| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09141448B1 |
Lifetime management of socket resources
A computer implemented method includes determining, by at least one processor executing code segments stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium, if an application is de-activated; and one of killing, by the at least one processor, a socket associated with the application or pausing, by the at least one processor, the socket based on a flag set by the application. |
| US09141446B2 |
Maintenance of message serialization in multi-queue messaging environments
Messages may be provided to a source queue in serialized order, each message associated with a serialization context. The messages may be buffered in the source queue until a transmission time is reached, in turn, for each buffered message. Transmission-ready messages may be sent from the source queue according to the serialized order, using the serialization context, while continuing to store existing messages that are not yet transmission-ready. A queue assignment of the serialization context may be changed to a target queue. Subsequent messages may be provided with the serialization context to the target queue for buffering therein, while remaining transmission-ready messages may be continued to be sent from the source queue. The existing messages from the source queue associated with the serialization context may be determined to have been sent, and the subsequent messages may be sent from the target queue in serialized order, using the serialization context. |
| US09141441B2 |
Managing computing resources through aggregated core management
Systems, methods and computer program products manage computing resources for a system. A system includes a set of processors having multiple processor cores present in the computer system, where the processor cores form an aggregated set of processor cores for the system. A dependency analyzer determines dependencies among a set of workload components executing on the set of processor cores. A policy includes rules associated with managing one or more of power consumption, heat production, operating cost or workload balancing for the set of aggregated processor cores. In response to a workload event, a management component sets a state of one or more of the processor cores in accordance with the workload event, the policy and the set of dependencies. |
| US09141438B2 |
Logic for synchronizing multiple tasks
Logic (also called “synchronizing logic”) in a co-processor (that provides an interface to memory) receives a signal (called a “declaration”) from each of a number of tasks, based on an initial determination of one or more paths (also called “code paths”) in an instruction stream (e.g. originating from a high-level software program or from low-level microcode) that a task is likely to follow. Once a task (also called “disabled” task) declares its lack of a future need to access a shared data, the synchronizing logic allows that shared data to be accessed by other tasks (also called “needy” tasks) that have indicated their need to access the same. Moreover, the synchronizing logic also allows the shared data to be accessed by the other needy tasks on completion of access of the shared data by a current task (assuming the current task was also a needy task). |
| US09141435B2 |
System and methodology providing workload management in database cluster
A system and methodology providing workload management in a database cluster. In one embodiment, for example, a method for allocating workload amongst a plurality of database servers sharing access to data comprises steps of: periodically collecting information about workload at each database server; distributing the workload information to each of the plurality of database servers; in response to a client connected to a first database server requesting that work be performed, examining the workload information to determine whether the requested work should be performed at a second database server having a lower workload than the first database server; if it is determined that the work should be performed at the second database server, automatically transferring the client connection to the second database server and performing the requested work at the second database server; and otherwise, performing the requested work at the first database server. |
| US09141434B2 |
Robust non-shareable resource access under live virtual machine cloning
A system and method are disclosed for preventing concurrent access by a virtual machine and a clone of the virtual machine to a resource in a non-shareable state. In accordance with one embodiment, a hypervisor receives a command to clone a virtual machine, and determines whether any resource used by the virtual machine is in a non-shareable state (e.g., the virtual machine holds a lock on a resource, a resource comprises memory that stores secure data, etc.). When any resource used by the virtual machine is in a non-shareable state, the hypervisor delays cloning of the virtual machine until all resources used by the virtual machine are in a shareable state. |
| US09141430B2 |
Scheduling mapreduce job sets
Determining a schedule of a batch workload of MapReduce jobs is disclosed. A set of multi-stage jobs for processing in a MapReduce framework is received, for example, in a master node. Each multi-stage job includes a duration attribute, and each duration attribute includes a stage duration and a stage type. The MapReduce framework is separated into a plurality of resource pools. The multi-stage jobs are separated into a plurality of subgroups corresponding with the plurality of pools. Each subgroup is configured for concurrent processing in the MapReduce framework. The multi-stage jobs in each of the plurality of subgroups are placed in an order according to increasing stage duration. For each pool, the multi-stage jobs in increasing order of stage duration are sequentially assigned from either a front of the schedule or a tail of the schedule by stage type. |
| US09141429B2 |
Multicore processor system, computer product, and control method
A multicore processor system includes a core configured to detect a change in a state of assignment of a multicore processor; obtain, upon detecting the change in the state of assignment, number of accesses of a common resource shared by the multicore processor by each of process that are assigned to cores of the multicore processor; calculate an access ratio based on the obtained number of accesses; and notify an arbitration circuit of the calculated access ratio, the arbitration circuit arbitrating accesses of the common resource by the multicore processor. |
| US09141427B2 |
Allocating tasks to peripheral processing units in a hierarchical tree topology based on temperature status of branches
A method of allocating tasks in a node of a telecommunication network, wherein the node comprises a main processing unit which is configured to process tasks in association with one or more of a plurality of peripheral processing units, the peripheral processing units arranged in a hierarchical tree topology comprising one or more branches at one or more hierarchical levels. The method comprises the steps of: receiving a request to process a task; determining a temperature status of branches in the hierarchical tree topology, wherein the temperature status of a branch is related to the temperature of a processing unit coupled to the branch; and allocating the task to one or more processing units, based on the temperature status of the branches in the hierarchical tree topology. |
| US09141425B2 |
Framework for critical-path resource-optimized parallel processing
Computer-implemented methods, computer-program products, and systems instantiate a resource comsumption optimizer framework (RCOF) for a plurality of sub-process associated with a process. A plurality of sub-processes are loaded into a memory in accordance with a calculated optimized resource comsumption pattern. Each sub-process is associated with an agent that communicates with the RCOF. A particular sub-process is executed and the execution start is gated by an associated agent based upon at least a determined buffer value. The RCOF is notified of the particular sub-process execution completion. |
| US09141424B2 |
Achieving continuous availability for planned workload and site switches with no data loss
Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to methods, systems and computer program products for performing a planned workload switch. A method includes receiving a request to switch a site of an active workload and stopping one or more long running processes from submitting a new request to the active workload. The method also includes preventing a new network connection from accessing the active workload and processing one or more transactions in a queue of the active workload for a time period. Based on a determination that the queue of the active workload is not empty after the time period, the method includes aborting all remaining transactions in the queue of the active workload. The method further includes replicating all remaining committed units of work to a standby workload associated with the active workload. |
| US09141417B2 |
Methods and systems for integrated storage and data management using a hypervisor
Methods and systems for integrated data management and block level storage management in a storage system having a controller with a multi-core processor. A hypervisor manages the multi-core processor such that at least one processor is used in a first virtual machine on which a block level storage management process is operable. The first virtual machine may also operate under the control of a real-time operating system. The hypervisor also defines a second virtual machine using one or more other processor cores and operates a data management application process optionally under control of a general purpose operating system. The optional general purpose operating system and the data management application process access storage devices by communicating through the hypervisor with the block level storage management process operable in the first virtual machine. |
| US09141415B2 |
Method for dynamically transforming the bytecode of Java virtual machine bootstrap classes
A method for dynamically transforming bytecode of Java Virtual Machine (JVM) bootstrap classes during program startup uses a JVM agent to intercept startup of a JVM compliant computer program to transform the bytecode of already loaded JVM bootstrap classes and store the resulting set of modified bootstrap classes. Subsequently, the JVM Agent intercepts all class loading events to transform the bytecode of classes declaring special program startup method “ |
| US09141409B2 |
Multiple configurable customization layer system, method and computer program product
A system, method and computer program product are provided for customizing a core program. In use, a core program is provided. In addition, a plurality of configurable customization layers are provided, each for customizing at least one aspect of the core program or one of the configurable customization layers. |
| US09141408B2 |
Method and system for correcting portion of software application
A computer system, method, or computer-readable medium corrects a broken portion of an application. A fingerprint indicates classes that comprise the application. The classes indicated in the fingerprint are looked up to determine whether any is broken. For a broken class, a fixed class is substituted when the broken class is loaded at class load time for the application; a fixed class method is substituted into the broken class, when the broken class is loaded at class load time; fixed byte code is substituted for broken byte code corresponding to the broken class, when the broken class is loaded at class load time; the broken class is unloaded and the fixed class is loaded instead, when the application is running; or the broken class is replaced inside the static application with the fixed class; all without replacing classes which are not broken. |
| US09141401B2 |
Method for switching system state and portable terminal
A method for switching system state and a portable terminal. The method is applied to a portable terminal comprising a first system and a second system. The second system has a second control module provided therein. The method comprises: obtaining, by the second system, state information of the first system through the second control module when at least one of the first system and the second system is in an inactive state; receiving, by the second control module, a system state switching event; switching, by the second control module, the second system to a state corresponding to the state information of the first system based on the state information of the first system. According to the embodiments of the present invention, when the system state is to be switched, it is not necessary that both systems are in the active state. Rather, the state information can be transmitted between the systems in the inactive state by using a control module provided in one or both of the systems, and the power consumption of the portable terminal can be reduced. |
| US09141392B2 |
Different clock frequencies and stalls for unbalanced pipeline execution logics
A method includes determining a rate of resource occupancy of a constituent stage of an unbalanced instruction pipeline implemented in a processor through profiling an instruction code. The method also includes performing data processing at a maximum throughput at an optimum clock frequency based on the rate of resource occupancy. |
| US09141383B2 |
Subprocess definition and visualization in BPEL
A system and method for enabling reuse of a portion of a business process. An example method includes employing a business process language to facilitate accessing a definition of a subprocess characterizing the process logic, wherein the definition indicates one or more parameters to be used by the subprocess to implement a task specified by the process logic; and employing the definition to facilitate: using one or more variables of a parent process as one or more arguments that are passed to an instantiated version of the subprocess, and mapping the one or more arguments to the one or more parameters. In a more specific embodiment, the example method further includes characterizing a behavior of the subprocess via one or more dynamic scoping rules. The business process language includes a version of Business Process Execution Language (BPEL), and a BPEL extension activity facilitates defining the subprocess. |
| US09141380B2 |
Method and system for visualization of large codebases
A method for visualizing a codebase includes receiving a dependency graph of the codebase, the dependency graph having nodes and dependencies between the nodes, receiving an abstraction hierarchy of the codebase with abstraction levels, generating, based on the dependency graph and the abstraction hierarchy, a hierarchical graph, positioning each of the nodes on a code map using the hierarchical graph one abstraction level at a time, generating at least one contiguous surface for the code map with a portion of the nodes, and rendering the code map. |
| US09141377B2 |
Visualization of code units across disparate systems
A visualization tool that provides visibility of the functionality implemented with each system used by an institution(s) at code unit granularity can be used to overcome a variety of challenges that can occur in an environment with disparate systems. The visualization tool discovers and graphically displays functions/procedures/methods (“code units”) that satisfy a set of one or more criteria, as well as attributes of the discovered code units. Furthermore, the visualization tool can automatically provide visual annotations to identify targets for asset maintenance, targets to leverage for other systems, etc. |
| US09141373B2 |
System and method for accelerated software upgrades
A method and apparatus of a device that updates a software image for a network element is described. In an exemplary embodiment, a device receives a signal to update the network element with the new software image, where the network element includes a plurality of hardware forwarding engines and a control plane. The device further boots the control plane with the new software image, where the booting is accomplished without restarting the control plane. In one embodiment, the device boots the control plane by chain booting from a current software image to the new software image. The device additionally restarts and reconfigures the plurality of hardware forwarding engines. In a further embodiment, the device additionally prefills one or more queues in the hardware forwarding engines with keep-alive messages. These keep-alive messages are transmitted during the time that the control plane is being restarted. In a further embodiment, the hardware forwarding engines are reconfigured without restarting them. |
| US09141371B1 |
Workstation uptime, maintenance, and reboot service
Managing updates to executable programming code on a computer system in a computer network. A maintenance service utility is configured to launch a maintenance procedure at a specified time during operation of the computer system. Operation of a maintenance timer utility is activated during startup of the computer system to track and monitor the amount of time the computer system has been operating since startup. The maintenance service utility determines if there any updates to the executable programming code that require installation. The maintenance procedure is launched after a specified time if there are updates to the executable programming code. The computer system is automatically rebooted to install the updates to the executable programming code. A maintenance service editor utility enables the maintenance service utility to be configured to launch the maintenance procedure after a specified time if there are updates to the executable programming code. |
| US09141370B1 |
Updating control devices in a data center
A method and apparatus are provided for updating software one or more control devices in a data center. According to the method and apparatus a data center is outfitted with a plurality of control devices responsible for controlling the operation of a data center component. An update server is configured to update software running one of the plurality of control devices whenever software running on another one of the plurality of control devices is updated. |
| US09141364B2 |
Caching and analyzing images for faster and simpler cloud application deployment
Techniques provide include analyzing a first node, associated with a first version of an service, to extract first configuration metadata; analyzing the first node, associated with a second version, subsequent to the first version, of the aservice, to extract second configuration metadata; determining, based upon a comparison of the first configuration metadata and the second configuration metadata, that the first node has not been modified between the first version and the second version; generating a first image of the node for distribution in conjunction with the service in response to the determining that the particular node has not been modified; and caching the first image for use in conjunction with the service. |
| US09141361B2 |
Method and apparatus for performance efficient ISA virtualization using dynamic partial binary translation
Methods, apparatus and systems for virtualization of a native instruction set are disclosed. Embodiments include a processor core executing the native instructions and a second core, or alternatively only the second processor core consuming less power while executing a second instruction set that excludes portions of the native instruction set. The second core's decoder detects invalid opcodes of the second instruction set. A microcode layer disassembler determines if opcodes should be translated. A translation runtime environment identifies an executable region containing an invalid opcode, other invalid opcodes and interjacent valid opcodes of the second instruction set. An analysis unit determines an initial machine state prior to execution of the invalid opcode. A partial translation of the executable region that includes encapsulations of the translations of invalid opcodes and state recoveries of the machine states is generated and saved to a translation cache memory. |
| US09141360B1 |
Web application module translation service
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing a translation service that generates native object code by translating an intermediate representation of application code in a portable code format. One aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods that include the actions of receiving a translation service request for a native executable for a particular instruction set architecture from a requestor, where the translation service request includes data specifying portable code in an instruction-set neutral format; obtaining the portable code; translating the portable code into native object code for execution on the particular instruction set architecture; generating a native executable for the particular instruction set architecture; and returning the native executable to the requestor. |
| US09141359B2 |
Procedural concurrency graph generator
A parallel-code optimization system includes a Procedural Concurrency Graph (PCG) generator. The PCG generator produces an initial PCG of a computer program including parallel code, and determines a refined PCG from the initial PCG by applying concurrency-type refinements and interference-type refinements to the initial PCG. The initial PCG and the refined PCG include nodes and edges connecting pairs of the nodes. The nodes represent defined procedures in the parallel code, and each edge represents a may-happen-in-parallel relation, and is associated with a set of lvalues that represents the immediate interference between the corresponding pair of nodes. |
| US09141355B1 |
Receiving and evaluating generalized input
Generalized input for use in a computing environment. The generalized input can include freely mixed input types. The generalized input is received via a user interface. Each expression can include multiple types of input that can be processed as peers, without translation from one input type to another input type prior to parsing. The generalized input can include textual, numerical, graphical, and symbolic input as part an expression. The input can also include programs, scripts, methods, procedures, and the like or any combination thereof. |
| US09141354B2 |
Advantageous state merging during symbolic analysis
A determination is made regarding whether to merge two symbolic analysis states. A first state corresponds to a first path through a program to a program location and a second state corresponds to a second path through the program to the program location. A set of variables of the program at the program location is determined. For each variable in the set: a) a first value of the variable in the first state is determined; b) a second value of the variable in the second state is determined; and c) a determination is made, based on the first and second values, regarding whether merging the first and second states would be advantageous. A determination is made, responsive to determining that merging the first state and the second state would not be advantageous for at least one variable in the set, not to merge the first state and the second state. |
| US09141347B2 |
Editing a graphical data flow program in a web browser on a client computer
System and method for performing program-related operations over a network via a web browser. A network connection is established between a server computer and a client computer over a network. A universal resource identifier (URI) is sent from the client computer to the server computer over the network, where the URI indicates a program, e.g., a graphical program (GP), or at least a portion of a graphical program interactive development environment (GPIDE), e.g., a graphical program editor, an execution engine, a static or dynamic analyzer, and/or compiler. The at least a portion of the GPIDE is received from the server computer over the network in response to the URI, and executed in a web browser of the client computer to perform some specified functionality with respect to the GP. |
| US09141342B2 |
Programmatic conversion of support documentation into executable programs
Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach to automatically convert existing support materials (support manuals, troubleshooting guides, content, help files, etc.) into machine-executable programs so as to obviate for manual execution of the steps described in the support materials. That is, the embodiments of the invention will (among other things): create support-based programs that automate the execution of previously manual steps; create an inventory of said programs; parse existing support documentation; map sections of each support document into existing program automation; construct a sequence of program automations that resemble the flow of each support document; and/or associate a constructed sequence of automation with a support document that could be executed automatically. |
| US09141341B2 |
Inversion of control for executable extensions in a run-time environment
A system method and non-transitory computer readable medium implemented as programming on a suitable computing device, the system for inversion of control of executable extensions including a run-time environment configured to push data to one or a plurality of extensions, wherein said one or plurality of extensions are configured to comprise one or a plurality of signatures. Wherein said one or a plurality of extensions are compilable, designable and testable outside of the run-time environment, and wherein the run-time environment may be configured to accept an extension and to push data to that extension as per said one or a plurality of signatures. |
| US09141334B2 |
Information processing for outputting voice
A page designated by a page designation instruction of those included in an electronic book is displayed. When a voice output instruction is input, a page displayed at that input timing is set as a voice output page, and voices corresponding to respective characters in the voice output page are sequentially output in accordance with an arrangement order of the characters. A start character from which a voice output operation is started is determined based on characters in the voice output page, and voices corresponding to characters, which include the start character and subsequent characters, are controlled to be sequentially output in accordance with the arrangement order. |
| US09141326B2 |
Printing apparatus, method of controlling printing apparatus, and storage medium
A printing apparatus capable of performing wireless communication with an information processing apparatus includes a display unit configured to display a connection screen for enabling, on the screen, specification of print settings of print data received from the information processing apparatus using the wireless communication, and reception of an instruction for executing connection processing for establishing the wireless communication, a storage unit configured to store the print settings specified via the connection screen, a connection unit configured to execute the connection processing with the information processing apparatus when the instruction for executing the connection processing is received via the connection screen, a reception unit configured to receive print data from the information processing apparatus using the wireless communication established by the connection processing, and a printing unit configured to print the print data received by the reception unit based on the print settings stored in the storage unit. |
| US09141320B2 |
Print system, print preview displaying method and tangible computer-readable recording medium
Disclosed is a print system including: a client terminal; and a print server to create a print data in accordance with a file received from the client terminal and to transmit the created print data to a printer; and to instruct the client terminal to display a print preview for the file and a print setting UI on a Web browser of the client terminal in a display mode selected from a plurality of display modes, wherein the client terminal determines the display mode and notifies the print server of the determined display mode, and wherein the print server selects the display mode in which the print preview and the print setting UI are displayed on the Web browser of the client terminal, in accordance with a notification relating to the determined display mode from the client terminal. |
| US09141318B2 |
Information processing system, information processor, non-transitory computer readable medium, and information processing method for establishing a connection between a terminal and an image processor
An information processing system has a terminal apparatus, an information processor, and an image processor connected to one another. The information processor includes first and second virtual machines, a first receiving unit receiving a connection request from the image processor, a first forwarding unit forwarding the connection request to the first machine, a second receiving unit receiving another connection request from the terminal apparatus, and a second forwarding unit forwarding the another connection request to the second machine. The first machine includes an acquiring unit receiving from the image processor job information according to a job set by a user and acquiring second machine information based on the job information, a job transfer requesting unit requesting the second machine to transfer the job based on the second machine information, and a connecting unit receiving the job from the second machine and connecting the first machine and the image processor. |
| US09141317B2 |
Image forming apparatus
The image forming apparatus includes an image processing portion for creating image data of a document read by an image reading portion and a communication portion for transmitting the created image data to a server or cloud, and obtains the image data saved in the server or the like to perform required processing, in which a reduced image generating portion for creating reduced image data based on the created image data, a main storage portion for linking the reduced image data and a saving destination of the data serving as original thereof for storage, and a display portion for displaying an operation screen are included, and the reduced image data stored in the main storage portion is displayed on the display portion to select image data for which the required processing is performed. |
| US09141316B1 |
Methods and systems for identifying paper-intensive processes
A method of identifying a paper-intensive process may include receiving quantitative processing data associated with a production environment, receiving qualitative processing data associated with the processing activities in the production environment, and generating a visual depiction of the processing activities. The visual depiction may include at least a portion of the received quantitative processing data and the received qualitative processing data, and the visual depiction may illustrate at least one paper-intensive process, one or more of a most common purpose associated with the paper-intensive process and a most common fate associated with the paper-intensive process. The method may include presenting the generated visual depiction to a user. |
| US09141314B2 |
Systems and methods for updating a user interface for a printing device
Systems and methods for updating a user interface that indicates printing capabilities for a printing device read one or more first printing capabilities from first printing capabilities data, generate a user interface that includes a plurality of interface elements, read one or more second printing capabilities from second printing capabilities data, the one or more second printing capabilities including at least one printing capability different from the one or more first printing capabilities, generate delta printing capabilities data indicating changed printing capabilities based on the one or more first printing capabilities and the one or more second printing capabilities, wherein the delta printing capabilities data includes the at least one printing capability different from the one or more first printing capabilities, and update one or more interface elements associated with the changed printing capabilities indicated by the delta printing capabilities data. |
| US09141312B2 |
Information processing apparatus, system and control method for transmitting data enabling selection of an image to be transmitted
In an information processing apparatus for transmitting and receiving information via a communication medium established relative to an external apparatus, it is determined whether the information to be transmitted and subject to specific processing in the external apparatus is selected or not. If it is determined that the information to be transmitted is selected, the selected information is transmitted via the communication medium. If it is determined that the information is not selected, designation information indicating the information selectable subject to transmission is transmitted via the communication medium. Then, the information designated by the designation information received in response to the transmission of the selection information is transmitted to the external apparatus via the communication medium. |
| US09141309B1 |
Versioning-capable data storage devices
A data storage device is modified or adapted to support the storage and retrieval of versioned data sets. In some embodiments, the modified or adapted data storage device is capable of writing and tracking multiple data sets per logical location, and is capable of retrieving a specific versioned data set upon receiving a read request for that version of the data set. |
| US09141308B2 |
Controller and method for using a transaction flag for page protection
A controller is presented having one or more interfaces through which to communicate with a plurality of memory dies with multi-level memory cells and an interface through which to communicate with a host. The controller also contains a processor that is configured to receive a command from the host to program data in a plurality of lower pages and a plurality of upper pages of the multi-level memory cells. The controller detects an indication from the host that indicates which previously-programmed lower pages from a previous program command are at risk of being corrupted by the programming of the upper pages from the received program command. Prior to programming the upper pages, the controller backs up the previously-programmed lower pages from the previous program command that are at risk of being corrupted but not the lower pages of data programmed by the received program command. |
| US09141304B2 |
Storage device and method for controlling storage device
A storage device includes a memory and a control device. The control device allocates a first storage region out of a plurality of storage regions to a first logical address specified by an external device. The control device stores, in the memory, first information associating the first logical address with a first physical address indicating the first storage region. The control device deletes, upon accepting a request for release of a second storage region indicated by a second physical address associated with a second logical address specified by the external device, second information associating the second logical address with the second physical address from the memory. The control device releases, when copy process of copying first data stored in the second storage region is unexecuted, the second storage region after finishing the copy process. |
| US09141303B2 |
Method for selectively performing a secure data erase to ensure timely erasure
A method and computer program product are provided to ensure a timely secure data erase by determining an erasure deadline for each physical volume of a plurality of physical volumes and calculating a remaining time for each physical volume. The remaining time is calculated for each physical volume by comparing a current date to the erasure deadline of each physical volume respectively. The physical volumes may then be sorted based on the remaining time and the physical volume with a shortest calculated remaining time will be selectively secure data erased. |
| US09141302B2 |
Snapshots in a flash memory storage system
A system and method of managing the storage of data in flash memory performs snapshots of the data by maintaining the data at the epoch that the snapshot is performed in the same physical memory location. Data that is modified after the snapshot is then stored to a new physical memory location and referenced to the snapshot location. When a user read operation is performed, the data is read from the original location if the read operation is for the snapshot data. The read operation for dynamic data is performed from the original location if the data has not change since the snapshot epoch, or from the referenced data location if the data has changed since the snapshot epoch. Snapshots are released by dereferencing the original location if the data has been changed since the snapshot epoch. |
| US09141301B1 |
Method for cleaning a delta storage system
A computer-implemented method for performing garbage collection in a delta compressed data storage system selects a file recipe to traverse to identify live data chunks and a chunk identifier from the file recipe. The chunk identifier is added to a set of live data chunks. Delta references in the file recipe corresponding to the chunk identifier are added to the set of live data chunks. Data chunks in a data storage system not identified by the set of live data chunks are discarded. |
| US09141299B2 |
Method for reducing power consumption in solid-state storage device
Apparatus and methods of reducing power consumption in solid-state storage devices such as solid-state disks (SSDs) that can reduce idle power levels in an SSD, while maintaining low resume latency upon exiting a reduced power state. By arranging a storage controller and at least one NAND flash package of the SSD in separate power islands, storing context information for the SSD in at least one page buffer of NAND flash memory within the NAND flash package on one power island upon entering the reduced power state, and, once the context information is stored in the page buffer, allowing the NAND flash memory to enter a standby mode, placing the storage controller on the other power island in a predefined low power mode, and removing power from any unneeded components on the same power island as the storage controller, a scalable approach to reducing idle power levels in the SSD can be achieved. |
| US09141297B2 |
Verifying encoded data slice integrity in a dispersed storage network
A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module of a storage device receiving an encoded data slice of a set of encoded data slices, where the set of encoded data slices has associated therewith a set of integrity values, and where integrity information is generated from the set of integrity values. The method continues with the DS processing module generating an integrity value for the encoded data slice and obtaining at least a portion of the integrity information from another storage device. The method continues with the DS processing module generating a comparative integrity value for the encoded data slice based on the at least a portion of the integrity information and facilitating storage of the encoded data slice in memory of the storage device when the integrity value compares favorably to the comparative integrity value. |
| US09141294B2 |
Controller for storage apparatus and controlling method for storage apparatus
According to one embodiment, a controller for a storage apparatus is disclosed having interfaces connectable to a host system, a first storage apparatus and a second storage apparatus. A data in the first storage apparatus and a data in the second storage apparatus are duplicates. A status table stores the operating state regarding the first storage apparatus and the second storage apparatus, wherein the operating state indicates among writing, reading, or standing by. A monitor monitors the interfaces and set up the operating state into the status table. A buffer memory buffers the data for writing in the first storage apparatus and the second storage apparatus. A command response unit receives the data for writing and write-in request from a host system, and directs the writing of the data to the first storage apparatus and the second storage apparatus while making the buffer memory buffer the received data. |
| US09141291B2 |
Adaptive context disbursement for improved performance in non-volatile memory systems
A controller circuit for a non-volatile memory of one or more memory circuits is described. The controller is connectable by a port with the memory circuits through a bus structure and can operate the memory circuits according to one or more threads. The controller includes a command processing section to issue high level commands for execution in the memory circuits and a memory circuit interface module to issue in sequence by the port to the memory circuits a series of instruction derived from the high level commands. A queue manager on the controller derives the series of instructions from the high level commands. When deriving a series of instruction from a set of high level data access commands, the queue manager can modify the timing for the issuance to the memory circuit interface module of memory circuit check status instructions based upon feedback from the memory circuit interface module and the state of earlier instruction in the series. |
| US09141286B2 |
Electronic device and method for displaying software input interface
In a method for displaying an input interface on a touch panel of an electronic device, a first display area and a second display area are determined on the touch panel according to touch ranges of touch operations on the touch panel. The method obtains a first sub-keyboard and a second sub-keyboard of the input interface, displays the first sub-keyboard in the first display area by performing a zoom operation on the first sub-keyboard, and displays the second sub-keyboard in the second display area by performing the zoom operation on the second sub-keyboard. |
| US09141284B2 |
Virtual input devices created by touch input
An input device is created on a touch screen in response to a user's placement of their hand. When a user places their hand on the touch screen, an input device sized for their hand is dynamically created. Alternatively, some other input device may be created. For example, when the user places two hands on the device a split keyboard input device may be dynamically created on the touch screen that is split between the user's hand locations. Once the input device is determined, the user may enter input through the created device on the input screen. The input devices may be configured for each individual user such that the display of the input device changes based on physical characteristics that are associated with the user. |
| US09141279B2 |
Systems and methods for providing a user interface
A device may include a touch sensitive display and logic configured to control the touch sensitive display to display information to a user, provide a window of enlarged information via the touch sensitive display based on a determined position of input on the touch sensitive display, and receive a selection from the enlarged information based on a determined position of input within the provided window. |
| US09141276B2 |
Integrated interface for mobile device
An integrated security system integrates broadband and mobile access and control with conventional security systems and premise devices to provide a tri-mode security network that with remote connectivity and access. The integrated security system includes a touchscreen providing security keypad functionality as well as content management and presentation, and is used as a security system interface and an interface for interacting with a network. The integrated security system delivers remote premise monitoring and control functionality to conventional monitored premise protection and complements existing premise protection equipment. The integrated security system integrates into the premise network and couples wirelessly with the conventional security panel, enabling broadband access to premise security systems. Automation devices can be added, enabling users to remotely see live video or pictures and control home devices via a personal web portal, mobile phone, or other client device. Users can receive notifications of detected events via electronic message. |
| US09141275B2 |
Rendering object icons associated with a first object icon upon detecting fingers moving apart
A method comprises detecting two fingers touching a first object icon on a touch sensitive display and then moving in generally opposing directions. The first object icon is associated with on or more constituent elements. In response to such detecting, the method causes additional object icons to appear on the display. Each additional object icon represents a constituent element of the first object icon. |
| US09141274B2 |
Image displaying device, and method and computer readable medium for the same
There is provided an image displaying device including a first display area on which thumbnail images respectively corresponding to a plurality of pieces of image data are displayed, the thumbnail images being selectable on the first display area; a second display area on which an image corresponding to one of the thumbnail images selected through the first display area is displayed; a setting unit to set an enlargement condition of the image being displayed on the second display area, the enlargement condition including an enlarging factor; a storing unit to store the enlargement condition; and a display control unit configured such that in response to selection of one of the thumbnail images, the display control unit displays the image corresponding to a selected thumbnail image in accordance with the stored enlargement condition. |
| US09141270B1 |
Smart scroller user interface element
A navigational user interface element includes a navigational bar displaying thereon labels associated with a plurality of sections, and a highlight indicating a section of a page that a user is currently viewing. The navigational user interface element is configured to allow a user to click on the highlight and drag it to effect navigation to a section associated with a displayed label. The navigational user interface element is configured to, when the highlight is clicked and dragged and then released, snap the highlight to the section label the highlight is closest to when the highlight is released, and display that same section. The navigational user interface element is configured to, when a label is clicked, effect navigation to the section corresponding to that label. |
| US09141269B2 |
Display system provided with first display device and second display device
A display system includes an image forming device and a mobile communication terminal. In the display system, the mobile communication terminal accepts a flick manipulation to move the screen, and transmits flick information on the accepted flick manipulation to the image forming device. The image forming device decides an area, which is a part of the screen of the mobile communication terminal and in which display is changed when the screen is moving, and sequentially transmits to the mobile communication terminal positional information on the decided area and screen data of the screen before the movement is completed since the movement is started, which is decided based on the flick information in the decided area. The mobile communication terminal displays the screen in the area of the transmitted positional information based on the transmitted screen data. |
| US09141264B2 |
Variable refresh rates for portions of shared screens
Illustrative embodiments disclose setting refresh rates for different portions of a shared screen in a sharing session. A processor sets an initial refresh rate for the sharing session. The processor selects a portion of the shared screen. The processor selects a refresh rate for the selected portion of the shared screen that is different from the initial refresh rate for the sharing session. The processor refreshes the selected portion based on the selected refresh rate and a portion not selected based on the initial refresh rate. |
| US09141257B1 |
Selecting and conveying supplemental content
Base items of content may be conveyed by a user computing device. These base items of content may be enhanced with enhancement content, such as sounds, songs, video clips, animations, images, multimedia content, and the like. Characteristics and enhancement objects may be identified in a portion of the base item of content, and enhancement content may be assigned to that portion automatically by a content enhancement service. In one embodiment, enhancement sounds or songs may be provided and conveyed to enhance an audiobook or electronic book. |
| US09141256B2 |
Portable electronic device and method therefor
A portable electronic device having a display and a processor is disclosed herein. The processor is configured to render an active application on substantially the entire display. In response to a status change, an alert is rendered in a visually insignificant area of the display. |
| US09141253B2 |
In-product questions, answers, and tips
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for providing help content related to a software application to a user. The technique involves receiving textual input related to a first software application from a first user and comprising help content and generating a first discussion element based on the textual input. The technique further involves receiving first contextual information associated with the first user and related to the first software application, associating the first contextual information with the first discussion element, and transmitting the first discussion element to a server machine for processing. |
| US09141251B2 |
Techniques for guided access to an external distributed file system from a database management system
Techniques for guided access to an external distributed file system (DFS) from a database management system (DBMS) are provided. A user access a graphical user interface (GUI) to interactively define a search on an external DFS. The search and any filtering conditions are processed on the external DFS and results are imported to the DBMS and mapped to a table in the DBMS for manipulation and access by the user within the DBMS. |
| US09141249B2 |
Resistive touch screen, and double-point detection processing method and device thereof
Disclosed are a resistive touch screen, and a double-point detection processing method and device thereof. A screen body of the resistive touch screen comprises a first conducting layer panel and a second conducting layer panel. An X axis formed by two electrical connection ends on the first conducting layer panel is in series connection with a first test resistor, and a Y axis formed by two electrical connection ends on the second conducting layer panel is in series connection with a second test resistor. If point touch exists on the resistive touch screen, a first voltage value at an end of the test resistor and a second voltage value at an end of the second test resistor are acquired. Embodiments of the present invention can implement double-point touch detection on the resistive touch screen. |
| US09141248B2 |
Touch panel with electrode pattern including regular pentagons
Disclosed herein is a touch panel capable of preventing a moire phenomenon from being generated by forming an electrode pattern so as to have rotational symmetry rather than translation symmetry. |
| US09141247B2 |
Display panel with touch detection function, method of driving the same, driving circuit, and electronic unit
There are provide a display panel with a touch detection function, in which display operation is less affected by touch detection operation, a method of driving the display panel with a touch detection function, a driving circuit, and an electronic unit having the display panel with a touch detection function. The display panel with a touch detection function includes: one or more display elements; one or more drive electrodes; one or more touch detection electrodes; and a drive section selectively applying a DC drive signal or an AC drive signal to the drive electrodes. |
| US09141246B2 |
Touch pad
In a case where a touch position is a peripheral portion, when spatial characteristics which correspond to an area and a length of a touch region exceed a first condition corresponding to a predetermined area and length, it is determined that the touch region is caused by a palm. When the spatial characteristics do not exceed the first condition, it is determined that the touch region is caused by a finger. In a case where a touch position is a central portion, when the spatial characteristics exceed a second condition corresponding to an area and a length that are larger than those of the first condition, it is determined that the touch region is caused by a palm. When the spatial characteristics do not exceed the second condition, it is determined that the touch region is caused by a finger. |
| US09141243B2 |
Electronic device including touch-sensitive display and method of detecting touches
An electronic device includes a display controller, first drive electrodes operably coupled to the display controller to drive the first drive electrodes to detect touches on a display while the electronic device is operating in a normal power condition, a touch controller operably coupled to the display controller, second drive electrodes operably coupled to the touch controller to drive the second drive electrodes to detect touches on the display while the electronic device is operating in a reduced power condition, and sense electrodes operably coupled to the touch controller. |
| US09141234B2 |
Pressure and position sensing pointing devices and methods
Pointing devices and related methods are disclosed that generally involve manipulation of a cursor or other user interface component based on inputs from a user. In one embodiment, an image sensor captures an image of the underside of a transparent contact surface and determines whether an object (e.g., a user's finger) is present in the image. Cursor movement information comprising direction and velocity components can be calculated from a single image by equating the size of a detected object with a desired velocity and by equating the position of the detected object relative to a fixed reference point with a desired direction. Thus, detection of user motion is not required, nor is comparison of successive image frames relative to a time reference. As a result, a device having few or no moving parts can be provided while at the same time permitting continuous cursor motion without repetitive swiping by a user. |
| US09141233B2 |
Touch controlled display device
A touch controlled display device is disclosed. The device comprises: a display panel including a display panel including a first surface, a second surface opposing the first surface and a plurality of pixels between the first and second surfaces, each pixel including a transmission area and a display area, the transmission area being configured to transmit light therethrough, an infrared source located on the side of the second surface of the display panel and configured to irradiate infrared light toward the first surface through the second surface, and an infrared sensor located on the side of the second surface of the display panel and configured to detect infrared light from the first surface through at least one transmission area of the plurality of pixels. |
| US09141230B2 |
Optical sensing in displacement type input apparatus and methods
In an input apparatus, an input system includes a displaceable member movable in an operational zone and a tracking surface that moves in correlation with movement of the displaceable member. An optical sensor has a field of view of at least a portion of the tracking surface during movement of the displaceable member in the operational zone and generates optical data in response to light received from the tracking surface. A processing system produces motion measures indicative of movement of the tracking surface from the optical data. In an input method, optical data is generated in response to light received from a field of view of at least a portion of a tracking surface that moves in correlation with movement of a displaceable member during movement of the displaceable member in an operational zone. Motion measures indicative of movement of the tracking surface are produced from the optical data. |
| US09141229B2 |
Coordinate input device and touch panel device
A coordinate input device and a touch panel device determine a correction value with a plurality of output values obtained from a plurality of sensors arranged in a touch panel based on the output value of a 1st peak sensor that outputs the largest output value, the output value of a 2nd peak sensor having the second largest output value, the output value of a 3rd peak sensor having the third largest output value, and the output value of a 4th peak sensor having the fourth largest output value. |
| US09141228B2 |
Input device
An input device includes a first input detector and a second input detector adjacent to each other. The first input detector includes: a first electrode unit coupled to a first signal line; and a second electrode unit coupled to a second signal line. The second input detector includes: a first electrode unit coupled to the first signal line; and a third electrode unit coupled to a third signal line. The first input detector and the second input detector are arranged in one of a state in which the first electrode unit of the first input detector and the first electrode unit of the second input detector are adjacent to each other and a state in which the second electrode unit of the first input detector and the third electrode unit of the second input detector are adjacent to each other. |
| US09141227B2 |
Multiple electrode touch sensitive device
Two different sets of electrodes in a touch sensitive device are formed to produce an electric field gradient from one end of the electrodes to the other end when opposite ends of the electrodes are driven with different voltages. A signal measuring cycle is performed by alternately driving the ends of one set of electrodes, while using the other set of electrodes to receive signals. The roles of the sets of electrodes are then reversed, such that the set that that was driven is now used to receive signals from the other set of electrodes. Reference signals may be obtained by driving both sides of one set of electrodes, and then both sides of the other set of electrodes. The signals obtained are then used to determine the touch position on the touch sensitive device. |
| US09141225B2 |
Capacitive touch screen with force detection
A capacitive touch-screen device with force detection of a deformable touch element includes drive and sense electrode arrays and a touch-detection circuit connected to the electrodes for detecting capacitance at a touch location. The touch-detection circuit senses no-touch capacitance, light-touch capacitance, and heavy-touch capacitance at the touch location in response to forcible deformation of the deformable touch element proximate to the touch. The touch-detection circuit reports a force signal. |
| US09141224B1 |
Shielding capacitive touch display
The ability to effect a change in capacitance is not limited to one side of a capacitive touch element. Objects on an opposite side, or approaching from the opposite side, of a touch element can distort the electrostatic field. In some instances, overall device thickness can be such that the presence of a user's fingers on the back of a portable computing device (e.g., when holding the device) can be sensed by the capacitive touch screen on the front of the device. In various embodiments, a metallic plain, shield, or other conductive layer is provided for devices such as, smartphones, tablet computers, and other computing devices to eliminate, or at least reduce, any potential measurable change in capacitance caused by objects behind the touch panel. |
| US09141220B2 |
Device for detecting and displaying movements
The invention relates to a device for detecting and displaying movements, whereby the device comprises a housing and position detection means, which are placed on the housing and provided for detecting the current position data of a reference point of the device. The inventive device also comprises data processing means for processing position data detected by the position detection means, and comprises a display device, which is provided on the housing while serving to display an image consisting of detected and processed position data. |
| US09141218B2 |
Electronic device and control method thereof
An electronic device and a method for inputting information through touch input device of an electronic device is provided. The method inputs information including at least one of symbols and characters through touching of a screen displayed on the touch input device, and executes a specific application capable of processing the input information. |
| US09141217B2 |
Polarizer module, method of manufacturing the same and touch screen using the same
A polarizer module includes a polarizer substrate, an adhesive layer coated on the polarizer substrate, and a conductive layer embedded in the adhesive layer. The conductive layer includes a first conductive pattern and a second conductive pattern spaced apart from each other in the extending direction of the adhesive layer to form a sensing structure. The polarizer module can implement touch operation and output polarization light. A touch screen using the polarizer module is also provided. |
| US09141216B2 |
Method and device for dual-differential sensing
A method and device for dual-differential sensing is disclosed. The sensing information can be generated from signals provided by a sensing device with a plurality of sensors. Each value of the sensing information corresponds to signals of three sensors, respectively. The sensing device is flexible and configured on a display. The noise effect of the display on the signal of each sensor corresponds to the distance between the display and the sensor. Besides, the noise effect of the display on each value of the sensing information corresponds to the distances between the display and the three sensors, respectively. |
| US09141214B2 |
Data input device
A data input device and method are provided. The data input device provides an input module, which may be applied to electronic devices or portable terminals, consisting of a number of separation pairs, and the input module includes a number of A separated indication positions and a number of B separated indication positions which are disposed as each A-B type based on a predetermined separation reference line, in two sides, that is, an A separated segment and a B separated segment which are ambilaterally divided based on the separation reference line, so that a data input may be individually or continuously performed by means of an input selection to the one or more separated indication positions. |
| US09141207B2 |
Touch panel and touch display device
A touch panel and a touch display device are disclosed, in which the touch panel includes a substrate, a touch component layer and a shielding-electrode film. The substrate has a surface. The touch component layer is disposed on the surface of the substrate and includes a metallic layer, an electrode layer, a protection layer and a hard coat layer. The protection layer is disposed between the metallic layer and the electrode layer. The hard coat layer at least covers the metallic layer and the electrode layer. The shielding-electrode film is disposed on the hard coat layer of the touch component layer, wherein the touch component layer is located between the substrate and the shielding-electrode film, and a resistance of the shielding-electrode film is greater than a resistance of the electrode layer. |
| US09141201B2 |
Telephone keypad with multidirectional keys
A telephone keypad for one touch text messaging the QWERTY pattern of keys in a matrix of nine keys. Using the multi position biasing keys only one touch is needed for each character, so in use to input the letter “C” you touch one key one time, decreasing the time spend text messaging from cell phones or desk tops and dialing phone numbers advertised in letters. The keypad also has a shift key to get upper case included in the nine keys, and a 2nd key to double functionality of the keys. |
| US09141200B2 |
Device, method, and graphical user interface for entering characters
A device with a display and a touch-sensitive keyboard with one or more character keys: displays a text entry area; detects a first input on the touch-sensitive keyboard; in accordance with a determination that the first input corresponds to activation of a character key, enters a first character corresponding to the character key into the text entry area; in accordance with a determination that the first input corresponds to a character drawn on the touch-sensitive keyboard: determines one or more candidate characters for the drawn character, and displays a candidate character selection interface that includes at least one of the candidate characters; while displaying the candidate character selection interface, detects a second input that selects a respective candidate character within the candidate character selection interface; and in response to detecting the second input, enters the selected respective candidate character into the text entry area. |
| US09141199B2 |
Intelligent graphics interface in a handheld wireless device
Various embodiments of the invention may allow applications and information to be clustered together in ways that simplify and automate various tasks. Other embodiments may present a graphical user interface to the user that allows the user to choose from a matrix of information categories and applications that can help provide that information. Still other embodiments may provide different user interface methods based on status awareness. |
| US09141198B2 |
Control of a control parameter by gesture recognition
A method for controlling at least one control parameter of a control element comprises determining first information indicating a distance between a part of a human body and a reference. Based on the first information, determining second information indicating a transformation relation between a gesture movement of the part of the human body and an effected change of the control parameter by the gesture movement. The transformation relation is modified based on a change of the distance between the human body and the reference. |
| US09141196B2 |
Robust and efficient learning object tracker
This disclosure presents methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for optically tracking the location of one or more objects. The techniques may involve accumulation of initial image data, establishment of a dataset library containing image features, and tracking using a plurality of modules or trackers, for example an optical flow module, decision forest module, and color tracking module. Tracking outputs from the optical flow, decision forest and/or color tracking modules are synthesized to provide a final tracking output. The dataset library may be updated in the process. |
| US09141194B1 |
Magnetometer-based gesture sensing with a wearable device
A wearable computing device such as a head-mounted display (HMD) may be equipped with a magnetometer for detecting presence and motion of a hand-wearable magnet (HWM). The HMD may analyze magnetic field measurements of the magnetometer to determine when the HWM moves within a threshold distance of the magnetometer, and may thereafter determine one or more patterns of motion of the HWM based the magnetic field measurements. The HMD may operate in a background detection state in order to determine a background magnetic field strength and to monitor for magnetic disturbances from the HWM. Upon occurrence of a trigger event corresponding to magnetic disturbance above a threshold level, the HMD may transition to operating in a gesture detection state in which it analyzes magnetometer measurements for correspondence with known gestures. Upon recognizing a known gesture, the HMD may carry out one or more actions based on the recognized known gesture. |
| US09141190B2 |
Information processing apparatus and information processing system
An information processing apparatus is disclosed which includes: a discrimination section configured to discriminate an object drawing the line of sight of a user viewing an image displayed on a display screen, the discrimination being based both on coordinate information indicative of where the line of sight of the user is positioned relative to the image and on object information including area information indicative of an image area including the object in the image; and a processing section configured such that when the discrimination section discriminates the object drawing the line of sight of the user, the processing section selectively performs a process corresponding to the object discriminated by the discrimination section. |
| US09141189B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling interface
In an apparatus and method for controlling an interface, a user interface (UI) may be controlled using information on a hand motion and a gaze of a user without separate tools such as a mouse and a keyboard. That is, the UI control method provides more intuitive, immersive, and united control of the UI. Since a region of interest (ROI) sensing the hand motion of the user is calculated using a UI object that is controlled based on the hand motion within the ROI, the user may control the UI object in the same method and feel regardless of a distance from the user to a sensor. In addition, since positions and directions of view points are adjusted based on a position and direction of the gaze, a binocular 2D/3D image based on motion parallax may be provided. |
| US09141182B2 |
Energy alert power system and method
An energy control system, helping to reduce energy consumption from an energy grid, includes a power meter which receives first power-save signal and generates a second power-save signal for receipt by a control device. The target temperature of a thermostat is changed for a period of time in response to the second power-save signal. The control device can create a third power-save signal for receipt by a power-save adapter for an associated energy-consuming unit to permit only limited operation of the energy-consuming unit. |
| US09141180B2 |
Method and apparatus for a zero voltage processor sleep state
Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for a zero voltage processor sleep state. A processor may include a dedicated cache memory. A voltage regulator may be coupled to the processor to provide an operating voltage to the processor. During a transition to a zero voltage power management state for the processor, the operational voltage applied to the processor by the voltage regulator may be reduced to approximately zero and the state variables associated with the processor may be saved to the dedicated cache memory. |
| US09141178B2 |
Device and method for selective reduced power mode in volatile memory units
An information processing device comprises a first memory, a second memory, data transfer circuitry, power gating circuitry, and a controller. The first memory comprises at least two volatile memory units. The controller receives or generates a request for setting the information processing device into a reduced power mode; in response to the request, it selects specific memory units among the memory units; controls the data transfer circuitry to transfer data from the selected memory units to the second memory; and controls the power gating circuitry to power down the selected memory units. |
| US09141176B1 |
Power management for data storage device
Power management for a data storage device (DSD). A number of host commands is counted within a predetermined time period. Data is stored on at least one disk of the DSD or in a solid state memory of the DSD based on whether the number of commands within the predetermined time period exceeds a threshold number of commands. According to another aspect, a performance mode for operation of a DSD is set based on a number of consecutive time periods where the DSD receives more than a threshold number of host commands. A power saving mode for operation of the DSD is set based on a number of consecutive time periods where the DSD receives less than the threshold number of host commands. |
| US09141174B2 |
Electrode system for proximity detection and hand-held device with electrode system
An electrical hand-held device is provided with improved proximity detection, which can be placed on a surface and has at least one transmission electrode, at least one reception electrode and at least one compensation electrode arranged between transmission electrode and reception electrode. The transmission electrode and the compensation electrode can be supplied with an electric switching signal of predetermined signal frequency and predetermined signal amplitude. Switching electric signal at the compensation electrode is phase-delayed with respect to the switching electric signal at the transmission electrode. Alternating electric fields radiated at the transmission electrode and the compensation electrode generate a current in the reception electrode, which is representative of an approach of a hand to the hand-held device.; The transmission electrode and the reception electrode are arranged in such a way, that the impedance between the transmission electrode and the reception electrode exceeds a predetermined value, which is suitable to keep the current generated in the reception electrode under a predetermined value. |
| US09141170B2 |
Techniques to control self refresh display functionality
Techniques are described to monitor a level of graphics processing activity and control power usage based on the level. When no graphics processing activity is detected for a period of time, then a timing controller for a display device is instructed to capture a current image and repeatedly display the captured image. The graphics processing devices can be powered down. When graphics processing activity is detected, the graphics processing devices are powered up and the components used to capture an image and display the captured image are powered down. |
| US09141163B2 |
Portable terminal, recording medium
A portable terminal supplies power to a chip card therein with host power off. A power controller supplies power from a battery to a host, the chip card, and a CLF; a first switch opens/closes a power supply channel to the chip card, branching from a power supply channel from the power controller to the host; a second switch opens/closes a power supply channel to the chip card, branching from a power supply channel from the power controller to the CLF; a switch controller opens the first switch and closes the second switch if the CLF detects a contactless RF signal, if the host is off or if the portable terminal is in a low battery mode, and if the contactless RF signal conforms to the communication method of the chip card, and the switch controller closes the first switch and opens the second switch if the host is on. |
| US09141162B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for gated power delivery to an I/O interface
Techniques and mechanisms for managing a delivery of power to a resource of an input/output (I/O) interface. In an embodiment, a first link of a plurality of communication links is monitored. Of the plurality of links, a first set of resources of the I/O interface is to support communication only via the first link. One or more other resources of the I/O interface are for supporting communications of another link of the plurality of links. In another embodiment, a resource of the first set of resources is decoupled from a power supply in response to detecting a total number of active lanes of the first link, decoupling. |
| US09141160B2 |
Powered device classification in a wired data telecommunications network
In a wired data telecommunication network power sourcing equipment (PSE) coupled to a powered device (PD) carries out an inline power discovery process to verify that the PD is adapted to receive inline power, then a plurality of classification cycles are carried out to convey a series of inline power classes back to the PSE. The series of inline power classes may all be the same, in which case the PD is legacy equipment and is adapted to receive the power level corresponding to that class. If they are not all the same, information is thus conveyed to the PSE which may, for example, correspond to a specific power level to be applied or to other information. |
| US09141159B2 |
Minimizing aggregate cooling and leakage power with fast convergence
A mechanism is provided for minimizing system power in the data processing system with fast convergence. A current aggregate system power value is determined using a current thermal threshold value. For each potential thermal threshold value in a set of potential thermal threshold values, a determination is made as to whether there is a potential thermal threshold value that results in a potential aggregate system power value that is lower than the current aggregate system power value. Responsive to identifying an optimal potential thermal threshold value from the set of potential thermal threshold values that results in minimum aggregate system power value that is lower than the current aggregate system power value, the optimal potential thermal threshold value is set as a new thermal threshold value. |
| US09141156B2 |
Compute node cooling with air fed through backplane
A computing system includes a chassis, one or more backplanes coupled to the chassis. Computing devices are coupled to the one or more backplanes. The one or more backplanes include backplane openings that allow air to pass from one side of the backplane to the other side of the backplane. Air channels are formed by adjacent circuit board assemblies of the computing devices and the one or more backplanes. Channel capping elements at least partially close the air channels. |
| US09141155B2 |
Cooling computing assets in a data center using a hot stack
A data center includes a hot stack for exhausting heated air from the data center. As air flows across computing assets operating in the data center, the air absorbs heat generated by the computing assets. The temperature difference between the heated air and air outside the data center, the height of the hot stack, and the area of the hot stack causes the heated air to flow through the hot stack and outside of the data center. This air flow may be used to decrease the pressure of a portion of the data center, causing air to flow from a higher pressure portion of the data center to the depressurized portion of the data center. |
| US09141153B2 |
Hard disk drive assemblies with open side wall areas
The side profile of a hard drive assembly may be configured with one or more open areas to allow cooling air to pass side-to-side across the hard drive assembly through a lateral flow channel provided by a cavity defined in the base portion of the hard drive assembly. |
| US09141149B2 |
Touch panel assembly
A touch panel assembly includes an enclosure, a touch panel, and a soft board. The enclosure includes a bottom portion. The bottom portion defines a first surface and a second surface. The enclosure further includes a first hook and a first positioning post extending from the first surface. The touch panel is attached on the second surface. The soft board defines a first securing hole and a first positioning hole. The first positioning post is received in the first positioning hole to prevent the soft board from moving along a first direction. The soft board is deformed by an external force to enable the first hook to pass through the first securing hole to engage with an edge of the first securing hole, thereby preventing the soft board from moving a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. |
| US09141148B2 |
Mobile communication device and input device for the same
The invention relates to a mobile communication device and an input device provided for operating said communication device by means of which input operations necessary for using the communication device may be carried out. The aim of the invention is to provide solutions by means of which it is possible, in particular for relatively compact mobile electronic devices, in particular communication devices and digital cameras to carry out said input operations in a manner which is particularly easy to coordinate for the user. According to a first aspect of the invention, the above is achieved by means of a mobile communication device with a housing arrangement which is designed to be held in one hand, a display device, included in the housing arrangement to provide an image reproduction surface, a control device for controlling the display device such that in an input mode the above provides an input graphic, which supports the carrying out of an input process and an input device for carrying out the input process according to input processes of a manual type, wherein said device is characterized in that the input device is designed such that an input zone is provided in a region apart from the display device on an operative manipulation of the device, within which input operations can be carried out by a user, wherein the user carries out control actions with his free hand with relation to the housing device without, in the process, touching the display device or the communication device with this hand. |
| US09141146B2 |
Latch device and computer system using the same
A latch device includes a carrier, an operating member, a resilient member, two linkages, and two latch members. The operating member can move toward or away from the carrier along a first direction. The resilient member is disposed between the operating member and the carrier. Each of the linkages has a first end and a second end. The first ends are pivotally connected to two sides of the operating member. The latch members are slidably and symmetrically disposed on the carrier along a second direction, and pivotally connected to the second ends, respectively. The linkages are located between the latch members in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. While moving relative to the carrier, the operating member drives the latch members respectively by the linkages, so as to reversely move the latch members relative to the carrier in the second direction. |
| US09141144B2 |
Flexible display device with flexible touch screen panel
A flexible display device with a flexible touch screen includes, a window substrate divided into an active area and a non-active area outside of the active area, a touch screen panel including a plurality of sensing patterns on the active area and a plurality of sensing lines on the non-active area, the sensing lines coupled to the sensing patterns, a display panel on one surface of the touch screen panel, a transparent adhesive having at least two layers configured to attach the window substrate, the touch screen panel, and the display panel to one another, and a bending compensation portion on the same layer as at least one layer of the transparent adhesive. The flexible display device includes a folding axis in a first direction along which the window substrate, the touch screen panel, and the display panel are to be repeatedly bent. |
| US09141140B2 |
Button shaped portable media player with indicia
A portable media player has the form of a wearable button and includes a body and a means for detachably attaching the body to an article of clothing, such as a shirt or jacket. The media player also includes electronics disposed with a base. The electronics include a processor including memory that contains at least one audio file and the player further includes controls to permit powering of the player and playing of the audio file stored in memory. The controls are operatively connected to the electronics. A cover of the body includes a first fastening member and the base of the body includes a second fastening member. The cover and base are detachably connected to one another, thereby allowing a user to remove and change the cover of the body so to alter an appearance of the media player. |
| US09141138B2 |
Protective case for portable electronic device
A protective case for an electronic device includes a cover with a cavity and a back plate that fits within the cavity of the cover. The cover has an aperture that displays either the back plate or an electronic device, if an electronic device is housed in the protective case. The cover may contain at least one locking latch with three orientations, the locking latch includes a tab. In the first orientation, the tab protrudes into the cavity, engages the back plate, holding the back plate within the cavity of the cover. The locking latch may slide across a portion of the cover to the second orientation, where the tab continues to protrude into the cavity and engage the back plate. Once in the second position, the locking latch is free to rotate to the third position, where the tab no longer protrudes into the cavity, allowing the back plate to be removed from the cavity. |
| US09141131B2 |
Methods and systems for performing exponentiation in a parallel processing environment
An automated method of performing exponentiation is disclosed. A plurality of tables holding factors for obtaining results of Exponentiations are provided. The plurality of tables are loaded into computer memory. Each factor is the result of a second exponentiation of a constant and an exponent. The exponent is related to a memory address corresponding to the factor. A plurality of memory addresses are identified for performing the first exponentiation by breaking up the first exponentiation into equations, the results of which are factors of the first Exponentiation. The exponents of the equations are related to the memory addresses corresponding to the factors held in the tables. A plurality of lookups into the computer memory are performed to retrieve the factors held in the tables corresponding to the respective memory addresses. The retrieved factors are multiplied together to obtain the result of the first exponentiation. |
| US09141129B2 |
Pedal simulator
Disclosed herein is a pedal simulator. The pedal simulator includes a main housing, a piston provided within the main housing so as to be reciprocally movable in upward and downward directions, an elastic support portion disposed within the main housing to provide elastic force in the upward direction against one piston, and a damper including a first deformation portion and a second deformation portion having a volume greater than the first deformation portion which are vertically disposed within the main housing, the damper being made of an elastic material such that the first and second deformation portions are sequentially compressed and deformed while being pressed by the piston according to downward movement of the piston. |
| US09141126B2 |
Hydraulic apparatus return to neutral mechanism
A return to neutral mechanism is provided for hydraulic apparatuses such as motors/pumps that utilize a swashplate and a trunnion arm to control flow. The return to neutral mechanism includes two rotating brackets which have ends aligned to a single plane. Two springs are utilized and attached to the ends of the two rotating brackets giving the force mechanism the ability apply the force in a direct path, reducing friction, increasing life, and improving accuracy. This design is an “x” type mechanism, the force arms are in-line and do not cross, the force is applied equally on both sides of the fulcrum and therefore balanced. The mechanism can be can be used with compression springs, tension springs, torsion springs, or leaf springs. |
| US09141116B2 |
Auxillary switch for multiplexed control and ground signal from a thermostat
An auxiliary switch is provided that allows a thermostat to use full wave rectification for power while still communicating control information to the auxiliary switch over a multiplexed ground-control line to control associated equipment. |
| US09141108B2 |
Unmanned vehicle controller with interchangeable function bridge modules
Handheld, unmanned vehicle controllers including interchangeable function bridge modules attached to the grip handles of the controllers are described herein. Interchangeable function bridge modules can include, but are not limited to, a display screen module, a pushbutton module, and a keyboard module. An operator may quickly and easily swap modules, using different modules to perform various tasks. |
| US09141107B2 |
Mapping active and inactive construction zones for autonomous driving
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to differentiating between active and inactive construction zones. In one example, this may include identifying a construction object associated with a construction zone. The identified construction object may be used to map the area of the construction zone. Detailed map information may then be used to classify the activity of the construction zone. The area of the construction zone and the classification may be added to the detailed map information. Subsequent to adding the construction zone and the classification to the detailed map information, the construction object (or another construction object) may be identified. The location of the construction object may be used to identify the construction zone and classification from the detailed map information. The classification of the classification may be used to operate a vehicle having an autonomous mode. |
| US09141098B2 |
Integrated optimization and control for production plants
The present invention provides novel techniques for optimizing and controlling production plants using parametric multifaceted models. In particular, the parametric multifaceted models may be configured to convert a first set of parameters (e.g., control parameters) relating to a production plant into a second set of parameters (e.g., optimization parameters) relating to the production plant. In general, the first set of parameters will be different than the second set of parameters. For example, the first set of parameters may be indicative of low-level, real-time control parameters and the second set of parameters may be indicative of high-level, economic parameters. Utilizing appropriate parameterization may allow the parametric multifaceted models to deliver an appropriate level of detail of the production plant within a reasonable amount of time. In particular, the parametric multifaceted models may convert the first set of parameters into the second set of parameters in a time horizon allowing for control of the process plant by a control system based on the second set of parameters. |
| US09141092B2 |
Frequency control device, frequency control method
The object is to appropriately control a frequency of performing the link process.A link device detects a movement of a user based on a result of a link process for linking an outlet and an electronic appliance used by the user. The link device also detects a scheduled event from a schedule of the user. In case an event is detected, the link device calculates a difference between a scheduled time when the event will occur and the current time, and increases a frequency of performing the link process as the calculated difference gets smaller. In case the movement detection unit does not detect a movement of the user by the scheduled event time, the link device increases the frequency of performing the link process larger than a current frequency being used. |
| US09141089B1 |
Wearable device with antenna
A wearable device includes a dial extending a shaft; two watch hand elements coupled to the shaft and configured to rotate 360 degrees in a plane about the shaft; an antenna element coupled to the shaft and configured to rotate 360 degrees in the same plane about the shaft; and a matching circuit matching with the antenna element. |
| US09141088B1 |
Time-to-digital converter and operation method thereof
A time-to-digital converter adopted to transform an enabled time of a time signal into an output data and an operation method thereof are provided. The operation method includes the following steps: providing a counter clock signal by a digital phase locked loop according to a reference clock signal; providing a counter result by a counter unit according to the counter clock signal and the time signal; comparing the enabled time of the time signal with a minimum time to provide a comparison result by a comparator unit; and outputting the counter result as the output data according to the comparison result when the enabled time of the time signal is longer than the minimum time. |
| US09141082B1 |
Process cartridge and image forming apparatus using the process cartridge
A process cartridge includes an image holding body assembly that includes an image holding body, a developing assembly that includes a developer holding body, an urging member, a contacting and separating mechanism, and a gap forming mechanism. The image holding body assembly is inserted into and pulled from an assembly receiving portion. The urging member urges the developing assembly so that the developer holding body is pressed against the image holding body. The contacting and separating mechanism is disposed on the front side and operated to separate the image holding body assembly and the developing assembly from each other against an urging force. The gap forming mechanism forms a gap between the image holding body and the developer holding body on the rear side against the urging force. The size of the gap is larger than that existing before the image holding body assembly is pulled. |
| US09141075B2 |
Image forming apparatus having pivotable upper body
An image forming apparatus including: a first body including a developing unit to perform an image forming operation on a print medium, and a second body provided above the first body to pivot between a closed position and an open position in relation to the first body, the second body including a light emitting unit, wherein the light emitting unit is directly above the developing unit when the second body is in the closed position, and the developing unit is exposed to an outside of the image forming apparatus when the second body is in the closed position. A user can place the image forming apparatus on a desktop, which increases convenience in using the apparatus. Additionally, a specialized image forming apparatus can be provided to a user who mainly wants to print and copy in small quantities. |
| US09141072B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image deletion reducing method
An image forming apparatus includes a heating element, an interior temperature/humidity detection section, and a controller. The heating element is conducted during connection of the image forming apparatus to an external power source to heat an image bearing member. The interior temperature/humidity detection section detects temperature and humidity in the interior of the image forming apparatus. The controller performs a refresh operation when a relative humidity calculated on the basis of the temperature and humidity detected by the interior temperature/humidity detection section immediately after the image forming apparatus is connected to the external power source is higher than the preset value. The refresh operation is an operation for supply of developer from a development device to the image bearing member and for polish of the surface of the image bearing member with the use of a polishing member. |
| US09141071B2 |
Image forming apparatus provided with cleaning member capable of reliably cleaning image bearing member
An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit; and a controller. The image forming unit includes: an image bearing member; a charging member; a transfer member; and a cleaning member. The controller selectively applies first and second transfer biases to the transfer member. A first transfer current flows between the image bearing member and the transfer member upon application of the first transfer bias. A second transfer current flows therebetween upon application of the second transfer bias. The controller selectively applies first and second charging biases to the charging member. The image bearing member has a first surface potential upon application of the first charging bias, and a second surface potential upon application of the second charging bias. The controller applies the first charging bias when applying the first transfer bias, and applies the second charging bias when applying the second transfer bias. |
| US09141067B2 |
Image forming apparatus that is capable of double-sided printing, control method therefor, and storage medium storing control program therefor
An image forming apparatus that is capable of using a residual sheet effectively even in a double-sided printing mode. A control unit controls to perform a double-sided image formation process to recording sheets. A detection unit detects a jam of the recording sheet. A determination unit determines whether residual sheets, which are recording sheets on the conveyance path other than a jamming sheet that generates a jam, are available in the image forming process resumed after the jam is removed based on the number of copies of sheets on which the same image is formed, the recording sheets on which images have been formed on one sides, and the latest recording sheet that was normally ejected. The control unit stops the process and ejects the residual sheets that are determined unavailable from the conveyance path when a jam is detected during the process. |
| US09141056B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A fixing device includes a plurality of separation assemblies disposed opposite a fixing rotary body to separate a recording medium from the fixing rotary body. Each separation assembly includes a separator separatably contacting the fixing rotary body, a contact biasing member anchored to the separator to bias the separator against the fixing rotary body, an arm separatably contacting the separator to isolate the separator from the fixing rotary body, and an actuator connected to the arm to separate the arm from the separator. A controller is operatively connected to the actuator of each separation assembly to control the actuator of at least one of the plurality of separation assemblies to separate the arm from the separator so as to bring the separator into contact with the fixing rotary body by the contact biasing member. |
| US09141050B2 |
Fixing apparatus
A fixing apparatus includes a heater; a heater holding member for holding the heater; a temperature sensor, provided in contact with the heater through a hole provided in the heater holding member, for detecting a temperature of the heater; a holder for holding the sensor; and an urging member, provided between the sensor and the holder, for urging the sensor toward the heater, wherein the heater holding member includes a positioning portion for determining a position of the holder with respect to an urging direction of the urging member, and wherein the positioning portion is disposed at a position outside of a position of the sensor with respect to a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the heater. |
| US09141046B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An apparatus is capable of switching between a mode in which a first resistance heating element and a second resistance heating element are connected in series and a mode in which they are connected in parallel. When a temperature increase rate detected by a temperature detection unit is smaller than a threshold rate although a current detected by a current detection unit is greater than a threshold current, a notification of a failure is issued. |
| US09141044B2 |
Fixing apparatus with movable magnetic flux shielding portion and sheet guide portion, and image forming apparatus
A fixing apparatus includes a fixing portion which comes into contact with a sheet and fixes a toner image on the sheet, a magnetic flux generating portion which generates a magnetic flux so as to heat the fixing portion by electromagnetic induction, a magnetic flux shielding portion which shields a magnetic flux generated from the magnetic flux generating portion between the fixing portion and the magnetic flux generating portion, a support portion which supports the magnetic flux shielding portion, a moving portion which moves the support portion in a width direction perpendicular to a sheet conveying direction, a controller which controls the moving portion so as to move the magnetic flux shielding portion to a position based on a sheet size in the width direction, and a sheet guide portion which is supported on the support portion and guides the sheet to the fixing portion. |
| US09141042B2 |
Image forming apparatus having misregistration control
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image bearing members and a control unit. After an image forming mode starts until a toner image is primarily transferred onto an intermediate transfer member from an uppermost-stream image bearing member of the plurality of image bearing members provided at an uppermost stream position, the control unit is configured to provide a toner patch onto at least one of primary transfer portions. The toner patch is formed by developing an electrostatic latent image formed on at least one of the plurality of the image bearing members, and in the image forming mode a timing at which a trailing edge of the toner patch that passes through one of the plurality of the primary transfer portions reaches a secondary transfer portion is earlier than a timing at which the recording material reaches the secondary transfer portion. |
| US09141041B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a stretch roller and a steering roller rotatably supporting an intermediate transfer belt and a control portion executing a meandering control operation of controlling a widthwise position of the intermediate transfer belt by operating a tilting portion tilting the steering roller. The control portion tilts the steering roller to a reference position when transfer biases are applied to first and second transfer members in forming an image to perform the meandering control operation from the reference position. The control portion is also configured to be able to update the reference position stored in a storage portion based on an inclined position of the steering roller during the meandering control operation in the state in which the transfer members are applied. |
| US09141040B2 |
Image forming apparatus and fixing device
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material; an endless belt member; a pressure member that applies pressure to the belt member; a pressing member that presses the belt member from an inner side of the belt member towards the pressure member; and an adjusting section that adjusts a position of an end portion of a nip part at a downstream side in a movement direction of the recording material and a position of a curved portion of the belt member by moving or deforming the pressing member, the nip part being formed by the belt member and the pressure member, the curved portion of the belt member being formed by an end portion of the pressing member at a downstream side in the movement direction of the recording material. |
| US09141032B1 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus
A developing device includes: a first transport member that transports developer in a developer container; a second transport member that transports the developer in a direction opposite to a direction of transport by the first transport member; an inflow portion provided at a downstream end in the direction of transport by the second transport member and on an outer side with respect to an end of a developer carrying body, the inflow portion allowing the developer to flow from a second housing into a first housing; a high-speed transport portion provided in a range corresponding to the inflow portion and that transports the developer at a higher speed; and a regulating member provided at a position corresponding to a downstream end of the high-speed transport portion in the direction of transport by the first transport member and that regulates a height of a mound of developer in the first housing. |
| US09141028B2 |
Image forming apparatus and developer container, developing device, process unit, and replaceable unit therefor
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, an apparatus-side terminal provided to a first inner side wall of the apparatus body, a developer container to contain developer and to be removably installable in the apparatus body, a container-side terminal electrically connectable to the apparatus-side terminal and disposed in a first end portion of the developer container in a longitudinal direction thereof, and an apparatus-side protrusion projecting inward from the first inner side wall of the apparatus body. In removal of the developer container from the apparatus body, a second end portion of the developer container in the longitudinal direction is disengaged from the apparatus body before the first end portion is disengaged from the apparatus body, and the apparatus-side protrusion contacts the first end portion of the developer container immediately after removal of the developer container from the apparatus body is started. |
| US09141026B2 |
Developing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A developing apparatus including a layer thickness adjustment member configured to regulate a layer thickness of a two-component developer carried on a surface of a developing sleeve of a developing roller is disposed so that one end portion in a width direction faces the surface of the developing sleeve at a predetermined interval. At two end portions in a longitudinal direction of the layer thickness adjustment member, a notch open to the one end side in the width direction is provided. Since an amount of conveyance of the developer locally increases at two end portions of the developing sleeve by providing such a notch in the layer thickness adjustment member, density of an ear of a magnetic brush to be formed increases, and it is possible to exhibit the sufficient seal performance and prevent the toner from being scattered. |
| US09141024B2 |
Exposing device and image forming apparatus
Provided is an exposing device capable of enhancing usage efficiency of light and preventing degradation of imaging property due to a misalignment with a photosensitive drum. The exposing device includes: a laser array including multiple lasers arranged in a predetermined direction; and an optical system guiding light emitted from the each of the multiple lasers to a photosensitive member and focusing the light on the photosensitive member, in which the optical system includes multiple phase modulation elements to decrease an added phase lag in proportion to distance from a center axis that is defined by a principal light beam emitted from the each of the multiple lasers. |
| US09141021B2 |
Image forming apparatus with reduced charge leakage
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier whose surface is moved in a specific direction, a charging device to charge the image carrier, an exposure device to form an electrostatic latent image by exposing a surface of the charged image carrier, a developing device to supply a developer to the image carrier on which the electrostatic latent image is formed, a transfer device to transfer a developer image formed on the surface of the image carrier onto an image forming medium, and a dielectric member that extends from the charging device to the vicinity of the image carrier and is disposed between the charging device and the image carrier surface part exposed by the exposure device, in which the charging device, the exposure device, the developing device and the transfer device are sequentially arranged around the image carrier along the movement direction of the surface of the image carrier. |
| US09141017B2 |
Image forming apparatus
First position information formed on a conveyance body is read by an information detecting portion, and second position information formed on a second image carrier is read by the information detecting portion. Control is made such that a position of an image on the second image carrier matches with a position of an image on the conveyance body from information read by the information detecting portion in transferring the image from the second image carrier to the conveyance body. The information detecting portion is held by a hold member and is disposed at a transfer region. |
| US09141016B2 |
Image forming apparatus with position correction control
An image forming apparatus can form a correction image for correcting a positional deviation and includes an image forming unit, an image carrying member, a light detection unit, an ambient condition detection unit, and a control unit. The image carrying member receives the correction image, which is formed by the image forming unit. The light detection unit illuminates the correction image on the image carrying member and detects light reflected thereby. The ambient condition detection unit detects, as an ambient condition, at least one of temperature and humidity in an operating condition of the image forming apparatus. The control unit effects position correction control at a time of image formation of the image forming unit on the basis of a detection result of the light detection unit and an ambient condition detected by the ambient condition detection unit. |
| US09141014B2 |
Toner for developing electrostatic charge image
The present invention is a toner for developing electrostatic charge image containing a wax derived from a plant cholesterol, an electric charge-controlling agent, a coloring agent and a binding resin. The toner is suited for use in the electromagnetic induction-heated fixing system which is capable of heating the heating member up to a predetermined fixing temperature in a short period of time, makes it possible to maintain images free of irregular luster or fouling for extended periods of time and is, further, suited for being fixed at a low temperature. |
| US09141013B2 |
Electrophotographic toner, developer containing the toner, and image forming apparatus
An electrophotographic toner including: a binder resin, wherein the binder resin has one glass transition temperature Tg and the glass transition temperature Tg of the binder resin is within 25° C. to 65° C. as measured in second heating with a differential scanning calorimeter at a heating rate of 5° C./min, and wherein a phase image of the binder resin obtained with an atomic force microscope (AFM) of tapping mode contains first phase difference regions and a second phase difference region such that the first phase difference regions are dispersed in the second phase difference region, where the first phase difference regions correspond to greater phase difference regions and the second phase difference region corresponds to a smaller phase difference region when an intermediate value between a maximum value and a minimum value of the phase differences is used as a threshold. |
| US09141011B2 |
Method for producing toner for electrostatic image development
A method for producing a toner for electrostatic image development including the step of melt-kneading a mixture containing a resin binder and a wax, wherein the resin binder contains an amorphous polyester (A) obtained by polycondensing an alcohol component containing an aliphatic diol (a) having 3 or 4 carbon atoms, the aliphatic diol having a hydroxyl group bonded to a secondary carbon atom, and an aliphatic diol (b) containing one or more α,ω-linear alkanediols having 2, 4, 6 or 8 carbon atoms, and a carboxylic acid component. The toner for electrostatic image development can be suitably used in, for example, the development or the like of latent image formed in an electrostatic development method, an electrostatic recording method, an electrostatic printing method, or the like. |
| US09141010B2 |
Particulate material production apparatus, and particulate material production method
A particulate material production apparatus is disclosed. The particulate material production apparatus includes a droplet ejector to eject droplets of a particulate material composition liquid or a melted particulate material composition in a droplet ejection direction from nozzles; a solidifying device to solidify the droplets; a first airflow forming device to form a first airflow to feed the ejected droplets to the solidifying device with the first airflow; and a second airflow forming device to form a second airflow to apply the second airflow the droplets before the droplets are fed by the first airflow. The second airflow forming device forms the second airflow by supplying a pressed gas from a slit, and the traveling direction of the first airflow is substantially perpendicular to the droplet ejection direction. |
| US09141009B2 |
Coating composition, system including the coating composition, and method for secure images
A coating composition, system, and method for printing documents that are difficult to chemically or physically forge and that are easy to visually verify are disclosed. The system includes a substrate, a toner, including a colorant and a dye, a primary migration-enhancing coating applied using an offset printing process and optionally a secondary migration-enhancing coating applied using an offset printing process. An image formed using the toner of the invention is readily verified by comparing a colorant-formed image and a dye-formed image. In addition, if a solvent is used in an attempt to alter the printed image on the substrate, the dye migrates or diffuses to indicate tampering with the document. |
| US09141008B2 |
Electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge, electrophotographic apparatus, and imide compound
An electrophotographic photosensitive member includes a support, an undercoat layer formed on the support, and a photosensitive layer formed on the undercoat layer, in which the undercoat layer contains a polymerized product of a compound represented by the formula (1) or a polymerized product of a composition containing a compound represented by the formula (1). |
| US09141006B2 |
Imaging member having improved imaging layers
The presently disclosed embodiments are directed to charge transport layers useful in electrostatography. More particularly, the embodiments pertain to an electrostatographic imaging member having imaging layers that exhibit improved electrical performance. In these embodiments, both the charge generation layer and charge transport layer comprise a tetra-aryl polycarbonate copolymer. |
| US09141005B2 |
Temperature sensing probe, burl plate, lithographic apparatus and method
A temperature sensing probe including a temperature sensor in an elongate housing wherein the elongate housing of the probe is elongate in a first direction and the elongate housing is comprised of a material which has a thermal conductivity of at least 500 W/mK at 20° C. in at least one direction. |
| US09141001B2 |
Mask support frame and mask assembly having the same
A mask support frame for supporting a mask is provided. The frame is configured to secure both ends of a mask and apply tension to the mask in a first direction. The frame includes a frame main body defining an opening for exposing a patterned opening area of the mask and an end tensioner coupled to the frame main body, and configured to apply tension to one of both ends of the mask in a second direction crossing the first direction. |
| US09140997B2 |
Control apparatus, lithography apparatus, and method of manufacturing article
The present invention provides a control apparatus including a feed-forward controller configured to perform feed-forward control of a controlled object, the apparatus being configured to obtain a first response data sequence of the controlled object measured by applying a first manipulated variable to the controlled object, and determining, assuming that a second response data sequence of the controlled object to be obtained if a second manipulated variable data sequence, obtained by respectively multiplying the first manipulated variable by gains as variables which can vary with time, is applied to the controlled object, is expressed as a linear combination of the first response data sequence with the gains as coefficients of the liner combination, the gains so that a discrepancy between the second response data sequence and a target data sequence falls within a tolerance. |
| US09140993B2 |
Illumination optical apparatus and projection exposure apparatus
An illumination optical apparatus and projection exposure apparatus capable of reducing a light quantity loss when a mask is illuminated with a polarized illumination light. An illumination optical system for illuminating a reticle with an illumination light and a projection optical system for projecting the pattern image of the reticle onto a wafer are provided. An illumination light emitted from an exposure light source in a linearly polarized state in the illumination optical system passes through first and second birefringent members having different fast axis directions and is converted into a polarized state that is substantially linearly polarized in a circumferential direction with the optical axis as the center in an almost specific annular area, and them illuminates the reticle under an annular illuminating condition after passing through a fly-eye lens. |
| US09140988B2 |
Positive resist composition, monomer, polymer, and patterning process
A positive resist composition is provided comprising a polymer comprising recurring styrene units having an ester group bonded to a CF3—C(OH)—R3 group (R3═H, CH3, or CF3) such as 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol and having a Mw of 1,000-500,000. The resist composition has a satisfactory effect of suppressing acid diffusion and a high resolution, and forms a pattern of good profile and minimal edge roughness after exposure. |
| US09140984B2 |
Radiation-sensitive composition
A radiation-sensitive composition includes a polymer composition and a radiation-sensitive acid generator. The polymer composition includes a first polymer and a second polymer. The first polymer includes a repeating unit shown by a following formula (1). The second polymer includes a repeating unit shown by a following formula (2) and does not include a repeating unit shown by the formula (1). |
| US09140979B2 |
Mask
A light irradiation apparatus and a method of manufacture a photo-aligning layer are disclosed. A mask included in a light irradiation apparatus according to one embodiment is configured to irradiate the light having straightness at a high level of illumination to a subject that is apart from the mask with a certain distance. A photo-aligning layer with a desired alignment pattern can be fabricated using the mask. |
| US09140978B2 |
Semiconductor multi-project or multi-product wafer process
The embodiment provides a semiconductor MP wafer process including processing a plurality of MP wafers in a lot or batch with a first process step. The plurality of the MP wafers is split into an MP wafer group-1 and an MP wafer group-2. At least one of the MP wafers of the MP wafer group-1 is processed with a second process step-1 and at least one of the MP wafers of the MP wafer group-2 is processed with a second process step-2 to form different device components on the MP wafers of the MP wafer group-1 and group-2, respectively. At least one of the MP wafers of the MP wafer group-1 is processed with a third process step-3 and at least one of the MP wafers of the MP wafer group-2 is processed with a third process step-4 to form a substantially same device component on the MP wafers. |
| US09140976B2 |
Mask design with optically isolated via and proximity correction features
A lithography mask and method for manufacturing such mask that includes optically isolated via features and proximity correction features. The via patterns that include via features that define vias are positioned on the mask in rows and columns with a row and a column pitch between each row and column on the mask. The via patterns are positioned such that via features that are in adjacent columns are separated by at least one intervening row between them. The via patterns can also be positioned such that the via patterns that are in adjacent rows are separated by at least one intervening column between them. As a result, the via feature of each via pattern and the associated optical proximity correction features that are positioned around each via feature do not overlap with the optical proximity correction features and the via features of the surrounding via patterns. |
| US09140971B2 |
Scanning laser proximity detection
A scanning laser projector detects obstructions in a projector field of view using a proximity detector that detects infrared light at a photodetector. The photodetector is tested with an additional infrared light source. The additional infrared light source may also be used as proximity detector that can detect a local obstruction blocking the photodetector. |
| US09140965B2 |
Immersive projection system
In one example arrangement, an immersive projection system includes an enclosure, and a number of projectors suspended outside and near the upper portion of the enclosure. The projectors project portions of a scene through openings in the enclosure and onto an inside surface of the enclosure. In some embodiments, light emanating from the projectors reflects from one or more mirrors before being cast onto the enclosure wall. The projectors and one or more mirrors may be mounted to a mounting frame that maintains the projectors and one or more mirrors in fixed spatial relationship, and the mounting frame may be mounted on a movable gantry for lifting the mounting frame to the upper portion of the enclosure. The enclosure may be a collapsible dome. |
| US09140963B2 |
Portable projector and screen support system having foldable frame assembly
A portable projection and display system can include a frame assembly having one or more folding trusses, a counterweight bar arranged on a rearward bottom portion of the frame to help provide a stable base, and an adjustable boom. A projector can be mounted on one end of an adjustable boom. The boom can be configured to be capable of adjusting a distance between the projector and the display screen. The boom can be mounted to the frame with a hinged connection to permit it to act as a lever to raise and lower the projector. An adjustable boom bar can further be provided. The adjustable boom bar can be attached to an end of the boom opposite the projector such that adjustment of the boom bar raises and lowers the projector via a lever action about a fulcrum. |
| US09140960B2 |
Apparatus for processing an image having detachable lens and a ring for setting photographing parameter values
An apparatus for processing an image, including: a body; a lens module disposed on the body; and a control ring disposed on the lens module, wherein the control ring is configured to change a setting value of a setting item. |
| US09140959B2 |
Dissipative soliton mode fiber based optical parametric oscillator
A fiber optic parametric amplifier that includes a resonating cavity. The resonating cavity includes linear fiber optic gain medium, with negative chromatic dispersion; and a nonlinear fiber optic gain medium with positive chromatic dispersion. |
| US09140951B2 |
Electrochromic devices
Conventional electrochromic devices frequently suffer from poor reliability and poor performance. Improvements are made using entirely solid and inorganic materials. Electrochromic devices are fabricated by forming an ion conducting electronically insulating interfacial region that serves as an IC layer. In some methods, the interfacial region is formed after formation of an electrochromic and a counter electrode layer. The interfacial region contains an ion conducting electronically insulating material along with components of the electrochromic and/or the counter electrode layer. Materials and microstructure of the electrochromic devices provide improvements in performance and reliability over conventional devices. |
| US09140944B2 |
Nanocrystal display including black matrix between common electrode and data line in boundary between pixel areas
A nanocrystal display device includes a plurality of pixels; a gate line extended in a row direction; a data line extended in a column direction; and a second insulating layer on the data line. Each pixel includes first and second pixel areas adjacent to each other in the column direction; first and second pixel electrodes on the second insulating layer of the first and second pixel areas; a first black matrix on the second insulating layer, and having a step difference greater than that of the first and second pixel electrodes; a common electrode extended in the row direction, contacting the first black matrix and spaced apart from the second insulating layer in the first and second pixel areas, and a tunnel-shaped cavity between the common electrode, the first black matrix and the second insulating layer; and a liquid crystal layer in the tunnel-shaped cavity. |
| US09140941B2 |
In-plane switching mode liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device according to the present invention is directed at optimizing the viewing angle characteristics of black luminance in a diagonal direction by realizing a low tilt angle without depending on an oriented film or an orientation treatment method in an FFS mode. The liquid crystal display device of the present invention is a liquid crystal display device in the FFS mode, including: a liquid crystal layer having a negative dielectric anisotropy; a color filter substrate disposed to sandwich the liquid crystal layer; and a TFT substrate having pixels, wherein a CF side common electrode which controls a potential is present in a liquid crystal layer side of the color filter substrate; and there is electric field controlling means which forms an alternating electric field between the CF side common electrode and a TFT side common electrode. |
| US09140940B2 |
Single-substrate display panel and manufacturing method thereof
The present disclosure provides a single substrate display panel and fabricating method thereof and relates to a field of display. The single substrate display panel comprises: a parallel electric field substrate; and a display medium layer above the parallel electric field substrate. The display medium layer comprises liquid crystal molecules and a matrix, the matrix encapsulates the liquid crystal molecules so that the liquid crystal molecules form liquid crystal groups. The present disclosure also provides a fabricating method of the single substrate display panel. The present disclosure can achieve single substrate display so as to reduce the weight and thickness of the liquid crystal display panel and improve display quality. |
| US09140938B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
In one embodiment, a first substrate includes a gate line, a source line, a switching element electrically connected with the gate line and the source line, and a pixel electrode including a sub-pixel electrode electrically connected with the switching element in the shape of a belt, and a main pixel electrode electrically connected with the sub-pixel electrode. A first alignment film covers the pixel electrode. A second substrate includes a common electrode having a pair of main common electrodes arranged on both sides sandwiching the main pixel electrode. A second alignment film covers the common electrode. A liquid crystal layer including liquid crystal molecules is held between the first substrate and the second substrate. Volume resistivity values of the first and second alignment films are lower than that of the liquid crystal layer. |
| US09140934B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal display panel. The liquid crystal display panel includes a substrate and a substrate which are disposed opposite to each other, columnar spacers which are disposed on a surface of the substrate, and a liquid crystal layer filled between the substrates. A peripheral edge part of a display region has a dual PS structure in which the columnar spacer and the columnar spacer are disposed. A central part of the display region has any of a main PS structure in which only the columnar spacer is disposed, a sub PS structure in which only the columnar spacer is disposed, and the dual PS structure. |
| US09140933B2 |
Connection pad group for photo-alignment process of liquid crystal panel
A connection pad group for photo-alignment process of liquid crystal panel is disclosed. The connection pad group has a plurality of subgroups. Each subgroup includes at least one common-line connection pad, gate-line connection pad, data-line connection pad and common-electrode connection pad. The common-line connection pads are connected to a first extension connection pad together; the gate-line connection pads are connected to a second extension connection pad together; the data-line connection pads are connected to a third extension connection pad together; the common-electrode connection pads are connected to a fourth extension connection pad together. The present invention prevents poor electrical contact from occurring between pads and a voltage-applying device since the pads are small in size and excessive in number. |
| US09140925B2 |
Display with reduced border
An electronic device may be provided with a display such as a liquid crystal display having upper and lower polarizer layers, a color filter layer, a liquid crystal layer, and a thin-film transistor layer. The display may have backlight structures that include a light guide plate, a reflector, and optical films. An opaque masking layer may be formed in a strip that runs along a peripheral edge of the lower polarizer in the display. The lower polarizer and the optical films may be separated by an air gap. The uppermost optical film may be a brightness enhancing film. The lower polarizer may be a matte polarizer layer, a polarizer film attached to an achromatic polarizing compensating film, or a matte polarizer that is attached to an achromatic polarizing compensating film coated with a matte coating. |
| US09140912B2 |
Holography 3D display
The present disclosure relates to a holography three dimensional display in which no 3D cross-talk problem is arisen. The present disclosure suggests an apparatus for displaying hologram images comprising: a display panel displaying a hologram image; a back light unit disposed at one side of the display panel for supplying a back light; a first light path deflecting cell disposed at another side of the display panel facing away from the back light unit for forming a first prism pattern along a first direction rotating by a predetermined angle from a horizontal axis of the display panel; and a second light path deflecting cell disposed in front of the first light path deflecting cell for forming a second prism pattern along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. |
| US09140910B2 |
Eyeglasses with changeable image display and related methods
Eyeglasses may include a frame body and at least one lens carried by the frame body, and at least one display carried on at least one exterior surface of the frame body and configured to display a changeable image thereon. The at least one display may be conformal to the at least one exterior surface. The eyeglasses may further include a communications interface carried by the frame body, and a controller carried by the frame body and coupled to the at least one display and the communications interface. The controller may be configured to receive display data via the communications interface, and selectively change the image on the at least one display based upon the received display data to thereby change an external visual appearance of the frame body. |
| US09140907B2 |
Contact lens
A contact lens comprising first and second orientation indicia to determine an orientation of the contact lens. |
| US09140905B2 |
Vibration proof zoom lens and photographing apparatus having the same
In a vibration proof zoom lens 100, a third lens group G3 has a positive lens 7, a positive cemented lens 8, a negative cemented lens 9, which are arranged in order from an object side. In variable-magnifying from a wide angle limit to a telephoto limit, a clearance between a first lens group G1 and a second lens group G2 is increased and at the same time, a clearance between the second lens group G2 and a third lens groupG3 is decreased, a focusing from an infinity side to a close side is performed by moving the positive lens 7 toward an image, and a vibration proof is performed by moving the cemented lens 9 in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis to change an image position. |
| US09140903B2 |
Vehicle information transmitting device
To provide a vehicle information transmitting device capable of resolving the bothersome that occurs when the light is strong. According to the present embodiment, a plurality of light sources 10a is arranged in an array form of plural rows or plural columns in the light source panel 10 so that light can be irradiated in a horizontal direction (right and left direction) and vertical direction (height direction, up and down direction). The light source panel 10 includes a diffusion plate 10b and a shaft member 10c for entirely or partially adjusting the transmitting degree (blurring degree of light) of the light of the light source 10a in association with the arrangement position of the light source 10a, and a plurality of springs 10d that plays the role of a fail safe for maintaining the distance between the light source 10a and the diffusion plate 10b in a maximum state at the time of malfunctioning. |
| US09140892B2 |
Electrowetting display device
An electrowetting display device comprising at least one picture element including a first fluid and a second fluid immiscible with the first fluid. A protrusion arranged through the second fluid and in contact with the first fluid provides a preferential initiation of motion of part of the first fluid in a first direction and a different part of the first fluid in a second direction. |
| US09140890B1 |
Adjustable magnifying glass mounting system
An adjustable mounting system to secure a magnifying glass to a point of attachment and enhance adjustability of the system to enable the magnifying glass to be oriented towards a magnification target is provided. The mounting system includes a support member detachably coupled to the point of attachment by a fastener, a cap rotatably mounted to the support member and able to enable an arm to slidably adjust relative to the cap, and a bracket rotatably mounted to an end of the arm and secured to the magnifying glass. The cap, arm and bracket are each adjusted to a desired position to enable the magnifying glass to be directed towards the magnification target. |
| US09140886B2 |
Inverted microscope including a control unit configured to synchronize a switching operation between absorption filters with a switching operation between excitation filters
An inverted microscope that allows observation of a specimen from underneath includes an objective lens holding unit that holds an objective lens configured to collect at least observation light from the specimen, a tube lens configured to focus the observation light collected by the objective lens, a branching unit configured to branch an optical path of the observation light from the tube lens, and an observation image switching device that is removably provided in a microscope main body between the objective lens and the tube lens and is configured to switch between wavelengths of an observation image or between magnifications of the observation image. |
| US09140883B2 |
Optical component
The invention relates to an optical component (10), comprising a first spherical reflector (12) and a second spherical reflector (14), which is arranged in order to reflect a light beam several times between the first reflector (12) and the second reflector (14) and which spans an interior together with the first spherical reflector (12), wherein a coupling-in device is provided, which comprises a coupling-in reflector element (16) arranged within the interior, said coupling-in reflector element being arranged in order to reflect a light beam (24) to be coupled in onto the first spherical reflector (12). |
| US09140880B2 |
Zoom lens and zoom lens module
A zoom lens and a zoom lens module are provided. The zoom lens is configured to form an image of an object at an object side onto an image plane at an image side. The zoom lens includes a first lens group, a second lens group, a third lens group and a fourth lens group disposed in sequence from the object side towards the image side. The refractive powers of the first lens group, the second lens group, and the third lens group are negative, positive, and negative, respectively. The zoom lens satisfies 1.90<|T1G/FW|<2.40. T1G is a distance of the first lens group along an optical axis of the zoom lens, and FW is an effective focal length of the zoom lens when the zoom lens is at a wide-end. |
| US09140879B1 |
Imaging lens, and electronic apparatus including the same
An imaging lens includes first to fifth lens elements arranged from an object side to an image side in the given order. Through designs of surfaces of the lens elements and relevant optical parameters, a short system length of the imaging lens may be achieved while maintaining good optical performance. |
| US09140877B2 |
Focus adjusting optical lens assembly
A focus adjusting optical 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 and a fifth lens element. The first lens element with positive refractive power has a convex object-side surface. The second lens element has negative refractive power. The third lens element has refractive power. The fourth lens element with negative refractive power has a concave object-side surface and a convex image-side surface. The fifth lens element with refractive power has a concave image-side surface at a paraxial region, wherein the image-side surface of the fifth lens element changes from concave at the paraxial region to convex at a peripheral region, and both of an object-side surface and the image-side surface of the fifth lens element are aspheric. |
| US09140876B2 |
Photographing lens assembly
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 with positive refractive power has a convex object-side surface. The second lens element, the third lens element and the fourth lens element have refractive power. The fifth lens element with negative refractive power has a convex object-side surface and a concave image-side surface, wherein the surfaces thereof are aspheric, and at least one of the surfaces thereof has at least one inflection point thereon. The sixth lens element with negative refractive power has a convex object-side surface and a concave image-side surface, wherein the surfaces thereof are aspheric, and at least one of the surfaces thereof has at least one inflection point. |
| US09140872B2 |
Hydra cable assembly and components thereof
Embodiments of the present invention relate to fiber optic hydra cable assemblies and components thereof. In an embodiment, the present invention is a fiber optic cable transition which includes a front housing having a front opening, a rear opening, and an internal wall positioned inside of the front housing. The fiber optic cable transition also includes a front boot having a distal end, a proximal end, and a flange, the front boot being positioned at least partially inside the front housing such that the flange abuts the internal wall. The fiber optic cable transition also includes a rear housing having a distal end and a proximal end, where the rear opening of the front housing is joined to the proximal end of the rear housing. |
| US09140871B2 |
Optical fiber carrier
An optical fiber carrier is provided, for routing given optical fibers from a bundle of the given optical fibers, the given optical fibers having a given minimum bend radius, the optical fiber carrier comprising: a planar surface comprising vertical edges; downwards curved rungs projecting from the planar surface and vertically aligned between the vertical edges, each of the downwards curved rungs peaking in an upward direction, and comprising a respective radius that is greater than or equal to the given minimum bend radius; and exit conduits located at the vertical edges, respective exit conduits located between respective adjacent downwards curved rungs, the downwards curved rungs and the exit conduits for routing an excess of each of the given optical fibers from the bundle, guided by one or more of the downwards curved rungs, and through one of the exit conduits. |
| US09140869B2 |
Fine-grained optical shuffle interconnect topology migration
An optical patch unit is adapted for mounting in or on an optical equipment rack and facilitates a migration from one optical shuffle box or topology to another. The optical patch unit simplifies the replacement of an optical shuffle box, in some cases allowing a phased migration that minimizes system down-time. The optical patch units described herein include passive optical patch panels. Chassis card and optical shuffle connections are terminated at the passive optical patch panel, making it possible to simplify the cabling between the chassis cards and the optical shuffle box. Once installed, chassis card cables do not need to be manipulated at all during subsequent optical shuffle maintenance procedures. Other optical patch units described herein include active optical patch units, which make the migration process less dependent on human intervention and can further reduce system down-time. |
| US09140865B1 |
Terminal block for high power fiber laser system
A fiber connector system provides a pigtailed monolithic terminal block of a fiber connector configured to alter a space distribution of laser output radiation. The output facet of the pigtailed monolithic terminal block is configured to alter the divergence of an output beam allowing collimation, focusing, or any desired distribution without additional optical circuitry. The fiber connector system is operative to couple two fibers from respective different fiber devices and allows positioning additional optical components there between. |
| US09140864B2 |
Methods for light coupling into power semiconductors
Disclosed is a method of coupling light into a power semiconductor device having a semiconductor structure with two or more layers. The power semiconductor device has multiple cells of functionally identical units linked by multiple interconnects. In each device unit, a patterned electrode layer is disposed on the surface of the semiconductor structure. The method includes illuminating the power semiconductor device by directing a light from a light source through the patterned electrode layer to form an enhanced light coupling with the semiconductor structure. The patterned electrode layer is configured to have a micron scaled grid pattern having multiple metal grids and aperture openings that is based on a distributed resistance model having two characteristic current decay lengths. |
| US09140863B2 |
Fixed connection (FC)-type optoelectronic assembly having a transparent threaded plastic body with an optical element integrally formed therein
An FC-type optoelectronic assembly is provided that has a threaded plastic body that is adapted to mate with a threaded sleeve of an FC plug by engaging the threaded sleeve the FC plug with the threaded body of the FC-type optoelectronic assembly. The threaded plastic body is transparent to an operational wavelength of the FC-type optoelectronic assembly and has an optical element integrally formed therein. A TO-can header is housed in the threaded plastic body. A miniature PCB may be used for mounting the electrical and optoelectronic components of the TO-can header assembly on the header of the TO-can header assembly. |
| US09140862B2 |
Methods, apparatuses and systems for blind mating multi-optical fiber connector modules
Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided that enable N female multi-optical fiber connector modules disposed on a first structure to be simultaneously blind mated with N male multi-optical fiber connector modules disposed on a second structure, where N is a positive integer that is equal to or greater than one. Enabling the male and female multi-optical fiber connector modules to blind mate with one another obviates the need to individually interconnect the modules with optical cables. Each module is mounted on either a male or female socket, which, in turn, is mounted on the first or second structure. The first structure may be, for example, a rack having at least one slot configured to receive a server box, in which case the second structure is the server box itself. |
| US09140858B2 |
Waterproof optical fiber connector and outdoor communication device
A waterproof optical fiber connector includes a flange and a terminal connector. The terminal connector includes an outer casing, an inner casing, an optical fiber and a connecting component coupled with the fiber. The inner casing is tubular for housing the fiber and the connecting component. The outer casing is tubular for housing the inner casing. The inner casing includes a body and a waterproof clip connected to a back end of the body. The fiber passes through the clip. The tail of the inner wall of the outer casing tapers from the front to the back, pressing the clip inwards such that the clip and the fiber are fixed together. At least one first protrusion is provided on the inner surface of the front end of the sleeve of the flange, and the front end of the body of the inner casing bears against the first protrusion. |
| US09140857B2 |
Double-sided grating waveguide biosensor
Disclosed is a double-sided grating waveguide biosensor. The double-sided grating waveguide biosensor is used to sense the properties of a sample solution. The double-sided grating waveguide biosensor comprises a sequential stack of a plastic grating having a grating part, a waveguide layer having a double-sided grating structure, and a channel chip. Furthermore, the sample solution is guided into the channel chip; the light beam is coupled into the waveguide layer via the double-sided grating structure, propagates in the waveguide layer, and penetrates outward. The double-sided waveguide biosensor detects the properties of the sample solution via a variation of a light beam intensity of the outgoing light beam. |
| US09140854B2 |
Spatial division multiplexing optical mode converter
Embodiments provide an optical device that includes a star coupler, a polarization bam splitter (PBS) and a polarization rotator. The star coupler includes a port at a first end face. The polarization beam splitter is optically coupled via a first side to the star coupler port, and is further optically coupled via a second side to a first port of an optical coupler. The polarization rotator is optically coupled between the polarization beam splitter and a second port of the optical coupler. |
| US09140853B2 |
All silicon optical transistor
An optical device includes first and second waveguides and a micro-ring. The first waveguide is optically coupled to the micro-ring and is separated from the micro-ring by a first gap having a first gap distance. The second waveguide has a supply port, an output port, and a coupling portion optically coupled to the micro-ring. The coupling portion is separated from the micro-ring by a second gap having a second distance. The second gap distance is larger than the first gap distance. The second waveguide and the micro-ring cooperate to form a filter having a stop band. The first gap distance is selected such that a first optical signal on the first waveguide having a first strength causes a first shift in the stop band such that a first wavelength is within the stop band, and wherein the second gap distance is selected such that a second optical signal on the second waveguide having the first strength causes a second or no shift in the stop band such that the first wavelength is outside of the stop band. |
| US09140848B2 |
Illumination device and display device
A backlight device (illumination device) 80 includes a plurality of LEDs 22 and entrance ends 30a that light from the LEDs 22 enters, and further includes a plurality of light guide bars 30 that guide the light from the LEDs 22 and a bar-shaped attachment member 55 to which the LEDs 22 and the light guide bars 30 are attached. |
| US09140847B2 |
Optical module and lamp
A lamp includes a frame, a light guide plate, a light source and a reflecting structure. The light guide plate is disposed on the frame and includes a light-incident surface, a first light-emitting surface and a second light-emitting surface. The second light-emitting surface is opposite to the first light-emitting surface, in which the light-incident surface connects the first light-emitting surface and the second light-emitting surface. The light source is adjacent to the light-incident surface and the light source is disposed in the frame. The reflecting structure is adjacent to the first light-emitting surface and includes at least two transparent sheets. The two transparent sheets are separated by an air gap, such that at least one light beam emitted from the first light-emitting surface is reflected back to the light guide plate and is emitted out from the second light-emitting surface. |
| US09140827B2 |
Lens, LED light source unit having the lens and LED light source module incorporating the unit
A lens includes a light incident face receiving light from an LED light source, a light exit face, and a connecting face interconnecting the light incident face and the light exit face. The light exit face is a convex face. The connecting face includes a plurality of inclined reflecting planes located at a circumferential periphery of the lens and extending downwardly and inwardly from a position near to an outer edge of the light exit face toward the light incident face. The inclined reflecting planes of the connecting face are positioned around an optical axis of the lens. An LED light source module includes a plurality of the lens each diverging light from a corresponding LED light source and a light diffuser having a plurality of light diffusing units each over a corresponding lens. Each light diffusing unit has a shape of the regular hexagon. |
| US09140823B2 |
Systems and methods for using wireless tags with downhole equipment
Techniques for wirelessly transferring information to and/or from a drill string component are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a downhole system includes a drill string component and a tag interrogating device. The drill string component includes a tag configured for wireless communication. The tag interrogating device is configured to traverse the interior of the drill string and wirelessly communicate with the tag. |
| US09140819B2 |
Gradiometer
Primarily (but not exclusively) in the field of natural resources exploration, there is a requirement to measure the absolute value and variation of gravity at a given point and over an area gradient, thereby detecting the presence of sub-surface anomalies which give rise to the variation in the measured gravity value. In order to provide a portable, accurate, efficient and cost effective method for making the measurements, a gravity sensing apparatus (ABCD) can be deployed using a variety of vehicles, such as (for example, but not limited to) an aircraft or helicopter, with compensation applied by a motion sensing apparatus (EFGH) to reduce or eliminate the effects of vibration and vehicle motion and structural flexure on the gravity and gravity gradiometry data. |
| US09140814B2 |
System and method of using autonomous underwater vehicle to facilitate seismic data acquisition
A technique facilitates the use of seismic data. The technique utilizes an autonomous underwater vehicle to obtain data on water column characteristics in a seismic survey area. The data can be used to adjust aspects of the seismic survey data and/or the seismic survey technique. |
| US09140813B2 |
Method and foldable support assembly
Method and support assembly configured to change from a stowing position to an operational position. The support assembly includes a head module; an actuator attached to the head module; a tail module; plural modules provided between the head module and the tail module to form a first branch and a second branch, each branch being connected between the head module and the tail module; and a cable system provided through the means for guiding of the plural modules and connected to the actuator for being wind up and unwind to change a distribution of the modules from an operational position to a stowed position. |
| US09140811B2 |
Wireless data acquisition system and method using self-initializing wireless modules
Presented are systems and methods for deploying wireless data acquisition modules that facilitate autonomous initialization. The wireless data acquisition modules may initiate a initialization process in response to a stimulus associated with being deployed. The wireless data acquisition module may further conduct a neighbor discovery process and in turn establish a data transfer path among one or more other wireless data acquisition modules. Further, information obtained during a series of autonomous tests may be communicated during the neighbor discovery process and the establishment of the data transfer path may at least in part be based on the information obtained in the autonomous tests. |
| US09140810B2 |
High performance computing for three dimensional proton computed tomography (HPC-pCT)
A proton computed tomography (pCT) detector system, including two tracking detectors in sequence on a first side of an object to be imaged, two tracking detectors in sequence on an opposite side of the object to be imaged, a calorimeter, and a computer cluster, wherein the tracking detectors include plastic scintillation fibers. All fibers in the detector system are read out by Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPM). A method of imaging an object by emitting protons from a source through two tracking detectors, through and around the object, and through two opposite tracking detectors, detecting energy of the protons with a calorimeter, and imaging the object. |
| US09140802B2 |
Auxiliary as vehicle speed when difference between auxiliary and propagation above threshold
In the present disclosure, an error in the velocity and position computed from a three dimensional IMU measurement is reduced confined by computing an auxiliary speed in a drive direction of a vehicle from an angular velocity measurement and a lateral acceleration measurement. The auxiliary speed is then compared with the speed computed from the acceleration measurement. The auxiliary speed is provided as the speed of the vehicle mounted with the IMU when the absolute difference between the auxiliary speed and the speed computed from the acceleration measurement in the drive direction is above a threshold. The auxiliary speed is computed when the vehicle is detected to be in a curved motion. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the bias errors are determined when the vehicle is in a steady state, at rest or in a straight line motion. The bias errors are used to obtain the accurate auxiliary measurement. |
| US09140799B2 |
Method and system for selecting optimal satellites for A-GPS location of handsets in wireless networks
A system and method for determining a set of satellites for which assistance data may be provided to a wireless device. A boundary for an approximate area in which the wireless device is located may be determined and one or more sets of satellites may be determined as a function of the boundary. An optimum set of satellites from the one or more sets of satellites may then be determined using a satellite selection function on the one or more sets of satellites at predetermined points substantially on the boundary. |
| US09140797B2 |
System for determining precise position including a chirp receiver utilizing phase precessed chirp signals
A system for determining precise position includes a chirp receiver that processes broadcast chirp signals in the frequency domain to distinguish direct path signals from multipath signals. The chirp receiver processes the received chirp signals, which consist of respective pulsed frequency sweeps, by combining a received chirp signal with a synchronized locally generated chirp signal and phase adjusting and concatenating the results over multiple sweeps, based on estimated clock phase errors and expected phase rotations of the direct path signals, to produce a sine wave. The phase adjustment and concatenation allows the use of longer Fast Fourier Transforms (FFTs) that, in turn, provide increased accuracy of frequency estimation and separate component signals that are very close in frequency. The phase adjustment and concatenated signals are processed in the frequency domain using an FFT and a frequency corresponding to the direct path signal is identified by the lowest frequency bin in which power is above a predetermined noise threshold. The receiver then determines a time delay based on the identified frequency and uses the time delay to calculate accurate clock phase error. The system may then determine position based on associated pseudorange measurements. |
| US09140795B2 |
Time of flight sensor with subframe compression and method
A demodulation image sensor, such as used in time of flight (TOF) cameras, extracts all storage- and post-processing-related steps from the pixels to another array of storage and processing elements (proxels) on the chip. The pixel array has the task of photo-detection, first processing and intermediate storage to create subframes, while the array of storage and processing elements provides accumulation into frames. Particularly, sampled values of several subframes are summed in a compressed manner. Possible compression is to use exponential function. |
| US09140793B2 |
Laser scan sensor
The configuration includes a laser range finder (110), a scan mechanism (120), a distance-data acquiring unit (130), a memory (160), a human-body determining unit (140), which detects an object with possibility to correspond to a human body from acquired distance information, calculates a height and a width of the object based on installation state information stored in the memory (160), determines that the object is a human body when detection of the object continues for a first predetermined time or longer in the case where a calculated object height is a predetermined height or more, and determines that the object is a human body when detection of the object continues for a second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time or longer in the case where the calculated object height is less than the predetermined height, and an alert-output control unit (150). |
| US09140787B2 |
Radar sensor for motor vehicles, especially LCA sensor
A radar sensor for motor vehicles has a transmitting antenna in the form of a planar array antenna having a plurality of juxtaposed antenna elements, and a supply network for supplying microwave power to the antenna elements, wherein the supply network is developed to supply the antenna elements with the microwave power having a phase shift increasing at constant increments from one end of the row to the other. |
| US09140785B2 |
Method and system using coordinated airborne and ground platforms for detecting oil covered by ice
A method for detecting an oil mass covered by ice includes collecting alert data at a first probability of detection using an airborne platform moved about a search area above the ice. An alert area having a likelihood of an oil mass covered by the ice is determined based upon the alert data. Confirmation data is collected at a second probability of detection higher than the first probability of detection using a ground platform moved over the alert area. An oil mass covered by the ice is detected based upon the confirmation data. |
| US09140783B2 |
Radar device
In a radar device, a wide band filter unit suppresses unnecessary components contained in a reception signal subjected to frequency conversion by a frequency conversion unit. The wide band filter unit has frequency characteristics for performing filtering so that isolation between transmitting and receiving becomes a desired level or lower. Although the wide band filter unit has an increased noise power compared to a matched filter, the wide band filter performs the filtering so as not to round a pulse waveform. |
| US09140782B2 |
Inter-vehicle alert system with nagable video look ahead
An apparatus includes a video encoder, a camera and radio frequency modulation circuitry. The radio frequency modulation circuitry is operative to modulate a radar signal to include video data. A radar transmitter is operatively coupled to the radio frequency modulation circuitry, and is operative to transmit a radar signal including the video data. The apparatus may also include radio frequency demodulation circuitry and a video decoder. The video decoder is operative to decode video data contained in a radar signal demodulated by the radio frequency demodulation circuitry. An inter-vehicle alert system controls the camera to initiate capturing video data which includes the video data. A method of operation modulates a radar signal to include at least a portion of the video data captured in response to detecting an obstruction, and transmits the radar signal to a second vehicle via an antenna array oriented at the moving vehicle's rear. |
| US09140780B2 |
Radar sensor having a blindness detection device
A radar sensor having a corresponding evaluation and control device, which has a measuring mode for locating radar targets and a blindness detection device, which is configured to detect blinding of the radar sensor with the aid of the signals received by the radar sensor itself; wherein the evaluation and control device has a test mode, in which the radar sensor is controlled on the basis of parameters that are different from the parameters for the measuring mode and optimized for the blindness detection device, and the evaluation and control device has a switching device for switching over between the measuring mode and the testing mode. |
| US09140776B2 |
Assisted positioning systems
A position determining unit has an assistance data processing and relaying module (software client) (1318) that obtains localized assistance data, such as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) assistance data and/or non-GNSS (such as Wireless Positioning System) assistance data, from an assisting peer position determining unit and relays the localized assistance data to an assisted peer position determining unit. The relaying may be done via an assistance server. In a relaying GNSS position determining unit, such as a GPS receiver, the chip (1310) architecture has multi-frequency GNSS baseband (1311), GSM or UMTS baseband (1312) for long range communication and short range baseband (1313) such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi or UWB. The assistance data generating module (1316) generates localized assistance data at the relaying GNSS unit from the GNSS R.F. front end and/or GNSS baseband and/or microcontroller running the GNSS solutions software portion. The assistance data feed module (1317) supplies assistance data to any combination of the main modules of the GNSS position determining unit. The supplied assistance data may originate in the relaying GNSS unit itself or the assisting GNSS unit. |
| US09140774B2 |
Voice analyzer, voice analysis system, and non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program
A voice analyzer includes a plate-shaped body, a plurality of first voice acquisition units that are placed on both surfaces of the plate-shaped body and that acquire a voice of a speaker, a sound pressure comparison unit that compares sound pressure of a voice acquired by the first voice acquisition unit placed on one surface of the plate-shaped body with sound pressure of a voice acquired by the first voice acquisition unit placed on the other surface and determines a larger sound pressure, and a voice signal selection unit that selects information regarding a voice signal which is associated with the larger sound pressure and is determined by the sound pressure comparison unit. |
| US09140771B2 |
Imaging-based diagnostic apparatus and methods for quantifying cerebral vascular reserve
In one aspect of the disclosure, an MRI-based system includes an MRI scanner having a first axis and a first plane perpendicular to the first axis, a pulse sequence module configured to provide a 3D pulse sequence to the MRI scanner, and a control module configured to instruct the MRI scanner to conduct radial k-space samples having N second planes that each are perpendicular to the first plane and through which the first axis passes, N being an integer greater than 1. The 3D pulse sequence instructs the MRI scanner to a radio-frequency (RF) pulse, conduct a gradient readout in the first plane, and conduct a gradient readout in one of the N second planes. |
| US09140768B2 |
Vibration isolation for superconducting magnets
A mounting plate for locating under a superconducting magnet structure, between the superconducting magnet structure and a supporting surface of a mobile carrier, is controllable between two different states. In a first state, the mount provides rigid attachment and precise location of the superconducting magnet structure onto the supporting surface of the mobile carrier. In a second state, the mount provides vibration isolation between the superconducting magnet and the mobile carrier. |
| US09140765B1 |
Injection locked nonlinear dynamic system
A nonlinear dynamic system comprising: a number N of nonlinear components, wherein each nonlinear component experiences intrinsic oscillation when a coupling parameter λ is tuned past a threshold value, and wherein the nonlinear components are unidirectionally coupled together in a ring configuration; and a signal generator configured to generate N coherent locking signals; wherein each locking signal is phase shifted by 2π/N with respect to the other locking signals; and wherein the signal generator is coupled to the nonlinear components such that each locking signal locks a frequency of the intrinsic oscillation of one of the nonlinear components to a frequency of the locking signal. |
| US09140762B2 |
Mobile electronic device and method for controlling the same
It is possible to provide a mobile electronic device which can accurately judge the service life of a cell even when the cell is replaced. Provided is also a method for controlling the mobile electronic device. A control block (48) includes: a voltage measurement unit (100) which is connected to a charge cell (32) and measures a voltage value of the charge cell (32); and a control unit (101) which performs control to measure a voltage of the charge cell (32) by the voltage measuring unit (100) upon each start and end of charge of the charge cell (32), stores in a storage unit (42), information on a number of charge/discharge times identified by the measured voltage value, and outputs information on the service life of the charge cell (32) according to the information on the number of charge/discharge times from an output unit (equivalent to a display (21) a speaker (45)). |
| US09140761B2 |
Battery pack failure detection device
Each detection unit is configured to compare a voltage output from a battery cell associated therewith a predetermined criterion voltage. A plurality of detection units operate sequentially in response to a start trigger and also sequentially transmit a signal that reflects a result of comparing the voltages to detect whether a battery pack has a low cell voltage fault. A fault monitoring device detects an internal resistance fault when it receives from a transmission circuit a determination signal indicating that the battery pack when electrically discharged has any of its battery cells outputting a voltage decreased to be lower than the criterion voltage and if a current detected has a value smaller in magnitude than a criterion current corresponding to a value of a current obtained by dividing a difference in voltage between an open circuit voltage of the battery cell and the criterion voltage by an upper limit value for internal resistance. |
| US09140760B2 |
Resistance measurement for battery cells
A power supply is disclosed that is configured for installation in a motor vehicle. The power supply comprises an energy source and a system for accurately measuring the internal resistance of the energy source during the operation of the power supply, without a distortion that would normally result from discharge of the energy storage device. |
| US09140758B2 |
Method and device for indicating an electric discharge inside a bearing of an electric drive system
The present invention relates to a method for indicating an electric discharge in a non-conducting medium (22) between a rolling element (20) and a raceway (16, 18) in a bearing (12) of an electric drive system (10). The method comprises: remotely detecting radio frequency signals emitted from the electric drive system, which signals comprise a radio frequency signal associated with an electrical discharge in the non-conducting medium, processing the detected radio frequency signals to estimate the electric discharge, and indicating the estimated electric discharge. The present invention also relates to a corresponding device (30, 50, 70, 90) for indicating an electric discharge in a non-conducting medium between a rolling element and a raceway in a bearing of an electric drive system. |
| US09140755B2 |
Testing apparatus with backdriving protection function
A testing apparatus with a back-drive protection function is disclosed, where the testing apparatus includes a driver and a field programmable gate array (FPGA), where the driver is electrically connected to the FPGA. The FPGA can monitor output current from the driver and perform the back-drive protection function on the driver to protect device-under-test (DUT). |
| US09140753B2 |
Monitoring functional testing of an integrated circuit chip
A method of validating functional testing of system circuitry on an integrated circuit chip, the system circuitry configured to perform a plurality of functions, the integrated circuit chip further comprising debugging circuitry under the control of a debug controller, the debugging circuitry comprising at least one debug unit. The method comprises: at the system circuitry, performing one of the plurality of functions; applying a debug configuration to the at least one debug unit; and at the at least one debug unit, monitoring for a characteristic in the system circuitry's performance of the one of the plurality of functions according to that debug configuration, and reporting to the debug controller. |
| US09140750B2 |
Apparatus comprising a recursive delayer and method for measuring a phase noise
Systems and methods for measuring a phase noise of a test signal. A test system includes a recursive delayer, a combiner and a phase noise determinator. The recursive delayer is configured to provide a recursively delayed signal on the basis of the test signal. The combiner is configured to combine a first signal with a second signal to provide a combiner output signal. The first signal is generated based on the test signal and the second signal is generated based on the recursively delayed signal. The phase noise determinator is used to determine phase noise information based on the combiner output signal. |
| US09140748B2 |
Burn in board, system, and method
Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for facilitating the use of a burn in board comprising integrated circuits. An apparatus may comprise a burn in board and a plurality of integrated circuits connected to the burn in board. Each integrated circuit may be configured to at least connect to a plurality of components to be subjected to a burn in process at room temperature; receive at least one signal for testing the plurality of components during the burn in process; and transmit the at least one signal to each of the plurality of components. Corresponding systems and methods are also provided. |
| US09140741B2 |
Integrated circuit chip and memory device having the same
An integrated circuit chip includes a plurality of test input pads configured to receive a plurality of test input signals, a plurality of single-ended type buffers configured to receive signals input to the plurality of test input pads in a connectivity test mode, a plurality of differential-type buffers configured to receive signals input to the plurality of test input pads in a normal mode, a signal combination unit configured to combine the plurality of test input signals input through the plurality of single-ended type buffers, and to generate a plurality of test output signals, and a plurality of test output pads configured to output the plurality of test output signals in the connectivity test mode. |
| US09140739B2 |
On-chip resistor calibration in semiconductor devices
According to one disclosed embodiment, an on-chip resistor calibration circuit includes an RC oscillator having a test resistor and a precision capacitor as elements, a counter, and a reference clock. In one embodiment, an RC oscillator generates a waveform having a period dependent upon the resistance of the test resistor and the capacitance of the precision capacitor. In such an embodiment, a counter and a reference clock may be configured to measure the period of the waveform. Using a pre-determined capacitance of the precision capacitor, a resistance of the test resistor may be determined. In another embodiment, an RC oscillator generates first and second waveforms through use of an additional capacitor that can be switched in and out of the RC oscillator circuit. Using a pre-determined capacitance of the precision capacitor, an RC product of the test resistor and the additional capacitor may be determined. |
| US09140737B2 |
Capacitive touch sensor
An apparatus including a first layer having a first substrate, first capacitive sensors on the first substrate and first electrical leads on the first substrate; and a second layer having a second substrate, second capacitive sensors on the second substrate and second electrical leads on the second substrate. The first layer is located on top of the second layer. The first capacitive sensors are arranged in a substantially ring-shaped pattern. The second capacitive sensors are arranged in a pattern sized to fit under the first layer within an inside perimeter of the substantially ring-shaped pattern of the first capacitive sensors. The second layer includes electrically conductive material spaced from the second capacitive sensors and the second electrical leads. The electrically conductive material is sized and shaped to be located under the first capacitive sensors and the first electrical leads. |
| US09140735B2 |
Integration of current measurement in wiring structure of an electronic circuit
A method of manufacturing an electronic circuit with an integrally formed capability of providing information indicative of a value of a current flowing in the electronic circuit, wherein the method comprises forming an electrically conductive wiring structure on a substrate, configuring a first section of the wiring structure for contributing to a predefined use function of the electronic circuit, and configuring a second section of the wiring structure for providing information indicative of the value of the current flowing in the electronic circuit upon applying a stimulus signal to the second section, wherein at least a part of the configuring of the first section and the configuring of the second section is performed simultaneously. |
| US09140729B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing estimated power consumption information of content
A method of providing estimated power consumption information when content is used, the method including receiving a command to select one of a plurality of content; receiving first device information indicating information about a first portable device of a first user who is to use the selected content; and providing power consumption information estimated when the first portable device uses the selected content, based on the first device information and a power consumption database generated by pre-measuring power consumption of the plurality of content in a predetermined reference device. |
| US09140717B2 |
Apparatus and method for identifying and analyzing the free flight dynamics of a body
An apparatus for analyzing free flight of a body including an inertial measurement unit having at least one accelerometer continuously measuring three orthogonal axes of acceleration and outputting data representative thereof and a processing unit operably receiving the data and determining three components of an angular velocity of the body during free flight. |
| US09140715B2 |
System and method for controlling thermal cycler modules
Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples. |
| US09140714B2 |
Bio-sensing device
A bio-sensing device includes a first platform, a second platform, at least one first magnetic element, and at least one second magnetic element. The first platform is configured to support a microplate. The microplate has a plurality of wells, each of which stores a reagent and a plurality of microbeads. The second platform is movably placed below the first platform. The first and the second magnetic elements are respectively located on the second platform. The first magnetic element moves along with the second platform to magnetically attract the microbeads in the wells, the second magnetic element moves along with the second platform to demagnetize the microbeads in the wells, and magnetism of the first magnetic element is opposite to magnetism of the second magnetic element. |
| US09140704B2 |
Serum markers associated with early and other stages of breast cancer
Methods for identifying disease-specific markers, in particular breast cancer markers, by electrophoretically separating serum albumin complexes in a biological sample on a membrane are provided. Electrophoretic separation profiles representing different diseases or different cancer stages can be produced, and used in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of these diseases. Methods for identification of a cancer peptide fragment comprising a cancer peptide motif are provided. Also provided are breast cancer and other cancer markers and antibodies that specifically recognize these markers. |
| US09140699B2 |
Analytical measuring and evaluation method for molecular interactions
The invention relates to an analytical measuring and evaluation method for determining the interaction parameters between an analyte and a ligand, preferably in a biosensor. According to the inventive method, the concentration of the analyte is gradually changed at defined intervals ti and the initial association or dissociation rates or association and dissociation rate constants are determined. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out the inventive method. |
| US09140698B2 |
Modulating bacterial MAM polypeptides in pathogenic disease
The disclosure relates to methods and compositions for preventing or inhibiting pathogenic bacterial infections in a subject caused by pathogenic bacteria expressing a multivalent adhesion molecule (MAM) polypeptide by administering to a subject a composition comprising a MAM polypeptide or a non-pathogenic bacterium expressing a MAM polypeptide, or a combination thereof. |
| US09140697B2 |
Device for capturing circulating cells
The present invention provides devices and methods for capturing rare cells. The devices and methods described herein can be used to facilitate the diagnosis and monitoring of metastatic cancers. |
| US09140696B2 |
Anti-adrenomedullin (ADM) antibody or anti-ADM antibody fragment or anti-ADM non-IG scaffold for reducing the risk of mortality in a patient having a chronic or acute disease or acute condition
According to the present invention it has been found that the administration of an anti-ADM antibody or an anti-adrenomedullin antibody fragment or an anti-ADM non-Ig scaffold may reduce considerably the risk of mortality in a patient having a severe chronical or acute disease. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention said anti-ADM antibody or an anti-adrenomedullin antibody fragment or anti-ADM non-Ig scaffold binds to a region of ADM that is located in the N-terminal part (aa 1-21) of adrenomedullin, (see FIG. 2). In another preferred embodiment said anti-ADM antibody or anti-ADM fragment or anti-ADM non-Ig scaffold recognizes and binds to the N-terminal end (aa1) of adrenomedullin. N-terminal end means that the amino acid 1, that is “Y” of SEQ ID No. 21 or 23, is mandatory for antibody binding. The anti-ADM antibody or anti-ADM antibody fragment or anti-ADM non-Ig scaffold would neither bind N-terminal extended nor N-terminal modified Adrenomedullin nor N-terminal degraded Adrenomedullin in said preferred embodiment. |
| US09140691B2 |
Diagnostic blood test using adsorption on filter paper
A diagnostic test and method is provided comprising mixing blood or another biological fluid sample with a test compound and spotting the blood on filter paper for subsequent analysis of the effect of the test compound on the blood. The biological fluid can be a cerebrospinal fluid, a peritoneal fluid, a cyst fluid, an amniotic fluid, a lavage fluid, a saliva, a cell extract or a tissue extract. The compound is chosen among an amino acid, a peptide, a protein, a carbohydrate, an oligosaccharide, a polysaccharide, a glycoprotein, a lipid, a lipoprotein, a glycosaminoglycan, a hormone, a steroid, a vitamin, a low molecular weight synthetic or natural compound which influences the blood to cause an alteration of its composition, e.g., a toxin, allergen, autoantigen, bacterial protein or polysaccharide, viral protein, fungal protein or polysaccharide, parasitic protein or polysaccharide, bacterial lipopolysaccharide or any other compound relevant to diseases. |
| US09140685B2 |
Apparatus and methods for testing apparatus including on-board instructional videos and upload/download data capabilities
A breath testing apparatus is provided with on-board “Instruction Manual” tutorials incorporated in a display device installed in the device. Alternatively, on-board instructional videos can be added to various objects or processes requiring instructions. |
| US09140682B2 |
Controlled tunnel gap device for sequencing polymers
The invention includes compositions, devices, and methods for analyzing a polymer and/or polymer unit. The polymer may be a homo or hetero-polymer such as DNA, RNA, a polysaccharide, or a peptide. The device includes electrodes that form a tunnel gap through which the polymer can pass. The electrodes are functionalized with a reagent attached thereto, and the reagent is capable of forming a transient bond to a polymer unit. When the transient bond forms between the reagent and the unit, a detectable signal is generated and used to analyze the polymer. |
| US09140678B2 |
Integrated circuit arrangement, device and gas detection method
An integrated circuit arrangement (100) is disclosed comprising a substrate (210); and a gas such as a CO2 sensor comprising spatially separated electrodes including at least an excitation electrode (132) and a sensing electrode (142); a volume (120) in contact with said pair of electrodes, said volume including a chemical compound for forming a reaction product with said gas in an acid-base reaction; a signal generator (212) conductively coupled to the excitation electrode and adapted to provide the excitation electrode with a microwave signal; and a signal detector (214) conductively coupled to the sensing electrode and adapted to detect a change in said microwave signal caused by a permittivity change in said volume, said permittivity change being caused by said reaction product. A device comprising such an IC arrangement and a method of sensing the presence of a gas using such an IC arrangement are also disclosed. |
| US09140673B2 |
Method for fabricating composite porosity standards
A method for fabricating composite porosity standards may include the steps of providing a plurality of uncured composite coupons, each uncured composite coupon being formed from a composite material, providing a plurality of curing processes, selecting a curing process for each of the uncured composite coupons, curing each uncured composite coupon in accordance with a selected curing process to form a plurality of cured composite coupons, each cured composite coupon being formed from the composite material and having a percent porosity, measuring the percent porosity of each cured composite coupon, and correlating each measured percent porosity of a plurality of measure percent porosities to a corresponding cured composite coupon of the plurality of cured composite coupons to form a plurality of porosity standards. |
| US09140669B2 |
Mapping density and temperature of a chip, in situ
A method and system to map density and temperature of a chip, in situ, is disclosed. The method includes measuring a propagation time that a mechanical propagation wave travels along at least one predefined path in a substrate. The method further includes calculating an average substrate density and temperature along the at least one predefined path as a function of the propagation time and distance. The method further includes determining a defect or unauthorized modification in the substrate based on the average substrate density being different than a baseline substrate density. |
| US09140666B2 |
Capillary electrophoresis system
The invention is an improved multiplex capillary electrophoresis instrument or module with at least four and preferably six user-accessible vertically stacked drawers. An x-z stage moves samples from the user accessible drawers to the capillary array for analysis. A computer program allows users to add capillary electrophoresis jobs to a queue corresponding to the analysis of rows or plates of samples without stopping or interrupting runs in progress. |
| US09140661B2 |
Electrode configuration for LiMCA
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for reducing electromagnetic noise pick up in a Liquid Metal Cleanliness Analyzer (LiMCA), used to detect and measure particles in molten metal. A first electrode inserted in the molten metal is electrically insulated from second and third electrodes, also inserted in the molten metal. Molten metal and particles pass between the first electrode and the second and third electrodes through a passage in the electrical insulation. The second and third electrodes have a configuration with respect to the first electrode sufficient to establish symmetrical current loops between the first electrode and the second and third electrodes when a current is supplied to the second and third electrodes. The current is supplied from an ultra-capacitor. Electromagnetic noise in the symmetrical current loops is detected and is added in opposition to reduce the amplitude of the electromagnetic noise. |
| US09140660B2 |
High pressure reference electrode and a method to eliminate the formation of gas bubbles in vertical or sloped liquid-filled tubes
A method for preventing the formation of gas bubbles inside a high pressure reference electrode in the electrolyte-filled section, and thus eliminating the gas bobble effect on the electrical continuity, was disclosed. One or more thin solid rods or tubes are inserted into the internal electrolyte-housing tube and the thin rods or tubes alter the surface tension of the gas bubbles so that the bubbles are unstable in the middle of the liquid electrolyte. Compared with the fiber wicks or porous powder used by previous researchers to ensure the electrical continuity, the thin tubes or rods are easy to handle and easy to clean. This method may also be used in other systems that contain a liquid-filled vertical or sloped tube (e.g., a pH electrode) to prevent the formation of gas bubbles in the liquid-filled section of the tube. |
| US09140659B2 |
Gas sensor and method for determining a concentration of gas in a two-component mixture
The described sensor allows determination of the concentration of a gas in a two-component mixture at variable pressure by measuring the diffusivity and the thermal conductivity. The sensor is provided to alternately heat the membrane (12) of a thermally conductive cell (1) and allow it to cool such that the temperature TM of the membrane passes from a first stable value to a second stable value and vice versa via a transient mode. The cell produces a signal representative of the temperature TM of the membrane and the sensor extracts from the signal a first and a second parameter that respectively relate to said first stable value and said transient mode of the signal. A value of the concentration of said gas and of the pressure of said two-mixture is calculated from these two parameters. |
| US09140652B2 |
Light measurement method and measurement apparatus using an optical field enhancement device
Performing a measurement using an optical field enhancement device which includes a transparent substrate having a transparent fine uneven structure on a surface and a metal film formed on a surface of the fine uneven structure on the surface of the substrate, in which a subject is placed on the metal film of the optical field enhancement device, then excitation light is projected onto an area of the optical field enhancement device on which the subject is placed, and light generated by the projection of the excitation light is detected from a back surface side of the transparent substrate. |
| US09140651B2 |
Determining percent solids in suspension using raman spectroscopy
Methods and apparatus are provided for determining weight percent of solids in a suspension using Raman spectroscopy. The methods can be utilized to acquire Raman spectral data from the suspension and to determine weight percent of solids in a process being carried out, for example, in a vessel, without the need to remove samples for analysis. The weight percent of the solids can be determined with a desired accuracy in a relatively short time, typically 10 minutes or less. The acquired Raman spectral data may be processed by chemometric software using, for example, a Partial Least Squares algorithm and data pretreatment to provide a predicted value of weight percent solids. In some embodiments, the invention is used to determine the weight percent of microparticles of a diketopiperazine in an aqueous solution. |
| US09140648B2 |
Fluorometer with multiple detection channels
An optical sensor may have multiple detection channels to detect different characteristics of a fluid. For example, an optical sensor used in industrial cleaning and sanitizing applications may have multiple detection channels to detect when a system is both clean and properly sanitized. In one example, an optical sensor includes an optical emitter that directs light into a fluid, a first optical detector that detects light transmitted through the fluid, a second optical detector that detects light scattered by the fluid, and a third optical detector that detects fluorescent emissions emitted by the fluid. The optical emitter and optical detectors can be positioned around an optical analysis area. Depending on the application, the optical emitter may be positioned to direct light adjacent a wall of the optical analysis area rather than at a center of the optical analysis area, which may increase the strength of signal on the detection channels. |
| US09140646B2 |
Smoke detector with external sampling volume using two different wavelengths and ambient light detection for measurement correction
In accordance with certain embodiments, a smoke detector determines the presence of smoke particles outside its housing based on measurements of light detected at different wavelengths and corrected based on an ambient light level. |
| US09140645B2 |
Device and method for multiparametric measurements of microparticles in a fluid
The invention relates to an electro-optical device for measurements of flow for the characterization of microparticles, comprising a measurement chamber (CUM) in which there circulates the flow of the fluid to be characterized, at least two luminous sources (S1,S2) of disjoint spectra, a device for measuring resistivity (RES), and at least three other detectors (D1,D2,D3) each allowing the measurement of an optical parameter, the optical parameters being chosen from among fluorescence (FL), extinction (EXT), wide angle diffraction (SSC) and small angle diffraction (FSC). |
| US09140643B2 |
System and method for interrogation of target material in situ
A system for remotely sensing a target material in situ include a broad-band laser source, at least one tunable filter coupled to the source laser for generating a swept-frequency signal an optical device for splitting the swept-frequency signal into a first illumination signal and second illumination signal, a first optical path for directing the first illumination signal unto the target material and receiving a reflected signal from the target material, a second optical path for receiving the second illumination signal and generating a spectral reference signal, and a controller coupled to the first optical path and the second optical path for adjusting the frequency and spatial resolution of the laser source based at least in part on a comparison of the spectral reference signal and the reflected signal. |
| US09140641B2 |
Fluid analysis method and fluid analysis system
A fluid analysis method is provided. A gradient distribution of a first scalar property of a calibration fluid in a space is obtained. A calibration schlieren image of the calibration fluid is acquired and processed to obtain an intensity distribution of the calibration schlieren image. The gradient distribution of the first scalar property of the calibration fluid in the space is mapped to the intensity distribution of the calibration schlieren image, so as to obtain a corresponding relation between the gradients of the first scalar property and the intensities. A test schlieren image of a test fluid is acquired and processed to obtain intensity distribution of the test schlieren image. The intensity distribution of the test schlieren image is converted to the gradient distribution of the first scalar property of the test fluid according to the corresponding relation. Moreover, a fluid analysis system is also provided. |
| US09140640B2 |
Method for identifying layers providing corrosion protection in crude oil fractions
A method for determining and identifying corrosion protective layers that provide corrosion protection against crude oils and crude oil fractions is disclosed. The method identifies naturally occurring constituents in crude oils that indirectly provide corrosion protection. A method assessing the potential of these constituents is also disclosed. The method includes exposing metal coupons with the crude oil or crude fraction of interest at the expected operating temperature of concern. The corrosion potential assessment further analyzes the exposed coupons with transmission electron microscopy and an additional high temperature exposure that challenges the tenacity of the protection offered by the corrosion protective layer. |
| US09140637B2 |
Method and apparatus for simulating head impacts for helmet testing
An apparatus is disclosed that includes a frame, an impact delivery unit for delivering an impact force and at least one head form. The head form is adapted to be mounted to the frame such that the impact delivery unit can deliver an impact force to a designated location on the head form. The head form is configured to have a helmet installed thereon. The head form is selectively rotatable about each of a plurality of different axes of rotation, wherein movement of the head form is constrained to be able to move only in rotation and in rotation about only one axis of rotation of the plurality of axes at any time. A measuring system provides an indicator of the rotational acceleration of the head form when rotated about each of the plurality of axes. Also disclosed are methods for comparing the degree of protection afforded by first and second helmets. |
| US09140636B2 |
Briquette inspection device and briquette inspection method for measuring weight, volume, and crush strength
A briquette inspection device and a briquette inspection method are capable of measuring at least a volume and a crush strength of an identical briquette sample. The briquette inspection device 10 is provided with: a volume measuring unit 2 for measuring the volume of the briquette sample B by laser scanning; and a crush strength measuring unit 3 for measuring the crush strength of the briquette sample B by pressing down and crushing the briquette sample B after the volume measuring unit measures the volume of the briquette sample. |
| US09140634B1 |
Heating and magnet module for a device for the purification of nucleic acids
A heating and magnet module for a device for the purpose of purifying nucleic acids, having a plate assembly which has a heating plate, and a magnet carrier plate. The heating plate and the magnet carrier plate can be moved vertically relative to each other between two end positions, in opposition to a spring force. A vessel arrangement is placed on the heating plate, having row or matrix form vessels. One magnet of the magnet carrier plate is functionally assigned to each of these. |
| US09140631B2 |
Method of measuring characteristics of critical orifice type constant flow rate instrument for use in multistage dilution mechanism
A method of measuring characteristics of a critical orifice type constant flow rate instrument is applied to a dilution mechanism including dilution units in series. Diluent gas of one dilution unit and diluent gas of the other dilution unit are kept flowing in a derivation flow passage for deriving redundant gas of the corresponding one dilution unit in a manner that the total flow rate thereof is equal to a prescribed constant flow rate and that the flow rate of the diluent gas from the corresponding dilution unit is equal to the flow rate in use. The flow rate characteristics of the critical orifice type constant flow rate instrument are measured based on at least an upstream side pressure of the critical orifice type constant flow rate instrument provided in the derivation flow passage at this time. |
| US09140627B2 |
Cooling fan assisted engine-off natural vacuum test
A method for a vehicle fuel system, comprising: during an engine-off condition, including an ambient temperature within a threshold range, operating a cooling fan to increase a fuel tank vacuum; and indicating leaks in the vehicle fuel system based on the increased vacuum. In this way, an EONV test may be run at mild ambient temperatures which would not otherwise result in the development of adequate fuel tank vacuum to pass the EONV test. |
| US09140625B2 |
Method and device for operating a sensor for determining exhaust gas components, in particular for a motor vehicle
A method and a device for operating a sensor is provided in an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine for determining the emissions contained in an exhaust gas flow, in particular, of nitrogen oxides, ammonia, oxygen and/or unburnt carbon, with the exhaust gas flow acting on the sensor during measurement phases. Between the measurement phases, the sensor is at least largely kept free from the exhaust gas flow, wherein the duration and/or the frequency of the measurement phases can be set as a function of operating parameters of the internal combustion engine and/or of the exhaust gas regulation system. A measurement space which surrounds the sensor is exposed to a pressurized flushing gas immediately after a measurement phase, as a result of which the exhaust gas present in the measurement space is displaced out of the measurement space into the exhaust gas flow. |
| US09140619B2 |
Piezoelectric vacuum gauge and measuring method thereof
A piezoelectric vacuum gauge includes an actuator with a flexible portion, an actuating unit, a sensor unit, a signal input terminal and a signal output terminal, and a fixture unit having a base portion and a cover portion. An external signal is generated by a signal generator. Receive and transmit an external signal to an actuating unit by the signal input terminal so that the actuating unit has a vibration. Prompt a flexible portion by the actuating unit to produce a first resonant motion when the actuating unit having the vibration. The first resonant motion converts into a second resonant motion because the flexible portion is subject to a damping force of ambient air. Prompt a sensor unit by the second resonant motion to cause a shape transformation of the sensor unit to generate a detecting signal. Output the detecting signal to an external instrument by a signal output terminal of sensor unit to calculate a vacuum pressure value. |
| US09140615B2 |
Method and system for measuring pore-fluid pressure
A method for measuring pore pressure is provided using a rigid piezometer that does not need a filter and can be used to measure pore-water pressures in partially frozen soils. This method also can be used to measure pore pressure in a porous media when the hydraulic conductivity of the porous media is low or there is limited amount of pore-fluid available to transfer the pressures. A piezometer is also provided, including: a tube for hydraulic fluid; first and second valves to control fluid flow in the tube and into a porous medium; and a fitting wherein a pressure sensor is positioned to measure fluid pressure in the hydraulic fluid in the tube and a hydraulic fluid droplet ejected from an end of the tube into the porous medium; and an interface of the hydraulic fluid with the pore-fluid within the porous medium, using the droplet placed into the porous medium. The tube (or part of the tube), valves, fittings, and pressure sensor may be enclosed in a housing. |
| US09140614B2 |
Conductive cloth sensor
A force sensor is disclosed herein. The force sensor includes first and second layers formed from electrically conductive material. The force sensor also includes a third layer formed from an electrically insulative material disposed between the first and second layers. The third layer is a mesh defining a distribution of plurality of spaced openings. It is also disclosed herein that the force sensor can be incorporated in an auscultation training system. The auscultation training system can also include an auscultation device operable to be pressed against the force sensor whereby the force sensor emits a signal in response to being pressed. The auscultation training system can also include a controller communicating with the force sensor and operable to receive the signal. The auscultation training system can also include a database of sound files wherein the controller is operable to select one of the sound files in response to the signal. |
| US09140613B2 |
Superheat sensor
A superheat sensor includes a housing, a pressure sensor mounted within the housing, a temperature sensor that is integrated to the pressure sensor, and/or is external to the pressure sensor, a fluid passageway connecting the pressure sensor to a source of superheat fluid, and a processor. |
| US09140610B2 |
Pyroelectric detector and method for manufacturing same, pyroelectric detection device, and electronic instrument
A pyroelectric detector includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a pyroelectric body that is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a first gas barrier layer that covers the pyroelectric body. The first electrode includes a first layer and a second layer. The second layer is disposed between the first layer and the pyroelectric body, and the first layer is a second gas barrier layer. |
| US09140607B2 |
Observer metameric failure reduction method
A method for color correcting an input color image having input color values adapted for display on a reference display device having a plurality of input color primaries to account to provide reduced observer metemaric failure on a narrow-band display device. A metamerism correction transform is applied to the input color image to determine an output color image having output color values in an output color space appropriate for display on the narrow-band display device. The metamerism correction transform modifies colorimetry associated with the input colors to provide output color values such that an average observer metameric failure is reduced for a distribution of target observers, and is formed responsive to a distribution of perceived color differences for a set of input colors that are determined for a set of target observers. |
| US09140603B2 |
Photoelectric conversion element, and photoelectric conversion apparatus and image sensing system
A member for light path to a photoelectric conversion portion includes a middle portion, and a peripheral portion having a refractive index different from the refractive index of the middle portion, and within some plane in parallel with the light receiving surface of a photoelectric conversion portion, and within other plane closer to the light receiving surface than the some plane in parallel with the light receiving surface, the peripheral portion is continuous with the middle portion and surrounds the middle portion, and also the refractive index of the peripheral portion is higher than the refractive index of an insulator film, and the thickness of the peripheral portion within the other plane is smaller than the thickness of the peripheral portion within the some plane. |
| US09140598B2 |
Mass measurement device
A mass measurement device measures the mass of an article, even when the article is being moved. A mass measurement device includes a robot hand, a robot arm, a force sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a control unit. The robot hand holds an article (Q). The robot arm moves the robot hand. The force sensor is provided between the robot hand and the robot arm and measures force acting on the article (Q) during movement. The acceleration sensor measures acceleration acting on the article (Q) during the movement. The control unit runs and controls the robot hand and the robot arm, and calculates the mass of the article (Q) on the basis of the force and acceleration acting on the article (Q) during the movement. |
| US09140596B2 |
Method and device for detecting abnormal state of medical container
A method for detecting abnormal state of medical container contains steps of: enabling a weight detecting unit to detect weight of a medical container which is coupled with a patient to acquire content change data; enabling an inclination detecting unit to detect inclination state of the medical container to acquire inclination data; receiving the content change data and the inclination data by a controlling unit; and comparing the content change data and the inclination data with preset content data and initial inclination data respectively, such that when the content change data is different from the preset content data, a warning unit is started by the controlling unit; or when the inclination data is different from the initial inclination data, the warning unit is started by the controlling unit. In addition, a device for detecting abnormal state of the medical container matches is used to execute above-mentioned steps. |
| US09140591B2 |
Fluid flow sensor for use in a hydration monitoring system
A hydration monitoring device and system for recording and controlling an individual's hydration includes an improved fluid flow sensor configured to measure a quantity of fluid transferring from a reservoir to a user in a first fluid flow direction only. |
| US09140584B2 |
Passive, reversible deformation sensor
The present invention relates to the field of microsensors, and particularly to a passive and reversible deformation sensor, specifically cycles of deformations in a direction OX of a structure, specifically during cycles of temperatures or mechanical stresses to which the structure is subjected, this sensor including elements (4, 5, 6) for detecting and, preferably, counting cycles of variations in the distance between two points or areas of a structure, these elements including a support having first and second portions (41, 44) attachable to, respectively, either of the two points or areas of the structure, wherein the detecting elements are associated with each of the first and second portions of the support, sensor characterized by in that the detecting elements include elements (541, 542, 543, 551, 552, 553, 561, 562, 563) for distinguishing between at least two different thresholds of cycles of variations in distance. |
| US09140582B2 |
Optical sensor and method of use
An interferometer apparatus for an optical fiber system and method of use is described. The interferometer comprises an optical coupler and optical fibers which define first and second optical paths. Light propagating in the first and second optical paths is reflected back to the optical coupler to generate an interference signal. First, second and third interference signal components are directed towards respective first, second and third photodetectors. The third photodetector is connected to the coupler via a non-reciprocal optical device and is configured to measure the intensity of the third interference signal component directed back towards the input fiber. Methods of use in applications to monitoring acoustic perturbations and a calibration method are described. |
| US09140577B2 |
Utility device interface
A meter interface unit (MIU) is provided for a utility meter that uses RFID technology as both a source of backup power and as a means of transmitting utility usage data. Usage data is stored in non-volatile memory that will persist even if the main power source of the MIU is lost. Because an RFID generates electric current when it receives an electromagnetic signal from an interrogator, the RFID can provide power to the memory, read the usage data from the memory, and wirelessly transmit the usage data back to the interrogator without any other source of power. This can prevent data loss when the MIU runs out of power; for example, when its battery is expended. RFID technology can also provide many other benefits and uses when coupled with an MIU, in addition to serving as backup power and communication. |
| US09140575B2 |
Navigating to a selected location
The disclosed subject matter relates to computer-implemented methods for navigating to a selected location. One method includes receiving from a client device, which includes a graphical user interface, a search query for locations. The method includes performing a search using the search query to obtain one or more locations corresponding to the search query. The method includes sending to the client device, for display on the graphical user interface, the one or more locations corresponding to the search query. The method includes receiving from the client device, an indication of a selected location which corresponds to one of the location or locations corresponding to the search query. The method includes calculating navigation instructions for the secondary device to navigate to the selected location. The method includes sending to the client device, the navigation instructions for the secondary device, and a request to forward the navigation instructions to the secondary device. |
| US09140574B2 |
Map display apparatus using direction/distance mark
A direction/distance mark is displayed on a map, wherein the direction/distance mark shows a direction line indicating a direction, with a reference point of a map screen being located in a center, a plurality of equidistant circles with the reference point being located in the center, and a distance from the reference point indicated by each equidistant circle. An instructed point on the screen that is touched by a user is detected as a point indicating a direction on the direction/distance mark and a distance from the reference point, and a map including the point is displayed. Accordingly, with one-touch, the currently displayed map can be scrolled to a desired map. Using the same direction/distance mark, it is also possible to display an equidistant range specifying map, a configured range specifying map, and a POI display map. |
| US09140572B2 |
Methods for controlling a navigation system
Methods for inputting a destination in a navigation system by manually controlling an actuating device are provided. In an example method, at least the following menu items can be selected when the actuating device is actuated using a first motion type: a CHARACTER menu item provides a list of characters when selected, and a DIGIT menu item that provides a list of digits when selected. The first motion type may be used to actuate the actuating device to select one of the other non-selected menu items. |
| US09140570B1 |
Time-inclusive route and trip planning
Timing information and deeper trip planning can enhance conventional mapping functionality. A user provides a specified time of arrival and/or departure information along with a starting and end point, and receives a travel route with estimated arrival and departure times based on time-specific information, such as traffic or construction at specific times of day. The user can choose or be prompted to add one or more waypoints along the way. The user can get recommendations for hotels, restaurants, points of interest, and other such locations based on location, time of day, travel time, or other such aspects. Upon selecting a waypoint, the amount of time the user will be at that waypoint and the additional driving time are used to adjust one or more other times of the trip, such as the starting or departure times, or times of other waypoints. |
| US09140569B2 |
Location based system with contextual contact manager mechanism and method of operation thereof
A method of operation of a location based system includes: detecting an event; establishing an event context time associated with the event; establishing a geofence associated with the event; and identifying an event participant, associated with the event, with the event participant within the geofence during the event context time for displaying on a device. |
| US09140566B1 |
Passive crowd-sourced map updates and alternative route recommendations
Systems and methods for providing passive crowd-sourced alternate route recommendations are disclosed. In one embodiment, locations of users of a number of mobile location-aware devices are tracked over time. Upon receiving a request, users of mobile location-aware devices that have traveled from a desired start location to a desired stop location are identified. At least one of the different routes taken by one or more users from the desired start location to the desired stop location is provided to the requestor as at least one recommended alternate route. |
| US09140562B2 |
System and method for transferring vehicle operating data to an external navigation system
A vehicle information system is provided that includes an interface module configured to receive operating data from a vehicle information system. The interface module is also configured to transfer the operating data to a navigation system that is not built-in to the vehicle to facilitate vehicle position determination without using external positioning signals received or processed by the vehicle. |
| US09140559B2 |
Routing graphs for buildings using schematics
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems, methods, etc. for creating a routing graph based at least partly on building information, which may include relatively low-detail schematics. For certain example implementations, a method may include obtaining building information descriptive of at least a portion of a building structure and superimposing a grid of points onto the building information. The building information may be analyzed using the superimposed grid of points by projecting multiple rays from multiple points of the superimposed grid of points. At least one routing graph may be created responsive to the analyzing and based at least in part on the superimposed grid of points and the building information. Other example implementations are described herein. |
| US09140558B2 |
Navigation system initialization with inertial data compensation
An example embodiment includes a method for initializing a navigation system. The method includes receiving inertial measurement data from an inertial measurement unit over time and storing the inertial measurement data in a buffer with an indication of a time of validity for the inertial measurement data. The method also includes receiving navigation data from an aiding source, the navigation data having a time of validity, and initializing a navigation solution with the navigation data. The method also includes summing inertial measurement data from the buffer to produce an inertial motion estimate for a time increment after the time of validity of the navigation data, applying at least one of coning or sculling compensation to the inertial motion estimate to produce a compensated inertial motion estimate, and propagating the navigation solution forward based on the compensated inertial motion estimate. |
| US09140557B2 |
System and method for tracking and locating a person, animal, or machine
A system and method for estimating the position of an object, such as a person, animal, or machine. The system includes first and second inertial measurement units, a first and second originator antennas, and a first and second transponder antennas. The system uses data from the inertial measurement units to estimate a position of the object. The system also calculates a range measurement between the first originator antenna and first transponder antenna. The system calculates a first CPD measurement between the second transponder antenna and the first originator antenna, and a second CPD measurement between the second originator antenna and the first transponder antenna. The range measurement and at least one CPD measurement are used to update a Kalman filter for estimating the position of the object. The system determines also updates the Kalman filter when one of the inertial measurement units is in a zero-velocity condition. |
| US09140551B2 |
Fiber optic gyroscope dead band error suppression
Embodiments described herein provide a method of modulating an input light beam of a fiber optic coil of an IFOG. The method includes intermittently jumping the phase step of a feedback signal to suppress dead band. Jumping the phase step includes: creating a jumped phase step during a first cycle of the IFOG, the jumped phase step having a whole value configured to cause a phase jump in the feedback signal and a fractional value corresponding to the fractional value from a phase step of a cycle immediately preceding the first cycle. Jumping the phase step also includes generating the feedback signal from a sum of the bias modulation value and the jumped phase step. |
| US09140545B2 |
Object inspection system
Early techniques for object inspection relied on human inspectors to visually examine objects for defects. However, automated object inspection techniques were subsequently developed due to the labor intensive and subjective nature of human operated inspections. Additionally, object characteristics such as object power and object thickness need to be determined after the objects have been examined for defects. Conventionally, corresponding inspection stations are along the manufacturing lines for determining each of the object characteristics. However, the need for human intervention and time spent to move the objects from one inspection station to another adversely affect the efficiency of the object manufacturing process. An embodiment of the invention disclosed describes a high-resolution object inspection system for performing object inspection. |
| US09140541B2 |
Image measuring apparatus and image measuring method
Disclosed is an image measuring apparatus including an image capture unit which captures an image of a measurement subject, an import unit which imports the image of the measurement subject which is captured by the image capture unit, a binarization unit which binarizes the image which is imported by the import unit, a contour detection unit which recognizes graphic information in the image which is binarized by the binarization unit and detects a contour of the graphic information, a corner detection unit which detects corners of the graphic information based on the contour which is detected by the contour detection unit, a setting unit which respectively sets edge detection tools on lines of the contour including the corners detected by the corner detection unit and a measurement unit which measures the graphic information by the edge detection tools which are set by the setting unit. |
| US09140536B2 |
Circuits and methods using a first cycle of a signal to generate a threshold signal used for comparing to a second later cycle of the signal
A circuit to detect a movement of an object provides a threshold selection module that uses one or more threshold signals identified during a first cycle of a proximity signal prior to a second different cycle of the magnetic field signal in order to establish a threshold signal used to compare with the second cycle of the magnetic field signal. A method associated with the circuit is also described. |
| US09140533B2 |
Measuring device for a pipe-cutting machine
The invention relates to a measuring device for precisely determining the length of at least one longitudinal profile between two measuring arms opposite of one another, with said two measuring arms opposite of one another and a measuring stamp, which can be moved in one of the measuring arms by means of a linear guide. The longitudinal profile can be positioned such that one end abuts against the measuring stamp. The linear guide comprises a guide channel extending in a guiding direction and a guide element having an outer wall, which guide element can be moved back and forth in the guide channel along the guiding direction. The guide element comprises a first guide length and a first guide width and forms a first width/length ratio. On the outer wall, in a cross-section that is vertical to the guiding direction, indentations and/or protrusions are provided circumferentially in the guide section direction, each having an additional guide length, an additional guide width and an additional width/length ratio, wherein the additional width/length ratios are smaller than the first width/length ratio. |
| US09140531B2 |
Detecting gauge with high accuracy
A detecting gauge with high accuracy mainly comprises a machine table, a detecting set, a clamping apparatus, a detecting apparatus, and a sliding apparatus. Particularly, the sliding apparatus includes a sliding rail disposed on a machine table and a sliding base slidably disposed on said sliding rail. A sliding groove is disposed on both sides of the sliding rail, an embedding portion is formed on the sliding base for matching the sliding groove, and a plurality of rollers are embedded on a surface of said embedding portion which is in contact with said sliding groove. By matching the embedding portion with the sliding groove, the sliding base can be slid and moved precisely and smoothly on the sliding rail, and a target to be detected can be stably held by the clamping apparatus, whereby the detecting apparatus can obtain the measurement with high accuracy. |
| US09140530B2 |
Method and device for inspecting a threading of a tubular connection used in the oil industry
A device, and a method of using the device, for inspecting a threading of a tubular component for exploration or working of hydrocarbon wells, the device including a threaded support that can cooperate by makeup with the threading of the tubular component, a mechanism blocking advance of the threaded support during makeup with the threading of the tubular component, a longitudinal rail fixed to the blocking mechanism and extending in a direction belonging to a plane passing through the axis of the threading of the treaded support, a mechanism inspecting treading of the tubular component, and a mechanism for longitudinal guidance to guide inspecting mechanism along the longitudinal rail. |
| US09140528B1 |
Covert taggant dispersing grenade
A covert taggant dispersing grenade includes: a shell, the covert taggant disposed in the shell; a dispersal apparatus operably associated with the covert taggant to disperse the covert taggant; and a propulsion section operably associated with the shell for propelling the shell through an atmosphere. A method for dispersing a taggant includes: launching a grenade containing a taggant over a target, the taggant being invisible in the spectrum of the human eye; and covertly dispensing the taggant over the target. |
| US09140521B2 |
D-scope aiming device
An improved electronic aiming device for use with a weapon or other manually aimed device. Means are provided to vary the field of view, determine range to target, compensate for bullet drop, and to compensate for crosswind, without removing either hand from the weapon, by monitoring the tilt of the weapon upon which the device is mounted. |
| US09140520B2 |
Firearm and chassis system
A chassis system and firearm including a chassis having a forward end terminating in a barrel support member, a rearward end, and a cavity defined by the chassis intermediate the forward end and the rearward end. A receiver with attached barrel is received in the cavity, and the barrel is received in the barrel support member. A handguard including a rearward end having a split therein and movable between a normally expanded configuration and a contracted configuration is carried over and encircling the barrel. The rearward end is slidably received over the barrel support member in the expanded configuration and securely engaged to the barrel support member in the contracted configuration. |
| US09140515B2 |
Compound bow having improved vibration-damping performance
A compound bow has an improved vibration damping function. The compound bow includes a bow main body including a handle and a pair of limbs; upper and lower pulley assemblies each including a pulley and a cam; a bowstring; first and second cam cables that are wound around the cam of each of the upper and lower pulley assemblies as the bowstring is pulled; a bowstring support bar whose one end is coupled to the handle and whose other end is coupled to a cushioning member that contacts the bowstring; and a first cam cable anti-vibration bar including a coupling bar coupled to the handle, and an anti-vibration member that is coupled to the rear end of the coupling bar and whose rear surface contacts one of the first and second cam cables when the bowstring is released to thus return to an original position. |
| US09140513B2 |
Compact compound bow
Embodiments include a compact compound bow. In various embodiments, the compact compound bow includes a first riser plate and a second riser plate. The bow can further include a first limb and a second limb, the first limb and second limb can be coupled to the first riser plate and the second riser plate. The bow can further include a re-locatable handle configured to be coupled to at least one of the first riser plate or the second riser plate in a first position and coupled to at least one of the first riser plate or the second riser plate in a second position. The re-locatable handle can be rotated 180 degrees from the first position to the second position. Other embodiments are also included herein. |
| US09140510B1 |
Rotary disconnector
A pistol has a disconnector for disconnecting a trigger bar from a sear to allow the sear to reset and engage and hold a hammer in a cocked position. Motion of a slide causes rotation of the disconnector through interaction between a cam surface on the slide and a cam follower on the disconnector. A contact surface on the disconnector engages the trigger bar upon rotation of the disconnector and moves the trigger bar out of engagement with the sear. A biasing spring resets the sear into engagement with the hammer which is rotated into the cocked position by motion of the slide. |
| US09140508B2 |
Locking front sight for a firearm and firearm with locking front sight
A front sight for a weapon, the front sight having: a mounting block; a tower pivotally mounted to the mounting block for movement between a first position and a second position; a first locking mechanism comprising a plurality of spring biased members for retaining the tower in the first position and the second position, the plurality of spring biased members being configured to allow movement of the tower between the first position and the second position in response to a force applied to the tower; and a second locking mechanism configured to lock the tower in the second position, wherein the second locking mechanism must be manually released before the tower can be moved from the second position to the first position. |
| US09140505B2 |
Slide bearing component for pistol with light alloy body structure
This invention relates to countering of the weight caused by high temperature and pressure that arise during the firing of the pistol by this component, instead of the aluminum alloy body; by inserting, into the pistol with light alloy body structure, a bearing component that is all-steel, independent of the body of the pistol, and that can be assembled and disassembled when necessary; elimination of deformations of the aluminum alloy body caused by the high temperature and high pressure; and lengthening the working life of the pistol by increasing the rate of fire. |
| US09140503B2 |
Energy measurement system for fluid systems
A primary fluid flow loop and a secondary fluid flow loop fluidly coupled to the primary fluid flow loop. The secondary fluid flow loop exchanges heat with at least one of a heat source and a heat load. The secondary fluid flow loop includes an inlet and an outlet fluidly coupling the primary fluid flow loop to the secondary fluid flow loop. A fluid flow meter coupled to the primary fluid flow loop. A first temperature sensor coupled to the primary fluid flow loop, the first temperature sensor measures the temperature of a fluid flowing in the primary fluid flow loop upstream of the inlet of the secondary fluid flow loop. A second temperature sensor coupled to the primary fluid flow loop, the second temperature sensor measures the temperature of the fluid flowing in the primary fluid flow loop downstream of the outlet of the secondary fluid flow loop. |
| US09140501B2 |
Battery module having a rubber cooling manifold
A battery module is provided. The battery module includes a plurality of battery cell assemblies having a plurality of heat exchangers therein. The battery module includes a first rubber cooling manifold configured to route a fluid into the plurality of heat exchangers. The first rubber cooling manifold has a first tubular member, a first inlet port, a first plurality of outlet ports, and first and second end caps. The first end cap is coupled to a first end of the first tubular member. The second end cap is coupled to a second end of the first tubular member. The first inlet port is disposed on a top portion of the first tubular member for routing the fluid into the first tubular member. The first plurality of outlet ports is disposed collinearly and longitudinally along an outer surface of the first tubular member and spaced apart from one another. The first plurality of outlet ports extend outwardly from the outer surface of the first tubular member. The first plurality of outlet ports route the fluid from the first tubular member into the plurality of heat exchangers for cooling the plurality of battery cell assemblies. |
| US09140495B2 |
Rotary biomass dryer
A biomass drying system includes a rotary biomass dryer that includes a helically threaded auger shaft rotatably driven by a prime mover, such as an electric motor. No external source of heat is required to dry a wet biomass material that is supplied to an input of the biomass dryer. Instead, the helical threads on the shaft have a variable width, designed to gradually increase the compression applied as the biomass material is advanced through a generally cylindrical bore in the biomass dryer. A variable compression nozzle is disposed at a distal end of the bore and can be adjusted to achieve a desired level of a parameter such as the moisture content of the dried biomass material produced by the system. The variable compression nozzle, which can be automatically controlled, includes longitudinally extending segments that are forced radially inwardly to increase the compression force applied to the biomass material. |
| US09140490B2 |
Natural gas liquefaction processes with feed gas refrigerant cooling loops
The described invention relates to processes and systems for treating a gas stream, particularly one rich in methane for forming liquefied natural gas (LNG), the process including: (a) providing a gas stream; (b) providing a refrigerant; (c) compressing the refrigerant to provide a compressed refrigerant; (d) cooling the compressed refrigerant by indirect heat exchange with a cooling fluid; (e) expanding the refrigerant of (d) to cool the refrigerant, thereby producing an expanded, cooled refrigerant; (f) passing the expanded, cooled refrigerant to a first heat exchange area; (g) compressing the gas stream of (a) to a pressure of from greater than or equal to 1,000 psia to less than or equal to 4,500 psia; (h) cooling the compressed gas stream by indirect heat exchange with an external cooling fluid; and heat exchanging the compressed gas stream with the expanded, cooled refrigerant stream. |
| US09140489B2 |
Power savings apparatus for transport refrigeration system, transport refrigeration unit, and methods for same
Embodiments of systems, apparatus, and/or methods can control conditions such as temperature within a container of a transport refrigeration system. Embodiments can include a controller for controlling the transport refrigeration system to reduce power consumption. Embodiments of systems, apparatus, and/or methods for operating the same can control cycling of a transport refrigeration unit to conserve power where a subsequent cycle time in a power savings mode is based on at least one previous cycle time. In addition, components can be enabled based on monitored conditions to reduce power consumption. |
| US09140486B2 |
Device for displaying the temperature of a refrigerator
A device for displaying the temperature of a refrigerator, having at least one temperature sensor (7) situated in the cooled interior (2) of the refrigerator (1), and having a temperature display for displaying the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (7), characterized in that the temperature display is formed by at least one refrigerator light (10) which has various colors, and which displays a different color depending on the measured temperature. |
| US09140485B2 |
Refrigerated point-of-use holding cabinet using peltier devices
A refrigerated point-of-use food holding cabinet keeps food products cold in compartments having cross sections that are substantially U-shaped. Food products are kept refrigerated using heat-absorbing, Peltier devices thermally coupled to the U-shaped compartment. An optional cover helps prevent food flavor transfers between compartments. Semiconductor temperature sensors and a computer effectuate temperature control. |
| US09140483B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator may allow the inner space of a storage box to be sealed by a gasket disposed between the shelf and the storage box and adjust humidity of the sealed inner space of the storage box by disposing a moisture-permeable membrane on the shelf. The refrigerator includes a body, a storage compartment arranged in the body, a shelf arranged in the storage compartment and provided with an extension portion, a storage box coupled to a lower portion of the shelf, the storage box being provided with an edge portion, a plurality of rails provided at sidewalls of the storage compartment to guide the storage box, the rails being provided with an inclined portion, a gasket coupled to the extension portion of the shelf to seal an inner space of the storage box, and a moisture-permeable membrane arrange at the shelf. |
| US09140481B2 |
Folded vacuum insulated structure
A vacuum insulated cabinet structure for refrigerators and the like includes a plurality of vacuum insulated panels. The cabinet structure may include an “O” or “U” structure that is formed by folding a large panel assembly. The panels may comprise side walls that are heat-sealed together around the perimeters of the panels to form air-tight spaces having a vacuum. |
| US09140480B2 |
Active insulation hybrid dual evaporator with rotating fan
An appliance having a fresh food storage compartment and a freezer compartment. The appliance includes a forced air coil system disposed between the fresh food storage compartment and the freezer compartment and is configured to selectively provide cooling to one or both of the at least one fresh food storage compartment and the at least one freezer compartment. The forced air coil system includes an evaporator fan configured to provide cooling to the food storage compartment, the freezer compartment, or both. |
| US09140477B2 |
Synchronous compartment temperature 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, controls the cooling rate in one or both compartments to synchronize, alternating cycles of cooling the compartments to their set point temperatures. |
| US09140476B2 |
Temperature-controlled storage systems
In some embodiments, a substantially thermally sealed storage container includes an outer assembly and an evaporative cooling assembly integral to the container. In some embodiments, the outer assembly includes one or more sections of ultra efficient insulation material substantially defining at least one thermally-controlled storage region, and a single access conduit to the at least one thermally-controlled storage region. In some embodiments, the evaporative cooling assembly integral to the container includes: an evaporative cooling unit affixed to a surface of the at least one thermally-controlled storage region; a desiccant unit affixed to an external surface of the container; a vapor conduit, the vapor conduit including a first end and a second end, the first end attached to the evaporative cooling unit, the second end attached to the desiccant unit; and a vapor control unit attached to the vapor conduit. |
| US09140472B2 |
Refrigerator with convertible chamber and operation method thereof
A method for controlling temperature of a refrigerator including a main body having at least first and second adiabatic spaces; a refrigerant compression cycle device including an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and an expander installed within the main body; and a heating unit transferring heat of a refrigerant discharged from the condenser to air in the second adiabatic space, includes: measuring an internal temperature of the second adiabatic space; bypassing the refrigerant discharged from the condenser to the second adiabatic space when the measured internal temperature of the second adiabatic space is lower than a lower limit value of a pre-set temperature range; measuring ambient temperature of the condenser; and controlling an operation of a condenser cooling fan according to the ambient temperature of the condenser to maintain the refrigerant that passes through the interior of the condenser at a certain temperature or higher. |
| US09140467B2 |
Solar energy system
A solar energy system comprising: solar collector having thermo-oil piping and three thermo-oil valves; three tanks each having steam inlet and outlet valves; an electric generator device downstream of the three tanks; and a controller, wherein a flow of thermo-oil is alternatively controllable to flow into each of the three tanks wherein fluid in the three tanks is alternatively heatable to a gaseous phase and providable to the electric generator device for producing electrical energy. |
| US09140462B2 |
Charged particle emission device and air-blowing device
A charged particle emission and air-blowing device includes a communication port biased toward an end portion in a predetermined direction with respect to an air outlet, and a width expander configured to widen a flow path between an air directing plate of the end portion and a second blowing duct wider than a periphery. Emitted light from a light guide plate is reflected by the air directing plate in the delivery direction of an air flow. An air flow passes from a downward direction to an upward direction along a circuit board in an auxiliary suction path, and an opening portion faces the upper portion of the circuit board. |
| US09140451B2 |
Gas tap comprising an electromagnetic safety valve and magnetic insert for an electromagnetic safety valve
A gas tap including a gas path includes an electromagnetic safety valve for closing the gas path is provided. The safety valve includes an armature housing and having a mobile magnetic anchor in the housing and a valve seat. The mobile magnetic anchor includes a valve closing element which presses on the valve seat to close the gas path and an electromagnetic coil for activating the mobile magnetic anchor and the valve closing element to close the gas path when voltage is applied to the electromagnetic coil. Also, the electromagnetic coil is arranged as a separate component outside of the armature housing on a magnetic insert. |
| US09140449B2 |
Burning element and burner with a corrosion-resistant insert
A burner carrier flange and a burner with such a burner carrier flange are provided. A surface of the burner carrier flange potentially comes into contact with fuel. The burner carrier element includes a base material and a corrosion-resistant material and the surface that potentially comes into contact with fuel is made of the corrosion-resistant material. |
| US09140447B2 |
Two stage dry feed gasification process
A dry feed two stage gasification system and process is disclosed for gasifying feedstock such as carbonaceous materials with improved energy efficiency, along with reductions in feedstock consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. The feedstock is first dried and pretreated with the hot syngas in the upper section of the gasifier to generate a dry char that is low in volatile-matter content. This dry char is sent to the first stage of a two stage gasifier where it reacts with oxygen in the presence of steam to produce a hot syngas stream. |
| US09140446B2 |
Method and apparatus for improved firing of biomass and other solid fuels for steam production and gasification
A ground supported single drum power boiler is described combining a refractory lined and insulated V-Cell floor; refractory lined and insulated combustion chamber; integrated fuel chutes configured to pre-dry wet solid fuel; top mounted fuel bin; internal chamber walls; configurable combustion air systems; and a back pass with after-burner ports and cross flow superheaters. The boiler can be configured in pre-assembled modules to minimize the field construction time and cost. An alternative embodiment is adaptable as a gasifier. |
| US09140445B2 |
Superheated steam generation container, superheated steam generator, and superheated steam generation method
A superheated steam generator, capable of generating superheated steam which exceeds about 400° C. even if a litz wire is adopted as an induction heating coil, is generally described. The generator may include induction heating elements that can generate heat by electromagnetic induction and that are housed in a heat-resistant container. The generator may also include a hose that allows cooling water to pass therethrough and which is wound around an outer peripheral surface of the heat-resistant container. A water supply unit for the cooling water is connected to one end of the hose, and the other end of the hose is connected to a steam inlet of the heat-resistant container. An induction heating coil is mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the hose, and a high-frequency power supply unit is connected to the induction heating coil. |
| US09140442B2 |
Low-profile illuminated switch assembly
The present invention relates to an illuminated switch assembly that includes a case; a circuit board disposed inside the case; a light-emitting diode mounted on the circuit board to emit light downward; a light-guiding member configured to transmit the light emitted downward by the light-emitting diode to a position above the circuit board; and an operation member disposed in an upper part of the case to be operable as a switch, the operation member being configured to be illuminated with light received from the light-guiding member. |
| US09140433B2 |
Multi display system, and display device
The present invention aims at mitigating a light guide member being peeled off and a display panel being damaged by stress exerted on an adhesive section or the like between the light guide members. A multi-display system has a plurality of display devices (100) arranged in a matrix such that a cushioning member (310) is arranged alongside a light guide member (150) and between the respective light guide members (150) of two of the adjacent display devices (100) among the plurality of display devices (100). |
| US09140431B1 |
Lighting device with adjusting mechanism
A lighting device includes a lighting module and a focusing module. The lighting module has a body and a barrel. The body has a base at one side to couple with the barrel and a light source on the base. The barrel has a pair of inclined grooves in an inner periphery thereof. The focusing module has a reflecting cup and a focusing member. The reflecting cup has a pair of slots horizontally disposed therein. The focusing member has a focusing lens corresponding to the light source and two bolts extending from opposite sides of the focusing lens. Each of the two bolts passes through the respective slot of the reflecting cup and movably inserted in the respective inclined groove of the barrel with one end such that rotational movement of the barrel drives the focusing member to move horizontally along the slots of the reflecting cup. |
| US09140427B2 |
Display device with clearance
A display device is provided, in which view-angle dependence of chromaticity of white or an intermediate color may be reduced. The display device includes a pair of opposed substrates, a light blocking layer provided on one of the pair of substrates while having a plurality of openings, and a plurality of self-luminous elements provided on the other of the pair of substrates, each of the self-luminous elements having an emission region facing each of the openings, and having an emission color different from an emission color of another element, at least one self-luminous element being different from other self-luminous elements in clearance in a display plane direction from an end of the emission region to an opening of the light blocking film. |
| US09140423B2 |
Multi-array LED chip for vehicle and head lamp having the same
The present invention relates to a multi-array chip for a vehicle, including a plurality of LED element having different sizes arranged and installed to emit light, and a head lamp having the multi-array chip for a vehicle. Accordingly, with variable LED elements which are individually turned on and off so as to correspond to a location of an oncoming vehicle, and have different sizes, visibility at the front side of a vehicle may be secured, and light blindness to a driver in the oncoming vehicle, may be prevented. |
| US09140420B2 |
Edge-lit light panel having a downlight within a lined indentation in the panel
A light fixture and method for producing downward-propagating illumination are disclosed. A downward-facing panel may produce diffuse light. The panel may be generally flat and may have an indentation, where the indentation may have a lining that also produces diffuse light. The panel and the lining may have essentially the same luminance, so that the indentation may be less visible for orientations other than directly below the indentation. The fixture may have a downlight recessed into the indentation, which may produce a directional beam that emerges downward from within the indentation. The directional beam may have a brightness controllable separately from the diffuse light, such as a dedicated dimmer switch. The indentation may be at the center of the panel. The panel may be incorporated into a ceiling tile, and may be bundled as part of a kit that can also include ceiling tiles with panels that don't have a downlight. |
| US09140415B2 |
Lighting device with polymer containing matrices
The invention provides a lighting device (1) comprising (a) a light source (100), for producing light source light (110), and (b) a transparent converter device (200), for converting at least part of the light source light (110), wherein the transparent converter device (200) comprises a first polymer containing matrix (201) containing discrete particles (210), wherein the discrete particles (210) comprise a second polymer containing matrix with luminescent material (212) dispersed therein. |
| US09140413B2 |
Light emitting diode light bulb and incandescent lamp conversion apparatus
Apparatus and methods separate the functions of light emission, heat dissipation, and power conversion in LED lighting. Doing so may facilitate cost-effective LED lighting and enable the conversion of existing incandescent lamps to LED service. An LED light bulb includes a thermal path from LED dies to a thermal transfer contact having an externally available surface. The LED light bulb and an incandescent lamp adapter are consumer-installable in an incandescent lamp. A heat spreader component of the lamp adapter contacts the thermal transfer contact of the LED light bulb to dissipate heat originating at the LED dies. A lamp adaptable LED power supply plugs into a standard AC power outlet and includes a receptacle to accept insertion of a lamp cord plug to deliver power to the LED light bulb. A lock-in safety device prevents retraction of the lamp cord plug from the LED power supply once inserted. |
| US09140408B2 |
Gas tank and manufacturing method of gas tank
A gas tank is provided which can ensure high gas barrier properties even with respect to a gas having a small molecular size, for example, a hydrogen gas. In a high-pressure gas tank comprising a resin liner inside an FRP layer, an oxide layer is formed on the inner surface of the resin liner. When a reinforcing fiber is wound around the outer surface of the resin liner by a filament winding process, air is beforehand enclosed inside the resin liner. Next, when the reinforcing fiber is thermally cured to form the FRP layer, the inner surface of the resin liner is thermally oxidized to form the oxide layer. |
| US09140402B2 |
Mounting system
An universal mounting system for mounting a projector or other device to a surface. The mounting system comprises a base configured to operatively connect to the mounting surface. The base includes a periphery continuously disposed about the base and proximate an intermediate portion of the base. At least one arm assembly is operatively connectable at any point along the entirety of the periphery. The at least one arm assembly includes at least one connection portion selectively locatable in relation to the periphery and adapted to operatively connect to a coupling location disposed on the projector. |
| US09140400B2 |
Support for shed type dryer
A support for a shed type dryer comprises a plurality of feet (1) arranged under a heater housing (2) of the dryer. The foot (1) is curved on the whole, and comprises a first part (11), a second part (12) and a third part (13) successively connected; wherein an end of the first part (11) is located at a bottom of the heater housing (2), and the first part (11) is connected with the heater housing (2); the second part (12) is arched; and an end of the third part (13) has a horizontal bottom surface (13a) to stand up on the ground. As compared with the prior art, the present foot can not only shorten the distance between the heater in the dryer and the ground, so as to lower the gravity centre of the dryer, so that the dryer can stand up more stably and is helpful to arrange a drying room with a relatively large size. |
| US09140399B2 |
Quick coupling
A first coupling member 10 has a body 11 and an internal poppet 16. The exterior of the body 11 includes flats 30. A lug 31 is formed on one of the flats 30 during machining of the flats 30. A dust cover attached to the first coupling member 11 includes a cover portion 40 and a tether portion 41. The cover portion 40 protects an exterior surface 19 of the body, and the cover portion 40 to and tether portion 41 each protects one lateral side of the lug 31. The tether portion 41 includes an annular ring portion 43 disposed in an annular groove 25. A second embodiment 110 of the first coupling member is also disclosed. A second coupling member 210 may be coupled to or uncoupled from either of the first coupling members 10 or 110. |
| US09140396B2 |
Dehumidification apparatus
Dehumidification apparatus including a cooled core coupled to an external cooling source, at least first and second relatively humid air inlet pathways leading to the cooled core and at least first and second relatively dry air outlet pathways leading from the cooled core, the outlet pathways being in heat exchange propinquity with the inlet pathways whereby relatively humid air in the inlet pathways is precooled upstream of the cooled core and relatively dry air in the outlet pathways is heated downstream of the cooled core, the cooled core defining a multiplicity of mutually adjacent cooling pathways extending therethrough which are each coupled to one of the inlet pathways and to one of the outlet pathways such that air passes through adjacent ones of the mutually adjacent cooling pathways in mutually different directions. |
| US09140395B2 |
Plastic female screw connector using injection molding
Provided is a female screw connector suitable for connecting pipes. In some embodiments, the female screw connector includes a first body part, a second body part, a rotating connection part, and a fixed connection part. The first body part includes a first external thread portion and a projecting portion, and the second body part includes a second external thread portion and a bolt head portion. The rotating connection part includes a rotation guide portion and a first internal thread portion, and the fixed connection part includes a second internal thread portion. When assembled, the second external thread portion may be threadedly coupled with the second internal thread portion, and the first body part may extend at least partially through the fixed connection part. Also, the first body part, the second body part, the rotating connection part, and the fixed connection part may each be made of a plastic material. |
| US09140394B1 |
Intake manifold assembly for storage tanks
An intake manifold assembly for storage tanks comprises a pair of fill tubes joined together in side-by-side relation to a common mounting plate with spring latches at opposite ends of the mounting plate for releasable connection to an inlet on the tank such that the fill tubes are mounted at a predetermined angle to the inlet, a float assembly is attached to the manifold assembly to measure the liquid level in the tank, and a net assembly extends over the inlet to prevent entry of foreign matter into the tank. |
| US09140392B2 |
Fitting for tubing containment system
A fitting for use with metal tubing includes an adaptor, the adaptor having a longitudinal passage having a longitudinal axis for fluid flow; a body for receiving the tubing, the body positioned opposite the adaptor and aligned with the longitudinal axis; a metal sealing member positioned between the adaptor and the body; a nut positioned opposite the body; a jacket lock ring positioned radially inwardly of a portion of the nut, the jacket lock ring for making a mechanical connection with an outer jacket of the tubing; and at least one fastener coupling the nut, body and adapter. |
| US09140387B2 |
Firestop collar
A firestop collar including a support band made of sheet metal and an intumescent strip that runs along the support band and is connected to it. The support band is provided with several pre-defined cutting zones which are at a distance from each other in the lengthwise direction and which run crosswise to the lengthwise direction. The intumescent strip has cutting areas that are oriented in the same manner and in which the intumescent strip is thinner than it is in the adjacent areas in the lengthwise direction. The cutting areas coincide with the cutting zones of the support band. |
| US09140384B2 |
Subsea connecting apparatus and method
A method and connecting apparatus for attaching a pipeline termination assembly to a subsea structure. The pipeline termination assembly has a pivot axis member and the subsea structure has one or more capture slots to receive it. The pivot axis member is captured in the capture slot, the slot allowing vertical movement of the pipeline termination assembly. The pipeline termination assembly is rotated about the pivot axis to assume a horizontal position. In the horizontal position, the capture slot permits horizontal movement of the pipeline termination assembly. A capture device mounted on the subsea structure provides the capture slots. At least a part of the capture device is moved with respect to the subsea structure to retain the pivot axis member in the capture slot on rotating the pipeline termination assembly about the pivot axis. |
| US09140383B2 |
System for subsea cable installation
The present invention relates to a system for subsea installation of elongate flexible element, comprising a container for allocating/storing/accommodating an elongate flexible element intended to be installed, said container being positioned on a trenching vehicle arranged to trench said elongate flexible element into the seabed, which container comprises a guide system arranged to control the release of the flexible element, and which trenching vehicle is further linked to a surface vessel via an umbilical cable whereby said vehicle is remotely operable subsea from said surface vessel wherein said guide system comprises a coiling arrangement for keeping the elongate flexible element in a defined coiled configuration inside said container. |
| US09140380B2 |
Valve assembly
A valve assembly, in particular a reducing valve assembly, comprises a first energy dissipating means with a plurality of apertures, a second energy dissipating means with a plurality of apertures and a valve closing means for opening and closing the valve assembly. The geometry of the plurality of apertures of the first energy dissipating means and the geometry of the plurality of the apertures of the second energy dissipating means is such that independently of the opening state of the valve assembly, the pressure drops at the first and second energy dissipating means are better balanced to be able to reduce the effect of cavitation on the housing of the valve assembly. |
| US09140378B2 |
Electric valve device
An electric valve device including a body having an inlet and an outlet, and a main valve seat through which the fluid can flow from the inlet to the outlet, a main shutter movable with respect to the valve seat; a control chamber; first and second communication passages between the inlet and the control chamber and between the control chamber and the outlet, respectively; a fixed structure arranged in the control chamber and in which there is defined an auxiliary valve seat, which is coaxial with the main valve seat (8) and which communicates with said second passage; and a solenoid control valve including a control solenoid coaxial with the valve seats for controlling an auxiliary shutter mounted movably in the control chamber and cooperating with the auxiliary valve seat for controlling the communication between the control chamber and the second passage. |
| US09140377B2 |
Fluid flow regulator
A fluid flow regulator has a body defining a tapered central passageway. A ferrous or magnetic ball is disposed within the central passageway and may be biased to a predetermined location within the passageway by a spring. An electromagnet is disposed at one end of the passageway. Varying electrical power to the electromagnet attracts or repels the ball thereby moving it to different locations within the tapered passageway to vary the flow through the passageway. |
| US09140372B2 |
Pressure valve
A pressure valve includes a spring plate configured to be displaced by a setting spindle. The setting spindle includes an adjustment screw configured to axially displace a spindle shaft on which the spring plate is provided. The adjustment screw and the spindle shaft are configured in such a way that virtually no torque is transmitted to the spindle shaft via the adjustment screw. |
| US09140371B2 |
Air valve
An air valve includes: a valve body into which an air cut-off unit is inserted; and a valve cap preventing the air cut-off unit from being discharged outside of the valve body, wherein the valve body and the valve cap are coupled to each other by a snap-fit method. |
| US09140369B2 |
Floating ball valve seal
A seal assembly is provided for a rotary ball valve an eccentric cammed ball. The seal assembly may include a seal ring disposed within the valve interior and biased toward the ball element of the valve. A seal ring retainer may be threadedly secured to an interior of the valve body, thereby retaining the seal ring in the valve body. |
| US09140368B2 |
Gate valve with track cleanout
Methods, systems, and apparatus for a gate valve include a valve body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface and the outer surface defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid path therebetween, a track defined in the inner surface, the track defining a bottom surface; a gate having a wing; a scraper having a leading edge, the scraper mounted to the wing of the gate; a biasing element, the biasing element biasing the leading edge of the scraper against the bottom surface of the track. |
| US09140366B2 |
Bearing isolator seal for rotating shaft
A bearing isolator seal includes a rotor and stator wherein the stator has inboard and outboard radial projections which define a groove bounded by groove side faces and a groove bottom face. The rotor extends radially and then axially so as to lie closely adjacent to the terminal end of the outboard radial projection on the stator to define an entrance passageway. The bearing isolator seal includes a surface geometry which is believed to result in improved exclusion of contaminants, particularly from high velocity water spray, wherein the entrance passageway is angled to increase the rotational effects of exclusion during shaft rotation, and wherein the groove side faces are also angled to assist in redirecting spray and other contaminants away from the passageway. |
| US09140363B2 |
Brush seal cover assembly
A brush seal cover assembly that includes a brush cover having a shroud that substantially encloses a brush mounted in a holder without removing the holder from the equipment to which it is mounted. The assembly includes a pair of brush cover halves integrally formed to provide an outer bristle guard capable of supporting the weight of a person and a pair of brush shields on opposite sides of the brush that prevent direct impingement of pressurized gas or liquid enabling maintenance and cleaning of the equipment to be performed while leaving the brush mounted in place without damaging the brush. The cover includes a pair of mounting plates configured for mounting of the cover by clamping or by compression between fasteners without having to remove the brush holder from the equipment or the brush from the holder. |
| US09140360B2 |
Parking mode manually releasing device for shift-by-wire type automatic transmission
A parking mode manually releasing device for a shift-by-wire type automatic transmission is provided. The parking mode manually releasing device includes a housing that has a translational motion in interlock with rotation of a shift control lever of the automatic transmission. Additionally, a rod member is arranged to slide as far as a predetermined stroke relative to the housing and has a locking part and a locking clip is fastened to the housing. When the locking part is locked by the locking clip, the translational motion of the housing is generated in interlock with the sliding motion of the rod member, and the rod member is connected to a cable which is pulled when a parking mode is released manually. |
| US09140359B2 |
Upshift control of a dry dual-clutch transmission
A vehicle includes an engine, a dry dual-clutch transmission (dDCT) having a pair of input clutches and a gearbox containing oddly- and evenly-numbered gear sets, and a transmission control module (TCM). Application of one of input clutches connects the engine to a corresponding one of the oddly- or evenly-numbered gear sets. The TCM includes feed-forward PID-based control logic, and a torque-to-position (TTP) table for each input clutch. The TCM commands a position of a designated input clutch during a power-on upshift using the feed-forward, PID-based control logic, and selectively adapts the TTP table as a function of an inertia and acceleration value of the engine. The TCM may apply an asymmetrical handoff profile to commanded oncoming and offgoing clutch torques during the torque phase of the upshift. The TCM may also adjust the TTP table as a function of the frequency of use of the input clutches. |
| US09140357B2 |
Vehicle and control method for vehicle
A vehicle includes a shift sensor and an ECU that switches a shift range based on a combination of shift signals received from the shift sensor. The ECU includes a determining unit and a switching unit. The determining unit determines, based on how a shift signal pattern has changed (the number and type of shift signals that have changed), whether or not to execute first fail-safe traveling in which a shift range before occurrence of a shift abnormality is maintained. In the event of a shift abnormality, in a case where execution of the first fail-safe traveling is permitted, the switching unit executes the first fail-safe traveling to maintain a shift range before occurrence of the shift abnormality, and in a case where execution of the first fail-safe traveling is prohibited, the switching unit executes second fail-safe traveling to switch a shift range to an N range. |
| US09140354B2 |
Shift/tilt locking apparatus and method for shift lever of automatic transmission
A shift/tilt locking apparatus for shift lever of automatic transmission may include a shift knob, a main shaft slidably and rotatably disposed in a housing such that shift knob is slidable; a crossbar having shift knob at the upper end to tilt; a shift restriction device that allows shift knob to slide by selectively restricting sliding of main shaft; and a tilting restriction device controlling shift knob to tilt by selectively restricting the tilting of shift knob by using a third solenoid, which is controlled by a shift mode determining step that determines a shift mode by checking the position of shift knob and a lever locking step that restricts/releases shift knob by selectively operating first solenoid to third solenoid. |
| US09140351B2 |
Bevel gear for a bevel-gear transmission
The invention relates to a bevel gear wheel of a bevel gear mechanism, the teeth of which bevel gear wheel have in each case a load flank and a rear flank, wherein the rear flanks have an engagement region for rear flanks of the meshing gear wheel, wherein the outer region, which surrounds the original maximum possible usable engagement region which normally comes into engagement, of the rear flank and an outer edge region of the original engagement region are reduced in terms of the face height thereof such that said reduced regions always remain free from contact and only the remaining, inner, raised region which is reduced in size comes into contact. |
| US09140345B2 |
System and method for controlling a continuously variable transmission during a shuttle shift
A method for controlling a continuously variable transmission of a work machine during a shuttle shift is disclosed. The method may generally include initiating a directional swap by disengaging an off-going directional clutch of the continuously variable transmission and slipping an on-coming directional clutch of the continuously variable transmission to decelerate the work machine in an off-going direction. In addition, the method may include estimating a total amount of energy to be dissipated in the on-coming directional clutch during the shuttle shift, comparing the total amount of energy to a predetermined energy threshold and, if the total amount of energy is equal to or exceeds the predetermined energy threshold, performing the reversion action to complete the shuttle shift, wherein the reversion action corresponds to an action taken to engage one of the off-going directional clutch or the on-coming directional clutch so as to permit the shuttle shift to be completed using ratio changing. |
| US09140342B2 |
Gear, motor-gear unit, vehicle, generator with a gear, and force transmitting element
The application discloses a harmonic pin drive which comprises at least one outer ring gear with inner teeth that are adapted to the shape of pins of a pin ring, a transmitter for connecting to a rotor of an electric motor, a ball bearing that is supported on the transmitter and an arrangement of flexible means. The flexible means are distributed essentially on the circumference of a radius and the flexible means are provided for attachment to a casing. Furthermore, the flexible means comprise openings for inserting pins of the pin ring. Furthermore, an output shaft is provided for receiving a rotation of the outer ring gear. |
| US09140341B2 |
Gear device, preferably motor device
A gyroscopic device is described for providing rotation about at least one output axis and a method for providing rotation. A body (2) is mounted for a rotation about first (4), second (11), and third (16) axes. The first axis (4) is oriented with respect to the second axis (11) at an inclination angle. The second axis (11) and/or the third axis (16) constitute the at least one output axis of device. The rotation of the body (2) about the third axis (16) gives rise to a change in the inclination angle. A ram (15) applies a torque (21) to the body (2) about the third axis (16) in a sense of increasing inclination angle when the first axis (4) is at a selected inclination angle with respect to the second axis (11) which is greater than 0° and less than 90°. The rotation of the body (2) about the third axis (16) in a sense of decreasing inclination angle is limited such that the inclination angle of the first axis (4) with respect to the second axis (11) remains greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. The body (2) is rotated about the first axis (4) at an angular velocity greater than a critical angular velocity so that a constant or a decreasing inclination angle is reached. |
| US09140336B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
A transmission gearing arrangements produces up to ten forward and one reverse speed ratios by selective engagement of various combinations of four shift elements. Each disclosed transmission includes four planetary gear sets and at least six shift elements. One of the shift elements may be a dog clutch. Optional passive one way brakes simplify the control. |
| US09140327B2 |
End member assemblies and gas spring assemblies including same
An end member assembly includes an end member body and an end member insert. The end member body can include an outer side wall, an inner side wall disposed radially inward relative to the outer side wall, and a bottom wall that together with the inner side wall at least partially define a cavity. The end member insert can be supported on the end member body and selectively rotatable relative thereto. A gas spring assembly and a suspension system are also included. |
| US09140318B2 |
One way clutch
One way clutch has an inner ring, an outer ring and torque transmission members between the inner ring and the outer ring. Each torque transmission member can shift between a torque transmission position and a non torque transmission position. The one way clutch further has biasing members that bias the torque transmission members respectively toward the torque transmission positions, and a retainer that retains the torque transmission members and the biasing members. The retainer includes first and second mount portions that retain the torque transmission members and the biasing members corresponding thereto. Each of the first and second mount portions has a securing portion that secures one end of the biasing member, and the torque transmission member is pressed by the other end of the biasing member. The biasing force that the biasing members retained by the second mount portions exert on the torque transmission members corresponding thereto is larger than the biasing force that the biasing members retained by the first mount portions exert on the torque transmission members corresponding thereto. |
| US09140312B2 |
Hydraulic control device for hybrid drive device
A hydraulic control device configured with a source pressure generation section, a hydraulic servo for a clutch provided between an engine and a motor, a control solenoid valve that outputs a regulated source pressure to the hydraulic servo, and a switching section that switches a hydraulic passage, which extends between the source pressure generation section and the hydraulic servo to supply the engagement pressure, between a first and second state in which the hydraulic passage has a high conduit resistance compared to the first state at least until the clutch is engaged. The switching section switches the hydraulic passage into the second state during a failure in which the control solenoid valve is de-energized and the source pressure is directly supplied to the hydraulic servo as the engagement pressure, and switches the hydraulic passage into the first state during normal times when the failure does not occur. |
| US09140309B2 |
Two-speed clutch and kit
A magnet holder assembly suitable for use as an eddy current drive of a clutch includes magnet holder means for securing one or more magnets to a rotatable component of the clutch, a first permanent magnet radially retained by the magnet holder means, wherein the first permanent magnet has a beveled edge configured to mate with the magnet holder means, and a second permanent magnet radially retained by the magnet holder means. The first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet have magnetic orientations arranged substantially opposite one another. |
| US09140307B2 |
Clutch arrangement and sealing element
A clutch arrangement for a drivetrain of a vehicle comprises a first friction surface, a second friction surface, a pressing element and a sealing element. The second friction surface is coupled to an output component of the clutch arrangement to be substantially fixed with respect to rotation relative to the output component. The first and second friction surfaces are configured and arranged to be brought into frictional engagement with each other to make a torque transmittable from the first friction surface to the second friction surface. The first and second friction surfaces are further configured to be exposed to a fluid medium. The pressing element is configured to produce or sever the frictional engagement by causing a force along a force direction when actuated. The sealing element is configured to separate a first volume in which the first and second friction surfaces are arranged from a second volume. |
| US09140305B2 |
Sealing unit, in particular for rolling bearings
A sealing unit having a first annular rotating shield and a second annular shield is provided. The second annular shield is fixed and arranged in front of the first shield for delimiting therebetween a first annular chamber and a sealing ring provided with at least a first and a second annular lips, which extend axially and radially projecting from a flange portion of the second shield and towards a flange portion of the first shield, inside the annular chamber. The first shield integrally supports a third annular lip that extends projecting from the first shield towards one of the first and second lips without touching it for defining a second dynamic labyrinth seal between the first and second shield and inside the annular chamber. |
| US09140303B2 |
Cage for a roller bearing and roller bearing
A cage for a roller bearing having a bearing axis extending in an axial direction, the cage including at least two crosspieces which extend between two axially spaced edges and are spaced from one another in a circumferential direction oriented perpendicular to the axial direction so that a rolling element can be disposed between them. At least one crosspiece of the at least two crosspieces has a first surface region that is a constant radial distance from the bearing axis, and the at least one crosspiece has a second surface region which is adjacent to the first surface region and includes a step along which the radial distance from the bearing axis varies. |
| US09140292B2 |
Anti-loose screw and a die device for forming same
An anti-loose screw (20) includes a shank (24) having an external thread (28) with a thread angle of 63° to 68° between two flanks (34, 36) extending between a crest (30) and a root (32). A first angle (A) between one of the flanks (34, 36) and an axis (Y) extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis (X) of the shank (24) and passing through the crest (30) is in a range between 34° and 40°. A second angle (B) between the other flanks (34, 36) and the axis (Y) is in a range between 25° and 29°. The anti-loose screw (20) can engage with an object (40) having an internal thread (42) with a thread angle of 60° to provide an interference fit and can be formed by two dies (120, 140) each including a thread forming configuration (128, 148) having correspondingly formed ridges (130, 150) and valleys (136, 156). |
| US09140289B2 |
Fixing device for a furniture fitting
A fixing device for fixes a furniture fitting to an item of furniture. The furniture fitting is able to be fixed to the item of furniture using the fixing device, by selectively using a left-hand or a right-hand furniture-fitting side. The device has a connecting element and a fixing body that has a through-passage. The connecting element is at least partially arranged in the through-passage, movable in a limited manner relative to the fixing body, and has at least two connecting element stops as well as two connecting element regions for fixing the furniture fitting to the item of furniture. At least two stops are designed in or on the fixing body, and when in the assembly position, one of these two stops corresponds, in each case, to one of the two connecting element stops. |
| US09140282B2 |
Node, apparatus, system and method regarding a frame support for solar mirrors
A node for a solar frame including an elongate portion having a channel extending through it in which a structural element is disposed or a solid elongate portion on to which a structural element is disposed. The node comprises a fin extending radially outward from the elongate portion where at least 5% of the volume of the fin is replaced by at least a single void extending essentially in parallel with the channel or the extrusion direction of the solid elongate portion. An apparatus for transmitting torque in a solar frame having structural elements and a support. A system for solar mirrors. A node for a solar frame. A method for connecting a structural element with a strut having a strut end piece of a solar mirror support frame. A method for producing a node for solar mirror frame. |
| US09140275B2 |
Hydraulic drive and method for controlling such a hydraulic drive
A hydraulic drive and method for controlling such a drive includes two drive motors configured to be controlled by at least one continuously adjustable distribution valve. The two drive motors are configured as adjustable hydraulic machines. |
| US09140273B2 |
Method of conversion of heat into fluid power and device for its implementation
A method and apparatus for conversion of heat into liquid fluid power includes at least two hydropneumatic (hp) accumulators, each having a gas reservoir and a liquid reservoir therein separated by a movable separator. Liquid added to a liquid reservoir of a first accumulator causes gas compression in the gas reservoir of the accumulator. Gas is conducted from the first accumulator through a heat exchanger and into a gas reservoir of a second accumulator. Expansion of the gas in the second accumulator causes working liquid to be expelled from the second accumulator. After expansion of the gas in the second accumulator, working liquid is added to the liquid reservoir of the second accumulator gas is conducted through a cooling heat exchanger to the gas reservoir of the first accumulator, causing working liquid to be expelled. The fluid power produced through the expelled working liquid is stored or utilized to operate hydraulic devices. |
| US09140272B2 |
Ram air fan outer housing
A ram air fan outer housing for directing air from a ram air fan rotor and air from a ram air bypass into a ram air fan outlet. The outer housing includes an outer cylinder and a plenum connected at a joint region. The outer cylinder and the plenum are made of a laminate stacking sequence of at least four adjacent layers of plain-weave carbon-fiber fabric. Each layer of the stacking sequence has a weave orientation such that a first layer and a fourth layer are oriented forty-five degrees from each of a second layer and a third layer. The joint region is made of at least eight adjacent layers of plain-weave carbon-fiber fabric. The joint region laminate stacking sequence is formed by interleaving the four adjacent outer cylinder layers in the joint region with the four adjacent plenum layers in the joint region. |
| US09140269B2 |
Dry gas seal assembly
A seal assembly forms a barrier between a compressor's interior and exterior regions. The seals assembly includes a primary seal stage and a secondary seal stage. The primary seal stage is formed of materials chosen to effectively block flow of gas through the seal assembly. The secondary seal stage is formed of materials chosen to survive a failure of the primary seal stage. |
| US09140258B2 |
Gear machine having a non-circular low-pressure connection
A gear machine includes two externally intermeshing gear wheels enclosed by a housing that has a high-pressure connection and a low-pressure connection situated opposite one another. On an inner circumferential face of the housing, a notional boundary line is assigned to both gear wheels. The line runs parallel to the line of contact between the gear tooth tips of the gear wheels and the inner circumferential face. The intersection edge is located between the two boundary lines and the minimum distance between the intersection edge and the boundary lines are at least one pitch interval of the gear wheels. The cross sectional shape of the low-pressure connection deviates from the circular shape such that its cross sectional area overlapping the gear wheels is greater than the cross sectional area of a notional, circular low-pressure connection overlapping the gear wheels at the same minimum distance from the boundary lines. |
| US09140256B2 |
Electric motor
An electric motor includes an armature shaft which is mounted in at least one floating bearing. The floating bearing comprises a bearing inner ring, which is positioned on the armature shaft, a bearing outer ring, which is received in a bearing seat, and a fluid pump for a vehicle fluid system having the electric motor. Lubricant disposed between the armature shaft and the bearing inner ring forms a hydrodynamic lubricant film and generates a constant relative movement between the armature shaft and the bearing inner ring. |
| US09140245B2 |
Electromagnetic pump
An electromagnetic pump includes a cylinder with a stepped inner diameter with first and second inner diameters. A piston inside the cylinder, with a stepped outer diameter including first and second outer diameters slidable on the respective inner diameters, defines first and second fluid chambers. Reciprocal movement of the piston produces a greater change in volume in the first chamber than the second chamber. An electromagnetic portion moves the piston to decrease the volume of the first chamber and increase the volume of the second chamber. A biasing member moves the piston to increase the volume of the first chamber and decrease the volume of the second chamber. A first valve allows fluid to flow to the first chamber and prohibits reverse flow. A second valve embedded in the piston allows fluid to flow from the first chamber to the second chamber and prohibits reverse flow. |
| US09140242B2 |
Temperature differential engine device
A temperature differential engine device includes a low-boiling-point medium steam turbine (1), a heat absorber (2), a thermal-insulating type low-temperature countercurrent heat exchanger (3), a circulating pump (4), and a refrigerating system (5) which are interconnected to constitute a closed circulating system filled with low-boiling-point medium fluid. The low-boiling-point medium steam turbine (1) and the heat absorber (2) constitute a low-density-medium heat-absorbing working system, and the circulating pump (4) and the refrigerating system (5) constitute a high-density-medium refrigerating-circulating system. The temperature differential engine device can transfer thermal energy into mechanical energy. |
| US09140241B2 |
Manageable hybrid plant using photovoltaic and solar thermal technology and associated operating method
Manageable hybrid plant using photovoltaic and solar thermal technology and associated operating method, wherein said hybrid plant comprises three levels of generation: Level 1 (1) of photovoltaic generation (42) covering the self consumption of the plant; Level 2 (2) of generation of the solar thermal plant (44) and another part of photovoltaic generation (45) that covers the consumption of the auxiliary services of the solar thermal plant (43); Level 3 (3) of generation of another area of photovoltaic production (46) that improves the total production curve, the total power generated by the hybrid plant and discharged into the network (47), being the result of the sum of generation of the three levels. The photovoltaic modules of the invention are located in: in the north or south side of the tower not occupied by the cavity; the area surrounding the solar receivers of the tower; on covers or roofs of the plant at the rear of the heliostats; on land annexed to the tower plant. |
| US09140240B2 |
Reducing the visual impact of offshore wind farms
A wind turbine includes: (a) a plurality of blades; and (b) a base supporting the plurality of blades and having a first portion provided with a first type of camouflage and a second portion provided with a second type of camouflage that differs from the first type of camouflage. Such a wind turbine may be included in a system further including: at least one light emitting element which, when activated, directs light onto a surface of the wind turbine; a power source for powering the at least one light emitting element; and a controller for controlling at least one of (A) a quantity of light emitted by the at least one light emitting element, (B) a color of light emitted by the at least one light emitting element, and (C) a pattern of light emitted by the at least one light emitting element. |
| US09140239B2 |
Wind power plant controller for avoiding common cause shutdown
A wind power plant, and its corresponding method of control, comprising a plurality of wind turbines and a power plant controller connected to at least a first and a second of the plurality of wind turbines, wherein the power plant controller is configured to detect a shutdown of the first wind turbine in response to current wind conditions, and wherein the power plant controller is further configured to control the second wind turbine such that an operating parameter of the second wind turbine is modified in response to detecting the automatic shutdown of the first wind turbine. |
| US09140238B2 |
Method to control the operation of a wind turbine
A method to control the operation of a wind turbine above a wind speed threshold value and a wind turbine designed to execute the method are provided. Electrical output power of the wind turbine is produced by its rotating blades and fed into a grid, which is connected with the wind turbine. The wind turbine is controlled by a first control loop and a second control loop. The wind speed is determined and compared with a certain predefined wind speed threshold value. Wind turbulences are determined and compared with a predefined wind turbulence threshold value. The first control loop and the second control loop are activated when the wind speed reaches or exceeds the wind speed threshold value. The activated first control loop controls the output power dependent on the wind speed. The activated second control loop controls the rotational speed of the rotating blades dependent on the wind turbulences. |
| US09140235B2 |
Variable length blade tip molds, tip assemblies and methods for manufacturing the same
Variable length blade tip molds include standard tip mold sections having a tapered profile and variable length joint mold sections having first ends and second ends with a constant cross section, wherein the variable length blade tip molds can each produce a plurality of tip assemblies of various lengths. |
| US09140232B2 |
Method for repairing a pitch system in a wind turbine
A replacement motor mount for a pitch system of a wind turbine includes a bracket assembly configured for attachment to a first motor mount and a second supporting structure. The replacement motor mount is configured for mounting and securing a pitch motor having a geared drive end. The replacement motor mount is configured to displace the pitch motor from the first motor mount by a predetermined distance. |
| US09140212B2 |
Gas turbine engine with reverse-flow core having a bypass flow splitter
A gas turbine engine includes a bypass flow path. A core flow path has a reverse duct configured to reverse a direction of core flow. The core flow path includes an exhaust duct in fluid communication with the bypass flow path and is configured to introduce core exhaust flow in the core flow path back into the bypass flow path. A splitter is arranged in the bypass flow path and adjoins the exhaust duct. |
| US09140211B2 |
Cascade-type thrust reverser
A cascade-type thrust reverser includes a fixed structure on which a rear frame supporting cascades of vanes is mounted, a mobile structure having an outer wall, an inner wall formed in part by an acoustic panel, a partition connecting the outer wall to the acoustic panel, and actuators interposed between the fixed structure and the mobile structure. The actuators extend through orifices formed in the rear frame and the partition. In particular, the rear frame radially interferes with the acoustic panel when the mobile structure is in a direct-jet position. |
| US09140210B2 |
Jet flow nozzle and jet engine
The present invention relates to a jet engine including protrusions (1) for preventing the increase of the velocity gradient of a fluid in a mixed layer of a jet flow and an external air flow by bending the mixed layer, when viewed from the side of a jet flow injected. |
| US09140207B2 |
Cylinder head
A cylinder head capable of improving a productivity of a cylinder head having an exhaust collecting portion and improving a cooling efficiency of the exhaust collecting portion is disclosed. An exhaust collecting portion 9 is surrounded by an upper side flow passage portion 15, a lower side flow passage portion 16 and extended flow passage portions 17 into which coolant flows through a coolant communication passage 26 from a lower portion side water jacket 12 that is opening in a cylinder block 2. The upper side flow passage portion 15 and the extended flow passage portions 17 are formed at a time of the molding along with an upper portion side water jacket 11 by a core for upper portion side water jacket 18, while the lower side flow passage portion 16 is formed by the drilling after the molding. |
| US09140201B2 |
Vehicle engine start control device
A vehicle engine start control device controls a crank angle such that the crank angle falls within a predetermined crank angle stop range when an engine is automatically stopped, the vehicle engine start control device starting the automatically stopped engine if a predetermined engine start condition is satisfied, the vehicle including an automatic transmission making up a portion of a power transmission path between the engine and drive wheels, and the vehicle engine start control device providing engine rotation resistance control such that rotation resistance of the engine generated due to a change in air pressure in a combustion chamber of the engine is made larger during an automatic stop period of the engine that the engine is automatically stopped and during a change in gear ratio in a shift of the automatic transmission as compared to the time of engine start. |
| US09140198B2 |
Intake and exhaust apparatus of multi-cylinder engine
An intake and exhaust apparatus of a multi-cylinder engine is provided. The engine is provided with a plurality of cylinders having intake and exhaust valves for opening and closing intake and exhaust ports, respectively. The apparatus includes an intake system including intake ports of respective cylinders, independent intake passages connected with the respective intake ports, a surge tank connected with upstream ends of the independent intake passages, and an air cleaner connected with the surge tank. The apparatus also includes an exhaust system including independent exhaust passages connected with an exhaust port of one cylinder or exhaust ports of the plurality of cylinders that are not continuous in exhausting order, and a collecting pipe connected with downstream ends of the independent exhaust passages in a bundled manner, and for collecting exhaust gas ejected from the downstream ends of the independent exhaust passages. |
| US09140192B2 |
Startup method for large steam turbines
A method of controlling a steam turbine, having a controller controlling at least the position of a steam inlet valve located in a steam conduit between a steam generator and the turbine to control mass flow into the turbine, includes selecting, before beginning startup, a predefined set of startup sequences of setpoints based on a turbine status at the beginning of startup and/or a startup mode chosen by the operator, the set of startup sequences of setpoints includes parameters controlled and not controlled by the controller; using the controller to control the parameters controlled by the controller so as to progress the turbine from setpoint to setpoint in accordance with predefined set of startup sequences until reaching a release point; and at the release point, delaying moving to the next setpoint until actual setpoint values agree with predefined release point setpoint values for parameters not controlled by the controller. |
| US09140188B2 |
Gas turbine engine with intercooling turbine section
A gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a combustor section, a low spool including a fan section and an intercooling turbine section along an engine axis aft of the fan section and forward of a combustor section. The fan section and the intercooling turbine section are coaxial with the low spool. A high spool along the engine axis includes a high pressure compressor section and a high pressure turbine section, the high pressure compressor section is aft of the intercooling turbine section and forward of the combustor section, and the high pressure turbine section is aft of the combustor section. The high pressure compressor section and the high pressure turbine section are coaxial with the high spool. A method of operating a gas turbine engine is also disclosed. |
| US09140187B2 |
Magnetic de-icing
An apparatus has a first member having an exposed peripheral surface and an electrically and thermally conductive portion. A circumferential array of magnets of alternating polarity are mounted for rotation about an axis relative to the first member inboard of the peripheral surface, the magnets being in sufficient proximity to the electrically and thermally conductive portions so that the rotation of the magnets about the axis is effective to generate eddy currents, in turn, is effective to heat the electrically and thermally conductive portion and, thereby, heat the exposed peripheral surface. |
| US09140181B2 |
Power-producing apparatus and method
A primary reciprocating engine is combined with a secondary turbine engine. The turbine engine utilizes the exhaust of the reciprocating engine as fuel, resulting in an increase in efficiency and reduction in emissions over a conventional reciprocating engine alone. The secondary turbine engine powers secondary functions of the reciprocating engine, such as relieving the back pressure at the exhaust ports, driving the turbocharger that pressurizes the air intake, and driving an electrical generator. Oxyhydrogen (HHO) used to ignite the reciprocating engine exhaust and complete combustion of the reciprocating engine fuel is obtained by disassociating distilled water into hydrogen and oxygen using the electricity from the electrical generator. |
| US09140177B2 |
Dual fuel common rail engine with co-axial quill assembly
A dual fuel common rail engine supplies pressurized natural gas and liquid diesel fuel at different pressures through a co-axial quill assembly for direct injection from a single fuel injector into an engine cylinder. Pressure waves in the gaseous fuel common rail are damped in a pressure damping chamber of the co-axial quill assembly before the pressure wave can undermine consistent gaseous fuel injection rates and quantities from the fuel injector. |
| US09140174B2 |
Exhaust treatment device with integral mount
An exhaust treatment device includes an inner shell spaced apart from an outer shell by a first gap. An inlet assembly includes a first inner cap and a first outer cap spaced apart by a second gap. An outlet assembly includes a second inner cap and a second outer cap spaced apart from each other by a third gap. A substrate is located within the inner shell. An insulating mat is positioned between the substrate and the inner shell and includes a reduced diameter portion compressing the insulating mat between the inner shall and the substrate. Insulation material fills the first, second and third gaps that are in communication with each other. |
| US09140172B2 |
Gas flow distributing flexible coupling
A coupling for routing and distributing exhaust gas flow from an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The coupling includes an upstream duct having a first end and a second end, and a gas flow distribution device arranged between the first and second ends of the upstream duct. The coupling also includes a downstream duct having a first end and a second end, and a flexible portion arranged between the first and second ends of the downstream duct. The upstream duct is fixed to the downstream duct to generate a continuous, sealed passage for the gas flow between the first end of the upstream duct and the second end of the downstream duct. A vehicle is also disclosed having an engine employing an exhaust after-treatment device and the coupling for routing and distributing the gas flow from the engine to the after-treatment device. |
| US09140171B2 |
Flange component part and production method
A flange component part (1) for a component of an exhaust gas system for an internal combustion engine, in particular of a vehicle, has a flange (2), which extends in a flange plane (4) and has a pipe section (3), which projects away from the flange (2) at a longitudinal center axis (5), which is perpendicular to the flange plane (4). A cost-efficient producibility results when the flange component (1) is a sheet metal mold, which is produced from a single metal sheet (6) by means of metal forming. |
| US09140168B2 |
Exhaust bypass flow control for exhaust heat recovery
An exhaust system for an engine comprises an exhaust heat recovery apparatus configured to receive exhaust gas from the engine and comprises a first flow passage in fluid communication with the exhaust gas and a second flow passage in fluid communication with the exhaust gas. A heat exchanger/energy recovery unit is disposed in the second flow passage and has a working fluid circulating therethrough for exchange of heat from the exhaust gas to the working fluid. A control valve is disposed downstream of the first and the second flow passages in a low temperature region of the exhaust heat recovery apparatus to direct exhaust gas through the first flow passage or the second flow passage. |
| US09140164B2 |
Exhaust gas purification device for internal combustion engine
An exhaust gas purification device for an internal combustion engine purifies exhaust gas in a first exhaust path and a second exhaust path. The device includes a confluent path. The confluent path extends from a confluent section of the first exhaust path and the second exhaust path. A first auxiliary NOx catalyst is provided in the first exhaust path. A second auxiliary NOx catalyst is provided in the second exhaust path. A main NOx catalyst is provided in the confluent path. A first addition section adds an ammonia source in a first addition amount to a section upstream of the first auxiliary NOx catalyst to supply urea water to the first auxiliary NOx catalyst. A second addition section adds an ammonia source in a second addition amount to a section upstream of the second auxiliary NOx catalyst to supply urea water to the second auxiliary NOx catalyst. |
| US09140163B2 |
Arrangement for introducing a liquid medium into exhaust gases from a combustion engine
Arrangement for introducing a liquid medium into exhaust gases from a combustion engine: an injector for injecting the liquid medium into an injection chamber (3), a casing (8) which surrounds the injection chamber, a mixing duct (6), a gathering chamber (10) which surrounds the casing and is connected to the injection chamber via throughflow apertures of the casing, and a bypass duct (12) for leading exhaust gases into the mixing duct without passing through the gathering chamber and the injection chamber. The inlet (11) of the gathering chamber diverts a portion of the exhaust gases to flow into the gathering chamber, and then into the injection chamber via the throughflow apertures, and thereafter into the mixing duct, while the bypass duct leads another portion of the exhaust gases into the mixing duct in order to be mixed there with the diverted exhaust gases. |
| US09140156B2 |
NOx-flowrate and temperature correction during soot mass estimation in a vehicle exhaust after-treatment device
A method of correcting a soot mass estimate in a vehicle exhaust after-treatment device includes monitoring an exhaust gas pressure drop across a particulate filter included with the vehicle exhaust after-treatment device; determining an initial soot mass estimate from a monitored exhaust gas pressure drop; revising the initial soot mass estimate in view of a monitored engine speed, engine load, exhaust gas temperature, and NOx gas flow rate; and generating a particulate filter regeneration request if the revised soot mass estimate exceeds a threshold. |
| US09140145B1 |
PH adjustment of power plant cooling water with flue gas/fly ash
A system including a vessel including a heat source and a flue; a turbine; a condenser; a fluid conduit circuit disposed between the vessel, the turbine and the condenser; and a diverter coupled to the flue to direct a portion of an exhaust from the flue to contact with a cooling medium for the condenser water. A method including diverting a portion of exhaust from a flue of a vessel; modifying the pH of a cooling medium for a condenser with the portion of exhaust; and condensing heated fluid from the vessel with the pH modified cooling medium. |
| US09140144B2 |
Rotary gravity engine utilizing volatile material and low temperature heat sources
An engine is configured to extract energy from a heat source as follows. A shaft is adapted to be rotatably coupled to a support and rotatable in a first direction. A plurality of vessels is coupled to and arranged about the shaft. At least a first vessel of the plurality of vessels includes a thermally insulative portion and a thermally conductive portion. A plurality of conduits connects the plurality of vessels together. Each of the plurality of vessels is in communication with at least one other of the plurality of vessels via at least one of the conduits. The plurality of vessels is arranged to allow the thermally conductive portion of the first vessel to encounter the heat source. The thermally conductive portion is capable of transferring heat to at least partially vaporize volatile fluid within the first vessel to cause a mass to at least partially move towards a connected vessel located above the first vessel. This produces a gravitational moment that encourages rotation of the shaft and the plurality of vessels in the first direction. |
| US09140140B2 |
Composite flange element
A composite flange element formed on a casing comprising a portion of a component and an adjoining flange portion, the composite having a ply layup comprising: one or more first plies extending over both the portion of the component and the flange portion; one or more second plies extending over the flange portion; and one or more third plies extending over the portion of the component; wherein the first, second and third plies are selected to provide desirable properties for the portions over which they extend. The flange element so formed consists of one or more load spreading features associated with the flange portion and one or more stress reduction features in the region where the portion of the component meets the flange portion. Preferably the plies are arranged or interleaved such that they run up the case and flange without distortion. |
| US09140139B2 |
Structural joint for connecting a first component to a segmented second component
A structural joint includes a first flange, a second flange and a fastener with a head and a shaft. The first flange extends out from a first component to a distal first flange end. The second flange extends out from a segmented second component to a distal second flange end. The second flange includes a first lateral flange segment that extends laterally to a first flange sidewall, and a second lateral flange segment that extends laterally to a second flange sidewall, which is engaged with the first flange sidewall. The head is encased in the second flange and extends laterally into the first flange sidewall and the second flange sidewall. The shaft extends longitudinally out from the second flange and through the first flange. |
| US09140136B2 |
Stress-relieved wire seal assembly for gas turbine engines
A sealing assembly for use in a gas turbine engine having a disk arranged relative to an axis, the assembly including a circumferential groove defined in the disk and an annular wire seal positioned at least partially within the groove. The groove includes a first sidewall, a base portion adjoining the first sidewall, and a second sidewall adjoining the base portion opposite the first sidewall, wherein the second sidewall is angled in a range greater than 0° and less than 90° with respect to the axis. |
| US09140135B2 |
Metallic radius block for composite flange
A disclosed fan containment case includes a fan case fabricated from a plurality of non-metallic composite layers with an attachment flange formed of both a composite portion and a metallic backing. The disclosed metallic backing is mounted on a rearward facing surface of a composite portion of the attachment flange. |
| US09140126B2 |
Propeller with reactionary and vacuum faces
A novel airfoil design comprising a reactionary front face that pushes into the flow of air with a high angle of attack and a vacuum-producing face which forces the early separation of the flow of air from the top side of the airfoil, creating an area of high negative pressure which pulls upward, contributing to lift. |
| US09140124B2 |
Excavation machine
An excavation machine having a cutter head with a large diameter while making it possible to excavate excavation objects such as hard bedrock etc. with high efficiency is provided. The excavation machine comprises an outer circumference cutter head 20 having a circular opening and being rotated and contacted to excavation objects and a small diameter cutter head 23 disposed in the opening and rotatable independently from the outer circumference cutter head. Rotation centers of the rotation disk and the rotation plate are gapped and the gap is shorter than a rotation radius of the small diameter cutter head. |
| US09140121B2 |
Mineral cutter pick etc
A water spray system particularly, but no exclusively, for mineral mining, comprising a pick (1) having an integral shank (4) by which it is releasably receivable in an aperture (17) of a block (16), a heel (7) extending rearwardly from the pick (1), a hole (9) passing through the heel (7) and a pair of spaced-apart cheeks extending beyond the hole, a spray nozzle (24) received in a bore (22) of the block (16) with a head (25) of the nozzle projection above an upper surface of the block (16) to a location between the cheeks (8), with a water discharge orifice of the head (25) so located beneath the heel (7) and with respect to the through hole (9) of the heel (7) that water discharged from the orifice into the through hole and exiting the through hole induces an air flow wholly or partially through the through hole. Other aspects of the invention are the pick (1), the block (6), a releasable latching system, and a drivable member. |
| US09140120B2 |
Lump breaker for mining machine
A longwall shearer is positioned adjacent a face conveyor for transporting material that is cut from a mining face. The longwall shearer includes a chassis, an arm pivotably coupled to the chassis, a cutting drum for engaging the mining face, and a lump breaker for engaging material on the face conveyor. The chassis includes a first end and a second end, and the chassis is movable in at least a first direction that is generally parallel to the mining face. The cutting drum is rotatably supported on the arm. The lump breaker is pivotably coupled to the chassis about an axis, and the lump breaker includes at least one tooth for breaking apart the cut material. |
| US09140119B2 |
Wellbore servicing fluids and methods of making and using same
A method of servicing a wellbore within a subterranean formation comprising providing a drill string disposed within the wellbore having one or more tubulars associated therewith and forming one or more annuli around the drill string; placing an insulating packer fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a viscosifying agent into at least one of the one or more annuli surrounding the drill string; and performing a drill stem test while the insulating packer fluid is in place. A method of servicing a wellbore within a subterranean formation comprising placing an insulating packer fluid in an annular space between a tubular and a marine riser extending from a surface vessel or platform and a subsea wellhead, wherein the insulating packer fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a viscosifying agent and has a thermal conductivity of from about 0.008 BTU/(hr·ft·F) to about 0.245 BTU/(hr·ft·F). |
| US09140116B2 |
Acoustic triggering devices for multiple fluid samplers
A method for capturing a sample from a wellbore, comprising the steps of introducing a first message and a second message into a tubing positioned within the wellbore. The first message is directed to a first modem connected to a first sampler device to cause the first sampler device to collect a first sample. The second message is directed to a second modem connected to a second sampler device to cause the second sampler device to collect a second sample. |
| US09140113B2 |
Instrumented rod rotator
Methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring the rotation of a member in a reciprocating rod lift system. In this manner, rod and tubing wear of the system may be minimized. |
| US09140112B2 |
Systems and methods for expert systems for well completion using Bayesian decision models (BDNs), drilling fluids types, and well types
Systems and methods are provided for expert systems for well completion using Bayesian decision networks to determine well completion recommendations. The well completion expert system includes a well completion Bayesian decision network (BDN) model that receives inputs and outputs recommendations based on Bayesian probability determinations. The well completion BDN model includes a treatment fluids section, a packer section, a junction classification section, a perforation section, a lateral completion section, and an open hole gravel packing section. |
| US09140111B2 |
Proppants containing dispersed piezoelectric or magnetostrictive fillers or mixtures thereof, to enable proppant tracking and monitoring in a downhole environment
In one aspect, the invention relates to a method for “tagging” proppants so that they can be tracked and monitored in a downhole environment, based on the use of composite proppant compositions containing dispersed fillers whose electromagnetic properties change at a detectable level under a mechanical stress such as the closure stress of a fracture. In another aspect, the invention relates to composite proppant compositions containing dispersed fillers whose electromagnetic properties change under a mechanical stress such as the closure stress of a fracture. The currently preferred embodiments use substantially spherical thermoset nanocomposite particles where the matrix comprises a terpolymer of styrene, ethylvinylbenzene and divinylbenzene, a PZT alloy manifesting a strong piezoelectric effect or Terfenol-D manifesting giant magnetostrictive behavior is incorporated to provide the ability to track in a downhole environment, and carbon black particles possessing a length that is less than 0.5 microns in at least one principal axis direction may optionally be incorporated as a nanofiller. |
| US09140110B2 |
Mobile, modular, electrically powered system for use in fracturing underground formations using liquid petroleum gas
The present invention provides a method and system for providing on-site electrical power to a fracturing operation, and an electrically powered fracturing system. Natural gas can be used to drive a turbine generator in the production of electrical power. A scalable, electrically powered fracturing fleet is provided to pump fluids for the fracturing operation, obviating the need for a constant supply of diesel fuel to the site and reducing the site footprint and infrastructure required for the fracturing operation, when compared with conventional systems. The treatment fluid can comprise a water-based fracturing fluid or a waterless liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fracturing fluid. |
| US09140107B2 |
Downhole polymer foam applications
A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore by contacting an energized fluid with the subterranean formation; and reducing a partial pressure of the energized fluid by an amount sufficient to form polymeric foam structure within the subterranean formation. |
| US09140106B2 |
System and method for producing hydrocarbons from a well
A system for producing hydrocarbons from a well includes an unloading unit that receives fluids from a wellhead. The unloading unit separates the oil and gas, and the oil is pumped to a pipeline. Using the unloading unit and the pump helps to reduce the pressure at the wellhead which helps increase production. The gas separated by the unloading unit is compressed and re-injected into the well to create a gas lift which further helps increase production. Capturing and reinjecting the separated gas for gas lift operations reduces environmental damages associated with conventional unloading unit and pump assemblies. The unloading unit, compressor, and pump are modular for quicker installation and a smaller footprint. After increasing the productive life of a first reservoir, the system can be broken down and reassembled for use at another reservoir. |
| US09140104B2 |
Split emergency containment dome
A split emergency containment dome for use in conjunction with an oil or gas well. The split emergency containment dome includes an upper containment portion and a closure mechanism. The upper containment portion has an enclosure defined therein that is adapted to receive equipment used in conjunction with the well and to retain therein oil or gas that escapes from the well. The upper containment portion includes a wall having an opening formed therein. The opening extends from a lower end to an upper end of the upper containment portion. The closure mechanism is capable of selectively closing at least a portion of the opening. |
| US09140100B2 |
Movable well bore cleaning device
A wellbore cleaning device comprises a tubular section, a helical scratcher mounted thereon. The helical scratcher contains flexible wires characterized in that the helical scratcher is able to rotate axially to the tubular section when a fluid flows axially to the tubular section. A method for using the device comprises placing the device into the wellbore; allowing the fluid flowing axially to the wellbore wall to rotate the scratcher; removing a deposit at wellbore wall; and leaving a cleaned wellbore wall. |
| US09140094B2 |
Open hole expandable packer with extended reach feature
An open hole packer uses mandrel expansion and a surrounding sealing element that can optionally have a swelling feature and further a seal enhancing feature of a ring with an internal taper to match an undercut on the mandrel exterior. As a swage progresses to the taper at the transition between the ring and the extending flat fingers, the fingers get plastically deformed in an outward radial direction to push out the sealing element. Shrinkage of the mandrel axially due to radial expansion brings a ring on the mandrel outer surface under the fingers to act as a support for the fingers against the seal which is pushed against the open hole. Mirror image orientations are envisioned to aid in retaining pressure differentials in opposed directions. Another external mandrel ring extends into the seal to keep its position during differential pressure loading. |
| US09140093B2 |
Apparatus and methods for restricting flow in a bore
Apparatus (10) for restricting a flow of fluid through a bore (14) comprises a bore sealing member (12a) and an actuation assembly for moving the bore sealing member (12a) between first and second configurations. The actuation assembly is configured to isolate first and second end portions (46, 48) of the activation member (12a) from a bore fluid (50). The apparatus (10) provides for moving the bore sealing member (12a) between the first and second configurations without a bore fluid (50) pressure acting on an end portion (46, 48) of the activation member (12a). |
| US09140091B1 |
Apparatus and method for adjusting an angular orientation of a subsea structure
An apparatus for causing an indication of a connector of a subsea structure has a lifting structure pivotally affixed adjacent an upper end of the subsea structure, an extension extending outwardly adjacent a bottom of the subsea structure and an inclination tool cooperative with the extension so as to move the lower end of the subsea structure in an angular direction offset from horizontal. The inclination tool has a ratchet mechanism cooperative with a line extending from the lifting structure. Hydraulic actuators serve to draw the ratchet mechanism upwardly in a direction toward the lifting structure. |
| US09140090B2 |
Subsea pressure reduction system
A system for reducing pressure in a subsea operator. In one embodiment, a subsea system includes an operator and a deintensifier. The operator includes a housing and a piston. The piston is movably disposed within the operator housing and divides an inner volume of the operator housing into a closing chamber and a second chamber. The deintensifier is fluidically coupled to the operator. The deintensifier includes a housing and a piston. The piston includes a closing surface and an opening surface. The closing surface is fluidically coupled to the second chamber of the operator housing. The opening surface is fluidically coupled to ambient pressure. The area of the closing surface is greater than an area of the opening surface so as to increase the pressure differential between the closing chamber and the second chamber and assist in moving the operator piston to the closed position. |
| US09140085B2 |
Apparatus and method for positioning and orienting a borehole tool
A downhole positioning apparatus includes: a carrier configured to be disposed in a borehole in an earth formation, the carrier including at least one measurement tool and an extendable member configured to be actuated between a first position in which the extendable member is disposed at the carrier and a second position in which the member is extended from an outer surface of the carrier; and a receiving element fixedly disposed at a borehole casing, the receiving element configured to receive the elongated member when the member is in the second position and guide the carrier to a selected orientation as the carrier is moved axially through the borehole. |
| US09140082B2 |
Adjustable bullnose assembly for use with a wellbore deflector assembly
A wellbore system includes an upper deflector arranged within a main bore and defines first and second channels that extend longitudinally therethrough. A lower deflector is arranged within the main bore and spaced from the upper deflector by a predetermined distance. The lower deflector defines a first conduit that communicates with a lower portion of the main bore and a second conduit that communicates with a lateral bore. A bullnose assembly includes a body, a bullnose tip arranged at a distal end of the body, and a sleeve member arranged about the body. The sleeve member or the bullnose tip is axially movable to vary a length of the bullnose tip, and the upper and lower deflectors direct the bullnose assembly into the lateral bore or the lower portion of the main bore based on the length of the bullnose tip. |
| US09140081B2 |
System for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem
A system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem in a wellbore. The system includes an outer tool assembly including a latch coupling having a latch profile and a slot subassembly having an axially extending slot profile. An inner tool assembly is positionable within the outer tool assembly. The inner tool assembly includes a latch assembly having a plurality of latch keys and an orienting subassembly having a plurality orienting keys. In operation, after axial alignment of the orienting subassembly with the slot subassembly, rotation of the orienting subassembly causes operable engagement of at least one orienting key with the slot profile and, thereafter, axial alignment of the latch assembly with the latch coupling causes operable engagement of the latch keys with the latch profile. |
| US09140075B2 |
Mechanically modified filter cake
A down hole tool including a compression surface, a compression surface axis, and at least one support member configured to attach the compression surface to a well drilling tool assembly, wherein the extendable support member is extendable by an extension force provided to the support member. The down hole tool is rotable relative to an axis of the well drilling tool assembly, and as the well drilling tool assembly rotates, the at least one compression device exerts a lateral force along a sidewall of a wellbore. Also, a method of forming filter cake comprising releasing a drilling fluid and contacting the drilling fluid with a mechanical pressure on the sidewall of the wellbore and the drilling fluid. |
| US09140071B2 |
Apparatus and method for retaining inserts of a rolling cone drill bit
An insert for a rolling cone drill bit includes a base portion having a central axis. The base portion is configured to be seated in a mating socket in a cone cutter of the rolling cone drill bit. In addition, the insert includes a cutting portion extending from the base portion. The base portion has a radially outer surface including a non-cylindrical axial retention feature configured to prevent the insert from moving axially out of the mating socket or a non-cylindrical torque holding feature configured to prevent the insert from rotating relative to the cone cutter. |
| US09140070B2 |
Method of using a 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. |
| US09140067B2 |
Braking mechanism for a downhole tool
This invention relates to braking mechanism for a downhole tool such as a steering tool. The braking mechanism comprises: a body adapted for mounting upon the tool; at least one braking member which is movably mounted upon the body; a resilient biasing means biasing the braking member away from the body; and a damping mechanism connected to the braking member, the damping mechanism providing a damping force opposing movements of the braking member relative to the body, the damping force being dependent upon the rate of movement of the braking member. |
| US09140065B2 |
Ladder clip for hanging tools from a ladder
A ladder clip is taught that allows for the secure support of paint cans, brushes, and other tools from a ladder. The device consists of a platform, having vanes that secure the platform in place in the hollows of ladder rungs. Tools are hung from the platform extension that extends beyond the opening of the rungs. To remove the ladder clip, one simply pulls on the tab that extends from the vanes to the extension, and the vanes fold down, allowing for easy removal. |
| US09140063B2 |
Switch ladder sensor for roll-up door
A system and method for detecting damage to a door system by detecting the presence or absence of a magnetic source attached to the door system for stopping motion or reversing motion of the door to prevent any further damage to the door system. For example, a roll-up type door may be damaged by a vehicle and pulled from its vertical support guides; detecting this event causes stopping of any motion of the door, such as opening or closing the door. |
| US09140060B2 |
Window covering having at least one deformable connector
A window covering is disclosed that includes a first rail, window covering material adjacent the first rail, at least one lift cord extending through the window covering material to the headrail, a plurality of pulleys positioned adjacent the first rail, at least one spring motor adjacent the first rail, at least one spring motor cord extending from the one or more spring motors and a deformable connector attached to one or more spring motor cords and one or more lift cords. The connector is deformable to a size and shape sufficient for the connector and one or more spring motor cords to pass along at least one of the pulleys during movement along a cord path defined by one or more of the pulleys. |
| US09140059B2 |
Venetian type blind operator
A window assembly comprising a window frame and a window sash is disclosed. The sash is supported on the window frame for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position. The sash supports an insulated glass unit with an internal blind and includes a primary operator connected to the blind so that linear movement of the primary operator causes movement of said blind. When the sash is closed, a secondary operator supported in the window frame engages the primary operator so that linear movement of the secondary operator causes a corresponding linear movement of the primary operator. |
| US09140058B1 |
Elevated window covering system
Methods and apparatus are provided for a device to securely support a solar radiation reducing shade screen in a spaced apart relationship to an underlying window. In one embodiment the device is a discrete spacer configured for permanent attachment to a perimeter frame portion of the window, with a bottom surface adjacent the window frame, and a top surface for supporting a perimeter frame portion of the shade screen above the window frame at a uniform height. The device may further include a clamp attachable to the spacer, and operable between a locked position in which the clamp secures the shade screen frame to the spacer, and a released position in which the shade screen frame is not constrained by the clamp. |
| US09140047B2 |
Method for lowering a window pane
A method for lowering a window pane includes lowering the window pane from the starting position by a defined distance by a window lifter in a motor vehicle door after a state signal is received. The state signal is triggered by the actuation of a seatbelt buckle. By using the seatbelt buckle for the purposes of emitting the signal, the window pane is lowered by the defined distance only if the motor vehicle operator or one of motor vehicle occupants is expected to exit the motor vehicle. |
| US09140045B1 |
Offset adjustable hinge
There is disclosed a hinge (10) which includes a mounting flange assembly (12) pivotally coupled to a strap assembly (15). The mounting flange assembly has a lower hinge flange (18) which includes a cam recess (19) having multiple pivot pin mounting holes (25). A cam follower (30) mounted to the mounting flange assembly includes a cam portion (35), seating plate (34) configured to nest within the flange recess, and a mounting post (38). A pivot pin channel (44) extends through the seating plate. A pivot pin (45) is mounted to one of the three pivot pin mounting holes depending upon the desired offset of the strap assembly. The hinge includes three different cam followers each having a unique configuration and positioning of the cam portion, cam follower mounting post, and position of the pivot pin channel. |
| US09140044B2 |
Dual-opening armrest assembly and vehicle having same
An assembly for a vehicle includes a bin defining a compartment with an access opening. A lid at least partially covers the access opening when in a closed position. A single cross bar is adjacent the lid. The cross bar is pivotably attached to the bin near a first end of the cross bar and is pivotably attached to the lid near a second end of the cross bar. Latching mechanisms releasably latch the lid to the bin and the single cross bar. The lid is releasably latched only to the bin and the single cross bar. The lid is pivotable in a first direction to a first open position, and is alternately pivotable in a second direction to a second open position. A first biasing mechanism biases the lid to the first open position. A second biasing mechanism biases the lid to the second open position. |
| US09140043B2 |
Hydraulic hinge buffer assembly for a door
A hydraulic hinge buffer assembly for a door has a fastening device, a buffering device and a clamping device. The fastening device has a holding mount and a pivot block. The buffering device is mounted in the fastening device and has a pivot pin and a piston element. The pivot pin has an abutting face and at least one holding hook. The piston element is mounted between the holding mount and the pivot pin and has a pushing piston. The pushing piston has a pressing face selectively abutting the abutting face and at least one engaging hook axially formed on and protruding from the pressing face and engaging with the at least one holding hook. The clamping device is connected to the buffering device to rotate relative to the fastening device and has two clamping panels. |
| US09140041B2 |
Compression latch
A compression latch comprising a housing, a handle, and a latch member is provided. The housing has an inboard and an outboard side, and defines a plane substantially parallel to a closure plane. The handle is pivotably connected to the housing at a handle pivot point having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the plane, and the latch member is pivotably connected to the housing through a latch member pivot point, which is remote and inboard from the handle pivot point and also has a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to that of the handle pivot point. The latch member is pivotable about the latch member pivot point between an open and a closed position. The handle is connected to the latch member by a first linkage so the latch member is moveable between the open and closed positions by angular movement of the handle about the handle pivot point. |
| US09140040B2 |
Latch assembly with automatic returning bolt
A latch assembly with an automatic returning bolt includes a chassis, a bolt and an elastic element. The chassis has a pair of supporting boards and a guiding board located on one side of the pair of supporting boards. The guiding board is formed with a guiding slot. Each supporting board is formed with a receiving hole. The bolt has a main shaft, a lateral-guiding post and a restricting portion disposed on a periphery of the main shaft. The main shaft is slidably passed through the receiving holes of the supporting boards. The lateral-guiding post is slidably disposed in the guiding slot for limiting a stroke distance thereof. The elastic element is disposed between the restricting portion and one of the supporting boards, and constantly pushes one end of the main shaft to protrude outside the other supporting boards to lock a locking piece. |
| US09140037B2 |
Vehicle door lock device
A vehicle door latch device configured so that the pivoting of a gear which is performed by motor drive reliably moves a lock lever to a lock position and an unlock position. When a lock lever is at a lock position, if a worm wheel is rotated in one direction by a motor, a first engagement protrusion section makes contact with a first engagement arm in the direction of the pivoting thereof, the lock lever is pivoted to an unlock position, and after that, a second engagement protrusion section makes contact with a pivoting end section of a second engagement arm to cause the worm wheel to stop at a first stop position. Also, when the lock lever is at the unlock position, if the worm wheel is rotated in the other direction by the motor, a second engagement protrusion section makes contact with the second engagement arm in the direction of the pivoting thereof, the lock lever is pivoted to a lock position, and after that, a first engagement protrusion section makes contact with a pivoting end section of the first engagement arm to cause the worm wheel to stop at a second stop position. |
| US09140036B2 |
Bag container dispenser rack
A bag container dispenser rack includes a containment structure that has an open first end and an opposite, second end. The structure is sized and shaped to fit slidably about a container dispenser for film bags and has an aperture at the second end. The aperture is sized, shaped and located to at least partially align with a dispensing opening in the container dispenser. A support stand is attached to the containment structure and provides connection to a surface. The support stand is pivotally mounted to an underside of the structure and optionally is securable in either a first, upper position or a second, lower position. A latch prevents unwanted removal of the dispenser from the rack. Two or more structures may be attached to the support stand, thereby providing a choice of bags. Openings are provided in the rack to provide visual access to outer surfaces of the dispenser. |
| US09140031B2 |
Modular tent door assembly with collapsible frame
A tent door panel assembly incorporating a pliable, soft material operatively connected to collapsible tubular frame to define an internal swinging door. The door panel of pliable material may be connected to the door opening or vestibule opening of the tent using well known attachment mechanisms. The collapsible tubular frame may be disassembled and reassembled for removal and portability. |
| US09140029B2 |
Tower erecting system
In certain embodiments, a tower lifting system comprises a primary lifting system and a secondary lifting system. The primary lifting system includes a lift cap configured to support a tower section to be lifted, the lift cap having a first plurality of hoists, and a lift pole coupled to the lift cap, the lift pole having a lifting mechanism configured to lift the lift cap, the lift pole, and the tower section to be lifted from within a previously lifted tower section. The secondary lifting system comprises a second plurality of hoists configured to raise the tower section to be lifted to the lift cap from a tower foundation. |
| US09140025B2 |
Long travel lift system
A long travel lift system, apparatus, and method enables users to raise a structural cap from a structural bottom for creating a fillable space between the structural cap and structural bottom for receiving a second, cap-supporting construction intermediate the structural cap and structural bottom. The long travel lift system incorporates a series lift apparatuses, each of which include a telescopic tube construction and winch assembly for imparting a lift force to an inner tube of the telescopic tube construction for extending the inner tube relative to an outer tube. The load lifting force is transmitted to the inner tube from the winch assembly via a pulley assembly and lengthwise slot formed in the outer tube of the tube construction. The outer tube is reinforced with various structures in view of the slot formation. The winch assembly is outfitted with a transmission for enhancing rotational speed of the winch assembly. |
| US09140023B2 |
Portable robotic casting of volumetric modular building components
A robotic casting machine (RCM) provides for on-site, or near-site casting and automated production of cast components, such as concrete modular, volumetric building components. The RCM includes stationary and mobile support structures, which can be positioned in a loading configuration, a casting configuration and an ejection configuration in which the cast volumetric component may be ejected from the mold. Tipping machines located beneath the cast component facilitate ejection, rotation and loading of the ejected module onto a transport surface for transport of the module. The support structures are constructed of prefabricated frames that may include at least one standardized section, which may be utilized on every project, and may also include a customized section, which may be provided to achieve desired dimensions of the cast module on a particular project. A casting process is provided in which a volumetric module is cast in a rotated orientation, in which the floor is cast with an initial vertical orientation, the transverse walls extend in a horizontal orientation, which is cast in vertical wall forms, and a longitudinal wall extends horizontally along the top of the mold. Modular, volumetric components created using the RCM and casting process are also described. |
| US09140018B2 |
Cladding element
A cladding element (100), for use in a building envelope, comprising a first face (101), a second face (102) and a peripheral edge member, the first face and second face being spaced apart to define an intermediate portion of predetermined thickness (t), the peripheral edge member extending around the intermediate portion. The first face (101) comprises a profiled portion (106) simulating a masonry weather joint aesthetic thereby minimizing dirt and debris accumulation on the profiled portion of each cladding element in a constructed wall section. In addition the profiled portion provides a self-cleaning functionality. The profiled portion also provides an improved shadow zone contrast when arranged in a building array. |
| US09140015B2 |
Joint compound, wall assembly, and methods and products related thereto
A kit for assembling walls and ceilings is provided. The kit comprises at least two gypsum boards, each with at least one tapered edge, and a self-drying joint compound comprising a polymeric binder and hollow spheres. Methods for wall and ceiling installation are provided as well. |
| US09140014B2 |
Covering device having sliding cover elements
A covering device (10) forming a protective surface (12) of variable length (L12) and/or width (W12), includes: a support frame (14) of predefined length (L14) and width (W14), at least two intermediate frames (I1, I2 etc.) supported by the support frame (14), each intermediate frame (I1, I2 etc.) supporting at least two cover elements (E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6 etc.) mounted so as to be able to slide one under the other, the covering device (10) being characterized in that the intermediate frames (I1, I2 etc.) are mounted on the support frame (14) so as to be able to slide one under the other equally in one or the other of two opposing sliding directions ((C1, C2)(C3, C4)) taken in the length (L14) or width (W14) of the support frame. |
| US09140012B1 |
Roofing shingle system and shingles for use therein
A laminated roofing shingle is disclosed comprising a posterior layer with simulated tabs and an anterior layer with tabs spaced apart by openings, wherein each posterior simulated tab is partially covered by a corresponding anterior tab, wherein at least one anterior tab has a first anterior tab breadth and at least another anterior tab has a second anterior tab breadth, and wherein at least one anterior opening has a first anterior opening breadth that is about equal to the second anterior tab breadth and wherein at least another anterior opening has a second anterior opening breadth that is about equal to the first anterior tab breadth. Also disclosed is a roofing system comprising a plurality of courses of the shingle. |
| US09140010B2 |
Panel forming
Building panels, especially laminated floor panels are shown, which are provided with a locking system and several core grooves at the rear side in order to save material and decrease weight. |
| US09140008B2 |
Multi-layered cladding frame system
The present invention provides a multi-layered framing system for securing cladding to an exterior wall having exterior insulation. The framing system provides horizontal elements positioned across the exterior insulation, wherein the horizontal elements are secured to studs within the wall using fasteners. Vertical elements are secured to the horizontal elements. Then panels of cladding are secured to the vertical elements. |
| US09140006B2 |
Self-centering damper
A self-centering damper has an elongated damping body and at least one returning device. The elongated damping body has at least one first wing plate and a supporting element connected to and extending from the first wing plate. The at least one returning device is connected to the damping body and has two holding rib plates respectively connected to the end segments of the damping body, a supporting rib plate securely connected to the damping body between the holding rib plates and at least one pre-stressed stay wire extending through the supporting rib plate and connected the holding rib plates in a tension condition. |
| US09140004B2 |
Sound control system
A sustainable linear sound-deadening board with a tongue and groove design, which allows multiple boards to connect linearly and giving a both clean and attractive appearance. The board is effective in reducing reverberation within a room as well as acting to improve the soundproofing aspect of undesired sound leaking from one room to another. The board can be made from reused or biodegradable materials thus creating a device that is both cost-effective and less harmful to the environment. |
| US09140002B2 |
Weather barrier for a building penetration
A weather barrier for a building penetration. The building penetration has an opening in a wall of the building and a utility in the opening. The weather barrier has a sheet of material that is flexible and water resistant and having an outer perimeter and a resilient seal attached to the sheet of material within the outer perimeter. The sheet of material extends out around the resilient seal. The resilient seal is sized to resiliently clamp about the utility such that the resilient seal seals against and is supported by the utility when installed. |
| US09140001B1 |
Thermal wall anchor
A wall anchor for use in a cavity wall includes an elongate body having a driven end portion and a driving end portion. The driven end portion is adapted to be threadedly mounted on the inner wythe of the cavity wall. The driving end portion includes a drive head including an interior surface defining a receptor for receiving a portion of a veneer tie. A thermal coating is disposed on the interior surface defining the receptor. The thermal coating is configured and arranged to reduce thermal transfer in the cavity wall between the elongate body and a veneer tie when attached to the elongate body. |
| US09139998B1 |
Culvert cleaning apparatus
The present invention is directed to a culvert cleaning apparatus for attachment to a bucket of an earth moving machine. The culvert cleaning apparatus comprises a long shaft that has rotating arms attached to it. As the apparatus is inserted into a culvert and through a debris field the arms are pushed against the shaft to minimize the diameter of the apparatus. As the apparatus is removed from the culvert, the arms engage with debris, rotate outward to increase the functional diameter of the apparatus and pull/push debris out of the culvert. |
| US09139997B2 |
Gully arrangement
A gully arrangement comprises a housing (1) having an inlet (17) at an upper end thereof, a reservoir (3) in a lower region thereof, and a conduit system (5, 7) forming a trap at a side of the housing. A valve (19) is provided in an upper region of the housing and adapted to close the inlet in the event liquid in the housing rises substantially to the level of the valve. The conduit system comprises an upper conduit (5) communicating with the housing at a level below the inlet, the upper conduit being closed at the housing by a removable stopper (20), and a lower conduit (7) exiting the housing at a lower level than the upper conduit and extending in an upwardly inclined direction to communicate with the upper conduit. |
| US09139995B2 |
Toilet overspray shield and funnel
A funnel device to assist individuals, especially males, with the standing use of toilet facilities. The funnel is used to contain any urine overspray from an individual standing in front of a toilet. The device may be easily placed and positioned on, or removed from, the toilet. The device is a truncated cone of flexible plastic material, with a large V-shaped space formed in one side. The narrow end of the cone is inserted into the toilet and is sized to extend into the toilet basin. The device is preferably constructed from a sheet of heavy flexible plastic, attached back onto itself at a point near the narrow end of the cone. Holes near the base may be incorporated to allow water to flow into the cone from the toilet bowl. Handle cutouts may be positioned near the upper perimeter of the cone to facilitate placement of the device. |
| US09139987B2 |
Automatic sensor control panel
A method for regulating water output from a faucet is presented. The method includes receiving an input at a plurality of sensors, transmitting a signal to a control unit in response to receiving the input, controlling, via the control unit, at least a temperature or volume of water in response to the signal received at the plurality of sensors, outputting the water via a water output device, and outputting, via a display module, a visual indicator for at least the temperature or the volume. |
| US09139984B2 |
Retainer systems for ground engaging tools
Various exemplary embodiments of a retainer system for a ground engaging tool. In one exemplary embodiment, the retainer system may include a lock configured to receive a portion of a support member to be locked with the ground engaging tool and a retainer bushing including an inner surface configured to rotatably receive the lock. The lock may be rotatable relative to the inner surface of the retainer bushing between an unlocked position and a locked position. The retainer system may also include a plug configured to substantially fill at least a space between the lock and the inner surface of the retainer bushing when the lock is in the locked position. |
| US09139980B2 |
Mobile apparatus
Mobile apparatus, comprising a main frame and a sub-frame connected in rotatable manner to the main frame, a control cab/rollover protection and an operating arm, wherein at least one recess is provided in the rollover protection/cab, which recess provides space for parts of the operating arm. |
| US09139979B2 |
Work vehicle
An engine (32) is attached to a vehicle frame (31) on a front end side relative to a cab (1). An engine cooling module (33) serves for cooling the engine (32) and it is attached to the vehicle frame (31) at a rear end. In a top plan view, the cab (1) has a projection portion projecting outward from the vehicle frame (31). The cab (1) has a through hole (12a to 12c) opening into an outdoor space of the cab (1) and an opening (3b) communicating with the through hole (12a to 12c) and opening into an indoor space (10), and the through hole (12a to 12c) opens in a lower surface of the projection portion. Thus, a work vehicle capable of preventing dust, water, or the like from entering the cab and realizing an environment in the cab comfortable for an operator is obtained. |
| US09139978B2 |
Shovel
A shovel includes a turning drive unit. The turning drive unit includes a turning electric motor, a turning speed reducer configured to transmit the rotational driving force of the turning electric motor to a turnable body, a brake unit configured to maintain the turnable body in a state where the turning of the turnable body is stopped, and a case forming a space in which the turning speed reducer and the brake unit are lubricated with lubricant oil and accommodated. A recess is formed in part of the case that forms a bottom surface of the space. |
| US09139974B2 |
Underwater compressed fluid energy storage system
A compressed fluid storage system includes a bi-directional compressor/expander (C/E) unit constructed to compress fluid during a first operational mode and allow expansion of fluid in a second operational mode, a fluid storage system positioned on a sea floor under a body of water, and a piping system positioned between the C/E unit and the fluid storage system and configured to pass fluid between the C/E unit and the fluid storage system. |
| US09139973B2 |
Bag for retaining wall
A bag for retaining structures, includes a plurality of cells aligned side-by-side in a continuous manner and configured to be filled with a filling material. Each cell of the bag includes a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a back wall, and a front wall, the front wall being longer than the back wall. Furthermore, the first and second side walls each include a) a first corner located where the back wall connects with the bottom wall, said first corner being substantially 90 degrees; and b) a second corner located where a respective top edge of each side wall connects with the rear wall, said second corner being substantially 90 degrees. |
| US09139971B2 |
Aggregate replacement
An aggregate replacement device may be used to take replace rock aggregate in underground drainage systems. An aggregate replacement device may include a structure having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one face. The at least one face may have a plurality of first openings. A second opening in the structure may extend from the proximal end to the distal end of the structure continuing uninterrupted through at least one of the at least one faces. The second opening may receive a pipe inserted in a radial direction of the pipe. The aggregate replacement device may also include a pipe retainer. An additional embodiment of the aggregate replacement device may include a stake which may be used to secure the aggregate replacement device in position. |
| US09139964B2 |
System for adjusting the pressure and temperature of a compacting member
A compactor includes a frame, an engine coupled to the frame, an exhaust system coupled to the engine and configured to remove heated exhaust air from the engine, a compacting member rotatably coupled to the frame and configured to rotate in contact with a substrate of paving material, and an air system. The air system couples the exhaust system to the compacting member. |
| US09139963B2 |
Portable spreader for scattering granular materials
The invention relates to a portable scattering apparatus (1) for storing and dispensing granular material, especially pourable bulk material on a surface, e.g. of grainy fertilizer on a lawn surface, or scattering material on slick roads or paths. The scattering apparatus (1) contains a closable container (3) and a handle part (2) connected to the container (3) for dispensing the granular material. The handle part (2) comprises a lock chamber (4) in the connecting region of the container (3) for controlling the flow rate, and it is shaped into a distributor (5) at the front end. A valve (25) is arranged in the lock chamber (4), which valve can be actuated via a lever (11), which is pivotably held on the outside on the handle part (2). The lever (11) is connected via a valve stem (28) with the valve disk (26) of the valve (25). |
| US09139962B2 |
Removable dowel connector and system and method of installing and removing the same
A pre-fabricated pavement slab installation and replacement system is provided. The system includes a connector having an axial opening therethrough and engagement surface within the opening. The system further includes a pavement slab and an adjacent pavement slab, wherein a portion of the connector is embedded in the pavement slab and a remaining portion of the connector is exposed. The adjacent pavement slab has an interconnection slot, that can cover the remaining portion of the exposed connector. The system further provides that under the condition that the pavement slab and the adjacent pavement slab are cut apart, the connector is cut into a first half and a second half, wherein the first half of the connector contains the first engagement component and the second half of the connector contains the second engagement component. The first half of the connector can be subsequently removed by engaging the engagement surface. |
| US09139953B2 |
Asphalt emulsions, products made from asphalt emulsions, and processes for making fibrous mats from asphalt emulsions
The invention relates to asphalt emulsions comprising an asphalt component selected from the group consisting of a solvent extracted asphalt, an oxidized asphalt, and combinations thereof. The invention also relates to products made therefrom, including fibrous mats comprising a fiber component, such as glass fibers, and a binder component comprising an asphalt emulsion. The invention further relates to wet-laid processes for manufacturing fibrous mats and that employ the use of an amphoteric surfactant, which is applied to a wet fiber web prepared from a dispersion of fiber components, such as glass fibers. |
| US09139951B2 |
Laundry treating appliance and method of controlling the heater thereof
A method of operating a household appliance to vary the thermal output of the electric heater by selectively coupling heating elements between power supply mains. |
| US09139948B2 |
Heat pump type clothes dryer with secondary blowing mechanism
A heat pump type clothes dryer compensates for pressure loss caused by a radiator to increase the flow rate of air passing around the radiator, and suppressing introduction of ambient air through gaps formed in air flow lines to avoid degradation in drying capacity, while avoiding an increase in the power consumption or noise of a fan. The clothes dryer includes a drum to accommodate clothes, an air suction or intake line to suck air into the drum, an air exhaust line to exhaust air from the drum, a heat pump circuit including a compressor, a radiator, a pressure reducer, and a heat absorber, where the heat absorber is provided in the air exhaust line, and the radiator is provided in the air suction or intake line, a first blowing mechanism provided in the air exhaust line, and a second blowing mechanism provided in the air suction or intake line. |
| US09139946B2 |
Washing machine wherein the type and amount of laundry can be detected
In the In a washing machine (1) the type of the laundry placed in the drum (2) and the amount of laundry are estimated by detecting the laundry type information by the valve (4) opening pressure level (Pva1) and the valve (4) closing pressure level (Pvu1) in the water receiving step. |
| US09139945B2 |
Bearing housing, water tub for washing machine and manufacturing mold unit thereof
A water tub for a washing machine, manufactured by injection molding under the condition that a bearing housing to install bearings is inserted into the water tub and including support holes to allow the bearing housing to be supported by a water tub manufacturing mold unit, and the water tub manufacturing mold unit including support protrusions to support the bearing housing through the support holes. The support holes and the support protrusions prevent the bearing housing from moving in the injection molding process of the water tub, into which the bearing housing is inserted. |
| US09139941B2 |
Sheet having high water vapor permeability
Sheet that has a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of at least 100 g/m2·day measured according to ISO 12572B at 1 bar, 23° C. and 85% relative humidity and that contains a film of a polymer composition containing a polar thermoplastic elastomer, a hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS) and or a UV absorber and an aromatic amine radical scavenger. The sheet suitable to be used as a roofing membrane. |
| US09139940B2 |
Bonded nonwoven fibrous webs comprising softenable oriented semicrystalline polymeric fibers and apparatus and methods for preparing such webs
A method for making a bonded nonwoven fibrous web comprising 1) providing a nonwoven fibrous web that comprises oriented semicrystalline polymeric fibers, and 2) subjecting the web to a controlled heating and quenching operation that includes a) forcefully passing through the web a fluid heated to at least the onset melting temperature of said polymeric material for a time too short to wholly melt the fibers, and b) immediately quenching the web by forcefully passing through the web a fluid at a temperature at least 50° C. less than the Nominal Melting Point of the material of the fibers. The fibers of the treated web generally have i) an amorphous-characterized phase that exhibits repeatable softening (making the fibers softenable) and ii) a crystallite-characterized phase that reinforces the fiber structure during softening of the amorphous-characterized phase, whereby the fibers may be autogenously bonded while retaining orientation and fiber structure. Apparatus for carrying out the method can comprise 1) a conveyor for conveying a web to be treated, 2) a heater mounted adjacent a first side of the conveyor and comprising a) a chamber having a wall that faces the web, b) one or more conduits through which a heated gas can be introduced into the chamber under pressure and c) a slot in said chamber wall through which heated gas flows from the chamber onto a web on the conveyor, 3) a source of quenching gas downweb from the heater on the first side of the conveyor, the quenching gas having a temperature substantially less than that of the heated gas, 4) gas-withdrawal mean disposed on the second side of the conveyor opposite from the heater, the gas-withdrawal means having a portion in alignment with the slot so as to draw heated gas from the slot through the web and also a portion downweb from the slot in alignment with the source of quenching gas so as to draw the quenching gas through the web to quench the web. Flow restrictor means is preferably disposed on the second side of the conveyor in the path of at least one of the heated gas and the quenching gas so as to even the distribution of the gas through the web. |
| US09139938B2 |
Independently controlled rollers for take-down assembly of knitting machine
A knitting machine includes a take-down assembly that includes a first take-down roller and a second take-down roller. The first take-down roller is configured to rotatably contact and apply tension to a first portion of a knit component. The second take-down roller is configured to rotatably contact and apply tension to a second portion of the knit component. The knitting machine further includes a first actuator that actuates to selectively adjust tension applied by the first take-down roller on the first portion of the knit component. Furthermore, the knitting machine includes a second actuator that actuates to selectively adjust tension applied by the second take-down roller on the second portion of the knit component. Additionally, the knitting machine includes a controller that is operably coupled to the first actuator and the second actuator to selectively and independently control actuation of the first actuator and the second actuator. |
| US09139937B2 |
Method of strengthening existing structures using strengthening fabric having slitting zones
Disclosed is a method of strengthening existing structures containing the following steps. An existing structure made of concrete, steel, timber, masonry to be reinforced and a reinforcing sheet are provided, where the reinforcing sheet contains an alternating arrangement of reinforcement zones and slitting zones. The reinforcement zones contain unidirectional strengthening fibers in the warp direction of the reinforcement sheet and the slitting zones have an absence of strengthening fibers. The reinforcement sheet is slit through the slitting zones and the reinforcement zones are adhered to the existing structure. |
| US09139936B2 |
Oxidation furnace
An oxidation furnace for the oxidative treatment of fibers, in particular for producing carbon fibers, with a housing which is gas-tight, apart from passage areas for the carbon fibers, and a process chamber located in the interior of the housing. Hot air can be blown into the process chamber by at least one air inlet device. Deflecting rollers flanking the process chamber guide the fibers arranged side by side in the form of a carpet through the process chamber in a serpentine manner, wherein each fiber carpet spans a plane between opposite deflecting rollers. The air inlet device allows hot air to be diverted to the side of the deflecting rollers facing away from the process chamber such that hot air flows over the respective deflecting roller and the fibers before it enters the process chamber. |
| US09139934B2 |
REN semiconductor layer epitaxially grown on REAIN/REO buffer on Si substrate
Rare earth semiconductor and ferromagnetic material epitaxially grown on a silicon substrate includes a buffer of single crystal epitaxial rare earth/aluminum nitride positioned on a single crystal silicon substrate and a single crystal epitaxial rare earth oxide positioned on the single crystal epitaxial aluminum nitride. A layer of single crystal epitaxial semiconductor and ferromagnetic rare earth nitride is positioned on the buffer. A layer of III-V semiconductive material may be optionally positioned on the rare earth nitride layer. |
| US09139933B2 |
Semiconductor substrate manufacturing apparatus
According to this embodiment, a semiconductor substrate manufacturing apparatus for epitaxial growth in which gases are supplied to a wafer placed on a susceptor and in which a heater is provided on the back surface of the susceptor. As a result of this epitaxial growth, SiC film is deposited onto the susceptor in the film-forming chamber. The susceptor is then moved into a separate chamber and the SiC film deposited on the susceptor during the epitaxial process is removed. After removal of SiC film, regeneration of the SiC film of the susceptor occurs. This semiconductor substrate manufacturing apparatus makes it possible to remove film deposited on a susceptor during epitaxial growth that would otherwise limit manufacturing yield. |
| US09139931B2 |
Directional solidification furnace heat exchanger
A heat exchanger system for use in a directional solidification furnace is disclosed. The heat exchanger includes a plate having a flow path formed in the plate for directing a flow of coolant. The flow path has an inlet positioned adjacent an outlet. A wall separates the inlet and the outlet of the flow path. The heat exchanger includes a cover having an opening in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet of the flow path. An inner conduit is connected to the inlet of the flow path and an outer conduit is connected to the outlet of the flow path. |
| US09139924B2 |
Systems and processes for forming molds such as nickel molds
For forming a nickel mold, a metal and a corresponding etchant are selected such that the etchant selectively etches the metal over nickel. The metal is sputtered onto a surface of a template having nano-structures to form a sacrificial layer covering the nano-structures. Nickel is electroplated onto the sacrificial layer to form a nickel mold, but leaving a portion of the sacrificial layer exposed. The sacrificial layer is contacted with the etchant through the exposed portion of the sacrificial layer to etch away the sacrificial layer until the nickel mold is separated from the template. Subsequently, the nickel mold may be replicated or scaled-up to produce a replicate mold by electroplating, where the replicate mold has nano-structures that match the nano-structures on the template. The metal may be copper. |
| US09139923B2 |
Electroformed housings for devices and methods for making the same
Electroformed housings for electronic devices and methods for making the same are provided. An electronic device is provided having circuitry with interface circuitry for processing a user input event, and an electroformed housing that is an enclosure for the circuitry, the electroformed housing having a user interface region positioned adjacent to the interface circuitry such that when a user initiates a user input event on the user interface region, the interface circuitry processes the user input event. |
| US09139921B2 |
Alkaline electrolyzer
An Alkaline Electrolyzer Cell Configuration (AECC) has a hydrogen half cell; an oxygen half cell; a GSM (Gas Separation Membrane); two inner hydrogen half cell spacer screens; an outer hydrogen half cell spacer screen; a hydrogen electrode; two inner oxygen half cell spacer screens; an outer oxygen half cell spacer screen; and an oxygen electrode. The hydrogen half cell includes the hydrogen electrode which is located between said two inner hydrogen half cell spacer screens and said outer hydrogen half cell spacer screen. The oxygen half cell includes the oxygen electrode which is located between said two inner oxygen half cell spacer screens and said outer oxygen half cell spacer screen. The GSM is provided between said two inner hydrogen half cell spacer screens of the hydrogen half cell and said two inner oxygen half cell spacer screens of the oxygen half cell to from the electrolyzer. |
| US09139920B1 |
Efficient electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 to CO using ligand-protected Au25 clusters
An apparatus and method for CO2 reduction using an Au25 electrode. The Au25 electrode is comprised of ligand-protected Au25 having a structure comprising an icosahedral core of 13 atoms surrounded by a shell of six semi-ring structures bonded to the core of 13 atoms, where each semi-ring structure is typically —SR—Au—SR—Au—SR or —SeR—Au—SeR—Au—SeR. The 12 semi-ring gold atoms within the six semi-ring structures are stellated on 12 of the 20 faces of the icosahedron of the Au13 core, and organic ligand —SR or —SeR groups are bonded to the Au13 core with sulfur or selenium atoms. The Au25 electrode and a counter-electrode are in contact with an electrolyte comprising CO2 and H+, and a potential of at least −0.1 volts is applied from the Au25 electrode to the counter-electrode. |
| US09139919B2 |
Electrolysis water-making apparatus
An electrolysis water-making apparatus (1A) includes a casing (20), an electrolytic cell (4) installed in the casing (20) and configured to perform electrolysis on a raw material solution, a raw material solution feed pump (10) configured to pump the raw material solution to the electrolytic cell (4), and a diluting unit (26) configured to dilute electrolyzed products extracted from the electrolytic cell (4) with dilution water; and provided with a bracket (30) configured to integrally attach the electrolytic cell (4) and the raw material solution feed pump (10), and detachably fixed to the inside of the casing (20) in a state in which the electrolytic cell (4) and the raw material solution feed pump (10) are attached thereto. |
| US09139913B2 |
Anti-corrosion treatment method for aluminum heat exchanger
Disclosed is an anti-corrosion treatment method for a heat exchanger, in which even if an aluminum material-made heat exchanger having been flux-brazed by the NB process, in particular, an aluminum material-made heat exchanger to be used for automobile air conditioner is not subjected to a chemical conversion treatment in advance, not only corrosion resistance can be significantly enhanced without impairing hydrophilicity, but deodorizing properties can be enhanced. The anti-corrosion treatment method for an aluminum material-made heat exchanger includes bringing an aluminum material-made heat exchanger having been flux-brazed by the NOCOLOK brazing process into contact with a hydrophilic treatment liquid and then applying a baking treatment, thereby forming a hydrophilic film on the surface of the aluminum material-made heat exchanger, wherein the hydrophilic treatment liquid contains a hydrophilic resin and a lithium ion, and a lithium concentration in the hydrophilic film is from 0.05 to 25% by mass. |
| US09139909B2 |
Microwave plasma reactors
New and improved microwave plasma assisted reactors, for example chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) reactors, are disclosed. The disclosed microwave plasma assisted reactors operate at pressures ranging from about 10 Torr to about 760 Torr. The disclosed microwave plasma assisted reactors include a movable lower sliding short and/or a reduced diameter conductive stage in a coaxial cavity of a plasma chamber. For a particular application, the lower sliding short position and/or the conductive stage diameter can be variably selected such that, relative to conventional reactors, the reactors can be tuned to operate over larger substrate areas, operate at higher pressures, and discharge absorbed power densities with increased diamond synthesis rates (carats per hour) and increased deposition uniformity. |
| US09139907B2 |
Method for producing metal complex quantum crystals
The present quantum crystals are produced by a method characterized in that an aqueous solution of plasmon metal complex made from a ligand and a plasmon metal selected from the group consisting of gold, silver, copper, nickel, zinc, aluminum, and platinum is prepared and brought into contact with a carrier made of a metal or a metal alloy having an electrode potential lower than an electrode potential of the plasmon metal in the aqueous solution. When the plasmon metal complex is precipitated as quantum crystals arranged on the carrier, the metal complex crystals are formed as metal quantum dots. |
| US09139902B2 |
Method and apparatus for plasma ion implantation of solid element
Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for plasma ion implantation of a solid element, which enable plasma ion implantation of a solid element. According to the apparatus and method, a sample is placed on a sample stage in a vacuum chamber, and the inside of the vacuum chamber is maintained as a vacuum state. And, gas is supplied in the vacuum chamber, a first pulsed DC power is applied to a magnetron sputtering source so as to generate plasma ions of a solid element. The plasma ions of a solid element sputtered from the source are implanted on the surface of the sample. The first power is a pulse DC power capable of applying a high power the moment a pulse is applied while maintaining low average power. And, simultaneously with the applying of the first pulse power, a second power may be supplied to the sample stage, which is a high negative voltage pulse accelerating plasma ions of a solid element to the sample and synchronized to the pulse DC power for magnetron sputtering source. And, inductively coupled plasma may be generated in the vacuum chamber via antenna so as to increase ionization rate of a solid element and lower operation pressure of magnetron sputtering source. |
| US09139901B2 |
Plasma processing method
A method includes: etching a target layer of a target object in a processing chamber by generating a plasma of a first gas containing at least one of SF6, ClF3 and F2 supplied into the processing chamber to; and forming a protective film on the target layer by generating a plasma of a second gas containing at least one of hydrocarbon, fluorocarbon, and fluorohydrocarbon supplied into the processing chamber. In the etching, a pressure in the processing chamber is set to a first pressure and a first bias power is applied to a lower electrode. In the forming, the pressure is set to a second pressure lower than the first pressure and a second bias power higher than the first bias power is applied to the lower electrode. |
| US09139900B2 |
Indium target and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides an indium target and manufacturing method thereof, where deposition rate is high, initial discharge voltage is low, and deposition rate and discharge voltage, from the start of sputtering to the end of sputtering, are stable. In the indium target, an aspect ratio (length of longer direction/length of shorter direction) of crystal particle, observed from cross-section direction of the target, is 2.0 or less. |
| US09139895B2 |
Zirconium alloy fuel cladding for operation in aggressive water chemistry
Disclosed herein are zirconium-based alloys and methods of fabricating nuclear reactor components, particularly fuel cladding tubes, from such alloys that exhibit improved corrosion resistance in aggressive coolant compositions. The fabrication steps include a late-stage β-treatment on the outer region of the tubes. The zirconium-based alloys will include between about 1.30 and 1.60 wt % tin; between about 0.06 and 0.15 wt % chromium; between about 0.16 and 0.24 wt % iron, and between 0.05 and 0.08 wt % nickel, with the total content of the iron, chromium and nickel comprising above about 0.31 wt % of the alloy and will be characterized by second phase precipitates having an average size typically less than about 40 nm. The final finished cladding will have a surface roughness of less than about 0.50 μm Ra and preferably less then about 0.10 μm Ra. |
| US09139886B2 |
Grain-oriented electrical steel sheet and method for producing same
In a method for producing a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet, grooves each having a given length and extending in a direction including a direction perpendicular to a transportation direction of the grain-oriented electrical steel sheet are formed at given intervals in the transportation direction by irradiating the surface of the grain-oriented electrical steel sheet with a laser beam while scanning the surface of the grain-oriented electrical steel sheet with the laser beam. Further, in the method for manufacturing a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet, the laser beam is a continuous-wave laser beam having a laser wavelength λ of 1.0 μm to 2.1 μm, power density Pd [W/mm2] which is obtained by dividing laser beam intensity P by a focused beam area S is 5×105 W/mm2 or more, and the power density Pd [W/mm2] and scanning speed V [mm/s] of a focused spot of the laser beam on the surface of the grain-oriented electrical steel sheet satisfy a relationship of 0.005×Pd+3000≦V≦0.005×Pd+40000. |
| US09139883B2 |
PCR-based detection method for Chlamydia trachomatis
A process for designing of PCR-based detection method for Chlamydia trachomatis comprising designing of PCR primers from the genome sequence of Chlamydia trachomatis selecting DNA sequence of genes for PCR based diagnostic of Chlamydia trachomatis, optimizing the PCR conditions of the PCR primers; subjecting the said genes and primers to the step of characterization. |
| US09139882B2 |
System and method for high resolution analysis of nucleic acids to detect sequence variations
Provided herein are methods for assaying a biological sample for microorganisms having drug resistant and/or drug sensitive phenotypes, wherein the methods are capable of detecting resistant and sensitive phenotypes associated with known and/or unknown mutations. In some aspects, methods are provided for detecting drug resistant Myobacterium tuberculosis (MTb), including multi-drug resistant MTb, wherein drug resistance is associated with one or more novel mutations. Also provided are systems, kits, and compositions related to such methods. |
| US09139880B2 |
Identification of tumor-associated cell surface antigens for diagnosis and therapy
The present invention provides agents with tumor-inhibiting activity, and which are selective for cells expressing or abnormally expressing a tumor-associated antigen. Said tumor-associated antigen has a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: (a) a nucleotide sequence selected from the specific sequences set forth herein, or a 6-50 contiguous nucleotide residue portion thereof; (b) a nucleotide sequence of a nucleic acid which hybridizes with a nucleic acid having the nucleotide sequence of (a) under stringent conditions; (c) a nucleotide sequence which is degenerate with respect to the nucleotide sequence of (a) or (b); and (d) a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to the nucleotide sequence of (a), (b) or (c). Pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising the agents are also provided, as well as methods treating, diagnosing or monitoring a disease characterized by expression or abnormal expression of the tumor-associated antigen. |
| US09139879B2 |
TAM receptors and TAM receptor ligands in detection and modulation of neuropathological disease
Methods, compositions and kits based on TAM receptors, or TAM receptor ligands or agonists are for detection of neuropathological diseases or determination of their progression. The neural diseases include multiple sclerosis or other inflammatory neural disorders that are characterized by demyelination, oligodendrocyte cytotoxicity and microglial activation. These methods include screening cells of a subject where identification of an elevation of expression of a TAM receptor or a change in expression of a TAM receptor ligand indicates the presence of the disease presence or progression. In addition, subjects with such neuropathological diseases can be treated by administering TAM receptor ligands (such as GAS 6 or Protein S) or by administering agonists such as antibodies specific for the TAM receptors; Axl, Mer or Tyro3. |
| US09139878B2 |
Methods for diagnosing and treating systemic lupus erythematosus
This invention provides methods and compositions useful for detecting autoimmune disorders. |