| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09298438B2 |
Profiling application code to identify code portions for FPGA implementation
Application code is analyzed to determine if a hardware library could accelerate its execution. In particular, application code can be analyzed to identify calls to application programming interfaces (APIs) or other functions that have a hardware library implementation. The code can be analyzed to identify the frequency of such calls. Information from the hardware library can indicate characteristics of the library, such as its size, power consumption and FPGA resource usage. Information about the execution pattern of the application code also can be useful. This information, along with information about other concurrent processes using the FPGA resources, can be used to select a hardware library to implement functions called in the application code. |
| US09298437B2 |
Unrolling quantifications to control in-degree and/or out-degree of automaton
Apparatus, systems, and methods for a compiler are disclosed. One such compiler parses a human readable expression into a syntax tree and converts the syntax tree into an automaton having in-transitions and out-transitions. Converting can include unrolling the quantification as a function of in-degree limitations wherein in-degree limitations includes a limit on the number of transitions into a state of the automaton. The compiler can also convert the automaton into an image for programming a parallel machine, and publishes the image. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US09298434B2 |
Optimizing if statements in computer programming
A method for optimizing if statements in a program includes obtaining, by a processing device, for each of conditional expressions of a plurality of if statements in the program, a set of conditional expressions having an inclusion relation; computing, for each of the set, a position with low execution frequency in the program as a move destination of a conditional expression having an inclusion relation, using information of the set in which the conditional expression is included; and moving the conditional expression to the computed move destination of the conditional expression. |
| US09298433B2 |
Optimizing intermediate representation of script code for fast path execution
Disclosed here are methods, systems, paradigms and structures for optimizing intermediate representation (IR) of a script code for fast path execution. A fast path is typically a path that handles most commonly occurring tasks more efficiently than less commonly occurring ones which are handled by slow paths. The less commonly occurring tasks may include uncommon cases, error handling, and other anomalies. The IR includes checkpoints which evaluate to two possible values resulting in either a fast path or slow path execution. The IR is optimized for fast path execution by regenerating a checkpoint as a labeled checkpoint. The code in the portion of the IR following the checkpoint is optimized assuming the checkpoint evaluates to a value resulting in fast path. The code for handling situations where the checkpoint evaluates to a value resulting in slow path is transferred to a portion of the IR identified by the label. |
| US09298428B2 |
Graphical user interface editor that displays live data during editing
A method for operating a computer to develop a program having a GUI is disclosed. The method includes providing a program development system having an editing mode in which a user constructs a GUI and providing a graphical element that can be placed on a form as part of the GUI, the graphical element displaying data from the server while the program development system is in the editing mode. The parameters that control the connection and data transfer from the server can be provided in the properties section of the graphical element, and hence, no compilation of the underlying program is needed to verify the server connection and associated data. |
| US09298421B2 |
Performing quotient selection for a carry-save division operation
The disclosed embodiments disclose techniques for performing quotient selection in an iterative carry-save division operation that divides a dividend, R, by a divisor, D, to produce an approximation of a quotient, Q=R/D. During a divide operation, a divider approximates Q by iteratively selecting an operation to perform for each iteration of the carry-save division operation and then performing the selected operation. The operation for each iteration is selected based on the current partial sum bits of a partial remainder in carry-save form (rs) and the current partial carry bits of a partial remainder in carry-save form (rc). More specifically, the operation is selected from a set of operations that includes: (1) a 2X* operation; (2) an S1 & 2X* operation; (3) an S2 & 2X* operation; (4) an A1 & 2X* operation; and (5) an A2 & 2X* operation. |
| US09298418B2 |
Electronic analysis of athletic performance
The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a computer-implemented athletic performance analysis method that includes obtaining, at a computer system, first motion data reflecting motion of a sporting device during one or more drills performed by an athlete. The method also includes creating and storing action data by identifying a plurality of portions of the motion data, where each of the portions correspond to one or more actions by the athlete; comparing the action data for the athlete, with the computer system, to corresponding aggregated action data for a plurality of other athletes to determine a relative skill level for the athlete with respect to the one or more actions; and generating data for a report that reflects the relative development level of the athlete. |
| US09298415B2 |
Systems and methods to provide play/pause content
Embodiments are disclosed for providing play/pause content. An example method includes receiving a command to play audio from a zone, the zone including one or more playback devices, wherein the zone is configured to play items from a playback queue responsive to the command to play audio. The example method also includes determining that the playback queue includes no playable items. The example method also includes automatically placing information identifying at least one playable item in the playback queue. The example method also includes, responsive to the command to play audio, causing to play the at least one playable item by the zone. |
| US09298414B2 |
Information processing apparatus and storage medium
There is provided an information processing apparatus including a housing which has a polyhedron shape and includes at least one surface on which an output section is provided, a communication section which communicates with at least one mobile terminal, and a control section which performs output control from the output section in cooperation with the mobile terminal by communicating with the mobile terminal. |
| US09298410B2 |
Exposing network printers to WI-FI clients
In an embodiment, a processor-readable medium stores code representing instructions that when executed by a processor cause the processor to receive a printer discovery request from a WI-FI client. The instructions further cause the processor to forward the printer discovery request and an agent identification to an enterprise network server, and receive from the enterprise network server, a list of printers associated with the agent identification. The instructions also cause the processor to expose the list of printers to the WI-FI client. |
| US09298409B2 |
Network-based event notification system
Upon startup of an OS, the present invention obtains an entry of a StatusMonitor key from all printer driver setting information subscribed in a registry by means of a subscriber (S0), and if a value thereof is 1, obtains an entry of a key including “Notification”. If a value of an array element 0 indicates activation of notification, the present invention obtains a character string of an array element 1 as an event type, and makes a Subscribe request to an image forming apparatus (S3). The present invention stores a subscription ID being returned, and makes an Unsubscribe request to the image forming apparatus for all subscription IDs thus stored, upon shut-down of the OS. |
| US09298406B2 |
Printing apparatus, printing method, and storage medium
A printing apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store print data including a password upon receipt of the print data, a receiving unit configured to receive a print instruction for the stored print data from a user, an authentication unit capable of performing user authentication, and a printing unit configured to perform printing without causing an authenticated user to enter a password in a case where an owner of the print-instructed print data matches the authenticated user, and to perform printing in response to a match between a password received from a user and the password included in the print data in a case where the owner of the print-instructed print data differs from the authenticated user, or in a case where a print instruction is received without user authentication by the authentication unit. |
| US09298405B2 |
Electronic apparatus, management system, and recording medium
An electronic apparatus includes an information presenting part that obtains the job information of a stored first job of a first user who has logged on to the electronic apparatus and the job information of a stored second job of a second user who has authorized the first user to execute the second job from a computer connected to the electronic apparatus, and presents the obtained job information to the first user; and an execution control part that, when one of the first and the second job is selected and instructed to be executed by the first user, obtains the job data of the one of the first and the second job from the computer and execute the obtained job data. The first user and the stored first job are correlated and managed and the first user and the second user are correlated and managed in a predetermined storage area. |
| US09298403B2 |
Job execution apparatus, image forming apparatus, computer readable medium and job execution system
A job execution apparatus includes: a receiving unit configured to receive each job; a calculation unit configured to calculate an index value representing a load needed to execute each of a pre-processing sub-job and a post-processing sub-job when each of n jobs (n is a natural number equal to or more than 2) is decomposed into a pre-processing sub-job for generating information, and a post-processing sub-job for causing an output unit to output information generated by executing the pre-processing sub-job; a pre-processing execution unit configured to sequentially execute pre-processing sub-jobs which are respectively included in jobs received by the receiving unit and registered in a pre-processing sub-job queue; and a post-processing execution unit configured to sequentially execute, upon completion of the pre-processing sub-jobs, post-processing sub-jobs which are respectively included in the received jobs and which are registered in a post-processing sub-job queue. |
| US09298402B2 |
Print management apparatus, non-transitory recording medium, and printing system
Provided is a print management apparatus including a failure detector that detects a failure of a printing control apparatus and a printing apparatus in a printing system, and a printing continuation control unit that performs a control for requesting, when the failure detector detects the failure of any one of the printing control apparatus and the printing apparatus, an another printing system to lend an apparatus corresponding to the apparatus of which the failure is detected among the printing control apparatus and the printing apparatus, and for continuing, when the apparatus that is a request target is lent in response to the request, printing by the lent apparatus instead of the apparatus of which the failure is detected. |
| US09298398B2 |
Fine-grained control of data placement
Methods, apparatus and computer program products implement embodiments of the present invention that include defining, in a storage system including multiple storage devices, multiple redundant array of independent disks (RAID) configurations for data stored on the storage devices. A first one of the multiple RAID configurations is assigned to a first entry in a partition table having multiple entries, and a second one of the multiple RAID configurations is assigned to a second entry in the partition table, the second one of the multiple RAID configurations independent from the first one of the multiple RAID configurations. |
| US09298388B2 |
Computer system, data management apparatus, and data management method
A data management apparatus of a computer system comprises, as a retention rule for volume data, change-time identification information for identifying a point-in-time for changing a logical unit, and migration-destination unit specification information for specifying a migration-destination logical unit. An edge storage apparatus stores first identification information, which enables the identification of volume data in a logical unit, and second identification information, which enables the identification of a logical unit in a storage system after associating the first identification information and the second identification information with each other. A data management apparatus (A1) transfers the volume data from a migration-source logical unit to the migration-destination logical unit conforming to the migration-destination unit specification information subsequent to a point-in-time identified in accordance with the change-time identification information. The edge storage apparatus (B1) associates the second identification information, which enables the identification of the migration-destination logical unit, with the first identification information, and stores the associated information in a storage device. |
| US09298387B2 |
Recovering from a pending uncompleted reorganization of a data set
Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for recovering from a pending uncompleted reorganization of a data set managing data sets in a storage. In response an initiation of an operation to access a data set, an operation is initiated to complete a pending uncompleted reorganization of the data set in response to the data set being in a pending uncompleted reorganization state and no other process currently accessing the data set. |
| US09298383B2 |
Memory with mixed cell array and system including the memory
A memory system, system including the memory system and method of reducing memory system power consumption. The memory system includes multiple memory units allocable to one of a number of processor units, e.g., processors or processor cores. A memory controller receives requests for memory from the processor units and allocates sufficient space from the memory to each requesting processor unit. Allocated memory can include some Single Level per Cell (SLC) memory units storing a single bit per cell and other memory units storing more than one bit per cell. Thus, two processor units may be assigned identical memory space, while half, or fewer, than the number of cells of one are assigned to the other. |
| US09298380B1 |
Data storage device with selective write to a first storage media or a second storage media
A device comprises a first storage media and a controller. The controller configured to generate a first operational metric using a first set of operational data at a first frequency and a second operational metric a second set of operational data at a second frequency different than the first frequency; receive a write command to write data to the first storage media; and divert the write command to write data to a second storage media instead of the first storage media when at least one of the first operational metric and the second operational metric indicates that writing data to the first storage media may be harmful to the magnetic rotating disk or result in data loss. |
| US09298379B2 |
Bi-directional data transfer within a single I/O operation
A computer program product, apparatus, and a method for facilitating input/output (I/O) processing for an I/O operation at a host computer system configured for communication with a control unit. The method includes receiving, by a control unit, a command block configured to hold a plurality of commands including an input command and/or an output command, the plurality of commands specified by a transport command word (TCW) including a read indicator configured to indicate whether the I/O operation includes input data and a write indictor configured to indicate whether the I/O operation includes output data; based on the command block holding at least one output command, receiving the output data and executing the at least one output command; and based on the command block holding at least one input command, forwarding the input data to the channel subsystem for storage at a location specified by the TCW. |
| US09298378B2 |
Logic device
A logic device for communicating with a memory package with a first protocol, communicating with a memory controller with a second protocol, and for performing a protocol conversion between the first and the second protocol. |
| US09298369B2 |
Modify priority of dataset based on number of times the data set is processed by both a data detector circuit and a data decoder circuit
Systems, circuits, devices and/or methods related to systems and methods for data processing, and more particularly to systems and methods for quality based scheduling processing of data sets. In some cases, a priority indication associated with a data set is modified based upon one or more factors. As an example, the priority indication may be modified based upon a number of times that a given data set processed through both a data detector circuit and a data decoder circuit. |
| US09298367B1 |
Rapid notification login
For rapid notification login, code displays a process proxy and a swipe input geometry adjacent to the process proxy on a touch screen display. In addition, the code activates a process associated with the process proxy in response to a continuous swipe over the process proxy and a preset geometry on the swipe input geometry on the touch screen display. |
| US09298366B2 |
Electronic device, method and computer readable medium
According to one embodiment, an electronic device determines, in response to completion of input of Mth stroke, first input candidates of stroke groups by using the 1st to Mth strokes; executes process for displaying at least one of the first input candidates; determine, in response to completion of input of Nth (N>M) stroke, second input candidates by using the 1st to Nth strokes; and executes, process for displaying at least one of the second input candidates on the screen to eliminate overlap with the at least one of the first input candidates displayed on the screen. |
| US09298365B2 |
Storage medium, information processing apparatus and character recognition method
An information processing apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store a first information in which a character code and an image data of a character are associated with each other and an operation unit. The operation unit is configured to detect a second information indicating an input position of each of a plurality of characters input through a handwriting input and a plurality of character codes associated with the plurality of characters, acquire a plurality of first image data associated with the plurality of characters codes by referring to the first information, generate a second image data by combining the plurality of first image data based on the second information, and output an image data of the character associated with the second image data or the character code associated with the second image data by referring to the first information. |
| US09298364B2 |
Mobile electronic device, screen control method, and storage medium strong screen control program
According to an aspect, a mobile electronic device includes a touch panel and a control unit. The touch panel displays a screen thereon and detects a gesture performed on a surface thereof. When a sweep gesture is detected by the touch panel, the control unit cause an object corresponding to a process, which is executable while the screen is displayed on the touch panel, to be displayed near a position where the sweep gesture is detected on the touch panel. |
| US09298361B2 |
Analyzing applications for different access modes
Some embodiments of the invention provide a mobile device with multiple access modes. The device in some embodiments has at least two access modes, a primary access mode and a secondary access mode, that provide different restrictions for accessing the applications and/or data that are stored on the device. In some embodiments, the mobile device automatically selects applications to share or keep private based metadata associated with the applications. |
| US09298360B2 |
Accessibility techinques for presentation of symbolic expressions
Methods for presenting symbolic expressions such as mathematical, scientific, or chemical expressions, formulas, or equations are performed by a computing device. One method includes: displaying a first portion of a symbolic expression within a first area of a display screen; while in a first state in which the first area is selected for aural presentation, aurally presenting first information related to the first portion of the symbolic expression; while in the first state, detecting particular user input; in response to detecting the particular user input, performing the steps of: transitioning from the first state to a second state in which a second area, of the display, is selected for aural presentation; determining second information associated with a second portion, of the symbolic expression, that is displayed within the second area; in response to determining the second information, aurally presenting the second information. |
| US09298358B1 |
Scrollable notifications
The subject matter of this specification can be implemented in, among other things, a method for displaying scrollable notifications for unlocking an electronic device. The method includes a step for receiving a notification from an application for display on a locked screen of an electronic device, wherein the notification includes content viewable by a user of the electronic device, wherein the content is scrollable. The method also includes a step for displaying the received notification. The method also includes a step for receiving, from the user, a scroll event associated with the displayed notification. The method also includes a step for scrolling, in response to the received scroll event, content in the notification, wherein the scrolling provides additional content viewable to the user. The method also includes a step for unlocking, in response to the scrolling, one or more capabilities of the electronic device. |
| US09298357B2 |
Systems and methods for auto-adjust positioning of preferred content for increased click and conversion rates
A computer-implemented user notification method includes displaying, at user-accessible locations on a graphical display of a mobile device, notifications corresponding to user interest, preference, and frequency of interaction with particular applications or activities on the mobile device. By increasing ease of interaction with particular notifications and advertisements that are of increased importance and relevance for the user, a higher click through and conversion rate is anticipated. |
| US09298350B2 |
Menu searching of a hierarchical menu structure
A menu search system allows a user to search through a menu structure, rather than only navigate hierarchically through the menu structure. When a user selects a menu search mode, the menu search system allows the user to enter text and, as the text is entered, searches the menu hierarchy for menu items with names that match the text. The menu search system then displays the matching menu items so that the user can select a displayed menu item of interest. |
| US09298349B2 |
Method for releasing a locking in mobile terminal and mobile terminal using the same
The present disclosure is related to a method for releasing a locking on a mobile terminal, the method comprising: locking the mobile terminal; generating a locking-release preliminary signal on the locking; creating a locking-release icon based on a generated position of the locking-release preliminary signal; and releasing the locking by selecting the locking-release icon, and to a mobile terminal using the same. |
| US09298344B2 |
Method and apparatus for enabling participation in a web conference as a virtual participant
A computer implemented method and apparatus for enabling participation in a web conference as a virtual participant. The method comprises establishing a web conference comprising at least one virtual participant; receiving at least one message via a web conference user interface; displaying the message in the web conference user interface; and sending the message to the at least one virtual participant via a selected method of message delivery for the at least one virtual participant. |
| US09298343B2 |
System for providing virtual space for individual steps of executing application
Provided is a virtual space providing system that may provide a virtual space to a terminal of at least one user, the system including a monitor configured to monitor whether an application or a program included in each terminal of the at least one user is executed and a real-time operation of the executed application or the program and output a result of the monitoring, a specifier configured to receive the output from the monitor, specify an individual step of the operation of the executed application, and output a request to generate a virtual space for the specified individual step, and a space generator configured to receive the output from the specifier and generate the virtual space for the specified individual step. |
| US09298340B2 |
Method for inputting text and display apparatus using the same
A method of inputting text to a display device using a mobile device, the method including transmitting a text input box activation signal that instructs the display device to activate input to a text input box displayed on a screen of the display device, receiving a request to execute a text input mode of inputting the text to the display device using a keyboard displayed on a screen of the mobile device, displaying the keyboard of the text input mode on the screen of the mobile device, receiving a text input through the keyboard displayed on the screen of the mobile device, and transmitting a text input display signal that instructs the display device to display text corresponding to the text input received through the keyboard displayed on the screen of the mobile device in the text input box displayed on the screen of the display device. |
| US09298339B2 |
User interface feedback elements
Architecture that implements fact interactive elements and list interactive elements in a user interface (UI) to assist in obtaining user feedback on entity attributes for semantic web and structured data searches to ensure data correctness, freshness, and user relevance. The fact interactive element enables user interaction with the attribute data of the corresponding attribute. The user interaction then provides feedback as to correctness of the attribute data for the given attribute. Each state has a corresponding visual state which has a clear visual distinction from other states. The interactive elements enable the use of standard user inputs such as with input devices, as well as interaction using gestures such as associated with natural user interface (NUI) gestures. |
| US09298337B2 |
Mechanism to reduce accidental clicks on online content
Display data is transmitted to a user interface. The display data includes an offer component for providing additional online content. The offer component includes a first region and a second region. A first user interaction is received from the user interface. It is determined whether the first user interaction occurred within one of the first region and the second region. When the first user interaction is determined to have occurred within the first region, the first user interaction is processed as a request for the additional online content associated with the offer component. When the first user interaction is determined to have occurred within the second region, a user prompt is presented for a confirmation of the request for the additional online content associated with the offer component. |
| US09298331B2 |
Capacitive touch sensor, manufacturing method therefor, and display device
Provided herein are a capacitive touch sensor capable of reducing pattern visibility, a manufacturing method therefor, and a display device with the touch sensor. In a capacitive touch sensor (1), a first layer (10) has first first-layer electrodes (3a); first-layer conductive portions (5) connecting the adjacent first first-layer electrodes (3a); second first-layer electrodes (4a); and first-layer insulating portions (7a) formed between the second first-layer electrodes (4a) and the first-layer conductive portions (5). An intermediate layer (12) has first intermediate-layer electrodes (3b) formed on the first first-layer electrodes (3a); second intermediate-layer electrodes (4b) formed on the second first-layer electrodes (4a); and intermediate-layer insulating portions (7b) formed between the first-layer conductive portions (5) and second-layer conductive portions (6). A second layer (15) has first second-layer electrodes (3c); second second-layer electrodes (4c); second-layer conductive portions (6) connecting the adjacent second second-layer electrodes (4c) in the Y-axis direction so as to intersect with the first-layer conductive portions (5); and second-layer insulating portions (7c) formed between the first second-layer electrodes (3c) and the second-layer conductive portions (6). |
| US09298329B2 |
Display device and driving method thereof
The display device includes a panel comprising driving electrodes and receiving electrodes, and a touch sensing unit comprising a driver supplying a common voltage to the driving electrodes and the receiving electrodes during an image display period, and sequentially supplying a driving voltage to the driving electrodes to determine whether the panel is touched, during a touch sensing period, and a receiver determining whether there is a touch on the panel based on comparison of a sensing signal induced through the receiving electrodes by the driving voltage with a reference voltage applied to the receiving electrodes. The reference voltage is different from an intermediate level of the driving voltage corresponding to an average of a maximum level and a minimum level of the driving voltage. A root mean square value of the reference voltage is substantially equal to a root mean square value of the driving voltage. |
| US09298326B2 |
Bulk resistive glove
Gloves are disclosed that are worn by a user while manipulating an electronic device equipped with a capacitive touchscreen. The gloves allow the wearer to manipulate the capacitive touchscreen device without removing the gloves, which is very advantageous in cold environments. The gloves enable full hand functionality allowing the user to type, swipe, squeeze, pinch, and select on the capacitive touchscreen device as if they were using their bare hand. The gloves are made with a low resistant yarn knit or woven into a comfortable fabric that connects the body's bioelectricity through the glove to a capacitive touchscreen. Ordinary gloves will not work with a capacitive touchscreen. In the manufacturing process, the low resistant yarn is first twisted around at least one other yarn having a specific performance property, such as thermal resistance. This twisting assists in uniform knitting and improves the consistent resistivity of the finished glove. |
| US09298325B2 |
Processing system for a capacitive sensing device
Embodiments described herein include a display device having a capacitive sensing device, a processing system and a method for detecting presence of an input object using a capacitive sensing device. In one embodiment, the display device includes a plurality of sensor electrodes, a field shaping electrode, and a processing system. Each sensor electrode includes at least one common electrode. Dimensions of each sensor electrode correspond to dimension of pixel elements of the display device. The field shaping electrode is disposed between two of the plurality of sensor electrodes. Dimensions of the field shaping electrode correspond to the dimension of pixel elements of the display device. The field shaping electrode is laterally spaced apart from the two sensor electrodes a distance corresponding to dimensions of the pixel elements. The processing system is coupled to the sensor electrodes and the field shaping electrode. The processing system is configured to, in a first processing mode, drive a transmitter signal onto a first sensor electrode of the sensor electrodes and receiving a resulting signal with the first sensor electrode of the sensor electrodes comprising effects corresponding to the transmitter signal. |
| US09298323B2 |
Sensing electrode structure and touch panel employing the same
An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a sensing electrode structure comprising a plurality of first axial electrodes and a plurality of second axial electrodes. The second axial electrodes and the first axial electrodes are formed on same side of a substrate and are electrically insulated from each other. Each of the first axial electrodes has a plurality of first conductive patterns with grid structures, and the first conductive patterns with grid structures are electrically connected with each other. Each of the second axial electrodes has a plurality of second conductive patterns with grid structures, and the second conductive patterns with grid structures are electrically connected with each other. |
| US09298321B2 |
Electrostatic capacitance-type input device and input device-attached electro-optical apparatus
An electrostatic capacitance-type input device in which input position detecting electrodes are disposed in an input area of a substrate, includes a lower layer-side conductive film, an interlayer insulating film, and an upper layer-side conductive film, which are stacked on the substrate in order from the substrate side. A first input position detecting electrode and a second input position detecting electrode that extends in a direction intersecting the first input position detecting electrode and includes a discontinued portion in an intersection portion of the first and second input position detecting electrodes are formed as the input position detecting electrodes by a first conductive film out of the lower and upper layer-side conductive films, and a relay electrode that overlaps with the first input position detecting electrode in the intersection portion so as to be electrically connected to the discontinued portion of the second input position detecting electrode and an input area shield electrode that overlaps with the first and second input position detecting electrodes are formed by a second conductive film out of the lower and upper layer-side conductive films. |
| US09298320B2 |
Touch sensitive display devices
A touch sensitive device, the device comprising: a touch sensor light source to project a plane of light above a surface; a camera directed to capture a touch sense image from a region including at least a portion of said plane of light, said touch sense image comprising light scattered from said plane of light by a plurality of said objects simultaneously approaching or touching said surface; a signal processor coupled to said camera, to process a said touch sense image from said camera to identify a lateral location of each of said objects; and an output object position output, to provide output object positions for said plurality of objects; and wherein said signal processor is further configured to: input a succession of said touch sense images; process each said touch sense image to identify a plurality of candidate object touch positions; and filter said candidate object touch positions from said successive touch sense images to link said candidate object touch positions to previously identified output object positions for said plurality of objects; and update said previously identified output object positions using said linked candidate object touch positions. |
| US09298318B2 |
Interactive input system and method
An interactive input system comprises a display panel; a first illumination source providing illumination across an outer surface of the display panel such that when a pointer is brought into proximity with the outer surface, the pointer reflects illumination from the first illumination source through the display panel; at least one imaging device having a field of view aimed at an opposite outer surface of the display panel, the at least one imaging device capturing images including illumination reflected by the pointer through the display panel; and processing structure in communication with the at least one imaging device, said processing structure processing the captured images to determine a location of the pointer relative to the outer surface. |
| US09298317B2 |
Stray-light-coupled biometrics sensing module and electronic apparatus using the same
A stray-light-coupled biometrics sensing module includes a light-transparent body, a display unit and an optical module. The light-transparent body has a front side and a backside. The front side is configured to support an organic object thereon. The display unit attached to the backside of the light-transparent body displays a frame. The optical module is attached to the backside of the light-transparent body through an adhesive, and is disposed adjacent to the display unit. First light rays of the frame emitted from an eye-viewing screen couple into the organic object through the light-transparent body. After travelling a short distance in the organic object, the first light rays couple out of the organic object and re-enter the light-transparent body as second light rays entering the optical module. The optical module senses the second light rays to generate a biometrics image signal. An electronic apparatus is also disclosed. |
| US09298315B2 |
Display device including photo sensor and driving method thereof
Provided is a display device including a photo sensor and a driving method. The display device includes a first sensing unit and a second sensing unit that sense light, at least one sensing signal line that is connected with the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit and transmits a reference voltage for resetting the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit, a sensing signal processor that processes a sensing signal from the sensing signal line, and a backlight that irradiates internal light toward the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit during an internal light irradiation period which is repeated per frame, in which the first sensing unit is reset once and the second sensing unit is reset at least three times during each frame. |
| US09298313B2 |
In-cell capacitive touch screen and touch contact detecting method and system thereof
A method and system for detecting at ouch contact on an in-cell capacitive touch screen includes, based on the different gray scale pictures displayed by the in-cell capacitive touch screen in a non-touch state as well as a distribution of the intersections of rows and columns of the in-cell capacitive touch screen, obtaining noise values corresponding to different gray scales for each intersection, obtaining a theoretical noise value for each intersection under a condition of a current picture, and, for each intersection, compensating a detected signal with the theoretical noise value in the current picture to locate a position of the touch contact. |
| US09298312B2 |
Automated perceptual quality assessment of touchscreen devices
Methods and systems may provide for receiving a video of an interaction with a touch screen, using a computer vision process to identify a gesture in the video, and determining a response time of the touch screen with respect to the gesture. Moreover, a display area update percentage can be tracked subsequent to a response of the touch screen to the gesture, wherein a frame rate determination may be conducted for the touch screen based on the display area update percentage. |
| US09298311B2 |
Trackpad sensitivity compensation
A device compensating for a loss in sensitivity of a sensor, such as a trackpad. The device may be standalone, integrated with the trackpad itself, or within the associated integrated circuit designed to measure relative electrode capacitances. The embodiment generally employs a current source to negatively compensate for the current available to charge at least one capacitor (or other storage device) in the trackpad. |
| US09298307B2 |
Display apparatus with touch control function and operation method thereof
A touch display apparatus is disclosed in the disclosure. The touch display apparatus includes a panel module, a display driving circuit and a touch sensing circuit. The panel module includes pixel units, common electrode lines and a touch receiving line. The common electrode lines are disposed vertical to the touch response lines. The display driving circuit is coupled to the panel module to drive the pixel units. The display driving circuit is synchronized to the touch sensing circuit. The touch transmission signal for touch-sensing is transmitted via the common electrode line sequentially. In addition, a display-driving method is also disclosed. |
| US09298303B2 |
Duty cycle modulation of periodic time-synchronous receivers for noise reduction
Methods, systems and apparatus are provided that implement duty cycle modulation of periodic time-synchronous (PTS) receivers for noise reduction. For instance, when a composite signal is received at a PTS receiver, the composite signal includes an input signal and a noise signal. The composite signal is input to a transmission gate of the PTS receiver. The PTS receiver also receives a gating control input signal that turns the transmission gate on and off. A duty cycle controller adjusts a variable duty cycle of the gating control input signal applied to the transmission gate to output an output signal from the transmission gate such that one or more components of the noise signal present in the composite signal is/are reduced in the output signal that is output by the transmission gate. |
| US09298298B2 |
Wearable display input system
Embodiments that relate to an input system for a wearable display device are disclosed. For example, in one disclosed embodiment the wearable display device comprises at least one temple arm extending from a display bridge of the device. A first touch-sensitive strip extends along a first axis on a top side of the arm. A second touch-sensitive strip extends parallel to the first touch-sensitive strip on a bottom side of the arm opposite to the top side. At least a portion of the first touch-sensitive strip and a portion of the second touch-sensitive strip overlap as viewed from a second axis. Both the first and second touch-sensitive strips are configured to generate linear contact input signals from one or more user digits sliding along the first axis, with the linear contact input signals provided to a user interface program. |
| US09298296B2 |
Electronic apparatus and method of control thereof
An electronic apparatus and a control method therefor provide an apparatus that includes a first body that includes a display part, a second body that includes a touchpad to change a sensing sensitivity, a hinge part to connect the first body and the second body and to rotate 360 degrees, and a controller to change an operation mode of the electronic apparatus according to an angle of the first body and the second body, and to increase the sensing sensitivity of the touchpad so that the touchpad detects human body contact when the first body and the second body form a preset angle. |
| US09298294B2 |
Display apparatus and touch detection apparatus using shift of detection operation for reduced detection time
A display apparatus includes: a display face; a display function layer adapted to vary display on the display face in response to an inputted image signal; a plurality of driving electrodes disposed separately in one direction; a detection scanning control section configured to apply a detection driving voltage to some of the plural driving electrodes and carry out detection driving scanning while shifting an application object of the detection driving voltage in the one direction on the display face and then control the detection driving scanning such that jump shift of carrying out shift with a pitch of twice or more times a driving electrode pitch is included; and a plurality of sensor lines disposed separately in a direction different from the one direction and responding to touch or proximity of a detection object with or to the display face to exhibit an electric variation. |
| US09298286B2 |
Finger control device
A finger control device for controlling an electronic device to switch an operating mode thereof includes a main body, a sensor unit and a control unit. The main body includes a first securing part to be disposed on a palm, and a second securing part to be disposed on a finger. The sensor unit includes a first sensor element disposed at a first section of the finger, and a second sensor element disposed at a second section of the finger. Interaction between the two sensor elements is controlled through bending of the finger. The control unit controls the electronic device to operate in a first mode when the first sensor element interacts with the second sensor element, and to operate in a second mode when the first sensor element does not interact with the second sensor element. |
| US09298282B2 |
3D pointing devices with orientation compensation and improved usability
Systems and methods according to the present invention describe 3D pointing devices which enhance usability by transforming sensed motion data from a first frame of reference (e.g., the body of the 3D pointing device) into a second frame of reference (e.g., a user's frame of reference). One exemplary embodiment of the present invention removes effects associated with a tilt orientation in which the 3D pointing device is held by a user. |
| US09298280B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling a computing system
A handheld computing device is introduced comprising a motion detection sensor(s) and a motion control agent. The motion detection sensor(s) detect motion of the computing device in one or more of six (6) fields of motion and generate an indication of such motion. The motion control agent, responsive to the indications of motion received from the motion sensors, generate control signals to modify, one or more of the operating state and/or the displayed content of the computing device based, at least in part, on the received indications. |
| US09298279B2 |
Cursor control device
A cursor control device having a light source and an image sensor for optically tracking motion. The device includes an upwardly facing dome or window that provides a visual and tactile interface for user interaction. The user's hand or finger, bare or gloved, or other object controlled by the user, can be moved in close proximity or touching the dome, and means are provided to discriminate against the motion of objects that are not close to the dome in order to prevent unwanted cursor motion. Said means can include optics having a limited depth of focus, adaptive illumination processing for controlling the intensity of light emitted from the light source to optimize sensor operation, and/or processing for projecting cursor motion in accordance with a detected level of confidence in the sensor data. |
| US09298275B2 |
Hybrid keyboard for mobile device
A mobile device has a user interface comprising a plurality of keys arranged in a plurality of groups. A processor is operatively coupled to the user input device to receive user input from the user input device and to identify which group of keys has received the user input. A display is operatively coupled to the processor for displaying characters corresponding to the keys of the group in response to the user input. The keys may have capacitive touch sensors with haptic feedback. |
| US09298274B2 |
String predictions from buffer
In a mobile device, the strings that make up a current thread in application are stored in a buffer. A thread is a series of communications sent between a user of the mobile device and one or more other users, such as a series of text messages or a series of emails. When the user enters text to continue the current thread, characters of the entered text are compared against the strings stored in the buffer, and strings that have the entered text as a prefix are selected and displayed to the user as string predictions in a soft input panel. Alternatively, the strings in the buffer may be used to increase the probabilities of matching strings in a dictionary or model that is used to select string predictions. |
| US09298273B2 |
Input device having grooves and corresponding sensing units
An input device is provided in the present application. The input device includes a first panel and a second panel, the first panel is provided with multiple grooves; the second panel is located under the first panel or fused to a bottom of the first panel, and includes a sensing unit configured to sense a key. In the input device, each of the grooves is arranged to correspond to one key area, and a key command may be input by performing a touch key operation on a corresponding sensing unit under the groove. Compared with the conventional input device, in the input device of the present application, the input of the key command may be realized without key caps and scissor-shaped structures for supporting the key caps, thereby shortening the key travel and reducing the thickness of the input device. |
| US09298270B2 |
Written character inputting device and method
A character input apparatus comprises a display unit configured to display a graphic zone that displays multiple character groups including one or more characters and a touch zone that senses a touch of an input mean; a display control unit configured to select any one of the multiple character groups depending on a touch type of the input mean sensed by the touch zone and display the selected character at a predetermined position of the graphic zone; and an input unit configured to set the character displayed at the predetermined position of the graphic zone for a predetermined time as an input character. The display control unit selects a character moved to be closest to the predetermined position when the characters displayed on the graphic zone are moved in a sliding direction of the input mean and displays the selected character at the predetermined position of the graphic zone. |
| US09298267B2 |
Method and terminal device for controlling content by sensing head gesture and hand gesture, and computer-readable recording medium
The present invention relates to a method, a terminal, and a computer-readable medium for controlling content by detecting head and hand gestures. The method for controlling a content by detecting hand gestures and head gestures, includes steps of: (a) detecting a head region and a hand region of a user by analyzing an input image with an object detection technology; (b) tracking the gestures in the head region and the hand region of the user by using a computer vision technology; and (c) allowing the content to be controlled by referring to gestures-combining information including data on the tracked gestures in the head region and the hand region. |
| US09298266B2 |
Systems and methods for implementing three-dimensional (3D) gesture based graphical user interfaces (GUI) that incorporate gesture reactive interface objects
Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention implement three-dimensional (3D) gesture based graphical user interfaces (GUI) using gesture reactive interface objects. One embodiment includes using a computing device to render an initial user interface comprising a set of interface objects, detect a targeting 3D gesture in captured image data that identifies a targeted interface object within the user interface, change the rendering of at least the targeted interface object within the user interface in response to the targeting 3D gesture that targets the interface object, detect an interaction 3D gesture in additional captured image data that identifies a specific interaction with a targeted interface object, modify the user interface in response to the interaction with the targeted interface object identified by the interaction 3D gesture, and render the modified user interface. |
| US09298262B2 |
Dynamic tactile interface
A dynamic tactile interface including a substrate including an attachment surface, a cavity, and a fluid channel fluidly coupled to the cavity; a pedestal arranged within the cavity, pivotable within the cavity, and including a mating surface and an exterior surface; a tactile layer including a peripheral region coupled to the attachment surface, a deformable region adjacent the peripheral region and arranged over the pedestal, and a tactile surface opposite the substrate; and a displacement device displacing fluid to transition the deformable region from a retracted setting into an expanded setting, the pedestal pivotable within the cavity between a first position and a second position in the retracted setting, the deformable region flush with the peripheral region in the first position and the pedestal partially elevated out of the cavity and the deformable region defining a second formation tactilely distinguishable from the peripheral region in the expanded setting. |
| US09298260B2 |
Tactile communication system with communications based on capabilities of a remote system
A system and method for communicating tactile information, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims. |
| US09298255B2 |
Transmissive display apparatus and operation input method
A transmissive display apparatus includes an operation section that detects an operational input issued through an operation surface, an image output section for the left eye and an image output section for the right eye that output predetermined image light, an image pickup section that visually presents the predetermined image light in an image pickup area that transmits externally incident light, a sensor that outputs a signal according to a positional relationship between the operation surface and the image pickup area, and a determination section that detects overlap between an optical image of the operation surface that has passed through the image pickup area and the predetermined image in the image pickup area based on the signal according to the positional relationship and receives the operational input when the optical image of the operation surface overlaps with the predetermined image. |
| US09298254B2 |
Movable display apparatus, robot having movable display apparatus and display method thereof
A movable display apparatus, a robot having the movable display apparatus, and a display method thereof, and, more particularly, a display method of a robot having an apparatus to display an image according to a visual point of a user are provided. It is possible to provide a convenient extended image service, by movably mounting the apparatus to display the image according to the visual point of the user and mounting the movable display apparatus in the robot so as to accurately display the image according to the visual point of the user using the mobility and motion of the robot. In addition, it is possible to provide an image, which is viewed like a three-dimensional image, via a two-dimensional display apparatus, by changing the displayed image according to a variation in the sightline of the user. |
| US09298245B2 |
Information processing apparatus performing processes in parallel
An information processing apparatus performing a plurality of processes in parallel includes a plurality of processing units and an adjusting unit configured to determine processing intervals of the processing units on a processing-unit-specific basis to gradually align periods in which the processing units operate. |
| US09298243B2 |
Selection of an operating point of a memory physical layer interface and a memory controller based on memory bandwidth utilization
The present application describes embodiments of a method that includes modifying an operating point of at least one of a memory physical layer interface or a memory controller in response to changes in bandwidth utilization of the memory physical layer interface. The present application also describes embodiments of an apparatus that includes a memory controller, a memory physical layer interface, and a power management controller to modify an operating point of at least one of the memory physical layer interface or the memory controller in response to changes in bandwidth utilization of the memory physical layer interface. |
| US09298240B2 |
Memory device, control method for the memory device, and controller
During normal power operation, an erased free block is prepared in nonvolatile memory so that at least one erased free block is continuously available as a standby block. If a power failure occurs, volatile data and its address conversion information are written into the standby block in the nonvolatile memory. |
| US09298234B2 |
Dynamic power distribution
According to one embodiment, a method for dynamically sharing power grids of a device includes providing power from a first power supply to a first power grid in a first component of the device. The method also includes providing power from a second power supply to a second power grid in a second component of the device and dynamically changing, by a controller, a state of a first switch that controls a sharing of power between the first power grid and the second power grid during a runtime of the device. |
| US09298232B2 |
Electronic device
According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes: a first housing including a first wall; a reinforcing member that is overlapped on an inner surface of the first wall and is bonded to the first wall; an electric component including a second wall located at a side opposite to the first wall with respect to the reinforcing member, a third wall located at a side opposite to the reinforcing member with respect to the second wall and spaced from the second wall, and a fourth wall connecting the second wall and the third wall, the electric component being accommodated in the first housing, and a first protrusion that is provided to the reinforcing member and projects toward the fourth wall. |
| US09298227B2 |
Full height I/O bracket for low profile expansion card
An expansion card includes a mounting bracket with a full height I/O panel with a top mounting panel attached thereto extending orthogonally away. A low profile printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) is physically attached to at least one of the top mounting panel and the full height I/O panel, and the mounting bracket and low profile PCBA define a full height expansion card. The low profile PCBA has a card edge that is insertably connectable to an I/O connector of an information handling system (IHS) to communicate with other components of the IHS. A full height heat sink is attached to the low profile PCBA and extends across a portion of the top mounting panel, providing increased heat dissipation for functional components of the low profile PCBA during operation of the low profile PCBA. A battery compartment is mounted on the mounting panel and supplies power to the functional components. |
| US09298225B2 |
Tablet storage device
A tablet storage device includes a frame having a plurality of slots, at least one of which is adapted to hold a tablet. A docking station can be disposed in at least one slot. In some cases the docking station is configured to align a tablet as the tablet is positioned in the slot such that a corresponding port in the tablet aligns with, and connects to, a connector. The frame also has a surface to attach the device to a vertical surface and can have a door that can be moved from an open to a closed position and adapted to retain at least one tablet held within at least one slot when the door is closed. A power supply system and/or a network connection system can be provided with the tablet storage device. |
| US09298223B2 |
Mobile terminal device, storage medium, and method for display control of mobile terminal device
A mobile terminal device includes: a display; a display control module which displays an execution screen for an application program on the display; and a detection module which detects a posture of the mobile terminal device based on a gravity acceleration applied to the mobile terminal device. In this arrangement, the display control module controls a display direction of the execution screen with respect to the mobile terminal device according to the posture of the mobile terminal device, and performs suppression control so as to, even if the posture of the mobile terminal device is changed, suppress switching of the display direction corresponding to the changed posture, provided that a suppression condition for suppressing switching of the display direction is satisfied while the execution screen is displayed on the display. |
| US09298220B2 |
Curved display and electronic device including the same
A curved display including an external protective layer with an edge at least a part of which has a certain curvature, an opaque layer disposed at the edge of the external protective layer, and a panel module layer including an electrode trace area aligned under the opaque layer. |
| US09298217B2 |
Portable HDMI monitor that displays while powering mobile devices
A system comprises three major components including a portable monitor, a housing, and a removable shelf. The portable monitor is suitable to display HDMI data coming from mobiles devices. The portable monitor also includes an electrical source to charge mobile devices, such as smartphones, while HDMI data is displayed. |
| US09298213B2 |
Transforming modular display systems and methods of using same
Modular display monitor systems are disclosed that employ a multi-purpose base component that may be used in a first configuration as part of a stand riser assembly for supporting a display monitor component in an upright viewing position with a separate riser component, and that may be used in a second configuration together with a separate support arm as part of an arm mount assembly for attaching a display monitor component to a wall or desktop without the riser component. |
| US09298211B2 |
Time division multiplexed multiport memory implemented using single-port memory elements
Integrated circuits having single-port memory elements may be provided. The single-port memory elements may be controlled using a control circuit to emulate multiport functionality. In one suitable embodiment, the control circuit may be an arbitration circuit configured to execute a memory request as soon as it is received by the arbitration circuit. Requests received while a current memory access is being performed may be put on hold until the current memory access has been completed. In another suitable embodiment, the control circuit may be a sequencing circuit configured to service memory access requests from a synchronous port and an asynchronous port. Memory access requests received at the synchronous port may be serviced immediately, whereas memory access requests received at the asynchronous port may be synchronized to an internal memory clock signal and may be serviced after a preceding memory access request associated with the synchronous port has been serviced. |
| US09298207B2 |
Temperature control device
A temperature control device for a climate control loop comprising at least one handle piece. |
| US09298201B2 |
Power delivery to three-dimensional chips
The present disclosure includes a three dimensional (3D) integrated device comprising a first die having a first supply line and a second die having a second supply line, a power header, and voltage selection logic. The power header is connected to the first die and the second die and configured to generate a first voltage on a first voltage line and a second voltage on a second voltage line. The voltage selection logic is connected to the first supply line and the second supply line and configured to select between the first voltage line and the second voltage line for each of the first supply line and the second supply line. |
| US09298200B2 |
Constant voltage circuit with drooping and foldback overcurrent protection
The constant voltage includes a sense transistor through which a sense current flows based on an output current flowing through an output transistor; a current division circuit for dividing the sense current and outputting divided currents; a first current to voltage conversion circuit for converting a first division current output from the current division circuit to a first voltage; a second current voltage conversion circuit for converting a second division current output from the current division circuit to a second voltage; an output voltage detection circuit for controlling the current division circuit such that a drain voltage of the sense transistor becomes equal to a voltage of the output terminal; and an overcurrent protection circuit for controlling the output voltage and the output current by detecting an overcurrent flowing through the output transistor based on the first voltage. |
| US09298198B2 |
Noise reduction for envelope tracking
A direct current (DC)-DC converter, which includes a parallel amplifier, a radio frequency (RF) trap, and a switching supply, is disclosed. The switching supply includes switching circuitry and a first inductive element. The parallel amplifier has a feedback input and a parallel amplifier output. The switching circuitry has a switching circuitry output. The first inductive element is coupled between the switching circuitry output and the feedback input. The RF trap is coupled between the parallel amplifier output and a ground. |
| US09298196B2 |
Energy efficiency promoting schedule learning algorithms for intelligent thermostat
A user-friendly programmable thermostat is described that includes receiving an immediate-control input to change set point temperature, controlling temperature according to the set point temperature for a predetermined time interval, and then automatically resetting the set point temperature upon the ending of the predetermined time interval such that the user is urged to make further immediate-control inputs. A schedule for the programmable thermostat is automatically generated based on the immediate-control inputs. Methods are also described for receiving user input relating to the user's preference regarding automatically generating a schedule, and determining whether or not to automatically adopt an automatically generated schedule based on the received user input. |
| US09298185B2 |
Traveling vehicle system
A controller (140) included in a traveling vehicle system (100) includes: a traveling-prohibited section setting unit (145) configured to set a traveling-prohibited section which is a section of a traveling path (130) which a traveling vehicle cannot travel; a determination unit (147) configured to determine, for each of stations, when a traveling-prohibited section is set by the traveling-prohibited section setting unit (145), whether or not the traveling vehicle can return, to one of the stations from which the traveling vehicle departs, without passing the traveling-prohibited section; and an availability setting unit (148) configured to set the station as available when the determination unit (147) determines that the traveling vehicle can return to the station, and to set the station as unavailable when the determination unit (147) determines that the traveling vehicle cannot return to the station. |
| US09298183B2 |
Robot and method for autonomous inspection or processing of floor areas
A mobile, self-propelling robot for carrying out activities autonomously is described. The robot can include a drive module for moving the robot over the floor surface, a processing module, a navigation module that navigates based on a map of the surroundings. The robot can also include a sensor module for sensing information relating to the structure of the surroundings, an analysis unit designed to determine the surface processed during a processing operation, to compare the surface and store information about a deviation therebetween, and a communication module to communicate the stored information about the deviation and thereby provide a user with the possibility of intervening, where on the basis of predefinable criteria it is decided whether information is to be communicated or not. The communication module can also receive a control instruction from the user and to interrupt, continue, modify or start again the processing operation. |
| US09298182B2 |
Method of displaying abnormal status in plant operation monitoring system
The disclosure pertains to a method of displaying an abnormal status in a plant operation monitoring system. The method of displaying the abnormal status includes the steps of: receiving information of operational states from a sensor mounted on devices, machines and facilities constituting an industrial plant system; checking any abnormal signal in the operational states, logically grouping parts influencing on operational values when the abnormal signal is generated, and displaying the parts on a piping & instrument drawing (P&ID) on a monitor; and tracing the abnormal signal in a reverse direction of a system flow, searching out the device which causes the abnormal state, and displaying the abnormal device on the piping & instrument drawing. |
| US09298179B2 |
Robot and robot controller
A robot has an operation mode setting unit that sets an operation mode of the robot. The operation mode setting unit changes a correction factor multiplied by the maximum acceleration and the maximum deceleration of an arm and the servo gain of a servo circuit, and thereby selectively sets the operation mode to one of a first operation mode, a second operation mode in which the arm operates faster than in the first operation mode, and a third operation mode in which the arm vibrates less than in the first operation mode. |
| US09298172B2 |
Method and apparatus for improved reward-based learning using adaptive distance metrics
The present invention is a method and an apparatus for reward-based learning of policies for managing or controlling a system or plant. In one embodiment, a method for reward-based learning includes receiving a set of one or more exemplars, where at least two of the exemplars comprise a (state, action) pair for a system, and at least one of the exemplars includes an immediate reward responsive to a (state, action) pair. A distance metric and a distance-based function approximator estimating long-range expected value are then initialized, where the distance metric computes a distance between two (state, action) pairs, and the distance metric and function approximator are adjusted such that a Bellman error measure of the function approximator on the set of exemplars is minimized. A management policy is then derived based on the trained distance metric and function approximator. |
| US09298170B1 |
Watch capable of automatically turning on backlight and related method
A watch capable of automatically turning on a backlight and a related method includes: providing a watch and one or more wearable device both supporting a wireless communication protocol, establishing a communication between the watch and the wearable device via the wireless communication protocol, measuring a signal strength related to the communication, determining whether a distance condition is satisfied based on the signal strength, and turning on a backlight of the watch when the distance condition is satisfied. |
| US09298168B2 |
Multiview 3D wrist watch
A multiview 3D wrist watch is disclosed. The wrist watch has clock circuitry to determine a time and a plurality of light sources to generate a plurality of input planar lightbeams. A directional backplane having a plurality of directional pixels scatters the plurality of input planar lightbeams into a plurality of directional lightbeams, each directional lightbeam having a direction and angular spread controlled by characteristics of a directional pixel in the plurality of directional pixels. A shutter layer receives the time from the clock circuitry and modulates the plurality of directional lightbeams to generate a 3D time view. |
| US09298163B2 |
Timepiece wheel set with a unidirectional wheel
A timepiece wheel set with a unidirectional wheel including an arbor carrying a pinion and at least a first wheel that is coaxial with the pinion and pivotally mounted on the arbor. The first wheel is connected to the arbor by a first spring, which exerts a friction force on the first wheel. The wheel set also includes a second wheel pivotally mounted on the arbor, and connected to the arbor by a second spring, which exert a friction force on the second wheel. |
| US09298162B2 |
Timepiece barrel with thin disks
This timepiece includes a movement with a diameter of less than 40 mm which comprises a barrel (1) for the housing of a mainspring and of which the diameter is less than the radius of said movement. The barrel (1) comprises a cylindrical lateral wall (2), surrounded by a tooth gear (3), of which each edge (21, 21′) is closed by a disk (4, 4′) traversed axially by an opening (5, 5′) for pivoting of a barrel arbor (7). The height of the housing is between 85% and 97% of the total height of the periphery of the barrel (1). |
| US09298159B2 |
Removal mechanism and image forming apparatus
A removal mechanism includes a removing member, an accommodation section, a receiver, and a cooling path. The removing member rubs against an extraneous-matter-adhered member, to which extraneous matter is adhered, so as to remove the extraneous matter therefrom. The accommodation section accommodates therein the extraneous matter removed by the removing member. The receiver receives, at a lower side of the accommodation section, the extraneous matter spilling out and dropping from the accommodation section. The cooling path allows gas so flow therethrough so as to cool the accommodation section from outside thereof. The cooling path is spatially isolated from a passage chamber through which the extraneous matter dropping from the accommodation section toward the receiver passes, an accommodation chamber for the extraneous matter in the accommodation section, and a chamber above the receiver that receives the extraneous matter. |
| US09298155B2 |
Image forming apparatus
According to an aspect of the invention, an image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a sound absorbing device utilizing a Helmholtz resonator, and a hinged exterior cover operable to open and close relative to the apparatus body. The hinged exterior cover is a hinged cover configured to pivot about a pivot shaft arranged at a lower end portion of the hinged exterior cover. At least a part of the hinged exterior cover has a multiplex structure made by overlaying a plurality of plate-like members on one another. The sound absorbing device is formed by utilizing space between two plate-like members of the plurality of plate-like members making up the multiplex structure as a cavity of the Helmholtz resonator. |
| US09298147B2 |
Image forming apparatus with separating mechanism to separate a roll sheet from a fixing member or a pressurizing member
In an image forming apparatus, a roll sheet carrying an unfixed toner image is passed through a nip portion of a fixing portion including a fixing member heated to a predetermined temperature and a pressurizing member press-contacted with the fixing member so as to fix the toner image on the roll sheet. Then, the control portion performs winding prevention control of the roll sheet around the fixing member and the pressurizing member in accordance with a winding direction of the roll sheet and/or a roll radius of the remaining roll sheet. |
| US09298146B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes: a rotatable fixing member formed as an endless belt; a heat source to heat the fixing member; a nip-forming member being not rotatable and arranged inside the fixing member; and a pressure member arranged outside the fixing member and forming a nip between the pressure member and the fixing member. The nip-forming member is formed of a first heat transmission unit and a sliding sheet. The first heat transmission unit includes an abutting part abutting the fixing member with the sliding sheet therebetween, and a bent part or bent parts extending inside the fixing member at upstream or upstream and downstream of the nip in a transport direction of a recording medium. A retaining part to catch and retain the sliding sheet is provided at a tip of at least the bent part at upstream of the nip in the transport direction. |
| US09298138B2 |
Recording apparatus with cleaning unit for transfer belt
A recording apparatus includes a transfer belt which transfers a recording medium, a recording section which performs recording on the recording medium, and a wiper blade which is able to abut with the transfer belt, wherein the wiper blade is supported in a state of being clamped by clamping members. Extension lengths of the clamping members, which are from an clamping region in the direction toward the transfer belt, are different depending on the clamping member. The extension length of the clamping member, which is on the downstream side in the movement direction of the transfer belt to transfer the recording medium during recording, is longer. |
| US09298136B2 |
Agitating mechanism, toner container, and image forming apparatus
An agitating mechanism according to one aspect of the present disclosure is disposed in a toner container in which toner is stored. The agitating mechanism includes a rotation shaft member. The rotation shaft member is configured to support an agitating member that agitates the toner. The rotation shaft member is provided, together with the agitating member, in the toner container so as to be rotatable. The rotation shaft member has a through hole that passes through the rotation shaft member in a first direction orthogonal to a rotation axis direction. |
| US09298127B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus including same
A developing device includes a developer bearer and a regulation member. The developer bearer bears developer on a surface thereof. The developer bearer is rotatable forward and in reverse. The regulation member is disposed in contact or non-contact with the surface of the developer bearer to regulate amount of the developer on the developer bearer. In a non-development period, when the developer bearer rotates in a direction of reverse rotation opposite to a direction of forward rotation in which the developer bearer rotates in a development period, the developer bearer stops a series of rotating operations after the developer bearer rotates in the direction of forward rotation as a last rotating operation. A total rotation amount of forward rotation is set to be greater than a total rotation amount of reverse rotation in the series of rotating operations. |
| US09298126B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus including the same
A developing device includes a housing, a development roller, and a roller gear. The roller gear is disposed at one axial end of the development roller and transmits a rotational drive force to the development roller. The development roller includes a sleeve and a coating layer. The coating layer is formed by dipping the sleeve in a dipping bath with the sleeve directed axially vertically. The development roller is mounted to the housing such that a lower axial end of the development roller at the time of the dipping is an opposite axial end to the one axial end at which the roller gear is disposed. |
| US09298125B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus includes a latent image bearing member, a charging unit, a charging power source, a latent image writing unit, a development unit, a transfer unit, a toner detector, and a controller. The controller causes a background fog pattern to be formed on a surface of the latent image bearing member. In addition to the background fog pattern, the controller causes a latent image to be developed to form a toner image used for position identification on the surface of the latent image bearing member. The controller identifies a time when the toner image used for position identification has entered a detection range of the toner detector based on a change in outputs of the toner detector to determine a time when each of sections of the background fog pattern enters the detection range based on the identified time. |
| US09298120B2 |
Image forming apparatus
Non-uniform charged potential of a surface of a photosensitive member is suppressed even when a temperature of a charging member newly mounted to an image forming apparatus by exchange is lower than a temperature inside the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes the photosensitive member, a charge portion, an applying portion for applying a charging bias voltage to the charge portion, a toner image forming portion for forming a toner image on the photosensitive member, a transfer portion, a fixing portion, a first casing accommodating them, and a second casing having a recording material accommodating portion for accommodating a recording material. |
| US09298115B2 |
Electrophotographic photosensitive member, method for manufacturing electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge, and electrophotographic apparatus
In an electrophotographic photosensitive member including a charge-generating layer, the charge-generating layer has a matrix-domain structure; in the matrix-domain structure, the domain contains a charge-generating substance, and the matrix contains a binder resin and a fluoranthene compound. |
| US09298114B2 |
Y-type oxotitanium phthalocyanine nanoparticles, preparation, and use thereof
Oxotitanium phthalocyanine nanoparticles in the crystal form of phase-Y (Y-TiOPc) having particle diameters of 2˜4 nm, preparation, and applications thereof are disclosed. The preparation method comprises the following steps: mixing a concentrated sulfuric acid solution of TiOPc with water or dilute sulfuric acid, or water or dilute sulfuric acid with a surfactant dissolved therein, or an aqueous solution of a low molecular weight organic compound to form a suspension or hydrosol; adding into the resulting suspension or hydrosol chlorinated hydrocarbons to extract TiOPc into an organic phase, so as to form a colloidal solution of Y-TiOPc nanoparticles; and then, washing and drying the above nanoparticles to give rise to a powder of the Y-TiOPc nanoparticles. Such a nanoparticle powder can disperse in chlorinated hydrocarbons to form stable colloidal solutions, thereby providing an alternative approach for solving the problem of poor dispersibility for Y-type TiOPc. |
| US09298113B2 |
Electrophotographic photoconductor, image forming apparatus, and process cartridge
An electrophotographic photoconductor, including: an electroconductive substrate; and at least a photoconductive layer and a surface layer in this order over the electroconductive substrate, wherein the surface layer includes a resin having no charge transport properties, and first inorganic fine particles, and wherein the first inorganic fine particles are inorganic fine particles having surfaces modified with at least one of a primary amino group and a secondary amino group, and a volume resistivity of the first inorganic fine particles is 1×108 Ω·cm or less. |
| US09298110B2 |
Radiation source apparatus, lithographic apparatus, method of generating and delivering radiation and method for manufacturing a device
A contaminant trap is used in an EUV radiation source apparatus. An EUV radiation beam is generated and focused through a low pressure gaseous atmosphere into a virtual source point. The EUV radiation creates a plasma in the low pressure hydrogen atmosphere through which it passes. A contaminant trap including electrodes is located in or around radiation beam as it approaches the virtual source point. A DC biasing source is connected to the electrodes to create an electric field oriented to deflect out of the beam path contaminant particles that have been negatively charged by the plasma. Additional RF electrodes and/or an ionizer enhance the plasma to increase the charging of the particles. The deflecting electrodes can be operated with RF bias for a short time, to ensure dissipation of the enhanced plasma. |
| US09298102B2 |
Projection lens with wavefront manipulator
A projection lens for imaging a pattern arranged in an object plane of the projection lens into an image plane of the projection lens via electromagnetic radiation having an operating wavelength λ<260 nm has a multiplicity of optical elements having optical surfaces which are arranged in a projection beam path between the object plane (OS) and the image plane. Provision is made of a wavefront manipulation system for dynamically influencing the wavefront of the projection radiation passing from the object plane to the image plane. |
| US09298101B2 |
Multi facet mirror of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus
A multi facet mirror of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus includes a plurality of mirror facet units. Each unit includes a mirror member with a body, a reflective coating provided at one end of the body and an actuating surface provided at an opposite end. The unit further includes a rest member on which the actuating surface rests while the mirror member is not moving, and an actuator that tilts the mirror member about a tilting axis. The actuator has a contact surface and a lifting member which moves the actuating surface along a lifting direction. In a first operating state of the lifting member the actuating surface rests on the rest member and in a second operating state on the contact surface. A displacement member displaces the contact surface along a lateral direction only while the lifting member is in the second operating state. |
| US09298100B2 |
Imaging optical system
The disclosure generally relates to imaging optical systems that include a plurality of mirrors, which image an object field lying in an object plane in an image field lying in an image plane, where at least one of the mirrors has a through-hole for imaging light to pass through. The disclosure also generally relates to projection exposure installations that include such im-aging optical systems, methods of using such projection exposure installa-tions, and components made by such methods. |
| US09298099B2 |
Exposure apparatus and exposure method thereof
An exposure apparatus is provided for performing an unidirectional scan-exposure. The exposure apparatus includes a base and a wafer stage group having a plurality of wafer stages on the base for holding wafers and successively moving from a first position to a second position of the base cyclically. The exposure apparatus also includes an alignment detection unit above the first position for detecting wafer stage fiducials at the first position and alignment marks on a wafer on the wafer stage to align the wafer. Further, the exposure apparatus includes a reticle stage on the second position for loading a cylindrical reticle and causing the cylindrical reticle to rotate around the center axis of the reticle stage and an optical projection unit between the reticle stage and the base for projecting light passing through the cylindrical reticle onto exposure regions on a wafer on the wafer stage. |
| US09298098B2 |
Exposure apparatus and method of configuring exposure apparatus
A light exposer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an exposure beam generator generating an exposure beam, and a vacuum chamber passing the exposure beam generated by the exposure beam generator and including a first fly eye lens having a plurality of convex lens like fly eyes. The exposure beam generator includes an oscillator including an oscillator pumping chamber, a first prism and a second prism, and a first exposure beam diameter changing lens positioned before the first prism and enlarging a diameter of the exposure beam. |
| US09298097B2 |
Projection exposure apparatus for EUV microlithography and method for microlithographic exposure
The disclosure relates to a projection exposure apparatus for EUV microlithography which includes an illumination system for illuminating a pattern, and a projection objective for imaging the pattern onto a light-sensitive substrate. The projection objective has a pupil plane with an obscuration. The illumination system generates light with an angular distribution having an illumination pole which extends over a range of polar angles and a range of azimuth angles and within which the light intensity is greater than an illumination pole minimum value. From the illumination pole toward large polar angles a dark zone is excluded within which the light intensity is less than the illumination pole minimum value, and which has in regions a form corresponding to the form of the obscuration of the pupil plane. |
| US09298095B2 |
Rinse solution for lithography and pattern formation method employing the same
The present invention provides a rinse solution for lithography and a pattern formation method using the solution. They can improve the pattern collapse, surface roughness and surface defects. The solution contains at least a sulfonic acid a nonionic surfactant having an alkyleneoxy group and water. |
| US09298085B2 |
Method for repairing a mask
A method for repairing a mask is disclosed. A mask, having at least one defect need to be repaired, is received. The mask includes a transmissive mask or a reflective mask. A location and size of the defect is determined. A repair hard mask (RHM) is formed over the mask. Various configuration of the RHM are disclosed. A repairing process is performed, with the RHM over the mask, to repair the defect. |
| US09298084B2 |
Preventing double patterning odd cycles
A method, system or computer usable program product for preventing odd cycles caused by design modifications to a double patterning layout including utilizing a processor to identify a set of double patterning cycles in the layout for storage in a memory; receiving a set of design modifications to the layout; utilizing the processor to identify from the set of double patterning cycles a subset of double patterning cycles affected by the set of design modifications; utilizing the processor to identify from the set of design modifications a subset of design modifications which may cause odd cycles in the subset of double patterning cycles; and providing a notification of the subset of design modifications. |
| US09298083B2 |
Extreme ultraviolet light (EUV) photomasks, and fabrication methods thereof
An extreme ultraviolet photomask comprises a reflective layer over a substrate, a capping layer over the reflective layer, a hard mask layer over the capping layer, and an absorber. The absorber is in the hard mask layer, the capping layer and the reflective layer. |
| US09298074B2 |
Projector
A projector includes: an external case provided with an opening through which light passes; a projection system disposed within an inside space of the external case, wherein the projection system includes a reflection member having a reflection surface capable of reflecting light received from a light source device to guide the light toward the opening, and projects the light to the outside of the external case via the opening; and a detection unit which detects a foreign material existing on the optical path of the light in the area of light exit of the opening. |
| US09298073B2 |
Projector and method for controlling projector
A projector includes an optical part including a light source section that outputs light, a light modulator that modulates the light outputted from the light source section based on an image signal, a projection optical section that projects the modulated light from the light modulator, a first fan that cools the optical part, and a fan controller that controls the first fan, and the fan controller operates the first fan intermittently when the light source section outputs light of luminance lower than luminance corresponding to normal image display. |
| US09298066B1 |
Multi-functional support assembly
A multi-functional support assembly is provided, including a fixed base, a locking element, a support element and a plurality of leg elements. The support element penetrates through the fixed base and can slide linearly inside the fixed base for position adjustment. The locking element is disposed at the fixed base. In a locked state, the locking element can fasten the position of the support element with respect to the fixed base. The plurality of leg elements is coupled to the circumference of the fixed base, with each leg element having a side wall on both sides. When folded, the side walls of two adjacent leg elements are aligned side-by-side closely so that the leg elements form a hollow tube easy to hold. When expanded, the leg elements are rotated outwards around the coupling to form the legs of the support assembly in a standing position. |
| US09298064B2 |
Multi-cam hub apparatus and systems
A multiple cam hub apparatus for use with an umbrella that allows for deploying and collapsing a light reflecting umbrella rapidly to facilitate its use for stage, studio, motion picture and still photography. A multiple cam floating hail bearing locking hub and interlocking spacer tube are provided for opening and collapsing an umbrella using the internal compression or resilient forces in the umbrella construction. Utilizing a push and clockwise rotation of the locking hub, the umbrella is locked in the opened position. When it is time to breakdown or close the umbrella, a counterclockwise rotation of the locking hub unlocks the hub and the umbrella collapses. |
| US09298063B2 |
Lighting device and photographing system including the same
A photographing system including a photographing device for capturing an image, and a lighting device that is capable of being mounted on the photographing device is provided. The lighting device includes a plurality of light sources configured as a solid state light-emitting device, and has a photographing auxiliary light function for allowing the solid state light-emitting device to be turned on to emit light during photographing and an autofocus (AF) auxiliary light function for allowing the solid state light-emitting device to be turned on to emit a predetermined amount of light when contrast AF is performed. And at least part of the light sources is shared when the photographing auxiliary light function and the AF auxiliary light function are performed. |
| US09298060B2 |
Imaging using metamaterials
A system for imaging an object is provided. The system includes a light source configured to emit light having a predetermined wavelength towards the object. The system further includes a metalens including a metallic film having a plurality of slits defined therethrough, the plurality of slits having a width a and a periodicity d that are both less than the predetermined wavelength, wherein the object is positioned between the light source and the metalens. The system further includes a detector configured to acquire measurements indicative of light transmitted through the metalens, and a computing device communicatively coupled to the detector and configured to reconstruct an image of the object based on the acquired measurements. |
| US09298058B2 |
Multi-stable electronic inks
A compound is disclosed. The compound has the general structure: wherein Y is selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, hydrocarbons including nitrogen in the carbon backbone, and hydrocarbons including oxygen in the carbon backbone; wherein R1 and R2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, linear hydrocarbons, branched hydrocarbons, and cyclic hydrocarbons and wherein R1 and R2 are not both hydrogen; wherein X is selected from the group consisting of CH2, O, N—R3, S, and nothing and wherein R3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, branched hydrocarbons, linear hydrocarbons, and cyclic hydrocarbons; wherein m is an integer between 1 and 50, inclusive; wherein n is an integer between 1 and 10,000, inclusive; and wherein p, q, and z are each independently an integer greater than 0. |
| US09298055B2 |
Array substrate, method of disconnection inspecting gate lead wire and source lead wire in the array substrate, method of inspecting the array substrate, and liquid crystal display device
An array substrate has a plurality of gate signal lines, a plurality of source signal lines orthogonal to the plurality of gate signal lines, a plurality of gate-driver mounting terminals, a plurality of source-driver mounting terminals, a plurality of gate-side array inspection terminals connected to the gate signal lines, a plurality of source-side array inspection terminals connected to the source signal lines, a plurality of gate lead wire disconnection inspection circuits connected between the plurality of gate-driver mounting terminals and a common terminal for a gate lead wire disconnection inspection, and a plurality of source lead wire disconnection inspection circuits connected between the plurality of source-driver mounting terminals and a common terminal for a source lead wire disconnection inspection. |
| US09298051B2 |
Display device, electronic apparatus, and method of manufacturing display device
A display device includes an electrode layer and a liquid crystal layer. The electrode layer has a first electrode and a second electrode. The second electrode is opposed to the first electrode and having a plurality of openings extending in a same extending direction. The liquid crystal layer is disposed on the electrode layer. The liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer in a region in proximity to one side of the opening and liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer in a region in proximity to another side of the opening, the sides of the opening being opposed to each other in a width direction of the opening, are rotated in opposite directions from each other and aligned. |
| US09298050B2 |
Terahertz in-plane and terahertz out-of-plane switching liquid crystal devices
A liquid crystal cell structure comprising transparent terahertz (THz) windows, alignment layers, protective layers, in-plane electrodes, out-of-plane electrodes, and a liquid crystal (LC) layer. The in-plane electrodes generate in-plane electric fields that are parallel to the liquid crystal layer and the out-of-plane electrodes generate out-of-plane electric fields that are perpendicular to the liquid crystal layer. The in-plane and out-of-plane electrodes have wire-grid patterns to increase THz wave transmission efficiency. The wire-grid patterned electrodes are transparent to THz waves that have parallel polarization compared to a grating vector of the wire grid pattern and are opaque to THz waves of perpendicular polarization. These two electrodes are controlled independently to tune the optical properties of the LC and improve the operating speed of THz LC devices. |
| US09298049B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
In one embodiment, a first substrate is provided with first and second main pixel electrodes electrically connected each other extending along a first direction, respectively. A second substrate includes first to third main common electrodes electrically connected each other extending along the first direction, respectively. The first main pixel electrode is arranged between the first and second main common electrodes, and the second main pixel electrode is arranged between the second and third main common electrodes. Four inter-electrode distances are formed. One of the four inter-electrode distances is set to an optimal inter-electrode distance, and one of the four inter-electrode distances is different from at least one of the other three inter-electrode distances. Herein, the optimal inter-electrode distance is defined as follows: in a range of voltage which is applied between the electrodes, more than 90% of a peak transmissivity is obtained by the optimal inter-electrode distance. |
| US09298048B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device in which smear error is suppressed and transmittance is uniform is provided. In a liquid crystal display device which includes a plurality of pixels and uses comb-teeth-shaped transparent conductive films 110 as common wirings, the common wirings include mesh-shaped common metal wirings 101v and 101h extending in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction and the comb-teeth-shaped transparent conductive films 110 are connected between adjacent pixels. |
| US09298044B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display includes a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other, a first spacer and a second spacer on the first substrate and have different heights, and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate and including a plurality of a liquid crystal molecule. The first spacer and the second spacer include a photosensitive material defining a maximum height of a spacer with respect to a predetermined a cross-section width dimension of the spacer, and heights less than the maximum height with respect to cross-section width dimensions larger than the predetermined cross-section width dimension. The first spacer and the second spacer can include a black pigment. |
| US09298039B2 |
Backlight unit and display device including the same
A backlight unit includes a light source which generates a first light; a quantum dots member which is spaced apart from the light source by a first distance and converts the first light into a second light; a guide member which lengthwise extends in a first direction and fixes positions of the light source and the quantum dots member; and an optical member which reflects the second light. The guide member guides the first light from the light source to the quantum dots member and guides the second light from the quantum dots member to the optical member. |
| US09298038B2 |
Light emitting unit having reflector and lens and display device having the same
Provided is a display device. The display device may include a display panel, a light-emitting unit, and a bottom cover. The light-emitting unit may include a light-emitting element configured to emit light, a substrate mounted with the light-emitting element, a reflector covering the light-emitting element and configured to reflect the light, and a first lens configured to transmit the reflected light to the outside. |
| US09298035B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and electronic device
To provide a liquid crystal display device which can perform image display in both modes: a reflective mode where external light is used as an illumination light source; and a transmissive mode where a backlight is used. In one pixel, a region where incident light through a liquid crystal layer is reflected to perform display (reflective region) and a region through which light from the backlight passes to perform display (transmissive region) are provided, and image display can be performed in both modes: the reflective mode where external light is used as an illumination light source; and the transmissive mode where the backlight is used as an illumination light source. In addition, two transistors connected to respective pixel electrode layers are provided in one pixel, and the two transistors are separately operated, whereby display of the reflective region and display of the transmissive region can be controlled independently. |
| US09298033B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device that includes a particular liquid crystal composition and a color filter that uses a particular pigment.The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device that prevents a decrease in voltage holding ratio (VHR) and an increase in ion density (ID) in a liquid crystal layer and resolves the problems of display defects such as white streaks, alignment nonuniformity, and image sticking.Since the liquid crystal display device of the present invention prevents a decrease in voltage holding ratio (VHR) and an increase in ion density (ID) in the liquid crystal layer and resolves the problems of display defects such as image sticking, the liquid crystal display device is useful as VA-mode and PSVA-mode liquid crystal display devices of an active matrix drive type, and is applicable to liquid crystal display devices of liquid crystal televisions, monitors, cellular phones, smart phones, etc. |
| US09298031B2 |
Wire mesh type diffuser plate and method of fabricating the same, and liquid crystal display device having the wire mesh type diffuser plate
Disclosed are a wire mesh type diffuser plate, a method of fabricating the same, and a liquid crystal display device having the same. A film type diffuser plate having predetermined tension is fabricated through traction by using a wire mesh instead of a diffuser plate based on an existing extruding method to improve egg mura generated in a backlight unit. The liquid crystal display device includes: a liquid crystal panel displaying an image; a plurality of lamps installed below the liquid crystal panel and providing light to the liquid crystal panel; a plurality of optical sheets installed between the plurality of lamps and the liquid crystal panel; a reflection plate installed below the plurality of lamps; and a diffuser plate formed of a wire mesh having predetermined tension and installed between the plurality of lamps and the optical sheet and having predetermined tension. |
| US09298026B2 |
Display device and method of manufacturing the same
A display device and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The display device includes a first panel, a panel supporter including a bottom part in which the first panel is received, a first pad that is positioned on the bottom part of the panel supporter and attaches the first panel to the panel supporter, a second panel positioned on the first panel, a cover including a surface part covering a partial outer wall of the second panel, and a second pad that is positioned under the surface part of the cover and attaches the second panel to the cover. |
| US09298024B2 |
Semiconductor Mach-Zender modulator and method to drive the same
A Mach-Zehnder (MZ) modulator made of semiconductor material and a method to drive the MZ-modulator are disclosed. The MZ-modulator includes a pair of arms to vary the phase of the optical beam propagating therein. One of the arms further provides the phase presetter that varies the phase of the optical beam by π. The arms are driven by modulation signals complementary to each other but with the DC bias equal to each other. |
| US09298018B2 |
Eyewear with lens retention feature and method of manufacture
Eyewear includes a set of lenses, a frame, and a pair of arms. A primary attachment feature facilitates attachment of the arms to the frames. A secondary attachment feature facilitates attachment of the arms to the frames in case the primary attachment feature becomes partially or wholly dysfunctional. A concealment feature at least partially conceals the secondary attachment feature. The concealment feature is detachable to permit use of the secondary attachment feature. In an example embodiment, the concealment feature is formed as an integral breakaway component of the arms. |
| US09298015B2 |
Image blur correction apparatus and imaging apparatus
An image blur correction apparatus includes a lens unit configured to include at least one lens, and configured to be turnable in two different directions using, as supporting points, two axes that are orthogonal to an outer housing. The image blur correction apparatus also includes a fixed member configured to turnably support the lens unit in the two directions, a first drive unit configured to be attached to the fixed member, and configured to turn the lens unit in one of the two directions. The image blur correction apparatus further includes a second drive unit configured to be attached to the fixed member, and configured to turn the lens unit in another of the two directions. |
| US09298012B2 |
Eyebox adjustment for interpupillary distance
In embodiments of eyebox adjustment for interpupillary distance, a first optical lens receives light of an image at a projected orientation of the light, and deviates the light by a deviation angle from the projected orientation of the light. A second optical lens receives the deviated light of the image from the first optical lens at the deviation angle, and alters the deviated light back to the projected orientation of the light for viewing the image. Left and right eyeboxes align with respective left and right eyes that view the image, and a distance between the left and right eyeboxes approximately correlates to an interpupillary distance between the left and right eyes. The light of the image can be laterally shifted to increase or decrease the distance between the left and right eyeboxes. |
| US09297998B2 |
Electrode of an electrowetting device
An electrowetting display device including an electrowetting element with a first support plate, a second support plate, a first fluid and a second fluid immiscible with the first fluid. A voltage may be applied between a first electrode and a second electrode. At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode comprises a semiconducting material. |
| US09297997B2 |
Optical module, electronic apparatus, and spectroscopic camera
An optical module includes a fixed reflection film, a movable reflection film, a first driver having a plurality of sub-drivers that can be driven independently of each other via voltage application in a plan view, a second driver that changes the dimension of a gap between the fixed reflection film and the movable reflection film, and a voltage controller that applies first drive voltages to the sub-drivers and applies a second drive voltage to the second driver, and the voltage controller applies a first drive voltage set for each of the sub-drivers in accordance with parallelism between the fixed reflection film and the movable reflection film at the time when the dimension of the gap is changed. |
| US09297995B2 |
Automatic stereological analysis of biological tissue including section thickness determination
Systems and methods are provided for automatic determination of slice thickness of an image stack in a computerized stereology system, as well as automatic quantification of biological objects of interest within an identified slice of the image stack. Top and bottom boundaries of a slice can be identified by applying a thresholded focus function to determine just-out-of-focus focal planes. Objects within an identified slice can be quantified by performing a color processing segmentation followed by a gray-level processing segmentation. The two segmentation processes generate unique identifiers for features in an image that can then be used to produce a count of the features. |
| US09297992B2 |
Microscope illumination method and microscope
The invention relates to a microscope illumination method, to a microscope illumination set, comprising a white light LED (4) and a correction filter (6), and to a corresponding microscope system (1) for analyzing a sample (10) alternately or simultaneously in transmitted light bright field illumination and in incident light fluorescence illumination, wherein a white light LED (4) is used for the transmitted light bright field illumination, and a correction filter (6) is activated at a location in the illumination beam path of the transmitted light bright field illumination both during transmitted light bright field illumination and during incident light fluorescence illumination, wherein the correction filter (6) has a spectral transmission profile which has a minimum in the wavelength range of at least one maximum of the spectrum of the white light LED (4). |
| US09297987B2 |
Wide field athermalized orthoscopic lens system
A wide field optically athermalized orthoscopic lens system includes, in order from object to image, a first lens having a negative power, a second lens having a positive power, a third lens group having a positive power, a fourth lens having a positive power and a fifth lens having a negative power. The third lens group includes two lenses having, in order, a first lens with positive power and a second lens with negative power. The powers, shapes, Abbe dispersion values and temperature coefficients of refractive indices of the lenses are selected such that the lens system is athermalized, orthoscopic and achromatized over a wide (e.g. >140° C.) temperature range. |
| US09297986B2 |
Wide angle lens system and electronic apparatus having the same
A wide angle lens system and an electronic apparatus including the same are provided. The wide angle lens system includes a first lens group having a negative refractive power, and a second lens group having a positive refractive power. The second lens group is spaced apart from the first lens group by a maximum air gap. The first lens group and the second lens group are sequentially arranged from an object side toward an image side. The second lens group includes a positive 2-1 lens group, a negative 2-2 lens group, and a positive 2-3 lens group, and focusing is performed by moving the 2-2 lens group along an optical axis. |
| US09297984B2 |
Image forming lens system and image pickup apparatus using the same
An image forming lens system includes an aperture stop, and an image-side lens unit group which is disposed on an image side of the aperture stop. The image-side lens unit group includes a first image-side lens unit having a negative refractive power, a second image-side lens unit having a positive refractive power, and a third image-side lens unit having a negative refractive power. Any one of the first image-side lens unit, the second image side lens unit, and the third image-side lens unit is a focusing lens unit which moves along the optical axis at the time of focusing, and the following conditional expression (1) is satisfied: 0.06<|ffo/f|<0.4 (1) where, f denotes a focal length of the image forming lens system at the time of focusing at an object at infinity, and ffo denotes a focal length of the focusing lens unit. |
| US09297983B2 |
Imaging lens, imaging device and information device
An imaging lens including seven or fewer lenses which constitute an entire system of an optical system comprising, in order from an object side to an imaging side: a first lens group having a positive refractive power; a second lens group having a positive refractive power; and a third lens group having a negative refractive power, wherein the first lens group includes a lens having a negative refractive power and a lens having a positive refractive power, an aperture stop being disposed in the first lens group, the second lens group includes one lens having a negative refractive power and one lens having a positive refractive power, and the third lens group including one lens having a negative refractive power and a concave surface on the object side. |
| US09297981B2 |
Lens barrel and imaging device
A lens barrel having an image forming optical system including a first optical system and a second optical system which is moveable independently from the first optical system, a first driving portion which drives the first optical system during a magnification changing operation of the image forming optical system, and a second driving portion which drives the second optical system during the magnification changing operation, along with driving the second optical system during a focus adjustment of the image forming system. |
| US09297973B2 |
Optical coupling device
A method for transmitting a signal using an optical coupling device includes converting a first electric signal into an optical signal, converting the optical signal into a first current, and outputting a second current that corresponds to the first current as a second electric signal. The second current may be larger than the first current. |
| US09297969B2 |
Optical engine assembly and transceiver using the same
An optical engine assembly includes a bench, an optoelectronic device, a fixed member and a plurality of fibers. The bench has a bearing surface and an extended sidewall with a predetermined height from the bearing surface. The sidewall has an upper surface parallel to the bearing surface. The optoelectronic device is disposed on the center of the upper surface and includes a plurality of active areas. The fixed member is disposed on the bearing surface and has a plurality of through holes and two pin holes. The fibers respectively pass through the through holes and a 45-degree beveled surface is formed at the front end of each fiber. The 45-degree beveled surfaces are aligned with the active areas, respectively. |
| US09297968B2 |
Electro-optical connector systems incorporating gradient-index lenses
Electro-optical connectors and connector systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, an electro-optical plug includes a tip connector, a ring connector, and a sleeve connector, wherein the tip connector, the ring connector, and the sleeve connector are electrically conductive. The electro-optical plug further includes a gradient-index lens co-axially disposed within at least the tip connector, wherein the tip connector has a tip window that optically exposes a coupling surface of the gradient-index lens, and an optical fiber that is co-axially disposed within at least the sleeve connector. In another embodiment, an electro-optical connector includes a plug body having a planar electrical coupling surface with an array of electrically conductive contacts, and an optical coupling surface having at least one optical window. The electro-optical connector further includes a gradient-index lens disposed within the plug body. A coupling surface of the gradient-index lens is optically exposed at the at least one optical window. |
| US09297965B2 |
Plug-in connection system for plug-in connectors
A plug-in connection system for a two-piece plug-in connection, comprising a plug-in connector and a matching mating connector, wherein the plug-in connector includes a latching unit with latching hooks provided thereon, which engage in groove areas on the mating connector. Here, a plurality of groove areas is circumferentially provided on the mating connector implemented in a sleeve-type way, which are offset relative to each other by a certain distance ds in relation to the plug-in edge of the mating connector. In the case of groove areas which are arranged in multiple pairs on the external side of the plug-in sleeve, only one latching hook pair engages at any one time during the plug-in operation into a latching groove in the groove area, whereas the other latching hooks respectively remain on a sawtooth flank before or after the one occupied latching groove.Thus, a very sensitive slide-on latching up to the mutual stop of any desired contacts becomes possible and a complex reception of the contacts is no longer necessary.Unlatching is carried out by lifting the latching hooks engaging in the latching grooves while withdrawing the external sleeve of the plug-in connector out of the latching grooves by means of opening hooks. |
| US09297964B2 |
Optical fiber connector assembly
A crimp connector is disclosed for enhancing pull-retention of a fiber optic cable in a fiber optic connector assembly housing. The connector has a flange for engaging with the housing and crimp member for engaging with the cable. |
| US09297955B2 |
Plasmonic interferometer sensor
An optical device includes a transparent substrate and a conductive layer disposed over an upper surface of the transparent substrate. The conductive layer defines at least one groove inwardly extending from an upper surface and includes an aperture that is spaced apart from the at least one groove. An interface between the upper surface of the conductive layer and an ambient medium defines an optical branch along which surface plasmon polariton modes are excited in response to at least partially coherent light being received by the optical device. |
| US09297949B2 |
Backlight module and liquid crystal display
The present invention provides a backlight module including a waveguide, a backboard, and a light source, wherein the waveguide is disposed onto the backboard, and the light source is arranged adjacent to a light incident surface of the waveguide, wherein the backlight module includes at least a limiter securely disposed onto the backboard and abuts against to the light source so as to ensure a preset distance between the light source and the incident surface of the waveguide. According to the backlight module and the liquid crystal display, by providing the limiter of the backlight module to abut against the light source, the coupling distance between the light source and the incident surface of the waveguide can be effectively kept constant without being compromised to zero (0) as resulted from expansion under heat or moisture or the accuracy during installation. By this arrangement, the leakage of the backlight module can be readily prevented. In addition, in order to have the limiter readily made as well as reducing the cost, the limiter can be made as a standard part so as to be implemented on the liquid crystal display with different dimension. |
| US09297948B1 |
Liquid crystal panel and backlight module positioning adhesive structure and display device
A display device includes a backlight module positioning adhesive structure and a liquid crystal panel that includes a bezel zone and a light transmitting zone. A backlight module includes a reflector plate, a light guide plate, and the optic film that are sequentially stacked on each other and surrounded by a mold frame. The backlight module further includes a double-sided adhesive tape that includes first and second layers stacked on each other. The second layer includes a light shielding section and a light transmitting section connected to the light shielding section. The double-sided adhesive tape is adhesively bonded between the bezel zone of the liquid crystal panel and the backlight module. The light shielding section is located on an edge portion of the optic film and the mold frame. The light transmitting section extends towards the light transmitting section of the optic film. |
| US09297946B2 |
Display device and method of manufacturing the same
A display device according to an embodiment of the invention includes a display member configured to display images, a light source member configured to generate light, and a light guiding member disposed between the light source member and the display member. The light guiding member is configured to guide the light to the display member. The display member, the light source member, and the light guiding member are integrated as a single unit. The light source member generates blue light. The light guiding member includes a light guide layer and a fluorescent layer disposed on a top surface or a bottom surface of the light guide layer. The fluorescent layer is configured to convert the blue light into white light. |
| US09297943B2 |
Absorptive wire-grid polarizer and optical apparatus
The absorptive wire-grid polarizer includes a periodic structure formed on a substrate surface of a dielectric substrate and constituted by a metal and one or more dielectric materials. The periodic structure has a one-dimensional grating structure in which, in a sectional plane orthogonal to a normal to the substrate surface, grating portions of a metal grating formed of the metal and grating portions of dielectric gratings formed of the one or more dielectric materials are one-dimensionally arranged with a grating period P. The Conditions of nm≧1.0, km≧2.0, 0.01≦FF≦0.25, Nb≧1.40, and h≧250 [nm] are satisfied where h represents an entire height of the metal and dielectric gratings, nm represents a refractive index of a real part of a complex refractive index of the metal, km represents an extinction coefficient of an imaginary part of the complex refractive index, and nb represents an average refractive index of the dielectric grating. |
| US09297942B2 |
Imaging with polarization removal
An imaging system includes a projector, a camera and a filter set of polarization filters. The projector is to project light onto a surface. The camera is to capture light reflected from the surface. The filter set is to remove light of a first polarization from the projected light and to remove light of a non-first polarization from the reflected light so that the camera detects only reflected light having the first polarization. |
| US09297940B2 |
Photosensitive resin composition and color filter prepared using the same
The present invention relates to a compound represented by Formula 1, wherein in Formula 1, each of R1 to R7 is the same as defined in the specification, a photosensitive resin composition comprising the same, and a color filter prepared using the same. The color filter can realize high contrast and high brightness. |
| US09297939B2 |
Spectral filtering device in the visible and infrared ranges
Spectral filtering device including a dielectric substrate, a first filter capable of acting as a passband filter in the visible range and having a plurality of first nanostructures with a uniform spacing between each other. Each nanostructure has a portion of dielectric material arranged between two portions of metallic material such that one of the two portions of metallic material is arranged between the substrate and the portion of dielectric material. A second filter capable of acting as a passband filter in the infrared range is also included having a plurality of second nanostructures with a uniform spacing between each other and each comprising a portion of dielectric material of which only one face is in contact with a portion of metallic material. |
| US09297935B2 |
Method and device for enhancing sensor indication
Devices and methods for providing sensor indication and enhancing sensor indication are disclosed. In one embodiment, a sensor indication is provided by sensing an operational status at a sensor circuit, generating a signal at the sensor circuit based on the sensed operational status, utilizing the signal to activate a light source, transmitting light into a first indicator layer with the light source, wherein the first indicator layer includes a fluorophore embedded within a substrate, and wherein the one or more fluorophores modify at least one characteristic of the transmitted light from the light source, and emitting the modified transmitted light from an end wall of the first indicator layer. |
| US09297930B2 |
Low water content soft lens for eye, and method for producing the same
A low water content soft lens for eye is provided, which includes a layer made of an acidic polymer and a basic polymer on at least a part of a surface of a base material containing a polysiloxane compound. Adhesion of the lens to the cornea during wear, which has hitherto been regarded as a problem in a conventional low water content soft lens for eye, can be reduced or avoided when using the low water content soft lens. |
| US09297926B1 |
Tornado data acquisition system
A tornado data acquisition system comprises a kite having a cable coupled thereto. The data acquisition also includes a winch rope rotatably coupled to a mounting plate and a sensor module coupled to the kite. The sensor module comprises a plurality of sensors for generating sensor signals corresponding to tornado characteristics. A data acquisition system wirelessly receives the sensor signals and stores the data corresponding to the sensor signals in a memory. |
| US09297924B2 |
Method and system of displaying data sets indicative of physical parameters associated with a formation penetrated by a wellbore
Displaying data sets indicative of physical parameters associated with a formation penetrated by a wellbore. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: obtaining data regarding a trajectory of a wellbore; obtaining a first data set indicative of a first physical parameter associated with a formation penetrated by the wellbore; obtaining a second data set indicative of a second physical parameter associated with the formation; displaying a two-dimensional image that simulates a three-dimensional trajectory of the wellbore, the two-dimensional image from a particular viewpoint relative to the three-dimensional trajectory of the wellbore; displaying along the two-dimensional image a representation of the first data set on a first surface that abuts the trajectory of the wellbore; and displaying along the two-dimensional image a representation of the second data set on a second surface that abuts the trajectory of the wellbore. |
| US09297921B2 |
DTEM with short spacing for deep, ahead of the drill bit measurements
A transmitter on a bottomhole assembly (BHA) is used for generating a transient electromagnetic signal in an earth formation. A processor estimates the distance to a resistivity interface using a signal produced by a receiver on the BHA. The transmitter-receiver distance may be less than 1 m. The estimation of the distance is done in real time using a thin conductive sheet approximation. |
| US09297919B2 |
Method and device for estimating an inter-node distance between nodes arranged along towed acoustic linear antennas
A method and apparatus are provided for estimating an inter-node distance between a sender node and a receiver node belonging to a network comprising a plurality of nodes arranged along towed acoustic linear antennas. An acoustic signal is transmitted from the sender node to the receiver node through an underwater acoustic channel. The method includes estimating the inter-node distance as a function of an estimate of a sound speed profile of the underwater acoustic channel, the sound speed profile depending on depth. |
| US09297916B2 |
Micro-geophone
A micro geophone having pole pieces do not extend out around the sides of the magnet, thereby allowing a reduced geophone diameter for a given magnet diameter. The pole pieces are adhesively bonded to the magnet using an adhesive, which may be made suitably electrically conductive by silver or nickel fillers or non-conductive by mica fillers such as borosilicate glass micro-spheres. Axial space is economized by eliminating traditional spider retaining rings. The spider springs are seated directly against the coil form and secured by adhesive fillets disposed on the outward-facing spring circumferences. The spider springs include circumferential notches to receive adhesive. A two-piece bimetallic coil form of aluminum and a heavier material, joined by adhesive, is provided. Headers are affixed to the housing within the seats by adhesive. A straight or rounded chamfer at each of the geophone ends allows the overall geophone dimensions to be maximized. |
| US09297911B2 |
Device for converting current pulses into voltage pulses
An electronic device to simply and efficiently measure energy of incident photons in a very short time and with a very high count rate and high precision, starting from current pulses from an ionizing electromagnetic radiation detector, the electronic device including an analog delay line with switched capacitors with controlled loss at an output from a charge preamplifier. |
| US09297907B1 |
Real time radiation monitoring using nanotechnology
System and method for monitoring receipt and estimating flux value, in real time, of incident radiation, using two or more nanostructures (NSs) and associated terminals to provide closed electrical paths and to measure one or more electrical property change values ΔEPV, associated with irradiated NSs, during a sequence of irradiation time intervals. Effects of irradiation, without healing and with healing, of the NSs, are separately modeled for first order and second order healing. Change values ΔEPV are related to flux, to cumulative dose received by NSs, and to radiation and healing effectivity parameters and/or μ, associated with the NS material and to the flux. Flux and/or dose are estimated in real time, based on EPV change values, using measured ΔEPV values. Threshold dose for specified changes of biological origin (usually undesired) can be estimated. Effects of time-dependent radiation flux are analyzed in pre-healing and healing regimes. |
| US09297905B2 |
Method of acquiring CDMA-modulated satellite signals and receiving apparatus implementing the method
A method of acquiring a satellite signal includes providing a CDMA-modulated signal, defining a first search frequency interval and a first reception sensitivity, and performing a first acquisition of the modulated signal according to the first sensitivity and the first frequency interval in order to provide an acquisition or failed acquisition result. In case of a failed acquisition, performing a second acquisition of the modulated signal as a function of a second search frequency interval, narrower than the first frequency interval, and a second reception sensitivity, greater than the first sensitivity and depending on a power of a side lobe of the modulated signal. |
| US09297899B2 |
Determining extrinsic calibration parameters for a sensor
A method of determining extrinsic calibration parameters for at least one sensor (102, 104, 106) mounted on transportable apparatus (100). The method includes receiving (202) data representing pose history of the transportable apparatus and receiving (202) sensor data from at least one sensor mounted on transportable apparatus. The method generates (204) at least one point cloud data using the sensor data received from the at least one sensor, each point in a said point cloud having a point covariance derived from the pose history data. The method then maximizes (206) a value of a quality function for the at least one point cloud, and uses (208) the maximized quality function to determine extrinsic calibration parameters for the at least one sensor. |
| US09297896B1 |
Electronically steered weather radar
An electronically steered weather radar system comprises a plurality of transmit/receive modules, a plurality of antenna modules, and a system signal processor. Each transmit/receive module may be configured to adjust a phase characteristic of a radio frequency (RF) signal to be transmitted and received. Antenna modules may be in communication with transmit/receive modules and may form an antenna array configured to transmit a system beam in a direction determined by the phase of the RF signal from each transmit/receive module and to generate the RF signal from the received system beam. The system signal processor may be configured to perform a first scan to detect meteorological formations wherein the system signal processor communicates with each transmit/receive module to adjust a phase characteristic of the RF signals such that the antenna array transmits and receives the system beam through a plurality of azimuth angles and a plurality of elevation angles. |
| US09297894B2 |
Electronic device for preventing an accidental touch and operating method thereof
An electronic device for preventing an accidental touch and an operating method thereof are disclosed, where the electronic device includes a first input device, a second input device, synthetic aperture radar and a main system. The synthetic aperture radar can sense whether a charged body is positioned near the second input device. When the charged body is positioned near the second input device, a voltage state of the synthetic aperture radar is pulled to a first logic level. When the voltage state of the synthetic aperture radar is in the first logic level, the main system disables the first input device. |
| US09297888B2 |
Radar operation with enhanced doppler capability
A method may include generating for transmission a repeating sequence of N constant-frequency pulses of width t seconds at interpulse intervals of T seconds, with each pulse in the sequence having a particular constant phase according to a quadratic phase sequence, which phase is applied to each pulse in a first sense of modulation. The method may further include modulating the phase of echo energy received from one or more objects reflecting the transmitted repeating sequence of N constant-frequency pulses with a second sense of modulation opposite to the first sense of modulation. The method may further include producing from the modulated received echo energy N unique and discrete frequency translations of the received echo energy as a function of range r of the reflecting objects, of magnitude equal to multiples of 1/NT Hz, which may preserve the spectrum of the received echo energy, forming in combination a composite signal frequency spectrum. |
| US09297882B1 |
Systems and methods for tracking paired computing devices
A computer-implemented method may include determining that a plurality of computing devices comprising first and second computing devices are paired via a wireless communication technology that facilitates communication between the computing devices. The computer-implemented method may also include establishing a maximum distance that the first and second computing devices are allowed to move away from one another. The computer-implemented method may further include calculating a current distance between the first and second computing devices and then determining that the current distance exceeds the maximum distance. In addition, the computer-implemented method may include providing a notification to at least one of the first and second computing devices to alert a user of the first computing device that the current distance between the first and second computing devices exceeds the maximum distance and to indicate a location of the second computing device. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US09297876B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and eddy current compensation method
An object is to correct a magnetic field caused by an eddy current, which is generated due to application of a gradient magnetic field, not only in the application direction of the gradient magnetic field but also in a direction different from the application direction of the gradient magnetic field. In the present invention, in order to achieve this object, a compensation magnetic field which compensates for an eddy current magnetic field generated in each of an application direction of a test gradient magnetic field and a direction different from the application direction in each direction is calculated using the test gradient magnetic field. When generating an arbitrary gradient magnetic field, a compensation magnetic field which compensates for an eddy current magnetic field according to application of an arbitrary gradient magnetic field on the basis of the measured eddy current magnetic field in each direction is generated together with the arbitrary gradient magnetic field. |
| US09297873B2 |
Method to select an undersampling scheme for magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging method and system using such a selected undersampling scheme
In a method to select an undersampling scheme of k-space and an associated set of reconstruction kernels to acquire reduced magnetic resonance (MR) data sets with multiple coils, a calibration data set is acquired for each of the respective coils, a noise covariance is determined from autocorrelations and correlations of the noise of the various coils. At least one set of reconstruction kernels is calculated for each of the multiple undersampling schemes from the calibration data sets of the various coils. For each set of reconstruction kernels, a characteristic value is calculated from the noise covariance and the respective reconstruction kernels of the coils, with the characteristic value being proportional to a spatial mean value of a signal noise of an MR image. A selected undersampling scheme and a selected set of reconstruction kernels are selected based on the calculated characteristic values. |
| US09297870B2 |
Magnetic resonance examination with instrument detection
An magnetic resonance examination system for examination of an object comprises an RF system to generate an RF transmission field and gradient system to generate temporary magnet gradient fields. A control module includes a sequence controller to control the RF system and the gradient system to produce acquisition sequences including RF pulses and magnetic gradient pulses to generate magnetic resonance signals. The sequence controller is configured to produce an detection scan including a steady state gradient echo acquisition sequence to generate steady state gradient echo signals and an RF spoiled echo acquisition sequence to produce RF spoiled echo signals. The control module further including an analysis unit to compare the gradient echo signals to the RF spoiled echo signals and for detection of an instrument in the object from the comparison of the gradient echoes and the RF spoiled echoes. |
| US09297867B2 |
Radio frequncy (RF) body coil and method for tuning an RF body coil for magnetic resonance imaging
A radio frequency (RF) body coil includes a first end ring, a second end ring, a plurality of rungs connected between the first and second end rings, at least one shim holder coupled to the first end ring, and a RF shim configured to be at least partially inserted within the shim holder, the RF shim being repositionable within the shim holder to vary an operational frequency of the RF body coil. A magnetic resonance imaging system and a method of tuning the RF body coil are also described. |
| US09297864B2 |
Current metering and abnormal event monitoring system
An MMS sensor assembly includes a U-shaped bottom housing that forms a recess in which is received a conductor whose current is to be sensed and a top housing arranged to be removably latched to the bottom housing. At least one magnetic field sensor is situated within the top housing, such the magnetic field sensor is positioned adjacent the conductor when the top housing is latched to the bottom housing, and is removable from the sensor assembly for repair or replacement. Circuitry connected to the magnetic field sensor includes a data storage device to store correction/compensation tables and/or equations for self-calibration or correction of the sensor. |
| US09297859B2 |
Battery-state monitoring system
A battery-state monitoring system for precisely and efficiently estimating the state and service life of each of a plurality of storage batteries while suppressing variations in voltage between the batteries in a large-scale power-supply system that is provided with the storage batteries charged with power generated by utilizing natural energy is provided. The system includes a power supply control device that detects a current in each storage battery, an end device that measures temperature, voltage, and internal resistance of each battery, the internal resistance being measured by using at least two or more kinds of frequencies, and a prime monitoring device that acquires measurement data from the end device corresponding to each battery and issues an instruction related to an operation to the power supply control device and the end device. The prime monitoring device estimates degradation of each battery based on one or more of temperature, voltage, internal resistance. |
| US09297858B2 |
Secondary battery management system and method for exchanging battery cell information
Provided is a secondary battery management system and method for exchanging information in a multi-pack parallel structure using the same, and more particularly, to a secondary battery management system and method for exchanging information in a multi-pack parallel structure using the same, including: a unit battery cell; a battery module in which a plurality of unit battery cells are disposed; and a voltage temperature management system (VTMS) generates a state information and generates a diagnosis information of battery module or the unit battery cells using unit battery cell information for the unit battery cells. |
| US09297855B1 |
Integrated circuit with increased fault coverage
An electronic design automation (EDA) tool for increasing the fault coverage of an integrated circuit (IC) design includes a processor that inserts at least one XOR gate, an AND gate, an OR gate and a multiplexer between observation test points and an existing first scan flip-flop of the IC design. The XOR gate provides an observation test signal to the first scan flip-flop by way of the AND gate, the OR gate, and the multiplexer such that the observation test signal covers the presence of faults at the observation test points. The first scan flip-flop outputs a data input signal, a set of test patterns, and a first set of test signals based on the observation test signal to indicate whether the IC design is faulty or not. A testable IC that can be structurally tested is fabricated using the IC design. |
| US09297853B2 |
In-line measurement of transistor device cut-off frequency
A test circuit within a semiconductor wafer that measures a cut-off frequency for a transistor device under test may include a radio frequency source, located within a region of the wafer, that generates a radio frequency signal. A biasing circuit, also located within the region, may provide a current bias setting to the transistor device under test. The biasing circuit receives the radio frequency signal and applies a buffered radio frequency signal to the transistor device under test. The biasing circuit generates a buffered output signal based on the transistor device under test generating a first output signal in response to receiving the applied buffered radio frequency signal. An rf power detector, within the region, receives the first output signal and the radio frequency signal, and generates an output voltage signal, wherein the cut-off frequency of the transistor device under test is determined from the generated output voltage signal. |
| US09297852B2 |
Embedded transient scanning system apparatus and methodology
Systems and methods for scanning and characterizing an integrated circuit for transient events. Embedded apparatus can detect transient events that may be incident on the integrated circuit, and moreover, identify particular nodes of the integrated circuit that are affected by the transient event. Additionally, the integrated circuit can be characterized by applying known transient pulses of varying severity to selected nodes of the integrated circuit, detecting the severity levels at which the selected nodes can fail, and storing indications pertaining to pulse severity at which selected nodes can fail. Moreover, based on the characterization, targeted protection mechanisms can be provided for nodes that are characterized as being susceptible. |
| US09297847B2 |
Method for checking a separation point between a photovoltaic inverter and power supply network and photovoltaic inverter
The invention relates to a method for checking a separation point (14) between a photovoltaic inverter (1) and a power supply network (7) having multiple phases (L1, L2, L3) and a neutral conductor (N), wherein multiple switching contacts of the separation point (14) are controlled by the photovoltaic inverter (1), and to a photovoltaic inverter (1). To allow a simple and quick check of the functionality of the separation point (14), the switching contacts of the separation point (14) are each formed by single-pole relays (15-22) and switched in steps according to a switching pattern. For checking switching contacts, a voltage (26, 27, 28) is measured at at least one phase (L1, L2, L3) with respect to the neutral conductor (N), upstream of the separation point (14), and compared to voltage values assigned in accordance with the switching pattern, thereby to deduce the functionality of the switching contacts. |
| US09297843B2 |
Fault diagnostic systems and methods using oxygen sensor impedance
A diagnostic system of a vehicle includes an impedance module and a diagnostic module. The impedance module determines an impedance of a sensing element of an exhaust gas oxygen sensor based on a response of the sensing element to a change in current through the sensing element. The diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a fault associated with the exhaust gas oxygen sensor based on the impedance of the sensing element. |
| US09297839B2 |
Automatic detection of expansion component irrigation controller
The disclosure extends to apparatuses, methods, systems, and computer program products for generating and optimizing irrigation protocols. The disclosure also extends to a system and method for detecting an expansion module in an irrigation system in accordance with the disclosed methods, systems, and computer program products for optimizing water usage in growing plants for yard and crops. |
| US09297837B2 |
Optical sensor for non-contact voltage measurement
A voltage sensor for obtaining a light signal representative of an AC voltage in a live electrical wire having a surrounding electrical field, comprising: a conducting device adapted to be placed in the surrounding electrical field and in galvanic isolation to the live electrical wire for causing a movement of charges and extracting a current from the movement of charges; a micro-light source for emitting a light signal, the micro-light source being operatively connected to the conducting device for receiving the extracted current and being directly powered by the extracted current, an intensity of the light signal being related to a value of the AC voltage in the electrical wire; a light guide, operatively coupled to the micro-light source, for receiving and propagating the light signal over a distance. |
| US09297836B2 |
Method and sensor for sensing current in a conductor
A sensor comprises primary ferrite members spaced apart from the magnetic field sensor on opposite sides of the magnetic field sensor concentrate or steer an orientation of a magnetic field of the observed signal toward a target area of the magnetic field sensor. A magnetic field sensor senses a direct current signal component or lower frequency component of the observed signal. A first filtering circuit has a high-pass filter response. The first filtering circuit is coupled to the inductor to provide a filtered alternating current signal component. A second filtering circuit has a low-pass filter response. The second filtering circuit coupled to the magnetic field sensor to provide a filtered direct current signal component. A sensor fusion circuit determines an aggregate sensed current based on the filtered alternating current signal component and the filtered direct current signal component. |
| US09297833B2 |
Rhodium alloy having excellent hardness, processability and antifouling properties and suitable for wire rod for probe pins
The present invention is a rhodium alloy suitable for wire for a probe pin, the rhodium alloy comprising 30 to 150 ppm of Fe, 80 to 350 ppm of Ir and 100 to 300 ppm of Pt as additive elements, and the balance being Rh. A probe pin composed of the material maintains processability of rhodium, has stable contact resistance even at a low contact pressure, and has excellent strength and antifouling properties, and therefore, can be used in a stable manner for a long period. |
| US09297832B2 |
Electrically conductive pins for microcircuit tester
The terminals of a device under test (DUT) are temporarily electrically connected to corresponding contact pads on a load board by a series of electrically conductive pin pairs. The pin pairs are held in place by an interposer membrane with a top facing the device under test, a bottom facing the load board, and a vertically resilient, non-conductive member between the top and bottom contact plates. Each pin pair includes a top and bottom pin, which extend beyond the top and bottom contact plates, respectively, toward the device under test and the load board, respectively. The bottom pins has a lower contact surface which includes an arcuate portion or ridge which increases contact pressure and ablates oxides by the rocking action of ridge when the DUT in inserted. |
| US09297828B2 |
High heating rate thermal desorption for molecular surface sampling
A method for analyzing a sample having at least one analyte includes the step of heating the sample at a rate of at least 106 K/s to thermally desorb at least one analyte from the sample. The desorbed analyte is collected. The analyte can then be analyzed. |
| US09297818B2 |
Sample analyzer
A sample analyzer is disclosed that includes: a memory configured to store a record of maintenance already performed on the sample analyzer; a display; and a display control configured to control the display to display a first table which chronologically shows the record of maintenance already performed, wherein the first table is assigned a predetermined term, in the table the term is divided into a plurality of sections. |
| US09297813B2 |
Targeting metabolic enzymes in human cancer
Targeting metabolic enzymes in human cancer Abstract Lung cancer is a devastating disease and a major therapeutic burden with poor prognosis. The functional heterogeneity of lung cancer (different tumor formation ability in bulk of tumor) is highly related with clinical chemoresistance and relapse. Here we find that, glycine dehydrogenase (GLDC), one of the metabolic enzyme involved in glycine metabolism, is overexpressed in various subtypes of human lung cancer and possibly several other types of cancers. GLDC was found to be highly expressed in tumor-initiating subpopulation of human lung cancer cells compared with non-tumorigenic subpopulation. By array studies we showed that normal lung cells express low levels of GLDC compared to xenograft and primary tumor. Functional studies showed that RNAi inhibition of GLDC inhibits significantly the clonal growth of tumor-initiating cells in vitro and tumor formation in immunodeficient mice. Overexpression of GLDC in non-tumorigenic subpopulation convert the cells to become tumorigenic. Furthermore, over-expression of GLDC in NIH/3T3 cells and human primary lung fibroblasts can transform these cells, displaying anchorage-independent growth in soft agar and tumor-forming in mice. Not only is GLDC is expressed human lung cancer, it is also up-regulated in other types of cancer, such as colon cancer. RNAi knockdown of GLDC in colon cancer cell line, CACO-2 cells, can also inhibit the tumor formation in mice. Thus GLDC maybe a new metabolic target for treatment of lung cancer, and other cancers. |
| US09297806B2 |
5-hydroxymethylcytosine in human cancer
The present invention relates to the field of cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions useful for diagnosing or predicting cancer in a patient. In one embodiment, a method for identifying a patient as having cancer comprises the steps of (a) providing a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded or fresh frozen sample of patient tissue; (b) steaming the sample in antigen retrieval buffer; (c) incubating the sample in hydrochloric acid (HCl); (d) incubating the sample with an affinity reagent specific for 5hmC under conditions to form a complex between the affinity reagent and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) present in the sample; (e) detecting the complexes formed between 5hmC and the affinity reagent with secondary detection reagents; (f) quantifying 5hmC levels; and (g) identifying the patient as having cancer if the 5hmC levels in the sample are reduced as compared to a control. |
| US09297804B2 |
Assay and kit and device for removing amylase from body fluids
The invention is directed to separation of amylase from body fluid by contacting said body fluid with starch under conditions enabling binding between the amylase and the starch, separating between the starch-amylase bound complexes and the free components, thereby removing the bound amylase, and collecting the non-bound components. |
| US09297801B2 |
Gold nanoparticle aggregates and their applications
The invention is drawn to a method of using nanoparticle aggregates to form sensors and optical filters. Properly sized (60 and 200 nm) nanoparticle aggregates with cores having a sulfur-oxygen molecular species and a shell with a surface in contact with the core are obtained. Those nanoparticle aggregates have a first resonance profile to wavelengths between 350 nm and 1075 nm. A modified resonance profile for those nanoparticle aggregates is determined. The nanoparticle aggregates are then selectively sized by irradiating them with electromagnetic energy at sufficient intensity and spectral content to modify the first resonance profile towards the modified resonance profile. The resulting nanoparticle aggregates can be used as sensors or optical filters at a selected wavelength. |
| US09297798B2 |
Therapeutic approach for polyglutamine degeneration
Compositions, methods, and kits are provided for reduction of (CAG)n-RNA mediated toxicity. Compositions, methods, and kits are also provided for treatment of polyglutamine diseases. |
| US09297793B2 |
Fuel property sensor and method for detecting malfunction of the same
An electrode unit includes a first electrode and a second electrode, which define a space to flow fuel therethough. A detection circuit is connected to the first electrode to charge and discharge the electrode unit and to detect a capacitance of fuel, which flows through the space. A switch device is equipped to a wiring, which connects the second electrode with the ground, and configured to simulate disconnection between the second electrode and the ground. A malfunction detection unit is configured to detect disconnection of the wiring when a difference between a capacitance, which is detected with the detection circuit when the switch device is turned ON, and a capacitance, which is detected with the detection circuit when the switch device is turned OFF, is smaller than a first threshold. |
| US09297791B2 |
Gas sensor with thermal shock protection
A gas sensor includes a sensor housing, and a sensing element located within the sensor housing, the sensing element defining an axis and having a distal end extending from the sensor housing. The gas sensor further includes a sensor protection element coupled to the sensor housing and at least partially surrounding the distal end of the sensing element. The sensor protection element includes a tube, the distal end of the sensing element located within the tube, the tube including a window located along a side of the tube adjacent the distal end of the sensing element. The sensor protection element further includes a fabric layer positioned adjacent the window, the fabric layer spaced from the sensing element and extending generally parallel to the axis. |
| US09297789B2 |
Differential ultrasonic waveguide cure monitoring probe
The present invention is seen to provide a new methodology, testing system designs and concept to enable in situ real time monitoring of the cure process. Apparatus, system, and method for the non-destructive, in situ monitoring of the time dependent curing of advanced materials using one or more differential ultrasonic waveguide cure monitoring probes. A differential ultrasonic waveguide cure monitoring probe in direct contact with the material to be cured and providing in situ monitoring of the cure process to enable assessment of the degree of cure or cure level in a non-cure related signal variances (e.g., temperature) independent calibrated response manner. A differential ultrasonic waveguide cure monitoring probe including a transducer coupled to a waveguide and incorporating correction and calibration methodology to accurately and reproducibly monitor the cure process and enable assessment of cure level via ultrasonic reflection measurements. The amplitude of the corrected interface response signal reflected from the probe-resin interface indicating changes in the modulus of the material during the cure. |
| US09297786B2 |
Apparatus and method for cross-flow ion mobility spectrometry
A cross-flow ion mobility spectrometer consists of two parallel plates defining a volume between them. Analyte ions flow along an axis from an entrance end to an exit end through the volume. An RF confining field tends to guide ions along the axis. An analytical gas flow is established orthogonal to the axis. A DC electrostatic analytical field is oriented in opposition to the analytical gas flow such that the “drag force” on ions of the selected mobility due to the analytical gas flow is balanced by the force on the ions due to the electrostatic analytical field. The selected ions are thereby able to follow a stable path to the exit end of the cross-flow mobility analyzer. However, the force on ions of other than the selected mobility is unbalanced and these ions are deflected and lost. |
| US09297785B2 |
Method for detecting atmospheric vapors at parts per quadrillion (PPQ) concentrations
Improvements are provided in the detection of atmospheric vapors by ionizing them near ambient pressure, and analyzing them as ions. Lowest detection limits of parts per quadrillion (ppq) concentrations are enabled by a combination of improvements, including the use of a filter to remove occasional intense signal from explosive particles. Several sources of chemical background are identified and solutions for their reduction or elimination are presented. Gains in response time may be achieved by operating at elevated temperature. When the ionizer is an electrospray source, the use of high boiling point solvents is indicated. An increased selectivity is achieved by operating a differential mobility analyzer (DMA) in series with a mass spectrometer. However, ppq sensitivities require various improvements in the DMA system including a special coupling to the ionizer, controlling the temperature in the DMA pump circuit, avoidance of induction on the DMA electrodes from heating devices, etc. |
| US09297780B2 |
High-k metal gate device structure for human blood gas sensing
A device structure for detecting partial pressure of oxygen in blood includes a semiconductor substrate including a source region and a drain region. A multi-layer gate structure is formed on the semiconductor substrate. The multi-layer gate structure includes an oxide layer formed over the semiconductor substrate, a high-k layer formed over the oxide layer, a metal gate layer formed over the high-k layer, and a polysilicon layer formed over the metal gate layer. A receiving area holds a blood sample in contact with the multi-layer gate structure. The high-k layer is exposed to contact the blood sample in the receiving area. |
| US09297779B2 |
Exhaust gas sensor
An exhaust gas sensor (100) is configured to detect an oxygen concentration or air-fuel ratio in exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. The exhaust gas sensor includes a sensor element (10) and a glass coating film (20). The sensor element is configured to detect an oxygen concentration or air-fuel ratio in the exhaust gas sensor. The glass coating film (20) is formed on at least part of a surface of the sensor element and capable of absorbing a Mn component contained in the exhaust gas at 700° C. The internal combustion engine uses a fuel having a Mn concentration in excess of 20 ppm. |
| US09297774B2 |
Determination of the interstitial oxygen concentration in a semiconductor sample
A method for determining the oxygen concentration of a sample made from p-type semiconductor material includes a thermal treatment step to form the thermal donors, a measuring step of the charge carrier concentration of the sample at a temperature between 0 K and 100 K, a step of determining the thermal donor concentration of the sample from the charge carrier concentration and the temperature of the sample, and a step of determining the interstitial oxygen concentration from the thermal donor concentration. |
| US09297773B2 |
X-ray fluorescence analysis of thin-film coverage defects
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) monitoring of characteristic peaks while etching thin-film layers can reveal coverage defects and thickness nonuniformity in the top film. To measure coverage and uniformity while screening candidate layer materials and processes, the candidate layers may be formed above an underlayer of a different composition. A wet etchant that selectively etches the underlayer faster than the candidate layer is applied to the candidate layer, and the XRF spectrum is monitored. Pinholes, cracks, islands, and nonuniform thickness in the candidate layer produce characteristic features in the time-dependent behavior of XRF peaks from the underlayer and/or the candidate layer. “Etch/XRF” tests can be used to rapidly and objectively identify the most uniform contiguous candidate layers to advance to further screening or production. XRF may also be calibrated against a known thickness indicator to detect the approach of a desired endpoint in an etch process. |
| US09297772B2 |
Apparatus for amplifying intensity during transmission small angle—X-ray scattering measurements
The disclosure provides an apparatus for amplifying scattering intensity during tSAXS measurements. The apparatus includes an enhancement grating object and a placement mechanism. The enhancement grating object is positioned within a longitudinal coherence length of an incident X-ray from a target object. The placement mechanism is capable of placing the enhancement grating object with nanometer precision with respect to the target object in both a lateral and a longitudinal directions. |
| US09297769B1 |
Method for reducing aliasing in TDI based imaging
The invention may be embodied in a time delay integration (TDI) based sensor wafer inspection system that introduces controlled blur into the sampled image to suppress high spectral frequencies and thereby mitigate the occurrence of aliasing in the sampled image. Image blur may be introduced in the scan direction by desynchronizing the image motion (scan rate) from the charge transfer rate within the TDI sensor (sample clock rate). The scan rate may be desynchronized from the TDI sample clock rate by altering the speed of wafer movement, the sample clock rate, or the magnification of the imaging optics. Image blur may be introduced in the cross-scan direction by imparting a small alignment difference between the direction of image motion (image scan direction) and the direction that charges transfer within the TDI sensor (sensor direction). |
| US09297768B2 |
Methods and systems for labeling and detecting defects in a graphene layer
Fluorophores or other indicators can be used to label and identify one or more defects in a graphene layer by localizing at the one or more defects and not at other areas of the graphene layer. A substrate having a surface at least partially covered by the graphene layer may be contacted with the fluorophore such that the fluorophore selectively binds with one or more areas of the surface of the underlying substrate exposed by the one or more defects. The one or more defects can be identified by exposing the substrate to radiation. A detected fluorescence response of the fluorophore to the radiation identifies the one or more defects. |
| US09297767B2 |
Downhole species selective optical fiber sensor systems and methods
A downhole optical sensor system includes at least one optical sensor positioned in a borehole and coupled to an interface via a fiber optic cable. Each of the optical sensors includes a waveguide for conducting light, and a reagent region positioned between the waveguide and a fluid in the borehole to absorb a portion of the light from the waveguide, the portion being dependent upon a concentration of a chemical species in the fluid. A method for operating a well includes deploying one or more downhole optical sensors in a fluid flow path in the well, probing the one or more downhole optical sensors from a surface interface to detect concentrations of one or more chemical species, and deriving a rate of scale buildup or corrosion based at least in part on the detected concentrations. |
| US09297765B2 |
Gas decomposition reactor feedback control using Raman spectrometry
A gas decomposition reactor for the decomposition of a gas into a mixture of solid and gaseous by-products is disclosed. The gas decomposition reactor includes a reactor vessel, a Raman spectrometer, and a processor. The reactor vessel has an inlet for receiving inlet gas and an exhaust outlet for releasing exhaust gas. The Raman spectrometer is connected with the exhaust outlet for determining a chemical conversion within the reactor chamber and generating a corresponding signal. The processor is connected with the Raman spectrometer to receive the signal from the Raman spectrometer. The processor is capable of comparing the signal with a set of values and calculating differences between the signal and the set of values. The processor is connected with the inlet to regulate a flow of the inlet gas. |
| US09297761B2 |
Nanoparticulate assisted nanoscale molecular imaging by mass spectrometery
Methods and devices for mass spectrometry are described, specifically the use of nanoparticulate implantation as a matrix for secondary ion and more generally secondary particles. A photon beam source or a nanoparticulate beam source can be used a desorption source or a primary ion/primary particle source. |
| US09297758B2 |
Variable geometry optical gas detector
An optical gas detector (20) in metal or other suitable material, comprising a cup-shaped body (1), with upper mouth (9) closed by a lid (2) the bottom of which (8) is flat and provided with a plurality of through holes (15) variously arranged, which place said detector (20) in communication with the outside environment, and inside which an IR source (10) and an IR analyser (11) are placed, borne by an overlying circuit board (12). The inner lateral surface of the body (1) forming a first reflector wall (6) having a regular or irregular annular extension and defining, in conjunction with a second convex or concave reflector wall (7, 7′) of a shaped appendage (5) and with one or more reflectors (3, 3′, 21, 22, 23,24,25) pre-inserted and positioned in the body (1), a multiplicity of geometrically alternative optical paths (4, 4′, 4″, 4′″) of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the IR source (10) and detected by the IR analyser (11). |
| US09297753B2 |
Photoelectric smoke sensor
A photoelectric smoke sensor capable of detecting smoke with high accuracy is provided.The present invention relates to the photoelectric smoke sensor which detects smoke flowing into a housing by light. The present invention is provided with a light emitting element provided by being faced with a detection region in the housing and emitting inspection light to the detection region, a light receiving element provided at a position shifted from an optical path of the inspection light of the light emitting element by being faced with the detection region and receiving diffused light which is the inspection light having hit the smoke and diffused, so as to detect the smoke, and a reflecting member provided in the housing and deflecting and reflecting the inspection light emitted from the light emitting element so as not to enter the light receiving element. |
| US09297751B2 |
Chemical characterization of surface features
Provided herein is an apparatus, including an optical characterization device; a photon detector array configured to sequentially receive a first set of photons scattered from surface features of an article and a second set of photons scattered from surface features of the article and subsequently processed by the optical characterization device; and a chemical characterization means for chemically characterizing the surface features of the article, wherein the chemical characterization means is configured for processing the first set of photons received by the photon detector array and the second set of photons received by the photon detector array. |
| US09297747B2 |
Method to determine trace amounts of crude oil by spectroscopic absorption
The present invention relates to a method for determining trace amounts of crude oil in water, including the steps of collecting a sample of an oil-containing fluid, adding a toluene extraction volume to the sample, perturbing the sample, dissolving substantially all of the amount of oil in the toluene extraction volume to create a mixed sample, extracting the mixed sample to create an oil-in-toluene layer and an aqueous fluid layer, removing a portion of the oil-in-toluene layer into a dilution container, diluting the portion of the oil-in-toluene layer with a toluene dilution volume to create a dilute sample, measuring an absorption value of the dilute sample using a spectrophotometer, and comparing the absorption value to a calibration curve to quantify the amount of oil in the oil-containing fluid. |
| US09297732B2 |
Method and apparatus for testing superhard material performance
A target cylinder and a method for fabricating the target cylinder. The target cylinder includes a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending from the first end to the second end. At least one of the second end and the sidewall is an exposed portion that makes contact with a superhard component to determine at least one property of the superhard component. The exposed portion comprises at least one soft material and at least one hard material that is interveningly positioned between or within the soft material in a predetermined and repeatable pattern. In one embodiment, the differential of the unconfined compressive strength between the hard material and the soft material ranges from about 1,000 psi to about 60,000 psi. |
| US09297731B2 |
Acoustic emission toughness testing for PDC, PCBN, or other hard or superhard material inserts
An acoustic emissions testing device includes a testing sample, an acoustic sensor communicably coupled to the testing sample, and a load that is exerted on the sample. The acoustic sensor detects one or more acoustic events occurring within the sample. The acoustic sensor transmits data to a data recorder, which includes a processor and storage medium for executing instructions provided by a software residing within the storage medium. Upon executing the instructions on the transmitted data, the toughness of the sample is objectively determined and can be ranked comparatively to the toughness of other samples. The instructions provide for categorizing the data into possible acoustic event points and background data points, interpolating a background noise curve, determining the actual acoustic event points, and calculating the area under each actual acoustic event point. |
| US09297729B2 |
Method for evaluating hit feeling
An evaluation method for hit feeling of a sport implement according to the present invention includes an acceleration measurement step for measuring acceleration of a sport hitting tool 4 and a data analysis step for analyzing data obtained in the measurement. In the data analysis step, an amount of change in acceleration in a first cycle of vibration after hitting is calculated. The evaluation method evaluates hit feeling to be felt by a person, using the amount of change in the acceleration. Preferably, in the data analysis step, an amount of change in acceleration in the first cycle of predetermined time is calculated. The predetermined time is within 1.5 msec from the time of hitting. Preferably, the sport hitting tool 4 has the hitting section detachably attached to a shaft section. |
| US09297728B2 |
Storage unit and transfer system for biological samples
A storage unit for biological samples has a horizontal footprint and multiple storage compartments separated by partitions and enclosed by a frame. The storage compartments have first and second openings and are fitted to the shape of a biopsy cassette or a glass slide and have a retention mechanism preventing the substantially vertical cassettes or slides in the storage compartments from falling out through the first opening and/or the second opening. A transfer system allows at least two storage units or at least one storage unit and one collection unit to be situated one above the other in alignment and displaced in relation to one another. The transfer system has a manipulator by which a biopsy cassette or a glass slide may be pushed from one storage unit to another, or into the collection unit. |
| US09297725B2 |
Apparatus for extracting, analyzing, and storing gas in drilled core on ship
Provided is an apparatus for extracting, analyzing, and storing gas in a drilled core on a ship. The apparatus includes: a needle for core insertion inserted into the drilled core to allow the gas in the drilled core to the outside; and a first 3-way valve into which the gas passing through the needle for core insertion is introduced and which controls the introduced gas so as to be supplied to a gas storing container or gas analyzing apparatuses positioned on a ship. |
| US09297720B2 |
Gas turbine engine vane embedded beam interrupt optical tip-timing probe system
A method of observing an airflow passage within a gas turbine engine includes locating a support in view of an airflow passage and housing an optical fiber within the support. |
| US09297715B2 |
Performance and/or stress-indicating device
Performance indicating device (400) adapted to be connected to a processing apparatus (100), in particular to an apparatus for demolishing and in particular for milling surfaces or layers (Sr) upon which one can walk or drive such as for example surfaces made of asphalt or cement or of similar solid materials, and/or to a main operating machine (300) actuating said apparatus (100), said apparatus (100) comprising processing means (10), said device comprising at least a first movable indicating element (401) adapted to be alternatively moved in a first sense of motion and in the opposite sense in case of increase and decrease of the stress undergone by said processing means (10), respectively. |
| US09297712B2 |
Integral housing load cell system and apparatus
A strain gage system for an electric motor actuator is provided. The strain gage system may be coupled to or integrally formed in a housing of the electric motor actuator. In various embodiments, the strain gauge system may comprise one or more principle strain gages. In various embodiments, the strain gage system may comprise one or more transverse strain gages. |
| US09297709B2 |
System and method for analyzing athletic activity
Various sensor systems are described herein, including inserts having sensors thereon, which are configured to be received in an article of footwear. The inserts may be connected to a sole member of the footwear, or may function as a sole member. The sensors may be bonded to an outer surface of the insert, or positioned within the insert, in some configurations. The system may also include an electronic module that is overmolded into the sole structure and includes a connector for external access. |
| US09297706B2 |
Freeze indicator employing light scattering and method of making same
A freeze indicator including an indicator dispersion is described herein. Such an indicator dispersion can include: a liquid medium and particles of a colored indicator agent dispersed in the liquid medium. The colored indicator agent particles having an inherent color; wherein the indicator dispersion exhibits the inherent color of the colored indicator agent particles after freezing and is configured to have a less colored appearance before freezing and wherein light scattering masks the inherent color of the colored indicator agent particles before freezing. Some indicator dispersions can be free of color-changing chemical co-reactants. These freeze indicators can be small, have a low cost, and have a simple configuration. |
| US09297703B2 |
Temperature sensing device and method of driving thereof
A temperature sensing device includes a first frequency generator for generating a first clock signal having a first frequency that is constant regardless of a temperature; a second frequency generator for generating a second clock signal having a second frequency that is changed according to the temperature; and a data holding unit for outputting a temperature code indicating a number of pulses of the second clock signal counted for a reference time at which a number of pulses of the first clock signal reaches a predetermined threshold. The temperature sensing device does not require a reference clock signal input from the outside and is insensitive to the change in the process, thereby being capable of improving the performance of the temperature sensing device. |
| US09297702B2 |
Coherence switching
A first image may be obtained using locked (relative) phases. A second image may be obtained using unlocked (e.g., randomized) phases. Data of the second image may be subtracted from data of the first image. The result may then undergo further processing, if desired, e.g., to further enhance the resulting image. |
| US09297701B2 |
Electromagnetic wave detector with improved wavelength selection property
In order to improve efficiency for converting electromagnetic energy into heat energy, an electromagnetic wave detector detecting an electromagnetic wave having a specific wavelength includes a substrate in which a read-out circuit is formed; a temperature detecting portion with a space from the substrate and which includes a bolometer thin film and a first antenna wire; a supporting portion which supports the temperature detecting portion with a space from the substrate and which includes electrode wires connected to the read-out circuit and to the bolometer thin film; and a reflecting portion which is provided to the substrate and which reflects the electromagnetic wave penetrating the temperature detecting portion toward the temperature detecting portion. |
| US09297697B2 |
In-device coexistence between radios
A method for facilitating in-device coexistence between radios is provided. The method can include a processor implemented on the wireless communication device defining a coexistence policy for a first radio and a second radio co-located on the wireless communication device; and providing the coexistence policy to a coexistence management controller on the first radio via an interface between the processor and the first radio. The method can further include the second radio providing state information for the second radio to the first radio via an interface between the first radio and the second radio. The method can additionally include the coexistence management controller on the first radio using the state information to control operation of the first radio in accordance with the coexistence policy to mitigate interference with the second radio. |
| US09297695B2 |
Motion sensing device and packaging method thereof
A motion sensing device for sensing infrared rays, the motion sensing device includes a substrate; a sensing unit, configured on the substrate for sensing the infrared rays; a stabilizing layer, covering on the sensing unit for fixing and protecting the sensing unit, wherein the stabilizing layer has an opening; a protection layer, formed on the opening; and a coating layer, covering the stabilizing layer for absorbing infrared rays, wherein the coating layer does not cover the opening. |
| US09297693B2 |
Spatially-selective reflector structures, reflector disks, and systems and methods for use thereof
The invention provides a spatially-selective reflective structure for the detection of submillimeter electromagnetic waves and systems and methods incorporating spatially-selective reflective structures. One aspect of the invention provides a spatially-selective reflective structure including a partially-conducting slab and a modulating reflector disk adjacent to the partially-conducting slab. The modulating reflector disk includes a plurality of modulations. Another aspect of the invention provides a submillimeter imaging device including submillimeter wave optics, a spatially-selective reflective structure located in the focal plane of the submillimeter wave optics, a submillimeter wave receiver positioned to capture waves reflected from the spatially-selective reflective structure, and a motor configured to rotate the spatially-selective reflective structure. The spatially-selective reflective structure includes a partially-conducting slab and a modulating reflector disk adjacent to the partially-conducting slab. The modulating reflector plate includes one or more modulations. |
| US09297692B2 |
System and method for inspecting a sample using landing lens
An evaluation system that includes a miniature module that comprises a miniature objective lens and a miniature supporting module; wherein the miniature supporting module is arranged, when placed on a sample, to position the miniature objective lens at working distance from the sample; wherein the miniature objective lens is arranged to gather radiation from an area of the sample when positioned at the working distance from the sample; a sensor arranged to detect radiation that is gathered by the miniature objective lens to provide detection signals indicative of the area of the sample. |
| US09297691B2 |
Dynamic fiber bragg grating interrogation system and method
A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) interrogation method allows for high frequency dynamic measurement. The method may utilize a broad band light source connected to the sensing elements. Each sensing element may comprise two wavelength matching FBGs, a coupler, and a photodiode. The FBG closest to the light source may attenuate the central wavelength in the transmission spectrum and thus the reflection spectrum of the second FBG. Variations in intensity of the second FBG may be measured by the photodiode and can be calibrated to the desired measurands. |
| US09297678B2 |
Acoustic flow rate meter having a high frequency induction coil mounted directly on the piping without an acoustic coupling
Acoustic flow rate meter for the noninvasive determination of the flow or the flow rate in electrically conductive objects through which media flow, in particular pipes or pipelines, having an excitation transducer for generating at least one ultrasonic wave in the object, which is coupled into the medium as a longitudinal wave on an inner side of the object oriented toward the medium, and having a receiving transducer for the detection of an ultrasonic signal in the object, wherein the ultrasonic signal at least partially results due to the longitudinal wave, wherein the excitation transducer is implemented as a high-frequency induction coil, while omitting an acoustic coupling of the excitation transducer with the surface of the object, to generate a varying magnetic field in a surface-proximal region of the object, which is metallic in particular, and the ultrasonic wave is generated by interaction of the varying magnetic field with a static or quasi-static magnetic field in this region. |
| US09297677B2 |
Gas flow rate measuring apparatus for minimizing temperature dependent errors
A gas flow rate measuring apparatus including a gas flow rate detection circuit configured to output a first analog signal of a gas flow rate of a gas; a gas temperature detection element configured to output a second analog signal of a temperature of the gas or a temperature of an integrated circuit; analog-to-digital converters for converting the analog signals into respective digital signals; a digital signal correction device comprising a map table and configured to correct a characteristic bend of the first digital signal based on the map table and the second digital signal, wherein the map table comprises correction constants arranged as lattice points, wherein a first number of lattice points in a first region of the characteristic bend of the gas flow rate signal is larger than a second number of lattice points of a second region outside the first region of the characteristic bend. |
| US09297676B2 |
Error frequency component acquisition device, angle of rotation acquisition device, motor control device, and angle of rotation acquisition method
In a device in which the rotation angle of the rotor is detected with a resolver, the rotation angle of the rotor with less error can be obtained while reducing burden of the operator. The measured angle value acquisition unit acquires the measured-rotation angle value of a motor shaft. The error calculation unit calculates the error included in each of measured-rotation angle values. The frequency component acquisition unit determines the phase and the amplitude of a frequency component of the error based on the errors. Thus, by using the error frequency component acquisition device, the phase and amplitude of the frequency component of the error included in the measured-rotation angle value can be automatically calculated and the correction with respect to the measure-rotation angle value can be performed using the acquired phase and amplitude. Therefore, the rotation angle of the rotor with less error can be obtained, while reducing the burden of the operator. |
| US09297675B2 |
Illuminated indicator structures for electronic devices
A composite laminate assembly for an electronic device provides integrated backlighting for one or more indicator shapes defined by the assembly. The assembly includes a substantially opaque cover member to obscure at least parts of the electronic device. Translucent indicator structures in the cover member define respective indicator shapes to allow backlighting to pass through the cover member. An optical matrix layer of an optically conductive material is attached to an inner face of the cover member, with a plurality of lighting devices embedded in the optical matrix layer and laterally offset from associated indicator structures. The plurality of lighting devices may be connected to an electric circuit carried on the inner face of the cover member. |
| US09297674B2 |
Sensor housing container and sensor attachment method using same
A sensor housing container comprises a container having an opening, a lid that covers the opening, and a sensor housing body that can be pulled out of the opening of the container. The sensor housing body includes a sensor case, a plurality of sensors, and a spring that biases these sensors. The sensor case is provided with a sensor discharge port at the portion where the sensors are biased by the spring. Also, this sensor discharge port is provided with a guide protrusion for aligning the sensor discharge port with a sensor insertion port of a measurement device. Furthermore, the inner face of the container is provided with a push-out protrusion that contacts with the end of the sensors on the opposite side from electrodes, at the portion corresponding to the end of the sensors on the opposite side from the electrodes inside the sensor case. |
| US09297673B2 |
Turbomachine component and turbomachine equipped therewith
Turbomachine component and turbomachine outfitted therewith. The turbomachine component has a sensor unit arranged at the turbomachine component. The sensor unit has a sensor for detecting a parameter to be monitored and a transmitter for sending a measurement signal corresponding to the parameter to an evaluation unit of the turbomachine for processing. The transmitter of the sensor unit sends an encoded identification signal to the evaluation unit along with the measurement signal, this encoded identification signal contains an identification code that identifies the sensor unit. The sensor unit is configured such that the sensor unit cannot be separated from the turbomachine component without functional destruction of the sensor unit. |
| US09297672B2 |
Interface circuit for detecting fault of resolver and method thereof
An interface circuit for detecting a fault in a resolver is provided. More specifically, the interface circuit includes the resolver connected to an intermediate point of a stator coil of a first output terminal for a sine wave signal and an intermediate point of the stator coil of a second output terminal for a cosine wave signal to output the sine and cosine wave signals as a common mode signal. Also includes is resolver fault detection interface unit that adjusts a gain and an offset of the sine wave signal and the cosine wave signal in order to adjust the sine wave signal and the cosine wave signal received as a common mode signal to a frequency that can be suitably applied to an analog/digital terminal of a microcomputer, and to allow high-frequency components of the sine wave signal and the cosine wave signal to pass therethrough. |
| US09297669B2 |
Bias field generation for a magneto sensor
Embodiments related to the generation of magnetic bias fields for magnetic sensing are described and depicted. In one embodiment, a sensor includes at least one magnetosensitive element, and a magnetic body with an opening, the magnetic body comprising magnetic material, the magnetic body having inclined surface sections shaped by the opening, wherein the sensor is arranged within the opening such that the magnetosensitive element is in lateral directions bounded by the inclined surface sections. |
| US09297668B2 |
System and method for displaying flight path information in rotocraft
An apparatus and method are provided for displaying a predicted image for rotocraft flight in consideration of data associated with a selected flight procedure and a current image. |
| US09297666B2 |
Automatically generating route directions based on signpost data
A method, system, and/or computer program product automatically generates route directions based on signpost data. A calculated route from an origin to a destination includes multiple decision points where a user has more than one option to take. Geo-stamped images of signposts located at each decision point from the multiple decision points are received, and one or more series of signposts is compiled, where each series has a common signpost content. Conflicts in any overlapping series are resolved by using a measure of relative density of signpost content, and one or more decision points of the calculated route are replaced with instructions referring to the common signpost content of the series of signposts. Geo-stamped images of signposts of the series of signposts having the common signpost content are then displayed in a motor vehicle. |
| US09297665B2 |
System and method for sending a destination point to a vehicle navigation system from a portable electronic device
A method and system for sending a destination point to a vehicle navigation system from a portable electronic device. The method and system include connecting one or more portable electronic devices to the navigation system. The method and system additionally include identifying a user classification category of one or more users that are operating the one or more portable electronic devices that are connected to the navigation system. Additionally, the method and system include sending the desired destination point from the one or more portable electronic devices to the navigation system based on the user classification category. The sending of the desired destination point occurs upon determining that the navigation system is locked out and includes the navigation system computing a navigational route to the desired destination point sent from the one or more portable electronic devices to the navigation system. |
| US09297664B2 |
Method of processing positioning data
A method is disclosed, for processing positioning data to generate map data which includes a plurality of navigable segments representing segments of a navigable route in the area covered by the map, with each segment being arranged to have speed data associated therewith. In at least one embodiment, the method includes classifying the speed data associated with at least some, and generally each, navigable segment having speed data associated therewith into a category of a classification having a plurality of categories into which the speed data can be classified according to a parameter of a navigable segment with which the speed data is associated; generating a category average for each category within the classification; assessing at least some, and generally each, navigable segment within the map data to determine whether there is speed data associated therewith; and if there is no speed data associated with a navigable segment, using the category average, according to the parameter of the navigable segment being processed, as the speed data for the navigable segment being processed. |
| US09297661B2 |
Aviation watch
A wearable electronic device utilizes indicators on a display screen, such as tick marks positioned around the perimeter of the display, to point to the bearing of a desired location such as a nearest airport when GPS is enabled. The electronic device may be implemented as an aviation watch that comprises a display device having a screen including a plurality of indicators arranged proximal to a perimeter of the screen. The aviation watch determines a direction of an airport that is nearest in proximity to the location of the aviation watch and activates a subset of the plurality of indicators of the screen, the subset of the plurality of indicators providing a directional bearing to the airport determined to be nearest in proximity to the location of the aviation watch. |
| US09297660B2 |
System and method for determining parameters representing orientation of a solid in movement subject to two vector fields
A system determines parameters representing the orientation of a solid in movement within a first vector field and a second vector field. A first triaxial sensor and a second triaxial sensor are connected to the solid and measure the components of the respective vector fields along the axes of the sensors, obtaining corresponding first and second vectors. A processor determines the rotation matrix of the solid, using a correction module for delivering a first corrected vector, and calculating a third vector which is not coplanar to the plane formed by the first corrected vector and the second vector, such that the angles of the axis system formed by the third vector and the first corrected vector and the second vector remain constant. |
| US09297658B2 |
Wi-Fi enhanced tracking algorithms
Disclosed herein is the use of Wi-Fi based location estimates of a mobile device to provide global offset corrections (including automated initialization) and enhanced navigation accuracy through delivery of heading corrections. In an embodiment, dead reckoning tracking data may be received for a tracked subject. The tracking data includes a plurality of tracking points forming a tracking path of the tracked subject. A Wi-Fi position system location estimate is also obtained. The Wi-Fi position system location estimate is one of a plurality of Wi-Fi position system location estimates correlated to the dead reckoning tracking data. And a tracking related parameter is determined based on the correlation of the dead reckoning tracking data to the Wi-Fi position system location estimate. |
| US09297655B2 |
Associating signal intelligence to objects via residual reduction
Generally discussed herein are systems and apparatuses that are configured to and techniques for associating a SIGINT signal with an object ortracklet. According to an example, a technique can include (1) estimating a first set of times, each time of the first set of times can indicate how much time it would take for a respective SIGINT signal of a set of SIGINT signals to travel from a point on a tracklet extracted from video data to a respective collector, (2) estimating a second set of times corresponding to times at which the video data corresponding to the point on the tracklet was gathered, or (3) associating the set of SIGINT signals with a tracklet of the plurality of tracklets based on the first set of times, the second set of times, and a set of ToAs of SIGINT signals at the plurality of collectors. |
| US09297654B2 |
Associating signal intelligence to objects via residual reduction
Generally discussed herein are systems and apparatuses that are configured to and techniques for associating a SIGnal INTelligence (SIGINT) signal with an object or tracklet. According to an example a technique can include estimating Times of Arrival (ToAs) at each of a plurality of collectors of a first signal from each of a plurality of moving transmitters, each first signal transmitted from a transmitter on a tracklet extracted from video data and received at the plurality of collectors, wherein a location of each of the plurality of collectors is known, comparing each estimated ToA to a respective actual ToA of a SIGINT signal received at each of the collectors, or determining a likelihood that the signal corresponds to the SIGINT signal to determine whether the SIGINT signal was transmitted from a transmitter on the corresponding tracklet. |
| US09297650B2 |
Method and arrangement for determining altitude
The invention relates to a portable electronic device and method for determining altitude. The device can comprise a satellite-positioning sensor for determining the elevation of the device on the basis of satellite data, a barometric sensor for measuring atmospheric-pressure information and/or an acceleration sensor for measuring acceleration information, and means for determining the altitude reading on the basis of the satellite-based elevation and the atmospheric-pressure and/or acceleration information. According to the invention, the means for determining the altitude reading are arranged to calculate a corrected altitude reading with the aid of the rate of change in elevation determined at least partly on the basis of the elevation determined on a satellite basis and atmospheric-pressure and/or acceleration information. With the aid of the invention, the altitude profile of exercise can be measured precisely. |
| US09297647B2 |
Apparatus for detecting a 3D structure of an object
An apparatus for detecting a 3D structure of an object. The apparatus has first and second laser emitters which generate laser radiation having first and second wavelengths, respectively, the first wavelength being different from the second wavelength. Optical devices are disclosed, including a beam splitter, which splits the laser radiation of the laser emitters in each case into a reference radiation and an illuminating radiation. The illuminating radiation impinges upon the object to be measured, is reflected by the object as object radiation and interferes with the reference radiation. A detector receives the interference patterns. The laser emitters are located such that the illuminating radiation of the first and second laser emitters impinge upon the object at different angles of incidence. Also discussed is a measuring device which measures the two wavelengths of the laser radiation of the laser emitters and influences the recording of the interference patterns. |
| US09297644B2 |
Device for detecting the position of watch hands
Device for detecting the position of at least a first and a second hand of an electromechanical watch, said first and second hands moving above a dial, the detection device including a single light source emitting a light beam towards the first and second hands, and a first and a second light detection system, the light source and the first and second light detection systems being mounted on or underneath the dial, the light source and the first and second light detection systems being arranged so that, in a determined position of the first hand, the light beam emitted by the light source is reflected by the first hand towards the first detection system, and in a determined position of the second hand, the light beam emitted by the light source is reflected by the second hand towards the second detection system. |
| US09297643B2 |
Distance estimation using split beam luminaire
The invention relates to a method for determining a distance from a sensor to a luminaire. The luminaire includes at least a first light source configured to emit a first light beam adapted to illuminate a predefined area and a second light source configured to emit a second light beam adapted to illuminate a background area surrounding the predefined area. The sensor, which could e.g. be included within another luminaire, is configured to detect a back-reflected first light beam and a back-reflected second light beam. The method includes determining the distance from the sensor to the luminaire based, at least partially, on a comparison of information indicative of a signal strength of the detected back-reflected first light beam and information indicative of a signal strength of the detected back-reflected second light beam. |
| US09297642B2 |
Alignment device for exposure device, and alignment mark
This alignment device is furnished with an alignment light source for emitting alignment light, and is housed with a camera for example. The alignment light source emits alignment light, doing so, for example, coaxially with respect to the optical axis of light detected by the camera. The alignment light illuminates a substrate and mask, and reflected light is detected by the camera. A microlens array for exposure use is present between a mask alignment mark and a substrate alignment mark, whereby an erect unmagnified image reflected from the substrate alignment mark is formed on the mask. A control device then uses the mask alignment mark and the substrate alignment mark detected by the camera to perform alignment of the substrate and the mask. Alignment of the substrate and the mask can be performed with high accuracy thereby. |
| US09297639B2 |
Mechanism for movement of a mirror in an interferometer, an interferometer incorporating the same and a fourier transform spectrometer incorporating the same
A mechanism that allows for precise motion of the optics of an interferometer is comprised by two or more diaphragm flexures having high lateral stiffness, creating a superior performing Michelson interferometer. When coupled with precise precision control of a mirror surface and a reference laser, the above creates a superior performing Fourier transform spectrometer. |
| US09297632B2 |
Method for estimating a roughness of a surface
A method for estimating a roughness R of a surface is provided, including: measuring, during relative movement of at least one force sensor in a direction roughly parallel to the surface, at least one force Fortho perceived by the at least one force sensor in a direction which is roughly orthogonal to said direction of movement, and parallel to said surface; calculating at least one statistical parameter P representative of variations of the value of the measured at least one force Fortho; and estimating the roughness R by calculating R=f(P), where f(P) is a function of the at least one statistical parameter P having at least some coefficients with values that are dependent on characteristics of the at least one force sensor used, and on a force with which the at least one force sensor is applied on said surface during the relative movement. |
| US09297630B2 |
Apparatus of measuring workpiece
The apparatus of measuring a workpiece according to the present disclosure includes a base, a measuring member, an upper arm member, a lower arm member, a first pin and a second pin, wherein the upper arm member includes an upper rotation frame and the lower arm member includes a lower rotation frame. When the first pin is moved to disconnect the upper rotation frame from the lower rotation frame, the upper rotation frame is rotatable. When the second pin is moved to lock the lower rotation frame to the measuring member, the lower rotation frame is free of rotation. When the first pin is moved to connect the upper rotation frame and the lower rotation frame with each other and when the second pin is moved to unlock the lower rotation frame from the measuring member, the lower rotation frame is rotatable with the upper rotation frame. |
| US09297629B2 |
Contour standard having a rotationally symmetrical calibration region, use of the standard and method for calibrating and/or monitoring a contour measuring instrument
The invention is a contour standard, which consists of a body having a rotationally symmetrical calibration region. The rotationally symmetrical calibration region encompasses a plurality of non-cylindrical axial sections, which can be concave, convex, by forming a predefined angle as radial projection or as radial depression. The calibration region has at least one measuring section, which runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body and which provides for axial calibration variables, as well as radial calibration variables. These calibration variables are compared with the sensed values to the calibration of a measuring instrument and the measuring instrument is adjusted based on the basis of the determined deviation. Due to the rotationally symmetrical calibration region, the contour standard is suitable both for the calibration of touch contour measuring instruments and also for the calibration of contour measuring instruments, which measure optically. |
| US09297622B2 |
Projectile with steerable fins and control method of the fins of such a projectile
The invention relates to a steering method of a projectile and to the associated projectile with incidence steerable fins, comprising at least three fins, each being pivotable with respect to the projectile around a pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the projectile, wherein the projectile comprises a fin orientation ring, the ring comprising as many arms as there are fins, wherein the ring can translate in a plan P perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the projectile and following at least two directions of this plan P, wherein the orientation ring can rotate on itself around its center parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the projectile, each arm comprising means cooperating with an orientation lever fixed to a fin to be able to pivot the fin around its pivot axis during translation of the ring by positioning means. |
| US09297620B2 |
Arrow having multiple exterior diameters and multiple interior diameters
A cylindrical carbon fiber arrow shaft formed with an exterior surface having single or multiple outside diameters and formed with an axial bore having multiple interior diameters. In a preferred embodiment, the exterior surface of the arrow shaft has an increased external diameter at the nock end and tapers to a smaller external diameter at the tip end. The axial bore has an internal diameter at the nock end corresponding to standard arrows having external diameters of 0.295 inches and tapers to a smaller internal diameter at the tip end. Modifying the length, diameter, and wall thickness of the arrow shaft varies the stiffness of the arrow shaft along the length and shifts the center of gravity along the length of the arrow shaft and as well. Utilizing standard internal diameters, nock and tips may be attached without spacers or inserts, thereby decreasing weight of the arrow significantly. |
| US09297619B1 |
Bullet for striking obstructed targets
The bullet for striking obstructed targets includes a main bullet casing having a primary front portion and a primary rear portion, the main bullet casing including a primary propellant and a primary firing means configured to ignite the primary propellant, the primary firing means positioned in the primary rear portion of the main bullet casing, a detachable bullet casing having a secondary front portion and a secondary rear portion, the detachable bullet casing positioned in communicating relation to the main bullet casing, the detachable bullet casing including a secondary propellant and a secondary firing means configured to ignite the secondary propellant, the secondary firing means positioned in the secondary front portion of the detachable bullet casing, and a bullet head positioned on the secondary front portion of the detachable bullet casing, the bullet head having a triggering means positioned in communicating relation to the secondary firing means configured to ignite the secondary firing means. |
| US09297618B2 |
Personal casualty simulator
A system and method uses three-dimensional, visual feedback for simulated weapons fire during training of a soldier in a combat exercise. In the system, the soldier is provided with a weapon equipped with a laser transmitter that simulates the firing of actual rounds. Further, sensors are positioned on a human target. Also, discharge members are located on the human target. When a signal is received by a sensor, selected discharge members are activated to immediately expel a plume of dust. As a result, the plume of expelled dust provides three-dimensional, visual feedback to the soldier in real-time. |
| US09297616B2 |
Systems and methods for associating an accessory with a firearm
Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for associating an accessory with a firearm. According to one embodiment, an accessory having an accessory portion and an attachment portion can be provided. The attachment portion can allow the accessory to be mounted to at least a portion of a rail assembly of the firearm when the attachment portion is clamped to the portion of the rail assembly of the firearm. The attachment portion can include a clamp assembly comprising a clamped position and an unclamped position. The attachment portion can also include a lever assembly operable to move the clamp assembly between the clamped position and the unclamped position respectively. Moreover, the attachment portion can include a lever assembly housing for at least partially enclosing some or all of the lever assembly. |
| US09297614B2 |
Master module light source, retainer and kits
A master module incorporates a laser, a power source, a control unit and a laser adjustment mechanism. The module is a single, compact unit designed to fit into a small casing. |
| US09297613B2 |
Method for manufacturing sight frame attachable to handgun and sight frame attachable to handgun
A sight frame with which the user can convert a handgun into a rifle-like gun is disclosed. The sight frame includes a frame part and stock, as well as an intermediate slide and locking and guide structures in such a manner that said locking and guide structures are arranged on the sight frame for fast attachment to a handgun and that said intermediate slide is by means of the lifting force provided by the locking and guide structures to the handgun arranged to support itself play free against the slide of the handgun along a major portion of the slide and to support itself through the guide surfaces play free against the guide surfaces arranged on the frame part of the sight frame. |
| US09297612B2 |
Wallet style handgun holster
A wallet style holster for holding and concealing a handgun includes an elongated panel including a top flap portion and a bottom flap portion having a handgun retaining element attached to the bottom flap portion where the handgun retaining element includes a trigger guard retention portion and a forward block. At least one protrusion is separated from the forward block by a channel, where the channel and the protrusion are formed to receive a handgun trigger and trigger guard which is held between the protrusion and the forward block. The top flap portion of the elongated panel may be folded over the bottom flap portion to form a wallet, sized so as to be adapted to cover a handgun and fit in a pocket. |
| US09297610B2 |
Firearm stabilization apparatus
The present disclosure provides a firearm stabilization apparatus having (1) a main body further having a stopped dado which forms a depression on a front surface of the main body; a first magnet positioned within the depression; a slot along a edge of the main body; and a second magnet positioned within the slot; and (2) a firearm further with a third magnet. |
| US09297605B2 |
Paintball drive system of a paintball loader
A paintball drive system of a paintball loader and includes a board having a hole with which a driving ring is engaged. A gear ring is connected to the driving ring. A friction ring is located at the inside of the gear ring. A base is located beneath the board and has a cone which has an outlet and an entrance. A power unit is connected to one end of the loader and rotates the gear ring. The paintballs are received in the paintball loader and is moved by the friction ring which is driven by the gear ring to guide the paintballs to move through the entrance and be fed into the paintball gun via the outlet. |
| US09297603B2 |
Inflatable bag with burst control envelope and gas generator
A rupturable bag assembly including a balloon, an outer wall, an inlet port, and a heat resistant shield. The balloon is fabricated from an elastic material. The outer wall is disposed around the balloon, the outer wall having a perimeter seam which parts abruptly at a predetermined tension. The inlet port passes through the outer wall into the balloon for inflating the balloon to produce the predetermined tension. The heat resistant shield is disposed within the balloon opposite the inlet port. The outer wall is constructed of a relatively inelastic material in comparison to the material used to construct the balloon. |
| US09297602B2 |
Firearm bump stock assembly
A firearm bump stock assembly provides a mount and support for a conventional semi-automatic firearm. The firearm bump stock assembly beneficially provides a user with the ability to increase the fire rate efficiency of a firearm by reducing the amount of time between pulling of a trigger on a firearm and reloading of a new bullet into a chamber of said firearm, thus allowing said firearm to be reloaded and fired more rapidly. The firearm bump stock assembly also beneficially provides a user with the ability to maintain accuracy of said firearm and to easily aim and maneuver said firearm, while concurrently being able to increase said firearm's rate of fire. |
| US09297593B2 |
Grooveless header plate
The invention relates to a header plate (1) of a heat exchanger, comprising a plurality of openings or sockets (2) intended for the fixing of a plurality of tubes or the like through which at least one fluid flows, the header plate extending along a planar surface (XX), characterized in that the distance between two adjacent openings or sockets (2), or “tube spacing” (p), is less than 9.5 millimeters (mm). The invention also relates to a header tank with such a header plate (1) and to a brazed or “mechanical” heat exchanger including such a header tank. |
| US09297591B1 |
Heat conduction systems
A heat conduction system including modular pipes housing a solid heat conductor made of a combination of carbon foam glass and grapheme and, for conductors, insulated from the outermost pipe by an insulating layer and with an annular gas purging gap for high-temperature applications. Also included in the system are thermal valves, manifolds, and heat exchangers to route and use the thermal energy. In an exemplary use, a down-hole heat exchanger, thermally coupled to a string of heat conduction modules, brings geothermal heat up from abandoned oil wells to operate a boiler and steam turbine. In another exemplary use, waste heat is conducted out of slag for conversion into useful energy. In yet another exemplary use, waste heat is conducted away from a nuclear reactor. |
| US09297586B2 |
Method of generating cracks in polycrystalline silicon rod and crack generating apparatus
A method of generating cracks in a polycrystalline silicon rod, comprising: heating a polycrystalline silicon rod; and subsequently performing local portion cooling of the polycrystalline silicon rod to apply a refrigerant fluid onto a spot-like area of a surface of the polycrystalline silicon rod. |
| US09297585B2 |
Hood-type annealing furnace and method for operating the same
A hood-type annealing furnace for the thermal treatment of cold-rolled steel strip includes a base, a protective hood which can be placed on the latter and under which a protective gas heated by a gas burner is circulated by a blower, to heat the steel strip, rolled up particularly into a coil, under the protective hood to a temperature of at least 500° C. in a protective gas atmosphere. An electric heater fed by the public power network has a heating capacity correspondingly substantially to the heating capacity of the gas burner. The protective gas can be independently heated with the electric heater, alternatively to the gas burner, with the gas burner switched off, to a temperature above the recrystallization annealing temperature. A method for operating a hood-type annealing furnace is also provided. |
| US09297576B2 |
Refrigeration appliance comprising a storage compartment that can be offset
A refrigeration appliance includes a refrigeration compartment, in which a storage container for refrigerated goods is mounted on a pull-out panel such that it can be displaced between an inserted position and a pulled-out position. The container can be arranged in a first position and a second position on the pull-out panel, the first position and the second position differing along the direction of the width of the refrigeration appliance. |
| US09297575B1 |
Reservoir and method of making
A reservoir for use in a water distribution system within a refrigeration device includes a container having a vessel portion terminating in a neck having an opening, and a cap sealingly engaging the neck. The cap has an internal surface in communication with an interior of the vessel portion, an external surface opposite the internal surface, an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture through the cap in fluid communication with the container opening, and an inlet tube in fluid communication with the inlet aperture extending from the external surface. The cap may sealingly engage the neck by only one seal. The cap may further include an outlet tube in fluid communication with the outlet aperture extending from the external surface. In certain embodiments, a dip tube may be provided in fluid communication with the outlet aperture extending from the internal surface into the vessel portion. |
| US09297574B2 |
Refrigerator and method for controlling the same
A refrigerator and method of operating a refrigerator are provided in which an amount of water supplied to an ice maker may be accurately controlled. The refrigerator may include an ice maker, a dispenser for dispensing water, a flow passage control valve for selectively guiding water to the ice maker and the dispenser, a flow amount sensor, and a controller operably coupled to the flow amount sensor for controlling an amount of water supplied to the ice maker based on a water supply amount sensed by the flow amount sensor. |
| US09297573B2 |
Appliance with a water filtration system
An appliance includes a main body defining an access opening; a door movably attached to the main body and configured to close the access opening in a closed position, the door comprising a front, a back, a side surface extending from the front to the back, and a recess formed in the side surface, the back facing the main body when the door is in the closed position; and a water filtration system comprising a filter disposed in the recess. |
| US09297571B1 |
Device and methodology for the removal of heat from an equipment rack by means of heat exchangers mounted to a door
A cooling door assembly includes a frame and a cooling door coupled to the frame. The cooling door includes multiple heat exchangers. The frame is configured to mount to the back of a server rack or other electronics enclosure in such a manner that the cooling door opens to allow access to the electronics servers within the server rack while maintaining a fluidic connection to an external cooling system. The frame is coupled to the external cooling system and the cooling door includes one or more swivel joints, each configured to provide one or more fluid paths between the cooling door and the frame. The cooling door assembly includes separate and independent fluid paths, where fluid is separately provided to each independent fluid path. Different groups of heat exchangers are coupled to each independent fluid path. In the event of failure of one of the independent fluid paths, the other independent fluid path(s) remain operational. |
| US09297569B2 |
System and method for providing efficient cooling within a test environment
A system and method for cooling an environmental test chamber is described where a controller is in communication with an auxiliary cooling unit and the primary refrigeration unit. A first chamber temperature measurement associated with the environmental test chamber is received, and the heat load associated with a target temperature is determined. Based on the first chamber temperature measurement and the heat load, it is determined that the auxiliary cooling unit can sustain the target temperature. In response to the determination, the controller is used to transmit a signal to power on the auxiliary cooling unit and a signal to time out the primary refrigeration unit. |
| US09297568B1 |
Cooler with collapsible chair storage
A cooler is presented with integrated vertical storage tubes that are sized to receive folding camp chairs for storage and ease of transport. When a desired location is reached, the camp chairs may be removed for use, and cup holder inserts may then be placed into the tubes to convert the tubes to cup holders or closed storage for additional items. The cooler may also include a storage box attached to the lid or brackets to receive additional camp chairs in a horizontal configuration. |
| US09297562B2 |
Electronic expansion valve
An electronic expansion valve includes a drive component including a screw rod which reciprocates axially and a nut which cooperates with the screw rod by screw threads, and a lower end of the screw rod forms the valve needle component. A sleeve is fixed in the main valve cavity, an upper portion of the sleeve cooperates with the nut, and a lower end of the sleeve is supported by the valve seat and surrounds the main valve port. The valve core seat is axially movably arranged in the sleeve, and the lower end of the screw rod extends into the sleeve to open and close the valve core valve port. The structural design of the electronic expansion valve prevents an excessive impact on a valve core seat caused by the refrigerant with high pressure when the refrigerant flows forward, thereby preventing the eccentricity of the valve core seat. |
| US09297560B2 |
Dehumidifier for a compressor in compression-absorption heat pump system
A dehumidifier for a compressor, including: a plurality of dehumidifying members that absorb moisture; and a flow passage controlling valve module that enables a low-temperature vapor refrigerant to alternately flow into the plurality of dehumidifying members and enables the low-temperature refrigerant to flow into a compressor in a state where moisture contained in the low-temperature refrigerant is absorbed and is removed, enables a high-temperature vapor refrigerant ejected from the compressor to alternately flow into the dehumidifying members and regenerates the dehumidifying members. Thus, since a liquid-state absorbent contained in a refrigerant flowing into the compressor is removed by the dehumidifier, damage caused by liquid compression and corrosion of the compressor can be reduced. In addition, the structure of the dehumidifier is simple, and an additional external heating source is not required. |
| US09297558B2 |
Refrigerating system
A refrigerating system including an air conditioning system and a cooler system is provided. An air conditioner-side refrigerant passage may be connected to a cooler-side refrigerant passage to allow refrigerant to flow between the air conditioning system and the cooler system. Thus, if a cooler-side compressor experiences abnormal operation, cooler-side refrigerant may be compressed by an air conditioner-side compressor so as to maintain cooling performance of the refrigerating system. |
| US09297554B2 |
Cavity receivers for parabolic solar troughs
A tubular heat-absorbing element partly enclosed in an insulating layer or jacket, has absorbing surface that is accessible to solar radiation. The thermal insulation is designed to provide entry to solar radiation by way of a cavity. The absorbing surface can be substantially planar. |
| US09297553B2 |
Pump assembly
A pump assembly includes a motor and a pump, with the motor having an output shaft that extends into a volute chamber defined by a housing of the pump. An impeller may be mounted to the end of the output shaft. A heating element maybe located within a projection formed in an end of the housing and defines a heat transfer area confronting the volute chamber, wherein heat generated by the heating element may be conducted into the volute chamber. |
| US09297552B2 |
Velocity zoning heat exchanger air baffle
One aspect of this disclosure provides a zoning baffle for a gas furnace. This embodiment comprises a housing, a primary heating zone located in the housing and comprising one or more heating chambers. A blower having an exhaust opening is located adjacent the primary heating zone and is positioned to force air through the primary heating zone. A zoning baffle is located between the blower and the primary heating zone. The zoning baffle comprises spaced apart baffles oriented substantially parallel with the one or more heating chambers. A method of manufacturing a gas furnace is also provided. |
| US09297549B2 |
Device employable in different circuit configurations using parallel wiring harnesses, a HVAC system employing the device and a method of manufacturing a HVAC unit
A HVAC unit manufacturing method and a HVAC system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the HVAC system includes: a controller having control board terminals, a parallel wiring harness having a first and a second connection header, the first connection header coupled to the control board terminals, and a switch having terminals. The terminals of the switch including: a pair of functional terminals configured to indicate a status of the switch and a pair of jumpered terminals independent of the pair of functional terminals and internally connected together within the switch, wherein designated combinations of the terminals indicate a circuit configuration for employing the switch in the HVAC system with each of the terminals having a particular design that dictates a specific corresponding connection header be used for each of the designated combinations, wherein a single one of the designated combinations of the terminals corresponds to the second connection header. |
| US09297547B2 |
Control device for varying the angle of air conditioning discharge flaps
A control device controls a swing action of flaps of an air conditioning apparatus. The flaps are swung up and down. The control device includes an operation mode determining section, a swing pattern storage area and a control command generator. The operation mode determining section determines at least an air-cooling operation mode and an air-warming operation mode that are operation modes of the air conditioning apparatus. The swing pattern storage area stores a plurality of swing patterns that include information pertaining to the swing action. The control command generator generates a control command of the air conditioning apparatus on the basis of a swing pattern corresponding to the mode determined by the operation mode determining section from among the plurality of swing patterns. |
| US09297544B2 |
Humidification device
There is provided a humidification device capable of performing humidification in as short a time as possible when an indoor humidity is low. A humidification device includes operation control means for selecting either a humidification priority mode or a normal operation mode based on a predetermined condition to operate the humidification device, and fans that can adjust airflow rates, and generates airflow passing through a condenser and an evaporator, wherein operation in the humidification priority mode is operation in which the airflow rates of the fans are decreased, as compared with operation in the normal operation mode, by which desorption of moisture from an adsorbent of the condenser and collection of moisture by an adsorbent of the evaporator are promoted, as compared with operation in the normal operation mode, so that humidification is given priority over ventilation. |
| US09297543B2 |
Dehumidification system
A dehumidification system for a dry clean room includes: a dry chamber supplied with air having a lower humidity than air in the dry clean room; a main dehumidification unit which supplies air to the dry clean room; and a terminal dehumidification unit which processes the air to be supplied from the dry clean room to the dry chamber, thus achieving energy saving and cost reduction for the dehumidification system for the dry clean room. |
| US09297541B1 |
Underlayment heating systems and methods
An underlayment heating system for use with flooring, the system including an underlayment layer, a vapor barrier layer, a thin film radiant heater layered between at least part of the underlayment layer and the vapor barrier layer, wherein the thin film radiant heater includes a substrate, a conductive resistive ink pattern disposed on the substrate, wherein the ink pattern generates heat when electricity passes through the resistive ink pattern, wherein the underlayment heating system includes overlap portions that extend along opposing longitudinal edges of the system, and wherein the thin film radiant heater is layered between the underlayment layer and the vapor barrier layer such that the resistive ink pattern is disposed outside of the overlap portions of the underlayment heating system. |
| US09297540B2 |
Downdraft system
Some embodiments of the invention provide a downdraft assembly capable of ventilating a cooktop including housing with a frame, a fluid box, and a movement assembly with a belt-lift. In some embodiments, the movement assembly can include a vertically moveable chimney. Some embodiments include a chimney with an upper and lower horizontal member and dual fluid inlets. In some embodiments, a first control panel can be coupled to the housing to activate at least one function of the downdraft assembly while remaining substantially stationary as the chimney moves. Some embodiments include a second control panel coupled chimney. Some embodiments include a visor and at least one illumination source configured and arranged to at least partially illuminate the cooktop. In some embodiments, the visor can articulate to control illumination or the flow of a cooking effluent into at least one of the dual inlets. |
| US09297539B2 |
Assembly for attachment to rear wall of appliance cavity
A sliding rack assembly includes an rack, a pair of retention members supporting the rack, and a pair of rear wall retainers. Each retention member includes a slide assembly and a retention plate fixed to the slide assembly. Each retention plate includes a front end for being toward an opening of the cavity and a rear end for being disposed toward a rear wall of the cavity. The rear end of the retention plate includes a holding feature. The rear wall retainers are for being fixed to the rear wall of the cavity. Each rear wall retainer includes a plurality of vertically spaced retention features. Each retention feature is for connecting with a holding feature of a retention member to prevent the retention members from tipping inwardly and separating from the rear wall retainers. |
| US09297538B2 |
Oven door lighting
Lighting for an oven door includes a light source and a design that is selectively illuminated by the light source. The light source is located in the oven door, and the design is etched in an oven door window. |
| US09297527B2 |
LED retrofitting system for post top outdoor lighting
A modular lighting system for controlling light output and direction in a pole top luminaire includes a base. Lighting modules which have LEDs mounted on a heat sink include pairs of heat pipes extending from the heat sink plug into the base. Openings in the base receive the heat pipes to support the lighting modules in a desired orientation, enabling location specific customized orientation. The assembly allows universal replacement of pole top luminaires with efficient LED light engines, yet without need for custom parts, thus enabling a wide variety of applications for the lighting modules. |
| US09297525B2 |
Pixilated LED light source for channel letter illumination
The present invention is an LED module for channel letter illumination utilizing multiple through-hole LEDs in a pixel formation as a light source where one surface mounted LED or other forms of LEDs were previously used. The use of a number of small through-hole LEDs ideally requires that a beam angle between and including 15° and 180° in vertical and horizontal directions, respectively, be utilized. When multiple light sources are used on a module, the distance between light sources is to be between 20 mm and 1 cm. The use of several smaller LEDs reduces the current needed to generate light of appropriate intensity and, thus reduces energy cost and heat generation. The use of smaller LEDs also assists in excess heat dissipation. |
| US09297522B2 |
Lighting device
A lighting device may include a semiconductor light source module, an optical unit, and a common support for the semiconductor light source module and the optical unit. The optical unit is mounted on a front side of the support and has at least one dowel, which extends into a precisely fitting hole in the semiconductor light source module. The semiconductor light source module rests on a rear side of the support. The at least one dowel projects through an aperture in the support and extends into the precisely fitting hole in the semiconductor light source module. The at least one dowel forms a shoulder, which rests on a supporting surface of the semiconductor light source module that rests on the rear side of the support. |
| US09297520B2 |
LED device for wide beam generation
An apparatus and method is characterized by providing an optical transfer function between a predetermined illuminated surface pattern, such as a street light pattern, and a predetermined energy distribution pattern of a light source, such as that from an LED. A lens is formed having a shape defined by the optical transfer function. The optical transfer function is derived by generating an energy distribution pattern using the predetermined energy distribution pattern of the light source. Then the projection of the energy distribution pattern onto the illuminated surface is generated. The projection is then compared to the predetermined illuminated surface pattern to determine if it acceptably matches. The process continues reiteratively until an acceptable match is achieved. Alternatively, the lens shape is numerically or analytically determined by a functional relationship between the shape and the predetermined illuminated surface pattern and predetermined energy distribution pattern of a light source as inputs. |
| US09297515B2 |
Moisture resistant polyimide compositions
The invention relates to a moisture resistant composition comprising: a) from 20 to 80 weight percent based on the total weight of the composition of a polyetherimide copolymer made from a monomer mixture comprising 3,3′ bisphenol-A dianhydride (BPADA), and 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS); b) from 5 to 75 weight percent based on the total weight of the composition of polyetheretherketone (PEEK); and c) from 0 to 30 weight percent based on the total weight of the composition of a filler. The invention relates to a reflector substrate comprising a moisture resistant layer metalized with a reflective layer, wherein the moisture resistant layer comprising the moisture resistant composition. The invention relates to a method for producing a metalized coating without a primer comprising applying a reflective layer directly to a moisture resistant layer in the absence of a primer, wherein the moisture resistant layer comprises the moisture resistant composition. |
| US09297513B2 |
Display apparatus having illumination unit with specific bracket
A display apparatus with an illumination unit has first and second reflectors, at least one light source module placed between the first and second reflectors, and a bracket configured to support the light source module. The bracket includes a body configured to connect one side of the first reflector to one side of the second reflector, a first fastening member protruding from an inner surface of the body, and a second fastening member protruding from an outer surface of the body. |
| US09297512B2 |
Light flux controlling member, light emitting device and illumination apparatus
Incidence region 162 of light flux controlling member 160 includes first lens region 10 and second lens region 50 which have a fan shape in a plan view thereof. First lens region 10 includes a plurality of first projections 172. In first inclining surface 174 of first projection 172, angle θ11 on a first cross section and angle θ21 on a second cross section in a direction orthogonal to the first cross section are both larger than 0°. In second inclining surface 176, angle θ12 on the second cross section is larger than angle θ22 on the second cross section. |
| US09297509B2 |
LED work light
A work light has a head section with a single piece metal channel having a rear portion and opposing side flanges. The rear portion and side flanges extending longitudinally along the channel. Light has a handle section. LEDs are mounted on channel such that the channel is heatsink for the LEDs. A transparent single piece lens assembly covers the LEDs, the lens assembly has a corresponding plurality of convex lenses, each convex lens forward of each LED, the lens assembly attached to the rear portion of the channel. Forward edges of the side flanges of the channel extend farther forward from the rear surface than the lens assembly for protection. |
| US09297500B2 |
Light emitting module, lighting device, and lighting apparatus
A light-emitting module includes: a first light-emitting element that emits light from an upper surface and side surfaces thereof; a second light-emitting element that mainly emits light from an upper surface thereof; a first sealer; and a second sealer. A first ratio, defined as a ratio of a heightwise distance from a top of the first sealer to the upper surface of the substrate with respect to a width of the first sealer at the upper surface of the substrate, is larger than a second ratio, defined as a ratio of a heightwise distance from a top of the second sealer to the upper surface of the second light-emitting element with respect to a width of the second sealer at a position corresponding to the upper surface of the second light-emitting element. A ratio of the first ratio to the second ratio is less than 1.85. |
| US09297498B1 |
Grease gun adapter
A spring loaded grease gun having a cylindrical barrel which is sized to receive a grease cartridge. The cylindrical barrel has a first end and second end, the first end having an opening to receive a spring-loaded rod and the second end being threaded to receive a head cap assembly. An adapter is provided having a cylindrical body and a threaded interior surface for mating with the threaded second end of the cylindrical barrel and an exterior surface having a plurality of rectangularly shaped protrusions. The head cap assembly has a pistol type dispenser appended to a cylindrical cup which has an inner surface sized to receive the cylindrical body of the adapter. The inner surface of the cylindrical cup includes a plurality of cylindrical cup protrusions which are sized and positioned to mate with the rectangularly shaped protrusions emanating from the exterior surface of the adapter for fixedly joining the head cap assembly to the adapter. |
| US09297495B2 |
Holding device for a flat item
A holding device including a hub and a plurality of grappling assemblies attached thereto. Each grappling assembly includes a tension member and a hook connected to the tension member. The hook is adapted to engage an edge of the item. The hook includes a body portion and a pair of arms extending therefrom. The body portion includes a cavity with first and second open ends. The tension member extends into the first open end and a jaw fitting extends into the second open end, wherein the jaw fitting is operative to grasp the tension member. The tension member extends around a thimble that is attached to the hub. The thimble may comprise an arcuate channel extending around an aperture formed through the thimble. The thimble may be rotatably attached to the hub with a fastener extending through the hub and the aperture. |
| US09297494B1 |
Dagger pin interface apparatus with swivel pin
A dagger pin interface apparatus with a swivel pin is used in removably mounting a device on a structure where one of the apparatus pins is stationary relative to the structure and a second of the apparatus pins swivels relative to the structure when mounting the device to the structure. When mounting the device to the structure the one stationary pin can be aligned with and inserted into one mounting hole of the device and the second swiveling pin can engage in, pivot and move into a second mounting hole in the device when the second mounting hole is not completely aligned with the second pin. |
| US09297491B2 |
Thermally resistant convoluted sleeve and method of construction thereof
A thermally insulative, reflective convoluted sleeve and method of construction thereof is provided. The sleeve includes a resilient inner layer, an outer layer and a resilient intermediate layer sandwiched between the inner and outer layers. The inner layer has an inner surface exposed to an inner cavity of the sleeve and the outer layer has an outer reflective surface exposed to the surrounding environment. The intermediate layer is an impervious sheet material and is sandwiched in abutment with the inner and outer layers. The inner, outer and intermediate layers are convoluted to provide the sleeve with enhanced thermal protection properties and flexibility. |
| US09297490B2 |
Process for providing an extended tubular article with a corrosion protection coating system having self-repairing properties
The present invention relates to a process for providing an extended tubular article or one or more sections of the extended tubular article with a corrosion protecting system, wherein (a) a layer of an adhesive composition is applied to the surface of the extended tubular article or the one or more sections of the extended tubular article, and (b) a corrosion protecting layer is applied to the layer of the adhesive composition, the adhesive composition comprising a polyolefin blend, wherein the polyolefin blend comprises 30% to 100% by weight of a polyisobutene and 0% to 70% by weight of an olefin polymer, based on the total weight of the polyolefin blend, wherein said polyisobutene is has a glass transition temperature of lower than −40° C. and a number average molecular weight Mn of 1300 to 1.000.000. |
| US09297487B2 |
Installation of a valve in a pipeline
A process and apparatus for installing a valve in a pipeline while the pipeline is pressurized, and without leakage of pipeline media. A valve body is formed by attaching a sleeve with an annular space to a pipeline, filling the annular space with curable material, and then machining a cylindrical hole through the pipe, into which a valve is inserted. |
| US09297485B2 |
Water connecting device
A connecting device for a washing machine or other apparatuses that connect to a water conduit includes a main body configured to connect to a water supply hose, having a passage through which water passes; a sealing unit in the main body, configured to contact the water conduit; a fixing unit in the main body, fixed to or in contact with an outer surface of the water conduit; and a tightening unit that screws onto the main body, configured to press and/or fix the fixing unit to the water conduit when the tightening unit is tightened. There is no need for a separate tool, because the connecting device is easily and conveniently connected by hand tightening the tightening unit. |
| US09297481B2 |
Conduit fitting with torque collar
A conduit fitting of the type having first and second threaded fitting components and at least one conduit gripping device, further includes a stroke limiting member that allows the fitting to be pulled up by applying a predetermined torque. In one embodiment, the stroke limiting member may be a non-integral torque collar and in another embodiment the stroke limiting member may be two engaging surfaces integrally formed with the fitting components. Alternatively, the fitting may also be pulled up by turns. In still another embodiment, a stroke limiting member is provided that may be used to enable a fitting that is designed to be pulled up by turns to also be pulled up by torque. The stroke limiting member facilitates many remakes of the fitting, including remakes by torque. |
| US09297478B2 |
Reactor vessel valve system
A valve system for a vessel has a valve body, and a valve stem extending through the valve body and terminating in a plug for axial movement between open and closed position as the stem moves through the valve body. There is at least one probe passageway through the valve stem, at least one of which has a circumferential seal for engaging a probe inserted in the passageway and being exposed in a vessel. The circumferential seal seals the inside of a vessel from atmosphere while allowing a probe to be inserted and removed by moving axially in the passageway. This avoids need to remove the valve system to insert or remove a probe, and indeed a single expensive probe is used at different times with different valve systems. When no exposed probe is required, the seal may be completed by simply inserting a dummy probe in the passageway. |
| US09297475B2 |
System for adjusting water in a shower, bathroom, or kitchen sink
A system for adjusting water in a domestic water diffuser, in particular for opening and closing water in a shower or bathroom or kitchen sink and for adjusting the flow rate, is described. The system comprises a shutter with at least one metal part slidable inside a cylindrical chamber with a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the shutter; the system also comprises a pushbutton comprising a magnet; the pushbutton is configured to be operated by means of a finger to mechanically displace the shutter by means of the magnet along an axis of the cylindrical chamber, into two different positions, corresponding to opening of the flow or closing of the flow of water from a diffuser, the pushbutton being also rotatable about the axis, to vary the open position of the shutter along the axis and a corresponding flowrate. |
| US09297474B2 |
Solenoid valve
A solenoid valve includes: a sleeve having a supply port and an output port; a spool valve that is housed in a valve hole formed in the sleeve so as to be movable in the axial direction, and that changes a flow passage area between the supply port and the output port by moving in the axial direction; a solenoid portion that pushes the spool valve toward one axial side; and a coil spring that urges the spool valve toward the solenoid portion. A housing hole that is a bottomed hole is formed in the spool valve, and a columnar piston member is slidably housed in the housing hole. The spool valve has an introduction hole through which a pressure of the hydraulic fluid output from the output port is introduced into a space between a bottom face of the housing hole and one end face of the piston member. |
| US09297472B2 |
Electro-valve for discharging common rail
An electro-valve for discharging a common rail while maintaining a minimum pressure, comprising an electro-magnetic coil inside which is arranged a movable plunger, controlling the displacements of a movable axis engaging a ball valve, said movable plunger being urged in the closing position of the ball valve by a spring housed inside a bearing cap, wherein a bottom wall of the bearing cap surrounds an external surface of the movable plunger, wherein a clearance between the external surface of the plunger and an internal wall of the bearing cap is filled with a film of fuel, the opening movement of the plunger causing the fuel to flow from a room situated on top of the plunger to a bore in which the axis is arranged, wherein a sleeve of a controlled thickness is arranged around the plunger within the clearance to set the thickness of said film of fuel. |
| US09297468B2 |
Sanitary outlet unit
A sanitary outlet unit having an outlet fitting having at least one water outlet and including an aeration device for aerating the water flow and arranged in the flow direction spaced from and upstream of the at least one water outlet, and having at least one valve part, which regulates the inflow from at least one water pipe to the water outlet (3). To provide a sanitary outlet unit that ensures reliable aeration of the water flow that can be integrated without undue structural modifications into existing fittings, the aeration device is received in the at least one valve part and the aeration device is provided with at least one actuator, the movement of which between at least one closed and at least one open position alters the admission of ambient air to the water flow inside the valve part. |
| US09297465B2 |
Pilot-operated regulator with balanced port
A fluid regulating device includes a regulator valve, an actuator and a pilot regulator valve assembly. The pilot regulator valve assembly provides a pressure load to a surface of a diaphragm of the actuator in response to changes in downstream pressure being applied to the opposite surface of the diaphragm. An upper cavity of the pilot regulator valve assembly is in fluid communication with a control cavity of the actuator, allowing both the actuator diaphragm and the pilot regulator valve assembly diaphragm to simultaneously sense pressure variations within the cavities. As the downstream pressure varies, the diaphragms of both the actuator and the pilot regulator valve assembly displace to regulate the downstream pressure and the pilot regulator valve assembly maintains a load pressure. The regulator further includes a balanced regulator valve applying a balancing force to offset a force of upstream pressure on a balanced valve plug. |
| US09297464B1 |
Air pump having pivotal attachment
An air valve connecting device includes a housing having an inlet mouth, a sliding member engaged in the housing and having a pathway for receiving the pressurized air from the inlet mouth, a rotary member rotatably engaged with the housing and having two or more compartments each for receiving a gasket and an inflation valve, the rotary member is rotatable relative to the housing for selectively aligning either of the compartments of the rotary member with the chamber of the housing and the sliding member, and a hand grip includes a cam member attached to the housing with a pivot shaft and engaged with the sliding member for forcing the sliding member to force the gaskets to engage with the inflation valves respectively. |
| US09297463B2 |
Insertion for single-grip mixing faucet with increased comfort angle
A single-grip mixing faucet including a control unit with ceramic piece, a cartridge having one side connected to a footing and another side connected to an operating arm and wherein the cartridge includes a fixed inlet disc mounted to the footing and having one side engaged by one side of a movable control disc so as to form a mixing space, and wherein an opposite side of the control disc is engaged by a ceramic disc mover which is connected to the operating arm, and wherein a throttling element extends from the disc mover into the control disc for adjusting an angle between the inlet and control disk to regulate a range of a comfort temperature region of water flowing from the faucet, and wherein a cold water inlet and a hot water inlet are provided in the footing together with a mixed water outlet for water flowing out of the faucet. |
| US09297461B2 |
Block and bleed valve assembly
A three-way valve includes a rotatable shaft positioned within a cylindrical, linear bore within a housing. A fluid pressure source is coupled via an input port to an inner end of the bore which includes a valve chamber. An output port coupled to a pressure-operated device is also disposed in the housing and is connected to the valve chamber, as is a drain port. Attached to the shaft's inner end is a first seal, while a second seal is attached to the shaft in closely spaced relation to the first seal. Rotational displacement of the shaft clockwise causes the first seal to seal off the source of fluid pressure from the valve chamber, while allowing for fluid discharge through the drain port. Rotational displacement of the shaft in a second, opposed direction connects the pressure-operated device to the pressure source via valve chamber and isolates valve chamber from drain port. |
| US09297459B2 |
Gate valve
A gate valve includes a valve plate located in a movable manner within a holder, a sealing for sealing off of the valve plate relative to the holder, and a wedge arrangement with several first wedge elements located on the valve plate in its direction of movement at a distance from one another, and second wedge elements belonging to the first wedge elements, by means of which the valve plate is pressed transverse to the direction of movement of the valve plate against the sealing with a movement into a closing position. In order to facilitate a low-friction actuation with a reduced actuation force, also in a compact and space-saving manner, the second wedge elements are supported on the holder, so that they can move relative to the holder. |
| US09297456B2 |
Vehicle adapted to control clutch torque based on relative speed data
The rate of change of transmission output torque is computed based on the differential speeds of the axles and of the transmission output shaft adjusting for final drive ratio. The speed of the axle is measured by an anti-lock braking system and communicated to the transmission controller over a communications bus. To compensate for the delay introduced by the communications bus, a shift register delays the signal from the transmission output shaft speed sensor. The resulting estimate of rate of change of transmission output torque may be used directly to control the torque capacity of one or more transmission clutches. Additionally, the resulting estimate may be combined with an independent output torque estimate to yield a more accurate output torque estimate. |
| US09297453B2 |
Hydraulic pressure supply system of automatic transmission
A hydraulic pressure supply system of an automatic transmission may generate low hydraulic pressure and high hydraulic pressure using oil stored in an oil pan and may supply the low hydraulic pressure and the high hydraulic pressure respectively to a low pressure portion and a high pressure portion. In the hydraulic pressure supply system, a low-pressure hydraulic pump pumping the oil stored in the oil pan and generating the low hydraulic pressure and a high-pressure hydraulic pump changing the low hydraulic pressure supplied from the low-pressure hydraulic pump into the high hydraulic pressure and supplying the high hydraulic pressure to the high pressure portion may be integrated as one hydraulic pump. |
| US09297451B2 |
Toothed wheel arrangement and method for producing a bayonet fastening
The invention relates to a toothed wheel arrangement (1) comprising a main toothed wheel (2) and a toothed wheel (4) that can be rotated relative thereto in the circumferential direction (3), wherein the main toothed wheel (2) comprises a toothed wheel body (25) on which a hub (5) is arranged in a projecting manner in the axial direction so as, firstly, to accommodate a shaft and, secondly, to arrange the rotatable toothed wheel (4) thereon, for which purpose the rotatable toothed wheel (4) has a cutout (17) coaxial to an axially extending center axis of the main toothed wheel (2), and wherein the main toothed wheel (2) is connected to the rotatable toothed wheel (4) by means of a bayonet fastening (14). The bayonet fastening (14) is formed between the hub (5) and the rotatable toothed wheel (2) and/or between the hub (5) and a spring element (9) bearing on the rotatable toothed wheel (4). |
| US09297448B1 |
Hydrokinetic torque coupling device having turbine-piston lockup clutch, and related methods
A hydrokinetic torque coupling device includes a casing having opposite sidewalls and an outer wall extending between and connecting the opposite sidewalls, an impeller coaxial aligned with the rotational axis, a piston engagement member extending substantially radially inward from and non-moveable relative to the outer wall of the casing, and a turbine-piston coaxially aligned with and hydrodynamically drivable by the impeller. The turbine-piston includes a turbine-piston shell having a turbine-piston flange with an engagement surface that is movable axially toward and away from an engagement surface of the piston engagement member to position the hydrokinetic torque coupling device into and out of a lockup mode in which the turbine-piston is mechanically locked to and non-rotatable relative to the piston engagement member. |
| US09297438B2 |
Three parameter damper anisotropic vibration isolation mounting assembly
An anisotropic vibration isolation mounting assembly includes at least two three-parameter vibration isolators each having a first end configured for attachment to a rotating member assembly or a rotating member assembly housing and each having a second, opposing end configured for attachment to the rotating member assembly housing where the first end is configured for attachment to the rotating member assembly or to a system interface member where the first member is configured for attachment to the rotating member assembly housing. The at least two three-parameter vibration isolators are tuned anisotropically to minimize the transmission of vibrations during operation of the rotating machine. |
| US09297434B2 |
Shock absorber having an improved friction element
A shock absorber (11) comprising a tubular first portion in the form of a shock absorber casing (12) telescopically receiving a tubular second portion in the form of a piston (13) is disclosed. The first portion has an alignment member (15) which encapsulates a friction element (17) wrapped around said second portion. The alignment member (15) is longitudinally movable in between a first stop bearing (18) and a second stop bearing (19). The novel friction element (17) has a plurality of tips or protrusions (25) which extend, parallel to the longitudinal direction of the piston (13), towards the two stop bearings (18,19) and which hit either of said bearings (18,19) during the oscillatory back and forth movement of the alignment member (15) during operation. |
| US09297432B2 |
Brake disc for a land vehicle, and land vehicle, in particular with a brake disc of this type
The invention relates to a brake disc for a land vehicle, particularly a commercial vehicle, having an axis of rotation, a friction ring, a disc pot and a disc flange for flange-mounting the same to the wheel hub of a vehicle, wherein the disc flange includes a flange facing.According to the invention, it is provided that the flange facing encloses an acute angle with a normal of the axis of rotation in the longitudinal sectional plane that contains the axis of rotation, when the flange facing is in the non-flange-mounted state thereof. |
| US09297430B2 |
Wrap spring park brake system, apparatus and method
A park brake system for an electric motor actuator is provided. The system may comprise a wrap spring that may rotatably engage the shaft. In this regard, the system may be configured to exert a radial force on a shaft of the electric motor actuator to lock the actuator. Moreover, in various embodiments, the system may be bi-stable. |
| US09297418B2 |
Sliding member, method for producing same, and method for forming resin coating film
A sliding member having a base and a coating on the surface of the base, the coating is formed of a mixed resin obtained by mixing a thermosetting resin and a thermoplastic resin. The mixed resin is a mixture of a thermosetting resin that is in a liquid state before mixing and a thermoplastic resin that is in the form of solid particles. By applying and heat-treating the mixed resin that is in a liquid state, a coating film formed on the surface of the base is a resin coating layer and dimples in the resin surface. |
| US09297417B2 |
Method of manufacturing composite material bearing component
A method of manufacturing a composite material bearing component includes designing a pattern of a fabric combination including a PTFE film, a quartz fabric and a glass fabric, which are stacked, in consideration of a final shape of a bearing, and stacking the fabric combination on a fusion surface which is a steel surface of a bearing structure of a composite material bearing; and simultaneously performing molding and fusing under conditions of a thermal treatment temperature of 300˜400° C. and a pressure of 30˜100 kgf/cm2, thereby manufacturing the composite material bearing. This composite material bearing functions as a self-lubricating high performance bearing, thus satisfying high performance requirements of the driving friction surface of a B&S (Ball & Socket) nozzle which is a thrust vector control nozzle and satisfying a high load and low friction efficient required of guided weapon components. |
| US09297414B2 |
Bearing unit for fluid machinery application
A bearing unit for a fluid machinery application having a double-row bearing, the double-row bearing comprising: a first angular self-aligning contact bearing arranged next to a second angular self-aligning contact bearing for locating and rotatably support a shaft; each angular self-aligning contact bearing having a respective set of rolling elements formed of rollers arranged in a row and interposed between an associated curved inner raceway and a curved outer raceway. Each roller is a symmetrical cylindrically shaped roller having a curved raceway-contacting surface engaging with the curved inner and outer raceways. Each roller is inclined in relation to the axial direction of the shaft by a respective first or second contact angle. The rollers are arranged to cooperate with the associated curved inner and raceways for supporting an axial force and a radial force. Examples of fluid machinery applications include: wind turbine, water turbine or propulsion turbine arrangements. |
| US09297412B2 |
Bearing assembly
A bearing assembly includes at least one outer ring and an inner ring unit including first and second inner rings, the inner ring unit having a central, axial bore extending through the first and second inner rings, and a plurality of attachment bores for attaching the bearing assembly to a bearing carrier. A first plurality of roller bodies is disposed between the at least one outer ring and the first inner ring and a second plurality of roller bodies is disposed between the at least one outer ring and the second inner ring. A pin extends through the central axial bore of the first inner ring and through the central axial bore of the second inner ring, and the pin maintains a predetermined preload on the bearing assembly by holding the first inner ring in a fixed position relative to the second inner ring. |
| US09297406B2 |
Captive fastener apparatus for chain guide or tensioner arm
A fixed or adjustable chain guide includes a captured shoulder bolt fastener. An adjustable chain guide such as a chain tensioner arm assembly includes a tensioner arm with a pivot bore defined about a pivot axis. The pivot bore includes an inner end opening through a rear face of the tensioner arm and an outer end opening through a front face of the tensioner arm. The tensioner arm further includes at least one resilient fastener retaining tab located adjacent the pivot bore. The shoulder bolt extends through the pivot bore and is engaged by the at least one resilient fastener retaining tab, and the at least one fastener retaining tab inhibits separation of the fastener from the tensioner arm. The fastener preferably includes an annular groove or other recess to be engaged by the one or more fastener retaining tabs in order to permit the tensioner arm to rotate relative to the fastener. New shoulder bolt fasteners are also defined, each including a shoulder region having at least one retaining feature such as an annular groove adapted to be engaged by a projecting portion of an associated component for axially capturing the fastener to the associated component while permitting rotation of the associated component relative to the fastener. |
| US09297399B2 |
Bracket for securing a structural member
A bracket for securing a structural member, which can be used in the assembly of modular furniture. The bracket includes a main bracket body and a first cantilever having a first length extending longitudinally from the main bracket body and a second cantilever having a second length that is shorter that the first length of the first cantilever, extending longitudinally from the main bracket body and substantially parallel to the first cantilever. The first cantilever is separated from the second cantilever to form a first channel for receiving a first structural member. In an alternative embodiment, a stabilizing member that is detached from the main bracket body may be substituted for the second cantilever to form the bracket. |
| US09297393B2 |
Actuator
An actuator is equipped with a moveable part 160 that moves according to changes in an intake amount of air, a cylinder 140 that contains air and pumps the air through a fluid pipe 150 to the moveable part 160 according to pressure applied to the air, and a piston 130 that applies pressure to the air in the cylinder 140. Further, the actuator is equipped with a motor 100 that generates rotational force, and a screw 110 and a slide nut 120 that convert the rotational force to a force to move the piston 130. The air is enclosed in the moveable part 160, the cylinder 140 and the fluid pipe 150. |
| US09297391B2 |
Flow device comprising a cavity cooling system
A flow device having a cooling-air injection system for injecting cooling air into cavities (20, 24) between sealing elements (14a, 14b) or sealing bodies (16a, 16b), respectively, on the side of the guide vanes and on the side of the rotor is disclosed. |
| US09297389B2 |
Method of manufacturing material for rotary machine component, method of manufacturing rotary machine component, material for rotary machine component, rotary machine component, and centrifugal compressor
A method of manufacturing a material for a rotary machine component, by performing at least a solution treatment on a material made of a duplex stainless steel, wherein, in the solution treatment, the material is heated to a temperature in a range of 950 to 1100° C. and is thereafter cooled to 700° C. at an average cooling rate of equal to or greater than 20° C./min. |
| US09297386B2 |
Cooling systems for submersible pumps
A pump (1) includes a shaft (21) for driving an impeller (81) in a pump chamber (80); an electrical motor chamber (60) extending essentially circumferentially around a motor section of the shaft (21); a cooling circuit chamber (30) for being filled with a cooling liquid; and a mechanical seal chamber (40) extending essentially circumferentially around a seal section of the shaft (21), with the mechanical seal chamber (40) adapted for being filled with oil. The pump (1) may be a submersible pump. |
| US09297377B2 |
Sealing system device
The present invention relates to a dynamic sealing system device for a submerged pump comprising at least one feed line running in towards the dynamic sealing system, with a first valve device arranged in the feed line and a second valve device arranged such that in an open position it opens a first bypass line that runs from a point on the feed line between the first valve device and the pump and a low-pressure source at the pump to reduce the pressure in a barrier fluid in the sealing system. The invention also comprises a method for reducing the barrier fluid pressure for a submerged pump. |
| US09297376B2 |
Supply pump
A supply pump includes a housing, a tappet, a guide groove, and a stopper pin. The housing includes a cylindrical sliding wall. The tappet is configured to be reciprocated along the sliding wall. The guide groove is provided for one of the housing and the tappet. One end of the guide groove includes a tapered surface. The stopper pin is provided for the other one of the housing and the tappet. The stopper pin is fitted into the guide groove to stop rotation of the tappet relative to the housing. When the tappet is displaced abnormally in an upper direction, the tapered surface is pressed on an end of the stopper pin to be engaged with the stopper pin. |
| US09297371B2 |
Hydraulic pressure supply system of automatic transmission
A hydraulic pressure supply system may generate low hydraulic pressure and high hydraulic pressure using oil stored in an oil pan and may supply the low hydraulic pressure and the high hydraulic pressure respectively to a low pressure portion and a high pressure portion in which the hydraulic pressure supply system may include: a low-pressure hydraulic pump; a first switch valve; a low-pressure regulator valve controlling the hydraulic pressure supplied from the first switch valve and supplying the hydraulic pressure to the low pressure portion; a high-pressure hydraulic pump discharging the raised hydraulic pressure to a high-pressure line; a second switch valve disposed between the first low-pressure line and the high-pressure line, a high-pressure regulator valve controlling the hydraulic pressure supplied from the high-pressure hydraulic pump and supplying the stable high hydraulic pressure to the high pressure portion; a bypass line bypassing the first switch valve. |
| US09297369B2 |
Hydrostatic machine having a control device having a return element for controlling a regulating valve
A hydrostatic machine having an actuating device for adjusting a displacement volume of the hydrostatic machine is provided. The actuating device has a return element for actuating a control valve as a function of a position of the actuating device. A valve unit is further provided for adjusting an actuating pressure of the actuating device, which is activated mechanically by means of the return element. |
| US09297366B2 |
Thermal energy conversion to electricity
A system or methodology for converting thermal energy obtained from solar thermal, photovoltaic, geothermal or industrial waste heat into electrical power is disclosed. The energy efficient way of transferring two steams of liquid solutions containing different concentrations of ionic species is disclosed. The combination of thermal gradient in addition to concentration gradient to improve efficiency, reduce or avoid fouling is disclosed. This invention describes a method of efficient ion migration from concentrated stream to dilute stream thereby improving DC power generation process. The utilization of solar thermal energy from solar collector or concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) generator system or solar thermal power generation (CSP) system provides the additional driving force for ions transport from concentrated stream to dilute stream, apart from the concentration grading to generating power. The thermal power is also used to bring back the diluted steam to original concentration in the reverse Electro dialysis system. The utilization of CPV process heat or solar or waste heat for bringing back the dilute stream into the concentrated stream for next operation of ions gradient power generation is also disclosed in this invention. |
| US09297361B2 |
Compact wind and water turbine
A device for generating electrical power from fluid flow energy comprising a shaft member; at least one sleeve, wherein the shaft member passed through the at least one sleeve; a stationary stator, wherein the stationary stator coupled to the shaft member, and wherein the stationary stator comprising a first stator and a second stator, wherein the first stator is positioned adjacent to the second stator; and at least one moving stator, wherein the at least one moving stator positioned in concentric relation to the stationary stator. |
| US09297360B2 |
Wind turbine
The disclosure relates to a wind turbine having a machine support (5), a rotor (6) which can be driven by wind (13) to rotate about the rotor axis (7) and is mounted so that it can rotate on the machine support (5) about a rotor axis (7). The rotor includes a rotor hub (8) and several rotor blades (9, 10) which extend respectively in the direction of a blade axis (11, 12) running transverse or essentially transverse to the rotor axis (7). The rotor blades (9,10) are mounted so that they can rotate on the rotor hub (8) about the respective blade axis (11, 12). Blade angle adjustable drives (17, 18) are arranged on the rotor (6) and enable the rotor blades (9, 10) to rotate about the blade axes thereof (11, 12). A blade angle control device (24) is coupled to the blade angle adjusting drives (17, 18) and can control the blade angle adjusting drives (17, 18). An electric generator (15) is mechanically coupled to the rotor (6) and can be driven by the rotor to generate electric energy. The blade angle control device (24) includes several control units (22, 23) which are respectively coupled to the blade angle adjusting drives (17, 18) enabling a first control unit (22) to be fixed to the rotor (6) and a second control unit (23) to be fixed to the machine support. |
| US09297358B2 |
Magnus rotor with balancing weights and method for balancing a body of revolution
The invention relates to a Magnus rotor having a cylindrical body of revolution for converting wind power into a feed force using the Magnus effect. The Magnus rotor having: a rotational shaft about which the body of revolution rotates; a support member on which the body of revolution is mounted; and a body of revolution which has stiffening ribs for the reinforcement thereof. The body of revolution is primed in at least two planes arranged at a mutual spacing in the axial direction perpendicular to the rotational shaft of the body of revolution in order to accommodate balancing weights. The invention further relates to a method for balancing a body of revolution according to the invention. |
| US09297353B2 |
Apparatus utilizing buoyancy forces
An apparatus has a base and a flow path assembly movably supported by the base and defining a serpentine flow path having an entry opening and an exit opening. An actuator is coupled with the flow path assembly and the base and is configured to rotate the flow path assembly between a vertical and an angled position relative to the base. The flow path is configured to allow a column of a first fluid with a first density to be trapped between columns of a second fluid with a second density higher than the first density. The first fluid column has a first height and the second fluid columns have second heights, so that a volume of the first fluid and a volume of the second fluid flow through the flow path and through the exit opening as the flow path assembly is rotated between the vertical and angled positions. |
| US09297352B2 |
Energy converter
A wave energy converter (10) for extracting energy from waves in a body of liquid. The converter (10) comprises an inflatable sleeve (12) having an air inlet (14) at or towards one end and an air outlet (18) at or towards its other end. A flexible diaphragm (22) is located within the sleeve (12) so as to extend lengthwise thereof. The diaphragm (22) is sealingly engaged with the sleeve (12) along opposed, elongate edges (22a,22b) thereof. A flexible spine (24) is retained within the diaphragm (22) so as to extend lengthwise thereof. The spine (24) is fixed with the diaphragm (22), relative to the sleeve (12), at or towards each end of the sleeve (12). The converter (10) also comprises a loading device operable to apply an axial compressive force to the spine (24) relative to the sleeve (12) such that, on operation of the loading device, the spine (24) and the diaphragm (22) are buckled into a waveform (26) constrained within the sleeve (12). The waveform (26) has one or more peaks (28) and one or more troughs (30). The spine (24) and diaphragm (24) are drivable to move between first and second opposed positions so as to allow the waveform (26) to travel along the sleeve (26) and pump pockets (46,48) of air contained between opposite surfaces of the diaphragm (22) and the sleeve (12) towards the air outlet (18). |
| US09297339B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine
Disclosed is a control device applied to an internal combustion engine provided with a fuel vapor treatment system for treating collected fuel vapor by purging the collected fuel vapor into intake air downstream from an air flowmeter (6) and an exhaust gas recirculation system for recirculating part of exhaust gas in the intake air using intake negative pressure. An electronic control unit (22) performs an advance correction corresponding to the exhaust gas recirculation quantity regarding the MBT ignition timing and the knock limit ignition timing, and corrects the volumetric efficiency of the internal combustion engine, which is used for the calculation of the advance correction quantity used for the advance correction, according to the purge air quantity. Consequently, regardless of the decrease of the exhaust gas recirculation quantity caused by the implementation of a large quantity of purge, the appropriate advance corrections of the MBT ignition timing and the knock limit ignition timing become possible. |
| US09297337B2 |
Internal combustion and waste heat steam engine having a heat recovery steam generator exhaust manifold
An improved internal combustion and waste hat steam engine having an heat recovery steam generator optimized for the steam cycle, that can operate on steam, fuel, or a water-fuel composition where the mixture is at a critical temperature and in a homogeneous single phase. The condensing waste heat recovery steam generator exhaust manifold is close-coupled to the engine cylinder exhaust ports and provides heat to create the homogeneous mixture and steam. The primary heat source is internal combustion. An external heat source may be coupled with the engine to increase the heat available to the condensing waste water recovery steam generator exhaust manifold to produce additional steam. The engine can be operated as a pure diesel engine, for warm-up or for when an external source of steam is desired. |
| US09297336B2 |
Carburetor with single diaphragm for supplying and metering fuel
A carburetor includes a body with an air intake path, a fuel pump and a fuel pressure regulator. The fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator are positioned on the same side of the body. A fuel pump and metering chamber diaphragm is sandwiched between the body of the carburetor and a pump body and cover. The diaphragm separates a pump chamber from a pulse chamber of the fuel pump and separates a fuel chamber from an air chamber in the fuel pressure regulator. Inlet and outlet flapper valves are part of the diaphragm or a separate flapper valve member positioned between the body and the diaphragm. |
| US09297329B2 |
Method and system for engine control
Methods and systems are provided for controlling exhaust emissions by adjusting an injection profile for fuel injected into an engine cylinder from a plurality of fuel injectors during engine start and crank. By splitting injection of fuel during start so that a portion of fuel is port injected and a remaining portion is direct injected as one or multiple injections, the soot load of the engine can be reduced and fuel economy can be improved. The injections are adjusted based on the alcohol content of the injected fuel to take advantage of the charge cooling properties of the fuel. |
| US09297328B2 |
Fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, and associated pressure regulating method
A fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine includes a first and a second fuel pump, a leakage-prone volume flow regulating valve arranged in a fuel line between the first and the second fuel pump, and a control unit configured to actuate the first fuel pump as a function of a position of the leakage-prone volume flow regulating valve, such that the leakage-prone volume flow regulating valve serves as the sole actuating element for pressure regulation in the fuel injection system. An associated pressure regulating method is also disclosed. |
| US09297326B2 |
Health-adaptive reaction control system
Methods and apparatuses are provided for managing a state of a platform. The methods and apparatuses comprise receiving a desired state for the platform. The methods and apparatuses comprise receiving the state of the platform. The methods and apparatuses comprise selecting a combination of thrusters from a plurality of thrusters to operate. The combination of thrusters is selected to adjust the state of the platform to the desired state. The methods and apparatuses operate the combination of thrusters to adjust the state of the platform to the desired state. |
| US09297323B2 |
Vehicle driving device and vehicle driving method
An unlock operation of a lockup clutch and a shift-up operation of an automatic transmission are performed together when an accelerator pedal of a vehicle is released in a state where the lockup clutch is in a lockup state. An engine rotation speed immediately after the shift-up operation is estimated on the basis of the engine rotation speed and a gear ratio of the automatic transmission after the shift-up operation. If a fuel recovery operation is predicted to be performed immediately after the shift-up operation, the fuel-cut operation is prevented, thereby suppressing a shock from occurring due to the fuel recovery when a foot release shift-up operation is performed. |
| US09297320B2 |
Systems and methods for exhaust catalyst temperature control
Methods and systems are provided for exhaust catalyst temperature control by metering exhaust bypass flow from a dedicated EGR cylinder. A continuously variable bypass valve may be adjusted to vary an amount of exhaust directed to an exhaust catalyst from a dedicated EGR cylinder via a bypass passage relative to exhaust recirculated to the engine intake via an EGR passage. At lower catalyst temperatures, more exhaust is metered via the bypass passage to enable catalyst temperature to be maintained above an activation level. |
| US09297318B2 |
Crankshaft for variable displacement internal combustion engine
A crankshaft includes a plurality of crankpins. The crankpins are defined on the crankshaft and are longitudinally spaced apart from each other along a rotational axis. Each of the crankpins is configured to be operatively connected to a piston of an engine including a plurality of cylinders. The engine is configured to deactivate one of the cylinders. At least two of the crankpins are substantially aligned with each other along a pin axis. At least one of the crankpins is rotationally offset from the pin axis in a rotational direction of the crankshaft such that the engine has an even firing order even when one of the cylinders is deactivated. |
| US09297311B2 |
Gas turbine power plant with flue gas recirculation and oxygen-depleted cooling gas
A method is disclosed for operating a gas turbine power plant having a gas turbine, a heat recovery steam generator and an flue gas splitter which splits flue gases into a first flue gas flow for recirculation into an inlet flow of the gas turbine and into a second flue gas flow for discharge to an environment. An oxygen-depleted gas can be used in an open cooling system for cooling hot gas parts of the gas turbine. A split compressor intake can be provided for separate feed of recirculated flue gas and fresh air into a compressor intake. Compressor blades can include a separating band which blocks intermixing of recirculated flue gas and fresh air during compression. |
| US09297309B2 |
Turbo screen
The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for use in exhaust manifold assemblies of large diesel engines. In one aspect, a screen for use in an exhaust manifold assembly is provided. The screen includes a plate formed in a concave shape. The plate has a concave surface. The concave surface has a plurality of apertures and a plurality of non-intersecting, radially oriented slots formed therein. The plurality of slots and apertures have a size and open area selected to prevent debris from entering a turbo charger. The slots separate the apertures into predefined sections, and a radially outward end of the slots is spaced from a perimeter of the plate. In another aspect, a reducer assembly for use in an exhaust manifold assembly is provided. In yet a further aspect, a method of using a screen in an exhaust manifold assembly is provided. |
| US09297307B2 |
Power cable and connector arrangement for a gas turbine engine
A gas turbine engine component assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a nacelle including a moveable portion. A generator is configured to be received within a space established by the nacelle. A plurality of cables are at least partially supported on the moveable portion of the nacelle, the plurality of cables being selectively electrically coupled with the generator. |
| US09297305B2 |
Turboshaft engine with parallel shafts
A free-turbine turboshaft engine including a gas generator including at least one compressor supplied with air, a combustion chamber receiving the compressed air at the output of the compressor, and at least one generator turbine mechanically connected to the compressor by a drive shaft and driven by gases from combustion of fuel carried out in the combustion chamber, and including a free turbine supplied by the gases from the combustion after passing through the generator turbine and which drives a power shaft positioned non-coaxially relative to the drive shaft of the gas generator and supplying the power of the turboshaft engine via a reduction gear. The combustion chamber is a substantially cylindrical or frusto-conical chamber, coaxial with the axis of the generator turbine, and includes a single injector. |
| US09297302B2 |
Mechanical-based anti-cogging apparatuses and systems for applying an anti-cogging torque on a rotating shaft
An apparatus that improves rotation of a shaft. The shaft has a cyclical cogging torque acting thereon in a first direction. A support member is adjacent the shaft. The shaft is operable to rotate relative to the support member. A first anti-cogging member is coupled to the support member. A second anti-cogging member is coupled to the shaft to rotate based on rotation of the shaft. A cam surface has a lobe that is included on one of the first and second anti-cogging members. An abutment member is coupled to the other of the first and second anti-cogging members. The abutment member is operable to abut against the cam surface to provide an anti-cogging torque to the shaft in a second direction that opposes the first direction to at least partially offset the cogging torque. The biasing member biases the abutment member toward the cam surface. |
| US09297300B2 |
Straddle-type vehicle
A vehicle body frame has a head pipe, a main frame, a down frame, and a lower frame. The main frame extends downward to the rear from the head pipe. The down frame extends downward to the rear from the head pipe in a position below the main frame. The lower frame connects an end of the down frame to an end of the main frame. An engine of the vehicle has a crankshaft, a crankcase, and a cylinder member. The crankshaft is housed in the crankcase. The cylinder member is attached to the crankcase. A cylinder is formed inside the cylinder member. An axis of the cylinder extends upward obliquely to the rear. |
| US09297292B2 |
Engine cooling device
An engine cooling device including a water pump, a radiator, an exhaust heat recovery unit, and a coolant circulation circuit for circulating a coolant in these apparatuses includes a flow rate limiting means that limits the flow rate of the coolant that circulates in the exhaust heat recovery unit in the case where a temperature of a sensor element of an A/F sensor, that is disposed downstream of the exhaust heat recovery unit in an exhaust path, is below a preset activation temperature. An extent of opening of a second switching valve is made smaller in the case where the temperature of the sensor element is below the activation temperature than in the case where the temperature is equal to or higher than the activation temperature. |
| US09297281B2 |
Concentric camshaft phaser flex plate
A variable cam timing apparatus (10) and method of assembly for transmitting rotational torque between a driving rotary member (15b) and a driven rotary member (15a). The flexible coupling (14) can include an axis of rotation coinciding with, and an outer peripheral edge (14a) extending at least partially around, or completely surrounding, a common rotational axis of the driving rotary member (15b) and the driven rotary member (15a). The flexible coupling (14) including a flexible body (14b) having a plurality of apertures (14c, 14d) formed therein at angularly spaced positions relative to one another for connection therethrough with respect to the driving and the driven rotary members (15b, 15a) permitting adjustment for perpendicularity and axial misalignment, while maintaining a torsionally stiff coupling between the driving and driven rotary members (15b, 15a). A cam phaser (22) and concentric camshaft (12) define at least in part the driving rotary member (15b) and the driven rotary member (15a) for operating a poppet-type valve (64) of an internal combustion engine (66) of a motor vehicle (68). |
| US09297277B2 |
Power plant
A power plant is provided and includes components for generating power from fluids at high and intermediate pressures, a pathway defined between the components along which a heated fluid flows to the one of the components for generating power from fluids at intermediate pressures and a circuit fluidly coupled to the pathway to cool a portion of the heated fluid prior to the portion of the heated fluid reaching the one of the components for generating power from fluids at intermediate pressures. |
| US09297272B2 |
Grounding for fan blades on an underblade spacer
A fan rotor includes a rotor body with at least one slot receiving a fan blade. The fan blade has an outer surface, at least at some areas, formed of a first material and an airfoil extending from a dovetail. The dovetail is received in the slot. A spacer is positioned radially inwardly of the dovetail biasing the fan blade against the slot. The spacer includes a grounding element, which is in contact with a portion of the dovetail formed of a second material that is more electrically conductive than the first material. The grounding element is in contact with a rotating element that rotates with the rotor. The rotating element is formed of a third material. The first material is less electrically conductive than the third material. The grounding and rotating elements form a ground path from the portion of the dovetail into the rotor. |
| US09297269B2 |
Patterned reduction of surface area for abradability
A gas turbine component (20) with a layer of ceramic material (22) defining a wear surface (21), in which an array of cross-shaped depressions (26A, 26B) formed in the wear surface (21) define a continuous labyrinth of orthogonal walls (28, 30) of the ceramic material, and reduce the area of the wear surface (21) by about 50%. Within a representative area (36) of the wear surface (21), the depressions (26A, 26B) provide a ratio of a lineal sum of depression perimeters (27) divided by the representative area (36) of the wear surface of least 0.9 per unit of measurement for improved abradability characteristics of the wear surface (21). |
| US09297268B2 |
Fan blade platform flap seal
A seal for sealing a gap between adjacent first and second components, includes a first portion for attaching to the first component and a second portion extending at an angle from the first portion, the second portion having a top extending therealong that is flat in an uninstalled position, a thickened portion beneath the top and a hinge wherein the thickened portion is disposed between the hinge and an end of the top. |
| US09297263B2 |
Turbine blade for a gas turbine engine
A turbine blade for a gas turbine engine may include a platform, an airfoil extending above the platform, and a root structure extending below the platform. The root structure may extend from a forward face to an aft face and include a shank region proximate the platform and a lower portion distal to the platform. The forward face of the shank region may project outward from the forward face of the lower portion. |
| US09297259B2 |
Compressor blade
A compressor component having an improved airfoil profile so as to eliminate previously known vibratory issues in the blade tip is disclosed. By altering the airfoil profile throughout its span, the natural frequency of the airfoil is altered so as to not coincide with a critical engine order of the compressor. Further, the present invention provides a novel airfoil profile in accordance with the coordinates of Table 1. |
| US09297252B2 |
Use of long chain amines and difunctional compounds as tracers
Non-halogenated molecules including, but are not necessarily limited, to alkyl and aromatic amines having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms and salts of these amines, diols having the formula HO—(CH2)n—OH, diamines having the formula H2N—(CH2)n—NH2, dicarboxylic acids having the formula HO.CO—(CH2)n—CO.OH, diesters having the formula R′O.CO—(CH2)n—CO.OR″, where n is 4 to 18, and R′ and R″ are independently straight or branched alkyl or aromatic groups of 1-20 carbon atoms, and combinations thereof are used as tracers to measure oil and/or water fluid returns, e.g. from a hydraulic fracturing job. The non-halogenated molecules may be combined with substrates and introduced into a subterranean location, desorbed and recovered from the subterranean location with a fluid, reacted with a reagent to give a derivatized tracer. The presence of the derivatized tracer is then detected in the recovered fluid. Different non-halogenated tracers may be used for each hydraulic fracturing stage. |
| US09297251B2 |
Drill bit systems with temperature sensors and applications using temperature sensor measurements
A drill bit includes a plurality of blades. The blades provide a plurality of cutting elements or teeth arranged on a leading face of the blade. At least one temperature sensor is provided adjacent at least one of the teeth of at least one blade to sense a local temperature of the blade adjacent that tooth. Multiple temperature sensors may be provided adjacent different teeth of a blade or adjacent the teeth of at least two blades, or adjacent multiple teeth of multiple blades. Another temperature sensing element may be provided on a proximal portion of the blade distant from the cutting elements or on the shank of the bit to provide a reference temperature for the drill bit or for the blade. Information obtained by the temperature sensing elements is used to provide information regarding at least one of the drill bit, the drilling environment and the formation. |
| US09297249B2 |
Method for improving wellbore survey accuracy and placement
Methods for improving wellbore survey accuracy and placement are disclosed. The Earth's magnetic field may be measured at a magnetically clean surface location and correlated with a non-magnetic reference direction to obtain a direction of the Earth's field (e.g., a magnetic declination or a magnetic inclination). The direction of the Earth's magnetic field may in turn be processed in combination with magnetic measurements made in a subterranean borehole to obtain one or more survey parameters. |
| US09297248B2 |
Drill bit with a load sensor on the bit shank
A drill bit is disclosed that in one embodiment includes a bit body having a cutting section, a shank attached to the cutting section and a neck section and at least one sensor in contact with a surface of the shank and wherein the at least one sensor provides a signal in response to a bending moment. |
| US09297247B2 |
Plunger lift slug controller
A method for controlling the liquid load size of a plunger lift well during the shut in time of the well to facilitate a controlled plunger rise. Intra-cycle control allows dynamic adjustments within a cycle to keep the plunger running and not stalling out or rising too fast. The method includes the steps of shutting in the well to build up pressure within the well, adjusting a size of a liquid slug within the tubing while the well is shut in, opening a valve to relieve pressure within the well and raise the plunger within the tubing, pushing the liquid slug out of the well with the plunger, and closing the valve wherein the plunger falls within the tubing. The intra-cycle adjustments include reducing the size of the liquid slug for preventing fluid loading and increasing the size of the liquid slug for controlling a rise rate of the plunger. |
| US09297240B2 |
Cyclic radio frequency stimulation
Production of heavy oil and bitumen from a reservoir is enhanced by cyclic radio frequency (RF) radiation of the well. The invention utilizes RF radiation to introduce energy to the hydrocarbon reservoir in cycles in order to heat the reservoir directly, yet conserves energy over the prior art processes that more or less continuously apply RF or microwave energy. The advantage of cyclic RF is it uses less electricity, and thus lowers operating costs. This is achieved by the soak cycle that allows heat to conduct into the formation and assists the heat penetration that is directly radiated into the formation by the antenna. The invention can also be advantageously combined with cyclic steam stimulation. |
| US09297238B2 |
Method and apparatus for control of a plunger lift system
A method and apparatus for operating a plunger lift system in a well can include: opening a control valve and allowing a plunger to rise to a top of the well; determining an actual rise time of the plunger based on a time it take the plunger to rise to the top of the well; using actual rise time of the plunger and a target rise time calculating adjustments to the afterflow time or close time; and allowing the afterflow time to pass before closing the control valve and keeping the valve closed for the close time. The methods are repeated, each time calculating a new adjusted afterflow time or adjusted close time to incrementally alter these times. |
| US09297237B2 |
Deadleg
An essentially cylindrical deadleg having a first cross sectional area at one end of the deadleg and a second cross sectional area, the first cross sectional area being smaller than the second cross sectional area. |
| US09297231B2 |
Launching tool with interlock system for downhole cement plug and method
A wiper plug launching tool and a method of wiping a tubular after cementing, the wiper plug launching tool including a wiper plug; a retainer in operable communication with the wiper plug; and an interlock system operatively arranged for releasing the retainer only upon release of the interlock system. |
| US09297227B2 |
Systems and methods for managing milling debris
An exemplary milling system includes a mill arranged within a shroud and configured to translate axially with respect to the shroud once detached therefrom, a guide block is coupled to a distal end of the mill and supports the mill while the mill forms the casing exit. A guide support arranged within the shroud defining one or more longitudinal channels configured to accumulate cuttings and debris. The shroud defines a plurality of perforations arranged as first and second axial perforation sets, and a sleeve is arranged therein and defines one or more piston guides that align one or more pistons with either the first or second axial perforation sets, depending on the amount of cuttings and debris. |
| US09297225B2 |
Apparatus and method for separating and weighing cuttings received from a wellbore while drilling
An apparatus for use during drilling of a wellbore. The apparatus includes a receiving device that receives cuttings from a separator and a sensor for providing information relating to weight of the cuttings received by the receiving device for determining the weight of the cuttings received. A method is provided for determining an amount of cuttings received in a fluid from a wellbore by separating the cuttings from the fluid, receiving the separated cuttings on a member, and determining weight of the cuttings received using a sensor associated with the receiving device. |
| US09297224B2 |
Centraliser
A centralizer for use in a rock drill rig is disclosed. The centralizer includes a clamping member which moves generally tangentially to a bush, in order to clamp the bush in place within the centralizer. |
| US09297221B2 |
Catenary riser testing
Apparatus and methods related to catenary riser testing are described. For example, some embodiments may contain a ground platform, elevated deck, a catenary-shaped testing sample, a fixed clamp on one end of the testing sample and a rotatable clamp on the other end of the testing sample, and a plurality of hydraulic cylinders for controlling the vertical and horizontal positions and motions of the elevated deck and the positions and rotations of the rotatable clamp, for analyzing the characteristics of the testing sample, such as its touchdown point dynamic motions and stresses. |
| US09297219B2 |
Umbilical buckling testing
Apparatus and methods related to umbilical buckling testing are described. For example, some embodiments may contain two damps, a plurality of test fittings, one or more pressure gages, a hydraulic cylinder, and a testing platform, and may be used for testing the umbilical buckling behavior and capacity of an umbilical testing sample. |
| US09297217B2 |
Sensor pod housing assembly and apparatus
A sensor pod housing assembly for placement within a borehole includes a housing, a selectively operable first hydraulic actuator supported by the housing and adapted to act in a first direction and a selectively operable second hydraulic actuator supported by the housing and adapted to act in a second direction which is substantially parallel to and opposite the first direction. The sensor pod housing assembly further includes a sensor pod adapted to contact a wall of the borehole when deployed to substantially immobilize the sensor pod relative to the borehole. A first substantially rigid link pivotally connects the first hydraulic actuator and the sensor pod, and a second substantially rigid link pivotally connects the second hydraulic actuator and the sensor pod. |
| US09297214B2 |
Marine subsea free-standing riser systems and methods
A free-standing riser system connects a subsea source to a surface structure. The system includes a concentric free-standing riser comprising inner and outer risers defining an annulus there between. A lower end of the riser is fluidly coupled to the subsea source through a lower riser assembly (LRA) and one or more subsea flexible conduits. An upper end of the riser is connected to a buoyancy assembly and the surface structure through an upper riser assembly (URA) and one or more upper flexible conduits, the riser also mechanically connected to a buoyancy assembly that applies upward tension to the riser. The riser may be insulated for flow assurance, either by a flow assurance fluid in the annulus, insulation of the outside of the outer riser, or both. The system may include a hydrate inhibition system and/or a subsea dispersant system. The surface structure may be dynamically positioned. |
| US09297211B2 |
Polycrystalline diamond construction with controlled gradient metal content
Polycrystalline diamond constructions comprises a diamond body attached to a metallic substrate, and having an engineered metal content. The body comprises bonded together diamond crystals with a metal material disposed interstitially between the crystals. A body working surface has metal content of 2 to 8 percent that increases moving away therefrom. A transition region between the body and substrate includes metal rich and metal depleted regions having controlled metal content that provides improved thermal expansion matching/reduced residual stress. A point in the body adjacent the metal rich zone has a metal content that is at least about 3 percent by weight greater than that at a body/substrate interface. The metal depleted zone metal content increases gradually moving from the body, and has a thickness greater than 1.25 mm. Metal depleted zone metal content changes less about 4 percent per millimeter moving along the substrate. |
| US09297209B1 |
Bidirectional stabilizer
A bidirectional stabilizer and a drill string wherein the bidirectional stabilizer reduces motion while rotating into and out of a wellbore. The bidirectional stabilizer can be coupled on a first shaft end to the drill string and on a second shaft end to a bottom hole assembly or other downhole equipment. The bidirectional stabilizer can have an annulus configured for maximum wellbore fluid flow. A cutting portion can be formed on a shaft with a plurality of blades between the first shaft end and the second shaft end. The plurality of blades of the cutting portion can be on a first plane and a plurality of cutting nodes can be on a second plane for smoothing a wellbore. |
| US09297206B2 |
Method for drilling with a buoyant structure for petroleum drilling, production, storage and offloading
A method for drilling with a buoyant structure having a hull, a planar keel defining a lower hull diameter, a lower cylindrical portion connected to the planar keel, a lower frustoconical portion disposed above the lower cylindrical portion with inwardly-sloping wall at a first angle, an upper frustoconical portion directly connected to the lower frustoconical portion. The method uses a ballasted chambered buoyant storage ring which is either dockside and connected to the buoyant structure for drilling at a subsea location, or the ballasted chambered buoyant storage ring is preinstalled at a subsea location and then the buoyant structure is mounted to the ballasted chambered buoyant storage ring at sea. |
| US09297204B2 |
Mud motor
This application is directed to a pressure balanced mud motor and a method of using the mud motor. The mud motor includes a power section to rotate a passageway housing and propel fluid through a passageway disposed in the passageway housing. The mud motor also includes a drive shaft assembly that allows for easy replacement of parts. |
| US09297203B2 |
Curtain drawstring structure
A curtain drawstring structure may include an upper beam, a fixed unit, and a movable unit. The upper beam has a rail groove for a string hole, and a projecting rail is protrudingly disposed at a lower portion of the inner wall of each rail groove, and an evading space is used to separate the two projecting rails. Through the size difference of guiding wheels and steering wheels and the engagement of pressing rods and stepped slots of the fixed unit and movable unit, a retractable cord can be fully separated to avoid entanglement. The retractable cord can be simply wrapped on the guiding wheels and steering wheels to complete the installation process. |
| US09297197B2 |
Coated article with IR reflecting layer and method of making same
An IG window unit includes a coating supported by a glass substrate. The coating from the glass substrate outwardly comprising at least the following: a dielectric layer comprising silicon nitride; a dielectric layer comprising an oxide of titanium; another dielectric layer; a layer comprising zinc oxide; an infrared (IR) reflecting layer comprising silver on the glass substrate, located over and directly contacting the layer comprising zinc oxide, wherein the coating includes only one IR reflecting layer; a layer comprising an oxide of Ni and/or Cr located over and directly contacting the IR reflecting layer comprising silver; and an overcoat comprising (i) a layer comprising tin oxide located over the layer comprising the oxide of Ni and/or Cr and (ii) a layer comprising silicon nitride located over and contacting the layer comprising tin oxide. |
| US09297193B1 |
Door opener aid
The present invention relates to a torsion spring that has a proximal leg with a proximal segment and a distal segment, a distal leg with a proximal segment and a distal segment, and a coil between the proximal and distal legs. The torsion spring is preferably used adjacent to a door hinge to bias the door in an open position. The proximal segment of the proximal leg and the distal segment of the distal leg are preferably curved so that they may be hammered into the door and door frame in order to keep the torsion spring in place. |
| US09297191B1 |
Hinge
A hinge includes a connecting member, a first shaft member, a pivoting member, at least one shock absorber and a restoring unit. The first shaft member extends rotatably through the connecting member. The pivoting member is connected co-rotatably to the first shaft member, and is connected to the object. The pivoting member has at least one limiting surface facing the object. The shock absorber is disposed between the limiting surface of the pivoting member and the object for preventing collision between the pivoting member and the object. The restoring unit is disposed in the connecting member for driving rotation of the first shaft member toward a neutral position. |
| US09297190B2 |
Hinge device for a folding door
A hinge device (10) for connecting two door panels (12) of a folding door (14) includes two installation strips (26) and a connection strip (28) connecting the two installation strips (26). An installation slot (44) is formed in each installation strip (26) for receiving an inner end (24) of an associated door panel (12). Two toothed portions (50) are respectively formed on the installation strips (26) and mesh with each other. The connection strip (28) includes two shaft portions (62) respectively received in the toothed portions (50). The installation strips (26) are pivotable relative to the connection strip (28) between first and second positions. In the first position, the door panels (12) are unfolded, and the connection strip (28) is covered by the installation strips (26). In the second position, the door panels (12) are folded, and the toothed portions (50) are located inside of the connection strip (28). |
| US09297187B2 |
Gate latch
A gate latch release mechanism has a cylindrical tubular guide having a first length, a mechanism to firmly fasten the tubular guide in a hole through a gate member, a compression spring having a length less than the first length of the tubular guide, the compression spring positioned within the tubular guide and having a first end bearing on a cap at a first end of the tubular guide, a flexible line of a length substantially longer than the tubular guide, the line passing through the compression spring and the tubular guide, and having a handle on one end and a coupling interface on an opposite end, and an element securely fastened to the line within the tubular guide, with the element bearing on a second end of the compression spring within the tubular guide. |
| US09297186B2 |
Lock assemblies for telecommunications enclosures
A lock assembly is provided for releasably coupling a dome of a telecommunications enclosure to a base of the telecommunications enclosure. The lock assembly generally includes a housing having at least one stop, a slider disposed at least partly within the housing and moveable between an extended position for coupling the dome of the telecommunications enclosure to the base of the telecommunications enclosure and a retracted position for uncoupling the dome from the base, and a cam configured to rotate and move the slider between the retracted position and the extended position. The cam is engageable with the at least one stop of the housing to stop rotation of the cam when the slider moves to the retracted position and/or to stop rotation of the cam when the slider moves to the extended position. |
| US09297184B2 |
Key with indication “locked—unlocked” of a cylinder lock
A key with indication “locked-unlocked” of a cylinder lock and comprising in its gripping section a manually movable slider for indicating “locked-unlocked” is designed in a way that in a gripping section there is arranged a recess comprising in its central section a pair of projections, wherein the slider arranged in the recess consists of two halves containing a mutually complementary middle tubular part and an external wide part extending at least partially over the contour of the recess. |
| US09297181B2 |
Arc proof door assembly
There is disclosed a door assembly for use on an electric switch housing which is virtually arc proof. The door assembly includes a rectangular frame with a door pivotally connected to one side of the frame by an elongated piano type hinge. A multi-latch door lock secures the door to the frame by providing a plurality of locking latch points along three sides of the door and door frame. The multi-latch door lock is operated from a single handle to operate the lock between its locked and unlocked conditions. A fail safe mechanism is provided to automatically cut off the flow of current in the electric switch when the door is opened. |
| US09297179B2 |
Razor wire
Razor wire which includes a core wire, an electrically insulating sheath over the core wire and a strip, with a plurality of barbs, which is crimped, along two lines, on opposing sides of the sheath, positioned so that the sheath is not damaged during the crimping process. |
| US09297178B2 |
Suspended false ceiling for lightweight housing module
This invention relates to a false ceiling intended to be suspended inside a lightweight housing module provided with at least one stretched fabric referred to as exterior forming its roof and fixed along its lower peripheral edge on a rigid frame, the false ceiling being of double inverted curvature and comprising a fabric referred to as interior being, on the one hand, suspended inside said lightweight housing module under the exterior fabric and, on the other hand, fixed by its exterior peripheral edge to said frame, the false ceiling being remarkable in that said interior fabric comprises in its central portion an orifice of dimensions that are sufficient to allow for the passing of an operator and in that said interior fabric is sufficiently resistant and stretched in order to support the weight of at least one operator. This invention further relates to its method of assembly. |
| US09297177B2 |
Method for variable reef generation of artificial waves
An open chamber of predetermined size and shape is positioned within a pool bed so as to contain interconnected clusters of interconnected telescopic modules which occupy the chamber area. Each of the telescopic modules is independently extended and retracted in length vertically by the increase or decrease of the volume of water contained within a bellows, establishing in selected telescopic modules a specific reef size, shape, and orientation. When kinetic-energy is introduced upstream from a source, the kinetic-energy within the water passes over the reef, and generates a wave having specific features resulting from the properties of the specific reef configuration. |
| US09297176B2 |
System and method for retrofitting walls with retaining ties
A retention tie system for post-construction installation to stabilize masonry or composite walls. The system comprises a tie member anchored in an anchor hole bored into the existing foundation and a tensioned against a base plate and a cover plate seated along the top of the wall. A bracing member is used to provide lateral stability to the respective plate members. A tension washer is used to ensure that the tie members are tensioned to the appropriate load. |
| US09297175B2 |
Cap for lift hole
A cap for covering a lift hole of a lifting lug of a concrete slab, which cap comprises a flat circular skirt and a central portion, wherein from the lower surface of the flat skirt extends one continuous circular protrusion or a plurality of smaller protrusions in circular formation, wherein the central portion extends upwards from the skirt and is formed to be pressed down so that the upper part of the lifting lug breaks through the central portion. |
| US09297171B1 |
Track drive apparatus for screeding concrete
The present invention is an apparatus for screeding concrete to produce a level finished surface that includes a frame assembly, a boom assembly secured to the frame assembly at a first end and to a screed head at a second end, and a track drive assembly having a pair of driven tracks spaced from at least one wheel, the tracks and the wheels each rotatably secured to the rigid frame assembly. |
| US09297167B1 |
Prefabricated tile wall
A method of constructing a tile bathroom includes providing a prefabricated wall, wherein the prefabricated wall includes a planar substrate and a plurality of ceramic tiles secured to the planar substrate. The prefabricated wall includes at least one opening positioned between the plurality of tiles. The method also includes placing the planar substrate adjacent to a wall of a building and placing a fastening mechanism in the at least one opening to secure the prefabricated wall to the wall of the building. The method also includes covering the fastening mechanism and the at least one opening with an epoxy grout. |
| US09297166B2 |
Fixing system for cladding and a cladded structure
A cladded structure having rows of spaced-apart fixing devices with engagement members mounted to the support structure for supporting rows of partially overlapping cladding boards. Each row of cladding boards being supported by a respective row of fixing devices. Each cladding board having a recess being provided in and along its rear surface into which the engagement members of the fixing devices engage to support the cladding board on the support structure. Retaining gaps are formed between sections of the upper surface of each cladding board and protruding surfaces of the fixing devices supporting the next upper adjacent cladding board, and a plurality of resiliently deformable retaining components are located in a deformed state in at least one retaining gap associated with each cladding board to exert a downward force on the cladding boards to retain them in an engaged state with their fixing devices. |
| US09297154B2 |
Adaptable shroud for toilet plumbing riser
An adaptable toilet plumbing riser shroud provides for fast and simple field installation of toilet plumbing riser shrouds without requiring custom prefabrication of shrouds or constraining the plumbing design to a predetermined shape. Two cover portions, one of which is slidably inserted inside the other are secured together. The cover portions are also secured to a wall behind a toilet plumbing riser using brackets. A bottom cover may be provided and cut to permit the riser to pass therethrough. The bottom cover may also be formed from two portions one slidably inserted in the other and then glued together after cutting with plastic cement. The bottom is then attached to the bottom of the shroud using screws. The cover portions may be molded as a single piece and then singulated, and the bottom cover portions may also be formed as a single piece prior to singulation, as well. |
| US09297153B2 |
Water saving aerator
The present invention provides a water saving aerator that can generate high quality babble foam water including the fine bubble entirely. The water saving aerator is attached to the water facilities such as the water tap for generating bubble foam water and flowing the bubble foam water. The water saving aerator comprises a water flow forming portion 110 for forming the water flow through the water saving aerator; a ventilation pass 120 for supplying the outer air to the water flow from the side direction via an air intake hole 121 installed on the side surface of a water flow cylinder; and a water flow accelerator 111 for accelerating the water flow supplied from the water flow forming portion and jetting an accelerated water flow jet. The accelerated water flow jet accelerated by the water flow accelerator 111 is jetted to the air supplied from the air intake hole 121, the bubble foam water flow is generated by mixing the air supplied from the air intake hole 121 into the water flow by the force generated by the accelerated water flow jet. |
| US09297151B2 |
Sanitary conduit, in particular for a shower device
A sanitary conduit, in particular for a shower device, is useful, for example, as a shower arm conduit in a shower system. The sanitary conduit has a rigid, hollow conduit housing including a base body (10′a) and a housing wall removably attached to the base body. At least one flexible conduit (12a, 12b) is inserted in the hollow conduit housing and is made from a flexural conduit material. |
| US09297150B2 |
Water use monitoring apparatus and water damage prevention system
The present invention is a water damage prevention system that has a residential or industrial/commercial facility water supply interruption system. The system is comprised of a remotely controllable base station with shut-off/on mechanism that is in wireless or wired communication with a convenient controller. The base station with shut-off/on mechanism is interposed within a water line from a water main to the living or operating quarters portion of a residential or a industrial/commercial facility or building, such that activation of the base station with shut-off/on valve operates to prevent flow of water from the water main to the living quarters when the residential home or industrial/commercial facility or building is vacated or unsupervised. In this manner, damage to the living quarters or the industrial/commercial facility or building from failure of water pipes running through the living or working quarters is prevented during times that the shut-off mechanism is activated. |
| US09297146B1 |
Automatic ripping pass detection
A computer-implemented method for automatically detecting a need for a ripping pass to be performed by a machine along a work surface is provided. The method may include monitoring one or more of machine parameters of the machine and profile parameters of the work surface, determining whether one or more predefined trigger conditions suggestive of the need for the ripping pass are met based on the machine parameters and the profile parameters, and generating a ripping pass request if one or more of the trigger conditions are satisfied. |
| US09297145B2 |
Excavation system providing linkage placement training
An excavation system includes a work tool, and linkage connecting the work tool to the machine. The excavation system also includes at least one sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of an angle of the linkage, a display, and a controller in communication with the at least one sensor and the display. The controller is configured to selectively cause the display to notify a user of the excavation system when the angle of the linkage is within a desired material penetration range of angles. |
| US09297141B2 |
Coupler
A coupler for an excavator or other apparatus comprising a body for receiving an excavator attachment; a first latch member movable into and out of a latching state in which it is capable of retaining the attachment on the body. The first latch member being movable into and out of the latching state by an actuator, wherein a gravity operated valve is associated with the actuator. The valve has a first state wherein fluid can flow through the valve as the latch member is moved out of its latching state, and a second state, wherein fluid is prevented from flowing through the valve thus preventing operation of the actuator to move the latch member out of its latching state. The valve is adapted to adopt the first state when the coupler is in a non-working orientation and the second state when the coupling is in a working orientation. |
| US09297139B2 |
Anchor for underpinning and retaining walls
The present invention refers to an anchorage for underpinning and bearing walls. The anchorage includes at least one head module and a brace tube which are joined coaxially together. The head module has a tapered point which serves as a guide and in the proximity to this point, the head module has at least two foldable blades on both sides of the brace tube. The blades present reinforcement ribs and tabs on their outer part and they are joined at one of their ends to the brace tube with a joint hinge and held at an upper third of the blades by a clamping device which is linked to the brace tube with a removable bolt. This removable bolt includes a knuckle pin with an end linked by a connector to the brace tube. The opposite end includes a clearance drilling angled at a slant, at 45 degrees of its axle, this end being inserted in the brace tube in correspondence with a bolt clamp. |
| US09297138B2 |
Trench box with plane walls
The present invention relates to both a trench box, the use of a trench box and the method for using said trench box. When assembled, said trench box comprises at least two oppositely placed side walls, each side wall having a thickness, a length and a height, an outer wall area and an inner wall area, said trench box further comprising a number of distance struts. Said distance struts are arranged to be secured between said oppositely placed side walls. A trench box according to the invention is new in that a side wall comprises at least a frame part with a first thickness, a length and a height being substantially the same as the length and height of the side wall, said side wall further comprising a center part placed inside the frame part, said center part having a second thickness and comprising one or more strengthening elements, and said side wall further comprising a cover on the outer area of the side wall. Said cover comprises at least one plate, wherein the at least one plate is substantially plane and without corrugations. |
| US09297135B2 |
Structural lining system
A lining system for a ditch or canal constructed with tight tolerances so a gasket is not required to connect liner channel sections. Each channel liner has a female slot on a first end and a male protrusion on a second end for adjoining channel liners. Flushing strips with male protrusions are installed in female slots in between channel beams. Flushing strips with variable Manning coefficients can be inserted based on a user's needs. Self-anchoring tabs can be inserted into anchoring slots on the outside of liner channels for anchoring the liner by soil compaction. Elbow sections can be used to change the direction of flow of the liquid. Elbow sections are adjoined to a liner channel similar to the adjoinment of in series channel liners to result in a desired angle for the change in direction. |
| US09297131B2 |
Trailing shield for a snow removal device
A snow removal device may include an auger assembly, a mobility assembly, a housing and a blowback prevention assembly. The auger assembly may include a rotatable auger that imparts momentum to draw material engaged by the auger toward an ejection path. The auger may extend substantially transversely with respect to a front portion of the snow removal device. The mobility assembly may be configured to enable the snow removal device to move with respect to a surface. The housing may be disposed proximate to a portion of the auger assembly to direct at least some of the material toward the ejection path responsive to rotation of the auger. The blowback prevention assembly may be disposed to inhibit blowback of material between the housing and the surface. The blowback prevention assembly may include a scraper bar and a trailing shield. |
| US09297130B2 |
Cable-barriers
A terminal post for a cable barrier which is of a unitary post construction. The integrally formed post has a cable barrier portion for retaining barrier cable(s) and an anchor-cable portion for retaining anchor cable(s). The cable barrier includes at least one cable-barrier portion which, in use, receives and retains one or more barrier-cables used in the cable barrier and at least one anchor-cable portion in the form of a central groove, which, in use, receives and retains one or more anchor-cables which are anchored so as to counter balance the force applied to the terminal post by the barrier-cable(s). The cable-barrier portion(s) and the anchor-barrier portion(s) within the post body are configured so that, in use, at least one of the anchor-cable(s) and barrier-cable(s) are releasable from the body during a collision with a vehicle where the anchor-cables act as a ramp and/or snag during the collision. |
| US09297126B2 |
Traffic monitoring apparatus
Traffic monitoring apparatus with a housing 1, which has several longitudinal profiles 2, 3, 4, 5, which are aligned parallel to a vertical axis H and which are arranged circumferentially around the vertical axis H and enclose an inner housing chamber 18, wherein at least one of the longitudinal profiles 2, 3, 4, 5 has an outer wall 6, forming the outer face 8, and an inner wall 7, forming the inner face 9, facing to the inner housing chamber 18. |
| US09297123B1 |
Water-filled stairs
The water-filled stairs involves a modular staircase that is to be used on a temporary basis, and which is of hollowed construction so as to be filled with water when in use for the purpose of weighing down the staircase. The water-filled stairs is further defined with a plurality of steps adorning a top surface, and a flattened bottom surface. Distal ends of the water-filled stairs include a hook or connecting bar such that consecutive staircases may be attached to accommodate the needs of a particular application. Each staircase includes a male threaded port adjacent a top distal end as well as a bottom distal end. A flexible hose attaches in between the male threaded ports of adjacent staircases in order for a single water source to fill all staircases simultaneously. |
| US09297122B2 |
Guide plate for a system for fastening a rail to a substrate, and a system comprising a guide plate of this type
The invention relates to a guide plate for a system for fastening a rail to a substrate on which there is provided, laterally of the railway track, a shoulder, which absorbs the forces occurring when the rail is traveled on by a rail vehicle, the guide plate having an underside which is associated with the substrate and an upper side which is exposed in the installation position, is remote from the underside and on which it is possible to support a spring element provided for applying resiliently elastic holding-down forces to the rail to be fastened. |
| US09297117B2 |
Web substrates having wide color gamut indicia printed thereon
A paper product of the present disclosure having at least one ply is disclosed. At least one outer surface of the web substrate has indicia comprising at least one ink disposed thereon and substantially affixed thereto. The indicia is defined by CIELab coordinate values disposed inside a boundary described by the MacAdam 3-D gamut and CIELab coordinate values disposed outside a boundary described by the Kien 3-D gamut. Alternatively, the indicia is defined by CIELab coordinate values disposed inside a boundary described by the MacAdam 2-D gamut and CIELab coordinate values disposed outside a boundary described by the Kien 2-D gamut. The indicia have a dot gain of less than 20%. |
| US09297115B2 |
Barrier film with molecular expansion under strain
A process for treating a solid substrate coupled to a polyol, wherein said polyol bears free hydroxyl groups, comprising the grafting of at least one fatty acid having an aliphatic chain comprising at least 12 carbon atoms onto said solid substrate coupled to a polyol by esterification of at least one free hydroxyl group of said polyol. |
| US09297113B2 |
Structures comprising an aryl amine and processes for making same
Polysaccharides and/or hydroxyl polymers, more particularly, structures, especially fibers, comprising a polysaccharide and/or hydroxyl polymer and an association agent, fibrous structures comprising such structures and processes for making such structures and/or fibrous structures are provided. |
| US09297112B2 |
Process for manufacturing a composition comprising cellulose pulp fibers and thermoplastic fibers
The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a composition comprising cellulose pulp fibers and thermoplastic fibers wherein said process comprises the step of: a) mixing a refined aqueous pulp suspension with a water suspension of thermoplastic fibers. The invention also relates to compositions and composite articles obtainable by said process. |
| US09297109B2 |
Laundry dryer
The present invention refers to a laundry dryer having a removable front casing panel (1).A laundry dryer according to the invention comprises a front casing panel (1) and a frame structure (4) for accommodating a tub (5) and operational component parts (6) which are required for drying laundry, said frame structure (4) comprises a front supporting member (12) having means (21) for removably mounting said front casing panel (1). The laundry dryer is characterised in that said front supporting member (12) comprises a portion (13) that forms a component part of said tub (5). |
| US09297104B2 |
Washing machine suspension ball support
A ball support for a suspension rod in top loading washing machines includes a main body, a support segment and a hook capture head for securing the hooked end of the rod between spaced bars of the cylindrical rod support. Attaching and detaching the ball support from the rod requires inversion of the parts relative to one another. |
| US09297099B2 |
Nonwoven from bulked filament tow
A nonwoven material has a plurality of randomly oriented and bulked crimped filaments, a plurality of point bonds interconnecting said crimped filaments into a fixed, 3-dimensional structure, and either a surface portion of said fixed, 3-dimensional structure having a greater density than an inner portion of said 3-dimensional structure or an external surface of said fixed, 3-dimensional structure being substantially free of any protruding filaments. The nonwoven material is made by: bulking a filament tow, fixing the bulked tow into a 3-dimensional structure, and calendering the 3-dimensional structure. |
| US09297097B2 |
Knit article of apparel and apparel printing system and method
An article of apparel including a tubular knit textile region is provided, as well as an apparel printing system for printing on regions of the tubular knit textile region and related methods. The article of apparel can include a tubular knit textile region having an internal side and an opposite external side configured to be exposed during use, a plurality of yarns in an arrangement of interlocked loops forming parallel rows and channels therebetween, and a printed ink design on its external side. The printed ink design can be formed from ink applied to the parallel rows of loops and to the channels. An apparel printing system for printing on the article of apparel can include a textile printer having a print head and a tubular platen that includes features on the platen surface to retain and register the tubular knit textile on the platen surface during printing. |
| US09297095B2 |
Penetration-resistant fabric manufacturing method which prevents yarn breakage during the manufacturing process
The present penetration-resistant fabric manufacturing method which prevents yarn breakage during the manufacturing process comprises the steps of: (i) blending a fusible yarn and a support yarn to form a blended yarn; (ii) the blended yarn and an elastomeric yarn are formed into a fabric; (iii) treating the fabric by heating so that the fusible yarn melts and spreads over the fabric; and (iv) cooling the fabric to form a penetration barrier. The present invention prevents yarn breakage during the manufacturing process. |
| US09297092B2 |
Compositions, optical component, system including an optical component, devices, and other products
The present inventions relate to optical components which include quantum confined semiconductor nanoparticles, wherein at least a portion of the nanoparticles include a ligand attached to a surface thereof, the ligand being represented by the formula X-Sp-Z, wherein: X represents: a primary amine group, a secondary amine group, a urea, a thiourea, an imidizole group, an amide group, a carboxylic acid or carboxylate group, a phosphonic or arsonic acid group, a phosphoric acid group, a phosphate group, a phosphite group, a phosphinic acid group, a phosphinate group, a phosphine oxide group, a phosphinite group, a phosphine group, an arsenic acid group, an arsenate group, an arsenous acid group, an arsenite group, an arsinic acid group, an arsine oxide group, or an arsine group; Sp represents a group capable of allowing a transfer of charge or an insulating group; and Z represents a multifunctional group including three or more functional groups capable of communicating a specific property or chemical reactivity to the nanoparticle, wherein at least three of the functional groups are chemically distinct, and wherein Z is not reactive upon exposure to light. As used herein, the term “optical components” includes, but is not limited to, optical components, systems including optical components, lamps including optical components, devices including optical components, films useful in the foregoing, inks useful in making the foregoing, and compositions useful in the foregoing. |
| US09297091B2 |
Method for producing aluminum film and method for producing aluminum foil
A method for producing an aluminum film by electrodepositing aluminum on a base in an electrolytic cell to which a liquid electrolyte containing a molten salt is fed includes adjusting a concentration of an additive in such a manner that a measured value of an overvoltage is within a predetermined range on the basis of a predetermined relationship between the overvoltage and the concentration of the additive added to the molten salt upon electrodepositing aluminum in the liquid electrolyte. |
| US09297090B2 |
PEO coating on Mg screws
The present invention relates generally to a bio-degradable implant based on magnesium having a reduced corrosion rate and to a method for the production of such an implant. It is a a method for treating a surface of a bio-degradable metallic implant comprising the following steps: providing a dispersed system comprising a colloid-dispersed apatite and adding an apatite powder to the dispersed system, subjecting an implant to the dispersed system such that a surface of the implant which is to be treated is immersed in the dispersed system wherein the implant comprises a magnesium based alloy, applying an AC voltage difference between the implant as a first electrode and a second electrode positioned in the dispersed system for generating a plasma electrolytic oxidation on the immersed surface of the implant so that the immersed surface is converted to an oxide film which is at least partially covered by apatites formed by the colloid-dispersed apatite and the apatite powder. The evolution of corrosion induced hydrogen gas evolution is decreased and osseointegration is improved. |
| US09297089B2 |
Coatings for gas turbine components
A gas turbine component for use in a gas turbine engine includes a substrate and a non-aluminide protective coating with a platinum-group metal. The platinum-group metal resides in a gamma-prime phase of the underlying material. The platinum-group metal can impart the protective coating with superior corrosion-resistance, while the absence of aluminide in the protective coating facilitates use of the protective coating at high-stress and/or high-fatigue portions of the component. The protective coating optionally includes chromide and can also be combined with aluminide at select portions of the component. |
| US09297088B2 |
Electroplating method and electroplating apparatus for through-hole
There is provided an electroplating method for a through-hole. The method includes: a first plating process, a second plating process, and a third plating process. The first plating process is a plating process of forming a metal film with a uniform thickness in the through-hole to reduce a diameter of the through-hole, the second plating process is a plating process of blocking up a central portion of the through-hole with the metal film using a PR pulsed current, and the third plating process is a plating process of completely filling the through-hole with the metal film using the plating current whose value is equal to or larger than a forward-current value of the PR pulsed current used in the second plating process. |
| US09297087B2 |
Acidic gold alloy plating solution
A gold alloy plating solution and plating method thereof that provides a gold plating solution with high deposition selectivity by using a gold plating solution that contains gold cyanide, cobalt ions, hexamethylene tetramine, and specific glossing agents. |
| US09297085B2 |
Membrane-electrode assembly, electrolytic cell employing the same, electrolytic-water sprayer, and method of sterilization
The present invention provides a membrane-electrode assembly which includes: at least one rod-form or tubular electrode; a tubular diaphragm disposed around the periphery of the electrode; and a wire-form counter electrode disposed around the periphery of the diaphragm, the diaphragm being fixed to the rod-form or tubular electrode with the wire-form counter electrode to thereby form an electrode chamber having a gas/liquid passage between the diaphragm and the rod-form or tubular electrode. |
| US09297084B2 |
Electrochemical production of hydrogen
Electrochemical systems and methods for producing hydrogen. Generally, the systems and methods involve providing an electrochemical cell that includes an anolyte compartment holding an anode in contact with an anolyte, wherein the anolyte includes an oxidizable substance having a higher standard oxidation potential than water. The cell further comprises a catholyte compartment holding a cathode in contact with a catholyte that includes a substance that reduces to form hydrogen. Additionally, the cell includes an alkali cation conductive membrane that separates the anolyte compartment from the catholyte compartment. As an electrical potential passes between the anode and cathode, the reducible substance reduces to form hydrogen and the oxidizable substance oxidizes to form an oxidized product. |
| US09297079B2 |
Iron alloy article, iron alloy member, and method for producing the iron alloy article
Disclosed is an iron alloy article having an excellent bonding force between a resin and an iron alloy using an alkoxysilane-containing triazinethiol, and a method for producing the iron alloy article. Also disclosed is an iron alloy article including a base comprised of iron or an iron alloy, and a resin bonded to at least a portion of a surface of the base through a dehydrated silanol-containing triazinethiol derivative coating, the iron alloy article further including a metal compound film containing at least one selected from the group consisting of a hydroxide, a carboxylate, a phosphate, a sulfate, a thiosulfate, a chloride and a perchloride between the base and the dehydrated silanol-containing triazinethiol derivative coating. |
| US09297078B2 |
Method for producing hard disk substrate
An object of the present invention is to obtain a hard disk substrate that can have a smooth surface of a plating film through electroless NiP plating and does not have deteriorated corrosion resistance against acid solutions. A method for producing a hard disk substrate of the present invention is a method for producing a hard disk substrate with an electroless NiP plating film, the method including immersing a substrate in a first electroless NiP plating bath containing an additive with leveling action, thereby forming a lower layer of the electroless NiP plating film on a surface of the substrate, the lower layer having smaller average surface roughness than the surface; and immersing the substrate that has the lower layer of the electroless NiP plating film formed thereon through the first plating step in a second electroless NiP plating bath, thereby forming an upper layer of the electroless NiP plating film, the upper layer having corrosion resistance against acid solutions and having a thickness of greater than or equal to 4 μm. |
| US09297074B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel repairing method and repairing system
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display panel repairing method and repairing system. The method includes: (1) providing a liquid crystal display panel, in which the liquid crystal display panel has a circuit that has a breaking site; and (2) applying laser chemical vapor deposition to form graphene on the liquid crystal display panel in such a way as to joint the breaking site. The liquid crystal display panel repairing method and repairing system of the present invention use laser chemical vapor deposition to form graphene on a breaking site to repair the breaking site. The process is simple and the result of repairing is good. Further, a common gas, such as methane, is used as a carbon source gas, making it favorable for environmental protection. Further, the number of layers of graphene so formed can be controlled by controlling whether to apply irradiation of the laser so as to achieve control of electrical conductivity of the graphene so formed and enhance the result of repairing. Further, the light spot of laser can be adjusted in regard to the radius thereof in order to control the resolution of graphene grown line and the optic path of the laser can be adjusted to allow the light spot to follow a predetermined path to heat selected areas of the substrate to deposit a desired graphene line or shape. |
| US09297072B2 |
Film deposition apparatus
A film deposition apparatus includes a rotary table having a substrate placement area to support a substrate, a vacuum container including a container and a top panel, an open-and-close mechanism configured to open and close the top panel, reactant gas nozzles disposed through and supported by an outer wall of the container to be situated at different angular positions with respect to a rotation center of the rotary table to face areas in which the substrate placement area passes, the reactant gas nozzles having gas discharge ports arranged in radial directions to supply respective reactant gases to the wafer thereby to form respective process areas, a discharge gas supply unit situated at an angular position between the process areas to supply purge gas to form an isolation area that isolates atmospheres of the process areas from each other, and an exhaustion unit configured to exhaust atmosphere inside the vacuum container. |
| US09297070B2 |
Chemical vapor deposition reactor for depositing layers made of a reaction gas mixture onto workpieces
The invention relates to a CVD-reactor for depositing layers made of a reaction gas onto workpieces. Said reactor comprises an elongate, vertical reaction chamber that is defined by a reactor wall and a reactor base, an inlet line for guiding the reaction gas into the reaction chamber, entering into the region of the reactor base in the reaction chamber, a central outlet line that guides the used reaction gas out of the reaction chamber and that extends out of the reactor chamber in the region of the reactor base, a tier-like workpiece receiving element that is arranged in a central manner in the reaction chamber and can be rotated about the central axis thereof. |
| US09297069B2 |
Conductive film substrate, photovoltaic cell having the same, and method of manufacturing the same
A conductive film substrate, a photovoltaic cell having the same, and a method of manufacturing the same. The conductive film substrate includes a base substrate and a transparent conductive film formed on the base substrate. The transparent conductive film is a zinc oxide thin film which has first texture structures and second texture structures concurrently formed on a surface thereof. The second texture structures are smaller than the first texture structures. |
| US09297067B2 |
Fluorine passivation of dielectric for superconducting electronics
An amorphous silicon (a-Si) dielectric for superconducting electronics is fabricated with reduced loss tangent by fluorine passivation throughout the bulk of the layer. Complete layers or thinner sub-layers of a-Si are formed by physical vapor deposition at low temperatures (<350 C, e.g. ˜200 C) to prevent reaction with superconducting materials, then exposed to fluorine. The fluorine may be a component of a gas or plasma, or it may be a component of an interface layer. The fluorine is driven into the a-Si by heat (e.g., <350 C) or impact to passivate defects such as dangling bonds. |
| US09297062B2 |
Directed surface functionalization on selected surface areas of topographical features with nanometer resolution
A method for making a single molecule receptor in a nanopore structure includes depositing a material by a physical vapor deposition (PVD) technique onto a selected interior surface of a nanochannel and functionalizing a surface of the material with a chemical compound having at least two functional groups. The material forms a patch having a diameter of about 3 to about 10,000 nanometers (nm). Also disclosed are embodiments of a nanopore structure including a single molecule receptor. |
| US09297061B2 |
Transparent electroconductive film and process for producing the same
In a transparent electroconductive film including a transparent substrate and a transparent electroconductive oxide layer disposed on the transparent substrate, when the transparent electroconductive oxide layer is composed of zinc oxide, the surface resistivity of the transparent electroconductive oxide layer increases with time and thus it has been difficult to obtain a transparent electroconductive film stable against an environmental variation. Consequently, hard carbon films are provided on the surfaces of a transparent electroconductive oxide layer including at least one layer and containing zinc oxide as a main component in “the order of transparent substrate-hard carbon film-transparent electroconductive oxide layer-hard carbon film” or “the order of hard carbon film-transparent substrate-transparent electroconductive oxide layer-hard carbon film”. Alternatively, an organosilicon compound covering layer is provided on a surface of the transparent electroconductive oxide layer. Thereby, the water contact angle can be 75 degrees or more, and an increase in the resistivity of the transparent electroconductive oxide layer can be suppressed. |
| US09297059B2 |
Method for the manufacture of wrought articles of near-beta titanium alloys
This invention relates to nonferrous thermomechanical treatment of titanium alloys and can be used for manufacture of structural parts and components of high-strength near-beta titanium alloys for the aerospace application, mainly landing gear and airframe application. Multiple heating operations above or below beta transus temperature (BTT), hot working with the specified strain and cooling makes near-net shape forgings with stable properties having sections with thickness 100 mm and over and length over 6 m with the guaranteed level of mechanical properties, including ultimate tensile strength over 1200 MPa with fracture toughness, K1C, not less than 35 MPa√m and fracture toughness, K1C, over 70 MPa√m with ultimate tensile strength not less than 1100 MPa. |
| US09297058B2 |
Injection molding of metallic glass by rapid capacitor discharge
An apparatus and method of uniformly heating, softening, and thermoplastically forming magnetic metallic glasses rapidly into a net shape using a rapid capacitor discharge forming (RCDF) tool are provided. The RCDF method utilizes the discharge of electrical energy stored in a capacitor to uniformly and rapidly heat a sample or charge of metallic glass alloy to a predetermined “process temperature” between the glass transition temperature of the amorphous material and the equilibrium melting point of the alloy in a time scale of several milliseconds or less. Once the sample is uniformly heated such that the entire sample block has a sufficiently low process viscosity it may be shaped into high quality amorphous bulk articles via any number of techniques including, for example, injection molding, dynamic forging, stamp forging, sheet forming, and blow molding in a time frame of less than 1 second. |
| US09297057B2 |
Cold rolled steel sheet having aging resistance and superior formability, and process for producing the same
A cold rolled steel sheet, and a method of manufacturing the same, designed to have aging resistance and excellent formability suitable for use in automobile bodies, electronic appliances, and the like. The cold rolled steel sheet comprises in weight %: 0.003% or less of C, 0.003˜0.03% of S, 0.01˜0.1% of Al, 0.02% or less of N, 0.2% or less of P, at least one of 0.03˜0.2% of Mn and 0.005˜0.2% of Cu, and a balance of Fe and other unavoidable impurities. When the steel sheet comprises one of Mn and Cu, the composition of Mn, Cu, and S satisfies at least one relationship: 0.58*Mn/S≦10 and 1≦0.5*Cu/S≦10, and when the steel sheet comprises both Mn and Cu, the composition of Mn, Cu, and S satisfies the relationship: Mn+Cu≦0.3 and 2≦0.5*(Mn+Cu)/S≦20. Participates of MnS, CuS, and (Mn, Cu)S in the steel sheet have an average size of 0.2 μm or less. Since carbon content in a solid solution state in a crystal grain is controlled by fine precipitates of MnS, CuS, or (Mn, Cu)S, the steel sheet has enhanced aging resistance and formability, and has excellent yield strength and strength-ductility. |
| US09297056B2 |
Forged steel and welded structure for components for nuclear power plants
A forged steel for components for nuclear power plants meets a specific chemical composition. The grain size number of a metal structure thereof is 4.5 to 7.0 in terms of ASTM grain size number. It is preferred that the content of N is 0.0100 mass % or more when the mass ratio (Al/N) of the content of Al to the content of N is 1.93 or more, and that the content of Al is 0.022 mass % or more when the mass ratio (Al/N) of the content of Al to the content of N is less than 1.93. The forged steel for components for nuclear power plants exhibits excellent strength, toughness and hydrogen cracking resistance even after being subjected to a stress relief heat treatment subsequent to welding. |
| US09297046B2 |
TET2 as a new diagnostic and pronostic marker in hematopoietic neoplasms
The present invention concerns an in vitro method for diagnosing a myeloid tumor or a lymphoid tumor in a subject, which comprises the step of analyzing a biological sample from said subject by (i) detecting the presence of a mutation in the Ten Eleven Translocation protein family member 2 gene (TET2) coding for the polypeptide having the sequence SEQ ID NO:2, and/or (ii) analyzing the expression of the TET2 gene; wherein the detection of such a TET2 mutation, of the absence of expression of TET2 or of the expression of a truncated TET2 is indicative of a subject developing or predisposed to develop a myeloid tumor or a lymphoid tumor. |
| US09297041B1 |
Inexpensive autonomous assembly of ultra-large (UL) DNA constructs
This invention provides processes to assemble many (greater than 20) partially overlapping single stranded DNA molecules (fragments) having preselected sequences, followed by extension of those strands that hybridize at terminal overlap regions, and ligation of the extend products, creating a double-stranded DNA assembly. These processes use non-standard nucleotides carrying heterocyclic nucleobase analogs that implement non-standard hydrogen bonding patterns; these allow controlled annealing of the single stranded fragments via Watson-Crick rules, with less or no interference from a range of non-Watson Crick interactions, hairpin formations, or off-target hybridization displayed by standard nucleobases. This process includes an optional conversion step that replaces non-standard nucleobase pairs with standard nucleobase pairs, generating large synthetic DNA (LS-DNA) molecules containing only natural nucleotides. As useful application, this invention allows the assembly of genes encoding whole proteins (typically 1000-3000 nucleotide pairs) from a collection of single stranded DNA fragments at reduced cost and effort. |
| US09297039B2 |
Control of chemical reactions using isotachophoresis
Isotachophoresis (ITP) is exploited to control various aspects of chemical reactions. In a first aspect, at least one of the reactants of a chemical reaction is confined to an ITP zone, but the resulting product of the chemical reaction is separated from this ITP zone by the ITP process. In a second aspect, one or more reactants of a chemical reaction are confined to an ITP zone, and one or more other reactants of the chemical reaction are not confined to this ITP zone. In a third aspect, ITP is employed to confine at least one reactant of a chemical reaction to an ITP zone, and at least one reactant of the chemical reaction is delivered to the ITP zone in two or more discrete doses. These aspects are especially relevant to performing polymerase chain reactions using chemical denaturants as opposed to thermal cycling. |
| US09297036B2 |
Nucleic acid probes for analysis of small RNAs and other polynucleotides
The invention provides a nucleic acid probe for detecting a polynucleotide. The probe contains a region that base-pairs with a polynucleotide to form a duplex and a Tm enhancement domain that increases the stability of the duplex. The Tm enhancement domain may contain a nucleotide clamp and/or a hairpin structure, for example. Also provided is an array of subject nucleic acid probes bound to a surface of the solid support. Methods of using a subject probe to assess polynucleotides, e.g., small RNAs in a sample are provided, as are kits for use in practicing the subject methods. |
| US09297035B2 |
Compositions and methods for detection of chromosomal aberrations with novel hybridization buffers
The present invention provides compositions and methods for the detection of nucleic acid sequences associated with chromosomal aberrations. The invention may, for example, eliminate the use of or reduce the dependence on formamide in hybridization. Compositions for use in the invention include an aqueous composition comprising at least one nucleic acid sequence and at least one polar aprotic solvent in an amount effective to denature double-stranded nucleotide sequences. |
| US09297034B2 |
Detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae through magneto-amperometric genosensors using lytA gene-specific primers and probes
The present invention relates to a method for the detection and/or quantification of Streptococcus pneumoniae, a Gram-positive bacteria that is an important human pathogen, in an isolated biological sample, through magneto-amperometric biosensors, comprising detecting fragments of lytA gene of the microorganism, amplified through PCR, preferably asymmetric PCR or direct asymmetric PCR, by hybridization thereof to a specific probe fully complementary to a region of the amplified fragment. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to the use of primers SEQ ID NO: 3 and 4 together with probes SEQ ID NO: 1 and/or SEQ ID NO: 2 to perform the detection. The biosensor developed to detect S. pneumoniae can be applied to different types of clinical samples from patients infected with this bacterium or other related bacteria. Preferably the clinical sample is an isolated biological fluid such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, saliva or urine. |
| US09297029B2 |
Fermentive production of four carbon alcohols
Methods for the fermentative production of four carbon alcohols is provided. Specifically, butanol, preferably isobutanol is produced by the fermentative growth of a recombinant bacterium expressing an isobutanol biosynthetic pathway. |
| US09297024B2 |
Recombinant protein expression using a hybrid CHEF1 promoter
The invention provides expression vectors and host cells for high-level expression of recombinant proteins. The expression vectors comprise Chinese hamster ovary elongation factor 1-α (CHEF1) transcriptional regulatory DNA elements and a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter and/or a human adenovirus tripartite leader (AdTPL) sequence. The invention achieves increased protein expression and better productivity of host cells compared to previously described expression systems. |
| US09297021B2 |
MtNIP regulated plants with significantly increased size and biomass
A composition and method for producing plants with increased biomass and growth characteristics, and plants which flower early relative to wild-type plants. The MtNIP gene is over-expressed in plants to increase biomass, growth, and early flowering. Other genes in the NRT1/PTR family may also be over-expressed to increase biomass, growth, and early flowering. |
| US09297017B2 |
Methods and compositions for targeted protein degradation
Coronatine has been found to enhance binding of the JAZ1 degron to the Arabidopsis F-box protein COI1, and analysis of the JAZ1 degron sequence has resulted in the identification of specific peptide sequences that bind COI1 with high affinity in the presence of coronatine. Crystal structure analysis has determined that coronatine and JA-Ile enhance the interaction between COI1 and JAZ1 via binding to a specific binding pocket on COI1. Attachment of one or more JAZ1 peptide tags as disclosed herein to a target protein in a non-plant cell expressing Arabidopsis COI1 or a homolog thereof results in degradation of the target protein following addition of a molecule that binds the coronatine/JA-Ile binding pocket on COI1. Therefore, provided herein are compositions, methods, and kits for targeted protein degradation. |
| US09297015B2 |
Regulated expression of antigen and/or regulated attentuation to enhance vaccine immunogenicity and/or safety
The invention relates to compositions and methods for making and using recombinant bacteria that are capable of regulated attenuation and/or regulated expression of one or more antigens of interest. |
| US09297012B2 |
Methods and compositions for inducing deregulation of EPHA7 and ERK phosphorylation in human acute leukemias
Methods for assessing a pathological condition in a subject include measuring one or more markers where a difference is indicative of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or a predisposition to ALL, uses and compositions are disclosed. |
| US09297011B2 |
KIF5B-RET fusion molecules and uses thereof
Novel RET fusion molecules and uses are disclosed. |
| US09297010B2 |
Short interfering RNA (siRNA) analogues
The present invention is directed to novel double-stranded short interfering (siRNA) analogs comprising locked nucleic acid (LNA) monomers. Such compounds induces sequence-specific post-transcriptional gene silencing in many organisms by a process known as RNA interference (RNAi). The compounds disclosed herein has improved properties compared to non-modified siRNAs and may, accordingly, be useful as therapeutic agents, e.g., in the treatment of various cancer forms. More particularly, the present invention is directed to siRNA analogs comprising a sense strand and an antisense strand, wherein each strand comprises 12-35 nucleotides and wherein the siRNA analogs comprise at least one locked nucleic acid (LNA) monomer. |
| US09297008B2 |
Small activating RNA molecules and methods of use
The present invention provides compositions, pharmaceutical preparations, kits and methods for increasing expression of a gene product in a cell by contacting the cell with a small activating RNA (saRNA) molecule comprising a ribonucleic strand that is complementary to a non-coding nucleic acid sequence of the gene. |
| US09297001B2 |
Preparation method conducive to enhancing enzymatic activity of cellulase
A preparation method conducive to enhancing enzymatic activity of cellulase includes the steps of preparing a first inducer, preparing preculture hyphae, producing enzymes by a single strain, feeding a second inducer, and producing enzymes by co-culture strains. Main ingredients of the first inducer and the second inducer are cellulose and lactose, respectively. The enzymatic activity of the cellulase produced is enhanced by induction of cellulose and lactose and co-culture of Trichoderma and Aspergillus. |
| US09296997B2 |
Glucosyltransferase enzymes for production of glucan polymers
Reaction solutions are disclosed herein comprising water, sucrose and a glucosyltransferase enzyme that synthesizes poly alpha-1,3-glucan. The glucosyltransferase enzyme can synthesize insoluble glucan polymer having at least 50% alpha-1,3 glycosidic linkages and a number average degree of polymerization of at least 100. Further disclosed are methods of using such glucosyltransferase enzymes to produce insoluble poly alpha-1,3-glucan. |
| US09296991B2 |
Infectious bronchitis vaccines derived from IB-QX-like vaccine strains
The present invention relates to infectious bronchitis (IB) viruses derived from a recently identified genotype of IB virus known as IB-QX, or from viruses that are genetically related to IB-QX, herein referred to as IB-QX-like viruses. The IB viruses of the invention may be live and attenuated or inactivated. Live, attenuated IB viruses of the invention may be produced by serial passaging of an IB-QX-like virus. The IB viruses of the invention are useful for, inter alia, vaccines against IB-QX and IB-QX-like viruses. Heretofore, known vaccine strains of IB viruses have proven insufficient to protect against infectious bronchitis caused by IB-QX and IB-QX-like viruses. |
| US09296988B2 |
Three-dimensional cell adhesion matrix
The present invention provides a cell adhesion matrix having poly(vinyl alcohol) chains crosslinked via carboxy phenyl boronic acid crosslinkers. The cell adhesion matrix can also include a molecular recognition element bound to the poly(vinyl alcohol) chains via a carboxy phenyl boronic acid group, as well as including cells. The present invention also provides a method for making and de-gelling the cell adhesion matrix. |
| US09296987B2 |
Multi-coated lactic acid bacteria and preparing method thereof
The present invention relates to multi-coated lactic acid bacteria coated with a multi-coating layer forming bacterial clusters and including protein, polysaccharide, and edible oil/fat component, and a preparing method thereof. The multi-coated lactic acid bacteria according to the present invention may achieve an improved acid resistance, a bile resistance, and an accelerated test stability, may have a low moisture content to be particularly stable against a moisture variation, and thus may be appropriately used to prepare various products including lactic acid bacteria. |
| US09296986B2 |
System for the reduction of water contamination
In some embodiments, a system may reduce contaminants in water. A system may include a biofilm in a container. The biofilm may be formed from one or more bacteria coupled to one or more substrates. The bacteria may be selected to maximize the reduction of contaminants in water. The system may include one or more bacteria generators to provide bacteria to the biofilm and/or one or more air sources to provide an air bubble stream to the container and/or the bacteria generator. In some embodiments, bacteria may be preserved in a starvation phase. Bacteria may be incubated until they reach a starvation phase. The bacteria may then be preserved as beads or immobilized on a substrate. The preserved bacteria may be used in a system for the reduction of contaminants in water. |
| US09296982B2 |
Cell picking-assisting device, display device and culture container
A cell picking support device, a display device and a culture container that can enhance work efficiency. An adapter fixes a well plate that holds cells cultured in a cell culture observation device. A control unit reads culture observation information that includes cell information and coordinate information, from a memory card that is fitted to an external memory I/F. A display unit is provided on a placing surface side of the well plate that is fixed by the adapter, and in response to control by the control unit, displays the cell information, read from the memory card, at display positions corresponding to positions on the bottom face of the well plate, as specified by the coordinate information. Embodiments can be used, for instance, as a cell picking support device that supports a picking operation that is performed in a clean bench. |
| US09296981B2 |
Removal of bacterial endotoxins
Methods of cleaning a medical device are provided via exposing the medical device to a compressed CO2-based mixture. The compressed CO2-based mixture includes carbon dioxide, a surfactant, and water in the form of water-in-CO2 microemulsions. In one particular embodiment, the ratio of water-to-surfactant mixed together in the CO2 has a range of about 5-100 molecules of water per molecule of surfactant (e.g., about 5-30 molecules of water per molecule of surfactant). |
| US09296980B2 |
Cleaning composition having high self-adhesion and providing residual benefits
A composition for treating a hard surface. The composition has: (a) at least one adhesion promoter; (b) at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of: anionic, non-ionic, cationic, amphoteric, zwitterionic, and combinations thereof; (c) mineral oil; (d) a blend of linear primary alcohols, wherein each alcohol of said blend includes a carbon chain containing 9 to 17 carbons or an ethoxylated blend thereof; (e) water; (f) optionally, at least one solvent; and wherein the composition is self-adhering upon application to a surface to be treated, and wherein the composition provides a wet film to said surface when water passes over said composition and surface. |
| US09296977B2 |
Method for producing fatty acid composition
Provided is a method for producing a fatty acid composition having a low content of saturated fatty acid easily and with a high yield from a decomposed fatty acid composition containing monoacylglycerol. The method for producing a fatty acid composition having the content of saturated fatty acid of 8% by mass or less, comprising the following steps (1) to (3): (1) obtaining a fatty acid mixture by adjusting the component ratio of a decomposed fatty acid composition obtained by hydrolyzing a fat or oil so that the content of fatty acid is from 80 to 96% by mass, the content of monoacylglycerol is from 0.3 to 8% by mass, the content of diacylglycerol is from 1 to 12% by mass, and the mass ratio of diacylglycerol to monoacylglycerol [ (DAG)/(MAG)] is from 0.5 to 40; (2) cooling the fatty acid mixture obtained in step (1) to a temperature within the range from the temperature 2° C. lower than the cloud point of the fatty acid mixture to the temperature 13° C. lower than the cloud point, then mixing an aqueous wetting agent solution therewith, and maintaining the temperature of the mixture within the above-mentioned range; and (3) separating the solid phase precipitated in step (2) and the aqueous phase from the liquid oil phase, thereby obtaining the fatty acid composition in the form of a liquid oil phase. |
| US09296970B2 |
Use of nanoscale materials in a composition for preventing symptoms of fatigue in the surface-closed structure of drive elements
A composition for prevention or reduction of fatigue damage, especially trench formation or micropitting, of the surfaces of drive elements, is provided that comprises 0.1 to 40% by weight of surface-modified nanoparticles, and 99.9 to 60% by weight of a carrier material suitable for application to the drive element surfaces. |
| US09296968B1 |
Fire kindler
A fire kindler (FIGS. 1,2 and 3) comprised of a geometrically shaped slab configuration of combustible material which operates in vertical positioning to present common lower crest (20) and a structural continuation of symmetric communal acclivity with surfaces (16),(10), and (12) which all culminate at top surface (14). Body of fire kindler (8) having apertures, (18A),(18B), and (18C) of generally horizontal and variable plurality, passing completely therethrough. Other embodiments utilizing lessor, greater, or no apertures at all. |
| US09296967B2 |
Solid fuel
[Object] To provide a solid fuel which comprises a binder, a form retaining agent and a vegetable oil-containing substance in a balanced manner, has a stable calorific value and suppresses the production of carbon dioxide.[Solution] A solid fuel formed from a mixture of a binder, a form retaining agent and a vegetable oil-containing substance, wherein the amount of the binder is 1 to 85 parts by weight, the amount of the form retaining agent is 1 to 55 parts by weight, and the amount of the vegetable oil-containing substance is 10 to 85 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the mixture, and the mixture is molded. |
| US09296966B2 |
Propane recovery methods and configurations
High-pressure feed gas is chilled and expanded to condense a portion of the feed gas into a C2+ enriched liquid phase and a C2+ depleted vapor phase. The liquid phase is expanded to provide additional cooling for the feed gas and deethanizer reflux prior to being fed to the deethanizer while the vapor is combined with residue gas of a deethanizer. |
| US09296963B2 |
Arrangement for and method of gasifying solid fuel
An arrangement for gasifying solid fuel includes a gasification reactor for producing further oxidizable product gas from solid fuel and a gas treatment reactor arranged in a flow direction of the product gas in gas flow connection with the gasification reactor. The gas treatment reactor includes a supply for supplying oxygenous gas to the gas treatment reactor for partial oxidization of product gas and for thermal cracking thereof. A radiation heat exchange cooler for cooling the product gas is arranged in connection with the gas treatment reactor to solidify melt components in the product gas. A discharge connection is arranged in the lower portion of the radiation heat exchange cooler for removing solidified melt components from the radiation heat exchange cooler. A method of gasifying solid fuel in a gasification reactor is also presented. |
| US09296959B2 |
Integration of solvent deasphalting with resin hydroprocessing and with delayed coking
The invention is directed to a process that combines the solvent deasphalting with resin hydrotreatment and coupled with delayed coking so as to reduce the costs associated with performing each of the steps separately. The integrated process of the invention permits higher product yields coupled with lower energy and transportation costs. |
| US09296956B2 |
Method for reducing mercaptans in hydrocarbons
A method for reducing mercaptan concentration in a crude oil is disclosed. The method comprises contacting the crude with a treating solution comprising a hypochlorite solution, whereby the mercaptan sulfur is oxidized and converted to at least one sulfur oxoacid or salt thereof, yielding a treated crude oil having less than 50 ppm mercaptan sulfur and residual organic chloride. The treated crude oil containing residual organic chloride is brought in contact with a caustic solution at a molar ratio of caustic to chloride of 0.1:1 to 50:1, generating an upgraded crude oil with less than 10 ppm organic chloride. In one embodiment, the spent treating solution is recycled to form a regenerated hypochlorite stream for use in the treatment solution. |
| US09296955B2 |
Process and apparatus for co-production of olefins and electric power
A method and system are disclosed for co-production of olefins and electric power. The method includes determining a separation level, separating a hydrocarbon feed into a light fraction stream and a heavy fraction stream based on the determined separation level; generating electric power from the heavy fraction stream; and cracking the light fraction stream in a pyrolysis unit to produce an effluent comprising olefins. The separation level may be based on olefin production requirements and electric power requirements or specific split of the hydrocarbon feed to be utilized for power generation and olefin production. |
| US09296951B2 |
Compound having 3,3-difluoro-1-propenyloxy, liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
An object is to provide a liquid crystal compound satisfying at least one of physical properties such as a high stability to heat and light, a high clearing point, a low minimum temperature of a liquid crystal phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a suitable elastic constant and an excellent compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, a liquid crystal composition containing the compound, and a liquid crystal display device including the composition. A solution is a compound represented by formula (1). In formula 1, R1 is alkyl having 1 to 10 carbons, for example; ring A1 and ring A2 are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; Z1 and Z2 are independently a single bond or —CF2O—; L1 and L2 are halogen; and a is 1 or 2. |
| US09296950B2 |
Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal composition has a nematic phase, and contains a specific tricyclic compound having a large dielectric anisotropy as a first component and a specific bicyclic compound having a small viscosity as a second component, and may contain a specific compound having a high maximum temperature or a large dielectric anisotropy as a third component, and a specific compound having a high maximum temperature or a small viscosity as a fourth component, and a liquid crystal display device includes the composition. |
| US09296947B2 |
Plasma etching gas and plasma etching method
The present invention is an etching gas comprising an unsaturated fluorohydrocarbon represented by CxHyFz (wherein x=3, 4, or 5, y+z≦2x, and y>z) and a method comprising selectively etching a silicon nitride film relative to a silicon oxide film or a silicon film using the etching gas. According to the present invention, a silicon nitride film stacked on a silicon oxide film or a silicon film can be highly selectively etched. |