Document Document Title
US09141043B2 Transport device, fixing device, and image forming apparatus
A transport device includes a belt-shaped member that is rotated so as to transport an object, a first support member that supports the belt-shaped member, an urging member extending in an axial direction of the first support member, and a conversion unit that converts a direction of an urging force of the urging member to a direction toward the belt-shaped member.
US09141038B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body, an image bearing member capable of bearing a toner image, a current supply member, and an intermediate transfer unit which is removably mounted to the apparatus main body. When the intermediate transfer unit is attached to the apparatus main body, the intermediate transfer unit includes an endless belt whose outer peripheral surface is configured to contact the current supply member, onto which the toner image is transferred from the image bearing member by current supplied from the current supply member, a contact member configured to contact an inner peripheral surface of the endless belt at a position opposed to the image bearing member through the endless belt, an opposing member configured to contact the inner peripheral surface of the endless belt at a position opposed to the current supply member through the endless belt, and a voltage maintaining element which is connected to the opposing member and the contact member.
US09141034B2 Developing device and image forming apparatus and process cartridge incorporating same
A developing device includes a developer bearer, a magnetic field generator provided inside the developer bearer, a casing including an opening to partly expose a surface of the developer bearer, and a lateral end cover to cover an axial end portion of the exposed surface of the developer bearer. The lateral end cover includes a wide portion extending more to an axial inner side of the developer bearer than a downstream portion of the lateral end cover positioned downstream from the wide portion in a direction of rotation of the developer bearer. A downstream end of the wide portion is downstream from an upstream end of the development range in the direction of rotation of the developer bearer.
US09141033B2 Cartridge
A cartridge includes: a housing that has a first wall part and a second wall part arranged at an interval from the first wall part and is configured to accommodate developer; a developer carrier that is rotatably supported to the housing and carries the developer; a layer thickness regulation member that is supported to the housing so that it is arranged at an opposite side to the second wall part with respect to the first wall part and that is configured to regulate a layer thickness of the developer carried on a surface of the developer carrier, and a covering member that is arranged at an opposite side to the second wall part with respect to the layer thickness regulation member and covers the layer thickness regulation member, wherein the covering member has a grip to grip the housing.
US09141031B2 Toner housing container and image forming apparatus
A toner housing container includes: container body; conveying portion; pipe receiving port; and uplifting portion. Container body includes; protruding portion protruding from container body interior side of container opening portion to one end of container body; and shutter member moving between closing and opening positions to close and open container opening portion. Uplifting portion includes: uplifting wall surface extending from container body internal wall surface toward protruding portion; and curving portion curving to conform to protruding portion. Shutter member moves from closing to opening position upon push by conveying pipe. When toner housing container is mounted on toner conveying device, protruding portion is present between curving portion and toner receiving port of conveying pipe inserted and extends along shutter member moving region. Toner has bulk density of ≦0.399 g/cm3 when toner housing container is shaken up-and-down 10 times at 25° C., 50% RH, and put such that container opening portion faces downward.
US09141022B2 Image forming apparatus having an image forming unit arranged detachably to an apparatus body and having an image carrier, an exposure device, arranged in the apparatus body, for exposing the image carrier, and a cleaner for cleaning the exposure device
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a unit supporting member for supporting the image forming unit, and an exposure device, wherein the unit supporting member includes a first contact supporting portion for supporting the image forming unit, and a second contact supporting portion disposed on a downstream side of the first contact supporting portion in a taking out direction of the image forming unit with a step portion. The image forming unit includes a first contact supported portion contacting and being supported by the first contact supporting portion, a second contact supported portion contacting and being supported by the second contact supporting portion, and a cleaner for cleaning the exposure device. Because the cleaner cleans the exposure device when the image forming unit is taken out from the unit supporting member, light from the exposure device is surely radiated to an image carrier surface.
US09141012B2 Toner
The toner includes toner particles containing a polyester resin A, a polyester resin B and a colorant, the polyester resin A has a polyester portion including a segment capable of forming a crystal structure and a crystal nucleating agent segment, which is bonded to an end of the polyester portion, and the polyester resin B is a resin which is free of any segments capable of forming a crystal structure, the polyester resin B has a weight average molecular weight Mwb by GPC of a THF soluble matter of 3000 or more and 100000 or less, and an SP value Sa ((cal/cm3)1/2) of the polyester portion of the polyester resin A and an SP value Sb ((cal/cm3)1/2) of the polyester resin B satisfy the following relationships: 9.00≦Sa≦10.50 −0.40≦Sb−Sa≦0.80.
US09141004B2 Lithographic apparatus and method
A lithographic apparatus includes: an illumination system configured to condition a radiation beam; a support constructed to support a patterning device, the patterning device being capable of imparting the radiation beam with a pattern in its cross-section to form a patterned radiation beam; a substrate table constructed to hold a substrate; a projection system configured to project the patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of the substrate, and a deformation sensor to determine deformations of an object of the lithographic apparatus, wherein the deformation sensor includes at least one optical fiber arranged on or in the object, the optical fiber including one or more Bragg gratings, and an interrogation system to interrogate the one or more Bragg gratings.
US09141003B2 Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A position measurement system configured to measure a position quantity of a movable object in a measurement direction, the system including a radiation source, a beam splitter to split the radiation beam in a measurement beam and a reference beam, a first reflective surface mounted on the movable object to receive the measurement beam, a second reflective surface mounted on a reference object to receive the reference beam, and a detector arranged to receive a first and second reflected beam reflected by the first and second reflective surface, respectively, and configured to provide a signal representative of the position quantity of the movable object based on the first and the second beam, wherein the radiation source and detector are mounted on an object that is different from the movable object and the reference object.
US09141000B2 Double-surface manufacturing method and exposure apparatus
A double-surface manufacturing method and an exposure apparatus in the manufacturing process of semiconductors and liquid crystal displays (LCD) are provided. In the exposure process, two masks in the exposure apparatus are subjected to alignment treatment; the substrate is conveyed to a position between the two masks in the exposure apparatus; and patterns of the two surfaces of the substrate are processed. The exposure apparatus comprises two masks, wherein a substrate to be processed is disposed between the two masks; and mask alignment marks are respectively disposed on the two masks. The embodiments of the present invention improve the accuracy of the patterns of the two surfaces of the substrate and the product quality in the double surfaces manufacturing of the substrate.
US09140999B2 Reticle assembly, a lithographic apparatus, the use in a lithographic process, and a method to project two or more image fields in a single scanning movement of a lithographic process
A reticle assembly for use in a lithographic process in which a first image field and a second image field are projected onto a first target portion and a second target portion on a substrate, the reticle assembly being arranged to hold a first reticle having the first image field and a second reticle having the second image field such that a distance between the first and second image fields substantially corresponds to a distance between the first and the second target portions. Embodiments also relate to a lithographic apparatus including the reticle assembly, the use in a lithographic process in which a first image field and a second image field are projected onto a first target portion and a second portion on a substrate, of a first reticle having the first image field and a second reticle having the second image field, wherein a distance between the first and second image fields substantially corresponds to a distance between the first and second target portions.
US09140998B2 Metrology method and inspection apparatus, lithographic system and device manufacturing method
Methods are disclosed for measuring target structures formed by a lithographic process on a substrate. A grating structure within the target is smaller than an illumination spot and field of view of a measurement optical system. The optical system has a first branch leading to a pupil plane imaging sensor and a second branch leading to a substrate plane imaging sensor. A spatial light modulator is arranged in an intermediate pupil plane of the second branch of the optical system. The SLM imparts a programmable pattern of attenuation that may be used to correct for asymmetries between the first and second modes of illumination or imaging. By use of specific target designs and machine-learning processes, the attenuation patterns may also be programmed to act as filter functions, enhancing sensitivity to specific parameters of interest, such as focus.
US09140989B2 Photosensitive organic particles
A material forms a pattern by applying a photosensitive composition to a base material and drying to form a photosensitive coating and performing exposure and development, and a method for forming the pattern. A photosensitive composition includes water-soluble organic particles, and a solvent, wherein the solvent is a poor solvent for the water-soluble organic particles. Preferably, the water-soluble organic particles of the photosensitive composition includes a polymer which contains a unit structure (A) for forming organic particles, a unit structure (B) for forming interparticle crosslinkage, and a unit structure (C) for imparting dispersibility, and the photosensitive composition further includes a photoacid generator. In addition, the water-soluble organic particles of the photosensitive composition includes a polymer which contains the unit structure (A) for forming organic particles, the unit structure (B) for forming interparticle crosslinkage, the unit structure (C) for imparting dispersibility, and a unit structure (D) having a photoacid generating group.
US09140986B2 Resist underlayer composition and process of producing integrated circuit devices using the same
A resist underlayer composition includes a solvent and an organosilane condensation polymerization product, the organosilane condensation polymerization product including about 40 to about 80 mol % of a structural unit represented by the following Chemical Formula 1,
US09140983B2 Resist composition and method for forming resist pattern
A resist composition including a high-molecular weight compound having a constituent unit represented by general formula (a0-1), a constituent unit (a1) containing a group containing a monocyclic group or a chain group among acid decomposable groups whose polarity increases by action of acid, a constituent unit (a1′) containing a group containing a polycyclic group among acid decomposable groups whose polarity increases by the action of an acid, and a constituent unit (a2) containing a lactone-containing monocyclic group, with a proportion of the constituent unit (a1) being equal to a proportion of the constituent unit (a1′) or more; and a method for forming a resist pattern using the resist composition.
US09140982B2 Negative light sensitive resin composition, color filter and liquid crystal display device
Embodiments of the invention provide a negative light sensitive resin composition, a color filter and a liquid crystal display device. The negative light sensitive resin composition comprises: an alkaline soluble resin, which is a terpolymer, or a derivative of the terpolymer, made from the following three monomers: styrene, α-pinene, and a carboxylic acid or anhydride containing an unsaturated double bond; a light sensitive resin containing ethylene unsaturated double bonds, which is in a mass ratio of 0.1 to 1.2:1 to the alkaline soluble resin; a photoinitiator, which is in a mass ratio of 0.0001 to 0.001:1 to the composition; a modifying adjuvant, which is in a mass ratio of 0.001 to 0.01:1 to the solid fraction in the composition; and a solvent, which is in a mass ratio of 2 to 20:1 to the solid fraction in the composition. The color filter and the liquid crystal display device comprise a light filter structure formed by the curing of the aforementioned negative light sensitive resin composition.
US09140981B2 Actinic-ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition, and resist film using the same, pattern forming method, electronic device manufacturing method, and electronic device, each using the same
Provided are an actinic-ray-sensitive or a radiation-sensitive resin composition with greater residual film ratio and capable of suppressing pattern collapse and an occurrence of bridge defects after development, and a resist film, a pattern forming method, an electronic device manufacturing method, and an electronic device, each using the same. An actinic-ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition includes a resin (P) having a repeating unit (a) represented by following General Formula (I), a compound (B) represented by any of following General Formulae (B-1) to (B-3), and a solvent, in General Formula (I), R0 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and R1, R2 and R3 each independently represent a straight chain or branched alkyl group.
US09140975B2 EUV pellicle frame with holes and method of forming
A method of forming an improved EUV mask and pellicle with airflow between the area enclosed by the mask and pellicle and the area outside the mask and pellicle and the resulting device are disclosed. Embodiments include forming a frame around a patterned area on an EUV mask; forming a membrane over the frame; and forming holes in the frame.
US09140974B2 Method and system for crosstalk and distortion corrections for three-dimensional (3D) projection
A method for use with 3-dimensional or stereoscopic projection is disclosed, with crosstalk and differential distortion compensations provided for stereoscopic images in a presentation such that the projected images will have reduced crosstalk and differential distortion.
US09140973B2 Rear projection imaging system with image warping distortion correction system and associated method
A rear projection imaging system with an image warping distortion correction system using a camera and processing unit to generate a warping map that corrects for image distortion. The warping map is generated in an iterative process by displaying a known pattern on a viewing screen and, through the use of a camera, having a microprocessor determine the location and shape of the pattern on the screen. The microprocessor then compares the displayed image to the original reference image, calculates the distortion effects present in the projection optics, and generates a warping map.
US09140972B2 Display system comprising a screen comprising an array of diffractive patterns
The general field of the invention is that of display systems comprising an image projector and an associated display screen, the said display system being designed to be used by an observer situated at a given location, the said display screen comprising two transparent and substantially parallel faces, the said display screen comprising, on at least one of its transparent faces, a plurality of regularly distributed light-scattering patterns. The image projector according to the invention illuminating the screen under a plurality of angles of incidence determined by the position and the size of the display screen, the said angles of incidence being centered on a mean angle of incidence, the scattering patterns comprise a diffractive structure in order to diffract the light rays having at least the mean angle of incidence in one or more directions corresponding to the said given location of the observer.
US09140969B2 Illumination optical system and projector using the same
An illumination optical system includes: a light source that generates excitation light; a fluorescent body that generates fluorescent light by irradiation with the excitation light and that is disposed in a region wider than the irradiation spot of the excitation light; a plate in which the fluorescent body is disposed; and a driving mechanism that moves the plate so that the irradiation spot of the excitation light can intermittently move over the fluorescent body.
US09140967B2 Projection system, projection-type image display device, and multi-projection system
A projection screen includes: phosphor regions arranged cyclically in an in-plane direction of a display region; a plurality of black stripes and reference black stripes that partition the display region into the phosphor regions; and an optical information formation unit that is provided in a specific position within the display region and that generates readable optical information.
US09140966B2 Projection device and method for operating a projection device
A projection device (1; 24), comprising a base (2), a support (3) and a projection head (4; 27), the support (3) being rotatable relative to the base (2) and relative to the projection head (4; 27) wherein a light guide system (10-18) is accommodated in the support, (3) and at least one wavelength-converting luminophore (22) for converting at least part of a light beam (L) generated by the at least one light source (5) is accommodated in the projection head (4; 27).
US09140961B2 Camera body with integral strap connector
Couplers that are configured to engage with an attachment point on a camera or lens. Following general camera construction, the attachment points are typically found on the bottom of the camera or lens. The attachment points may be specifically configured to engage with the couplers. The couplers may be freely rotatable relative to the camera to prevent binding or tangling of a camera strap to which the couplers are connected.
US09140957B2 Mach-Zehnder modulator arrangement and method for operating a Mach-Zehnder modulator arrangement
An electro-optic Mach-Zehnder modulator arrangement includes first and second optical waveguides forming, respectively, first and second arms of the Mach-Zehnder modulator. An electrode arrangement includes a first waveguide electrode output port coupled to the first waveguide electrodes a second waveguide electrode arranged on top of a capacitive segment of the first and the second optical waveguides, respectively, such that a voltage can be applied across the capacitive segments of the first and second optical waveguide. At least one driver unit supplies a voltage to the electrode arrangement. The driver unit includes first and second output ports coupled, respectively, to the first and second waveguide electrodes. The driver unit supplies first and second varying signals to the first and second waveguide electrodes via the first and second output ports, respectively. A non-grounded conductive region connects the capacitive segments of the first and second optical waveguides to each other.
US09140955B2 Electro-optic modulators
The invention relates to a Mach-Zehnder modulator comprising a first optical waveguide forming a first modulator arm and a second optical waveguide forming a second modulator arm of the Mach-Zehnder modulator, an electrode arrangement comprising a plurality of first waveguide electrodes for applying a voltage across the first optical waveguide and a plurality of second waveguide electrodes for applying a voltage across the second optical waveguide, at least one electrically conductive connecting element generating a short-circuit between at least one of the first waveguide electrodes and at least one of the second waveguide electrodes. The electrode arrangement is a travelling wave electrode arrangement further comprising a first and a second electrical line extending at least partially parallel to the first and second optical waveguide. The first and the second waveguide electrodes are connected to the first and second electrical lines via connecting structures.
US09140954B2 Reflective type display device
A reflective type display device is provided, and includes a drive layer that includes pigment particles containing at least two colors of pigments, and transparent electrodes provided on a top surface and a bottom surface of drive layer, respectively, so as to drive the pigment particles. The drive layer includes transparent particles provided among the pigment particles. In the reflective type display device, the pigment particles are arranged among the transparent particles that form the drive layer and a lighting device is disposed on the bottom surface of the drive layer. Thus, uniform lighting may be provided even in a dark environment regardless of the size of the display device.
US09140952B2 Electrophoretic display with enhanced contrast
The present invention is directed to an electrophoretic display with enhanced contrast. The invention is directed to an electrophoretic display comprising: a first layer comprising a common electrode, a second layer comprising at least one collecting pixel electrode, a plurality of display cells which are sandwiched between the first layer and the second layer and are filled with an electrophoretic fluid comprising charged pigment particles dispersed in a solvent or solvent mixture; and a background layer. More specifically, the invention provides an electrophoretic display having the dark color state darker while maintaining the same intensity of the lighter color state.
US09140949B2 Array substrate, display panel, display device and method for driving array substrate
Embodiments of the invention provide an array substrate, a display panel, a display device and a method for driving an array substrate. The array substrate includes gate lines, data lines, pixel TFTs and pixel electrodes and compensation capacitors on the array substrate; in every two adjacent rows of gate lines in at least a part of the rows on the array substrate, pixel TFTs connected with one gate line are a first type of TFTs, and pixel TFTs connected with an other gate line are a second type of TFTs; and in the at least a part of the rows, each of the pixel electrodes is arranged correspondingly with one of the compensation capacitors, and each of the compensation capacitors has one end electrically connected to the pixel electrode corresponding thereto and another end electrically connected to a gate line in a next row.
US09140948B2 Liquid crystal display panel having a light blocking electrode
A liquid crystal display panel with enhanced image quality is disclosed. The liquid crystal display panel has a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of data lines, a plurality of thin film transistors connected to gate line and data line, a plurality of pixel electrodes, and floating electrode(s). The floating electrode extends along the data line to prevent light leakage and vertical crosstalk. Throughout the whole liquid crystal display panel, the floating electrode is electrically interconnected to lessen vertical crosstalk.
US09140947B2 Array substrate, method for repairing the same and display apparatus
Embodiments of the present invention provide an array substrate, a method for repairing the array substrate and a display apparatus. The array substrate comprises: a thin film transistor; a pixel electrode; a gate line and a data line crossing with each other; and a repairing layer connected electrically to the pixel electrode, wherein the repairing layer has an area within a preset area range of the repairing layer which depends on an area of a repairing light spot, and wherein the repairing layer has a pattern comprising at least one hollow portion.
US09140946B2 Pixel structure that increases response speed of liquid crystal
The present invention provides a pixel structure that increases response speed of liquid crystal, which includes a first thin-film transistor, a second thin-film transistor, an upper substrate, a lower substrate opposite to the upper substrate, pixel electrodes arranged on the lower substrate, a common electrode arranged on the upper substrate, and assisting electrodes arranged on the lower substrate. The assisting electrodes are arranged to be each sandwiched between every two pixel electrodes. The first thin-film transistor includes a first drain terminal, a first source terminal, and a first gate terminal. The second thin-film transistor includes a second drain terminal, a second source terminal, and a second gate terminal. The pixel electrodes are electrically connected to the second drain terminal. The assisting electrodes are electrically connected to the first drain terminal.
US09140939B2 Liquid crystal display and manufacturing method thereof
A manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display includes forming a sacrificial layer on a liquid crystal panel, forming an etch stop layer on the sacrificial layer, forming a photo resist pattern on the etch stop layer, completing the etch stop layer using the photo resist pattern as a mask, ashing the photo resist pattern and the sacrificial layer by using the completed etch stop layer as a mask, forming a microcavity by removing a portion of the sacrificial layer and forming a liquid crystal layer in the microcavity.
US09140937B2 Display panel
A display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, a color filter layer, a first pixel unit, a second pixel unit, and a third pixel unit. The liquid crystal layer includes optically isotropic liquid crystals. The first pixel unit, the second pixel unit and the third pixel unit form a first electric field, a second electric field and a third electric filed in the liquid crystal layer. A first display light, a second display light and a third display light displayed by the first pixel unit, the second pixel unit and the third pixel unit have different wavelengths. The first electric field, the second electric field and the third electric field are different when the first pixel unit, the second pixel unit and the third pixel unit are applied by a same driving voltage set.
US09140935B2 Liquid crystal display device
In an array substrate, a first pixel is arranged at one end of an active area, and a second pixel is arranged adjacent to the first pixel more inside of the active area than the first pixel. A common electrode extends to the first and second pixels, and an insulating layer is formed on the common electrode. First and second pixel electrodes are formed on the insulating layer in the first and second pixels. The pixel electrodes include electrode portions forming slits facing the common electrode. A second substrate includes a shield layer arranged outside the active area. The first pixel electrode is formed more widely than the second pixel electrode, and extends to outside of the active area. The first pixel electrode includes an extending portion extending to outside of the active area and facing the shield layer.
US09140932B2 Liquid crystal display and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a manufacturing method thereof; the LCD comprises a backlight module and a display panel; an included angle ⊖pb is between a normal direction of a light emission surface of the backlight module and a normal direction of a light emission surface of the display panel. By changing the relative positions of the display panel and the backlight module, the LCD and the manufacturing method thereof of the present invention decrease the phenomenon of asymmetrical light field in the LCD.
US09140931B2 Backlight module and liquid crystal display device
The present invention relates to a backlight module and a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, and the backlight module comprises: a back plate disposed at the bottom of the backlight module; light emitting diode (LED) light sources disposed on the back plate; and a diffusion plate disposed on a light output surface of the backlight module. There are different distances between the LED light sources disposed in different areas of the back plate and the diffusion plate. By adopting different height of LED light sources in different areas of the back plate, the display quality of the backlight module and the LCD device according to the present invention can be increased.
US09140929B2 Optical assembly, backlight unit and display apparatus thereof
The present invention relates to an optical assembly, a backlight unit, and a display apparatus thereof. According to an embodiment of the present invention, an optical assembly includes a first layer, a plurality of light sources disposed over the first layer, a second layer that is disposed above the first layer and covering the plurality of light sources, and at least one reflection layer between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the reflection layer includes at least a first portion and a second portion having different reflectances.
US09140922B2 Display device and electronic unit
The display device with high detection accuracy includes: display pixel electrodes; a common electrode; a display function layer; a display control circuit performing image display control by applying a pixel voltage to each of the display pixel electrodes and applying a common drive voltage to the common electrode, the common drive voltage inverting in synchronization with a drive cycle of the image display control; a touch detection electrode cooperating with the common electrode to form a capacitor; and a touch detection circuit detecting an external proximity object, based on a detection signal obtained from the touch detection electrode in response to the common drive voltage applied to the common electrode. The touch detection circuit performs the detection operation in a inversion period following an inversion timing of the common drive voltage, based on both first and second detection signals obtained before and after the inversion timing, respectively.
US09140918B2 Structure of liquid crystal module
The present invention provides a structure of a liquid crystal module, which includes a backlight module, a mold frame mounted on the backlight module, a liquid crystal display panel mounted on the mold frame, an adaptor mounted to the backlight module, and a bezel mounted on the adaptor. The adaptor includes a connection board and a positioning board perpendicularly connected to the connection board. The connection board is mounted to the backlight module. The liquid crystal display panel is positioned against the positioning board. The bezel is fixedly connected to the positioning board. Through the arrangement of the adaptor for positioning the liquid crystal display panel, the distance between an edge of an opening of the bezel that is mounted to the adaptor and an edge of a black matrix of the liquid crystal display panel can be kept constant.
US09140917B2 Method of forming structure including micropattern, method of forming nanopattern, and method of manufacturing display panel for liquid crystal display
A method of forming a micropattern structure includes: coating a structure including a plurality of guide blocks extending in a first direction on a substrate and disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction, with a sacrificial material; ashing a portion of the sacrificial material to expose upper portions of the plurality of guide blocks; coating the structure with a first material having a polarity that is contrary to a polarity of a filling material filling the structure; heat-treating the structure to chemically bond the first material to the upper portions of the plurality of guide blocks; removing the sacrificial material and excess first material to form a first material cap chemically bonded to the upper portions of the plurality of guide blocks; and filling the structure with the filling material.
US09140915B2 Semiconductor device comprising a plurality of sensors
A variable capacitor is formed from a pair of electrodes and a dielectric interposed between the electrodes over a substrate, and an external input is detected by changing capacitance of the variable capacitor by a physical or electrical force. Specifically, a variable capacitor and a sense amplifier are provided over the same substrate, and the sense amplifier reads the change of capacitance of the variable capacitor and transmits a signal in accordance with the input to a control circuit.
US09140914B1 Apparatus and method for stabilizing the temperature of a photonic circuit
A temperature-stabilized photonic circuit comprising: a material platform; a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible, photonic device integrated on the material platform, wherein the photonic device has a positive thermo-optic coefficient; and a liquid crystal layer clad over the photonic device, wherein the liquid crystal layer has a negative thermo-optic coefficient such that the temperature of the circuit is passively stabilized through adjustment of the effective refractive index of the photonic device.
US09140913B2 Liquid-crystal projector
A liquid-crystal projector includes: liquid-crystal panel sections a first illumination section including a red light source, red light emitted from the red light source being applied to a liquid-crystal panel section; a second illumination section including a green light source, a blue light source and a polarizing beam splitter that splits green light emitted from the green light source into p-polarized light and s-polarized light, the green s-polarized light being applied to a liquid-crystal panel section, the green p-polarized light and blue light being applied to a liquid-crystal panel section on the same optical path; a cross dichroic mirror that combines images displayed on liquid-crystal panel sections; a projection lens that projects the combined image; and a control unit that controls on/off states of the red light source, the green light source and the blue light source based on an input video signal to display respective images on the liquid-crystal panel sections.
US09140908B2 Silicone hydrogel contact lenses
Silicone hydrogel contact lenses are formed from the reaction product of a polymerizable composition comprising at least one hydrophilic vinyl amide-containing monomer, at least one acrylate-containing siloxane monomer, and at least one hydrophilic vinyl ether-containing monomer. The contact lenses have ophthalmically-acceptable surface wettability and can be manufactured without the use of volatile organic solvents.
US09140906B1 Adjustable in-situ device to stabilize and maintain positioning of eyewear on a user
Devices for eyewear and eyeglasses providing in situ adjustability to stabilize and maintain positioning of the eyewear and/or eyeglasses on a user are disclosed. The devices are further suitable for use in conjunction with a retainer strap and/or integrated with a retainer strap. The devices are further suitable for integration into the manufacture of eyewear and/or eyeglasses. Embodiments of the device and methods of employing the same are set forth.
US09140904B2 Light emitting device and backlight module
A light emitting device includes a laser light source, a converging lens, and a diverging lens. The laser light source is configured to emit combined red, green, and blue laser beams. The combined red, green, and blue laser beams appear to be collimated white light beams. The converging lens is configured to receive the collimated white light beams. The diverging lens faces the converging lens and is configured to diverge the collimated white light beams exiting from the converging lens. A distance between the diverging lens and the converging lens is larger than the focal length of the converging lens.
US09140902B2 Window for covering display device, method for manufacturing window, display device, and method for manufacturing display device
A window covers a display panel including a display area for displaying an image and a non-display area neighboring the display area by a resin. The window includes a window main body including a transmitting area corresponding to the display area and a blocking area neighboring the transmitting area and corresponding to the non-display area; a light blocking layer provided on the window main body corresponding to the blocking area; and a contamination preventing layer provided on a region of the window main body located near or at a border line between the transmitting area and the blocking area. The contamination preventing layer contacts the resin.
US09140899B2 Projection-type display apparatus and control method for projection-type display apparatus as well as control program for projection-type display apparatus
Exemplary embodiments provide a projection-type display apparatus, which can address or realize a reduction in weight and size, a reduction in power consumption, and a reduction in noise, and address or realize a reduction in price, and a control method for the projection-type display apparatus, as well as a control program for the projection-type display apparatus. The projection-type display apparatus includes a solid-state light source that emits light, a mirror device that controls an emitting direction of the incident light to thereby subject the incident light to temporal modulation, and a projecting device that projects the modulated light.
US09140896B2 Active beam shaping system and method using sequential deformable mirrors
An active optical beam shaping system includes a first deformable mirror arranged to at least partially intercept an entrance beam of light and to provide a first reflected beam of light, a second deformable mirror arranged to at least partially intercept the first reflected beam of light from the first deformable mirror and to provide a second reflected beam of light, and a signal processing and control system configured to communicate with the first and second deformable mirrors. The first deformable mirror, the second deformable mirror and the signal processing and control system together provide a large amplitude light modulation range to provide an actively shaped optical beam.
US09140894B2 Electro-wetting display apparatus
An electro-wetting display apparatus includes a first base substrate, a plurality of first electrodes on the first base substrate, an insulating layer which overlaps the first electrodes, a pixel wall on the insulating layer, where the pixel wall partitions a plurality of pixels respectively corresponding to the plurality of first electrodes, a second base substrate which face the first base substrate, a second electrode on the second base substrate and including a plurality of openings, and a fluid between the first base substrate and the second base substrate and in the plurality of pixels. The movement of the fluid in the plurality of pixels is controlled by voltages respectively applied to the first electrodes and the second electrode.
US09140893B1 Electrowetting array substrate and display device
The disclosure of the present invention relates to an electrowetting array substrate and a display device. The electrowetting array substrate comprises a plurality of pixel units. Each pixel unit comprises a common electrode layer, a pixel electrode layer, a hydrophobic dielectric layer provided between the two electrode layers, a non-polar liquid layer spreading on the hydrophobic dielectric layer, and an aqueous electrolyte layer provided between the non-polar liquid layer and the common electrode layer. a surface of the hydrophobic dielectric layer, on which the non-polar liquid layer spreads, is provided with a groove, and the pixel electrode layer is provided with a through hole the position of which corresponds to that of the groove. With such structure, the spread-contract path of the non-polar liquid can be shortened and thus the response rate can be improved. Furthermore, the non-polar liquid can be confined within the pixel unit.
US09140891B2 Electrowetting device
An electrowetting display device comprises a picture element having a first support plate and a second support plate having a space therebetween having a first fluid and a second fluid immiscible with the first fluid. The first support plate comprises a display area, adjoining the space, within which the first fluid is confined and having a first surface adjoining the space. A wall protrudes from the first support plate and is formed outside the display area along a part of the perimeter of the display area. The wall has a second surface facing the display area and adjoining the space. An electrode has a first portion adjacent to the first surface and a second portion adjacent to at least a part of the second surface such that a surface of the second portion including a long side of a cross section of the second portion faces the display area.
US09140889B2 Finder optical system and light metering optical system and image pickup apparatus including the same
A finder optical system includes an erecting optical system, an eyepiece optical system, and a light metering optical system. An optical axis of the light metering optical system is non-parallel to an optical axis of the eyepiece optical system. The light metering optical system includes a first lens having positive refractive power and a second lens having negative refractive power in this order from a side of the erecting optical system to a side of an image sensor, and the second lens is a prism body reflecting a light flux incoming from an incident surface off an inner reflection surface and outputting the light flux from a light outputting surface.
US09140887B2 Microscope system, focus position detection method, and focus position detection program
To provide a microscope system capable of automatically detecting a position of a focus of an optical system relative to an observing object. A light emitted from a laser light source is irradiated on an observing object, and the light reflected by the observing object is guided to a light receiving element. An evaluation value based on a plurality of pixel data is set so as to be smaller than an output upper limit value Emax and greater than a multiplication value En1 of a noise level. The evaluation value is calculated with the set gain while moving the objective lens in an upward direction from a current position zs1. The gain is reduced by a constant amount every time the evaluation value reaches the output upper limit value Emax. The position in the Z direction of the objective lens when the evaluation value becomes a peak is detected.
US09140885B2 Upright and inverted microscope
A dual-configuration microscope is provided. The microscope may be converted into an upright configuration or an inverted configuration. The microscope includes a base having a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion configured to support the microscope. The microscope further includes a body having a first portion, a second portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the first and second portions. The intermediate portion of the body is rotatably coupled to the upper portion of the base at a rotational coupling. The rotational coupling defines a rotating axis that extends in a longitudinal direction with respect to the microscope. The microscope further includes an objective disposed proximal to the first portion and a light source disposed proximal to the second portion.
US09140882B2 Zoom lens, optical apparatus, and method for manufacturing the zoom lens
A zoom lens including, in order from an object: a first lens group having positive refractive power; a second lens group having negative refractive power; a third lens group having positive refractive power; and a fourth lens group having positive refractive power, wherein when f2 denotes a focal length of the second lens group, and fw denotes a focal length of the zoom lens in the wide-angle end state, the following conditional expression being satisfied: 1.90<(−f2)/fw<3.00.
US09140881B2 Voice coil motor
A VCM is disclosed, the motor including a stator including a first driving unit, a rotor arranged inside the stator, including a second driving unit responding to the first driving unit and mounted therein with a lens, a base fixing the stator, and an elastic member coupled to the rotor to float the rotor from the base in a case a driving signal for driving the first and second driving units is not applied to the first and second driving units.
US09140878B2 Photographing lens assembly and image capturing device
A photographing lens assembly includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element, a fifth lens element, and a sixth lens element. The first lens element has positive refractive power. The second lens element has refractive power. The third lens element has positive refractive power. The fourth lens element with refractive power has an object-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof. The fifth lens element with positive refractive power has an object-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof and an image-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof. The sixth lens element with refractive power has an image-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof. The photographing lens assembly has a total of six lens elements with refractive power.
US09140874B2 Methods of controlling jacket bonding with cable armor and water blocking at strength members
A method of making an armored cable having a polymer covering where the bond between the armor and the covering is controlled by introducing particulate matter at the interface of the armor and covering. A filler material is applied to the exterior surfaces of the cable strength elements in order to inhibit the formation of voids in the polymer covering that would otherwise promote water migration along the cable.
US09140873B2 System and method for compensating for distortions in optical fibers
An apparatus and method for compensating for mode-profile distortions caused by bending optical fibers having large mode areas. In various embodiments, the invention micro-structures the index of refraction in the core and surrounding areas of the inner cladding from the inner bend radius to the outer bend radius in a manner that compensates for the index changes that are otherwise induced in the index profile by the geometry and/or stresses to the fiber caused by the bending. Some embodiments of an apparatus and method include a fiber having a plurality of substantially parallel cores, the fiber including a straight section and a curved section; guiding signal light primarily in a second core in the straight section; guiding the signal light from the second core into a first core between the straight section and the curved section; and guiding the signal light primarily in the first core in the curved section.
US09140870B2 Retainer tab assemblies and slack basket systems, fiber optic enclosures and methods including the same
A multi-drop closure system for containing and managing a bundle of optical fibers includes an enclosure and a slack basket system. The enclosure defines a slack basket chamber to hold the bundle of optical fibers. The slack basket system includes a retainer tab assembly mounted in the enclosure. The retainer tab assembly includes a tab member movable between: an open position, wherein the tab member is positioned to provide more open access to the slack basket chamber and thereby enable the bundle of optical fibers to be more easily inserted into, removed from, and/or manipulated in the slack basket chamber; and a retaining position, wherein the tab member overlaps the slack basket chamber to retain the bundle of optical fibers in the slack basket chamber.
US09140861B2 Optical connector having stepped alignment pins
An optical connector has guide pins with stepped profiles. The connector includes a connector body, two or more optical ports, and two or more cylindrical guide pins. Each guide pin has a first portion with a first length, a second portion with a second length, and a transitional portion between the first and second portions. The first portion has a first diameter. The second portion has a second diameter. The second diameter is less than the first diameter.
US09140856B2 Ultra-high power multimode combiner
An ultra-high power fiber laser system includes a multimode combiner which is configured with a plurality of low mode fibers bundled together and tapering toward its downstream end. A clad mode absorber extends along the tapered downstream end and over a portion of the combiner's output fiber. The absorber is configured with adjacent zones which are provided with respective refractive indices. In a forward propagating direction of signal, the upstream zone includes polymeric material with the refractive index higher than that of the cladding of the combiner end fiber. The intermediate zone includes polymeric material configured with a refractive index lower than that of the cladding of the combiner output fiber. The downstream zone is configured with polymeric material having a refractive index lower than that of the cladding of the combiner output fiber and impregnated with a plurality of light diffusers.
US09140855B2 Waveguide structure based on low frequency surface plasmon polaritons
A structure of a low frequency surface plasmon polariton waveguide includes multiple unit cell blocks arranged at a sub-wavelength period to line up in a one-dimensional line-up direction to form a hollow metallic block periodic structure. Each unit cell blocs includes a body, a penetration section, and an open slot. The penetration section is formed in the unit cell block by extending in a direction perpendicular to the one-dimensional line-up direction so as to define a channel space in the unit cell block. In a low frequency spoof surface plasmon polariton transmission mode, in case of serving as a structure of an antenna, each unit cell block has an electromagnetic field distribution mostly confined in a channel space of the unit cell block; and in case of serving as a waveguide, the electromagnetic field is mostly distributed between two adjacent unit cell blocks with minority distributed in the channel space.
US09140852B2 High-density fiber coupling and emission/detection system
An optical system including an array of photonic devices that convert light signals to electrical signals or electrical signals to light signals are coupled together and optically coupled to an array of optic fibers of an information channel. A lens couples optical beams generated to at least one array of photonic devices and the array of optic fibers for an optical communication there-between. The array of photonic devices and the array of optic fibers are respectively arranged in a honeycomb configuration.
US09140850B2 Optical coupling structure and optical fiber amplifier
An optical coupling structure optically coupling a plurality of core portions and a plurality of core portions includes a plurality of first core portions outputting a plurality of lights, a first lens focusing or collimating the plurality of lights outputted from the plurality of first core portions, a second lens focusing the plurality of lights focused or collimated by the first lens, a plurality of second core portions, the plurality of lights focused by the second lens being inputted into the second core portions respectively, and an optical functional component disposed between the first lens and the second lens, the plurality of lights being inputted into the optical functional component. At least one of the first lens and the second lens is configured by a lens or a lens group focusing or collimating the plurality of lights collectively.
US09140849B2 Backlight assembly and liquid crystal display having the same
Provided are a backlight assembly with improved heat dissipation, and a liquid crystal display (LCD) having such a backlight assembly. The backlight assembly includes: a light guide plate; a light source unit disposed on a side of the light guide plate; an intermediate housing covering an upper surface of the light source unit; and a lower housing coupled to the intermediate housing to accommodate the light guide plate and the light source unit, wherein the lower housing includes: a light source unit-fixing frame to which the light source unit is fixed, the light source unit-fixing frame contacting an inner surface of the intermediate housing; and a body portion disposed under the light guide plate and coupled to the light source unit-fixing frame.
US09140844B2 Optical components, systems including an optical component, and devices
A lighting system including a light source capable of generating light, and an optical component optically coupled to receive at least a portion of the light generated by the light source and convert at least a portion of the light so received to a predetermined wavelength such that the light emitted by the lighting system includes light emission from the light source supplemented with light emission at the predetermined wavelength, wherein the optical component including an optical material comprises quantum confined semiconductor nanoparticles. Also disclosed is an optical component comprising a light guide plate and an optical material disposed over at least a portion of a surface of the light guide plate, the optical material comprising quantum confined semiconductor nanoparticles capable of emitting light in a predetermined spectral region. Devices are also disclosed.
US09140843B2 Changing graphics in an apparatus including user interface illumination
An apparatus includes a light guide. A first light input section receives light in a first direction into said light guide. First direction-dependent outcoupling structures selectively couple out light propagating in said first direction in said light guide. A second light input section receives light in a second direction into said light guide. Said second direction is different than said first direction. Second direction-dependent outcoupling structures selectively couple out light propagating in said second direction in said light guide.
US09140842B2 Display device
A display device includes a display panel, a light guide plate which is disposed under the display panel and includes a first side surface, a second side surface connected to one end of the first side surface, and a third side surface connected to the other end of the first side surface, a first light source disposed to face the first side surface and including a plurality of light emitting devices including a first light emitting device to emit a first color light and a second light emitting device to emit a second color light, and a first reflecting member disposed on the second side surface and having a complementary color to a color of the light emitted from a light emitting device, which is disposed closest to the one end of the first side surface, among the plurality of light emitting devices.
US09140841B2 Electronic device and illumination device
According to one embodiment, an electronic device including a display panel, a casing including an opening, a plate-like light guiding member having a part thereof located in the opening, a masking member overlapping with a part of the light guiding member, a projection projecting from the light guiding member around the masking member, a light source provided in the casing to supply light to the light guiding member and emit the light to the outside of the projection, and a power supply unit configured to be switched between a first mode and a second mode.
US09140837B2 Optical member and display device including the same
Disclosed are an optical member and a display device including the same. The optical member includes a wavelength conversion layer to convert a wavelength of an incident light, and an impact absorbing layer on the wavelength conversion layer.
US09140834B2 Method and device for producing color pattern by means of diffraction gratings
In the method for creating color patterns for technical applications and visible for the human eye by means of diffraction gratings through light irradiation, diffraction grating arrays are produced directly on a solid body surface in a laser microstructuring process by at least one laser installation in the nanosecond range or in the pico- or femtosecond range, each diffraction grating array being composed of subareas (81) whose longitudinal dimension has a value below the resolving ability of the eye and which contain at least one pixel (81, 82, 83), a pixel being a limited diffraction grating structure for producing a spectral color. The direct application of such color-producing diffraction grating structures to a solid body surface enables a large variety of decorative and authentication possibilities ranging from embossing tools to jewellery.
US09140833B2 Retroreflective sheeting including a low refractive index layer having a plurality of voids
Retroreflective articles and constructions are disclosed. One exemplary retroreflective article or construction includes a retroreflective layer and a low refractive index layer. In one exemplary embodiment, the low refractive index layer is adjacent to at least a portion of a retroreflective structured major surface of the retroreflective layer.
US09140828B2 Apparatus and associated methods related to detection of electromagnetic signalling
In one or more embodiments described herein, there is provided an apparatus including a first layer for detecting electromagnetic signalling, and a second layer positioned proximate to the first layer. The first layer includes graphene, and the second layer is configured to undergo plasmonic resonance in response to receiving electromagnetic signalling. This plasmonic resonance that the second layer undergoes thereby sensitizes the graphene of the first layer to detection of particular spectral characteristics of received electromagnetic signalling corresponding to the particular plasmonic resonance of the second layer.
US09140826B2 Plastic lens and lens barrel
A plastic lens, comprising: a first edge section having a first outer circumferential edge surface formed substantially parallel to an optical axis of the plastic lens; and a second edge section having a second outer circumferential edge surface formed so as to have a step with respect to the first outer circumferential edge surface, wherein the first outer circumferential edge surface is not coated with a black coating material that suppresses internal reflection of light, and at least a portion of the second outer circumferential edge surface is coated with the black coating material that suppresses internal reflection of light.
US09140825B2 Ionic silicone hydrogels
The present invention relates to a process comprising the steps of reacting a reactive mixture comprising at least one silicone-containing component, at least one hydrophilic component, and at least one diluent to form an ophthalmic device having an advancing contact angle of less than about 80°; and contacting the ophthalmic device with an aqueous extraction solution at an elevated extraction temperature, wherein said at least one diluent has a boiling point at least about 10° higher than said extraction temperature.
US09140824B1 Diagnosis and prediction of in-field dry-down of a mature small grain, coarse grain, or oilseed crop using field-level analysis and forecasting of weather conditions, crop characteristics, and observations and user input of harvest condition states
A modeling framework for evaluating the impact of weather conditions on farming and harvest operations applies real-time, field-level weather data and forecasts of meteorological and climatological conditions together with user-provided and/or observed feedback of a present state of a harvest-related condition to agronomic models and to generate a plurality of harvest advisory outputs for precision agriculture. A harvest advisory model simulates and predicts the impacts of this weather information and user-provided and/or observed feedback in one or more physical, empirical, or artificial intelligence models of precision agriculture to analyze crops, plants, soils, and resulting agricultural commodities, and provides harvest advisory outputs to a diagnostic support tool for users to enhance farming and harvest decision-making, whether by providing pre-, post-, or in situ-harvest operations and crop analyzes.
US09140822B2 Long-period vibration sensor and method for correcting output value of the long-period vibration sensor
A long-period vibration sensor includes an overdamped accelerometer including a magnet fixed to the inside of a casing, a detection coil disposed between magnetic poles formed due to the magnet, a bobbin configured to hold the detection coil, and a support spring configured to support the bobbin in the casing so that the bobbin can vibrate in a predetermined direction, a voltage being outputted from the detection coil when the bobbin is damped, a plurality of digital filters having different frequency characteristics from one another, a selection module configured to select one digital filter from the plurality of digital filters based on an output value of the voltage outputted from the overdamped accelerometer, and a correction module configured to correct the output value of the voltage outputted from the overdamped accelerometer using the digital filter selected by the selection module.
US09140817B2 Steerable magnetic dipole antenna for measurement-while-drilling applications
A steerable or non-steerable, magnetic dipole antenna for Measurement-While-Drilling (MWD) or Logging-While-Drilling (LWD) applications. The antenna elements use a hole arrangement in addition to grooves in a steel tool body, which is typically a drill collar. This antenna embodiment is extremely robust, meaning that does not significantly reduce the structural integrity of the tool body in which it is disposed. The antenna embodiment is also relatively wear resistant. The resultant magnetic dipole generated by this antenna is also electrically steerable in inclination angle from a common origin. A variable dipole moment inclination angle combined with independently measured tool rotation orientation during normal drilling allows the antenna to generate a magnetic dipole moment that may be directed at any three dimensional angle and from a common origin point at the centroid of the antenna. The antenna can also be embodied to be more sensitive to resistivity in a particular azimuthal direction.
US09140812B2 Using projection onto convex sets to constrain full-wavefield inversion
Method for stabilizing the updated model (13) in iterative seismic data inversion so that the model-simulated data for the next iteration does not “blow up.” A Projection Onto Convex Sets (“POCS”) operator is defined that converts the matrix corresponding to the model to a positive semi-definite matrix. The stability projection operator may be looped with physical constraint projection operators until the model converges (15). The resulting stable and constrained model is then used to simulate seismic data in the next cycle of the outer iteration loop (16).
US09140801B2 Delayed radio resource signaling in a mobile radio network
An implementation of a system, device and method for communicating location data of a mobile station, enhancing location data, optimally communicating Assistance Data, and/or reducing rebids of Measure Position Request messages in a wireless network.
US09140796B2 System and method for effectively performing enhanced mobile-device location procedures
A system and method for effectively performing enhanced device location procedures to determine the current physical location of a mobile device includes a plurality of satellites that wirelessly transmit satellite beacon signals, a plurality of base stations that wirelessly transmit pilot signals, and a plurality of access points that wirelessly transmit access-point beacon signals. A location detector of the mobile device coordinates a device location procedure by measuring the satellite beacon signals, the pilot signals, and the access-point beacon signals to generate corresponding satellite information, base station information, and access point information. The location detector analyzes the satellite information, the base station information, and the access point information to select an optimal system configuration from the most effective satellites, base stations, and access points. The location detector then utilizes the optimal system configuration to accurately calculate the current physical location of the mobile device.
US09140792B2 System and method for sensor based environmental model construction
A method and system may determine the estimated location of a vehicle, measure a location of an object relative to the vehicle using a sensor associated with the vehicle, and determine an updated vehicle location using the measured relative object location in conjunction with previously stored object locations. The estimated vehicle location may be determined using a system different from that associated with the sensor, for example a GPS system. The object location may be measured relative to a sub-map corresponding to the location of the vehicle.
US09140791B2 Method for functional testing of an ultrasonic sensor on a motor vehicle, method for operating an ultrasonic sensor on a motor vehicle, and distance measuring device having at least one ultrasonic sensor for use in a motor vehicle
In a method for functional testing of an ultrasonic sensor on a motor vehicle, the ultrasonic sensor is controlled in such a way that it emits an ultrasonic signal having a frequency of a secondary mode of the ultrasonic sensor, the ultrasonic signal is reflected by a surface in the region around the vehicle, and at least one transmission path or one transmitting unit of the ultrasonic sensor is classified as functional if the reflected signal is received by the ultrasonic sensor itself or by another ultrasonic sensor on the motor vehicle.
US09140789B2 Forward facing sensing system for vehicle
A vehicular forward facing sensing system includes a radar sensor device disposed within an interior cabin of a vehicle and having a sensing direction forward of the vehicle. An image sensor is disposed within the interior cabin of the vehicle and has a viewing direction forward of the vehicle. A control includes an image processor, which is operable to analyze images captured by the image sensor in order to, at least in part, detect an object present forward of the vehicle. The control, at least in part, determines that a potentially hazardous condition may exist in the path of forward travel of the vehicle. The radar sensor device and image sensor collaborate in a way that enhances the sensing capability of the sensing system for the potentially hazardous condition in the path of forward travel of the vehicle. The image processor processes captured image data utilizing object detection software.
US09140788B2 Ascertaining an indicator for the drive-over capability of an object
In a method for ascertaining whether a target object can be driven over by the controlled motor vehicle, with the aid of frequency-modulated radar signals of a radar sensor, amplitude ratios between received radar signals reflected from the target object are utilized, the received radar signals corresponding to signals which have been transmitted in different frequency ranges. Based on the amplitude ratios, an occurrence of interference between (i) a first radar signal propagation path between the radar sensor and the target object and (ii) a second propagation path with additional reflection from a road is detected, and based on the detection of an occurrence of interference it is ascertained whether the object can be driven over.
US09140786B2 Method and system using radiometric volumetric data for detecting oil covered by ice
A method for detecting an oil mass covered by ice includes collecting radiometric data different frequencies, corresponding to respective different depths into the ice, using at least one airborne platform moved about a search area above the ice so that the radiometric data defines radiometric volumetric data. The radiometric volumetric data is processed to thereby detect an oil mass covered by the ice.
US09140784B1 Ballistic missile debris mitigation
A method for identification of one or more launched objects obscured by debris objects within a debris field comprises: directing one or more sensor pulses at the debris field to obtain a plurality of sensor images; identifying objects within the debris field based on the sensor images; determining acceleration characteristics for each of the identified objects within the debris field based on the sensor images; identifying objects exhibiting free fall acceleration characteristics as debris objects; and identifying objects exhibiting centripetal acceleration characteristics as the one or more launched objects.
US09140779B2 Method of compensating sub-array or element failure in a phased array radar system, a phased array radar system and a computer program product
The invention relates to a method of compensating sub-array or element failure in a phased array radar system. The method comprises the step of defining a virtual array comprising a multiple number of virtual transceiver tiles preferably arranged halfway all connection lines interconnecting a transmitter tile to a receiver tile. Further, the method comprises the steps of performing phased array radar measurements, and estimating radar data associated with a first transmitter/receiver combination by using radar data associated with a second transmitter/receiver combination, wherein the virtual transceiver tile of the first transmitter/receiver combination substantially coincides with the virtual transceiver tile of the second transmitter/receiver combination.
US09140772B1 Distance measuring quality factor using signal characterization
A system and method for providing a range (distance) measurement by measuring electromagnetic signal time of flight. The system provides an estimate of the quality of the range measurement by evaluation of the multipath environment based on signal characterization. In one embodiment, a received ultra wideband signal is evaluated by a scanning receiver to produce a channel scan waveform inclusive of the transmitted signal and multipath response. The channel scan waveform is evaluated for envelope rise rate, amplitude, leading edge direct path pulse time, saturation, blockage, and signal history characterization. Signal characteristics are used to determine a signal classification. Signals are then evaluated for quality based on the signal classification. In one embodiment, the signal quality is used to estimate a variance of the range estimate for use in navigation algorithms.
US09140770B2 Method for reconstructing a signal from distorted experimental measurements and device for its implementation
A method for acquiring (1) experimental measures with interferences of a physical phenomenon, and for reconstructing (2) a point-by-point signal (3) representative of the phenomenon according to at least one dimension that can vary during the experimental measure acquisition, using at least one simulation model (4) of at least one acquisition chain of the experimental measures including at least one interference, and at least one model (8) of each interference in each acquisition chain, each interference model being determined at least from the measures themselves, wherein the simulation and interference models include adjustable parameters (6, 10) depending on experimental conditions, wherein at least one adjustable parameter of one of the models is coupled to at least one adjustable parameter of the other model, and in that the adjustable parameters are optimized in a coupled manner. A device for MRI imaging, NMR, or medical imaging using such a method is described.
US09140769B2 Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy of low concentration solutes with exchangeable protons using label transfer modules: frequency transfer, inversion transfer, and dephasing transfer
An embodiment of the current invention provides a method for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging or spectroscopy, comprising: (a) selectively exciting exchangeable solute protons or protons of exchangeable solute-based water molecules within a frequency range in a subject using at least one frequency-selective radio frequency (RF) pulse, wherein the frequency range encompasses characteristic resonance frequencies of the exchangeable solute protons or protons of exchangeable solute-based water molecules, wherein the frequency range is substantially non-overlapping with a characteristic resonance frequency of bulk water protons in the subject, wherein the at least one frequency selective RF pulse performs a substantially minimal excitation on the bulk water protons, and wherein the at least one frequency-selective RF pulse, sometimes in combination with a time period that separates the at least one frequency-selective RF pulse, magnetically labels the exchangeable solute protons or the exchangeable solute-based water molecules; (b) allowing a portion of the magnetically labeled exchangeable solute protons to exchange with the bulk water protons or allowing the magnetically labeled exchangeable solute-based water molecules to exchange with bulk water molecules;(c) repeating (a) and (b) a plurality of times to enhance a population size of the magnetically labeled exchangeable solute protons or the magnetically labeled exchangeable solute-based water molecules; (d) irradiating the subject under observation with a water excitation RF pulse that is adapted to excite the bulk water protons; (e) recording a magnetic resonance (MR) signal from the subject under observation in response to the water excitation RF pulse; and (f) analyzing the recorded MR signal to estimate a quantity associated with the exchangeable solute protons or the exchangeable solute-based water molecules.
US09140767B2 Isotropic metamaterial lens for magnetic imaging applications
Examples of the present invention include metamaterial lenses that allow enhanced resolution imaging, for example in MRI apparatus. An example metamaterial may be configured to have μ=−1 along three orthogonal axes. Superior performance was demonstrated using such improved designs, and in some examples, imaging resolution better than λ/500 was obtained. The use of one or more lumped reactive elements in a unit cell, such as one or more lumped capacitors and/or one or more lumped inductors, allowed unit cell dimensions and hence resolution to be dramatically enhanced. In some examples, a cubic unit cell was used with an essentially isotropic magnetic permeability of μ=−1 obtained at an operating electromagnetic frequency and wavelength (λ).
US09140766B2 Temperature compensating magneto-resistive sensor for measuring magnetic fields
A magneto-resistive sensor for measuring a magnetic field based on an anisotropic magneto-resistive (AMR) effect or a gigantic magneto-resistive (GMR) effect comprises a substrate and a plurality of resistors that include first magneto-resistive layer strips arranged in form of a bridge circuit on the substrate. The plurality of resistors have a resistance value that depends on a magnetic field strength. At least one second layer strip is connected in series with the first magneto-resistive layer strips of at least one of the plurality of resistors. The first magneto-resistive layer strips have a resistance that depends on temperature according to a first positive temperature coefficient; and the at least one second layer strip has a resistance that depends on temperature according to a second temperature coefficient different from the first temperature coefficient, the second temperature coefficient being non-negative.
US09140764B2 Portable self powered line mounted device and method for measuring the voltage of electric power line conductors
A device for measuring a voltage of an electric power line conductor of a power system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first electrically conductive housing configured to be installed on a first power line conductor and a first virtual grounding member configured to electrically ground a first housing to a first power line conductor voltage. A first measuring resistor is electrically connected between the first virtual grounding member and an electrically isolated lead wire, the electrically isolated lead wire is electrically connected to a first voltage dropping device, the first voltage dropping device is configured to be electrically connected to a second power line conductor. A sensor electronics module is configured to measure a voltage drop across the first measuring resistor, the voltage drop being directly proportional to the voltage between the first power line conductor and the second power line conductor.
US09140763B2 Wireless power transfer test system
A testing system for wireless power transfer systems, including a stationary plate, a rotating plate, and a driver to rotate the rotating plate with respect to the stationary plate.
US09140754B2 Scan-based MCM interconnecting testing
A multi-die chip module (MCM) comprises a first die containing a first test controller and a second die containing a second test controller coupled to the first die via an interconnect. The first test controller is configured to place the first die in either a shift mode or a capture mode. The second controller is configured to place the second die in either the shift mode or the capture mode. After a scan shift operation, scan cells are initialized to predetermined values. During the capture operation one die remains in the shift mode and the other die enters the capture mode so that as test bits are shifted into registers associated with output pads on the die in the shift mode, the other die is in the capture mode and captures signals on input pads associated with that die, enabling scan based at-speed testing of the interconnect.
US09140751B2 Testing integrated circuit packaging for output short circuit current
An electronic package having multiple pins may be tested in parallel for output short circuit current by simulating a direct short to ground by simultaneously connecting multiple output pins directly to ground in order to active a current limiter associated with each of the output pins. The pins are then connected to a resistive connection to ground via a set of resistors; the direct ground is then removed, such that the current limiter associated with each of the output pins remains activated. A voltage drop across each of the set of resistors is measured simultaneously. An output short circuit current fault is indicated when the voltage drop across any of the resistors exceeds a threshold value corresponding to a maximum output short circuit current value.
US09140749B2 Test apparatus
An existing test head is made best use of and a capital investment is reduced. A test apparatus for testing a plurality of devices under test includes: a plurality of test heads for retaining therein at least one test board to test devices under test; a connecting section mounted on upper surfaces of the plurality of test heads and is independently fixed to each of the plurality of test heads; and a DUT board on which the plurality of devices under test are mounted, the DUT board being mounted to the connecting section, where the at least one test board is mountable and removable through a side surface of each of the plurality of test heads while the connecting section is mounted to the test head.
US09140744B2 Doubly-fed induction generator system and the self-test method for the active crowbar circuit thereof
Provided is a doubly-fed induction generator system and a self-test method for the active crowbar circuit of the doubly-fed induction generator system. The invention is featured by using the controller of the doubly-fed induction generator system to carry out a self-test procedure to detect the loop current of the active crowbar circuit for determining if the active crowbar circuit can be turned on and off normally. Also, the rotor-side converter and the active crowbar circuit of the doubly-fed induction generator system are forbidden to turn on simultaneously during the execution of the self-test procedure.
US09140742B2 Method of measuring a silicon thin film, method of detecting defects in a silicon thin film, and silicon thin film defect detection device
A method of measuring conductivity of a silicon thin film is provided. By the method, a capacitive sensor is positioned over a silicon thin film sample with an air-gap between the sensor and the sample, a size of the air-gap is measured using the capacitive sensor while an excitation light source module is turned off, an excitation light is illuminated on the silicon thin film sample by turning on the excitation light source module, where the excitation light is an ultraviolet light, a conductivity change of the silicon thin film sample is measured using the capacitive sensor, and a measurement error due to a deviation of the air-gap is eliminated by normalizing the conductivity change based on a measurement result of the size of the air-gap.
US09140733B2 Detector circuit
A detector circuit can be used for determining the reflection coefficients of HF signals in a signal path. The detector circuit includes a bidirectional hybrid coupler, logarithmic amplifiers connected to the hybrid couple, and a subtractor having an offset connection.
US09140732B2 Arc resistance performance evaluation device, arc resistance performance evaluation system, and arc resistance performance evaluation method
The present device includes a high frequency induction thermal plasma generation unit 10; a second tube portion 20, which is connected to a first tube portion 13 and which includes window 25 on at least one side surface; and a testing subject installing pedestal 23 configured to be fixedly attached at a reference position in the second tube portion 20, wherein the testing subject installing pedestal 23 includes a seating portion for installing the testing subject 40, and a hold-down portion for fixing the installed testing subject 40 with a part of the testing subject exposed; and an ablated vapor generated from the testing subject is observed through the window from an outer side of the second tube portion.
US09140731B2 Algorithm and implementation system for measuring impedance in the D-Q domain
A controller and infrastructure for an impedance analyzer measures responses to perturbations to respective phases of a multi-phase system at an interface between stages thereof (which may be considered as a source and load in regard to each other), such as a multi-phase electrical power system, to determine a transfer function for each phase of the multi-phase system from which the impedance of each of the source and load can be calculated, particularly for assessing the stability of the multi-phase system.
US09140730B2 Signal analysis apparatus and signal analysis method
To provide a signal analysis apparatus and a signal analysis method which can expand a dynamic range. A spectrum analyzer 1 includes a frequency conversion unit 10 that includes an S-ATT 11 which adjusts the level of an analog input signal and converts the input signal into a predetermined intermediate frequency signal, a V-ATT 21 that adjusts the level of an output signal from the frequency conversion unit 10, an ADC 23 that converts an output signal from the V-ATT 21 into a digital signal, an f-response correction filter 24 that corrects the frequency response of an output signal from the ADC 23, and a noise floor level subtraction unit 25 that subtracts the noise level of the ADC 23 from a noise floor level indicating an overall noise level of the S-ATT 11 to the f-response correction filter 24 in a predetermined frequency band.
US09140728B2 Compressor sensor module
A sensor module for a compressor having an electric motor connected to a power supply and a processor disposed within an electrical enclosure of the compressor is provided, with the electrical enclosure being configured to house electrical terminals for connecting the power supply to the electric motor. The sensor module includes a first input connected to a voltage sensor that generates a voltage signal corresponding to a voltage of the power supply and a second input connected to a current sensor that generates a current signal corresponding to a current of the power supply. The processor is connected to the first and second inputs. The processor may calculate a power factor of the compressor, detect an unexpected variation in the power supply, and/or detect a mechanical malfunction of the compressor based on the voltage measurements and the current measurements.
US09140726B2 Support body for contact terminals and probe card
A support body for a plurality of contact terminals included in a probe card for inspecting semiconductor devices formed in a semiconductor substrate is provided. The support body includes a main body formed by stacking a plurality of plate-shaped members, a plurality of contact terminal holes formed through the main body in a thickness direction of the plate-shaped members, and one or more coolant paths provided in the main body. Further, the contact terminals respectively are inserted into the contact terminal holes.
US09140725B2 Resistivity-measuring device
A resistivity-measuring device comprising: a carrier platform used for loading a plurality of products under measure; a material-incoming conveyor, on which the carrier platform is disposed, and comprising a material-incoming guide wheel group for moving the carrier platform horizontally; a probe module, used for measuring the resistance of the products under measure; a probe position regulating mechanism, disposed on the material-incoming conveyor and connected to the probe module for elevating the probe module vertically and moving the probe module horizontally; a revolving machine, connected to the material-incoming conveyor for receiving and transferring a plurality of products under measure from the material-incoming conveyor, wherein a transferring direction of the revolving machine is adjustable; and a controller, electrically connected to the material-incoming conveyor, the probe module, the probe position regulating mechanism and the revolving machine. The resistivity-measuring device achieves automatic measuring resistivity, increases the efficiency of measurement, and reduces labor power cost.
US09140724B1 Compensating resistance probing tip optimized adapters for use with specific electrical test probes
A compensating resistance adapter spans the distance from a mechanical point of contact of an electrical test probe and at least one signal testing point. The compensating resistance adapter has at least one transmission path extending longitudinally therewith. At least one compensating network is configured with the transmission path and positioned substantially near the probing end thereof. For preferred compensating resistance adapters, the at least one compensating network compensates for inductance caused by the conductive connector adapter. For preferred compensating resistance adapters, the at least one compensating network when used in combination with the electrical test probe is optimized to the signal testing point. Exemplary preferred compensating resistance adapters include a probing blade adapter, a twisted pair adapter, a Y-lead adapter, and a swivel pogo tip pair adapter.
US09140723B2 Signal acquisition probe storing compressed or compressed and filtered time domain impulse or step response data for use in a signal measurement system
A signal acquisition probe stores compressed or compressed and filtered time domain data samples representing at least one of an impulse response or step response characterizing the signal acquisition probe. The compressed or compressed and filtered time domain data samples of the impulse response or the step response are provided to a signal measurement instrument for compensating the signal measurement instrument for the impulse or step response of the signal measurement instrument.
US09140720B2 Feedback controller in probe microscope utilizing a switch and a inverter
A method of measuring properties of a sample, the method comprising: measuring a deflection of a cantilever of a COIFM; measuring a voltage at an actuator contacting the cantilever and configured to counteract the deflection of the cantilever; measuring a voltage at a scan signal source, wherein the scan signal source is communicably coupled to the piezotube and configured to move the piezotube along an X- and a Y-axis; measuring a voltage at a feedback controller, wherein the feedback controller is communicably coupled to the piezotube and configured to move the piezotube along a Z-axis; switching a switch from a first position to a second position; switching the switch to a third position; correlating at least one of the measurements to (i) a repulsive force, and (ii) an attractive force.
US09140718B2 Speed sensor identification
A method of initializing speed sensors in a rotational system is used determine a sensor spacing. An indexing feature is identified at each of two locations on an outer circumference of a wheel path corresponding to two speed sensors, as well as the speed of the wheel. The spacing of the sensors is then determined.
US09140716B2 Display system for vehicle and vehicle
A display system of the present invention for a vehicle includes plural speed display areas which are capable of being simultaneously displayed, such as a first speed display area and a second speed display area, and a display controlling section causing predetermined one of speed display areas to display speed and for causing other one or more of speed display areas to display information other than speed according to necessity. This allows decrease in false recognition of the speed. With this, a display system for a vehicle can be provided, the display system being able to improve safety of driving by a user by getting rid of false recognition of speed, which is important information for safe driving.
US09140713B2 Method for operating an automated sample workcell
A method of operating the automated sample workcell for processing one or more biological samples is presented. The method comprises receiving one or more biological samples. Each biological sample is contained in a sample tube. Each sample tube is a tube type. If a test order was received for at least one of the biological samples, the test order being indicative of one or more first processing steps, the workcell can automatically execute the one or more first processing steps. If the test order was not received, one or more second processing steps can be determined based on the tube type of the sample tube that contains the at least one biological sample and the one or more second processing steps can then be executed.
US09140711B2 Determination of vitamin D metabolites in dried blood
Method and test kit for quantitative determination of Vitamin D metabolites in blood, wherein a predetermined amount of blood is pre-analytically immobilized on a solid sorption material. Thereby, hemolysis of the blood has no effect on the analysis of vitamin D metabolites. For quantitative analysis the dried blood spot on the sorption material is dissolved with an aqueous solvent buffer containing detergent, pH 7.0 to 10.0, and the vitamin D metabolites are eluted with a protic organic solution having a permittivity of less than 35. The eluate is analyzed for vitamin D metabolites using conventional methods.
US09140708B2 Diagnostic methods
Described herein are methods for identifying a mammal having a heightened susceptibility to enamel erosion, together with kits therefor and uses and methods related thereto.
US09140706B2 Labeling reagents and methods of their use
The present disclosure is directed to a reactive ester agent capable of conjugating a reporter molecule to a carrier molecule or solid support. The reactive ester agent has the general formula: wherein the variables are described throughout the application.
US09140705B2 Tumor suppressor killin
The present invention relates to a new tumor suppressor, designated Killin. Also described are diagnostic and therapeutic uses of the Killin protein and the killin gene, alone or in combination with traditional cancer therapies.
US09140703B2 Combined F2-isoprostane and myeloperoxidase detection, a risk indicator for cardiovascular disease
Diagnostic tests for characterizing an individual's risk of developing or having a cardiovascular disease. In one embodiment the present diagnostic test comprises determining the level of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in a bodily sample obtained from the individual or test subject. In another embodiment, the diagnostic test comprises determining the level of MPO mass in a bodily sample obtained from the test subject. In another embodiment, the diagnostic test comprises determining the level of one or more select MPO-generated oxidation products in a bodily sample obtained from the test subject. The select MPO-generated oxidation products are dityrosine, nitrotyrosine, methionine sulphoxide or an MPO-generated lipid peroxidation products. Levels of MPO activity, MPO mass, or the select MPO-generated oxidation product in bodily samples from the test subject are then compared to a predetermined value that is derived from measurements of MPO activity, MPO mass, or the select MPO-generated oxidation product in comparable bodily samples obtained from healthy controls. Such comparison characterizes the test subject's risk of developing CVD.
US09140702B2 Immunoreactive protein orthologs of Ehrlichia canis and E. chaffeensis
The present invention concerns gp36 immunoreactive compositions for E. canis and gp 47 immunoreactive compositions for E. chaffeensis. In particular, epitopes for E. canis gp36 and E. chaffeensis gp 47 are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the immunoreactive compositions comprise tandem repeats having carbohydrate moieties.
US09140701B2 Fibrinogen immune complexes to diagnose and guide therapy in rheumatoid arthritis
Compositions and methods are provided for prognostic classification of rheumatoid arthritis disease patients into subtypes, which subtypes are informative of the patient's need for therapy and responsiveness to a therapy of interest.
US09140694B2 Assay system
An assay apparatus comprising: i) an assay cartridge (52, 53) comprising at least one well (57-62) and a pipette (50) positionable in at least one said well; ii) a holder arranged to received said cartridge; iii) drive means operable to position said pipette in selected wells of said cartridge; iv) a gas pressure applicator couplable to said pipette whereby to cause liquid flow through said membrane; and v) a radiation detector operable to detect radiation from a well of said cartridge of said cartridge or from said pipette.
US09140692B1 Methods of identifying glycopeptides recognized by disease-associated auto-antibodies
Methods for identifying glycopeptides and more particularly glycopeptide epitopes that are specifically recognized by disease-associated auto-antibodies are provided. In some aspects the auto-antibodies are cancer-associated or autoimmune disease associated. In other aspects, methods of diagnosing a patient with cancer or an autoimmune disease, or for eliciting an immune response in a mammalian host directed to the glycopeptides of the invention are provided.
US09140688B2 Sperm staining and sorting methods
A method of sex sorting sperm is disclosed. The sperm may be stained with a DNA selective fluorescent dye, which fluoresces when excited, a dead quenching dye, which selectively quenches fluorescence emitted by the DNA selective fluorescent dye within the membrane of compromised sperm, and a split enhancing dye. The stained sperm may then sorted into one or more gender enriched subpopulations of viable sperm.
US09140687B2 Renal cell carcinoma biomarkers
Disclosed herein is a method of identifying a tumor biomarker. In one example, a tumor biomarker is identified by obtaining a peripheral biological fluid sample from a subject with a tumor as well as a tumor sample and an adjacent non-tumor sample from such subject. A protein expression profile is detected in the peripheral biological fluid sample, tumor sample and adjacent non-tumor sample. The protein expression profiles of the peripheral biological fluid sample, tumor sample and adjacent non-tumor sample are then compared, wherein an increase in expression of a specific protein in the tumor sample and peripheral biological fluid sample but not in the adjacent non-tumor sample indicates that the specific protein is a biomarker of the tumor. Also disclosed herein is a gene profiling signature that can be used to diagnosis a subject with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) or to identify agents with therapeutic potential to treat RCC. Thus, methods of diagnosing a subject with RCC are disclosed. Methods are also provided for identifying agents that alter an activity of a RCC biomarker.
US09140686B2 Biomarkers for diagnosing liver disease
The present invention provides biomarkers and a method for diagnosing a liver disease in a subject such as steatosis, inflammatory liver disease, NASH, and NAFLD. The invention also relates to tools for carrying out the aforementioned methods, such as diagnostic devices.
US09140683B2 Single chip having the chemical sensor and electronics on the same die
A semiconductor die includes a chemical sensor, a digital to analog converter, and microcontroller formed therein. The chemical sensor detects the presence of a chemical and outputs an analog signal to the digital to analog converter. The analog to digital converter converts the analog signal to a digital signal. The analog to digital converter outputs the digital signal to the microcontroller. Microcontroller calculates a value of the concentration of the selected chemical.
US09140681B2 Method for quantitatively determining eyelash clumping
A method for quantifying clumping in fibrous materials is disclosed herein. In some examples, the method may be utilized for quantifying clumping in keratinous materials such as eyelashes when a composition such as mascara is applied thereto.
US09140680B2 Method for detecting water-in-fuel after refueling event
A method, comprising generating a water-in-fuel indication responsive to a water-in-fuel content increasing more than a threshold amount within a threshold time of a refueling event is presented.
US09140679B2 Process for characterizing corrosivity of refinery feedstocks
A method for characterizing refinery feedstocks according to their corrosivity is provided. The characterization is based on any of: dissociation of acids in the crude, breakup of naphthenic acid molecular associations, and/or dissociation of sulfur compounds in the feedstocks. In one embodiment, the characterization is done via vibrational spectroscopic measurements over a range of temperature, e.g., from ambient to 700° F. The method can be practiced in any of refinery, terminal, and laboratories. It can be used in conjunction with models and hardware to optimize the usage of refinery feedstocks in the blending and valuation of the feedstocks.
US09140677B2 Methods and apparatus for artificial olfaction
In exemplary implementations of this invention, an electronic olfactor determines whether a scent being tested matches the scent of a positive control. The electronic olfactor can perform this scent matching even in a changing olfactory environment, and even if the positive control scent is a combination of hundreds or thousands of different odorants. No prior training is needed, and no attempt is made to identify a single odorant that is unambiguously responsible for a scent. Instead, a computer compares the total scent pattern of a positive control sample with the total scent pattern of a test sample, across a sweep of many permutations of electrical inputs to scent sensors, to try to find any condition under which the total scent patterns do not match. If such a condition cannot be found, then the computer declares a match between the test and target scents.
US09140676B2 Smoke detection system and method for operating a smoke detection system
A smoke detection system includes at least one smoke detector which is installed in a first partial region of a region to be monitored by way of the smoke detection system. The smoke detection system further includes at least one fluid injection device which is configured to inject a fluid into the region to be monitored by way of the smoke detection system in a direction of at least one smoke detector such that in an emergency case, when smoke is present in a second partial region of the region to be monitored the smoke is transported to the at least one smoke detector.
US09140675B2 Test system
According to the present invention, a test system 1 that tests a mobile body such as a vehicle, a vessel, and a plane, or an instrument used in the mobile body as an object, and is operable by switching among different operational modes, can accumulate an operating period of a component much more accurately than conventional system, and includes an accumulated operating-time calculating unit 46 for accumulating the operating time of the component, and the accumulated operating-time calculating unit 46 accumulates the operating time of the component only in the predetermined operational mode.
US09140672B2 Calibration block and method
A calibration block and method for sensitivity calibration. The calibration block has a curved calibration surface having a central axis and a surface for coupling to a transducer element of an angular scanning phased array ultrasonic testing scanner. The block is configured such that the surface positions the transducer such that its scanning axis is coaxial with the central axis of the curved calibration surface.
US09140671B2 Quantitative sensor and manufacturing method thereof
A quantitative sensor and manufacture method thereof are disclosed. This quantitative sensor has a dual-mode film bulk acoustic resonator structure to achieve desirable performances in sensitivity, accuracy and efficiency. Furthermore, this quantitative sensor serves as a fluid sensor when a fluid detection metal layer is formed in a sample-receiving chamber; and this quantitative sensor may also serve as a bio sensor when biocompatible metal layer and a bio-sensing layer are formed in the sample-receiving chamber instead of the fluid detection metal layer.
US09140668B2 Device and method for detecting at least one substance
A device for detecting at least one substance may include a resonator which, on its surface facing away from the carrier, is provided with a chemically sensitive layer for selectively binding a substance that is to be detected. An acoustic mirror is arranged between the carrier and the resonator. The acoustic mirror constitutes a band elimination filter having two closely adjacent notch frequencies, as a result of which the device is capable of oscillating in two resonant frequencies. The mass binding of the substance and the temperature can be determined computationally from the measured resonant frequencies.
US09140662B1 Preventing stray currents in sensors in conductive media
A sensor is provided. The sensor includes a conductive substrate having side-walls; a dielectric layer overlaying a first surface of the conductive substrate, the dielectric layer including a gate dielectric having a first thickness and a field dielectric having a second thickness; a sensing layer overlaying a first surface of the gate dielectric; a non-conductive carrier wherein a second surface of the conductive substrate overlays a portion of the non-conductive carrier; and an insulating layer conformally coating at least the side-walls of the conductive substrate, wherein a first surface of the sensing layer is uncoated by the insulating layer.
US09140658B1 Fluid detection device
Provided is a fluid detection device. The fluid detection device may be used to detect body fluids, for example, blood or urine. The fluid detection device includes a first conductive member on a first side of a non-conductive member which is fluid absorbent, and a second conductive member on a second side of the non-conductive member, wherein the first and second conductive members are arranged across a thickness of the non-conductive member. A voltage is applied across the two conducting members. When body fluid is absorbed by the non-conductive member, its resistance decreases so that measurable current flows between the conducting members and can be sensed and used for alarm or other purposes.
US09140657B2 Detection of J-coupling using atomic magnetometer
An embodiment of a method of detecting a J-coupling includes providing a polarized analyte adjacent to a vapor cell of an atomic magnetometer; and measuring one or more J-coupling parameters using the atomic magnetometer. According to an embodiment, measuring the one or more J-coupling parameters includes detecting a magnetic field created by the polarized analyte as the magnetic field evolves under a J-coupling interaction.
US09140655B2 Mother glass inspection device and mother glass inspection method
The present invention provides a mother glass inspection device and a mother glass inspection method. The inspection device includes: a main body, a platform mounted on the main body, a light absorption layer formed on a top surface of the platform, a laser transmitter mounted on the main body and opposing the platform, and an image sensor arranged above the platform to correspond to the laser transmitter. The platform supports a piece of mother glass to be laid flat thereon. The mother glass inspection device adopts a flat-laying type platform to support a piece of mother glass and provides a light absorption layer on the platform so as to eliminate fault inspection result of the image sensor caused by light reflection by stains present on the back side of the mother glass.
US09140654B2 Inspection apparatus
An inspection apparatus comprising, a light source configured to emit an inspection light, a table configured to mount an inspection target thereon, an illumination optical system configured to direct the inspection light from the light source toward the target, an objective lens unit configured to gather transmitting or reflected light generated after the illumination optical system illuminates the target with the inspection light, a light receiving unit configured to capture an optical image formed from the light illuminated through the objective lens unit, a chamber configured to house the table, light receiving unit, illumination optical system and objective lens unit, a temperature adjustment unit configured to adjust a temperature in the chamber, and a gas supply unit configured to be connected to the objective lens unit to supply an inert gas at a predetermined temperature into the unit.
US09140649B2 Inflatable membrane having non-uniform inflation characteristic
Various improvements to inflatable membranes are disclosed. These improvements include techniques for advantageously controlling the inflation of a membrane within a cavity, such as a human ear canal.
US09140642B2 Spectrophotometer
The spectrophotometer of the present invention measures a spectral reflectance of an object to be measured to thereby determine a color value of the object to be measured based on a color-matching function of an XYZ color system and the spectral reflectance. The spectrophotometer includes an irradiation unit configured to irradiate the object to be measured with light having a spectral intensity distribution in which a relative intensity at a wavelength at which the value of z reaches its peak in the color-matching function is equal to or greater than 0.5.
US09140635B2 Assay for measuring enzymatic modification of a substrate by a glycoprotein having enzymatic activity
Methods of conducting an assay for measuring enzymatic modification of a substrate by a glycoprotein having enzymatic activity are provided. The methods include concentrating the glycoprotein having enzymatic activity by capturing the glycoproteins from the input sample on a solid support, washing the glycoproteins captured on a solid support to remove unbound portions of the input sample, adding an enzyme substrate to the output sample comprising glycoproteins having enzymatic activity, and measuring enzymatic modification of the substrate. In some examples, the capturing of the glycoprotein and subsequent washing steps are performed in one or more droplets in oil.
US09140630B2 Device and method for making discrete volumes of a first fluid in contact with a second fluid, which are immiscible with each other
Various embodiments described in the application relate to an apparatus, system, and method for generating, within a conduit, discrete volumes of one or more fluids that are immiscible with a second fluid. The discrete volumes can be used for biochemical or molecular biology procedures involving small volumes, for example, microliter-sized volumes, nanoliter-sized volumes, or smaller. The system can comprise an apparatus comprising at least one conduit operatively connected to one or more pumps for providing discrete volumes separated from one another by a fluid that is immiscible with the fluid(s) of the discrete volumes, for example, aqueous immiscible-fluid-discrete volumes separated by an oil.
US09140629B2 Assembly for testing the performance of a component
An assembly for testing performance of a component includes a rotatable turret having component handling heads each of which can hold a component and a rotatable head assembly that includes a rotatable head having one or more nests. Each nest has an electrical contact and can receive a component that electrically connects to the nest's electrical contact. Each nest can hold a component that remains electrically connected to the electrical contact, as the head rotates. The rotatable head is adjacent to the turret to pass a component directly from a component handling head on the turret to a nest on the head. A processor is in electrical communication with the electrical contact(s) of the nests such that the processor can send command signals to a component held in a nest and receive response signals from the component. The processor determines the performance of the component from the response signals.
US09140626B2 Motor vehicle test device and motor vehicle test method
A motor vehicle test device and a motor vehicle test method are described. The motor vehicle test device includes a control unit for controlling a predefined test sequence; an operator interface device; and at least one measuring device for measuring at least one vehicle parameter. The motor vehicle test device has a vehicle communication interface and diagnosis software. The control device is developed in such a way that it is able to communicate with at least one control unit of the motor vehicle via the vehicle communication interface.
US09140624B2 Systems and methods reducing coherence effect in narrow line-width light sources
Systems and methods are described for reducing coherence effect in narrow line-width light sources through various modulation techniques. The systems and methods can include a narrow line-width laser source with a thermoelectric cooler thermally coupled thereto and a controller communicatively coupled to the thermoelectric cooler. The controller is configured to provide a varied input signal to the thermoelectric cooler to reduce coherence of the narrow line-width laser source by artificially broadening the narrow line-width on a time averaged basis. The systems and methods can also include direct modulation of the narrow line-width laser source. The systems and methods can include a narrow line-width Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR). The systems and methods can also include direct modulation of the narrow line-width laser source with or without the varied input signal to the thermoelectric cooler.
US09140623B2 Media cross-sectional and axial bend uniformity tester
A media tester including a test body having an axial bore configured to receive media having a minimum bend radius, an adjustment member connected to the test body, the adjustment member configured for rotation about the axial bore of the test body, and a media engaging member connected to the adjustment member, the media engaging member configured to receive the media.
US09140621B2 Arrangement for the direct contacting of contact mechanism and associated connection unit for a pressure measurement cell
An arrangement for the direct contacting of contact mechanism has a first contact mechanism arranged on a contact carrier and a second contact mechanism. The second contact mechanism acts with a predetermined contact force on the first contact mechanism. The contact carrier includes a plastic injection premolding of galvanizable plastic and a nongalvanizable plastic. The galvanizable plastic has a predetermined resilient behavior and the first contact mechanism is formed by a metal layer having predetermined dimensions. The first contact mechanism can be applied onto the galvanizable plastic in a galvanic process. The resilient behavior of the galvanizable plastic and the dimensions of the metal layer form, under the predetermined contact force, a microdepression configured to guide the second contact mechanism in the first contact mechanism. A corresponding connection device for a pressure measurement cell includes such a direct contacting arrangement.
US09140616B2 Electronic socket
An electronic socket is provided. The electronic socket includes a body, a strain gauge, an electronic control module, and a display unit. The body has a driving groove and a passive groove. The driving groove and the passive groove are connected to each other through a channel, wherein the body includes a containing space located on an outside and a recessed groove located in the containing space corresponding to the channel. The strain gauge is disposed in the recessed groove. The electronic control module and a display unit are disposed in the containing space, and the display unit is for showing a data sensed by the electronic control module which obtains from the strain gauge.
US09140608B2 Device and method for processing image for substantially accurately reproduced color images from a camera
An image processing device includes: a demosaicking unit which converts a bayer image from a camera sensor into red, green image and blue images; a first color space conversion unit which converts first camera RGB data into first display R′G′B′ data using a first color space conversion matrix; and a display unit which displays an image using the first display R′G′B′ data, where the first color space conversion matrix is calculated from a relationship in which the product of the first color space conversion matrix and a transpose of a first N×3 matrix is a transpose of a second N×3 matrix, where the first N×3 matrix represents camera RGB data of N number of colors, and the second N×3 matrix represents display R′G′B′ data of the N number of colors calculated by measuring the N number of colors displayed in the display unit using a spectrophotometer.
US09140606B2 Heterodyne off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy
An absorption spectroscopy instrument with a light source for providing a beam of light, a modulator to produce a modulated beam of light, a high finesse optical cavity, means for injecting the modulated beam of light off-axis into the high finesse optical cavity and a detector positioned to receive and measure light exiting through said optical cavity. The detector may be a highly sensitive and high bandwidth detector. The modulator may be a one or two-tone modulator having means, such as a plurality of RF synthesizers, for modulating the light source by one or two tones. If one tone of applied modulation is used, the frequency is larger than the absorption bandwidth of the target chemical. In the case where two tones are used, the first frequency is larger than the absorption bandwidth of the target chemical and the second frequency is small relative to the first frequency.
US09140600B2 Optical proximity sensor and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention is an optical proximity sensor and manufacturing method thereof. The optical proximity sensor has an optical sensing unit, an illuminating unit, multiple transparent gels and a package. The package encapsulates the optical sensing unit and the illuminating unit. The transparent gels are respectively formed on top surfaces of the optical sensing unit and the illuminating unit. The transparent gels respectively have a convex part and a recess formed in the convex part. The package has through holes communicating with the recesses of the transparent gels to form openings. In a step of injecting encapsulant gel, because the transparent gels are still plastic, the protrusions can closely attach to the transparent gels. The encapsulant gel is prevented from forming above the sensing part and the illuminating part.
US09140599B1 Systems and methods for communicating between devices using vibrations
This disclosure relates to systems and methods for sending and receiving messages between two user devices using vibration generation and detection techniques. The devices may be placed in proximity to each other and initiate a solicitation protocol and a communication protocol routine to establish a vibration communication link. The devices may exchange information using information that is encoded into the vibrations that are transferred from one user device to another user device.
US09140594B2 Ultrasonic, flow measuring device
An ultrasonic, flow measuring device, which includes a measuring tube having a straight measuring tube axis, a transmitter for sending an acoustic signal on a first signal path, a receiver for receiving the acoustic signal on the first signal path and at least a first reflection surface, on which the acoustic signal is reflected at least once on the first signal path. The acoustic signal incident on the first reflection surface propagates along a first straight subsection, which has a first separation from the measuring tube axis, wherein the transmitter, the receiver and the first reflection surface are so oriented relative to one another and arranged in or on the measuring tube that the acoustic signal on the first signal path from the first transmitter to the first receiver is so reflected on the at least a first reflection surface that the acoustic signal reflected on the first reflection surface propagates through the measuring tube on the first signal path along a second straight subsection. A surface normal to the first reflection surface has an angle relative to the measuring tube axis, which is other than 90°.
US09140593B2 Smooth bore, chordal transit-time ultrasonic meter and method
A flow element for an ultrasonic flowmeter having a plurality of transducers for analyzing fluid flow in a pipe. The flow element includes a housing having a bore with an internal diameter and a surface through which fluid flows and a plurality of cavities each of which has an opening in the surface. Each of the cavities has one of the plurality of transducers disposed in it. The flow element includes a liner that covers the openings of the cavities which prevents fluid flowing through the bore from entering the cavities.
US09140581B2 Position detector
A position detector includes detection coils for outputting two sinusoidal signals that have phases shifted from each other by 90 degrees; subtractors for eliminating offset components included in output signals DCA and DSC output from the detection coils; an interpolation calculator for converting the two signals DCA and DSC in which the offset components have been eliminated into position information IP; a radius calculator for calculating a root-sum-square of the two signals DC and DS output from the detection coils; correlation calculators for respectively multiplying a fluctuation component RDA of an output from the radius calculator by the signals DCA and DSC in which the offset components have been eliminated; low-pass filters (LPFs) for extracting DC components of output values output from the correlation calculators; and an outputter for outputting offset components including offset displacement fractions based on output values COMDC and SOMDC output from the LPFs.
US09140567B2 Vehicle route calculation
This disclosure describes vehicle route calculation methods including “fitting” route segments between locations reported by a vehicle at different times along a route to create an overall “fitted” route. In certain embodiments, a vehicle management system generates a vehicle management user interface that displays the “fitted” route overlaid on a map. The “fitted” route can provide more useful tracking information to an administrator compared to simply displaying direct routes between known route stops.
US09140565B2 Travel plan generation method and travel plan generation device
The travel plan generation method includes a maximum speed limit section setting step of setting a maximum speed limit section, a low speed allowed section setting step of setting a low speed allowed section which is in front of the maximum speed limit section on the route and is in a low speed allowable distance range from the maximum speed limit section, and a travel plan generation step of generating a travel plan in which the speed of the vehicle is limited to a speed limit or less in the maximum speed limit section and the speed of the vehicle is not reduced to a low discomfort speed or less in sections other than the maximum speed limit section and the low speed allowed section.
US09140564B2 Apparatus of establishing lane information using driving information of vehicle and method of establishing the same
An apparatus for establishing lane information using driving information of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus comprises a map information storing unit storing digital map information and a driving information collecting unit collecting driving information from a plurality of vehicles. An accumulating and compiling statistics unit accumulates the driving information of each vehicle collected by the driving collecting unit and then compiles statistics on the accumulated driving information. A controlling unit generates lane information based on a statistics result of the accumulating and compiling statistics unit and the digital map information. A lane information database stores the lane information generated by the controlling unit.
US09140563B2 Map display apparatus and map display method
A map display apparatus includes an image storage unit that stores images in association with corresponding items of image capturing position information of places where the images were captured; an image information reading unit that reads image capturing position information of a specified image from the image storage unit; an image capturing position displaying unit that displays a map represented by map information on the basis of the image capturing position information; a current position obtaining unit that obtains current position information from a position determining unit determining a current position; a current position displaying unit that displays a map represented by map information on the basis of the obtained current position information; and a map display switching unit that selectively switches between the map information of the image capturing position displaying unit and the map information of the current position displaying unit in response to a display switching instruction.
US09140561B2 Signal verification
A first position of a satellite is calculated at a first time in dependence on received orbit data corresponding to an orbit path of the satellite. An orbit path of the satellite is modeled from the first position at the first time to a second time to determine a second position of the satellite at the second time. A third position of the satellite is then calculated at the second time in dependence on the received orbit data. The second position and third position are compared to determine a validity of the orbit data.
US09140555B1 Navigation using sensor fusion
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for resolving erroneous movement signals and for providing navigation instructions. One of the methods includes receiving data from two or more sensors, synchronizing the received data, determining a first subset of the synchronized data from the camera for a particular period of time and a second subset of the synchronized data from the other sensor for the particular period of time, comparing the first subset with the second subset to determine whether the first subset and the second subset indicate an erroneous movement signal, based on determining that the first subset and the second subset indicate an erroneous movement signal, selecting data for one of the sensors based on a sensor priority scheme for the sensors, and resolving the erroneous movement signal based on the selected data for the one of the sensors.
US09140554B2 Audio navigation assistance
Embodiments that relate to a head-mounted computing device for providing navigation assistance via audio output are disclosed. For example, in one disclosed embodiment depth image and visible image data are used to generate a three-dimensional mesh of at least a portion of an environment. Using the mesh, at least one feature in the environment is detected. When operating in a familiar navigation mode and based on detecting the feature, a first audio navigation cue is outputted to the user. When operating in an unfamiliar navigation mode and based on detecting the feature, a second audio navigation cue is outputted to the user, where the second audio navigation cue differs from the first audio navigation cue.
US09140552B2 User defined names for displaying monitored location
A user's location may be tracked by tracking a device associated with the user. The user's location may be published (e.g. on a website) using a user defined name or some other name that is not related to the coordinates of the location based on the tracked location of the device. If published to a website, the name may be uploaded to the website in a user-editable area of the website, which area may or may not be directed to tracking the location of the user. The device may also be configured to trigger reminders based on whether the device is leaving an area and/or based on whether the device is approaching a location based on the location's membership in a class of locations (e.g. approaching a grocery store).
US09140550B2 Inertial micro-sensor of angular displacements
The present invention relates to an inertial micro-sensor of angular displacements comprising at least one inertial mass (112, 1210) movable in space (x, y, z); an exciter (131) configured to generate a first vibratory movement of the inertial mass along a first direction (X) included in the plane (x, y), so as to generate a first Coriolis force induced by an angular displacement of the inertial mass (112, 1210) around a second direction (Y) included in the plane (x, y) and perpendicular to the first direction (X); an exciter (131) configured to generate a second vibratory movement of the inertial mass along the second direction (Y), so as to generate a second Coriolis force induced by an angular displacement of the inertial mass (112, 1210) around the first direction (X), and means for detecting the first Coriolis force and the second Coriolis force, characterized by the fact that the detection means comprise a common detector for the first Coriolis force and the second Coriolis force and configured to produce an electrical signal processed by a processing circuit so as to distinguish a first component of the electrical signal corresponding to the first Coriolis force and a second component of the electrical signal corresponding to the second Coriolis force.
US09140549B2 Physical quantity detection element, physical quantity detection device, and electronic apparatus
A physical quantity detection element includes a base part, a first connection part and a second connection part respectively extending from the base part in opposite directions to each other along the X-axis, a pair of first drive vibrating arm and second drive vibrating arm and a pair of third drive vibrating arm and fourth drive vibrating arm respectively extending from the first connection part or the second connection part in opposite directions to each other along the Y-axis, a first drive detection vibrating arm and a second drive detection vibrating arm obliquely extending from the first connection part, a third drive detection vibrating arm and a fourth drive detection vibrating arm obliquely extending from the second connection part, and a first detection vibrating arm and a second detection vibrating arm respectively extending from the base part in opposite directions to each other along the Y-axis.
US09140548B2 Method and apparatus for direct detection, location, analysis, identification, and reporting of vegetation clearance violations
A method and system for processing digital image data taken from a three-dimensional topographic area including terrain and a right of way including a first and a second object to establish a clearance surface to define clearance violations within a boundary area. Waypoints are located to define a centerline and the boundary area to be analyzed. Vegetation coordinate points in the scene are determined from the digital image data. Ground coordinate points are determined from the digital image data. A clearance surface segment is constructed within the boundary area between the first and second object. The clearance surface is determined from the location of the first and second object and clearance criteria. The clearance surface is used to define a violation region.
US09140544B2 Optical system and method for measuring in patterned structures
An optical system is presented for use in measuring in patterned structures having vias. The optical system comprises an illumination channel for propagating illuminated light onto the structure being measured; a detection channel for collecting light returned from the illuminated structure to a detection unit; and an attenuation assembly accommodated in the illumination and detection channels and being configured and operable for selectively attenuating light propagating along the detection channel, the attenuation creating a predetermined condition for the selectively attenuated light, said predetermined condition being defined by a predetermined ratio between a first light portion corresponding to a dark field condition and a second light portion corresponding to a bright field condition in said selectively attenuated light, detected selectively attenuated light being therefore indicative of at least one parameter of the via being illuminated.
US09140543B1 Systems and methods for measuring the stress profile of ion-exchanged glass
Systems and methods for measuring the stress profile of ion-exchanged glass are disclosed, based on the TM and TE guided mode spectra of the optical waveguide formed in the ion-exchanged glass. The method includes digitally defining from the TM and TE guided mode spectra positions of intensity extrema, and calculating respective TM and TE effective refractive indices from these positions. The method also includes calculating TM and TE refractive index profiles nTM(z) and nTE(z) using either an inverse WKB calculation or a fitting process that employs assumed functions for nTM(z) and nTE(z). The method also includes calculating the stress profile S(z)=[nTM(z)−nTE(z)]/SOC, where SOC is a stress optic coefficient for the glass substrate. Systems for performing the method are also disclosed.
US09140538B2 Optical tomographic imaging system and optical tomographic imaging method to generate tomographic image and surface image of a subject
An optical tomographic imaging method according to one aspect of the present invention is a method of: splitting light emitted from a wavelength sweep light source into measuring light and reference light; radiating the measuring light onto a measuring subject; combining reflection light from the measuring subject with the reference light; detecting interfered light obtained by combining the reflection light with the reference light as an interference signal; and Fourier-transforming the interference signal to acquire a tomographic image of the measuring subject, and includes steps of: generating tomographic data of the measuring subject based on the interference signal; generating surface data of the measuring subject based on the interference signal; constructing a tomographic image that is based on the generated tomographic data; constructing a surface image that is based on the outputted surface data; and generating a display image from the tomographic image and the surface image.
US09140537B2 Interferometric heterodyne optical encoder system
An encoder interferometry system includes a beam splitting element positioned to receive an input beam from a light source, in which the beam splitting element is configured to direct a first portion of the input beam along a measurement path to define a measurement beam and a second portion of the input beam along a reference path to define a reference beam, an encoder scale positioned to diffract the measurement beam at least once, one or more optical components configured and arranged to alter a direction of a first diffracted portion of the measurement beam and a direction of a second diffracted portion of the measurement beam such that beam paths of the first diffracted portion and the second diffracted portion are non-parallel subsequent to the first diffracted portion and the second diffracted portion passing through the beam splitting element, and a detector positioned to receive the first diffracted portion.
US09140535B2 Position sensor and/or force sensor
A device for determining a position of a movable, magnetizable and/or conductive body relative to a stator that has at least one pole winding. Apparatuses are provided for detecting a measurement signal that depends on the inductance of the pole winding, wherein the inductance is influenced by the position of the body.
US09140534B2 Two-dimensional metrological calibration standard
A two dimensional metrological calibration standard includes a plurality of calibration cylinders each having a diameter and a plurality of calibration gauge blocks each having a length, each calibration gauge block being interposed between two of the calibration cylinders, such that end faces thereof are in contact with the walls of adjacent calibration cylinders, the calibration cylinders and calibration gauge blocks as a group are fastened to a flat plate and conjointly form a triangle. Bearing and alignment rulers ensure alignment of the calibration gauge blocks between the calibration cylinders, by contact with the calibration gauge blocks and/or the calibration cylinders, and are fastened to the plate.
US09140527B2 Vibration damping nock construction
A vibration damping nock for crossbow arrows includes an insert to absorb bow string slap, thereby to prevent damage to the nock during crossbow firing.
US09140526B1 Robot immobilizer and signal interference foam
A method is performed to immobilize and radio-isolate a robotic device. The method includes steps of storing ingredients that when mixed together create a foam that hardens to 50 percent to 75 percent of ultimate physical characteristics in less than 90 seconds after being sprayed; containing metal particulates for mixing prior to spraying; piping the ingredients and metal particulates to a nozzle so that they mix together to form a metal-foam mixture when sprayed from the nozzle; and spraying the metal-foam mixture on the robotic device. An optional spray component is liquid glue that is piped to mix with the foam ingredients and metal particulates prior to spraying.
US09140524B2 Multi-layered ballistics armor
The multi-layered ballistics armor includes one or more containment layers covering at least a portion of an impact absorbing layer formed of a fragmenting material to minimize and contain fragmentation of the impact absorbing layer. The one or more containment layers may include one or more primary containment envelopes, and the fragmenting material may be a ceramic such as silicon carbide, carbon/carbon composites, carbon/carbon/silicon carbide composites, boron carbide, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide particulate/aluminum metal matrix composites, or combinations thereof. The multi-layered armor may include one or more adhesive layers over the impact absorbing layer, one or more composite backing layers, an energy absorbing layer, and a flame resistant layer. A secondary containment envelope can be provided over the one or more primary containment envelopes, composite backing layers, and energy absorbing layer.
US09140523B2 Method and apparatus for armor having integrated battery power
Methods and apparatus for battery armor including a first ballistic protection layer comprising a non-conductive material to provide ballistic protection, and a second ballistic protection layer abutting the first ballistic protection layer, the second ballistic protection layer including a battery layer. Exemplary embodiments for battery armor include layers of non-conductive and conductive materials to provide ballistic protection and electrical power.
US09140522B1 Compositionally graded transparent ceramic armor
A transparent ceramic composite armor is made of a crystalline transparent ceramic material and an amorphous glass phase material. The armor includes a first portion containing 100 per cent ceramic material; a second portion contiguous and integral with the first portion and containing a combination of the ceramic material and the glass phase material; and a third portion contiguous and integral with the second portion and containing 100 per cent glass phase material. Relative volumetric amounts of the ceramic material and the glass phase material in the second portion are inversely related and a greatest volume percentage of the ceramic material is adjacent the first portion. The volume percentage of the ceramic material in the second portion decreases a direction away from the strike face of the armor, while the volume percentage of the glass phase material increases in the same direction.
US09140518B2 Air canister for air gun
An air canister for an air cylinder including a valve is provided. The air canister includes an externally threaded head including an axial chamber and a first sealing ring put on a first groove; an internally threaded cap secured to the head; a spring biased sliding rod including an internal first passage, an internal second passage being blocked from the first passage and extending out of the head and the cap, a first port having a first end communicating with the first passage, and a second port having a first end communicating with the second passage; an externally threaded sleeve secured to both the head and the cap and including a second sealing ring put on an internal second groove, a third sealing ring put on an internal third groove, and a fourth sealing ring put on a fourth groove; and a C-ring clamped onto the sliding rod.
US09140516B1 Trigger mechanism for a crossbow
A trigger assembly for a crossbow comprises a string retainer and a trigger mechanism. The trigger assembly can further comprise a piston, a safety mechanism, a secondary safety mechanism, a bolt sensor, or a pair of rotating sears. The string retainer can comprise a pair of opposed jaws.
US09140511B2 Barrel and suppressor sleeves and heat resistant weapon accessories
Suppressor sleeves and gun barrel sleeves and covers have longitudinal interior splines and venting valleys and exterior ribs arranged at angles relative to the interior splines. One or more sleeves and caps are combined to provide suppressor sleeve assemblies and gun barrel covers and related weapon accessories.
US09140507B1 Obturator seal apparatus and method
An obturator assembly for sealing the breech of a breech-loaded cannon includes a generally annular seal, a front split ring, a rear split ring, a rear inner ring, an annular disc, and a plurality of magnets disposed in the seal. The seal has a front portion with a leading angled surface and a rear portion. The rear portion includes a trailing angled surface and a flat surface. A plurality of magnets is disposed in holes in the leading angled surface of the front portion and in the flat surface of the rear portion. Magnets in the holes in the front portion hold the front split ring in abutment with the seal. Magnets in the holes in the rear portion hold the annular disc in abutment with the rear split ring and rear inner ring. The front split ring, rear split ring, rear inner ring, and annular disc may rotate with respect to the seal when the breech is opened or closed.
US09140506B2 Firearm receiver assembly
An upper receiver assembly for a firearm having an upper receiver with an integral barrel nut, a handguard assembly and a barrel nut assembly with a barrel and lock nut is provided. The barrel is received by the upper receiver and is secured directly to the upper receiver using the lock nut. The upper receiver also includes an integral handguard mounting member to which the handguard assembly may be directly attached. The upper receiver assembly allows the user to attach both the barrel and handguard assemblies directly to the upper receiver, independently of one another.
US09140502B2 Active structures for heat exchanger
A heat exchanger includes a plurality of channels and one or more active flow disruption members disposed at an entrance to the plurality of channels. The active flow disruption members are configured to induce unsteadiness in a flow through the plurality of channels to increase thermal energy transfer in the plurality of channels. A method for transferring thermal energy from a heat exchanger includes locating one or more active flow disruption members at an entrance to a plurality of channels of the heat exchanger. A flow is directed across the one or more active flow disruption members into the plurality of channels and an unsteadiness is produced in the flow via the one or more active flow disruption members. The unsteadiness in the flow increases the transfer of thermal energy between the heat exchanger and the flow.
US09140500B2 Heat storage apparatus for vehicle
When performing heat storage in a heat storage container accommodating a plurality of kinds of heat storage materials with different melting points, heat storage in the heat storage materials is performed such that a higher melting point heat storage material is in a latent heat storage state as much as possible. In other words, heat storage in the heat storage materials is performed in such a manner that the heat storage materials are in the latent heat storage state in which heat can be stored most effectively. In addition, when performing heat release from the heat storage container to heat coolant water in a circulation circuit, heat release is performed from the heat storage material in the sensible heat storage state as a priority, out of the heat storage materials. Accordingly, heat release from the heat storage container in the heat storage state is performed in such a manner that the heat storage materials are maintained in latent heat storage state for as a long period of time as possible. When heat release from the heat storage container is performed in this manner, the heat storage materials can be kept in the latent heat storage state for as a long period of time as possible. As in the foregoing, the heat storage container can be kept in the heat storage state for a long period of time.
US09140499B2 Phase-change cooling of subterranean power lines
A cooling system for a subterranean power line may include a cooling tube configured to house a fluid. Heat generated by the subterranean power line may be radiated and/or conducted to the cooling tube and absorbed by the fluid within the cooling tube. As the fluid heats up, it may change phase from a liquid to a gas. The hot gas may rise to a heat-exchanging condenser configured to dissipate the heat and condense the fluid back into a liquid. The cool, condensed liquid my return from the heat-exchanging condenser to the cooling tube. Risers, gas transport tubes, pressure regulation systems, fluid storage tanks, and other components described herein may increase the efficiency of the cooling system and/or otherwise improve the viability of the cooling system for subterranean power lines.
US09140498B2 Method for manufacturing a bundle of plates for a heat exchanger
A method is provided for manufacturing a bundle of plates for a heat exchanger made up of a stack of plates. The method includes reducing by machining the initial thickness of each plate by making at least at the periphery of the plate, at least one connecting shoe having a height greater than the thickness of the machined plate, forming on the central portion of the plate, corrugations, to be superposed pairwise on the plates, connecting the shoes in contact with the plates of each pair through a weld bead, superposing the pairs of plates and connecting the shoes in contact with the pairs of plates through a sealed weld bead by arranging a superposition of open or closed ends for alternate inflow or outflow of said fluid.
US09140497B2 Clothes drying rack
The clothes drying rack has a generally horizontal rectangular frame with a series of intermediate lateral members and support legs. The various elements are formed of hollow pipe or tube, with most being perforated. Additional perforated tubular members depend from the lateral members. A portable fluid supply unit is remotely situated from the frame and connected to a non-perforated leg of the frame by a suitable duct, with the fluid supply unit having a fan therein to provide air to the tubular frame to flow from the perforated tubes, thereby circulating through clothing suspended on the frame. The fluid supply unit may also include a water dispenser and a heating element therefor, to produce steam to reduce wrinkling of the clothing. A fragrance tank and dispenser may also be included with the fluid supply unit, to dispense a pleasant fragrance through the frame and to the clothing suspended thereon.
US09140496B2 Magnetic drying apparatus
Exemplary embodiments of a drying apparatus, for drying flexible objects such as bags or gloves, comprise a first suspension couplable to an external support, and a second suspension magnetically couplable to the first suspension. An object is supported between the first and second suspensions through the magnetic coupling. In a first embodiment, the second suspension comprises a magnetic hub and one or more spreaders, which may be fixed, removable, or moveably attached to the magnetic hub, and which may be repositionable between open and closed positions. The spreaders may be flexible, articulated, rigid, repositionable, collapsible, extendable, jointed, forked, hinged, slideable, continuous, or merged, and further may have substantially puncture-resistant terminations. The first suspension also comprises a magnetic member and a suspending member, such as an open hook or a clamp suspending member, for supporting the apparatus with the secured object from or by many types of external supports.
US09140492B1 Paint disposal or recovery system
A paint disposal or recovery system, which efficiently places the paint in layers and evaporates the water therefrom, permits efficient disposal or efficient recovery of the solid material or the formerly dispersed material. Layers of water-based paints are especially formed on vapor permeable surfaces in trays or on the Surface of a supported, vapor permeable pocket liner. The trays with the liner thereon or the supported pocket liner is then placed in dryer housing. Air or other drying agents are then forced through the dryer housing. The water evaporates and leaves the dispersed material from the water-based paint on the respective surface.
US09140487B2 Biological sample storage and monitoring system
A method of maintaining a thermal history (369; 699) of samples stored in a temperature-controlled sample storage system is provided. The system can include: one or more containers (218, 220; 522) each storing one of the samples; one or more storage objects (210-216, 208; 510, 516-518, 520; 654-660, 662) each housing one or more containers or other storage objects; one or more structures (200-206; 512; 650) defining a temperature-controlled storage environment and housing the one or more storage objects; machine readable tags (14) each of which is associated with a separate container and storage object, each tag encoding an identification code and having a temperature-dependant characteristic; and an interrogator (12) for reading the identification code and the temperature-dependant characteristic.
US09140479B2 Synchronous temperature rate control and apparatus for refrigeration with reduced energy consumption
A refrigerator appliance configuration, and associated methods of operation, for an appliance with a controller, a condenser, at least one evaporator, a compressor, and two refrigeration compartments. The configuration may be equipped with a variable-speed or variable-capacity compressor, variable speed evaporator or compartment fans, a damper, and/or a dual-temperature evaporator with a valve system to control flow of refrigerant through one or more pressure reduction devices. The controller, by operation of the compressor, fans, damper and/or valve system, depending on the appliance configuration, synchronizes alternating cycles of cooling each compartment to a temperature approximately equal to the compartment set point temperature.
US09140478B2 Synchronous temperature rate control for refrigeration with reduced energy consumption
Methods of operation for refrigerator appliance configurations with a controller, a condenser, at least one evaporator, a compressor, and two refrigeration compartments. The configuration may be equipped with a variable-speed or variable-capacity compressor, variable speed evaporator or compartment fans, a damper, and/or a dual-temperature evaporator with a valve system to control flow of refrigerant through one or more pressure reduction devices. The methods may include synchronizing alternating cycles of cooling each compartment to a temperature approximately equal to the compartment set point temperature by operation of the compressor, fans, damper and/or valve system. The methods may also include controlling the cooling rate in one or both compartments. Refrigeration compartment cooling may begin at an interval before or after when the freezer compartment reaches its lower threshold temperature. Freezer compartment cooling may begin at an interval before or after when the freezer compartment reaches its upper threshold temperature.
US09140475B2 Receiver tank purge in vapor compression cooling system with pumped refrigerant economization
A cooling system includes a cooling circuit having an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, an expansion device, a liquid pump, and a receiver/surge tank coupled between the condenser and the liquid pump. The cooling system has a direct expansion mode and a pumped refrigerant economizer mode. When the cooling system switches from the direct expansion mode to the pumped refrigerant economizer mode, refrigerant is flushed from the refrigerant/surge tank so that the cooling circuit is overcharged when it begins operating in the pumped refrigerant economizer mode.
US09140474B2 Air conditioner
An air conditioner includes an outdoor heat exchanger that is divided into a plurality of unit paths. at least two of the plurality of unit paths are connected in series or parallel to one another according to cooling/heating operation, so that it is possible to vary the number or length of paths through which a refrigerant passes. Since the number or length of paths is properly selected and used, it is possible to enhance efficiency.
US09140468B2 Solar power unit
A solar power unit having the following features: It can rotate on an axle to face the sun The solar collectors are arranged in a stepped shape. It has mirrors that can fold out to increase the area over which sunlight is collected. There is a protective bonnet that can cover the solar collectors during inclement weather. The invention has a semi-cylindrical main body that rests on a stand, supported by an axle on which it can pivot to track the sun. The stepped solar collectors are on the upper half of the main body and are covered by the mirrors when they fold in. A first embodiment has a battery that stores electricity generated by sunlight and an inverter for converting direct current from the battery to alternating current. A second embodiment has parabolic collectors that heat water to create high pressure steam that is used to generate electricity.
US09140466B2 Fluid heating system and instant fluid heating device
A fluid heating system may be installed for residential and commercial use, and may deliver fluid at consistent high temperatures for cooking, sterilizing tools or utensils, hot beverages and the like, without a limit on the number of consecutive discharges of fluid. The fluid heating system is installed with a tankless fluid heating that includes an inlet port, an outlet port, a drain port, at least one heat source connected with the inlet port, and a valve manifold connected to the at least one heat source, the drain port, and the outlet port. A temperature sensor is downstream of the at least one heat source and connected to the valve manifold. The valve manifold is operated so that an entire volume of a fluid discharge from the fluid heating system is delivered at a user-specified temperature (including near boiling fluid) on demand, for every demand occurring over a short period of time.
US09140465B2 Electrolysis device and heat-pump-type water heater provided with same
An electrolysis device is configured such that water flowing into a container from an inlet flows from an upstream side to a downstream side in the container and flows out from an outlet. A first electrode pair is arranged on the upstream side than a second electrode pair. In the electrolysis device, in order to suppress a decrease in current density due to electrolyte concentration in the water in the second electrode pair arranged on the downstream side than the first electrode pair, the current density in the second electrode pair is adjusted.
US09140461B2 Radon exhaust system with a diagnostic bypass filter apparatus
A radon exhaust system comprising an exhaust side with a vent housing, a diagnostic bypass filter apparatus providing observation windows, a removable observation window, internal ice and object filter, internal ribbon flow indicators, internal water gutter with drain spout, an exhaust fan and a suction side coupled together to form a conduit through which gaseous fluid may be conveyed. The diagnostic bypass filter apparatus provides an enlarged elliptical air passage bulge and angular bend configuration having three observation windows, a fourth removable observation window, an internal ice and object filter, ribbon flow indicators, and an internal water gutter with drain spout for providing protection of the exhaust fan from falling ice, water and objects and visual inspection for flow in the exhaust system and access to the filter for cleaning.
US09140459B2 Heat pump device
A heat pump device heats a second heat medium to a high temperature with high efficiency by using a secondary-loop refrigeration cycle while achieving a cooling operation and a heating operation simultaneously in a state where reliability and efficiency are ensured.In a heat pump device, a heat medium relay unit and a water heating unit are each provided with two connection ports that are connectable to refrigerant pipes, a refrigerant circuit and a refrigerant circuit are connected to each other via a heat exchanger included in the water heating unit, and a second heat medium is heated in a heat exchanger.
US09140458B2 Cooktop-interface having projection display device
A cooktop-interface includes at least one display device, a display sign layer with at least one display sign provided in connection with the display device and back illumination lighting for projecting the display sign to the lower side of a cooktop-panel arranged upstream the back illumination lighting and the display sign layer.
US09140455B2 Flowsleeve of a turbomachine component
A flowsleeve of a turbomachine component is provided. The flowsleeve includes an annular body including an upstream casing and a downstream casing. The upstream casing defines a fuel feed, and the downstream casing defines an airway opening, and a premixing passage. The premixing passage is fluidly coupled to the fuel feed and the airway opening and has a passage interior in which fuel and air receivable from the fuel feed and the airway opening, respectively, are combinable to form a fuel and air mixture.
US09140454B2 Bundled multi-tube nozzle for a turbomachine
A turbomachine includes a compressor, a combustor operatively connected to the compressor, an end cover mounted to the combustor, and an injection nozzle assembly operatively connected to the combustor. The injection nozzle assembly includes a cap member having a first surface that extends to a second surface. The cap member further includes a plurality of openings. A plurality of bundled mini-tube assemblies are detachably mounted in the plurality of openings in the cap member. Each of the plurality of bundled mini-tube assemblies includes a main body section having a first end section and a second end section. A fluid plenum is arranged within the main body section. A plurality of tubes extend between the first and second end sections. Each of the plurality of tubes is fluidly connected to the fluid plenum.
US09140448B2 Vibratory feed mechanism for pellet fuel combustion device
A vibratory feed mechanism for pellet fuel combustion device provides a spring-mounted feed plate communicating with a fuel reservoir and vibrated by an electric motor carrying an offset counterweight to move pelletized fuel from a first position on the feed plate to a feed orifice defined in the feed plate for communication of the pelletized fuel to a metering channel and a drop tube for conveyance to a fire pot. A control board communicating with an igniter, at least one thermocouple, a combustion fan, and the electric motor allow a user to set a desired parameter which controls the rate of pelletized fuel feed and temperature and operating conditions.
US09140444B2 Wearable device for disrupting unwelcome photography
This invention is a wearable device and method for disrupting unwelcome photography by a proximal imaging device in order to protect a person's privacy. This invention can be embodied in a device worn by the person whose privacy is to be protected comprising: a wearable light source; an ambient light sensor; an inbound light guide that harvests light from an ambient light source; a data processing unit that selects the use of light from the wearable light source, from the ambient light source, or from both the wearable light source and the ambient light source to disrupt unwelcome photography; and an outbound light guide that directs light from the wearable light source, from the ambient light source, or from both the wearable light source and the ambient light source toward the proximal imaging device in order to disrupt unwelcome photography.
US09140443B1 Illuminated cup holder
An illuminated cup holder includes a power source in a base, light sources, a light conducting body, and a reflecting rim cover. The power source may be batteries or an AC adapter, or both. The light conducting body includes a rim, walls, and a bottom edge. The bottom edge is preferably rippled to provide a light pattern. The light sources are preferably back to back LEDs aimed in opposite directions and into the rim of the body. The reflective rim cap has a reflective lower surface. The light generated by the LED circles the rim of the body and is reflected by the rim cap into the walls of the body onto the bottom edge providing an attractive and recognizable light filling the body.
US09140441B2 LED downlight
A lighting device includes a substrate, a light emitting diode (LED) array mounted on a first surface of the substrate, and circuit components mounted on the first surface of the substrate and coupled to the LED array wherein the circuit components are adapted to control electrical power applied to the LED array. A heat exchanger is mounted on a second surface of the substrate and a reflector is disposed about the LED array wherein the reflector has a reflection surface that is convex on a first side of an inflection locus and concave on a second side of the inflection locus, and wherein the first side of the inflection locus is proximate the LED array. A diffuser is adjacent the second side of the inflection locus of the reflector.
US09140439B2 Cup-shaped heat dissipater having flow guide hole annularly arranged at the bottom periphery and applied in electric luminous body
The present invention provides a novel cup-shaped heat dissipater (100) having the outer cup bottom of the cup-shaped heat dissipater formed as a planar or convex or concave surface for accommodating the electric luminous body (200), so the heat can be dissipated to the exterior from the surface of the heat dissipater (100), and with the enlarged heat dissipation surface formed in the cup-shaped inner recessed structure of the heat dissipater (100) opposite to the installation location of the electric luminous body (200), the heat can also be directly dissipated through the larger heat dissipation area, furthermore, flow guide holes allowing airflow to pass are formed on the heat dissipater (100) for performing heat dissipating convection through the heat dissipating fluid.
US09140436B2 Configurable ceiling lighting system
A configurable ceiling lighting system for a grid ceiling comprising at least one and preferably a plurality of driver panels having a bottom and a defined perimeter sized to allow the driver panel to be set into and retained within the grid openings of a ceiling grid. The driver panel has at least one and preferably a plurality of electrical connectors accessible from the bottom of the driver panel. At least one and preferably a plurality of light modules are provided having a light source and an electrical connector complimentary to the electrical connectors of the panel drivers. The light modules can be operatively connected to the bottom of the ceiling panel drivers at selected connection points to produced desired arrays of ceiling lighting fixtures to meet particular lighting needs.
US09140435B2 Method and apparatus for outlining recessed installation of a component within a surface material
Described are various embodiments of a method and apparatus for outlining recessed installation of a component within a surface material. In one embodiment, the apparatus generally comprises two or more template or alignment modules adjacently disposable against the surface material and each comprising opposed edges that can be aligned with adjacently disposed edges so to define a substantially continuous spacing along these adjacently disposed edges. This spacing is generally dimensioned so to accommodate a corresponding component dimension such that, the aligned edges guide removal of surface material along the spacing to accommodate recessed installation of the component within the surface material.
US09140434B2 Structure combining soft core with soft head for LED christmas light with four connection pins
The present invention proposes a LED Christmas light, using an LED bulb with four connection pins to insert in a soft core configured with four slots allowing the four connection pins to be passed through and bended configured on the bottom thereof, and the soft core being inserted in a soft head with four V-typed convex plates in pairs face-to-face and extended to the bottom face thereof configured on the inside thereof, where an engagement partitionment groove is formed between each two adjacent convex plates in the soft head, allowing four metal conducting sheets with a conducting wire to be respectively engaged therewith, thereby allowing one LED Christmas light unit to use an LED bulb with a light source of more than four colors.
US09140430B2 Method and system for managing light from a light emitting diode
A light source, for example a light emitting diode, can emit light and have an associated optical axis. The source can be deployed in applications where it is desirable to have illumination biased laterally relative to the optical axis, such as in a street luminaire where directing light towards a street is beneficial. The source can be coupled to an optic that comprises a cavity. At least a portion of the cavity can have an outline that is egg-shaped in cross section. A backside of the cavity (or a backside portion of the optic) can have an irregular shape for receiving the light emitting diode, for example to form a receptacle shaped to fit a circuit board on which the light emitting diode is mounted.
US09140422B2 Automotive rear light
An automotive light is provided having a substantially tub-shaped rear casing designed to fit to the vehicle body and a front lenticular half-shell which closes the opening of the rear casing and has at least one portion of transparent or semi-transparent material. The front lenticular half-shell includes a rear portion substantially aligned with the rear of the vehicle body, and a lateral portion substantially aligned with the side of the vehicle body. The automotive light also includes a strip light source designed to emit light when powered electrically and a light guide plate of photoconductive material shaped to substantially match the profile of the strip light source and housed inside the rear casing in a position substantially perpendicular to the rear portion of the front lenticular half-shell. A first side of the plate conducts light from the strip light source into the body of the light guide plate, and a second side of the plate directs light propagating in the light guide plate onto the lenticular half-shell. A transverse light-extracting band is provided to locally extract light onto a lateral portion of the front lenticular half-shell.
US09140421B2 Lighting device for direct and indirect lighting
A lighting device includes a first heat sink having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a second heat sink having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The third surface of the second heat sink is bonded to the second surface of the first heat sink. The lighting device further includes a plurality of first light emitting diode (LED) modules mounted on the first surface of the first heat sink; and a plurality of second light emitting diode (LED) modules mounted on the fourth surface of the second heat sink. One or more the first LED modules generally radiates lights in a first direction. One or more the second LED modules generally radiates lights in a second direction. The first and second LED modules are covered by respective non-reflective caps. The first LED module and the second LED module are configured to be selectively turned on or off according to a predefined algorithm. The first LED modules are arranged on an outer region of the lighting device, and the second LED modules are arranged on an inner region of the lighting device. The inner region is circumferentially surrounded by the outer region.
US09140417B2 Dual-lens zooming flashlight
Disclosed is a dual-lens zooming flashlight, comprising a lamp cap, a cylinder body, a luminous element and two plano-convex lenses, characterized in that: the lamp cap is sleeved at the front part of the cylinder body, rotated together with the cylinder body and connected with the cylinder body in a relatively telescopic manner, the two plano-convex lenses are both arranged in such a manner of being perpendicular to an optic axis in front of the luminous element, wherein the first plano-convex lens is fixedly arranged at the front end of the cylinder body and keeps a constant distance from the luminous element, and the second plano-convex lens is arranged at the front end of the lamp cap and capable of moving backwards and forwards in relation to the luminous element along with rotary telescopic motion of the lamp cap and the cylinder body.
US09140414B1 LED directional lighting system with light intensity controller
A landscape lighting system includes a light fixture having an LED and an LED driver for controlling operation of the LED. The system includes a plurality of interchangeable light diverting elements adapted to be secured over the LED, whereby each light diverting element has a unique light diversion angle associated therewith, and whereby only one of the light diverting elements is secured over the LED at any one time. The system includes a light intensity controller in communication with the light fixture. The light intensity controller includes a control element that enables an operator to selectively increase and decrease the intensity of the light generated by the LED. The light intensity controller includes indicia provided thereon that indicate the intensity level of the light generated by the LED. The light intensity controller is used for finely tuning the intensity of the light generated by the LED.
US09140411B2 Compressed air supply device for commercial vehicles
A compressed air supply device for a commercial vehicle is electrically connected to an electronic control device. The compressed air supply device includes a control valve which is actuated via the control device. The control valve has an inlet, vent and outlet connections. A control line, which is connected to the outlet of the control valve, is connected to a control inlet of a compressor and/or, for regeneration, to an air filter. A supply line can supply compressed air to the control valve inlet. A venting line connects to the control valve vent. A backup valve is provided, wherein an inlet of the backup valve is connected to the supply line and an outlet can be connected to the venting line. The backup valve opens pneumatically when a pressure which corresponds to or exceeds a predetermined opening pressure is present in the supply line.
US09140407B2 Pump having stirrer and direct feed
Apparatus and method for supplying lubricant to a plurality of lubrication sites. Embodiments include a pump with venting and non-venting piston return, a pump with stirrer and direct feed mechanism, a pump with CAN system and self-diagnostics, a pump with heated housing and reservoir and a pump with stepper motor and overdrive control.
US09140404B1 Rigging system adaptor
A rigging system adaptor which creates an infinite number of adjustability positions for a line array, wherein the adaptor is particularly well suited for use with a spine frame. The adaptor comprises a main frame having a longitudinally extending body to which a first attachment member, a second attachment member, and a mount are attached. The first attachment member may be fixed onto the main frame via a pair of lateral rods, wherein the lateral rods are oppositely situated from each other relative to the main frame. The second attachment member and the mount may be slidably engaged with the lateral rods such that they can move along the main frame and can be repositioned to meet the specific needs of a user.
US09140401B2 Adjustable assembly for providing all-terrain support to tables and other structures
An adjustable assembly with at least a pair of adjustable legs is used to stabilize a support element on a wide range of terrains. Each of the adjustable legs is engaged with a leg exchange bracket 13 that is adapted for and connected to a support element such as a sawhorse beam, a tabletop, or other leg-bearing support element. Each of the adjustable legs can be variably adjusted to adapt to height and other terrain surface variations so as to provide an essentially steady and generally level support surface. Once the desired adjustment is selected, the legs are locked. If the terrain changes or there is a need to transfer the support surface to another terrain, the legs can be readily unlocked, the position of one or more legs adjusted, and the lock(s) reengaged to provide a steady and generally level assembly on the changed terrain. The assembly can also be configured so that it can be reversibly engaged with a variety of work surfaces either by removal of the full assembly from the support surface, or removal of the legs from their respective leg exchange brackets. An assembly can be readily disengaged from a first support surface, and reengaged with a second support surface. The legs of the assembly are easily adjusted to allow for stacking and for ease of transport of the support surface.
US09140398B2 Air aspiration device
Embodiments of the invention provide an air aspiration device to release trapped air in a pipe containing a solution that is to be delivered to a nozzle body. The air aspiration device can include an air port in fluid communication with the air and the solution, an exit port, and a passageway in fluid communication with the air port and the exit port. The air aspiration device can also include a main body and a female pipe fitting forming an end cap for one end of the pipe.
US09140397B2 Valve wear ring and gate valve with wear ring
Valves having removable interior wear rings in which the wear ring comprises a high-hardness metal ring, the high hardness metal ring having an exterior surface configured to engage the body of gate valve. A polymeric overlay covers at least a portion of the exterior surface of the metal ring, the polymeric overlay forming the final dimensional shape of the wear ring.
US09140390B2 Charge-air hose for motor vehicles having two knit plies
A method for making a charge-air hose for a motor vehicle includes producing a continuous inliner having a cylindrical inner surface in an extrusion process while pneumatically shaping the cylindrical inner surface without a mandrel by bringing the inner cylindrical surface to an inner diameter D1. Thereafter, an elastomeric inner ply, a first knit ply, an elastomeric intermediate ply, a second knit ply and an elastomeric outer ply are applied to the inliner successively, coaxially and continuously to form a continuous charge-air hose section. The first and second knit plies are made from an endless yarn and have respective orientations different from each other. Charge-air hose blanks are cut to length and the charge-air hose blanks are shaped with a mandrel defining a curved longitudinal axis and having a diameter D2 which, in at least a longitudinal segment, is at least 6% greater than the inner diameter D1.
US09140388B2 Bi-directional seal assembly
A bi-directional seal assembly for sealing the annulus between an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member comprises an annular seal which in cross section includes a generally U-shaped first portion having a radially inner first leg and a radially outer second leg and a generally U-shaped second portion having a radially inner third leg and a radially outer fourth leg. The second and third legs are joined together such that the first leg engages the inner tubular member and the fourth leg engages the outer tubular member. Pressure below the seal urges the first leg into sealing engagement with the inner tubular member and forces the second and third legs radially outwardly to thereby urge the fourth leg into sealing engagement with the outer tubular member. Also, pressure above the seal urges the fourth leg into sealing engagement with the outer tubular member and forces the second and third legs radially inwardly to thereby urge the first leg into sealing engagement with the inner tubular member.
US09140385B2 Envelope element for a pipeline, mold for manufacture thereof, and method for covering a pipeline
A plastic envelope element for an underwater pipeline comprises at least one local spring portion manufactured integrally with the envelope element. The envelope element is modular in circumferential direction of the pipeline. The local spring portion is at least formed by a wall portion of the envelope element in the relaxed condition projecting on the inner side of the envelope element. In its tensioned condition, the local spring portion does not project, or projects to a lesser extent than in the relaxed condition, on the inner side of the envelope element, such that in its fitted condition the local spring portion presses under its spring force against the pipeline. The projecting wall portion extends bridgingly between two mutually parallel and mutually spaced hinge edges of the projecting wall portion. Between the non-adjoining portion of other edges, on the one hand, and remaining portions of the envelope element located next to the spring portion, on the other hand, in the relaxed condition at least one passage is formed in the envelope element.
US09140374B2 Directional exhaust valve
A directional exhaust valve for controlling a flow of exhaust gas includes a housing having an inlet port and at least two outlet ports. Arranged movably within the housing is a control element which has a passageway to connect the inlet port with at least one of the outlet ports while closing at least in part the other one of the outlet ports. The control element is configured in the form of a hollow cylinder which is closed on one end and has an outer surface area formed with an opening, with the passageway extending between an open end face of the control element and the opening.
US09140370B2 Channel switching valve and heat pump system using the same
A rotary type channel switching valve for use in a heat pump system is provided. The channel switching valve provides a plurality of channel switching means required when switching connection of a plurality of devices to parallel/series connection, e.g., in a system including the plurality of devices including inlet/outlet ports for a fluid. The channel-switching valve can play a role of a plurality of channel switching means which are required when connecting a plurality of heat exchangers in parallel when a refrigerant is passed in a normal direction, and when connecting a plurality of heat exchangers in series when the refrigerant is passed in a reverse direction, for example, in a heat pump including the plurality of heat exchangers, and thereby, can realize simplification of a configuration of the heat pump, reduction in an occupied space, cost and energy consumption, or the like.
US09140364B2 System for the contactless sealing of a rotatably mounted shaft with respect to a housing, and gear unit
A system for the contactless sealing of a rotatably mounted shaft with respect to a housing, and a gear unit, oil being provided in the interior of the housing, in particular, the rotating shaft protruding from the interior into the outer area; a centrifugal disk, joined in rotatably fixed manner to the shaft, having at least partially radially extending bores that connect oil from a centrifugal chamber to a collection chamber surrounding the centrifugal disk.
US09140362B2 Flexible graphite/metal multilayer gaskets suited to high-temperature service conditions
The present invention relates generally to a composite plate produced by an alternating stack of (n+1) flexible graphite foils and (n) perforated metal reinforcing foils with spurs (where n≧2). The thicknesses of the flexible graphite foils used are preferably such that any 2 mm slice of thickness of the composite plate comprises at least 3 layers of flexible graphite, and has a graphite density per unit area of at least 2.34 kg/m2. For each perforated metal reinforcing foil, the spurs present on the foil generally have a height in relation to the surface of that foil that does not exceed about 1.3 times the thickness of the thinnest of the flexible graphite layers to which it is attached. A composite plate of the present invention enables the manufacture of gaskets that resist temperatures up to 550° C. under continuous service.
US09140361B2 Multi-piece oil ring
A multi-piece oil ring is provided in which, even after long-term operation of an engine, adhesion and deposition of oil sludge are prevented, sticking of components does not occur, and a high oil control function can be maintained. The multi-piece oil ring includes a spacer expander and a pair of upper and lower side rails supported by the spacer expander. To achieve the above features, at least side faces of the side rails that face the spacer expander are coated with a fluorine-containing coating, and the spacer expander is coated with a metal coating. The angle of contact (θ1) of a paraffin-based lubricating oil with the portions of the side rails at 150° C. that are coated with the fluorine-containing coating is 50° or larger, and the angle of contact (θ2) of the paraffin-based lubricating oil with the portion of the spacer expander at 150° C. that is coated with the metal coating is 10 to 50°. The difference between θ1 and θ2 (θ1−θ2) is 30° or larger.
US09140358B2 Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission includes an input member, a planetary gear set, a plurality of engagement mechanisms, an output member, a shift position detecting unit, an input rotational speed detecting unit, a control unit, and a switching mechanism. When a shift position is changed from a forward drive range to a reverse drive range, the control unit performs a reverse preparation mode in which a rotational speed of an element to be fixed by the switching mechanism is lower than or equal to a predetermined speed by setting an engagement mechanism in one of a connection mode and a fixed mode. Upon performing the reverse preparation mode, the control unit engages the engagement mechanism that connects the element fixed by the switching mechanism to the input member and, thereafter, engages the engagement mechanism that makes the rotational speed of the input member lower than or equal to the predetermined speed.
US09140355B2 Automatic transmission lever assembly having shift-lock cam using electromagnet
Disclosed therein is an automatic transmission lever assembly having a shift-lock cam having an electromagnet. The automatic transmission lever assembly includes: a base bracket fixed to a frame of a vehicle; a rod; a rotating member joined to a lower end of the rod, the rotating member rotating on a predetermined shaft according to a movement of the rod for changing a transmission mode and having a locking portion formed at a position corresponding to a shift-lock; a shift-lock cam having a permanent magnet, the shift-lock cam being caught to the locking portion at a shift-lock position and being rotatable on the shaft; and an electromagnet provided at a position facing the permanent magnet, wherein when a brake signal is transferred, electric current flows to the electromagnet, so that the shift-lock cam is operated in a direction to be released from the locking portion.
US09140352B2 Differential gear
A differential gear for a vehicle including a pair of pinion gears and a pair of side gears meshed with the pair of pinion gears at a right angle. In order to improve the strength of the pinion gears and the side gears, less teeth are provided, and the size of each tooth is increased. The reference cone angle and the cone distance may be varied in accordance with the gear ratio, which may make it necessary to increase the size of a differential case that houses the gears. For front-drive vehicles, which is greatly limited in terms of space it may be difficult to suppress an increase in dimension of the differential gear. Accordingly, provided is a compact gearing that has improved strength in the pinion and side gears.
US09140350B2 Wave gear device
The interior space of a cup-shaped flexible externally toothed gear of a cup-type wave gear device is divided into a front interior space and a rear interior space by a partition mechanism. A lubricant is filled in the front interior space at the side of a wave generator, to which lubrication is required. The volume of the front interior space is set so that a necessary amount of lubricant is filled. Since the lubricant is not necessary to fill in the entire interior space of the flexible externally toothed gear, the amount of lubricant to be filled can be reduced.
US09140349B1 Compact axle assembly with locking differential
An axle assembly having a carrier housing, a locking differential assembly, a pair of differential bearing and an actuator assembly. The carrier housing includes a cavity. The locking differential assembly includes a differential case that is received in the cavity. The differential case includes a bearing bore into which an outer race of the differential bearing is received. The actuator assembly includes a sleeve that is movable between a first sleeve position, which is configured to cause the locking differential assembly to operate in an unlocked mode, and a second sleeve position that is configured to cause the locking differential assembly to operate in a locked mode. The sleeve is at least partly radially in-line with the differential bearing when the sleeve is in the first and/or second sleeve positions such that a plane taken perpendicular to the axis extends through both the sleeve and the differential bearing.
US09140348B2 Hydrodynamic coupling arrangement, in particular a torque converter
A hydrodynamic coupling includes a housing coupled to a driveshaft having an impeller and a turbine wheel arranged in the housing driven by the impeller and a first damper arrangement by which the housing is coupled to a driven member by a lockup clutch. The first damper arrangement includes a first torsional vibration damper connected to the lockup clutch that is rotatable around an axis of rotation against the action of a first damper spring arrangement. A second torsional vibration damper is connected to the first torsional vibration damper and rotatable around the axis of rotation against the action of a second damper spring arrangement. The turbine wheel is connected to an intermediate torsional vibration damper region including a first secondary side, a second primary side, a second damper arrangement has a deflection mass carrier connected to the second secondary side.
US09140346B2 One-way turbine wedge clutch
A torque converter, including: a cover; a pump shell non-rotatably connected to the cover; a turbine shell; and a one-way clutch including: an outer race non-rotatably connected to the turbine shell and including a groove; an output hub including a first outer surface with first ramps; and at least one wedge plate including a second inner surface with second ramps engaged with the first ramps and a second outer surface disposed within the groove. For rotation of the outer race with respect to the output hub in a first direction, the outer race is rotatable with respect to the at least one wedge plate and the output hub. For rotation of the outer race with respect to the hub in a second direction, opposite the first direction, the at least one wedge plate is arranged to non-rotatably connect the outer race and the hub.
US09140344B2 Differential-velocity driving device and mechanical arm to which the differential-velocity driving device is applied
A differential-velocity driving device and a mechanical arm to which the differential-velocity driving device is applied are provided. The differential-velocity driving device includes a first rotary driving element, a first transmission gear connected to the first rotary driving element, a second rotary driving element, a second transmission gear connected to the second rotary driving element, a fixing member connected to the first rotary driving element and the second rotary driving element such that the first rotary driving element does not move or rotate with respect to the second rotary driving element, a power output gear engaged with the first transmission gear and the second transmission gear, and an output shaft passing through an axle center of the power output gear and being coaxial with the axle center.
US09140343B1 Transmission system of hybrid electric vehicle
A transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle may include first and second motor/generators, a planetary gear set, first and second output gears, and first and second clutches on an axis of an input shaft receiving torque of an engine in a transmission housing, a hollow shaft disposed at a radial exterior of the input shaft and adapted to transmit the torque of the engine or torque of the first motor/generator to the second output gear, an outer shaft disposed at a radial exterior of the hollow shaft and adapted to transmit torque of the second motor/generator to the first output gear, and a rear cover coupled to a rear end portion of the transmission housing, in which the planetary gear set includes a sun gear, a planet carrier and a ring gear as rotation elements thereof.
US09140338B2 Tensioner
A tensioner comprising a base, a first pivot arm pivotally engaged to the base, a first pulley journalled to the first pivot arm, a second pivot arm pivotally engaged to the base, a second pulley journalled to the second pivot arm, a flexible tensile member having a toothed engagement with the first pivot arm and a toothed engagement with the second pivot arm whereby the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm move in a coordinated manner, and a tensioner assembly pivotally engaged to the base and engaged with the flexible tensile member.
US09140334B2 Automatic transmission
In an automatic transmission, a connection member which connects a carrier of a planetary gear mechanism PGSa to a clutch hub of a clutch is made to abut on the carrier of the planetary gear mechanism PGSa in an abutting portion, a thrust bearing T2 is disposed between the connection member and a clutch drum of the clutch, a thrust bearing T1 is disposed between a transmission case and the clutch drum of the clutch, and a clearance between the thrust bearing T1 and the clutch drum of the clutch is adjusted by using a shim. Accordingly, a thrust load inputted from a sun gear Sb of a planetary gear mechanism PGSb can be transmitted to the transmission case without passing through a sun gear Sa, which rotates at a high speed, of the planetary gear mechanism PGSa, and friction loss is reduced.
US09140333B2 Saw gear box
A motor-driven concrete cutting saw and method in which the motor has an idler gear, a top slider gear slidably engageable and disengageable with the idler gear; and a bottom slider gear slidably engageable and disengageable with the idler gear. Both the top and bottom slider gears have two toothed disks, and the idler gear has two toothed disks, a main gap, and a third toothed disk. The toothed disks are sized to produce, when engaged with one another, multiple speeds including a neutral setting that would allow the motor to disengage from the saw blade while running.
US09140332B2 Rational speed-reduction device
A rotational speed-reduction device is disclosed. The speed-reduction device includes a flange, a planetary bracket fixedly mounted on the flange, a planetary gear assembly movably mounted on the planetary bracket, a first bearing sleeved on the planetary bracket, an input member, and an output member. The planetary bracket includes a mounting portion, a fixing portion fixed to the flange, and a support portion. The support portion connects the mounting portion to the fixing portion. The planetary gear assembly includes a number of planetary gear pairs movably mounted between the fixing portion and the mounting portion, a fixing shaft passing through the planetary gear pairs, and rotation members movably received between the planetary gear pairs and sleeved on the fixing shaft. Opposite ends of the fixing shaft are connected to the mounting portion and the fixing portion, respectively.
US09140328B2 Vehicle vibration device, vehicle seat and vehicle cab
The invention relates to a vehicle vibration device of a vehicle seat or of a vehicle cab, comprising a lower part and an upper part which can be deflected relative to this lower part, in which device the upper part and the lower part are interconnected in a spring-loaded manner by means of at least one suspension apparatus and in which the suspension apparatus comprises a deformable fluid-spring part having a flexible pressure chamber element and a deformation apparatus having deformation elements, the deformable fluid element being deformed at least in part by the deformation elements when the upper part is deflected relative to the lower part, and wherein, according to the invention, an additional anti-abrasion element is arranged between the flexible pressure chamber element and the deformation elements.
US09140326B2 Structure that can channel an elastic wave propagating in a plate
A structure for bending transversal elastic waves around a zone to isolate of a plate, has an anisotropic Young's modulus and/or a heterogeneous mass density. The wavelengths of the elastic waves to bend are large with respect to the thickness of the plate and small with respect to the other dimensions of the plate. The structure is made by defining a meshing of a peripheral zone surrounding the zone to isolate; dividing the peripheral zone into several elementary rings and several elementary angular sectors; and forming, in each mesh delimited by an elementary angular sector and an elementary ring, a structural element in a material having a Young's modulus and/or a mass density different than those of the material forming the plate, the dimensions of the meshes and of the structural elements in the plane of the plate being less than half the wavelengths of the elastic waves to bend.
US09140325B2 Methods and apparatus for selective spring pre-load adjustment
A method and apparatus for a suspension comprising a spring having a threaded member at a first end for providing axial movement to the spring as the spring is rotated and the threaded member moves relative to a second component. In one embodiment, the system includes a damper for metering fluid through a piston and a rotatable spring member coaxially disposed around the damper and rotatable relative to the damper.
US09140322B2 Disc brake pad assembly
A disc brake pad assembly includes a pair of locking bent portions formed at circumferential end portions of an inner shim plate by being bent towards an opposite side to a pressure plate. Locking through holes are formed individually at base end portions of the locking bent portions. A pair of locking projecting pieces are individually formed so as to project circumferentially from an outer main body portion included in an outer shim plate. A distance between distal edges of the locking projecting pieces is larger than a space between the locking bent portions, and a circumferential length defined between radial side portions of the locking projecting pieces is shorter than the space. The inner main body portion and the outer main body portion are superposed on each other in a state that the locking projecting pieces are brought into engagement with the locking through holes.
US09140321B2 Internal park brake system, apparatus, and method
A park brake system for an electric motor actuator is provided. The system may comprise a micro-motor, and one or more gears. The system may be configured to exert a radial force on a shaft of the electric motor actuator to lock the actuator. Moreover, in various embodiments, the system may be bi-stable.
US09140319B2 Decoupler with concentric clutching members
In an aspect, a decoupler includes a hub, a pulley, a torsion spring, a first spring driver fixed to the pulley, and having a first stop feature for the spring; a second spring driver mounted about the hub and not fixed to the pulley, and having a second stop feature for the spring, a driving clutch shaft mounted connected to the second spring driver, a driven clutch shaft mounted concentrically with the driving clutch shaft and drivingly connected to the hub, a one-way wrap spring clutch mounted about the hub and disposed to interconnect the driving and driven clutch shafts, and configured to transfer torque in a first direction between the driving and driven clutch shafts, and an axial biasing member acting between one of (i) the pulley and the driving clutch shaft and (ii) the hub and driven clutch shaft, to urge the driving and driven clutch shafts together.
US09140314B2 Electromagnetic clutch
An electromagnetic clutch is configured to achieve a cutoff state by changing a winding diameter of a wrap spring. The electromagnetic clutch includes a driving element connected to a shaft and supporting one end of the wrap spring, an operating element fitted on the shaft and supporting the other end of the wrap spring, and an armature rotatable in unison with the shaft between the driving element and operating element and movable along a rotational axis. A main aperture is formed in the operating element while an auxiliary aperture is formed in the armature to achieve a positional relationship to electrify an electromagnetic solenoid to attract the operating element and then allow rotation of the driving element by dynamic inertia and attract the armature to the operating element with the wrap spring being remote from an inner surface of an input pulley.
US09140302B2 Joint bearing lubricant system
A bearing assembly is disclosed having a wearing surface formed from an alloying including tin, a wear material configured to be contacted by the wearing material during use, the wear material having a smoothed surface; and a lubricant composition comprising one or more additives having an affinity for tin. A method of providing superlubricious performance of a bearing assembly is also provided.
US09140301B1 Machine guideways
The present invention provides a machine guideway including a base, a shaft placed in a groove within the base, a carriage slidably connected to the base and shaft, a pair of opposed wheels held by the carriage, and a cover placed over the pair of opposed wheels. The groove has an arch shape defining a groove arch radius. The shaft defines a shaft radius less than the groove arch radius. Each opposed wheel of the pair of opposed wheels contacts the shaft at a rolling point and has a plurality of radii. The plurality of radii of each opposed wheel together form a pair arch when the opposed wheels are held by the carriage. The pair arch defines a pair arch radius that is greater than the shaft radius. The cover is configured to keep the pair of opposed wheels in contact with the shaft with a pre-loaded force.
US09140298B2 Segmented viscoelastic bushing for rotating electrical machines bearing
The segmented viscoelastic bushing for rating electrical machines bearing is disclosed herein, and is designed to absorb radial and axial expansion variations during the rotating electrical machine operation. The bushing is configured to be housed between the bearing and the wheel hub in order to absorb impacts, while allowing for a controlled level of axial and radial movement of the bearing resulting from the existing clearance between the bearing and the outer ring of the bearing.
US09140296B2 Roller bearing
The present invention relates to a roller bearing (10) for supporting a rotatable component such as a shaft. We describe a double row roller bearing (10) for supporting a rotatable circular section component, said roller bearing (10) comprising an inner ring (11) including a pair of inner races (12, 13), an outer ring (17) including a pair of outer races (18, 19), two rows of rollers (22, 23) mounted between the inner and outer races, each row of which rollingly engages respective races in the inner and outer rings, clamping ring means (26) which surrounds and clamps said inner ring (11), at least said inner ring (11) and said clamping ring means (26) each comprising two substantially semicircular parts, the relevant semicircular parts being mounted together to provide a circular component for surrounding the rotatable component, and said clamping ring means (26) surrounds and clamps with said inner ring (11) at a position substantially midway between the axially opposite sides of the inner ring (11).
US09140294B2 High extraction force ball socket
A ball socket for connection with a ball stud resists accidental pull-out of the ball stud. The ball socket achieves relatively low insertion force but relatively high pull-out force resistance.
US09140287B2 Fastener assembly
A fastener assembly is disclosed for mounting a component to a bracket attached to an inner surface of the skin of an aircraft wing such that the component is thermally and electrically isolated from the bracket is disclosed. The component and bracket each have mounting holes and the fastener assembly includes a fastening element having a shaft to extend through the holes, first and second isolating members mountable on the shaft on either side of the bracket such that the bracket is sandwiched between the first and second isolating members.
US09140286B2 Omnidirectional breakaway support system and connector
A connector system having first and second connector segments held together by a rod threadably received in an internal axial bore through each of the first and second connector segments. Each connector segment has a breakaway portion formed from an angled face on one connector segment that cooperates with the mating angled face on the abutting connector segment to form a V-shaped breakpoint between the two connector segments. An intermediate segment can be positioned there between to provide two breakpoints, and multiple intermediate segments can be used for additional breakpoints. Upon impact, the system breaks at the breakpoint and only the rod needs to be in most cases. A longitudinal bore through the rod permits adaption of the rod to selected loads.
US09140285B2 Quick turn fastener
A fastener for use in connection with a tubular boss has a shaft with at least one rib along the length thereof and at least one thread segment extending at least partially around the shaft. The shaft is inserted into the boss in first position, and rotated to a second position wherein the at least one thread segment engages at least one column formed in the tubular boss. The shaft can be integrally formed with a first molded part to be fastened to a second molded part with an integrally formed tubular boss. Various locking features for locking the shaft in the boss are also disclosed.
US09140284B2 Method for installing work-piece to mating structure, and apparatus
An apparatus that includes a datum. The datum has a first portion configured to interface with a work-piece having a critical surface associated with a fit-and-finish surface, and a second portion configured to interface with a mating structure. The datum is adjusted in such a way that the datum facilitates placement of the critical surface within acceptable tolerance to the fit-and-finish surface once the datum is placed between the work-piece and the mating structure, and the work-piece is installed to the mating structure.
US09140280B2 Latch to the core fastener
A latching system includes a hub with one or more openings defined in the hub. Each opening includes a latching feature to which a fastener is releasably coupled. The latching feature may be configured to couple to only a single fastener provided from one side of the hub. Alternately, the latching feature may be configured to couple to two fasteners, one from each side of the hub, at the same time. The fastener includes prongs that are configured to be sufficiently separated from one another, when a removal tool is inserted between them, to facilitate the release of the fastener from the latching feature and the removal of the fastener from the opening. A flange may be held in place between the hub and a portion of the coupled fastener.
US09140279B2 Magnetic mount
A panel insert comprising an external body having an open end, said body having a central bore, a magnet received in said bore and having a smooth surface facing said open end of the body, said magnet being affixed to said body.
US09140278B2 Anti-rotation isolator
A connection joint includes a first plate (186, 286), a second plate (182, 282), and connection members (184, 284). The connection members are coupled to the first plate and the second plate and positioned between the first plate and the second plate. The connection members are configured to resist rotation of the first plate with respect to the second plate around a first axis and allow a compression or expansion of the first plate with respect to the second plate on the first axis.
US09140277B2 Quick-attaching ceiling leak diverter devices
A leak diverter includes a liquid collection tray structured and arranged to be positioned below and supported by a suspended ceiling; a drain in flow communication with the liquid collection tray; and a plurality of magnetic suspension assemblies connected to the liquid collection tray, the magnetic suspension assemblies being structured and arranged to magnetically couple the leak diverter to a support frame in the suspended ceiling.
US09140271B2 Impeller of centrifugal compressor
Interference of a leakage vortex flow generated at the tip end side of the full blade with the leading edge of the splitter blade is avoided and high pressure ratio and enhanced efficiency can be achieved. A throat of am impeller is formed so that a distance from a leading edge of a rear side full blade on the rear side of the rotation direction of the compressor to a front side full blade adjacent to the rear side full blade is minimized, and the leading edge of the splitter blade is placed in a fluid flow streaming along the flow passage between the mutually adjacent full blades, on the downstream side of a leakage vortex line formed to connect the middle location of the throat to the leading edge of the front side full blade.
US09140268B2 Bearing apparatus and blower fan
A bearing apparatus includes a bearing portion; a shaft; an upper thrust portion; a rotor cylindrical portion extending downward from an outer edge portion, and arranged radially outward of the bearing portion; and an annular seal cover fixed to an outer circumferential surface. A seal portion having a surface of lubricating oil defined therein is defined in a seal gap defined between an inner circumferential surface of the rotor cylindrical portion and an outer circumferential surface of the bearing portion. The seal cover includes a fixing portion fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the rotor cylindrical portion; and an inner flange portion extending radially inward from the fixing portion below a lower end portion of the rotor cylindrical portion, and having an inner circumferential portion arranged opposite to the outer circumferential surface of the bearing portion to define a vertical gap together with the outer circumferential surface.
US09140267B2 Compressor
A compressor housing defines a gas inlet flow path and a gas outlet and a rotatable impeller wheel between the gas inlet flow path and the gas outlet. An inner wall of the housing defines a surface in close proximity to radially outer edges of impeller wheel vanes that sweep across the surface as the wheel rotates. An opening is provided in the inner wall at the surface. A port is provided in the housing in gas communication with the opening for diverting gas in a direction away from the inlet flow path during relatively low flow conditions. A gas displacement device is disposed outside of the inlet flow path and connected to the port, wherein the pump is operable to remove gas selectively through the opening and the port in a direction away from the inlet flow path.
US09140265B2 Blower
A blower includes an air pump and a motor. The pump includes an impeller and a casing housing the impeller. The casing includes a casing inlet through which air is drawn in and a casing outlet through which the air is expelled by the impeller. The motor is arranged at the casing outlet and includes a stator and a rotor. The stator includes a stator core and a plurality of coils. The stator core includes a substantially ring-shaped yoke and a plurality of teeth extending inwards from the yoke. Each coil is wound around the yoke and is partially sandwiched between two adjacent teeth. The impeller is driven by the rotor.
US09140264B2 Bracketless magnetic pump
A fluid pump kit is provided. The kit includes a magnetic driven member for coupling with and rotating a propeller, and a magnetic driver for magnetically coupling to and driving the magnetic driven member by a magnetic attraction force establishable between the magnetic driver and the magnetic driven member. A motor of the kit operates the magnetic driver. First and second casings are provided for housing the magnetic driver and the magnetic driven member, respectively. The first and second casings with housed magnetic driver and magnetic driven member, respectively, are detachably securable to opposite sides of a non-magnetic spacer solely by the magnetic attraction force establishable between the magnetic driver and the magnetic driven member sufficient to support the second casing and the housed magnetic driven member in a particular position without the use of mechanical aids.
US09140263B2 Advection fans
An advection fan includes a housing having a metal housing base and a closure member. A lateral wall is arranged between the metal housing base and the closure member and includes an air inlet and an air outlet. A horizontal air passage is defined between the metal housing base and the closure member. The metal housing base includes an engagement section. A stator includes a coil unit embedded in or abutting and attached to the engagement section of the metal housing base. The coil unit abuts the engagement face of the metal housing base. The coil unit includes a substrate and at least one coil formed on a surface of the substrate by a printing circuit or electroforming process. An impeller is rotatably coupled to the shaft tube of the stator. A gap is formed between the impeller and the coil unit of the stator.
US09140259B2 Fan-shaped rotor set with balance positioning apertures
A rotor set comprises a pair of engaging rotors disposed in a pump room of a housing rotating oppositely with identical speeds. Each rotor comprises a plurality of lobes, and each lobe has a fan-shaped end with a curved edge. The lobe generates an eccentric force to the rotor during the rotation to reduce mechanical consuming energy and save dynamic energy. Therefore, the rotors can achieve strong eccentric torque and self-vacuum effect with low dynamic energy.
US09140257B2 Discharge valve and damper for a piston pump
A piston pump as a return pump of a slip-controlled, hydraulic vehicle braking system is disclosed. There is a mushroom-shaped shut-off body as a spring-loaded outlet valve, the shaft thereof extending through a center hole of a tubular damper piston. The shut-off body is movable transversely to the opening and closing direction thereof, so that said shut-off body aligns with a valve seat upon closing. Upon opening, the damper piston forces brake fluid out of a damping chamber in which it is housed so that an opening movement of the outlet valve is dampened.
US09140255B2 Pump monitoring device
A pump monitoring device is configured to be connected to a case drain of a pump. The device includes a manifold having an inlet for connection to the case drain. A flow rate sensor generates a signal indicative of a flow rate of fluid in a fluid path. The flow rate sensor includes a temperature sensor, a heater, and a sensor barrel. The heater heats the sensor barrel while in fluid communication with the fluid. A pressure sensor generates a signal indicative of a pressure of the fluid. There is at least one fault indicator operatively coupled to at least one of the flow rate sensor, the temperature sensor, and the pressure sensor. The fault indicator provides a human perceptible indication that at least one of a sensed flow rate, a sensed temperature, or a sensed pressure of the fluid flowing in the fluid path exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
US09140254B2 System for controlling an electric oil pump
A system for accurately and reliably controlling an electric oil pump includes a control portion adapted to control rotation speed of the motor of the electric oil pump, a regulator valve including a valve body provided with a plurality of ports, a valve spool inserted in the valve body and an elastic member adapted to apply elastic force to the valve spool, and a switch mounted on one side of the valve body including first and second contact points, wherein the control portion increases the rotation speed of the motor when the switch is on and maintains the rotation speed of the motor when the switch is off.
US09140250B2 Vacuum pumping system
The present invention relates to a vacuum pumping system (18) for evacuating gas from a plurality of chambers (12, 14, 16) at different pressures. The pumping system comprises a plurality of compound vacuum pumps (20, 22), wherein each compound pump comprises a plurality of pumping mechanisms (24,26,28) connected in series between a pump inlet (30) and a pump exhaust (32) and an interstage port (34, 36) between pumping mechanisms in the series. The system is configured such that gas evacuated from one of said chambers is pumped through the interstage ports of at least two of said compound pumps.
US09140249B2 Swash plate type compressor
A swash plate type compressor includes a cylinder block having a crank chamber, a rotary shaft, a swash plate, pistons and fasteners extending through the crank chamber between any two adjacent pistons. The cylinder block further includes ribs projecting inward from inner surface of the crank chamber, extending in axial direction of the rotary shaft and being arranged so that the pistons and the fasteners are positioned alternately between any two adjacent ribs, a piston-side wall surface forming the inner surface and being positioned between any two adjacent ribs located on opposite side of the piston and a fastener-side wall surface forming the inner surface and being positioned between any two adjacent ribs located on opposite side of the fastener The piston-side wall surface is spaced farther away from the rotary shaft than the fastener-side wall surface in radial direction of the rotary shaft.
US09140248B2 Method and device for assembling swash plate-type fluid machine
A method of assembling a swash plate-type fluid machine, comprising: bringing, with each of a plurality of pistons suspended by a swash plate, a shaft assembly in a vertical axis posture and a cylinder block close to each other to insert each of the pistons into a corresponding one of cylinder bores, in incorporating the shaft assembly, which has the plurality of pistons each installed on the swash plate via a pair of shoes matching with both end surfaces of the swash plate, respectively, into the cylinder block.
US09140244B2 Piston pump with cam actuated valves
A method of controlling a piston pump is disclosed. The method includes actuating a plurality of pistons housed within a cylinder barrel to cause each of the plurality of pistons to engage in reciprocating motion. Fluid supplied to each of the pistons may be regulated by changing a clock position of an intake cam ring to cause a plurality of intake valves to open and close relative to the clock position of the intake cam ring. Fluid discharged by each of the pistons may be regulated by changing a clock position of an exhaust cam ring to cause a plurality of exhaust valves to open and close relative the clock position of the exhaust cam ring.
US09140243B2 Shape memory alloy latch with stable on-off position
A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator includes a SMA element connected to a first crown to move the first crown with respect to a second crown along an axis to toggle the actuator rod between a first position and a second position, the first position and the second position maintained when the SMA element is deenergized.
US09140233B2 Wind power generation system
A wind turbine blade forming a root at an inner end, a tip at an outer end, a plurality of power sections intermediate the root and the tip, and a plurality of aerodynamic section dividers located intermediate each of the other sections. The aerodynamic section dividers are configured to aerodynamically isolate their adjoining sections to limit the lateral flow of air between them while in use on the wind turbine. The blade has a low aspect ratio and is operated at a high advance rate. The aerodynamic section dividers are close enough together to soften the stall characteristics of the blade, and thus the blade can be operated at high angles of attack.
US09140231B1 Controller for a wave energy converter
A wave energy converter (WEC) is described, the WEC including a power take off (PTO) that converts relative motion of bodies of the WEC into electrical energy. A controller controls operation of the PTO, causing the PTO to act as a motor to widen a wave frequency spectrum that is usable to generate electrical energy.
US09140230B2 System and method for extracting energy from sea waves
A system and method for extracting energy from sea waves with the aid of a buoyancy body, from which cables (S) are guided in a splayed-out manner to mutually spaced, stationary reference points which are provided beneath the buoyancy body. At least one of the cables is provided as a guide cable for guiding the buoyancy body on a trajectory and at least one cable is provided as a working cable for transmitting the wave energy to at least one energy converter. In order to make a more efficient use of the wave energy possible, even with varying wave directions, and utilize synergy effects from the combination with offshore wind power plants, according to the invention the buoyancy body can be oriented freely in space in relation to the wave direction. Alternatively or in addition, the energy converter or converters and the devices for cable control and/or cable pull are arranged outside the buoyancy body in a stationary manner.
US09140229B2 Knocking control system for gas engine
A knocking control system comprises a knocking determiner device for determining whether or not knocking with a predetermined intensity or higher has occurred in a cylinder of a gas engine in each cycle; an integration variable calculator which adds to an integration variable CT when the knocking determiner device determines that the knocking with the predetermined intensity or higher has occurred, and subtracts from the integration variable CT when the knocking determiner determines that the knocking with the predetermined intensity or higher has not occurred; and a main controller for reducing a power output of the cylinder if the integration variable CT is not less than a threshold.
US09140225B2 Fuel feed network for a rotorcraft engine, the network including means for priming a pump for sucking fuel from a feed tank
A fluid flow network for feeding fuel to at least one engine (2) of a power plant driving rotation of at least one rotary wing (1) of a rotorcraft. The fluid flow network includes a suction pump (3) for sucking fuel from a feeder tank (5) via a transfer circuit (4). The feeder tank (5) is fed with fuel from a main tank (9) by a transfer circuit (10) including a transfer pump (12). The transfer pump (12) is also a pump for priming the suction pump (3) by means of a feed ejector (15) provided on the feed circuit (4) and immersed in the feeder tank (5).
US09140224B2 Electromagnetic actuator and method for controlling fluid flow
An apparatus and method for controlling fluid flow is disclosed. An electromagnetic actuator may include a stator having an inner pole member and an outer pole member. The outer pole member may have a fluid passageway therein for transmitting fluid through the outer pole member. The actuator may further include a coil disposed around the inner pole member and arranged between the inner pole member and the outer pole member. The actuator may also include an armature moveable under the influence of a magnetic field generated by the stator and coil and operable to affect transmission of the fluid through the fluid passageway.
US09140222B2 Intake passage structure for vehicle
The length of a connecting tube in an intake passage structure for a vehicle can be secured, and the number of components around the connecting tube can be reduced. Provided is an intake passage structure for a vehicle including a connecting tube and an engine, the connecting tube connecting an air cleaner box which purifies air and a throttle body and formed of two or more separate components, the engine being configured to be supplied with purified air. In the intake passage structure, a joint area at which the connecting tubes are connected in a predetermined positional relation is disposed inside the air cleaner box.
US09140220B2 Engine systems and methods of operating an engine
One embodiment of the present invention is a unique method for operating an engine. Another embodiment is a unique engine system. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for engines and engine systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.
US09140217B2 Exhaust gas recirculation apparatus and method for forming same
An exhaust gas recirculation cooler for internal combustion engines and a method of forming same. One or more cooler tubes incorporate a flexible section, comprised of one or more integrally formed convolutions, with a tube and fin architecture. The exhaust gas recirculation cooler provides thermal compensation, on a per-tube basis, with the flexible sections of the one or more cooler tubes individually displacing upon the thermal expansion of any of the respective tubes.
US09140208B1 Heat engine
The present invention is a heat engine that has two piston assemblies and a center assembly between the piston assemblies. The heat engine uses a working fluid. The center assembly includes an outside wall and two end walls forming a sealed assembly. The center assembly includes two compression chambers internally. The piston assemblies are attached to the end walls of the center assembly in a sealed condition. The piston assemblies include a burner, piston cavity, piston with piston head and piston shaft. The piston shafts of the pistons are interconnected to each other. The burner is in contact with the piston cavities. There is also a heat exchanger connected to the center assembly and piston assemblies.
US09140206B2 Torque control systems and methods
A system of a vehicle includes a fueling prediction module, a short pulse determination module, a torque control module, and a generator control module. The fueling prediction module generates N predicted fueling pulse widths for N future combustion events of an engine, respectively. N is an integer greater than one. The short pulse determination module determines a number of the N predicted fueling pulse widths that are less than a predetermined period. The torque control module selectively increases a torque output of the engine based on the number. The generator control module selectively increases a load imposed by a generator of electricity based on the number.
US09140200B2 Control method of diesel vehicle
An idle throttle valve control method of a diesel vehicle, may include a first step of determining whether an idle entry condition of the vehicle may be satisfied, a second step of controlling a throttle valve based on an air amount map and controlling an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve based on an EGR map, when the first step may be satisfied, a third step of determining whether an idle release condition may be satisfied during the second step, and a fourth step of determining whether an EGR return condition may be satisfied, when the idle release condition may be satisfied in the third step.
US09140197B2 Valve timing control apparatus
A valve timing control apparatus includes a temperature sensing member which expands at a main lock phase when a temperature of an engine is higher than or equal to a predetermined temperature so as to prohibit a main lock component from moving out of a main lock hole to a guide slot. The temperature sensing member shrinks at the main lock phase when the temperature of the engine is lower than the predetermined temperature so as to allow the main lock component to move out of the main lock hole toward the guide slot.
US09140194B2 Gas turbine engine starter-generator with integrated lube oil scavenge functionality
A gas turbine engine starter-generator includes a housing assembly, a motor-generator, and a lubricant pump. The housing assembly includes a lubricant inlet port for receiving a flow of lubricant. The motor-generator is disposed within the housing assembly and is adapted to be coupled to an auxiliary power unit. The motor-generator is configured to selectively operate in either a motor mode or a generator mode. The lubricant pump is disposed within the housing assembly and includes one or more pump inlets and one or more pump outlets.
US09140193B2 Gas turbine igniter with structure to reduce radial movement of igniter rod
An improved gas turbine igniter (10) is provided. Turbine igniter (10) may include a guide tube (14). An igniter rod (12) may be disposed in the guide tube and extend from a hot-end region (16) to a cold-end region (18). A piston (20) may be connected to igniter rod (12). A cap (22) may be connected to guide tube (14). Cap (22) defines an access passageway (24) to the igniter rod. Structure (50) is arranged to reduce a range of radial movement of igniter rod (12) in the access passageway.
US09140185B2 Locating mechanism for turbocharger bearing
An exemplary semi-floating bearing for a turbocharger has a central axis defining a cylindrical coordinate system with an axial direction, a radial direction and an angular direction; a turbine end; a compressor end; journal surfaces between the turbine end and the compressor end, the surfaces configured to support a turbocharger shaft; and an opening disposed between the turbine end and the compressor end, the opening having a radial dimension that exceeds an axial dimension to, upon receipt of a locating pin, provide for movement of the bearing in the angular direction about its central axis and to provide for lesser movement of the bearing in the axial direction. Other exemplary bearings, arrangements and methods are also disclosed.
US09140182B2 Variable compression ratio control system
Disclosed is a variable compression ratio control system configured to change a top dead center of a piston in an engine according to an operation state of the engine. The control system may include a motor provided as a power source, a control shaft coupled to the piston, wherein the control shaft changes the top dead center of the piston by a rotation of the control shaft, a driving shaft connected to the motor and to be rotated by the motor, an operation unit movable in a shaft direction of the driving shaft by a rotation of the driving shaft, and an operation link protruding from one portion of an exterior circumferential surface of the control shaft, wherein the operation unit is connected with the operation link so that the operation link rotates the control shaft while the operation unit moves in the shaft direction of the driving shaft.
US09140180B2 Internal combustion engine reformer installation
An internal combustion engine reformer installation comprises an internal combustion engine, a mixing device having a first feed conduit for a first substance flow and a second feed conduit for a second substance flow, wherein a mixture can be produced from the first and second substance flows in the mixing device, a reformer for reforming the mixture to afford a synthesis gas, a mixture conduit connected to the mixing device and the reformer, and a synthesis gas feed conduit connected to the reformer and the internal combustion engine. A first heat exchanger in heat-coupling relationship with the first feed conduit and a second heat exchanger in heat-coupling relationship with the second feed conduit are arranged in the synthesis gas feed conduit.
US09140179B2 System and method for controlling exhaust emissions and specific fuel consumption of an engine
A method includes combusting air within a plurality of cylinders of an internal combustion engine by injecting a fuel into the plurality of cylinders. The method further includes expanding a first portion of an exhaust gas generated from the plurality of combustion cylinders via a turbine. The method further includes controlling at least one of feeding a second portion of the exhaust gas via an exhaust channel bypassing the turbine; and recirculating a third portion of the exhaust gas to the plurality of combustion cylinders via a recirculation channel, as a function of an intake manifold air temperature and pressure at which the engine is operated.
US09140176B2 Coolant circuit with head and block coolant jackets connected in series
A method to operate a split coolant circuit of a combustion engine wherein a cylinder head coolant jacket and an engine block coolant jacket are provided in series with a pump delivering coolant to an inlet of the cylinder head coolant jacket without being directly connected to an inlet of the engine block coolant jacket. This allows for 100% of the pump flow rate to be delivered to the cylinder head coolant jacket before division of coolant flow occurs for various engine operating conditions.
US09140175B2 Engine and engine-operated working machine
In an engine including a cooling fan provided at one end of a drive shaft to cool the engine, a muffler is attached such that a longitudinal direction thereof coincide with a direction of gravity, and a muffler accommodating chamber is formed by a muffler cover. A portion of cooling air generated by the cooling fan is introduced into the muffler accommodating chamber so as to cool the muffler. At the muffler accommodating chamber, a cooling air outlet is provided at an upper end of a cooling passage, such that the waste heat of the muffler is discharged from the cooling air outlet to the outside during the stop of the engine. A cooling air inlet is disposed below the cooling air outlet such that the cooling air flows from the lower side to the upper side of the muffler.
US09140169B2 Method for controlling regeneration within an after-treatment component of a compression-ignition engine
A method for controlling regeneration within an after-treatment component of a compression-ignition engine comprises calculating an initial estimate of accumulated particulate matter based on a pressure-based soot accumulation model and a pressure drop index indicative of a decrease in pressure across the component. An adjusted estimate of accumulated particulate matter in the component is calculated based on the initial estimate and a soot prediction error inherent in the soot model. The adjusted estimate is compared to a predetermined threshold associated with the after-treatment component, and a remedial action is initiated when the adjusted estimate of accumulated particulate matter in the after-treatment component exceeds the predetermined threshold. The pressure-based soot accumulation model may be configured to predict soot accumulation in the absence of passive regeneration, and an adjusted kinetic burn model may be used to estimate a quantity of soot disposed through passive regeneration.
US09140166B1 Reductant dosing system
A reductant dosing system for an engine is disclosed. The disclosed reductant dosing system includes a reservoir of reductant fluid that is connected to an inlet of a reductant pump. The pump has an outlet that is fluidly connected to the reservoir, an inlet of a pressure regulator and an inlet of an injector. The pressure regulator includes a reductant pressure control valve that fluidly connects the outlet of the reductant pump to the reservoir when the reductant pressure control valve is in an open position. A compressed gas source is fluidly connected to an air supply control valve that fluidly connects the compressed gas source to the reservoir when the air supply control valve is in an open position. The air supply control valve also has a closed position and is shifted between the open and closed positions by a controller.
US09140161B2 Bi-fuel engine with variable air fuel ratio
A conventional gasoline engine is retrofitted to operate as a bi-fuel engine using Hydrogen gas as a primary fuel and gasoline as a secondary fuel at various acceptable air fuel ratios while avoiding forbidden air fuel ratios. The engine is preferably operated to burn Hydrogen fuel in a charged mode and lean mode at certain acceptable air fuel ratios where relatively little NOx emissions occur. When additional power or acceleration is requested, processor controlled fuel injectors are operated to inject relatively small amounts of gasoline into the engine resulting in a fuel mixture that prevents increases in NOx emissions as the processor operates at a stoichiometric air fuel ratio where a catalytic converter is best able to reduce harmful emissions. The injection of the liquid gasoline fuel to the gaseous Hydrogen fuel reduces the temperature of the fuels significantly and reduces or eliminates backfiring tendency of the engine.
US09140160B2 Encapsulated exhaust gas aftertreatment unit
Exhaust gas aftertreatment units are provided. The units have an encapsulated design that is constructed in a modular manner from disk-shaped components. Exhaust gas flow occurs in the direction of a disk plane, wherein the components are surrounded by frames that are consecutively, in particular elastically, connected and clamped to each other transverse to the disk plane.
US09140159B2 High exhaust temperature, zoned, electrically-heated particulate matter filter
A system includes a particulate matter (PM) filter, an electric heater, and a control circuit. The electric heater includes multiple zones, which each correspond to longitudinal zones along a length of the PM filter. A first zone includes multiple discontinuous sub-zones. The control circuit determines whether regeneration is needed based on an estimated level of loading of the PM filter and an exhaust flow rate. In response to a determination that regeneration is needed, the control circuit: controls an operating parameter of an engine to increase an exhaust temperature to a first temperature during a first period; after the first period, activates the first zone; deactivates the first zone in response to a minimum filter face temperature being reached; subsequent to deactivating the first zone, activates a second zone; and deactivates the second zone in response to the minimum filter face temperature being reached.
US09140158B2 Coaxial inlet and outlet exhaust treatment device
A burner for an exhaust gas treatment system includes a tubular inner housing having a closed upstream end, a reduced diameter portion, and a plurality of apertures downstream of the reduced diameter portion. An outer housing surrounds the inner housing comprising a bypass flow path therebetween. First and second tubular supports fix the upstream end of the inner housing to the outer housing and provide fluid communication between a cavity within the inner housing to a location outside of the outer housing. A plate fixes the downstream end of the inner housing to the outer housing and cooperates with the housings to partially define an aperture formed in a portion of the bypass flow path.
US09140157B2 Exhaust gas purification system
An exhaust gas purification device is arranged in an exhaust gas route of a common rail type engine. At least one of an intake air throttle device and an exhaust gas throttle device are arranged in intake and exhaust systems of the engine. In the case that a clogged state of the exhaust gas purification device becomes equal to or more than a prescribed level, an auxiliary renewing mode which raises the temperature of an exhaust gas from the engine by actuating at least one of the intake air throttle device and the exhaust gas throttle device is executed, and in the case that the clogged state of the exhaust gas purification device is not improved even by executing the auxiliary renewing mode, a forced renewing mode which supplies a fuel into the exhaust gas purification device by a post injection is executed.
US09140154B2 Engine device
Disclosed is an engine device in which a diesel particulate filter is disposed, with high rigidity, in an engine as one constituent part of the engine, the need for countermeasures against exhaust gas for each of the devices of a vehicle is eliminated, and general versatility of the engine can be enhanced. The engine device includes an engine having an exhaust manifold, and an exhaust gas purifying device which purifies exhaust gas discharged from the engine. A plurality of filter supporting bodies which support the exhaust gas purifying device 1 are provided in a cylinder head of the engine. The diesel particulate filter is connected to the exhaust manifold, and is also connected to the cylinder head by the plurality of filter supporting bodies.
US09140153B2 Engine system having a backflow valve and method for operation thereof
An engine system is described. The engine system includes an oil drain passage in fluidic communication with an oil separator. The engine system further includes a backflow valve positioned at an outlet of the oil drain line, the backflow valve having a first configuration where the valve provides a predetermined amount of oil backflow into the oil drain passage and a second configuration where the valve inhibits oil backflow into the oil drain passage.
US09140151B2 Valve gear
Provided is a valve gear which achieves a reduced size and is capable of changing the valve opening timing of an engine valve and changing the length of the valve opening period thereof. A valve gear is provided with: a rotatable first camshaft; a first cam piece that is relatively unrotatably provided on the first camshaft; a second camshaft that is included in the first camshaft and coaxially rotatable; a second cam piece that is relatively unrotatably provided on the second camshaft; a housing; a first vane rotor that is relatively rotatable with respect to the housing; and a second vane rotor that is relatively rotatable with respect to the housing and the first vane rotor The first vane rotor is relatively unrotatably coupled to the second camshaft, and the second vane rotor is relatively rotatably coupled to the first camshaft.
US09140150B2 Camshaft phaser
A camshaft phaser (1), having a drive element (2), an output element (3), and a cover element (4), the cover element (4) being joined in latching-type, form-locking engagement with the drive element or output element (2, 3), and the cover element (4) having play-eliminator that eliminates a play in the connection.
US09140149B2 Continuously variable valve lift/timing apparatus
A continuously variable valve lift/timing apparatus includes: a cam provided on a camshaft; a swing arm rotatable about a first end connected to a cylinder head and includes a second end; an actuating arm which includes: a rotation shaft rotatably coupled to the second end; an output cam coupled to the rotation shaft and has an output surface; and an input roller connected to the rotation shaft and comes into contact with the cam, and of which a relative distance with respect to the rotation shaft is variable; a valve opening and closing unit which comes into contact with the output surface so as to be opened and closed; a swing arm control unit which varies a relative position of the second end; and a lift timing control unit which varies a relative position of the input unit.
US09140148B2 Single lobe deactivating rocker arm
A deactivating rocker arm can include an outer arm extending between a first end and a second end. The outer arm can have a first outer side arm and a second outer side arm. The first and second outer side arms can define outer pivot axle apertures and axle slots. The inner arm can be disposed between the first and second outer side arms. The inner arm can have a first inner side arm and a second inner side arm. The first and second inner side arms can define bearing apertures. A bearing can be mounted in the bearing apertures of the inner arm and the axle slots of the outer arm. The axle slots can be configured to permit lost motion movement of the bearing. A first biasing member can be disposed on the second end of the outer arm and in biasing contact with the bearing.
US09140147B2 Multiple variable valve lift apparatus
A multiple variable valve lift apparatus has a simple design that efficiently operates without interference. The apparatus according may include: a camshaft formed in a hollow cylinder shape; a control shaft disposed in the hollow of the camshaft; a cam that rotates together with the camshaft; a cam rod connecting the control shaft with the cam to move together; an operating unit disposed on the exterior circumference of the camshaft to rotate together with the camshaft; an operating unit rod connecting the control shaft with the operating unit such that the control shaft and the operating unit move together; a solenoid selectively connected with the operating unit, and moving the operating unit along an axial direction of the camshaft; and a tappet contacting the cam to transform rotational motion of the cam to rectilinear motion of a valve.
US09140142B2 Mounting/dismounting jig for combustor tail pipe and tail pipe installation method
Provided is a tail cylinder attaching and detaching fixture that attaches and detaches a tail cylinder to and from a casing, the tail cylinder being included in a combustor inserted into the casing so that the front end is connected to an inlet portion of a combustion gas passageway, the tail cylinder attaching and detaching fixture including: a guide portion of which the front end is disposed inside the casing and the front end and the base end are respectively supported by the casing and which supports the tail cylinder so as to be movable in the axial direction of the combustor; and an advancing and retracting mechanism that advances and retracts the tail cylinder in the axial direction.
US09140141B2 Turbine assembly and method for assembling a turbine
According to one aspect of the invention, a turbine assembly includes a frame coupled to a ground surface, a bearing housing supporting a rotor bearing and a sleeve assembly attached to the frame and the bearing housing. The sleeve assembly includes an outer sleeve with a first flange on a first end that is positioned in an opening in the bearing housing and a second end that abuts the shim, an inner sleeve positioned within a portion of the outer sleeve and a bolt positioned within the inner sleeve and threadably coupled to the frame, wherein the bolt compressively loads the inner sleeve thereby loading a portion of the outer sleeve at the second end between the inner sleeve and the frame and wherein a first gap dimension is substantially maintained between the first flange and bearing housing as the bolt is preloaded and coupled to the frame.
US09140134B2 Guide vane for a turbo-compressor, guide vane arrangement, turbo-compressor, motor vehicle and method
A guide vane of a turbo-compressor has variable turbine geometry, in particular for a motor vehicle. The guide vane has a profile with a lower side, an upper side and a front edge. The guide vane is characterized by a nose which extends along the front edge of the vane, from the front edge of the vane to the upper side of the vane and forms a low pressure on the upper side of the vane when waste gas impacts the guide vane. A guide vane configuration, a turbo-compressor, a motor vehicle and a method for operating this type of turbo-compressor are further disclosed.
US09140132B2 Turbine blade support
A turbine blade is disclosed. The turbine blade includes a platform, an airfoil extending from one side of the platform, a root extending radially from another side of the platform, and a pocket located beneath the platform. The pocket is defined by a plurality of walls, and a pad is disposed in a corner of the pocket. The pad includes three pad corners and three sides connecting the three pad corners, wherein each side extends along a different one of the plurality of walls.
US09140131B2 Methods for controlling friction between heterogeneous contact surfaces
A method of conditioning a first, heterogeneous contact surface for operational engagement with a second contact surface, the method comprising: performing a smoothing operation on part or all of the first contact surface while subjecting said part or all of the first contact surface respectively to a contact pre-stress corresponding to a nominal operational contact stress between the first and second contact surfaces.
US09140129B2 Turbomachine with axial compression or expansion
The turbomachine has a ring of radial blades which are connected to an annular end wall. Situated on the end wall upstream of each blade is a deflector wedge with two divergent guide surfaces. The deflector wedge generates pressure-side and suction-side vortices of which the vortices caused by the blade cascade are altered such that the transverse flow and backflow areas on the blade are reduced, and therefore the edge zone losses are decreased.
US09140125B2 Segmented rings with captive nuts for fan bolts
An apparatus and method for connecting a fan rotor to a shaft of a gas turbine engine includes a segmented clinch nut plate having a plurality of clinch nuts installed in pre-drilled holes in each segment. A plurality of mounting bolts extending through the holes in the rotor shaft and holes in a mounting device of the shaft threadedly engage the clinch nuts of the clinch nut plate. The segments of the clinch nut plate are disposed separately one from another.
US09140122B2 Excavation system using a water jet, and excavation method using the same
A tunnel excavation technique using a water jet. A water jet system includes a moving unit movable back and forth with respect to an area to be blasted for tunnel excavation, an articulated robot arm mounted on the moving unit, a water jet nozzle which ejects high-pressure water and an abrasive toward an area to be excavated, and a control unit which controls the moving unit, the articulated robot arm and the water jet nozzle. A free face having a predetermined depth is formed of the area to be excavated in the direction in which the tunnel is to be excavated using the water jet system. Since the blasting is performed after the free face is formed, blast vibration can be effectively restricted.
US09140105B2 Temporary support device for oil well tubes and method of use
A temporary support device for oil well tubes and method of use. The device comprises a holding structure to be applied to the well surface casing, a holding base resting in the well's cellar floor and sets of adjustable supporting arms connecting the holding structure and the supporting base.
US09140099B2 Hydrocarbon resource heating device including superconductive material RF antenna and related methods
A device for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation having a wellbore therein may include a radio frequency (RF) antenna positioned within the wellbore. The RF antenna may include a superconductive material. The device may include an RF source configured to supply RF power to the RF antenna to heat the hydrocarbon resources.
US09140097B2 Wellbore treatment apparatus and method
A method for wellbore treatment includes running a liner into a wellbore, the liner including a wall, an inner bore defined by the wall, a first port through the wall, a second port though the wall spaced axially from the first port, a first removable closure for the first port and a second removable closure for the second port; positioning the liner in an open hole section of the wellbore to create an annulus between the liner and a portion of the wellbore wall and with the second port downhole of the first port; inserting a treatment string assembly into the liner, the treatment string assembly including a tubing string and an annular seal about the tubing string and being insertable into the inner bore of the liner; setting the annular seal to create a seal between the tubing string and the liner downhole of the second port; and while the first port is closed to fluid flow therethrough, pumping wellbore treatment fluid into an annular area between the tubing string and the liner such that the fluid passes through the second port and into the annulus to treat the open hole section of the wellbore adjacent the second port. The treatment string assembly may further include a port-opening tool and a fluid communication port permitting fluid communication between the tubing string outer surface and a fluid conduit through the tubing string adjacent an upper side of the annular seal.
US09140095B2 Packer cup for sealing in multiple wellbore sizes eccentrically
The present invention generally relates to a packer for creating a seal in an annular area. In one aspect, a packer cup for use in a wellbore is provided. The packer cup includes a base and a first seal segment having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first seal segment is attached to the base. The packer cup further includes a second seal segment that is spaced apart from the base. The second seal segment is attached to the second end of the first seal segment, wherein each seal segment is configured to move from a retracted shape to an expanded shape upon activation of the respective seal segment. In another aspect, a method for creating a seal between a tubular and a wellbore is provided. In a further aspect, a packer is provided.
US09140089B2 Device and method for stabilization of a wellhead
A stabilization device is for a wellhead wherein an upper portion of a wellhead casing extends up above a seabed, the upper wellhead casing portion being sideways supported in a suction substructure. A blowout preventer extending up from the upper portion of the wellhead casing is provided with multiple supporting elements abutting supportingly an edge portion of an end cover on the suction substructure. A method is for stabilizing a wellhead wherein an upper portion of a wellhead casing extends up above a seabed and is sideways supported in a suction substructure surrounding the wellhead casing portion and extends downward in an uncompacted material.
US09140087B2 Modular tool for wellbore cleaning and method of use
A sealing means for debris chambers of a debris extraction tool and a method for dismantling and handling a debris extraction toll using such sealing means are disclosed. The sealing means for a debris chamber for a debris extraction tool may include a cylindrical body sealed at one end and open at the other end. The open end may be connectable to an end of the debris chamber. The method for dismantling a debris extraction tool, wherein the debris extraction tool comprises a plurality of connected debris chambers, may use the sealing means and may include connecting the sealing means to the topmost debris chamber of the debris extraction tool.
US09140086B2 Downhole apparatus
A downhole apparatus for depositing a tool in a side pocket mandrel is described. The apparatus comprises an apparatus body, a tool holder and a displacement mechanism for connecting the tool holder to the apparatus body. The tool holder is movable between a run-in position, in which the tool holder is adjacent the body, to a displaced position, in which the tool holder is spaced away from the body. As a tool is moved between the run-in position and the displaced position, a tool longitudinal axis remains substantially parallel to an apparatus body longitudinal axis.
US09140084B2 Locking device for a drilling device
Latching device for a drilling device comprising a latching body mountable in an outer tube, an unlatching tube slidably mountable around the latching body, two latches attached to the latching body and pivotable between a deployed position in which the latch cooperates with the outer tube in order to latch the latching body to said outer tube and a retracted position for unlatching the latching body from the outer tube, a piston sliding around the latching body and secured to the unlatching tube, and a compression spring mechanism pressing the piston towards the latches in order to maintain the latches in their deployed position, a pulling force exerted on the unlatching tube compressing the spring mechanism to prevent the piston from pressing against the latches which position themselves in their retracted position.
US09140083B2 Hydraulically triggered anchor
An anchor device is utilized to locate the whipstock both longitudinally and rotationally in order to properly orient the whipstock prior to beginning the sidetrack operation. In order to hydraulically set the slips a hydraulically actuated piston in a hydraulic cylinder is pressurized to overcome a restraint such as a shear pin thereby releasing a spring that drives a second piston to force the slips radially outwards thereby setting the anchor. In certain instances the anchor may also be set down on a rod that is also attached to the hydraulic piston. By setting down on the rod the shear pin is also overcome which also releases the spring.
US09140080B2 Transportable single operator rig apparatus and method for optimizing drilling and/or completion
A transportable rig apparatus provides single operator control for moving pipe into and out of a wellbore. A transportable control van houses the operator. A rig carrier is utilized to transport the mast. A pipe tong is mounted in the mast and is remotely operable from the control van. Rig blocks which move up and down in the mast are remotely operable from control van. A skid mounted pipe moving member moves pipe to the mast assembly and away from the mast assembly. The pipe moving member remotely is operable from the control van. A pipe tub stores pipe and a pipe tub transfer system is operable for moving pipe from the pipe tub to the pipe moving member and for moving pipe from the pipe moving member to the pipe tub.
US09140077B2 Thermal insulation for pipes in a drill pipe riser, tubular segment and thermal insulation system for joint couplings
A thermal insulation of pipes of a drill pipe riser, the novelty consisting basically in the fact that the thermal insulation comprises several layers around the pipe and between the first layer and the pipe, and between two adjacent layers, there are spaces where sea water penetrates. A thermal insulation system of joint couplings of pipes for a drill pipe riser comprising a tubular segment that circumferentially surrounds the region of the joint coupling and, so that between the tubular segment and the pipes is formed a space where sea water penetrates.
US09140076B2 Torque track system and method
A top drive torque track system includes a first elongate track with a male end. The male end includes a pin housing and a movable locking pin capable of being biased by a biasing member to extend out of the pin housing and to extend laterally from the male end. The torque track system includes a second elongate track having a female end configured to mate with the male end. The female end has a locking socket extending laterally within the female end. The locking socket is configured to receive the movable locking pin. The movable locking pin is configured to engage the locking socket to attach the first elongate track to the second elongate track when the male end of the first elongate track is inserted into the female end of the second elongate track.
US09140073B2 Drill bit for use in boring a wellbore and subterranean fracturing
A drill bit for use in drilling a wellbore and that can be used for fracturing the subterranean formation surrounding the wellbore. Included on the bit body is a packer for sealing against the wellbore wall during fracturing. A chamber in the drill bit houses a valve assembly for selectively diverting fluid between use in drilling and for use in fracturing. The fluid is delivered through a drill string that attaches to an upper end of the bit. The valve assembly can be shuttled between drilling and fracturing configurations by selectively adjusting an amount and/or pressure of the fluid flowing in the drill string.
US09140072B2 Cutting elements including non-planar interfaces, earth-boring tools including such cutting elements, and methods of forming cutting elements
Cutting elements for earth-boring tools may comprise a substrate, a polycrystalline table comprising superhard material secured to the substrate at an end of the substrate, and a non-planar interface defined between the polycrystalline table and the substrate. The non-planar interface may comprise a cross-shaped groove extending into one of the substrate and the polycrystalline table and L-shaped grooves extending into the other of the substrate and the polycrystalline table proximate corners of the cross-shaped groove. Transitions between surfaces defining the non-planar interface may be rounded. Methods of forming cutting elements for earth-boring tools may comprise forming a substrate to have a non-planar end. The non-planar end of the substrate may be provided adjacent particles of superhard material to impart an inverse shape to the particles. The particles may be sintered to form a polycrystalline table, with a non-planar interface defined between the substrate and the polycrystalline table.
US09140069B2 Downhole force generating tool
The disclosure of this application is directed to a downhole tool comprising a central element/member and a sleeve that is rotatably and orbitally disposed around the central element/member. The sleeve rotates and orbits around the central element/member responsive to fluid flowing through the downhole too. The disclosure is also related to a method of advancing the downhole tool in a well by flowing fluid through the tool.
US09140066B2 Construction work unit and method for erecting a mast
A drilling unit, with a carrier vehicle, a mast rotatably mounted on the carrier vehicle about a pivot axis, which mast can be pivoted between an erect operating position and an inclined transport position, and at least one erection cylinder for pivoting the mast between the operating position and the transport position. For pivoting the mast in addition to the at least one erection cylinder an erection cable is provided which is guided via a cable deflection pulley arranged on the mast, on the carrier vehicle or on a carriage which can be moved along the mast, and in that in order to apply a pulling force to the erection cable via the cable deflection pulley an erection force can be transferred to the mast in the direction of its operating position. The invention further relates to a method for erecting a mast of a construction work unit.
US09140062B2 Easy roll stiff screen
A woven screen can include at least one first fiber oriented in a main direction of the woven screen and having a polymer coating and a first stiffness value, and at least one second fiber oriented in a direction of the woven screen different from the main direction, configured to intersect with the at least one first fiber, and having a modified polymer coating and a second stiffness value about 20% to about 70% greater than the first stiffness value. The modified polymer coating can include a polymer, a crosslinking agent, a catalyst, and a free radical initiator. The at least one first fiber can include the warp and the at least one second fiber can include the weft, respectively, of the woven screen. The second stiffness value can be about 40% greater than the first stiffness value over a temperature range of about −40° Celsius to about +40° Celsius.
US09140057B2 Window covering
A window covering comprises an upper rail, a window shade, a lower rail, a press member located in the lower rail and extended therefrom, a first press assembly and a second press assembly located in the lower rail and spaced from each other to contact the press member, and a cord winding assembly located in the lower rail to connect to the first and second press assemblies. A first cord and a second cord run through the window shade to fasten to the cord winding assembly. A user can depress the press member and push or pull the lower rail upwards or downwards, so that the window shade can be retracted upwards or extended downwards through the first and second cords. Moreover, the first and second cords are held inside the lower rail, hence accident caused by the exposed cords can be prevented.
US09140056B2 Adjustable width stairwell barricade
An adjustable width barricade includes a frameless, flexible, washable, aesthetically attractive, and generally-rectangular barrier that mounts between banisters of a stairwell. The adjustable width barricade does not require drilling into the stairwell banisters and is removeably mountable without damaging either the structural integrity or decorative finish of wooden banisters, balusters, rails, or posts. Multiple strap-like fasteners attach the barrier to stairway banisters or posts, including posts having vertically varying diameters and configurations, that are non-parallel relative to each other, that are non-perpendicular relative to the flooring surface, or that are otherwise asymmetrical. A plurality of rigid, structural support members are inserted into vertical channels in the barrier that maintain the height of the barrier when installed. One or more adjustable length lateral straps enable the barrier to be tightened to fit securely, without gaps, and with tension, from banister to banister, across stairways of varying size, style, shape, and width.
US09140054B2 Insert holding system
The present invention is directed to an insert holding system, a kit, and a method of installing the same. In several embodiments, the kit and/or system is constructed so that it can be installed in a standard interior door by modifying the existing door. In other embodiments, the insert holding system is installed in a door during the manufacturing of the door. The system and kit can also be configured to be installed in a wall, furniture, or another item or fixture. In several embodiments, the insert is constructed in a modular frame for easy replacement and exchange of the insert, if damaged, or if a different functionality is desired. For example, the insert could include a screen, a window, a mirror, a poster frame, a picture frame, a poster, a chalk board, a dry erase board, a cork board, or any combination thereof.
US09140053B2 Structural element
Using the lowest possible amount of resources, a system is to be provided with a structural element (1), which system allows the characteristics of a vacuum to be used in the construction sector in a particularly simple manner. In particular, with a substantial freedom from thermal bridges, it is possible to also subsequently insulate a building envelope, for example, in situ at the lowest possible cost and this insulation is to be flexibly adaptable to changes of the building envelope. For this purpose, the structural element (1) comprises two cover layers (2) arranged substantially parallel to one another and a closed frame structure (4) which is formed integrally with the cover layers (2) and is arranged between said cover layers (2) such that a gastight cavity (6) is formed, said cavity (6) containing a vacuum.
US09140052B2 Decorative insert for a window
A decorative insert is positionable between a pair of glazing panes of a windows and includes a decorative element. At least a first spacer connector extends from the decorative element for securing the decorative element to a spacer of the window. The first spacer connector includes at least one plate positionable between the spacer and one of the glazing panes. At least a first muntin connector extends from the decorative element for securing the decorative element to a first muntin bar of the window. The first muntin connector includes a protrusion securable to the first muntin bar by friction fit.
US09140049B2 Safe storage panels
Safes and related storage panels for safes, such as gun safes. Some embodiments may comprise a safe door and an interior storage panel configured to be positioned between a closed position and an open position by rotating the interior storage panel. The interior storage panel may be configured so as to be positioned within the safe in the closed position such that the safe door can be closed in the closed position, and so as to be positioned at least partially outside of the safe in the open position when the safe door is open. In some embodiments, the interior storage panel may be configured so as to extend along and be positioned at least substantially parallel to the safe door in the closed position with the safe door closed.
US09140048B2 Actuator with locking arrangement
An actuator comprises an actuator output shaft, a rotatable lock formation associated with the output shaft so as to be axially fixed relative thereto, the lock formation defining an entry passage, a lock pocket and an exit passage, a pin positioned for movement relative to the lock formation such that, as the actuator approaches a fully extended position, a part of the pin is received within and passes along the entry passage, and resilient detent means operable such that, once the pin has moved beyond a predetermined position within the entry passage, the resilient detent means prevents return movement of the pin along the entry passage.
US09140046B1 Hanger bracket used in overhead sliding door installation
A hanger bracket is used to support at least one of a guide track rail and an opener associated with the overhead sliding door installation for a building from a superstructure of the building. The hanger includes a first part having an upper wall configured to be attached to the superstructure of the building, and a pair of spaced apart side walls depending from the upper wall and defining an open bottom. A second part is adjustable relative to the first part, and has a support member joined to a support leg depending therefrom and configured to be attached to at least one of the guide track rail and the opener. The support member is slidably supported, received and retained on the first part. The side walls are formed with guiding and supporting structure configured to slidably engage the support member thereon.
US09140042B2 MEMS hinges with enhanced rotatability
A mechanical device includes a long, narrow element made of a rigid, elastic material. A rigid frame is configured to anchor at least one end of the element, which is attached to the frame, and to define a gap running longitudinally along the element between the beam and the frame, so that the element is free to move within the gap. A solid filler material, different from the rigid, elastic material, fills at least a part of the gap between the element and the frame so as to permit a first mode of movement of the element within the gap while inhibiting a different, second mode of movement.
US09140038B2 Door lock system
Provided is a door lock system for locking a rear door to a vehicle body of a vehicle in which an ingress/egress opening is opened and closed by a front door and the rear door being double opening doors, comprising: a disablement mechanism for switching an inner handle and latch units between connected/unconnected states, the inner handle provided in the rear door, the latch units being capable of keeping the rear door closed to the vehicle body; a base member provided with the disablement mechanism; and an operation member coming into contact with the front door, working in response to the opening-and-closing of the front door, and switching the disablement mechanism between connected/unconnected states, wherein the door lock system is provided in a front end portion of the rear door, and the operation member to come into direct contact with the front door is movably provided in the base member.
US09140033B2 FER locking system for sliding windows
A window lock assembly accomplishing FER manipulation protection against unintended window opening without using additional components in the typical FER lock assembly by using a passive barrier system to help prevent access to both the lock cam and lock lever handle. The device can include at least one lock assembly mounted on the interior side of the window's inner sash and having a locked and unlocked position. The lock assembly engages with at least one keeper mounted on the outer sash to secure the window. The lock assembly housing has a barrier extending outward from the bottom surface which effectively helps to block access to the cam. The lock assembly housing also has a shroud which extends from the top and side edges which partially or completely covers the keeper and effectively helps to block access to the lever handle.
US09140032B2 Door lock
A door lock (3) includes a latch device (30) and an inner operational device (20) mounted to a first side (1A) of a door (1) and an outer operational device (16) mounted to a second side (1B) of the door (1). The inner and outer operational devices (20, 16) can be operated to retract a latch (38) of a latch device (30) from an extended, latching position to a retracted, unlatching position. A tooth (223) on an actuator (219) of the outer operational device (16) breaks if a large force is applied to a handle (197). A spindle (191) pivots freely without moving the latch (38), preventing damage to components of the outer operational device (16) and the latch device (30). A base (811) of the latch device (30) can be comprised of first, second, and third plates (813, 847, 883) to allow sheet metal processing without sacrificing structural strength.
US09140030B2 Foldable tent
A foldable tent includes a frame coupled to a canopy such that the frame and canopy are collectively collapsible from an open configuration to a folded configuration. The frame includes a plurality of spaced apart hubs positioned at an upper portion of the frame, at least one upper roof pole pivotally coupled with two adjacent hubs, a plurality of lower roof poles pivotally coupled to a corresponding hub and extending radially outward from each respective hub and away from the upper roof pole, and a plurality of collapsible side poles pivotally coupled to a corresponding lower roof pole. A canopy fixedly slidably coupled to the frame such that the canopy is positioned within a radially inner space surrounded by the frame when the tent is in the open configuration and collectively collapsed and folded into a compact folded configuration.
US09140028B2 Automated parking system
An automated parking system comprising a multi-level vehicle parking structure including multiple parking spaces arranged in one or more rows on each level of said structure; and an automatic vehicle positioning system configured to position and retrieve vehicles in said one or more rows of parking spaces, and further configured to shift a parking space of one or more vehicles in one row for retrieving one or more other vehicles in said row.
US09140027B2 Single-screen multiple-tier movie picture theater having seperate service class sections
A mixed-class service multiple-tier theater that allows different patrons attending the same movie to experience differing levels of service depending on how much they wish to pay. There are two tiers for seating. The upper tier would be for regular, stadium style seating, while the lower tier would be for VIP seating with fully reclining seats. The lower and upper tiers are completely separated, each offering its own ingress/egress access, with a balcony overhang from the upper tier cantilevered over the lower tier.
US09140024B2 Piling extender
A method and system for extending a vertical structural member supporting a structure, where a sleeve is coupled to the vertical structural member such that a portion of the sleeve extending from a first end of the sleeve is about the structural member, a cap is coupled to a second end of the sleeve opposite the first end, and a structure attachment device is coupled to the cap to attach the system to the structure.
US09140021B2 Adhesive spreader
A tool for distributing adhesive material on a flat surface, comprising two opposite side portions and a comb portion connecting said side portions, said side sections defining together with said comb portion on three sides a U-shaped open space for receiving adhesive material, and said comb portion having teeth and intermediate indentations. At least one of said side portions comprises at least one oblique section that is inclined towards an opposite side portion.
US09140017B1 Reversible resilient wall padding apparatus and methods for releasably attaching same to a wall
A reversible resilient wall padding apparatus includes a reversible resilient wall pad and at least one pad connector. The pad includes front, rear, and peripherally-extending sides, and at least one side connector disposed along the peripheral-extending side. The pad connector includes a first portion releasably attachable to the side connector, and a second portion attachable to a vertical surface of a wall. The pad is attachable in a first orientation with the front side facing outwardly and the first portion of the pad connector being attached to the side connector, and the second portion of the pad connector being disposed adjacent to the rear surface of the pad and the vertical surface of the wall, and a second orientation with the rear side of the pad facing outwardly and the first portion of the pad connector being attached to the side connector, and the second portion of the pad connector being disposed adjacent to the front surface of the pad and the vertical surface of the wall.
US09140016B2 Modular cover for support column
A cover is provided in modular form for covering support structures, including columns supporting overpasses on roadways. The cover is formed of cover segments that are connected together laterally and vertically. The cover segments are provided with multiple techniques for vertical and horizontal connection, air channels, stand offs, worker viewing areas, and drainage spaces. The cover is made of a lightweight material and allows for tolerance for expansion of the support structure material.
US09140013B2 Above sheathing ventilation system
A roof structure and a vented eave riser are described. A vented eave riser can include a barrier wall with one or more air flow openings, and an ember impedance structure positioned proximate to the barrier wall. A roof structure may comprise a roof deck and a layer of roof cover elements spaced above the roof deck to form an air layer between the roof deck and the roof cover elements. The roof structure may also comprise one or more vent members each replacing and mimicking an appearance of one or more roof cover elements of the layer of roof cover elements, and/or at least one vented eave riser positioned at an eave between the roof deck and the layer of roof cover elements. The vent members and/or the vented eave riser may further include an ember impedance structure, such as a fire-resistant mesh material or a baffle structure.
US09140011B2 Pipe brace
A pipe brace for securing a pipe passing through a frame of a wall. The pipe brace includes a structural member including a first wall defining an aperture and a second wall extending from the first wall, the first wall and the second wall at least partially defining a channel that receives at least a portion of the frame. A gasket engages a perimeter of the aperture in a press-fit relationship. The pipe may be inserted into the aperture from either a first side or a second side of the aperture, and the gasket forms an air-tight seal with pipe to inhibit airflow.
US09140009B2 Joint for panels
A joint (1) having a first edge (2) and a second edge (3), the first edge (2) being provided with a distal edge (21) and a downwards protruding heel (22). The distal edge (21) is further provided with an upper joint edge (25) beneath which a groove (23) is arranged. The second edge (3) is provided with lower cheek (31) having a distal end (32) at which an upwards protruding lower cheek heel (33) is arranged. The second edge (3) is further provided with an upper joining edge (35) beneath which an undercut (34) is arranged. A moveable locking element (40) is arranged in the space created by the undercut (34). The moveable locking element (40) have a locking tongue (41), a locking tongue leg (42) and a maneuvering leg (43).
US09139999B2 Pivoting hanger assembly
Apparatus and methods for pivotally coupling a joist to a fixed structure are described. In one embodiment, a support hanger assembly comprises a joist bracket for fastening to the joist, a support bracket comprising a support bracket base configured to be mounted to the fixed structure and at least one flange extending from the support bracket base for coupling to the joist bracket, and a connecting member for pivotally coupling the joist bracket and the support bracket.
US09139996B2 Removable locking floor sink drain screen for enlarged opening
An improved locking floor sink drain screen for an enlarged drain is provided. The locking floor sink drain positively precludes passage of large objects, while permitting free passage of fluid and which can quickly and easily be removed for cleaning. Vertical separators provide spaces through which water can flow from the enlarged drain opening into a standard drain pipe. In some embodiments, a special, tamperproof locking key may be used to prevent unauthorized disassembly of the installed floor drain screen.
US09139994B2 Toilet system with decentralized flushing fluid source
Toilets of a toilet system on board a vehicle are supplied with flushing agent from decentralized supply devices. Disposal of the wastewater takes place by way of a central disposal device. Thus, a toilet system without central supply of the toilets with flushing agent is stated, as a result of which weight may be saved.
US09139992B1 Front and side mount toilet handle tensioner
Clamp or clip on tensioning attachments, devices, apparatus and methods that mount to a toilet water tank reservoir. The tensioning attachments place downward pressure and tension on the toilet handle arm inside of the tank to prevent the internal flapper from being stuck in a raised position which causes the toilet to be constantly running after being flushed and also keeping tension on the handle arm which keeps the arm rigid not allowing it to loosen which in turn can cause the flapper chain to get hung up in the arm when the arm is lose causing the flapper not to seal as intended. Cleaner adapters can hang from the tensioner devices to clean water inside of the toilet bowl.
US09139991B2 Floor drain valve with resiliently mounted rigid flappers
An improved floor drain valve for buildings, basements, exterior paved areas, and the like. The invention provides floor drain assemblies and check valves providing improved drainage performance, particularly where drainage is an irregular occurrence, and having unprecedented simplicity and reliability. Floor drains according to the invention comprise check valves having elastomeric hinge structures mounting relatively rigid flapper structures biased upwardly against sealing surfaces adapted for disposition within floor drains. Water entering the valve structure opens the flapper valves by gravitational forces downwardly against the relatively rigid flapper, and after passage of the water, the valve is elastomerically urged into the sealed position restricting back flow of gases from the downstream area of the drain conduit and permitting pressure testing of the downstream conduit.
US09139986B2 Shut off valve apparatus
A remote-actuated shut off valve apparatus (100) including a valve assembly (200) and a control module (500). The valve assembly includes a valve body (210), a valve member (220), and a motor drive (300) to move the valve member between open and closed states. The control module includes an electronics housing (502) releasably attached to the valve assembly and control electronics (600) disposed within the electronics housing for actuating the valve assembly. A motor shroud (350) overlies a portion of the motor drive (300) and includes first and second contacts (370, 372) electrically coupled to a motor drive (300) of the valve assembly. The electronics housing includes a connector (540) and releasably engages the motor shroud in first and second orientations. In the first orientation, the connector contacts the first contact of the motor shroud. In the second orientation, the connector contacts the second contact of the motor shroud.
US09139982B2 Hydraulic control system having swing energy recovery
A hydraulic control system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic control system may have a pump configured to pressurize fluid, and a motor driven by a flow of pressurized fluid from the pump. The hydraulic control system may also have a first accumulator configured to receive pressurized fluid discharged from the motor and to selectively supply pressurized fluid to the motor, and a second accumulator configured to receive pressurized fluid discharged from the motor and selectively supply pressurized fluid to the motor.
US09139981B2 Rimpull Derate management in a machine with independent powertrains
A system for derating rimpull on a machine, and a related method and computer program product are disclosed. The system may comprise a one or more front wheels, one or more rear wheels, one or more front powertrains, one or more rear powertrains, a hydraulic system, an engine, and a controller. The controller configured to determine a Total Rimpull Derate for the machine, determine a Final Rear Derate Amount, derate rear wheel rimpull by the Final Rear Derate Amount, and, if the Final Rear Derate Amount is less than the Total Rimpull Derate for the machine, derate front wheel rimpull by the Shortfall.
US09139977B2 System and method for orienting an implement on a vehicle
A system for determining an orientation of an implement on a vehicle is provided. The system includes a camera mounted to the vehicle, and a target object within a field of vision of the camera and mounted to the implement. The target object includes markings to enable a determination of the orientation of the implement with respect to the camera. A method of determining an orientation of an implement on a vehicle is provided. A system of orienting an implement is provided. A method of installing an implement orientation system is provided. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions is provided. The computer-executable instructions cause a processor to perform a method of determining an orientation of an implement when executed.
US09139976B2 Duckbill ejector
A duckbill pod (100) having an ejector mechanism, the duckbill pod (100) comprising a tray (10) for providing a transport surface for goods or material, a pusher plate (50) arranged substantially perpendicular to the tray (10), a drive arrangement for actuating the pusher plate (50) and reciprocate same between a mouth and a rear end of the duckbill pod (100), and a lifting plate (20) secured to the tray (10) for attaching the duckbill pod (100) to a loader.
US09139972B2 Periodic material-based seismic isolation system
Periodic material-based seismic isolation systems and methods are a new and innovative means to mitigate the potential damage to structures due to earthquakes or the like. The periodic materials are arranged in a periodic way in one, two and three directions, which are defined as one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D) and three dimensional (3D) periodic materials. With this periodic material, the pattern of the earthquake event energy can be completely obstructed or changed when it reaches the periodic foundation of the structural system. This may result in a total isolation of the foundation from the earthquake wave energy.
US09139970B1 Animal waste collection device
An animal waste collection device includes an elongated shaft including a first end and an opposed second end, a handle assembly connected to the first end of the shaft, and a collection bucket assembly connected to the second end of the shaft. The handle assembly is operatively connected to the collection bucket assembly to collect animal waste within the collection bucket assembly and release the animal waste from the collection bucket assembly.
US09139969B2 Vacuum hose handling systems and apparatuses
Vacuum hose handling apparatuses and systems are disclosed herein. One exemplary implementation of the present disclosure includes a vacuum handling apparatus comprising a base, a support arm operatively coupled to the base, a connection hose configured to connect to an open end of an industrial vacuum hose, and a collection tube attached to the support arm and in fluid communication with the connection hose. In addition, the vacuum hose handling apparatus may be configured to allow movement of the collection tube relative to a corresponding collection vessel. Additional vacuum hose handling apparatuses and systems are also disclosed herein.
US09139967B2 Parking post
A parking post capable of assuming retracted and protracted conformations includes a post moiety including an essentially elongated hollow body and a locking mechanism, adapted to secure the post in the protracted conformation. The parking post includes a pedestal moiety, including top and bottom frames, a housing connected to the top frame, at least two pulleys adapted to receive a string, at least two plummets vertically translatable within the pedestal moiety, the collective weight of which somewhat exceeds the weight of the post moiety. Strings are threaded onto the pulleys and interconnect the plummets with the jogs on the post moiety. An actuation mechanism is used to secure the parking post in the retracted and protracted conformations.
US09139965B1 Compaction on-site calibration
A system and method for calibrating a compactor. The compactor may have a roller. The system may comprise a display and a controller. The controller may be configured to receive, when the roller rotates in a first direction, a first baseline compaction value, receive, when the roller rotates in a second direction, a second baseline compaction value, calculate an offset between the first and second baseline compaction values, receive a subsequent compaction value obtained while the roller is rotating in the second direction, adjust the subsequent compaction value by the offset difference, and display an adjusted subsequent compaction value on the display.
US09139961B2 Reinforcement for asphaltic paving, method of paving, and process for making a grid with the coating for asphaltic paving
A composite material comprises: an open grid comprising at least two sets of strands. Each set of strands has openings between adjacent strands. The sets are oriented at a substantial angle to one another. A tack film is laminated to the open grid. The tack film has first and second major surfaces, such that a material of the tack film at its first and second major surfaces is a material including about 50% or more of resinous non-asphaltic component and about 50% or less of asphaltic component.
US09139954B2 Aqueous coloring composition for textile printing, textile printing method, and fabric
An aqueous coloring composition for textile printing, the aqueous coloring composition being capable of forming an image which exhibits a high color optical density and excellent water resistance; a textile printing method and a kit, using the same; and a fabric, in which an image exhibiting both a high color optical density and excellent water resistance is formed, are provided. The aqueous coloring composition for textile printing includes a colorant and water, in which the molecule of the colorant contains both a chromophoric group and a dissociable group which is in a dissociated state, the chromophoric group and a negative electric charge generated by the dissociation of the dissociable group form a conjugated system, and the number of dissociable groups in the molecule of the colorant is the same as the number of chromophoric groups therein.
US09139944B2 Washing method
Disclosed is a washing method in which an inner tub or a pulsator is operated in various ways to achieve reduced abrasion of laundry and enhanced washing performance. The washing machine includes a disentangling washing operation during which the inner tub is alternately rotated in forward and reverse directions to disentangle laundry received in the inner tub, a tapping washing operation, subsequent to the disentangling washing operation, during which the inner tub is successively rotated in a given direction such that the laundry is adhered to an inner surface of the inner tub and the wash water is raised along a path between the outer tub and the inner tub to thereby flow into the inner tub by centrifugal force generated during rotation of the inner tub, and an agitation washing operation, subsequent to the tapping washing operation, during which the pulsator is alternately rotated in forward and reverse directions.
US09139943B2 Drive link system and tufting machines comprising same
Implementation disclosed herein describe a drive link systems for use in a tufting machine. The drive link systems include a goose-neck, a rocker arm, and three drive links that impart increased rigidity to the connection between the goose-neck and the rocker arm. The drive link systems are provided without a lubrication system. The rocker arm and the drive links are formed of light-weight material.
US09139942B2 Needle plate of sewing machine
A needle plate of a sewing machine mounted on an upper surface of a bed of the sewing machine includes a support surface for supporting a fabric pressed by a presser foot, a needle opening through which a needle passes, and a feed dog slot through which a feed dog moves up and down and back and forth. The support surface has small projections and recesses.
US09139939B2 Treated laminates
Methods of treating laminates, treated laminates, and articles with treated laminates.
US09139932B2 Quartz glass crucible and method for treating surface of quartz glass crucible
There is provided a quartz glass article having a surface treated with novel coating materials which provides a reduced chemistry, wherein the quartz glass surface having a reduced chemistry upon exposure to melted silicon or similarly corrosive environments, forms crystalline structures covering at least 30% of the coated surface of the quartz glass crucible. Said crystalline covered surface provides a more stable surface of contact with the silicon melt and the growth of single crystal silicon. In one embodiment of the invention, the coating material comprises at least a methyl group for providing at least one of a hydrogenated and a methylated surface on the coated surface, forming rosette structures, or other crystalline morphologies covering at last 80% of the coated surface. In another embodiment of the invention, the coating material is selected from at least one of an amine, an organosilane halogen and mixtures thereof.
US09139928B2 Corrodible downhole article and method of removing the article from downhole environment
A method of removing a corrodible downhole article having a surface coating includes eroding the surface coating by physical abrasion, chemical etching, or a combination of physical abrasion and chemical etching, the surface coating comprising a metallic layer of a metal resistant to corrosion by a corrosive material.
US09139927B2 Electrolyte loop with pressure regulation for separated anode chamber of electroplating system
An electrolyte, and particularly anolyte, may be circulated via an open loop having a pressure regulator, so that the pressure in the plating chamber is maintained at a constant (or substantially constant) value with respect to atmospheric pressure. In these embodiments, a pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the anode chamber.
US09139926B2 Process for making heat stable color anodized aluminum and articles formed thereby
A process of hard anodizing or Type III anodizing an aluminum article creates a heat stable, hard anodized, color surface on the exterior of the article. The process includes anodizing the aluminum article to achieve a hard anodized base layer on a surface of the article. A copper layer is deposited after the exterior is hard anodized. A tin layer is deposited after the step of depositing the copper layer.
US09139922B2 Cathode plate edge protector and methods of manufacture
A method of manufacturing an edge protector for a cathode plate includes inserting a first retention plate into a slit in a first edge strip, proximate an end of the first edge strip. The first retention plate is also inserted into a slit in a second edge strip, proximate a first end of the second edge strip. Additionally, the first retention plate is inserted into a gap of a first plug, such that the first plug abuts both the end of the first edge strip and the first end of the second edge strip. A corner cap is then overmolded on the end of the first edge strip, the first plug, and the first end of the second edge strip.
US09139915B2 Solution for removing aluminum oxide film and method for surface treatment of aluminum or aluminum alloy
A solution for removing an aluminum oxide film from an aluminum or aluminum alloy surface, which includes a salt or oxide of a metal capable of substituting aluminum, a solubilizing agent for ions of the metal, and an alkali, and which has a pH of 10 to 13.5. The removing solution makes it possible to form a film of the metal derived from the metal salt or oxide contained in the removing solution by dissolving away the oxide film from the aluminum or aluminum alloy surface at a low temperature and a high speed while restraining, as securely as possible, erosion of the aluminum or aluminum alloy surface. The removing solution ensures that even in the case where the thickness of the aluminum or aluminum alloy basis material is very small, the aluminum or aluminum alloy surface can be activated while assuredly leaving the aluminum or aluminum alloy basis material.
US09139910B2 Method for chemical vapor deposition control
A method of depositing a thin film on a substrate in a deposition system is described. The method includes disposing a gas heating device comprising a plurality of heating element zones in a deposition system, and independently controlling a temperature of each of the plurality of heating element zones, wherein each of the plurality of heating element zones having one or more resistive heating elements. Additionally, the method includes providing a substrate on a substrate holder in the deposition system, wherein the substrate holder has one or more temperature control zones. The method further includes providing a film forming composition to the gas heating device coupled to the deposition system, pyrolyzing one or more constituents of the film forming composition using the gas heating device, and introducing the film forming composition to the substrate in the deposition system to deposit a thin film on the substrate.
US09139908B2 Gradient thin films
An article comprising a thickness of a first film from a surface of the article, the first film having a gradient chemical composition within at least a portion of the thickness of the first film in a vertical and/or horizontal direction relative to the surface of the article, and methods and systems for producing same.
US09139906B2 Doping with ALD technology
Methods for doping a substrate surface or the interface between two thin films by atomic layer deposition process (ALD) are provided. By blocking some of the available binding sites for a dopant precursor with a blocking reactant, the concentration and uniformity of dopant deposited can be controlled. The blocking reactant may be introduced prior to introduction of the dopant precursor in the ALD process, or the blocking reactant and the dopant precursor can be introduced simultaneously.
US09139897B2 Thermal barrier coatings and methods of application
A coated part is exposed to a gas flow. The gas flow has a characteristic gas flow direction distribution over a surface of the coated part. The coated part has a substrate having a substrate surface and a coating over the substrate surface. The coating comprises at least one coating layer. A first such layer is columnar and has a column boundary direction distribution. The column boundary direction distribution is selected for partial local alignment with the gas flow direction distribution.
US09139896B2 Heat-insulating protective layer for a component located within the hot gas zone of a gas turbine
Disclosed is a heat-insulating protective layer for a component located within the hot gas zone of a gas turbine. Said protective layer is composed of an adhesive layer, a diffusion layer, and a ceramic layer which is applied to the high temperature-resistant basic metal of the component. The adhesive layer comprises a metal alloy [MCrAlY (M=Ni, Co)] containing Ni, Co, Cr, Al, Y, the diffusion layer is produced by calorizing the adhesive layer, and the ceramic layer is composed of ZrO2 which is partially stabilized by means of yttrium oxide. One or several chemical metal elements that have a large atomic diameter and are selected among the group comprising Re, W, Si, Hf, and/or Ta are alloyed to the material of the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer has the following chemical composition after being applied: Co 15 to 30 percent, Cr 15 to 25 percent, Al 6 to 13 percent, Y 0.2 to 0.7 percent, Re up to 5 percent, W up to 5 percent, Si up to 3 percent, Hf up to 3 percent, Ta up to 5 percent, the remainder being composed of Ni.
US09139894B2 Steel for machine structure exhibiting excellent machinability
This steel for a machine structure contains, in mass %: C: 0.40% to less than 0.75%; Si: 0.01% to 3.0%; Mn: 0.1% to 1.8%; S: 0.001% to 0.1%; Al: more than 0.1% and not more than 1.0%; N: 0.001% to 0.02%; and P: limited to not more than 0.05%, with a balance including Fe and inevitable impurities, in which the steel satisfies 139.38≦214×[C]+30.6×[Si]+42.8×[Mn]−14.7×[Al]≦177 and 0.72≦[C]+1/7×[Si]+1/5×[Mn]<1.539.
US09139893B2 Methods of forming bodies for earth boring drilling tools comprising molding and sintering techniques
Methods of fabricating bodies of earth-boring tools include mechanically injecting a powder mixture into a mold cavity, pressurizing the powder mixture within the mold cavity to form a green body, and sintering the green body to a desired final density to form at least a portion of a body of an earth-boring tool. For example, a green bit body may be injection molded, and the green bit body may be sintered to form at least a portion of a bit body of an earth-boring rotary drill bit. Intermediate structures formed during fabrication of an earth-boring tool include green bodies having a plurality of hard particles, a plurality of matrix particles comprising a metal matrix material, and an organic material that includes a long chain fatty acid derivative. Structures formed using the methods of fabrication are also disclosed.
US09139892B2 Process for magnesium production
The invention relates to a process for conditioning material for pyrometallurgical conversion to magnesium, the process comprising carrying out de-sulfation of the material in a slurry to reduce sulfur content of the material; and carrying out de-ferration of the de-sulfated material in a slurry to reduce iron content of the material to produce a conditioned material suitable for pyrometallurgical conversion to magnesium.
US09139891B2 Separation method for potassium from aqueous KOH solutions
The process described herein demonstrates a more efficient and effective way to remove certain chemicals from industrial waste water. Specifically, the invention set forth demonstrates a method comprised of at least two steps in which up to 96% of potassium can be removed from an aqueous solution comprising potassium hydroxide.
US09139888B2 Rod or wire manufacturing system, related methods, and related products
A cooling unit, a heating-cooling operation including a cooling unit, a rod or wire manufacturing system, a method for manufacturing a rod or wire, a method for heat treating of a rod or wire, a method for treating metal, a steel rod or steel wire, and a treated metal having an improved tensile strength are disclosed. The cooling unit includes at least one adaptable quenching zone and at least one adaptable soaking zone. The at least one adaptable quenching zone is capable of quenching to a soaking temperature. The at least one adaptable soaking zone is capable of maintaining substantially the soak temperature.
US09139887B2 Bearing steel and ingot material for bearing having excellent rolling contact fatigue life characteristics and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention provides bearing steel, comprising a chemical composition including by mass %, C: 0.56%≦[% C]≦0.70%, Si: 0.15%≦[% Si]<0.50%, Mn: 0.60%≦[% Mn]≦1.50%, Cr: 0.50%≦[% Cr]≦1.10%, Mo: 0.05%≦[% Mo]≦0.5%, P: [% P]≦0.025%, S: [% S]≦0.025%, Al: 0.005%≦[% Al]≦0.500%, O: [% O]≦0.0015%, N: 0.0030%≦[% N]≦0.015%, and remainder as Fe and incidental impurities.
US09139884B2 Process and apparatus for producing liquid pig iron or liquid primary steel products
A process and an apparatus for producing liquid pig iron or liquid primary steel products from charge materials formed by iron ores and additions. The charge materials are subjected to a further reduction in a reducing zone (1) and are then fed to a smelting zone or a smelting unit (2), in particular a fusion gasifier, for smelting with the addition of carbon carriers and oxygen-containing gas to form a fixed bed. A CO- and H2-containing reduction gas is formed, which gas is introduced into the reducing zone converted there and drawn off as top gas. The hot top gas, laden with solid matter, after separation of the solids, is subjected at least to a dry coarse separation and at least parts of the hot solids segregated by the separation are returned into the smelting zone or the smelting unit (2) or the reducing unit (1). In addition, the top gas is treated in a further fine separation stage (13A).
US09139869B2 Reagents for directed biomarker signal amplification
Described herein are methods, compositions and articles of manufacture involving neutral conjugated polymers including methods for synthesis of neutral conjugated water-soluble polymers with linkers along the polymer main chain structure and terminal end capping units. Such polymers may serve in the fabrication of novel optoelectronic devices and in the development of highly efficient biosensors. The invention further relates to the application of these polymers in assay methods.
US09139866B2 Method for detection of microorganism and kit for detection of microorganism
Live cells of a microorganism in a test sample are detected by the following steps: a) the step of treating the test sample with a topoisomerase poison and/or a DNA gyrase poison, b) the step of extracting DNA from the test sample, and amplifying a target region of the extracted DNA by PCR, and c) the step of analyzing an amplification product.
US09139860B2 Signal-amplifying folded oligonucleotide
The present invention relates to a self-amplifying folded oligonucleotide structure for sensitive oligonucleotide sensing without polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A self-amplifying folded oligonucleotide structure comprise a target sensing sequence having stem loop structure, a signaling molecule and signal modifying molecule labeled two stems wherein the two stems include oligonucleotide sequence that is complementary to a target sensing sequence of another self-amplifying folded oligonucleotide structure.
US09139857B2 Stepwise enzymatic hydrolysis process for converting cellulose to glucose
A method is disclosed for the production of alcohol and other bioproducts hemicelluloses extracted from biomass prior to thermal conversion of the biomass to energy. The process can be integrated with the host plant process to minimize the energy loss from extracting hemicelluloses. Also disclosed is a stepwise enzymatic break down of cellulose fibers from a pulping operation which is performed with the redeployment of equipment and vessels contained within typical existing pulp and paper manufacturing mills. The preferred feedstock is highly delignified pulp from acid or alkaline pulping process or from bleaching stage.
US09139856B2 Process for production of galactooligosaccharides (GOS)
The present invention deals with an improved process for the production of high yield of pure Galactooligosaccharides using microbial whole cells in a reactor with cross flow hollow fiber microfiltration system. The process is economical as cell biomass is used repeatedly and eliminated the need to carry out downstream processing for the removal of mono and disaccharides from the final product.
US09139854B2 Desaturases and process for the production of polyunsaturated fatty acids in transgenic organisms
The present invention relates to polynucleotides from Cochliobolus heterostrophus C5, Cyanothece sp. CCY0110, Mycocentrospora acerin and Hyaloperonospora parasitica, which code for desaturases and which can be employed for the recombinant production of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The invention furthermore relates to vectors, host cells and transgenic nonhuman organisms which comprise the polynucleotides according to the invention, and to the polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides. The invention furthermore relates to antibodies against the polypeptides according to the invention. Finally, the invention also relates to production processes for the polyunsaturated fatty acids and for oil, lipid and fatty acid compositions and to their use as drugs, cosmetics, foodstuffs, feedstuffs, preferably fish food, or food supplements.
US09139853B2 Organisms for the production of cyclohexanone
A non-naturally occurring microbial organism has cyclohexanone pathways that include at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a cyclohexanone pathway enzyme. A pathway includes a 2-ketocyclohexane-1-carboxyl-CoA hydrolase (acting on C—C bond), a 2-ketocyclohexane-1-carboxylate decarboxylase and an enzyme selected from a 2-ketocyclohexane-1-carboxyl-CoA hydrolase (acting on thioester), a 2-ketocyclohexane-1-carboxyl-CoA transferase, and a 2-ketocyclohexane-1-carboxyl-CoA synthetase. A pathway includes an enzyme selected from a 6-ketocyclohex-1-ene-1-carboxyl-CoA hydrolase (acting on C—C bond), a 6-ketocyclohex-1-ene-1-carboxyl-CoA synthetase, a 6-ketocyclohex-1-ene-1-carboxyl-CoA hydrolase (acting on thioester), a 6-ketocyclohex-1-ene-1-carboxyl-CoA transferase, a 6-ketocyclohex-1-ene-1-carboxyl-CoA reductase, a 6-ketocyclohex-1-ene-1-carboxylate decarboxylase, a 6-ketocyclohex-1-ene-1-carboxylate reductase, a 2-ketocyclohexane-1-carboxyl-CoA synthetase, a 2-ketocyclohexane-1-carboxyl-CoA transferase, a 2-ketocyclohexane-1-carboxyl-CoA hydrolase (acting on thioester), a 2-ketocyclohexane-1-carboxylate decarboxylase, and a cyclohexanone dehydrogenase. A pathway includes an adipate semialdehyde dehydratase, a cyclohexane-1,2-diol dehydrogenase, and a cyclohexane-1,2-diol dehydratase. A pathway includes a 3-oxopimelate decarboxylase, a 4-acetylbutyrate dehydratase, a 3-hydroxycyclohexanone dehydrogenase, a 2-cyclohexenone hydratase, a cyclohexanone dehydrogenase and an enzyme selected from a 3-oxopimeloyl-CoA synthetase, a 3-oxopimeloyl-CoA hydrolase (acting on thioester), and a 3-oxopimeloyl-coA transferase. Each these pathways can include a PEP carboxykinase. A method for producing cyclohexanone includes culturing these non-naturally occurring microbial organisms.
US09139850B2 Vectorization of dsRNA by cationic particles and topical use
The present invention relates to vectorization of double stranded RNA oligonucleotides by cationic particles chosen from among surfactant micelles, block or non-block polymer micelles, cationic liposomes and niosomes, cationic oleosomes and cationic nanoemulsions, as well as from among cationic organic or inorganic particles and nanocapsules, and topical compositions for the skin, mucous membranes or eyes.
US09139848B2 Alfalfa variety named magnum salt
Disclosed is an alfalfa seed designated Magnum Salt and deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-13036. Also disclosed are plants, or parts thereof, grown from the seed of the cultivar, plants having the morphological and physiological characteristics of the Magnum Salt cultivar, and methods of using the plant or parts thereof in alfalfa breeding and alfalfa transformation.
US09139847B2 Lettuce variety 41-123 RZ
The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 41-123 RZ, which exhibits resistance against downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) races B1:1 to B1:28 and CA-I, CA-IIA, CA-IIB, CA-III, CA-IV, CA-V, CA-VI, CA-VII, CA-VIII (Bremia lactucae Regel), and strain FR10.021, currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) and lettuce mosaic virus (LMV), as well as solid main veins and narrow base leaves. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 41-123 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 41-123 RZ.
US09139845B2 Lettuce variety 81-97 RZ, louxal RZ
The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 81-97 RZ, which exhibits a combination of traits including resistance against downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) races B1:1 to B1:28 and CA-I to CA-VIII, resistance against currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) biotype Nr:0, resistance against Lettuce Mosaic Virus (LMV), moderate anthocyanin concentration in the mature leaves, and a non-heading plant habit of the Batavia type. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 81-97 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 81-97 RZ.
US09139840B2 Crop grain filling gene (GIF1) and the applications thereof
Novel crop grain filling genes (GIF1) and the applications thereof are presented in the invention. The GIF1 genes can be applied to control grain filling, enhance crop yield or quality, or improve disease resistance or storage stability of crop grains. A method for improving crops is also presented in the invention. The GIF1 genes shows valuable potentials in controlling crop yield, quality, storage, and resistance to diseases.
US09139837B2 Hydrogen peroxide resistance-imparting gene and method for using same
Provided is a gene that is useful for imparting hydrogen peroxide resistance to a microorganism. Also provided is a method for using the same. The hydrogen peroxide resistance-imparting gene encoding a protein selected from the following proteins (a) to (c): (a) a protein having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; (b) a protein which has an amino acid sequence equivalent to the amino acid sequence of (a), except that one to several amino acid residues are deleted, substituted, or added, and which exhibits hydrogen peroxide resistance-imparting activity; and (c) a protein which has an amino acid sequence having an identity of 85% or higher to the amino acid sequence of (a), and which exhibits hydrogen peroxide resistance-imparting activity.
US09139834B2 RNAi-related inhibition of TNF alpha signaling pathway for treatment of ocular angiogenesis
RNA interference is provided for inhibition of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) by silencing TNFα cell surface receptor TNF receptor-1 (TNFR1) mRNA expression, or by silencing TNFα converting enzyme (TACE/ADAM17) mRNA expression. Silencing such TNFα targets, in particular, is useful for treating patients having a TNFα-related condition or at risk of developing a TNFα-related condition, such as ocular angiogenesis, retinal ischemia, and diabetic retinopathy.
US09139825B2 Universal fibronectin type III bottom-side binding domain libraries
The invention pertains to a natural-variant combinatorial library of fibronectin Type 3 domain (Fn3) polypeptides useful in screening for the presence of one or more polypeptides having a selected binding or enzymatic activity. The library polypeptides include (a) regions A, AB, B, C, CD, D, E, EF, F, and G having wildtype amino acid sequences of a selected native fibronectin Type 3 polypeptide or polypeptides, and (b) loop regions AB, CD, and EF having selected lengths (Bottom Loops). The Fn3 may also have loop regions BC, DE, and FG having wildtype amino acid sequences, having selected lengths, or mutagenized amino acid sequences (Top Loops).
US09139822B2 Alpha-amylases
The present invention relates to alpha-amylases, nucleic acids encoding the alpha-amylases, methods of producing the alpha-amylases, and methods of using the alpha-amylases.
US09139816B2 Viral particle-like structure in physiological conditions, and method of forming it
There is provided a novel method of forming uniform viral particles under physiological conditions. The method of forming uniform-sized viral particle aggregates composed of viral protein is characterized by incubating a viral protein such as SV40 virus VP1 at pH 5.0 to 7.0, room temperature, in the presence of 130 mM to 170 mM sodium chloride and 1.5 mM to 2.5 mM divalent cation, and in the presence of a particle formation acceleration factor such as SV40 VP2. For encapsulation of a substance to be encapsulated in the viral particles, the substance to be encapsulated is included during the incubation.
US09139814B2 Culture medium for myoblasts, precursors thereof and derivatives thereof
This application relates to a serum-free culture medium that enables the proliferation of cell of the myogenic lineage while maintaining their ability to differentiate into functional muscle cells. Also contemplated herewith are method of culturing cells of the myogenic lineages and uses of the cultured cells for the treatment or the alleviation of symptoms of a muscular deficiencies.
US09139813B2 Renovation and repopulation of decellularized tissues and cadaveric organs by stem cells
A method of manufacturing a tissue matrix for implantation into a patient is disclosed. The method sets forth collecting embryonic stem cells from a placenta which has been treated to remove residual cord blood and seeding the collected stem cells onto or into a tissue matrix. The seeded tissue matrix is then implanted on or into a patient. The seeded tissue matrix made by the method of the present invention is also disclosed.
US09139809B2 Bacterial vaccines with cell wall-associated ceramide-like glycolipids and uses thereof
The invention is directed compositions and methods related to bacterial cells physically associated with ceramide-like glycolipids. The invention allows for delivery of ceramide-like glycolipid adjuvants directly to the same cells that become infected with a bacterial vaccine. The compositions and methods of the present invention are useful for the prevention and treatment of diseases.
US09139804B2 Insert for cell cultures
An insert for cell cultures has a hollow housing (1) of a cylinder-like shape, with an upper, in particular circular, opening (2) and a membrane-like base located opposite the opening (2). On the peripheral opening edge (6) outward protruding support arms (5) are spaced apart from one another. The housing (1) has on its outer peripheral surface (12), between at least two support arms (5), a flattened region (11) extending from the opening edge (6) in the direction of the base (3), so that in a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis (Y) of the housing (1) in the region of the flattened region (11) there is a radial clearance of the peripheral surface (12) relative to the longitudinal axis (Y) which is smaller than the radial clearance and/or outer radius of the peripheral surface (12) in the non-flattened region of the peripheral surface (12).
US09139803B2 Ethanol fermentation methods and systems
Methods and systems for purifying feedstock-to-ethanol fermentation products are disclosed. The methods include the use of a solvent in the form of a supercritical fluid or liquid gas such as supercritical CO2 or liquid CO2 to dry fermentation beer solids, and/or to extract oil, ethanol, or ethanol and oil from fermentation beer or mixtures derived therefrom. Systems include a separations reactor having a first portion defined by walls that are impermeable to fermentation beer liquids joined to a second portion defined by walls that are impermeable to fermentation beer liquids by a third portion defined by walls that are permeable to fermentation beer liquids and impermeable to fermentation beer solids.
US09139800B2 Concentrated warewashing compositions and methods
The invention generally relates to concentrated warewashing compositions and methods of using the same. In some aspects, the invention uses concentrated compositions in methods of warewashing where the concentrate is applied directly to the article to be cleaned, rather than dispensed into a sump and applied to the article as a ready-to-use composition. In additional aspects, the methods of using highly concentrated alkaline and/or acid compositions in an alternating pattern of alkaline-acid-alkaline or acid-alkaline-acid, or the like, provide substantially similar or superior cleaning efficacy while reducing the overall consumption of the alkaline and/or acid compositions.
US09139798B2 Liquid cleaning compositions
A cleaning composition according to one embodiment includes a surfactant system comprising a nonionic surfactant in combination with an anionic surfactant; water present in an amount from 0 to about 40 wt % based on a total weight of the cleaning composition; a solvent system comprising a polyalcohol, the solvent system being present in an amount effective to solubilize the surfactant system in the water; and an enzyme present in an amount of less than about 15 wt %; wherein the cleaning composition is in a form of a water-in-oil emulsion, wherein the cleaning composition is characterized as exhibiting about a constant cleaning efficacy as measured using test procedure ASTM D4265 when the cleaning composition is added to 69 liters of exterior water in amounts ranging from about 9 to about 22 grams of cleaning composition. Methods for pretreating and cleaning laundry and nontextile surfaces are also presented.
US09139796B2 Methods of and formulations for reducing and inhibiting the growth of the concentration of microbes in water-based fluids and systems used with them
The present invention provides methods and formulations for reducing or inhibiting increase in the concentration of microbes in a water-based fluid. The methods and formulations of the present invention use an oxazolidine compound and a hydroxymethyl-substituted phosphorus compound selected from the group consisting of tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium salts, C1-C3 alkyl- and alkenyltris(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium salts and tris(hydroxymethyl)phosphine. The methods and formulations of the present invention can be useful in treating water contaminated with aerobic or anaerobic bacteria in oilfield and other industrial applications.
US09139791B2 Processing device for improved utilization of fuel solids
The invention provides an apparatus for comminuting coal or other fuel solids in a shear field, and for optionally coating the solids with catalysts for combustion, liquefaction, and or gasification during the milling process. The apparatus further provides for control of water content in the solids may be controlled before, during and after the milling in order to obtain micronized solids with fine hydration layers. The output fuel solids of the apparatus can burn at low temperatures, avoiding emissions of nitrogen oxides, and they also have improved properties for surfactant-free suspension in either water or oil media, as well as for liquefaction and gasification.
US09139790B2 Method for treating biomass material and method for using heat energy
A method of treating biomass material includes: placing biomass material in a container; then setting an initial condition of the container including (a) an oxygen containing atmosphere, (b) a temperature range from 55 degree Celsius to 80 degree Celsius,(c) a pressure range from atmospheric pressure to 15 atmospheric pressure, and (d) carbon monoxide concentration equal to or greater than 100 ppm; increasing temperature of the biomass material over 80 degree Celsius; setting a continuation condition including (i) the oxygen containing atmosphere, (ii) the pressure range from atmospheric pressure to 15 atmospheric pressure, and (iii) a carbon monoxide concentration equal to or greater than 100 ppm; and maintaining the continuation condition, in order to spontaneously increase temperature of the biomass material over at least 150 degree Celsius, and to achieve volume reduction or carbonization of the biomass material.
US09139787B2 Method for steam reforming carbonaceous material
A method for steam reforming carbonaceous material into a synthesis gas by using a single stage process of heating the carbonaceous material in a rotary kiln at an elevated reforming temperature so that the carbonaceous material undergoes substantially complete conversion to synthesis gas or by using a dual stream, multiple-stage process of heating carbonaceous material to a reforming temperature, below that at which metallic materials will typically vaporize, to form gaseous and solid materials; further reforming the gaseous materials in a second stage reforming kiln at an elevated reforming temperature to form synthesis gas; and separating carbon char from the solid material for further processing.
US09139781B2 Delayed coking process
The morphology of petroleum cokes produced by the delayed coking of feeds produced from extra-heavy crude sources such as those from the Venezuela Orinoco Heavy Oil Belt can be controlled to produce a less dense coke which is less likely to inflame in the coke pit or in subsequent handling. An aqueous solution of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal carbonate salt when added to a feed of this type which would normally produce a dense coke product is effective to produce a quenchable coke product of lower density and higher porosity, usually in compact, granular form permitting it to be readily discharged from the drum.
US09139775B2 Liquid crystal medium composition for use in liquid crystal display
The present invention provides a liquid crystal medium composition for use in liquid crystal display, which includes the following constituent components: a negative type liquid crystal material, a stabilizer, and two or more than two polymerizable monomers that undergo polymerization reactions under UV radiation. The polymerizable monomers are in an amount of 0.1-1% by weight based on total weight of the liquid crystal medium composition. The polymerizable monomers have a structural formula composed of a single benzene ring, two benzene rings, or a naphthalene ring. The structural formula composed of two benzene rings is formed by two benzene rings that are directly linked or linked via a moiety. The benzene ring and naphthalene ring are directly linked at least one polymerizable moiety. Through use of two or more than two polymerizable monomers in the liquid crystal medium composition, polymer bumps having a small size and excellent homogeneity can be obtained.
US09139773B2 Compound having 3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propenyloxy, liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
An object is to provide a liquid crystal compound satisfying at least one of physical properties such as a high stability to heat, light and so forth, a high clearing point, a low minimum temperature of a liquid crystal phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a suitable elastic constant and an excellent compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, a liquid crystal composition containing the compound, and a liquid crystal display device including the composition.A solution is the compound represented by formula (1): wherein, in formula (1), for example, R1 is alkyl having 1 to 10 carbons; ring A1 and ring A2 are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; Z1 and Z2 are independently a single bond or —CF2O—; L1 and L2 are halogen; and a is 1 or 2.
US09139772B2 Liquid composition, ink jet recording method, ink jet recording apparatus and recorded article
A liquid composition including: a radical polymerization inhibitor; a solvent; and a surfactant, wherein the content of the radical polymerization inhibitor is 0.1 to 50% by weight.
US09139771B2 Copper oxide etchant and etching method using the same
In order to provide a copper oxide etchant and an etching method using the same capable of selectively etching exposure/non-exposure portions when laser light exposure is performed by using copper oxide as a thermal-reactive resist material, the copper oxide etchant for selectively etching copper oxides having different oxidation numbers in a copper oxide-containing layer containing the copper oxide as a main component contains at least a chelating agent or salts thereof.
US09139770B2 Silicone ligands for stabilizing quantum dot films
Siloxane polymer ligands for binding to quantum dots are provided. The polymers include a multiplicity of amine or carboxy binding ligands in combination with long-alkyl chains providing improved stability for the ligated quantum dots. The ligands and coated nanostructures of the present invention are useful for close packed nanostructure compositions, which can have improved quantum confinement and/or reduced cross-talk between nano structures.
US09139766B2 Chemiluminescent compositions and enhancing reagents for chemiluminescence
An enhancing reagent for enhancing chemiluminescence of 1,2-dioxetane compounds and a method for using the enhancing reagent to enhance the chemiluminescence are provided, in which the enhancing reagent contains an alkyl bis-quaternary ammonium salt of Formula I. A chemiluminescent composition with a 1,2-dioxetane compound as a substrate and a kit thereof are further provided, which contain a 1,2-dioxetane compound and an alkyl bis-quaternary ammonium salt of Formula I.
US09139763B2 Surface-modified phosphors
The invention relates to surface-modified phosphor particles based on luminescent particles of (Ca,Sr,Ba)2SiO4 and/or other silicates, in each case individually or mixtures thereof with one or more activator ions, such as Eu, Mn, Ce and/or Mg and/or Zn, where at least one metal, transition-metal or semimetal oxide coating and an organic coating are applied to the luminescent particles, and to a preparation process.
US09139761B2 Aqueous particulate slurry compositions and methods of making same
A sand slurry composition and a method for making sand slurries are disclosed. The sand slurry composition is comprised of sand, an aqueous liquid and a chemical compound that renders the surface sand of hydrophobic. The method is comprised of rendering sand surface hydrophobic during or before making the slurry. This method and composition can find many applications in different industries, especially in various oil field applications.
US09139760B2 Crosslinked swellable polymer
The invention is directed to stable crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers, methods for making same, and their various uses in the hygiene and medical arts, gel electrophoresis, packaging, agriculture, the cable industry, information technology, in the food industry, papermaking, use as flocculation aids, and the like. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric microparticles having labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said microparticle mixed with a fluid and an unreacted tertiary crosslinker that is capable of further crosslinking the microparticle on degradation of the labile crosslinker so as to form a stable gel. A particularly important use is as an injection fluid in petroleum production, where the expandable polymeric particles are injected into a well and when the heat and/or pH of the well cause degradation of the labile crosslinker and when the particle expands, the tertiary crosslinker crosslinks the polymer to form a stable gel, thus diverting water to lower permeability regions and improving oil recovery.
US09139759B2 Method of treating a subterranean formation with combined breaker and fluid loss additive
A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is accomplished by introducing a fluid into the wellbore containing a combined fluid loss additive and breaker. The combined fluid loss additive and breaker is formed from particles of an organic peroxide provided on a substrate. The particles are sized to facilitate fluid loss control. A treatment operation is carried out wherein a treatment fluid viscosified with a polymer is introduced into the formation through the wellbore.
US09139757B2 Composition for forming electronic paper without particle freezing, and adhesive film prepared thereby
Disclosed is a sealing film for electronic paper having a multilayered structure. The multilayered film for electronic paper comprising a layered structure according to the present invention comprises: (a) a sealing layer formed with a material comprising a UV curable polymer resin composition or a UV transmitting polymer resin composition; and (b) a tack-free adhesive layer formed with a material comprising a UV curable polymer resin. The sealing film has excellent sealing properties and is tack-free at room temperature, and thus it is possible to minimize freezing of electrostatic particles inside a microcup sticking to the surface of a sealing material during manipulation thereof.
US09139755B2 Hot melt adhesive
A hot melt adhesive material and articles made using the hot melt adhesive to assemble structures in an article. The adhesive material typically is manufactured by blending amorphous polymer with a heterophase polymer having crystallinity into an adhesive composition.
US09139754B1 Substrate-protecting treatment
A treatment for substrates such as wood protects against broad-spectrum UV degradation. The treatment includes a vegetable oil, an organic oil and a liquid supplement and includes a high solids content. While containing substantially no volatile organic compounds, the biodegradable treatment is also quick-drying and provides a number of wood-restoring and rejuvenating elements.
US09139753B2 Single-component moisture-curable coatings based on N-substituted urea polymers with extended chains and terminal alkoxysilanes
Moisture-curable single-component (1K) coatings based on N-substituted urea polymers with extended chains and terminal alkoxysilane groups. The coatings are highly flexible, are gloss retentive, provide fast tack-free and dry-through times, provide high solvent resistance, and provide excellent exterior color stability to sunlight. The coatings can be formulated to produce high-gloss, semi-gloss and low-gloss finishes, and thus have application as both commercial and military coatings.
US09139752B2 Process for producing polyamides via anionic polymerization
The present invention relates to a process for producing polyamides, preferably crosslinked polyamides, via anionic polymerization of lactams in the presence of an anionic catalyst and of a caprolactam-capped polyisocyanate, where said isocyanate comprises more than 3.5 capped isocyanate groups.
US09139750B2 Halogen-free resin composition and method for preparation of copper clad laminate with same
A halogen-free resin composition and a method for preparation of copper clad laminate with the same, wherein based on total parts by weight of solid components, the halogen-free resin composition comprises a reactive allyl phenoxy cyclotriphosphazene or vinyl phenoxy cyclotriphosphazene of 5-50 parts, a thermosetting resin of 15-85 parts, a crosslinking curing agent of 1-35 parts, a crosslinking curing accelerant of 0-5 parts and a filler of 0-100 parts. In the present invention, the reactive allyl phenoxy cyclotriphosphazene or vinyl phenoxy cyclotriphosphazene having very low water absorption is introduced into the thermosetting resin, satisfying both the halogen-free and antiflaming requirements and improving the electrical properties of the system, and making it possible to prepare the halogen-free high-frequency high-speed substrate material. The resulted copper clad laminate satisfies the halogen-free requirement, and has advantages such as excellent resistance to heat and moisture, and low dielectric loss.
US09139748B2 Photocurable ink composition for inkjet printing, and printed material
A photocurable ink composition for inkjet printing is obtained that has superior curability with respect to light from a light-emitting diode, has favorable adhesion to a polyvinyl chloride-based sheet, and is able to adequately inhibit the occurrence of cockling. The photocurable ink composition for inkjet printing at least has: a photopolymerizable compound; a photopolymerization initiator; and a sensitizer, wherein benzyl acrylate, N-vinylcaprolactam and an acrylated amine compound having two photopolymerizable functional groups and two amino groups in a molecule thereof are contained as the photopolymerizable compound, the content of the benzyl acrylate is 20 to 65% by mass in the photocurable ink composition for inkjet printing, a compound exhibiting an initiator function when irradiated with light having a wavelength of 450 to 300 nm is contained as the photopolymerization initiator, a compound exhibiting a sensitizer function when irradiated with light having a wavelength of 400 nm or longer is contained as the sensitizer, and a flash point as measured using a SETA closed-cup flash point tester according to a method in compliance with JIS K2265 is 70° C. or higher.
US09139746B2 Phase change ink compositions comprising mixtures of ester of tartaric acid and ester of citric acid as amorphous materials
The disclosure provides phase change ink compositions comprising an amorphous material comprising mixtures of ester of tartaric acid and ester of citric acid.
US09139743B2 Malic acid derivatives as amorphous materials for phase change ink
Disclosed herein is a component that is substantially amorphous, the component comprising at least one non-ester material and at least one ester of malic acid having a formula of wherein R1 and R2 each, independently of the other, is an alkyl group, and further wherein the alkyl portion can be straight, branched or cyclic, saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted, having from 1 to about 40 carbon atoms, an substituted or unsubstituted aromatic or heteroaromatic group, and mixtures thereof.
US09139737B1 Multifunctional coated powders and high solids dispersions
A coated powder comprises (a) nanoparticles, and (b) a coating, on the surface of the nanoparticles. The coating comprises (1) silica moieties, (2) organo oxysilane moieties selected from the group consisting of mono-organo oxysilane moieties, bi-organo oxysilane moieties and tri-organo oxysilane moieties, and (3) poly(dialkyl)siloxane moieties.
US09139736B2 Surface-modified silicic acid semi-gels
The invention relates to novel surface modified semi-gels, to a method for producing same, and to the use thereof.
US09139735B2 Process for the preparation of surface treated mineral filler products and uses of same
The present invention relates to a process for preparing a surface treated mineral filler product, and to its preferred use in the field of plastic applications, and in particular polypropylene (PP)- or polyethylene (PE)-based breathable or extrusion coating film applications.
US09139732B2 Polymer compositions comprising semi-aromatic polyamides and graphene materials
A polymer composition having improved processing properties, in particular improved crystallization behavior, comprising a semi-aromatic polyamide and a graphene material. The graphene material may be a nano-graphene platelet. The semi-aromatic polyamide may comprise recurring units obtainable by a polycondensation reaction between at least one aromatic diamine and at least one non-aromatic diacid or derivatives thereof and/or recurring units obtainable by a polycondensation reaction between at least one aromatic diacid or derivatives thereof and at least one non-aromatic diamine. The composition may further comprise a polyamide different than the semi-aromatic polyamide. The composition may further comprise a filler.
US09139731B2 Compositions and methods for improving overall tooth health and appearance
Disclosed are oral care compositions comprising selected surface-active organophosphate compounds and methods of use to provide protection of teeth from erosion caused by the action of chemicals, such as harsh abrasives and acids. The surface-active organophosphate compounds are substantive to teeth, the phosphate groups binding the calcium in teeth and thus preventing loss of calcium from dissolution when contacted with acids. The organophosphate compound may also deposit a protective surface coating that prevents contact of teeth with erosive challenges. Selected organophosphate compounds contain one or more phosphate groups and are combined in the oral care composition with one or more of a fluoride ion agent, an antimicrobial agent preferably selected from quaternary ammonium compounds and polyvalent metal salts, an anticalculus agent and additional surfactant, to provide benefits including superior anti-erosion, anticaries, antiplaque and anti-staining as demonstrated by enhanced fluoride uptake, remineralization, resistance to acid demineralization and antimicrobial activities, resulting in improved overall tooth health, structural integrity and appearance.
US09139726B2 Process for making an ethylene elastomer with long chain branching for use in anti-vibration applications
A process and the resultant product from the process for continuously making a blend of a terpolymer and a tetrapolymer utilizing ethylene, propylene, and non-conjugated dienes. This process allows for the creation of products with high diene contents and broad molecular weight distributions while utilizing a continuous flow reactor and a known catalyst. The process allows for these products to be made without gelling or fouling of the reactor, which are problems known in the art.
US09139725B2 Polypropylene resin composition for interior materials of automobile with advanced paint adhesivity and low specific gravity
Disclosed is a polypropylene resin composition for automobile interior trim parts with superior paint adhesivity and low specific gravity. More specifically, a polypropylene resin composition for automobile interior trim parts having superior paint adhesivity and low specific gravity is disclosed, wherein a base resin including polypropylene, a propylene-ethylene copolymer or a mixture thereof is mixed with a reinforcer including magnesium hydroxide and an ethylene-butene elastomer. The present polypropylene resin composition allows for direct painting of an automobile interior trim part surface without primer treatment and provides excellent resistance to damage caused by impact.
US09139720B2 Styrene-based copolymers having acid monomer units and dispersions thereof
Styrene-based copolymers having acid monomer units, dispersions, preparation method and use thereof are provided. The styrene-based copolymer is prepared by polymerizing styrene, one or more acid monomers, and optionally butadiene at a temperature of 40° C. or greater and then is vulcanized. The obtained styrene-based copolymer is used in asphalt-based systems.
US09139719B2 Rubber composition and pneumatic tire
The present invention provides a rubber composition that achieves a well-balanced improvement in fuel economy, wet-grip performance, and abrasion resistance, and a pneumatic tire formed from the rubber composition. The present invention relates to a rubber composition, including a rubber component and silica, wherein the rubber component contains not less than 5% by mass of a conjugated diene polymer, based on 100% by mass of the rubber component, the conjugated diene polymer containing a constituent unit derived from a conjugated diene and a constituent unit represented by the following formula (I): at least one terminal of the conjugated diene polymer being modified by a compound containing a group represented by the following formula (II): and wherein the silica is contained in an amount of 5 to 150 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component.
US09139717B2 Ground tire rubber additive and asphalt including same
A modified ground tire rubber based additive includes (a) 30-99 weight percent of ground tire rubber, (b) 0-9-69.9 weight percent of a material selected from a group including a gelling clay, a reactive agent, an elastomer, a plastomer, a handling and agglomerating agent and mixtures thereof and (c) 0.1-5 weight percent compatibilizer.
US09139715B2 Coating of metal pigments using phosphonic acid-based compounds
A coated metal pigment that has excellent passivation, dispersion and adhesion properties, a method for producing the coated metal pigment and a coating composition that includes the coated metal pigment are described. The disclosed method generally involves the use of a compound with the following formula (A)
US09139710B2 Aliphatic polyester resin compositions, molded articles of aliphatic polyester resin and method of producing same
An aliphatic polyester resin composition, useful for producing molded articles without causing deformation at the mold release time, has a non-copolymerized mixture of an aliphatic polyester resin including one or more polylactic acid resins and a crystallization nucleating agent including one or more metal salts of an aromatic sulfonate of Formula 1: where X is a residual group obtained by removing three hydrogen atoms from benzene, R1 and R2 are each hydrocarbon group with 1-6 carbon atoms, M is one or more selected from the group of potassium atom, rubidium atom, barium atom, strontium atom and calcium atom, and n is 1 if M is alkali metal atom and 2 if M is alkali earth metal atom; the aliphatic polyester resin composition contains 0.01-5 weight parts of the one or more metal salts of aromatic sulfonate shown by Formula 1 for 100 weight parts of the aliphatic polyester resin.
US09139700B2 Method for preparing a polyorganosiloxane
One object of the present invention is to provide a method for preparing a polyorganosiloxane without using any catalyst having corrosivity and toxicity such as an alkaline earth metal catalyst in a condensation reaction of at least one organic silicon compound having a silanol group and/or an alkoxy silyl group. The present invention is a method for preparing a polyorganosiloxane, wherein the method includes a step of condensation reacting at least one organic silicon compound having at least one —OX group bonding to a silicon atom in the molecule, wherein X is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an alkoxyalkyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the catalyst is at least one selected from the group having hydroxides or oxides of elements in Groups 3-15 of the periodic table.
US09139691B2 Process for preparing high molecular weight polyether polyols
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of polyether polyols with equivalent molecular weights of from 8,000 to 20,000 g/mol from one or more H-functional starter compounds and one or more alkylene oxides in the presence of a double metal cyanide catalyst, characterized in that the alkylene oxides are metered into the reactor in the course of from 15 to 23 h.
US09139689B1 Bioderived compatibilizer for biopolymers
A bioderived plasticizer for biopolymers includes a compatibilizing unit and a polyester plasticizing unit. The plasticizer improves the flexibility of biopolymers while not adversely affecting the modulus of the biopolymer. The compatibilizing unit renders the plasticizer more miscible with the desired base biopolymer, and may increase crystallization and includes a lower alkyl (C3 to C7) organic acid including enantiomeric isomers of the base polymer. The polyester plasticizing unit is formed from monomers comprising a multifunctional alcohol and an aliphatic anhydride or its equivalent dicarboxylic acid and ester derivatives. The polyester plasticizing unit may optionally include one or more difunctional alcohols in combination with the multifunctional alcohol. The resulting bioderived plasticizer lowers glass transition temperature (Tg), can improve brittleness, may increases heat deflection temperature and improves melt viscosity.
US09139685B2 Process for the preparation of a polyurethane polymer with secondary hydroxyl end groups comprising polyester polyols
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a polyurethane polymer, comprising the step of reaction ofA) polyester polyols with secondary hydroxyl end groups, which are obtainable from the reaction of a polyester comprising carboxyl end groups with an epoxide of the general formula (1): wherein R1 represents an alkyl radical or an aryl radical and wherein the polyester comprising carboxyl end groups has an acid number of from ≧25 mg of KOH/g to ≦400 mg of KOH/g and a hydroxyl number of ≦5 mg of KOH/g, with B) polyisocyanates which are chosen from the group comprising toluoylene-diisocyanate, diphenylmethane-diisocyanate, polymeric diphenylmethane-diisocyanate, xylylene-diisocyanate, naphthylene-diisocyanate, hexamethylene-diisocyanate, diisocyanatodicyclohexylmethane and/or isophorone-diisocyanate. The invention furthermore relates to polyurethane polymers prepared by such a process.
US09139683B2 Process for producing a polyurethane foam by means of supercritical or near-critical blowing agent
The present invention relates to a process for producing a polyurethane foam, where the blowing agent used is present in the supercritical or near-critical state. A reaction mixture is introduced into a closed mould, where the closed mould has been set up in such a way that its interior volume and/or the pressure prevailing in its interior can be altered after the introduction of the mixture by external influence. Through the selection of the surfactant it is possible to obtain microemulsions of the blowing agent in the polyol phase. The invention further relates to a nanocellular polyurethane foam obtainable by the process of the invention.
US09139679B2 Thermoplastic elastomer composition and process for manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to a thermoplastic elastomer composition which comprises a branched olefin copolymer comprising: a main chain of an ethylene/α-olefin copolymer; and a side chain derived from a crystalline propylene polymer containing a vinyl group at one end, wherein the content of α-olefin in the main chain is 70 mol % or less, the composition has an elongation at break of 500% or higher, and has an elastic recovery rate of 70% or more when recovering from an extension to 300% elongation, and a process for manufacturing the same.
US09139665B2 Hydrophilic polymeric particles and methods for making and using same
A method of forming a particle includes, in a disperse phase within an aqueous suspension, polymerizing a plurality of mer units of a hydrophilic monomer having a hydrophobic protection group, thereby forming a polymeric particle including a plurality of the hydrophobic protection groups. The method further includes converting the polymeric particle to a hydrophilic particle.
US09139661B2 Methods for biocompatible derivitization of cellulosic surfaces
The present invention describes methods of treating cellulosic materials with a composition that provides increased hydrophobicity to such materials without sacrificing the biodegradability thereof. The methods as disclosed provide for esterification of available hydroxyl groups on cellulosic materials, where such hydroxyl groups are “masked” by bulky organic chains, including that the disclosure provides products made by such methods. The materials thus treated display higher hydrophobicity, barrier function, and mechanical properties, and may be used in any application where such features are desired.
US09139659B2 Idiotypic antibodies and uses thereof
The invention provides anti-idiotypic HCMV antibodies as well as methods of using the same.
US09139655B2 Tumor-targeting monoclonal antibodies to FZD10 and uses thereof
The present invention relates to an antibody or a fragment thereof which is capable of binding to a Frizzled homologue 10 (FZD10) protein, such as a mouse monoclonal antibody, a chimeric antibody and a humanized antibody. Also, the present invention relates to a method for treating and/or preventing FZD10-associated disease; a method for diagnosis or prognosis of FZD10-associated disease; and a method for in vivo imaging of FZD10 in a subject.
US09139653B1 Anti-human OX40L antibodies and methods of treatment
The present invention relates to anti-human OX40L antibodies, new medical uses and methods.
US09139648B1 Precision medicine by targeting human NAV1.9 variants for treatment of pain
The invention relates to human targets of interest (TOI), anti-TOI ligands, kits compositions and method.
US09139647B2 Diagnosis and treatment of cancer using anti-TM4SF20 antibody
The present invention relates to an antibody binding to a TM4SF20 protein and the diagnosis and treatment of cancer using the antibody. Specifically, the present invention provides an anti-TM4SF20 antibody and a pharmaceutical composition (e.g., an anticancer agent and a diagnostic drug for cancer) comprising the antibody as an active ingredient.
US09139645B2 Peptides and related molecules that bind to TALL-1
The present invention concerns therapeutic agents that modulate the activity of TALL-1. In accordance with the present invention, modulators of TALL-1 may comprise an amino acid sequence Dz2Lz4 wherein z2 is an amino acid residue and z4 is threonyl or isoleucyl. Exemplary molecules comprise a sequence of the formulae (SEQ. ID. NO: 100) a1a2a3CDa6La8a9a10Ca12a13a14, (SEQ. ID. NO: 104) b1b2b3Cb5b6Db8Lb10b11b12b13b14Cb16b17b18 (SEQ. ID. NO: 105) c1c2c3Cc5Dc7Lc9c10c11c12c13c14Cc16c17c18 (SEQ. ID. NO: 106) d1d2d3Cd5d6d7WDd10Ld13d14d15Ld16d17d18 (SEQ. ID. NO: 107) e1e2e3Ce5e6e7De9Le11Ke13Ce15e16e17e18 (SEQ. ID NO: 109) f1f2f3Kf5Df7Lf9f10Qf12f13f14 wherein the substituents are as defined in the specification. The invention further comprises compositions of matter of the formula (X1)a—V1—(X2)b wherein V1 is a vehicle that is covalently attached to one or more of the above TALL-1 modulating compositions of matter. The vehicle and the TALL-1 modulating composition of matter may be linked through the N- or C-terminus of the TALL-1 modulating portion. The preferred vehicle is an Fc domain, and the preferred Fc domain is an IgG Fc domain.
US09139644B2 Modified chimeric polypeptides with improved pharmacokinetic properties
The present invention provides VEGF antagonists with improved pharmacokinetic properties. According to certain embodiments, a fusion polypeptide capable of antagonizing VEGF activity is provided comprising a modified extracellular ligand binding domain of a VEGF receptor fused to a multimerizing component.
US09139643B2 Immunotherapy for clearing pathological tau conformers
The present invention relates to methods of treating and preventing Alzheimer's Disease or other tauopathies in a subject by administering a tau protein, its immunogenic epitopes, or antibodies recognizing the tau protein or its immunogenic epitopes under conditions effective to treat or prevent Alzheimer's Disease of other tauopathies. Also disclosed are methods of promoting clearance of aggregates from the brain of the subject and of slowing progression of tangle-related behavioral phenotype in a subject.
US09139642B2 Anti-human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antibodies and methods of use
Provided herein are antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof that immunospecifically bind to the fusion (F) protein of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Also provided are methods for of prevention, treatment and diagnosis of viral infection and/or the treatment of one more symptoms of RSV-mediated disease. Methods of generating antibodies that immunospecifically bind RSV F protein also are provided.
US09139641B2 Preparation and composition of inter-alpha proteins from blood
The present invention generally provides processes for purification of Inter-alpha inhibitor proteins (IαIp) and compositions thereof from blood.
US09139639B2 Polynucleotides encoding an intracellular segment of CD40 and a constant region of an immunoglobulin heavy chain
The present invention provides recombinant proteins comprising the amino acid sequence of an intracellular segment of CD40 and an amino acid sequence mediating the association of the recombinant protein with the constant region of an immunoglobulin heavy chain. The recombinant proteins according to the present invention are—useful for inducing clonal expansion of a B cell having a predetermined antigen-specificity without the need for T cell or CD40L mediated co-stimulation. Thus, the present invention provides tools for clonal expansion of B cells specific for an antigen of interest and the production of B cells secreting antibodies specific for an antigen of interest. The recombinant proteins of the present invention may also be used for generating fully human monoclonal antibodies with a predetermined antigen-specificity from the B cell repertoire of a human subject.
US09139637B2 Yeast cell surface display of proteins and uses thereof
The present invention provides a genetic method of tethering polypeptides to the yeast cell wall in a form accessible for binding to macromolecules. Combining this method with fluorescence-activated cell sorting provides a means of selecting proteins with increased or decreased affinity for another molecule, altered specificity, or conditional binding. As one embodiment, attaching an scFv antibody fragment to the Aga2p agglutinin effectively mimics the cell surface display of antibodies by B cells in the immune system for affinity maturation in vivo. As another embodiment, T cell receptor mutants can be isolated by this method that are efficiently displayed on the yeast cell surface, providing a means of altering T cell receptor binding affinity and specificity by library screening.
US09139635B2 Non-cytotoxic protein conjugates
The present invention is directed to non-cytotoxic protein conjugates for inhibition or reduction of exocytic fusion in a nociceptive sensory afferent cell. The protein conjugates comprise: (i) a Targeting Moiety (TM), wherein the TM is an agonist of a receptor present on a nociceptive sensory afferent cell, and wherein the receptor undergoes endocytosis to be incorporated into an endosome within the nociceptive sensory afferent cell; (ii) a non-cytotoxic protease or a fragment thereof, wherein the protease or protease fragment is capable of cleaving a protein of the exocytic fusion apparatus of the nociceptive sensory afferent cell; and (iii) a Translocation Domain, wherein the Translocation Domain translocates the protease or protease fragment from within the endosome, across the endosomal membrane, and into the cytosol of the nociceptive sensory afferent cell. Nucleic acid sequences encoding the protein conjugates, methods of preparing same and uses thereof are also described.
US09139633B2 Mesenchymal stem cell differentiation
The present invention provides for methods and compositions for treating or preventing arthritis and joint injury.
US09139630B2 Compositions and methods for preparing recombinant MG53 and methods for optimizing same
Disclosed herein are nucleic acid sequences that encode novel polypeptides. In particular, the present invention provides nucleic acid molecules that include optimization features that enhance the expression and/or recovery and/or activity of encoded polypeptides. Also disclosed are polypeptides encoded by these nucleic acid sequences, and antibodies, which immunospecifically-bind to the polypeptide, as well as derivatives, variants, mutants, or fragments of the aforementioned polypeptide, polynucleotide, or antibody. The invention further discloses therapeutic, diagnostic and research methods for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders involving any one of these novel human nucleic acids and proteins.
US09139625B2 Pathogenic bacteria
The invention provides novel surface coat proteins of Clostridium spp. spores, and nucleic acids encoding such proteins. The invention extends to various uses of these nucleic acids and proteins, as antigens for use in vaccine design and construction, and to vaccines per se, and in diagnostic test kits and methods for the detection of Clostridium spp. infections. In addition, the nucleic acids and proteins can be used as potential targets for therapeutic drugs for the prevention or treatment of Clostridium spp. infections.
US09139623B2 Flagellin related polypeptides and uses thereof
The use of flagellin and flagellin related polypeptides for the protection of mammals from the effects of apoptosis is described.
US09139621B2 Neisseria meningitidis antigens and compositions
The invention provides proteins from Neisseria meningitidis, including the amino acid sequences and the corresponding nucleotide sequences. The proteins are predicted to be useful antigens for vaccines and/or diagnostics.
US09139620B2 Feline morbillivirus and uses thereof
Described herein are isolated paramyxovirus, a morbillivirus (FmoPV), nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides and antibodies related to FmoPV and uses thereof. In certain embodiments, the FmoPV is a feline morbillivirus. Also described herein is a recombinant FmoPV comprising a modified FmoPV gene or gene segments and uses thereof. Also described is a recombinant FmoPV for the prevention and/or treatment of diseases related to FmoPV or a delivery vector. Also described herein is a diagnostic assay for FmoPV, natural or artificial variants, analogs, or derivatives thereof. Also described herein is a vaccine and a kit containing the vaccine for the prevention and treatment of FmoPV infection. Also provided is a diagnostic kit comprising nucleic acid molecules for the detection of FmoPV.
US09139615B2 High-affinity, dimeric inhibitors of PSD-95 as efficient neuroprotectants against ischemic brain damage and for treatment of pain
The invention provides novel potent inhibitors of the ternary protein complex of nNOS, PSD-95, and the NMDA receptor and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the inhibitors for prophylaxis and/or treatment of excitotoxic-related disease and chronic pain conditions in a subject. The inhibitors are dimeric PSD-95 inhibitors comprising a first peptide or peptide analogue linked to a second peptide or peptide analogue by a linker, wherein the first and the second peptide or peptide analogue comprise at least four amide-bonded residues having a sequence YTXV (SEQ ID NO: 5) or YSXV (SEQ ID NO: 6), wherein a. Y is selected from among E, Q, and A, or an analogue thereof, and b. X is selected from among A, Q, D, N, N-Me-A, N-Me-Q, N-Me-D, and N-Me-N or an analogue thereof, and wherein a Cell Penetrating Peptide (CPP) is linked to the linker or to an amino acid side chain of the first and second peptide or peptide analogue. The linker can be a PEG or NPEG linker.
US09139608B2 Method for preparation of highly pure asiaticoside composition from Centella asiatica and a method of use thereof
Disclosed is a commercially viable asiaticoside composition having at least 99% purity that is derived from plant Centella asiatica and a manufacturing process thereof. Also disclosed is a method and the models for oral administration of therapeutically effective amounts of the asiaticoside composition for treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases such as Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and associated complications of inflammatory bowel diseases such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fistulas. Also disclosed is a method and model for oral administration of therapeutically effective amounts of the asiaticoside composition for treatment of Helicobacter Pylori, as well as a method and the models for oral administration of therapeutically effective amounts of the asiaticoside composition for prevention of colon cancer, gastric diseases and gastric carcinoma.
US09139602B2 Fused ring compound and organic light-emitting device including the same
A fused ring compound represented by Formula 1: In Formula 1, X1, X2, Y1 to Y6, Ar1 to Ar3, R1 to R11, L1 to L3, a, b, and c are as defined in the specification.
US09139601B2 Crystallisation facilitators for the synthesis of metal organic frameworks
A crystallization facilitator for promoting crystal growth of a metal-organic framework, the crystallization facilitator comprising at least one of: a metal or ionic form of that metal, or a compound including a metal, which is selected from the group consisting of Group 1 through 16 metals of the IUPAC Periodic Table of the Elements including actinides, and lanthanides, and combinations thereof. A method of synthesizing a metal-organic framework using the crystallization facilitator is also described.
US09139596B2 Cyclic prodrugs of duocarmycin analogs
The invention provides prodrugs of DNA-reactive analogs of duocarmycin and CC-1065 anticancer agents, wherein a cyclic prodrug form, such as carbamate, thionocarbamate, or carbamimidate, can be hydrolyzed by the patient in vivo to yield a respective bioactive agent comprising a DNA-alkylating moiety and a binding/targeting moiety. The DNA-reactive moiety is a γ-spirocyclohexenone fused to a heterocyclyl group which can be produced by endogenous hydrolysis of a cyclic carbamate prodrug of the invention. The cyclic carbamate prodrug produces no residual byproduct during activation in vivo. Methods of synthesis and biological methods and data are also provided.
US09139590B2 Bicyclic and tricyclic pyrimidine tyrosine kinase inhibitors with antitubulin activity and methods of treating a patient
Bicyclic and tricyclic pyrimidine tyrosine kinase inhibitors with antitubulin activity are provided in the present invention. The compositions of the present invention possess dual activity in a single agent of potent vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitory activity as well as antitubulin activity. Water soluble salts of these compositions are also described. Methods of treating a patient having cancer, macular degeneration, and arthritis with the compositions and salts thereof of the present invention are disclosed.
US09139587B2 N1-pyrazolospiroketone acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitors
The invention provides a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound, wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as described herein; pharmaceutical compositions thereof; and the use thereof in treating diseases, conditions or disorders modulated by the inhibition of an acetyl-CoA carboxylase enzyme(s) in an animal.
US09139583B2 Selective HDAC3 inhibitors
Provided herein are inhibitors of HDAC3, as well as methods of treatment comprising administering those compounds to a subject in need thereof.
US09139582B2 Organic electroluminescent devices
The present invention relates to electronic devices, in particular organic electroluminescent devices, comprising compounds of the formula (1), and the corresponding compounds.