| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09244626B2 |
System and method for hijacking inodes based on replication operations received in an arbitrary order
A system and method for hijacking inodes based on replication operations received in an arbitrary order is used to assist a data replication operation from a source storage system to a destination storage system. The source storage system generates a set of replication operations as part of a replication process and transmits the replication operations in an arbitrary order. After receiving a replication operation, the system determines whether the operation is inconsistent with a corresponding destination inode. If an inconsistency exists, the system hijacks the destination inode by replacing the destination inode's metadata with data determined based on the replication operation. The system may also delete metadata from the inode and/or initialize metadata to default values if the metadata was not replaced based on the replication operation. The system then waits for a second replication operation that contains the remaining metadata and replaces the metadata based on the second replication operation. In addition, data blocks associated with the previous version of the inode are freed. |
| US09244625B2 |
System and method for raid management, reallocation, and restriping
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for RAID Restriping. One method includes selecting an initial RAID device for migration based on at least one score, creating an alternate RAID device, moving data from the initial RAID device to the alternate RAID device, and removing the initial RAID device. The method may be performed automatically by the system or manually. The method may be performed periodically, continuously, after every RAID device migration, upon addition of disk drives, and/or before removal of disk drives, etc. One system includes a RAID subsystem and a disk manager configured to automatically calculate a score for each RAID device, select a RAID device based on the relative scores of the RAID devices, create an alternate RAID device, move data from the selected RAID device to the alternate RAID device, and remove the selected RAID device. |
| US09244620B2 |
Storage device including flash memory and capable of predicting storage device performance based on performance parameters
A storage device includes a semiconductor memory storing data. A controller instructs to write data to the semiconductor memory in accordance with a request the controller receives. A register holds performance class information showing one performance class required to allow the storage device to demonstrate best performance which the storage device supports, of performance classes specified in accordance with performance. |
| US09244618B1 |
Techniques for storing data on disk drives partitioned into two regions
Described are techniques for storing data on disk drives. Each disk drive platter of each of the disk drives is partitioned into two separate regions whereby a pivot point denoting a radial distance from the center of each disk drive platter is a boundary partitioning each disk drive platter into the two separate regions. A data portion is classified in accordance with an expected activity level of the data portion. Storage is allocated for the data portion in one of the two separate regions of one of the disk drive platters of one of the disk drives in accordance with the expected activity level of the data portion and a defined allocation flow. |
| US09244615B2 |
Systems and methods based on policy criteria for controlling the flow of data storage input/output requests between endpoints
Controlling data storage input/output requests is described, for example, to apply a policy to an end-to-end flow of data input/output requests between at least one computing entity and at least one store. In various examples a plurality of queues are configured at one or more stages of the end-to-end flow and controlled to adhere to a policy. In examples, each stage has a control interface enabling it to receive and execute control instructions from a controller which may be centralized or distributed. For example, the control instructions comprise queuing rules and/or queue configurations. In various examples queues and queuing rules are dynamically created and revised according to feedback about any of: flow behavior, changes in policy, changes in infrastructure or other factors. In examples, high level identifiers of the flow endpoints are resolved, on a per stage basis, to low level identifiers suitable for use by the stage. |
| US09244614B2 |
Memory coalescing computer-implemented method, system, apparatus and computer-readable media
Embodiments of computer-implemented methods, apparatus and computer-readable media associated with memory management are disclosed herein. A computer-implemented method to coalesce free intervals of a memory may include ascertaining that a first interval of the memory is free (302, 304). A determination may be made, e.g., from a header associated with the first interval of the memory, whether a second interval of the memory, immediately preceding or following the first interval of the memory, is free (306). After a determination is made that the second interval of the memory is free, the first interval of the memory and the second interval of the memory may be coalesced (310). Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. |
| US09244606B2 |
Device, method, and graphical user interface for navigation of concurrently open software applications
An electronic device includes a touch-sensitive display and one or more programs stored in memory for execution by one or more processors. The one or more programs include instructions for displaying a first application view that corresponds to a first application in a plurality of concurrently open applications. The one or more programs include instructions for detecting a first input, and in response, concurrently displaying a group of open application icons that correspond to at least some of the plurality of concurrently open applications with at least a portion of the first application view. The open application icons are displayed in accordance with a predetermined sequence of the open applications. The one or more programs include instructions for detecting a first gesture distinct from the first input, and in response, displaying a second application view that corresponds to a second application adjacent to the first application in the predetermined sequence. |
| US09244605B2 |
Devices, methods, and graphical user interfaces for document manipulation
An electronic device displays at least a portion of an electronic document with a predefined page layout at a first magnification level on a display; detects a first input indicating a first insertion point in the document, where the first insertion point is proximate to a first portion of text in the document; and in response to detecting the first input: selects a second magnification level different from the first magnification level, where the second magnification level is selected so as to display the first portion of text at a target text display size, and, while maintaining the predefined page layout of the document, displays, at the second magnification level, a portion of the document that includes the first portion of text. |
| US09244603B2 |
Drag and drop techniques for discovering related content
Techniques are disclosed for providing a drag and drop discovery mode in electronic touch sensitive devices. In response to a user dragging and dropping a content icon into a search box, the content discovery mode may perform a search for content similar to that deposited into the search box. The search box may increase in size or change appearance while receiving the content icon. The results of such a search may be displayed to the user with a content discovery animation that shows similar content icons emerging from the search box and populating the device screen. The animation may be accompanied by sound effects. The newly discovered content may be randomly scattered over a portion of the screen, or they may be bundled into groups based on similar characteristics, and each group may be accompanied by a header notifying the user of the characteristics of the group. |
| US09244602B2 |
Mobile communications terminal having a touch input unit and controlling method thereof
A method and apparatus for scrolling a display includes detecting contact relative to a touch pad having a plurality of regions which individually correspond to a plurality of different scrolling directions, and determining which region of the plurality of regions the contact is detected. If the contact is maintained for a first threshold time period, the method further includes scrolling an associated display in a direction corresponding to the previously determined region. Alternatively, scrolling a display includes receiving input responsive to contact relative to a plurality of regions of a touch pad, in which each of the plurality of regions individually correspond to a plurality of different scrolling directions, and scrolling an associated display in a direction corresponding to a scrolling direction associated with a last-contacted region of the plurality of regions. |
| US09244601B2 |
Method for providing a user interface based on touch pressure, and electronic device using same
A method for providing a User Interface (UI) based on a touch pressure and an electronic device using the same are provided. The UI providing method of the electronic device detects a touch pressure of a single touch input through a touch screen of the electronic device, and controls the electronic device based on the touch pressure. Since various UIs can be provided based on the touch pressure applied by the user in the touch screen, user convenience and entertainment can be improved. |
| US09244598B1 |
Interactive centerpiece system
An interactive centerpiece system includes a plurality of tablet computers with interactive display devices for displaying slideshows of photograph image data. A substantially flat base with opposing upper and lower surfaces is also provided. The base is formed to lay flat on a table in a table position whereat a base central axis that is perpendicular to both the upper and lower surfaces substantially aligns with a geometric center of the table, to surround a surface area defined by an outer perimeter, about which the plurality of docking stations, into which one of the tablet computers is fixed, are arranged at substantially equal distances from each other. The docking stations are configured to face the interactive display devices outward and define a usable area between the docking stations and the base central axis for uses including receiving traditional event centerpieces. |
| US09244592B2 |
User interface coalescing heuristics
Embodiments provide UI coalescing features that can be used in part to compensate for changes in device configurations, but the embodiments are not so limited. In an embodiment, a computer-based method operates to use UI coalescing features to adjust ribbon and/or popover controls to account for different device configurations. A handheld device of an embodiment can include one or more applications configured with UI coalescing heuristics that operate to dynamically adjust one or more ribbon controls and/or one or more popover controls based in part on a device configuration. Computer storage of an embodiment includes executable instructions that operate to dynamically adjust aspects of an application UI based in part on ribbon and popover control priority values. Other embodiments are included. |
| US09244591B2 |
Motion controller with standard and user customized components
System and method for developing a motion application. A motion manager component implementing a supervisory control function and at least one trajectory generation algorithm is stored on a motion controller. A first application programming interface (API) for interfacing the motion manager component to a user developed motion control application is displayed. A second API for interfacing the motion manager component to a user developed communication interface component is displayed. A user application executable for sequencing motion operations in the motion system is created using the first API is created in response to user input. A first communication interface component is created using the second API in response to user input, where the communication interface component is operable to interface with the motion manager component using the second API, and where the user developed communication interface component is executable to communicate with a motion element, e.g., a drive or simulation. |
| US09244589B2 |
System and process for roof measurement using aerial imagery
Processes and systems are disclosed for determining attributes of a roof structure of real-world three-dimensional building(s), including providing computer input field(s) for a user to input location data generally corresponding to the location of the building, providing visual access to a nadir image of a region including the roof structure of the building; on the nadir image of the region, providing a visual marker that is moveable on the computer monitor around the region, the visual marker initially corresponding to the location data but which may be moved to a final location, having location coordinates, on top of the building to more precisely identify the location of the building roof structure; providing a computer input capable of signaling user-acceptance of the final location of the marker; and, providing visual access to one or more oblique images of an aerial imagery database corresponding to location coordinates of the final location. |
| US09244586B2 |
Displaying a buy/download button based on purchase history
Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for providing enhanced user interfaces and functionalities for internet radio applications are presented. In some embodiments, a computer system may provide a user interface that includes one or more regions configured to control playback of an internet radio station. The computer system then may determine, based on music purchase history associated with a user account, whether a selected song associated with the internet radio station has been previously purchased. In response to determining that the selected song has not been previously purchased, the computer system may display a user-selectable control that enables the selected song to be purchased. On the other hand, in response to determining that the selected song has been previously purchased, the computer system may display a user-selectable control that enables the selected song to be downloaded. |
| US09244585B2 |
Mouse movement using multiple thresholds utilizing linear exponential acceleration and sub-pixel precision
Moving a pointer in a graphical user interface environment is provided. An input comprising an initial delta value determined by a device driver is received from the device driver. The initial delta value is located in a data structure. A new delta value associated with the initial delta value is selected from the data structure. A new position of a pointer in the graphical user interface environment is calculated based on the new delta value. The new position of the pointer is sent to the graphical user interface environment for rendering. |
| US09244584B2 |
Device, method, and graphical user interface for navigating and previewing content items
A portable electronic device displays concurrently a first predefined scrollable area and a second predefined scrollable area distinct from the first predefined scrollable area. The first predefined scrollable area includes a plurality of graphical objects and is configured to scroll in a first direction. Each of the plurality of graphical objects represents a respective set of content items. The second predefined scrollable area includes a list of content items and is configured to scroll in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. The device detects a gesture that corresponds to selection of a first graphical object of the plurality of graphical objects in the first predefined scrollable area; and, in response to detecting the gesture, plays respective portions of one or more content items in the set of content items that correspond to the selected first graphical object. |
| US09244583B2 |
Adjusting user interface screen order and composition
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for user interface screen order and composition. Embodiments of the invention include using historical data and/or contextual data to augment, rearrange, or reconfigure menus and/or screen flows and add/remove/hide/expose content and functionality for users. Screen flow adjustments are formulated based on historical data and/or contextual data. The formulated adjustments facilitate more appropriate access to specified user interface elements within a screen flow in view of identified user interface elements of interest. The screen flow is adjusted in accordance with the formulated adjustments to facilitate more appropriate access to the specified user interface elements. |
| US09244581B2 |
Modulated power supply for reduced parasitic capacitance
An input device comprising a display device having an integrated capacitive sensing device. The input device includes a plurality of sensor electrodes a plurality of display electrodes, a modulated power supply configured to provide a modulated reference signal, and a processing system. The processing system includes a sensor module configured to drive a plurality of sensor electrodes with a modulated capacitive sensing signal that is based on the modulated reference signal for capacitive sensing during a first time period. The processing system also includes a display driver module configured to drive a plurality of display electrodes of a display device with modulated signals based on the modulated reference signal during the first time period. The modulated signals cause voltage between the plurality of display electrodes and the plurality of sensor electrodes to remain substantially constant. |
| US09244577B2 |
Mechanism for employing and facilitating placement of a sensor cover over a capacitive circuitry sensor at a computing device
A mechanism is described for employing and facilitating placing a sensor cover over an external sensor of a computing device. A method of embodiments of the invention includes sensing, at a sensor of a computing device, user touches to an outer surface of an impregnated sensor cover placed over the sensor, wherein the sensor cover includes a plurality of holes through the outer surface and a plurality of conductive leads corresponding to the plurality of holes, and wherein sensing is performed through one or more of the plurality of holes and their one or more corresponding conductive leads; and facilitating an action in response to each of the sensed user touches. |
| US09244576B1 |
User interface with child-lock feature
Apparatuses and methods of touch discrimination are described. One method receives data from an occupant classification system and sets a touch detection threshold of a touch-sensing device based on the received data. The method may be used to discriminate between an adult touch and a child touch and to selectively allow access to control functionality to adults and not to children. |
| US09244572B2 |
Electronic device including touch-sensitive display and method of detecting touches
A touch-sensitive display includes first electrodes and second electrodes arranged and constructed to detect touches by mutual-capacitance touch sensing, and third electrodes and the second electrodes arranged and constructed to detect touches by self-capacitance touch sensing, wherein the first electrodes are different from the third electrodes. |
| US09244568B2 |
Touch screen sensor
A two-dimensional touch sensor comprising a plurality of electrodes arranged in a mesh pattern on a substrate. Each electrode is formed by interconnected metal traces, the metal being intrinsically opaque, but the metal traces being sufficiently narrow to be practically invisible. The metal traces have a width less than or equal to 10 μm and occupy less than or equal to 5% of the area of each electrode. The electrodes can be deposited additively via a printing process, for example using copper as the metal. The narrow width of the tracks allows the film to be highly transparent, since the electric field used in capacitive touch screens can be made to propagate with very low metal densities. |
| US09244566B2 |
Baseline management for input devices
A method and system are provided that reduce the effect of substantially non-random electrical interference on an input device's ability to reliably and accurately sense the position of an object. Several embodiments improve performance of an input device by reducing the effect of interference on position sensing data acquired by the input device. In one embodiment, the input device corrects for a cyclic variation in the electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by components within the electronic system, such as interference from refreshing or updating an image on a display module that affects the capacitive sensing measurements acquired from a plurality of capacitive sensing elements. However, in some embodiments, performance of an input device is improved by reducing the effect that external interference generated outside of the electronic system has on the position sensing data acquired by the input device. |
| US09244563B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing user keypad in a portable terminal
A method of providing a user defined user key pad and a mobile terminal supporting the same are provided. The method includes displaying guide information when entering a user key pad setting mode, determining a designation range for the user key pad according to a user interaction inputted based on the guide information, computing a key arrangement of the user key pad in response to the determined range, and configuring the user key pad according to the computed key arrangement. |
| US09244561B2 |
Touch screen liquid crystal display
Disclosed herein are liquid-crystal display (LCD) touch screens that integrate the touch sensing elements with the display circuitry. The integration may take a variety of forms. Touch sensing elements can be completely implemented within the LCD stackup but outside the not between the color filter plate and the array plate. Alternatively, some touch sensing elements can be between the color filter and array plates with other touch sensing elements not between the plates. In another alternative, all touch sensing elements can be between the color filter and array plates. The latter alternative can include both conventional and in-plane-switching (IPS) LCDs. In some forms, one or more display structures can also have a touch sensing function. Techniques for manufacturing and operating such displays, as well as various devices embodying such displays are also disclosed. |
| US09244558B2 |
Pixel-aligned electrode device
A display device includes a display having an array of pixels formed on a display layer, the pixels arranged into rows and columns. Two or more electrodes are located over the display layer on an electrode layer different from the display layer and extend across at least a portion of the array of pixels. Each electrode extends exclusively over all of the pixels in a row or column. |
| US09244557B2 |
Input device and a display device including the input device
An input device includes a substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface located opposite to the first main surface; a protective member having an opposed surface opposite to the first main surface; a bonding member configured to bond the first main surface and the opposed surface to each other; a first coloring member disposed between the first main surface and the opposed surface, the first coloring member being in contact with the bonding member; and a second coloring member disposed on the second main surface and having a color different from a color of the first coloring member. |
| US09244555B2 |
Touchscreen with a light modulator
A device with a touchscreen with a light modulator is disclosed herein. The device transitions from a netbook mode to a touchscreen mode. The device comprises a main unit and a touchscreen unit with a transparent display. The touchscreen unit is preferably separated from the main unit when in a netbook mode, and the touchscreen unit communicates wirelessly with the main unit. The touchscreen unit preferably has an outer screen display surface and an inner screen display surface on each side of a light modulating unit. The main unit preferably has a main unit display. |
| US09244553B2 |
Touch tell tales
A disclosed digital display is mounted within a vehicle steering wheel and displays a selectively touch actuateable tell tales. The digital display is actuateable responsive to touching a specific designated location on the display corresponding to an actuated telltale. A controller is operable for actuating the digital display to change the display to communicate information relating to the actuated telltale. |
| US09244551B2 |
Adaptive touch scanning
An apparatus, touch controller, and system for adaptive touch scanning is described herein. The apparatus includes logic to calculate a distance traveled between two consecutive touch samples, and logic to compare the distance traveled with a target distance to find an actual error. The apparatus also includes logic to update the scan rate based on the actual error. |
| US09244548B2 |
Terminal device
A terminal device is provided with a first casing, configured to accommodate the display part of the terminal device; a second casing, configured to accommodate the computation part and the heat dissipation part of the terminal device; a first shaft, provided on one side of the second casing, configured to be connected to the first casing and the second casing, with the first casing being able to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise around the axis of the first shaft; and a touch sensing unit, connected to the first shaft and configured to detect touch inputs from the user, wherein the touch sensing unit is provided between the first casing and the second casing and rotates clockwise or counterclockwise around the first shaft. |
| US09244546B2 |
Image display device, electronic apparatus using the same, display output control method for image display device, and output control program thereof
Provided is a display device having a viewing angle changing function, which is capable of preventing leakage of information displayed on a display screen even when there is a fault generated in changing the viewing angle. The image display device including a viewing angle changing element capable of changing a wide vision display and a narrow vision display and including a display element is provided with a detection element which detects a fault generated in the viewing angle changing element and a module for changing to a narrow vision display when there is a fault based on a detection value of the detection element. For example, when there is a fault, a transparent heater is operated to heat a liquid crystal layer to set a transparent-scattering changing element to a transparent state and forcibly set the display device to a narrow vision display. |
| US09244544B2 |
User interface device with touch pad enabling original image to be displayed in reduction within touch-input screen, and input-action processing method and program
A process is disclosed for displaying an image on a display screen and recognizing a user's input by the user's finger touch on a touch screen, the process including: a first step of displaying an original image; a second step of forming a screen pad, such that a reference image, which is a reduced duplicate of the original image, is displayed on the screen pad within the display screen, such that the reference image is overlaid with the original image, in a translucent mode that renders the original image visible through the reference image, or an opaque mode where the original image is not visible. The reference image is obtained by reducing the original image with or without image simplification. A third step, in response to the user touching the screen pad, detects finger position on the screen pad, and recognizes the user's input based on the detected finger position. |
| US09244539B2 |
Target positioning with gaze tracking
Embodiments that relate to positioning a target indicator via a display system are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a method for positioning a target indicator using gaze tracking data having a coarse accuracy from a gaze tracking system of a computing device. Head pose data having a fine accuracy greater than the coarse accuracy is received from a head tracking system. Using the gaze tracking data, an approximate user gaze region within a display region is determined, and the target indicator is displayed at an initial location within the approximate user gaze region. A reposition input from the user is received. In response, subsequently received head pose data is used to calculate an adjusted location for the target indicator. The target indicator is then displayed at the adjusted location. |
| US09244536B2 |
Method, system, and graphical user interface for providing word recommendations
One aspect of the invention involves a method that includes: in a first area of the touch screen, displaying a current character string being input by a user with the keyboard; in a second area of the touch screen, displaying the current character string or a portion thereof and a suggested replacement for the current character string; replacing the current character string in the first area with the suggested replacement if the user activates a delimiter key on the keyboard; replacing the current character string in the first area with the suggested replacement if the user performs a first gesture on the suggested replacement displayed in the second area; and keeping the current character string in the first area if the user performs a second gesture on the current character string or the portion thereof displayed in the second area. |
| US09244535B2 |
Protective cover for a tablet computer
Certain embodiments relate to a protective cover with a housing and a latch mechanism. The latch can be hingeably coupled to a back portion of the housing such that the latch is configured to rotate, via the hinge coupling, from a closed position to an open position. The latch can further be slideably coupled to the housing such that the latch is configured to laterally slide out from the back portion of the housing to an extended position, where the bottom side of the latch can be configured to couple to and secure an input device to the surface of the housing. |
| US09244534B2 |
Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal includes a transparent keypad having a plurality of key regions, a first transparent sheet having first conductive patterns to detect touch inputs on respective ones of the key regions, a plurality of luminous elements aligned with the key regions, and a second transparent sheet having second conductive patterns coupled to respective ones of the luminous elements. The first and second conductive patterns are transparent and the second conductive patterns deliver signals to the luminous elements to light the key regions. The keypad may be mounted on a slider for sliding into and out of a main body of the terminal. |
| US09244531B2 |
Touch-sensitive sheet member, input device and electronic apparatus
A touch-sensitive sheet member contains a body having predetermined hardness and a sheet shape and a sense-of-touch-representing unit that represents a sense of touch. The sense-of-touch-representing unit has a predetermined size and is arranged at positions of the body or at a predetermined position of the body. The touch-sensitive sheet member also contains a medium-supplying unit that supplies medium to the sense-of-touch-representing unit. |
| US09244527B2 |
System, components and methodologies for gaze dependent gesture input control
A control system, components and methodologies enable control of vehicle and in-vehicle system functionality via gesture recognition. In illustrative embodiments, the control system, constituent components and methodologies determine what functionality a user wishes to control by tracking the user's gaze to identify a selected function or function set. In combination with identifying the selected function and function set, one or more sensors installed in the vehicle detect one or more user gestures initiated by a user to interact with and/or control the selected function/function set. |
| US09244526B2 |
Display control apparatus, display control method, and program for displaying virtual objects in 3D with varying depth
Provided is a display control apparatus controlling display of a transmissive display which includes a screen configured to transmit light arriving from an object located on a side of a first surface so that the object is viewable from a viewpoint position set on a side of a second surface which is an opposite surface to the first surface and which displays a display object to be stereoscopically viewed. The display control apparatus includes an acquisition unit that acquires position information indicating a relative positional relation between the transmissive display and the object, and a display control unit that changes, in accordance with a change in the relative positional relation in the position information, a depth of the display object from the screen perceived from the viewpoint position, the display object being displayed to be stereoscopically viewed by the transmissive display. |
| US09244525B2 |
System and method for providing user interaction with projected three-dimensional environments
There is provided an interactive device capable of providing input data to a computer program in response to user interactions, the interface device comprising a first position sensor reading a sensed location of the interface device having a free roaming movement in a three-dimensional space, a direction vector determination device determining a direction vector indicating an aiming direction, and a transmission system communicating aim information to an external device implementing the computer program. The transmission system may include a transmitter for the direction vector and/or a transmitter for the sensed location. The computer program can use the aim information and input data to support a projected 3D game environment or other application providing sensory feedback in response to the user interactions. Multiple interactive devices having unique identifiers may also be supported. The interactive device enables significant freedom to roam relative to implementing equipment, as compared to existing interactive devices having only a limited range of movement relative to implementing equipment. |
| US09244523B2 |
Manipulator system
A manipulator system includes a master manipulation unit that performs a manipulation input by an operator, a slave motion unit that operates in accordance with the manipulation input, an interlock control unit that analyzes the manipulation input and performs control to operate the slave motion unit, interlocking with the manipulation input, and an interlock permission input unit that is capable of being manipulated by the operator and transmits, to the interlock control unit, an interlock permission mode signal used to enter a mode in which interlock of the slave motion unit is permitted based on the manipulation input of the mater manipulation unit when the operator manipulates the interlock permission input unit. |
| US09244520B2 |
Techniques for managing power and performance of multi-socket processors
Examples are disclosed for managing power and performance of multi-socket processors. In some examples, a utilization rate of a first processor circuitry in a first processor socket may be determined. An active memory ratio of a cache for the first processor circuitry may be compared to a threshold ratio or a data traffic rate between the first processor circuitry and a second processor circuitry in a second processor socket may be compared to a threshold rate. According to some examples, a first power state of the first processor circuitry may be changed based on the determined utilization rate. The first power state may also be changed based on the comparison of the active memory ratio to the threshold ratio or the comparison of the data traffic rate to the threshold rate. |
| US09244518B2 |
Multi-mode device power-saving optimization
Methods and systems input an energy consumption profile for each of a plurality of different sleep modes available for a device, and input a probability distribution of interjob times for the device. The methods and systems then compute the optimal time-out period for each sleep mode based on the energy consumption profile of each sleep mode and the probability distribution of interjob times. Further, such methods and systems monitor the usage of the device to determine the current interjob time, and switch between sleep modes to relatively lower power sleep modes as the current interjob time becomes larger. |
| US09244509B2 |
Uninterruptible power system and power control system thereof
An uninterruptible power system and a power control system thereof are disclosed. The power control system includes the uninterruptible power system and a computer system. The uninterruptible power system supplies power to the computer system and includes an external power adaptor, a battery module, a first switch module, a second switch module, and a switching control module. When external power is input, the external power is transmitted to the computer system via the external power adaptor. When the external power is not input, the first switch module switches automatically to supply a backup power signal from the battery module to the computer system. When the external power is not input and a control signal is not received from the computer system, the switching control module controls the second switch module to electrically disconnect a connection between the computer system and the battery module. |
| US09244508B2 |
Temporarily switching an electronic device to battery power to handle inrush upon connection of an external device
An electronic device includes a power input unit through which power from an external power source can be input, a battery connector that is electrically connectable to a battery, a device connector that is electrically connectable to a removable external device, and a power controller that controls supply of power to the external device from the external power source and the battery. When the external device is connected to the connector, the power controller stops supplying power from the power input unit and supplies power from the battery to the external device, before supplying power from the external power source to the external device. |
| US09244507B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device of the present invention has a battery storage structure with a battery pack inserted into a battery storage section provided in a device case, a battery electrode provided on a side surface of the battery pack that comes in contact with a connection electrode provided within the battery storage section and the battery storage section is openably/closably covered by a battery cover. This electronic device includes a locking member which engageably locks the battery pack into the battery storage section by sliding the battery pack into place, and a guide pressing section provided on the battery cover which presses the battery pack towards the connection electrode once inserted between inner surface parts positioned on opposite sides of the connection electrode of the battery storage section and the battery pack opposing side with the battery cover covering the battery storage section where the battery pack is stored. |
| US09244499B2 |
Multi-stage device orientation detection
In general, in one aspect, a method includes receiving data from one or more motion sensors of a mobile device and calculating, after the period of time, a statistical measurement of the motion sensor data. The method also includes comparing the calculated statistical measurement to one or more threshold values, and, based on the comparing, determining a dynamic state of the mobile device. The method also includes, based on the determined dynamic state, determining an orientation of the mobile device. |
| US09244496B2 |
Hinge configuration for an electronic device
Particular embodiments described herein provide for an electronic device, such as a notebook computer or laptop, that includes a circuit board coupled to a plurality of electronic components (which includes any type of components, elements, circuitry, etc.). The electronic device may also include a hinge assembly to secure a top portion of the electronic device to an accessory. The hinge assembly is to allow a rotation of the top portion in relation to the accessory. The hinge assembly may include a plurality of discs to receive a plurality of segments of the accessory as the hinge assembly engages to secure the top portion of the electronic device to the accessory. |
| US09244495B2 |
Mobile computer device binding feedback
In embodiments of mobile computer device binding feedback, an application interface for a device application is displayed on a first display that is integrated in a dual-display mobile device. The application interface can also be displayed on a second display that is integrated in the dual-display mobile device. Binding position data is received from a binding system that movably couples the first display to the second display. Application context data that is associated with the device application is also received. Feedback can then be generated based on the binding position data and the application context data, where the feedback can be generated as audio feedback, video feedback, display feedback, and/or haptic feedback. |
| US09244492B2 |
Docking station with audio output
Docking stations that may interface with various types of accessories. One example may physically and electrically support a connection to a portable computing device in either one or two orientations. One or more receptacles or dedicated or tethered cables may provide connections to one or more accessories. Examples may be able to authenticate and identify themselves to portable computing devices such that the devices know how to configure data outputs provided to the docking stations. An audio channel that converts digital audio signals and provides an analog audio signal at an audio jack may be included. Multiplexing circuitry that allows reversible connectors to be used may also be included. |
| US09244491B2 |
Smart dock for auxiliary devices
A multi-display device can interface with two or more different types of docking stations. The device can determine the type of dock and change the pin outs for a connector to interface with that dock. Once docked, the device can determine a charge status for the device and the dock to present the status to the user. Further, the dock can enter one of several modes, including a call receipt mode and an entertainment mode. The modes allow for expanded functionality for the device while docked. Two particular docks, the laptop dock and the smart dock, provide special functionality with the device. |
| US09244487B2 |
Integrated translational land-grid array sockets and loading mechanisms for semiconductive devices
A land-grid array die package socket is configured for low- or zero insertion-force assembly with a land-grid array die package. For zero insertion-force assembly, a motion plate applies a force on a land-grid array contact that causes a contact tip to move into protective cover while the die package is inserted into the socket. After zero insertion-force assembly, the motion plate applies a force on the land-grid array contact that causes the contact tip to deflect in a positive-Z direction until a useful contact is made at the contact tip with a land-grid array pad. |
| US09244486B2 |
Flexible touch screen panel
A flexible touch screen panel includes a substrate divided into an active area, a first non-active area, and a second non-active area, a plurality of sensing electrodes in the active area, a plurality of position detecting lines in the first non-active area and connected to the sensing electrodes, a plurality of connecting units in the second non-active area and connected to the plurality of position detecting lines and the connecting units are multiple layer structure wiring lines, a pad unit including a plurality of pads in the second non-active area and the pad unit is connected to the plurality of connecting units, and an insulating layer in the active area, overlapping the first non-active area, and excluded from the second non-active area. |
| US09244485B1 |
High frequency oscillator with spread spectrum clock generation
Devices, systems, and methods for spread spectrum clock generation are disclosed. The devices, systems, and methods generate a clock signal at a frequency and generate a voltage output based on the frequency of the clock signal, wherein the generated voltage output is indicative of the frequency of the generated clock signal. The devices, systems, and methods also compare the frequency of the clock signal generated to a desired frequency output by comparing the generated voltage output to a voltage reference and adjust the frequency of the clock signal generated based on the results of the comparison. |
| US09244482B2 |
Preloading device
A device for the application of a preload between a subsea wellhead and a conductor housing includes an activating member, a support housing, a locking member, and at least one element for securing the support housing relative to the wellhead. Movement of the activating member causes an inclined lateral movement of the locking member. The activating member carries a ratchet having a multiplicity of serrations which have a regular pitch in the activating direction and the support housing carries at least two latches which allow the relative movement and can engage the ratchet to inhibit movement reverse to the activating direction. The discrete locking positions provided by one of the latches are positionally out of phase with the discrete locking positions provided by the other latch or latches. A support member is positioned to be moved laterally in response to movement of the activating member and to support the locking member against the engagement zone of the datum member. |
| US09244481B2 |
Vehicle pedal assembly with hysteresis assembly
A vehicle pedal assembly with a rotatable pedal. A hysteresis assembly includes a friction device and plunger, and first and second springs that are all separate and decoupled from each other and the pedal. The first spring exerts a force against the friction plunger that forces the friction device into frictional contact with the housing to generate and transfer a resistance force to the pedal. The first spring also exerts a force against the pedal when a foot force is removed from the pedal to return the pedal to idle with and without the movement of the friction device and without the force of the second spring. The second spring exerts a force against the friction device when the foot force is removed to return the pedal to idle without the force of the first spring. Barriers block the entry of debris into the housing. |
| US09244477B2 |
Reference voltage generation for single-ended communication channels
An improved reference voltage (Vref) generator useable, for example, in sensing data on single-ended channels is disclosed. The Vref generator can be placed on the integrated circuit containing the receivers, or may be placed off chip. In one embodiment, the Vref generator comprises an adjustable-resistance voltage divider in combination with a current source. The voltage divider is referenced to I/O power supplies Vddq and Vssq, with Vref being generated at a node intervening between the adjustable resistances of the voltage divider. The current source injects a current into the Vref node and into a non-varying Thevenin equivalent resistance formed of the same resistors used in the voltage divider. So constructed, the voltage generated equals the sum of two terms: a first term comprising the slope between Vref and Vddq, and a second term comprising a Vref offset. Each of these terms can be independently adjusted in first and second modes: the slope term via the voltage divider, and the offset term by the magnitude of the injected current. Use of the disclosed Vref generator in one useful implementation allows Vref to be optimized at two different values for Vddq. |
| US09244475B2 |
Method, a system, a computer-readable medium, and a power controlling apparatus for applying and distributing power
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to power management and the like, and more particularly, to an apparatus, a system, a method, and a computer-readable medium for providing power controlling functionality to generate configurable power signals and to deliver power during fault conditions. In at least some embodiments, a power control unit can generate power signals having configurable attributes as a function of a mode of operation, a fault type, and the like. |
| US09244470B2 |
System and method for using a wireless device as a sensor for an energy management system
The invention comprises systems and methods for detecting the use of networked consumer electronics devices as indications of occupancy of a structure for purposes of automatically adjusting the temperature setpoint on a thermostatic HVAC control. At least one thermostat is located inside a structure and is used to control an HVAC system in the structure. At least one networked electronic device is used to indicate the state of occupancy of the structure. The state of occupancy is used to alter the setpoint on the thermostatic HVAC control to reduce unneeded conditioning of unoccupied spaces. |
| US09244468B2 |
Smoothing device, smoothing system, and computer program product
According to an embodiment, a smoothing device includes a predicting unit, a calculating unit, and a control unit. The predicting unit predicts a calculation load of operation at a first time slot on the basis of weather prediction information of operation areas in which facility devices that perform environmental control according to control values resulting from the operation based on weather information are installed. The calculating unit calculates a calculation load of operation at a second time slot earlier than the first time slot on the basis of the weather information of the operation areas. The control unit controls an executing device that executes the operation so that part of the operation to be executed at the first time slot is executed at the second time slot. |
| US09244466B2 |
Electronic mixing valve in standard hot water heater
A hot water heater includes a hot water tank having a cold water inlet line and a hot water outlet line, an electronically controlled mixing valve fluid coupled to the cold water inlet line and the hot water outlet line and mixed output line and a controller operatively coupled to the mixing valve. A temperature sensor is operatively coupled to the mixed output line and the controller, the controller being operative in response to the sensor to detect a temperature of the water in the mixed output line, compare a setpoint temperature to the detected temperature of the water in the mixed output line, and regulate a flow of one or both of cold water from the cold water input line and hot water from the hot water output line through the electronically controlled mixing valve to maintain the detected temperature at the setpoint temperature. |
| US09244465B2 |
Metering system, housing part for a metering unit and metering unit
A metering system for metering a metering fluid includes at least one metering unit, a fluid supply component conveying the metering fluid to the metering unit, and a control module conveying a control fluid to the metering unit. The metering unit includes a first housing part, an exchangeable second housing part and a membrane which is arranged between the housing parts and divides a cavity formed between the housing parts into a pumping chamber and a metering chamber which are separated from each other in fluidic terms. Channels are formed in the first housing part which receive the control fluid and are in flow connection with the control module, and channels are formed in the second housing part which receive the metering fluid and are in flow connection with the fluid supply component. |
| US09244463B2 |
Automated guided vehicle and method of operating an automated guided vehicle
The invention relates to an automated guided vehicle and a method for operating an automated guided vehicle. Upon arriving at a destination, then the automated guided vehicle is moved, based on a comparison of signals or data assigned to the environment detected by at least one sensor with signals or data which are assigned to a target position or to a target position and orientation of the automated guided vehicle at the destination, such that the actual position or the actual position and orientation is the same as the target position or target position and orientation at least within a pre-specified tolerance. |
| US09244462B2 |
Vehicle trajectory planning for autonomous vehicles
A method for controlling an autonomous vehicle includes obtaining, by one or more processors, information describing a current state of the autonomous vehicle and a goal state of the autonomous vehicle; determining, by the one or more processors, an initial vehicle trajectory from the current state of the autonomous vehicle to the goal state of the autonomous vehicle; determining, by the one or more processors, an optimized vehicle trajectory based the initial trajectory and a velocity profile by applying numerical minimization to minimize a trajectory length value and a lateral acceleration value; and controlling the autonomous vehicle to traverse the optimized vehicle trajectory. |
| US09244456B2 |
Tool path generation method and apparatus
A method including a bend angle calculation step of calculating a bend angle θ at each connecting point of a broken line which is obtained by successively connecting a predetermined plurality of machining points P1 to P3 by line segments, an approximation curve derivation step of deriving an approximation curve L5 closer to the connecting point the larger the bend angle θ calculated by the bend angle calculation step, and a tool path generation step of generating a tool path PA7 along the approximation curve L5 derived by the approximation curve derivation step. |
| US09244455B2 |
Location dependent control access in a process control system
A method of accessing an element in a process control environment using a portable communicator includes defining a plurality of control areas within the process control environment, determining a position of a user operating a portable communicator with respect to one or more of the control areas, establishing an identity of the user, and selectively allowing the user to access an element within the process control environment via the portable communicator depending on the determined position of the user with respect to the one or more control areas and on the identity of the user. |
| US09244454B2 |
Control system for controlling safety-critical and non-safety-critical processes
A control system controls safety-critical and non-safety-critical processes and/or system components. The system includes a first control unit for controlling the non-safety-critical process and/or the non-safety-critical system components, at least one input/output unit connected to the first control unit, a communication coupler, which is connected to the first control unit via an internal coupler bus, and a second control unit for controlling the safety-critical process and/or the safety-critical system components. For providing safety-related functions, the second control unit includes a first dual-port RAM and at least two processors, only one of which is connected to the first dual-port RAM. The second control unit communicates with the first control unit via the first dual-port RAM and the internal coupler bus, and the first control unit transmits data from the second control unit to the communication coupler via the internal coupler bus and a second dual-port RAM integrated into the communication coupler. |
| US09244451B2 |
Graphic display configuration framework for unified control system interface
A common process control graphical user interface plant operators, plant maintenance personnel, and management is disclosed which provides a real-time interface to both the process and the plant. The common interface is modular in design and is capable of supporting various specializations for each user type. Operator consoles are dedicated to each section of the plant and include additional functions such as maintenance, configuration, simulation and supervisory information. The unified for common graphical interface replaces control room displays filled with single case analog controllers, meters, and digital indicators. The common interface addresses the functions that previously were provided by the panel motor start/stop buttons and status indications, chart recorders, annunciator panels and subsystem interfaces. From a console, operators manage alarms, adjust the process by entering new setpoints or other parameters, “zoom in” on particular portions of the process for details, and utilize other specialized applications to work with their batch, advanced control, or business applications. The interface will run in both dedicated and non-dedicated modes, will run as a rich client or as part of a browser style interface utilizing web services and will run on workstations, laptops, tablet PC's, handhelds, and smart phones. |
| US09244433B2 |
Melody selection mechanism for a striking timepiece
Timepiece or watch (1000) or music box including an acoustic display mechanism (100), for a striking timepiece (1000), including a plurality of control-pieces (1) for the same time measurement parameter, staged in parallel planes, and further including melody selection means (3), arranged to be operated by a user or by the timepiece movement, controlling or prohibiting, at a given moment, access of the control-pieces (1) to a common snail (2) corresponding to said time measurement parameter, to allow only one of the control-pieces (1) to operate at least one lever (4) controlling the motion of a hammer to play a melody that is specific thereto or to activate at least one gong that is specific thereto. |
| US09244431B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes an elastic rotator and a cooler disposed opposite the rotator to cool the rotator with cooling air. A mover contacts and moves the rotator to a first position where the rotator is disposed opposite the cooler with an increased first interval therebetween and a second position where the rotator is disposed opposite the cooler with a decreased second interval therebetween. A rectification plate is movably mounted on the cooler to contact the rotator constantly to guide the cooling air to the cooler. |
| US09244426B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member forming a toner image, a belt member transferring the toner image, a cam transiting the belt member and the image bearing member between a contact state and a spaced state, and an operating lever for moving the belt member and the image bearing member between the contact state and the spaced state. In addition, a first member has a first engaging portion that moves in interrelation with movement of the cam and transmits a driving force of moving the operating lever to the cam, and a second member has a second engaging portion which engages with the first engaging portion and slidably movable to the first engaging portion. A third member regulates movement of the cam by abutting the second member when the operating lever is moved. |
| US09244425B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: a cover that is openable and closable. The cover is provided with a lock member, a first biasing portion, a lever member, and a second biasing portion. The lock member is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The first biasing portion biases the lock member toward the unlocking position. The lever member is provided to be in contact with the lock member, the lever member being movable between a retaining position for retaining the lock member at the locking position and a retention releasing position for releasing retention of the lock member in a direction intersecting with a moving direction of the lock member. The second biasing portion biases the lever member toward the retaining position. |
| US09244417B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearer, an image forming unit, an intermediate transfer member, a secondary transfer member, an image detector, a computing device, and a conveyor device. The computing device calculates a traveling speed of the intermediate transfer member based on detection information provided by the image detector. The conveyor device continuously transports to a secondary transfer portion a plurality of recording media one by one at a predetermined interval between successive recording media. The image forming unit forms a test image at a space between successive recording-medium contact regions of the intermediate transfer member at which the recording medium contacts the intermediate transfer member. A travel distance of the intermediate transfer member from the detection position on the intermediate transfer member to the secondary transfer portion in a traveling direction thereof is shorter than the space between the successive recording-medium contact regions. |
| US09244415B2 |
Image forming apparatus having two or more light receiving units
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, an image forming unit for forming a patch image on the image carrier, a light emitting unit, a plurality of light receiving units adjacently arranged so as to receive light reflected from the patch image when light is irradiated by the light emitting unit onto the patch image which moves with movement of the image carrier and each including one or more light receiving elements, and an output unit for outputting an output signal that depends on a difference between a received light quantity of a first light receiving unit and a received light quantity of a second light receiving unit that are respectively odd-numbered and even-numbered in the arrangement order of the light receiving units. |
| US09244402B2 |
Image forming apparatus having fixing portion configured to heat-fix TJE toner image formed on recording material
An image forming apparatus includes: a recording material accommodating portion configured to accommodate a recording material; an image forming portion configured to form a toner image on the recording material fed from the recording material accommodating portion; a fixing portion configured to heat-fix the toner image formed on the recording material by the image forming portion; a storing portion configured to store information corresponding to the type of the recording material accommodated in the recording material accommodating portion; a detecting portion configured to detect that a predetermined operation is performed by an operator before the image forming apparatus receives an image formation instruction; and an executing portion configured to execute a start-up process, when the detecting portion detects the predetermined operation performed by the operator, over a time depending on the information stored in the storing portion. |
| US09244399B2 |
Image-forming apparatus
An image-forming apparatus is provided which enables more productive image formation. When an option unit implements a change from a second operation mode that exhibits high power consumption to a first operation mode that exhibits low power consumption while images are being consecutively formed on a plurality of recording materials, an upper limit on power that can be supplied to a fixing section is set higher than that in the second operation mode, and intervals, at which recording materials are consecutively fed, are set narrower than those in the second operation mode. |
| US09244390B2 |
Techniques to determine concentration parameters of conductive liquid electrophoretic (LEP) inks
Techniques to determine concentration parameters of conductive liquid electrophoretic (LEP) inks are illustrated herein. In an example, a layer of conductive LEP ink is formed on a developer roller using electrostatic forces acting on the conductive LEP ink. A current is generated in response to a voltage between a measurement electrode and a developer roller. The current flows through the conductive LEP ink layer. |
| US09244388B2 |
Roller with non-uniform diameter
In an example, rollers are disclosed, wherein one of the rollers has a resilient outer layer, and one of the rollers comprises a coned portion. |
| US09244380B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus is capable of executing, in non-image formation, for example, in a sheet-to-sheet interval, a developer bearing member stop mode in which the developer conveyance by a development sleeve is stopped. For example, the apparatus turns off primary transfer bias in the sheet-to-sheet interval. Even if fogging toner is no longer supplied after the development sleeve drive is stopped, the apparatus can reduce frictional force variation between the photosensitive drum and the intermediate transfer belt to prevent speed variation of the photosensitive drum or the intermediate transfer belt, thus reducing the possibility of image unevenness and out of color registration. |
| US09244378B2 |
Developing roller and developing device provided with the same
A developing roller configured to carry developer and extending in an axial direction includes: a first rotation shaft; a second rotation shaft; a rubber body portion; a first cylindrical rubber portion; and a second cylindrical rubber portion. The body portion has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side in the axial direction. The first cylindrical rubber portion is disposed on the first side. The first rotation shaft is configured to be fitted with the first cylindrical rubber portion. The second cylindrical rubber portion is disposed on the second side. The second rotation shaft is configured to be fitted with the second cylindrical rubber portion. The rubber body portion is configured to be deformable more than the first cylindrical rubber portion and the second cylindrical rubber portion. |
| US09244375B2 |
Image forming apparatus
A bias circuit sets a value of a bias current using a correction coefficient α=0.5 for a predetermined time period from when a state in which a first capacitor and a second capacitor are not charged, then changes the correction coefficient to α=0.9 which is larger than α=0.5, and sets a value of the bias current obtained by using the correction coefficient α=0.9. The constant current source supplies the light emitting element with the bias current obtained by using the correction coefficient α=0.9 and supplies the bias current with a switching current, and thus an electrostatic latent image is formed. |
| US09244371B2 |
Magnetic toner
A magnetic toner contains magnetic toner particles containing a binder resin, a release agent, and a magnetic body and inorganic fine particles present on the surface of the magnetic toner particles, wherein the inorganic fine particles present on the surface of the magnetic toner particles contain metal oxide fine particles, as described in the specification. The coverage ratio of the magnetic toner particles' surface by the inorganic fine particles and the coverage ratio by the inorganic fine particles fixed to the magnetic toner particles' surface reside in a prescribed relationship, the binder resin contains a polyester resin, the release agent contains an ester compound, and an endothermic peak for the magnetic toner has a prescribed value. |
| US09244370B2 |
Polymer-encapsulated metallic ink particles and metallic electrophotographic inks
A method for making polymer-encapsulated metallic ink particles is disclosed herein. An ethylene-based polymeric resin powder is formed, and is mixed with a metallic pigment powder to form a powder mixture. The powder mixture is melted to form a metallic polymer melt. A non-polar carrier is added to the metallic polymer melt to form a slurry. The slurry is processed in a microfluidizer. |
| US09244369B2 |
Electrophotographic photosensitive member, production method for electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus, and particle having compound adsorbed thereto
Provided is an electrophotographic photosensitive member including a surface layer containing particles which include: silica particles; and a compound-A adsorbed to each of the silica particles, in which the silica particles have a volume average particle diameter of 0.1 μm or more and 4 μm or less, and a specific surface area of 400 m2/g or more and 1000 m2/g or less, the compound-A is a tertiary amine compound and/or a urea compound, and the compound-A has a molecular weight of 150 or more and 550 or less. |
| US09244366B2 |
Extreme ultraviolet lithography process and mask
An extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) process is performed on a target, such as a semiconductor wafer, having a photosensitive layer. The method includes providing a one-dimensional patterned mask along a first direction. The patterned mask includes a substrate including a first region and a second region, a multilayer mirror above the first and second regions, an absorption layer above the multilayer mirror in the second region, and a defect in the first region. The method further includes exposing the patterned mask by an illuminator and setting the patterned mask and the target in relative motion along the first direction while exposing the patterned mask. As a result, an accumulated exposure dose received by the target is an optimized exposure dose. |
| US09244363B2 |
Environmental system including a transport region for an immersion lithography apparatus
An immersion lithography apparatus includes (i) an optical assembly including an optical element, and configured to project a beam onto a substrate through an immersion liquid; (ii) a containment member that surrounds a path of the beam; and (iii) a stage on which the substrate is held, the substrate on the stage being moved below and spaced from a bottom surface of the containment member. The containment member includes: (1) a nozzle outlet via which water as the immersion liquid is released, (2) a recovery channel via which the immersion liquid is recovered from a gap between the containment member and the substrate and/or the stage, and (3) a fluid channel via which water is released to the gap between the containment member and the substrate and/or the stage, the fluid channel being provided radially inward of the recovery channel. |
| US09244362B2 |
Environmental system including vacuum scavenge for an immersion lithography apparatus
A liquid immersion exposure apparatus includes an optical assembly having a final optical element, from which exposure light is projected through immersion liquid filling an optical path of the exposure light under the final optical element, a containment member surrounding a tip portion of the optical assembly, and a movable stage to hold a substrate and having an upper surface around the held substrate. An apparatus frame supports the optical assembly and the containment member, and an optical mount isolator, which has an actuator, isolates the optical assembly from vibrations of the apparatus frame. A first inlet of the containment member faces at least one of the substrate and the stage and collects fluid from a gap between the containment member and the at least one of the substrate and the stage. A gas supply outlet of the containment member supplies gas to the gap. |
| US09244359B2 |
Illumination optical apparatus and projection exposure apparatus
An illumination optical apparatus and projection exposure apparatus capable of reducing a light quantity loss when a mask is illuminated with a polarized illumination light. An illumination optical system for illuminating a reticle with an illumination light and a projection optical system for projecting the pattern image of the reticle onto a wafer are provided. An illumination light emitted from an exposure light source in a linearly polarized state in the illumination optical system passes through first and second birefringent members having different fast axis directions and is converted into a polarized state that is substantially linearly polarized in a circumferential direction with the optical axis as the center in an almost specific annular area, and them illuminates the reticle under an annular illuminating condition after passing through a fly-eye lens. |
| US09244353B2 |
Resist underlayer film forming composition
A resist underlayer film forming composition including: a polymer having any one or more repeating structural units of Formulas (1a), (1b), and (1c): two R1s are each independently alkyl group, alkenyl group, aromatic hydrocarbon group, halogen atom, nitro group, or an amino group, two R2s are each independently hydrogen atom, alkyl group, alkenyl group, acetal group, acyl group, or glycidyl group, R3 is aromatic hydrocarbon group optionally having a substituent, R4 is hydrogen atom, phenyl group, or naphthyl group, in (1b), groups of two R3s and atoms or groups of two R4s are optionally different from each other, two “k”s are each independently 0 or 1, m is integer of 3 to 500, n, n1, and n2 are an integer of 2 to 500, p is integer of 3 to 500, X is a single bond or hetero atom, and two Qs are each independently a structural unit; and solvent. |
| US09244344B2 |
Actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition, and, resist film, pattern forming method, electronic device manufacturing method, and electronic device, each using the same
An actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition of the present invention includes a resin (P) having a repeating unit (a) represented by following General Formula (I), a compound (B) generating organic acid by irradiation of actinic ray or radiation, and 1% by mass or more of a resin (C) which has at least one of a fluorine atom and a silicon atom and is different from the resin (P) with regard to total solids of the actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition, wherein, in General Formula (I), R0 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and each of R1, R2, and R3 independently represents a straight chain or branched alkyl group. |
| US09244339B2 |
Systems and methods for displaying an image or video on a retro-reflective screen
A display system comprises a projector combined with a retro reflective screen and a viewer distance from the projector such that the observation angle is less than approximately 2-3 degrees. The brightness of the image on the screen for the proposed display system is increased by a factor of ˜100-500× as compared to traditional display systems with for an equivalent power/intensity light source. |
| US09244333B1 |
Optical bistable-switching in localized plasmon-polaritons chain nanoparticles—for logic, memory and nano-computing applications
An optically bistable element is described. The optically bistable element has an arrangement of nano-particles configured to propagate localized plasmon-polaritons (LLPs). The optically bistable element may act as switch. A computing structure is also described, where the computing structure comprises one or more of the optically bistable elements acting as switches. |
| US09244331B2 |
Electromagnetic wave generating device, electromagnetic wave detecting device, and time-domain spectroscopy apparatus
An electromagnetic wave generating device is provided which includes an optical waveguide including a plurality of waveguide segments such that the main lobe of a combined electromagnetic wave has a substantially single large directivity.The electromagnetic wave generating device includes the optical waveguide including a plurality of waveguide segments each of which is sandwiched between dielectrics and includes a nonlinear optical crystal. The waveguide segments are arranged such that an angle formed by the directions of propagation of light in the two adjacent waveguide segments substantially corresponds to 2θc. When ng denotes the refractive index of the nonlinear optical crystal for light and ∈eff denotes the effective relative permittivity of an assembly of the dielectrics and the waveguide segments for an electromagnetic wave, θc is defined as θc=cos−1 (ng/θ√∈eff). |
| US09244330B2 |
Method and apparatus for generation of coherent frequency combs
Embodiments of the invention provide apparatuses and methods for phase correlated seeding of parametric mixer and for generating coherent frequency combs. The parametric mixer may use two phase-correlated optical waves with different carrier frequencies to generate new optical waves centered at frequencies differing from the input waves, while retaining the input wave coherent properties. In the case when parametric mixer is used to generate frequency combs with small frequency pitch, the phase correlation of the input (seed) waves can be achieved by electro-optical modulator and a single master laser. In the case when frequency comb possessing a frequency pitch that is larger than frequency modulation that can be affected by electro-optic modulator, the phase correlation of the input (seed) waves is achieved by combined use of an electro-optical modulator and injection locking to a single or multiple slave lasers. |
| US09244328B2 |
Optical modulator and optical modulation control method
An optical modulator includes: a modulator including an optical waveguide provided in a semiconductor substrate having an electro-optical effect and an electrode to apply an electric field depending on a bias voltage and a modulation signal to the optical waveguide; a driver circuit to generate a modulation signal in accordance with an input signal; a superimposer to superimpose a reference signal on the bias voltage, the reference signal having lower frequency than the modulation signal; and a controller to control a bias voltage in a direction orthogonal to a modulation direction of the modulator based on the frequency component of the reference signal extracted from a modulated optical signal generated by the modulator. |
| US09244326B2 |
Inks including graft copolymer surface-modified pigments via azide chemistry
Pigment based inks are provided. The inks include a non-polar carrier fluid and a surface-functionalized pigment particle including a nitrogen-linked moiety to the surface of the pigment particle through a nitrogen link at one end of the nitrogen-linked moiety and a graft copolymer having two or three blocks attached at another end, the pigment particle suspended in the non-polar carrier fluid, the nitrogen-linked moiety further including an alkyl chain interposed between the nitrogen-linked moiety and the graft copolymer having the structure (I), where X is the nitrogen-linked moiety and Y is a copolymer, and the letter a is an integer between 0 and about 5,000, while the letter b is an integer of 2 or more. |
| US09244325B2 |
Display sheet, method for producing display sheet, display apparatus, and electronic device
A display sheet has a display layer, a first electrode on one side of the display layer, a second electrode on another side of the display layer, and an electrode protection layer between the display layer and the first electrode. The display layer has a partition structure dividing the display layer into a plurality of regions and a liquid dispersion filling the individual regions. The electrode protection layer and the partition structure are integrally formed and both mainly composed of an electroconductive polymer. |
| US09244322B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate including an interlayer insulation film covering a first wiring line, a second wiring line and a third wiring line on the interlayer insulation film, and a first electrode which is located between the second wiring line and the third wiring line on the interlayer insulation film, is spaced apart from the second wiring line and the third wiring line, a second substrate including a second electrode which is opposed to each of the second wiring line and the third wiring line, and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate. |
| US09244319B2 |
Display device and terminal device
To provide a plural-viewpoint display device having an image separating optical element such as a lenticular lens or a parallax barrier, which is capable of arranging thin film transistors and wirings while achieving substantially trapezoid apertures and high numerical aperture, and to provide a driving method thereof, a terminal device, and a display panel. A neighboring pixel pair arranged with a gate line interposed therebetween is connected to the gate line placed between the pixels, each of the pixels configuring the neighboring pixel pair is connected to the data line different from each other, and each of the neighboring pixel pairs neighboring to each other in an extending direction of the gate lines is connected to the gate line different from each other. |
| US09244315B2 |
Active matrix display device
To restrain decrease of display quality because of increases in flicker level and decrease of uniformity in screen luminance caused by increases in the overcharging effect when an amorphous metal oxide semiconductor or an organic semiconductor that has an field-effect mobility greater than amorphous silicon is used for pixel TFTs in a liquid crystal display device or organic EL display device. A new relational formula is derived for punch-through voltage in gray scale display, where the visibility of flicker, screen burn-in, and the like is high, and in-plane differential in counter electrode potential, which are an index of the overcharging effect. A design is made so as to satisfy conditions for decreasing the in-plane differential in counter electrode potential that have been newly derived on the basis of this formula to an allowable limit value or less. |
| US09244312B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device has a TFT substrate, a color filter (CF) substrate, a liquid crystal layer, wall structures formed on the TFT substrate, pixel electrodes provided on at least the sides of the wall structures, and common electrodes and counter electrodes formed on the TFT substrate and on the CF substrate to face each other, and a number of pixels are provided to include the TFT substrate, the CF substrate and the liquid crystal layer, wherein a light blocking region is provided around each of the number of pixels, each wall structure is arranged in the light blocking region, a support formed of a transparent and elastic material is arranged on an upper surface of each wall structure, the CF substrate is supported by the supports, and the liquid crystal layer is driven by electrical fields generated by the pixel electrodes, the common electrodes and the counter electrodes. |
| US09244309B2 |
Vertical alignment layer and liquid crystal display including the same
A liquid crystal display includes: a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other; a pair of field generating electrodes disposed on the first substrate; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and including liquid crystal molecules having positive dielectric anisotropy; and at least one alignment layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the alignment layer includes a main chain and at least one side chain connected to the main chain, and the side chain includes a vertical functional group or a polar group. |
| US09244308B2 |
Display device
Disclosed is a display device. The display device includes a light source; a wavelength conversion member adjacent to the light source; and a display panel to which light output from the wavelength conversion member is incident, wherein the wavelength conversion member includes an inclined surface which is inclined with respect to a surface perpendicular to an optical axis of the light source. |
| US09244307B2 |
Manufacturing method for liquid crystal display
A manufacturing method for a liquid crystal display panel includes the steps of slitting a first optical film which includes a polarizing film having an absorption axis in its width direction, the polarizing film including a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film containing a dichromatic substance and has an Nz coefficient of 1.10 or more, and rolling the slit first optical film in its width direction; slitting a second optical film, which includes a polarizing film having an absorption axis in its longitudinal direction, and rolling the slit second optical film in its width direction; bonding the cut first optical film onto one surface of the liquid crystal cell; and bonding the cut second optical film onto another surface of the liquid crystal cell. |
| US09244305B2 |
Liquid crystal panel and liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal panel and a liquid crystal display including the liquid crystal panel and a backlight unit are provided. The backlight unit includes an exciting light source and a quantum dot fluorescent material. An emission spectrum of the backlight unit at a wavelength from 400 nm to 500 nm, from 500 nm to 580 nm and from 580 nm to 780 nm has relative maximum brightness peaks BL1, BL2 and BL3, respectively, wherein BL2/BL1>0.65, and BL2/BL3>1. The liquid crystal panel is disposed above the backlight unit, and has red pixel regions, green pixels regions and blue pixel regions. A cell gap in the red pixel regions of the liquid crystal panel is bigger than a cell gap in the green pixel regions of the liquid crystal panel and a cell gap in the blue pixel regions of the liquid crystal panel. |
| US09244304B2 |
Display device and manufacturing method thereof
A display device and a manufacturing method thereof. The display device includes: an array substrate and a color film substrate which are disposed oppositely each other forming a cell, two-dimensionally arranged sub-pixel regions are correspondingly formed in the array substrate and the color film substrate respectively; wall-shaped electrodes, sandwiched between the array substrate and the color film substrate, the wall-shaped electrodes separate each row or line of the sub-pixels region to form a light ray transmission area and a light ray reflection area; and a liquid crystal layer, sandwiched between the array substrate and the color film substrate, and including liquid crystal in transmission area and liquid crystal in reflection area respectively filled in the light ray transmission area and the light ray reflection area, wherein light rays of the light ray transmission area and the light ray reflection area has the same optical path differences. |
| US09244303B2 |
Wide-viewing-angle liquid crystal display panel, color film base plate and manufacturing method thereof as well as display device
A wide-viewing-angle liquid crystal display panel, a color film base plate (20) and a manufacturing method thereof as well as a display device. The wide-viewing-angle liquid crystal display panel comprises an array base plate (10) and a color film base plate (20). The array base plate (10) comprises a planar electrode (11) and a slit-shaped electrode (12), which are mutually superposed and insulated, and the color film base plate (20) comprises: a transparent base plate (21) oppositely arranged on one side, of the array base plate (10), provided with the planar electrode (11) and the slit-shaped electrode (12); and a color resistor (22) arranged on the transparent base plate (21) and corresponding to the slit-shaped electrode (12). The ratio of the light transmission rate T1 of anyone part of the color resistor (22) to the light transmission rate T2 of the other anyone part is equal to the ratio of the liquid crystal efficiency X2 of the slit-shaped electrode (12) corresponding to the other anyone part to the liquid crystal efficiency X1 corresponding to the anyone part. The light transmission rate of anyone position of the wide-viewing-angle liquid crystal display panel is high and uniform, bright and dark stripes are not generated, and the display effect is improved. |
| US09244302B2 |
Display device and a method of manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to a display device and a method of manufacturing the display device. The display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate. A pixel electrode is formed on the substrate. A roof layer is formed on the pixel electrode. A first micro-cavity and a second micro-cavity are disposed between the pixel electrode and the roof layer. A liquid crystal fills the first and second micro-cavities. The first and second micro-cavities are connected to each other by a path. The path penetrates the roof layer. |
| US09244301B2 |
Display device and manufacturing method thereof
A display device includes a substrate, a thin film transistor disposed on the substrate, a pixel electrode connected to the thin film transistor, a common electrode disposed on the pixel electrode and spaced apart from the pixel electrode, where a microcavity is defined between the pixel electrode and the common electrode, and a common electrode cutout is defined in the common electrode; a roof layer disposed on the common electrode, a liquid crystal injection hole formed through the common electrode and the roof layer, where the liquid crystal injection hole exposes a portion of the microcavity, a liquid crystal layer disposed in the microcavity, and an encapsulation layer disposed on the roof layer, where the encapsulation layer covers the liquid crystal injection hole and seals the microcavity. |
| US09244300B2 |
Engaged type liquid crystal module
The present invention discloses an engaged type liquid crystal module. By engaging a first groove disposed in the middle of an outer surface of a backlight module with a first flange of a front frame structure, it can assemble a liquid crystal module, and can save a volume occupied by screw members. The engaged type liquid crystal module according to the present invention can simplify the frame design of the liquid crystal module, and match with a corresponding outer housing of display device to process an assembly operation without screw members, so that it is further advantageous for a development trend that liquid crystal display is designed toward narrow frame. |
| US09244299B2 |
Backlight module of display device
The present invention provides a backlight module of display device, which includes: a back panel, a reflection hood arranged on the back panel, a backlight source arranged on the reflection hood, a reflector board arranged on the back panel, a light guide plate arranged on the reflector board, and a plastic frame coupled to the back panel and the light guide plate. Light emitting from the backlight source is reflected by the reflection hood into the light guide plate. The reflection hood includes a reflection section, an abutment section connected to the reflection section, and a bearing section connected to the abutment section. The abutment section is positioned against the back panel. The backlight source is mounted on the bearing section. The bearing section is positioned on the back panel. The backlight module of display device according to the present invention provides a light reflection hood to replace manual mounting of reflection surface thereby eliminating the yield problem caused by manual mounting operation and ensuring completeness of light reflection of the backlight source and thus ensuring light emission efficiency of the light guide plate while improving heat transfer performance of the backlight source. |
| US09244294B2 |
Thermochromatic element and thermochromatic display device
A thermochromatic element includes a sealed enclosure, an insulation layer and a first heating element. The sealed enclosure includes an upper semitransparent sheet and a lower sheet opposite to the upper semitransparent sheet, and defines a chamber between the upper semitransparent sheet and the lower sheet. The first transparent heating element is the semitransparent upper sheet. The first transparent heating element includes a carbon nanotube film including a number of carbon nanotube linear units and a number of carbon nanotube groups. Each carbon nanotube linear unit includes a number of first carbon nanotubes substantially oriented along a first direction, and are spaced from each other and substantially extending along the first direction. The carbon nanotube groups are combined with the carbon nanotube linear units by van der Waals force. The carbon nanotube groups between adjacent carbon nanotube linear units are spaced from each other in the first direction. |
| US09244293B2 |
Digital eyewear
Improved eyewear is disclosed. The eyewear comprises a frame member and a lens. The eyewear also includes circuitry within the frame member for enhancing the use of the eyewear. A system and method in accordance with the present invention is directed to a variety of ways to enhance the use of eyeglasses. They are: (1) media focals, that is, utilizing the eyewear for its intended purpose and enhancing that use by using imaging techniques to improve the vision of the user; (2) telecommunications enhancements that allow the eyeglasses to be integrated with telecommunication devices such as cell phones or the like; and (3) entertainment enhancements that allow the eyewear to be integrated with devices such as MP3 players, radios, or the like. |
| US09244289B2 |
Scanning display device and speckle reduction method
A scanning display device includes: a light source section including at least one light source configured to emitting coherent light; a light scanning section including: a scan mirror configured to reflect the light originated from the light source section and scan over a screen; and a turning section configured to turn the scan mirror; a depolarizer having outgoing polarized light distribution in which a state of polarization of outgoing light consecutively changes within an element plane, wherein: the depolarizer is placed in an optical path along which the light emitted by the light source section reaches the screen; and the state of polarization of the light is changed, thereby scanning the screen with light that has a polarized light distribution, in which the state of polarization consecutively changes, in a beam diameter. |
| US09244284B2 |
Microreplicated film for autostereoscopic displays
An optical light redirecting film that can be made by microreplication, and that is suitable for use in an autostereoscopic backlight or display, includes opposed first and second structured surfaces. The first structured surface includes lenticular features and the second structured surface includes prismatic features. In some cases, at least a first prismatic feature has a first prism optical axis that is tilted relative to a thickness axis of the film perpendicular to the film plane. In some cases, at least a first lenticular feature has a first lenticular optical axis that is tilted relative to the thickness axis. In some cases, the film may have a central film caliper (thickness) at a central portion of the film and an edge film caliper at a first edge portion of the film, the central film caliper being greater than the edge film caliper. |
| US09244283B2 |
System and method for expansion of field of view in a vision system
This invention provides a system and method for expanding the field of view of a vision system camera assembly such that the field of view is generally free of loss of normal resolution across the entire expanded field. A field of view expander includes outer mirrors that receive light from different portions of a scene. The outer mirrors direct light to tilted inner mirrors of a beam splitter that directs the light aligned with a camera axis to avoid image distortion. The inner mirrors each direct the light from each outer mirror into a strip on the sensor, and the system searches features. The adjacent fields of view include overlap regions sized and arranged to ensure a centralized feature appears fully in at least one strip. Alternatively, a moving mirror changes position between acquired image frames so that a full width of the scene is imaged in successive frames. |
| US09244282B2 |
Curved bezel-concealing display device covers and bezel-free display devices
Curved bezel-concealing display covers and display devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a bezel-concealing display cover for coupling to a display device having a bezel and a display panel includes a curved perimeter portion having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the curved perimeter portion is configured to be offset from the bezel of the display device by a varying gap GA. The bezel-concealing display cover further includes an array of prisms on at least one of the first surface or the second surface of the curved perimeter portion. The array of prisms extends from an edge of the curved perimeter portion to a distance L. The array of prisms and the curved perimeter portion is configured to shift a portion of an image proximate the bezel produced by the display panel such that the shifted portion of the image appears over the bezel to an observer. |
| US09244281B1 |
Display system and method using a detached combiner
An apparatus provides a virtual display in an environment for various applications including avionic, naval, military, remote control, medical and other applications. The apparatus can be a head up display (HUD) or head worn display (e.g., helmet mounted display (HMD) and can include image sources disposed at a respective image source position, and a combiner detached from the image sources. The combiner is movable to a respective combiner position for receiving light from a respective image source of the image sources. The combiner provides an image from the respective image source to a user. |
| US09244278B2 |
Computer generated hologram type display device
A display device includes: a light source; an illumination optical system; a diffraction pattern generation unit; a spatial modulation element that generates diffracted light; and a shielding unit that selectively enters a first state where a first and second partial areas are a transmitting and shielding areas, respectively, and a second state where the first and second partial areas are the shielding and transmitting areas, respectively. The spatial modulation element displays the fictive image on a first and second display areas corresponding to the first and second partial areas when the shielding unit is in the first and second states, respectively. The diffraction pattern generation unit generates a first and second portion diffraction patterns from an image in an area corresponding to the first and second display areas out of the original image when the shielding unit is in the first and second states, respectively. |
| US09244277B2 |
Wide angle and high resolution tiled head-mounted display device
A tiled head-mounted display device comprises an optical component including a plurality of prisms with free-form surfaces, and a display component including a plurality of micro-displays (6), wherein the number of the micro-displays (6) and the number of the prisms with free-form surfaces is identical, and each prism with free-form surfaces and the corresponding micro-display (6) constitute a display channel. Each prism is a wedge prism including a first surface (2), a second surface (3) and a third surface (4). The exit pupil planes of each display channel are coincident, thus avoiding pupil aberration and keeping exit pupil diameter and eye clearance same as a single ocular. There is no resolution variance throughout the entire field of view, thus preventing extra trapezoid distortion. The tiled head-mounted display device is compact and lightweight, and provides wide field of view and high resolution. The tiled head-mounted display device can be readily applicable to augmented environments applications by simply adding an auxiliary free-form lens behind the prism with free-form surfaces. |
| US09244276B2 |
Head-up display device
A head-up display device projects a display light on a windshield of a vehicle to form a virtual image thereon. The device includes a casing, an indicator which is attached to the casing to emit the display light into the casing, a light guide path through which the display light emitted from the indicator is guided, and a wiring board which is provided with a driving circuit for driving the indicator. The casing includes a guide rail formed along an irradiation direction of the display light from the indicator to support both lateral portions of the wiring board on the guide rail, and the wiring board is attached in a containing space of the casing formed between the light guide path and an inner surface of the casing by guiding and sliding the wiring board along the irradiation direction of the display light with the guide rail. |
| US09244274B2 |
Reducing optical aberrations with graded-index optics
An aberration corrector and a method to reducing a spherical aberration are disclosed. The aberration corrector has a radial, rotationally symmetric variation of refractive index including a term varying in proportion to a fourth degree of a distance from the optical axis. Since the spherical aberration causes a wavefront deviation proportional to the fourth degree of distance from the optical axis, the spherical aberration can be reduced by the aberration corrector when its thickness causes the exact amount of the phase delay corresponding to the wavefront deviation, but with an opposite sign. |
| US09244269B2 |
Micro movable device and optical switching apparatus
A micro movable device includes: a micro movable substrate in which a micro movable unit is formed, the micro movable unit including a frame, a movable part, and a coupling part for coupling the frame and the movable part to define an axial center of rotation of the movable part; a supporting substrate; and a reinforced fixed part provided between the frame and the supporting substrate, and including a first spacer that joins the frame to the supporting substrate and an adhesive part that covers the first spacer and joins the frame to the supporting substrate, wherein the frame includes a first area facing the movable part in a direction of extent of the axial center, and a second area different from the first area, and the reinforced fixed part is bonded to the second area of the frame. |
| US09244266B2 |
Tunable optical filter and method of manufacture thereof
A tunable optical filter is formed in the structure of an etalon. A thin electro-optic ceramic substrate is fixed between two end substrates. Each end substrate has an inner parallel surface toward said electro-optic ceramic substrate covered by an electrode layer and a reflecting layer. An adhesive which attaches the electro-optic ceramic substrate to each first and second end substrates has a consistency so as to avoid stress on the electro-optic ceramic substrate. A voltage imposed on the electro-optic ceramic substrate by the electrode layers on the inner parallel surfaces of the first and second end substrates effectively controls an optical distance between the reflective coating layers on the inner parallel surfaces of the first and second end substrates of the etalon structure. The electro-optic ceramic substrate is preferably PMN-PT ((1−x)Pb (Mg⅓ Nb⅔) O3-x—Pb Ti O3) and no more than 160 μm thick. |
| US09244265B2 |
Viewing optical system and imaging apparatus using the same
The invention provides a viewing optical system positioned between a viewing plane as a virtual plane and an eye point. The viewing optical system comprises, in order from the viewing plane side, a first lens and a filter. |
| US09244264B1 |
Gimbaled multispectral imaging system and method
A gimbaled multispectral imaging system and method is described herein. In an general embodiment, the gimbaled multispectral imaging system has a cross support that defines a first gimbal axis and a second gimbal axis, wherein the cross support is rotatable about the first gimbal axis. The gimbaled multispectral imaging system comprises a telescope that fixed to an upper end of the cross support, such that rotation of the cross support about the first gimbal axis causes the tilt of the telescope to alter. The gimbaled multispectral imaging system includes optics that facilitate on-gimbal detection of visible light and off-gimbal detection of infrared light. |
| US09244256B2 |
Optical lens assembly, image capturing device and mobile terminal
An optical lens assembly includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element and a fifth lens element. The first lens element with positive refractive power has an object-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof. The second lens element has negative refractive power. The third lens element has refractive power. The fourth lens element with negative refractive power has an object-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof and an image-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof. The fifth lens element with positive refractive power has an object-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof and an image-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof, and the image-side surface thereof has at least one convex shape in an off-axial region thereof. |
| US09244247B2 |
Auto-focus device, projection lens device, and image projection apparatus
An auto-focus device includes: a light projection lens unit that projects light emitted from a light source unit, on a projection target surface; a light receiving unit that receives a diffusely-reflected light from the projection target surface; a light receiving lens unit that guides the diffusely-reflected light to the light receiving unit; a calculating unit that calculates a focal distance to the projection target surface from the diffusely-reflected light; a first holding unit that holds the light source unit, the light projection lens unit, and the light receiving lens unit; a second holding unit that holds the light receiving unit, and is mounted on the first holding unit; and a pressing unit that presses the second holding unit against the first holding unit. The second holding unit is configured to be displaceable on a surface of the first holding unit along a groove portion formed thereon. |
| US09244245B2 |
Auto-centering of an optical element within a barrel
Auto-centering is for an optical element mounted in a cavity of the barrel. A first surface of the optical element engages a seat provided in the cavity. A retaining ring is threaded on the barrel, through complementary barrel and ring threads. The retaining ring engages a peripheral region of a second surface of the optical element, thereby securing the optical element between the seat and the retaining ring. The profile of the barrel threads and the spatial profile of the peripheral region of the second surface are selected in view of an auto-centering condition whereby any decentering of the retaining ring and a corresponding tilt of the retaining ring have counterbalancing effects on the centering of the optical element. Optical assemblies and a mounting method are used with the optical element. |
| US09244243B2 |
Optical fiber fan-out device for a furcation tube assembly
The present disclosure relates to an optical fiber fan-out device having a furcation tube assembly. The furcation tube assembly includes a furcation tube mounting insert and an array of furcation tubes. The first end of the furcation tube mounting insert has a first end surface being a slant configuration at an oblique angle relative to the furcation tube axes. The slanted edge helps to insert optical fibers into the furcation tubes. The supported portions of the furcation tubes have fiber insertion ends that terminate at the first end surface. The furcation tubes also including free portions that extend from the second end of the furcation tube mounting insert. |
| US09244242B2 |
Optical cable assembly, an optical module, and a method for mounting an optical cable assembly to an optical module
An optical cable assembly is provided, an optical cable provided with one or more optical fibers, a strain-relieve device mounted on the optical cable and configured to provide a strain relieve when the optical cable is fed into an optical module through an opening in a housing of the optical module, wherein the strain-relieve device is provided with an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a distance between an end portion of the one or more optical fibers and the strain-relieve device. Furthermore, an optical module and a method for assembling an optical cable assembly are provided. |
| US09244241B2 |
Water borne adhesive binder for adhering and encapsulating polarization maintaining optical fibre
An optical fiber package comprising an adhesive for coating optical fibers comprising part A and part B wherein Part A is an aqueous polymeric emulsion of 2-ethylhexylacrylate or butyl acrylate and acrylic acid or methacrylic acid and Part-B is polyvinylbutyral dissolved in isopropyl alcohol. The said system imparts stability to the optical fiber on long range exposure thereby improving performance. |
| US09244239B2 |
Logging cable
A cable that includes a first optical fiber in a center, a first layer with a plurality of metal wires and a stainless steel tube surrounding the first optical fiber, a second optical fiber inside the stainless steel tube, and a second layer with a plurality of metal wires surrounding the first layer, wherein the first optical fiber is directly exposed to the outside environment. |
| US09244236B2 |
Method for making a photonic integrated circuit having a plurality of lenses
A photonic integrated circuit includes optical circuitry fabricated over an underlying circuitry layer. The optical circuitry includes a dielectric material having recesses disposed within, layers of a light waveguide material deposited within the recesses, and lenses disposed over each layer of waveguide material. The underlying circuitry layer may include, for example, a semiconductor wafer as well as circuitry fabricated during front end of line (FEOL) semiconductor manufacturing such as, for example, sources, gates, drains, interconnects, contacts, resistors, and other circuitry that may be manufactured during FEOL processes. The underlying circuitry layer may also include circuitry manufactured during back end of line semiconductor manufacturing processes such as, for example, interconnect structures, metallization layers, and contacts. |
| US09244235B2 |
Systems and assemblies for transferring high power laser energy through a rotating junction
There are provided high power laser devices and systems for transmitting a high power laser beam across a rotating assembly, including optical slip rings and optical rotational coupling assemblies. These devices can transmit the laser beam through the rotation zone in free space or within a fiber. |
| US09244234B2 |
Optical receptacle and optical module
An optical receptacle includes a first optical surface which receives incidence of light, a reflecting surface which reflects light along a substrate, a light separating section which separates light from the reflecting surface into monitor light and signal light, a second optical surface which emits the monitor light toward a light receiving element, and a third optical surface which emits the signal light. The light separating section includes a plurality of separating units each including a vertical splitting transmissive surface, an inclining splitting reflecting surface and a parallel splitting stepped surface. In the light separating section, 4 to 6 separating units are disposed within a region where light reflected at the reflecting surface is incident. A height of a boundary between the splitting transmissive surface and the splitting stepped surface with respect to a virtual plane including the splitting reflecting surface is 13 to 21 μm. |
| US09244233B2 |
Optical connector having reduced size
An optical waveguide includes a printed circuit board, a waveguide, a light emitter, a light receiver, a transparent driver, and a transparent processor. The driver and the processor are received in and mounted to the printed circuit board through a flip-chip method. The light emitter and the light receiver are mounted to the driver and the processor, respectively, through the flip-chip method. The planar waveguide is attached to a side of the printed circuit board opposite to the light emitter and the light receiver. The driver drives the light emitter to emit light according to input signals. This light is directed onto the light receiver through the driver, the planar waveguide, and the processor. The light receiver converts the light into electrical signals. The processor processes the electrical signals to obtain the input signals. |
| US09244232B2 |
Circuit module
A circuit module can include a substrate, a photonic conversion unit placed on the substrate; and a retention assembly. The retention assembly can include a heat sink in thermal contact with the photonic conversion unit and a fastener. The fastener can be mechanically coupled to both the substrate and the heat sink, and configured to press the heat sink against the photonic conversion unit. The photonic conversion unit is removably secured to the substrate by the retention assembly without the use of a bonding material. |
| US09244228B2 |
Female optical connector
A female optical connector includes a connector body, a hollow pusher, an optical fiber, lenses, and two elastic shielding plates. The connector body includes a coupling surface. The coupling surface defines a receiving hole with an opening. The connector body further includes an end surface, a first surface, and a second surface in the receiving hole. The end surface faces the opening and is interconnected between the first surface and the second surface. The hollow pusher extends from the end surface and is received in the receiving hole. The hollow pusher is spaced apart from the first and second surfaces. The lens is received in the receiving hole and optically coupled to the optical fiber. The elastic shielding plates have fixed ends fixed to the first surface and the second surface at opposite sides of the receiving hole, and opposite free ends overlappable to cover the opening. |
| US09244225B1 |
Fabrication of low-loss, light-waveguiding, orientation-patterned semiconductor structures
Methods for the fabrication of orientation-patterned semiconductor structures are provided. The structures are light-waveguiding structures for nonlinear frequency conversion. The structures are periodically poled semiconductor heterostructures comprising a series of material domains disposed in a periodically alternating arrangement along the optical propagation axis of the waveguide. The methods of fabricating the orientation-patterned structures utilize a series of surface planarization steps at intermediate stages of the heterostucture growth process to provide interlayer interfaces having extremely low roughnesses. |
| US09244216B2 |
Backlight assembly and display device having the same
A backlight assembly includes a light guide plate (LGP) having a stepped portion formed at a corner of the LGP, an optical sheet disposed over the LGP and a receiving container receiving the LGP and the optical sheet. The receiving container includes a bottom plate, first through fourth sidewalls and a first LGP fixing portion. The second sidewall is adjacent to the first sidewall. The third sidewall faces the first sidewall. The fourth sidewall faces the second sidewall. The first through fourth sidewalls are extended upwardly from edge portions of the bottom plate. The first LGP fixing portion is formed at the first sidewall such that the LGP fixing portion corresponds to the stepped portion of the LGP. Therefore, a display device is easily assembled. Furthermore, a defilement that may occur during an assembling process may be reduced to enhance productivity. |
| US09244215B2 |
Chassis for display backlight
An electronic device may be provided with a display. Backlight structures may be used to provide backlight for the display. The backlight structures may include a light guide plate. A rectangular ring-shaped chassis may have a rectangular opening that receives the light guide plate. One or more edges of the chassis may be provided with an array of notches that receive light-emitting diodes or other light sources. The light sources may launch light into edge portions of the light guide plate. The chassis may include a first plastic structure such as a light reflecting structure formed from a material such as white plastic. The first plastic structure may surround two or more peripheral edges of the light guide plate. The chassis may also include a second plastic structure such as a light blocking structure formed from a material such as black plastic that helps prevent light leakage. |
| US09244208B2 |
Optical filter and method for the production of the same, and device for the examination of electromagnetic radiation
An optical filter array includes a substrate permeable to an electromagnetic radiation to be detected, a first DBR mirror arranged on the substrate, a second DBR minor arranged above the first DBR mirror, and a plurality of cavity sections. The cavity sections have different respective optical lengths, and are arranged so as to be spatially separated from each other between the first DBR mirror and the second DBR mirror. Each of the first DBR mirror, the second DBR mirror, and the plurality of cavity sections with different optical lengths form filter elements of a filter. The filter reflects in a stopband determined by the first DBR mirror and the second DBR mirror. Each filter element has at least one narrow transmission band determined by the optical length of its respective cavity section located inside the stopband. A different thicknesses of the cavity sections is provided via a nanoimprint process. |
| US09244203B2 |
Liquid meniscus lens with improved saline formulation
The present invention relates generally to a high-efficiency Electrowetting saline solution formulation. Specific embodiments include high-efficiency Electrowetting saline formulations that maximize the electrical performance of an arcuate liquid meniscus lens incorporated in an ophthalmic lens and operated using direct current. |
| US09244197B2 |
Silicone hydrogels comprising desirable water content and oxygen permeability
The present invention relates to a process comprising the steps of reacting a reactive mixture comprising at least one silicone-containing component, at least one hydrophilic component, and at least one diluent to form an ophthalmic device having an advancing contact angle of less than about 80°; and contacting the ophthalmic device with an aqueous extraction solution at an elevated extraction temperature, wherein said at least one diluent has a boiling point at least about 10° higher than said extraction temperature. |
| US09244196B2 |
Polymers and nanogel materials and methods for making and using the same
Provided are articles such as medical devices which comprise at least one water soluble, crosslinked copolymer. The primary polymer chains of the copolymer are hydrophilic and independently have a degree of polymerization in the range of about 10 to about 10,000. The water soluble, crosslinked copolymers of the present invention are free from terminal substrate associating segments. The copolymers may be incorporated into a formulation from which the article is made or may be contacted with the article post-formation. |
| US09244194B2 |
Azo compound and salt thereof, and dye-based polarizing film and polarizing plate containing the same
The present invention relates to an azo compound represented by the following formula (1) [wherein, A represents a naphthyl group having a substituent, R1 to R6 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having a carbon atom number of 1 to 5, an alkoxy group having a carbon atom number of 1 to 5, a sulfo group, or an alkoxy group having a sulfo group and a carbon atom number of 1 to 5, and X represents a benzoylamino group having a substituent, a phenylamine group having a substituent, a phenylazo group having a substituent, or a naphthotriazole group having a substituent] and a salt thereof. A neutral color polarizing plate and a color polarizing plate for a liquid crystal projector being excellent in polarization performance and durability and having less color leakage in a visible light region can be provided. |
| US09244193B2 |
Microstructured optical films comprising fluorene-containing monomer
Polymerizable resin compositions and microstructures comprising the reaction product of such polymerizable resin compositions are described. The microstructures comprise the reaction product of a polymerizable resin composition comprising an organic portion having a refractive index of at least 1.56 wherein the polymerizable resin composition comprises a fluorene-containing monomer. |
| US09244186B2 |
Forward looking systems and methods for positioning marine seismic equipment
Systems and methods for positioning one or more spread elements of a marine seismic spread are described. One system comprises a seismic vessel-mounted acoustic Doppler current meter adapted to ascertain at least the horizontal component of the current velocity vector at a point ahead of the seismic vessel, and one or more controllers adapted to use the ascertained current velocity vector to control position of one or more seismic spread elements. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b). |
| US09244185B2 |
System and method for towed marine geophysical equipment
A system comprises towed marine geophysical equipment, adapted for towing through a body of water; and a surface covering, comprising a textural attribute of shark skin, attached to the marine geophysical equipment. A method comprises towing marine geophysical equipment having a surface covering, comprising a textural attribute of shark skin, attached thereto. |
| US09244182B2 |
Method of assessing hydrocarbon source rock candidate
A method of assessing a hydrocarbon source rock candidate uses seismic data for a region of the Earth. The data are analyzed to determine the presence, thickness and lateral extent of candidate source rock based on the knowledge of the seismic behavior of hydrocarbon source rocks. An estimate is provided of the organic content of the candidate source rock from acoustic impedance. An estimate of the hydrocarbon generation potential of the candidate source rock is then provided from the thickness and lateral extent of the candidate source rock and from the estimate of the organic content. |
| US09244179B2 |
Time-based digitizer for PET photodetector
An integrated circuit in a PET imaging system with a plurality of photo detectors is provided. A plurality of differential transimpedance amplifiers with differential inputs and differential outputs is provided, wherein differential inputs for each differential transimpedance amplifier of the plurality of differential transimpedance amplifiers are electrically connected to a photodetector. A plurality of level crossing analog-to-digital converters is provided wherein differential inputs for each level crossing analog-to-digital converter of the plurality of level crossing analog-to-digital converters are electrically connected to differential outputs of a differential transimpedance amplifier, wherein each level crossing analog-to-digital converter of the plurality of level crossing analog-to-digital converters, comprises a plurality of differential comparators with differential inputs and differential threshold inputs, wherein the differential inputs are electrically connected to the output of the differential outputs of the differential transimpedance amplifier electrically connected to the level crossing analog-to-digital converter and a clock. |
| US09244178B2 |
Method for determining the irradiation dose deposited in a scintillator by ionising radiation and associated device
Method of determination of an irradiation dose deposited in a scintillator (5) by ionising radiation, comprising the steps of: irradiating the scintillator (5) during a predetermined time; detecting a moment of excitation of the scintillator (5) with a first photodetector (11); then detecting a moment of reception of a scintillation photon with a second photodetector (14), functioning in single photon counting mode; identifying each sequence consisting of the detection of a moment of excitation by the first photodetector (11), and the detection of a moment of reception by the second photodetector (14) with a coincidence event; counting the number of coincidence events; obtaining the irradiation dose deposited during the irradiation time as a function of the number of coincidence events counted and of a predetermined proportionality factor. |
| US09244176B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for estimating time relationship information between navigation systems
Methods and apparatuses are provided that may be implemented in various electronic devices to possibly reduce a first-time-to-fix and/or otherwise increase the performance or efficiency of a device by employing a position/velocity estimation process using at least one estimated time relationship parameter. |
| US09244173B1 |
Determining context of a mobile computer
A mobile computer may determine it is located in a vehicle or a conveyance based on a measured distance and satellite related positioning information. |
| US09244166B1 |
System and method for ice detection
A hazard warning or weather radar system or method can be utilized to determine a location of ice. The system and method can be used in an aircraft. The aircraft weather radar system can include a radar antenna and a processor. The radar antenna receives radar returns. The processor can: 1. identify on a display a region of potential ice associated with a blow off region in response to the radar returns, temperature data, and wind data; 2. identify on a display a region of potential ice associated with a stratiform region in response to radar returns, temperature data, and a history of convective cells in the stratiform region; or 3. perform both 1 and 2. |
| US09244165B1 |
Forward facing sensing system for vehicle
A forward facing sensing system includes a windshield electronics module configured to be attached at and behind a windshield of a vehicle. A radar sensor device and an image sensor are disposed in the module so as to have a sensing/viewing direction forward of the vehicle with the module attached at and behind the windshield. A control includes an image processor that processes image data captured by the image sensor and that analyzes captured image data to detect an object present forward of the vehicle. The detected object is also sensed by a beam of the radar sensor device. The control, responsive at least in part to processing by the image processor of captured image data to detect the object and to sensing by the radar sensor device of the detected object, determines that a potentially hazardous condition may exist in the path of forward travel of the vehicle. |
| US09244164B2 |
Method for unambiguously determining a range and/or a relative speed of an object, driver assistance device and motor vehicle
A method for unambiguous determination of a range to and/or of a relative velocity of an object with respect to a motor vehicle is disclosed. An unambiguity area (RUn) for the range and/or an unambiguity area (VUn) for the relative velocity may be determined by means of a frequency-modulation continuous-wave radar in the motor vehicle, with a predetermined sequence of frequency-modulated signal pulses being transmitted by the frequency-modulation continuous-wave radar in a measurement cycle. Mutually different unambiguity areas (RUn) for the range and/or mutually different unambiguity areas (VUn) for the relative velocity are defined for at least two successive measurement cycles, and the range and/or the relative velocity are/is determined on the basis of, in each case, at least one measured value for the range and/or for the relative velocity from each measurement cycle. |
| US09244162B2 |
Method, system and computer program product for ranging RFID tags
The invention relates to a method for ranging a radio frequency tag, comprising measuring the modulated backscattering response of the tag at a plurality of frequencies using reader and determining the dispersive properties of the tag from the amplitude of the measured backscattering response. Further, the method comprises determining a position parameter of the tag from the measured modulated backscattering response and the determined dispersive properties of the tag. |
| US09244157B1 |
Weather radar threat depiction system and method
A method and system can display images associated with core threats, associated threats, and/or predictive overflight threats. The images of the weather can be displayed using at least a first color, a second color, and a third color associated with a respective first precipitation rate range, a second respective precipitation rate range, and a third respective precipitation rate range. The first precipitation rate range is less than the second precipitation rate range and the third precipitation rate range is more than the second precipitation rate range. The core threats, associated threats and predictive overflight threats can be displayed using the first, second and third colors, speckled areas, and wedge-shaped symbols. |
| US09244152B1 |
Determining device locations using movement, signal strength
Techniques for precisely determining a location of a mobile computing device based on both wireless signal strengths measured at the mobile computing device and movement of the device. The wireless signal strengths may represent the strength of a connection between the device and wireless access points (WAPs), cellular towers, or the like. Furthermore, the techniques described herein may utilize movement data provided by the device. For instance, the device may include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and/or any other components configured to recognize when a device is moving, a direction that the device is moving, or the like. In one example, the accelerometer reports when the device has moved by a certain amount, while the gyroscope reports a direction in which the device is moving. The techniques then utilize this information in addition to the wireless signal strengths to estimate locations of the device as the device moves over time. |
| US09244150B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing location information of user devices based on signal frequencies of transmitters
An approach is provided for providing location information of user devices based on signal frequencies of transmitters. The positioning platform processes and/or facilitates a processing of one or more signals, from one or more transmitters, captured at one or more user devices to determine one or more frequencies of the one or more signals. Next, the positioning platform determines device location information of the one or more user devices based, at least in part, on the one or more frequencies. |
| US09244148B1 |
Geolocation of radio frequency signals within a sensitive area using a grid of linear antennas
A system detects the location of an uncooperative emitter by measuring the power level in an RF signal using a grid of linear antennas. The linear antennas are arranged in an x,y axis with intersections strategically placed in areas of interest. A detector detects the power level in each of the leaky signal cables. A processor in communication with the detector identifies the cable intersection having the greatest power level and associates that intersection as the location of the uncooperative emitter. |
| US09244147B1 |
Automated package delivery to a delivery receptacle
Improving automated package delivery to mobile delivery receptacles to allow accurate and reliable package deliveries comprises a delivery receptacle for an automated package delivery via an unmanned aerial delivery device. The delivery receptacle is notified of a pending delivery and travels to a receiving location. The delivery receptacle emits infrared (“IR”) beacons from one or more IR beacon transmitters. An aerial delivery device detects the IR beacon and uses the beacons to navigate to the delivery receptacle. The delivery receptacle receives IR beacon responses from the aerial delivery device and continually or periodically directs the IR beacons in the direction of the aerial delivery device. The aerial delivery device deposits the package in the delivery receptacle. After receiving the package, the delivery receptacle transports the package to a secure location, such as into a garage. |
| US09244146B2 |
Positioning beacon transmitter
Disclosed are systems, methods and devices for configuring a beacon transmitter for use in positioning operations of mobile devices. A beacon transmitter may be connected to a utility grade power source at a power cable. The beacon transmitter may also demodulate one or more data signals transmitted over the power cable to at least partially define a configuration for the beacon transmitter. |
| US09244144B2 |
Method for determining magnetic resonance data and a magnetic resonance system
A method is disclosed for acquiring magnetic resonance (MR) data for a plurality of layers of an object to be examined in a section of a magnetic resonance system having a basic magnetic field, wherein the section is located at the edge of a Field of View of the magnetic resonance system in the first direction. The method includes producing a first gradient field having a non-linearity of its location dependence in such a way that in the section the non-linearity compensates a local inhomogeneity of the basic magnetic field, and then multiple positioning of the object to be examined in a first direction, so the plurality of layers of the object to be examined perpendicular to the first direction successively includes the section. Finally, it includes the acquisition of magnetic resonance data for each of the layers with recording sequences. |
| US09244140B1 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus
A magnetic resonance imaging configuration, apparatus and method to straighten and otherwise homogenize the field lines in the imaging portion, creating improved image quality. Through use of calibrated corrective coils, magnetic field lines can be manipulated to improve uniformity and image quality. Additionally, when the apparatus is composed of non-ferromagnetic materials, field strengths can be increased to overcome limitations of Iron-based systems such as by use of superconductivity. A patient positioning apparatus allows multi-positioning of a patient within the calibrated and more uniform magnetic field lines. |
| US09244136B2 |
Magnetic sensor with reduced effect of interlayer coupling magnetic field
A magnetic sensor includes an MR element and a pair of magnets. The MR element includes a magnetization pinned layer having a magnetization pinned in a direction parallel to an X direction, a free layer having a magnetization that varies depending on an X-direction component of an external magnetic field, and a nonmagnetic layer interposed between the magnetization pinned layer and the free layer. The magnetization pinned layer, the nonmagnetic layer and the free layer are stacked to be adjacent in a Y direction. The free layer receives an interlayer coupling magnetic field in a direction parallel to the X direction resulting from the magnetization pinned layer. The pair of magnets applies a bias magnetic field to the free layer. The bias magnetic field includes a first component in a direction opposite to that of the interlayer coupling magnetic field and a second component in a Z direction. |
| US09244135B2 |
Magnetic sensor device
A magnetic sensor device includes a first magnet and a second magnet that are disposed on mutually opposing sides of a conveyance path, and one of poles of the first magnet faces an opposite pole of the second magnet. The first magnet and the second magnet generate a cross magnetic field whose strength in a spacing direction, which is orthogonal to a conveying direction, is within a predetermined range. An AMR element is located in a magnetic field in which the strength of the cross magnetic field in the spacing direction is within a predetermined range, and detects, as change in a resistance value, change in the cross magnetic field caused by an object to be detected. A multilayer board outputs the change in the resistance value detected by the AMR element to a processing circuit. |
| US09244134B2 |
XMR-sensor and method for manufacturing the XMR-sensor
An XMR-sensor and method for manufacturing the XMR-Sensor are provided. The XMR-sensor includes a substrate, a first contact, a second contact and an XMR-structure. The substrate includes a first main surface area and a second main surface area. The first contact is arranged at the first main surface area and the second contact is arranged at the second main surface area. The XMR-structure extends from the first contact to the second contact such that an XMR-plane of the XMR-structure is arranged along a first direction perpendicular to the first main surface area or the second main surface area. |
| US09244131B2 |
Method for determining the internal ohmic resistance of a battery module, battery management system and motor vehicle
A method for determining an internal ohmic resistance of a first battery module includes measuring a first voltage intensity of the first battery module. The first battery module is connected to at least one second battery module subject to a current load after obtaining the first voltage intensity. A second voltage intensity of the first battery module is measured after the connection of the first battery module. The internal ohmic resistance is determined with reference to the first voltage intensity and the second voltage intensity. |
| US09244130B2 |
Method, system and computer-readable media for measuring impedance of an energy storage device
Real-time battery impedance spectrum is acquired using a one-time record. Fast Summation Transformation (FST) is a parallel method of acquiring a real-time battery impedance spectrum using a one-time record that enables battery diagnostics. An excitation current to a battery is a sum of equal amplitude sine waves of frequencies that are octave harmonics spread over a range of interest. A sample frequency is also octave and harmonically related to all frequencies in the sum. A time profile of this sampled signal has a duration that is a few periods of the lowest frequency. A voltage response of the battery, average deleted, is an impedance of the battery in a time domain. Since the excitation frequencies are known and octave and harmonically related, a simple algorithm, FST, processes the time profile by rectifying relative to sine and cosine of each frequency. Another algorithm yields real and imaginary components for each frequency. |
| US09244126B2 |
Automated test system with event detection capability
A test technique that may be implemented in an automated test system for testing semiconductor devices. The test technique may enable the fast detection of a signal transition, such as an edge, within a waveform and the timing of that event. Circuitry within a digital instrument that can be quickly and flexibly programmed may, at least in part, implement the test technique. That circuitry may be simply programmed with testing parameters, such that application of the technique may lead to faster test development and faster times. In operation, that circuitry receives parameters specifying parameters of a window over a waveform in which samples of the waveform will be taken to detect the signal transition. The circuitry may convert these parameters into control signals for other components in the test system, such as an edge generator or pin electronics, to take a programmed number of samples at desired times. |
| US09244120B2 |
Simulation of printed circuit board impedance variations and crosstalk effects
A method for altering an impedance of a conductive pathway on a microelectronic package includes applying a magnetic field to the conductive pathway. The microelectronic package may be, for example, a printed circuit board. The method also includes controlling a magnitude of the magnetic field at the conductive pathway for altering the impedance of the conductive pathway. The magnetic field may be applied by, for example, an electromagnet or a permanent magnet. A magnetic field may also be applied for simulating crosstalk effects on a conductive pathway. |
| US09244116B2 |
Indirect electrical appliance power consumption monitoring and management
The operation of electrical appliances receiving electrical power from an electrical system may be indirectly monitored using monitoring units engaged with outlets on branch circuits of the electrical system. Electrical systems providing power to appliances to be monitored in accordance with the present invention may comprise split phase alternating current systems, tri-phase systems, or any other type of electrical system. Known loads may be applied to calibrate the monitoring system. The monitoring system may measure the power consumption of appliances operating on the electrical system and/or detect possible fault conditions. The monitoring system may be distributed across multiple monitoring units and other computing devices. Output devices may be used to output a summary of the power consumption or other operation of monitored electrical appliances. |
| US09244114B2 |
System and method for assessing faulty power-line insulator strings
A system for the detection of discharges over high voltage power-line insulator strings of an electrical grid. A sensor unit is deployed on a non conducting cable of the grid. The sensor feeds an array of band cut-off filters receiving each signals from said at least one sensor unit. An analogue processor is associated with each of the band cut-off filters associated each with a current peak detector. An ADC unit is associated with each one of said analogue processors. In addition a digital processor is provided for calculating data received from each one of the ADCs and one radio transmitter unit sends data to a gateway of a network. A digital processor is adapted to send data processed based on the output of the ADCs, to the radio transmitter for conveying the data to processor associated with a WAN. |
| US09244112B2 |
Method for detecting an electrical defect of contact/via plugs
A method for detecting an electrical defect of contact/via plugs is provided. In the method, the contact/via plugs are monitored by an electron-beam (E-Beam) inspection tool to capture an image with a VC (voltage contrast) difference, and then an image extraction is performed on the image with the VC difference, wherein the image extraction is based on Target gray level/back ground gray level. The extracted image is contrasted with a layout design base to obtain a blind contact or Quasi-blind issue of contact/via plugs. A grayscale value of the VC difference having the blind contact or Quasi-blind issue is compared with a determined range of grayscale value to determine whether the VC difference is abnormal. |
| US09244108B2 |
Device for detecting the insulation resistance of a high voltage battery system
A device for detecting the insulation resistance of a high-voltage battery system of a motor vehicle that includes a high-voltage battery and a high-voltage component which is operatively connected to terminals of the high-voltage battery via converters. The device includes a reference resistor operatively connected to the terminals of the high-voltage battery via switches, with a voltage measurement device configured to detect the voltage present between each respective terminal and a reference potential of the vehicle; a voltage measurement device configured to measure the voltage between the terminals; and a coupling circuit configured to monitor the high-voltage component when the contactors are open. |
| US09244104B2 |
Detecting a dielectric article
A device for detecting a dielectric object includes a first electrode and a second electrode. A first unit is configured to determine a first capacitance that exists between the first electrode and a common reference point and that is influenced by the object. A second unit is configured to determine a second capacitance that exists between the second electrode and the reference point and that is influenced by the object. The device further includes a control unit for actuating the first and second units and an evaluating unit that is configured to detect the object when the determined capacitances differ by more than a predetermined amount. The control unit is configured to actuate the units in such a manner that the capacitance determinations are carried out in succession. A switching unit is provided so as to electrically connect the electrode of the respective non-actuated unit to the common reference point. |
| US09244101B2 |
Electrochemical fabrication process for forming multilayer multimaterial microprobe structures
Some embodiments of the invention are directed to the electrochemical fabrication of microprobes which are formed from a core material and a material that partially coats the surface of the probe. Other embodiments are directed to the electrochemical fabrication of microprobes which are formed from a core material and a material that completely coats the surface of each layer from which the probe is formed including interlayer regions. These first two groups of embodiments incorporate both the core material and the coating material during the formation of each layer. Still other embodiments are directed to the electrochemical fabrication of microprobe arrays that are partially encapsulated by a dielectric material during a post layer formation coating process. In even further embodiments, the electrochemical fabrication of microprobes from two or more materials may occur by incorporating a coating material around each layer of the structure without locating the coating material in inter-layer regions. |
| US09244098B2 |
Banana jack adapter for test switch
An improved banana jack adapter assembly is provided for use in connection with a test switch in a utility meter application. The banana jack adapter assembly improves connectability of testing equipment to a meter box test switch when a field operator desires to calibrate a meter of a utility box. |
| US09244095B2 |
Method and device for controlling a scanning probe microscope
The present invention relates to a method for controlling a scanning probe microscope having a probe (2) with a tip (21) for interacting with a sample (4), and a nanoscanner (1) for retaining the sample (4) or the probe (2), comprising the steps of monitoring the extension of the piezo element (1) along a first direction (R) along which the tip (21) is moved towards the sample (4), and adjusting the level of the probe (2) along the first direction (R) by means of an additional actuator (3), when the nanoscanner (1) exhibits an extension below or above a threshold value. The invention further relates to a device (100) for controlling a scanning probe microscope. |
| US09244094B2 |
Acceleration sensor
An acceleration sensor includes a weight portion having a recess section and a solid section, beam portions, a movable electrode provided on the opposite surface of the weight portion from an open surface of the recess section to extend over the recess section and the solid section, a first fixed electrode arranged at the opposite side of the movable electrode from the recess section, and a second fixed electrode arranged at the opposite side of the movable electrode from the solid section. The acceleration sensor detects acceleration using a change in capacitance between the movable electrode and the fixed electrodes caused by rotation of the weight portion. The beam portions are shifted toward the recess section such that an angle between a perpendicular line extending from a gravity center position of the weight portion to the rotation axis and a surface of the movable electrode becomes equal to 45 degrees. |
| US09244089B2 |
Rotation detecting unit and method for making the same
A rotation detecting unit is adapted for a rotatable body. The rotation detecting unit includes a rotation detecting part, a signal transmission member, and a main body part. The rotation detecting part detects a rotational state of the rotatable body and outputs a rotation detection signal. The signal transmission member is electrically connected to the rotation detecting part to transmit the rotation detection signal to an external device. The main body part holds at least a part of the signal transmission member and the rotation detecting part. The main body part is integrally molded from thermosetting resin including a joined part obtained as a result of joining together a terminal of the rotation detecting part and the signal transmission member, the part of the signal transmission member, and the rotation detecting part. The main body part includes a recess at a region corresponding to the rotation detecting part. |
| US09244082B2 |
Detection and treatment of LRP4-associated neurotransmission disorders
The present invention includes methods for the detection of neurotransmission or developmental disorders, including, but not limited to, myasthenia gravis that is seronegative for autoantibodies to the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) and/or muscle specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK), the method including detecting autoantibodies that bind to LRP4, or an epitope thereof. Also included are methods for the treatment of an individual suffering from a neurotransmission disorder, the method including detecting in a bodily fluid of the individual autoantibodies that bind to LRP4, or an epitope thereof, and administering to the patient an effective amount an immunosuppressant and/or another appropriate therapeutic modality. Also included are antibodies that bind to autoantibodies to LRP4 and kits for the detection of neurotransmission or developmental disorders. |
| US09244073B2 |
Assays for detecting enzymatic activity
The present invention relates to method of detecting activity of a sample. Some methods involve detecting a neo-binding-site created by the activity such as detecting an activity of a protease by detecting a neo-binding-site created by cleavage of a substrate by the protease. |
| US09244070B2 |
Immunoglobulin libraries
Methods and compositions for the screening and isolation of ligand-binding polypeptides, such as antibodies. In some aspects, methods of the invention enable the isolation of intact soluble antibodies comprising a constant domain. Screening methods that employ genetic packages such as bacteria and bacteriophages enable high through-put identification of ligand binding molecules. |
| US09244066B2 |
Optical testing system
The present application provides a system (1) that comprises a mobile phone (25) to allow testing of samples from a patient at the point of care or environmental/industrial process monitoring tests to be performed in the field. The system (1) may be easily adapted for use with a variety of different mobile phones (25). The mobile phone (25) comprises an integrated camera (15). The system (1) further comprises an optical module (20) for receiving a sample for testing. The mobile phone (25) is configured to extract the intensity and/or color information from the camera (15). |
| US09244064B2 |
Use of hydrogels for biosensors having elevated sensitivity
The present invention relates to measures for determining glucose and for diagnosing diseases based on impaired glucose metabolism. In particular the present invention relates to the use of a polymer-based hydrogel consisting of at least one water-soluble polymer in a sensor for enriching a dissolved glucose-binding protein, wherein the at least one water-soluble polymer is capable of interacting with the glucose-binding protein and wherein the glucose-binding protein is present in a complex with a ligand. |
| US09244060B2 |
Site localization and methods for monitoring treatment of disturbed blood vessels
Methods for identifying defects in blood vessels and treating such defects are provided. The methods comprise administering to a patient a composition comprising a labeled delivery ligand capable of preferentially accumulating at or near blood vessels defects. In some embodiments, the delivery ligand may carry one or more active agents to the defect. |
| US09244058B2 |
Biological markers predictive of anti-cancer response to epidermal growth factor receptor kinase inhibitors
The present invention provides diagnostic and prognostic methods for predicting the effectiveness of treatment of a cancer patient with an EGFR kinase inhibitor. Methods are provided for predicting the sensitivity of tumor cell growth to inhibition by an EGFR kinase inhibitor, comprising assessing whether the tumor cell has undergone an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), by determining the expression level of epithelial and/or mesenchymal biomarkers, wherein tumor cells that have undergone an EMT are substantially less sensitive to inhibition by EGFR kinase inhibitors. Improved methods for treating cancer patients with EGFR kinase inhibitors that incorporate the above methodology are also provided. Additionally, methods are provided for the identification of new biomarkers that are predictive of responsiveness of tumors to EGFR kinase inhibitors. Furthermore, methods for the identification of agents that restore the sensitivity of tumor cells that have undergone EMT to inhibition by EGFR kinase inhibitors are also provided. |
| US09244056B2 |
Integrated sampling and dispensing device
The present invention discloses an integrated sampling and dispensing device comprising a flexible container, a dropper with a sampling rod and a sample removing vessel disposed therebetween. The device of the present invention can be conveniently used for collecting specimen and dispensing the same after a reaction in a single device by simple manipulation of severing the sampling rod and turning the container upside down. Also by using the present device a constant amount of specimen can be used for each reaction which leads to a reliable and reproducible result. |
| US09244054B2 |
Systems and methods for determining a state of deterioration of engine oil using multiple preselected oil properties
Systems and methods for automatically evaluating the useful life of an engine oil based on data corresponding to a plurality of preselected key oil properties. The evaluation includes determining, in connection with each of the pre-selected key oil properties, a first current measured oil property value, a first reference oil property value, a first deterioration-limit value, and a first weighting factor. The evaluation also includes determining a single index value, indicating a state of deterioration of the engine oil, in a calculation using each of the values and factors. |
| US09244053B2 |
Apparatus for monitoring aeration in fluid of hydraulic circuit
An apparatus for monitoring aeration in a fluid of a hydraulic circuit is provided. The apparatus includes at least two measuring units configured to connect at a first location, and a second location of the hydraulic circuit. The measuring units are configured to measure pressure, temperature, and density of the fluid at the respective locations. The apparatus further includes a computing unit configured to output aeration values of the fluid at the first and the second location based on the measured pressure, temperature, and density by the two measuring units. The apparatus further includes a correlation unit configured to correlate aeration levels at the first and second locations based on the measured aeration values. |
| US09244048B2 |
Gas sensor and subassembly unit therefor
The present invention aims to provide a gas sensor that can favorably be assembled by proper positioning of a connection terminal relative to a separator and a subassembly unit for such a gas sensor. In an oxygen sensor, a separator has protruding portions formed on a surface of a front end part thereof; an outer connection terminal has an outer fitting portion fixed to outer circumferential surfaces of the protruding portions under its biasing force; and an inner connection terminal has an inner fitting portion fixed to inner circumferential surfaces of the protruding portions under its biasing force. Thus, it is less likely that the outer and inner connection terminals will be displaced in position relative to the separator and is possible to allow proper positioning of the outer and inner connection terminals. |
| US09244043B2 |
Integrated active ultrasonic probe
An ultrasonic probe includes ultrasonic transducers and processing electronics to control emission of ultrasonic energy and to process and digitize returned echo data. Processed echo data can then be transmitted over a digital interface for display. |
| US09244040B2 |
Mass spectrometer
A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a device which is operable in a first mode of operation to separate ions temporally according to their ion mobility by applying a continuous axial electric field. The device is also operable in a second mode of operation wherein ions are separated temporally according to their mass to charge ratio by pulsing an applied axial electric field ON and OFF. |
| US09244036B2 |
System and method for determination of a concentration of at least one interfering substance and correction of glucose concentration based on the concentration of the interfering substance
Described are methods and systems to apply a plurality of test voltages to the test strip and measure a current transient output resulting from an electrochemical reaction in a test chamber of the test strip so that an estimated interferent value can be determined so that such interferent value can be used to correct the current transients at specific time points for more accurate glucose concentration determination. |
| US09244035B2 |
Saliva glucose monitoring system
A glucose sensor suitable for measuring glucose levels in human saliva is provided. Systems containing the glucose sensor and methods for making and using the sensor are also provided. The glucose sensor is highly sensitive and can detect glucose levels at least down to 5 ppm. Fabrication of the sensor involves depositing single-walled carbon nanotubes onto the surface of a working electrode in a 3 electrode electrochemical detector and functionalizing the nanotubes by depositing layers of polymers, metallic nanoparticles, and glucose oxidase enzyme onto the nanotubes. The sensor can be used as a disposable, single-use device or as part of an analytical system, such as a microfluidics system, for the analysis of multiple analytes. The sensor enables the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes to be performed without pain or the need for finger pricks in a home or clinical setting. |
| US09244029B2 |
Method and device for controlling crystallization
The use of a vapor source (10) in an isothermal system (8) to control the crystallization or recrystallization of a sample of solid material (9) which is initially at least partially amorphous and/or at least partially crystalline and contained within the system (8), the vapor source (10) including at least one solvent for crystallizing the solid material, the vapor diffusion (14) of which leads to the crystallization or recrystallization of the sample (9), the vapor source (10) being such that the quantities of heat exchanged within the system during the crystallization or recrystallization of the sample (9) other than the heat of crystallization or recrystallization of the sample are less than approximately 10%, particularly 5%, and advantageously 1% of the heat of crystallization or recrystallization of the sample. The vapor source (10) is preferably a pure solvent or a solvent mixture in which no solute is dissolved. |
| US09244027B2 |
Method and instrument for identifying jewelry with plated element using x-ray florescence
The method uses an XRF instrument for identifying a specified element on a jewelry sample by illuminating its surface with excitation radiation and measuring first and second intensities of characteristic emission lines of a specified element and calculating the ratio between the intensities to establish a measured thickness and to determine based on a certain range criteria whether the sample can be considered to be plated jewelry. |
| US09244026B2 |
X-ray fluorescence analyzer
An x-ray fluorescence apparatus for measuring properties of a sample fluid, the apparatus comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a test chamber disposed within the housing, the test chamber comprising an injection port in fluid communication with the inlet; a slide disposed within the test chamber, the slide comprising a sample cavity; and a test port; an x-ray fluorescence spectrometer disposed within the housing, and at least one motor operatively coupled to the slide of the test chamber. Also, a method of testing a fluid, the method comprising injecting a fluid through an injection port of a test chamber into a sample cavity of a slide; moving the slide laterally within the test chamber to an intermediate position; moving the slide laterally within the test chamber to a test position; and actuating an x-ray fluorescence spectrometer to sample the fluid within the sample cavity when the slide is in the test position. |
| US09244023B2 |
Systems and methods for radiation monitoring
Systems and methods for radiation monitoring with a fuel-based liquid scintillant are disclosed. Fuel-scintillant compositions according to this disclosure may serve dual purposes of a fuel to power an engine and a scintillator to detect radiation. For example, fuel-scintillant compositions may be incorporated into a radiation monitoring vehicle that combusts the fuel-scintillant composition to power the vehicle. Further, systems may be configured to detect scintillation events within the fuel-scintillant composition and may be configured to detect weak and/or distance radiation sources. |
| US09244022B2 |
Mannequins for use in imaging and systems including the same
A mannequin may include a skin layer, an axis of rotation and a photon transmissive filler. The skin layer may include a contoured surface. The skin layer may have a thickness of less than about 10 mm. The contoured surface may be formed into a three-dimensional shape that substantially matches anatomy of a person or a statistical model representing a group of people. The axis of rotation may intersect the mannequin and may define a center for collection of X-ray images along a substantially circular path. The photon transmissive filler may be at least partially surrounded by the skin layer. The photon transmissive filler may have a an average specific gravity of less than about 0.5 g/cc. |
| US09244018B2 |
Probe holding structure and optical inspection device equipped with the same
A probe holding structure includes a substrate and a plurality of holding modules. The substrate has an opening and a plurality of grooves arranged around a periphery of the opening. The holding modules are connected with the grooves, respectively. Each holding modules includes a fixing member and a plurality of probes. The fixing member is connected with a corresponding groove. The probes are connected with the fixing member and pass through the corresponding groove. The probe holding structure is combined with a lens adjusting mechanism having a lens to form an optical inspection device for testing electric characteristics of chips. |
| US09244017B2 |
Oil detection process and apparatus
A process for detecting oil or lubricant contamination in a manufactured product, the process comprising adding a fluorescent taggant to oils or lubricants contained in processing machinery for said product, conveying said product past an infrared detection apparatus, irradiating said product with infrared radiation from said detection apparatus as it passes the detection apparatus, and detecting infrared radiation emitted from said irradiated product. |
| US09244015B2 |
Self-arranging, luminescence-enhancement device for surface-enhanced luminescence
A self-arranging, luminescence-enhancement device 101 for surface-enhanced luminescence. The self-arranging, luminescence-enhancement device 101 for surface-enhanced luminescence includes a substrate 110, and a plurality 120 of flexible columnar structures. A flexible columnar structure 120-1 of the plurality 120 includes a flexible column 120-1A, and a metallic cap 120-1B coupled to the apex 120-1 C of the flexible column 120-1A. At least the flexible columnar structure 120-1 and a second flexible columnar structure 120-2 are configured to self-arrange into a close-packed configuration with at least one molecule 220-1 disposed between at least the metallic cap 120-1B and a second metallic cap 120-2B of respective flexible columnar structure 120-1 and second flexible columnar structure 120-2. |
| US09244013B2 |
Method of quantifying UV disinfecting doses applied to an ophthalmic lens using indicators
The presented invention describes the development of a measuring method based on the degradation of various chromophores/fluorophores that can be used as quantitative method to elucidate the UV dose within a liquid or as a qualitative visual color-changing chemical indicator of UV sterilization is described. |
| US09244010B2 |
Device and method for detecting scattered light signals
A device and a method for detecting scattered light signals is specified. A light source exposes a scattered light area in which particles may be present to light. With the objective of reducing costs and improving detection accuracy, the device comprises a plurality of optical sensors for detecting scattered light and an evaluation unit for evaluating the signals detected by the optical sensors, wherein the sensors are each arranged at a sensor angle relative to the incident axis of the incident light so as to detect scattered light from the scattered light area, wherein one of the plurality of optical sensors is a reference sensor, and wherein the evaluation unit is designed to relate the signal profiles of the other optical sensors to the signal profile of the reference sensor, wherein the signal profiles of the optical sensors serve in classifying any particles which may be present in the scattered light area. |
| US09244008B2 |
Surface plasmon resonance sensor element and sensor including the same
A surface plasmon resonance sensor element includes a thin metallic layer, an optical construction disposed on the thin metallic layer for directing light to and away from the thin metallic layer, and an absorptive layer disposed on the thin metallic layer opposite the optical construction. The absorptive layer includes a polymer of intrinsic microporosity having an average pore volume of at least 0.4 cubic nanometers. |
| US09244000B2 |
Analyte test strip and analyte meter device
A test strip with an incorporated optical waveguide and deflectors punched through the optical waveguide allows light to exit through a layer of the test strip and be detected by a photo detector. Using light and a photodetector, these uniquely coded strips are identified. The waveguide can be constructed by sandwiching two layers of the test strip around a light transmissible layer. This configuration allows light to be transmitted through the test strip and out the other end, as well as allowing some light to escape the deflector. This light is detected by a photodetector mounted in the analyte test meter. The deflectors may be placed in patterns such that detection of this light indicates certain characteristics of the strip, such as non-counterfeit, regional identification, type of analyte tested, and coding information. |
| US09243998B2 |
Resonant photo acoustic system
A device includes a resonator having an oscillating portion with dimensions chosen to lead to a desired resonant frequency. A light source is positioned to provide light along the length of the oscillating portion at a specific wave length. A detector detects a change in oscillation of the resonator responsive to the wave pressure produced by the light source heating a gas. The light source is modulated with a frequency the same as the resonant frequency of the resonator. |
| US09243996B2 |
LED densitometer for microtiter plate
Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are mounted in an array to an upper structure overlying a lower structure with a plurality of light detectors thereon. Each LED is configured to overlie a separate detector. Each LED emits light at a frequency relevant for measuring optical density of a specimen. LEDs having different frequencies are included within the LED array. A corresponding array of detectors is also provided, mounted to the lower structure. Spacing between adjacent LEDs and between adjacent detectors match a spacing between wells in a microtiter plate. Spacing between the lower structure and the upper structure supporting the LEDs is sufficient for the microtiter plate to fit between. Circuitry sequentially fires individual LEDs and gathers optical density data through the detectors for specimens in the wells of the microtiter plate. The structures are then moved to a next adjacent well position on the microtiter plate and the process repeated. |
| US09243994B1 |
Measurement device
A measurement device includes: a light emitting section that continuously emits light into a liquid; a light receiving section that continuously receives the light continuously emitted from the light emitting section and that passed through the liquid, and converts the continuously received light into a continuous electrical signal; a particle detection section that amplifies by a first amplification ratio the continuous electrical signal converted by the light receiving section, and generates a particle detection signal as a continuous signal; an air bubble detection section that amplifies by a second amplification ratio that is smaller than the first amplification ratio the continuous electrical signal converted by the light receiving section, and generates an air bubble detection signal as a continuous signal; and a pollution level measurement section that generates a signal for measuring the pollution level of the liquid based on the particle detection signal and the air bubble detection signal. |
| US09243992B2 |
Method and device for flow cytometry without sheath fluid
A method and a device employing the method of flow cytometry, preferably applicable but not limited to the counting and differentiation of leukocytes. It relates more particularly to the field of simplified haematology instruments with moderate operating costs. The method is characterized in that a technique of impedance measurement is used for identifying the particles whose trajectory did not pass through a predetermined optical measurement zone in order to process them selectively, thus avoiding the use of sheath fluids for guiding the particles towards the measurement zone. |
| US09243990B2 |
Pressure regulators with filter condition detectors
Example pressure regulators with filter condition detectors are described herein. In one example described here, a regulator includes a body having an inlet and an outlet and a flow control member interposed between the inlet and the outlet to regulate a fluid pressure at the outlet. The example regulator also includes a filter disposed between the inlet and the flow control member and a detector having a first measurement point upstream from the filter and a second measurement point downstream from the filter and upstream from the flow control member. |
| US09243989B2 |
Particle size distribution measuring apparatus
In order to reduce a calculation time of a particle size distribution, a particle size distribution measuring apparatus includes an operation part for receiving light intensity signals outputted from photodetectors and calculating a particle size distribution of the particles based on the fact that a vector s is represented by a predetermined expression including a product of a vector q and a coefficient matrix K, and the operation part is adapted to calculate values of a plurality of first parameters that depend on the particle sizes of the particles and a plurality of second parameters that depend on spread angles of the diffracted/scattered lights, wherein the first and second parameters are used for calculating one element among elements of the coefficient matrix K, and at least one of these calculated values is stored to be used for calculating another element of the coefficient matrix K. |
| US09243986B2 |
Method for evaluating absorbency of an absorbent article
A method of evaluating the absorbency of an absorbent article comprises the steps of: (i) providing an absorbent article comprising a topsheet and having a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end; (ii) disposing the absorbent article in a flat configuration in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis of the absorbent article; (iii) twisting the longitudinal ends in opposite directions in planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; (iv) twisting the longitudinal ends in directions opposite that of step (iii); (v) applying artificial bodily fluid to the topsheet of said absorbent article during steps (iii) and/or (iv); and (vi) repeating steps (iii) and (iv) after the artificial bodily fluid is applied to the topsheet. |
| US09243983B2 |
Emissions test system and method
An emission test system may include at least one controller configured to determine, directly or indirectly, a quantity of diluted exhaust sample in a container at the completion of an emissions test, and to cause additional diluent gas to be added to the container based on the determined quantity. |
| US09243980B2 |
Bush component force detection device
A bush component force detection device detects a component force acting on a bush which is press-fitted into a hole provided in a frame of a vehicle. The bush component force detection device includes: a cylinder which is inserted into the hole with predetermined space therefrom and has strain gauges; elastically deformable outer-side projections that extend in an axial direction of the cylinder and project radially outward from an outer surface of the cylinder; and elastically deformable inner-side projections that extend in an axial direction of the cylinder and project radially inward from an inner surface of the cylinder. |
| US09243977B2 |
Method for diagnosing a valve of a fluid supply line to a line of an air system of a combustion engine
In a method for diagnosing a valve in a fluid supply line to a suction line of an air system of a combustion engine, the fluid supply line being is part of an exhaust-gas recirculation system or a crankcase ventilation system, when the valve is actuated, a first pressure in the suction line is monitored for change, and an error of the valve is detected if the change of the first pressure lies outside a specific reference range when the valve is actuated. |
| US09243976B2 |
Sensor bearing assembly with cover mounted sensor
A sensor bearing assembly for supporting a rotatable shaft includes a bearing having an inner ring disposable about the shaft, an outer ring disposed about the inner ring, and rolling elements between the rings. An annular detection member is coupled with the bearing inner ring and has an outer circumferential surface and a circular cover is configured to enclose the axial end of the shaft when the bearing assembly is mounted on the shaft. The cover includes a rim coupled with the bearing outer ring, a radially-extending end wall spaced axially from the shaft end, and an annular side wall extending axially between the end wall and the rim. A sensor is mounted to the cover side wall, has an inner end spaced radially outwardly from the detection member outer circumferential surface, and is configured to sense angular displacement of the detection member about the shaft central axis. |
| US09243975B2 |
Polarization mode dispersion measurement by observation of data-bearing signals
Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for measuring or otherwise calculating polarization mode dispersion (PMD) of an optical fiber, or other device, by comparing the optical signal through the PMD element with the optical signal obtained directly from the transmitter, and calculating the PMD from the discrepancy between the two. Any distortions on the transmitter signal are effectively calibrated out, increasing measurement accuracy over conventional approaches. |
| US09243972B2 |
Computer-implemented method to screen for longitudinal-seam anomalies
Embodiments of the present invention provide computer-implemented methods to detect crack-like features in pipeline welds using magnetic flux leakage data and pattern recognition. A screening process, for example, does not affect or change how survey data is recorded in survey tools; only how it is analyzed after the survey data is completed. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to screen for very narrow axial anomalies in the pipeline welds, and may also be used to predict the length of such anomalies. Embodiments of the present invention also produce a listing of the anomalies based on their relative signal characteristics. |
| US09243969B2 |
Method for calibrating a force constant of a motorized stage used for supporting and moving a workpiece
Methods are disclosed for calibrating a force constant of a movable stage. In an exemplary method, in first and second preliminary pre-stepping motions of the stage, a baseline force and a calibration force, respectively, as exerted by the stage are measured. From a force-variation ratio of the baseline force and calibration force an inverse closed loop factor is estimated. In at least one subsequent pre-stepping motion of the stage before a respective use of the stage for holding an object, a residual force-variation ratio is estimated, a force-compensation factor is updated from the residual force-variation ratio, and a respective force-variation coefficient is determined from the force-compensation factor. |
| US09243967B2 |
Sensor for pressure measurements
A sensor for pressure measurement may include a fabric support, an electrically conductive structure including tracks on the fabric support having resistance variations in response to deformations thereof, and a processor coupled to the electrically conductive structure and configured to sense resistance values of respective tracks of the electrically conductive structure and to provide a signal representative of a pressure difference across opposite faces of the fabric support. |
| US09243965B2 |
System and method for calculating winch line pull
A device having a winch spool, a torque sensor that measures torque of the winch spool, a first angle sensor that detects a first angle of a winch line relative to a central axis of the winch spool, and a second angle sensor that detects a second angle of the winch line coming from a coil of line on the spool relative to a surface of the coil of line is disclosed. |
| US09243964B2 |
Device for converting a force or a pressure into an electrical signal and method for producing such a device
A device (1) converts a force or a pressure into an electrical signal and has a first deformation element (10), in particular a first membrane (12), to apply the force or the pressure to the device (1) and a second deformation element (20), in particular a second membrane (22), to convert the deflection of the force or the pressure into an electrical signal. The first deformation element (10) has a first force transmitter (14), and the second deformation element (20) has a second force transmitter (24) for transmitting the force from the first deformation element (10) to the second deformation element (20). The first force transmitter (14) is rigidly connected at its end distant from the first deformation element (10) to the end of the second force transmitter (24) distant from the second deformation element (20). Both compressive forces and tensile force can be transmitted from the first deformation element (10) to the second deformation element (20) by the first and second force transmitters (14, 24). A method produces that device. |
| US09243961B2 |
In-furnace temperature measurement device
The present invention relates to an in-furnace temperature measurement device 1 for a furnace in which gas is generated. The measurement device 1 includes: a support tube 3 which communicates with a measurement hole 2A which leads to an inside of the furnace; a sensor protection tube 4 inserted into the support tube 3 so as to be movable in an axial direction with a leading end, of the sensor protection tube 4, facing a furnace side; a plurality of seal rings 6A and 6B which hermetically seal a gap between the support tube 3 and the sensor protection tube 4 and which are arranged at an interval so as to divide the gap into a plurality of space portions in the axial direction; a temperature sensor 5 housed in the sensor protection tube 4 such that a temperature-sensing portion of the temperature sensor 5 corresponds to a leading-end portion of the sensor protection tube 4; and a drive mechanism 7 which drives the leading-end portion of the sensor protection tube 4 so as to be able to advance and retract in the axial direction with respect to the inside of the furnace through the measurement hole 2A, while maintaining a sealed state by the seal rings 6A and 6B. |
| US09243959B2 |
Infrared detector including broadband light absorber
An infrared detector capable of detecting an infrared spectrum having a wide bandwidth using a broadband light absorber. The infrared detector including a substrate, a light absorber disposed apart from the substrate at a distance, and a pair of thermal legs configured to support the light absorber such that the light absorber is spaced apart from the substrate by the distance. The light absorber includes at least one thermistor layer having a resistance value that varies according to temperature and at least two resonator layers disposed on at least one of upper and lower surfaces of the at least one thermistor layer. |
| US09243957B2 |
Device and method for characterizing a light beam
Method of characterizing a light beam having the steps of: a) disposing the input ends of N >3 optical fibers on the path of the light beam, in such a way that a respective portion of the beam is coupled and propagates in each optical fiber and is emitted from its output end so as to form a respective secondary beam; b) introducing an angular spectral dispersion into the secondary beams by means of at least one dispersive element; c) propagating the dispersed secondary beams in such a way that they overlap to form an interferogram; d) acquiring an image of the interferogram; and e) extracting from the image of the interferogram an item of information relating to the spatial variation of the phase of the light beam at a plurality of wavelengths. Device for the implementation of such a method. |
| US09243955B2 |
Spectroscope and microspectroscopic system
A spectroscope used for a microspectroscopic system includes: a collimating optical system that causes signal light to be substantially collimated light; spectroscopic optical systems and each of which includes at least one of each of spectral elements and in which a wavelength band for spectral separation varies depending on an incident angle of the signal light; at least one of each of optical receivers that detect the signal light spectrally separated by the spectroscopic optical systems; a mechanism that varies the incident angles of the signal light on the spectral elements; and a controller unit that determines the incident angles of the signal light on the spectral elements in accordance with the wavelength band for spectrally separating the signal light and controls the mechanism so as to attain the incident angles. |
| US09243952B2 |
Light-receiving device, light receiver using same, and method of fabricating light-receiving device
An apparatus includes a flip-chip semiconductor substrate, a light detection element configured to be formed over the flip-chip semiconductor substrate and to have a laminate structure including a first semiconductor layer of a first-conductive-type, a light-absorption layer formed over the first semiconductor layer, and a second semiconductor layer of a second-conductive-type formed over the light-absorption layer, an inductor configured to be connected to the light detection element over the flip-chip semiconductor substrate, an output electrode for bump connection configured to output a current generated by the light detection element through the inductor, a bias electrode for bump connection configured to apply a bias voltage to the light detection element through a bias electrode, and a line configured to cause a metal line of the inductor and the light detection element to be connected to the output electrode or the bias electrode. |
| US09243950B2 |
Method and device for analyzing resonance
The invention is directed toward detection, analyzation and correction of unwanted frequencies. The elimination of the wolf tone may be done through either correction of surface instability or dynamic frequency correction by a signal generator. |
| US09243949B2 |
Fibre optic distributed sensing
This application describes methods and apparatus for fiber optic distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) where microstructured fiber (202), such as holey fiber or photonic crystal fiber is used as the sensing fiber (104). The microstructured fiber is configured so to provide at least one of enhanced sensitivity to a given incident acoustic signal; an enhanced non-linear optical power threshold and directional sensitivity. By configuring the microstructured fiber to be more compliant than an equivalent solid fiber and/or provide a large refractive index variation in response to applied strain, the response to a given acoustic stimulus may be larger than for the equivalent fiber, Providing a hollow core may allow higher optical powers and by providing a directionality to microstructured (304) allows the fiber to be used in a DAS system with a directional response. |
| US09243948B2 |
Apparatus for determining or monitoring the fill level of a substance in a container
An apparatus for determining or monitoring the fill level of a substance in a container, including a high frequency oscillator, an in/out coupling unit, an antenna, which transmits measuring signals, which are coupled in via the in/out coupling unit, in the direction of the surface of the fill substance, respectively receives the measuring signals reflected on the surface of the fill substance, and an evaluating circuit, to which the measuring signals reflected on the surface of the fill substance are supplied and which ascertains the fill level in the container via a travel-time difference method. The high frequency oscillator includes a transistor with a source branch, a drain branch and a gate branch, at least one frequency tuning component and at least one frequency determining component. The frequency determining component of the high frequency oscillator is arranged in the source branch of the transistor. |
| US09243942B2 |
Flow line mounting arrangement for flow system transducers
A mounting insert is provided for in situ placement of the tomographic arrays and associated processing electronics. The processing electronics convert sensed flow condition data into serial digital data to minimize both the number of external feedthroughs and also the bandwidth required for transmission. The processing electronics also sends the full measured waveforms from each of the transceivers in the tomographic arrays. |
| US09243940B2 |
Optimized techniques for generating and measuring toroidal vortices via an industrial vortex flowmeter
A vortex flowmeter may utilize a ring-shaped bluff body as the vortex generator or shedder. The ring shape and size of the vortex ring generator may be optimized to produce linear and stable toroidal vortex outputs that may outperform the conventional shedder bar. In comparison to the conventional vortex shedder bar, the ring may have a slimmer configuration and a higher K-factor, and hence, a higher resolution. |
| US09243938B2 |
Single TEDS electronic data sheet for multiple accelerometers
An accelerometer system has a node with a first single-axis accelerometer coupled to a single associated TEDS Transducer Electronic Data Sheet memory component in accordance with IEEE 1451 Standards. Information about second and third single-axis accelerometers external to the mode resides in the single TEDS memory component. The first, second, and third accelerometers are of the same type and manufacturer, and the single TEDS memory component is configured with a memory table having listings of identifying data common to all of the first, second, and third accelerometers and first, second, and third calibration data unique to the first, second, and third accelerometers, respectively. |
| US09243927B2 |
Method and system for providing travel time information
Location technologies are combined with other information systems to provide augmented information for individuals such as a traveler in an automobile. |
| US09243926B2 |
Electronic map system
An electronic map may be output based on map data including information related to a current configuration of each of a plurality of map objects and historical attributes of at least a portion of the plurality of map objects. The historical attribute associated with a map object may include information related to a historical configuration of the respective map object in the past. A time selection input may be received at a user interface. The map data may be processed to identify a map object having a current configuration different from a historical configuration at a time in the past which is determined based on the time selection input. An optical output device may be controlled to output a graphical representation of the identified map object that is dependent on both the current configuration and the historical configuration of the identified map object. |
| US09243921B2 |
Intuitive preview of upcoming navigational instructions
Systems and methods for providing an intuitive preview of upcoming navigational instructions are provided. One example method for providing navigational instruction includes obtaining, by one or more computing devices, navigational information describing a sequence of navigational maneuvers associated with a route. The method includes determining, by the one or more computing devices, a distance between each navigational maneuver and the previous sequential navigational maneuver. The method includes displaying, by the one or more computing devices, a user interface providing a sequence of indicators respectively representing the sequence of navigational maneuvers. A space between each indicator and the previous sequential indicator is proportional to the distance between the navigational maneuver represented by such indicator and the navigational maneuver represented by the previous sequential indicator. |
| US09243918B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing indoor navigation using magnetic sensors
An indoor navigational system determines a location of a moveable object in an indoor area and displays this location to a user. The system includes an absolute position sensor coupled to a case attached to a moveable object including a motion sensor coupled to a case including a first magnetic field sensor configured to detect a polarity of a magnet as the magnet passes in proximity to the first magnetic field sensor, a code wheel having two or more magnets alternately oriented with north and south polarities facing toward the first magnetic sensor, the code wheel positioned to rotate in unison with a wheel of the moveable object, and encoder circuitry configured to determine an amount of rotation of the wheel of the moveable object based on an output of the first magnetic field sensor. |
| US09243917B2 |
Navigational coordinate systems in conjunction with transports and/or mobile devices
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems, methods, apparatuses, articles, and means for determining at least one navigational coordinate system to be utilized in conjunction with transports and/or mobile devices. For certain example implementations, a method by a mobile device that is at least proximate to a transport may comprise identifying a first navigational coordinate system, with the first navigational coordinate system being associated with the transport and enabling navigation within at least one navigable area of the transport. A second navigational coordinate system may also be identified. The mobile device may determine to utilize at least one of the first navigational coordinate system or the second navigational coordinate system based, at least in part, on one or more predetermined conditions. Other example implementations are described herein. |
| US09243916B2 |
Observability-constrained vision-aided inertial navigation
This disclosure describes techniques for reducing or eliminating estimator inconsistency in vision-aided inertial navigation systems (VINS). For example, an observability-constrained VINS (OC-VINS) is described which enforce the unobservable directions of the system to prevent spurious information gain and reduce inconsistency. |
| US09243915B2 |
Devices and methods for passive navigation
Devices and methods are disclosed for determining position and controlling navigation by sensing movement through the Earth's magnetic field. Change in position is determined by integrating velocity which has been normalized for spatial and temporal field variation. Position is registered with respect to starting point and/or subsequently detected environmental feature. Signals are provided to actuator for guidance, navigation and control. |
| US09243913B1 |
Enhanced identification of interesting points-of-interest
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for identifying points-of-interest. In one aspect, a method includes determining a location of a mobile device, and automatically identifying a point-of-interest (POI) located within a predetermined distance of the location. The method also includes providing, on a user interface of the mobile device, a rating control for allowing the user to rate the identified POI, and receiving the rating for the identified POI from the user, using the rating control. |
| US09243908B2 |
Gyro sensor and electronic apparatus
A gyro sensor includes: a vibrating body; a first fixed drive electrode that is disposed, in plan view, on a first direction side crossing a driving vibration direction of the vibrating body and vibrates the vibrating body; a second fixed drive electrode that is disposed, in plan view, on the side opposite to the first direction side and vibrates the vibrating body; a fixed detection electrode that detects a signal changing according to angular velocity of the vibrating body; a first drive wiring that is connected with the first fixed drive electrode and extends toward one side in the driving vibration direction; a second drive wiring that is connected with the second fixed drive electrode and extends toward the one side in the driving vibration direction; and a detection wiring that is connected with the fixed detection electrode and extends toward the side opposite to the one side. |
| US09243907B2 |
Bubble level
A bubble type level for determining the orientation of a structure that includes first and second differently oriented bubble vials that are secured within the level body in a manner such that if either of the bubble vials become broken or otherwise damaged, it can be easily replaced and the level need not be discarded. The bubble type level of the invention also includes a novel connector mechanism that enables the level to be removably interconnected with the structure to be leveled. The level further includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced magnets that are connected to various surfaces of the level and a bulls-eye level that is mounted on the top surface of the level body. |
| US09243903B2 |
Wrinkle detection device and wrinkle detection method
A wrinkle detection device (100) includes: a light projector (110) which, while moving relative to a layered body (40) formed by stacking electrodes (50) and separators (60), projects slit light onto an outermost one of the separators (60); a camera (120) which shoots a shape of the slit light on the separator (60); and a control unit (130) which calculates a gradient of the separator (60) on the basis of the shot shape of the slit light, and determines the existence of a wrinkle on the basis of the calculated gradient. |
| US09243902B2 |
System for light source location detection
Aspects of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for tracking an orientation of a first object. The system includes a light emitting device located relative to a second object at a fixed predetermined position; a sensor having a photodetector array that is configured to receive incident light emitted from the light emitting device, the photodetector array being mounted on the first object; and a processor coupled to the photodetector array, the processor configured to determine the orientation of the first object relative to the second object based on an angle of incident light detected by the photodetector array from the light emitting device. |
| US09243901B2 |
Rules for reducing the sensitivity of fringe projection autofocus to air temperature changes
Fringe projection autofocus systems are provided with variable pitch diffraction gratings or multiple diffraction gratings so that a reference beam and a measurement beam propagate along a common path. Alternatively, an input beam can be directed to a diffraction grating so that the selected diffraction orders propagate along a common path. In some examples, distinct spectral bands are used for reference and measurement beams. |
| US09243898B2 |
Positioning device comprising a light beam
A position measurement system for determining 2D displacement or position of a mobile element with respect to a reference frame, including: a point light; an optical mask having transparent and opaque areas defining a repetitive pattern on at least one side of its surfaces; an imager, fixed to a mobile element, including integrated electronic circuits allowing detection, computing and analyzing of a shadow projected by the optical mask. The position measurement system includes an optical diffuser plate between the light source and the mask. The imager, mask and diffuser plate form an assembly so as to produce a light spot created by the scattering of the incident light beam emitted by the light source on the diffuser plate. The mask positioned between the diffuser plate and imager, produces a shadow on the imager, allowing to compute and provide 2D position of the mobile element relative to the fixed reference frame. |
| US09243894B2 |
Pressure application apparatus and pressure application method
A pressure application technique is provided that enables two objects to be pressurized (e.g., objects to be bonded) to be positioned with greater accuracy before having pressure applied thereto. The objects to be pressurized are moved relative to each other in a Z direction such that the objects are brought into contact with each other (step S13). Then, a horizontal positional shift ΔD between the objects to be pressurized is measured in the contact state of the objects to be pressurized (step S14). Thereafter, positioning of the objects to be pressurized is again performed by moving the objects to be pressurized relative to each other in the horizontal direction, as a result of which the positional shift ΔD is corrected (step S17). |
| US09243889B2 |
Device for optical coherence tomography
In certain embodiments, a device for optical coherence tomography (OCT) includes a signal detection device and a computer arrangement. The signal detection device is designed to detect an interference signal (G(ω)) for an object to be imaged in an optical frequency range (ω). The computer arrangement is designed to determine intermediate signals (G1(k), G2(k)) in a spatial frequency range (k) from the intermediate interference signal (G(ω)), whereby each of the intermediate signals (G1(k), G2(k)) is dispersion-compensated for a different depth (z1, z2) of the object. A locally resolved image signal (FFT1, FFT2) is determined for each of the intermediate signals (G1(k), G2(k)) by applying a Fourier transformation to the particular intermediate signal (G1(k), G2(k)). A tomography signal (G(z)) is determined from the image signals (FFT1, FFT2). |
| US09243886B1 |
Optical metrology of periodic targets in presence of multiple diffraction orders
One or more non-zero diffraction orders are selected, and these selected one or more zero or non-zero diffraction orders are selected for eliminating or obtaining corresponding zero or non-zero diffraction order terms or interference term from measurements from a periodic target using an optical metrology tool. The periodic target has a pitch, and the measurements contain a zero diffraction order and one or more non-zero diffraction order terms. Using the optical metrology tool, an incident beam is directed to positions on the target, and the measurements are obtained from the target in response to the incident beam. The measurements are processed to eliminate or obtain each zero or non-zero diffraction order term or interference term associated with each selected zero or non-zero diffraction order, resulting in a processed metrology signal. The positions are shifted from each other so as to cause the zero or non-zero diffraction order term or interference term corresponding to each selected zero or non-zero diffraction order to be eliminated or obtained. |
| US09243878B2 |
Borehole plug inflation control
An inflatable borehole plug comprising an inflatable fluid tight bag with a storage container containing an inflation fluid in a compressed state located within the fluid tight bag. The storage container has a first actuator and a second actuator located at opposite ends thereof to initiate release of inflation fluid and hence effect expansion of the fluid tight bag. Choice of the vertical orientation of the first and second actuators and of which or both are activated provides differing rates of release of the inflation fluid and corresponding different rates of inflation of the fluid tight bag. |
| US09243877B2 |
Detonator ignition protection and detection circuit
An ignition circuit (200) includes: an igniter (210) having first (211) and second (212) terminals; a first diode (225) electrically connected in series with the igniter at the first terminal; a second diode (230) electrically connected in series with the igniter at the second terminal. The first and second diodes each have an anode terminal (226, 231) and a cathode terminal (227, 232), wherein like terminals of the first and second diodes are electrically connected to the igniter, thereby defining proximal terminals and distal terminals. A capacitor (235) is electrically connected across the distal terminals and connectable in parallel with a series-connected energy source (215) and switch (220). The energy source and a switch are electrically connectable across the distal terminals via test lead wires. Current flow through the igniter sufficient to ignite the igniter is prevented until an ignition voltage is applied to the distal terminals that is equal to or greater than the reverse breakdown voltage of the first diode or the second diode. |
| US09243875B2 |
Device and method for illuminating an arrow nock
Devices and methods for illuminating an arrow nock or bolt end are disclosed including providing a nock having a first portion adapted to receive the bowstring in a drawn position and a second portion adapted to receive the bowstring after the bowstring is released from the drawn position; a light source assembly at least partially disposed within the nock body and activated when the bowstring is released from the drawn position; the light source assembly comprising a power source, a light source and a switch; and a least a portion of the light source assembly protruding from the end of the nock body so that releasing the bowstring causes the switch to close, thereby activating the light source and illuminating the nock or bolt end. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09243873B2 |
Broadband optical limiter based on nano-graphene and method of fabricating same
The present invention in one aspect relates to a low-cost, nano-graphene based broadband optical limiter with limiting properties superior to current standards, carbon fullerenes (C60) solutions and carbon black suspensions. The broadband optical limiter includes a plurality of graphene nano-sheets, and a base material in which the plurality of graphene nano-sheets is distributed. The base material can be liquid or gel matrix. |
| US09243872B2 |
Helmet with ballistic nape protector
A ballistic armored component attaches to the existing retention straps of common combat helmets and provides protection to the otherwise exposed lower skull and upper neck region. A fabric covering contains a soft armor or hard armor insert, and is mounted by straps or other fasteners to existing straps found in conventional helmets. The armor component may be fabric of aramid fibers, or fabric of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, or may be fabricated of a rigid plate of ceramic, polymer, or metal. The armored component adds additional protection from ground-level or subterranean munitions, by placing a ballistic shape on the lower skull region (occipital region), providing significant additional ballistic coverage with minimal weight and bulk. The fabric shell may also be connected directly to the helmet shell, to allow the component to withdraw within the helmet when the wearer's neck is flexed rearwardly. |
| US09243870B2 |
Mounting apparatus for night vision system
An improved weapon mount system for night vision system includes a cage-like structure receiving the body of a night vision system, such as a night vision monocular. A mounting shoe is attached to the base and cage halves secure the body of the night vision system. The mounting shoe of the present mount provides a lower profile than an integral mounting member on the night vision system that is used to attach the night vision system to a helmet/head worn mount. In one aspect, by lowering the weapon mounting height of the night vision device, the night vision system can be mounted at an appropriate height for use in front of an optical scope. In another aspect one aspect, lowering the weapon mounting height of the night vision device allows the night vision system to be mounted at an appropriate height for use on a helmet mounting system in a binocular system having a thermal camera or other type of viewing device. |
| US09243869B1 |
Weapon posturing system and methods of use
An assembly for changing the posture of a weapon coupled to a sensor system comprises a weapon mount configured to support a weapon. The assembly further comprises a movement mechanism coupled between the weapon mount and the sensor system. The movement mechanism is movable between a first configuration in which a boresight or barrel of the weapon is aligned with a first axis of a line of sight of the sensor system and a second configuration in which the barrel of the weapon is disposed along a second axis rotated with respect to the first axis such that the weapon is no longer pointed in the same direction as the sensor. |
| US09243867B2 |
Hands-free multi-use long gun carry pack and related methods
In general, disclosed is a multi-use and gun-protective apparatus for secure and hands-free carrying of a long gun in close proximity (in time, distance, and procedure) to a gunman carrier's gun firing position. Basically, in one embodiment, the apparatus is a reversible, open-ended, and chest-mounted bi-fold pouch configured to fold around at least part of the receiver portions (the portions of the rifle that contains the operating parts, e.g., bolt carrying group, trigger group, or magazine port) of a long gun). In operation, a long gun may be provided to the pouch so that the gun is transversely oriented with respect to torso of the gun carrier whereby the barrel of the long gun extends out of one end of the pouch while the stock of the long gun extends out of the other end of the pouch. When gun firing or deployment is necessary, the gun is located on the chest of carrier so that the barrel or stock of the gun may be gripped while the pouch is concurrently unfolded to result in the carried gun falling from the pouch into the carrier's gun firing position. |
| US09243865B1 |
Firearm handgrip assembly with laser gunsight system
A firearm handgrip assembly with laser gunsight system has a first grip body having a first attachment facility operable to connect the grip to the frame at a first frame position, a second grip body having a second attachment facility operable to connect the grip to the frame at a first frame position, a connection portion connected to the first grip body and to the second grip body, the first grip body including a beam projection element, the second grip body including a power storage facility, and the second attachment facility being operable to enable detachment and reattachment of the second grip body while the first grip body remains undisturbed, such that batteries may be replaced without disturbing the alignment of the beam projection element. The connection portion may include a conductor and be formed of a flexible material, such as an elastomer. |
| US09243863B1 |
Wrist strap connector for archery bowstring release
A wrist strap for connection to a plurality of different bowstring release mechanisms via a plurality of different connecting members, includes a flexible base member adapted to fit around the wrist of a user and a mounting assembly connected to the wrist strap. The flexible base member has first and second arms that converge towards an apex area. The mounting assembly is connected to the apex area and is adapted to receive and retain the plurality of different connecting members. The mounting assembly includes a lower mounting portion having a first feature for retaining at least a first of the plurality of extension members and a second feature for retaining a second of the plurality of extension members. The upper and lower mounting portions cooperate to releasably lock one of the extension members in one of two locking positions. |
| US09243860B2 |
Laser training shooting device for a firearm
A laser training shooting device adaptable for use in varying caliber barrels of a firearm insertable in said barrels simulating firing of the firearm without actuation of a trigger or a firing pin of the firearm. The laser device consisting of: a laser module composed of a transmitting assembly and optics package; a spud adapter in communication with the laser module, said spud adapter having contact beads for frictional engagement and alignment within said firearm barrel; and, an electrical lead having a means of attachment at a first end to the laser module and a micro-switch disposed within a trigger ring or a trigger hook at a second end positioned at the trigger of said firearm. The laser device being activated by pressing the micro-switch causing the emission of a laser light from the laser module. |
| US09243857B2 |
Firearm pin
A firearm pin assembly is provided. A firearm pin may have a substantially cylindrical member with a lever on one end and a track running along its side. The track may run helically for a portion of its path. The track may also have at least one dimple disposed within its path. The firearm pin assembly may have an aperture for installing a detent and detent spring. The firearm pin assembly may be used in any firearm, including but not limited to a takedown pin and pivot pin assembly in an AR-15 style rifle. |
| US09243855B2 |
Cooling structure, vortex-flow forming plate molding apparatus, and method for molding vortex-flow generating portion
A cooling structure for cooling a heat generating element allows cooling fluid to circulate around the heat generating element or a base material with the heat generating element disposed thereon. The cooling structure is provided with a vortex-flow generating portion which extends in a direction intersecting a circulation direction of the cooling fluid, and which generates a vortex flow depending on the flow rate of cooling fluid. |
| US09243846B2 |
Heat exhanging apparatus
A heat exchanging apparatus comprises a first heat exchanger, oil cooler, arranged to allow ambient air to pass therethrough and a second heat exchanger, radiator, adjacent the first heat exchanger and arranged to allow air exiting the first heat exchanger to pass therethrough. The apparatus further comprises a third heat exchanger comprising two or more interconnected heat exchanging cores, charge air coolers. Each core is arranged to allow ambient air to pass therethrough. |
| US09243837B2 |
Dispensing device for free-flowing or pourable products
A dispensing device for free-flowing or pourable products, in particular in a refrigeration device. Said dispensing device has a feed pipe for a pourable product, comprising an exit opening and a shut-off flap that is situated at the exit opening, and an outlet for the free-flowing product, said outlet being attached to the flap and displaceable with the latter. |
| US09243830B2 |
Microprocessor-controlled beverage dispenser
A microprocessor-controlled beverage dispenser is disclosed, which provides a cold plate having disposed therein beverage lines and refrigerant lines. The refrigerant lines may be connected to a cooling or refrigeration system, including a heat exchanger. The beverage lines may be connected to a beverage supply for dispensing a desired beverage. Valves and pressure sensors in the refrigerant line are engaged with a microprocessor. If the temperature falls below a desired value, then the cooling system is shut off. This permits the microprocessor to closely control the temperature of the beverage being dispensed. |
| US09243819B2 |
Method for operating a vapour compression system
A method for operating a vapor compression system is disclosed. The vapor compression system comprises a compressor, a condenser, at least one expansion device, an evaporator, said evaporator comprising at least two evaporator paths arranged fluidly in parallel, and a distribution device arranged to distribute refrigerant among the evaporator paths. The method comprises the steps of obtaining at least two predefined distribution keys, each distribution key defining a distribution of available refrigerant among the evaporator paths, detecting one or more operational settings of the vapor compression system, selecting one of the at least two predefined distribution keys, based on said detected operational setting(s), and distributing refrigerant among the evaporator paths in accordance with the selected predefined distribution key. |
| US09243817B2 |
Apparatus for forming and mounting a photovoltaic array
A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array. |
| US09243815B1 |
Inflatable metal foil and PTFE film solar thermal panel with a tensioning system
A low profile flexible solar thermal panel comprises low-cost, thin sheet foil and film materials fabricated as an integrated airtight solar thermal panel. An airtight seal provided by seam welding optically clear film between two or more metal foils, combined with the ability to inflate the panel via positive air pressure and deflate the panel with an automatic tensioning, permits the panel to change its height between two profiles. |
| US09243813B2 |
Roof vent
A vent for a building has a cover attached to a base. The base has an aperture permitting gas to pass. A moisture directing means on an underside of the cover directs moisture move under the influence of gravity to fall outside of the aperture. The cover may include a slanted side wall portion, with the aperture positioned with its center displaced from the center of the cover toward the slanted side. The base may include a pair of moisture deflecting features along at least a portion of one of the nonslope sides to prevent moisture flowing along the base from within an area on the base covered by the cover to outside of the covered area at the nonslope sides. The base may also include a water deflecting ridge on its underside positioned between a downslope edge and the aperture to deflect water away. |
| US09243812B2 |
Flow path structure and electronic apparatus
The flow path structure includes a flow path introducing fluid from an inlet to an outlet, and a flow velocity control structure provided in a portion between the inlet and the outlet in the flow path to reduce difference in flow velocity that the fluid flowing into the flow path has in a direction intersecting with a flow direction of the fluid. The flow velocity control structure includes, in the direction intersecting with the flow direction, plural flow velocity control members provided alternately with spaces through which the fluid passes. The flow velocity control members have different sizes from each other, the sizes increasing as the flow velocity of the fluid at areas, in the direction intersecting with the flow direction, where the respective flow velocity control members are provided increases. |
| US09243811B2 |
Predicted mean vote estimating device and computer program product
According to one embodiment, a PMV estimating device calculates a PMV value from an average room radiation temperature, room temperature, room humidity, room air velocity, an amount of cloth worn by a person in the room, and an amount of activity of the person in the room. The PMV estimating device includes: indoor solar radiation calculator; solar radiated article temperature estimator; and average radiation temperature estimator. The indoor solar radiation calculator calculates an amount of solar radiation entered into the room. The solar radiated article temperature estimator estimates a temperature of a solar radiated article receiving the solar radiation entered into the room, by using the amount of solar radiation entered into the room calculated by the indoor solar radiation calculator. The average radiation temperature estimator estimates the average room radiation temperature by using the temperature of the solar radiated article estimated by the solar radiated article temperature estimator. |
| US09243808B2 |
Economical and versatile system for fixing a hob in a workshop
A universal cooking hob fixing system for the installation of the cooking hob in a worktop is disclosed. The fixing element has a hooking snap element to the cooking hob support and presents elastic means for keeping the hob into the installed position, suitable to prevent its lifting. The configuration of the hooking snap elements allows the release of the hob by acting from the top side of the installed hob, with a specially shaped tool. |
| US09243804B2 |
System for turbine combustor fuel mixing
A system includes a plurality of interconnected mixing assemblies configured to mix a first fuel and water to generate a first mixture, and mix a second fuel and the water to generate a second mixture. The first and second fuel mixtures are configured to combust in a plurality of combustors of a gas turbine. The interconnected mixing assemblies include first and second fuel passages, a water passage, first and second mixers, first and second fuel valves, and first and second water valves disposed in an integrated housing. The first fuel valve has a first fuel flow coefficient between approximately 1.0 to 1.5, the second fuel valve has a second fuel flow coefficient between approximately 3.0 to 5.0, the first water valve has a first water flow coefficient between approximately 0.4 to 0.55, and the second water valve has a second water flow coefficient between approximately 3.5 to 5.0. |
| US09243800B2 |
Apparatus for electrodynamically driving a charged gas or charged particles entrained in a gas
Gaseous particles or gas-entrained particles may be conveyed by electric fields acting on charged species included in the gaseous or gas-entrained particles. |
| US09243796B1 |
LED lamp with a flexible heat sink
An LED lamp uses a flexible metal fabric as a heat sink. At least one light emitting diode is attached to a circuit board that is mounted on a heat conducting member. The flexible heat sink is attached to the heat conducting member, such that heat generated by the light emitting diode and circuit board is conducted to the flexible heat sink. The flexible heat sink can be deformed to fit in a variety of spaces. The flexible heat sink dissipates the heat generated by the LED lamp without the need for a fan. The flexible heat sink may be made from braided copper fabric. |
| US09243793B2 |
LED lighting fixture
An LED lighting fixture including a one-piece housing portion having a hollow interior cavity defined by a substantially planar interior backwall surface and a surrounding wall extending therefrom to a forward edge. An LED illuminator is on the substantially planar interior backwall surface, a backwall being a heat sink for transferring heat away from the LED illuminator during operation. A one-piece reflector member extends forwardly from the backwall interior surface and substantially across the housing portion to the surrounding wall. The reflector member has a reflector cup and an outward flange secured with respect to the surrounding wall at the forward edge thereof. The reflector cup defines an aperture configured and positioned such that the LED illuminator is exposed therethrough. |
| US09243787B2 |
Automotive safety device
An automotive safety device is provided including a housing and a removable support assembly having a base and a plurality of support members pivotally attached to the base and moveable between a first, closed position and a second, open position. In the second position, the support members allow the device to be freestanding. A first light source is arranged on the housing such that the device may function as an emergency roadside light. The device further includes a tire pressure gauge, including a pressure sensor, a processor, and a display, wherein the processor is configured to output a value on the display indicative of a measured pressure. |
| US09243786B1 |
Light assembly
Disclosed is a light assembly including a rotation ring including upper and lower surfaces, a mounting ring secured to a light pan and including upper and lower surfaces positioned over a portion of the rotation ring such that the portion of the rotation ring is sandwiched between the light pan and the mounting ring and such that the rotation ring is rotatable relative to the mounting ring, a light engine mounted on the rotation ring, and an adjustable rotation limiting mechanism that includes (a) a rotation stop platform provided on the mounting ring, the rotation stop platform including a moveable stop and (b) a rotation stop unit provided on the rotation ring, the rotation stop unit including a rotation stop arm. The rotation stop arm rotates with the rotation ring and contacts the moveable stop to prevent further rotation of the rotation ring with respect to the mounting ring. |
| US09243777B2 |
Rare earth optical elements for LED lamp
The present disclosure relates to optical elements and coatings comprising rare-earth element (REE) compounds for light wavelength attenuation of light emitting diode (LED) elements and lamps. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to LED elements and lamps comprising wavelength attenuating elements comprising REE compounds having at least a portion of non-crystalline, non-hydrate form, methods of preparing such elements, and LED elements, LED arrays, LED packages, optical elements, lamps and systems made with same. |
| US09243775B2 |
Light unit having asymmetric reflector and illumination system using the same
Disclosed is a light unit and a display device using the same, the light unit which includes a first reflector comprising an inclined surface partially formed therein, second and third reflectors arranged at both ends of the first reflector, respectively, a first light source module disposed between the first and second reflectors, and a second light source module disposed between the first reflector and the third reflector, wherein a light emitting direction of the first light source module is different from a light emitting direction of the second light source module. |
| US09243772B2 |
Vehicle lamp including light emitting element with tilted mounting face
A vehicle lamp includes an element installation portion including a mounting face, a light emitting element which is mounted on the mounting face and which includes a rectangular shaped light emitting face extending parallel to the mounting face, and a reflector configured to reflect light of the light emitting element. The mounting face is tilted such that each lamp left-right direction end is at a different height position. The light emitting element is mounted on the mounting face such that, with respect to a reference position where two sides of the light emitting face are parallel to a lamp front-rear axis and the other two sides of the light emitting face are perpendicular to a lamp front-rear axis, the light emitting face is positioned at a position rotated about a reference axis which is orthogonal to the light emitting face when the light emitting face is in the reference position. |
| US09243770B2 |
Lighting device having a reflector and an aperture
A lighting device may include a reflector, which can be illuminated by means of at least one light source, in particular light emitting diode, and an aperture disposed downstream of the reflector and having a rear side facing the reflector and a front side facing away from the reflector. The lighting device may include at least one additional light source for illuminating the front side of the aperture, and the front side of the aperture is covered at least in regions with at least one phosphor which is sensitive to light emitted by the at least one additional light source. |
| US09243767B2 |
LED light module
The invention relates to an LED light module (1) for a motor vehicle or for a headlamp for a motor vehicle, wherein the light module (1) comprises a lens (2) and at least one primary LED light source (8). A light tunnel (11) for direct passage of at least a portion of the light emitted from the at least one primary LED light sconce (8) is provided between the at least one primary LED light source (8) and the lens (2), viewed in the direction of the light emission. The light of the at least one primary LED light source (8) emerging through the light tunnel (11) is projected via the lens (2) to generate a main beam function or a contribution to a main beam function in the region in front of the motor vehicle. The light tunnel (11) is formed from a material that is transparent at least in some areas, preferably in the whole area thereof, and a holder (3) for holding the light tunnel (11) is provided, wherein the holder (3) is transparent at least in some areas, preferably completely transparent. At least one secondary LED light source (9) is provided and is arranged in such a way in relation to the light tunnel (11) that the light emitted from the at least one secondary LED light source (9) is emitted substantially onto the holder (3), and wherein the wall (10′, 11′, 12′) bounding the light tunnel (11) is light-reflecting at least in some areas. |
| US09243762B1 |
Vehicle safety light device
A vehicle safety light device for illuminating a portion of a vehicle and providing simultaneous illumination to the front and rear as a warning. The device includes a main housing and a front light coupled to and exposed through a front face of a perimeter wall of the main housing. The front light is selectively illuminated. An electrical port is coupled to a rear face of the main housing. A cord has a first end selectively couplable to the electrical port. A secondary light is coupled to and exposed through a front face of a secondary housing. A second end of the cord is coupled to the secondary housing. The cord is electrically coupled to the front light wherein the secondary light is illuminated when the cord is coupled to the electrical port and the front light is illuminated. |
| US09243759B2 |
LED-based lighting system for retrofitting fluorescent lighting fixtures in a transit vehicle
An LED-based lighting unit for retrofitting a fluorescent light fixture in a transit vehicle has a concave frame or structure conforming to the shape of the fluorescent lighting fixture cavity, connector pins on either end of the frame for secure attachment to sockets of the fluorescent fixture, a plurality of LED modules for illuminating an area of a transit vehicle, a power adapter for receiving and converting an input power supply signal, and a diffusive lens cover. The frame may have rear fins or other features for facilitating dissipation of heat generated by the LEDs. A controller adjusts the intensity of the LEDs based on a reading from a temperature sensor and on a manual brightness setting. The change in light output may be accomplished by reducing a duty cycle of a pulse width modulated (PWM) waveform supplying the LEDs. |
| US09243758B2 |
Compact heat sinks and solid state lamp incorporating same
A solid state lamp with efficient heat sink arrangement. To provide adequate cooling utilizing a defined form factor, such as that of the A-lamp incandescent bulb, the interior volume is used more efficiently. As one example, a solid state lamp employs a heat sink with inward facing fins. Solid state light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), are mounted on the exterior of the heat sink. An air path for convective flow is established through the center of the lamp. |
| US09243757B2 |
Retrofit LED lighting system for replacement of fluorescent lamp
A LED retrofit lamp for replacement of socket fitted CFL lamp driven by fluorescent ballast is provided. The retrofit lamp comprises a plurality of LEDS in connection with the fluorescent ballast. The circuit of the lamp comprises a bridge rectifier that converts the AC waveform into DC. |
| US09243756B2 |
Capacitive user interface for a faucet and method of forming
An electronic user interface for use with a water delivery device, such as a faucet. The user interface illustratively includes a plurality of bonded layers thermally formed into a multi-dimensional shape. The layers may include a conductive layer, a graphics layer, and a protective layer. A structural support may be molded to a rear of the conductive layer. |
| US09243753B2 |
Compressed gas flow initiated and controlled automatic sequencing cascade system for the recharging of compressed gas cylinders
A system and method for using the system for recharging at least one compressed gas cylinder using a first compressed gas storage cylinder and at least a second compressed gas storage cylinder. The system uses a flow indicating switch with an internal magnetic source to detect the flow of gas. The flow indicating switch is in communication with an electronic sequencing module. The electronic sequencing module controls the order and timing of discharge from the first compressed gas storage cylinder or the second compressed gas storage cylinder into the at least one compressed gas cylinder. |
| US09243752B2 |
Container for storing, transporting, and disassociating hydrate pellets and method for storing, transporting, and disassociating hydrate pellets by using same
Disclosed is a container for storing, transporting, and dissociating hydrate pellets, the container comprising: a first container (100) made up of a plurality of frames; a second container (200) which is rotatably installed inside the first container (100), stores hydrate pellets therein, and has an internal surface to which a heat insulating member is attached; and a refrigerating machine (300) which is installed inside the first container (100) and refrigerates the second container (200), wherein the second container (200) is equipped with a heating wire (210), which is heated to dissociate the hydrate pellets by being supplied with power, or with a hot water tube (220), through which hot water flows to dissociate the hydrate pellets, on the internal surface thereof. |
| US09243751B2 |
Compressed gas storage unit
Embodiments of the present invention relate to compressed gas storage units, which in certain applications may be employed in conjunction with energy storage systems. Some embodiments may comprise one or more blow-molded polymer shells, formed for example from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Embodiments of compressed gas storage units may be composite in nature, for example comprising carbon fiber filament(s) wound with a resin over a liner. A compressed gas storage unit may further include a heat exchanger element comprising a heat pipe or apparatus configured to introduce liquid directly into the storage unit for heat exchange with the compressed gas present therein. |
| US09243749B2 |
Lubricant injector
A lubricant injector is provided including a body having a passageway, an inlet, an outlet, and an aperture for lubricant to flow from a measuring chamber into the passageway. A piston is slidable along the passageway. When the piston is in a retracted position, a discharge chamber is present in the passageway between the piston and the outlet. A biasing spring is disposed in the passageway for urging the piston towards the retracted position. The injector has a rest mode, wherein no pressurized lubricant is supplied to the inlet, and the piston is retracted. The injector has a pressurized mode wherein the piston is under pressure and is moved to its extended position to urge lubricant out the outlet. In the rest mode, the spring urges the piston towards its retracted position to create the discharge chamber and to open the aperture between the measuring chamber and the discharge chamber. |
| US09243747B2 |
Shade structure
Various aspects provide for disposing an umbrella over a table. In some cases, an umbrella may be coupled to a table. An umbrella may be disposed at a location other than a center of the table, which may provide for improved shelter from weather arriving at an angle (e.g., wind-driven rain, angled sunlight, and the like). |
| US09243746B2 |
Hook for hanging an object
A hook for hanging an object using cantilever force is disclosed, and the hook includes a main body and a hook body. The hook body extends from the main body and includes a hook portion and a free end portion. The hook portion has an inner curved surface facing and close to the main body, and the free end portion is connected to the hook portion and has a blocking segment. A largest distance between the inner curved surface and the main body is configured to accommodate an object to be hung on the hook body, and the hook body is horizontally configured with respect to the ground when the main body is attached to a fixture. |
| US09243744B2 |
Retractable container support and a vehicle containing the retractable container support
A container support for holding a container has a lower base and upper holding member. The base receives the container which bears on the base in a bearing direction. The holding member has an opening for receiving the container. The holding member is connected to the base by a connecting mechanism configured such that the holding member is movable relative to the base in translation along the bearing direction. |
| US09243743B2 |
Support arm
A support arm includes a generally elongated support arm housing having first and second ends; an arm mounting member pivotally carried by the first end of the support arm housing, the arm mounting member pivotal throughout a first range of rotation; a device mounting member pivotally carried by the second end of the support arm housing, the device mounting member pivotal throughout a second range of rotation; a position equalizing assembly engaging the arm mounting member and the device mounting member, the position equalizing assembly pivoting the arm mounting member and the device mounting member in opposite directions throughout the first range of rotation and the second range of rotation; anda counterbalance adjusting assembly carried by the arm mounting member and engaging the device mounting member, the counterbalance adjusting assembly applying counterbalance force to the device mounting member. |
| US09243740B2 |
Bracket assembly for engine compartment component
A bracket assembly configured to mount an engine component to the vehicle body is provided. The bracket assembly includes a first body bracket, a second body bracket, a rod and a third body bracket. The first body bracket is configured to hold the component. The second and third body brackets are both configured to attach to the structure within the engine compartment. The rod may be dimensioned so as to place the third body bracket in a desired spatial orientation with respect to the first and second body brackets. Accordingly, the bracket assembly is operable to accommodate two of the same components within the engine compartment by allowing the components to be in different spatial relationships relative to the engine compartment. |
| US09243738B2 |
Overturning machine and workbench thereof
A machine to overturn workpieces can include a mechanical arm, a holding member coupled to the mechanical arm, and a workbench positioned adjacent to the mechanical arm. The workbench can include a base plate and a first positioning assembly. The base plate can define a slot. The slot can extend towards and through a sidewall of the base plate, and define an outlet at a portion running through the sidewall. The first positioning assembly can be positioned on the base plate adjacent to the slot. The first positioning assembly can be configured to manipulate and position the workpiece. The mechanical arm can be configured to drive the holding member through the slot to attach to and hold onto a surface of the workpiece facing the base plate, and move the workpiece away from the base plate via the outlet. |
| US09243731B2 |
Pipe clamp, in particular profile clamp
Pipe clamp and method for retaining a tensioning element in a tensioning head of the pipe clamp. The pipe clamp includes a clamp band having a first end with a first tensioning head and a second end with a second tensioning head, a tensioning element guidable guided through the first tensioning head and engageable with the second tensioning head, and a securing element structured and arranged in the first tensioning head to secure the tensioning element against loss and including a spring element structured and arranged to act between the tensioning element and the first tensioning head. |
| US09243725B2 |
Glass-fiber reinforced plastic pipe
A glass-fiber reinforced plastic pipe comprises a pipe body and an inner core fixedly provided on an inner wall of the pipe body, wherein an upper end of the inner core is lower than an upper end of the pipe body, so that a first heat-insulating space is formed between the upper ends of the inner core and the pipe body, and a lower end of the inner core is higher than a lower end of the pipe body, so that a second heat-insulating space is formed between the lower ends of the inner core and the pipe body. Due to the inner core as a reinforce structure, the shear resistance strength of the glass-fiber reinforced plastic pipe is improved without increasing the thickness of the pipe wall, and furthermore the mechanical performance of a supporting device of the cryogenic pressure vessel is improved. |
| US09243715B2 |
Seal assembly
A fluid seal assembly consists of a seal element of compliant material that is retainingly carried by a seal carrier. The seal carrier includes one or more elements of relatively rigid material defining a sealing face with a seal-receiving groove interrupting the sealing face. The seal-receiving groove has groove-defining walls each of which has a proximal end at the sealing face and a distal end. The groove-defining walls serve as seal contact surfaces. The seal contact surfaces are configured such that the seal-receiving groove narrows toward its distal end. The seal-receiving groove has a depth and a breadth suitable for accepting the seal element, with the seal element projecting past the sealing face when compressed to be in contact with the seal contact surfaces. |
| US09243714B2 |
Sealing system and retractable assembly including such
A retractable assembly and a sealing system, the sealing system comprising: an essentially hollow, cylindrical housing with an inner space and a peripheral groove open to the inner space in the housing. The peripheral groove defines a plane in the housing and the normal of the plane is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The groove includes at least one, preferably two, extension spaces expanding the groove. The extension space is arranged on the side of the groove facing away from the inner space. An annular seal corresponding to the groove is arranged in the groove. The annular seal is formed of at least a first section facing the inner space and a second section facing away from the inner space. |
| US09243713B2 |
Sealing structure
A sealing structure permits easy fitting of the insertion member into the reception member and that prevents damage to the insertion member and the reception member.The insertion member includes a first larger-diameter columnar portion, a first smaller-diameter columnar portion, and a first step portion.The reception member includes a second larger-diameter cylindrical portion, a second smaller-diameter cylindrical portion, and a second step portion.An accommodation region for accommodating an O-ring is defined by an outer circumferential surface of the first smaller-diameter columnar portion, an outer surface of the first step portion, an inner circumferential surface of the second larger-diameter cylindrical portion, and an inner surface of the second step portion. |
| US09243712B2 |
Seal for a vessel filled with fluid
A seal for a fluid-fillable vessel of a gearing or motor is provided. The seal includes a first sealing body with a first inside sealing lip, with a first leg protruding from the sealing body, at the distal end of which there is arranged a second outer sealing lip which protrudes from the first leg. Reliable sealing can thus be achieved and apparent leakiness of a fluid vessel can be prevented at the same time. |
| US09243711B2 |
Bi-directional pressure energized axial seal and a swivel connection application
A tubular connection has first and second tubular members having aligned bores with a common axis and having first and second seal surfaces, respectively. A metal seal has a first end portion that sealingly engages the first seal surface and a second end portion that sealingly engages the second seal surface. The metal seal has a sidewall with at least two folds. One of the folds defines an axial interior gap. The other of the folds defines an axial exterior gap. An exterior spacer member is positioned in the exterior gap to limit closer of the exterior gap in response to a greater pressure on the interior of the seal than on the exterior. An interior spacer member is positioned in the interior gap to limit closure of the interior gap in response to a greater pressure on the exterior of the seal than on the interior. |
| US09243709B2 |
Welded piston assembly
A pre-finished piston part is disclosed that may be used to form a piston assembly. A pre-finished piston may include a lower part defining a piston axis, the lower part having a skirt and forming a lower surface of a cooling gallery. The lower part may include a radially inner bowl surface defining a lower part radially inner mating surface. The pre-finished piston assembly may further include an upper part having a radially outer bowl surface meeting the radially inner bowl surface at a radially inner joint. The upper part may include a radially inner wall defining a radially inner upper part mating surface. The radially inner wall may define a radially inwardly facing surface that defines a non-parallel angle with the radially inner bowl surface where the radially inner bowl surface meets the radially innermost edge of the radially inner mating surface. |
| US09243708B2 |
System for control of a gearbox
A system for control of a gearbox: At least one control unit controls the gearbox in a motor vehicle which comprises an engine connected to drive the gearbox. The system responds to receiving an indication by choosing for the gearbox a gear among various possible gears which causes the engine to reach a desired speed ωKD in a shorter time than with any other gear from among the various possible gears. Also, a method, a motor vehicle, a computer program and a computer program product thereof for performing the method are disclosed. |
| US09243704B2 |
Drive axle assembly with a collar actuator mechanism
A drive axle assembly having a collar actuator mechanism that may include an electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic coil may be disposed in a stationary position with respect to a housing and may be configured to actuate the collar. |
| US09243701B2 |
Power-split transmission for a traction drive and method for controlling the transmission
A power-split transmission for a traction drive includes a hydraulic power branch and a further power branch. In order to control a velocity, a displacement volume of a hydraulic pump of the hydraulic power branch is configured to be adjusted by a hydraulic actuating device. For the purpose of adjustment, a control pressure medium can be applied to the actuating device by a control valve. An additional pressure-control device is configured to be used to set a control pressure of the control pressure medium to a setpoint value which is dependent on a drive range of the transmission or of the traction drive. |
| US09243700B1 |
Coupled worm planetary gear continuously variable ratio transmission
A continuously variable ratio transmission includes a planetary gear assembly with a sun gear fixed to a driving input shaft, and a driven output shaft connected to a planet carrier. A worm gear assembly includes a worm which is driven by a control motor and worm wheel which drives a ring gear of the planetary gear assembly at a continuously variable speed. The output shaft transmits power to a load while rotating in the same direction as the input shaft. In an embodiment, two worms are driven by the control motor. In another embodiment, the transmission is operable in reverse by only the control motor. In another embodiment, a control gear assembly drives the ring gear and includes parallel axis helical gears. |
| US09243693B2 |
Speed variator
A speed variator comprises a bell-shaped body (5) forming a frustoconical rolling surface (6) able to rotate about its own axis of symmetry (Y), a wheel (7) able to rotate about a second axis (W) and engaged by rolling with the rolling surface (6) to allow the transmission of a driving torque between the wheel (7) and the bell-shaped body (5), and an actuator (9) acting between the wheel (7) and the bell-shaped body (5) for moving the wheel (5) and the bell-shaped body (7) towards and/or away from each other in such a way as to make the wheel (7) engage with different portions of the rolling surface (6). The rolling surface (6) and the second axis (W) converge in a point (P). |
| US09243689B2 |
Transmission device for automatic document feeder
A transmission device for an automatic document feeder includes a driving gear set driven by a driving motor, a first swing arm equipped with a first driving roller set, a second swing arm equipped with a second driving roller set, and a one-way gear set driven by the driving gear set to keep transmitting rollers rotating in the same direction. The first swing arm is driven by the driving gear set and swingable between a first position and a second position to mesh the first driving roller set with a pickup device or an output device. The second swing arm is driven by the driving gear set and swingable between a third position and a fourth position to mesh the second driving roller set with the pickup device or the output device. When the first swing arm swings toward the first position, the second arm swings toward the fourth position, and when the first swing arm swings toward the second position, the second swing arm swings to the third position. |
| US09243674B2 |
Power tool braking device
A power tool braking device, in particular a hand-held power tool braking device, of a portable power tool has at least one magnetic field braking unit. The power tool braking device comprises at least one mechanical activation unit. |
| US09243672B2 |
Dual drive plate damper for hybrid electric vehicles
An assembly includes an engine output concentric with an axis, an input, a starting gear, a first drive plate secured to the engine output, including a rim supporting the starting gear, and arms extending radially outward from the axis, and a second drive plate rotatably secured to the input, and secured to the first drive plate at a location spaced radially outward from the axis. |
| US09243670B2 |
Damper device
A damper device includes: a pair of first plates axially separated from each other along a rotation axis and rotatable integrally with each other around the axis in a state where the first plates intersect the axis; a second plate including a portion positioned between the first plates, having an opening, and rotatable around the axis in a state where the second plate intersects the axis; an elastic member between the first and second plates, and elastically deformed a circumferential direction of the axis; and a third plate having a first portion positioned on an inner side of the opening and coupled to the first plates in a state where the first portion is between the first plates, and a second portion positioned on an outer side of the opening, and rotatable around the axis in a state where the third plate intersects the axis. |
| US09243664B2 |
Toroidal roller bearing
A toroidal roller bearing, which comprises an outer ring, an inner ring and a plurality of roller elements interposed between the outer and inner rings, wherein the toroidal roller bearing allows for angular and axial displacement between the outer ring and the inner ring. The bearing includes a cage for holding the roller elements, wherein the cage provides an axial guiding feature for axially guiding the roller elements against at least one of the outer ring, inner ring and a separate element located outside the toroidal roller bearing. |
| US09243663B2 |
Rolling bearing and power transmission device including rolling bearing
A rolling bearing includes an inner ring; an outer ring coaxially disposed around an outer peripheral surface of the inner ring with an annular space between the inner ring and the outer ring; a plurality of rolling elements rollably disposed in the annular space; a cage that retains the rolling elements; and a bubble generating mechanism that generates bubbles in liquid lubricant during bearing rotation, wherein the liquid lubricant flows through the annular space. |
| US09243662B2 |
Tooth-bearing body
A tooth-bearing body having a first sequence (1) of teeth (2) and at least one second sequence (3) of teeth (4), wherein the teeth (2) of the first sequence (1), viewed in a rolling direction (5) of the tooth-bearing body, are arranged behind one another and the teeth (4) of the second sequence (3), viewed in the rolling direction (5) of the tooth-bearing body, are likewise arranged behind one another, and the first sequence (1) of teeth (2) and the second sequence (3) of teeth (4) are arranged in a transverse direction (6) orthogonal to the rolling direction (5), particularly exclusively next to one another, wherein the teeth (2) of the first sequence (1) are larger than the teeth (4) of the second sequence (3). |
| US09243660B2 |
Main bearing for crankshaft of internal combustion engine
A main bearing for a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine has first and second half bearings forming an axial groove on an inner circumferential surface of a butting portion. Each half bearing has a main cylinder portion including a central portion, and crush relief portions each extending toward the central portion from an end surface of the half bearing with a center angle of 3° to 15°. A plurality of crush relief grooves are formed in each crush relief portion in the circumferential direction to communicate with the axial groove. An oil groove is formed in the circumferential direction on an inner circumferential surface of the first half bearing. The second half bearing has a transition region having an inward protruding curved surface a wall thickness of which becomes thinner toward the crush relief portion from the main cylinder portion. |
| US09243658B2 |
Flanged ribbed nut attachment
According to aspects of one or more exemplary implementations, disclosed is a flanged ribbed nut, or FRN, having a head above an extended flange formed integral to said head, and a neck integral to and extending from said flange opposite said head, and a threading guide in fluid communication with said head, flange and neck, and having at least two interfering ribs formed therein. |
| US09243657B2 |
Fastener retaining device
An integrally molded object body is disclosed for retaining fasteners in a pre-attachment position and deforming to accommodate attachment tolerances. The object body has a fastener retaining portion that has an aperture defined therein that has a fastener-engaging edge that grips the shaft of the fastener in the pre-attachment position. The fastener retaining is deformable to allow the fastener to move laterally and be attached off-center from the pre-attachment position to accommodate attachment tolerances. The fastener retaining portion can have areas of weakness to allow deformation. These areas of weakness can comprise areas of reduced thickness or radial extensions that extend towards the perimeter of the fastener retaining portion. The object body also has a clearance portion that defines a mounting face that the fastener does not extend past in the pre-attachment position. The object body can further comprise a compression portion that engages with the shoulder of the fastener and is compressed between the shoulder the object that the object body is attached onto in the attachment position. The compression portion can also have a bushing that provides increased torque retention by engaging with the fastener shoulder and the object that the object body is attached onto. |
| US09243641B2 |
Pump for pumping molten metal including components that resist deterioration
A pump for pumping molten metal includes a pump shaft having an upper end and a lower end. A motor is connected to the upper end of the shaft. An impeller is fastened to the lower end of the shaft. Support structure supports the motor above the molten metal. A base is disposed below the support structure including an impeller chamber in which the impeller is rotated by activation of the motor. The base includes at least one inlet opening leading to the impeller chamber and at least one outlet passageway leading from the impeller chamber. At least one support post extends between the support structure and the base enabling the base to be submerged in the molten metal beneath the support structure. A device enables the post to resist deterioration while the post is disposed in the molten metal. |
| US09243636B2 |
Scroll compressor with differential pressure hole and communication hole
A scroll compressor is provided that includes an oil recollecting pump to recollect oil discharged from a shell, thus to effectively recollect oil discharged out of the compressor, and a differential pressure hole formed at a position where it communicates with compression chambers after a suction completion timing, such that oil stored in an inner space of the shell can be supplied into the compression chambers using a pressure difference between a high-pressure inner space of the shell and a low-pressure compression chambers, resulting in allowing oil to be smoothly supplied to a compression unit even during low-speed driving of the compressor and preventing an occurrence of a suction loss due to oil. |
| US09243634B2 |
Compressor with sliding member resin layer
A compressor includes sliding members arranged to slide relative to each other when compressing a refrigerant. At least one of the sliding members has a resin layer that is formed on the whole area or a portion of at least one sliding surface. The resin layer has an arithmetic mean surface roughness (Ra) of 0.3 or more, or the whole area or a portion of an area opposed to the resin layer is entirely or partially harder than the resin layer and has an arithmetic mean surface roughness (Ra) of 0.3 or more. |
| US09243628B2 |
Adaptive pump control for positive displacement pump failure modes
Detecting a failure mode of a fluid flow controller configured to control fluid flow between first and second chambers of a downhole positive displacement pump and a flow line, wherein the positive displacement pump comprises a piston moving in an axial reciprocating motion, and subsequently adjusting operation of the downhole positive displacement pump based on the detected failure mode such that the downhole positive displacement pump piston operates differently in different axial directions. |
| US09243625B2 |
Peristaltic pump having electrically grounded components
A peristaltic pump for use in medical technology with a stator and a rotor. The stator 40 has an occlusion bed 12 which forms the contact area with a tube accommodated within, and the rotor is provided with rolling elements suitable for occluding a tube accommodated between the occlusion bed and the rolling elements. At least a part of the occlusion bed has an electrically conductive surface for reducing and/or preventing electrostatic charging of the tube. The stator may be injection molded from an electrically non-conductive plastic and the electrically conductive surface may be formed by a molded-in metallic insert or a molded-in metallic foil insert. |
| US09243618B2 |
Pump device for lubricant
A pump device for lubricant includes a pump main body; a cylinder part having an introduction port and a derivation port; a piston moving within the cylinder part; an actuator moving the piston forward to a 1st position to discharge a lubricant from the derivation port, backward from the 1st position to a 2nd position to suction the lubricant from the introduction port and further backward from the 2nd position to a 3rd position to stop the suction and discharge of the lubricant; and a driving control device controlling the actuator such that when the lubricant is supplied, the piston is moved from the 3rd position to the 1st position and moved between the 1st position and the 2nd position, and when the lubricant is not supplied, the piston is moved to the 3rd position and stopped. |
| US09243616B2 |
Heat-electricity combined production system that utilizes solar energy and geothermal heat
A heat-electricity combined production system includes: a solar cell module in which a flow path through which a heat source side heating medium heated by solar heat flows, is formed and which generates electricity by solar light; a geothermal heat exchanger that absorbs geothermal heat through the heat source side heating medium; a heat pump including a heat source side heat exchanger that performs heat-exchange between the heat source side heating medium and a refrigerant and a load side heat exchanger that performs heat-exchange between the refrigerant and a load side heating medium; a controller that control the heat source side heating medium to pass through both the solar cell module and the geothermal heat exchanger; and a plurality of pipes that connect the solar cell module, the geothermal heat exchanger and the heat pump. |
| US09243613B2 |
Operating a wind turbine and a wind farm in different grid strength
A method for controlling a wind turbine is proposed. The wind turbine is in a wind farm and connected to a point of common coupling that is connected to a utility grid. At least one quantity indicative of a short circuit ratio of the utility grid is measured. A control parameter of a control system controlling the wind turbine and the wind farm is adjusted. based on the measured value of the quantity. |
| US09243612B2 |
Generator with vertical piston and reciprocal movement, with orientable blades and conversion of mechanical energy to electrical energy by means of a vertical solenoid device
A generator with a vertically reciprocating piston, including: a cylindrical head defining an inner space and having mounted on an inner surface thereof: a solenoid defining an internal space, an upper rack, and a lower rack; a piston including: an upper part extending out of the head, and a lower part moveable within the inner space of the head, the piston adapted to move in a vertical, reciprocal movement under a force of fluid impacting airfoil blades coupled to the upper part of the piston, wherein at least two of the airfoil blades are each coupled to the piston. The lower part of the piston includes a series of magnets, and the vertically reciprocating motion of the piston causes the series of magnets to move in the vertically reciprocating motion within the internal space defined by the solenoid, so as to generate energy. |
| US09243609B2 |
Density engines and methods capable of efficient use of low temperature heat sources for electrical power generation
Systems and methods to convert low temperature solar thermal or waste heat sources for electric power generation, by integrating available technologies with a unique, efficient combined cycle. The device consists of mobile pods immersed within a thermal sink fluid reservoir. A vapor cycle converts thermal energy to buoyant potential energy by inducing density and volume changes of the mobile pods through discrete phase changes of a refrigerant working fluid. Buoyant potential energy is then converted to electrical power through motion of the entire pod within a thermal sink pressure gradient. |
| US09243604B2 |
In-pipe turbine
An in-pipe hydraulic turbine system includes a pipeline for fluid transport, the pipeline having an inlet and an outlet, and a turbine disposed within the pipeline, between the inlet and the outlet. The turbine is actuated by fluid moving through the pipeline and leaves usable fluid pressure downstream of the turbine. |
| US09243599B2 |
Engine starting device
Provided is an engine starting device enabling the meshing engagement of a pinion gear and a ring gear to be quickly and quietly achieved in an automatic idle-stop system while an engine is rotating by inertia. The engine starting device includes: a ring gear connected to a crankshaft of an engine; a starter motor for starting the engine; a pinion gear for transmitting rotation of the starter motor to the ring gear; pinion-gear moving portion for moving the pinion gear so as to achieve meshing engagement with the ring gear; and starter control portion for executing any one of a plurality of control modes. |
| US09243596B2 |
Pressure operated mechanical flow control valve for gasoline direct injection pump
A flow control valve (15) for a direct injection pump (10) has an inlet end (12), an inlet valve (26), a compression chamber (48), a pump piston (14), and an outlet (13). The valve (15) has a housing (16) and a non-electrically operated control plunger (22) movable within the housing. The control plunger engages with and disengages from the inlet valve to control opening and closing of the inlet valve. A spring (28) biases the control plunger away from the inlet valve. The pump and housing define port structure (38, 44) fluidly connecting the outlet with a volume (42) that communicates with the control plunger such that when fluid pressure at the outlet is greater than a certain value, the fluid pressure in the volume alone causes the control plunger to move against the spring and engage the inlet valve to hold the inlet valve in an open position. |
| US09243593B2 |
Device for ventilating a fuel tank
A device for ventilating a fuel tank of an internal combustion engine in particular of a fuel tank of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle includes an activated carbon filter and at least one valve which is controllable by a control unit. To prevent leakage of hydrocarbons into the environment without enlargement of the activated carbon filter the control unit controls the valve in dependence on a load factor of the activated carbon filter and/or in dependence on an operating cycle duration of the internal combustion engine. |
| US09243592B2 |
Canister purge valve self-cleaning cycle
A method for a fuel system coupled to an engine comprising: under vacuum conditions, opening the fuel vapor canister purge valve, and generating pressure pulsations in a conduit coupled to the fuel vapor canister purge valve by opening and closing a fuel vapor canister vent valve one or more times while maintaining the fuel vapor canister purge valve open. In this way, contaminants and/or debris that may prevent the canister purge valve from closing completely may be dislodged and evacuated to the intake manifold. |
| US09243591B2 |
Fuel system diagnostics
Methods and system are provided for identifying unintended closing (or corking) of a mechanical valve coupled to a fuel tank. If tank vent valve corking is identified during a leak test, fuel tank pressure data collected during the leak test is disregarded and not used to determine a fuel system leak. Instead, a fuel system leak test is repeated to improve reliability of test results. |
| US09243586B2 |
Ventilation outlet structure of cogeneration system
A ventilation outlet of a generation unit case installed outdoors and housing a generation unit including a generator and an internal combustion engine to drive the generator. The outlet comprise a maintenance box whose inside surfaces are attached with sound insulators and bored with an inlet hole at its upper portion to be communicated with an inside of the generation unit case and bored with an outlet hole at its lower portion that connects the inlet hole to exterior through a passage formed among the sound insulators. A flow guide plate is installed near the outlet hole to guide rainwater entered from outside to flow upward and a shield is installed at the passage to prevent the rainwater from flowing further upward. |
| US09243582B2 |
Complex-shaped piston oil galleries with piston crowns made by cast metal or powder metal processes
A steel piston with an oil gallery, and process for forming a steel piston oil gallery channel, which corresponds to the complex shape of the combustion bowl in the piston crown. The piston crown is made by a cast metal or powder metal forming process. The oil gallery channel is formed to the basic shape that corresponds to the shape of the walls of the combustion bowl. Machine-turning surfaces in the oil gallery channel can be machine-finished as desired. Surfaces in the oil gallery which cannot be machined with conventional turning operations, such as recesses and protrusions into the channel, are left in the original as-formed condition. |
| US09243581B2 |
Engine control system and method based on fuel quality
An engine control system and method includes sensing the quality of fuel in the engine relative to emissions, by for example sensing the level of an emission related constituent, such as sulfur. A fuel quality sensor detects a fuel quality of a fuel, such as the sulfur level in the fuel, and provides a signal in response to the fuel quality. The engine control system also includes a navigation device to determine whether an engine is located in a regulated or non-regulated region. The engine control system receives the signal and controls engine operation by, for example, enabling or disabling one or more engine algorithms to improve performance of the engine based on the fuel quality signal or, in other embodiments, the combination of the fuel quality and the location of the engine. |
| US09243575B2 |
Apparatus for controlling the learning of the air fuel ratio of an internal combustion engine
If an amount of fuel is not increased and a direct injection air-fuel ratio learning has not been completed, fuel injection from a port fuel injection valve is stopped without executing EGR, fuel injection control is executed such that the fuel injection occurs only from an in-cylinder fuel injection valve, and the direct injection air-fuel ratio learning is executed. If the amount of the fuel is increased, the fuel injection from the port fuel injection valve is stopped without executing EGR and air-fuel ratio feedback control, and an engine and an EGR valve are controlled such that fuel injection occurs only from the in-cylinder fuel injection valve. |
| US09243573B2 |
Methods and systems for cylinder bank misfire detection and reactivation
Various systems and methods are described for deactivation and reactivation of a cylinder bank in a V-engine. In one example, the cylinder bank is deactivated responsive to an indication of misfire based on crankshaft acceleration and exhaust air fuel ratio. The cylinder bank is reactivated sequentially based on exhaust catalyst temperature. |
| US09243570B2 |
Auto-stop control for a stop/start vehicle at a service location
A stop/start vehicle includes an engine and a stop/start system that prevents an auto stop of the engine when the speed of the vehicle is approximately zero in response to the vehicle being located at a service location or in response to the vehicle being located in a user identified geographic region. |
| US09243566B2 |
Method of controlling turbine equipment and turbine equipment
To provide a method of controlling a turbine equipment and a turbine equipment capable of carrying out a starting operation of controlling a load applied to a speed reducing portion while complying with a restriction imposed on an apparatus provided at a turbine equipment. The invention is characterized in including a temperature elevating step (S1) of elevating a temperature of a working fluid flowing to the turbine portion, a flow rate increasing step (S2) of increasing a flow rate of a working fluid bypassed from a delivery side to a suction side of the compressing portion when a temperature of the working fluid flowing to the turbine portion is elevated by a heat source portion, and a flow rate reducing step (S3) of reducing the flow rate of the bypassing working fluid after an elapse of a predetermined time period after increasing the flow rate of the bypassing working fluid. |
| US09243563B2 |
Gas turbine engine in-board cooled cooling air system
A system for supplying turbine cooling air flow includes a turbofan engine, a heat exchanger, and a door. The turbofan engine includes an engine case that has an inner volume within which at least a gas turbine engine is mounted, and a bypass flow passage that is defined by an outer fan duct and an inner fan duct and that is configured to direct fan air flow therethrough. The heat exchanger is disposed within the turbofan engine, is coupled to receive fluid and cooling air from the bypass flow passage, and is configured to transfer heat between fluid and the cooling air. The door is movably mounted in the turbofan engine and is movable between a closed position, in which the cooling air will not flow through the heat exchanger, and an open position, in which the cooling air may flow through the heat exchanger. |
| US09243557B2 |
Shunt pulsation trap for positive displacement (PD) internal combustion engines (ICE)
A shunt pulsation trap for a positive displacement (PD) internal combustion engine (ICE) reduces pulsation, as well as noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), and the overall size of the exhaust system, and also improves cycle (fuel) efficiency. A shunt pulsation trap for a PD-ICE is configured to trap and attenuate gas pulsations before discharge to engine outlet and includes a chamber (trap volume) adjacent to the PD-ICE cavity. The chamber houses at least one pulsation dampening device, at least one relief port (trap inlet) branching off from the PD-ICE cavity into the pulsation trap chamber and a feedback region (trap outlet) communicating with the PD-ICE outlet. The associated methods of reducing pulsations are included as another aspect of the invention. |
| US09243552B2 |
Method for determining wastegate valve lift
Systems and methods for determining the lift of a wastegate valve are provided. Methods comprise determining a relation between an actuator position and a lift of a wastegate valve at engine start-up in a temperature range. The relation may be modified based on a difference between a desired boost level and an actual boost level. |
| US09243551B2 |
Control strategy for decreasing resonance in a turbocharger
A method for operation of an engine including a turbocharger system is provided. The method includes adjusting turbocharger rotational acceleration or deceleration in response to one or more resonant frequencies. Additionally in some examples, the method may further include increasing turbocharger rotation in response to one or more resonant frequencies during a first condition, and increasing turbocharger deceleration in response to one or more resonant frequencies during a second condition, the second condition different from the first condition. In this way, it is possible to enhance the useful life cycle of the turbocharger and associated engine by limiting the operating time in a resonant frequency band. |
| US09243547B2 |
Dual inlet and outlet exhaust gas recirculation cooler for turbocharged engine
Methods and systems are provided for a high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system of a parallel twin-turbocharged internal combustion engine. Using an EGR cooler with a single exhaust inlet and outlet to cool recirculated exhaust gas may increase the complexity and size of the engine package, along with adding unnecessary cost from extra ductwork to decrease the chance of turbocharger boost imbalance. To provide a way to reduce package size without affecting engine performance, an EGR cooler with two exhaust inlets and outlets is used to cool exhaust flows leading from two cylinder banks. |
| US09243544B2 |
Exhaust system with line element
A flexible line element (14), for an exhaust system (4) of an internal combustion engine (1), especially of a motor vehicle, includes a metal bellows (15), which is corrugated in a ring-shaped or helical pattern and through which an exhaust gas stream (8) can flow. The risk of deposition of urea and/or urea derivatives in the metal bellows (15) is reduced by a conical flow guide body (16), through which the exhaust gas stream (8) can flow, and which tapers in the direction of flow of the exhaust gas stream and which protrudes into an inlet area (17) of the metal bellows (15). The flexible line element (14) is combined with the flow guide body (16) integrated therein. |
| US09243541B2 |
Control of aftertreatment regeneration in a hybrid powered vehicle
A method for controlling aftertreatment regeneration for a system having a hybrid powertrain is described. The method includes determining that an engine aftertreatment regeneration is indicated when a regeneration request index exceeds a first threshold. The method includes determining an acceptable battery usage amount based on a current battery state of charge (SOC) and a minimum battery SOC. The method further includes determining a battery usage amount for an engine aftertreatment regeneration operation. The method includes initiating an engine aftertreatment regeneration when the battery usage amount is less than or equal to the acceptable battery usage amount. |
| US09243535B2 |
Method for controlling the reductant buffer level in an exhaust gas aftertreatment device
A method for controlling a reductant buffer level in an exhaust gas after treatment device connectable downstream of an internal combustion engine includes performing a first reductant injection of a first amount upstream the exhaust gas after treatment device, performing a second reductant injection of a second amount upstream the exhaust gas after treatment device, which second amount is different to the first amount, evaluating the NOx conversion resulting from the first and second reductant injections downstream the exhaust gas after treatment device to obtain a first and second result, controlling a further reductant injection in dependence of the first and second results from the first and second NOx conversion evaluations. |
| US09243533B2 |
Engine system
An engine system includes: an exhaust path through which an exhaust gas of an engine passes; an urea injection valve that injects urea into the exhaust path; a catalyst that is provided in the exhaust path on a downstream of the urea injection valve, and that selectively reduces NOx by using ammonia acting as a reducing agent, the ammonia being generated by hydrolyzing injected urea from the urea injection valve; a heating portion that is capable of heating the catalyst and the injected urea; and a control unit that performs first control, in which the urea injection valve injects urea, the heating portion heats the injected urea to generate ammonia, or second control, in which the heating portion increases a temperature of the catalyst to a temperature at which NOx can be reduced, on a basis of an amount of ammonia adsorbed on the catalyst. |
| US09243528B2 |
Device and method for cleaning crankcase gas
A device for cleaning of crankcase gas including a centrifugal separator having a housing and a separation chamber in which a rotor is arranged. The separator is connected to a gas inlet for conducting crankcase gas from the crankcase to the centrifugal separator and a gas outlet for conducting the cleaned gas from the separator. A motor is arranged to rotate the centrifugal rotor. A sensor is provided for detection of a parameter and is arranged to communicate with the control equipment. The control equipment is operatively connected to a valve for adjusting the flow of gas through the centrifugal separator. The control equipment is arranged to change the position of the valve in response to a detected change of the parameter such that the gas pressure in the crankcase is maintained at a predetermined value. |
| US09243526B2 |
Internal combustion engine having an oil circuit and method for operating such an internal combustion engine
A method for operating an engine is provided. The method comprises adjusting an oil pressure in an oil circuit, the oil circuit including a pump in fluidic communication with a hydraulically adjustable cam follower and switching the hydraulically adjustable cam follower into a connected state to a disconnected in response to the oil pressure adjustment. |
| US09243525B2 |
Engine valve control mechanism
A valve control mechanism is configured that is capable of optimally controlling an engine by lifting an intake valve only by the necessary amount, while suppressing noise at the time of operation. This valve control mechanism includes a control member that rotates around a control axis due to a driving force of an actuator, and a base end portion of a rocker arm is pivotably supported around a pivot axis by an eccentric support portion of the control member. The rocker arm is pivoted by a cam portion of a camshaft abutting against an intermediate roller of the rocker arm, and an operation of opening the intake valve is performed due to a pressure force from the pivot end. The rocker arm is shifted in the longitudinal direction due to an operation of the actuator, and control for changing the lift amount of the intake valve is performed. |
| US09243524B2 |
Engine control systems and methods for transmission upshifts
For an upshift of a transmission, a model predictive control (MPC) module sets target intake and exhaust valve timings for changes in a torque request that occur during the upshift. A phaser actuator module controls intake valve phasing of an engine based on the target intake valve timing and controls exhaust valve phasing based on the target exhaust valve timing. |
| US09243523B2 |
Valve timing control device
A valve timing control device includes a lock mechanism having a hole portion formed in one of the driving-side/driven-side rotational members, a sleeve in the hole portion, a lock member in the sleeve and capable of projecting and retracting with respect to the other of the driving-side/driven-side members, and a lock hole formed in the other of the driving-side/driven-side members such that the lock member can be fitted to the lock hole when the lock member projects. The lock mechanism constrains a relative rotational phase of the driven-side rotational member with respect to the driving-side rotational member at a predetermined phase when the lock member is fitted to the lock hole. A first chamfered surface is formed in the circumferential direction at an inner-circumferential corner of an end of the sleeve on the side opposite to the side facing the lock hole. |
| US09243521B2 |
Pump actuator anti-rotation device
A tappet having a contiguous body, an outer wall and transverse web. The outer wall defines a cylindrically-shaped outer surface and a recess. The recess is disposed within cylindrical surface of the body. An alignment member is press-fit between two staked ends of the recess, which engage opposite sides of the alignment member. The alignment member extends outwardly from the cylindrically-shaped surface. A roller is mounted to the contiguous body at the cam contacting end of the tappet. |
| US09243519B2 |
Systems and methods for accelerating droop response to frequency variation of an electrical grid in a combined cycle power plant
According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a system for accelerating droop response in a combined cycle power plant may include a controller and a processor communicatively coupled to the controller. The processor may be configured to receive frequency variation data associated with a frequency variation of an electrical grid, determine, based at least in part on the frequency variation data, a target operational level of the combined cycle power plant and the droop response associated with the target operational level, calculate a variable compensation value, and apply the variable compensation value to the droop response until the target operational level is reached. |
| US09243518B2 |
Waste heat recovery system
To mitigate the potential significant impact on our society due to the continued reliance on high-cost diesel hydrocarbon fuel and the implementation of increasingly strict emission controls, an apparatus is disclosed which provides the means for extracting additional heat from an internal combustion engine while providing the cooling needed to meet stricter emissions standards. The present disclosure describes an apparatus operating on a Rankine cycle for recovering waste heat energy from an internal combustion engine, the apparatus including a closed loop for a working fluid with a single shared low pressure condenser serving a pair of independent high pressure circuits each containing zero or more controlled or passive fluid splitters and mixers, one or more pressure pumps, one or more heat exchangers, and one or more expanders, and the means for controlling said apparatus. |
| US09243517B2 |
Carbon dioxide recovery system and method
A carbon dioxide recovery system includes a high-pressure turbine 11, an intermediate-pressure turbine 12, a low-pressure turbine 13, a main boiler 15 that generates steam 14 for driving these turbines, a carbon dioxide recovery unit 24 including a carbon dioxide absorber 21 that absorbs and reduces carbon dioxide in flue gas (emission gas) G emitted from the main boiler 15 using a carbon dioxide absorbent and an absorbent regenerator 23 that regenerates a carbon dioxide absorbent having absorbed the carbon dioxide using a regenerating superheater 22 to obtain a regenerated carbon dioxide absorbent, an auxiliary boiler 30 that generates saturated water vapor 31 to be supplied to the regenerating superheater 22 in the absorbent regenerator 23, and a steam turbine 32 that is driven by steam from the auxiliary boiler 30. |
| US09243516B2 |
Exhaust device for a steam turbine module
A steam exhaust device for a steam turbine module includes a steam exhaust duct having a steam diffuser and a steam exhaust bottom wall, the steam exhaust duct being delimited by a surface of the steam diffuser configured to guide steam and by a steam exhaust bottom wall. A rigid hub includes one of a circular and a semicircular shape, the steam diffuser being rigidly fixed on the rigid hub. A rigid fastening device is fixed on the rigid hub and configured to support the steam exhaust device on a rigid frame. |
| US09243510B2 |
Floating seal
A floating seal assembly for sealing two static parts is disclosed. Each static part has an opposing groove, and the opposing grooves define a seal cavity. Floating seal assembly includes a floating circumferential seal having a middle portion and opposing end portions, each opposing end portion is positioned within a groove in one of the static parts, wherein each end portion has a curved side facing a low pressure side of the seal cavity. The floating seal assembly according to embodiments of the invention is pressure driven in that each curved side of the end portions is configured to engage a low pressure side of the seal cavity in response to a pressure differential across the sealing cavity reaching a threshold value. |
| US09243500B2 |
Turbine blade platform with U-channel cooling holes
A turbine blade for a gas turbine engine includes an airfoil including leading and trailing edges joined by spaced apart pressure and suction sides to provide an exterior airfoil surface extending in a radial direction. The trailing edge is arranged on an aft side of the turbine blade. A root supports a platform from which the airfoil extends and a cooling passage extends within the root in the radial direction to the airfoil. A lower wing is arranged beneath the platform on the aft side and extends in an axial direction to provide a U-shaped channel with the platform that extends in a circumferential direction. An impingement hole extends from the U-channel to the cooling passage. |
| US09243494B2 |
Apparatus and method for fluid property measurements
In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to measure formation fluid and obtain data, the data having measurement levels that vary over a parameter. The data is grouped in one or more categories, each category having data falling within a range, and the grouped data is analyzed as a function of the parameter. In some embodiments, the grouped data is used to identify at least one fluid type of the formation fluid using the grouped data. |
| US09243493B2 |
Fluid density from downhole optical measurements
A system and method for determining at least one fluid characteristic of a downhole fluid sample using a downhole tool are provided. In one example, the method includes performing a calibration process that correlates optical and density sensor measurements of a fluid sample in a downhole tool at a plurality of pressures. The calibration process is performed while the fluid sample is not being agitated. At least one unknown value of a density calculation is determined based on the correlated optical sensor measurements and density sensor measurements. A second optical sensor measurement of the fluid sample is obtained while the fluid sample is being agitated. A density of the fluid sample is calculated based on the second optical sensor measurement and the at least one unknown value. |
| US09243490B2 |
Electronically set and retrievable isolation devices for wellbores and methods thereof
Sealing devices such as packers comprise an expandable sealing element that is inflated and/or deflated by an electrically-activated pump disposed in a wellbore so that the sealing element can be set and retrieved from the wellbore. The pump is disposed downhole in close proximity to the expandable sealing element and is electronically associated with a surface processing unit located at the surface of the wellbore. In certain embodiments, an electric motor electronically associated with the surface processing unit drives the pump to flow a fluid into a chamber of the expandable sealing element to inflate the expandable sealing element and pumps the fluid out of the chamber of the expandable sealing element to deflate the expandable sealing element. Multiple sealing elements can be disposed on a tool or work string and all can be addressable and individually and separately controlled by the surface processing unit. |
| US09243484B1 |
Oil field steam generation using untreated water
An improved method of steam generation for thermal oil recovery by delivering the produced oil-water emulsion, together with a hot hydrocarbon liquid, to a flash vessel where most of the water is flashed off as steam, which can be used for injection in further thermal oil production; while the liquid phase, containing oil, entrained solids and some water is passed to a separator, where a portion of the oil is removed as sales product, most of the water and solids are removed as waste and the remaining oil and traces of water are recirculated to a heater and a flash vessel to provide heat for further processing. If desired, the produced water-oil emulsion may first be passed through a separator vessel which divides the emulsion into three streams, hydrocarbon liquid, gas and water; with hydrocarbon liquid being sent to a coalescer vessel to produce sales quality oil, the gases sent to a fuel or flare system and the water being treated as described above. |
| US09243483B2 |
Methods of using nano-particles in wellbore operations
Methods for heating a material within a wellbore using nano-particles such as carbon nano-tubes. The material may be a flowable material such as cement, drilling mud, an acidizing fluid, or other material. Generally the methods comprise placing the flowable material in proximity to a radial wall of a wellbore. The methods also include running an energy generator into the wellbore. In one aspect, energizing the nano-particles in the filter cake causes the nano-particles to be activated, and increases a temperature within the flowable material to a temperature that is greater than an initial circulation temperature of the flowable material. Activating the energy generator may also assist in curing the flowable material in situ. |
| US09243482B2 |
Steam supply for enhanced oil recovery
A steam supply apparatus (1) for enhanced oil recovery from an oil field (10). The steam supply apparatus includes a water circulating portion (50) providing a continuous flow of water to a water heater (4) for the production of a mixture of steam and water, and a separator (5) for directing the steam to the oil field. Water returned from the oil field is purified in a water treatment apparatus (3) to provide make-up water to the water circulating portion. A buffer volume (3b) is provided in fluid communication between the water treatment apparatus and the water circulating portion. The buffer is sized to provide a time lag between a degradation of the quality of the purified water and an occurrence of an unacceptable scale production in the water heater, thereby allowing continued safe system operation until the water quality problem is corrected. |
| US09243468B2 |
Expandable annular isolator
A tubular has an exterior sealing element disposed in a recess. A swage passes through the tubular to increase its drift dimension from a location above the seal to below the seal. The interior projection that initially defined the exterior wall recess where the seal is located is expanded to the new drift dimension of the balance of the tubular. Extending members that are initially embedded in the seal while extending from the tubular wall that defines the recess move out during the expansion to engage the surrounding tubular to act as extrusion barriers and to aid in the fixation of the seal while being able to penetrate the wall of the surrounding tubular in so doing. |
| US09243458B2 |
Methods for pre-sharpening impregnated cutting structures for bits, resulting cutting structures and drill bits so equipped
Processes for pre-sharpening cutting structures comprising particles of superabrasive material such as diamond grit, dispersed in a metal matrix material such as cemented tungsten carbide. Matrix material may be removed from a surface of a cutting structure to a desired depth to expose superabrasive particles within the matrix material adjacent the surface, and to increase exposure of partially exposed superabrasive particles at the surface. Electrodischarge machining (EDM), laser machining, electrolytic etching and chemical etching may also be employed. Pre-sharpened cutting structures are also disclosed. |
| US09243452B2 |
Cutting elements for earth-boring tools, earth-boring tools including such cutting elements, and related methods
Cutting elements for earth-boring tools include one or more recesses and/or one or more protrusions in a cutting face of a volume of superabrasive material. The superabrasive material may be disposed on a substrate. The cutting face may be non-planar. The recesses and/or protrusions may include one or more linear segments. The recesses and/or protrusions may comprise discrete features that are laterally isolated from one another. The recesses and/or protrusions may have a helical configuration. The volume of superabrasive material may comprise a plurality of thin layers, at least two of which may differ in at least one characteristic. Methods of forming cutting elements include the formation of such recesses and/or protrusions in and/or on a cutting face of a volume of superabrasive material. Earth-boring tools include such cutting elements, and methods of forming earth-boring tools include attaching such a cutting element to a tool body. |
| US09243450B1 |
System for operating a drilling rig with a retracting guide dolly and a top drive
A top drive assembly having a top drive traveling block; a retracting guide dolly for use with the top drive traveling block and top drive operably by a master control system to hydraulically operate all of the top and bottom dolly arms simultaneously to extend and retract the top drive and top drive traveling block laterally and move the dolly as needed based on signals from a plurality of sensors disposed on the drilling rig, or on equipment adjacent the drilling rig. |
| US09243446B2 |
Gapless roller blind device for the access opening of a refrigeration unit
The invention relates to a roller-screen arrangement having covering roller screens which are arranged axially one beside the other and can be jointly rolled up onto, and unrolled from, a winding roller, wherein the free ends of the covering roller screens are oriented in opposite directions. The covering roller screens can thus be jointly rolled up onto, and unrolled from, the winding roller, wherein furthermore, in the unrolled state, a distance A is formed between the covering roller screens. A cavity is created between the covering roller screens, and at least one intermediate roller screen is provided in this cavity in order to cover gaps between the covering roller stir screens arranged axially one beside the other. When the covering roller screens are opened and closed, the intermediate roller screens are taken up and let down and picked up again in accordance with the shortening and lengthening of the covering roller screens. |
| US09243445B2 |
Protective window shutter
A protective window shutter is designed to cover and uncover a door mounted “peek through” metal framed window. The shutter is made up of two shutter sections, rotatable in relation to each other. The first shutter section is secured adjacent to the window's metal frame and the second shutter section is rotatable from a first position in which the two sections are folded on each other, to a second position in which the second section is extended out from the first section, over the window. The shutter sections are maintained in the closed position by the attraction of metal strike plates on the first shutter section and corresponding magnets encased within the second shutter. The second section is maintained over the window by the attraction of the magnets to the window's metal framing. The shutter sections are made of high strength, lightweight PVC or like material. |
| US09243443B2 |
Spacers for insulated glass
This invention provides a sealing spacer for spacing apart two window panes to form a window assembly. The spacer has an elongated, flexible strip having opposed edge surfaces and opposed side surfaces. The opposed edge surfaces undulate with crests and troughs. The spacer has an activatable sealant for directly sealingly securing the flexible strip to each of the two window panes. The activatable sealant is on each of the opposed side surfaces of the flexible strip, and extends into at least a portion of the opposed side surfaces of the flexible strip. The invention also provides methods for making the spacer and window assembly. |
| US09243442B2 |
Panelized shadow box
In a method of supplying an element for covering a non-vision area in a curtain wall on an architectural structure, a plurality of shadow boxes is prefabricated at a location remote from both a unitized curtain wall assembly shop and the architectural structure. The shadow boxes are prefabricated by sealing an interior spacer between a vision glass panel and a back structure. The back structure includes an insulating material surrounded by a rigid envelope. The vision glass panel, the back structure and the interior spacer define a hermetically sealed void therein. A structural seal is applied about the interior spacer and is affixed to the peripheral edge of the vision glass, the interior spacer and the back structure. The plurality of shadow boxes is then delivered to a selected one of the unitized curtain wall assembly shop and the architectural site. |
| US09243438B2 |
Method for the arrangement of a drive unit at a ceiling element of a revolving door
A method for arranging a drive unit in a revolving door, the drive unit being arranged at a ceiling element of the revolving door and configured to drive a turnstile of the revolving door, includes: arranging a receiving vessel at the underside of the ceiling element so as to form, at an underside of the ceiling element, an installation cavity opening in a direction of an installation space of the turnstile; and inserting a flat-cylindrical, electronically commutated multipole motor into the installation cavity to form the drive unit. |
| US09243436B2 |
Spring hook structure
A spring hook structure includes: a torsion coil spring including a coil portion and a first arm and a second arm extending from each side of the coil portion; and a rotation support pin by which a cap is rotatably supported on an exterior case. The rotation support pin is inserted into the coil portion. The first arm is hooked on a first hook surface of the exterior case, and the second arm is hooked on a second hook surface of the cap. At least one of the exterior case and the cap is provided with a regulation wall at a position not interfering with the arm moving along the hook surface due to flexural deformation of the coil portion but interfering with the arm moving along the hook surface due to flexural deformation of the arm. |
| US09243435B1 |
Safety fall arrestor and wind lock for vertical lift doors
A fall arrestor for use with a vertical lift door includes a pair of latching dogs selectively pivoted into and out of contact with a vertical rail by cam members and a compression mechanism actuated by a change in tension between a lift cable and the vertical lift door. The fall arrestor further includes a ground locking system for locking the door when the vertical lift door is completely closed. The fall arrestor is capable of preventing of free fall of the vertical lift door in a catastrophic failure of a lift mechanism or the lift cable. |
| US09243429B2 |
Motor vehicle door lock
The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock equipped with a locking mechanism (1, 2, 3), an actuation lever unit that acts on the locking mechanism (1, 2, 3) and includes a release lever (4), and a catch lever (10). The catch lever (10) blocks the locking mechanism (1, 2, 3) at least when acceleration forces of a given magnitude occur, e.g. in case of an accident (crash). According to the invention, the catch lever (10) blocks the locking mechanism (1, 2, 3) in the event of a crash while releasing the locking mechanism (1, 2, 3) only for normal opening operation. |
| US09243426B2 |
Multi-piece key assembly
A key assembly is disclosed. The key assembly may have a blade, and a head configured to receive the blade. The key assembly may also have a locking feature separate from the blade and the head. The locking feature may be received by the head and configured to inhibit removal of the blade from the head via interference. The locking feature may deform during connection to the blade. |
| US09243422B2 |
Frame and roof system for a portable shelter
A portable shelter framing system is disclosed herein. The portable shelter framing system includes a plurality of vertical support members; a plurality of crossbeam members, each of the crossbeam members configured to be connected between a pair of the plurality of vertical support members without the use of tools; and a plurality of roof frame members, each of the roof frame members configured to be coupled to one of the plurality of vertical support members or one of the plurality of crossbeam members without the use of tools. In one or more embodiments, the portable shelter framing system further includes a plurality of connecting members, each of the connecting members configured to couple a respective one of the plurality of roof frame members to a respective one of the plurality of vertical support members or to a respective one of the plurality of crossbeam members without the use of tools. |
| US09243420B2 |
Tent for photography
A tent for photography includes a ladder assembly and an affiliated tent. The ladder assembly includes two front support legs and two rear support legs. Tops of the front and rear support legs are hinged together. At least one footboard is disposed on the front support legs or between the front and rear support legs. The affiliated tent includes a support rod and a tent cloth. The support rod is composed of rod members connected with each other. Two ends of the support rod after bending form two support legs of the tent. One side of the tent cloth is fixed on the support rod, and the other side is fixed on the ladder assembly. By the tent, a photographer can climb up or lie on the ground during field photographing. The tent provides a place for shading and sheltering from the rain to facilitate outdoor photography work. |
| US09243412B1 |
Apparatus for unrolling rolls of insulation in vertical strips from the top down
Apparatus for unrolling rolls of building insulation in vertical strips from the roof eave down, and adapted to be carried by an aerial work platform that in turn is carried by an elevator, has a pair of spars as well as an arbor and a tensioning control mechanism. The spars are spaced apart and are mounted to as well as project away from the aerial work platform. The arbor is carried between the spaced spars for inserting through the core of a role of insulation and allowing the insulation to be unrolled from the roll in the form of strips to be hung on the building. The tensioning control mechanism is provided for controlling the unrolling of the roll. |
| US09243407B2 |
Structure repair with polymer matrix composites
An assembly is provided including a structural component having a flange-like member. A partially cured polymer matrix composite patch is wrapped around a perimeter of the flange-like member. The patch includes a plurality of layers, each layer having a plurality of fibers arranged therein. The layers of the polymer matrix composite patch are cured after being wrapped around the flange-like member of the structural component. |
| US09243403B2 |
Flexible furniture system
An article of flexible furniture having a core formed from a plurality of laminar panels of a flaccid material and each panel having a pair of oppositely directed major faces, adjacent faces of said panels being inter-connected to provide a cellular structure upon movement of abutting faces away from each other, a pair of supports at opposite ends of said core and connected to respective ones of said faces, said supports being self-supporting to provide rigidity to said core whereby said supports may be moved apart to expand said cellular and extend the length of said partition. |
| US09243402B2 |
Constrained-layer damping material
A constrained-layer damping material including a bitumen material, a binder material, and a tackifier, wherein the bitumen is a soft grade with a penetration of at least 150 dmm and a ring and ball softening point of greater than about 35° C. |
| US09243395B2 |
Waste water lifting installation
A waste water lifting installation includes a collection container (2) and a flange plate (4) which is arranged on the upper side of the collection container (2) and on which a level switch (12) immersing into the collection container (2) is attached. At least one run-in pipe (22), departing from the flange plate (4), extends vertically downwards into the collection container (2) and has such a vertical length that the lower end (28) of the run-in pipe (22) is vertically distanced further from the flange plate (4) than a lower end of the level switch (14). |
| US09243393B1 |
Drain assembly for industrial sink
A drain assembly for an industrial sink that is seamlessly attached to a basin of a sink. In one embodiment, the drain assembly comprises a drain tube, drain stopper, gasket, clamp, and lever. According to one embodiment, the drain assembly is seamlessly welded to the basin of the sink so that the drain assembly and sink form one continuous unit. The drain assembly allows for external (to the sink) operation of the drain assembly via the use of a lever that is attached to the drain stopper, wherein moving the lever seals and opens the drain assembly. In one embodiment, the drain stopper is spherically-shaped with spherical wedges cut out of the top to form a disc-shaped handle. |
| US09243392B2 |
Resistive coupling for an automatic faucet
A faucet includes a logical control, a spout, a hub, a handle, and a touch control operably coupled to at least one of the spout, the hub, and the handle. |
| US09243385B2 |
Hydraulic system for construction machinery
The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic system for construction machinery, which is applied to construction machinery provided with a steering unit for controlling steering of equipment, and a main control valve for controlling operating of a work tool, and includes: a main pump for discharging working fluid supplied to the steering unit and the main control valve; a load sensing pressure sensor for sensing a load sensing pressure of the steering unit; a priority valve installed in a supply passage for the working fluid discharged from the main pump, for dividing and supplying the working fluid discharged from the main pump to the steering unit and the main control valve, to correspond to the load sensing pressure; an auxiliary pump for supplementing working fluid to the supply passage supplying the working fluid divided by the priority valve to the steering unit; an electric motor for operating the auxiliary pump; and a controller for operating the electric motor when the load sensing pressure is greater than a reference load sensing pressure, and additionally supplying working fluid discharged from the auxiliary pump the steering unit. |
| US09243382B2 |
Ripper device for motor grader, and motor grader equipped with this device
A ripper device comprises a ripper bracket, a ripper cylinder, a frame component having a frame bracket, a pair of ripper links, a pair of tooth brackets, and a cylinder attachment bracket having a cylinder attachment axis. The frame bracket is connected in a state in which the head of the ripper cylinder is able to rotate, in the middle part near the ripper bracket. The cylinder attachment axis of the ripper cylinder is disposed coaxially with the rotational axis of the pair of ripper links and the pair of tooth brackets. |
| US09243381B2 |
Erosion monitoring system for ground engaging tool
An erosion monitoring system is disclosed for use with a machine. The erosion monitoring system may have an ultrasonic sensor embedded within a replaceable cutting edge of a ground engaging tool connectable to the machine. The erosion monitoring system may also have a wireless communication element associated with the ultrasonic sensor, and a controller mountable onboard the machine in communication with the ultrasonic sensor via the wireless communication element. The controller may be configured to monitor a wear rate of the cutting edge based on signals from the ultrasonic sensor. |
| US09243379B2 |
Method of providing a support column
A primary earth penetrating mandrel formed of a hollow shell steel plate has an upper end and an open lower end joined by an upwardly and outwardly tapered wall. The mandrel is driven downwardly in the earth to simultaneously form a vertical cavity while compacting the sidewall of the cavity to provide structural integrity. The mandrel is then moved upwardly from the bottom of the cavity and aggregate is deposited in the bottom of the cavity following which the mandrel is lowered so that its lower end engages the deposited aggregate and densifies the aggregate by vertical vibratory action and static force with these steps being repeated until the pier top is near the surface of the earth. A second embodiment includes a conduit in the primary mandrel for injecting concrete or grout into aggregate previously deposited in the cavity. |
| US09243378B2 |
Device for placing material on or beneath the soil surface
A device for treating soil has a soil contact head having at least one discharge orifice therein, and a handle to which the soil contact head is attached. A discharge valve is with the at least one discharge orifice, and a controller is provided for controlling operation of the discharge valve. An actuation trigger is included for initiating an injection event, with the controller being responsive to the actuation trigger to operate the discharge valve in response to the actuation trigger initiating an injection event. The controller controls the duration during which the discharge valve is open during an injection event in response to a single actuation of the actuation trigger. A source of pressurized fluid is flowably connected to the discharge valve, wherein the discharge valve is operable to discharge pressurized fluid through the at least one discharge orifice during an injection event. |
| US09243376B2 |
Surface compliant front-pivoting wear shoes for snow pusher
A snow or material pushing device for plowing a surface including a moldboard with a scraper blade, and having side plates attached at either end. The side plates further include skid or wear shoes pivotally or rotationally affixed to the side plates to remain in full contact with the surface, thereby reducing the need to adjust and replace the scraper blade and wear shoes. |
| US09243375B2 |
Posts
A terminal post for a barrier includes an upright portion having an aperture positioned, so that in use: the aperture is located in a region of the upright portion above a ground engaging portion of the upright portion; and wherein located on one side of the aperture is a transverse reinforcing member which includes a slot for receiving a cable. At least one groove, or pair of notches is provided located beneath the aperture, and form(s) a predetermined fail line, along which the post will deform, upon receiving a substantially inline impact, which causes the transverse member to move to release the cable, and wherein the aperture is dimensioned to allow the terminal end of the cable formally retained by the slot to pass therethrough. |
| US09243374B2 |
Prefabricated mold for construction of concrete pavement
A prefabricated mold for construction of a concrete pavement capable of being easily assembled, installed and disassembled and being repeatedly re-used is provided. The prefabricated mold includes coupling segments taperedly installed at both upper and lower ends of the mold to be butt-coupled to each other, fixing rod insertion holes formed through an upper central region of the mold and formed through the coupling segments formed at both sides of the mold, coupling grooves installed in a plural number to protrude from an inner surface of the mold having an internal space formed therein, finishing plates having a plurality of protrusions formed therein to be inserted into the coupling grooves, fixing rod insertion holes formed at the mold having a slope segment installed at a front upper portion thereof by injection-molding the mold using a synthetic resin material, and fixing rods inserted respectively into the fixing rod insertion holes to fix the mold on the ground. |
| US09243373B2 |
Drying cylinder of the type for plants for the production of bituminous macadams
A rotary drying cylinder (1) for plants for the production of bituminous macadams, extending along a main axis (2). The drying cylinder (1) comprises a burner (7), connected to the cylinder, which generates a flame (9) that extends inside the cylinder (1). The drying cylinder (1) internally comprises a tube-shaped shielding structure (10) having an axis of extension which is substantially parallel with the main axis (2) and extending from the burner (7) so that, in practice, the flame (9) is at least mainly confined within the shielding structure (10), there thus being a separating ring (12) between the shielding structure (10) and the inner surface (13) of the drying cylinder (1). The shielding structure (10) comprises a plurality of hollows (17) facing towards the inner surface (13) of the drying cylinder (1) for containing, in practice, the material being dried. The shielding structure (10) is at least mainly made of heat conducting materials. |
| US09243372B2 |
Apparatus and method of flash butt welding of railway lines
This invention relates to a flash butt welding process for joining sections of a railway line using vibration apparatus, the process including configuring and attaching a vibration apparatus on the railway line such that a vibration means is attachable to the railway line, and controlled vibration of the railway line at a suitable low frequency of vibration and amplitude of vibration, and then welding sections of railway line together using a flash butt welding means, and applying vibration to the sections of railway line until the flash butt weld is complete, and applying a controlled vibration to the welded sections of railway line for a period of time sufficient to allow for heat to dissipate from the weld area, and to allow for the weld area to be stress relieved for an improved weld joint. |
| US09243370B2 |
Superstructure device
A superstructure device (10) for a set of points having a switch support which is composed of a block of high-strength steel and which has stock and short point rails which delimit said switch support and are formed integrally from the block, wherein the block is connected to a lower part composed of a material other than the high-strength steel, such as mild steel, and is in particular connected in a materially joined fashion, wherein the block extends essentially over the entire length of a switch rail device as the superstructure device on both sides beyond the switch support, and the lower part is a means of supporting the block in the form of at least two supports which are spaced apart from one another. |
| US09243369B2 |
Method for making a shoebox
A method for making a shoebox includes preparing a pulp tank and a mold which includes a first upper mold, a first lower mold and a second lower mold; a step of forming a flat sheet of a semi-final product which includes closing the first upper and lower molds to produce the semi-final product; a step of vacuum suction and mold movement which includes vacuum sucking the semi-final product to the first upper mold, moving the first upper mold to above the second lower mold; a step of hot pressing of the semi-final product into a flat sheet of a final product with patterns and fold lines by closing and heating the first upper mold and the second lower mold; and a step of separating the first upper mold and the second lower mold, taking out the final product and folding it into a shoebox. |
| US09243366B2 |
Method and device for manufacturing a sheet-like substrate
A method includes manufacturing a sheet-type substrate having a security thread in which a security thread having features spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the security thread is inserted into the substrate in such a way that it is at least partially embedded in the substrate. At least one of the features is displayed as an image after the embedding of the security thread. The stretch of the embedded security thread in the longitudinal direction is calculated based on the image of the at least one feature, and the region of the substrate in which the calculated stretch of the security thread exceeds a specified maximum stretch is obliterated depending on the calculated stretch. |
| US09243364B2 |
Methods of pretreating lignocellulosic biomass with reduced formation of fermentation inhibitors
Methods of pretreating lignocellulosic biomass in preparation for enzymatic saccharification and fermentation are provided. Also provided are methods of producing ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass via enzymatic saccharification and fermentation that utilize the pretreatment method. In the methods, pretreatment is conducted in two stages. In the first stage, the lignocellulosic biomass is treated in a mildly acidic or near pH-neutral solution to promote delignification and lignin sulfonation, while minimizing the formation of degradation products that inhibit subsequent enzymatic saccharification and/or fermentation. In the second stage, the pH of the solution is decreased in order to promote the depolymerization and dissolution of hemicelluloses in the lignocellulosic biomass. |
| US09243363B2 |
Ironing system with iron and machine body separable
Ironing system comprising an iron, a machine body provided with steam generating means, a tube for sending steam from the machine body to the iron and an electrical cable for supplying the iron; said steam tube and said electrical cable coming from the iron comprise a first connector suitable to be connected, according to a first operating mode of the system, to a second connector connected to a portion of steam tube inside the machine body and to conductors of said electrical cable inside the machine body; in said first and second connectors there are provided electrical contact elements suitable to cooperate with one another and to enable contact of said electrical conductors with said electrical cable and valve means suitable to enable connection of said portion of tube with said tube to enable the passage of steam from the machine body to the iron; said first connector is connectable, according to a further operating mode of the system, directly with an electrical supply cable connectable to the electricity distribution system thus excluding the machine body. |
| US09243354B2 |
Stab and ballistic resistant articles
Dimensionally stable open woven fabrics formed from a plurality of high tenacity warp elongate bodies interwoven and bonded with a plurality of transversely disposed, high tenacity weft elongate bodies, composite articles formed therefrom, and to a continuous process for forming the composite articles. |
| US09243350B2 |
Meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber
By forming a meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber using a highly hydrophobic UV absorber and having specific physical properties, a meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber having light resistance, which can be dyed in various hues by carrier dyeing and in which the shedding of a light stabilizer during dyeing can be suppressed, is provided. That is, the meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber contains a UV absorber with a water solubility of less than 0.04 mg/L and has a degree of dye exhaustion of 90% or more in the form of a dyed fiber and a light resistance retention of 80% or more after carrier dyeing. |
| US09243349B2 |
Functional cellulosic moldings
The invention relates to cellulosic moldings having very finely distributed zinc pigments after the dry-wet extrusion method. Cellulosic moldings formed in accordance with the inventive methods, compared to unmodified cellulose fibers, have a high degree of whiteness combined with greatly increased UV light absorption and a wash-resistant bactericidal effect, while at the same time having unrestricted textile processability. The cellulosic functional moldings produced according to the invention are particularly suited for use in textiles for clothing, technical textiles, recreation, medicine, and cosmetics. |
| US09243344B2 |
Gallium nitride bulk crystals and their growth method
A gallium nitride crystal with a polyhedron shape having exposed {10-10} m-planes and an exposed (000-1) N-polar c-plane, wherein a surface area of the exposed (000-1) N-polar c-plane is more than 10 mm2 and a total surface area of the exposed {10-10} m-planes is larger than half of the surface area of (000-1) N-polar c-plane. The GaN bulk crystals were grown by an ammonothermal method with a higher temperature and temperature difference than is used conventionally, using a high-pressure vessel with an upper region and a lower region. The temperature of the lower region is at or above 550° C., the temperature of the upper region is set at or above 500° C., and the temperature difference between the lower and upper regions is maintained at or above 30° C. GaN seed crystals having a longest dimension along the c-axis and exposed large area m-planes are used. |
| US09243341B2 |
Device and method for producing targeted flow and current density patterns in a chemical and/or electrolytic surface treatment
The invention relates to a device and method for producing targeted flow and current density patterns in a chemical and/or electrolytic surface treatment. The device comprises a flow distributor body which is disposed, with the front face thereof, plane-parallel to a substrate to be processed, and which has outlet openings on the front face, through which process solution flows onto the substrate surface. The process solution flowing back from the substrate is led off through connecting passages onto the rear face of the flow distributor body. At the same time a targeted distribution of an electrical field on a conductive substrate surface is effected by a specific arrangement of said connecting passages. |
| US09243338B2 |
Method for synthesizing platinum nanoparticles incorporated on silica
The invention provides a method for synthesizing platinum nanoparticles incorporated on silica. The method includes immobilizing dithiocarbamate functional group on a surface of the silica to form dithiocarbamate-silica. The method includes treating the dithiocarbamate-silica with platinic acid to form Platinum (II) [Pt (II)] dithiocarbamate complex on the silica and thereafter, reducing the Pt (II) dithiocarbamate complex. |
| US09243337B2 |
Oxygen-consuming electrode with multilayer catalyst coating and process for the production thereof
A multilayer oxygen consuming electrode having a side facing the oxygen-containing gas and a side facing the alkaline electrolyte, wherein the electrode includes at least one support, and at least two layers containing a catalyst and a hydrophobic material, wherein the outermost layer facing the gas side has a lower proportion of catalyst than the outermost layer facing the electrode side and wherein the proportion of hydrophobic material is not more than 8% by weight based on the total amount of the catalyst the hydrophobic material. |
| US09243334B2 |
Method and apparatus for manufacturing Si-containing cold rolled steel sheets
This invention provides methods and apparatuses which can manufacture Si-containing cold rolled steel sheets exhibiting excellent chemical conversion properties even if a chemical conversion treatment solution is used at a lower temperature while minimally suppressing the generation of sludge as well as reducing running costs. The method includes steps of cold rolling a steel containing 0.5 to 3.0 mass % Si, continuously annealing the cold rolled steel sheet, pickling the surface of the continuously annealed cold rolled steel sheet, and repickling the surface of the pickled steel sheet with a non-oxidative acid. The repickling is performed such that a repickling solution is sampled continuously or periodically, an acid concentration in the sampled solution is measured, and the acid concentration in the repickling solution is regularly controlled within a prescribed concentration range. |
| US09243327B2 |
Plasma CVD device and method of manufacturing silicon thin film
A plasma CVD device comprises a vacuum vessel that houses a discharge electrode plate and a ground electrode plate to which is attached a substrate for thin film formation. The plasma CVD device has an earth cover at an interval from and facing the aforementioned discharge electrode plate; the aforementioned discharge electrode plate has gas inlets and exhaust outlets (which expel gas introduced through said gas inlets) that are connected at one end to equipment supplying raw gas for thin film formation and that open at the other end at the bottom face of the aforementioned discharge electrode plate; the aforementioned earth cover has second gas inlets corresponding to the aforementioned gas inlets, and second exhaust outlets corresponding to the aforementioned exhaust outlets. The plasma CVD device has an electric potential control plate disposed at an interval from and facing the aforementioned ground cover. |
| US09243322B2 |
Methods for applying a coating to a substrate in rolled form
Methods for applying a coating to a substrate in rolled form, the substrate including a first edge face and a second edge face opposite the first edge face, the substrate further having a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface, the first and second major surfaces extending between the first edge face and the second edge face, the methods including applying a coating to at least one edge face and optionally at least a portion of one or both major surfaces of the substrate in rolled form. Articles in rolled form prepared according to the foregoing methods are also disclosed. |
| US09243318B2 |
Sintered material, and process for producing same
A sintered body which includes at least indium oxide and gallium oxide and comprises voids each having a volume of 14000 μm3 or more in an amount of 0.03 vol % or less. |
| US09243316B2 |
Method of fabricating piezoelectric material with selected c-axis orientation
In accordance with a representative embodiment, a method of fabricating a piezoelectric material comprising a first component and a second component comprises: providing a substrate; flowing hydrogen over the substrate; flowing the first component to form the piezoelectric material over a target; and sputtering the piezoelectric material from the target on the substrate. In accordance with another representative embodiment, a method of fabricating a bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator comprises: forming a first electrode over a substrate; forming a seed layer over the substrate; and depositing a piezoelectric material having a compression-negative (CN) polarity. The depositing of the piezoelectric material comprises: flowing a first component of the piezoelectric material to form the piezoelectric material over a target comprising a second component of the piezoelectric material; and sputtering the piezoelectric material from the target to the substrate. |
| US09243314B2 |
Method for manufacturing high-Si austenitic stainless steel
A high-Si content austenitic stainless steel, which exhibits stable acid resistance and excellent corrosion resistance in high-temperature and concentrated nitric acid, has a chemical composition comprising: C: at most 0.04%; Si: 2.5-7.0%; Mn: at most 10%; P at most 0.03%; S: at most 0.03%; N: at most 0.035%; sol. Al: at most 0.03%; Cr: 7-20%; Ni: 10-22%; optionally, one or more types selected from Nb, Ti, Ta and Zr: 0.05-0.7% in total; and the remainder being Fe and impurities, wherein a total amount of B1 type inclusions measured by a method according to JIS G0555 (2003) Annex 1 “Microscopic Testing for the Non-Metallic Inclusions on the Point Counting Principle” is not more than 0.03% by area %. |
| US09243309B2 |
Ti alloy and Ti alloy member having Zr and Hf, or Zr and Nb, or Zr, Hf, and Nb for hydrogen embrittlement resistance
Disclosed are a Ti alloy having an excellent hydrogen absorption inhibition effect, a Ti alloy member using the Ti alloy, and a manufacturing thereof. A Ti alloy is characterized in that it contains 0.1 to 5.0% by mass in total of at least one of Zr and Hf, and a residue comprising Ti and impurities. |
| US09243307B2 |
Method and apparatus for removing and recovering copper from copper-containing acidic waste liquid and method for producing copper-containing substance
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing and recovering copper by treating an acidic waste liquid containing copper ions such as an etching waste liquid resulting from etching a copper printed board in an etching solution of cupric chloride and a waste liquid after renewing a plating bath liquid in producing electrolytic copper foil. In particular, a copper recovering method of recovering copper from a copper-containing acidic waste liquid includes adding a liquid mixture of a copper-containing acidic waste liquid and an oxidizing agent to an alkaline agent solution while a pH of the alkaline agent solution to which the liquid mixture has been added is being controlled so as never to decrease to seven or lower, and by obtaining a solid material whose main component is copper oxide. |
| US09243306B2 |
Ferritic stainless steel sheet excellent in oxidation resistance
Ferritic stainless steel sheet which has a high oxidation resistance and scale spallation resistance even at a high temperature near 1000° C., characterized by containing C: 0.020% or less, N: 0.020% or less, Si: over 0.10 to 0.35%, Mn: 0.10 to 0.60%, Cr: 16.5 to 20.0%, Nb: 0.30 to 0.80%, Mo: over 2.50 to 3.50%, and Cu: 1.00 to 2.50%, having an amount of increase of oxidation after a continuous oxidation test in the air at 1000° C. for 200 hours of 4.0 mg/cm2 or less, and having an amount of scale spallation of 1.0 mg/cm2 or less. |
| US09243303B2 |
Method for the dissolving and rapid hydrolyzing of lignocellulose biomass, device thereof and use of the same
A method for the dissolving and rapid hydrolyzing of the lignocellulose biomass and the device thereof are disclosed. The lignocellulose biomass is put in the pure water and rapidly heated to 330˜403° C., and then 89˜99% of the lignocellulose biomass is dissolved and rapidly hydrolyzed to saccharide in 3.38˜21.79 s. The following hydrolysis reaction can be carried out under the homogeneous phase condition for the dissolving of the lignocellulose biomass. At the same time, the solvated biomass could be easily used in the high pressure flow reactor to continuously pretreat the biomass and hydrolyze for producing saccharide, other biofuel and product. The present invention doesn't need any catalyst and doesn't pollute the environment, furthermore the process is simple and the cost is low, and it belongs to green, continuable industry encouraged by the state, and a good prospect of market application could be taken on. |
| US09243301B2 |
Fusion proteins
A single chain, polypeptide fusion protein, comprising: a non-cytotoxic protease, or a fragment thereof, which protease or protease fragment can cleave a protein of the exocytic fusion apparatus of a nociceptive sensory afferent; a Targeting Moiety that can bind to a Binding Site on the nociceptive sensory afferent, which Binding Site can undergo endocytosis to be incorporated into an endosome within the nociceptive sensory afferent; a protease cleavage site at which site the fusion protein is cleavable by a protease, which is located between the non-cytotoxic protease and the Targeting Moiety; and a translocation domain that can translocate the protease or protease fragment from within an endosome, across the endosomal membrane and into the cytosol of the nociceptive sensory afferent; wherein the Targeting Moiety is BAM, β-endorphin, bradykinin, substance P, dynorphin and/or nociceptin. Nucleic acid sequences encoding the fusion proteins, methods of preparing same and uses thereof are also described. |
| US09243300B2 |
Lactic acid bacterium for inhibiting production of gastric acid and gastrin
A method of reducing the acid concentration within gastric fluid, suppressing a tendency towards a strongly acidic pH within the gastric fluid, and inhibiting the production of gastrin involves the step of administering live or killed lactic acid bacterium (such as Lactobacillus johnsonii No. 1088) to a living subject. The invention also relates to a method of alleviating the side effects caused by continuous administration of a proton pump inhibitor by administering live or killed lactic acid bacterium to a living subject. |
| US09243298B2 |
LepA/Guf1 gene sequences as a diagnostic target for the identification of bacterial species
The current invention relates to a diagnostic kit for a bacterial species and/or fungal and/or yeast species comprising at least one oligonucleotide probe capable of binding to at least a portion of the LepA and/or Guf1 genes or its corresponding mRNA. |
| US09243289B2 |
Method for screening reagents used in PCR assays
The present invention relates to methods for screening of reagents used in the performance of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. The invention has applications for genotyping, pathogen detection and in vitro diagnostics. |
| US09243288B2 |
Cartridge with lysis chamber and droplet generator
Systems, including apparatus, methods, compositions, kits, and software, for preparing, reacting, detecting, and/or analyzing samples in droplet-based assay systems, among others. The disclosure emphasizes, but is not limited to, a disposable cartridge with lysis chamber and droplet chamber, particularly for use in droplet-based assays. |
| US09243286B2 |
Methods of using oligonucleotides comprising a molecular switch
This invention relates to oligonucleotides comprising a molecular switch which may exist in an “open” or “closed” position. The molecular switch portion of the probe is particularly sensitive to the identity of sequences complementary to the molecular switch. Oligonucleotides containing a molecular switch are applicable to all kinds of hybridization processes. Due to the sensitivity of the switch domain of the oligonucleotide, probes containing a molecular switch are particularly useful in the identification of single point mismatches. More specifically, a portion, but not all, of the oligonucleotide becomes unbound from a mismatched target. The invention further relates to methods of using said oligonucleotides for research reagents, and clinical diagnostics. An exemplary oligonucleotide comprises a first hybridizable domain, a second bridging block domain, and a third binding domain. |
| US09243285B2 |
Hair shape susceptibility gene
A genetic polymorphism and a hair shape susceptibility gene that are related to hair shape, and a method for determining the genetic susceptibility to hair shape in individual test subjects are provided. Disclosed is a hair shape susceptibility gene, which overlaps with a haplotype block in the 1q32.1 to 1q32.2 region (D1S249 to D1S2891) of human chromosome 1 and comprises a portion or the entirety of the base sequence of the haplotype block, wherein the haplotype block is determined by a linkage disequilibrium analysis conducted on a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker whose allele frequency differs statistically significantly between a group having a curly hair trait and a group having a non-curly hair trait, and consists of a base sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NO:1 to NO:3. |
| US09243279B2 |
Effervescent compositions and uses thereof
A latent effervescent body comprising a selective agent is disclosed. A method of using the latent effervescent body in a method to selectively enrich a target microorganism is also disclosed. The method comprises providing a sample, a culture medium, and the latent effervescent body. The method further comprises contacting the sample, the culture medium, and the latent effervescent body under conditions to facilitate growth of the target microorganism. The method further comprises releasing the selective agent from the latent effervescent body. Optionally, the method includes detecting a microorganism. |
| US09243273B2 |
Method for making rebaudioside X
Methods of preparing highly purified steviol glycosides, particularly rebaudiosides A, D and X are described. The method includes expression of UDP-glucosyltransferases from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, which are capable converting certain steviol glycosides to rebaudiosides A, D and X. The highly purified rebaudiosides A, D and X, are useful as non-caloric sweetener in edible and chewable compositions such as any beverages, confectioneries, bakery products, cookies, and chewing gums. |
| US09243267B2 |
Compositions and methods for making and modifying oils
The invention provides novel methods for making or modifying oils, e.g., plant animal or microbial oils, such as vegetable oils or related compounds, that are low in a particular fatty acid(s), for example, low linoleic oils, linolenic oils, low palmitic oils, low stearic oils or oils low in a combination thereof. |
| US09243265B2 |
Recominant Ralstonia eutropha capable of producing polyactic and acid or polylatic acid polymer, and method for producing polyactic acid or polylatic acid copolymer using the same
Provided are a recombinant Ralstonia eutropha capable of producing polylactate or a hydroxyalkanoate-lactate copolymer, and a method of preparing polylactate or a hydroxyalkanoate-lactate copolymer using the same. The recombinant Ralstonia eutropha, which is prepared by introducing a gene of an enzyme converting lactate into lactyl-CoA and a gene of a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthase using lactyl-CoA as a substrate thereto, may be cultured, thereby efficiently preparing a lactate polymer and a lactate copolymer. |
| US09243261B2 |
Plants having increased desiccation tolerance, increased drought tolerance or increased water use efficiency
A transgenic plant engineered to have increased desiccation tolerance, increased drought tolerance or increased water use efficiency, the plant transformed with an artificial DNA construct comprising a transcribable nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide requiring both ABA and ABI3 to influence desiccation tolerance. Also provided are DNA constructs and methods of producing a transgenic plant engineered to have increased desiccation tolerance, increased drought tolerance or increased water use efficiency. |
| US09243258B2 |
Root-preferred promoter and methods of use
The present invention provides compositions and methods for regulating expression of heterologous nucleotide sequences in a plant. Compositions include a novel nucleotide sequence for a promoter for the gene encoding Sorghum bicolor TIP2-3. A method for expressing a heterologous nucleotide sequence in a plant using the promoter sequences disclosed herein is provided. The method comprises transforming a plant or plant cell with a nucleotide sequence operably linked to one of the promoters of the present invention. |
| US09243251B2 |
Oligomers
Molecules are provided for inducing or facilitating exon skipping in forming spliced mRNA products from pre-mRNA molecules in cells. The molecules may be provided directly as oligonucleotides or expression products of vectors that are administered to a subject. High rates of skipping can be achieved. High rates of skipping reduce the severity of a disease like Duchene Muscular Dystrophy so that the disease is more like Becker Muscular Dystrophy. This is a severe reduction in symptom severity and mortality. |
| US09243250B2 |
Method of enhancing miR-185 expression to reduce low density lipoprotein/cholesterol accumulation in a cell
The present invention provides a method of quantifying miR-185 as a potential biomarker in lipid disorder or cardiovascular diseases in human. The present invention also provides a method of modulating miR-185 in regulating LDL and cholesterol metabolism in cells. The present invention has therapeutic potential in the treatment of cholesterol/LDL related cardiovascular diseases in humans. |
| US09243248B2 |
Oligonucleotides for RNA interference and biological applications thereof
The invention relates to compositions comprising double-stranded oligonucleotides of identical or different sequences and/or length, said oligonucleotides having sequences 3′N1N2 . . . Ni-1Ni . . . Nj5′ wherein—3′Ni . . . Nj5′ is half of a double-stranded 19-28 mer oligonucleotide of sequence complementary to a target nucleic acid sequence present in a living cell, and—3′N1 . . . Ni-15′ is a 3-50 mer overhang of sequence allowing oligomerization of said double-stranded oligonucleotide. Compositions of transfection comprising said oligonucleotide compositions and there used for therapeutical application. |
| US09243246B2 |
Single-stranded RNAi agents containing an internal, non-nucleic acid spacer
Single-stranded RNA molecules comprise one or more internal, non-nucleotide spacers, covalently linked with nucleotide portions of the molecule are provided. The single-stranded RNA molecules function as guide or antisense strands that are capable of inhibiting gene expression via an RNA interference mechanism, and thus represent single-stranded RNAi agents. The single-stranded RNAi molecules can be used in methods for a variety of therapeutic, diagnostic, target validation, genomic discovery, genetic engineering, and pharmacogenomic applications. |
| US09243242B2 |
Methods of making di-tagged DNA libraries from DNA or RNA using double-tagged oligonucleotides
Disclosed are methods, compositions and kits related to making double-tagged DNA libraries from RNA/DNA samples. A double-tagged oligonucleotide (DTO) is employed to efficiently add two different tags to ends of DNAs to make a double-tagged DNA libraries. Also disclosed are methods to make mate pair libraries using the double-tagged oligonucleotide, and methods to make double-tagged single stranded DNA. The double-tagged DNA libraries of the invention are ready to be used on next generation sequencing machines. |
| US09243240B2 |
Metabolically engineered escherichia coli for enhanced production of sialic acid
A metabolically engineered E. coli strain which produces sialic acid and a method of making said strain. In the engineered E. coli cells, the nanT (sialic acid transporter) and nanA (sialic acid adolase) genes are inactivated, and the neuC and neuB genes of sialic acid biosynthesis in Neisseria meningitidis group B are introduced and overexpressed in the nanT− nanA− E. coli cell. In addition, the glucosamine synthase gene, glmS, of E. coli is co-overexpressed with neuB and neuC. |
| US09243238B2 |
Synthetic enzymes derived from computational design
Disclosed herein are techniques for computationally designing enzymes. These techniques can be used to design variations of naturally occurring enzymes, as well as new enzymes having no natural counterparts. The techniques are based on first identifying functional reactive sites required to promote the desired reaction. Then, hashing algorithms are used to identify potential protein backbone structures (i.e., scaffolds) capable of supporting the required functional sites. These techniques were used to design 32 different protein sequences that exhibited aldol reaction catalytic function, 31 of which are defined in the Sequence Listing. Details of these 31 different synthetic aldolases are provided, including descriptions of how such synthetic aldolases can be differentiated from naturally occurring aldolases. |
| US09243236B2 |
Glycosidase enzymes
A thermostable glycosidase enzymes derived from various Thermococcus, Staphylothermus and Pyrococcus organizms is disclosed. The enzymes are produced from native or recombinant host cells and can be utilized in the food processing industry, pharmaceutical industry and in the textile industry, detergent industry and in the baking industry. |
| US09243233B2 |
Restriction endonucleases and their uses
A restriction endonuclease with a recognition sequence 5′-TCGA-3′. The restriction endonuclease is sensitive to the presence of a modified cytosine residue in the recognition sequence. Methods and kits using the restriction endonuclease with a recongition sequence 5′-TCGA-3′ are also disclosed. |
| US09243232B2 |
Inhibitors of mitochondrial fission and methods of use thereof
The present disclosure provides peptides and constructs that inhibit mitochondrial fission, and compositions comprising the peptides or constructs. The present disclosure provides methods of reducing abnormal mitochondrial fission in a cell. Also provided are methods for designing and validating mitochondrial fission inhibitor constructs and peptides, including but not limited to, evaluating the effects of the constructs and peptides on dynamin- 1-related protein (Drp1) GTPase activity, binding of Drp1 to mitochondrial fission 1 protein (Fis1), reduction of mitochondrial damage, reduction in cell death, inhibition of mitochondrial fragmentation in a cell under pathological conditions, and reduced loss of neurites in primary dopaminergic neurons in a Parkinsonism cell culture. |
| US09243230B2 |
Construct for producing empty virus capsids
The present invention provides a construct which, when expressed in a host cell, is capable of producing empty virus capsids, the construct comprising: (i) a nucleotide sequence encoding a capsid precursor protein; (ii) a nucleotide sequence encoding a protease capable of cleaving the capsid precursor protein; and (iii) a control element which controls the expression of the protease such that, when the construct is present in the host cell, the control element causes the protease to be expressed at a level sufficient to cleave the capsid precursor protein, but not sufficient to induce significant toxicity in the host cell. The invention also provides a vector and a host cell comprising such a construct and their use to generate empty virus capsids. |
| US09243227B2 |
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte
The present invention relates to a T lymphocyte having an activity to induce a T lymphocyte recognizing an antigen and a technique to use the T lymphocyte. |
| US09243221B2 |
Compositions and methods of functionally enhanced in vitro cell culture system
Compositions and methods described herein provide a cell culture system in which cells are in high metabolic states from the onset of the culture. Combinations of various cell culture components disclosed and employed herein allow cells to be in high metabolic states useful for drug testing immediately after the start of cell culture. |
| US09243220B2 |
Bioreactor chamber
Embodiments of the invention provide a chamber for a bioreactor, the chamber having a fluid inlet aperture and a fluid outlet aperture disposed at respective different locations of a wall of the chamber, with respect to a normal upright orientation of the chamber the chamber being provided with an upper wall portion defining an upper boundary of the chamber. The upper wall portion has an internal surface having a first portion that is vertically displaced with respect to a second portion. The internal surface of the upper wall portion is arranged to promote expulsion of trapped gas bubbles through the outlet aperture, the first and second portions of the upper wall portion each comprising a sloped portion. |
| US09243214B1 |
Cleaning composition having high self-adhesion and providing residual benefits
A composition for treating a hard surface. The composition has: (a) at least one adhesion promoter; (b) at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of: anionic, non-ionic, cationic, amphoteric, zwitterionic, and combinations thereof; (c) mineral oil; (d) water; (e) optionally, at least one solvent; and wherein the composition is self-adhering upon application to a surface to be treated, and wherein the composition provides a wet film to said surface when water passes over said composition and surface. |
| US09243209B2 |
Corn stillage oil derivatives
Corn stillage oil derivatives having values for Gardner color of 10 or less and methods for making the corn stillage oil derivatives are disclosed. In one aspect, the corn stillage oil derivative comprises a heat bleached corn stillage oil. Preferably, the heat bleached corn stillage oil has a value for Gardner color of from 4 to 8. In another aspect, the corn stillage oil derivative comprises a blown corn stillage oil. Preferably, the blown corn stillage oil has a value for Gardner color of from 5 to 8. |
| US09243201B2 |
Low viscosity lubricating oil base stocks and processes for preparing same
A composition that includes one or more compounds represented by the formula R1(X)R2 wherein R1 is an alkyl group having from 4 to 40 carbon atoms, R2 is an aliphatic group having from 4 to 20 carbon atoms, an aromatic group having from 6 to 20 carbon atoms, or a cycloaliphatic group having from 5 to 20 carbon atoms, and X is a heteroatom. The composition has a viscosity (Kv100) from 2 to 30 at 100° C., a viscosity index (VI) from 100 to 200, and a Noack volatility of no greater than 20 percent. The disclosure also relates to a process for producing the composition, a lubricating oil base stock and lubricating oil containing the composition, and a method for improving one or more of solubility and dispersancy of polar additives in a lubricating oil by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oil containing the composition. |
| US09243195B2 |
Process and apparatus for fluid catalytic cracking and hydrocracking hydrocarbons
A process and apparatus for recovering cycle oil from FCC CSO is described. By feeding the additional cycle oil to a hydrocracking unit additional diesel, naphtha and petrochemical feedstock may be obtained. The additional cycle oil is obtained by vacuum separation of the CSO. The described process and apparatus can provide additional recovery for a refiner. |
| US09243190B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing chemicals from a methane-containing gas
An apparatus and a method for producing chemicals from a methane-containing gas are provided. More specifically, the method and an apparatus make use of heterogeneous catalysis, beginning with the partial oxidation of methane to produce synthesis gas followed by a reaction, such as a Fischer-Tropsch reaction, to produce the chemicals. |
| US09243177B2 |
Working fluid composition for refrigerator, refrigeration oil, and method for producing same
The working fluid composition for a refrigerating machine of the present invention comprises: a refrigerating machine oil comprising a mineral oil and an alkylbenzene in a mass ratio, the mineral oil/the alkylbenzene, of 85/15 to 15/85, wherein the mineral oil has a % CN by n-d-M ring analysis of 20 to 60, a pour point of −15° C. or less and a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. of 1.5 to 15 mm2/s; and a hydrocarbon refrigerant having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, wherein the refrigerating machine oil having a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. of 2 to 12 mm2/s and a flash point of 120° C. or more. |
| US09243174B2 |
Poly(hydroxyl urethane) compositions and methods of making and using the same
Methods and compositions relating to poly(hydroxyl urethane) compounds are described herein that are useful as, among other things, binders and adhesives. The cross-linked composition is achieved through the reaction of a cyclic carbonate, a compound having two or more thiol groups, and a compound having two or more amine functional groups. In addition, a method of adhesively binding two or more substrates using the cross-linked composition is provided. |
| US09243173B2 |
Polyolefin adhesive composition
The invention provides an adhesive formulation comprising an olefin block copolymer comprising hard blocks and soft blocks wherein the hard blocks comprise 4-8 mol % comonomer; and are present in an amount of 20 wt %-45 wt %. This formulation is particularly advantageous for use in hot melt adhesives but may be used in other applications as well. |
| US09243167B2 |
Sulfur modified polyvinyl acetate (PVAc)
Provided are a sulfur modified polymer composition, free from asphalt, bitumen or like compounds, and method of making same. The inclusion of 50% by weight sulfur, or greater, into the polymer composition results in a composition that is softer and having an increased melting point, relative to the unmodified polymer composition. |
| US09243165B2 |
Film-forming composition
A film-forming composition including a triazine ring-containing hyperbranched polymer with a repeating unit structure indicated by formula (1), and inorganic micro particles is provided. This enables the provision of a film-forming composition capable of hybridizing without reducing dispersion of the inorganic micro particles in a dispersion fluid, capable of depositing a coating film with a high refractive index, and suitable for electronic device film formation. (In the formula, R and R′ are mutually independent and indicate a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group, and Ar indicates a divalent organic group including either an aromatic ring or a heterocyclic ring, or both.) |
| US09243162B1 |
Wax coating composition for cellulosic surfaces
Wax compositions are provided with improved properties for various applications, such as coating of corrugated cardboard or other cellulosic paper materials. In addition to wax, the compositions include a polymer with a hydrophobic backbone that is “functionalized” to incorporate a limited percentage of hydrophilic and/or polar groups. The compositions can optionally also include inorganic nanoparticles such as clay particles. |
| US09243158B2 |
Aqueous ink for inkjet, inkjet recording device, inkjet printed matter, and inkjet recording method
An aqueous ink for inkjet recording contains water, a hydrosoluble organic solvent, resin particles, and a pigment, wherein the hydrosoluble organic solvent contains at least three kinds of diol compounds accounting for 45% by weight or more in the hydrosoluble organic solvent, wherein three or more of the at least three kinds of diol compounds have boiling points 10° C. or greater apart from each other. |
| US09243155B2 |
Ink jet ink, ink cartridge, and ink jet recording method
An ink jet ink contains a polyurethane polymer and a self-dispersing pigment. The polyurethane polymer has units derived from a polyisocyanate, a polyol having no acid group, and a diol having an acid group. The molar ratio of the percentage of the urethane bond in the polyurethane polymer to the percentage of the urea bond in the polyurethane polymer is 85.0/15.0 or more and 100.0/0 or less. The ink jet ink may be capable of producing an image having high optical density, scratch resistance, and highlighter resistance, and which has excellent ink ejection stability and can reduce image deflection caused by face wetting. |
| US09243147B2 |
Color travel oxidized aluminum pigments
The oxidized aluminum pigment comprises not more than 95% by weight metallic aluminum, wherein the pigment is a flaky particle, and has a color travel from the hue angle range of about 50° to about 100° at the aspecular observation angle of 15° to a hue angle range of about 200° to about 270° at the aspecular observation angle of 110°. The oxidized aluminum pigment may be made by the steps of: providing a flaky aluminum pigment, and oxidizing the aluminum pigment in a water-in-oil emulsion comprising a surfactant in the presence of a base. The water-in-oil emulsion comprises a mixture of water dispersed in a hydrocarbon solvent. The aluminum pigment is predominantly in the hydrocarbon solvent during the oxidation step, and the amount of water in the mixture is in the range of about 5% to about 40% of the total weight of the emulsion. |
| US09243140B2 |
Impact modification of thermoplastics with ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymers
Impact modified compositions having good impact performance can be made from a thermoplastic (e.g., a polyolefin such as polypropylene or HDPE) and a multi-block ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer. The compositions are easily molded and often have particular utility in making, for example, automotive facia, parts and other household articles. |
| US09243138B2 |
Propylene-ethylene random copolymer
Propylene random copolymer composition containing (A) 60-80 wt % of a copolymer of propylene and from 0.1 to 2 wt % of units derived from ethylene; and (B) 20-40 wt % of a copolymer of propylene and from 7 to 15 wt % of units derived from ethylene. The composition has a total ethylene content of from 3 to 4.5 wt % and a melt flow rate value according to ISO 1133 (230° C., 2.16 kg) of from 10 to 120 g/100 min. Cast films, sheets, or injection molded or injection stretch blow molded articles made from the above composition are also disclosed. |
| US09243136B2 |
Cable and production process thereof
A cable comprising a semiconductive layer and an insulation layer with improved DC electrical properties is provided. |
| US09243134B2 |
Core-shell resin pellet having melt viscosity difference between the core resin and the shell resin
Provided are a resin blend for melt processing, a pellet and a method of preparing a resin article using the same. The resin blend may include a first resin, and a second resin having a difference in melt viscosity from the first resin of 0.1 to 3000 pa*s at a shear rate of 100 to 1000 s−1 and a processing temperature of the resin blend. The resin blend can improve mechanical and surface characteristics of a resin article. Further, since coating or plating is not required for manufacturing a resin article, a manufacturing time and/or cost can be reduced, and productivity can be increased. |
| US09243133B2 |
Elastomer composition for a tire object having a self-sealing property
Elastomer composition having a self-sealing property which can be used in particular as puncture-resistant layer in an inflatable article, based on at least (phr meaning parts by weight per 100 parts of solid elastomer): a blend of at least two solid elastomers, a polybutadiene or butadiene copolymer elastomer, referred to as “elastomer A”, and a natural rubber or synthetic polyisoprene elastomer, referred to as “elastomer B”, the elastomer A:elastomer B ratio by weight being within a range from 10:90 to 90:10; between 30 and 90 phr of a hydrocarbon resin; from 0 to less than 30 phr of filler. Inflatable article, such as a tire, provided with a puncture-resistant layer comprising a composition according to the invention; the puncture-resistant layer is advantageously used in combination with an airtight layer, for example based on butyl rubber or TPS elastomer, in order to form, in the inflatable article, an airtight and puncture-resistant laminate. |
| US09243131B2 |
Retardation film, polarizing plate and liquid crystal display device
A retardation film, contains: a cellulose derivative; and an esterified compound in which all or a part of OH groups in a compounds (A) containing one of a furanose structure and a pyranose structure or in a compound (B) in which 2 to 12 of at lease of a furanose structure and a pyranose structure are bonded, are esterified. |
| US09243130B2 |
Inorganic nanoparticles and polymer composite produced therefrom
The invention relates to metal oxide or semimetal oxide nanoparticles having an average particle size of from 2 to 250 nm, characterized in that the nanoparticles have at least two different, free-radically polymerizable groups on the surface. The invention further relates to nanocomposites produced from such nanoparticles and also processes for producing them. |
| US09243128B2 |
Composite material
A composite material of the invention is a mixture of cellulose microfibers having a carboxyl group content of 0.1 to 3 mmol/g and a moldable polymeric material selected from the group consisting of a biomass-derived polymer and a petroleum-derived polymer. The biomass-derived polymer is preferably polylactic acid or pulp. The cellulose microfibers are preferably present in an amount of 0.01% to 60% by mass. Another composite material of the invention is a mixture of cellulose composite microfibers and a moldable resin, the cellulose composite microfibers being obtained by adsorbing a surfactant onto cellulose microfibers having a carboxyl group content of 0.1 to 3 mmol/g. |
| US09243118B2 |
High modulus high strength high flow OSU compliant polyetherimide-carbon fiber composites for metal replacement
Disclosed herein are fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite with desired physical properties, such as high modulus, high stiffness and high flow while maintaining the OSU heat release compliancy. |
| US09243112B2 |
Method for producing carbonaceous material-polymer composite material, and carbonaceous material-polymer composite material
A method for producing a carbonaceous material-polymer composite material in which a polymer can be easily grafted to a carbonaceous material and a carbonaceous material-polymer composite includes the steps of: preparing a mixture containing a carbonaceous material and at least one polymer A of a polymer obtained by polymerizing a cyclic disulfide compound and a polymer obtained by polymerizing a cyclic disulfide compound and a radical polymerizable functional group-containing monomer; and heating the mixture at a temperature range of (D-75)° C. or higher and a decomposition termination temperature or lower when a decomposition start temperature of the polymer A is defined as D° C., and a carbonaceous material-polymer composite material obtained by the production method wherein a monomer and/or a polymer derived from the polymer A is grafted to a carbonaceous material. |
| US09243109B2 |
Bi-axially stretched product
This invention relates to a biaxially stretched product comprising a copolyamide comprising monomeric units of: aliphatic non-cyclic diamines X and aliphatic non-cyclic dicarboxylic acids Y or aliphatic non-cyclic α,ω-amino acids Z, and diamines M and diacids N in an amount between 0.1 to 2 wt % based on the total amount of copolyamide, and in which M and N are cyclic, and wherein the product has been stretched at a temperature of between the glass transition temperature (Tg) and the melting temperature (Tm). A method of preparation is claimed, as well as a multilayer film comprising the biaxially stretched product. |
| US09243108B2 |
Method of production of cross-linked rubber
A method of producing cross-linked rubber including a step of reacting a polyether rubber composition at 130 to 200° C., the polyether rubber composition containing 100 parts by weight of epihalohydrin monomer units, 0.1 to 100 parts by weight of a five-membered ring or six-membered ring nitrogen atom-containing aromatic heterocyclic type compound, and 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of at least one cross-linking agent which is selected from sulfur, a sulfur-containing compound, and triazine-based compound. |
| US09243106B2 |
Method for continuous production of high molecular weight polycarbonate resin
A high molecular weight polycarbonate resin is continuously produced by subjecting an aromatic polycarbonate prepolymer and an aliphatic diol compound to a linking and highly polymerizing reaction. Even an aliphatic diol compound having a comparatively low boiling point can be allowed to efficiently contribute to the linking and highly polymerizing reaction. An aromatic polycarbonate prepolymer is produced by a polycondensation reaction between an aromatic dihydroxy compound and a diester carbonate, adding an aliphatic diol compound having an aliphatic group bonding to a terminal hydroxyl group to obtain a prepolymer mixture, and subjecting the resulting prepolymer mixture to a linking and highly polymerizing reaction under reduced pressure. The aliphatic diol compound is added at a pressure exceeding 200 torr, and the prepolymer mixture is subjected to a linking and highly polymerizing reaction before the terminal hydroxyl group concentration of the aromatic polycarbonate prepolymer in the prepolymer mixture reaches 2000 ppm. |
| US09243103B2 |
Polyurethane foam for flame-laminating
The object of the present invention is to provide a polyurethane foam for flame lamination which has an excellent balance between adhesiveness to a fabric comprising synthetic fibers or natural fibers, a leather or the like and residual compression strain and has an excellent wet-heat resistance, and a laminated body including a foamed material layer consisting of the polyurethane foam. The polyurethane foam for flame lamination is characterized by being produced using a foam raw material containing a polyol such as a polyether polyol, a polyisocyanate, a foaming agent, a foam control agent, an amine-based catalyst and a urea compound such as urea and azodicarbonamide. |
| US09243098B2 |
Compound, polymer, cross-linked compound of polymer, and optical element including cross-linked compound
Conventional cross-linked cyclic olefin polymers do not have a sufficiently low linear expansion coefficient. A compound having a structure represented by the following formula (a). |
| US09243097B2 |
Amphiphilic macromolecule and the purpose of this amphiphilic macromolecule
Amphiphilic macromolecules having structural units to adjust molecular weight and molecular weight distribution and charging property effects, high stereo-hindrance structural units, and amphiphilic structural units, are suitable for fields such as oil field well drilling, well cementation fracturing, oil gathering and transfer, sewage treatment, sludge treatment and papermaking, etc., and can be used as an oil-displacing agent for enhanced oil production, a heavy oil viscosity reducer, a fracturing fluid, a clay stabilizing agent, a sewage treatment agent, a papermaking retention and drainage aid or a reinforcing agent, etc. |
| US09243096B2 |
Polymers selective for nitro-containing compounds and methods of using the same
Porous beads are provided of a polymer of a non-acidic monomer and a cross-linker having polar functionality, one of which is hydrophilic, the other of which is hydrophobic, further comprising residues of polyvinyl alcohol. The beads may be molecularly imprinted or non-molecularly imprinted. The use of such beads in the removal of nitroso-containing compounds from material containing them is also disclosed. Also disclosed is a non-molecularly imprinted polymer which is selectively adsorbent for at least one tobacco specific nitrosamine in the presence of nicotine, said polymer being a polymerization product of a non-acidic monomer and a cross-linker having polar functionality, one of which is hydrophilic, the other of which is hydrophobic. |
| US09243094B2 |
Thickening polymer for ionic oil phases free of monomers
A copolymer that includes for 100 mol %: a) more than 70 mol % and up to 99.9 mol % of hydrophobic monomer units (A) from stearyl methacrylate; and b) 0.1 mol % to 30 mol % of monomer units (B) from at least one monomer of a compound of formula (I) where R1 is a linear or branched alkyl radical comprising 12 to 22 carbon atoms, R2 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical, and n is an integer greater than or equal to 0 and lower than or equal to 30, wherein it is understood that said compound of formula (I) is not stearyl methacrylate. The invention also relates to a method for preparing and using same as a modifier of the rheology of the oil phase of a topical cosmetic, dermopharmaceutical, or pharmaceutical composition. |
| US09243093B2 |
Modifier for polyolefin resin
Provided are a modifier for polyolefin resin which imparts excellent wettability for water, etc. to a polyolefin resin substrate without decreasing the resin property of the polyolefin resin substrate composed of polyolefin resin, and a polyolefin resin composition containing the modifier and a polyolefin resin. The present invention relates to a modifier for polyolefin resin (K) containing a copolymer (X) having a polyolefin (A) and an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid (anhydride) (B) as a constitutional unit and having an acid value of 50 to 250 mg KOH/g. |
| US09243091B2 |
Chromium catalysed ethylene copolymer powder
The present invention relates to a chromium catalyzed ethylene copolymer powder exhibiting a superior fragmentation coefficient. |
| US09243089B2 |
Copolymer-modified nanoparticles, especially for use in medical articles
Copolymer-modified nanoparticles produced by a process in which nanoparticles are ablated by laser radiation from a surface of a substrate in a liquid include an amphiphilic copolymer. |
| US09243087B2 |
LDPE enabling high output and good optics when blended with other polymers
An ethylene-based polymer characterized as having a density from about 0.9 to about 0.94 grams per cubic centimeter, a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) from about 8 to about 30, a melt index (I2) from about 0.1 to about 50 grams per 10 minutes, a gpcBR value greater than 1.4 as determined by a gpcBR Branching Index and a Y value less than about 2 is disclosed. This ethylene-based polymer is especially useful for blending with other polymers such as LLDPE. When converting the blends into film, especially blown film, bubble stability and output is increased. |
| US09243083B2 |
Thiol-ene cured oil-resistant polyacrylate sealants for in-place gasketing applications
The present invention relates to thiol-ene curing compositions, which cure upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and/or heat. The compositions include components having alkenyl (or “ene”) functionality and components having thiol functionality, which undergo thiol-ene curing. The compositions also include a cure system. More specifically, in some embodiments, the curable compositions include a vinyl polymer bearing alkenyl or thiol terminal functional group(s) and a cross-linking agent having the opposing functionality, i.e., thiol cross-linking agents with alkenyl-terminated vinyl polymers and vinyl cross-linking agents with thiol-terminated vinyl polymers. Also provided are methods of making and using the compositions, such as for sealants for in-place gasketing applications. |
| US09243081B2 |
Solid catalyst component for polymerization of olefin, catalyst for polymerization of olefin, and method for producing olefin polymer
A solid catalyst component for olefin polymerization includes titanium, magnesium, a halogen, and a compound represented by the following formula (1): R1O—C(═O)—O—Z—OR2, and an olefin polymerization catalyst includes the solid catalyst component, an organoaluminum compound, and an optional external electron donor compound. An olefin polymer that has a moderate molecular weight distribution while maintaining high stereoregularity can be produced by utilizing the solid catalyst component and the olefin polymerization catalyst. |