| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09280159B1 |
Shutdown method by using local control board
The present application discloses implementations that involve shutdowns of a robotic system. An example may include controlling, by a robotic system, a plurality of motors of the robotic system with a central processing unit (CPU). The example may also include determining, by the robotic system, an error condition of the robotic system, where the error condition prevents the CPU from controlling at least one of the plurality of motors. The example may also include causing a plurality of motor driver boards to control the plurality of motors of the robotic system in response to determining the error condition of the robotic system. The example may also include receiving, by the plurality of motors, one or more commands from the plurality of motor driver boards to move the robotic system to a stationary position and park the robotic system in the stationary position. |
| US09280149B2 |
Motor control device and motor control method
A motor control device includes a power converter, a velocity controller, and a certain-position stop controller. The power converter outputs a driving current on the basis of an input torque command. The velocity controller generates a calculated torque command on the basis of a difference between a velocity represented by a velocity command and a motor velocity. The certain-position stop controller performs position control by, after first detecting a reference position of a motor during velocity control, generating a position command for positioning the motor from the reference position to a target stop position at a torque of a torque schedule, generating the velocity command on the basis of a difference between a position represented by the position command and the motor position, and outputting a value resulting from adding a torque feedforward command generated on the basis of the torque schedule to the calculated torque command. |
| US09280148B1 |
System and method for electronically tagging items for use in controlling electrical devices
A system and method for electronically tagging items for use in controlling electrical devices are disclosed. A particular embodiment includes: a controller; a tag reader interface in data communication with the controller, the tag reader interface being configured to receive item information read from an electronically readable tag attached to an item placed in an electrical device; a display device driver in data communication with the controller for driving the display of operational messages for a user/operator of the electrical device, the operational messages being based on the item information; and an appliance interface in data communication with the controller for receiving control commands from the controller and for issuing corresponding control signals for controlling the electrical device, the control commands being based on the item information. |
| US09280147B2 |
System and method for robotic patient synthesis
Some embodiments of the invention include a robotic patient system including a computer system including a processor and a coupled sensor, and a control system configured to receive control data. The robotic patient system also includes a synthetic patient robot including a feature detector and action selector configured to actuate the robot based at least in part on the control data. Some further embodiments of the invention include a computer-implemented method of providing a robotic synthetic patient by providing a synthetic patient robot, configuring a control system to receive control data, extracting and converting a feature from the control data, and converting to an actuator command to move the robotic patient system. Some embodiments include a robot including a computer system including a processor, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and a control system configured to be coupled to a source of control data to control the robot substantially autonomously. |
| US09280142B2 |
Radio clock
A radio clock including: an antenna configured to receive a satellite signals transmitted from a plurality of GPS satellites; a receiving unit configured to perform a receiving process to acquire information tram a satellite signal received by the antenna, the information being contained in the satellite signal; and a control unit configured to control the receiving unit to keep synchronized with the GPS satellite that has transmitted the satellite signal and control the receiving unit to receive a satellite signal containing date information for date correction when the information acquired by the receiving unit does not contain the date information. |
| US09280141B2 |
Controlling table music system
A table music system includes an enclosure having a top surface and a front surface free of manually mechanically actuable controls for controlling functions of the table music system. A radio receiver and powered speakers system are located within the enclosure. A display is located on the front surface of the enclosure for displaying at least time. An alarm in the enclosure is configured to be set by a user to produce an alarm signal at a user-selectable time. A touch-sensitive area on the enclosure allows the user to control a function of the take music system. A wireless remote control permits the user to control functions of the table music system. |
| US09280138B2 |
Image forming apparatus that uses either a heater or frictional heating to heat and dry a surface of a photoconductive drum based on the detected ambient temperature and humidity
An image forming apparatus includes a slidingly-rubbing roller abutting a surface of a photoconductive drum; a temperature detection section; a humidity detection section; and a heating control section. When the humidity detected by the humidity detection section is equal to or higher than a first threshold humidity and the temperature detected by the temperature detection section is equal to or higher than a threshold temperature, the heating control section heats and dries the surface of the photoconductive drum by a heat generator, while in a case when the humidity is equal to or higher than the first threshold humidity and the temperature is less than the threshold temperature, the heating control section polishes the surface of the photoconductive drum by the slindingly-rubbing roller with a polishing agent contained in a toner and heats and dries the drum surface by frictional heat generated from the polishing. |
| US09280137B2 |
Image forming apparatus with development contrast control
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a development device which contains developer and develops a latent image on the image bearing member as a toner image, and an acquisition portion that acquires information about a residual amount of developer contained in the development device. In addition, a main body humidity sensor detects information about atmosphere humidity of a main body of the image forming apparatus, and a main body temperature sensor detects information about temperature of a main body of the image forming apparatus. A controlling portion controls development contrast as a potential difference between a DC bias applied to the development device and an image potential on the image bearing member, according to detection results of the main body humidity sensor and the main body temperature sensor, and information obtained by the acquisition portion. |
| US09280134B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a toner cartridge which is detachably mounted from a first direction to store a toner; and a processing unit which is detachably mounted from a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and is provided with a photoconductor, a developing section for supplying a toner fed from the toner cartridge to the surface of the photoconductor to convert an electrostatic latent image to a toner image and a cleaning section for collecting the toner adhered on the surface of the photoconductor. |
| US09280124B2 |
Image forming apparatus having waste developer accommodating portion
A photosensitive drum is rotatably supported in a main body. A developing cartridge is detachably mountable on the main body in a state where the photosensitive drum is supported in the main body. The developing cartridge includes a developing device and a frame. The developing device includes a developing roller disposed in confrontation with the photosensitive drum to supply developer to the photosensitive drum when the developing cartridge is mounted in the main body, and a developer-accommodating portion configured to accommodate developer. The frame includes a waste-developer-accommodating portion configured to accommodate waste developer and supports the developing device that is movable relative to the frame. The frame is disposed on an opposite side of the developing roller from the photosensitive drum. An urging member is disposed between the frame and the developing device to urge the developing roller toward the photosensitive drum. |
| US09280122B2 |
Printing apparatus, method for controlling printing apparatus, and recording medium
A printing apparatus capable of shifting a power state to a second power state where power consumption is lower than a first power state includes detecting a heat source approaching the printing apparatus, calculating an average temperature of respective areas near the printing apparatus, specifying a current position of the heat source based on the calculated average temperature, calculating a distance between the current position and a predetermined reference point, determining whether the heat source is moving to pass by the printing apparatus, determining whether the heat source is approaching the printing apparatus, and shifting, when it is determined that the heat source is approaching the printing apparatus, the power state of the printing apparatus from the second power state to the first power state. |
| US09280117B2 |
Image forming apparatus for performing a document reading operation and a printing operation in parallel
When images of a plurality of document sheets are to be read and formed on a plurality of recording materials, an image forming apparatus performs control to convey a document sheet and a recording material at one of a recording material conveyance speed and a document conveyance speed, whichever is lower. |
| US09280115B2 |
Image forming apparatus with consumption prediction, method of controlling the same, and non-transitory computer-readable medium
An image forming apparatus comprises: a counting unit which counts the number of pixels at each tone level in a halftone image corresponding to an input image; a determination unit which determines a halftone region in the halftone image; an acquisition unit which acquires tone characteristic information of an output density of the image forming apparatus; a correction unit which obtains a density in a region to be formed by using a developing material from the number of pixels at each of the tone levels and information of the halftone region and correct the density in accordance with the tone characteristic information; and a first prediction unit which predicts a consumption amount of the developing material by using the density corrected by the correction unit. |
| US09280113B2 |
Image forming apparatus capable of stabilizing image density on a short-term and long-term basis
An image forming apparatus capable of stabilizing image density on a long-term basis by compensating for an error in prediction of toner particle charge amount, while reducing variation in image density on a short-term basis by the prediction. A CPU predicts an amount of electrostatic charge of toner particles in a developer container and sets an exposure condition and causes a toner image to be fixed on a recording medium and a pattern image for detecting image density, to be each formed on a photosensitive drum according to the set exposure condition, while performing gradation correction based on the gradation conversion table. The CPU updates the gradation conversion table such that a detected density of the pattern image becomes closer to a target density. The CPU sets the exposure condition based on a result of the prediction such that toner image density becomes constant. |
| US09280108B2 |
Fixing device
A fixing device includes: a cylindrical film; a nip forming member; and a back-up member for forming a nip. The nip forming member includes a projected portion. The projection amount of the projected portion is smaller in an end portion region positioned at an end portion of the projected portion with respect to a generatrix direction of the film than in a central region positioned at a central portion of the projected portion with respect to the generatrix direction, at least a part of the end portion region being inside a feeding region of a maximum-sized recording material usable in the fixing device. With respect to the recording material feeding direction, the width of the part of the projected portion inside the nip is broader in the end portion region than in the central region. |
| US09280106B2 |
Fuser device and image forming apparatus
A fuser device includes a belt part rotating in a tension free state to carry a medium in a medium carrying direction, a first nip forming part arranged inside the belt part, a second nip forming part arranged outside the belt part sandwiching the belt part with the first nip forming part so that a nip area is formed therebetween, and a regulation member regulating a movement of the belt in a width direction of the belt part. The regulation member is configured with a belt regulation part and a slant part. The belt regulation part has a flat shape arranged near one of side edges of the belt part along the nip area with a predetermined gap (W6). The slant part extends from an edge of the belt regulation part. |
| US09280105B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a pressing member that is rotatably held and provides a pressure acting in one direction; a heating member that is rotatably held, faces the pressing member, and includes a substantially cylindrical member and a heating unit, the substantially cylindrical member receiving the pressure, the heating unit being provided inside the substantially cylindrical member, the heating member fixing a toner image on a sheet with the pressure and heat; a drive source that outputs a driving force with which the heating member is rotated; and a transmission member having a space that receives an end of the substantially cylindrical member with a gap interposed therebetween, the transmission member having an inner circumferential surface that comes into contact with the end of the substantially cylindrical member in the space when the substantially cylindrical member receives the pressure, the transmission member transmitting the driving force to the heating member. |
| US09280104B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device according to the invention comprises a first belt in an endless form, a first heat source for heating the first belt, a first reflection member reflecting heat from the first heat source toward the first belt, and a first temperature detecting member for detecting temperature of the first reflection member by contacting the first reflection member, wherein the first reflection member is disposed between the first heat source and the first temperature detecting member. The fixing device is able to accurately detect the temperature of the member heated by the heat source. |
| US09280100B2 |
Image forming apparatus including transfer unit
An image forming apparatus, which is capable of suitably preventing a separating discharge phenomenon from occurring at a fixing entrance guide for guiding a recording material to a fixing device, includes a control portion for controlling a transfer bias voltage and a separation bias voltage. A transfer roller transfers a toner image from a surface of a photosensitive drum onto a sheet at a transfer nip portion, and the control portion changes the transfer bias voltage applied to the transfer roller and the separation bias voltage applied to a charge eliminating needle to have larger voltage values before a trailing edge of the sheet, which is conveyed to the transfer nip portion and is subjected to transfer, passes through the transfer nip portion. |
| US09280098B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a switching unit that can switch polarities of potentials of an intermediate transfer member generated at a primary transfer part and a secondary transfer part in synchronization, and a control unit that executes adjustment processing in which a potential having a polarity opposite to the polarity upon the transfer is generated at least one of the primary transfer part and the secondary transfer part, in which the control unit controls the switching unit in a manner that, in a case where the adjustment processing is performed in a course of continuous image formation on a plurality of transfer materials conveyed to the secondary transfer part, a timing for generating the potential having the opposite polarity corresponds to a timing at which toner images are not transferred at both of the primary transfer part and the secondary transfer part. |
| US09280097B2 |
Transfer device and image forming apparatus having the same
A transfer device and an image forming apparatus having the same are provided. Shapes of cam profiles of first cam members and second cam members controlling movement of first slider members moving a first transfer roller corresponding to a black developer, and second slider members moving a second transfer roller corresponding to a color developer. Times are different as when movement of the first slider members is completed and when movement of the second slider members is completed in mode conversion among a ready mode, a mono mode and a color mode, and thus a driving load generated when the first and second cam members are rotated is reduced, non-uniformity of the rotating speeds of the first and second cam members is reduced, and problems generated due to non-uniform rotating speeds of the cam members are reduced. |
| US09280095B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus having seal member with non-contact portion
A developing device forms an image by developing an electrostatic latent image on a photoreceptor rotating about a rotation axis. The developing device includes a housing having an opening opposite the photoreceptor, a developing sleeve disposed inside the housing, a magnetic body disposed in a central portion of the developing sleeve and not in no-magnet portions thereof at both sides of the central portion, and seal members supported by the housing. Each of the seal members shields either one of portions of the photoreceptor that are located opposite the no-magnet portions and is in surface contact with either one of end portions of the photoreceptor farther from a center of the photoreceptor than the no-magnet portions. Each of the seal members includes, at an end thereof closer to the center of the photoreceptor than the other end thereof, a non-contact portion that is not in contact with the photoreceptor. |
| US09280091B2 |
Toner conveying device and image forming apparatus including the same
A toner conveying device includes a first communication opening, a toner supply opening, a toner conveyance passage, an opening/closing member, and a moving member. The first communication opening communicates with a toner discharge outlet formed in a toner case in a state where the toner case is attached to a predetermined attachment position, the toner case including an operation portion. The toner conveyance passage connects the first communication opening to the toner supply opening. The opening/closing member moves between a closing position and an opening position. When the opening/closing member is at the closing position, the toner supply opening is closed, and when the opening/closing member is at the opening position, the toner supply opening is opened. The moving member is dislocated in conjunction with an operation of the operation portion in such a way as to move the opening/closing member from the closing position to the opening position. |
| US09280090B2 |
Toner container
A toner container installed in an image forming apparatus includes a toner container main body having a predetermined length and in which toner is accommodated, a discharge port through which the toner is discharged from the toner container main body, a shutter which opens and closes the discharge port, a handle provided on the toner container main body, and a pressed portion provided on the toner container main body and which is pressed by the image forming apparatus to project the handle out from the image forming apparatus. |
| US09280089B2 |
Developer conveying apparatus, developing device, and image forming apparatus
A developer conveying apparatus includes a developer housing portion, a first spiral feeder, a second spiral feeder, a driving unit, an operation control unit, and a sensor. The first spiral feeder and the second spiral feeder each include a hollow spiral member and rib members. The hollow spiral member is spirally formed and internally has a space. The rib members run in a first direction and bridge spiral pieces constituting the spiral member. The operation control unit causes: the driving unit to change the rotation speed of the first spiral feeder and the second spiral feeder according to a printing linear speed of an image forming part; and the driving unit to change a rotational phase difference between the first spiral feeder and the second spiral feeder referring positions of the rib members to a predetermined rotational phase difference according to the changed rotation speed. |
| US09280086B2 |
Image forming apparatus having developer supplying operation
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a developing container, a developer supplying member, and a measuring portion for measuring a print pixel number of an image to be formed. In addition, a supplying device supplies the developer to the developer supplying member on the basis of a measured print pixel number after image formation, and a detecting device detects an amount of the developer contained in the developing container by detecting electrostatic capacity between the first electrode member and the second electrode member after the supplying operation by the supplying device. |
| US09280084B1 |
Magnetic sensor positioning by a replaceable unit of an electrophotographic image forming device
An electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a replaceable unit having a toner reservoir, a rotatable shaft positioned within the reservoir and a magnet in the reservoir movable in response to rotation of the shaft. A magnetic sensor is supported by a housing that is mounted to a stationary frame of the image forming device. The housing is movable relative to the stationary frame between an operating position of the magnetic sensor and a home position. In the operating position, the magnetic sensor is positioned to sense the magnet during rotation of the shaft. In the home position, the housing is positioned in a path of insertion of the replaceable unit into the image forming device and the replaceable unit contacts and moves the housing from the home position to the operating position during installation of the replaceable unit into the image forming device. |
| US09280079B1 |
Charging member, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
A charging member includes a conductive base material and a conductive outermost layer provided on the conductive base material, wherein the conductive outermost layer has a ten-point average surface roughness Rz of 2 μm to 20 μm and contains a resin and particles in which particles having a particle diameter of 5.0 μm or more and a circularity of 0.8 or less are 30% by number or less with respect to the total number of particles having a particle diameter of 5.0 μm or more and particles having a particle diameter of less than 5.0 μm and a circularity of 0.8 or less are from 20% by number to 80% by number with respect to the total number of particles having a particle diameter of less than 5.0 μm. |
| US09280074B2 |
Toner binder and resin particle
Provided is a toner binder that is excellent in heat resistant storage properties and hot offset resistance properties and also affords excellent anti-blocking properties of paper when printing continuously. The present invention is directed to a toner binder comprising a crystalline resin (A), wherein the crystalline resin (A) comprises two or more crystalline resins (a) and the endothermic peak temperature group that is composed of all of the endothermic peak temperatures of the respective two or more crystalline resins (a) has two or more different endothermic peak temperatures; and a resin particle containing the toner binder. |
| US09280073B1 |
Image forming apparatus and process cartridge
An image forming apparatus includes an electrophotographic photoreceptor that includes a conductive substrate and an organic layer which includes a photoreceptive layer; a charging member that charges the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor; an electrostatic latent image forming unit; a developing unit; a transfer unit; and a cleaning member that performs cleaning on the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor, wherein a contact area of the electrophotographic photoreceptor with the cleaning member in an axis direction of the electrophotographic photoreceptor is wider than a contact area thereof with the charging member, and d, d′, d″ and d″max, which each are values with respect to the total film thickness of the organic layer at the respective portions as defined in the present specification, satisfy expressions 0.97≦d′/d≦1.03, 0.97≦d″/d≦1.1 and 1.03≦d″max/d≦1.1 at each of both of the end portions in the axis direction of the electrophotographic photoreceptor. |
| US09280069B2 |
Exposure apparatus, producing method of exposure apparatus, and producing method of microdevice
An exposure apparatus for exposing a pattern formed on a mask (M) onto a photosensitive substrate (P) through a projection optical system (PL), comprising an upper pedestal (26) on which at least one of the projection optical system (PL) and a mask stage (MST) which is to hold the mask (M) is mounted, and a plurality of lower pedestals (6a) which supports the upper pedestal (26) and which has a longitudinal direction in a predetermined direction. |
| US09280068B2 |
Stage apparatus with flexible utility line, lithography apparatus, and article manufacturing method
A stage apparatus has a base; a movable portion including a stage movable relative to the base; a flexible utility line for supplying utility to the movable portion; and a cover for covering the utility line, the cover including: a housing member provided to one of the base and the movable portion, in which an opening is formed; and a sealing member provided to the other of the base and the movable portion, which is arranged opposite to a side, in which the opening is formed, of the housing member with a gap therebetween, and has a side for sealing the opening. |
| US09280064B2 |
Lithographic method and apparatus
A method of projecting a pattern from a patterning device onto a substrate using a projection system, the method including using an optical phase adjustment apparatus in the projection system to apply a phase modification to radiation which has been diffracted from an assist feature of the pattern, the phase modification acting to reduce the size of an assist feature image exposed in resist on the substrate or prevent printing of the assist feature image in the resist on the substrate, while maintaining a contribution of the assist feature image to an image enhancement of a functional feature of the pattern. |
| US09280058B2 |
Projection objective for a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus
A projection objective of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus contains a plurality of optical elements arranged in N>−2 successive sections A1 to AN of the projection objective which are separated from one another by pupil planes or intermediate image planes. According to the invention, in order to correct a wavefront deformation, at least two optical elements each have an optically active surface locally reprocessed aspherically. A first optical element is in this case arranged in one section Aj, j=1 . . . N and a second optical element is arranged in another section Ak, k=1 . . . N, the magnitude difference |k−j| being an odd number. |
| US09280057B2 |
Alignment measurement system, lithographic apparatus, and a method to determine alignment of in a lithographic apparatus
An alignment measurement system measures an alignment target on an object. A measurement illuminates the target and is reflected. The reflected measurement beam is split and its parts are differently polarized. A detector receives the reflected measurement beam. A processing unit determines alignment on the basis of the measurement beam received by the detector. An alternative arrangement utilizes an optical dispersive fiber to guide a multi-wavelength measurement beam reflected from the object to a detector. |
| US09280054B2 |
Illumination optical system, exposure apparatus, and method of manufacturing device
An illumination optical system comprises plural rod integrators, a combining optical system and a light transmission unit. The rod integrators uniformize light intensity distributions of the light beams. The combining optical system combines the light beams emitted from the rod integrators, so that the light beams are adjacent to each other in cross-sections thereof. The light transmission unit has an entrance plane and an exit plane, divides the light beam combined by the combining optical system into plural light beams on the entrance plane, joins the divided light beams so that a cross-sectional shape of a joined pattern of the light beams on the exit plane is different from a cross-sectional shape of a joined pattern of the light beams on the entrance plane, and transfers each of the light beams from the entrance plane to the exit plane using plural optically coupled light pipes. |
| US09280051B2 |
Methods for reducing line width roughness and/or critical dimension nonuniformity in a patterned photoresist layer
Methods for reducing line width roughness and/or critical dimension nonuniformity in a photoresist pattern are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of reducing line width roughness along a sidewall of a patterned photoresist layer disposed atop a substrate includes: (a) depositing a first layer atop the sidewall of the patterned photoresist layer; (b) etching the first layer and the sidewall after depositing the first layer to reduce the line width roughness of the patterned photoresist layer. In some embodiments, (a)-(b) may be repeated until the line width roughness is substantially smooth. |
| US09280048B2 |
Imprint apparatus and method of manufacturing article
An imprint apparatus which cures a resin dispensed on a substrate while the resin and a pattern surface of a mold are in contact with each other, comprises a supply portion configured to supply a gas, used to accelerate filling of a concave portion of the pattern surface of the mold with the resin, to a space which the pattern surface of the mold faces, and a controller configured to control the supply portion to supply the gas to the space before the resin and the pattern surface of the mold are brought into contact with each other, wherein the supply portion is configured to supply the gas to the space via a porous portion formed in at least part of the mold. |
| US09280047B2 |
Imprint apparatus and article manufacturing method
An imprint apparatus that molds an imprint material on a substrate using a mold, and forms a pattern on the substrate, the imprint apparatus includes a mold holding unit configured to hold the mold, which includes a surface including a pattern area, a substrate holding unit configured to hold the substrate, a first acquisition unit configured to acquire information concerning a difference in shape between the pattern area and a shot already formed on the substrate, and a control unit configured to control at least one of the mold holding unit and the substrate holding unit to adjust a spacing between the mold and the substrate, based on the information concerning the difference in shape acquired by the first acquisition unit, in a state where the pattern area and the imprint material are in contact with each other. |
| US09280042B2 |
Automatic switching of a multi-mode projector display screen for displaying three-dimensional and two-dimensional images
Techniques for controlling switching of a barrier component for efficiently displaying various types of 2-D content and 3-D content on a projector screen are presented. A barrier control component detects an optical signal in a control region of the projector screen that is providing visual content to the barrier component, and identifies the type of visual content, such as 2-D content or 3-D autostereoscopic content, based on the optical signal. The barrier control component identifies a control signal based on the identified content type, and transmits the control signal to the barrier component via a wireline or wireless connection. The barrier component is controlled to automatically switch to a desired mode, such as 2-D mode or 3-D autostereoscopic mode, and employ a desired barrier pattern, in response to the received control signal. The barrier component is powered using a solar cell component that generates power using the optical signal. |
| US09280041B2 |
Cross quadrupole double lithography method using two complementary apertures
A method of photolithography including coupling a first aperture to a lithography system, then performing a first illumination process to form a first pattern on a layer of a substrate using the first aperture, thereafter coupling a second aperture to the lithography system, and performing a second illumination process to form a second pattern on the layer of the substrate using the second aperture. The first aperture includes a first pair and a second pair of radiation-transmitting regions. The second aperture includes a second plate having a third pair and a fourth pair of radiation-transmitting regions. |
| US09280028B2 |
Electrochromic display device and method of producing the same
An electrochromic display device comprises: a first electrode substrate; a second electrode substrate; an electrochromic fluid distributed between the first and the second electrode substrate; and a dividing wall located between the first and the second electrode substrate, contacting the first and the second electrode substrate, respectively, and used for isolating the electrochromic fluid into various pixel areas. The electrochromic display device has no interference occurred between adjacent pixel areas. A method for producing such an electrochromic display device is further disclosed. |
| US09280027B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display is disclosed. In one aspect, the liquid crystal display includes first and second display substrates and a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween. The liquid crystal display also includes a sealant interposed between the first and second display substrates and substantially sealing the liquid crystal layer. The sealant overlaps a gate metal portion formed on the first display substrate. The gate metal portion includes a first gate metal, a second gate metal opposing the first gate metal and spaced apart from the first gate metal, and a third gate metal spaced apart from the first and second gate metals. The gate metal portion further includes a first diode electrically connecting the first gate metal to the third gate metal and a second diode electrically connecting the second gate metal to the third gate metal. |
| US09280025B2 |
Active matrix substrate and display device
An active matrix substrate (5) is provided with: a plurality of source wiring lines (S) and a plurality of gate wiring lines (G) which are arranged in a matrix; and pixels (P) having thin film transistors (25) disposed in the vicinity of the intersections of the source wiring lines (S) and the gate wiring lines (G), and pixel electrodes (26) connected to the thin film transistors (25). In the active matrix substrate (5), a base material (5a) is disposed in such a manner that the source wiring lines (S) and the gate wiring lines (G) intersect each other, and on the base material (5a), auxiliary capacity electrodes (28), which are provided on the pixel basis, are made of transparent electrodes, and generate an auxiliary capacity, and auxiliary capacity wiring lines (29), which are connected to the auxiliary capacity electrodes (28) and are made of an aluminum alloy, are provided. |
| US09280024B2 |
Pixel structure
A pixel structure is provided. The pixel structure includes a scan line, a data line, an active device, a covering layer, and a reflective pixel electrode. The active device is electrically connected with the scan line and the data line. The covering layer covers the scan line, the data line, and the active device. The reflective pixel electrode is disposed on the covering layer, and electrically connected with the active device. The reflective pixel electrode includes a first region having a plurality of first protruding structures and a second region having a planar surface. The area occupied by the first region is 50% to 70% of the total area of the reflective pixel electrode, and the area occupied by the second region is 30% to 50% of the total area of the reflective pixel electrode. |
| US09280022B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
An LCD device includes first and second substrates facing each other, a sealant formed between the first and second substrates, and adhering the first substrate to the second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer formed between the first and second substrates. The liquid crystal layer includes liquid crystal and an additive having a dipole moment characteristic when an electric field is applied thereto, thus enhancing a response time of the liquid crystal. |
| US09280021B2 |
Liquid crystal display apparatus
Each of branch portions 62ae of a pixel electrode 62a and inclined portions S1k of data lines S1 extends in a direction different from an x direction and a y direction in a pixel region PA and inclined with respect to the y direction. Further, a liquid crystal layer 203 is orientated in a direction different from the x direction and the y direction in the pixel region PA and inclined with respect to the y direction. |
| US09280019B2 |
Substrate with spacer and liquid crystal cell containing the same
A device is disclosed. The device includes a substrate, and a plurality of spacers arranged on one side of the substrate. Each spacer has a cross section taken in a direction parallel with the substrate, where a size of the cross section of each spacer in a length direction is greater than a size of the cross section of each spacer in a width direction. In addition, an angle between the length direction of the cross section of the spacer and an X-direction of the substrate is greater than about 0° and less than about 90°, or greater than about 90° and less than about 180°. |
| US09280016B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate including a transmissive pixel electrode disposed in a transmissive display area, and a reflective pixel electrode with a planar plate shape which is disposed in a reflective display area, a second substrate including a common electrode, a liquid crystal layer being configured to have a less thickness in the reflective display area than in the transmissive display area, to impart a phase difference of ¼ wavelength to light passing at an OFF time in the reflective display area, and to impart no phase difference to light passing at an ON time in the reflective display area, and a retardation plate disposed between a second polarizer and the second substrate in the reflective display area. |
| US09280009B2 |
Double-sided curved liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a double-sided curved liquid crystal display device, which includes: a backlight frame (1), first and second LED light sources (3, 5) that are mounted in the backlight frame (1) and are opposite to each other, first and second diffuser plates (7, 9) that are mounted in the backlight frame (1) and are opposite to each other, first and second mold frames (2, 4) that are mounted on the backlight frame (1) and are opposite to each other, first and second curved liquid crystal display panels (6, 8) that are respectively mounted to the first and second mold frames (2, 4) and are opposite to each other, and a bezel (10) that is mounted to the first and second curved liquid crystal display panels (6, 8). The first and second LED light sources (3, 5) face opposite directions. The backlight frame (1) includes a backplane brace (15), a backplane (11), and a backplane mounting strip (13). The first and second diffuser plates (7, 9) are planar. |
| US09280000B2 |
Adjustable chiral ophthalmic lens
The present invention relates to an adjustable ophthalmic lens comprising at least one optical element comprising a combination of at least two optical surfaces wherein both optical surfaces are chiral optical surfaces adapted to provide chiral modulation of the light beam, the combination of the chiral optical surfaces is adapted to provide at least one adjustable focus and the combination of the chiral optical surfaces is adapted such that the focal distance of the adjustable foci depends on the mutual position of the chiral optical surfaces. These chiral optical surfaces result in a chiral modulation of the light beam. Combinations of chiral optical surfaces are applied to obtain adjustable optical powers in single-focus ophthalmic lenses and multiple-focus ophthalmic lenses. |
| US09279999B1 |
Glasses capable of replacing lenses and temples
A pair of glasses includes a front frame, at least one lens, two temples, and two elongated couplers. The front frame is formed with two connection blocks at its two opposite ends. The front side of each connection block defines a cut. The rear side of each connection block is provided with two spaced lugs. The lens defines a cut corresponding to the cut of one connection block of the front frame. The front end of each temple is provided with a pivot pin that can be detachably fitted in the through-holes of the lugs of the connection block and the rear end of the elongated coupler, so that each temple is foldable relative to the front frame. The front end of each elongated coupler is provided with a hooked portion that can be detachably fitted into the cuts of the lens and connection block to install the lens. |
| US09279998B2 |
Assembly structure for eyeglass lens
An assembly structure for eyeglass lens is disclosed herein to include a one-piece lens and a frame. The frame has a connection portion in the middle thereof, from two sides of which two nose pads extend downwardly and obliquely in two opposite directions. The connection portion has a joining hole, and the lens further has a flexible snap-in element in the middle thereof for corresponding engagement with the join hole. In such a case, the lens can be easily and conveniently detachable from the frame by merely pressing the flexible snap-in element. |
| US09279997B2 |
Vibration correcting device, lens barrel, and optical device
An optical device with an imaging device for forming an image of a subject with a lens device, including a lens unit, a movable member making the lens unit movable within a plane orthogonal to the optical axis of the lens unit, an image pickup device imaging the subject image formed by the lens device, a fixed member limiting the movement of the movable member in the optical axis direction, at least three balls rolling between the movable and fixed member, a vibration detecting unit, and a pitch and yaw direction drive units for driving the movable member in the pitch and yaw directions within the optical axis orthogonal plane, respectively. The pitch and yaw direction drive units press the movable member toward the fixed member side by means of magnetic pressing forces caused by magnetic attractive action between drive magnets and yokes. |
| US09279994B2 |
Stereoscopic image display device
A stereoscopic image display device (hereinafter, referred to as a “3D device”) and polarizing glasses are provided. According to the 3D device and polarizing glasses, a three-dimensional image having excellent crosstalk ratio and color characteristics can be observed. |
| US09279988B2 |
Three dimensional image display apparatus
A three dimensional image display apparatus includes a panel unit, a receiving container and an anti-shock part. The panel unit includes a display panel and an optical panel. The optical panel sorts a left eye image and a right eye image. The receiving container surrounds a side of the panel unit. The anti-shock part is disposed between the panel unit and the receiving container, and restricts movement of the panel unit toward the receiving container. |
| US09279976B2 |
Electrowetting display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
An electrowetting display apparatus includes a first base substrate, a second base substrate which faces the first base substrate, a first electrode on the first base substrate, and a second electrode on the second base substrate, where the second electrode faces the first electrode. A barrier wall is on the first electrode, where the barrier wall defines a storage area. A surface of the first electrode and the barrier wall is overlapped by a barrier layer. In addition, a water-repellent layer is on the barrier layer which is in the storage area. First and second fluids are in the storage area, the first fluid is separate from the second fluid, and the first fluid or the second fluid has a polarity. |
| US09279970B2 |
Optical imaging system
An optical imaging system generates an image of an object plane and includes a lens system which, in turn, includes a main objective and a reduction optical unit ahead of the main objective. The lens system is aligned along an optical axis and the reduction optical unit includes a first lens with a positive refractive power and a second lens with a negative refractive power. An object-side first main plane and an image-side second main plane are defined by the lens system. The optical imaging system defines an observation beam path which is guided through the lens system so that, in the first main plane and in the second main plane, the observation beam path is at a distance (B) from the optical axis. The first lens is of a first material having a first Abbe number and the second lens is of a second material having a second Abbe number, wherein the first Abbe number is greater than the second Abbe number. |
| US09279969B2 |
Catadioptric projection objective
Catadioptric projection objectives for microlithography include: a first partial objective for imaging an object field onto a first real intermediate image; a catadioptric partial objective having one concave mirror and a lens for imaging the first intermediate image onto a second real intermediate image; a third partial objective including an aperture stop and no more than four lenses between the aperture stop and an image field, the third partial objective for imaging the second intermediate image onto the image field; and a first folding mirror for deflecting the radiation from the object plane toward the concave mirror and a second folding mirror for deflecting the radiation from the concave mirror toward the image plane. The projection objective is an immersion projection objective. At least one surface of the lens in the catadioptric partial objective has an antireflection coating including at least six layers. |
| US09279963B2 |
Imaging lens
A low-cost imaging lens which corrects aberrations properly with a small F-value, ensures high performance with a larger number of constituent lenses and has a more low-profile design than before. The constituent lenses are arranged in the following order from an object side to an image side: a first lens having a convex object-side surface near an optical axis; a second lens having a convex object-side surface near the optical axis; a third lens having at least one aspheric surface; a fourth lens having at least one aspheric surface; a fifth lens as a double-sided aspheric lens; a sixth lens as a double-sided aspheric lens having a concave image-side surface near the optical axis; and a seventh lens as a double-sided aspheric lens having a concave image-side surface near the optical axis. These constituent lenses are not joined to each other. |
| US09279960B2 |
Photographing optical lens assembly, image capturing unit and mobile terminal
A photographing optical lens system includes, in order from object side to image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element, a fifth lens element and a sixth lens element. The first lens element with positive refractive power has an object-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof. The second lens element has refractive power. The third lens element has negative refractive power. The fourth lens element has negative refractive power. The fifth lens element has refractive power. The sixth lens element with positive refractive power has an object-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof and an image-side surface being concave in paraxial region thereof, wherein the image-side surface of the sixth lens element has at least one convex shape in an off-axis region thereof. |
| US09279959B2 |
Optical system
An optical system may include: in order from an object side, a first lens having positive refractive power and an object-side surface convex in the object side direction; a second lens having negative refractive power; a third lens having negative refractive power; a fourth lens having positive refractive power and an image-side surface convex in an image side direction; a fifth lens having negative refractive power and an image-side surface convex in the image side direction; and a sixth lens having negative refractive power and an image-side surface concave in the image side direction, such that bright, high resolution images may be implemented. |
| US09279958B2 |
Imaging lens and imaging apparatus equipped with the imaging lens
An imaging lens substantially includes six lenses, constituted by: a first lens having a negative refractive power; a second lens having a positive refractive power; a third lens having a positive refractive power; a fourth lens having a negative refractive power; a fifth lens having a positive refractive power; and a sixth lens having a negative refractive power, a concave surface toward an image side, and at least one inflection point in the surface toward the image side; provided in this order from an object side. The imaging lens satisfies a predetermined conditional formula. |
| US09279957B2 |
Imaging lens and imaging apparatus including the imaging lens
An imaging lens substantially consists of, in order from an object side, five lenses of a first lens that has a positive refractive power and has a meniscus shape which is convex toward the object side, a second lens that has a negative refractive power, a third lens that has a negative refractive power, a fourth lens that has a positive refractive power, and a fifth lens that has a negative refractive power and has an aspheric shape of which an image side surface has an extreme point. Further, the imaging lens satisfies a predetermined conditional expression. |
| US09279953B2 |
Optical device and method for producing the same
An optical device includes a supporting frame and a light-transmissive element. The supporting frame has a frame body defining a through hole, and an extending portion extending from a side of the frame body and having a first cutting edge. The light-transmissible element is disposed on the supporting frame and has a main body aligned with the through hole, and an extending portion extending from a side of the main body and aligned with the extending portion of the supporting frame. The extending portion of the light-transmissible element has a second cutting edge that is flush with the first cutting edge of the supporting frame. |
| US09279951B2 |
Fiber optic module for limited space applications having a partially sealed module sub-assembly
A fiber optic module having a module housing and a module sub-assembly. The module housing defines at least an interior space, at least one adapter aperture and at least one input aperture. The module sub-assembly defines at least one fiber optic cable, for example, passing through the at least one input aperture, at least one multi-fiber connector on an end of the fiber optic cable, and at least one single fiber connector on an opposite end of the fiber optic cable, the multi-fiber connector being in optical communication with the at least one single fiber connector, the multi-fiber connector capable of flexing on the at least one fiber optic cable relative to the module housing. |
| US09279945B2 |
Methods, apparatuses and systems for blind mating arrays of multi-optical fiber connector modules
Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided that enable a first array of multi-optical fiber connector modules disposed on a first structure to be blindly mated with a second array of multi-optical fiber connector modules disposed on a second structure. The arrays of modules are mounted on respective holders. One of the holders is mounted on the first structure and the other holder is mounted on the second structure. Engagement of the first and second structures with one another results in mating features of the holders being brought within a predetermined allowable misalignment tolerance of one another to ensure that the holders fully mate with one another. Mating of the holders with one another brings mating features of the connector modules of the arrays into a predetermined allowable misalignment tolerance of one another to ensure that full mating of the respective connector modules of the arrays occurs. |
| US09279944B1 |
Communication connectors having tethered protective caps
A communication connector includes a housing having a panel flange configured to abut against a rear of a panel and a mating end configured to be positioned forward of the panel. The housing has panel nut threads and a panel nut is threadably coupled thereto. The panel nut has a tether extending therefrom with a first tether loop secured to the panel nut and a second tether loop at a second end. A protective cap is removably coupled to the mating end of the housing. The protective cap has a lanyard extending therefrom having a first lanyard loop removably coupled to the second tether loop. When the protective cap is coupled to the mating end, access to the at least one conductor is restricted, and when the protective cap is removed from the mating end, access to the at least one conductor is allowed. |
| US09279939B2 |
Spot-size converter
A spot-size converter includes a cladding layer having a principal surface; a first core layer disposed on the principal surface and having a light input/output portion and a first transition portion having a width W1, the light input/output portion being coupled to the first transition portion and having a width that monotonously decreases in a first direction from the light input/output portion toward the first transition portion; and a second core layer disposed on the principal surface, the second core layer having a second transition portion and a propagation portion coupled to the second transition portion, the second transition portion having a width W2 . The first core layer has a refractive index between refractive indices of the second core layer and the cladding layer. The first transition portion and the second transition portion are disposed with a gap therebetween and optically coupled to each other. A ratio (W1/W2) of the width W1 to the width W2 monotonously decreases in the first direction. |
| US09279936B2 |
Optical device having light sensor with doped regions
The optical device includes a waveguide on a base. The waveguide is configured to guide a light signal through a light-transmitting medium to a light sensor. The light sensor includes a sensor waveguide on the base. The sensor waveguide receives the light signal from the input waveguide. Additionally, the sensor waveguide includes a light-absorbing medium having an input side. The input side is interfaced with the light-transmitting medium such that at least a portion of the light signal received by the sensor waveguide travels through the input side of the light-absorbing medium upon being received by the sensor waveguide. The light-absorbing medium includes doped regions. One or more of the doped regions each extends from within the light-absorbing medium to the input side of the light-absorbing medium. |
| US09279933B2 |
Dual-sided display device and its backlight module
The display device contains a light guide plate, a light source unit adjacent to a light entry face of the light guide plate, a heat dissipation base carrying the light source unit, first and second frame members fixedly joined to the heat dissipation base, and first and second display panels. The first and second frame member are positioned above and below a first light emission face and a second light emission face of the light guide plate, respectively. The first and second display panels are fixedly positioned on the first frame member and beneath the second frame member, oppositely to the first and second light emission face, respectively. The display device achieves superior heat dissipation, narrow bezel, and enhanced structural strength. |
| US09279932B2 |
LGF roll-to-roll manufacturing method and structure thereof
A LGF roll-to-roll manufacturing includes the steps of: preparing a first optical layer with a first surface and a second surface; mechanically extruding a first integrated microstructure on the first surface of the first optical layer; subsequently coating a second optical layer on the first or second surface of the first optical layer; and curing the second optical layer to directly form a second microstructure on the first or second surface of the first optical layer. The first integrated microstructure and the second microstructure are separately formed at a time to provide a light guide film structure. In an embodiment, an additional optical layer is provided on the first optical layer. |
| US09279928B2 |
Retardation element comprising a birefringent multilayer structure, liquid crystal display device, and projection display device
Provided is a retardation element, including: a transparent substrate; and a birefringent multilayer structure formed of layered structures stacked over the transparent substrate and each formed of first and second birefringent layers. In each layered structure, a relationship between average thicknesses (t1) and (t2) of the first and second birefringent layers satisfies any of formulae (1) and (2) below, and an angle (β) formed between first and second line segments representing principal axes of refractive index anisotropy of the first and second birefringent layers satisfies formula (3) below when the first and second line segments are projected on the transparent substrate such that an end A of the first line segment and an end B of the second line segment at a side of the transparent substrate coincide with each other, and condition (4) is satisfied, 0 |
| US09279927B2 |
Security device having optically variable device portion and method of making the same
A security device includes a liquid crystal layer having one of a cholesteric phase, a nematic phase, and a cholesteric phase and having molecules therein aligned volumetrically in a predetermined manner to form a predetermined diffractive optical pattern or image. The molecules of the liquid crystal layer are volumetrically aligned in the predetermined manner through at least a portion of the thickness of the liquid crystal layer. |
| US09279923B2 |
Color filter layer and method of fabricating the same
A method for fabricating a color filter layer, which is applied to an integrated circuit manufacturing process, includes the following steps. Firstly, a substrate is provided, and a groove structure is formed on the substrate. The groove structure includes a plurality of positive photoresist patterns and a plurality of trenches. Then, a first group of color filter patterns is formed in the trenches. The plurality of positive photoresist patterns is removed, so that a portion of a top surface of the substrate is exposed. Then, a second group of color filter patterns is formed on the exposed top surface of the substrate. |
| US09279919B2 |
Light diffusing member comprising hollow portions and a plurality of light-shielding layers dotted on one surface of a base material, method for manufacturing the same and display device
A viewing angle extending film (a light diffusing member) includes a base material with optical transparency, a plurality of light-shielding layers dotted on one surface of the base material, and a transparent resin layer (optically transparent material layer) provided on the one surface of the base material. At least a light-shielding layer, which is part of the plurality of light-shielding layers, has a planar shape surrounded by a first figure and a second figure contained in the first figure or a planar shape surrounded by at least part of the first figure and at least part of the second figure overlaid with the first figure. Hollow portions are provided in a formation region of the light-shielding layers, each hollow portion being shaped so that a cross-sectional area obtained by cutting along a plane parallel to the one surface of the base material is large on the light-shielding layer side and is gradually decreased as being away from the light-shielding layer. A part other than the hollow portions is taken as a light transmitting portion. |
| US09279917B2 |
Optical film, method of manufacturing the same, and electronic device including the same
An optical film includes a transparent member including a surface to which light is incident, the surface including a plurality of bumps which is configured to diffusely reflect an incident light, and an adhesion member on a local region of the surface of the transparent member, where the adhesion member fills spaces between the bumps in the local region. |
| US09279914B2 |
Condensing lens, compound-eye lens condenser, and compound-eye concentrating solar cell assembly
A condensing lens, compound-eye lens condenser, and compound-eye concentrating-type solar cell assembly. The condensing lens is a convex lens that can reflect mutually parallel incident lights (3) onto a receiving surface (4) on the outer side of the lens and thus form spots. If the vertical distance from the contact point of any incident lights (3) contacting the lens to a light axis (103) of the lens is x, the vertical distance between a projection point formed from the incident light (3) reflecting onto the receiving surface (4) and the center of the spot is m, the radius of the lens is a, and the radius of the spot is b, then the lens meets the following condition: x/m=a/b. The condensing lens has a high transmission rate, and the energy distribution of the spots is more even after condensing, the transmission rate is 90% to 93%, and the energy distribution curve of the spots transmitted through the condensing lens is similar to saddle-shaped. |
| US09279913B2 |
Antireflective film, polarizing plate, and image display device
An antireflective film is provided, the antireflective film including: a transparent support; and at least one low refractive index layer, wherein the low refractive index layer is formed from a composition containing at least following (A) to (C): (A) a fluorine-containing antifouling agent having at least one polymerizable unsaturated group; (B) a fluorine-containing copolymer having at least one polymerizable unsaturated group; and (C) inorganic fine particles. |
| US09279911B2 |
Image display device
A method for manufacturing an image display device includes the step of forming a cured resin layer by interposing a photo-curable resin composition between a protection member and a display-side panel including an image display unit and a frame member and then photo-curing the photo-curable resin composition, with the photo-curable resin composition being disposed across between the image display unit and the frame member. In the manufacturing method, a high-viscosity resin composition having a viscosity of 3000 mPa·s or more and 12000 mPa·s or less is used as the photo-curable resin composition. Alternatively, after a gap between the image display unit and the frame member is sealed with a sealing film, a photo-curable resin composition is interposed between the display-side panel and the protection member. |
| US09279910B2 |
Color shift of high LSG low emissivity coating after heat treatment
Low emissivity panels can include a protection layer of silicon nitride on a layer of ZnO on a layer of Zn2SnOx. The low emissivity panels can also include NiNbTiOx as a barrier layer. The low emissivity panels have high light to solar gain, color neutral, together with similar observable color and light transmission before and after a heat treatment process. |
| US09279908B2 |
Ink for electrowetting device and electrowetting device using the same
The present invention relates to an ink for an electrowetting element comprising colorant particles and a solvent, wherein the colorant particles have a specific gravity of 2 or less and an average particle diameter of 20 to 300 nm, and wherein the content of the colorant particles in the ink is 5 to 50% by mass. |
| US09279902B2 |
Optical module and optical unit for a light curtain, and fabrication method
An optical module for an optical unit associated with forming a light curtain for monitoring a protective or surveillance field. The optical module includes at least one radiation emitting and/or radiation receiving element for transmitting and/or receiving a radiation beam associated with forming a light curtain. The optical module includes a module body for mounting a radiation transmitter/receiver carrier that carries the at least one transmitting and/or receiving element associated with the radiation beam. The module body has at least one alignment element for aligning the optical module within a support element that forms an outer housing of the optical unit. |
| US09279900B2 |
Systems and methods for generating electronic records of locate and marking operations
Systems and methods for generating electronic records of locate operations and marking operations are described. Exemplary systems and methods include marking devices that generate, store and/or transmit electronic records of marking information, locate devices that generate, store and/or transmit electronic records of locate information, and locate devices and marking devices that communicate with each other (and optionally with other devices or systems) to share/exchange locate information and/or marking information. An exemplary method for analyzing and processing locate information and marking information includes a computer-implemented method for visually rendering (e.g., in a display field of a display device) various aspects of locate and marking operations. |
| US09279899B2 |
System and technique to estimate physical propagation parameters associated with a seismic survey
A technique includes estimating propagation parameters that are associated with a towed seismic survey based at least in part on seismic signal measurements and noise measurements. |
| US09279896B2 |
Reciprocal method two-way wave equation targeted data selection for improved imaging of complex geologic structures
The invention relates to seismic imaging where complex geologies are likely to create data that is confusing or ambiguous for a conventional matrix of acquisition source points and receiver locations. With some understanding of the geological substructure, the acquisition source points and receiver locations that optimize the imaging may be found by using a reciprocal two-way wave equation propagation method coupled with a quality geologic model. With this, the acquisition source points and receiver locations that optimize the imaging may be selected and used to better resolve the substructure and avoid the inclusion of data that obscures understanding of the substructure. |
| US09279891B2 |
Transparent glass scintillators, methods of making same and devices using same
Compositions and methods are described for transparent glass composite having nanoparticles therein that scintillate in the presence of nuclear radiation, particularly gamma rays, but also x-rays, alpha particles, beta particles, and neutrons. The transparent glass composites can be prepared by a melt/cool process to produce the transparent glass composite. The wavelength of light emitted by the transparent glass composite can be tailored based on the materials used to make the glass composite. A detector that utilizes the transparent glass composite can measure nuclear radiation from numerous sources. |
| US09279890B2 |
Radiation image acquisition device
A radiation image acquisition device includes: a radiation source which emits radiation; a wavelength conversion member of a flat plate shape which generates scintillation light according to incidence of the radiation emitted from the radiation source and transmitted by an object; first imaging means which condenses and images the scintillation light emitted from an entrance surface for the radiation in the wavelength conversion member in a direction of a normal to the entrance surface; and second imaging means which condenses and images the scintillation light emitted from a surface opposite to the entrance surface in the wavelength conversion member in a direction of a normal to the opposite surface. |
| US09279881B2 |
Radar false alert reduction
A radar detector suppresses alerts from vehicle guidance systems, by sweeping for a consistent radar signal; the center frequency of the signal is stored and the detector suppresses warnings of radar signals near that frequency. The detector uses an enhanced method for suppression of signals near a known location of a false signal source; in the event the detector detects a radar signal and finds a matching stored false signal, the detector will first compare the strength of the received signal to a threshold strength that is computed based upon the distance of the detector from the stored false signal, and will only suppress signals below threshold. The detector includes a camera directed to the road in the vicinity of the vehicle. Image data from the camera is processed to identify police vehicles as identified by flashing lights, a profile including a rooftop light bar and/or highly contrasting colored panels. |
| US09279877B2 |
Technique for using cached information with a WLAN positioning system to obtain an estimate of a position of a mobile device
In one embodiment, techniques are employed to estimate a position of a wireless local area network (WLAN) enabled mobile device. The mobile device receives one or more wireless local area network (WLAN) packets transmitted within a range of the mobile device. The mobile device extracts information from the one or more WLAN packets to identify one or more WLAN access points (APs), and caches information indicating an identity of the one or more WLAN APs and a time of detection of the one or more WLAN APs. Subsequent to the caching, a request may be received for a position estimate of the mobile device. In response to the subsequently-received request for the position estimate, the cached information is provided to a WLAN positioning system (WPS) to obtain an estimate of a position of the mobile device. |
| US09279872B2 |
Method for determining a set of B1 field maps
A method for determining a set of B1 field maps for different transmit channels includes determining a first partial B1 field map having absolute B1 amplitudes for each transmit channel. A gradient echo technique operating with a single gradient echo image is used to determine a relative partial B1 field map having relative B1 amplitudes for each transmit channel. A spatial weighting function for mapping the relative B1 amplitudes onto absolute B1 amplitudes is determined taking into account the first partial B1 field maps and the relative partial B1 field maps of all the transmit channels. The spatial weighting function is used to determine second partial B1 field maps from the relative partial B1 field maps. The B1 field map for each transmit channel is determined from the first and the second partial B1 field map for the respective transmit channel taking into account the subregions and/or the error values. |
| US09279871B2 |
System and apparatus for compensating for magnetic field distortion in an MRI system
A magnet apparatus for a magnetic resonance imaging system, the magnet apparatus includes a vacuum vessel, a helium vessel disposed within the vacuum vessel and a thermal shield disposed between the vacuum vessel and the helium vessel. A set of passive compensation coils are disposed within the vacuum vessel or the helium vessel and used to compensate for magnetic field distortion caused by mechanical vibrations within the magnet apparatus. |
| US09279868B2 |
Device and method for rapid dynamic nuclear polarization
A method and apparatus for producing a hyperpolarized sample material for use in an NMR investigation provides for a cryogenic region having a target material containing a first hyperpolarizable nuclear species, a second hyperpolarizable nuclear species, and a nuclear spin polarizing agent, wherein the first nuclear species has a higher magnetic moment than the second nuclear species. Microwave energy is used to excite electron spin transitions in the polarizing agent in the presence of a magnetic field. The first hyperpolarizable nuclear species is thereby caused to interact with the electron spin system in the polarizing agent and generate hyperpolarization of at least the first nuclear species of the target material. The target material is then subjected to a lowered magnetic field, wherein the lowered magnetic field facilitates polarization transfer by nuclear thermal mixing between the species to thereby hyperpolarize the second nuclear species. |
| US09279867B2 |
Biasing circuit for a magnetic field sensor, and corresponding biasing method
Described herein is a biasing circuit for a magnetic-field sensor; the magnetic-field sensor is provided with a first detection structure, which generates a first electrical detection quantity as a function of a first component of an external magnetic field, and a second detection structure, which generates a second electrical detection quantity as a function of a second component of an external magnetic field. The biasing circuit electrically supplies the first detection structure and the second detection structure in respective biasing time intervals, at least partially distinct from one another, which preferably do not temporally overlap one other. |
| US09279866B2 |
Magnetic sensor
A magnet is disposed on one face of a hollow section which is the conveyance path of an object of detection, and has a magnetic pole of designated length along the conveyance direction of the object of detection. A magnetic body is disposed along the conveyance direction opposite the magnet with the hollow section therebetween, and generates a cross magnetic field that crosses the hollow section formed between the magnetic body and the magnet. An anisotropic magnetoresistance element is disposed on the side of the magnetic body carrier facing the hollow section, and has magneto-sensing action in the conveyance direction. |
| US09279865B2 |
Method and structure for testing and calibrating three axis magnetic field sensing devices
A structure and method are provided for self-test of a Z axis sensor. Two self-test current lines are symmetrically positioned adjacent, but equidistant from, each sense element. The vertical component of the magnetic field created from a current in the self-test lines is additive in a flux guide positioned adjacent, and orthogonal to, the sense element; however, the components of the magnetic fields in the plane of the sense element created by each of the two self-test current line pairs cancel one another at the sense element center, resulting in only the Z axis magnetic field being sensed during the self-test. |
| US09279862B2 |
Electrostatic discharge protection for a magnetoresistive sensor
A method of designing, for a magneto-resistive (MR) sensor, a protection circuit having a first and a second N-channel field-effect transistor (NFET) and at least one positive-negative (PN) diode is disclosed. The method may include determining a safe operating voltage range for the MR sensor and determining, within the safe operating voltage range, a normal operating voltage range for the MR sensor. The method may also include determining a protection threshold voltage range outside of the normal operating voltage range and within the safe operating voltage range of the MR sensor. The method may also include selecting device parameters to configure the first and second NFETs and the at least one PN diode to, in response to a voltage applied to the MR sensor being within a protection threshold voltage range, limit, by shunting current, the voltage applied to the MR sensor. |
| US09279860B2 |
Battery monitoring system and semiconductor device
A battery monitoring system including: plural battery cell sets; and semiconductor devices, wherein: each of the semiconductor devices includes a measuring section, a high side communication section that is supplied with a drive voltage in a first voltage range, and, when a semiconductor device is present at a higher position that operates at a higher operating voltage than the operating voltage of the semiconductor device itself when measuring a battery cell set on the high side of the battery cell set measured by the semiconductor device itself, can perform communication with the high side semiconductor device, a low side communication section, and a communication level converter; the semiconductor device at the highest stage further includes a signal level determination section; and the first voltage range of the highest stage is set to a specific voltage range narrower than the first voltage range of another of the semiconductor devices. |
| US09279855B2 |
Semiconductor integtrated circuit including test pads
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a test input/output port including test pads; an internal input interface configured to generate an internal clock, an internal address, an internal command, internal data and temporary storage data in response to external signals through the test input/output port; and an error detection block configured to determine whether the internal data and the temporary storage data are the same, and output a result through one test pad of the port. The internal input interface includes a data input/output block which generates the internal data and the data input/output block includes a temporary storage part which stores the internal data as the temporary storage data, a data output part which receives the temporary storage data, and a data input part which receives an output of the data output part and outputs it as the internal data. |
| US09279854B2 |
Mechanism for facilitating modular processing cell framework and application for asynchronous parallel singulated semiconductor device handling and testing
A mechanism is described for facilitating and employing a modular processing cell framework according to one embodiment. A method of embodiments may include accepting one or more semiconductor devices in one or more media at a modular processing cell framework (“framework”) including a plurality of test cells, moving the one or more semiconductor devices from the one or more media to one or more test cells for testing; and testing the one or more semiconductor devices. |
| US09279852B2 |
Systems and methods for conforming test tooling to integrated circuit device profiles with sockets having secured and replaceable bushings
A test socket assembly, useful in association with a thermal control unit (TCU) used to maintain a set point temperature on an IC device under test, has alignment holes with bushings that are secured within the alignment holes by using retaining pins. The retaining pins can be easily screwed in and out of the socket. This provision allows the bushings to be replaced easily as they get worn out or deformed from repeated testing. |
| US09279842B2 |
Assembly and a method of determining a change in capacitance
An assembly and a method for determining a change in capacitance in a cable, such as a change caused by a deformation of the cable. The deformation may be caused by a deforming element attached to the cable and slideable along the cable. The deforming element may be adapted to be compressed by a user and convert the compression force into a compression of the cable so as to cause the capacitance change. The assembly may form part of a headset and the deformation may be used to control a media player or mobile telephone used with the headset. |
| US09279841B2 |
Integratable capacitive touch sensing circuit through charge sharing
An integratable capacitive touch sensing circuit through charge sharing is provided, including a charge sharing circuit, voltage-controlled oscillator, reference frequency generator, switch clock generator and frequency compare circuit; wherein charge sharing circuit further including a sensing capacitor, touch capacitor, share capacitor, charging switch, charge sharing switch and discharging switch, for sharing charge from charged sensing capacitor with discharged share capacitor through charge sharing to accumulate voltage on share capacitor. The capacitance of share capacitor is adjustable for applications generating different sensing capacitance. The charging switch, charge sharing switch and discharging switch are controlled by non-overlapping clocks. Prolonging close duration of charging switch and minimizing close duration of charge sharing switch and discharging switch can minimize interference from ambient noise. The charge sharing circuit finishes charge sharing in a clock cycle and voltage of share capacitor are linear to sensing capacitance and touch capacitance. |
| US09279840B2 |
Method and system that determines the value of a resistor in linear and non-linear resistor sets
The present subject matter refers to apparatus and methods for identifying a resistance level of a resistor. In an example, circuit configured to identify a resistor can include a plurality of current sources, each current source selectively coupled to the resistor to generate a resistor voltage, a comparator configured to compare the resistor voltage and a reference voltage, and to provide an output indicative of the comparison, and a controller configured to selectively couple a first one or more current sources of the plurality of current sources to the resistor, and to selectively couple a second one or more current sources of the plurality of current sources to the resistor in response to the output indicative of the comparison. |
| US09279839B2 |
Domain identification and separation for precision measurement of waveforms
A machine-implemented method for computerized digital signal processing obtains a digital signal from data storage or from conversion of an analog signal and determines, from the digital signal, Measuring Matrices (MM). Each measuring matrix has a plurality of cells, each cell having an amplitude corresponding to the signal energy in a frequency bin for a time slice. Cells in each measuring matrix having maximum amplitudes within a time slice are identified as maximum cells. Maxima that coincide in time and frequency are identified and a correlated maxima matrix (PMM) is constructed showing the coinciding maxima and the adjacent marked maxima are linked into partial chains. If only one MM is constructed, multiple types of maxima are identified to generate the (PMM). The partial chains are isolated by parameters for a single domain or multiple domains to identify partial chains and possible separation of complex compound waveforms in the digital signal. |
| US09279838B2 |
System, method and apparatus for computing, monitoring, measuring, optimizing and allocating power and energy for a rod pumping system
A system and methods are provided for controlling a motor of a rod pumping system using previous RPMs of the motor and predicting an RPM of the motor; correcting a power factor of a motor of a rod pumping system; allocating energy consumption and allocating energy generation for a set of wells connected to an electricity meter using an amount of energy generated by each well; and generating an alert if a set of data is beyond a threshold for the set of data. |
| US09279837B2 |
Low noise reading architecture for active sensor arrays
A sensor apparatus includes an array of active sensor elements arranged in columns and rows. Each sensor element is associated with a thin film access device disposed in a first current path through which an activation current is provided to activate the sensor element. Each sensor element is read through a respective second current path. The second current paths do not include the thin film access device of the first current path. As such, noise from the thin film access device is isolated from the second current paths. |
| US09279832B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring AC voltages
A method and apparatus for measuring an AC voltage. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an AC voltage monitoring circuit, coupled to at least one AC line, for producing a digital representation of a voltage on the at least one AC line, processing the digital representation to create a data stream containing information regarding the digital representation, and coupling the data stream through an isolation device to form an output signal. |
| US09279829B2 |
Apparatus and method for terminating probe apparatus of semiconductor wafer
A probe apparatus and method of terminating a probe that probes a semiconductor device with a signal cable from a tester side by side at a proximal end of the probe and a distal end of the signal cable. In one embodiment, the probe apparatus includes: a chassis; a dielectric block mounted in the chassis for retaining the probe, the probe extending on the chassis from a proximal end of the probe to the dielectric block, extending through the dielectric block, and projecting from the dielectric block towards the semiconductor device at a distal end of the probe; and a terminating apparatus, mounted in the chassis, for terminating the proximal end of the probe with a distal end of the signal cable side by side. |
| US09279828B2 |
Sample fixing member for atomic force microscope
Provided is a sample fixing member for an atomic force microscope capable of reducing the drift amount of a sample during measurement. A sample fixing member for an atomic force microscope of the present invention includes a fibrous columnar structure including a plurality of fibrous columnar objects each having a length of 200 μm or more. |
| US09279827B2 |
Sensor module and sensor system
Reliability and accuracy of a sensor are secured while adjustment cost of a sensor module is suppressed. A signal component analysis part 10 receives a signal output from a signal processing part 7 before passing through a low-pass filter 8, analyzes whether or not application of a fragile frequency with respect to a physical quantity is equal to or more than a threshold level, if the application of the fragile frequency is equal to or more than the threshold level, outputs output stop signals to output signal control parts 9, 16. The output signal control parts 9, 16 receive control signals output from the signal component analysis part 10, and outputs an acceleration signal and a physical quantity signal from which noise has been removed by the low-pass filters 8, 15 through the signal processing parts 7, 14. |
| US09279825B2 |
Acceleration sensor structure and use thereof
A MEMS-sensor structure comprising first means and second means coupled for double differential detection and positioned symmetrically to provide quantities for the double differential detection in a phase shift. If the sensor deforms, due to a specifically symmetric positioning of the first and second means, the effect of the displacement is at least partly eliminated. |
| US09279824B2 |
Bulk acoustic wave accelerometers
Accelerometers and associated techniques for detecting motion are described. For a resonant accelerometer, an externally-applied acceleration can cause a change in the electrical spring constant Ke of the electromechanical system. A resonant accelerometer can be driven to resonate in a bulk acoustic wave mode of vibration, which can have a high resonant frequency. Other accelerometers and associated techniques are disclosed. |
| US09279822B2 |
Micromechanical structure and method for manufacturing a micromechanical structure
A micromechanical structure includes: a substrate which has a main plane of extension; and a mass which is movable relative to the substrate, the movable mass being elastically suspended via at least one coupling spring. A first subregion of the movable mass is situated, at least partially, between the substrate and the coupling spring along a vertical direction which is essentially perpendicular to the main plane of extension. |
| US09279818B2 |
Bio drive apparatus, and assay method using the same
A non-optical bio-disc, a bio-disc device including the non-optical bio-disc and/or optical disc, a bio-driver apparatus in which a controller disc including a controller for the bio-disc is installed, and an assay method using the same, which are suitable for labs-on-a-chips for various diagnostic assays, nucleic acid hybridization assays, and immunoassays, are provided. The bio-driver apparatus is compatible with general optical discs, including audio, CD-ROMs, DVD players, etc. Thus, the bio-driver apparatus and the assay method offer and economical and convenient alternative to existing products. In addition, the bio-driver apparatus can be readily and easily applied in connection with a computer for remote diagnosis via the internet. |
| US09279815B2 |
Human Streptococcus pneumoniae antibodies and uses therefor
The present invention is directed to particular monoclonal antibodies and fragments thereof that find use in the detection, prevention and treatment of Streptococcus pneumoniae infections. In particular, these antibodies may kill Streptococcus pneumoniae or limit the replication of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Also disclosed are improved methods for producing such monoclonal antibodies. |
| US09279814B2 |
Solid state synthesis hydroxyl radicals for high throughput structure determination of proteins and nucleic acids by oxidative footprinting
The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for structural mapping of a macromolecule comprising an amount of persulfide effective to generate hydroxyl radicals upon contact with an aqueous solution. The present invention further relates to methods for structural mapping a macromolecule in an aqueous solution and methods for structural mapping a plurality of macromolecules in parallel, wherein each macromolecule is in a separate aqueous solution. |
| US09279813B2 |
Ex vivo flow cytometry method and device
The invention relates to a method for diagnosing a disease state mediated by pathogenic cells. The method comprises the steps of combining with an ex vivo patient sample a composition comprising a conjugate or complex of the general formula Ab-X wherein the group Ab comprises a ligand that binds to the pathogenic cells and the group X comprises an imaging agent, and detecting the pathogenic cells that express a receptor for the ligand using flow cytometry. |
| US09279809B2 |
Cell differentiation assay method, cell isolation method, method for producing induced pluripotent stem cells, and method for producing differentiated cells
Provided are a method for accurately evaluating the differentiation status of stem cells by selectively staining only stem cells in an undifferentiated state, and a method for positively isolating only stem cells in an undifferentiated state. Specifically provided is a method for determining differentiation of a cell comprising a step of contacting a test cell with a probe comprising protein (A) or (B) below and a step of detecting the presence of binding of the probe to the test cell. The method for determining differentiation of a cell is capable of detecting the presence or absence of an undifferentiated stem cell in test cells by using a probe that specifically reacts with undifferentiated stem cells and detecting the presence of bonding to the test cell. (A) A protein comprising an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and recognizing a sugar chain structure of “Fucα1-2Galβ1-3GlcNAc” and/or “Fucα1-2Galβ1-3GalNAc;” and (B) a protein comprising an amino acid sequence showing 80% or more similarity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and recognizing a sugar chain structure of “Fucα1-2Galβ1-3GlcNAc” and/or “Fucα1-2Galβ1-3GalNAc.” |
| US09279807B2 |
Materials and methods for the treatment of celiac disease
The present invention provides materials and methods for the treatment of celiac disease. In addition, the present invention provides materials and methods of monitoring the treatment of a subject having celiac disease. |
| US09279806B2 |
Water-soluble AIE luminogens for monitoring and retardation of fibrillation of amyloid proteins
Compounds that exhibit aggregation induced emission (AIE), and more particularly to water-soluble conjugated polyene compounds that exhibit aggregation induced emission. The conjugated polyene compounds can be used as bioprobes for DNA detection, G-quadruplex identification, and potassium-ion sensing. The polyenes also can be utilized as an external fluorescent marker to study conformational structures, to monitor folding processes of label-free oligonucleotides with G-rich strand sequences, and to visualize DNA bands in PAGE assay. The polyenes have applications in high-throughput anticancer drug screening and are useful for the development of efficient anti-cancer drugs. Furthermore, the present subject matter can also be used to monitor fibrillation of amyloid proteins and to facilitate the storage and delivery thereof. |
| US09279803B2 |
Method of identifying patients not suitable for high-dose cyclophosphamide treatment
The present invention provides methods of identifying subjects that are suitable and not suitable for high-dose cyclophosphamide treatment. |
| US09279795B2 |
Combustible gas detecting device
A flammable gas concentration detection apparatus (1) including an energization control unit (50) that switches the energization state of heating resistor (34) at regular time periods TW, and a gas concentration computation unit (7). The heating resistor has first and second set temperatures CH and CL. The voltage detected across the heating resistor at the first and second set temperatures corresponds to a high and low temperature voltage, respectively. The gas concentration computation unit computes the concentration of a flammable gas based on a first information group including an average high temperature voltage averaging the values of two temporally successive high temperature voltages, the low temperature voltage in a period of time between two high temperature voltages, and an environment temperature in the period of time in which the low temperature voltage is detected. |
| US09279794B2 |
Systems and methods for compensating long term sensitivity drift of electrochemical gas sensors exposed to nitric oxide
Described are systems and methods for compensating long term sensitivity drift of catalytic type electrochemical gas sensors used in systems for delivering therapeutic nitric oxide (NO) gas to a patient by compensating for drift that may be specific to the sensors atypical use in systems for delivering therapeutic nitric oxide gas to a patient. In at least some instances, the long term sensitivity drift of catalytic type electrochemical gas sensors can be addressed using calibration schedules, which can factor in the absolute change in set dose of NO being delivered to the patient that can drive one or more baseline calibrations. The calibration schedules can be used reduce the amount of times the sensor goes offline. Systems and methods described may factor in in actions occurring at the delivery system and/or aspects of the surrounding environment, prior to performing a baseline calibration, and may postpone the calibration and/or rejected using the sensor's output for the calibration. |
| US09279793B2 |
Antenna installations
An antenna installation comprises a plurality of antenna assemblies (10) mounted in respective enclosures (12). The enclosures are interconnected by flow connections (14) allowing passage of dry air supplied from a dry air panel (16). Having passed through all the enclosures, the dry air exhausts through a dry air return (18). The dew point of the air in the dry air return is detected by a dew point sensor (22). An air flow sensor (24) is disposed downstream of the dew point sensor and signals alarm if the air flow falls below a preset threshold. |
| US09279792B2 |
Method of using an absorptive sensor element
A method of using an absorptive sensor element includes: providing the absorptive sensor element, heating the absorptive sensor element to a temperature in a range of from 30° C. to 100° C., exposing the absorptive sensor element to an analyte vapor, and measuring a capacitance-related property of the absorptive sensor element and/or a spectral feature upon reflection of incident light. The absorptive sensor element comprises: a substrate, a first member disposed on the substrate, a second member, and a detection layer comprising a polymer of intrinsic microporosity disposed between and contacting the first member and the second member. |
| US09279791B2 |
Odor sensing system
An odor sensing system including a plurality of odor sensors, each odor sensor being configured to output a detection signal in response to at least one odor molecule; at least one chromatographic membrane disposed at the plurality of odor sensors through which the odor molecule diffuses to reach the odor sensor; and a pattern analyzer configured to analyze the detection signals over time to identify the odor molecule is described. |
| US09279788B2 |
Apparatus and methods for preparative liquid chromatography
Embodiments of the present invention feature methods and apparatus for performing chromatographic separations. The invention feature methods and control means in the form of computer programs and software that control the formation of a concentration gradient at two or more total flow rates, with an elution period occurring in a slow flow rate and at least other portions of the gradient occurring during a fast total flow rate. |
| US09279777B2 |
Analyzing strain distribution in semiconductor structures using nano-beam diffraction
Analyzing a strain distribution in a semiconductor structure. One embodiment includes a method including: determining a crystallographic orientation of a portion of the semiconductor structure depicted in a diffraction pattern image, identifying a first and a second diffraction spot in the diffraction pattern image, and detecting an anticipated location of each of a plurality of diffraction spots, based on the first and second diffraction spot, and the determining of the crystallographic orientation. The method includes forming perimeter tiles around the first and the second diffraction spot, and the anticipated location of each of the plurality of diffraction spots, and storing each of the formed perimeter tiles of the diffraction pattern image. Finally the method includes determining the strain distribution in the semiconductor structure based on an actual location of the first and the second diffraction spot, and each of the plurality of diffraction spots within the perimeter tile. |
| US09279775B2 |
X-ray imaging apparatus, method of controlling the same, and computer program
An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source including a plurality of X-ray focuses, an X-ray detector which detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray focuses and transmitted through an object, and a control unit which controls the X-ray source and the X-ray detector. The X-ray imaging apparatus selects a pair of X-ray focuses, of X-ray focuses of the plurality of X-ray focuses which project images on the X-ray detector through a region of interest which is an imaging region of the object, from which emitted X-rays define an intersecting angle coinciding with a predetermined angle in the region of interest, and decides an X-ray focus to be used for imaging from X-ray focuses between the selected pair of X-ray focuses. An X-ray image is captured by emitting X-rays from the decided X-ray focus and causing the X-ray detector to detect the X-rays. |
| US09279772B2 |
Soiling check of the window of a measuring apparatus
A method for checking the soiling of the windows of a measuring apparatus for checking sheet material, includes having at least two sensor rows oriented transversally to the transport direction of the sheet material. Each of the sensor rows detects the light emanating from the sheet material in a certain spectral channel. For checking the soiling of the window the sensor rows detect the light at several detection times at which no sheet material is present in the capture area of the sensor rows. At least two of the spectral channels are combined with each other and the temporal variation of the intensities of the combined spectral channel is evaluated for the purpose of the soiling check. A small temporal variation of the intensity of the combined spectral channel is employed as an indicator for the presence of a soiling of the window. |
| US09279769B2 |
Proteins that efficiently generate singlet oxygen
The present invention provides miniSOG proteins, polynucleotides, and methods of use. When expressed in a bacterial or mammalian cell, miniSOG proteins spontaneously incorporate flavin mononucleotide and produce fluorescence and singlet oxygen upon excitation. Uses include optical and electron microscope imaging, in vivo imaging, detection and localization of protein-protein interactions, and photoablation. |
| US09279767B2 |
Chemical-analysis device integrated with metallic-nanofinger device for chemical sensing
A chemical-analysis device integrated with a metallic-nanofinger device for chemical sensing. The chemical-analysis device includes a metallic-nanofinger device, and a platform. The metallic-nanofinger device includes a substrate, and a plurality of nanofingers coupled with the substrate. A nanofinger of the plurality includes a flexible column, and a metallic cap coupled to an apex of the flexible column. At least the nanofinger and a second nanofinger of the plurality of nanofingers are to self-arrange into a close-packed configuration with at least one analyte molecule. A morphology of the metallic cap is to generate a shifted plasmonic-resonance peak associated with amplified luminescence from the analyte molecule. A method for using, and a chemical-analysis apparatus including the chemical-analysis device are also provided. |
| US09279764B2 |
Method and apparatus for manipulating near field using light scattering
An apparatus for manipulating surface near-field light resulting from light emitted from a light source that passes through a scattering layer is disclosed. Also, a method of finding a phase of incident light to cause constructive interference at a target spot using light scattering to manipulate the surface near-field. |
| US09279761B1 |
Cuvette system
A cuvette system may comprise a disposable cuvette element for holding a sample for analysis, with the cuvette element comprising an elongated strip having opposite faces and a well for receiving the sample to be analyzed. The well may be formed on the strip to hold a sample on the strip, and a hole may form at least a portion of the well and may extend through the strip. The well may be configured to hold a defined volume of the sample to be held therein. The system may comprise a reusable holder for removably receiving the cuvette element, with the holder having a substantially hollow interior for receiving at least a portion of the cuvette element. The holder may have a perimeter wall including a front wall and a rear wall of the holder, and a window may be formed in each of the front and rear walls and may be generally positioned in alignment with each other. The windows may be alignable with the well in the cuvette element when the cuvette element is inserted into the holder such that a straight line passes through the windows and the well simultaneously. |
| US09279753B2 |
Microelectromechanical device and system
A microelectromechanical device for electromechanical testing a specimen having a nano-scale dimension is formed on a multi-layered semiconductor substrate (chip) and includes an electrothermal or electrostatic actuator for applying a displacement load (force) to the specimen, a load sensor for sensing the load (force) experienced by the specimen. The specimen is disposed between first and second movable shuttles of the actuator and load sensor, which shuttles comprise electrically insulating layers so as to electrically isolate the shuttles and specimen from the actuator and the load sensor on the substrate. A four-terminal Kelvin array is provided to provide specimen electrical characterization measurements and includes first and second outer terminals connected to a current source and to opposite end locations of the specimen and first and second inner terminals connected to a high input impedance voltage meter and to the specimen at other locations between the first and second outer terminals. |
| US09279749B2 |
Laser microdissection method and apparatus
Systems and methods for automated laser microdissection are disclosed. In one variation, targeted biological material is manually or automatically selected and a transfer film is placed in juxtaposition to the location of an interior of a cut path. In another variation, a sample of biological material is mounted onto a polymer membrane which is then placed onto a substrate. Targeted biological material is manually or automatically selected and a transfer film is placed in juxtaposition with the targeted biological material on the side of the biological material. In yet another variation, a sample of biological material is mounted onto a polymer membrane which is then inverted onto a substrate. Targeted biological material is manually or automatically selected and a transfer film is placed in juxtaposition with the targeted biological material on the side of the polymer membrane. Then, an UV laser cuts along a cut path around the targeted portions of biological material in a closed cut path or a substantially closed cut path defining an interior and an exterior portion of the tissue sample. In a substantially closed cut path, bridges are left spanning the interior of the cut path and the exterior of the cut path. An IR laser activates at least a portion of the transfer film such that the transfer film in the vicinity of targeted portion adheres to the biological material interior to the cut path. The transfer film is then removed separating the targeted portions of biological material which are adhered to the transfer film from the remaining portion of the tissue sample. |
| US09279748B1 |
Disseminated vapor capture device
A disseminated vapor capture device for challenging a gas sampling apparatus with a vapor stream, includes an inlet being adapted for connection to a vapor generating apparatus producing a vapor stream containing target particles or analytes, an outer shell enclosing an inner chamber in communication with the inlet, the inner chamber being adapted for passing the vapor stream therethrough, an outlet being adapted for connection to a vacuum source, the outlet being in communication with the inner chamber for passing the vapor stream out of the inner chamber, and at least one sampling port in communication with the inner chamber, the at least one sampling port each being configured for coupling engagement with a gas sampling apparatus. |
| US09279746B2 |
Inline optical sensor with modular flowcell
Inline optical sensor which includes a modular flowcell block with a flow passageway of predetermined diameter, interchangeable adapters for connecting flow lines with different internal diameters to the block, and an optical pathlength that can be adjusted both in fixed increments with window spacers and continuously with vernier adjusters, and a light source and an optical detector in modular housings which can be aligned both radially and axially. Thermal isolation is provided between the housings and the flowcell body, and air circulation further reduces temperature and condensation within the housings. |
| US09279741B2 |
Method of measuring multi-mode fiber optical properties during processing of the fiber
A method of measuring optical properties of a multi-mode optical fiber during processing of the fiber is described. The method includes: transmitting a light signal through one of the draw end of the multi-mode fiber and a test fiber section toward the other of the draw end and the test fiber section; and receiving a portion of the light signal at one of the draw end and the test fiber section. The method also includes obtaining optical data related to the received portion of the light signal; and analyzing the optical data to determine a property of the multi-mode fiber. |
| US09279733B2 |
Bulk amorphous alloy pressure sensor
Pressure sensing systems comprising bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys and pressure-sensitive switches containing bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys. The bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys are capable of repeated deformation upon application of pressure, and change their electrical resistivity upon deformation, thereby enabling measurement of the change in resistivity and consequently, measuring the deformation and amount of pressure applied. |
| US09279732B2 |
Internal temperature indicator
A temperature indicator having a tubular structure; a float or floating particles releasably held in place in the tubular structure by a temperature dependent material that is activated at or about a critical temperature, the float or floating particles having a first density; and a fluid within the tubular structure, the fluid having a second density that is less than the first density. When the temperature indicator is heated to the critical temperature, the temperature dependent material activates and releases the float or the floating particles, which rise in the fluid so as to be visible as in indicator that the critical temperature has been reached. |
| US09279729B2 |
Infrared sensor
A lightweight infrared sensor which is readily and stably erected to a substrate, the infrared sensor includes an insulating film; a first and second heat sensitive element are disposed on one surface of the insulating film separately; a first and second conductive film on one surface of the insulating film and are respectively connected to the first and the second heat sensitive element; an infrared reflection film on the other surface of the insulating film so as to face the second heat sensitive element; a reinforcing plate on which a sensor part window corresponding to a sensor part is formed and which is adhered to the insulating film; and a first and a second terminal electrode are respectively connected to the first and the second wiring film and formed on the edge of the insulating film. |
| US09279726B2 |
Optical device with reduced crosstalk
In one embodiment, an optical device comprising an emitter, first and second emitter optical elements and a receiver is disclosed. The emitter and the receiver may be arranged substantially along a longitudinal axis. The first and second emitter optical elements may be interposing the longitudinal axis. One other embodiment discloses an optical device comprising an emitter and a receiver arranged on a longitudinal axis. The optical device may further comprise first and second emitter optical elements arranged along an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis but interposing the longitudinal axis. In another embodiment, a proximity sensor having first and second emitters interposing a longitudinal axis is disclosed. |
| US09279725B2 |
System and method of quantifying color and intensity of light sources
A system and method of quantifying color and intensity of light sources including LEDs, HBLEDs (High Brightness LEDs), and other Solid State Lights (SSLs) using C-parameters to model a Spectral Power Distribution (SPD) to improve precision, accuracy, repeatability and usefulness of measurement of optical properties of wavelength and radiant flux in manufacturing of an object, designing products and processes that use the object, and describing/defining the object, is provided. In one embodiment, a method of characterizing a Solid State Light (SSL) source includes a SSL source under test (DUT), a Spectral Power Distribution (SPD) of light emission of the SSL source, a curve-fitting function, a set of configuration data comprising the order of the curve-fitting function, the number of nodes, wavelength boundary limits, saturation threshold, and noise floor threshold, a computing device for curve-fitting, node detection, iteration and program control and inputting and outputting data; and a set of C-Parameters, noise parameters, and confidence values. |
| US09279724B2 |
Imaging spectrometer with extended resolution
Interferometric transform spectrometer (ITS) systems and methods of operation thereof. In one example, an ITS system includes a Michelson interferometer that introduces a varying optical path length difference (OPD) between its two arms so as to produce an interferogram, a detector that receives and samples the interferogram, and a scan controller coupled to the detector and to Michelson interferometer. The scan controller controls the Michelson interferometer to vary the OPD in discrete steps such that the detector provides M samples of the interferogram for each of two scan segments. In the first scan segment, the M samples have a uniform or non-uniform sample spacing and the OPD has a first maximum value. In the second scan segment, the M samples have an incrementally increasing sample spacing and the OPD has a second maximum value that is at least twice the first maximum value. |
| US09279721B2 |
Gas cell for the optical analysis of gases
A measuring cell for a gas analysis spectrometer has an inner chamber for a sample gas to be analyzed and an inlet and an outlet which are connected thereto. A traversing optical path for a measuring beam is formed in the inner chamber. The measuring cell is tubular, the inlet and the outlet are arranged at opposite ends, and the inner chamber of the measuring cell has a cross-sectional shape that is monotonic over the length of the tube and which has an oval-shape at the start, which disappears toward the end. That special shape results in fast gas exchange and thus high dynamics, even with larger measuring cells, which have high sensitivity due to the long optical paths thereof. Two characteristics which until now appeared to be conflicting are thereby combined. |
| US09279720B2 |
Analysis device
An analysis device for analyzing components contained in an object includes a light emitting unit that irradiates the object with light, a transmissive spectral filter, a light detector including a plurality of light receiving elements, an analysis unit. The spectral filter includes a substrate having light transmissivity and being disposed on a light path of the light after being reflected by the object or the light after passing through the object, a plurality of raised portions formed with a metal material on one surface of the substrate, and a metal oxide film including a metal oxide material having a higher refractive index than the metal material, so as to cover the plurality of raised portions and the one surface of the substrate. |
| US09279715B2 |
Apparatus for analysing the condition of a machine having a rotating part
A method of operating an apparatus for analysing the condition of a machine having a part rotating with a speed of rotation, includes receiving a first digital signal dependent on mechanical vibrations emanating from rotation of the part, analyzing the first digital signal so as to detect peak amplitude values during a finite time period, the finite time period corresponding to a certain amount of revolution of the part, the certain amount of revolution corresponding to more than one revolution of the monitored rotatable part, defining amplitude ranges, sorting the detected peak amplitude values into corresponding amplitude ranges so as to reflect occurrence of detected peak amplitude values within the plurality of amplitude ranges, and estimating a representative peak amplitude value in dependence on the sorted peak amplitude values and the certain amount. |
| US09279714B2 |
Automobile subassembly fluid fill confirmation
Embodiments of systems and methods for confirming fluid fill in automobile subassemblies are described herein. Such systems can include a weigh station to determine if the assembled automobile differential is at an acceptable weight that is indicative of proper fluid fill. A method of detecting a fluid fill condition for an automobile subassembly can comprise transferring the subassembly to a weigh station, applying constraints configured to prevent removal of the subassembly from the weigh station, weighing the subassembly, and determining the fluid fill condition based on the weight of the subassembly. |
| US09279712B2 |
Low profile load cells for use with a scale
A low profile, high capacity load cell suitable for use in connection with in motion weighing or other weighing scales and systems. Also disclosed are scales for use with the load cell, and systems for using the scales. The load cells are especially suited for use in high speed in-motion weighing. |
| US09279711B1 |
Optical sensor for a conventional tank gauge
An optical sensor for a conventional tank gauge designed to allow a user to remotely check the liquid level of a tank without the need for a visual inspection. Using an emitter circuit board with a plurality of photoemitters and a detector circuit board with a plurality of photodetectors, the optical sensor can fit over a conventional tank gauge without disturbing the gauge. The circuit boards can be attached to an optical sensor frame, which can be adjusted on the conventional tank gauge by a height adjustment screw and a series of set screws. Alternatively, one or more sliders can be used to maintain proper alignment. Analog data generated from the photodetectors can be digitized using a microcontroller and can be made available for viewing on a stationary or mobile device via an integrated network connection. |
| US09279705B2 |
High temperature high pressure seal
A probe for use with a measurement instrument includes a circuit connected to the probe. The probe comprises a process adaptor for mounting to a process vessel and including a through bore extending from a connector end to a process end. A tubular body is received in the process adaptor at the connector end and has an outer diameter less than an inner diameter of the process adaptor at the connector end to define a cavity therebetween. The cavity is open to the process vessel. A coupling secures the body to the process adaptor. A center conductor is coaxial with the tubular body and the process adaptor. A seal element is disposed between the tubular body and the center conductor. Process pressure in the process vessel increases compressive force between the tubular body and the seal element. |
| US09279700B1 |
Method for validation, estimation and editing of daily meter read data
A method for processing daily consumption, demand and time of use meter reads for electric, gas, water and other metered entities. The meter reads are collected by any of the well known Automated Meter Reading (AMR) technologies and loaded into a meter data warehouse. At a minimum daily meter reading, reads that are tagged as Good, Stale, Partial, Incomplete and Missing are required for properly identifying usage patterns, applying rules for error patterns and estimating the reads which will provide quality meter reads to the utilities thereby identifying meter problems before they become billing problems. The overall process involves loading the daily meter reads into a database, comparing each meter read against its previous day's read and applying a set of rules that help in validating, editing and estimating (VEE) of this data. The VEE rules that are applied can be broadly classified into five (5) categories. They are 1) Cumulative (CUM) Read Error Detection 2) Demand (DEM) read Error Detection 3) Rounding, Truncation and Offset rules 4) Allocation and Estimation 5) Others. Once these rules have been applied and the required reading estimated and edited, the data is now ready for billing. Prior to the reads being used for billing, another process is executed that helps to determine the meters that need to be replaced and hence whose reads cannot be used for billing as it would result in the customer being billed for incorrect usage. The output of this process can be customized to suit any of the popular Utility Billing Systems (UBS)'s input format and mimics a meter exchange transaction. |
| US09279699B2 |
Leveraging a femtocell network for premises management or monitoring
The disclosed subject matter relates to an architecture that can leverage femtocell network infrastructure in order to facilitate premises management or monitoring. In particular, the architecture can leverage the local presence of a home nodeB (HNB) located at a premises associated with a subscriber in order to aggregate, process and/or distribute various state information that can be collected at the premises. |
| US09279697B1 |
Student driver feedback system allowing entry of tagged events by instructors during driving tests
Tagged driving events may be generated during a driving session from sensor data collected via one or more sensors and/or entered by an instructor. The tagged driving events may include a description of each driving event and its associated severity or weight as it relates to a scoring process as well as a time and/or a location of the driving event. A driving session report may be generated using the tagged driving events and may include a driver feedback score that is weighted based on the severity associated with each of the tagged driving events and/or the collected data, a map of the driving session route that indicates a map location of each tagged driving event, and/or a listing of each tagged driving event. The driving session report may be displayed such that a user may select a tagged driving event to view information associated with the tagged driving event. |
| US09279696B2 |
Automatic handover of positioning parameters from a navigation device to a mobile device
Example methods, apparatuses, or articles of manufacture are disclosed herein that may be utilized, in whole or in part, to facilitate or support one or more operations or techniques for automatic or more dynamic handover of one or more positioning parameters from a navigation device, such as a personal navigation device (PND) co-located with a vehicle, for example, to a mobile communication device for use in or with a mobile communication device. |
| US09279695B2 |
Method of operating a navigation system to provide geographic location information
A computer implemented method of operating a navigation system to provide geographic location information is provided. The method comprises receiving a query text string representing a query for a geographic location from a user and obtaining data records that represent a plurality of candidate geographic locations. The method computes a text matching score that indicates how much of the query text string matches a record text string of the candidate geographic location and applies a usage pattern weight to the text matching score to obtain an overall score value for the candidate geographic location. The candidate geographic locations are ranked based on the overall score values. |
| US09279694B1 |
System and method for returning to a selected location and for finding forms in a facility
A portable electronic device connected over a network to a server is used to guide a person using the device to return to a location he chooses and to find one or more selected items within a facility, with the location of the device being tracked using radio frequency signals generated within the facility or GPS signals from satellites. The process of connecting to the server may be started when a bar code is photographed using a camera within the device, or when an RFID tag is read by a reader within the device. Location processes are provided for finding a vehicle left in a parking area, and for locating items that are additionally described in messages displayed on the electronic device. |
| US09279693B2 |
Navigation system and method for determining a route based on sun position and weather
A method for a computing device to determine a route entails determining a sun position relative to the route, determining weather conditions along the route, and determining whether to provide alternate routing based on both the sun position and the weather conditions. In one implementation, time-specific and weather-specific digital photographs of points of interest along the route are downloaded for display on the device when the device is located at or near the points of interest. |
| US09279691B2 |
Method and apparatus for two-stage planning
A plan through a space having a near field and a far field is determined. Using a sensor device, measurements of the far field are obtained and stored in an electronic memory. A processor uses the measurements to determine the viability of each far field plan among a plurality of candidate far field plans. The processor also determines a flexibility score for each of the candidate far field plans and selects a composite plan comprising the viable far field plan having a highest flexibility score among the viable candidate far field plans. |
| US09279686B2 |
Systems and methods for indoor navigation control by LED lighting devices
The present disclosure provides an indoor navigation control system containing at least two LED lighting devices and a location server. Each LED lighting device includes a Wi-Fi module and a driving power supply, and is used as a wireless access node to transmit Wi-Fi signals to an adjacent node. Nodes within a Wi-Fi signal coverage area have Internet or LAN access. The location server stores location information of the Wi-Fi module of each LED lighting device. The LED lighting devices and the location server communicate with a smart terminal to calculate a position, a moving direction, and a moving speed of an object according to the location information of each LED lighting device and a moving time length of the object. The Wi-Fi module of each LED lighting device further controls the driving power supply to adjust the status of the LED lighting device according to a control command from the smart terminal. |
| US09279685B1 |
Indicators for off-screen content
Provided are system and methods for identifying first and second geographic locations, and providing for display of a geographic map including: a first geographic map of a first geographic area including the first geographic location, and a first indicator including a second geographic map of a second geographic area including the second geographic location, wherein the second geographic map is displayed as an overlay on the first geographic map in a position that indicates a direction to the second geographic location. |
| US09279680B2 |
Methods and devices for determining orientation
Methods and electronic devices for determining orientation are described. In one aspect, a processor-implemented method of determining a corrected orientation of a gyroscope on an electronic device includes: generating a gyroscope reading using the gyroscope; determining, by the processor, a first orientation estimate based on the gyroscope reading and a past corrected orientation; determining, by the processor, whether the gyroscope was saturated when the gyroscope reading was generated; adjusting, by the processor, a saturation correction learning rate for the gyroscope based on the result of the determination of whether the gyroscope was saturated; and calculating, by the processor, the corrected orientation based on the first orientation estimate, a second orientation estimate and the saturation correction learning rate. |
| US09279678B2 |
Prepreg pasting state inspection apparatus
Even when a pasting target body to which prepregs are pasted has a shape changed portion such as a curved portion, prepreg pasting states are accurately inspected. A prepreg pasting state inspection apparatus for inspecting a gap between adjacent prepregs on a pasting target body has a laser for emitting slit light along an inclined plane so that a projected pattern of the slit light is formed across the adjacent prepregs, a camera for imaging an irradiation region of the laser, and a control unit for determining whether the gap between the adjacent prepregs is within an allowance based on a signal from the camera. The apparatus also has a range sensor for measuring a distance between a reference position and the irradiation region, and focus adjusting units for adjusting focus positions of the camera and the laser based on the signal from the range sensor. |
| US09279677B2 |
Corresponding point search device and distance measurement device
A corresponding point search device includes an acquiring unit, a search unit and a determination unit. The acquiring unit acquires a first image obtained by imaging a subject with a first imaging apparatus in a focused state in which the first imaging apparatus is focused on the subject by moving of a movable portion, a second image obtained by imaging the subject with a second imaging apparatus and position information of the movable portion when the first imaging apparatus is in the focused state. The search unit searches for a corresponding point corresponding to a baseline point in one image in the other image for the one image and the other image of the first and second images. The determination unit determines the search range in which the corresponding point is searched by the search unit in the other image based on the position information. |
| US09279666B1 |
System and method for monitoring strain
A system is provided for monitoring strain in a substrate using a strain sensor element within a fiber optic sensing cable. Accurate and rapid measurement of strain of remote substrates presents major technical challenges and is the focus of much of the description presented. However, systems, methods and devices provided by the present invention are not only capable of reliably measuring strain in real time, but are also capable of measuring other characteristics of a substrate such as its temperature, pressure and its acoustic characteristics. The system is configured such that a strain sensor element within a strain sensing zone detects substantially the true strain characteristics of the substrate. And while other sensing elements within the same fiber optic sensing cable may not be configured to detect substrate strain at all, these sensing elements may reliably measure the temperature and pressure at the surface of the substrate adjacent to the strain sensing zone. |
| US09279662B2 |
Laser scanner
A method of dynamically adjusting an angular speed of a light beam emitted by a scanner in measuring three-dimensional (3D) coordinates of a surface or of dynamically adjusting an acquisition rate of 3D coordinates of a surface. |
| US09279661B2 |
Information processing apparatus and information processing method
An information processing apparatus which estimates a three-dimensional position-and-orientation of a measuring object using an imaging apparatus capable of capturing a two-dimensional image and a range image, includes a data storing unit configured to store verification data for estimating a position-and-orientation of a measuring object, a two-dimensional image input unit configured to input a two-dimensional image captured by the imaging apparatus in a first position-and-orientation, a range image input unit configured to input a range image captured by the imaging apparatus in a second position-and-orientation, a position-and-orientation information input unit configured to acquire position-and-orientation difference information which is relative position-and-orientation information in the first position-and-orientation and the second position-and-orientation, and a calculation unit configured to calculate, based on the position-and-orientation difference information, a position-and-orientation of the measuring object so that the verification data for estimating the position-and-orientation matches the two-dimensional image and the range image. |
| US09279660B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing polarization data of polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography
A method for processing polarization data includes steps of acquiring a plurality of sets of polarization data items, converting the set of polarization data items into a representation including parameters of amplitude and phase, and averaging the converted set of polarization data items. |
| US09279658B1 |
System and method for setting up secondary reflective optic
An apparatus for testing an optical test piece comprising an interferometer for emitting an incident light beam. The apparatus includes a first reflective optic that receives the incident beam and produces a first reflected beam by focusing and expanding the received incident beam. The apparatus also includes a second reflective optic that receives and collimates the first reflected beam and outputs the collimated beam toward the optical test piece. Both the first and the second reflective optics are fixed to their respective positions relative to a thermally insensitive platform and the optical test piece is docked to the thermally insensitive platform and can be removed. |
| US09279654B2 |
System and method for determining vehicle door axis adjustment mount
A system for determining a vehicle door axis adjustment amount may include a plurality of first setting jigs fixed to a sealing flange of a vehicle body and configured to adjust a position of a door with respect to the vehicle body in a vehicle width direction, a second setting jig configured to support the door and adjust a position of the door with respect to the vehicle body in an up and down direction, and an eccentricity measurement bolt configured to temporarily assemble a door hinge bracket of a door hinge mounted on the vehicle body with the door and measure eccentricity with respect to a hinge bracket bolt hole formed in the door using a gauge. |
| US09279651B1 |
Laser-guided projectile system
A laser-guided projectile system is a system for correcting the external and internal ballistic factors that affect the flight trajectory of a projectile that is traveling to a target. A laser tunnel generator assembly and a housing sleeve are mounted to a barrel of a firearm. A laser tunnel is projected forward from the firearm and the projectile is able to travel within the laser tunnel. When the projectile comes into contact with the laser tunnel due to ballistic factors, a plurality of explosive outputs is generated and the projectile is directed back toward the center of the laser tunnel. The plurality of explosive outputs is evenly distributed about an aerodynamic portion of the projectile to allow the plurality of explosive outputs to correct the flight trajectory, regardless of the portion of the projectile that comes into contact with the laser tunnel. |
| US09279648B2 |
Lighted nock activation means and processes therefor
A lighted nock assembly is disclosed for use with an archery projectile. A portion of an insert fits within, and is shouldered against, the tail end of the projectile shaft. The insert includes a recess terminating in a floor portion, and a face to bear against the nock shoulder. An LED/battery assembly fits within the recess of the insert abutting the floor portion. A nock fits over the LED/battery assembly and into the recess of the insert. Ready-to-fire, the LED/battery assembly comprises an activation gap between the LED lamp and the body of the battery assembly. A gap, greater than or equal to the activation gap, is left between the shoulder of the nock and the face of the insert. When fired, the bow string drives an internal surface of the nock into the front end of the LED/battery assembly and illuminates the LED lamp. |
| US09279646B1 |
Toy arrow whistle
A noise making arrow is provided. The noise making arrow includes an arrow body having a head and a tail. A whistle is attached to the arrow body. The whistle may include a slot that is positioned in the same direction as the head of the arrow body. When the arrow is launched, air may rush through the slot and exit the slot, creating a whistle noise. |
| US09279644B2 |
Vehicle
A vehicle (2) comprising a vehicle body (6) is disclosed. First struts (16) are mounted to the vehicle body for supporting transport wheels (12) for supporting the vehicle body in a first mode of operation of the vehicle, and second struts (26) are mounted to the vehicle body for supporting roller assemblies (14) for supporting the vehicle body and applying pressure to the ground to detonate explosive devices in a second mode of operation of the vehicle. The transport wheels engage the ground and the rollers are out of engagement with the ground in the first mode, and the rollers engage the ground and the transport wheels are out of engagement with the ground in the second mode. Rollers of one roller assembly partly protrude into gaps between rollers of the other roller assembly. |
| US09279643B2 |
Preemptive countermeasure management
Embodiments of the invention are directed to techniques for preemptively managing countermeasures of a vehicle. Prior to identifying an actual threat, at least one countermeasure device may be preemptively oriented to point in a direction most likely to produce a threat. The preemptive orientation may be determined my environmental information and/or vehicular information. Once an actual threat is identified, the countermeasure device may re-orient to point to the identified threat. The preemptive orientation may save time in the re-orientation process thereby providing extra time for countermeasures to be actively deployed. |
| US09279637B2 |
Muzzle loading ramrod
A ramrod for a muzzleloader is provided. The ramrod includes a shaft having a knob releasably coupled to one end thereof, the knob having a rounded end and a tapered end that oppose one another. The knob may have a central bore therein, and the shaft may be inserted into the central bore. The tapered end of the knob is configured with respect to the shaft to allow any object that contacts the shaft and slides along the shaft to also slide along and eventually off of the tapered end of the knob without snagging or catching the knob. The rounded end of the knob is positioned at a distal end of the shaft and is configured with respect to the shaft to allow a user of the ramrod to place his/her palm against the rounded end while operating the ramrod to load a muzzleloader. |
| US09279636B1 |
Projectile launcher
A projectile launcher includes a barrel mount, a tubular barrel, and a biasing member disposed in the barrel. The barrel mount can assume a barrel-securing configuration and a barrel-releasing configuration in which the barrel is longitudinally movable relative to the barrel mount from a forward position to a rearward position. The biasing member is compressible from an initial relaxed position to a first compressed position with the barrel in the rearward position, and to a second (further) compressed position the barrel in the forward position. The projectile can thus be launched at different speeds according to the barrel position. The launcher may also include a trigger release, a handgrip, and indicia markings on the barrel to denote approximate launch distance or other information. Optionally, the projectile is attached to a lead line that loops over a tree branch upon launching, such as for suspending a food container at a campsite. |
| US09279635B2 |
Adjustable archery support system
An exemplary adjustable archery support system is disclosed. An exemplary system comprises an offset brake housing for mechanically interfacing the adjustable archery support system to a support post that provides a stable support for the archery bow from the ground. The offset brake housing positions the support post substantially to a side of the archery bow and out of the line of sight for the archer shooting the bow. When an actuator lever is pulled by the archer, its causes actuation, via a linkage, of an internal brake so that the entire system (and therefore the bow to which the system is mechanically attached) may be adjusted up and down the support post. Once positioned, the user may release the first actuator lever, thereby allowing the internal brake to reengage with the exterior surface of the support post so that the bow is stabilized and supported for a shot. |
| US09279629B2 |
Semi-automatic pistol
An improved M1911 pistol, method of making an improved M1911 pistol, and system for improving performance of an M1911 pistol. Replacement parts for the M1911 pistol include stainless steel, which may be a 17-4Ph metal. Improved replacement parts include an improved frame and an improved slide. |
| US09279625B2 |
Heat sink device for power modules of power converter assembly
A heat sink for power modules can be incorporated into a power module of a machine. In embodiments, an alloy is extruded to form a body with a plurality of divider webs integral thereto and defining a plurality of longitudinal passage segments inside the body. The body is machined to remove alternating end portions of the divider webs to define a fitting end turn area and a return end turn area disposed in opposing relationship with each other, thereby forming a serpentine fluid passage. A fitting end cap is welded to the body. A fluid inlet and a fluid outlet of the fitting end cap are respectively in fluid communication with a passage inlet and a passage outlet of the serpentine fluid passage. |
| US09279620B2 |
System and method for HVAC condensate management
A HVAC system includes a cabinet configured as a duct, a coil assembly disposed within the cabinet, and at least one barrier configured to substantially segregate a low pressure zone associated with a downstream side of a heat exchanger of the coil assembly from a high pressure zone, wherein a leakage path is provided between the high pressure zone and the low pressure zone. |
| US09279617B2 |
Phlegmatized metal or alloy powder and method and/or reaction vessel for its manufacture
A reaction vessel for making phlegmatized metal powder or alloy powder has a retort crucible with a heat-proof, coolable cover, a heatable reduction furnace into which the retort crucible may be inserted, and an inner crucible placed within the retort crucible and removable therefrom. At least one inlet is built into the coolable cover for adding a passivating gas. A heat-proof flange welded onto the retort crucible attaches the retort crucible to the heat-proof, coolable cover. A cooler welded onto a lower face of the heat-proof flange provides a cooling agent to the reaction vessel. |
| US09279608B2 |
Heat pump
A first bypass pipe has one end connected to a main pipe extending from a compressor to an indoor heat exchanger, and its other end branched off into parts that are each connected to the main pipe on an inlet side of an outdoor heat exchanger, and a second bypass pipe has one end connected to an injection port communicating with the compression chamber of the compressor in which compression is taking place and its other end branched off into parts that are each connected to the main pipe on an outlet side of the outdoor heat exchangers. During a defrosting operation that removes frost on the outdoor heat exchangers, a part of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is supplied from the first bypass pipe to the outdoor heat exchanger to be defrosted, and is then passed through the second bypass pipe and injected from the injection port of the compressor. |
| US09279607B2 |
Method of part replacement for refrigeration cycle apparatus
A part replacement method for replacement of a part of a refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit in which a flammable refrigerant is circulated and a container connecting device for controlling the refrigerant such that the refrigerant is allowed to flow out of the refrigerant circuit. The method includes a refrigerant recovery step of allowing the refrigerant to flow out of the refrigerant circuit through the container connecting device, a pressure reduction step of connecting a pressure reducing device to the container connecting device to reduce a pressure in the refrigerant circuit until the pressure in the refrigerant circuit reaches a set pressure or a setting time is reached, and a part replacement step of removing the part from the refrigerant circuit by heating to replace the part. |
| US09279604B2 |
Compact ampoule thermal management system
Methods and apparatus for thermal management of a precursor for use in substrate processing are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for thermal management of a precursor for use in substrate processing may include a body having an opening sized to receive a storage container having a liquid or solid precursor disposed therein, the body fabricated from thermally conductive material; one or more thermoelectric devices coupled to the body proximate the opening; a heat sink coupled to the one or more thermoelectric devices; and a fan disposed proximate to a back side of the heat sink to provide a flow of air to the heat sink. |
| US09279599B2 |
Heating unit and heating system using the same
A heating system is disclosed, which includes a main body having a duct formed therein, an air flowing guiding member, and a heating unit. The duct has an air inlet and an air outlet. The air flowing guiding member is disposed in the duct. The heating unit includes a substrate and a plurality of electronic components disposed on the substrate in a matrix form and embossed from a surface of the substrate, wherein each of the electronic components is capable of individually producing heat to directly heat up the air flowing in the duct. Also a heating system using the heating unit is disclosed. |
| US09279590B2 |
Warm weather boiler shutdown
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for automatically shutting down a boiler system when it is not needed (e.g., during warm weather) based upon calls for heat output by a temperature control element (e.g., thermostat) within a facility. The apparatus has a temperature control element that provides calls for heat to a controller when a temperature within a facility is below a setting value. The controller controls operation of a boiler, having a medium with a temperature between a low limit and a high limit, in response to the call for heat. A monitoring element determines a prevalence of calls for heat and selectively adjusts the low limit based upon the determined prevalence of calls for heat. Therefore, when calls for heat are less frequent the monitoring element will reduce the low limit to reduce fuel consumption of the boiler. |
| US09279587B2 |
Device for mixing fuel and air of a jet engine
A device for mixing fuel and air of a jet engine includes at least one air-carrying duct and at least one further fuel-carrying duct. Guide elements extending over the duct height and distributed over the circumference of the duct are provided at least in the air-carrying duct, in the area of which guide elements a twist can be imparted to the air flowing in the air-carrying duct in order to improve mixing between the air and the fuel downstream of the ducts. The guide elements are provided at a trailing edge with at least one downstream extending projection and/or upstream extending recess designed at least approximately or at least in some areas with a sharp edge. |
| US09279585B2 |
Cleaning apparatus for a convective section of a thermal power plant
A cleaning apparatus includes at least a holder, a lance with a fluid distributing device, a drive unit for a translatory movement of the lance in the holder, a first fluid conducting system with a first feed, a first return and at least one first flow path proceeding from the first feed toward the first return for cooling the cleaning apparatus, and a second fluid conducting system with a second feed and at least one second flow path proceeding from the second feed toward the fluid distributing device. |
| US09279583B2 |
Catalytic burner
A catalytic burner is provided. The method of using the catalytic burner utilizes flameless combustion. The absence of a flame results in a more even temperature distribution throughout the length of the burner. The invention lowers the autoignition temperature by placing a catalytic surface within the burner and offers relatively even distribution of heat from the burner. Thus, the amount and location of the combustion reaction can be controlled by varying the amount and distribution of catalyst within the burner. |
| US09279581B2 |
Steam boiler for a steam reformer
Embodiments are disclosed that relate to a compact steam boiler which may provide steam to a steam reformer in a fuel cell system. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a steam boiler including an outer shell and a first inner tube and a second inner tube within the outer shell, the first and second inner tubes spaced away from one another. The steam boiler further includes a twisted ribbon positioned inside each of the first and second inner tubes. |
| US09279575B2 |
Light emitting module having heat conductive substrate
A substrate having a plurality of light-emitting elements mounted thereon is described. The substrate may be mounted in a lighting apparatus and may include a surface on which the plurality of light-emitting elements are mounted and one or more holes through which heat may be conducted from the first surface to another surface of the substrate. For example, a heat conductive and electrically non-conductive material may cover a surface of the one or more holes. According to some arrangements, the surface of the substrate may include an electrically non-conductive layer and an electrically conductive layer such that the electrically non-conductive layer is electrically isolated or separated from the electrically conductive layer. |
| US09279572B2 |
Light emitting module
An exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes a light emitting body, a gyro sensor detecting a tremor, and a light emitting body tilt driving unit tilting the light emitting body in response to tremor information detected by the gyro sensor. |
| US09279568B2 |
Illumination device, luminaire and lighting system
An illumination device comprises a housing (5) with a plurality of compartments (3), each compartment comprising a respective light emission window (15), a light source (11), and a stack of crossed prismatic sheets (10). Light issued by the light source during operation is made to propagate through the prismatic sheets and subsequently through the light emission window. The orientation of the stack of sheets is different for each compartment, thus causing each compartment to issue a different beam of light. The light source of each compartment is separately switchable, thus enabling easy setting of the type of beam issued form the illumination device. Optionally a diffuser (17, 23) is provided at one side or at both sides of the stack of prismatic sheets to enhance the homogeneity of the issued light. |
| US09279567B2 |
Lens having total reflective side surfaces and light source module with same
The present disclose relates to a lens. The lens includes a bottom surface; a light input surface depressed from a center of the bottom surface; a light output surface opposite to the light input surface, the light output surface comprising a concave surface located at a center thereof and a convex surface surrounding the concave surface; and total reflective side surfaces. The side surface includes a first and a second side surfaces gradually slanting outwardly along a direction from the bottom surface to the light output surface, and a third side surface and a fourth side surface being perpendicular to the bottom surface. The present disclose also relates to a light source module with the lens. |
| US09279563B2 |
Lamp
Provided is a lamp configured to control an irradiation angle. The lamp includes a light emitting unit that is provided with an LED and a reflector having a reflecting surface that reflects light from the LED. The reflecting surface of the reflector is formed to have a parabolic shape in a cross-section perpendicular to an optical axis of the LED. The reflecting surface of the reflector is formed to have an elliptical shape in a cross-section parallel to the optical axis of the LED so as to condense and diffuse reflected light beams in a forward direction. |
| US09279560B2 |
LED lens and LCD backlight screen
The present invention discloses a new LED lens and LCD backlight screen thereof. The said new LED lens includes base stand, the first protruding stand set on the base stand and the second protruding stand set on the first protruding stand; the side wall of the first protruding stand and the side wall of the second protruding stand constitute the exit surface, the side wall of the first protruding stand is outside-protruding curved surface structure; the top surface of the second protruding stand is reflective surface, and the reflective surface is conic concave structure; the bottom of the base stand is set the cylindrical hole for installing LED, and the surface of the cylindrical hole constitutes incidence surface. The present invention achieves the intention of acquiring the same brightness degree through reducing the projection distance by half compared to the present refractive optical lens with the same LED arrangement distance. |
| US09279559B2 |
Light directing film
A light directing film includes a back major surface having light reflection regions and light transmission regions and being planar, and a front major surface opposing the back surface. The front surface is planar and a plurality of lenses is disposed between the front surface and the back surface. At least selected light transmission regions are registered with selected lens elements. A method for forming the light directing film and illuminated signs utilizing the light directing films are also described. |
| US09279557B2 |
LED lighting ball structure
An LED lighting ball structure includes a spherical shell, a control unit and a plurality of LED lighting units. The spherical shell includes a first segment and a second segment coupled with the first segment to jointly define a housing space. The first segment includes a first housing portion and a first decorative cover plate coupled with the first housing portion. The first housing portion includes a plurality of first assembly holes communicating with the housing space. The second segment includes a second housing portion and a second decorative cover plate coupled with the second housing portion. The second housing portion includes a plurality of second assembly holes communicating with the housing space. The control unit is located in the housing space. The LED lighting units are located in the first and second assembly holes respectively and form electrical connection with the control unit. |
| US09279556B2 |
Guide lamp apparatus for vehicle
A guide lamp apparatus for a vehicle may include a light source, a light division lens that may be arranged on a front of the light source and divides a light emitted from the light source into a plurality of lights, and a front light collection lens that may be arranged on a front of the light division lens and forms predetermined patterned images on a road surface. |
| US09279555B2 |
Cyclonic separator
A vacuum cleaner incorporating a cyclone separation device comprises a cylindrical cyclone chamber having a tubular side wall in the form of a filter. An auger is mounted within the chamber for rotation about the longitudinal axis thereof, the auger having a vane which extends along the chamber in a first helical direction. In use, the auger is rotated in a direction opposite to said helical direction so that separated dirt and dust is driven to a collection region at the bottom of the chamber and compacted. The collection region preferably expands during use to increase the capacity thereof. A vacuum cleaner in accordance with the invention has to be emptied less regularly and any risk of dust re-entrainment is reduced. |
| US09279550B2 |
Luminaires having batwing photometric distribution
An indirect linear luminaire that produces a batwing photometric distribution. The luminaire includes a rectangular housing having a substantially rectangular chamber defined by two opposed bifold wings and a bi-concave door extending therebetween. A linear light engine emits light upwards towards the bi-concave door and bifold wings and the light is reflected off of the bifold wings and bi-concave door in a batwing distribution. |
| US09279547B2 |
LED-based direct-view luminaire with uniform lit appearance
Disclosed are methods and apparatus related to an LED-based luminaire (10) that redirects substantially all light output from LEDs (40) thereof off of an interior reflective surface at least once prior to the light exiting the LED-based luminaire (10). In some embodiments, an LED-based luminaire (10) is provided that includes a housing having a light output opening (20), a reflective interior surface, a diffusing cover lens (30) across the light output opening (20), and a plurality of optics (50) that are configured to redirect light output from a plurality of LEDs (40) within the lighting fixture (10). |
| US09279544B1 |
LED linear lighting strip
An LED lighting kit comprises an extrusion, an LED strip, a tapered wedge, and a mounting clip. The clip is sized and shaped to springably engage ledges in a first channel of the extrusion when the strip is mounted. In one aspect, two extrusions are butted end-to-end and are aligned by inserting the tapered wedge into the first channel of each extrusion prior to butting them together. The extrusion contains a second channel that houses the LED strip. A translucent diffuser is springably inserted into the second channel, thereby diffusing light that is emitted by the LED strip. End caps are inserted into the ends of the extrusion to complete the light kit. At least one of the end caps has a hole to admit electrical wires to power the LED strip. |
| US09279541B2 |
Method and system for temperature-controlled gas dispensing
A system and method for dispensing a compressed gas into a receiving vessel wherein a target temperature profile for the receiving vessel during dispensing is provided, and the flow rate of compressed gas into the receiving vessel is controlled to conform the temperature profile for the receiving vessel during dispensing to the target temperature profile. |
| US09279536B2 |
Self-balancing adjustable flat panel mounting system
A self-balanced adjustable mounting system for a flat panel display. A display interface having a hollow, semi-spherical shell portion is attached to the flat panel display. The semi-spherical shell is formed with a generally constant radius of curvature. The center of the radius of curvature is disposed proximate the center of gravity of the flat panel display with the display interface attached. The display interface is received in a guide structure that has a bearing portion engaging the outer surface of the semi-spherical shell, and a second bearing portion engaging the inner surface of the semi-spherical shell through an aperture formed in the semi-spherical shell. The semi-spherical shell is guided between the first and second bearing portions so that the flat panel display and device interface are generally rotatable about the center of the radius of curvature of the semi-spherical shell. The display is self balancing in virtually any position in the range of travel of the device due to the location of the center of rotation proximate the center of gravity. |
| US09279534B2 |
Modular frame system for pressure vessels used in water treatment systems
A modular frame system for support of pressure vessels used in water treatment systems comprising a plurality of frame cells is disclosed, where each frame cell is releasably attachable to other frame cells in a variety of relationships. The frame cells may be attached horizontally, vertically, or side-by-side. The frame cells are designed to accommodate a variety of pressure vessels having different sizes and weights, and having different connections for connection to other pressure vessels. |
| US09279533B2 |
Remote pig launcher
A pig launching system comprising a first pipe portion connected to a second pipe portion at a pipe intersection; a pig carrier located at the pie intersection; and the pig carrier comprising a plurality of pigs in a cylinder, an opening in the carrier aligned with the first pipe portion, and an indexing system adapted to move one of the pigs to the opening. |
| US09279532B2 |
Leak diverter assembly for substation transformers
The present invention provides improved diverter assemblies (10) designed for installation on liquid-conveying conduit sections (12) having one or more joints susceptible to leakage of liquid. The assemblies (10) include a plurality of mating housing sections (34, 36) which are releasably interconnected and in surrounding relationship to the conduit sections (12) on opposite sides of the conduit joint(s) to form an overall housing (35) defining anon-sealed enclosure. The housing (35) is equipped with a sump (72) which gravitationally collects escaped liquid. The sump (72) includes a drain outlet (74) for conveying the collected liquid away from the conduit sections (12) for collection or reuse. |
| US09279529B2 |
Breakaway thread-lock quick connect/disconnect coupling
A female coupler for a breakaway thread-lock quick disconnect coupling having a retainer wire positioned interiorly of an outer housing and a coupler support portion that prevents contamination of the retainer wire and a capture space formed by grooves in the outer housing and an inner housing, which may prevent degradation of performance and/or decrease the chances that the retainer wire is dislodged. |
| US09279528B2 |
Insertion end fitting for a coupling or the like requiring a low push-together force
An insertion endpiece for connecting a part carrying the endpiece with another part provided with a bore for receiving the endpiece. The endpiece is provided with an outer groove in which there is received a cylindrical ring, that is free to turn and to slide. The ring has teeth projecting from its outside surface, the ends of the teeth being contained, in the free state, in a substantially cylindrical envelope of diameter that is greater than the diameter of the bore. The ring is received in the groove while being free to turn and to slide. The axial width (L) of the groove is greater than the axial width (L1) of the ring. When the ring is in abutment against a flank of the groove, the teeth are in register with a secondary groove formed in the bottom of the groove receiving the ring, and into which secondary groove the teeth are capable of penetrating elastically. |
| US09279524B2 |
Pipe for drawing up cold water for a marine thermal energy plant
A pipe for drawing up cold water for a marine thermal energy plant is produced from a composite material including glass fiber reinforcements and a thermosetting resin. |
| US09279515B2 |
Exhaust valve
A valve body (91) for enabling release of pressurized steam from a pressure vessel, the valve body comprising: a steam inlet (92), a steam outlet (93), and an internal wall defining a flow path between said inlet and said outlet, wherein at least a portion (102) of said internal wall in a region opposed to the steam inlet is removable. |
| US09279510B2 |
Valve with electromechanical device for actuating the valve
The invention relates to an assembly comprising an electromechanical device and a self-sealing valve, and in particular, to any inflatable device that includes the assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a valve housing defining an opening through which fluid can be provided to the inflatable device, a flexible diaphragm assembly that is configured to self-seal the opening with sufficient fluid pressure in the inflatable device and to open under sufficient fluid pressure from a fluid moving device, to provide fluid through the opening to and seal the inflatable device. The assembly further comprises an electromechanical device including an actuating arm, having a first position in which the actuating arm urges open the self-sealing valve and a second position in which the actuating arm does not act upon the self-sealing valve, so as to regulate an amount of fluid within the inflatable device. With this arrangement, a small, low power, low duty cycle electromechanical device can be used. |
| US09279508B1 |
Insert for a fluidic valve assembly
Apparatus for controlling a pressurized fluid in a piping network, and method for making the same. In accordance with some embodiments, a substantially cylindrical body has an annular wall surrounding a central axis with opposing first and second ends and at least one pass-through aperture extending through a medial portion of the wall. An annular valve seat is nested within a first end of the body. A moveable piston is aligned within the body along the central axis, the piston having a sealing surface adapted to contactingly engage an inner annular surface of the valve seat to establish a fluidic seal. The body, valve seat and piston form a valve insert for a valve housing. |
| US09279506B2 |
Rotary distribution apparatus
A rotary distribution apparatus includes a stationary, cylindrical inner core (27), and a rotatable, cylindrical outer shell (25) disposed about the inner core with the inner core (27) and the outer shell defining a plurality of annular fluid distribution chambers therebetween. The apparatus furthermore includes a rotatable indexing disc (23) having a plurality of flow passages provided therethrough, connection ports of which are in flow communication with ports in the outer shell (25), and a stationary indexing disc (22) having a plurality of flow passages provided therethrough, connection ports of which are in flow communication with suitable process vessels. The rotary distribution apparatus includes a driving arrangement that comprises a stationary shaft (28) to which the stationary core (27) is secured and a rotatable sleeve (24) rotatable about the stationary shaft (28), the rotatable sleeve (24) driving the rotatable outer shell (25) and the rotatable indexing disc (23). |
| US09279504B2 |
Piston valve with built in filtration
A control valve includes particle and moisture accumulation inhibiting features. The control valve includes a piston that provides for pressure communication to a back cavity through a tortuous path that settles out particle matter carried within the airflow. Moreover, the piston includes drainage openings that direct moisture out of piston and away from the sealing surfaces. |
| US09279502B2 |
Fill valve apparatus
A first valve member has an axis and a first seat surface with a tapered contour facing axially downstream. A second valve member has a second seat surface with a tapered contour facing axially upstream. The second valve member has a closed position in which the second seat surface abuts the first seat surface, and has an open position in which the second seat surface is spaced axially downstream from the first seat surface. The second valve member further has a terminal end portion configured as a nose cone. The nose cone may be located entirely downstream of the second seat surface, and may have a cavity with a drain opening. |
| US09279498B2 |
Powershift transmission and method for operation thereof
A powershift transmission with a dual-clutch main transmission and a downstream planetary gearset transmission. The main transmission has first and second partial transmissions. Each partial transmission has an input shaft, an interlocking shifting element, an independent frictional powershift clutch, and a common output shaft. The downstream transmission has an input shaft which can be connected, via a third interlocking shifting element, to the common output shaft which is fixedly connected to a first planetary gearset element. The downstream transmission has an output shaft, which is connected to a second planetary gearset element. A third planetary gearset element can be coupled to a housing by a fourth interlocking shifting element or to the output shaft of the downstream transmission by a fifth interlocking shifting element. The common output shaft can be coupled by a sixth interlocking shifting element to the third planetary gearset element. |
| US09279497B2 |
Connecting device for outside a variable-speed transmission
A connecting device of a vehicle drive-train, located outside a variable-speed transmission, for rotationally coupling a shaft to a drive-train element. A sliding sleeve is rotationally fixed on the shaft but slides axially between first and second positions. In the first position, the shaft is rotationally disengaged from the drive-train element and, in the second position, they are rotationally coupled. An actuator displaces the sliding sleeve between the first and second positions, with a shift groove along a peripheral contour of the sliding sleeve and engagement members for engaging in the groove. The sliding sleeve can rotate and move axially relative to the engagement members and the groove is shaped as a curved guiding such that, when the engagement members engage in the groove and the sliding sleeve rotates relative to the engagement member, the sliding sleeve moves axially between the first and second positions by virtue of the groove. |
| US09279494B2 |
Device for translatably controlling the movement of a gear change fork for a motor vehicle gearbox
The invention relates to a device which comprises a gear change fork (1), a hydraulic cylinder including a stationary cylindrical spindle (2) with a stationary transverse wall (3) projecting from said spindle (2) and a piston that is translatably movable by sliding over said transverse stationary wall (3). The piston consists of a piston body (4) closed by a radial closing part referred to as a “plug” (5) so as to define two inner chambers (6, 7) of the cylinder, which are situated on either side of said stationary transverse wall (3), respectively. Means for pressurizing both of the two cylinder chambers (6, 7) are provided for moving the movable piston (4, 5) in one direction or another. In the device according to the invention, the piston body (4) is directly built into the gear shift fork (1) whereby, as a result of the pressure in a cylinder chamber (6, 7), it is the fork (1) that moves translatably. |
| US09279492B2 |
Orientation-free planetary pin for lubrication of planetary bearings
A planet pin for use in a planetary gear system and a gear system including a planet pin are disclosed. The inventive planet pin provides a plurality of radial passages in fluid communication with an axial passage which can advantageously eliminate, or substantially reduce, the need to orient a planet pin in a planetary gear system. |
| US09279491B2 |
Resin gear, and method and apparatus for producing the same
Gear-shaped resin sheets Sa are laminated such that tooth portions 2b are aligned in an axial direction, thereby preparing a spur gear-shaped net-shape body 4. Tooth portions of the resin gear formed in a lower die 12 are pressed in a helical tooth-shaped molding space to deform the tooth portions 4a of the net-shape body 4 into a helical tooth tilted relative to the axial direction, and the direction of reinforcement fibers at the tooth portions 2b of the molded resin gear 1 is tilted relative to the axial direction. |
| US09279489B2 |
Vehicle transmission
A vehicle transmission comprising a multi-ratio gearbox having a gearbox input shaft and a gearbox output shaft, the gearbox being operable to provide a driving connection between the gearbox input shaft and the gearbox output shaft at a selected one of a plurality of gear ratios, a torque converter having a torque converter input for connection to an engine, and a torque converter output driveably connected to the torque converter input by fluid coupling within the torque converter, a first driving connection between the torque converter output and the gearbox input shaft, a second driving connection between the torque converter input and the gearbox input shaft, and a selection means to select one of the first driving connection and the second driving connection. |
| US09279487B1 |
Ball screw and parts
Double nut is capable of adjustment in a ball screw unit so as to regulate tension between the nut and the ball screw with their ball bearings such as to avoid or repair backlash in or maintain precision with the unit. The adjustment may be made without removal of the ball screw unit from a machine in which it operates or automatically. The double nut can be employed with or in methods of making, repair or adjustment of, and manufacturing with the ball screw unit with such a nut. A wiping contrivance for a ball screw nut or unit can be a member in annular form, and made and used in aspects analogous to those of the double nut. A depending foot, ball bearing return may be employed in a ball screw nut or unit in aspects analogous to those of the double nut. |
| US09279486B2 |
Swing drive mechanism
A swing drive mechanism, including: a vibrating mechanism, a motor driving the vibrating mechanism, and a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism is connected between the vibrating mechanism and the motor. The vibrating mechanism is provided with a grating and a photocoupler that detects the position of the vibrating mechanism. The photocoupler is electrically or electronically connected to a micro-control processor. The micro-control processor controls the photocoupler to detect the grating and adjusts the rotation speed of the motor. The micro-control processor is electrically or electronically connected to an accelerometer. |
| US09279482B2 |
Continuously variable transmission
Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVT. In another embodiment, a control system includes a stator plate configured to have a plurality of radially offset slots. Various inventive traction planet assemblies and stator plates can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include planet axles configured to cooperate with the stator plate. In one embodiment, the stator plate is configured to rotate and apply a skew condition to each of the planet axles. In some embodiments, a stator driver is operably coupled to the stator plate. Embodiments of a traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed. |
| US09279480B2 |
Multi-speed gear system
A robust and reliable multi-speed gear system for use on pedally or other manually propelled vehicles, comprising simple epicyclical sections 82, 83, 23 in a complex structure, an internal axial tunnel enabling use of a detachable, vertical shear force load carrying through-bolt 15, a rotatable shift axle 25, a main shaft 7 non-rotatably mounted to the vehicle frame 10, axially floating shift mechanisms 20, 22, 65, and a hub shell 1 fully enclosing the gear mechanisms. The multispeed hub is robust, light, easily manufactured, offers many speeds and great gear width, and is rigidly securable to the vehicle frame. |
| US09279477B2 |
Motion control device
Motion control apparatus (A) includes a direct coupled torque motor (54) slideably receiving an output (50) without other types of torque transmission devices between the output (50) and the motor (54) and between the output (50) and a pinion (7) in direct gearing engagement with an annular gear (44) connected to a second race (32) of a bearing (26) intermediate an annular mounting plate (38) and a dial plate (40). The second race (32) is a single, non-separable piece having L-shaped cross sections to define a mounting pilot for the annular gear (44). The motor (54) is secured to a mount plate (58) having an integral annular spacer (60) extending through a mounting tab (16) and secured to a mount ring (62) adjustably connected to the mounting tab (16) opposite to the mount plate (58). |
| US09279474B2 |
Flywheel assembly
A flywheel assembly is described which is suitable for use as a compact power storage device. The assembly comprises a housing, a flywheel coupled to a shaft which is rotatably mounted in the housing via bearings, a primary chamber which is defined within the housing and contains the flywheel, and a secondary chamber which is defined within the housing and contains the bearings. Furthermore, it includes a molecular pump driven by the shaft for pumping gas molecules from the primary chamber to the secondary chamber. Location of the bearings in a high pressure chamber inhibits off-gassing from the bearing grease. Furthermore, any such off-gassing under load will not increase the gas pressure in the first chamber containing the flywheel as it is separate from the secondary chamber containing the bearings. |
| US09279473B2 |
Fluid-filled cylindrical vibration-damping device
A fluid-filled cylindrical vibration-damping device including at least one orifice member attached to an inside of an outer cylindrical member so as to straddle openings of pocket portions and extend in a circumferential direction. An orifice passage is defined by covering an orifice forming groove of the orifice member with the outer cylindrical member. A stopper mechanism is constituted by contact between an inner shaft member and the outer cylindrical member via the orifice member. A reinforcing rib is formed in the orifice member so as to project from a bottom face of the orifice forming groove and extend in the circumferential direction while a projecting distal end face thereof is in contact with the outer cylindrical member. The reinforcing rib partitions at least a portion of a circumference of the orifice passage into a plurality of passages that have same fluid flow characteristics. |
| US09279472B2 |
Mounting device for absorbing vibration
A mounting device for absorbing vibration may include a housing, a mounting bolt having a first end portion inserted into the housing, a core supported inside the housing, an elastic member disposed between an outer surface of the core and an inner surface of the housing, and a separator having an outer surface fixed to an inner circumferential surface of the housing and configured to separate a first chamber and a second chamber in the housing, wherein the separator includes a mounting bracket having an outer surface fixed to the inner surface of the housing, and a center portion hole, and a membrane mounted to the mounting bracket and having a slit formed by being cut along a predetermined line within a region which corresponds to the center portion hole, and wherein a bridge is formed in the center portion hole of the mounting bracket. |
| US09279471B2 |
Mechanically optimized liquid inertia vibration eliminator and aircraft pylon system
A vibration isolator includes an upper housing and a lower housing; an upper reservoir housing defining a upper fluid chamber; a lower reservoir housing defining a lower fluid chamber; a piston spindle resiliently coupled to the upper housing with an upper elastomer member, the piston spindle being resiliently coupled to the lower housing with a lower elastomer member; an elongated portion having a tuning passage; and a tuning fluid disposed there within. The vibration isolator cancels vibratory forces at an isolation frequency. The vibration isolator is utilized in a pylon system for mounting a transmission in an aircraft. The vibration isolator is located between a pylon structure and a roof structure. The isolator includes a spherical bearing assembly that is located near a waterline location of a rotational axis of a drive shaft. |
| US09279468B1 |
Brake assembly
A brake assembly for a vehicle. The brake assembly may include a sensor assembly that may be disposed proximate a housing assembly. The sensor assembly may detect a position of an adjuster mechanism, a position of an indicator that may be provided with a slide pin assembly, and/or rotation of an operating shaft. |
| US09279467B2 |
Brake rotors having a custom designer feature and methods for forming the same
A method is disclosed for forming a brake rotor including a desired custom marking having a predetermined size and shape. The method includes applying a chemical treatment to a marking portion of a surface of the rotor. The marking portion has a size and shape corresponding to the predetermined size and shape of the desired custom marking. The chemical treatment is configured to affect, in a predetermined manner, an ability of a stimulus, to which the rotor is to be exposed, to alter properties of the rotor. The method also includes exposing the rotor, having the chemical treatment applied thereto, to the stimulus. The stimulus alters properties of the rotor at the marking portion differently than the stimulus alters properties of the rotor at other portions of the rotor adjacent the marking portion, thereby forming physical differences in the rotor, which, being visually perceptible, form the custom marking. |
| US09279466B2 |
Vehicle disc brake
A pad retainer of a vehicle disc brake includes: a pair of retainer portions mounted in pad guide grooves; a connecting piece connecting the pair of retainer portions together; and pad returning portions configured to bias the friction pads to a side opposite to the disc rotor. Each of the pad returning portions includes an elastic loop portion formed into an arc shape by bending a narrow elongated piece, which extends in a direction opposite to the disc rotor from an inner side in a disc radial direction of a deep side piece of the retainer portion, and then back towards the disc rotor; and a holding portion extending from a bent-back end of the elastic loop portion towards the disc rotor and configured to hold a lug piece of the friction pad. |
| US09279464B2 |
Adaptive method for controlling characteristics of a friction clutch actuator
A method for correcting an actuator characteristic of a clutch actuator for a friction clutch of a vehicle transmission after the commissioning of the vehicle. The actuator characteristic relates a first desired variable, such as a desired clutch pressure, to a second desired variable, such as an desired actuator current. The method includes approaching a quasi-steady-state operating point of the friction clutch. In addition, a deviation is detected between the first desired variable and an actual variable of the friction clutch. Also, a correction function is set up for the actuator characteristic according to the deviation. |
| US09279463B2 |
Pivot control mechanism
A pivot control mechanism selectively controls rotation of a pivot control shaft by an electric impulse from a solenoid, which locks the pawl into the ratchet, thereby permitting the shaft to rotate in a selected direction. When a passage direction is chosen, the cam followers move out of the home position of a lofted ratchet over the peak position to the next home position. Guiding pins controlling the axial motion of the lofted ratchet in conjunction with the compression springs secure the cam followers in the home position. A shock absorber acting on the cam is used to prevent the turnstile from over rotating with any great amount of force, softening the return of the cam followers to the home position. A micro switch, when activated, sends a signal to the control board, which through the action of the solenoid, locks the pawls into the ratchet. |
| US09279459B2 |
Friction plate with compressed overlapping sections
A friction material part is provided. The friction material part includes a first segment and a second segment, an end of the first segment overlapping an end of the second segment to form a joint that is compressed more than intermediate portions of the first and second segments. A method for manufacturing a friction material part is also provided. The method includes overlapping an end of a first friction material segment and an end of a second friction material segment; and compressing the overlapped ends to form a compressed joint. |
| US09279455B2 |
Sliding component
A positive pressure generating mechanism comprising a positive pressure generating groove is provided to a high-pressure side of one of two sliding surfaces that slide relative to each other in a pair of sliding components, and a negative pressure generating mechanism comprising a negative pressure generating groove is provided to a low-pressure side. The positive pressure generating groove and negative pressure generating groove are communicated with a high-pressure fluid side and separated from a low-pressure fluid side by a seal surface. |
| US09279454B2 |
Slide bearing
A slide bearing has a layered structure which is substantially uniform over the circumference thereof and comprises a base (10), a lead-free slide layer (12) having a thickness which is reduced in edge zones (16) as compared to a central zone between the edge zones (16), and a polymer coating (14) which is thicker in the edge zones (16) as compared to the central zone, so that the surface level of the coating (14) is substantially flat as seen in axial cross-section. |
| US09279452B2 |
Bearing assembly of a steering column lever on a steering column part, and motor vehicle with such a bearing assembly
The invention concerns a bearing assembly (2) of a steering column lever on a steering column part (1) of a motor vehicle, wherein the steering column lever is mounted on the steering column part (1) pivotably at least indirectly via a bearing (5, 9) having a main bearing point (26, 28) which is formed by a main bearing journal (4, 10) and a corresponding main bearing sleeve (20, 21). The bearing (5, 9) has an additional bearing journal (7, 11) which is arranged concentrically in relation to the main bearing journal (4, 10) and in particular has a smaller diameter than the main bearing journal (4, 10), wherein the additional bearing journal (7, 11) and a corresponding additional bearing sleeve (17, 23) form an additional bearing point (27, 29) of the bearing (5, 9), and wherein the main bearing point (26, 28) is formed with play and the additional bearing point (27, 29) without play. |
| US09279451B2 |
Compact slide assemblies
Slide assemblies that include at least an inner slide segment and an outer slide segment. Many of the slide assemblies also include an intermediate slide segment interposed between the inner slide segment and the outer slide segment. The outer slide segment is constructed from a bent piece of material having a substantially uniform wall thickness. The outer slide segment is formed to have a wall portion, an upper portion and a lower portion. Each of the upper portion and lower portion include two layers of the piece of material. A mounting assembly for a slide assembly includes at least one bracket having at least a first pin and a second pin movable relative to the first pin. The second pin can surround and slide upon the first pin and can be biased to a first position and movable to a second position relative to the first pin. |
| US09279447B2 |
Bush bearing
A bush bearing includes a bearing body having an inner peripheral surface which is brought into contact with a cylindrical outer peripheral surface of a rotating shaft portion so as to be rotatable in a first direction, a groove provided on an outer peripheral surface of the bearing body so as to extend in the first direction, and an elastic ring fitted on said groove and having a pair of projecting portions and a portion, the pair of projecting portions partially projecting radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of said bearing body in second direction, the portion being provided at positions in the first direction between the pair of projecting portions, and not projecting radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the bearing body. |
| US09279442B2 |
Elastomeric cap for seamlessly concealing fastener used to secure object to substrate
An elastomeric cap for concealing a fastener used to secure an object (e.g., an elastomeric object such as foam padding or the like) to a substrate (e.g., frame, wall, etc.). A head of a fastener may be inserted through an aperture in one wall of the cap and into an internal cavity of the cap. A shank of the fastener may be at least partially inserted into or through an aperture of the object (e.g., and the substrate). A tool (e.g., screwdriver, torque wrench, etc) may be inserted through an opposing aperture in an opposing second wall of the cap and used to manipulate the fastener head and thus the shank to secure the object to the substrate via clamping of the object between the fastener head and opposing second wall of the cap on one hand and the substrate on the other hand. |
| US09279440B2 |
Fixing device
A fixing device for securing into a hole in plasterboard 23, comprising: a body 1 having an anchor receiving aperture 3, and a passage 37a that extends within the body, spaced from the anchor receiving aperture 3; a shaft 5a provided within the passage 37a, the shaft 5a being rotatably movable within the passage 37a, independent of axial movement within the passage 37a; and a retaining member 19a coupled to the shaft 5a and configured to be movable between an extended position, in which the device is retainable in said hole, and a retracted position, in which the fixing device is removably insertable into said hole. |
| US09279437B2 |
Adjustable holding device for sensors
An adjustable holding device for sensors includes a main body, on and opposite of which, a bearing body supporting a sensor is adjustably held by a spherical joint. The spherical joint includes a threaded stud, fastened to the main body, that protrudes through an opening in the bearing body, and to which an opening in a body having a spherical outer surface is screwed. The outer surface is held pivotably in and co-rotatably with, about an axis coaxial with the threaded stud, complementarily spherical inner surfaces of two combined half-shells. Through rotation under external force of the combined half-shells, the body having the spherical outer surface can be screwed relative to the threaded stud by displacing the half-shells and the bearing body in the threaded stud direction. |
| US09279436B2 |
Joint structure for fiber reinforced resin and metal
There is provided a joint structure for a fiber reinforced resin and a metal. In the joint structure, respective end portions of a fiber reinforced plastic and a metallic material are joined to each other. A large number of projections having a height that enables the projections to contact fibers constituting the fiber reinforced plastic are formed on a joint surface of the metallic material serving as a part of a joint surface between the fiber reinforced plastic and the metallic material. |
| US09279435B2 |
Vibration-driven droplet transport devices
Methods and devices are provided for moving a droplet on an elongated track formed on a patterned surface using vibration. The elongated track includes a plurality of patterned transverse arcuate regions such that when the surface is vibrated the droplet is urged along the track as a result of an imbalance in the adhesion of a front portion of the droplet and a back portion of the droplet to the transverse arcuate regions. |
| US09279434B2 |
Pressure medium system, in particular hydraulic system
The invention relates to a pressure medium system, in particular a hydraulic system, having a fluid pump for delivering a drive fluid with a certain delivery flow rate and a certain fluid pressure, and having a control unit which switches the fluid pump on or off in order to set a predefined setpoint value of the fluid pressure, wherein the fluid pump exhibits an inertia-induced overrun when switched off, such that during the overrun of the fluid pump, the fluid pressure still rises while the fluid pump has already been switched off. It is proposed that, during the increase of the fluid pressure to the predefined setpoint value, the control unit switches the fluid pump off before the fluid pressure has reached the predefined setpoint value. The invention also includes a corresponding operating method. |
| US09279433B2 |
Poppet valve assembly for controlling a pneumatic actuator
A poppet valve assembly to control a pneumatic actuator may include a housing having a central bore. A first module may be disposed within the central bore, and the first module may have a first and second poppet valve. A second module may also be disposed within the central bore, and the second module may have a third and fourth poppet valve. A supply of pressurized fluid may be in fluid communication with a plurality of control valves such that pressurized fluid from the control valves opens and closes the poppet valves. The supply of pressurized fluid may also be in fluid communication with the first module and the second module such that the opening and closing of the poppet valves controls the position of the pneumatic actuator. |
| US09279427B2 |
Cooling system for a generator of a vehicle
A cooling system for a generator of a vehicle has an engine, a generator and a wind collection box. The generator has a rotor driven by the engine and a fan synchronously rotating with the rotor. The wind collection box is connected to the generator via a first guiding tube. The fan draws exterior air from the wind collection box and the first guiding tube to allow the exterior air to flow through the generator. Thus, heat in the generator that is mounted in an airtight engine compartment is dissipated. |
| US09279426B2 |
Multi stage, clam shell vacuum pump
A multi-stage, clam shell, vacuum pump comprises two housing components (12) which are to be sealingly connected to one another such that an array of chambers extending longitudinally from an inlet region of the pump to an outlet region of the pump is defined thereby. Sealing means (30) are provided within the vacuum pump, between the two housing components, to prevent transfer of fluid in to and out of the vacuum pump where said components are connected. An array of discrete, elongate channels (33, 34, 36, 38) is provided, located between the sealing means (30) and the array of chambers (14, 16, 18, 20, 22). The channels serve to protect the sealing means (30) from fluid that passes through the chambers during operation of the vacuum pump. Each channel is configured to receive a barrier fluid having a different pressure than a barrier fluid to be received by an adjacent channel. |
| US09279425B2 |
Hermetic electrical feedthrough assembly for a compressor
An electrical feedthrough assembly for providing connection to components of a compressor includes a housing having an inner surface defining a channel. A sealed wire assembly is provided in the channel. The sealed wire assembly includes a body having an outer surface and a plurality of wires sealingly passing through the body. |
| US09279423B2 |
Scroll type fluid machine with notches on a motor housing
A plurality of notches or holes is formed on a motor housing or compressor casing. This permits assembling of the auxiliary crankshaft to the auxiliary crank bearing even after the motor housing and the compressor casing are fastened together. Hence, the assembly can be performed in sequential steps. |
| US09279418B2 |
Power generating system utilizing ambient temperature
The present disclosure provides a system and method for generating power, such as electrical power, using an increased volume of a substance when the substance freezes due to the system's ambient conditions. The increased volume of the substance may be absorbed by a flexible container and flexible container may transfer a hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic line in fluid communication with a hydraulic generator. The hydraulic generator may be configured to generate power using the transferred hydraulic fluid. |
| US09279414B2 |
Wind turbine with movable generator
An electrical generator 46 is driven by a circular rim 30 of a wind turbine 10 in response to atmospheric wind. The generator and its driving wheel 50 are supported on a tiltable platform 60 that is movable on a guide track 56 by linear actuator 66 in response to electronic sensors 76, 77. The bellows 74 biases the tiltable platform upwardly to maintain the generator driving wheel 50 in contact with the circular rim of the turbine wheel. |
| US09279412B2 |
Flow control on a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT)
A control system is presented for controlling operation of a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) for generating energy from an incoming fluid flow. The control system comprises at least one flow affecting arrangement associated with at least one blade of the VAWT and a control unit connected to said flow affecting arrangement, the flow affecting arrangement comprising two flow affecting units located in two opposite sides of the blade respectively at a leading edge thereof, each flow affecting unit being operable for creating a blowing jet at the respective side of the blade thereby inducing an increase in a fluid flow momentum, the control unit being configured and operable for selectively activating the flow affecting units in alternating fashion according to a predetermined time pattern to oscillate the blowing jet at the opposite sides of the blade. |
| US09279411B2 |
Method for operating a wind turbine
The invention concerns a method of operating a wind power installation. The wind power installation has a circuit for measuring the frequency prevailing in the electrical supply network connected to a control device for controlling operation of the wind power installation. It is proposed that the power delivered by the generator of the wind power installation to the network is increased quickly and for a short period above the currently prevailing power of the wind power installation if the network frequency of the electrical network is below the desired target frequency of the network by a predetermined frequency value. |
| US09279409B2 |
Environmental electrical generator
An electricity generator having variable capacitors that each includes a repeatedly stretched and relaxed sheet (20, FIG. 3) of SM (stretchable material) and electrodes (22, 24) lying against opposite faces of the sheet, which includes a power extraction unit (110, FIG. 9) coupled to the electrodes of at least a pair of capacitors that are activated out of phase with each other. The unit directs an electrical charge (current) from a first pair of electrodes that have a higher voltage, to one or more second pairs of electrodes that have a lower voltage, to recharge the second pairs of electrodes. During the current flow electrical power is extracted by the drop in voltage of current passing through the unit. The power extraction unit can be provided with a control unit that has voltage detectors (54) and that selectively connect capacitors, based on their voltages, for maximum efficiency in generating power output. |
| US09279407B2 |
System and method for generating electrical power from a flowing current of fluid
A helical turbine is operatively connected to at least one generator system for generating electrical power. System performance is optimized by controlling the operative angle between the longitudinal axis of the turbine and the direction of the current flow and by controlling a pitch ratio of the turbine. A pair of turbines, arranged in V-shape, each at the operative angle from a neutral centerline, provides symmetry and counteracts reactive torque. For wind operations, the V-shape is freely rotatable into the wind. For bi-directional tidal operations, the V-shape is part of a buoyant structure, positioned in the current and anchored to the floor. The structure is fit with control surfaces to ensure the system orientation. In unidirectional currents, one or more turbines can be angled downwardly into the current at the operative angle, elevators ensuring the angle is maintained. |
| US09279405B2 |
Powertrain control system
The present invention relates to a powertrain control system (1) for a motor vehicle. The vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine (5) and an adjustable suspension system (9) operable in accordance with first and second ride height settings, said settings being associated with respective first and second vehicle ride heights. The powertrain control system (1) comprises a stop/start controller (11) for issuing an engine stop request signal and an inhibitor (15) for inhibiting operation of the stop/start controller (11) in dependence on a selected ride height setting. |
| US09279402B2 |
Fuel injector
A fuel injector for use in an internal combustion engine includes a valve member that is moveable within a bore of an injection nozzle so as to be engageable with a valve seat region to control fuel delivery through one or more nozzle outlets, an injector body housing an actuator that is operable to move the valve member within the bore, and defining an accumulator volume for storing high pressure fuel. The fuel injector includes a damping chamber in fluid communication with the accumulator volume through a fluid passage, the damping chamber serving to reduce pressure wave activity within the accumulator volume. |
| US09279401B2 |
Injection device having reduced pressure oscillations
An injection device for injecting fuel, including a fuel supply path, through which fuel is able to be supplied, an injector having a spray orifice, from which the supplied fuel is ejected, a valve element, which is movable using an actuator, for opening the spray orifice and for closing it, and a throttle, which is situated in the fuel supply path, a distance of the throttle from the spray orifice along the fuel path having a length which is equivalent to the wavelength of a characteristic frequency of the injection device. |
| US09279393B2 |
Devices and methods for exhaust gas recirculation operation of an engine
An engine is provided that includes an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) conduit in fluidic communication with a first exhaust valve in a cylinder and an intake system, an exhaust conduit in fluidic communication with a second exhaust valve in the cylinder and an emission control device. During operation with the first valve active and the second valve deactivated, a fixed EGR level can be provided. However, during operation with the first valve deactivated and the second valve active, increased engine output can be achieved with reduced EGR without requiring additional exhaust throttling or switching valves. |
| US09279392B2 |
Gaseous engine fuel delivery
A fuel delivery system may be utilized in an internal combustion engine or a generator engine. The fuel delivery system includes a fuel injector and a venturi. The venturi provides a force for delivering the fuel into the manifold of the engine, and the fuel injector provides metering to control the amount of fuel delivered into the manifold of the engine. In one example, the fuel delivery system includes a first chamber configured to enclose a gaseous fuel, a second chamber configured to direct a flow of air through the venturi, and a plunger. The plunger is controlled to selectively connect and disconnect the first chamber and the second chamber to control the flow of the gaseous fuel into the second chamber under a differential pressure of the venturi. |
| US09279390B2 |
Accelerator device for a carburetor
In at least one implementation a carburetor includes an intake bore with a port opening into the intake bore, a fuel chamber from which fuel is supplied to the intake bore, and an accelerator device including a fuel reservoir. A fuel flow control valve is provided between the fuel chamber and the port to control the flow rate of fuel to the port and at least one passage communicates the fuel reservoir with the port and fuel in the fuel reservoir is supplied to the port therethrough. The passage also communicates the fuel reservoir with the fuel chamber. The fuel flow control valve is located between the fuel reservoir and the port and between the fuel chamber and the port, and the passage includes a portion extending between the fuel reservoir and the fuel chamber independently of the fuel flow control valve. |
| US09279387B2 |
Nozzle with guiding devices
A nozzle has a nozzle surface area and a nozzle rim, on which first and second guiding devices are alternatingly provided in the circumferential direction, where the first guiding devices are of the nozzle-type design and the second guiding devices are of the diffuser-type design. The first guiding devices each have a first azimuthal guide wall and two wall elements. The second guiding devices each have a second azimuthal guide wall and two wall elements. A wall element connects a first guiding device and a second guiding device. At least some of the first azimuthal guide walls of the first guiding device and at least some of the second azimuthal guide walls of the second guiding device have differing axial lengths, so that first and second trailing edges thereof have differing axial positions. |
| US09279386B2 |
Jet noise reduction using eduction effect
An exhaust duct through which an exhaust gas jet from a gas turbine engine flows comprises a duct wall, an inlet, an outlet and an eductor. The inlet, through which the exhaust gas jet enters the exhaust duct, is positioned at an upstream end of the exhaust duct. The outlet, through which the exhaust gas jet exits the exhaust duct, is positioned at a downstream end of the exhaust duct. The eductor is positioned proximate the downstream end. In one embodiment, the eductor comprises a perforated wall segment of the duct wall through which ambient air from outside of the duct wall is permitted to enter the exhaust duct. In yet another embodiment, the eductor is diverging. |
| US09279385B2 |
Nacelle for an aircraft bypass turbojet engine
A nacelle for an aircraft bypass turbojet engine includes downstream, an internal stationary structure surrounding part of the bypass turbojet engine, and an external structure surrounding the internal stationary structure, defining an annular flow path along which an air flow circulates. The external structure includes a mobile flap disposed at the downstream end of the external structure and positioned facing the annular flow path. Each mobile flap can rotate such as to move into a position that increases or reduces the height of the cross-section of the annular flow path in relation to an idle position, in response to the pressure exerted on the mobile flap by the air flow circulating through the facing annular flow path. The mobile flap can return from the cross-section-increasing or -reducing position to another position under the effect of an elastic return means. |
| US09279381B2 |
Method and device for controlling an internal combustion engine
To prevent particle emissions, the start of injection of an internal combustion engine is controlled as a function of a detected dynamics of an operating parameter of the internal combustion engine. The dynamics is detected by comparing the temporal change of the operating parameter to a threshold value. The control may be carried out such that, in particular, a value of the start of injection, determined with the aid of a regulation, is frozen for a specific holding period following the detection of the dynamics. |
| US09279378B2 |
Apparatus for detecting imbalance abnormality in air-fuel ratio between cylinders in multi-cylinder internal combustion engine
An apparatus for detecting imbalance abnormality in an air-fuel ratio between cylinders in a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine is disclosed. The apparatus includes an imbalance determining unit programmed to determine imbalance in an air-fuel ratio of a first cylinder belonging to a cylinder group based upon a difference value between an index value correlative with a crank angular speed detected in the first cylinder and an index value correlative with a crank angular speed detected in a second cylinder belonging to another cylinder group, and further a correction unit programmed to correct the difference value for the first cylinder based upon the index value detected in at least one of other cylinders belonging to the same cylinder group as that of the first cylinder. |
| US09279375B2 |
System and method for controlling an engine that includes low pressure EGR
Methods and systems for operating an engine that includes a low pressure EGR passage and a selective reduction catalyst are disclosed. In one example, an actuator is adjusted in response to a NOx mass flow rate in the low pressure EGR passage. |
| US09279359B2 |
Piston cooling apparatus
A piston cooling apparatus includes: a main body including a communication passage communicating with an oil path formed in an internal combustion engine; a nozzle pipe portion including an oil injection port configured to inject oil having passed through the communication passage toward a piston; and a filter disposed upstream of the nozzle pipe portion on the flow passage of the oil and including a hole having a smaller diameter than the minimum diameter of the oil injection port, the oil being injected toward the piston from the oil injection port, wherein: the filter is removably mounted on the outer surface of the outer wall portion of the main body existing upstream on the oil flow passage; and the main body is mounted on the internal combustion engine in a state where at least a portion of the filter is inserted into the oil path. |
| US09279356B2 |
Honeycomb structure and manufacturing method of the same
A honeycomb structure includes a tubular honeycomb structure body having porous partition walls to define and form a plurality of cells and an outer peripheral wall, and a pair of electrodes disposed on a side surface of the honeycomb structure body. An electrical resistivity of the honeycomb structure body is from 1 to 200 Ωcm, each of the pair of electrodes is formed into a band-like shape extending in an extending direction of the cells of the honeycomb structure body, one electrode in the pair of electrodes is disposed on a side opposite to the other electrode in the pair of electrodes via a center of the honeycomb structure body, the honeycomb structure body is constituted of an outer peripheral region and a central region, and an electrical resistivity of a material constituting the outer peripheral region is lower than an electrical resistivity of a material constituting the central region. |
| US09279355B2 |
Urea solution injection nozzle
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a urea solution injection nozzle in which deposition and growth of urea on the surface of the urea solution injection nozzle are minimized. A urea solution injection nozzle is provided with urea solution flow paths and gas flow paths. A mixture of urea solution and gas are injected from an injection port. A slit that is a side-surface discharge port is configured so that gas is discharged along a curved surface on the outer surface of the urea solution injection nozzle in the same direction as the injection direction of the urea solution. The slit and the flow path are connected by a branching flow path. |
| US09279354B2 |
Control unit for urea-water adding device
A heating-controller controls an electric power supply from a battery to a urea-water heater based on a voltage of the battery detected by a voltage detector and an engine-state of an internal combustion engine obtained by an engine-state detector. When a voltage of the battery is low or when the internal combustion engine stops, the heating-controller prohibits the electric power supply from the battery to the urea-water heater. A urea-water adding device can avoid an excess decrease of a battery power by intermittently energizing the urea-water heater according to the engine-state of an internal combustion engine and the battery voltage VB. |
| US09279352B2 |
Integrated SCR metering injection system
The invention discloses an integrated SCR metering injection system. The integrated SCR metering injection system includes a metering injection unit and a water heating unit for heating the metering injection unit. The metering injection unit includes a pump body, a membrane pump and a metering valve. The water heating unit includes a water inlet joint, a water inlet pipe, a water outlet pipe and a multi-section water circulation pipe communicated with each other. The water heating unit is used for heating the metering injection unit by heated engine cooling water, so that the heated engine cooling water passes by the metering injection unit directly to improve the recycling rate of energy. |
| US09279351B2 |
Reagent dosing system and method of dosing reagent
A reagent dosing system for dosing a reagent into the exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine includes a reagent tank for storing a supply of reagent; an injector module including an atomizing dispenser and a positive-displacement metering pump which draws reagent from the reagent tank and delivers it to the dispenser; a supply line coupling the reagent tank to the injector module; a dosing control unit operable to control the injector module to inject reagent into the exhaust gas stream; and an additional priming pump arranged, in use, to urge reagent along the supply line toward the injector module under selected conditions. |
| US09279350B2 |
Intake valve closure control for dual-fuel engines
A system and a method for actuating intake valves of an internal combustion engine. The system includes a hydraulic circuit including a master cylinder, a control valve, an accumulator, a first one-way valve and a slave cylinder. The slave cylinder accommodates a slave piston, which is coupled to the intake valves. The control valve is disposed upstream of the accumulator for controlling flow from the hydraulic circuit to the accumulator. The first one-way valve is disposed downstream of the accumulator for permitting flow from the accumulator to the hydraulic circuit and for preventing flow from the hydraulic circuit to the accumulator without first passing through the control valve. The control valve has an open position that provides communication between the hydraulic circuit and the accumulator for a Miller cycle or Miller-like cycle operation. The control valve also has a closed position that prevents communication between the hydraulic circuit and the accumulator during Otto cycle operation. |
| US09279348B2 |
Mechanically controllable valve drive for a reciprocating piston engine
A mechanically controllable valve drive for a reciprocating piston engine configured to adjust a gas exchange valve includes the gas exchange valve, a cam assembly comprising a camshaft and at least one cam for the gas exchange valve, a valve, a valve lift adjustment assembly, a drag lift assembly, and a device. The valve lift adjustment assembly comprises a valve lift adjustment device, and an intermediate lever assembly comprising at least one intermediate lever comprising a working curve comprising curve portions. The valve lift adjustment assembly is configured to shift the valve between a zero lift and a maximum lift. The drag lever assembly is operatively connected to the working curve. The device is configured to provide a valve-lift standstill range so that, in a maximum lift position, the valve is opened for a turning angle ω of the camshaft with a flattened valve lift height. |
| US09279347B2 |
High temperature ORC system
The invention relates to an ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) for the conversion of thermal energy into electric energy, comprising at least one heat exchanger unit for re-superheating the working fluid by means of the thermovector fluid from the hot source, between the discharge of the first expander and the input of the second expander, and a regenerator unit including a first regenerator and at least one second regenerator for regenerating the working fluid in at least two successive stages, in said first regenerator and at least in said second regenerator respectively, with an additional regenerative heat exchange along the flow line connecting the liquid working fluid output of the second regenerator to the liquid working fluid input of the first regenerator. |
| US09279346B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus for determining online stress and life consumption of a heat recovery steam generator
Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for determining online stress and life consumption of a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG). According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method for assessing components of a HRSG is provided. The method includes receiving HRSG design parameters; determining thermal stress data associated with the one or more HRSG components based at least in part on one or more historical, real-time, or calculated temperature sensor data associated with the one or more HRSG components; and determining cycle-related life consumption data associated with the one or more HRSG components based at least in part on the HRSG design parameters and the determined thermal stress data. |
| US09279345B2 |
Steam turbomachine valve having a valve member and seal assembly
A steam turbomachine valve includes a valve body having an inlet portion, an outlet portion, and an interior portion. The interior portion includes an inner wall. A valve member is slidingly disposed within the interior portion of the valve body. The valve member includes an outer surface. A seal element is mounted to, and extends about, the outer surface of the valve member. The seal element is spaced from the inner wall by a gap. A seal assembly is mounted to the inner wall. The seal assembly spans the gap and is configured and disposed to contact the seal element of the valve member. |
| US09279342B2 |
Turbine casing with service wedge
A turbine casing is provided and includes first and second turbine casing shells configured to be removably coupled to one another. At least one of the first and second turbine casing shells is formed to define an access slot. At least one service wedge is configured to be removably installed in the access slot. |
| US09279339B2 |
Turbine engine temperature control system with heating element for a gas turbine engine
A turbine engine temperature control system configured to limit thermal gradients from being created within an outer casing surrounding a turbine airfoil assembly during shutdown of a gas turbine engine and for preheating an engine during a cold startup is disclosed. By reducing thermal gradients caused by hot air buoyancy within the mid-region cavities in the outer casing, arched and sway-back bending of the outer casing is prevented, thereby reducing the likelihood of blade tip rub, and potential blade damage, during a warm restart. The turbine engine temperature control system may also be used for cold startup conditions to heat engine components such that gaps between turbine airfoil tips and adjacent blade rings can be made larger from thermal expansion, thereby reducing the risk of damage. The turbine engine temperature control system may operate during turning gear system operation after shutdown of the gas turbine engine or during a cold startup. |
| US09279334B2 |
Gas turbine engine
A gas turbine engine with a compressor rotor having compressor impulse blades that delivers gas at supersonic conditions to a stator. The stator includes a one or more aerodynamic ducts that each have a converging portion and a diverging portion for deceleration of the selected gas to subsonic conditions and to deliver a high pressure oxidant containing gas to flameholders. The flameholders may be provided as trapped vortex combustors, for combustion of a fuel to produce hot pressurized combustion gases. The hot pressurized combustion gases are choked before passing out of an aerodynamic duct to a turbine. Work is recovered in a turbine by expanding the combustion gases through impulse blades. By balancing the axial loading on compressor impulse blades and turbine impulse blades, asymmetrical thrust is minimized or avoided. |
| US09279332B2 |
Turbine damper
A damper for a turbine rotor assembly of a gas turbine engine includes a width dimension, a height dimension, and a length dimension, and includes a forward plate and an aft plate. The aft plate is larger than the forward plate along the width and height dimensions and includes an upper portion, which has a non-symmetric configuration and extends in the height dimension. The damper further includes a longitudinal structure extending in the length dimension and connecting the forward plate and the aft plate. |
| US09279327B2 |
Gas turbine engine comprising a tension stud
A gas turbine engine including a rotor is disclosed. The rotor includes a stud extending along an axis, rotating elements of a first section, and rotating elements of a second section. The stud includes a first and second external end, the first external end adapted to engage a first pre-load nut or a shaft and the second external end adapted to engage a second pre-load nut or a shaft such that the set of rotating elements are secured. Thus stud includes a first shank connected to the first external end and a second shank connected to the second external end. The first shank is located in the first section and has a first diameter. The second shank is located in the second section and has a second diameter which is greater than the first diameter. |
| US09279311B2 |
System, assembly and method for port control
A port control system including a group of port control assemblies at least one of which delaying passage of a plug and at least one of which preventing passage of a plug, each assembly of the group configured to shift a sleeve to open one or more ports responsive to contact with a same sized plug upon fluid pressure differential across the plug; and at least one second group of port control assemblies at least one of which delaying passage of a plug and at least one of which preventing passage of a plug, each assembly of the group configured to shift a sleeve to open one or more ports responsive to contact with a same sized plug upon fluid pressure differential across the plug. A method is included. |
| US09279300B2 |
Split ring shift control for hydraulic pulse valve
A hydraulic pulse valve for use in downhole tools includes a split ring seal to limit the fluid flow available to shift a poppet in the valve from an open position to a closed position. The split ring seal provides relatively long and repeatable pressure pulses, which improve the effectiveness of the hydraulic pulse valve for borehole applications. |
| US09279298B2 |
Well control systems and methods
A well control method can include removing from a wellbore an undesired influx from a formation into the wellbore, determining a desired pressure profile in real time with a hydraulics model, and automatically operating a flow choking device while removing the undesired influx from the wellbore, thereby influencing an actual pressure profile toward the desired pressure profile. Another well control method can include removing out of a wellbore an undesired influx from a formation into the wellbore, determining a desired wellbore pressure with a hydraulics model, the desired wellbore pressure preventing further influx into the wellbore while removing the undesired influx from the wellbore, and automatically operating a flow choking device while removing the undesired influx from the wellbore, thereby influencing an actual wellbore pressure toward the desired wellbore pressure. |
| US09279295B2 |
Liner flotation system
A liner flotation system comprises a liner, a first valve, and a second valve configured to form a gas filled chamber within the liner. The first valve is operable to allow fluid flow into the chamber, and the second valve operable to allow fluid flow out of the chamber. A sleeve is disposed in the chamber, and the first valve is movable into engagement with the sleeve to provide an indication of a position of the first valve. A method of securing a liner in a well comprises lowering a liner having a gas filled chamber in the well, actuating a valve to open fluid flow into the chamber, removing the gas from the chamber, and moving the valve into engagement with a sleeve coupled to the liner to provide an indication of a position of the valve. |
| US09279285B2 |
Folding shutter arrangement
A folding shutter arrangement having three or more rigid folding shutter elements having element edges that bend out and element edges that do not bend out in alternation. A first folding shutter element can be fastened to a building so as to be pivotable about a first axis near a element edge that does not bend out. A second folding shutter element is pivotably retained about a second axis near a second element edge that does not bend out. Adjacent folding shutter elements are pivotably connected to each other in pairs at the third element edges by a bend-out joint. A driving element is provided which drives at least one of the element edges in the opening or closing direction, and which forcibly pivots the folding shutter elements connected to at least one of the element edges that do not bend out. |
| US09279275B2 |
Outside handle for vehicle
An outside handle apparatus for a vehicle may include a handle grip including a first locking part, a handle base, a handle lever having a second locking part and rotatably supported by an axis of the handle lever at one side of the handle base and moving in linkage with the handle grip while the second locking part formed at an lower end of the handle lever is locked with the first locking part of the handle grip, and an interference lever pivotally coupled to the handle base at one side of the handle base, wherein the interference lever rotates in linkage with a rotation of the handle lever at ordinary times, and is interlocked with the handle lever due to a rotation of the handle lever upon crash to control the rotation of the handle lever. |
| US09279271B2 |
Connected fence for collecting rain water
Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a water collecting fence for collecting, storing, and dispensing rain water. The fence may include a plurality of water containing fence sections, each section being connected to at least one adjacent section by a connector hose. Each section may include a water containing shell. The shell may have an interior defined by a top surface, a bottom surface, a pair of panel sides, and a pair of side surfaces; a fill hole and a vent hole each positioned on the top surface; a post extending downwardly from the shell, the post configured to secure the shell into a ground surface; a lower orifice proximate to the bottom surface; a lower plug or a hose attachment configured to engage with the lower orifice. At least one of the sections may be configured to engage with a gutter downspout from a building. |
| US09279266B2 |
Reinforced hollow for a wind turbine tower
Reinforced hollow for a wind turbine tower comprising a lower ring (2) that determines an opening (3) for the installation of an access door (not represented) inside the tower (1). The hollow incorporates at least one structural element (4) that is fastened on both sides of the opening (3) of the tower's lower ring (2), providing the rigidness necessary to attach a door and permit the reduction of the thickness of the ring by 10-20%. |
| US09279265B1 |
Temporary shelter system
A shelter system is disclosed which comprises three central elements. A rotatable barrier element provides protection from incoming ballistic threats. The barrier functions on the principle of detonating, absorbing, and deflecting incoming threats away from a designated area of the shelter. A protective envelope element utilizes a compartmentalized vessel, two containment components, and a strata of alternating compacted fill and interstitial plate layers; the strata is enclosed within the vessel and two containment components. The interstitial plates serve a dual role in providing a compaction surface in the fill method and layering for the mitigation of ballistic threats. The design of the vessel permits each vessel to be filled while positioned flat on the ground surface; once filled and sealed, multiple vessels may be re-positioned in vertical, horizontal, sloped, or spanning arrangements. An A-frame based structural element functions as the fulcrum for the rotatable barrier and as the mount for the envelope trays. The structural system has an option of fastening to the framing system of the standard conex container. |
| US09279263B2 |
Sequenced chamber wave generator apparatus and method
A wave generating apparatus and method is provided in which a controller actuates a plurality of wave generating chambers in sequence using a delay between actuation of each chamber to produce a rideable wave in a pool. The actuation delay period may be a predetermined proportion of the chamber period. The sequence creates a surging motion in the pool that changes the characteristics of the waves to create a considerably hollow barreling wave. The flow of water created by a sequence may resemble a diamond pattern and additional patterns may resemble diamonds linked at the vertices. This pattern effectively reduces the depth of the water between successive waves, which causes them to pitch away from the chambers and create a considerably hollow barrel. |
| US09279262B2 |
Chimney demolition vehicle
A demolition apparatus including a main chassis, first and second front arms pivotally connected to the main chassis and comprising first and second wheel assemblies, respectively, a rear telescoping arm fixedly connected to the main chassis and comprising a third wheel assembly, first, second and third boom sections and a telescoping catwalk assembly, the first and second boom sections interconnected by a first hydraulic cylinder and the second and third boom sections interconnected by a second hydraulic cylinder, the first and second hydraulic cylinders comprising first and second resistances to movement, respectively, and, an excavator assembly pivotally connected to the main chassis, wherein the first, second and third wheel assemblies comprise first, second and third hydraulic motors, respectively, the first, second and third hydraulic motors are balanced and adapted to rotate the first, second and third wheel assemblies at a common speed, the first and second hydraulic cylinders are balanced and adapted to selectably extend and retract according to the smaller of the first and second resistances at a time when a pressure change is directed to the first and second cylinders. |
| US09279261B2 |
Method for manufacturing a formwork element
A method for manufacturing a formwork element 10 for concrete structures, uses a formwork element having a base body 12 of hollow profile construction with an outer side 14 designed as a form lining. The base body 12 is formed by at least two interlocking sub-segments which are permanently connected to one another at their interlocking edge areas. The sub-segments, such as edge segment and intermediate segment 16, 18, which are advantageously produced through extrusion, are hooked to one another to form an inseparable unit in the connected state. |
| US09279250B2 |
Low density acoustical panels
Described herein are building products comprising crimped bicomponent fibers and a non-woven fabric, which demonstrate, inter alia, improved acoustical performance. Methods of making and using the building products are also described. |
| US09279249B2 |
Corner studs and manufacturing method
A corner stud (50) has intersecting first and second walls (52, 54) that back up corner edge portions of wallboard panels (40, 42) that meet at the inside corner. The walls (52, 54) are braced by walls (64, 70) and flanges (76, 78). Wall (52) and wall (70) may be parallel to each other and to flange (76). Wall (54) and wall (64) may be parallel to each other and flange (78). The stud (50, 52, 200, 202) may have a web bent about a longitudinal axis to form web parts separated by an inside angle (a). The angle a may be an obtuse angle below one hundred eighty degrees (180°) to about two hundred seventy degrees (270°). |
| US09279247B2 |
L-Bead: a leak prevention system for stucco surfaces
A stop bead for mounting along a frame or jamb of a window or door of a building to separate the frame or jamb from plaster or stucco material during application of the plaster or stucco material to the building comprises a first side end portion and a second side end portion, the first side portion having a leading edge for engaging the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, a base panel having a front face, a stop bead wall formed on the base panel and extending outwardly above the front face of the base panel, the stop bead wall having an engaging surface for engaging plaster or stucco and a frame/jamb facing surface that faces the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, and a spacing member formed on the stop bead and extending outwardly away from the frame/jamb facing surface of the stop bead wall for spacing the stop bead wall a predetermined distance from the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, the spacing member forming the leading edge of the first side portion of the stop bead and forming gap between the stop bead wall and the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb for receiving caulk for sealing between the stop bead and the frame or jamb. In a preferred embodiment, the spacing member is flexible to permit movement of the spacing member responsive to movement to weather induced movement of the jamb after the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the jamb. |
| US09279242B2 |
Drain grate system and method
A drain grate system can be installed in a curbside or storm drain to block the passage of debris while allowing liquid to flow into the drain. The drain grate system can open in response to a high flow rate to allow liquid and debris to flow into the drain. A locking mechanism can maintain the drain grate system in a closed and locked position and can unlock in response to a predetermined amount of force of a fluid flow. |
| US09279238B2 |
Plumbing fixture having a tensioning member
A plumbing fixture having at least a housing, which forms an opening surrounded by a collar and an interior space, a fastening member, which can be disposed adjacent to the collar in the housing, a cartridge holder, which can be positioned in the interior space, a cartridge, which can be positioned at least partially in the interior space, and a tensioning member, which by direct contact can tension at least the cartridge or the cartridge holder against the fastening member. |
| US09279237B2 |
Filter for rainwater harvesting
A filter for rainwater harvesting forms part of a rainwater catchment system, and includes a container with a lid on its top end, an opening formed in the lid, and a strainer sized and shaped to accommodate the edge of the lid that defines the opening. The strainer includes an upper outwardly directed flange which engages the lid, a vertical side wall that extends downwardly from the upper flange, a lower inwardly directed flange, a reinforcing web supported by the lower flange, a mesh also located above and supported by the lower flange, and a retainer ring located above and supported by the lower flange and adapted to be secured thereto to removably hold the mesh and the reinforcing web therebetween. When the strainer is placed within the opening in the lid and the container is located such that the opening is in the flow path of a rainwater downspout, the strainer allows the passage therethrough of rainwater and filters debris from the rainwater to thereby enable the rainwater to be harvested. |
| US09279226B1 |
Method of removing pollutants from a body of water using containers filled with milkweed floss
An apparatus for the collection of pollutants may comprise at least one porous container including an outer boundary material defining an inner space of the container, and a volume of collection material formed from the floss of certain plants, with the collection material being buoyant. A method of collecting pollutants from a body of water may comprise providing a plurality of porous containers with inner spaces, positioning milkweed floss in the inner spaces of the containers, and placing the floss-filled containers in the body of water adjacent to a pollutant. |
| US09279222B2 |
Snow thrower impeller
A snow thrower impeller includes a layer of material comprising blade support walls and blades extending from the blade support walls. |
| US09279221B1 |
Pedestrian bridge
A pedestrian bridge is configured to be portable and expandable. The pedestrian bridge comprises a bridge mechanically coupled to feet and configured to be elevated above a hazard. A front ramp is rotatably coupled to the bridge and configured to be folded upon the bridge making the pedestrian bridge portable. A rear ramp rotatably coupled to the bridge and configured to be folded upon the bridge further making the pedestrian bridge portable. |
| US09279219B2 |
Multi-ply absorbent sheet of cellulosic fibers
An absorbent cellulosic sheet having a variable local basis weight. The sheet includes a papermaking-fiber reticulum having a plurality of fiber-enriched pileated regions of a relatively high local basis weight each extending a distance in a cross-machine direction (CD) of the sheet, and a plurality of elongated densified regions that interconnect the plurality of fiber-enriched pileated regions. The elongated densified regions (i) have a relatively low local basis weight, and each extending a distance in a machine direction (MD) of the sheet, and (ii) are arranged in a repeating pattern having leading and trailing edges, such that the elongated densified regions are longitudinally staggered with respect to each other. |
| US09279212B2 |
Washer/dryer
A washer/dryer (1) including a body, a drum arranged inside this body wherein laundry to be washed is emplaced, and a fan that aspirates the humid air generated in the drum during the drying process and a chamber whereto the air aspirated by the fan is delivered, configured as a volute wherein the air can circulate and a thermoelectric module situated in the chamber and having flaps that control the flow rate of the air that flows over the thermoelectric module so that the washer/dryer has high efficiency and decreases the noise generated during the drying cycle. |
| US09279210B2 |
Packing spacer for washing machines
The present invention relates to a packing spacer for washing machines, of the type having a monolithic structure obtained from one material, comprising a tubular cylindrical stem (1) with enlarged head (2), both crossed by an axial conduit for a fixing screw (V); said spacer (D) being provided, on the cylindrical stem (1), with a section (4, 40, 400) that collapses elastically when the spacer is subjected to axial compression. |
| US09279209B2 |
Washing machine to produce three-dimensional motion
A washing machine includes a driving motor having a stator, an outer rotor connected to the inner shaft and rotatable outside the stator, and an inner rotor connected to the outer shaft and rotatable inside the stator. Stator slots, which are fixedly-installed as a coil are wound on stator teeth. The outer rotor and the inner rotor include rotor teeth, a permanent magnet and a bushing, spaced from an inner circumference of the stator and rotates centering around a rotor shaft by magnetic force. The rotor teeth includes a teeth extension portion extending from a side end of an outer circumference of the rotor teeth in a circumferential direction, a cut recess cut in a concaved manner from the outer circumference of the rotor teeth toward the center of the rotor shaft, and an insertion recess cut in a concaved manner in a radial direction from an inner circumference of the rotor teeth. |
| US09279208B2 |
Washing machine having tub fixing part
Provided is a washing machine that can maintain sufficient rigidity while reducing a thickness of a frame by improving the shape of beads disposed at the frame, the washing machine including: a cabinet; a tub that is disposed to accommodate washing water in the cabinet and has a fastening hole formed in a rear side of the tub; a tub fixing part that is provided in plural numbers at a rear side of the cabinet in a position corresponding to the fastening hole; a fixing member that is inserted into the tub fixing part and is fastened to the fastening hole so that the tub is fixed to the rear side of the cabinet; and beads that are provided in plural numbers at both sides of the cabinet so as to have a shape of grooves formed in a direction of an inner side of the cabinet. |
| US09279206B2 |
Method and apparatus for forming a counterbalance to an imbalance in a laundry treating appliance
An apparatus and method for detecting an imbalance in the laundry load within the treating chamber and forming a counterbalance to the imbalance. |
| US09279198B2 |
Yarns for protective garments and manufacturing methods thereof
Yarns are provided which may include a core having a continuous filament, a first covering of said filament, obtained by winding a first yarn in a first winding direction, a second covering superposed over the first covering, made by winding a second yarn in an opposite winding direction, so as to form an open-coiling cover, at least one third covering, obtained by winding at least one sliver having discontinuous fibers in the same winding direction as the second yarn, positioning the fibers at least in the interspaces of said open-coiling cover. Durable and comfortable textiles and garments made from such yarn and methods of making same are also provided. |
| US09279194B2 |
Method of growing III-nitride crystal
Affords a method of growing, across the entirety of a major surface of a first III-nitride crystal, a second III-nitride crystal by HVPE, in an ambient temperature higher than 1100° C. The present III-nitride crystal growth method comprises: a step of preparing a first III-nitride crystal (10) having an alkali-metal atom concentration of less than 1.0×1018 cm−3; and a step of growing a second III-nitride crystal (20) onto a major surface (10m) of the first III-nitride crystal (10) by HVPE, in an ambient temperature higher than 1100° C. |
| US09279189B2 |
Methods for forming defect-free anodized parts
Manufacturing methods related to anodizing of metal parts are described. In particular, pre-anodizing and post-anodizing methods for forming a consistent and defect-free interface between metal and non-metal sections of a part are described. Methods involve preventing residues from various manufacturing processes from entering a gap or space at the interface between the metal and non-metal section of the part and that can disrupt subsequent anodizing and anodic film dyeing processes. In particular embodiments, methods involve forming a barrier layer or filler layer between the metal and non-metal sections. Portions of the barrier layer or filler layer can be removed prior to anodizing. The resultant part has a well-defined and uniform space between the metal and non-metal sections that is free from visual defects. |
| US09279182B2 |
Apparatus for forming metal oxide film, method for forming metal oxide film, and metal oxide film
A film forming apparatus includes a first solution container, a second solution container, a reaction chamber, a first path, and a second path. The first solution container stores a source solution containing metal. The second solution container stores hydrogen peroxide. A substrate is in the reaction chamber, and the reaction chamber includes a heating unit that heats the substrate. The first path supplies a source solution from the first solution container to the reaction chamber. The second path supplies hydrogen peroxide from the second solution container to the reaction chamber. |
| US09279181B2 |
Fluidized bed pyrocarbon coating
Arrangements are provided for assembling multiple substrates for coating within a fluidized bed coater so as to deposit a coating of uniform thickness across the entire exterior surface thereof. One embodiment includes a method for coating orthopedic implants having convex and concave surfaces with pyrocarbon by pyrolytic decomposition of a hydrocarbon. |
| US09279173B2 |
Aluminum alloy forged material for automotive vehicles and production method for the material
An aluminum alloy forged material for automotive vehicles comprises 0.6˜1.2 mass % of Mg, 0.7˜1.5 mass % of Si, 0.1.˜0.5 mass % of Fe, 0.01˜0.1 mass % of Ti, 0.3˜1.0 mass % of Mn, at least one of 0.1˜0.4 mass % of Cr and 0.05˜0.2 mass % of Zr, a restricted amount of Cu that is less than or equal to 0.1 mass %, a restricted amount of Zn that is less than or equal to 0.05 mass %, a restricted amount of H that is less than or equal to 0.25 ml in 100 g Al and a remainder of Al and inevitably contained impurities, and the material includes precipitated crystalline particles among which the largest one has a maximum equivalent circle diameter equal to or less than 8 μm and an area ratio of the precipitated crystalline particles is equal to or less than 3.6%. |
| US09279169B2 |
Method for recycling noble metals from Fischer-Tropsch products
A method for recycling a noble metal from Fischer-Tropsch synthesis products. The method includes: 1) filtering a reaction product in a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactor by an inner filter; discharging a filtered reaction product to a first filtration buffer tank; separating a gas phase product or a part of a liquid phase product from the reaction product; introducing the liquid-solid two-phase product to a refining filter for product refining; 2) introducing a liquid phase product containing a catalyst slurry to a dynamic filter, collecting the filtered liquid phase product including a waste catalyst and noble metal ions; introducing the liquid phase product to a second filtration buffer tank; and introducing the filtered liquid phase product to the refining filter; and 3) forming a clay filter cake on a filter disk; and refining the products introduced into the refining filter in 1) and 2). |
| US09279168B2 |
Process for recovery of technical grade molybdenum from diluted leaching acid solutions (PLS), with highly concentrated arsenic, from metallurgical residues
A method for recovering technical-grade molybdenum from diluted acid leaching solutions (PLS) that have a high arsenic concentration is disclosed. The method includes: (a) contacting a pre-filtered PLS with an anionic ion-exchange resin; (b) washing the loaded resin with water; (c) extracting molybdenum from the resin with an alkaline ammonium regenerant solution to form ammonium molybdenum in solution; (d) washing the unloaded resin with water; (e) adding iron and/or magnesium salts to the recovered ammonia solution to obtain a precipitate which is transferred to the arsenic abatement step and a solution containing ammonium molybdate; (f) adding sulphuric acid to the arsenic-free ammonia solution to precipitate ammonium molybdate; (g) separating the precipitate by filtering the molybdate and re-circulating the solution obtained with the initial PLS; (h) calcining the separated precipitate to obtain ammonia and molybdenum trioxide; and (i) recovering the released ammonia for subsequent use as a recirculated regenerant solution. |
| US09279167B2 |
Method of forming a stamped article
A method of forming an article from a metal alloy sheet material includes selectively hardening only a first localized area of the metal alloy sheet material without hardening a second localized area of the metal alloy sheet material, wherein the second area adjoins the first area to thereby form a blank. The blank has a hardened region formed from the first area and having a first hardness, and a non-hardened region adjoining the hardened region and formed from the second area, and having a second hardness that is less than the first hardness. The method includes stamping the blank to thereby form a preform having a pre-protrusion at least partially formed from the hardened region, wherein the pre-protrusion has a first height, annealing the preform to thereby form a workpiece, and stamping the workpiece to increase the first height and thereby form the article. |
| US09279161B2 |
Monoclonal antibody recognizing human papillomavirus (HPV) L2 protein and method for measuring HPV-neutralizing antibody titer using the same
The present invention relates to the development of a monoclonal antibody which has binding activity to many high-risk types of HPV, etc. The present invention also provides a simple and high-throughput method for measuring cross-neutralizing antibody titers, which is used for assay of cross-neutralizing antibody against HPV in serum samples from subjects, etc. The method of the present invention for measuring cross-neutralizing antibody titers comprises the steps of: preparing a monoclonal antibody against a peptide having a specific amino acid sequence common to high-risk types of HPV; and assaying cross-neutralizing antibody using this monoclonal antibody. |
| US09279160B2 |
DNA-based methods for clone-specific identification of staphylococcus aureus
MRSA CC398 is a clone of S. aureus that has recently emerged in pigs and other domestic animals worldwide. As any other MRSA, the clone displays high levels of antibiotic resistance and poses a serious threat to human health because of the risk of antibiotic treatment failure in human patients. We developed a new diagnostic test for identification of MRSA CC398 using a single one-step PCR that is very easily performed within a few hours. The test is based on the principle that clonal differences within S. aureus are reflected in the sequence of a gene (sau1hsdS1) located on the chromosome of this bacterial species. Accordingly, such a gene represents an optimal target for S. aureus and MRSA identification at the clone level. The test includes detection of the gene conferring methicillin resistance (mecA), therefore allowing rapid discrimination between methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant variants of the clone. A preliminary validation of the test was performed on a collection of CC398 and non-CC398 strains, resulting in 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The test can be combined to real-time PCR technology to further reduce simplify the test performance as well as to allow quantification of the target MRSA clone in biological specimens. The invention has important applications related to surveillance and control of MRSA CC398 in humans, animals and food products. |
| US09279159B2 |
Quantification of adaptive immune cell genomes in a complex mixture of cells
Compositions and methods are described for highly sensitive quantification of the relative representation of DNA from adaptive immune cells (e.g., T and/or B lymphocytes) in DNA extracted from complex mixtures of cells that include cells which are not adaptive immune cells. Included are methods for determining the relative presence in a tumor of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), the relative presence of lymphocytes infiltrating a somatic tissue that is the target of an autoimmune disease, and the relative presence of lymphocytes infiltrating a transplanted organ. |
| US09279151B2 |
Disposable thermal in-vitro diagnostic apparatus and method of conducting an in-vitro diagnostic test
A portable, disposable in-vitro diagnostic apparatus and method of performing an in-vitro diagnostic test is provided. The apparatus includes a body configured to be hand held. The body has a reaction medium supply chamber configured in selective fluid communication with a reaction chamber via a fluid conveying channel. The reaction chamber is located beneath a sample reaction chamber. The reaction medium supply chamber contains a reaction fluid therein and the reaction chamber contains a thermal reaction medium therein. The reaction fluid is selectively reactive with the thermal reaction medium to produce one of an endothermic or exothermic reaction beneath the sample reaction chamber. |
| US09279150B2 |
Mutant endonuclease V enzymes and applications thereof
Provided herein are mutant endonuclease V enzymes that are capable of nicking an inosine-containing DNA sequence. Nucleic acid assays and agents that employ such mutant endonuclease V enzymes to introduce a nick into a target DNA including one or more inosine, and uses a DNA polymerase to generate amplicons of a target DNA are also described. |
| US09279148B2 |
Detection of nucleic acid reactions on bead arrays
The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for the use of micro sphere arrays to detect and quantify a number of nucleic acid reactions. The invention finds use in genotyping, i.e. the determination of the sequence of nucleic acids, particularly alterations such as nucleotide substitutions (mismatches) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Similarly, the invention finds use in the detection and quantification of a nucleic acid target using a variety of amplification techniques, including both signal amplification and target amplification. The methods and compositions of the invention can be used in nucleic acid sequencing reactions as well. All applications can include the use of adapter sequences to allow for universal arrays. |
| US09279140B2 |
Personal care products with visual indicator of vaginitis
There is provided a personal care product having a body side liner, a baffle and an indicator strip with two ends. The indicator has an amine sensitive dye near at least one end. The indicator extends from the target area just below the liner to just above the baffle such that the dye deposit is visible to an unaided eye. The dye changes color in the presence of amines which are characteristic of infection, thus alerting the user to the possibility of infection. Such an indicator placed in a feminine hygiene pad, for example, may be useful in the diagnosis of vaginitis. |
| US09279137B2 |
Mutant acetolactate synthase and a method for producing branched-chain L-amino acids
A mutant bacterial acetolactate synthase (AHAS I) which is resistant to feedback inhibition by L-valine is described. Also described is a method for producing branched-chain L-amino acids using a bacterium from the Enterobacteriaceae family wherein the L-amino acid productivity of said bacterium is enhanced by the use of the acetolactate synthase (AHAS I) which is resistant to feedback inhibition by L-valine. This acetolactate synthase contains a mutant small subunit encoded by the mutant ilvN gene. |
| US09279136B2 |
Methods of producing triacylglyceride compositions comprising tailored oils
Methods and compositions for the production of food compositions, oils, fuels, oleochemicals, and other compounds in recombinant microorganisms are provided, including oil-bearing microorganisms and methods of low cost cultivation of such microorganisms. Microalgal cells containing exogenous genes encoding, for example, a lipase, a sucrose transporter, a sucrose invertase, a fructokinase, a polysaccharide-degrading enzyme, a keto acyl-ACP synthase enzyme, a fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase, a fatty acyl-CoA/aldehyde reductase, a fatty acyl-CoA reductase, a fatty aldehyde reductase, a fatty aldehyde decarbonylase, and/or an acyl carrier protein are useful in manufacturing food compositions, and transportation fuels such as renewable diesel, biodiesel, and renewable jet fuel, as well as oleochemicals such as functional fluids, surfactants, soaps and lubricants. |
| US09279135B2 |
Kluyveromyces lactis yeast strain and methods for the production of sugars, ethanol, beta-galactosidase and biomass
A Kluyveromyces lactis yeast strain comprising the sequence identified by SEQ ID NO: 1, and methods for the production of sugars (glucose and galactose), ethanol, β-galactosidase and biomass is provided, in which the Kluyveromyces lactis yeast strain is cultured in the presence of a lactose-containing medium. The lactose-containing medium may be milk, whey, whey resulting from the preparation of butter, whey resulting after casein precipitation, milk permeate, whey permeate, acid whey and YPL culture medium. |
| US09279134B2 |
Methods for isolating bacteria
The present invention relates to compositions and methods to identify novel bacteria and metabolites derived therefrom. More specifically, the invention describes a novel method to isolate bacteria producing metabolites of interest from environmental samples. Particularly, the invention discloses a method to select rare antibiotic producing bacteria. The invention can be used from any sample and allows the isolation of bacteria having e.g., pharmaceutical or agrochemical interest. |
| US09279131B2 |
Tomato hybrid EX15567101 and parent lines thereof
The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid EX15567101 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid EX15567101 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants. |
| US09279130B2 |
Methods for manufacturing plant cell walls comprising chitin
Methods and means are provided for the modification of the reactivity of plant secondary cell walls, particularly in cotton cell walls found in cotton fibers. This can be conveniently achieved by expressing a chimeric gene encoding a Saprolegnia monoica chitin synthase in cotton plants. |
| US09279129B2 |
Mutant AOX1 promoters
A mutant Pichia pastoris alcohol oxidase 1 (AOX1) promoter of the wild type Pichia pastoris AOX1 promoter (SEQ ID No. 1) comprising at least one mutation selected from the group consisting of: a) a transcription factor binding site (TFBS), b) nucleotides 170 to 235 (−784 to −719), nucleotides 170 to 191 (−784 to −763), nucleotides 192 to 213 (−762 to −741), nucleotides 192 to 210 (−762 to −744), nucleotides 207 to 209 (−747 to −745), nucleotides 214 to 235 (−740 to −719), nucleotides 304 to 350 (−650 to −604), nucleotides 364 to 393 (−590 to −561), nucleotides 434 to 508 (−520 to −446), nucleotides 509 to 551 (−445 to −403), nucleotides 552 to 560 (−402 to −394), nucleotides 585 to 617 (−369 to −337), nucleotides 621 to 660 (−333 to −294), nucleotides 625 to 683 (−329 to −271), nucleotides 736 to 741 (−218 to −213), nucleotides 737 to 738 (−217 to −216), nucleotides 726 to 755 (−228 to −199), nucleotides 784 to 800 (−170 to −154) or nucleotides 823 to 861 (−131 to −93) of Seq ID No. 1, and combinations thereof. |
| US09279117B2 |
Transgenic mouse conditionally expressing MMP12 for studying myelopoiesis, immunity and tumorigenesis
A myeloid-specific c-fms-rtTA/(TetO)7-CMV-MMP12 bitransgenic mouse model was created. Induction of MMP12 abnormally elevated frequencies and numbers of common myeloid progenitor (CMP) and granulocyte/macrophage progenitor (GMP) populations, and decreased the frequency and number of the megakaryocyte/erythrocyte progenitor (MEP) population in bone marrow. CD11b+/Gr-1+ immature cell population increased in multiple organs. An immunosuppressive function on T cell proliferation and function by CD11b+/Gr-1+ immature cells was seen in vitro and in vivo from MMP12 over-expression. MMP12 stimulated (Lin−) progenitor cells to differentiate into CD11b+/Gr-1+ immature cells showing immunosuppression on T cell proliferation and function in vitro. Regulatory T cells were increased. In the lung, concentration of interleukin (IL)-6 was increased, which activated oncogenic signal transducer and increased expression of Stat3 downstream genes in epithelial tumor progenitor cells. Spontaneous emphysema and lung adenocarcinoma sequentially developed after MMP12 over-expression. MMP12-induced myeloid cell autonomous defect led to abnormal myelopoiesis, immune suppression and lung adenocarcinoma. |
| US09279116B2 |
Degradable clostridial toxins
The specification discloses Clostridial toxins or Clostridial toxin chimeras comprising an inactivation cleavage site, polynucleotide molecules encoding such toxins or chimeras, compositions comprising such toxins or chimeras, and method of producing such toxins or chimeras. |
| US09279106B2 |
Immortalization of epithelial cells and methods of use
The present invention is directed towards methods of culturing non-keratinocyte epithelial cells, with the methods comprising culturing non-keratinocyte epithelial cells in the presence of feeder cells and a calcium-containing medium while inhibiting the activity of Rho kinase (ROCK) in the feeder cell, the non-keratinocyte epithelial cells or both during culturing. |
| US09279103B2 |
Simplified basic media for human pluripotent cell culture
Fully defined media that support pluripotent cell viability, proliferation, cloning, and derivation, as well as methods and compositions including these media are described. Methods for deriving iPS cells from adult individuals under defined, xeno-free conditions are also described. |
| US09279098B2 |
Laundry detergent particles
The present invention provides lenticular or disc detergent particles comprising (i) surfactant, (ii) inorganic salts, (iii) pigment, wherein the inorganic salts and the pigment are present on the detergent particle as a coating and the surfactant is present as a core. The particles show reduced staining. |
| US09279093B2 |
Lubricating composition containing an aromatic compound
The invention provides a lubricating composition containing an aromatic compound and an oil of lubricating viscosity. The invention further relates to the use of the lubricating composition in an internal combustion engine. The invention further relates to the use of the aromatic compound as an antiwear agent. |
| US09279091B2 |
Charcoal briquettes and methods of forming thereof
A charcoal heating material, such as charcoal briquettes, includes a porous structure that facilitates the flow of oxygen about the charcoal, and thereby, enables the briquettes to ignite easily and quickly. In particular the lightweighted charcoal briquettes have a density from about 0.50 grams per cubic centimeter to about 0.80 grams per cubic centimeter. Methods of forming charcoal heating materials include mixing a rheology modifying agent and a moisture phase with a charcoal mixture to facilitate absorption of additional water into the solid matrix, providing increased porosity and lightweighting of the finished briquette after drying. |
| US09279090B2 |
Method for cleaning producer gas using a microwave induced plasma cleaning device
A device and method for cleaning producer gas includes a filter bed chamber, a microwave chamber, a first catalytic chamber and a second catalytic chamber. The filter bed chamber comprises an inlet for carbon-based material and a spent carbon outlet. The microwave chamber comprises a permeable top and wave guides around the perimeter through which microwaves can be introduced into the device using magnetrons. The first catalytic chamber is connected to the microwave chamber, and the second catalytic chamber is connected to the first catalytic chamber. The method comprises using the device by filling the filter bed chamber with carbon-based material, introducing microwaves into the microwave chamber using the magnetrons and wave guides, dissociating heavy carbons entrained within the gas by passing the gas through carbon-based material in the filter bed chamber, the microwave chamber, the first catalytic chamber and the second catalytic chamber. |
| US09279087B2 |
Multi-staged hydroprocessing process and system
Methods and systems of processing a hydrocarbonaceous feed stock flows are provided. In one aspect, the method includes providing two or more hydroprocessing stages disposed in sequence, each hydroprocessing stage having a hydroprocessing reaction zone with a hydrogen requirement and each stage in fluid communication with the preceding stage. A hydrogen source is provided substantially free of hydrogen from a hydrogen recycle compressor. The hydrocarbonaceous feed stock flow is separated into an portions of fresh feed for each hydroprocessing stage, and then supplying the first portion of fresh feed with hydrogen from the hydrogen source in an amount satisfying substantially all of the hydrogen requirements of the hydroprocessing stages to a first hydroprocessing zone. |
| US09279084B2 |
Security device using liquid crystals
The invention generally relates to optically variable devices, methods of preparation and applications or uses therefor. In particular, the invention includes trigger molecules employed as a dopant for a liquid crystal material. The liquid crystal material contains helical elements having a natural twist. The dopant is effective to change the natural twist of the helical elements when the dopant is addressed with incident light. Suitable dopants are selected from binaphthalene and derivatives thereof. |
| US09279083B2 |
Liquid crystal compound, liquid crystal composition, and liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal compound of formula (I): where A1, A2, A3, A4, R1, R2, Z1, Z2, Z3, n, and m are as defined in the specification. |
| US09279079B2 |
Method of manufacturing phosphor, light-emitting device, and image display apparatus
A method of manufacturing a first phosphor of which emission spectrum shape well matches with a color filter of three primary colors of light, a light-emitting device including the first phosphor, and an image display apparatus including the light-emitting device are provided. The light-emitting device includes a semiconductor light-emitting element emitting excitation light and the first phosphor absorbing the excitation light and emitting green light. The first phosphor contains a solid solution of aluminum element and a metal element M selected from the group consisting of Mn, Ce and Eu in crystals of an oxynitride having a β-type Si3N4 crystal structure, an amount of oxygen in the crystals being not higher than 0.8 mass %. |
| US09279078B2 |
Hardening resin composition and color conversion material using the same
The invention provides a resin composition having an excellent dispersibility of a phosphor, and when the resin composition is processed and used as a color conversion material, to give a hardened material having a high heat resistance, resistance to thermal yellowing, light resistance, transparency and refractive index, and an excellent adhesion to allow color conversion of light emitted from an optical semiconductor stably and without a flare spot over a long period of time. The invention also relates to a hardening resin composition having at least one of epoxy and oxetanyl. |
| US09279077B2 |
Methods of forming and placing proppant pillars into a subterranean formation
Methods of treating a subterranean formation comprising placing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid, proppant particulates, a consolidating agent, a thermoplastic material, and a degradable polyester material into the subterranean formation; coating the proppant particulates and the consolidating agent with the thermoplastic material and the degradable polyester material together so as to form proppant pillars; and degrading the degradable polyester material. |
| US09279072B2 |
Polyurethane adhesive having low gross heat of combustion and insulation panels assembled with such adhesives
A polyurethane adhesive having a low gross heat of combustion is used to assemble insulation panels such as mineral wool insulation panels. The polyurethane adhesive contains a polyisocyanate side and a polyol side. The polyol side includes a certain polyether ether polyol and an aromatic polyester diol. The mixture of these polyols provides excellent adhesion together with suitably low viscosities, even at high filler levels, and a cured adhesive that has a low gross heat of combustion. |
| US09279069B2 |
Double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet and method for producing the same
Provided are a double-sided PSA sheet comprising a PSA layer formed by directly applying an aqueous dispersion-type PSA composition to a non-woven fabric substrate, wherein the layer has a highly smooth surface; and a method for producing the same. In this method, an aqueous dispersion-type PSA composition is applied to at least a first side of the non-woven fabric substrate and the composition is allowed to dry to form a PSA layer. A non-woven fabric of 15 μm to 70 μm in thickness, 0.3 to 0.6 g/cm3 in bulk density, and 0.7 sec to 2 sec in air resistance (Gurley) when measured for 8 layers the non-woven fabric substrate is used as the non-woven fabric substrate. |
| US09279068B2 |
Optical bonding apparatus, touch sensitive display using the same and method of making the same
The present invention discloses an optical bonding apparatus, including: a first bonding layer; a second bonding layer; and a dismountable bonding layer superposed between the first bonding layer and the second bonding layer. The present invention also discloses a touch sensitive display using the optical bonding apparatus and a method of making the optical bonding apparatus. |
| US09279066B1 |
Slurry for asphalt pavement and driveway sealer
What is provided are compositions of matter and methods for making the compositions of matter, which comprise a limestone and clay slurry for pavement and driveway sealer products. The pavement sealer composition comprises a limestone and clay slurry and an asphalt emulsion. The limestone slurry comprises wet limestone, bentonite and kaolin clay. The asphalt emulsion comprises an asphalt emulsion blend made from an asphalt emulsion concentrate. |
| US09279065B2 |
Release sheet
A release sheet comprising a base material and a release agent layer formed on at least one surface of the base material by using a release agent composition; the release agent composition contains a first polydimethylsiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups in one molecule and a second polydimethylsiloxane having at least two hydrosilyl groups in one molecule; the release agent composition contains 0.40 to 5.25 mmol of the alkenyl groups and 7.00 to 120.00 mmol of the hydrosilyl groups in a total of 30 g of the first polydimethylsiloxane and the second polydimethylsiloxane; and a molar ratio (b/a) of the hydrosilyl groups (b) to the alkenyl groups (a) is 3.0 to 70.0. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the peeling force from increasing even when the release agent layer of the release sheet is exposed to the air for a long time. |
| US09279064B2 |
Manufacturing semiconductor device with film for forming protective layer
The present invention aims to provide a film for forming a protective layer that is capable of preventing cracks in a low dielectric material layer of a semiconductor wafer while suppressing an increase in the number of steps in the manufacture of a semiconductor device. This object is achieved by a film for forming a protective layer on a bumped wafer in which a low dielectric material layer is formed, including a support base, an adhesive layer, and a thermosetting resin layer, laminated in this order, wherein the melt viscosity of the thermosetting resin layer is 1×102 Pa·S or more and 2×104 Pa·S or less, and the shear modulus of the adhesive layer is 1×103 Pa or more and 2×106 Pa or less, when the thermosetting resin layer has a temperature in a range of 50 to 120° C. |
| US09279057B2 |
Thermally curable solder-resistant ink and method of making the same
A method of making a thermally curable solder-resistant ink, which comprises the following steps: polymerizing an aliphatic diamine monomer having a long carbon chain, an aromatic dianhydride monomer, an aromatic diamine monomer having a carboxylic acid group, and an anhydride monomer having a carboxylic acid group in an aprotic solvent to obtain a polyamine acid; cyclizing the polyamine acid to obtain a polyimide; and mixing the polyimide and a curing agent to obtain the thermally curable solder-resistant ink. By the steps mentioned above, the thermally curable solder-resistant ink made from the method has a dielectric constant less than 3.00 and a dielectric loss less than 0.01 and thereby is applicable to high frequency electronic equipments. Also, the thermally curable solder-resistant ink has good electrical properties, folding endurance, solder resistance, warpage resistance, flame resistance, acid endurance, alkali endurance, good solvent resistance and low water absorption. |
| US09279051B2 |
Halogen-free resin composition, and copper clad laminate and printed circuit board using same
The halogen-free resin composition comprises (A) 100 parts by weight of cyanate ester resin; (B) 5 to 50 parts by weight of styrene-maleic anhydride; (C) 5 to 100 parts by weight of polyphenylene oxide resin; (D) 10 to 150 parts by weight of phosphazene; and (E) 10 to 1000 parts by weight of inorganic filler. By using specific components at specific proportions, the halogen-free resin composition offers the features of low dielectric constant, low dissipation factor, high heat resistance and high flame retardancy, and can be made into prepreg or resin film, and thereby used in copper clad laminate or printed circuit board. |
| US09279047B2 |
Polymer compositions and nonwoven compositions prepared therefrom
Propylene-based polymer compositions are provided comprising propylene and from about 5 wt % to about 20 wt % of one or more C2 and/or C4-C12 α-olefins. The polymer compositions have a triad tacticity greater than about 90%, a heat of fusion less than about 75 J/g, and a melt flow rate (MFR) greater than or equal to about 25 g/10 min (230° C., 2.16 kg). Further, the polymer compositions are reactor grade compositions comprising a reactor blend of a first polymer and a second polymer, preferably where both of the first and second polymers are prepared using the same catalyst system. Meltspun nonwoven fabrics, such as meltblown or spunbond fabrics, comprising such polymer compositions are also provided, as well as processes for forming the nonwoven fabrics. |
| US09279046B2 |
Nanocomposites and nanocomposite foams and methods and products related to same
A foam comprising a nanocomposite comprising a bulk linear semi-crystalline polyolefin containing no cross-links or branched polymers; an organoclay; and a polymeric compatibilizer for enhancing physical interactions between the bulk linear semi-crystalline polyolefin and the organoclay, wherein the linear semi-crystalline polyolefin combines with the organoclay to form the nanocomposite is provided. Novel nanocomposites and methods of producing the nanocomposites and foams, such as flexible foams, are also provided. The resulting products are useful in a variety of applications, including thermoplastic flexible foam seals, thermoplastic foamed panels in vehicles, and thin-walled blow molded bottles. |
| US09279045B2 |
Tire prepared by using rubber composition containing modified polymer
A tire prepared by using a rubber composition compounded with a modified conjugated diene base polymer obtained by reacting an active site of a conjugated diene base polymer with a hydrocarbyloxysilane compound which may have a functional group to introduce a functional group having high affinity with precipitated silica and precipitated silica in which a cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-adsorbing specific surface area (CTAB) (m2/g) and the mode Aac in diameters (nm) of primary aggregates determined by acoustic measurement of particle size distribution satisfy equation (A) shown below: Aac≧−0.76×(CTAB)+274 (A). |
| US09279044B2 |
Rubber composition with multiple reinforcing resins
A tire component comprising a rubber composition having a highly unsaturated diene elastomer and a reinforcing filler with a first methylene acceptor selected from 3-hydroxydiphenylamine, 4-hydroxydiphenylamine or combinations thereof; a second methylene acceptor selected from a Novolac resin, diphenylolmethane, diphenylolethane diphenylolpropane, diphenylolbutane, a naphthol, a cresol or combinations thereof and a methylene donor. A method for manufacturing a tire component includes mixing together components of a rubber composition into a non-productive mix, the components including a highly unsaturated diene elastomer, a reinforcing filler, a first methylene acceptor selected from 3-hydroxydiphenylamine, 4-hydroxydiphenylamine or combinations thereof and a second methylene acceptor selected from a Novolac resin, diphenylolmethane, diphenylolethane diphenylolpropane, diphenylolbutane, a naphthol, a cresol or combinations thereof; and mixing a methylene donor and a vulcanizing agent into the non-productive mix to convert the non-productive mix to a productive mix. |
| US09279043B2 |
Self-healing agent formulations containing liquid corrosion inhibitors
Disclosed herein are self-healing systems that include corrosion inhibitors and self-healing materials that are capable of repairing themselves without any external intervention when they are damaged. The self-healing materials and corrosion inhibitors may be microencapsulated, and damage to a matrix containing the microcapsules may rupture the microcapsules and cause the self-healing materials and corrosion inhibitors to be released into the site of damage. The self-healing materials then may polymerize and restore the functional capabilities of the matrix, and the corrosion inhibitors may work in concert with the self healing materials to prevent corrosion at the site of damage. |
| US09279042B2 |
Method of the production of a roofing asphalt composition using catalytic oxidation
A catalytic process for preparing a roofing asphalt composition comprising an oxidized blend of a paving grade asphalt and recycled rubber is described herein. |
| US09279040B2 |
Non-isocyanate rigid polymer foams by carbon-Michael addition and foaming process
Polymer foam is made from a two-component foam system. The foam system includes an A-side component which contains a multifunctional Michael acceptor and a blowing agent that has a boiling temperature in the range −40° C. to +100° C. The system also includes a B-side component that contains a multifunctional carbon-Michael donor, a surfactant and a blowing agent that has a boiling temperature in the range −40° C. to +100° C. The viscosities of each of the components are 2,500 cPs or lower. Foam is made by separately pressurizing the components, then separately depressurizing them so they each at least partially expand. The partially expanded materials are then combined in the presence of a carbon-Michael reaction catalyst to form a reaction mixture which is cured to form the polymer foam. |
| US09279034B2 |
Reactive hydroxylated and carboxylated polymers for use as adhesion promoters
A polymer complex is disclosed which is the reaction product of one or more polymers having a terminal or pendant hydroxyl group, or a terminal or pendent carboxyl group, or combinations thereof, with at least one metal complex and one alkyl phosphate. This polymer complex acts as an adhesion promotion agent as well as a viscosity stabilizer when formulated in a printing ink or coating. |
| US09279029B2 |
Method for producing light-coloured polyisocyanates
The invention relates to a method for producing light-coloured polyisocyanates by phosgenation of mixtures comprising MDA and polycyclic aromatic polyamines that have o-phenylenediamine units incorporated via methylene bridges. The invention further relates to the polyisocyanate mixtures obtainable by this method. |
| US09279026B2 |
Polyacetylene and chlorinated polyacetylene and production processes thereof
The present invention is directed to a heterogeneous gas phase polymerization process to produce true polyacetylene (PA; C2H2) in powder form, and the resultant PA product. The present invention is additionally directed to a chlorinated polyacetylene (CPA) compound comprised of primarily CHCl units and CH double bond units. The CPA compound can be comprised of at least 67.3 wt % Cl, and have a weight average molecular weight (Mw) as measured by GPC of greater than 30,000 and contain less than 1.0 mol % carbon-carbon branching. The CPA compound according to the invention can exhibit a glass transition temperature (Tg) of at least about 185° C. to about 270° C. |
| US09279019B2 |
Human monoclonal antibodies specific for CD22
Disclosed herein are isolated human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind human CD22 with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 25 nM or less. Nucleic acids encoding these antibodies, expression vectors including these nucleic acid molecules, and isolated host cells that express the nucleic acid molecules are also disclosed. The antibodies can be used to detect human CD22 in a sample. In some cases, CD22 is soluble CD22. Methods of diagnosing a B-cell malignancy, or confirming a B-cell malignancy diagnosis, are disclosed herein that utilize these antibodies. Methods of treating a subject with a B-cell malignancy are also disclosed. |
| US09279016B2 |
Methods for identifying antibodies with reduced immunogenicity
The disclosure describes methods of identifying a variant of a reference antibody with reduced immunogenicity as compared to the reference antibody. The disclosure further describes variants of a reference anti-TNF-α antibody having reduced immunogenicity as compared to the reference anti-TNF-α reference antibody. |
| US09279015B2 |
Methods for treatment of ankylosing spondylitis using TNF alpha antibodies
The invention provides methods, uses and compositions for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The invention describes methods and uses for treating ankylosing spondylitis, wherein a TNFα inhibitor, such as a human TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, is used to reduce signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis in a subject. Also described are methods for determining the efficacy of a TNFα inhibitor for treatment of ankylosing spondylitis in a subject. |
| US09279012B2 |
Method of reducing cell death by administering a nucleic acid encoding a paracrine factor of a mesenchymal stem cell
A purified paracrine factor of a mesenchymal stem cell, such as a Secreted frizzled related protein (Sfrp) is useful to reduce cell death an/or tissue injury associated with ischemic conditions. |
| US09279011B2 |
Phosphopeptides as melanoma vaccines
We characterized a total of 175 HLA-DR-associated phosphopeptides using sequential affinity isolation, biochemical enrichment, mass spectrometric sequencing and comparative analysis. Many were derived from source proteins which may have roles in cancer development, growth and metastasis. Most were expressed exclusively by either melanomas or transformed B cells, suggesting the potential to define cell type-specific phosphatome “fingerprints”. We generated HLA-DRβ1*0101-restricted CD4+ T cells specific for a phospho-MART-1 peptide identified in two melanoma cell lines. These T cells showed specificity for phosphopeptide-pulsed antigen presenting cells as well as for intact melanoma cells. MHC II-restricted phosphopeptides recognizable by human CD4+ T cells are potential targets for cancer immunotherapy. |
| US09279010B2 |
Treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases with mammal beta defensins
The present invention relates to treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases with mammal beta defensins. |
| US09279006B2 |
Anti-malaria vaccine
There is provided, inter alia, a method for the prophylaxis of productive malaria infection in travelers to endemic regions comprising the administration of suitable amounts of a formulation comprising a Plasmodium antigen or an immunogenic fragment or derivative thereof and an adjuvant, comprising a lipid A derivative and a saponin in a liposome formulation. |
| US09279002B2 |
Immunotherapy and diagnosis of mucormycosis using CotH
The invention provided Mucorales CotH polypeptides and encoding nucleic acid molecules. The Mucorales CotH polypeptides and encoding nucleic acids can be advantageously used to diagnose, treat or prevent fungal conditions, in particular mucormycosis. |
| US09278996B2 |
Dolastatin-10 derivative, method of producing the same and anticancer drug composition containing the same
The present invention provides a dolastatin-10 derivative having excellent anticancer activity, a method of producing the same and anticancer drug composition containing the same as an active ingredient. |
| US09278992B2 |
Function-selective vitamin D receptor agonist
The present invention provides a VDR ligand which does not induce hypercalcemia that is an adverse reaction of a vitamin D3 preparation; and a composition which comprises lithocholic acid propionate, a salt thereof, a solvate thereof, or a prodrug thereof. |
| US09278990B2 |
Substituted nucleotide analogs
Disclosed herein are phosphorothioate nucleotide analogs, such as thiophosphoramidate prodrugs and thiohosphates (including α-thiomonophosphates, α-thiodiphosphates, and α-thiotriphosphates), methods of synthesizing phosphorothioate nucleotide analogs, such as thiophosphoramidate prodrugs and thiophosphates, and methods of treating viral infections such as HCV, with the phosphorothioate nucleotide analogs, such as thiophosphoramidate prodrugs and thiophosphates. |
| US09278986B2 |
Carbazole-based phosphine oxide compound, and organic electroluminescent device including the same
The present invention relates to a carbazole-based phosphine oxide compound, and an organic electroluminescent device including the same. According to the present invention, provided are a compound for an organic electroluminescent device which can improve the thermal stability and efficiency characteristics which are unstable and low, respectively, corresponding to problems of known compounds for organic electroluminescent devices, and particularly, can implement excellent efficiency characteristics in a pure blue phosphorescent device, by using the carbazole-based phosphine oxide compound of the compound for the organic electroluminescent device, and the organic electroluminescent device. According to one aspect of the present invention, the carbazole-based phosphine oxide compound of the compound for the organic electroluminescent device is provided, and the organic electroluminescent device containing the same which can implement thermal stability and high efficiency characteristics is also provided. |
| US09278984B2 |
Method for preparation of a lead-free primary explosive
Described are methods for preparing copper(I) 5-nitrotetrazolate, which include reacting copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate, sodium nitrite, 5-aminotetrazole, and at least one of nitric acid and urea in water. |
| US09278980B2 |
Process of making difluorothienothiophene based conjugated polymers
A method of producing a monomer wherein the method begins by dissolving 3-fluoro-4,6 dihydrothieno[3,4-b]thiophene in a solvent to create a solution. An initiator is then added to the solution to produce an initiated solution. This is followed by adding a fluorinated chemical to the initiated solution to produce 2,3-difluoro-4,6-dihydrothieno[3,4-b]thiophene. 2,3-difluoro-4,6-dihydrothieno[3,4-b]thiophene is then oxidized with an oxidant to produce 2,3-difluorothieno[3,4-b]thiophene. 2,3-difluorothieno[3,4-b]thiophene is then bromoated to produce 4,6-dibromo-2,3-difluorothieno[2,3-c]thiophene. The final step involves debrominating 4,6-dibromo-2,3-difluorothieno[2,3-c]thiophene and adding an aryl group to produce the monomer |
| US09278979B2 |
Synthetic process for preparation of macrocyclic C1-keto analogs of halichondrin B and intermediates useful therein
Disclosed is a compound of formula 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R7′, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12 and R13 are as disclosed herein. Also, disclosed is a process for the preparation of the compound of formula 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and intermediates used therein. The compound of formula 1 can be used in the preparation of halichondrin analogs, such as Eribulin; and a process for its preparation from the compound of formula 1 is also disclosed. |
| US09278978B2 |
6-Alkynyl Pyridine
This invention relates to 6-alkynyl-pyridine of general formula (I) their use as SMAC mimetics, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use as a medicaments for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases characterized by excessive or abnormal cell proliferation and associated conditions such as cancer. The groups R1 to R5 have the meanings given in the claims and in the specification. |
| US09278975B2 |
Pyrazolo[1,5-A]pyrimidines as antiviral agents
The invention provides compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters and compositions thereof, for treating viral infections. The compounds and compositions are useful for treating Pneumovirinae virus infection including Human respiratory syncytial virus infections. |
| US09278974B2 |
Substituted pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine compounds, their preparation and use as sigma receptors ligands
The present invention relates to new substituted pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine compounds, having a great affinity for sigma receptors, especially sigma-1 receptor, as well as to the process for the preparation thereof, to compositions comprising them, and to their use as medicaments. |
| US09278972B2 |
Synthesis of triazolopyrimidine compounds
The present invention relates to the field of organic synthesis and describes the synthesis of specific intermediates suitable for the preparation of triazolopyrimidine compounds such as ticagrelor. |
| US09278971B2 |
Substituted acetylenic pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines as kinase inhibitors
This invention relates to compounds of the general formula: in which the variable groups are as defined herein, and to their preparation and use. |
| US09278970B2 |
Co-crystals of tadalafil and a hydroxy-substituted benzoic acid coformer as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors
The present invention relates to co-crystals of tadalafil with hydroxyl-substituted benzoic acid coformers having the following structure. Said co-crystals can be used to produce a pharmaceutical composition containing the same as the useful active ingredient. Said co-crystals can exhibit a constant storage stability. |
| US09278969B2 |
Organic compounds
The present invention provides a compound of formula I: Said compound is inhibitor of aldosterone synthase and aromatase, and thus can be employed for the treatment of a disorder or disease mediated by aldosterone synthase or aromatase. Accordingly, the compound of formula I can be used in treatment of hypokalemia, hypertension, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, renal failure, in particular, chronic renal failure, restenosis, atherosclerosis, syndrome X, obesity, nephropathy, post-myocardial infarction, coronary heart diseases, inflammation, increased formation of collagen, fibrosis such as cardiac or myocardiac fibrosis and remodeling following hypertension and endothelial dysfunction, gynecomastia, osteoporosis, prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, endometrial hyperplasia, polycystic ovarian disease, infertility, fibrocystic breast disease, breast cancer and fibrocystic mastopathy. Finally, the present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition. |
| US09278966B2 |
Method for manufacturing oxetane compound, method for manufacturing azolylmethylcyclopentanol compound, and intermediate compound
In order to produce an intermediate from which a cyclic alcohol compound can be stereoselectively obtained, a method for producing an oxetane compound according to the present invention includes the step of reacting, with a cyanide salt, a compound represented by Formula (I): wherein R1 is selected from a hydrogen atom and an alkyl group optionally having a substituent; X1 is selected from a halogen atom and —OSO2R3 where R3 is selected from an alkyl group optionally having a substituent, a phenyl group, and a naphthyl group; and a ring Z1 represents a cyclic hydrocarbon optionally having a substituent, to obtain a compound represented by Formula (II): |
| US09278965B2 |
Bridged and fused antidiabetic compounds
This invention provides for certain bridged and fused compounds of the formula G-L-A I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester of solvate thereof wherein: A is and the other variables are defined herein; the inventive compounds are agonists of the G-protein coupled receptor 40 (GPR40, also known as free fatty acid receptor FFAR). This invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, and the use of these compounds to regulate insulin levels in a mammal. The compounds may be used, for example in the prevention and treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus and in the prevention and treatment of conditions related to Type 2 diabetes mellitus, such as insulin resistance, obesity and lipid disorders. |
| US09278962B2 |
Certain heterocycles, compositions thereof, and methods for their use
Provided are compounds of Formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, X, Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4 and m are as defined herein. Also provided is a pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.Also provided are methods of using a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. |
| US09278958B2 |
Anti-cancer compounds
The present invention relates to compounds having cytostatic activity against tumor cells. The compounds of the invention are of formula (I), or derivatives hereof, wherein R0, R1, R2, A, and X have defined meanings as described in claim 1. |
| US09278952B2 |
Benzoimidazol-2-yl pyrimidine modulators of the histamine H4 receptor
Benzoimidazol-2-yl pyrimidines, purification methods for the same, and pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the treatment of disease states, disorders, and conditions mediated by H4 receptor activity, including allergy, asthma, autoimmune diseases, and pruritus. |
| US09278951B2 |
Azolium and purinium salt anticancer and antimicrobial agents
Singly and multiply charged imidazolium cations (ICs) have been identified as a class of chemical compositions that possess potent antineoplastic, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. The imidazolium cations disclosed demonstrate greater or equivalent potency towards cancerous cells as the current clinical standard, cisplatin. These imidazolium cations, however, achieve this efficacy without any of the known toxic side effects caused by heavy metal-based antineoplastic drugs such as cisplatin. |
| US09278948B2 |
Line leaf inula flower lactone A and methods for preparing and using the same for treating multiple sclerosis
Preparation and application of line leaf inula flower lactone A in the multiple sclerosis, having a structure of Line leaf inula flower lactone A has therapeutic effects on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model, and is used to develop drug for treating multiple sclerosis (MS). Line leaf inula flower lactone A drug is a combination containing the active ingredient of line leaf inula flower lactone A and conventional pharmaceutically carrier, and may be in forms of tablets, dispersible tablets, mouth collapse tablets, retard tablets, capsule, soft capsule, dropping pill, granules, injection, powder injection, or aerosol. The pharmaceutical composition is used for treating multiple sclerosis, has tremendous developing potentiality because of its high value of clinical application. |
| US09278944B2 |
Nitrogen-containing saturated heterocyclic compound
The present invention provides a nitrogen-containing saturated heterocyclic compound of the formula [I]: wherein R1 is a cycloalkyl group and the like, R22 is an optionally substituted aryl and the like, R is a lower alkyl and the like, T is a carbonyl group, Z is —O— and the like, and R3 to R6 are the same or different and a hydrogen atom and the like; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, that is useful as a renin inhibitor. |
| US09278943B2 |
Methods of using as analgesics 1-benzyl-1-hydroxy-2, 3-diamino-propyl amines, 3-benzyl-3-hydroxy-2-amino-propionic acid amides and related compounds
The compounds shown by the structural formulas below have analgesic effect and are used in compositions and methods for treating mammal in need of such treatment. |
| US09278938B2 |
Production method of imidazole derivatives
The present invention provides an advantageous production method of an imidazole derivative, which is suitable for industrial production.Compound (VI) is produced by reacting compound (I) with a Grignard reagent or a magnesium reagent, and a lithium reagent, and then reacting the resulting compound with compound (V). |
| US09278936B2 |
Crystalline forms of 1-(3-tert-butyl-1-p-tolyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-3-(5-fluoro-2-(1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-indazol-5-yloxy)benzyl)urea hydrochloride
Provided herein is a hydrogen chloride salt of 1-(3-/t?r/-butyl-1-p-tolyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-3-(5-fluoro-2-(1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-indazol-5-yloxy)benzyl)urea, crystalline forms of 1-(3-½^butyl-1^-tolyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-3-(5-fluoro-2-(1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-indazol-5-yloxy)benzyl)urea hydrochloride, processes for the preparation of said crystalline forms, pharmaceutical compositions containing a crystalline form of 1-(3-r |
| US09278930B2 |
Methods for increasing the stabilization of hypoxia inducible factor-α
Disclosed herein are methods for controlling the activity of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) and diseases, conditions, or syndromes related thereto, inter alia, Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), heart failure, ischemia, and anemia. Further disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising HIF-1α prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors useful in treating diseases, conditions, and/or syndromes related thereto the activity of HIF-1α. |
| US09278929B1 |
Synthesis of intermediate anilino methyl esters used in the production of synthetic opioid analgesics
An improved process or method of synthesis of carfentanil and other potent opioid analgesics of the N-alkyl 4-substituted 4-piperdinylamide class which can be used as morphine substitutes. |
| US09278927B2 |
Heterocyclic compound and organic light-emitting device including the same
A heterocyclic compound represented by Formula 1 or Formula 2 below, and an organic light-emitting device including the heterocyclic compound. The organic light-emitting device may include an organic layer containing the heterocyclic compound, and thus may have a low driving voltage, a high-emission efficiency, and long lifespan characteristics. wherein R1 to R12, Ar1, Ar2, A, B, a, and b are defined as in the specification. |
| US09278919B1 |
Synthesis of N-(3-(5-fluoro-2-(4-(2-methoxyethoxy)phenylamino)pyrimidin-4-ylamino)phenyl)acrylamide
A method for preparing BTK inhibitor CC-292 of formula 1, comprising: (1) contacting a compound of formula 2 with a compound of formula 3 to obtain a compound of formula 4; (2) contacting the compound of formula 4 with a compound of formula 5 to obtain a compound of formula 6; (3) contacting the compound of formula 6 with trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride to obtain a compound of formula 7; and (4) contacting the compound of formula 7 with a compound of formula 8 to obtain the compound of formula 1, |
| US09278916B2 |
Preparation of pet precursor
The invention relates to a process for preparation of radiopharmaceutical precursors, and in particular protected amino acid derivatives which are used as precursors for production of radiolabeled amino acids for use in in vivo imaging procedures such as positron emission tomography (PET). Particularly, the invention relates to a process for preparation of a precursor of the [18F]-1-amino-3-fluorocyclobutanecarboxylic acid ([18F] FACBC) PET agent and particularly to the work-up process of this precursor removing generated salts from the intermediate composition. |
| US09278907B2 |
Use of 4-[ethyl(dimethyl)ammonio]butanoate in the treatment of cardiovascular disease
New compound 4-[ethyl(dimethyl)ammonio]butanoate, method of preparation thereof and use in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. |
| US09278905B2 |
Production method for compound comprising amino group and/or hydroxyl group
Disclosed is a method for producing a compound having an amino group and/or a hydroxyl group from a substrate compound having an atomic group containing CO or CS by eliminating such atomic group. The substrate compound, having an atomic group containing CO or CS (for example, an amide, a carbamate, or the like), is allowed to react with a compound expressed by formula (I) below, at a temperature of 120° C. or lower, preferably in the presence of an ammonium salt, to eliminate such atomic group containing CO or CS. In formula (I) A may not be present, and in a case where A is present, A represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. H2N-A-NH2 (I). |
| US09278896B1 |
Processing biomass
Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy or sugary materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation. |
| US09278893B2 |
Process for making gasoline by oligomerization
Disclosed is the addition of C5 olefins to oligomerization feed stream has the counterintuitive effect of reducing the production of heavier oligomers over a uni-dimensional, ten-ring pore zeolite. Consequently, C5 olefins can be added to C4 olefins in an oligomerization feed stream to produce more gasoline and less distillate. |
| US09278892B2 |
Catalytic conversion of alcohols to hydrocarbons with low benzene content
A method for converting an alcohol to a hydrocarbon fraction having a lowered benzene content, the method comprising: converting said alcohol to a hydrocarbon fraction by contacting said alcohol, under conditions suitable for converting said alcohol to said hydrocarbon fraction, with a metal-loaded zeolite catalyst catalytically active for converting said alcohol to said hydrocarbon fraction, and contacting said hydrocarbon fraction with a benzene alkylation catalyst, under conditions suitable for alkylating benzene, to form alkylated benzene product in said hydrocarbon fraction. Also described is a catalyst composition useful in the method, comprising a mixture of (i) a metal-loaded zeolite catalyst catalytically active for converting said alcohol to said hydrocarbon, and (ii) a benzene alkylation catalyst, in which (i) and (ii) may be in a mixed or separated state. A reactor for housing the catalyst and conducting the reaction is also described. |
| US09278891B2 |
Apparatus and method for conducting a fischer-tropsch synthesis reaction
A system for a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis using a three-phase reactor in which a primary filter removes coarse catalyst particles from the product and in which catalyst fines are removed in a secondary filter. Some or all portion of the product wax from the secondary filter can be recycled back to the reactor, either as a back flush medium for the primary filter or directly to the slurry in the reactor, whereby removal of catalyst fines is rendered independent of the rate of wax production. |
| US09278889B2 |
Method of reinforcing irregular structures
The present disclosure provides a method for reinforcing irregular rock or irregular concrete surfaces such as rock structures in mines as well as other rock and concrete structures. The method includes applying a curable foam composition to at least a portion of a surface, at least partially curing the curable foam composition to form a foam layer adhered to the surface, applying a curable reinforcing composition onto at least a portion of the foam layer, and at least partially curing the curable reinforcing composition to form a reinforcing layer, wherein at least a portion of the reinforcing layer is adhered to the foam layer. |
| US09278887B1 |
Concrete mix for electromagnetic wave/pulse shielding
Conductive concrete mixtures are described that are configured to provide EMP shielding and reflect and/or absorb, for instance, EM waves propagating through the conductive concrete mixture. The conductive concrete mixtures include cement, aggregate, water, metallic conductive material, and conductive carbon particles and/or magnetic material. The conductive material may include steel fibers, and the magnetic material may include taconite aggregate. The conductive concrete mixture may also include graphite powder, silica fume, and/or other supplementary cementitious materials (SCM). The conductive carbon particles may comprise from about zero to twenty-five percent (0-25%) of the conductive concrete mixture by weight and/or the magnetic material may comprise from about zero to fifty percent (0-50%) of the conductive concrete mixture by weight. |
| US09278885B2 |
Method for preparing a glass convenient for trimming, a glass thus obtained, and method for trimming such a glass
A method that allows trimming glass comprising a hydrophobic and/or oil-repellent surface coating, where a temporary protective layer is coated on the surface of said glass and the temporary protective layer imparts to the glass a surface energy of at least 15 mJ/m2. |
| US09278883B2 |
Glass compositions, fiberizable glass compositions, and glass fibers made therefrom
The present invention relates generally to glass compositions incorporating rare earth oxides. In one embodiment, a glass composition suitable for fiber forming comprises 51-65 weight percent SiO2, 12.5-19 weight percent Al2O3, 0-16 weight percent CaO, 0-12 weight percent MgO, 0-2.5 weight percent Na2O, 0-1 weight percent K2O, 0-2 weight percent Li2O, 0-3 weight percent TiO2, 0-3 weight percent ZrO2, 0-3 weight percent B2O3, 0-3 weight percent P2O5, 0-1 weight percent Fe2O3, at least one rare earth oxide in an amount not less than 0.05 weight percent, and 0-11 weight percent total other constituents. In some embodiments, the at least one rare earth oxide comprises at least one of La2O3, Y2O3, Sc2O3, and Nd2O3. The at least one rare earth oxide is present in an amount of at least 1 weight percent in some embodiments. The at least one rare earth oxide, in some embodiments, is present in an amount of at least 3 weight percent. The glass compositions can be used to form glass fibers which can be incorporated into a variety of other fiber glass products (e.g., strands, rovings, fabrics, etc.) and incorporated into various composites. |
| US09278882B2 |
Method of producing glass
Provided is a method of producing porous glass having pores with a uniform pore diameter entirely, particularly in the case of phase-separated glass, including selectively removing a denatured layer formed on the surface of glass easily. The method of producing glass includes: forming phase-separated glass containing silicon oxide, boron oxide, and an alkali metal oxide; bringing an alkaline solution held by a porous supporting member into contact with the denatured layer formed on the surface of the phase-separated glass to remove the denatured layer; and immersing the phase-separated glass with the denatured layer removed therefrom in an acid solution to form pores in the phase-separated glass. |
| US09278873B1 |
Method to remove organic pollutants by electrocatalysis
A method for removing chlorinated organic pollutants from an aqueous composition by electrocatalysis, including electrolyzing the aqueous composition, in a capillary reactor, with an applied potential of 1-5 kV, in which, during the electrolyzing, the aqueous composition is in contact with porous silica supported-sol-gel coated platinum and titanium catalysts and the electrolyzing forms hydrogen and hydrogen chloride. |
| US09278867B2 |
Transition metal compound particles and methods of production
A method of preparing insoluble transition metal compound particles is described, comprising: providing a transition metal salt solution having the formula (TM)(S) wherein TM is one or more of Mn, Ni, Co, Mg, Zn, Ca, Sr, Cu, Zr, P, Fe, Al, Ga, In, Cr Ge or Sn; providing a source of a carbonate-, hydroxide-, phosphate-, oxyhydroxide- or oxide-based anionic compound wherein the anionic component, represented by S′, is reactive with TM to form the particles; adding the transition metal salt solution and anionic compound to a reaction chamber; and subjecting the chamber to sonication at an intensity of about 0.1 to about 50 W/mL. In an exemplary embodiment, MnCO3 particles are formed from: MnSO4; and Na2CO3 and/or NH4HCO3, wherein the ratio of MnSO4 to Na2CO3 and/or NH4HCO3 is from about 1:1.5 to 1.5:1. The particles may have narrow size distribution and a tap density of about 1.7-2.3 g/mL. |
| US09278864B2 |
Method for preparing monosilane using trialkoxysilane
Provided is a method for preparing monosilane, more particularly a method for economically preparing monosilane, which is useful for the composition of a thin semiconductor structure and multipurpose high-purity polycrystalline silicon, by preparing monosilane with high purity and high yield using trialkoxysilane. |
| US09278861B2 |
Method of surfacing metallic nanoparticles with carbon
The invention relates to a method for the carbon coating of metallic nanoparticles. The metallic nanoparticles, which are produced using the metal-salt hydrogen-reduction method, can be coated with carbon by adding a hydrocarbon (for example, ethylene, ethane, or acetylene) to the hydrogen using in the synthesis. The carbon layer protects the metallic particles from oxidation, which greatly facilitates the handling and further processing of the particles. By altering the concentration of the hydrocarbon, it is possible, in addition, to influence the size of the metallic particles created, because the coating takes place simultaneously with the creation of the particles, thus stopping the growth process. A carbon coating at most two graphene layers thick behaves like a semiconductor. As a thicker layer, the coating is a conductor. If the hydrocarbon concentration is further increased, a metal-CNT composite material is formed in the process. The composite materials developed are in themselves suitable as the raw materials of, for example, metallic inks and sensor materials. |
| US09278858B2 |
Micronized sulphur powder and method of production of same
A process is provided for the production of a micronized sulphur powder product as well as a micronized sulphur cake intermediate. Production of the micronized sulphur powder using this process, which comprises preparation of a micronized sulphur emulsion from molten sulphur and a dispersant solution, from which the dispersant solution is subsequently removed, produces a product superior quality, and the method of production itself has enhanced safety and economic attributes. |
| US09278857B2 |
Method of surface tension control to reduce trapped gas bubbles
The embodiments disclose a method of surface tension control to reduce trapped gas bubbles in an imprint including modifying chemistry aspects of interfacial surfaces of an imprint template and a substrate to modify surface tensions, differentiating the interfacial surface tensions to control interfacial flow rates of a pre-cured liquid resist and controlling pre-cured liquid resist interfacial flow rates to reduce trapping gas and prevent trapped gas bubble defects in cured imprinted resist. |
| US09278853B2 |
Manufacturing process of MEMS device
A manufacturing process of a MEMS device divides a substrate for fabricating a MEMS component into two electrically isolated regions, so that the MEMS component and the circuit disposed on its surface could connect electrically with another substrate below respectively through the corresponding conducing regions, whereby the configuration of the electrical conducting paths and the manufacturing process are simplified. A MEMS device manufactured by using the aforementioned process is also disclosed herein. |
| US09278846B2 |
Micromachined monolithic 6-axis inertial sensor
The device layer of a 6-degrees-of-freedom (6-DOF) inertial measurement system can include a single proof-mass 6-axis inertial sensor formed in an x-y plane, the inertial sensor including: a main proof-mass section suspended about a single, central anchor; a central suspension system configured to suspend the 6-axis inertial sensor from the single, central anchor; and a drive electrode including a moving portion and a stationary portion, the moving portion coupled to the radial portion. The drive electrode and the central suspension system are configured to oscillate the 6-axis inertial sensor about a z-axis normal to the x-y plane. |
| US09278842B2 |
Method for the control of a filling machine
The present invention relates to a method for the control of a filling machine (A) for the filling of containers (C) with liquid filling material, wherein the filling machine comprises at least two controllable filling elements (1, 2, 30, 31) each having at least one filling sensor, and wherein by way of the filling sensors the termination of filling of the respective filling element is controlled. According to the invention a first filling element (1) will, in case of failure of its filling sensor, be controlled synchronously to a following second filling element (2). |
| US09278839B2 |
Mast and integral display mount for a material handling vehicle
A mast and integral display mount for a material handling vehicle are shown. The mast mounts a locating apparatus such that a locating axis of the locating apparatus is coaxial with a steering axis of the steerable drive wheel of the material handling vehicle. An integral display mount may include a display unit and display screen housed in a display housing that is integral with the steering handle of the vehicle. The integral nature of the display mount allows the display unit to move with the steering handle during steering of the vehicle. |
| US09278836B2 |
Hand powered hydraulic rescue strut
A manual rescue tool is disclosed. In one embodiment, the rescue tool has a hydraulic pump assembly having a hydraulic manifold block and an extension tube assembly extendable by the hydraulic pump assembly. The extension tube assembly may be mounted to and supported by the manifold block. The rescue tool may further include a first end tool operably connected to a first end of the extension tube assembly and an end plate assembly rotatably mounted to the manifold block. |
| US09278831B2 |
Construction apparatus and method for lifting and sliding object over barrier in horizontal direction
The present invention disclosed an apparatus and for lifting and sliding object over barrier in horizontal direction, comprising two lifting beams that placed on supporting structures and located above object to be lifted and a barrier, and a lifter installed on the lifting beam. A hydraulic push instrument kit is installed on a lifting beam to move the shoulder beam and the lifter. The lifter connects with the object through the steel strand and a triangle transfer connector having three fixed-holds. When the steel strand encounters a barrier in horizontal direction, setting another lifting apparatus on the part of lifting beams located on the other side of the barrier, connecting another lifting apparatus with the third fixed-hold of transfer connectors 4 by steel strands, and lifting the object until whole load of the object has been transferred onto the second lifter and the object can move to the desired position. |
| US09278827B2 |
Reel with built in pallet
A cable reel for holding a cable wound thereon that includes a cylindrical drum having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end spaced from the first end. The cable reel also includes a first flange that is coupled to the first end of the cylindrical drum and a second flange that is coupled to the second end of the cylindrical drum. The cable reel further includes a spacer that extends axially outward from the first flange. The spacer is configured to support the reel with the first flange spaced above a support surface when the longitudinal axis of the reel is in a substantially vertical orientation and with the reel being supported on the support surface by the spacer. |
| US09278820B2 |
Sheet stacking device, sheet conveying device, and image forming apparatus
A sheet stacking device includes sheet stacking portion, electric motor, current detecting portion, abnormality determining portion, and updating portion. The sheet stacking portion is supported to be movable in up-down direction and configured to stack sheets thereon. The electric motor outputs, to the sheet stacking portion, a driving force for moving the sheet stacking portion in up-down direction. The current detecting portion detects a current value of the electric motor. The abnormality determining portion determines that the sheet stacking portion is in abnormal state when the detected current value is greater than a predetermined threshold. The updating portion updates the threshold based on the current value that was detected by the current detecting portion while the sheet stacking portion with a predetermined set amount of sheets stacked thereon was being moved by the driving force received from the electric motor. |
| US09278819B2 |
Paper feeder and image forming apparatus
A paper feeder includes a recording-media container, a width regulating member, and a locking mechanism. The recording-media container is attachable to and detachable from a body of an image forming apparatus. The recording-media container stores a recording medium. The width regulating member regulates a position in a widthwise direction of the recording medium stored in the recording-media container. The locking mechanism steplessly changes a movable range of the width regulating member in the widthwise direction. The width regulating member includes a lever configured to cooperate with the width regulating member to hold the locking mechanism so as to bring the locking mechanism into an unlocked state. The locking mechanism in a locked state restricts movement of the width regulating member in the widthwise direction, and regulates wobbling of the width regulating member in a direction orthogonal to the widthwise direction. |
| US09278814B2 |
Isolation gate
A gate comprising a frame and a blade. The frame defines an opening that is adapted to be opened and closed, and the blade is associated with the frame such that the blade is adapted to open and close the opening. For such purpose, the blade is adapted to move along a path defined by the frame between an open position and a closed position. |
| US09278812B2 |
Wear strip assembly for reciprocating conveyor
A wear strip assembly for a slat in a reciprocating conveyor system. The wear strip assembly includes a wear block underneath the end of the slat and wear strip member that covers the end of the slat. The slat is sandwiched between these two members, thus providing the end of the slat with protection as it reciprocates back and forth on the exit or off-load end of the conveyor system. |
| US09278811B2 |
Transport apparatus with an endless belt-like transport member
A transport apparatus with an endless belt-like transport member, which is guided circulating in a conveying direction via a plurality of rotating return rollers, there being formed between a first return roller and a second return roller a transport section in which articles to be conveyed can be picked up and transported by the transport member, and wherein the first return roller has a convex outer lateral surface with a diameter that reduces outwards from a central plane arranged perpendicularly to an axis of rotation of the first return roller, and the second return roller has a concave outer lateral surface with a diameter that increases outwards from a central plane arranged perpendicularly to an axis of rotation of the second return roller. |
| US09278807B2 |
Hydrogen storage method and system
A method and system for storing and supplying hydrogen to a hydrogen pipeline in which a compressed hydrogen feed stream is introduced into a salt cavern for storage and a stored hydrogen stream is retrieved from the salt cavern and reintroduced into the hydrogen pipeline. A minimum quantity of stored hydrogen is maintained in the salt cavern to produce a stagnant layer having a carbon dioxide content along the cavern wall and the top of a residual brine layer located within the salt cavern. The compressed hydrogen feed stream is introduced into the salt cavern and the stored hydrogen stream is withdrawn without disturbing the stagnant layer to prevent carbon dioxide contamination from being drawn into the stored hydrogen stream being reintroduced into the hydrogen pipeline. This allows the stored hydrogen stream to be reintroduced into the hydrogen pipeline without carbon dioxide removal. |
| US09278806B2 |
Z-drive shipping lock for storage library robotic assembly
A system for selectively disallowing unwinding of a storage library robotic mechanism cable assembly in a direction that would otherwise allow a platform of the robotic mechanism to move downwardly via the force of gravity while at the same time allowing for winding up of the cable assembly and the platform, such as during shipping, manual access, replacement of the robotic mechanism, and/or the like. The system may include a ratchet pawl for engaging between adjacent teeth of a drive assembly of the robotic mechanism and an actuator for selectively moving or allowing for movement of the ratchet pawl into and out of the engaged position. In one embodiment, the system may include an electric switch or the like to sense when the pawl is engaged with the drive assembly. |
| US09278803B2 |
Receptacle
A waste receptacle includes a housing with an opening at least on one side and a holding frame for refuse bags which is placed removably at least indirectly on an edge of the opening of the housing. The receptacle may further include a cover frame. |
| US09278799B2 |
Wet tissue package
To provide wet tissue packing body with which drying of a wet tissue may be prevented by seal-packaging a tip portion of a following wet tissue that protrudes from a tissue hole when one wet tissue is taken out of the packing body. A wet tissue packing body of the present invention includes an airtight bag body accommodating a wet tissue, a wet tissue hole forming member disposed at an inner side around an opening of the bag body, and a cover member which seals the bag body opening. The wet tissue hole forming member includes a concave space to accommodate a wet tissue which protrudes from a wet tissue hole, and a flat cross section of the concave space is larger than the opening area of the bag body opening. |
| US09278798B2 |
High speed bolt dispenser
A method and a system for dispensing bolts are provided. The system includes a dispensing cartridge including a dispensing tube and a dispensing section. The dispensing tube includes a first end, a second end, and a passage provided between the first end and the second end. The passage is configured to store a plurality of bolts to be supplied to the dispensing tube through the first end such that the bolts are moved through the passage. The dispensing section is located near the second end of the dispensing tube and is configured to dispense the bolts one at a time from the second end. |
| US09278795B2 |
Microwave heating construct
A multi-use construct includes a base and a plurality of walls defining an interior space. The base includes a line of disruption that defines a removable portion and a peripheral portion of the base. The construct is for being transitioned between a first configuration with the walls extending upwardly from the base, so that the construct is for containing a food item, and a second configuration with the removable portion underlying the food item and the peripheral portion overlying the food item. |
| US09278789B2 |
Lockable cap for medical prescription bottle
A lockable cap, is a security feature for a medical prescription bottle. There is a three dial locking mechanism that is attached to the cap and the dial locking mechanism and the cap can be attached or removed from the bottle only when the user has the correct combination on the dial lock. |
| US09278787B2 |
Single point hinge for a container
A single point hinge and a method of thermoforming a plastic container including a single point hinge include a lid, a tray, a single point hinge connecting the lid and the tray. The single point hinge includes an angle formed by a lid chamfer and a tray chamfer. The single point hinge further includes a lid well adjacent to the lid chamfer and a tray well adjacent to the tray chamfer, and the lid connects to the lid well and the tray connects to the tray well. |
| US09278784B2 |
Device for capping a container neck
A capping device includes an external outer cap adapted to be removably fixed to the exterior face of a container neck, and an internal insert adapted to plug the opening of the neck. The insert is adapted to be fitted to the neck independently of the outer cap and before fitting the outer cap to the neck. When it is fitted to the neck, the outer cap is adapted to be permanently fastened to the insert. When filling the container, the insert may include means for retaining it on the neck adapted to connect the insert mechanically to the neck before the outer cap is fitted to the neck, thereby sealing at least the exterior peripheral surface of the free end of the neck against a cleaning liquid applied externally to the neck. |
| US09278780B2 |
Bakery tray
A bakery tray includes a base and side walls extending upward from sides of the base, each side wall including an outer side rail and an inner side rail. Side drag rails extend downward from the base proximate sides of the base, with feet projecting outward from the side drag rails. An outer rib projects downward from an outer edge of each of the feet such that the side drag rail of an identical upper tray being stacked on the bakery tray contacts the flanges while the outer ribs of the upper tray are received between the outer side rail and the inner side rail. In another feature, the side walls include handle openings, the handle openings each partially defined by a convex outer wall. In another feature, an upper edge of the front wall includes finger corrugations for accommodating the fingers of a user's hand grasping the tray. |
| US09278770B2 |
Method and device for producing containers which are filled with a liquid filling substance
Method for producing containers which are filled with a liquid filling substance from parisons made from a thermoplastic material, wherein the respective parison is conditioned thermally and is subsequently shaped into the container during a shaping and filling phase in a mold by way of the filling substance as pressure medium, wherein, during the shaping into the container, the parison is preferably guided at least temporarily through a stretching rod and is stretched in the axial direction. |
| US09278769B2 |
Filling system and filling method
A filling system has a filling apparatus (200) and a container arrangement inserted into the filling apparatus. A main line includes a feed line (102), connected to a supply container (304), and a trunk line (104), connected linearly downstream of the feed line (102). Outside the trunk line (104), at a branching point (114), a branch line (116) branches from the main line (102) to a compressed-gas source (306), and the main line (102) and the branch line (116), on that side of the branching point (114) which is directed away from the trunk line, pass through a double-valve arrangement (214) having two hose-clamping valves (214a, 214b) controlled oppositely to one another. |
| US09278766B2 |
Trajectory generation device, trajectory generation method, and storage medium having trajectory generation program stored therein
A trajectory generation device includes a control target (1), an angle detector (2), a command generator (5) and a trajectory generator (6). If a change is generated from a current target angle to a new target angle or if a change is generated from the current target angular velocity to a new target angular velocity in the command generator (5), a changed trajectory is regenerated by the trajectory generator (6) based on the angle up to the new target angle or the angular velocity up to the new target angular velocity, on the basis of the output angular velocity generated by the trajectory generator (6) at the point the change has occurred and on the basis of a current angle at the point the change has occurred or an output angle generated by the trajectory generator (6) at the point the change has occurred. |
| US09278765B2 |
Apparatus for spacecraft
The invention relates to the protection of spacecraft from debris and to de-orbiting devices of the atmospheric drag type, and to debris sweeping apparatus for the removal of debris from the space environment. The debris shielding apparatus for a spacecraft has a shield unit including a shielding surface for impeding incident debris. The shield unit is attached to the spacecraft body and has a drive mechanism for positioning the shield unit in relation to the spacecraft body. The drive mechanism is capable of moving the shield unit between a stowed first position and a deployed second position. In the deployed second position the plane of the shielding surface is at an angle to the spacecraft body. |
| US09278764B2 |
Three-piece aircraft brake assembly container and method of using same
An aircraft brake assembly container having a base or container portion with feet extending therefrom. A further base portion is provided and mounted atop the base portion. A spacing is provided between the base and further base portions and this spacing is filled by a spacing container portion or member. The spacing container portion allows for lower profile base and further base portions while accommodating larger diameter new and used brake assemblies. A method of using same is also provided. |
| US09278763B2 |
Method and system for identifying fastener placement zones
Certain embodiments of the disclosure provide one or more methods and/or systems to provide for determination of valid fastener zones that meet certain design rules. A method may include selecting at least one fastener having a preselected size and providing a first structural member and second structural member each having preselected sizes and shapes. The method may include determining a first fastener placement zone in the first structural member and determining a second fastener placement zone in the second structural member, where the respective first and second fastener placement zones are determined as a function of the structural design rules. The method may include determining a final fastener zone by identifying an overlap of the first and second fastener zones. |
| US09278751B2 |
High lift system for an aircraft
A high lift system for an aircraft, which extends and retracts the landing flaps of the aircraft in a fully electric manner. In this context, a fully electric drive is used, comprising an electric motor having an internal redundancy, in such a way that the electric motor is configured as a fault-tolerant electric motor. It may thus be possible to do without a coupling gear unit in the electric motor. |
| US09278748B2 |
Processes to fabricate composite tubular-reinforced panels integrating skin and stringers and the panels thereby fabricated
Processes for fabricating an integrated fiber-reinforced cured resin-composite panel structure include forming a panel preform assembly by (i) positioning pre-cured fiber-reinforced resin-composite tubular stiffeners onto an uncured base skin, and (ii) applying uncured fiber-reinforced resin-composite overlapping layers onto the pre-cured stiffeners so that at least lateral edges of the overlapping layers are laminated to a corresponding region of the base sheet; and thereafter curing the fiber-reinforced resin-composite base skin and overlapping layers to thereby form an integrated composite panel structure. |
| US09278742B2 |
Rebreather mouthpiece
A mouthpiece for a rebreather has a tubular housing having opposed inhale and exhale ends, a mouth port, and a discharge port. Supported for movement within a bore of the housing is a valve assembly which is magnetically biased toward a valve-closed position preventing air in an air space of the bore from moving to the exhale end and the discharge port. As a diver exhales into the mouth port, the increase in air pressure of the air space causes the valve assembly to assume a valve-open position, exposing a transverse channel extending between the air space and the discharge port, and a recirculation air channel extending between the air space and the exhale end. A portion of the exhaled air is exhausted to the ambient environment through the discharge port, while the remainder exits the mouthpiece at the exhale end for recirculation through the rebreather. |
| US09278741B2 |
Semi-submersible platform with a movable submergible platform for dry docking a vessel
The present invention disclosed in this application relates to a semi-submersible platform with a landing bay. The landing bay has a movable platform that allows the docked vessel to be raised/lowered from/to a body of water. The landing bay also has a stabilizing mechanism for holding a docked vessel stable when the platform is in motion. |
| US09278740B1 |
System and method for controlling attitude of a marine vessel having trim tabs
A system for controlling an attitude of a marine vessel having first and second trim tabs includes a controller having vessel roll and pitch control sections. The pitch control section compares an actual vessel pitch angle to a predetermined desired vessel pitch angle and outputs a deployment setpoint that is calculated to achieve the desired pitch angle. The roll control section compares an actual vessel roll angle to a predetermined desired vessel roll angle, and outputs a desired differential between the first and second deployments that is calculated to maintain the vessel at the desired vessel roll angle. When the controller determines that the magnitude of a requested vessel turn is greater than a first predetermined threshold, the controller decreases the desired differential between the first and second deployments, and accounts for the decreased desired differential deployment in its calculation of the first and second deployments. |
| US09278738B2 |
Rider controllable skimboard
A rider-controllable skimboard includes a planar board having a top surface and a connection mechanism mounted to the top surface and proximate a nose of the planar board. The connection mechanism has a vertical pivoting mechanism and a lateral pivoting mechanism. The skimboard further includes a handle mechanism connected with the vertical pivoting mechanism and the lateral pivoting mechanism of the connection mechanism for respective limited vertical pivoting and lateral pivoting of the handle relative to the planar board. The handle mechanism has a length of 80 to 120 percent of a length of the board, such that in a non-pivoted position a handgrip connected with the handle mechanism is positioned within 20 percent of the length of the board from the tail, and such that the limited vertical pivoting of the handle by the rider positions the upper stem portion substantially horizontal and proximate the rider's waist. |
| US09278733B2 |
Method of single line mooring
The method of mooring buoyant equipment at the surface of a body of water in a controlled position using a single line by connecting a first line from the buoyant equipment to a first diameter drum on a subsea mooring tower, connecting the first diameter drum to a second diameter drum, connecting a second line from the second diameter drum to a weight, such that when the depth of the body of water changes the tension on the first line remains the same and the vertical distance travelled by the weight is less than the change in the depth of the body of water. |
| US09278731B1 |
Inflatable boat transom platform device
An inflatable boat platform floatation device having a “T” or “U” shaped opening in the front surface that receives the motor(s) and wraps around the motor(s) and sides of a boat allowing the front surface to engage the transom and side surfaces forming the opening at the front surface to engage the sides of the boat near the stern such that the platform rests against the boat in a manner that shields the propeller(s) from ropes, debris, hands and feet while providing a platform for the passengers outside the boat. The platform has top and bottom surfaces that are connected by stitched polyester fibers (“SPF”) which hold the surfaces together and determine the platform's thickness when inflated and keep the surfaces uniform and rigid when the platform is inflated. The upper surface includes at least one ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) pad. The platform further includes a plurality of handles, at least one inflation and deflation valve and a plurality of D-rings for securing the platform to a boat and tethering other platforms or tethering other watercraft to the platform. |
| US09278725B2 |
Straddle electric vehicle
A straddle electric vehicle includes a battery case which accommodates a battery as an electric power supply for an electric motor, and is placed between a front wheel and a rear wheel; and a swing arm pivotably coupled at its front end portion to a vehicle body frame such that the swing arm supports the rear wheel by its rear end portion; wherein the electric motor is placed rearward relative to the battery case and forward relative to the rear wheel. |
| US09278720B2 |
Aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus
A substantially flat fronted vehicle (10) such as a truck is provided with adjustable air deflector blades (24A-24D). The air deflector blades (24A-24D) provide upper (24A 24C) and lower (24B 24D) air deflector blades vertically mounted above one another and providing a gap (32) around the windscreen (8). The air deflector blades (24A-24D) are arcuate sheets in form and each supported by support arms (26) comprising vertically hinged first (38) and second (40) connected spring loaded arms that are urged to spring open but are held a selected angle and distance from the vehicle (10) front face (22) by wire rope length selection means and are thusly adjusted to promote least aerodynamic drag. Use on rail vehicles is also included. The apparatus has the unexpected effect of actually reducing forward vehicle aerodynamic drag in the presence of crosswinds. |
| US09278717B2 |
Pickup box with reinforced tie-down locations
One of more cross members of a pickup bed structure include a hole in a flange in a location that is advantageous for installation of aftermarket accessories. The hole does not extend through the floorpan itself. When customers install aftermarket accessories that require holes through the floorpan, the customers are encouraged to align the new holes with the holes in the cross members. Consequently, loads applied by the aftermarket accessories are efficiently transferred to the frame rails. |
| US09278714B2 |
Vehicle body front section structure
A vehicle body front section structure includes: a suspension tower; an apron upper member that extends in a vehicle front-rear direction along a top wall portion of the suspension tower, a pair of frames that are disposed to a vehicle front side and a vehicle rear side of the suspension tower, that extend from the apron upper member towards a vehicle lower side and vehicle width direction inner side, and that are integrally formed with a cast-formed suspension tower structural body together with the suspension tower and the apron upper member; a cross rib that is formed at the apron upper member and that extends along the apron upper member; and a pair of vertical ribs that are respectively formed at the pair of frames, that extend along each of the pair of frames, and that are connected to the cross rib. |
| US09278712B2 |
Method and control unit for determining a cutting trajectory of a curve section of a roadway
A method for determining a cutting trajectory that enables a curve section of a lane to be cut by a vehicle. In the method, information about the curve section is received, and the curve section is divided into at least one curve segment having a segment length and a start curvature, the curve segment being a straight-line segment or a circular arc segment or a curve segment whose curvature is a function of an arc length of the curve segment. This is followed by determination of a cutting trajectory from the at least one curve segment, so that, at a specific point of the curve section, the cutting trajectory has a predetermined offset relative to a center of the lane. |
| US09278708B2 |
Electric power steering apparatus
An electric power steering apparatus for generating a PWM signal based on a calculated steering assist command value, PWM-controlling a motor via a motor drive circuit including switching elements, and assist-controlling a steering system that a motor relay is inserted between the motor drive circuit and the motor, includes a steering status detecting section that detects a steering status of a steering wheel, outputs a longtime steering holding signal when detecting that the steering status is a longtime steering holding status, and outputs a normal steering signal when detecting that the steering status is a normal steering status, and a motor current control section that determines a motor current control value for controlling a motor current flowing in the motor relay in accordance with the longtime steering holding signal or the normal steering signal. |
| US09278707B2 |
Steering yoke
A steering yoke is disclosed and includes a hollow cylindrical body that can be formed from a laminated sheet of metal and polymer. The hollow cylindrical body includes a substantially uniform wall thickness. Further, the hollow cylindrical body can include a first half, a second half, a seam extending at least partially along the body between the first half and the second half, an upper end having a surface, and a lower open end. The steering yoke can also include a bearing surface coupled to the surface of the upper end of the hollow cylindrical body and a spring perch disposed in the lower end of the hollow cylindrical body. The spring perch can include a spring pocket configured to support and retain a spring for supplying a biasing force to the yoke. |
| US09278703B1 |
Apparatus having a hand truck configuration and a tripod configuration
The apparatus transforms between a hand truck configuration and a tripod configuration. The apparatus includes a base frame, wheel axles, a base plate, a plurality of handle rods, and a center rod. The base frame is formed by lateral side supports, a top support member, upper and lower axle support bars, and a middle support member. The middle support member has a receptacle engaging a tool attachment. The base plate is made integral with the base frame, and the base frame extends orthogonally from a top planar surface of the base plate. The handle rods and center rod also extend orthogonally from the top planar surface in the hand truck configuration with the handle rods fixed to the top support member. Handle rods and center rod pivot at angles from the top planar surface in the tripod configuration. The apparatus transforms and inverts between configurations. |
| US09278698B2 |
Methods and apparatus for limiting engine speed
Some embodiments are directed to an apparatus for limiting engine speed using any one of multiple engine components. The apparatus includes a user interface manually actuable to select at least one of the multiple engine components for limiting engine speed. The user interface includes an identification signal generator and transmitter that is configured to, upon selection of the multiple engine component(s), generate and transmit an identification signal that identifies the engine component(s) that was selected. The apparatus also includes a controller that is configured to, upon receipt of the identification signal, provide an instruction to the identified engine component(s), such that the identified engine component(s) operates to limit engine speed upon occurrence of conditions warranting that engine speed be limited. |
| US09278697B2 |
Vehicle running control apparatus and method
The present disclosure relates to a vehicle running control apparatus and a vehicle running control method. The invention calculates a compensation torque for preventing the pulling of the vehicle by reflecting the speed difference between the driving wheel and the driven wheel of the vehicle, thereby enabling the vehicle to run more stably as compared to the prior art. |
| US09278696B2 |
Vehicle onboard safety system
Vehicle onboard safety systems against deception during driving-under-influence (DUI) test, using cheiloscopy sensor or bite mark sensor as biometrics have been invented. The systems have an engine interlock system, which controls the engine ignition based on the onboard DUI testing result. The systems also have a smart phone locker designed to take the smart phone away from the driver in order to avoid any driving distraction, while allowing connection to external network and resource through tethering. |
| US09278695B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for detecting narrow road
A method for detecting a narrow road includes calculating relative heights of points from a distance measuring sensor to a ground based on distance information. A left boundary point and a right boundary point, at which a difference in relative heights from adjacent points becomes maximal, are acquired. A road boundary line of a driving road is acquired based on the left boundary point and the right boundary point depending on a movement trajectory of the vehicle when a difference in relative heights at the left boundary point and the right boundary point is more than or equal to a reference value. A road width of the driving road is calculated based on the road boundary line. It is detected whether the driving road of the vehicle is a narrow road based on the road width. |
| US09278692B2 |
Methods and systems for a four wheel drive vehicle driveline
Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, driveline operation may be adjusted in response to operating the hybrid vehicle in a four wheel drivel low gear range. The approaches may improve vehicle drivability and reduce driveline degradation. |
| US09278688B2 |
Fail-safe device and fail-safe method for engine clutch actuator for hybrid vehicle
A fail-safe device and a fail-safe method for an engine clutch actuator for a hybrid vehicle may facilitate conversion into a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) mode even upon failure of an engine clutch actuator by diagnosing a failure state of an electric vehicle (EV) mode due to failure of the engine clutch actuator using a pressure sensor mounted on an actuator master cylinder of the engine clutch actuator when a driving mode is converted from the EV mode to the HEV mode, transmitting a diagnostic signal to a hybrid control unit, and allowing hydraulic oil in the actuator master cylinder to be easily supplied into a concentric slave cylinder using a separate emergency actuator when the driving mode is converted from the EV mode to the HEV mode. |
| US09278683B2 |
Method for operating a drive train and control device
A method for operating a drive train of a hybrid vehicle with a hybrid drive comprising at least an electric machine and an internal combustion engine, wherein an automated manual transmission is connected between the internal combustion engine and an output, wherein the electric machine is coupled via a friction clutch to a shaft of the automated manual transmission. Wherein in the automated manual transmission, by interruption of the drive torque provided by the hybrid drive on the output, shifts are executed in such a way that in a first phase the drive torque provided at the output is first reduced, subsequently in a second phase the actual gear shift is executed and following that in a third phase drive torque is built up at the output. Wherein for execution of the actual shift after a gear disengagement of an actual gear of the shift and before a gear engagement of a target gear of the shift, the automated manual transmission is synchronized using a flywheel mass of the electric machine such that, when the friction clutch is opened, the rotational speed of the electric machine is brought to an inertial rotational speed and that subsequently the friction clutch is first closed to the inertial synchronization of the manual transmission and subsequently at least partially opened again. |
| US09278678B2 |
Modular electronic brake valve for air brakes vehicles
A vehicle brake system includes a source of fluid pressure adapted to supply a braking force to at least one brake actuator and a modular valve unit fluidly coupling the brake actuator to the source of fluid pressure. The modular valve unit includes a plurality of valve modules. Each of the plurality of valve modules includes a housing in which working elements of the valve module are contained and at least one port in the housing adapted to be an input port or an output port, the at least one port being adapted to cooperate with and be directly fluidly connected to at least one port of another of the plurality of valve modules, thereby obviating the need for tubing or piping. Each of the plurality of valve modules is self-contained and defines a stand-alone unit capable of operating independently of any other of the plurality of valve modules. |
| US09278676B2 |
Brake control device
According to the present invention, limited electric power is consumed so as to achieve long-lasting use of electric power during brake control with the use of an auxiliary power supply source when there is a malfunction of a vehicle power supply source. In addition, a brake control device for ensuring responsiveness at the beginning of braking or when emergency braking is necessary is provided. The brake control device of the present invention is a brake control device for detecting electric signals generated depending on the degree of brake-pedal operation and calculating the driver's demanded braking force based on the electric signals so as to generate the demanded braking force, which comprises an auxiliary power supply source for supplying electric power to the brake control device when there is a malfunction of a vehicle power supply source and controls braking depending on the charged capacity of the auxiliary power supply source. |
| US09278675B2 |
Hydraulic control apparatus and method for manufacturing the same
A hydraulic control apparatus is disclosed which includes: a base body; and a housing to be fixed to one surface of the base body. The housing includes an opening facing the one surface of the base body. The opening includes a flange portion formed on and projected outwardly from an opening edge portion. The flange portion includes a screw-formed housing fixing hole for fixing the housing to the base body using a fastening member and a reference hole for provisionally fixing the housing when assembling parts to the housing. The reference hole is formed by lightening the flange portion and arranged parallel to the housing fixing hole. |
| US09278674B2 |
Vehicle operator display and assistive mechanisms
Detailed are assistive mechanisms for vehicle operators designed to reduce risks associated with degraded landing and other situations. Some mechanisms may include a display with a visual indicator located within the peripheral field of view of an operator. Aural alerts may also be employed. Information suggesting degradation of, for example, ground deceleration performance may alert the operator to perform unusual or abnormal actions to mitigate hazards produced by the performance degradation. |
| US09278671B2 |
Parking brake device
A parking brake apparatus includes: a braking member; a ratchet having a plurality of serrations and disposed on one of the braking member and a vehicle body-side member; a pawl rotatably disposed via a pawl pin on the other; and a pawl-urging spring. At start of braking, every time the pawl relatively climbs over the serration, the pawl is brought into contact with a non-locking surface side of the serration in accordance with an urging force of the pawl-urging spring. The pawl has a triangular engagement tooth that is inserted into a tooth groove of the ratchet, and a second side end surface facing the non-locking surface is covered with a synthetic resin except a tip portion of the engagement tooth. The non-locking surface is a concave surface concaved so as to be recessed from a straight line connecting a tooth tip and a tooth bottom of the serration. |
| US09278670B2 |
On-board optical sensor cover and on-board optical sensor apparatus
An on-board optical sensor apparatus includes an optical sensor, an optical sensor cover, and a controller. The optical sensor has a lens. The optical sensor cover includes a holder and a washer nozzle. The holder holds the optical sensor. The washer nozzle performs a washing operation to wash a lens surface of the lens of the optical sensor or a glass surface of a cover glass located facing the lens by spraying a washer fluid, supplied from a washer fluid tank, onto the lens surface or the glass surface. The controller controls the washing operation of the washer nozzle. |
| US09278668B2 |
Brake/clutch locking device having anti-lock mechanism
A brake/clutch locking system has a brake panel-blocking rod attached to a slidable axial tube in an axial tube to which an anti-lock mechanism is connected. A block in a chamber operatively coupled to a coil spring has a mass that produces more kinetic energy than the coil spring. The block has a shoulder portion with a shape corresponding to a protruding lower edge of a coil spring biased pin that slides into a bored hole provided in the wall of the axial tube and on the slidable axial tube, blocking movement of the slidable axial tube when an external force applied to the block creates a sufficient amount of kinetic energy to move the block from the protruding edge of the pin. |
| US09278667B2 |
Pretensioner, seat belt retractor, and seat belt device
A plurality of driving force transmitting members, a piston, a spring and a gas generator are inserted into the pipe from the end of the pipe where the gas generator is mounted. The gas generator is press-fitted in the pipe while the flat faces thereof are deformed by a pair of protrusions of the pipe. Accordingly, the gas generator is temporarily held by the protrusions of the pipe. Then, one end of the pipe is firmly pressed and the gas generator is mounted in the pipe. |
| US09278660B2 |
Front passenger seat airbag
A front passenger seat airbag includes a support inflation portion that protrudes downwards from a portion of the airbag, which is positioned on a rear side of a gas inlet port when the airbag is completely inflated, that is in contact with a rear region of an accommodating portion of an instrument panel for accommodation of the airbag, and that is supported by the instrument panel. The support inflation portion is formed by joining together respective lower edges of support inflation configuration portions of outer left and right panels, by joining respective upper edges of the support inflation configuration portions with portions of corresponding outer circumferential edges of outer left panel and outer right panel main bodies, which are positioned in front of respective outer joining portions, and by respectively joining rear edges of the support inflation configuration portions with corresponding front lower edges of inner left and right panels. |
| US09278656B2 |
Protection shield for vehicle headliner
Airbag protection shields are disclosed that comprise an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the shield is configured to attach to a vehicle headliner assembly and cover a portion of at least one vehicle component in the headliner assembly, the at least one vehicle component being positioned such that a nearby airbag may contact the at least one vehicle component upon deployment. The protection shields may be configured to protect a headliner assembling containing air ducts and air vents. |
| US09278653B2 |
Fixing support for a portable electronic device, corresponding dashboard and motor vehicle
A fixing support is provided for a portable electronic device, in particular in a motor vehicle. The fixing support includes a fixed base for receiving the electronic device, a retainer movably mounted on the fixed base between an idle position to place the electronic device on the fixed base and an active position to retain the electronic device on the fixed base, and a one-way lock adapted to allow the retainer to move from the idle position toward the active position, while preventing the retainer from moving from the active position toward the idle position. A motor vehicle dashboard and a motor vehicle are also provided. |
| US09278648B2 |
Device for attaching a tablet computer
A device for attaching a tablet computer to the rear-side of a vehicle seat part has a carrier element (4, 10, 40′, 40″, 140) which is displaceably connected to a fastening device (2, 2a, 3a, 3b, 3c, 20, 20a, 30b, 30′, 130b, 30c, 130c) and to which a support (5, 50, 50′, 50″) is displaceably connected for receiving the tablet computer (6, 60). The support (5, 50, 50′, 50″, 59, 150) can be moved between a first user position in which the screen (6a, 60a, 60a′, 60a″) of the tablet computer (6, 60) is arranged on the side opposite the vehicle seat part (1a, 1b, 1c, 1c′, 1c″, 10a, 10a′, 10b, 10c) and aligned essentially vertically and a second user position in which the screen (6a, 60a, 60a′, 60a″) is oriented upward and essentially horizontally or oblique to the user. |
| US09278643B2 |
Vehicle headlight light distribution pattern
A vehicle headlight includes: a first illuminator including a projector unit that has a projection optical system and illuminates a predetermined region ahead of a vehicle with a first light distribution pattern having a cutoff line at an upper end; and a second illuminator that has a reflector unit including a reflective optical system for illumination with a second light distribution pattern that includes a region on an oncoming lane side of an elbow point of the cutoff line of the first light distribution pattern and that substantially does not include a region on a non-oncoming lane side of the elbow point. |
| US09278640B2 |
Convertible utility/camper unit for use in trailer or truck bed
A convertible utility/camper unit for use in a trailer, truck bed, or other similarly shaped vehicle. The convertible unit is separate from the trailer or truck thereby allowing the convertible unit to be used in virtually any utility trailer or truck. The convertible unit comprises a frame and supports which can be placed in multiple positions to allow the unit to serve as a utility trailer or a camper. |
| US09278639B2 |
Mobile scuba diving centre
The mobile scuba diving center is an equipment designed to streamline the logistics associated to various ways of the scuba diving operation, by enhancing both safety and comfort, and preventing damages to the scuba equipment, while enabling to easily make available complete support bases for diving in remote locations, as well as eliminating or considerably reducing all manual assignments that are typically connected with the activity hereof. The mobile scuba diving center includes a base structure that comprises such diverse elements like a shell (1), stowage drawers (3), clipping devices (4) or support boxes for the scuba tanks (15), the compressor hose lines to fill the scuba tanks, a rotary hanging rod to hang wetsuits and dry-suits and also an assembly line of hoses and sprays to wash the scuba gear inside the drawers (9) and another assembly line of hoses and sprays to wash wetsuits, scuba tanks and BCs (10). The dive center can further include a ramp or access steps (13) and a protection awning (14). |
| US09278634B2 |
Vehicle seat
A motor vehicle seat comprises a seat component and a backrest. The backrest has a shell structure which is provided on an occupant side with an upholstered element. The shell structure has at least one depression for accommodating the upholstered element. The upholstered element is thickened at the location of the at least one depression. The shell structure may have a central part and side wings arranged in an elastically resilient manner on the central part. |
| US09278632B2 |
Child safety seat assembly
A child safety seat assembly includes a base having two fixed anchoring hooks, a seat shell detachably installed with the base, two catching collars pivotally assembled with the seat shell, the collars being operable to respectively engage with the anchoring hooks to hold the seat shell with the base, and a release actuator operatively connected with the catching collars, the release actuator being operable to rotate the catching collars to disengage the catching collars from the anchoring hooks. |
| US09278631B2 |
Infant restraint system for juvenile seat
An infant restraint is coupled to a juvenile seat to restrain an infant seated in the seat. The seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back. |
| US09278629B2 |
Occupant detection and classification system
An occupant detection system includes a controller, a sensing electrode, and a shield electrode, the electrodes disposed in a vehicle seat. The controller is electrically coupled to the sensing electrode and shield electrode by a sensing circuit. The controller is configured to send an input signal to the sensing electrode, the shield electrode, or both and measures current, impedance, or capacitance values to determine the presence of an object on the seat, to classify the object, or both. |
| US09278622B2 |
Vehicle battery management unit having cell balancer based on capacity differences of battery cells
The battery management unit for a vehicle includes a charger mounted on the vehicle, configured to connect to an external power source and charge an assembled battery including a plurality of cells with electric power from the external power source; a memory that records which cell is a lowest cell having the lowest voltage when the battery is fully charged; and a cell-balancer that carries out cell-balancing on the voltage of the battery by discharging, when the charger is not charging the battery, the cells having a voltage higher than a current voltage of the lowest cell to the current value of the lowest cell.Thereby, it is possible to suppress an increase in dispersion of voltages and reduction in battery capacity. |
| US09278620B2 |
Method and device for operating a vehicle, computer program, and computer program product
A method, a computer program and a computer program product for operating a vehicle, which includes as a drive device a least one electric motor, that is associated with at least one electric store, wherein the electric store is charged by an external energy source when the vehicle is at rest. During the charging process, at least initially at least one testing device of the vehicle is activated for monitoring the charging process as well as the rest state of the vehicle, and only when an error state is detected by the testing device at least one safety device of the vehicle is activated. |