| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09311080B2 |
Instrumented file deployment
Systems, methods, and machine-readable and executable instructions are provided for instrumented file deployment. Instrumented file deployment can include identifying a number of changes between a first artifact and a second artifact. Instrumented file deployment can also include identifying a number of class names and a number of method names within the second artifact where the changes reside. Instrumented file deployment can include creating an instrumented file from the identified number of class names and the identified number of method names. Instrumented file deployment can include deploying the second artifact and the instrumented file together. |
| US09311077B2 |
Identification of code changes using language syntax and changeset data
A computer retrieves a first changeset that is associated with a program. The computer identifies a first set of changes included in the first changeset based on a time stamp of a change, textual matching, and syntactical matching. The computer identifies a first area of interest within a source code of the program based, at least in part, on the first set of changes. The computer searches for a second set of changes based, at least in part, on the first area of interest. The computer generates a result that includes, at least in part, the first set of changes. |
| US09311076B2 |
Systems and methods for enforcing code reviews
Techniques for enforcing software reviews are described. For example, a commit request to commit code to a repository is received. In response to receiving the commit request, an ownership file is accessed in the repository based on the commit request. The ownership file includes a directory identifier of a directory of the repository and an identifier of an owner who controls committing of code to the directory. A determination is made, based on the ownership file, that the owner did not provide an indication of approval of the code requested to be committed to the repository. A review of the code is facilitated, based on the determination that the owner did not provide the indication of approval. |
| US09311073B2 |
Upgrading nodes using leader node appointment
Method, apparatus and computer program product for use in the upgrade of nodes in a group of nodes in a data communications network. One or more nodes in the group to which a given upgrade is yet to be applied are identified. A given node is selected from amongst the identified one or more nodes to which the given upgrade is yet to be applied as the leader node for the group. Data is transmitted indicating the selection of the given node as the leader node. The upgrade proceeds with the given node as the leader node. |
| US09311071B2 |
Force upgrade of a mobile application via a server side configuration file
Systems and methods which forces or automatically upgrades a mobile application installed on a mobile device for security, stability or any other concerns via a server-side configuration file are disclosed. In one embodiment, a configuration file including a list of build identifiers that have been banned or flagged is placed on a server, which can be a server providing cloud-based collaboration or file sharing services, for access by associated mobile applications and/or devices. A mobile application installed on a mobile device can download the configuration file and determine whether a build identifier of the mobile application is listed on the configuration file. If so, the mobile application can shut down, prompt or force an upgrade, or restrict operation of the mobile application in other ways. |
| US09311068B2 |
Deployment of web application archives as a preprocessing step for provisioning
In one aspect, a transformation of web application archives (WARs) to Open Services Gateway initiative (OSGi™) web bundles is performed. WARs are specialized Java® archives for packaging web applications and the transformation to OSGi™ web bundles is realized by applying proper entries to the manifest of the WARs thus making them OSGi™ compliant. In another aspect, the transformed WARs to OSGi™ web bundles are marked as auto started so that the web application is available for requests after product installation. |
| US09311065B2 |
Data splitting for multi-instantiated objects
Embodiments relate to data splitting for multi-instantiated objects. An aspect includes receiving a portion of source code for compilation having a dynamic object to split using object size array data splitting. Another aspect includes replacing all memory allocations for the dynamic object with a total size of an object size array and object field arrays including a predetermined padding. Another aspect includes inserting statements in the source code after the memory allocations to populate the object size array with a value of a number of elements of the object size array. Another aspect includes updating a stride for load and store operations using dynamic pointers. Yet another aspect includes modifying field references by adding a distance between the object size array and the object field array to respective address operations. |
| US09311064B1 |
Systems and methods for automated centralized build/merge management
Embodiments of the invention monitor requests for a source code build of a program. The source code build is generated using the most recent applicable release of the dependencies. The source code build is dynamically merged into at least one subsequent release. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US09311063B2 |
Method for generating user interface using unified development environment
A method for generating a User Interface (UI) using a unified development environment is disclosed. The method includes providing a UI development menu by a unified development menu provider, the UI development menu being used to develop a UI for configuring and controlling an application screen, generating a source script for configuring and controlling an application screen to generate a unified component independent of execution environments, upon receipt of a user input through the UI development menu, and generating a unified component independent of execution environments using the source script and a pre-installed or downloaded element source matching with a current execution environment by a component generator of a user device, upon execution of an application. |
| US09311060B2 |
Methods and systems for defining slices
A web development, application development, or other tool can be enhanced by configuring the tool to support an overlay for defining a plurality of regions (i.e. slices) simultaneously. Embodiments include providing, via a computing apparatus, a graphical user interface comprising an overlay over the area of a visual element, the graphical user interface configured to define from one to nine adjustable slices, with each slice corresponding to a respective region or component of the visual element. The method can comprise associating a default repetition behavior with each slice based on its relative position in the overlay and receiving input via the overly and adjusting a characteristic of at least one slice, the adjusted characteristic comprising a size or position of the slice. The default and/or adjusted characteristics can be used to generate HTML, CSS, and/or other code for providing the desired scaling behavior for the visual component. |
| US09311047B2 |
Matching circuit and method of controlling matching circuit
A matching circuit includes pattern circuits, and a signal path in which the pattern circuits are series-connected, wherein each of the pattern circuits connected to a preceding-stage pattern circuit through the signal path is settable in a first operation mode and in a second operation mode, wherein each of the pattern circuits in the first operation mode generates a result of matching in response to both a result of matching supplied from a preceding-stage pattern circuit and a result obtained by matching data supplied from the preceding-stage pattern circuit against part of a regular expression pattern, and wherein each of the pattern circuits in the second operation mode generates a result of matching in response to a result obtained by matching the data supplied from the preceding-stage pattern circuit against part of a regular expression pattern, without relying on a result of matching supplied from the preceding-stage pattern circuit. |
| US09311044B2 |
System and method for supporting efficient buffer usage with a single external memory interface
A system and method can support input/output (I/O) virtualization in a computing environment. The system can comprise a free buffer pool in a memory. An I/O device operates to use the free buffer pool to store disk read data received from a physical host bus adaptor (HBA). The free buffer pool can contain a two-dimensional linked list and a one-dimensional linked list. Each entry of the two-dimensional linked list contains multiple packet buffers in consecutive memory locations, and each entry of the one-dimensional linked list contains a single packet buffer. |
| US09311042B2 |
Display controlling apparatus and image processing apparatus
A display controlling apparatus that is capable of communicating with an image processing apparatus that sends image data to the display controlling apparatus in response to a notification from the display controlling apparatus, includes the following elements: a sending unit configured to send the notification to the image processing apparatus; a first receiving unit configured to receive the image data sent from the image processing apparatus in response to the notification; and a first computing unit configured to compute a first time required to display the image data received by the first receiving unit. The sending unit sends a new notification to the image processing apparatus at a timing based on the first time computed by the first computing unit. |
| US09311038B2 |
System and method for providing cloud printing service
Provided is an image forming system operable to provide a cloud printing service, the image forming system comprising: a transmitting device operable to transmit content by designating a target phone number; a cloud printing server operable to receive the target phone number and the content from the transmitting device; a receiving device assigned with the target phone number and operable to receive an upload notification of the content with respect to the target phone number from the cloud printing server; and an image forming device operable to print the content by receiving the content from the cloud printing server, wherein the cloud printing server transmits the content to the image forming device registered in the target phone number when the cloud printing service is requested for the content to the target phone number. |
| US09311036B2 |
Data processing system and method of data processing
A data processing system includes a first processor and a second processor and further includes an intermediate data generating unit that generates intermediate data; a first storage control unit that stores the intermediate data and identification data that identifies the intermediate data in correspondence with each other in a first storage area; a second storage control unit that stores the identification data in correspondence with the intermediate data in a second storage area; a process requesting unit that sends a request for processing the print data to an image processing apparatus; and an obtaining unit that obtains a processed result from the image processing apparatus based on the identification data. |
| US09311035B2 |
Print system, print server, print control method, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium encoded with print control program
A print system includes a print server and a plurality of image forming apparatuses. The print server externally receives a print job, extracts a print job that includes user identification information included in a download request received from any of the image forming apparatuses, transmits the print job to an image forming apparatus that transmits the download request, detects a progress status of the print job executed by a first image forming apparatus that receives the print job, detects the print job transmitted to the first image forming apparatus as a job in progress in response to reception of a download request from a second image forming apparatus, splits the job in progress into a first split job and a second split job, transmits the second split job to the second image forming apparatus, and transmits an end command to the first image forming apparatus. |
| US09311033B2 |
Image processing apparatus system for storing and retrieving setting information
An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes an authentication unit that authenticates a user and logs in the user when the user is authenticated. An input unit receives an input from the user indicating a setting of a function of the image processing apparatus. A setting management unit causes a storage unit to store setting information corresponding to the setting indicated by the input from the user, while the user is logged in, and to store the setting information when the user logs out. A setting state control unit retrieves the setting information of the user and sets a setting state of the image processing apparatus according to the retrieved setting information when the authentication unit logs in the user. |
| US09311032B2 |
Image forming apparatus and near field communication (NFC) device supporting NFC function and method of performing authentication thereof cross-reference to related applications
An image forming apparatus for authenticating a near field communication (NFC) device, which receives information about an application being executed on an NFC device when the NFC device is tagged, determines an authentication method based on the received information, receives and authenticates a log in information corresponding to the determined authentication method from the NFC device, and allows the use of the image forming apparatus based on a result of authentication. |
| US09311030B2 |
Communication setting technology and communication apparatus
A non-transitory computer-readable medium having a communication program stored thereon and readable by a controller of a communication apparatus, the communication program, when executed by the controller, causes the controller to perform: determining whether a wireless setting for performing wireless communication by the wireless communication method is set in an external apparatus when the communication apparatus is in communication with the external apparatus through the first communication unit; determining whether a wireless setting which is settable by the communication apparatus is stored in a storage; and transmitting the wireless setting stored in the storage to the external apparatus through the first communication unit when it is determined that the wireless setting is not set in the external apparatus and it is determined that the wireless setting that is settable by the communication apparatus is stored in the storage. |
| US09311025B2 |
Relay server, storage medium storing instructions executable by the relay server, and control method
A relay server includes: a communication device communicable with a recording apparatus, a conversion server which converts image data, and a storage server which stores the image data; and a controller. The controller is configured to: acquire, from the recording apparatus, a storing instruction for storing converted image data into the storage server, the converted image data being image data converted by the conversion server; acquire account identification information for identifying an account of the recording apparatus in the storage server, from the recording apparatus via the communication device; acquire the converted image data from the conversion server via the communication device; and transmit the acquired converted image data and the acquired account identification information to the storage server via the communication device in a state in which the acquired converted image data and the acquired account identification information are associated with each other. |
| US09311024B2 |
Output system, output method, and program
An output system including at least one output apparatus, an information processing apparatus, and a network connecting the at least one output apparatus with the information processing apparatus includes a reading unit that reads identification information stored in a portable recording medium, and an output setup change unit that changes, when the portable recording medium is a portable recording medium for setup, an output setup of the output apparatus to another output setup associated with the identification information of the portable recording medium for setup. |
| US09311021B1 |
Methods and systems for performing a read ahead operation using an intelligent storage adapter
Methods and systems for a read ahead operation are provided. The method includes maintaining a data structure by an adapter to track whether data blocks associated with a logical unit number (LUN) have been written or modified; extracting a starting logical block address (LBA) for executing a read request for reading data stored using the LUN; generating a LBA range for a read ahead operation that is used to predict data that may be read subsequent to the read request; determining if blocks associated with the LBA range for the read ahead operation have been written or modified; only reading ahead the blocks associated with the LBA range, when the blocks have been written to or modified; and temporarily storing the read ahead data at a cache LUN maintained by the adapter. |
| US09311020B2 |
Method and apparatus for automated migration of data among storage centers
A method for controlling the storage of data among multiple regional storage centers coupled through a network in a global storage system is provided. The method includes steps of: defining at least one dataset comprising at least a subset of the data stored in the global storage system; defining at least one ruleset for determining where to store the dataset; obtaining information regarding a demand for the dataset through one or more data requesting entities operating in the global storage system; and determining, as a function of the ruleset, information regarding a location for storing the dataset among regional storage centers having available resources that reduces the total distance traversed by the dataset in serving at least a given one of the data requesting entities and/or reduces the latency of delivery of the dataset to the given one of the data requesting entities. |
| US09311015B2 |
Storage system capable of managing a plurality of snapshot families and method of operating thereof
There is provided a storage system comprising a control layer operable to manage a plurality of snapshot families, each family constituted by snapshot family members having hierarchical relations therebetween. The method of operating the storage system comprises searching a cache memory for an addressed data block corresponding to an addressed LBA and associated with an addressed snapshot family and an addressed SF member. In a case of missing the addressed data block in the cache memory, identifying in the cache memory all dirty data blocks corresponding to the addressed LBA and associated with the addressed snapshot family (candidate data blocks); identifying among SF members of the addressed snapshot family a destage owner, and in a case when the identified destage owner is associated with a candidate data block, reading from the cache memory such candidate data block. |
| US09311012B2 |
Storage system and method for migrating the same
The present invention provides a storage system capable of performing data migration without stopping the IO access from a host computer, without having to copy data in an external connection storage subsystem to a migration destination storage subsystem. A configuration information of a migration source volume in a migration source storage subsystem is migrated to the migration destination storage subsystem, and during migration, cache memories of the respective subsystems are used to duplicate and store write data from the host computer, and the migration destination storage subsystem reflects the write data to the external connection storage subsystem. Reading of data is also performed by the migration destination storage subsystem. |
| US09311011B2 |
Dynamic address negotiation for shared memory regions in heterogenous multiprocessor systems
Mobile computing devices may be configured to compile and execute portions of a general purpose software application in an auxiliary processor (e.g., a DSP) of a multiprocessor system by reading and writing information to a shared memory. A first process (P1) on the applications processor may request address negotiation with a second process (P2) on the auxiliary processor, obtain a first address map from a first operating system, and send the first address map to the auxiliary processor. The second process (P2) may receive the first address map, obtain a second address map from a second operating system, identify matching addresses in the first and second address maps, store the matching addresses as common virtual addresses, and send the common virtual addresses back to the applications processor. The first and second processes (i.e., P1 and P2) may each use the common virtual addresses to map physical pages to the memory. |
| US09311010B2 |
Disk array unit, and method and program for controlling power source in disk array unit
Intended is improvement in reliability of a disk array unit formed of a plurality of nodes at the time of start-up and stop. The disk array unit formed of a plurality of nodes, which includes a control unit which executes power source control of other node based on power source control information set at one of the nodes by inter-node communication executed through a common signal line which connects each node. |
| US09311006B2 |
Table journaling in flash storage devices
A method of table journaling in a flash storage device comprising a volatile memory and a plurality of non-volatile data blocks is provided. The method comprises the steps of creating a first copy in a first one or more of the plurality of non-volatile data blocks of an addressing table stored in the volatile memory, writing transaction log data to a second one or more of the plurality of non-volatile data blocks, and updating the first copy of the addressing table based on changes to the addressing table stored in the volatile memory after the second one or more of the plurality of non-volatile data blocks have been filled with transaction log data. |
| US09311001B1 |
System and method for managing provisioning of storage resources in a network with virtualization of resources in such a network
A method and system for managing allocation of storage resources, comprises the steps of: the storage network management system allocating one or more virtual data storage volumes for use by a host computer; the storage network management system presenting the virtual data storage volumes to the host computer as representative of available physical storage on the one or more storage arrays, but not allocating physical data storage for the virtual data storage volumes, wherein the virtual data storage volumes can include regions that are either allocated to physical storage or are unallocated to physical storage; the storage management system creating a data storage pool that includes the one and the more data storage arrays; and upon receiving a write request to the virtual data volume that covers an unallocated region of the volume, the storage network management system allocating physical storage from the storage pool for the virtual data volume. |
| US09310998B2 |
Electronic device, display method, and display program
According to one embodiment, an electronic device, includes a display controller and a drawing module. A display controller can display first content by one of a first image with a first gradation and a second image with a second gradation lower than the first gradation on a screen. The drawing module can draw a locus input by handwriting on a screen. The display controller displays the first content by the second image when the locus is drawn by the drawing module on the first content. |
| US09310997B2 |
Method, touch device and computer program product for converting touch points into characters
The disclosure is related to a method, a touch device and a computer program product for converting touch points into characters. In particular, through an input interface, the converting method can be applied to the touch device and the computer program product. The converting method for example includes the following steps of: sensing at least one touch point triggered by a user on the input interface to obtain touch point number information and touch point position information; generating a touch point distribution of the sensed touch point(s) according to the touch point number information and the touch point position information; and determining an input character according to the touch point distribution. |
| US09310989B2 |
Method and device for providing a user interface
A method for providing a user interface, wherein a real subset of a set having several objects can be displayed by a control device of a display unit, a graphic element is displayed by way of the position of a first graphic sub-element relative to a second graphic sub-element, and the displayed subset is changed by an operating process. Objects are divided into n disjoint subsets, wherein n is a natural number greater than 2 and n positions are defined relative to the second graphic sub-element, and the first graphic sub-element is displayed only for one of these n positions if no operating process for changing the subset is carried out, wherein the positioning of the first graphic sub-element on one of the n positions shows which of the n subsets is currently being displayed. |
| US09310987B2 |
Projections to fix pose of panoramic photos
Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to adding or correcting orientation and/or location information for panoramic images. For example, some panoramic images may be associated with inaccurate orientation (or location) information or simply no orientation information at all. In this regard, a user may be provided with the ability to add or adjust the orientation of a panoramic image. The panoramic image can be projected onto a plane using stereographic projection and displayed relative to its location (and orientation, if available) on a map. This can allow a user to quickly identify inaccuracies and to make adjustments or corrections. |
| US09310986B2 |
Image processing apparatus, method for controlling image processing apparatus, and storage medium
An image processing apparatus displays image data including a first area with significant information and a second area without significant information and moves an area to be displayed target from a part of an area to another part of the area according to a flick operation performed by a user in a state where the part of the area in the image data is displayed in a predetermined display area. If the first area is not included in the another part of the area to which the area to be displayed target is moved, the image processing apparatus performs control not to move the area to be displayed target to the another part of the area. |
| US09310983B2 |
Adding, deleting digital notes from a group of digital notes
In general, the disclosure describes techniques for creating and manipulating software notes representative of physical notes. A computing device includes a processor, an image collection module configured to receive an input image of an environment having a plurality of physical notes, an image processing engine configured to identify the plurality of physical notes in the input image and generate a plurality of digital notes corresponding to the plurality of notes identified in the input image, wherein the plurality of digital notes include information represented by the plurality of notes in the input image, and a graphical user interface configured to display the input image overlaid with the plurality of digital notes in place of the identified plurality of notes on a first portion of the graphical user interface and to display a set of one or more of the digital notes on a second portion of the graphical user interface. |
| US09310979B2 |
Method, computer program product, and apparatus for providing an energy map
A method for providing an energy map may include receiving an indication of status for each of a plurality of individual entities with respect to corresponding priorities defined for each respective individual entity, correlating received indications of status to respective group priorities, providing a representation of a plurality of the group priorities, and mapping an amount of energy associated with the group priorities by providing a graphical representation of a respective amount of resources associated with the group priorities based on the received indications. |
| US09310977B2 |
Mobile presence detection
Novel tools and techniques for collecting and using presence information. In accordance with some techniques, a presence detection device (“PDD”) at a customer premises and/or another computer (such as a control server) can identify and/or authenticate a user. Once identified and/or authenticated, the user's profiles and/or media content may be sent to the PDD, and/or access to the user's profiles and/or media content may be provided to the PDD. |
| US09310972B2 |
Method and apparatus for changing a page in E-book terminal
A method and apparatus for changing a page when an e-book terminal is inclined is provided. The method includes sensing that the e-book terminal is inclined to a left or right side, then changing a current page to a next page when the e-book terminal is inclined to the left side or changing the current page to a previous page when the e-book terminal is inclined to the right side. |
| US09310970B2 |
Graphical user interface (GUI) for a conference call
A graphical user interface adapted to control a conference call and configured for display on a display screen of an electronic device is disclosed. The graphical user interface comprises of at least three user selectable display spaces configured for simultaneous display on the display screen of the electronic device, each space adapted to receive a user selection, wherein a first user selectable display space is configured to display a list or a portion of the list of all groups defined in an address book of the electronic device, a second user selectable display space is configured to display a list or a portion of the list of all members of a group selected from the first user selectable display space, and a third user selectable display space is configured to display members selected for the conference call from the first or second or both user selectable display spaces. |
| US09310967B2 |
Border menu for context dependent actions within a graphical user interface
A border menu can be presented on four sides of an outer border of a graphical user interface. The border menu can be presented at the top of a stack of a graphical user interface. The border menu can include a set of user-selectable options, each selectable via a pointing device, each of the user-selectable options being associated with at least one of an icon or text button. At least one of the user-selectable options can be presented along each of the four sides of the outer border of the border menu. Selection of each of the user-selectable options can result in triggering an event, which results in firing of a programmatic action to run executable code for a corresponding one of the user-selectable options. At least a portion of the user-selectable options can include application-specific options for an application running on the computing device. |
| US09310965B2 |
Information processing apparatus, display control method and display control program
An information processing apparatus includes: a display control section for displaying a window showing a first icon and a second icon of a predetermined display size on a display screen. The display control section reduces the display size of at least either the first icon or the second icon so as not to overlap with each other if it determines that the icons overlap with each other when it alters a display area of the window being displayed on the display screen. |
| US09310962B2 |
User interface in which object is assigned to data file and application
A data processing technology provides improved convenience. A user interface unit assigns a first object to a data file and displays the object on a screen. The unit also assigns a second object to an application processing the data file and displaying the object on the screen. When an operation to allow the first object to affect the second object is accepted, a notifying unit notifies the application of the direction or speed of the operation. The operation determining unit determines an operation performed in processing the data file, based an the direction or speed. |
| US09310961B2 |
Virtual world teleportation
The present invention is directed to teleporting avatars between disparate virtual worlds. A system is disclosed that includes a facility for creating a persona profile for an avatar in a first virtual world when the avatar wants to be teleported out of the first virtual world; a facility for transferring persona profiles to and from a disparate virtual world; and a facility for instantiating an inbound avatar based on a received persona profile. Persona profiles may include, e.g., rendering information, trait information, and inventory information. |
| US09310960B2 |
Presenting indication of input to a touch-enabled pad on touch-enabled pad
In one aspect, an apparatus includes a housing, a touch-enabled pad coupled to the housing, a processor, and a memory accessible to the processor. The memory bears instructions executable by the processor to receive input to the touch-enabled pad and to present an indication of the input on the touch-enabled pad. |
| US09310958B2 |
Dock for favorite applications
Systems, methods and products are described that provide a dock for favorite applications. One aspect includes providing a dock point on a display device of an information handling device; responsive to user input associated with said dock point, launching a utility organizing a sub-set of user applications installed on said information handling device in a predetermined arrangement of launch points; providing an animated movement of said launch points in said utility responsive to user input; and responsive to user input selecting a launch point in said utility, launching an application associated with said launch point on the information handling device. Other embodiments are described. |
| US09310955B2 |
System and method for generating a virtual tour within a virtual environment
A virtual venue application for displaying information is provided, where the virtual venue application is implemented as part of an apparatus, or a system. The virtual venue application allows one or more users to generate a virtual tour of a virtual venue within a virtual environment. The virtual tour is then displayed within the virtual environment. |
| US09310950B2 |
Electronic device and coordinate detecting method
Disclosed is an electronic device including: a display section that displays information; an electrostatic-capacitance touch panel layer that allows visible light corresponding to display contents of the display section to pass through the touch panel layer and that determines a pair of two-dimensional coordinates indicated by an indicator having conductivity; glass that protects the touch panel layer and that allows visible light corresponding to display contents of the display section to pass through the glass; a depression sensor that detects deformation of the glass; and a control section that validates a pair of two-dimensional coordinates when a plurality of pairs of two-dimensional coordinates are determined by the touch panel layer and when deformation is detected by the depression sensor, the pair of two-dimensional coordinates being determined last among the plurality of pairs of two-dimensional coordinates. |
| US09310948B2 |
Array substrate, touch screen panel and display device
An array substrate, a touch screen panel and a display device are provided. The array substrate includes a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of data lines, a plurality of touch sensing units, and each touch sensing unit comprises a touch scanning line, a touch sensing line, a first transistor and a sensing electrode, the touch scanning line is connected with a gate electrode and a drain electrode of the first transistor and the sensing electrode is connected with a source electrode of the first transistor; the touch sensing line and the sensing electrode are provided in different layers, spaced apart by an insulating layer and have an overlapping region. This array substrate decreases areas of non-display regions on the array substrate, increases aperture ratio of the touch screen panel and in turn enhances brightness of the display device. |
| US09310944B2 |
Oncell single-layer touch sensor
In one embodiment, a touch sensor includes multiple first electrodes along a first direction. Each of the first electrodes includes multiple first conductive regions. The touch sensor also includes multiple second electrodes along a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Each of the second electrodes includes one second conductive region. The one second conductive region of each of the second electrodes are interdigitated with one of the first conductive regions of each of the first electrodes. The first and second conductive regions are disposed on a layer on or within a display stack including one or more layers. |
| US09310937B2 |
Touch driving circuit, optical in cell touch panel and display device
A touch driving circuit, an optical in cell touch panel and a display device, wherein the touch driving circuit includes a driving sub-module, a photosensitive sub-module, and a controlling sub-module. The photosensitive sub-module outputs a touch signal to the driving sub-module under controls of the switch signal terminal and the gate signal terminal; the driving sub-module outputs a touch sensing signal to the controlling sub-module under a control of the touch signal, and the touch sensing signal decreases as an intensity of light radiated on the photosensitive sub-module increases; and the controlling sub-module outputs the touch sensing signal to the touch signal reading terminal when the control signal terminal controls the controlling sub-module to be in a turn-on state, thus achieving the touch function. |
| US09310935B2 |
Tracking approaching or hovering objects for user-interfaces
An architecture is described that can utilize photo-sensors embedded in a substantially transparent layer of a UI display for tracking objects that approach or hover over the UI display. The photo-sensors can be configured to detect light of certain wavelengths (e.g., visible light, infrared light) that are propagated toward the UI display, while ignoring light emanating from the UI display when displaying content. Accordingly, by examining various characteristics of the incoming light such as intensity, the architecture can identify a location of a shadow incident upon the display caused by an approaching or hovering selector object blocking portions of incoming light. Additionally or alternatively, the architecture can identify a location of higher intensity for light emanating from the selector object. |
| US09310934B2 |
Systems and methods of moisture detection and false touch rejection on touch screen devices
The presence of moisture on a touch screen device can mimic a user's touch causing false input detection and recognition. Disclosed are systems and methods for detecting the presence of moisture on a touch screen device. |
| US09310932B2 |
Electronic device, wireless power receiving apparatus, and display apparatus
Disclosed are an electronic device, a wireless power reception apparatus, and a display device. The electronic device, which is equipped with a wireless power receiving apparatus to wirelessly receive power from a wireless power transmission apparatus, includes a signal receiving part to receive a signal required to operate the electronic device, and a wireless power signal removing part to remove a signal having a frequency used for wireless power transmission among signals received in the signal receiving part. |
| US09310931B2 |
Dynamic cross-talk mitigation for integrated touch screens
A touch input device configured to mitigate the effects of dynamic cross talk noise is provided. The touch input device can dither an effective resistance of a plurality of gate lines proximal to the touch sensor panel in order to determine if a phase of a touch signal demodulator needs to be adjusted. |
| US09310930B2 |
Selective scan of touch-sensitive area for passive or active touch or proximity input
In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a touch sensor that includes a touch-sensitive area and a touch-sensor controller. The touch-sensor controller is operable to: scan two or more electrodes within the touch-sensitive area to determine a first location associated with an object within the touch-sensitive area, predict, based on the first location and one or more metrics, two or more next locations associated with the object, select, based on a first next location of the two or more next locations, a first region within the touch-sensitive area, select, based on a second next location of the two or more next locations, a second region within the touch-sensitive area, and scan two or more electrodes within the first region and two or more electrodes within the second region to determine a second location associated with the object. The second region is at least partially different from the first region. |
| US09310928B2 |
Coordinate position detecting device and display input device
A touch screen includes a capacitive sensor, a sensor driving portion, and a control portion. The capacitive sensor detects a touch position coordinate in a scanning plane for each frame of the scanning plane. The sensor driving portion drives the capacitive sensor at a speed of a frame rate, the frame rate representing a number of frames detected by the capacitive sensor per unit time. The central portion acquires an amount of movement of the touch position between successive frames based on positional information detected by the capacitive sensor, and sets the frame rate depending on the amount of movement. |
| US09310914B2 |
Driving device, electronic device, and drive control program
A driving device includes a storage unit configured to store waveform data of driving signals for stopping excitation of an actuator at a sinusoidal wave of a resonance frequency of the actuator, at portions other than a center point of an amplitude of the sinusoidal wave; and a processor programmed to execute a process including reading the waveform data stored in the storage unit and outputting, to the actuator, the driving signals corresponding to the waveform data that has been read. |
| US09310912B2 |
Storing baseline information in EEPROM
Pre-stored no-touch or no-hover (no-event) sensor output values can initially be used when a sensor panel subsystem is first booted up to establish an initial baseline of sensor output values unaffected by fingers or other objects touching or hovering over the sensor panel during boot-up. This initial baseline can then be normalized so that each sensor generates the same output value for a given amount of touch or hover, providing a uniform response across the sensor panel and enabling subsequent touch or hover events to be more easily detected. After the initial normalization process is complete, the pre-stored baseline can be discarded in favor of a newly captured no-event baseline that may be more accurate than the pre-stored baseline due to temperature or other variations. |
| US09310905B2 |
Detachable back mounted touchpad for a handheld computerized device
The present invention relates to a detachable touchpad for a handheld computerized device. This detachable touchpad is configured to reversibly attach to the back of a handheld computerized device that lacks a rear mounted touchpad, and with appropriate software, allow the user to at least in part control the handheld computerized device from behind the device. |
| US09310903B2 |
Displacement detection device with no hovering function and computer system including the same
A displacement detection device includes an image sensor, a processing unit and an output unit. The image sensor is configured to detect reflected light from a working surface to successively output image frames. The processing unit is configured to identify a hovering height and calculate a first axis displacement and a second axis displacement according to the image frames. The output unit is controlled by the processing unit to output a first ratio of the first axis displacement but not to output the second axis displacement when the hovering height is higher than a predetermined height. |
| US09310900B1 |
Stylus testing system
Systems and methods for testing a stylus are described. A processing device determines that a stylus is disposed in a holder above a touch panel that generates position data for each point of contact between the stylus and the touch panel. In response to such determination, the processing device performs one or more tests of the stylus. The processing device may cause the holder to move the across the surface of the touch panel, receive position data, and compare the position data to reference data to determine operation of the stylus. |
| US09310898B2 |
Method of controlling touch screen with input pen and electronic device thereof
A method of an electronic device is provided according to various example embodiments of the present invention. The method includes confirming state information of an input pen placed on a touch screen, and performing at least one function corresponding to the confirmed state information. |
| US09310896B2 |
Input method and electronic device using pen input device
An input method and electronic device using a pen input device are provided. In an embodiment, status information of the pen input device is received, and contact information of a contact point between the pen input device and the terminal is generated, based on the received status information. Expressive effects of a pen input, such as line thickness, density and texture, are varied based on the contact information. Such input method and electronic device using the pen input device can simply and conveniently vary expressive effects of a pen-based input. In other embodiments, contact information is determined from actual contact points and expressive effects are varied as a function of the contact information or pen status information derived from the actual contact information. |
| US09310894B2 |
Processing operation signals from a pointing device and/or an input device
A position indicated on a predetermined plane is calculated based on a first operation signal output from a pointing device, and it is determined whether or not the indicated position has moved from out of a predetermined area on the plane into the predetermined area. When a result of the determination is positive in a state where a second operation signal is used for information processing, operation signals used for the information processing are switched from the second operation signal to the first operation signal. |
| US09310892B2 |
Object information derived from object images
Search terms are derived automatically from images captured by a camera equipped cell phone, PDA, or other image capturing device, submitted to a search engine to obtain information of interest, and at least a portion of the resulting information is transmitted back locally to, or nearby, the device that captured the image. |
| US09310891B2 |
Method and system enabling natural user interface gestures with user wearable glasses
User wearable eye glasses include a pair of two-dimensional cameras that optically acquire information for user gestures made with an unadorned user object in an interaction zone responsive to viewing displayed imagery, with which the user can interact. Glasses systems intelligently signal process and map acquired optical information to rapidly ascertain a sparse (x,y,z) set of locations adequate to identify user gestures. The displayed imagery can be created by glasses systems and presented with a virtual on-glasses display, or can be created and/or viewed off-glasses. In some embodiments the user can see local views directly, but augmented with imagery showing internet provided tags identifying and/or providing information as to viewed objects. On-glasses systems can communicate wirelessly with cloud servers and with off-glasses systems that the user can carry in a pocket or purse. |
| US09310885B2 |
System and method of image augmentation
A method of augmenting a first stereoscopic image, comprising a pair of images, is provided. The method includes generating a disparity map from the pair of images of the first stereoscopic image. The disparity map is indicative of distances in the first stereoscopic image. The method further includes generating a virtual three-dimensional model responsive to the distances indicated by the disparity map, modeling an interaction of a virtual object with that three dimensional model, and outputting, for display, an image corresponding to the first stereoscopic image that comprises a visible effect of the interaction of the virtual object with the three dimensional model. |
| US09310883B2 |
Maintaining multiple views on a shared stable virtual space
Methods, apparatus, and computer programs for controlling a view of a virtual scene with a handheld device are presented. In one method, images of a real world scene are captured using a device. The method further includes operations for creating an augmented view for presentation on a display of the device by augmenting the images with virtual reality objects, and for detecting a hand in the images as extending into the real world scene. In addition, the method includes operations for showing the hand in the screen as detected in the images, and for generating interaction data, based on an interaction of the hand with a virtual reality object, when the hand makes virtual contact in the augmented view with the virtual reality object. The augmented view is updated based on the interaction data, which simulates on the screen that the hand is interacting with the virtual reality object. |
| US09310874B2 |
Electronic device with enhanced method of displaying notifications
There is disclosed an electronic device comprising a receiver, a display, an application processor and a sensor hub. The receiver is configured to receive notifications from a remote device. The display is configured to provide information including notifications. The application processor and the sensor hub are in communication with the display. The application processor is configured to provide instructions for displaying full screen information at the display during a non-sleep mode of the electronic device. The full screen information includes a first notification associated with information received by the electronic device during the non-sleep mode. The sensor hub is configured to provide instructions for displaying partial screen information at the display during a sleep mode of the electronic device. The partial screen information includes a second notification associated with information received by the electronic device during the sleep mode. |
| US09310872B2 |
Processor frequency mainly depending on a target frame rate while processing a graphics application
A clock frequency controller for a processor and a method of operation thereof. The clock frequency controller may be embodied in a processor, including: (1) a processing core operable at a clock frequency to undertake a processing of a graphics application, and (2) a clock frequency controller coupled to the processing core and operable to adjust the clock frequency based on a current frame rate of the processing and a target frame rate for the processing. |
| US09310871B2 |
Power management of periodic transmissions from networking applications
Methods and apparatus relating to power management of periodic transmissions from networking applications are described. In one embodiment, a periodic transmission manager logic coupled between one or more network applications and one or more network interfaces may control the flow of periodic transmissions from the one or more network applications to the one or more network interfaces. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US09310869B2 |
Memory storage device, memory control circuit unit and power supply method
A memory storage device, a memory control circuit unit and a power supply method are provided. The power supply method includes: providing a first power voltage to a host interface circuit of the memory storage device; providing a second power voltage to a memory management circuit of the memory storage device; providing a third power voltage to a memory interface circuit of the memory storage device, wherein a reference voltage terminal of the memory interface circuit is coupled to a power input terminal of the memory management circuit. Thus, the overheat problem of the memory storage device due to the voltage conversion may be improved. |
| US09310863B2 |
Multi-purpose power controller and method
The present invention provides a multi-purpose power controller and application specific standard product (ASSP) with improved block unification, reduced size and power, boot strapping, and power management. A multi-purpose field programmable non-volatile system power controller and ASSP initializing block may be embedded in a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), accelerated processing unit (APU), or other chipset. This controller and initializing block may be a configurable, while maintaining specialization, hardware block. This block may be implemented as a complex mid-size complex programmable logic devices (CPLD) or as a simple cascaded programmable logic array block, such as being the equivalent of a few hundred logic gates, for example. |
| US09310862B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring performance for secure chip operation
A method and apparatus is provided for monitoring performance of an processor to detect tampering and place the processor in a safe operating state that prevents unauthorized access to contents of the processor. In one example, the method and apparatus compares a measured value of an operating parameter (i.e., a temperature, supply voltage or clock signal) to predefined limits to identify an out of limits measured value. If an out of limits measured value is detected during a normal operating mode, the processor enters a reset mode, and if an out of limits measured value is detected during power up or reset, the processor in retained a reset mode. |
| US09310860B2 |
Thermal chamber partition and fan unit for computer system
A method and apparatus are configured to partition a computing system chassis (22, 222) interior into first and second thermal chambers (60, 62, 260, 262), wherein the first thermal chamber (60, 260) includes a processor (24, 224), a memory (30, 230) and a chipset (28, 228) and the second thermal chamber (62, 262) includes an optical disk drive cage (46, 246), a hard disk drive (44, 244) and a power supply (40, 240). A fan unit (110, 410) is configured to be secured within the optical disk drive cage (46, 246). |
| US09310857B2 |
Air guide unit
An air guide unit is disclosed, which is adapted to be disposed between the back of a motherboard and a chassis. The motherboard and the chassis are joined by at least a first locking unit and a second locking unit. The air guide unit comprises an annular side wall. The annular side wall comprises: a first engagement portion adapted to engage with the first locking unit; and a second engagement portion adapted to engage with the second locking unit, wherein the engagement of the first engagement portion with the first locking unit and the engagement of the second engagement portion with the second locking unit limit the movement of the air guide unit in a first direction and a second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. |
| US09310855B2 |
Flexible data center and methods for deployment
Flexible data center systems and methods of deployment are provided. A flexible data center (100, 200) including T rows of server racks (106, 206, 306) can be deployed by constructing a number B of blocks (101, 201). Constructing each block (101, 201) can include constructing from one to a number P of perimeter structures (104, 204, 304) each housing up to a number R of rows of server racks (106, 206, 306). Constructing each block (102, 201) can include constructing a connecting structure (102, 202) connected to the perimeter structures (104, 204, 304), the connecting structure (102, 202) housing operations monitoring equipment (108, 208) for the server racks (106, 206, 306). A total integer number T/R of perimeter structures (104, 204, 304) can be constructed for the flexible data center (100, 200). At most one perimeter structure (10, 204, 304) houses less than R rows of server racks (106, 206, 306). B is equal to an integer number (T/R)/P. At most one block (101, 201) includes less than P perimeter structures (104, 204, 304). |
| US09310852B2 |
Automatic sealing of a gap along a chassis positioned in a rack
An apparatus includes a chassis having longitudinal rails for guiding the chassis to move longitudinally into and out of a rack. A flexible sealing member is secured to at least one longitudinal surface of the chassis along a lateral pathway, wherein the flexible sealing member has a first side secured to the chassis, a second side secured to a rigid frame, and a central portion extending between the first and second ends. An actuator is positioned within the rack and is longitudinally aligned with the rigid frame. Accordingly, moving the chassis longitudinally into the rack causes the rigid frame to engage the actuator and then elastically flex the central portion of the flexible sealing member to extend outwardly from the longitudinal surface of the chassis. |
| US09310838B2 |
Power management method for switching power mode of a computer system based on detection of a human interface device
A power management method is disclosed. The power management method comprises the step of a computer system checking existence of a manufacturing identifier (ID) of a human interface device (HID) when the computer system is operated in a first mode; the computer system continuously detecting whether the HID exist when the manufacturing ID exists; the computer system starting a timer when the computer system detects that the HID does not exist; the computer system entering a second mode when the timer expires; the HID determining whether the computer system is operated in the second mode, when plugged into the computer system; the HID performing state transition on the computer system when determining that the computer system is in the second mode; and the computer system entering the first mode when detecting the state transition. |
| US09310837B2 |
Rotating mechanism for computer or similar device
A rotating mechanism for a computer or similar device cooperates with a case to hold the computer or similar device in a desired position. The rotating mechanism has a cradle to receive the computer or similar device and a mounting disk to attach to the case. The cradle has an aperture to cooperate with the mounting disk to secure the computer or similar device to the case. |
| US09310833B2 |
Display device housing and form-fitted configuration
A display device may be mounted at a predetermined angle via a free-standing display housing. In one example, the display device bracket may include at least two spring loaded tabs and a display monitor affixed to the display device bracket. A base mount may be on a resting surface with at least one side that is configured to make contact with the display device. A rear housing cover may also be included with at least two receiving tabs form-fitted to receive the spring loaded tabs and provide a secure spring-loaded locking position that maintains the display device bracket in a locked position and in an upright predefined angled viewing position. |
| US09310832B2 |
Backplane clock synchronization
Techniques and systems for synchronizing a clock via a backplane. An apparatus includes a backplane, a clock coupled to or included in the backplane, a synchronization interface, and at least one processing element coupled to the clock via the backplane and coupled to or including the synchronization interface. The at least one processing element may be configured to compare first time information received from the clock via the backplane with second time information received from the synchronization interface. The second time information may be associated with an external clock. The at least one processing element may determine adjustment information based on the comparison and synchronize the clock with an external clock using the adjustment information, via the backplane. The apparatus may be a PXIe chassis. The clock output may be sent to modules plugged into the backplane in order to synchronize them with an external chassis clock, for example. |
| US09310830B2 |
High-speed I/O data system
In embodiments of a high-speed I/O data system, a first computer chip includes a data transmission system, and a second computer chip includes a data reception system. A data channel communicates an NRZ data signal, and a clock channel communicates a forwarded clock signal, from the data transmission system to the data reception system. The data transmission system includes a first differential serializing transmitter to generate the NRZ data signal from pulsed data, and further includes a second differential serializing transmitter to generate a forwarded clock signal. A first multi-phase transmit clock generator generates transmit clock signals for the first and second differential serializing transmitters. The data reception system includes a data receiver and a de-serializer to receive and de-serialize the NRZ data signal, and includes a multi-phase receive clock generator to generate receive clock signals from the forwarded clock signal for the de-serializing data receiver. |
| US09310829B2 |
System with feature of saving dynamic power of flip-flop banks
A system comprises a first plurality of flip-flop circuits, a second plurality of flip-flop circuits, and a gating control module. At a first processor frequency, gating of clock signals is enabled for the first and second plurality of flip-flop circuits. At a second processor frequency, gating of a first of the clock signals is disabled for the first plurality of flip-flop circuits and gating of a second of the clock signals is enabled for the second plurality of flip-flop circuits. |
| US09310828B2 |
Complementary output generator module
A complementary output generator (COG) module generates at least two complementary outputs determined by rising and falling event sources. In a simple configuration of the COG module, the rising and falling event sources are the same signal which is a signal having the desired period and duty cycle. The COG module converts this single signal input into dual complementary outputs. The frequency and duty cycle of the dual outputs substantially match those of the single input signal. Blanking and deadband times may be introduced between the complementary outputs, and the dual complementary outputs may also be phase delayed. In addition the COG module may provide up to four outputs for controlling half and full-wave bridge power applications. |
| US09310821B2 |
Method for obtaining information enabling the determination of a characteristic of a power source
An apparatus for obtaining information enabling a characteristic like determination of maximum power point of a power source, the apparatus including at least an inductor and a capacitor, the information enabling the determination of the characteristic of the power source being obtained by monitoring the voltage charge of the capacitor, and a mechanism discharging the capacitor through the inductor prior to the monitoring of the charge of the capacitor. |
| US09310819B2 |
Power converter including integrated driver providing overcurrent protection
In one implementation, a power converter includes an output stage integrated circuit (IC) in a group III-V die including a depletion mode group III-V transistor, and a driver IC in a group IV die. The driver IC is configured to drive the output stage IC. In addition, a group IV control switch in the group IV die is cascoded with the depletion mode group III-V transistor. The power converter further includes an overcurrent protection circuit for the depletion mode group III-V transistor, the overcurrent protection circuit monolithically integrated in the group IV die. |
| US09310818B2 |
Voltage converter and regulating circuit control chip
A voltage converter having a regulating circuit controlled by a duration adaptive pulse signal is disclosed. An input voltage is regulated by the regulating circuit according to the pulse signal to generate an output voltage. A first comparator of the voltage converter compares a first reference signal with a feedback value of the output voltage and thereby generates a first comparator output. The first reference signal fluctuates with the pulse signal. The voltage converter further includes an active-duration adjusting circuit that starts the active duration of the pulse signal in accordance with the first comparator output and ends the active duration of the pulse signal in accordance with a second reference signal. The DC value of the second reference signal depends on the duty cycle of the pulse signal. |
| US09310815B2 |
Setpoint adjustment-based duty cycling
A facility for performing setpoint adjustment-based duty cycling techniques by adjusting the setpoint of a device or component is described. The facility reduces energy consumption for a system, such as an HVAC system, or device by adjusting or modulating an associated setpoint or temperature setting. The facility modulates the setpoint between a base setpoint value and another setpoint value based on a mode of the system. When the system is in a cooling mode, the facility modulates the temperature between the base setpoint value and a higher setpoint value. When the system is in heating mode, the facility modulates the temperature between the base setpoint value and a lower setpoint value. The facility may modulate the setpoint between the two setpoint values based on an offset value or a fixed setpoint value. |
| US09310809B2 |
Systems and methods for collaboratively controlling at least one aircraft
An unmanned vehicle management system includes an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) control station controlling one or more unmanned vehicles (UV), a collaborative routing system, and a communication network connecting the UAS and the collaborative routing system. The collaborative routing system being configured to receive flight parameters from an operator of the UAS control station and, based on the received flight parameters, automatically present the UAS control station with flight plan options to enable the operator to operate the UV in a defined airspace. |
| US09310808B2 |
Apparatus and method for autonomous control and balance of a vehicle and for imparting roll and yaw moments on a vehicle for test purposes
An autonomous vehicle control system for use on a vehicle, such as a motorcycle or an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) to autonomously control the vehicle without a driver during vehicle testing is provided. The vehicle control system comprises a moment generator coupleable to the vehicle and configured to selectively generate a moment in either of first and second directions. The vehicle control system also includes a control system operably coupled to the moment generator and configured to control the moment generator to selectively impart moments on the vehicle to stabilize the vehicle or to introduce disturbances on the vehicle. |
| US09310804B1 |
Use of prior maps for estimation of lane boundaries
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for using prior maps for estimation of lane boundaries or other features within an environment. An example method may include receiving a location of a plurality of detected points on a roadway in an environment of an autonomous vehicle, determining, from a prior map of the roadway, a location of a plurality of reference points from a boundary marker on the roadway that correspond to the detected points on the roadway, determining distances between the detected points and the corresponding reference points based on the location of the detected points in the environment and the location of the reference points from the prior map of the roadway, determining a confidence buffer representing a threshold amount of variation associated with the prior map based at least in part on the distances between the detected points and the corresponding reference points, selecting one or more of the detected points such that the distance between a selected detected point and a corresponding reference point is less than the confidence buffer, and using the selected points to direct the autonomous vehicle along the roadway. |
| US09310801B2 |
Determining an equivalent mechanical load
A method for determining an equivalent mechanical load of a component includes a dynamic mechanical loading. A first measurement value of the mechanical load of the component is measured and compared to a first reference value. Further, at least one count value representing the number of load half-cycles of the component is updated based upon the result of comparing, wherein the load half-cycles correspond to a predetermined range of mechanical loads and occur within a time period prior to the measurement of the first measurement value. A first equivalent mechanical load of the component is determined based on the first updated count value. It is further described a program element and a computer-readable medium having stored a program for controlling the described equivalent mechanical load determining method. |
| US09310800B1 |
Robotic platform evaluation system
A method and apparatus for evaluating a group of robotic platforms is present. The method controls the group of robotic platforms to perform operations in an operating area. Environmental signals are generated in the operating area. A response of the group of robotic platforms to an input is identified. A determination is made as to whether the response is a desired response. |
| US09310799B2 |
Numerical controller having function of operation based on table format data
A numerical controller using table format data, the numerical controller including a memory which stores table format data, in which time or a position of a spindle or feed shaft serving as a reference is arranged so as to correspond to a position of a spindle or feed shaft other than the spindle or feed shaft of which position serves as a reference or an output of an auxiliary function, a reference value counter which inputs the time or the position of the spindle or feed shaft serving as a reference, wherein the position of the spindle or feed shaft other than the spindle or feed shaft of which position serves as a reference or the output of the auxiliary function is controlled. |
| US09310798B2 |
Motor drive device
A motor drive device in embodiments includes: a motor drive unit that generates a current for driving a motor on a basis of a position command and a position detection value of the motor; a motor-coil ambient-temperature estimation unit that calculates a motor-coil ambient-temperature estimation value by correcting an output value of a temperature sensor provided in a peripheral portion of a motor coil of the motor by using a filter including both a phase-lead characteristic and a low-pass characteristic; a motor-coil increased-temperature estimation unit that calculates a motor-coil increased-temperature estimation value on a basis of the current; and a motor-coil protection unit that limits the current on a basis of the motor-coil ambient-temperature estimation value and the motor-coil increased-temperature estimation value. |
| US09310795B2 |
Safety controller and method for controlling an automated installation
A safety controller for controlling an automated installation in accordance with a user program has a control unit receiving a plurality of control input signals from a plurality of sensors. The control unit produces a plurality of control output signals on the basis of the control input signals in accordance with a user program. The control output signals drive actuators in order to adopt one of a plurality of installation states of the automated installation. An installation diagnosis evaluation unit produces a number of installation state signals representing which one of the plurality of installation states is existent at a defined moment of time. In addition, a system diagnosis evaluation unit produces a number of system state signals, with each system state signal representing one from a plurality of operational system states of the controller system, which is formed by the control unit and its connected sensors and actuators, at the defined moment of time. A diagnosis report unit produces a number of diagnosis signals depending on the installation state signals, depending on the system state signals, and depending on predefined associations between said installation states and said operational system states. The diagnosis signals represent a number of diagnosis reports which are a result of a combination of both the installation states and associated operational system states. A display unit displays the diagnosis reports in response to the diagnosis signals. |
| US09310791B2 |
Methods, systems, and apparatus for calibration of an orientation between an end effector and an article
Disclosed are methods adapted to aid in a calibration of a robotic end effector. The method includes providing a robotic component having an end effector and a light beam sensor provided in a fixed orientation to the end effector fingers, rotating a light beam of the light beam sensor relative to a geometrical calibration feature of a teach tool mounted in an approximately known orientation to an article, and determining a precise location (e.g., center) of the geometrical calibration feature based upon engagement of the light beam with edges of the geometrical calibration feature. In another aspect, a rotational orientation of the fingers of the end effector are calibrated using the teach tool. A novel teach tool and a robot calibration system including the teach tool are disclosed, as are other aspects. |
| US09310782B2 |
Method for measuring displacement of planar motor rotor
A method for measuring the displacement of a planar motor rotor. The measuring method comprises: four magnetic induction intensity sensors are distributed on the planar motor rotor; sampled signals of the four distributed sensors are processed to obtain signals Bsx, Bcx, Bsy and Bcy and magnetic field reference values Bksx, Bkcx, Bksy and Bkcy; and X-direction displacement and Y-direction displacement can be measured respectively according to inequalities (I) and (II) by judgments, wherein Δx and Δy are X-direction displacement resolution and Y-direction displacement resolution respectively, and BM is the magnetic induction intensity amplitude of the magnetic field of said planar motor. The method provided by the invention is simple in calculation, can avoid calculation of a transcendental function and solve the quadrant judgment problem, is favorable to real-time high-speed operation and has a high engineering value. B ksx B cx - B kcx B sx B M 2 ≥ Δ x ( I ) B ksy B cy - B kcy B sy B M 2 ≥ Δ y ( II ) |
| US09310780B2 |
Wearable electronic device
An analog wearable electronic device that is operationally coupleable to a transmitting device. The transmitting device permits viewing a simulation of a display provided on the wearable electronic device, changing information displayable on the simulated display and transmitting the changed information and/or information from which the changed information is derivable to the wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device includes a receiver for receiving from the transmitting device the changed information and/or the information from which the changed information is derivable. A controller assembly processes the changed information and/or derives the changed information, and an actuation mechanism moves a display indicator based at least in part on the changed information. The changed information is thereafter reflected on the display of the wearable electronic device by the display indicator. |
| US09310777B2 |
Radio-controlled wristwatch
Provided is a radio-controlled wristwatch, including: reception means (11) for receiving a radio wave from a satellite to extract time-of-week specifying information and week specifying information; clock means for counting a current date and time; date and time adjustment means for adjusting the current date and time counted by the clock means; week information holding means for holding the week specifying information; week information updating means for updating the week specifying information held in the week information holding means based on the current date and time counted by the clock means; and week information reception limiting means for limiting the reception of the week specifying information performed by the reception means, and controlling the reception means to receive the week specifying information in a predetermined case. Therefore, power consumption required for reception in the radio-controlled wristwatch configured to receive a radio wave containing time information from a satellite in a global positioning system is reduced. |
| US09310774B2 |
Method of improving the pivoting of a wheel set
A method of improving the pivoting of a wheel set for a scientific instrument, including an arbor pivoting or oscillating about a wheel set axis, is provided. A static balancing of this wheel set is performed to bring the center of gravity onto this axis. A desired value is determined for the resulting unbalance moment of this wheel set about this axis, corresponding to a predetermined desired divergence between a first principal longitudinal axis of inertia of this wheel set, and this axis. This wheel set is set in rotation at a predetermined speed about this wheel set axis, and the resulting unbalance moment is measured with regard to this axis. An adjustment is made to the value of the resulting unbalance moment of this wheel set about this axis within a given determined tolerance with regard to this desired value. |
| US09310773B2 |
Analog electronic timepiece
An analog electronic timepiece includes a stepping motor, a gear train mechanism having gears, a pointer, a drive control unit, a control content changing unit, and a pointer position adjustment unit. If an operational command to rotate the pointer to a different moving target position is obtained while an operational control for rotating the pointer to a certain moving target position is in progress, the control content changing unit terminates the control and changes a control content to an operational control according to the command. If the reverse rotation driving operation is being performed, the pointer position adjustment unit performs an adjustment operation for removing shifting between a predicted position of the pointer and an actual position of the pointer which occurs because of rotational input from the stepping motor not being transmitted to the pointer due to gaps relating to the mesh of the gears. |
| US09310770B2 |
Gear system for a timepiece
The invention relates to a system including a pinion (5) and a toothed wheel (7) coaxially mounted relative to a pivoting arbor (3). According to the invention, the gear system (1) includes a securing device (21) between the pinion and the wheel so as to prevent any relative movement of one with respect to the other. The invention also relates to methods of manufacturing the toothed wheel (7) and the final assembly of the gear system (1). The invention concerns the field of timepieces. |
| US09310769B2 |
Coarse integral holographic display
A holographic display system for generating a super hologram with full parallax in different fields of view in the horizontal and vertical directions. The system includes an array of holographic display devices, e.g., spatial light modulators (SLMs), operable to provide a plurality of holographic images of a scene from differing viewpoints of the scene. Each SLM is operated concurrently to output a narrow field of view, elemental hologram. The system includes coarse integral optics combining the holographic images into a single hologram (“super hologram”) viewable in a hologram image plane a distance from the course integral optics. The coarse integral optics combine the holographic images by providing angular tiling of the holographic images, e.g., bending the axes of parallel lenses. In this manner, the field of view, in one direction, of the super hologram is based on the number of holographic display devices provided in the array in one direction. |
| US09310765B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device to form a toner image on a sheet; a fixing device to fix the toner image on the sheet; a toner container to house the toner to be supplied to the image forming device, the toner container arranged above the fixing device; a cooling fan; a guide to guide an airflow coming from the cooling fan to an outer circumferential surface of the toner container; an outer-circumferential flow path to serve as an airflow path between the outer circumferential surface of the toner container and a wall facing the outer circumferential surface, the outer-circumferential flow path guiding the airflow coming from the guide along the outer circumferential surface; a suction fan to suck the airflow having passed through the outer-circumferential flow path; and an exhaust guide to discharge the sucked airflow. |
| US09310763B2 |
Image forming device having intake duct
An image forming device includes: an image forming unit; an enclosure; and an intake duct. The image forming unit includes a photosensitive member having an axis. The enclosure is configured to house the image forming unit and includes a first wall provided on one side of the image forming unit with respect to a first direction parallel to the axis. An air intake is formed in the first wall to allow air communication between an interior and an exterior of the enclosure. The intake duct is elongated in the first direction. Air drawn in through the air intake flows into the intake duct. The intake duct includes an opposing part. The opposing part opposes the image forming unit in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. An opening is formed in the opposing part. Air introduced into the intake duct flows toward the image forming unit through the opening. |
| US09310761B2 |
Image forming apparatus having supporting member with rigidity
An image forming apparatus includes: a main casing, first and second cartridges, and a supporting member supporting the first and second cartridges. The first and second cartridges extend in a first direction and are arranged in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction when supported in the supporting member. The supporting member is movable between an inner position and outer position relative to the main casing. The supporting member includes: a first side plate and a second side plate opposite to each other in the first direction; a first beam member interposed between the first and second cartridges in the second direction when the supporting member supports the first and second cartridges, the first beam member extending in the first direction between the first and second side plates; and first and second fasteners for fastening the first beam member to the first and second side plates respectively. |
| US09310758B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus in which a cartridge including an image bearing member is detachably mountable to a main assembly thereof includes a cartridge mounting portion, a transfer device contactable to the image bearing member, a feeding mechanism, and a guiding member. The guiding member is movable between a first position where the image bearing member and the transfer device are spaced from each other when the cartridge is in the cartridge mounting portion and a second position where when the cartridge is in the cartridge mounting portion, the image bearing member and the transfer device are permitted to contact each other and the recording material is guided toward the downstream side with respect to the feeding direction. When the guiding member is in the first position, the guiding member is positioned between the transfer device and the cartridge and covers the transfer device. |
| US09310757B2 |
Attachment mechanism of optical scanning device and image forming apparatus including this attachment mechanism
An attachment mechanism of an optical scanning device includes a frame body provided with a supporting base having engaging parts; and a position fixing member arranged between the optical scanning device and the supporting base to have an erection plate, a first supporting plate and a second supporting plate. The first or second supporting plate includes a fitted hole fitting with a positioning boss of the optical scanning device. The first and second supporting plates respectively include first engaged parts and second engaged parts. The position fixing member is attached to the supporting base by engaging one of the first engaged parts and one of the second engaged parts with the engaging parts. The position fixing member changes a plane position of the fitted hole by engaging positions of the engaging parts with the first and second engaged parts and changes a height of the fitted hole by inverting. |
| US09310755B2 |
Belt and drawer configuration for an image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus has a plurality of photoconductive drums, a drawer configured to be movable with holding the plurality of photoconductive drums, a pair of frames arranged on both sides of the photoconductive drums. The frames have first supporting parts configured to movably support the drawer, a belt unit having an endless belt and a plurality of transfer members, first contacting parts respectively provided to the pair of frames, the first contacting parts contacting contacted parts provided to the drawer to position the drawer with respect to the pair of frames, and second contacting parts provided to the drawer, the second contacting part contacting second contacted parts provided to the belt unit to position the belt unit with respect to the drawer. |
| US09310754B2 |
Retractor and image forming apparatus incorporating the retractor
A retractor that is applicable to an image forming apparatus includes a moving unit to move a latent image forming device between an image forming position and a retracted position, a first guide into which a first projection of the latent image forming device is fitted in different ranges and changing an attitude of the one end side of the latent image forming device, and a second guide into which a second projection of the latent image forming device is fitted in different ranges and changing the attitude of the opposed end side of the latent image forming device. The different ranges include a first range and a second range. An amount of play in at least a part of the first range with respect to the corresponding projection is greater than an amount of play in the second range. |
| US09310751B2 |
Blade member, image forming apparatus and process cartridge
A blade includes an elastic member including a tip ridgeline to contact the surface of a member to contact. The tip ridgeline includes an impregnation layer impregnated with a cured compound comprising an acrylate or methacrylate compound having an alicyclic structure including 6 or more carbon atoms in its molecule, and has an elastic power in the range of 50% to 80%. |
| US09310749B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an image carrying member capable of carrying an image, a paper conveying unit, a foreign matter detection unit, and a toner layer forming unit. The paper conveying unit conveys a paper to the image carrying member. The foreign matter detection unit detects a foreign matter projecting from the end portion of the paper. The toner layer forming unit forms a toner layer on the surface of the image carrying member in response to a position of the foreign matter detected by the foreign matter detection unit. |
| US09310748B2 |
Cleaning blade and image forming apparatus
A cleaning blade is arranged to contact a surface of an image carrier to remove a developer on the surface of the image carrier. The cleaning blade is made of an elastic body in which a loss elastic modulus at a temperature of 100° C. and a frequency of 10 Hz is set within a range of 3.0×104 Pa to 2.61×105 Pa (inclusive). |
| US09310746B2 |
Printing apparatus, control method for printing apparatus, and storage medium
A printing apparatus having a plurality of sheet storage units that stores sheets to be supplied to a printing unit includes a reception unit configured to receive, from an external printing apparatus in which a sheet storage unit group constituted by arbitrary sheet storage units of a plurality of sheet storage units has been formed, paper information that is information of sheets stored in respective sheet storage units that constitute the sheet storage unit group, and a creation unit configured to form a sheet storage unit group corresponding to a sheet storage unit group formed in the external printing apparatus using arbitrary sheet storage units of the plurality of sheet storage units which the printing apparatus has, based on the information of the sheets stored in each of the plurality of sheet storage units which the external printing apparatus has, and the paper information received by the reception unit. |
| US09310743B2 |
Image forming apparatus and cleaning of image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image bearing members, replaceable development units, replaceable toner replenishing members, toner supply units, and a control unit. The development units are each provided for a corresponding one of the plurality of image bearing members. The toner replenishing members are each provided for a corresponding one of the development units. The toner supply units are arranged between the respective toner replenishing members and the development units. The control unit causes the image forming apparatus to execute a toner supply unit cleaning mode to convey a last-used toner inside the toner supply unit into the development unit which is last used and to be replaced to empty the toner supply unit, when replacement of the development unit and the corresponding toner replenishing member is designated to use a toner of a type different from the last-used toner. |
| US09310742B2 |
Image forming apparatus that updates process condition of image formation
An image forming apparatus includes: an update unit configured to cause an image forming unit to form a first measurement image, to cause a measurement unit to measure the first measurement image, and to update a process condition based on a measurement result; a first determination unit configured to cause the image forming unit to form a plurality of second measurement images, to cause the measurement unit to measure the plurality of second measurement images, and to determine the process condition based on a measurement result, the plurality of second measurement images being formed according to a plurality of test process conditions; and a second determination unit configured to determine the plurality of test process conditions, based on environment information obtained by an obtainment unit and the process condition updated by the update unit. |
| US09310741B2 |
Image forming apparatus and colorimetric apparatus
When a colorimeter is colorimetrically measuring a test pattern, a control unit controls a motor such that the colorimeter and a facing member are closer to each other. A recording material on which the test pattern has been formed is brought into contact with the colorimeter. Even when the colorimeter is not colorimetrically measuring the test pattern, the control unit controls the motor such that the colorimeter and the facing member are closer to each other. The recording material on which the test pattern has been formed is brought into contact with the colorimeter. |
| US09310737B2 |
Image inspection of printed matter with a master image
An image inspection apparatus includes a first-image obtaining unit, a scanned-image obtaining unit, a second-image obtaining unit, first and second registration units, a combining unit, and an inspection unit. The first-image obtaining unit obtains a first image generated by scanning a sheet on which a predetermined image has been printed. The scanned-image obtaining unit obtains a scanned image generated by scanning a printed matter produced by printing a second image additionally on the sheet. The second-image obtaining unit obtains the second image. The first registration unit performs registration between the first and scanned images. The second registration unit performs registration between the second image and the scanned image. The combining unit generates a master image by combining the first and second images based on registration results performed by the first and second registration units. The inspection unit inspects the printed matter by comparing the scanned image against the master image. |
| US09310734B2 |
Fixing roller and method of manufacturing the same
A fixing roller that may include: a rotary shaft; an elastic layer that is provided at the circumference of the rotary shaft, and a surface layer that covers the circumference of the elastic layer and includes creases, wherein the creases are provided at both axial end portions of the surface layer, and a portion of the surface layer between the axial end portions thereof is smoother than the axial end portions. |
| US09310733B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus including same
A fixing device includes a substantially cylindrical metal member, a heater, an endless, flexible fixing member, a rotary pressing member, and a stationary member. The heater heats the metal member. The fixing member is disposed rotatable around the metal member. An inner circumferential surface of the fixing member is heated by the metal member to heat and fix a toner image. The rotary pressing member is disposed opposite the metal member and pressed against an outer circumferential surface of the fixing member to form a nip between the rotary pressing member and the fixing member through which a recording medium bearing the toner image passes. The stationary member is disposed in pressure contact with the inner circumferential surface of the fixing member, and has an opposing face opposing the rotary pressing member and having a curvature smaller than a curvature of the rotary pressing member. |
| US09310730B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a fixing belt, a pressuring member, a heat source and a nip member. The fixing belt is arranged rotatably. The pressuring member is arranged rotatably to come into pressure contact with the fixing belt so as to form a fixing nip. The heat source is arranged at the inside in a radial direction of the fixing belt to radiate a radiant heat. The nip member is arranged so as to sandwich the fixing belt between the nip member and the pressuring member. The heat source, the fixing belt and the nip member are arranged so that the radiant heat radiated from the heat source reaches directly an inner circumference face of the fixing belt and the nip member. |
| US09310728B2 |
Latch mechanism for a fuser assembly having a heat transfer roll
A fuser assembly for an electrophotographic imaging device which transfers heat from overheated portions of the fuser assembly to portions having lesser temperatures. The fuser assembly includes a heating member; a backup roll disposed proximate to the heating member so as to form a fuser nip therewith; a heat transfer device in contact with backup roll; a positioning mechanism coupled to the heat transfer device for positioning the heat transfer device in a first position in which the heat transfer device contacts the backup roll, and a second position in which the heat transfer device is spaced apart from the backup roll; and a latch mechanism for latching the heat transfer device in the second position. |
| US09310726B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing part, a first conveying part, a second conveying part, a biasing member and a separation supporting mechanism. The first conveying part following the fixing part includes rollers to convey a sheet at second linear velocity faster than first linear velocity of the fixing part. The second conveying part following the first conveying part conveys the sheet at third linear velocity faster than the first linear velocity near a heating rotation body of the fixing part from a first reference line passing through nip parts of the fixing part and first conveying part. The separation supporting mechanism supports one roller in a direction separating from another roller and receives force from the sheet in the separating direction to the one roller when the second conveying part conveys the sheet to withdraw the one roller in the separating direction from the first reference line. |
| US09310723B2 |
Image heating apparatus moving mechanism configured to move urging roller configured to urge cleaning web toward rotatable collecting member
An image heating apparatus includes: a heating member; a collecting member; a cleaning web; an urging roller; a moving mechanism configured to move the urging roller between a first position where the cleaning web contacts the collecting member, a second position where the cleaning web contacts the collecting member at a contact pressure lower than a contact pressure at the first position, and a third position where the cleaning web is spaced from the collecting member; an executing portion configured to execute a collecting member cleaning operation at the second position and the first position in this order; and a controller configured to control a temperature of the collecting roller so that the temperature when the urging roller is moved from the third position to the second position is higher than the temperature when the urging roller is moved from the second position to the first position. |
| US09310722B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
[Problem to be solved] To provide an image forming apparatus for suppressing formations of white spots and achieving high quality images, while obtaining sufficient image densities in both of the recessed parts and the projected parts of a recording medium surface.[Solution] An image forming apparatus includes a transfer member 36 that abuts against a surface of an image carrier carrying a toner image and forms a transfer nip, and a power supply 39 that outputs a voltage (transfer bias) for causing the toner image on the image carrier to be transferred onto a recording medium P nipped in the transfer nip. The voltage is switched alternatingly between a transfer direction voltage for causing the toner image to be transferred from the image carrier onto the recording medium and a voltage having an opposite polarity of the transfer direction voltage when the toner image on the image carrier is to be transferred onto the recording medium. A time-averaged value (Vave) of the voltage is set to a transfer direction polarity that causes the toner image to be transferred from the image carrier onto the recording medium, and is set more in the transfer direction than a median voltage (Voff) between a maximum and a minimum of the voltage. |
| US09310715B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus
A developing device includes a developer bearer, a development casing in which a developer conveyance channel is formed facing the developer bearer through a communicating area, a developer supply member disposed in the developer conveyance channel, a developer regulator disposed facing a lower portion of the developer bearer to adjust an amount of developer carried on the developer bearer, and a sheet member that is removably installed to seal the communicating area and passes through a gap between the developer regulator and the developer bearer and an opening formed in the development casing. A first end of the sheet member is retained downstream from the gap in a direction of rotation of the developer bearer, and the sheet member is fixed to the development casing at a position across the communicating area from the first end with a second end positioned outside the development casing. |
| US09310714B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a driving device, a transfer body, a toner detector, an error notification device, and a controller. The toner detector detects, at a preparation running and while the driving device drives a latent image bearer, one of a toner adhesion amount at a background portion of the latent image bearer and a toner adhesion amount at a background corresponding region of a transfer body. The error notification device notifies a user of an error with the toner adhesion being equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. The driving device stops only a developer bearer after driving both the latent image bearer and the developer bearer at the preparation running, but before a trailing edge of a detection target region of one of the background portion of the latent image bearer and the background corresponding region advances to an opposite position to the toner detector. |
| US09310713B2 |
Developer container, developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
In a developer container or the like, developer is conveyed efficiently by utilizing a projecting portion included in a transmitting member and another projecting portion. A velocity vector that is generated at a free end of a conveying member and is oriented upward becomes largest during a period from when the conveying member having been in contact with the projecting portion is released from the projecting portion until when the free end of the conveying member comes into contact with a storage chamber. |
| US09310709B2 |
Image forming apparatus including calculating portion configured to calculate surface potential of image bearing member
An image forming apparatus includes: a charging member; a transfer member; a setting portion for setting a positive-side discharge start voltage when a positive-side voltage relative to a reference potential is applied to the transfer member after a voltage is applied to the charging member so that a surface of the image bearing member is charged to the reference potential by the charging member and for setting a negative-side discharge start voltage when a negative-side voltage relative to the reference potential is applied to the transfer member after the voltage is applied; a calculating portion for calculating a correction amount for correcting a light portion surface potential, of the image bearing member, calculated by the calculating portion on the basis of the positive-side and negative-side discharge start voltages; and a correcting portion for correcting the light portion surface potential by using the correction amount. |
| US09310703B2 |
Violet toner, developer, and toner set
A violet toner includes toner particles that contain a binder resin including an amorphous polyester resin composed of a polycondensate of a polyol and a polyvalent carboxylic acid including a trimellitic acid, and C.I. Pigment Violet 37, wherein a molar ratio of the trimellitic acid is from 0.1 mol % to 10 mol % with respect to the entire polymerization components of the amorphous polyester resin, and a content of C.I. Pigment Violet 37 is from 1% by weight to 20% by weight with respect to the total weight of the toner particles. |
| US09310700B2 |
Lithography method and apparatus
In an embodiment, a lithography method is disclosed that includes providing a providing a first heat load to a first area of an object, and providing a second heat load to a second area of the object, wherein the second heat load is configured to ensure a deformation of the first area of the object caused by providing both the first heat load and the second heat load is smaller than a deformation of the first area of the object caused by providing only the first heat load. |
| US09310693B2 |
Method for operating a projection exposure tool and control apparatus
A method for operating a projection exposure tool for microlithography is provided. The projection exposure tool includes an optical system which includes a number of optical elements which, during an imaging process, convey electromagnetic radiation. All of the surfaces of the optical elements interact with the electromagnetic radiation during the imaging process to form an overall optical surface of the optical system. The method includes: determining respective individual thermal expansion coefficients at least two different locations of the overall optical surface; calculating a change to an optical property of the optical system brought about by heat emission of the electromagnetic radiation (during the imaging process upon the basis of the thermal expansion coefficients; and imaging mask structures into an image plane via the projection exposure tool with adaptation of the imaging characteristics of the projection exposure tool so that the calculated change to the optical property is at least partially compensated. |
| US09310690B2 |
Illumination system of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus
An illumination system includes an optical integrator having a plurality of light entrance facets, whose images at least substantially superimpose in a mask plane. A spatial light modulator transmits or reflects impinging projection light in a spatially resolved manner. A pupil forming unit directs projection light onto the spatial light modulator. An objective images a light exit surface of the spatial light modulator onto the light entrance facets of the optical integrator so that an image of an object area on the light exit surface completely coincides with one of the light entrance facets. A control unit controls the spatial light modulator such that along a scan direction a length of an image, which is formed on a mask from a light pattern in the object area, gradually increases at a beginning of a scan cycle and gradually decreases at the end of the scan cycle. |
| US09310687B2 |
Photopolymer imaging from solvent ink film images
Negatives, and laminates containing negatives, for exposing liquid photopolymers in UV flexographic plate making are created by printing opaque images directly onto the protective or release cover films used in plate making processes. Combining negatives and cover films in this way eliminates two layers and two interfaces in the exposure process, reducing cost and improving quality. By bringing the negative images as close as possible to the liquid photopolymer, printed dots of “digital quality” are created. |
| US09310683B2 |
Monomer, polymer, positive resist composition and patterning process
A polymer for use in resist compositions is obtained from a monomer having formula (1) wherein R1 is methyl, ethyl, propyl, vinyl or ethynyl, the circle designates C3-C12 cycloalkyl, a combination wherein R1 is ethyl and the circle is cyclohexyl being excluded, R2 is H or C1-C4 alkyl, and m is 1 to 4. |
| US09310682B2 |
Positive-type resist composition
A positive-type resist composition according to the present invention includes a fluorine-containing aliphatic alcohol, a polymer, a vinyl compound and a photoacid generator, wherein the fluorine-containing aliphatic alcohol is a monohydric C2-C8 aliphatic alcohol in which the number of hydrogen atoms is equal to or less than the number of fluorine atoms. This positive-type resist composition has a small influence on organic materials, such as less dissolution and swelling of the organic materials, and can form a resist film on an organic polymer substrate etc. by a wet application process such that the resulting resist film or resist pattern shows high solvent resistance. |
| US09310680B2 |
Photocurable/thermosetting resin composition
Provided is an alkali-developable photocurable/thermosetting resin composition from which a cured coating film that has excellent thermal shock resistance and exhibits excellent PCT resistance, HAST resistance and electroless gold plating resistance, which are important as a solder resist for semiconductor packages, can be formed. The alkali-developable photocurable/thermosetting resin composition is characterized by comprising (A) a carboxyl group-containing photosensitive resin, (B) a photopolymerization initiator, (C) a block copolymer and (D) a thermosetting component. |
| US09310678B2 |
Vinyl ether group-containing copolymer, preparation process and use thereof
The invention provides a vinyl ether group-containing copolymer, preparation process and use thereof. The copolymer comprises of the structural units represented by the following general formulae I, II and III, wherein, R1 is O or HN, R2 is an alkyl group with a carbon atom number of 1-4, cyclohexyl or a group represented by the following general formula IV (m represents a positive integer of 1-3), n is a positive integer of 1-4, the molar numbers of the structural units represented by the general formulae I, H and III are x, y and z, respectively, and x:y:z=3-8:1-4:1-5, the weight average molecular weight of the copolymer is 5000-20000. A color light blocking agent added with the copolymer can increase sensitivity. Furthermore, the copolymer has solubility in an alkaline solution, and thus, the color light blocking agent added with the copolymer has a superior developing property. |
| US09310670B2 |
Projector and dimming method
With the purpose of controlling a light source to appropriately reduce the brightness of reflected light at the time of starting projection according to the conditions under which a projector is being used, the projector includes a solid-state light source unit that emits light, a power supply unit that supplies driving electric power to the solid-state light source unit, an image display device that modulates the light emitted from the solid-state light source unit according to an image signal and that projects the modulated light onto a projection surface, and a detection unit that detects the intensity of the ambient light of the projection surface. |
| US09310660B2 |
Organic compound and electrochromic element including the same
An organic compound represented by Formula [1] showing high transparency in the visible light region is provided.In Formula [1], A1 to A6 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent, n is an integer of 1 to 4, and the B's each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent represented by Formula [2], provided that at least one B represents a substituent represented by Formula [2]. In Formula [2], R2 represents a substituent. |
| US09310654B2 |
Liquid crystal device and electronic apparatus
A liquid crystal device is provided which includes: a first substrate and a second substrate that are disposed to face each other; a liquid crystal layer that is sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first electrode that is provided on the liquid crystal layer side of the first substrate; an insulating layer that is provided on the liquid crystal layer side of the first electrode; and a second electrode that is provided on the liquid crystal layer side of the insulating layer, in which the first substrate has formed thereon a plurality of data lines and a plurality of scan lines which intersect each other; sub-pixels are formed at regions surrounded by the data lines and the scan lines; the second electrode has a plurality of linear electrodes that is disposed with a gap therebetween; each of the plurality of linear electrodes extends in a long-axis direction of the sub-pixels and has at least one bent portion; the bent portion has such a shape that both sides thereof are inclined in opposite directions with respect to the long-axis direction of the sub-pixels; and the data lines or the scan lines are bent in an extending direction of the linear electrodes having the bent portion. |
| US09310652B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
An array substrate includes a pixel electrode having a contact portion, a pair of main pixel electrodes extending in a first direction from the contact portion, and a sub-pixel electrode arranged between the contact portion and an end of the main pixel electrode so as to connect the main pixel electrodes. A counter substrate includes a common electrode having first, second and third main common electrodes. The third main common electrode is arranged substantially in the center between the pair of main pixel electrodes. A sub-common electrode is arranged between the contact portion and the sub-pixel electrode in the first direction. The third main common electrode includes a cutout portion, and the sub-pixel electrode crosses the third main common electrode at the cutout portion. The first sub-common electrode includes cutout portions, and the pair of main pixel electrodes cross the first sub-common electrode at the cutout portions, respectively. |
| US09310651B2 |
Liquid crystal display device with first and second substrates sealed by sealing material with an end of protective material on second substrate being disposed between inner and outer wall surfaces of the sealing material
A liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display panel having, a first substrate, a second substrate, a sealing material provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, a liquid crystal layer sealed in a region surrounded by the sealing material between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate includes a plurality of first cell regions having a pixel electrode and a thin film transistor arranged in a matrix, and the second substrate includes a protective film over the second substrate and a light blocking film coated with the protective film on a surface of the second substrate on the liquid crystal layer side. |
| US09310649B2 |
Alignment method of alignment film
An alignment method of an alignment film is provided, including: providing a substrate and manufacturing an alignment film on the substrate; implementing laser engraving to the alignment film to form a plurality of micro trenches which are directionally consistent on the alignment film; cleaning the substrate and the alignment film to remove the powders generated by laser engraving; and implementing a following liquid crystal cell process. The method is easy to handle and is capable of preventing the non-uniform rubbing issue existing in the alignment method according to prior art to raise the stability of the alignment and promote the effect of the alignment. |
| US09310640B2 |
Display device
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a display device, and the display device, comprising: a display panel, comprising a display region and a peripheral region around the display region; and an optical module, disposed on a light-exiting side of the display panel, the optical module configured to shift light emitted from the display panel towards edges of the display panel so as to make a part of the light shift into the peripheral region and emit from the peripheral region. |
| US09310639B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display panel comprising an array substrate, an opposite substrate and a backlight module, wherein the liquid crystal display panel includes a light-filtering layer arranged between the backlight module and the array substrate, and the light-filtering layer includes a plurality of light-filtering sub-units corresponding to sub-pixels on the array substrate in a one-to-one manner, every three of the light-filtering sub-units form one light-filtering unit, in which the three light-filtering sub-units are capable of filtering out red, green and blue lights emitted by the backlight module respectively. The brightness of the complementary color light obtained after any one of red light, green light and blue light is filtered out from white light is larger than that of light of a single color, and thus the liquid crystal display panel provided by the present invention has relatively high light transmittance. |
| US09310635B2 |
Curved liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a curved liquid crystal display device, which includes a backlight module (1), a mold frame (3) mounted on the backlight module (1), a liquid crystal panel (5) arranged on the mold frame (3), and a bezel (7) that retains the liquid crystal panel (5) on the mold frame (3). The backlight module (1) includes a curved backplane (11) and optical components (13) arranged in the curved backplane (11). The curved backplane (11) includes a bottom board (111) and a bracing (9) mounted to the bottom board (111). The bracing (9) includes a base (91), a pair of guide rails (93) mounted to the base (91), a screw (95) rotatably mounted to the base (91), and a pair of slide blocks (97) that are in engagement with the screw (95) and slidable along the guide rails (93). The bottom board (111) includes a pair of protrusions (113) formed a surface thereof that is in contact engagement with the slide blocks (97) to correspond to the slide blocks (97). The pair of slide blocks (97) are arranged to respectively press against the pair of protrusions (113) so as to cause deformation of the bottom board (111) to form the curved backplane (11). |
| US09310624B2 |
Refractive-diffractive ophthalmic device and compositions useful for producing same
A multifocal ophthalmic device is disclosed, wherein the lens body comprises a curcuminoid compound as a UV-light stabilizer, and/or a co-polymeric composition which is derived from a pre-polymerization mixture of defined monomers. The lens body of the multifocal ophthalmic device is being formed with a plurality of concentric annular zones, which effect both diffraction and refraction of incident light, and which are separated by slanted steps that are substantially devoid of any diffractive or refractive power. |
| US09310623B2 |
Collapsible eyeglass apparatus
An eyeglass apparatus comprises left and right eyeglass portions and a link. The link is configured to permit the eyeglass apparatus to transition between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration. In the extended configuration, the eyeglass apparatus is adapted to be worn by a user in a conventional eyeglass wearing orientation. In the collapsed configuration: an inwardly facing lens face of one of left and right lenses faces an outwardly facing lens face of the other of the left and right lenses; a medial edge portion of the left lens is closer to a medial edge portion of the right lens than to a lateral edge portion of the right lens; and the lateral edge portion of the left lens is closer to the lateral edge portion of the right lens than to the medial edge portion of the right lens. |
| US09310619B2 |
Optical film
To provide a thin optical sheet having improved efficiency for light utilization, an optical sheet (5) of one mode of the present invention includes, in sequence from a light entry side to a light emission side, a plurality of first prisms (13), a ¼ wavelength plate (11), and a polarized-light separating element (12), the plurality of first prisms (13) each having (i) a first surface (13a) through which light enters the first prism and (ii) a second surface (13b) that reflects the light, having entered the first prism, toward the light emission side, the optical film further including, between the plurality of first prisms in an in-plane direction of the optical film, a second prism (14) that reflects light. |
| US09310618B2 |
Laser beam scanned display apparatus and method thereof
Generally, near seamless electronics displays may be employed in cinema and exhibition applications. Laser scanned displays may be enabled such that the display may display three dimensional (“3D”) content. A first method to enable a laser scanned display for 3D content may employ polarization, with or without polarization conversion and another method may employ multiple colors. Additionally, the envelope function that may be employed across the display may be achieved by changing laser power as a beam is scanned on the screen or by changing the dwell time of the laser beam on the pixels. One method of minimizing the effects of seams in the screen may be to reduce the screen resolution near the seams by screen design and/or laser beam dwell time or illumination energy. |
| US09310616B2 |
3D display device and manufacturing method thereof
Embodiments of the present invention provide a 3D display device and a manufacturing method thereof, which can reduce production costs. The display device comprises a grating layer and an array substrate; the array substrate comprises a plurality of pixel-units, each pixel-unit comprising a pixel-electrode and a control-circuit; the pixel-electrode of each pixel-unit comprises mutually-spaced at least two left-viewing-field pixel-electrodes and at least two right-viewing-field pixel-electrodes; the control-circuit of each pixel-unit comprises a first sub-control-circuit connected with the left-viewing-field pixel-electrodes and a second sub-control-circuit connected with the right-viewing-field pixel-electrodes. |
| US09310614B2 |
Head mounted display and imaging method thereof
A head mounted display (HMD) and an imaging method thereof are provided. The HMD comprises a beam splitter, a pico projector, an application processor, an eye image sensor, an adjustment apparatus, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and an eyeglass frame. The application processor controls the pico projector to project a beam. The eye image sensor captures an eye image. The ASIC performs a perspective correction on the eye image to generate a frontal eye image. The ASIC obtains a beam location of the beam and obtains a pupil location according to the frontal eye image. The ASIC according to the beam location and the pupil location controls the adjustment apparatus to adjust the beam splitter. The eyeglass frame carries the beam splitter, the pico projector, the application processor, the eye image sensor and the ASIC. |
| US09310613B2 |
Mobile wireless display for accessing data from a host and method for controlling
An apparatus includes a monocular display with a wireless communications interface, a user input device, a transmitter, and a controller. The monocular display is positioned relative to the user's eye to display images to the user while occluding less than half of the user's maximum viewing space. The apparatus can incorporate a wireless communication controller that not only provides a video link to a host device, but also provides for control and management of a host device and other more devices. In this context, a host device may be any appropriate device that sources audio, video, text, office functionality and other information, such as a cell phone, personal computer, laptop, media player, and/or the like. The apparatus and the host may support Microsoft Windows SideShow, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), and Virtual Network Computing (VNC). |
| US09310612B2 |
Mobile device, head mounted display and method of controlling therefor
The present specification relates to a mobile device, a head mounted display (HMD) paired with the mobile device and a method of controlling therefor, and more particularly, to a method of providing a notification for an occurrence of an event from at least one of the mobile device and the HMD based on a position of the mobile device for the HMD. |
| US09310605B2 |
Method of fabricating a display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a first substrate and a second substrate. The first substrate includes a light shielding layer including a first opening which transmits a light. The second substrate includes a shutter including a second opening which corresponds to the first opening, and a first flexible electrode part which is connected to one end of the shutter and transmits or blocks the light by moving the shutter. The first flexible electrode part includes a first flexible electrode, a second flexible electrode, and an insulation pattern. The insulation pattern insulates the first flexible electrode and the second flexible electrode from each other, and exposes upper and lower surfaces of the first flexible electrode and the second flexible electrode which are parallel to the second substrate, by covering portions of the first flexible electrode and the second flexible electrode. |
| US09310603B2 |
Image capture system with embedded active filtering, and image capturing method for the same
An active filter includes a transparent area and a non-transparent area; a first cavity arranged in the transparent area and formed between a first pair of electrode plates; a second cavity arranged in the non-transparent area and formed between a second pair of electrode plates, wherein the second cavity connects to the first cavity through a first passage; a first liquid flowing between the first cavity and the second cavity for filtering light within a first wavelength range; and a controller for selectively applying a voltage difference to the first pair of electrode plates or the second pair of electrode plates to make the first liquid flow into one of the first cavity and the second cavity. |
| US09310602B1 |
Color electrowetting display having high resolution monochrome mode
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to an electrowetting display comprising pixels that include colored subpixels that comprise: a colored reflective layer on a support plate; an electrode; a hydrophobic layer; and a liquid region including an electrolyte, and dark electrowetting oil and white electrowetting oil both being immiscible with the electrolyte. A coverage area of the dark electrowetting oil on the hydrophobic layer and a coverage area of the white electrowetting oil on the hydrophobic layer are individually electronically adjustable to affect light transmission to the colored reflective material. |
| US09310594B2 |
Optical lens and light source module having the same
A light source module includes a light source and an optical lens facing the light source. The optical lens includes a light incident face facing the light source, a light emitting face opposite to the light incident face, and a connecting face connecting the light incident face and the light emitting face. The connecting face is planar. The light emitting face includes a lateral face extending upwardly from an outer periphery of the connecting face and a top face located above the light incident face. The top face of the light emitting face comprises a center curved facet and a periphery curved facet surrounding and extending outwardly from the center curved facet. The light incident face is a discontinuous face and includes a plurality of curved facets. |
| US09310592B2 |
Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus including the same
A zoom lens includes, in order from an object side: a positive first lens unit that does not move for zooming and comprises a negative first sub-lens unit, a positive second sub-lens unit that moves during adjustment of a focal point, and a positive third sub-lens unit composed of at least one negative lens, and at least two positive lenses; a lens group including at least two lens units that move during zooming; an aperture stop; and a positive last lens unit that does not move for zooming. Focal lengths of the first lens unit, the first sub-lens unit, and the zoom lens at a wide angle end, imaging magnification of the last lens unit, average values of an Abbe constant for d-line of the at least one negative lens and of the at least two positive lenses are appropriately set. |
| US09310587B2 |
Photographing optical lens assembly, imaging device and mobile terminal
A photographing optical lens assembly comprises, in order from an object side to an image side: a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element and a fifth lens element. The first lens element with refractive power has a concave object-side surface in a paraxial region. The second lens element has refractive power. The third lens element has refractive power. The fourth lens element with negative refractive power has an object-side and an image-side surfaces both being aspheric. The fifth lens element with refractive power has an aspheric object-side surface and an aspheric image-side surface being concave in a paraxial region with at least one inflection point. The photographing optical lens assembly has a total of five lens elements with refractive power. |
| US09310585B2 |
Lens module
There is provided a lens module including: a first lens having positive refractive power; a second lens having refractive power, an image-side surface thereof being concave; a third lens having positive refractive power; a fourth lens having negative refractive power, an object-side surface thereof being convex; and a fifth lens having refractive power and having one or more inflection point formed on at least one of an object-side surface and an image-side surface thereof, wherein the first, second, third, fourth and fifth lenses are disposed in a sequential order from the first lens to the fifth lens. |
| US09310576B1 |
Integrated circuit having redundant optical signal paths and method of creating same
Various embodiments include an integrated circuit having: at least one waveguide disposed in a low refractive index layer; a splitter connected to the at least one waveguide, the splitter consisting of at least two signal paths; an optical signal detector connected to an end of each of the at least two signal paths; and an electrical disconnect member connected to each optical signal detector. |
| US09310573B2 |
System for identifying connection between devices
An identifying system includes a master device having a lighting member for emitting light and an optical sensor for sensing light, and a slave device having a light guiding member with a light entering portion and a light sensing portion. The light entering portion receives the light from the lighting member, and the light sensing portion is located in a working range of the optical sensor. When the slave device is connected to the master device, the light of the lighting member enters the light guiding member via the light entering portion, and is guided to the light sensing portion. |
| US09310572B2 |
Cable bend relief for fiber optic sub-assemblies and methods of assembling
Fiber optic cable sub-assemblies having an end cap device with an internal bend relief are disclosed. In one embodiment, the fiber optic cable sub-assembly has at least one optical fiber of a fiber optic cable attached to a circuit board with the end cap device providing strain relief to the fiber optic cable. The circuit board includes an active optical component in operable communication with the optical fiber for forming an active optical cable (AOC) assembly. Additionally, a strain relief device may be used for attaching an end portion of the fiber optic cable to the circuit board, thereby forming the cable sub-assembly. Methods of assembling the fiber optic cable sub-assembly are also. |
| US09310569B2 |
Reconfigurable fiber optic adapter
A reconfigurable fiber optic adapter for connecting male and female optical fiber connectors is disclosed to include a housing having two recessed located in opposing top and bottom sides of one end thereof and opposing first and second keyways located in opposing top and bottom sides of a optical fiber connector passage therein, and a first mating-connection control member with an On key and a second mating-connection control member with an OFF key selectively exchangeably mounted in the two recesses of the housing for controlling the insertion direction of a male optical fiber connector. |
| US09310568B2 |
Hybrid fiber connector patch cord assemblies
Fiber patch cable assemblies are described. More particularly, fiber patch cable assemblies that provide adaptability between a terminal and a drop cable having different connection formats are described. |
| US09310565B2 |
Cloaking system with waveguides
Described herein are technologies related to passive or active cloaking devices. More particularly, the passive or active cloaking devices utilize input/output grating couplers and waveguides to create an impression of invisibility on an object that is covered by the passive or active cloaking devices. |
| US09310564B2 |
Multiport tunable optical filters
A tunable multiport optical filter includes various types of arrays of optical ports. The tunable filter also includes a light dispersion element (e.g., a grating) and a reflective beam steering element (e.g., a tilting mirror). An optical signal exits an optical (input) port, is dispersed by the light dispersion element, reflects off the reflective beam steering element back to the light dispersion element, and on to another optical (output) port. The reflective beam steering element can be steered such that a wavelength portion of the dispersed optical signal can be coupled to the optical output port. For example, the input optical signal may be a wavelength division multiplexed signal carrying multiple channels on different wavelengths, and the tunable multiport optical filter directs one of the channels to the output optical port. Additionally, the tunable filter may be incorporated into a device acting as a wavelength reference. |
| US09310563B2 |
Integrated system for active equalization of chromatic dispersion
A system for chromatic dispersion compensation is presented. The system includes an optical splitting element, a plurality of optical elements, and a plurality of waveguides. The optical splitting element is configured to generate at least a first beam of radiation and a second beam of radiation. The plurality of optical elements is configured to identify one or more optical paths amongst a plurality of optical paths for the first beam of radiation to travel. One of the plurality of waveguides disposed in one of the plurality of optical paths has group delay and dispersion coefficient properties per unit length that are different from group delay and dispersion coefficient properties per unit length of another one of the plurality of waveguides disposed in another one of the plurality of optical paths. The group delay and dispersion coefficient properties per unit length compensate for a chromatic dispersion associated with the second beam of radiation. |
| US09310562B2 |
Wavelength-locking a ring-resonator filter
In an optical device, a ring resonator, having a resonance wavelength, optically couples an optical signal that includes a wavelength from an input optical waveguide to an output optical waveguide. A monitoring mechanism in the optical device, which is optically coupled to the output optical waveguide, monitors an output optical signal on the output optical waveguide. For example, the monitoring mechanism may dither a temperature of the ring resonator at a frequency using a heater, and the output optical signal may be monitored by determining amplitude and phase information of the output optical signal at the frequency and twice the frequency. Moreover, control logic in the optical device adjusts the resonance wavelength based on the monitored output optical signal, where the adjustment is made without monitoring an input optical signal on the input optical waveguide. |
| US09310560B2 |
Systems and methods for multiple-beam laser arrangements with variable beam parameter product
In various embodiments, a beam-parameter adjustment system and focusing system alters a spatial power distribution of a plurality of radiation beams before the beams are coupled into an optical fiber. |
| US09310558B2 |
Optical printed circuit board with two light waveguide layers optically coupled to each other
An optical PCB includes a substrate layer, a first light waveguide layer and a second light waveguide layer. The first light waveguide layer and the second light waveguide layer are positioned on the substrate layer and are optically coupled with each other. The first light waveguide layer includes a first tapered end facing toward the second light waveguide layer, and the second light waveguide layer includes a second taped end facing toward the first light waveguide layer. The first light waveguide layer and the second light waveguide layer are optically coupled with each other via the first tapered end and the second tapered end. |
| US09310551B2 |
Illumination device having viscoelastic lightguide
Illumination device having a viscoelastic lightguide and a flexible light source is described. The flexible light source includes a plurality of electrically inter-connected light emitting diodes disposed on a flexible mat and optically coupled to the viscoelastic lightguide. |
| US09310549B2 |
Backlight module and display device
The present disclosure provides a backlight module and a display device. The backlight module includes a light guide plate; an optical sheet arranged on one side of the light guide plate and provided with a first positioning part at an edge position of the optical sheet; and a mold frame arranged on the periphery of the light guide plate, wherein the mold frame includes at least a coverage part, which is located at one side of the optical sheet far away from the light guide plate and covers the edge position of the optical sheet, and a second positioning part used for coordinating with the first positioning part to realize positioning of the optical sheet is arranged on a surface of the coverage part facing the optical sheet. |
| US09310545B2 |
Lighting assembly with adjustable light output
A lighting assembly includes a light guide and light source. The light guide includes light input regions, at least one of the light input regions associated with an optical modifying characteristic, and the light guide is configured to propagate light by total internal reflection. The light source is located adjacent the light input regions. The light source and light input regions are variably positionable relative to one another to vary a location at which light is incident on the light input regions such that light emitted from the light source is selectively apportioned between the light input regions. A characteristic of the light output from the lighting assembly is modified based on the optical modifying characteristic of the at least one of the light input regions and the relative positioning of the light source and the light input regions. |
| US09310529B2 |
Retardation film, method for producing the same and display apparatus
The invention provides a retardation film, a method for producing the same and a display apparatus comprising the same. The retardation film comprises a phase retardation layer and a cured material layer formed by curing a curable material applied on the phase retardation layer, wherein the cured material layer is disposed on the light-emitting side of the phase retardation layer. In the retardation film of this invention, since the cured material layer is formed by curing the curable material applied on the phase retardation layer, the laminating equipment can be omitted and the equipment investment can thus be decreased, thereby lowering the production cost. |
| US09310525B2 |
Antireflection film and optical device
An object of the present invention is to provide an antireflection film and an optical device having excellent antireflection characteristics against a light beam having a wide wavelength range at a wide range of an incident angle, and also having practically sufficient durability. To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts an antireflection film having an optical two-layer structure composed of an intermediate layer provided on a base material and a low refractive index layer provided on a surface of the intermediate layer, wherein the low refractive index layer is a layer obtained by binding hollow silica by a binder, a refractive index n(1) thereof is between 1.15 and 1.24 inclusive, and a refractive index n(2) of the intermediate layer satisfies a relation in the expression (1) below assuming a refractive index of the base material n(sub). n(1)×√{square root over (n(sub))}×0.930≦n(2)≦n(1)×√{square root over (n(sub))}×0.985 (1). |
| US09310524B2 |
Film deposition apparatus and film deposition method
A film formation device (10) that increases the mechanical resistance of the liquid repellent film formed on the oxide film. The film formation device (10) includes an oxide film formation unit (14, 15, 16), which forms an oxidized film on a substrate by releasing grains towards the substrate that is rotated in a vacuum chamber (11), and forms an oxide film on the substrate by emitting oxygen plasma towards the oxidized film. A vapor deposition unit (17) vapor-deposits a silane coupling agent, which contains a hydrolytic polycondensation group and a liquid repellent group, on the oxide film. A polycondensation unit (20) polycondenses the silane coupling agent by supplying water towards the oxide film on the rotated substrate. The polycondensation unit supplies water to the oxide film before the vapor deposition unit vapor deposits the silane coupling agent on the oxide film. |
| US09310523B2 |
Laminate and method of producing laminate
A laminate according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a resin substrate; a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer formed on one side of the resin substrate; and an antistatic layer formed on another side of the resin substrate and comprising a binder resin and a conductive material. The binder resin includes a polyurethane-based resin; the antistatic layer has an arithmetic average surface roughness Ra of 10 nm or more; and the conductive material includes a conductive polymer. |
| US09310518B2 |
Weather forecasting system and methods
An approach for forecasting local weather patterns. The approach includes a method that includes receiving, by at least one computing device, images that include weather related information. The method includes analyzing, by the at least one computing device, the images to determine particular types of weather phenomena. The method includes analyzing, by the at least one computing device, the images to determine a motion of the particular types of weather phenomena. The method includes determining, by the at least one computing device, a weather forecast based on the analyzed images and the motion of the particular types of weather phenomena. |
| US09310516B2 |
Quantum dot-based identification, location and marking
An identification system includes a quantum dot form factor disposed on an article, and quantum dots disposed on the quantum dot form factor, the quantum dots emitting a predetermined emission. A marking system includes a secondary reservoir including a plurality of quantum dots configured to be expelled from the reservoir and a means for dispersing the quantum dots from the secondary reservoir to engage the area to be marked. A location system includes a main reservoir having a plurality of quantum dots disposed within the main reservoir, wherein the main reservoir is a water dissolvable material that dissolves over a predetermined period while exposed to water. An identification system includes a sensor for detecting a light wave query, a strobe for flashing, and a filter that includes quantum dots that the light from the strobe energizes to emit light at a predetermined frequency. |
| US09310515B2 |
Method for using neutron interaction cross section to interpret neutron measurements
A method for determining a petrophysical property of a formation includes detecting radiation events resulting from imparting neutrons into the formation at an energy level of at least 1 MeV. The petrophysical property is determined from an elastic scattering cross section of the formation. The elastic scattering cross-section related to a number of detected radiation events. |
| US09310504B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting swell noise in a seismic gather
Systems and methods for detecting swell noise in geophysical data are disclosed. In particular, the systems and methods receive seismic data as input and iteratively generate a signal mask from the seismic data. The seismic data can be generated by hydrophones or geophones. The signal mask can be used to identify traces in the seismic data that are contaminated with swell noise and identify frequencies of the contaminated traces that are contaminated with swell noise. |
| US09310502B2 |
Method of representing seismic signals
There is provided a method of interpolating wave signals, particularly seismic signals acquired through a seismic survey, using the steps of obtaining time series of measured wave signals; and selecting iteratively basis functions to represent said measured signals with a basis function being fully defined by n parameters, wherein in each iteration one or more basis functions are combined with the selected basis functions such that the residual between the measured signals and a representation of the measured signal by the combined basis functions is minimized at the locations of the measurement at each iteration. |
| US09310497B2 |
Radiation monitor
A sampling unit that samples a sample gas includes an intake pipe that takes in a sample gas, and a mist/dust elimination unit that eliminates mist produced when steam in a sample gas condenses in the intake pipe and dust, creates a drain including dust, and separates the drain from the sample gas; mist wets fibers loaded therein in a stacked manner so that a water film produced on the surface of the fibers collects dust, and the water film grows to water drops and become drains so that the dust is exhausted and eliminated. |
| US09310496B2 |
Calibration apparatus and method
Provided are a calibration apparatus and method that may be used for setting a magnitude of an electric pulse based on a result obtained by imaging at least one imaging object, and that may be used for calibrating by mapping at least one photon energy corresponding to an absorption edge of at least one calibration object. |
| US09310495B2 |
Photon/energy identifying X-ray and gamma ray imaging device (“PID”) with a two dimensional array of pixels and system therefrom
An photon (energy) identifying radiation imaging device, for imaging x-ray, gamma ray and charged radiation in medical, dental and industrial applications. The imaging device includes a detector substrate and a readout substrate. The detector substrate has a plurality of detector pixels and the readout substrate has a plurality of corresponding pixel readout circuits. Each pixel readout circuit has circuitry for processing an input analog signal and also has one or more buffers for temporarily storing values corresponding to the signal of at least two individual incoming radiation events. The readout substrate includes a digital controller having digital processing units for carrying out off-pixel digital signal processing and data/rate reduction prior to readout. |
| US09310494B2 |
Scintillator panel and radiation detector
A scintillator panel for converting radiation into scintillation light, the scintillator panel includes a substrate having a front surface and a back surface, and formed with a plurality of convex portions projecting from the front surface in a predetermined direction toward the front surface from the back surface and a concave portion defined by the convex portions, a plurality of first scintillator sections formed on the respective convex portions of the substrate, and a second scintillator section formed on the bottom surface of the concave portion of the substrate, and the first scintillator section has a first portion extending along the predetermined direction from an upper surface of the convex portion and a second portion extending along the predetermined direction from side surfaces of the convex portion so as to contact with the first portion, the first and second portions are composed of a plurality of columnar crystals of a scintillator material, the first scintillator sections are separated from one another, and the second scintillator section is in contact with the second portion. |
| US09310493B2 |
Crystal block array and method of manufacture
A novel method of making a crystal block array (configured for coupling with photodetectors as part of an integrated detector module useful in advanced PET scanner systems) is disclosed herein. The novel method comprises a series of cutting, polishing, and assembling steps that utilize a curable bonding agent, removable wire spacers, and a series removable protective glass end plates. The crystal block arrays disclosed herein may be of various dimensions and geometries and are amenable to mass production. |
| US09310491B2 |
Scintillator with tapered geometry for radiation detectors
A radiation detector may include a housing, and a scintillator body carried within the housing and including a proximal portion defining a proximal end, a distal portion defining a distal end, and a medial portion between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The scintillator body may have a constant diameter along the proximal portion, and a decreasing diameter along the distal portion from the medial portion to the distal end. The radiation detector may further include a photodetector coupled to the distal end of the scintillator body. |
| US09310488B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating depth image
An apparatus and method for generating a depth image are provided. The apparatus includes an optical modulator, an optical sensor, and a depth image processor. The optical modulator optically modulates light which is reflected from an object to which light modulated using a first pseudorandom (PN) sequence is irradiated. The optical modulator optically modulates the reflected light using second PN-sequences, where each of the second PN-sequences has a same PN sequence as the first PN-sequence, but the second PN-sequences have N different time shifts. The optical sensor senses the optically modulated reflective light. The depth image processor samples N intensity images from the optically modulated reflective light sensed by the optical sensor and generates a depth image of the object using the sampled N intensity images. |
| US09310485B2 |
Compact, energy-efficient ultrasound imaging probes using CMUT arrays with integrated electronics
A CMUT on CMOS imaging chip is disclosed. The imaging chip can use direct connection, CMOS architecture to minimize external connections and minimize chip cross-section. The CMOS architecture can enable substantially the entire chip area to be utilized for element placement. The chip can utilize arbitrarily selected transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) element arrays to improve image quality, while reducing sampling time. The chip can comprise a plurality of dummy elements dispersed throughout the Tx and Rx elements to reduce cross-talk. The chip can utilize batch firing techniques to increase transmit power using sparse Tx arrays. The chip can comprise hexagonal Tx and or Rx subarrays for improved image quality with reduce sample sizes. The chip can utilize electrode geometry, bias voltage, and polarity to create phased and amplitude apodized arrays of Tx and Rx elements. |
| US09310482B2 |
Methods for locating and sensing the position, orientation, and contour of a work object in a robotic system
Methods and apparatus enable a robotic system to detect and determine the location, orientation, surface contours, and features of an object that are not otherwise accurately known in order to allow the robotic system to accurately place a pulse/echo layer thickness-gauge ultrasonic transducer gauge onto the surface of the object. The robotic system uses one or more distance measurement sensors to determine the position, orientation, local contour, and other features of the surface in relation to the robot. Another method calibrates an inaccurate distance sensor. Yet another method maintains overall system functionality in a system with multiple distance sensors in the event that one or more of the distance sensors fails. The robotic system may also determine when maintenance is required. |
| US09310479B2 |
Transportable X-band radar having antenna mounted electronics
A transportable weather radar having radar electronics functionally located above the elevational joint and a frame superstructure rotationally connected to the elevational joint onto which is mounted a parabolic radar antenna adapted for Doppler weather radar use. The radar has a rotational drive assembly mounted below and supporting the elevational joint and a harmonic drive unit positioned inside the elevational joint so that the antennae may be rotated without significant backlash during rotational changes. A hollow center in the rotational joint allows for the passing of electronics cable through the middle of the joint and down through rotating assemblies and to electronics in or adjacent to the radar pedestal. |
| US09310478B2 |
Radar sensor device having at least one planar antenna device
A radar sensor device having at least one planar antenna device that includes a plurality of vertically oriented antenna columns which are configured as a sparse array in one plane in parallel at defined mutual distances and which each have at least two line-fed patch elements, the sparse array of antenna columns is designed to have such a minimal redundancy that the amount of defined distances among the antenna columns in the sparse array is at least equal to all of the different distances between any two antenna columns of a corresponding non-sparse array of a planar antenna device having the same antenna aperture and the same characteristics of the antenna columns, but is the most minimum possible number. |
| US09310474B2 |
Portable ultrasound imaging devices
A portal ultrasound imaging apparatus having an adjustable hinge assembly, which includes a key having a narrower end and an end wider in the circumferential direction of the hinge assembly. The key is movable in a slot in an axial direction of the hinge assembly to a locked position, where the side surfaces of the key presses against the walls of the slot to eliminate circumferential gaps between the key and the slot. When at the locked position in the slot, the key can be pushed towards the opposite of the axial direction to an unlocked position where an angular lock of the hinge assembly is released, allowing the hinge assembly to be adjusted to a desired angular coupling. The key can then be pushed in the axial direction back to the locked position in the slot to prevent change in the coupling angle of the hinge assembly. |
| US09310472B2 |
Focal point information determination method and apparatus, and ambient sound velocity obtaining method and apparatus
Transmitting an ultrasonic wave focused on a predetermined transmit focus position by driving each of the elements of the ultrasonic probe based on a predetermined transmit delay time, and determining a true focal position of the ultrasonic wave transmitted to the transmit focus position or a focal point valid region that includes the true focal position based on a receive signal received by each element according to a reflection wave reflected by the transmission of the ultrasonic wave to the transmit focus position. |
| US09310463B2 |
Detecting incorrectly placed access points
Embodiments provide techniques for detecting access points on a position map, particularly incorrectly placed access points. For each access point in a plurality of access points, a subset of the plurality of access points that neighbor the access point are identified. Embodiments estimate a location of the access point, based on a respective indication of signal strength from each neighboring access point in the subset of access points and a respective position of each of the neighboring access points in position map. A difference between a recorded position of the access point in the position map and the estimated location of the access point is calculated. Embodiments then determine that the position within the position map for a first one of the plurality of access points is incorrect, based on the determined difference for the first access point. |
| US09310461B2 |
Determining access point orientation based on neighbor access point locations
In an example embodiment, the orientation of a wireless device, such as an access point (AP) can be determined based on the location of neighboring wireless devices and the observed angle of arrival of signals from the wireless device at the neighboring wireless devices. For example, the angle of orientation can be determined by comparing an observed angle of arrival with the known actual angle between wireless devices. If a plurality of wireless devices measure the signal, the mean or median of the difference between observed angle of arrival of a signal from the wireless device with the actual angle for the plurality of wireless devices may be employed to determine the angular orientation. |
| US09310459B2 |
Method of automatically tracking and photographing celestial objects, and celestial-object auto-tracking photographing apparatus
Automatically tracking and photographing celestial objects and a celestial-object auto-tracking photographing apparatus, in which the burden on the CPU can be reduced by eliminating unnecessary arithmetic processes and can clearly photograph an object(s) so as to appear stationary without using an equatorial, and without using an actuator, which must be precisely controlled. The method includes moving relative to a photographic apparatus due to diurnal motion, to photograph a trimming area that has been electronically trimmed from a part of an imaging area of an image sensor, moving while the celestial object is photographed, including obtaining movement information of an image on the imaging area; setting movement data for the trimming area based on the obtained movement information of the image; and carrying out a photographing operation while moving the trimming area based on the movement data of the set trimming area at each trimming area, upon being moved. |
| US09310454B2 |
Detection of a dielectric object
A measuring apparatus for detecting a dielectric object comprises a potential probe for determining an electric potential in an electric field, a first capacitance device, a second capacitance device, and a control device configured to supply alternating voltages to the first and the second capacitance devices. The control device is configured to amplify the alternating voltages in opposite directions to one another in order to minimize the magnitude of an AC voltage component, which is clock-synchronous with the alternating voltages, of a voltage which is recorded by means of the potential probe. The dielectric object is detected when a ratio of the alternating voltages does not correspond to a ratio of (i) a first distance of the potential probe from the first capacitance device to (ii) a second distance of the potential probe from the second capacitance device. |
| US09310453B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus
An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) apparatus includes a main scan executing unit for executing a main scan, an image reconstruction unit for reconstructing image data based on MR signals acquired in the main scan, a calibration scan setting unit, a calibration scan executing unit, and a condition determining unit. The calibration scan setting unit calculates a condition of a calibration scan for determining an imaging condition of the main scan or a condition of correction processing of the image data, based on a type of an RF coil device and an imaging part. The calibration scan executing unit executes the calibration scan based on the condition of the calibration scan. The condition determining unit determines the imaging condition of the main scan or the condition of the correction processing, based on an execution result of the calibration scan. |
| US09310451B2 |
Magnetic resonance-based method and system for determination of oxygen saturation in flowing blood
A method and system for determination of oxygen saturation in blood flowing in a vessel using magnetic resonance (MR). An MR image sequence is acquired with different echo time (TE) encoding, and different Fourier velocity encoding (FVE). A Fourier transformation is applied along the velocity dimension to determine a velocity distribution of tissue signals in each voxel of the image sequence. Tissue signals indicative of moving tissues are separated from tissue signals indicative of static tissue, based on the velocity distribution. Oxygen saturation in blood may then be determined using only the tissue signals indicative of flowing blood. |
| US09310450B2 |
Margin assessment of ex-vivo sample
A system (10) for margin assessment of an ex-vivo tissue (18), including an imaging scanner (12) controlled by an imaging control unit (14), and an ex-vivo sample holder (16) for holding a sample of an excised tissue (18), the sample holder (16) being sized such that excised lump edges (24) of the excised tissue (18) are forced against a surface of the sample holder (16) such that the edges (24) change shape to have a predetermined geometry, and wherein the imaging scanner (12) is positioned relative to the sample holder (16) such that the imaging scanner (12) acquires images not of all the tissue (18) but rather of the edges (24) that have the predetermined geometry and which are in a sensitive region (40) extending into a peripheral margin of the tissue (18). |
| US09310447B2 |
Magnetic field measuring apparatus and method for manufacturing same
In order to provide a magnetic field measuring apparatus facilitating the pressure control in a gas cell, or capable of inspecting the internal pressure of the gas cell without using any special process, the magnetic field measuring apparatus is configured such that a process layer of the magnetic field measuring apparatus has such a structure that includes a first hollow portion and a second hollow portion provided opposed to first hollow portion with a first isolation wall interposed therebetween. Alternatively, a method for manufacturing the magnetic field measuring apparatus includes breaking the first isolation wall after generating alkali metal (FIG. 17 and FIG. 20). |
| US09310443B2 |
Voltage detection apparatus and method of reducing dispersion of dark currents
A voltage detection apparatus includes a plurality of voltage detection units, each of which detects cell voltages of plural cells in each of blocks in a battery module. Each of blocks includes the plural cells connected in series. The plurality of voltage detection units are respectively supplied with power via power supply lines connected to the blocks. The plurality of voltage detection units are respectively provided with a plurality of current increase units for increasing dark currents so that the dark currents flowing through the power supply lines respectively become a same target value. |
| US09310441B2 |
Apparatus and method for estimating stage of charge of battery
Provided are battery SOC estimating apparatus and method. The battery SOC estimating apparatus according to the present invention includes an input/output power pattern analyzing unit which analyzes an input/output power of a battery during a predetermined time to obtain an input/output power pattern of the battery; an application status determining unit which analyzes the input/output power pattern of the battery to determine a current application status of the battery; and an SOC calculating unit which calculates an SOC of the battery using a state of charge (SOC) estimation algorithm corresponding to the current application status of the battery. |
| US09310439B2 |
Compressor having a control and diagnostic module
An apparatus includes a voltage sensor, a current sensor, and a controller. The voltage sensor measures voltage values of alternating current power supplied to a capacitor. The capacitor is electrically coupled to a compressor. The current sensor measures current values of the alternating current power. The controller is configured to receive the voltage values and the current values. The controller is configured to determine a first power factor value based on at least one of the voltage values and at least one of the current values. The controller is configured to selectively detect a first capacitor fault in response to concurrent determination that (i) the first power factor value is less than a first power factor threshold and (ii) a first current value of the current values is greater than a first current threshold. The first capacitor fault indicates that a capacitance of the capacitor has degraded. |
| US09310434B2 |
Scan topology discovery in target systems
Topology discovery of a target system having a plurality of components coupled with a scan topology may be performed by driving a low logic value on the data input signal and a data output signal of the scan topology. An input data value and an output data value for each of the plurality of components is sampled and recorded. A low logic value is then scanned through the scan path and recorded at each component. The scan topology may be determined based on the recorded data values and the recorded scan values. |
| US09310433B2 |
Testing SOC with portable scenario models and at different levels
A method for testing a system-on-a-chip (SoC) is described. The method includes parsing a file to determine functions to be performed components of the SoC. The method further includes receiving a desired output of the SoC and generating a test scenario model based on the desired output of the SoC. The test scenario model includes a plurality of module representations of the functions and includes one or more connections between two of the module representations. The desired output acts as a performance constraint for the test scenario model. The test scenario model further includes an input of the SoC that is generated based on the desired output, the module representations, and the one or more connections. The test scenario model includes a path from the input via the module representations and the connections to the desired output. |
| US09310431B2 |
Diagnosis framework to shorten yield learning cycles of advanced processes
The present disclosure relates to a diagnosis framework to shorten yield learning cycles of technology node manufacturing processes from the high defect density stage to technology maturity. A plurality of defect under test (DUT) structures are designed to capture potential manufacturing issues associated with defect formation. A test structure is formed by arranging the DUT structures within a DUT carrier unit, which has been yield-hardened though heuristic yield analysis such that a defect density of the DUT carrier unit is essentially zero. Possible outcomes of an application of test patterns and various failure scenarios associated with defects formed within the DUT structures within the DUT carrier unit are simulated and stored in a look-up table (LUT). The LUT may then be referenced to determine a location of a defect within the test structure without the need for iterative analysis to correctly select defect candidates for physical failure analysis (PFA). |
| US09310428B2 |
Probe retention arrangement
A retention arrangement that includes one or more templates for securing and aligning probes for testing a device under test. |
| US09310427B2 |
High speed tester communication interface between test slice and trays
A tester system is disclosed. The tester system comprises a tester module operable to generate test signals for testing a plurality of DUTs. It also comprises a plurality of cables operable to communicatively couple the tester module with a tray comprising the plurality of DUTs through a thermal chamber wall interface. Further, it comprises a plurality of connectors in contact with the tray, wherein the plurality of connectors is operable to provide an interface between the plurality of cables and conductive traces on the tray, and further wherein each of the plurality of connectors is operable to pass a respective subset of the test signals to each DUT on the tray via the conductive traces. |
| US09310426B2 |
On-going reliability monitoring of integrated circuit chips in the field
Disclosed is an integrated circuit (IC) chip with a built-in self-test (BIST) architecture that allows for in the field accelerated stress testing. The IC chip can comprise an embedded processor, which selectively alternates operation of an on-chip test block between a stress mode and a test mode whenever the IC chip is powered-on such that, during the stress mode, the test block operates at a higher voltage level than an on-chip functional block and such that, during the test mode, the test block operates at a same voltage level as the functional block and is subjected to testing. Also disclosed are a system, method and computer program product which access the results of such testing from IC chips in a variety of different types of products in order model IC chip performance degradation and to generate IC chip end of life predictions specific to the different types of products. |
| US09310422B2 |
Methods and apparatus for testing small form factor antenna tuning elements
A test system for testing a device under test (DUT) is provided. The test system may include a DUT receiving structure configured to receive the DUT during testing and a DUT retention structure that is configured to press the DUT against the DUT receiving structure so that DUT cannot inadvertently shift around during testing. The DUT retention structure may include a pressure sensor operable to detect an amount of pressure that is applied to the DUT. The DUT retention structure may be raised and lowered vertically using a manually-controlled or a computer-controlled positioner. The positioner may be adjusted using a coarse tuning knob and a fine tuning knob. The positioner may be calibrated such that the DUT retention structure applies a sufficient amount of pressure on the DUT during production testing. |
| US09310417B2 |
Using time-domain reflectometry to identify manufacturing information for a passive printed circuit board
A method uses time-domain reflectometry to measure a signal reflection delay in a conductive trace formed on a specific passive printed circuit board, and uses the measured signal reflection delay as an index into a table storing a predetermined association between signal reflection delay and passive printed circuit board manufacturing information, wherein the table includes a plurality of predetermined signal reflection delay values, and wherein each of the predetermined signal reflection delay values is associated with unique passive printed circuit board manufacturing information. During manufacturing of the passive printed circuit board, a hole is drilled through the passive printed circuit board so that the hole intersects with the conductive trace and divides the conductive trace into a proximal segment extending from the connector to the hole and a distal segment that is electrically isolated from the proximal segment by the hole. |
| US09310412B2 |
Field device with self-testing of a piezoelectric transducer
An industrial process field device having a piezoelectric transducer performs self-testing of the condition of the piezoelectric transducer during a self-test mode. A charging current is supplied to the piezoelectric transducer, and voltage on the piezoelectric transducer as a result of the charging current is monitored. A diagnostic test result indicating condition of the piezoelectric transducer is produced based on the magnitude of the voltage. |
| US09310411B2 |
Diagnostic device for a multi-voltage vehicle electrical system, a multi-voltage vehicle electrical system, and a method for operating a multi-voltage vehicle electrical system
A diagnostic device is provided for a multi-voltage electrical system of a motor vehicle which has a first subnetwork acted on by a first voltage and a second subnetwork acted on by a second voltage, the first voltage being higher than the second voltage, and the first and the second subnetwork having a shared ground connection. The diagnostic device includes a second ground connection, a measuring unit configured to measure a current flow via the second ground connection, and a diagnostic unit configured to diagnose a disturbance in the shared ground connection and/or in the second ground connection on the basis of the measured current flow via the second ground connection as a function of at least one operating state of the vehicle electrical system. |
| US09310410B1 |
Load and source pull test system for RF and baseband frequencies
A load pull measurement setup allows independent impedance tuning at RF frequencies at the output of the DUT as well as independent tuning at RF and baseband frequencies of the modulated signal at the input of the DUT. This allows optimizing baseband frequency impedances for nonlinear amplifier performance when processing modulated signal, such as IMD, ACPR etc. Baseband tuning is done using a low frequency programmable impedance tuner, which is connected through the input bias tee, which acts as a frequency separator (diplexer). The input bias tee may be an LC based network or a 3 dB matched coupler based network. |
| US09310409B2 |
Capacitance-to-voltage interface circuits
A capacitance-to-voltage interface circuit is utilized to obtain a voltage corresponding to a detected capacitance differential, which may be associated with the operation of a capacitive sensing cell. The interface circuit includes a capacitive sensing cell, an operational amplifier adapted for selective coupling to the capacitive sensing cell, a feedback capacitor for the operational amplifier, a load capacitor for the operational amplifier, and a switching architecture associated with the capacitive sensing cell, the operational amplifier, the feedback capacitor, and the load capacitor. During use, the switching architecture reconfigures the capacitance-to-voltage interface circuit for operation in a plurality of different phases. The different operational phases enable the single operational amplifier to be used for both capacitance-to-voltage conversion and voltage amplification. |
| US09310407B2 |
Power strip and power measurement method
A power strip includes: jack portions; current meters each configured to measure a current being supplied from the corresponding jack portion to one of external electrical devices, and to output a measurement signal corresponding to a magnitude of the current; and a computing unit configured to obtain instantaneous values of the current at a plurality of time points on the basis of the measurement signal, and to calculate a power value using the instantaneous values. The computing unit configured to obtain the instantaneous values-of the current by using any one of a first zero point and a second zero point as a reference. |
| US09310404B2 |
Power measurement system and power temperature converter
A power measurement system includes: a power temperature converter attached to a power supply line of an electric instrument and having a temperature changed corresponding to a current flowing through the power supply line; a temperature measurement apparatus configured to measure the temperature of the power temperature converter; and an analyzer configured to analyze power consumed by the electric instrument by using a measurement result of the temperature of the power temperature converter obtained by the temperature measurement apparatus. |
| US09310402B2 |
Systems and methods for automated electricity delivery management for out-of-control-area resources
Systems and methods are provided for automated electricity delivery management. More specifically, the invention relates to systems and methods for instantly and electronically determining available electricity, predicting short-term delivery forecasts, evaluating transmission availability, capacity and paths, determining inter-tie availability, capacity and price, and bidding the power into the market. Such systems and methods may occur on a mobile device, and/or web interface. |
| US09310396B2 |
Apparatus and methods of measuring minority carrier lifetime using a liquid probe
Methods and apparatus for measuring minority carrier lifetimes using liquid probes are provided. In one embodiment, a method of measuring the minority carrier lifetime of a semiconductor material comprises: providing a semiconductor material having a surface; forming a rectifying junction at a first location on the surface by temporarily contacting the surface with a conductive liquid probe; electrically coupling a second junction to the semiconductor material at a second location, wherein the first location and the second location are physically separated; applying a forward bias to the rectifying junction causing minority carrier injection in the semiconductor material; measuring a total capacitance as a function of frequency between the rectifying junction and the second junction; determining an inflection frequency of the total capacitance; and determining a minority lifetime of the semiconductor material from the inflection frequency. |
| US09310395B2 |
Probe member for pogo pin
Provided is probe member for a pogo pin used for testing a semiconductor device, at least a portion of the probe member being inserted into a cylindrical body and supported by an elastic member and an upper end of the probe member contacting a terminal of the semiconductor device. |
| US09310386B2 |
In vitro assay for quantifying clostridial neurotoxin activity
Novel methods for determining the unknown biological activity of a clostridial neurotoxin in a sample with respect to the known biological activity of a clostridial neurotoxin in a reference sample, comprising the step of comparing the biological activity of a clostridial neurotoxin preparation with the biological activity of a standard preparation of a reference clostridial neurotoxin in certain in vitro systems. |
| US09310384B2 |
Feline bitter taste receptors and methods
A family of novel feline bitter taste receptors, referred to as feline TAS2R (fTAS2R), are disclosed herein. Isolated polynucleotides encoding the novel feline bitter taste receptors and chimeric polypeptides are also disclosed, as are expression vectors and host cells for expression of the novel feline bitter taste receptors. Methods of identifying compounds that bind to the novel feline bitter taste receptors and modulate their activity are disclosed. |
| US09310380B2 |
Method for analyzing proteins contributing to autoimmune diseases, and method for testing for said diseases
Provided are a detection method for a myriad of proteins involved in an autoimmune disease with high sensitivity and high efficiency, and an analysis method for data resulting from the detection method. In order to construct the detection method and analysis method, there is provided means for comprehensively analyzing the proteins involved in an autoimmune disease by bringing a mammal-derived protein expressed in a cell-free protein synthesis system into contact with a sample derived from a patient with an autoimmune disease to detect autoantibody production, and subjecting the detected data to statistical analysis processing, and further, gene ontology analysis and/or pathway analysis. |
| US09310376B2 |
Methods of macromolecular analysis using nanochannel arrays
Methods of analyzing features such as the physical size of macromolecules or biomarkers along large genomic DNA molecules were disclosed as wen as the devices for carrying out such high throughput analysis in a massively parallel fashion. Methods of fabricating such devices are also disclosed. |
| US09310373B2 |
Molecular conjugate
A method is disclosed for making a conjugate of two molecules using a hydrazide thiol linker. In a particular working embodiment, an Fc-specific antibody-enzyme conjugate is made using the method and demonstrated to provide exceptional staining sensitivity and specificity in immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization assays. |
| US09310371B2 |
Detection and treatment of cancer
The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing, evaluating the prognosis of a cancer patient and evaluating the aggressiveness of a cancer. The methods comprise detecting the phosphorylation status of a Scribble protein, a fragment or variant thereof, wherein the phosphorylation status is indicative of cancer, prognosis and the aggressiveness of a cancer. In one embodiment the cancer is breast cancer. |
| US09310367B2 |
Compositions and methods for screening for lyme disease
The invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for the diagnosis or detection of infection by a pathogen that causes Lyme disease in a subject. |
| US09310363B2 |
Method and apparatus for forming of an automated sampling device for the detection of salmonella enterica utilizing an electrochemical aptamer biosensor
An aptamer-based solid-state electrochemical biosensor for label-free detection of Salmonella enterica serovars utilizing immobilized aptamers. The device is realized by forming a matrix array of parallel capacitors, thus allowing the realization of low-cost, portable, fully integrated devices. Protein-aptamer binding modulates the threshold voltage of a circuit, changing the impedance (capacitance) of the circuit. This circuit is further characterized by an electrode coded with a p-Si substrate, enhancing the affinity between the Salmonella outer membrane proteins (OMPs) and the aptamer. An aptamer embedded detection plate is configured within a testing lid device that fits a standard, commercially available polymer specimen jar. A sample is mixed with broth for incubation and cultivation of any present Salmonella bacteria to obtain acceptable concentration of the pathogen for testing. The information obtained can then be transmitted by wireless network. |
| US09310362B2 |
Microwell array chip and method of manufacturing same
A microwell array chip made of silicon and having multiple microwells where each microwell is used to store a single specimen organic cell. The microwell of the array chip is of a size and shape to hold just one organic cell and the interior surface of the microwells are coated with a fluorocarbon film. |
| US09310361B2 |
Multifunctional encoded particles for high-throughput analysis
Method for making multifunctional particles. The method includes flowing a first monomer stream loaded with a fluorescent entity along a microfluidic channel and flowing a second monomer stream loaded with a probe adjacent to the first monomer stream along the microfluidic channel. The monomer streams are polymerized to synthesize particles having a fluorescent, graphically encoded region and a probe-loaded region. |
| US09310359B2 |
Analyte quantification using flow induced dispersion analysis
A method for quantitative characterization of non-covalent interactions and analyte quantification in nanoliter samples is described. The procedure is based on Flow Induced Dispersion Analysis (FIDA), of which the only system requirements is a narrow tube, capillary or channel equipped with a detector. The technique can be implemented using standard equipment such as High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Flow Injection Analysis (FIA) or Capillary Electrophoresis (CE). |
| US09310357B2 |
Detection of chemical and biological agents using oligonucleotide aptamers
Methods and systems for detecting chemical and biological agents using oligonucleotide aptamers. A sensor includes a detection complex between an aptamer that has a binding domain for the chemical or biological agent, and a first oligonucleotide with a sequence complementary to a region of the aptamer. In the absence of the agent, the aptamer and the first oligonucleotide form an intermediate combination. In the presence of the agent, the intermediate combination dissociates. The sensor further includes a second oligonucleotide with a sequence that interacts with a region of the first oligonucleotide to form a duplex structure only when the first oligonucleotide is dissociated from the aptamer. When the duplex structure is formed, it can interact with a reporter molecule which in turn initiates a signal reporting detection of the chemical or biological agent. |
| US09310353B2 |
Method for evaluating bioavailable zinc
A method to detect bioavailable metal ions from an oral care composition and a method to select for compounds that inhibit the uptake of metal ions into cells. |
| US09310349B2 |
Sensor structure for EVAP hydrocarbon concentration and flow rate
A system and method controls a ratio of fuel to gas delivered to an internal combustion engine. Fuel for the engine is stored in a fuel supply. The fuel supply generates fuel vapor that is retained in a canister. The canister is in fluid communication with the engine via a flow path. Hydrocarbon concentration of fuel vapor in the flow path is determined. Pressure drop across a restrictive orifice provided in the flow path is measured to determine a flow rate of the fuel vapor in the flow path. A flow of the fuel vapor through the flow path and to the engine is controlled and injection valves that inject fuel into the engine are controlled so that an amount of fuel injected into the engine is based on the determined concentration of hydrocarbons in the fuel vapor. |
| US09310347B2 |
Methods and systems for analyzing combustion system operation
Systems and methods for analyzing combustion system operation are provided. According to one embodiment, a method can include receiving multiple CO measurements from respective CO sensors distributed within a combustion system; receiving multiple O2 measurements from respective O2 sensors distributed within the combustion system; and determining at least one operating condition of the combustion system based at least in part on CO indicated by the CO measurements relative to O2 indicated by the O2 measurements. |
| US09310346B1 |
Methods for rapid gas sampling with high horizontal spatial resolution in a manner suitable for subsequent constituent gas analysis
A gas sample storage chamber is used to continuously acquire a gas sample. After the sample has been acquired, the stored gas in the chamber can be analyzed. This analysis can provide a time history of the gas sample, since mixing and diffusion of the gas sample in the chamber can be made sufficiently negligible. The gas flow rate for analysis differs significantly from the acquisition flow rate. |
| US09310344B2 |
HILIC/anion-exchange/cation-exchange multimodal media
The present invention provides an agglomerated multimodal chromatographic medium. the medium of the invention includes groups active in anion exchange, cation exchange and hydrophilic interaction chromatographic modalities. The invention provides methods of making these media and using them in separations of analytes. Also provided are separations devices incorporating the medium and systems incorporating these separations devices. |
| US09310341B2 |
Method and system for three-dimensional vibration measurement using vibrometer
Disclosed herein are a system and method for three-dimensional vibration measurement. The method includes measuring vibration components and shape information at a vibration measurement point of a measurement target by sequentially emitting laser beams to the vibration measurement point of the measurement target at each of three measuring positions for measuring vibration of the measurement target; obtaining transformation matrices between first to third coordinate systems with respect to each of the measuring positions and a local coordinate system with respect to the vibration measurement point of the measurement target, based on the shape information; measuring angles between unit vectors of respective axes of the local coordinate system and direction vectors of the laser beams emitted with reference to the first to third coordinate systems upon measuring the vibration components; and measuring three-dimensional vibration of the measurement target based on the vibration components and the angles. |
| US09310338B2 |
Method for measuring remote field eddy current thickness in multiple tubular configuration
In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a method of inspecting a well tubular is disclosed. The method utilizes a probe with a transmitter and detectors spaced from the transmitter by at least twice the diameter of the pipe to be tested. In some cases where multi-tubular structures are tested, the probe can include further detectors spaced from the transmitter by at least twice the diameter of the outer pipes as well. The phase of signals detected by the detectors relative to the transmitter are utilized to detect faults in the pipes. |
| US09310328B1 |
Method of detecting leukemia
The method of detecting leukemia involves placing a suspension of red blood cells in a reservoir having a capillary tube partially immersed in the reservoir. An alternating current is applied to electrodes (one in the reservoir, the other in the capillary tube) at different frequencies. The electrical resistance is measured at the interface between the electrode and the suspension in the capillary tube. At the same time, CCD (charge coupled device) cameras take images, both top views and side views. The electrical resistance will show a peak at a characteristic resonant frequency, which is different for cancerous blood cells than for normal blood cells. The CCD images will show a pattern of maximum repulsion from the electrode at the resonant frequency in the top view, and minimum height of blood cells on the side of the electrode at the resonant frequency in the side view. |
| US09310327B2 |
Toroidal conductivity probe with integrated circuitry
An apparatus and process for making noncontact measurements of liquid conductivity are disclosed. This apparatus forms a conductivity cell and uses two toroids, one to generate a magnetic field and another to sense the magnetic field, placed in an enclosure which allows liquid to pass through it for measurement. Ground planes constructed preferably of printed circuit boards with conductive layers are used to reduce capacitive coupling between the toroids and provide better shielding. Circuitry on or near these circuit boards are used to convert local, low level signals from a sensing toroid to signals which can be more readily passed to and from a recording system or operator without degradation. Sensors on or near these circuit boards can be used to sense environmental conditions in order to improve operation and stability of the conductivity cell. Methods and apparatus for increasing circuit sensitivity and calibrating the sensor are also disclosed. |
| US09310323B2 |
Systems and methods for high-Z threat alarm resolution
A second stage screening system configured to resolve a threat alarm detected in a cargo by a first stage screening system. The second stage screening system includes layers of first muon detectors placed above the cargo to detect a first coordinate and an angle of incidence of incoming muons and layers of second muon detectors placed below the cargo to detect an actual coordinate and an actual angle of exit of the incoming muons. The first and second detectors measure a momentum of the incoming muons. A processing unit receives threat sensitivity vectors determined from the first stage, operates a cargo positioning system that centers a high-Z threat within the cargo, relative to the first and second muon detectors, and analyzes the momentum and a distribution of deflection angles between the angles of incidence and exit to resolve the threat alarm. |
| US09310322B2 |
X-ray security inspection machine
The present specification discloses an X-ray security inspection machine that has a machine housing defining an X-ray tunnel for receiving an article to be inspected, a conveyor belt for conveying the article, two rollers for receiving and moving the conveyor belt, and a conveyor belt tracking device positioned along the path between the two rollers. The conveyor belt tracking device has a mounting bracket for mounting the conveyor belt tracking device to the inspection machine and a guide frame with an upper portion and a lower portion, where the upper portion and lower portion are spaced apart from each other and the conveyor belt passes through the space between the upper portion and lower portion. |
| US09310320B2 |
Based sampling and binning for yield critical defects
Methods and systems for design based sampling and binning for yield critical defects are provided. One method includes aligning each image patch in each inspection image frame generated for a wafer by an optical subsystem of an inspection system to design information for the wafer. The method also includes deriving multiple layer design attributes at locations of defects detected in the image patches. In addition, the method includes building a decision tree with the multiple layer design attributes. The decision tree is used to separate the defects into bins with different yield impacts on a device being formed on the wafer. The method also includes binning the defects with the decision tree. |
| US09310319B2 |
Device for inspecting substrate having irregular rough surface and inspection method using same
A substrate inspection apparatus for inspecting a substrate having an irregular concave-convex surface for scattering lights, comprises a first irradiation system which irradiates the substrate with a first detection light; a first detection system which detects any luminance unevenness from the entire concave-convex surface of the substrate irradiated with the first detection light; a second irradiation system which irradiates the substrate with a second detection light having a wavelength different from that of the first detection light; and a second detection system which detects any defect of the concave-convex surface of the substrate irradiated with the second detection light. The luminance unevenness and a pattern defect of the substrate having the irregular concave-convex surface can be inspected effectively at low cost. |
| US09310318B2 |
Defect inspection method and defect inspection device
To detect a bridge defect between lines of a line pattern formed on a sample at pitches narrower than the wavelength of inspection light, a defect inspection device is configured to comprise: a light source which emits laser; a vertical illumination unit which applies the laser to the sample from a vertical direction via an objective lens by converting the laser into linearly polarized light by using a polarization conversion unit in a state polarized in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the line pattern; an oblique illumination unit which applies the laser to the sample from an oblique direction; a detection optical unit including an optical filter which selectively transmits a scattered light component from the defect by converting the polarization state of the reflected/scattered light; and a signal processing unit which detects the defect on the sample by processing a detection signal. |
| US09310316B2 |
Selecting parameters for defect detection methods
Computer-implemented methods, computer-readable media, and systems for selecting one or more parameters for a defect detection method are provided. One method includes selecting one or more parameters of a defect detection method using an optimization function and information for a set of classified defects, which includes defects of interest and nuisance defects, such that the one or more parameters satisfy an objective for the defect detection method. |
| US09310314B2 |
Apparatus and methods for concentration determination using polarized light
Methods and apparatus for concentration determination using polarized light. The apparatus includes a first polarized light source having a first light source polarization axis and a second polarized light source having a second light source polarization axis generally perpendicular to the first light source polarization axis. Also, a first polarized light receiver having a first polarized light receiver polarization axis and configured to measure an intensity of light transmitted from the first light receiver polarizer and a second polarized light receiver having a second polarized light receiver polarization axis substantially perpendicular to the first light receiver polarization axis and configured to measure an intensity of light transmitted from the second light receiver polarizer, wherein the first and second light receiver polarization axes are generally +/−45 degrees relative to the first and second light source polarization axes. |
| US09310313B1 |
Diffractive imaging of groove structures on optical tape
A groove-monitoring system for imaging an optical tape surface is provided. The optical tape surface includes a plurality of groove patterns embossed thereon. The groove-monitoring system includes an optical sensor, a first light source directing a first light beam onto the optical tape surface with a first angle of incidence such that the first light beam is directly reflected from the optical tape surface and imaged by the optical sensor. The groove-monitoring system also includes a second light source directing a second light beam onto the optical tape surface with a second angle of incidence such that the second light beam is diffracted from the optical tape surface and imaged by the optical sensor as a diffracted light image. |
| US09310311B2 |
Time validation indicator
A time validation indicator is disclosed comprising at least a receiving layer and an activating layer. The receiving layer comprises at least one or more masking colorants and one or more deactivators that cause and maintain the one or more masking colorants in an initial colored state. The activating layer comprises at least one or more migratory activators that migrate into the receiving layer upon at least a portion of the receiving layer being placed in contact with at least a portion of the activating layer to initiate a predetermined time period. The migration of the one or more migratory activators into the receiving layer causes at least a portion of the one or more masking colorants to advance to a final colorless state resulting in a visual color change of the receiving layer that indicates the predetermined time period has elapsed. Also disclosed are methods for creating and using the inventive time validation indicator. |
| US09310308B2 |
Micro-plasma emission detector unit and method
The micro-plasma emission detector unit is for use with a gas chromatograph. It includes an airtight housing having an internal ionization chamber and a makeup gas inlet chamber, a pair of spaced-apart ionization electrodes positioned on opposite sides of the ionization chamber, and a permeation device having a semi-permeable membrane. The semi-permeable membrane is at least partially and removably insertable through the makeup gas inlet chamber. |
| US09310307B2 |
Method and device for processing data
High-speed data processing is achieved by measuring spectral data using a multivariate analysis. This is accomplished by a determining sampling intervals or sampling data to be used in the multivariate analysis, obtaining a spectral data group of the determined sampling intervals, and carrying out the multivariate analysis using the obtained spectral data group. |
| US09310306B2 |
Apparatus for use in sensing applications
An apparatus for use in sensing applications includes a substrate and a plurality of clusters arranged in an aperiodic configuration on the substrate, wherein each of the plurality of clusters is formed of a plurality of Raman-active material nano-particles, and wherein each of the Raman-active material nano-particles is positioned in a substantially ordered configuration with respect to each other in each of the respective plurality of clusters. |
| US09310305B2 |
Encoded microcarriers, assay system using them and method for performing an assay
The present invention relates to an encoded microcarrier comprising a readable code attached to it for identification, said encoded microcarrier comprising a body having at least a detection surface to detect a chemical and/or biological reaction, the microcarrier further comprising at least a spacing element projecting from the body and shaped to ensure that, when the encoded microcarrier is laid on a flat plane with the detection surface facing said flat plane, a gap exists between said flat plane and the detection surface. The invention also relates to an assay device designed to use a plurality of said encoded microcarriers to perform assays. The invention relates finally to a method for monitoring a chemical or biological reaction. |
| US09310304B2 |
Methods and compositions for rapid multiplex amplification of STR loci
Provided are methods for multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of short tandem repeat (STR) loci that can be used to rapidly generate a highly specific STR profile from target nucleic acids. The resulting STR profiles are useful for human identification purposes in law enforcement, homeland security, military, intelligence, and paternity testing applications. |
| US09310301B2 |
Lens assembly for biological testing
The invention relates to an optical detection system for a thermal cycling device including at least one light source, a light detection device for detecting light received from a plurality of biological samples, and a lens having first and second surfaces formed on the lens, the second surface substantially opposed to the first surface. The first surface may be configured to collimate light and the second surface may be configured to direct light into each of the plurality of biological samples. |
| US09310300B2 |
Compact portable apparatus for optical assay
A structure is configured to retain optical diagnostic assay components in a manner that enables them to be synergistically combined or coupled both mechanically and electrically with a conventional mobile electronic device (such as a smartphone), such that the pairing maintains a mutually advantageous relationship to provide a compact portable optical assay apparatus in which the optical assay portion has access to the image sensor, battery power, microprocessor, and data capture, analysis, storage, display and transmission capabilities of the smartphone, and the smartphone portion provides the overall apparatus with features of transportability, user interface, and information storage, analysis and retrieval, and transmission of assay results to a separate site, such as a site of records related to the provider of the sample being assayed. Methods of providing such structure and of performing an optical assay of sample material utilizing such structure are described. |
| US09310299B2 |
Biochip detecting device and light source detecting method thereof
A biochip detecting device for detecting a biochip is provided. The biochip receives an incident light to produce an excitation light. Both the incident light and the excitation light include a specific wavelength. The biochip detecting device includes a light source producing the incident light, an optical attenuator, a filter, a sensor, and a control module electrically connected to the light source and the sensor. Light with the specific wavelength passes through the filter. The optical attenuator disposed between the light source and the filter attenuates an intensity of the incident light, and replaces the biochip. The sensor detects an intensity of the light with the specific wavelength attenuated by the optical attenuator, and generates an intensity signal. The control module adjusts the intensity of the incident light according to whether the intensity signal is complied with a predetermined requirement. A detection method for the light source is provided. |
| US09310297B2 |
Method for determining at least one physical, chemical and/or biological measured variable by means of optical sensors, and turbidity sensor
A turbidity sensor and a method for determining at least one physical, chemical and/or biological measured variable of process automation in a medium by means of at least one optical sensor, comprising the steps of sending transmission signals into the medium, wherein the transmission signals are converted into received signals by interaction with, especially by scattering from, the medium as a function of the measured variable; receiving the received signals; and converting the received signals into the measured variable as a function of environmental conditions at the location of installation and, adjusting the sensor based on a calibration graph corresponding to environmental conditions at the location of installation. |
| US09310296B2 |
Optimizing an optical parametric model for structural analysis using optical critical dimension (OCD) metrology
Optimization of optical parametric models for structural analysis using optical critical dimension metrology is described. A method includes determining a first optical model fit for a parameter of a structure. The first optical model fit is based on a domain of quantities for a first model of the structure. A first near optical field response is determined for a first quantity of the domain of quantities and a second near optical field response is determined for a second, different quantity of the domain of quantities. The first and second near optical field responses are compared to locate a common region of high optical field intensity for the parameter of the structure. The first model of the structure is modified to provide a second, different model of the structure. A second, different optical model fit is determined for the parameter of the structure based on the second model of the structure. |
| US09310292B2 |
Methods and apparatus for vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) or shorter wavelength circular dichroism spectroscopy
A highly efficient vacuum ultraviolet circular dichroism spectrometer is provided; the spectrometer suitable for laboratory use or for integration into a beam line at a synchrotron radiation facility. In one embodiment, a spectroscopic circular dichroism instrument is provided; the instrument configured so as to enable circular dichroism data to be simultaneously obtained for multiple wavelengths of light. The instrument may be further configured to operate in at least a portion of the vacuum ultraviolet wavelength region. |
| US09310287B2 |
Method and apparatus for the identification and handling of particles
Disclosed herein are methods and equipment for the optimized selection and isolation, within a respective population, of elements of interest and/or utility for a series of subsequent operations, which can include the phases of: a) identifying, for each particle, at least one of a plurality of characteristic parameters; b) selecting the particles of interest, comparing for each of these the at least one parameter with a respective reference parameter; c) storing, for each of the particles, the at least one parameter identified; d) processing the value of a function of the stored parameter, associating the function with a criterion for selection of the particles of interest chosen from a group of possible selection criteria; e) establishing for each particle a threshold criterion to be used as reference parameter, on a time by time basis according to the result of the processing. |
| US09310286B2 |
Patient sample classification based upon low angle light scattering
An apparatus for classifying a liquid patient sample includes at least one sample container having a quantity of a sample that is aggressively acted upon so as to create a flow field. A measurement mechanism includes at least one low angle light emitter aligned with a measurement window of the at least one sample container and a detector oppositely disposed relative to the measurement window. Measurement of the scattered light detects particle characteristics of a moving flow field from the sample to determine, for example, the amount of agglutination of the sample so as to perform blood typing or other classifications without spatial separation. |
| US09310285B1 |
Method and integrated device for analyzing liquid flow and liquid-solid interface interaction
An Integrated Circuit (IC) chip with a lab-on-a-chip, a method of manufacturing the lab-on-a-chip and a method of using the lab-on-a-chip for fluid flow analysis in physical systems through combination with computer modeling. The lab-on-a-chip includes cavities in a channel layer and a capping layer, preferably transparent, covering the cavities. Gates control two dimensional (2D) lattice structures acting as heaters, light sources and/or sensors in the cavities, or fluid channels. The gates and two dimensional (2D) lattice structures may be at the cavity bottoms or on the capping layer. Wiring connects the gates and the 2D lattice structures externally. |
| US09310282B2 |
Impact testing device
An impacting testing device is provided. The impacting testing device comprises a first platform, a second platform, a plurality of first suspension devices, at least one impact assembly and a plurality of second suspension devices. The at least one impact assembly is disposed on the second platform and faces the first platform for providing at least one impact force to the first platform, and thus, the impact testing is executed on an object disposed on the first platform. |
| US09310280B2 |
Ballast water treatment monitoring system
A method and system for taking a sample of ballast water. The method includes withdrawing a sample of ballast water via a tube inserted in a ballast water pipe, wherein the tube includes a sample inlet, and isokinetic flow is achieved via a pump that controls the flow of the sample ballast water through the tube inlet by comparing a flow of the ballast water pipe with a flow of the sample ballast water through the tube; and controlling the flow of water through the sample tube inlet when a flow of the ballast water pipe is sensed to be different; withdrawing a portion of the sample ballast water for testing; and returning remaining sample ballast water to the ballast water pipe. |
| US09310277B2 |
Tire temperature and tire pressure wireless sensing device
A tire temperature and tire pressure wireless sensing device is provided, which includes a housing, a valve body, a power supply module, a circuit board and a transmission antenna. The power supply module is disposed on the fixed seat of the housing, and the circuit board includes a wireless transmission module and a sensing module thereon. The sensing module is disposed corresponding to an air-intake through hole of the bottom seat of the housing. The valve body is engaged with the air-intake through hole and one end of the transmission antenna is disposed in an antenna slot. |
| US09310272B2 |
Electronic device provided with automatic leak detection means
The electronic device (1) is provided with an automatic leak detection means, notably for a gas leak, in the case (2) of the device. The automatic leak detection means includes an internal pressure sensor (3), an external pressure sensor (4) and a calculation unit (5) connected to the internal pressure sensor and to the external pressure sensor. The calculation unit, which is a microcontroller, and the internal pressure sensor are arranged inside the case, whereas the external pressure sensor is arranged on an external surface of the case. The microcontroller (5) checks, based on measurements performed by the pressure sensors over time, whether the pressure variation inside the case is different from the pressure variation outside the case to determine whether or not the case has a sufficient degree of sealing. |
| US09310269B2 |
Analog front-end compensation
In an embodiment, an apparatus may include a sense element that may measure a property such as, for example, pressure. The sense element may produce an output based on the measured property. Circuitry associated with the sense element may store a voltage that represents the output produced by the sense element. The circuitry may include, for example, a capacitor which may store the voltage. The stored voltage may include one or more parasitic components such as, for example, an offset voltage and/or voltage associated with current leakage. The circuitry may adjust the stored voltage to compensate for the parasitic components. The adjustment may occur over a series of phases of operation of the circuitry. |
| US09310268B2 |
Low profile pressure sensor
A pressure sensor 100 may comprise a nylon socket 200, an upper PCB 320, a lower PCB 340, and a hex housing 400. The nylon socket 200 may include co-molded electrical pin conductors 230a, 230b, 230c extending axially from electrical connectors 240a, 240b, 240c defined within a top end of the nylon socket 200 to a bottom end of the nylon socket 200. The upper PCB 320 may have contacts configured to contact the electrical pin conductors 230a, 230b, 230c. The lower PCB 340 may be electrically coupled to the upper PCB 320 and to strain gauges 355 coupled to a diaphragm 360. The hex housing 440 may have an interior axial port 430 extending from a bottom of said hex housing 400 to a counterbore 440 for holding the diaphragm 360, thereby exposing a first side of said diaphragm 360 to the fluid within the axial port 430. |
| US09310262B2 |
Method and apparatus for confirming whether a frozen food has been defrosted
A defrost indicator including: a body member defining a cavity; two or more fluids, each having one or more of a different composition or characteristic; and wherein when the two or more fluids are exposed to a predetermined temperature, the two or more fluids mix or interact to produce a different composition or characteristic. |
| US09310258B2 |
Time-temperature dosimeter
The present disclosure relates to a dosimeter for measuring exposure to heat over time in combination with peak temperature indicators and reversible temperature indicators. The preferred temperature indicator tag is credit card sized and comprises four time-temperature dosimeters. Each dosimeter has a wick in contact with a separate reservoir containing a mix of a colored dye, a wax and an amorphous polymer to indicate a distinct temperature range when the mix melts. The wicks are preferably made of porous paper with a pore size around 8 microns to allow for proper capillary action along its length. An adhesive, except where each wick contacts its respective reservoir and at a vent, preferably seals each wick. The tag preferably has a plurality of peak temperature indicators where each indicator has a blend of a dye, a wax and a polymer for a temperature indication range. The tag also preferably has a plurality of reversible temperature sensors. |
| US09310256B2 |
Process sensor with convective increaser
A convective heat transfer increaser feature for a process sensor. The feature may include at least annular fins, helical fins, knurling or other features which increase surface area. The features also increase turbulence which increases adherence of the turbulent flow to the process sensor. |
| US09310251B2 |
Automated object classification using temperature profiles
Methods and apparatus are provided for automated object classification using temperature profiles. An object in an environment (such as an exemplary data center) is classified by obtaining a surface temperature profile of the object; and classifying the object as a particular type of equipment based on the obtained surface temperature profile. The surface temperature profile of the object can be compared to a plurality of predefined characteristic surface temperature profiles each associated with a given type of equipment. |
| US09310250B1 |
High dynamic range measurement system for process monitoring
A flashlamp control system is provided with a capacitor that is statically electrically connected to the high voltage power supply, and a current sensing component is then electrically connected to the static capacitor and digital control electronics to monitor the charge current and/or the discharge current to static capacitor. A dynamically switchable capacitor electrically may also be connected to the high voltage power supply and digital control electronics for isolating the dynamically switchable capacitor from the high voltage power supply based on the monitored charge current and/or discharge current. One or more homogenizing element, comprise of an air gap, diffusing homogenizing element, imaging element, non-imaging element or light pipe homogenizing element, may be disposed in the light path proximate to the flashlamp, such as a multichannel distributor if present, to decrease the coefficient of variation of the optical signal, either temporally and spectrally, or both. |
| US09310249B2 |
Spectrophotometer for the automated optical characterization of solar collector tubes and method for the operation thereof
The invention relates to a spectrophotometer for the automated optical characterization of solar collector tubes and to a method for the operation thereof, that measures the coefficient of transmission of the glass tube and of reflection of the metal tube. The device includes all the necessary components for taking said measurement, such as the optical bench supporting the tube, the standard or framework, and the optical modules for the device, a main module that generates the light bundles, a measuring module that measures the coefficient of transmission of the outer glass tube and the coefficient of reflection of the inner metal tube, a mechanical system of tube rotation, an electronic system of data acquisition and processing, an external computer for controlling the device and processing the data measured, and a system of communication between the device and the computer. |
| US09310247B2 |
Dark current calibration for a photosensitive device
An imaging circuit includes at least one photosensitive device that provides an output in response to at least one photon and a compensation circuit configured to provide dark current compensation for the output of said photosensitive device. The applied compensation uses temperature information and temperature dependent calibration information. |
| US09310246B2 |
Noise reduction in infrasound detection
Provided are methods, circuits and apparatuses for detecting pressure variations. The circuit can comprise at least two pressure sensors electrically coupled in parallel. At least one pressure sensor can have a differential input and a differential output. The circuit can also comprise a first switching mechanism electrically coupled to the differential input of the at least one pressure sensor. The first switching mechanism can be configured to electrically couple a first current source to the at least one pressure sensor according to a first reference signal. The circuit can also comprise a second switching mechanism electrically coupled to the differential output of the at least one pressure sensor. The second switching mechanism can be configured to electrically couple a second current source to the at least one pressure sensor according to a second reference signal. |
| US09310242B2 |
Method and system for determining the load of a motor vehicle, and motor vehicle
A method for determining the load of a motor vehicle includes the following steps: detecting at least one physical measured variable that depends on the load and generating a measured value that represents the detected measured variable; evaluating the generated measured values in order to determine the load by correlating the generated measured values or the load values determined therefrom with each other in order to produce a correction value from the correlation, with the aid of which an actual load value is determined for the load of the motor vehicle. There is also provided a system for detecting the load of a motor vehicle, and a motor vehicle. |
| US09310237B2 |
Ultrasonic flow metering using compensated computed temperature
Apparatus and methods for verifying temperature measurements in an ultrasonic flow meter. An ultrasonic flow metering system includes a passage for fluid flow, a temperature sensor, an ultrasonic flow meter, and a flow processor. The temperature sensor is disposed to provide measured temperature of fluid flowing in the passage. The ultrasonic flow meter is configured to measure transit time of an ultrasonic signal through the fluid. The flow processor is configured to 1) compute speed of sound through the fluid based on the transit time; 2) calculate a computed temperature of the fluid based on the speed of sound; 3) apply compensation, based on a historical difference between the computed temperature and the measured temperature, to a temperature verification parameter; and 4) determine, based on the temperature verification parameter, whether a current difference between the measured temperature and the computed temperature is within a predetermined range. |
| US09310234B2 |
Flow rate testing to locate tube obstruction
A hydraulic power unit, a flow meter, and a pressure gauge couple to a first end of a tube under testing. The hydraulic power unit provides an inlet pressure to move a testing fluid through the tube. The flow meter measures a flow rate of the testing fluid and the pressure gauge measures the inlet pressure. An accelerometer measures sound and vibration of the tube. A reservoir couple to an outlet of the tub and an inlet of the hydraulic power unit. The reservoir supplies the testing fluid to the hydraulic power unit and collects the testing fluid from the tube. Hoses interconnect the components in a closed loop that reuses the testing fluid. By analyzing the flow rate, it is determined if an obstruction exist in the tube. By analyzing the inlet pressure and the sound and vibration of the tube, a location of the obstruction is determined. |
| US09310232B2 |
Method for calibrating a sensor within an enclosure; sensor, disposable, and treatment device including a like sensor
The invention relates to a method for calibrating sensors, in particular RFID sensors, within an enclosure such as, e.g., a sterilization chamber. It furthermore relates to a sensor calibrated by the method of the invention, a disposable device including such a sensor, as well as a treatment device. |
| US09310231B2 |
Checking unit and method for calibrating a checking unit
The invention relates to a checking unit for checking a material web and to a calibrating method for the checking unit. The checking unit is equipped with drive means for transporting the calibration medium past the checking unit in order to detect a multiplicity of measurement values of the calibration medium. The drive means are arranged in the housing of the checking unit in order for the drive means to be protected from moisture or contaminants from the environment. To obtain a transporting of the calibration medium past the checking unit in spite of the arrangement of the drive means in the housing, drive means are employed that are configured for a contactless interaction with the calibration medium and can transport the calibration medium past the checking unit contactlessly. For this purpose there is preferably used a magnetic interaction between the drive means and the calibration medium. |
| US09310230B2 |
Method and system for providing real time analyte sensor calibration with retrospective backfill
Provided are methods and apparatus for receiving sensor data from an analyte sensor of a sensor monitoring system, processing the received sensor data with time corresponding calibration data, outputting the processed sensor data, detecting one or more adverse conditions associated with the sensor monitoring system, disabling the output of the sensor data during the adverse condition time period, determining that the one or more detected adverse conditions is no longer present in the sensor monitoring system, retrieving the sensor data during the adverse condition time period, processing the retrieved sensor data during the adverse condition time period, and outputting the processed retrieved sensor data. |
| US09310223B2 |
Magnetic logic units configured to measure magnetic field direction
An apparatus includes circuits, a field line configured to generate a magnetic field based on an input, a sensing module configured to determine a parameter of each circuit, and a magnetic field direction determination module configured to determine an angular orientation of the apparatus relative to an external magnetic field based on the parameter. Each circuit includes multiple magnetic tunnel junctions. Each magnetic tunnel junction includes a storage layer having a storage magnetization direction and a sense layer having a sense magnetization direction configured based on the magnetic field. Each magnetic tunnel junction is configured such that the sense magnetization direction and a resistance of the magnetic tunnel junction vary based on the external magnetic field. The parameter varies based on the resistances of the multiple magnetic tunnel junctions. The magnetic field direction determination module is implemented in at least one of a memory or a processing device. |
| US09310219B2 |
Methods of and apparatus for displaying map information
In a system that uses tile-based road network rendering for displaying map information to a user, a tile is rendered for display by rendering a front tile (20) with an appropriate texture to depict, e.g., the “ground” and a see-through shape (22) representing a feature that is below the ground level, and rendering a rear tile (21) that has drawn on it an image region (23) representing the intended below ground level feature, surrounded by a color or texture (24) that represents a border for that feature, to appear behind and slightly offset relative to the front tile (20), such that the image region (23) and its corresponding border (24) on the rear tile (21) can be seen through the see-through shape (22) in the front tile (20). In this way, a more visually appealing depiction of the below ground level feature can be achieved. |
| US09310218B2 |
Apparatus and method for displaying a point of interest
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for displaying a point of interest (POI). According to the present invention, a screen for path guiding and a screen for POI guiding can be simultaneously and separately provided, thereby facilitating the recognition of a POI and increasing the accessibility to a POI while driving. |
| US09310217B2 |
Methods and systems for managing content delivery
Methods and apparatus for delivering content may include receiving a direction of travel for a wireless device and selecting a route of travel for the wireless device that proceeds in the given direction to maximize an amount of contact with one or more access terminals capable of providing data connectivity. In addition, the methods and apparatus may include providing content to the wireless device via the data connectivity provided by the one or more access terminals along the selected route of travel. |
| US09310214B1 |
System and method for dynamically redefining road segment boundaries
A system and method adjusts road segment boundaries based on information received from devices that travel a road system for purposes other than road segment definition. |
| US09310212B2 |
System and method for hybrid off-board navigation
A system, method and apparatus for hybrid off-board vehicle navigation are disclosed. In the system, a multi-stop route package is created and sent from a route server to a navigation device. The route package can include a collection of vehicle attributes and corresponding road restrictions for guiding the vehicle towards its destination. The server can optionally push the route package to the vehicle in an email message or other stored communication. When an off-route condition is detected, the navigation device can send a route request to the server that includes the vehicle attributes and the corresponding road restrictions. The server can respond with a partial route correction that is determined based on the vehicle attributes and road restrictions. |
| US09310208B2 |
Mobile device for estimating location using particle filter generated based on three-dimensional (3D) magnetic field map and method using said mobile device
A mobile device includes a magnetic field sensor configured to measure a magnetic field value at a location of the mobile device, and a memory configured to store first magnetic field maps corresponding to a number N of respective heights. The mobile device includes a magnetic field map deriving unit configured to derive second magnetic field maps corresponding to a number M of respective heights based on the first magnetic field maps, the number M being greater than the number N, and a location determining unit configured to determine the location of the mobile device based on the magnetic field value and the second magnetic field maps. |
| US09310205B2 |
Interactive venue assistant
Methods and systems for assisting a user at an event and venue are described. A user is guided or navigated to different points of interest at a venue. The points of interest include seat locations or surrounding services and facilities, such as restaurants, shops, and restrooms. Advertisements and promotions associated with surrounding services may be displayed to the user. The user may be notified of the presence of friends and family at the same venue, and be provided with real-time information about the event. |
| US09310202B2 |
Angular rate sensor with quadrature error compensation
An angular rate sensor (20) includes a drive mass (36) flexibly coupled to a substrate (22). A sense mass (42) is suspended above the substrate (22) is and flexibly connected to the drive mass (36) via flexible support elements (44). A quadrature compensation electrode (24) is associated with the drive mass (36) and a sense electrode (28) is associated with the sense mass (42). The drive mass (36) and the sense mass (42) oscillate together relative to a sense axis (50) in response to quadrature error. The quadrature error produces a signal error component (78) between the quadrature compensation electrode (24) and the drive mass (36) and a signal error component (76) between the sense electrode (28) and the sense mass (42). The compensation and sense electrodes (24, 28) are coupled in reverse polarity so that the signal error component (78) substantially cancels the signal error component (76). |
| US09310195B2 |
Apparatus adapted to provide an indication of an angular position of an input member over multiple turns
Apparatus (100) adapted to provide an indication of an angular position of an input member (106) over multiple turns includes at least two rotatable members (104A-104D) configured, in use, to rotate in accordance with rotation of an input member (106), and at least one sensing device (114A) configured to measure and output an angular position of at least one of the rotatable members. The rotatable members are configured to rotate simultaneously but at different rates. The apparatus further includes a device (114) configured to use the angular position measurements from the at least one sensing device to produce an cation of an angular position of the input member over multiple turns. |
| US09310194B2 |
Position detection device and position detection method
The present invention provides a position detection device and a position detection method, which, even if a separator or an electrode is deformed, are capable of correcting such deformation and detecting a position of the separator or the electrode with high precision, and are capable of enhancing precision in subsequent steps. The position detection device (200) includes: a pressing unit (240) that presses a sheet member (22), which is cut out from a sheet material (D) wound up in a roll shape and composes a battery element, against a flat reference surface (215); and a position detection unit (230) that detects a position of the sheet member (22) pressed against the reference surface (215) by the pressing unit (240). Then, the position of the sheet member (22), which is detected by the position detection unit (230), is used as position information of the sheet member (22) in a subsequent step. |
| US09310192B2 |
Lateral shift measurement using an optical technique
Alignment of layers during manufacture of a multi-layer sample is controlled by applying optical measurements to a measurement site in the sample. The measurement site includes two diffractive structures located one above the other in two different layers, respectively. The optical measurements include at least two measurements with different polarization states of incident light, each measurement including illuminating the measurement site so as to illuminate one of the diffractive structures through the other. The diffraction properties of the measurement site are indicative of a lateral shift between the diffractive structures. The diffraction properties detected are analyzed for the different polarization states of the incident light to determine an existing lateral shift between the layers. |
| US09310191B1 |
Non-adjustable pointer-tracker gimbal used for directed infrared countermeasures systems
In a directed infrared countermeasure system, to assure parallelism between the line-of-sight to a target and the output beam, the input and output mirrors are fixedly attached to a uni-construction arm mounted to a rotatable azimuth platter to which internal mirrors are also fixedly attached. A system is provided for zeroing out alignment errors by developing an aim-point map for the gimbal that records initial alignment errors induced by manufacturing tolerances and uses the aim-point map error values to correct the output mirror orientation. The system also corrects for alignment errors induced by thermal gradients. |
| US09310183B2 |
Measuring device for high-precision optical determination of distance or position
A measuring device for the high-precision optical determination of distance or position includes a light source, at least one optical functional element in the form of a plane mirror or a measuring standard, and a detector system. At least two sub-beams are generated, of which at least one impinges on the functional element at least three times before the sub-beams propagate, interferingly superposed, in the direction of the detector system, via which at least one phase-encoded measuring signal is able to be generated from the superposed sub-beams. Between the impingements on the optical functional element, the sub-beam passes through at least two imaging elements, the imaging elements having imaging factors such that no location and directional shear of the interfering sub-beams results in the event the optical functional element tilts out of its setpoint position. |
| US09310180B2 |
Device and method for detecting the number of revolutions of a rotatable shaft
An apparatus for detecting a number of revolutions of a rotatable shaft, is proposed, which apparatus encompasses a magnet disposed on the shaft, and a micromechanical device. A detection element of the micromechanical device, which element interacts with the magnet, is advanced stepwise upon each movement of the magnet past the micromechanical device in accordance with the movement direction of the magnet. |
| US09310179B2 |
Spindle force actuator
An apparatus includes a circuit, a code modulator, and an actuator. The circuit is operable to detect displacements of a rotating object while in motion. The circuit is operable to detect a position of the displacements and to generate a signal associated therewith. The code modulator is operable to generate a modulated signal based on the position and the displacements. The actuator is operable to apply a force to the rotating object, wherein the force is based on the modulated signal. |
| US09310177B2 |
Method of correcting measurement data of a coordinate measuring machine and a coordinate measuring machine
A method according to the invention includes measuring respective geometric errors that occur in a three-dimensional movement mechanism when different weights are applied to a ram, storing in a storage section respective correction parameters for correcting the respective geometric errors measured for the different weights, inputting weight information of a probe attached to the ram, reading from the storage section one of the correction parameters that corresponds to the inputted weight information, and correcting measurement data with the read correction parameter. |
| US09310176B2 |
Method of measuring flatness of chamfering table
A method of measuring a flatness of a chamfering table includes the steps of positioning a substrate on the chamfering table, chamfering an edge of the substrate a plurality of times with a chamfering wheel while varying a relative height of the chamfering wheel with respect to a height of the substrate, locating symmetric chamfered points where the chamfered edge is top-bottom symmetric, matching values of the relative height of the chamfering wheel to the found symmetric chamfered points, and obtaining the flatness of the chamfering table from the values of the relative height of the chamfering wheel that are matched to the symmetric chamfered points. |
| US09310174B2 |
Signal transmission tube with inverse initiation retention seal method
A non-electric detonator connected to similar detonators with capsule 2 with having charge 8 and delay train 9. A tube 3 for transmitting a shock wave having an internal surface with a predetermined amount of a propagating explosive has one end mounted within capsule 2 adjacent to delay train 9. A seal 12 formed by collapsing a portion of tube 3 at a distance from its end prevents a shock wave accidentally created at capsule 2 from propagating to the rest of tube 3. Yet, the propagation of the wave is not prevented when it comes from the other end of tube 3. The distance from end 13a where seal 12 is formed needs to be selected for a predetermined explosive amount not sufficient to propagate the wave from capsule 2 but enough to propagate it when the wave comes from the other end. |
| US09310171B2 |
Toy arrow for use with toy bow
A toy projectile that has a shaft with a head end and a tail end is described herein. A head is associated with the head end of the shaft. Fins are associated with the tail end of the shaft. Extending hooks extend outward from the sides of the head. |
| US09310165B2 |
Projectile sighting and launching control system
A remote controlled projectile sighting and launching system (RCPSLS) is disclosed. In some embodiments, such a system can be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and can automatically facilitate moving targets, unmanned operation of a projectile launching device and automatic friendly-fire over-ride. In some embodiments, such a system can include network-linked components such as a plurality of auto-adjusting aiming units (AAAU), gimbaled robotic apparatuses (GRA), trigger activation devices (TAD), and transport vehicles (TRV). In some implementations, a plurality of shooters and/or command centers that are able to view and operate a plurality of AAAUs, TADs, GRAs, and TRVs from a remote location(s). The system can be configured to be capable of discerning friendly confirmed target coordinates (CTC) from enemy CTC and is able to launch a plurality of preselected projectiles (PP) from a plurality of preselected projectile launching devices (PPLD). |
| US09310160B1 |
Hybrid metal/polymer pistol frame
A combination metal/polymer frame is used with a pistol where the frame comprises a polymeric frame housing defining a barrel receiving portion and a stock portion. A metal stock insert is secured within the polymeric frame housing and is configured to mount a pistol fire control group on the frame. Additionally or alternatively, a metal frame insert is configured to removably reside within the polymeric frame housing. The metal frame insert defines an opening through which a round is communicated from a pistol magazine to a pistol chamber. |
| US09310158B2 |
Archery compound bow cam cover and sling device, and related systems and methods
An archery compound bow cam cover and sling device is disclosed. The cam cover and sling device can include two cam covers operable to at least partially cover cams of a compound bow. The cam cover and sling device can also include two limb tensioning members coupled to respective cam covers, operable to extend along limbs of the compound bow, and configured to couple with the compound bow at limb ends opposite the cams. The cam cover and sling device can further include a central tensioning member coupled to the two cam covers and operable to extend between the cams, wherein the central tensioning member is configured to increase tension in the limb tensioning members to secure the cam covers about the cams. In addition, the cam cover and sling device can also include a sling coupled to the two cam covers to support, and facilitate carrying, the compound bow. |
| US09310157B2 |
Sling bracket devices and methods of use with archery bow
In one embodiment, the present invention is a wrist sling bracket for an archery bow, including a main body having a length between a first end and a second end, and a flat portion between the first and second ends to be positioned on and secured to the bow; a first throughbore and a second throughbore, positioned through the main body, through which a first portion and a second portion of a sling, respectively, can be positioned; a first passageway intersecting the first throughbore and a second passageway intersecting the second throughbore; and a first securing element and a second securing element each including a shaft portion and a handle portion, each shaft portion being positionable through the first and second passageways and within at least a portion of the first and second throughbores, respectively, and each handle portion having a diameter larger than a diameter of the particular passageway. |
| US09310156B2 |
Projectile launcher
A projectile launcher includes a body having a rearward end, and a forward end. A pair of arms is pivotally coupled to the body and a bowstring extends between the ends of the pair of arms and is movable between a cocked position and a released position. Tubular torsion bars are coupled to the pair arms to store and release mechanical energy. A mechanical energy delivery system couples the tubular torsion bars to the pair arms. The mechanical energy delivery system transfers mechanical energy to the tubular torsion bars when the bowstring is moved from the released position to the cocked position, and transfers mechanical energy from the tubular torsion bars to the pair arms to move the bowstring from the cocked position to the released position. |
| US09310152B1 |
Muzzle brake
Disclosed is a muzzle brake for a firearm having a barrel with a muzzle and a bore extending along a longitudinal axis. The muzzle brake includes a body with an axial passageway substantially axially aligned with the bore. A high pressure chamber in the body receives combustion gases from the muzzle and includes at least one outlet port for venting a first portion of the combustion gases in the high pressure chamber. A second chamber in the body, forward of the high pressure chamber, receives at least a second portion of the combustion gases from the high pressure chamber. The second chamber has two opposing side openings in the body and includes a rear wall and a rearwardly-facing front wall upon which the second portion of the combustion gases impinge. The front wall has two rearwardly curved surfaces transverse to the axial passageway that form an apex transverse to the longitudinal axis. The muzzle brake may also include a cupped concavity in at least one of the rearwardly curved surfaces of the forward wall. |
| US09310151B2 |
Insertion tube for firing sub-caliber ammunition bodies and weapon comprising an insertion tube
An insertion tube (1) for firing sub-caliber ammunition bodies (20) using a high caliber weapon (10) is inserted into the loading chamber (11) of the weapon (10). The tube wall (2) of the insertion tube (1) has penetrating recesses (3) for compensating pressure differences between the inside of the insertion tube (1) and the loading chamber (11). A weapon includes an insertion tube (1) which can be inserted into the loading chamber (11) of the weapon (10) for firing a sub-caliber ammunition body (20), the insertion tube (1) being designed in the above-described manner. |
| US09310150B1 |
Trigger mechanism with selectable pull characteristics
A trigger mechanism is provided with selectable pull characteristics. The trigger mechanism can include a mode selector element configured to select one of a plurality of disconnector elements designed to provide different pull characteristics. The trigger mechanism can include a trigger element including a trigger sear, a plurality of disconnector elements, a hammer element, and a mode selector. Each disconnector element can provide different pull characteristics. The hammer element is operable between a cocked position and a released position and includes a hammer sear configured to engage the trigger sear when the hammer element is in the cocked position. The mode selector element is adjustable between a plurality of positions to select between the different pull characteristics. |
| US09310148B2 |
Apparatus and method requiring disassembly of rifle to remove magazine
A magazine locking assembly is provided for preventing removal of a magazine from a firearm having a receiver, a magazine, and a bolt carrier assembly a without disassembly of the firearm. The locking assembly includes a magazine block assembly secured adjacent the magazine well of the firearm, a magazine safety pin for securing the magazine block assembly adjacent the magazine well of the firearm, a safety pin cover movably attached to the firearm adjacent the bolt carrier assembly for concealing the safety pin head of the magazine safety pin, and a cover detent pin configured to engage the safety pin cover passageway to prevent the safety pin cover from moving. When the magazine locking assembly and firearm are in an assembled configuration the safety pin cover conceals the safety pin head of the magazine safety pin and the bolt carrier assembly conceals the cover detent pin. |
| US09310146B2 |
Upper receiver assembly for a weapon
An upper receiver assembly for an AR style rifle is provided. The upper receiver assembly includes an upper receiver body with a channel formed in a side of the body. Further, the assembly includes a bolt carrier operatively coupled within the upper receiver body. A bolt is coupled within the bolt carrier, wherein a cam pin is coupled to the bolt and extends through an aperture of the bolt carrier. The assembly also includes a side charger having a charging handle that extends through the channel of the upper receiver body. The side charger also includes a bolt carrier engagement member. The bolt carrier engagement member engages the bolt carrier and moves the cam pin in response to pulling the charging handle toward the butt stock of the weapon. This results in charging the rifle. |
| US09310145B2 |
Heat flow device
A device comprises equipment (101) with a heat source, a cold part (102) relative to the equipment, and a thermal conductor element (103) capable of conducting the heat from the equipment to the cold part. The element (103) is such that, under certain thermal conditions above a given thermal condition, the equipment and the cold part are essentially thermally isolated. |
| US09310143B2 |
Heat exchange device with improved system for distributing coolant fluid
A heat exchange device comprises plural tubes arranged parallel to one another to form one or more tube bundles inserted axially in a cylindrical shell. A first fluid supplied through one or more first inlet holes at a first end of the cylindrical shell and oriented axially, flows inside the tubes and a second fluid, supplied through a second inlet hole, flows inside the cylindrical shell to effect heat transfer with the first fluid through the tube walls. One end of the tubes is connected to a tube plate at first inlet hole(s), which separates the second fluid from the first fluid. At least two impingement plates, each provided with plural through holes, are placed in succession between each first inlet hole and the tube plate. The impingement plates are parallel to one another and orthogonal to the cylindrical shell central axis to distribute the first fluid inside the tubes. |
| US09310137B2 |
Unified cooling in multiple polyolefin polymerization reactors
A system and method for a polyolefin reactor temperature control system having a first reactor temperature control path, a second reactor temperature control path, and a shared temperature control path. The shared temperature control path is configured to combine and process coolant return streams, and to provide coolant supply for the first reactor temperature control path and the second reactor temperature control path. |
| US09310134B2 |
Wetting of evaporative cooler pads
A method of controlling the operation of an evaporative air cooler where the pads (2) of the cooler are intermittently wetted with an amount of water (14) in excess of the capacity of the pads (2) to absorb and retain during each wetting operation of the pad. The airflow (20) through the pads during intermittent wetting being limited to a velocity so as to not entrain water in the airflow during the wetting operation and the velocity of the airflow through the pads is increased after each intermittent wetting so as to raise the level of cooling output (22) of the cooler between each intermittent wetting operation. |
| US09310127B2 |
Method and apparatus for liquefying a hydrocarbon stream
Method and apparatus for liquefying a hydrocarbon stream. A liquefaction system comprises at least an NGL recovery system 12, a main refrigerant circuit 42 and a first refrigerant circuit 100, a pressure reduction device 52 followed by an end gas/liquid separator 62. The main refrigerant circuit 42 comprises at least one or more main refrigerant compressors 45, 45a, 45b, and the first refrigerant circuit comprises one or more first refrigerant compressors 101. A hydrocarbon feed stream 10 is passed through the NGL recovery system 12 to produce a methane-enriched overhead stream 20, which is subsequently cooled and liquefied by the first and second refrigerant circuits. The pressure of the liquefied stream is reduced and the resulting mixed-phase stream 60 is passed through the end gas/liquid separator 62 to provide an end gaseous stream 70 and a liquefied hydrocarbon product stream 80. The loading power of the one or more main refrigerant compressors and the one or more first refrigerant compressors is maximized to their maximum load by adjusting temperature of the liquefied stream to change the amount of end gaseous stream and by controlling an amount of the end gaseous stream being fed into the methane-enriched overhead stream 20 in a recycle stream 90b. |
| US09310123B2 |
Method of making an appliance door
A method of making an appliance door includes inserting a door pan into a fixture having first and second forming molds, which are pressed together. An inner door liner is placed over the door pan and secured thereto to form a base door. A mold cavity is formed between the door pan and the inner door liner. An insulative material is injected into the mold cavity defined by the space between the door pan and the inner door liner. A removable decorative exterior skin is extended over the base door. A support frame and a plurality of utility lines are provided. An insulative material contacts the support frame. A base door is formed by an inner door liner secured to the insulative material and the support frame. |
| US09310122B2 |
Refrigerator and dispenser of refrigerator
Provided is a refrigerator including a cabinet, a door, a dispenser, a water supply pipe, and a nozzle. The cabinet defines a storage space. The door opens and closes the storage space. The dispenser is disposed on a front surface of the door and dispenses water or ice. The water supply pipe is disposed on an inner part of the door and supplies water to the dispenser. The nozzle is removably coupled to an outer part of the dispenser. An end of the water supply pipe is inserted in the nozzle to dispense water. |
| US09310120B2 |
System and method for filtering inlet air in an air conditioner air handler
A system for filtering inlet air of an air conditioner air handler, and method of filtering inlet air without a conventional filter, said system is a structure comprising: an air inlet, an air directing structure, a water chamber, positioned within an internal cavity, a structure for directing condensate from an air handler into said water chamber, a drain positioned to impart a maximum water level of water accumulated in said first water chamber; a second air directing structure configured to direct air from said first internal cavity towards an outlet that is affixed to the inlet of an air conditioner air handler. |
| US09310112B2 |
System and method for distributed thermoelectric heating and cooling
A thermoelectric system and method provides distributed localized heating, cooling, or both heating and cooling. The thermoelectric system includes a plurality of thermoelectric assemblies. Each thermoelectric assembly comprises a plurality of thermoelectric elements, and each thermoelectric assembly is in thermal communication with a first working fluid and in thermal communication with a region corresponding to the thermoelectric assembly. Each thermoelectric assembly is selectively operable either to heat the region corresponding to the thermoelectric assembly by transferring heat from the first working fluid to the region corresponding to the thermoelectric assembly or to cool the region corresponding to the thermoelectric assembly by transferring heat from the region corresponding to the thermoelectric assembly to the first working fluid. Each thermoelectric assembly is operable independently from operation of other thermoelectric assemblies of the plurality of thermoelectric assemblies. |
| US09310105B2 |
Refrigerator and controlling method of the same
The temperatures in a refrigerating chamber and freezing chamber are monitored with sensors. An amount of change in a refrigerating chamber temperature, or an amount of change of a freezing chamber temperature is calculated per time period. A load corresponding driving is executed if the amount of change in a current time period differs from an amount of change in a previous time period. |
| US09310103B2 |
Method and device for heating and cooling
Method and device for storing thermal energy in, and recapturing thermal energy from, respectively, an underground energy storage (1), having at least four holes (2), through which a heat carrier is transported and therewith heating or cooling the ground (3), respectively. The holes (2) are arranged essentially along at least two concentric circles (10, 11, 12). A control gear is arranged to control a valve system, which is arranged to direct the heat carrier to holes that are arranged along one circle and thereby heating or cooling, respectively, the ground along the circle. When the temperature of the heat carrier is higher than that of the surrounding ground (3), inner circles are heated before outer circles, and when the temperature of the heat carrier is lower than that of the surrounding ground (3), outer circles are cooled before inner circles. |
| US09310102B2 |
Adhesive tape and solar assembly and article made thereof
The present disclosure provides a frameless photo-energy assembly including a photo-energy converter, wherein an edge of the photo-energy converter is sealed by an adhesive tape, comprising an adhering layer for adhesion and cushioning; and an aging-resistant protective layer. The adhering layer is used to contact the edge of an article and comprises: a substrate layer; optionally, a first adhesive layer and a second adhesive layer situated at both sides of the substrate layer oppositely, wherein the first adhesive layer being used to be contact with the article. The aging-resistant protective layer is situated on the adhering layer, which comprises: an optional primer layer, which is situated on the adhering layer; and a film layer, which is situated on either the primer layer or the substrate or the second adhesive layer. The present disclosure further provides an adhesive tape for sealing an edge of an article and an article made of the assembly. |
| US09310101B2 |
Set of heat pipes for solar collectors
A set of heat pipes for solar collectors is provided. The set includes a plurality of heat pipes, each heat pipe being suitable for being laid out in a respective solar collector, and including a heat pipe fluid, a first sheet and a second sheet locally merged with each other and delimiting a reservoir. The reservoir containing the heat pipe fluid extends over a hot part for evaporating the heat pipe fluid and a cold part for condensing the heat pipe fluid, and is formed by an interstice between the two sheets. The reservoirs of at least two heat pipes are delimited by a same first sheet and a same second sheet. |
| US09310099B2 |
Mini-channel tube solar collector
A solar collector device is provided. The solar collector device includes an evacuated tube and a mini-channel tube mounted within the evacuated tube, the mini-channel tube comprising a first plurality of ports for inflow of a heat-transfer fluid and a second plurality of ports for outflow of the heat-transfer fluid to a heat exchange system. The mini-channel tube may have a hydraulic diameter in a range of approximately 3 millimeters to approximately 200 micrometers. The mini-channel tube may have a hydraulic diameter in a range of approximately 200 micrometers to approximately 10 micrometers. |
| US09310098B2 |
Water heater control using external temperature sensor
A system for controlling a water heater that operates according to a voltage supply includes a temperature sensor, mounted on at least one of a temperature and pressure (T&P) valve of the water heater and a hot water line of the water heater, that generates a temperature signal corresponding to a first temperature of the at least one of the T&P valve and the hot water line. A control module mounted on the water heater includes a switching module that receives the voltage supply and outputs the voltage supply to the water heater. The voltage supply passes at least one of through and adjacent to the control module. The control module determines a second temperature of water within the water heater based on the temperature signal and selectively actuates the switching module to turn on and turn off the voltage supply to the water heater based on the second temperature. |
| US09310096B2 |
Overhead support system having adjustable lighting elements
An overhead support system is configured to be positioned within a room. The system may include a main housing that includes at least a portion of an air-delivery sub-system, a plurality of lighting elements secured to the main housing, a light control unit in communication with each of the plurality of lighting elements, and a light operation interface in communication with the light control unit. Each of the plurality of lighting elements is configured to move relative to the main housing. The light control unit controls operation of each of the plurality of lighting elements. The light operation interface is configured to be used to move the plurality of lighting elements relative to the main housing to focus emitted light on a target location within the room. |
| US09310095B2 |
Thermostat with display and printed circuit board
An electronic assembly may have a display, a display holder, and a printed circuit board (PCB). The display may have a front side for viewing the display, a back side, and side walls extending between the front side and the back side. The display holder may have a recess for receiving at least part of the display, where the display holder may extend adjacent part of the front side of the display and adjacent at least part of the side walls of the display. The PCB may be secured relative to the display holder and adjacent the back side of the display. The PCB may be in operative communication with the display. In some cases, a spacer may be situated between the back side of the display and the PCB. |
| US09310091B2 |
HVAC controller with checkout utility
A zone control panel that is easy and intuitive to use and to program. In some embodiments, a zone control panel may be configured to have an easy to use, single level menu structure with, for example, a configuration mode and/or a checkout mode. The configuration mode may, if present, include a number of menu screens sometimes without any sub-menu levels. Likewise, the checkout mode may, if present, include a number of menu screens sometimes without any sub-menu levels. A mode selector may be provided to select a particular mode, after which, the menu screens that correspond to the selected mode may be sequentially displayed to the user. Other features and aspects are also disclosed. |
| US09310089B2 |
Variable speed motor control method and apparatus
An HVAC unit includes an HVAC motor and a system controller. The HVAC motor is coupled to a motor controller. The motor controller is configured to receive a command signal bearing a digitally encoded operating level of the HVAC motor. The system controller is coupled to the motor controller, and is configured to transmit the command signal to the motor controller. The system controller modulates the command signal with the digitally encoded operating level in response to a service demand. |
| US09310086B2 |
Air-conditioning apparatus
An air-conditioning apparatus including an outdoor unit having a compressor for compressing a refrigerant and a heat source side heat exchange for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and air, a plurality of indoor units having use side heat exchangers for exchanging heat between a heat transfer medium that flows therein and air, and relay unit disposed between the outdoor unit and the indoor units. The relay unit exchanges heat between the refrigerant conveyed from the outdoor unit and the heat transfer medium flowing in the indoor units. The relay unit includes a main relay unit that is connected to the outdoor unit with two pipes and a sub relay unit that is connect to the main relay unit with three pipes. |
| US09310081B2 |
Methods of fabricating fuel injectors using laser additive deposition
A method of fabricating a fuel injector is disclosed which includes the steps of forming a structural portion of a fuel injector from an alloy having a first mechanical property, and then adding an alloy having a second mechanical property on a surface area of the structural portion to enhance the mechanical properties of the fuel injector. |
| US09310078B2 |
Fuel injection assemblies in combustion turbine engines
An assembly for use in a fuel injection system within a combustor of a combustion turbine engine is described. The assembly may include: a first port formed through an outer radial wall of the combustor and a second port formed through an inner radial wall. A plenum may be formed about the first port. A tube may be formed that has a first end positioned within the first port and a second end positioned within the second port. At the first end, the tube may be sized smaller than the first port such that two passages are defined therethrough: a first passage defined about an exterior of the tube; and a second passage defined through an interior of the tube. |
| US09310077B2 |
Acoustic control of an electrodynamic combustion system
A system is configured to apply a voltage, charge, and/or an electric field to a combustion reaction responsive to acoustic feedback from the combustion reaction. |
| US09310073B2 |
Liquid swirler flow control
A flow directing device for imparting swirl on a fluid includes a flow directing body having a first surface and opposed second surface. A flow channel is defined in the first surface of the flow directing body for conducting fluids flowing through the flow directing body. The flow channel includes a channel surface set in from the first surface. A swirl bore extends though the flow directing body from the channel surface to the second surface of the flow directing body at an oblique angle relative to the channel surface for imparting a tangential swirl component onto fluids flowing through the swirl bore. Having an asymmetrical terminus portion of the channel surface, and positioning of the swirl bore within the terminus portion, allow control of the swirl direction for flow within the terminus portion and swirl bore. |
| US09310068B1 |
Motorcyclist safety harness
An illumination assembly for making a driver of a vehicle visible to an observer includes a front panel and a back panel that may be positioned on the driver. A shoulder strap is coupled to the front and back panels. A primary processor is coupled to the front panel. A primary transceiver is coupled to the front panel. A light emitter is coupled to the back panel. The light emitter selectively emits light. The light emitter may make the driver visible to the observer. A remote control may be selectively coupled to the vehicle. A remote processor is coupled to the remote control. A remote transceiver is coupled to the remote control. The remote transceiver is operationally coupled to the primary transceiver. An actuator is coupled to the remote control. The actuator is operationally coupled to the remote processor. |
| US09310066B2 |
Electronic component for an improved lighting system
An electronic component includes a housing, a heat-generating component, a heat sink, and a sealing element. The housing is made of a first metallic material. The heat-generating component is disposed in the housing. The heat sink, which is made of a second metallic material, is disposed adjacent the heat-generating component and configured to dissipate heat from the heat-generating component. The sealing element is disposed between the housing and the heat sink and insulates the second metallic material from the first metallic material. |
| US09310062B2 |
Light-emitting device and method of manufacturing the same
A light-emitting device includes a base material having a conductor layer on a surface thereof, the conductor layer being configured to be connected to an external power source, a light-emitting element mounted on the base, a phosphor layer arranged above the light-emitting element, and a resin layer contacting both of the phosphor layer and the conductor layer and containing heat-conductive particles dispersed therein. The heat-conductive particles have a thermal conductivity of not less than 100 W/m·K and an insulator property or a semiconductor property. |
| US09310060B2 |
Luminaire with sensing and communication capabilities
A luminaire with various sensing and communication capabilities is provided. According to one aspect, the luminaire can include a housing, a light source disposed in the housing, a support element coupled to and extending downward from the housing, one or more communication modules disposed within the support element, and a motion sensor coupled to the support element. The one or more communication modules facilitate communication with a local controller disposed in the luminaire, a control system, and/or other luminaires. The motion sensor is configured to detect motion within a pre-determined range of the luminaire. The light source is configured to emit light responsive to the motion sensor detecting motion within the pre-determined range. |
| US09310054B2 |
Internally cooled fluorescent device and reflector lamp arrangement including said fluorescent device
A dual fluorescent wheel with two disk-shaped carrier elements which are interconnected by wing-type cooling ribs is disclosed. When the dual fluorescent wheel rotates, air flows in through an axial opening in one of the carrier elements, the air flows radially through the interspace between the carrier elements or the wing-type cooling ribs and flows out at the edge. This airflow improves the dissipation of heat which is produced when an excitation laser irradiates the annular fluorescent strips located on the two exterior faces. |
| US09310051B2 |
Single pixel monochromatic display and signal-receivable module, and a device containing the module
A single pixel monochromatic display and signal-receivable module, and a device containing the module; the module is mainly a combination of a set of lenses and a color mixing screen; light beams projected from color light sources are converged through a light convergent plate, and then refracted through the light refractive color convergent plate which has refraction curved surfaces to same locations on a color mixing screen on which a single color is formed and a single pixel is thereby constituted; even subject to enlargement, there are no more tri-colors in a single pixel but only one single color in a single pixel; the module can also be used to emit or receive invisible electromagnetic waves, or can receive electromagnetic wave signals of another wave length during display. |
| US09310047B2 |
Curved display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a curved display panel having a first curvature; and a plurality of light source units arranged along the first curvature the display panel. Each light source unit includes a reflective part including a reflective upper surface which has a second curvature different from the first curvature of the display panel; and a light source part which is at a first side of the reflective part, and includes a light source which generates and provides a light to the reflective surface. |
| US09310043B2 |
Vehicle turn signal light device structure having a light shielding plate
A vehicle light device structure includes a headlight, a blinker, a front cover, and a light shielding plate. The blinker includes a light source, a reflector, and a blinker lens. The light shielding plate is to block, among light emitted from the blinker, part of the light emitted towards the headlight. The blinker inner space is formed by fixedly supporting the blinker lens by the reflector. Part of the blinker inner space bulges to a more outer side than the second side in the front view and is covered by the front cover. The light shielding plate is arranged inside the blinker lens and is fixedly supported by a light shielding plate support part arranged in a bulging space which is the part of the blinker inner space. |
| US09310041B2 |
Illumination device for producing a light strip and motor vehicle
An illumination device for producing a light strip along a predetermined distance includes light sources and light conductors, wherein light of a first one of the light sources is distributable along a first section of the distance by a first one of the light conductors up to an end region of the first light conductor, wherein light of a second one of the light sources is distributable along a second section of the distance by a second one of the light conductors up to an end region of the second light conductor, and wherein the end region of the first light conductor and the end region of the second light conductor are arranged adjacent one another along the distance. |
| US09310039B2 |
Traffic signal disconnect housing
The subject invention pertains to traffic signal disconnect housings having curvatural, arcuate-shaped surfaces that better bear and distribute gravitational and wind induced loading throughout the disconnect housing. In addition, structural reinforcements are provided, as well as support components such as removable, elongated hubs; removable doors; and hook-type hinges. |
| US09310037B2 |
Motorized lighting fixture with motor and light dimming control
A lighting fixture includes a housing defining a longitudinal axis, a lamp carriage assembly disposed inside the housing and supporting one or more lamps parallel with the longitudinal axis, and a motor coupled between the housing and the lamp carriage assembly and operative for pivoting the lamp carriage assembly relative to the housing about a pivot axis of the lamp carriage assembly. A method of operating the lighting fixture includes (a) causing a lamp carriage assembly disposed inside the housing to be in a home position and outputting light in response to illumination of the one or more lamps of the lamp carriage assembly, and (b) causing the lamp carriage assembly to pivot about its pivot axis thereby redirecting where the light output by the lamp carriage assembly travels in response to the illumination of the one or more lamps of the lamp carriage assembly. |
| US09310028B2 |
LED lamp with LEDs having a longitudinally directed emission profile
A lamp has an optically transmissive enclosure and a base defining a longitudinal axis of the lamp that extends from the base to the free end of the enclosure. An LED assembly is positioned in the optically transmissive enclosure. The LED assembly includes LEDs operable to emit light when energized through an electrical path from the base. The LED assembly is arranged such that the plurality of LEDs face perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the lamp. The emission profile of the LEDs being at least 120 degrees FWHM. |
| US09310027B2 |
Lighting system for growing plants
A lighting system network includes first and second lighting systems in communication with each other. The first lighting system includes an LED controller, and an LED array which includes first and second LED sub-arrays, wherein the LED array is operatively coupled to the LED controller. The first and second wavelength spectrums provided by the first and second LED sub-arrays, respectively, are adjustable in response to adjusting an input signal provided to the antenna. |
| US09310026B2 |
Lighting assembly and lighting method
There is provided a lighting assembly comprising a plurality of lighting devices, each of which comprises a patterned diffuser having optical features. Each of the lighting devices is positioned such that if they are illuminated, at least 50, and in some cases 75 or more, percent of light emitted from each of the lighting devices will contact an illumination surface within an area of a defined shape (e.g., square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.), the respective shapes each sharing at least one boundary with another shape. Also, methods of lighting comprising illuminating lighting devices positioned in such a way. |
| US09310024B2 |
Method and system for filling a gas cylinder
A charge station is provided for filling a gas cylinder with gas. The charge station includes a gas output port configured to be fluidly connected to a supply of gas. The gas output port is configured to be fluidly connected to the gas cylinder for filling the gas cylinder with gas from the supply of gas. The charge station also includes a control system operatively connected to the gas output such that the control system is configured to control filling of the gas cylinder, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader operatively connected to the control system, the RFD reader configured to read data from an RFID tag on the gas cylinder. |
| US09310021B2 |
Retention and rotation assembly and method of using the same
A retention and rotation assembly includes a first support having a first bore that extends along an axis AA. A lug is received in the first bore and is rotatable relative to the first support about the axis AA. The assembly includes a second support having a second bore. An inside surface of the second bore is engageable with an outside surface of the lug, the second support is fixed relative to the lug about the axis AA when second support is engaged with the lug. A locking element extends through a bore in the lug and into at least a portion of the second support. A rotation of the locking element in a first direction about the axis AA increases a friction between the lug and the first support thereby inhibiting rotation of the lug relative to the first support about the axis AA. |
| US09310019B2 |
Multi-position holder for mobile electronic device
A multi-position holder for a mobile electronic device that includes: a base to provide an elevated platform for the mobile electronic device, where the base includes a top surface; a pair of flanges on each lateral side of the top surface, where each flange enables a screw to penetrate the base and the screw provides a stop for the electronic device; a first support at a first end of the base and said first support extends along a first side of the base, perpendicular to the flanges and rising vertically from the base, where the first support enables the mobile electronic device to rest in a vertical position; and a second support at a second end of the base and said second support opposes the first support, extends along a second side of the base, perpendicular to the flanges and rising vertically from the base, where the second support enables the mobile electronic device to rest in a horizontal position. |
| US09310018B2 |
Multi-purpose bag rack
The disclosed invention relates to a bag rack for the multi-purpose of holding and dispensing disposable plastic bags as well as holding open reusable bags in a variety of configurations and positions. The multi-purpose bag comprises first and second bag support arm assemblies each of which comprises a pair of resiliently arms of different lengths and degree of flexibility for frictionally engaging reusable bag handles. |
| US09310017B2 |
Manually-operated crane assembly with control handle
A control handle for mounting on a forward end of a tail section of a crane having a crane pivot axis includes a normally-engaged brake mechanism thereon for maintaining the control handle in a fixed position until disengaged by an operator, the control handle when disengaged being rotatable about a pivot axis parallel to the crane pivot axis. A crane assembly incorporating the control handle includes a wheeled dolly, a telescopic crane pivotably mounted on the wheeled dolly about a crane pivot axis, the telescopic crane having a forward end, and a rearward end opposite the forward end, a telescopic boom at the forward end, and a tail section at the rearward end. The control handle is mounted on the forward end of the tail section. |
| US09310014B2 |
Systems and methods for making pipe, and method of installing the pipe in a pipeline
A method for restoring a degraded pipeline, the method comprising: removing a degraded part of an inner flow pipe of a pipeline leaving a space between two spaced-apart sections of the inner flow pipe; positioning a new pipe in the space; connecting the new pipe to the two spaced-apart sections of the inner flow pipe thereby re-establishing a flow channel through the inner flow pipe; the new pipe having a core pipe with a first strengthening wrap thereon, a second strengthening wrap around the first strengthening wrap, and a protective outer wrap on the second strengthening wrap. |
| US09310010B2 |
Injection device for reagent
An injection device for administering a reagent into an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine, the injection device having an axis along its length and comprising an outwardly opening valve member having a seating surface which is engageable with a valve seating region. A seating member provided with an internal bore which defines the valve seating region, wherein the internal bore further defines a flow re-directing region downstream of the valve seating region. The seating member has an end face provided with a feature which intersects with at least a portion of the flow re-directing region to define, together with the flow re-directing region, a spray path for reagent exiting the injection device when the valve member is moved outwardly from the bore away from the valve seating region. The spray path has a variable spray angle, relative to the axis, around the circumference of the valve seating region. |
| US09310009B2 |
Grease delivery receiver and nozzle having pressurization lockout and bleed down capture
A grease and lubricating oil line coupler includes a nozzle and a receiver which can be intercoupled for grease or lubricating oil delivery. Each component has a normally closed, easily-cleanable, flush-faced mating surface, which prevents the entrance of contaminants into the free ends thereof when decoupled. The nozzle has a handle-operated internal valve with an interlock that is controlled by a quick disconnect slidable collar, which prevents the release of lubricants from the nozzle unless it is coupled to the receiver. Only when the nozzle and receiver are interconnected can the valve be opened; only when the valve is closed can the nozzle be decoupled from the receiver. A high-pressure bleed-off feature returns high-pressure excess lubricant within the coupler to the lubricant storage tank when the handle of the nozzle is returned to its OFF position prior to decoupling it from the receiver. |
| US09310002B2 |
Multilayer hydraulic seal assembly for clamp
A multilayer annular seal assembly including at least one outer sealing ring including at least one inner annular space and at least one inner sealing ring formed with one or more inner annular chambers. |
| US09309998B2 |
Flexible pipe and process for production thereof
The invention relates to a flexible tube of multilayer construction having unbonded layers, wherein at least one layer is formed in that a tape made of a plastic molding compound is spirally wound about a further inner layer, wherein the upper and lower layers of the tape are simultaneously or subsequently welded to each other at overlapping regions. The tube is particularly suitable for offshore application in oil and gas extraction |
| US09309996B2 |
Delivery tube for irrigation and fertilization system and method for manufacturing same
The invention is directed generally to improvements in irrigation and fertilization assessment and delivery. More specifically, embodiments of the invention provide an improved fluid delivery tube, method to manufacture such tube, and systems that include such tube. The delivery tube is beneficial at least because it minimizes the life cycle cost of a plant-responsive delivery tube. |
| US09309992B2 |
System for detecting that a valve should be replaced and a method of use thereof
A system for detecting a valve replacement element including a flush valve including a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a main valve element adapted for movement between a first position in which the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are in fluid isolation, and a second position in which the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are in fluid communication is disclosed. The main valve element includes a replaceable portion. The system also includes a sensor for monitoring usage of the replaceable portion of the main valve element, and an indicator in communication with the sensor for alerting an operator when the replaceable portion of the main valve element should be replaced. |
| US09309990B2 |
Pressure gauge device featuring setting for automatic supply and termination of pressure
Disclosed is a pressure gauge device featuring setting for automatic supply and termination of pressure, which includes a pressure gauge, a rotary knob, a rotary knob conductive piece, a rotary knob indicator, and a control device. The pressure gauge includes a hand sweep zone and an electrically conductive indication hand is arranged in the hand sweep zone. The pressure gauge includes a resetting conductive piece. The rotary knob is coupled to the rotary knob conductive piece and the rotary knob indicator and is set outside an outer circumference of the hand sweep zone of the pressure gauge. The resetting conductive piece and the rotary knob indicator are each set in the hand sweep zone and located on a rotation path of the indication hand. The resetting conductive piece and the rotary knob indicator are each in electrical connection with the control device. |
| US09309987B2 |
Electronic control valve having an integral non-contact noise mitigation device
An electronic control valve having a valve stationary portion defining a substantially central bore extending along an axis of the valve, and a valve train including a movable member of the valve. The valve train moveable member is disposed in the central bore, and the valve train is adapted for reciprocal movement along the axis. A mass is engaged is with the valve train and adapted for reciprocal movement along the axis. A biasing means is disposed between the valve train and the mass. Reciprocal movements of the mass along the axis induced by forces exerted along the axis by the valve train are transmitted through the biasing means, whereby reciprocal movement of the valve train along the axis is dynamically reduced by the mass. |
| US09309985B2 |
High-frequency on-off valve
A high-frequency on-off valve includes a valve chamber communicating with an input flow path, output orifices opening into the valve chamber, a plate-shaped valve member disposed within the valve chamber such that the valve member is movable into and out of contact with output valve seats surrounding the output orifices, and an electromagnetic operating section that opens and closes the valve member. The high-frequency on-off valve opens and closes the plurality of output orifices by bringing the valve member into and out of contact with the output valve seats by utilizing an effect of an electromagnetic attraction force produced by the electromagnetic operating section and an effect of fluid pressure within the valve chamber. The valve has the plurality of output orifices that are long-hole-shaped. |
| US09309983B2 |
Fluid control apparatus joint, and fluid control apparatus
A fluid draw-off block joint includes an inlet channel, an outlet channel, and a closure portion. The inlet channel has a first end communicating with an outlet channel of a single-line block joint, and a second end communicating with an inlet channel of an outlet on-off valve. The outlet channel has a first end communicating with an outlet channel of the outlet on-off valve, and a second end being open through a side surface in a line exit direction. The closure portion closes an opening of a bifurcated channel of a plural-line block joint. |
| US09309976B2 |
Valve assembly for a two handle faucet
The present disclosure relates generally to a faucet valve cartridge 10 configured for use within a dual handle faucet 16, 18. The valve cartridge 10 includes first and second fluid flow control members 94 and 96 received within a valve housing 74 and configured to control fluid flow from an inlet 32, 36 to an outlet 29. |
| US09309975B2 |
Thermally response controlled gap seal device
A controlled gap seal device is adapted to surround a shaft with an annular seal element. A ring is positioned on an outer surface of the seal element, the ring adapted to modify a diametrical dimension of the seal element by thermally expanding/contracting as a function of temperature variations. A housing assembly has an interior enclosing the seal element and the ring, with the seal configured to be generally stationary in the interior. The housing assembly has an air inlet and air outlet in fluid communication with a surrounding environment for directing a flow of gas from the surrounding environment onto the ring to controllably cool and shrink the ring. A method for modifying a diameter of a controlled gap seal relative to the shaft is also provided. |
| US09309973B2 |
Sealing device and sealing structure
The sealing device includes: an outer peripheral ring 2000 that is in contact with a side wall surface of an annular groove 4100 at a low pressure side (L), and slides with respect to an inner peripheral surface of a shaft hole in a housing 5000 through which a shaft 4000 is inserted. An inner peripheral ring 3000 made of a rubber-like elastic body that is in contact with an inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral ring 2000 and a groove bottom surface of the annular groove 4100, respectively. The outer peripheral ring 2000 is formed on its outer peripheral surface with a concave portion 2220 which extends from an end of a high pressure side (H) to a position which does not arrive at an end of a low pressure side, so as to introduce fluid thereinto from the high pressure side. |
| US09309970B2 |
Continuously variable transmission for vehicle
The present invention provides a CVT including a transmission mechanism and a planetary gear mechanism which includes a plurality of rotation elements. The transmission mechanism can differentially operate in a predetermined operation mode. The CVT includes a vehicle speed specifying unit for specifying a vehicle speed based on a rotation speed of a rotation member. The unit specifies the vehicle speed from the rotation speed when the rotation speed exceeds a threshold, and specifies the vehicle speed based on a target driving force, a running resistance and a weight of the vehicle when the rotation speed is not more than the threshold. |
| US09309964B2 |
Method for carrying out a gear shifting operation in automated transmissions
A method of performing a shift operation in an automatic transmission with at least one form-locking shifting transmission part of a vehicle, with which, during a shift to a target gear (GZIEL), a rotational speed synchronization, between the transmission input rotational speed and the output side rotational speed, is performed. When a different rotational direction is detected between the transmission input and the transmission output, the rotational speed of the transmission input is reduced to a minimum and the target gear (GZIEL) is only shifted when the remaining rotational speed difference, between the rotational speed of the transmission input and the rotational speed of the transmission output can be at least substantially synchronized by the form-locking shift element. |
| US09309959B2 |
Power transmission device
A power transmission device having a shift device in a case; and a pump sucking and discharges oil, including: a gear receiving power from the shift device; a gear shaft with a breather chamber having at least one end side in an axial direction being opened, and attached to the gear; a bearing supporting the gear shaft rotatably relative to the case on the breather chamber one end side; a vent pipe communicating with the breather chamber opening and outside of the case; a passage in the case with an outlet port opening to the case inside, and allowing pump leakage oil to flow from the outlet port; a member receiving flowing from the outlet port of the passage; a passage guiding the leakage oil from the receiving member to the bearing; and a portion suppressing entry of oil thrown up with rotation of the gear into the receiving member. |
| US09309953B2 |
Device for positioning at least one functional element
A device for positioning at least one functional element having a hub for a shaft in a predefined angle position on the shaft includes at least one holder for receiving at least one functional element. The device may include a tailstock or coaxially aligning the shaft in relation to the hub of the at least one functional element. The tailstock may include a centring cone for receiving the shaft. The centring cone may be axially displaceable in relation to the tailstock. The tailstock may include radially expandable centring elements for centring the functional element. The centring elements may assume a defined position against the hub of the functional element in an extended position. The device may also include a movable guide block for moving the shaft. |
| US09309951B1 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicles
A planetary gear train of an auto transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft, four planetary gear sets, eight rotational shafts and six friction elements. The rotational shafts connect rotation elements of corresponding first, second, third, and/or fourth planetary gear sets, and one or more rotational shafts are directly or selectively connected to an output shaft or a transmission housing. The six friction elements selectively connect the rotational shafts and selectively connect one or more rotational shafts with the transmission housing. |
| US09309949B2 |
Vibration insulating member
A vibration insulating member is equipped between one component and an other component. The vibration insulating member includes a through hole forming portion and a contact portion. The through hole forming portion is formed of an elastic material to have a through hole in which a connection member is inserted to connect the one component with the other component. The contact portion is projected radially inward from an inner wall of the through hole forming portion. The contact portion has an inner wall on a radially inside. When the connection member is inserted in the through hole, an outer wall of the connection member forms a gap with the inner wall of the through hole forming portion and is in contact with the inner wall of the contact portion. |
| US09309945B2 |
Shock absorber
A shock absorber has an inclined surface that is inclined to a moving direction of the free piston in at least one of a free piston contact surface of a free piston with which an elastic body is in contact and a housing contact surface of a housing with which the elastic body is in contact. A shortest distance between the free piston contact surface and the housing contact surface is changed by movement of the free piston. |
| US09309943B2 |
Pendulum mount
A pendulum support is particularly suited for supporting an engine unit. The support has two mutually spaced-apart fixing elements for connecting two bodies that can be displaced in relation to one another. The fixing elements are elastically interconnected. The object is to provide a pendulum support with a high degree of deflection that is cost-effective to produce. The base body has two base body elements, which are interconnected by at least one elastic shear element. At least one of the base body elements is formed with a cavity, wherein one area of the other base body element is contained with a degree of deflection. |
| US09309941B2 |
Liquid cooled brake with support columns
A liquid cooled brake is provided having an improved housing that provides strong yet lightweight structural support. The brake includes end plates disposed about a driven shaft and axially spaced from one another. A plurality of axially extending pins connect the end plates. A friction plate is coupled to the driven shaft for rotation therewith and is axially movable relative to the driven shaft. Another friction plate defines a fluid jacket and is coupled to the pins. The friction plate is fixed against rotation, but axially movable, relative to the pins. A pressure plate is configured for selective movement towards the friction plates. Support columns are disposed radially outwardly of each pin and fixed to the end plates The support columns prevent undue strain on the pins. Ventilated guards may also be located between each pair of columns to limit access to internal working components of the brake. |
| US09309938B2 |
Bicycle brake caliper assembly
A bicycle brake caliper assembly comprises a brake caliper and a base structure. The brake caliper is configured to apply a braking force on a brake disc rotor configured to be rotatable about a rotational axis. The brake caliper has an attachment surface. The base structure has a first base surface. The base structure is configured to be coupled to the attachment surface of the brake caliper and to be attached to a bicycle frame so as to arrange the brake caliper at one of a first position and a second position which is farther from the rotational axis than the first position. The base structure is configured such that a relative angle defined between the attachment surface of the brake caliper and the first base surface of the base structure differs between the first position and the second position. |
| US09309937B2 |
Wheel cylinder adjuster
A wheel cylinder adjuster includes a rotary unit and a driving unit connected with the rotary unit. The rotary unit includes a rotary disk, a fixing member, two positioning members, a resilient ring, a restriction member and a clip. The rotary disk has a guide groove designed in a shape containing two semi-ovals. Two stepped slots are defined through the fixing member and the positioning members extend through the two stepped slots. Each positioning member has a guide tip which is located in the guide groove. The resilient ring is mounted to the positioning members and the tubular portion. The rotary disk is rotated and the guide tips of the positioning members more in the stepped slots so as to adjust the distance between the positioning members so as to be operated to different sizes of the wheel cylinders. |
| US09309936B2 |
Sleeve for disk brake caliper and disk brake fitted with such a sleeve
The present invention relates to a sleeve (9) for a disk brake fitted with a caliper slidably mounted in a carrier by means of pins fixed rigidly to the caliper, said sleeve (9) being designed to receive one of said pins in a bore of the carrier.According to the invention, such a sleeve is characterized in that it has ribs (10, 11) on a surface designed to come into contact with the carrier so that said ribs (10, 11) may be deformed in order to increase said contact surface when the sleeve (9) is compressed by an activation of the brake. |
| US09309929B2 |
Drive shaft adaptor and coupling
An apparatus and method for connecting a drive shaft end to a vehicle drive flange of the type that has six equally spaced, axially directed threaded bores. The apparatus includes a yoke member defining a pair of ears for receiving pin members defined by the drive shaft. The yoke member has at least four equally spaced apart axial through bores that are alignable with four of the bores in the drive flange. Fasteners extending through the through bores are threadably received by the aligned drive flange bores and clamp the yoke member to the drive flange. At least one, but preferably two, drive pins are threadably received by two of the six drive flange bores and include portions that are received by associated bores in the yoke member and are preferably sized to tightly fit the bores in a torque transmitting relationship. |
| US09309924B2 |
Segmented composite bearings and wind generator utilizing hydraulic pump/motor combination
A bearing assembly and wind generator. The bearing assembly includes a plurality of bearing segments defining a sliding member and a bearing body, with the sliding member and bearing body being joined together, and the plurality of bearing segments being coupled together to define an annular bearing structure. Also, a wind generator includes a wind rotor supported upon a tower, a hydraulic pump coupled to the wind rotor, and with rotation of the hydraulic pump pressurizing a hydraulic fluid, and a hydraulic motor in fluid communication with the hydraulic pump, and an electrical generator driven by the hydraulic motor to produce electrical energy. |
| US09309921B2 |
Internally-toothed gear unit with composite roller bearing, and wave gear device
A wave gear device (30) uses, as a bearing which supports a first rigid internally-toothed gear (31) and a flexible externally-toothed gear (33) so as to be capable of rotation relative to each other, a composite roller bearing (38) equipped with a first roller (53) and second roller (54) for thrust bearing use and a third roller (55) for radial bearing use. Compared to a cross roller bearing or an angular bearing, the composite roller bearing (38) can be implemented as a highly rigid bearing in a small installation space. The first rigid internally-toothed gear (31) and the inner ring portion (51) of the composite roller bearing (38) are formed integrally as a single component, so an attachment part for connecting these members is not necessary. A highly rigid, flat wave gear device can be achieved. |
| US09309919B2 |
Sealed spherical joint
A spherical joint comprises a socket, a ball stud, and a seal. The ball stud comprises a shaft, an inner ring positioned within an outer ring of the socket and within which the shaft is positioned, and a ring retainer attached to the shaft and retaining the inner ring to the shaft. The ring retainer provides an axial end of the ball stud relative to the axis. The outer ring and the inner ring comprise respectively a first spherical surface and a second spherical surface. The first and second spherical surfaces spherically mate with one another. The seal establishes a sealed connection between the outer ring and the inner ring. The socket and the ring retainer cooperate to provide a motion limiter that limits relative movement between the socket and the ball stud so as to prevent contact between the ring retainer and the seal. |
| US09309916B2 |
Coil design for improved rotational performance
A coil for transmitting torque comprises a wire having a longitudinal axis and first and second longitudinal edges extending along the longitudinal axis, wherein the first longitudinal edge is formed with a first pattern and the second longitudinal edge is formed with a second pattern complementary to the first pattern, the first and second patterns being configured to interlock with one another when the wire is wound into a helical shape. |
| US09309914B2 |
Low-profile rivet-like fastener
A low-profile rivet-like fastener (10) is adapted to be mounted in a hole (19) provided through a wall (15). The improved fastener broadly includes: an elongated tubular body (11), a nut (12), a ring (13), and a retainer (14). The body has a front end and a rear end. A flange (22) extends outwardly from the body adjacent the front end. The body has an inwardly-extending lug (27) adjacent the body rear end. The nut (12) has a head portion (30) and a collar portion (31) extending forwardly from the head portion. The collar portion (31) has an intermediate portion passing through the lug and terminates in a marginal end portioned forwardly of the lug. The ring (13) loosely surrounds the collar marginal end portion. The retainer (14) prevents the ring from separating from the collar marginal end portion. |
| US09309913B2 |
Fastening arrangement and fastening fitting for fastening a component to a structural component of an aircraft or spacecraft
A fastening arrangement for fastening a component, in particular a cabin component, to a structural component of an aircraft or spacecraft, including a structural component which has a connection surface; a fastening fitting which has a geometry matched to the geometrical shape of the structural component, has a connection portion associated with the connection surface of the structural component and is produced from a thermoplastic injection-moulding material; and an elastomeric adhesive joint for stable fastening of the connection portion of the fastening fitting to the associated connection surface of the structural component. A corresponding fastening fitting and an aircraft or spacecraft comprising a fastening arrangement of this type and/or a fastening fitting of this type are also described. |
| US09309912B2 |
Automatic releaser with wireless controls
A wirelessly-controlled automatic releaser including a housing, rechargeable batteries, wireless controls, an electromagnetic mechanism, and a release mechanism. The housing is provided with a cylindrical configuration having a upper cavity and a coaxial lower cavity. The wireless controller includes a remote control, a control switch, antennas, and a wireless control module. The electromagnetic mechanism includes an electromagnet and an iron core. The release mechanism includes a release pin, a movable sleeve and a release sleeve sequentially suited to one another from inside to outside. |
| US09309907B2 |
Structure for fixing substrate
A structure for fixing a first substrate and a second substrate, which are connected by an inter-substrate connector and fixed and overlapped each other with a space, comprises, a spacer member that is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and maintains a space between the first substrate and the second substrate at a predetermined distance; a pressing portion that presses the second substrate toward the first substrate; and a locking member that is fixed in the first substrate. |
| US09309906B2 |
Self-drilling expansion fastener and method of forming same
A self-drilling expansion fastener is integrally formed of a sheet metal material for locking two or more sheet workpieces together, and includes an expansion structure and a drill structure. The expansion structure has a plurality of internal threads and force-distributing bars. The drill structure has a chip guard for covering a head of the expansion structure, and a drill forward projected from the chip guar for self-drilling a hole. When an externally threaded element is screwed into the expansion structure to mesh with the internal threads, the force-distributing bars are brought to expand outward and are finally compressed into a folded state to thereby tightly lock the sheet workpieces to one another. A method of forming the self-drilling expansion fastener is also disclosed. |
| US09309904B2 |
System, transition conduit, and article of manufacture for transitioning a fluid flow
Various systems and apparatuses are provided for a fluid transfer system for an engine. In one example, a system includes a first turbine having an exit for discharging a main fluid flow and a second turbine having an inlet for receiving at least a portion of the main fluid flow. A main conduit fluidically couples the exit of the first turbine to the inlet of the second turbine. A transition conduit is coupled with the main conduit and includes a volute passageway curving around the main conduit. The volute passageway includes a slot that follows a route around the curving volute passageway and opens into an interior of the main conduit. The slot is defined at least in part by a lip and establishes a path for either a secondary fluid flow to enter the main conduit or a portion of a main fluid flow to exit the main conduit. |
| US09309902B2 |
Warm up cycle for a materials handling vehicle
A method for operating a materials handling vehicle includes activating the materials handling vehicle and performing a warm up cycle. During the warm up cycle, energy is provided to at least one valve within the materials handling vehicle so as to energize the valve without providing a working fluid to the valve. Providing energy to the at least one valve effects a heating of oil located within the at least one valve. |
| US09309898B2 |
Multi-fluid precision calibration pressure source
A pressure calibration device can include certain features that allow it to be used with a variety of hydraulic and pneumatic systems. A pressure calibration device can be configured to provide pressure or vacuum, and can have a mode selector for selecting to provide pressure or vacuum. A pressure calibration device can have a volume adjuster configured to modify pressures for hydraulic or pneumatic systems. A pressure calibration device can have a pressure release valve and a bleed valve for adjusting pressure values. |
| US09309897B2 |
Axial-flow fluid machinery, and variable vane drive device thereof
A variable vane drive device includes a movable ring disposed at an outer circumferential side of a casing of an axial-flow compressor and having an annular shape, four ring support mechanisms disposed at intervals in a circumferential direction of the movable ring and rotatably supporting the movable ring around a rotor, and a link mechanism for connecting the movable ring to a variable vane such that a direction of the variable vane is varied by rotation of the movable ring. The ring support mechanisms have inner rollers, outer rollers, and roller support bases for rotatably supporting the inner rollers and the outer rollers in a state in which the movable ring is sandwiched between the inner roller and the outer rollers. |
| US09309893B2 |
Supersonic compressor
A supersonic compressor including a rotor to deliver a gas at supersonic conditions to a diffuser. The diffuser includes a plurality of aerodynamic ducts that have converging and diverging portions, for deceleration of gas to subsonic conditions and then for expansion of subsonic gas, to change kinetic energy of the gas to static pressure. The aerodynamic ducts include vortex generating structures for controlling boundary layer, and structures for changing the effective contraction ratio to enable starting even when the aerodynamic ducts are designed for high pressure ratios, and structures for boundary layer control. In an embodiment, aerodynamic ducts are provided having an aspect ratio of in excess of two to one, when viewed in cross-section orthogonal to flow direction at an entrance to the aerodynamic duct. |
| US09309892B2 |
Vacuum pump
The present invention provides a vacuum pump (10) which comprises a turbo-molecular pumping mechanism (12) in series with a Siegbahn pumping mechanism (14). A first pump inlet (16) is provided through which gas can pass through both the turbo-molecular pumping mechanism and the Siegbahn pumping mechanism. Additionally, an inter-stage (inlet 18) is provided through which gas can enter the pump at a location between the turbo-molecular pumping mechanism and the Siegbahn pumping mechanism and pass only through the Siegbahn pumping mechanism. There are flow channels (52, 62) in a first plurality of stages (32, 34) of the Siegbahn pumping mechanism which are in fluid communication with the inter-stage inlet (18) and gas entering the pump through the inter-stage inlet is pumped in parallel along said flow channels. |
| US09309890B2 |
Scroll compressor assembly having oil distribution and support feature
A horizontal scroll compressor assembly for compressing a working fluid and lubricated with oil includes a housing, an interior surface, and a suction sump for collected oil located in the suction plenum. A compression mechanism has an orbital scroll member having a thrust surface axially superposed with the housing and having an oil distribution channel. Oil from the suction sump is received into the distribution channel and delivered to locations between the superposed surfaces during movement of the orbital scroll member. A method for distributing oil in a scroll compressor assembly includes: receiving oil from a suction sump into an oil distribution channel located in the thrust surface of an orbital scroll member; pumping oil along the oil distribution channel to locations between the thrust surface and a superposed housing surface; and lubricating a thrust surface interface with oil. |
| US09309885B2 |
Gear ring pump including housing containing port support therein with the port support formed of a material having a greater heat expansion coefficient than a material of the housing
A gear ring pump includes a pump bearing arranged in the housing cover. A port support is mounted in the pump housing between the impeller set and the end wall of the working chamber in a movable manner towards the driveshaft such that the port support is prevented from rotating. The port support has a suction kidney and a pressure kidney which pass through the port support separately from each other across the entire width of the port support. The thickness of the port support approximately matches the thickness of the impeller set but can also project past the thickness of the impeller set by up to 20%. The thermal expansion coefficient of the port support is approximately 70% to 120% greater than the thermal expansion coefficient of the pump housing. The driveshaft which is rotationally fixed to the inner rotor does not protrude into the port support. |
| US09309884B2 |
Downhole motor or pump components, method of fabrication the same, and downhole motors incorporating the same
Exemplary embodiments provide a progressive cavity pump or motor including a stator having a longitudinal bore and a rotor rotatably disposed within the longitudinal bore of the stator. The rotor includes a rotor core and a resilient outer layer formed of a resilient material bonded onto the outer surface of the rotor core. The resilient outer layer sealably connects the helical configurations on the outer surfaces of the rotor and the stator as the rotor rotates within the longitudinal bore of the stator. |
| US09309882B2 |
Method of determining whether to replace a high pressure pump in a hydraulic regulation system of a turbomachine
A method tracking positive displacement efficiency of a high pressure positive displacement pump in a hydraulic regulator system of a turbomachine delivering a flow rate based on an engine speed of the turbomachine, the flow rate delivered to an actuator actuating variable geometry vanes of the turbomachine and to a bypass valve feeding engines of the turbomachine, the method including: starting engines of the turbomachine at a low engine speed, the valve being closed; using a computer to order a movement of the actuator; progressively increasing the engine speed until the flow rate reaches a predetermined value sufficient for opening the valve; storing in the computer a position of the actuator and the engine speed corresponding to opening of the valve; repeating the preceding operations at successive instants during a lifetime of the engines; and replacing the high pressure positive displacement pump when the engine speed exceeds a predetermined value. |
| US09309880B2 |
Fluid transporting device of the peristaltic type with a push pin and push plate arrangement
A fluid transporting device includes an elastic tube, a tube frame that holds the elastic tube in an arc, a rotary push plate arranged in the arc for facilitating fluid flow inside the elastic tube, and a plurality of push pins disposed between the elastic tube and the center of the arc. Each push pin includes a semispherical end portion that contacts the rotary push plate, a pushing end portion that places a bias on the elastic tube, and adjacent end portions of at least two push pins close the elastic tube when the semispherical end portions are pushed by an outer circumference arc of the rotary push plate. |
| US09309879B2 |
Microsystem for fluidic applications, and production method and usage method for a microsystem for fluidic applications
A microsystem for fluidic applications includes a substrate with a reservoir, a first microchannel, connected to the reservoir, and a second microchannel, separated from the first microchannel by a fixed member. The microsystem furthermore has an elastic film on the substrate, which film has a joint to the substrate around the reservoir and seals the reservoir. Here, the joint has a permanent joining area and, on the fixed member, a fixed member joining area that can be broken open and adjoins the permanent joining area at both ends of the fixed member. Such a microsystem forms a processing chip with reagent receptacle. |
| US09309878B2 |
Poppet valve for a compressor
A poppet valve for a compressor, a piston compressor including such a poppet valve, and a repair kit for a poppet valve. The poppet valve has a cage, a valve seat and a plurality of closing elements, wherein the cage has a plurality of axial bores open towards the valve seat. |
| US09309872B2 |
System and method for position control of a mechanical piston in a pump
Embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed herein utilize a brushless DC motor (BLDCM) to drive a single-stage or a multi-stage pump in a pumping system for real time, smooth motion, and extremely precise and repeatable position control over fluid movements and dispense amounts, useful in semiconductor manufacturing. The BLDCM may employ a position sensor for real time position feedback to a processor executing a custom field-oriented control scheme. Embodiments of the invention can reduce heat generation without undesirably compromising the precise position control of the dispense pump by increasing and decreasing, via a custom control scheme, the operating frequency of the BLDCM according to the criticality of the underlying function(s). The control scheme can run the BLDCM at very low speeds while maintaining a constant velocity, which enables the pumping system to operate in a wide range of speeds with minimal variation, substantially increasing dispense performance and operation capabilities. |
| US09309870B2 |
Thermal actuator
The present disclosure provides a thermal actuator which comprises at least two containers containing a first fluid. The at least two containers define interior portions that are interconnected such that the interior portions of the containers are in fluidal communication with each other. The first fluid comprises a first liquid component and a second gaseous component. The thermal actuator is arranged such that a change in a temperature difference between one container and the or another container and within a predetermined range of temperature difference causes a quantity of a fluid contained in the thermal actuator to be transferred from the one container to the or another container such that a mass distribution of the thermal actuator is altered in response to the change in temperature difference so as to cause actuation. |
| US09309863B2 |
Maximally efficient vertical axis wind turbine
A maximally efficient vertical axis wind turbine (MEVAWT) includes a rotatable circular frame having upper and lower concentric flat rings or disks which support a plurality of, typically three, four, five or six, pivotable cascades, each including a plurality of fixed, configurable airfoils. The airfoils preferably include a single, pivotable trailing flap and may include lateral extensions. The center and periphery of the lower ring are supported in suitable bearings to facilitate free rotation of the frame. Wind direction and velocity sensors provide data utilized to control drive mechanisms which orient each cascade and the flap of each airfoil to maximize the resultant power produced by the turbine. |
| US09309862B2 |
Nutating fluid-mechanical energy converter
One example of a nutating fluid-mechanical energy converter includes a stator and a rotor. The stator includes an outer cylinder having a longitudinal passage 101 and an inner guide cylinder disposed longitudinally within the outer cylinder. The inner guide cylinder and outer cylinder are concentric and define an annulus for fluid flow. A longitudinal guide is attached to an outer surface of the inner guide cylinder and extending outwardly toward an inner surface of the outer cylinder. The rotor is positioned in the annulus to be eccentric relative to the outer cylinder. The rotor has a sidewall with a guide opening to receive the longitudinal guide. Fluid flowing through the annulus imparts a torque on the rotor causing the rotor to nutate within the annulus. The nutational motion of the rotor can be converted into a rotational motion using a suitable rotary output device. |
| US09309859B2 |
Method for controlling an ignition system of an internal combustion engine and an ignition system
A method for controlling an ignition system of an internal combustion engine, with which a device for the detection of misfires is provided, comprises operation of the internal combustion engine in a calibration mode, wherein the calibration mode includes stepwise reduction of the ignition energy by changing the ignition parameter starting from an initial value, detecting the reaching of a combustion failure limit based on the signal of the detection device and again reducing the ignition energy if the combustion failure limit has not yet been reached, and storing the ignition parameter at the point in time of reaching the combustion failure limit. When not in the calibration mode, operation of the ignition system takes place according to the stored ignition parameter. With such feedback control, electrode burn of the spark plugs is reduced, leading to an extension of the service life of the spark plugs. |
| US09309856B2 |
Assembly for a speed reducer of a rotary electric machine, and related heat-engine starter
Assembly (57) for a speed reducer of a rotary electric machine, comprising: a ring gear (46) secured to a transverse wall (58); a base plate (60) to be securely and rotatably mounted relative to a mounting (16) of the machine; an axially acting resilient means, such as an axially acting resilient disc (64); and an added hub (68) on which the transverse wall (58) of the ring gear (46), the base plate (60), and the resilient means (64) are mounted. The hub (68) has at least one first shoulder (71) for supporting the axially acting resilient means (64), and at least one second shoulder (72) for supporting the transverse wall (58) of the ring gear (46). The assembly also relates to a starter, particularly for a motor vehicle. |
| US09309853B2 |
Fuel injection valve and fuel injection system
A fuel injection valve which has: swirl chambers each having an inner wall whose curvature is gradually increased from upstream to downstream along fuel flow; passages for swirling motion, the passages permitting introduction of fuel into the swirl chambers; fuel injection holes opening into the swirl chambers and including at least two narrow-angle injection holes and a wide-angle injection hole from which at least two narrow-angle sprays and a wide-angle spray are respectively ejected; and an orifice plate provided with the injection holes. The narrow-angle injection holes are spaced a given distance from the center of the orifice plate. The wide-angle injection hole is formed on a line perpendicularly intersecting a line segment that interconnects the centers of the narrow-angle injection holes. |
| US09309852B2 |
Method for activating an injector in a fuel injection system in an internal combustion engine
A method for activating an injector in a fuel injection system in an internal combustion engine, the fuel injection system including a plurality of injectors and a quantity of fuel injected with the aid of an injector being a function of the activation period of the injector. An injector-individual correction value for the activation period is ascertained for at least one injector as a function of a pressure and a temperature of the fuel to be injected and the activation for this injector takes place under consideration of the injector-individual correction value. |
| US09309845B2 |
Injection device for two fuels containing ethanol, an internal combustion engine, and a method for operating an injection device
An injection device for an internal combustion engine having a first injection system for injecting fuel having a first fuel composition, and a second injection system for the injection of fuel having a second fuel composition that has a lower ethanol component than the first fuel composition, the first injection system having at least one first fuel injector for injecting fuel having the first fuel composition both in the direction of a first intake orifice of a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, and in the direction of a second intake orifice of the combustion chamber, wherein the second injection system has a second fuel injector for injecting fuel having the second fuel composition essentially only in the direction of the first intake orifice, and a separate third fuel injector for injecting fuel having the second fuel composition essentially only in the direction of the second intake orifice. |
| US09309843B2 |
Resonator for vehicle
A resonator for a vehicle, which reduces intake noise by using a resonance chamber for frequency tuning, includes an outer pipe having a first outer pipe with an inlet for introducing external air and a second outer pipe with an outlet for discharging the air introduced into the inlet to outside, an inner pipe disposed inside the outer pipe and having a plurality of slits for giving a passage of air, and an expansion pipe inserted between the outer pipe and the inner pipe to partition a space between the outer pipe and the inner pipe into a plurality of spaces and thus partition the resonance chamber into a plurality of regions. |
| US09309842B2 |
Air inlet silencer for turbomachines
An air inlet silencer for turbomachines is provided. In one embodiment, the air inlet silencer includes a body, and a plurality of concentric baffles coupled to and axially surrounding the body. In another embodiment, an air inlet system for a turbomachine includes the air inlet silencer, as discussed herein, positioned within a silencer housing. The air inlet system may also include a deflector positioned within the silencer housing adjacent the air inlet silencer. In a further embodiment, a turbomachine includes a turbine coupled to a compressor, and an air inlet system, as described herein, coupled to the compressor. |
| US09309838B2 |
Methods and systems for indicating water at an oxygen sensor based on sensor heater power consumption
Methods and systems are provided for indicating water at an oxygen sensor based on power consumption of a heating element of the oxygen sensor. In one example, water may be indicated at an oxygen sensor positioned in an intake of an engine responsive to power consumption of the heating element of the oxygen sensor increasing above a baseline level. Engine operating parameters may then be adjusted based on the water indication and the power consumption. |
| US09309837B2 |
Methods and systems for EGR control
Methods and systems are provided for using compressor recirculation flow via a venturi to enhance low pressure EGR flow. The opening of a compressor recirculation valve can be adjusted based on EGR flow demand to recirculate cooled compressed air through a venturi while generating vacuum for drawing EGR. The approach allows for concurrent EGR control and surge control. |
| US09309836B2 |
Methods and systems for boost control
Methods and systems are provided for varying a proportion of compressed air recirculated to a compressor inlet from a location downstream of the compressor and upstream of a charge air cooler and a location downstream of the charge air cooler. A temperature-controlled compressor recirculation flow is used to reduce condensation from EGR being ingested into the compressor. The temperature-controlled compressor recirculation flow is also used to address compressor surge. |
| US09309835B2 |
Engine and thrust reverser actuation system
A thrust reverser actuation system for a jet engine having a turbine engine surrounded by a nacelle to define an annular air flow path between the turbine engine and the nacelle, with a thrust reverser having a movable element to reverse the direction of at least a portion of the air flow along the air flow path, where the thrust reverser actuation system includes a hydraulic actuator configured to be operably coupled to the movable element, and a remote actuator that controls the inhibit function of the hydraulic system. |
| US09309833B2 |
Leaf spring hanger for exhaust duct liner
A hanger assembly for use between a first duct and a second duct has a flexible leaf spring having a body and a leg, a locking member for attaching the leg to the first duct, and a mounting member for attaching the body to the second duct. |
| US09309831B2 |
Piston arrangement for a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, having a variable compression ratio
A piston arrangement for a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine having a variable compression ratio. A piston includes a device for the variable adjustment of the compression ratio associated with the combustion chamber, and a piston pin is coupled to the piston via respective connecting regions, via which piston pin the piston can be coupled to a connecting rod of the internal combustion engine. The device includes the piston pin having at least one eccentric element, which is eccentrically arranged with respect to the connecting regions of the piston pin and via which the piston pin can be coupled to the connecting rod. |
| US09309829B2 |
Method for analyzing the efficiency of the high-pressure pump of a fuel injection system
A method for analyzing the efficiency of a high-pressure pump of a fuel injection system includes analyzing the efficiency of the high-pressure pump with respect to individual pumping strokes of the high-pressure pump, detecting and analyzing the pressure build-up and the pressure drop for the individual pumping strokes, and drawing conclusions about the state of individual components of the high-pressure pump from the analysis of the pressure build-up or the pressure drop. |
| US09309827B2 |
Fuel injection control device for saddle-ride type vehicle
A fuel injection control device includes a throttle opening read timing setter that sets the timing at which a throttle opening is read. The setter is triggered to detect the throttle opening used for calculation of a basic injection amount by the start of calculation timing of the basic injection amount (FICAL) if the FICAL is at the position corresponding to a toothless part of a crank pulsar rotor. The setter detects the throttle opening based on crank pulse interrupt according to a crank pulse if the FICAL is at a position other than the position corresponding to the toothless part. |
| US09309826B2 |
Method and device for ascertaining a modeling value for a physical variable in an engine system having an internal combustion engine
A method for determining a modeling value of a physical variable in a gas guiding section of an engine system including an internal combustion engine, includes the following steps: operating the engine system in such a way that an air mass flow is present in the gas guiding section; determining instantaneous values of other physical variables; and determining the modeling value of the physical variable by solving a differential equation, which results as the discretization of a differential equation, with the aid of the previously ascertained instantaneous values of the other physical variables. |
| US09309822B2 |
Method for operating an internal combustion engine, control element, internal combustion engine
A method for operating an internal combustion engine having at least one venting duct running from a crank chamber of a crankcase to an intake manifold, includes the steps of measuring a fresh air mass flow supplied to the internal combustion engine with an air mass sensor, determining a cylinder charge of at least one cylinder of the internal combustion engine depending on the measured fresh air mass flow, determining during operation a pressure of the crank chamber, and correcting the determined cylinder charge depending on a measured change of the pressure in the crank chamber. A control element for a controller of an internal combustion engine, in particular an automobile, carrying out the method, and an internal combustion engine, in particular in an automobile, with such control element are also described. |
| US09309821B2 |
Engine valve lift control systems and methods for reduced fuel consumption
A fuel control system of an engine includes a fuel economy module. The fuel economy module determines a first valve lift state and a second valve lift state of a valve of the engine. The fuel economy module generates a first fuel consumption signal based on the first valve lift state and an engine torque request signal, and generates a second fuel consumption signal based on the second valve lift state and the engine torque request signal. The fuel control system also includes a valve lift state module. The valve lift state module selects one of the first valve lift state and the second valve lift state based the first fuel consumption signal and the second fuel consumption signal. The valve lift state module generates a valve lift select signal. The valve lift select signal indicates the selected one of the first valve lift state and the second valve lift state. |
| US09309820B2 |
Device for metering fuel
A device is described for metering fuel in internal combustion engines is provided, which includes a fuel distributor provided with a flow channel and at least one discharge orifice connected thereto, a valve which is connected to the fuel distributor for metering the fuel and has a pipe connection that is able to be attached to the discharge orifice, and connection means, which connects the fuel distributor and the valve to each other in the attachment region of the pipe connection and the discharge orifice in a pressure-tight manner. |
| US09309815B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine
A control device for an internal combustion engine is provided with: a variable valve driving mechanism capable of changing a working angle of an intake valve while keeping a maximum magnitude of lift and opening timing constant; a reduction catalyst which absorbs nitrogen oxide in exhaust during lean combustion and reduces the nitrogen oxide absorbed during rich combustion; and a control unit changing, according to a load on the internal combustion engine, an amount of advance of closing of the intake valve at the time of switching to rich combustion. |
| US09309814B2 |
Method and device for controlling a variable valve train of an internal combustion engine
A method for controlling a variable valve train of an internal combustion engine including multiple cylinders is disclosed. At a first operating point of the engine, an intake air amount is determined and cylinder-individual values for a fuel amount reduction are determined by successively reducing the respectively supplied fuel amount for each cylinder until a characteristic representing uneven running of the engine has reached a predetermined uneven running threshold value. A ratio of a change in the intake valve lift to the resulting change in the intake air amount is determined for the first operating point. Cylinder-individual deviations of the intake valve lift from a reference value are determined based on the ratio, the intake air amount at the first operating point, and the associated value for the fuel amount reduction. The variable valve train is then controlled on the basis of the cylinder-individual deviations of the intake valve lift. |
| US09309809B2 |
Effusion plate using additive manufacturing methods
Additive manufacturing techniques may be utilized to construct effusion plates. Such additive manufacturing techniques may include defining a configuration for an effusion plate having one or more internal cooling channels. The manufacturing techniques may further include depositing a powder into a chamber, applying an energy source to the deposited powder, and consolidating the powder into a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the defined configuration. Such methods may be implemented to construct an effusion plate having one or more channels with a curved cross-sectional geometry. |
| US09309808B2 |
Turboprop provided with a blade-positioning device
A turboprop provided with a blade-positioning device including a stationary nacelle, a rotary nacelle including a plurality of blade roots, a turbine, the stationary and rotary nacelles and the turbine being coaxial along a longitudinal axis, a blade positioning device including for each blade a device configured to transform movement suitable for transforming a translation movement into a rotation movement, each one of the device for transforming movement being secured to the rotary nacelle and being suitable for pivoting a blade. The positioning device is placed between the inner surface of the stationary nacelle and the outer surface of the turbine, the positioning device including a member including a body secured to the stationary nacelle and a rod for sliding along an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. |
| US09309806B2 |
Rotational drive apparatus
A first internal gear of a speed reducer includes an internally-toothed portion and a bearing portion and is formed as a one-piece member that is formed separately from a first housing. The internally-toothed portion forms internal teeth, which are meshed with external teeth of a first planetary gear. The bearing portion includes an eleventh cylindrical surface, which supports a motor shaft. The internal teeth of the first internal gear are arranged coaxial with the eleventh cylindrical surface. The internal teeth of the first internal gear and the bearing portion are formed as portions of the one-piece member. |
| US09309805B2 |
Turbocharger
The present invention provides a turbocharger that prevents a seizure of a shaft member, prevents a leakage of exhaust gas, suppresses deterioration of components, and reduces a number of components. The turbocharger includes a waste gate valve which is connected to the shaft member rotatably supported by penetrating a support hole of the turbine housing. The waste gate valve includes an inclined surface formed at a portion facing an opening of a bypass passage. When the waste gate valve is opened, exhaust gas flown into the bypass passage presses the inclined surface, thrust force is applied to the shaft member in a shaft direction, and a seal contact portion is pressed against a peripheral edge of the support hole via a seal member. |
| US09309804B2 |
Dual path (low pressure loop and high pressure loop) EGR for improved air boosting efficiency
A method of providing exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to an air-boosted internal combustion engine. The engine has both a high pressure EGR loop and a low pressure EGR loop. Each EGR loop has a valve that controls the amount of EGR that is delivered to the engine intake from that loop. During low-speed engine conditions, more EGR is delivered to the engine intake from the low pressure EGR loop than from the high pressure EGR loop. During high-speed engine conditions, more EGR is delivered to the engine intake from the high pressure EGR loop than from the low pressure EGR loop. |
| US09309803B2 |
Turbocharger compressor temperature control systems and methods
A control system for a vehicle includes a target boost module and a turbocharger control module. The target boost module determines a target boost for first and second turbochargers based on an engine torque request. Based on a temperature of a compressor of the second turbocharger, the turbocharger control module: selectively opens a first bypass valve that regulates exhaust bypassing a first turbine of the first turbocharger; and selectively closes a cutoff valve that regulates exhaust flow through both a second turbine of the second turbocharger and a second bypass valve. The second bypass valve regulates exhaust bypassing the second turbine of the second turbocharger. |
| US09309802B2 |
Control valve unit for a liquid circuit
A control valve unit for a liquid circuit of an internal combustion engine, includes a valve housing (1) having at least one inlet opening (2) or outlet opening (2′) and at least two outlet openings (31, 32, 33) or inlet openings (31′, 32′, 33′) and at least two closing elements (41, 42, 43) actuated by a control device (22). The closing elements selectively open or close an associated outlet or inlet opening. The closing elements may be continuously adjusted between maximum open and closed positions. The control device (22) includes at least one displaceable or rotatable cam (6) and includes at least two cam tracks (71, 72, 73), each of which is assigned to a closing element (41, 42, 43) and acts on at least one driving pin (11) that is in contact with said closing element (41, 42, 43). The cams (6) are adjusted by an actuator (8). |
| US09309800B2 |
Exhaust system for an off-road vehicle
An exhaust system for an off-road vehicle including an outlet port configured to release exhaust gas and an outlet stack disposed about the outlet port, in which at least a portion of the outlet stack is radially spaced from the outlet port to form a gap between the outlet stack and the outlet port. The outlet stack is configured to direct a flow of exhaust gas from the outlet port toward a distal end of the outlet stack. The exhaust system further includes an exhaust shield in close proximity or coupled to the outlet stack comprising at least one opening and an electronic control unit (ECU) disposed within the exhaust shield. The gap is configured to establish an airflow path from the at least one opening to a region of the outlet stack downstream from the outlet port, and the ECU is positioned within the airflow path between the at least one opening and the gap to facilitate cooling of the ECU. |
| US09309799B2 |
Method and device for determining the oxygen storage capacity of an emission control system
A method and a device for determining the oxygen storage capacity of an emission control system in an exhaust duct of an internal combustion engine. In a first phase, the internal combustion engine being operated using an air-fuel mixture having a rich air-to-fuel ratio, and in a second phase, the engine being operated at a lean air-to-fuel ratio; and an oxygen storage capacity of the emission control system being determined from an oxygen input into the emission control system during the second phase; and/or in order to determine a hydrocarbon gas storage capacity, the internal combustion engine being operated during the first phase at a lean air-to-fuel ratio, and operated in the second phase at a rich air-to-fuel ratio; and the hydrocarbon gas storage capacity being determined from the oxygen discharge from the emission control system during the second phase. |
| US09309796B2 |
Particulate matter processing apparatus
An excessively large electric current is suppressed from flowing to an electrode. Provision is made for an electrode arranged in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine, a power supply connected to the electrode for applying a voltage thereto, an air fuel ratio detection device for detecting or estimating an air fuel ratio of an exhaust gas which flows through the exhaust passage, and a power upper limit setting device for setting an upper limit for electric power supplied to the electrode from the power supply in cases where the air fuel ratio detected or estimate. |
| US09309795B2 |
Oil management system for an internal combustion engine, and a method for oil management of such an engine
Disclosed is an oil management system for an internal combustion engine that includes a crankcase. The oil management system includes a first container for storage of a first quantity of oil and a second container for temporary storage of a predetermined second quantity of oil. The oil management system further includes a pump arranged for operating in a first and a second mode, in which modes oil is transferrable respectively to and from the second container, and a flow measuring unit arranged for measuring an oil flow to or from the second container when the pump is operating. The oil management system is arranged for delivery of the predetermined second quantity of oil to the crankcase in dependence of the measured oil flow. Also described is a method for oil management of an internal combustion engine that includes a crankcase. |
| US09309794B2 |
System and method for monitoring engine oil pressure
A system and method for determining the oil pressure of an internal combustion engine is disclosed herein. The system and/or method may estimate the oil pressure using the response of two variable camshaft timing actuators having respective phase angle change control signals. Specifically, the signals may be used to determine whether the oil pressure is below a low oil pressure threshold value. The rate of response of the actuators may also be used to determine a current engine oil pressure. |
| US09309793B2 |
Oil return to the sump of a flat engine
Returning engine oil to the primary oil sump from outboard locations in a flat engine can be a challenge. In the present disclosure, the pressure fluctuations occurring at the underside of the piston, due to reciprocation of the piston, are used to pump the oil from outboard locations to the primary oil sump. To prevent backflow of oil during periods of negative pressure difference, a check valve is placed in the oil drain passage. The check valve allows flow from the outboard location to the primary oil sump and no flow from the primary oil sump to the outboard location by opening and closing as driven by pressure fluctuations due to piston reciprocation. Such a check valve also prevents backflow of the oil to one of the outboard locations when the engine is tilted. |
| US09309792B2 |
System and method for controlling pump performance in a transmission
The present disclosure provides a hydraulic system of a transmission having a controller and a variable displacement pump. The pump includes an inlet and outlet and is adapted to be driven by a torque-generating mechanism. The system also includes a lube circuit fluidly coupled to the pump. A lube regulator valve is disposed in the lube circuit, such that the lube regulator valve is configured to move between at least a regulated position and an unregulated position. The regulated position corresponds to a regulated pressure in the lube circuit. A pressure switch is fluidly coupled to the lube regulator valve and configured to move between a first position and a second position, where the switch is disposed in electrical communication with the controller. A solenoid is disposed in electrical communication with the controller and is controllably coupled to the pump to alter the displacement of the pump. |
| US09309791B2 |
Valve control for a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine
A valve control device for a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine has a cam follower lever interacting with the camshaft. A rocker arm rests on the cam follower lever and actuates the valve. An adjusting device acts on the rocker arm to adjust a valve lift. The rocker arm has first and second control surfaces with first and second radii of curvature, respectively, The cam follower lever has a third control surface with third radius of curvature. The first control surface contacts a fourth control surface of a guide element of the engine with fourth radius of curvature. The second control surface of the rocker arm contacts a valve element. The first to fourth radii of curvature are adjusted such that, when adjusting the valve lift, the valve does not open when the cam follower lever rests on a cam base circle section of the camshaft. |
| US09309787B2 |
Engine rocker arm and roller assembly
An engine rocker arm and roller assembly is disclosed which may include a rocker arm having a first end and a second end, with a rocker arm being adapted to pivot about a pivot aperture therein. The engine rocker arm and roller assembly may further include an axle mounted in the second end with the axle being made of bronze and having a stepped profile. The roller may be rotatively mounted to the axle. |
| US09309786B2 |
Valve operating device of engine
A valve operating device for an engine is provided. The device includes at least two cam elements per one shaft. End face cams are formed in opposing end faces of two adjacent cam elements, and the end face cams respectively have protruding portions being formed offset in phase so that the protruding portions overlap in the axial directions when the two cam elements are close to each other. A control member is provided, the control member is projected to an actuated position at which the control member is projected to engage with the end face cams so as to separate the adjacent cam elements from each other when the cam elements are close to each other, and the control member is retreated to a non-actuated position at which the control member is retreated from the actuated position. |
| US09309785B2 |
Air start steam engine
A method and system using at least two different working fluids to be supplied to an expander to cause it to do mechanical work. The expander is started by providing a compressed gaseous working fluid at a sufficient pressure to the expander. At the same time the compressed gaseous working fluid is provided to the expander, a second working fluid that is liquid at ambient temperatures is provided to a heater to be heated. The second working fluid is heated to its boiling point and converted to pressurized gas Once the pressure is increased to a sufficient level, the second working fluid is injected into the expander to generate power, and the supply of the first working fluid may be stopped. After expansion in the expander, the working fluids are is exhausted from the expander, and the second working fluid may be condensed for separation from the first working fluid. Control circuitry controls the admission of the first and second working fluids responsive to monitoring the load on the expander. |
| US09309783B2 |
Seal assembly for turbine system
The disclosure includes a sealing assembly for a turbine system. In one embodiment, the sealing assembly is for a turbine having a rotor blade and a stator nozzle. The sealing assembly includes a pair of oppositely facing seal teeth including concave surfaces. The pair of oppositely facing seal teeth are positioned on one of the rotor blade and the stator nozzle, and are for sealingly engaging the other of the rotor blade and the stator nozzle during operation of the turbine. |
| US09309779B2 |
Steam turbine governing system for maintaining synchronization and process for performing the same
The invention relates to a steam turbine governing system for maintaining synchronization between an electrical grid and an electric generator, driven by a steam turbine, after the occurrence of a grid short circuit at the electrical grid. The governing system includes a governor adapted to control an arrangement of valves for regulating the steam flow in the steam turbine and means for measuring the voltage drop at the output of the electric generator. The governing system further includes means for measuring the electric power drop at the output of the electric generator. The governor is adapted to initiate operation of the arrangement of valves of the steam turbine in response to a voltage drop exceeding a predetermined value and to an electric power drop exceeding a predetermined value. |
| US09309778B2 |
Variable vane for gas turbine engine
A turbomachine includes a variably positioned vane, an outer spindle integral with a vane outer button, where the vane is coupled to the vane outer button, an annular sleeve defining the spindle, where the annular sleeve contacts the vane outer button at a radially inward extent and contacts a turbine casing at a radially outward extent. The annular sleeve includes a wall portion having an aperture and the spindle extends through the aperture. A nut engages spindle threads, where the nut applies force to the wall portion toward the radially inward extent. An end of the spindle extends through the turbine casing, and a cantilever rotation actuator is coupled to the end of the spindle. A first bearing and second bearing engage the annular sleeve. A vane inner button is coupled to the vane, and a third bearing engages the vane inner button. |
| US09309773B2 |
Steam turbine and steam turbine blade
A steam turbine 3 includes: a turbine rotor 4; a rotor blade 5 implanted to the turbine rotor 4; a stator blade 6 provided at an upstream side of the rotor blade 5; and a turbine casing 13 supporting the stator blade 6 and including the turbine rotor 4, the rotor blade 5 and the stator blade 6, and have a constitution in which a stage 7 is formed by a pair of the rotor blade 5 and the stator blade 6, and a steam passage 8 is formed by arranging plural stages 7 in an axial direction of the turbine rotor 4. A surface treatment to suppress an increase of a surface roughness caused by oxidation is performed for at least a part of a surface of the stator blade 6 and a surface of the rotor blade 5. |
| US09309766B2 |
Refrigeration system including a rotary expansible chamber device having adjustable working-fluid ports
Rotary expansible chamber (REC) devices having one or more working-fluid ports that are adjustable, for example, in size or location. In some embodiments, the variable port mechanisms can be used to control any one or more of a plurality of operating parameters of a REC device independently of one or more others of the operating parameters. In some embodiments, the REC devices can have a plurality of fluid volumes that change in size during rotation of the REC device, and that transition to a zero volume condition during the rotation of the REC device. Systems are also provided that can include one or more REC devices. Methods for controlling various aspects of REC devices, including methods of controlling one or more operating parameters, are also provided. |
| US09309764B1 |
Method for limiting articulation of a chain joint using a chain link extension of a chain assembly
A method of limiting articulation of a chain joint in a chain assembly using plurality of chain plates. The chain plates prevent articulation of the chain assembly in one direction. The chain plates, as an example, include a neck portion and a body portion. The neck portion has a width less than a width between a pair of first side bars. The first side bars have end portions mounted on a chain barrel. The neck portion is attached to the first side bars. Also, a pair of second side bars are mounted on the chain barrel. The body portion of the chain plate has a width greater than a width between the second side bars. The body portion rest on top of a portion of the second side bars and prevents joint articulation of the second side bars in one direction during the movement of the chain assembly. |
| US09309762B2 |
Controlled full flow pressure pulser for measurement while drilling (MWD) device
An apparatus, method, and system described for generating pressure pulses in drilling fluid utilizing a flow throttling device which includes a controllable pulser operating sequentially within a downhole assembly within a drill string of a drill pipe. The system includes drilling fluid, fluid flow, and fluid drilling pump which when combined creates fluid flow into a bore pipe annulus within the downhole assembly creating a base line bore pipe pressure wherein bore pipe pressure is sensed via a sensor and information is sent to a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) that interprets the information. The DSP also receives information from an annulus pressure sensor that senses drilling fluid pressure as it returns to the pump. The DSP recognizes pressure variation input from the annulus pressure sensor and bore pipe pressure sensor and detects pressure variation providing signals as data information to the DSP, determining required action to adjust pulser operation. |
| US09309759B2 |
Non-hydraulic fracturing systems, methods, and processes
Methods and systems of fracturing subterranean formations to are provided comprising pumping metacritical phase natural gas into a subterranean formation to create or extend one or more fissures in the formation. Methods and systems may further comprise maintaining or increasing pressure of the metacritical phase natural gas in the formation by pumping more metacritical phase natural gas into the fissures to hold the fissures open. Methods and systems may further comprise delivering a proppant into the subterranean formation. Disclosed methods and systems may be used to extract hydrocarbons from subterranean formations without the use of liquids. |
| US09309758B2 |
System and method for determining mechanical properties of a formation
A method and/or a system determines mechanical properties of a fluid-bearing formation. One or more packers may be used to measure and/or collect data regarding mechanical properties of a formation. The formation characteristics may be, for example, the stability of the formation, design parameters for frac-pack/gravel-pack operations, and sand production. The packer may expand within a wellbore of a formation until enough pressure is applied to fracture a wall of the wellbore. Before, during and/or after the fracturing of the wall, multiple measurements may be taken by the packer. After fractures are initiated, fluid may be pumped into and/or drawn from the formation using drains disposed on the packer. Additional packers may be used above and/or below the packer for isolating intervals of the wellbore. |
| US09309757B2 |
Radio frequency antenna assembly for hydrocarbon resource recovery including adjustable shorting plug and related methods
A radio frequency (RF) antenna assembly configured to be positioned within a wellbore in a subterranean formation for hydrocarbon resource recovery may include an RF transmission line and an RF antenna coupled to the RF transmission line. The RF antenna assembly may also include an adjustable balun that may include a tubular balun housing surrounding the RF transmission line and defining a space therebetween. The adjustable balun may further include an adjustable shorting body slidably movable within the space and contacting the tubular balun housing and the RF transmission line at an adjustable shorting position. |
| US09309756B1 |
In situ retorting of hydrocarbons
A method of producing hydrocarbons in situ from a fixed-bed hydrocarbon formation disposed below a ground surface and having a higher permeability zone substantially parallel to, and between a top lower permeability zone and a bottom lower permeability zone. The steps include providing at least one injection well and first and second production wells in the higher permeability zone, injecting a heated thermal-energy carrier fluid (TECF) into the injection well, circulating the carrier fluid through the zone and creating a substantially horizontal situ heating element (ISHE) between the injection well and the production wells for mobilizing the hydrocarbons. |
| US09309753B2 |
High-speed rod-driven downhole pump
A surface drivehead drives a downhole pump by rotating a rod string at the surface. The downhole pump can be connected downhole to the rod string via a downhole latching mechanism. The surface drivehead has an assembly that can move the rod string upwards or downwards along an axis to either increase or decrease rod string tension. During rod string rotation, rod tension is monitored. If rod string tension changes during rotation, the surface drivehead can automatically compensate by moving the rod string upwards or downwards along the axis to either recapture or eliminate tension. In this way, the surface drivehead can maintain a substantially constant rod string tension to drive the downhole pump at high speeds. |
| US09309752B2 |
Completing long, deviated wells
A buoyancy fluid is sealed in an interior central bore of a completion liner with a plug assembly in the interior central bore. The buoyancy fluid has a lower density than the fluid contained in the wellbore. The buoyancy fluid reduces the force, and thus friction, at the interface between the liner and the bottom of the wellbore while the completion liner is being run to final depth. When the buoyancy fluid is no longer needed, the plug assembly can be withdrawn uphole from the completion liner and to the surface. |
| US09309749B2 |
System and method for producing coal bed methane
Exemplary embodiments of the present technology provide systems and methods for producing power from coalbed methane (CBM) with decreased CO2 emissions. For example, a method of producing power according to an exemplary embodiment includes converting a feedstock from a hydrocarbon source into a gas mixture comprising CO2 and H2. The gas mixture is injected into a coalbed to cause CBM to desorb from the coal and CO2 to adsorb onto the coal. The hydrocarbon source is separate from the coalbed, i.e., does not exchange hydrocarbons with the hydrocarbon source. A gas mixture is produced from the coalbed, wherein the produced gas mixture includes H2 and CH4. The gas mixture may be combusted to generate power, while releasing lower amounts of CO2 than would be released from the combustion of pure CH4. |
| US09309745B2 |
Interventionless operation of downhole tool
A technique facilitates actuation of a downhole tool, such as a valve, in a simple, rapid, and cost-effective manner. The technique comprises installing the downhole tool with a trip saver. The trip saver can be actuated by increasing a tubing pressure or other suitable pressure source beyond a threshold level. Once the trip saver is actuated, a fluid under suitable pressure is provided to a downhole tool through a passageway opened via the trip saver. This enables actuation of the downhole tool to a desired state. |
| US09309740B2 |
Subsea completion with crossover passage
A system, in some embodiments, for producing well production fluids through a tubing hanger connected with a production tubing string. The system includes a subsea tree with a production flow passage and a tree annulus flow passage. The system also includes a spool assembly separate from the subsea tree that includes a body with a longitudinal passage configured to receive and support the tubing hanger, there being an annulus between the production tubing string and the body. The spool assembly also includes a lateral flow passage extending from the spool longitudinal passage and configured to transfer the production fluids. Further, the system includes an annulus flow passage extending externally from the spool assembly and in fluid communication with the annulus. |
| US09309735B2 |
System and method for maintaining operability of a downhole actuator
Methods and systems for facilitating actuation of downhole components by filtering actuation fluid and by preventing inoperability due to plugging. A well component is deployed downhole into a wellbore and operated via an actuator moved by a flow of fluid. A filter system is mounted in the flow of fluid to remove debris before the flow of fluid reaches the actuator. The filter system further comprises a pressure release member that opens when sufficient pressure builds up due to plugging of the filter system. |
| US09309734B2 |
Multi-position weight down locating tool
A weight down tool comprises a central mandrel configured to be coupled to a wellbore tubular, an outwardly extending indicator disposed about the central mandrel, and a plurality of radially expandable weight down lugs configured to engage a lower restriction and prevent downwards movement of the central mandrel with respect to the lower restriction when disposed in an expanded position. The indicator is configured to retract inwards in response to moving through an upper restriction in a downwards direction to expand the weight down lugs into the expanded position in response to moving through the lower restriction in an upwards direction. The weight down lugs are configured to retract out of the expanded position in response to moving through the upper restriction in an upwards direction. |
| US09309731B2 |
Formation testing planning and monitoring
An example method comprises collecting formation temperature data along a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, determining test operating parameter values, performing a wellbore hydraulic simulation of the response of wellbore fluid conditions to the test operating parameter values and the formation temperature data, determining whether the response of wellbore fluid conditions is indicative of one of a well control and a well stability problem, and initiating a test based on the determination whether the response of wellbore fluid conditions is indicative of one of a well control and a well stability problem. |
| US09309729B2 |
Device and method for clamping a top drive saver sub
A tool is for clamping a saver sub assembly of the drive shaft of a top drive drilling machine, in which a tong, which is arranged to fixedly hold the saver sub assembly by releasable abutment against a portion of the saver sub assembly, is arranged on an upper portion of a frame which, in a position of use, is rotationally rigidly fixed to and projects from a support, the frame being provided with a through-going center opening arranged to receive a substantial portion of the saver sub assembly. A method of replacing a saver sub assembly on the drive shaft of a top drive drilling machine is described as well. |
| US09309722B2 |
Oil operated rotary steerable system
A technique facilitates steering of rotary steerable systems when conducting directional drilling operations. A rotary steerable system is combined with a pressurized oil system which delivers oil to a piston actuated mechanism. The pressurized oil provides precise, long-lasting control over the orientation of the bottom hole assembly and the drill bit to facilitate directional drilling of boreholes through subterranean formations. |
| US09309720B2 |
Double shaft drilling apparatus with hanger bearings
A drilling apparatus includes a housing that defines a longitudinal axis. A power section of the apparatus includes rotor adapted to move with eccentric rotary motion with respect to the longitudinal axis in response to the passage of drilling fluids through the power section. A power transmission shaft has an upper end coupled to the rotor and movable with the eccentric motion of the rotor, and a lower end constrained to rotate in a concentric manner with respect to the longitudinal axis. A generally rigid torsion rod has upper and lower ends constrained to rotate in a concentric manner, and the upper end of the torsion rod is coupled to the lower end of the power transmission shaft. A mandrel including a connection for a drill bit is interconnected with the lower end of the torsion rod such that a torque may be transmitted from the torsion rod to the mandrel to drive a drill bit. |
| US09309719B2 |
Ladder rung bracket assembly
A bracket assembly is disclosed to secure a cable bundle to a ladder rung. The bracket assembly includes a metal bracket and protective grommets. The metal bracket has a first member, side walls and second members. The first member of the metal bracket is parallel to the second members of the metal bracket. The protective grommets are secured to the metal bracket. The protective grommets have a base member, sleeves extending from the base member, a side member and a bottom member. The assembled metal bracket and protective grommets receive the ladder rung and the sleeves of the protective grommets wrap around the cable bundle positioned on the ladder rung to secure the cable bundle. |
| US09309718B1 |
Stable stepladder with utility tray
The present invention is used on stepladders that are structured to provide improved lateral stability, step support and equipment/supplies support for stepladder users. The stepladder may have a step element and a support element rotatably attached at a top platform or a first step element rotatably attached to a second step element adjacent a top step. A hinged strut may be attached at opposed ends between the opposed elements intermediate the ladder top and the ladder base. A plurality of steps may be spaced apart and attached between step rails of step elements. A lateral support leg may be rotatably attached at a top end to each of the step rails intermediate a second step and a third step from the ladder top and a hinged leg strut may be attached at opposed ends between each of the support rails and lateral support legs. |
| US09309713B2 |
Stretched strips for spacer and sealed unit
A spacer for a sealed unit is formed of a stretched elongate strip of material, such as metal. The elongate strip is longitudinally stretched, causing a reduction in the thickness of the material. Stretching is performed by applying a tension across a segment of an elongate strip. The tension can be applied to the elongate strip by passing the elongate strip through at least two spaced sets of rollers. A first set of rollers operating at a first speed engages with the elongate strip and a second set of rollers operating at a second speed applies a tension to the elongate strip to cause stretching of the material. Corrugated rollers can also be used to form the material into an undulating shape. |
| US09309711B2 |
Winder assembly
The present invention provides a locking unit 3 which is arranged to be fitted to existing casement window winding mechanisms. The winder assembly 1 comprises a winding mechanism 2 which is arranged to move the casement window outwardly or inwardly. In particular, the winder assembly 1 comprises a handle 48 which is rotated by a user in a first direction to open the window and in a second direction to close the window. The present invention provides a restrictor for restricting the opening of the casement window beyond a predetermined distance. In particular, the present invention is arranged to enable a user to wind the handle 48 until the casement window reaches the predetermined distance. The restrictor is automatically reset once the casement window is moved back or towards the closed position such that the casement window is within the predetermined restricted initial opening distance. |
| US09309709B2 |
Window counterbalance system
A window balance assembly for a tilt-in window comprising a bracket, a spring and a carrier. The first spring has a first portion engaging the bracket. The carrier has a vertical portion including a first slot, a first projection extending outwardly from a first side of the vertical portion, and a second attachment projection extending outwardly from a second side of the vertical portion. The first slot receives a pivot bar of the tilt-in window via a vertical drop-in installation. One of the first and second attachment protrusions engages the first portion of the spring. The horizontal portion includes an aperture rotatably engaging a cam between a first position and a second position. The cam has a second slot aligned with the first slot when the cam is in the first position allowing for the pivot bar to move between the first slot and the second slot. |
| US09309706B2 |
Hinge pocket for glass windshield
A hinge system for a glass windshield with a receiving cut includes a protective flange with an opening therein secured adjacent the receiving cut on one side of the glass windshield. A stiffener is positioned adjacent the receiving cut on an opposite side of the glass windshield. A hinge member including a hinge tab is disposed in the opening of the protective flange and is secured to the stiffener. |
| US09309702B2 |
Door latch structure
A latch structure which includes a fixing mount having a side fixed to a wall and the other side with two protruding pieces that are spaced with a first spacing; a base having a side fixed to a door panel that is pivotally embedded in the wall and able to be opened or closed, and the other side with an extending bent portion; a movable body in a U-shape hinged to each of the protruding pieces, respectively, and having a gap formed therein and a second spacing between two ends thereof; and a pivoting locking portion pivotally mounted to the end of the bent portion away from the base, having a configuration and size smaller than the first and second spacings but greater than a width of the gap, and combined with a protruding lever in a length greater than the smaller of the spacings. |
| US09309694B2 |
Pin tumbler lock pick kit and method of use
A pin tumbler lock pin kit and method of use. According to an embodiment, pin tumbler lock pick kit 10 is generally comprised of a pin lifter 100, a tailpiece manipulator 200, a first guide key 300, a second guide key 400, and a J-hook 500. The present disclosure enables homeowners and professional locksmiths to easily open pin tumbler locks without damaging the lock, without practice or locksmith experience, and in a significant reduced time compared to prior art solutions (typically in 60 seconds or less). Embodiments of the present disclosure enable a user to mechanically manipulate the tumbler pins of a pin tumbler lock, and remove the retaining cap that retains the tumbler pins. With the retaining cap removed the lock set can easily be turned and opened without incurring any damage to the lockset. The unlocked tumbler can be removed and re-keyed for reuse. |
| US09309691B2 |
Sliding-door handle device
A sliding-door handle device has an outside handle and an inside handle. The outside handle is mounted on and abuts the sliding door and has a connecting board and a pulling tab. The connecting board is shaped as an elongated strip and abuts an outer side of the sliding door. The pulling tab is formed on and protrudes perpendicularly from a front end of the connecting board such that the outside handle is formed in a T shape. The pulling tab has a pulling end and a pressing end. The inside handle is detachably connected to the outside handle via the sliding door to connect the outside handle with the sliding door and has an assembling mount. |
| US09309685B1 |
Cleaning tool for pool skimmer basket
A cleaning tool for a pool skimmer basket has a handle with a grip and a lever, a tube that extends from the handle to a pivot assembly at its distal end, and a rod within the tube that connects the actuator to the pivot assembly. The pivot assembly is inserted into a basket fitting and is rotated about the longitudinal axis to secure the skimmer basket to the cleaning tool. The skimmer basket is then lifted out of its housing and the lever actuates the rod to force the rotation of the pivot assembly. As the pivot assembly moves from its initially aligned arrangement with the tube's longitudinal axis to a position that is askew from the axis, the skimmer basket is rotated so that the debris in the skimmer basket is dumped out. |
| US09309682B2 |
Strong arm bolt-rebar hanger system for concrete footing forms
An apparatus with multiple components to create a system capable of holding foundation bolts and foundation rebars prior to pouring concrete. The apparatus consists of [1] A ⅛ inch thick by one inch wide by ten inch length steel plate bent and twisted in a manner to hold both bolt and rebars. [2] A square steel tube one inch by one inch by one inch with ⅛ inch wide by ½ inch deep notch to be used in conjunction with above mentioned strong arm. [3] A ⅛ inch thick by one inch wide by seven inch length steel plate with the top portion bent over one inch with a ⅝ inch hole to accommodate a foundation bolt and two ⅝ inch notches to hold top and bottom rebar. [4] A ⅛ inch by 20 inch steel rod bent in a described manner to hang the top and bottom rebars from above described strong arm and independent of claim 2. [5] A ⅛ inch by 6 inch steel rod bent in a described manner as to hold 2 foundation rebars independent of components 1 through 4. |
| US09309680B2 |
Forming device and construction method using forming device
Provided is a forming device for forming an adhesive composition so that tiles can be reliably laid on a laying surface. A forming device for forming an adhesive composition into a ridged shape in a laying surface on which tiles are laid is characterized by being provided with: a stationary blade (40a) in which a plurality of plate-shaped tongue parts are disposed in a planar fashion, and the respective base ends of the tongue parts are linearly arranged with a gap having a predetermined length therebetween; a graspable main body (21) which secures the stationary blade and is disposed on the stationary blade so as to be movable sideways while pressing the stationary blade from above; a storage space (70) which is defined on the underside of the main body (21) and on the traveling direction side of the lateral movement of the stationary blade (40a); a weir member (81) which is affixed to the main body (21) or the stationary blade (40a) so as to be movable relative to the stationary blade (40a), and is able to define the upper ends of the gaps (42) formed in the stationary blade (40a), and characterized in that in the ridged shape, the volume filling factor between the tiles and the laying surface is adjusted in consideration of the pressure-bonding margin of the tiles. |
| US09309677B1 |
Siding system
A siding system has elongated stringers, each having a plurality of clips spaced at regular intervals along its length. In use, the stringers can be mounted upright, spaced apart and parallel, on an upright wall, and aligned so that the clips are in horizontal rows. A siding panel has a plurality of elongated connectors, spaced apart and parallel, on a rear face. In use, the panel can be mounted upright, with the connectors horizontal, and each connector engaged in the clips of one of the horizontal rows of clips so that the weight of the panel is supported by the clips of a plurality of the horizontal rows of clips through the connectors. |
| US09309676B1 |
Pre-finished insulated building panel
A pre-finished insulated panel building system preferably includes a base member, a cover member and a decorative coating. A moisture barrier sheet is preferably attached to an exterior surface of a building. A drainage and ventilation mat is attached to the moisture barrier or directly to the exterior surface of the building. The base member is preferably a rectangular block, which is attached to an interior or exterior surface of the building. The cover member includes a base cavity formed in a bottom thereof. A perimeter of the base cavity is sized to receive an outer perimeter and height of the base member. Alternatively, the cover member is secured to the base member with a pair of snap rails. Each snap rail includes a base rail member and a cover rail member. The top and outer perimeter of the cover member is sprayed with the decorative coating. |
| US09309669B2 |
Acoustic panel, partition, and system
The invention(s) disclosed herein include various panels, components of panels, partitions, systems, and/or methods that increase acoustic insulation by mitigating sound (e.g., before it enters an area and/or a room). For example, some embodiments include a movable partition that is comprised of a plurality of panels that each hang from the ceiling, where the interface between two partitioned panels includes various gaskets, damping elements, and perforations that mitigate sound transmission from one side of the partition to the other. Other features of the partition (and panels that make up the partition) include upper and lower drops seals that in some embodiments have a labyrinth-like design and thus mitigate the flow of air between the partition and the ceiling/floor. Also, a membrane positioned inside the panel is disclosed that is especially effective at mitigating low frequency sound, for example. |
| US09309667B2 |
Concrete exterior wall system
A concrete exterior wall system for residential and commercial construction incorporates interior wood, metal or composite framing members. The wall system solves the problem of erecting heavy, hard to manage solid wall segments as well as time-consuming, complicated multi-piece wall segments. Further, the wall system eliminates the need to frame interior walls for utility access, insulation and interior finishes. Moreover, the wall system eliminates exterior maintenance and structural damage from weather, insects and the like. The wall system incorporates wood, metal or composite material interior framing with a concrete exterior that has a permanent exterior finish. Interior studs allow easy utility installation and finish applications. The shape of the wall units are designed for less weight per linear foot than conventional systems. |
| US09309660B2 |
Counteracting uplift in building superstructures
An assembly comprises a first connector attached to a first hollow metal log of a building superstructure; a latch; and a second connector attached to a second hollow metal log of the superstructure. The first connector comprises a slot for receiving a projecting flange of the latch, and the second connector comprises an opening adapted to receive a cam portion of the latch. The projecting flange can be pre-engaged with the slot to form a preassembly. The engagement of the cam with the opening formed in the second connector then forms a final assembly wherein the first connector, the latch, and the second connector are latched together so that the first and second logs are interconnected and made resistant to wind uplift. |
| US09309658B1 |
Urinal screens
Urinal screens include a urinal screen panel sized and configured for placement in a restroom urinal; a first screen panel eyelet carried by the urinal screen panel; and a second screen panel eyelet carried by the urinal screen panel in spaced-apart relationship to the first screen panel eyelet In some embodiments, the urinal screens may include a urinal screen panel sized and configured for placement in a restroom urinal; a self-standing screen lift handle upward-standing from the urinal screen panel; a plurality of centralizing peg openings in the urinal screen panel; and a screen centralizing insert having at least two centralizing pegs extending through at least two, respectively, of the plurality of centralizing peg openings. |
| US09309656B2 |
Compact air stop valve for aircraft galley plumbing system
A backflow resistant stop valve for an aircraft galley plumbing system comprises a valve body defining an inlet, and inlet chamber, a transfer chamber, an outlet chamber, and an exit. The valve incorporates an anti-backflow device at the exit to prevent backflow, and flow through the body is controlled by a pivoting paddle disposed within the valve body having an upper flap, a spindle, and a lower flap, where the upper flap seals against the inlet chamber and the lower flap seals against the outlet chamber when the paddle is rotated to a first position. The valve utilizes a negative pressure at the outlet chamber that biases the valve closed until a sufficient column of water overcomes the bias. |
| US09309653B2 |
Systems and methods for gathering water
A conduit system for gathering water from soil includes multiple conduits configured for insertion into soil. Each conduit includes a wall having an outer surface configured to be exposed to soil and an inner surface defining a central passage. The wall includes multiple gathering pores extending through the wall. The cross-sectional area of each gathering pore decreases from the outer surface to the inner surface to promote capillary action for moving water from the soil through each gathering pore to the central passage. |
| US09309650B2 |
Working machine and method of measuring work amount of working machine
A working machine includes: an operation state detection unit configured to detect a physical amount output according to an operation of an operation lever; a time integration unit configured to calculate a time integration value by performing time integration of the physical amount; a determination unit configured to cause the time integration value and a predetermined operating angle of an excavating and loading mechanism associated with the operation of the operation lever to correspond to each other, and to determine that the operation of the operation lever has been performed, at a time the time integration value becomes a predetermined integration value or more; and a counting unit configured to count number of times of a series of excavating and loading work. |