| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09176616B2 |
Display device with integrated touch function
In one embodiment, a display device having a touch function includes an insulating substrate and a plurality of pixels formed on the insulating substrate and arranged in a matrix of rows and columns. The pixels form a plurality of pixel blocks formed of a plurality of rows and columns of the pixels. A sensor circuit is arranged in a space between adjacent pixels on the insulating substrate and includes a coupling electrode, a detection electrode arranged adjacent to the coupling electrode for forming a coupling capacitance therebetween, and a reading-out circuit to read out a potential of the detection electrode. At least one sensor circuit is arranged in each pixel block. The contact or non-contact by a fingertip or a nib is detected by a potential difference of the detection electrode. |
| US09176612B2 |
Master application for touch screen apparatus
An apparatus includes a touch sensitive display for displaying a master application frame; a detector configured to detect a touch point of a user on display; at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code. The apparatus is configured to display the master application frame including a plurality of slave application frames; determine at least two slave application frames based on a first touch point; define a sweep function configured to detect a sweep gesture on the touch sensitive display between the first and a second touch point, and adjust sizes of the determined slave application frames, in a non-overlapped manner, based on the detected sweep gesture. Furthermore, the apparatus is configured to detect a third touch point on a border line for at least two slave application frames; and trigger an overlapping slave application frame in response to the detected third touch point. |
| US09176603B2 |
Interactive pointing device capable of switching capture ranges and method for switching capture ranges
An interactive pointing device capable of switching capture ranges includes an image capturing element and a processing unit. The image capturing element is used for capturing an optical signal, and outputting an image signal. The processing unit is used for determining a switching signal, and responsible for processing and analyzing the image signal. Through the determination about the switching signal and the coordinate conversion of the image signal by an arithmetic unit, the interactive pointing device capable of switching capture ranges is enabled to be operable in hosts with different resolutions. |
| US09176602B2 |
Spherical remote control
A spherical remote control, including: a spherical shell; a surface sensor to detect a contact on the spherical shell; an accelerometer to detect a movement of the remote control; a circuit to transmit a signal based on the detected contact, orientation and movement; and a first induction coil to receive power for charging a battery in the circuit. The spherical remote control can be placed on a cradle which includes: a power supply; and a second induction coil for providing power to the first induction coil. |
| US09176599B2 |
Display device, display system, and data supply method for display device
A display device can make it possible to easily recognize a plurality of indication bodies as a plurality of pointing devices. The display device is provided with a function device having a first interface and a second interface, and stores configuration information assigning the same class to the first interface and the second interface in a storage section. The display device detects a first position indicated by a first indication body to a display surface and a second position indicated by a second indication body to the display surface, assigns first coordinate data representing the first position to the first interface, assigns second coordinate data representing the second position to the second interface, and supplies a host device with the first coordinate data and the second coordinate data. |
| US09176598B2 |
Free-space multi-dimensional absolute pointer with improved performance
According to one embodiment, a system includes a handheld device having a pixelated sensor, an optical filter for passing a predetermined frequency band of radiation to the sensor and a transmitter, an electronic equipment having a display, and at least two spaced-apart markers, where each of which are positioned proximate to the display. The markers provide radiation at the frequency band passed by the optical filter. The handheld device includes a processor coupled to receive image data of the markers from the sensor for computing coordinate data from the image data. The coordinate data requires less data than the image data. The processor is coupled to the transmitter to transmit the coordinate data to the electronic equipment. Other methods and apparatuses are also described. |
| US09176594B2 |
Information display apparatus, image taking apparatus, and method and computer program for controlling displaying information
An information display apparatus includes an input device adapted to input user operation information, a touch sensor adapted to detect the state of the input device in terms of whether the input device is touched by a user, a display adapted to display information, and a control unit adapted to receive user operation information from the input device and sensor detection information from the touch sensor, and control displaying of the information on the display in accordance with the received user operation information and the sensor detection information. If the touch information indicating that the input device is touched by the user is received from the touch sensor, the control unit displays first information associated with the input device on the display. If the input device is maintained in the touched state longer than a predetermined period, the control unit switches the displayed information into second information. |
| US09176593B2 |
Remote control apparatus and method for controlling functions of display apparatuses
A remote control apparatus and method for controlling a function of a display apparatus are provided. The remote control apparatus includes a communications device for communicating with a display apparatus; buttons for receiving a user command relating to function control of the display apparatus; a jog switch for allowing directional movement manipulation and push manipulation; and a controller for, after the user command is input through the buttons, generating and sending a control signal to set a different function of the display apparatus based on a manipulation state of the jog switch. |
| US09176592B2 |
System for, and method of, configuring electro-optical reader as a keyboard device having a selected keyboard layout
A system for, and a method of, configuring an electro-optical reader as a keyboard device having a selected keyboard layout containing keyboard layout data, encode each of a plurality of configuration symbols with a symbol sequence number, a total number of the configuration symbols, and a fractional amount of the keyboard layout data. During a configuration procedure, all the configuration symbols are electro-optically scanned and decoded, and the symbol sequence number, the total number of the configuration symbols, and the fractional amount of the keyboard layout data are extracted for each configuration symbol. The keyboard layout data for all the configuration symbols are linked in a sequence determined by each symbol sequence number and the total number of the configuration symbols. All the keyboard layout data is processed to configure the reader during the configuration procedure. |
| US09176591B2 |
Data entry device (DED)
The present invention provides a Data Entry Device for computers and other devices. An embodiment of the present invention provides a Data Entry Device combining a keyboard and pointing device for computers and other devices; The Data Entry Device of the present invention introduces a completely new ergonomic construction for all keys. In the Data Entry Device of the present invention the keyboard and pointing device can both be used without shifting the hands from its initial resting position and where the shift key has to be used only for capitals and a few rarely used punctuations and symbols. The vowels are all on one side thus making them easy to access and use. All the letters are arranged so that on maximum occasions the letters are alternating between hands. The character keys are separated into alphabets, numerals, mathematical operators, punctuations and symbols. The placement of the characters on the DED is based on their frequency of occurrence in the environment, the ideal workload that should be allotted to each finger, the order of ease of use of keys, their pattern of use and similarity of type. In the present invention the concept of Home Row for fingers has been replaced by Home Keys for each finger being the keys on which the fingers tend to rest naturally and is not in one row. All this together makes the DED easy to comprehend, easy to learn, easy to use, more difficult to forget, increase the speed of typing, reduce errors and makes the user less prone to medical problems. |
| US09176589B2 |
Gesture recognition apparatus and method of gesture recognition
One embodiment of the invention discloses a gesture recognition apparatus including a left source configured to generate a left basic signal, a right source configured to generate a right basic signal, a detector configured to detect the left basic signal, the right basic signal and Doppler shift signals of the left and right basic signals after reflection by a hand, the detector disposed between the left source and the right source, and a processer configured to deal with signals from the detector and recognize a gesture. And a method of gesture recognition is also disclosed. |
| US09176588B2 |
System and method for discerning complex gestures using an array of optical sensors
A method for gesture determination (e.g., discerning complex gestures) via an electronic system (e.g., a gesture sensing system) including an array of optical sensors is described herein. The method includes detecting a plurality of sub-gestures (e.g., simple gestures provided by a target located proximate to the system) via the array of optical sensors. The sensors generate signals based upon the detected (e.g., received) sub-gestures and transmit the signals to a processor of the gesture sensing system. The processor processes the signals to obtain data associated with the sub-gestures and analyzes the sub-gesture data to determine if the sub-gestures collectively constitute a gesture (e.g., complex gesture). When the analyzing indicates that the sub-gestures collectively constitute a complex gesture, the gesture sensing system detects the complex gesture. |
| US09176585B2 |
Touch panel support
A touch panel support which has a full flat surface and an outstanding operability is provided. The touch panel support includes a touch panel assembly and a case assembly for supporting the touch panel assembly. The touch panel assembly has, on the periphery thereof, a stepped engagement part which is lower than the surface of the touch panel assembly. The case assembly has a case main body for accommodating the touch panel assembly so as to allow a force feedback perpendicular vibration thereof and a bezel which is secured to the opening of the case main body. The bezel is engaged with the engagement part of the touch panel assembly so as not to inhibit the perpendicular vibration of the touch panel assembly. The surfaces of the touch panel assembly and the bezel are formed to be flush with each other. |
| US09176575B2 |
System and method for utilizing geo location data for the generation of location-based transitions in a multimedia work
According to a preferred aspect of the instant invention, there is provided a system and method that allows the user to automatically utilize the embedded location data of digital image files in the production of a multimedia work. The system allows the user to select a transition from among a plurality of provided transitions, wherein the embedded location data of a selected digital image file is then used to adapt the selected transition to a location-based transition, which is then subsequently inserted into the multimedia work. |
| US09176571B2 |
Microprocessor and method for driving microprocessor
A microprocessor with low power consumption and a method for driving the microprocessor are provided. The microprocessor includes a processor core, a cache memory, an interrupt controller, and a power supply controller. As at least one of a plurality of memory cell arrays included in the cache memory, a memory cell array composed of a plurality of memory cells is used. At the time of switching to a low power consumption mode, data used by the processor core after supply of power is resumed is prefetched to the memory cell array; then supply of power to the cache memory is stopped. Then, the processor core fetches needed data from the memory cell array after supply of power to the cache memory is resumed. |
| US09176568B2 |
Clock control and power management for semiconductor apparatus and system
A semiconductor apparatus according to the present invention includes a circuit including a predetermined function, a clock generating circuit that generates a clock signal supplied to the circuit, a clock control circuit that controls the clock generating circuit, and a notification signal generating circuit that generates a notification signal for notifying a timing for the clock control circuit to control the clock generating circuit. A voltage supplied to the semiconductor apparatus is adjusted according to the notification signal. |
| US09176560B2 |
Use and state based power management
A method for power management may include collecting data related to resource utilization and process information from a server. The method may further include using the collected data to generate use and state models respectively based on use and state categories of the server. The method may also include determining a state condition of the server through use of the generated use and state models to manage power utilization of the server. |
| US09176559B2 |
Display device using infrared sensor module and method of driving the same
A display device using infrared sensor modules that is capable of reducing power consumption and extending durability of infrared light sources and sensors and a method of driving the same are disclosed. The display device includes a display panel to display images, a plurality of infrared sensor modules to optically detect a touched position on the display panel, an infrared sensor module controller to sequentially drive the infrared sensor modules and to switch the infrared sensor modules to a low-power mode when a touch operation has not been performed within a predetermined period of time or when the display panel is in a power-saving mode, and a system to provide a state of the display panel to the infrared sensor module controller. |
| US09176554B2 |
Power management in a bridge based on a second derivative value derived from a mathematical derivative of plurality of values corresponding to the received packets
Methods and apparatus relating to robust governing of power management infrastructure in a bridge design are described. In one embodiment, a first agent (such as a processor core) is coupled to a second agent (such as an input/output device) via a bridge. The bridge may or may not enter a different power management state from a current power management state based on a second derivative value. The second derivative value may be in turn determined based on a plurality of first derivative values corresponding to received packets Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed. |
| US09176552B2 |
Debug architecture
Roughly described, a method of powering down a portion of an integrated circuit chip, the portion of the integrated circuit chip comprising a plurality of peripheral circuits, each peripheral circuit being connected to a respective debug unit, the method comprising: prior to power down, extracting from each debug unit configuration information of that debug unit; storing the configuration information of the debug units in a memory on the integrated circuit chip during power down of the portion of the integrated circuit chip; and on power up, restoring the configuration information of each debug unit to that debug unit prior resuming operation of that debug unit and the peripheral circuit connected to that debug unit. |
| US09176551B2 |
Wireless power transmission apparatus and method of transmitting wireless power using the same
Provided are an apparatus and a method for transmitting wireless power. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a wireless power transmission apparatus includes: a switching block receiving distributed power signals and delivering the power signals as periodical preamble signals that make a detour around a power amplification and transmission block or delivering the power signals to the power amplification and transmission block; the power amplification and transmission block amplifying the power signals and transmitting the power signals to a coil array block; a sensing block detecting the preamble signals on the respective paths that are delivered to the coil array block, and sensing changes in the preamble signals according to whether wireless power receiving apparatuses appear; and a power distribution and control block controlling the switching block according to sensing results to transmit the power signals to the power amplification and transmission block. |
| US09176548B2 |
Computer system
A desktop computing system having at least a central core surrounded by housing having a shape that defines a volume in which the central core resides is described. The housing includes a first opening and a second opening axially displaced from the first opening. The first opening having a size and shape in accordance with an amount of airflow used as a heat transfer medium for cooling internal components, the second opening defined by a lip that engages a portion of the airflow in such a way that at least some of the heat transferred to the air flow from the internal components is passed to the housing. |
| US09176546B2 |
Hard disk assembly
A hard disk assembly includes a tray, a bracket, and a carrier. The tray includes plural protrusions. The bracket is disposed on the tray for fastening a hard disk device. The bracket includes a bracket body having plural slots thereon, and plural pins disposed on opposite sides of the bracket body. The slots are respectively engaged with the protrusions. The pins are disposed between the bracket and the tray. The carrier is pivotally connected to the tray. The carrier includes two ribs. Each rib has a curved surface for touching and pulling the pins. Therefore the bracket can be slidably moved on the tray along the slots. |
| US09176543B2 |
Access using a mobile device with an accelerometer
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems, apparatuses and methods for using a mobile device with an accelerometer to gain access into a secured or restricted area. A first device and a second device interact by making physical contact with each other thereby generating interaction data that is representative of the physical interaction between the first and second device. The first and second device may be mobile phones. The second device may be a point of sale terminal, access point device, or any other stationary (i.e., in a fixed position) device positioned at a line, door, gate, or entrance. A server computer determines, based on interaction data, that the first device and the second device made physical contact. After determining that the first device and the second device made contact, communications may be initiated between the devices. Communications may relate an access transaction comprising an exchange of information, such as credentials, between a prospective entrant (operating the first device) and a gatekeeper (operating the second device) to verify that the prospective entrant is permitted or is not permitted access to a particular area that is secured or restricted by the gatekeeper. Other embodiments are direct to confirmation transactions. Access transaction and confirmation transactions may be combined with a financial transaction using a payment processing network. |
| US09176541B2 |
Electronic device
Disclosed is an electronic device. The electronic device includes a shell, a display panel coupled with the shell for forming an accommodating space, a receiver positioned in the accommodating space and a sound hole formed on the display panel. The sound hole is composed of a number of tiny holes, each of the tiny holes has a diameter less than 0.1 millimeter. The electronic device has a high working reliabilities and a good communication sound effect. |
| US09176538B2 |
Input device configurations
Input device configurations are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a connection portion, protective case, and one or more controls. The connection portion is configured to provide a removable physical connection to a computing device. The protective case is coupled to the connection portion and configured to support rotational movement of the protective case in relation to the computing device when the connection portion is physically connected to the computing device. The one or more controls are disposed on the protective case such that at least one control is accessible to a user when the protective case is positioned behind the computing device and the computing device and the input device are grasped by one or more hands of a user. |
| US09176536B2 |
Wireless display for electronic devices
A computer including a base and a display selectively removable from the base. The base includes a processor, a base wireless chip, and a power source. The display includes a screen for displaying a video output, a display wireless chip in communicating with the base wireless chip, and a power wireless chip in communication with the power source. The base wireless chip transmits data from the processor to the display. Also, when the display is at least in one position with respect to the base, the power source transmits power to the power transition member of the display. |
| US09176533B2 |
Display device and assembling method thereof
A display device is provided, which includes a back cover and a display module. The back cover has a positioning slot. The display module includes a first frame, a panel module and at least hinge bracket. The first frame is fixed to the back cover. The panel module is fixed to the first frame. The hinge bracket is screwless-mounted to the first frame. One end of the hinge bracket is inserted into the positioning slot to fix the display module to the back cover. Besides, a method for assembling a display device is also provided. |
| US09176527B2 |
Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal includes an upper casing having at least one exposure opening formed by penetrating a predetermined area thereof, a lower casing coupled to the upper casing to face each other and having an accommodation space formed therein and capable of accommodating an internal part assembly including a printed circuit board, and a middle frame arranged between the upper casing and the lower casing and coupled to the upper casing and the lower casing, and supporting installation parts electrically connected to the internal part assembly and installed such that at least part thereof is exposed to the outside through the exposure opening. A resin mold waterproof ring which is injection molded of synthetic resin having elasticity to have a predetermined width along at least part of an edge portion of the middle frame is integrally coupled to the middle frame and, when the upper casing, the lower casing, and the middle frame are coupled one another, the resin mold waterproof ring is pressed by the upper casing and the lower casing to seal a gap between the upper casing and the lower casing. |
| US09176524B2 |
Electronic apparatus
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a hinge, a member attached to the hinge, and a housing. The housing accommodates the member and includes a wall configured to support the member and a portion configured to support the member from a side opposite to the wall. |
| US09176523B2 |
Active functional limiting of a microcontroller
A microcontroller for use in a control device for an internal combustion engine includes: an analysis access via which internal data in the microcontroller can be accessed from outside the microcontroller; a clock generator which generates clock timing for data communication of the microcontroller with other units. The microcontroller is configured to change over from a first clock to a second clock when there is an access to the microcontroller via the analysis access. |
| US09176520B2 |
Obtaining and transmitting audio
Examples include a method that involves (a) detecting, by a network device, a command for a playback device to play an audio program, (b) obtaining, by the network device from a wide area network (WAN), audio information corresponding to the audio program, and (c) transmitting, by the network device to the playback device via a direct communication link, (i) the audio information and (ii) control information that directs the playback device to play the audio program. |
| US09176519B2 |
Method and apparatus for causing a device to join a synchrony group
Receiving, by a first zone player, first control information from a user interface module; based on the received first control information, transmitting, by the first zone player, a notification to a second zone player, wherein the notification indicates that the first zone player is joining a synchrony group with the second zone player; receiving, by the first zone player, second control information from the second zone player, wherein the second control information comprises a multicast address that an audio information channelization device uses to broadcast audio information and playback timing information to the synchrony group; and playing, by the first zone player, the audio information in synchrony with the second zone player. |
| US09176518B2 |
Handle returning apparatus and seat lifting apparatus for vehicle
A handle returning apparatus includes an input member rotating in conjunction with an operation handle operated to rotate in first and second directions including a neutral position, and a spring member including a plurality of spring portions integrally formed and including different spring forces, each of the spring portions including first and second spring end portions separating from each other in a circumferential direction and being configured to generate a returning force for returning the operation handle to the neutral position by being resiliently deformed on a basis of the rotation operation of the operation handle to bias the input member in a state where one of the first and second spring end portions engages with the input member and the other engages with a fixation member. The plurality of spring portions is selectively switchable therebetween to generate the returning force depending on a condition of the rotation operation. |
| US09176506B2 |
Low pressure and high-low temperature test box capable of controlling humidity
A low pressure and high-low temperature test box capable of controlling humidity comprises a test box body (1), a first heater (2) and a first evaporator (3) which are installed in the test box body (1), a humiture sensor (4) for detecting the humiture inside the test box body (1) and a vacuum manometer (5) for detecting the pressure inside the test box body (1) which are both installed on the test box body (1), an air circulation device (6) for circulating the air inside the test box body (1), and a humidity adjusting device (7) which is connected to the test box body (1) and used for adjusting the humidity inside the test box body (1). A vacuum pump (8) for vacuumizing the test box body (1) is also provided on the test box body (1). |
| US09176505B2 |
Backpressure regulator with easy pump start-up
A system and method for automatically performing start-up and overpressure relief functions in association with a primary fluid carrier such as, for example, a liquid handling pipeline or tank. The system includes a main valve for primarily exhausting air from the system as it fills with a liquid. A start-up pilot device is also provided for exhausting air from the system upon start-up, but prior to the main valve opening. Finally, an overpressure pilot device is provided to relieve overpressure situations during normal operation. |
| US09176500B1 |
Consideration of risks in active sensing for an autonomous vehicle
An autonomous vehicle configured for active sensing may also be configured to weigh expected information gains from active-sensing actions against risk costs associated with the active-sensing actions. An example method involves: (a) receiving information from one or more sensors of an autonomous vehicle, (b) determining a risk-cost framework that indicates risk costs across a range of degrees to which an active-sensing action can be performed, wherein the active-sensing action comprises an action that is performable by the autonomous vehicle to potentially improve the information upon which at least one of the control processes for the autonomous vehicle is based, (c) determining an information-improvement expectation framework across the range of degrees to which the active-sensing action can be performed, and (d) applying the risk-cost framework and the information-improvement expectation framework to determine a degree to which the active-sensing action should be performed. |
| US09176498B2 |
Control that estimates delayed manipulated variables
A device and method calculates and sends a manipulated variable via a network to control an actuator in a process. An indication identifying when the sent manipulated variable was applied by the actuator is received, and an applied actuator signal is estimated. Using a difference between the calculated manipulated variable and the estimated applied signal, a next calculated manipulated variable is corrected prior to sending the next calculated manipulated variable to the actuator. |
| US09176496B2 |
Substrate treating system
A substrate treating apparatus having a substrate treating unit, a load port for receiving pods for storing the substrates, and transferring the pods to and from the substrate treating unit, and a buffer between the substrate treating unit and the load port for transferring the substrates to and from the substrate treating unit and the load port, and temporarily storing the pods; a carrier transport system for transferring the pods to and from the load port; and a host computer for transporting the pods in response to conditions. A transport-related control unit, when the load port is being used by one of the pods and a vehicle of the carrier transport system approaches to transfer another of the pods to the load port, to suspends a notice of transfer disapproval until completion of the use by the one of the pods. |
| US09176495B2 |
Method to prevent interference and detect collision between mechanical members
Method to control the interference and/or collision between mechanical members of at least two operating or one operating unit with respect to fixed positions. At least one operating unit is associated with a position detector or with a position simulator, and is equipped with an electric which drives a mechanical member. The method is managed by a management and control unit. The control of the operating units occurs in two phases, verifying point-by-point the position of the mechanical member as a function of the current dynamics and the braking or acceleration times and spaces (first phase), and verifying the intensity of point-by-point current supplied to at least one electric motor (second phase). |
| US09176493B2 |
System for managing an automation system
Managing an automation system that includes software requires a projects manager, an applications manager, and a topologies manager. The applications manager includes a single object-oriented functional description of the automation system based on an object meta-model. The functional description includes a plurality of composite functional objects, each of which further include a monitoring facet and a supervision facet. The monitor facet and the supervision facet each include a mapping interface. The topologies manager includes an object-oriented topological description of the automation system based on the object meta-model, and includes a plurality of topological objects. The projects manager includes a monitoring project and a supervision project which relate to the automation system. Monitoring facets are assigned to the monitoring project and supervision facets are assigned to the supervision project. Part of the topological objects are mapped with the monitoring facets and the supervision facets via mapping interfaces. |
| US09176492B2 |
Techniques for configuring physical spaces
Techniques for configuring physical spaces are provided. Walls of a physical space are selectively engaged on tracks and sectioned. The walls include integrated devices to receive instructions and automatically reconfigure themselves into custom defined spaces by moving along the tracks in accordance with the instructions. Moreover, the walls selectively include integrated media devices that receive instructions to present custom information and to provide interactive custom services. The instructions can be customized and dynamically delivered to the walls and the media devices on demand to alter the physical space of an establishment along with altering the presented information and provided services of the establishment. |
| US09176486B2 |
Remote control device, server, method, and computer program
A mobile terminal 1A is configured to communicate with a remote control server 4A that transmits a remote control signal to operate an operation object apparatus via a particular local area network NW2 or a wide area communication network NW1. A permission/rejection information storage part 102 stores whether execution of remote control operation based on the operation instruction information is permitted or rejected when each operation instruction information has gone through any communication network. When receiving the input of operation instruction information, a communication network discrimination part 106 discriminates with which communication network communication has established. An operation permission/rejection decision part 107 decides permission/rejection of execution of the operation instruction information according to the results. When remote control operation based on operation instruction information is permitted as a result of decision, operation instruction information is transmitted to the remote control server 4A. |
| US09176483B2 |
Unified and flexible control of multiple data center cooling mechanisms
Techniques are described for controlling the climate in a data center. Using the input of an administrator, multiple desired attributes of a data center (e.g., temperature, energy consumption, costs, or system performance) may be balanced using a utility function that maximizes the utility of the computing systems in the data center according to the administrator's preferences. Additionally, a cooling model is generated that represents the affect of a control parameter (e.g., the fan speed of a CRAC) on the desire attributes of the data center. The cooling model may then be substituted into the utility function to replace the desired attributes. Using this new utility function, the control parameters may be varied such that the maximum utility is achieved. |
| US09176480B2 |
Gesture-based time input
A computing device is described that outputs for display, a graphical user interface comprising a clock having regions associated with a first set of time increments. Responsive to receiving an indication of an input at a portion of a presence-sensitive input device corresponding to a location of a display device at which one of the regions of the clock is displayed, the computing device determines one of the first set of time increments. The computing device outputs for display, and proximate to the location, a second set of time increments. The computing device determines a time based on the determined one of the first set of time increments and a selected one of the second time increments. |
| US09176479B2 |
Tunable delay cells for time-to-digital converter
A time-to-digital converter (TDC) comprises a first delay line including a plurality of first delay cells connected in series, wherein each of the first delay cells include a plurality of first delay units connected in series, wherein each of the first delay units includes a tunable PMOS transistor, a first poly on oxide definition (OD) edge (PODE) transistor, and a pull-up PMOS transistor. The TDC further comprises a second delay line including a plurality of second delay cells connected in series, wherein each of the second delay cells include a plurality of second delay units connected in series, wherein each of the second delay units includes a tunable NMOS transistor, a second PODE transistor, and a pull-down NMOS transistor. |
| US09176477B2 |
Timepiece
A timepiece includes: a base board; a rotary board rotatable relative to the base board; a gear rotatably supported by the rotary board; and an ornamental body connected to the gear. |
| US09176476B2 |
Autonomous control mechanism for a timepiece
Autonomous control mechanism (100) for a movement, comprising a control stem (10) moveable relative to a bar (80) between stable stem positions, for controlling the pivoting, in each of said positions, of a single control train of the control trains of said mechanism (100).It includes, on a first side (81) of said bar (80), a first control train (810), and on a second side (82) opposite said bar (80), a second control train (820). Every stable position of the control stem (10) drives a stable position of a pull-out piece (20) fitted to one of said sides and moveable relative to a boss (210) of said bar (80). In said stable pull-out piece position, any movement applied to the control stem (10) causes the pivoting movement, of either a single first control train (810), or a single second control train (820). |
| US09176474B2 |
Light-concentrating film, method for producing same, focusing element, solar cell, and focusing method
The present invention provides a focusing method and a light-concentrating film capable of concentrating incident light in a wide angular range with high efficiency, a focusing element including the light-concentrating film, and a solar cell. The present invention is alight-concentrating film that is made of an organic material, and is characterized by having a multilevel gradation pattern. |
| US09176473B1 |
Systems and methods for fabricating variable digital optical images using generic optical matrices
Variable digital optical images may be fabricated using generic optical matrices. A generic optical matrix may have pixels corresponding to color and sub-pixels corresponding to non-color effects. The pixels may include first pixels corresponding to a first color and second pixels corresponding to a second color. The sub-pixels may include first sub-pixels corresponding to a first non-color effect and second sub-pixels corresponding to a second non-color effect. Individual ones of the pixels and/or sub-pixels of the generic optical matrix may be obliterated according to a negative while remaining pixels and/or sub-pixels may be preserved. The remaining pixels and/or sub-pixels may form an optical image corresponding to a base image. The optical image may be colored based on the remaining pixels. The optical image may exhibit non-color effects corresponding to the remaining sub-pixels. The optical image may comprise a hologram or a stereo image. |
| US09176465B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a drum unit, a developing unit, a pressing unit, and a projection portion. Drum unit includes photosensitive drum. Developing unit includes a developing roller that develops a toner image on the photosensitive drum. Each of drum unit and developing unit is configured to be extractable from an apparatus body. Pressing unit is configured to make developing unit movable between a pressing position at which developing roller is pressed against photosensitive drum and a pressing-releasing position at which developing roller is separated from photosensitive drum so as to release the pressing. Projection portion is provided integrally with developing unit and configured to be projected to an extraction path of drum unit when developing unit is located at pressing position and to retract from extraction path of drum unit when developing unit is located at the pressing-releasing position. |
| US09176459B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus, including an image forming unit configured to form an image on a recording medium, a pair of resin frames configured to support the image forming unit at least partially from mutually opposite sides, a pair of metal-made upper enhancing pieces arranged along upper faces of the resin frames, and a pair of first metal beams, each of which is arranged to bridge over a position between the paired upper enhancing pieces and forms a four-sided opening in conjunction with each other and with the paired upper enhancing pieces, is provided. |
| US09176457B2 |
Image forming apparatus and waste toner conveying device incorporated in same
An image forming apparatus includes a waste toner conveying device including a primary conveyor to convey waste toner discharged from a plurality of primary cleaners and a secondary conveyor to convey waste toner discharged from a secondary cleaner. A relay conveyor conveys the waste toner discharged from the primary conveyor and the secondary conveyor. A waste toner container receives the waste toner discharged from the relay conveyor. The primary conveyor, the secondary conveyor, and the relay conveyor are disposed at one end of the image forming apparatus in a front-to-rear direction thereof. A secondary conveyor outlet of the secondary conveyor is disposed below a primary conveyor outlet of the primary conveyor and above an inlet of the waste toner container. |
| US09176455B2 |
Cleaning apparatus, image forming apparatus, and toner crushing member
A cleaning apparatus includes a blade, a screw, a toner crushing member, and a casing. The toner crushing member is located in contact with the screw. The toner crushing member is provided in association with the screw and configured to crush toner accumulated between the screw and the blade, by being swung by the screw rotating. The casing houses the screw and the toner crushing member. The screw rotates in the direction reverse to the rotational direction of the photoreceptor drum. The toner crushing member is configured having a first part and a second part, with a base-end side of the first part being secured to the casing, and the second part being folded back along a distal-end side of the first part, such that a distal-end side of the second part swings between the blade and the screw, in association with the rotation of the screw. |
| US09176452B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus has an image carrier, a developing unit, a toner container, a pixel counter, and a used toner amount estimator. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the image carrier's surface. The developing unit feeds toner on the image carrier's surface. The toner container with a transport screw supplies toner to the developing unit. The pixel counter counts the number of pixels in toner images formed on the image carrier's surface since the toner container started being used. The used toner amount estimator estimates the amount of toner used, until the cumulative value of the number of revolutions of the transport screw reaches a predetermined number, based on the cumulative value and, thereafter, by multiplying the pixel count of the pixel counter by a coefficient. The estimator corrects the coefficient based on the pixel count as observed when the cumulative value reaches the predetermined number. |
| US09176447B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a photoreceptor rotatable about an axis, and having a surface with a photosensitive layer abraded during use, a charging unit configured to charge the surface of the photoreceptor, an exposure unit configured to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor, a developing unit configured to form a toner image on the surface of the photoreceptor, and a control unit configured to obtain a film thickness of the photosensitive layer for each of a plurality of different positions in a direction of a rotation axis of the photoreceptor, and perform abrasion operation at a first or second position of the plurality of positions, when a difference in film thickness between the first position and the second position exceeds a predetermined reference value. |
| US09176446B2 |
Determining media size by monitoring usage
Devices and methods to determine media size in a printing device. Media being added to a media sheet tray of a printing device is detected. A size of the media in the tray is estimated based only on at least one of: a size of the media in the tray prior to the media being added, a size of the media recently used prior to the media being added, and a size of the media most frequently used. A selection of previously used sizes of media is displayed on a user interface. The selection comprises: the size of the media in the tray prior to the media being added, the size of the media recently used prior to the media being added, and the size of the media most frequently used. Confirmation of the size of the media added to the tray is received, on the user interface. |
| US09176444B2 |
Fixing unit position-adjusting apparatus and image forming apparatus
The present invention is concerning to a fixing unit position-adjusting apparatus including: a first member configured to include a positioning portion that is formed on a lateral surface of the first member, the positioning portion being engaged with a positioning portion of a main body so that the first member is mounted on the main body in a manner positionable in a left and right direction; and a second member configured to include a reference pin insertion portion that is formed to receive insertion of a reference pin of the main body, the second member being assembled with the first member. |
| US09176443B2 |
Infrared temperature sensor and fixing device using the same
An infrared temperature sensor including: a sensor case made of metal and including a first airspace (a light guiding region) that guides infrared rays entering from an infrared entrance window, and a second airspace (a light shielding region) that is adjacent to the light guiding region via a partition wall, and where an upper wall that blocks entrance of the infrared rays is formed on an entrance side of the infrared rays; a film that absorbs the infrared rays reaching the film through the light guiding region, and converts the infrared rays to heat; a sensor cover that is made of metal and arranged opposing the sensor case via the film; an infrared detection element and a temperature compensation element arranged on the film, wherein the light guiding region and the light shielding region have substantially symmetrical forms with respect to the partition wall. |
| US09176441B2 |
Image heating apparatus
An image heating apparatus, which is configured to heat an image formed on a recording material, includes a cylindrical rotatable member including a conductive layer, and a coil including a helically shaped portion helically wound along a generatrix direction of the rotatable member inside the rotatable member. The coil is configured to produce an alternating magnetic field for causing the conductive layer to generate heat by electromagnetic induction. The image heating apparatus further includes a magnetic core disposed in the helically shaped portion. The magnetic core includes a plurality of divided cores into which the magnetic core is divided in the generatrix direction. The number of turns of the coil per unit length at a region that corresponds to a boundary between the divided cores is larger than the number of turns of the coil at a region that does not correspond to the boundary. |
| US09176439B2 |
Image forming apparatus, method of setting fixing temperature, and computer program product
An image forming apparatus includes: an identification information acquiring unit that acquires identification information to identify a user; a usage history information acquiring unit that acquires usage history information for the user specified by the identification information; an output setting forecasting unit that forecasts output setting used by the user based on the usage history information; and a fixing temperature setting unit that sets a fixing temperature based on the forecasted output setting. |
| US09176438B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method of arranging sheet detector
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device to form a toner image on a recording medium under a prescribed image forming condition, a fixing device to fix the toner image borne on the recording medium thereonto by heating the recording medium based on target fixing temperature, and a detector to detect a type of recording medium. The type is used in setting at least one of the image forming condition and the target fixing temperature. The inequality Tb>Ta is established when Ta represents a time period needed to reach a setting of fixing temperature allocated to the recording medium with its tip detected by the detector after detection of the tip and Tb represents a time period needed for the recording medium with its tip detected by the detector to reach the fixing device after detection of the tip. |
| US09176432B2 |
Imaging system and method
An intermediate transfer member (34) (ITM) transfers ink solids from an image bearing surface to a substrate. The ITM has an outermost surface having an absorptivity of less than or equal to about 5 percent when measured after 36 hours of immersion in Isopar L at 100 degrees Celsius. An imaging liquid developer system (22) deposits the ink solids and an ink solids carrier onto the outermost surface of the ITM, wherein the imaging liquid developer system (22) is configured to supply the ink solids carrier at a reduced thickness or reduced density as compared to more absorptive ITMs. |
| US09176430B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A developing device includes a developer bearer to carry developer, disposed facing an image bearer, a developer conveyance member disposed facing the developer bearer, to agitate and supply developer to the developer bearer, a decompression portion surrounded by upper walls of the developing device and including multiple vents arranged in a longitudinal direction of the developing device and a filter. A number of the multiple vents is greater in either end portion than in a center portion in the longitudinal direction of the developing device. |
| US09176423B2 |
Developer container, development device, and image formation apparatus that have shutter movement restriction member to restrict movement of shutter member
A developer container includes: a developer container body including a developer supply port and a first shutter movement restriction groove on a surface of the developer container body; a shutter member movable from a close position to an open position of the developer supply port, the shutter member including a second shutter movement restriction groove such that the first and second shutter restriction grooves define a guide path when the shutter member closes the developer supply port at the close position; and a restriction member movable in the guide path and configured, when the restriction member is positioned in both the first and second shutter movement restriction grooves depending on an inclination of the developer container body, to prevent the shutter member from moving from the close position to the open position. |
| US09176414B2 |
Charging device and image forming apparatus
A charging device for electrically charging a photosensitive member includes a charging member for electrically charging the photosensitive member by being supplied with a voltage, and a supporting member for supporting the charging member so as to press-contact to the photosensitive member. The charging member includes an electroconductive support, an elastic base layer supported by the electroconductive support, and an elastic surface layer, provided on a surface of the elastic base layer, being harder than the elastic base layer. The elastic surface layer is provided with projected portions and recessed portions. The projected portions are elastically deformable in contact with the photosensitive member, leaving electrically dischargeable gaps between the recessed portions of the elastic surface layer and the photosensitive member. |
| US09176411B2 |
Electrostatic charge image developing toner, toner container, and image forming apparatus
An electrostatic charge image developing toner includes toner particles and silica particles, wherein the silica particles have an average equivalent circle diameter of from 70 nm to 400 nm, an average circularity of from 0.5 to 0.9, and a pore volume of from 0.05 cm3/g to 2.5 cm3/g. |
| US09176410B2 |
Toner
A toner having good low-temperature fixability, charge stability, environmental stability, and durability and capable of stably producing high-quality images for a long time is provided. The toner includes a toner particle having a core-shell structure constituted of a core and a shell phase. The core contains a binder resin, a colorant, and wax, and the shell phase contains a resin A. The resin A is a comb polymer including a main chain portion (X), a side chain portion (Y), and a side chain portion (Z). The main chain portion (X) is a vinyl polymer, the side chain portion (Y) has an aliphatic polyester structure and has an ester group concentration of a polyester segment of 6.5 mmol/g or less, and the side chain portion (Z) has an organic polysiloxane structure and has an average number of Si—O bond repeating units of a siloxane segment of 2 or more and 100 or less. |
| US09176407B2 |
Toner and method for manufacturing toner particles
The present invention provides a toner that contains an azo pigment well-dispersed in a binder resin and has a satisfactory color tone.The toner contains toner particles each containing a binder resin and a colorant. Each of the toner particles contains a compound having a polyester moiety and a bisazo structure moiety. The colorant is the azo pigment. |
| US09176405B2 |
Polymeric composite materials, manufacture, and uses
Composite materials such as composite particles have a solid non-elastomeric continuous phase made of an organic polymer having a glass transition temperature of at least 25° C. Dispersed within this solid non-elastomeric continuous phase are many multi-compartment porous chemically crosslinked elastomeric particles that have a mode particle size of at least 1 μm and up to and including 10 μm. The composite particles can be used as toner particles in electrophotographic imaging methods to provide fused toner images and especially stacked fused toner images. |
| US09176391B2 |
Method and arrangement for displacement
A method and apparatus operable for displacing an image, which is transmitted by electromagnetic radiation, perpendicular to the direction of radiation by use of a rotatably disposed radiation-refracting body, located in the path of an imaging beam, having a refractive index that differs from the surrounding medium with regard to the radiation used. The method allows for precise image displacement. The rotation of the radiation-refracting body causing the displacement is measured, and the change of the optical path length caused by the angular change in a further electromagnetic beam utilized for the measurement is determined by evaluating the superimposition of the radiation reflected by a planar reflecting surface with the incident electromagnetic radiation. Part of the electromagnetic measurement beam, which is reflected on the surface of the radiation-refracting body, strikes a measurement unit, which supplies an electrical signal as a function of the incident position of the electromagnetic radiation. |
| US09176388B2 |
Multi-line width pattern created using photolithography
Systems and methods are provided for forming features through photolithography. A polymer layer is formed over a substrate. The polymer layer is patterned to form a first feature and a second feature, the first feature and the second feature being separated at a first distance. A rinse material is applied to the polymer layer including the first feature and the second feature. The rinse material is removed from the polymer layer including the first feature and the second feature to cause the first feature and the second feature to come into contact with each other. A third feature is formed based on the first feature and the second feature being in contact with each other. |
| US09176386B2 |
Method of forming patterns
A method of forming patterns includes (a) coating a substrate with a resist composition for negative development to form a resist film, wherein the resist composition contains a resin capable of increasing the polarity by the action of the acid and becomes more soluble in a positive developer and less soluble in a negative developer upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation, (b) forming a protective film on the resist film with a protective film composition after forming the resist film and before exposing the resist film, (c) exposing the resist film via an immersion medium, and (d) performing development with a negative developer. |
| US09176380B2 |
Photoinduced alkyne-azide click reactions
The present invention includes a composition comprising an alkyne-based substrate, an azide-based substrate, a Cu(II) salt and a photoinducible reducing agent. The present invention further includes a method of immobilizing a chemical structure in a given pattern onto a section of the surface of a solid substrate, using the photoinducible Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition Click reaction. |
| US09176379B2 |
Resist composition and method for producing resist pattern
A resist composition includes (A) a resin being insoluble or poorly soluble in alkali aqueous solution, but becoming soluble in an alkali aqueous solution by the action of an acid, (B) an acid generator having a structure to be cleaved by the action of an alkaline developer, and (C) a compound represented by the formula (I), wherein R1 and R2 in each occurrence independently represent a C1 to C12 hydrocarbon group, a C1 to C6 alkoxyl group, a C2 to C7 acyl group, a C2 to C7 acyloxy group, a C2 to C7 alkoxycarbonyl group, a nitro group or a halogen atom; m and n independently represent an integer of 0 to 4. |
| US09176375B2 |
Methods of reducing a registration error of a photomask, and related photomasks and methods of manufacturing an integrated circuit
Methods of reducing a registration error of a photomask are provided. A method of reducing a registration error of a photomask may include identifying the registration error with respect to a pattern element in a pattern region of the photomask. Moreover, the method may include reducing a thickness of a portion of a non-pattern region of the photomask by irradiating an energy beam onto a location of the non-pattern region of the photomask that is spaced apart from the pattern element, to generate stress at the pattern element. Related photomasks and methods of manufacturing an integrated circuit are also provided. |
| US09176370B1 |
High contrast rear projection screen
A projection screen includes a transparent substrate having a first side and a second side, an array of lenses disposed along the first side of the transparent substrate, a dark film disposed across the second side of the transparent substrate, an array of holes disposed through the dark film, and an array of diffusing spots each aligned with a corresponding one of the array of holes. |
| US09176367B2 |
Illumination device and display unit including a light source section, first and second uniformization optical members, an optical device, and a drive section
An illumination device includes: a light source section including a laser light source; a first uniformization optical member receiving light from the light source section; a second uniformization optical member receiving light from the first uniformization optical member; an optical device disposed on an optical path of outgoing light from the light source section; and a drive section vibrating the optical device. |
| US09176362B2 |
Optical path adjusting device and photographing apparatus including the same
An optical adjusting device includes: a rotating unit that includes and rotates about a through-hole through which light passes; at least one moving unit that is movably disposed relative to the rotating unit and is linearly movable between an advance position corresponding to the through-hole and a retreat position outside the through-hole; a transmitting unit that is disposed between the rotating unit and the moving unit and transmits a rotational force of the rotating unit to the moving unit; and an optical unit that is disposed on the moving unit and blocks at least part of light passing through the through-hole. |
| US09176361B2 |
Optical analog to digital converter and method
An optical analog to digital converter including a light source, a driver, an array of single photon avalanche diodes, and control circuitry. The light source emits photons. The driver receives an analog input signal and to drive the light source on the basis of the analog input signal. The array of single photon avalanche diodes detects the photons provided by the light source. The control circuitry is coupled to the array of single photon avalanche diodes and activates the array of single photon avalanche diodes for a predetermined time interval such that the array of single photon avalanche diodes detects the photons provided by the light source during the predetermined time interval. The control circuitry further determines the number of single photon avalanche diodes of the array of single photon avalanche diodes which detected a photon during the predetermined time interval. |
| US09176358B2 |
Electrooptical device, electronic device, and control method for electrooptical device
Provided is an electrooptical device, an electronic device, a control method for an electrooptical device, and the like that can easily realize various characteristics that are difficult to realize with related art. An electrooptical device uses electrophoretic particles migrating in a dispersion medium for image display. The electrooptical device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, first electrophoretic particles that are pigmented in a first color and charged in a first polarity, and second electrophoretic particles that are pigmented in the first color and charged in the first polarity. The first electrophoretic particles and the second electrophoretic particles are disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. An absolute value of a charge quantity of the first electrophoretic particles is larger than an absolute value of a charge quantity of the second electrophoretic particles. |
| US09176351B2 |
Liquid crystal display apparatus
A liquid crystal display apparatus includes: an array substrate; a seal material; and an opposite substrate, wherein the array substrate includes: a plurality of thin film transistors formed in correspondence to respective intersection parts of a plurality of gate wirings and a plurality of source wirings; a pixel electrode connected to the thin film transistor; an opposite electrode formed to face the pixel electrode; a gate extraction wiring that connects the gate wirings and a connection terminal formed in an outer area of the seal material; a conductive film that covers the gate extraction wiring with sandwiching a first insulation film therebetween; and a second insulation film that covers the conductive film in at least part of the outer area of the seal material, and wherein the conductive film is applied with an electrical potential of the opposite electrode. |
| US09176340B1 |
AMLCD backlight angular control using fiberoptic face plate
A fiber optic face plate for a display. The display includes a light source, a transparent cover, a diffuser, a brightness enhancement film, and the fiber optic face plate. The fiber optic face plate allows light to be transmitted through the fiber optic face plate based on the light being incident on the fiber optic face plate within an angular region defined by an acceptance cone. The fiber optic face plate absorbs light based on the light being incident on the fiber optic face plate outside the angular region defined by the acceptance cone. A top angular extent of the acceptance cone is positioned at a positive angle from a fiber optic face plate normal and a bottom angular extent of the acceptance cone is positioned at a negative angle from the fiber optic face plate normal. |
| US09176338B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel and method for manufacturing the same
An LCD panel and a method for manufacturing the LCD panel are disclosed. The LCD panel comprises: an array substrate, a color filter substrate, and a liquid crystal layer filled between the array substrate and the color filter substrate. The color filter substrate comprises: a transparent conductive metal oxide film, and first and second conductive metal strips electrically connected with the transparent conductive metal oxide film. The first and second conductive metal strips are configured to conduct a current, which flows through the transparent conductive metal oxide film, causing the transparent conductive metal oxide film to heat the liquid crystal layer. |
| US09176337B2 |
Backlight module
The present invention provides a backlight module, which includes a backplane, a backlight source arranged inside the backplane, a light guide plate arranged inside the backplane, an optic film assembly arranged on the light guide plate, and a split mold frame arranged inside the backplane. The split mold frame includes a plurality of spaced corner pieces respectively set on the optic film assembly. The corner pieces have a support surface that is distant from the optic film assembly for supporting thereon a liquid crystal display panel. The backlight module of the present invention uses an upper surface of a split mold frame to serve as a support surface for a liquid crystal display panel thereby enlarging the supporting area for the liquid crystal display pane, improving supporting stability and also effectively preventing the occurrence of light leakage, ensuring luminance of the backlight module, and enhancing optic grade. |
| US09176333B2 |
Light modulator element and microscope apparatus including light modulation element
A light modulator element includes a liquid crystal element which has a liquid crystal layer containing liquid crystal molecules aligned along a first direction, and two transparent electrodes disposed in opposition to each other with the liquid crystal layer sandwiched therebetween, and which controls the phase of linear polarization light and passing through said liquid crystal layer by applying an electric voltage between said two transparent electrodes; a polarizer plate which is disposed between a light source and said liquid crystal element and which has the transmission axis along the first direction or along a direction orthogonal to said first direction; and a rotation mechanism which supports the liquid crystal element and the polarizer plate and which rotates the liquid crystal element and the polarizer plate integrally in one unit with the optical axis of the liquid crystal element as the rotation axis. |
| US09176330B2 |
Method for optimizing a spectacle lens with a diffraction grating
A computer-implemented method and a device for optimizing an optical element comprising at least one diffraction grating, wherein at least one refractive surface contributing to the refractive light deflection and/or the at least one diffraction grating of the optical element are/is optimized in such a way as to minimize the color fringe and at least a second-order aberration of the optical element. Also, a corresponding production method and a corresponding device for producing an optical element comprising at least one diffraction grating. |
| US09176328B1 |
Generic optical matrices having pixels corresponding to color and sub-pixels corresponding to non-color effects, and associated methods
Generic optical matrices may have pixels corresponding to color and sub-pixels corresponding to non-color effects. A generic optical matrix may include an array of pixels disposed on a substrate. The array may comprise first pixels corresponding to a first color and second pixels corresponding to a second color. The first and second pixels may be arranged in a motif such that individual ones of the first pixels are positioned adjacent to individual ones of the second pixels. Individual ones of the pixels may comprise sub-pixels. A given pixel may comprise a first and a second sub-pixel. The first sub-pixel may comprise an optical structure configured to reflect or transmit light meeting a first condition. The second sub-pixel may comprise an optical structure configured to reflect or transmit light meeting a second condition. The light reflected or transmitted by the sub-pixels may be the corresponding color of the given pixel. |
| US09176322B2 |
Light scanning device reducing deformation of fθ theta lens and housing and image forming apparatus with the same
A light scanning device include a housing and an fθ lens. The housing includes a bottom plate and a sidewall disposed upright at the bottom plate. The rotating polyhedron and the fθ lens are each installed at the bottom plate of the housing. The rotating polyhedron is configured to deflect and scan light beam. Light beam deflected and scanned by the rotating polyhedron transmits the fθ lens. The bottom plate of the housing includes a stepped portion at a part corresponding to a peripheral area of the fθ lens. The stepped portion is formed lower than a top surface of the bottom plate. The stepped portion has a ridge line in a concavo-convex shape. |
| US09176318B2 |
Methods for manufacturing fluid-filled MEMS displays
This invention relates to methods of manufacturing fluid-filled MEMS displays, where the fluid is sealed in the display assembly and substantially surrounds the moving components of the display to reduce the effects of stiction and to improve the optical and electromechanical performance of the display. |
| US09176312B2 |
Fast, modular port switcher for an optical microscope using a galvanometer
A fast modular port switching device is described. The device can be used with an optical microscope to facilitate using multiple devices with the microscope. The port switching is done with a galvanometer for switching very fast. The device is modular so it can be combined with any number of similar devices for building a complex, multi-modal imaging system. Also described is the combination of a port switcher with automated spherical aberration correction. Even further described is a similar device where the outputs are recombined, thus making the device a fast filter switcher. |
| US09176309B2 |
Flexible nonlinear laser scanning microscope for noninvasive three-dimensional detection
A nonlinear laser scanning microscope for flexible, noninvasive three-dimensional detection comprising a measuring head which is flexibly connected to at least one radiation source by transmission optics and can be freely positioned in space, at least one controllable tilt mirror is arranged for aligning the excitation beam in order to keep the excitation beam concentric to an aperture-limited optical element of the measuring head, a test beam which is coupled out of the excitation beam onto a spatially resolving photodetector for monitoring the center alignment of the test beam as a conjugate position to the target position of the excitation beam and directional stabilizing the excitation beam by a control unit of the tilt mirror depending on a determined deviation. |
| US09176307B2 |
Zoom lens system, optical apparatus, and method for manufacturing zoom lens system
A zoom lens system ZL comprising, in order from an object side: a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power; a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power; a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power; a fourth lens group G4 having negative refractive power; and a fifth lens group G5 having positive refractive power; upon zooming the first lens group G1 being fixed with respect to an image plane in the direction of the optical axis, upon focusing at least a portion of the third lens group G3 being moved along the optical axis, and the zoom lens system satisfying predetermined conditions. An optical apparatus is equipped with the zoom lens system, and there is a method for manufacturing the zoom lens system. |
| US09176306B2 |
Imaging lens and imaging apparatus
An imaging lens provided with a negative first lens group and a positive second lens group arranged in order from the object side. The first lens group is composed of a first group first lens which is a biconcave negative single lens, and the second lens group is composed of a positive second group first lens, an aperture stop, a positive second group second lens, and a negative second group third lens arranged in order from the object side, in which the second group second lens and the second group third lens are cemented together to form a cemented lens. When f1 and f2 are taken as the focal lengths of the first group first lens and the second group first lens respectively, the imaging lens satisfies a conditional expression (4a′): 0.62<|f1/f2|<0.82. |
| US09176303B2 |
Lens module
A lens module include: a first lens having positive refractive power; a second lens having positive refractive power; a third lens having refractive power; a fourth lens having positive refractive power; a fifth lens having refractive power; and a sixth lens having negative refractive power and having an inflection point formed on an image-side surface thereof. The lens module may satisfy the following Conditional expressions: 0.36 |
| US09176295B2 |
Stranded optical cable with connectors
The stranded optical cable 10 includes a plurality of stranded multicore optical cables 12 and a cable sheath 16 covering the multicore optical cables 12, each multicore optical cable 12 including at least two of optical units 13 as a pair and a unit sheath 14 covering the optical units 13, each optical unit 13 being formed by bundling a plurality of optical fibers. And, parts of the cable sheath corresponding to both ends of the stranded optical cable 10 are removed to expose the multicore optical cables 12 certain lengths so that the optical connectors 21 are connected to the multicore optical cables 12, respectively. |
| US09176294B2 |
Managed connectivity in fiber optic systems and methods thereof
A fiber optic connector arrangement includes a printed circuit board coupled to a connector housing. The printed circuit board includes a memory storage device that is configured to store physical layer information pertaining to the fiber optic connector arrangement. The printed circuit board also defines contacts that are electrically coupled to the memory storage device to enable the physical layer information to be read from the memory storage device by a media reading interface. A connector assembly includes at least one adapter assembly; a printed circuit board; and a media reading interface. The connector assembly also may include a tactile pressure sensor. The adapter assembly defines at least a first port and a second port that are configured to connect optical fibers of two connector arrangements. One or more connector assemblies can be mounted to a fiber panel system. |
| US09176293B2 |
Buffered fibers with access features
Buffered optical fibers are formed by extruding discontinuities in the buffer layer. The discontinuities allow the buffer layer to be torn to provide access to the buffered optical fiber. The discontinuities can be longitudinally extending strips of material in the buffer layer, and can be introduced into the extrudate material flow used to form the first section of the buffer layer in the extrusion head. |
| US09176292B2 |
Fiber optic distribution cables and structures therefor
A fiber optic distribution cable includes a jacket defining an exterior of the fiber optic distribution cable and a plurality of optical fibers extending through a cavity of the jacket. The jacket has an access location with a single opening formed in the jacket that extends to the cavity. A distribution optical fiber of the plurality of optical fibers extends through and protrudes from the single opening in the jacket at the access location. The length of the distribution optical fiber is at least 5/4 times the length of the single opening. |
| US09176290B2 |
Miniature pluggable video module
A miniature pluggable video module having a length less than one inch, and a width less than three quarters of an inch, and a plurality of pin connectors attached to the back of the housing. The pluggable video module can be mounted horizontally or vertically. Inputs and outputs of the module can be adapted to include various types of optical or electrical connectors. The inputs and outputs of the module can be modified into various combinations of optical or electrical configurations, and the combinations of inputs and outputs also can be modified. |
| US09176289B2 |
Pluggable data communication module with compliant push-pull tab
A data communication module tab is sufficiently compliant in off-axis directions that it resists damage from forces in such off-axis directions, yet is sufficiently rigid in the direction of its longitudinal axis that a person can insert the data communication module into a cage and withdraw it from a cage by pushing and pulling the tab, respectively. |
| US09176285B2 |
Fiber optic connector
The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic connector and cable assembly. The fiber optic connector includes a connector body and ferrule assembly mounted in the connector body. A spring is positioned within the connector body for biasing the ferrule assembly in a forward direction. The spring has a first spring length when the ferrule assembly is in a forwardmost position. A rear housing of the connector body includes a front extension that fits inside a rear end of the spring, the front extension having a front extension length. The fiber optic connector defines a gap between the front extension and a ferrule hub of the ferrule assembly, the gap having a first dimension measured between the front extension and the ferrule hub when the ferrule assembly is in the forwardmost position, the front extension length being longer than the first dimension. |
| US09176284B2 |
Optical blind-mate connector
An optical blind-mate connector can include a housing that holds a ferrule block, a carrier coupled to the housing, a reversibly retractable sleeve including a sleeve tab extending therefrom, to receive a force to transition the reversibly retractable sleeve from an extended position to a retracted position, and a door coupled to the reversibly retractable sleeve, the door having a closed position and an open position, wherein in the extended position the door is in the closed position to cover a portion of the ferrule block and in the retracted position the door is in the open position to uncover the portion of the ferrule block. |
| US09176282B2 |
High efficiency mono-order concave diffraction grating
A concave diffraction grating for integrated optics is constructed by replacing the reflective metallic part by either multiple thin elements of metal or multiple elements of dielectric material, each partially reflecting the light, and arranged on elliptical fashion in order to distribute the diffraction/reflection of light and provide aberration-free focusing, by combining diffraction condition and Bragg condition of these curved reflectors. |
| US09176279B2 |
Analyzing light by mode interference
Apparatuses and systems for analyzing light by mode interference are provided. An example of an apparatus for analyzing light by mode interference includes a number of waveguides to support in a multimode region two modes of the light of a particular polarization and a plurality of scattering objects offset from a center of at least one of the number of waveguides. |
| US09176277B2 |
Optical links, manufacturing methods thereof, and memory systems having the same
An optical link may include a main optical waveguide; N sub-optical waveguides, where N is a natural number; N mode couplers, each configured to perform a mode coupling operation between the main optical waveguide and a respective one of the N sub-optical waveguide; and an optical wavelength filter connected to an output terminal of the main optical waveguide and an output terminal of each of the N sub-optical waveguides. A memory system may include a memory device, a memory controller, and the optical link. A data processing system may include the memory system and a central processing unit connected to the memory system through a bus. |
| US09176276B2 |
Imaging system for three-dimensional imaging of the interior of an object
The invention relates to an imaging system and a method for three-dimensional imaging of the interior of an object. The imaging system comprises illumination means (10), detection means (11) and reconstruction means. The illumination means is adapted to illuminate the interior of the object with light, wherein the illumination means (10) is capable of generating different spatial light intensity distributions on the interior of the object. The detection means (11) is adapted to detect the different spatial light intensity distributions, and the reconstruction means is adapted to reconstruct a three-dimensional image from the detected different spatial light intensity distributions. The invention relates further to an optical fiber system comprising a transfer mechanism to transfer the optical fiber system from a first condition, in which optical fibers diverge from each other, to a second condition, in which optical fibers are parallel to each other, and vice versa. |
| US09176273B2 |
Backlight unit for use in multiple-display device
A display device includes at least two display panels and a frame for supporting the display panels. The frame includes a partition wall configured for supporting at least an end portion of the display panels. A backlight unit is located at one side of the display panels and provides light to the display panels. The backlight unit includes a strip light source, a longitudinal edge of which is extended along a longitudinal edge of the partition wall for emitting light to the display panels disposed at opposite side of the partition wall and two light-guiding plates disposed at opposite sides of the strip light source for guiding the light emitted from the strip light source into the display panels. |
| US09176271B2 |
Light guide plate and method for manufacturing light guide plate
A light guide plate that uses a resin film as a material for the light guide plate, that has a reflecting or scattering pattern formed by printing, and that guides a light propagating in the film to exit and emerge from the front surface thereof. The light guide plate is thinner and highly flexible, and has high reliability and durability. A base material of the light guide plate is formed from a thermosetting polyurethane sheet with a thickness of 0.4 mm or less. When a dot pattern is formed by ink-jetting, a white UV curable ink, for which the thermosetting polyurethane exhibits a swellability such that the thermosetting polyurethane increases by 10% or more in weight as a result of being soaked in the ink for one hour at a room temperature, is used as the ink. |
| US09176266B2 |
Security element, value document comprising such a security element and method for producing such a security element
A security element for a security paper, value document or the like, having a carrier which has a reflective areal region which is divided into a multiplicity of reflective pixels. The area of each pixel is smaller than the area of the reflective areal region by at least one order of magnitude. Each pixel has at least one reflective facet which is formed in a surface of the carrier, and the at least one reflective facet reflects light incident along a predetermined direction on the areal region directionally in a reflection direction predefined by the orientation of the facet. The orientations of the facets of different pixels have a substantially random variation over the reflective areal region. |
| US09176263B2 |
Optical micro-sensor
Briefly, embodiments of an optical micro-sensor are described. |
| US09176261B2 |
Optical lens assembly, array type lens module and method of making the array type lens module
An optical lens assembly includes a sensor array, a lens array, and a shading element. The sensor array has a plurality of sensors arranged as a matrix to convert optical signals into electrical signals. The lens array has a plurality of lens units arranged as a matrix. The lens array is provided on the sensor array, and the lens units are aligned with the sensors to focus light onto the sensors respectively. The lens units are made of a light curable material or a thermosetting material, and separated from each other to form a trench between each two of the neighboring lens units. The shading element is received in the trenches of the lens array to avoid light which goes into any one of the lens units from entering into the other lens units. |
| US09176256B2 |
Plastic automotive mirrors
A plastic mirror that includes a plastic substrate having a front surface, a hardcoating on the front surface, a reflective layer, and an intermediate zone between the hardcoating and the reflective layer, the intermediate zone including at least one layer formed from a material selected from the group consisting of metals and metalloids, oxides and nitrides of metals and metalloids, and carbon. |
| US09176254B2 |
Electromagnetic and seismic streamer cable and method for using such a streamer cable
A geophysical sensor cable has one or more sensor cable sections. Each of the sensor cable sections is provided with seismic and electromagnetic sensors arranged along said cable. The seismic sensors include a hydrophone and a seismic component receiver for seismic vector measurements while the sensor cable is at the sea-floor. The electromagnetic sensors include both E-field sensors and H-field sensors. The E-field sensors include pairs of first and second electrodes arranged with different positions along the cable and connected to a voltage amplifier. The H-field sensors include three mutually orthogonally arranged H-field component sensors. |
| US09176243B2 |
Locating oil or gas actively by exciting a porous oil and gas saturated system to give off its characteristic resonance response, with optional differentiation of oil, gas and water
This patent deals with methods to selectively excite and analyze the resonance phenomena existing in an enclosed oil, gas and or water reservoir, thereby locating its presence, by doing qualitative and quantitative estimates of its extent via forward modeling. The oil, gas or water reservoir is represented as a fluid filled crack system or as a fluid saturated sponge located in solid rock. This patent covers the actively excited response and details methods to optimize the excitation. Due to interaction between either fluid filled fractures or fluid saturated rock lenses and the surrounding rock, the incident seismic energy is amplified in specific frequency ranges corresponding to the resonance frequencies of such systems. Measurements are made over the survey area, singly or in arrays. These are first used to determine qualitatively the resonance behavior, by relating them to resonance signal sources and possibly their direction. Overall statistical analysis assesses dominant frequencies in the spectrum. H/V analysis excludes resonance effects in rock structures. Time windows are used in the frequency domain to help isolate oscillations in a cursory manner in the noise, which can then be refined to extract oscillation parameters more precisely with the Sompi method. Such found oscillations can then be related to oscillator properties from theoretical and numerical model simulations. A direction analysis with array measurements can be used to locate sources in the earth. Dimensions of the source are estimated via mapping techniques of strong signal areas. The influence of gas bubbles on the fluid velocity, expected to often present, enhances the impedance difference significantly, leading to a stronger resonance effect; to take this into consideration is an important part of this patent. A qualitative method in form of a numerical simulation using one of several specific physical concepts is used for further analysis. For instance the oscillation behavior is known from existing fluid dynamic research for cracks. A single or an assemblage of cracks can be used. For fluid saturated rock pillows with significant over-pressure there is a simplified theoretical model presented. Numerical models using Biot's theory for higher precision results represent a further example. By using a successive forward modeling/investigation with feedback, more details about the fluid saturated area below the surface are gained. It is also possible to determine the type of fluid present with the techniques of this patent. The physical properties of oil, water and gas affect the oscillating characteristics (frequency and Q value) of fluid filled fractures and fluid filled pillows enclosed in rock. These differences in the oscillations allow determining the type of fluid present. Specifically a qualitative survey method and a quantitative method based on a numerical modeling in conjunction with the Monte Carlo method are used to relate the oscillation characteristics to fluid properties. In the Monte Carlo method only fluid parameters are varied, while all other parameters are kept constant. There are specific dependencies on crack length in the case of cracks which needs to be properly estimated to obtain good results. We expect similar constraints for liquid filled pillows. The uniqueness of this method is that it is directly sensitive to the oil or gas itself, because the resonance effect is only present when a fluid is there. Non fluid related oscillations due to impedance differences have shear waves involved and can be excluded using H/V technique. In summary the patent uses techniques to relate the actual measurement with a numerical model based on specific physical concepts, and so arriving at relevant conclusions about the reservoir. |
| US09176242B2 |
Practical autonomous seismic recorder implementation and use
Seismic systems and methods are provided to synchronize both source and receiver data using inexpensive timers and/or low energy timers to obtain high resolution seismic data. |
| US09176237B2 |
Coincidence determination method and apparatus of PET device
In a coincidence determination of a PET device, the PET device uses a scintillator of radioactive isotope containing background noise due to intrinsic radioactivity as a radiation detector. The PET device counts a pair of annihilation radiations that is assumed to occur from a same nuclide. The annihilation radiations are detected within a predetermined coincidence time window by a plurality of radiation detectors. The method includes determining a coincidence with a wide energy window that allows detecting the background noise due to intrinsic radioactivity as multiple coincidences; removing the multiple coincidences; and using an energy window narrower than the wide energy window to limit a coincidence event to a coincidence event in a photopeak from a positron nuclide only. |
| US09176236B2 |
Device for measuring radiation intensity of small sealed radiation source for cancer therapy
The invention provides a radiation intensity measuring apparatus for each of small sealed radiation sources for cancer therapy that is capable of measuring multiple cartridges. The apparatus includes a device for setting up multiple cartridges and a device for measuring the radiation intensities of radiation passing through a narrow slit. Radiation is emitted from multiple radiation sources and the radiation measurement device moves simultaneously together with the slit along with the side of cartridge holding device while scanning the radiation intensities. Included is a radiation detection scanning device for measuring radiation intensities for each of the radiation sources passing through the narrow slit, and a slit shielding system for restricting radiation originated originating from both the side neighboring radiation sources. The moving device is configured move the radiation measurement device along the direction in the side of cartridge where multiple radiation sources are lined up close to each other. |
| US09176228B2 |
Driver assistance device for a vehicle and method for operating a radar device
The invention relates to a driver assistance device (2) for a vehicle (1), which driver assistance device has a radar appliance (3, 4) for determining at least one measured variable (α1, α2, R1, R2) referenced to an object (10) that is external to the vehicle, wherein the radar appliance (3, 4) comprises: at least a first and a second reception antenna (14, 15), each for receiving signals (SE1, SE2), a first down-converter (17), which is coupled to the first reception antenna (14) via a first reception path (16), and a second down-converter (23), which is coupled to the second reception antenna (15) via a second reception path (21), each for down-converting the received signals (SE1, SE2) into respective baseband signals (SB1, SB2), and a control device (5) for receiving the baseband signals (SB1, SB2) and for determining the at least one measured variable (α1, α2, R1, R2) using the baseband signals (SB1, SB2), wherein the radar appliance (3, 4) has test means (32) for producing a local check signal (SP) and for coupling same check signal (SP) into the first reception path (16) and/or into the second reception path (21), as a result of which the control device (5) receives firstly the check signal (SP) that has been down-converted by the first down-converter (17) as a first test signal (ST1) and/or secondly the check signal (SP) that has been down-converted by the second down-converter (23) as a second test signal (ST2). The invention also relates to an appropriate method. |
| US09176227B2 |
Method and apparatus for compensating for a parameter change in a synthetic aperture imaging system
There is described a method for processing data generated by a synthetic aperture imaging system, comprising: receiving raw data representative of electromagnetic signals reflected by a target area to be imaged; receiving a parameter change for the synthetic aperture imaging system; digitally correcting the raw data in accordance with the parameter change, thereby compensating for the parameter change in order to obtain corrected data; and generating an image of the target area using the corrected data. |
| US09176226B1 |
Radar tomography using doppler-based projections
A method for generating an image may include translating a radar system about a target area at a selected angular rate and at a predetermined radius from the target area and transmitting a plurality of radar signals in a predetermined frequency range from the radar system as the radar system is translated about the target area. The method may also include collecting a plurality of backscattered radar signals from the target area resulting from the plurality of transmitted radar signals and forming a plurality of Doppler-based projections from the plurality of backscattered radar signals. The method may further include generating an image of the target area using radar tomography and the Doppler-based projections. |
| US09176221B2 |
Distance estimation in camera-based systems utilizing motion measurement and compression attributes
When estimating distance to an object in an image using a single camera, data acquired by an onboard accelerometer is analyzed to determine camera speed as the user takes a video of the object of interest. The compression that results during video processing is used to derive motion vectors for the object of interest in the scene. The motion vectors have an opposite direction to the camera motion and a magnitude that is a function of the unknown object distance and a known magnification level. The object distance is calculated from the estimated velocity and motion vector magnitude. |
| US09176218B1 |
Gain projection geo-location systems and methods
A system and method for estimating the geographic location of an RF emitter which involves spatially filtering and receiving RF signals through use of a beamforming antenna array having multiple overlapping beams; detecting and measuring the time-of-arrival and amplitude of signals which are received in each beam through use of multiple synchronized receivers; identifying simultaneous detections of the same emitter which have occurred in adjacent beams; projecting the associated beamformed antenna gain patterns onto the underlying terrain for all instances in which there was a simultaneous detection in adjacent beams; weighting and accumulating all projections to form a Maximum Likelihood Surface (MLS); and finally, estimating the location of the emitter through analysis of the resulting MLS. |
| US09176217B2 |
Cell organization and transmission schemes in a wide area positioning system (WAPS)
A position location system comprises transmitters that broadcast positioning signals. Each broadcasted positioning signal comprises a pseudorandom ranging signal. The position location system includes a remote receiver that acquires and measures the time of arrival of the positioning signals received at the remote receiver. During an interval of time, at least two positioning signals are transmitted concurrently by the transmitters and received concurrently at the remote receiver. The two positioning signals have carrier frequencies offset from one another by an offset that is less than approximately twenty-five percent of the bandwidth of each positioning signal of the two positioning signals. Cross-interference between the positioning signals is reduced by tuning the remote receiver to a frequency of a selected signal of the two positioning signals and correlating the selected signal with a reference pseudorandom ranging signal matched to a transmitted pseudorandom ranging signal of the selected signal. |
| US09176215B2 |
Synthetic aperture RFID handheld with tag location capability
A system for determining a bearing or location of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag using a handheld RFID reader is described. In one embodiment, the reader is equipped with an accelerometer. A user moves the reader while the reader receives the tag's signal and determines the tag signal's phase at multiple locations. The locations of the reader antenna can be reconstructed using the accelerometer data. By using the phase determined at multiple locations in conjunction with the location of the reader antenna, the reader can determine the bearing of the tag. For an RFID reader not equipped with an accelerometer, the sign and ratio of the rate of change in the phase of a tag's signal to the distance traveled by the reader antenna can be used to determine the location of the tag relative to the reader. |
| US09176213B2 |
Adaptive coded modulation in low earth orbit satellite communication system
A method and system for providing adaptive coded modulation in LEO satellite communication system is provided. The received power signal at the receiver is predicted by the LEO satellite transmitter without using channel feedback from the receiver. The receiver rapidly detects changes in transmission rate and changes its demodulation rate in tandem with the LEO satellite. Certain conditions that vary slowly, such as local weather and ground moisture level, are provided to the transmitter from the receiver at a much slower rate than that used in normal data communications. |
| US09176211B2 |
Method for quantitatively mapping myocardial contractile function with magnetic resonance based multiparametric strain analysis
The strain at different locations in a subject's heart is determined by acquiring a series of MR images using a tagging pulse sequence (SPAMM) that produces a grid of lines in the reconstructed images. Circumferential strain, longitudinal strain, and the minimum principal strain angle, are all calculated at locations in the heart. These raw strain values are normalized by comparing them with corresponding values in a stored reference heart model. The normalized values at each location are combined to form a composite multiparametric strain index that is indicative of myocardial contractile function and these values are employed to modulate the color at corresponding locations in an anatomical image of the subject's heart. |
| US09176210B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to embodiments includes an executing unit, an informing unit, a detecting unit, and a determining unit. The executing unit executes a pulse sequence to collect data of a subject at a constant cycle. The informing unit informs the subject of a timing of breathing in synchronization with the cycle at which the pulse sequence is executed. The detecting unit detects a breathing level or a respiratory cycle of the subject. The determining unit determines, when the pulse sequence is executed, whether to use the data collected by the pulse sequence for image reconstruction in accordance with the breathing level or the respiratory cycle of the subject. |
| US09176209B2 |
Controlling gradient coils taking the inductive coupling into account
A gradient pulse generator generates reference current signals for a plurality of gradient coils of a gradient coil system of a magnetic resonance system and supplies each of the reference current signals to a controller assigned to one of the gradient coils. Also supplied to the respective controller is an actual current signal that is characteristic of the current flowing in the respective gradient coil. Each of the controllers generates a control signal and accordingly drives a gradient power amplifier assigned to the respective gradient coil. The gradient power amplifiers apply a current to the gradient coils assigned to the gradient power amplifiers in accordance with the generated control signals. Each of the controllers is also supplied with the reference current signal or the actual current signal of at least one other gradient coil or the time derivative of the reference current signal or the actual current signal. |
| US09176208B2 |
Techniques, systems and machine readable programs for magnetic resonance
The present disclosure provides various methods and systems for performing magnetic resonance studies. In accordance with many embodiments, image or other information of interest is derived from super radiant pulses. |
| US09176201B2 |
Ground fault detection device, ground fault detection method, solar energy system, and ground fault detection program
In a ground fault detection device, two photovoltaic strings are disconnected from a photovoltaic power generation system, measurement for one photovoltaic string is performed by a measuring instrument, and in parallel therewith, the other photovoltaic string before measurement is charged/discharged by a charging/discharging unit by executing various functions of the calculation control unit. In other words, charging/discharging of the photovoltaic string is performed in advance at the same timing as the measurement of the photovoltaic string so that the measurement can be performed immediately after the photovoltaic string is connected to the measuring instrument in a subsequent step. |
| US09176200B2 |
Power supply test device
A power supply test device includes a function generator, a loading circuit, a current detection circuit, and a controller. The function generator outputs a square-wave signal to the loading circuit. The loading circuit is electronically connected to a power supply, the loading circuit regulates an output current of the power supply according to the square-wave signal. The current detection circuit cooperates with the controller in detecting a slope of the output current. The controller compares the detected slope with a preset value, and regulates the square-wave signal according to the comparison to regulate the slope of the output current. |
| US09176198B2 |
Battery state estimator with overpotential-based variable resistors
A battery model and equivalent circuit that includes an ohmic resistance, a first RC-pair that models a battery cell charge transfer reaction and double layer processes and a second RC-pair that models battery cell diffusion. Each of the ohmic resistance, the charge transfer reaction resistance and the diffusion resistance in the model are variable resistances, where each resistance changes in response to a change in voltage potential across the resistance. |
| US09176187B2 |
Digital multi-meter with LCR function
A Data acquisition apparatus for measuring purpose can be used as a Digital Multi-Meter (DMM) as well as a LCR meter, and this apparatus can be implemented in semiconductor chip adopted in a handheld case, it includes a DMM and a LCR meter. The LCR meter includes a LCR measuring circuit implemented with integrated circuit. The LCR measuring circuit includes an impedance measuring circuit and an auto-zero amplifier which bias the input offset voltage and amplify the input signal that has passed a big resistor (PTC) to make the signal have a predetermined SNR suitable for the process by the LCR measuring circuit. |
| US09176183B2 |
Method and system for wafer quality predictive modeling based on multi-source information with heterogeneous relatedness
The present invention generally relates to the monitoring and controlling of a semiconductor manufacturing environment and, more particularly, to methods and systems for virtual meteorology (VM) applications based on data from multiple tools having heterogeneous relatedness. The methods and systems leverage the natural relationship of the multiple tools and take advantage of the relationship embedded in process variables to improve the prediction performance of the VM predictive wafer quality modeling. The prediction results of the methods and systems can be used as a substitute for or in conjunction with actual metrology samples in order to monitor and control a semiconductor manufacturing environment, and thus reduce delays and costs associated with obtaining actual physical measurements. |
| US09176181B2 |
High throughput current-voltage combinatorial characterization tool and method for combinatorial solar test substrates
Measuring current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of a solar cell using a lamp that emits light, a substrate that includes a plurality of solar cells, a positive electrode attached to the solar cells, and a negative electrode peripherally deposited around each of the solar cells and connected to a common ground, an articulation platform coupled to the substrate, a multi-probe switching matrix or a Z-stage device, a programmable switch box coupled to the multi-probe switching matrix or Z-stage device and selectively articulating the probes by raising the probes until in contact with at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode and lowering the probes until contact is lost with at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode, a source meter coupled to the programmable switch box and measuring the I-V characteristics of the substrate. |
| US09176180B1 |
Method for determining the distance to and magnitude of one or more passive intermodulation (PIM) source
A Passive Intermodulation (PIM) measurement circuit enables making forward and reverse PIM measurements on any 1 port (reflection) or 2 port (transmission) device with the ability to determine in distance where individual PIM impairments are located as well as their magnitude. The PIM measurement circuit includes two frequency sources that are provided through a combiner for a CW characterization of the PIM circuit. To enable distance determination, an FM measurement is created by using a saw tooth offset sweep generator attached to one of the two frequency sources. With down conversion and processing of signals from the PIM impairments, the FM signal provides a frequency variation that is converted using a Fourier transform or spectrum analysis for separation of frequencies, enabling determination of the distance of the PIM sources as well as their magnitudes. |
| US09176178B2 |
Battery simulation circuit
A battery simulation circuit simulates a rechargeable battery. The battery simulation circuit includes an integrated amplifier, a voltage adjustment unit, a current limitation unit, and a feedback unit. The voltage adjustment unit provides a reference voltage for the integrated amplifier; the current limitation unit provides a reference current for the integrated amplifier and the feedback unit provides a negative feedback signal for the integrated amplifier to control the integrated amplifier working in a linear state. The integrated amplifier outputs an output signal according to the reference voltage and the reference current; the battery simulation circuit supplies power for an electronic device. When the output terminal is connected to a DC power source and a voltage of the DC power source is greater than the output voltage of the output terminal, the battery simulation circuit simulates a battery being recharged by the DC power source via the output terminal. |
| US09176173B2 |
Method for detecting imperfect mounting of a rod-shaped metallic object in a metallic hollow shaft and a device
A method for detecting an imperfect mounting of an essentially rod-shaped metallic object in a metallic hollow shaft is provided. The imperfect mounting may lead to the formation of metallic particles. The rod-shaped object is mounted electrically insulated from the hollow shaft. The electrical resistance between the rod-shaped object and the hollow shaft is measured. An alert is issued when the electrical resistance is lower than a predefined level. A device includes a spin unit with a hollow drive shaft and a nozzle mounted inside the hollow shaft. The device is configured to use the inventive method. |
| US09176172B2 |
Power level identification circuit, power level flag circuit and power level supply system
A power level identification circuit includes a power interface, a voltage conversion unit, a waveform detection unit, a signal pre-processing unit and a processing unit. The power interface receives electrical power and first signals indicating a level of the power. The voltage conversion unit receives the power from the power interface and converts the power. The waveform detection unit filters the power and obtains the first signals indicating power level. The signal pre-processing unit shapes the waveform of the first signals indicating power level and thereby generates second signals indicating power level. The processing unit identifies a level of the second signals indicating power level and switches to one of modes of the power level identification circuit corresponding to the identified level of the second signals indicating power level. A power level flag circuit and a power level supply system are also provided. |
| US09176171B2 |
Data alignment in large scale electrical system applications
A method for automatically aligning measured power-related data in a power monitoring system to a common reference point. A conductor in a power delivery system is modeled according to an equivalent pi model of a transmission line that is characterized by model parameters. The conductor is monitored on both ends by a reference monitoring device and a second monitoring device. The voltage and current are measured in either the reference monitoring device or the second monitoring device and a phase shift offset between the voltages or currents at the two devices is calculated. The calculated phase shift offset corresponds to a temporal delay between events observed at the pair of devices, and calculating and storing the phase shift offset allows a power monitoring system controller to more accurately align data received from monitoring devices. |
| US09176163B2 |
Anemometer detecting thermal time constant of sensor
An anemometer and method for analyzing fluid flow is described. In one embodiment, a transistor sensor is heated by applying power to cause its base-emitter junction to rise from an ambient first temperature to a second temperature. The power is removed, and the Vbe is measured at intervals as the junction cools. The Vbe equates to a temperature of the junction. The temperature exponentially decreases, and the time constant of the decay corresponds to the fluid flow velocity. A best fit curve analysis is performed on the temperature decay curve, and the time constant of the exponential decay is derived by a data processor. A transfer function correlates the time constant to the fluid flow velocity. The transistor is thermally coupled to a metal rod heat sink extending from the package, and the characteristics of the rod are controlled to adjust the performance of the anemometer. |
| US09176160B2 |
Identification system and electronic system for identifying a fan type of a fan
A fan identification system identifies a fan type of a fan in an electronic system. The fan identification system includes a controller that includes: a setting module for setting a fan identification characteristic value corresponding to a pulse width modulation duty cycle with a substantial maximum difference between a fan speed of a first type of fan and a fan speed of a second type of fan; a reading module for reading a stable fan speed value after the fan receives the fan identification characteristic value and is initiated with the fan identification characteristic value; and an identification module for identifying the fan as the first type of fan or the second type of fan based on which fan has a predetermined fan speed that is the closest to the stable fan speed value when operating at the fan identification characteristic value. |
| US09176159B2 |
Variable reluctance sensor interfaces with signal pre-processing and methods of their operation
The embodiments described herein can provide a variable reluctance sensor (VRS) interface that may reduce the probability of erroneous transitions in a resulting generated detect signal. As such, the VRS interface can improve the accuracy of position and/or motion determinations, and thus can improve the performance of a wide variety of devices that use variable reluctance sensors. To facilitate this, the VRS interface includes a pre-processing circuit configured to modify a VRS signal to prevent the modified VRS signal from dropping below a threshold value and generating erroneous transitions in the detect signal pulse between leading and lagging edges of a tooth. In one embodiment the pre-processing circuit comprises a peak and hold circuit. In another embodiment the pre-processing circuit comprises a resistor-capacitor circuit. In either case the pre-processing circuit can prevent erroneous transitions in the detect signal and thus may improve the performance and accuracy of the system. |
| US09176154B2 |
Calibration process and system
An improved calibration process for a medical testing machine. The machine automatically recognizes that a package of calibration material has been inserted into it, and performs a calibration sequence to ascertain a calibration parameter to be used in performing future tests with the medical testing machine. The calibration package may include machine-readable indicators that the package is to be used for calibration, and of a calibration setpoint of a calibration material in the package. A calibration material may be stored in a lyophilized state in the package, and the medical testing machine may automatically reconstitute the lyophilized material. |
| US09176152B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for detection of positional freedom of particles in biological and chemical analyses and applications in immunodiagnostics
The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for the detection of positional freedom of particles used in biological, biochemical, physical, biophysical, and chemical analyses. In particular, the present invention relates to methods and apparatuses which can detect and characterize a population of particles/cells based upon their detected mobility. In one embodiment consistent with the invention, detection of certain cells is based on differences detected in populations of cells that bind to a substrate and those that exhibit weaker binding forces. Initially, cells are settled on the substrate, and in the presence of gravitational, natural thermodynamic pressure fluctuations, and other random or applied forces, some of the particles may exhibit translational movement. Particle movement is detected, and measurements are computed, according to the methods and apparatuses of the present invention, to determine the binding of specific analytes. |
| US09176145B2 |
Kit for predicting implantation success in assisted fertilization
A kit for determining for a female subject the implantation potential of embryos obtained or to be obtained by assisted fertilization is described. The kit includes at least one reagent suitable for detection of levels of FF G-CSF or FF G-CSF mRNA, such as anti-G-CSF antibody or a nucleic acid probe for detection of levels of G-CSF mRNA. The kit may also include a set of concentration standards of FF G-CSF and aspirator tips for removing an oocyte and follicular fluid. |
| US09176143B2 |
Transmembrane protein as biosensors
The disclosure relates to engineered transport proteins comprising at last one fluorescent reporter covalently bound to the transporter protein, wherein the transporter proteins comprise a structural inverted repeat motif, with the motif comprising a first and second subunit that are structural inverted repeats of one another and that are joined to one another by a polypeptide loop. |
| US09176142B2 |
Polymer conjugate enhanced bioassays
Incorporation of modified branched polymers in one or more components of assays enhances sensitivity, specificity or both, providing powerful point of use tests. |
| US09176140B2 |
Corrugated and nanoporous microstructures and nanostructures, and methods for synthesizing the same
A method of synthesizing corrugated and nanoporous microspheres including the steps of synthesizing substantially smooth spherical microspheres, and controlled wet-etching of the substantially smooth spherical microspheres with a basic solution having a pH above 10.00 is provided. The microspheres can include, for example, silica microspheres or titania microspheres of various sized diameters of between 50 nm and 600 nm. The basic solution can include an aqueous potassium cyanide solution or an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution. Methods of using the corrugated and nanoporous microspheres described herein are also provided. |
| US09176136B2 |
Hybridoma cell line ST03, monoclonal antibody against aflatoxin biosynthetic precursor sterigmatocystin and use thereof
A hybridoma cell line ST03 having China Center for Type Culture Collection (CCTCC) accession number C2013187, a monoclonal antibody against aflatoxin biosynthetic precursor ST produced by the hybridoma cell line ST03, and the use of the monoclonal antibody. The hybridoma cell line ST03 can be used for preparing a high-titer monoclonal antibody against aflatoxin biosynthetic precursor ST, and the titer of mouse ascites antibody against aflatoxin biosynthetic precursor ST determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) can reach 6.4×105. The monoclonal antibody against aflatoxin biosynthetic precursor ST has high sensitivity, has 50% inhibiting concentration IC50 to aflatoxin biosynthetic precursor ST of 0.36 ng/mL, has no cross reaction with all of aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin B2, aflatoxin G1, and aflatoxin G2, and can be used for the content determination of aflatoxin biosynthetic precursor ST. |
| US09176134B2 |
Diagnosis of tuberculosis
The invention comprises an oligonucleotide selected from the group comprising SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3; SEQ ID NO: 4; SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ ID NO: 6. The invention also comprises a complementary oligonucleotide of the oligonucleotide selected from the group comprising SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3; SEQ ID NO: 4; SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ ID NO: 6, an oligonucleotide being at least 80% homologous thereto, a truncated portion of any of the aforementioned, or a pairing of any of the aforementioned. |
| US09176133B2 |
Immunogenic proteins of Leptospira
The invention provides novel immunogenic proteins LigA and LigB from Leptospira for use in the development of effective vaccines and antibodies, as well as improved diagnostic methods and kits. |
| US09176132B2 |
Method of calibration
The following processes are performed to improve the accuracy of the process of estimating the volume of a cell clump from an image including the cell clump. First, the image including the cell clump is acquired, and the optical density of the cell clump in the image is measured. Cross-section information about the cell clump is acquired by observation using a confocal microscope or by physical cutting. Based on the cross-section information, the vertical height of the cell clump is determined. Thereafter, data representing a relationship between the aforementioned optical density and the height is acquired. This improves the accuracy of the process of converting the optical density into the height to thereby achieve the accurate estimation of the volume of the cell clump. |
| US09176129B2 |
Protein scaffolds
The invention provides protein scaffolds and methods of preparing, screening, engineering and using such protein scaffolds. |
| US09176125B2 |
Production of conjugates
Disclosed is a method for indirectly coupling a small molecule ligand to a molecule to be labelled with the ligand, the method comprising the step of: contacting a scaffold molecule, to which is attached at least one small molecule ligand, with the molecule to be labelled, the scaffold molecule having at least one group which is reactive towards a receiver moiety present or formed in situ on the molecule to be labelled, so as to forma bond between the scaffold molecule and the molecule to be labelled, thereby indirectly coupling the small molecule ligand to the molecule to be labelled. |
| US09176118B2 |
Methods employing insect models for determining intestinal absorption of chemical compounds
There is provided insect screening models to determine gastrointestinal absorption of different chemical compounds in vertebrates, and in particular humans, in order to improve the compound screening procedures/processes in the early drug discovery process. This offers many advantages relative to prior technologies since insect models are more reliable tools for the decision-making process than the existing in vitro models, and will speed up the drug screening process and reduce the late phase attrition rate. Moreover, it will reduce the number of mammals sacrificed during the drug discovery phase. |
| US09176116B2 |
Cell culture system for determining the sensitizing, allergenic and/or irritating effect of a substance
The present invention refers to a cell culture system especially for investigating the sensitizing, allergenic and/or irritating effect of substances, comprising a first and a second compartment that can communicate with each other via a permeable interlayer, whereby the first compartment has an epidermis model and the second a cell culture based on immune cells. |
| US09176108B2 |
Method and device for measuring corrosion metal loss
A method and system for detecting corrosion metal loss. One may provide a guided wave probe that includes an electromechanical device and a corrosion probe. This may be followed by measuring a baseline guided wave attenuation value of the corrosion probe with no corrosion. One may then periodically measure the guided wave attenuation of the corrosion probe and detect an increase in guided wave attenuation values and identify metal corrosion associated with the increase in guided wave attenuation values. This may then be followed by estimating the corrosion metal loss of the metallic component. |
| US09176106B2 |
Total organic carbon meter provided with system blank function
A total organic carbon measuring device comprises: a sample supply unit that collects and supplies sample water; an oxidative decomposition unit that is connected to the sample supply unit and oxidizes organic matter contained in the sample water supplied from the sample supply unit to carbon dioxide; a carbon dioxide separation unit that transfers carbon dioxide from the sample water that has passed through the oxidative decomposition unit to measurement water consisting of deionized water; a conductivity measuring unit that measures the conductivity of the measurement water flowing from the carbon dioxide separation unit; and an arithmetic processing unit that calculates the TOC concentration of the sample water from a measured value obtained by the conductivity measuring unit. A measured value obtained by the conductivity measuring unit when pure water subjected to aeration treatment is allowed to pass through the oxidative decomposition unit of which oxidative decomposition function is turned off and then flows through a sample water channel is defined as a system blank value. |
| US09176105B2 |
Density-based separation of biological analytes using multiphase systems
The disclosed methods use a multi-phase system to separate samples according to the density of an analyte of interest. The method uses a multi-phase system that comprises two or more phase-separated solutions and a phase component such as a surfactant or polymer. The density of the analyte of interest differs from the densities of the rest of the sample. The density of the analyte of interest is substantially the same as one or more phases. Thus, when the sample is introduced to the multi-phase system, the analyte of interest migrates to the phase having the same density as the analyte of interest, passing through one or more phases sequentially. |
| US09176104B2 |
Predicting odor pleasantness with an electronic nose
Apparatus and method for assessing odors, comprises an electronic nose, to be applied to an odor and to output a structure identifying the odor; a neural network which maps an extracted structure to a first location on a pre-learned axis of odor pleasantness; and an output for outputting an assessment of an applied odor based on said first location. The assessment may be a prediction of how pleasant a user will consider the odor. |
| US09176103B2 |
Chemical indicator compositions, indicators and methods
Chemical indicator compositions comprising a bismuth compound; elemental sulfur; and a compound with relatively high water solubility which makes the composition alkaline when exposed to water vapor at an elevated temperature; a chemical indicator comprising a substrate and the composition coated on at least a portion of a major surface of the substrate; and methods of making and using the chemical indicator are disclosed. |
| US09176101B2 |
Rotary shear injector valve with displaced rotor grooves
A valve includes a stator that has fluidic ports in a seal surface, and a rotor that has a seal surface contacting the stator's seal surface. The rotor has through-holes that extend from the seal surface to a back surface, providing fluidic communication with a conduit disposed adjacent to the back surface of the rotor. A chromatography apparatus includes a sample source, a solvent source having a higher operating pressure than the sample source, and an injector valve. A method of performing chromatography includes loading a sample with a valve in a load-state configuration that disposes a sample source in fluidic communication with a conduit disposed adjacent to a back surface of the rotor, and injecting the loaded sample with the valve in an inject-state configuration that disposes a solvent source in fluidic communication with a column via at grooves adjacent to a front seal surface of the rotor. |
| US09176099B2 |
Variable radius inspection using sweeping linear array
Method and apparatus for enabling ultrasonic inspection of a changing, insufficiently defined or unknown shape (e.g., a variable radius or a noncircular radius caused by the use of soft tooling) at a rate that meets production requirements. The apparatus comprises a linear ultrasonic array (i.e., sensor) incorporated in a toppler, which in turn is slidably supported by an oscillating sensor mechanism carried by a traveling trailer vehicle. As a result of this arrangement, the sensor can undergo a back-and-forth sweeping motion coupled with motion along the spar radius. The sensor is further able to displace radially relative to a sweep pivot axis and rotate (hereinafter “topple”) about a topple pivot axis. In this manner, the orientation of the sensor can adjust to the contour of the inspected surface as the sensor scans. |
| US09176095B2 |
Method of processing target material in a sample
An efficient method of processing a target material in a sample using a microfluidic device including an elastic membrane. |
| US09176093B2 |
Gas sensor
A gas sensor element having a chamfered portion. The chamfered portion has a leading end chamfered portion formed in a leading end portion of the gas sensor element, a rear end chamfered portion formed in a rear end portion of the gas sensor element, and an intermediate chamfered portion linking the leading end chamfered portion and rear end chamfered portion. The chamfer angle of the rear end chamfered portion is formed so as to be larger than the chamfer angle of the leading end chamfered portion. |
| US09176089B2 |
Integrated multi-sensor module
A semiconductor-based multi-sensor module integrates miniature temperature, pressure, and humidity sensors onto a single substrate. Pressure and humidity sensors can be implemented as capacitive thin film sensors, while the temperature sensor is implemented as a precision miniature Wheatstone bridge. Such multi-sensor modules can be used as building blocks in application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Furthermore, the multi-sensor module can be built on top of existing circuitry that can be used to process signals from the sensors. An integrated multi-sensor module that uses differential sensors can measure a variety of localized ambient environmental conditions substantially simultaneously, and with a high level of precision. The multi-sensor module also features an integrated heater that can be used to calibrate or to adjust the sensors, either automatically or as needed. Such a miniature integrated multi-sensor module that features low power consumption can be used in medical monitoring and mobile computing, including smart phone applications. |
| US09176088B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting smoke in an ion chamber
A smoke detection sensor ion chamber has a capacitance and a change in the permittivity of that capacitance dielectric (ionized air in the chamber) may be used to detect the presence of smoke therein. Smoke from typical fires is mainly composed of unburned carbon that has diffused in the surrounding air and rises with the heat of the fire. The permittivity of the carbon particles is about 10 to 15 times the permittivity of clean air. The addition of the carbon particles into the air in the ion chamber changes in the permittivity thereof that is large enough to measure by measuring a change in capacitance of the ion chamber. |
| US09176087B2 |
Device and method for detecting redox reactions in solution
Described herein is a device comprising a plurality of first reaction electrodes arranged in an array, the plurality of first reaction electrodes configured to be exposed to a solution and having a capacitance; first circuitry configured to controllably connect the plurality of first reaction electrodes to a bias source and controllably disconnect the plurality of first reaction electrodes from the bias source; and second circuitry configured to measure a rate of charging or discharging of the capacitance. Also described herein is a method of using this device to sequence DNA. |
| US09176085B2 |
Crack detection in ceramics using electrical conductors
Various embodiments provide methods and systems for detecting cracks in ceramic electrolytes using electrical conductors. A method for testing an electrolyte material, such as a ceramic electrolyte material for use in a solid oxide fuel cell device, includes providing a conductive path on the electrolyte material, electrically connecting a probe across the conductive path, and measuring a value associated with the conductive path to determine the presence or absence of a crack in the material. |
| US09176080B2 |
X-ray analysis apparatus with detector window protection feature
An X-ray fluorescence (XRF) instrument comprises a hand-held device housing which holds a radiation emitter configured to emit radiation directed at a test object and a radiation detector housed inside a chamber closed by a sealing window and configured to detect radiation of the test object, caused by the test object being exposed to the emitted radiation. A protective cover mechanism is affixed to the testing device and is configured to have a closed position which covers or blocks access to the sealing window to protect it from being broken or damaged by debris or other obstructions, and an open position which exposes the sealing window to allow the un-obstructed passage of radiation therethrough. The cover mechanism can be implemented variously, including by a pivotally mounted cover plate, an iris mechanism, a fan-like cover and the like. Debris can be detected variously, including by strain sensors, optical detectors and proximity sensors. |
| US09176079B2 |
Device for controlling pharmaceutical products
The invention relates to a device (10; 10a) for controlling pharmaceutical products (1) in particular, hard gelatin capsules, by means of a radiation source (11) preferably designed as an X-ray source, comprising a storage device (13) which receives the products (1) in an uncontrolled manner, and from which the products (1) are transferred to a transport element (15) in which the products (1) are arranged such that they form at least one row. The products (1) are transported in a clocked manner in the radiation area (25) of the radiation source (11) which exposes the products (1) to radiation, preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal direction thereof. A first stopping device (20) for separating the products (1) in the row is arranged upstream of the radiation source (11) in the direction of transportation (18) of the products (1), and at least one sensor element (28, 28a) coupled to an evaluation device (30) captures the radiation which passed through the products (1). According to the invention, at least two products (1) are separated from the row by means of the first stopping device (20) and are simultaneously positioned in the radiation area (25) and the image of the product (1) is captured by means of the at least one sensor element (28; 28a). |
| US09176078B2 |
X-ray detector system for a computed tomography scanner and computed tomography device
For improved sampling, an x-ray detector system for a computed tomography scanner is provided. In an embodiment, the x-ray detector system includes at least one detector row which includes a plurality of detector modules each having a plurality of detector elements. Along the at least one detector row, a first portion of the detector elements is arranged in a grid at a first grid spacing in relation to its respective neighboring detector elements, and a second portion of the detector elements is arranged in a grid at a second grid spacing in relation to its respective neighboring detector elements. |
| US09176076B2 |
Cargo inspection system
According to one embodiment, a cargo inspection method includes transporting a first guideway vehicle over a guideway from a first inspection station to a second inspection station. A first non-intrusive scanning mechanism associated with the first inspection station is used to acquire a first set of data associated with cargo stored in the first guideway vehicle. The first set of data acquired by the first non-intrusive scanning mechanism associated with the first inspection station is analyzed to determine the identity of the cargo stored on the first guideway vehicle. The first set of data acquired by the first non-intrusive scanning mechanism is compared with a first manifest that describes the cargo that is declared to be stored on the first guideway vehicle. It is determined that the first guideway vehicle contains contraband cargo if the identity of the cargo does not match the first manifest. |
| US09176071B2 |
Device, kit and method for inspection of an article
The invention relates to a device for inspecting the surface of an article having an edge with an end face, said device including: a support for supporting said article, a light source capable of emitting a light in a direction D, and a filter for stopping part of the light of said light source which is emitted or diffused out of direction D, said filter being provided with a hole intended to receive said article when said article is provided on said support, said support being positioned with respect to said light source and said filter so that, when said article is provided on said support, the end face of said edge is substantially perpendicular to said direction D. The invention also relates to a kit comprising such a device and to a method for inspecting the surface of the article. |
| US09176070B2 |
Inspection assembly
A method for inspecting wafers or other flat objects having an object surface, comprises the steps of: providing a camera assembly with a camera for recording images of said object surface or portions of said object surface during an exposure time which is limited by a shutter; generating a continuous relative movement of said camera assembly and said object without interruption, whereby a movement blur of said image during said exposure time is caused; continuously illuminating said object with an illuminance which is controlled to remain at the same value; and recording one or more images of at least one of said portions of said object surface with said camera; defining a movement blur which is acceptable for an analysis of said image wherein said exposure time is smaller than a time causing said acceptable movement blur; and performing said analysis of said image. |
| US09176068B1 |
Utility electronic precious gemstone type and quality detector
The Utility Electronic Precious Gemstone Type And Quality Detector (Utility Gem Tester) is a simple, portable, rugged and dependable hand held device that identifies gemstones and rates a gemstone's quality using an internal tabulation of the gemstone's wide spectral response to ultra violet irradiation. The device contains a low power UV LED and a multichannel photodiode array for a wide band spectral analysis of a gemstone's response to the impinging UV laser beam. The spectral analysis is then compared with the internal tabulation of spectral fingerprints of known gemstones and an analysis is visually displayed. The Utility Gem Tester is intended to fill the needs of amateur (gemstone) rock hunters and jewelry kiosk personnel in identifying the various marketable precious stones. |
| US09176067B2 |
Apparatus and method for determining the effective cementation or nitriding depth of steel components, in particular gears
An apparatus for determining the effective case-hardening or nitriding depth of a steel component comprises a measuring head, including a laser source generating a variable frequency radiation for the scanning of pre-determined portions of the component to be measured; an infrared detector, configured so as to detect infrared radiation generated by the component to be measured; and computing means of spectra of the infrared radiation received; and an evolventimeter, connected to the measuring head and including first computing means suitable for computing a hardness profile of the component to be measured on the basis of a launch profile and spectra of the infrared radiation received and second computing means suitable for computing the effective case-hardening depth from the hardness profile computed. |
| US09176066B2 |
Method for preserving aqueous solution containing leuco chromogen
The present invention provides: a method for preserving an aqueous solution containing a leuco chromogen, comprising adding a compound having at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of a nitroso group and an azo group and having an ability to coordinate a metal ion or a salt thereof to the aqueous solution containing a leuco chromogen; a method for stabilizing a leuco chromogen, comprising allowing the leuco chromogen to coexist in an aqueous solution comprising a compound having at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of a nitroso group and an azo group and having an ability to coordinate a metal ion or a salt thereof; and a liquid reagent comprising a leuco chromogen and a compound having at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of a nitroso group and an azo group and having an ability to coordinate a metal ion or a salt thereof. |
| US09176065B2 |
Nanoscale array structures suitable for surface enhanced raman scattering and methods related thereto
Methods for fabricating nanoscale array structures suitable for surface enhanced Raman scattering, structures thus obtained, and methods to characterize the nanoscale array structures suitable for surface enhanced Raman scattering. Nanoscale array structures may comprise nanotrees, nanorecesses and tapered nanopillars. |
| US09176060B2 |
Apparatus and methods to measure optical density
The present invention provides apparatus and methods for measuring the optical density of a fluid by measuring the light transmission through a reconfigurable optical path. The optical path is reconfigured by the deflection of an elastic membrane wherein the optical path length through the fluid is determined by the position of the membrane relative to a fixed surface. The optical density can be determined from two measurements with different optical path lengths through the fluid. |
| US09176056B2 |
Measurement apparatus and method
A method of measuring the reflectivity of a region of an article to electromagnetic radiation, in particular for the characterisation of the radio-frequency (RF) properties of wind turbine blades. The article is arranged in the near-field of a transceiver antenna, which performs both illumination and measurement of reflected radiation from the region of the article undergoing measurement. The method is beneficial in that it can be used with an antenna in close proximity (or in contact) to the article to be measured, for example for use in on site measurement of specific regions of a turbine blade. |
| US09176054B2 |
System for tomographic imaging using coherent light that has a random phase distribution
The present invention provides an apparatus for tomographic imaging of an object. The apparatus includes a light unit configured to generate illumination, which comprises coherent light and has random phase distribution in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis, for illuminating an object, a coupler which combines a reference beam and an object beam for an interference, a shifter configured to shift relative phase difference between the object light and the reference coherent light, a detector configured to detect an interference caused by the reference coherent light and object light for the each phase, and a processor configured to calculate an optical propagation based on the detected interference for the each phase. |
| US09176051B2 |
Micro-optical element, micro-optical array, and optical sensor system
A micro-optical element includes a resonator substrate, at least one microresonator includes a rotationally symmetrical body mounted on the resonator substrate, and a light-reflecting element including a ring-shaped mirror that surrounds the rotationally symmetrical body. |
| US09176044B2 |
Device and method for detecting deposits
A device and a method for detecting deposits (9) on walls (2) that are covered by a medium, in which as sensor (1) is integrated in the wall (2). A component (3) of the sensor (1) locally heats the medium in a region (4), and the temperature of the medium around the component (3) is detected. The sensor (1) relays temperature measurement signals to an analysis unit (8), where the degree of deposit formation is determined, e.g., by comparison with stored reference data. |
| US09176043B2 |
Cell image analysis apparatus, cell image analysis method, and program
A cell image analysis apparatus includes a threshold value storage unit storing a cell nucleus threshold value, a fragmented cell nucleus threshold value, and a cell nucleus area threshold value in advance, an image input unit inputting a cell image captured from a cell stained with a fluorescent substance, a cell nucleus region extraction unit extracting, from the input cell image, a region having an area equal to or larger than the cell nucleus area threshold value from among regions having a luminance value equal to or larger than the cell nucleus threshold value as a cell nucleus region, and a fragmented cell nucleus region extraction unit extracting, from the cell nucleus region, a region having a luminance value equal to or larger than the fragmented cell nucleus threshold value as a fragmented cell nucleus region. |
| US09176040B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring fluid viscosity
An apparatus and a method for measuring fluid viscosity are revealed. An inlet end of a container is larger than an outlet end of the container. A fluid flows through the outlet end at a flow rate. A volume of the fluid flowing out of the outlet end is measured by a graduated cylinder while the time taken for the fluid to flow through the outlet end is measured by a timer. The flow rate is associated with the volume and the time of the fluid and the viscosity of the fluid is obtained according to a density and a pressure gradient of the fluid, an outlet end radius and the flow rate. The apparatus has simple structure, easy operation and maintenance. Moreover, less space is required and the apparatus cost is low. Therefore, the testability is improved, the measurement time is reduced, and the convenience in use is enhanced. |
| US09176036B2 |
Apparatus for handling specimen slides having selectably receivable glass or tape coverslipping modules
An apparatus (10) for handling specimen slides comprises a first module receiving region (18) in which a coverslipping module (100, 200), for coverslipping thin sections arranged on the specimen slides with a coverslipping medium and a coverslipping element, is receivable. A first electrical interface is provided in the first module receiving region (18) for attachment of a coverslipping module (100, 200), this interface being embodied so that by way of it, both a glass coverslipping module (100) for coverslipping with glass wafers and a tape coverslipping module (200) for coverslipping with tapes is attachable. The first module receiving region (18) is furthermore embodied in such a way that a tape coverslipping module (200) or a glass coverslipping module (100) is selectably receivable in it. |
| US09176028B2 |
Ball assisted device for analytical surface sampling
A system for sampling a surface includes a sampling probe having a housing and a socket, and a rolling sampling sphere within the socket. The housing has a sampling fluid supply conduit and a sampling fluid exhaust conduit. The sampling fluid supply conduit supplies sampling fluid to the sampling sphere. The sampling fluid exhaust conduit has an inlet opening for receiving sampling fluid carried from the surface by the sampling sphere. A surface sampling probe and a method for sampling a surface are also disclosed. |
| US09176026B2 |
Device for the collection, refinement, and administration of gastrointestinal microflora
Methods and systems for isolating gastrointestinal microflora from stool collected from a donor are provided. Stool is collected from a donor in a container as the donor is defecating. A solvent is introduced into the container and the container sealed to place its contents in a sealed environment. Various agents can be added to achieve dissolving, colorizing, deodorizing, or for further therapies. The solvent and collected stool is homogenized into a mixture which is then filtered by a multi-stage filter system to create a solution containing microflora in the desired consistency. This solution can be dispensed via an enema tube or other delivery apparatus for infusion into a patient's gastrointestinal tract. |
| US09176024B2 |
Systems and methods for monitoring rotary equipment
A system includes a first unitary measurement strip configured to be secured about a rotational component at a first axial location. The first unitary measurement strip includes a first set of one or more windows, each window of the first set of one or more windows is configured to correspond to a first respective tangential location of the rotational component at the first axial location, and each window of the first set of one or more windows is configured to be detectable via a first sensor. |
| US09176021B2 |
Leak detection device using hydrogen as tracer gas
The leak detection device using hydrogen as a tracer gas is intended to be connected to an object to be tested. The leak detection device includes a hydrogen sensor placed in a low-pressure enclosure and includes a diode, a resistor, a MOS-type transistor whose gate is covered with a palladium catalyst, a pump connected to the low-pressure enclosure, a pressure gauge configured to measure the pressure in a vacuum line formed by the low-pressure enclosure connected to the pump, and a multiway valve having a first port allowing admission of the gas flow containing the tracer gas into the vacuum line, and a second port allowing the admission of neutral gas. The method makes it possible to stabilize the pressure of the vacuum line in order to avoid fluctuations in the hydrogen measurements. |
| US09176019B2 |
Pressure switch with temperature enable function
The present invention describes systems and methods of providing a pressure switch with temperature enable function. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a pressure sensor for providing a pressure signal having a first voltage level that is proportional to a pressure applied to the pressure sensor; a temperature sensor for providing a temperature signal having a second voltage level where the second voltage level is proportional to a temperature measured by the pressure sensor; and a control circuit for receiving the pressure signal from the pressure sensor and the temperature signal from the temperature sensor and activating a load when the first voltage level exceeds a threshold voltage level. |
| US09176017B2 |
Inflation probe device with measurement of inflation pressure
An inflation device for airbags has an inflation tube insertable through the airbag inflation valve, the inflation tube having a distal end. A handle mounts the inflation tube and is connected to an inflation gas source. A delivery valve controls inflation gas flow through inflation tube. A pressure gauge has an input and conduit extending therefrom along the inflation tube and to the end of the inflation tube for ascertaining inflation pressure within the airbag. The delivery valve is operated to achieve a desired inflation pressure. The inflation tube has gas delivery openings through its side walls laterally delivering inflation gas to the airbag. The inflation tube and pressure gauge conduit are inserted together through the airbag inflation valve, so that inflation pressure is monitored substantially concurrently with inflation. |
| US09176016B2 |
System and method for 3D printer material management
The quantity of material remaining in a 3D printing system may be effectively measured through the use of a strain gauge. The strain gauge may be mounted on a support member such as a cantilevered support that holds the weight of a material dispenser. As the material is consumed, the strain gauge may measure the reduction in deformation of the cantilevered support, thereby indicating to a control system and/or a user the quantity of material used. Full and/or empty material dispenser measurements may be taken to provide reference points that indicate how close the material dispenser is to being full and/or empty. The material dispenser may be mounted in a variety of locations relative to the 3D printer, including on a side and on top. A top-mounted material dispenser may be received within a bearing that permits the material dispenser to rotate, allowing the material to unwind during consumption. |
| US09176004B2 |
Imaging sensor array testing equipment
A testing device for testing one more characteristics of an electronic display. The testing device includes a main body and a receiving cavity defined within the main body configured to receive at least a portion of the electronic display. The testing device also includes a plurality of sensors positioned on a first surface of the testing device and configured to be in optical communication with at least a portion of the electronic display received within the cavity. The plurality of sensors is configured to detect at least one type of non-uniformity of the electronic display by detecting light emitted from the electronic display. |
| US09175997B2 |
Self-monitoring flow measuring arrangement and method for its operation
Self-monitoring flow measuring arrangement includes a pipeline system flowed through by a medium, a control device installed in the pipeline system on the inlet-side, which varies a flow rate of the total medium flowing into the pipeline system according to a predetermined time-dependent periodic change profile; at least one flow measuring device installed in the pipeline system, which is located at a measuring location, which is located downstream of the control device in the flow direction, and through which the entire medium flowing through the pipeline system flows, and which measures the flow rate (Q5(t), Q5a(t) Q5b(t) , Q5c(t) Q5d(t), Q5e(t)) of the medium at the measuring location; and a monitoring unit, which, based on the predetermined time-dependent change profile and the flow rates measured at the measuring locations (Q5(t), Q5a(t), Q5b(t), Q5c(t), Q5d(t), Q5e(t)), monitors whether the measured flow rates (Q5(t) Q5a(t), Q5b(t) , Q5cQ5d(t), Q5e(t)) follow the predetermined time-dependent change profile, and outputs an error report, when at least one of the measured flow rates (Q5(t), Q5a(t), Q5b(t), Q5c(t), Q5d(t) , Q5e(t)) deviates from the predetermined, time-dependent change profile. |
| US09175996B2 |
Apparatus and method for displaying distance to empty of vehicle
A method for displaying a distance to empty (DTE) of a vehicle include calculating an indicated distance to empty based on a learned fuel efficiency which is learned before starting. A target distance to empty is calculated based on an updated learned fuel efficiency which is updated until a present time. A driving mode is determined according to a difference between the indicated distance to empty and the target distance to empty. A final distance to empty is calculated according to the driving mode, and the final distance to empty is displayed. |
| US09175995B2 |
Inferential coriolis mass flowmeter for determining a mass flowrate of a fluid by using algorithm derived partially from coriolis force
An inferential Coriolis mass flowmeter characterized by: a power supply (10); a pressure sensor (11) connected to the power supply (10) and a tube of fluid; a current to voltage converter (13) connected to the pressure sensor (11) for converting a current signal from the pressure sensor (11) to a voltage signal; a controller unit (20) including an analogue to digital converter (21) connected to the current to voltage converter (13) for converting analogue signal from the current to voltage converter (13) to a digital signal, and a microprocessor (22) for processing the digital signal from the analogue to digital converter (21) to determine the mass flowrate of the fluid, wherein the microprocessor (22) is embedded with an algorithm to determine the mass flowrate of a fluid according to equation: y=0.002x4−0.0218x3−0.0865x2−0.8769x−0.0846; a display panel (14) connected to the microprocessor (22); and a transmission circuit (15) connected to the microprocessor (22). |
| US09175993B2 |
Industrial process field device with low power optical isolator
An industrial process control field device includes a process variable transducer configured to sense or control a process variable. Field device circuitry is configured to couple to the process variable transducer and communicate information related to the process variable to another location. The field device circuitry includes an optical isolator having transmit circuitry on a first side of a galvanic isolation configured to transmit an optical signal which is pulsed on and off across the isolation. Receive circuitry is located on a second side of galvanic isolation and configured to receive the optical signal with an optical sensor. The optical sensor enters an “on” state when it receives a pulse and is otherwise in an “off” state. The receive circuitry provides a secondary side output based upon the received optical signal. The receive circuitry enters in a low power state when the optical sensor is in the “off” state. |
| US09175989B2 |
Accident sensor
An accident sensor having a fastening arrangement for a vehicle is provided, for the fastening of the accident sensor, the fastening arrangement allowing an insertion into an opening in a wall and a rotation up to a final position defined by a stop, the fastening arrangement preventing a turning back of the accident sensor in the final position. |
| US09175987B2 |
Displacement detecting device
A displacement detecting device includes an irradiation optical system, an interference optical system, a light-receiving section, and a displacement detecting section. The irradiation optical system causes two light-beams to be incident on a diffraction grating respectively at different angles with respect to a plane perpendicular to the X-direction along which grating structures of the diffraction grating are periodically arranged. The interference optical system causes two Mth-order diffracted lights of respective light-beams incident on the diffraction grating to interfere with each other, so as to generate an interference light. The light-receiving section receives the interference light and detects an interference signal. The displacement detecting section detects a vertical displacement of a surface having the diffraction grating arranged thereon based on the change of the interference signal. |
| US09175982B2 |
Hall sensor signal generating device
Disclosed is a hall sensor signal generating device which includes a rotor which has a magnetic property and rotates on the basis of a rotary axis; a hall sensor unit which is disposed to be spaced apart from a stator disposed outside the rotor; and a clock synchronization unit which receives a driving clock, performs synchronization between the driving clock and a hall sensor signal output from the hall sensor unit, and outputs the synchronized driving clock and the synchronized hall sensor signal. |
| US09175981B2 |
Motion sensor, method, and computer-readable storage medium providing a motion sensor generating a signal having signal states with a reduced amount of state chatter
A motion sensor has a state processor to identify states associated with a magnetic field signal provided by a magnetic field sensing element. The state processor includes a state peak logic module configured to generate a signal having signal states that have a reduced amount of state chatter. |
| US09175973B2 |
Selected driver notification of transitory roadtrip events
An event search area for searching for events of interest to the user, including a maximum off-route crow-fly distance from a user in-route travel path is established. One or more events of interest to the user is determined based on the established event search area. Each of the off-route travel paths that connect each event to the user in-route travel path is also determined. An off-route driving time and a total in-route and off-route driving time from the user in-route travel path to the applicable determined event and back are computed. The one determined off-route travel path that has a minimum computed off-route driving time and the one or more of the determined off-route travel paths that has a minimum computed total in-route and off-route driving time are identified and notified to the user. |
| US09175966B2 |
Remote vehicle monitoring
A monitoring device receives an aerial image, data relating to a vehicle and a request for an image of the vehicle. The vehicle is located in the image. A portion of the aerial image that includes the vehicle and/or information based thereon is provided. |
| US09175965B2 |
Apparatus and method for coordinate coding, and method and apparatus for distance calculation
An apparatus includes a unit dividing a region into blocks having a predetermined bit length and generating addition data having the predetermined bit length corresponding to coordinate data, a unit storing storage data having the predetermined bit length, a unit generating composite data having a bit length twice the length of the predetermined bit length by connecting the addition data to the storage data, and storing the composite data, and a unit repeating an operation of designating the bit length of the composite data as the predetermined bit length, instructing to generate the addition data, and instructing to generate and store the composite data. The number of different bits between a bit string of a location corresponding to the input coordinate data and a bit string of a reference location tends to increase as a distance between the location corresponding to the coordinate data and the reference location increases. |
| US09175963B2 |
Dead reckoning based initialization of position and heading using discrete position indicators
A method and system for operating a hand-held computer system for navigation. Embodiments of the present invention includes novel improvements to a navigation method and implementation through a device, which can include inertial and/or magnetic field sensors integrated within a hand held device. The method can include using a single-fix method or a dual-fix method. The single fix method includes monitoring travel distance or time for a pre-specified condition and updating the heading from a dead reckoning process based on a first position fix by using a map. The dual-fix method includes obtaining a second position fix and updating the heading based on the difference in displacement vectors from the dead reckoning process based on the first position fix. |
| US09175961B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, program, and recording medium
There is provided an information processing apparatus including, a track list generation unit that generates a track list that is a list of track groups including at least a movement trajectory track generated from movement trajectory information containing position information and time information corresponding to the position information, and a display control unit that causes a display device to display a list screen including the track list. |
| US09175959B2 |
Measuring device mounting method and structure
A measurement device (10) mounting arrangement includes a support member (30) and a sensing device (12) in a circuit housing (22). The circuit housing (22) is electrically and mechanically connected to the support member (30) through a mounting structure (32). The circuit housing (22) has a resonance frequency and the sensing device (12) has an operational resonance frequency. The sensing device (12) measures a physical parameter and provides a signal indicative thereof. An under-fill material (40) is located between the support member (30) and the circuit housing (22) for shifting the resonance frequency of the circuit housing (22) away from the operational resonance frequency of the sensing device (12). |
| US09175955B2 |
Method and system for measuring angles based on 360 degree images
A method of measuring an angle includes orienting a measurement device at a reference position characterized by a reference angle. A first panoramic image defined by a predetermined range of elevation angles is acquired where the first panoramic image includes an object. A first bearing of the object in relation to the reference angle is determined and the measurement device is rotated to a measurement position characterized by a measurement angle. A second panoramic image defined by the predetermined range of elevation angles is acquired where the second panoramic image includes the object. A second bearing of the object in relation to the reference angle is determined. The measurement angle is computed as a function of the first bearing and the second bearing. |
| US09175952B2 |
Shape measurement method and shape measurement apparatus for tires
A shape measurement method for a tire includes: detecting an outer surface shape data and an inner surface shape of the tire from image data of the outer surface and the inner surface; subjecting irregularities along the tire circumferential direction around the tire in the outer surface shape data and in the inner surface shape data to Fourier transformation to take out primary waveform components respectively; adjusting the tire circumferential positions of both of the waveform components to adjust the tire circumferential positions thereof; adjusting the tire radial direction cross section positions of the outer surface shape data and the inner surface shape data from information about the placement angles and the positions of the first camera and the second camera; and synthesizing the outer surface shape data and the inner surface shape data based on the adjusted tire circumferential positions and the tire radial direction cross section positions. |
| US09175950B2 |
Position measurement
A measurement fixture has a plurality of optically-detectable elements, preferably infrared LEDs. In use, an object is attached in fixed spatial relationship to the fixture, and an optical measuring device detects the elements to provide relative tracking of the object relative to a reference. This allows for improved control and accuracy, particularly in machining operations and in the control of robots. |
| US09175942B2 |
Magnetic sensor system
A magnetic sensor system includes a magnetic field generation unit for generating a target magnetic field and a magnetic sensor for detecting the target magnetic field, and is selectable between an operating state and a non-operating state. The magnetic sensor has a magnetic detection element including a magnetic layer whose magnetization direction varies according to the direction of the target magnetic field in a reference position. When in the operating state, the direction of the target magnetic field in the reference position varies when viewed from the magnetic sensor. When in the non-operating state, the direction of the target magnetic field in the reference position does not vary when viewed from the magnetic sensor and the magnetization direction of the magnetic layer is pinned in a first direction. The magnetic layer has an induced magnetic anisotropy that is imparted in advance to the magnetic layer. |
| US09175936B1 |
Swept conical-like profile axisymmetric circular linear shaped charge
A novel shaped charge device that produces a hollow cylindrical jet capable of creating a hole in a target larger than the overall diameter of the device. In the conical family of axisymmetric circular linear shaped charge liners (Conical, Tulip, and Trumpet), this novel swept conical-like profile shaped explosive device produces a large diameter stretching hollow cylindrical jet and corresponding slug. The hollow jet is formed by peripherally initiating a high explosive (HE) that collapses the circular linear liner into the hollow cylindrical jet. The precision of the circular simultaneous peripheral initiation of the HE billet is accomplished by the use of a novel Circular Precision Initiation Coupler (CPIC). This CPIC uses a single point initiation to create a simultaneous peripheral detonation of the HE billet that collapses and drives the swept liner into a high speed stretching hollow cylindrical projectile, or more commonly called a jet in the industry. |
| US09175933B2 |
Simple low-cost hand-held landmine neutralization device
A low-cost, reliable and easy to use kit for neutralizing surface exposed landmine and unexploded ordnance for humanitarian demining is provided. The kit contains a liquid fuel and a solid/soluble fuel. Both fuels are premeasured in separate, sealed containers. The addition of a small quantity of solid/soluble fuel into the liquid creates an explosive. The resulting mixture is capable of detonating with a standard No. 8 blasting cap. The solid/soluble fuel can be in the form of a powder, tablet, or its saturated solution in water. The solid/soluble fuel is hexamethylenetetramine. The liquid fuel, nitromethane, is provided in premeasured quantities. User is provided instructions for choosing the appropriate quantity of liquid fuel, the corresponding solid/soluble fuel required, the method of mixing, placement and detonation of the kits. Also disclosed is a simple wooden stand to hold the bottle of explosive in place. A special fuel, liquid 2-ethylhexylnitrate, is provided to desensitize the mixed and sensitized explosive. |
| US09175931B2 |
Pressure impulse mitigation
A pressure impulse mitigating barrier which includes a water gel sheet having an array of protrusions formed from the water gel; and/or a layer having a plurality of disruptor particles is provided. Such a structure may protect an entity from the effects of pressure impulse, e.g. from damage caused by projectiles or from explosive blast. |
| US09175930B1 |
Adaptive electronic camouflage
In one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an adaptive electronic camouflage platform comprising electronic paper panels conformed to the exterior surface of the vehicle; one or more cameras for sampling images of the local environment surrounding the platform; and a processor for analyzing the sampled images, generating synthesized camouflage patterns corresponding to the sampled images and controlling the display of the synthesized camouflage patterns on the electronic paper panels. |
| US09175927B2 |
Dynamic targeting system with projectile-specific aiming indicia in a reticle and method for estimating ballistic effects of changing environment and ammunition
A dynamic ballistic effect compensating reticle 700 and an aim compensation method for use in rifle sights or projectile weapon aiming systems 10 includes a multiple point elevation and windage aim point field 750 including a primary aiming mark 758 indicating a primary aiming point adapted to be sighted-in at a first selected range (e.g., 200 yds) and a plurality secondary aiming point arrays 760D, 760E beneath the primary aiming mark. The method for compensating for a projectile's ballistic behavior while developing a field expedient firing solution permits the shooter to express the field expedient firing solution in units of distance, (e.g., yards or meters, when describing or estimating range and nominal air density ballistic characteristics), and velocity (e.g., mph or kph, for windage hold points). Reticle aim point field 750 permits the marksman to adjust the firing solution for momentary atmospheric effects and operational contingencies such as variations in ammunition. |
| US09175923B2 |
Apparatus and method for reloading firearm magazines
An automatic or semi-automatic magazine reloading firearm is described that includes a magazine track that stores one or more reserve magazines. After ejecting an active magazine from the active magazine well, a reload arrangement can be activated to move a reserve magazine from the magazine track into the active magazine well and lock it into place to allow for continued firing, increased safety, and positive user control. |
| US09175921B2 |
Portable bench
A shooting bench is configured to be portable and stable. The shooting bench includes a tabletop mechanically coupled to three leg assembly sockets wherein each assembly socket contains an angled cavity that is angled at 10 to 30 degrees from perpendicular to the tabletop. A catch assembly, a cradle assembly and a handle are mechanically coupled to the tabletop. In a first mode of operation a leg assembly is inserted into each leg assembly socket wherein each angled cavity causes the shooting bench to be stable. In a second mode of operation, each leg assembly is inserted into the catch assembly and the cradle assembly in order store the leg assemblies making the shooting bench portable. |
| US09175918B2 |
Multiple barrel sequential firing mechanism
A triggering mechanism suitable for sequential firing of ammunition from a firearm, wherein the firearm has multiple barrels, preferably two barrels, and the triggering mechanism allows the firing of ammunition sequentially from one barrel, then the second barrel. |
| US09175916B2 |
Trigger assembly with a device to prevent accidental firearm discharge when dropped
A trigger assembly prevents the rifle from being damaged and improves the user safety by preventing unintentional firing (rifle's falling down to the ground, hitting any place, etc.) as long as a trigger lever is not pulled by the user. |
| US09175915B2 |
Apparatus and methods for safe use and storage of firearms and weapons
A lock for a firearm or weapon is disclosed that enables the weapon when control is established by a user while the weapon is in a storage location or holding device. The weapon remains operable as long as the user continuously remains in control but is disabled until returned to the storage location or device if the user relinquishes control. Storage and user zones are defined by weapon location or input devices such as a grip safety. Mechanical devices or signals transfer the zone determinations to a logic device. When the logic device, which may be mechanical, electronic or implemented in other way, determines that the weapon is considered to be both in the storage zone and the user zone and it causes transition to an operable state. The logic device causes transition to an inoperable state if the weapon is determined not to be in either zone. |
| US09175914B1 |
Remote weapons charging handle adapter
A remotely-operated gun is mounted in a cradle having a linear actuator for charging the gun. A charging adapter that is fixed to the linear actuator enables different types of guns to be charged. The charging adapter is easily configured to accommodate different gun types. |
| US09175904B2 |
Chilling device for a domestic refrigerator
A refrigerator includes a cabinet having a refrigerated compartment defined therein, a motor coupled to the cabinet, and a chilling device sized to receive a food container. The chilling device is moveable between an engaged positioned in which the chilling device is spaced apart from a drive shaft of the motor and a disengaged position the chilling device is coupled to the drive shaft. The drive shaft is configured to operate the chilling device. |
| US09175902B2 |
Refrigerator including multiple storage compartments
A refrigerator includes a cabinet that defines a first storage compartment, a first door that is opened or closed to allow or prevent access to an interior of the first storage compartment, a storing device coupled to the first door to define a second storage compartment, and a second door connected to the first door that is opened or closed to allow or prevent access to an interior of the second storage compartment. The first door includes a plurality of first coupling parts to which the storing device is coupled. The storing device includes a frame and a basket installed on the frame, each including at least one second coupling part interacting with at least one of the plurality of first coupling parts. A front surface of the second door is positioned to be generally coplanar with at least a portion of a front surface of the first door. |
| US09175901B2 |
Refrigerator including multiple storage compartments
A refrigerator includes a cabinet that defines a first storage compartment, a first door that is opened or closed to allow or prevent access to an interior of the first storage compartment, a storing device coupled to the first door to define a second storage compartment, and a second door connected to the first door that is opened or closed to allow or prevent access to an interior of the second storage compartment. The first door includes a plurality of first coupling parts to which the storing device is coupled. The storing device includes a frame and a basket installed on the frame, each including at least one second coupling part interacting with at least one of the plurality of first coupling parts. A front surface of the second door is positioned to be generally coplanar with at least a portion of a front surface of the first door. |
| US09175898B2 |
Refrigerator having cold air generating compartment and machine room positioned at upper portion of cabinet
A refrigerator includes a cabinet comprising a storage compartment An evaporator is positioned at an upper portion of the cabinet and generates cold air supplied to the storage compartment. A unit (e.g., closable damper) controls supply of cold air generated by the evaporator to the storage compartment. |
| US09175897B2 |
Outdoor unit for air conditioning device
An outdoor unit for an air conditioning device includes an outdoor unit main body, a heat exchanger, a fan provided in an upper part of the outdoor unit main body, the fan blowing out the air taken in from a side surface of the outdoor unit main body upward, a ventilating member surrounding an outer circumference of the fan and forming a blow-out port, and an electric component unit accommodated in the outdoor unit main body and arranged in an opening portion between one side end portion and the other side end portion of the heat exchanger, wherein the electric component unit is provided so as to cross over a lower end of the ventilating member in the up and down direction, and on the upper side than the lower end of the ventilating member, the electric component unit is arranged on the horizontally outer side than the ventilating member. |
| US09175890B2 |
Outdoor unit for air-conditioning apparatus, and air-conditioning apparatus
An outdoor unit for an air-conditioning apparatus includes: a compressor; an outdoor fan; a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers coupled to a plurality of indoor units; a switching member configured to switch functions of the outdoor heat exchangers to either condensers or evaporators by switching of coupling states between the compressor and the outdoor heat exchangers; and a control unit configured to calculate a low pressure saturation temperature during a cooling operation or a cooling-main operation, and configured to cause all of the plurality of outdoor heat exchangers to serve as condensers by controlling the switching member when a state in which an open-air temperature is lower than the low pressure saturation temperature continues for a predetermined time. |
| US09175889B2 |
Heat source system and control method thereof
An object is to provide a heat source system capable of realizing energy saving. In a heat source system including: a chilled-water main control heat pump (1) having a lower-stage evaporator (9) that cools chilled water and a lower-stage condenser (7) that dissipates heat into cooling water, and outputting the chilled water cooled in the lower-stage evaporator (9) to an external load; and a hot-water main control heat pump (51) having a higher-stage evaporator (59) to which heat is provided by medium-temperature water that has been heated with the exhaust heat from the lower-stage condenser (7) and a higher-stage condenser (57) that heats high-temperature water, and outputting the high-temperature water heated in the higher-stage condenser (57) to an external load; a lower temperature limit of the cooling water is set on the basis of a set temperature of the high-temperature water. |
| US09175887B2 |
Air conditioned headgear and air conditioned clothing
The present invention provides an air conditioned headgear and clothing. The headgear includes a thermoelectric cooling module and a control chip. The control chip includes a power supply circuit to supply driving current to the thermoelectric cooling module. The inner temperature of the headgear, the temperature of a heat sink, and the environmental temperature are sensed. A microcontroller of the control chip controls the power supply circuit to provide the driving current to the thermoelectric cooling module via processing the inner temperature of the headgear, a preset temperature, the temperature of the heat sink, and the environmental temperature using the PID control. In the present invention, the temperature is controlled using the PID control, thus wide fluctuations of the temperature is avoided, energy can be used effectively, and thermal cycle can be avoided. |
| US09175885B2 |
Article made of a granular magnetocalorically active material for heat exchange
Article for magnetic heat exchange having a mantle enveloping at least one core, wherein the core comprises a plurality of grains having a magnetocalorically active material. |
| US09175884B2 |
System, apparatus and method for pulse tube cryocooler
A pulse tube cryocooler (PTC) includes an etched glass substrate bonded to a glass plate and defining one or multiple stages or layers. The PTC includes a plurality of channels etched into a surface of the substrate to define a heat exchanger, a pulse tube, a cold heat exchanger or cold head, a regenerator and an aftercooler. The bonded substrate and plate encloses the plurality of channels to form capillaries operable for conducting and distributing fluid. The pulse tube is disposed between the cold head and the heat exchanger and the regenerator is disposed between the cold head and the aftercooler. The heat exchanger is connected to a valve or inertance tube which, in turn, is connectable to a buffer tank or reservoir that contains fluid. The aftercooler is connectable to an external compressor operable for oscillating movement, which increases and decreases pressure and temperature within the PTC. |
| US09175883B2 |
Internal heat exchanger with integrated receiver/dryer and thermal expansion valve
A HVAC system including a multi-function unit for conditioning and controlling the flow of refrigerant. The multi-function unit may be contained within a housing that houses a receiver/dryer, integral heat exchanger and thermal expansion valve. |
| US09175882B2 |
Solar energy system with wind vane
A solar energy system including a pedestal defining a longitudinal axis, a frame that is supported by the pedestal and that is rotateable relative to the pedestal about the longitudinal axis, the frame including at least one solar device, and a wind vane operatively connected to the frame to urge the frame relative to the pedestal about the longitudinal axis in response to wind acting on the wind vane. |
| US09175876B2 |
Self-heating systems and methods for rapidly heating a comestible substance
Self-heating containers comprise a reaction chamber and a heating chamber. The heating chamber is sized to contain a substance to be heated. The reaction chamber contains reactants which, when contacted, exothermically react. The reaction chamber is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment with a barrier therebetween. The barrier comprises a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion. The first barrier portion is attached to a reaction chamber wall and has an opening sized to allow reactants to flow through from one compartment to the other. The second barrier portion is attached to the first barrier portion to close the opening. The barrier can be opened by moving an actuator into engagement with the second barrier portion to dislodge the second barrier portion from the first barrier portion and thereby open the barrier. |
| US09175875B1 |
Used oil furnace with vertical flue tubes
The combustion gases in a used oil furnace are discharged from the combustion chamber through an opening in the upper rear portion of the combustion chamber to direct the combustion gases into an upper header. An array of vertically oriented flue tubes extends downwardly from the upper header to a lower header before being discharged through horizontally opposing discharge openings. Ventilation air is blown into the rear of the furnace past and around the vertical flue tubes and is then forced in to a laminar path extending circumferentially around the combustion chamber by an air sweep shroud spaced from the combustion chamber by an annular gap. The ventilation air is then collected in a forward discharge chamber for discharge through louvered ventilators into the adjacent ambient atmosphere. |
| US09175872B2 |
ERV global pressure demand control ventilation mode
An energy recovery ventilator includes first and second blowers, a pressure transducer and a controller. The first blower is configured to direct a first air stream into a first zone of an enclosure. A second blower configured to direct a second air stream into a second zone of the enclosure. A pressure transducer is configured to determine internal air pressure within the enclosure. A controller is configured to control the first blower and/or the second blower in response to the internal air pressure. |
| US09175865B2 |
Heat storage system
The invention relates to a thermal energy storage system comprising at least one thermal reservoir and at least one thermal energy transfer means that, at least at times, are able to transfer thermal energy from at least one first section of the thermal reservoir to at least one second section of the thermal reservoir. The invention also relates to a method changing the energy distribution of a thermal reservoir wherein thermal energy is transferred from at least one first section of the thermal reservoir to at least one second section of the thermal reservoir. |
| US09175862B2 |
Built-in retractable ventilation hood assembly
A built-in ventilation hood assembly is designed for installation into a kitchen cabinet immediately above a built-in cooking device. The assembly includes a housing and a retractable hood unit, which may include at least one air intake into which air is drawn; and the housing may include at least one opening for exhaustion of the air taken into the housing. The assembly may also include at least one telescoping linear actuator configured to slide the retractable hood unit out from the housing and back into the housing when needed. The assembly may also include an air blower installed within a rear end of the housing. The air blower includes one, two, or more cross flow fans for uniform exhausting the air out of the housing. The housing may also include an external rectangular duct. |
| US09175859B2 |
Burner assembly
A burner assembly for an oven appliance is provided. The burner assembly includes a gas burner and a flame spreader. The flame spreader defines a slot or a series of apertures that is substantially parallel to the gas burner. The slot or series of apertures can decrease a thickness of a boundary layer positioned adjacent the flame spreader or increase a velocity or a temperature or both of the boundary layer. |
| US09175846B2 |
Double wall extension
The invention concerns a fluidized bed reactor (1) made up of tubed membrane walls (2) cooled by a coolant fluid, the said walls surrounding a combustion chamber (10) and comprising tubed extension panels (3) through which flows a coolant fluid by single pass forced circulation.According to the invention the extension panels (3) are paired two by two. |
| US09175837B1 |
Marker system
A marker system includes a controller with a plurality of emitters electrically interfaced to the controller such that, upon the controller initiating a flow of electric current though one or more of the emitters, the one or more of the emitters emit light. There is also at least one detector electrically interfaced to the controller. The detector(s) are for detecting light in of a specific wavelength and converting the light to an electrical signal that is then received by the controller. Software is stored on a non-transitory storage associated with the controller. The software monitors the at least one detector for an incoming IFF signal and the software initiating the flow of electric current through a selected set of the plurality of emitters responsive to receiving the incoming IFF signal from the at least one detector. |
| US09175833B2 |
Graphics display module
A graphics display module that includes a frame with a front portion and a rear portion that cooperate to secure a lighted panel having a front surface and a rear surface therebetween. The front portion defines a central opening through which the front surface of the lighted panel can be viewed. The front portion and rear portion cooperate to define a channel that includes lighting disposed therein that is configured to back light the lighted panel. |
| US09175825B2 |
Anti-glare light source
An anti-glare light source including a linear light source, at least one sleeve and a light adjusting element is provided. The linear light source is suitable for providing a light. The sleeve covers at least one end of the linear light source. The light adjusting element is disposed between the sleeve and the linear light source, wherein the light adjusting element includes a plurality of prism portions. The prism portions cover a portion of the linear light source and arrange along the extension direction of the linear light source, such that the distribution of the light converges along the extension direction of the linear light source. |
| US09175823B2 |
Vehicular headlamp
Disclosed is a vehicular headlamp including: a basic lamp unit configured to form a main light distribution pattern that is controlled in light distribution so as to satisfy illuminance requirements at a plurality of predetermined sites in a low beam light distribution pattern which is projected on a vertical virtual screen positioned in front of a vehicle; and a plurality of additional lamp units controlled in light distribution so as to irradiate light to any one of left and right diffusion regions adjacent to the main light distribution pattern. The low beam light distribution pattern is formed on the vertical virtual screen by combining the basic lamp unit and the plurality of additional lamp units. |
| US09175821B2 |
Solar powered ground light
A solar powered ground lights is typically mounted in a walkway, pathway, pool deck, roadway, park pathway, either in cement, wood, synthetic materials, or otherwise, and are ideally suited for use in walls, ceilings, and pool or dock areas because they are readily mounted from the top, requiring only a cylindrical depression and possibly three screws for mounting and require no external wiring. The solar powered ground lights are also low voltage and safe. Illumination of the Solar powered ground lights is provided by a Solar Powered system utilizing Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), or an electro-illuminescent Lighting system backed up with a solar powered circuit for the rechargeable battery. This provides for an illumination system capable if providing ease if view for pedestrians as well as illuminating roadways. The system may be fully IP68 waterproof rated. |
| US09175818B2 |
Light-emitting apparatus and method for manufacturing same
A light-emitting apparatus including: a substrate; an LED chip mounted on a first surface of the substrate; a fluorescent material-containing layer containing a first fluorescent material, which fluorescent material-containing layer is provided above the first surface of the substrate so as to cover the LED chip; and a color-adjusting fluorescent layer that contains a second fluorescent material, which color-adjusting fluorescent material layer is formed in a layer provided on an outer side of the fluorescent material-containing layer in an emission direction, the color-adjusting fluorescent layer being formed in dots. Thus, the present invention provides a light-emitting apparatus and a method for manufacturing the same, each making it possible to carry out fine color adjustment so as to prevent a subtle color shift that occurs due to a factor such as a difference in concentration of a fluorescent material or the like. |
| US09175815B2 |
Lighted electrical device and receptacle
An electrical wiring device, such as a GFCI duplex receptacle, includes a light source for lighting a selected area and a photo sensor to detect ambient light conditions and to actuate a light source when the ambient light conditions are below a predetermined level. The light source is preferably at least two LEDs having an associated light conducting member functioning as a light pipe that extends between the respective LED and the front face of the electrical wiring device. Each light conducting member has an inclined face extending through an opening in the cover of the wiring device to project a light beam at an inclined angle with respect to the front face of the wiring device. The light conducting members are independently rotatably mounted in the wiring device so that the user can manually rotated the light conducting member to direct the light beam to a selected area. |
| US09175814B2 |
LED lamp and lighting device
An LED lamp has an envelope that includes a globe and a case, an interior space of the envelope being divided in two by a mount closing an opening of the globe, the lamp containing, in a globe side of the interior space, an LED and, in a case side of the interior space, a circuit unit for causing the LED to emit light. The LED is thermally connected to the mount, and the mount and the case are joined to the globe such that, during light emission, at least as much heat from the LED is propagated from the mount to the globe as from the mount to the case. |
| US09175813B2 |
Electrical connectors for solid state light
A light having integrated light and thermal guides and separable electrical connectors. The light has a base for connection to a power supply, a light circuit electrically connected with solid state light sources such as LEDs, and a driver circuit for receiving power from the power supply and providing power to drive the light sources. A light guide is coupled to the light sources for receiving and distributing light from the light sources, and a thermal guide is integrated with the light guide for providing thermal conduction from the light source for cooling the light. The separable connectors include a first connector for providing an electrical connection between the driver circuit and light circuit, a second connector for providing an electrical connection between the power supply and driver circuit, and a third connector for providing a ground connection to the driver circuit. |
| US09175808B2 |
System and method for decreasing scrubber exhaust from gas delivery panels
A method and apparatus is provided for decreasing the scrubber exhaust from gas panels, lower the cost of operation, lower the facilitation cost and power consumption by increasing the air velocity in areas of high potential risk of ignition. The apparatus includes a supply of compressed dry air (CDA) through the tubing with individual dispersion nozzles. The CDA dispersion nozzles can be installed at various key locations in order to provide additional ventilation turbulence and reduce potential dead zones inside the gas panel. Aspects of the invention help to save the energy and protect the environment by reducing the power consumption. In addition human safety shall be improved by minimizing the potential risk of ignition. |
| US09175807B2 |
Device and method for filling a container with a gas under pressure
The invention relates to a method and device for filling a tank with pressurized gas, comprising transfer of a predefined amount of a gas into the tank from at least one pressurized gas source via a filling duct, the gas being selectively cooled by a cooling component before it enters into the tank in order to prevent a defined temperature limit from being reached in the tank, characterized in that the method comprises a step of defining the maximum amount of energy that can be added to the tank without exceeding the temperature limit, this maximum amount of energy being expressed in the form of the maximum enthalpy that can be added to the tank, a step of defining the effective amount of energy that will be added to the tank during the transfer of gas into the tank without cooling, expressed in the form of an added enthalpy, cooling of the gas by the cooling component being controlled in order to remove selectively an amount of heat from the gas transferred into the tank corresponding at least to the fraction of the added enthalpy that exceeds the maximum enthalpy. |
| US09175806B2 |
Storage tank containment system
A large volume natural gas storage tank comprises a plurality of rigid tubular walls each having opposing ends and an intermediate segment with a closed tubular cross-section, the plurality of rigid tubular walls arranged in a closely spaced relationship and interconnected at their ends, with each end of a given of the plurality of rigid tubular walls connected with respective ends of two others of the plurality of rigid tubular walls to define a corner of the storage tank, such that the interiors of the plurality of rigid tubular walls define an interior fluid storage chamber. |
| US09175805B2 |
Lubricant filtration system
A filtration device is disclosed. The device includes a filter inlet, a filter outlet, and a filter flow path from the filter inlet to the filter outlet. A filter in the filter flow path filters contaminants from lubricant flowing from a lubricant supply to a lubricant destination. A bypass flow path bypasses the filter in the event the filter becomes clogged. The bypass flow path has a bypass inlet in fluid communication with the filter flow path at a location upstream from the filter and a bypass outlet separate from the filter outlet and not in fluid communication with the filter outlet. The bypass outlet is normally closed to permit flow along the filter flow path and opens if the filter becomes clogged so that lubricant is directed along the bypass flow path and through the bypass outlet for disposal without going to the lubricant destination. |
| US09175803B2 |
Adjustable position load supporting arm, load suspending device
An adjustable-position load supporting arm (4) comprises a framework having the shape of a deformable parallelogram one free end (5) of which is able to support a load and a jack (12) able to deform the deformable parallelogram, the jack (12) being of the adjustable-pressure type so that the pressure inside the jack (12) is adjustable according to the weight of said load supported by the supporting arm (4). It comprises, at the free end (5), a connecting piece (6) able to support said load and has, in a first configuration, an axis of orientation (A) that is fixed with respect to said fixed link (9a) and, in a second configuration, an axis of orientation (B) that is variable with respect to said fixed link (9a) when said supporting arm (4) shifts position. |
| US09175802B2 |
Support for use with computer devices
A support is provided for use with computer devices. The support is made of a flexible material and incorporates an oval axial cross-section along with curved inner walls to provide a cushion. The support may be placed adjacent to a computer keyboard or mouse to function as a wrist rest. Additionally, the support may be used as supporting legs on a lap desk. |
| US09175799B2 |
System and method for modular repair of pipe leaks
A modular pipe repair enclosure system includes first and second enclosure portions, and an enclosure attachment device. The first and second enclosure portions create an enclosure around the pipe for covering leaks. The enclosure has three openings for accommodating the pipe. The first and second openings are arranged at an angle of 180 degrees with respect to each other, and at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the third opening, such that a straight line section of pipe may be accommodated by the first and second openings, an elbow section of pipe by the first and third openings, and a T-section of pipe by the first, second, and third openings. The system may further include a blank, for closing one of the openings, for use with a straight or elbow section, and a sleeve, for reducing the inner diameter of an opening, for accommodating pipes of different diameters. |
| US09175798B1 |
Trenchless refurbishment of underground pipes
A method for refurbishing an existing expandable host pipe. An expansion tool is adapted to generate isolated outward radial force when in expansion mode. The expansion tool is moved along a path inside the host pipe, stopping at stations on the way. At each station, responsive to isolated outward radial force from the expansion tool, the unobstructed interior diameter of the host pipe is increased via non-destructive plastic deformation of the interior wall. Once the entire host pipe is expanded in this fashion, a new rigid liner pipe is inserted inside the host pipe to operationally replace the host pipe. Grout is deployed in the annular space between liner pipe and host pipe. Expansion of the host pipe via non-destructive plastic deformation optimizes the refurbishment job and enables the original host pipe, as expanded, to contribute structurally to the refurbished pipe system. |
| US09175797B1 |
Conduit cover with wedging arms
A locking grating or seal for a conduit includes a cover positioned at one open end of the conduit and is removably engaged and axially aligned with, an expander positioned within the conduit. A jacking bolt penetrates the cover and the expander, and is threadedly engaged with a jacking nut in a position within the conduit and spaced apart from the expander. C-shaped elastically flexible arms are integrally engaged with the expander and with the jacking nut so that rotation of the jacking bolt enables the jacking nut to move toward the expander forcing the C-shaped arms to bow outwardly into contact with the conduit for gripping it. |
| US09175796B2 |
Hopper tee with comformable arcuate closure member
A directional hopper tee has a fluted interior vertical pipe that merges into a horizontal pipe. The horizontal pipe has an inlet that may receive bulk material, and subject to pressurized air that conveys the bulk material through the hopper tee. Bulk material may be discharged from a hopper through the vertical pipe, for conveyance for discharge from the horizontal pipe of the tee. A closure gate or door is provided through the bottom of the tee, generally in alignment with the vertical pipe, to allow for discharge or dropping of the granular material directly downwardly through and from the tee. The arcuate door is hinged on one side, and is locked by a cam lock on the opposite side, when located into closure against the bottom of the tee, but can be forced opened, through its cam mechanism, to provide for opening of the arcuate door and allow a direct downward discharge of the granular bulk material, from any hopper, and through the drop opening of the tee, as required. |
| US09175794B2 |
Device for connecting male and female piping
A device for connecting male and female piping or tubing, where the female pipe includes an inner wall portion with a first holding section positioned at the inner periphery of the female pipe. The male pipe includes a sleeve with a second holding section positioned on the outer periphery of the male pipe, The device includes a ring-shaped element arranged between the male/female pipes. The ring-shaped element includes at least one axially protruding resilient tongue with a first device engaging the first holding section of the female pipe, and a second device configured to resiliently snap into a holding position within the second holding section of the male pipe when inserting the male pipe into the ring-shaped element and the female pipe. |
| US09175791B2 |
Low EMF compact duct spacer
Conduit spacers useful in preparing duct banks with reduced electromagnetic fields (EMF) are disclosed. The conduit spacers are designed to maximize phase cancellation of EMF from a closely-spaced series of electric power cables placed in conduits supported underground by the conduit spacers. The spacers are also designed to minimize the EMF above ground by reducing the distance needed to bury the cables for a given EMF above ground. In one embodiment, the spacers place conduits adjacent one another for maximum cancellation of a single three-phase cable installation. In another embodiment, the spacers place conduits adjacent one another for maximum cancellation for a dual three-phase cable installation, including cross-phase cancellation, e.g., A-B-C and C-B-A. |
| US09175787B2 |
Liner displacement control valve including valve trim with spindle and flow control element for improved low flow control
A linear displacement control valve comprising a valve body having a valve bonnet cooperatively engage thereto. The body and the bonnet collectively accommodate a valve trim which comprises a flow control element and a complementary spindle. The spindle is preferably attached to a reciprocally movable valve stem of the control valve via a stem adaptor. The stem adaptor is adapted to allow for some measure of “float” between the spindle and the flow control element as may be needed to accommodate any misalignment therebetween. The spindle is uniquely configured such that when used in conjunction with the flow control element, the trim is capable of providing low end flow control at a higher level of accuracy and/or wider rangeability. |
| US09175780B2 |
Button switch three-way valve
A button switch three-way valve includes a fixation unit disposed with an inlet waterway and two outlet waterways. A priority valve is disposed between each outlet waterway and the inlet waterway. The on-off of the outlet waterway to the inlet waterway is controlled by the sliding of the valve shaft in each priority valve. The fixation unit is disposed with two control surfaces opposite to each other, each disposed with lock grooves. A button is disposed between the two control surfaces, with a central part and two connection parts in the two sides of the central part. The central part is pivot joint to the fixation unit. Two connection parts are separately connected to the two valve shafts to control the sliding of the two valve shafts, the exterior sides of the two connection parts are disposed with lock tooth to couple to the lock grooves. |
| US09175774B2 |
Radial shaft seal, radial shaft seal assembly and method of installation
A radial shaft seal, method of installation thereof, and seal assembly are provided. The seal includes a mounting portion and a seal lip having a sealing surface extending between an oil side end and a free air side end. An annular bridge extends from the oil side end to the mounting portion in radially overlying relation with the seal lip. An annular installation lip extends from the free air side end toward an air side of the seal. The installation lip has an inner surface spaced radially outwardly from the sealing surface and has an end portion that diverges radially outwardly toward the air side of the seal. The installation lip engages the shaft to promote the seal lip to slide over the shaft without unfolding the seal lip, and then springs radially outwardly from the shaft to remain out of contact with the shaft during use. |
| US09175773B2 |
Sealing device for sealing a vertical gap between adjacent wall panels, such as glass panes, which form part of a machine enclosure
A bottling plant with a machine enclosure, which machine enclosure comprises resilient seals to permit cleaning fluid from inside the machine enclosure to exit through the resilient seals, and a resilient seal structure. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner. |
| US09175766B2 |
Hydraulic pressure supply system of automatic transmission
A hydraulic pressure supply system of an automatic transmission for a vehicle is disclosed. The hydraulic pressure supply system is adapted to supply surplus hydraulic pressure recircluated from a high pressure portion and a shift control portion to a low pressure portion by connecting lines of the high pressure portion and the shift control portion to the low pressure portion. |
| US09175764B2 |
Hydraulic pressure control apparatus for automatic transmission
A hydraulic pressure control apparatus for an automatic transmission may include an oil tank, a first hydraulic pump fluid-connected with the oil tank for generating a first hydraulic pressure, a second hydraulic pump fluid-connected with the first hydraulic pump for generating a second hydraulic pressure higher than the first pressure, a torque converter and a lubrication portion fluid-connected to a first low pressure supply line to receive the first hydraulic pressure, a first high pressure supply line fluid-connected to the second hydraulic pump and to a powertrain, a switching valve bifurcated from the first low pressure supply line and fluid-connected to the first hydraulic pump and both the torque converter and the lubrication portion, and a feedback line fluid-connected to the first high pressure supply line to the switching valve so as to selectively open or close the switching valve according to the second hydraulic pressure. |
| US09175761B2 |
Drive device for the road wheels of a vehicle
A drive device for the road wheels of a vehicle includes a stationary housing in which a rotatably drivable differential housing having an axle differential gear unit is rotatably mounted by differential bearings, at least one driveshaft being rotatably drivable by the differential housing. At least one driving gear wheel is arranged on the at least one driveshaft so as to be fixed with respect to rotation relative to the latter. The at least one driving gear wheel meshingly engage by oppositely directed helical teeth with at least one driven gear wheel for driving road wheels of the vehicle and generating axial forces directed toward the center of the axle differential gear unit. At least one thrust bearing arrangement is supported axially with respect to the at least one driveshaft at a radial supporting surface. |
| US09175760B2 |
Starting element with hydrodynamic torque converter
A starting element for transmitting torque from a drive-side rotational input (14) of the starting element to a driven hub (8) includes a hydrodynamic torque converter (4) which has a turbine coupled to the driven hub (8) so as to be fixed with respect to rotation relative to it and which comprises a turbine shell (56) with turbine blades (22) arranged therein. A maximum extension of the turbine shell (56) opposite an axial direction (12) terminates at a first axial position (53), and an impeller (20) located opposite the turbine in the axial direction (12). A stator (24) is arranged between the turbine and the impeller (22) and is coupled via a stator flange (58) to a freewheel (52) adjoining the driven hub (8) in an axial direction (12). A center of the freewheel (52) is located at a second axial position (54). A difference between the first axial position (53) and the second axial position (54) is greater than a predetermined minimum value. |
| US09175758B2 |
Transmission of the toroidal race rolling traction type
A transmission of the toroidal race rolling traction type, including ratio varying components (“variators”) for such transmissions. A set of rollers transmitting traction between an input disc and an output disc is connected to a hydraulic mechanism by which it is positioned, the roller position determining the transmitted ratio. |
| US09175757B2 |
Automated manual transmission for vehicle
An automated manual transmission for a vehicle may include a shifting section between an input shaft and an output shaft, and a continuously variable power transfer unit disposed between the output shaft and the power providing device, wherein the continuously variable power transfer unit includes, a driving circular plate engaged to the power providing device, a driven circular plate engaged to the output shaft of the shifting section and arranged in parallel to the driving circular plate, the driven circular plate being rotatable around a first rotation shaft spaced in parallel from a second rotation shaft of the driving circular plate, a driving member disposed between the driven circular plate and the driving circular plate and a driving member adjustment device selectively moving the driving member. |
| US09175751B2 |
Multi-speed gearbox
A multi-stage transmission which has a sun gear of a fourth planetary gear set connected with the housing in a non-rotatable manner, a ring gear of a first planetary gear set is permanently connected with a ring gear of the fourth planetary gear set, a sun gear of the first planetary gear set can be coupled with the housing via a first brake, a carrier of the first planetary gear set can be coupled with the housing via a second brake, the input drive shaft can be coupled with sun gear of the first planetary gear set via a first clutch, and the drive shaft can be coupled with a carrier of the fourth planetary gear set via a second clutch. Variations of other couplings within the multi-stage transmission result in transmissions having similar properties. |
| US09175746B2 |
Power transmitting apparatus for vehicle
A power transmitting apparatus for a vehicle, includes a variable connecting device, an input device, a speed output device having first and second synchronizer modules, and a reverse speed device. An even-numbered highest speed gear is disposed at one of synchronizer modules related to even-numbered speeds among the synchronizer modules. An odd-numbered highest speed gear is disposed at one of synchronizer modules related to odd-numbered speeds among the synchronizer module. |
| US09175744B2 |
Cable connector with cable joint
A cable connector includes a first part for receiving a cable end of a first cable and a connecting element for connecting to a second cable, at least one second part which encompasses the first cable, and at least one joint which connects the first part and the second part to each other. |
| US09175743B2 |
Laundry processing apparatus having upper and lower balancers
The present invention relates to a laundry processing apparatus. In particular, the laundry processing apparatus comprises: a cabinet; an outer chamber provided within the cabinet and in which wash water is filled; an inner chamber rotatably provided within the outer chamber to hold laundry; an upper balancer disposed at an upper portion of the inner chamber; and a lower balancer disposed at a lower portion of the inner chamber, wherein either the upper balancer or the lower balancer is a liquid balancer filled with liquid, and the other balancer is a ball balancer having a ball therein, such that the advantages of maximized balancing results and an effective reduction in vibration may be achieved. |
| US09175738B2 |
Disc brake
Disclosed herein is a disc brake having a carrier at which a pair of pad plates is installed and a caliper housing slidably installed on the carrier and provided with a cylinder allowing a piston to be installed therein, the disc brake including an adjuster installed in the piston, a push rod installed in the cylinder and provided with a flange extending toward an inner circumferential surface of the cylinder, a ramp coupled to the flange to prevent rotation of the push rod and moving along with the push rod and seated in a seating groove provided at a rear wall of the cylinder, a spring case fixed to the cylinder and forming a predetermined accommodation space between the cylinder and the push rod, and an elastic member arranged in the accommodation space of the spring case to provide elastic force to the push rod and the ramp. |
| US09175728B2 |
Rolling bearing with integrated electrical shunt
A rolling bearing assembly with electrical discharge damage protection is provided. The rolling bearing assembly includes radially inner and outer bearing rings that each have a race. A roller assembly including a plurality of rolling elements that are supported to roll on the races is provided. A shield extends radially between the radially outer ring and the radially inner ring. The shield includes a body portion with one radial end that is fixed to one of the radially inner or outer rings, at least one electrically conductive seal on a surface of the body portion, and a plurality of filaments extending on an opposite radial end of the body portion from the fixed radial end that contacts the other of the radially inner or outer rings. |
| US09175722B1 |
Top foil for foil thrust bearing and foil thrust bearing including the same
There is disclosed a top foil for a foil thrust bearing including a main plate, a first hook comprising a first vertical portion bend upwardly from an end of the main plate and a first horizontal portion bend forwardly from an end of the first vertical portion, and a second hook comprising a second vertical portion bend downwardly from a rear end of the main plate and a second horizontal portion bend backwardly from an end of the second vertical portion. |
| US09175720B2 |
Ball pin and ball joint
A ball joint with a ball pin and a steel ball pin with a joint ball. The ball joint and ball pin are suitable for use when, for example, solid-on-solid friction predominates under high static pre-loading or high operational loads and with small joint movements. A portion of the surface of the ball pin has surface layer hardening in order to increase a fatigue strength of the ball pin. The ball pin and the ball joint, on portion of the ball pin without the any surface layer hardened, includes a nitrided layer as wear protection. The ball pin and the ball joint provide an advantageous combination of high fatigue strength, good corrosion protection and high wear-resistance. The nitrided layer of ball joints, previously only regarded as improving corrosion protection, also functions as a wear protection. Thus, these ball pins overcome the mutual exclusion between surface layer hardening and nitriding. |
| US09175719B2 |
Method and device for determining center hole of crankshaft
A method of determining a center hole of a material crankshaft, which is obtained through molding with first and second molds, includes: obtaining first shape data of a first portion of the material crankshaft molded by the first mold and second shape data of a second portion of the material crankshaft molded by the second mold; comparing the first and second shape data respectively with first and second designed data corresponding to the first and second molds, respectively, for computing a misalignment amount of each of the first and second portions due to misalignment between the first and second molds; adjusting, based on the misalignment amount, data corresponding to the misalignment amount to reproduce actual shape data; and determining, based on the actual shape data, a position of the center hole in the material crankshaft such that a rotation balance of the material crankshaft is within a predetermined range. |
| US09175713B2 |
Bolt for gas turbine engine rotor
The bolt has, in sequence along a bolt axis: a threaded portion, a thread run-out portion, a shank, and a head, the threaded portion having a thread with a given root radius and a given depth, the thread run-out portion connected to the shank via a thread run-out fillet having a thread run-out fillet radius, the thread run-out fillet radius being between two and six times the thread root radius. |
| US09175711B2 |
Thread load distribution
A fastener arrangement has first and second threaded members. The fastener arrangement includes the first threaded member having threads that extend from a first end to a second end. The threads have a thread contour that is provided by load and clearance flank surfaces that are joined to one another by crests and roots. The crest provides a crest diameter. A root provides a root diameter and is arranged between adjoining threads. At least one thread near the first end has a weakened thread contour that decreases rigidity of the one thread compared to other threads. The threads extend along an axis. The crest diameter of the second threaded member varies and lies along crest angle relative to the axis and comprises a second threaded member that has load flank surfaces that are engaging the load flank surfaces of the first threaded member at thread contact interfaces. The thread contact interfaces are smaller towards the second end than thread contact interfaces toward the first end. |
| US09175709B2 |
Device for detecting relative movements in a vehicle
A device is provided for detecting relative movements in a component of a vehicle. The device includes an RFID transponder, which has a first part and a second part as well as a predetermined breaking point between the first part and the second part. The RFID transponder is attached such that relative movements and/or positional changes of this component lead to a fracture of the RFID transponder at the predetermined breaking point. |
| US09175708B2 |
Screw
A screw with a polygonal cross section comprises a threaded section and a non-threaded section that extends from the threaded section to a front, rounded screw tip. The sideline of the non-threaded section runs smoothly and without interruption from the threaded section to the tip at a constant curvature. The screw is used to attach an element to a panel component, wherein the screw itself produces the hole in the panel component and forms the threads. |
| US09175706B2 |
System for mounting objects to polymeric membranes
A mounting plate utilized to attach an object to a mounting system. The mounting plate includes a base having a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the base is bonded to a membrane of the mounting system. A housing is raised from the top surface of the base, the housing creates a contact surface area to support the object. A first member is raised from the top surface; the first member has a surface at a height flush with the contact surface area of the housing. A hole extends through the thickness of the housing. |
| US09175705B1 |
Concrete panel connector
A connector is used to secure a concrete panel to a structural member. The connector is formed of a composite material and thermally insulates the concrete panel from the structural member. |
| US09175702B1 |
Externally supported foil with reversible camber and variable chord length
An externally supported foil with reversible camber and variable chord length is described that allows a thin foil of efficient deformed shape to generate lift equally on opposite angles of attack to a fluid flow. The foil is supported at the leading and trailing edges to ribs that are in turn connected to spanwise spars forming an external structure attachable to a body. The foil is held by leading edge hinge(s) and trailing edge elastic membrane(s) along the span or at the ribs. Membrane pretension keeps the foil taut while generating no lift when parallel to a flow. When rotated by an external mechanism to generate an angle of attack, the membrane stretches due to the differential pressures generated on the foil surface; thereby, passively increasing the chord length and camber. Rib cutouts dictate the deformed aerodynamic or hydrodynamic foil shape that then generates lift. |
| US09175698B2 |
Hydraulic circuit for construction machine
A circuit for driving a hydraulic cylinder of a construction machine includes: a hydraulic pump; a tank; a control valve; a bottom side line; a rod side line; a quick return circuit having a branch line branched off from the bottom side line and led to the tank and a quick return valve which allows hydraulic fluid to be flowed through the branch line only when the control valve is switched to a contraction driving position; and a recycling circuit which supplies a part of return fluid discharged from a bottom side fluid chamber to a rod side fluid chamber of the hydraulic cylinder. The recycling circuit allows the hydraulic fluid to be flowed only from the bottom side fluid chamber into the rod side fluid chamber of the hydraulic cylinder only when the hydraulic cylinder is switched to the contraction driving position. |
| US09175692B2 |
Motor shroud for an electric submersible pump
A motor shroud for an electric submersible pump is described. A motor shroud includes a shroud collar secured around a base of a centrifugal pump, the shroud collar including a plurality of sealant pathways extending around an inner surface and an outer surface of the shroud collar, wherein at least one of the plurality of sealant pathways has an aperture extending radially through the shroud collar between the inner surface and the outer surface, a shroud hanger tubularly surrounding the outer surface and fixedly coupled to a shroud jacket, the shroud hanger including a sealant entry port, and a sealant occupying a first space between the shroud hanger and the shroud collar and a second space between the shroud collar and an intake of the centrifugal pump, wherein the sealant cures from an aerosol spray to form a hardened foam barrier to a flow of well fluid. |
| US09175691B2 |
Gas compressor control system preventing vibration damage
A method and apparatus for producing and controlling flow rate of a compressed gas produced by a compression system having one or more stages of compression formed by a centrifugal compressor or compressors, inlet guide vanes to control flow through the compression stage or stages and an electric motor directly coupled to the stage or stages having a restricted speed zone within which vibrational modes can damage the electric motor. A desired flow rate is obtained by speed adjustment alone and with the inlet guide vanes positioned at 0° when the speed will lie above or below the restricted speed zone. Where a desired flow rate would require extended operation of the electric motor at a speed within the restricted speed zone, the speed is set to the uppermost level of the restricted speed zone and the desired flow rate is obtained through appropriate positioning of the inlet guide vanes. |
| US09175690B2 |
Compressor
A compressor is disclosed, which has an inflow channel for guiding a compression medium into a compressor housing, a pressure chamber formed within the compressor housing, and a liner segment with nozzles that transport the compression medium from the pressure chamber to a rotor. The nozzles are formed in the liner segment as a plurality of nozzles arranged in a group in fan-like manner. |
| US09175689B2 |
Portable blower
A portable blower includes a casing (2) having an intake port (6) and a discharge port (7); an air passage (8) provided inside the casing (2) and connecting between the intake port (6) and the discharge port (7); a blower fan (17) arranged inside the air passage (8); a filter (16) arranged at the intake port (6); and a lid portion (3) openably fitted to the casing (2), the lid portion (3), when open, exposing the intake port (6) and, when closed, covering the intake port (6). When open, the lid portion (3) supports the casing (2) to let it stand on a table top. As the blower fan (17) is operated, outside air is introduced through the intake port (6) into the air passage (8) so as to be sent out through the discharge port (7). |
| US09175680B2 |
Electric oil pump system
A stator is fixedly fastened at its outer periphery by a cylindrical and thin metal collar. One end of the collar is engaged with a pump housing. Multiple metal nuts are embedded in insulators fitted to stator cores through insert molding. The stator of a brushless motor is fixed by screwing bolts passed through the pump housing from a pump plate, to nuts embedded in the insulators. |
| US09175679B2 |
Electromagnetic pump
A piston is slidably provided in a cylinder and partitions a first pump chamber, and a second pump chamber connected to an object to be operated. A first on-off valve is provided between the first pump chamber and the outside. A second on-off valve is provided in a connecting flow passage that connects the first pump chamber and the second pump chamber to each other. When the piston is moved forward by an electromagnetic force of a solenoid portion, a capacity of the first pump chamber decreases, and a capacity of the second pump chamber increases. When the piston is moved backward by a biasing force of a spring, the capacity of the first pump chamber increases, and the capacity of the second pump chamber decreases. A pressure receiving area of the front face of the piston is larger than that of the back face thereof. |
| US09175678B2 |
Tube pump and tube stabilizer
A tube pump comprises a rotor configured to have a roller and to hold the roller to be able to make an orbital motion along the inner circumferential surface of the cap. The rotor includes a disk part which holds the roller on a base side, and a tube press member that engages with the disk part so that the tube does not move to the base side with respect to the disk part, seals a gap formed with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the cap, and is capable of rotating along an outer circumferential part of the disk part is provided at the outer circumferential part of the disk part. |
| US09175677B2 |
Method for regulating a pump of an SCR system
A method for regulating a motor-driven pump of an SCR system, the pump delivering a pressure, being subjected to a hydraulic torque in relation to this pressure and also to a resistive torque and being driven by an electric motor including coils supplied with a current and developing a torque in relation to this current, according to which to regulate the pump, use is made of a mechanism to measure the current in the coils of the motor, of a regulator of overall current consumed by the motor, and of a model of the relation between the current and the pressure using an estimate of part of the resistive torque, namely the dry frictions, obtained by rotating the pump under no-load conditions at different speeds and by measuring the associated current. |
| US09175674B2 |
Drawback check valve
A valve for a pump arrangement which serves on one hand as a one-way outlet valve subject to functioning, after fluid has been dispensed, of drawing back some fluid which has been dispensed. |
| US09175673B2 |
Elastomeric signal transmission and motion amplification
A system and method to amplify displacement includes a housing forming a cylindrical chamber having an elastomeric material disposed therein. The chamber being sealed with a first membrane and a second membrane. The first membrane being attached to a first end having and the second membrane being attached to a second end, the first end having a greater diameter than the second end. The method including producing an input displacement with a driver attached to the first membrane, which in turn results in an amplified output displacement at the second end. |
| US09175672B2 |
Valve plate and axial piston hydraulic pump motor including the same
A valve plate is used in a swash plate type motor including a motor shaft and a cylinder block in a motor housing and includes: a sliding supporting surface contacting a rear end surface of the cylinder block to support the cylinder block; a supporting surface that is a surface corresponding to and opposite to the sliding supporting surface; a central through hole through which the motor shaft penetrates; and a plurality of ports and formed around the central through hole as inlets and outlets of operating oil so as to penetrate the valve plate, and a cooling concave portion into which the operating oil flows is formed in a region except for the ports and on the supporting surface. |
| US09175671B2 |
SMA actuation apparatus
An SMA actuation apparatus moves a movable element, such as a camera lens element, relative to a support structure in any direction perpendicular to a notional primary axis using N pairs of SMA actuator wires extending perpendicular to said primary axis, where N is three or more. The SMA actuator wires of each pair extend parallel to each other and being connected at their ends in tension to the movable element and the support structure in opposition to apply a force to the movable element in opposite directions. The SMA actuator wires are arranged around the movable element such that they are capable of being selectively driven to move the movable element in any direction perpendicular to said primary axis. Accordingly, it is possible to drive movement with an apparatus that is compact along the primary axis. |
| US09175665B2 |
Method of extracting energy from wave motion in a fluid
A wave-power aggregate and a method of extracting energy from wave motion in a liquid by means of a wave-power aggregate is provided. The wave-power aggregate comprises a container which is situated at least partially in the liquid and also comprises an inflow and an outflow. The container is arranged to, under the influence of said wave motion, to let a first part of the container arrange itself in a first position and a second part of the container in a second position, where the first and second position corresponds to different potential energy states. The method comprises the steps of: alternately supplying the container with at least a first and a second fluid respectively via the inflow, where the density of the fluids differs; and at least during an initial stage of the method controlling a flow resistance in at least one of the first and second fluids through the container. |
| US09175663B2 |
Linear generator for submerged use and a method of producing electric energy
A linear generator for submerged use in generating electricity has a linearly reciprocating translator which is attached to a wire and a rod arranged to connect the translator to a floating body on the sea surface. The generator has a sealed housing forming a watertight chamber in which the translator is located. The rod is arranged to pass through a sealed opening in a wall portion of the housing. When operated, the wall portion with the sealed opening is located at a level that is below the level of the upper end of the translator at least during a part of the movement of the translator. |
| US09175661B2 |
Glow plug heater control
Methods and systems for operating a glow plug are disclosed. In one example, current supplied to a glow plug can be controlled to promote combustion stability of a cylinder after an engine start. Engine feedgas hydrocarbons may be reduced during conditions where combustion stability may be otherwise reduced to reduce tailpipe emissions. |
| US09175660B2 |
Method for operating a vehicle
A method for operating a vehicle system is provided. The method includes activating a starter-generator rotationally coupled to a crankshaft output in an internal combustion engine while combustion operation in the internal combustion engine is inhibited, operating the starter-generator to drive the crankshaft in a predetermined speed range while combustion operation in the internal combustion engine is inhibited, and activating combustion operation in a cylinder of the internal combustion engine in response to a combustion activation trigger. |
| US09175658B2 |
Methods and systems for assisted direct start control
Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle engine coupled to a stepped-gear-ratio transmission. One example method comprises, in response to a first vehicle moving condition, shutting down the engine and at least partially disengaging the transmission while the vehicle is moving; and during a subsequent restart, while the vehicle is moving, starting the engine using starter motor assistance and adjusting a degree of engagement of a transmission clutch to adjust a torque transmitted to a wheel of the vehicle. |
| US09175652B2 |
Fuel injection device
The invention relates to a fuel injection device for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, comprising an end (6) that is located at a distance from the combustion chamber and has at least one electric connection (33) and at least one return flow connection (40). In order to create a fuel injection device (1) that has a simple design and can be produced cost-effectively, the return flow connection (40) and the electric connection (33) are integrated in a common connecting member. |
| US09175651B2 |
Dual fuel system for internal combustion engine and leakage limiting seal strategy for same
A dual fuel system includes liquid and gaseous fuel supplies and a fuel injector in fluid communication therewith. A gaseous fuel check in the fuel injector forms a leak path with a fuel injector body between gaseous and liquid fuel passages, and a leakage limiting seal is positioned about the gaseous fuel check and deformable into sealing contact with the gaseous fuel check responsive to an increase in a pressure drop from the liquid fuel passage to the gaseous fuel passage in the fuel injector. |
| US09175648B2 |
Intake system having a silencer device
An intake silencer device is described herein. The intake silencer device includes an outer housing and a plurality of sequential arranged expansion chambers separated by walls. The intake silencer device further includes an inner tube positioned in each of the sequential chambers, each of the inner tubes including an opening providing fluidic communication between an interior of the tube and the corresponding expansion chamber, a size of the openings increasing in size sequentially in a downstream direction. |
| US09175643B2 |
Waste heat recovery system for controlling EGR outlet temperature
An engine system and various methods for controlling the outlet temperature of an EGR stream before entering an engine intake system are disclosed. In a system and the various methods, an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve is positioned within an EGR passage fluidly connecting an engine exhaust stream and an engine intake stream, while a waste heat recovery (WHR) system is used to recover heat from the EGR stream. An engine control unit (ECU) is coupled to various sensors and valves to divert working fluid in the WHR system from cooling the EGR exhaust flow below a level which favors production of condensation in the engine intake system. The ECU operates to divert working fluid flow away from the EGR boiler when sensors indicate characteristics of either the exhaust flow or the intake stream which might lead to heavy condensation. A three-way valve is also used to divert the working fluid to a variable expansion valve fluidly coupled to the three-way valve in response to a signal from one of the sensors to prevent damage to the system turbine. |
| US09175642B2 |
Method and system for an intake humidity sensor
Methods and systems are provided for adjusting an engine operating parameter based on an output of a humidity sensor during a compressor bypass valve event. When the compressor bypass valve is closed, a current output of the sensor is used for the adjustments. When the compressor bypass valve is opened, such as to mitigate surge, an output of the sensor stored from before the opening of the bypass valve is used for the adjustments. |
| US09175640B2 |
Liquid phase injection tip icing prevention
A fuel injector assembly is provided herein. The fuel injector assembly includes an insulated delivery conduit in fluidic communication with a fuel pump and a conductive enclosure at least partially surrounding the insulated delivery conduit. The fuel injector assembly further includes a seal positioned between the insulated delivery conduit, conductive enclosure, and the fuel injector outlet with radial and axial forces against an exterior surface of the insulated delivery conduit, interior surface of the conductive enclosure, and the exterior surface of fuel injector outlet. |
| US09175637B2 |
Hot gasket with stainless steel
A metal gasket for establishing a gas and fluid-tight seal between two members and which is resistant to temperatures of greater than 430° C. and even up to 540° C. is provided. The metal gasket is made of a 200 series stainless steel which includes, by weight percentage: up to 1.0% Silicon, 3.5-5.5% Manganese, up to 0.060% Phosphorus, up to 0.030% Sulfur, 17.5-19.5% Chromium, 0.50-2.00% Molybdenum, 4.0-6.0% Nickel, 0.10-1.00% Niobium, 0.08-0.30% Nitrogen and the remainder of Iron. This particular alloy has been found to provide the gasket with very high mechanical strength, even at temperatures of up to 540° C. Additionally, due to the low nickel content of the 200 series stainless steel, the metal gasket may be made more cost-effectively than other known metal gaskets. |
| US09175635B2 |
Two-stroke spark-ignition engine
A two-stroke spark-ignition engine with through scavenging, exhaust valves (7), an injection nozzle (5) and sparking plug (6) in the cylinder head is characterized by higher volume efficiency and higher volume output with the possibility of gradual change of timing of air inlet into the engine cylinder (2) from the idle run to the full power. The use of a charger or turbocharger is convenient. Higher volume efficiency is achieved by a limitation of flow of exhaust gas back to the suction part through a gradual change of the inlet section to the engine cylinder (2) and by ensuring a higher air pressure before the inlet section. The change of the inlet section is achieved by a rotary bushing (4) on the cylinder (2) or insert of the engine cylinder (2), the bushing (4) being controlled with a control rod (14) from the throttle pedal. |
| US09175632B2 |
Engine start control apparatus for hybrid vehicle
An engine start control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle includes: an engine start control section configured to crank the engine by using the motor as a starter motor while the hydraulic clutch is slip-engaged when the discharge pressure from the oil pump is ensured by driving the motor, when the engine is started after an ignition switch is switched to an ON state, the engine start control section being configured to drive the oil pump by the motor at a no load during a predetermined time period after the engine is stopped when the ignition switch is in an OFF state. |
| US09175631B2 |
Vehicle control system
A vehicle control system includes an engine control device, an auxiliary control device adapted to control an auxiliary driven by power of an engine, a device for estimating a plurality of drive patterns for controlling the auxiliary, a fuel consumption rate relating value calculation device, and a selection device. The fuel consumption rate relating value calculation device calculates fuel consumption rate relating values of the engine required to drive the auxiliary by the engine according to the respective estimated plurality of drive patterns by use of characteristic data of the engine. The selection device selects a single drive pattern for driving the auxiliary based on the estimated plurality of drive patterns by use of the calculated fuel consumption rate relating values. |
| US09175626B2 |
Method and system for controlling engine vacuum production
A method for controlling engine vacuum production is disclosed. In one example, one or more air sources to an engine intake manifold are closed so as to increase an amount of air drawn from another air source. The method may increase a rate of vacuum supplied to a vacuum actuated device so as to improve operation of the vacuum actuated device. |
| US09175623B2 |
Mass airflow sensor calibration evaluation
An engine has a controller for causing an EGR system to disallow EGR while concurrently executing a strategy for evaluating calibration of a mass airflow sensor in an intake system by operating the engine at each of different combinations of engine speed and engine load, and for each combination of engine speed and engine load, recording a corresponding output signal of the sensor and also calculating mass flow passing through an intake manifold as a function of intake manifold pressure, intake manifold temperature, speed of the engine, and volumetric efficiency of the engine. The output signal of the MAF sensor and the calculated mass flow passing through the intake manifold at least one combination of engine speed and engine load are used to evaluate the calibration the MAF sensor. |
| US09175621B2 |
Engine management strategy
A system and method for controlling a vehicle to implement an engine torque management strategy. The engine torque management strategy implements a sophisticated engine knock control method that alleviates/mitigates the cause of the knock while also optimizing vehicle performance and engine efficiency without compromising engine hardware protection. Whenever suitable, the system and method attempt to reduce the amount of air trapped in a knocking cylinder to reduce its effective compression ratio and to eliminate the knock while keeping the same optimal spark timing for combustion efficiency. |
| US09175620B2 |
Internal combustion engine fitted with combustion pressure detection device
An internal combustion engine fitted with a combustion pressure detection device includes: an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber, a pressure detection device having a housing, a diaphragm, and a detection member, and having a shoulder part. The diaphragm is provided on the front end side of the housing and the detection member arranged inside the housing and behind the diaphragm, allowing it to detect the pressure working via the diaphragm. Also provided is a second seal member in a ring shape that seals the opening in the combustion chamber and the housing in the shoulder part of the housing in the pressure detection device. |
| US09175616B2 |
Approach for controlling exhaust gas recirculation
Various embodiments related to controlling EGR in an engine are disclosed. In one embodiment, a first EGR amount is supplied to a cylinder at a first temperature and a first engine speed and load. Further, at the first engine speed and load, as engine temperature increases from the first temperature to a second temperature, a first fuel amount is injected after exhaust valve closing and before intake valve opening while a second EGR amount is supplied to the cylinder that is greater than the first EGR amount. |
| US09175611B2 |
Flexible coupling/linkage for an actuator
A flexible coupling linkage (14) anchors a housing (16) that at least partially encloses a rotor (18) of an actuator (22) against rotation, while allowing free movement of the housing (16) in two other planes relative to the rotor (18) to match an angular rotational plane orientation of the rotor (18) to prevent binding between the housing (16) and the rotor (18) due to misalignment. The flexible coupling linkage (14) can be selected from a group of pivot joints (24a, 24b) including at least one of a pivot pin joint (30, 34), a ball-and-socket joint (32), and any combination thereof. The pivot joint (24) defines a restrained point (26a, 26b) associated with the housing (16) radially spaced from an axis of rotation of the rotor (18) preventing rotation of the housing (16) about the axis of rotation of the rotor (18), while allowing angular displacement of the housing (16) about the restrained point (26a, 26b) permitting the housing (16) to match an angle of the rotor (18) to prevent binding between the housing (16) and the rotor (18). |
| US09175602B2 |
V engine
The invention relates to a V engine, especially a diesel engine, comprising a first cylinder bank and a second cylinder bank, said V engine being designed for two-stage charging by means of a low-pressure exhaust gas turbocharger and a high-pressure exhaust gas turbocharger. The invention is characterized in that the low-pressure exhaust gas turbocharger and the high-pressure exhaust gas turbocharger are respectively arranged on the front of a cylinder bank above a main output element of the V engine. |
| US09175601B2 |
Flex fuel field generator
A generator system includes (i) an internal combustion engine, (ii) an exhaust gas outlet, connected to the internal combustion engine, for venting exhaust gasses, and (iii) a condenser, connected to the exhaust gas outlet, for condensing water from exhaust gasses. |
| US09175599B2 |
Method for operating an internal combustion engine with gas as a fuel
A method for operating an internal combustion engine is provided. The method comprises, during low and medium load conditions, introducing fuel from a fuel tank by intake pipe injection into at least one intake air line coupled to at least one cylinder, and during high load conditions, introducing the fuel from the fuel tank by direct injection into the at least one cylinder. In this way, the method of fuel delivery may be optimized based on the load conditions. |
| US09175594B2 |
Power tool
A power tool has an internal combustion engine with a cylinder. An injection valve supplies fuel to the internal combustion engine. A fuel pump conveys fuel from a fuel tank to the injection valve. A fan wheel is provided that is driven by the internal combustion engine. The cylinder is arranged in a first cooling zone of the power tool and the fan wheel conveys cooling air through the first cooling zone. The fuel pump is arranged in a second cooling zone of the power tool. Between the first cooling zone and the second cooling zone a buffer zone is arranged. The buffer zone is separated by at least one first partition from the first cooling zone and by at least one second petition from the second cooling zone. |
| US09175588B2 |
Diesel particulate filter regeneration in transport refrigeration system
A method and system are provided for performing a regeneration cycle for regenerating a diesel particulate filter (56) for removing particulate matter from a flow of engine exhaust gas from a diesel engine associated with a refrigeration system (10) having a refrigeration unit (20) powered by the diesel engine (32) having a first higher RPM speed and a second lower RPM speed. |
| US09175586B2 |
Control apparatus and control method for internal combustion engine
By raising a temperature of an element portion of a particulate matter sensor (8) that is arranged in an exhaust passage (4) of an internal combustion engine (2), a heat generation amount that results from the combustion of particulate matters is detected, during a removal treatment of removing, through combustion, particulate matters that are deposited on the element portion. Besides, an amount of particulate matters that are deposited on the element portion of the particulate matter sensor (8) is detected on the basis of an output of the particulate matter sensor (8), before the start of this removal treatment. On the other hand, an amount of particulate matters that are deposited on the element portion before the start of the removal treatment is detected in accordance with the heat generation amount. Furthermore, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the particulate matter sensor (8), on the basis of a difference between a first particulate matter amount that is detected on the basis of the output of the particulate matter sensor (8) and a second particulate matter amount that is detected on the basis of the heat generation amount. |
| US09175583B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine
When a start-up failure occurs wherein an internal combustion engine equipped with a variable valve device does not transition to complete combustion before a first prescribed period α elapses from the start of cranking in conjunction with fuel injection, a control unit for the internal combustion engine executes a start-up failure process addressing a state wherein the valve timing is different from a specific timing. |
| US09175581B2 |
Externally driven interior axial cam
An axial cam with a plurality of followers mounted within its diameter drives the followers in both axial directions. The followers operatively actuate valves such as those of an internal combustion engine. The cam can be driven about its exterior perimeter, providing an axially compact embodiment. The phasing of select followers can be established by modifying the azimuth positions of those followers with the cam in operation. By providing the cam with a symmetric actuating profile its followers can be linked to alternately actuate same-function valves in different engine cylinders. |
| US09175574B2 |
Guide vane with a winglet for an energy converting machine and machine for converting energy comprising the guide vane
An energy converting machine includes a guide vane. The guide vane includes a guide vane body for guiding a streaming fluid. The guide vane body has a pressure surface and a suction surface, a trailing edge and a leading edge, and a winglet for reducing leakage of the streaming fluid from the pressure surface to the suction surface. The winglet is arranged at a longitudinal end of the guide vane body. The winglet extents from the trailing edge to the leading edge and is arranged at the pressure surface. The winglet is free of protrusions beyond the leading edge and beyond the trailing edge. |
| US09175572B2 |
Turbomachine blade mounting system
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a system having a turbine blade segment having a blade and a mounting segment coupled to the blade, wherein the mounting segment has a multi-piece assembly configured to mount in a radial direction into a slot of a turbomachine rotor. |
| US09175570B2 |
Airfoil including member connected by articulated joint
An airfoil includes a body that has a platform, an airfoil extending outwardly from a side of the platform and a root extending outwardly from another side of the platform. A member is connected in an articulated joint to the body. |
| US09175568B2 |
Methods for manufacturing turbine components
A method is provided for manufacturing a turbine component. The method includes forming a first intermediate turbine article with an additive manufacturing process; encapsulating the first intermediate turbine article with an encapsulation layer to form a second intermediate turbine article; and consolidating the second intermediate turbine article to produce the turbine component. |
| US09175564B2 |
Tank sloshing energy recovery system
A hydrodynamic energy recovery system for effecting mixing of gases within a headspace of a liquid-containment vessel containing a liquid enables mixing of the gases by converting energy of moving or sloshing liquid in a liquid-filled lower portion of the vessel into energy for moving the gases. The system includes (1) a hydro-driven actuator that is movably driven in response to the movement of the liquid in the vessel, (2) a mixing device driven by the actuator such that motion of the mixing device effects mixing of the gases contained in the headspace above the liquid, and (3) a motion converter for converting motion of the actuator into motion for driving the mixing device. The mixing device can be driven without the need to run electrical power within the vessel and without the transfer of motion through an external wall of the vessel. |
| US09175563B2 |
Combined motor and brake with rotating brake-release piston
The present disclosure relates to a combined hydraulic motor and brake including a hydraulic motor having a hydraulic motor housing, a drive shaft assembly that is driven by the hydraulic motor, a stationary housing that is fixed relative to the hydraulic motor housing, and a rotatable housing that is rotatably driven by the drive shaft assembly. The combined hydraulic motor and brake also includes a brake for resisting relative rotation between the rotatable housing and the stationary housing, and a piston that is hydraulically actuated to release the brake. The piston is carried with the rotatable housing such that the piston, the rotatable housing and at least a portion of the drive shaft assembly are configured to rotate as a unit. |
| US09175559B2 |
Identification of casing collars while drilling and post drilling using LWD and wireline measurements
Systems and methods identify and/or detect one or more features of a well casing by utilizing one or more downhole measurements obtainable by a downhole component. The one or more features of the well casing are identifiable and/or detectable from the one or more measurements associated with one or more properties of the one or more features of the well casing. The one or more measurements for indentifying and/or detecting a presence and/or a location of the one or more features of the well casing include sonic measurements, nuclear measurements, gamma ray measurements, photoelectric measurements, resistivity measurements and/or combinations thereof. |
| US09175557B2 |
Drilling control method and system
Method and system for drilling control comprising a plurality of controllers adapted to control performance process parameters, on the basis of driller controls from a driller that provides this as instructions to said controllers, wherein the system further comprises sensors and means for obtaining process values, such as downhole pressure, temperature and torque, wherein the system is adapted to, continuously and/or repeatedly, calculate safeguard envelopes for performance process parameters on the basis of process values and drilling process models and that it is adapted to restrain said controllers from applying performance process parameters outside said safeguard envelopes as a result of driller instructions, and—a method and system for automatically triggering a remedying action in case of an evolving or existing critical situation, comprising calculation of process parameter boundaries which represent a critical condition for the well by using calibrated drilling process models, comprising (i) triggering an emergency action if a parameter exceeds said boundaries, said emergency action being intended to minimize the effect of said critical situation, (ii) then further analyzing the well in order to determine which remedying action to then be applied, the remedying action being intended to remedy the cause of said effect; (iii) if said remedying action is not capable of remedying the cause of said effect, then applying predetermined safe process parameters or shutting down. |
| US09175555B2 |
Fluid injection completion techniques
Methods for injecting a fluid into a subsurface formation are provided. Each of the methods includes the obtaining data, including formation parameters and operational variables, related to an injection well. A regime of operation for the injection well is determined. The regime of operation is determined using a heuristic model. In one aspect, one or more operational variables, including completion design, reservoir development procedures, and/or injection procedures, is designed based at least in part on the determined regime of operation. Water or other fluid may then be injected into the subsurface formation. The step of determining the regime of operation for the injection well may use a full physics computational simulation to construct a mathematical model that can estimate the operating regime for the water injection well. Alternatively or in addition, field data may be used. |
| US09175552B2 |
Isolation valve for subterranean use
A valve on an inner string can only be closed with multiple movements in opposed directions that occur after a predetermined force is held for a finite time. Holding the force against resistance eventually allows movement that arms the valve. A set down and pickup force will then close the valve. The surrounding string has a constriction that interacts with a j-slot to rotate a wedge with a first peak into alignment with a peak on a second wedge that can only translate against a spring bias. The second wedge is eccentrically linked to a ball that rotates between and open and a closed position. |
| US09175548B1 |
Fluid transfer system for an oil drilling rig
A fluid transfer system for an oil drilling rig which generally includes a portable housing container which includes a pump, a manifold, an air compressor and a pressure washer. The manifold will generally include three inlets, with a first inlet connected to a drilling rig, a second inlet connected to a first storage tank such as a water tank, and the third inlet connected to a second storage tank such as an invert tank. The pump is connected to the manifold to transfer mixed fluids back out the drilling rig. The air compressor is linked to the manifold flow blowing out the fluid conduits prior to transfer of the container or to prevent spillage. The pressure washer may be used to clean various components at the drilling site. The present invention is fully portable such that it may easily be packed up and transferred between multiple drilling sites for use. |
| US09175547B2 |
System and method for performing oilfield production operations
The invention relates to a method of performing production operations of an oilfield having at least one process facility and at least one wellsite operatively connected thereto, each at least one wellsite having a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation for extracting fluid from an underground reservoir therein. The method steps include receiving a number of steps each from at least one of a number of collaborators, specifying an automated workflow including the number of steps and for generating a first well plan, obtaining first data associated with the production operations, applying the automated workflow to the first data to generate the first well plan, adjusting the production operations based on the first well plan, and modifying at least one of the number of steps based on input from at least one of the number of collaborators to generate an updated automated workflow. |
| US09175546B2 |
Formation thermal measurement apparatus, methods, and systems
In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate to activate a thermal source in a borehole to heat a portion of a geological formation proximate to the borehole, to move the thermal source or thermal receivers within the borehole (to reduce the distance between the location of heating by the thermal source and one or more of the thermal receivers), to receive signals from one or more of the thermal receivers, responsive to activation of the thermal source, wherein the moving serves to reduce a time between heating the location and the receiving, and processing the signals, distance information related to the moving, and time of the receiving to determine a thermal property of the geological formation. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are described. |
| US09175545B2 |
Device and method for obtaining, in particular in situ, a substance containing carbon from an underground deposit
An apparatus is provided for delivering a substance containing hydrocarbons from a reservoir. The reservoir can be subjected to thermal energy in order to reduce the viscosity of the substance. The apparatus includes at least one conductor loop for inductively applying current for electric/electromagnetic heating of the reservoir, and a pressurization device for injecting a liquid into the reservoir in liquid form. A preparation entity extracts the liquid that is to be injected from a reservoir liquid that is taken from the reservoir or from a medium that is taken from the reservoir. |
| US09175542B2 |
Lubricating seal for use with a tubular
Sealing elements have lubricating seal profiles for communicating fluid between the sealing elements and the sealed drill string tubular or other oilfield component while the sealed drill string tubular or other oilfield component rotates or moves vertically relative to the seal elements. The same fluid used for drilling may also be used for seal lubrication, such as water, drilling fluid or mud, well bore fluid or other liquid or gas. The sealing elements may be disposed with a seal housing, which may be positioned with a marine riser, or subsea without a marine riser. The seal housing may prevent rotation of the seal elements with the sealed drill string tubular or other oilfield component. Alternatively, the seal housing may be an RCD that allows the sealing elements to rotate. The lubricating seal profiles include a wave pattern, a saw-tooth high film pattern, a downwardly inclined passageway pattern, an upwardly inclined passageway pattern, and a combined upwardly and downwardly inclined passageway pattern. In one embodiment, a stripper rubber seal element may have a lubricating seal profile on the inwardly facing bore surfaces of both its nose and throat sections for sealing with drill string tubulars and other oilfield components having different diameters. Dual seals with two annular spaced apart sealing surfaces, with or without lubricating seal profiles, may seal with a drill string tubular or other oilfield component. In another embodiment, differential pressures across two seal elements may be managed by filling the cavity between the two sealing elements with cuttings-free drilling fluid, mud, water, coolant, lubricant or inert gas at desired amounts of pressure. |
| US09175540B2 |
Control system for a subsea well
A control system for a subsea well is provided. The control system comprises a tree comprising a hydraulic control supply line for use in opening a downhole safety valve as a result of hydraulic pressure in the line. A part of the line is carried by a structure which is subject to the pressure of a production fluid from the well used in the control system so that the line is separable in response to a failure of the integrity of the structure. |
| US09175536B2 |
Pipe end plug apparatus and method
An open-ended pipe engagement device with a saddle portion that attaches around an open pipe, a structural platform comprising a tapering plug, support bars to prevent dislodgement of the device and threaded rods to winch the platform and plug onto the pipe end to be sealed. The device provides a means to safely cap and plug a leaking pipe end and allow the pipe to resume normal activity thereafter. The saddle portion provides a structural a base from which the plug and associated platform are positioned and winched into place, counteracting any fluid pressure exiting the leaking pipe. The plug comprises a tapering and conforming structure with a centrally located through hole for which to direct fluid as the platform is lowered and once the plug is engaged. Above the plug and through the platform is a section of pipe for which to direct the leaking fluid after the apparatus has been secured to the end of the pipe, effectively controlling the leak and allowing normal operation of the well to resume. |
| US09175533B2 |
Drillable slip
This invention particularly relates to improving the engagement of the slip elements within a casing or tubing. Particularly, the invention is directed to improving the penetration of anchors on slip elements to better set downhole tools. Generally, in one aspect, the invention relies on decreasing the contact surface of the cutting edge of the anchor during the initial penetration of the anchor into the casing. |
| US09175530B2 |
Wellbore fluid mixing system
A system for mixing fluids for oilfield applications, the system including a first storage vessel (101) configured to hold a first material and a first mixing device (108) in fluid communication with the first storage vessel. The system also including a second mixing device (115) in fluid communication with the first mixing device and a second storage vessel (102) in fluid communication with the second mixing device, wherein the second storage vessel is configured to hold a second material. Additionally, the system including a pump (109) in fluid communication with at least the second storage vessel and the first mixing device, wherein the pump is configured to provide a flow of the second material from the second storage vessel to the first mixing device, and wherein the first mixing device is configured to mix the first material and the second material to produce a wellbore fluid. |
| US09175529B2 |
Methods and compositions for treating subterranean formations with interlocking lost circulation materials
The present invention provides for methods of treating a fluid loss zone in a wellbore in a subterranean formation including providing interlocking notched particulates having an outer face comprising at least one notch therethrough; wherein the at least one notch has a shape and an inner perimeter value; providing interlocking protruding particulates having an outer perimeter portion that protrudes in an approximate equivalent to the shape and value of the inner perimeter of the at least one notch; introducing the interlocking protruding particulates and the interlocking notched particulates into the wellbore in the subterranean formation; interlocking the interlocking protruding particulates and the interlocking notched particulates through the at least one notch to form an interlocking network of at least one interlocking protruding particulate and at least one interlocking notched particulate; sealing at least a portion of the fluid loss zone. |
| US09175528B2 |
Decompression to fill pressure
A method and system for lifting drilling mud from subsea to a drilling vessel includes a pump having a body with a chamber, and a bladder in the chamber. The bladder spans the chamber to define water and mud sides in the chamber. A mud inlet valve allows mud into the mud side of the chamber; which moves the bladder into the water side and urges water from the water side of the chamber through a water exit valve. Pressurized water enters the chamber through a water inlet valve, which in turn pushes the bladder and mud from the chamber through a mud exit valve. The bladder separates the mud and water as it reciprocates in the chamber. A pressure control circuit equalizes pressure across the water valves, and a control valve provides a back pressure in a discharge of the pressure control circuit. |
| US09175520B2 |
Remotely controlled apparatus for downhole applications, components for such apparatus, remote status indication devices for such apparatus, and related methods
An expandable apparatus may comprise a tubular body, a valve piston and a push sleeve. The tubular body may comprise a fluid passageway extending therethrough, and the valve piston may be disposed within the tubular body, the valve piston configured to move axially downward within the tubular body responsive to a pressure of drilling fluid passing through a drilling fluid flow path and configured to selectively control a flow of fluid into an annular chamber. The push sleeve may be disposed within the tubular body and coupled to at least one expandable feature, the push sleeve configured to move axially responsive to the flow of fluid into the annular chamber extending the at least one expandable feature. Additionally, the expandable apparatus may be configured to generate a signal indicating the extension of the at least one expandable feature. |
| US09175518B2 |
Anchoring systems for drilling tools
An anchoring system for a tool in a borehole is provided. The anchoring system comprising a tool body, anchoring members which are operable to extend from the tool body so as to deploy an anchor portion into contact with the borehole wall such that when deployed. The anchoring members act to support the tool body in a central region of the borehole. Moreover, the anchoring members are connected to an operating mechanism which links deployment of the anchoring members so as to distribute the anchoring force and position of the anchoring members in a controlled manner. |
| US09175511B2 |
Retractable louvre system
The invention concerns an architectural cover for application to a roof or wall. In particular it concerns a rectangular architectural roof cover (or wall mounted shading device) that includes retractable and moveable louvres, comprising: A near end of the rectangle and a far end of the rectangle. Two spaced apart beams forming the left and right sides of the rectangle. A series of louvres spanning between the two beams. Wherein, the ends of each louvre are connected to a respective carriage. The carriages on one side are mounted to run to and fro along one of the beams, and the carriages on the other side are mounted to run to and fro along the other beam. A mechanism is provided to drive the distal carriage on each side to and fro to extend and retract the louvres. |
| US09175508B1 |
Metal door
A metal door comprising first and second side frames or stiles and upper and lower frames or rails which are joined together. Each of the frames includes front and rear panels which are spaced apart and which are secured together by means of insulating panel connectors. The space between the panel connectors in each of the frames is filled with an insulating foam material. The panel connectors are also comprised of an insulating material such as wood, fiberglass, plastic or other insulative material. |
| US09175505B2 |
Door handle assemblies and vehicles having same
A door handle assembly for a vehicle includes a mount structure, a door handle, and a latch assembly. The door handle includes an interface portion and a mounting portion. The interface portion includes inner and outer surfaces. The mounting portion is pivotally coupled with the mount structure such that the door handle is pivotable about a first axis between first and second positions. The latch assembly includes a latch body and an actuator arm pivotally coupled with the latch body. The latch body is attached to the mount structure. The actuator arm is pivotable between released and actuated positions. The door handle is configured to contact the actuator arm during at least a portion of the pivotal movement of the door handle from the first position to the second position, forcing the actuator arm to pivot from the released position to the actuated position. Vehicles are also provided. |
| US09175502B2 |
Resettable combination lock mechanism
A resettable lock assembly is provided having features that indicate when the lock is in reset mode or normal-use mode. The lock assembly may include a reset knob operable in a first rotational position and a second rotational position. When the reset knob is in the first rotational position, the lock assembly is in a reset mode and a visual indicator is visible. |
| US09175501B2 |
Rotary security seal
A rotary security seal assembly is disclosed for sealing container closures, meters, equipment and various other articles. The assembly is configured to reveal surreptitious entry or attempted access into or to a sealed area or article and comprises a housing body and a locking filament. The housing body includes a socket and a housing locking filament receiving bore extending at least in part through the housing body and intersecting the socket. The locking filament has a first end area and a second end area. The first end area of the locking filament is permanently secured to the housing body by hardened molding material forming the housing body. The second end area of the locking filament is dimensioned and configured to be received in and extended at least in part through the housing locking filament receiving bore leaving a continuous locking filament loop outside the housing body when so received. |
| US09175500B2 |
Cylinder guard for deadbolt lock
A cylinder guard for a deadbolt lock having a face portion and an inner portion. The inner portion includes a radial flange and an axial flange created by forming the wall of the guard into a doubled portion. Indentations are formed in the axial flange which enhances the resistance of the guard to an attack upon the deadbolt. The guard also includes a tapered blow-deflecting portion between the inner portion and face portion. A crush zone may be formed between the inner and face portions to attenuate the energy from an attack that is transferred to the axial and radial flanges. A method for making the guard includes stamping a body from steel strip using a multi-station press. |
| US09175496B2 |
Portable sunshade device having holder for shaded viewing of portable media devices
A sun shading device having a shading canopy, a back shading panel, attached to legs. The legs and canopies are collapsible. The underside of the shading canopy includes a viewable electronic device holder for holding devices such as touch screen tablet computers or other device having a view screen. The shading canopy and the back shading panel of the sun shading device provide a shaded alcove in which a user can lie on his or her back to view an electronic device screen secured to the underside of the shading canopy. |
| US09175495B1 |
Grave stone marker with protected viewing chamber
A gravestone marker that includes a viewing chamber for receiving photographs and other small objects such as memorabilia honoring the deceased that includes a cement base frame with a hollow interior of a predetermined size and shape for placing on a concrete slab above the grave of the deceased, and a sheet of transparent bulletproof material that can be glass or plastic permanently attached by concrete epoxy adhesive to the concrete base frame forming a chamber beneath the transparent sheet. The chamber can receive photographs and other objects that can be viewed by persons standing at the gravesite. The strength of the transparent sheet of material can prevent vandalism or theft at the gravesite. |
| US09175494B2 |
Method of assembling a tubular building structure by using screw sockets
A method of assembling a tubular building structure 1 comprising a circumferential wall structure formed from a plurality of wall elements 2,20. The method comprises mutually assembling at least some of the wall elements 2,20 by use of screw sockets 4 mounted in holes in the wall elements 2,20 and bolts. The wall elements may be superposed tube sections 2 arranged on top of each other, and these tube sections 2 may be formed by interconnecting axially extending tube segments 20. In some embodiments of the invention, the screw sockets 4 are mounted at the manufacturing site, and the wall elements 2,20 are subsequently transported to the erection site of the tubular building structure 1. Preferably the mutual assembly of the wall elements 2,20 is performable solely by people working inside the tubular building structure 1 fastening the bolts 5 to the pre-mounted screw sockets 4. |
| US09175490B2 |
Seismic isolation apparatus and structure having seismic isolation apparatus
To provide a seismic isolation apparatus which, as well as widening an applicable shaking range, can be easily configured and is low in height, a seismic isolation apparatus is configured of a low friction combination formed by a point contact between a planar hard base plate, which has a surface on which are disposed at least three convexly curved projections of a uniform height, and a glide plate which is a smooth, hard, flat plate. |
| US09175486B2 |
Insulating concrete form (ICF) system with modular tie members and associated ICF tooling
ICF tooling facilitating the manufacturing of ICF blocks having different widths and different heights, the tie member including a variable width web portion positionable within a plurality of internal openings associated with a specially designed male tool, each internal opening being configured to receive folded web portions of varying length so that ICF blocks of different widths can be produced using the same male tool; each internal opening likewise includes a tie engaging feature for holding the respective tie members in their folded position within the male tool during the molding process; the internal openings enable foldable tie members of different widths to be used in the same male and female tools for producing ICF blocks in different widths in each individual separate male tool. ICF blocks of varying heights can be produced using the same female tool and a plurality of slightly modified height male tools. |
| US09175481B2 |
Awning motor override
A retractable awning having a roller, a flexible canopy having one end secured to the roller and rollable onto the roller, and a motor operable to rotate the roller to roll the flexible canopy onto or off the roller. The motor includes a protective housing, with a manual motor override on the motor within the housing. An aperture in the housing proximate the override is aligned with and permits access to the override through the aperture. |
| US09175477B1 |
Gutter cleaning apparatus
A gutter cleaning apparatus that cleans debris from a gutter having a concave channel for collecting water from a roof of a building, has a platform with a plurality of spaced apart apertures each including a guide flap extending at an inclined air flow directing angle from under the platform. The platform is mounted in the gutter at a selected spacing above a floor of the gutter and extends into an air flow guide engaged to an end of the platform. The guide has an outlet end with lower and upper portions for directing air flow respectively under and over the platform for lifting and remove debris from an upper surface of the platform, the platform extending at least partly into the outlet end for dividing the outlet end into the lower and upper portions, and the guide has an inlet for receiving a flow of forced air from a blower near ground level. |
| US09175476B2 |
Self supportive panel system
A self supporting panel system used to fabricate ceilings, floors, walls, or roofs. The panel system is assembled from a plurality of panels, each having a core that is sandwiched between opposing plate members. In a preferred embodiment, the core of each panel includes a unifying material to enhance the load bearing capacity of the panel. |
| US09175474B2 |
Apparatus for attaching a member to a core-stiffened structure and a combination thereof
An apparatus for attaching a member to a honeycomb core-stiffened structure includes a body and one or more elements extending from the body configured to be adhesively bonded to one or more walls of a honeycomb core of the honeycomb core-stiffened structure. The apparatus further includes a fitting for attaching the member to the apparatus. A honeycomb core-stiffened structure includes a honeycomb core and an apparatus for attaching a member to the honeycomb core. The apparatus includes a body and one or more elements extending from the body configured to be adhesively bonded to one or more walls of the honeycomb core of the honeycomb core-stiffened structure. The apparatus further includes a fitting for attaching the member to the apparatus. |
| US09175471B2 |
Airloop window wall for modular construction technology
An Airloop window wall system for use in modular construction technology. The Airloop window wall system is designed for installation of wall panels from the exterior of a modular unit. Additionally disclosed are horizontal butt joint panels to cover the horizontal butt joints between vertically-adjacent modular units, and Airloop vertical butt joint panels to cover vertical butt joints between horizontally adjacent modular units, while providing a continuous Airloop system for water-tightness performance. |
| US09175466B2 |
Tension reinforcement for concrete
A new prefabricated wall panel is the basic unit of a new, more efficient and stronger wall system. The wall panel is manufactured from a plurality of foam sections sized to leave vertical and horizontal voids into which concrete is later poured, each foam section having an inner and outer surface and two sides; and a plurality of fastening strips. The fastening strips are longitudinal metal strips being situated between the sides of two foam sections. Each fastening strip has two longitudinal fastening strips projecting perpendicularly to the longitudinal fastening strip and the fastening strips being adjacent to the outer surface of the two foam sections. The fastening strip also has a plurality of clearance holes in the longitudinal fastening strip, a plurality of embed tabs projecting from the edge opposite the fastening strips, each embed tab having at least one hole, and between each pair of embed tabs, a foam tab to hold the two inner sides of the foam sections in place and partially separate the foam sections from the concrete to be poured into a form. |
| US09175462B2 |
System for delivering chemicals to a toilet bowl
A chemical system is provided for adding a small amount of chemicals to a toilet bowl at the end of the flush cycle. The system has several chambers and a mechanism to add water to the system to force chemicals out and into the overflow tube of the toilet. |
| US09175461B2 |
Offset garbage disposal
A garbage disposal with an offset is provided. The garbage disposal includes a grinder mounted within a housing. The grinder rotates within the housing to process waste within the garbage disposal. Waste entering the housing is directed away from an axis of rotation of the grinder due to the offset. By directing waste away from the axis of rotation of the grinder, the waste can be more fully processed by the grinder. |
| US09175458B2 |
Faucet including a pullout wand with a capacitive sensing
An electronic faucet including a spout hub and a pullout wand removably coupled to the spout hub. The pullout wand is touch sensitive when docked to the spout hub, and is not touch sensitive when undocked from the spout hub. |
| US09175452B2 |
Submerged void filling
Systems and methods for filling submerged voids with a foam-fluidized fill material in an efficient and economical manner are disclosed herein. The foam fluidized fill material is a granular solid material fluidized with a foam. The foam-fluidized fill material is pumped or gravity-fed through an insertion tube into the submerged void. The insertion tube terminates at a point lying below a surface of the liquid within the void. Since the foam-fluidized fill material is heavier than the liquid, the foam-fluidized fill material exiting the insertion tube sinks to the bottom of the void and expands laterally at the bottom of the void displacing the liquid. The liquid is forced upward and out of the void where it may be collected. Further, as the fill material fills the void, the foam dissipates and the fill material self compacts, making the filled void sufficiently load bearing. |
| US09175451B2 |
Flood wall protection system
A system and method for constructing any desired length of height linear cellular chain for use as a protective wall system, including a chain of fabric bulk bags, each having an open upper end, and interconnected along their sidewalls to define the cellular chain; and a fabric channel formed on the upper ends of each of the adjoining bags sidewalls for engaging a bag support and filling system, which includes a first metal frame member having a pair of arm members for threading through two adjacent fabric channels; the frame supported by a base member resting on the ground; a second metal frame member for receiving the distal ends of each of the arm members of the first metal frame member, at a level so that the bulk bag is supported by the arm members; bulk material to be poured into the supported bulk bag, to a level that the bag is substantially filled and no longer requires the support of the frame, so that the frame can be removed and positioned onto the next pair of fabric channels to fill the next empty bag. |
| US09175450B2 |
Barrier system
A barrier system is provided for fencing in or closing off a designated area. The barrier system includes a body including a longitudinal element extendable from the body to form a barrier between a first surface and a second surface. At least one coupling member is selectively connectable with the body between a first connection configuration such that the body is coupleable to the first surface or the second surface via the at least one coupling member and a second connection configuration such that the body is directly attachable to the first surface or the second surface. Systems and methods are disclosed. |
| US09175449B2 |
Transmission system for transmitting power from engine to milling rotor in cold planer
A transmission system is provided for transmitting power from an engine to a milling rotor in a cold planer. The transmission system includes a first circuit, a second circuit, and a shaft. The first circuit is disposed in a first plane and configured to be operatively driven by the engine. The second circuit is disposed in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane and configured to operatively drive the milling rotor. The shaft couples the first circuit to the second circuit wherein the engine and the milling rotor are axially offset. |
| US09175448B2 |
Drum housing for a working drum of a construction machine or mining machine, construction machine or mining machine, as well as method for monitoring the condition of a working drum of a construction machine or mining machine
In a drum housing for a working drum of a construction machine or mining machine, the working drum being provided with tools and rotating about a drum axis, with a housing shell which at least partially encloses the circumference of the working drum, and with at least one inspection opening for a monitoring device arranged in the housing shell, wherein the monitoring device inspects the condition of the working drum or the tools thereof, it is provided for the following features to be achieved: a closing mechanism is arranged on the outside of the housing shell, the closing mechanism enabling closure of the at least one inspection opening. |
| US09175445B2 |
Methods for installing a bounded paving system
A method for installing a paver system includes positioning a first grid substrate adjacent to a second grid substrate, the first and second grid substrates form a paver support surface. At least the first grid substrate includes an integrated boundary ridge extending along the first paver support surface. The first grid substrate is interlocked with the second grid substrate with a first paver piece bridging the first and second grid substrates to form a paver linkage. Movement of at least the first paver piece is arrested beyond the integrated boundary ridge by directly or indirectly engaging at least the first paver piece against the integrated boundary ridge. In another example, movement of the first paver piece is arrested by anchoring at least the first paver piece on the first and second paver support surfaces through distribution of forces incident on at least the first paver piece through the paver linkage. |
| US09175441B2 |
Process for the production of a paper or board product and a paper or board produced according to the process
The present invention relates to a process for the production of a paper or paperboard comprising at least two plies wherein microfibrillated cellulose is added to the surface of a first ply and the other ply is attached to the first ply so that the microfibrillated cellulose located in between the plies. The invention further relates to a paper or board produced according to the method. |
| US09175439B2 |
Method for arranging a chemical barrier in a gasifying reactor for black liquor, a chemical gasifying reactor, a barrier layer of a reactor and a method for manufacturing a building block for such a barrier layer
A chemical reactor and a method for arranging a ceramic barrier in a gasifying reactor, which reactor is arranged to convert high energy organic waste of black liquor type with a large amount of organic or inorganic alkali metal compounds, by high temperature oxidation with air or oxygen, whereby the organic waste is converted to a hot reducing gas containing a considerable amount of water vapour and the inorganic compounds form an alkali-containing salt melt at a temperature of 750-1150° C., and which reactor is arranged to comprise an outer shell (14) with associated inlet and outlet devices for reactants and products, the method comprising the arranging of a lining (16, 18) comprising one or more layers of ceramic barriers (16, 18) on the inside of the shell (14), the innermost ceramic barrier (16) of the reactor being composed of a lining material that primarily contains compounds of aluminium oxide (Al2O3), and at least one of alkali metal oxides (Me2(I)O) and alkaline earth metal oxides (Me(I)0), forming compounds of the type Me2(I)O Al2O3 and Me(II)0-Al2O3. |
| US09175432B2 |
Household appliance for wall mounting
A household appliance (100) has an external casing (110) housing a rotatable drum assembly (320) and adapted to be mounted to a wall (105). The casing is shaped so as to define therein a tub (305) for rotatably accommodating the rotatable drum assembly. |
| US09175430B2 |
Washing machine wherein the unbalanced load is balanced
A washing machine (1) is disclosed and includes a drum (2), a tub (3) wherein the drum (2) moves, a shaft (4), a cylindrical stationary hub (5) disposed on the rear wall of the tub (3) where the shaft (4) is supported, a bearing housing (7) in the middle of the hub (5) where at least one bearing (6) bearing the shaft (4) is placed, a cylindrical hub housing (8) connected to the rear wall of the drum (2), surrounding the hub (5) concentrically such that a gap remains between the hub (5) and rotating together with the drum (2) by transferring the movement of the shaft (4) to the drum (2), at least one balancing chamber (9) disposed in the drum (2) into which water is transferred by the unbalanced load status and a water distributing device (12) mounted between the hub (5) and the hub housing (8), having more than one ring-shaped gasket (10) arranged one after the other in parallel to each other and at least one slot (11) disposed between the gaskets (10). |
| US09175428B2 |
Method of making a double-sided embossed non-woven fabric
A method of making a double-sided embossed non-woven fabric includes: forming a stack of semi-molten fibers on a screen assembly, the screen assembly including a first layer structure that has a plurality of suction holes arranged into a first pattern, and a second layer structure that is disposed on the first layer structure and that has a plurality of elements arranged into a second pattern; and embossing the stack of the semi-molten fibers on the screen assembly by suctioning the stack of the semi-molten fibers using a suctioning device such that the stack of the semi-molten fibers is drawn into the holes to wrap the elements. |
| US09175427B2 |
Electrospun patterned stent graft covering
An endoluminal prosthesis and systems and methods for making the prosthesis are provided. In one example, a patterned graft material for a prosthesis includes a network of electrospun fibers. The network of electrospun fibers may include a plurality of continuous electrospun fibers. The fibers may be collected on a collector plate using an electrospinning process to form the network of fibers. The patterned graft material also may include a plurality of openings in the network of electrospun fibers. The plurality of openings may be arranged in a pattern. The network of electrospun fibers may include a plurality of edges, each surrounding a corresponding one of the plurality of openings. Each of the plurality of edges may include at least one electrospun fiber of the network of electrospun fibers. A majority of the electrospun fibers of the plurality of edges may be continuous at the edges. |
| US09175417B2 |
Method for manufacturing a nitride semiconductor substrate
The invention provides a method for manufacturing a nitride semiconductor substrate capable of reducing a cleavage during slicing of the nitride semiconductor single crystal and capable of improving a yield rate of the nitride semiconductor substrate. The method includes growing a nitride semiconductor single crystal on a seed crystal substrate by vapor phase epitaxy; grinding an outer peripheral surface the grown nitride semiconductor single crystal; and slicing the nitride semiconductor single crystal with its outer peripheral surface ground. A grinding amount of the outer peripheral surface of the nitride semiconductor single crystal in the step of grinding is 1.5 mm or more. |
| US09175412B2 |
Iron-gold barcode nanowire and manufacturing method thereof
Disclosed are an Fe—Au barcode type nanowire and a method of manufacturing the same. The nanowire has a magnetic-optical multifunction and is suitable for adjusting magnetic intensity thereof. The Fe—Au nanowire has a multilayered structure, in which an iron layer and a gold layer are alternately and repeatedly formed, and is formed in a single plating bath through a pulse electro-deposition. |
| US09175407B2 |
Integrated process for producing carboxylic acids from carbon dioxide
The present disclosure is a method and system for production of carboxylic based chemicals, including carboxylic acids and salts. A method for producing at oxalic acid may include receiving an anolyte feed at an anolyte region of an electrochemical cell including an anode and receiving a catholyte feed including carbon dioxide and an alkali metal hydroxide at a catholyte region of the electrochemical cell including a cathode. Method may include applying an electrical potential between the anode and cathode sufficient to reduce the carbon dioxide to at least one reduction product and converting the at least one reduction product and the alkali metal hydroxide to an alkali metal oxalate via a thermal reactor. The method may further include receiving the alkali metal oxalate at an electrochemical acidification electrolyzer and converting the alkali metal oxalate to oxalic acid at the electrochemical acidification electrolyzer. |
| US09175406B2 |
Method of surface treatment for metal glass part, and metal glass part with its surface treated by the method
There is provided a metallic glass component with its surface layer having both durability of a film and chromatic color properties, and a method for forming the surface layer. Surface active treatment is performed wherein the surface of the metallic glass component is reacted with a mixed aqueous solution of nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid to remove an oxide film and to provide an anchor bond shape on the surface of a metallic glass component, and electroplating or electroless plating is then performed, to form a plating film on the surface of the metallic glass component. It is thereby possible to form a surface layer of a metallic glass which has both durability and a chromatic color. |
| US09175405B2 |
Corrosion control compositions and methods of mitigating corrosion
Corrosion inhibitor compositions are provided that can include a mixture of one or more transition metals, one or more organic phosphates, one or more inorganic phosphates, optionally a dispersant, and hydroxyphosphono acetic acid and/or salts thereof. Methods of mitigating or inhibiting corrosion of housing or conduits containing aqueous mediums are also disclosed. The methods can include the steps of pretreating the metal conduit with a mixture of one or more transition metals, one or more organic phosphates, one or more inorganic phosphates, and hydroxyphosphono acetic acid, introducing an aqueous medium into the metal conduit, and injecting a mixture of one or more transition metals, one or more organic phosphates, one or more inorganic phosphates, and hydroxyphosphono acetic acid and/or salts thereof into the aqueous medium. |
| US09175404B2 |
Etching agent for copper or copper alloy
Object is to provide an etching solution which generates less foam and can etch copper or copper alloy at high selectivity when used in a step of etching copper or copper alloy in an electronic substrate having both of copper or copper alloy and nickel.The etching solution to be used in a step of selectively etching copper or copper alloy in an electronic substrate having both of copper or copper alloy and nickel has, as essential components thereof, (A) a linear alkanolamine, (B) a chelating agent having an acid group in the molecule thereof, and (C) hydrogen peroxide. |
| US09175400B2 |
Immersion tin silver plating in electronics manufacture
A method is provided for depositing a whisker resistant tin-based coating layer on a surface of a copper substrate. The method is useful for preparing an article comprising a copper substrate having a surface; and a tin-based coating layer on the surface of the substrate, wherein the tin-based coating layer has a thickness between 0.5 micrometers and 1.5 micrometers and has a resistance to formation of copper-tin intermetallics, wherein said resistance to formation of copper-tin intermetallics is characterized in that, upon exposure of the article to at least seven heating and cooling cycles in which each cycle comprises subjecting the article to a temperature of at least 217° C. followed by cooling to a temperature between about 20° C. and about 28° C., there remains a region of the tin coating layer that is free of copper that is at least 0.25 micrometers thick. |
| US09175399B2 |
Plating bath for electroless deposition of nickel layers
The present invention relates to aqueous plating bath compositions for deposition of nickel and nickel alloys utilizing novel stabilizing agents possessing a carbon-carbon triple bond and a functional group to enhance the bath performance. |
| US09175396B2 |
Aluminum-containing substrate comprising a microporous layer of an aluminum phosphate zeolite, method for the production thereof, and use thereof
An aluminum-containing substrate is described that comprises at least one superficially applied microporous layer of an aluminum phosphate zeolite (ALPO) as well as other layers. Said aluminum-containing substrate is characterized in that the microporous layer of the aluminum phosphate zeolite represents a primer coating on which a microporous or mesoporous secondary material is located which differs from the material of the primer coating. Said aluminum-containing substrate is produced in a particularly advantageous manner according to a method in which 1. an aluminum-containing substrate is hydrothermally treated in an aqueous suspension containing at least phosphorus as a network-forming element, and a microporous primer coating of an aluminum phosphate zeolite is formed on the substrate by means of an in situ crystallization process, especially the molar ratio between the network-forming aluminum that is deficient in the aqueous suspension and the sum of all network-forming elements in the aqueous suspension being less than 0.5 such that the aluminum required for compensating the deficiency is removed from the aluminum-containing substrate, and 2.; a microporous or mesoporous secondary material is formed on the microporous primer coating by subjecting the aluminum-containing substrate that comprises the microporous primer coating to another treatment in an aqueous suspension containing the network-forming elements required for forming the porous secondary material. The described aluminum-containing substrate is particularly suitable as a heat exchanger, as a catalytic reactor, or as a component in heat transformation technology with an anti-corrosive or anti-fouling effect. |
| US09175394B2 |
Atomic layer deposition chamber with multi inject
Embodiments of the invention relate to apparatus and methods for depositing materials on substrates during atomic layer deposition processes. In one embodiment, a chamber lid assembly comprises a channel having an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the channel extends along a central axis, a housing having an inner region and at least partially defining two or more annular channels, an insert disposed in the inner region and defining the upper portion, the upper portion fluidly coupled with the two or more annular channels, and a tapered bottom surface extending from the bottom portion of the channel to a peripheral portion of the chamber lid assembly. |
| US09175390B2 |
Synthesis and use of precursors for ALD of tellurium and selenium thin films
Atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes for forming Te-containing thin films, such as Sb—Te, Ge—Te, Ge—Sb—Te, Bi—Te, and Zn—Te thin films are provided. ALD processes are also provided for forming Se-containing thin films, such as Sb—Se, Ge—Se, Ge—Sb—Se, Bi—Se, and Zn—Se thin films are also provided. Te and Se precursors of the formula (Te,Se)(SiR1R2R3)2 are preferably used, wherein R1, R2, and R3 are alkyl groups. Methods are also provided for synthesizing these Te and Se precursors. Methods are also provided for using the Te and Se thin films in phase change memory devices. |
| US09175388B2 |
Reaction chamber with removable liner
A reaction chamber assembly for thin film deposition processes or the like includes an outer wall assembly for enclosing an outer volume and a removable liner installed into the outer volume through an outer aperture for preventing precursors or reactants from coming into contact with internal surfaces of the outer wall assembly and forming thin film layers thereon. The removable liner encloses a reaction chamber and includes substrate support trays or the like for supporting substrates being coated. Thin film layers are formed onto internal surfaces of the removable liner instead of onto surfaces of the outer wall assembly. The removable liner may be disposable or may comprise stainless steel, which can be removed when contaminated, cleaned by abrasive blasting such as bead blasting, and replaced. Two removable liners can be used to periodically swap removable liners and clean one of the liners while the other is in service with minimal disruption to production coating schedules. Other removable cleanable elements such as input and output plenums, door liners and conduits comprising stainless steel can be periodically removed and cleaned by abrasive blasting. |
| US09175386B2 |
Coating for a CoCrMo substrate
A coating for a CoCrMo substrate including a first layer located directly on the substrate and including Ta(CoCrMo)0.5-2.0, a second layer located directly on the first layer and including tantalum, a third layer located directly on the second layer and including tantalum carbide, and a fourth layer located directly on the third layer and including diamond-like carbon (DLC). |
| US09175384B2 |
Coated body and a process for coating a body
The invention relates to a body with a substrate (1), an intermediate layer (2) applied on top thereof and a CVD diamond layer (3) applied to the intermediate layer. In order to propose a body coated with CVD diamond and a production process, in which the body has an increased load-bearing capacity under various mechanical loads, provision is made for the intermediate layer to be predominantly metallic, wherein the metal fraction of the intermediate layer consists predominantly of tungsten and/or chromium, and for the intermediate layer to have a roughness defined by an Rz value of 0.5 μm-3.0 μm. |
| US09175382B2 |
High metal ionization sputter gun
In one aspect of the invention, a process chamber is provided. The chamber includes a plurality of sputter guns with a target affixed to one end of each of the sputter guns. Each of the plurality of sputter guns is coupled to a first power source. The first power source is operable to provide a pulsed power supply to each of the plurality of sputter guns. The pulsed power supply has a duty cycle that is less than 30%. A substrate support disposed at a distance from the plurality of sputter guns is included. The substrate support is coupled to a second power source. The second power source is operable to bias a substrate disposed on the substrate support, wherein the duty cycle of the second power source is synchronized with a duty cycle of the first power source. A method of performing a deposition process is also included. |
| US09175380B2 |
Oxide sintered body and sputtering target
Provided is an oxide sintered body suitably used for producing an oxide semiconductor film for a display device, the oxide sintered body capable of forming an oxide semiconductor film exerting excellent conductivity, having high relative density and excellent in-plane uniformity, and exhibiting high carrier mobility. This oxide sintered body is obtained by combining and sintering a zinc oxide powder, a tin oxide powder, and an indium oxide powder. The oxide sintered body satisfies the following equation (1) when the oxide sintered body is subjected to X-ray diffraction, Equation (1): [A/(A+B+C+D)]×100≧70. In equation (1), A represents the XRD peak intensity in the vicinity of 2θ=34°, B represents the XRD peak intensity in the vicinity of 2θ=31°, C represents the XRD peak intensity in the vicinity of 2θ=35°, and D represents the XRD peak intensity in the vicinity of 2θ=26.5°. |
| US09175374B2 |
High strength hot-dip galvanized steel sheet having excellent deep drawability
A high strength hot-dip galvanized steel sheet has TS of 440 MPa or more and an average r value of 1.30 or more, where the absolute value of the planar anisotropy of the r value (Δr) is 0.20 or less. A chemical composition contains C: 0.010% or more and 0.04% or less, Si: more than 1.0% and 1.5% or less, Mn: 1.0% or more and 3.0% or less, P: 0.005% or more and 0.1% or less, S: 0.01% or less, sol. Al: 0.005% or more and 0.5% or less, N: 0.01% or less, Nb: 0.010% or more and less than 0.05%, Ti: 0.015% or more and 0.120% or less, and the remainder composed of Fe and incidental impurities, wherein (Nb/93)/(C/12) 0.20 and 0.005 |
| US09175372B2 |
Aluminum alloy forged material for automobile and method for manufacturing the same
It is an object to provide an aluminum alloy forged material for an automobile excellent in tensile strength while maintaining excellent corrosion resistance, and a method for manufacturing the same. Provided are the aluminum alloy forged material for an automobile and a method for manufacturing the same, the aluminum alloy forged material being composed of an aluminum alloy including Si: 0.7-1.5 mass %, Fe: 0.1-0.5 mass %, Mg: 0.6-1.2 mass %, Ti: 0.01-0.1 mass % and Mn: 0.3-1.0 mass %, further including at least one element selected from Cr: 0.1-0.4 mass % and Zr: 0.01-0.2 mass %, restricting Cu: 0.1 mass % or less and Zn: 0.05 mass % or less, and a hydrogen amount: 0.25 ml/100 g-Al or less, the remainder being Al and unavoidable impurities, in which the depth of recrystallization from the surface is 5 mm or less. |
| US09175371B2 |
Steel for steel tube with excellent sulfide stress cracking resistance
The present invention provides a steel which simultaneously satisfies a plurality of characteristics, specifically, a steel for tubes with excellent sulfide stress cracking resistance, including, C: 0.2 to 0.7%; Si: 0.01 to 0.8%; Mn: 0.1 to 1.5%; S: not more than 0.005%; P: not more than 0.03%; Al: 0.0005 to 0.1%; Ti: 0.005 to 0.05%; Ca: 0.0004 to 0.005%; N: not more than 0.007%; Cr: 0.1 to 1.5%; and Mo: 0.2 to 1.0%; the balance being Fe, Mg and impurities, being characterized in that: the content of Mg is not less than 1.0 ppm and not more than 5.0 ppm; and inclusions of not less than 50% of the total number of those in steel have such a morphology that Mg—Al—O-based oxides exist at the central part of the inclusion, Ca—Al-based oxides enclose the Mg—Al—O-based oxides, and Ti-containing-carbonitrides further exist on a periphery of the Ca—Al-based oxides. |
| US09175368B2 |
MN doped SN-base solder alloy and solder joints thereof with superior drop shock reliability
A Sn—Ag—Cu-based lead-free solder alloy and solder joints thereof with superior drop shock reliability are disclosed. The solder contains between greater than 0 wt. % and less than or equal to about 1.5 wt. % Ag; between greater than or equal to about 0.7 wt. % and less than or equal to about 2.0 wt. % Cu; between greater than or equal to about 0.001 and less than or equal to about 0,2 wt. % Mn; and a remainder of Sn. |
| US09175363B2 |
Method for producing an agglomerate made of fine material containing metal oxide for use as a blast furnace feed material
The invention relates to a method for producing an agglomerate, which is used as a blast furnace feed material, by mixing a fine material containing metal and/or metal oxide, a mineral binder, which comprises a mineral raw material and a lime-based material, and optionally other additives to form a mass and solidifying the mass to form an agglomerate, wherein a raw material comprising a silicon oxide fraction of at least 40 wt %, a fine grain fraction of less than 4 μm of at least 20 wt %, and a grain size fraction of less than 1 μm of at least 10 wt % is used as the mineral raw material. The invention further relates to a blast furnace feed material that can be produced by means of the method according to the invention, and to a pre-mixture for producing the blast furnace feed material. |
| US09175362B2 |
Method of manufacturing grain-oriented electrical steel sheet
Hot rolling is performed on a steel with a predetermined composition containing Ti: 0.0020 mass % to 0.010 mass % and/or Cu: 0.010 mass % to 0.50 mass % to obtain a hot-rolled steel sheet. Annealing is performed on the hot-rolled steel sheet to obtain an annealed steel sheet. Cold rolling is performed on the annealed steel sheet to obtain a cold-rolled steel sheet. Decarburization annealing and nitridation annealing are performed on the cold-rolled steel sheet to obtain a decarburized nitrided steel sheet. Then, finish annealing is performed on the decarburized nitrided steel sheet. When obtaining the decarburized nitrided steel sheet, heating on the cold-rolled steel sheet is started in a decarburizing and nitriding atmosphere, then first annealing is performed at a first temperature within a predetermined range, and then second annealing is performed at a second temperature within a predetermined range. |
| US09175361B2 |
Austenitic high Mn stainless steel and method production of same and member using that steel
Inexpensive stainless steel and inexpensive and high strength stainless steel which has excellent hydrogen environment embrittlement resistance even if used in a hydrogen resistant environment in over 40 MPa high pressure hydrogen gas or a hydrogen resistant environment in liquid hydrogen, characterized by containing, by mass %, C: 0.1% or less, Si: 0.4 to 1.5%, Mn: 8 to 11%, Cr: 15 to 17%, Ni: 5 to 8%, Cu: 1 to 4%, and N: 0.01 to less than 0.15% and having a balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities, having a volume rate of δ-ferrite of 10% or less, and having a long axis of δ-ferrite before annealing of 0.04 to 0.1 mm. |
| US09175360B2 |
Method for manufacturing seamless steel pipe for line pipe and seamless steel pipe for line pipe
There is provided a method for manufacturing a seamless steel pipe for line pipe, capable of improving the toughness of the seamless steel pipe for line pipe. A round billet having a chemical composition, by mass percent, of C: 0.02 to 0.15%, Si: at most 0.5%, and Mn: 0.5 to 2.5%, the balance being Fe and impurities, is heated. The heated round billet is piercing-rolled to produce a hollow shell. The hollow shell is elongated and rolled and sized to produce a seamless steel pipe. The seamless steel pipe is water cooled, and the water cooling is stopped when the temperature of the seamless steel pipe reaches at most 450° C. The water-cooled seamless steel pipe is quenched, and the quenched seamless steel pipe is tempered. |
| US09175358B2 |
Compositions and processes for sugar treatment
A composition and process for treating sugar solutions that includes one or more sources of ammonium that obtain a pH in water solution above pH 7.0, such as ammonium bicarbonate (NH4HCO3), ammonium phosphate dibasic (NH4)2HPO4, and ammonium sulfite (NH4)2SO3. The composition can also include a particulate sulfur reagent, an amorphous silica, a particulate aluminum reagent, a particulate phosphorous reagent, a particulate filter aid selected from diatomaceous earth and perlite, a particulate activated carbon, a particulate bleaching earth, a polymer decolorant, or combinations thereof. The individual materials can be pre-mixed before addition to the sugar solution, added individually to the sugar solution, or added as a combination of one or more singular ingredients and one or more pre-mixed ingredients. The invention can stabilize the pH of the sugar solution, reduce the calcium, magnesium or related ash constituents of the sugar solution, achieve color reduction of the sugar solution, or some combination of these effects. |
| US09175355B2 |
Methods for determining the presence of antibodies blocking viral infection
The present invention provides a method for identifying whether a compound inhibits entry of a virus into a cell which comprises: (a) obtaining nucleic acid encoding a viral envelope protein from a patient infected by the virus; (b) co-transfecting into a first cell (i) the nucleic acid of step (a), and (ii) a viral expression vector which lacks a nucleic acid encoding an envelope protein, and which comprises an indicator nucleic acid which produces a detectable signal, such that the first cell produces viral particles comprising the envelope protein encoded by the nucleic acid obtained from the patient; (c) contacting the viral particles produced in step (b) with a second cell in the presence of the compound, wherein the second cell expresses a cell surface receptor to which the virus binds; (d) measuring the amount of signal produced by the second cell in order to determine the infectivity of the viral particles; and (e) comparing the amount of signal measured in step (d) with the amount of signal produced in the absence of the compound, wherein a reduced amount of signal measured in the presence of the compound indicates that the compound inhibits entry of the virus into the second cell. |
| US09175353B2 |
Compositions, kits and methods for detection of campylobacter nucleic acid
The disclosed invention is related to compositions, kits and methods comprising one or more oligomers targeting 16S rRNA target nucleic acid from Campylobacter species jejuni, coli and/or lari. Compositions include amplification oligomers, detection probe oligomers and/or target capture oligomers. Kits and methods comprise at least one of these oligomers. |
| US09175351B2 |
Means and methods for molecular classification of breast cancer
The invention relates to a method of typing a sample from a breast cancer patient. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for classification of breast cancer according to the presence or absence of Estrogen Receptor (ER), Progesterone Receptor (PR) and Human Epidermal growth facto Receptor 2 (ERBB2; HER2). More specifically, the invention Provides methods and means to classify breast cancer as ER positive, triple negative (ER−, PR− and HER2−) and HER2+. |
| US09175346B2 |
Evaluation method for arteriosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis induces cerebral infarction and myocardial infarction. A multi-marker (a group of protein markers) that assesses the accurate pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis and enables the selection of an adequate treatment method for arteriosclerosis and prediction of the progression of arteriosclerosis, and an evaluation method for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of arteriosclerosis that uses said marker group as an indicator have been sought. The present invention relates to A method for evaluation of arteriosclerosis comprising the steps of (a) measuring the expression of von Willebrand factor and/or complement factor D in a sample derived from a subject, (b) measuring the expression of complement component C8 and/or vitamin K-dependent protein Z in the sample derived from the subject, and (c) evaluating arteriosclerosis in the subject on the basis of the results from (a) and (b). |
| US09175345B2 |
Use of genomic testing and ketogenic compounds for treatment of reduced cognitive function
This invention relates to methods of using genotyping to select patients for treatment with compounds capable of elevating ketone body concentrations in amounts effective to treat reduced neuronal metabolism associated with reduced neuronal metabolism, for example Alzheimer's disease. |
| US09175344B2 |
Structure with nanopore and apparatus for determining sequences of nucleic acids including the same
Disclosed are a structure with a nanopore and an apparatus for determining sequences of nucleic acids including the structure, the structure including three or more structures having facing surfaces, a plurality of oligonucleotides attached at one ends thereof to the surfaces, and a pore formed between the structures to which the plurality of oligonucleotides are bound, and allowing a pore of a desired size to be precisely formed by adjusting the length of a plurality of oligonucleotides. |
| US09175343B2 |
Methods and processes for calling bases in sequence by incorporation methods
Computer implemented methods, and systems performing such methods for processing signal data from analytical operations and systems, and particularly in processing signal data from sequence-by-incorporation processes to identify nucleotide sequences of template nucleic acids and larger nucleic acid molecules, e.g., genomes or fragments thereof. |
| US09175340B2 |
Reactivity-dependent and interaction-dependent PCR
Methods, reagents, compositions, and kits for reactivity-dependent polymerase chain reaction (RD-PCR) and interaction-dependent polymerase chain reaction (ID-PCR) are provided herein. RD-PCR is a technique useful for determining whether a reactive moiety can form a covalent bond to a target reactive moiety, for example, in screening a library of candidate reactive moieties for reactivity with a target reactive moiety, and in identifying an enzyme substrate, for example, in protease substrate profiling. ID-PCR is a technique useful for determining whether a ligand can non-covalently bind to a target molecule, for example, in screening a library of candidate ligands for non-covalent interaction with a target molecule. RD-PCR and ID-PCR are also useful in detecting the presence of an analyte or an environmental condition. |
| US09175337B2 |
Methods for amplifying nucleic acid using tag-mediated displacement
Disclosed are methods for amplifying a nucleic acid target region using an amplification oligomer comprising a target-binding segment and a heterologous displacer tag situated 5′ to the target-binding segment. Initiation of an amplification reaction from the tagged amplification oligomer produces an amplicon comprising the displacer tag, such that once the complement of the displacer tag has been incorporated into a second amplicon, a displacer oligonucleotide having a sequence substantially corresponding to the displacer tag sequence is used to participate in subsequent rounds of amplification for displacement of an extension product primed from a site within the second amplicon 5′ to the displacer priming site. Also disclosed are related kits and reaction mixtures comprising the displacer-tagged amplification oligomer and corresponding displacer oligonucleotide. |
| US09175330B2 |
Method for screening and quantifying isoprene biosynthesis enzyme activity
A method of performing high-throughput screening of various enzymatic activities with high sensitivity using artificial genetic circuits is provided. Particularly, the invention is screening and quantifying the activity of isoprene biosynthesis enzymes using an artificial genetic circuit capable of sensing isoprene. The artificial genetic circuit comprises an isoprene-sensing transcriptional regulator which recognizes isoprene, at least one reporter gene, a isoprene-sensing transcriptional regulator binding region and promoters for genes encoding isoprene-sensing transcriptional regulators and reporter proteins.The artificial genetic circuit detects isoprene liberated from many enzymatic reactions and measures the activity of reporter genes. This system is widely applicable for high throughput and quantitative screening of isoprene biosynthesis enzymes and MEP/MVA pathway enzymes.Therefore, the invention can be advantageously used in the protein engineering technology for enzyme modification. Particularly, it can provide a quantitative investigation of enzymatic activity, and thus can be applied to molecular evolution technology. |
| US09175325B2 |
Global amplification using a randomly primed composite primer
The invention relates to the field of polynucleotide amplification. More particularly, the invention provides methods, compositions and kits for amplification of (i.e., making multiple copies of) a multiplicity of different polynucleotide template sequences using a randomly primed RNA/DNA composite primer. |
| US09175320B2 |
Processes for the preparation of (R)-2-(7-4-cyclopentyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzyloxy)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocyclopenta[B]indol-3-yl)acetic acid and salts thereof
The present invention relates to processes and intermediates useful in the preparation of (R)-2-(7-(4-cyclopentyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzyloxy)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocyclopenta[b]indol-3-yl)acetic acid of Formula (Ia) and salts thereof, an S1P1 receptor modulator that is useful in the treatment of S1P1 receptor-associated disorders, for example, diseases and disorders mediated by lymphocytes, transplant rejection, autoimmune diseases and disorders, inflammatory diseases and disorders (e.g., acute and chronic inflammatory conditions), cancer, and conditions characterized by an underlying defect in vascular integrity or that are associated with angiogenesis such as may be pathologic (e.g., as may occur in inflammation, tumor development and atherosclerosis). |
| US09175317B2 |
Method for producing a polyhydroxyalkanoate using a microorganism belonging to the genus Cupriavidus
The present invention provides a microorganism that synthesizes a high-molecular-weight PHA, and a method for producing a high-molecular-weight PHA, which have a productivity of at least 100 g/L. The provision is achieved by controlling the specific activity of a PHA synthase in cells of a microorganism that belongs to the genus Cupriavidus and is capable of producing a PHA, to 0.1 U/mg-protein at most. The microorganism and the method enable industrially efficient production of a PHA with a weight average molecular weight of at least 4,000,000. |
| US09175314B2 |
Anaerobic digestion with supercritical water hydrolysis as pretreatment
An hydrolysis stage of an anaerobic digestion (AD) process includes supercritical treatment in a reactor (R1). The treatment may use sub-stoichiometric oxygen so that there is not full oxidation. Effluent from the supercritical treatment may be used to pre-heat the organic matter in-feed to the supercritical treatment. There may be a second supercritical treatment in a second reactor (R2). This may have full stoichiometric oxygen, to oxidize the solids from the first reactor (R1) effluent. Furthermore, it provides heat for pre-heating its own in-feed and also that for the first reactor (R1). The output from the hydrolysis may be only clarified liquid, leading to particularly efficient downstream AD processes. The second supercritical treatment rector may oxidize also fed-back solids from the final stage of the AD. |
| US09175312B2 |
Vectors harboring toxic genes, methods and uses therefor
The present disclosure describes nucleic acids, and viruses comprising such nucleic acids, for growing a toxic gene in an insect cell. These nucleic acids comprise a sequence encoding a toxic polypeptide, and an intron that interrupts the sequence, whereby the intron is spliced in mammalian cells but not in insect cells. Infection of mammalian cells but not insect cells with the nucleic acids or viruses can lead to expression of toxic levels of the toxic polypeptide in mammalian cells but not in insect cells. Viruses, such as an AAV or a baculovirus comprising a nucleic acid can be grown in insect cell lines in vitro and can be administered to a subject in need of therapy, such as a subject in need of cancer therapy. |
| US09175311B2 |
Polycistronic vector for human induced pluripotent stem cell production
Methods of producing induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are provided. For example, a method of producing an iPS cell from a differentiated cell, which includes transforming the differentiated cell with a first vector comprising a nucleic acid sequence comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding an Oct4, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a Sox2, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a Klf4. Each of the nucleic acid sequences are separated from each other by a first and second viral 2A sequence. The method described can further comprise culturing the transformed cell under conditions that allow for the production of an iPS cell and isolating the cultured iPS cell. |
| US09175309B2 |
Recombinant adenovirus with enhanced therapeutic effect and pharmaceutical composition comprising said recombinant adenovirus
Disclosed is a recombinant adenovirus with a protein containing a VSV-G epitope derived from vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). Also, the present invention discloses a pharmaceutical composition comprising such a recombinant adenovirus and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Further, the present invention discloses a recombinant plasmid capable of expressing the recombinant adenovirus and a host cell transformed with the recombinant adenovirus. |
| US09175304B2 |
Drought tolerant plants and related constructs and methods involving genes encoding self-incompatibility protein related polypeptides
Isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides and recombinant DNA constructs useful for conferring drought tolerance, compositions (such as plants or seeds) comprising these recombinant DNA constructs, and methods utilizing these recombinant DNA constructs. The recombinant DNA construct comprises a polynucleotide operably linked to a promoter that is functional in a plant, wherein said polynucleotide encodes an SIPR polypeptide. |
| US09175301B2 |
Use of dimerization domain component stacks to modulate plant architecture
This invention provides means for altering the harvest index of crop plants by modulating the expression of transgenic genes using dimerization domain and component stacks, thereby modulating plant architecture. The transgene/dimerization domain stacks are provided in a single transformation vector unit and are used to modulate plant growth, yield, and harvest index in plants. |
| US09175298B2 |
Compositions for enhancing segregation of transgenes in plants
The compositions and methods are provided that enhance the selection of transgenic plants having two T-DNA molecules integrated into a plant genome at different physical and genetic loci. The compositions are DNA constructs that comprise novel arrangements of T-DNA molecules containing genes of interest, positive selectable marker genes, and conditional lethal genes. The methods disclosed herein comprises transforming a plant cell to comprise the DNA constructs of the present invention, regenerating the plant cell into a plant and identifying independent transgene loci, where the selectable marker genes or transgenic elements can be segregated in the progeny. |
| US09175290B2 |
Compositions and methods for inhibiting expression of TMPRSS6 gene
The invention relates to double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) compositions targeting the TMPRSS6 gene, and methods of using such dsRNA compositions to inhibit expression of TMPRSS6. |
| US09175287B2 |
In vivo production of small interfering RNAs that mediate gene silencing
The invention provides engineered RNA precursors that when expressed in a cell are processed by the cell to produce targeted small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that selectively silence targeted genes (by cleaving specific mRNAs) using the cell's own RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. By introducing nucleic acid molecules that encode these engineered RNA precursors into cells in vivo with appropriate regulatory sequences, expression of the engineered RNA precursors can be selectively controlled both temporally and spatially, i.e., at particular times and/or in particular tissues, organs, or cells. |
| US09175285B2 |
Potent non-urea inhibitors of soluble epdxide hydrolase
The present invention relates to compounds that exhibit vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the activity of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). The present invention is also directed to methods of identifying such compounds, and use of such compounds for the treatment of diseases related to dysfunction of vasodilation, inflammation, and/or endothelial cells. In particular non-limiting embodiments, components of the invention may be used to treat hypertension. |
| US09175274B1 |
High activity mutants of butyrylcholinesterase for cocaine hydrolysis
Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) polypeptide variants of the presently-disclosed subject matter have enhanced catalytic efficiency for (−)-cocaine, as compared to wild-type BChE. Pharmaceutical compositions of the presently-disclosed subject matter include a BChE polypeptide variant having an enhanced catalytic efficiency for (−)-cocaine. A method of the presently-disclosed subject matter for treating a cocaine-induced condition includes administering to an individual an effective amount of a BChE polypeptide variant, as disclosed herein, to lower blood cocaine concentration. |
| US09175271B2 |
Lipid acyltransferase proteins and methods of making them
The present invention provides a method for preparing a variant lipid acyltransferase enzyme by expressing a nucleotide sequence encoding a lipid acyltransferase which may comprise at least one modification at a position(s) which corresponds in the encoded amino acid sequence to an amino acid(s) located in a) the canyon region of the enzyme (i.e. preferably amino acid residues 31, 27, 85, 86, 119, and 120); and/or b) insertion site 1 (i.e. amino acid residues 22-36) and/or c) insertion site 2 (i.e. amino acid residues 74-88), wherein the canyon region, insertion site 1 and/or insertion site 2 are defined as that region which when aligned based on primary or tertiary structure corresponds to the canyon region, insertion site 1 or insertion site 2 (or the corresponding amino acid residues taught above) of the enzyme shown herein as SEQ ID No. 16 or 6 in a host organism. |
| US09175270B2 |
Method of modifying a yeast cell for the production of ethanol
The invention relates to a method of modifying a yeast cell for the production of ethanol. According to some embodiments of the invention, the activity of the Gpd1 protein and/or the Gpd2 protein is reduced. |
| US09175263B2 |
Methods and compositions for targeting progenitor cell lines
The invention provides methods, compositions and kits for the identification and enrichment of progenitor cell lines obtained from pluripotent stem cells. |
| US09175257B2 |
Yeast strains for producing alcohol
The present invention relates to novel stable yeast strains, to a novel method for obtaining such strains, and to a novel method for evaluating the stability of a yeast strain. The present invention also relates to the yeasts obtained from these novel stable yeast strains, and to the use thereof for producing alcohol. |
| US09175255B2 |
Method of separating cells and separation apparatus
A method and apparatus for discriminating and separating only specific cells in cell samples is provided. The cell separation operation includes inserting a needle-shaped body, on which a substance that selectively binds to a marker substance within each target cell has been immobilized, into each of the cell samples on a substrate, thereby causing the marker substance within each target cell in the cell samples to bind to the needle-shaped body through the substance that selectively binds to the marker substance, and then, pulling up the needle-shaped body. The binding force between the needle-shaped body and each target cell when the marker substance within each target cell has bound to the needle-shaped body is made greater than an adhesion force of each of the cell samples to the substrate, so that only target cells each containing the marker substance are pulled up and separated from the substrate. |
| US09175254B2 |
Enhanced oxygen cell culture platforms
Provided is a cell culture apparatus for culturing cells, that provides enhanced oxygen delivery and supply to cells without the need for stirring or sparging. Oxygen diffusion occurs on both sides of the culture vessel, top and bottom. A gas-permeable membrane that includes perfluorocarbons or fluorocarbon derivatives (e.g., fluorinated silane, partially fluorinated silane) in its composition allows for the rapid, enhanced and uniform transfer of oxygen between the environment of cells or tissues contained in the cell culture container apparatus and the atmosphere of the incubator in which the cell culture apparatus is incubated. |
| US09175252B2 |
Photobioreactor and method for processing polluted air
A photobioreactor (100) for use in treating polluted air and producing biomass may comprise, at least in part, a generally vertical tube or fluidic pathway (102), a generally vertical helical tube or fluidic pathway (104) having a light source (106) partially positioned within the helical fluidic pathway (104), a head cap assembly (108), and a base assembly (110). In one illustrative example, the light source (106) may be a light emitting diode (LED) or a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). By one approach, a gas diffusion apparatus (112) is located at the base assembly (110) adjacent the generally vertical fluidic pathway (102). |
| US09175251B2 |
Automatic detergent dishwashing composition
An automatic dishwashing detergent composition in unit dose form wherein the composition comprises at least about 0.2 mg of active starch degrading enzyme per gram of composition and wherein the weight of the composition is less than about 25 grams. |
| US09175245B2 |
Fatty amides and derivatives from natural oil metathesis
Fatty amide compositions and their derivatives are disclosed. The fatty amides comprise a reaction product of a metathesis-derived C10-C17 monounsaturated acid, octadecene-1,18-dioic acid, or their ester derivatives with a primary or secondary amine. Derivatives made by reducing, quaternizing, sulfonating, alkoxylating, sulfating, and sulfitating the fatty amide are also included. The amine reactant can be diethylenetriamine or (2-aminoethyl)ethanolamine, which provide imidazoline amides or esters, respectively. In one aspect, the ester derivative of the C10-C17 monounsaturated acid or octadecene-1,18-dioic acid is a lower alkyl ester. In other aspects, the ester derivative is a modified triglyceride made by self-metathesis of a natural oil or an unsaturated triglyceride made by cross-metathesis of a natural oil with an olefin. The compositions are valuable for cleaners, fabric treatment, hair conditioning, personal care, antimicrobial compositions, agricultural uses, and oil field applications. |
| US09175243B2 |
Stripping composition for a mold for making a composite material part, and method of preparing
A stripping composition, and a method of making the stripping composition. The stripping composition including 100 parts by weight of a base ingredient consisting in epoxy polydimethylsiloxane, 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of a polymerization agent for polymerizing the base ingredient and constituted by a diaryliodonium salt, not more than 30 parts by weight of an anti-adhesion modulator constituted by a silicone polymer; and not more than 40 parts by weight of an anti-stick agent making the composition less tacky prior to polymerization and constituted by at least one vinyl ether compound. |
| US09175236B2 |
Lubricating oil composition and method for use with low sulfur marine residual fuel
This invention describes novel trunk piston engine lubricating oil compositions for use in trunk piston engines operating on low sulfur marine residual fuels, as well as methods for lubricating trunk piston engines, methods of using the trunk piston lubricating oil compositions, and methods of making thereof. |
| US09175231B2 |
Methods of refining natural oils and methods of producing fuel compositions
A method of refining a natural oil includes: (a) providing a feedstock that includes a natural oil; (b) reacting the feedstock in the presence of a metathesis catalyst to form a metathesized product that includes olefins and esters; (c) passivating residual metathesis catalyst with an agent selected from the group consisting of phosphorous acid, phosphinic acid, and a combination thereof; (d) separating the olefins in the metathesized product from the esters in the metathesized product; and (e) transesterifying the esters in the presence of an alcohol to form a transesterified product and/or hydrogenating the olefins to form a fully or partially saturated hydrogenated product. Methods for suppressing isomerization of olefin metathesis products produced in a metathesis reaction, and methods of producing fuel compositions are described. |
| US09175228B2 |
Process and apparatus for purifying material of biological origin
The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for purifying a mixture of terpene material and tall oil material for the production of biofuels and components thereof. The present invention relates further to hydroprocessing of the purified material to obtain biofuels and components thereof. |
| US09175225B2 |
Shifting mechanisms for fluid jet decoking tools
A mode shifting apparatus for a decoking tool is described herein. A diversion plate can be used to provide selective delivery of a pressurized decoking fluid to one or the other of nozzles in the tool. The mode shifting apparatus can be used to switch between a cutting mode of operation and a drilling mode of operation by rotation of the diversion plate, where a biasing force causes the diversion plate to unseat itself from an adjacent surface of the tool in order to reduce friction forces between them. |
| US09175224B2 |
Gasifying apparatus with variable gasifier and used as both power generator and combustion boiler, and method of driving the same
A gasifying apparatus including a variable gasifier and used as both a power generator and a combustion boiler and a method of driving the same are disclosed. A combustion boiler and a generator engine, driven with synthesis gas, are associated with a single gasifier, and the gasifying apparatus produces synthesis gas proper to a technical field of the gasifier by selectively applying an upflow gasifier and a downflow gasifier according to the technical field of the gasifier. |
| US09175219B2 |
Compounds for a liquid crystalline medium and use thereof for high frequency components
The present invention relates to compounds containing at least three ring systems, at least one of which is a 2,6-naphthylene group, and two unsaturated bridging groups between the ring systems, and to the use of the compounds for high-frequency components, in particular antennae, especially for the gigahertz region. The liquid-crystalline media comprising these compounds serve, for example, for the phase shifting of microwaves for tuneable ‘phased-array’ antennae. |
| US09175217B2 |
Wet etchants including at least one fluorosurfactant etch blocker
Methods for preventing isotropic removal of materials at corners faulted by seams, keyholes, and other anomalies in films or other structures include use of etch blockers to cover or coat such corners. This covering or coating prevents exposure of the corners to isotropic etch solutions and cleaning solutions and, thus, prevents higher material removal rates at the corners than at smoother areas of the structure or film. Solutions, including wet etchants and cleaning solutions, that include at least one type of etch blocker are also disclosed, as are systems for preventing higher rates of material removal at corners formed by seams, crevices, or recesses in a film or other structure. Semiconductor device structures in which etch blockers are located so as to prevent isotropic etchants from removing material from corners of seams, crevices, or recesses of a film or other structure at undesirably high rates are also disclosed. |
| US09175216B2 |
Ceramic scintillator body and scintillation device
A ceramic scintillator body includes a polycrystalline ceramic scintillating material having a substantially cubic crystallographic structure. The polycrystalline ceramic scintillating material has a chemical composition represented by a general formula LU(2-x)GdxO3:Ac, where x is greater than zero and less than two, and where Ac is an activator. |
| US09175213B2 |
Light-emitting element
A light-emitting element having high external quantum efficiency is provided. A light-emitting element having low drive voltage is provided. Provided is a light-emitting element which includes a light-emitting layer containing a phosphorescent compound, a first organic compound, and a second organic compound between a pair of electrodes. A combination of the first organic compound and the second organic compound forms an exciplex (excited complex). An emission spectrum of the exciplex overlaps with an absorption band located on the longest wavelength side of an absorption spectrum of the phosphorescent compound. A peak wavelength of the emission spectrum of the exciplex is longer than or equal to a peak wavelength of the absorption band located on the longest wavelength side of the absorption spectrum of the phosphorescent compound. |
| US09175211B2 |
Phosphorescent materials
Compounds comprising a 2-phenylpyridine ligand further substituted with a heterocyclic group are provided. In particular, the compound comprises a 2-phenylpyridine ligand further substituted with a nitrogen-containing heterocycle. The compounds may be used in organic light emitting devices to provide devices having improved efficiency and lifetime. |
| US09175210B2 |
Proppant particles formed from slurry droplets and method of use
Proppant material for hydraulic fracturing is provided. The particles of the proppant are formed by drip casting. A slurry of finely divided ceramic particles is flowed through nozzles and formed into droplets under the influence of vibration. Uniform sized, smooth surface, spherical green particles are formed. The green particles are dried and sintered to form the proppant. The proppant is used in the process of hydraulic fracturing of wells. |
| US09175209B1 |
Thermoset nanocomposite particles, processing for thier production, and their use in oil and natural gas drilling applications
Use of two different methods, either each by itself or in combination, to enhance the stiffness, strength, maximum possible use temperature, and environmental resistance of thermoset polymer particles is disclosed. One method is the application of post-polymerization process steps (and especially heat treatment) to advance the curing reaction and to thus obtain a more densely crosslinked polymer network. The other method is the incorporation of nanofillers, resulting in a heterogeneous “nanocomposite” morphology. Nanofiller incorporation and post-polymerization heat treatment can also be combined to obtain the benefits of both methods simultaneously. The present invention relates to the development of thermoset nanocomposite particles. Optional further improvement of the heat resistance and environmental resistance of said particles via post-polymerization heat treatment; processes for the manufacture of said particles; and use of said particles in the construction, drilling, completion and/or fracture stimulation of oil and natural gas wells are described. |
| US09175208B2 |
Compositions and methods for breaking hydraulic fracturing fluids
Breaking compositions are disclosed for controlled breaking of borate cross-linked fracturing fluids, and to method for making and using same, where the composition includes an oxidative component and an ester component. |
| US09175200B2 |
Azeotrope-like compositions comprising 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene
An azeotrope-like mixture consisting essentially of chlorotrifluoropropene and at least one component selected from the group consisting of a C1-C3 alcohol, a C5-C6 hydrocarbon, a halogenated hydrocarbon, methylal, methyl acetone, water, nitromethane, and combinations thereof. |
| US09175198B2 |
Process for the preparation of a silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive
Silicone pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) compositions and methods for their preparation are provided. In one embodiment, PSAs are formed from a silicone polymer mixture by condensation polymerization of low viscosity polyorganosiloxanes in inert solvents and/or silicone fluids, and optionally adding a silicone resin (MQ) during polymerization. The silicone polymer mixture formed may also be mixed with a silicone resin (MQ) and bodying catalyst, and bodying is allowed to continue until the desired reaction product is formed. |
| US09175197B2 |
Pressure-sensitive adhesive composition for optical films and pressure-sensitive adhesion type optical film
There is provided a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition for optical films, which is excellent in heat resistance, weathering resistance and bleed resistance, which has an excellent balance of pressure-sensitive adhesion properties, such as adhesive strength, cohesive force and tack, the tack of which can be controlled, which is excellent in initial reworkability when it is used for applying an optical film to an adherend or applying a protective film to an optical film, and which further exhibits excellent adhesive durability by virtue of rise of adhesive strength when such a film as above in the applied state is kept over a long period of time after application or especially when the film in the applied state is exposed to high temperatures or moist heat. A pressure-sensitive adhesive composition containing a specific acrylic diblock copolymer (I) and a specific acrylic triblock copolymer (II) in a specific proportion and a pressure-sensitive adhesive for optical films using the pressure-sensitive adhesive composition as a base are produced. |
| US09175196B2 |
Photocurable adhesive composition and display device comprising same
The present invention relates to a photocurable adhesive composition. The photocurable adhesive composition comprises a urethane(meth)acrylate resin, a functional-group-containing polybutadiene, a photocurable monomer and a photoinitiator; and the functional group is either an epoxy group or a hydroxyl group. The photocurable adhesive composition ensures good outdoor readability, has outstanding adhesive properties, and impact strength and optical transparency, and minimizes the phenomenon whereby substantial contraction occurs during photocuring, and thus can be suitably used for a display. |
| US09175194B2 |
Acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive tape
An acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive tape including an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, wherein a 180° peel adhesive force of the acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive tape to a glass plate is 10 N/20 mm or more and a 180° peel adhesive force of the acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive tape to an acrylic plate is 10 N/20 mm or more. The acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive layer contains an acrylic polymer (A), has a gel fraction of 65% or more, and has a 300% tensile residual stress of from 7 to 16 N/cm2. |
| US09175192B2 |
Method for manufacturing a label laminate
A method for manufacturing a label laminate. A transparent plastic film having a first side and a second side is introduced. The second side of the transparent plastic film is printed. A release liner including a release surface and single layer of a non-tacky adhesive on the release surface is introduced. The non-tacky adhesive on the release surface is activated so that the non-tacky adhesive becomes tacky. The tacky adhesive is attached on the release surface to the second side of the transparent plastic film. |
| US09175187B2 |
Self-etching cementitious substrate coating composition
Coating compositions for cementitious substrates may be made from a multistage latex polymer; silane; and a water-soluble acid, acid anhydride or acid salt capable of etching or otherwise reacting with the surface of the substrate to provide improved coating adhesion. The silane may be present as a silane coupling agent distinct from the multistage latex polymer, or may be present as silane functionality on the multistage latex polymer. The coating compositions adhere well to cementitious substrates and have a self-etching capability which improves coating adhesion, especially near edges and corners. |
| US09175186B2 |
Coating compositions having chelant functionality
The present invention provides an aqueous opaque coating formulation comprising (A) and aqueous solvent; (B) an inorganic material; and (C) a chelating polymer which comprises units derived from one or more aminocarboxylate compounds or their salts, one or more other polymerizable monomers, one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers and, optionally, one or more crosslinking monomers. For example, the aminocarboxylate compounds or their salts may be one or more of iminodiacetic acid (IDA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), ethylenediamine triacetic acid (ED3A) and ethylenediamine disuccinic acid (EDDS), or their salts. Suitable polymerizable monomers may be one or more of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), allyl glycidyl ether (AGE), vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC), allyl bromide, and their derivatives. The inorganic material may be a pigment, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) or cadmium sulfide (CdS), or an extender or filler, such as talc (Mg3Si4O10(OH)2), calcium carbonate (CaCO3) or mica, or even combinations thereof. |
| US09175185B2 |
Coating compositions having high weathering resistance, process for preparation thereof and use thereof
What are described are coating compositions comprising pigments and/or fillers and multistage polyvinyl ester dispersions as binders. These binders are produced by a selected multistage process in which a polyvinyl ester dispersion is obtained in a first stage, monomers in dissolved or pure form or in the form of an emulsion are added to the reaction mixture in a second stage and then the polymerization is started again. The polyvinyl ester dispersions comprise polymerized silanes and/or epoxides or the polyvinyl ester dispersions have only a small content of protective colloids, if any. The coating compositions formulated with the multistage polyvinyl ester dispersions obtained in this way are notable for a very high weathering resistance. |
| US09175183B2 |
Transparent conductive films, methods, and articles
Disclosed are compositions and methods that provide flexible transparent conductive films that exhibit low levels of oligomer migration and haze development, without making use of costly substrates based on PEN film or PET films having low oligomer content. Such flexible transparent conductive films are useful in electronic and optical applications. |
| US09175181B2 |
Thermal inkjet latex inks
In one example, an anti-fouling latex ink includes a liquid vehicle, a pigment dispersed in the liquid vehicle, latex dispersed in the liquid vehicle, and a polystyrene anti-fouling additive dispersed in the liquid vehicle as a free solution. An illustrative method of formulating a latex inkjet ink includes forming a liquid vehicle with water as primary solvent, dispersing pigments in the liquid vehicle, and adding 0.01 wt % to 1 wt % of a polystyrene antifouling additive as a free solution to the liquid vehicle. |
| US09175179B2 |
Printing ink and coating compositions containing derivatives of starch and modified starch
A printing ink or coating composition contains optionally colorant and one or more derivatives of starches or modified starches. |
| US09175177B2 |
Coating composition
There is provided a polyester coating composition having excellent action of preventing deposition of outdoor stain and stain caused by rainfall, being capable of extending a period of time (pot life) from the mixing to the coating, and comprising (A) a polyester resin, (B) one or more of fluorine-containing organosilicon compounds having a fluorine content of 5 to 30% by mass, (C) one or more of aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds having hydroxyl group and 1 to 10 carbon atoms, in which a part of hydrogen atoms bonded to carbon atom may be substituted by fluorine atoms and/or one or more of alkoxy compounds having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, in which a part of hydrogen atoms bonded to carbon atom may be substituted by fluorine atoms, and (D) an organic solvent. |
| US09175174B2 |
Dispersions of submicron doped silicon particles
Methods are described that have the capability of producing submicron/nanoscale particles, in some embodiments dispersible, at high production rates. In some embodiments, the methods result in the production of particles with an average diameter less than about 75 nanometers that are produced at a rate of at least about 35 grams per hour. In other embodiments, the particles are highly uniform. These methods can be used to form particle collections and/or powder coatings. Powder coatings and corresponding methods are described based on the deposition of highly uniform submicron/nanoscale particles. |
| US09175171B2 |
Methacrylate resins for producing road markings
The invention relates to methacrylate resins and to their use. |
| US09175170B2 |
Method for coating metallic surfaces with a composition that is rich in polymers
The invention relates to a method for coating a metallic surface with an aqueous composition for pretreating before applying another coating or for treating said metallic surface. In addition to water, the composition contains: a) at least one hydrolyzable or at least partially hydrolyzed silane; b) at least one metal chelate; c) at least one organic film former, and; d) at least one long-chain alcohol that serves as a film forming aid. The unsoiled, scoured, cleaned and/or pretreated metallic surface is brought into contact with the aqueous composition so that a film forms on the metallic surface, which is subsequently dried, compacted in part or completely by film formation and, if necessary, additionally hardened. The dried and, if necessary, additionally hardened film has a layer thickness ranging from 0.01 to 10 μm. The invention also relates to corresponding aqueous compositions. |
| US09175169B2 |
Thermally sprayed completely amorphic oxide coating
The present invention relates to a process of producing an oxide coating, wherein an oxide or oxide composite composition is manufactured, then heated and, finally, sprayed onto a substrate by a thermal spraying process into a completely amorphous coating. The invention also relates to such a completely amorphous coating and to a substrate equipped with such a coating. |
| US09175164B2 |
Process for producing polymer alloy, polymer alloy, and molded article
A process of producing a polymer alloy includes melt-kneading at least two incompatible crystalline resins in a supercooled state by chaotic mixing using a twin-screw extruder. A polymer alloy obtained by melt-kneading at least two incompatible crystalline resins has a dispersed structure that particles dispersed in the polymer alloy have an average particle size of 0.001 to 1 μm, wherein in scattering measurement, (a) a peak half-width in a spectrum obtained by plotting scattering intensity against the wavenumber of scattered light and (b) a maximum wavenumber of the peak satisfy: 0<(a)/(b)≦1.5. |
| US09175162B2 |
Methods for forming stent coatings comprising hydrophilic additives
A coating for implantable medical devices and a method for fabricating thereof are disclosed. The coating includes a mixture of a hydrophobic polymer and a polymeric hydrophilic additive, wherein the hydrophobic polymer and the hydrophilic additive form a physically entangled or interpenetrating system. |
| US09175160B2 |
Blend of poly(phenylene ether) particles and polyoxymethylene, article thereof, and method of preparation
A composition contains (a) 1 to 40 weight percent of poly(phenylene ether) particles having a mean particle size of 1 to 40 micrometers; and (b) 60 to 99 weight percent of a polyoxymethylene; wherein polystyrene is absent from the poly(phenylene ether) particles; wherein the composition comprises less than 0.1 volume percent, based on the total volume of the composition, of particulate metals, metalloids, oxides thereof, and combinations thereof, wherein the metals and metalloids are selected from iron, copper, aluminum, magnesium, lead, zinc, tin, chromium, nickel, tungsten, silicon, gold, silver, platinum, and alloys thereof. The poly(phenylene ether) particles reduce the density and increase the char yield of the polyoxymethylene. When the composition is prepared at a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the poly(phenylene ether), increased flexural strength can also be obtained. The composition is useful as a molding composition for a variety of articles. |
| US09175159B2 |
Thermoplastic elastomer composition
A thermoplastic elastomer composition containing a (meth)acrylic elastomer (component A), a thermoplastic resin having a melting point of from 180° to 350° C., and having a functional group reactive with an epoxy group (component B), and a vinyl copolymer having a solubility in tetrahydrofuran and having two or more epoxy groups in one molecule, on average (component C), wherein proportions of each of the components are: 40 to 95 parts by weight of the (meth)acrylic elastomer (component A), 5 to 60 parts by weight of the thermoplastic resin (component B), and 0.1 to 30 parts by weight of the vinyl copolymer (component C), a total of the (meth)acrylic elastomer (component A) and the thermoplastic resin (component B) being 100 parts by weight, wherein the component C is constituted by monomer units containing 50% by weight or more of monomer units (monomer unit c1) of which SP value is from 17.5 to 25.0, and wherein a flow beginning temperature is from 180° to 350° C. The molded article obtainable from the thermoplastic elastomer composition of the present invention can be used in various kinds of fields such as electric and electronic parts, automotive parts, sealants, packing, vibration proofed materials, and tubes. |
| US09175158B2 |
Resin composition
There is disclosed a resin composition from which a molded article excellent in scratch resistance and mechanical properties, low in gloss and low in shrinkage anisotropy can be obtained. Specifically, disclosed is a resin composition comprising 40% by weight to 90% by weight of a propylene polymeric material (A) containing 50% by weight or more of structural units derived from propylene, 9% by weight to 30% by weight of wollastonite (B), and 1% by weight to 30% by weight of an elastomer (C) where the combined amount of (A), (B) and (C) is taken as 100% by weight, wherein the wollastonite (B) satisfies specific requirements. |
| US09175156B2 |
Sustainable thermoplastic compounds
A thermoplastic compound is formed using a blend that includes one of processed fly ash, cinders and processed fly ash and cinders with a fractional melt having a melt flow index of less than 1 or a low melt resin with a melt flow index between 1 and about 3 or both, and a resin compatible with the fractional melt or low melt resin and having a melt flow index that is different from the melt flow index of the fractional melt or the low melt resin. Presence of the processed fly ash and cinders is believed to reduce cycle time for forming the thermoplastic compound into a plastic product from about 5 percent to about 30 percent merely because of the presence of the processed fly ash and cinders. Presence of the processed fly ash and/or cinders also permits the increased use of more fractional melt than conventionally attempted and also allows for use of thermoplastic regrind from recycling sources. |
| US09175155B2 |
Methods of functionalizing reclaimed elastomer material and compositions comprising the same
A method of functionalizing reclaimed elastomer material is described. The method involves subjecting particles of the reclaimed elastomer material to shear at temperatures less than 100° C. such that inter-chain bonds of the reclaimed elastomer material are cleaved wherein the particles of the reclaimed elastomer material have a size of 60 mesh or smaller. The reclaimed elastomer material can be subjected to shear in the presence of a modifier which selectively promotes the cleavage of inter-chain bonds in the reclaimed elastomer material. A functionalized reclaimed elastomer material made by a method as described above and an elastomer compound which comprises the functionalized reclaimed elastomer material are also described. |
| US09175148B2 |
C11 to C13 dialkyl esters of furandicarboxylic acid as softeners
The invention relates to C11 to C13 dialkyl esters of furandicarboxylic acid. |
| US09175144B2 |
Method for preparing a masterbatch of natural rubber and silica
The invention relates to a method for preparing a silica/natural rubber masterbatch, comprising the following successive steps: doping the silica with an at least divalent metallic element; preparing at least one dispersion of the resulting doped silica in water; bringing a natural rubber field latex into contact with the aqueous doped-silica dispersion and mixing them together so as to obtain a coagulum; recovering the coagulum; and drying the recovered coagulum so as to obtain the masterbatch. |
| US09175143B2 |
Method for producing particulate water-absorbent resin
A production of a water-absorbent resin by which a particle diameter of the water-absorbent resin can be controlled simply and conveniently, and a content of fine powder can be decreased, without necessity of change of raw materials or expensive facility investment is to be provided. The method is a continuous production method of a polyacrylic acid (salt)-based water-absorbent resin, comprising a polymerization step of an aqueous solution containing acrylic acid (salt), a drying step of the resultant hydrogel-like polymer, a pulverization step of the dried substance, a classification step of the pulverized substance, and optionally a surface cross-linking step of the classified substance, wherein (a) the drying step and the pulverization step are connected via a storage step and a transportation step; and (b) a time of holding the dried substance from a time of completing the drying step to a time of starting the pulverization step is set at 3 minutes or longer. |
| US09175139B2 |
Alkoxy group-containing silicones with reactive functional groups of defined reactivity
Organopolysiloxanes having a greater degree of defined reactivity through epoxy, isocyanate, anhydride, amino, carboxy, and (meth)acrylate groups are prepared by cohydrolytic condensation of reactive group-containing precursors and other condensable precursors in amounts such that the reactive organopolysiloxanes product contains on average more than two reactive groups, less than 20% by weight of alkoxy groups, and a proportion of non-reactive optionally substituted hydrocarbon groups such that the ratio of non-reactive hydrocarbon groups to Si atoms is greater than 1. |
| US09175133B2 |
Polyester with excellent thermostability and manufacturing method therefor
A polyester has excellent thermostability with only a small reduction in intrinsic viscosity during melt molding. The polyester is obtained from a dicarboxylic acid, and/or an ester-forming derivative thereof, and an ethylene glycol, a catalyst selected from the group consisting of a titanium compound, aluminum compound and antimony compound, a phosphorous compound selected from the group consisting of phosphoric acid, trimethyl phosphate, ethyl diethylphosphonoacetate, 3,9-bis(2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenoxy) -2,4,8, 10-tetraoxa-3,9-diphosphaspiro[5,5]undecane and tetrakis(2,4-di-t-butyl-5-methylphenyl) [1,1-biphenyl]-4,4′-diylbisphosphonite, wherein the polyester contains 15 to 203 ppm of a sum of copolymerized 1,2-propanediol and/or uncopolymerized 1,2-propanediol wherein ethylene glycol is obtained from biomass and has content of 1,2-propanediol of 45 to 1000 ppm. |
| US09175130B2 |
Biostable polyurethanes
The present invention relates to a biostable polyurethane or polyurea comprising: (a) a soft segment comprising a polysiloxane of the general formula (I); and (b) greater than O and less than 40 wt % of a hard segment which is a reaction product of a diisocyanate and a linear difunctional chain extender, processes for their preparation and their use in the manufacture of biomaterials, devices, articles or implants. |
| US09175127B2 |
Method for producing an aliphatic polyester having increased molecular weight
The present invention relates to a method for producing an aliphatic polyester having an increased molecular weight comprising the steps of: (i) introducing into a mixing tank equipped with an inlet for injecting a diisocyanate an aliphatic polyester prepolymer which has a number average molecular weight of 5000 or higher and has terminal hydroxyl groups and in which at least one acid component is a succinic acid compound, wherein the aliphatic polyester prepolymer is introduced above the position of the inlet and wherein the aliphatic polyester prepolymer is melted at a temperature not lower than a melting point of the prepolymer and is in a liquid state, (ii) injecting a diisocyanate into the aliphatic polyester prepolymer, wherein the amount of diisocyanate is equivalent to between one tenth and two times the amount of the hydroxyl groups in the aliphatic polyester prepolymer; and (iii) reacting the aliphatic polyester prepolymer with the diisocyanate. |
| US09175126B2 |
Hydrophilic polyisocyanates
The invention relates to water-soluble or water-dispersible, hydrophilic polyisocyanates and polyisocyanate mixtures, to a process for preparing them, and to their use as a starting component in the production of polyurethane polymers, more particularly as crosslinkers for water-soluble or water-dispersible film-forming binders, adhesives binders, or sealant binders or binder components with or without groups which are reactive towards isocyanate groups. |
| US09175125B2 |
Polyurethane thickeners
The present invention relates to a process for preparing polyurethanes, which comprise at least three hydrophilic sections, at least four hydrophobic sections, optionally allophanate segments and/or isocyanurate segments and which are prepared in the presence of alkali(ne earth) metal carboxylates. The process may comprise using at least one carboxylic acid salt of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of the alkali metals, the alkaline earth metals and mixtures thereof Furthermore, the present invention relates to the polyurethanes per se obtainable in this way, to the use thereof as thickeners for aqueous preparations, and to preparations comprising polyurethanes of this type. |
| US09175124B2 |
Elastomer mixture mainly comprising a diene elastomer coupled by an aminoalkoxysilane group, rubber composition including the same and methods for obtaining same
The present invention relates to an elastomer mixture resulting from the modification of a diene elastomer by a coupling agent that introduces, into the elastomer chain, an alkoxysilane group bearing a tertiary or secondary amine functional group. This mixture predominantly comprises the diene elastomer coupled by the alkoxysilane group bearing a tertiary or secondary amine functional group which is bonded to the diene elastomer through the silicon atom. The invention also relates to a reinforced rubber composition, in particular that can be used for the manufacture of tires, which comprises a reinforcing filler and an elastomer matrix comprising at least this elastomer mixture, and to its preparation process. This composition has improved hysteresis and mechanical properties in the vulcanized state, and also improved processing in the uncured state. |
| US09175117B2 |
Dual cure composite resins containing uretdione and unsaturated sites
The present invention provides a dual-cure composition containing multifunctional polyols, uretidiones, peroxide curable monomers containing unsaturation and crosslinking agents. The dual-cure composition may be used to form a high modulus material useful as the matrix in a prepreg material and in composites. The present invention also relates to methods for the production of the dual-cure composition, prepreg materials comprising the dual-cure composition and a fibrous support, and composites made from the prepreg material. |
| US09175116B2 |
Polymeric water repellent material
The present invention relates to a polymeric water repellent material including novel acrylamide polymer, which can be used in various field because it demonstrates controllable and excellent water repellency together with water adhesiveness. The polymeric water repellent material comprises an acrylamide polymer including at least one repeating unit. |
| US09175115B2 |
Fluoropolymer resin treatment employing heating and oxygen source to reduce discoloration
Process for reducing thermally induced discoloration of fluoropolymer resin produced by polymerizing fluoromonomer in an aqueous medium to form aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion and isolating said fluoropolymer from said aqueous medium to obtain said fluoropolymer resin. The process comprises: heating the fluoropolymer resin to a temperature of about 160° C. to about 400° C.; and exposing the heated fluoropolymer resin to an oxygen source. |
| US09175110B2 |
Fluoropolymer resin treatment employing melt extrusion and exposure to oxygen source to reduce discoloration
Process for reducing thermally induced discoloration of melt-processible fluoropolymer resin produced by polymerizing fluoromonomer in an aqueous medium to form aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion and isolating said fluoropolymer from said aqueous medium to obtain said fluoropolymer resin. The process comprises melt extruding said fluoropolymer resin to produce molten fluoropolymer resin; and exposing said molten fluoropolymer resin to an oxygen source during said melt extruding. |
| US09175108B2 |
Process for synthesis of ethylene polymers
The present invention relates to a non-cryogenic process for the large scale synthesis of disentangled ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (DUHMWPE) polymers. The process comprises of the following steps: a. mixing FI catalyst of formula I with a hydrocarbon solvent containing poly-methyl aluminoxane (P-MAO) co-catalyst in a vessel under stirring before polymerization or directly in the polymerization vessel at a temperature ranging between 25° C. and 29° C. under a dry Nitrogen atmosphere; and lower concentration of co-catalyst resulting in the associated benefits as described earlier in the claims and descriptions. b. pressurizing ethylene in the polymerization vessel and polymerizing ethylene in a solution or a suspension, continuously or batch wise, in one or more stages at a temperature is in the range of 30° C. to 50° C. |