) such that it can be deflected out of a basic position at a maximum distance from the axis of rotation (A) into a deflection position at a shorter distance from the axis of rotation (A), wherein the secondary side (96) has at least one circumferential supporting element (102, 104; 102′) having at least one circumferential supporting region (106, 108) and a secondary-side mass element (98) which is preferably shaped like an annular disk. First connection elements (118) connect the secondary-side mass element (98) to the at least one circumferential supporting element (98) and to the deflection mass carrier (12). |
| US09133902B2 |
Shock absorber with variable damping profile
Disclosed herein in an energy absorption device that incorporates a diverse range of uses within a single shock absorber. The disclosed energy absorption device is a novel combination of interaction between various components (e.g., piston head, shock tube, cylinder end, external cylinder, and adjustment mechanism) within a single shock absorber. When the components disclosed herein are considered together and designed as an interrelated assembly, the ability to incorporate such a diverse range of uses within a single device emerges. The ability to combine dashpot, square wave, progressive wave, and self-compensating damping in a single device is unprecedented, as is the ability to deliver sublinear damping force vs. input velocity performance in an adjustable device. The disclosed device allows a user to make simpler sizing calculations and decisions, and provides the user with the ability to adjust the shock absorber to a specific application, for example, with the turn of an adjustment knob. |
| US09133900B2 |
Method and apparatus for suspension damping including negative stiffness employing a permanent magnet
A suspension assembly between a sprung element and an unsprung element includes a load-carrying spring element arranged in parallel with a negative stiffness element between the sprung element and the unsprung element. The negative stiffness element includes first and second opposed mutually-repelling elements. |
| US09133899B2 |
Energy-absorbing element and related pretensioning flange
The invention essentially relates to an energy-absorbing element (1′) comprising: an absorbing portion (2), a first (3) and second anchoring point (4), a first (2′) and second (2″) distal ends of said absorbing portion (2) being respectively secured to the first and second anchoring points (3, 4), characterized in that it also comprises: a pretensioning flange (12) installed between the first (2′) and second (2″) distal ends, the length (L) of said flange (12) exceeding the gap (E) between the two distal ends (2′, 2″) in order to pretension said absorbing element. |
| US09133895B2 |
Vehicle front structure
A vehicle front structure includes a cable member, one end portion of which is connected to a clutch pedal and the other end portion of which is detachably held by a retaining member arranged between an engine and a wall-like member arranged in front, in a vehicle longitudinal direction, of the engine, the cable member being arranged running across in back, in the vehicle longitudinal direction, of the wall-like member, and a protruding pressing member that is provided on a wall surface that faces a rear, in the vehicle longitudinal direction, of the wall-like member so as to face the cable member, and that detaches the other end portion of the cable member from the retaining member by pushing the cable member toward the rear in the vehicle longitudinal direction when a load is input from the front of the vehicle in the vehicle longitudinal direction. |
| US09133889B2 |
Fan clutch apparatus and methods
Some embodiments of a fan clutch system may drive an output member to rotate at a first speed when opposing friction clutch surfaces are engaged and to rotate at a second, slower speed when the friction clutch surfaces are shifted to a disengaged position. In particular embodiments, the multi-speed clutch system may employ an eddy current drive system that is arranged axially rearward of the friction clutch surfaces while the fan blade device is mounted in a position that is axially forward of the of the friction clutch surfaces. |
| US09133885B2 |
Friction controlled damper for a torque transmission device
A flange forming an input for the device and including a damper stop tab extending radially outward; a plate including first and second curved slots; and a curved friction assembly including a first end disposed in the first curved slot, a second end disposed in the second curved slot, at least one curved engagement plate including an engagement tab extending radially inward, at least one curved friction plate rotationally fixed to the plate, and a resilient element urging the at least one curved engagement plate and the at least one curved friction plate into contact. The device includes at least one elastic element engaged with the flange. |
| US09133884B2 |
Deflecting device for ball spline device
A ball spline device includes a shaft engaged into a nut member and having a number of longitudinal channels and recesses aligned with each other for engaging with ball bearing members, the nut member includes a number of grooves, and two deflecting devices are engaged onto the shaft and the nut member and each include a number of curved guiding pathways each having an inlet portion communicating with the recess of the nut member for guiding the ball bearing members into and out of the curved guiding pathways of the deflecting devices, and an outlet portion communicating with the groove of the nut member for guiding the ball bearing members into and out of the grooves of the nut member. |
| US09133882B2 |
Sealing unit for rolling-element bearings
Sealing unit adapted to be coupled to a rolling-element bearing to seal off the annular space between an inner ring and an outer ring of the bearing, the sealing unit having a stiffening core, and an elastomeric annular element that is rigidly secured to the stiffening core and provided with a sealing lip and a root portion, which is positioned radially on the opposite side of the sealing lip, and which can be snap-fitted into a groove of the outer ring in order to abut the root portion on a front wall of the groove with the core facing toward the outside of bearing. |
| US09133881B2 |
Radial roller bearing assembly, in particular for a needle bush
A radial roller bearing assembly, in particular for a needle bush (1), which substantially comprises a thin-walled outer ring (4), which can be inserted into a bore (2) or a housing (3), having two ribs (5, 6) directed radially inward, and a needle cage assembly (7) that is held in the outer ring (4) by said ribs (5, 6). According to the invention, the needle cage assembly (7) is formed by a needle cage (8) and a plurality of bearing needles (9) guided therein in the circumferential direction at regular distances, which roll on the inner shell surface (10) of the outer ring (4) and on the outer shell surface (11) of a shaft (12) to be borne or a separate inner ring. Furthermore, at least two seals (15, 16) are arranged axially next to the side surfaces (13, 14) of the needle cage (8) which protect the needle bush (1) from contamination from the outside and from the loss of lubricant. According to the invention, at least one of the seals (15 or 16) is formed as a multi-lip seal, made of an elastomer, consisting of a single ring, which extends over the part of the inner shell surface (10) of the outer ring (4) arranged between the related rib (5 or 6) of the outer ring (4) and the adjacent side surface (13 or 14) of the needle cage (8) and over the inner shell surface (17), the face (18) and the outer shell surface (19) of the rib (5 or 6). |
| US09133877B2 |
Rolling element accommodating tool
Provided is a practical rolling element accommodating tool that engages firmly with a reinforcing material without compromising flexibility, wherein tension strength of the reinforcing material is sufficiently exhibited. A rolling element accommodating tool for rotatably accommodating a plurality of rolling elements (4) at predetermined intervals is placed along an endless circulation path (5) along which the rolling elements (4) circulate in a linear motion device (1) provided with the endless circulation path (5) and comprising a rail element (2) and a linear moving element (3) that moves linearly relative to the rail element (2); wherein the rolling element accommodating tool has a main body configured from spacers (6) individually provided between adjacent rolling elements (4), and connecting parts (7) oriented in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the spacers (6) are aligned, protruding on both sides of the rolling elements (4) in a state of accommodating the rolling elements (4), and serially connecting the spacers; reinforcing films (9) having the same length in the longitudinal direction as the connecting parts (7) being contained within the connecting parts (7); and the reinforcing films (9) being formed at large widths in predetermined positions. |
| US09133875B2 |
Hanger with bolt closure
A pipe hanger method and apparatus wherein a bolt is threaded upwardly through a first opening within a lower arm portion of a saddle, then, in one form, through an opening in a liner, then through a larger opening in the upper arm portion of the saddle. The opening is non-cylindrical in shape. A nut is then installed on the bolt. The nut has a tapered end portion which interoperates with the shape of the opening in the upper arm of the saddle. The nut is hand-tightened and then is aligned with the opening so that the small end portion would drop into the opening. A wrench is then used on the head of the bolt to rotate the bolt for the purpose of drawing the nut and bolt together and applying a clamping force on a pipe positioned within the saddle. The liner extends along the inside of the bolt and then extends about the pipe, between it and the bight of the saddle, and then in one form extends along the inside of the upper arm portion. |
| US09133871B2 |
Expansion plug
When it comes to an expansion plug (1) including an anchor bolt (2) with an expansion element (3) on a first end section (6) of the anchor bolt (2) having a longitudinal axis (10), preferably also including at least one force-applier (20) on the anchor bolt (2) in order to hold loads, and also including an expansion sleeve (4) surrounding the anchor bolt (2), the objective is to avoid an axial movement of the expansion sleeve (14), especially in the case of a drilled hole diameter in the lower tolerance range or in the case of a hollow space. The expansion plug (1) has at least one eccentric geometry, so that an expansion of the expansion sleeve (4) can be achieved by a rotational movement of the anchor bolt (2), especially around the longitudinal axis (10) as the axis of rotation (9). |
| US09133864B2 |
Fluidic actuator and method of manufacture
A small, flexible fluidic actuator is presented which may be of millimeter scale in size and made of suitable flexible materials such as silicone. A manufacturing method and two analytical models for the device along with experimental test results are also disclosed. The flexible fluidic actuator devices disclosed include multidirectional fluidic actuator joints providing independently controllable multi-directional actuation movement. The dynamic behavior of the joints for various pressure loads was also characterized and described herein. |
| US09133862B2 |
Work vehicle and method for controlling work vehicle
A control unit of the work vehicle is configured to set an upper limit of a throttle opening degree based on third throttle upper limit information when a work vehicle is performing excavation work and when work implement is not in use, to set the upper limit based on the second throttle upper limit information when the work vehicle is performing excavation work and when the work implement is in use, and to set the upper limit based on the first throttle upper limit information when an angle of a boom is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, even when the work vehicle is performing excavation work. The second throttle upper limit information specifies a lower upper limit than the first throttle upper limit information, and the third throttle upper limit information specifies a lower upper limit than the second throttle upper limit information. |
| US09133857B2 |
Turbocharger housing and tool device for machining the turbocharger housing
A turbocharger has a housing with at least one section that is divided in the longitudinal direction into at least two housing halves. |
| US09133856B2 |
Fan blade assembly
A fan blade assembly includes multiple blades sandwiched between a base and a cap. The base has a hollow shaft and has multiple mounting slots, positioning tubes and fixing holes. Each of the blades has a mounting seat having two lugs. The lugs of any two adjacent blades are inserted into the respective mounting slot. The mounting seat has at least one first through hole to allow insertion of the respective positioning tube, and has at least one second through hole. The cap has a mounting sleeve mounted on the shaft, multiple positioning posts each inserted into the respective first through hole and multiple threaded tubes each inserted into the respective second through hole. The fan blade assembly also includes multiple fastening screws each extended through the respective fixing hole and each screwed into the respective threaded tube. |
| US09133855B2 |
Rotor for a turbo machine
The invention relates to a rotor (10) for a turbo machine, in particular for an aircraft turbine, with rotating blades (12) that are joined to a basic rotor body (16), whereby at least one channel (22) extending between the high-pressure side (HD) and the low-pressure side (ND) of rotor (10) radially underneath a blade platform (18) of at least one rotating blade (12) is provided, whereby a slope of a principal axis of extension (H) of channel (22) relative to an axis of rotation (D) of rotor (10) has the same sign as a slope of a principal axis of extension (R) of a radially inner boundary of the flow channel of rotor 10. In addition, the invention relates to a turbo machine having a rotor (10) as well as to a method for manufacturing a rotor (10) for a turbo machine. |
| US09133851B2 |
Control device and control method of compressor
A control device of a compressor includes a valve control unit configured to control an anti-surge valve that returns fluid in a discharge side of the compressor to a suction side of the compressor in accordance with a control parameter, a simulation unit configured to simulate operational status of the compressor in a plant in accordance with a plant model and the control parameter of the plant to which the compressor is installed, and a control parameter adjusting unit configured to adjust the control parameter in accordance with a result of the simulation. |
| US09133844B2 |
Scroll member, method of manufacturing same, compression mechanism and scroll compressor
A method of manufacturing a scroll member for a compression mechanism installed in a scroll compressor includes a casting step and a cutting step. An iron casting is formed in the casting step, which includes a spiraling part. The iron casting obtained in the casting step is cut during the cutting step in order to obtain a final shape of the scroll member. The iron casting may include a fixed part having a central portion with a first axial thickness and an external periphery portion with a second axial thickness larger than the first axial thickness before the cutting step. A dimension of a specified portion of the spiraling part may be larger before the cutting step is performed than after the cutting step is performed, with the specified portion preferably disposed toward an external periphery of the spiraling part. |
| US09133843B2 |
Scroll compressor having first and second oil grooves formed in fixed and orbiting scroll that are communicable
A scroll compressor includes a compression mechanism having a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll. The fixed scroll includes a first end plate, an outer peripheral wall extending from an edge of the first end plate, a first oil groove, and a first wrap inside of the outer peripheral wall. The orbiting scroll includes a second end plate in sliding contact with an end of the first wrap and an end of the outer peripheral wall, a second oil groove, and a second wrap. The first oil groove is disposed on a surface of the outer peripheral wall, extends along an inner periphery of the outer peripheral wall, and is configured to receive lubricating oil at a high pressure corresponding to a discharge pressure of the compression mechanism. The second oil groove is disposed on a surface of the second end plate, and is communicatable with the first oil groove. |
| US09133839B2 |
Fluid-working machine and method of detecting a fault
In a method of detecting a fault in a fluid-working machine including a plurality of working chambers of cyclically varying volume, each working chamber is operable to displace a volume of working fluid which is selectable for each cycle of working chamber volume to carry out a working function responsive to a received demand signal. An output parameter of the fluid working machine, which is responsive to the displacement of working fluid by one or more of the working chambers to carry out the working function, is measured. It is determined whether the measured output parameter fulfils at least one acceptable function criterion, taking into account the previously selected net displacement of working fluid by a working chamber during a cycle of working chamber volume to carry out the working function. |
| US09133838B2 |
Fluid-working machine and method of operating a fluid-working machine
In a method of operating a fluid-working machine, the volume of working fluid displaced during each cycle of working chamber volume is selected taking into account the availability of other working chambers. The status of each working chamber is monitored and a working chamber treated as unavailable if it is found to be malfunctioning. A working chamber may be treated as unavailable if it is allocated to an alternative working function. A fault may be detected in a working chamber by determining whether a measured output parameter of the fluid working machine fulfills at least one acceptable function criterion taking into account the previously selected net displacement of working fluid by a working chamber during a cycle of working chamber volume to carry out the working function. |
| US09133835B2 |
Controlling of multiple pumps
An apparatus for controlling vacuum pressure is provided. The apparatus includes a multiple axis controller, such as a dual axis footpedal, and a processing apparatus, such as an instrument host running software, configured to receive multiple axis data from the multiple axis controller. The apparatus also includes a first pump configured to provide nonzero fluid pressure at a first nonzero fluid pressure level based on a first axis state of the multiple axis controller and a second pump configured to provide nonzero fluid pressure at a second nonzero fluid pressure level based on a second axis state of the multiple axis controller. The processing apparatus causes switching between the first pump and the second pump based on the first axis state and the second axis state of the multiple axis controller. |
| US09133834B2 |
High pressure pumps for injecting cement mixtures
High pressure pumps for injecting cement mixtures are provided. Such pumps are configured so that the frequency and costs of servicing are greatly reduced. |
| US09133833B2 |
Methods and apparatus for moving aliquot samples of fluid
Methods and apparatus for moving aliquot samples of fluid using a shuttle valve are disclosed. |
| US09133830B2 |
Fluid device with flexible ring
A fluid device includes a housing defining a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A variable displacement assembly is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The variable displacement assembly includes a rotor assembly, a flexible ring, and a plurality of ring supports. The rotor assembly includes a rotor having a plurality of reciprocating members. The flexible ring is disposed about the rotor assembly. The flexible ring includes an inner surface, which is adapted for engagement with the plurality of reciprocating members, and an outer surface. The plurality of ring supports is disposed about the flexible ring. Each of the plurality of ring supports includes a support portion and a pivot portion about which the ring support selectively pivots. The support portion is adapted for engagement with the outer surface of the flexible ring. |
| US09133823B2 |
Vertical axis wind turbine
A vertical axis wind turbine includes a support axis and a wind wheel. The wind wheel includes a rotation base, plural rotation stand sets, plural deflection structures, plural blades, and plural deflection-limiting structures corresponding to the plural blades. The rotation base is rotatably disposed on the support axis. The plural rotation stand sets may define a rotation plane. A first end of each rotation stand set is fixedly disposed on the rotation base. Each blade is pivotally coupled to a second end of the corresponding rotation stand set through the corresponding deflection structure. Consequently, an angle of attack of the blade in an airflow is correspondingly adjusted. When one of the plural blades is deflected, the corresponding deflection-limiting structure generates a first rotational torque in a first rotating direction or a second rotational torque in a second rotating direction so as to rotate the rotation base. |
| US09133820B1 |
Vertical axis wind turbines
A system is provided. The system includes a vertical axis wind turbine comprising a plurality of support arms, a housing coupled to the arms, a bridging connector having a first end portion and a second end portion, a blade coupled to the second end portion, and an electric generator housed within the housing. The first portion is coupled to the housing. The blade vertically extends along the housing. The generator operative based at least in part on the housing vertically rotating between the arms via the blade. |
| US09133818B2 |
Wind turbine blade
A wind turbine blade comprising an elongate spar (6). A first plurality of skin panels (1) are attached in an upper high pressure row to the spar to form a substantial proportion of the external profile of one surface of the blade. A second plurality of skin panels (1) are attached in a lower low pressure row to the spar to form a substantial proportion of the external profile of the opposite lower surface of the blade. A plurality of the skin panels in each row are each integrally provided with a bulkhead (2) which supports the skin panel on the spar. |
| US09133814B2 |
Apparatus for creating electricity from pressure fluctuations in pipes
Flexible pipe liner harvests energy from pressure fluctuations of a fluid in a pipe and converts it to electricity to power local sensors or other equipment. Pipe may be a pipeline for carrying water, sewage, or oil; or may be an open-ended segment suspended in a body of water. Pipe liner also serves to reinforce or repair a pipeline and is constructed of conventional materials. |
| US09133813B2 |
Flow-protection device on a laser spark plug for improving the ignition behavior
A laser spark plug, in particular for an internal combustion engine, having an arrangement or structure for coupling, especially focusing, laser radiation in or on an ignition point, including an arrangement or structure for influencing a fluid flow disposed in an end region of the laser spark plug on the side of the combustion chamber, which constitute an essentially sleeve-shaped extension of the laser spark plug in the direction of the combustion chamber, in which the arrangement or structure for influencing the fluid flow is configured to influence the fluid flow in the region of the ignition point. |
| US09133811B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling start-up of internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine (1) has a throttle (23) for controlling an intake air amount and performs start-up through cranking. As the cranking is initiated, an atmospheric pressure is detected and an initial opening is set accordingly. The controller (31) controls the throttle (23) to the initial opening when the cranking is initiated, and controls the throttle to start to increase the throttle opening from the initial opening at a predetermined timing after the cranking initiation. By setting the initial opening based on one or both of the atmospheric pressure and the temperature at the time of cranking initiation, the intake negative pressure and the intake air amount are optimized. |
| US09133809B2 |
Flywheel arrangement for an internal combustion engine
An arrangement for an internal combustion engine, including a flywheel connectable the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, a starter generator arranged in a housing of the flywheel, and a friction clutch, which connects the flywheel to a transmission. An intermediate piece is fastened to the output side of the flywheel, such that a torque-transmitting fastening of the intermediate piece to the flywheel is arranged radially to the inside of a torque-transmitting fastening of the intermediate piece to the friction clutch, with respect to the radial spacing from the axis of rotation of the flywheel, and that the intermediate piece forms the abutment for a friction lining of the friction clutch at an abutment surface. |
| US09133805B2 |
Fuel injector for an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a fuel injector comprising an actuator module 2 arranged in a holding body 1, wherein the holding body 1 is braced by means of a tension nut 13 to a nozzle body 12 by means of at least one interposed intermediate body designed as a throttle plate 11, wherein the throttle plate 11 is penetrated by at least one high pressure channel 16, an inflow channel 18 having an inflow throttle, and an outflow channel 19 having an outflow throttle, and wherein a valve actuated by the actuator module 2, said valve having at least one valve pin 4 and a sealing sleeve 5, is arranged between the actuator module 2 and the throttle plate 11, forming a leakage chamber 21 facing the throttle plate 11. According to the invention, a fuel injector is provided, wherein the leakage discharge out of the leakage chamber 21 is ensured without impairing the tightness of the fuel injector in the areas adjacent to the throttle plate 11. This is achieved in that a horizontal leakage outlet channel 20, which extends from the cylindrical outer circumference of the throttle plate 11 to a region underneath the leakage chamber 21 and is hydraulically connected to the leakage chamber 21 by way of a leakage channel 22, is recessed in the throttle plate 11. |
| US09133803B2 |
Fuel injector having a plurality of flow-through regions
The fuel injector provides an oncoming flow out of spray-discharge orifices in a manner that reduces variance in the spray and flow-through characteristics variables. The fuel injector includes at least one excitable actuator and a valve element that is movable along a longitudinal valve axis, which collaborates in a sealing manner with a valve seat. Upstream of the valve seat, circumferentially a plurality of flow-through regions are provided, between which there are guidance regions for the valve element. The spray-discharge orifices downstream from the valve seats, whose number differs from the number of the flow-through regions, discharge the fuel finely atomized. At least two flow-through regions differ in size, such as circumferential width and/or radial depth, and/or contour. The fuel injector directly injects fuel into a combustion chamber of an engine using compression of a fuel/air mixture and spark ignition. |
| US09133798B2 |
Tank arrangement having a mechanical pressure regulator, and vehicle
The invention relates to a tank arrangement (2), comprising a fuel tank (4) comprising at least one fuel chamber (6, 6a, b), a tank installation unit (8) arranged in the fuel tank (4), a fuel pump element (10) arranged in the installation unit (8) and designed to make fuel (12) available from the tank arrangement (2) to a fuel user (14), a pump unit (6, 16a, b) arranged in the fuel chamber (6, 6a, b) and operatively connected to the fuel pump element (10) and designed to convey fuel (12) out of the fuel chamber (6, 6a, b) into the tank installation unit (8), and a pressure regulating element (18), functionally arranged between fuel pump element (10) and pump unit (16). The arrangement is characterized in that the pressure regulating element (18) is designed as a mechanical pressure regulator. |
| US09133794B2 |
EGR gas cooling device for hybrid vehicle and EGR gas cooling method for hybrid vehicle
An EGR gas cooling device for hybrid vehicle provided in an EGR system for refluxing a part of exhaust gas of an engine as EGR gas to an intake passage and configured to cool the EGR gas in a hybrid vehicle including the engine and a motor as travel drive sources of the vehicle includes an EGR cooler for cooling the EGR gas using a refrigerant flowing in a strong electric cooling circuit for cooling the motor. |
| US09133793B2 |
Boosting devices with integral features for recirculating exhaust gas
According to one embodiment of the invention, a compressor housing includes a compressor inlet in fluid communication with a compressor volute configured to house a compressor wheel, the compressor inlet configured to provide a first air flow to the compressor wheel and a compressor outlet in fluid communication with the compressor volute, the compressor outlet configured to direct a compressed gas to an intake manifold. The compressor housing further includes an exhaust gas recirculation inlet port in fluid communication with the compressor volute, the exhaust gas recirculation inlet port being configured to combine an exhaust gas flow with the air flow to the compressor wheel. |
| US09133792B2 |
Unit for estimating the rotational speed of a turbocharger and system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine with a turbocharger
A unit for estimating a rotational speed of a turbocharger is provided. The unit includes a microprocessor comprising input ports configured for receiving measurement signals from an exhaust gas flow control system of an internal combustion engine and an output port for outputting a signal indicative of the rotational speed of the turbocharger. The input ports are adapted to receive a first set of measurement signals and a second set of measurement signals. A microprocessor is configured to calculate an estimated rotational speed of the turbocharger using a turbocharger model, based on the first set of measurement signals and the second set of measurement signals. Rhe second set of measurement signals include signals indicative of a pressure difference across a turbine of the turbocharger. |
| US09133788B2 |
Reciprocating engine
A reciprocating engine is so arranged that, in an initial period of an expansion stroke, a high-pressure combustion gas above a piston is introduced via gas passage holes provided in an upper portion of a cylinder inner surface on a thrust side into a gas chamber defined by the cylinder inner surface and a top ring, a second ring, and a second land of the piston, so as to support the piston from the thrust side by the introduced high-pressure combustion gas. A half ring is inserted in the gas chamber in a state of being placed on the second land from the thrust side and so as to be movable up and down with clearances above and below, whereby as the piston reciprocates, the half ring moves up and down an amount corresponding to the size of the clearances, thereby continually cleaning the inside of the gas chamber. |
| US09133780B2 |
Work vehicle and work vehicle control method
A work vehicle includes a drive source, a travel device, a hydraulic pump, a work implement, a traction force detector, a lift force detector and a controller. The traction force detector is configured to detect traction force of the work vehicle. The lift force detector is configured to detect lift force for raising the work implement. The controller is configured to compare a predetermined threshold and a ratio between the lift force and the traction force, and to execute traction force reduction control for reducing the traction force when an increase in the lift force is required. |
| US09133779B2 |
Apparatus and methods for providing blended natural gas to at least one engine
Apparatus and methods for providing natural gas possessing at least one desired quality to at least one engine include providing raw natural gas and methane gas through first and second conduits, respectively. Based upon measurements of the desired quality or qualities of the raw natural gas, the electronic controller selectively varies the flow of methane gas to provide a blend of raw natural gas and methane gas that possesses desired quality or qualities to the engine(s). |
| US09133774B2 |
Vehicular vibration damping control device and vehicle mounted with vibration damping control device
A vehicular vibration damping control device that performs vibration damping of pitch/bounce vibrations of a vehicle through drive output control includes a vibration damping control portion that controls a driving torque of an engine to perform pitch/bounce vibration damping, and a compensation component adjustment portion that reduces the magnitude of a compensation component for compensating for a wheel torque calculated by the vibration damping control portion on the basis of an amount of change in the throttle opening degree of the engine. The compensation component is reduced when the temperature of a conductor for supplying a current to a throttle motor for adjusting a throttle opening degree estimated on the basis of the amount of change in throttle opening degree becomes higher than a predetermined value. |
| US09133772B2 |
Fuel system
An aircraft engine fuel system is provided and includes a pump, including an inlet and an outlet, from which pressurized output is produced, a valve disposed downstream from the pump outlet to receive and to direct the pump output flow toward the engine and to provide a leak tight seal when the pump is not operating, a sensor configured to issue a signal reflective of a state of the valve at first and second conditions and a controller, operably coupled to the pump and the sensor, which is receptive of the signal and which modifies performance models of the pump and engine to control pump speed to modify pump flow accordingly. |
| US09133771B2 |
Fuel supply device of gas turbine engine
A fuel supply device of a gas turbine engine is provided. The fuel supply device includes a fuel divider which divides fuel supplied from a collecting fuel passage to feed the fuel to a pilot fuel passage and to a main fuel passage. The fuel divider includes a movable member which is movable according to fuel pressure at the fuel entrance and opens and closes pilot ports and main ports according to a distance of the movement of the movable member. When the fuel pressure at the fuel entrance is not higher than a predetermined value, the fuel is supplied only to the pilot fuel passage, while when the fuel pressure at the fuel entrance is higher than the predetermined value, the fuel is supplied to the pilot fuel passage and to the main fuel passage. |
| US09133764B2 |
Six-stroke engine system with blowdown exhaust recirculation
A six-stroke engine system including an engine with a combustion chamber including an exhaust valve that expels exhaust gasses during an exhaust stroke, and a blowdown exhaust valve that expels blowdown exhaust gasses during recompression. An intake line directs air into the combustion chamber, and an exhaust line directs exhaust gasses from combustion chamber. A blowdown exhaust line directs blowdown exhaust gasses out of the combustion chamber and into the intake line. The blowdown exhaust gasses are expelled through the blowdown exhaust valve during recompression, and exhaust gasses are expelled through the exhaust valve during the exhaust stroke. |
| US09133755B2 |
Engine component installation feature and method
An engine component incorporates an installation feature for minimizing probability of misassembly of the component to or within an engine structure. For example, a ventless thermostatic valve may be made distinguishable from a vented, but otherwise identical, thermostatic valve, via the provision of tabs extending upwardly from the top of the ventless thermostatic valve. The tabs may be received into a corresponding tab-receiving groove of an associated engine part. As such, the tabs of the ventless component may offer a tactically sensitive distinguishing feature to signal that something may be amiss during an engine installation. The corresponding tab-receiving groove may be a widened aperture within a radiator elbow sleeve into which an upper portion of the ventless thermostatic valve may be mated and secured between an elbow sleeve flange and a cylinder head. Finally, a method of using the installation feature to reduce opportunities for misassembly error is disclosed. |
| US09133752B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling urea injection amount of vehicle
An apparatus and method for controlling a urea injection amount of a vehicle provides precision improvement of urea injection by determining a urea injection amount according to a collection amount of soot that is collected at an SCR integral diesel particulate filter and an accumulation amount of ash. The method includes: detecting a collection amount of soot that is collected at the SCR integral diesel particulate filter and calculating an effective volume of the SCR integral diesel particulate filter according to enlargement of an accumulation amount of ash; calculating an NH3 target storage amount by reflecting the soot collection amount and an effective volume decrement according to ash accumulation; and providing urea injection by determining an NH3 storage control amount and determining a urea necessary injection amount according to the NH3 target storage amount. |
| US09133751B2 |
Device for supplying a reducing agent to an exhaust-gas aftertreatment system
The invention relates to a device (10) for supplying to an exhaust-gas aftertreatment system a reducing agent (42), in particular a urea-water solution for the reduction of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust-gas flow of a diesel engine, having a tank (40) for the reducing agent (42) and having a delivery module (14) for delivering the reducing agent (42) out of the tank (40) via an in particular electrically heatable suction line (16). According to the invention, a) the suction line (16) which runs outside the tank (40) is connected to a pump sump (12) situated in the region of the tank base (44), b) an in particular electrically operated pump sump heater (30) is arranged in the region of the pump sump (12), c) at least one in particular electrically operated heating rod (36) extends into the tank (40), and d) at least one fill level sensor (18) runs outside the tank (40). The pump sump heater (30), the heated suction line (16), the heating rod (36) and an optional elastic compensating element (26) in the region of the pump sump (12) permit a substantially temperature-independent supply of the reducing agent (42) to an exhaust-gas aftertreatment system of a diesel engine. The pump sump (12) which is mounted on the bottom of the tank (40) furthermore makes it possible for the reducing agent (42), which must be available in the exact dose for correct execution of the SCR method, to be supplied virtually completely independent of position, and nevertheless uniformly, to the exhaust-gas aftertreatment system. |
| US09133749B2 |
Ammonia storage set-point control for selective catalytic reduction applications
A system includes an injector control module and an SCR optimization module. The injector control module controls an amount of ammonia (NH3) stored in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst to maintain a first storage level. The SCR optimization module determines whether the first storage level maximizes a conversion efficiency of the SCR catalyst at a first temperature and minimizes a probability of NH3 slip when the temperature of the SCR catalyst transitions from the first temperature to a second temperature. The injector control module controls the amount of NH3 stored in the SCR catalyst to maintain a second storage level when the second storage level maximizes the efficiency of the SCR catalyst relative to the first storage level and minimizes the probability of NH3 slip relative to the first storage level. |
| US09133743B2 |
Exhaust treatment secondary air supply system
A system for treating the exhaust output by an internal combustion engine includes a regeneration positioned upstream from a diesel particulate filter. The regeneration unit combusts a fuel to heat the exhaust entering the diesel particulate filter. An air pump supplies a secondary source of compressed air to the regeneration unit and is adapted to be driven by the internal combustion engine. A speed sensor is coupled to the air pump and operable to output a signal indicative of a rotational speed of an air pump component. A controller receives the speed sensor signal and determines an operating speed of the internal combustion engine based on the speed sensor signal. The controller controls the regeneration unit based on the engine operating speed. |
| US09133740B1 |
Auxiliary oil gauge assembly
The invention relates to an auxiliary oil gauge assembly having a body connected to a mechanical oil gauge and to the stock sending unit. The body is configured to allow oil to flow to the mechanical gauge as well as the stock sending unit to facilitate providing both mechanical and electrical oil pressure feedback to the observer. Further, the auxiliary oil gauge assembly is configured to safely mount to the engine block without penetrating the user's leg space. The fastener assembly for mounting the body to the engine is independently rotatable with respect to the body, thus allowing the user to orient the gauge independently of securing the body to the engine. |
| US09133738B2 |
Variable displacement lubricant pump
A variable displacement lubricant pump providing a pressurized lubricant for an engine includes a control ring. A pump housing comprises a pump rotor with radially slidable vanes which rotate in the control ring. A pressure control chamber pushes the control ring into a low pumping volume direction against a force of a flexible pretensioning element. The pressure control chamber is connected with a pump outlet port via a first pressure conduit. A pretension control unit adjusts discharge pressures of the pressurized lubricant. The pretension control unit comprises a pretension cylinder with a plunger and an outlet opening arranged in a cylinder wall. The plunger is axially moveable and supports the flexible pretensioning element to push the control ring into a high pumping volume direction. The pretension cylinder is connected with the pump outlet port via a second pressure conduit. The outlet opening is connectable to a low-pressure via an electrical pretension control valve. |
| US09133717B2 |
Cooling structure of turbine airfoil
A cooling structure of a turbine airfoil cools a turbine airfoil (10) exposed to hot gas (1), using cooling air (2) of a temperature lower than that of the hot gas. The turbine airfoil (10) includes an external surface (11), an internal surface (12) opposite to the external surface, a plurality of film-cooling holes (13) blowing the cooling air from the internal surface toward the external surface to film-cool the external surface, and a plurality of heat-transfer promoting projections (14) integrally formed with the internal surface and protruding inwardly from the internal surface. The turbine airfoil further includes a hollow cylindrical insert (20) which is positioned inside the internal surface of the turbine airfoil and to which the cooling air is supplied. The insert has a plurality of impingement holes (21) for impingement-cooling the internal surface (12). |
| US09133715B2 |
Structural members in a pedestal array
A turbine engine component has a flow path wall and a support wall. The turbine engine component has at least one cooling compact heat exchanger. Each cooling compact heat exchanger has a pedestal array and at least one structural member within the pedestal array for preventing modal crossing in operation range, for preventing panel bulging, and/or for connecting the flow path wall to at least one outer diameter support structure. |
| US09133709B2 |
Determination of oil saturation in reservoir rock using paramagnetic nanoparticles and magnetic field
Methods for detection of the presence and distribution of oil in subsurface formation are described herein. The present invention involves injection of an aqueous dispersion of the nanoparticles into the potentially oil containing subsurface formation, followed by a remote detection of the oscillation responses of the nanoparticles in the oil/water interfaces in the reservoir rock by applying magnetic field. |
| US09133708B2 |
Estimation and compensation of pressure and flow induced distortion in mud-pulse telemetry
A method for reconstituting a signal due to a flow distortion in a mud-pulse telemetry system, having steps of obtaining at least one parameter to be transmitted by a transmitter to a receiver through the mud-pulse telemetry system, estimating a change in a flow rate in a borehole fluid along a trajectory of the mud-pulse telemetry system undergoing a fluid distortion, estimating a Doppler rate of the signal traveling through the borehole fluid along the trajectory of the mud-pulse telemetry system, calculating a Doppler compensation value for the signal sent along the trajectory in the borehole fluid, transmitting the signal of the at least one parameter through the mud-pulse telemetry system, receiving a portion of the signal of the at least one parameter and reconstituting at least a portion of the signal using the Doppler compensation value. |
| US09133702B2 |
Alternating piston pump
An alternative piston pump employed in mechanical pumping systems for oil extraction. The alternative piston pump includes a case part having at least one cavity disposed along its inner surface. Thus, during the pumping cycle, a gas transfer from a bottom chamber to the case part above a piston and an oil transfer from the case part above the piston to the bottom chamber is established. |
| US09133700B2 |
CO2 fracturing system and method of use
An apparatus and method for delivering a thickened fluid mixture, including a CO2 recapture system. The apparatus including a proppant storage vessel and a fracturing fluid storage vessel providing a continuos supply of a proppant material and a fracturing fluid to a mixing apparatus. The mixing apparatus configured to output and deliver a thickened fluid mixture of the proppant, the fracturing fluid and a thickener agent at or above the fracturing fluid blending pressure to a high pressure pump assembly. The high pressure pump assembly configured to deliver a high pressure thickened fluid mixture to one or more downstream components at an injection pressure. The apparatus including a CO2 recapture system configured to recapture an exhaust stream from the one or more downstream components and/or other CO2 output sources, and provide a purified and liquefied CO2 fluid stream to the fracturing fluid storage vessel. The apparatus configured for continual operation. |
| US09133699B2 |
Electrical methods fracture detection via 4D techniques
Method for acquiring and evaluating geometry of a well includes deploying at least one grid of geophysical sensors, wherein the at least one grid of the sensors is deployed in a 2D or 3D configuration; acquiring an initial geophysical survey of geophysical parameters of the well; fracturing the well creating a fracture while simultaneously; injecting an electrically active proppant into the fracture, wherein the electrically active proppant is injected into the fracture during fracturing, after fracturing or during and after fracturing; continuously acquiring a geophysical survey of geophysical parameters of the well during the fracturing; and acquiring a final geophysical survey of geophysical parameters of the fracture upon completion of the fracturing. |
| US09133697B2 |
Producing resources using heated fluid injection
A system for treating a subterranean zone (110) includes a downhole fluid heater (120) installed in a wellbore (114). Treatment fluid, oxidant, and fuel conduits (124a, 124b, and 124c) connect fuel, oxidant and treatment fluid sources (142a, 142band 142c) to the downhole fluid heater (120). A downhole fuel control valve (126c) is in communication with the fuel conduit (124c) and is configured to change flow to the downhole fluid heater (120) in response to a change of pressure in a portion of the wellbore. |
| US09133693B2 |
Expandable pipe section
An expandable pipe section, intended to be joined with a corresponding pipe section for use in connection with a well casing of a production well for hydrocarbons, where the pipe section is configured to be screwed on or off an adjoining expandable pipe section, the pipe section at one end being provided with a male end having externally arranged threads and where the adjoining expandable pipe section is provided with a correspondingly shaped female end having corresponding internal threads. The distance between adjacent threads at their widest point is less than the maximum width of a thread. Those parts of the pipe being provided with threads are provided with at least two step wise arranged parts with a cylindrical surface being coaxially arranged with the pipe wall(s). |
| US09133691B2 |
Large-offset direct vertical access system
A system comprising a floating host located over a first drilling center in a body of water, the floating host comprising drilling facilities; a floating spar located over a second drilling center; a first fluid transfer conduit between the second drilling center and the spar; and a second fluid transfer conduit between the spar and the floating host. |
| US09133687B2 |
Tubing pressure insensitive pressure compensated actuator for a downhole tool and method
A tubing pressure insensitive, pressure compensated actuator system includes a housing having a bore therein. A force transmitter sealingly moveable within the bore. The force transmitter defining with the bore two fluid chambers. The two fluid chambers being in fluid communication with each other, one at each longitudinal end of the force transmitter. An activator in one or both of the two fluid chambers and operatively connected to the force transmitter. At least two seals sealingly positioned between the housing and the force transmitter. One of the seals disposed near one end of the force transmitter and another of the seals disposed near another end of the force transmitter. A separate compensation piston disposed in the housing so as to expose one end of the compensation piston to tubing pressure and to expose the other end of the compensation piston to a fluid volume including the fluid chambers. Also included is a method for reducing force requirements of an actuator. |
| US09133686B2 |
Downhole tester valve having rapid charging capabilities and method for use thereof
A downhole tester valve (100) includes a housing assembly (106) and a mandrel assembly (172, 174) that define therebetween an operating fluid chamber (176), a biasing fluid chamber (184) and a power fluid chamber (180). A valve assembly (126) disposed within the housing assembly (106) is operable between open and closed positions. A piston assembly (146) is operably associated with the valve assembly (126) such that annulus pressure entering the power fluid chamber (180) pressurizes operating fluid in the operating fluid chamber (176) which acts on the piston assembly (146) to shift the valve assembly (126) from the closed position to the open position and such that predetermined travel of the piston assembly (146) opens a bypass passageway (162) for the pressurized operating fluid to charge biasing fluid in the biasing fluid chamber (184), thereby enabling closure of the valve assembly (126) upon reducing annulus pressure by a predetermined amount. |
| US09133679B2 |
Running tool with independent housing rotation sleeve
A system, in certain embodiments, includes a housing running tool including an inner sleeve having a first mating surface configured to engage a second mating surface of a housing to rigidly couple the inner sleeve to the housing. The housing running tool also includes an outer sleeve disposed about the inner sleeve and configured to support the inner sleeve in an axial direction. The outer sleeve includes a first mounting feature configured to engage a second mounting feature of the housing such that substantially all torque applied to the housing running tool in a circumferential direction is transferred to the housing via the outer sleeve. |
| US09133678B2 |
Metal annulus seal
A wellhead seal assembly forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members. A metal seal ring has inner and outer walls separated by a slot. An energizing ring has a C-ring captured on its outer surface. When the energizing ring is moved further into the slot, the C-ring is forced from its pocket and engages a profile on the seal ring, locking the energizing ring to the seal assembly. |
| US09133677B2 |
Wellhead system with gasket seal
An offshore well system for a subsea well. The system includes a floating platform, an external riser and an internal riser nested within the external riser. A external riser tension device tensions the external riser. The drilling system also includes a surface wellhead system that includes a wellhead, a collet, and a flange assembly. The wellhead, collet, and flange assembly are assembled to establish a common bore for receiving the top of the internal riser. A gasket located between the top of the internal riser and an inner shoulder of the flange assembly seals between the wellhead system and the top of the internal riser. The surface wellhead system also retains the internal riser in tension with the wellhead, the internal riser extending above the wellhead into the collet. |
| US09133673B2 |
Hydraulically driven tandem tractor assembly
A tractor assembly is provided for downhole advancement in a well. The assembly comprises an uphole tractor and a downhole tractor. Each tractor in turn comprises uphole and downhole housings to accommodate uphole and downhole anchors with the anchors configured for interchangeably engaging a wall of the well. Additionally, a hydraulically driven piston is disposed through each of the housings of each tractor for actuation of the engaging. |
| US09133668B2 |
Wireless transmission system and system for monitoring a drilling rig operation
A system for monitoring a drilling rig operation includes a drilling rig assembly and at least one sensor coupled to a member of the drilling rig assembly to sense a parameter related to operation of the drilling rig assembly. A client device coupled to the at least one sensor includes a data acquisition device for receiving data from the at least one sensor. The client device also includes a first radio, which is coupled to the data acquisition device. A base station located a distance from the client device comprises a second radio that communicates wirelessly with the first radio in order to transfer data between the data acquisition device and the base station. |
| US09133658B2 |
Sound attenuating covering for an architectural opening
A sound attenuating covering for an architectural opening is provided. The covering may include a frame, a first shade, and a second shade. The frame may include opposing side members, each defining an opposing channel extending along at least a portion of the side member. The first shade may be positioned forward of the frame and may define a plurality of horizontally-extending, transversely-collapsible cells. The second shade may be positioned rearward of the first shade and may be slidably received within the channels of the side members. The first and second shades may be operably coupled to a roller and may move in conjunction with one another across the architectural opening. |
| US09133655B2 |
Multistage lock
A multistage lock has a stationary frame, an inner frame, an outer frame mounted between the stationary and inner frames, multiple stops mounted on the stationary and inner frames, two sliding panels mounted on the outer frame and a handle assembly connected to the sliding panels. Stopping protrusions of the stops selectively engage limiting protrusions on the sliding panels when the at least one handle is turned. Consequently, the inner and outer frames are selectively opened. The multistage lock has a simplified structure and allows people to decide whether a door panel (window) is open according to situations and weather outdoors. |
| US09133654B2 |
Cover locking mechanism for electronic apparatus
A cover locking mechanism according to the present invention comprise a seat formed at the cabinet, a locking operation piece that is mounted on the seat of the cabinet and can be turned between a locked position, at which the cover is locked, and an unlocked position, at which the cover is unlocked, and a stopper mechanism configured to prevent the locking operation piece from slipping off. The locking operation piece includes an elastic piece that can be elastically deformed along the turn axis of the locking operation piece at a portion facing the seat of the cabinet, the elastic piece having a fitting portion formed toward the seat of the cabinet, and further, the seat having a engaged portion which releasably engage the engaging portion at a locked position of the locking operation piece. |
| US09133651B2 |
Furniture drawer locking device
A device for securing closed a drawer of a dresser, cabinet or desk. The device includes a base that is secured to an interior surface of the frame, which cannot be accessed when the drawer is closed within the drawer opening of the frame, and an extending member. The extending member has a first end portion that attaches releasably to the base, and a second end that extends exteriorly through the drawer opening and between the drawer and the frame. The device is not built into or integral with the drawer or the frame of the dresser, cabinet or desk. |
| US09133649B2 |
Merchandise security devices for use with an electronic key
A merchandise security device is provided. The merchandise security device may include a lock mechanism operably engaged with a shape memory material configured to receive electrical power for locking and unlocking the lock mechanism. The shape memory material may be configured to change in shape in response to receiving electrical power to thereby lock or unlock the lock mechanism. |
| US09133643B2 |
Drilling rig assembly method and apparatus
A drilling rig including a base structure, a lifting device attached to the base structure, and a rig floor comprising a derrick and drilling equipment disposed thereon, in which the lifting device is configured to lift the rig floor so that at least one box may be inserted between the base structure and the rig floor, the rig floor having load points attached thereto and configured to be aligned with the lifting device. |
| US09133638B2 |
Sealing closure for swimming pool skimmer
A closure assembly for a swimming pool skimmer comprising a sealing closure which is designed dimensionally to fit common rectangularly shaped skimmer openings of rectangular shape of the skimmer opening. The faceplate has a flange which overlaps the peripheral area of the skimmer flange. The closure faceplate sidewalls extend into the skimmer opening. A monolithic sealing gasket, preferably of injection molded silicone rubber or other polymeric material, closely fits around the outer perimeter of the closure faceplate sidewalls. A wedge plate member is fitted into the sealing gasket. A closure means in the form of a nut and bolt or a stud hook member and cam lock arrangement are used to exert the closing force on the wedge plate to force the sidewalls of the wedge plate member into engagement with the monolithic sealing gasket. The wedging action of the wedge plate member against the monolithic sealing gasket causes the outer sidewalls of the sealing gasket to flex outwardly and tightly engage the sidewalls of the skimmer opening to prevent water leakage into the skimmer body. In this manner, leakage of water from the poolside into the skimmer and pump conduit is prevented. |
| US09133635B2 |
Adjustable tie rod assembly employing a free swiveling capability
The present disclosure relates to tie components that allow for the length of an overall tie assembly to be adjustable, after being anchored in place. Such tie components may exhibit a swiveling capability where a portion thereof may rotate with respect to a corresponding adjustment member, resulting in movement of the tie component and adjustment member back and forth relative to one another, as desired. One or more tie components of a tie assembly may be anchored (e.g., to a wall), yet the overall length, or tension, of the tie assembly may be adjusted. A tie component may include a first portion having an anchor end that may be fixed to a wall, and a swivel end located opposite thereof. The tie component may also include a second portion having an adjustment end that may engage with an appropriate adjustment member, and a swivel end located opposite thereof. The respective swivel ends of the first and second portions of the tie component may be rotatably coupled. |
| US09133633B2 |
Modular insulated scaffold wall system
A scaffold wall system for erecting temporary insulated facilities using a scaffold structure for support is disclosed. The system comprises a floor supported by the scaffold structure, a plurality of walls supported by the floor, and a ceiling supported by the walls. The floor comprises a plurality of support beams laid across the scaffold structure, and floor boards laid across the support beams. The walls comprise a plurality of wall panels placed into customized tracks secured to the floor. Insulative sleeves are placed between the wall panels. The ceiling also comprises a plurality of panels with insulative sleeves. The system allows for multiple levels of temporary insulated facilities to be erected within a scaffold. |
| US09133627B2 |
Luxury vinyl tile flooring system
A flooring system may comprise a top floor layer, a subfloor, and/or an underlayment material disposed between the sub-floor and the top floor layer. The top floor layer may include a plurality of luxury vinyl tiles, configured such that respective tile joints may be formed between adjacent luxury vinyl tiles. The underlayment material may comprise a cross-linked, polyolefin foam. The composition of the underlayment material may be such that the tile joints between the adjacent luxury vinyl tiles may bend by less than about 45 degrees over a twelve hour period when 3.1 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure is applied. The underlayment material may have a compressive creep of less than fifty percent of an original thickness associated with the underlayment material at a load of 3.1 psi and/or a compressive strength of more than 15 psi. |
| US09133623B1 |
Insulation system for buildings with long bays
A tensioned panel extended insulation system includes a support structure, a panel support structure and a pair of insulation panels. A telescoping tube extended insulation system includes a support structure and an ceiling sheet material. A rafter clip may be attached to a rafter for attachment of an end of the support structure. The telescoping tube extended insulation system may be arched. A cable arched telescoping tube extended insulation system includes an arched support structure, an adjustable spacer, a cable and the ceiling sheet material. A bar joist extended insulation system includes a support structure, an insulation support structure and an ceiling sheet material. A bar joist extended insulation system may be arched. A building heat collection power generator includes a heat exchanger, a pressure driven turbine, an electrical generator, a condenser and two fluid pumps. |
| US09133622B2 |
Fortified flashing laminate
A fortified flashing laminate includes an uncured thermosetting polymeric layer having a top surface and a bottom surface. A first layer of vulcanized adhesive tape covers at least a portion of the bottom surface of the polymeric layer, and a second layer of vulcanized adhesive tape covers a portion of the first layer of vulcanized adhesive tape to form a fortified area. The size and positioning of the second layer of vulcanized adhesive tape may be selected to fortify known vulnerable areas of flashing laminates. |
| US09133621B2 |
Self adhesive universal inside corner patch for membrane roofing
A universal inside corner patch for patching inside corners formed by protrusions from a commercial low slope roof is disclosed. The universal inside corner patch includes a body having a central portion and a peripheral portion. A cutout is formed in the body extending from the peripheral portion to the central portion thereof. The cutout defines in the body a skirt having an edge on one side of the cutout and a flap having an edge on an opposite side of the cutout. Folding locations such as lines or other indicia on the body correspond to respective angles of an inside corner to be patched. When the skirt portion is overlapped with the flap portion with the edge of the skirt portion registering with one of the folding locations, the inside corner patch is configured to conform to an inside corner with an angle corresponding to the one of the folding locations. An adhesive may be disposed on a back surface of the body for adhering and sealing the corner patch in place. |
| US09133620B1 |
Prefabricated panel system
A prefabricated panel system includes a plurality of panel assemblies to be adjoined together to form partitions. A panel assembly comprises two panel members disposed in spaced relation via a plurality of connecting members disposed therebetween; at least one of the connecting members defining a male connector projecting from a male connecting end; at least one of the plurality of connecting members defining a female connector defining a recess in a female connecting end; the panel assembly connectable to at least one other panel assembly by disposing the male connector of one panel assembly within the recess of another panel assembly. The system also includes a base channel to be disposed along a floor to receive and house the prefabricated panel assemblies, as well as a cap channel to be disposed along a cap portion of the panel assemblies. |
| US09133619B1 |
Architectural building block
An architectural building block including a front terminal wall, a rear terminal wall disposed substantially parallel to the front terminal wall, a pair of side walls adjoining the front terminal wall and the rear terminal wall, a top wall and a bottom wall. The side walls lean toward one another. The pair of side walls converge from the rear terminal wall to the front terminal wall. The bottom wall is disposed substantially parallel to the top wall, wherein each of the top wall and bottom wall adjoins the front terminal wall, the rear terminal wall and the pair of side walls. |
| US09133614B2 |
Method and system for thermal barrier installation
An insulation system including a first retention member having a first channel, a second retention member having a second channel, and a thermal bridge. The thermal bridge includes a first finger and a second finger. The first finger is received into the first channel and the second finger is received into the second channel. The system further includes a first locking tab associated with the first channel for securing the first finger and a second locking tab associated with the second channel for securing the second finger. The thermal bridge substantially reduces conductive heat transfer between the first retention member and the second retention member. |
| US09133613B2 |
Heat ray shielding adhesive composition, heat ray shielding transparent adhesive sheet, and method for producing same
[Problem] The present invention relates to: a heat ray shielding adhesive which is used in bonding to a windowpane and the like and shields heat rays; a heat ray shielding transparent adhesive sheet; and a method for producing the heat ray shielding adhesive. The present invention provides a heat ray shielding transparent adhesive sheet which has high transmittance in the visible light region, low haze and more excellent transparency.[Solution] Transparency and heat ray shielding properties can be imparted in a simpler manner by using a heat ray shielding adhesive composition which contains fine heat ray shielding particles that have a half-value width of the first main peak of from 0.01° to 0.80° (inclusive) as determined by X-ray diffraction pattern, and a heat ray shielding transparent adhesive sheet is therefore able to be produced at low cost. |
| US09133610B2 |
Sanitary toilet plunger containment system
The present invention relates to a toilet plunger containment system including a decorative shell, a selectively removable tray having a disposable disinfectant and a specialized plunger which is housed within the decorative shell during periods of non-use. |
| US09133605B2 |
Flow sensing based variable pump control technique in a hydraulic system with open center control valves
A hydraulic system has a variable displacement pump that sends fluid from a tank into a supply conduit from which separate open-center control valves convey the fluid to each one of a plurality of hydraulic actuators. The control valves have open-center orifices connected in series between a bypass node and the tank, thereby forming a bypass passage. Pressure at the bypass node controls displacement of the pump. A valve arrangement is connected between an outlet of the pump and the bypass node and is responsive to an amount of fluid flow through the supply conduit to the plurality of hydraulic functions, wherein as the amount of fluid flow increases, the valve arrangement causes fluid flow to the bypass node to decrease. Thus the pressure at the bypass node varies as a function of the operation of the control valves. |
| US09133604B2 |
Hydraulic control device for work machine
A hydraulic control device for work machine includes: a driving device that generates a driving force for traveling of the work machine; a park braking device that parks the work machine; an operating unit that is provided in a cab of the work machine and operated by an operator for driving a work device; a hydraulic brake device that generates a braking force according to operation of a brake pedal; a hydraulic lock unit that hydraulically locks the hydraulic brake device to cause the hydraulic brake device to be continuously operated; a work device drivable state judging unit that judges whether or not the work device is in a work device drivable state in which the work device can be driven; and a park brake control unit that brings the park braking device into operation when the hydraulic lock unit hydraulically locks the hydraulic brake device and the work device drivable state judging unit judges that the work device drivable state has not been established. |
| US09133602B2 |
Information management system for construction machine
The present invention provides an information management system suitable for a construction machine, which drives a solenoid valve separately from normal control to thereby make it possible to perform failure diagnosis for the solenoid valve and each sensor easily and with satisfactory accuracy. A controller has a failure diagnosis mode selected by a control panel of a display device. When the failure diagnosis mode is selected by the control panel and instructions for failure diagnosis related to a specific solenoid valve of a plurality of solenoid valves are given, the controller outputs a failure diagnosis drive signal to the specific solenoid valve, inputs an output value from a sensor related to the specific solenoid valve among a plurality of sensors, and displays, based on the output value from the specific sensor, information as to whether the specific solenoid valve and the specific sensor are normal on a display device. |
| US09133594B2 |
Ground anchor system and method of installation
An anchor apparatus, ground anchor system, and method of using a ground anchor system are provided. The anchor apparatus includes a base plate having a top surface and a substantially planar bottom surface, wherein the base plate has a plurality of picket-guide apertures formed therein between the top surface and the substantially planar bottom surface. At least one picket is removably positioned in at least a portion of the picket-guide apertures. An anchor portion is formed at a first end of the base plate, wherein the anchor portion has an anchor aperture formed through the first end of the base plate, the anchor portion further comprising a ground face surface proximate to the anchor aperture, wherein a distance between the top surface and the ground face surface is less than a distance between the top surface and the substantially planar bottom surface. |
| US09133593B2 |
Stationary boom support system
A containment boom system for remediating an oil spill in a body of water includes a base support structure and two spaced apart containment booms defining a channel therebetween. An elongated rod has a proximal end and a spaced apart distal end. The proximal end is hingedly attached to the base support structure and extends laterally therefrom. A buoy is coupled to the distal end of the elongated rod. The buoy has sufficient buoyancy so as to remain floating on the liquid body while supporting the elongated rod. A reclamation loop is disposed in the water, a first portion of which is disposed in the oil spill and a second portion is disposed in the channel. The reclamation loop is continuously driven through a reclamation station, which removes oil therefrom. |
| US09133588B2 |
Boardwalk, deck, and platform system
The invention provides a system, method, and components for assembling and disassembling boardwalks, decks, and platforms. The invention has a number of extruded and interlocking components. It is installed by driving piles, preferably helical piles, into a ground surface. The invention provides a comprehensive set of assembly members, including and not limited to brackets that attach to the piles, headers, joists, cross braces, decking, and decking fasteners for holding the decking in place. In particular, a multiple-way adjustable bracket connects the piles to the rest of the structure. |
| US09133587B2 |
Self-propelled road-milling machine
The invention relates to a self-propelled road-milling machine for doing work on surfacings on the ground, and in particular carriageways. The road-milling machine according to the invention is characterized by a signalling arrangement which has at least one control unit for the entry of at least two different states of operation by the driver of the road-milling machine and at least one visual indicator or display unit to indicate or display for the driver of the transporting vehicle the at least two states of operation which are preset with the control unit by the driver of the road-milling machine. The first state of operation may be a request for the transporting vehicle to be braked or stopped and the second state of operation may be a request for the transporting vehicle to be started or to continue travelling. In a preferred embodiment of the visual indicator or display unit, the request for braking or stopping is shown as a cross and the request for starting or continued travel as an arrow. |
| US09133582B2 |
Liner/medium/paper/for laminated panel
A laminated panel formed of a paper coated with three layers. The paper can be selected from liner, medium or other paper. The first layer comprises an acrylic containing polymer a clay synthetic polyethylene, a defoamer a cross-linking agent water and optionally a pigment. The second layer comprises a polymethyl methylacrylate polymer a synthetic polyethylene a clay a defoamer and water. A third layer comprises colloidal silica urea water and a defoamer. Composites of the above paper bonded to an expanded polystyrene block are also disclosed. |
| US09133579B2 |
Refiner and blade element
A refiner (10, 11) for refining fibrous material has a first refining surface (1′) and a second refining surface (2′) arranged opposite to one another and mobile in relation to one another. The refining surfaces have refining surface portions (15, 27) feeding material to be refined and/or discharging refined material as well as refining surface portions (16) grinding the material to be refined, on the upper surface of which there are blade bars (17) and between them blade grooves (18). In the refining surface (1′, 2′) of the refiner (10, 11) the cross-sectional area (A) of at least some blade grooves (18) is arranged to decrease from one blade groove (18) to the next from the direction of the feed edge (13) to the direction of the discharge edge (14) of the refining surface (1′, 2′). |
| US09133575B2 |
Washing machine and control method thereof
A washing machine and a control method therefore are disclosed. The washing machine includes a cabinet (10); a tub (100) fixed to the cabinet (10); a drum (300) rotatably provided in the tub (100); a dry duct (20) which heats air exhausted from the tub (100) a predetermined temperature, to re-supply the heated air to the tub (100); condensation unit (170) which condenses moisture on at least a predetermined area of an inner circumferential surface of the tub (100) by heat-exchanging external air of the cabinet (10) with at least predetermined area of an outer circumferential surface of the tub (100); and sensing unit (410) which senses the amount of condensate generated in the tub (100). A washing machine and a control method thereof are disclosed. The washing machine includes a cabinet; a tub fixed to the cabinet; a drum rotatably provided in the tub; a dry duct which heats air exhausted from the tub a predetermined temperature, to re-supply the heated air to the tub; condensation unit which condenses moisture on at least a predetermined area of an inner circumferential surface of the tub by heat-exchanging external air of the cabinet with at least predetermined area of an outer circumferential surface of the tub; and sensing unit which sense the amount of condensate generated in the tub. |
| US09133573B2 |
Agitator comprising a floating element
Agitator provided with floating element with blades applied in washing machine, more particularly, it's about an agitator of the type applied in clothes washing machines, preferentially with top load, conventionally provided with a water reservoir or tank, a perforated basket with pulsing/alternated spin movement, configuring the place where the clothes are accommodated; the agitator element is from type installed at the bottom of the basket and in the center of the same, and it can be followed by an accessory, provided with vertical blades, integrated to the pulsing rotating system of the basket, the agitator includes a base sector with skirt shape configuration which surface is multi-perforated and provided with radial threads, equidistantly distributed; from the interior face of the plan is developed the tubular body that, along with the lateral wall of the skirt configures space for the assembly of a floating element with radial vertical blades dimensioned for acting at the respective radial threads; referred floating element has a vertical displacement course foreseen between the internal face of the surface and the bumper ring appropriately fixed at the base of the tubular body for allowing the blades to adopt a projecting position in projection or a collected position with regards to the surface based on the existence or not of water inside the reservoir/basket of the clothing washing machine. |
| US09133569B2 |
Mat, method of manufacturing mat, and exhaust gas purification apparatus
A mat includes inorganic fibers, a first main surface, a second main surface, a first interlaced part group and a second interlaced part group. The first interlaced part group includes a plurality of first interlaced parts arranged in rows. Each of the plurality of first interlaced parts is formed from a point on the first main surface to a point present between the first main surface and the second main surface. The second interlaced part group includes a plurality of second interlaced parts arranged in rows. Each of the plurality of second interlaced parts is formed from a point on the second main surface to a point present between the first main surface and the second main surface. A direction of rows formed by the first interlaced part group and a direction of rows formed by the second interlaced part group are different from each other. |
| US09133563B2 |
Electropolishing device and method
A device for repositioning a device during an electropolishing process. A fixture is disclosed that is configured to reposition the device during the electropolishing process in order to more evenly electropolish a surface of the device. |
| US09133559B2 |
Methods for forming electroplated aluminum structures
Anodized electroplated aluminum structures and methods for making the same are disclosed. Cosmetic structures according to embodiments of the invention are provided by electroplating a non-cosmetic structure with aluminum and then anodizing the electroplated aluminum. This produces cosmetic structures that may possess desired structural and cosmetic properties and that may be suitable for use as housing or support members of electronic devices. |
| US09133550B2 |
Etching composition, method of forming a metal pattern using the etching composition, and method of manufacturing a display substrate
An etching composition, a method of forming a metal pattern using the etching composition, and a method of manufacturing a display substrate are disclosed. The etching composition includes about 0.1% by weight to about 25% by weight of ammonium persulfate, about 0.1% by weight to about 25% by weight of an organic acid, about 0.01% by weight to about 5% by weight of a chelating agent, about 0.01% by weight to about 5% by weight of a fluoride compound, about 0.01% by weight to about 5% by weight of a chloride compound, about 0.01% by weight to about 2% by weight of an azole-based compound and a remainder of water. Thus, a copper layer may be stably etched to improve a reliability of manufacturing the metal pattern and the display substrate. |
| US09133548B2 |
TiN film forming method and storage medium
A TiN film forming method repeatedly performs for a plurality of substrates to be processed, a step of loading each substrate into a processing chamber, supplying a Ti-containing gas and a nitriding gas into the processing chamber, and forming a TiN film on a surface of the substrate by generating a plasma of the supplied gases. The TiN film forming method includes a Ti film forming step of forming a Ti film by supplying a processing gas containing Ti-containing gas into the processing chamber in a state where no substrate exists in the processing chamber after the TiN films are formed on a predetermined number of the substrates. |
| US09133547B2 |
Plasma CVD apparatus
The disclosed plasma CVD apparatus (1) is provided with a vacuum chamber (3); a pair of deposition rollers (2, 2) disposed within the vacuum chamber (3) that are connected to both poles of an AC power supply and around which a substrate (W) is wound; a gas-supplying device (5) that supplies process gas containing a source gas to a deposition zone (D) which is a portion of or all of the region that is on one side of a line linking the centers of rotation of the pair of deposition rollers (2, 2); and a magnetic-field-generating device (7) that, by means of the AC power supply being applied to each of the deposition rollers (2, 2), forms a magnetic field that causes the source gas in a predetermined region to become plasma. The magnetic-field-generating device (7) causes the source gas in the region adjacent to the surface of the portion of the pair of deposition rollers (2, 2) located within the deposition zone (D) to become plasma, forming a plasma region (P). The substrate (W) is wound around the pair of deposition rollers (2, 2) so as to pass through the plasma region (P). |
| US09133546B1 |
Electrically- and chemically-active adlayers for plasma electrodes
A system for forming a thin film on a substrate uses a plasma to activate at least one gaseous precursor in a plasma generator fluidly coupled with a reaction space. The plasma generator is operative to generate a plasma from at least a portion of the precursor gas with at least one pair of plasma electrodes, one plasma electrode having a non-native electrically conductive adlayer exhibiting property characteristics that cause the adlayer to be substantially conserved and chemically active with at least one of the gases present within the plasma generation region. |
| US09133545B2 |
Glass-ceramics substrates for graphene growth
An insulating glass-ceramic substrate for synthesizing graphene includes discrete, crystalline, nanophase metallic regions capable of catalyzing graphene growth. The nanophase regions may be formed by thermal treatment of a glass-ceramic substrate containing the corresponding metal oxide. Single layer and double layer graphene are prepared on the modified glass-ceramic substrate in a vacuum chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process from hydrocarbon precursors. The graphene-coated glass-ceramic substrate is electrically conductive. |
| US09133542B2 |
Coating methods and apparatus
A coating apparatus comprises a coating chamber for coating the articles. The at least one preheat chamber is coupled to the coating chamber. The at least one loading station has a proximal end connectable to at least one of the preheat chambers when in an installed position at a distal end of the preheat chamber. The loading station further includes a carrier for carrying the articles and a drive system. The drive system is positioned to move the carrier between: a loading/unloading position of the carrier in the loading station; a preheat position of the carrier in the preheat chamber to which the loading station is connected; and a deposition position of the carrier in the coating chamber. A gas source is connected to the preheat chamber. |
| US09133538B2 |
Lean austenitic stainless steel containing stabilizing elements
An austenitic stainless steel composition including relatively low nickel and molybdenum levels, and exhibiting corrosion resistance, resistance to elevated temperature deformation, and formability properties comparable to certain alloys including higher nickel and molybdenum levels. Embodiments of the austenitic stainless steel include, in weight %, up to 0.20 C: 2.0 to 9.0 Mn, up to 2.0 Si, 16.0 to 23.0 Cr, 1.0 to 7.0 Ni, up to 3.0 Mo, up to 3.0 Cu, 0.05 to 0.35 N, up to 4.0 W, (7.5(C))≦(Nb+Ti+V+Ta+Zr)≦1.5, up to 0.01 B, up to 1.0 Co, iron and impurities. Additionally, embodiments of the steel may include 0.5≦(Mo+W/2)≦5.0 and/or 1.0≦(Ni+Co)≦8.0. |
| US09133537B2 |
Superalloy component and method of improving the same
A method of improving a superalloy component is proposed. The method involves the introduction of at least one additive into the superalloy component, the at least one additive being selected from the group of Hf, La, and Y. The at least one additive is introduced into a surface layer of the component. Preferably, the surface layer has a depth of 0.5 mm or less. The component may include, for example, an airfoil of a gas turbine. |
| US09133535B2 |
Copper alloy sheet and method of manufacturing copper alloy sheet
A copper alloy sheet according to one aspect contains 28.0 mass % to 35.0 mass % of Zn, 0.15 mass % to 0.75 mass % of Sn, 0.005 mass % to 0.05 mass % of P, and a balance consisting of Cu and unavoidable impurities, in which relationships of 44≧[Zn]+20×[Sn]≧37 and 32≦[Zn]+9×([Sn]−0.25)1/2≦37 are satisfied. The copper alloy sheet according to the aspect is manufactured by a manufacturing process including a finish cold-rolling process of cold-rolling a copper alloy material, an average grain size of the copper alloy material is 2.0 μm to 7.0 μm, and a sum of an area ratio of a β phase and an area ratio of a γ phase in a metallographic structure of the copper alloy material is 0% to 0.9%. |
| US09133534B2 |
Magnetic and electrical processing of metals, metal alloys, metal matrix composite parts and components
A method of processing a metal for improved damping of a metal part is provided. The method comprises placing the metal part inside a current carrying coil and closing a circuit for to apply current to the coil, thus producing a magnetic field in the metal part. Thereafter, the circuit is opened for a time and then the circuit is closed a second time to apply a second current to the coil. The circuit is then opened a second time and the metal part is removed from the current carrying coil. |
| US09133531B2 |
High energy treatment of cutter substrates having a wear resistant layer
A high-energy treated cutter comprising a substrate having a top surface, an outer region, and an inner core and a wear resistant layer coupled to the top surface. The high-energy treatment alters the substrate's physical properties so that the inner core provides greater toughness and the outer region provides greater hardness, and greater abrasion resistance. The layer is protected prior to commencement of the treatment. In one embodiment, a cover is positioned to surround the layer and then the cutter undergoes treatment, wherein the cutter is subjected to impact forces with other cutters. In another embodiment, the cutter is positioned within a recess formed in a tray table, thereby providing protection to the layer. The cutter is secured in place via vacuum, glue, or weight. A spray nozzle applies shot material directed to the substrate of the cutter, thereby applying the impact forces to alter the substrate's properties. |
| US09133528B2 |
Raw juice alkalinization
The invention concerns an improved method for purification of raw sugar beet juice, which is obtained by extraction from sugar beets, and to devices for purification of raw sugar beet juice. The invention further concerns a method for producing sucrose syrup or sucrose from raw sugar beet raw. |
| US09133526B2 |
Composition and kit for detection and analysis of strains of Clostridium difficile and method of detecting strains of Clostridium difficile by using the same
A composition and kit for detecting Clostridium difficile including a primer set for detecting a strain of Clostridium difficile, and a method of detecting Clostridium difficile by using the same. |
| US09133520B2 |
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes associated with inflammatory diseases
The present disclosure describes the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in inflammatory diseases and uses thereof, and methods of screening for, diagnosing, identifying susceptibility to or detecting a risk of developing an inflammatory disease comprising detecting the presence or absence of at least one SNP identified in a gene associated with inflammatory disease. |
| US09133519B2 |
Compositions and methods for diagnosis of genetic susceptibility, resistance, or tolerance to infection by mycobacteria and bovine paratuberculosis using promoter variants of EDN2
Provided are methods for determining susceptibility, resistance or tolerance to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) infection, comprising: determining, using a biological sample from a mammalian subject, a presence or absence of at least one EDN2 gene mutation, or the genotype of at least one EDN2 gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) selected from the SNP group consisting of SNP105 (nucleotide position 105,288,174 on BTA3 (UMD 3.1)), SNP208 (nucleotide position 105,298,664 on BTA3 (UMD 3.1)), and SNP272 (nucleotide position 105,305,070 by on BTA3 (UMD 3.1)), that segregates with resistance and/or tolerance to Map tissue infection; and determining, based thereon, at least one of susceptibility, resistance or tolerance of the mammalian subject to Map infection. Additionally provided are mammals (e.g., bovine) derived culling, selecting, or selective breeding, based on disclosed methods, and methods for procuring mammals. Preferably, the mammals carry non-susceptible alleles of SNP105 (G), SNP208 (G), and SNP272 (G). |
| US09133517B2 |
Methods and sequences to preferentially suppress expression of mutated huntingtin
Disclosed herein are methods and sequences to preferentially suppress the expression of the mutated huntingtin (“htt”) protein over expression of the normal htt protein. Also disclosed are methods comprising screening an individual for the heterozygous presence of one or more single nucleotide polymorphisms within the individual's Huntington's genes; administering nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences that preferentially suppress the expression of amino acid sequences encoding for mutated huntingtin (“htt”) over suppressing the expression of amino acid sequences encoding for normal htt by targeting an area of a Huntington's disease gene that is heterozygous for the presence of one or more single nucleotide polymorphisms. |
| US09133513B2 |
High throughput methylation detection method
Provided is a high throughput methylation detection method, particularly a combined sequence capture and bisulfite sequencing method. The method accurately and effectively analyzes the methylation status of the target area in several samples simultaneously, lowers the difficulty of probe design, enhances operation and application feasibility, and enables high throughput methylation detection of high accuracy on interested target sequences and areas in a complete genome. The method is targeted and conserves energy and time. |
| US09133510B2 |
Compositions, methods, systems and kits for target nucleic acid enrichment
The present invention provides methods, compositions, kits, systems and apparatus that are useful for isolating nucleic acid molecules from a sample. In particular, the methods generally relate to normalizing the concentration of target nucleic acid molecules from a sample. In one aspect, the invention relates to purifying a primer extension product from a primer extension reaction mixture. In some aspects, nucleic acid molecules obtained using the disclosed methods, kits, systems and apparatuses can be used in various downstream processes including nucleic acid sequencing. |
| US09133509B2 |
Polymerase chain reaction detection system
The present invention relates to methods and kits for nucleic acid detection in an assay system. |
| US09133508B2 |
Method for isothermal amplification of nucleic acids
A method is disclosed for improved isothermal amplification of nucleic acids comprising the step of release of an essential component from a matrix under predetermined conditions. Furthermore, the invention relates to a kit comprising mesophilic enzyme and a matrix with embedded essential components for isothermal amplification. A composition comprising a matrix and a mesophilic enzyme and a method for embedding a mesophilic enzyme are disclosed as well. |
| US09133505B2 |
Rapid in vivo gene mutation assay based on the Pig-A gene
The invention relates to methods and kits for the quantitative analysis of in vivo mutation frequencies of the Pig-A gene in individuals, particularly using peripheral blood samples of vertebrates. |
| US09133500B2 |
Screening strategies for the identification of binders
The present invention discloses novel screening strategies for the identification of binders that target the active site of enzymatic antigens. The present invention also discloses antigen-binding moieties which bind to the NS2B-NS3 Proteinase of West Nile Virus, in particular binders which bind to the active site, thereby inhibiting the enzymatic activity of the proteinase. The antigen-binding moieties of the present invention have numerous therapeutic and diagnostic applications. |
| US09133499B2 |
Method and device for isolating cells from heterogeneous solution using microfluidic trapping vortices
A method of isolating cells includes providing a microfluidic device having at least one microfluidic channel coupled to an inlet and an outlet, the at least one microfluidic channel comprises at least one expansion region disposed along the length thereof. The at least one expansion region is an abrupt increase in a cross-sectional dimension of the at least one microfluidic channel configured to generate a vortex within the at least one expansion region in response to fluid flow. A solution containing a population of cells at least some of which have diameters ≧10 μm flows into the inlet. A portion of cells is trapped within vortex created within the at least one expansion region. The trapped cells may then released from the expansion region. |
| US09133494B2 |
Improving the production of foreign proteins
The present invention concerns a method for improving the expression levels of proteins, wherein hydrophobin fusion proteins are expressed, thereby inducing the formation of protein bodies, and wherein said hydrophobin fusions are co-expressed with a target protein or with a further fusion of the target protein. |
| US09133493B2 |
Method for culturing mammalian cells to improve recombinant protein production
The present invention relates to methods for mammalian cell culture. The methods make use of independent tyrosine and cystine feed streams. |
| US09133490B2 |
Step-up method for COLD-PCR enrichment
Methods of using polymerase chain reactions to enrich a target sequence in a sample containing reference sequences and target sequences having high homology and amplifiable by the same primer pair are provided herein. In particular the methods provide a robust means to improve the fold enrichment of the target sequence and minimize reaction-to-reaction, well-to-well and run-to-run variations in the enrichment methods. |
| US09133489B2 |
Acetyl CoA carboxylases
Provided herein are novel ACCases and nucleotides encoding the same, that when introduced into a cell or organism results in an increase and/or accumulation of fatty acids, glycerol lipids, and/or oils in the cell or organism, and/or a change in the types of fatty acids, glycerol lipids, and/or oils that are normally present in the cell or organism. Also provided herein are organisms transformed with the novel ACCases. |
| US09133485B2 |
Methods and materials for the reproducible generation of high producer cell lines for recombinant proteins
The invention lies in the field of production of recombinant gene products in eukaryotic cells. The invention refers to methods and materials for the fast and reproducible generation of production cells lines suitable for large scale production of recombinant gene products. The invention encompasses specific vector systems, genetic engineered host-cells and methods of use. |
| US09133482B2 |
Recombinant virus products and methods for inhibition of expression of myotilin
The present invention relates to RNA interference-based methods for inhibiting the expression of the myotilin gene. Recombinant adeno-associated viruses of the invention deliver DNAs encoding microRNAs that knock down the expression of myotilin. The methods have application in the treatment of muscular dystrophies such as Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type 1A. |
| US09133481B2 |
Semi-stable production of lentiviral vectors
The present invention provides a new semi-stable packaging cell line and a method to produce lentiviral vectors (LV), using the semi-stable packaging cell line. New methods and packaging cell lines of the invention are generated using a baculo-AAV hybrid system for stable expression of structural and regulatory lentiviral proteins, such system comprising a baculoviral backbone containing an integration cassette flanked by AAV ITRs, in combination with a plasmid encoding rep protein. This system allows to obtain a stable integration of the structural and regulatory HIV-1 proteins gag/pol and rev. The system allows to obtain a cell line including the structural and regulatory HIV proteins gag/pol and rev, to be used for a semi-stable LV production. |
| US09133480B2 |
Recombinant modified vaccinia ankara (MVA) vaccinia virus containing restructured insertion sites
The present invention relates to recombinant modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) virus containing restructured sites useful for the integration of heterologous nucleic acid sequences into an intergenic region (IGR) of the virus genome, where the IGR is located between two adjacent, essential open reading frames (ORFs) of the vaccinia virus genome, wherein the adjacent essential ORFs are non-adjacent in a parental MVA virus used to construct the recombinant MVA virus, and to related nucleic acid constructs useful for inserting heterologous DNA into the genome of a vaccinia virus, and further to the use of the disclosed viruses as a medicine or vaccine. |
| US09133476B2 |
Plants of the genus Diplotaxis having cytoplasmic male sterility
The present invention concerns plants, seeds and cells of the genus Diplotaxis having cytoplasmic male sterility, and more particularly plants, seeds and cells of the species Diplotaxis tenuifolia. The cytoplasmic male sterility is preferably that imported from Raphanus sativus, known as Ogura sterility. The invention also concerns methods for obtaining Diplotaxis tenuifolia plants carrying cytoplasmic male sterility, as well as various uses for the cytoplasmic male sterility of the plants of the invention. |
| US09133475B2 |
Aphid resistant soybean plants
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for providing and using markers of aphid resistant germplasm, particularly for identifying aphid resistance germplasm in soybean plants. Specifically, the inventions related to providing aphid resistant germplasm identified by markers associated with decreased damage from aphid feeding, as well as enhanced tolerance to aphid infestation of soybean plants. More particularly, the invention relates to compositions and methods for using genetic markers in breeding methods for producing plants with increased resistance to aphid damage and tolerance, while retaining and acquiring desired agronomic traits. Additionally, markers were developed for fine mapping of aphid resistance genes including allele specific contributions to plants for breeding soybean plants with increased aphid resistance. Furthermore, the invention relates to plants produced by these breeding programs, including plants with having aphid resistant genes between the molecular markers identifying aphid resistant genes, for use in commercial soybean production. |
| US09133473B2 |
Cotton event MON15985 and compositions and methods for detection thereof
The present invention provides cotton plants, cotton tissues, and cotton seeds that include the MON15985 event, which confers resistance to Lepidopteran insect damage. Also provided are assays for detecting the presence of the MON15985 event based on the DNA sequence of the recombinant construct inserted into the cotton genome that resulted in the MON15985 event and/or the genomic sequences flanking the insertion site. |
| US09133471B2 |
Inbred corn line BB87
Inbred corn line designated BB87 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred corn line BB87, to the plants and plant parts of inbred corn line BB87 and to methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing inbred corn line BB87 with itself or another corn line. The invention also relates to products produced from the seeds, plants, or parts thereof, of inbred corn line BB87 and/or of the hybrids produced using the inbred as a parent. The invention further relates to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line BB87. |
| US09133458B2 |
Methods for the treatment of hepatitis B and hepatitis D infections
It is disclosed a method for the treatment of hepatitis B (HBV) infection or HBV/hepatitis D (HDV) co-infection, the method comprising administering to a subject in need of treatment a first pharmaceutically acceptable agent that removes the hepatitis B surface antigen from the blood and a second pharmaceutically acceptable agent which stimulates immune function. |
| US09133457B2 |
Methods of incorporating amino acid analogs into proteins
The invention provides a method of incorporating nonstandard amino acids into a protein by utilizing a modified aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase to charge the nonstandard amino acid to a modified tRNA, which forms strict Watson-Crick base-pairing with a codon that normally forms wobble base-pairing with natural tRNAs. |
| US09133454B2 |
Method and medicament for inhibiting the expression of a given gene
The invention relates to an isolated RNA that mediates RNA interference of an mRNA to which it corresponds and a method of mediating RNA interference of mRNA of a gene in a cell or organism using the isolated RNA. |
| US09133453B2 |
MicroRNAs and uses thereof
Described herein are polynucleotides associated with prostate and lung cancer. The polynucleotides are miRNAs and miRNA precursors. Related methods and compositions that can be used for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of those medical conditions are disclosed. Also described herein are methods that can be used to identify modulators of prostate and lung cancer. |
| US09133452B2 |
High-speed maturation method for an oligonucleotide library for the purpose of preparing a protein library
The present invention provides a method of producing a maturated oligonucleotide library, including a step of obtaining a terminal-modified product of a maturation target oligonucleotide library, including adding a tag sequence to the 5′ terminus of the maturation target oligonucleotide library and an arrest sequence, which stalls translation elongation on a ribosome, to the 3′ terminus of the maturation target oligonucleotide library, a step of transcribing the terminal-modified sequence product to give a transcript, and a step of in vitro translation for translating the transcript in vitro, wherein the maturation target oligonucleotide library is a random oligonucleotide library. |
| US09133443B2 |
Mutant enzymes
This invention relates to mutant enzymes with enhanced properties and processes for oxidation of organic compound substrates using such enzymes. |