| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09250882B2 |
Method and system for implementing in-app software development kits
The invention refers to technical methods and systems to easily provide existing software applications, for example Android applications built for In-App Billing with Google Play application programming interface (“API”), with compatibility with other alternative payment platforms, preferably direct carrier billing, with no additional development effort. |
| US09250877B2 |
Assisting parallelization of a computer program
A parallelization assistant tool system to assist in parallelization of a computer program is disclosed. The system directs the execution of instrumented code of the computer program to collect performance statistics information relating to execution of loops within the computer program. The system provides a user interface for presenting to a programmer the performance statistics information collected for a loop within the computer program so that the programmer can prioritize efforts to parallelize the computer program. The system generates inlined source code of a loop by aggressively inlining functions substantially without regard to compilation performance, execution performance, or both. The system analyzes the inlined source code to determine the data-sharing attributes of the variables of the loop. The system may generate compiler directives to specify the data-sharing attributes of the variables. |
| US09250874B1 |
Sharing property descriptor information between object maps
A system and method is disclosed for sharing type information between object maps. When an object data structure is modified in a dynamic programming environment to change an initial number of object properties a child object map for the modified object data structure is generated based on a parent object map for the unmodified object data structure, and a descriptor array associated with the base object map is shared with the child object map. The descriptor array is dynamically altered according to the modified object data structure, and access to the descriptor array is limited from the parent object map in accordance with the initial number of object properties of the unmodified object data structure. |
| US09250870B2 |
Automated creation of shim programs and interfaces
A computing device determines a first set of functions in a first file having a first bit length. The computing device performs a first test, which includes executing a first test program capable of testing each function in the first set of functions. The computing device determines whether the first test was successful, and based on determining that the first test was successful, creates a shim program based on the first set of functions. The computing device creates a second file based on the first set of functions, the second file having a second bit length. The computing device performs a second test, which includes executing a second test program capable of testing each function in the second file. The computing device determines whether the second test was successful, and based on determining that the second test was successful, publishes one or more of the shim program and second file. |
| US09250858B2 |
Dual-buffer serialization and consumption of variable-length data records produced by multiple parallel threads
Under control of the consumer, it is determined that a first buffer is empty and that a second buffer contains data; a first compare-double-and-swap operation within a spin loop is executed to swap a double pointer of the first buffer and a double pointer of the second buffer, wherein responsive to the executing of the operation the consumer drains the second buffer, and wherein the executing of the operation directs the at least one producer to fill the first buffer; and it is determined that the first buffer and the second buffer are empty and the consumer waits for a notification from one of i) the at least one producer and ii) a timer. Under control of the at least one producer, a second compare-double-and-swap operation within a spin loop is executed to atomically locate the first buffer and update the double pointer of the first buffer. |
| US09250851B2 |
Foldable display and image processing method thereof
A foldable display and an image processing method thereof are disclosed. The foldable display comprises a display module, a memory, a sensor module, and a processing unit. The sensor module senses a bending state of the display module. The processing unit generates adjusted images according to an image signal, and stores those adjusted images to a plurality of memory addresses of the memory. The processing unit selects a reading address from those memory addresses according the bending state. The processing unit selects a corresponding adjusted image from the memory according to the reading address and outputs the corresponding adjusted image to the display module. |
| US09250850B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
An information processing apparatus activates an installer by a basic printer driver, transmits information of an image forming apparatus to automatically install and activate a printer adaptor module, and automatically prepares a second extension printer driver, thereby achieving original bidirectional communication. |
| US09250849B2 |
Printing system, information processor, and storage medium
A printing system includes an identification part configured to identify a printing protocol to be used with respect to an image processor in creating a print queue for displaying a status of the image processor and a reflection part configured to reflect, in the print queue, a definition of a communication setting used for bidirectional communications between an information processor and the image processor, the definition corresponding to the identified printing protocol. |
| US09250848B2 |
Dynamically adjusting the complexity of worker tasks in a multi-threaded application
Disclosed are methods of allocating tasks for a print job in a multi-threaded system. One method determines a utilisation measure of at least one of a plurality of intermediate data generating threads, and a complexity limit of a intermediate data generation task. The complexity limit is decreased if the determined utilisation measure of the intermediate data generating thread is under a predetermined threshold. The complexity limit limits a processing load of the intermediate data generation task to be allocated to the intermediate data generating thread. The method then compares the processing load of the intermediate data generation task to be allocated with the determined complexity limit, and allocates the intermediate data generation task to the intermediate data generating thread for processing in an event that the processing load of the intermediate data generation task satisfies the complexity limit. |
| US09250845B2 |
Bookbinding printing system, information processing apparatus, method for controlling the same, and storage medium
The present invention is directed to, even when dividing an image arranged between a plurality of pages constituting facing pages before bookbinding printing, preventing different results of correction processing of images on the facing pages after bookbinding printing. An editing system lays out images on facing pages, divides an image laid out on facing pages to generate division images for respective single-side pages, and inserts the division images into the respective single-side pages to generate respective document data. Then, a printing control system extracts division images from the document data, combines the division images, performs correction processing on the combined image, divides the corrected combined image, inserts the division images into the respective document data to update it, and performs print processing based on the updated document data. |
| US09250843B2 |
Image forming system and image forming method
An image forming system includes an input unit that receives input of visitor information on a visitor; a creating unit that creates an information image including the visitor information received by the input unit; an acquiring unit that acquires the information image; a permit creating unit that creates permit data by placing an image, which includes the visitor information and indicates permission for visitor's access, on a printing medium and placing an image indicating added information on a blank space of the printing medium where no image is placed in accordance with a predetermined layout on the basis of the information image; and an issuing unit that issues a permit for visitor's access by printing an image in which the image indicating permission for access and the image indicating added information are placed on the printing medium by using the permit data. |
| US09250837B2 |
Image forming system and image forming method
An image forming system according to an embodiment comprises a data creation section configured to create document data, and a print instruction section configured to send instructions to print the document data. The image forming section further comprises a printing mode determination section configured to determine a printing mode of the document data based on property information of the document data, and a selection section configured to select for printing the document data with one of a non-erasable image forming section and an erasable image forming section based on the determined printing mode. |
| US09250834B2 |
Method and apparatus for reading and replacing control and/or identification data in a print image to support document tracking, flow control, and security
According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided methods of decomposing and modifying a bitmap image before it is rendered by an output device. Segments of a print image are determined by an aptly programmed processor. In a bitmap driver process, dimensions and location of an area on each print image is processed so as to form objects that can be deleted, modified, or replaced. The process allows for the addition of objects such as tracking or security and the processing of objects to interpret the data found, remove it, and possibly replace it with data based on what was read. These modified objects are embedded in the output bitmap image without increasing its size by reusing dimensions and location of selected areas of the print image. |
| US09250831B1 |
Isolated shared memory architecture (iSMA)
Techniques for a massively parallel and memory centric computing system. The system has a plurality of processing units operably coupled to each other through one or more communication channels. Each of the plurality of processing units has an ISMn interface device. Each of the plurality of ISMn interface devices is coupled to an ISMe endpoint connected to each of the processing units. The system has a plurality of DRAM or Flash memories configured in a disaggregated architecture and one or more switch nodes operably coupling the plurality of DRAM or Flash memories in the disaggregated architecture. The system has a plurality of high speed optical cables configured to communicate at a transmission rate of 100 G or greater to facilitate communication from any one of the plurality of processing units to any one of the plurality of DRAM or Flash memories. |
| US09250826B2 |
Enhanced performance monitoring method and apparatus
A high-performance-computer system includes a statistics accumulation apparatus configured to efficiently accumulate system performance data from a variety of system components, and periodically write such data to processor local memory for efficient subsequent software processing of the thus acquired data, thereby reducing the system hardware and software overhead needed for collection of such data as compared to prior art systems. |
| US09250821B2 |
Recovering data in a logical object utilizing an inferred recovery list
Various embodiments for storing a logical object are provided. In one such embodiment, by way of example only, incoming data is divided corresponding to a logical data object into a plurality of independent streams, associating each data chunk of a plurality of obtained data chunks with a corresponding stream among the plurality of independent streams. At least one of the obtained data chunks and derivatives thereof is sequentially accommodated in accordance with an order the obtained chunks are received, while keeping the association with the corresponding streams. A global index is generated as a single meta-data stream accommodated in the logical data object and comprising information common to the plurality of independent streams and related to mapping between data in the logical data object and the obtained data chunks. |
| US09250820B2 |
Power efficient method for cold storage data retention management
A system and method for storing infrequently accessed data with reduced power consumption. In one embodiment, a solid state drive (SSD) includes flash memory and environmental data logging circuitry. The SSD is shut off or operated in a sleep mode to reduce power consumption, and turned on or transitioned to an active mode as needed when data on the SSD is to be accessed, or when a calculation, based on a number of erase cycles previously performed in the flash memory and on a temperature history of the SSD indicates that a data refresh may be needed to prevent data corruption in the SSD, due to data retention limitation of the nonvolatile memory in the SSD. |
| US09250817B2 |
Systems and methods for contextual storage
A storage layer presents logical address space of a non-volatile storage device. The storage layer maintains logical interfaces to the non-volatile storage device, which may include arbitrary, any-to-any mappings between logical identifiers and storage resources. Data may be stored on the non-volatile storage device in a contextual format, which includes persistent metadata that defines the logical interface of the data. The storage layer may modify the logical interface of data that is stored in the contextual format. The modified logical interface may be inconsistent with the existing contextual format of the data on the non-volatile storage media. The storage layer may provide access to the data in the inconsistent contextual format through the modified logical interface. The contextual format of the data may be updated to be consistent with the modified logical interface in a write out-of-place storage operation. |
| US09250816B2 |
Adaptive reference tuning for endurance enhancement of non-volatile memories
A wear leveling technique is employed in a memory device so that the cycling history of a memory block is represented by the cycling history of a representative memory cell or a small number of representative memory cells. A control logic block tracks the cycling history of the one or more representative memory cells. A table tabulating the predicted shift in an optimal value for a reference variable for a sensing circuit as a function of cycling history is provided within the memory device. Prior to sensing a memory cell, the control logic block checks the total number of cycling in the one or more representative memory cells and adjusts the value for the reference variable in the sensing circuit, thereby providing an optimal value for the reference variable in the sensing circuit for each sensing cycle of the memory device. |
| US09250815B2 |
DRAM controller for variable refresh operation timing
A method for selection of a DRAM refresh timing in a DRAM memory system is disclosed. The method may include running a workload for a first number of refresh intervals using a first DRAM refresh timing and making a first workload throughput measurement for the first number of refresh intervals. The method may also include running the workload for a second number of refresh intervals using a second DRAM refresh timing and making a second workload throughput measurement for the second number of refresh intervals. The method may further include deciding if the first throughput measurement is greater than the second throughput measurement, and then selecting the first DRAM refresh timing as a selected DRAM refresh timing, or deciding if the second throughput measurement is greater than the first throughput measurement, then selecting the second DRAM refresh timing as the selected DRAM refresh timing. |
| US09250810B2 |
Priority based depopulation of storage ranks
Exemplary method, system, and computer program product embodiments for priority based depopulation of ranks in a computing storage environment are provided. In one embodiment, by way of example only, multiple ranks selected for depopulation are prioritized. The highest priority rank of the multiple ranks is depopulated to a target rank. Additional system and computer program product embodiments are disclosed and provide related advantages. |
| US09250809B2 |
Compound storage system and storage control method to configure change associated with an owner right to set the configuration change
One or more storage systems are connected to one or more storage boxes comprising multiple storage devices. Multiple storage areas provided by one or more storage boxes include an allocated area, which is a storage area that is allocated to a virtual volume, and an empty area, which is a storage area that is not allocated to any logical volume. Multiple owner rights corresponding to multiple storage areas are set in one or more storage systems. A storage system having an empty area owner right changes an empty area to the allocated area by allocating the empty area. In a case where a configuration change (a relative change in the number of storage boxes with respect to the number of storage systems) is performed, a first storage system that exists after the configuration change sets, in the first storage system, either more or fewer owner rights than the owner rights, which have been allocated to the first storage system before the configuration change. |
| US09250805B2 |
Methods and systems for a linear character selection display interface for ambiguous text input
Methods of and systems for entering ambiguous text input via a linear character selection display are provided. A system for entering an alphanumeric string includes presentation logic for displaying on a presentation device an alphabet arranged into a row of letters and indication logic for presenting visual cues grouping a series of letters of the row into a cluster. The system also includes navigation logic for receiving user actions to move the visual cues along the row of letters to change the letters grouped into the cluster. The visual cues move along the row of letters in variable offsets based on a rate of input of the user actions. The system further includes selection logic for receiving user actions to select the cluster of letters to cause at least one of the letters of the selected cluster to be displayed in a string field. |
| US09250790B2 |
Information processing device, method of processing information, and computer program storage device
An information processing device, method and computer program storage device that cooperate to handle different user interface situations differently. An exemplary device detects an external object as being in a touch state when and external object is in contact with a detection surface, and an adjacent state when the external object is within a predetermined distance from said detection surface but not in contact with said detection surface. A processor, when operating in a first mode, processes the touch state differently than the adjacent state. Also, the processor when operating in a second mode, processes said adjacent state as if it was the touch state. |
| US09250788B2 |
Gesture handlers of a gesture engine
Techniques for manipulating graphic objects in response to gestures provided with a user interface device are disclosed. The technique includes indicating when a gesture associated with the graphics objects is to use a determined action. Others gestures are locked out from using the determined action with other graphic objects. Graphic objects are manipulated on the display based on the indication that the gesture associated with one of the graphics objects is to use the determined action. |
| US09250787B2 |
Playback control method for multimedia device using multi-touch-enabled touchscreen
A playback control method of a multimedia device is provided for setting playback position and repetitive playback section of a multimedia file playing on the multimedia device intuitively with multi-touch behaviors on a touchscreen. The method includes sensing a multi-touch event on the touchscreen, extracting two contact points of the multi-touch event, determining coordinates of the contact points, calculating a distance between the coordinates, monitoring a variation of the distance, moving a playback position of a current playing multimedia file according to the variation of the distance, and restarting playback of the current playing multimedia file from the playback position when the contact points are released from the touchscreen. |
| US09250783B2 |
Toggle gesture during drag gesture
Methods and systems for providing input to a computing device based on a toggle gesture performed during a drag gesture are provided. A drag gesture can be performed on a touch screen to manipulate a user interface object. For example, the drag gesture can move the user interface object or resize the user interface object. Such manipulation commands may have alternate modes or options. For example, a user may want to place a copy of the user interface object rather than simply moving it. Accordingly, a toggle gesture can be performed during the drag gesture to choose an alternate manipulation command. For example, a drag gesture can be performed to move an object, and a toggle gesture can be performed during the drag gesture to copy the object instead of moving it. |
| US09250778B2 |
Mobile terminal having touch screen and function controlling method of the same
A method for providing a graphical user interface on a display of a device includes displaying a photograph image on the display of the device, detecting a touch on the display, providing a plurality of control guides at a location corresponding to the touch over the displayed photograph image, in response to detecting the touch, detecting a first drag in a first direction corresponding to a first one of the plurality of control guides provided on the display, removing the plurality of control guides from the display in response to detecting the first drag, detecting a second drag in a second direction different from the first direction of the first drag and corresponding to a second one of the plurality of control guides, the second drag is performed while maintaining touch on the display after the first drag is performed, adjusting a display characteristic of the photograph image corresponding to the second one of the plurality of control guides corresponding to the second drag, and displaying the photograph image having the adjusted display characteristic on the display in response to detecting the second drag. |
| US09250774B2 |
User interface push channel
Systems and methods for establishing UI push channels are disclosed. The UI push channels can be used to broadcast event notifications to multiple UIs whenever the information in an underlying data source is changed. In response to the event notifications, the UIs may update or refresh the displayed information so as to include the most current information in the data source. UI push channels are defined by associations between an application messaging channel (AMC) and the UI connection used to communicate with the client computing device and the application server. In particular, the UI push channels can be established by an AMC definition that defines a target data source, subscriber entities, and publisher entities. The listing of the publishers and the subscribers in the AMC definition infer the associations between the corresponding AMC and the UI connections. |
| US09250773B2 |
Accessible chart navigation using object neighborhood
A method, system, and computer program product for accessible chart navigation using object neighborhood are provided. An input is received to navigate a focus away in a direction from a first object, the first object being a member of a set of objects depicted in a graphical visual chart. A set of inputs is designed to access the chart without using a pointing device or requiring visual inspection of the chart and the set of objects. The set of inputs includes the input and a second input to allow return to a previous step in navigating the chart. A second object is identified to which to navigate responsive to the input, the second object being located within a neighborhood of the first object at a shortest neighborhood distance from the first object. Navigation is performed to the second object to keep the focus within the neighborhood. |
| US09250767B2 |
Providing theme variations in a user interface
A presentation program provides a graphical user interface that includes a theme gallery and a theme variation gallery. Users can apply a theme to a slide by selecting a theme thumbnail image. Once selected, a corresponding set of theme variations are indicated in the theme variation gallery using theme variation thumbnail images. Users can apply the desired theme variation by selecting the theme variation thumbnail image. Once selected, the theme variation is applied to the slide. A theme variation family identifier is stored in the slide file that allows subsequent identification of the theme, and allows a presentation program to subsequently identify theme variations for display on the theme variation gallery. A file structure is identified that allows backwards compatibility so that a presentation file of a slide with theme variations can be opened by an earlier version of a presentation program that does not implement theme variations. |
| US09250766B2 |
Labels and tooltips for context based menus
Tooltips associated with a context based menu are presented for providing information about executable commands on the context based menu. Tooltips may provide information about how to interact with the context based menu including what graphical icons on the context based menu represent and what actions a user can take to execute commands from the context based menu. The tooltips may be brief labels of the commands on the context based menu and may also expand to descriptive tooltips providing more information about the commands. The tooltips may be automatically presented in response to a detected period of inactivity by a user and may additionally be presented in response to detection of a user action such as a press and hold action in association with one or more commands on the context based menu, and may be displayed in a variety of positions around the context based menu. |
| US09250762B2 |
Graphics deterministic pre-caching
An apparatus includes a computerized appliance having a processor, persistent storage storing one or more executable programs, and Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) accessible by the processor, and caching software (SW) executing on the processor from a non-transitory medium, the SW providing a process: storing Logical Block Address (LBA) tables associated with individual ones of existing programs executable on the processor, tracking program launch and close, managing caching of data for any program launched according to the associated LBA, tracking data usage during execution of any program launched, on closing a program, removing any unused LBAs from the associated LBA table, adding any LBAs accessed not on the table; and saving the resulting LBA table for the program closed. |
| US09250753B2 |
Capacitive touch surface in close proximity to display
To address the above issues, a display device with a capacitive touch screen display having a touch surface in close proximity to a display stack is provided. The display may include a touch sheet with a top surface, a touch sensor having a matrix of capacitors formed of electrodes positioned below the touch sheet and configured to exhibit a change in capacitance of at least one of the capacitors in response to a touch on the top surface by a digit or stylus of a user, a display stack positioned below the matrix of capacitors and configured to emit light through a top surface of the display stack to travel in a light emitting direction through the matrix of capacitors and the touch sheet. A distance between the top surface of the touch sheet and the top surface of the display stack is between about 225 and 1500 micrometers. |
| US09250752B2 |
Capacitance scanning proximity detection
A method and apparatus for scanning a first set of electrodes of a capacitive sense array using a first sensing mode to identify a presence of an object in proximity to the capacitive sense array, where scanning using the first sensing mode identifies objects not in physical contact with the capacitive sense array. The first set of electrodes is scanned using a second sensing mode to determine a location of the object in relation to the capacitive sense array, where rescanning using the second sensing mode determines locations of objects in physical contact with the capacitive sense array. |
| US09250749B2 |
Electrical apparatus
There is provided a portable optical touch system including a first image sensing module, a second image sensing module, a connecting device, a communication interface and a processing circuit. The two image sensing modules have partially overlapped field of views and the partially overlapped field of views is for defining a touch region. The connecting device is configured to adjust or fix a distance between the first and second image sensing modules. When an object is in the touch region, the processing circuit calculates a position of the object according to images of the object acquired by the two image sensing modules and outputs information of the position of the object through the communication interface. |
| US09250747B2 |
Touchless input devices using image sensors
A touchless input device has image sensors on the side of a surface to capture the positions and movement of fingers or any visible objects working near or on the surface. Embodiments include touchless data entry keyboards, touchless pointing devices, and touchless screens. It provides better performance, finer resolution, and more clearly defined action space than infrared beam based touchless input devices. In particular, one embodiment merges the space for data entry and the space for cursor movement into one and reduces the number of devices and working space needed by users. |
| US09250746B2 |
Position capture input apparatus, system, and method therefor
According to various embodiments, a position capture input system uses a camera to capture an image of a displayed graphical user interface that may be partially obstructed by an object, such as a user's hand or other body part. The position capture input system also includes a software component that causes a computing device to compare the captured image with a displayed image to determine which portion, if any, of the graphical user interface is obstructed. The computing device can then identify any user interface elements with which the user is attempting to interact. The position capture input system may also include an accelerometer or accelerometers for detecting gestures performed by the user to, for example, select or otherwise interact with a user interface element. The position capture input system may also include a haptic feedback module to provide confirmation, for example, that a user interface element has been selected. |
| US09250739B2 |
Touch sensing device and touchscreen device
There are provided a touch sensing device and a touchscreen device. The touch sensing device according to an embodiment of the invention may include: a buffer unit including a buffer capacitor charged and discharged by a first voltage and a second voltage input at a predetermined period; an integrating circuit unit integrating a charging voltage of the buffer capacitor; a signal conversion unit comparing a voltage output from the integrating circuit unit with a predetermined reference voltage to generate the second voltage; and a touch determination unit counting the second voltage with a predetermined reference clock to determine a touch. |
| US09250737B2 |
Information apparatus
An information apparatus includes a housing, first and second strain detectors, and first and second stress collectors that transmit distortion applied to a side surface of the housing to the first and the second strain detectors, respectively. Upon having the same amount of distortion is applied to the side surface of the housing, the first and strain detectors outputs different values a processing circuit. This information apparatus has a small size and can be accurately controlled. |
| US09250735B2 |
Touch sensor integrated display device
A touch sensor integrated display device is provided comprising gate lines and data lines formed on a substrate to be intersected with each other, a plurality of pixel electrodes formed at intersections between the gate lines and the data lines, and a common electrode formed to overlap the plurality of pixel electrodes through an insulating film disposed between the common electrode and the plurality of pixel electrodes, wherein the common electrode includes at least two touch electrodes, each of which is connected to at least one of signal lines arranged in one of a first direction and a second direction crossing the first direction. |
| US09250734B2 |
Proximity and multi-touch sensor detection and demodulation
The use of one or more proximity sensors in combination with one or more touch sensors in a multi-touch panel to detect the presence of a finger, body part or other object and control or trigger one or more functions in accordance with an “image” of touch provided by the sensor outputs is disclosed. In some embodiments, one or more infrared (IR) proximity sensors can be driven with a specific stimulation frequency and emit IR light from one or more areas, which can in some embodiments correspond to one or more multi-touch sensor “pixel” locations. The reflected IR signal, if any, can be demodulated using synchronous demodulation. In some embodiments, both physical interfaces (touch and proximity sensors) can be connected to analog channels in the same electrical core. |
| US09250731B2 |
Display device and driving method thereof
Disclosed are a display device and a driving method thereof. The display device includes a first common electrode line connected to a first common electrode of a plurality of common electrodes, and formed to overlap a data line formed in a panel where the plurality of common electrodes are formed. The plurality of common electrodes are separated from each other in a block form, receive a common voltage in an image output period, and receive a touch driving voltage in a touch sensing period. The display device includes a second common electrode separated from the first common electrode line with a protective layer therebetween, and configured to include two second common electrode plates which are separated from each other in a left and right direction with respect to the first common electrode line. |
| US09250730B2 |
Target acquisition system for use in touch screen graphical interface
The present invention is concerned is a target acquisition system for use in touch screen graphical user interface for selecting a desired target from a plurality of potential selectable targets, comprising means for defining a local region of interest (ROI) of predefined shape and area; means for, on contact of a finger of a user on the touch screen, allowing activation of the ROI; means for ordering the potential selectable targets within the ROI into a one-dimensional (1-D) ordered list; means for mapping movement of the finger on the touch screen; and means for selection of the desired target from the plurality of potential selectable targets. The system is configured to allow operation of the defining in step a), the activation in step b), the ordering in step c), the mapping in step d) and the selection in step e) in a single touch action. |
| US09250723B2 |
Method and apparatus for stroke acquisition and ultrasonic electronic stylus
A method and apparatus for stroke acquisition, and an ultrasonic electronic stylus are provided. The method is applied to the ultrasonic electronic stylus. In the case that the ultrasonic electronic stylus contacts with a writing board and a pressure generated on the writing board by the ultrasonic electronic stylus reaches a first predetermined value, the ultrasonic electronic stylus is controlled to generate a first signal so that a signal receiver of an electronic device acquires a first stroke based on the first signal. After the first signal is generated, an operation parameter of the ultrasonic electronic stylus is adjusted. In the case that the pressure is smaller than the first predetermined value and a preset condition is satisfied, a second signal is generated so that the electronic device continues to acquire a second stroke based on the second signal. |
| US09250720B2 |
Method and apparatus for filtering pressure data from a pressure-sensitive device
A method and apparatus for filtering pressure data from a pressure-sensitive device is disclosed. A computer implemented method for filtering pressure data from a pressure-sensitive device comprises receiving, from a pressure sensitive device, a raw pressure value for a stroke, filtering the raw pressure value for the stroke to determine a filtered pressure value, and computing a width of a stroke based on the filtered pressure value. |
| US09250714B2 |
Optical proximity detectors
Described herein are optical proximity detectors, methods for use therewith, and systems including an optical proximity detector. Such optical proximity detectors include an analog front-end and a digital back-end. In certain embodiments, the digital back-end includes a dynamic gain and phase offset corrector, a cross-talk corrector, a phase and magnitude calculator, and a static phase offset corrector. The dynamic gain and phase offset corrector corrects for dynamic variations in gain and phase offset of the analog front-end due to changes in temperature and/or operating voltage levels. The crosstalk corrector corrects for electrical and/or optical crosstalk associated with the analog front-end. The phase and magnitude calculator calculates phase and magnitude values in dependence on the corrected versions of digital in-phase and quadrature-phase signals received from the analog front-end. The static phase offset corrector corrects for a static phase offset of the optical proximity detector. |
| US09250703B2 |
Interface with gaze detection and voice input
Methods, computer programs, and systems for interfacing a user with a computer program, utilizing gaze detection and voice recognition, are provided. One method includes an operation for determining if a gaze of a user is directed towards a target associated with the computer program. The computer program is set to operate in a first state when the gaze is determined to be on the target, and set to operate in a second state when the gaze is determined to be away from the target. When operating in the first state, the computer program processes voice commands from the user, and, when operating in the second state, the computer program omits processing of voice commands. |
| US09250701B2 |
Flexible portable device
A flexible portable device including a display unit for displaying an image, a communication unit for performing communication with an external device, a sensor unit for sensing user input or an environment of the flexible portable device, and a control unit for controlling the flexible portable device and the units of the flexible portable device. Further, the sensor unit includes a motion sensor unit for sensing motion of the flexible portable device and/or motion with respect to the flexible portable device, the flexible portable device has at least one flexible area which is bendable, and the motion sensor unit is located at a first area at which influence on the motion sensor unit when the flexible area is bent is avoided or minimized. |
| US09250695B2 |
Method and apparatus for displaying a predetermined image on a display panel of an electronic device when the electronic device is operating in a reduced power mode of operation
A display controller for use within an electronic device includes a dedicated memory and a low power display processor for displaying information when the electronic device is operating in a reduced power mode of operation (e.g., sleep mode). The memory stores display data for a predetermined image and the display processor supplies the display data to a display panel of the electronic device when the electronic device is operating in the reduced power mode. The display controller may also include a processor interface for receiving control information from the electronic device's device processor to enable the display processor to determine that the electronic device is operating in reduced power mode. The display processor may be configured to scale the stored display data when, due to memory size constraints, the memory stores the display data at a resolution that is different from (e.g., less than) the display panel resolution. |
| US09250693B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling power of external memory in mobile terminal
An external memory power control apparatus and method capable of controlling power of an external memory inserted into a mobile terminal. The external memory power control apparatus includes an external memory power switch for switching between a power supply and an external memory to supply or block power for the external memory; and a controller, when ‘power-on’ is selected on the mobile terminal, for checking and notifying operability of the external memory inserted into the mobile terminal after completing booting while the external memory power switch turned off, wherein the controller may selectively turn on/off the external memory power switch depending on operability of the external memory. |
| US09250692B2 |
Power-efficient personalization of a computing environment of a data processing device with respect to a user thereof
A method includes providing, in a data processing device including a Central Processing Unit (CPU) and a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a capability to interface a microprocessor with the GPU, and communicatively interfacing a sensor with the microprocessor. The method also includes obtaining data related to an operating environment external to the data processing device through the sensor, and determining, through the microprocessor, personalization required of a computing environment of the data processing device with respect to a user thereof based on the data related to the operating environment external to the data processing device. Further, the method includes utilizing the GPU solely to effect the personalization required of the computing environment of the data processing device with respect to the user determined through the microprocessor to reduce power consumption through the data processing device. |
| US09250690B2 |
Low-power modes of microcontroller operation with access to configurable input/output connectors
A microcontroller includes I/O pins whose respective functions are configurable by an I/O controller in accordance with user-programmable input. The availability of such configurable I/O pins is extended to low-power or power savings modes of operation during which the I/O controller is powered off or deactivated. |
| US09250687B1 |
High performance flexible storage system architecture
A modular data storage system uses CPU blades to communicate with remote clients to function as a file server to those clients. The files are store on solid-state data storage blades using, e.g., flash memory. A crossbar switch connects the CPU blades and the data storage blades. The system can provide access time, power consumption, reliability, maintainability, and other advantages over prior art file servers using disk shelves. |
| US09250686B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring, assessing, and managing power source performance
An approach is provided for monitoring, assessing, and managing power source performance. Depletion of a power source of a mobile device caused by executing a plurality of activities is determined. A duration value is determined for executing each of the activities. The duration values are attributed to the depletion. Statistical data corresponding to performance of the power source is generated. |
| US09250685B2 |
Remotely waking a sleeping device using a wake configuration file
Disclosures related to waking a sleeping device while minimizing active components needed to receive a remote wakeup request. In one aspect, devices having an RF tuner, may be configured to detect a digital or an analog signal variation or change in RF signal characteristics. Further, the variation or change may be interpreted as a wakeup signal. |
| US09250684B1 |
Dynamic power capping of a subset of servers when a power consumption threshold is reached and allotting an amount of discretionary power to the servers that have power capping enabled
In some implementations, a system administrator can specify a maximum amount of power for a data center or a rack of servers. If the data center or rack consumes more than a threshold amount of power, the data center or rack can be put into power capping mode. Once in power capping mode, servers in the data center or rack can be power capped. The amount of power at which a server is capped can be dynamically determined based on the amount of discretionary power available to distribute among the power capped servers in the rack or data center and the amount of power that the server consumes relative to other servers in the data center or rack. Once power consumption in the data center or rack falls below a threshold level, power capping for the data center or rack can be disabled. |
| US09250682B2 |
Distributed power management for multi-core processors
A system and method for performing distributed power control in a processor comprising an array of cores enables each core to regulate power at least partially independently. Global power management settings are made accessible to all cores and communication between cores propagates power consumption information between nearest neighbors in the array. Each core attempts to best regulate its own power consumption in accordance with global power consumption information and/or specific instructions from a global power manager. In this manner local opportunistic load balancing may be achieved in a scalable manner suitable for a large array of cores. |
| US09250681B2 |
Infrared reflection based cover detection
A system and method for improving power consumption by providing the ability to detect whether a cover is placed on top of Infrared, IR, touch device. While the cover is in the open state, a certain amount of the light transmitted by the IR transmitters is directed upward and away from the IR receivers in the device. When the cover is closed, this light is reflected off of the cover and is incident on the IR receivers. The system of the present invention recognizes this increased level of received IR light and determines that the cover is in a closed position. Having made such a determination that the cover is placed on the device, the device's power savings system can switch to an appropriate power saving mode. |
| US09250672B2 |
Cloning target machines in a software provisioning environment
The transferring of storage content is disclosed. The method may include providing an agent to a target machine in a network of target machines, where the agent is configured to copy storage contents of the target machine. The method may further include receiving the copied storage contents. The method may further include providing the agent to another target machine in the network of target machines, where the agent is configured to transfer the copied storage contents to the other target machine. |
| US09250670B2 |
Power control device for processor
A processor has: a power table including a plurality of power control registers each rewritably storing power control information; a condition determiner for rewritably storing a plurality of operating conditions (e.g., a comparison address to be compared with the program counter) and determining which one of the plurality of operating conditions is satisfied by a current operation of the processor so as to supply an index signal to select one of the plurality of power control registers based on the determination; and a voltage/clock controller for controlling the power consumption in a control object circuit block according to the power control information in one of the power control registers that is selected by the index signal. |
| US09250669B2 |
Power measurement in a two-wire load control device
A two-wire load control device may be configured to compute an accurate estimate of real-time power consumption by a load that is electrically connected to, and controlled by, the two-wire load control device. The load control device may be adapted to measure a voltage drop across the device during a first portion of a half-cycle of an AC waveform provided to the device. The device may be further configured to estimate a voltage drop across the load during the second portion of the half-cycle. The estimated voltage drop may be based on the measured voltage drop. The device may be further configured to measure a current supplied to the load during a second portion of the half-cycle. The device may be configured to estimate power consumed by the load based on the measured current and the estimated voltage drop. |
| US09250667B2 |
Early detection of overheating devices
A method is provided that monitors the odor within the physical enclosure of a computing device that includes one or more components. The method includes determining whether the odor within the physical enclosure is indicative of an overheating component that is overheating within the physical enclosure of the computing device. Determining whether the odor within the physical enclosure may include an artificial neural network (“ANN”) to determine whether the odor is indicative of an overheating component. The method includes initiating an overheating protocol in response to determining that the odor within the physical enclosure is indicative of an overheating component. The method may, for example, alert the user and/or applications that a component is overheating. |
| US09250665B2 |
GPU with dynamic performance adjustment
In one embodiment, a system includes a power management controller that controls a duty cycle of a processor to manage power. By frequently powering up and powering down the processor during a period of time, the power consumption of the processor may be controlled while providing the perception that the processor is continuously available. Additionally, in some cases, it may be a better power/performance tradeoff to run the processor at a higher power/performance state if the processor is executing for a significant portion of the execution interval (e.g. the frame time for a GPU). Executing at a higher power/performance state may permit a realization of a greater number of frames per second for a given workload, in an embodiment. |
| US09250664B2 |
IHS component cooling system
An IHS includes an IHS chassis. A processor is located in the IHS chassis. At least one fan is located in the IHS chassis and in fluid communication with the processor. A temperature sensor is located in the IHS chassis. A fan controller is coupled to the processor, the at least one fan, the temperature sensor, and a storage device that includes a plurality of processor target temperatures that are each associated with a different ambient temperature. The fan controller is operable to receive a first ambient temperature from the temperature sensor, determine a first processor target temperature that is associated with the first ambient temperature, receive a temperature of the processor, and operate the at least one fan in order to reduce the temperature of the processor to the first processor target temperature. |
| US09250662B2 |
Holding frame and housing assembly for electronic device
A holding frame and a housing assembly for an electronic device. The holding frame is used to hold a motherboard and at least one peripheral device. The holding frame includes a main holder, a linkage member, and a rotational holder. The motherboard is mounted onto the main holder via the linkage member. The peripheral device is mounted onto the rotational holder. The rotational holder is pivoted to the main holder to rotate on the main holder. The installation of the motherboard or the peripheral device will not be interfered by the structure of the holding frame. The housing assembly includes a case body and the holding frame. The holding frame is disposed within the case body. The installation of mounting the motherboard and the peripheral device onto the holding frame can be performed outside the case body without being interfered by the case body. |
| US09250658B2 |
Electronic apparatus
Buffer materials 7 and a lower principal surface 6a of a hard disk case 6, and the buffer materials 7 and a hard disk drive 5, are adhesively fixed to each other by strong pressure-sensitive adhesive forces. Pressure-sensitive adhesive materials 8 are provided between the hard disk drive 5 and an upper principal surface 6b of the hard disk case 6. The pressure-sensitive adhesive force of each pressure-sensitive adhesive material 8 is weak to such a degree that the pressure-sensitive adhesive material 8 becomes detached by a contraction force of each buffer material 7. Thus, when external disturbance is applied to the hard disk drive 5, each pressure-sensitive adhesive material 8 becomes detached during contraction of each buffer material 7. The contraction of each buffer material 7 and the detachment of each pressure-sensitive adhesive material 8 allow improvement of the impact resistance of the hard disk drive 5. |
| US09250652B2 |
Electronic device case
A handle for an electronic-device case includes a hand strap and a switch. The switch may be integrated into the hand strap such that when the user secures his or her hand to the electronic-device case with the hand strap, the switch is accessible to the secured hand, thereby enabling one-handed operation of the electronic device. |
| US09250646B2 |
Clock recovery using remote arrival timestamps
Methods and systems may provide for a sink module that receives packets from a source module, wherein each of the packets has a source timestamp corresponding to a source module packet arrival time. A reference timestamp may be associated with the source timestamp of the most recent packet having a program clock reference. A sink counter may be synchronized to a broadcaster transmit counter based on a current source timestamp and the reference timestamp. The sink counter and the source counter may be driven by asynchronous clocks, wherein the current source timestamp may be inferred based on a current value of the source counter. The packets may include video data and/or audio data. The sink counter may be synchronized by adjusting the frequency of a source clock and/or adjusting the sink counter. |
| US09250642B2 |
Constant current generating circuit using on-chip calibrated resistor and related method thereof
A constant current generating circuit and constant current generating method applied to a chip are provided, where the chip includes a first current generating circuit and a second current generating circuit, the second current generating circuit includes a transistor and an adjustable resistor. The constant current generating method includes: connecting an external resistor to the first current generating circuit to make the first current generating circuit use the external resistor to generate a first current; utilizing the second current generating circuit to generate a second current; adjusting the adjustable resistor in accordance with the first current and the second current to make the second current substantially equal to the first current, where the second current serves as a constant current of the chip. |
| US09250641B2 |
Load driving circuit and load driving method
A load driving circuit that generates a desired voltage waveform to drive a load includes a target voltage waveform output section that outputs a target voltage waveform to be applied to the load. Power supply sections generate electrical power with voltage values different from each other. Negative feedback control sections between the power supply sections and the load supply electrical power from the corresponding power supply sections to the load and execute negative feedback control of a value of a voltage applied to the load for matching the voltage value and the target voltage waveform. A power supply connection section selects one of the power supply sections based on the value of the voltage applied to the load or the voltage value of the target voltage waveform and connects the selected power supply section to the load and disconnects the rest of the power supply sections from the load. |
| US09250636B2 |
Coolant and ambient temperature control for chillerless liquid cooled data centers
Cooling control methods include measuring a temperature of air provided to a plurality of nodes by an air-to-liquid heat exchanger, measuring a temperature of at least one component of the plurality of nodes and finding a maximum component temperature across all such nodes, comparing the maximum component temperature to a first and second component threshold and comparing the air temperature to a first and second air threshold, and controlling a proportion of coolant flow and a coolant flow rate to the air-to-liquid heat exchanger and the plurality of nodes based on the comparisons. |
| US09250635B2 |
Fan control system and fan control method
In a fan control method, consecutive temperature values are acquired at a time interval. Whether a current temperature value is higher than a threshold is determined. A difference between the current temperature value and a previous temperature value is calculated when the current temperature value is higher than the threshold. A fan is speeded up and the time interval is greatly shortened when the temperature difference is higher than a first trigger value. Only the time interval is slightly shorten when the temperature difference falls between the first trigger value and a second trigger value less than the first trigger value. Nothing to do when the temperature difference falls between the second trigger value and a third trigger value less than the third trigger value. The fan is slowed down and the time interval is extended when the temperature difference is lower than the third trigger value. |
| US09250631B2 |
Continuous flow regulator for vehicle heating systems
A continuous flow regulator for vehicle heating systems includes a body configured to be connected in-line with coolant flowing through the heating coil of the heating system. A spring biased ball valve assembly is disposed in the body and is configured to restrict flow through the regulator in response to increasing flow rate of coolant and to open flow through the regulator in response to decreasing flow rate of coolant. Flow rate of coolant is therefore continuously adjusted and regulated to protect the heater core from corrosion due to high coolant flows therethrough. |
| US09250629B2 |
Terrain adaptive flight control
A helicopter is provided and includes an air frame formed to accommodate a pilot, flight control elements disposed on the airframe to generate lift and thrust in accordance with control commands issued by the pilot and a current control mode, a sensor disposed on the airframe to sense helicopter proximity to terrain and obstacles and a flight computer configured to change the current control mode based on sensed helicopter proximity to the terrain and the obstacles. |
| US09250620B2 |
3D design and fabrication system for implants
A method of designing, presenting, generating, and fabricating custom implants by obtaining a 3D image of a site to receive an implant, simulating volumetric changes of the site, generating a virtual 3D implant that effects the volumetric changes of the site, and fabricating a real 3D implant that includes the volumetric changes. A method of designing, presenting, generating, and implanting custom implants by obtaining a three-dimensional (3D) image of a site to receive an implant, simulating volumetric changes of the site, generating a virtual 3D implant that effects volumetric changes of the site, and injecting or infusing a gel or semi-solid implant into a patient to effect the volumetric changes. A method of implanting a custom implant in a patient. A method of correcting disfigurement in a patient. A method of replacing a disc in a patient's back. An implant fabricated by this method. |
| US09250614B2 |
Motor control apparatus and motor control method
A motor control apparatus includes a state quantity detector configured to output a detection signal in correspondence with a state quantity of a motor, a vibration detection unit configured to detect a disturbance vibration component of the motor based on a torque instruction and the detection signal and output a vibrational component signal in correspondence with the detection result, a speed signal generator configured to generate a speed signal based on a result of subtracting the vibration component signal from the detection signal, and a speed controller configured to generate the torque instruction based on a deviation between a speed instruction and the speed signal. |
| US09250613B2 |
User control interface button flex antenna system
A compact antenna system that provides an antenna capable of transmitting and/or receiving radio signals configured on a flexible substrate material supporting user control interface buttons. In an embodiment, an antenna may be formed on a user control interface button flex between the wire traces used to couple the user control interface buttons to a printed circuit board. In order to prevent the interference on the antenna that may be caused when current passes through the wire traces coupling the user control interface buttons to the printed circuit board, an RF choke (i.e., LC filter) circuit and bypass capacitors may be configured along each wire trace. In another embodiment, the wire trace coupling a user control interface button to the printed circuit board may be configured to serve the dual purposes of coupling the user control interface button to the printed circuit board; and functioning as an antenna capable of transmitting and/or receiving wireless radio signals. |
| US09250612B2 |
System and method for a time-to-digital converter
An embodiment is a device including a control circuit, a time-to-digital converter circuit coupled having a first output coupled to a first input of the control circuit, and a gating circuit having a first input coupled to a first signal, a second input coupled to a second signal, and an output coupled to a first input of the time-to-digital converter circuit, an output of the control circuit coupled to a second input of the time-to-digital converter circuit and to a third input of the gating circuit. |
| US09250611B2 |
Electronically triggered personal athletic device
An athletic device is worn by a participant during an athletic event (e.g., a race). In one example, a race course is provided with a plurality of mats or signal devices along the race course. The mats may have antennas and generate a magnetic field. The device may include a chip system having an RFID tag and a display. As the participant progress along the course, the tag is triggered at each mat and race data may be displayed on the device. Data relating to a location of the participant may also be provided to the participant during the athletic event. |
| US09250610B2 |
Split collet with a non-circular opening
A split collet in which the contour of the central opening that is intended to receive a balance staff is not circular. The collet is characterized in that the contour (3) of the central opening (2) comprises a limited number of supporting parts (4, 5, 12, 14, 15) intended to co-operate with the balance shaft, said number being greater than two. |
| US09250605B2 |
Process unit and image forming apparatus provided with the same
A process unit includes a first shaft portion at a first end of a photoreceptor drum that is fitted into a hole of a first receiving portion so as to move the photoreceptor drum from a front side of a mounting space to the inside of the mounting space. The photoreceptor drum is temporarily supported by a repulsive force of a cleaning blade and positioned in a predetermined position in the mounting space. Then, in order to cause a lock member to support a second shaft portion at a second end of the photoreceptor drum, the lock member is retracted against a biasing force of a biasing member. The second shaft portion at the second end of the photoreceptor drum is supported by the lock member by a restoring force of the biasing member, so that the photoreceptor drum is locked in a mounted state. |
| US09250603B2 |
Developing cartridge and process cartridge for stably rotating developing roller
A developing cartridge includes: a housing having first and second sidewalls through which respective end portions of a developing roller shaft are rotatably inserted; a developing gear, which is arranged outside of the first sidewall, and which is fixed to the end portion of the developing roller shaft; a transmission gear, which is arranged outside of the first sidewall, and which transmits driving force to the developing gear; a first cover member, which is attached to the first sidewall, and which covers the transmission gear; and a second cover member, which is attached to the first sidewall, and which covers the developing gear from an outer side in the axis line direction. The second cover member is formed separately from the first cover member and is arranged side by side with the first cover member outside of the first sidewall. |
| US09250602B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus has a housing. Inside the housing, there are provided an image carrying member, a developing unit, a driving force transmission unit, a contact/separation mechanism, a transmission enable/disable mechanism, a cover movably supported by the housing, and a single link member configured to move in association with an opening/closing movement of the cover. When the link member moves in association with the opening movement of the cover, the contact/separation mechanism moves the developing unit to a detachable position, and the transmission enable/disable mechanism moves the driving force transmission unit to the transmission cutoff position. |
| US09250599B2 |
Automatic tray switching for continued marking after media tray misfeed
An auto tray switching method that is invoked when a misfeed occurs includes automatically switching to a different paper tray that has appropriate paper stock to continue a job. A misfeed signal is indicated only if the tray in which the misfeed occurred is selected by a user for another job. |
| US09250594B2 |
Systems and methods for implementing an asynchronous buffering module with an integrated registration function for inline printing an image forming system
A system and method are provided for implementing an asynchronous buffering module and/or scheme employing an integrated registration function, particularly for in-line printing in an image forming system. Multiple simplex marking engines are arranged in series and provided with a mechanism that includes an asynchronous buffering module with the capacity to modify the timing of individual sheets of image receiving media passing between the in-line marking engines. The buffering module is augmented with an integrated registration function for the in-line duplex printing. The combined mechanism provides a capacity between the multiple marking engines to effect timing synchronization and re-registration for the sheets exiting the first serial marking engine allowing them to be properly timed and registered for feeding to the second serial marking engine. An asynchronous nature of the combination of media marking engines is synchronized in the feed of the sheets between the media marking engines. |
| US09250592B2 |
Image forming apparatus having a smoothness detector
An image forming apparatus includes a storage to store recording media, a smoothness detector to detect smoothness of the recording media, a memory unit to store smoothness values detected by the smoothness detector, a transfer device to transfer a toner image onto the recording media, a fixing device to fix the toner image onto the recording media, a temperature controller to determine a target fixing temperature for a second and subsequent recording media based on a predicted value calculated from the smoothness values, and a processor to reset the smoothness values in response to detection of an external factor that causes the smoothness detector to provide a smoothness value out of a predetermined range of the predicted value during an image forming operation from when the processor receives a sheet-feeding permission signal of one of the recording media stored in the storage until the recording medium is ejected. |
| US09250591B2 |
Ultrasonic wave sensor and image forming apparatus
A sensor is attached to an apparatus having a fixing unit which fixes an image on a recording medium by heating the recording medium. The sensor includes: a transmission unit transmitting an ultrasonic wave to the recording medium; a reception unit receiving the ultrasonic wave via the recording medium, and output a signal corresponding to the received ultrasonic wave; and a detecting unit detecting information relating to a state of the recording medium which has changed by passing through the fixing unit, based on a first signal which the reception unit has output upon having received the ultrasonic wave before the recording medium has passed through the fixing unit, and a second signal which the reception unit has output upon having received the ultrasonic wave after the recording medium has passed through the fixing unit. |
| US09250590B2 |
Power supply device and image formation apparatus
A power supply device includes a voltage output unit configured to output a DC voltage corresponding to a control signal from a first controller and an output evaluator configured to perform a judgment process of judging whether or not the DC voltage is a voltage corresponding to a set value received from the fist controller, and to output a result of the judgment to the first controller. The output evaluator includes a storage for storing correspondence information which shows a correspondence relationship between the set value and a voltage value of the DC voltage outputted from the voltage output unit. The output evaluator performs the judgment process by outputting the correspondence information to the first controller, and receiving a set value determined on the basis of the correspondence information from the first controller. |
| US09250589B1 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus having moving member to block radiant heat and moving by a friction force between a fixing belt and the moving member
A fixing device includes a fixing belt, a pressuring member, a heat source, a moving member and a biasing member. The moving member is movable between a first position where the moving member blocks the radiant heat from the heat source to the fixing belt and a second position where the moving member does not block the radiant heat from the heat source to the fixing belt. The biasing member biases the moving member to the first position. The moving member moves from the first position to the second position by a friction force between the fixing belt and the moving member against a biasing force of the biasing member when the fixing belt is rotated. The moving member moves from the second position to the first position by the biasing force of the biasing member when a rotation of the fixing belt is stopped. |
| US09250586B2 |
Roller for fixing, manufacturing method therefor, and fixing device
A roller for image fixing, includes: a hollow cylindrical member; a shaft member inserted into one longitudinal end of the cylindrical member; a hole portion penetrating the cylindrical member and the shaft member; a first countersink formed at a circumference of one end of the hole portion in an outerside of the cylindrical member; a second countersink formed at a circumference of the other end of the hole portion in an outerside of the cylindrical member; and a pin inserted in the hole portion to fix the cylindrical member and the shaft member relative to each other. The one and the other end portions of the pin are deformed so as to be closely contacted to the first and second countersink portions, respectively. |
| US09250581B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A fixing device includes an excitation coil, a rotatable heater, and a support shaft. The excitation coil includes a turning end and an extended portion continuous with the turning end. The heater includes a heat generation layer and a thermosensitive magnetic body composed to switch between magnetized and demagnetized states at a Curie temperature to selectively create localized heating areas in the heat generation layer. The support shaft is made of a nonmagnetic material having a lower electrical resistivity than the thermosensitive magnetic body and supports opposed ends of the heater axially along the heater. The support shaft includes a body portion having a largest outer diameter of the support shaft and an end positioned outside the turning end of the excitation coil, and support portions having a smallest outer diameter of the support shaft and supporting the heater. |
| US09250580B2 |
Image heating apparatus having rotatable heating member, excitation coil, and a plurality of magnetic cores or core groups arranged along a longitudinal direction of the rotatable heating member
An image heating apparatus includes: a rotatable heating member; an coil provided outside the heating member and configured to generate heat by electromagnetic induction in the heating member; a coil holder configured to hold the coil; a plurality of magnetic cores arranged opposed to the heating member along a longitudinal direction of the heating member with the coil interposed therebetween; a core holder configured to hold at least one of the magnetic cores which is movable; and a moving mechanism configured to move the core holder between a first position and a second position which is farther away from the heating member than the first position. The core holder is provided with a stopper portion configured to stop movement of the core holder from the second position to the first position by abutment to the coil holder. |
| US09250579B2 |
Separator, fixing device, and image forming apparatus
A separator is provided for a fixing device including a rotary fixing member that fixes a toner image on a recording medium and a rotary pressure member pressed against the rotary fixing member to form a fixing nip portion for nipping the recording medium. The separator includes a separation plate and plate-shaped spacers. The separation plate is disposed downstream of the fixing nip portion in a medium feeding direction, with an edge portion of the separation plate facing an outer circumferential surface of the rotary fixing member or the rotary pressure member. The spacers are disposed between portions of the edge portion of the separation plate and the outer circumferential surface of the rotary fixing member or the rotary pressure member to surround the portions of the edge portion in a direction intersecting with an extending direction of the edge portion. |
| US09250578B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes first and second rollers forming an image fixing nip, the second roller being disposed below the first roller; a casing accommodating the first and second rollers and having a sheet introduction opening and a sheet discharge opening; a suppression portion provided at a position, away by not less than 0.5 mm and not more than 3.5 mm, from a surface of the first roller in a space extending from the sheet introduction opening to the sheet discharge opening and configured to suppress scattering of particles of predetermined particle sizes resulting from the parting material adjacent the sheet introduction opening; and a substantially closed chamber provided above the casing and having an entrance for permitting entering of the particles guided to the outside of the casing by the suppression portion to stagnate the particles. |
| US09250576B2 |
Image forming apparatus
It has been difficult to ensure satisfactory secondary transfer performance while ensuring satisfactory primary transfer performance by passing a current in the circumferential direction of an intermediate transfer belt from a current supply member.To satisfy a relationship of Rv>Rs, where Rv is resistance in the thickness direction of an intermediate transfer belt and Rs is resistance in the circumferential direction of the intermediate transfer belt over the distance between an image carrier located most upstream and an image carrier located most downstream in the movement direction of the intermediate transfer belt. |
| US09250574B2 |
Image forming apparatus with intermediate transfer member having constant voltage element
In a constitution in which a power source exclusively for primary transfer is omitted and a predetermined voltage is generated in an intermediary transfer member by a constant-voltage element, a high power source voltage more than necessary is applied in order to avoid primary transfer defect, so that a transfer member is deteriorated by energization in some cases. By detecting a current flowing into the constant-voltage element, it becomes possible to obtain a minimum power source voltage at which the intermediary transfer member is capable of maintaining a predetermined voltage, so that it is possible to avoid the energization deterioration of the transfer member. |
| US09250569B2 |
Image forming apparatus and toner container with a replenishment hole and at least one collection hole
A toner container includes a housing and a shutter. The housing includes a toner accommodating chamber. A communication hole is formed in the housing. The communication hole communicates an interior with an exterior of the toner accommodating chamber. The communication hole also includes a replenishment hole, through which toner is supplied to the toner accommodating chamber, and a first collection hole. The shutter is configured to slide between an opening position and a closing position of the communication hole to open/close the communication hole. The shutter moves in a closing direction from the opening position to the closing position to close the replenishment hole and the first collection hole in this order. |
| US09250563B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier that rotates, a latent image forming unit that forms an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier, a developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier, with a developer including a toner and an external additive, a transfer unit that transfers an image developed on the image carrier to a recording material, a cleaning member that cleans a residue remaining on the image carrier after transfer, a supply unit that supplies a developing bias, which has an alternating-current component superimposed on a direct-current component, between the image carrier and the developing unit, and a setting part that increases a peak-to-peak value of the alternating-current component of the developing bias when a non-image region on the image carrier passes a developing region, in comparison to when an image region on the image carrier passes the developing region. |
| US09250557B2 |
Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus provided with same
An image forming apparatus includes a driving unit configured to drive a light-emitting element for emitting a laser beam; a rotational polygon mirror scans a photosensitive member with the laser beam. The driving unit executes a first adjustment for causing the light-emitting element to emit light at a first light emission intensity to adjust a first driving current, and a second adjustment for causing the light-emitting element to emit light at a second light emission intensity to adjust a second driving current. During a time period after the polygon mirror has started rotating until a predetermined speed is reached, the driving unit performs the first adjustment and the second adjustment, after the polygon mirror has started rotating and before performing the first adjustment, performs the second adjustment. |
| US09250553B2 |
Liquid developer and image forming method
A liquid developer includes a carrier liquid having insulation property, colored particles, and an organic high molecular compound. The organic high molecular compound is dissolved in the carrier liquid. The organic high molecular compound includes elastomer A that is a styrene-butadiene-based elastomer not having an acid group or a basic group and elastomer B that is a styrene-based elastomer having an acid group or a basic group. A content of the elastomer A in the liquid developer is 6% by mass or more and 8% by mass or less, and a content of the elastomer B in the liquid developer is 0.4% by mass or more and 0.8% by mass or less. The colored particles include aniline black. |
| US09250551B2 |
Method for manufacturing electrostatic latent image developing toner
An electrostatic latent image developing toner is manufactured by mixing an aqueous medium dispersion liquid (X) containing negatively chargeable toner cores and an aqueous medium dispersion liquid (Y) containing positively chargeable resin particulates, followed by stirring the mixture liquid to form shell layers each on a surface of the toner cores with the resin particulates. The shell layers are formed with the resin particulates subjected to a stirring treatment together with an anionic surfactant. |
| US09250549B2 |
Full-color toner set, full-color developer set, image-formation method using same, and image-formation device
Toners of respective colors of a full-color toner set each contain a binder resin which is polyester resin; and a release agent dispersing aid which is styrene acrylic copolymer resin having at least one of an α-methylstyrene structure and a styrene structure. The styrene acrylic copolymer resin is contained in an amount of 7 parts by weight to 14 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the polyester resin. The full-color toner set has a sum of resistivities of the toners of the respective colors of 410×109 to 510×109 (Ω·cm). |
| US09250546B2 |
Member for electrophotography, process cartridge, and electrophotographic apparatus
A member for electrophotography having a multilayer structure or a single-layer structure, including an outermost layer which satisfies the following A, B and C: A: the outermost layer has perfluoropolyether and a binder resin, and in the outermost layer, the ratio of the number of fluorine atoms to the number of carbon atoms is 0.10 or more and 0.40 or less; B: in a 19F-NMR spectrum of the outermost layer, the relaxation time T2 of a peak derived from CF2 moieties of perfluoropolyether is 13 milliseconds or more at 22° C.; and C: the total sum of the contents of CF3 moieties, CF2 moieties, and CF moieties in the binder resin is 5% by mass or less. |
| US09250545B2 |
Electrophotographic photoreceptor, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
An electrophotographic photoreceptor includes a conductive substrate and a single-layered photosensitive layer formed so as to overlie the conductive substrate, the photosensitive layer containing a binder resin, a charge-generating material, a hole-transporting material, an electron-transporting material represented by General Formula (1), and at least one compound selected from a compound represented by General Formula (2) and a compound represented by General Formula (3). The amount of the at least one compound selected from the compound represented by General Formula (2) and the compound represented by General Formula (3) is in the range of approximately 10 parts by weight to 100 parts by weight in total relative to 100 parts by weight of the electron-transporting material represented by General Formula (1). |
| US09250544B2 |
Particle counter and immersion exposure system including the same
A particle counter may include a housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a window therebetween. The inlet and the outlet may be configured such that a fluid can be flowed therethrough. A plurality of light sources may be arranged outside the housing to provide lights of different wavelengths into the housing through the window. Sensors may be provided outside the housing to detect fractions of the lights scattered by a bubble and/or a particle in the fluid. A control part may be configured to monitor intensities of the lights detected by the sensors and to analyze a difference in intensity between the scattered lights, thereby distinguishing the particles from the bubbles in the fluid. |
| US09250542B2 |
Overlay/alignment measurement method and overlay/alignment measurement apparatus
According to one embodiment, a method includes preliminarily measuring the amount of overlay or alignment shift of the mark for overlay or alignment measurement while sequentially shifting a position of a measurement area relative to the mark for overlay or alignment measurement so as to position the mark for overlay or alignment measurement on each of a plurality of partial areas. The measurement area corresponds to a field angle of the optical measurement system, and an inside of the measurement area is two-dimensionally divided into the partial areas. The method includes calculating a tool-induced shift regarding a characteristic deviation of the optical measurement system for each of the plurality of partial areas based on a preliminarily measured result of the amount of overlay or alignment shift. The method includes determining a partial area to be used from among the plurality of partial areas on the basis of the tool-induced shift calculated for each of the plurality of partial areas. |
| US09250541B2 |
Exposure apparatus and device fabrication method
The present invention provides an exposure apparatus which expose a substrate, the apparatus including an illumination optical system configured to illuminate a mask using light from a light source, a projection optical system configured to irradiate the substrate with light from a pattern on the mask, an adjustment unit configured to adjust an oxygen concentration in a space between the projection optical system and the substrate, an obtaining unit configured to obtain data of illuminance of light applied to the substrate, and a control unit configured to control the adjustment unit so as to set the oxygen concentration in the space to a predetermined concentration value based on the data of illuminance obtained by the obtaining unit. |
| US09250537B2 |
Immersion exposure apparatus and method with detection of liquid on members of the apparatus
An exposure apparatus which prevents the damage due to the liquid having flowed out from spreading and enables satisfactory performances of the exposure processes and the measurement processes is provided. An exposure apparatus (EX) includes a movable table (PT), a base member (41) having an upper surface (41A) that guides the movement of the table (PT), and a detecting device (60) that detects whether there is a liquid on the upper surface (41A) of the base member (41). |
| US09250536B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and method
A device manufacturing method includes conditioning a beam of radiation using an illumination system. The conditioning includes controlling an array of individually controllable elements and associated optical components of the illumination system to convert the radiation beam into a desired illumination mode, the controlling including allocating different individually controllable elements to different parts of the illumination mode in accordance with an allocation scheme, the allocation scheme selected to provide a desired modification of one or more properties of the illumination mode, the radiation beam or both. The method also includes patterning the radiation beam having the desired illumination mode with a pattern in its cross-section to form a patterned beam of radiation, and projecting the patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of a substrate. |
| US09250535B2 |
Source, target and mask optimization by incorporating countour based assessments and integration over process variations
Methods and systems for determining a source shape, a mask shape and a target shape for a lithography process are disclosed. One such method includes receiving source, mask and target constraints and formulating an optimization problem that is based on the source, mask and target constraints and incorporates contour-based assessments for the target shape that are based on physical design quality of a circuit. Further, the optimization problem is solved by integrating over process condition variations to simultaneously determine the source shape, the mask shape and the target shape. In addition, the determined source shape and mask shape are output. |
| US09250534B2 |
Nonaqueous cleaning liquid and method for etching processing of silicon substrate
A nonaqueous cleaning liquid comprising a fluoroalkanol, a quaternary ammonium hydroxide, and an organic solvent. Compounds represented by formulae (1) and (2). Fluoroalkanol compounds include (1) H(CF2)aCH2—OH and (2) F(CF2)b(CH2)c—OH In which a and b are each an integer of from 2 to 6, and c is an integer of 1 or 2. |
| US09250532B2 |
Pattern forming method, multi-layered resist pattern, multi-layered film for organic solvent development, resist composition, method for manufacturing electronic device, and electronic device
There is provided a pattern forming method comprising: (i) a step of forming a first film on a substrate by using a first resin composition (I), (ii) a step of forming a second film on the first film by using a second resin composition (II) different from the resin composition (I), (iii) a step of exposing a multi-layered film having the first film and the second film, and (iv) a step of developing the first film and the second film in the exposed multi-layered film by using an organic solvent-containing developer to form a negative pattern. |
| US09250530B2 |
Pattern forming method, resist composition for multiple development used in the pattern forming method, developer for negative development used in the pattern forming method, and rinsing solution for negative development used in the pattern forming method
A pattern forming method, including: (A) coating a substrate with a positive resist composition of which solubility in a positive developer increases and solubility in a negative developer decreases upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation, so as to form a resist film; (B) exposing the resist film; and (D) developing the resist film with a negative developer; a positive resist composition for multiple development used in the method; a developer for use in the method; and a rinsing solution for negative development used in the method. |
| US09250529B2 |
Photoresist compositions and methods of use in high index immersion lithography
The present invention relates to a composition comprising a photoresist polymer and a fluoropolymer. In one embodiment, the fluoropolymer comprises a first monomer having a pendant group selected from alicyclic bis-hexafluoroisopropanol and aryl bis-hexafluoroisopropanol and preferably a second monomer selected from fluorinated styrene and fluorinated vinyl ether. The invention composition has improved receding contact angles with high refractive index hydrocarbon fluids used in immersion lithography and, thereby, provides improved performance in immersion lithography. |
| US09250524B2 |
Positive working lithographic printing plate precursor and process for preparing lithographic printing plate
The present invention relates to a positive working lithographic printing plate precursor, comprising: (1) a substrate; and (2) an imaging layer, formed on the substrate, comprising a water-insoluble and an alkaline aqueous solution-soluble or dispersible resin and a photo-thermal converting material, wherein the imaging layer comprises either polyurethane or polyurethane urea or both of the polyurethane and the polyurethane urea, the polyurethane and the polyurethane urea comprising a unit having a substituent having an acidic hydrogen atom and a unit having a polysiloxane moiety in a side or main chain. The present invention can provide a lithographic printing plate precursor which has high printing durability, good scratch resistance, and good developing properties, as well as enhanced ink receptivity. |
| US09250521B2 |
Lithographic printing plate precursor and a method for making a printing plate
A positive-working lithographic printing plate precursor exhibits satisfactory developability and has long print run length, satisfactory scratch resistance, and exhibits improved ink receptivity. This precursor has an image forming layer comprising a water-insoluble and alkali-soluble or alkali-dispersible resin. The image forming layer comprises at least a lower layer and an upper layer. A resin in at least one of the lower layer and the upper layer is a polyurethane including a recurring unit comprising a substituent having an acidic hydrogen atom and a recurring unit represented by the following formula: wherein Rf is an alkyl or polyether group in which at least 50% of hydrogen atoms have been fluorinated, R1 is a hydrogen atom, or a substituted or non-substituted alkyl group, m is 0 or 1 to 10, n is 1 to 30, and x is 1 to 4. |
| US09250518B2 |
Resist composition and patterning process
A photoresist film containing a sulfonium or iodonium salt of carboxylic acid having an amino group has a high dissolution contrast and offers improved resolution, wide focus margin and minimal LWR when used as a positive resist film adapted for alkaline development and a negative resist film adapted for organic solvent development. |
| US09250517B2 |
Polymer, positive resist composition and patterning process
A polymer comprising recurring units of butyrolactone (meth)acrylate, recurring units having a carboxyl or phenolic group which is substituted with an acid labile group, and recurring units having a phenol group or an adhesive group in the form of 2,2,2-trifluoro-1-hydroxyethyl is quite effective as a base resin for resist. A positive resist composition comprising the polymer is improved in such properties as a contrast of alkali dissolution rate before and after exposure, acid diffusion suppressing effect, resolution, and profile and edge roughness of a pattern after exposure. |
| US09250513B2 |
Method of manufacturing an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) mask and the mask manufactured therefrom
Any defects in the reflective multilayer coating or absorber layer of an EUV mask are problematic in transferring a pattern of the EUV mask to a wafer since they produce errors in integrated circuit patterns on the wafer. In this regard, a method of manufacturing an EUV mask is provided according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. To repair the defect, a columnar reflector, which acts as a Bragg reflector, is deposited according to various embodiments so as to locally compensate and repair the defect. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the reflective loss due to the defect can be compensated and recover the phase different due to the defect from, so as to form a desirable wafer printed image. |
| US09250511B2 |
Shape-restoring device and a restoring method for distorted filmstrips
A shape-restoring device and a restoring method for distorted filmstrips are proposed for restoring filmstrips that are distorted due to vinegar syndrome. During the implementation of the method, the air compressor is started such that pressure reaches 0.6-0.9 MPa; three-way valves are regulated so as to introduce pressure into film-clasping cylinders and pressing-plate cylinders via diverter valves; the cylinder spindles of the film-clasping cylinders move the upper collets fixedly connected therewith, for fixing filmstrips; the cylinder spindles of the pressing-plate cylinders move the pressing plate fixedly connected therewith such that the binding underlay on the lower surface of the pressing plate contacts the heating plate; in this way, pressuring, heating and restoring are carried out. Through steps of pressing, heating, fixing filmstrips, shape-restoring and transporting the distorted filmstrips under the pressure of 0.5-0.8 MPa and the temperature of 80-90° C. for 50-80 s, the distorted filmstrips can be restored segment by segment. |
| US09250510B2 |
Panoramic stereo catadioptric imaging
The disclosed subject matter relates to providing panoramic stereo vision captured with a single camera scheme employing a catadioptric optical path. In an aspect the presently disclosed subject matter can capture a stereo image over a full 360-degree horizontal field of view or portions thereof. Further, the vertical FOV is enlarged compared to conventional cata-fisheye schemes. A system according to the instant subject matter can be calibrated with a computational model that can accommodate a non-single viewpoint imaging model to conduct 3D reconstruction in Euclidean space. |
| US09250504B2 |
Light source unit and image projection apparatus including light source unit
A light source unit includes a light emitting element supporter to support a plurality of light emitting elements disposed with a dispersed pattern in a two-dimensional direction as a light emitting element assembly, and light emitted from the light emitting element assembly exits to a target. The light emitting element supporter includes a ventilating hole at an inner portion of two dimensional direction of the light emitting element assembly, and cooling air, supplied from a rear side of a light emitting side of the light emitting element assembly, passes through the ventilating hole to the light emitting side of the light emitting element assembly. |
| US09250502B2 |
Projector having base and cover member forming cooling duct for cooling light modulators and method for manufacturing projector
A projector includes: a spatial light modulator provided for each color light flux and configured to modulate the light flux in accordance with an image signal; a light combining system configured to combine the color light flux outputted from the spatial light modulator; a projection system configured to project the light combined by the light combining system; a fixing member configured to integrally fix the spatial light modulator, the light combining system, and the projection system; a base on which the spatial light modulators and the light combining system fixed to the fixing member are mounted; and a cover member configured to cover the spatial light modulator and the light combining system mounted on the base, wherein the base and the cover member form a cooling duct through which cooling air for sequentially cooling the spatial light modulator for the respective color light flux flows. |
| US09250501B2 |
Projection system and projector
A projection system performs projection on a projection surface using a plurality of projectors including a first projector and a second projector. The projection system projects, using the first projector, a first guide in a position a predetermined amount of a margin spaced apart from a border of a projection region where an image is projected and projects, using the second projector, a second guide distinguishable from the first guide. |
| US09250499B2 |
TTL photographic wireless communication system and method with exposure compensation value transfer to a remote lighting device
A system and method for synchronizing a remote lighting device to a camera using a hot shoe connection and an external device connected via the hot shoe connector. The external device receives TTL data and a synchronization signal from the camera via the hot shoe connector. The external device wirelessly communicates using a radio frequency transmitter an exposure compensation value from the external device to a remote lighting device. The external device also wirelessly communicates a synchronization signal and a TTL information to the remote lighting device for use in synchronizing the remote lighting device to image acquisition by the camera. |
| US09250498B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling auto focus function in electronic device
An apparatus and a method for performing an Auto Focus (AF) function in an electronic device which does not perform the AF function while performing a camcorder function are provided. The apparatus includes a camera for receiving a photographing data, a camera processing unit for performing any one of a still picture acquisition function and an AF function, a recording processing unit for performing a function for recording the photographing data, a camera driver for operating the camera under control of the camera processing unit and the recording processing unit, and a processor for controlling the camera processing unit and the recording processing unit when detecting an AF request while photographing a moving picture to focus on the photographing data automatically and to record the focused photographing data. |
| US09250495B2 |
TFT array substrate, E-paper display panel and method for manufacturing the same
A TFT array substrate, an electronic paper display panel and method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The electronic paper display panel includes: a first transparent substrate, and an array of storage capacitors located on an inner side of the first transparent substrate. Each of the storage capacitors includes a common electrode located on the first transparent substrate, a transparent capacitor medium layer located on the common electrode, and a pixel electrode (44) located on the transparent capacitor medium layer. The display panel also includes an electronic paper film located on the TFT array substrate, a transparent electrode located on the electronic paper film, and a second transparent substrate located on the transparent electrode. A double-sided display may be realized by the electronic paper display panel. |
| US09250494B2 |
Control system for electrochromic device
The present invention is directed to electrochromic systems comprising an electrochromic glazing or insulated glazing unit, a photovoltaic module for supplying power to the electrochromic glazing or IGU, and an electronics module in communication either the electrochromic glazing and/or photovoltaic module. |
| US09250492B2 |
In-cell touch panel structure of narrow border
An in-cell touch panel structure of narrow border includes an upper substrate, a lower substrate, a liquid crystal layer configured between the upper and lower substrates, a black matrix layer, a first sensing electrode layer, and a second sensing electrode layer. The first sensing electrode layer includes plural first conductor line units and plural connection lines arranged in a first direction. The second sensing electrode layer includes plural second conductor line units arranged in a second direction. When performing a touch sensing and receiving the touch driving signal, each second conductor line unit makes use of a corresponding connection line to be extended to one edge of the panel structure. The first conductor line units, the connection lines, and the second conductor line units are disposed corresponding to positions of the plurality of opaque lines of the black matrix layer. |
| US09250490B2 |
Liquid crystal display device including light shielding film
To provide a liquid crystal display device having high quality display by obtaining a high aperture ratio while securing a sufficient storage capacitor (Cs), and at the same time, by dispersing a load (a pixel writing-in electric current) of a capacitor wiring in a timely manner to effectively reduce the load. A scanning line is formed on a different layer from a gate electrode and the capacitor wiring is arranged so as to be parallel with a signal line. Each pixel is connected to the individually independent capacitor wiring via a dielectric. Therefore, variations in the electric potential of the capacitor wiring caused by a writing-in electric current of a neighboring pixel can be avoided, whereby obtaining satisfactory display images. |
| US09250488B2 |
Display device
The flexible printed circuit board includes a base material with a connection terminal and a signal wiring formed thereon, a first cover layer disposed on a first side of the base material, and a second cover layer disposed on a second side different from the first side. The display panel is connected to the connection terminal. The first cover layer is spaced from an end portion of the display panel by a gap of a predetermined size thereby leaving at least one of the connection terminal and the signal wiring exposed. The second cover layer overlaps with the gap in a planar view. A second end portion of the second cover layer is disposed on an opposite side the display panel. A shape of the second end portion is formed to be wavy or concavo-convex including crests and troughs. |
| US09250470B2 |
Illumination system with remote phosphor layer and/or scattering layer
The invention relates to an illumination system (10, 12), to a remote phosphor layer (30; 32, 34), to a scattering layer (32), to a luminaire (100), to a display device (300) and to a method of at least partially correcting a light emission characteristic of at least one light source (22) in the illumination system. The illumination system comprises an array of light sources (20) and a remote phosphor layer and/or a scattering layer arranged between the array of light sources and a light output window (40) for emitting the light from the light sources. At least one light source of the array of light sources comprises a light emission characteristic different from the other light sources of the array of light sources. The luminescent material (52, 54) is distributed across the remote phosphor layer and/or the scattering structures (52) and/or scattering material (52) are distributed across the scattering layer for compensating at least partially the difference in light emission characteristic of the at least one light source.The effect of the illumination system according to the invention is that the deviation of the at least one light source can be compensated, and as such, binning of light sources may be omitted. |
| US09250469B2 |
Polarizer and liquid-crystal display device
A polarizer having at least one optical film and at least one polarizing film, wherein the absolute value of the photo-elastic coefficient C of the optical film is 2×10−12 Pa−1 or more, the optical film has an in-plane direction in which the sound propagation velocity is the maximum, and the angle between the in-plane direction in which the sound propagation velocity through the optical film is the maximum and the direction of the absorption axis of the polarizing film falls within a range of from 0° to less than 45°, is excellent in working aptitude and can prevent optical unevenness of the liquid-crystal display device accompanied by environmental changes. |
| US09250468B2 |
Display panel and display unit
A display panel and a display unit are provided that allow a high-contrast and a bright image to be obtained. A display panel is composed of a light modulation device. The light modulation device includes: an electrode capable of generating a main electric field in a direction parallel to a plane intersecting with a normal line of a transparent substrate; and a light modulation layer including a bulk and a particulate each having an optical anisotropy. Optical axes AX1 and AX2 of the bulk and the particulate are parallel or substantially parallel to a top surface of the transparent substrate, and may be faced in different directions from each other and may be faced in same or substantially same directions with each other within the plane parallel or substantially parallel to the top surface of the transparent substrate depending on a magnitude of the electric field generated by the electrode. |
| US09250465B2 |
Array substrate, touch liquid crystal display panel and manufacturing method thereof
An array substrate includes a plurality of pixel units, each of the pixel units includes a pixel electrode and a common electrode that are insulated from each other, and a conductive layer that is electrically connected in parallel to the common electrode. A double-layer metal layer is deposited on the common electrode at an opaque region of the pixel electrode to form a ring structure around a transparent region of the pixel electrode, thus reducing the resistances of the common electrodes. The ring structure can be U-shaped, half-ring shaped, or full-ring shaped. |
| US09250464B2 |
Carbon nanotube touch panel having two carbon nanotube films
A touch panel utilizing carbon nanotubes (CNT) includes a base a first CNT film, a second CNT film, and a flexible printed circuit (FPC). The base defines a first touch sensing region, a second touch sensing region, and a gap region. The first CNT film and the second CNT film are respectively positioned on the first touch sensing region and the second touch sensing unit. The FPC is mounted on the base. A plurality of first connection wires are formed on the base, and each first connection wire includes a first electrode, a first wire body and a second electrode. The first electrode is located at the gap region and is connected to both the first CNT film and the second CNT film. The second electrode is attached to the FPC, and the first wire body is connected between the first electrode and the second electrode. |
| US09250463B2 |
Display apparatus having improved static discharge characteristics
A display apparatus includes a first substrate including a plurality of pixels, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. Each pixel includes a gate electrode, a gate insulating layer, a semiconductor pattern, a source electrode, a drain electrode, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The first electrode includes a first portion overlapping the drain electrode and a second portion outside the first portion, and the second electrode does not overlap the first portion of the first electrode. The first electrode or the second electrode is formed as a single unitary structure. |
| US09250461B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
In a liquid crystal display device, there is provided a liquid crystal display panel in which a TFT substrate and a counter substrate are bonded together by a sealing material, with a liquid crystal sandwiched between the substrates. Further, a front window with a black border print formed in the periphery is bonded to the liquid crystal display panel by a UV curable resin. The liquid crystal, is filled by a drop method. The thickness of the TFT substrate and the counter substrate is reduced to about 0.2 mm toy polishing. An inner end of the black border print of the front window is inside an inner end of the sealing material, to prevent the counter substrate of the liquid crystal display panel from being deformed by stress generated In the curing of the UV curable resin, thereby preventing yellow discoloration in the periphery of the display area. |
| US09250460B2 |
Liquid crystal display comprising erase electrodes
Active matrix liquid crystal displays, mainly applicable to screens with small dimensions, fabricated for example starting from silicon substrates, are especially applicable to display operation in color sequential mode. The pixel comprises a pixel electrode controlled by a control transistor and counter-electrodes situated on the same side of the liquid crystal as the pixel electrode and parallel to the pixel electrode; the liquid crystal is composed of molecules having a natural rest orientation in the absence of a voltage between the pixel electrode and the counter-electrodes and a different orientation in the presence of an electric field created between the pixel electrode and the counter-electrodes. Erase electrodes are situated on either side of the pixel in a transverse direction with respect to the counter-electrodes and are designed to produce, during an erase phase, an erase electric field tending to return the molecules of the liquid crystal to their rest orientation. |
| US09250457B2 |
Driver for liquid crystal lens, imaging apparatus and temperature controlling method thereof
A driver for a liquid crystal lens, an imaging apparatus and a temperature controlling method thereof, include: a liquid crystal lens which adjusts a focal length according to a voltage applied thereto; a lens driver which applies the voltage to the liquid crystal lens; a sensor driver which detects a temperature of the liquid crystal lens, compensates for the detected temperature, and determines whether the compensated temperatures maintains a preset range for the driver for the liquid crystal lens to perform a control operation; and a heater driver which, according to the determination by the sensor driver, controls heat generation of the liquid crystal lens to maintain a temperature of the liquid crystal lens in the preset range. Thus, the driver detects a temperature of the liquid crystal lens accurately by compensating for a resistance value from the liquid crystal lens to thereby maintain stability of the imaging apparatus. |
| US09250455B2 |
Optical modulator
The optical modulator includes optical modulation units. The plurality of optical modulation units is disposed in parallel on the same substrate. One input waveguide branches off to be connected to the Mach-Zehnder type optical waveguide of each optical modulation unit, and an entire optical waveguide is formed such that outputs from the Mach-Zehnder type optical waveguides are combined and output through one output waveguide. A modulation signal with the same intensity is applied to a modulation electrode of each optical modulation unit. In at least some of the optical modulation units, mechanical structures including the modulation electrodes of the optical modulation units are configured such that an amplitude value of an optical output modulated by the modulation signal of the optical modulation unit is ½n (n is a natural number) of a maximum amplitude value in other optical modulation units. |
| US09250450B2 |
Article support device for applying to skin
An article for temporarily affixing to the skin of a wearer about the wearer's nose to support eyeglasses worn by the wearer includes a flexible body having a back surface and a front surface, with the back surface including an adhesive for temporarily retaining the article on the skin of a wearer. The body includes a pair of edges that define the width of the body with the body being sized to be disposed on a wearer's nose. A protrusion is disposed on the front surface of the body, with the protrusion extending above a plane defined by the front surface. The protrusion is configured for engaging eyeglasses worn by a wearer when the article is affixed to the wearer's nose to thereby inhibit the eyeglasses from slipping down the wearer's nose. |
| US09250449B2 |
Liquid crystal display, system and method for displaying three-dimensional stereo pictures
A three-dimensional stereo display, and a system and method are provided for controlling the three-dimensional stereo display. The three-dimensional stereo display includes backlight, a first polarizer, a first liquid crystal panel, a second polarizer and a second liquid crystal panel which are sequentially arranged on the backlight source. The second liquid crystal panel switches the polarizing angle of the light travelling through and exiting from said second liquid crystal panel between a horizontal and vertical polarization. Due to the polarization direction of light could be changed by the liquid crystal panel, and makes the light for the left-eye image and the right-eye image are mutual perpendicular. The polarization direction of the light for the left-eye image is the same as that of the left lens, and the polarization direction of the light for the right-eye image is the same as that of the right lens. So the light belongs to the left-eye image or the right-eye image can pass through the left lens or the right lens respectively, then a stereo image will emerge in people's brain due to the effect of “fusion activity”. Further, there is no need to close the polarized spectacles, the displaying efficiency is improved compared with the “Active Stereo”. |
| US09250447B2 |
Method for forming autostereoscopic image
Disclosed herein is a parallax barrier including a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and the second substrates. A plurality of first strip electrodes and a plurality of second strip electrodes are arranged on the first substrate, whereas a plurality of third electrodes and a plurality of fourth electrodes are arranged on the second substrate. Each of the third electrodes has a step-shaped first portion and each of the fourth electrodes has a step-shaped second portion. |
| US09250446B2 |
Autostereoscopic display device
The invention provides a autostereoscopic display device with a particular design of lenticular lens array (lens pitch and slant angle) to optimize the quality of the views provided to the user, when a multi-primary pixel layout is used, with at least four sub-pixels of at least three different colors. The slant angle and lens pitch is related to the pixel pitch (in the row and column directions) as well as the number of different color sub-pixels. |
| US09250440B2 |
Optical scanning device, image forming apparatus and optical scanning method
An optical scanning device includes a plurality of light sources configured to emit a plurality of light beams, respectively; an optical deflector having a deflection-reflection surface that deflects and reflects the light beams, each of the light beams being incident on the deflection-reflection surface at an oblique incident angle, the oblique incident angles of the light beams being different from one another; and a flat glass arranged to be tilted at a tilt angle with respect to the deflection-reflection surface in a sub-scanning direction, the light beams being incident on the deflection-reflection surface via the flat glass, the tilt angle being smaller than a largest one of the oblique incident angles of the light beams. The light beams deflected and reflected by the deflection-reflection surface are incident on a plurality of scanned surfaces via the flat glass, respectively. |
| US09250438B2 |
Freeform surface reflective scanning system
A freeform surface reflective scanning system includes a light source, an aperture, a first freeform surface mirror, and a second freeform surface mirror. The light source is configured to provide a laser. The first freeform surface mirror is located on an aperture side that is away from the light source. The first freeform surface mirror is configured to reflect the laser to form a first reflected light. The second freeform surface mirror is located on a first reflected light path. The second freeform surface mirror is configured to reflect the first reflected light to form a second reflected light. Both the first freeform surface mirror and the second freeform surface mirror are a fourth XY polynomial surface. |
| US09250435B2 |
Optical assembly comprising two monoculars and a connecting bridge
An optical assembly includes a connecting bridge to link up two autonomous optical units. The optical units are electronically connected to an analyzer. The connecting bridge is fitted each time with at least one coupling for each optical unit, said coupling making it possible, besides a mechanical coupling action, for the transmission of electronic signals and/or setting up an electric connection. |
| US09250426B2 |
Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus including the same
Provided is a zoom lens, comprising, in order from an object side to an image side: first to fifth lens units having positive, negative, positive, positive, and negative refractive powers, respectively. During zooming, the first, third, and fifth lens units are immovable, and the second and fourth lens units are moved. The fifth lens unit includes a partial unit (L5n) having a negative refractive power, and a partial unit (L5p) having a positive refractive power. An entire lens length (TL), a focal length (ft) of an entire system at a telephoto end, a focal length (f2) of the second lens unit, a focal length (f4) of the fourth lens unit, and a focal length (f5n) of the partial unit (L5n) are set appropriately. |
| US09250425B2 |
Zoom lens and electronic device including the same
A zoom lens includes, sequentially from an object side, a first lens group having negative refractive power, a second lens group having positive refractive power, a third lens group having negative refractive power; and a fourth lens group having positive refractive power. When zoom is varied from a wide-angle end to a telephoto end, positions of the first lens group and the fourth lens group are fixed on an optical axis. The second lens group includes, sequentially from the object side, a second A lens group having positive refractive power and a second B lens group having positive refractive power, and the second B lens group is moved in the optical axis direction to perform a focusing function from an object disposed in a close range to an object disposed at infinity. The third lens group is shifted in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis to correct image blur. |
| US09250421B2 |
Zoom lens
A zoom lens includes, sequentially from an object side, a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, and a positive rear lens group. During zooming from a wide angle position to a telephoto position, an interval between the first lens group and the second lens group increases, and an interval between the second lens group and the third lens group decreases. The rear lens group includes a positive first sub-group, a negative second sub-group, and a positive third sub-group, and focusing is performed by moving the second sub-group toward an image surface side. The zoom lens satisfies the following conditions: 0.2 |
| US09250417B2 |
Optical arrangement in a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus
The disclosure relates to optical arrangements in a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus. In accordance with one aspect, an optical arrangement has at least one mirror segment arrangement including a plurality of separate mirror segments. The mirror segments are connected to a carrying structure of the projection exposure apparatus via mounting elements. At least one of the mounting elements, which is assigned to a first one of the mirror segments, extends, on the opposite side to the optically active surface of the mirror segment arrangement, at least partly into the region of a second mirror segment of the mirror segment arrangement. The second mirror segment is adjacent to the first mirror segment. |
| US09250411B2 |
Fiber optic cables with extruded access features and methods of making fiber optic cables
Cables are constructed with embedded discontinuities in the cable jacket that allow the jacket to be torn to provide access to the cable core. The discontinuities can be longitudinally extending strips of polymer material coextruded in the cable jacket. |
| US09250408B2 |
Telecommunications connection cabinet
A telecommunications cabinet includes a cabinet housing; a fiber optic splitter; a plurality of spools disposed on a cable management surface; a panel oriented at a fixed angle relative to the access opening so that the panel extends laterally and rearwardly between the access opening and the cable management surface; and a plurality of adapters disposed on the panel. |
| US09250407B2 |
Cable sealing device having autonomous seal containment
The present disclosure relates to a cable sealing device (30) for providing a seal about a cable (88, 90). The cable sealing device (30) includes a cable seal arrangement (38) that is pressurized to seal the cable (88, 90). The cable sealing device (30) includes an autonomous containment structure (92F, 92R, 56) for laterally and axially containing the sealing arrangement (38). The autonomous containment structure (92F, 92R, 56) includes a moveable portion (92F, 92R) that is moved to an actuated position to pressurize the cable seal arrangement (38). The cable sealing device (30) also includes a retention mechanism (129) for retaining the moveable portion (92F, 92R) in the actuated position. The autonomous containment structure (92F, 92R, 56) further includes an autonomous perimeter casing (56) mounted over the sealing arrangement (38) for laterally containing the cable sealing arrangement (38) such that the cable sealing arrangement (38) remains pressurized when the moveable portion (92F, 92R) is in the actuated position independent of whether the cable sealing device (30) is mounted within an enclosure (20). The cable sealing device (30) has a wrap-around configuration for allowing a cable (88, 90) to be laterally inserted into the cable sealing device (30). |
| US09250406B2 |
Electro-optical assembly including a glass bridge
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide techniques and configurations for routing signals of an electro-optical assembly using a glass bridge. In one embodiment, an electro-optical assembly includes a laser die having a laser device and a glass bridge electrically coupled with the laser die by one or more interconnect structures, the glass bridge including electrical routing features configured to route electrical signals to the laser die from a transmitter device. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. |
| US09250404B2 |
Multi-channel optical module and manufacturing method of the same
Provided is a multi-channel optical module and a manufacturing method of the same. The optical module includes a base block having a cavity on one edge of the base block; a substrate arranged on the other side of the base block that faces the cavity; an integrated circuit (IC) chip mounted on the substrate; a platform arranged in the cavity; electrical contacts connected to the IC chip, wherein the electrical contacts are formed on the platform; an optical device array block arranged in the platform, wherein the optical device array block is connected to the electrical contacts; a plurality of optical fiber cores aligned with the optical device array block; and an optical fiber array block fixing the plurality of optical fiber cores, wherein the optical fiber array block is bonded to the platform and to the optical device array block and is fixed in the cavity. |
| US09250397B2 |
Optical connector
An optical connector comprising a connector body, an enclosure that is a slit-shaped hole formed from one surface of the connector body into the connector body and accommodates a sheet-like optical waveguide with a tip of the optical waveguide abutting against a bottom of the hole, and a pressing section that is provided on a first surface of the enclosure facing a sheet surface of the enclosed optical waveguide and presses the enclosed optical waveguide toward a second surface of the enclosure facing the first surface so as to bring the enclosed optical waveguide into contact with the second surface. |
| US09250395B2 |
Connector for multiple core optical fiber
A fiber optic plug, suitable for multi-core fiber (MCF), is structured to hold satellite cores of the MCF in a precise angular positions so as to attain suitable alignment with satellite cores of a mating connector. The plug includes features to permit a ferrule holding the MCF to move longitudinally relative to the connector's housing, so that a spring may control a mating force to an abutting ferrule of a mating connector. The ferrule may be held by ferrule barrel having splines projecting away from an outer peripheral surface. The splines may slide longitudinally within notches of the connector housing or a strength member attached to the connector housing. The notches and splines have a tight tolerance, so that the satellite cores remain in a desired, set angular position. |
| US09250393B2 |
Ferrule of multilayer waveguide connector
Embodiments include methods for connecting a stack of waveguide layers to a face of a ferrule presenting a mechanical alignment structure. The method includes bringing a ferrule in an alignment position and dispersing glue in cavities of mechanical alignment structure for each waveguide layer. The method also includes sliding the waveguide layer into the cavities, inserting a comb-like tool in the ferrule so that the tool presses the waveguide layer into the cavities, glue curing the ferrule, and adding a cover to the ferrule. The mechanical alignment structure comprises mechanical alignment slots arranged in a bidirectional lattice structure. |
| US09250392B2 |
Detachable inlet guide for blown optical fiber
An inlet guide for facilitating distribution of optical fibers into at least one duct is provided. The inlet guide includes a first portion, a second portion, a first end, a second end, a head, and a main body. The first portion includes a first opposing surface. The second portion includes a second opposing surface and is separable from the first portion. The head is disposed at the first end and comprises an outlet port. The main body is disposed at the second end. The first portion and the second portion cooperate to define a plurality of passageways for the optical fibers. The plurality of passageways extends between the first end and the second end. |
| US09250389B2 |
Graphene plasmonic communication link
A signal transfer link includes a first plasmonic coupler, and a second plasmonic coupler spaced apart from the first plasmonic coupler to form a gap. An insulator layer is formed over end portions of the first and second plasmonic couplers and in and over the gap. A plasmonic conductive layer is formed over the gap on the insulator layer to excite plasmons to provide signal transmission between the first and second plasmonic couplers. |
| US09250387B2 |
Optical fiber and optical cable
The present invention relates to an optical fiber and an optical cable which can be used for a long term even under environments in which an oil content migrates into them, and the optical fiber has a glass fiber extending along a predetermined axis, and a coating. The coating is composed of a plurality of layers each of which is comprised of an ultraviolet curable resin or a thermosetting resin, and swelling rates of the respective coating layers are set so that they increase from an outer peripheral surface of the glass fiber to an outer peripheral surface of the cable jacket. |
| US09250386B2 |
Optical fiber containing an alkali metal oxide and methods and apparatus for manufacturing same
Disclosed is an optical fiber having a core with an alkali metal oxide dopant in an peak amount greater than about 0.002 wt. % and less than about 0.1 wt. %. The alkali metal oxide concentration varies with a radius of the optical fiber. By appropriately selecting the concentration of alkali metal oxide dopant in the core and the cladding, a low loss optical fiber may be obtained. Also disclosed are several methods of making the optical fiber including the steps of forming an alkali metal oxide-doped rod, and adding additional glass to form a draw perform. Preferably, the draw preform has a final outer dimension (d2), wherein an outer dimension (d1) of the rod is less than or equal to 0.06 times the final outer dimension (d2). In a preferred embodiment, the alkali metal oxide-doped rod is inserted into the centerline hole of a preform to form an assembly. |
| US09250385B1 |
Optical transmission medium and optical amplifier
An optical transmission medium includes: a plurality of cores; a first cladding that covers each of the plurality of cores; a second cladding that covers a plurality of first claddings; and a reflection layer that covers the second cladding and has reflection characteristics with respect to a wavelength band of multimode light. |
| US09250384B2 |
Multicore fiber
A multicore fiber includes a first multicore fiber member and a second multicore fiber member, one end face of the first multicore fiber member being spliced to one end face of the second multicore fiber member, wherein at least two core end faces of multiple cores in the first multicore fiber member are spliced one-to-one to core end faces of multiple cores in the second multicore fiber member, and, among the cores in the first multicore fiber member and the cores in the second multicore fiber member spliced one-to-one at the core end faces, at least one core in the first multicore fiber member and one core in the second multicore fiber member spliced thereto have different effective core areas, and an open end face of the core having the larger effective core area is a face which light enters. |
| US09250381B2 |
Backlight device and liquid crystal display including the same
A backlight device includes: a flat chassis member; a light guide plate stacked on the chassis member; and a light source member attached to the chassis member so as to face a light incident face that is located at a side face of the light guide plate. The light guide plate has, at at least one side face adjacent to the light incident face, a convex part protruding outwardly of the side face, the chassis member has a protruding part to sandwich the convex part, and at least a part of the protruding part is covered with an elastic member that presses the convex part toward the light source member. |
| US09250379B2 |
Backlight module
A backlight module includes a reflector, a light guide plate and a film. The reflector includes a supporting plate and two extending portions, and the extending portions are located on two opposite sides of the supporting plate, respectively. The film includes a main body and two positioning portions, and the positioning portions are located on two opposite sides of the main body, respectively. The light guide plate is located between the supporting plate and the main body. The main body corresponds to the supporting plate, and the positioning portions correspond to the extending portions. The extending portions are bent toward the main body, and the positioning portions are bent toward the supporting plate. The positioning portions are at least partially overlapped with and are fixed to the extending portions, respectively. |
| US09250378B2 |
Lighting device including a light ray guide
A lighting and/or signaling device and a light ray guide (N) formed by a guide plate comprising a light entry face, a light exit face and a reflection face having an elliptical profile toward the rear adapted to assure reflection of light rays entering the guide plate through the light entry face toward a focus point (F) located at the level of the light exit face of the guide plate. |
| US09250377B2 |
Light guide plate and backlight module and display module using the same
A light guide plate includes a plate body and a supporting unit. The plate body has a light-exiting face and a lateral side, wherein the supporting unit is disposed along the lateral side. The supporting unit has a top surface and an outer lateral surface, the top surface is above the light-exiting face, the lateral surface protrudes from an end surface of the lateral side of the plate body, wherein a portion of the end surface away from the light-exiting face is exposed to form a recess. A backlight module includes the light guide plate mentioned above and a back plate having the light guide plate disposed thereon. A periphery of the back plate has a side wall formed thereon and extending into the recess. A display device includes the above light guide plate and a display panel. |
| US09250376B2 |
Transparent display device including a light guide plate having light sources at both lateral surfaces and formed with a plurality of concave patterns at the lower surface thereof
Disclosed is a transparent display device including a light guide plate formed with a plurality of concave patterns at the lower surface thereof to totally reflect polarized light entered in a lateral direction while transmitting natural light entered from a lower direction therethrough; a light source disposed in a lateral direction of the light guide plate to emit visible light including first and second polarized lights; a first polarizing plate disposed at a lateral portion of the light guide plate to transmit either one of the first and second polarized lights through the light guide plate; a liquid crystal panel for driving liquid crystals to change the phase of the polarized light; and a second polarizing plate for controlling an amount of the polarized light according to the changed phase of the polarized light. |
| US09250372B2 |
Organic EL display device
An organic EL display device including a substrate, a transparent electrode, a luminescent layer, and a metal electrode layer in this order from a light emission side, a circularly polarizing plate disposed on the light emission side of the substrate, the circularly polarizing plate including a polarizing film and phase difference films that stacked on each other. The phase difference film includes a resin composition (A) containing polystyrene-based polymer having a syndiotactic structure and polyarylene ether, a ratio of the polystyrene-based polymer having the syndiotactic structure with respect to the polyarylene ether in the resin composition (A) is 65:35 to 55:45, being a weight ratio of (the polystyrene-based polymer having the syndiotactic structure) with respect to (the polyarylene ether), the phase difference film satisfies a relation Re450 |
| US09250371B2 |
Polarizing film, anti-reflective film and display device including the same
An anti-reflective film includes a polarizing film and a compensation film, where the polarizing film includes a polymer, and a plurality of dichroic dyes having an absorption wavelength region in a range from about 380 nanometers to about 780 nanometers, and a reflective color of the anti-reflective film is substantially in a range of −5≦a*≦5 and −5≦b*≦5 in CIE-Lab color coordinates. |
| US09250369B2 |
Method of manufacturing hollow-structure metal grating
A method for making a hollow-structure metal grating is provided. The method includes providing a substrate, forming a patterned mask layer on a surface of the substrate, applying a metal layer with a thickness greater than 10 nanometers on the patterned mask layer, and removing the patterned mask layer by a washing method using organic solvent. The patterned mask layer includes a plurality of first protruding structures and a plurality of first cavities arranged in intervals. |
| US09250366B2 |
Display structure
A display structure is provided. The display structure includes a first substrate, a pixel array, a second substrate and an optical component. The pixel array is disposed on the first substrate. Each of pixels of the pixel array includes a light-transparent region and a non-light-transparent region. The second substrate is disposed on the pixel array. The optical component has a microlens structure. After the light passes through the microlens structure, the light passes directly through the plurality of the light-transparent regions without passing through the edge of the plurality of the non-light-transparent regions. |
| US09250363B2 |
Display
A display includes: a laminated wiring with a conductive film arranged on a foundation layer, and a transparent film and a translucent film arranged on the conductive film; a wiring terminal part arranged at an edge portion of the laminated wiring and having the same laminated structure as that of the laminated wiring; and an insulating film that covers the laminated wiring and the wiring terminal part. |
| US09250351B2 |
Systems and methods for locating and imaging proppant in an induced fracture
Born Scattering Inversion (BSI) systems and methods are disclosed. A BSI system may be incorporated in a well system for accessing natural gas, oil and geothermal reserves in a geologic formation beneath the surface of the Earth. The BSI system may be used to generate a three-dimensional image of a proppant-filled hydraulically-induced fracture in the geologic formation. The BSI system may include computing equipment and sensors for measuring electromagnetic fields in the vicinity of the fracture before and after the fracture is generated, adjusting the parameters of a first Born approximation model of a scattered component of the surface electromagnetic fields using the measured electromagnetic fields, and generating the image of the proppant-filled fracture using the adjusted parameters. |
| US09250342B2 |
Seismic streamer formed of sections comprising a main sheath covered with an external sheath formed using a thermoplastic material loaded with a biocide material
Described herein is a seismic streamer formed of sections including a main sheath covered with an external sheath, wherein said external sheath is formed using a thermoplastic material loaded with a biocide material. |
| US09250339B2 |
System and method to transport data from a downhole tool to the surface
A system and method to transport data collected in a borehole penetrating the earth to a surface location are described. The system includes one or more measurement tools disposed in the borehole, the one or more measurement tools configured to collect data relating to the borehole and a formation penetrated by the borehole. The system also includes a data node tool disposed in the borehole with a plurality of data nodes, the data node tool being configured to receive the data from the one or more measurement tools, program one or more data nodes with at least a first portion of the data, and eject the one or more data nodes into a fluid stream for transport to the surface location. |
| US09250334B2 |
X-ray detecting device and X-ray imaging device using the X-ray detecting device
An X-ray detecting device includes a lower case, a driving circuit substrate on the lower case, an X-ray detection panel connected with the driving circuit substrate, the X-ray detection panel being adapted to detect X-rays applied from the outside by converting the X-rays into electricity, a touch panel on the X-ray detection panel, and an upper case on the touch panel. The driving circuit substrate is provided with a driving circuit. The driving circuit is electrically connected with the X-ray detection panel and the touch panel and is adapted to control the driving of the X-ray detection panel and the touch panel. |
| US09250331B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing mapping data
A method and apparatus for providing mapping data in a network are disclosed. For example, the method receives coordinate data from a customer mobile endpoint device, and processes the coordinate data against at least one existing map. The method then identifies a route associated with the coordinate data as a candidate new route if the route is not previously known on the at least one existing map. |
| US09250330B2 |
Method and system for selecting optimal satellites for A-GPS location of handsets in wireless networks
A system and method for determining a set of satellites for which assistance data may be provided to a wireless device. A boundary for an approximate area in which the wireless device is located may be determined and one or more sets of satellites may be determined as a function of the boundary. An optimum set of satellites from the one or more sets of satellites may then be determined using a satellite selection function on the one or more sets of satellites at predetermined points substantially on the boundary. |
| US09250328B2 |
Graphics-aided remote position measurement with handheld geodesic device
A graphics-aided geodesic device is provided. The device may include a display, camera, distance meter, GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System, including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo) receiver and antenna, and horizon sensors. Data from the camera and horizon sensors may be displayed to assist the user in positioning the device over a point of interest. In one example, the distance meter may be used to determine the position of the point of interest. In another example, images of the point of interest taken from multiple locations may be used to determine the position of the point of interest. |
| US09250325B2 |
Flasher type fish sonar
A flasher type fish sonar includes a front case in which a display window is formed in front, a rotary disc opposite to the display window rotated by a motor, an ultrasonic transducer for transmitting ultrasonic waves in the water by a control portion and for receiving reflected signals in the water, a display signal transmitting portion for transmitting reflected signals received by the ultrasonic transducer and display data forming formed by the control portion and for transmitting the same to the rotary disc, a display control portion attached to the rotary disc, a fish sonar display portion displayed by light emitting diodes attached near an edge of the rotary disc, and a letter illustration numeral display portion displayed by light emitting diodes inside of center portion of the rotary disc. |
| US09250322B2 |
Signal processing methods and apparatus
A signal processor performs a signal transform of a signal, and comprises a signal demodulator for demodulating said signal by a first chirp signal having a first chirp rate to obtain a reduced bandwidth chirped signal, a filter for filtering the reduced bandwidth chirped signal and delaying the reduced bandwidth chirped signal by an interval proportional to a reciprocal of said first chirp rate, a signal modulator for modulating said filtered signal by a second chirp signal having a second chirp rate to obtain an increased bandwidth chirped signal and to provide a time domain output spectrum of said signal, and wherein each of said first chirp signal and said second chirp signal is a complex signal representing a linear frequency modulated chirp. |
| US09250320B2 |
Harmonizing code from independent airborne aircraft identification systems
An Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system, and method of harmonizing a transponder Squawk code and an ADS-B system, ensures that a Squawk code broadcast by the ADS-B system matches the transponder Squawk code. The transponder Squawk code is transmitted from a transponder positioned onboard an aircraft and the transmitted transponder Squawk code with a device positioned onboard the aircraft. A Squawk code input of an ADS-B Squawk code to be transmitted with the ADS-B system is received. The ADS-B Squawk code is compared with the received transmitter Squawk code using a comparator and the pilot is informed whether the transmitter Squawk code matches the ADS-B Squawk code. A message formatter generates a message that includes the ADS-B Squawk code. A wireless transmitter broadcasts the ADS-B Squawk code generated by the message formatter. |
| US09250316B2 |
Methods, systems, and apparatus to synchronize actions of audio source monitors
Systems, methods, articles of manufacture and apparatus are disclosed to align actions of audio source monitors. An example method disclosed herein includes invoking an audience monitor to transmit a radio frequency (RF) initialization packet to a base unit, receiving an indication that the base unit has received the RF initialization packet at a first time, and invoking the base unit to transmit an RF acknowledgement packet to the audience monitor. The example method also includes receiving an indication that the RF acknowledgement packet is received by the audience monitor and waiting for an end to a delay period having a first value, identifying whether the audience monitor has finished processing the RF acknowledgement packet when the delay period ends at a second time, and incrementing the delay period to a second value when the audience monitor is still processing the RF acknowledgement packet and the delay period has ended. |
| US09250315B2 |
Collision avoidance system and method
Apparatus and methods for assisting collision avoidance between a vehicle and an object include receiving an acoustic signal from the object using microphones supported by the vehicle, and determining a location of the object using the acoustic signal and an acoustic model of the environment, the environment including a structure that blocks a direct view of the object from the vehicle. |
| US09250311B2 |
Asynchronous wireless communication system
The invention relates to an asynchronous wireless communication system, such as a UMTS system. The various base stations of an asynchronous wireless communication system do not typically have known timing offsets Tb(i), and these timing offsets vary with time. The invention allows the calculation of the difference dTb(i,j) between timing offsets Tb(i), Tb(j) for pairs of base stations B(i), B(j), using the timing of signals received by one or more wireless communication units. Having eliminated the timing offsets between the base stations as a variable, geo-location techniques from synchronous networks may then be used to locate wireless communication units in the asynchronous wireless communication system. |
| US09250303B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and magnetic resonance imaging method
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a magnetic resonance data acquisition unit and a cerebrospinal fluid image data generation unit. The magnetic resonance data acquisition unit consecutively acquires a plurality of magnetic resonance data for generating a plurality of cerebrospinal fluid image data, each corresponding to a different data acquisition time, after a labeling pulse is applied. The cerebrospinal fluid image data generation unit generates the plurality of cerebrospinal fluid image data based on the plurality of magnetic resonance data. |
| US09250302B2 |
Adapter for a direct-connection head coil with adjustable tilt angle
An adapter for a local coil for a magnetic resonance tomography device is provided. The adapter is placeable on a patient support for the magnetic resonance tomography device. The adapter includes an adapter upper part that is removably connectable to the local coil. The adapter also includes an adapter lower part that is removably connectable to the patient support. The adapter also includes a tilt device, by which the adapter upper part is movable relative to the adapter lower part. |
| US09250301B2 |
Encoder
A magnetic medium is magnetized in the relative movement direction at a predefined pitch km and a magnetic sensor includes plural magnetoresistive elements whose electrical resistance value changes depending on a magnetic field at a place where the magnetoresistive element is disposed. A position where the magnetoresistive element is disposed is defined as a reference position and, in addition to the magnetoresistive element of this reference position, the magnetoresistive elements as harmonic reducing patterns are disposed at the following positions, with P(n) defined as the n-th prime: a position offset by λm/(2·P(n)) from the reference position toward at least one side of the relative movement direction, wherein N≧n>1 and N is a natural number satisfying N>3, and a position further offset by λm/(2·P(L+1)) from a position offset by λm/(2·P(L)), wherein 1 |
| US09250297B2 |
Methods for testing lithium ion battery and evaluating safety of lithium ion battery
A method for testing a lithium ion battery is disclosed. An under-test lithium ion battery including a cathode active material is provided. A reference voltage value is set according to the cathode active material. The under-test lithium ion battery is over charged, while an actual voltage change of the under-test lithium ion battery is tested during the over charging. A maximum voltage value is recorded before a first decrease in the actual voltage change of the under-test lithium ion battery during the over charging. The maximum voltage value is compared with the reference voltage value. A method for evaluating a safety of a lithium ion battery is also disclosed. |
| US09250289B2 |
System for electrical testing and manufacturing of a 3-D chip stack and method
A method for electrical testing of a 3-D integrated circuit chip stack is described. The 3-D integrated circuit chip stack comprises at least a first integrated circuit chip and a second integrated circuit chip. The first integrated circuit chip and the second integrated circuit chip are not soldered together for performing electrical testing. |
| US09250285B2 |
Method and architecture for detecting inaccessible electrical anomalies by means of reflectometry
Detection and location of electrical faults in a network of metal structures which can receive electric cables and allow return of current by the cables. The reflectometry-based method involves injecting a probe signal into a cable coupled to the structures and analyzing the signal reflected by the anomalies. A conductive element is provided for carrying the probe signal at a constant distance from each structure. In one aspect, an insulated conductive element is arranged inside the metal structure and is built into a longitudinal groove in a surface for receiving a longitudinal plastic holder wedged into the structure. The reflected signal from the conductive element is compared to a threshold above which an anomaly is detected, and the anomaly is located by topological correlation. The invention is useful for airplane raceways having a composite skin. |
| US09250279B2 |
Measuring system
A measuring system for measuring signal characteristics on a node is disclosed. The measuring system includes a contact measuring unit including a probe for contacting the node to fetch a signal on the node, an output interface, a plurality of capacitors coupled between the probe and the output interface where a capacitance of each capacitor corresponds to a frequency range, and a protection circuit, of which one terminal coupled between the probe and the output interface and the other terminal coupled to a ground terminal, and a frequency analyzer coupled to the output interface for displaying information of amplitude vs. frequency of a signal outputted from the output interface to measure the signal characteristic on the node. |
| US09250278B2 |
Capacitive sensing circuit for sensing capacitance variation with charge clone
The present invention provides a capacitive sensing circuit, comprising at least one capacitor to be measured, an integral capacitor, a first current mirror having a first current path and a second current path. A first current is generated in the first current path so as to charge the capacitor to be measured, while a second current mirrored from the first current is generated in the second current path so as to charge the integral capacitor. As such, the mirrored current, resulted from mirroring the charging current on the capacitor to be measured, is used to charge the integral capacitor. Charge energy charged on the capacitor to be measured may be copied onto the integral capacitor so as to reflect a voltage signal. Subsequently, capacitance variation generated when the capacitor to be measured is touched may be sensed by detecting the voltage signal. |
| US09250271B2 |
Charge pump generator with direct voltage sensor
Embodiments relate to a direct voltage sensor and a charge pump system for a computer system. A charge pump that supplies switching current for a plurality of transistors includes a capacitor generating a pumped voltage. A comparator generates a pump control signal for turning on and off charging of the pump capacitor based on a difference between a comparison voltage and a reference voltage. A direct voltage sensor receives a feedback signal reflecting the pumped voltage and generates the comparison voltage in response to the feedback signal. The sensor includes a sensor resistor, a current source configured to drive a sensor current through the sensor resistor, and a differential op-amp that drives the sensor current to cause the voltage drop across the sensor resistor to remain constant as the pumped voltage experiences the voltage drop. The charge pump may include two similar direct voltage sensor controlling positive and negative pumped voltages. |
| US09250265B2 |
High-frequency test probe device comprising centering portion
A high-frequency test probe device comprising a contact section (18) which forms an inner contact (40) and an outer contact (44), which is designed to interact with a contact partner (30) that is to be contacted for testing purposes, and which is provided on an inner housing (16) at one end and can be contacted at a pickup end (20) for signal pickup at the other end. The inner housing is guided at least along some sections in an outer housing (10) and in an axially movable manner relative to same. |
| US09250263B2 |
Socket and electronic device test apparatus
A socket is electrically connected to a test carrier. The test carrier includes a film-shaped first member on which at least one internal terminal, which contacts at least one electrode of an electronic device, is provided; and at least one external terminal which is electrically connected to the internal terminal. The socket includes: at least one contactor which contacts the external terminal; and a first pusher which pushes a portion of the first member where the internal terminal is provided and a portion of the first member surrounding the internal terminal. The first pusher includes: a bag member which has a sealed space within the bag member; and a fluid which is housed in the sealed space. |
| US09250262B1 |
Method and apparatus for an integrated isolation mechanical filter with substrate based package
This invention relates generally to semiconductor manufacturing and packaging and more specifically to semiconductor manufacturing in MEMS (Microelectromechanical systems) inertial sensing products. Embodiments of the present invention provide a robust packaging process and a mechanical filter to reduce the mechanical shock from impact. The mechanical filter can be integrated within the package substrate as part of the packaging process, reducing the assembly complexity. |
| US09250258B2 |
Sensor arrangement for speed measurement
A sensor array including an electronic control unit and a speed sensor that has at least one sensor element. The speed sensor and the electronic control unit are interconnected by at least one line. The speed sensor includes a signal processing circuit which is designed in such a way as to obtain at least one digital frequency signal from the output signal of the sensor element, the at least one digital frequency signal being encoded in a data item, being stored in at least one first memory unit, and being transmitted to the electronic control unit. |
| US09250255B2 |
Sample analyzer
A sample analyzer is provided that does not require a plurality of reagent containers containing the same type of reagent to be connected, that can continue measurement even when a reagent container becomes empty, and that allows the timing of replacement of the reagent container to be recognized suitably. A reagent storage section is provided that is connected to a reagent container containing a reagent through a fluid channel and that stores the reagent transferred from the reagent container. A message for prompting replacement of the reagent container is outputted when it is detected that the remaining amount in the reagent container is a predetermined amount or less. A message for prompting to suspend sample measurement in the measurement section is outputted when it is detected that the remaining amount in the reagent storage section is a predetermined amount or less. |
| US09250253B2 |
System and method for anatomical pathology sample handling, storage, and analysis
A carrier strip having a plurality of areas for retaining anatomical pathology specimens may have a backing, a cover coupled to the backing along side regions located along opposite longitudinal edges of the carrier strip and along lateral intermediate regions positioned between each of the plurality of areas for retaining anatomical pathology specimens. The carrier strip may be configured to individually retain each of the anatomical pathology specimens in one of the plurality of areas for retaining anatomical pathology specimens between the backing and the cover. Diagnostic studies of anatomical pathology specimens may be facilitated by distributing a digital copy of an image of the specimen may be to a pathologist. A diagnosis may be received from the pathologist based on the digital image of the specimen. |
| US09250252B2 |
Intracellular pH sensor using nucleic acid assemblies
Disclosed are nucleic acid-based sensors for measuring the pH of a sample, including cells, regions thereof, and whole organisms. The sensor includes an I-switch that is triggered by protons, and which functions as a FRET-based pH sensor inside living cells and organisms. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for measuring the pH of a specific region of a cell, such as vesicles, the nucleus, mitochondrial matrix, or the Golgi lumen. |
| US09250250B2 |
Methods for diagnosing and treating an LGI1 related autoimmune disease
The invention provides methods of diagnosing or determining a cause of an autoimmune encephalitis or an epilepsy in a subject and of diagnosing a tumor in a subject, comprising the step of testing a biological sample of the subject for an antibody to LGI1. This invention further provides methods of treating an autoimmune encephalitis or an epilepsy, comprising the steps of detecting an antibody to LGI1 and treating a tumor associated with the disease. |
| US09250249B2 |
Autophagy and phospholipidosis pathway assays
Provided are assays useful for detecting and monitoring autophagy and phospholipidosis, including the progression of lysosomal storage diseases. Drugs and treatments for lysosomal storage diseases can be monitored for effectiveness in lysosomal storage disease conditions. Drug candidates and suspected toxic agents can also be screened for toxicity to cells, tissues and organs. Also provided are methods for distinguishing between phospholipidosis activators and autophagy pathway perturbation agents. |
| US09250246B2 |
Near-infrared fluorescent dyes with large stokes shifts
Embodiments of near-infrared (NIR) dyes are disclosed, along with methods and kits for detecting analytes with the NIR dyes. The NIR dyes have a structure according to the general structure At least one of R1/R2, R2/R3, R3/R4, R5/R6, R6/R7, and/or R7/R8 together forms a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl or aryl. |
| US09250245B2 |
Photoactivated chemical bleaching of dyes
Methods comprising the use of photoactivated chemical bleaching for detecting multiple targets in a biological sample are provided. The methods include the steps of providing a biological sample containing multiple targets, binding at least one probe to one or more target present in the sample, and observing a signal from the probe. The method further includes the steps of contacting the sample comprising the bound probe with an electron transfer reagent and irradiating the sample, thereby initiating a photoreaction that substantially inactivates the probe by photoactivated chemical bleaching. The method further includes the steps of binding at least one probe to one or more target present in the sample, and observing a signal from the probe. The process of binding, observing and bleaching may be iteratively repeated. |
| US09250244B2 |
Method for identifying lineage-related antibodies
In certain embodiments, the method may comprise: a) obtaining the antibody sequences from a population of B cells; b) grouping the antibody sequences to provide a plurality of groups of lineage-related antibodies; c) testing a single antibody from each of the groups in a bioassay and, after the first antibody has been identified, d) testing further antibodies that are in the same group as the first antibody in a second bioassay. In another embodiment, the method may comprise: a) testing a plurality of antibodies obtained from a first portion of an antibody producing organ of an animal; b) obtaining the sequence of a first identified antibody; c) obtaining from a second portion of said antibody producing organ the sequences of further antibodies that are related by lineage to said first antibody; and, c) testing the further antibodies in a second bioassay. |
| US09250243B2 |
Drug selection for lung cancer therapy using antibody-based arrays
The present invention provides compositions and methods for detecting the activation states of components of signal transduction pathways in tumor cells. Information on the activation states of components of signal transduction pathways derived from use of the invention can be used for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and in the design of cancer treatments. |
| US09250237B2 |
Hybrid cyclic libraries and screens thereof
Provided are novel types of hybrid cyclic libraries that contain a known protein binding domain of a natural product. Also provided are synthetic methods to make such libraries and methods for the deconvolution of hits using partially split-pooled library compounds. Such methods are applicable for use with the entire human proteome to screen such libraries that bind and for the identification of hits. |
| US09250231B2 |
Method for selecting mevalonate synthesis modulators using cells derived from human pluripotent cells
The invention provides a method for selecting pharmaceutical compounds that enhance inhibition of mevalonate synthesis in which mesodermal stem cells (MSC type) that are derived from human pluripotent cells or from induced stem cell are contacted with pharmaceutical compounds to be tested in the presence of an inhibitor of mevalonate synthesis. Pharmaceutical compounds are then identified which enhance cell toxicity in the presence of the inhibitors. |
| US09250220B2 |
System for preventing undue bending of cables
A cable system is disclosed including a central cable; an inner membrane having a higher minimum bend radius than the central cable and surrounding the cable, thereby forming an inner chamber around the central cable, the inner chamber containing a gas or at least one chemical; and an outer membrane surrounding the inner membrane and forming an outer chamber around the inner chamber, the outer chamber comprising a gas or at least one chemical. When the minimum bend radius of the inner membrane is exceeded, the inner membrane fractures or breaks, and the gas or at least one chemical from the inner chamber enters the outer chamber to create a chemiluminescence reaction, color, or smell. |
| US09250216B2 |
Controlling an ultrasonic transmitter
This disclosure relates to detecting fluid in medical tubing. In certain aspects, a method is performed by a data processing apparatus. The method includes controlling repetitive activation of the ultrasonic transmitter. The method also includes receiving a signal from the ultrasonic receiver during an activation of the ultrasonic transmitter. The method also includes determining that fluid is absent or present in a portion of the medical fluid tube based on a comparison between the signal and a threshold value. |
| US09250211B2 |
Magnetic separation of lipoproteins using dextran sulfate
The invention provides apparatus and methods of preparation of lipoproteins from a biological sample, including HDL, LDL, Lp(a), IDL, and VLDL, for diagnostic purposes utilizing differential charged-particle mobility analysis methods. Further provided are methods for analyzing the size distribution of lipoproteins by differential charged-particle mobility, which lipoproteins are prepared by methods of the invention. Further provided are methods for assessing lipid-related health risk, cardiovascular condition, risk of cardiovascular disease, and responsiveness to a therapeutic intervention, which methods utilize lipoprotein size distributions determined by methods of the invention. |
| US09250203B2 |
Enzyme cascade methods for E-TRACE assay signal amplification
The disclosure also relates to novel methods for detection of biological targets using amplification steps in conjunction with conversion of functional groups attached to a transitional metal complex, resulting in quantifiable electrochemical signal at two unique potentials, E°1 and E°2. |
| US09250202B2 |
Nanopore molecule detection system and molecule detection method based on potential measurement of insulated conductive thin layer
A particle detector includes: a conductive nanolayer; insulating nanolayers attached to both sides of the conductive nanolayer; a nanopore formed to penetrate the conductive nanolayer and the insulating nanolayers so as to provide a migration path for a sample particle; a power supply unit configured to apply an electric field between both ends of the nanopore so as to apply a potential to the conductive nanolayer; and an electric signal measuring unit electrically connected to the conductive nanolayer and configured to measure the potential change in the conductive nanolayer induced by the sample particle as the sample particle migrates through the nanopore. The particle detector is capable of detecting a particle with high signal-to-noise ratio and resolution, scanning a sample without mechanical motion of the conductive nanolayer and analyzing DNA base sequences. |
| US09250200B1 |
Compton tomography system
A Compton tomography system comprises an x-ray source configured to produce a planar x-ray beam. The beam irradiates a slice of an object to be imaged, producing Compton-scattered x-rays. The Compton-scattered x-rays are imaged by an x-ray camera. Translation of the object with respect to the source and camera or vice versa allows three-dimensional object imaging. |
| US09250191B2 |
Method for analysing amino acids and a reagent for use with the same
A method for analyzing one or more nitrogen-containing compounds, in which the one or more nitrogen-containing compounds are contacted with hydrindantin at an elevated temperature in a contact zone is provided. In the method ninhydrin is contacted with one or more reducing agents in a heating zone at a first elevated temperature to produce a hydrindantin-containing mixture. The hydrindantin-containing mixture is introduced into the contact zone and contacted with the nitrogen-containing compounds at a second elevated temperature. The method is particularly suitable for the analysis by visualization of amino acids. |
| US09250189B1 |
Colorimetric test kit
A detection kit is used for detecting compounds and includes a magnifying lens in a cap that magnifies a surface of a color-changing detection swab when placed on the body of the detection kit. For example, the cap includes a plurality of lenses that are integrally formed in a plastic cap, and each lens magnifies the surface of a different swab. |
| US09250188B2 |
System and method for measuring cooling of a component
A system and method for measuring cooling effectiveness of a component is disclosed. The method includes providing a component with a coating applied on a surface of the component. Further, the method includes supplying a first gaseous medium over a surface of the component through a plurality of holes in the component and feeding a second gaseous medium along the surface of the component. Further, the method includes exposing the surface of the component to the first and second gaseous mediums for a predetermined period. The method further includes obtaining an image of the surface of the component exposed to the first and second gaseous mediums for the predetermined period. The method includes analyzing the obtained image to determine whether at least a portion of the coating is removed from the surface of the component upon exposure to the second gaseous medium. |
| US09250187B1 |
Labeled wafer inspection
A system and method for detecting a feature located on a surface, comprising: attaching a label to said feature; generating a label radiation from said label, a feature radiation from said feature, and a surface radiation from said surface; collecting said label radiation, said feature radiation, and said surface radiation; separating said label radiation from said feature radiation and said surface radiation; capturing the separated label radiation for generating an image of label, with said image of label having one or more pixels; and locating label pixels corresponding to said label radiation by searching for pixels, in said image of label, that possess substantially different pixel values when compared to other pixels in local neighborhood, whereby said feature is located by detecting said label. |
| US09250181B2 |
Sensor device with imaging optics
The invention relates to a method and a sensor device (100) for detecting particles (MP) that are bound to the binding surface (12) of a carrier (11). The sensor device (100) comprises a microscope (50) for imaging bound particles (MP) onto an image sensor (53). In order to increase the spatial resolution of the microscope (50), a displacement unit (60,70,80) is provided that can displace the carrier (11) relative to the image sensor (53). The distance of a bound particle (MP) from the binding surface (12) and/or its lateral displacement in reaction to forces can thus be determine with high accuracy. This allows to discriminate specific bindings of large magnetic particles (MP) that are bound to the binding surface (12) via smaller target particles from nonspecific direct bindings. |
| US09250179B2 |
Goniophotometric measurement method for the characterization of pigments and fillers
The present invention relates to a method for the characterization of pigments and fillers in which the luminance of a pigmented transparent medium is determined against a dark background. This measurement method is particularly suitable for determining the optical properties of cosmetic fillers. |
| US09250177B2 |
Reader for urine analysis
A urine analysis device includes a light emitting part, a light receiving part and a control part. The light emitting part includes a plurality of light emitting diodes. The light emitting diodes provide a light to an inspected object. The inspected object has a plurality of inspected areas. The light receiving part receives the light reflected by the inspected object. The control part drives the light emitting part and receives an electric signal from the light receiving part. |
| US09250176B2 |
Flexible sample container
The invention relates to a system for holding a fluid sample, said system comprising a transparent flexible tube for holding said fluid sample, a tube holder for holding said tube, a first flattening element, and second flattening element, wherein said first flattening element and said second flattening element may be moved relative to each other thereby changing said transparent flexible tube from a first state to a second state, where at least a first cross sectional dimension of said tube is smaller in said second state than in said first state. |
| US09250173B2 |
Identifying potential fracture treatment locations in a formation based on production potential
The present disclosure relates to identifying potential fracture treatment locations in a rock formation for oil and/or gas production based on production potential. One example method includes receiving internal imaging data of a core sample of a rock formation; generating a digital core sample model of the structure of the core sample based on the internal imaging data; analyzing the core sample model to determine the density distribution of a deposit in the core sample; and determining a production potential value from the density distribution of the deposit. |
| US09250171B2 |
Kit for performing adhesive audits and a method for doing the same
This invention is directed to a kit for performing adhesive audits and a method of doing the same. The kit and method can be used to improve the speed and ease with which adhesive audits are performed. |
| US09250170B2 |
Torque testing machine with double drive devices
A torque testing machine includes a testing head and a calculating device connecting to the testing head to calculate a torque transmitted to the testing head. A first drive device includes a first connecting head being cooperative with the testing head. The first connecting head and the testing head oppose to each other. The first connecting head is rotatable about an axis. A second drive device includes a second connecting head being cooperative with the testing head. The second connecting head offsets a distance from the axis and is movable tangentially to the distance. |
| US09250168B2 |
Sample preconcentrator
There is provided a sample preconcentrator. The sample preconcentrator in which a sample gas injection port is coupled to a dried gas supply source and a gas analysis system to concentrate a sample gas comprises a sample concentrating unit containing an absorbent that is composed of carbon nanotube-metal nanocomplex; a conduit switching valve for selectively coupling the sample gas injection port to the dried gas supply source and the gas analysis system and controlling the absorption and desorption of the sample gas from the sample concentrating unit; and a plurality of conduits for connecting the sample gas injection port, the dried gas supply source, the gas analysis system, the sample concentrating unit and the conduit switching valve. |
| US09250167B2 |
Mold and molding apparatus for embedding biological specimen in a block and related methods
A mold for producing a biological tissue embedded in a block of an embedding material is provided. The mold comprises a compartment having a compartment floor and a depression extending downwards from the compartment floor. A molding apparatus, comprising a mold and a press for pressing a sample sheet onto the compartment floor of the mold is provided. The press comprises a foot configured to enter at least partially into the compartment and press a sample tissue, at least partially into the depression. A method of embedding a biological tissue in an embedding material using a mold as described herein is provided. A cleaning device configured for removing excess embedding materials from the press of the molding apparatus is provided. |
| US09250162B2 |
Direct impact aerosol sampling by electrostatic precipitation
The present disclosure provides apparatuses for collecting aerosol samples by ionizing an air sample at different degrees. An air flow is generated through a cavity in which at least one corona wire is disposed and electrically charged to form a corona therearound. At least one grounded sample collection plate is provided downstream of the at least one corona wire so that aerosol ions generated within the corona are deposited on the at least one grounded sample collection plate. A plurality of aerosol samples ionized to different degrees can be generated. The at least one corona wire may be perpendicular to the direction of the flow, or may be parallel to the direction of the flow. The apparatus can include a serial connection of a plurality of stages such that each stage is capable of generating at least one aerosol sample, and the air flow passes through the plurality of stages serially. |
| US09250160B2 |
Method and apparatus for characterizing handpieces
An apparatus for characterizing the performance of air turbine handpieces including high speed dental handpieces and chucking devices in terms of speed, torque, power, and air consumption include an air or fluid supply source for the handpiece and various sensors to measure input, flow rate, temperature and pressure and output speed and forces on the output shaft of the handpiece. Data from the sensors is collected, collated, processed and recorded to continuously provide a record of the handpiece characteristics for purposes of evaluating efficiency, quality control, safety and compliance with standards. |
| US09250156B2 |
Techniques for evaluating performance of internal combustion engine components
One embodiment is a unique strategy for evaluating performance of a component of an internal combustion engine. More particularly, in one non-limiting form a method includes operating a component, such as a heating component, and measuring a first characteristic related to its operation. The method also includes operating an engine accessory and measuring a second characteristic related to its operation, and determining performance of the component by relating the first and second characteristics to one another. In one aspect, relating the first and second characteristics to one another provides a first value which is compared to a predetermined value, and performance of the component is determined from this comparison. Other embodiments include unique methods, systems, and apparatus for evaluating or monitoring the performance of a component of an internal combustion engine, and/or for performing a procedure for starting the internal combustion engine. |
| US09250153B2 |
Methods and systems for monitoring health of blades
A system is disclosed. The system includes a processing subsystem that determines preliminary voltages corresponding to a plurality of blades based upon blade passing signals (BPS), and generates a plurality of clearance values by normalizing the preliminary voltages for effects of one or more operational parameters, wherein the plurality of clearance values are representative of clearance of the plurality of blades. |
| US09250151B2 |
Balancing machine for balancing vehicle wheels
Machine for balancing vehicle wheels includes: a base frame supporting elements for gripping and rotating a wheel around a balancing axis; first sensor elements associated with the gripping and rotation elements for detecting the unbalance of the wheel; an electronic processing and control unit associated with the first sensor elements for calculating a balancing weight to apply onto the wheel; and an auxiliary detection appliance associated with the base frame and having: a rolling device for pressing onto the wheel, and in turn including: a support structure for two rollers revolving around axes parallel to each other; and a flexible member closed on itself in a loop, wrapped around the rollers and having a substantially flat active section, and a return section substantially opposite the active section; and second sensor elements associated with the rolling device for detecting the behaviour of the wheel when pressed by the rolling device. |
| US09250149B2 |
Retrievable sensor and method
Retrievable sensor devices and methods are provided that can be easily installed and removed from a sub-sea system without the need to stop the flow of working/process fluid. In particular, a retrievable sensor is provided that can be configured to be located remote from the process fluid to allow for easy access. In other embodiments, an actuator is provided that allows for pressure adjustments to be made during installation and/or removal of the sensor so as to avoid damage to the sensor and/or other system components and to avoid any process fluid/material leakage. Methods are also provided for installing/removing a retrievable sensor, as well as for adjusting a pressure of a retrievable sensor. |
| US09250146B2 |
Multidimensional strain gage
A strain sensor is provided having an annular collar. At least one sensor is movably coupled to the collar, the at least one sensor having a body with a plurality of silicon strain gages coupled thereto. A first soldering connector is coupled to the collar, the first soldering connector configured to provide an excitation voltage. A plurality of second soldering connectors are coupled to the collar. A plurality of first conductors electrically are coupled to the first soldering connector on one end, and one of the plurality of silicon strain gages on a second end. A plurality of second conductors electrically are coupled between one of the plurality of second soldering connectors and one of the plurality of silicon strain gages. |
| US09250143B2 |
Multicapacitor force/moment sensor arrays
A multicapacitor sensor system facilitates the measurement of applied shear and moment forces. In one disclosed configuration, moments may be detectable in x, y and z directions, resulting in a full, 3-axis load cell with 6 degrees of freedom. The system may further include electrical circuitry to generate electrical drive pulses, sense amplify and buffer the voltages induced on the sense plates, and compute applied forces. An array of multicapacitor sensors that can be addressed individually without cross-talk and globally produce a map of forces and moments applied to the whole array. A MEMS implementation enables in vivo application. |
| US09250141B2 |
Online calibration of a temperature measurement point
A method for calibrating a transmitter with measurement circuitry electrically connected to first and second input terminals includes connecting a primary temperature sensor to the first input terminal and connecting a calibrated reference device to the second input terminal. The measurement circuitry is calibrated with respect to the first input terminal according to signals received from the second input terminal while measuring temperature according to signals received from the first input terminal. |
| US09250136B1 |
Hyperspectral imaging system for pyrometry applications and method of operating the same
A pyrometry imaging system for monitoring a high-temperature asset which includes at least one component is provided. The system includes a lens element in optical communication with the at least one component. The lens element is configured to receive at least a portion of thermal radiation emitted from the at least one component. The system also includes a view limiting device positioned between the lens element and a dispersive element. The dispersive element is configured to split the at least a portion of thermal radiation emitted into a plurality of wavelengths. The system further includes at least one camera device in optical communication with the dispersive element. The at least one camera device is configured to receive at least one wavelength from the dispersive element. |
| US09250131B2 |
Multi-imaging system with interleaved images
A multi-imaging device includes a multiplexed optical system and a filter fixture. The multiplexed optical system forms multiple optical images of an object. These multiple optical images are interleaved at the sensor plane. The filter fixture is configured to allow a user to change filter assemblies. The filter assemblies can include different filter regions, which apply different filtering to the optical images. |
| US09250123B2 |
Method for assembling a circuit carrier with a housing component, and optical unit
The present invention relates to a method for assembling a circuit carrier with a housing component and furthermore to an optical unit for emitting and/or receiving radiation that is fabricated using this particular method of assembling and aligning the circuit carrier with the housing component. The method comprises the following steps: providing said circuit carrier, wherein on said circuit carrier there is arranged at least one electronic component, and providing said housing component having at least one first opening; aligning said circuit carrier in a way that said electronic component is aligned with respect to said first opening in the housing component, wherein the electronic component is directly used as a fiducial for its own position on the circuit carrier; fixing the circuit carrier at the housing component. |
| US09250120B2 |
Fiber-optic monitoring cable
A cable for monitoring a tubular structure. The cable comprising a fiber optic bundle arranged for simultaneously sensing a plurality of parameters along a length of the tubular structure that the cable is interfaced with. |
| US09250115B2 |
Method for weighing masses on a conveyer system and device for injecting liquid into food products via a vertically moving needle carrier
A method for weighing masses on a conveyor system (18) on which the masses to be weighed are advanced in horizontal direction and which includes a conveyor section (24) that is limp in a vertical bending direction, including the steps of continuously measuring the weight force that acts upon the limp conveyor section (24) while the masses are advanced on this conveyor section, recording a force/displacement function that indicates the weight force as a function of the distance traveled by the conveyor system (18), and calculating the mass flow rate of the conveyor system by evaluating the force/displacement function. |
| US09250111B2 |
Dose measurement system and method
Embodiments described herein generally relate to devices, systems and methods for measuring the dose remaining in a drug delivery device that is used for delivering a dose to a patient. In some embodiments, a dose measurement system for measuring the liquid volume in a container includes a plurality of light sources which are disposed and configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward the container. A plurality of sensors are located in the apparatus that are optically coupleable to the plurality of light sources and are disposed and configured to detect the electromagnetic radiation emitted by at least a portion of the light sources. The apparatus also includes a processing unit configured to receive data representing the portion of the detected electromagnetic radiation from each of the plurality of sensors. The processing unit is further operable to convert the received data into a signature representative of the electromagnetic radiation detected by the plurality of sensors. |
| US09250108B2 |
Differential pressure based flow measurement device having improved pitot tube configuration
A differential pressure flow measurement system includes a pressure sensor coupled to measurement circuitry. An elongate probe is configured to be inserted into a conduit which carries a flow of process fluid. The pressure sensor senses a pressure difference in the fluid flow generated as the fluid flows past the probe. A vortex shedding stabilizer is positioned proximate the elongate probe and in the flow of process fluid. The vortex shedding stabilizer is configured to stabilize vortex shedding in the flow of fluid proximate the elongate probe. |
| US09250101B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring power consumption
An apparatus and associated method of monitoring power consumption of an electrical device, the method comprising identifying an electrical device using a power signature unique to that device, the power signature being derived from power consumption measurements, and location information; and monitoring power consumption of such an identified device. |
| US09250097B2 |
Coupled GPS phone and navigation system
A navigation system includes a Global Positioning System (GPS) enabled wireless phone and a GPS navigation system. The GPS enabled wireless phone includes a GPS receiver, a communications interface, and processing circuitry coupled to the GPS receiver and to the communications interface. The GPS navigation system includes a GPS receiver, a communications interface operable to communicatively couple to the communications interface of the GPS enabled wireless phone, and processing circuitry coupled to the GPS receiver and to the communications interface. The processing circuitry of the GPS navigation system is operable to establish device pairing with the GPS enabled wireless phone and to exchange GPS information and other information with the GPS enabled wireless phone via the secure link. |
| US09250096B2 |
Apparatus and method for browsing a map displayed on a touch screen
A method and apparatus for browsing a map displayed on a device including a touch screen display. The method includes displaying the map on a full screen of the touch screen display; receiving a user input for setting a variation axis on the map; setting the variation axis according to the user input; dividing the full screen into a first area and a second area, using the variation axis as a boundary; receiving a first map shift command in the first area; and shifting a displayed portion of the map in the first area and maintaining a displayed portion of the map in the second area, in response to the first map shift command in the first area. |
| US09250095B2 |
Onboard display device
An onboard display device includes multiple screen data that define plural types of screen designs including a character string display frame with equal size; plural types of font data; and multiple character string tables which record character strings to be displayed on a screen with one of the screen designs defined by the plural types of screen data, are each provided for one of the plural types of font data, and include character strings whose written forms are altered according to character size defined by the font data so that the character strings can be contained in the display frame, wherein the decision unit 12 decides a display type to be used for screen display on a display unit, and the display unit 6 displays the screen using the screen data, font data and character string corresponding to the display type decided by the decision unit 12. |
| US09250094B2 |
Navigation system with path prediction and method of operation thereof
A method of operation of a navigation system includes: detecting a location reading; selecting a route having a current edge with an endpoint and a shape point; predicting a navigation instruction based on a calculation with the location reading, the shape point, and a time delay for the calculation; and displaying the navigation instruction on a device. |
| US09250090B2 |
Navigation system and control unit for navigation system
A navigation system for a vehicle including a mobile navigation computer, a vehicle-based central control unit, a GPS receiver, a communication link between the mobile navigation computer and the central control unit, wherein position data for the vehicle is processed in a navigation unit in the mobile navigation computer to form information relevant to the navigation. The navigation information is transmitted from the navigation computer to the control unit for a respective maneuver which is to be performed, and this information is output in at least one of visual and audible forms via the central control unit. The position data for the vehicle is determined by the position-finding unit of the central control unit, and is transmitted to the mobile navigation computer, wherein the vehicle is navigated on the basis of data calculated in the navigation unit of the mobile navigation computer. |
| US09250086B1 |
Machine positioning system having alignment error detection
A method and system for determining an alignment error between sensors mounted to a machine is disclosed. The method may include calculating a first orientation value based on a signal received from a first sensor. The method may further include calculating a second orientation value based on a signal received from a second sensor. The method may further include calculating an alignment error between the first sensor and the second sensor based on a difference between the first orientation value and the second orientation value. |
| US09250085B2 |
Geo-location services
A method for geo-location services is described. In one embodiment, the method includes monitoring, via a sensor, a location of a service provider in relation to a predetermined location and receiving a request for a current status of the service provider. The current status includes a current location of the service provider and a current job-related status of the service provider. Upon determining the current status of the service provider, a notification including the current status of the service provider is generated. |
| US09250078B2 |
Method for determining the position of moving objects
Method for determining the position of moving objects, wherein the object has a sensor or an apparatus for determining odometry data, having the steps of: transmitting the odometry data to a calculation device, estimating the location and position of the object with the aid of the calculation device, creating a diffusion matrix on the basis of the estimated location and position taking into account environmental data, determining a contour line on the basis of the diffusion matrix, determining the distances between the position and the contour line for different orientations, in particular each orientation, and calculating a probability density function on the basis of the distances determined. |
| US09250077B2 |
Ground-transportation network representation
Methods, apparatus, and computer program products for producing a representation of a ground-transportation network from timetable information of transportation services. By means of a computer, routing locations are determined from the timetable information. The routing locations include end points of the transportation services. Tuples of directly-connected routing locations are formed. Network paths are generated by linking the directly-connected routing locations. The entirety of these paths forming the representation of the ground-transportation network. |
| US09250074B1 |
Resonator assembly comprising a silicon resonator and a quartz resonator
A resonator assembly comprising a semiconductor substrate, a resonator gyroscope, the resonator gyroscope including a first resonator formed in a layer of a first material, and an oscillator on the semiconductor substrate, the oscillator including a second resonator formed of a second material, wherein the second resonator is attached in a cavity; the cavity comprising a first recess in said layer of a first material and the edges of the first recess being attached to the substrate, or the cavity comprising a second recess in said substrate and the edges of the second recess being attached to said layer of a first material. |
| US09250068B2 |
Rotation angle detecting device
A rotation angle detecting device includes a resolver that outputs three-phase signals based on a rotation angle of a rotary shaft, and an R/D converter that acquires the three-phase output signals via signal lines corresponding to the respective phases. The R/D converter determines the rotation angle of the rotary shaft on the basis of the three-phase output signals. The R/D converter includes switching elements that change the potential of the first-phase signal line and the potential of the second-phase signal line, respectively. |
| US09250065B2 |
Depth estimating image capture device
This image capture device includes: a light-transmitting section 1 that is made up of a plurality of portions 1AB, each including diffraction regions 1D1, 1D2 that diffract incoming light, a transparent region 1CLR that transmits the incoming light without diffracting it, and polarization regions 1P1, 1P2 arranged so as to overlap at least partially with the diffraction regions 1D1, 1D2; an image sensor in which a plurality of unit elements are arranged two-dimensionally on an imaging area, wherein each of the unit elements includes a first photosensitive cell, a second photosensitive cell, and a polarization filter arranged so as to face the first photosensitive cell; and an imaging section configured to obtain images produced on the imaging area by the light transmitted through the transparent region and by the light transmitted through the diffraction region. |
| US09250061B2 |
Technique for tomographic image recording
The invention relates to a device (10; 210; 310; 410; 510) for tomographic image recording. The device comprises a sample retainer (14), a light source (12), and a detector unit (16). The light source (12) is designed to produce a pencil beam (38), which has a beam direction (40) and which passes through a sample volume of the sample retainer (14) provided in order to accommodate a sample, and has an optical control element (30), which is able to move the pencil beam (38) passing through the sample retainer (14) transversely to the beam direction (40) while the beam direction (40) remains substantially unchanged. The detector unit (16) is designed to detect at least a portion of scattered radiation (64; 64′) escaping from a section of the pencil beam (38) within the sample volume or the sample retainer (14) in a non-spatially-resolved manner. |
| US09250060B2 |
Optical coherence tomography system having real-time artifact and saturation correction
An optical coherence tomography system having real-time artifact and saturation correction includes an optical coherence tomography unit, and a signal processing and display system adapted to communicate with the optical coherence tomography unit to receive imaging signals therefrom. The optical coherence tomography system is a Fourier Domain optical coherence tomography system. The signal processing and display system includes a parallel processor configured to correct the imaging signals, in real time, to at least partially remove image artifacts and saturation based on a subset of image data within an image frame. |
| US09250059B2 |
Detection devices and methods using diffraction wavefront of a pinhole stitching measurement of surface shape
The present disclosure provides detection devices and methods using a diffraction wavefront of a pinhole stitching measurement of surface shape. The light emitted from the laser passes through a filter hole, a first condenser lens, a spatial filter, a beam expander, a half wave plate, a λ/4 wave plate, an attention plate and then is transmitted through a beam splitter, reflected by a reflecting mirror and is irradiated onto an pinhole through a first optical adjustable shelf and a second set of condenser lens. A part of diffraction light generated by the pinhole is irradiated to the mirror to be measured; the light reflected by the mirror to be measured is reflected by a frame of the pinhole and generate a diffraction fringe along with another part of the diffraction wavefront of the pinhole. The interference fringe is focused by the third set of condenser lens on the third optical adjustable shelf and is collected by the CCD detector. The mirror to be measured is positioned on the second optical adjustable shelf and may be moved along a normal direction of the mirror to be measured to implement an annular aperture stitching measurement. Meanwhile, the first optical adjustable shelf may be rotated and moved in translation to measure the mirror by a scanning sub apertures stitching measurement. |
| US09250058B2 |
Capacitive rotary encoder
A capacitive rotary encoder has a stator and a rotor as well as stator electrodes firmly arranged at the stator on an encoding path coaxial to the rotor axis, and coupling electrodes arranged at the rotor. The coupling electrodes are guided over the stator electrodes at a small axial distance from the encoding path by rotation of the rotor, wherein they each cover stator electrodes adjacent in the peripheral direction and connect the latter capacitively to each other. Interrogation electronics detects for each of the stator electrodes a capacitive coupling with an adjacent stator electrode caused by a coupling electrode of the rotor. This permits the reliable detection of the angular position of the rotor both statically and dynamically. |
| US09250053B2 |
Surface roughness measuring unit and coordinate measuring apparatus
A surface roughness measuring unit according to the present invention includes a contact pin unit having a contact pin and a displacement detector, the contact pin being provided so as to project and retract through a through-hole of a skid and scanning and moving along a surface of a work piece, the displacement detector detecting displacement of the contact pin in a direction perpendicular to the work piece surface; a driver moving the contact pin unit forward and backward along the surface of the work piece; and a joint coupling the contact pin unit and the driver to a measurement head holder of a coordinate measuring system. The surface roughness measuring unit further includes a contact detector that detects contact of the skid on the surface of the work piece. |
| US09250048B2 |
Shotshell with reduced dispersion of projectiles
An improved shotshell of the type having a hull, a head at the proximal end, propellant disposed in the hull, a wad disposed in the hull distal to the propellant, and a load disposed in the hull in distal to the wad. The improvement comprises the load including a plurality of individual shot, at least a portion of which are at least partially surrounded by a friable material that breaks up upon the firing of the shell to release to the shot and results in a reduced rate of dispersion of the plurality of individual shot compared to cartridges without the friable material. |
| US09250042B2 |
Air blast wave protection
A method of designing a wearable air blast wave energy protection device includes computer modeling at least two candidate reflective materials for a first human-protective and primarily reflective response to a specified incident air blast wave energy. The method includes selecting a layer of a first material from the at least two candidate reflective materials based at least partially on the computer modeling of the at least two candidate reflective materials. The method includes computer modeling at least two candidate attenuative materials for a second human-protective and primarily attenuative response to the specified incident air blast wave energy transmitted through the selected layer of the first material. The method includes selecting a layer of a second material from at least two candidate attenuative materials and electronically maintaining informational data corresponding to the selected layer of the first material and the selected layer of the second material. |
| US09250041B2 |
Shapable armor for users
A carrier garment configured to carry protective panels on a user's torso allows adjustment of the carrier garment and the protective panels to accommodate a wide range of bust and torso sizes, from flat-chested to full figured bust and torso lines. Embodiments allow quick adjustment back to a flat configuration to accommodate rifle protection plates that require the carrier and the underlying panels to be flat. Various embodiments can be locked to ensure that the garment retains its adjusted shape. A shaping point and/or a slit can be provided to assist in shaping stiff materials. Embodiments include a plurality of attachment points to which a lower end of an adjustment lanyard can be attached. A lining or inner layer can be included, and can be configured to adjust in shape with the outer garment. The outer garment and/or the liner or inner layer can include a protective material. |
| US09250039B2 |
Dynamic targeting and training system
A live-fire simulation system uses a position sensitive detector (PSD) in a weapon-mounted sensor to intercept emitted light from target emitters spatially distributed about a target. Each target emitter is modulated with a unique frequency. The system can thus not only determine the points of interception on the PSD but also determine which emitter caused which interception by using a frequency analysis. |
| US09250035B2 |
Precision aiming system for a weapon
A system for precision aiming of a weapon that has a rail, aligned with a centerline of its barrel, with a bus for supplying power to, and providing communication between, a plurality of modular system components that are mounted and precisely aligned in an array on the rail. A core component receives data from the sensor components via the rail and produces an output for display of aiming data which allows an operator to precisely aim the weapon at a selected target. |
| US09250033B1 |
Trigger linkage mechanism for use in toy gun
A trigger linkage mechanism for use in toy gun includes: a trigger pivoted to a gun frame and formed with a push block; a linkage member having one end formed with a first pivotal part and the other end formed with a second pivotal part. The linkage member is formed with an abutting part disposed between the two pivotal parts and abutted against the push block; a pull member pivoted to the second pivotal part and formed with a pawl part capable of being correspondingly buckled with the buckle part; a first recovery spring clamped between the gun frame and the linkage member; and a second recovery spring clamped between the linkage member and the pull member. Accordingly, the rotation radian and speed of the pawl part is able to be controlled and adjusted. |
| US09250032B2 |
Triggerless archery release comprising rotating bearing ring
A triggerless back tension archery release is provided. Disclosed archery releases include a bearing ring that rotates relative to a release body. During use, the bearing ring rotates to the same position when force is applied during a draw cycle. This reduces inconsistent placement of the finger and provides consistent release alignment. Disclosed archery releases also include a variety of removable finger extension that provide high mass triggers. An archer can feel subtle movement of the high mass triggers with increased accuracy which provides better control over the archery release. |
| US09250027B2 |
Thermal management structures for optoelectronic systems
An example embodiment includes a thermal management system for an active cable connector. The system includes a shell and a back plate. The shell defines a cavity and includes multiple heat-transfer areas on an internal shell surface. A first heat-transfer area is positioned with respect to a first heat-generating component to absorb a first portion of thermal energy generated by the first heat-generating component. The back plate is positioned with respect to the first heat-generating component to absorb a second portion of the thermal energy generated by the first heat-generating component. The back plate is further positioned proximate to a second heat-transfer area to transfer the second portion of the thermal energy to the shell. |
| US09250025B2 |
Method for heat transfer and device therefor
A heat transfer device comprising at least an aggregate of fibers or sheet of fibres (60) with internal passages and holes capable of capillary transport of liquids capable of capillary convection of coolant fluid from a heat source region (54) to heat dissipation region (56) and vice versa. A supply of coolant fluid in sufficient amount is provided to be absorbed or contained by said fibers or sheet of fibers (60) with internal passages and holes capable of capillary transport of liquids. A pressure tension member (70) comprising a strong yet resilient structure placed within said confined space and exerting pressure on said aggregate of fibers or sheet of fibers (60) with internal passages and holes capable of capillary transport of liquids against said heat source region (54) and/or heat dissipation region (57). A plurality of undulations are provided on said pressure tension member, including laterally extending ribs or protuberance (84) and protrusions (82) to accentuate the pressure exerted by the pressure tension member (70). A casing then encloses hermetically the above components. |
| US09250022B2 |
Spiral heat exchanger
The invention relates to a spiral heat exchanger including a spiral body formed by at least one spiral sheet wound to form a first spiral-shaped flow channel for a first medium, and a second spiral-shaped flow channel for a second medium. The spiral body is enclosed by a substantially cylindrical shell with connecting elements communicating with the first flow channel and the second flow channel. The shell includes at least two shell parts, and the spiral body is provided with at least one fixedly attached flange on its outer peripheral surface, whereupon the at least two shell parts are removably attached. |
| US09250021B2 |
Heat exchanger
The device relates to a heat exchanger in which heat transfer between heating water passing through the inside of heat exchanging pipes and combustion gas is efficiently performed. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchanging pipes, through the inside of each of which heating water passes. The cross-section of each of the heat exchanging pipes has protrusions and recessions alternately arranged in the width direction of the heat exchanging pipe, so as to extend the flow path for the combustion gas passing between the heat exchanging pipes. |
| US09250019B2 |
Plate heat exchanger
A plate heat exchanger realizing improved heat exchange performance by increasing the fluidity of fluids and by promoting turbulence of the fluids, including: heat exchange elements stacked by being laid one on top of another and individually formed by assembling upper and lower plates, with an internal flow channel defined in each of the heat exchange elements and an external flow channel defined between the heat exchange elements, the internal and external flow channels allowing internal and external fluids to pass therethrough, respectively, wherein the upper and lower plates are provided with respective wave patterns having ridges and valleys, each of the heat exchange elements has an inlet port and an outlet port, the upper and lower plates respectively have an upper flange and a lower flange which are assembled with each other through fitting, and first and second flat parts are formed around the upper and lower flanges. |
| US09250011B2 |
Absorption refrigerator with temperature control
A cooling unit constructed in accordance with one example of the present disclosure includes an outer shell that defines an interior volume. A cooling system cools the interior volume. A temperature sensor senses a temperature within the interior volume. A heating element is disposed within the interior volume. A controller communicates with the temperature sensor and the heating element and activates the heating element based on the temperature satisfying a threshold. |
| US09250009B2 |
Refrigerator with framed door
With a domestic appliance comprising a carcass (1), a door (2) hinged to the carcass (1) and a frame (8, 9, 10) fastened to the carcass (1) and surrounding the edges of the door (2), a foliate anti-trap element (17) extends from the door (2) through a recess (12) of the frame (8, 9, 10) to a hinge-side side wall (11) of the carcass (1). |
| US09250006B2 |
Air cooler having a condensation trap and method for air cooler operation
A condensate trap upstream of an engine cylinder is provided. The condensate trap includes a condensate containment shelf positioned within an outlet manifold of an air cooler, above a lower side of the outlet manifold, and extending from a first lateral side of the outlet manifold to a second lateral side of the outlet manifold, the condensate containment shelf and a outlet port housing forming a condensate restriction in direct fluidic communication with an outlet port of the outlet manifold. |
| US09250005B2 |
Air conditioner for vehicle with heat pump cycle
An air conditioner for a vehicle includes a vapor compression refrigeration cycle switchable between a heat pump cycle and a cooler cycle, a heat core configured to heat air to be blown into a vehicle compartment by using coolant of an engine of the vehicle as a heat source, and a controller configured to control operation of the vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The controller controls the vapor compression refrigeration cycle to be operated as the cooler cycle so as to perform a defrosting control of the outdoor heat exchanger, and outputs an operation request signal to the engine, when the controller determines that the outdoor heat exchanger is frosted. |
| US09250001B2 |
Control of an expansion valve regulating refrigerant to an evaporator of a climate control system
Systems and methods are provided for controlling an expansion valve of a climate control system evaporator coil. An evaporator coil temperature sensor senses temperature of refrigerant within the evaporator coil near the evaporator coil outlet. A controller determines a control set point based on the refrigerant temperature near the evaporator outlet. The control set point is used to determine a valve opening area to regulate refrigerant flow into the evaporator coil such that temperature of refrigerant at the evaporator coil outlet is within a temperature band having a lower bound within a predetermined range above the liquid-to-vapor transition temperature. |
| US09250000B2 |
Techniques for indirect cold temperature thermal energy storage
During off-peak operation of a power plant operating on a thermodynamic cycle wherein heat is rejected to an ambient fluid, heat is removed from a cold temperature storage medium. The cold temperature storage medium is stored until the power plant is experiencing a peak period. During the peak period, the stored cold temperature storage medium is used to absorb heat from the ambient fluid prior to heat rejection from the thermodynamic cycle to the ambient fluid, to improve performance of the thermodynamic cycle. In another aspect, the stored cold temperature storage medium is mixed with the ambient fluid prior to heat rejection from the thermodynamic cycle to the ambient fluid. Corresponding systems, apparatuses, retrofit methods, design and control techniques are also disclosed. |
| US09249999B2 |
Magnetocaloric heat generator
A magnetocaloric heat generator (10) comprising at least one magnetocaloric element (2) with a first and second ends (3, 4), a magnetic arrangement for subjecting the magnetocaloric element (2) to a variable magnetic field, alternately creating heating and cooling cycles in the magnetocaloric element (2), a mechanism for circulating a heat transfer fluid through the magnetocaloric element (2) alternately towards the first and second ends (3, 4) and vice versa in synchronisation with the variation of the magnetic field, and at least one energy exchange mechanism (15). This heat generator (10) is crossed in one direction by the heat transfer fluid entering the magnetocaloric element (2) through one of the ends (3, 4) during a heating or cooling cycle and to be crossed in the opposite direction by the heat transfer fluid exiting the magnetocaloric element (2) through the same end (3, 4) during the other cooling or heating cycle. |
| US09249995B2 |
Solar panel positioning system
A positioning system for a solar panel includes a frame, a surface plate, an adjustable rail and a frame coupling. The surface plate is configured to secure the positioning system to a mounting surface and includes a connection for an axle. The axle links the surface plate with the frame coupling or with the adjustable rail. The frame coupling attaches to the frame and holds the frame in an operating position. A length of the adjustable rail may be increased or decreased for varying the angular orientation of the frame relative to the mounting surface. The frame is configured to be removable from the frame coupling without requiring the surface plate to be removed from the mounting surface. |
| US09249992B2 |
Solar receiver support structure
Process for manufacturing a support structure and a solar receiver includes the following steps: a) providing a sheet of rigid material having a rectangular shape with a first median axis and a second median axis; b) performing two grooves running from one sheet side to the opposite side, defining two parabolic curves, the parabolic curves having the same axes of symmetry, parallel to the second median axis, the grooves dividing the sheet in a central surface, a first and a second lateral surfaces; c) bending the first lateral surface out of plane with respect to the central surface through an angle θ1 along the first groove; bending the second lateral surface out of plane with respect to the central surface through an angle θ2 along the second groove; the central surface, first and second lateral surfaces being curved and the central surface having a profile defining a third parabolic curve. |
| US09249990B2 |
Multiple parabolic trough solar collector having a focus-tracking pipe array
A trough collector for solar energy, with multiple parallel troughs preferably being contained within a single unit. The collector does not use conventional azimuth tracking in order to keep the sun's rays directed toward the parabola's focus as the sun moves across the sky. Instead, the relative position between the collecting device (preferably a conductive tube containing a circulating working fluid) and the plane of symmetry for each collector is adjusted so that the collecting device remains within the focal zone of the collector as the sun traverses the sky. |
| US09249989B2 |
Solar radiator
A solar radiator is a structure producing two cross shades in corridors, it dissipates solar energy for protecting corridors from excess of solar energy, the average temperature on the soil in the corridors slows down considerably therefore there is a decrease of the evaporation of moister in such corridors, the solar radiator is suitable to produce at least two cross protective shades in the same corridor and is suitable to collect, transmit and dissipate passively, without causing pollution or using other power, at least part of the energy of the solar radiation that strikes its panels. The solar radiator is designed to protect corridors, crops and plants against excessive solar radiation and moister evaporation. |
| US09249987B2 |
Mounting bracket for use with a water heater
A mounting bracket for mounting a temperature sensor, a gas valve, a power delivery unit, a controller and/or any other suitable object or device to a water heater tank. An illustrative but non-limiting example may be found in a mounting bracket that includes a polymeric body that has a sensor portion configured to receive a temperature sensor. The sensor portion may have a distal end that extends into and supports the temperature sensor within the water heater tank, and may include a shell disposed over at least a portion of the sensor portion. |
| US09249986B2 |
Mounting bracket for use with a water heater
A mounting bracket for mounting a temperature sensor, a gas valve, a power delivery unit, a controller and/or any other suitable object or device to a water heater tank or other appliance. An illustrative but non-limiting example may be found in a mounting bracket that includes a polymeric body that has a sensor portion configured to receive a temperature sensor. The sensor portion may have a distal end that extends into and supports the temperature sensor within the water heater tank. The polymeric body may also includes a threaded portion that is configured to threadably engage a threaded spud in a water heater tank such that the distal end of the sensor portion extends into the water tank of the water heater. Various features for increasing the strength and durability of the bracket are also disclosed. |
| US09249975B2 |
Glow plug with a load sensor and a screened sensor link
A glow plug includes a heating rod (11), a plug body, a mounting device for mounting the heating rod, permitting axial translation movements of the heating rod relative to the plug body, a load sensor which is interposed between the heating rod and the plug body, and an electrical link, called the sensor link (71), which includes at least one signal line (74). The sensor link includes an earth conductive layer (82) which is interposed radially between the electrical power supply link of the heating rod and each signal line, to form a screening. |
| US09249970B1 |
Illuminated microphone stand
The combination of an illuminated microphone stand with a foot controlled operation board has a capability of adjusting at least one light in the illuminated microphone and facilitating a performance, as well as maintaining the integrity of the lighting system Incorporated with the illuminated microphone stand. |
| US09249968B2 |
Heat-dissipating light-emitting device and method for its assembly
Disclosed is a heat-dissipating light-emitting device, including a light-emitting element, a heat-conducting base plate in physical contact with a heat sink, and a driver circuit. The driver circuit and light-emitting element are electrically coupled to each other and electrically isolated from the base plate. The light-emitting device and heat sink may be included in a light fixture. Also disclosed is a method for assembling the light-emitting device. |
| US09249958B2 |
Light fixtures with twist and lock mounting bracket assembly
LED light fixtures include a hollow body, a source of illumination mounted inside the body, a transparent cover extending across one end of the body, and a twist and lock mounting bracket assembly provided at another end of the body for securing the light fixtures to a building structure. |
| US09249956B1 |
Housing for LED lighting board
A mounting structure and associated mounting bracket for a board containing multiple LED lights is the subject of this invention. It is particularly designed for use in converting a conventional fluorescent tube housing to an LED board housing. The mounting structure includes arms which are received in a support bracket and are held by the bracket at a desirable angle. LED boards may be quickly and easily mounted to or removed from the mounting structure which in turn is easily removable from the support bracket. |
| US09249955B2 |
Device for securing a source of LED light to a heat sink surface
A device for securing a source of LED light to a heat sink includes an LED light source engaging surface that is arranged and configured to engage at least a portion of the source of LED light and which is provided with an integrated force applying spring. Further, the device may include a continuous metallic path extending between the sources of LED light and the surface. |
| US09249951B2 |
Lens having an internal reflection layer
A lens (12; 32; 42; 52) comprising a transparent main body (13; 43; 53), wherein a surface (14, 15; 14, 45; 54, 55) of the main body (13; 43; 53) is at least partly covered with an internally reflecting reflection layer (17), the lens (12; 32; 42; 52) has at least one first focal point (F1) and at least one second focal point (F2), at least the first focal point (F1) lies at least partly on a non-covered surface region of the main body (15; 45; 55), and at least one phosphor element (18) bears against the main body (13; 43; 53) at a contact region (19) having at least one first focal point (F1). |
| US09249947B2 |
LED-based luminaire having a mixing optic
Disclosed is an LED-based luminaire (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710) including an optic surrounding a plurality of LEDs (140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640a/b, 740). The optic may include a plurality of interior reflective surfaces for mixing light output of the LEDs and also include a transmissive diffuser (30, 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630a/b, 730a/b) through which interiorly reflected light output of the LEDs exits the LED-based luminaire. |
| US09249946B2 |
Illuminating glazing panel
An illuminating glazing unit includes a first sheet having a first main face, a second main face and an edge face; a second sheet having a first main face, a second main face and an edge face; a lamination interlayer having an extent smaller than that of each of the glass sheets and defining a space between the edge of the second main face of the first sheet and the edge of the first main face of the second sheet; a strip of LEDs, including a printed circuit board and a plurality of LEDs, positioned so that the emitting faces of the LEDs face the edge face of the first sheet; and an encapsulating element made of an opaque polymer encapsulating at least the edge face of the second sheet and the LED strip. The PCB bears against the first main face of the second glass sheet with a plurality of spacers and the space is filled by the opaque polymer. |
| US09249942B2 |
Lighting device for a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a lighting device (100) for a motor vehicle, comprising a lens (1) and at least one light source (4, 5, 61), wherein light from the at least one light source (4, 61) is projected by the lens (1) into a region lying in front of the lighting device (100), wherein at least one reflective surface (3a) is assigned to the lens (1) at the rear side (3) thereof, and/or wherein the lens (1) has at the rear side (3) thereof at least one total reflection region (3a′), wherein at least one light source (4) radiates light into the lens (1) via an incidence region (40), and wherein the light radiated into the lens (1) via the incidence region (40) is reflected by the at least one reflective surface (3a) and/or the at least one total reflection region (3a′) and emerges from the lens (1) via the light exit surface (2) thereof and is projected into a region in front of the lighting device (100). |
| US09249941B2 |
Vehicle lamp
A vehicle lamp includes a semiconductor light emitting device, a thermally conductive portion which is in contact with the semiconductor light emitting device, a heatsink which dissipates heat generated by the semiconductor light emitting device, and a housing in which the semiconductor light emitting device, the thermally conductive portion and the heatsink are accommodated. The heatsink includes a base and plate fins arranged at intervals to protrude from the base. Each of the plate fins includes a plate surface facing the plate surface of an adjacent one of the plate fins and upwardly extending in a direction along the base. A plane parallel to at least one of the plate surfaces of the plate fins may be oblique with respect to a vertical direction. An inner surface of the housing may be oblique with respect to the vertical direction in a region above the plate fins. |
| US09249940B2 |
Lighting device and method for producing a lighting device
A lighting device may include at least one semiconductor light source cast with at least one first casting compound, wherein at least one region of the lighting device has: at least one connection area, which is electrically connected to the at least one semiconductor light source, and at least one electrical connecting element, which has at least one electrical line, wherein at least one electrical line is connected to an associated connection area and protrudes at one end out of the lighting device, and the at least one connection area and the at least one electrical connecting element are arranged in a cutout in the first casting compound and are cast by means of a second casting compound. |
| US09249937B2 |
Water outlet control system using sound variation
The flow of a fluid such as water is controlled through an outlet by detecting sound within an environment at a first time and generating a first profile based upon the content of the sound detected at the first time. The flow of the fluid is further controlled by detecting sound within the environment at a second time and generating a second profile based upon the content of the sound detected at the second time. The flow of the fluid is still further controlled by comparing the second profile with the first profile and controlling a control valve to shut off a supply of the fluid exiting a tap based upon the results of the comparison. |
| US09249934B2 |
Method for loading and storing gas in nano-valved sorbents
Adsorbent pellets coated with an outer nano-porous layer can be loaded with gas at loading pressures of 250 bar or greater, enabling a much higher loading than can be achieved at low pressures. The nano-porous layer provides nano-valves which can be sealed with an adsorbate such as ethanol or a hydrocarbon to close the nano-valves. The closed nano-valves maintain the high loading pressure inside the adsorbent pellets, and thus maintain the gas loading, during storage of the loaded nano-valved adsorbent pellets at much lower pressure. To release the gas, the nano-porous layer can be heated to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the adsorbate and open the nano-valves. |
| US09249932B2 |
Collection receptacles for gases
A gas collection receptacle includes a segmented top portion and one or more side portions creating a volume for collecting gases. The gas collection receptacle, configured to float on a pond, lagoon, or other area, also includes interlocking side and end portions enabling multiple receptacles to connect, thus forming a substantially continuous covering. |
| US09249930B2 |
Valve greasing system
A system for greasing a valve is provided. The system comprises a main valve connected to a compressed fluid source, a grease supply system, a main chamber, a left head assembly, a right head assembly, and a grease supply line in communication with the valve. The main chamber includes a piston that is slidable from a first end to a second end of the main chamber. In the first position, the main valve injects fluid into the first end of the main chamber, thereby charging the left head assembly with grease and simultaneously discharging grease from the right head assembly into the grease supply line. In the second position, the main valve injects fluid into the second end of the main chamber, thereby charging the right head assembly with grease and simultaneously discharging grease from the left head assembly into the grease supply line. |
| US09249928B2 |
Apparatus and mounting gantry for suspending a component
A device for suspending at least one component from a gantry, and a gantry that includes such a device includes a guide rail that can be secured on the gantry in an approximately vertical orientation, a carriage that is guided on the guide rail in a sliding movable manner and on which the component can be mounted, and a limit stop that is mounted on the guide rail beneath the carriage in a height-adjustable manner. The guide rail is divided into a lower part and an upper part, which are connected to each other by way of a pivot connection having a pivot axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail. |
| US09249927B2 |
Support for planar or tablet computing device
A stand or support for a planar or tablet computing device, comprising: a base, the base may define a slot; wherein the slot is of sufficient length and width, which may be adjustable, for receiving a side of the planar or tablet computing device for supporting the same in a vertical position or at angle with respect to vertical; a ball-shaped shaft support removably disposed within a socket defined by the base; a support shaft removably secured to the ball-shaped shaft support; and a support plate for supporting the planar or tablet computing device; wherein the support plate is removably attachable to the support shaft and the position of the support plate may be adjusted so that a side or upper surface of the support plate contacts the planar or tablet computing device disposed in the slot to provide additional support for the planar or tablet computing device. |
| US09249924B1 |
Mobile device retention system
The present invention will provide a mobile device retention unit which combines the protective quality of a case as well as the utility of an adjustable mount onto a desk and will enhance the quality of the audio produced. Furthermore, the present invention will allow for the integration of the rising popularity of mobile devices into a school or work setting. This is accomplished by creating a case that mounts onto a desk, while allowing for an adjustable angle and easy accessibility. |
| US09249920B2 |
Method of manufacturing a tubular insulating device and corresponding device
An insulating material is fed in and shaped by superposing a plurality of N layers Ci (3) of the insulating material. For each layer Ci, a plurality of ni, axial insulating elements Ei precut from the insulating material is formed, a rough form of the tubular insulating device is formed by using an adhesive to assemble the Ni elements Ei of each layer Ci which are juxtaposed along a plurality of joining zones Ji, so that the plurality of joining zones Ji+1 of a layer Ci+1 is offset relative to the plurality of joining zones Ji, of the adjacent layer Ci. Then, by the adhesive is polymerized, and the tubular element rough form is subjected to a heat treatment. The method is economical and makes it possible to obtain a device of high mechanical strength. |
| US09249913B2 |
Hydraulic cross connection provided with security quick fasteners, related kit of accessories, and related hydraulic system
This invention relates to a hydraulic system comprising a hydraulic cross connection (90), housed in a housing case (99) to be mounted on a rear planar support (98), comprising inlet and outlet ducts (70, 71), at least one tubular element (105, 106) insertable in each one of said ducts (70, 71), and at least one quick coupling removable hook (91; 991), configured to be inserted in a seat (100) obtained on an outer wall of each one of said ducts (70, 71), the hydraulic system being characterized in that said at least one quick coupling removable hook (91; 991) is configured to be posteriorly inserted in the seat (100) and it comprises at least one rear arm (95; 995), and in that the housing case (99) is shaped so that a distance separating the seat (100) of each one of said ducts (70, 71) from the rear planar support (98) is such that said at least one removable hook (91; 991) is removable from the seat (100) and said at least one tubular element (105, 106) is extractable from the inlet or outlet duct (70, 71) to which the seat (100) belongs only when the housing case (99) is not mounted on the rear planar support (98). This invention further relates to the related kit of hydraulic accessories and to the related hydraulic system, as well as to a mixing apparatus comprising such hydraulic system. |
| US09249912B2 |
Hose coupling with retaining spring
A hose coupling comprising a main body having a hose nipple section with at least one barb formed thereon, and a retention spring extending from a collar formed on the main body, the retention spring overlying a portion of the hose nipple section where the retention spring applies a clamping force on a hose that is trapped and held in position between the retention spring and the hose nipple section by the barb(s). |
| US09249911B2 |
Flexible expansion joint
A flexible expansion joint is capable coping with a great extension for its limited length. The flexible expansion joint includes: a first sleeve to be put on an end part of a first pipe; an outer sleeve to be put on an end part of a second pipe so as to overlap the first sleeve and capable of moving axially relative to the first sleeve; a first sealing member; a second sealing member; a third sealing member; a first length limiter including a first stopper for limiting the axial movement of the first pipe and the first sleeve relative to each other; and a second length limiter including a second stopper for limiting the axial movement of the second pipe the outer sleeve relative to each other. |
| US09249909B2 |
Seal structure for flow-path connection part
A seal structure for a flow-path connection part is aligned easily. In a seal structure for a flow-path connection part including a pair of flanges arranged to face each other, the seal structure includes a gasket having protrusions provided symmetrically on front and back sides of the gasket at an outer periphery thereof or near the outer periphery, and flanges each having a receiving groove provided annularly in a connected surface thereof. The receiving groove is wider than the protrusion and it has an arc-shaped deepest portion against which a top portion of the protrusion abuts, and the top portion of the protrusion has a curved surface formed such that the curvature of the top portion is greater than or equal to the curvature of the deepest portion of the receiving groove. A liquid ejection device and a liquid storage container can include the seal structure. |
| US09249907B2 |
Fitting for connecting a pipe
A fitting (1) for connecting a pipe which includes a hollow body (2) made in one piece, which extends in a pipe insertion direction (X) about a longitudinal axis (L). The hollow body (2) includes at least one pressing section (3), which can be plastically deformed in a radial direction (Y) using a press tool (4), which can be attached prior to pressing and which can be detached after pressing. The pressing section (3) includes a circumferential bead (5), which projects outwardly in a radial direction, and which, on the inside, forms a groove (5a) for accommodating a sealing ring. The pressing section (3) further includes at least two cutting blades (6, 7), one arranged upstream of the bead (5) and one arranged downstream from the bead (5), relative to the pipe insertion direction (X). A sufficiently tight sealing is thus ensured, even when using a lead and nickel-free alloy. |
| US09249904B2 |
Energy dissipative tubes and methods of fabricating and installing the same
Energy dissipative tubes are provided, along with methods of fabricating and installing the energy dissipating tubes. An energy dissipative tube can include a length of tubing, a first resin layer surrounding the outside of the tubing, an expanded metal foil adjacent to the outside of the first resin layer, and a second resin layer surrounding the expanded metal foil and the first resin layer. Another energy dissipative tube can include a length of tubing, a conductive layer adjacent to the outside of the tubing, and an insulative layer adjacent to the conductive layer. A further energy dissipative tube can include a length of tubing, a metal layer adjacent to the outside of the tubing, and a resin layer adjacent to the metal layer. |
| US09249900B2 |
Laying of conduit at sea using horizontal reels
A method of laying conduit at sea from a reel vessel includes the steps of laying conduit, for example pipeline or umbilical, from a first reel which rotates about a first substantially vertical axis. Conduit is laid from a second reel of conduit rotating about a second substantially vertical axis spaced apart from the first axis. A portion of the route travelled by the conduit during the step of laying conduit from the first reel of conduit is substantially the same as a portion of the route travelled by the conduit during the step of laying conduit from the second reel of conduit, for example, the conduit from the second reel may pass around a part of the periphery of the first reel and then follow substantially the same path as previously travelled by the conduit laid from the first reel. |
| US09249894B2 |
Solenoid valve, braking system
A solenoid valve, particularly for a hydraulic braking system of a motor vehicle, includes a valve sleeve in which a pole core is fixed and an armature is disposed in an axially displaceable manner. The armature includes at least one longitudinal groove in the outer shell surface thereof. A spring washer is configured to be braced between the armature and the pole core. The end face of the armature facing the pole core is configured to be at least substantially convex, and the end face of the pole core facing the armature is configured to be at least substantially concave. A braking system includes the solenoid valve. |
| US09249892B2 |
Actuating drive of an air passage device
An actuating drive of an air passage device for an engine cooling system of a vehicle, the actuating drive including a drive gear to be driven by an electric motor, which is rotatable about an axis of rotation, and an output element which is operatively connected with the drive gear and is movable with the drive gear along an adjustment path, in order to shift the air passage device between an open position, in which the air passage device is opened in order to allow an air stream to pass through, and a closed position in which the air passage device is closed in order to minimize an air stream. |
| US09249889B1 |
High pressure ball valve
A bidirectional ball valve for ultra-high pressure applications wherein the inner end of the valve stem has sides dimensioned to rotationally engage a corresponding recess in the flow control element having larger corresponding sides disposed to allow for lateral movement of the flow control element, and wherein the inner annular surface of a valve seat has an annular sealing face in sealing engagement with the flow control element, support surfaces adjacent the sealing face in contact with the flow control element, and lateral vent grooves between the support surfaces. A method to utilize the bidirectional ball valve involves rotating the valve stem and control element and maintaining a pressure of 275.8 MPa (40,000 psi) or more for at least 1 hour without leaking before opening or after closing the valve. |
| US09249885B2 |
Mechanical seal with improved seal assembly
Mechanical seals, seal assemblies and pumps are disclosed. A mechanical seal includes a sealing member and a mount that forms part of a mounting assembly to mount the sealing member to a support structure of the seal. In an embodiment, the mount forms part of a seal assembly and is an elastomeric ring bonded to the sealing member. |
| US09249883B2 |
Anti-rotate attenuation device
A piston assembly, which may be part of a concentric slave cylinder for use in an automatic transmission, is provided. The piston assembly includes a piston and a piston cylinder disposed adjacent to the piston and having portions forming a receiving slot. A piston guide is attached to the piston. The piston guide has a main body portion and an alignment protrusion extending from the main body portion. The alignment protrusion is disposed in the receiving slot of the piston cylinder. The alignment protrusion includes a main alignment portion and a spring lever. The spring lever is separated from the main alignment portion by a gap. Compressible material is disposed in the gap. |
| US09249879B2 |
Hydraulic drive system for hydraulic working machine
A hydraulic drive system designed so that while maintaining intact a structure of a relief valve having a shockless function, the drive unit hydraulic drive system facilitates changing a driving pressure or braking pressure of a hydraulic swing motor and hence, changing a maximum driving torque or braking torque of the hydraulic swing motor. Inside a swing motor unit is arranged a first swinging relief valve provided with a shockless function to limit a driving pressure or braking pressure of the hydraulic swing motor in order to prevent the pressure from exceeding a first setting pressure. Also, a second swinging relief valve is provided for limiting the driving pressure or braking pressure of the hydraulic swing motor in order to prevent the pressure from exceeding a second setting pressure that is lower than the first setting pressure. |
| US09249877B2 |
Position diagnostic test for a shift-by-wire system, and a method thereof
A position diagnostic test for a shift-by-wire system is provided. The shift-by-wire system includes a shift lever configured to move along a shift path, a first and a second position sensor configured to generate a first and a second position signal, respectively, of the shift lever along the shift path, and a controller configured to receive the first and second position signals. The first position sensor includes a first x-coordinate value and a first y-coordinate value, and the second position sensor includes a second x-coordinate value and a second y-coordinate value. The position diagnostic test includes performing a rationality test on each of the coordinate values. If at least one predetermined condition exists for a particular coordinate value, then it fails the rationality test, and the position signal containing the coordinate value may be disregarded. |
| US09249875B1 |
Method and apparatus for providing continuous cooler flow in vehicular transmissions
An apparatus and method of providing a continuous flow of discharge transmission fluid from a torque converter to a cooler of a vehicle transmission such that oil flow to the cooler begins at engine start up and wherein the apparatus includes a safety bypass valve that directs discharge from the torque converter directly to a lube circuit other, than the cooler circuit, in the event pressure within the cooler circuit rises above a predetermine pressure due to a gelling of lubricant oil or other clogging of the cooler circuit. |
| US09249874B2 |
Electromechanical actuator with anti-blocking means
An electromechanical actuator comprising a frame having mounted thereon a rotary motor and a gear train having an inlet shaft lying on the same axis as an outlet shaft of the motor and connected thereto, and an outlet ring coaxial with the outlet shaft of the motor and connected to a lever for operating a member that is to be driven. The gear train is carried by a casing mounted on the frame to pivot about the axis of the outlet shaft of the motor. An anti-blocking device is mounted on the frame and comprises a movable element that is movable between a blocking position for blocking the casing in rotation relative to the frame, and a release position for releasing the casing in rotation relative to the frame. |
| US09249871B2 |
Lock-up device for torque converter
A lock-up device is a device disposed in a space produced between a front cover and a turbine in a torque converter so as to mechanically connect the front cover and the turbine, and includes a clutch part and a release part. The clutch part is disposed in a power transmission path from the front cover to the turbine, and is configured to be in a clutch-on state of transmitting a power from the front cover to the turbine in a set posture. The release part is configured to be actuated by means of a hydraulic pressure, turn the clutch part of the clutch-on state into a clutch-off state, and block transmission of the power from the front cover to the turbine. |
| US09249866B2 |
Belt tensioner for a power transmission belt system
Belt tensioners for a power transmission belt system are disclosed. The belt tensioners have a support member, an arm, a torsion spring operatively coupled therebetween, and an improved damping assembly. The arm includes a housing section pivotally mounted to the support member for rotation about the arm. This housing section has a rub surface against which the damper assembly is seated. The damper assembly has a body having a friction surface frictionally contacting the rub surface of the arm and a damper spring integrated with the body. The improvement of the damper assembly is that the rub surface of the arm includes a trough concentric about the axis of rotation and the friction surface of the body includes an annular protrusion seated in the trough. |
| US09249865B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of three to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio. |
| US09249863B2 |
Dual clutch transmission
A transmission includes an input member, an output member, first and second shafts, first and second countershafts, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member. |
| US09249862B2 |
Differential bevel gear speed reducer
A differential Bevel gear speed reducer consisting of standard type gears, each of the standard type gears having a same tooth form and a same gear module value, wherein three identical pinion Bevel gears are located between an input Bevel gear and an output Bevel gear, revolution-inducing Bevel gears that have a same number of teeth, a same module value, and a same cone apex as the pinion Bevel gears are fixedly placed at an outer side of axes of the three pinion Bevel gears, an orbit Bevel gear that is engaged with the revolution-inducing Bevel gears is fixedly placed at inside of a housing, causing the pinion Bevel gears and the revolution-inducing Bevel gear to revolve along an orbit of the orbit Bevel gear as the input Bevel gear revolves, and the rotation of the input Bevel gear causes differential rotation of the output Bevel gear. |
| US09249859B1 |
Vibration dampener for pipe threader
Tool chatter during a pipe threading operation is reduced by positioning a pipe end to be threaded alongside a threading tool, positioning a radially expandable mandrel inside of the pipe end, securing the mandrel by expansion, threading the pipe end with the threading tool, and removing the mandrel. A preferred mandrel comprises a housing, an elastomeric sleeve, a piston, and a cylinder head. The elastomeric sleeve covers the outside cylindrical surface of the housing. The device is filled with hydraulic fluid and the piston is actuated to expand the sleeve against the inside of the pipe. Vibrations from the cutting operation are absorbed by the hydraulic fluid after being transmitted into it via the elastomeric sleeve. |
| US09249858B2 |
Hydraulic engine mount inertia track with multiple restrictions
A hydraulic engine mount is provided having at least one channel provided within the engine mount. The channel is provided fully enclosed within the engine mount. The channel includes at least two restrictions operable to partially restrict fluid flow through the channel thereby preventing unwanted noise heard by the user. The at least two restrictions include at least one protrusion extending away from a side wall of the channel. Two protrusions are provided to form each restriction where the protrusions are opposed and spaced apart extending into the channel. The at least one protrusion includes at least one sloped wall. The at least one sloped wall is disposed upstream of the fluid through the channel and may be positioned adjacent to an inlet or an outlet of the channel. |
| US09249856B1 |
Liquid inertia vibration mount
A vibration isolator can include an upper housing defining an upper fluid chamber; a lower housing defining a lower fluid chamber; a piston resiliently coupled to the upper housing with an upper elastomer member, the piston being resiliently coupled to the lower housing with a lower elastomer member; a tuning passage associated with the piston; and a tuning fluid disposed within the upper fluid chamber, the lower fluid chamber, and the tuning passage, the tuning fluid comprising a polytungstate. |
| US09249855B2 |
Damper
Provided is a damper configured so that a compact pedal unit can be obtained using the damper and so that the damper can be easily retrofitted to a pedal unit. A damper (1) comprises elements such as: a pair of cams (slide cam (4) and stationary cam (5)) which rotate relative to each other about the axis (O1) to cause the sloped cam surfaces (4132, 5211) thereof to make sliding contact with each other; a coiled spring (3) which presses the sloped cam surface (4132) of the slide cam (4) against the sloped cam surface (5211) of the stationary cam (5); a case (2); and a resin roller (8) which is fitted in a rotatable manner on the shaft (7A). The rotational motion of the slide cam (4) about the axis (O1) is restrained by the case (2), and as a result, the slide cam (4) rotates about the axis (O1) relative to the stationary cam (5) in association with the rotation of the case (2) about O1. |
| US09249850B2 |
Machine tool equipped with floating mechanism
Provided is a machine tool which is equipped with a floating mechanism, and the whole of which can be miniaturized and lightened, the floating mechanism being equipped with carriers of loads generated in both radial and thrust directions, resulting in deformation of the floating mechanism being reduced. The floating section (4) of the machine tool is provided with a hollow circular-plate-shaped inner ring (9) comprising an outer peripheral surface section (9a), an upper surface section (9b), and a bottom surface section (9c); and an outer ring (8) comprising an inner peripheral section (8a) and an inner ring receiving section (8b). The outer ring (8) is fixed to a robot arm. The inner ring (9) is fixed to a tool driving section. The outer peripheral surface of the inner ring (9) is formed by a spherical surface which is equidistant from the center point (14) of a hollow circular plate. |
| US09249849B2 |
Methods and mechanisms for the adjustment of stiffness in various equipment and devices
A device with stiffness adjustment has a housing having a plurality of passageways, each defining an axis. The device has a plurality of stiffness devices each having a plurality of flat springs elongated in the direction of the passageway axis. The plurality of stiffness devices are each rotatable about their respective passageway axis. In an embodiment, the device has a casing interposed between the wall of the passageway of the housing and the stiffness devices. The casing is a spring. |
| US09249848B2 |
Motor vehicle brake disc
A brake disk for a disk brake includes a brake disk chamber and a friction ring fastened thereto. By way of particularly six to twelve centering and/or fastening extensions directed inward from an inner diameter of the friction ring, the friction ring is placed in the axial direction on the face side on centering attachments of the brake disk chamber, and is fixed on the brake disk chamber by way of fastening devices, particularly screws and/or rivets that extend in the axial direction. The centering attachments of the brake disk chamber are recesses in the brake disk chamber edge or in the brake disk chamber edge and in the brake disk chamber jacket, one centering and/or fastening extension of the friction ring respectively projecting into them. |
| US09249844B2 |
Latching clutch control system
A clutch latching system is provided for latching and draining a torque transmitting mechanism. The latching clutch control system may include a latching valve, a release valve, and an accumulator. The clutch latching system may include a clutch feed channel configured to provide hydraulic fluid from a pressurized source to a torque transmitting device when the torque transmitting device is engaged and the engine is running. A latching valve connects the clutch feed channel to the torque transmitting device. The latching valve is configured to selectively trap pressurized hydraulic fluid within the torque transmitting device. A hydraulic pressure storage circuit configured to selectively provide pressurized hydraulic fluid to the latching valve to unlatch the latching valve. A multiple speed transmission is also provided. |
| US09249842B2 |
Power unit for motorcycle
A power unit for a motorcycle includes an internal combustion engine with a transmission having an input shaft and an output shaft. A clutch with a hydraulic cylinder is provided for changing over the connection/disconnection of power transmission between a crankshaft and the input shaft. A cylinder support member, mounted on the engine body, includes a cylindrical case portion where a portion of the hydraulic cylinder is housed. The power unit can be miniaturized by suppressing the projection of the hydraulic cylinder from the engine body in the axial direction. A cover member is mounted on the engine body for covering and surrounding a projecting end portion of an output shaft from an engine body. A cylinder support member is mounted on the engine body such that a portion of a case portion is arranged in an opening portion formed by cutting away a portion of the cover member. |
| US09249840B2 |
Drive assembly on a twin-clutch transmission for motor vehicles
The invention relates to a drive assembly on a twin-clutch transmission for motor vehicles, including two clutches which are axially connected in succession in a transmission housing and are positioned between spaced-apart end walls of the transmission housing and which have each a preferably drum-shaped drive element which is driven by an input shaft of the transmission, with the clutches being in driving relationship, preferably alternatingly, via two preferably pot-shaped output elements with two output shafts in coaxial arrangement to the input shafts. According to the invention, the input shaft (14) which is rotatably mounted in the region of a first end wall (12a) is guided up to the second end wall (10a) located in opposition to the first end wall (12a) and is rotatably mounted there indirectly via the output shafts (24, 26) which are also rotatably mounted in the region of the second end wall (10a). |
| US09249839B2 |
Shifting device of a motor vehicle transmission
A shifting device of a motor vehicle transmission having a driveshaft (2) in the form of a hollow shaft with radial bores (5, 6, 7, 8). At least one drive output element (3) is arranged on the driveshaft (2), a shifting element (4) is arranged to move axially within the hollow shaft (2), and coupling elements, in the form of balls (9, 10, 11, 12), move radially within the radial bores (5, 6, 7, 8; 24). The drive output element (3) can be coupled to and decoupled from the driveshaft (2) by axial displacement of the shifting element (4) and radial displacement of the balls (9, 10, 11, 12). The shifting element is in the form of a shifting piston (4) and the hollow shaft (2) is in the form of a shifting cylinder (2aa). |
| US09249835B2 |
Extruded bearing housing
An extruded bearing housing is provided. The extruded bearing housing includes a radially inner ring, and a radially outer ring located concentric with the radially inner ring. The extruded bearing housing includes webs that connect the radially inner ring and the radially outer ring, and the webs are arranged at an acute angle to a circumferential direction. Openings axially extend through the bearing housing and are defined between the webs, the radially inner ring, and the radially outer ring. Adjacent ones of the webs extend in opposite directions from each other. |
| US09249829B2 |
Bearing assemblies, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same
Bearing assemblies, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. At least some of the superhard bearing elements may include a first end surface, a second end surface generally opposite the first end surface, a first side surface extending between the first end surface and the second end surface, a second side surface generally opposite the first side surface, and a bearing surface extending between the first end surface, the second end surface, the first side surface and the second side surface. Such superhard bearing elements may also include a ramped feature negatively sloping away from the bearing surface. The bearing assembly may further include a support ring that carries the plurality of superhard bearing elements. |
| US09249826B2 |
Inner cable for operation
A cable for operation with a complex stranded construction may include a core strand stranded with a plurality of element wires and a plurality of side strands on which a plurality of element wires are respectively stranded are stranded. A tightening percentage may be 4 to 11%. The pre-forming percentage may be 65 to 90%. The stranding length of the inner cable for operation is 9 to 18-fold against the outer diameter of the inner cable for operation and an angle of the element wires composing the side strand appearing at the outermost lay against an axis line of the inner cable is −3 degrees to 3 degrees. |
| US09249825B1 |
Bungee cord with interlocking hooks
Interlocking hook assemblies for elastic straps include an elastic member 500 including a pair of similar interlocking hook devices 100 connected to each end of elastic member 501. Each interlocking hook device 100, is provided with a connector 300 which is fixedly attached thereon. Each hook device can be connected, preferably in a locking manner, onto the other hook device creating a closed hook assembly thereby disabling the hooks to prevent entanglement of elastic or rigid straps when not in use or during storage and/or transportation. Multiple elastic straps 500 can be connected end-to-end forming an elongated elastic strap of desired length having closed central hooks with open hooks on each end. Interlocking hook assemblies for elastic members include an elastic member with interlocking hook devices 900 including two similar interlocking hook devices 800 with a connector groove 801 and a catch feature 802 and elastic member 811. |
| US09249824B2 |
Locking nut for toilet seat
A locking nut includes a nut top, a nut middle, and a slip section. The nut top includes an integrally-formed bushing. The nut middle includes a threaded central bore suitable for threaded engagement on a threaded installation bolt, as well as a plurality of ratchet gears on an outer surface where each gear has a respective first slip surface and a first drive surface. The slip section includes a plurality of cantilevered posts having a respective free end, wherein on each post are formed a respective second slip surface and a second drive surface. When the slip section is rotated in a tightening direction, the slip section and the nut middle rotate together until a torque threshold is reached, where the second slip surfaces override the first slip surfaces to limit the applied torque. The locking nut includes structure to produce sound when the torque threshold has been reached. |
| US09249822B2 |
Screws
A screw comprises an enlarged head; a large diameter screw rod having one end extending from the enlarged head; a small diameter screw rod having one end extending from another end of the large diameter screw rod; another end of the small diameter screw rod being formed as a tip end; a first thread extending from the large diameter screw rod and the small diameter screw rod; and the first thread extending to the tip end of the small diameter screw rod. A diameter of the first thread on the large diameter screw rod is large than that of the first thread on the small diameter screw rod. A pitch of the first thread on the large diameter screw rod is smaller than or equal to that of the first thread on the small diameter screw rod. |
| US09249818B2 |
Shelving connector and method of manufacture
A compression lock on a connector for a shelving post has upper and lower, mating collar parts having distal ends encircling more than 180 degrees of the post but separated by a gap through which the post can pass. Each distal end has an axially extending projection with a rounded end and a recess adjoining the projection. The projections of one collar part mate with the recesses of the other collar part to interlock the collar parts around a compression sleeve and form a frusto-conical inner surface that wedges the a mating sleeve against the post to affix a shelf attached to the connector. A tab allows removal of a locking connector, with the connectors stamped out of sheet metal and bent into the frusto-conical shape. |
| US09249813B2 |
Clamp
A clamp includes first and second clamp members having first and second inner surfaces with first and second clamping surfaces and first and second hinge portions joined for pivoting movement about a first axis across a range of clamping positions. A fastener extends through first and second access bores of the first and second clamp members for threaded engagement with a nut. The first and second access bores are elongated to permit pivoting movement of the shaft portion with respect to each of the first and second clamp members. |
| US09249809B2 |
Fan
A fan includes a base and a nozzle mounted on the base. The base includes an impeller and a motor for driving the impeller to generate an air flow. The nozzle includes an air inlet, an air outlet, and an annular casing which defines a bore through which air from outside the fan is drawn by air emitted from the air outlet. An electrostatic precipitator is located within the bore of the nozzle for treating the air drawn through the bore. |
| US09249808B2 |
Fan module
A fan module includes a casing, a fan, and two vibration absorption assemblies. The casing has an accommodating space. The fan is located in the accommodating space and keeps a distance from the casing. Each of the two vibration absorption assemblies includes two first vibration absorption components and a second vibration absorption component. The two first vibration absorption components are respectively in contact with the fan and separated from the casing, respectively. The second vibration absorption component is connected with two first vibration absorption components and the casing, respectively. The first vibration absorption components and the second vibration absorption components are adapted for absorbing the vibration waves having different frequency ranges. |
| US09249806B2 |
Impeller and fluid pump
A fluid pump may include an electric motor having an output shaft driven for rotation about an axis and a pump assembly coupled to the output shaft. The pump assembly has a first cap and a second cap with at least one pumping channel defined between the first and second caps, and an impeller between the first and second caps. The impeller is driven for rotation by the output shaft of the motor and includes a plurality of vanes in communication with the at least one pumping channel. Each vane has a root segment and a tip segment and a line from a base of the root segment to an outer edge of the tip segment trails a line extending from the axis of rotation to the base of the root segment by an angle of between 0° and 30° relative to the direction of rotation of the impeller. |
| US09249800B2 |
Bypass directional control valve
A bypass directional control valve has a valve sleeve, and two sets of outlet ports on each of two axial sides of the inlet ports. The outlet and the inlet ports all are formed to be cylindrical holes, and a diameter of the inlet ports is greater than a diameter of the outlet ports. A valve sleeve, a spool, a fluid flow system and a method are all also disclosed. |
| US09249792B2 |
Bag in box beverage pump
A pump operated with compressed gas is disclosed herein. The pump has two separate cylinders which share a common wall. Pistons are attached to a common shaft that runs through the common wall. The pistons are disposed within each of the cylinders. The pistons divide the cylinders into gas and liquid chambers. The liquid chambers of the cylinder form a liquid system and are in fluid communication with the liquid inlet and outlet. The gas chambers of the cylinders form a gas system and are in communication with gas inlet and outlet. A manifold switching mechanism controls routing of compressed gas to either one of the gas chambers to operate the gas operated pump by way of a spool valve or a shuttle valve mechanism. The pump may also have an automatic shutoff valve which shuts off operation of the pump when liquid from a liquid source has been depleted. |
| US09249791B2 |
Air compressor having compact structure
An air compressor device includes a cylinder housing and a supporting plate. The air compressor further comprises a piston engaged in the cylinder housing and having a piston rod, a gear and an eccentric member attached to the supporting plate with a shaft. The eccentric member includes an eccentric pin coupled to the piston rod. A motor includes a protrusion engaged into an orifice of the supporting plate, with a spindle extended out of the protrusion and extended through the orifice of the supporting plate. The motor further includes a pinion attached to the spindle and engaged with the gear. The pinion includes an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the protrusion of the motor. |
| US09249789B2 |
Pipe pump system
Disclosed is an embodiment that introduces a novel system to pump fluids, or, gases or, semi-solids, or, solids, from one place to another. Conventionally, a motorized pump systems are used to pump any given fluid from one position to another, nonetheless, in this invention not only a new system of pumping fluids is so introduced, but, existing functions of a conventional motorized pumping systems are saliently augmented by the pipe pump system. The pipe pump functions basically, by a series of electromagnets, that are placed around a flexible and resilient tube, (a rubber tube, for instance), and when these said electromagnet arrangements are actuated, then, that causes the pipe pump to pump out fluids, by squeezing on the fluids, or gases, contained within. |
| US09249788B2 |
Electric fan
This electric fan has a rotation shaft that is provided rotatably with respect to a stator, a rotor yoke provided on the rotation shaft and formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape so as to cover the stator from a front surface, and a bracket that fixes the stator to a fan shroud and is formed so as to cover a rear surface of the stator, with a fan body provided so as to integrally rotate with the rotation shaft and the rotor yoke. The fan body has a fan boss formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape so as to cover the rotor yoke from a front surface, and a plurality of blades that is provided protruding radially from an outer circumferential surface of the fan boss. A first labyrinth portion is provided between an opening portion of the fan boss and the fan shroud. |
| US09249782B2 |
Snap ring retention assembly for a main shaft in a wind turbine
A retention assembly for securing a main rotor shaft in a wind turbine relative to a pillow block is provided. A main rotor shaft extends through a pillow block, and a ring groove is defined in an outer circumferential surface of the main rotor shaft axially offset from the pillow block. A snap ring is engaged within the ring groove, wherein the snap ring and ring groove are designed to achieve a design axial load capacity. |
| US09249781B2 |
Method for robust wireless wind turbine condition monitoring
A wind turbine condition monitoring system and method are disclosed where the wind turbines include a tower, a gearbox coupled to the tower, and turbine blades coupled to the gearbox. The monitoring system includes blade sensors coupled to the blades, a hub node coupled to the gearbox and a controller. The controller is in communication with the hub node and blade sensors, and determines blade positions based on blade sensor readings. The blade sensors and hub node can include multi-axis accelerometers. The controller can wirelessly communicate with the blade sensors directly or through the hub node. Using position information, shadowing areas with obstructed communication can be avoided, node separation can be accounted for to reduce power requirements and/or interference from multiple transmitters can be avoided during node communications. |
| US09249778B2 |
Vertical wind power generator
The present invention relates to a vertical axis turbine rotor blade arrangement for a wind power generator adapted to rotate around a vertical axis. The vertical axis turbine rotor blade arrangement comprises a rotor blade having a first and a second end and being pivotally connected to a pivot arm. The pivot arm has a first and a second end and is pivotally connected to a base member. The rotor blade is adapted to be displaced between an active position and a retracted position. The base member and the pivot arm defines a horizontal plane when the rotor blade is in the active position, the base member is rotatable around a pole, the pole is configured to extend in a first direction. |
| US09249774B2 |
Spark plug fouling detection for ignition system
A method for determining a level of spark plug fouling and providing an indication to change the spark plugs of an ignition system is provided. The method includes providing a dwell command on a control wire of an ignition system and generating an indication of a recommendation to change a spark plug of the ignition system based upon a current on the control wire. |
| US09249770B2 |
Engine starter
The engine starter includes: a starter motor; a pinion unit (30) for sliding in an axial direction on an output shaft of the starter motor; and a ring gear (100) which meshes with a pinion pushed out by a push-out mechanism (60) and receives a transmission of a rotational force of the starter motor to thereby start an engine, and the pinion portion (30) includes a pinion gear divided in the axial direction into two pinion gears which are a first pinion gear (35) having a protruded shape for synchronization, for first colliding with the ring gear upon start of meshing with the ring gear, and a second pinion gear (34) for serving to transmit the rotational force after the meshing. |
| US09249766B2 |
Fuel injector and fuel injection device using the same
A fuel injector includes a valve body moved together with a movable core and opening an injection port, and an elastic-force applying portion being elastically deformable according to a movement of the valve body to apply an elastic force to the valve body in a valve-closing direction. An elastic coefficient of the elastic-force applying portion is set to meet a condition that Ffc−Ffo≦L×K. In this case, a fuel-pressure valve-closing force of when the valve body is closed is referred to as Ffc, and the fuel-pressure valve-closing force of when the valve body is completely opened is referred to as Ffo. A movement distance of the valve body from a time point that the valve body is closed to a time point that the valve body is completely opened is referred to as L. The elastic coefficient is referred to as K. |
| US09249765B2 |
Intake manifold
An intake manifold includes plural intake pipes, a distribution portion connecting to the plural intake pipes and guiding fluid at an inside of the distribution portion to the plural intake pipes and a first protruding portion providing at least a same number of the plural intake pipes at the inside of the distribution portion, the first protruding portion being directed to the corresponding intake pipes. |
| US09249763B2 |
Hollow plastic piece
A hollow plastic part may include at least two plastic shells connected with one another at a respective edge along at least one joining plane. Each plastic shell may have at least a first component and a second component, wherein the plastic of the first component may have a lower melting temperature than the plastic of the second component. The first component may extend on at least one plastic shell in a caterpillar-like manner along at least part of the respective edge of the second component of this plastic shell. |
| US09249762B2 |
Evaporated fuel treatment apparatus
In an evaporated fuel treatment apparatus mounted laterally, in order to effectively utilize adsorbent of an upper portion in an adsorption chamber of the evaporated fuel treatment apparatus, the evaporated fuel treatment apparatus comprises: one or more adsorption chambers filled with the adsorbent that adsorbs and desorbs evaporated fuel generated in a fuel tank; a tank port; a purge port; and an atmosphere port, and in the evaporated fuel treatment apparatus, a first filter is provided in a boundary portion between the adsorption chamber located closest to the tank port and the tank port, and an amount of gas, having flowed in the adsorption chamber from the tank port, passing through an upper portion of the first filter is made larger than that of the gas passing through a lower portion thereof. |
| US09249756B2 |
Assembly for an aircraft turbojet engine comprising a thrust reversal cowl
The invention relates to an assembly for a turbojet engine which includes a pylon (1) and a nacelle supported by said pylon (1). Said nacelle (3) includes a grid thrust reverser (21) including an integral cowl mounted so as to slide on rails (15), which are arranged on both sides of said pylon (1), between a direct jet position and a thrust reversal position. Said assembly is characterized in that it includes means (23, 31) for blocking the sliding movement of the cowl on the rails (15), said means being inserted between the pylon (1) and the cowl. |
| US09249750B2 |
System and method for controlling fuel injection when an engine is automatically started to decrease an engine startup period
A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a stop-start module and a fuel control module. The stop-start module stops an engine and thereby interrupts an engine cycle when a driver depresses a brake pedal while an ignition system is on and the engine is idling. The stop-start module restarts the engine when the driver releases the brake pedal. The fuel control module, when the engine is restarted, selectively injects fuel into a cylinder of the engine as the cylinder completes the interrupted engine cycle based on an amount of crankshaft rotation corresponding to a difference between a position of a piston in the cylinder when the piston is stopped and top dead center. |
| US09249746B2 |
System and method for engine control using pre-chamber ignition
A system and method are disclosed for controlling an engine using pre-chamber ignition. According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the system includes a pre-chamber ignition system in communication with a combustion cylinder of the engine. The ignition system includes a pre-chamber having a pre-chamber injector, an igniter, and a pre-chamber port structured to introduce a purge gas into the pre-chamber. The system further includes an exhaust gas recirculation system to dilute a main charge introduced into the cylinder. The ignition system improves engine efficiency and lowers emissions. |
| US09249744B2 |
Method for operating an engine
A method for operating an engine comprises introducing a first fuel, a second fuel and an oxidant into a first engine cylinder and a second engine cylinder; monitoring a plurality of engine parameters; and adjusting a quantity of one of the first fuel, the second fuel, and the oxidant introduced to the first engine cylinder to be different from a quantity of one of the first fuel, the second fuel, and the oxidant introduced to the second engine cylinder based at least one of the plurality of monitored engine parameters. |
| US09249741B2 |
Engine automatic stopping device and engine automatic stopping method
An internal combustion engine (2) of a vehicle (1A, 1B) is automatically stopped when a first automatic stopping condition is established while the vehicle is stationary or a second automatic stopping condition is established while the vehicle travels. The first automatic stopping condition requires a road gradient equal to or smaller than a first gradient threshold, and the second automatic stopping condition requires the road gradient equal to or smaller than a second gradient threshold. By setting the second gradient threshold at a smaller value than the first gradient threshold, a feeling of unease experienced by a driver when the engine is stopped on a slope is reduced. |
| US09249734B2 |
Combustor
A combustor includes an upstream surface that extends radially across at least a portion of the combustor, a downstream surface that extends radially across at least a portion of the combustor and is axially separated from the upstream surface, and a plurality of tubes that extend through the downstream surface. A resonator is upstream from at least one of the tubes, and a fluid passage extends through the resonator and into the least one tube. |
| US09249727B2 |
Retractable bird and debris deflector for an aircraft jet engine
A retractable deflector to deflect birds and debris from an air intake duct of an aircraft jet engine. The duct has a forward opening for air receipt. The deflector includes a plurality of elongate members disposed on the duct in spaced relation to each other, each member having two end segments and a central segment disposed between the two end segments; and a plurality of guiding members, each mounted for movement along the perimeter of the duct and coupled to one end segment of an elongate member. The central segment of each elongate member extends between a pair of guiding members such that the elongate member is movable by a respective pair of guiding members between a retracted position and a deployed position in front of the duct. When in the deployed position, the central segments are situated to impede the ingress of debris into the duct. |
| US09249726B2 |
Muffler insert for motor vehicles and method for producing same
A muffler insert for motor vehicles, in particular for passenger cars and motor trucks, in the form of a shaped material made from glass fiber material, has a wound continuous glass fiber material which includes a textured glass fiber. When producing the muffler insert the glass fiber material is wound around a carrier in order to form a shaped material, and this shaped material is used as a muffler insert, if appropriate after further processing steps. |
| US09249725B2 |
Engine unit of motorcycle
A plurality of cylinders are disposed in parallel in a vehicle width direction, a clutch chamber is disposed in either one of the right and the left in the vehicle width direction, an intake manifold, a fuel injection device, a throttle body, and an intake pipe are disposed between a cylinder assembly and an air cleaner in an upper part of a crankcase assembly. The throttle body is disposed on an opposite side in the vehicle width direction of the clutch chamber. |
| US09249721B2 |
Turbocharger turbine wastegate mechanism
An assembly can include a turbine housing that includes a bore, a wastegate seat and a wastegate passage that extends to the wastegate seat; a bushing configured for receipt by the bore; a rotatable wastegate shaft configured for receipt by the bushing; a wastegate plug extending from the wastegate shaft; a control arm operatively coupled to the wastegate shaft; a control linkage operatively coupled to the control arm where the control linkage includes a control axis; an actuator operatively coupled to the control linkage for translation of the control linkage in a direction of the control axis; and a biasing mechanism operatively coupled to the control linkage where the biasing mechanism applies an off-axis force to the control linkage. Various other examples of devices, assemblies, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US09249715B2 |
Air cooled engine and engine-powered work tool
An air-cooled engine includes a cylinder provided with a plurality of cooling fins at an outer peripheral surface of the cylinder, a cooling fan, a cylinder cover covering the cylinder, an air guide plate, and an air guide portion. The air guide plate is positioned between an inner surface of the cylinder cover and the fins. The cooling fan generates cooling air stream for cooling the cylinder, and the air guide plate is configured to guide the cooling air stream to flow through a space between the inner surface of the cylinder cover and the fins. A first small space is defined between the air guide plate and the inner surface of the cylinder cover. The air guide portion covers at least a part of the first small space at an upstream side of the air guide plate in the axial direction of the drive shaft. |
| US09249709B2 |
Device for providing a liquid reducing agent and motor vehicle having the device
A device for providing liquid reducing agent includes a tank with an interior space and a vessel disposed at least partially in the interior space of the tank. The vessel is at least partially surrounded on the outside by a filter having a filter surface and a filter depth. A delivery unit disposed in the vessel is configured to deliver reducing agent from the tank, through the filter and to an extraction point for reducing agent. A motor vehicle having the device is also provided. |
| US09249700B2 |
Oil pump unit with variable flow rate
An oil pump unit with a variable flow rate includes: an oil pump having an intake port and a discharge port and accommodating a pump rotor; and an oil path switching valve having oil inlets and oil outlets and opening/closing oil pressure return holes communicating with the discharge port, in which the oil path switching valve and the oil pump are separately disposed, the intake port and the discharge port are open to valve-mounting surfaces formed at the oil pump, and oil inlets and the oil outlet are open to body-mounting surfaces matching with the valve-mounting surfaces of the oil path switching valve. |
| US09249698B2 |
Compression relief brake reset mechanism
An engine compression braking system having a rocker lever and reset valve assembly to operate an engine in both normal power and braking modes while effectively controlling opening and closing of the exhaust valve for compression braking. The reset valve assembly includes a reset pin mounted in a passage of the rocker arm and movement of the reset pin in the compression mode of braking is controlled by contact of the reset pin with a support shaft which the rocker arm rotates around. |
| US09249697B2 |
Device for a valve train for changing the lift of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a device for a valve train for changing the lift of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine, having a camshaft rotatably mounted in a housing, which camshaft consists of an arrangement of, in succession coaxially from the inside to the outside, at least one push rod, at least one carrier shaft and at least one cam unit provided with at least two different cams and at least one thrust pin, and the cam shaft is surrounded at least partially by at least one shift gate mounted non-rotatably and axially movably in the housing. At least one change-over pin and at least one support pin are immovably connected to the push rod, wherein the change-over pin and the support pin extend in openings at least right through the carrier shaft and the change-over pin can be brought into operative contact with at least one switching contour on the shift gate and the support pin can be brought into operative contact with at least one support contour on the shift gate. |
| US09249694B2 |
Radial camshaft pressure medium transfer
A camshaft unit includes a camshaft having a radial channel, a hydraulic phase setting device communicating with the radial channel for adjusting the phase length of the camshaft with respect to a crankshaft via hydraulic pressure medium and a pressure medium channel embodied as a solid cylinder head component. To transfer a pressure medium, at least one pressure medium transfer element is formed between the pressure medium channel and the radial channel. The pressure medium transfer element includes a ring channel including a ring channel opening extending in the peripheral direction of the ring channel and including a radial channel opening leading into a radial channel and opposite the ring channel opening. The pressure medium channel communicates with the radial channel via the ring channel opening and the radial channel opening. |
| US09249692B2 |
Camshaft and associate manufacturing method
The invention relates to a camshaft for an internal combustion engine with a shaft and at least one cam joined therewith, which is connected via a joining surface on the cam side with a joining surface on the shaft side. The joining surface on the cam side and alternatively or additionally the joining surface on the shaft side may be constructed such that they have a predefined roughness. Hereby, the friction between the shaft and the cam can be increased. The invention further relates to a cam for such a camshaft and a method for the manufacture of such a camshaft or respectively of such a cam. |
| US09249690B2 |
Energy generation system and method thereof
An energy generation system and method are presented for use in operating a heat engine. The energy generation method comprises: reducing a CO2 gas into CO and O2 gases; reacting said CO and O2 gases, thus combusting the CO gas, and yielding a substantially pure CO2 outlet gas; and supplying said CO2 outlet gas to the heat engine as a working gas in its heat-to-work generation process. |
| US09249686B2 |
Housing and turbomachine
A housing for a turbomachine includes a peripheral wall delimiting an annular space and a fluid conveying system for redirecting a partial flow of a main flow, which has an axial channel, a front annular channel and a rear annular channel in fluid connection with the axial channel and having a front annular space opening and a rear annular space opening. The fluid conveying system has a front valve device and a rear valve device controllable independently of the front valve device, for opening and closing the annular space openings, and an outlet opening for tapping the partial flow from the fluid conveying system. In the closed state of the rear annular space opening, the partial flow is directable through the rear annular channel and, in the closed state of the front annular space opening, the partial flow is directable through the front annular channel. |
| US09249682B2 |
Steam turbine power plant
Disclosed is a steam turbine power plant adapted to start operating very efficiently by highly accurate look-ahead control of a plurality of its startup constraints. The power plant includes a fundamental startup constraint prediction device 32 that calculates from a control input variable of the controller 12, 14 a prediction period about a fundamental startup constraint which is short in response time, a reference control input variables calculating device 33 that calculates such a reference control input variable of the controller 12, 14 as the value predicted and calculated by the fundamental startup constraint prediction device 32 will not exceed a limit value, other startup constraint prediction devices 35a, 35b each calculating a corresponding prediction period of data about desired one of other startup constraints from the prediction period of reference control input variables data, other control input variable calculating devices 36a, 36b each calculating corresponding other control input variables of the controller 12, 14 from the value predicted and calculated by the other startup constraint prediction device 35a, 35b, and a control signal output device 40, 41, 42 or 43 that outputs a command value to the controller 12, 14 in accordance with a value selected from the reference control input variable and the other control input variable. |
| US09249678B2 |
Transition duct for a gas turbine
A transition duct for a combustor of a gas turbine generally includes a transition duct having a frame at an aft end of the transition duct. The frame generally includes a downstream end, a radially outer portion, a radially inner portion opposed to the radially outer portion, a first side portion between the radially outer and inner portions, and a second side portion opposed to the first side portion. A slot in the first side portion of the frame may have a downstream surface adjacent to the downstream end of the frame. A heat shield having an inner surface, an outer surface and a plurality of spacers may extend generally outward from the heat shield inner surface such that the inner surface is adjacent to the slot downstream surface and the frame downstream end. |
| US09249674B2 |
Turbine rotor blade platform cooling
A platform cooling arrangement in a turbine rotor blade having a platform positioned between an airfoil and a root. The rotor blade, along a side that coincides with a pressure side of the airfoil, includes a pressure side of the platform includes a topside extending from an airfoil base to a pressure side slashface. The platform cooling arrangement includes: a main plenum residing just inboard of the topside in the pressure side of the platform, the main plenum extending through the platform from an upstream end having an aft position to a downstream end having a forward position; and cooling apertures. Near the upstream end, the main plenum includes an aft switchback, and, between the aft switchback and the downstream end, a forward arc. Each of the cooling apertures extends from the main plenum to a port formed on the pressure side slashface. |
| US09249670B2 |
Components with microchannel cooling
A component includes a substrate having an outer surface, an inner surface and a tip. The inner surface defines at least one hollow, interior space. The outer surface defines one or more grooves, where each groove extends at least partially along the outer surface of the substrate and has a base. The component further includes a coating disposed over at least a portion of the outer surface of the substrate. The coating includes at least a structural coating that extends over the groove(s), such that the groove(s) and the structural coating together define one or more channels for cooling the component. The tip comprises a tip cap enclosing the hollow, interior space(s), and a tip rim disposed at a radially outer end of the substrate. The tip rim at least partially defines at least one discharge channel in fluid communication with at least one cooling channel. |
| US09249668B2 |
Airfoil with break-way, free-floating damper member
An airfoil includes an airfoil body that has a leading edge and a trailing edge and a first sidewall and a second sidewall that is spaced apart from the first sidewall. The first sidewall and the second sidewall join the leading edge and the trailing edge and at least partially define a cavity in the airfoil body. A damper member is enclosed in the cavity and is free-floating within the cavity. |
| US09249665B2 |
Turbine aperture cap system
Systems and devices adapted to reduce disturbances and windage effects in a turbine during operation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a cap includes: a body portion having a shape complementary to an aperture in a turbine component, the body portion including an external surface which substantially covers the aperture; and a cap groove formed in a circumferential surface of the body portion, the cap groove configured to substantially align with a component groove formed in the aperture. |
| US09249661B2 |
Apparatus and methods for determining commingling compatibility of fluids from different formation zones
An apparatus and a method including exposing a first fluid to a pre-filter, observing the first fluid, introducing a second fluid to the first fluid, exposing the first and second fluids to a filter, and observing the first and second fluids wherein the observing the first fluid and observing the first and second fluids comprise optical measurements and the first fluid comprises material from a subterranean formation. Some embodiments may compare the optical measurements of the first fluid and the first and second fluids and/or estimate the first fluid's likelihood of forming precipitants with other fluids and/or the first fluid's asphaltene content. |
| US09249658B2 |
Downhole data communication and logging system
A logging system and method for use in a wellbore formed in an earth formation. A tubular conduit that extends from the surface into the wellbore is included in the system. The conduit includes a stabilizer with sensors to obtain data from the wellbore. A communication interface is used to communicate data from the stabilizer to the logging tool string. Also, a surface communication and control device, along with a telemetry device can be included in the system. The telemetry device could be used to send and receive data to and/or from the surface communication and control device, if needed. Also provided is a logging tool string that is capable of passing from a position within the conduit to a position outside the lower end of the conduit. In addition, a memory storage device used to and store data collected from the wellbore for further analysis and communication. |
| US09249657B2 |
System and method for monitoring a subsea well
A system for monitoring a subsea well is presented. The system includes the subsea well, where the subsea well includes a production tube, an annulus A co-axial to the production tube and positioned exterior to the production tube, an annulus B co-axial to the annulus A and positioned exterior to the annulus A, and a casing wall disposed between the annulus A and annulus B. Furthermore, the system includes a first sensor disposed on or about the production tube, the annulus A, the casing wall, or combinations thereof and configured to measure a first parameter. The system also includes a controller coupled to the subsea well and configured to analyze the first parameter measured by the first sensor and detect an anomaly in one or more components of the subsea well. Methods and non-transitory computer readable medium configured to perform the method for monitoring a subsea well are also presented. |
| US09249656B2 |
High precision locked laser operating at elevated temperatures
A system, method and apparatus for operating a laser at a downhole location is disclosed. A gas is configured to receive an output of a laser and to absorb a selected wavelength of the laser corresponding to a selected spectral line of the gas. A pressure device reduces broadening of the selected spectral line related to a temperature at the downhole location. A photodetector receives light from the gas chamber and provides a measurement related to the received light. A processor alters an operating parameter of the laser using the obtained measurement to operate the laser. |
| US09249655B1 |
Control system for a top drive
A top drive control system with a remote control having a processor and data storage connected to a torque pin sensor, a speed sensor, a remote control, which enables a user to actuate automatic remote rocking, drilling, orienting and making-up of a drill string using the top drive and provides simultaneous right hand and left hand torque applied to the drill string while simultaneously controlling speed of turning of the drill string. The top drive control system includes computer instructions for automated orienting of drill pipe, automated drilling with drill pipe and automated making-up of drill pipe into a drill string. |
| US09249653B1 |
Separator device
The disclosed downhole gas and solids separator employs centrifugal force for the downhole separation of gases and solids from a hydrocarbon production stream. The separator device generally includes an outer tube and an inner tube disposed within the outer tube. The disclosed separator further includes a flighting member disposed within the inner tube. The flighting member includes an inside diameter space that defines a cylindrical void space extending through the center portion of the flighting member. The disclosed separator also includes an outer annular space inside the outer tube. The outer annular space defines an annular void space between the exterior surface of the inner tube and the interior surface of the outer tube. |
| US09249652B2 |
Controlled fracture initiation stress packer
A method for selective placement, initiation and propagation of a hydraulically induced fracture in an open wellbore. |
| US09249644B1 |
Internal bidirectional tubing plug
A process of manufacturing a well closure apparatus and using it downhole by releasing components contained within the apparatus. The well closure apparatus is an internal bidirectional tubing plug that is adapted for insertion into a tubing string for sealing the tubing string internally while running the tubing into a fluid filled well. The tubing plug is comprised of a body having an inner surface with a recess or passage extending through the body from one end to the other. The recess holds petals and a keystone petal that are held within the recess by a cork and the cork is held in place by a nut. At depth, the tubing is filled with well fluid, the tubing plug is released at a predetermined hydraulic pressure, and the pieces of the releasing components are pumped to the bottom of the well or are circulated out of the well. |
| US09249641B2 |
Articulated wireline hole finder
The articulated wireline hole finder is a modular device which attaches to the bottom of a wireline logging tool-string to aid conveyance down irregular shaped and/or deviated boreholes which possess features such as ledges, washouts, and contractions, that might otherwise terminate full descent of the tool-string to the bottom of the borehole and thereby compromise the wireline data acquisition objectives. Elements of the articulated wireline hole finder may include a low friction roller nose assembly and spacer sub, an articulated spring joint, that transfers tool-string weight and directs lateral movement of the roller nose towards hole center, and a pair of five arm centralizers that possess a wide dynamic range. |
| US09249639B2 |
Drilling fluid diverting sub
A well drilling sub has a body with a threaded upper end for connection into a drill pipe string and a threaded lower end for connection and rotation with an earth boring bit. An axial passage in the body conveys drilling fluid to an outlet in the earth boring bit. Diverting nozzles in the body are in fluid communication with the axial passage. Each nozzle diverts and discharges a portion of the drilling fluid being pumped down the axial passage. Each diverting nozzle has a nozzle axis that points upward and outward and also at a oblique angle. The oblique angle lags a radial plane considering a direction of rotation of the body. |
| US09249638B2 |
Wellbore pressure control with optimized pressure drilling
A well system can include an accumulator in communication with a wellbore, whereby the accumulator applies pressure to the wellbore. A method of maintaining a desired pressure in a wellbore can include applying pressure to the wellbore from an accumulator in response to pressure in the wellbore being less than the desired pressure. Another well system can include a dampener in communication with a wellbore isolated from atmosphere, whereby the dampener mitigates pressure spikes in the wellbore. |
| US09249630B2 |
Downhole drilling assembly
A downhole stabilizer (5), such as a drill motor stabilizer, comprises at least one reaming means and/or reinforcing means (10). The present invention also relates to an assembly (30), such as a downhole drilling assembly (31), comprising at least one such stabilizer (5) and/or a drill bit (40,41) comprising a gauge bit (42) at or near a drilling end (45) thereof, and a connection means (46) for connecting the drill bit (40,41) to a drill motor assembly (60), wherein the drill bit gauge (42) comprises a substantially cylindrical portion having a length less than or equal to approximately 1.0 times the nominal bit diameter. The present invention also relates to a novel locking mechanism (80), such as a lock and key mechanism, to allow locking of a shaft (70′), e.g. a motor drive shaft (71′), through or together with a stabilizer (5′). |
| US09249628B2 |
Hybrid rolling cone drill bits and methods for manufacturing same
A rolling cone drill bit for drilling a borehole in earthen formations includes a bit body having a bit axis. In addition, the rolling cone drill bit includes a rolling cone cutter mounted on the bit body and having a cone axis of rotation. The cone cutter includes a cone body, a plurality of teeth arranged in a first inner row, and a plurality of inserts. Each insert is disposed within one tooth in the first inner row. |
| US09249623B2 |
Low-power architectural covering
An architectural covering is provided. The architectural covering includes: shade material; the shade material operatively connected to a motor unit such that movement of the motor unit causes movement of the shade material; the motor unit comprising a DC motor and a shaft connected to the DC motor; a power supply unit electrically connected to the motor unit; a controller unit electrically connected to the motor unit, the controller unit having a microprocessor; and a rotation detector configured to detect rotation of the motor unit and upon detection of rotation of the motor unit transmit a signal to the microprocessor, wherein the microprocessor of the controller unit is configured to power an encoder unit in response to determination of manual movement of the shade material. A motor and control unit for an architectural covering may be provided. |
| US09249622B1 |
Garage door track with inwardly hemmed sidewall, and reinforcing ribs to reduce the incidence of rollout
An improvement in garage door tracks which includes placing an inwardly pressed hem on the distal ends of the sections of track which surround the gap by which wheels from a garage door are placed into a track chamber. The hems on the distal end provide increased strength and a safer smoother edge. The inward hemming also does not interfere with the roller wheels of the garage door. This further solves the problem of track failure and bulge or crimping and causes less stress on the garage door track. A further innovation is to have strengthening ribs at different locations on the garage door track to provide further strength to the garage door track. A further innovation is to provide strengthening ribs at different locations on the garage door track to provide further strength to the garage door track. |
| US09249619B2 |
Window covering
A window covering includes a headrail, a bottom rail, a shading member, two pulley assemblies, a car, a control cord, and a transmission cord. The shading member is between the headrail and the bottom rail. The pulley assemblies and the car are received in the headrail, and the car is free for reciprocation. The control cord runs around one of the pulley assemblies and the car, and then going out of the headrail to be pulled or released by a user. The transmission cord has a main section and two branch sections, wherein the main section runs around the other one of the pulley assemblies and the car, and the branch sections go out of the headrail to be connected to the bottom rail. |
| US09249618B2 |
Double pleat cellular shade with vanes
A covering for an architectural opening is provided. The covering may include a head rail, an end rail, and a cellular panel operably connected between the head rail and the end rail. The cellular panel may include at least one cellular unit. Each cellular unit may include a primary cell having a first side and a second side. In one configuration, the first side has a single crease, and the second crease has three creases. A vane may be operably connected to the primary cell and extend around at least a portion of a side of the primary cell. |
| US09249616B2 |
Shower door jamb seal
A wall jamb for a showering enclosure includes a plurality of legs configured to receive the shower door panel therebetween, a base connecting the plurality of legs such that the wall jamb is generally U-shaped, and a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed at an exterior surface of the base. The pressure sensitive adhesive is configured to adhere to a wall of the showering enclosure. The plurality of legs and the base are formed of a resilient material. |
| US09249605B2 |
Door lock apparatus
A door lock apparatus includes: a latch mechanism; a lock mechanism having a link that can move the latch mechanism to an unlock position and a lock position, and a lock plate that moves the link; a key-operation-force transfer mechanism that transfers an operation force of a key cylinder to the lock plate of the lock mechanism; and a housing in which at least the lock mechanism and the key-operation-force transfer mechanism are accommodated. The door lock apparatus further includes a positioning portion and an engaging portion that position the key-operation-force transfer mechanism in a neutral state corresponding to a neutral position of the key cylinder with respect to the housing. |
| US09249602B1 |
Key with integrated attachment device
A key comprises a key blade, a key handle integral with one end of the key blade and forming a portion of a carabiner that includes a generally C-shaped portion integral with said key blade, and a latching element having a first end pivotably attached to a first open end of the C to permit pivoting movement of said latching element between open and closed positions, and a second end overlapping the second open end of the C when said latching element is in said closed position, to limit the pivoting movement of the latching element. In one implementation, the key includes a biasing spring that urges said latching element toward said closed position. |
| US09249590B2 |
Fluid flow deflector assemblies principally for connection to sweep tail hoses of automatic swimming pool cleaners
Detailed are fluid flow deflectors principally for use with sweep tail hoses of automatic swimming pool cleaners. The deflectors do not function principally on gravitational forces and need not necessarily employ flexible components or attachments for purposes of effecting deflection. Instead, the deflectors may be rigid and continually position a fixed obstacle in a central portion of a fluid stream. Perforations in a rigid wall, moreover, draw fluid into the deflectors, creating a greater volume of exiting stream when an associated pool cleaner is underwater. |
| US09249586B2 |
Tile installation guide and related method
Various embodiments provide apparatuses and methods for installing tile with a tile installation guide. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a tile installation guide including a guide body having a polygonal outer surface and an opening configured to surround a non-polygonal element, wherein a thickness of the guide body is substantially equivalent to a thickness of a tile for which the guide is used. |
| US09249583B2 |
Easy to install and remove tile system
An easy-to-install and remove flooring system comprises three components: 1) a plurality of rolled-out liners, 2) a plurality of tiles, particularly resilient tiles, and 3) an adhesive adhering the tile to the liner. A grid pattern matching the size of the tiles is printed on the liner to enable easy centering and balancing of the tile in the room. The edge portions of adjacent liners are adjacent or overlapped. At least some of the tiles are adhered to two of the liners. |
| US09249579B2 |
Kit for stone veneer panel installation
A kit for securing stone veneer panels to a structure, the kit comprising a plurality of stone veneer panels with upper and lower flanges, a plurality of brackets for securing the panels to the structure and a filler panel for placement between adjacent vertically disposed stone veneer panels to fill the gap between the panels. The brackets are secured to the structure through a bracket center mount and also utilize upper and lower wing walls to form a channel for receipt of the flange of the panels. |
| US09249575B2 |
Rebar centralizer
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for centralizing rebar in a shaft are provided. The systems include a rebar centralizer system comprising a first ring and a second ring configured to be positioned in an angular relationship with each other. The first and second rings are configured to at least partially intersect so as to present at least one interior corner in which a section of rebar can be secured. |
| US09249572B2 |
Prefabricated shear wall system with integrated channels
Prefabricated wall segments for construction of buildings. The prefabricated wall segments are lightweight and easy to install and enable an improved ability to install electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems as well as insulation in both the vertical and horizontal direction. The prefabricated wall segments can be utilized in new construction as well as in preexisting structures without the need for specialty equipment or tools. |
| US09249569B2 |
Steel support profile for support structures of facades and conservatories
A steel support profile for support structures for facades or conservatories, in which a receiving channel for receiving mounting screws for the fixation of retaining profiles is formed by an outward-facing side wall of the steel support profile, and a support structure for facades and conservatories with a steel support profile, on which at least one facade element is fixed by a retaining profile fixed by mounting screws on the steel support profile in a sealed manner via inner and outer seals. An easily producible steel support profile and a support structure that allow greater opportunities for design, by a steel support profile in which the side wall is welded to a base profile, and a support structure with such a steel support profile. |
| US09249563B2 |
Mixer tap
A mixer tap is provided that includes: a lever; a temperature adjusting mechanism that enables adjusting a discharge water temperature by rotating the lever from side to side; a discharge amount adjustment mechanism that enables adjusting the discharge amount by rotating the lever back and forth; a side-to-side click mechanism that effects a side-to-side click feeling in association with rotation of the lever from side to side; and a back-and-forth click mechanism that effects a back-and-forth click feeling in association with rotation of the lever back and forth. In the mixer tap, a click feeling is varied depending on a lever back-and-forth position and/or a lever side-to-side position. The difference in the click feeling can provide a user with various items of information. This information allows the improvement of the convenience of the mixer tap. |
| US09249562B2 |
Water supply apparatus
The present invention provides a water supply apparatus capable of performing a backup operation, without lowering water supply capability, when a failure has occurred in one control substrate due to surge or noise caused by lightning or due to lifetimes of various sensors, by switching to the other control substrate, and capable of reliably performing the backup operation by means of devices that prevent failure of the control substrates. The water supply apparatus (1) includes: a plurality of pumps (3); a plurality of inverters (INV) each configured to change and control a rotational frequency of a corresponding one of the plurality of pumps (3); and a plurality of control substrates (CN) configured to control the plurality of inverters (INV). When an abnormality occurs in one control substrate, other control substrate backs up the one control substrate to thereby allow the water supply apparatus to continue its operations. The one control substrate, the plurality of inverters (INV), and the other control substrate are connected in series by communication lines. A switch (SW1) for turning on and off a communication is provided on the communication lines. |
| US09249561B2 |
Anti-freeze faucet structure
An anti-freeze faucet structure contains: an outer pipe, an inner pipe, a control valve, a resilient element, a unidirectional sealing gasket, and a controlling assembly. The outer pipe includes an inlet, an outlet, an opening, an intake valve, and a channel, wherein the channel has plural inner threads. The inner pipe includes a connecting segment and a fitting segment opposite to the connecting segment, the fitting segment has a peripheral protrusion, and the peripheral protrusion has a plurality of outer threads screwing with the plural inner threads of the outer pipe. The control valve movably is fitted on the fitting segment to abut against and close the inlet; the resilient element is fixed in the inner pipe to push against the control valve; the unidirectional sealing gasket is fitted onto the inner pipe; and the controlling assembly is disposed on the opening of the outer pipe. |
| US09249559B2 |
Providing equipment in lateral branches of a well
First equipment is provided in a first lateral branch of a well, and second equipment in a second lateral branch of the well. Cross-lateral logging is performed using the first and second equipment in the corresponding first and second lateral branches. |
| US09249558B2 |
Hydraulic locking mechanism for securing teeth and tooth carrying adapters to excavating buckets of excavating equipment
A connection for firmly securing an adapter for carrying a digging tooth to a lip of an excavating container. The connection has substantially aligned openings in the adapter and the lip. A pressure applying unit, such as a hydraulic actuator, is arranged inside the opening and generates a generally horizontally acting force which draws the adapter and the lip towards each other. A stress member is operatively coupled to the hydraulic actuator and resiliently deforms relative to its relaxed shape when it is subjected to the horizontally acting force. The wedge is shaped so that upon a reduction or cessation of the horizontally acting force the stress member, remains in the resiliently deformed state in which it draws the adapter and the lip towards each other and keeps them immovably secured to each other until the wedge can be withdrawn following a repressurization of the hydraulic actuator. |
| US09249553B2 |
System and method for controlling and treating gas emanations inside a wastewater access shaft
The system makes it possible to control and treat gas emanations inside a wastewater access shaft. The system includes a cover with at least one pivoting part, which is normally closed, having a substantially horizontal rotation axis and able to allow solid and/or liquid matter falling onto the main upper surface of the cover to pass toward the bottom of the access shaft. The cover also includes a raised part that has at least one lateral wall and includes a plurality of orifices situated vertically above the main upper surface of the cover. The orifices define an outlet of a gas-emanations circuit formed between the underside and the top of the cover. An air filter is arranged across the circuit. The filter is moistened by a liquid that comes from a reservoir in order to treat the emanations. |
| US09249551B1 |
Concrete sheet pile clamp assemblies and methods and pile driving systems for concrete sheet piles
A clamp assembly for a pile driving system for driving a concrete sheet pile, the clamp assembly comprising a clamp body, a first clamp member supported relative to the clamp body, and a second clamp member supported for movement relative to the clamp body, and a bumper member. A clamp region is formed between the first and second clamp members. The bumper member is supported relative to the clamp body above the clamp region. The clamp body is configured such that the concrete sheet pile enters the clamp region from below. The second clamp member is displaced towards the first clamp member to engage the concrete sheet pile in the clamp region. The bumper member resiliently deforms to inhibit direct transmission of forces between the concrete sheet pile and the clamp body during driving of the concrete sheet pile. |
| US09249550B2 |
Method and apparatus for removing oil from a body of water
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for capturing and removing oil from a body of water with equipment using rod and film technology, which includes a streamlined oil tank that moves in the water and collects surface oil from an attached skimmer, arrays of inverted funnels lowered into the water to concentrate oil for removal, and containment tents to capture leaking fuel or cargo oil from a sunken ship or any underwater oil leak and channel it into a partially submerged rod and film storage tank at the surface. |
| US09249549B2 |
Electromagnetic boom and environmental cleanup application for use in conjunction with magnetizable oil
A method and system for efficient oil spill cleanup are disclosed. Inserting magnetic filings in the oil magnetizes the spilled oil. An electromagnetic boom associated with an oil spill cleanup apparatus are used to create a magnetic field proximate to the electromagnetic boom. The magnetic field draws the magnetized oil toward the boom. The magnetic field is periodically switched on and off to create a pumping effect and draws the magnetized oil to a collection apparatus. The electromagnetic boom is directed through the effected environment using a thruster on the distal end of the boom. |
| US09249548B1 |
Apparatus for reducing water evaporation and method therefor
A floating cover for a waterway has a plurality of tubular structures. The plurality of tubular structures is attached widthwise together and extends over an approximate width of the waterway to cover the waterway to prevent water in the waterway from evaporating. |
| US09249544B2 |
Road finisher, screed plate, and tamper bar comprising a heating element and method to manufacture the same
The present invention relates to a road finisher comprising a screed plate and/or a tamper bar and also to a screed plate and/or tamper bar comprising a heating layer applied by thermal spraying. |
| US09249542B2 |
Adzer machine having failsafe head assembly
A head assembly is provided for use with adzer machine. The head assembly may have a lift frame, and a cutting head rotationally connected to the lift frame. The head assembly may also have a skid, and a single-acting hydraulic cylinder connecting the skid to the lift frame. The head assembly may further have a spring connecting the skid to the lift frame. |
| US09249535B2 |
Washing machine and washing method
Provided are a washing machine and a washing method. The washing machine includes a cabinet, an outer tub disposed in the cabinet and provided with an opened top through which wash water is supplied into the outer tub, an inner tub that is disposed in the outer tub to receive laundry and rotates about a vertical axis, a base that supports the cabinet and stores the wash water that is splattered from the outer tub by rotation of the inner tub, and an electrode sensor that is disposed on the base to detect the wash water splattered out of the outer tub. |
| US09249530B2 |
Fiber preform architecture for composite articles and method of fabrication
A fiber preform architecture and method of making, including a plurality of fiber bands. Each band of the plurality of fiber bands is placed at a time, at a predetermined position and orientation, to generate an interwoven and interlocking pattern between the fiber bands. Each of the plurality of fiber bands is formed of a plurality of fiber tows, positioned side by side at a predetermined spacing to define one or more gaps between each tow in the fiber band and define a secondary based interleaving within each of the fiber bands. The plurality of fiber bands are interwoven in an in-plane and out-of-plane orientation by interleaving each of the plurality of fiber bands with one or more of the plurality of fiber bands previously laid down and not in a common plane. The plurality of fiber bands include three or more different orientation angles and provide uniformity in coverage. |
| US09249526B2 |
Diamond sensors, detectors, and quantum devices
A synthetic single crystal diamond material comprising: a first region comprising electron donor defects; a second region comprising quantum spin defects; and a third region between the first and second regions. The second and third regions have a lower concentration of electron donor defects than the first region. The first and second regions are sufficiently close to allow electrons to be donated from the first region to the second region, thus forming negatively charged quantum spin defects in the second and positively charged defects in the first region, and sufficiently far apart to reduce other coupling interactions between the first and second regions which would otherwise unduly reduce the decoherence time of the plurality of quantum spin defects and/or produce strain broaden of a spectral line width of the plurality of quantum spin defects in the second region. |
| US09249525B2 |
Ring-shaped resistance heater for supplying heat to a growing single crystal
A ring-shaped resistance heater for supplying heat to a growing single crystal, contains an upper and a lower ring, which are electrically conductively connected by means of a loop adjacent to a ring gap of one ring, such that the flow direction of electric current which is conducted through the rings is opposite in the rings; connecting elements which hold the upper and lower rings together in a spaced apart relationship; and current leads for conducting electric current through the upper and lower rings. |
| US09249522B2 |
Electrophoretic deposition of thin film batteries
Methods for forming three-layer thin-film battery (TFB) structures by sequential electrophoretic deposition (EPD) on a single conductive substrate. The TFBs may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. The sequential EPD includes EPD of a first battery electrode followed by EPD of a porous separator on the first electrode and by EPD of a second battery electrode on the porous separator. In some embodiments of a Li or Li-ion TFB, the separator includes a Li ion conducting solid. In some embodiments of a Li or Li-ion TFB, the separator includes an inorganic porous solid rendered ionically conductive by impregnation with a liquid or polymer. In some embodiments, the TFBs are coated and sealed with an EPDd PEEK layer. |
| US09249520B2 |
Thermal and electrochemical process for metal production
A system for purification of high value metals comprises an electrolytic cell in which an anode formed of a composite of a metal oxide of the metal of interest with carbon is electrochemically reduced in a molten salt electrolyte. |
| US09249517B2 |
Process for production of reduced glutathione
Provided is a superior method of producing reduced glutathione by electroreduction of oxidized glutathione. In a method of producing reduced glutathione by electroreduction of oxidized glutathione using a cathode cell and an anode cell separated from each other by a separating membrane, oxidized glutathione is produced using an aqueous oxidized glutathione solution with pH 2.0-3.0 comprising a conducting agent other than acid as a solution in the cathode cell. |
| US09249516B2 |
Application of oxygen scavengers to glycol systems
An oxygen scavenger composition is effective in reducing oxygen-induced corrosion in aqueous systems that contain water, oxygen and a significant proportion (at least about 20 wt %) of a glycol, such as monoethylene glycol (MEG). The oxygen scavenger composition contains a sulfite, a transition metal salt, and a stabilizer to enhance the kinetics of oxygen removal (scavenging). The oxygen scavenger composition is particularly suitable when the transition metal salt component includes at least two different transition metals together, such as Ni and Co, or Ni and Mn. |
| US09249511B2 |
Method for regenerating plating solution
The problem addressed by the present invention is to provide a method for facilitating the regenerating a waste plating solution as a plating solution. This method for regenerating an acidic waste plating solution containing, as ions, Fe and at least one plating metal element selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ni, Zn, Co, and Mn by removing Fe therefrom is characterized in having an addition step in which phytic acid is added to the waste plating solution to yield a phytic-acid-containing solution in which Fe ions are precipitated, and a removal step in which the precipitate is removed from the phytic-acid-containing solution to yield a regenerated plating solution. |
| US09249507B2 |
Chemical bath deposition (CBD) apparatus
A chemical bath deposition (CBD) apparatus includes a first cap, a second cap, and a solution input/output device. The second cap is arranged corresponding to the first cap so as to form a deposition space. The solution input/output device is located in the first cap so as to feed a solution into/out of the deposition space. The position of the solution input/output device is fixed, or the solution input/output device is movable in the deposition space. |
| US09249506B2 |
Compact organic vapor jet printing print head
A first device is provided. The first device includes a print head, and a first gas source hermetically sealed to the print head. The print head further includes a first layer further comprising a plurality of apertures, each aperture having a smallest dimension of 0.5 to 500 microns. A second layer is bonded to the first layer. The second layer includes a first via in fluid communication with the first gas source and at least one of the apertures. The second layer is made of an insulating material. |
| US09249505B2 |
Bis(trimethylsilyl) six-membered ring systems and related compounds as reducing agents for forming layers on a substrate
A first compound having an atom in an oxidized state is reacted with a bis(trimethylsilyl) six-membered ring system or related compound to form a second compound having the atom in a reduced state relative to the first compound. The atom in an oxidized state is selected from the group consisting of Groups 2-12 of the Periodic Table, the lanthanides, As, Sb, Bi, Te, Si, Ge, Sn, and Al. |
| US09249503B2 |
Method for double-side vacuum film formation and laminate obtainable by the method
The film formation method comprises the steps of: unrolling and feeding an elongated substrate wound in a roll form from a first roll chamber in a first direction from the first roll chamber toward a second roll chamber, using a first surface as a surface for film formation; degassing the substrate fed in the first direction; forming a second material film on the first surface of the substrate in a second film formation chamber; taking up the substrate in a roll form in the second roll chamber, the substrate having the second material film formed thereon; unrolling and feeding the substrate from the second roll chamber in a second direction from the second roll chamber toward the first roll chamber; forming a first material film on the second material film in a first film formation chamber; taking up the substrate in a roll form in the first roll chamber. |
| US09249502B2 |
Method for high volume manufacture of electrochemical cells using physical vapor deposition
Embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatuses and methods for fabricating electrochemical cells. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a single chamber configurable to deposit different materials on a substrate spooled between two reels. In one embodiment, the substrate is moved in the same direction around the reels, with conditions within the chamber periodically changed to result in the continuous build-up of deposited material over time. Another embodiment employs alternating a direction of movement of the substrate around the reels, with conditions in the chamber differing with each change in direction to result in the sequential build-up of deposited material over time. The chamber is equipped with different sources of energy and materials to allow the deposition of the different layers of the electrochemical cell. |
| US09249501B2 |
Surface correction on coated mirrors
A mirror (1) for a microlithography projection exposure apparatus including a substrate (3) and a reflective coating (5). A functional coating (11) between the substrate (3) and the reflective coating (5) has a local form variation (19) for correcting the surface form of the mirror (1), wherein the local form variation (19) is brought about by a local variation in the chemical composition of the functional coating (11) and wherein a thickness of the reflective coating (5) is not changed by the local variation in the chemical composition of the functional coating (11). The local variation in the chemical composition of the functional coating (11) can be brought about by bombardment with particles (15), for example with hydrogen ions. |
| US09249498B2 |
Forming memory using high power impulse magnetron sputtering
Forming memory using high power impulse magnetron sputtering is described herein. One or more method embodiments include forming a resistive memory material on a structure using high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HIPIMS), wherein the resistive memory material is formed on the structure in an environment having a temperature of approximately 400 degrees Celsius or less. |
| US09249497B2 |
Ni alloy sputtering target, Ni alloy thin film and Ni silicide film
Provided is a Ni alloy sputtering target containing Pt in an amount of 5 to 30 at %, and one or more components selected from V, Al, Cr, Ti, Mo, and Si in a total amount of 1 to 5 at %, wherein the remainder is Ni and unavoidable impurities. The present invention is able to increase the low pass-through flux (PTF), which is a drawback of a Ni—Pt alloy having high magnetic permeability, increase the erosion area of the target which tends to be small as a result of the magnetic field lines being locally concentrated on the surface of the target during sputtering, and inhibit the difference between the portion where erosion is selectively advanced and the portion where erosion does not advance as much as the erosion progresses. |
| US09249493B2 |
Organic layer deposition apparatus and method of manufacturing organic light-emitting display apparatus by using the same
An organic layer deposition apparatus including: a deposition source configured to discharge a deposition material; a deposition source nozzle unit arranged at a side of the deposition source and including a plurality of deposition source nozzles; a patterning slit sheet facing the deposition source nozzle unit and including a plurality of patterning slits, the patterning slit sheet being smaller than the substrate in at least one of a first direction or a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a blocking member configured to be disposed between the substrate and the deposition source to block at least a portion of the substrate; and a heating member on the blocking member and configured to heat the blocking member, and the substrate is spaced apart from the organic layer deposition apparatus by a predetermined distance, and the substrate or the organic layer deposition apparatus is movable relative to the other. |
| US09249489B2 |
Method and system for manufacturing metal-plated steel pipe
A system and method for adjusting dipping time in a continuous steel pipe manufacturing line. The system manufactures a steel pipe of which inner and outer faces or any one face thereof is subjected to molten metal-plating from a steel sheet in a continuous manufacturing line, and includes an inner-face plating performing part for molten metal-plating by pouring molten metal to the upper side of the steel sheet corresponding to the inner face of the steel pipe, a steel pipe forming part that obtains a continuous steel pipe by continuously cold-forming the steel sheet subjected to the inner-face plating into a tubular shape and seam-welding a longitudinal end face joint portion of the steel sheet formed in the steel pipe, and an outer-face plating performing part for molten metal-plating by dipping the outer face of the steel pipe into the molten metal, in which a dipping length of the molten metal is adjusted in the inner-face plating performing part and/or the outer-face plating performing part. |
| US09249486B2 |
Profiled steel wire with high mechanical characteristics resistant to hydrogen embrittlement
A profiled wire, of NACE grade, made of low-alloy carbon steel intended to be used in the offshore oil exploitation sector is provided. The profiled wire includes the following chemical composition, expressed in percentages by weight of the total mass: 0.75<% C<0.95; 0.30<% Mn<0.85; Cr≦0.4%; V≦0.16%; Si≦1.40% and preferably ≧0.15%; and optionally no more than 0.06% Al, no more than 0.1% Ni and no more than 0.1% Cu, the balance being iron and the inevitable impurities arising from smelting the metal in the liquid state. The steel is obtained, from hot-rolled rod stock cooled down to room temperature, and then having a diameter of about 5 to 30 mm, by subjecting this starting rod firstly to a thermomechanical treatment comprising two successive steps carried out in order, namely an isothermal quench, giving it a homogeneous perlitic microstructure, followed by a mechanical transformation operation carried out cold with an overall degree of work-hardening (or reduction ratio) of between 50 and 80% at most, so as to give the wire its definitive shape, and in that the profiled wire thus obtained is then subjected to a restoration heat treatment of short duration carried out below Ac1 (preferably between 410 and 710° C.), giving it the desired final mechanical properties. |
| US09249483B2 |
Aluminum alloy material for storage container for high-pressure hydrogen gas
An object of the present invention is to provide a 6000-series aluminum alloy material for a high-pressure gas container which has both of resistance to hydrogen embrittlement and mechanical properties. In the aluminum alloy material for a high-pressure gas container, the contents of Fe, Mn and Cu fall within narrower ranges than the standard composition of AA6066 alloy. The aluminum alloy material is produced to have a structure in which a predetermined amount of fine dispersed particles are dispersed therein and coarse crystallized materials are small, and therefore strength and resistance to hydrogen embrittlement are improved, which are required for a high-pressure gas container. |
| US09249482B2 |
Nickel-chromium-alloy
A nickel chromium alloy with 0.4 to 0.6% carbon, 28 to 33% chromium, 15 to 25% iron, 2 to 6% aluminum, up to 2% silicon, up to 2% manganese, up to 1.5% niobium, up to 1.5% tantalum, up to 1.0% tungsten, up to 1.0% titanium, up to 1.0% zirconium, up to 0.5% yttrium, up to 0.1% nitrogen, remainder nickel, has a high oxidation and carburization stability, long-term rupture strength and creep resistance. This alloy is particularly suited as a material for components of petrochemical plants and for parts, for example tube coils of cracker and reformer furnaces, pre-heaters, and reformer tubes, as well as for use for parts of iron ore direct reduction plants. |
| US09249480B2 |
Method for producing alkali and alkaline earth alloys and use of the alkali and alkaline earth alloys
A method for producing alkali and alkaline earth alloys. It also relates to the use of the alkali and alkaline earth compositions. In order to create a novel method for producing alkali and alkaline earth alloys, it is proposed within the context of the invention that salts, hydroxides, alkoxides or oxides of alkali or alkaline earth compounds be mixed with salts, hydroxides, alkoxides or oxides of semi-metals, nonmetals or metals and then heated to at least 100° C., the salts, hydroxides, alkoxides or oxides of alkali or alkaline earth metals being present in a molar ratio of 1:1 or in excess thereof in relation to the salts, hydroxide, alkoxides or oxides of the semi-metals, nonmetals or metal. Surprisingly, it was found within the context of the invention that by mixing salts, hydroxides, alkoxides or oxides of alkali or alkaline earth compounds with salts, hydroxides, alkoxides or oxides of semi-metals or metals from the 3rd or 4th main group and subsequent heating, alkali or alkaline earth alloys can be produced. |
| US09249479B2 |
Method for producing sodium tungstate, method for collecting tungsten, apparatus for producing sodium tungstate, and method for producing sodium tungstate aqueous solution
Provided are a method for producing sodium tungstate by supplying an oxidant made of sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite to bring a tungsten containing material and the oxidant into contact with each other in an atmosphere containing oxygen to thereby continuously produce a reaction product; a method for collecting tungsten using the method; and an apparatus for producing sodium tungstate. Also provided are a method for producing a sodium tungstate aqueous solution in which a reductant is introduced into a melt containing the above-described reaction product which is then dissolved in water; and a method for collecting tungsten using the method. |
| US09249476B2 |
Rolling bearing
In the rolling bearing of the present invention, at least one of the bearing rings is obtained by applying a induction heat treatment to a spheroidizing annealed steel material having a DI value of 1.0 or more to form a hardened layer having a hardness of 550 HV or more on at least a raceway surface and a fitting surface, and in the induction heat-treated bearing ring, (A) an average retained austenite amount is 12 vol % or less, (B) the raceway surface has a retained austenite amount of 12 vol % or more and a residual compressive stress of −100 MPa or less, and (C) a difference between a hardness of the raceway surface and a minimum hardness of a region having a hardness of less than 550 HV is 150 HV or more. |
| US09249474B2 |
Consolidated pretreatment and hydrolysis of plant biomass expressing cell wall degrading enzymes
Methods for consolidated pretreatment and hydrolysis of genetically engineered plants expressing cell wall degrading enzymes are provided. Expression cassettes and vectors for making transgenic plants are described. Plants engineered to express one or more cell wall degrading enzymes using expression cassettes and vectors of the invention are also provided. |
| US09249473B2 |
Compositions and methods for the identification of inhibitors of retroviral infection
Methods of identifying inhibitors of retroviral propagation, tRNA used in the methods, and kits, including the tRNA, which can be used in the methods, are disclosed. Methods of treating or preventing retroviral infections by administering an effective amount of the inhibitors, and pharmaceutical compositions including the inhibitors, are also disclosed. The methods involve forming a mixture comprising a linear sequence of a tRNA anticodon stem loop fragment that is not capable of forming a stem-loop, a target nucleic acid molecule capable of binding to the tRNA anticodon stem loop fragment, and a test compound. The mixture is incubated under conditions that allow binding of the tRNA anticodon stem loop fragment and the target nucleic acid molecule in the absence of the test compound. Assays can then be performed that detect whether or not the test compound inhibits the binding of the tRNA anticodon stem loop fragment and the target nucleic acid molecule. |
| US09249469B2 |
Complex sets of miRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers for colon cancer
The present invention relates to non-invasive methods, kits and means for diagnosing and/or prognosing of colon cancer in a body fluid sample from a subject. Further, the present invention relates to set of polynucleotides or sets of primer pairs for detecting sets of miRNAs for diagnosing and/or prognosing of colon cancer in a body fluid sample from a subject. In addition, the present invention relates to sets of miRNAs for diagnosing and/or prognosing of colon cancer in a body fluid sample from a subject. |
| US09249468B2 |
Methods and materials related to ovarian cancer
Described herein are methods for diagnosing ovarian cancer. In particular, certain microRNAs are useful to the response to chemotherapy of ovarian cancer patients. |
| US09249466B2 |
Methods and compositions for treating cancer
We describe a method of determining whether a cancer cell is likely to be resistant to treatment by an mTOR inhibitor. The method may comprise detecting PPP2R2B (GenBank Accession Number: NM_18167) in or of the cell. It may, alternatively, or in addition, comprise detecting PDK1 (GenBank Accession Number: NM_002613), in or of the cell. The method may comprise detecting methylation of the PPP2R2B promoter in or of the cell. It may comprise detecting the expression and/or activity of PPP2R2B in or of the cell. It may comprise detecting PDK1 mediated Myc phosphorylation activity. Methods of choosing a treatment for an individual suffering from or suspected to be suffering from a cancer, determining whether an individual suffering from or suspected to be suffering from a cancer will respond to treatment by an mTOR inhibitor, increasing the sensitivity of a cancer cell to treatment by an mTOR inhibitor, for treating or preventing cancer in an individual suffering or suspected to be suffering from cancer are also provided. We further provide for a combination of an inhibitor of PDK1 expression and/or activity and an mTOR inhibitor for use in a method of treatment or prevention of cancer. |
| US09249465B2 |
Molecular markers for lung and colorectal carcinomas
Molecular markers for lung and colorectal carcinomas and methods of using them in blood sample assays are disclosed. The method comprises measuring the expression of the markers in a blood sample from a subject for detecting the presence and/or severity of lung and/or colorectal cancer, and for monitoring and/or assessing the prognosis of the subject's response to a cancer therapy. Also disclosed are kits for detecting, diagnosing, and/or monitoring lung or colorectal carcinomas. |
| US09249463B2 |
Treatment of disease
The invention relates to the use of angiogenin, or a fragment or variant thereof, to treat diseases or conditions characterised by neuronal injury or death, or axonal degeneration, especially neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The invention also describes a plurality of mutations of the human angiogenin gene which are associated with a neurodegenerative disease phenotype, and particularly a ALS phenotype. Also described is a method of assessing whether an individual is afflicted with, or generically predisposed to develop, a disease or condition characterised by neuronal injury or death, or axonal degeneration. |
| US09249456B2 |
Base specific cleavage of methylation-specific amplification products in combination with mass analysis
Methods, combinations and kits are provided for identifying the methylation state of a target nucleic acid molecule, the methylation state of a nucleotide locus in a target nucleic acid molecule, or for identifying the locus of one or more methylated or unmethylated nucleotides in a target nucleic acid molecule. Methylation state identification is performed by treating a methylated target nucleic acid molecule with a reagent that modifies one or more nucleotides in the target nucleic acid molecule as a function of the methylation state of the target nucleic acid molecule, methylation specifically amplifying treated target nucleic acid molecule, fragmenting amplified products, and detecting one or more fragments to thereby identify the methylation state of a target nucleic acid molecule, the methylation state of a nucleotide locus in a target nucleic acid molecule, or the locus of one or more methylated or unmethylated nucleotides in a target nucleic acid molecule. |
| US09249455B2 |
Methods for detection and quantification of small RNA
Disclosed are methods, kits, and components for detecting small RNA molecules, such as microRNA and siRNA, in a sample. The methods utilize primers and reporter molecules comprising non-natural bases. The disclosed kits may include one or more components for performing the disclosed methods. |
| US09249454B2 |
Screening methods of BMP/GDF signaling modulators using DRG11-responsive (DRAGON) proteins
This invention features methods and compositions useful for treating and diseases caused by a dysregulation of the BMP/GDF branch of the TGF-β signaling pathway. Also disclosed are methods for identifying compounds useful for such therapy. |
| US09249452B2 |
Method of detecting and assaying telomerase activity of telomerase bound by anti-telomerase antibodies
The invention is directed to methods for determining the level of telomerase reverse transcriptase activity in mammalian cells. The method comprises binding the telomerase reverse transcriptase obtained from the mammalian cells to a solid support by contacting the telomerase with an anti-telomerase antibody bound to a solid support and then measuring the level of activity of the bound telomerase in a reaction where the telomerase can extend a first primer to produce an extension product and qualitatively or quantitatively detecting the extension product. |
| US09249451B2 |
Resonance energy transfer assay with cleavage sequence and spacer
A molecular construct comprises a donor label, an acceptor label, a linker peptide disposed between the donor and the acceptor, the linker having a cleavage site sequence, and a flexible peptide spacer between at least one of (a) the donor and the cleavage site sequence and (b) the acceptor and the cleavage site sequence. The cleavage site sequence is a protease cleavage site, and the flexible spacer peptide is positioned and dimensioned to facilitate an electronic hop between the donor and acceptor label. |
| US09249450B2 |
Glutamate oxidase mutagenesis for diagnostic testing
The described invention provides a method of generating a catalytically active oxidase enzyme preparation. The described invention also provides a means of generating reagents for a protease detection sensor which can use colorimetric, fluorescent, or electrochemical detection. Further, the invention describes a system for a protease detecting sensor. |
| US09249449B2 |
Probe reagent for measurement of proteolytic activity
This invention relates to a probe reagent comprising, in order from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, the amino acid sequences of a fluorescent protein I, a peptide capable of terminating protein degradation (i.e., a degradation-terminating peptide), a spacer peptide, a fluorescent protein II, and a protein to be degraded, wherein the protein to be degraded is a protein degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and the probe reagent is degraded from the C-terminus, but that the degradation of the probe reagent is terminated at the degradation-terminating peptide, a nucleic acid encoding the probe reagent, and use of the probe reagent or the nucleic acid. |
| US09249444B2 |
Modulators of alpha-synuclein toxicity
Disclosed are genes that, when overexpressed in cells expressing alpha-synuclein, either suppress or enhance alpha-synuclein mediated cellular toxicity. Compounds that modulate expression of these genes or activity of the encoded proteins can be used to inhibit alpha-synuclein mediated toxicity and used to treat or prevent synucleinopathies such as Parkinson's disease. Also disclosed are methods of identifying inhibitors of alpha-synuclein mediated toxicity. |
| US09249440B2 |
Hydrogenase polypeptide and methods of use
Provided herein are polypeptides having hydrogenase activity. The polypeptide may be multimeric, and may have hydrogenase activity of at least 0.05 micromoles H2 produced min−1 mg protein−1. Also provided herein are polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, genetically modified microbes that include polynucleotides encoding one or more subunits of the multimeric polypeptide, and methods for making and using the polypeptides. |
| US09249439B2 |
Process of cultivating bacteria for yield improvement of capsular polyoses
The invention relates to optimization of culture conditions that utilizes different feed solutions and feeding strategies for improving capsular polyoses (CP) production. |
| US09249434B2 |
Production of high levels of DHA in microalgae using modified amounts of chloride and potassium
Methods for production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms, including the heterotrophic marine dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium, using low levels of chloride ion are disclosed. Specifically, methods of increasing production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms while growing in low chloride media by manipulating sodium ion and potassium ion levels. The invention also relates to methods of production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine organisms at low pH levels, and includes methods for generation of low pH tolerant strains. |
| US09249429B2 |
Microorganism having high squalene-producing ability, and method for producing squalene by means of same
Provided is a strain belonging to the genus Aurantiochytrium, the strain being characterized by there being at least 10 mass % of squalene in all the lipids produced by the strain, and by forming colonies exhibiting an orange-to-red color. |
| US09249427B2 |
Recombinant HCMV and RHCMV vectors and uses thereof
The present invention relates to recombinant rhesus cytomegalovirus (RhCMV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) vectors encoding heterologous antigens, such as pathogen-specific antigens or tumor antigens, which may be used, for example, for the treatment or prevention of infectious disease or cancer. The recombinant RhCMV or HCMV vectors elicit and maintain high level cellular immune responses specific for the heterologous antigen while including deletions in one or more genes essential or augmenting for CMV replication, dissemination or spread. |
| US09249426B2 |
Lentiviral vectors pseudotyped with mutant BaEV glycoproteins
The present invention concerns a pseudotyped viral vector particle for transferring biological material into cells, wherein said vector particle comprises at least:—a chimeric envelope glycoprotein which comprises or consists in a fusion of the transmembrane and extracellular domain of a baboon endogenous retrovirus (BaEV) envelope glycoprotein and the cytoplasmic tail domain of a murine leukemia virus (MLV) envelope glycoprotein; or—a modified BaEV envelope glycoprotein wherein the cytoplasmic tail domain is devoid of the fusion inhibitory R peptide. |
| US09249424B2 |
Intranasal delivery of AAV encoding therapeutic enzymes to the central nervous system for the treatment of lysosomal storage diseases
The invention provides a method to prevent, inhibit or treat one or more neurological symptoms associated with a lysosomal storage disease in a mammal in need thereof, which includes intranasally administering to the mammal a composition comprising an effective amount of a lysosomal storage enzyme or a recombinant adeno-associated virus vector comprising an open reading frame encoding a lysosomal storage enzyme. Also provided are compositions and devices useful in the methods. |
| US09249423B2 |
Method of de-differentiating and re-differentiating somatic cells using RNA
RNA prepared by in vitro transcription using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-generated template can be introduced into a cell to modulate cell activity. This method is useful in de-differentiating somatic cells to pluripotent, multipotent, or unipotent cells; re-differentiating stem cells into differentiated cells; or reprogramming of somatic cells to modulate cell activities such as metabolism. Cells can also be transfected with inhibitory RNAs, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA) or micro RNA (miRNA), or combinations thereof to induce reprogramming of somatic cells. For example, target cells are isolated from a donor, contacted with one or more RNA's causing the cells to be de-differentiated, re-differentiated, or reprogrammed in vitro, and administered to a patient in need thereof. The resulting cells are useful for treating one or more symptoms of a variety of diseases and disorders, for organ regeneration, and for restoration of the immune system. |
| US09249421B2 |
Artificial biological materials produced by self-assembly of photosynthetic unicells
Methods for the self-assembly of photosynthetic unicells into a multicellular shape are provided. DNA constructs as well as methods for integration of the DNA constructs into the genomes of photosynthetic unicells for the expression of cell wall proteins or cell adhesion molecules for the self-assembly of photosynthetic unicells into a multicellular shape are also disclosed. |
| US09249415B2 |
Complement component C5 iRNA compositions and methods of use thereof
The invention relates to iRNA, e.g., double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA), compositions targeting the complement component C5 gene, and methods of using such iRNA, e.g., dsRNA, compositions to inhibit expression of C5 and to treat subjects having a complement component C5-associated disease, e.g., paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. |
| US09249414B2 |
Oligonucleotide compounds comprising non-nucleotide overhangs
The invention relates to siRNA compounds comprising one non-nucleotide moiety covalently attached to at least one of the sense or antisense strands to down-regulate the expression of human genes. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and to methods of treating and/or preventing the incidence or severity of various diseases or conditions associated with the target genes and/or symptoms associated with such diseases or conditions. |
| US09249412B2 |
Simplified method for partial genetic and epigenetic reprogramming of cells using siRNA specific for a heterochromatin protein 1
A method of partial, rapid and direct genetic and epigenetic reprogramming of biological cells without returning to the embryonic state can partially reprogram a cell to be treated to specifically modify the biological age of said cell to be treated without causing functional de-differentiation of said cell to be treated, said cell to be treated always remaining as a specialized functional cell that is immunologically autologous to the donor tissue from which said cell to be treated is derived, and for which the phenotype is preserved and/or rejuvenated. |
| US09249410B2 |
Two-hybrid based screen to identify disruptive residues at multiple protein interfaces
The present invention is based, at least in part, on the development of a mating-based yeast two-hybrid screen that allows simultaneous screening for mutations that disrupt yeast two-hybrid interactions between a protein and multiple interacting partners. By coupling PCR mutagenesis and homologous recombination/gapped plasmid repair with a mating-based assay, the present invention allows screening for unique mutations that disrupt interaction with one partner, but not others. It also allows identification of specific mutations that may lie at protein-protein interfaces common to two or more partners, without employing multiple rounds of screening. In addition to screening against multiple interacting partners, the present invention removes the need for a two-step selection because truncations, frameshifts, or any mutations that affect folding are eliminated as disruptions that affect all protein partners. The methods of the present invention are named “Hotspot” because of its ability to identify “hotspot residues” in protein-protein interfaces. |
| US09249408B2 |
Directed evolution using proteins comprising unnatural amino acids
The invention provides methods and compositions for screening polypeptide libraries that include variants comprising unnatural amino acids. In addition, the invention provides vector packaging systems and methods for packaging a nucleic acid in a vector. Compositions of vectors produced by the methods and systems are also provided. |
| US09249403B2 |
Polypeptides with xylanase activity
The present invention relates to polypeptides with xylanase activity and uses thereof. The present invention also relates to method of modifying polypeptides with xylanase activity to affect, preferably to increase, xylanase activity and/or bran solubility. |
| US09249398B2 |
Use of mycobacterium smegmatis trehalose dimycolate hydrolase
Methods are disclosed herein for treating an infection with a Mycobacterium infection. Methods are also disclosed for treating a Mycobacterium biofilm. The method include the use of trehalose dimycolate hydrolase, a variant thereof, or a nucleic acid encoding trehalose dimycolate hydrolase or a variant thereof Methods are also disclosed for detecting a Mycobacterium in a sample from a subject. The methods include treating the sample with trehalose dimycolate hydrolase or a variant thereof, and detecting a Mycobacterium nucleic acid in the sample. |
| US09249397B2 |
Composition and formulation comprising recombinant human iduronate-2-sulfatase and preparation method thereof
Disclosed are a composition comprising recombinant iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS) and a method for treating Hunter syndrome. The glycosylation pattern and formylglycine content of the IDS composition are different from those of ELAPRASE® and have superior pharmaceutical efficacy and are safer than the conventional agent and thus can be effectively used for the therapy of Hunter syndrome. |
| US09249394B2 |
Method for producing epithelial stem cells
An object of this invention is to provide a method, etc., for efficiently proliferating a pluripotent epithelial somatic stem cell. A method for producing an epithelial somatic stem cell comprising Steps (A) and (B) below: (A) expressing a gene of a protein having an activity for causing a cell in G0 phase or G1 phase to enter S phase, in a cell population including an epithelial somatic stem cell; and (B) culturing the cell obtained in Step (A) in the presence of an extracellular growth factor. |
| US09249391B2 |
Methods of generating neural stem cells
The present disclosure provides methods of generating neural stem cells from differentiated somatic cells. The present disclosure also provides induced neural stem cells generated using a subject method, as well as differentiated cells generated from a subject induced neural stem cell. A subject neural stem cell, as well as differentiated cells derived from a subject neural stem cell, is useful in various applications, which are also provided in the present disclosure. |
| US09249384B2 |
Method and device for the electrical treatment of reaction spaces
The invention relates to a method for applying at least one electrical voltage pulse to at least one reaction space by at least partially discharging at least one charge storing unit for storing electrical charges. According to the invention the method comprises applying at least one voltage pulse to a reaction space by at least partially discharging a second charge storing unit and simultaneously charging or partially discharging a first charge storing. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device 1 for applying at least one electrical voltage pulse to at least one reaction space, comprising at least two charge storing units (10, 11) for storing electrical charges and at least one power supply unit (12) for charging the charge storing units (10, 11) and/or at least one discharge device for partially discharging the charge storing units (10, 11). According to the invention it is provided that at least two of the charge storing units (10, 11) form a common storage module which can be discharged at any time. |
| US09249381B2 |
Process and apparatus for the reduction of alcohol in fermented beverages
A process is disclosed for reducing alcohol in a fermented beverage without heat damage and without degrading the original flavor profile of the fermented beverage. The process generally includes the steps of: (i) removing aromatics from the wine; (ii) removing alcohol from the wine; (iii) refluxing a portion of the alcohol removed from the wine to increase the alcohol concentration of the alcohol vapor and return at least a portion of the condensed/recovered water to the wine; and (iv) condensing the aromatics removed from the wine and returning at least a portion thereof to the wine. |
| US09249380B2 |
Dosage form detergent products
A method of producing a dosage form detergent product, comprises the steps of: (a) producing an open-mouthed pouch by forming a water-soluble, synthetic plastics film into a mould cavity defining the pouch, (b) introducing a particulate first detergent composition into the pouch, (c) forming a recess in the upper surface of the particulate first detergent composition, (d) introducing into the recess a pre-formed, shape-retaining second detergent component with an at least substantially planar face positioned to be exposed from the particulate first detergent component, and (e) sealing a water-soluble film over the mouth of the pouch and against the exposed face of the pre-formed detergent product. |
| US09249375B2 |
Decorative candle and method
A decorative molded candle and method of making the candle is disclosed in which coloring agents are limited to the outer peripheral surface of the candle. |
| US09249365B2 |
Process for grinding waxes using grinding aids in a jet mill, use of polyols as a grinding aid and wax powder comprising polyols
The subject matter of the present invention is a process for grinding waxes, in particular paraffin waxes using a polyol as a grinding aid in a jet mill, in particular a fluidized bed counter-jet mill, wax powder thus produced containing the grinding aid and the use of the polyols as a grinding aid for waxes. |
| US09249359B2 |
Catalyst treatment
A method of preparing a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst for handling, storage, transport and deployment, including the steps of impregnating a porous support material with a source of cobalt, calcining the impregnated support material, activating the catalyst, and passivating the activated catalyst. |
| US09249357B2 |
Method and apparatus for volatile matter sharing in stamp-charged coke ovens
A volatile matter sharing system includes a first stamp-charged coke oven, a second stamp-charged coke oven, a tunnel fluidly connecting the first stamp-charged coke oven to the second stamp-charged coke oven, and a control valve positioned in the tunnel for controlling fluid flow between the first stamp-charged coke oven and the second stamp-charged coke oven. |
| US09249347B2 |
Compositions comprising tetrafluoropropene and methods of use thereof
The present invention relates to a composition comprising HFO-1234yf, or trans-HFO-1234ze, or a mixture thereof; HFC-32; and HFC-152a, HFO-1243zf, or a mixture thereof, wherein said composition is selected from the group consisting of: (I) a first composition, wherein said HFO-1234yf or trans-HFO-1234ze or a mixture thereof is at least 56 weight percent of said first composition; (II) a second composition, wherein said HFC-32 is at most 29 weight percent of said second composition; (III) a third composition, wherein said HFC-152a is at least 56 weight percent said third composition; (IV) a fourth composition, wherein said HFC-32 is at least 56 weight percent of said fourth composition; (V) a fifth composition comprising trans-HFO-1234ze, HFC-32, and HFC-152a, HFO-1243zf, or a mixture thereof; and (VI) a sixth composition, wherein said HFO-1243zf or mixture thereof with HFC-152a is at most 20 weight percent of said sixth composition. |