| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09152062B2 |
Pattern forming device, pattern forming method, and device manufacturing method
Presented are methods for forming a predetermined pattern in a predetermined area of an elongated sheet material. The methods include applying a two-dimensional tension to a portion including the predetermined area of the sheet material, and allowing a flat reference surface to adsorb a rear surface portion corresponding to the predetermined area of the sheet material applied with the two-dimensional tension. The methods then illuminate an energy beam corresponding to the pattern to the predetermined area of the sheet material adsorbed to the reference surface. |
| US09152060B2 |
Stage device with two pairs of movable elements and two pairs of stators, exposure apparatus, and method of manufacturing devices
A stage device includes a stage and a frame-shaped member that move in three degrees of freedom directions in a two-dimensional plane while floating above a surface plate. The stage also holds an object. First fixed elements and second fixed elements are fitted to the frame-shaped member, and cooperate with first movable elements and second movable elements to generate drive forces to drive the stage in the two-dimensional plane. A reaction force generated by the driving of the stage acts on the first and/or second fixed elements, and causes the frame-shaped member to move in the two-dimensional plane. Because the reaction force caused by the movement of the stage is substantially completely cancelled, and because the movement of a center of gravity of a system including the stage and the frame-shaped member does not occur, no unbalanced load acts on the surface plate. |
| US09152059B2 |
Exposure apparatus and device fabrication method
An exposure apparatus and a fabrication method thereof include an obtaining unit configured to obtain data of a first imaging position at which light from a first pattern having, as a longitudinal direction thereof, a first direction perpendicular to an optical axis of a projection optical system forms an image via the projection optical system, and data of a second imaging position at which light from a second pattern having, as a longitudinal direction thereof, a second direction which is not parallel to the first direction and is perpendicular to the optical axis forms an image via the projection optical system, when the first pattern and the second pattern are respectively placed on an object plane of the projection optical system, and a control unit configured to control a stage so that a substrate is positioned at a target position of the substrate along the optical axis. |
| US09152056B2 |
Imaging optical system and projection exposure system for microlithography
An imaging optical system includes a plurality of mirrors that image an object field in an object plane into an image field in an image plane. At least one of the mirrors is obscured, and thus has an opening for imaging light to pass through. The fourth-last mirror in the light path before the image field is not obscured and provides, with an outer edge of the optically effective reflection surface thereof, a central shadowing in a pupil plane of the imaging optical system. The distance between the fourth-last mirror and the last mirror along the optical axis is at least 10% of the distance between the object field and the image field. An intermediate image, which is closest to the image plane, is arranged between the last mirror and the image plane. The imaging optical system can have a numerical aperture of 0.9. These measures, not all of which must be effected simultaneously, lead to an imaging optical system with improved imaging properties and/or reduced production costs. |
| US09152051B2 |
Antireflective coating composition and process thereof
The present invention relates to an absorbing hard mask antireflective coating composition comprising a novel polymer, where the novel polymer comprises in the backbone of the polymer four repeat units -A-, -B-, -C- and -D-, where A is repeat unit which comprises a fused aromatic ring in its backbone, B has the structure (1), C is a hydroxylbiphenyl of structure (2) and D is a derivatized fluorene of structure (3), where R1 is C1-C4alkyl, R2 is C1-C4alkyl, R3 and R4 are independently hydrogen or C1-C4 alkyl, and Ar′ and Ar″ are independently phenylenic, or naphthalenic derived moieties, R5 and R6 are independently —OH or —(CH2)nOH where n=2-4, and R7 and R8 are independently hydrogen or C1-C4 alkyl. This invention also relates to a process for forming an image using the novel antireflective coating composition. |
| US09152048B2 |
Actinic-ray- or radiation-sensitive resin composition and method of forming pattern using the composition
According to one embodiment, an actinic-ray- or radiation-sensitive resin composition includes (A) a resin that when acted on by an acid, increases its solubility in an alkali developer, (B) a compound that when exposed to actinic rays or radiation, generates an acid, and (C) a resin containing at least one group selected from among the following groups (x) to (z) and further containing at least either a fluorine atom or a silicon atom, in which three or more polymer chains are contained through at least one branch point, (x) an alkali-soluble group, (y) a group that when acted on by an alkali developer, is decomposed to thereby increase its solubility in the alkali developer, and (z) a group that when acted on by an acid, is decomposed to thereby increase its solubility in an alkali developer. |
| US09152047B2 |
Actinic-ray- or radiation-sensitive resin composition, actinic-ray-or radiation-sensitive film therefrom, method of forming pattern, process for manufacturing semiconductor device, semiconductor device and compound
Provided is an actinic-ray- or radiation-sensitive resin composition including a compound that when exposed to actinic rays or radiation, generates any of acids of general formula (I) below. |
| US09152043B2 |
Negative tone molecular glass resists and methods of making and using same
The various embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to resists and, more particularly, to negative tone molecular glass resists, and their associated methods of fabrication and use. In one embodiment of the present invention, a negative tone molecular glass-based resist comprises: a molecular glass, comprising, a molecular glass core, wherein the molecular glass core is not a polymer chain, and a functional group bound to the molecular glass core and configured to provide a decrease in solubility of the molecular glass; and an initiating component configured to produce a reactive species upon exposure to radiation, wherein the reactive species facilitates the decrease in solubility of the molecular glass. |
| US09152041B2 |
Display panel including patterned spacer
Disclosed is a display panel including a lower substrate, upper substrate, and a patterned spacer that causes the lower substrate and upper substrate to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, wherein the patterned spacer is obtained from a photosensitive resin composition comprising: (a) a triazine-based photopolymerization initiator represented by the following formula 1; (b) an alkali-soluble photo polymerizable reactive resin binder; and (c) a polymerizable compound: (wherein each of R1-R5 has the same meaning as defined herein). A photosensitive resin composition for use in a patterned spacer is also disclosed, the composition comprising: (a) a triazine-based photopolymerization initiator represented by the following formula 1; (b) an alkali-soluble photopolymerizable reactive resin binder; (c) a polymerizable compound; and (d) a solvent. The photosensitive resin composition shows high sensitivity and excellent properties related with development, and provides a patterned spacer having excellent strength, sensitivity, residue characteristics, film uniformity, residual film ratio, etc. |
| US09152040B1 |
Method and apparatus for fabrication of large area 3D photonic crystals with embedded waveguides
In accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, a maskless interferomeric lithography system for fabricating a three-dimensional (3D) photonic crystal using a multiple two-beam-exposures is disclosed. The system can comprise an illumination system comprising an optical arrangement operable to receive radiation from a radiation source and provide three or more tilted two-beam interference pattern exposures to be combined into a three-dimensional pattern; and a substrate operable to be supported by a substrate table, wherein the substrate comprises a photoresist formed on a top surface of the substrate and operable to receive the three-dimensional pattern and wherein means are provided to adjust the position of the substrate in all six mechanical degrees of freedom. |
| US09152039B2 |
Multiple patterning technology method and system for achieving minimal pattern mismatch
The present disclosure provides for many different embodiments of a multiple patterning technology method and system. An exemplary method includes receiving a pattern layout having a plurality of features; coloring each of the plurality of features one of at least two colors, thereby forming a colored pattern layout, wherein the coloring includes coloring match-sensitive features a same color; and fabricating at least two masks with the features of the colored pattern layout, wherein each mask includes features of a single color. |
| US09152037B2 |
Pattern correction method, storage medium, information processing apparatus, method of manufacturing mask, exposure apparatus, and method of manufacturing device
The present invention provides a pattern correction method of, when a plurality of pattern elements on a mask used to process a line pattern formed on a substrate are transferred to the substrate, performing proximity effect correction of each pattern element such that a transferred image obtains a dimension equal to a target dimension, comprising setting, based on a density of a pattern element in a peripheral region surrounding a pattern element of interest, a dimension of the pattern element whose transferred image formed under the density of the pattern element has a dimension equal to the target dimension as a reference value for the pattern element of interest, and calculating a dimension of transferred image of the pattern element of interest while changing around the reference value and determining the dimension of the pattern element of interest based on the calculation result. |
| US09152033B2 |
Discharge lamp lighting device and projector
A discharge lamp lighting device includes: a discharge lamp drive section which supplies electric power to a discharge lamp; a voltage detecting section which detects drive voltage of the discharge lamp; and a control section which controls the discharge lamp drive section, wherein the control section performs a first control process of controlling the discharge lamp drive section so that the electric power supplied to the discharge lamp is a first power based on the drive voltage detected by the voltage detecting section during a period when the first control process is previously performed, and a second control process of controlling the discharge lamp drive section so that the electric power supplied to the discharge lamp is a second power different from the first power based on the drive voltage detected by the voltage detecting section during a period when the second control process is previously performed. |
| US09152030B2 |
Light-adjusting unit and projector
A light-adjusting unit includes: a light-shielding plate centered an optical axis of an incoming light flux and configured to block the light flux in response to the amount of rotation; a rotation transmitting gear configured to hold and rotate the light-shielding plate; a supporting shaft configured to rotatably support the rotation transmitting gear; and a supporting substrate on which the supporting shaft is provided, and the light-shielding plate is provided on one surface side of the supporting plate, and the rotation transmitting gear is provided on the other surface side of the supporting substrate opposite to the one surface side. |
| US09152028B2 |
Laser projection device with splitters spaced from each other
An exemplary laser projection device includes a substrate, three laser chips mounted on the substrate, and a spectroscope arranged on laser beams paths of the laser chips. Each laser chip is a laser diode. The spectroscope includes a first group of splitters, and a second group of splitters spaced from the first group of splitters. Laser beams emitted from the laser chips are adjusted into the second group of splitters by the first group of splitters. And then, the laser beams adjusted into the second group of splitters are adjusted to be oriented toward the same direction and mixed together to obtain light of a predetermined color. |
| US09152025B2 |
Projector with heat sinks and single fan module
An image projector in a case, having a light engine, a circuit board, a heat sink assembly, and a fan assembly, has one or more heat sinks and heat pipes shaped to gather heat from all heat-generating components within the projector and a single air passage to receive the heated air combined from all components, allowing the employment of a single fan module in sucking cool air from the exterior and exhausting heated air through the single air passage. |
| US09152018B2 |
Image pickup lens, image pickup apparatus, and control method of the image pickup apparatus
An image pickup lens includes an optical system that includes a magnification variable lens used for a magnification variation, and a focus lens configured to adjust an in-focus state, a wide attachment lens being configured to change an enlargement ratio of the image pickup lens and attachable to the optical system, and a manipulator manipulated so as to instruct driving of the magnification variable lens. A moving amount of the magnification variable lens per a predetermined manipulated amount of the manipulator when the wide attachment lens is attached is smaller than that when the wide attachment lens is not attached. |
| US09152017B2 |
Rotational joint
A rotational joint is provided that comprises a first member, second member, rotational shaft member, rotational biasing member and stop ring. The first member has a pair of sidewalls that face each other. The second member has a pair of plate members each disposed proximate to the outer-facing sides of the sidewalls. The rotational shaft member is fitted into shaft holes in each of the plate members and the sidewalls. The rotational biasing member is disposed around the rotational shaft member and its one end is engaged with the first member and the other end with the stop ring fixed to the rotational shaft member. The first member is rotatable with respect to the rotational shaft member that is fixed to the second member. The rotational biasing member and stop ring are disposed between the sidewalls. |
| US09152015B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device, which accepts inputs in a plurality of levels according to pressing loads, includes: a control unit, which performs an autofocus process of automatically adjusting a focus with respect to the photographic subject when a load detecting unit detects a pressing load that satisfies a load standard for accepting a first-level input, and controls so that a still image is acquired, when the load detecting unit detects a pressing load that satisfies a load standard for accepting a second-level input higher than the load standard for accepting the first-level input, wherein, from when the autofocus process starts to when adjustment of the focus with respect to the photographic subject is completed, when the load detecting unit detects the pressing load that satisfies the load standard for accepting the second-level input, the control unit controls so that the still image is not acquired. |
| US09152014B2 |
Stereoscopic image photographing apparatuses and methods
Example stereoscopic image photographing apparatuses and methods are disclosed. A disclosed example stereoscopic image photographing apparatus includes a shutter unit including a first region and a second region that are defined based on a gravity direction as an absolute basis regardless of an arrangement of the stereoscopic image photographing apparatus. A first image signal is generated by converting a first optical signal input through a first region of the shutter unit, and a second image signal is generated by converting a second optical signal input through the second region. In addition, a stereoscopic image is generated using the first image signal and the second image signal. Thus, a stereoscopic image with a difference between right and left views may be generated regardless of an orientation of the stereoscopic image photographing apparatus. |
| US09152011B2 |
Diaphragm control apparatus of interchangeable lens camera
A diaphragm control apparatus is provided with a controller. When a photographing lens is attached to a camera body and a power switch is turned from ON to OFF, a drive motor first moves a diaphragm device to a minimum aperture, and thereafter the drive motor is switched from power ON to OFF. Thus, any damage to the inside of camera body due to sunlight entering into the opening of the diaphragm device can be prevented, and also the structure of camera body can be simplified by reducing the number of parts. |
| US09152009B2 |
Terahertz-wave generating element, terahertz-wave detecting element, and terahertz time-domain spectroscopy device
A terahertz-wave generating element includes a waveguide including an electro-optic crystal; an optical coupling member that extracts a terahertz wave, which is generated from the electro-optic crystal as a result of light propagating through the waveguide, to a space; and at least two electrodes that cause a first-order electro-optic effect in the electro-optic crystal by applying an electric field to the waveguide so as to change a propagation state of the light propagating through the waveguide. A crystal axis of the electro-optic crystal of the waveguide is set such that the terahertz wave generated by a second-order nonlinear optical process and the light propagating through the waveguide are phase-matched. |
| US09152006B2 |
Particles for electrophoretic displays
This invention relates to polymer particles, a process for their preparation, the use of these particles for the preparation of an electrophoretic device, electrophoretic displays comprising such particle, and new polymerisable dyes. |
| US09152004B2 |
Electro-optic displays, and materials for use therein
A first electro-optic display comprises first and second substrates, and an adhesive layer and a layer of electro-optic material disposed between the first and second substrates, the adhesive layer comprising a mixture of a polymeric adhesive material and a hydroxyl containing polymer having a number average molecular weight not greater than about 5000. A second electro-optic display is similar to the first but has an adhesive layer comprising a thermally-activated cross-linking agent to reduce void growth when the display is subjected to temperature changes. A third electro-optic display, intended for writing with a stylus or similar instrument, is produced by forming a layer of an electro-optic material on an electrode; depositing a substantially solvent-free polymerizable liquid material over the electro-optic material; and polymerizing the polymerizable liquid material. |
| US09152003B2 |
Electro-optic display with edge seal
Various types of edge seals for protecting electro-optic displays against environmental contaminants are described. In one type of seal, the electro-optic layer is sandwiched between a backplane and a protective sheet and a sealing material extends between the backplane and the protective sheet. In other seals, the protective sheet is secured to the backplane or to a second protective sheet adjacent the backplane. The electro-optic layer can also be sealed between two layers of adhesive or between one layer of adhesive and the backplane. Other seals make use of flexible tapes extending around the periphery of the display. |
| US09152002B2 |
Electrical writing board
An electrical writing board includes a bottom color plate, an electrochromic board, a touch panel, and a driving circuit module. The electrochromic board is covered on the bottom color plate, and includes a plurality of electrochromic units. The touch panel is covered on the electrochromic board, and outputs a touch signal when the touch panel is touched. The driving circuit module is electrically connected between the electrochromic board and the touch panel, and enables a part of the electrochromic units according to the touch signal to display a handwriting. The handwriting displaying on the electrochromic board is the same as a touch route sensed by the touch panel. |
| US09151998B2 |
Liquid crystal display and method of manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display includes a display area and a non-display area. The liquid crystal display includes a first base substrate, a pixel disposed on the first base substrate in the display area, a second base substrate, a common electrode disposed on the second base substrate, a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first base substrate and the second base substrate, and an electric field control line disposed on the first base substrate in the non-display area. The electric field control line is disposed on a same layer as the pixel electrode. |
| US09151996B2 |
Distributed aperture display
Methods and apparatus are provided for reducing the visual artifacts exhibited by a display employing individually addressable pixels. The apparatus comprises an array of pixels, each pixel having a switchable region of alterable transparency or luminance and a non-switchable region. The switchable region of each pixel is distributed, that is, divided into at least two simultaneously switched portions at least partly separated by a significant portion of the non-switchable region. The first order spatial harmonics and visual artifacts are significantly reduced. For a color display, each color pixel is similarly subdivided. |
| US09151995B2 |
Polymer stabilization alignment liquid crystal display panel and liquid crystal display panel
The present invention provides a polymer stabilization alignment liquid crystal display panel having a plurality of pixel regions defined by plurals of data lines and gate lines. Each pixel region includes a main region and a sub region, and a first pixel electrode and a second pixel electrode correspond to the main region and the sub region respectively, wherein each of the data lines has a first width adjacent to the main display region and a second width adjacent to the sub display region, and the second width is larger than the first width. Each first pixel electrode is separated from the adjacent data line and thereby forming a gap therebetween. Each second pixel electrode partially overlaps the adjacent data line to form an overlap width. Accordingly, the present invention not only can increase the aperture ratio, but also well control the liquid crystal molecules located near the data lines. |
| US09151992B2 |
Color filter substrate and liquid crystal display device including the same
A color filter substrate includes a substrate in which a plurality of pixel areas are defined; a black matrix formed on the substrate, and having a plurality of openings in correspondence to the pixel areas; a color filter layer formed on the substrate, and including a red color filter, a green color filter, and a blue color filter that are sequentially arranged in a first direction in correspondence to the pixel areas; and a plurality of first column spacers and a plurality of second column spacers formed over the black matrix, and having different heights, wherein a height of each of the first column spacers is higher than a height of each of the second column spacers, and an arrangement density of the first column spacers is lower than an arrangement density of the second column spacers. |
| US09151988B2 |
Cyclic olefin compound, photoreactive polymer, and alignment layer comprising the same
Disclosed herein are a cyclic olefin compound, a photoreactive polymer, and an alignment layer comprising the photoreactive polymer, where the cyclic olefin compound can be used to provide the photoreactive polymer having not only excellences in liquid crystal alignment and alignment rate but also readiness for change in the alignment direction depending on the polarization direction. |
| US09151987B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and production method for liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device in which display defects and reduction in the voltage holding ratio are not likely to occur even without alignment films. That is, the liquid crystal display device of the present invention includes: a pair of substrates each substantially having no alignment film; a liquid crystal layer which is disposed between the pair of substrates and contains a liquid crystal material; and a polymer layer which is formed on a surface of at least one of the substrates and controls alignment of liquid crystal molecules, the polymer layer being formed by polymerization of one or more kinds of radical polymerizable monomers added to the liquid crystal layer, at least one kind of the radical polymerizable monomers being a compound generating radicals through a self-cleavage reaction by exposure to light and having at least two radical polymerizable groups. |
| US09151983B2 |
Stretched film, polarizing stretched film, method for producing the stretched film, and method for producing the polarizing stretched film
Disclosed are: a stretched film obtained by uniaxially stretching a laminated film which comprises a base film and a polyvinyl alcohol resin layer laminated on one surface of the base film, wherein the base film has a multilayer structure of resin layers including two resin layers which comprise different resins from one another; a polarizing stretched film obtained by imparting polarizing performance to the stretched film; and a method for producing a polarizing plate using the polarizing stretched film. It is preferable that the resins constituting the above-described two resin layers show different phase transition temperatures from one another. |
| US09151978B2 |
Touch panel, display device having input function, and electronic device
A display device having an input function includes: a display panel; a touch panel disposed on a front side of the display panel; and a flexible substrate connected to the touch panel and bent toward a back side of the display panel, wherein the touch panel includes a first light-shielding film and a second light-shielding film at portions facing a part of the flexible substrate. |
| US09151972B2 |
Display panel and method of manufacturing the same
Provided is a display panel including: an array substrate; an opposite substrate facing the array substrate and including a second base substrate and a common electrode disposed on the second base substrate; and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the array substrate and the opposite substrate. The array substrate includes: a first base substrate disposed in a display area and a non-display area; a photosensitive polymer organic layer disposed in a first non-display area and extending to a pad area, the photosensitive polymer organic layer having a taper shape at an end portion of the first non-display area; a thin film transistor disposed on the first base substrate in the display area; a pixel electrode connected to the thin film transistor; and a signal input pad connected to the thin film transistor and disposed on the photosensitive polymer organic layer in the pad area. |
| US09151969B2 |
Color tunable substrate
A color tunable substrate is disclosed. The color tunable substrate includes multiple layers. A color of the color tunable substrate can be tuned by altering or adjusting characteristics of the layers included in the color tunable substrate. |
| US09151968B2 |
Integrated optical waveguide interferometric sensor
Integrated optical waveguide interferometer for evanescent sensing of chemical and/or physical quantities, comprising a substrate carrying a waveguide layer structure provided with: —a first waveguide core layer sandwiched between two first cladding layers formed by a first lower and a first upper (6) cladding layer, of a lower refractive index than the first waveguide core layer, —a second waveguide core layer sandwiched between two second claddings layers formed by a second lower and a second upper (6) cladding layer, of a lower refractive index than the second waveguide core layer, —a splitter (2) and a combiner (5) for optically coupling said first and second waveguide core layers at first and second junctions, respectively, characterized by —a modulation section of a polymer cladding material (9) included in one of the first upper cladding layers (6) and/or included in one of the second upper cladding layers (6), the polymer cladding material covering an identifiable area of said first waveguide core layer and/or said second waveguide core layer between the first and second junctions, said polymer cladding material having an index of refraction between 1.46 and 2.5 that varies with temperature, thereby changing the phase of radiation propagating through said first and second waveguide core layers, means (10) for raising and lowering the temperature of said polymer cladding material (9). |
| US09151967B2 |
Contact lenses
A set of contact lenses having peripheral zones with optical power parameters determined in relation to the optical powers of the central portions of the lenses. In a specific embodiment, an optical parameter assigned to a given peripheral zone of a lens from the set represents a difference between an optical power of the lens in such peripheral zone and an optical power of the lens in the central portion. A method for determining optical parameters of such set of lenses and an apparatus implementing such determination based on imaging data acquired as a result of imaging an eye and generation of a representation of the lenses at least in part of such imaging data. |
| US09151962B2 |
Position detector and autofocus control apparatus using focal point deviation detector
An autofocus control apparatus includes a beam splitter, a condenser lens and a detector. The beam splitter directs light beams from a light source toward a sample and passes light beams reflected from the sample to the condenser lens. The condenser lens condenses the light beams, and the detector detects a focal point deviation of the sample relative to a focal point of the condenser lens. The focal point deviation is detected based on an intersection of a focal line passing through different focal points of the condenser lens and a light receiving plane configured to receive the light beams passing through the condenser lens. |
| US09151960B2 |
Polarization conversion element, polarization conversion unit, projection apparatus, and method for manufacturing polarization conversion element having a thin ultraviolet light curing adhesive layer
A polarization conversion element is equipped with an element main body having a light incident surface and a light emission surface that are generally in parallel with each other, and a phase difference plate bonded to the light emission surface of the element main body. The element main body includes a plurality of light-transmissive substrates that are sequentially bonded at a predetermined angle with respect to the light emission surface, polarization separating films and reflection films that are alternately provided between the plurality of light-transmissive substrates, and adhesive layers formed between the plurality of light-transmissive substrates, respectively. The adhesive layers are each formed from ultraviolet light curing adhesive to a thickness between 5 μm and 10 μm. |
| US09151953B2 |
Pointer tracking for eye-level scanners and displays
A wearable computer device may include multiple imaging devices or other sensors working in concert to recognize conditions, objects or areas of an environment in which the wearable computer device is situated. The device may include a imaging device and a sensor, which may but need not be a imaging device, for sensing and capturing information regarding the environment. The sensor may be configured to perform one or more specific tasks, such as recognizing particular items, and the imaging device may be generally configured to perform multiple tasks. Upon the execution of a specific task by the sensor, information or instructions regarding the specific task may be provided to a wearer of the device, or may cause the imaging device to automatically operate to gather further information. Such information gathered from the imaging device or the sensor may be provided to the user, such as on a computer display mounted to the device. |
| US09151950B2 |
Lid design to seal optical components of a transceiver module
Techniques and configurations are provided for packaging optoelectronic devices. In particular, a lid component of an optoelectronic device is provided, and the lid component is configured to cover active components of the optoelectronic device. An optically transparent wall is also provided. The optically transparent wall is coated with an anti-reflective material and configured to interface with a section of the lid component. The optically transparent wall is joined with the section of the lid component such that the optically transparent wall and the lid provide a seal for the active components of the optoelectronic device. Additionally, the lid component has a top surface and a plurality of side surfaces that are coupled to the top surface. An optically transparent wall coated with an anti-reflective material adhesively joins to the top surface and one or more side surfaces. |
| US09151949B2 |
Deflection device for a projection apparatus, projection apparatus for projecting an image and method for controlling a deflection apparatus for a projection apparatus
The invention relates to a deflection device for a projection apparatus for projecting Lissajous figures onto an observation field which is made to deflect a light beam about at least one first and one second deflection axis for generating Lissajous figures having a deflection unit for producing oscillations about the deflection axes and having a control apparatus for producing control signals for the deflection unit having a first and second control frequency which substantially corresponds to the resonant frequencies of the deflection unit, wherein the deflection unit has a quality factor of >3,000 and the control apparatus includes a feedback loop which is configured to regulate the first and/or second control frequencies in dependence on a measured phasing of the oscillations of the deflection unit so that the maximum amplitude of the oscillations remains in the resonant range of the deflection unit. The invention further relates to a projection apparatus having such a deflection device as well as to a method for controlling a corresponding deflection device. |
| US09151948B2 |
Curvature variable mirror, curvature variable unit, and manufacturing method of curvature variable mirror
A curvature variable mirror includes a mirror base material that is configured such that the curvature is variable and that reflects laser light on the mirror reflective surface side, wherein the mirror base material is formed by using spring-material copper alloy, and the spring-material copper alloy is constituted by using any of phosphor bronze, copper-nickel-zinc alloy, chromium copper, zirconium copper, titanium copper alloy, copper-nickel alloy, and alloy obtained by adding at least one of Ni (nickel), Sn (tin), Si (silicone), Mg (magnesium), Zn (zinc), Mn (manganese), Pb (lead), Fe (iron), and Al (aluminum) to copper. |
| US09151947B2 |
Optical deflector including piezoelectric sensor incorporated into outermost piezoelectric cantilever
In an optical deflector including a mirror, a movable frame supporting the mirror, a first piezoelectric actuator for rocking the mirror with respect to a first axis of the mirror, a support body supporting the movable frame, and a second piezoelectric actuator for rocking the mirror through the movable frame with respect to a second axis of the mirror, at least one piezoelectric sensor is provided for sensing rocking vibrations of the mirror caused by the first and second piezoelectric actuators. The second piezoelectric actuator includes a pair of meander-type piezoelectric actuators opposite to each other with respect to the first axis. Each of the second meander-type piezoelectric actuators includes a plurality of piezoelectric cantilevers folded at every cantilever and connected from the support body to the movable frame in parallel with the first axis. The piezoelectric sensor is incorporated into an outermost one of the piezoelectric cantilevers. |
| US09151945B2 |
Micro electric liquid device and apparatus including the same
Provided are a micro electric liquid device and an apparatus including the device. The micro electric liquid device includes a first fluid that is opaque, a second fluid that is transparent a first channel configured to have the first and second fluid flow therein without mixing, a second channel overlapped and spaced apart from the first channel, wherein the second channel is configured to have the first and second fluids flow therein, and a connection part connecting the first and second channels, wherein an aperture is adjusted by a positional change of an interface between the first and second fluids in the first and second channels, and wherein the second channel includes a first sub channel configured to have the first and second fluids flow therein and having a non-uniform height and a second sub channel configured to have the second fluid to flow therein and having a uniform height. |
| US09151935B2 |
Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus including the same
A zoom lens includes an imaging lens unit having a positive refractive power and provided nearest to an image-side end, and a focusing lens unit having a positive refractive power and provided on an object side of the imaging lens unit. A distance between the imaging lens unit and the focusing lens unit changes during zooming. The focusing lens unit moves during focusing. The imaging lens unit includes, at a position thereof nearest to an object-side end, a negative meniscus lens component that is concave on the object side thereof. |
| US09151931B1 |
Image capturing optical lens assembly, image capturing device and mobile terminal
An image capturing 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 an object-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof. The second lens element has negative refractive power. The third lens element has refractive power. The forth lens element with positive refractive power has an object-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof and an image-side surface being concave or planar in a paraxial region thereof. The fifth lens element with negative refractive power has an object-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof and an image-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof. |
| US09151927B2 |
Rack and optical apparatus using the same
The rack includes a first member having a first tooth engaged with a lead screw, a second member having a second tooth engaged with the lead screw, a third member having a third tooth engageable with the lead screw, a first forcing unit configured to apply a force between the first and second members, a second forcing unit configured to apply a force between the first member and third members, and a limiter configured to limit a distance between the third tooth and the lead screw so that the third tooth is separated from the lead screw when the first and second teeth are engaged with the lead screw by the force applied by the first forcing unit and a distance between the first tooth and the third tooth is smaller than an outer diameter of the lead screw. |
| US09151925B2 |
Image pickup lens unit and method for manufacturing image pickup lens unit
Since the lens (10) includes the alignment portions (14), the lens (10) is positioned with high precision with respect to the second mold (61) during molding of the holder member (40), and the holder member (40) and the lens (10) are positioned with each other with high precision. Further, since the positioning of the lens (10) with respect to the second mold (61) may be performed using the alignment portions (14) provided outside the second optical surface (13e), influence of the heat and pressure produced by the second mold (61) and the resin during molding of the holder member (40) on the second optical surface (13e) of the lens (10) may be reduced. Therefore, occurrence of degradation, such as distortion, in the second optical surface (13e) of the lens (10) during molding of the holder member (40) may be prevented. |
| US09151924B2 |
Fiber optic sensing apparatus and method for sensing parameters involving different parameter modalities
An optical-based sensing apparatus and method are provided. A sensing apparatus (10) may include a tube (30). An optical fiber (12) may be encased in the tube. A buffering layer (14) may be interposed between the optical fiber and the tube. The buffering layer and/or the tube may be selectively configured to form along a length of the apparatus a plurality of optical sensing zones (16, 18, 20) spatially arranged to sense parameters involving different parameter modalities. |
| US09151923B2 |
Methods of connectorizing multi-core fiber optic cables and related apparatus
A connector with at least one multi-core fiber (MCF) and method of attaching the MCF within the connector, includes inserting a first end of a MCF into a ferrule of a connector. Then, rotating the end of the MCF within the ferrule until a first selected satellite core of the MCF is in a first alignment relative to a feature of the connector. The feature may be a mark, indentation or protrusion formed on a ferrule, ferrule holder or connector envelope. Finally, affixing the MCF within the ferrule of the connector. In the case of an array-type connector, first ends of other MCFs may be added to the ferrule and clocked relative to the same feature of the connector. Second ends of one or more MCFs may be clocked relative to a same feature of a second connector. |
| US09151922B2 |
Cable support for distribution boxes, in particular for FTTH environments
The invention relates to a cable support (6,7,8) for distribution boxes (1), in particular for FTTH environments, the cable support (6,7,8) comprising at least one cable passage (6d, 7d, 8d), the cable passage (6d,7d,8d) adapted to receive at least one cable (19). Further, the invention relates to a distribution box (1) for cable distribution arrangements, in particular for FTTH environments, comprising a housing (2) and a cable support (6,7,8), the cable support (6,7,8) comprising a plurality of cable passages (6d,7d,8d), each cable passage (6d,7d,8d) adapted to receive at least one cable (19). To facilitate the maintenance of distribution systems and the installation of additional cables, the cable support (6,7,8) is a stackable modular assembly of at least two segment blocks (6a,6b,6c,7a,7b,7c,8a,8b,8c), each of which form, at a respective end (31,32) thereof pointing in or against a stacking direction (S), a part of at least one cable passage (6d,7d,8d). |
| US09151921B2 |
Apparatus for making uniform optical fiber bundles in power generators
A circular fiber hoop for supporting one or more fiber optic cables, especially fiber optic cables for an optical sensor provided within a pressurized enclosure of a power generator. The fiber hoop is a single piece member including a center mandrel positioned between opposing side guards. The fiber optic cable is wound around the mandrel between the side guards. An end of the fiber optic cable including the sensor is optically coupled through a union connector to another optical fiber, where the union connector is mounted to one of the side guards so that it is separated from the wound mass of the fiber cables. The wound mass of the fiber cable on the mandrel is then enclosed in a suitable tape. |
| US09151917B2 |
Optical interconnection apparatus and method
The present invention relates to the apparatus and method for optical interconnection. The present invention provides an optical interconnection structure comprising: a substrate on which double side perforated multi-hole through a predetermined region is formed; bottom hole which is etched and tapered for optical fiber array is bigger than upper hole which is etched for the optical devices. The present invention provides the optical interconnection structure that can facilitate the optical interconnection between the active optoelectronic devices that transmit/receive the optical signals and the optical fiber array, making it possible to align easily and acutely between the optical devices and optical fiber array. |
| US09151914B2 |
Optical communication systems and methods for minimizing reflective feedback
An optical communication system includes a transceiver with a light source, a transition lens and an optical medium. Each of the light source, the transition lens and the optical medium define a corresponding axis. The light source defines a normal launch axis. The transition lens defines an optical axis. The optical medium defines a longitudinal axis. A relative misalignment from a coaxial alignment of the corresponding axes of at least one the light source, the transition lens and the optical medium is used to reduce a back reflection incident at the light source. Such misalignments can be achieved by one or both of angular adjustments and offsets of the axes. |
| US09151913B2 |
Fiber optic devices and methods of manufacturing fiber optic devices
A method of forming a fiber optic device includes securing one or more optical fibers to a support. The support is coupled to a base that includes one or more optoelectronic devices. After one or more of the fibers are secured to the support, and the support is secured to the base, one or more of the fibers are cleaved. A portion of the one or more optical fibers that is in contact with the support may be bent. This method, and fiber optic devices made using this method are more easily aligned and may be produced at lower costs than existing manufacturing processes. |
| US09151911B2 |
Photoelectric coupling module having cover
A photoelectric coupling module includes a holding module and a lens module. The holding module includes a base defining a receiving recess and a cover having a protruding portion. The protruding portion is received in the receiving recess, and the protruding portion and the receiving recess cooperatively define a receiving room for holding optical fibers. The lens module is coupled to the holding module, and includes a reflective surface, a plurality of first lenses, and a plurality of second lenses. Optical axes of the first lenses cross optical axes of the second lenses on the reflective surface. The optical fibers are coupled to the second lenses. |
| US09151909B2 |
Optical fiber connector
An optical fiber connector includes a housing with at least one elongated cylindrical cavity, a fiber holder within the cavity including a ferrule which secures an optical fiber therein and a biasing member engaging the fiber holder to bias the ferrule towards an unmated position. A resilient metal latch is mounted on the housing for releasably securing the optical fiber connector to another component. A latch travel limiting structure prevents the latch from deflecting outside a desired predetermined path. Improved structures for mounting the latch on the housing and for creating a duplex connector assembly are also provided. |
| US09151908B2 |
LC type plug with a shutter having a spring stored in both a front housing and a locking housing
An LC type plug with a shutter includes: a plug frame; a square cylindrical front housing arranged slidably on the plug frame and including a shutter; a locking housing connected to the plug frame; and a spring provided between an upper part of the front housing and the locking housing. The front housing includes a front portion storage space for storing a front portion of the spring, the locking housing is provided with a rear portion storage space for storing a rear portion of the spring, a rear end side of the front portion storage space and a front end side of the rear portion storage space are formed so as to overlap with each other, and the spring is not exposed to an outside even in a non-connected state of the plug, and the entire part is stored in the both storage spaces. |
| US09151907B2 |
Optical fiber connector
An optical fiber connector includes a connector body and an actuating device. The connector body is adapted to connect with an adapter, and includes a main body portion having a tubular section, a resilient retaining arm portion extending inclinedly from the main body portion, and a pressing plate portion extending inclinedly from the main body portion. The actuating device includes a handle unit and two flexible rods extending from the handle unit and through the tubular section in the main body portion to connect with a free end of the pressing plate portion. The handle unit can be pulled to move the free end of the pressing plate portion to press a free end of the resilient retaining arm portion, thereby allowing for removal of the connector body from the adapter. |
| US09151903B2 |
Making lightless connections in an optical circuit switch
Methods of operating an optical circuit switch and optical circuit switches are disclosed. A command to make an optical connection between a first port and a second port may be received. A determination whether or not input signal light is present at the first port may be made. When light is present at the first port, an optical connection may be made between the first port and the second port. When light is not present at the first port, the optical circuit switch may wait until light is present at the first port before making the connection. |
| US09151895B2 |
Thermal removal of optical fiber coatings by insertion through heated ferrules to form ferrule assemblies for fiber optic connectors, and related assemblies
Thermal removal of optical fiber coatings by insertion through heated ferrules to form ferrule assemblies for fiber optic connectors, and related assemblies are disclosed. An optical fiber includes a glass fiber, having a cladding and core, surrounded by a protective coating. By removing the coating at an end portion of the optical fiber, the end portion may be precisely positioned and secured within a ferrule to enable reliable optical communications. The coating may be thermally removed, or substantially thermally removed, by inserting the optical fiber through a rear opening of the ferrule which has been heated above a temperature sufficient to change the coating to a non-solid state. In this manner, the coating may be efficiently removed from the end portion of the optical fiber while being inserted into the ferrule bore of the ferrule to enable efficient forming of a ferrule assembly for a fiber optic connector. |
| US09151892B2 |
Spot size converter and method for making the same
In order to provide a spot size converter and a method for making the same which enable the optical connection with low loss and are able to reduce the excess loss for the position misalignment in mounting, a spot size converter according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes: a substrate on which an optical waveguide including a first core is laminated and which includes a notch; a core reducing part which is formed so that a cross-section area of the first core may gradually decrease toward an end part of the first core in the direction of light propagation; a second core which surrounds the core reducing part and is made of a material whose refractive index is smaller than that of the first core; a peripheral clad which surrounds the second core and is made of a material whose refractive index is smaller than that of the second core; and a lower clad which is formed in a lower part of the second core and includes the peripheral clad; wherein the lower clad is formed in the notch. |
| US09151889B2 |
Rare earth doped and large effective area optical fibers for fiber lasers and amplifiers
Various embodiments described herein include rare earth doped glass compositions that may be used in optical fiber and rods having large core sizes. Such optical fibers and rods may be employed in fiber lasers and amplifiers. The index of refraction of the glass may be substantially uniform and may be close to that of silica in some embodiments. Possible advantages to such features include reduction of formation of additional waveguides within the core, which becomes increasingly a problem with larger core sizes. |
| US09151886B2 |
Optical thin film and edge-type backlight module containing the same
An optical thin film includes: a transparent substrate including a first surface and a second surface which is opposite to the first surface; a first light-condensing layer formed on the first surface of the transparent substrate, the first light-condensing layer having a haze value ranging from 5% to 30% and a surface roughness ranging from 0.1 RMS to 1 RMS; and a second light-condensing layer formed on the second surface of the transparent substrate. The second light-condensing layer has a haze value ranging from 70% to 100% and a surface roughness ranging from 1 RMS to 10 RMS. |
| US09151885B2 |
Spread illumination apparatus
A spread illumination apparatus includes: a light source; and a light guide plate having a light entrance surface on which the light source is disposed, and a light exit surface through which light introduced from the light entrance surface is emitted, wherein the light guide plate includes a light entrance wedge portion which has an inclined surface and of which thickness is thinner from the light entrance surface side toward the light exit surface side, the inclined surface includes a first, a second, and a third inclined surface portions, and an average inclination angle of the second inclined surface portion at an arbitrary cross section perpendicular to the light entrance surface and the light exit surface along the light entrance surface in a longitudinal direction is configured to be larger than average inclination angles of the first inclined surface portion and the third inclined surface portion. |
| US09151878B2 |
Apparatus and method for molding optical lense during a puddle dispensing process
An optical mold including a spacer cavity portion, a lens cavity portion and a flow stop control portion for allowing optical lens material to flow between the spacer cavity portion and the lens cavity portion and an optical lens array formed therefrom. The optical mold may further include a pedestal located within the spacer cavity portion for supporting the mold during a puddle dispensing process. A method for using the optical mold including the spacer cavity portion, the lens cavity portion, and the flow cavity portion, and optionally the pedestal. |
| US09151873B2 |
Actinically-crosslinkable amphiphilic prepolymers
The invention provide a class of actinically-crosslinkable amphiphilic prepolymers which comprise at least one polysiloxane segment, at least one polyoxazoline segment, and two terminal ene groups. The present invention is also related to a medical device comprising a silicone hydrogel material obtained from step-growth polymerization of a polymerizable material comprising a prepolymer of the invention and to a method for producing contact lenses from a prepolymer of the invention. |
| US09151871B2 |
Coloured polymer particles
This invention relates to colored polymer particles prepared by a reverse emulsion solvent removal process, electrophoretic fluids comprising such particles, and electrophoretic display devices comprising such fluids. |
| US09151870B2 |
Optical film, and polarizing plate and liquid crystal display device using same
The purpose of the present invention is to provide an optical film having a large phase difference value, small moisture-induced fluctuation in the phase difference value, small photoelastic coefficient and excellent bondability with a polarizer. The optical film includes a cellulose ester (A) which satisfy formulae (1) and (2) below and a vinyl-based polymer (B). A content ratio of the cellulose ester (A) and the vinyl-based polymer (B) is from 95:5 to 50:50 by mass, the vinyl-based polymer (B) is composed of a non-aromatic vinyl-based monomer having a solubility parameter of 17.5 (MPa1/2) or larger and smaller than 20.0 (MPa1/2) and a weight average molecular weight of the vinyl-based polymer (B) is from 500 to 10,000: where 1.0≦X+ΣYi<2.0 formula (1) 4.0≦2×X+Σ(ni×Yi)<6.0. formula (2) |
| US09151866B2 |
Downhole telemetry system using an optically transmissive fluid media and method for use of same
A multi-channel downhole telemetry system for enabling communication in a wellbore. The system includes a downhole transmitter operable to optically transmit a first data stream on a first optical channel and a second data stream on a second optical channel. A downhole receiver is operable to receive the first data stream and the second data stream. An optically transmissive fluid disposed in the wellbore provides a medium for the optical transmission of the first data stream and the second data stream between the downhole transmitter and the downhole receiver. The optically transmissive fluid contains suspended solids having refraction surfaces that scatter the optically transmitted data streams in the wellbore. |
| US09151862B2 |
Buried object detector
A buried object detector comprising: a loop antenna and an RF source, the RF source coupled to the loop antenna and arranged to feed the loop antenna with an RF signal, the detector further comprising a detector circuit coupled to the loop antenna and arranged to detect changes in the quality factor of a resonant circuit formed by the loop antenna, wherein the loop antenna is arranged to magnetically couple with a buried object, thereby reducing the quality factor of the resonant circuit. |
| US09151860B2 |
Towed array sonar system and method for carrying out a sonar mission with such a towed array sonar system
A towed array sonar system 10 with a towed array 14, a deployment device 32 for respectively deploying and retrieving the towed array 14 into and from a body of water, a signal processing device 28 for processing the signals of the towed array 14 and at least one control console 30 for controlling the towed array sonar system 10. In order to create a mobile sonar system that can be deployed independently of a ship, the towed array 14, the deployment device 32, the signal processing device 28 and the control console 30 are installed in a container 12 that can be transported independently of a ship. The invention furthermore pertains to a method for carrying out a sonar mission using such a towed array sonar system 10. |
| US09151858B2 |
Method and system for sensor geometry
Method and system for dynamical sensor geometry by means of formation control of sensor carrying craft, which operate below the water surface, on the ground, at the water surface and/or in the air, are manned and/or unmanned, and which are provided with one or more sensors. The sensors are arranged on the sensor carrying craft, and/or arranged with the sensor carrying craft in other suitable ways, such as towed behind the craft. |
| US09151854B2 |
Information detection apparatus, phantom information recording apparatus and operation method thereof
A material information detection apparatus, a phantom information recording apparatus, and operation methods for the apparatuses are provided. The material information detection apparatus includes a database configured to store phantom information obtained by projecting a multi-energy X-rayon a phantom comprising a plurality of materials, an input device configured to receive a plurality of pieces of object information per energy level, the object information obtained by projecting a multi-energy X-ray on an analysis object, and a detector configured to detect information related to materials constituting the analysis object based on the phantom information and the plurality of pieces of object information per energy level. |
| US09151847B2 |
Optical coupling technique for contiguous monolithic scintillation crystal detectors
Embodiments of the invention provide a high energy photon detector. A first scintillation crystal is provided. A first plurality of photosensors is on a first face of the first scintillation crystal, wherein the first plurality is at least two. A second scintillation crystal is provided. A second plurality of photosensors is on a first face of the second scintillation crystal, wherein the second plurality is at least two. An optical coupling interface is between a second face of the first scintillation crystal and a second face of the second scintillation crystal, wherein the optical coupling interface provides an optical transmission between the first scintillation crystal and the second scintillation crystal, so that the distribution of scintillation light created in one crystal is allowed to spread into the second crystal. |
| US09151843B2 |
Method and system for indoor global navigation satellite system detection utilizing low-earth orbit satellite signals
Methods and systems for indoor global navigation satellite system detection utilizing low Earth orbit satellite signals may comprise receiving low Earth orbit (LEO) RF satellite signals utilizing a LEO satellite signal receiver path (LEO Rx) in a wireless communication device comprising the LEO satellite signal receiver path and a medium Earth orbit satellite signal receiver path (MEO Rx). A received signal strength indicator (RSSI) may be measured for the received LEO signals and an expected received MEO signal strength may be calculated. A power level of the MEO Rx may be configured based on the calculated MEO signal strength by powering down when the calculated expected MEO signal strength is below a threshold level for MEO positioning purposes and/or powered up when it increases above the threshold level. The RSSI may be measured at a plurality of points along the LEO Rx. |
| US09151842B2 |
Method and apparatus for time of flight sensor 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional map generation
A method and apparatus for Time Of Flight sensor 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional map generation. The method includes retrieving Time Of Flight sensor fixed point data to obtain four phases of Time Of Flight fixed point raw data, computing Gray scale image array and phase differential signal arrays utilizing four phases of TOF fixed point raw data, computing Gray image array and Amplitude image array for fixed point, converting the phase differential signal array from fixed point to floating point, performing the floating point division for computing Arctan, TOF depthmap, and 3-dimensional point cloud map for Q format fixed point, and generating depthmap, 3-dimensional cloud coefficients and 3-dimensional point cloud for Q format fixed point. |
| US09151841B2 |
Providing an ultrasound spatial compound image based on center lines of ultrasound images in an ultrasound system
Embodiments for providing an ultrasound spatial compound image are disclosed. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, an ultrasound system comprises: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to acquire ultrasound data by transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals; and a processing unit in communication with the ultrasound data acquisition unit, the processing unit being configured to set a plurality of center lines based on a virtual common point corresponding to predetermined scan-lines, move the virtual common point along each of the center lines to set a plurality of scan-lines, form a plurality of ultrasound images corresponding to the center lines based on the ultrasound data, and perform spatial compounding upon the ultrasound images to form an ultrasound spatial compound image, wherein the ultrasound data acquisition unit is configured to acquire the ultrasound data based on the plurality of scan-lines. |
| US09151840B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of forming same for acoustic sensing of close proximity objects
In embodiments a circuit provides a circuit for use in detecting close proximity objects in an acoustic distance sensing system. The circuit produces a close proximity zone flag when the time after transmitting an acoustic distance sensing pulse corresponds to the defined close proximity range. The circuit can also include a time of flight counter for determining the time of flight of a received echo. The circuit can further produce a close proximity time if flight valid flag indicating that echoes are being received in close proximity time frame. |
| US09151838B2 |
Ceramic probe rod support assembly
A probe for use with a measurement instrument includes a circuit connected to the probe. The probe comprises a process adaptor for mounting to a process vessel and including a through bore extending from a connector end to a process end. A counterbore at the connector end defines a shoulder. A support assembly is received in the counterbore and rests on the shoulder. The support assembly comprises an annular rod support having a through opening with a tension rod extending through the opening and secured at opposite sides of the annular rod support. A locking nut secures the support assembly in the counterbore to maintain the annular rod support in compression. A probe rod extends from a process end of the tension rod. A seal assembly is operatively secured to the process adaptor at the connector end with the seal pin in electrical contact with a connector end of the tension rod. |
| US09151837B2 |
Sensor fusion framework using multiple sensors to assess buried structures
A method of surveying the condition of an underground conduit by positioning a propelled carriage assembly within the underground conduit. The carriage assembly includes (i) at least one transmitter/receiver unit capable of transmitting a pulsed signal toward at least a portion of an inner wall of the conduit, and (ii) a secondary sensor positioned on the carriage assembly. The data derived from the pulsed signal at a given lateral location within an underground conduit is read as is a secondary sensor condition derived from secondary sensor data taken at the given lateral location. Then it is determined whether the secondary sensor condition indicates a basis for a false void detection by the data derived from the pulsed signal and if the basis for false void detection exists, providing an indication of such basis. |
| US09151834B2 |
Network and personal electronic devices operatively coupled to micro-impulse radars
A network resource can be operatively coupled to personal electronic devices that include or are operatively coupled to micro-impulse radars (MIRs). |
| US09151833B2 |
Method for determining distance between underwater acoustic devices
The invention consists of a method which comprises a plurality of steps for determining difference in distance from a reference point to at least two sensor modules 10, 20 that are located under water. The sensor modules 10, 20 comprise means for sending and receiving acoustic signals to each other and to a hydrophone 30 at the reference point. Connected to the hydrophone 30 is a calculating unit 40 that utilises arrival time of the received signals from the sensor modules to determine difference in distance from the sensor modules 10, 20 to the reference point. |
| US09151832B2 |
Systems and methods for ultrasound beam forming data control
Disclosed are systems and methods which efficiently control storage of and/or access to data which includes repetitive data or data which is used by different modes, processes, etcetera. Embodiments provide control for storage of and/or access to large amounts of data used in ultrasound system beam forming for image generation using a hierarchy of sequencers for controlling storage of and/or access to data. A frame sequencer may provide control at a frame level while an address sequencer is implemented to provide control at a data access level. |
| US09151829B2 |
Packaged radiation source and detector
A radiation sensor of the type having a packaged radiation source and detector, which includes an isolator that blocks propagation within the package of radiation from the source to the detector, in order to improve signal to noise ratio of the sensor. The isolator is formed by appropriately formed surfaces of the package. |
| US09151828B2 |
Systems and methods for near field target simulation
A simulation device and a system and method for using the simulation device are disclosed. The simulation device may contain a plurality of antenna elements positionable on or near a radar or other sensing device. The simulation device may be configured to control the plurality of antenna elements to transmit signals that simulate a reflection of an electromagnetic signal off of one or more targets of particular sizes at particular azimuths, elevations, distances, trajectories, and/or velocities. |
| US09151827B2 |
Compensating slowly varying if DC offsets in receivers
The present disclosure relate to a receiver system that removes unwanted signal components from a received signal based upon signal information from previous received signals. The receiver system has a signal generator that generates multiple signal patterns. One of the multiple signal patterns is provided to a transmit antenna that wirelessly transmits the signal pattern. A receive antenna port receives a reflected signal comprising a time-shifted version of the signal pattern and provides the reflected signal to a reception path. A feedback path extends from the reception path to a signal correction element, which selectively generates a correction signal that reduces unwanted signal components in the reflected signal. The signal correction element generates the correction signal from compensation parameters stored in a memory, which correspond to previously received reflected signals comprising the signal pattern, so that the correction signal can be used to reduce unwanted signal components in real time. |
| US09151826B2 |
Locationing via phase difference correlation between two frequency pulses derived from a single frequency emitter ultrasonic burst
Ultrasonic locationing of a tag with an emitter transducer operable to emit a single frequency ultrasonic burst. A receiver with at least two microphones is operable to receive the ultrasonic burst. Each microphone receiver contains two narrowband filters to extract frequencies above and below the ultrasonic burst frequency. A processor derives a low frequency waveform indicative of the phase difference between the dual frequency pulses coming from each microphone receiver. A correlator then determines the time difference of arrival (TDOA) between each microphone receiver by correlating the phase difference waveforms. This invention enables the creation of an ultrasonic locationing system requiring microsecond accuracy on TDOA data, as is necessary with microphone spacing of less than one foot, while using a simple single high frequency emitter source. |
| US09151824B2 |
Adaptive control of crowdsourcing data using mobile device generated parameters
Method and apparatus for performing crowdsourcing are disclosed. The method may include monitoring environment of a mobile device, determining a level of crowdsourcing in accordance with one or more mobile device generated parameters corresponding to the environment, and performing crowdsourcing in accordance with the level of crowdsourcing determined. The level of crowdsourcing comprises one or more of quantity of crowdsourcing data to be collected by the mobile device, frequency of crowdsourcing operations to be performed by the mobile device, and type of quantization to be applied to the crowdsourcing data collected. |
| US09151819B2 |
Antenna apparatus for determining the position of a radio-frequency transponder
An antenna apparatus for determining the position of a radio-frequency transponder is provided, comprising a phased array of antennas enabled to transmit and receive power at a given frequency for communicating with a radio frequency (RF) transponder, the phased array being movable; and a phase shifter for providing a phase shift to at least one antenna of the phased array to provide a minima in a main radiated lobe of the phased array, such that when the phased array is moved from a first position, for detecting the RF transponder via the main radiated lobe, to a second position, where a signal from the RF transponder is minimized, a position of the RF transponder determined to be along an axis of the minima in the second position. |
| US09151809B2 |
Hall sensor arrangement for the redundant measurement of a magnetic field
In various embodiments, a Hall sensor arrangement for the redundant measurement of a magnetic field may include a first Hall sensor on a top side of a first semiconductor substrate; a second Hall sensor on a top side of a second semiconductor substrate; a carrier having a top side and an underside; wherein the first Hall sensor is arranged on the top side of the carrier and the second Hall sensor is arranged on the underside of the carrier; and wherein the measuring area of the first Hall sensor projected perpendicularly onto the carrier at least partly overlaps the measuring area of the second Hall sensor projected perpendicularly onto the carrier. |
| US09151808B2 |
Production method of gas cell, and gas cell
A production method of a gas cell includes: forming a coating layer on a surface of a plate material; assembling a plurality of the plate materials having the coating layer formed thereon so as to form a cell surrounded by the surface having the coating layer formed thereon; and filling the formed cell with an alkali metal gas. |
| US09151807B2 |
Circuits and methods for generating a self-test of a magnetic field sensor
A magnetic field sensor includes built in self-test circuits that allow a self-test of most of, or all of, the circuitry of the magnetic field sensor, including self-test of a magnetic field sensing element used within the magnetic field sensor, while the magnetic field sensor is functioning in normal operation. |
| US09151800B2 |
Chip testing with exclusive OR
First and second scan channels each comprise a plurality of scannable latches that apply input to and receive output from logic circuits on a chip under test. First input is scanned into the first scan channel and second input is scanned into the second scan channel. Output from the first scan channel is hashed using a first XOR on the first scan channel and output from the second scan channel is hashed using a first XOR on the second scan channel. Output from the first XOR on the first scan channel is hashed using a second XOR on the first scan channel. A rotator creates adjustment data from the output from the second XOR on the first scan channel. The adjustment data and output from the first XOR on the second scan channel are hashed using a second XOR on the second scan channel. |
| US09151798B2 |
Method and apparatus for testing a semiconductor device
Provided is an apparatus for testing a semiconductor device. The apparatus includes a plurality of testing pads. The apparatus includes a plurality of testing units. The apparatus includes a switching circuit coupled between the testing pads and the testing units. The switching circuit contains a plurality of switching devices. The apparatus includes a control circuit coupled to the switching circuit. The control circuit is operable to establish electrical coupling between a selected testing unit and one or more of the testing pads by selectively activating a subset of the switching devices. |
| US09151795B2 |
Apparatus for inspecting passive component having signal transmission line
An apparatus for inspecting a passive component having a signal transmission line on a printed circuit board (PCB), includes a reflectometry unit for inputting an incident signal to an input port connected to the signal transmission line, receiving a reflected signal in response to the incident signal, and computing a plurality of frequency-based reflection coefficient values in a preset frequency range and a plurality of time-based reflection coefficient values in a preset time range based on the incident signal and the reflected signal; and a defect detection unit for determining whether the signal transmission line has a defect based on the plurality of frequency-based reflection coefficient values, and determining a location of the defect on the signal transmission line based on the plurality of time-based reflection coefficient values. |
| US09151793B1 |
Method for measuring the complex dielectric constant of a substance
The method for measuring the complex dielectric constant of a substance is based on calculations made in the frequency domain. An open ended rectangular waveguide terminates, at one end, in a non-resonant rectangular cavity, which is then filled with a substance of interest. An electromagnetic wave of known frequency is transmitted through the waveguide and the reflection coefficient at the interface between the waveguide and the cavity is measured by a network analyzer or the like. Another measurement is then made with a slight variation in depth of the cavity or a variation in frequency, and from these two measurements of the reflection coefficient, the complex dielectric constant of the substance of interest can be calculated. |
| US09151791B2 |
Capacitive control interface device having display integration
A capacitive detection control interface device is provided, including at least one measurement electrode including an active surface, a guard made from an electrically conductive material placed adjacent to the measurement electrodes, the guard is excited up to an alternating electric potential substantially identical to that of the measurement electrodes, a first electronic component for exciting the electrodes and processing the measurement signals from the capacitive coupling of the electrodes with an object laced adjacent thereto, the electronic component is at least partly referenced to the electric potential of the guard, and a second electronic component for performing another functional display, placed adjacent to the active surface which second electronic component is at least partly referenced to the electric potential of the guard. |
| US09151788B2 |
Transformer winding resistance tester test probe and method
A test probe has a probe portion, a current source lead attachment portion and a voltage sense lead attachment portion. The test probe includes two conductive halves secured together with an electrically insulating material disposed between the halves electrically insulating them from each other. Each half has an “L” shape including a probe portion and a test lead attachment portion extending perpendicularly outwardly from the probe portion, and provides the test probe with an overall “T” shape. The conductive halves can be made of copper-beryllium. Methods of providing and using the test probe can include uncoupling a male coupling member of a power cable connector of a loadbreak bushing assembly from a female coupling member of the loadbreak bushing and inserting the rod-shaped probe portion into the female coupling member. |
| US09151786B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus for detecting shifts in redundant sensor signals
Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for detecting shifts in redundant sensor signals. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for detecting and indicating a shift in redundant sensor signals. The method can include receiving a sensor channel closeness signal for two or more redundant sensors, receiving a spike confidence signal for at least one of the two or more redundant sensors, receiving a spike duration signal for the at least one of the two or more redundant sensors, determining a shift confidence based at least in part on the received sensor channel closeness signal, the received spike confidence signal, and the received spike duration signal, and outputting the shift confidence. |
| US09151784B2 |
AC voltage detecting circuit and image forming apparatus having the same
An AC voltage detecting circuit comprises: a first capacitor including a first electrode configured to connect to one end of an AC power supply, and a second electrode; a second capacitor including a first electrode configured to connect to the other end of the AC power supply, and a second electrode; a current-to-voltage converting circuit, which is connected in series between the second electrode of the first capacitor and the second electrode of the second capacitor, and which is connected to a reference potential, wherein the current-to-voltage converting circuit causes the AC current to pass through the current-to-voltage converting circuit when the AC current returns to the AC power supply, and converts an AC current output from the AC power supply into an detection AC voltage; and a voltage detecting unit, which detects an AC input voltage of the AC power supply, based on the detection AC voltage. |
| US09151781B2 |
Yield enhancement for stacked chips through rotationally-connecting-interposer
A set of first substrate and second substrate are manufactured with a built-in N-fold rotational symmetry around the center axis of each substrate, wherein N is an integer greater than 1. A set of N different interposers is provided such that an i-th interposer provides electrical connection between the first substrate and the second substrate with a rotational angle of (i−1)/N×2π. The first and second substrates are tested with each of the N different interposers therebetween. Once the rotational angle that provides the highest stacked chip yield is determined, the first and the second substrates can be bonded with an azimuthal rotation that provides the highest stacked chip yield. |
| US09151780B2 |
Wafer inspection interface and wafer inspection apparatus
A wafer inspection interface 18 includes a probe card 20 having a substrate 20a and a multiple number of probes 25 that are provided at a surface of the substrate 20a facing a wafer W and arranged to correspond to electrodes of a plurality of semiconductor devices formed on the wafer W; a pogo frame 40 that is in contact with a surface of the probe card 20 opposite to a surface of the probe card 20 facing the wafer W and supports the probe card 20; and a shim 51 provided on the surface of the probe card 20 in contact with the pogo frame 40 and configured to adjust a thickness of the probe card 20. The shim 51 has a cross shape when viewed from the top. |
| US09151779B2 |
Reconfigurable electric field probe
Systems and methods for EMC, EMI and ESD testing are described. A probe comprises a center conductor extending along an axis of the probe, a probe tip, and a shield coaxially aligned with the center conductor and configured to provide electromagnetic screening for the probe tip. One or more actuators may change the relative positions of the probe tip and shield with respect to a device under test, thereby enabling control of sensitivity and resolution of the probe. |
| US09151776B2 |
Combined sensor
An object of the invention is to provide a combined sensor capable of suppressing the influence of electrostatic force generated by a potential difference and preventing a reduction in the S/N ratio or a variation in the sensitivity of a sensor.A combined sensor according to the invention includes first and second movable portions and first and second dummy portions provided around the first and second movable portions, which are formed in a layer of a laminated substrate. The first dummy portion and the second dummy portion are electrically separated from each other. A first potential is applied to the first movable portion and the first dummy portion and a second potential is applied to the second movable portion and the second dummy portion (see FIG. 2). |
| US09151775B2 |
Physical quantity sensor and electronic apparatus
An acceleration sensor includes a base substrate provided with a first recess part, and a sensor part located on the first recess part and swingably supported in a depth direction of the first recess part by a support part, wherein the sensor part is sectioned into a first part and a second part by the support part, includes a movable electrode part in the first part and the second part, a through hole is provided at least at an end side in the second part larger in mass than the first part, and the base substrate includes a fixed electrode part in a position opposed to the movable electrode part in the first recessed part, and a second recess part deeper than the first recess part is provided in a position opposed to the end side of the sensor part. |
| US09151771B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing an output signal indicative of a speed of rotation and a direction of rotation of a ferromagnetic object
An apparatus and a method provide an output signal indicative of a speed of rotation and a direction of rotation of a ferromagnetic object capable of rotating. A variety of signal formats of the output signal are described. |
| US09151764B2 |
Barrier layer for glucose sensor
An optical glucose sensor comprising: a sensing region comprising a boronic acid receptor for binding to glucose and a fluorophore associated with said receptor; an optical waveguide for directing incident light onto the sensing region; and a hydrophilic, polymeric, glucose-permeable barrier layer which is provided on at least a part of the sensing region; wherein the sensor is adapted so that glucose enters the sensing region of the sensor through said barrier layer. |
| US09151763B2 |
Systems and methods for high-throughput detection of an analyte in a sample
Provided are high-throughput detection systems. The systems include a magnetic sensor device, a magnetic field source and a reservoir plate that includes a plurality of fluid reservoirs. The magnetic sensor device includes a support with two or more elongated regions each having a magnetic sensor array disposed at a distal end. Also provided are methods in which the subject high-throughput detection systems find use. |
| US09151758B2 |
Methods to predict and prevent resistance to taxoid compounds
Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods for predicting the resistance of cancer to members of the taxoid family by measuring the levels of prohibitin. Methods for treating cancer and taxoid family member resistant cancers using inhibitors of prohibitin, as well as therapeutic complexes that target prohibitin are also provided. |
| US09151757B2 |
Detecting antigen responsive cells in a sample
The present invention relates to methods for detecting antigen responsive cells in a sample using multidimensional labeled antigen presenting compounds, such as antigen-major histocompatibility complexes (NHC). Further, the present invention relates to the use of the present multidimensional labeled antigen presenting compounds, such as antigen-major histocompatibility complexes (MHC), for detecting antigen responsive cells in a sample, preferably a single sample, such as a blood sample. The present method allows high-throughput analysis of specific antigen responsive cells, such as T- and B-cells, thereby providing, for example, high-throughput methods for monitoring of diseases or conditions and the development of immunotherapeutics, vaccines, or the identification epitopes or immunogenic amino acid sequences. |
| US09151755B2 |
Methods for detecting Ehrlichia infection
The present invention provides an isolated and purified heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60) peptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2. The instant invention is also directed to a vaccine against Ehrlichia comprising a peptide homologous to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2. The instant invention is also directed to an antibody directed against a peptide homologous to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2. The instant invention is also directed to a method of determining whether a subject is infected with Ehrlichia, comprising the steps of: contacting a sample from a subject with the antibody described herein; and detecting a resulting antibody reaction, wherein a positive reaction indicates the subject is infected with Ehrlichia. |
| US09151751B2 |
Systems and methods for electronic detection with nanoFETS
There is disclosed a system for electrical charge detection comprising a nanoFET device. Also disclosed is a method of electrical charge detection for single molecule sequencing. The method includes attaching a macromolecule or assemblies thereof to a gate of a nanoFET device and flowing in a solution of charge tags, where a charge tag includes a nucleotide attached to a charge complex. The method also includes incorporating one charge tag into the macromolecule or assemblies thereof and cleaving the charge tags from the macromolecule or assemblies thereof. The method further includes detecting at least one of current and voltage from the nanoFET device. |
| US09151747B1 |
Sucralose antibody and immunoassay
Kits and methods detect sucralose or determine sucralose concentration in a sample by using polyclonal or monoclonal anti-sucralose antibodies. An ELISA assay or other immunoassay detects sucralose or determines sucralose concentration in various samples. |
| US09151746B2 |
Use of microfluidic systems in the electrochemical detection of target analytes
The invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for conducting analyses, particularly microfluidic devices for the detection of target analytes. |
| US09151744B2 |
Lung tissue model
The present invention provides for an engineered three dimensional (3D) pulmonary model tissue culture which is free of any artificial scaffold. |
| US09151738B2 |
Solvent extraction using environmentally-friendly siloxane solvents
Solvent extraction to quantify contamination of a sample by a hydrocarbon contaminant is performed by providing a defined quantity of the sample, providing a defined quantity of a siloxane solvent, mixing the defined quantity of the siloxane solvent and the defined quantity of the sample to extract the hydrocarbon contaminant from the sample to form a contaminant solution with the siloxane solvent, and separating the contaminant solution from the sample. A concentration of the hydrocarbon contaminant in the contaminant solution can be measured by vibrational spectroscopy. Siloxane solvents are CFC free, VOC exempt, odorless, colorless, low to moderately flammable, non-toxic, and safe for incidental skin contact. Some are even used in cosmetic products. |
| US09151734B2 |
Connection assembly for ultra high pressure liquid chromatography
A fitting assembly having a single- or double-headed ferrule, a nut, and a fitting that may be assembled or dissembled by an operator. The fitting assembly includes a nut with first and second ends, with the second end adapted to receive or abut the first end of a ferrule, and further includes a fitting with a first end having an internally tapered portion adapted to receive the second end of the ferrule and a second end adapted to be removably connected to a component or fitting of a liquid chromatography system. The nut, ferrule and fitting of the fitting assembly have passageways therethrough for receiving and removably holding tubing. |
| US09151728B2 |
Gas sensor
Provided is a gas sensor in which a connection terminal can be favorably fitted onto a cylindrical sensor element without causing a breakage of the connection terminal. An oxygen sensor (1) includes an outer connection terminal (29) having an outer fitting portion (53), an extension portion (55) extending inwardly from an axially intermediate point of the outer fitting portion (53) and pulling prevention portions (75) and (77) formed on rear end parts of the outer fitting portion (53) at positions adjacent to the extension portion (55). When the extension portion (55) of the outer connection terminal (29) is inserted in and pulled out from a through hole (23) of a separator (27), the extension portion (55) can be prevented from further pulling in the through hole (23) by contact of the pulling prevention portions (75) and (77) with a front end surface of the separator (27). |
| US09151724B2 |
Method and capacitive sensor for counting aerosol nanoparticles
The invention refers to a method and capacitive sensor for counting aerosol nanoparticles in an electric way. Aerosol particles, onto which a fluid was applied in an earlier process by known methods, change the capacitance of the dielectric of the capacitor when entering its field, which causes an electric signal. The method provides for detection of aerosol particles in a wide scope of their presence in the air and is not specific for any shape or chemical composition of nanoparticles. |
| US09151721B2 |
Integrated backscatter X-ray system
The different advantageous embodiments provide a method and apparatus. The apparatus comprises a moveable platform, a housing connected to the moveable platform, a power supply located inside of the housing, and an x-ray tube located inside of the housing. The power supply and the x-ray tube are immersed in a coolant. The x-ray tube is configured to generate an x-ray beam. |
| US09151719B2 |
Inspection apparatus
When it is tried to detect a microscopic defect, it is desired that the width of the above-mentioned illuminated region in the minor axis direction should be short. In the related art, although an illuminated region is formed by converging light by some means, it is not easy to form an illuminated region with a narrower width. This is because various aberrations possessed by optical elements themselves used for convergence, aberrations possessed by other optical elements disposed on optical paths, assembly errors, and the like have undesired influence on the formation of linear illumination. In the related art, sufficient consideration has not been paid to the above points. The present invention is characterized in that it includes a system for changing the wavefront of light. |
| US09151714B2 |
Method of manufacturing micro chamber plate with built-in sample and analytic micro chamber plate, analytic micro chamber plate and apparatus set for manufacturing analytic micro chamber plate with built-in sample
The present invention relates to a micro chamber plate, and more particularly, to an analytic micro chamber plate in which a plurality of reaction solutions including a primer or probe selectively reacting with a nucleic acid react with each other without cross-contamination to measure and analyze a fluorescence level in real-time so as to analyze biological sample solution including a large amount of nucleic acids. Also, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing the analytic chamber plate. Also, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a micro chamber plate with a built-in sample used for manufacturing the analytic chamber plate. Also, the present invention relates to an apparatus set for manufacturing the micro chamber plate with a built-in sample. |
| US09151713B2 |
Sensitive intracavity biosensing platform and methods for detection therewith
The present disclosure provides a method of detecting a target analyte, by binding the target analyte and a probe with at least one fluorophore to form a fluid composition. The fluid composition is excited within a laser cavity. The method comprises measuring a laser emission from the fluid composition based on an interaction between the target analyte and the probe. In certain aspects, the method provides hybridizing the target analyte and the probe, prior to the exciting. In certain variations, the methods comprise detecting a target analyte by measuring a laser emission from the fluid composition based on an interaction between the target analyte, where the interaction is probe energy transfer, intercalation, hybridization of the target analyte and the probe, or combinations thereof. The energy transfer can include fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), FRET with a molecular-beacon, or cavity-assisted radiative energy transfer, by way of non-limiting example. |
| US09151712B1 |
Rule checking for metrology and inspection
A design feature in a design file including a pattern to be formed on a substrate may be selected as a metrology target, alignment target or inspection proxy. Metrology or inspection may be performed on the substrate using a printed feature on the substrate that corresponds to the design feature as a metrology target or inspection proxy. |
| US09151708B2 |
Adaptable cell design for a spectroscopy apparatus
An adjustable optical cell assembly includes a hollow body defining a cavity and a plurality of optical elements rigidly affixed within the cavity. A first actuator is configured to apply a force to an external surface of the hollow body sufficient to elastically deform at least a portion of the hollow body such one of a distance and a relative orientation between first and second optical elements of the plurality of optical elements is responsively altered. |
| US09151705B2 |
System and method for deforming and analyzing particles
A system for deforming and analyzing a plurality of particles carried in a sample volume includes a substrate defining an inlet, configured to receive the sample volume, and an outlet; and a fluidic pathway fluidly coupled to the inlet and the outlet. The fluidic pathway includes a delivery region configured to receive the plurality of particles from the inlet and focus the plurality of particles from a random distribution to a focused state, a deformation region defining an intersection located downstream of the delivery region and coupled to the outlet, and wherein the deformation region is configured to receive the plurality of particles from the delivery region and to transmit each particle in the plurality of particles into the intersection from a single direction, a first branch fluidly coupled to the deformation region and configured to transmit a first flow into the intersection, and a second branch fluidly coupled to the deformation region and configured to transmit a second flow, substantially opposing the first flow, into the intersection, wherein the first flow and the second flow are configured to induce extension of one or more particles in the plurality of particles. |
| US09151703B2 |
Sample analyzer and a sample analyzing method
Herewith disclosed is a sample analyzer comprising: a measurement section configured to perform a measurement on a sample and generate a measurement value according to the concentration of an analyte in the sample; a memory storing a calibration curve; an analysis section; an output section; and an instruction receiver. When the instruction receiver receives an instruction to perform a diluting measurement on a calibration sample, the measurement section dilutes the calibration sample by a predetermined ratio and performs a measurement on the diluted calibration sample, and the analysis section determines the concentration of the analyte in the diluted calibration sample by applying a measurement value obtained from the diluted calibration sample to the calibration curve. Information generated based on the determined concentration and the known concentration is output. |
| US09151701B2 |
Microfluidic systems
The systems and methods disclosed herein include a microfluidic system, comprising a pneumatic manifold having a plurality of apertures, and a chip manifold having channels disposed therein for routing pneumatic signals from respective ones of the apertures to a plurality of valves in a microfluidic chip, wherein the channels route the pneumatic signals in accordance with a configuration of the plurality of valves in the microfluidic chip. |
| US09151700B2 |
Fluid sampling assembly
Sampling arrangement adapted for extracting a fluid sample from a fluid flowing in a flow path. The arrangement comprises a sampling valve, such as a ball valve, comprising an outer body and an inner body rotationally supported within it. The inner body is rotationally supported about a rotation axis and comprises a cavity with a first opening adapted to be rotated into and out of fluid connection with the flowing fluid, and a second opening which faces in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the inner rotating body. |
| US09151698B2 |
Testing system for examining turbine blades
A testing system for examining the coating and open cooling-air holes of turbine blades includes a positioning device for an infrared camera with two degrees of freedom, a rotating-pivoting device for positioning the turbine blade, and a rotatable air duct arranged on the rotating-pivoting device. The rotatable air duct is configured for introducing into the turbine blade air at a temperature higher or lower in comparison with the turbine blade. |
| US09151695B2 |
Systems and methods for diagnosing an engine
Presently disclosed are methods and systems for detecting and diagnosing a coolant leak of an engine. A method may include diagnosing a coolant leak of the engine based on a low frequency pressure response of a measured engine coolant pressure. A vehicle system is also disclosed, including an engine, a coolant system operatively connected to the engine. The coolant system includes a coolant reserve and a coolant pump between the engine and the coolant reserve. The vehicle also includes a coolant pressure sensor to measure coolant pressure, and a controller configured to measure an engine coolant pressure and diagnose a coolant leak of the coolant system based on a low frequency pressure response of the measured engine coolant pressure. |
| US09151694B2 |
System and method of high resolution fiber optic inspection
This disclosure concerns a cleaning and inspection system for fiber optics that is rapid, reliable and useful for various types of fiber optics. In an embodiment, the system includes a wide field of view (FOV) camera to image the ferrule and rapidly locate the fiber ends and a narrow FOV camera to provide detailed inspection of fiber ends. A cleaning module with a cleaning tip and a cleaning media that is drawn through the tip is used to clean the fiber ends. Images captured by the dual cameras are automatically enhanced and analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the cleaning process and to identify the types and quantity of defects present. In another embodiment, a single higher resolution camera is provided with a lens that can image an entire fiber array and yet enable defects to be detected by analysis of sub-images of each fiber in the fiber array. |
| US09151693B1 |
Combinatorial test device
A combinatorial test device is configurable to contemporaneously test one or more sensors of output devices free from user intervention. A device under test such as a user device is placed in a test fixture of the combinatorial test device. Under the control and monitoring of a test controller testing takes place. The testing may be performed for quality assurance after assembly or repair, or to determine the reliability of the device such as by testing the device until a particular life cycle value is reached or a component in the device fails. |
| US09151689B2 |
Flexible leak test apparatus and method
A flexible leak test apparatus and method for leak testing a variety of workpieces having various multiple configurations with at least one internal cavity and at least one aperture leading therefrom. The flexible leak test apparatus and method provide a plurality of leak test fixtures adaptable to receive the workpieces. Each leak test fixture has a bottom portion and a top portion that engage one another when the workpieces are loaded in the bottom portion of the leak test fixture. The leak test fixtures are shuttled in and out of the workstation, and a manipulator loads and unloads the workpieces into and out of the bottom portion of the leak test fixtures. The leak test fixtures seal the apertures in the workpieces so that the workpieces can be leak tested by pressurizing the internal cavity of the workpiece. |
| US09151688B2 |
Apparatus and method for determining package integrity for porous and non-porous packages
A package testing system or apparatus that may be mounted directly onto an F/F/S machine and allows for communication with an F/F/S machine in the form of either a digital or analog signal. The communication may be implemented into a PID loop which allows for a predetermined burst pressure set point to be reached “automatically” by either the burst pressure controller or the F/F/S controller to automatically adjust the sealing parameters via the PID loop. The system may employ a novel sealing system that uses either a viscous solution or a series of laminated materials to seal either the needle entry point or the puncture side of the material in its entirety, thereby eliminating the use of known sealing patches that cover the porous webbing in testing. Methods for conducting such testing and for operating such systems are within the scope of the present disclosure. |
| US09151682B2 |
Sensor for measuring amount of heat generated from cells using zweifach-fung effect and method for manufacturing the same
A sensor for measuring heat generated from cells, including a thermopile manufactured by surface-micromachining technology, and a microfluidic flow-channel structure for mixing cells with medium and dividing the mixture into cells and medium. Medium and cells are uniformly mixed using a micro-mixer. The mixture is separated into a medium microfluid and a cell microfluid using the Zweifach-Fung effect, after which signals measured in the two microfluids are amplified. The difference between the two signal values determines the amount of heat generated from the cells. The influence of noise caused by a change in external environment is eliminated. Convection heat dissipation caused by fluid flow is minimized. The sensor accurately measures the amount of heat generated from cells flowing in the microfluidic flow-channel. Diseases such as cancer are diagnosed using the difference between the measured amount of heat generated from cells and the standard amount of heat generated from normal cells. |
| US09151680B2 |
Microwave thermometry for microwave ablation systems
A microwave ablation system incorporates a microwave thermometer that couples to a microwave transmission network connecting a microwave generator to a microwave applicator to measure noise temperature. The noise temperature is processed to separate out components of the noise temperature including the noise temperature of the tissue being treated and the noise temperature of the microwave transmission network. The noise temperature may be measured by a radiometer while the microwave generator is generating the microwave signal or during a period when the microwave signal is turned off. The microwave ablation system may be configured as a modular system having one or more thermometry network modules that are connectable between a microwave applicator and a microwave generator. Alternatively, the modular system includes a microwave generator, a microwave applicator, and a microwave cable that incorporate a microwave thermometry network module. |
| US09151678B2 |
Sensor shield
A shielded sensor system and method features an airflow housing including a downward facing inlet and a downward facing outlet. At least one sensor is disposed in the housing between the inlet and the outlet. A particulate screener is located between the inlet and the sensor. |
| US09151674B2 |
Wavelength distribution measuring apparatus
Provided is a wavelength distribution measuring apparatus (24), which includes a diffuser plate (52) for dispersing light beams radiated from an object to be measured (11) and a light beam homogenizing optical element (53) for reflecting, by the side surface (53b), at least part of the light beams dispersed by the diffuser plate (52) so that the light beams approximate to the direction of the perpendicular of a light receiving surface and also for guiding the light beams to the light receiving surface, and an optical receiver (56) including a plurality of light receiving elements for detecting the light beams, the light receiving elements being different from one another in spectral sensitivity characteristic. With this configuration, substantially parallel light beams radiated from the object to be measured (11) are homogenized at the light receiving surface including the periphery of the light receiving surface. |
| US09151667B1 |
Method and system for stabilizing power of tunable laser in wavelength-tuning phase shift interferometer
The present invention includes a laser diode, a laser controller configured to adjust a wavelength of illumination from the laser diode, a beam sampler configured to receive illumination from the laser diode and configured to direct a delivery portion of illumination to a phase-shifting interferometer, the beam sampler configured to direct a reference portion of illumination along a reference path, a detector configured to receive the reference portion of illumination, an amplitude controller configured to receive information associated with optical power of the reference portion of illumination from the detector and further configured to compare optical power of the reference portion of illumination with a selected optical power, and an optical amplitude modulator configured to adjust optical power of illumination received from a first portion of the illumination path, the optical amplitude modulator configured to transmit illumination having adjusted optical power along a second portion of the illumination path. |
| US09151664B2 |
Submount for optoelectronic, optical, or photonic components
An optical submount has a circumscribed 4-faced depression on its bottom surface and a 3-faced depression at an edge of its bottom surface. An optical signal is transmitted through a face of the 3-faced depression and internally reflected from a face of the 4-faced depression. A set of additional depressions and intervening areas on the submount bottom surface act as an alignment mark. |
| US09151662B2 |
Method for visualizing sound source energy distribution in echoic environment
A method for visualizing sound source energy distribution in an echoic environment comprises steps: arranging in an echoic environment a plurality of arrayed sound pickup units, wherein each sound pickup unit includes at least two microphones separated by a directive distance enabling the sound pickup unit to have a primary pickup direction; disposing the sound pickup units with the primary pickup directions thereof pointing toward a sound source in the echoic environment, and measuring the sound source by the sound pickup units to obtain a sound source-related parameter; substituting the directive distance and the parameter into an algorithm to make the parameter have directivity; and then substituting the parameter into an ESM algorithm to establish a sound source energy distribution profile. Thereby, the method can measure a sound source in a specified direction in an echoic environment and establish a visualized sound source energy distribution profile. |
| US09151659B2 |
Flexure element where the gap between the first arm and the second arm or between an arm and the strain generating region are equal to or smaller than one half the thickness
A flexure element used in a load cell comprises a rectangular strain region, two first arms, a first connection portion, which is connected to one end of the strain region and the first arms, two second arms, and a second connection portion which is connected to the other end of the strain region and the second arms, wherein one of the pair of first arms and the pair of second arms receives a load in a direction perpendicular to the flexure element, and the other of the pair of first arms and the pair of second arms is fixed to a support body, and a gap between the first arm and the second arm and a gap between the second arm and the strain region are equal to or smaller than a half of the thickness. |
| US09151658B2 |
Flow measurement devices having constant relative geometries
Systems and methods are disclosed for differential pressure meters having a constant beta edge boundary defined by fluid displacement members of the meter. In some embodiments, a differential pressure meter may have an interchangeable fluid displacement member, such that each fluid displacement member replaced in the meter maintains a constant beta edge boundary. In other embodiments, a family of differential pressure meters having permanent fluid displacement members may maintain a constant beta edge boundary for each meter of the family of differential pressure meters. |
| US09151656B2 |
Self-alignment filling level detecting device
A self-alignment filling level detecting device has a reflector and a sensor detachable from each other. The sensor has a light emitter, a light sensor, and a controller. The light sensor receives different light intensities when the reflector is assembled to the sensor and when the reflector is not assembled to the sensor. Thus, the controller determines whether the reflector has been accurately engaged and aligned with the sensor or not based on sensing results of the light sensor. Since the reflector and the sensor are detachable from each other, either the reflector or the sensor can be replaced individually if any one of them malfunctions. |
| US09151655B2 |
Oil level gauge structure
An oil level gauge structure with an oil level gauge attachment hole functioning as an oil filling opening provided in a casing of an engine with an oil level gauge for closing up the attachment hole. The oil level gauge has a columnar portion formed on the lower end side of an external thread. The columnar portion has a predetermined length and is continuous with the external thread for attaching the oil level gauge to the casing. A guide hole into which the columnar portion is fitted to restrict the position of the columnar portion is provided on the lower end side of an internal thread of an attachment hole of the casing. The columnar portion of the oil level gauge is formed to have such an axial length that the lower end of the columnar portion exceeds the depth of the internal thread of the casing. |
| US09151653B2 |
Gas meter with integrated gas shut-off valve
A gas meter with integrated gas shut-off valve has a housing with a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A device to record the gas flow, a meter mechanism, a gas shut-off valve and optionally a pressure reducer are positioned in a gas flow path between the gas inlet and the gas outlet. The gas shut-off valve is an electrically operated valve with a spherical or cylindrical valve element. |
| US09151650B2 |
Flow velocity meter having signal generating module with phase locked loop for generating continuous wave signal
A flow velocity meter is disclosed. The flow velocity meter utilizes a phase locked loop to generate an output signal and outputs the output signal to a current under test. The flow velocity meter receives a reflection signal from the current under test to calculate a speed of the current under test according to a reflection signal and a frequency difference between the output signal and the reflection signal. The flow velocity meter further includes an inclinometer for measuring a depression angle between a water level and a normal direction of the flow velocity meter and measuring a horizontal angle. The flow velocity meter can be adjusted its orientation when being installed according to the measured angles. |
| US09151649B2 |
Ultrasonic flow metering system with an upstream pressure transducer
Apparatus and method for monitoring operation of a flow metering system. In one embodiment, a flow metering system includes a flow meter, a first and second pressure sensors, a flow conditioner, and a condition monitor. The flow meter is configured to measure the volume of fluid flowing through the flow meter. The first pressure sensor is disposed proximate the flow meter to measure pressure of the fluid proximate the flow meter. The flow conditioner is disposed upstream of the flow meter. The second pressure sensor is disposed upstream of the flow conditioner to measure pressure of the fluid upstream of the flow conditioner. The condition monitor is coupled to the flow meter and the pressure sensors, and is configured to identify a potential discrepancy in operation of the flow metering system based on a difference between pressure measurements of the first and second pressure sensors. |
| US09151646B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for monitoring, regulating, or controlling fluid flow
An apparatus, system and method for regulating fluid flow are disclosed. The apparatus includes a curved, elongated support member elastically deformable and having first and second ends. The apparatus also include an opposing support member configured to position a tube against the curved, elongated support member between the first and second ends. Deformation of the curved, elongated support member by movement of the first and second ends toward each other reduces an internal volume of the tube. |
| US09151643B2 |
Measuring apparatus and controlling method thereof
The present disclosure provides a measuring apparatus including a platform, a measuring head movably arranged on the platform, pneumatic balls supporting the platform, an inflator, and a controlling device controlling the inflator to inflate the pneumatic balls while the measuring head is moving towards a next measuring point from a current measuring point. The controlling device controls the inflator to inflate the pneumatic balls with the required air inflation amount within the required time evenly during the movement of the measuring head, therefore, the vibration of the platform during the movement of the measuring head and the inflation of the pneumatic ball can be reduced, which can keep the platform horizontal quickly after the measuring head stops moving, reduce the measurement errors of the measuring head, further improve the productivity of the liquid crystal panel. The present disclosure further provides a controlling method of the above measuring apparatus. |
| US09151641B2 |
Adaptor component for a measuring system
The circuit arrangement according to the invention comprises a measuring apparatus that measures an electrical connection, and also one or more conductor patterns. The conductor pattern is connected to the measuring apparatus using an adaptor component, which fits the impedance produced by the conductor pattern to be suitable for the measuring apparatus. |
| US09151637B2 |
Method of approaching a platform
A method having a preparation stage for preparing an approach path (25) to a theoretical position (20′) of a platform (20). During a consolidation stage, a current position (20″) of said platform (20) is determined and an alert is triggered when the distance (D1) between said theoretical position (20′) and said current position (20″) is greater than a first threshold. During a security stage, entities provided with respective automatic identification systems and present in a predetermined monitoring zone (OCZ) are monitored, and a horizontal representation of said approach path (25) is displayed on a display screen (8) together with the following for each entity: a plot (41) representing its current position; an indication (42) of the travel direction of the entity; and a representation (43) relating to the danger level of the entity. |
| US09151634B2 |
Apparatus and method of providing road guidance based on augmented reality head-up display
An apparatus and method of providing road guidance based on an augmented reality head-up display (HUD) are provided. The method includes creating, by a controller, a route toward a destination and operating the augmented reality HUD to display a virtual preceding vehicle driven along the route to show that the virtual preceding vehicle is driven in front of a traveling vehicle by a reference distance. |
| US09151632B2 |
Method and system for providing driving route information of electric vehicle
A method and a system implemented for providing driving route information of an electric vehicle to a telematics terminal by a telematics server may include checking a driving pattern of a driver corresponding to the electric vehicle; checking information on a current position and a destination of the electric vehicle; calculating at least one candidate route from the current position to the destination; calculating expected power consumption corresponding to each of the at least one candidate routes based on the driving pattern, the current position, and the destination; and transmitting information on the at least one candidate route and the expected power consumption corresponding thereto to the telematics terminal. |
| US09151630B2 |
Evaluation indication system, evaluation indication method and computer-readable storage medium
Evaluation indication systems, methods, and programs display a current position of a vehicle and a map around the current position on a display unit, acquire current evaluations that indicate evaluations of fuel consumption in current travel of the vehicle by unit sections, and acquire previous evaluations that indicate evaluations of fuel consumption of the vehicle in a past prior to the current travel by unit sections. The systems, methods, and programs indicate the current evaluations and the previous evaluations together by unit sections on the map. |
| US09151628B1 |
Associating parking areas with destinations
A method and apparatus for associating parking areas with destinations may include a vehicle identifying transportation network information including a primary destination and parking area information representing a plurality of parking areas, such that the parking area information includes automatically generated parking area association information describing an association between at least one parking area and the primary destination. The vehicle may determine a target parking area from the plurality of parking areas for the primary destination based on the transportation network information, and identify a route from an origin to the target parking area in the vehicle transportation network using the transportation network information. The vehicle may include a trajectory controller configured to operate the vehicle to travel from the origin to the target parking area using the route. |
| US09151627B2 |
Navigation directions between automatically determined starting points and selected destinations
To provide navigation directions in mapping applications, an indication of a geographic location and an indication of a map viewport that includes the geographic location are received. Several candidate starting points from which people are more likely to access the geographic location than from other locations within the map viewport are identified. A starting point is selected from among the several candidate starting points, and navigation directions for guiding a user of the user device from the starting point toward the geographic location are generated for display on the user device. |
| US09151625B2 |
Apparatus for controlling complementing position of vehicle, and system and method for complementing position of vehicle with the said apparatus
Disclosed are a system and a method for complementing a position of a vehicle and an apparatus for controlling complementing a position of a vehicle that select a representative vehicle within divided areas and complement a position of an own vehicle from a representative vehicle by using a DGPS complementation signal received through vehicle to vehicle (V2V) communication and vehicle to infrastructure (V2I) communication. |
| US09151620B2 |
Device for determining location information and inertial primary references for an aircraft
Device for determining location information, primary references consolidated for an aircraft, comprising a chain for determining location information comprising means for measuring radionavigation data, suitable means for consolidating, suitable means for computing parameters and suitable means for consolidating the parameters. The device also comprises a chain for determining inertial primary references comprising means for measuring inertial data, suitable means for consolidating, suitable means for computing parameters and suitable means for consolidating the parameters. The device finally comprises a chain for determining anemo-barometric data comprising means for measuring anemo-barometric data, suitable means for consolidating the measured anemo-barometric data, suitable means for computing parameters, and suitable means for consolidating the reference parameters. |
| US09151619B2 |
Positioning network availability and reliability based routing
A routing system can be configured to determine a route based on availability and reliability of location reference devices to determine a most reliable route between a source and a destination. A reliability rating associated with each route of a plurality of routes can be determined based, at least in part, on a count of navigation satellites available along the route. The reliability rating can be indicative of an ability of the routing system to maintain continuous connectivity to the navigation satellites along each of the plurality of routes. The reliability ratings of the plurality of routes are compared to identify and to present one of the plurality of routes as a referred route. |
| US09151614B2 |
Point of interest search along a route with return
A routing module identifies POIs that can be reached from a route with a cost less than distance m. A routing engine performs a reverse exploration on nodes in the planned route to locate POIs from which the route can be reached with a cost of less than a second cost n. POIs identified as being reachable from the route with a cost of less than m, and from which the route is reachable with a cost less than n are then further filtered to identify a subset of the POIs for which the sum of the time or distance from the route to the POI and the time or distance from the POI back to the route is less than a threshold time or distance, t. |
| US09151609B2 |
Footer square apparatuses
A footer square apparatus may be used to measuring a building foundation and may include a footer square body, a first guide line, a second guide line, a third guide line, a corner marking, and at least one angle marking. The first guide line and second guide line may be perpendicular, and the third guide line may form a 45° angle with the first guide line and second guide line. The at least one angle marking may identify an angle as measured between a line from the corner marking to the angle marking and at least one of the first guide line, the second guide line, and the third guide line. |
| US09151604B1 |
Non-saturating receiver design and clamping structure for high power laser based rangefinding instruments
A non-saturating receiver design and clamping structure for high power laser rangefinders of especial utility with respect to pumped, monoblock lasers. The receiver comprises a photodiode and a transimpedance amplifier having at least first and second stages. The first stage comprises a field effect transistor and the second stage comprises a non-saturating, non-inverting amplification stage including a differential pair of bipolar transistors having a feedback path coupling the second stage to the input of the first stage. A clamping structure for the receiver comprises a resistor coupling a cathode of the photodiode to a first voltage input and a clamping diode also coupling the cathode to a second lower voltage input. A capacitor having a capacitance Cs couples the cathode of the photodiode to a reference voltage line, wherein the capacitance Cs is greater than the capacitance of the photodiode CD. |
| US09151603B2 |
Compact folded signal transmission and image viewing pathway design and visual display technique for laser rangefinding instruments
A compact folded signal transmission and image viewing pathway design and visual display technique for laser rangefinding instruments incorporates a beam splitting cube in the eyepiece optical space and advantageously provides an objective image focal length substantially twice that of the physical length of the instrument optical components. Through the use of some of the same optical elements in both the image viewing pathway as well as the laser transmission pathway, a relatively long transmission focal length is provided which saves in both physical instrument space and component cost while also allowing for the use of reasonably sized photodiodes with improved power output over that of previous designs. |
| US09151602B2 |
Corrected ball diameter calculating method and form measuring instrument
A corrected ball diameter calculating method includes: preparing a reference gauge that has at least one reference peripheral surface of an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface; valuing of diameter values of the reference peripheral surface at a plurality of different height positions from a bottom surface of the reference gauge; calculating calibrated diameter values per each of the height positions; placing the reference gauge on the rotary table and causing the stylus tip to touch a plurality of measurement sites on the reference peripheral surface at each of the height positions to calculate measured diameter values that are diameter values of a circle passing through the neighborhood of center points of the stylus tip; and calculating the corrected ball diameters per each of the height positions from the calibrated diameter values and the measured diameter values that are calculated per each of the height positions. |
| US09151599B2 |
Image sensing module adapted to compensate temperature variation
The present invention provides an image sensing module including an image sensing device and a calculation device. The image sensing device includes a plurality of pixels for acquiring an operation image containing an object image. The calculation device stores a look-up table regarding a temperature related parameter and a position deviation of the object image at each pixel associated with the temperature related parameter, and selects a deformation error from the look-up table according to the temperature related parameter corresponding to the operation image so as to correct a current position of the object image in the operation image. |
| US09151594B2 |
Position detection apparatus and image forming apparatus
A position detection apparatus comprises a sensor unit 80 and a moving holder 81 and a holder drive portion 82. The sensor unit has a plurality of pairs of sensors, each of which includes a light emitting portion held on the first holding surface 81a and a light receiving portion held on a second holding surface 81b as a pair and which are arranged along sheet width direction, and the sensor unit detects the edge position of the sheet S while the holder drive portion moves the moving holder in the sheet width direction and every other light emitting portions in the plurality of pairs of sensors is turned on. |
| US09151591B2 |
Position measuring system and associated measuring method for detecting an indicated position of a linearly movable guide element
A position measuring system detects an extreme position of a guide rod which extends along a path that is rectilinear relative to a guide system and can be moved along the rectilinear path, wherein the system operates reliably, and requires a minimum of electrical lines. The position measuring system is equipped with a plurality of sensor elements and a magnetic element, wherein the magnetic element is configured to form a magnetic field. The magnetic element is connected to the guide rod. Each sensor element is configured to detect a magnetic field within a detection region, a field strength of the magnetic field being greater at the location of the sensor element than a predefined threshold value. At least one sensor element is connected to the guide system and is arranged in an environment of the path. A corresponding measuring method uses the position measuring system to detect the extreme positions. |
| US09151584B2 |
Fuze for stun grenade
A stun grenade includes a fuze assembly secured to a housing adjacent gas outlet ports. The fuze assembly includes a fuze body having contact surfaces located in the flow path of the gas from the outlet ports so that gas flowing from the outlet ports impinges on the contact surfaces. The contact surfaces of the fuze body extend at an angle of no more than about 50 degrees to the first direction. |
| US09151582B2 |
Remote treatment system
A remote treatment system may include a syringe assembly and a cone assembly. The syringe assembly may further include a cannula that has a solid bevel tip and an exit port on a longitudinal side of the cannula. The cone assembly may include a fore-end ring at the cone assembly apex and a base ring at a center of the cone assembly base. The fore-end ring and base ring may carry the cannula and the fore-end ring may be shiftable along the longitudinal axis of the cannula between an extended first position and a retracted second position. The fore-end ring may be in a sealing relation with the cannula exit port in the extended first position, while the exit port may be unsealed in the retracted second position. In response to an impact between the cone assembly and a target, the fore-end ring may shift to its second position. |
| US09151581B2 |
Actuators for gun-fired projectiles and mortars
A method for providing actuation thrust to a projectile. The method including: providing two or more individual actuators movably disposed in a stack housing, each of the two or more individual actuators being separated by a separation layer; accelerating exhaust from the two or more individual actuators with an accelerating nozzle having at least a convergent section terminating at a throat; and maintaining a constant volume in the accelerating nozzle after actuation of each of the two or more individual actuators. |
| US09151580B2 |
Method and apparatus for increasing the visibility of an arrow utilizing lighted fletchings
The visibility of an arrow after it has been fired is increased by illuminating arrow fletchings in which light injected into the nock is further injected into the fletching. |
| US09151574B2 |
Method of movement compensation for a weapon
A method for stabilizing an image and compensating for movement of a weapon is provided, comprising: providing an image stabilization device for an optical scope mounted on a weapon, wherein the image stabilization device includes a sensor to detect motion of the weapon; providing a trigger release device operatively connected to a trigger on the weapon; detecting movement of the weapon by the sensor; generating an output signal from the sensor, wherein the output signal corresponds to the position and velocity of the weapon in a plane perpendicular to the line of sight upon alignment of a feedback reticle with a telescopic sight reticle; processing the output signal to determine an optimal release period, and then generating a release signal during the release period; and using the release signal to activate the trigger release. |
| US09151571B2 |
Camera mount apparatus and system
This disclosure relates to an apparatus for mounting a camera onto a firearm and an associated device for capturing images and recordings of a firearm target. The apparatus allows for easy attachment of cameras of varying sizes onto the scope of a firearm and along the same longitudinal axis of the scope. The apparatus comprises a sleeve connected to a scope of a firearm, the sleeve being hallow and having a longitudinal axis longitudinal axis forming an unobstructed axial bore and generally coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the scope; a base member with a hole and adapted to receive a camera with the hole of the base member positioned adjacent to the lens of the camera and the longitudinal axis of the camera lens is generally coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the scope. |
| US09151562B1 |
Locking adjustable rifle stand
Designs and methods are provided for an adjustable rifle stand. In one embodiment the rifle stand includes a three legged support with a moveable head for holding the rifle at a first support location on the rifle forward of the trigger such that the rifle can pivot about the first support location. The rifle stand also includes a rear brace with two extendable legs and a head that holds the rifle at a second support location on the rifle behind the trigger, wherein the lower ends of the legs of the rear brace are pivotally connected to two of the legs of the three legged support. The legs of the rear brace may be extended or contracted by unlocking a leg extension lock in each leg. |
| US09151561B2 |
Shooting rests for supporting firearms
One aspect of the invention is directed to shooting rests for supporting a firearm having a first portion and a second portion rearward of the first portion. In one embodiment, a shooting rest includes a frame, a front support for supporting the first portion of the firearm, a support member for carrying one or more weights, and a stop for inhibiting rearward movement of the firearm relative to the shooting rest. The front support is coupled to the frame, and the support member is positioned at least proximate to the frame. The stop includes a flexible portion and is also coupled to the frame. |
| US09151560B2 |
Firearm sound suppressor
The present invention is for a firearm sound suppressor which is attached to the barrel of a firearm to reduce the noise and flash generated by the firearm. The firearm sound suppressor improves the dissipation of heat and provides a breach head on the end thereof for use as a ramming and breaching instrument. |
| US09151559B2 |
Digital hybrid firearm
A firearm for mechanically and electronically firing a weapon including a trigger rotatably mounted to a sear and having an actuator attached thereto. A secondary sear is rotatably mounted to the sear, and a switch is mounted to the lower receiver behind the trigger and adapted to be contacted by the actuator when the trigger is pulled. An electronic circuit is electrically connected to the switch such that when the switch is contacted the circuit is energized to operate a prime mover that operates the firearm. The sear assembly may also comprise a main sear and an auxiliary sear controlled by a selector switch having cam surfaces and adapted to be rotated to a plurality of positions, wherein in a first position comprises a safety mode, a second position comprises a mechanical mode of fire and a third position comprises an electronic mode of fire. |
| US09151556B1 |
Firearm bolt
Disclosed is a firearm bolt that may optionally incorporate one or more ejectors that are positioned outside of a central portion of a cartridge that experience high compression forces when the cartridge is fired. |
| US09151552B2 |
Lock interface insert for machine gun bolt assembly
A bolt assembly for a machine gun according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a lock interface insert configured to be insertable into a bolt. The lock interface insert includes a main body defining a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface. At least one of the first and second engagement surfaces is configured to selectively engage a portion of a breech lock. |
| US09151551B2 |
Apparatus to control device temperature utilizing multiple thermal paths
Apparatus to control device temperature includes a thermal head fluid path in thermal contact with the device, a pump assembly, a temperature sensor in communication with a controller, and first, second and third valves operable in response to the controller wherein the fluid path receives thermal transfer fluid from a combined path and outputs it to the pump assembly, the pump assembly outputs the fluid to a first, a second and a third path, all connected to the combined path wherein the first path is in thermal contact with a heat assembly and the second path is in thermal contact with a cooling assembly, the temperature sensor senses a temperature of the fluid path, and the first, second and third valves are disposed in the first, second and third paths to control fluid flow therethrough, respectively. |
| US09151549B2 |
Method and apparatus for electrical control of heat transfer
A heat exchange system includes an electrode configured to electrostatically control a flow of a heated gas stream in the vicinity of a heat transfer surface and/or a heat-sensitive surface. |
| US09151548B2 |
High temperature heat exchanger corner metal temperature attenuator
A heat exchanger has a corner metal temperature attenuator that may attenuate a localized stack wise temperature gradient. The corner metal temperature attenuator may locally reduce or eliminate the source of large amplitude temperature swings near the end of the stack of passages which are correlated with the areas of greatest low cycle fatigue (LCF) damage. The corner metal temperature attenuator may locally block the inlet flow to every other (alternating) passage in the stack, beginning with the second passage inward from each end of the stack. The width of the blocked flow at any passage can be minimized using existing analytical methods to determine the threshold at which the metal damage index (DI) falls below a predetermined threshold at that location. Since the damage index naturally attenuates toward the passage stack midplane, the width of the blocked flow may also be reduced moving toward the stack midplane and eventually may go to zero blockage for all remaining alternating passages. |
| US09151545B2 |
Thermal management of an electrochemical cell by a combination of heat transfer fluid and phase change material
The invention is directed at devices, systems, and processes for managing the temperature of an electrochemical call including a device 10 comprising an inlet for receiving a heat transfer fluid; one or more electrochemical cell compartments 12 for receiving one or more electrochemical calls 20; one or more thermal energy storage material compartments 14 containing one or more thermal energy storage materials 18; and one or more heat transfer fluid compartments 16 for flowing the heat transfer fluid through the device; wherein the space between the one or more heat transfer fluid compartments 16 and the one or more electrochemical cell compartments 12 preferably includes one or more first regions 22 (i.e. portion) that are substantially free of the thermal energy storage material 18; and the space between the one or more heat transfer fluid compartments 16 and the one or more thermal energy storage material compartments 14 preferably includes one or more second regions 24 (i.e. portion) that are substantially free of an electrochemical cell 20; so that the heat transfer fluid compartment 16 is in direct thermal communication with both the thermal energy storage material compartment 14 and the electrochemical cell compartment 12. |
| US09151539B2 |
Heat exchanger having a core angled between two headers
A liquid-to-air heat exchanger includes an air inlet header, an air outlet header, and a core. The air inlet header has an air inlet connection and the air outlet header has an air outlet connection. The core is connected to the air inlet header and the air outlet header. The core is angled relative to the air inlet connection and the air outlet connection. The air inlet connection and air outlet connection do not align in a straight flow path. The core is disposed at an acute angle relative to one of the air inlet connection and the air outlet connection and is disposed at an obtuse angle relative to the other of the air inlet connection and the air outlet connection. |
| US09151536B2 |
Refrigeration device comprising a dispensing device
A dispensing device for a free-flowing or pourable refrigerated product is situated on the front face of the housing of a refrigeration device. A sleeve, through which the dispensing device is accessed, protrudes beyond the front face and is surrounded by a peripheral frame that protrudes beyond the sleeve. |
| US09151534B2 |
Latch assembly and refrigerator or home appliance including the same
A refrigerator including a home bar is provided. The refrigerator may include a latch assembly that releasably couples a door of the home bar to a door of the refrigerator to selectively provide access to an interior of the home bar without opening the main refrigerator door. The latch assembly may include a holder provided in one of the home bar door or the main refrigerator door, and a latch provided in the other of the home bar door or the main door. The latch may be selectively coupled to the holder to lock and unlock the home bar door. The latch locks the holder by changing elastic rotation of the latch in one direction into elastic restoring rotation in a second, reverse direction as the holder is moved forward into the latch. The latch unlocks the holder as the holder is moved farther forward, and the latch and the holder are decoupled from each other while the latch is elastically rotated in response to backward motion of the holder out of the latch. |
| US09151528B2 |
Sanitation system and method for ice storage and dispensing equipment
A system and methods for sanitation of ice storage equipment. An ozone generator provides a sanitizing agent comprised of a mixture of ambient air and ozone. The sanitizing agent is circulated through an ice storage bin. The sanitizing agent cleanses interior surfaces of the ice storage bin and also cleanses surfaces of an ice dispenser that dispenses ice from the ice storage bin. |
| US09151527B2 |
Molded clear ice spheres
An ice maker adapted to make clear ice spheres includes a mold apparatus having a first mold portion and a second mold portion. The first and second mold portions further include mold cavity segments which define mold cavities when the mold apparatus is assembled in an ice forming position. A cooling source is in thermal communication with the first mold portion of the mold apparatus, such that water injected into the mold cavities is solidified in a directional manner from the first mold portion to the second mold portion to create a clear ice structure. Water is circulated, typically continuously, within the mold cavities to ensure clear ice is formed by injecting and simultaneously ejecting water from the mold cavities during ice formation. |
| US09151526B2 |
Method to control electronic expansion valve
A vapor compression refrigeration cycle system includes a compressor and an electronic expansion valve connected between first and second refrigerant ports of a compressor. An expansion valve controller is configured to control a flow of refrigerant through the expansion valve in response to a superheat temperature of the refrigerant. The controller is configured to execute a first control algorithm until a local maximum of the superheat temperature occurs, and then to execute a second control algorithm. |
| US09151524B2 |
Refrigerator with icemaker chilled by thermoelectric device cooled by fresh food compartment air
An icemaker is mounted remotely from a freezer compartment. The icemaker includes an ice mold. A thermoelectric device is provided and includes a warm side and an opposite cold side. A flow pathway is connected in communication between the cold side of the thermoelectric device and the icemaker. In one aspect, a fan is operatively positioned to move air from the fresh food compartment across the warm side of the thermoelectric device and a pump moves fluid from the cold side of the thermoelectric device to the icemaker. Cold air, such as from a refrigerator compartment, may be used to dissipate heat from the warm side of the thermoelectric device for providing cold fluid to and for cooling the ice mold of the icemaker. |
| US09151521B2 |
Free cooling cascade arrangement for refrigeration system
A refrigeration system includes a medium temperature subsystem circulating a coolant in a closed loop between at least one medium temperature chiller and at least one medium temperature load and at least one cascade heat exchanger, and a low temperature subsystem circulating a coolant in a closed loop between at least one low temperature heat exchanger and at least one low temperature load. A cooling circuit is provided for circulating a coolant and includes a first pump and a second pump and a fluid cooler and a valve, and interfaces with the medium temperature chiller and the low temperature chiller. The valve is movable to a closed position to define a first flow path and a second flow path, where the first flow path includes the first pump and the medium temperature chiller and fluid cooler, and the second flow path including the second pump and the low temperature heat exchanger and the cascade heat exchanger. |
| US09151520B2 |
Device for varying the pressure of a pneumatic fluid through displacement of liquid droplets and heat pump using such a device
A heat pump including at least two devices for displacement of droplets of liquid by electro-wetting, where one includes a control unit such that it forms a compressor of the pneumatic fluid confined between the droplets of liquid, where the other includes a control unit such that it forms an expander to expand the pneumatic fluid confined between the droplets of liquid, where the high-pressure end of the compressor is connected to the high-pressure end of the expander through a thermal exchanger of a hot source, and where the low-pressure end of the expander is connected to the low-pressure end of the compressor through a thermal exchanger with a cold source, and where the unit formed by the compressor, the expander, and the thermal exchangers forms a single channel. |
| US09151515B2 |
Electric radiator using calculating processors as a heat source
An electric radiator is provided using calculating processors as a heat source and includes a heating body where the heat transfer between the heat source and the ambient air takes place; a number of processors distributed over a number of printed circuit boards forming the heat source of the radiator and a power resource carrying out calculations by external computer systems; a man-machine interface enabling the control of the calculating and calorific power supplied by the radiator; a power source stabilized for the different electrical components; and a network interface for connecting the radiator to the external networks. |
| US09151506B2 |
Water heater having a waterway changeover control apparatus and method for operating the same
A water heating system and method of operating the same. The system includes a first water heater having a first heating source of a first type. The system further includes a second water heater having a second heating source of a second type. A valve having a first interface that is connected to the cold water source, a second interface that is connected to a first cold water inlet of the first water heater, a third interface that is connected to a second hot water outlet of the second water heater, and a fourth interface connected to the hot water outlet of the first water heater. A motor positions the changeover valve to one of at least three positions. A control circuit includes a temperature sensor near the first hot water outlet of the first water heater, and a controller coupled to the first temperature sensor and the motor. |
| US09151505B2 |
Door for oven and an oven
A door for an oven and the oven are provided. The door includes a door frame and a door panel where the door panel is coupled to the door frame. The door panel includes a front panel, a top panel bent from an upper end of the front panel to form a topside of the door, the top panel having a first bent portion spaced from the front panel to contact a top side of the door frame, and a pair of side panels, each side panel being bent from a lateral side of the front panel to form lateral sides of the door, and each side panel having a second bent portion spaced from the front panel to contact sides of the door frame. |
| US09151504B2 |
Cooking apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
A cooking apparatus is disclosed. The cooking apparatus includes an apparatus body, a cooking chamber defined in the apparatus body for cooking food, and a door for opening and closing the cooking chamber. The cooking chamber has an inner wall surface-treated by plasma. |
| US09151491B2 |
Burner insertion aid for a burner, and method for inserting a burner
A burner insertion aid for a burner includes a funnel-shaped component, wherein the funnel-shaped component has foamed polymer and an outer edge for mounting on a burner fastening device and also has an inner funnel region for the insertion of a burner mouth. |
| US09151488B2 |
Start-up system for a once-through horizontal evaporator
Disclosed herein is a once-through evaporator comprising an inlet manifold; one or more inlet headers in fluid communication with the inlet manifold; one or more tube stacks, where each tube stack comprises one or more substantially horizontal evaporator tubes; the one or more tube stacks being in fluid communication with the one or more inlet headers; where one or more tube stacks are used for a start-up of the once-through evaporator; one or more outlet headers in fluid communication with one or more tube stacks; a separator in fluid communication with the one or more outlet headers; a first flow control device in fluid communication with the separator and at least one of the tube stacks used for startup; a second flow control device in fluid communication with a superheater to bypass the separator and at least one of the tube stacks used for startup; and a controller for controlling the actuation of the first and second flow control devices in response to a parameter of the evaporator. |
| US09151487B2 |
Heating element, steam cutting device, and burner of a power-generating device
The invention relates to a heating element (25) for liquids to be vaporized as well as a burner (6) of a steam cutting device (1) and a burner (38) of a power-generating device, the element being designed as an induction heater (47) comprising one coil (25a). In order to improve vaporization, the coil (25a) of the induction heater (47) is enclosed in a hybrid construction which is composed of a main part (31) with laterally extending webs (33), and which consists of an easily magnetizable material (35) and a thermally highly-conductive material, a covering element (32) consisting of nanocrystalline materials being arranged on the webs (33), and the easily magnetizable material (35) being designed to be installed on a thermally highly-conductive material (37) of a vaporizer (21). |
| US09151485B2 |
Buckle assembly with light emitting diode and optical guide
A buckle assembly is configured to releasably interlock with a seat belt tongue. The assembly includes a light emitting diode (LED) positioned at least partially within a housing. The LED is configured to emit a light when the seat belt tongue is not interlocked with the assembly. An optical guide is positioned at least partially within the housing and composed of a substantially light transmitting material. The LED is positioned such that the light emitted by the LED passes through the optical guide. In a first embodiment, the optical guide is an ejector member at least partially positioned within the housing. In a second embodiment, the optical guide is a lens at least partially positioned within the housing. |
| US09151482B2 |
Sealed electrical device with cooling system
An electrical device and method are presented, the device having an enclosure defining an interior volume sealed from the environment and an electronic lighting apparatus, which may include a heat generating element such as a light source, a heat sink, and a fluid flow generator. The heat sink may be positioned partially within the sealed interior volume and adjacent the heat generating element and transfer heat therefrom. The fluid flow generator may create a flow of fluid to transport heat away from the heat sink and to the enclosure. The electronic lighting apparatus may be carried by the enclosure and partially disposed within the interior volume of the enclosure. The electrical device may further include an optic carried by the enclosure that may cooperate with the enclosure to define the sealed interior volume. |
| US09151479B2 |
Vibrating LED device
This utility model disclose one kind of vibration light-emitting devices, including base plate, power supply set at one side of the base plate, vibration switch and LED light set at the other side of the base plate, the said LED light is set on the same side as the vibration switch. This utility model also disclose one kind of electronic light-emitting rings assembled with vibration light-emitting devices, the said electronic light-emitting ring is integrated silica gel, there are one opening and one cavity at the internal side of the said light-emitting ring, the said opening and cavity are connected, and the said vibration light-emitting device is set inside the cavity. This utility model can enhance the decorative effects and entertainment effects, with simple structure, it is convenient to wear and not easy to fall off. |
| US09151476B2 |
Lighting apparatus
According to an aspect, a lighting apparatus includes a lighting unit including a long-shaped housing that has upper and lower openings and has an outer surface formed as a convex surface when seen in a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction, and a semiconductor light emitting device disposed inside the housing so as to emit light toward the lower opening. Further, the lighting apparatus includes a holding unit including a holding member in which at least a portion of a surface is formed as a concave surface corresponding to the convex surface when seen in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the lighting unit. When seen in the cross-section, the convex surface has, in a region that faces the concave surface, a portion that is brought into contact with the concave surface, and a portion that is not brought into contact with the concave surface. |
| US09151472B2 |
Light cover capable of adjusting the amount of light emitted
A light cover capable of adjusting the amount of light emitted is provided in the present invention. The light cover includes a cloth, a supporting frame and a binding member. The supporting frame includes three/four intersecting elastic supporting rods. A light emitting opening and a triangular/square mounting portion are formed by assembling the cloth with the three/four intersecting elastic supporting rods. The binding member is assembled with both ends of each of the three/four elastic supporting rods. By tightening the binding member around the ends of the three/four elastic supporting rods, the three/four intersecting elastic supporting rods are bent into different curvatures, thereby adjusting the size of the light emitting opening. |
| US09151460B2 |
Light assembly
Light assembly having reflector (17), a light source (22), an outer light cover (12) having a first color zone (15) and a second, different color or clear zone (16), and an inner lens (19) with a transflective surface. Embodiments of light assemblies described herein are useful, for example, as signs, backlights, displays, task lighting, luminaire, and vehicle (e.g., cars, trucks, airplanes, etc.) components. Vehicle comprising light assemblies include those where the light assembly is a vehicle tail light assembly. |
| US09151459B2 |
Mounting structure for a headlamp reflector
In some embodiments, a headlamp assembly can comprise: a reflector, a mounting bracket, a housing, and a light source. The reflector can have a lip at a light source opening and a peripheral rim with a reflector portion extending from the lip to a peripheral rim. The mounting bracket can be configured to attach to the reflector. The mounting bracket can comprise attachment structures configured to mate with the lip, and adjustment features that enable horizontal, vertical, and pivotal adjustment. The light source can extend into the reflector through the light source opening. |
| US09151456B2 |
Housing attaching devices and assemblies
An assembly for releasably attaching a junction housing to a ceiling panel for a recessed lighting fixture. The assembly is in the form of a spring clamp and includes an outer section located over and movable along an outer surface of the housing when the housing is received within an opening in the panel, and an inner section movable along an inner surface of the housing when the housing is received within the opening in the panel. The inner section includes a finger-engageable element spring-biased to a locking position for locking the housing onto the panel, engageable by a user's finger to move the spring clamp to a releasing position releasing the housing for movement within the panel to a locking or releasing position with respect to the housing. |
| US09151453B2 |
Magnetically-mountable lighting device and associated systems and methods
A lighting device comprising a heat sink, a light source in thermal communication with the heat sink, and a power source operably coupled with the light source. The heat sink, light source, and power source are positioned in a cavity defined by an enclosure and an optic which present a puck-like shape when assembled. A magnetic attachment member installed in the cavity of the enclosure magnetically binds the lighting device to a ferromagnetic material external to the lighting device. The power source receives an AC input voltage through inductive and/or conductive coupling, and converts the voltage to DC to support light-emitting diodes (LEDs). A controller may operate the light source based on instructions transmitted by a beam adjustment device and/or an occupancy sensor. A method aspect of the invention details steps for assembling the lighting device. |
| US09151452B2 |
Fluorescent lamp with new LED tube
A fluorescent lamp with a new LED tube is revealed herein to have at least one terminal socket at both sides of a lamp holder for terminals disposed at both sides of the LED tube to be plugged therein, wherein each terminal socket in the lamp holder is coupled with each of plural second substrates assembled with a filter inductor, and a rectifier diode disposed on a first substrate having light emitting diodes in the LED tube for output of a DC power with high or low voltage constant current suitably used in the light emitting diodes, so that the power efficiency for the light emitting diodes of the LED tube can be improved, the heating temperature of the light emitting diodes can be lowered and the life span for the LED tube can get longer. |
| US09151451B2 |
LED bulb and lamp head assembly with positioning structures
The present invention provides a lamp head assembly with positioning structures for combining with a lamp base. The lamp head assembly includes a conducting head and a supporting barrel. The conducting head has an insulating seat, a first conducting plate and a second conducting plate and a conduction piece. The conduction piece is electrically connected with the first conducting plate. A portion of the second conducting plate is protruded out of the insulating seat, and an end of the insulating seat is formed with a inserting plate. The supporting barrel includes a supporting section connected and an assembling section; wherein, the supporting barrel is assembled on the conducting head through a positioning of the inserting plate and the slot. |
| US09151446B2 |
Method and system for configuring a monitoring device for monitoring a spatial area
A monitoring device for monitoring a spatial area comprises at least one image recording unit. A three-dimensional image of the spatial area is recorded and displayed in order to configure. the monitoring device. A configuration plane is defined using a plurality of spatial points which have been determined within the three-dimensional image. Subsequently, at least one variable geometry element is defined relative to the configuration plane. A data record which represents a transformation of the geometry element into the spatial area is generated and transferred to the monitoring device. |
| US09151444B2 |
Dual-series feeder lubrication system
The invention pertains to a centralized combination grease and/or oil lubricating system for lubricating bearings where a dual line parallel system is connected to a series progressive system with an inlet designed not to halt the flow of lubrication to the entire system if a single lubrication point becomes blocked but where a single terminal sensor will still alert the user of the blockage to the single lubrication point and a method of using the same. |
| US09151438B2 |
Automated object manipulation system
An apparatus of an automated object manipulation system includes a support base; a finger assembly mechanically coupled to the support base; a first drive unit operable to rotate the finger assembly about a first axis; a second drive unit operable to rotate the finger assembly about a second axis; a third drive unit operable to rotate the finger assembly about a third axis, and a processor capable of conducting a profile assessment; determining a manipulation program in response to the profile assessment; and controlling the finger assembly in response to the manipulation program where the finger assembly has a support bracket with a set of parallel jaws and the support bracket is mechanically coupled to the first drive unit, a linking bracket mechanically coupled to the second drive unit and a circular frame mechanically coupled to the finger assembly and the third drive unit. |
| US09151436B2 |
Liquid-crystalline mixtures
The present invention describes liquid-crystalline mixtures, and also oligomers or polymers which are obtainable by oligomerizing or polymerizing the inventive liquid-crystalline mixtures, a process for printing or coating substrates by applying and then polymerizing the inventive liquid-crystalline mixtures and the use of the inventive liquid-crystalline mixtures or of the inventive oligomers or polymers for production of optical or electrooptical components.The present invention further relates to the use of the inventive liquid-crystalline mixtures which comprise at least one chiral dopant for production of thermal insulation layers, and to such thermal insulation layers. |
| US09151435B2 |
Vacuum insulation material including an inner bag, and method for manufacturing same
The present invention relates to a vacuum insulation material including an inner bag and to a method for manufacturing same. The method for manufacturing the vacuum insulation material includes: a step of manufacturing a core material; a step of compressing and packing the entire surface of the core material using an inner bag made of a breathable film material; a step of disposing a getter on the upper portion of the inner bag; and a step of vacuum-packing a covering material on the upper portion of the inner bag. The inner bag is made of polypropylene (PP), polyester (PET), and/or polyethylene. Since the inner bag is manufactured using a breathable film having fine holes, the method for manufacturing the vacuum insulation material may have improved efficiency, and the vacuum insulation material may be improved in terms of the long-term durability and vacuum insulation properties thereof. |
| US09151434B2 |
Coal rope distributor with replaceable wear components
A head assembly 52, 152 for a pulverized coal nozzle includes removeable wear-resistant inserts having vanes 54, 151, 153. The vanes 54, 151, 153 may be flat or curved to direct a stream of air and pulverized solid fuel particles from the inlet port 60, 160 toward the outlet port 62, 162. The curved vanes 151, 153 curve in two dimensions to evenly distribute the stream of air and pulverized solid fuel away from the outer surfaces reducing wear and corrosion. The pipe elbow has a removable cover 70, 170 that allows for easy access. The vanes are attached to a wear-resistant replaceable liner 185 thus allowing them to be easily removed and replaced. The wear-resistant liner 185 may be made from several parts 187, 189 for ease of removal and replacement. |
| US09151433B2 |
Protector for an oil extraction pipe
The invention relates to a protector (1, 7) for an oil extraction pipe. The invention comprises: a hollow, substantially frustoconical connecting segment (2) having a proximal end (21), a distal end (22) and a thread (42) complementary to that of the pipe; and a bumper segment (3) having a connecting end (31) in the extension of the connecting segment (2) and a free end (32), said bumper segment including an internal ring (33) extending in the extension of the connecting segment (2) and an external ring (34) extending coaxially from the connecting segment, defining an internal space between the internal (33) and external (34) rings and increasing the outer diameter of the protector (1, 7). The protector (1, 7) is characterized in that all of the walls thereof having a substantially equal thickness, such that the shape is suitable for production by means of injection, and in that it is produced by means of injection. |
| US09151429B2 |
Flow restrictor
A flow restrictor includes a first disc and a second disc. A rod extends between the first disc and the second disc and spaces the first disc from the second disc. A first hole is formed in the first disc. |
| US09151426B2 |
Closure fitting for containment piping
A closure fitting for enclosing a portion of one or more carrier conduits between a first containment conduit section and an opposed second containment conduit section has: (a) a first cylindrical hollow body; (b) a second cylindrical hollow body, the second body being reversibly attached in fluid tight communication to the first body; (c) a first seal for sealing the first body to the first containment conduit section and a second seal for sealing the second body to the second containment conduit section, wherein and (d) a third seal for reversibly sealing the first body to the second body. In the invention, at least one of the first or second seals allows one of the bodies to axially move with respect to its containment conduit section. |
| US09151424B2 |
Connector for connecting hose coupler to drain knob
A connector is provided for connecting a hose coupler to a drain knob. The connector includes a base plate, an appendage, and a lateral projection. The base plate includes an opening configured to allow engagement of the hose coupler to the base plate at a first side thereof. The appendage extends axially from a second side of the base plate and is disposed about the opening. The appendage has a substantially oblong profile in a first plane disposed parallel to the base plate. Further, the appendage has a convex face configured to abut a concave portion of a sidewall of the drain knob. The lateral projection extends radially inward from the appendage. The lateral projection is configured to abut an end face of the drain knob. |
| US09151423B2 |
Connecting socket for filter hoses
A connecting socket for a filter hose has an inner part having a first contact surface extending in a circumferential direction on the inner part and an outer part having a second contact surface extending in a circumferential direction on the outer part. A contact section of a filter hose is contacting the first and second contact surfaces when secured on the connecting socket. The outer part has an outer sleeve that is pushed onto the inner part such that the contact section of the filter hose is clamped between the first and second contact surfaces. |
| US09151422B2 |
Profile clamp
Profile clamp and method of forming same. The profile clamp includes a first half-shell having a first tensioning head on a first circumferential end and a first connection geometry on a second circumferential end, a second half-shell having a second tensioning head on a first circumferential end and a second connection geometry on a second circumferential end, and, in an installation-ready state, a hinge connection, which is formed by an engagement between the first connection geometry and the second connection geometry, having a limited opening angle. |
| US09151419B1 |
Pipe coupling with seal pressing device
A seal pressing device for a pipe coupling including a sealing member having an axial length and an outer curved contour pressable against an inner diameter of a seal, the sealing member having an axial row of mounting apertures for receiving therein mechanical fasteners, and at least one winged extension extending from an end of the sealing member bent inwards from the outer curved contour of the sealing member. |
| US09151418B2 |
Temperature-controllable pipe
A flexible pipe of multilayer structure which comprises the following layers, from the inside to the outside: an interior lining; an inner reinforcement layer; a layer of molded electrically conductive plastic; an outer reinforcement layer; and an exterior sheath. The electrically conductive plastic layer is in electrical contact with the two reinforcement layers, and the two reinforcement layers can be connected to a source of electrical current. It is thus possible to achieve efficient heating of the pipe, and it can therefore be used for conveying oil in cold regions. |
| US09151416B2 |
Fiber reinforced shaped articles and process for making same
Blow molded articles are made from a polymeric composition containing a mixture of polyphenylene sulfide resins. For instance, the polymeric composition may contain a linear polyphenylene sulfide resin combined with a branched polyphenylene sulfide resin. The composition can further contain a reinforcing agent, such as glass fibers, a polytetrafluoroethylene polymer, a polyphenylene oxide polymer, a silane coupling agent, and/or an impact modifier. Compositions made according to the present disclosure can have relatively high near zero shear rate melt strengths while also having high shear rate melt viscosities and high engineering stresses at a high percent elongations, making the compositions amenable to extrusion and molding processes. Compositions made according to the present disclosure are particularly well suited to molding articles with a complex shape. When producing blow molded articles, for instance, the composition provides better control over wall thickness while having improved interior surface smoothness at higher throughput and extrusion rates. |
| US09151415B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing fluid flow friction in a pipe
A tubular pipe adapted for transporting oil and water may be treated upon its interior surface to reduce frictional pressure of a multiphase oil/water mixture flowing through the pipe. The tubular pipe may have an interior wall and a central cavity. In some instances, the interior surface is provided with a first textured region being adapted for reducing the adhesive forces of transported oil along the interior wall. A second region upon the interior wall may be adapted for reducing the adhesive forces of water along the interior wall of the tubular pipe. In some applications, riblets may be provided upon the interior pipe wall to further reduce the frictional forces of fluid flowing through the central cavity of the pipe. |
| US09151414B2 |
Coupling apparatus with adjustably supported pipe joint member
A pipe joint coupling apparatus has first and second pipe joint members coupled to each other, a plate-shaped support member with an opening through which the first pipe joint member extends, and an elastic member accommodated in an annular groove formed in the outer surface of the first pipe joint member. The support member is clamped between a shoulder part formed on the outer surface of the first pipe member and a collar member disposed about the first pipe joint member such that the edge of the opening of the support member engages the elastic member. The width of the groove is greater than the width of the support member to allow the first pipe joint member to be radially displaced relative to the support member with the opening edge partially and radially entering into the annular groove while deforming the elastic member. |
| US09151410B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing access to a buried pipe
The pipe access device is comprised of a curved plate adapted to engage an underground pipe along an arc of the outer surface of the pipe, and a boss extending upwardly from the curved plate about an aperture in the curved plate. The curved plate extends along an arc of the outer surface of the curved plate that corresponds to a central angle of the pipe less than or equal to 180°. The curved plate includes a concave surface with a radius of curvature less than a radius of curvature of the outer surface of the pipe so as to bias the curved plate against the outer surface of the pipe when the curved plate is flexed to engage the pipe. The pipe access device is for use in providing access to the buried pipe that requires minimal excavation and disruption of the soil. |
| US09151409B2 |
Device and method for controlling fluid flows in lab-on-a-chip systems and method for producing device
An array of valves are arranged in n columns and m lines and which are each designed to control a fluid flow in an associated flow channel in a lab-on-a-chip system. The array includes at least two valves, every column having not more than one valve and every line having from zero to n valves. A device is used for actuating the valves. The valves are pressure-actuated. To produce the device, the flow channels are arranged in accordance with the arrangement of the valves. |
| US09151407B2 |
Valve cage having zero dead band between noise abatement and high capacity flow sections
A valve cage for a fluid flow control device includes a hollow cylindrical body, a noise abatement section, a high capacity flow section, and a transition section. The noise abatement section has a plurality of inlet openings, a plurality of outlet openings, and a plurality of tortuous flow paths extending between the inlet and outlet openings. The high capacity flow section is disposed axially adjacent to the noise abatement section and includes a first axial end, a second axial end, and a plurality of primary flow openings. The transition section is defined at an interface between the noise abatement section and the second axial end of the high capacity flow section and includes a plurality of transition openings. The transition section provides a valve cage with zero dead band between the noise abatement and high capacity flow sections when implemented into a fluid flow control device. |
| US09151400B2 |
Torsional spring for a slam-shut safety device
A cam assembly for use in a slam-shut safety valve includes a cam having an elongated first cam arm, and the cam is pivotable about a rotational axis. The cam assembly also includes a torsional spring having a pair of stationary outer arms and a pair of pivotable inner arms, wherein the pair of stationary inner arms is coupled to a portion of the first cam arm. The pair of inner arms is adapted to act on the first cam arm to bias the cam into a position that allows the cam to be relatched in a valve rearming process. The pair of inner arms is symmetrically disposed about the first cam arm to prevent lateral displacement of the cam. |
| US09151398B2 |
Valve for a sippy cup
A replaceable valve member for a sippy cup assembly is disclosed. The valve member is a flexible, resilient member for releasable mounting in the lid of the sippy cup. It includes a normally closed, but openable slit located within the sippy cup's spout when the valve member is in its operative position. The valve member includes another normally closed, but openable slit located at a vent in the sippy cup's lid when the valve member is in the operative position. The two slits open when suction is applied to the spout to enable liquid to be withdrawn through the spout. A recess is provided in a portion of the periphery of the valve member to preclude the trapping of residual liquid in the sippy cup. The valve member also includes an opening for releasably mounting it on a handle of the sippy cup in a storage position. |
| US09151397B2 |
Molded waterway for a two handle faucet
A molded waterway assembly for a centerset faucet including a hot water inlet tube and a cold water inlet tube overmolded within a coupler. |
| US09151394B2 |
Valve system with a sealing member
A valve system and a fluid flow system with a valve system are disclosed. The valve system comprises a valve housing defining a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid medium, and a fluid outlet for delivering a fluid medium; at least one valve element arranged in an interior part of the valve housing, the valve element(s) being movable relative to the valve housing, the position of the valve element(s) relative to the valve housing determining a flow rate of fluid medium through the valve system from the fluid inlet towards the fluid outlet; a moving mechanism arranged to cause movements of the valve element(s); and a sealing member arranged in an interior part of the valve housing, the sealing member being capable of separating the interior of the valve housing into a first part comprising the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, and a second part. |
| US09151389B2 |
Sliding component
A sliding component is characterized in that: with respect to a pair of sliding parts that slide relative to each other, one sealing face has a fluid circulation groove including an inlet through which fluid enters from the high-pressure fluid side, an outlet through which fluid is released to the high-pressure fluid side, and a communicating part through which the inlet and outlet communicate with each other; wherein the fluid circulation groove is isolated from the low-pressure fluid side by a land, a positive-pressure generation mechanism is provided in the area surrounded by the fluid circulation groove and high-pressure fluid side, and the positive-pressure generation mechanism communicates with the inlet and is isolated from the outlet and high-pressure fluid side by a land. |
| US09151383B2 |
Interactive transmission shift techniques
A method for interactive transmission garage shifts includes receiving a request for a transmission garage shift; controlling the transmission to bring the vehicle to a stop state based on determining that the vehicle is rolling backwards on a grade above a predetermined grade threshold and at a speed below a predetermined speed threshold; controlling an electric park brake (EPB) to hold the vehicle at the stop state; controlling the transmission to engage a dog clutch so as to place the transmission in a forward drive gear; and controlling the EPB to i) deactivate if the dog clutch is determined to be engaged, or ii) maintain activation to maintain the vehicle at the stop state if the dog clutch is determined to be disengaged. |
| US09151379B2 |
Bicycle gear changing apparatus
A bicycle gear changing apparatus is basically provided with a controller. The controller is configured to be operatively coupled a first input to receive first shift signals. The controller is configured to be operatively coupled to a second input to receive sound shift signals. The controller outputs control signals to control at least one of a first gear changing device and a second gear changing device in accordance with a first prescribed shift route in response to receiving the first shift signals. The controller outputs control signals to control at least one of the first and second gear changing devices in accordance with a second prescribed shift route different from the first prescribed shift route in response to receiving the second shift signals. |
| US09151376B2 |
Locking differential having dampening communication spring
A locking differential for a vehicle includes a rotatable housing and a differential mechanism supported in the housing. The differential mechanism includes a pair of clutch members wherein each of the clutch members presents an inwardly directed face. Each face includes a groove disposed in spacing relationship with respect to the other. A cross pin is received in the groove and is operatively connected for rotation with the housing. A dampening communication spring is disposed over an outer circumference of the clutch members and cooperates with the cross pin to control interaction of the clutch members. |
| US09151375B2 |
Hydrodynamic coupling arrangement, particularly hydrodynamic torque converter
A hydrodynamic coupling arrangement, particularly hydrodynamic torque converter, wherein at least one torsional vibration damper arrangement comprises at least two torsional vibration dampers which are arranged so as to be radially staggered and substantially aligned axially with respect to one another, wherein the first torsional vibration damper is arranged on the radially outer side of the second torsional vibration damper, and wherein the at least one torsional vibration damper arrangement is coupled with the other torsional vibration damper arrangement in an area radially between the first damper element unit and the second damper element unit. |
| US09151373B2 |
Hydrodynamic clutch device
A wet clutch arrangement includes a housing arrangement which is filled or fillable with fluid, a first friction surface formation which is rotatable with the housing arrangement around an axis of rotation and a second friction surface formation which is rotatable with a driven member around the axis of rotation and which can be brought into frictional engagement with the first friction surface formation by a piston pump. At least a portion of a torsional vibration damping arrangement is provided in a torque transmission path and includes an input region and an output region. The torsional vibration damping arrangement further includes at least in a first torque transmission path a phase shifter arrangement for generating a phase shift of rotational irregularities transmitted via the first torque transmission path relative to rotational irregularities transmitted via a second torque transmission path. |
| US09151368B2 |
Two position actuator with sensing and control
An actuator that causes a mode clutch to shift between an engaged position and a disengaged position is provided. The actuator comprises a motor having an output. A shift cam is caused to rotate based on the output of the motor. The shift cam has a cam profile surface. A cam follower rides along the cam profile surface upon rotation of the shift cam. Movement of the cam follower causes movement of a mode fork resulting in the mode clutch shifting between the engaged and disengaged positions. A sensor outputs a voltage to a controller based on a physical location of the cam follower. The controller activates the motor based on the voltage. |
| US09151362B2 |
Transmission
A first synchronizing sleeve (21) is provided in a second main shaft (5) and a first idling gear (12a) is connected to the second main shaft (5) by the first synchronizing sleeve (21) to transmit a driving force to a first sub-shaft (6) or a second sub-shaft (7) or a second synchronizing sleeve (22) is provided in the second sub-shaft (7) to transmit the driving force to a second idling gear (11b) or a third idling gear (13c) and the driving forces respectively transmitted thereto and shifted are output to a differential gear (110) by a first fixed gear (14a) fixedly provided in the second sub-shaft (7). |
| US09151359B1 |
Pin-roller chain
A chain link comprises a first plate having a first hole in it, a second plate having a second hole in it, a pin which passes through the first hole and the second hole, and a plurality of rolling elements arranged circumferentially around the pin, wherein when the chain link is engaged with a tooth of a sprocket, the tooth directly contacts one or more of the plurality of rolling elements. The plurality of rolling elements may roll along a surface of the tooth as the chain link conveys, or is conveyed by, the tooth. One or more of the plurality of rolling elements may roll along a surface of the pin as the chain link conveys, or is conveyed by, the tooth. |
| US09151358B2 |
Linkable Rope System
A loop rope assembly includes at least two loop rope assemblies, each of the at least two loop rope assemblies having a main rope segment with a first rope strand and a second rope strand continuous and uninterrupted with each other and having first and second ends; a free first end loop provided on the first end of the main rope segment; a free second end loop provided on the second end of the main rope segment; at least one sinusoidal intermediate loop defined by the first rope strand, the at least one sinusoidal intermediate loop continuous with the first end loop and the second end loop; and the second rope strand devoid of intermediate loops; and a coupling mechanism operable to releasably couple at least a first one of the at least two rope assemblies to at least a second one of the at least two rope assemblies. |
| US09151357B2 |
Low friction, direct drive conveyor belt
A thermoplastic endless belt has a smooth outer surface substantially free of discontinuities and an inner surface with a plurality of teeth at a given belt pitch. The teeth are adapted to engage a pulley with circumferentially spaced sheaves at a pulley pitch greater than the belt pitch. The belt is slightly stretchable so that the pulley can drive the endless belt when engaging the teeth within a range of load on the belt. Means are provided to minimize friction between the belt and the drive pulley. Also, a position limiter ensures that the driven tooth stays engaged optimally with the drive sheave. |
| US09151353B2 |
Traction control valve for hydraulic shock absorber
The present shock absorber has a pressure tube with a compression chamber and a traction chamber, separated by a piston provided with a traction passage. The valve includes: a counter pressure chamber loaded by piston, provided with an upper opening and a control base, open to the compression chamber, where a hollow sealing plug is displaceable between a closed position, hence communicating traction passage only with the counter pressure chamber, and open positions; a return spring driving sealing plug to its closed position; and an inertial seal, inside the counter pressure chamber and displaceable from inoperative position, away from the control base, to operative position, where it blocks said base, increasing hydraulic pressure in the counter pressure chamber to hydraulically drive sealing plug to its closed position when piston is subjected to a given upward acceleration. |
| US09151352B2 |
Device for vibration-damping mounting of a fluid assembly and associated fluid assembly
A device for vibration-damping mounting of a vehicle brake system fluid assembly in a receiving opening includes a stay bolt, an elastic damping element in the form of a sleeve through which the stay bolt passes, a clamping sleeve guided by the stay bolt, and a screw element having an internal thread. The stay bolt comprises a connecting pin and a threaded shank having an external thread onto which the screw element can be screwed in order to move the clamping sleeve axially on the stay bolt towards the elastic damping element. The clamping sleeve and the screw element are in the form of a one-piece clamping element having a bearing shoulder, wherein the axial force generated by the clamping element as a result of the screwing-on movement acts via the bearing shoulder on the elastic damping element. A fluid assembly includes at least one such device for vibration-damping mounting. |
| US09151350B2 |
Self-ventilated brake disc
Self-ventilated brake disk, particularly for vehicles, comprising a unique body formed by a frictional circular crown and a hub transmitting the couple to the whole disk, wherein the circular crown includes multiple grooves arranged radially in respect to the center of the disk, including at least a portion with a predetermined width arranged between each of the grooves, said portions been arranged on the same plane that the rest of the circular crown. In this way, the wear of the brake pad is reduced, having a simple construction and providing good heat dissipation during the contact of the brake pad and the friction surface of the disk. |
| US09151347B1 |
Control system for operating a manual clutch
A number of variations may include a product comprising: a clutch system comprising: a clutch; a first cylinder operatively connected to the clutch; a piston assembly operatively connected to the first cylinder; a second cylinder operatively connected to the piston assembly; a clutch pedal operatively connected to the second cylinder; and a hydraulic power pack actuator operatively connected to the piston assembly, wherein the piston assembly is constructed and arranged to control actuation of the clutch through the first cylinder in response to actuation from at least one of the clutch pedal or hydraulic power pack actuator. |
| US09151334B2 |
Friction member, clutch plate, clutch device and torque converter
A friction member to be used for a lock-up clutch device includes a plurality of friction portions and a plurality of grooves. The plural friction portions are disposed in alignment in a circumferential direction. The plural grooves are formed between or among the plural friction portions and penetrate therebetween or thereamong from the inner peripheral side to the outer peripheral side. Further, each of the plural grooves includes an inner peripheral groove and an outer peripheral groove. The inner peripheral groove is formed in a V-shape, and includes a first groove that is disposed on the inner peripheral side and has an opening, and a second groove that is disposed on the outer peripheral side and continues to the first groove. The outer peripheral groove continues to the outer peripheral end of the second groove of the inner peripheral groove, and radially extends in the outer peripheral direction. |
| US09151333B2 |
Gap-filling clutch with ramps
A transmission clutch including: a carrier; a clutch pack; friction plates; a compression plate including a portion; and a first ramp ring including: a first portion in contact with the portion of the compression plate; and a second portion. The clutch includes a second ramp ring including a third portion axially aligned with the second portion; a lever spring; and a piston. The piston displaces the spring in an axial direction such that: the spring applies a force to the second portion; the first ramp ring rotates in a circumferential direction and axially displaces in the axial direction; and the first ramp ring urges the compression plate in the axial direction to contact the clutch pack. The piston displaces the lever spring further in the axial direction such that the compression plate clamps pressure plates and friction plates in the clutch pack to rotationally fix the carrier to the housing. |
| US09151331B2 |
Heat break coupling
A coupling for a molten metal processing system to provide coupling for rotor/shaft systems which has a heat break to prevent heat flow to a motor. A cross sectional area reduction provides a restriction which reduces heat transmission through a conductive material to restrict heat flow to a motor, which will ultimately extend the life of the motor. |
| US09151324B2 |
Double-row angular ball bearing
A double-row angular contact ball bearing is provided with inner and outer rings, balls in two rows, a cage for holding the balls, and non-contact sealing devices made of a substantially disc-like member. Radial outer end portions of a metallic sealing device are respectively fit and swaged into grooves arranged at both axial end portions of the outer ring's inner circumferential surface. The ratio Ts/Tr is equal to or lower than 0.07, where Ts is the sealing device thickness and Tr is the outer ring thickness at the bottom portion of the groove. In addition, the ball diameter is equal to or greater than 75% of a half a bearing width to equal to or greater than 83% thereof. Furthermore, an axial width Tc of the radial outer end portion having a substantially U-shape is equal to or smaller than 2.7 mm. |
| US09151323B2 |
Tong bearing
A bearing is for a tong including a housing and an engagement assembly. The bearing has a monolithic upper bearing element having a substantially planar upper surface and a monolithic lower bearing element having a substantially planar lower surface. The upper and lower bearing elements are configured to mount inside the housing with a substantially same outer horizontal profile as the upper bearing element. The upper bearing element and the lower bearing element define a central open area. The upper bearing element and the lower bearing element have an inner section defining a radial recess opening to the central opening and for receiving the engagement assembly. The upper bearing element and the lower bearing element have outer sections that form a bearing portion radially intermediate the engagement assembly. |
| US09151321B2 |
Pivot connection with motion dampener
A pivot connection with a locking member which includes a first body with a link with a pivot pin passage. A second body has a pair of arms with pivot pint apertures and the second body straddles the link on the first body. A polygonal boss is formed on one of the arms of the second body surrounding the pivot pin aperture. A third body is provided with a polygonal boss receiver, a pivot pin aperture and a shoulder that engages the first body to prevent relative rotation of the first and third bodies. A pivot pin extends through the pivot pin aperture of the third body, the aligned pivot pin apertures of the second body and the pivot pin passage of the first body. A pressure member engages the pivot pin to apply pressure upon the third body to maintain the polygonal boss in engagement with the boss receiver. |
| US09151319B2 |
Mounting structure
A mounting structure includes a resin member that includes a mounting portion having a mounting hole, and a reinforcing member that has a insertion hole through which a fastening member is inserted for mounting the resin member on a bearing surface of a mounting target member. A mounting surface of the resin member is inclined so that the axis direction of the insertion hole of the reinforcing member coincides with a fastening direction of the fastening member to the mounting target member. The mounting hole of the mounting portion has a polygonal shape. |
| US09151314B2 |
Production of a planned distribution of internal stress in components by the insertion of screws or threaded rods having a thread pitch that is variable in the longitudinal direction
Method for reinforcing a component and/or for introducing force into a component using a screw or a threaded rod, wherein the screw or threaded rod has a thread with a variable thread lead, which thread creates an internal stress distribution, which is suitable to reduce at least one maximum in the bond stress occurring under loading of the component. |
| US09151313B2 |
Fastening element
The invention proposes a blind fastening element, which is constructed similarly to a screw. The fastening element thus has a head (1), which is disposed on one end of the shaft (3) and has a contact surface, which faces toward the shaft, for contact on the object to be fastened. On the opposite front end, the fastening element has a punch face (7), which runs approximately transversely to the longitudinal axis and is enclosed by a closed punch edge (8). The diameter of said punch face is less than the diameter of the shaft, for example, the diameter is in the range of approximately 70% to 30% of the diameter of the shaft. The shaft itself may be smooth on its exterior, if the fastening element is to be used as a blind rivet, or may have a thread (9), however, if the fastening element is to be fastened after the punch procedure by rotating. |
| US09151312B2 |
Combination of functional element and pressure plate
The invention relates to a combination of a functional element having a flange section and a connection section, in particular a rivet element, and a pressure plate, in particular a pressure plate having an opening, for attachment to a component, in particular to a panel of composite material or sheet metal, wherein the functional element and the pressure plate are formed to be arranged on opposite sides of a hole of the component and are to be connected together via the connection section which extends through the hole, in particular by riveting, in order to clamp a region of the component surrounding the hole between the flange section and the pressure plate and wherein the pressure side of the pressure plate confronting the component in the attached state is provided with a means providing security against rotation. |
| US09151311B2 |
Multi-connectors for extendable conveyors
Multi-connectors for extendable conveyors are disclosed. An example multi-connector to connect an external component to an extendable conveyor is disclosed. The extendable conveyor is to convey articles and includes a base unit, a mechanically extendable section to be supported in a cantilevered manner and to be selectively positioned relative to the base unit, and a conveying surface to convey articles. The conveying surface is to extend at least partially on an upper side of the mechanically extendable section. The multi-connector includes a mechanical connection section to mechanically attach the external component, a fastening section to fasten the multi-connector to the extendable conveyor, and a functional/powered connection section to provide at least one of electric power or a vacuum supply to the external component. |
| US09151306B2 |
Dome structure
Described herein is a structure that comprises a plurality of spherical triangular units on a plurality of levels. The structure has a superior ability to survive disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes etc. It is cost-efficient, energy efficient, extremely durable and easily maintained. The plurality of spherical triangular units on one level of the plurality of levels are essentially identical to each other, and are essentially equally spaced radially relative to a center of the sphere; each of the plurality of spherical triangular units comprises three planar panels, each with an end surface comprising a minor arc of a great circle of the sphere; a spherical triangular unit on a level above the first level of the structure is configured to be joined with two neighboring spherical triangular units on the level below; the structure is substantially a dome. |
| US09151304B2 |
Multi-stage hydraulic cylinder assembly
A cushion arrangement for smoothing stage changes in an hydraulic cylinder and including at least one compression chamber of variable volume with a movable and/or deformable chamber wall element displaceable by at least one of the pistons when approaching the transition zone between first and second stages of displacement. The compression chamber is operatively connected to a gas volume to be compressed upon displacement of the chamber wall element. |
| US09151303B2 |
Hydraulic actuator with automatic purging at the end of its stroke
A hydraulic actuator containing a hollow body defining a cylindrical cavity and a rod which is mounted to slide within the body along a sliding axis between two end positions and which is integral with a piston sliding in a sealed manner within the cylindrical cavity in order to define two chambers. The rod defines an interior passage, connecting the two chambers, which has a valve comprising a shut-off member which is returned towards a seat and closes the passage. The rod receives a push member which can move relative to the rod between a position apart from the shut-off member and a position forcing the shut-off member to open. The push member is constrained, when the rod reaches the end of its stroke, by the push member engaging with a portion of the hollow body. |
| US09151297B2 |
Centrifugal compressor having an asymmetric self-recirculating casing treatment
A centrifugal compressor includes an asymmetric self-recirculating casing treatment that includes, on an inner face of a casing 10, a suction ring groove 1, a ring guide channel 2 and a back-flow ring groove 3 to form a self-recirculating channel. A position or a width of the suction ring groove 1 is distributed in an arc shape in a circumferential direction, and the arc has a center angle α in a range of 0<α≦30°. |
| US09151295B2 |
Columnar air moving devices, systems and methods
An air moving device includes a housing member, a rotary fan assembly, and a nozzle, the housing including a plurality of air vents. The air moving device further includes at least one anti-drip structure in the form of a peripheral lip member for inhibiting water from entering the air moving device. The air moving device further includes a baffle member that acts to redirect a volume of air that enters through the plurality of air vents. |
| US09151291B2 |
Rotary engine
A rotary engine includes a housing body having a first rotation chamber and a second rotation chamber. A first rotary body is arranged within the first rotation chamber, and a second rotary body is arranged within the second rotation chamber. A boundary surface of the first rotation chamber has a variable distance from an opposite surface of the first rotary body. A pair of valve flaps having a first valve flap and a second valve flap is arranged on the first rotary body. Upon rotation of the first rotary body, the valve flaps are in engagement with the boundary surface of the first rotation chamber and are rotated in mutually opposite directions with regard to the first rotary body so as to form two mutually demarcated working chambers within the first rotation chamber. |
| US09151289B2 |
Fuel pump
A fuel pump is disclosed wherein a substantially cylindrical plunger bore is provided with an annular drain groove fluidically coupled to a drain duct. A pump plunger is driven by a drive system located in a separate mechanical compartment that holds a reservoir of lubricating oil. An annular seal is provided adjacent the drain groove substantially at the end of the bore and retained in position by a seal support. Exemplary embodiments provide the drain groove and seal as being positioned immediately adjacent one another so that the seal forms a lower wall of the drain groove. |
| US09151284B2 |
Fluid control device
A fluid control device includes a vibrating plate unit, a driver, and a flexible plate. The vibrating plate unit includes a vibrating plate including a first main surface and a second main surface, and a frame plate surrounding the surroundings of the vibrating plate. The driver is provided on the first main surface of the vibrating plate, and vibrates the vibrating plate. The flexible plate has a hole formed thereon. Furthermore, the flexible plate faces the second main surface of the vibrating plate, and adheres to the frame plate by the adhesive agent that contains a plurality of particles arranged such that the plurality of particles are interposed between the flexible plate and the vibrating plate. |
| US09151283B2 |
Electrochemical motive device
An electrochemical motive device is described having an electrochemical cell and at least one device configured produce motion as a function of electrochemical gas produced by the electrochemical cell. One example of an electrochemical motive device is a pump having one pump chamber, and pump member that forces a pumping fluid through the chamber. An electrochemical cell provides for a transfer of gas from the anode to the cathode. A control portion is described for taking input from the electrochemical pump and controlling the voltage and current to the electrochemical cell. In one embodiment, multiple pumping chambers are configured, and in one embodiment two pumping chambers are connected. It is further described that the control portion may automatically adjust parameters as a function of inputs, including user interface inputs. |
| US09151278B2 |
Economizer in solar tower plant and operating method of said plant
An economizer in a solar tower plant and operating method of said plant the purpose whereof is to make use of the heat from the heat losses generated around the solar tower receivers (3) to preheat the fluid with which the saturated steam or superheated steam solar receivers are fed. When the heat from the losses absorbed by the economizer (2) is not sufficient to achieve the necessary minimum temperature, a secondary economizer (4) is used which takes live steam (prior to it entering the turbine) and increases the temperature of the feed water of the receiver (3). |
| US09151277B2 |
Method and system for power generation
A method of power generation, including: igniting a biomass boiler; starting a solar concentrating collector; measuring water temperature t3 at water outlet main of the solar concentrating collector; opening a second control valve arranged between the water outlet main and the boiler drum when t3 is greater or equal to 95° C.; closing the second control valve and the third control valve to prevent water in the solar collector tube from running and to maintain the water in a heat preserving and inactive state if the water temperature t3 decreases and t3 is less than 95° C.; turning the turbonator unit into a thermal power generation mode; opening a first control valve arranged between the water outlet main and a water supply tank if the water temperature t3 continues decreasing and when t3 is between 5 and 9° C.; and turning the turbonator unit into a biomass boiler power generation mode. |
| US09151274B2 |
Wind turbine and method for heating a component in a wind turbine
A wind turbine has a nacelle wherein a component is equipped with a first temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the component, a second temperature sensor for detecting an outside temperature inside or outside the nacelle, a heater associated with a component to heat the latter, and a heater controller. The detected temperature of the component and the detected outside temperature are provided as input signals to the heater controller which activates the heater for heating when the detected temperature of the component is below a predetermined switch-on value for the heater. The switch-on value for the heater is, in at least one predetermined temperature interval, dependent on the detected outside temperature. The switch-on value for a first outside temperature is greater than the switch-on value for a second outside temperature in the temperature interval when the second outside temperature is greater than the first outside temperature. |
| US09151273B2 |
Solar tree with optional wind turbine generator
An apparatus for generating electricity. The apparatus comprises a plurality of solar energy collectors for generating electricity from solar energy; a plurality of wind turbines for generating electricity from wind energy; a support structure having arms extending radially from a vertical shaft, the arms positioned at different vertical distances along the vertical shaft and the arms having decreasing lengths in a direction toward a top of the apparatus; solar energy collectors affixed to terminal ends of the arms and disposed at different vertical distances along the vertical shaft, the solar energy collectors shaped and oriented to direct wind streams striking the solar energy collectors toward the wind turbines; and each one of the plurality of wind turbines rotatably supported by the vertical shaft to rotate about the vertical shaft and disposed at different vertical distances along the vertical shaft. |
| US09151270B2 |
Flatback slat for wind turbine
An aerodynamic slat (30F) having a flatback trailing edge (44F) extending along and spaced proximate an inboard portion of a wind turbine blade (22). At least the leading edge (42F) of the slat may be disposed within a zone (48) of airflow that is generally parallel to the suction side (40) of the wind turbine blade over a range of air inflow angles. A splitter plate (52) may extend aft from the flatback trailing edge to reduce vortex shedding and extend the effective chord length of the slat. Vortex generators (60) may be attached to the slat. Flatback slats may be retrofitted to a wind turbine rotor (20) by attaching them to the spar caps (56) of the blades or to the hub spinner (28). The flatback slat provides lift on low-lift inboard portions of the wind turbine blade over a range of angles of attack of the inboard portion. |
| US09151258B2 |
Integrated fuel injector igniters having force generating assemblies for injecting and igniting fuel and associated methods of use and manufacture
Embodiments of injectors configured for adaptively injecting and igniting various fuels in a combustion chamber are disclosed herein. An injector according to one embodiment includes an end portion configured to be positioned adjacent to a combustion chamber, and an ignition feature carried by the end portion and configured to generate an ignition event. The injector also includes a force generator assembly and a movable valve. The force generator assembly includes a first force generator separate from a second force generator. The first force generator creates a motive force to move the valve between the closed and open positions into the combustion chamber. The second force generator is electrically coupled to the ignition feature and provides voltage to the ignition feature to at least partially generate the ignition event. |
| US09151255B2 |
Marine fuel system with spill control feature
A spill resistant fuel supply system (16) for a marine engine (12). The system (16) includes a generally sealed housing (46) in which is disposed a vapor separator (26), a high pressure pump (28) and/or a suction pump (24). The housing (46) prevents fuel that might leak from these components from openly collecting in the marine vessel (10). The housing (46) includes one or more walls (48, 50, 52) formed with included air columns (58) which act as thermal barriers to reduce the amount of heat energy transferred from the outside in. The included air columns (58) are preferably arrayed in side-by-side fashion and closed at both ends to trap air therein. |
| US09151254B2 |
Torque increase resonator
A torque increase resonator includes: a plurality of resonance pipes that extend outward from an intake passage supplying air to an internal combustion engine; one resonance chamber that is formed so that end portions of extending portions of the plurality of resonance pipes are positioned in an internal space of the resonance chamber; and a valve that opens and closes an opening of the extending portion of at least one resonance pipe of the plurality of resonance pipes, wherein the intake passage and the resonance chamber communicate with each other through the plurality of resonance pipes, and the plurality of resonance pipes are close to each other, and are disposed on a downstream side of a throttle in a flow direction of air in the intake passage. |
| US09151253B2 |
Rain deflector for an intake duct of a work vehicle
An intake duct for an air intake system of a work vehicle is disclosed. The intake duct may generally include a body defining an air passage extending between an intake end and an outlet end. The body may further define a recessed intake at the intake end including a first side section and a second side section. Each of the first side section and the second side may define at least one side opening for directing air into the air passage. In addition, the recessed intake may include a deflector projecting outwardly from the first and second side sections. The deflector may be configured to shield the air passage from water directed towards the recessed inlet. |
| US09151250B2 |
Fluid cooling system
Disclosed is a simplified system of cooling an exhaust from an internal combustion engine by drawing ambient air through a heat exchanger which comprises a venturi in the exhaust circuit to drive said cooling medium therethrough. The disclosed device could also be used in the cooling of other media. |
| US09151249B2 |
System and method for storing and dispensing fuel and ballast fluid
A system for storing and dispensing fuel and a ballast fluid is disclosed. The system may be installed in a station. The system may be employed in a vehicle or facility having a power plant. Fuel and ballast fluid may be stored cryogenically in a liquid phase and dispensed to the vapor phase. The system may employ a thermal and volumetric compensatory arrangement wherein fuel dispensed from storage for use in a power plant is used as a heat exchange medium (refrigerant) for ballast fluid received for storage; during refueling, ballast fluid stored in the vehicle or facility may be dispensed and used as a refrigerant for fuel being stored in the vehicle in space made available by the dispensed ballast fluid. The fuel may be natural gas with a main component of methane; the ballast fluid may be a fluid obtainable from ambient environmental air, such as nitrogen or oxygen. The fuel and ballast fluid may be conditioned so that the respective boiling points are approximately equal. The system may employ a heat transfer system with a microchannel heat exchanger. |
| US09151247B2 |
Plunger lifting mechanism of a rotary-valve gas carburetor
A plunger lifting mechanism of a rotary-valve gas carburetor includes a carburetor body, a cam, a plunger, a torsion spring, a fixed plate, a throttle wire bracket, a main measuring needle, a sleeve and a main jet pipe. The plunger is rotatablely mounted in the carburetor body, which passes through the cam, the torsion spring and fixed plate in turn and then extends out of the carburetor body, and a top of the plunger is connected with the throttle wire bracket and then fixedly connected with the sleeve; the fixed plate is fixedly connected with the carburetor body; one end of the torsion spring is elastically suppressed by the fixed plate, and the other end of the torsion spring is elastically suppressed by protrusions on side walls of the plunger. The configuration can ensure sufficient flexibility of its plunger and improve the reliability of the carburetor. |
| US09151242B2 |
Apparatus for controlling engine warming-up
A vehicle has an engine as a driving source. The vehicle has a charge system which generates electric power by using a part of rotational output of an engine, and charges a battery by the generated electric power. Optimal shaft efficiency points are combinations of revolution speed and torque of the engine for maximizing the shaft efficiency. Optimal shaft efficiency line passes through the optimal shaft efficiency points for each engine output level. Warming-up operation line is defined by shifting the optimal shaft output efficiency line to a side to increase heat loss. An engine controller stores the lines. The engine controller performs a warming-up operation by operating the engine at a revolution speed and a torque on the warming-up operation line. The engine controller controls the battery to reduce possibilities of a full charge at a next warming-up. |
| US09151239B2 |
Control device and method for controlling variable valve timing mechanism in internal combustion engine
Valve timing is held to a position close to a target value as much as possible while suppressing control errors of valve timing even though a crankshaft rotates in reverse. In an internal combustion engine which controls the valve timing by a variable valve timing mechanism (an electric VTC) driven by an electric motor, an intake valve timing is controlled after an output of an engine stop command such that: when the engine rotates in a forward direction, a real valve timing (a VTC real angle θr) detected by a sensor is converged to a target valve timing (a VTC target angle θtrg) advanced for the time of start; and when the engine rotates in a reverse direction, a manipulated variable of the electric VTC is set so that the VTC real angle θr is held to the VTC real angle θr detected just before the detection of the reverse rotation. |
| US09151235B2 |
Method and system for fuel vapor control
Methods and systems are provided for reducing fuel vapor generation from a fuel tank in a hybrid vehicle. A layer of gel-foam fire retardant is layered over the surface of fuel in the fuel tank. In response to the layer being below a fuel level in the fuel tank, fuel pump operation may be automatically disabled. |
| US09151233B2 |
Vehicle controller
A vehicle controller performs a throttle-valve-late-close control in which the throttle valve is held open until a delay time has passed after the fuel cut is started, and an EGR-valve-open-close control in which the EGR valve is repeatedly opened and closed. Then, the throttle valve is closed and the EGR valve is opened. In a period from a latter period of an exhaust stroke to a preceding period of an intake stroke, a valve-overlap control is executed so that a variable valve timing controller is controlled to make both an intake valve and an exhaust valve opened. A pumping loss of an engine is sufficiently reduced and an energy-regenerate efficiency can be effectively improved. |
| US09151228B2 |
Split fuel control module
A split fuel control module for a gas turbine engine and method of installation. The split fuel control module includes a first frame unit, a second frame unit, a segmented fuel path, and a distributed fuel controller. The first frame unit and the second frame unit are joined together at a frame unit interface. The segmented fuel path includes an upstream fuel interface fixed to the first frame unit and a downstream fuel interface fixed to the second frame unit and detachably coupled to the upstream fuel interface at the frame unit interface. A first portion of the distributed fuel controller is fixed to the first frame unit, and a second portion of the distributed fuel controller is fixed to the second frame unit. |
| US09151225B2 |
Air intake structure for turbojet engine nacelle
An air intake structure for a turbojet engine nacelle includes a substantially annular main structure having an internal wall, an external wall and an air intake lip structure connecting the external and internal walls upstream. The air intake structure also includes a first acoustic attenuation structure which has a holed acoustic skin, a cellular core and a solid rear skin with which the internal wall is equipped, and a second acoustic attenuation structure having a similar architecture fitted to a part of the air intake lip substantially near a junction with the internal wall. The rear skin of the first acoustic attenuation structure is aligned with the rear skin of the second acoustic attenuation structure, both of rear skins being structural. |
| US09151223B2 |
Gas turbine combustion chamber arrangement of axial type of construction
A gas-turbine combustion chamber arrangement includes a flame tube, a diffuser element arranged upstream of the flame tube in the flow direction, the diffuser element including an annular duct, and an axial compressor arranged upstream of the diffuser element. The diffuser element features an annular guide vane area in which guide vanes are arranged, which for redirecting an incoming flow are provided at an angle (α) in a range between 28° and 32° relative to a central axis of the gas turbine. Downstream of the guide vane area, a diffuser area is arranged, the diffuser area not being provided with flow-guiding elements affecting the flow, where burners arranged in the annular combustion chamber are provided with their burner axes at an angle (β) between 40° and 50° relative to the central axis. |
| US09151220B2 |
Rotary two-stroke internal combustion engine fueled by solid particulate
Rotary positive displacement internal combustion two stroke engine with only one major moving part, i.e. engine's eccentric shaft, with cylinders encompassing eccentrics of the shaft, with said eccentrics being suitably sealed in said cylinders, wherein combustion gases exert force directly on said eccentrics of said eccentric shaft. Gas forces can be nullified by suitably phasing shaft's eccentrics, thus nullifying gas forces loading shaft's bearings. The engine is naturally perfectly balanced. The engine possesses natural self-cleaning capability, and is capable of being fueled by coal dust. Units of the type developing 2 000 MW and 3 000-3 6000 rev/min, intended to replace steam turbines in power stations, can be built. |
| US09151219B2 |
Methods and systems for surge control
Methods and systems are provided for improving a margin to surge. A compressor recirculation valve is held at a semi-open position during steady-state boosted engine operation and operation in a soft surge region. The valve is fully opened to reduce hard surge, or fully closed to meet a transient increase in boost demand. |
| US09151216B2 |
Methods and systems for variable displacement engine control
Methods and systems are provided for selecting a group of cylinders for selective deactivation, in a variable displacement engine system, based at least on a regeneration state of an exhaust catalyst. The position of one or more valves and throttles may be adjusted based on the selective deactivation to reduce back-flow through the disabled cylinders while also maintaining conditions of a downstream exhaust catalyst. Pre-ignition and knock detection windows and thresholds may also be adjusted based on the deactivation to improve the efficiency of knock and pre-ignition detection. |
| US09151213B2 |
Internal combustion engine, in particular two-stroke internal combustion engine
To create an internal combustion engine including a crankcase and a cylinder, wherein a piston is guided in the cylinder to perform a stroke movement and movably defines a combustion chamber, and wherein at least one transfer channel, through which ignition mixture is guided from the crankcase into the combustion chamber, is arranged in the cylinder, which leads to a further improvement of the exhaust gas quality and/or of the fuel consumption, in particular for creating an improved metering of ignition mixture into the fuel chamber, it is proposed for the piston to encompass a lower piston edge, which interacts with at least one counter body such that an inlet cross section of the transfer channel for the inflow of the ignition mixture from the crankcase into the transfer channel can be controlled by the stroke movement of the piston by the lower piston edge. |
| US09151212B2 |
Prechamber system for an internal combustion engine
A pre-chamber system for an internal combustion engine has a pre-chamber having a wall, a spark plug having at least one electrode, and a gas introduction device, particularly a gas valve. A gas channel connects the gas introduction device to the pre-chamber via an inlet opening. A riser channel connects the pre-chamber (2) to a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. A guiding device influences the flow of the gas in the pre-chamber, the guiding device being arranged adjacent to the inlet opening in such a manner that in operation, the volume flow of hot gas flowing into the pre-chamber via the channel (8) and reaching the electrode (13) of the spark plug (4) is reduced by the guiding device (9). |
| US09151208B2 |
Exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to an exhaust manifold (18) of an interna! combustion engine (20), with a number of exhaust pipe bends (1) corresponding to the number of cylinders of the internal combustion engine (20), said exhaust pipe bends being brought together at one end into an input flange (2 ) which can be fastened to the internal combustion engine (20), and being brought together at the other end; with a supply gas duct (21) which is connected at one end to a collector component (4) and at the other end to a rotor space (15) of a turbine housing (17) of a turbine of an exhaust-gas turbocharger; and with at least one compensator (19′) for compensating for thermal stresses in at least one exhaust pipe bend (1) and the supply gas duct (21), wherein the at least one compensator (19′) is designed as a component which is integrated in at least one exhaust pipe component (1). |
| US09151206B2 |
Method for determining soot mass stored with a particulate filter
A method for determining soot mass oxidized during a particulate filter oxidation procedure is disclosed. In one example, soot mass is determined via an Arrhenius equation. The approach may provide cost savings and reliability improvements as compared to other ways of determining soot mass. |
| US09151197B2 |
Particle separator with a metal layer through which exhaust gas can flow and motor vehicle having at least one particle separator
A particle separator for treating the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine includes a housing having an inlet opening, an outlet opening, a cross section and a central axis. At least one metallic layer, through which exhaust gas can flow, is located in the housing and has an undulation or corrugation that spans the cross section of the housing. The particle separator has a large surface for providing the lowest possible flow resistance and a low risk of clogging. A motor vehicle having at least one particle separator is also provided. |
| US09151195B2 |
Separator wall for a crankcase
A crankcase for an internal combustion engine, having a suction arrangement which is assigned to the crankcase and is configured for ventilating the crankcase of blow-by gas, in particular a gas/oil mixture, to produce a limited vacuum in the crankcase is disclosed. The crankcase has at least one dividing wall which is configured to feed blow-by gas and to separate oil. A ventilating housing part and a carrier housing part which is arranged above the ventilating housing part in included in the crankcase. The dividing wall is formed between the ventilating housing part and the carrier housing part and a suction arrangement is formed in the form of a suction jet pump which is configured for extracting oil from the dividing wall. |
| US09151194B2 |
Progressive distributor base body for conveying lubricant therethrough
A progressive distributor base body for distributing lubricant includes a first lubricant inlet channel, at least one second lubricant inlet channel, at least first and second cylinders each configured to slidably support a piston element, and a bore fluidly connecting at least one of the first and second lubricant inlet channels with a channel that is fluidly connected to the first and second cylinders. The progressive distributor base body is formed as one-piece without any seams and a longitudinal direction of the second lubricant inlet channel is parallel to a longitudinal direction of the bore. |
| US09151192B2 |
Variable valve system, control apparatus and variable valve apparatus for internal combustion engine
A variable valve system for an internal combustion engine includes a plurality of engine valves provided per one cylinder; a swing arm configured to perform an opening-and-closing operation of at least one of the plurality of engine valves by swinging about a fulcrum given by a support member; a variable lift mechanism configured to cause the swing arm to swing, and to vary a lift amount of the at least one of the plurality of engine valves; a valve stop mechanism provided for the at least one of the plurality of engine valves and configured to stop the opening-and-closing operation of the at least one of the plurality of engine valves by producing a lost motion of the support member; and an engine-speed limiting section configured to variably limit a maximum rotational speed of the internal combustion engine in accordance with a displacement amount of the lost motion. |
| US09151191B1 |
Electrically actuated camshaft phaser
A camshaft phaser includes a housing having a housing bore extending along an axis and a plurality of lobes extending radially inward. The camshaft phaser also includes a stroke limiter having a central hub with a plurality of vanes extending radially outward such that the vanes are interspersed with lobes. The camshaft phaser also includes a harmonic gear drive unit disposed operationally between the housing and the stroke limiter, the harmonic gear drive unit being connected to a rotational actuator for imparting rotation on the harmonic gear drive unit such that rotation of the harmonic gear drive unit by the rotational actuator causes relative rotation between the housing and the stroke limiter. The amount of relative rotation between the housing and the stroke limiter is limited by at least one of the plurality of lobes and at least one of the plurality of vanes. |
| US09151188B2 |
Valve timing controller
A valve timing controller includes a rotation transmit component; a housing including an outer shape part fixed to the rotation transmit component and a plurality of partition parts extending from the outer shape part inward in a radial direction; and a vane rotor including a boss part and a plurality of vane parts radially extending from the boss part. The vane rotor is rotated relative to the housing on an advance side or a retard side according to a pressure of operation oil in an advance chamber and a retard chamber. The outer shape part of the housing has a dome shape. |
| US09151186B2 |
Tube shaft with integrated oil separator
An oil-laden gas stream flows axially through a tube shaft formed with at least one radially throughgoing inner oil-discharge port and, axially downstream therefrom, with at lest one radially throughgoing inner gas-discharge port. A bearing supports the tube shaft for rotation about the axis and is formed axially level with the ports with respective radially throughgoing outer oil-discharge and gas-discharge ports. An oil separator inside the tube shaft axially between the oil-discharge ports and the gas-discharge ports is oriented to deflect oil particles from the stream radially outward such that the oil flows out through the inner and outer oil-discharge ports and the gas stream can flow downstream out through the gas-discharge ports. |
| US09151185B2 |
Steam power plant with steam turbine extraction control
Provided is a power plant and a method of operating thereof. The power plant includes a boiler for heating process fluids; and a multistage first steam turbine with an outlet line that passes through the boiler. The outlet line includes an extraction line that is configured and arranged to extract steam from an intermediate stage of the first steam turbine and heat at least one of the process fluids. |
| US09151181B2 |
Metallic rails on composite fan case
A composite fan case has a generally cylindrical composite shell, at least one band of sacrificial composite material circumscribing an outer surface of the composite shell, and a metallic rail mounted on the band of sacrificial material. Also disclosed is a method of construction the aforementioned case. |
| US09151176B2 |
Systems and methods for adjusting clearances in turbines
Embodiments of the invention can provide systems and methods for adjusting clearances in a turbine. According to one embodiment, there is disclosed a turbine system. The system may include one or more turbine blades, a turbine casing encompassing the one or more turbine blades, a thermoelectric element disposed at least partially about the turbine casing, a cooling system in communication with the thermoelectric element, and a controller in communication with the cooling system and the thermoelectric element. The controller may be operable to control the expansion or contraction of the turbine casing by heating or cooling at least a portion of the turbine casing with the thermoelectric element and by adjusting the cooling system such that a clearance between the one or more turbine blades and the turbine casing is adjusted. |
| US09151173B2 |
Use of multi-faceted impingement openings for increasing heat transfer characteristics on gas turbine components
An improved nozzle vane for a gas turbine engine, comprising a vane wall having inner and outer wall surfaces, the wall surfaces being spaced from one another to define a plurality of fluid passageways for a cooling medium; discreet cavities formed by interior wall members disposed between the inner and outer wall surfaces and within the fluid passageway for the cooling medium; a plurality of impingement cooling sleeves disposed in the discreet cavities defined by the inner and outer wall surfaces and by interior wall members; and a plurality of non-round, e.g., serrated, openings in each of the impingement cooling sleeves, with the openings being sufficient in size and number to accommodate the flow of a cooling media. |
| US09151170B2 |
Damper for an integrally bladed rotor
A Rotor includes a disk having a rim with an axial face, the rim defines a circumferential groove. A damper engaged with the rim at both the axial face and the circumferential groove. |
| US09151164B2 |
Dual-use of cooling air for turbine vane and method
A turbine vane of a gas turbine engine is provided with a hollow core in the leading edge of the outer platform thereof. The core is interconnected with the leading edge core of the airfoil whereby to create a cooling air stream having a dual purpose and cooling both the leading edge of the outer platform and of the airfoil and thereby reducing cooling air consumption. The cooling air enters the core of the outer platform through an inlet port and exits through cooling holes provided in the leading edge of the airfoil. |
| US09151163B2 |
Turbomachine rotor disk
A rotor disk for a turbomachine, which is connectable to at least one rotor blade and/or a shaft of the turbomachine, having at least one borehole, which has an elliptical inlet opening having a first passage cross-sectional area and an elliptical outlet opening having a second passage cross-sectional area, so that the second passage cross-sectional area is smaller than the first passage cross-sectional area. |
| US09151160B1 |
Hydraulic motor for generating electricity
A hydraulic motor for generating electricity with a water holding container with a conduit extending downwardly to a distribution valve assembly. A hydraulic shock valve assembly connected to a port in the conduit, adjacent to the distribution valve assembly, periodically imparts a shock to the water entering the distribution valve assembly with some water collected by a holding tank. The distribution valve assembly permits the water to go through to move a piston assembly. The moving valve member quickly moves from two end positions a spring loaded actuating mechanism that is unstable when the distal end of the valve rod reaches a predetermined position. The piston assembly also actuates as a wheel assembly that in turn drives an actuating valve assembly driving the hydraulic shock valve assembly and an electric generator that in turn powers a pump to bring water from the holding tank to the container. |
| US09151153B2 |
Crystal sensor made by ion implantation for sensing a property of interest within a borehole in the earth
Disclosed is a method for producing a crystal sensor. The method includes selecting a crystal configured to sense a property of interest. The method further includes implanting ions in the crystal using ion-implantation to produce a conductive region within the crystal where the conductive region is capable of providing a signal to sense the property of interest. Also disclosed is a method and apparatus for estimating a property of interest using the crystal sensor in a borehole penetrating the earth. |
| US09151150B2 |
Apparatus and methods for well-bore proximity measurement while drilling
In one aspect an apparatus for determining a distance between a first borehole and a second borehole during drilling of the second borehole is disclosed that in one embodiment includes a magnet on a drilling tool that rotates in the second borehole to induce a primary magnetic field in a magnetic object in the first borehole, a substantially stationary sensor on the drilling tool that detects a secondary magnetic field from the magnetic object responsive to the induced primary magnetic field, and a controller that determines the distance between the first borehole and the second borehole from the detected magnetic field. In another aspect a method of determining a distance between a first borehole and a second borehole, the in one embodiment includes inducing a primary magnetic field in a magnetic object in the first borehole using a rotating magnet in the second borehole, detecting a secondary magnetic field from the magnetic object responsive to the induced primary magnetic field using a substantially stationary sensor in the second borehole, and determining the distance between the first borehole and the second borehole from the detected magnetic field. |
| US09151147B2 |
Method and apparatus for hydraulic fracturing
A method of treating a consolidated formation having a wellbore therein. Tubing including a stress relieving tool is provided in the wellbore. An interval in the wellbore wherein the stress relieving tool is located is isolated. The stress relieving tool is actuated to apply mechanical force radially to an uncased inner diameter surface of the wellbore for providing a reduced stress zone of the formation. Fluid pressure is increased in the wellbore to fracture the formation within the reduced stress zone. |
| US09151146B2 |
Method for extracting hydrocarbons by in-situ electromagnetic heating of an underground formation
The disclosure relates to a plant for extracting hydrocarbons contained in an underground formation including: hydrocarbon tapping; at least one generator; at least one electromagnetic heating well in the underground formation, including an electromagnetic heating device connected to the generator; wherein the electromagnetic heating device includes a radiating coaxial line. The disclosure also relates to a method for extracting hydrocarbons from an underground formation able to be implemented using the plant. |
| US09151143B2 |
Sacrificial plug for use with a well screen assembly
A well screen assembly for use downhole comprises a fluid pathway configured to provide fluid communication between an exterior of a wellbore tubular and an interior of the wellbore tubular, a flow restrictor disposed in the fluid pathway, and a plug disposed in series with the flow restrictor in the fluid pathway. The plug substantially prevents a fluid flow through the fluid pathway. The plug is configured to be at least partially dissolvable when contacted by a fluid, and the fluid comprises a chemical configured to dissolve the plug. |
| US09151137B2 |
Configurations and methods for improved subsea production control
Systems and methods of production control are contemplated in which one or more multiphase flow meters are operationally coupled to a production conduit to provide flow and compositional information for the fluid in the production conduit. Data from the multiphase flow meter are then provided to a control system that uses the data to control operation of one or more choke valves of one or more well heads that are fluidly coupled to the production conduit. |
| US09151135B2 |
Underwater stuffing box and method for running a drill string through the stuffing box
A cylindrical, hollow stuffing box arranged to be able to take up geometrical differences between drill pipes and tool joints includes an outer housing, an upper and a lower set of support plates and also a sleeve-shaped, flexible sealing element arranged rotationally between said support plates and enclosed by a liquid filled, a pressurized annulus which in a fluid sealing manner is defined by a central part of the stuffing box housing, the outside of the sealing element and said support plates; each of the upper and lower support plate sets comprise two halves connected to an actuator each arranged for radial displacement of the halves; each of the support plate halves comprise a cut-out arranged to be able to encircle a peripheral portion of the drill string; and the inside and the ends of the sealing element comprise cast-in, ceramic elements. |
| US09151131B2 |
Power and control pod for a subsea artificial lift system
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a power and control pod for subsea artificial lift system. In one embodiment, a method of operating a downhole tool in a subsea wellbore includes: supplying a direct current (DC) power signal from a dry location to a subsea control pod; converting the DC power signal to an alternating current (AC) power signal by the control pod; and supplying the AC power signal from the control pod, into the subsea wellbore, and to the downhole tool. |
| US09151126B2 |
System, method and computer program product to simulate drilling event scenarios
Systems and related methods to simulate trapped annular pressure and wellhead movement during downhole drilling scenarios. |
| US09151125B2 |
Temporary fluid diversion agents for use in geothermal well applications
Systems, methods and compositions for temporary sealing fractures in subterranean formations employ at least one constituent for temporary sealing a fracture in a subterranean well. The degradation kinetics of the composition is dependent upon at least one degradation temperature-time parameter for designating a temperature range and a time at which the composition degrades. |
| US09151124B2 |
Continuous flow drilling systems and methods
A method for drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by injecting drilling fluid into a top of a tubular string disposed in the wellbore at a first flow rate and rotating a drill bit. The tubular string includes: the drill bit disposed on a bottom thereof, tubular joints connected together, a longitudinal bore therethrough, a port through a wall thereof, and a sleeve operable between an open position where the port is exposed to the bore and a closed position where a wall of the sleeve is disposed between the port and the bore. The method further includes moving the sleeve to the open position; and injecting drilling fluid into the port at a second flow rate while adding a tubular joint(s) to the tubular string. The injection of drilling fluid into the tubular string is continuously maintained between drilling and adding the joint(s). |
| US09151123B2 |
Apparatus and methods for providing tubing into a subsea well
In some embodiments, apparatus useful for providing tubing into an underwater well includes at least one surface injector and at least one underwater injector. The surface injector is adapted and arranged to control the movement of the tubing into and out of the underground well below the sea floor during normal operations. At least one surface injector and/or underwater injector is arranged and adapted to maintain the tubing in substantial tension between the surface and underwater injectors. |
| US09151122B2 |
Coiled tubing injector with limited slip chains
A coiled tubing injector comprises a drive system for independently driving a plurality of chains independently but otherwise retarding relative motion between the driven chains when a chain begins to slip uncontrollably. |
| US09151120B2 |
Face stabilized downhole cutting tool
Downhole cutting tools such as blade mills comprise a body having an upper end for connection with a rotating component of a drill string and a guide member disposed at lower end. The guide member can comprise a shape that is reciprocal to an engagement member disposed on an object within the well that is to be cut by the cutting mill. In certain embodiments, the guide member comprises a portion that is spherically shaped or an apex formed by two angled cutting elements. The cutting tools can also include one or more blades having cutting elements disposed thereon in a stepped arrangement. In one such embodiment, the cutting elements are disposed to cover one or more steps profiled on a lower end of the blade to lessen wear of the blade caused by the cutting of the object by the blade. |
| US09151119B1 |
Bidirectional dual eccentric reamer
A bidirectional dual eccentric reamer which can form a larger wellbore than originally drilled and a wellbore larger than the drill bit diameter. The bidirectional dual eccentric reamer can have a shaft with a longitudinal axis supporting a plurality of reamer portions. The reamer portions have a plurality of helical blades of varying thicknesses. The plurality of helical blades can have a plurality of cutting nodes and cutting inserts. The plurality of helical blades can have a center of eccentric rotation which is offset from the longitudinal axis, thereby creating an eccentric rotation. This allows for the formation of a larger wellbore than originally drilled and a wellbore larger than the drill bit diameter. |
| US09151117B2 |
Media pressure cavitation protection system for rock drills
A drilling apparatus has a chassis and a feed beam. The feed beam includes a rock drill hammer, a moveable drill string, a rock drill system coupled to the feed beam, a media pressure system coupled to the rock drill system, and a sensor system. The media pressure system includes a high pressure supply path, a low pressure return path, a control valve coupled to the high pressure supply path, at least one accumulator, and a sensor system. The sensor system includes a pressure transducer coupled to the high pressure supply path, the low pressure return path, or the accumulator to supply pressure data, a control unit configured to monitor and compare the pressure data to an acceptable pressure range stored in memory, and a warning apparatus configured to alert the operator of a pressure outside of the predetermined acceptable pressure range. |
| US09151116B1 |
Portable hard rock drill rig
A portable hard rock drill rig uses fluids for rotational power and compressed air to achieve a hammer affect. The drill rig is comprised of modular parts configured to allow one or two workers to move the rig over difficult terrain and to assemble the rig within a small area. |
| US09151112B2 |
Tree climbing support
A climbing support is provided for aiding a climber in scaling a tree, pole, or other generally vertical surface. The climbing support includes an elongate body that supports a plurality of steps, a strap, cable, or other flexible securing member that is wrapped around the tree, and a retractor for stowing the flexible securing member so that it is extendable and retractable from the support. The climbing support is thus substantially self-contained so that it does not require separate components for installation or use. Standoffs may be provided for stabilizing the support in a location spaced from the tree. Optionally, the climbing support's steps, standoffs, and elongate body are collapsible to compact configurations for stowage or transport. |
| US09151106B2 |
Fire door stop system
A fire door stop system for retrofitting a fire door assembly so as to bring the assembly into compliance with fire safety codes. The fire door stop system has a profile strip that is attachable to a fire door frame. An edge of the profile strip extends outward from the frame in a line with a face of the soffit against which the pull edge of the fire door closes. The fire door stop system further includes, as needed, edge protectors for a wood fire door, such as a horizontal edge protector, a vertical edge protector, and a bottom-edge extender, and a latch protector. |
| US09151103B2 |
Methods for speed control of a movable partition
A movable partition system includes a movable partition including coupled panels and a lead post engaged with and movable along a track. A motor control system includes a motor coupled to the movable partition and a switching circuit coupled to the motor and for selectively coupling the motor to a positive power source and a negative power source responsive to one or more PWM signals. An encoder is configured for generating one or more rotation signals indicative of operational direction and operational speed of the motor. A motor controller is coupled to the switching circuit and is configured for improving airflow around the panels of the movable partition when the lead post of the movable partition is between a predefined position and a fully retracted position indicative of a billowing effect for the panels by adjusting pulse widths of the PWM signals to control rotational speed of the motor. |
| US09151102B2 |
Cable deflecting piece for a cable operated window lifter
A cable deflecting piece, which is fastened on a rail head or rail foot of a guide rail and is intended for a cable operated window lifter, contains a base body which during mounting and following fastening of the cable deflecting piece, abuts against the guide rail on one side of the rail head or rail foot, also contains a rotary and bearing pin, which projects from the base body, can be inserted in a position in which it is tilted in relation to the longitudinal extension of the guide rail, into a rotary and bearing opening of the rail head or rail foot and can be pivoted about a cable deflecting piece, further contains a rotation prevention means which, in a final mounting position, once the cable deflecting piece has been pivoted about the mounting axis of rotation, secures the connection of the cable deflection piece to the rail head or rail foot such that the cable deflecting piece cannot rotate and additionally contains a device which is formed on the basic body and is intended for securing the abutment of the base body against the rail head or rail foot perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the guide rail. |
| US09151101B2 |
Detachable hinge damper
A detachable and adjustable damper hinge attachment for connection to pre-installed hinge hardware to dampen the closing motion of a swinging cabinet door. The attachment comprises a housing and a spring damper assembly slidingly and removably engaged with the housing. The housing includes an attachment means for detachable engagement with a hinge body. The spring damper assembly extends from the housing and contacts a portion of the hinge to which the door is mounted. One embodiment positions the spring damper assembly to more perpendicularly meet the door portion of the hinge. Another embodiment includes an adjustment knob for adapting the contact point of the spring damper assembly. |
| US09151099B2 |
Egress door opening assister
A door opening spring assistance apparatus is set forth that will automatically apply a door opening assistance force using a combination of rods and coil springs. The release of the rods by the coil springs reduces the force required to set the door in motion. |
| US09151098B2 |
Vehicle door opening/closing device
A front cable and a rear cable are wound about a drum, are made to change direction by being caught onto a front pulley and a rear pulley, respectively, disposed on a center rail, and are respectively connected to a guide roller unit at respective terminals. The closing cable section of the front cable is routed to the outside of the center rail, the corresponding terminal being connected to the guide roller unit farther rearward than a load roller, and the opening cable section of the rear cable is routed to inside the center rail, the corresponding terminal being connected to the guide roller unit. |
| US09151094B2 |
Device for connecting door and window operating units
A device for connecting operating units (8) for doors and windows comprising: a control element (4) mounted on the operating side (3 a) of a mobile frame (3); a rod segment (5) that is slidably mounted in a groove (C), made at least in the operating side (3a) and is connected to the control element (4) in such a way as to slide in both directions within the groove (C) to define the open and closed configurations of the door/window (1a, 1b); the rod segment (5) being associated by respective connecting means (10, 12), with elements (105, 6) that are functional or accessory to the operation of the rod segment (5), said elements (105, 6) protruding from the groove (C); these connecting means comprise at least one base (10) connected to at least one functional or accessory element (105, 6) defined by an operative portion (9); the size of the base (10) is such that, in use, it covers a free front section of the rod segment (5), the base (10) being frontally applicable to the rod segment (5) before the latter is inserted into the groove (C), and a bottom end extension (12) protruding transversally of the base (10), shaped to match the profile of the operating rod segment (5) and designed to be coupled to a respective slot (5a) formed on the rod (5) in such a way as to create a portion for uninterruptedly connecting and stiffening the rod segment (5) itself. |
| US09151093B2 |
Latch assembly for a double door
A latch assembly (10) is mounted to a follower door (275) of a double door (257) and includes a latch (231) and a pressing board (453) pivotably received in a cutout (411) of the latch (231). When the follower door (275) moves from an open position to a closed position, a pressing side (457) of the pressing board (453) is pressed by a top beam (35) of a door frame (31). The pressing board (453) pivots and presses against a bottom face (413) of the cutout (411) of the latch (231), moving the latch (231) from an unlatching position to the latching position until the pressing side (457) of the pressing board (453) completely enters the cutout (411), and then a slant face (236) of the latch (231) presses against the door frame (31), causing movement of the latch (231) from the latching position to the unlatching position. |
| US09151092B2 |
Lock unit having a multi-pawl locking mechanism
A lock unit (1) comprising at least one catch (2), a first pawl (3) with a pawl rotation axis (4), and a blocking lever (5), wherein in a locked state of the lock unit (1), the catch (2) transfers a moment of rotation onto the first pawl (3) and the first pawl (3) is held in place by means of the blocking lever (5), wherein a second pawl (6) is pivotably arranged on the pawl rotation axis (4) and is engageable with the blocking lever (5) and the catch (2), and the first pawl (3) has a curved first blocking surface (12) for the primary position (13) of the catch (2). |
| US09151089B2 |
Controller apparatus and sensors for a vehicle door handle
In a vehicle door assembly, controllers processes signals from an extension force sensor and a retraction force sensor to control a door handle. As a motor retracts the handle, a swing arm in the vehicle door presses against the retraction force sensor causing the handle controller to stop the motor. Pushing on the retracted handle presses the swing arm against the retraction force sensor a second time causing the controllers to operate the motor and extend the handle. As the handle extends, the swing arm presses against the extension force sensor and the handle controller stops the motor as the handle is fully extended. Subsequently, a hand pulling on the door handle presses the swing arm against the extension force sensor a second time causing the controllers to unlatch a latch holding the vehicle door shut, and thereby allow the vehicle door to open. |
| US09151083B2 |
Apparatus and setup for securing electronic equipment
An apparatus is provided for securing electronic equipment to a substantially horizontal surface of a support structure. The apparatus includes a fastening means such as a collar, a mounting bracket for attachment to the support structure, and a connector. The connector is interposed between and swivelably attached to the collar and mounting bracket. The connector may have a telescoping construction. The apparatus is particularly suited for use with equipment having an electronic component attached to a neck extending from a base. An electronic equipment setup using the above-described apparatus is also provided. |
| US09151080B2 |
Privacy latch
The present disclosure relates to the field of door fittings, particularly door fittings comprising a privacy latch for a sliding door. In one particular aspect the present disclosure is suitable for use for securing interior or exterior doors, including doors for bathrooms, changing rooms, shower or toilet cubicles to give users the option of privacy. The present disclosure stems from the realization that smooth movement of a latch hook between a locked and unlocked condition can be obtained by use of a guide. |
| US09151079B2 |
Electric door release powered by energy harvester
A system for operating an electric door release having an actuator powered by an energy harvester. The actuator may be a piezoelectric actuator and the harvester may be a piezo harvester. The system may further include a power module, a rechargeable battery and a voltage boost circuit disposed between the energy harvester and the actuator. When a piezoelectric actuator is used, a recycle actuator discharge circuit may be disposed between the piezoelectric actuator and the power module battery for recapturing a portion of the energy delivered to the piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric harvester may include an energy input portion whereby the piezo electric harvester is excited by the energy input portion. The energy input portion may include a circular or linear driving gear for exciting the piezoelectric harvester or a stepper motor generator, driven by movement of a door. The harvester may also be a stepper motor/generator. |
| US09151076B2 |
Device for improved clean up of holes
A device for the cleanup of dirt or soil removed when forming a hole in the earth including a base member, a first side member attached to a first side of the base member, a second side member attached to a second side of the base member, an aperture positioned within the base member, wherein the first side member is movable to an upright position and the second side member is movable to an upright position for directing dirt or soil off of the base member. |
| US09151074B2 |
Fencing system with coupler clamp assembly
Shown is a fence post system and a coupling used in such a system for coupling the fence rails and fence posts of metal tubular fences such as those used in horse and cattle ranching operations. A clamp ring is secured about the vertical tubular metal fence post. A pair of clamping body components fit about the horizontal fence rail and are secured by top and bottom tightening bosses and tightening elements. When tightened, the assembly nearly completely circumscribes the exterior surface of the fence rail, providing near 360 degree circumferential contact. The coupling can be articulated in various ways. It can be rotated about the fence post before tightening. It can also be pivoted in a vertical plane to adjust for changes in the elevation of the fence line. |
| US09151072B2 |
Foldable tent
A foldable tent includes a hub, a base having a plurality of separate base members and a plurality of slots formed on the base members. The plurality of slots are uniformly spaced apart radially, each slot formed by first and second walls, each of the first and second walls integrally formed on the respective base member and substantially parallel to each other. A plurality of poles are included, with each pole having at least two sections coupled by a joint. Each pole includes an inner end and an outer end, each pole inner end pivotally coupled to a corresponding slot. The hub and poles define a periphery when the tent is in an open configuration. A canopy is positioned within the periphery, the canopy being slidably connected to the poles in the open configuration and a closed configuration. |
| US09151071B1 |
Personalized memorial display
The personalized memorial display provides an aesthetically pleasant means for celebrating the life of an individual at their respective final resting place. The apparatus includes a human-shaped body, a structurally rigid support, a backing, a glazing, and a customized etching. The customized etching is a personalized statement regarding the passed individual that is imprinted into the glazing in order to preserve the memory of said individual for as long as the memorial stands. The glazing is held within the body and covered and supported by the backing, ensuring longevity of the glazing and thus the memory of the departed. The body is raised above the ground and supported by the rigid support. The apparatus acts as a permanent memorial to the memory of an individual. |
| US09151070B2 |
Anchor post
Provided herein are methods, devices and systems comprising an anchor post that has a shaft, at least one stabilizing element attached to the anchor post configured to resist movement of the anchor post, and at least one alignment element. |
| US09151065B1 |
Precast concrete lift anchor assembly
A lift anchor assembly for a precast Portland cement concrete shape comprises a recess insert, a bilaterally symmetrical lift anchor, and an elongate triangular space. The recess insert is characterized by a longitudinal plane of symmetry, and is separable along a break line extending perpendicular to the longitudinal plane of symmetry into a pair of quadrant-shaped bodies, each characterized with a planar obverse wall. The bilaterally symmetrical lift anchor is characterized by a longitudinal axis of symmetry coextensive with the longitudinal plane of symmetry, and is immovably sandwiched between the quadrant-shaped bodies. The elongate triangular space is formed beneath the break line and extends orthogonal to the longitudinal plane of symmetry. A force applied to the break line toward the elongate triangular space will urge the quadrant-shaped bodies into rotation out of the Portland cement concrete. |
| US09151064B1 |
Construction device for releasing moisture from a building
A plurality of devices used alone or in combination for releasing moisture from a building are provided. The devices are especially suitable for use in new or existing masonry and frame buildings with low-slope roofs, on parapet walls and mansard roofs, and on masonry walls and foundation walls. The devices give buildings adequate wall and roof system ventilation and moisture vapor release portals so as to better prevent mold and other water related damage. The devices may be used individually or in combination wherein the devices are placed on or against a parapet wall, masonry wall or foundation wall of a building. Further, the devices may be used in connection with a joist or truss system of a building to prevent moisture damage to the joists or truss system and to prevent compromises and other structural integrity problems to a building which often occur with moisture. |
| US09151063B2 |
Tile and support structure
An illustrative embodiment of a tile and support structure may include a plurality of tiles, which may be generally rectangular in shape, engaged with one or more support structures. The tile may be formed with four edges, wherein two opposing edges may be formed with grooves therein and the other two opposing edges may be formed with protrusions thereon. The support structure may be formed with a generally vertical spine having two rails extending outward from a distal end thereof. The support structure may also include two generally horizontally extending flanges, which may be formed with a trough therein. The trough may include a plurality of apertures formed therein. One side of the trough may be defined by a lip. |
| US09151061B2 |
Method and a device to attach building trims
This disclosure relates to building materials, in particular to attachment of insulating board and trims on building surfaces. Various embodiments of attachment clips to attach the trims on their place without nails or screws through the trim are provided. This disclosure provides an economical, fast, easy, and esthetic method to attach building trims. |
| US09151057B2 |
Roof curb
A curb assembly is provided for mounting on a sloped, standing seam metallic roof, in order to provide support for a roof fixture, such as an exhaust fan or skylight. The curb assembly includes a box-like structure mounted atop the roof in surrounding relationship to a roof opening. The curb assembly further includes an underlying, below-roof frame assembly. Specialized upper and lower end connection structure serves to securely mount the curb assembly to the metal roof. |
| US09151050B2 |
Splice plate
The present invention provides a splice plate suitable for use in joining beams for use in a grid that supports panels and ceiling fixtures in a suspended ceiling. In particular, the present invention provides a splice plate suitable for use in joining main beams together for use in a grid that supports panels and ceiling fixtures in a suspended ceiling. |
| US09151049B2 |
Roof window with an insulating element
A roof window (1) comprising a frame (2) with a top member (5), a bottom member (6) and two side members (7, 8) defining a frame plane, and a sash (3) having a top member (9), a bottom member (10) and two side members (11, 12) defining a sash plane, the sash (3) carrying a pane (4), the window (1) further comprising in connection with said bottom sash member (10) a bottom sash covering (319), wherein the roof window (1) furthermore comprises an insulating element (303) and preferably also a bottom sash gasket 310 adapted for insulating of the transition between the bottom sash member (10) and the bottom sash covering (319). |
| US09151042B2 |
Fire-prevention sleeve, use of the fire-prevention sleeve, method for installing a fire-prevention sleeve, and ceiling passage
In a ceiling passage with an opening through which a pipe extends in the vertical direction, the pipe being surrounded by a fire-prevention sleeve, the fire-prevention sleeve includes, for example, fire-prevention additives embodied in a rectangular strip. A plurality of notches are provided along only one longitudinal side of the rectangular strip. The plurality of notches are used to form flaps at a bottom edge of the rectangular strip and are bent backwards. The flaps are supported at an inner wall of the ceiling passage near a bottom of the ceiling passage. |
| US09151041B2 |
Soundproof panel connection structure
A soundproof panel connection structure including: a plurality of posts spaced apart from each other on the floor by a given distance; a plurality of soundproof panels each located between the neighboring posts and having fastening portions disposed on both end portions thereof; bending portions each extended from one side surface of each soundproof panel; soundproof materials each interposed between each fastening portion and each bending portion in such a manner as to be supportedly brought on one surface thereof into contact with one side surface of each post; and a plurality of connection joints each coupled on both ends thereof to the fastening portions disposed on both side surfaces of each post, wherein the post located at the corner portion in the plurality of posts has supports located at the outer surfaces thereof. |
| US09151040B2 |
Tape material and roll comprising pressure sensitive adhesive
A tape material comprising: a thin flexible substrate; and a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) substance carried on a single side of the substrate, the PSA substance being provided in an intermittent pattern along a length of the substrate. |
| US09151038B2 |
Anchor bolt devices and operating methods for residential and commercial structures
An anchor bolt device includes an anchor bolt having a threaded first end and a second end. A flange portion has the threaded first end of the anchor bolt extending freely therefrom. The flange portion defines a planar surface aligned in parallel with a surface of a concrete foundation when the second end of the anchor bolt is received in the concrete foundation. A raised column projection having a threaded portion through which the threaded first end of the anchor bolt is threadably received. The raised column projection is set to a user defined position. The flange portion extends radially outward from and is integrally connected to the raised column projection. The flange portion has at least one offset tab used to position the device a defined distance away from a boundary of a concrete foundation wall. The offset tab includes a series of marks defining multiple break points. |
| US09151037B2 |
Panelized structure improvement
A panelized complex polyhedron structure can be constructed quickly and inexpensively from a plurality panels. The structure includes the plurality of panels and connecting features permitting an upper panel of the plurality of panels to overhang an adjacent lower panel of the plurality of panels. The upper panel overhangs to the adjacent lower panel. |
| US09151033B2 |
Automatically retractable screens for storm drain curb inlets
Embodiments of the invention provide automatically retractable screens, adapted for installation into a storm drain curb inlet, configured such that the automatically retractable screens are biased toward the closed position and thereby reliably closed during periods of no, low, or moderate surface runoff water flows, yet also reliably open when surface runoff water flow rates increase to moderate or high levels. |
| US09151026B2 |
Sanitary outlet fitting with vandal-proof outlet nozzle recessed in the accommodating opening of the fitting
A sanitary outlet fitting (1) having a water outlet (2) with an internally threaded receiving opening (3) is provided, having a sleeve-shaped outlet nozzle (7) which has an external thread on its periphery which can be screwed in a releasable manner into the internal thread of the receiving opening, and having a jet regulator or similar sanitary insert part that is retained in the sleeve interior of the outlet nozzle. The outlet nozzle (7) includes on its outlet end side, at least one slot, a profiling or a similar tool attachment surface, and a ring element (5) is mounted in a freely rotatable manner at the outlet end region of the outlet nozzle (7) that encloses the outlet nozzle and serves for vandal proofing. The outlet fitting (1) according to the invention is characterized in that the internal diameter (d1) of the receiving opening (3) at the outer end region of the fitting corresponds, at least approximately, to the external diameter (d2) of the outlet nozzle (7) in the region of the freely rotatably mounted ring element (5), and the axial depth (l1) of the receiving opening (3) is adapted to the axial extension (l2) of the outlet nozzle (7) such that the outlet nozzle (7) only has part of the longitudinal extension of the ring element (5) projecting beyond the receiving opening (3). |
| US09151021B2 |
Modular water-saving device
The invention relates to a modular device formed by a single module (1) for installation between the hot water pipe (H) and cold water pipe (C) and a faucet (4), consisting of: two feed line sections for hot water (2) and cold water (3); a recirculation pump (5) in a bypass conduit (12) that connects the inlet conduits (2) and (3); a pressure switch (6) in feed section (2); a flow meter (7) arranged in feed section (2); a thermal switch (8) in section (2); a check valve (9) at the intersection of the bypass conduit (12) and section (3); and water flow regulating means (10, 11) located between the bypass conduit (12) and the hot water feed section (2). |
| US09151019B2 |
Hybrid type construction machine
A hybrid-type construction machine comprises an engine 11; an electric power accumulator 19B; first and second pumps 28, 14; a motor generator 27 for driving the first pump 28; and plural actuators 1A, 1B, 7, 8 and 9 which are driven by the first and second pumps 28, 14, wherein the first and second pumps 28, 14 are arranged such that the first pump 28 controls at least one of the actuators 1A, 1B, 7, 8 and 9 independently from the second pump 14 and the second pump 14 controls at least another one of the actuators 1A, 1B, 7, 8 and 9 independently from the first pump 28, the first pump 28 is electrically driven by the motor generator 27 with electric power from the electric power accumulator 19B, and the second pump 14 is directly coupled to the engine 11. |
| US09151014B2 |
Work vehicle
A work vehicle includes an engine, a selective catalytic reduction apparatus, a fuel tank, and a reducing agent tank. The selective catalytic reduction apparatus treats exhaust from the engine. The fuel tank includes a fuel tank body retaining fuel and a fuel supply port which supplies fuel to the fuel tank body. The reducing agent tank includes a reducing agent tank body retaining a reducing agent used in the selective catalytic reduction apparatus and a reducing agent supply port which supplies the reducing agent to the reducing agent tank body. The fuel supply port protrudes from the fuel tank body toward a first direction left or right with respect to a center axis line in the front and back direction of the vehicle. The reducing agent supply port protrudes from the reducing agent tank body toward a second direction opposite to the first direction. |
| US09151013B2 |
Mobile working machine comprising a position control device of a working arm, and method for controlling the position of a working arm of a mobile working machine
A mobile working machine includes a working arm which is mounted in an articulated manner, by a first end, on a revolving superstructure of the working machine, and a tool which is mounted in a displaceable manner on a second end of the working arm. The mobile working machine includes a position control device of a working arm. At least one inclination sensor is arranged on the revolving superstructure and at least one inclination sensor is arranged on the working arm. Also, at least one rotation rate sensor is arranged on the working arm. The working machine further includes a calculation unit for processing the signals of the at least one inclination sensor, of at least one additional inclination sensor, and of at least one rotational rate sensor. |
| US09151012B2 |
Dual-mode thumb for excavator
A thumb body is pivotally connected to a first mount, and a stiff-arm anchor is connected to and extends between the first mount and a second mount. The stiff-arm anchor is selectively removable from the first and second mounts. A stiff-arm support link includes a first end connected to the thumb body and a second end connected to the stiff-arm anchor. The thumb can be converted from a hydraulic mode to a stiff-arm or fixed mode by disconnecting the first end of a hydraulic cylinder actuator from the thumb body and disconnecting the second end of the hydraulic cylinder actuator from the second mount, and by installing the stiff-arm anchor and stiff-arm support link. |
| US09151009B2 |
Manufactured composite having synthetic vegetation and impermeable geomembrane, and capping system using same
A manufactured composite comprising synthetic turf and impermeable geomembrane is used in a single-layer capping system as the single layer to provide permanent, impermeable and functional aesthetic cover for land reclamation. During installation of composite pieces at a job site, an edge portion of a tufted section of a second composite piece is overlaid onto an edge untufted section of the first composite piece already laid and anchored over foundation soil to form a reinforced overlapping seam, through which the two composite pieces are physically and permanently joined together. As composite pieces are joined together, the continuity of synthetic grass and the continuity of impermeability are extended and realized over the entire site to form permanent, impermeable and functional aesthetic cover for land reclamation. |
| US09151004B2 |
Automated hopper and apron control system on a paving machine
A paving machine including a right hopper, a left hopper, an apron and an automated hopper and apron control system is provided. The right hopper, the left hopper and the apron are configured to move in a vertically upward and downward direction. The automated hopper and apron control system is configured to control the movement of one or more of the right hopper, the left hopper, and the apron. The automated hopper and apron control system may include a controller. The controller is configured to operate the automated hopper and apron control system in a manual mode and an auto mode as desired by an operator. In the auto mode, the controller actuates one or more of the right hopper, the left hopper, and the apron from a first position to one of a fully raised position and a fully lowered position. |
| US09151002B2 |
Railroad rail and tie fastener apparatuses and methods thereof
A fastener apparatus for a railroad rail and tie includes a yoke plate support frame and a yoke plate. The yoke plate support frame includes opposing securing arms coupled by a perpendicular yoke plate support. The opposing securing arms are spaced apart to detachably seat the yoke plate support over the railroad tie. Attachment tabs extend above the perpendicular yoke plate support from the opposing securing arms. The yoke plate includes a first plate extending along a first plane, a second plate extending out from an edge of the first plate and along a second plane which is at a different angle from the first plane, and yoke plate attachment tabs coupled to the first plate and the second plate. The yoke plate attachment tabs are configured to detachably couple the yoke plate to the yoke plate support frame through the attachment tabs of the opposing securing arms. |
| US09151000B2 |
Treatment of wood pieces
A one or two step process for the acetylation and refining of wood pieces in which acetylation and refining to a reduced geometry take place simultaneously in the refiner. Engineered board products comprising acetylated reduced geometry materials possess high dimensional stability and durability compared to like board products comprising non-acetylated materials. |
| US09150997B2 |
Home appliance including steam generator and controlling method of the same
Embodiments may relate to a home appliance, more specifically, to a washing apparatus having a steam generator and a controlling method of the same and embodiments may relate to a home appliance including a steam generator. according to one embodiment of the present invention, a home appliance includes a steam generator configured to generate steam to supply the generated steam to an object accommodation part where an object is accommodated, wherein the steam generator includes a housing configured to accommodate water supplied thereto; a heater configured to heat the water accommodated in the housing by heating the housing to generate steam; and a control unit configured to cut off or apply an electric power of the heater based on the temperature of the housing. |
| US09150996B2 |
Bicycle-driven clothes washing machine
The bicycle-driven clothes washing machine includes a bicycle frame, a drive mechanism, and a washing machine drum assembly adjacent the bicycle frame. The drum assembly includes an outer drum having at least a portion thereof at least transparent or partially transparent, the outer drum selectively filled with a washing liquid. An inner drum having a plurality of perforations is rotatably positioned inside the outer drum and mounted to the drive mechanism to be driven thereby via pedal action, the inner drum holding contents to be washed. Both the outer drum and the inner drum can be provided with respective covers to secure contents within the respective drums. An inlet line for introducing washing liquid and an outlet line for draining are attached to the outer drum. Each inlet and outlet line is provided with a valve system selectively operable to supply washing liquid for washing and draining the washing liquid. |
| US09150994B2 |
Balance ring with features to control fluid distribution
A balance ring for an appliance is provided that has features to control fluid distribution particularly during certain critical speeds where large oscillatory motion created by an out of balance condition might otherwise cause the balance ring fluid to redistribute improperly. The balance ring can include an inner chamber that is in fluid communication with an outer chamber. The inner chamber can include baffles that impede the movement of fluid along the circumferential direction when e.g., the balance ring experiences large oscillatory motion. |
| US09150992B2 |
Sewing machine with a drive-selection device capable of positioning an upper thread wiper when in a non-drive position
A sewing machine with a drive-selection device capable of positioning an upper thread wiper when in a non-drive position, the drive-selection device includes a moving member movably disposed on the pivot, an actuator for moving the moving member, and a pulling member for moving the actuator. The actuator is pivoted to the base and has one end provided with an actuating end, at the actuating end is provided an actuating protrusion which engages with and moves the actuating portion, another end of the actuator is formed with an engaging portion which is pushed against by the pulling member. The pulling member is pivoted to the base and has one side provided with a push portion which protrudes toward the engaging portion, and the pulling member is further provided with a fixing portion. An elastic member is disposed between the fixing portion and the actuating portion. |
| US09150991B1 |
Sewing machine feed device
A feed mechanism for a sewing machine, either separate from the rest of the machine or incorporated as a part thereof, greatly improves quality of sewn products, permits a multitude of stitches and increases production rates with less labor content. |
| US09150990B2 |
Systems, methods and apparatus for embroidery thread color management
Systems, methods, and apparatus for embroidery thread color management are disclosed. An example method comprises determining a set of thread colors needed for a set of embroidery designs including a first embroidery design and a second embroidery design, annotating the second embroidery design, the annotating comprising appending a reference to the second embroidery design in a first queue of designs to be embroidered by a first embroidery machine, and rolling back the annotation of the second embroidery design. The rolling back comprises removing the annotation, removing the reference, and removing a thread color from the set of thread colors, the thread color resulting from the second embroidery design. |
| US09150987B2 |
Areal implant
An areal implant comprises a flexible, porous basic structure which is non-resorbable or partly resorbable and which contains non-resorbable colored elements arranged in a stripe-like pattern. Furthermore, resorbable colored elements arranged in a stripe-like pattern are provided. |
| US09150986B2 |
Knit component bonding
A composite structure may include a knit component and a bonded component. The knit component has a first surface and an opposite second surface, and the knit component includes a fusible yarn and a non-fusible yarn that form a knitted structure. The fusible yarn is at least partially formed from a thermoplastic polymer material, and the fusible yarn is located on at least the first surface. The bonded component is positioned adjacent to the first surface, and the bonded component is thermal bonded to the first surface with the thermoplastic polymer material of the fusible yarn. |
| US09150985B2 |
Method of manufacturing weaved preform with oriented weft yarns
A method of producing a fiber preform, including forming a weaved preform fabric with a connection zone and multiple layers extending therefrom, each layer having an edge attached to the connection zone with a remainder of the layers extending freely from each other and from the connection zone, the attached edges being parallel and adjacent one another, each of the layers having a weaved structure including warp yarns extending at least substantially parallel to the attached edges and weft yarns extending at least substantially perpendicularly to the warp yarns, deforming at least one of the layers along a direction at least substantially parallel to the warp yarns until the weft yarns thereof have a corresponding desired orientation with respect to the warp yarns, and attaching the layers together away from the attached edges. A method of forming a weaved preform fabric for a fiber preform is also discussed. |
| US09150980B2 |
Method of removing a metal detail from a substrate
A method of removing a metal detail from a dielectric material of an article may include placing the article in an electrolyte bath such that at least a portion of the metal detail is submerged. The metal detail may be coupled to a dielectric material. The method may further include positioning at least one cathode in the electrolyte bath in spaced relation to the metal detail, and passing electrical current through the metal detail. The method may additionally include deplating the metal detail from the dielectric material in response to passing the electrical current through the metal detail. |
| US09150979B1 |
Apparatus for focused electric-field imprinting for micron and sub-micron patterns on wavy or planar surfaces
Focused Electric Field Imprinting (FEFI) provides a focused electric field to guide an unplating operation and/or a plating operation to form very fine-pitched metal patterns on a substrate. The process is a variation of the electrochemical unplating process, wherein the process is modified for imprinting range of patterns of around 2000 microns to 20 microns or less in width, and from about 0.1 microns or less to 10 microns or more in depth. Some embodiments curve a proton-exchange membrane whose shape is varied using suction on a backing fluid through a support mask. Other embodiments use a curved electrode. Mask-membrane interaction parameters and process settings vary the feature size, which can generate sub-100-nm features. The feature-generation process is parallelized, and a stepped sequence of such FEFI operations, can generate sub-100-nm lines with sub-100-nm spacing. The described FEFI process is implemented on copper substrate, and also works well on other conductors. |
| US09150977B2 |
Copper plating solution
The present invention relates to a copper plating solution for relieving the deposit stress of an electroplated copper film. In the copper electroplating solution of the present invention, glycerin propoxylate ethoxylate is used as a carrier for relieving the deposit stress, and phenylurea is added as a deposit stress relieving additive. The copper electroplating solution of the present invention includes the phenylurea by from about 0.02 to about 0.08 g/l. |
| US09150975B2 |
Electrorefiner system for recovering purified metal from impure nuclear feed material
An electrorefiner system according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention may include a vessel configured to maintain a molten salt electrolyte and configured to receive a plurality of alternately arranged cathode and anode assemblies. The anode assemblies are configured to hold an impure nuclear feed material. Upon application of the power system, the impure nuclear feed material is anodically dissolved and a purified metal is deposited on the cathode rods of the cathode assemblies. A scraper is configured to dislodge the purified metal deposited on the cathode rods. A conveyor system is disposed at a bottom of the vessel and configured to remove the dislodged purified metal from the vessel. |
| US09150971B2 |
Aerobic oxidation of alkanes
An aerobic method for oxidizing an alkane is disclosed herein. At least a portion of a surface of a platinum working electrode is activated at an interface between the platinum working electrode and an ionic liquid electrolyte (i.e., 1-ethyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-propyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-pentyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-hexyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-heptyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-octyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-nonyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, and 1-decyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imidem, and combinations thereof). An interface complex is formed at the interface. An alkane gas is supplied to the interface. The alkane adsorbs at or near the interface complex. The alkane gas in the presence of oxygen is supplied to the interface. While the alkane gas in the presence of oxygen is supplied to the interface, a positive electrode potential is applied to the platinum working electrode, which causes a reactive oxygen species formed at the interface to catalyze oxidation of the adsorbed alkane to form a reaction product. |
| US09150968B2 |
Platinum-based electrocatalysts synthesized by depositing contiguous adlayers on carbon nanostructures
High-surface-area carbon nanostructures coated with a smooth and conformal submonolayer-to-multilayer thin metal films and their method of manufacture are described. The manufacturing process may involve initial oxidation of the carbon nanostructures followed by immersion in a solution with the desired pH to create negative surface dipoles. The nanostructures are subsequently immersed in an alkaline solution containing non-noble metal ions which adsorb at surface reaction sites. The metal ions are then reduced via chemical or electrical means and the nanostructures are exposed to a solution containing a salt of one or more noble metals which replace adsorbed non-noble surface metal atoms by galvanic displacement. Subsequent film growth may be performed via the initial quasi-underpotential deposition of a non-noble metal followed by immersion in a solution comprising a more noble metal. The resulting coated nanostructures may be used, for example, as high-performance electrodes in supercapacitors, batteries, or other electric storage devices. |
| US09150966B2 |
Solar cell metallization using inline electroless plating
Inline methods for forming a photovoltaic cell electrode structure, wherein the photovoltaic cell includes a semiconductor substrate having a passivation layer thereon, includes providing a plurality of contact openings through the passivation layer to the semiconductor substrate, selectively plating a contact metal into the plurality of contact openings by printing electroless plating solution into the plurality of contact openings to deposit the contact metal, depositing a metal containing material on the deposited contact metal, and firing the deposited contact metal and the deposited metal containing material. The metal containing material may include a paste containing a silver or silver alloy along with a glass frit and is substantially free to completely free of lead. The methods may also use light activation of the passivation layer or use seed layers to assist in the plating. |
| US09150960B2 |
Methods and apparatus for sputtering using direct current
An apparatus and methods for plasma-based sputtering deposition using a direct current power supply is disclosed. In one embodiment, a plasma is generated by connecting a plurality of electrodes to a supply of current, and a polarity of voltage applied to each of a plurality of electrodes in the processing chamber is periodically reversed so that at least one of the electrodes sputters material on to the substrate. And an amount of power that is applied to at least one of the plurality of electrodes is modulated so as to deposit the material on the stationary substrate with a desired characteristic. In some embodiments, the substrate is statically disposed in the chamber during processing. And many embodiments utilize feedback indicative of the state of the deposition to modulate the amount of power applied to one or more electrodes. |
| US09150959B2 |
Vapor deposition of anti-stiction layer for micromechanical devices
A vapor deposition system includes a filter-diffuser device connected to a vapor inlet within a vacuum chamber for simultaneously filtering inflowing vapor to remove particulate matter while injecting vapor containing perfluordecanoic acid (PFDA) into the chamber through radially arranged porous metal filters to enable the deposition of a uniform monolayer of PFDA molecules onto the surfaces of a micromechanical device, such as a digital micromirror device. |
| US09150955B2 |
Method of making molybdenum containing targets comprising molybdenum, titanium, and tantalum or chromium
The invention relates to sputter targets and methods for depositing a layer from a sputter target. The method preferably includes the steps of; placing a sputter target in a vacuum chamber; placing a substrate having a substrate surface in the vacuum chamber; reducing the pressure in the vacuum chamber to about 100 Torr or less; removing atoms from the surface of the sputter target white the sputter target is in the vacuum chamber (e.g., using a magnetic field and/or an electric field). The deposited layer preferably includes a molybdenum containing alloy including about 50 atomic percent or more molybdenum, 0.1 to 45 atomic percent titanium; and 0.1 to 40 atomic percent of a third metal element that is tantalum or chromium. |
| US09150953B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device including organic semiconductor
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device which can reduce characteristic deterioration due to impurity incorporation. The present invention also provides a semiconductor device and an electric appliance with reduced characteristic deterioration due to the impurity incorporation. The method for manufacturing a semiconductor device has a process for depositing an organic semiconductor. In addition, a process for introducing and exhausting gas having low reactivity while heating a treater so that temperature in the inside of the treater is higher than sublimation temperature of the organic semiconductor after taking a subject deposited with the organic semiconductor from the treater. |
| US09150952B2 |
Deposition source and deposition apparatus including the same
A deposition source including: a dopant vaporization source; a first host vaporization source including a first vaporization source unit on a side of the dopant vaporization source and a second vaporization source unit on another side of the dopant vaporization source; and a second host vaporization source including a third vaporization source unit on the side of the dopant vaporization source and arranged in parallel with the first vaporization source unit, and a fourth vaporization source unit on the another side of the dopant vaporization source and arranged in parallel with the second vaporization source unit. |
| US09150946B2 |
Hot dip galvanized high strength steel sheet excellent in plating adhesion and hole expandability and method of production of same
The present invention provides hot dip galvanized high strength steel sheet excellent in plating adhesion and hole expandability and a method of production of the same, that is, hot dip galvanization steel sheet excellent in plating adhesion and hole expandability containing, by mass %, C: 0.08 to 0.35%, Si: 1.0% or less, Mn: 0.8 to 3.5%, P: 0.03% or less, S: 0.03% or less, Al: 0.25 to 1.8%, Mo: 0.05 to 0.35%, and N: 0.010% or less and having a balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities, said hot dip galvanized high strength steel characterized in that the steel sheet has a metal structure having ferrite, bainite, by area percent, 0.5% to 10% of tempered martensite, and, by volume percent, 5% or more of residual austenite, and a method of production comprising annealing by a continuous annealing process at 680 to 930° C. in temperature, then cooling to the martensite transformation point or less, then hot dip galvanizing the steel during which heating the steel to 250 to 600° C., then hot dip galvanizing it. |
| US09150944B2 |
Low sulfur nickel-base single crystal superalloy with PPM additions of lanthanum and yttrium
A single crystal casting having substantially improved high-temperature oxidation resistance, hot corrosion (sulfidation) resistance, and resistance to creep under high temperature and high stress is characterized by an as-cast composition comprising a maximum sulfur content of 0.5 ppm by weight, a maximum phosphorus content of 20 ppm by weight, a maximum nitrogen content of 3 ppm by weight, a maximum oxygen content of 3 ppm by weight, and a combined yttrium and lanthanum content of 5-80 pm by weight. It has been discovered that careful control of the deleterious impurities, particularly sulfur, phosphorus, nitrogen and oxygen, in combination with a carefully controlled addition of yttrium and/or lanthanum provides unexpected improvements in corrosion and oxidation resistance, while also enhancing high-temperature, high-stress resistance to creep, without any detrimental effects on other mechanical properties, processing or producability, particularly castability. |
| US09150943B2 |
Metallothermic reduction of in-situ generated titanium chloride
A method for producing a pure metal M or metal alloy MxNy, of interest, which comprises electrolyzing a molten salt electrolyte of an alkali-metal or alkaline-earth metal halide AX or AX2, with an anode formed of graphite or made of a composite of a metal oxide of the metal of interest and carbon, to discharge the alkali or alkaline-earth metal A, at the cathode, and to discharge nascent chlorine gas at the anode, whereby to produce a halide of the metal of interest MXn and/or NXn, and metallothermically reducing the metal halide MXn and/or NXn either separately or combined, with the alkali or alkaline-earth metal A, obtained cathodically to produce the metal M or the metal alloy MxNy of interest in particulate form. |
| US09150942B2 |
Process of leaching precious metals
The invention relates to modifications of a non-ammoniacal thiosulfate process of leaching precious metals (e.g. gold or silver) from precious metal-containing ores. The process involves leaching the ore with an aqueous lixiviant containing a soluble thiosulfate other than ammonium thiosulfate, a copper compound and an organic compound that serves as a copper ligand (i.e. a ligand-forming compound). Four modifications of this process are effective for increasing the amount of precious metal that can be extracted, reducing the consumption of materials, or for improving the rate of extraction. These four process, which may be used singly or in any combination, include (a) additions of soluble lead (e.g. as lead nitrate), (b) additions of thiourea, (c) increases in dissolved oxygen, and (d) increases of temperature at ambient pressure. This avoids the use environmentally harmful chemicals and allows for extraction from a variety of ores, e.g., containing substantial amounts of sulfides and/or quartz. |
| US09150941B2 |
Method for preventing crack formation and for slowing down the advancement of a crack in metal aircraft structures by means of laser shock rays
The present invention provides a method for preventing the forming of cracks and slowing the crack propagation in metallic airplane structural parts by laser shock peening with the following steps: Providing an airplane structural part having a crack; irradiating a first surface area of the airplane structural part close to the crack with a first pulsed laser beam having a first wavelength and a first pulsation frequency, wherein energy of the first laser beam is absorbed by the airplane structural part and a shock wave runs through the airplane structural part, which creates compressive prestressings in the airplane structural part. |
| US09150940B2 |
Alloyed hot-dip galvanized steel sheet
A high-strength alloyed hot-dip galvanized steel sheet obtained by subjecting the surface of a high-strength steel sheet to alloyed hot-dip galvanization, and formed from a steel sheet containing, in mass %, main components, and containing at least 40 vol % bainite and/or martensite, 8-60 vol % retained austenite, and less than 40 vol % ferrite, with the remainder comprising unavoidable structures. In the alloyed hot-dip galvanized steel sheet, the total thickness of the Gamma1 layer and the Gamma layer (Tgamma1+Tgamma) is 2 μm or less in the alloy layers formed by hot-dip galvanization, and the Gamma1 phase/Gamma phase thickness ratio (Tgamma1/Tgamma) is 1 or less. A tensile strength of 980 MPa or above can be easily imparted to the alloyed hot-dip galvanized steel sheet. The alloyed hot-dip galvanized steel sheet has excellent coating adherence, and coating separation during machining can be suppressed. |
| US09150936B2 |
Conditioning of biomass for improved C5/C6 sugar release prior to fermentation
Disclosed is an improvement in a conventional process for C5 and C6 sugar recovery from lignocellulosic biomass for fermentation to ethanol, which process including the conventional steps of pretreatment of the biomass with steam at elevated temperature and pressure, collection of C5 sugars from hemicellulose breakdown, cellulose hydrolysis and collection of C6 sugars from cellulose breakdown. The improvement includes conditioning of the biomass prior to the pretreatment step by heating the biomass with steam for a time period between 5 minutes to 60 minutes to achieve a steam treated biomass having a temperature of about 80 to 100° C.; and adjusting a moisture content of the steam treated biomass to about 45% to 80%. An increased recovery of C5 and C6 sugars is achieved compared to the conventional process. |
| US09150932B2 |
Methods and materials for detecting contaminated food products
This document provides methods and materials for detecting contaminated food products. For example, methods and materials for using an enzymatic amplification cascade of restriction endonucleases to detect nucleic acid of a microorganism or virus (e.g., a pathogen) within a sample (e.g., food product sample) being tested, thereby assessing a food product for possible contamination are provided. |
| US09150931B2 |
Food-poisoning bacteria detection carrier, and method for detecting food-poisoning bacteria
A plurality of probes are immobilized on a carrier for detecting food poisoning bacteria, the plurality of probes being selected, either alone or in combination, respectively from two or more groups among a first probe group for detecting Escherichia coli, a second probe group for detecting Listeria, a third probe group for detecting Campylobacter, a fourth probe group for detecting Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a fifth probe group for detecting Staphylococcus aureus, a sixth probe group for detecting Salmonella, and a seventh probe group for detecting Bacillus cereus. Two or more types of food poisoning bacteria among Escherichia coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, and Bacillus cereus can be specifically and simultaneously detected using the carrier. |
| US09150928B2 |
Diagnosing and monitoring CNS malignancies using MicroRNA
The use of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) present in CSF as biomarkers for particular brain malignancies and disease activity. |
| US09150921B2 |
Methods and materials for detecting genetic or epigenetic elements
This document provides methods and materials for detecting genetic and/or epigenetic elements. For example, methods and materials for detecting the presence or absence of target nucleic acid containing a genetic or epigenetic element, methods and materials for detecting the amount of target nucleic acid containing a genetic or epigenetic element within a sample, kits for detecting the presence or absence of target nucleic acid containing a genetic or epigenetic element, kits for detecting the amount of target nucleic acid containing a genetic or epigenetic element present within a sample, and methods for making such kits are provided. |
| US09150919B2 |
Methods and compositions to detect and differentiate small RNAs in RNA maturation pathway
Methods to specifically detect and differentiate one or more small RNAs in miRNA maturation pathway. |
| US09150909B2 |
Determination of the integrity of RNA
Methods, systems, and apparatus make a determination of a level of integrity of a sample of biomolecules. For example, the determination of the integrity of RNA in a sample may be done in a fast and reproducible manner, such that the user can be assured of accuracy of a test (e.g. quantitative polymerase chain reaction qPCR) on the sample and compare results of different samples. The determination of integrity of an RNA sample is performed by comparing a size profile to reference size profiles (degradation standards) obtained from degradation over different lengths of times. As the reference scale of the level of integrity is derived from the actual degradation that occurs in a sample, high accuracy, reproducibility, and efficiency is provided. |
| US09150905B2 |
Compositions and method for measuring and calibrating amplification bias in multiplexed PCR reactions
Compositions and methods are described for standardizing the DNA amplification efficiencies of a highly heterogeneous set of oligonucleotide primers as may typically be used to amplify a heterogeneous set of DNA templates that contains rearranged lymphoid cell DNA encoding T cell receptors (TCR) or immunoglobulins (IG). The presently disclosed embodiments are useful to overcome undesirable bias in the utilization of a subset of amplification primers, which leads to imprecision in multiplexed high throughput sequencing of amplification products to quantify unique TCR or Ig encoding genomes in a sample. Provided is a composition comprising a diverse plurality of template oligonucleotides in substantially equimolar amounts, for use as a calibration standard for amplification primer sets. Also provided are methods for identifying and correcting biased primer efficiency during amplification. |
| US09150903B2 |
Method of increasing plasmin activity through antiplasmin conversion
Methods for increasing plasmin activity in a patient in need thereof are provided, comprising administering to the patient a therapeutic amount of an agent which binds to α2-antiplasmin at a binding site to increase conversion of cc2-antiplasmin from an inhibitor to a plasmin substrate, thereby increasing plasmin activity in the patient. Also provided are methods for the identification of compounds or molecules that increase plasmin activity, comprising determining whether the compound or molecule binds to a binding site on α2-antiplasmin which increases the conversion of α2-antiplasmin from an inhibitor to a plasmin substrate, wherein the compound or molecule is not an antibody, thereby identifying a compound or molecule which increases plasmin activity. Further provided are pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use thereof for the treatment of myocardial infarction, thrombosis, ischemic stroke, and pulmonary embolism. |
| US09150900B2 |
Automated transfer mechanism for microbial detection apparatus
The present invention is directed to a method and automated transfer means for transferring a container within an apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention may include a means for automated loading, a means for automated transfer and/or a means for automated unloading of a container (e.g., a specimen container). In one embodiment, the apparatus can be an automated detection apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample. The detection system also including a heated enclosure, a holding means or rack, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent. In other embodiment, the automated instrument may include one or more, bar code readers, scanners, cameras, and/or weighing stations to aid in scanning, reading, imaging and weighing of specimen containers within the system. |
| US09150898B2 |
Heterologous expression of Neisserial proteins
Alternative and improved approaches to the heterologous expression of the proteins of Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are disclosed. These approaches typically affect the level of expression, the ease of purification, the cellular localization, and/or the immunological properties of the expressed protein. |
| US09150896B2 |
Nucleotides and primers with removable blocking groups
Provided herein is a method of amplifying nucleic acids using a plurality of modified nucleotides one or more of the nucleotides comprising a 3′ blocking group. Also provided is a method of amplifying nucleic acids using oligonucleotide primers one or both of the primers comprising a 3′ blocking group on one or more of the nucleotides of the primers. |
| US09150894B2 |
Process for purifying lipopeptides
The present invention relates to a process for purifying lipopeptides. More particular, the invention provides an improved method for purifying daptomycin. |
| US09150893B2 |
Compositions and methods of producing methionine
Described herein are microorganisms that produce methionine and related products from endogenous genes in a transsulfuration pathway, as well as from exogenous genes providing a direct sulfhydrylation pathway. Novel genes that are useful for methionine and SAMe production are disclosed. |
| US09150888B2 |
Engineered CO2 fixing microorganisms producing carbon-based products of interest
The present disclosure identifies pathways and mechanisms to confer production of carbon-based products of interest such as ethanol, ethylene, chemicals, polymers, n-alkanes, isoprenoids, pharmaceutical products or intermediates thereof in photoautotrophic organisms such that these organisms efficiently convert carbon dioxide and light into carbon-based products of interest, and in particular the use of such organisms for the commercial production of ethanol, ethylene, chemicals, polymers, n-alkanes, isoprenoids, pharmaceutical products or intermediates thereof. |
| US09150884B2 |
Microbial conversion of glucose to styrene and its derivatives
A method for the in vivo production of styrene from renewable substrates using a recombinant microorganism is disclosed. Additionally, a method for the in vivo production of styrene oxide from renewable substrates using a recombinant microorganism is also disclosed. In both cases, the host cell expresses at least one gene encoding a polypeptide that possesses phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity in addition to at least one gene encoding a polypeptide that possesses trans-cinnamic acid decarboxylase activity. In the case of styrene oxide, the host cell must additionally express at least one gene encoding a polypeptide that possesses styrene monooxygenase activity. |
| US09150878B2 |
Lettuce variety 41-26 RZ, “reverte RZ”
The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 41-26 RZ, which exhibits a combination of traits inclusing resistance against downy mildew races Bl:1 to Bl:28 and Ca-V to Ca-VIII, resistance against currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) biotype Nr:0, resistance against Lettuce Mosaic Virus (LMV)), as well as medium green mature leaves with a hollow main vein. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 41-26 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 41-26 RZ. |
| US09150873B2 |
Plants which synthesize increased amounts of glucosaminoglycans
The present invention relates to plant cells and plants which synthesize an increased amount of glucosaminoglycans, and to methods for preparing such plants, and also to methods for preparing glucosaminoglycans with the aid of these plant cells or plants. Here, plant cells or genetically modified plants according to the invention have glucosaminoglycan synthase activity and additionally an increased glucosamine 6-phosphate acetyltransferase activity and an increased UDP-N-acetyl-glucosamine pyrophosphorylase activity compared to wild-type plant cells or wild-type plants. The present invention furthermore relates to compositions comprising plant cells having an increased glucosaminoglycan synthesis. |
| US09150867B2 |
DNA aptamers for promoting remyelination
Materials and methods related to using multimeric DNA aptamers to treat demyelinating diseases are provided herein. |
| US09150866B2 |
Apparatus and method for single-cycle selection of aptamers
A method for single-cycle selection of aptamers is provided. More specifically, a method comprising single-cycle selection of aptamers for proteins blotted on a membrane is provided. In some embodiments, the present methods can comprise a deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) mediated aptamers selection strategy that may be capable of isolating strong binding aptamers for target proteins from a crude protein extract. Aptamers selected using the present method are further provided. More specifically, the presently selected aptamers may be thermally stable, modifiable and easily produced through single-cycle synthesis process. The present aptamers may provide unique affinity reagents for use in diagnosing and detecting infectious disease (for example Hepatitis B), for research and biochemical studies (e.g. into molecular mechanisms). Further, the present aptamers may be utilized to develop unique assays or kits for clinical application, such as monitoring disease treatment and outcome. |
| US09150861B2 |
Therapeutic alteration of transplantable tissues through in situ or ex vivo exposure to RNA interference molecules
The present invention, at least in part, relates to the discovery of efficacious delivery of an RNAi agent (in preferred aspects of the invention, an siRNA) to a transplantable tissue. Organ rejection, transplantation-mediated transmission of viral infection, and triggering of apoptosis in transplanted tissues can each be minimized by the methods and compositions of the instant invention. The RNAi agent(s) of the instant invention can be delivered as “naked” molecules, or using liposomal and other modes of delivery, to transplantable tissues. Such delivery can occur via perfusion of the RNAi agent in solution through the vasculature of a whole or partial organ; or tissues including transplantable cells and cell lines may be bathed, injected or otherwise treated with RNAi agents. Preferred transplantable tissues include, for example, pancreas, liver, kidney, heart, lung, and all cells and cell lines derived from such tissues (e.g., pancreatic islet cells that may, e.g., be transplanted as a treated population). |
| US09150857B2 |
Targeting microRNAs for the treatment of liver cancer
Provided herein are methods for the treatment of liver cancer. These methods encompass the administration of a compound comprising a modified oligonucleotide, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is targeted to a miRNA. Also provided herein are compositions for the treatment of liver cancer. Such compositions include compounds comprising a modified oligonucleotide, wherein the modified oligonucleotide is targeted to a miRNA. Certain miRNAs have been identified as overexpressed in liver cancer, such as, for example, hepatocellular carcinoma, and are thus selected for targeting by modified oligonucleotides. Further, certain miRNAs have been identified as overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma cells exposed to dioxin, and are thus selected for targeting by modified oligonucleotides. Antisense inhibition of certain of these miRNAs has been found to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis. |
| US09150855B2 |
Methods for diagnosing bone or cardiovascular disorders
The invention relates to methods for diagnosing bone disorders and/or cardiovascular disorders in a subject, by contacting a biological sample from the subject with (a) a nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes to miR-31 or its 5 or 3′ isoforms or variants, or (b) an agent that binds to miR-31 or its 5′ or 3′ isoforms or variants; detecting and evaluating the hybridization signal of the nucleic acid molecule or agent with a polynucleotide or said miR-31 or its 5′ or 3′ isoforms or variants; and comparing the detected and evaluated hybridization or binding signal with that of a control sample, wherein a stronger hybridization signal or a stronger binding signal in the sample of the subject compared to that of the control sample is indicative for a risk of developing or having a bone disorder and/or cardiovascular disorder. |
| US09150853B2 |
Methods for screening proteins using DNA encoded chemical libraries as templates for enzyme catalysis
Disclosed are methods, compositions and devices for screening a protein library for proteins having a desired activity, such as capable of catalyzing the formation of a bond between two reactants. In an exemplary embodiments, a plurality of proteins are expressed in vitro from a plurality of nucleic acids, the plurality of proteins are exposed with two single stranded oligonucleotides having complementary sequences, each oligonucleotide having a reactant and a fluorophore, the fluorescence of the protein-reactant-oligonucleotide-fluorophore complexes is detected and the complexes showing detectable fluorescence energy transfer are isolated, thereby isolating proteins having the desired enzymatic activity. |
| US09150852B2 |
Compositions and methods for molecular labeling
The invention provides barcode libraries and methods of making and using them including obtaining a plurality of nucleic acid constructs in which each construct comprises a unique N-mer and a functional N-mer and segregating the constructs into a fluid compartments such that each compartment contains one or more copies of a unique construct. The invention further provides methods for digital PCR and for use of barcode libraries in digital PCR. |
| US09150849B2 |
Directed evolution using proteins comprising unnatural amino acids
The invention provides methods and compositions for screening polypeptide libraries that include variants comprising unnatural amino acids. In addition, the invention provides vector packaging systems and methods for packaging a nucleic acid in a vector. Compositions of vectors produced by the methods and systems are also provided. |
| US09150848B2 |
Conjugated factor VIII molecules
The present invention relates to B-domain truncated Factor VIII molecules with a modified circulatory half life, said molecule being covalently conjugated with a hydrophilic polymer. The invention furthermore relates to methods for obtaining such molecules as well as use of such molecules. |
| US09150847B2 |
Methods and compositions for regulation of transgene expression
Nucleases and methods of using these nucleases for expressing a transgene from a safe harbor locus in a secretory tissue, and clones and animals derived therefrom. |
| US09150846B2 |
P97-antibody conjugates and methods of use
The present invention provides p97-antibody conjugates and related compositions and methods, which may be used in any of a variety of therapeutic methods, including methods for the treatment of cancers such as Her2/neu-expressing and Her1/EGFR-expressing cancers. |
| US09150844B2 |
Protein fusion constructs possessing thrombolytic and anticoagulant properties
The present invention discloses novel hybrid proteins that have both plasminogen activator and anti-thrombotic properties, including clot specific action, that renders these as highly advantageous for the treatment of circulatory disorders involving fibrin clot formation due to underlying tissue damage in the blood vessels leading to myocardial infarction, strokes etc. Also disclosed are new proteins, and methods of obtaining the same, that help to dissolve blood clots by activating plasminogen in a plasmin or thrombin dependent manner and also inhibit both the activity and generation of thrombin through the intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation. |
| US09150841B2 |
Cells for producing recombinant iduronate-2-sulfatase
The present invention provides, among other things, methods and compositions for production of recombinant I2S protein with improved potency and activity using cells co-express I2S and FGE protein. In some embodiments, cells according to the present invention are engineered to simultaneously over-express recombinant I2S and FGE proteins. Cells according to the invention are adaptable to various cell culture conditions. In some embodiments, cells of the present invention adaptable to a large-scale suspension serum-free culture. |
| US09150833B2 |
Differentiation of human embryonic stem cells
The present invention provides methods to promote the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into insulin producing cells. In particular, the present invention provides a method to produce cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage that co-express NKX6.1 and insulin and minimal amounts of glucagon. |
| US09150832B2 |
Cell training for local field stimulation
A system is provided for stimulating one or more cells, wherein the stimulation is sub-threshold and may alter a transmembrane potential of the one or more cells. For some populations of cells it may be possible to affect the transmembrane potential to gain a therapeutic benefit. Cells of the sino-atrial node spontaneously depolarize predominantly due to the slow depolarization of transmembrane potential. The present system may provide sino-atrial cells with a local field stimulation that while not eliciting an action potential may nonetheless alter local transmembrane potential. Such alteration of transmembrane potential may permit an increase or decrease in a rate of depolarization, and hence modify heart rate. |
| US09150828B2 |
Lactobacillus mutant, nucleotide sequence for Lactobacillus mutant and primers for nucleotide sequence of Lactobacillus mutant
The present invention relates to a lactobacillus mutant, a nucleotide sequence for lactobacillus mutant, and primers for nucleotide sequence of lactobacillus mutant. The lactobacillus mutant is Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei NTU 101 having the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO 1, and deposited with Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen and Zellkulturen GmbH (DSMZ, Inhoffenstr. 7B, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany) on Nov. 18, 2013, wherein the accession number of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei NTU 101 is DSM 28047. In the present invention, a nucleotide sequence for NTU 101 and the primers for the nucleotide sequence are proposed in order to facilitate the person skilled in Lactobacillus filed capable of carrying out the strain (mutant) identification of the NTU 101 according to the present invention. Moreover, the person skilled in Lactobacillus filed can also rapidly complete the strain (mutant) identification of the NTU 101 by using DNA molecular marker technology, without culturing any isolated Lactobacillus strain or live Lactobacillus bacteria. |
| US09150827B2 |
Method for the fermentative production of L-amino acids with the aid of coryneform bacteria capable of using glycerin as the only carbon source
A method for producing an L-amino acid comprising: a) cultivating in a medium containing glycerol a recombinant coryneform bacteria which produces the desired L-amino acid and which expresses at least one heterologous polynucleotide of glycerol metabolism, such as glpA, glpB, glpC, glpD, glpE, glpF, glpG, glpK, glpQ, gipT, glpX, gldA, dhaK, dhaL, dhaM, dhaR, fsa, and/or talC, and b) isolating the desired L-amino acid. Preferably, the pathways producing the desired L-amino acid in the coryneform bacteria are amplified. |
| US09150824B2 |
Additive having ultraviolet radiation protection for a laundry detergent
A method for treating a fabric for protection from ultraviolet radiation is disclosed which comprises the steps of dispensing a suspension of zinc oxide particles treated with an acid polymer into a washing machine during a time in which a fabric is being washed in the washing machine and mixing the treated zinc oxide particles and the fabric for the treated zinc oxide particles to bind to the fabric. Other methods for treating a fabric for protection from ultraviolet radiation are also disclosed. |
| US09150822B2 |
Fabric conditioners
An aqueous fabric conditioner composition comprising (a) from 2 to 9 wt % of a fabric softening active, by weight of the total composition, wherein the fabric softening active is an ester-linked quaternary ammonium compound having fatty acid chains comprising from 20 to 35 wt % of saturated C18 chains and from 20 to 35 wt % of monounsaturated C18 chains, by weight of total fatty acid chains; and (b) from 0.01 to 0.5 wt %, by weight of the total composition, of a floc prevention agent, which is a non-ionic alkoxylated material having an HLB value of from 8 to 18, wherein the aqueous fabric conditioner composition has a viscosity of greater than 50 cps, preferably from 55 to 200 cps as measured on a cup and bob viscometer; the viscosity being continuously measured under shear at 106 s″1 for 60 seconds, at 25° C. and wherein the composition leads to little or no floc formation upon addition to water. |
| US09150821B2 |
Highly concentrated liquid washing or cleaning composition
The application describes a highly concentrated, liquid washing or cleaning agent which contains a) 18 to 35 wt. %, relative to the entire washing or cleaning agent, of anionic surfactant of the sulfonate type selected from the group consisting of C9-13 alkylbenzenesulfonates, olefinsulfonates, sulfonated estolides, C12-18 alkanesulfonates and mixtures thereof, b) 15 to 25 wt. %, relative to the entire washing or cleaning agent, of nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated fatty alcohols, alkoxylated oxo alcohols, alkyl polyglycosides and mixtures thereof, c) 2 to 15 wt. %, relative to the entire washing or cleaning agent, of anionic surfactant of the sulfate type selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohol sulfates, fatty alcohol ether sulfates and mixtures thereof and d) 0.5 to 20 wt. %, relative to the entire washing or cleaning agent, of fatty acid and/or fatty acid soap. |
| US09150819B2 |
Solid fabric conditioner composition and method of use
The present invention relates to a composition and method for treating a textile under industrial and institutional fabric care conditions to impart softness with reduced yellowing. More particularly, the present invention relates to a solid fabric conditioning composition and a method for treating a textile with a solid fabric conditioning composition. |
| US09150814B2 |
Filter apparatus
A filter apparatus (10) for cleaning functional fluids, especially selected from phosphate esters, phosphate ester-based oils, mineral oils and phenols, includes a filter housing (12) into which a filter bed (14) has been introduced. The filter bed has a mixture of anionic and cationic ion exchange resins. At least one filter element (16), designed as a flow guide device, enables the diversion of the fluid from a radial to an axial flow direction (18) or vice versa. |
| US09150811B2 |
Method for improving copper corrosion performance
Disclosed is a method for improving copper corrosion performance of a lubricating oil composition containing (a) a major amount of a base oil of lubricating viscosity; and (b) one or more dispersants containing one or more basic nitrogen atoms. The method involves adding to the lubricating oil composition an effective amount of one or more copper corrosion performance improving agents containing one or more oil-soluble titanium compounds. |
| US09150809B2 |
Thickener, grease, method for producing the same, and grease-packed bearing
The present invention provides a thickener which allows grease having an excellent durability in a high-temperature and high-speed condition to be produced, the grease containing the thickener, a method of producing the thickener and the grease, and a grease-packed bearing. A grease (7) to be packed in a bearing (1) is obtained by adding a thickener for a grease comprising a compound shown by a chemical formula (1) shown below or a compound shown by a chemical formula (2) shown below; In the chemical formula (1) or the chemical formula (2), R1 shows a diamine residue or a diisocyanate residue; R2 shows a residue of a dicarboxylic acid in which two adjacent carbon atoms form an imide ring or residues of derivative of the dicarboxylic acid; R3 shows a tetracarboxylic acid residue or residues of derivatives of the tetracarboxylic acid; R4 shows a hydrogen atom residue, a monoamine residue or a monoisocyanate residue; and n indicates integers of 0 through 5. |
| US09150808B2 |
Multifunctional cooling additives for middle distillates, having an improved flow capability
The present invention relates to cooling additives for middle distillates, containing A) at least one polyester of formula (A1) wherein one of the radicals R1 to R4 represents a linear C16-C40 alkyl or alkenyl radical and the remainder of the radicals R1 to R4 represent, independently of one another, hydrogen or an alkyl radical having 1 to 3 C atoms, R5 is a C—C bond or an alkylene radical having 1 to 6 C atoms, R16 is a hydrocarbon group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, n is an integer from 1 to 100, m is an integer from 3 to 250, p is 0 or 1, and q is 0 or 1, B) at least one copolymer of ethylene and of at least one ethylenically unsaturated ester, the copolymer having a melt viscosity, measured at 140 DEG C., of at most 5000 mPas, and C) at least one organic solvent. |
| US09150807B2 |
System and method for processing an input fuel gas and steam to produce carbon dioxide and an output fuel gas
A method and system for processing an input fuel gas and steam to produce separate CO2 and output fuel gas streams. The method comprises the steps of using a decarbonizer segment for reacting at least a solid sorbent with the fuel gas and steam to remove carbon from the input fuel gas and to produce the output fuel gas stream in an exhaust gas from the decarbonizer; using a calciner segment for reacting the solid sorbent from the decarbonizer segment therein to release the CO2 into the CO2 gas stream; wherein CO2 partial pressures and temperatures in the decarbonizer and calciner segments respectively are controlled such that the temperature in the decarbonizer segment is higher than the temperature in the calciner. |
| US09150806B1 |
Microwave induced plasma cleaning device and method for producer gas
A device and method for cleaning producer gas includes a filter bed chamber, a microwave chamber, a first catalytic chamber and a second catalytic chamber. The filter bed chamber comprises an inlet for carbon-based material and a spent carbon outlet. The microwave chamber comprises a permeable top and wave guides around the perimeter through which microwaves can be introduced into the device using magnetrons. The first catalytic chamber is connected to the microwave chamber, and the second catalytic chamber is connected to the first catalytic chamber. The method comprises using the device by filling the filter bed chamber with carbon-based material, introducing microwaves into the microwave chamber using the magnetrons and wave guides, dissociating heavy carbons entrained within the gas by passing the gas through carbon-based material in the filter bed chamber, the microwave chamber, the first catalytic chamber and the second catalytic chamber. |
| US09150804B2 |
Methods to facilitate substitute natural gas production
A method of producing substitute natural gas (SNG) includes providing a gasification reactor having a cavity defined at least partially by a first wall. The reactor also includes a first passage defined at least partially by at least a portion of the first wall and a second wall, wherein the first passage is in heat transfer communication with the first wall. The reactor further includes a second passage defined at least partially by at least a portion of the second wall and a third wall. The method also includes coupling the cavity in flow communication with the first and second passages. The method further includes producing a first synthetic gas (syngas) stream within the cavity. The method also includes channeling at least a portion of the first syngas stream to the first and second passages. |
| US09150803B2 |
Systems and methods for biomass grinding and feeding
A method, apparatus, and system for a solar-driven bio-refinery that may include a entrained-flow biomass feed system that is feedstock flexible via particle size control of the biomass. Some embodiments include a chemical reactor that receives concentrated solar thermal energy from an array of heliostats. The entrained-flow biomass feed system can use an entrainment carrier gas and supplies a variety of biomass sources fed as particles into the solar-driven chemical reactor. Biomass sources in a raw state or partially torrified state may be used, as long as parameters such as particle size of the biomass are controlled. Additionally, concentrated solar thermal energy can drive gasification of the particles. An on-site fuel synthesis reactor may receive the hydrogen and carbon monoxide products from the gasification reaction use the hydrogen and carbon monoxide products in a hydrocarbon fuel synthesis process to create a liquid hydrocarbon fuel. |
| US09150797B2 |
Process and apparatus for recovering hydroprocessed hydrocarbons with single product fractionation column
A hot stripped hydroprocessed stream from a stripper column may be sent directly to a vacuum fractionation column instead of being first processed in an atmospheric fractionation column. If a separate warm stripper column is used, both the warm stripped stream and a hot stripped stream may be fractionated in the same fractionation column, particularly a vacuum fractionation column. |
| US09150794B2 |
Solvent de-asphalting with cyclonic separation
The present invention relates to a method of improving a heavy hydrocarbon, such as bitumen, to a lighter more fluid product and, more specifically, to a final hydrocarbon product that is refinery-ready and meets pipeline transport criteria without the addition of diluent. A solid asphaltene by-product is created for easy handling and further processing. The invention is targeted to enhance Canadian bitumen, but has general application in improving any heavy hydrocarbon. |
| US09150786B2 |
Polymerizable monomer compound, liquid crystal composition, and liquid crystal display device
A novel polymerizable monomer compound that can be used for a variety of liquid crystal devices is provided. Particularly, a novel liquid crystal composition including the novel polymerizable monomer compound and exhibiting a blue phase is provided. Further, a liquid crystal display device manufactured with the use of the liquid crystal composition is provided. A polymerizable monomer compound represented by the following general formula (G1) is provided. In the general formula (G1), n and m are individually an integer from 1 to 20 and may be the same as or different from each other, and R1 and R2 individually represent hydrogen or a methyl group. |
| US09150779B2 |
Well treatment fluid compositions and methods of use that include a delayed release percarbonate formulation
A well treatment fluid and method of use includes water, at least one hydratable polymer, an optional crosslinking agent, and a delayed release percarbonate formulation effective to reduce initial viscosity of the fluid after a period of time. Also disclosed are processes for fracturing a subterranean formation. |
| US09150776B2 |
Additives for improving hydrocarbon recovery
A hydrocarbon from a subterranean formation can be recovered by contacting the hydrocarbon with water or steam and one or more additives. The hydrocarbon can be selected from heavy or light crude oil, bitumen, an oil sand ore, a tar sand ore, and combinations thereof. The additive can be, for example, an aromatic hydrocarbon. The water or steam and the additive can be injected into the subterranean formation. Compositions or mixtures include hydrocarbons, water or steam, and additives. |
| US09150770B2 |
Composition comprising cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, apparatus containing same and methods of producing cooling therein
A chiller apparatus containing a composition comprising cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene. |
| US09150768B2 |
Azeotrope-like compositions comprising 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene
The present invention relates, in part, to ternary azeotropic compositions and mixtures including chlorotrifluoropropene, methanol, and a third component selected from isohexane, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, and petroleum ether. The present invention further relates to ternary azeotropic compositions and mixtures including chlorotrifluoropropene, cyclopentane, and a alcohol selected from methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol. |
| US09150767B2 |
Deicing composition
The present invention relates to a deicing composition comprising (i) a deicing agent selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium acetate, sodium acetate, sodium formate, potassium formate, (ii) a native protein, and (iii) a thickener. It furthermore relates to a process for preparing said deicing composition and to a process for deicing a surface using said deicing composition. |
| US09150766B2 |
Moisture absorbing anti-fog composition and process for the use thereof
An anti-fog composition is provided that includes a superabsorbent polymer that along with a wetting agent are dissolved in a solvent. The superabsorbent polymer excludes hydroxylated acrylate and methacrylate polymers. The composition upon being applied to a substrate with the excess composition removed, an anti-fog film is formed on the substrate without resort to heat treatment and vacuum processing or other complex application processes associated with. The composition is well suited for formation of an end user kit for applying such a film to a substrate. Such a kit includes a container for the composition or a wipe wet with the composition. The container being a bottle or a propellant filled aerosol canister. Upon wiping residual composition from the substrate, the anti-fog film is produced without resort to prior art and complex application processes. |
| US09150765B2 |
Transfer assisted screen printing method of making shaped abrasive particles and the resulting shaped abrasive particles
Shaped ceramic articles can be obtained by screen printing the desired shapes from a dispersion of a precursor of the ceramic onto a receiving surface using a transfer assisted technique that applies a differential pressure, at least partially drying the screen printed shapes, and firing them to generate the shaped ceramic articles. Shaped abrasive particles made using lower viscosity sol gels that tended to flow or creep after the screen printing formation were found to have higher grinding performance over screen printed shaped abrasive particles made with higher viscosity sol gels. |
| US09150764B2 |
Polyurethane foam composition
Single component compositions for making a moisture-cured polyurethane foam are disclosed. Foam produced from the compositions of the present invention produce very low foaming pressure due to their 60-95 percent open-cell content. After these compositions are applied and cure, they form a permanent seal around the perimeter of installed fenestration products. |
| US09150757B2 |
Durable ceramic nanocomposite thermal barrier coatings for metals and refractories
A coating composition for metal or refractories includes a polysilazane resin; and one or more additives that alter the thermal conductivity and/or the abrasion resistance of the cured polysilazane resin. The coating composition may be applied to a metal or refractory material substrate and heated to form a ceramic layer on the substrate. The ceramic layer exhibits lower thermal conductivity and increased abrasion resistance. |
| US09150756B2 |
Sampling device for substance detection instrument
A sampling device for a substance detection instrument includes a membrane comprising a porous support having a coating thereon, the coating comprising a carborane polysiloxane or an arylene polysiloxane, the membrane having a front side configured to be placed in contact with a test sample and a back side; a sample line having an inlet proximate to the back side of the membrane and an outlet in fluid communication with a substance detector; and a source of carrier gas in fluid communication with the back side of the membrane and the sample line inlet. |
| US09150755B2 |
Silicone composition that can be cross-linked by means of dehydrogenative condensation in the presence of a carbene-type catalyst
The invention relates to a silicone composition comprising components bearing ≡SiH/≡SiOH groups, which can be polymerized/cross-linked by means of a dehydrogenative condensation reaction in the presence of a carbene-type catalyst in solution. |
| US09150748B1 |
Polyethylene glycol based oligomers for coating nanoparticles, nanoparticles coated therewith, and related methods
In a composition aspect of the invention, a nanoparticle coating comprises repeating polyacrylic acid monomers covalently bound together to form an aliphatic chain having a plurality of carboxylic acid functional groups and modified carboxylic acid functional groups extending therefrom. A first portion of the modified carboxylic acid functional groups are modified by a PEG oligomer having a terminal methoxy functional group and a second portion of the modified carboxylic acid functional groups are modified by a PEG oligomer having at least one terminal sulfur moiety. |
| US09150747B2 |
Self designed fashion wear and other articles
Erasable paintings used to paint a design on the at least one paintable surface of the footwear. The erasable paintings are insoluble in water and thus can withstand any weather conditions. The present invention also provides an erasing solution for completely erasing the erasable from the paintable surface. The present invention also provides an article of footwear having at least one paintable surface and at least one erasable painting. The article of footwear may also include an erasing solvent to erase the at least one erasable painting. The article of footwear may also include a spray and/or liquid to make the painting permanent and/or a painting instrument. The article of footwear may also include various accessories. |
| US09150742B2 |
Linear polyester resins and improved lithographic inks
The present invention describes a linear polyester resin comprising a di-epoxide monomer and a di-acid monomer useful in energy curable lithographic inks. The linear polyester resin exhibits a number average molecular weight less than 20,000. The present invention also describes an energy curable lithographic ink formulation including the linear polyester resin. The ink exhibits improved print density, print contrast, water window and rheological (total body) characteristics. |
| US09150738B2 |
Process for the production of precipitated calcium carbonate, precipitated calcium carbonate and uses thereof
The present invention relates to a process for the production of precipitated calcium carbonate, comprising the following steps: a) providing a reaction vessel containing an aqueous phase at an initial temperature; b) injecting a carbon dioxide generating compound into the aqueous phase until the pH of the aqueous phase is in the range of around 5 to around 7; and c) subsequently adding a calcium hydroxide slurry at an initial temperature to the reaction vessel while continuing the injection of the carbon dioxide generating compound, in order to obtain an aqueous slurry of the precipitated calcium carbonate. The addition rate of the calcium hydroxide slurry to the reaction vessel in step c) is such that an average electrical conductivity of the reaction contents in the reaction vessel during the reaction is in a range of 100 to 6 000 μS/cm. |
| US09150737B2 |
Composition and methods for providing coatings; materials; application techniques; and, resulting coated substrates
Techniques and compositions for applying films to a variety of substrates, from water-borne coating compositions, are provided. The techniques involve providing desiccant and applying the desiccant with water-borne film-forming composition, in application to a substrate. The desiccant composition provides for take up of free water in of the film-forming composition, without total reliance on ambient conditions, to advantage. Compositions, methods, techniques and resulting constructions are described. The techniques can be applied in wet thick film applications, but are not limited to such applications. |
| US09150736B2 |
Methods of coating an electrically conductive substrate and related electrodepositable compositions
Methods are disclosed in which an electrically conductive substrate is immersed into an electrodepositable composition, the substrate serving as an electrode in an electrical circuit comprising the electrode and a counter-electrode immersed in the composition, a coating being applied onto or over at least a portion of the substrate as electric current is passed between the electrodes. The electrodepositable composition comprises: (a) an aqueous medium; (b) an ionic resin; and (c) solid particles. |
| US09150735B2 |
Superhydrophilic and water-capturing surfaces
A coated substrate includes a substrate and a coating containing a water insoluble polymer and a water soluble polymer, the two polymers, due to different water affinity, forming a nanosegregant on the substrate. Also disclosed are a method of preparing the above-described coated substrate and the use of this coated substrate in a solid-state supercapacitor. |
| US09150732B2 |
Aqueous emulsion polymers, their preparation and use
The present invention provides aqueous emulsion polymers comprising (A) monomers A (B) at least one (meth)acrylate with olefinically unsaturated side groups (monomers B), and (C) at least one photoinitiator, and also the use thereof in coating materials, more particularly in exterior architectural paints. |
| US09150730B2 |
Particulate wax composites and method for the production thereof and the use thereof
The invention relates to inorganic-organic composite particles, in particular composite nanoparticles, wherein the composite particles comprise at least one organically based material containing or being made of at least one wax and an inorganically based material, and to a method for the production thereof and to the use thereof. |
| US09150726B2 |
Heat-stabilized silicone mixture
Curable silicone mixture containing an alkenyl-functional silicone, an Si—H functional silicone, an epoxy-functional silicone, a ferrocene, and a hydrosilylation curing catalyst, provide thermally stable silicones which are also adherent. The compositions are particularly useful for embedding power semiconductor devices. |
| US09150722B2 |
Method for polymerisation of (meth)acrylic acid in solution, polymer solutions obtained and their uses
The present invention relates to a new solvent-free preparation method of a (meth)acrylic acid polymer in solution, where said polymer has a molecular weight less than 8,000 g/mol and a polydispersity IP index between 2 and 3 by radical polymerization, the polymers obtained by this means, and their applications in industry. |
| US09150719B2 |
Deformable, rigid polystyrene foam board
Provided are methods for producing a high strength, but easily deformed, polystyrene foam board that can endure repeated deformations from its original configuration into more complex curved shapes without damaging the board integrity or substantially reducing its structural strength. Also provided are rigid polystyrene foam boards produced by this method that exhibit improved bending and impact resistance while substantially retaining or improving other properties, for example, the thermal dimensional stability and fire resistance, exhibited by corresponding conventional XPS foam boards. The foamable compositions may incorporate one or more of a variety of polymer processing aids for the purpose of altering the performance of the final foam products, thereby allowing the properties of the final foam product to be customized to some degree. |
| US09150717B2 |
Controlled rheology formulations containing high melt strength polypropylene for extrusion coating
A process of extruding a blend of an irradiated first propylene polymer and a non-irradiated second propylene polymer, where the first propylene polymer comprises a non-phenolic stabilizer. The irradiation of the first propylene polymer extrudate is conducted in a reduced oxygen environment, and the irradiated first propylene polymer and the non-irradiated second propylene polymer are blended at a temperature below their respective melting points. The blend has a viscosity retention of 20 to 35%. |
| US09150716B2 |
Resin foam and foam sealing material
There is provided a resin foam excellent in dustproof performance, particularly dustproof performance in a dynamic environment. The resin foam of the present invention has a thickness recovery ratio of 65% or more, wherein the thickness recovery ratio is defined as a ratio of a thickness 1 second after releasing a compressed state to an initial thickness, when the resin foam is compressed for 1 minute in the thickness direction so as to give a thickness equal to 20% of the initial thickness in a 23° C. atmosphere; and then the compressed state is released in a 23° C. atmosphere. |
| US09150712B2 |
Rubber composition for tire tread
A rubber composition for a tire tread contains styrene-butadiene rubber in a compounding amount of 100 parts by weight, silica in a compounding amount of 90 to 170 parts by weight, and an aromatic modified terpene resin in a compounding amount of 10 to 30 parts by weight. The styrene-butadiene rubber contains 40 to 100% by weight of solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber (S-SBR1) and 60 to 0% by weight of solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber (S-SBR2), the total content thereof being 100% by weight. The S-SBR1 has a styrene content of 30 to 38% by weight and a vinyl content of 60 to 80% by weight, the total content thereof being 100% by weight, a glass transition temperature of −20 to −5° C., and a weight average molecular weight of 1,000,000 to 1,800,000. |
| US09150711B2 |
Flame retardant polyamide compositions
Predominately amino terminated phosphonamide oligomers and their use as flame retardant additives in polyamides and copolyamides without detracting from melt processability are described herein. Other important properties such as strength, modulus, dyeing and thermal stability are maintained. |
| US09150709B2 |
Epoxy resin compositions comprising a 2-oxo-[1,3] dioxolane derivative
Epoxy resin compositions comprising a) epoxy resins and b) at least one 2-oxo-[1,3]dioxolane derivative of the formula I in which one or two of the radicals R1 to R4 are an electron-withdrawing organic group having 1 to 20 C atoms or an electron-withdrawing heteroatom, and the remaining radicals R1 to R4 are independently of one another an H atom or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 C atoms. |
| US09150708B2 |
Adhesive with buffer system
An adhesive based on a polychloroprene dispersion is characterized in that a buffer system comprising at least one acid compound and glycerin is included in order to activate and stabilize the adhesive. A freeze-thaw stability of the adhesive is achieved by surprisingly high proportions of glycerin; however, a good initial adhesion is simultaneously ensured. The glycerin proportions range from 8-50 wt. %, preferably 14-40 wt. %, particularly preferably 22-30 wt. %. An organic acid is preferably used as the acid compound. |
| US09150703B2 |
Method of stabilizing siloxanes having terminal hydroxy groups
Siloxanes having terminal hydroxy groups, and which have a content of cyclic siloxanes of not more than 5% by weight, are stabilized by addition of ammonia in gaseous form or as a solution in a protic or aprotic solvent or in the form of an ammonia-releasing compound in amounts of at least 0.01 ppm by weight and not more than 100 ppm by weight, calculated as ammonia and based on the total weight of the siloxanes having terminal hydroxy groups. Ammonia in gaseous form is preferably used. |
| US09150702B2 |
Laser-marking additive
This invention relates to a laser-marking additive wherein the laser-marking additive comprises a bismuth containing compound and a functionalized polymer having 0.01 to 50 wt % of functional groups, in which the weight percentage is based on the total amount of functionalized polymer and bismuth containing compound. The invention further relates to a method for preparation of such laser-marking additive, a laser-markable composition comprising such laser-marking additives and preparation thereof and molded parts comprising the laser-markable composition, as well as films made from the laser-markable composition. |
| US09150695B2 |
Production method of cyclic polyarylene sulfide
There is provided a production method of a cyclic polyarylene sulfide from a reaction mixture including at least a sulfidizing agent (a), a dihalogenated aromatic compound (b) and an organic polar solvent (c). The production method includes: a process 1 of heating the reaction mixture having an arylene unit of not less than 0.80 mol but less than 1.05 mol per 1 mol of the sulfur content in the reaction mixture; and subsequent to the process 1, a process 2 of further causing the reaction to proceed after addition of the dihalogenated aromatic compound (b) to have the arylene unit of not less than 1.05 mol and not greater than 1.50 mol per 1 mol of the sulfur content in the reaction mixture. |
| US09150691B2 |
Polyamide, process for preparing same and uses thereof
The present invention relates to a novel polyamide synthesized from biosourced monomers. The novel polyamide comprises the repeating unit of formula I below: in which A represents a covalent bond or a divalent hydrocarbon-based group chosen from saturated or unsaturated aliphatics, saturated or unsaturated cycloaliphatics, aromatics comprising at least 5 carbon atoms, arylaliphatics and alkylaromatics; X represents a divalent group of formula II or III below: The present invention also relates to the process for preparing the said polyamide, to its uses, and to articles and compositions comprising the said polyamide. |
| US09150688B2 |
Copolymer, complex and method for releasing viruses using pH-dependence of the copolymer
A method for releasing viruses includes the steps of: preparing a first negatively charged complex, comprising a plurality of viruses, a plurality of polyethyleneimine particles, and a copolymer; transferring the complex to an acidic region, thereby transforming the complex into a positively charged complex to release a portion of the viruses in the acidic region; and transferring the complex to a non-acidic region, thereby transforming the positively charged complex into a negatively charged complex. One embodiment of the copolymer has the following chemical formula: wherein R1 represents aliphatic compounds or aromatic compounds, and R2 includes at least one negatively charged group. |
| US09150686B2 |
Epoxy compound having alkoxysilyl group, method of preparing the same, composition and cured product comprising the same, and uses thereof
Disclosed are an epoxy compound having an alkoxysilyl group, a composite of which exhibits good heat resistant properties and/or a cured product of which exhibits good flame retardant properties, a method of preparing the same, a composition comprising the same, and a cured product and a use of the composition. An alkoxysilylated epoxy compound comprising at least one of Chemical Formula S1 substituent and at least two epoxy groups in a core, a method of preparing the epoxy compound by an allylation, a claisen rearrangement, an epoxidation and an alkoxysilylation, an epoxy composition comprising the epoxy compound, and a cured product and a use of the composition are provided. The composite of the disclosed exhibits improved chemical bonding, good heat resistant properties, a low CTE, a high glass transition temperature or Tg-less. The cured product of the composition exhibits good flame retardant properties. |
| US09150676B2 |
Thio-salalen catalyst
Catalysts comprising thio-salalen ligands. Also, catalyst systems comprising the catalyst and an activator; methods to prepare the ligands, catalysts and catalyst systems; processes to polymerize olefins using the catalysts and/or catalyst systems; and the olefin polymers prepared according to the processes. |
| US09150675B2 |
Comb polymers which can be used in cosmetics and detergents
A water-soluble copolymer comprising, by mass relative to the total mass of the copolymer: 1 to 40% of at least one cationic monomer; 59.99 to 98% of at least one nonionic monomer; 0.01 to 10% of at least one monomer of formula (I); in which: R1 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical; Z is a divalent group —C(═O)—O—, or —C(═O)—NH—; n is an integer between 2 and 200; R2 is a hydrogen atom or a carbon-containing radical which is saturated or unsaturated, optionally aromatic, linear, branched or cyclic, comprising 1 to 30 carbon atoms, and from 0 to 4 heteroatoms chosen from the group comprising O, N and S; the copolymer having a cationic charge density between 0.05 and 3 meq/g. |
| US09150674B2 |
Amphiphilic graft copolymers
A novel amphiphilic graft copolymer is described. A process to make amphiphilic graft copolymers via grafting either poly(ethylene oxide) or polylactide side chains onto an EVA platform using oxo-anion ring-opening polymerization chemistry is also described. Polyethylene or polypropylene based graft copolymers are prepared starting from poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) or maleic anhydride grafted isotactic polypropylene respectively. The amphiphilic character will result from the incorporation of hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) side-chains. Various applications of the novel amphiphilic graft copolymer are also described including, but not limited to, thermoplastic elastomer, films, fibers, fabrics, gels, breathable packaging materials, additive for biodegradable system, surfactant, antistatic additives, polymer compatibilizers, phase transfer catalysts, solid polymer electrolytes, biocompatible polymers, or incorporation into the materials listed above. |
| US09150673B2 |
Process for preparing (meth)acrylic esters
The invention relates to a process for preparing (meth)acrylic esters by esterifying (meth)acrylic acid or transesterifying at least one (meth)acrylic ester with at least one compound comprising at least one OH group in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst comprising at least one inorganic salt, wherein the esterification or transesterification is performed in the presence of 300 to 3000 ppm of water based on the total weight of the reaction mixture. |
| US09150671B2 |
Metal complex catalysts and polymerization methods employing same
A novel class of aminidate complexes can be used as an ingredient of a catalyst system. The catalyst system can be used in polymerizations of ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbon monomers. |
| US09150666B2 |
Hydrolytically stable, hydrophilic adhesion-promoting monomers and polymers made therefrom
Disclosed are compositions that comprise vinylarylalkylene ethers of cyclodextrins optionally containing ether-linked adhesion-promoting groups, in combination with copolymerizable monomer or monomers. The copolymerizable monomer or monomers may include vinylarylalkylene ethers of oligohydroxy compounds (for example, sorbitol divinylbenzyl ether and others). The composition further may include stabilizers (for example, 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-(tert)-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene and others), and polymerization initiators (for example, phenylbis[2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl]phosphine oxide and others) and reinforcing materials (for example, imogolite). Methods of preparing the compositions as well as the components of compositions and methods for their use in dental and other applications are also disclosed. |
| US09150665B2 |
Cellulose interpolymers and method of oxidation
This invention provides cellulose ester interpolymers, and methods of oxidizing cellulose interpolymers and cellulose ester interpolymers. The invention also provides routes to access carboxylated cellulose ester derivatives with high acid numbers wherein the carboxyl group is attached directly to the cellulose backbone by a carbon-carbon bond. Through functionalization of an intermediate aldehyde, the corresponding cationic or zwitterionic cellulose ester derivatives can also be accessed. The interpolymers of the present invention have a number of end-use applications, for example, as binder resins in various types of coating compositions and as drug delivery agents. |
| US09150662B2 |
Hybrid light chain mice
Genetically modified mice are provided that express human λ variable (hVλ) sequences, including mice that express hVλ sequences from an endogenous mouse λ light chain locus, mice that express hVλ sequences from an endogenous mouse κ light chain locus, and mice that express hVλ sequences from a transgene or an episome wherein the hVλ sequence is linked to a mouse constant sequence. Mice are provided that are a source of somatically mutated human λ variable sequences useful for making antigen-binding proteins. Compositions and methods for making antigen-binding proteins that comprise human λ variable sequences, including human antibodies, are provided. |
| US09150656B2 |
Antibodies reactive with B7-H3, immunologically active fragments thereof and uses thereof
The present invention relates to antibodies and their fragments that are immunoreactive to the mammalian, and more particularly, the human B7-H3 receptor and to uses thereof, particularly in the treatment of cancer and inflammation. The invention thus particularly concerns humanized B7-H3-reactive antibodies and their immunoreactive fragments that are capable of mediating, and more preferably enhancing the activation of the immune system against cancer cells that are associated with a variety of human cancers. |
| US09150649B2 |
Potent conjugates and hydrophilic linkers
Linkers for binding drugs to cell binding agents are modified to hydrophilic linkers by incorporating a polyethylene glycol spacer. The potency or the efficacy of the cell-binding agent-drug conjugates is surprisingly enhanced several folds in a variety of cancer cell types, including those expressing a low number of antigens on the cell surface or cancer cells that are resistant to treatment. A method for preparing maytansinoids bearing a thioether moiety and a reactive group which allows the maytansinoid to be linked to a cell-binding agent in essentially a single step is also provided. |
| US09150648B2 |
Anti-ASIC1 antibodies and uses thereof
The present invention provides antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof that specifically bind to cells expressing acid-sensing ion channel-1 (ASIC1). According to certain embodiments of the invention, the antibodies inhibit acid-induced, ASIC1-mediated ion currents in cells expressing human ASIC1. The antibodies of the invention are useful for the treatment of pain, including pain associated with surgical intervention and various diseases and disorders. |
| US09150644B2 |
Human monoclonal antibodies that bind insulin-like growth factor (IGF) I and II
Disclosed herein are human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind both IGF-I and IGF-II with picomolar affinity and potently inhibit the IGF-IR signal transduction function. These antibodies are active in both an IgG and a scFv format. Bispecific forms of these antibodies are also disclosed. Nucleic acids encoding these antibodies, vectors including these nucleic acids, and host cells transformed with these vectors are also disclosed herein. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions including these antibodies. Methods are provided for treating a subject with cancer and for inhibiting phosphorylation of the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor. Methods are also provided for diagnosing cancer. |
| US09150642B2 |
Anti-KTPAF50 antibodies and their uses in therapeutic and diagnostic methods
Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies which specifically recognize the KTPAF50 protein, and compositions comprising thereof are provided. Also provided are uses of the KTPAF50-specific antibodies, in the diagnosis and therapeutic of conditions such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, graft rejection, neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes. |
| US09150640B2 |
Method for the production of variable domains
The present invention provides methods for the expression and/or production of variable domains with a C-terminal extension that can be used for coupling of the variable domain to one or more further groups, residues or moieties. In the method of the invention a yield of at least 80% of variable domains with a cysteine containing C-terminal extension is obtained. Also variable domains are provided and polypeptides comprising one or more variable domains obtainable by the methods of the present invention, as well as compounds that comprise such variable domains and/or polypeptides coupled to one or more groups, residues or moieties. |