| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09323426B2 |
System and method for selecting information for display based on past user interactions
A system and method is provided that automatically predicts the link that a user would like to follow by collecting and modeling user actions, and navigates to the link. In one aspect, the system may store a history of the user's manipulation of a browser's user interface, and predict the link of greatest interest to the user by comparing the visual similarity of potential links with previously selected and non-selected links, and estimating the location of the screen that the user is currently viewing. |
| US09323425B2 |
Deferred data post
Various methods, systems, and computer program products for deferring transmission of data related to collapsing a collapsible display panel are presented. The collapsible display panel may be collapsed. State data that indicates the collapsible display panel has been collapsed may be generated. A determination that no non-state change data corresponding to the collapsible display panel needs to be transferred to a server may be made. In response, the state data may be stored at least until non-state data is to be transmitted to the server. At some time after storing the state data, non-state data that is to be transmitted to the server may be identified. In response to identifying the non-state data that is to be transmitted to the server, the state data and the non-state data may be transmitted to the server together. |
| US09323424B2 |
Column organization of content
Column organization of content is described. In an implementation, a mobile communications device configures a user interface to include a plurality of representations of content arranged according to a plurality of columns that permits navigation between first and second said columns upon detection of a gesture input via a touchscreen of the mobile communications device. The user interface is displayed on a display device of the mobile communications device. The first column is configured for vertical navigation through each of the plurality of representations and the second column includes a filtered subset of the plurality of representations such that at least one of the representations is included in the first column and not the second column. |
| US09323416B2 |
Managing linked contact records containing information from multiple source records
The present disclosure provides for management of linked contact records containing information from multiple source records. User interfaces and methodologies for displaying and managing a linked contact record of a contact allow the linked contact record to be readily and selectively managed. A user can interact with a user interface in order to selectively add, remove, and re-store links to a linked contact record of a contact. |
| US09323415B2 |
Apparatus and associated methods related to touch sensitive displays
In one or more embodiments described herein, there is provided an apparatus which comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform certain steps. Firstly, the apparatus is caused to present, in response to detection of first touch signalling on a particular portion of a touch-sensitive display, a magnified view of at least that particular portion of the touch-sensitive display and an indicator positioned corresponding to the detected position of the first touch signalling. Secondly, the apparatus is caused to, upon release of the first touch signalling, maintain the magnified view of that particular portion and the positioned indicator for a predetermined period. Thirdly, the apparatus is caused to allow for detection of second touch signalling during the predetermined period to allow the user to cause movement of the position of the indicator. |
| US09323412B2 |
Briefing tool having self-guided discovery and suggestion box features
Method, device, and storage medium that provides a briefing service. The briefing service includes a self-discovery mode and a suggestion box. The self-discovery mode allows a user to obtain information about a product or a thing based on an image capture of a Quick Response code. The Quick Response code is decoded and a parameter is extracted and used to generate a uniform resource identifier. The suggestion box allows a user to submit a suggestion regarding a briefing. The self-discovery mode and the suggestion box are provided to a user based on a briefing software that includes user interfaces. |
| US09323410B2 |
User input displays for mobile devices
A mobile device for detecting user input on a display is provided. The mobile device includes a hand-held display unit. The hand-held display unit includes a display having an electromagnetic radiation detector. The electromagnetic radiation detector is configured to detect an electromagnetic radiation profile responsive to a position of a user input object when the position of the user input object is spaced apart from the display. A controller is configured to identify a user input from the electromagnetic radiation profile. |
| US09323409B2 |
Digitizer
A system for receiving, storing, and displaying biometric input has a touchpad and a digitizer. The digitizer comprises a substantially transparent touch activatable overlay placed over the touchscreen and a plurality of sensors supported by the overlay to detect input to the overlay. The digitizer includes a data outlet for transferring the detected input as overlay data so the touchpad can visually display the detected input on its touchscreen. The digitizer has sufficient sensors that the overlay data contains more information than the touchpad data would if the touchscreen were contacted directly without the digitizer present. |
| US09323408B2 |
Touch point positioning and detecting circuit for a touch panel, touch panel and display device
A touch point positioning and detecting circuit for a touch panel and a touch panel with a display device to achieve an optical type in-cell touch panel. The touch point positioning and detecting circuit comprises a touch sensing sub-circuit, a detecting sub-circuit which is connected with the touch sensing sub-circuit, a first touch driving electrode line and a second touch driving electrode line. The touch sensing sub-circuit comprises a capacitor, a first switch transistor and a second switch transistor. A gate and a source of the first switch transistor are connected with the first touch driving electrode line, and a drain of the first switch transistor is connected with a drain of the second switch transistor. A source of the second switch transistor is connected with the detecting sub-circuit, and a gate of the second switch transistor is connected with the second touch driving electrode line. One end of the capacitor is connected with the drain of the first switch transistor and the other end of the capacitor is connected with an electrode line providing a high level voltage. |
| US09323407B2 |
Electronic device and method of processing user actuation of a touch-sensitive input surface
An electronic device includes a proximity-sensitive touch sensor array which extends along an input surface of the electronic device and a processing device coupled to the touch sensor array. The processing device is configured to process data captured by the touch sensor array to determine a finger angle at which a finger is directed towards the input surface and an actuation position on the input surface. The processing device is configured to establish an offset-corrected actuation position as a function of the actuation position and the finger angle. |
| US09323406B2 |
Electronic paper touch device
An electronic paper touch device including: a first substrate; a first electrode layer located on the first substrate; an electronic paper display layer located on the first electrode layer; a transparent electrode layer located on the electronic paper display layer and having plural transparent electrodes; a second substrate located on the transparent electrode layer; and a control unit having a touch mode and an electronic paper mode, wherein, when the control unit is in the touch mode, the control unit will couple a touch detection unit with the first electrode layer and with the transparent electrode layer to perform a capacitive touch detection procedure. |
| US09323402B1 |
Image navigation
Systems and methods for navigating between images of multiple exams using gestures performed on a touch sensitive input device. |
| US09323398B2 |
Touch and hover sensing
Improved capacitive touch and hover sensing with a sensor array is provided. An AC ground shield positioned behind the sensor array and stimulated with signals of the same waveform as the signals driving the sensor array may concentrate the electric field extending from the sensor array and enhance hover sensing capability. The hover position and/or height of an object that is nearby, but not directly above, a touch surface of the sensor array, e.g., in the border area at the end of a touch screen, may be determined using capacitive measurements of sensors near the end of the sensor array by fitting the measurements to a model. Other improvements relate to the joint operation of touch and hover sensing, such as determining when and how to perform touch sensing, hover sensing, both touch and hover sensing, or neither. |
| US09323397B2 |
In-air ultrasonic rangefinding and angle estimation
An apparatus for determining location of a moveable object in relation to an input device includes an array of one or more piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (pMUT) elements and a processor. The array is formed from a common substrate. The one or more pMUT elements include one or more transmitters and one or more receivers. The processor configured to determine a location of a moveable object in relation to an input device using sound waves that are emitted from the one or more transmitters, reflected from the moveable object, and received by the one or more receivers. |
| US09323391B2 |
Flexible light sensing film for forming electric fields to be captured by a sensing panel device
An information capturing system includes a flexible light sensing film including a film and a plurality of light sensing elements configuring on the film for converting light to electric energy and storing the electric energy to form electric fields; and a sensing panel device for sensing the electric fields formed by the light sensing elements not shaded with a light shielding material on the flexible light sensing film to generate an electric field distributing situation, and capturing an information formed by the light shielding material on the flexible light sensing film according to the electric field distribution. |
| US09323387B2 |
Display device, position correction method, and program
A display device includes an operating body detection unit detecting an operating body disposed over a display screen, a position determination unit determining a three-dimensional position of the operating body from the detection result and outputting the three-dimensional position as position information for the operating body, a position designation unit designating a three-dimensional position over the display screen, a guide information generation unit generating guide information which requests a user to perform a predetermined action for an operating body around the designated three-dimensional position and then dispose the operating body at the designated three-dimensional position, a correction information generation unit generating correction information from an error between the designated three-dimensional position and a determination result of the three-dimensional position of the operating body disposed according to the guide information, and a position correction unit correcting a three-dimensional position of the operating body based on the correction information. |
| US09323381B2 |
Touch screen driver and display device for driving a touch screen
A touch screen driver includes a plurality of integrated circuits for dividedly driving a touch screen. One of the plurality of integrated circuits, which generates a driving signal to be supplied to Tx lines of the touch screen, transmits a synchronization signal synchronized with the driving signal to other integrated circuit. The other integrated circuit receiving the synchronization signal receives charges of the touch sensors through Rx lines of the touch screen in response to the synchronization signal. |
| US09323376B2 |
Display device having a built-in touch input means
This disclosure provides a display device having a built-in touch input unit, the display device including: a lower substrate; an upper substrate; a plurality of first signal lines and second signal lines; touch cells that are formed in a plurality of areas, respectively including a conductive pad that forms an electrostatic capacity between a touch input means and the conductive pad when the touch input means approaches to the conductive pad within a predetermined distance (d) in each divided area, and at least a 3-terminal type switching element whose gate electrode is connected to the conductive pad; and a touch position detector that transmits and receives position detection signals to and from the first signal lines and the second signal lines, and detects whether output signals of the switching element are changed by capacitance that is formed between the touch input means and the conductive pad. |
| US09323368B2 |
Digitizer, stylus and method of synchronization therewith
A method for operating a digitizer with an autonomous asynchronous stylus includes sampling outputs from a digitizer, detecting from the outputs at least one pulsed signal transmitted from an autonomous asynchronous stylus at a defined rate, determining a location of the stylus interaction with respect to the digitizer, and tracking stylus interaction with the digitizer over subsequent pulsed signals transmitted from the stylus. |
| US09323365B2 |
Masking an outer perimeter of a touch screen
A touch screen device and a method for constricting the touch screen device are provided. In some aspects, the touch screen device includes a transparent substrate. The touch screen device includes a first masking layer applied to an outer perimeter of an inner surface of the transparent substrate. The touch screen device includes a transparent conductor for a touch sensor applied to at least a portion of the first masking layer and a portion of the inner surface of the transparent substrate. The touch screen device includes a second masking layer applied to at least a portion of the transparent conductor on an inner surface of the first masking layer. The portion of the transparent conductor is arranged between the first masking layer and the second masking layer. |
| US09323364B2 |
Interactive method, apparatus and system
Interactive method, apparatus and system are provided, which relate to communication field, achieve interaction between an electronic apparatus and an accessory, and improve user experience. The interactive method is applied to an electronic apparatus and an accessory independent of the electronic apparatus, including: obtaining a first display state of the display device, wherein the first display state is a display state in a case that the electronic apparatus operates independently; obtaining position information of the accessory, wherein the position information is information indicating the position of the accessory on the display device; obtaining attribute information of the accessory, wherein the attribute information is used to change the display state of the display device; generating a state changing instruction according to the position information and the attribute information; and switching the first display state of the display device to a second display state according to the state changing instruction. |
| US09323363B2 |
Providing meta information in wrist device
A method, apparatus, and computer program for providing meta information in a wrist-worn training computer. The method includes displaying, by the wrist-worn training computer, a first display view comprising at least one display element on a touch-sensitive display screen of the wrist-worn training computer, wherein the display element is associated with a function of the wrist-worn training computer; indicating, by an output of the wrist-worn training computer, availability of meta information associated with the function of the wrist-worn training computer; and displaying, in a second display view by the wrist-worn training computer, the meta information on the touch-sensitive display screen upon detection of a sweep touch input from the user through a touch-sensitive part of the touch-sensitive display screen. |
| US09323360B2 |
Method and device for detecting touch input
Provided is a touch input detection method that detects a contact or approach of a touch input means (90) such as a finger of a human body, an electric conductor or a touch pen on a touch panel (10) and produces an input signal. The touch input detection method includes the steps of: (a) detecting a first touch input; (b) calculating an area where the first touch input has been detected; (c) detecting a second touch input that occurs at a predetermined time interval after occurrence of the first touch input; (d) calculating an area where the second touch input has been detected; and (e) judging a change in the areas from the first touch input to the second touch input to thus produce a zooming signal. Accordingly, a zooming signal is produced according to a change in an area of a touch input, to thus implement a zoom gesture very simply, to also realize the zoom gesture with only one finger, and to thereby achieve a touch input operation compactly. |
| US09323358B2 |
Correcting location errors in tactile input device
A method may include measuring multiple location readings across a tactile input device at multiple times. The method may also include determining predicted location values corresponding to multiple locations across the tactile input device at the multiple measured times. The method may also include storing a table mapping the multiple location readings to the predicted location values. |
| US09323357B2 |
Electronic device with stylus pen having FM antenna functionality
An electronic device and its stylus pen having an FM antenna functionality are provided. The stylus pen includes a pen tip, a penholder, and a metal element spirally surrounding the penholder from a first end portion to a second end portion of the penholder. The pen tip is made of conductive material, the penholder is made of insulated material, and at least one end portion of the metal element is electrically coupled to the pen tip. When the pen tip is inserted into an antenna jack defined in the electronic device, the metal element of the stylus pen is electrically coupled via the pen tip to a radio receiving circuit arranged inside the electronic device. The metal element is thereby enabled to act as an FM antenna and is enabled to receive wireless signals from the radio receiving circuit and transmit wireless signals to the radio receiving circuit. |
| US09323356B2 |
Projective capacitive stylus and controlling method thereof
Configurations of a stylus and controlling methods thereof are disclosed. The proposed stylus causes a touch panel to generate a signal by an electrical field generated by a magnetic field via one of a conductor and an electric plate, wherein the stylus includes a set of windings and a magnet, which can move towards each other and generate a current on the set of windings through interaction. The current flows through the conductor/electric plate on a tip of the stylus to generate one of an electric flux line and a magnetic flux line such that the touch panel can sense the movement of the stylus. |
| US09323350B2 |
Display control device, display control method, and recording medium
A display control device comprises: a display; a movement judgment portion that judges whether or not a second image moves a certain distance by user dragging the second image to an arbitrary position of a first image on the display, a controller that allows the display to show a larger area of the first image at least by reducing the first image in size, if the movement judgment portion judges that the second image moves a certain distance; and an image giving portion that gives the second image to a user desired position on the first image by user dropping the second image at the position. |
| US09323349B2 |
Hand-writing pen and mobile terminal
A hand-writing pen and a mobile terminal are provided by the disclosure, wherein the hand-writing pen includes a penholder, the penholder includes a first rod and a second rod, the first rod and the second rod are connected by a rotation structure, an angle sensor module is set in the rotation structure, the angle sensor module is configured to obtain an angle signal of rotation of the first rod or the second rod and transmit the angle signal of the rotation to the mobile terminal used in coordination with the hand-writing pen. Calibration marks are also set on the penholder. By using the hand-writing pen and the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal carrying with the hand-writing pen can provide a measurement function, which greatly improves user experience. |
| US09323348B2 |
Stylus having sensing and transmitting capabilities
A drawing stylus that transmits data to a base unit using high-frequency audio or radio frequency signals is described. The stylus includes a color selector that enables a user to select a color to be associated with inputs from the stylus. A pressure sensor is also included to detect a pressure applied to the tip of the stylus. The selected color and pressure data are transmitted over high-frequency audio or radio frequency signals to a base unit for processing. The base unit may use the data received via the transmission along with one or more other data elements as inputs to an application executing on the base unit. |
| US09323346B2 |
Accurate 3D finger tracking with a single camera
An object tracking device includes a camera with a field of view oriented in a first direction and a mirror with a field of reflection oriented in a second direction. When an object is in a first region in the field of view of the electronic camera, the camera has a direct view of the object and a reflected view of the object from the mirror. A processor coupled with the camera is configured to receive a first image data set and a second image data set from the camera. The first image data set and the second image data set each include the direct view of the object and the reflected view of the object from the mirror. |
| US09323341B2 |
Method and device for determining gestures in the beam region of a projector
A method for determining gestures in the beam region of a projector includes: projecting an image onto a surface with the aid of the projector, using light; measuring a first set of light intensities of light backscattered from the direction of the surface, under the influence of a gesture made in the beam region of the projector; assigning the measured light intensities to, in each instance, a position of the image projected by the projector; at a first time point, generating a first light intensity function over a second set of positions, which are assigned measured light intensities; at a second time point, generating at least one second light intensity function over the second set of positions; and determining the gesture made, based on the result of a comparison between the first and second light intensity functions. |
| US09323339B2 |
Input device, input method and recording medium
An obtainer obtains information indicating a distance between a display and a user picked up by a camera. A display controller displays, in the display screen of the display, an operation screen having the size set in accordance with the information obtained by the obtainer. A determiner determines an operation instruction from the user based on at least one of the motion of the user and the shape picked up by the camera. An executor executes a process in accordance with the operation instruction determined by the determiner. |
| US09323337B2 |
System and method for gesture recognition
A system and method for gesture spotting and recognition are provided. Systems and methods are also provided employing Hidden Markov Models (HMM) and geometrical feature distributions of a hand trajectory of a user to achieve adaptive gesture recognition. The system and method provide for acquiring a sequence of input images of a specific user and recognizing a gesture of the specific user from the sequence of input images based on a gesture model and geometrical features extracted from a hand trajectory of the user. State transition points of the gesture model are detected and the geometrical features of the hand trajectory of the user are extracted based on the relative positions of the detected state transition points and a starting point of the gesture. The system and method further provide for adapting the gesture model and geometrical feature distribution for the specific user based on adaptation data. |
| US09323334B2 |
Control system with ridge interface and method of operation thereof
A control system includes: a ridge interface configured to perform a gesture therewith; and a control unit, coupled to the ridge interface, configured to interpret the gesture for controlling a device. |
| US09323332B2 |
Force feedback system including multi-tasking graphical host environment
A force feedback system provides components for use in a force feedback system including a host computer and a force feedback interface device. An architecture for a host computer allows multi-tasking application programs to interface with the force feedback device without conflicts. One embodiment of a force feedback device provides both relative position reporting and absolute position reporting to allow great flexibility. A different device embodiment provides relative position reporting device allowing maximum compatibility with existing software. Information such as ballistic parameters and screen size sent from the host to the force feedback device allow accurate mouse positions and graphical object positions to be determined in the force feedback environment. Force feedback effects and structures are further described, such as events and enclosures. |
| US09323331B2 |
Evaluation of digital content using intentional user feedback obtained through haptic interface
Systems and methods are provided for evaluating the quality of automatically composed digital content based on intentional user feedback obtained through a haptic interface. For example, a method includes accessing intentional user feedback collected by a haptic interface executing on a computing device, wherein the intentional user feedback provides an indication as to a user's reaction toward digital content that the user interacts with on the computing device. The digital content includes content that is automatically generated using content generation rules. The method further includes evaluating a quality of the digital content based on the intentional user feedback, and generating an evaluation report that includes information providing an evaluation of the quality of the digital content. |
| US09323330B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing tactile sensation for virtual image
An apparatus and a method for providing a tactile sensation for a virtual image are disclosed. The disclosed apparatus includes: a display unit for displaying an image including a virtual image; an image acquisition unit for acquiring an image of a user body; a determiner unit for determining whether or not a user attempts an interaction with the virtual image by using an image acquired by the image acquisition unit; a content analyzer unit for acquiring a time at which a virtual image is shown and position information of the shown virtual image from a displayed content; a tactile-sensation provider unit for providing a tactile sensation to a preset body part of the user based on a determination result of the determiner unit; and a tactile-sensation provision controller for adjusting an ejector nozzle of the tactile-sensation provider unit based on a virtual image showing time and position acquired by the content analyzer unit. The disclosed apparatus can enable the user to interact with a virtual image with verisimilitude. |
| US09323327B2 |
System and method for providing tactile feedback
A system and method for providing tactile feedback in a user interface. The system includes a tactile feedback assembly configured to communicate with a user interface of an electronic device. The tactile feedback assembly is configured to provide mechanical and/or nerve stimulation to a user during user interaction (e.g. navigation, input of data, etc.) of the user interface. The mechanical and/or nerve stimulation is configured to provide a user with tactile sensation (in the form of the sense of touch) in response to user interaction with the user interface, including, but not limited to, sense of texture and sense of pressure. |
| US09323322B2 |
Interactive input system and method of detecting objects
A method comprises capturing image frames of an input area using a plurality of imaging devices, each having a field of view encompassing at least a portion of the input area; processing captured image frames to identify a plurality of targets therein; analyzing the identified plurality of targets to determine if the targets represent a plurality of projections of an input object; and if so, identifying a pattern of the projections thereby to identify the input object. |
| US09323321B2 |
Intelligent over-current prevention
A system, method, and/or computer program product comprises an input/output (I/O) bus and an intelligent current bank that couples a voltage source to the I/O bus. The intelligent current bank includes an ammeter that measures a real-time flow of current to the I/O bus. In response to the current to the I/O bus exceeding a predetermined level, an intelligent Pulse-Width Modulator (iPWM) within the intelligent current bank selectively decreases current to one or more electronic devices on the I/O bus by shortening a duty cycle of voltage being received by the iPWM from the voltage source. |
| US09323318B2 |
Scenario power management
One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for dynamically applying power policies to a computing environment. For example, a computing environment may comprise one or more activity components (e.g., a display driver, an audio driver, an application, etc.) that may provide status information used to identify a scenario (e.g., a video game scenario, a full screen video playback scenario, etc.) that is activated for the computing environment. A power policy assigned to a currently identified scenario may be applied to the computing environment to dynamically improve performance and/or power conservation, for example. Activity components, scenarios, and/or power policies may be maintained in an extensible manner such that activity components, scenarios, and/or power polices may be added, removed, and/or modified by merely updating corresponding data structures, such as tables or registry keys, as opposing to updating power management software code. |
| US09323317B2 |
System and methods for DIMM-targeted power saving for hypervisor systems
A method of saving power in a computing system having a plurality of dial in-line memory modules (DIMMs) and employing a suspend-to-RAM sleep mode includes, when entering suspend-to-RAM sleep mode, consolidating selected information into a subset of DIMMs, and turning off power to all other DIMMs. A DIMM power rail may be coupled to each of the DIMMs, the DIMM power rail being configured to selectively have power being supplied to respective DIMMs turned off in response to enable/disable logic signals. |
| US09323315B2 |
Method and system for automatic clock-gating of a clock grid at a clock source
A system and method for power management by performing clock-gating at a clock source. In the method a critical stall condition is detected within a clocked component of a core of a processing unit. The core includes one or more clocked components synchronized in operation by a clock signal distributed by a clock grid. The clock grid is clock-gated to suspend distribution of the clock signal to the core during the critical stall condition. |
| US09323313B2 |
Electronic control apparatus and onboard information equipment
In response to an external interrupt signal input from a disk eject button 5 to an external interrupt port 2, a control unit 14 wakes up from a sleep mode and shifts to a regular operation mode. A wakeup counter 15 measures the number of times of wakeups. If the number of times of the wakeups reaches a predetermined number of times, an interrupt control unit 11 disables the external interrupt to the external interrupt port 2, and ignores the external interrupt signal thereafter, and the control unit 14 forcefully shifts from the regular operation mode to the sleep mode. |
| US09323312B2 |
System and methods for delaying interrupts in a microcontroller system
A microcontroller system includes a power manager that is configured to, during a power saving mode, configure an interrupt delaying module to receive and hold an interrupt from an interrupt source. In response to receiving the interrupt from the interrupt source, the power manager causes the microcontroller system to exit the power saving mode. Upon exiting the power saving mode, the power manager configures the interrupt delaying module to release the interrupt. |
| US09323309B2 |
Computing system with power requirement evaluation
A computing system is provided and includes recording media relative to which input/output (I/O) operations are executable, and a processor, disposed in signal communication with the recording media, which is configured to execute the I/O operations and to evaluate power requirements associated with executions of the I/O operations relative to each individual recording medium. The processor includes a computer-readable medium having a set of instructions stored thereon, which, when executed, cause the processor to schedule the executions of the I/O operations relative to each individual recording medium or to refuse the executions of the I/O operations in accordance with the evaluated power requirements. |
| US09323308B1 |
Power-consuming facilities as a source of reserve power
A system includes a power-consuming, at least one energy storage device, and a power management system. The facility is configured to receive electrical power from an electric utility grid. The energy storage device is located at the power consuming facility and is configured to store electrical energy from the electrical power received from the electric utility grid. The power management system is configured to receive, from the electric utility grid, a request that indicates an amount of power and, in response to the request, to cause at least a portion of the power-consuming facility to be powered by the at least one energy storage device rather than the power received from the electric utility grid such that an amount of the received power consumed by the power-consuming facility is reduced by at least the indicated amount. |
| US09323307B2 |
Active display processor sleep state
Power consumption and dissipation is reduced during active display of content from an internal display buffer using a power supply topology that powers a display subsystem separately from the other components of a CPU. The power supply topology enables a processor to enter a sleep state without disabling the active display of content. The processor enters a processor sleep state when the display buffer is full and the processor components are no longer needed. The processor exits the processor sleep state when the display buffer is empty and operates in conjunction with the display subsystem to fill the buffer with more content. The processor continues to enter and exit the processor sleep states as appropriate until active display ends. |
| US09323306B2 |
Energy based time scheduler for parallel computing system
A system, computer readable medium and method for reducing an energy consumption in a parallel computing system that includes plural resources. The method includes receiving a computing job to be performed by the parallel computing system, determining a number of resources of the plural resources to be used for performing the computing job by searching a preset table stored in the parallel computing system, wherein the preset table is populated prior to determining the number of resources, and distributing the computing job to the determined number of resources. |
| US09323305B2 |
Power supply unit with configurable output rails
A power supply unit includes two or more power converters. Each power converter provides power at a corresponding output terminal of the power supply unit. The power supply unit also includes a controller to determine an operating mode of the power supply unit. When the power supply unit is operating in one mode, the controller disables transmission of power at one output terminal in response to detecting a fault associated with another output terminal. |
| US09323303B2 |
Determining a geographical location
In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods systems, and program products for determining a change in a mode of transportation. A change in a mode of transportation of the mobile computing device may be determined by determining that a speed of the mobile computing device has changed. A first geographical location is stored as a geographical location of the mobile computing device that corresponds to the change in mode of transportation. A graphical indication of the first geographical location is displayed. The graphical indication of the first geographical location is different than graphical indications for one or more other geographical locations of the mobile computing device at one or more other times. The one or more other geographical locations were not determined to correspond to a change in mode of transportation. |
| US09323299B2 |
Multiple power source unit
A power unit including multiple generators supplies power to a load or loads that may be variable. The generators can differ, e.g., in generating capacities, rates at which their outputs can be changed, maintenance requirements, and/or different energy-conversion efficiencies. A control unit throttles the generators independently according to a digitally implemented algorithm that may, but need not, use the difference(s) in supplying power to the load. In some cases, the controller regulates monitored power delivered to the load or loads. A power combiner is connected to the outputs of the generators. If desired, a buffer can be used between the generators and the load or loads to provide energy storage that can allow for the load or loads to change at a faster rate than the generators are throttled and for peak loads that temporarily exceed the capacity of the generators. |
| US09323298B2 |
Adaptive power management
Disclosed are various embodiments of adaptive management of a device. The adaptive management includes, e.g., power management, energy management, and diagnostics. In one embodiment, a device including a power management unit (PMU) communicatively coupled to a processor is configured to transmit a status notification to the processor in response to an interrupt signal; obtain a high level state command from the processor in response to the status notification, and modify power operation of the device in response to the high level state command. In another embodiment, a method for charging a power source includes obtaining, by a PMU of a device, operational characteristics of a power supply in communication with the device; determining a power supply type based at least in part upon the operational characteristics; and controlling charging of the power source based at least in part upon the power supply type. |
| US09323293B2 |
Electronic device and power control method thereof
An electronic device includes a first module including a first conductive component and a power control unit coupled to the first conductive component. The electronic device further includes a second module, a first hinge for pivoting the second module relative to the first module, and a first arm connected to the first hinge. The power control unit controls whether to execute a first power management status according to whether the first arm contacts the first conductive component as the second module pivots relative to the first module at a first angle by the first hinge. |
| US09323291B2 |
Flexible display device
A flexible display device including a display area for displaying an image and a non-display area neighboring the display area includes: a flexible substrate including a plurality of chamfers on respective ends corresponding to the non-display area; a display provided on the flexible substrate corresponding to the display area and displaying the image; and a driver provided on the flexible substrate corresponding to the non-display area and connected to the display. |
| US09323288B2 |
Tablet computer storage and charging apparatus
An apparatus having a plurality of storage slots aids in storing tablet computers, specifically iPad, for charging and/or transmitting data to and/or from. Moreover, the apparatus allows for automatically plugging a tablet computer into either a charging cable and/or a data transmission cable when disposing in the apparatus. Methods of making and using the same are provided. |
| US09323283B2 |
Operator controlled electrical output signal device with variable feel and hold feedback and automated calibration and learnable performance optimization
An output signal device and method that provides the operator force feedback similar to a pilot control joystick. These force feedback regions include free play, dead-band start of modulation, modulation, fore-warning bumper and hold near max angle. This output signal device may also vary the fore-warning feel and hold positions to be at any angle. This output signal device uses force sensing as the signal and has force slope changes used as auto-calibration of the output signal. This improves signal accuracy and provides a service prognostic signal. The prognostic signal may be used to activate redundant sensor. The variable force feedback may improve operation on rough terrain. The force feedback, may allow more productive operating positions to be learned. This enables productivity and other important job site criteria such as fuel usage to be optimized by interactive communication with this output signal device. |
| US09323281B2 |
Pedal assembly for vehicle
A pedal assembly for a vehicle is provided and includes a housing and a pedal part that is rotatably coupled to the housing. A movable member has an inclined surface formed on one side thereof and slidably moves with respect to the housing. A connection member moves in cooperative operation with the rotation of the pedal part. Additionally, a friction member is connected to the connection member and slidably moves along the inclined surface of the movable member in the state of being brought into contact with the inclined surface and an elastic member is located between the other side of the movable member and the housing. |
| US09323279B2 |
Adjustable grip hand rest
A hand grip for use in controlling machinery. The grip includes a grip body and a hand rest connected to the grip body. The hand rest adjustably slides and rotates with respect the grip body grip. The hand rest includes a first locking part that is configured to engage the grip body to lock the hand rest in a locked position with respect to the grip body such that the hand rest does not slide with respect to the grip body and configured to disengage from the grip body such that the hand rest slidably moves with respect to the grip body. The hand rest includes a second locking part that, when unlocked, allows the hand rest to rotate with respect to the grip body, and that, when locked, prevents the hand rest from rotating with respect to the grip body. |
| US09323270B1 |
Transmission channel for ultrasound applications
A transmission channel transmits high-voltage pulses and receives echos of the high-voltage pulses. The transmission channel includes a current generator circuit, which generates current-integrator drive currents, a receiver, which amplifies transducer-echo signals, and control circuitry. The control circuitry generates one or more control signals to control generation of current-integrator drive currents by the current generator circuit during transducer-driving periods and reception of transducer-echo signals by the receiver during echo-reception periods. A current integrator integrates current-integrator drive currents generated by current generator circuit to generate transducer drive signals. |
| US09323269B1 |
Voltage regulator with positive and negative power supply spike rejection
A voltage regulator includes a supply filter, a bias filter, and first and second circuits. The supply filter is configured to operate from a supply voltage, and to generate a filtered supply voltage at a first node. The supply filter includes a transistor and a capacitor. First and control terminals of the transistor receive the supply voltage. A second terminal of the transistor and a first terminal of the capacitor are connected to the first node. The first circuit is configured to operate from both the supply voltage and the filtered supply voltage, and to generate a second reference voltage based on an input reference voltage. The bias filter is configured to generate a filtered second reference voltage based on the second reference voltage. The second circuit is configured to operate from the filtered supply voltage, and to generate a regulated voltage based on the filtered second reference voltage. |
| US09323267B2 |
Method and implementation for eliminating random pulse during power up of digital signal controller
A switching mode power converter includes a DSC with a digital PWM module configured for complementary operation mode during normal operation. The control algorithm of the DSC is configured such that during an initialization stage immediately following power up of the device relevant digital PWM modules used for interleaving operation are reconfigured to temporarily operate in an independent operation mode with the duty cycle associated with each channel set at zero. The reconfigured digital PWM modules remain set in the independent operation mode for a predefined period of time. Once the predefined time period is reached, the reconfigured digital PWM modules are again reconfigured back to the original complementary operation mode configuration and the control algorithm resumes normal operation of the DSC and digital PWM modules. |
| US09323266B2 |
Method and system for gain boosting in linear regulators
A method and a system for increasing the open loop gain of linear regulators are presented. A linear regulator to derive an output voltage from an input voltage is described. The linear regulator contains an amplifier to derive an amplifier output signal from an amplifier input signal, and a pass device to convert the amplifier output signal into the output voltage. The linear regulator has a positive feedback loop using a positive feedback gain γ, and a negative feedback loop using a negative feedback gain β. In addition, the linear regulator has a combining unit to determine the amplifier input signal from the input voltage, from the positive feedback signal and from the negative feedback voltage. A transfer function of the linear regulator exhibits a first and a second pole at a first frequency wp1 and at a second frequency wp2, respectively. |
| US09323262B2 |
Voltage regulator
Provided is a voltage regulator capable of preventing breakdown of a gate of an input transistor even when an overshoot occurs at an output terminal. The voltage regulator includes a diode, which is provided to an input transistor to which a divided voltage of an error amplifier circuit is input. The diode includes a cathode connected to a source of the input transistor and an anode connected to a gate thereof. |
| US09323260B2 |
Internal voltage generation circuits and semiconductor devices including the same
An internal voltage generation circuit including a voltage generator and a detection voltage generator. The voltage generator generates a temperature reference voltage signal whose level depends on an internal temperature, a division reference voltage signal whose level is constant regardless of the internal temperature, and a selection reference voltage signal obtained by detecting a level of an internal voltage signal. The detection voltage generator compares the division reference voltage signal and the selection reference voltage signal in response to the temperature reference voltage signal to generate a detection voltage signal controlling a pumping operation of the internal voltage signal. |
| US09323253B2 |
Proportional flow control of a fluid pump assembly
A pump control assembly having a flow control assembly disposed between the first end of a load sensing valve and a fluid pump is disclosed. The flow control assembly may include an orifice, a first valve assembly, and a second valve assembly. When the first valve assembly is in an open position and the second valve assembly is in a first position, fluid passing through the orifice is directed to a fluid reservoir and to the load sensing valve. When the first valve assembly is in a closed position and the second valve assembly is in a second position, all fluid passing through the orifice is directed to the load sensing valve. An electronic controller can be configured to transmit an output current to the first and second valve assemblies in response to an operational parameter of a prime mover supplying power to the fluid pump. |
| US09323252B2 |
Method and a system for enhanced flow line control
A method for automatically controlling a flow in a flow line system including a flow line, a flow line inlet and outlet, and a control valve located in the flow line at the outlet. The method includes controlling the opening of the valve with a control unit. An outlet flow rate is measured or estimated from the flow line. The valve is opened. It is determined if a sudden drop occurs in any of the measurements or estimates. It is decided if a liquid blockage in the flow line is present or approaching. If a liquid blockage is indicated as present or approaching, the opening of the valve is increased by an amount determined by the measurements or estimates. Any further manipulation of the valve is inhibited before a non-zero time period has expired. The steps are repeated. Also a system and a computer program product. |
| US09323250B2 |
Time-dependent navigation of telepresence robots
A telepresence robot may include a drive system, a control system, an imaging system, and a mapping module. The mapping module may access a plan view map of an area and tags associated with the area. In various embodiments, each tag may include tag coordinates and tag information, which may include a tag annotation. A tag identification system may identify tags within a predetermined range of the current position and the control system may execute an action based on an identified tag whose tag information comprises a telepresence robot action modifier. The telepresence robot may rotate an upper portion independent from a lower portion. A remote terminal may allow an operator to control the telepresence robot using any combination of control methods, including by selecting a destination in a live video feed, by selecting a destination on a plan view map, or by using a joystick or other peripheral device. |
| US09323246B2 |
System, controller and method for synchronized capture and synchronized playback of data
Provided are a method, a test system and a microcontroller (40), for use in a test system for testing vehicles and automotive components. Control signals that are generated by active components within a vehicle during a test drive are sampled and played back to a specimen vehicle within a laboratory test environment, and the control signals are played back synchronously with data representing conditions and events such as loads, acceleration and displacements that are experienced during the test drive. A microcontroller (40) is provided to buffer control signal data and to synchronize playback of the control signals via a CAN (60) bus within the specimen test vehicle in response to trigger signals. |
| US09323243B2 |
Method and sensor node network interface system for wireless control of an industrial process
A method of allocating time slots for sensor node sample transmission from sensor nodes in a wireless sensor node network which forms part of a control system for controlling an industrial process includes receiving a sample from a first sensor node in a first time slot of a superframe, which first sample has a value outside an accepted range of values, obtaining an identification of a second time slot of the superframe in which second time slot the first sensor node is to send a further sample in a subsequent superframe, and providing instructions to the first sensor node to send the further sample in the second time slot of a subsequent superframe. A computer program product and a sensor node network interface system are also disclosed herein. |
| US09323242B2 |
Method for setting an operating status
Operating status transitions of production plants according to the PROFIEnergy standard are increasingly provided for the energy management of an individual component within a plant. The definition of an operating status change for an individual component leaves unsolved the problem as to how an operating status change of a plant having multiple components is to be effected. Thus, methods and systems that support an automatic operating status change of a plant consisting of a multiplicity of components are provided herein. |
| US09323237B2 |
Network of fully automatic self-service key duplicating kiosks
A network of self-service, fully-automatic kiosks for duplicating keys includes a multiplicity of kiosks at different locations. Each kiosk includes a customer interface, a key-receiving entry, a key analysis system, and a key duplicating system. An original key is analyzed and duplicated to form a first key copy by analyzing a tooth pattern on a blade of the original key and replicating the tooth pattern on a blade of a first key blank. The network also includes a remote central server that is coupled to the kiosks for receiving information from the kiosks and for sending information to the kiosks. The remote central server maintains recorded information for replicating the tooth pattern of the blade of the original key on a blade of a second key blank to form a second key copy. |
| US09323232B2 |
Transportion remote call system based on passenger geo-routines
In accordance with exemplary embodiments there is determining geo-routines of a user, the geo-routines based on at least one of a location and an altitude and a trajectory of the user, recording the determined geo-routines of user of the system; and based on a current trajectory of a user indicating that the user is going to use a transportation system, optimizing a use of the system according to the recorded geo-routines of the user of the system. In addition, sending information including a location and/or an altitude of a user, and a trajectory of the user, the information associated with a current geo-routine of the user, and receiving information to optimize the use of a transportation system, the receiving based on a current trajectory indicating that the user is going to use the transportation system and on the current geo-routine and/or historical geo-routines of a user of the transportation system. |
| US09323231B2 |
Semiconductor device being capable of improving the breakdown characteristics
A semiconductor device, wherein the semiconductor device includes a high-voltage supply circuit suitable for supplying a high voltage; a discharge circuit suitable for discharging the high voltage; and an auxiliary-voltage supply circuit suitable for supplying a first auxiliary voltage, which varies according to an operation state of the high-voltage supply circuit, to a reference node of the discharge circuit. |
| US09323221B2 |
Overmoulded timepiece wheel
A timepiece wheel overmolded onto an arbor. The wheel is plastic injection overmolded onto a washer fitted onto the arbor. This washer has a lower density than the arbor. This washer includes at least one plane surface forming a bearing and sealing surface for cooperating in a sealed manner with an injection mold for the overmolding operation. The timepiece wheel may be an escape wheel whose teeth are formed during overmolding onto the arbor and the washer, and it includes an escape pinion mounted and abutted to the washer or integral with the washer. |
| US09323212B2 |
Image forming apparatus having openable inside and outside units
An image forming apparatus includes: a main assembly; a first unit openable relative to the main assembly; a second unit which is provided inner than the first unit and which is openable relative to the main assembly; two engaging portions, provided on the second unit, for placing the second unit in a closed state in engagement with the main assembly; and an urging portion, provided in the first unit, for urging the second unit. The second unit is urged by the urging portion of the first unit so that a state of the second unit is capable of being changed from an open state to the closed state. The urging portion urges a region in a neighborhood of a central portion of the second unit with respect to a direction of arrangement of the two engaging portions. |
| US09323209B1 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a unit, a main high-voltage board, a sub high-voltage board and a connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanism is configured to electrically connect the main high-voltage board and the sub high-voltage board with the unit. The connecting mechanism includes a first connecting member and a second connecting member. The first connecting member includes a main-side terminal configured to be connectable with the main high-voltage board, a unit-side terminal configured to be connectable with the unit and a first conductive wire configured to connect the main-side terminal with the unit-side terminal. The second connecting member includes a sub-side terminal configured to be connectable with the sub high-voltage board, a relay terminal configured to be connectable with the first conductive wire and a second conductive wire configured to connect the sub-side terminal with the relay terminal. |
| US09323202B2 |
Printing apparatus, method for controlling the same, and storage medium
A printing apparatus notifies a user of a message that jamming may be attributed to a protective member yet to be removed, without providing any sensor for detecting the protective member. A method for controlling a printing apparatus that conveys a sheet includes detecting sheet jamming, determining a number of discharged sheets, and notifying the user to remove the protective member present on a conveyance path if the sheet jamming is detected and the number of discharged sheets is determined to be less than a predetermined number, and notifying the user of the sheet jamming if the sheet jamming is detected and the number of discharged sheets is determined to be equal to or greater than the predetermined number. |
| US09323201B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus having hinge
A sheet processing apparatus includes: a main body accommodating a controller; an opening and closing member including an electrical part and pivotable about a pivot axis with respect to the main body between a closed position and an open position is exposed; a hinge disposed between the main body and the opening and closing member and at least partly constituting the pivot axis; and a flexible cable connecting between the electrical part and the controller. The opening and closing member includes a side wall for covering the electrical part from a hinge side of the electrical part. The side wall has an opening formed at a position opposite the flexible cable extending from the opening and closing member to the main body. The hinge includes a cover portion configured to cover a portion of the flexible cable which is exposed through the opening. |
| US09323189B2 |
Heating elements for maintaining temperature of a fixing film in a fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes an endless belt extending in a first direction and configured to rotate, a nip member extending in the first direction and disposed in contact with an inner surface of the endless belt, a backup member extending in the first direction and disposed in contact with an outer surface of the endless belt such that that the backup roller and the nip member sandwich the endless belt therebetween and the backup member and the endless belt form a nip therebetween, a first heating element extending along the endless belt in the first direction and configured to generate heat, and an inner surface guide disposed in contact with an end portion of the inner surface of the endless belt in the first direction and spaced apart from the nip in a second direction. The inner surface guide includes a second heating element configured to generate heat. |
| US09323186B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material includes: an image forming portion for forming the image on the recording material; a fixing portion, including a cylindrical rotatable member having a heat generating layer, for fixing the image on the recording material by heat of the rotatable member; and a temperature detecting portion for detecting a temperature of the rotatable member. The temperature detecting portion monitors a temperature change amount during one rotation of the rotatable member. The rotatable member is heated by the heat generating layer generating heat by a flow of a current in a circumferential direction of the rotatable member. Depending on the temperature change amount, a notification of an abnormality of the image forming apparatus is generated. |
| US09323184B2 |
Fixing device
A fixing device for thermally fixing a developer image transferred onto a recording sheet, includes: a flexible fusing member which is flexibly deformable; a heating element; a nip member disposed in such a manner as to contact with a surface of the flexible fusing member and to allow the flexible fusing member to slide along the nip member; a reflecting plate configured to reflect radiant heat from the heating element in a direction toward the nip member; a backup member configured to nip the flexible fusing member with the nip member to thereby form a nip portion for the recording sheet between the flexible fusing member and the backup member; and a stay configured to support both end portions of the nip member. The reflecting plate has at least one flange portion, and the flange portion is held and supported between the nip member and the stay. |
| US09323183B2 |
Electro-conductive belt, fabrication method thereof, and image forming device
There is provided an electro-conductive belt fabrication method having a drying step of forming a dry film, which includes applying a conductive-particle dispersion to the inside face of a circular tube, rotating the tube about its axis and forming a dispersion layer at a surface of the tube, and drying the dispersion layer until an amount of solvent in the dispersion layer reaches a predetermined residual amount; a resin material leaching step, which includes applying a liquid containing the dissolved or swollen resin material to a surface of the dry film, and leaching the resin material to a predetermined depth in the surface of the dry film; and a heating step that includes one of heating the resultant dry film and drying the dry film, and changing the precursor in the dry film to the predetermined resin material. |
| US09323176B2 |
Powder supply device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A powder supply device to supply powder to a supply destination includes a body, a single holder including multiple mounts on which multiple powder containers are removably mounted respectively, and a reservoir disposed in the body and below the single holder to store powder discharged from the multiple powder containers; and the single holder is removably attachable to the body of the powder supply device including the reservoir. |
| US09323175B2 |
Brilliant toner, electrostatic charge image developer, and toner cartridge
A brilliant toner includes a metallic pigment, and a Fe content in the brilliant toner is from 0.001% by weight to 2% by weight. |
| US09323172B2 |
Image forming apparatus provided with image formation position correction function
In an image forming apparatus, an image forming device have an operating part and is configured to form an image at an image formation position on an imaging target. A control device is configured to control the image forming device to start performing an image forming process, determine an adjustment amount regarding the image formation position based on an operation amount of the operating part measured during a period of time from a first specified timing in a previous image forming process to a second specified timing in or before a current image forming process, and adjust, based on the adjustment amount, the image formation position where an image is formed pursuant to the current image forming process. |
| US09323170B2 |
Image forming apparatus with a controller to set transfer bias
An image forming apparatus includes a transfer device to transfer a toner image from an image bearing member onto a recording medium, disposed opposite the image bearing member, a transfer bias power source to apply, between the image bearing member and the transfer device, a superimposed transfer bias in which a direct current (DC) component and an alternative current (AC) component are superimposed to transfer the toner image borne on the image bearing member to the recording medium, and a controller to change the superimposed bias that the transfer bias power source applies. The controller changes the levels of the DC component and the AC component of the superimposed transfer bias in a color mode from that in a monochrome mode to secure a return electric field in the superimposed transfer bias by which the toner is returned from the recording medium to the image bearing member. |
| US09323167B2 |
Sustainable polyester resin of defined acid value
The disclosure describes a process for making a polyester resin of defined acid value using a temperature-sensitive reaction and dipropylene glycol as a reagent. |
| US09323165B2 |
Electrophotographic photoreceptor and image forming apparatus
Disclosed are an electrophotographic photoreceptor which has high durability and high potential characteristics and can suppress the occurrence of stick-slip and turning up of a blade and the abrasion of the blade even when the blade is used as a cleaning unit. The surface layer contains barium sulfate composite fine particles, in which a conductive metal oxide is adhered to the surface of a core material made from barium sulfate, in a cured resin. The 10 point average roughness RzJIS of the surface layer is not less than 0.2 μm and not more than 1.5 μm, and a value obtained by an equation n×d, wherein n represents the peak count of the surface layer and d represents the number average primary particle diameter of the barium sulfate composite fine particles, is not less than 10,000 (pieces·nm) and not more than 200,000 (pieces·nm). |
| US09323164B2 |
Coatings
A coating is disclosed. The coating may be used in an apparatus having a radiation source, e.g. a lithographic apparatus. The coating comprises the elements Si, O, F and, optionally, C and H. An article is also disclosed. The article may be any one of the group consisting of a substrate table, an optical element, a shutter member, a sensor, a projection system, and a confinement structure. At least a portion of a surface of the article is coated with a coating. The coating comprises the elements Si, O, F and, optionally, C and H. The coating may comprise the elements Si, O, C and H. |
| US09323163B2 |
Cylindrical reticle system, exposure apparatus and exposure method
A cylindrical reticle system is provided for performing a unidirectional scan-exposure. The cylindrical reticle system includes a base and a center shaft fixed a one side of the base. The cylindrical reticle system also includes a first bearing fixed at the end of the center shaft near to the base and a second bearing fixed at the other end of the center shaft far from the base. Further, the cylindrical reticle system includes a cylindrical reticle having an imaging region and two non-imaging regions at both end of the imaging region. |
| US09323153B2 |
Actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition, and, actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive film and pattern forming method, each using the same
An actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition in the present invention contains a nitrogen-containing compound (N) which is represented by the following general formula (N1): wherein, in the general formula (N1), X represents a group including a hetero atom; L represents a single bond or an alkylene group; R2 represents a substituent, in the case where a plurality of R2's are present, they may be the same as or different from each other and a plurality of R2's may be bonded to each other to form a ring; R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent; and n represents an integer of 0 to 4. |
| US09323151B2 |
Photosensitive oligomer for photosensitive resist, method for preparing the same, and negative photosensitive resist resin composition
A photosensitive oligomer for photosensitive resist comprising unsaturated double-bond group and flexible group. The monomers or compounds for synthesizing the photosensitive oligomer include unsaturated double-bond containing organic acid-based monomers, unsaturated double-bond containing organic ester-based monomers, unsaturated double-bond containing organic acid chloride/ethylene-based monomers, unsaturated double-bond containing alcohol-based compounds, and flexible group-containing silane/ether-based compounds. The present invention further provides a negative photosensitive resist resin composition comprising the photosensitive oligomer. |
| US09323144B2 |
Method for microcontact printing
A method for microcontact embossing of a structure by transferring an embossing material onto a target surface of a substrate by means of an embossing surface of a structural die. The embossing material is comprised at least predominantly of silane or at least predominantly of at least one silane derivative and in that the structural die is a soft die. A corresponding method is provided in which the embossing material is a molecular component that is comprised at least predominantly of organic molecules. |
| US09323139B2 |
Light source device and projector
Alight source device includes a solid-state light source emitting light, a base member having an arrangement surface (front portion) on which the solid-state light source is arranged, and a pressing member having a pressing portion (projection) provided on the base member to fix the solid-state light source through pressing of the solid-state light source toward the arrangement surface (front portion). Through this, the solid-state light source can be easily arranged on the base member as compared with a case where the solid-state light source is fixed by welding. |
| US09323133B1 |
Photo booth with an improved lighting system
A photo booth with an improved lighting system may comprise a light reflecting element, a rear wall panel, and a side wall panel positioned to form a booth interior chamber which may function as an enclosure configured to receive one or more subjects. A camera may be positioned to the front of the booth and directed to take images of the booth interior chamber. A light source may be positioned at a location above the camera and oriented to direct an initial burst of light downward towards a portion of the light reflecting element positioned above the camera. |
| US09323131B2 |
Focal-plane shutter and optical device
A focal-plane shutter includes: first, second, and third boards each including an opening and arranged in an optical axis direction passing through the openings; a first blade arranged between the first and second boards and capable of opening and closing the openings; a second blade arranged between the second and third boards and capable of opening and closing the openings; first and second arms arranged between the second and third boards, connected to the second blade, made of synthetic resins, and capable of rotating about respective different fulcrums; and a drive member connected to the first arm and driving the first arm. |
| US09323130B2 |
Thermal control in variable aperture mechanism for cryogenic environment
A shutter assembly comprising a first planar member and a second planar member opposed from one another and forming a sleeve having a cavity therebetween, the sleeve having a pair of side rails adjacent the cavity along sides of the sleeve. A first shutter member having a first end is disposed in the cavity and slidingly disposed along one of the side rails, and a second shutter member having a second end is disposed in the cavity and slidingly disposed along the other side rail. The first end is opposed to the second end and is configured to be selectively advanced towards, and retracted from, the second end so as to define an aperture therebetween having a first shape when disposed in a first position, and wherein the aperture has a second larger shape when the first end is disposed in a second position. The first shutter member and the second shutter member maintain a thermal contact with the side rails and the planar members in all positions. The shutter assembly is well suited to be used at a cryogenic temperature and in a high vacuum environment. |
| US09323126B2 |
Electrophoretic particles, method for manufacturing electrophoretic particles, electrophoresis dispersion, display device, and electronic apparatus
There is provided electrophoretic particle which has core particle, and a siloxane-based compound which includes a connecting structure in which a plurality of siloxane bonds are connected in series, and the surface of the core particle includes a first region to which the siloxane-based compound is bonded, and a second region in which charging characteristic derived from the core particle is expressed by exposure of the surface of the core particle. An occupancy rate of the first region on the surface of the core particle is preferably equal to greater than 0.05% and equal to or less than 20%. |
| US09323124B2 |
Display apparatuses and methods of operating the same
Provided are display apparatuses and methods of operating the same. In a display apparatus, a display image may be continuously held for longer than about 10 msec after the power of the display panel is turned off. The display apparatus may indicate a liquid crystal display (LCD) apparatus including an oxide thin film transistor (TFT). Off leakage current of the oxide TFT may be less than about 10−14 A. |
| US09323121B2 |
Semi-transmissive display apparatus, method for driving semi-transmissive display apparatus, and electronic system
A semi-transmissive display apparatus includes: a reflective electrode provided for each pixel, wherein the semi-transmissive display apparatus performs reflective display operation by using the reflective electrodes and transmissive display operation by using spaces between the reflective electrodes of the pixels. |
| US09323115B2 |
Method for preparing liquid crystal display panel, display device and monochromatic quantum dot layer
A process for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel, a display device and a monochromatic quantum dot layer are disclosed; in the liquid crystal display panel, a plurality of pixel units are defined on the liquid crystal display panel, each pixel unit having sub-pixel units displaying different colors, at a position of the apposing substrate or the array substrate corresponding to a sub-pixel unit of at least one color in each pixel unit, a monochromatic quantum dot layer is disposed. Dispersing of monochromatic quantum dots with a macromolecular polymer network can prevent the quantum dots from aggregation and increase the quantum yield of the quantum dots, so as to increase the light efficacy of quantum excitation, as well as avoiding the contact between the monochromatic quantum dots with oxygen and increasing the life of quantum dots. |
| US09323114B2 |
Self-luminous reflective pixel structure, display panel, and display device
A self-luminous reflective pixel structure, a display panel and a display device. The pixel structure includes a first electrode capable of reflecting light, a self-luminous layer disposed over the first electrode, a second electrode disposed over the self-luminous layer, and a reflected light control layer disposed over the second electrode. A self-luminous structure and a reflective structure can be formed in a single pixel with the pixel structure. |
| US09323112B2 |
Liquid crystal display and electronic apparatus having electrodes with openings therein
A liquid crystal device includes a pair of substrates composed of an element substrate and a counter substrate and a liquid crystal layer that is held between the pair of substrates. In the liquid crystal device, a data line and a scanning line are provided on the element substrate in a manner to be orthogonal to each other, a plurality of pixels including a switching element are arranged in matrix, a first electrode and a second electrode are provided on the element substrate, an image signal potential is supplied to the first electrode via the switching element, a common potential is supplied to the second electrode, the second electrode includes a plurality of openings, and a width, in an alignment direction of the plurality of openings, of the opening positioned on an outermost side in the alignment direction is smaller than a width of the rest of the openings. |
| US09323109B2 |
Display device and electronic apparatus
A display device includes: a pixel section provided between a pair of substrates and including plural pixels; one or plural active components disposed in a frame region around the pixel section on one substrate of the pair of substrates; an insulating film provided in the frame region on the one substrate to cover the one or plural active components; and a sealing layer provided to seal the pixel section and cover an end edge portion of the insulating film in the frame region. |
| US09323108B2 |
Liquid curable resin composition, method for manufacturing image display device using same, and image display device
Provided is a liquid curable resin composition containing (A) a polymer component containing (A1) a polymer having an ethylenically unsaturated bond in a molecule thereof; (B) a low-molecular weight monomer having one ethylenically unsaturated group in a molecule thereof; and (C) a polymerization initiator, wherein the component (B) contains a compound represented by the following general formula (I). The liquid curable resin composition may be a material which is suitably applicable for the purpose of filling a space between a protective panel and an image display unit or the like in a large-sized image display device and which is excellent in moist heat resistance reliability. (In the formula, R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R2 represents an alkyl group having 4 or more carbon atoms; and n represents a number of from 1 to 20.) |
| US09323106B2 |
Fabricating method of transparent liquid crystal display
A fabricating method of a transparent liquid crystal display includes the following steps. First, a first substrate and a second substrate are assembled. Then, a liquid crystal composition is injected between the first substrate and the second substrate. The liquid crystal composition includes a plurality of liquid crystal molecules and a polymerizable material, wherein the polymerizable material includes a polyether polyol acrylate monomer and a liquid crystal polymerization initiator. Afterward, an irradiation procedure and a thermal procedure are executed. |
| US09323104B2 |
Liquid crystal display apparatus
A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a display panel that displays an image, a backlight unit that provides a light to the display panel, and a frame that accommodates the display panel and the backlight unit. The backlight unit includes a light source that emits the light, a diffusion plate that diffuses the light from the light source, an optical sheet that condenses the diffused light and provides the condensed light to the display panel, and a clip that couples the diffusion plate and the optical sheet. |
| US09323103B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The liquid crystal display device (100) of the present invention includes a liquid crystal panel (10) having a plurality of pixels (P), and a backlight (20) having at least one light source (22) that emits light to the liquid crystal panel (10). Each of the plurality of pixels (P) includes four or more sub-pixels (R, G, B, Ye), and the light source unit (22) includes a red light source (22R), a green light source (22G), and a blue light source (22B). According to the present invention, a liquid crystal display device which can perform display of wide color reproduction range with low power consumption is provided. |
| US09323102B2 |
Resin composition, optical film formed using the same, polarizing plate and liquid crystal display device including the same
There are provided a resin composition and an optical film using the same. The resin composition includes a copolymer (A) formed by polymerizing a (meth)acryloyl morpholine-based monomer (a), a maleimide-based monomer (b), and an alkyl(meth)acrylate-based monomer (c), and the optical film is manufactured using the same. The resin composition may provide a film having excellent optical properties and optical transparency, reduced haze, excellent mechanical strength, a relatively low level of thermal expansion coefficient leading to a relatively small change in a dimension, and a relatively low level of alteration in a retardation value due to external stress. |
| US09323100B1 |
Color filter substrate and display component
The present disclosure relates to the field of liquid crystal display technologies, and discloses a color filter substrate and a display component. For a display component which takes a transverse electric field as a driving electric field, when a part of a black matrix of a color filter substrate is located at a non-display region, the black matrix includes a portion to be connected, and a predetermined voltage is applied to the black matrix through the portion to be connected, so as to ensure that a voltage difference between the black matrix and a pixel electrode or between the black matrix and a common electrode is small enough to be unable to drive liquid crystal molecules to deflect, thereby avoiding undesirable phenomenon such as becoming green when displaying in dark state, and improving production yield and display quality. |
| US09323099B2 |
Multi-layered foil body
The invention relates to a multi-layered foil body (1) for marking a security document, in particular a banknote. The foil body (1) has at least one color filter layer (2) and at least one change layer (4) with an electrically controllable transmittance and/or an electrically controllable color. |
| US09323097B2 |
Reflective color filter and color display device
The invention is related to thin film optical filters, and can be used in liquid crystal displays (LCD) in order to increase their brightness, and provide savings in energy consumption. According to the invention, a reflective color filter for visible light substantially transmitting a light of the chosen spectral range entering into it and substantially reflecting a visible light of other spectral ranges, includes an odd total number of alternate nonmetallic and metal layers, and the first and last layers are nonmetallic ones, and each metal layer is placed between nonmetallic layers, each nonmetallic layer possesses a refractive index not less than 2.2 and thickness not less than 40 nanometers, and each metal layer possesses the thickness in a range from 10 to 40 nanometers. |
| US09323095B2 |
Lens with light-diffusion capping layers and backlight module incorporating the same
A lens includes a main lens, a first light-diffusion capping layer and a second light-diffusion capping layer formed on the top of the main lens in sequence. The main lens includes a light incident surface and a light exit surface opposite to the light incident surface. The main lens defines a recess in the top thereof, and the recess is located at a central region of the light exit surface and recessed inwardly toward the light incident surface. The first and the second light-diffusion capping layers are received in the recess, and the second light-diffusion capping layer is located over the first light-diffusion capping layer. A refractive index of the first light-diffusion capping layer is smaller that that of the main lens but larger than that of the second light-diffusion capping layer. A backlight module source incorporating the lens and the LED light source is also provided. |
| US09323093B2 |
Method of suppressing electromagnetic interference radiation from a display device
A display device for displaying information to a user in correspondence with a display signal. The display device includes an LCD receiving the display signal and displaying information in accordance with the display signal. The display device additionally includes a capacitive touch panel having an electrically conductive surface. The capacitive touch panel provides a signal corresponding to the location of an object touching or placed in close proximity to the surface of the capacitive touch panel for providing user input. A chassis supports the LCD and capacitive touch panel in the device. A capacitor capacitively connects the electrically conductive surface of the capacitive touch panel to the chassis. |
| US09323091B2 |
Protective film for touch panel and method for manufacturing the same
A protective film configured to be positioned on a touch panel includes a transparent base material and a plurality of conductive particles included in the base material, and a manufacturing method of a protective film configured to be positioned on a touch panel includes: mixing conductive particles in a transparent base material composition; and pressing the base material composition to form a base material. According to exemplary embodiments, the protective film may reduce input errors by increasing touch sensitivity while protecting the touch panel. |
| US09323087B2 |
Display apparatus and television receiver
A liquid crystal display apparatus is provided with: an LED; a liquid crystal panel; a light guide plate having a light input surface; a chassis having a second bottom plate section; a frame; an LED substrate; a heat dissipating member, which is disposed such that the heat dissipating member can slide in the direction orthogonal to the light input surface, the heat dissipating member holding the LED substrate on one plate surface, and having a plate-like attaching section disposed on the second bottom plate section; a side plate section, which is disposed on the side opposite to the light input surface with the attaching section therebetween, the side plate section extending in a board-shape from the frame, and having a through hole; and an adjusting screw, which has a shaft shape, and which penetrates the side plate section through the through hole such that one end of the adjusting screw faces the attaching section, the adjusting screw being capable of bringing the one end closer to the light input surface side when the other end of the adjusting screw is screwed to the side plate section side. |
| US09323085B2 |
Image display apparatus
An image display apparatus including a display panel, a holding member holding four sides of the display panel, and cushioning members disposed between the display panel and the holding member such that a pressing force depending on an amount of deformation is applied to the display panel, wherein a pressing force acting on the display panel through the cushioning member for a lower side among the four sides of the display panel is higher than a pressing force acting on the display panel through the cushioning members for other sides of the display panel. |
| US09323077B2 |
Thermochromatic element and thermochromatic display device
A thermochromatic element includes a sealed enclosure, an isolation layer and a first heating element. The isolation layer is received in the sealed enclosure that divides the sealed enclosure into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first heating element is located adjacent to the first chamber. The first heating element includes a carbon nanotube film including a number of carbon nanotube linear units and a number of carbon nanotube groups. Each carbon nanotube linear unit includes a number of first carbon nanotubes substantially oriented along a first direction, and are spaced from each other and substantially extending along the first direction. The carbon nanotube groups are combined with the carbon nanotube linear units by van der Waals force. The carbon nanotube groups between adjacent carbon nanotube linear units are spaced from each other in the first direction. |
| US09323075B2 |
System for the measurement of the interpupillary distance using a device equipped with a screen and a camera
The present invention is in the technical fields of optics and ophthalmology. The present invention relates to a system for the measuring of the interpupillary distance, defined as the distance between the left pupil center and the right pupil center, not requiring the use of any artifact or additional objects on the person's face, and using a conventional electronic device comprising a processor, a camera (201) and a display with high reflectivity (200). |
| US09323072B2 |
Glasses support device and system
A bridge-mounted support and support pads are disclosed that enable a patient after nose surgery or nose injury, wearing eyeglasses such that the glasses do not touch the nose, yet the optical centers of the lenses of the eyeglasses are aligned with the centers of the corresponding pupils of patient's eyes. Instead of being supported by the nose pads resting on nose, eyeglasses are supported by cheek pads of bridge-mounted support or support pads, each resting on the corresponding cheek. Eyeglasses are pushed forwards, away from the face of patient such that it does not touch the nose. Bridge-mounted is made of resilient metal wire having: a fold to attaché it to the bridge of the glasses, frame pads to attach it to the frame of the glasses, and soft cheek pads. Support pads are blocks of rubber foam glued to the lenses of eyeglasses. |
| US09323071B2 |
Laser speckle reduction for uniform illumination
Laser speckle reduction using a passive diffuser. A diffuser for reducing laser speckle is disclosed comprising a diffuser having a colloid configured for placement in a light path of a coherent light source. The colloid exhibits Brownian motion. The diffuser can be formed of transparent plates containing the colloid. In a system for illumination, a coherent source of light outputting a light beam along a light path is provided; and a diffuser for reducing laser speckle effects is placed in the light path, the diffuser comprising a colloid disposed in a container that is transparent to the light beam output by the coherent source. A method includes illuminating a photosensitive sensor, comprising transmitting a coherent light from a light source through a diffuser comprising a colloid and directing the light from the diffuser onto the photosensitive sensor. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09323069B2 |
Beam combiner and a combiner depolarizer
The invention relates to a beam combiner for a Raman pump unit. The beam combiner is configured to receive and propagate at least two orthogonally polarized collimated light beams. The beam combiner comprises a birefringent prism and an optically isotropic prism. Each of the prisms is located in the path of the beams and configured so that the beams are substantially parallel to each other when they emanate from the beam combiner. |
| US09323068B2 |
Spatial stereoscopic display device and operating method thereof
Embodiments of the invention relate to a spatial stereoscopic display device and an operating method thereof. The spatial stereoscopic display device comprises: a laser source; a two-dimensional scanning unit, receiving and projecting the laser light onto a variable isoclinic transflective unit; the variable isoclinic transflective unit, receiving and dividing the laser light into a first and second splitting lights intersecting in an imaging space, by transmission and reflection; a power source and position sensor unit, connected with the variable isoclinic transflective unit to control an intersection of the first and second splitting lights in the imaging space; the imaging space, provided with an up-conversion material inside, and the up-conversion material at the intersection of the first and second splitting lights is excited to form a light-emitting point; and the 3D modulator, connected with the laser source, the two-dimensional scanning unit, the power source and position sensor unit. |
| US09323065B2 |
Optical multiplexer and demultiplexer and a method for fabricating and assembling the multiplexer/demultiplexer
Known semiconductor wafer process technologies are used to manufacture an optical MUX/DeMUX with very precise dimensional control. The manufacturing process eliminates the need to polish optical surfaces of the MUX/DeMUX, which reduces the overall manufacturing costs and the amount of time that is required to manufacture the MUX/DeMUX. |
| US09323060B2 |
Head-mountable display
A display unit in a head mounted display (HMD) is divided into a main body part generating image light; and an emission port part having an emission port through which the generated image light is emitted to the observer's eye. The main body part and the emission port part are connected to each other such that they are allowed to be attached and detached by an external force. In a head mounting state of the HMD, when a first external force acts on the emission port part in response to a situation that the emission port part (e.g., a half mirror) comes into contact with a member located at or near the observing eye or in front of the observing eye within the observer's face and thereby protecting the observing eye, the first external force causes the emission port part to be detached from the main body part. |
| US09323056B2 |
Method of aligning a helmet mounted display
A method and system of aligning a helmet mounted display mounted to a helmet is disclosed. A method may comprise aligning a first and a second helmet mounted display guide symbol with a reference direction, respectively; selecting the alignment of the first and second helmet mounted display guide symbol with the reference direction, respectively; aligning a first and a second stabilised guide symbol, starting at positions of the aligned first and second symbols, respectively, with the reference direction, the first and second stabilised symbols being stabilised to reduce the movement of the stabilised symbol with respect to the reference direction in response to movements of the head of the user; selecting the alignment of the first and second stabilised guide symbol with the reference direction, respectively; determining a relative position and orientation between the helmet and the display according to the positions and orientations of the helmet at the alignments. |
| US09323055B2 |
System and method to display maintenance and operational instructions of an apparatus using augmented reality
A head-mounted display provides a user with an augmented view of an object being viewed; a tracking mechanism such as a camera repeatedly determine the position and orientation of the head-mounted display relative the object being viewed; and a computer system provides information for the augmented view and repeatedly updates the augmented view of the object being viewed based on the determined position and orientation of the display. The head-mounted display may be a see-through display; it may be video-based or optical-based, and it may be monoscopic and stereoscopic. The tracking mechanism determines its position using one or more markers or beacons on the object being viewed. The markers may be active or passive, including light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit invisible light. |
| US09323049B2 |
Forward scanning optical probes with one or more rotating components
In certain embodiments, a scanning system comprises optical elements and a movement system. The optical elements comprise an optical fiber and a focusing element. The optical fiber transmits a light ray and has a fiber axis that extends to an imaginary fiber axis. The focusing element refracts the light ray and has a focusing element optical axis that is substantially aligned with the imaginary fiber axis. The movement system rotates the focusing element about the focusing element optical axis to scan the light ray. In other embodiments, a scanning system comprises optical elements and a movement system. The optical elements comprise an optical fiber, a focusing element, and a prism. The prism has a prism optical axis and receives the light ray from the focusing element. The movement system rotates the prism about the prism optical axis to scan the light ray. |
| US09323048B2 |
Optical deflector including meander-type piezoelectric actuators coupled by crossing bars therebetween
In an optical deflector including a mirror, a fixed frame surrounding the mirror, and first and second piezoelectric actuators of a meander-type provided opposite to each other with respect to the mirror, for rocking the mirror around an axis on a plane of the fixed frame, the first piezoelectric actuator includes a plurality of first piezoelectric cantilevers folded at first folded portions and coupled to the fixed frame, and the second piezoelectric actuator includes a plurality of second piezoelectric cantilevers folded at second folded portions and coupled to the fixed frame. The optical deflector further includes at least one first crossing bar coupled between one of the first folded portions and one of the second folded portions symmetrically located with respect to the mirror. |
| US09323045B2 |
Illumination device and projector
An illumination device includes: a light source device adapted to emit an excitation light beam; and a rotating fluorescent plate having a single fluorescent layer adapted to convert a part or whole of the excitation light beam into a fluorescent light beam. The fluorescent light beam includes two or more colored light beams, and the single fluorescent layer is formed on a circular disk, which can be rotated by a motor, continuously along a circumferential direction of the circular disk. |
| US09323041B2 |
Electromechanical systems display apparatus incorporating charge dissipation surfaces
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for dissipating charge buildup within a display element with a conductive layer. The conductive layer is maintained in electrical contact with a fluid within the display element. The fluid, in turn, remains in contact with light modulators within the display elements. Any charge buildup that may be caused by the filling of the fluid during fabrication of the display device, or during operation of the light modulators can be dissipated by the conductive layer. Thus, by dissipating the charge buildup, the conductive layer reduces or eliminates electrostatic forces due to the charge buildup that may affect the operability of the light modulators. The display can include conductive spacers in an active display region of the display and a spacer-free region that allows the substrates to deform while retaining an electrical connection between the conductive layer and the spacers in the active display region. |
| US09323040B2 |
Eyepiece lens system and image observation device
An eyepiece lens system forms a magnified virtual image of an object to be observed, the system including: a first group disposed adjacent to an image display device and having negative refractive power; and a second group disposed adjacent to the first group on a side closer to an eye and having positive refractive power; the first group including a cemented doublet lens of a biconcave lens and a biconvex lens, the second group including two or three positive lenses, being telecentric on the object side. The eyepiece lens system has satisfactory telecentricity on the object side and satisfactorily corrects aberration. |
| US09323039B2 |
Particle manipulation system and projection device
A particle manipulation system and a projection device are provided. The projection device includes an image source and a projection lens. The image source provides an image beam. The projection lens is disposed on a light path of the image beam and includes a zoom lens set and a focusing lens set. The zoom lens set is disposed on the light path of the image beam from the image source and includes at least two lens groups disposed in sequence on the light path of the image beam. The focusing lens set is disposed on the light path of the image beam. The zoom lens set is disposed between the image source and the focusing lens set. A photoconductor chip is disposed on the light path of the image beam from the projection lens. |
| US09323035B2 |
Annular optical device
One embodiment provides an annular optical device, comprising: an annular meso-optic having a substantially triangular cross section and including an annulus centered about an axis of revolution; and a secondary optical structure substantially coaxial within the annulus of the annular meso-optic, wherein the secondary optical structure and the annular meso-optic are separated by a media comprising a media refractive index that is lower than a secondary optical structure refractive index, with the secondary optical structure being configured to hold a specimen to be radiated by impinging electromagnetic radiation directed into the secondary optical structure substantially along the axis of revolution, wherein re-directed radiation from the specimen is allowed into the annular meso-optic by the secondary optical structure if an angle of incidence of the re-directed radiation exceeds the angle of Total Internal Reflectance. Other embodiments are descried and claimed. |
| US09323032B2 |
Variable magnification projection optical system and projection display apparatus
A variable magnification projection optical system substantially consisting of two lens groups of a first lens group having a positive refractive power and is moved during magnification change, and a second lens group having a positive refractive power and is moved during magnification change, in which the variable magnification projection optical system is configured such that the reduction side is telecentric. |
| US09323028B2 |
Optical image capturing system
An optical image capturing system includes five lens elements with refractive power, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element and a fifth lens element. The first lens element with positive refractive power has a convex object-side surface. The second lens element with negative refractive power has a concave image-side surface. The third lens element has negative refractive power. The fourth lens element with refractive power has a concave image-side surface, and the surfaces of the fourth lens element are aspheric. The fifth lens element with refractive power has a concave image-side surface, wherein at least one inflection point formed on the image-side surface thereof, and the surfaces of the fifth lens element are aspheric. |
| US09323026B2 |
Optical arrangement, optical module, and method for correctly positioning an optical module in a housing
The invention relates to an optical arrangement comprising an optical module having a first carrier body to which there are attached at least one optical element and a plurality of first mounting elements, and a housing having a second carrier body for at least one further optical element, wherein a plurality of second mounting elements is attached to the carrier body. Also comprised is a movement device for displacing the first carrier body relative to the second carrier body in a movement direction between a removal position from which the optical module can be removed from the housing and a mounting position in which the movement device presses the first mounting elements against the second mounting elements. The invention relates also to an optical module and to a method for correctly positioning an optical module in a housing. |
| US09323025B2 |
Kinematic mount
The invention relates to a kinematic mount having a base part (8) and a bracket part (7), which is positioned on the base part (8), and which is tiltable relative thereto around at least one tilting axis. The invention provides that the mount has at least one pivot lever (22, 23), which is connected to the base part (8) by way of a first joint (25), and which is connected to the bracket part (7) by way of a second joint (27, 24, 28), which is spaced apart from the first joint (25) in a longitudinal direction of the pivot lever (22, 23). The base part (8), the pivot lever (22, 23), and the bracket part (7) form a gear unit, which converts a movement of an actuator (11, 12) impacting the pivot lever (22, 23) into a tilting of the bracket part (7) relative to the base part (8). |
| US09323023B2 |
Lens focusing device
A lens focusing device includes a lens holder, a winding fitted around the lens holder, and an outer case enclosing the lens holder therein. The outer case includes an outer wall portion, and multiple inner wall portions connected to the outer wall portion via multiple connecting portions. The inner wall portions are located between the lens holder and the winding, and respectively include an inner surface, an outer surface, and a first and a second side surface. The lens holder is formed on an outer face with confining areas, each of which includes a main surface and a first and a second raised side surface respectively facing against the inner surface and the first and second side surfaces, so that the inner wall portions are limited to move relative to the lens holder only within the confining areas. Therefore, the lens focusing device is impact-resistant and undue-twisting protected. |
| US09323022B2 |
Methods of making and accessing cables having access features
Cables jacket are formed by extruding discontinuities in a main cable jacket portion. The discontinuities allow the jacket to be torn to provide access to the cable core. The discontinuities can be longitudinally extending strips of material in the cable jacket, and can be introduced into the extrudate material flow used to form the main portion through ports in the extrusion head. The discontinuities allow a section of the cable jacket to be pulled away from a remainder of the jacket using a relatively low peel force. |
| US09323018B2 |
HDMI signals transmission device
An HDMI signals transmission device includes a first HDMI connector, a second HDMI connector, a first cable, a second cable, and an optical fiber connector assembly. One end of the first cable is electrically connected to the first HDMI connector. One end of the second cable is electrically connected to the second HDMI connector. The optical fiber connector assembly includes a first optical fiber connector electrically connected to the other end of the first cable, a second optical fiber connector electrically connected to the other end of the second cable, a first optical fiber interconnected between the first optical fiber connector and the second optical fiber connector, and a second optical fiber interconnected between the first optical fiber connector and the second optical fiber connector. |
| US09323015B2 |
Process to align sleeve member optically with optical device
A method to assemble an optical assembly is disclosed. The method includes steps of rough and fine alignment between the sleeve member and the J-sleeve, and the alignment of the J-sleeve with the optical device. The rough alignment slides the sleeve member on the J-sleeve as tracing closed loops concentric to each other by alternating a direction of the slide in clockwise and counter clockwise in respective loops. |
| US09323014B2 |
High-speed optical module with flexible printed circuit board
An apparatus includes a base substrate, a light rotation module and a flexible printed circuit board (PCB). The light rotation module has a bottom surface mounted on the base substrate and a top surface coupled to one or more optoelectronic transducers, and is configured to direct optical signals between the respective optoelectronic transducers and optical ports on a side perpendicular to the top surface. The flexible printed circuit board (PCB) includes a first end that is attached to the top surface of the light rotation module and has the optoelectronic transducers mounted thereon, a second end attached to the base substrate, and conductive traces disposed between the first and second ends to direct electrical signals between the optoelectronic transducers and the base substrate. |
| US09323013B2 |
Bidirectional optical communications module having an optics system that reduces optical losses and increases tolerance to optical misalignment
In a bidirectional optical communications module, an optics system is provided having a lens block that uses a single surface for reflecting light into or reflecting light passing out of the end of the optical fiber and a single surface for reflecting light toward a monitor photodetector. No other surfaces in the lens block are used to turn the light path. A filter block of the optics system that is adjacent to the lens block performs wavelength multiplexing and demultiplexing. The filter block reflects light at either its lower or upper surface back toward the lens block. In some embodiments, a portion of light passes through the upper surface of the filter block to provide some attenuation of light being transmitted so that the light is not coupled back into the light source. Because the upper surface of the filter block is the topmost surface of the optics system, the optics system can be very compact while also limiting the number of surfaces that turn the light path. Limiting the number of surfaces in the optics system that turn the light path reduces optical losses and increases tolerance to optical misalignment. |
| US09323008B2 |
Optoelectronic structures having multi-level optical waveguides and methods of forming the structures
Disclosed are structures with an optical waveguide having a first segment at a first level and a second segment extending between the first level and a higher second level and further extending along the second level. Specifically, the waveguide comprises a first segment between first and second dielectric layers. The second dielectric layer has a trench, which extends through to the first dielectric layer and which has one side positioned laterally adjacent to an end of the first segment. The waveguide also comprises a second segment extending from the bottom of the trench on the side adjacent to the first segment up to and along the top surface of the second dielectric layer on the opposite side of the trench. A third dielectric layer covers the second segment in the trench and on the top surface of the second dielectric layer. Also disclosed are methods of forming such optoelectronic structures. |
| US09323006B2 |
Optical connector
A protector is fixed to a housing in a state where a ferrule on which the protector is mounted is accommodated in a ferrule accommodation space of the housing, and thus a release of a locking state by a locking window and a fixing hook is regulated. |
| US09323005B1 |
Redirecting electromagnetic radiation
Herein is provided a side fire optical device for redirecting electromagnetic radiation, methods of its manufacture, and methods of its use. The herein described side fire optical device minimizes potential Fresnel reflections at fused surfaces and eliminates Snell and Fresnel reflections in a self-contained lateral output assembly (within which a transmitting optical fiber conduit may be subsequently attached). The construction of which involved lower cost raw materials and fewer manufacturing steps; provide a side fire fiber where the protective cap can be replaced interoperatively and even intraoperatively; and provide mechanisms and processes for altering the size or shape of the output spot without altering the lateral fiber design. |
| US09323002B2 |
Light multiplexer
One side surface of a diffraction grating is securely held by a holder, and further, the holder is securely supported on a substrate by a supporter in such a manner that the diffraction grating held by the holder is not brought into contact with the substrate. In this manner, the diffraction grating is fixed only onto one side surface to the supporter via the holder, and further, the diffraction grating is not brought into contact with the substrate. Therefore, the lower portion of the supporter is displaced by heat generated in the substrate, however, the displacement of the supporter cannot adversely influence directly on the diffraction grating since the holder is interposed between the displaced portion and the diffraction grating. |
| US09322996B2 |
Simultaneous processing of multiple photonic device layers
Embodiments of the invention describe photonic integrated circuits (PICs) formed using simultaneous fabrication operations performed on photonic device layers. Each device of a PIC may be made from different optimized materials by growing the materials separately, cutting pieces of the different materials and bonding these pieces to a shared wafer. Embodiments of the invention bond photonic device layers so that shared (i.e., common) processing operations may be utilized to make more than one device simultaneously. Embodiments of the invention allow for simpler, more cost effective fabrication of PICs and improve photonic device performance and reliability. |
| US09322992B2 |
Devices and methods for multimode light detection
Multimode light detectors are provided, which combine a plurality of measurements of light to detect information, using a mode transformation device. The light may be light from one or more objects, and the mode transformation device may be configured to transform the light into many single mode light beams. Each measurement of the light may be a measurement of a corresponding single mode light beam. The multimode detectors may include one or more optical receivers, configured to mix one or more single mode light beams with one or more local oscillators, respectively. Methods are provided for detecting information of objects, including obtaining light from the objects, transforming the light into multiple single mode light beams, and collecting (and/or combining) measurements of the single mode light beams. |
| US09322991B2 |
Primary coating compositions with reinforcing polymer
Coating compositions that include acrylic polymers as reinforcing agents. The coating compositions are radiation-curable and include a multifunctional acrylate component, an acrylic monomer diluent, an acrylic polymer, and a photoinitiator. The acrylic polymer is not radiation-curable and lacks hydrogen-donor groups, urea groups, and urethane groups. The acrylic polymer is non-reactive and does not chemically bond to the crosslinked network formed by curing the acrylate components. Instead, the acrylic polymer reinforces the cured network through physical interactions. Representative acrylic polymers include (meth)acrylates that lack substituents with hydrogen-donor, urea, and urethane groups. |
| US09322989B2 |
Optical fiber with distributed bend compensated filtering
An optical fiber includes a core region having a longitudinal axis. At least a portion of the core region has a substantially helical shape about a helical axis. The longitudinal axis may be substantially tangential to a helical bend in the optical fiber. A cladding region surrounds the core region. The core region and cladding region may be configured to support and guide the propagation of signal light in a fundamental transverse mode in the core region in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The fiber has a bend-induced gradient in its equivalent index of refraction over the portion of the core region. The fiber has a bend-induced equivalent index of refraction. At least a portion of cladding region has a graded refractive index opposite that of the bend-induced gradient. The cladding region may be configured to have a substantially flat equivalent index in response to a helical bend of the optical fiber. |
| US09322988B2 |
Barbell optical fiber and method of making the same
High aspect ratio core optical fiber designs, which could be semi-guiding, including a core region having a first refractive index and a high aspect ratio elongated cross-section along a slow axis direction, are described. An internal cladding having a second refractive index sandwiches the core and acts as a fast-axis signal cladding. The core has an edge region at both of its short edges that is in contract with edge-cladding regions having a barbell shape. The refractive index of the core regions, the refractive index of the internal claddings, and the refractive index of the edge-cladding regions, are selected so as to maximize the optical power of a lowest-order mode propagating in the fiber core, and to minimize the optical power of the next-order modes in the fiber core. A process to fabricate such a high aspect ratio core fiber is also provided. |
| US09322987B2 |
Multicore fiber coupler between multicore fibers and optical waveguides
An optical connector includes a fiber element incorporating one or more optical fibers, the optical fiber including a plurality of cores, and an optical element including an array of optical waveguides arranged in one or more layers so as to match the geometry of the plurality of cores of the optical fiber. |
| US09322986B2 |
Optical fiber coating for short data network
A hybrid cladding for optical fibers used in short data networks. The hybrid cladding surrounds a glass waveguide fiber and is surrounded by a primary coating. The hybrid cladding has low adhesion to the primary coating. The low adhesion permits stripping of the primary coating from the hybrid cladding without damaging the hybrid cladding and without leaving residue of the primary coating on the surface of the hybrid cladding. The hybrid cladding may be formed by curing a composition that includes a monomer with a radiation-curable functional group, a slip component, and a photoinitiator. The radiation-curable functional group may be a (meth)acrylate group. The slip component may contain silicon or silicone and may further contain a radiation-curable functional group. Silicone di(meth)acrylate is an illustrative slip component. |
| US09322980B2 |
Illumination device, display device, and television receiving device
The backlight device (24) of the present invention is provided with: a heat-dissipating member (36) having a bottom surface part (36a); a light guide plate (20) that has a light-receiving face (20a) on the side face thereof and that is arranged such that the back surface of the plate faces the front of the bottom surface part (36a); and LED light-source (28) that is arranged opposite to the light-receiving face (20a) above the front surface of the bottom surface part (36a); a reflective sheet (26) that is arranged to be in contact with the back surface of the light-guide plate (20); and a protruding part (38) that is formed so as to protrude from the front surface of the bottom surface part (36a) between the LED light source (28) and the light-receiving face (20a), the protruding part (38) being higher than the back surface of the light guide plate (20). |
| US09322978B2 |
Plastic frame, display having the same and method for manufacturing the plastic frame
A plastic frame, a display having the same and a method for manufacturing the plastic frame are disclosed, wherein the display has a display module and a backlight module. The display module connects to the backlight module, and the backlight module has a light guiding plate, illuminating elements, and a plastic frame. The plastic frame has a frame body and a light guiding element. The frame body is made of plastics and the light guiding plate and the illuminating elements are accommodated therein. The light guiding element has a first end and a second end, is made of light optically transmissive material, and is integrally formed. The height of the first end is H1 and the height of the second end is H2, wherein H1>H2, and the light guiding plate is disposed near the second end. |
| US09322977B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a display panel, a light guide plate, at least one light source and at least one reflective body. The light guide plate is disposed below the display panel. The light guide plate has a light-incident surface, a light-emitting surface, a rear surface, a plurality of concave microstructures and a plurality of reflective bodies. The rear surface is located farther away from the display panel than the light-emitting surface is. The light-incident surface is connected to the light-emitting surface and the rear surface. The concave microstructures are located on the rear surface. The reflective bodies are respectively located in the concave microstructures. The light source is disposed opposite to the light-incident surface. |
| US09322973B2 |
Lighting device with light sources positioned near the bottom surface of a waveguide
A device according to embodiments of the invention includes a waveguide, typically formed from a first section of transparent material. A light source is disposed proximate a bottom surface of the waveguide. The light source comprises a semiconductor light emitting diode and a second section of transparent material disposed between the semiconductor light emitting diode and the waveguide. Sidewalls of the second section of transparent material are reflective. A surface to be illuminated is disposed proximate a top surface of the waveguide. In some embodiments, an edge of the waveguide is curved. |
| US09322971B2 |
Illumination apparatus, method for manufacturing light guide plate, back light module and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a light guide apparatus includes the following steps. A first mold and a second mold are provided. The first mold and the second mold respectively include a first molding surface and a second molding surface facing each other. A protrusion is disposed at the first or second molding surfaces. Sheet materials are provided. Each sheet material includes an opening corresponding to the protrusion, a first surface and a circuit layer disposed on the first surface. One of the sheet materials is disposed on the first mold with first surface facing the first mold. The first mold and the second mold are closed. An optical plastic material is injected into the space between the first and second molding surfaces to form a light guide plate having a via corresponding to the protrusion for embedding a light source. The sheet material is laminated on the light guide plate. |
| US09322968B2 |
Polarizing lens
An aspect of the present invention relates to a polarizing lens, which comprises a polarizing layer comprising a dichroic dye and a functional film in this order on a lens substrate, and further comprises a waterborne resin layer between the polarizing layer and the functional film as a layer adjacent to both the polarizing layer and functional film, wherein the waterborne resin layer is greater than 0.50 μm in thickness and has been formed by coating and drying a waterborne resin composition comprising a polyether polyurethane resin and a water-based solvent. |
| US09322967B2 |
Apodized broadband partial reflectors
A broadband partial reflector includes a multilayer polymeric optical film having a total number of optical repeating units that monotonically increases in thickness value from a first side to a second side of the multilayer polymeric optical film. A baseline optical repeating unit thickness profile is defined by a first plurality of optical repeating units and having a first average slope, and a first apodized thickness profile of the multilayer polymeric optical film is defined by a second plurality of optical repeating units having a second average slope being at least 5 times greater than the first average slope. The second plurality of optical repeating units define the first side of the multilayer polymeric optical film and join the first plurality of optical repeating units. The second plurality of optical repeating units are in a range from 3-15% of the total number of optical repeating units. |
| US09322964B2 |
Materials, components, and methods for use with extreme ultraviolet radiation in lithography and other applications
Nanostructured photonic materials and associated components for use in devices and systems operating at ultraviolet (UV), extreme ultraviolet (EUV), and/or soft Xray wavelengths are described. Such a material may be fabricated with nanoscale features tailored for a selected wavelength range, such as at particular UV, EUV, or soft Xray wavelengths or wavelength ranges. Such a material may be used to make components such as mirrors, lenses or other optics, panels, lightsources, masks, photoresists, or other components for use in applications such as lithography, wafer patterning, biomedical applications, or other applications. |
| US09322963B2 |
Opposing row linear concentrator architecture
A solar concentrator assembly is disclosed. The solar concentrator assembly comprises a first reflective device having a first reflective front side and a first rear side, a second reflective device having a second reflective front side and a second rear side, the second reflective device positioned such that the first reflective front side faces the second rear side, and a support assembly coupled to and supporting the first and second reflective devices, the second reflective device positioned to be vertically offset from the first reflective device. |
| US09322954B2 |
Fluorite production method
A fluorite with excellent laser durability is provided by devising a heat-treatment method for CaF2 crystal. A fluorite production method is proposed, wherein heat-treatment is carried out by providing, through compartment walls in the periphery of a fluorite crystal, a fluoride gas trap layer containing a fluoride gas-adsorbing material. |
| US09322953B2 |
Energy absorbing materials
An indefinite metamaterial where the surface or immediate subsurface region is roughened or disordered has improved coupling of electromagnetic waves incident on the medium. This also means that the amount of energy reflected by the material is reduced. Such a reduction in reflection may reduce the radar observability of a structure with a metamaterial surface, or increase the amount of energy coupled to a detector. An indefinite metamaterial has at least one of the components of the permittivity tensor that is different in sign from the other axes, and in a uniaxial indefinite material this differing axis is oriented perpendicular to the surface of the material. The disorder has scale dimensions of the order of a wavelength and may be random or periodic. |
| US09322940B2 |
Method and system for synchronizing positron emission tomography (PET) detector modules
A detector module (50) for a positron emission tomography (PET) system (10) includes an optical transceiver (66) receiving an optical data stream from a PET processing system (48). The data stream includes a pulse train carrying a command to generate sync/reset pulses. The system (10) further includes synchronization circuitry (70) configured to simultaneously jitter clean the pulse train and one of: 1) count the pulses of the pulse train; and 2) monitor the pulse train for a missing pulse. The synchronization circuitry (70) is further configured to, in response to counting a predetermined number of pulses or detecting the missing pulse, extract a jitter clean pulse from the pulse train to generate a jitter clean sync/reset pulse. The system (10) further includes an internal clock (64) which receives the jitter clean sync/reset pulse. |
| US09322938B2 |
Detector module for a radiation detector and radiation detector
A detector module for a radiation detector is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the detector module includes a converter layer with contacts, arranged distributed over an area on the rear side, for transmitting electrical signals, wherein the contacts are routed, by way of rewiring, to target contacts on a target region that is smaller than this area. This provides the conditions for simple and secure signal routing between the contacts on the converter layer and readout electronics. In particular, this is successful if a substrate layer used for stabilization purposes has a cutout for the target region, through which cutout the target contacts are directly connected to the signal-routing lines of readout electronics. |
| US09322937B2 |
Method and device for detecting ionising radiation using a pixelated photodetector
A method for detecting ionizing radiation using a pixelated semi-conductor detector. When the radiation interacts with the detector, the affected pixel is determined, together with the instant of impact for this pixel. A first instant before and a second instant after the instant of impact are deduced from this. The deviations of the signals coming from an assembly of pixels adjacent to the affected point are then measured, with the deviations being measured between the first and second instants. The position of the point of interaction of the radiation with the semi-conductor is estimated from the deviations thus measured. |
| US09322936B2 |
X-ray line detector
An X-ray line detector includes a housing having an upper part a lower part and a linear inlet slot for X-ray radiation to be detected. At least one detector element including a plurality of linearly arranged photodiodes is disposed opposite the inlet slot. Each photodiode is arranged on a printed circuit board mounted on a base carrier disposed in the housing. Each photodiode has a multiplicity of pixels including respective active areas of equal width arranged equidistantly in relation to each other with distances between the active areas being equidistant. Adjacent printed circuit boards are spaced apart from each other at a distance such that edge pixels on the respective adjacent printed circuit boards are disposed at a distance from one another corresponding to a sum of the width of the active area of a pixel and twice the distance between adjacent pixels of a photodiode. |
| US09322930B2 |
Flexible gamma camera system
Described herein is a gamma camera imaging system in which a plurality of gamma cameras or multiheads are attached at a front face thereof to the outer surface of a flexible substrate. The flexible substrate is capable of forming an inner concave surface which in use is arranged to fit over or around a body part to be analyzed. |
| US09322926B2 |
Method and apparatus for synchronization and precise time computation for GNSS receivers
According to certain aspects, the invention includes using acquisition channel results from a number of satellites to achieve composite weak acquisition. According to certain other aspects, the invention also includes solving for an improved position estimate and, with a sufficiently accurate, either initial or improved position estimate, also solving for GPS system time using a composite of acquired signals from a plurality of satellites. Within commonly experienced initial position and time uncertainties, the geometric range changes are fairly linear, which allows the point of convergence of ranges to solve for GPS position and subsequently for time with reasonable accuracy, which is the equivalent to obtaining frame sync without any data demodulation or preamble matching. |
| US09322924B2 |
Method and system for power management for a frequency synthesizer in a GNSS receiver chip
A frequency synthesizer in a GNSS receiver chip enables duty cycling operation of the frequency synthesizer. The frequency synthesizer is cycled on to generate required clock signals for the GNSS receiver chip, and cycled off during a measurement duty cycle comprising measurement available intervals and measurement unavailable intervals. A reference clock inputted to the frequency synthesizer is on during the measurement duty-cycle. During the measurement available intervals, the frequency synthesizer is cycled on to generate the required clock based on the reference clock. During the measurement unavailable intervals, the frequency synthesizer is cycled off and clock timing is maintained based on the reference clock. A number of elapsed clock cycles of the reference clock is captured for a measurement unavailable interval and transferred to a clock offset. The GNSS receiver chip processes signals received using the required clock and the clock offset in a following measurement available interval. |
| US09322922B2 |
Determining position of a GNSS receiver using fractional signalling event period times
Apparatus for calculating the position of a receiver in dependence on the time it takes signalling events to travel from a plurality of satellites to the receiver, obtains an indication of a transit time for a signalling event to travel from each satellite to the receiver, and forms an indication of an expected transit time for a signalling event to travel from the satellite to the receiver. The obtained indication of the transit time and the indication of the expected transit time for each non-reference satellite are compared with the obtained indication of the transit time and the indication of the expected transit time for the reference satellite to form residuals that are representative of a combined error in those indications of expected transit time; and the position of the receiver is calculate without calculating the integer ambiguities in the obtained transit times, in dependence on the residuals. |
| US09322916B2 |
Environment monitoring device in a motor vehicle and method for monitoring the environment using a correlation
An environment monitoring device in a motor vehicle having a signal generating device for generating a transmitted signal, at least one ultrasonic transducer for converting electric oscillations into acoustic oscillations and/or vice versa, and an evaluation device which evaluates an electric received signal in order to determine distances to objects in an environment of the motor vehicle, wherein the signal generating device is linked to the at least one ultrasonic transducer so that the ultrasonic transducer emits an ultrasonic transmitted signal into the environment in accordance with the electric transmitted signal, and the evaluation device is connected to the at least one ultrasonic transducer or at least one further ultrasonic transducer in order to receive the electric received signal. Also disclosed is a method for monitoring an environment by using a cross-correlation. |
| US09322913B2 |
Transportable radar utilizing a fiber optic rotary joint for communication of radar reflectivity data and harmonic drives for positioning the antenna
A transportable weather radar, including radar electronics functionally located above the elevational joint, a frame superstructure rotationally connected to an elevational assembly supporting the elevational joint, a rotational drive assembly mounted below and supporting the elevational assembly, and at least one harmonic drive for positioning the radar antenna. The radar includes a fiber optic rotary joint positioned above a slip ring assembly which is positioned within a lower portion of the elevational assembly so that as the elevational assembly rotates a fiber optic cable connected to the lower end of the fiber optic rotary joint is stationary relative to the rotating elevational assembly. The slip ring assembly permits electrical signals to traverse through traditional metal cables from the pedestal to the frame superstructure where electronics are held. |
| US09322912B2 |
Transportable radar utilizing harmonic drives for anti-backlash antenna movement
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. |
| US09322911B1 |
Passive phased array imager using sub-phase sampling CMOS detectors and a smart ROIC
A passive phased array imager includes a plurality of antennas, disposed on a substrate, for receiving a wavefront from a target; and a coplanar waveguide, disposed in the substrate and coupled to the plurality of antennas. Also included is a plurality of detectors, disposed across the coplanar waveguide for sampling the received wavefront, and providing multiple output voltages to an imaging circuit for displaying information contained in the received wavefront. The plurality of antennas includes at least two dipoles coupled to the coplanar waveguide, and the two dipoles are spaced by a predetermined length to provide a standing wave at a frequency of interest. |
| US09322910B2 |
Method of real time subsurface imaging using electromagnetic data acquired from moving platforms
A method for the real time volume imaging of geological structures and/or man-made objects having electrical conductivity is described, using electromagnetic (EM) sources and/or EM sensors mounted from at least one moving platform. The EM sources may include natural EM sources and/or man-made inductive sources and/or man-made galvanic sources. The EM sensors may measure at least one component of the EM field at the at least one sensor position. The EM fields measured for each combination of EM source and EM sensor may be volume imaged in real time using a moving sensitivity domain that captures the finite spatial sensitivity of each combination of EM sources and EM sensors. At least one desired property, such as conductivity, dielectric permittivity and/or induced polarization parameters, may be derived from the volume image, providing a reconstruction or classification of the physical properties of the geological structures and/or man-made objects. |
| US09322907B1 |
Behavior based friend foe neutral determination method
A method for behavior based Friend/Foe/Neutral determination is disclosed. The method receives RF communications from a plurality of perceived entities and records a plurality of first level characteristics of the RF communications. The method determines, from an analysis of the first level characteristics a plurality of second level characteristics of the RF communications. From these second level characteristics, the method determines transmission patterns of the entities over time which lead to an ultimate classification of the perceived entity as a Friend/Foe/Neutral based on the patterns. |
| US09322897B1 |
Apparatus for emergency communications using dual satellite communications systems in a compact housing
A dual-satellite emergency locator beacon including a first satellite communications transmitter, a second satellite communications transmitter, a first microprocessor and a second microprocessor. The first microprocessor controls the first transmitter and the second microprocessor controls the second transmitter. The first transmitter is configured to communicate over a first satellite communications system, such as the Cospas-Sarsat 406 MHz system, and the second transmitter is configured to communicate over a second satellite communications system, such as a commercial satellite communications system. The beacon includes a shared section comprising an antenna system comprising a first and second antenna, the first for the 406 Mhz transmitter and the second for the commercial satellite transmitter. The first and second microprocessors of the beacon are interconnected to permit data transfer between the two sections of the beacon. |
| US09322893B2 |
Methods of distinguishing between glutamine formed by cataplerosis or proteolysis
The present invention relates to methods of distinguishing between glutamine formed by cataplerosis or proteolysis. Sample from a subject may be assayed for deuteriated glutamine (following administration of deuteriated water (2H2O) and an agent that promotes excretion of glutamine from the subject). The methods are useful in clinical settings (e.g. to test whether or not patients are suffering from proteolysis or whether athletes are abusing anabolic drugs); and may be adapted for screening test compounds for cataplerotic or proteolytic activity. |
| US09322887B1 |
Magnetic field sensor with magnetoresistance elements and conductive-trace magnetic source
In an embodiment, a magnetic field sensor comprises a substrate and a first magnetoresistive element supported by the substrate. The magnetic field sensor also includes a second magnetoresistive element supported by the substrate and coupled in series with the first magnetoresistive element to form a voltage node between the first and second magnetoresistive elements, and at which an output voltage is provided that changes in response to an external magnetic field. The magnetic field sensor also includes a magnetic source that produces a local magnetic field having a strength sufficient to bias the first magnetoresistive element to a resistive value that is substantially resistant to changing in response to the external magnetic field. In embodiments, additional magnetoresistive elements are included to form an H-bridge circuit. |
| US09322886B2 |
Analyzer
An analyzer comprises a particle system acquisition unit operative to acquire information on a particle system defined in a virtual space; a magnetic moment association unit operative to associate a particle in the particle system with a magnetic moment; a numerical operation unit operative to perform numerical operation according to a governing equation that governs a motion of each particle in the particle system, the particle system including the particle which is associated with the magnetic moment by the magnetic moment association unit; and a magnetic field calculation unit operative to calculate a magnetic field created by the particle system using the results of the numerical operation performed by the numerical operation unit. |
| US09322883B2 |
Battery monitoring system using time-based signals
Systems and methods for monitoring a battery stack having a plurality of cells are provided. One system includes a plurality of time delay circuits. Each of the time delay circuits is electrically coupled to at least one of the plurality of cells. The time delay circuits are configured to execute a time delay in response to receiving a trigger signal and output a time delay marking signal indicating that the time delay has elapsed. The time delay is based on a voltage of the cell(s) to which the respective time delay circuit is electrically coupled. The system further includes a control circuit configured to receive the time delay marking signal from each of the time delay circuits and, for each received time delay marking signal, to determine the voltage of the at least one of the plurality of cells associated with the respective time delay marking signal. |
| US09322879B2 |
Integrated circuit wafer having integrated circuit die with plural comparators receiving expected data and mask data from different pads
Test circuits located on semiconductor die enable a tester to test a plurality of die/ICs in parallel by inputting both stimulus and response patterns to the plurality of die/ICs. The response patterns from the tester are input to the test circuits along with the output response of the die/IC to be compared. Also disclosed is the use of a response signal encoding scheme whereby the tester transmits response test commands to the test circuits, using a single signal per test circuit, to perform: (1) a compare die/IC output against an expected logic high, (2) a compare die/IC output against an expected logic low, and (3) a mask compare operation. The use of the signal encoding scheme allows functional testing of die and ICs since all response test commands (i.e. 1-3 above) required at each die/IC output can be transmitted to each die/IC output using only a single tester signal connection per die/IC output. In addition to functional testing, scan testing of die and ICs is also possible. |
| US09322872B2 |
Correlated testing system
A computer implemented system for testing electronic equipment where test inputs, test outputs, test applied environmental conditions, and test processes are recorded and correlated. |
| US09322869B2 |
Display apparatus including dummy display element for TFT testing
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a display apparatus including dummy display elements that can be switched between being coupled to a test bus and a drive bus. When connected to the drive bus, the circuit components, including thin-film transistors, of the dummy display element experience exposure to typical operating loads. When connected to the test bus, the display apparatus can test the operating parameters of the dummy display element circuit components. |
| US09322866B2 |
Method and apparatus for transformer diagnosis
A transformer diagnosis apparatus and method which can advantageously be used for on-line diagnosis of a transformer, and by which transformer properties may be monitored and/or determined. The diagnosis method includes collecting, for at least two different transformer loads, measurements of a current being indicative of the transformer load, as well as measurements of at least one further transformer AC signal. The method further includes deriving, from the collected measurements, at least two values of a quantity which depends on a transformer property as well as on transformer load; and determining, from the derived values, a set of coefficient(s) of a relation for how the quantity is expected to vary with transformer load. The method further includes using the determined coefficient(s) in performing a diagnosis of the transformer. |
| US09322863B2 |
Embedded SAR based active gain capacitance measurement system and method
A system for measuring a capacitor (CSENj) precharges a CDAC (23) in a SAR converter (17) to a reference voltage (VAZ) and also precharges a first terminal (3-j) of the capacitor to another reference voltage (GND). During a measurement phase, the CDAC is coupled between an output and an input of an amplifier (31) and the capacitor also is coupled to the input of the amplifier, so as to redistribute charge between the capacitor and the CDAC. The amplifier generates an output voltage (VAMP) representing the capacitance being measured. The output voltage is stored in the CDAC. The SAR converter converts the output voltage to a digital value representing the capacitance being measured. |
| US09322861B2 |
Method and sensor device for the detection of a gripping of a hand-held device
A method for the detection of a gripping of a hand-held device with one hand, using a capacitive sensor device, uses at least one transmitting electrode, at least one compensating electrode and at least one receiving electrode. An electrical signal is tapped at the receiving electrode and the sensor device can be operated in a first operating mode and in a second operating mode. In the first operating mode, a first alternating electrical signal is applied to the transmitting electrode and a second alternating electrical signal is applied to the compensating electrode. In the second operating mode, the second alternating signal is only applied to the compensating electrode. Furthermore, a sensor device can be provided which is configured to perform the method as described above. |
| US09322859B2 |
Offset compensation for sense amplifiers
A method of re-offsetting a plurality of amplifier is provided. The method includes testing the plurality of amplifiers based on a re-offset value at bulks of compensation transistors of the plurality of amplifiers; identifying a first group of first amplifiers of the plurality of amplifiers favoring reading a first logic level and/or a second group of second amplifiers of the plurality of amplifiers favoring reading a second logic level different from the first logic level, based on results of the testing step; changing the re-offset value to a new re-offset value; re-offsetting the first group of first amplifiers and/or the second group of second amplifiers based on the new re-offset value; and re-testing the first group of first amplifiers and the second group of second amplifiers. |
| US09322855B2 |
Non-contact current and voltage sensor having detachable housing incorporating multiple ferrite cylinder portions
A detachable current and voltage sensor provides an isolated and convenient device to measure current passing through a conductor such as an AC branch circuit wire, as well as providing an indication of an electrostatic potential on the wire, which can be used to indicate the phase of the voltage on the wire, and optionally a magnitude of the voltage. The device includes a housing formed from two portions that mechanically close around the wire and that contain the current and voltage sensors. The current sensor is a ferrite cylinder formed from at least three portions that form the cylinder when the sensor is closed around the wire with a hall effect sensor disposed in a gap between two of the ferrite portions along the circumference to measure current. A capacitive plate or wire is disposed adjacent to, or within, the ferrite cylinder to provide the indication of the voltage. |
| US09322853B2 |
Antenna device and wireless communication apparatus
An antenna device of an embodiment includes: an antenna; a variable impedance matching circuit that is connected to the antenna; a probe that receives power from the antenna; a power detector that is connected to the probe; a control circuit controlling the variable impedance matching circuit based on a value of power measured by the power detector; a first arithmetic circuit calculating a variation in the value of power measured by the power detector; a comparator circuit that compares the variation with a predetermined numerical value range; and a starter circuit that activates the control circuit based on a result of the comparison performed by the comparator circuit. |
| US09322850B2 |
Current measurement
The present invention relates to current measurement apparatus 100. The current measurement apparatus 100 comprises a measurement arrangement 110, 114 which is configured to be disposed in relation to a load 108 which draws a current signal, the measurement arrangement being operative when so disposed to measure the load drawn current signal. The current measurement apparatus 100 also comprises a signal source 112 which is operative to apply a reference input signal to the measurement arrangement 110, 114 whereby an output signal from the measurement arrangement comprises a load output signal corresponding to the load drawn current signal and a reference output signal corresponding to the reference input signal. The current measurement apparatus 100 further comprises processing apparatus 116 which is operative to receive the output signal and to make a determination in dependence on the reference output signal and the load output signal, the determination being in respect of at least one of the load drawn current signal and electrical power consumed by the load. |
| US09322849B2 |
Methods and systems for cleaning needles of a probe card
A method of cleaning needles of a probe card in a test system includes mounting the probe card, which has a plurality of device under tests (DUTs) and needles, in a card mounting part. The DUTs and needles are scanned using a camera positioned in the test system to provide a scan result. A laser beam is focused on at least one of the needles based on the scan result and the laser beam is irradiated on the at least one of the needles to clean the at least one of the needles. |
| US09322844B2 |
Probe card for power device
A probe card 10 includes a first probe 11 configured to come into electric contact with an emitter electrode of a power device D; a block-shaped first connecting terminal 12 to which the first probe 11 is connected; a second probe 13 configured to come into electric contact with a gate electrode of the power device D; a block-shaped second connecting terminal 14 to which the second probe 13 is connected; a contact plate 15 configured to come into electric contact with a collector electrode of the power device D; and a block-shaped third connecting terminal 16 fixed to the contact plate 15. Further, the first connecting terminal 12, the second connecting terminal 14 and the third connecting terminal 16 electrically come into direct contact with corresponding connection terminals of a tester, respectively. |
| US09322843B1 |
Method for planarity alignment of wafer probes
A “Theta” angle adjustment tool is made of a solid parallelepiped and adjusting screw, that allows the wafer probes to be fastened to the auxiliary equipment under correcting “Theta” angles. The procedure consists of loosening the probe and pressing hard on the tool to force the probe to adjust to the intended slope (“Theta”) and then fastening the probe under pressure against the tool and chuck surface. Following that the marks left when the probe tips touch the wafer are assessed and corrective action is taken regarding “Theta misalignment”. |
| US09322840B2 |
Resistive element
A resistive element includes a resistive region in a semiconductor substrate, a first contact structure and a second contact structure. The semiconductor substrate includes a first main surface area. The resistive region extends in a lateral direction parallel to the main surface area and in a vertical direction perpendicular to the main surface area, and includes a first piezo-resistive coefficient for a current flow in the lateral direction and a second piezo-resistive coefficient for a current flow in the vertical direction. The first contact structure contacts a portion of a first face of the resistive region and the second contact structure contacts a portion of a second face of the resistive region. The resistive element generates a current flow distribution within the resistive region having a lateral component and a vertical component that results in a piezo-resistive coefficient of the resistive element. |
| US09322838B2 |
Superconducting accelerometer, acceleration measuring apparatus, and acceleration measuring method
Provided are a superconducting accelerometer, an acceleration measurement device, and an acceleration measurement method. The superconducting accelerometer includes a test mass including a rod-shaped body part, a disc-shaped coupling part connected to the body part, the test mass being made of a superconductor; a solenoid levitation coil disposed to surround a portion of the body part and adapted to magnetically levitate the test mass, the solenoid levitation coil being made of a superconductor; a measurement superconductor coil disposed at at least one side of an upper portion and a lower portion of the coupling part; and a SQUID sensor adapted to detect current depending on variation of a distance between the test mass and the measurement superconductor coil. |
| US09322835B2 |
Method and apparatus for selectively admixing reagents in a substantially undiluted biologic fluid sample analysis
A biologic fluid sample analysis method and system is provided that includes a reagent depository, and analysis chamber, a biologic fluid transfer system, and a programmable analyzer. The reagent depository has a plurality of reagent deposits, and each reagent deposit located at a position within the depository independent of the other reagent deposits. The analysis chamber is adapted to quiescently hold a biologic fluid sample and one or more reagents during analysis. The biologic fluid transfer system has at least one fluid transfer device. The programmable analyzer is adapted to control the biologic fluid transfer system to acquire a volume of sample from a sample reservoir, dispense a volume of the sample into the reagent depository, acquire a volume of sample and reagent from the reagent depository, and to transfer the sample and reagent to the analysis chamber, and to analyze the combined sample and reagent. |
| US09322832B2 |
Methods for diagnosing degenerative joint disease
The invention provides methods for diagnosing degenerative joint disease in an animal by collecting a saliva sample from an animal; determining the amount of at least one diagnostic agent selected from the group consisting of interferon gamma, interferoninducible protein-10, interleukin-2, and total saliva protein in the saliva sample; comparing the amount of diagnostic agent found in the saliva sample to a corresponding amount of the same diagnostic agent found in a saliva sample from one or more comparable control animals that do not suffer from degenerative joint disease; and diagnosing that the animal is susceptible to or suffering from degenerative joint disease if the amount of diagnostic agent in the saliva sample from the animal is greater than the amount of same diagnostic agent found in the saliva sample from the one or more comparable control animals. |
| US09322831B2 |
DDX3 as a biomarker for cancer and methods related thereto
The invention encompasses methods for treating or preventing diseases and disorders associated abnormal cell growth, for example, treating or preventing cancer or tumor growth, by administering to a subject in need thereof a composition comprising a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of a compound that downregulates DDX3, for example a fused diimidazodiazepine ring compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The invention also encompasses the use of DDX3 as a biomarker for diagnostic and treatment purposes, for example, to identify a hyperproliferative disorder susceptible to treatment by down regulation of DDX3. |
| US09322830B2 |
Method for studying transport of an agent across a bilayer membrane in bioanalytical sensor applications
The present invention provides a method for studying transport of an agent across a membrane comprising the steps a) providing at least one surface with a bilayer structure tethered to the surface, said bilayer structure comprising a detection volume, b) contacting the bilayer with at least one agent to be analyzed, and c) detecting a change in refractive index in the detection volume resulting from transportation of the agent across the membrane. Further there is provided a device comprising a) at least one surface, b) at least one bilayer structure tethered to the surface, and c) at least one sensor capable of detecting a change in refractive index in a detection volume, wherein the bilayer structure encloses a first volume of the detection volume and wherein the volume not enclosed by the bilayer structure but within the detection volume is a second volume and wherein the ratio between the first volume and second volume is above about 0.001. |
| US09322829B2 |
Stabilized bioactive peptides and methods of identification, synthesis, and use
An intracellular selection system allows screening for peptide bioactivity and stability. Randomized recombinant peptides are screened for bioactivity in a tightly regulated expression system, preferably derived from the wild-type lac operon. Bioactive peptides thus identified are inherently protease- and peptidase-resistant. Also provided are bioactive peptides stabilized by a stabilizing group at the N-terminus, the C-terminus, or both. The stabilizing group can be a small stable protein, such as the Rop protein, glutathione sulfotransferase, thioredoxin, maltose binding protein, or glutathione reductase, an α-helical moiety, or one or more proline residues. |
| US09322825B2 |
Modified anti-heparin/PF4 complex antibody and HIT antibody standard
Provided is a modified antibody which enables the quantitative measurement of the amount of a heparin/PF4 complex, an onset factor of heparin-induced trombocytopenia (HIT), without the influence of the presence of PF4, and which can be used as an HIT antibody standard specific for the heparin/PF4 complex. The modified antibody is prepared by linking a human IgG, or an antibody fragment derived from a human IgG, to a monoclonal antibody obtained by immunizing an animal (excluding a human) with the heparin/PF4 complex. |
| US09322824B2 |
Immunochromatography detection sensor comprising optical waveguide and a detection method using the same
The present invention relates to an immunochromatographic detection sensor comprising optical waveguides and a detection method using the same, and more particularly, to an immunochromatographic detection sensor comprising optical waveguides, in which the optical waveguides are provided under the membrane, probe beams transmitted through the optical waveguide maximize the interaction frequency between evanescent wave generated on the surface of the optical waveguide and the colored conjugate in the band formed on the membrane, resulting in the absorbance signal from the colored conjugate being greatly amplified to improve the sample detection sensitivity, and to a detection method using the same. |
| US09322822B2 |
Method for detecting asbestos
In order to provide a method for more efficiently, easily, and accurately detecting asbestos without changing the asbestos detection criterion of the phase-contrast microscope/electron microscope method as compared with the phase-contrast microscope/electron microscope method, a phase-contrast microscope and a fluorescence microscope are used in combination to detect asbestos contained in a test sample after the test sample is made contact with an asbestos-binding protein having a fluorescent label. |
| US09322813B2 |
Methods and apparatus for analyzing samples and collecting sample fractions
Methods and apparatus for analyzing a sample using at least one detector are disclosed. |
| US09322809B2 |
Elastic wave sensor
An acoustic wave sensor includes a piezoelectric substrate, a transmitting electrode configured to excite a main acoustic wave propagating through a propagation region of an upper surface of the piezoelectric substrate, a receiving electrode configured to receive the propagated main acoustic wave, a first insulating film provided on the propagation region of the upper surface of the piezoelectric substrate, a second insulating film provided on the upper surface of the piezoelectric substrate to cover the first insulating film, and a reaction section provided on the upper surface of the second insulating film above the propagation region. The reaction section is configured to react with an object. A velocity of a transverse wave propagating through the first insulating film is higher than a velocity of a transverse wave propagating through the second insulating film. The acoustic wave sensor described above has high detection sensitivity. |
| US09322799B2 |
High-k metal gate device structure for human blood gas sensing
A device structure for detecting partial pressure of oxygen in blood includes a semiconductor substrate including a source region and a drain region. A multi-layer gate structure is formed on the semiconductor substrate. The multi-layer gate structure includes an oxide layer formed over the semiconductor substrate, a high-k layer formed over the oxide layer, a metal gate layer formed over the high-k layer, and a polysilicon layer formed over the metal gate layer. A receiving area holds a blood sample in contact with the multi-layer gate structure. The high-k layer is exposed to contact the blood sample in the receiving area. |
| US09322796B2 |
Fluid resistivity sensor
Various embodiments include apparatus and methods of determining resistivity of fluids downhole in a well. The apparatus and methods may include using a sensor that employs a focused electric dipole as a transmitter and a uses a receiver to detect the electric current strength in the fluid under measurement responsive to the transmitter. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US09322795B2 |
Electrode for use in measuring dielectric properties of parts
A plate of substantially uniform thickness is formed from an electrically conductive material. The plate has a top surface defined to support a part to be measured. The plate has a bottom surface defined to be connected to a radiofrequency (RF) transmission rod such that RF power can be transmitted through the RF transmission rod to the plate. The plate is defined to have a number of holes cut vertically through the plate at a corresponding number of locations that underlie embedded conductive material items in the part to be measured when the part is positioned on the top surface of the plate. |
| US09322794B2 |
Biometric finger sensor including array shielding electrode and related methods
A biometric finger sensor may include an array of biometric finger sensing pixels and an array shielding electrode outside the array of biometric finger sensing pixels. The biometric finger sensor may further include a finger drive electrode outside the array shielding electrode. Finger drive circuitry may generate a finger drive signal for the finger drive electrode and generate a compensating finger drive signal for the shielding electrode. |
| US09322792B2 |
X-ray diffraction apparatus and method of measuring X-ray diffraction
There is provided an X-ray diffraction apparatus configured to irradiate a sample S on a sample stage with X-rays generated from an X-ray source and detect the X-rays diffracted by a sample using a detector, including a virtual mask setting section and a signal processing section. The detector outputs detection signals according to intensity of the X-rays received by detection elements, for each of the plurality of detection elements forming a detection surface. The virtual mask setting section is capable of setting a virtual mask on the detection surface of the detector, and setting at least an opening dimension of the virtual mask as an opening condition of the virtual mask independently in an X direction and a Y direction. The signal processing section processes the detection signals outputted from the detector according to the opening condition of the virtual mask set in the virtual mask setting section. |
| US09322791B2 |
Phase retrieval from ptychography
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of estimating a magnitude of background radiation for each of a plurality of regions of a target object comprising providing an estimate of background radiation detected by a detector, measuring radiation scattered by the target object at the detector for each of a plurality of positions of the object with respect to the incident radiation, calculating, for each of the positions, an estimate of a wavefront at the detector, and determining, for each position, an estimated wavefront comprising a coherent contribution from radiation scattered by the target object and a background contribution, wherein said background contribution is at least partly incoherent with the radiation scattered by the target object. This method is particularly suitable for performing coherent diffractive imaging using ptychography where contribution from the incoherently scattered background is taken into account. |
| US09322790B2 |
X-ray inspection device
Provided is an X-ray inspection device having a pair of conveyor frames that is disposed symmetrically with respect to a center line as an axis along a substrate conveying direction, and clamps a printed substrate in a substrate width direction. A substrate conveying mechanism conveys in an X axis direction the printed substrate supported by the conveyor frames. A distance adjustment mechanism drives the pair of conveyor frames so that the conveyor frames approach or depart from each other in the Y axis direction, thereby adjusting the width dimension of a printed substrate that can be conveyed by the substrate conveying mechanism disposed on each of the conveyor frames. |
| US09322787B1 |
Glass container inspection machine with a graphic user interface
An improved system and method for automatically glass containers for defects and facilitates the identification and review of extensive information on defects identified by the glass container inspection machine on a touchscreen monitor. User gestures are used to review images larger than a size that can be displayed at any given time on the touchscreen monitor, to access and display images of glass containers having parameters that vary from the predetermined parameters, and to setup glass container inspection machine parameters and details of the inspections. |
| US09322780B2 |
Wavelength-resolving and high spatial resolution fluorescence microscopy
A method for wavelength-resolving and high spatial resolution fluorescence microscopy in which fluorescence labels in a sample are repeatedly excited to emit fluorescence radiation and frames including images of isolated labels are produced with a microscope. The positions of the images of the isolated fluorescing labels are localized with a localization precision exceeding the optical resolution of the imaging beam path of the microscope. The imaging beam path of the microscope has a diffractive element which, during the imaging, diffracts the image of the sample comprising the isolated fluorescing labels into a first diffraction order so that each frame contains the first diffraction order images of the isolated fluorescing labels. A parameter of the first diffraction order images of the isolated fluorescing labels is evaluated and an indication of the wavelength of the isolated fluorescing labels is derived from this evaluated parameter. |
| US09322779B2 |
Methods of measuring the fouling tendency of hydrocarbon fluids
A stability of at least one foulant within a hydrocarbon-based fluid sample may be determined where the hydrocarbon-based fluid sample may have or include, but is not limited to a hydrocarbon fluid and foulant particles. The fluid sample may have a viscosity ranging from about 0.5 cSt to about 5000 cSt. The hydrocarbon-based fluid sample may be centrifuged, and a laser light (in the near-infrared region) with a detector may be applied to the hydrocarbon-based fluid sample. At least one transmittance measurement from the laser light passing through the hydrocarbon-based fluid sample may be used to measure foulant flocculation. A foulant stability reserve measurement may be obtained by comparing a first transmittance measurement of the centrifuged hydrocarbon-fluid sample to a second transmittance measurement of a non-centrifuged hydrocarbon-fluid sample. |
| US09322777B2 |
Systems, devices, and methods employing angular-resolved scattering and spectrally resolved measurements for classification of objects
Systems, devices, and methods are described for identifying, classifying, differentiating, etc., objects. For example a hyperspectral imaging system can include a dark-field module operably coupled to at least one of an optical assembly, a dark-field illuminator, and a hyperspectral imaging module. The dark-field module can include circuitry having one or more sensors operable to acquire one or more dark-field micrographs associated with scattered electromagnetic energy from an object interrogated by the dark-field interrogation stimulus. The hyperspectral imaging module can be operably coupled to the dark-field module, and can include circuitry configured to generate an angular-resolved and spectrally resolved scattering matrix based on the one or more dark-field micrographs of the object. |
| US09322773B2 |
Optical sensing device for fluid sensing and methods therefor
An optical spectral sensing device for determining at least one property of a fluid. The device has an elongated porous body, a first end and a second end, a solid-state optical emitter at the first end of the body oriented to emit radiation toward the second end of the body, and a solid-state optical detector at the second end of the body oriented to detect radiation emitted by the optical emitter. A package for detecting properties of a fluid includes a body defining a cavity, with a movable and biased carrier for an optical detector or emitter mounted in the cavity for increased reliability. A system for determining relative concentrations of fluids in a sample includes emitter/detector pairs operating at reference wavelength and wavelengths corresponding to absorption peaks of at least two fluids, and a processor for determining concentration based on measured data and calibration data. |
| US09322772B2 |
Methods and apparatus for measuring the light absorbance of a substance in a solution
Disclosed is an apparatus for measuring the absorbance of a substance in a solution, comprising: i) a sample cell (30) of known path length (b) for containing said solution (S), said cell being transparent to light of a predefined wavelength spectrum; ii) plural LED's each being independently operable by means of a controller (25) each for emitting light, within said predefined wavelength spectrum, along a light path; iii) a band pass filter (22) in the light path; iv) a beam splitter (24) for dividing light from said source propagating along the path into a first portion and a second portion, said first portion being directable by the beam splitter toward a reference detector (42) and said second portion being directable into the cell (30); v) a reference detector (42) for detecting the intensity of said first portion of light directed by said beam splitter; and vi) a sample detector (40) for detecting the intensity of the second portion propagating from the cell; the apparatus allowing a sample in the cell to be inexpensively subjected to more than one wavelength of light for quicker or more accurate analysis. |
| US09322771B2 |
Apparatus and method for monitoring semiconductor fabrication processes using polarized light
The inventive concept provides apparatuses and methods for monitoring semiconductor fabrication processes in real time using polarized light. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a light source configured to generate light, a beam splitter configured to reflect the light toward the wafer being processed, an objective polarizer configured to polarize the light reflected toward the wafer and to allow light reflected by the wafer to pass therethrough, a blaze grating configured to separate light reflected by the wafer according to wavelength, an array detector configured to detect the separated light and an analyzer to analyze the three-dimensional profile of the structure/pattern being formed in the wafer. |
| US09322767B2 |
Device for performing a blood, cell, and/or pathogen count and methods for use thereof
Devices and methods for performing a point of care blood, cell, and/or pathogen count or a similar blood test. Disclosed herein are systems that can be used to provide rapid, accurate, affordable laboratory-quality testing at the point of care. The systems described herein are capable of imaging and counting individual cells in a prepared cell sample (e.g., a peripheral blood smear or a blood sample prepared in a microfluidic device) or another prepared cell-containing sample without the need for a microscope or other expensive and cumbersome optics. The systems described herein are designed to eliminate or replace expensive, centralized clinical testing equipment and technical personnel. Such systems may include automated data reporting and decision support. |
| US09322760B2 |
Contact angle measuring instrument
The subject matter of this invention is a device for measuring the contact angle of a liquid drop on a material surface. The shadow of a drop of a test liquid is projected onto a tilted shadow surface. An image of the drop on the shadow surface is recorded with an image recording device, and the contact angle is calculated from the image and the known angle of tilt of the shadow surface. A method that is suitable for this is likewise disclosed. |
| US09322754B2 |
Holding apparatus for receiving specimen slides
The present invention relates to a holding apparatus (10) for receiving specimen slides (1), having a holder (3, 4, 5) for handling the holding apparatus (10) and having at least two identification units (2a, 2b) that make available different information items to enable characterization of the orientation of the holding apparatus (10) in a stainer or coverslipper. |
| US09322749B2 |
Automatic sampling system for sampling from enclosed containers
A sample can be collected from an enclosed container by opening a sample collection valve and drawing the sample from the enclosed container. After delivery of the sample out of a fluid flow path, a sanitizing fluid can be directed along the fluid flow path to sanitize the fluid flow path. |
| US09322748B1 |
Tissue collection and refining device and method
A tissue refining device for collecting and processing tissue received from a harvesting device under suction from a vacuum source comprising an improved canister and separator device wherein the canister is reinforced to avoid cracking, an eccentric funnel is used to separate the space within the canister which also allows for visual inspection and control of the tissue, liquid, and fat. A specially designed barbed spout on the funnel allows for flex at that connection without loss of device integrity. The device also has a proprietary method for placement on its custom stand. |
| US09322747B2 |
Isothermal subsea sampling system and method
A system and method for collecting a selected phase of a representative sample from a multiphase fluid flowing through a flowline, preferably located subsea. The system includes a multiphase sampling apparatus attachable to the flowline for sampling the representative sample; a vehicle sampling apparatus (e.g., ROV) locatable proximate the flowline having a power supply and a fluid sample collector for storing at least one selected phase of the representative sample; an interface for connecting the multiphase sampling apparatus and the vehicle sampling apparatus; and a temperature control arrangement disposed between the multiphase sampling apparatus and the vehicle sampling apparatus configured to minimize the temperature difference between the representative sample and the multiphase fluid flowing through the flowline. |
| US09322746B2 |
Sampling bag with multilayer walls
Sample bags having at least one multilayer wall are described. The multilayer wall may include an inner layer and a sealing layer. The sealing layer is outside of the inner layer and forms a seam around at least a portion of the sample bag. In certain embodiments, the inner layer comprises a patterned periphery. The patterned periphery extends into the seam to provide the inner layer with a mechanical stability.The inner layer may be a thin metal foil or a plastic film and the sealing layer may include a sealing surface of a thermoplastic, wherein the thermoplastic of each sealing layer may be fused to form a seal around the periphery of the sampling bag. The sample bag thereby an inner layer with a low permeable, low adsorption layer coupled with a second layer providing an effective seal results in a sample bag with improved sample gas stability. |
| US09322742B2 |
Hydrogen flame ionization type exhaust gas analyzer
The present invention is intended to be able to determine an appropriate purge time in a hydrogen flame ionization type exhaust gas analyzer and a system incorporating the analyzer which includes: a collector electrode for capturing ions generated from exhaust gas by hydrogen flame; an acquisition circuit adapted to acquire ion current caused by the ions captured by the collector electrode; and an abnormality determining part for determining an abnormality in the case where a difference between a first output value of the acquisition circuit in the case where there flows no ion current caused by the exhaust gas to the collector electrode and a second output value of the acquisition circuit in the case where zero gas is introduced into the hydrogen flame is equal to a predetermined value. |
| US09322741B2 |
Exhaust gas analyzing system
The present invention provides an exhaust gas analyzing system having a function of navigating an adjusting procedure of a gas analyzer, and the system includes an analyzer for analyzing exhaust gas and a manager for managing or controlling the analyzer, and the manager includes a procedure display part for selectively displaying adjustment items necessary for adjustment of the analyzer in a predetermined order in a predetermined area of one screen, and a detail input screen display part for displaying a detail input screen of the selected adjustment item. |
| US09322740B2 |
Distributed disturbance sensing device and the related demodulation method based on polarization sensitive optical frequency domain reflectometry
This invention relates to a distributed disturbance sensing device based on polarization sensitive optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) and the related demodulation thereof. The device, adopting OFDR, polarization controlling and analysis techniques, consists of a ultra-narrow linewidth tunable laser source module, polarization generating and polarization splitting balanced detecting module, laser source optical frequency and phase monitoring module, high-speed optical switch and so on to establish a large-scale and long-distance optical sensing network. The demodulation method consists of analysis the polarization information from sensing optical fiber, the method of suppressing and compensating of the non-linear optical frequency and the laser phase noise, super-resolution analyzing, advanced denoising method and the polarization information analysis method based on Jones and Mueller's matrices using distributed wave plate model of optical fiber. |
| US09322732B2 |
Strain gauge pressure sensor circuit with sensor disconnect detection
An electronic circuit for processing signals from a strain gauge pressure sensor includes an anti-alias filter, an analog-to-digital conversion circuit, and a detection circuit for detecting when the sensor is unexpectedly disconnected from the signal processing circuit. The detection circuit provides a yes/no indication of the connection of the pressure sensor to the circuit based upon whether a common mode voltage associated with one of the signal terminals of the pressure sensor is out of range. |
| US09322728B2 |
Pressure sensor, sensor array, method for manufacturing sensor array, and grasping apparatus
A pressure sensor includes: a supporting body which has an opening; a pressure detecting portion which includes a supporting film provided on the supporting body and having a diaphragm portion closing the opening, and a piezoelectric body provided on the diaphragm portion and deflecting to output an electric signal; a frame body which has, on the pressure detecting portion, a cylindrical cavity along a film thickness direction of the supporting film, and is formed, in plan view when viewed from the film thickness direction of the supporting film, at a position where a cylindrical inner peripheral wall of the cavity overlaps with the opening, or outside of the opening; a sealing film which closes the frame body; and a silicone oil which is filled in an inner space formed of the cylindrical inner peripheral wall of the cavity, the sealing film, and the pressure detecting portion. |
| US09322727B2 |
Tension meter for measuring a mechanical tension along a longitudinal direction in a well and related subassembly and method
Tension meter (82) for measuring a mechanical tension (F1) along a longitudinal direction (L) between a first element (84) and a second element (80) deployed in a well containing a fluid (50) having a fluid pressure, the tension meter comprising:—a bar (108) comprising a first portion (152), a second portion (154), and a measurement portion (156), and—a hollow member (110) defining a first chamber (169) surrounding the measurement portion, the bar being free to expand within the hollow member under the mechanical tension (F1) to be measured. The measurement portion includes at least one strain gauge (172). The tension meter includes first sealing elements for keeping the first chamber at a first chamber pressure, the measurement portion being subject to a compression force (F2) due to a difference between the fluid pressure and the first chamber pressure. The tension meter includes means for converting the fluid pressure into a traction force (F3) applied on the second portion (154), wherein the compression force (F2) and the traction force (F3) compensate. Related subassembly and method. |
| US09322725B2 |
Pedaling force measurement device
A first pedaling force measurement device measures a plurality of pedaling force parameters acting on a first crank arm to one end of which a first pedal can be attached and to another end of which a crank shaft can be attached. The first pedaling force measurement device is provided with a strain-flexing part, a first parameter detection part and a first interference suppression part. Strain acting on the first crank arm is conveyed to the strain-flexing part. The parameter detection part is disposed on the strain-flexing part, and detects a plurality of parameters based on the strain being conveyed to the strain-flexing part. The interference suppression part suppresses interference in one parameter detected by the parameter detection part from the other parameters. |
| US09322721B2 |
Optic fiber distributed temperature sensor system with self-correction function and temperature measuring method using thereof
The present invention is effective in that automatically corrected temperature can be measured using one light source and one optical detector. |
| US09322719B2 |
Input stage for temperature measurement system
A temperature-measurement input stage may include a resistor, a thermistor, a first multiplexor, an amplifier, a second multiplexor, and an output stage. The first multiplexor may be configured to couple the resistor to a first amplifier input during a first multiplexor state, and couple the thermistor to the first amplifier input during a second multiplexor state. The amplifier may comprise the first amplifier input, a second amplifier input coupled to a voltage reference, and an amplifier output coupled to a feedback path. The second multiplexor may be configured to route a feedback current to the resistor during the first multiplexor state and route the feedback current to the thermistor during the second multiplexor state. The output stage may be configured to provide an output current based on the feedback current. |
| US09322718B2 |
Temperature sensor
An object of the present invention is to provide a temperature sensor which can increase responsiveness while ensuring reliability and can be downsized without changing its mounting configuration from conventional ones. In a temperature sensor 10, two thermistors 20A and 20B are held in a protective tube 11 via holders 30. Flat portions 30b are formed on the holders 30, and a filler 60 can be spread throughout the protective tube 11 through spaces 40 between an inner circumferential surface of the protective tube 11 and the flat portions 30b as well as spaces 50 between the inner circumferential surface of the protective tube 11 and lateral portions 30c. Also, in the protective tube 11, element bodies 21 of the thermistors 20A and 20B are placed side by side close to the inner circumferential surface of the protective tube 11. |
| US09322717B1 |
Temperature sensor architecture
A temperature sensor includes a current generator that detects a temperature and generates a temperature dependent current, the temperature dependent current having a current level corresponding to the detected temperature. A current-to-voltage converter converts the temperature dependent current into a temperature dependent voltage, the temperature dependent voltage having a voltage level corresponding to the detected temperature. A signal generator generates a pulse signal having a period determined from a voltage difference between the temperature dependent voltage and a reference voltage. A counter counts a number of cycles of a reference clock signal that occur during one cycle of the pulse signal to output a temperature code indicative of the temperature. |
| US09322716B2 |
Component measuring apparatus and moving body
A component measuring apparatus includes a plurality of light sources having different Wavelengths. The component measuring apparatus also includes an irradiation unit that applies lights emitted from the plural light sources to a measurement object, and a light receiving unit that receives at least one of light having transmitted through the measurement object and light having been scattered from the measurement object. The component measuring apparatus further includes a measuring unit that measures intensity of the light received by the light receiving unit per wavelength. |
| US09322714B2 |
Method of manufacturing particle-based image display
A method of manufacturing a particle-based image display having a plurality of imaging cells is disclosed. The method includes filling the plurality of imaging cells with a plurality of first particles, identifying a defect associated with one or more of the imaging cells, and repairing the defect within a unit corresponding to part of the plurality of imaging cells. |
| US09322713B2 |
Artificial retina device
The present technology provides a color-sensing device that includes an electrically-conductive substrate and a bulk heterojunction (BHJ) polymer layer formed on the substrate. The color-sensing device is configured to detect a first color of two colors and produce a first electrical signal that includes a first current response indicating detection of the first color. The color-sensing device is further configured to detect a second color of the two colors and produce a second electrical signal that includes a second current response indicating detection of the second color. |
| US09322707B2 |
Method for measuring luminance of light-emitting display panel
Disclosed is a method for measuring luminance of each of entire pixels two-dimensionally arranged in a light-emitting display panel at regular intervals, using an image sensor in which light receiving elements are two-dimensionally arranged at regular intervals, the method including: providing an optical lens between the light-emitting display panel and the image sensor, and adjusting distances between the light-emitting display panel, the image sensor, and the optical lens by setting intervals of images of the entire pixels to be N times as large as intervals of the light receiving pixels, where N is a natural number, the images being to be formed on a light receiving surface of the image sensor through the optical lens; displaying, on the light-emitting display panel, a display pattern in which predetermined pixels from among the entire pixels produce a luminescence; and measuring the luminance of the predetermined pixels, using the light receiving elements. |
| US09322705B2 |
Sensing a selected ambient environment
An apparatus and associated method using a light source selectively emitting an incident beam. A thin film is disposed in a path of and responsive to the incident beam to produce a reflected beam. A light-sensing probe is capable of detecting the reflected beam. Ambient environment logic responsive to the light-sensing probe compares a position of the reflected beam to an expected position to make a characteristic determination of a selected ambient environment through which the incident beam propagated. |
| US09322704B1 |
Composite active optical cables
Composite active optical cables are provided. An active optical cable may include a plurality of optical fibers and one or more insulated electrical conductors. In some instances, the optical fibers may be positioned within a microtube. Additionally, in some instances, the electrical conductors may include stranded conductors. A jacket may also be formed around the optical fibers and the electrical conductors. A first optical to electrical converter may be positioned at a first end of the cable, and a second optical to electrical converter may be positioned at a distal end of the cable. Further, the conductors may be configured to carry a power signal from the first end of the cable to the distal end of the cable to power the second optical to electrical converter. |
| US09322703B2 |
Spectroscopic instrument
A spectroscopic instrument comprising a compartment (2) for housing instrument components (3) and desiccant (4) to protect the instrument components, and a deformable container (5) having at least one wall portion which is movable within the compartment (2) so as to vary the volume of the compartment (2) that is occupied by the deformable container as the container is deformed. The interior of the deformable container (5) is in fluid communication with the surroundings of the instrument, such that a difference in pressure between the compartment and the surroundings tends to cause the deformable container to deform, moving the wall portion. |
| US09322699B2 |
Radar level gauge and methods of testing radar level gauge and system
The present invention relates to a radar level gauge comprising a reference reflector arranged at a known reference reflector level in a tank. The radar level gauge is controllable between a filling level measuring state and a proof test state. In the proof test state, the radar level gauge is configured to determine a first verification level based on a reference reflector echo resulting from reflection of an electromagnetic transmit signal at the reference reflector; determine a second verification level based on a surface echo resulting from reflection of an electromagnetic transmit signal at the surface of the product; and provide the first verification level and the second verification level to allow determination of a proof test result based on at least the first verification level, the known reference reflector level and the second verification level. |
| US09322698B2 |
Frequency based prover apparatus and method
A time correlated dual chronometric interpolated prover apparatus with temporal reconciliation assembly is operable for producing signals for selecting a corrected time interval B of the flowmeter output signal for comparison with the time interval A. The temporal reconciliation assembly being configured for detecting a plurality of frequencies of pulses of the flowmeter output signal, and being further configured for selecting the time interval B utilizing the plurality of frequencies. A possible non-limiting embodiment includes the temporal reconciliation assembly being operable for utilizing an anticipated frequency for locating a first pulse. |
| US09322696B2 |
Apparatus for measuring level of molten metal and method for measuring level of molten metal
Provided is an apparatus for measuring a level of molten metal which has a simple structure and is highly robust against a change in level at a local portion of the surface of molten metal. The apparatus for measuring a level of molten metal according to a first aspect of the present invention is an apparatus which measures a level of molten metal in a mold. The apparatus includes an omnidirectional transmitting antenna; an omnidirectional receiving antenna; and a signal processor. The apparatus measures the level of molten metal in the mold using electromagnetic wave in ultra-high frequency range emitted into the mold by the omnidirectional transmitting antenna. |
| US09322694B2 |
Apparatus to confirm correct meter sizing
A meter register of the type having a sealed register body, and a member adapted to measure liquid flow through the meter and an antenna mounted within the register body is improved by providing a microprocessor adapted to have a calculated water meter maximum flow rate and a minimum flow rate defined as the meter flow rate range. The member co-acts with the microprocessor to determine flow rate, and the microprocessor is adapted to forward a signal to the antenna when the flow rate of the meter is outside, or within, the meter flow rate range, and the antenna transmits the signal to the water utility that the meter is not properly sized, or is properly sized, respectively. |
| US09322693B2 |
Measuring and dispensing container top
The present invention is a device that is not only the top for a container of spice or other food additive, but it is also a measuring device to measure and then dispense the contained spice or food additive when such spice or other food additive is needed. The device has an indicator to show the amount of spice or other food additive to be measured and dispensed. The spice or other food additive can be premeasured and held in the device until needed. |
| US09322691B2 |
Viscometer
The viscometer provides a viscosity value (Xη) which represents the viscosity of a fluid flowing in a pipe connected thereto. It comprises a vibratory transducer with at least one flow tube for conducting the fluid, which communicates with the pipe. Driven by an excitation assembly, the flow tube is vibrated so that friction forces are produced in the fluid. The viscometer further includes meter electronics which feed an excitation current (iexc) into the excitation assembly. By means of the meter electronics, a first internal intermediate value (X1) is formed, which corresponds with the excitation current (iexc) and thus represents the friction forces acting in the fluid. According to the invention, a second internal intermediate value (X2), representing inhomogeneities in the fluid, is generated in the meter electronics, which then determine the viscosity value (Xη) using the two intermediate values (X1, X2). The first internal intermediate value (X1) is preferably normalized by means of an amplitude control signal (yAM) for the excitation current (iexc), the amplitude control signal corresponding with the vibrations of the flow tube. As a result, the viscosity value (Xη) provided by the viscometer is highly accurate and robust, particularly independently of the position of installation of the flow tube. |
| US09322690B2 |
Metering tubes for improved fluid flow measurement
A meter tube assembly for use with an ultrasonic flow meter is provided. The meter tube assembly includes a pipe spool having an extremely rough first section including an interior surface with a relative roughness (ε/D) of 1% or greater. Fluid passing through the extremely rough section exhibits a flow profile that remains substantially constant over the range of Reynolds numbers. As such, ultrasonic flow meters can be simplified as they need not account for different Reynolds numbers. |
| US09322676B2 |
Wet-label device for electronic device
An electronic device includes a wet-label device. The wet-label device includes a moisture introduction portion formed in a case of the electronic device, at least one label portions provided in a position adjacent to the moisture introduction portion, and at least one rib portions provided in a position adjacent to the at least one label portions, in which the at least one rib portions guide or block introduction of the moisture to the at least one label portions according to wetness or submersion of the electronic device. |
| US09322675B2 |
Absolute encoder and method of obtaining absolute position by a plurality of quantized data based on a plurality of extrema
An absolute encoder includes a scale having marks, a detector for detecting light modulated by some of the marks, and a processor. The marks include a first mark and at least two types of second marks. The first marks and the second marks are alternately arrayed. The processor specifies a signal range of a plurality of periods of output signals based on extrema of the output signals, obtains a data seq constituted by a plurality of quantized data based on based on a plurality of extrema, corresponding to the second marks, of the output signals within the signal range, obtains a phase based on periodic signals of the output signals within the signal range, and outputs data representing the absolute position based on the data sequence and the phase. |
| US09322672B2 |
Magnetic sensor device
Provided is a magnetic sensor device capable of performing signal processing at high speed with high accuracy. The magnetic sensor device includes: a plurality of Hall elements; a plurality of differential amplifiers to which the plurality of Hall elements are connected, respectively; a detection voltage setting circuit for outputting a reference voltage; and a comparator including: a plurality of differential input pairs connected to the plurality of differential amplifiers, respectively; and a differential input pair connected to the detection voltage setting circuit. |
| US09322663B2 |
Using routing symbols to describe a driving maneuver
Driving directions are presented where a maneuver in the driving directions includes a road symbol and an action symbol. A road symbol identifies the road involved in the particular maneuver, and an action symbol identifies an action to be performed to execute the particular maneuver. In one example, a road symbol, an action symbol and narrative text may be presented in displayed or printed driving directions. In another example, a road symbol and an action symbol may be used to describe a maneuver presented by an on-board or mobile navigation system when the vehicle in which the navigation system is present approaches the point at which the maneuver is to be taken. The road symbol and the action symbol may be presented with, or without, narrative driving directions. |
| US09322660B2 |
Incremental map generation, refinement and extension with GPS traces
A method for improving and extending an existing road network and generating new networks from statistically relevant amounts of probe data recorded by GPS-enabled navigation devices. New probe data is matched to the existing digital vector map, then the data merged into the existing network using a weighted mean technique. When new roads are detected, appropriate junction points are made with the existing network elements. The updated network data is simplified to improve computing speed and reduce data storage requirements. |
| US09322659B2 |
Map information processing apparatus
A map information processing apparatus includes a map information storage unit 111 for storing map information which is separated into multiple layers, a layer-to-be-updated-with-addition determination processing unit 118 for determining one or more layers which are to be updated with addition of an unregistered road which has been detected during travel of a vehicle, and an unregistered road adding and updating unit 117 for adding the unregistered road to the map information storage unit to update the map information with the addition being aimed at the one or more layers determined by the layer-to-be-updated-with-addition determination processing unit. |
| US09322655B2 |
Axially symmetrical coriolis force gyroscope (variants)
An axially symmetrical Coriolis vibratory gyroscope includes a thin-walled resonator with a hemispherical or cylindrical or toroidal form, the resonator being fixed at the center to a support and being formed with openings in that wall of the resonator which is located around the support, the number of openings being determined on the basis of the formula 4nk, where k is an integer, n is the order of oscillation modes, wherein the support has a symmetrical form along the longitudinal axis and is fixed to a base, electrodes are positioned on the wall of the resonator or next to the resonator for exciting and measuring two oscillation modes, a constant amplitude of one of the modes is maintained and a secondary oscillation mode which is sensitive to Coriolis forces is monitored, and the base is provided with a seat for the support of the resonator and with electrically insulated hermetically sealed leads which pass outwards via the base and through the openings in of the resonator. |
| US09322651B2 |
System and method for utilizing multiple sensors
A sensor system having multiple sensors and having a grid generator projecting into space a relative navigation grid and a method of utilizing multiple airborne sensors operably coupled to an aircraft and coordinating the sensor outputs from the airborne sensors based on the determined spatial position of the multiple sensors and a method for utilizing multiple airborne sensors. |
| US09322649B2 |
Toroidal link for RPM measurement
A measurement-while-drilling system includes a lower toroid, wherein the lower toroid has a lower toroid winding and is adapted to engage a mud motor shaft and is further adapted to receive a signal from one or more sensors and an upper toroid, wherein the upper toroid has a upper toroid winding; and a magnet disposed along the mud motor shaft within the lower toroid. The lower toroid and the upper toroid are disposed so that a signal from the lower toroid is induced in the upper toroid. The lower toroid winding is non-uniform so that the signal induced in the upper toroid is indicative of a rotation rate of the mud motor shaft. |
| US09322648B1 |
Reducing elevation error with environmental pressure anomaly compensation
A method for determining an environmental pressure change affecting a pressure sensor within a portable device to determine an elevation of the portable device is disclosed. The method involves sampling pressure data from at least one stationary pressure sensor in an area surrounding a location of the device, wherein the stationary pressure sensor in not within the portable device. The sampled pressure data is then interpolated to a time interval and a difference is computed between the interpolated pressure data over each time interval to determine a differential pressure. The location of the stationary pressure sensor is determined and the differential pressure is added to a pressure map affecting data near the location. The environmental pressure change is then computed over any interval at the location and subtracted from a pressure measurement of the pressure sensor before computing an elevation of the portable device. |
| US09322647B2 |
Determining camera height using distributions of object heights and object image heights
A camera at a fixed vertical height positioned above a reference plane, with an axis of a camera lens at an acute angle with respect to a perpendicular of the reference plane. One or more processors receive images of different people. The vertical measurement values of the images of different people are determined. The one or more processors determine a first statistical measure associated with a statistical distribution of the vertical measurement values. The known heights of people from a known statistical distribution of heights of people are transformed to normalized measurements, based in part on a focal length of the camera lens, the angle of the camera, and a division operator in an objective function of differences between the normalized measurements and the vertical measurement values. The fixed vertical height of the camera is determined, based at least on minimizing the objective function. |
| US09322644B2 |
Method and apparatus for the examination of an object
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for examining an object, particularly in terms of the surface morphology thereof. Said apparatus comprises a transportable housing which can be placed, especially by hand, above the surface segment of the object that is to be examined, and at least three light sources, the optical beam axes of which extend at a slanted angle of incidence relative to the surface segment that is to be examined. The light sources are disposed inside the housing and can illuminate the surface segment that is to be examined through an illumination aperture in the housing. The apparatus further comprises at least one light sensor for detecting the light reflected on the surface segment that is to be examined and a control and evaluation unit which is connected to the light sources and the light sensor. The light sources are arranged such that the optical beam axes thereof extend on different, non-parallel reference planes. |
| US09322635B2 |
Absolute positions detectors
Example apparatus for absolute position detection are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a housing and digit gears coupled to the housing to rotate about respective parallel axes. Each digit gear has a first portion including a first set of teeth disposed about an entire circumference of the first portion and a second portion including a second set of teeth disposed about only a portion of a circumference of the second portion. Each digit gear is to correspond to a respective digit in a code representing an absolute position of a shaft. A respective idler gear between each adjacent pair of the digit gears is to be intermeshed with the first set of teeth of one of the digit gears and the second set of teeth of the other one of the digit gears. |
| US09322630B2 |
Method for producing and checking an internal thread
The invention relates to a method for producing and checking a thread arranged in a cylinder head to receive a spark plug. However, the invention also relates to a device for checking the thread introduced into the cylinder head.By defining a starting point of the internal thread to be produced specifically in terms of position thereof within the parent hole by using spark plug parameters, the spark plug will always be aligned with its spark gap oriented toward the injector. For the purpose of checking, use is made of a plug gage, the screw-in thread of which has the parameters of the spark plug thread and with which, by using a measuring face, the position of an extension on the threaded body can be established. The extension simulates the ground electrode of the spark plug. |
| US09322628B2 |
Tape measure
A tape measure for measuring a workpiece includes a housing, a coilable measuring tape at least partially disposed within the housing and having a first end extendable out of the housing, and an end hook member including an attachment portion and a hook portion. The attachment portion is arranged to engage a first surface of the first end of the tape to attach the end hook member to the tape. The hook portion extends in a direction substantially normal to the attachment portion and includes a first face and a second face arranged to engage the workpiece. The second face faces outward from the end of the tape. A magnet housing is coupled to the end hook member, a first magnet is disposed within the magnet housing and arranged to magnetically engage the workpiece when the workpiece is positioned adjacent the second face, and a second magnet is disposed within the magnet housing and is arranged to magnetically engage the workpiece when the workpiece is positioned adjacent the first face. |
| US09322626B2 |
Firearm with shell holder
Shell holders for firearms have a body including a plurality of bores, a plurality of elastomeric elements, each associated with a different selected one of the bores, each elastomeric element having a protruding portion that protrudes a selected distance into the bore, a plurality of movable adjustment elements, each connected to the body and each operably engaged to a different selected one of the elastomeric elements, wherein the selected distance the protruding portion of the elastomeric element protrudes into the bore is adjustable based on an adjustment position of each adjustment element, and the selected distance is independently adjustable for each elastomeric element. The shell holder may be for a shotgun. The movable adjustment elements may include a plurality of jaws movable with respect to the body. There may be a gap defined between the body and each jaw. The elastomeric elements may be received within the gaps. |
| US09322622B2 |
Shotshell with combination slug and shot load
An improved shotshell of the type having a hull, having a propellant, a wad, and a load. The improvement comprises the load comprising of at least one non-spherical slug and shot, with at least one shot disposed in front of the slug in the hull. |
| US09322620B2 |
Method of making camouflage
Methods are disclosed relating to the production of camouflage that include steps such as harvesting a set of objects that have a diversity of color from the environment, placing the set of objects within a scene, capturing a set of images of the scene, adjusting color in the set of images, assembling a composite image, printing the composite image, making color adjustments and reprinting the composite image. |
| US09322618B1 |
Blast debris protective harness
A blast debris protective harness includes a front shell portion and a rear shell portion joined together. Each of the front and rear shell portions has an inside shell member and an outside shell member. A cavity is defined between the inside shell member and the outside shell member. A ballistic insert is configured to be retained within the cavity. The harness is an outer garment. |
| US09322617B2 |
Laser sight for rocket launcher
Embodiments herein relate to the field of firearm accessories, and, more specifically, to reusable laser sighting devices for rocket launchers and other large weapons, particularly reusable laser sighting devices that allow retrofitting of existing weapons inventory. Some embodiments include a base plate that is configured to be permanently coupled to a rocket launcher, such as the M72 LAW, and a laser module configured to removably couple to the base plate. In various embodiments, the systems disclosed herein permit a the module to be removed from the base plate of a spent rocket launcher, and coupled to the base plate of a new rocket launcher, thereby reducing waste. In various embodiments, the laser module may be factory calibrated with respect to the base plate, and therefore once the base plate has been fixed to the rocket launcher, no field calibrations of the laser module are necessary. |
| US09322616B2 |
Viewing apparatus
A viewing apparatus (106) for a rifle scope (104), the viewing apparatus comprising a camera unit (108) having a camera and attachment means operable to attach the camera unit to a rifle scope such that the camera is exposed to an image visible at an eyepiece of a rifle scope, the camera being adapted to generate image data from the image to which it is exposed, the camera unit being arranged and operable to transfer the image data from the camera to a display unit (110), the display unit comprising display means being arranged and operable to display the image data received from the camera unit, the display unit further comprising attachment means (140) operable to attach the display unit to a rifle scope. |
| US09322615B2 |
Low profile folding front and rear firearm sights
Low profile folding front and rear firearm sights are disclosed. The firearm sights can be assemblies including a base, an arm, and a sight attached to the arm. The sight assemblies can also include a spring-loaded pivot pin configured to pivotally couple the arm to the base. The sight assemblies can also include a linking pin connecting the pivot and the arm. The linking pin may be inserted into the pivot pin, such that a longitudinal axis of the linking pin intersects a rotational axis of the pivot pin. The sight assemblies can also include a bushing that includes one or more slots (e.g., locking slots and/or detent slots) and is non-permanently attached to the base. The spring-loaded pivot pin can force the linking pin into the at least one bushing slot when the arm is in a deployed and/or folded (stowed) position. |
| US09322611B1 |
Modular stock for a firearm
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for a selectable barrel support that can be inserted into a forend of a firearm stock to support a first barrel type and flipped, rotated, or otherwise moved to support a second barrel type (or third or fourth barrel types). Bull and tapered barrels are examples of two barrel types that the selectable barrel support can be used to support. The selectable barrel support enables a firearm owner or gunsmith to exchange barrel types on a firearm without having to switch out the firearm stock. |
| US09322603B2 |
Work machine
A work machine includes a thermostat provided upon a path that conducts the cooling water to the radiator, and that opens and closes the path according to a temperature of the cooling water, a fan device that blows external air at the radiator, an output changeover switch that changes over output of the engine between high and low, a rotational speed setting unit that sets a rotational speed for the fan device according to the temperature of the cooling water, and a rotational speed adjustment unit that adjusts rotational speed of the fan device, wherein, within a temperature range for the cooling water in which the thermostat is fully opened from fully closed, the rotational speed of the fan device to be lower when the output changeover switch is changed over so as to limit the output of the engine. |
| US09322600B2 |
Thermosyphon heat recovery
A thermosyphonic heat recovery unit for thermosyphonic heat transfer of heat from a hotter first fluid to a cooler second fluid comprising a heat exchanger including a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit, optimized means for connecting fluids to the two conduits to optimize heat transfer and fluid flow, a pressurized cold fluid input and hot fluid output, whereby the second fluid thermosyphonically flows through said second conduit as the first fluid flows through said first conduit. Said system having an optimized heat exchanger tube-on tube spirally wound, with wind direction to take advantage of the Coriolus force effect, for optimized refrigerant and other fluid turbulence and therefore optimized heat transfer, and optimum location of said heat exchanger and sizes of connecting tubes to minimize refrigerant friction related pressure loss, and to optimize heat transfer, refrigerant flow and thermosyphonic second fluid flow through said heat exchanger. |
| US09322599B2 |
Concentration plant with differently working sections
Disclosed is a concentration plant with differently-functioning sections. The plant comprises a vertically-developing external tubular sheath (1), internally of which are comprised: a heat exchanger (2), in which a heating fluid coming from a fluid inlet mouth (9) circulates, which heat exchanger (2) is defined by a lower plate (3) and an upper plate (4) on which lower plate (3) and upper plate (4) upper and lower open ends of a first vertically raising tube bundle (5) and a second descending tube bundle (6) are fixed, in which first and second tube bundles (5, 6) the product to be processed circulates; a supply chamber (7), arranged inferiorly of the lower plate (3), which sets an inlet mouth of the product (8) in communication with the lower ends of the tubes of the first tube bundle (5); a pressurised upper chamber (10), arranged superiorly of the upper plate (4), which sets in mutual communication the upper ends of the tubes of the first tube bundle (5) and the second tube bundle (6); a separation chamber (11), which is arranged internally of the sheath (1) and inferiorly of the lower plate (3) and in which the lower ends of the tubes of the second tube bundle (6) open, a product outlet mouth (12) being afforded on a closed bottom of the separation chamber (11), and an outlet opening (13) being afforded on a lateral wall of the separation chamber (11) for exit of steam generated during product concentration. |
| US09322598B2 |
Process for the heat treatment of steel strips
The invention provides a process for the heat treatment of steel products, in particular of steel strips or sheets, in which the product is brought from a starting temperature to a target temperature in a booster zone having at least one burner; the burner is operated with a fuel, in particular a fuel gas, and an oxygen-containing gas which contains more than 21% oxygen; and the product is brought into direct contact with the flame generated by the burner, the air ratio λ within the flame being set as a function of the starting temperature and/or the target temperature. |
| US09322597B2 |
Carbon dioxide reduction in steelworks
A method reduces carbon dioxide resulting from a steel production process. The carbon dioxide is reacted with an electropositive metal in combustion to produce carbon monoxide. The resultant carbon monoxide is fed back into the steel production process. In this method, the carbon monoxide can be used in a direct reduction method as a reduction gas or can be fed to a blast furnace process. The reacted metal can also be recovered by electrochemical conversion from its oxides or salts. In particular, a form of regenerative energy can be used to recycle the electropositive metal. |
| US09322596B2 |
Drying device and method of aqueous moisture gel
The formation of cracks is suppressed in a drying process for a water-containing wet gel without modifying the gel and without using a reagent. A water-containing wet gel is dried by removing water and then removing the remaining solvent. For example, a wet-gel container storing water-containing wet gel, containing a wet gel and a solvent, is heated. The solvent is vaporized into an upper space of the wet-gel container. The solvent-containing gas diffuses into a dehydrating agent container, and water is removed by a dehydrating agent. This state is maintained for one to two days to remove almost all amount of water from the solvent. Thereafter, the dehydrating agent container is detached and the wet gel, from which water has been removed, is heated to almost completely remove the solvent, and further heated at a higher temperature to completely remove the solvent to obtain a crack-free dry gel. |
| US09322591B2 |
Refrigerator including multiple storage compartments
A refrigerator includes a cabinet that defines a first storage compartment; a first door that is opened or closed to allow or prevent access to an interior of the first storage compartment; a storing device coupled to the first door to define a second storage compartment, wherein, when the first door is closed, the second storage compartment is disposed in the first storage compartment; and a second door connected to the first door and configured to be opened or closed to allow or prevent access to an interior of the second storage compartment, wherein the interior of the second storage compartment is accessible when the first door is closed and the second door is opened, wherein the first door includes a plurality of first coupling parts to which the storing device is coupled, wherein the storing device includes: a frame; and a basket installed on the frame, wherein each of the frame and the basket includes at least one second coupling part interacting with at least one of the plurality of first coupling parts, wherein a front surface of the second door is positioned to be generally coplanar with at least a portion of a front surface of the first door. |
| US09322589B2 |
Unified freezer chamber venting with door handle
The present invention relates to a freezer and method for fabricating a freezer. |
| US09322587B2 |
Heat pump device, air conditioner, and refrigerating machine
A heat pump device that can efficiently feed a high-frequency current to an electric motor and effectively heat a compressor includes a compressor including a compression mechanism configured to compress a refrigerant and a motor configured to drive the compression mechanism, heat exchangers, an inverter configured to apply a voltage to the motor, and an inverter control unit configured to drive the inverter. The inverter control unit includes a stagnation detecting unit configured to determine whether heating of the compressor is necessary and notify the determination result and a high-frequency-alternating-current-voltage generating unit and a PWM-signal generating unit configured to shift to a heating operation mode when the heating is necessary and, in the heating operation mode, generate PWM signals to provide, based on a heating time carrier signal having two or more frequencies, a period in which a reflux current flows. |
| US09322580B2 |
Circuit assemblies including thermoelectric modules
A circuit assembly generally includes a circuit board and at least one electrical pathway configured to couple a thermoelectric module to the circuit board. The circuit board and the at least one electrical pathway form part of the thermoelectric module when the thermoelectric module is coupled to the circuit board via the at least one electrical pathway. The thermoelectric module, including the portion of the circuit board forming part of the thermoelectric module, defines a footprint that is smaller than a footprint of the circuit board. As such, the circuit board is capable of supporting electrical components on the circuit board in a position outside the footprint defined by the thermoelectric module. |
| US09322574B2 |
Concentrating solar power with glasshouses
A protective transparent enclosure, such as a greenhouse, encloses a concentrated solar power system having line-focus solar energy concentrators. The line-focus solar energy concentrators have a reflective front layer, a core layer, and a rear layer. The core and the rear layers, when bonded with the reflective front layer, enable the line-focus solar energy concentrator, in some embodiments, to retain a particular form without additional strengthening elements. In some embodiments, the core layer and/or the rear layer are formed by removing material from a single piece of material. |
| US09322570B2 |
Water-evacuator for air conditioner
A system and method for removing condensate from an air conditioning unit is disclosed. A conduit includes an outlet portion that is connected to a chamber of a housing of the unit at a first location, and an inlet portion that is connected to the chamber at a second location where condensate accumulates. A gravitational separator portion which extends below the second location is connected to the outlet portion and the inlet portion. A draining portion having an orifice for allowing condensate to exit the conduit is connected to the gravitational separator portion below the second location. The first location is chosen such that during operation of the unit the pressure at the first location is less than the pressure at the second location. |
| US09322569B2 |
Systems and methods for a motorized vent covering in an environment control system
A motorized vent covering for an air vent of the environment control system, the motorized vent covering comprising an air flow restrictor for controlling air flow through the vent; and an actuator, the actuator including a motor configured to drive the air flow restrictor to control the flow of air from the vent, and a controller in communication with the motor, the controller configured to provide operating instructions to the motor to open or close the air flow restrictor to adjust the flow of air through the air vent. |
| US09322567B2 |
Modular wall module platform for a building control system
A wall module for use with a building control system is customizable for a particular application though the selection of different overlays, displays, and/or expansion modules. The selected overlay and the display, when provided, together may form the user interface of the desired wall module configuration. The expansion module may be selected to provide additional desired functionality. Different overlays, displays and/or expansion modules may be selected for different wall modules within a building control system. |
| US09322565B2 |
Systems, methods and apparatus for weather-based preconditioning
Accessing an energy management policy for a plurality of devices is described, wherein the devices are coupled with a first structure. The energy usage of the devices is monitored. An energy usage rule and energy usage is then compared. The energy management policy and energy usage is also compared. Based on the comparing, an instruction is generated to modify an energy usage profile of said device to correlate with the energy usage rule associated with the devices and the energy management policy, thereby enabling efficient energy management. |
| US09322563B2 |
Humidity control module and humidity control apparatus
A humidity control module, in which liquid absorbent exchanges air and moisture, reduces a temperature change in the liquid absorbent. A humidity control module includes a partition member and a heat transfer member. The partition member separates an air passage from an absorbent passage. The partition member is wholly or partially formed by a moisture permeable membrane. The liquid absorbent flowing through the absorbent passage exchanges the moisture with the air flowing through the air passage via the moisture permeable membrane. The heat transfer member is provided in the absorbent passage and surrounded by the liquid absorbent. A heat medium flowing through the heat transfer member exchanges heat with the liquid absorbent flowing through the absorbent passage. |
| US09322560B2 |
Combustor bulkhead assembly
A heat shield is disclosed. The heat shield may comprise a body having a back surface and an opposite front surface, wherein an opening in the body communicates through the front and back surfaces. The heat shield may further comprise at least one radial rail disposed on the back surface and extending radially outward from the opening for directing cooling air flow. |
| US09322558B2 |
Combustor apparatus in a gas turbine engine
A combustor apparatus defining a combustion zone where air and fuel are burned to create high temperature combustion products. The combustor apparatus comprises an outer wall including a fuel inlet opening for receiving a fuel feed pipe. A coupling assembly is engaged with the fuel feed pipe at the fuel inlet opening to attach the fuel feed pipe to the outer wall. A fuel injection system is located in the interior volume of the outer wall and comprises fuel supply structure including a fuel feed block having a fuel intake passage aligned with the outlet portion of the fuel feed pipe. A coupling fastener is engaged against an exterior outer face of the fuel feed block to create a sealed coupling for containing fuel passing from the fuel feed pipe into the fuel feed block, and to secure the fuel feed block relative to the coupling assembly. |
| US09322554B2 |
Temperature mixing enhancement with locally co-swirling quench jet pattern for gas turbine engine combustor
A combustor for a turbine engine includes a first liner defined about an axis with a first row of first combustion air holes, one of the first combustion air holes is defined along each of a multiple of fuel injector zero pitch lines. A second liner defined about the axis with a second row of second combustion air holes, each of the second combustion air holes circumferentially offset relative to each of the multiple of fuel injector zero pitch lines. |
| US09322551B2 |
Waterless humidifier for residential and commercial furnaces
A method and apparatus for humidifying residential and commercial buildings in which a flue gas generated by a residential of commercial furnace is provided to one side of a porous liquid water transport membrane and habitable space air is provided to an opposite side of the porous liquid water transport membrane in an amount sufficient to provide a habitable space air to flue gas volume flow rate ratio of at least 8.3:1. At least a portion of the water vapor in the flue gas is condensed, providing condensed liquid water which is passed through the porous liquid water transport membrane to the habitable space air side of the porous liquid water transport membrane. On the habitable space air side of the membrane, the condensed liquid water is evaporated into the habitable space air, producing humidified habitable space air which is provided to the rooms of the residential and commercial buildings. Beneficially, no supplemental water source is required for the humidification process. |
| US09322550B2 |
Water seal at backpass economizer gas outlet
A compensations duct assembly [100] is described that provides a gas tight connection between a backpass [9] of a furnace [3] and an air preheater pipe [10] having one end fixed relative to a floor. The compensation duct assembly [100] has an air preheater opening [133] that is connected to an air preheater duct [10]. A liquid seal [120] is employed to compensate for the movement due to thermal expansion between the backpass [9] and the compensation duct assembly [100]. The liquid seal [120] provides a gas tight connection under various conditions of thermal expansion. |
| US09322543B2 |
Gas cooled LED lamp with heat conductive submount
A gas cooled LED lamp and submount is disclosed. The centralized nature of the LEDs allows the LEDs to be configured near the central portion of the optical envelope of the lamp. In example embodiments, the LEDs can be cooled and/or cushioned by a gas in thermal communication with the LED array to enable the LEDs to maintain an appropriate operating temperature for efficient operation and long life. In some embodiments, the LED assembly is mounted on a glass stem. In some embodiments a thermal resistant path is created that prevents overtemperature of the LED array during the making of the lamp. In some embodiments the LED assembly comprises a lead frame and/or metal core board that is bent into a three-dimensional shape to create a desired light pattern in the enclosure or an extruded submount formed into a three-dimensional shape. |
| US09322542B2 |
Versatile sealed LED lamp
A lamp assembly (1800) may include a circuit board (201), one or more light-emitting devices (100) disposed on the circuit board (201), a heat sink (600) in thermal contact with a surface of the circuit board (201), a gasket (700) with a first surface in mechanical contact with the circuit board (201), a bezel (800) a surface (805) of which is in mechanical contact with a second surface of the gasket (700), and one or more fasteners (901) that may apply a force between the bezel (800) and the heat sink (600). A lamp array (2100) may include two or more lamp assemblies (1800), not all of which supply illumination with the same spectral characteristic, and a bearing mount (2000) that may support each lamp assembly (1800) and allow each to be oriented rotationally. A supply circuit (2500, 2600) may include a nonlinear resistive element (2501, 2601). |
| US09322539B2 |
Cordless spike light and lampholder socket
An outdoor light fixture includes a housing and a socket. The housing has a first opening, a second opening, and a shroud extending at least partially around the second opening. A locating ring is positioned between the first opening and the second opening. The socket is located in the housing and has an insulator and a skirt. The skirt positions the socket relative to the locating ring. |
| US09322538B2 |
Structure of LED light set
An LED light set includes a controller connected with an electric plug and a main light string of a plurality of main light bulbs in serial arrangement. Each of the main light bulbs is connected with an associate light string of a plurality of associate light bulbs. A main control IC is provided in the controller to control voltage and current supplied to the main light bulbs of the main light string. An associate control IC is provided within each of the main light bulbs to control voltage and current supplied to the associate light bulbs of the associate light string. The voltage and current supplied to the associate light strings are controlled to be lower than those supplied to the main light string so that conducting wires of each of the associate light string can be made thinner than conducting wires of the main light string. |
| US09322534B2 |
Ceiling illumination with mountings for panels
An illuminating device for indoor lighting comprising a visible panel, through which light can be transmitted. The visible panel includes a portion having transparent material, and a panel retaining device. The retaining device has a retaining means for retaining the visible panel and a fixing means for mounting the visible panel on a ceiling or on a wall. The retaining device has at least three interconnected retaining arms which are arranged in the shape of a star and which retain at least two visible panel parts at the inner faces of the visible panel parts, the inner faces of the visible panel parts bordering each other such that said visible panel parts together form a substantially continuous visible panel surface. The visible panel parts have free outer faces which are not retained by the retaining arms and which together from the outer circumference of the visible panel. |
| US09322533B1 |
LED sconce light fixture apparatus
A sconce light fixture and a wall mount bracket are configured such that the wall mount bracket may be attached to a wall and the sconce light fixture thereafter may be removably attached to the wall mount bracket in a manner which establishes a continuous electrical power path from the wall mount bracket to the sconce light fixture and LEDs mounted therein. |
| US09322528B2 |
Reflector arrays for lighting devices
A reflector array for a lighting fixture can include at least one reflector section and at least one neutral section. The at least one reflector section can include a number of reflectors, where each reflector has at least one reflector wall having a reflective material and an aperture that traverses the at least one reflector wall, where each aperture is configured to receive a light source disposed on a mounting surface of the lighting fixture. The at least one neutral section can include an electrically non-conductive material, where the at least one neutral section is disposed adjacent to the at least one reflector section. |
| US09322527B2 |
Light unit and illumination system using the same
Disclosed are a light unit and an illumination system using the same. The light unit includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and at least one light source module located between the top plate and the bottom plate. The bottom plate includes a specular-reflection region and a diffuse-reflection region. The diffuse-reflection region includes a first reflective pattern that reflects incident light via Lambertian distribution and a second reflective pattern that reflects incident light via Gaussian distribution. |
| US09322525B2 |
Daylight sensing arrangement for a hybrid luminaire
The disclosed embodiments relate to a daylight harvesting system (1). The daylight harvesting system comprises a light distribution device comprising a light inlet (2) for receiving incident light (3), and a light outlet (4) for providing output light (5) received by the light inlet into an interior space. A light sensor (6) is arranged to receive and measure a light level of the incident light and to provide a measurement signal representative thereof. Control circuitry (7) is arranged to receive the measurement signal, and to provide a control signal based on the measurement signal to an artificial light source (8) placed at the light outlet. The light sensor is placed relative the light inlet such that the incident light received by the light sensor exclusively is affected by the incident light as received by the light inlet. |
| US09322521B2 |
Lighting device
An embodiment discloses a lighting device, comprising a lamp holder, a lamp panel, a lamp base, wherein the lamp panel includes a light source and located in the lamp holder, the lamp holder is connected to the lamp base, a physical displacement control module, and a power supply driver module placed in the lamp base, wherein the physical displacement control module is connected to the power supply driver module, adapted to control the power supply driver module to change an output signal to the lamp panel according to detected physical displacement, and the power supply driver module affords power supply to the physical displacement control module. |
| US09322518B1 |
Troffer-based LED light fixture and retrofitting method using same
A LED light fixture is provided herein for mounting into a troffer housing. The light fixture includes a carrier plate dimensioned to fit within the troffer housing, the carrier plate having a generally flat first portion, a generally flat second portion, and an outwardly indented portion located therebetween. The first and second portions are generally coplanar in a common plane. At least one LED is mounted to the first portion. A driver is electrically coupled to the at least one LED and disposed within the indented portion without extending through the common plane with the driver being fixed to the carrier plate. At least two lead wires are electrically coupled to the driver, and extending therefrom, configured to allow electrical power to pass therethrough to the driver. Advantageously, a LED light fixture is provided herein which is a unitary construction that can be efficiently mounted in a troffer housing. |
| US09322514B2 |
Lighting module
A luminous module comprising a plurality of radiation-emitting semiconductor components (2), a connection carrier (3), on which the radiation-emitting semiconductor components (2) are arranged, and a cooling body (6), which, on its front-side surface, is connected to the connection carrier (3) and has a basic body (4) and also a means (5), which is designed to locally alter the thermal resistance of the cooling body (6), wherein the average thermal resistance of the cooling body (6) decreases along a main extension direction of the luminous module (1). |
| US09322511B2 |
Liquid bridge and system
A bridge comprises a first inlet port, a second inlet port, an outlet port, and a chamber for silicone oil. The oil is density-matched with the reactor droplets such that a neutrally buoyant environment is created within the chamber. The oil within the chamber is continuously replenished by the oil separating the reactor droplets. This causes the droplets to assume a stable capillary-suspended spherical form upon entering the chamber. The spherical shape grows until large enough to span the gap between the ports, forming an axisymmetric liquid bridge. The introduction of a second droplet from the second inlet port causes the formation of an unstable funicular bridge that quickly ruptures from the, finer, second inlet port, and the droplets combine at the liquid bridge. In another embodiment, a droplet segments into smaller droplets which bridge the gap between the inlet and outlet ports. |
| US09322510B2 |
Method of charging a sorption store with a gas
Described is a method of charging a sorption store with a gas. The sorption store comprises a closed container and a feed device which has a passage through the container wall, through which the gas can flow into the container, and the container has at least two parallel, channel-shaped subchambers which are located in its interior and are each at least partly filled with an adsorption medium and whose channel walls are coolable. The method comprises, in a first step, feeding in a gas in such an amount that a pressure in the store of at least 30% of a predetermined final pressure is reached as quickly as possible and, in a second step, subsequently varying the amount of gas fed in in such a way that the course of the pressure in the store approximates the adsorption kinetics of the adsorption medium until the predetermined final pressure in the store is reached after a predetermined period of time. |
| US09322507B2 |
Wall mounting system and method
A device for a mounting system for positioning electronic equipment. The device having a first rail fixedly positionable on a first planar surface and engageable with a mechanism carried by the electronic equipment, and a leveling mechanism. The leveling mechanism having a first elongated aperture adapted to receive a mounting hardware. |
| US09322501B2 |
Flexible tubing with embedded helical conductors and method of making
A smooth-bore plastic tubing with an outer helical support bead is resistant to collapse and incorporates plural conductors disposed outside of the tubing bore and insulated both from ambient and from one another within the sidewall of the tubing. The conductors may have a desired relatively high thermal conductivity to tidal air flow within the tubing, while also having a comparatively high thermal resistance relative to ambient. The conductors may be electrical conductors, or fiber optic conductors. |
| US09322500B2 |
Compressed air coupling
A female coupling-half has two pawls (7) each with a distal detent (8), to engage the nipple (3) circumferential groove, and a proximal rounded detent (15), which can lodge in either a rest closed position (16) for a closed valve (2) or a valve-open position (17). The inserted nipple (3) moves the valve (2) which brings with it the pawls (7) via central projections (13) thereon and the manual sleeve (10) until the proximal rounded detent (15) lodges in its valve-open position (17). Retraction of the sleeve (10) for release holds the nipple (3) in an intermediate pressure relief position until ejection pressure is no longer exerted on the nipple (3) and the sleeve (10) is allowed to spring out to its fully extended position completely releasing the nipple (3). |
| US09322495B2 |
Connection for a thermoplastic pipe, assembly and method
A pipe coupling for forming a pipe connection includes: a wall formed as a tube and including an inner surface defining an inner diameter and an outer surface; an electrical conductor supported by the wall and extending about a circumference of the coupling; and a pair of contacts exposed on the outer surface and electrically in contact with the electrical conductor for connecting an electrical power source to the electrical conductor. |
| US09322494B2 |
Pipeline unit
A pipeline unit (1) comprising a pipe member (2) and a pipe coating (3) surrounding the pipe member (2), which pipe member comprises a pipe end (4), and which pipe coating (3) extends along a length of the pipe member and ends at a coating end face located at a distance from the pipe end, wherein a bonding member (8) is provided on the coating end face, which bonding member (8) is attached to the coating end face and made from a material which is different from the material of which the pipe coating (3) is made. |
| US09322484B2 |
Safety fitting
The safety fitting has a blocking body that is restrained on both sides by springs in a widened section of a housing that is provided with sealing seats. In the open position, the blocking body is held in position by at least one detent unit that acts transversally to the direction of movement of the blocking body. |
| US09322483B2 |
Energy efficient air heating, air conditioning and water heating system
An air heating, air conditioning and water heating system includes a multi-communicative valve unit, a compressor arranged for compressing the refrigerant in a state of superheated vapor, a condenser communicated with the compressor through the multi-communicative valve unit, a heat exchanger communicated with the condenser through the multi-communicative valve unit, an expansion valve, and a water heater communicated with the heat exchanger and the compressor through the multi-communicative valve unit, wherein the multi-communicative valve unit is arranged to be operated to selectively establish at least an air conditioning route, an air heating route, and a water heating route for the refrigerant so that the air heating, air conditioning and water heating system is capable of selectively providing air conditioning, heating and delivering hot water for a predetermined premises. |
| US09322482B2 |
Temperature compensating flanged joint for a teflon diaphragm valve
Apparatus, including a diaphragm valve, is provided featuring a valve body, a diaphragm, a pressure ring, and at least one elastomeric member. The valve body may include a circumferential flange. The diaphragm may include a circumferential gasket portion configured to be seated on the circumferential flange so as to form a joint between the valve body and the diaphragm. The pressure ring may include concentric fluctuations, and may be configured to apply a sealing force against the joint so that the concentric fluctuations prevent radial movement of the circumferential gasket portion and the circumferential flange. The elastomeric member may be configured to respond to a compressive force and provide a substantially constant sealing force, transmitted through the pressure ring, regardless of small variations in the thickness or material dimensions of the circumferential gasket portion caused by temperature fluctuation or material flow and age. |
| US09322480B2 |
Turbocharger arrangement and set of feedbacks for electric actuator control
Various methods for controlling a wastegate with an actuator having a temperature-dependent magnetic field are provided. In one example, the magnetic field is estimated based on operating conditions and other parameters, and used to apply a magnetic correction to a voltage supplied to the actuator. The methods may provide accurate wastegate control in the presence of varying magnetic fields, ensuring the proper supply of boost to an engine. |
| US09322475B2 |
Frictionless shaft seal
A sealing element for sealing a shaft comprises a stiffening part, a first elastomer part connected to the stiffening part and adapted to adjoin the housing part and provide a static seal relative, and a second elastomer part of an elastomer material different from the elastomer material forming the first elastomer part. The second elastomer part is connected to the stiffening part and comprises a sealing section adapted to adjoin the shaft to seal a space. The sealing section comprises a return structure for returning a leaking fluid to a space to be sealed. The sealing section also comprises a region at one axial end portion of the sealing section which is peripherally closed in itself and extends along an inner surface of a circular cylinder portion of the sealing section that is adapted to adjoin and seal the shaft as the shaft is not turning. |
| US09322471B2 |
Music-based indication for electronic transmission range selection
Music-based electronic transmission range selection for a vehicle is provided. A first signal from a first electronic control unit (ECU) is received that is indicative of an initiation of an electronic park function. The first ECU generates a signal when an operator presses an electronic park button on an electronic shift device. A corresponding first audio function is determined from the first signal and is implemented. It is determined whether a second signal from a second ECU is received, which second signal indicates successful engagement of the park function. If it is not received, a second audio function is implemented and, if it has been received, a third audio function is implemented. The second audio function produces sound that is dissonant with respect to the sound produced by the first audio function, and the third audio function produces sound that is consonant with respect to the first audio function. |
| US09322469B2 |
Folding fan type electronic shift lever
A folding fan type electronic shift lever may include a plurality of gear shift units disposed on a console surface of a vehicle, a console fixing pin penetrating a hole formed at a side of each of the plurality of gear shift units, an operating unit connected to one or more gear shift units of the plurality of gear shift units, and operated to allow the plurality of gear shift units to be rotated about the console fixing pin, and a control unit disposed on a lower portion of the console surface of the vehicle, receiving operational signals sent from the plurality of gear shift units through the console fixing pin, and transmitting the operational signals to a transmission control unit (TCU) of the vehicle. |
| US09322468B2 |
Reduction gear unit
A ring that includes an inner peripheral surfaces that surrounds an outer peripheral surface of a pinion shaft provided through a pinion, a gear-side end surface, a bearing-side end surface, and an outer peripheral surface inclined from the gear-side end surface toward an outer peripheral edge of the bearing-side end surface is provided between the pinion and an inner race. When the length from an outer peripheral edge of the outer peripheral edge of the gear-side end surface to an axial line of the pinion shaft is L10, the length from a tooth root of a large gear to the axial line is L11, the length from an outer peripheral edge of a gear-side end surface of a large-diameter-side flange portion to the axial line is L2, and the length from the outer peripheral edge of the bearing-side end surface to the axial line is L3, L10 |
| US09322467B2 |
Insert shaft system, differential with insert shaft system, oil distribution in shaft systems of transmissions, and steel oil drip pan for the oiling of a shaft
A plug-in shaft system comprising a hollow stub shaft inside of which a shaft is put to transmit torque, a sealing cap being fastened to a front end of the hollow stub shaft to seal the interior of the hollow stub shaft from the passage of oil, and an oil guiding cap being fastened to the front of the hollow stub shaft at an axial distance to the oil sealing cap, the oil guiding cap defining an oil guiding space. A differential, such as a straight differential, including the plugin shaft system, wherein preferably two sun gears are used. |
| US09322464B2 |
Hollow drive gear reduction mechanism
A hollow drive gear reduction mechanism includes a hollow wave generator, an annular flexible bearing, a flexible wheel, and a rigid wheel. The annular flexible bearing is disposed in and driven to rotate by an elliptical recess of the wave generator. The flexible wheel includes an inner toothed section and is inserted in the annular flexible bearing and has an outer surface abutted against an inner surface of the inner ring, and the flexible wheel is driven to rotate by the annular flexible bearing. The rigid wheel includes a plurality of outer teeth which are different in number from the inner teeth of the flexible wheel, the rigid wheel is inserted in the flexible wheel, and a part of the outer teeth are meshed with the inner teeth. The respective components are hollow structures, and a lateral aperture is formed on the hollow wave generator. |
| US09322463B2 |
Hydrokinetic torque coupling device with centered lock-up clutch friction disc, and method for assembling the same
A hydrokinetic torque coupling device comprises a turbine, a driven plate non-rotatably attached to the turbine, circumferentially oriented torque transmitting elastic elements, and a friction disc including peripheral, axially extending driving tabs. The driven plate includes circumferentially oriented centering slots such that the axially extending driving tabs of the friction disc protrude into the centering slots and engage the elastic elements. A method for assembling a hydrokinetic torque converter involves providing a driven plate including circumferentially oriented centering slots, elastic elements and a friction disc including peripheral axially extending driving tabs, mounting the friction disc and the elastic elements to the driven plate so that the driving tabs of the friction disc and the driven plate engage the elastic elements, and centering the friction disc with respect to the driven plate by protruding the driving tabs into the centering slots of the driven plate. |
| US09322461B2 |
Continuously variable transmission with input/output planetary ratio assembly
A continuously variable transmission is provided. The continuously variable transmission includes an input assembly, an output assembly, an input/output planetary ratio assembly and a torque feedback assembly. The input/output planetary ratio assembly is configured and arranged to set an input to output speed ratio. The input/output ratio assembly has a first portion that is in rotational communication with the input assembly and a second portion that is in rotational communication with the output assembly. The torque feedback control assembly provides an axial load force in response to a torque of a load coupled to the output assembly. Moreover, the torque feedback control assembly is coupled to provide torque feedback to the input/output planetary ratio assembly to at least in part control the input to output speed ratio of the input/output planetary ratio assembly. |
| US09322459B2 |
Vehicular automatic transmission
A vehicular automatic transmission, includes: a housing; input and output shafts sustained to be rotatable around a rotation shaft line in the housing; single pinion type first, second and third planetary gears sustained in parallel coaxially with the rotation shaft line; a first brake fixing a third ring gear of the third planetary gear to be disengageable with respect to the housing; a first clutch linking the third ring gear and a second carrier of the second planetary gear to be disengageable from each other; and a switching element blocking the link between the input shaft and the first carrier, and switching the input shaft to be in a switched state, wherein, in a reverse gear shift stage, the first clutch is in an engaged state, the first brake is in a fixed state, and the switching element is in a switched state. |
| US09322455B2 |
Toothed belt and use of a toothed belt in oil
There is described a belt comprising a body made of a first elastomeric material, in which a plurality of longitudinal filiform resistant inserts is embedded, and a working surface coated by a coating fabric, advantageously the working surface consists of a toothing. The first elastomeric material comprises fibers which extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the resistant inserts and substantially parallel to a surface defined by the axes of the resistant inserts. |
| US09322454B2 |
Pendulum vibration absorber
A crankshaft can include a pendulum absorber and a retention arrangement. The pendulum absorber can include a carrier, a pendulum and a pin. The carrier can be coupled to a lobe and can have an opening. The pendulum can have an opening and the pin can be received in the openings to couple the pendulum to the carrier. The retention arrangement can include a retention flange and a retention pin. The retention flange can extend from the carrier or lobe. The retention pin can be coupled to the pendulum. The retention arrangement can maintain the retention pin in spaced relation to the retention surface during movement of the pendulum when the pin maintains the pendulum coupled to the carrier, and can retain the pendulum relative to the carrier through engagement of the retention pin and retention surface in an absence of the pin maintaining the pendulum coupled to the carrier. |
| US09322453B2 |
Material compensation joint and radial vibration damper having same
Mating components that are mateable to another component to share the same axis of rotation, assemblies including the mating component mated to another component, and methods of mating them together are disclosed. The mating component includes a hub having an engaging portion defining an endless channel recessed therein. The endless channel has a surface that defines one or more trenches therein and an elastomeric band seated against that surface in an uncompressed state. The elastomeric band has an outermost dimension relative to the endless channel that is larger than the inner or outer dimension defined by the engaging portion of the hub and thereby defines an unchanneled portion of the elastomeric band, which has a volume that is equal to or less than the total volume of the one or more trenches. |
| US09322446B2 |
Turbo drum for drum brakes
A drum brake assembly and a drum having an annular drum wall with an open end and an attachment end. The drum wall further includes an outer drum surface and an inner braking surface, each of which extends between the open end and the attachment end. The drum includes a hub attachment section which is attachable to an associated wheel hub. The drum also has a drum wall connection section extending between the attachment end of the drum wall and the hub attachment section, where the drum wall connection section comprises a plurality of radially angled vanes interspersed with a corresponding plurality of air openings. |
| US09322444B2 |
High energy ventilated construction brake with dual drum
An improved energy capacity brake employing a drum structure with dual braking surfaces may be utilized in a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications requiring braking action. The drum includes first and second annular drum parts joined together to provide a dual drum feature for use with a coupling component together forming a drum brake assembly. In an alternate embodiment the drum may be cast with a single disc member having two braking surfaces. |
| US09322440B2 |
Clutch cooling mechanism
A clutch release mechanism for a vehicle powertrain is provided. The clutch release mechanism includes a piston operable to move in an axial direction along a central axis toward and away from a clutch assembly. An actuator bearing is disposed adjacent to the piston. The actuator bearing is configured to be pressed against the clutch assembly by the piston, and the actuator bearing is configured to rotate around the central axis. A plurality of fins is disposed around the actuator bearing and configured to rotate with the actuator bearing about the central axis. |
| US09322433B1 |
Bearing assemblies, bearing apparatuses, and methods of use
Embodiments of the invention relate to bearing assemblies, bearing apparatuses, and methods of assembling and operating such bearing assemblies and apparatuses. For instance, first bearing assembly and/or the second bearing assembly may include one or more tapered sections, which may facilitate entry of the first bearing assembly into the second bearing assembly. |
| US09322429B2 |
High pressure inlet swivel for hose reel
A hose reel bearing arrangement supports a rotatable swivel shaft on a stationary hose reel frame. The bearing arrangement comprises a stationary bearing race, a rotating bearing race and a bearing. The stationary bearing race is anchored to the stationary hose reel frame, and has a stationary arcuate land for bearing an axial load, a stationary cylindrical land for bearing a radial load, and a stationary frustoconical intervening portion. The rotating bearing race is anchored to the rotatable swivel shaft, and has a rotating arcuate land for bearing the axial load, a rotating cylindrical land for bearing the radial load, and a rotating frustoconical intervening portion. The bearing is bracketed axially by the stationary arcuate land and the rotating arcuate land, and radially by the stationary cylindrical land and the rotating cylindrical land. |
| US09322427B2 |
Fastening device
A fastening device comprising a head, an elongated shaft and a seal. The seal has a sealing element and a covering elements made of different materials. |
| US09322425B1 |
Instrument clip
A musical instrument stand clip is provided including a resilient body having a central portion, a first end portion extending outwardly from the central portion and defining a first opening therein and a second end portion extending outwardly from the central portion and defining a second opening therein, wherein the first opening at least partially overlaps the second opening. |
| US09322421B2 |
Spring-loaded split-tongue connector system
A connector system for mechanically connecting two structural elements to each other, consisting of a connector element and mating grooves in each structural element. The connector element is comprised of a base plate having a split-tongue element at each side or end of said base plate. Each joined element has a mating groove formed into its connector-receiving surface. The mating groove is designed to allow fabrication via four sequential circular saw cuts, without loss of saleable decorative surface, and at a rate consistent with economical commercial production of vinyl, laminate, or hardwood flooring. The connector element is readily extruded in a variety of polymers, including PVC. The connector and mating grooves interact so as to generate a force component acting to forcibly draw the connector into the mating grooves. The connector system operation is relatively insensitive to geometric deviations associated with normal manufacturing methods. |
| US09322420B2 |
Fastening method and apparatus
A fastener (10) includes a clamp arm (26) which is connected with a base (24). The clamp arm (26) cooperates with the base (24) to form an entrance (80) into which an article (14) extends. A first locking tab (40) extends from the base (24) into a first opening (64) in the article (14). A second locking tab (120) extends from the clamp arm (26) into a second opening (142) in the article. When a withdrawal force is applied to the fastener, an arcuate portion (116) of an inner side surface (108) of the clamp arm (26) moves from a position spaced from an outer side surface (164) of the article (14) to a position in which the arcuate portion of the inner side surface of the clamp arm is disposed in abutting engagement with the outer side surface of the article. |
| US09322419B2 |
Central valve for pivot motor actuator
A central valve for a pivot motor actuator, the central valve including a housing tube including a first operating connection, a supply connection, a second operating connection and a tank drain connection; a piston enveloped by the housing tube and moveable relative to the housing tube, wherein the first operating connection is connected with the supply connection and the second operating connection is connected with the tank drain connection in a first position of the piston, wherein the piston is positioned in a center position in a second position, and wherein the second operating connection is connected with the supply connection and the first operating connection is connected with the tank drain connection in a third position of the piston, wherein the piston includes at least one first check valve on its outside. |
| US09322417B2 |
Motor assembly for pneumatic tool
A motor assembly for a pneumatic tool includes: a motor cylinder coaxially secured in a tubular inner housing, which is coaxially secured in a tubular outer housing and has an inlet passage defining a longitudinal axis, including a valve seat, and defining forward and reverse passages that communicate with a motor chamber and extend through the valve seat, and an exhaust port that communicates with the motor chamber, and a throttle passage defined between the inner and outer housings; a motor rotor supported within the motor chamber and rotatable in a forward or reverse direction; and a rotary valve coaxially disposed in the inner housing, supported by the valve seat, and rotatable about the longitudinal axis between forward and reverse positions. |
| US09322416B2 |
Multi-functional proportional control valve for hydraulic suspension system for vehicle
A hydraulic suspension system includes a suspension cylinder, a pump, and a control valve therebetween. The control valve includes a spool reciprocally movable between a pump flow position and a tank flow position in which a control port of the control valve is in communication with a pump and a tank, respectively. A piloted logic element in fluid communication with and interposed between the control valve and the suspension cylinder is selectively movable between a through-flow position in which fluid can flow in either direction between a chamber of the suspension cylinder and the control port of the control valve and a blocked position in which fluid is prevented from flowing in or out of the chamber of the suspension cylinder. The logic element is biased to the blocking position, moving to the through-flow position when subjected to a crack pressure delivered from the control port of the control valve. |
| US09322415B2 |
Blast shield for high pressure compressor
A high pressure compressor includes an inner case wall, a plurality of flanges extending outwardly from the inner case wall, a shield that surrounds at least a portion of at least one of the plurality of flanges to define a chamber that at least partially encases at least one of the plurality of flanges, and a passage at least partially defined by the shield that allows air to circulate into the chamber. |
| US09322413B2 |
Centrifugal fan
Disclosed herein is a centrifugal fan. A driving device is connected to an impeller and drives the impeller to rotate within a case. The flowing channel includes a pressure-enhanced section and an output section. The case includes an air input section, an axial inlet section and a radial air outlet. The bottom base has a center and allows the driving device to be secured thereon. Multiple ribs are interconnected between the bottom base and the case to define air inlets among the ribs, the bottom base and the case. The air inlet within the output section has an outmost edge, which is farther from the center than an outmost edge of the air inlet within the pressure-enhanced section, or the air inlet within the output section has an area, which is larger than that of the air inlet within the pressure-enhanced section. |
| US09322409B2 |
Ventilation unit for flow reversal
A ventilation unit is arranged to effect flow reversal, according to two opposite directions, of a gas flow generated by a fan without reversing the rotation direction of the fan. The ventilation unit includes a fan, at least a first piping arrangement through which a gas flow is intended to pass in one of the two possible directions depending on whether it is blown or sucked by the fan, and a switching assembly arranged between the fan and the at least a first piping arrangement, at least a pair of switching devices being provided in the switching assembly and being movable between two positions for selectively and alternately connecting the at least a first piping arrangement to a delivery duct and to a suction duct of the fan, so as to allow the passage of a gas flow in a direction or in the opposite direction within the at least a first piping arrangement. |
| US09322405B2 |
Rotary compressor with vapor injection system
A compressor may include a crankshaft, first and second cylinder housings, first and second rotors, a divider plate, and first and second valves. The crankshaft includes first and second eccentric portions. The cylinder housings define cylindrical recesses. The rotors are disposed within respective cylindrical recesses and engage respective eccentric portions of the crankshaft. The first rotor and the first cylindrical recess define a first compression chamber therebetween. The second rotor and the second cylindrical recess define a second compression chamber therebetween. The divider plate may be disposed between the cylinder housings and may include first and second fluid openings in communication with the first and second compression chambers. The valves may be moveable relative to the divider plate between a first position allowing fluid flow through the fluid openings and a second position restricting fluid flow through the fluid openings. |
| US09322396B2 |
Foundation for a wind turbine
The invention concerns a pylon base section for arrangement and fixing on a foundation and for the erection of a pylon of a wind power installation thereon including an outer lower annular flange for placement on the foundation and for fixing to the foundation, an inner upper annular flange for placement and fixing of a pylon segment with a corresponding lower pylon flange thereon, an inner lower support flange for placement on the foundation, and inner support elements, in particular support struts, for supporting the upper annular flange relative to the lower support flange. |
| US09322395B2 |
Power generating device
A power generating device includes an input rotor that is provided to an output shaft of speed up gears so as to be capable of rotating together with the output shaft, an output rotor that is provided to a drive shaft of a generator so as to be capable of rotating together with the drive shaft, and a one-way clutch that is disposed between the input rotor and the output rotor. The one-way clutch connects the input rotor with the output rotor so as to rotate together with the input rotor and the output rotor when the rotation speed of the input rotor exceeds the rotation speed of the output rotor, and the one-way clutch is configured to release the connection between the input rotor and the output rotor when the rotation speed of the input rotor falls below the rotation speed of the output rotor. |
| US09322392B2 |
Enclosed vertical axis fluid rotor
A enclosed vertical axis fluid rotor used as a wind turbine of two designs having multiple sails that are concave on the inside and convex on the outer side which allows omni-directional wind or other fluids to engage sails to create optimum fluid momentum. These are sectional segmentation of each rotor that can be stacked upon one another at locating lug points to be attached to each rotor to keep radial alignment precise during assembly. The preferred embodiment would be of composite materials or plastics that can be molded to a given design of three or more stages. The advantage of this turbine is using the fluids to their optimum efficiency. These designs have low starting speed, low precession, and low drag. One design has a central axis that turns with bearings with the rotor and the other design is a central static (non-turning) axis shaft that allows the turbine to turn on bearings. |
| US09322391B2 |
Housing for a high efficiency wind turbine
A housing for a wind turbine includes a plurality of spine members with a central rib and opposed channels. Frame members are attached to adjacent spine members. The housing includes divergent frame members having a pair of longitudinal members which are inserted into channels of a spine member. The housing includes central support members, each central support member is attached to a divergent frame member. Each of the central support members is attached near the center of one of the divergent frame members. The housing also includes outer plates, each outer plate attached to and between adjacent spine members. Channels face in the opposite direction from adjacent channels on the spines. An inner shroud is attached to the spine members. Air passages are created underneath the arcuate outer plates. A cowling is attached to the end plates. |
| US09322390B2 |
Method for repairing a power rail housing of a wind power plant, power rail housing and repair kit for carrying out the method
The invention relates to a method for repairing a power rail housing (100) of a wind power plant (10), in which the power rail housing (100) is composed of a plurality of power rail housing sections (32, 33) each having an at least essentially rectangular cross section and being connected to one another in the longitudinal direction, wherein the connection of the power rail housing sections (32, 33) is carried out by means of preferably plate-shaped connecting elements (37, 38), said power rail housing sections (32, 33) covering a connecting region of power rails (27 to 29) within the power rail housing (100), wherein the connecting elements (37, 38) are connected by means of screws (42, 43) to the two power rail housing sections (32, 33) which adjoin one another in the longitudinal direction. |
| US09322383B2 |
Method for closed-loop control of the temperature of a glow plug
A method for controlling the surface temperature of a glow plug. A heating current flowing through the glow plug and a voltage applied to the glow plug are measured, a temperature-dependent control variable is calculated from measured values of the heating current and the voltage using a first calculation rule, a target value of the control variable is calculated from a target temperature using a second calculation rule, the control variable is compared with the target value and, to minimize any deviation, the duty cycle of the pulse-width modulation is changed in accordance with this deviation. A value other than electrical resistance dependent on current and voltage is used as the control variable. The calculation rule in accordance with which this variable is calculated from measured values of current and voltage is provided to carry out the method and is established in each case for a series of glow plugs. |
| US09322382B2 |
Method for detecting detonation phenomena in an internal combustion engine
A method for detecting the development of detonation phenomena in an internal combustion engine (1) which includes determining the variance (σi) of each combustion taken into account for a given cylinder (2) and in a given engine point as a function of the comparison between the detonation energy (μi) of each combustion taken into account and the self-learnt mean detonation energy (μi_m) for the given cylinder (2) and in the given engine point; calculating the maximum variance (σi_max) for a given cylinder (2) and in a given engine point with a reduction of the spark advance actuated in the given cylinder (2); and determining the development of detonation phenomena for each combustion taken into account as a function of the comparison between the maximum variance (σi_max) and the variance (σi) of each combustion taken into account for a given cylinder (2) and in a given engine point. |
| US09322376B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine has an ignition promotion unit that has a function of promoting ignition of fuel sprays formed by the small quantity injections by supplying the fuel sprays with electric energy. The engine is provided with a control device which has a combustion control unit that carries out processing of causing the fuel injection valve to perform the plurality of times of small quantity injections so that fuel sprays formed by the first-time small quantity injection from among the plurality of times of small quantity injections are connected with one another by the fuel sprays formed by the subsequent small quantity injections from among the plurality of times of small quantity injections. |
| US09322374B2 |
Electromagnetic fuel injector with braking device
The present invention relates to a fuel injector. The fuel injector is provided with an injection nozzle, an injection valve, and an electromagnetic actuator. The injection valve has a movable needle to adjust the flow of fuel through the injection nozzle. The electromagnetic actuator is adapted to move the needle between a closing position and an opening position of the injection valve and is provided with a movable plunger which is mechanically connected to the needle and has at least one feeding through hole for the passage of fuel towards the injection nozzle. The plunger is provided with a hydraulic type braking device, which is coupled to the feeding hole and hydraulically dissipates kinetic energy to slow down the opening stroke of the needle when the needle moves towards the opening position of the injection valve. |
| US09322363B2 |
System and method for reducing vane sticking in a variable geometry turbocharger
A method for operating an engine system is described herein. The method includes moving a plurality of vanes in a variable geometry turbocharger toward a closed position in response to tip-out and after moving the plurality of vanes toward the closed position, moving an EGR valve from a fully closed position toward an open position in response to tip-in, the EGR valve in fluidic communication with an exhaust sub-system upstream of the turbine. The method further includes, after moving the EGR valve toward an open position, moving the plurality of vanes based on one or more of a driver-requested torque, engine speed, and engine temperature. |
| US09322362B2 |
Supercharging system for engine
A supercharging system for an engine includes: a cylinder block forming a combustion chamber; an intake manifold connected to the cylinder block to supply ambient air thereto; an exhaust manifold collecting exhaust gas discharged from the combustion chamber and guiding the same to the environment; a third supercharge path connecting an inlet of the intake manifold to the exhaust manifold; and an electric supercharger supplying compressed air to the exhaust manifold through the third supercharge path. Responsiveness of an engine is enhanced and stabilization of the engine is promoted. |
| US09322360B2 |
Hydraulic blocker door deployment systems
A hydraulic circuit for a jet engine thrust reverser is disclosed. The hydraulic circuit may comprise a primary hydraulic actuator cylinder assembly and a secondary hydraulic actuator cylinder assembly. The primary hydraulic actuator cylinder assembly may be hydraulically coupled to the secondary hydraulic actuator cylinder assembly, in a master-slave relationship, and the secondary hydraulic actuator cylinder assembly may drive a thrust reverser blocker door. The primary hydraulic actuator cylinder assembly may comprise a rod, and the rod may comprise a channel through which hydraulic fluid is capable of flowing. The hydraulic circuit may further comprise a group of secondary hydraulic actuator cylinder assemblies, wherein the group of secondary hydraulic actuator cylinder assemblies may be coupled to the primary hydraulic actuator cylinder assembly. |
| US09322359B2 |
Green treatment process for cleaning exhaust gas generated in air oxidation of benzene homologs
A green treatment process for cleaning exhaust gas generated in the air oxidation of benzene homologs is disclosed. It takes the hot pressurized exhaust gas generated in the benzene homolog air oxidation process as driving power and heating source: firstly, introducing the said exhaust gas into a turbine refrigerator so that it can drive the refrigerator to generate the cooling capacity that will be utilized for condensing the gas phase in the upper part of the flash evaporator and for trapping organics entrained in the exhaust gas; then, leading the exhaust gas with lowered temperature and pressure into corresponding heat exchangers to provide a part of heating source for the flash evaporator and to preheat the reaction raw materials. Furthermore, introducing the condensed exhaust gas into a water absorption scrubber for further removal of trace organics entrained therein. |
| US09322350B2 |
Method for compensating an operating imbalance between different banks of a turbocharged engine
A method for controlling differences in cylinder mixtures for a two cylinder bank engine having a turbocharger is presented. In one example, the description includes a method for adjusting valve timing to reduce cylinder mixture variation. |
| US09322345B2 |
Electric actuator temperature estimation
Various methods for estimating electric actuator temperature during certain operational windows are provided. In one example, a method comprises adjusting an electric motor to position a wastegate at a desired wastegate position, while during selected conditions, deviating from the desired position by at least one full half-turn of the motor and indicating motor temperature based on winding resistance averaged over the full half-turn. |
| US09322344B2 |
Engine-powered work tool provided with wind governor
An engine-powered work tool includes an engine having a crank shaft, an output controller and a wind governor. The output controller includes an output control shaft angularly rotatable about its axis for controlling a rotation speed of the crank shaft. The wind governor can control the angular rotation of the output control shaft and includes: a governor plate for receiving cooling air generated at a cooling fan connected to the crank shaft; an arm fixed to the output control shaft; and a governor spring connected to the arm for biasing the output control shaft to increase the rotation speed of the crank shaft. The governor plate functions to bias the output control shaft to decrease the rotation speed of the crank shaft upon receipt of the cooling air. The governor spring has an end changeable in position relative to the output controller among a plurality of prescribed positions. |
| US09322339B2 |
Internal combustion engine operating on different reactivity fuels
A premixed charge of air and a low reactivity fuel is created in a combustion chamber space by the time at which a piston comes substantially to top dead center at which time a high reactivity fuel is directly injected into a central zone of the combustion chamber space which is bounded partially by a central bowl cavity in the piston head which is itself surrounded by an upright intermediate wall. The high reactivity fuel combusts by conventional diesel combustion and creates a flame front which propagates into an outer zone of the combustion chamber space which is bounded partially by the upright intermediate wall and an outer bowl cavity in the piston head to initiate combustion of the premixed air-fuel charge in the outer zone of the combustion chamber space. |
| US09322338B2 |
Throttle valve for preventing sudden unintended acceleration
A throttle valve for preventing a sudden unintended acceleration, the throttle valve regulating an amount of air supplied to an engine mounted on a vehicle and including a valve main body, a flow path formed in the valve main body and having an inlet through which the air flows in and an outlet connected to the engine, and a flow rate regulating unit regulating an amount of the air in the flow path by opening or closing the flow path, in which, when a rapid pressure drop occurs at the outlet side connected to the engine, the flow rate regulating unit is pressed by a force generated due to a difference in pressure between the inlet and the outlet so as to close the flow path without use of an additional drive source. When a rapid pressure drop occurs at the outlet side connected to the engine, a flow rate regulating unit automatically closes the flow path without use of an additional drive source by being pressed by a force generated due to a difference in pressure between the inlet and the outlet, thereby substantially preventing a vehicle sudden unintended acceleration accident. |
| US09322337B2 |
Aerodynamic intercompressor bleed ports
An air bleed system for a gas turbine engine includes an annular bleed case with a manifold therein. The annular bleed case has a forward section and an aft section and ligaments connecting the two sections. The forward section, the aft section and the ligaments define bleed ports. The manifold is disposed radially outward of the ligaments and communicates with the series of bleed ports. |
| US09322335B2 |
Gas turbine combustor exit piece with hinged connections
An exit piece (66) with an inlet throat (67) that conducts a combustion gas flow (36A) in a path (82) from a combustor (63) to an annular chamber (68) that feeds the first blade section (37) of a gas turbine (26). The exit piece further includes an outlet portion (69) that forms a circumferential segment of the annular chamber. The outlet portion interconnects with adjacent outlet portions by hinges (78A, 78B, 80A, 80B). Each hinge may have a hinge axis (82A, 82B) parallel to a centerline (21) of the turbine. Respective gas flows (36A) are configured by an assembly (60) of the exit pieces to converge on the feed chamber (68) into a uniform helical flow that drives the first blade section with minimal circumferential variations in force. |
| US09322334B2 |
Deformable mounting assembly
A deformable fastener assembly for use with a gas turbine engine. The deformable fastener may be used to fasten a component of the gas turbine that is subjected to high temperatures and thermal deformation, such as an impingement sleeve assembly, to a rigid portion, such as the inner turbine shell of the gas turbine engine. The deformable fastener assemblies may permit components to be fastened to a rigid portion of the gas turbine with a consistent load input to permit frictional transient sliding of the component relative to the rigid portion of the gas turbine engine. |
| US09322329B2 |
Method for switching off a rotational speed limit in an internal combustion engine
A method controls the rpm of a combustion engine in a hand-held work apparatus such as a brushcutter. The engine drives a work tool via a clutch which engages as a function of the engine rpm (n). A spark plug is arranged in the combustion chamber and is driven by an ignition unit. During start of the engine, an rpm lock circuit is active and defines a control variable as a function of the instantaneous rpm (nact) of the engine. According to the magnitude of this control variable, operating parameters of the engine are adapted to change the instantaneous rpm (nact). A control variable is determined for the adaptation of the operating parameters by the rpm lock circuit. The switch-off of the rpm lock circuit is provided when the control variable of the control lies outside a predetermined bandwidth of the absolute magnitude of the control variables. |
| US09322327B2 |
Turbocharger with bypass valve providing complete bypass of the turbine for improved catalyst light-off
A turbocharger includes a turbine housing defining an exhaust gas inlet, and an exhaust gas exit. The turbine housing is integrated with a housing for a 3-way valve defining a primary through-passage that supplies exhaust gas directly to a catalyst. The exhaust gas inlet is connected to a bypass passage of the valve that allows exhaust gases to flow to the turbine before going to the catalyst. The valve includes a rotary element whose position is controllable to regulate flow through each of the primary through-passage and the bypass passage of the valve. The rotary element is rotatable over a first range of movement and a further second range of movement, the first range including a position in which the bypass passage is substantially fully closed. Over the second range the bypass passage is fully open regardless of the degree of opening or closing of the primary through-passage. |
| US09322326B2 |
System and method for reducing vane sticking in a variable geometry turbocharger
A method for operating an engine system is described herein. The method includes moving a plurality of vanes in a variable geometry turbocharger toward a closed position in response to tip-out and after moving the plurality of vanes toward the closed position, moving an EGR valve from a fully closed position toward an open position in response to tip-in, the EGR valve in fluidic communication with an exhaust sub-system upstream of the turbine. The method further includes, after moving the EGR valve toward an open position, moving the plurality of vanes based on one or more of a driver-requested torque, engine speed, and engine temperature. |
| US09322324B2 |
Method and device for controlling an electrical actuator for a wastegate valve arrangement of an exhaust gas turbocharger
A method for controlling an electrical actuator for a wastegate valve arrangement of an exhaust gas turbocharger in an internal combustion engine is provided. A wastegate is situated in a bypass channel of the exhaust gas turbocharger. The method includes closing or opening the wastegate by the actuator for adjusting the exhaust gas flow routed past the exhaust gas turbocharger via the bypass channel. The wastegate is exposed to a predetermined closing force while it is in a closed state so as to regulate the closing force to a desired value for the closing force as a function of an actual value for the closing force. Computer-readable mediums embodying a computer program product having a program to perform the method are also provided. |
| US09322321B2 |
Fresh air system
A fresh air system for supplying combustion chambers of an internal combustion engine with fresh air may include a housing through which a fresh air path is routed. The fresh air system may include a charge air cooler arranged in the fresh air path. The housing may include an insertion opening, through which the charge air cooler is laterally inserted into the housing transversely to the fresh air path. An outer end region of the charge air cooler may close off the insertion opening and include a circumferential holding flange. The circumferential holding flange may be clamped between a holding rim enclosing the insertion opening and a separate holding frame. |
| US09322318B2 |
Hybrid fascia mounted exhaust tip assembly
An exhaust module made of a thermoplastic material which is connected to a fascia or bumper of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the hybrid fascia mounted exhaust tip assembly includes a bracket. The bracket has a large diameter portion which surrounds, but is not in contact with, an exhaust pipe. The exhaust pipe is free to move around as a result of the vehicle traveling over bumps in the road and around turns. The bracket also has a small diameter portion which is connected to the large diameter portion. A ring tip has a portion that slides onto a bezel portion of the small diameter portion. |
| US09322317B2 |
Exhaust device of motorcycle
A motorcycle is equipped with a V-type engine in which front and rear cylinders are arranged in a V-shape along a vehicle front and rear direction. An exhaust device includes: a catalyst device disposed on an exhaust downstream side of a collection part of an exhaust pipe of the front cylinder and an exhaust pipe of the rear cylinder; and a connecting pipe via which the exhaust pipe of the front cylinder and the exhaust pipe of the rear cylinder communicate with each other, and the connecting pipe passes through a space between the exhaust pipe of the rear cylinder and the catalyst device. |
| US09322314B2 |
Method for operating an SCR dosing unit and motor vehicle having a dosing unit
A method for operating a dosing unit for dosing reducing agent into an exhaust gas treatment device for purifying the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine, includes providing the dosing unit with at least one delivery pump, at least one injector and a line section for conducting reducing agent from the delivery pump to the injector. The dosing unit is first operated for dosing reducing agent into the exhaust gas treatment device. Then, the dosing unit is shut off. Subsequently, a first pressure is maintained in the line section for at least a first time period, with the first pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure. A motor vehicle having the dosing unit is also provided. |
| US09322308B2 |
Ejector
An ejector (20), which built in an ejector housing hole (18), comprises: a nozzle (21) for diffusing and ejecting compressed air from an air supply port (23); and a diffuser (22) formed with an ejection port (29) for discharging air ejected from the nozzle (21) and air flowing in from a suction port (30). A muffler main body (42) attached to an ejector block (11) is formed with a silencing chamber (43), and a distal-end wall portion (42b) of the muffler main body (42) is formed with an exhaust port (48) facing the ejection port (29). It is possible to achieve the silencing effect while ensuring the vacuum degree of negative-pressure air and the intake flow rate by discharging air from the exhaust port (48). |
| US09322303B2 |
Variable valve timing control unit
A variable valve timing control unit includes an intake-side variable valve timing control apparatus, an exhaust-side variable valve timing control apparatus, an intake-side phase control valve selectively performing supply and discharge of fluid relative to an advanced angle fluid passage and a retarded angle fluid passage of the intake-side variable valve timing control apparatus, an exhaust-side phase control valve selectively performing supply and discharge of the fluid relative to the advanced angle fluid passage and the retarded angle fluid passage of the exhaust-side variable valve timing control apparatus, and a single lock control valve controlling supply and discharge of the fluid relative to unlock fluid passages of the respective intake-side variable valve timing control apparatus and the exhaust-side variable valve timing control apparatus. |
| US09322302B2 |
Operating internal combustion engines
A control system is disclosed for operating an internal combustion engine. The control system includes a control unit configured for providing a part load mode that is optimized for slow operation of the engine at loads up to an upper part load limit in the range from 40% to 75% of a maximum engine load. The control unit is also configured for providing a high load mode for engine loads above the upper part load limit. In the part load mode, at least one inlet valve is closed at a closing angle later than in the high load mode. |
| US09322301B2 |
Method of externally modifying a Carnot engine cycle
A method of externally modifying a Carnot engine cycle. A first step involves providing a heat exchange path between an external environment and a fluid circulating in a carnot engine. A second step involving permitting the carnot engine to draw from an endless supply of heat or cold in the external environment to regenerate the Carnot engine cycle as entropic losses are encountered and as differential heat energy is converted into power. |
| US09322299B2 |
Heat engine shuttle pump system and method
A heat engine including a novel method for transferring working fluid from the low pressure side of the cycle back to the high pressure side. The invention includes one or more transfer tanks connecting the condenser to the boiler. Each transfer tank is connected to the condenser by a fill line and connected to the boiler by a dump line. Gravity and/or small transfer pumps are used to transfer the working fluid horn the low pressure side, through the transfer tank or tanks, and then to the high pressure side. |
| US09322294B2 |
Oil-free turbocharger assembly
The present invention relates to an oil-free turbocharger assembly using an airfoil bearing that may be useful in high speed conditions. The assembly can be cooled easily. A heat-proof coating can also be easily applied to the turbo charger's rotating shaft. In one embodiment, an oil-free turbocharger assembly has a constant distance between a journal portion and a rotating shaft so that the mass of the rotating body can be minimized and the rotating body assembly can have a small moment of inertia. The turbocharger in some embodiments of the invention may be cooled by a refrigerant which improves cooling efficiency. Each part of the rotating body assembly in some embodiments may be individually treated with a heat-proof process so that productivity can be improved. |
| US09322293B2 |
Turbojet venting pipe, method for mounting one such pipe and turbojet provided with one such pipe
A venting pipe used to guide a gas stream in a turbojet including at least one hollow rotary shaft inside which the pipe is mounted, the pipe extending generally along an axis. The pipe includes at least two pipe segments configured to be aligned longitudinally and assembled to one another while retaining a degree of freedom in relative translation thereof, at least one of the segments including a deformable mechanism configured to deform radially as the pipe segments are tightened against one another in the shaft of the turbojet, to bear on the shaft. The pipe structure facilitates mounting of the pipe. |
| US09322290B2 |
Propeller nozzle
A propeller nozzle for watercraft, includes a nozzle and a propeller having at least one propeller blade which can rotate about a propeller axis and which spans a propeller area through rotation about the propeller axis. The propeller blade has a propeller blade end region wherein the propeller is disposed inside the nozzle in such a manner that a circumferential gap in the circumferential direction of the propeller nozzle is formed between the propeller end region and the inner wall of the nozzle. A marginal flow running from a nozzle in the area of the inner wall of the nozzle can flow through the gap, wherein the performance losses which occur due to turbulence of the marginal flow during flow around the propeller blade end region are kept as low as possible. Flow guiding apparatus guides at least one part of the marginal flow onto the propeller area. |
| US09322282B2 |
Fillet for use with a turbine rotor blade tip shroud
A turbine rotor blade is provided. The turbine rotor blade includes an airfoil, an airfoil tip, a tip shroud, and a fillet about an intersection of the airfoil tip and the tip shroud. The fillet defines a fillet profile variable about the intersection as a function of aerodynamic airflow about the intersection. |
| US09322281B2 |
Shroud segment to be arranged on a blade
A shroud segment to be arranged on a gas turbine blade is disclosed. The shroud segment includes a shroud segment surface and a stiffening structure that is raised relative to the shroud segment surface. The stiffening structure is cross-shaped at least in some areas. |
| US09322272B2 |
Planetary rotary type fluid motor or engine and compressor or pump
A planetary rotary type rotation device comprises a stator, a rotor, and a center sun wheel drum (10). The stator includes a hollow cylinder block (1) having a cylinder. The rotor includes a main shaft (3), planetary piston wheel fixation flanges (9), and a planetary piston wheel (8). The two planetary piston wheel fixation flanges (9) are symmetrically fixed to the main shaft (3). The center sun wheel drum (10) is disposed between the two planetary piston wheel fixation flanges (9) and fitted over the main shaft (3). An annular piston space (19) is formed between an outer circular surface of the center sun wheel drum (10) and a cylinder wall of the cylinder of the cylinder block (1). The planetary piston wheel (8) is a cylindrical roller. The cylindrical roller is disposed in the annular piston space (19) in a rolling manner. Both ends of the cylindrical roller are fixed to the planetary piston wheel fixation flanges (9). A planetary rotary type fluid motor or engine, their operation method, and a planetary rotary type compressor or pump are disclosed. The planetary rotary type rotation device has a simple structure, a small volume, and a light weight. |
| US09322271B2 |
Cryogenic refrigerator
A disclosed cryogenic refrigerator includes a cylinder, a displacer reciprocally moving inside the cylinder, and an elastic unit which is provided in at least one of a pair of end regions respectively including a pair of end portions within a range of a reciprocal motion of the displacer, accumulates an elastic force when the displacer approaches the end portion, and releases the elastic force when the displacer departs from the end portion. |
| US09322270B2 |
Pneumatic drive
The invention relates to a pneumatic drive, comprising a pneumatic drive unit (1), which has a piston (3) that can be moved between a first position and a second position. The piston is accelerated and braked by means of compressed air, which is fed to or led away from the pneumatic drive unit by means of valve arrangements (8, 9) having distribution valves (16, 17, 21, 22). In at least one distribution valve (17, 22), a damping throttle (20, 25) is provided, which has a differential pressure piston (28), which can be moved as a function of the compression pressure, whereby the free throttle cross-section (49) through which the compressed air flows can be changed as a function of the compression pressure. |
| US09322260B2 |
Methods of zonal isolation and treatment diversion
Methods of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore, by providing a treatment fluid comprising a blend including a first amount of particulates having a first average particle size between about 3 mm and 2 cm and a second amount of particulates having a second average size between about 1.6 and 20 times smaller than the first average particle size or a second amount of flakes having a second average size up to 10 times smaller than the first average particle size; by introducing the treatment fluid into the well bore; and by creating a plug with the treatment fluid. |
| US09322258B2 |
Water conversion system
A mobile water conversion system including an electro-coagulation stage, a microfiltration stage, a cooling stage, a nanofiltration stage, and a reverse osmosis stage. The electro-coagulation stage receives heated input water, such as geothermal brackish water, and reduces total suspended solids. The microfiltration stage removes suspended solids and dissolved solids. The cooling stage provides cooled brine water. The nanofiltration stage removes hardness from the cooled brine water to provide sodium brine water. A portion of sodium brine water is provided to circulating water in the cooling stage. The reverse osmosis stage reduces sodium content and provides fresh water suitable for a specified purpose, such as fracking. |
| US09322253B2 |
Method for production of hydrocarbons using caverns
Embodiments described herein provide a system and methods for the production of hydrocarbons. The method includes flowing a stream directly from a hydrocarbon reservoir to a cavern and performing a phase separation of the stream within the cavern to form an aqueous phase and an organic phase. The method also includes flowing at least a portion of the aqueous phase or the organic phase, or both, directly from the cavern to a subsurface location and offloading at least a portion of the organic phase from the cavern to a surface. |
| US09322246B2 |
Solids delivery apparatus and method for a well
A method that is usable with a well includes introducing solids into a pneumatic stream to produce a solids-containing pneumatic stream; communicating the solids-containing pneumatic stream to a blender assembly to mix the solids with at least one other material to produce a flow; and pumping the flow into the well. |
| US09322238B2 |
Polish rod locking clamp
A pump drive head for a progressing cavity pump comprises a top mounted stuffing box rotatably disposed around a compliantly mounted standpipe with a self or manually adjusting pressurization system for the stuffing box. To prevent rotary and vertical motion of the polish rod while servicing the stuffing box, a polished rod lock-out clamp is provided with the pump drive head integral with or adjacent to a blow-out-preventer which can be integrated with the pump drive head to save space and cost. A centrifugal backspin braking system located on the input shaft and actuated only in the backspin direction and a gear drive between the input shaft and output shaft are provided. |
| US09322237B2 |
Mechanical force generator for a downhole excitation apparatus
An excitation apparatus suitable for use downhole having interengaged masses at least in part confined or guided so as to be movable as an interengaged assembly on an axis, one mass (“rotatable mass”) being rotatable relative to the other mass about the axis to cyclically vary the axial length of the assembly of the interengaged masses, a rotary drive, and an interposed spring (of any kind) between the rotary drive and the rotatable mass able to transmit torque from the rotary drive to the rotatable mass yet vary in its extent responsive to the interengaged masses. |
| US09322236B2 |
Coring system and method
A system and method for obtaining soil samples is described. A coring system includes a suction carrier, a pump and a corer. The suction carrier comprises a body defining a cavity and a top portion having an aperture. The pump is positioned adjacent to the aperture and constructed and arranged to deliver fluid from the cavity. The corer is constructed and arranged to releasably engage with the suction carrier. |
| US09322234B2 |
System for coupling MWD tools
Downhole tools, such as MWD modules (or components), may be coupled together with a coupler (or coupling device) having a shall housing with slidable electrical connectors disposed at each end. The electrical connectors may each be supported in connector housings disposed with springs or other movable devices. In a first position, the electrical connectors may extend past the ends of the shaft housing. The slidable connector housings allow the electrical connections to be made before the sleeves connecting (or mechanically connecting) the MWD modules with the coupler are begun to be threadedly attached with the coupler. Each of the connector housings may have a key configuration on their exposed end. The shaft housing may also have key configurations on its ends. The key configurations of the connector housings and the shaft housing may be configured to mate with compatible ends of MWD modules. |
| US09322233B2 |
Downhole activation system using magnets and method thereof
A downhole activation system within a tubular. The system includes an axially movable member; a first magnetic field source having a first field with a first axial orientation movable with the member. A second magnetic field source having a second field with an axial orientation different from the first orientation and separated from the first magnetic field source. The second field being magnetically repulsed by the first field; and, a biasing device urging the second magnetic field source towards the first magnetic field source; wherein movement of the first magnet via the member towards the second magnet moves the second magnet in a direction against the biasing device. A method of activating an activatable member in a downhole tubular. |
| US09322231B2 |
Wellbore fluids comprising mineral particles and methods relating thereto
Mineral particles may provide for wellbore fluids with tailorable properties and capabilities. Such wellbore fluids may be included as a portion of a wellbore drilling assembly that includes a pump in fluid communication with a wellbore via a feed pipe; and a wellbore fluid disposed in at least one selected from the group consisting of the pump, the feed pipe, the wellbore, and any combination thereof, wherein the wellbore fluid comprises a base fluid and a plurality of mineral particles, for example, mineral particles that comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of manganese carbonate, NixFe (x=2-3), copper oxide, and any combination thereof, the mineral particles having a median diameter between about 5 nm and about 5000 microns. |
| US09322230B2 |
Direct drive fluid pump for subsea mudlift pump drilling systems
A subsea mudlift pump includes a pressure sealed housing disposed in a body of water in which a wellbore is being drilled by a drilling rig disposed above the surface of the body of water. A motor (44) is configured to generate linear motion is coupled to at least one piston (46) disposed within the housing such that operation of the motor causes linear motion of the piston within the housing. One side of the piston is within a pumped fluid chamber that changes volume when the piston is moved within the housing. |
| US09322225B2 |
Weak link for a riser system
A weak link (17, 43) for a riser system comprising a pin (2, 25) and a box (1, 24), bolts (11, 34) for releasably connecting the pin (2, 25) and the box (1, 24), the bolts being designed to break at a predefined tension. The link further comprising a pressure balancing mechanism for balancing axial forces acting on the bolts (11, 34) due to end cap effect. The weak link also comprises a strong mode mechanism and a dampening mechanism. |
| US09322219B2 |
Rolling cutter using pin, ball or extrusion on the bit body as attachment methods
A drill bit has a bit body, a plurality of blades extending radially from the bit body, wherein each blade comprises a leading face and a trailing face, a plurality of cutter pockets disposed on the plurality of blades, at least one rolling cutter, wherein each rolling cutter is disposed in one of the cutter pockets, and wherein each rolling cutter comprises a cutting face, a cutting edge, an outer circumferential surface, and a back face. A back retainer is disposed adjacent to the back face, wherein the back retainer protrudes partially into the rolling cutter along a rotational axis of the rolling cutter, and a front retainer is disposed adjacent to the at least one rolling cutter on the leading face of the blade. Each front retainer has a retention end, wherein the retention end is positioned adjacent to a portion of the cutting face of each rolling cutter, and an attachment end, wherein the attachment end is attached to a portion of the blade. |
| US09322216B2 |
Annulus ring hole drill
An apparatus for drilling annulus ring hole, comprising: a down-the-hole (DTH) percussion hammer assembly, the DTH percussion hammer assembly comprising one or more DTH percussion hammers, an annulus ring structural housing having an outer diameter (OD) and an inner diameter (ID) for accommodating the DTH percussion hammers within space between the OD and the ID of the annulus ring structural housing; one or more drill pipes being connected serially with each other forming a string of drill pipes, the string of serially connected drill pipes being connected to the DTH percussion hammer assembly; a top pipe with one or more exhaust openings being connected to the string of serially connected drill pipes; an air or fluid distributor being connected to the top pipe; and a rotary head providing rotational turning motion for the apparatus, and the rotary head being connected to the air distributor. |
| US09322215B2 |
Ladder leveler apparatus
A ladder includes a leveler engages a bottom of each side rail for 1) causing extendable legs to move to a level ground-engaging position, 2) causing the legs to lock when both legs engage the ground, and 3) causing the extendable legs to move to a centered/retracted position when lifted from the ground. The leveler includes pawls, links, pinions, and a shaft forming a four-bar linkage for selectively moving the pawls inward to the disengaged position when the pinion and shaft are each freely rotatable, but selectively moving the pawl outward into locking engagement when the shaft resists movement due to ground engagement by both legs. The leveler can be constructed to attach to an inside of the side rails, thus facilitating pre-assembly. |
| US09322212B2 |
Wind lock configuration for overhead roll-up doors
An overhead roll-up door assembly for a vertically moving door to permit and prohibit access to an opening, the door assembly having a pair of spaced apart, parallel side columns for vertically guiding a door panel, the door panel having at least one wind lock attached proximate each marginal edge of the door panel, each of the wind locks having an angled portion facing the interior of the opening having a first durometer and a substantially rectangular portion having a second durometer different from the first durometer, the wind locks engaging the side column to prevent disengagement of the door panel from the side columns when a wind load is applied to the door panel. |
| US09322211B2 |
Vertical blind assembly
A vertical blind assembly module includes a head rail unit with opposite sides and a unit axis extending between the sides, a housing and an axle pivotally connecting the housing to the head rail unit so that the housing can pivot about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to the unit axis. A slat is coiled in the housing so enabling the slat to be extended from the housing a selected distance and retracted into the housing. A foot rail unit is pivotally connected to the projecting end of the slat, the pivotal connection being collinear to the pivot axis. By turning the axle relative to the head rail unit about the pivot axis when the slat is extended, the slat can be turned between a closed position wherein the slat is parallel to the unit axis and an open position wherein the slat is perpendicular to the unit axis. |
| US09322208B2 |
Window reveal systems and methods
A window reveal kit can include a window, a first connector, and at least one reveal trim. The window has an outer side, an inner side, and a frame portion about a perimeter of the window. The first connector can be formed on the frame portion, on the inner side of the window. The at least one reveal trim can have a second connector that is configured to engage the first connector so that the reveal trim extends from the first connector. |
| US09322207B2 |
Door assembly for storage and dispensing unit
A door assembly including a frame with an opening having a first portion and a second portion. The door assembly includes a first panel movable between a closed position in which the first panel generally covers the first portion of the opening and an open position in which the first panel generally does not cover the first portion. The door assembly has a second panel movable between a closed position in which the second panel generally covers the second portion of the opening and an open position in which the second panel generally does not cover the second portion. The second panel is configured to block the first panel from moving to its open position when the second panel is in its closed position. The door assembly further includes a controller operatively coupled to the second panel to selectively block or enable movement of the second panel from its closed position to its open position or from its open position to its closed position. |
| US09322205B2 |
Security apparatus
Disclosed is apparatus for use with: an RFID proximity card; a frame including a pair of jambs; a door hingedly connected to one of the jambs, the other being hollow and having a rabbet defined by a pair of surfaces, one surface presenting to the closed door and defining part of a stop against which the door is positioned when closed and the other surface flanking and presenting towards the door edge when closed. The other surface width is in the direction which defines the one jamb depth. The one jamb thickness is in the direction which defines the doorway width. The apparatus comprises a sensor which: produces a signal when the card is presented thereto; and has thickness T, width W and height H. T<[thickness of other jamb−thickness of stop]. W is equivalent to the width of other surface. H |
| US09322203B2 |
Mini slat folding door
The invention provides a flexible folding door adopted to be attached to an existing door jamb comprising a plurality of mini slats. A subplurality of mini slats are bounded on a forward end by a clip to establish a non-folding bound panel segment of the door. A second subplurality of mini slats establish the folding panel seam segments of the door. There is a dual caster assembly and a plurality of single caster assemblies attached to the top of the folding door. The caster assembly consists of at least two low friction wheels mounted on a U-shaped frame having depending legs, each depending leg having a low friction sleeve, the distal portion of each leg is attached perpendicularly to a ring. A stem is adapted to be seated through the ring and through an aperture in the clip and the top of the stem has a cap that overhangs the ring. A retaining pin secures the stem within the ring and thereby attaches the assembly to the clip and the folding door. The wheels of the caster assemblies are seated in the hanging channel track allowing the folding door to be slid open and closed. |
| US09322185B1 |
Tile lippage removal system
A tile lippage removal system preferably includes a spacer post, a threaded cap and an anti-friction protection plate. The spacer post includes a base member, a spacer member and a threaded shaft. A bottom of the spacer member extends from a top of the base member. A break away connection is made between the spacer member and the base member. A bottom of the threaded shaft extends from a top of the spacer member. A plurality of grip extensions extend from an outer surface of a substantial inverted cup to allow rotation of the threaded cap. A female thread is formed in a center of the substantial inverted cup to threadably receive the threaded shaft. The anti-friction protection plate includes a round outer perimeter and a spacer opening, which is sized to receive the spacer member. The anti-friction protection plate may be used to improve existing tile lippage removal systems. |
| US09322184B2 |
Methods for manufacturing floor panels
In a method for manufacturing floor panels that have at least a substrate and a top layer provided on the substrate, the top layer including a thermoplastic layer that is translucent or transparent, the method may involve providing the top layer, including the thermoplastic layer, on the substrate. The method may also involve heating at least the thermoplastic layer, and structuring the thermoplastic layer using a mechanical press element. |
| US09322183B2 |
Floor covering and locking systems
Floorboards with a mechanical locking system that allows movement between the floorboards when they are joined to form a floating floor. |
| US09322182B2 |
Facade covering panel member
A panel member prepared from a fibrous slurry and replicates a structure prepared from masonry, carpentry, or other finishes. The panel member includes a body, a plurality of ornamental sections, a plurality of interior filler sections, and an exterior filler section. The body is prepared from a substantial uniform caliper of fiber material. The exterior filler section thickness is substantially equal to a thickness of the interior filler sections. |
| US09322180B2 |
Bracket for supporting attachment of the end of a railing member to a vertical member
A rail receiving member includes a rail receiving member having a bottom wall, a plurality of side walls, and a back wall, and is configured to receive and connect to an end of a rail member. The back wall of that rail receiving member may be attached to a vertical member and covered by a cap. In an adjustable railing bracket installation, a hinge assembly can be selectively coupled to the rail receiving member in at least two orientations, each of which allowing for rotation of the rail receiving member about a hinge axis of the hinge assembly. A first orientation permits rotation of the rail receiving member about the hinge axis of the hinge assembly in a vertical plane. A second orientation permits rotation of the rail receiving member about the hinge axis of the hinge assembly in a horizontal plane. |
| US09322179B2 |
Roofing suspension support
A roofing suspension support and related system and methods are disclosed. The roofing suspension support can comprise a support member, a purlin web coupling portion, and a fixture coupling feature. The purlin web coupling portion can be located at a top end of the support member. The web coupling portion can be configured to couple the support member to a web of a roofing purlin. The fixture coupling feature can be located at a bottom end of the support member. The fixture coupling feature can be configured to couple a fixture to the support member and to position the fixture below a lower flange of the purlin. |
| US09322167B2 |
Decking or flooring system, and components therefor
A connector for a pair of decking boards, having grooves or recesses in their side walls, laid end-to end, has at least one connector member with parallel side edges arranged for “wedging-type” engagement with the grooves or recesses across the joint between the adjacent ends of a pair of the decking boards. A bridging member extends substantially from the connector member, optionally interconnects a pair of the connector members, and is received in rebates in the adjacent ends of the pair of decking boards at the joint. The bridging member is relatively rigid in the vertical plane; but may be telescopic, or may flex, in the horizontal plane; when in use. The decking boards are laid on a support structure, with respective connector members overlapping the joint between the ends of a pair of the decking boards, so that the connector members of the connector at the joint engage the respective grooves or recesses of the adjacent overlapping decking boards, and the bridging member(s) engage in respective rebates. |
| US09322157B1 |
Mechanically coupled drain fixture and outlet fitting
A drain fixture with a mechanically coupleable outlet fitting is described. The drain fixture includes a drain body having an aperture in a bottom floor thereof. A coupler with cylindrical body is inserted through the aperture such that the body extends below the floor. An outlet fitting is disposed beneath the floor and receives the body of the coupler therein. The outlet fitting includes a plurality of projections in an interior surface thereof that are received by respective channels in the body of the coupler. The outlet fitting is rotated with respect to the coupler to mechanically join the two together, such as in a bayonet-style coupling. The joining traps the floor of the drain body between flanges of the coupler and the outlet fitting. Downstream tubing can be coupled to the outlet fitting as desired. |
| US09322154B2 |
Plumbing trap flushing device
A plumbing trap flushing device for use in association with one of a drain in a sink, an overflow drain in a basin, a drain in a bathtub, an overflow drain in a bathtub or shower and the like is disclosed. The plumbing trap flushing device includes a connector, a conduit and a nozzle. The connector is releasably and operably attachable to a spout of a tap. The conduit is in flow communication with the connector and has an outside diameter and an inside diameter. The outside diameter is dimensioned to fit into the drain, whereby when the conduit is in the drain air and water freely flows around the conduit into the drain. The nozzle is in flow communication with the distal end of the conduit. The nozzle has a nozzle inside diameter less than the inside diameter of the conduit whereby the water exits the nozzle in a stream. |
| US09322153B2 |
Degradable sanitary ring
A degradable sanitary ring configured for nesting within a drain portion of a sink, such as a kitchen sink or bathroom sink, is further configured to elute one or more sanitizing agents as the ring degrades. The sanitizing agents may include antimicrobial agents or scented oils. The degradable sanitary ring is used to improve sanitation in and around the sink area. |
| US09322150B2 |
Wear assembly
Wear members for wear assemblies include a lock configured to secure the wear member to a base, where the lock has two engagement positions, namely: (a) a first position that secures the lock to the wear member, and (b) a second position that secures the wear member to the base. The locks are further configured to be unlatched and removed from the wear member in two phases, a first retraction of the latching mechanism, followed by a rotation of the lock itself with removal from the wear member. |
| US09322144B2 |
Manhole cover assembly with cams
A water inflow impervious manhole cover assembly includes a molded non-metallic frame, an imperforate manhole cover and a fastening mechanism releasably interconnecting the frame and the cover. The frame includes an annular peripheral frame wall defining a cover-receiving seat with a radially inwardly extending lip having a seating surface with an annular sealing channel formed therein. The fastening mechanism includes cams rotatable relative to the frame between a locked position wherein the cams engage the frame and an unlocked position wherein the cams are disengaged from the frame for removal of the cover. An annular watertight seal is formed between a bottom planar surface of the cover and the seating surface of the frame and a gasket retained within the annular sealing channel, when the cams of the fastening mechanism are disposed in the locked position. |
| US09322142B2 |
In-situ scour testing device
A field testing device usable to determine the scour-depth potential of soils relied upon to support structural foundations placed in flowing water is disclosed. The device measures the scour potential in-situ, in relative terms, to the scour potential of fine sand using a columnar containment vessel driven into the soil to be tested. Within the columnar containment vessel is a cutting head as an aid in directing a water flow in a generally horizontal direction across the surface of the soil to be tested. Additionally, the cutting head serves to aid in the evacuation of eroded soil from with the containment vessel through an exhaust port. The exhaust port is part of a continuous closed loop water system which provides water for the scour testing and then removes the used water along with eroded soil particulates. |
| US09322138B2 |
Industrial equipment for the hot recycling of asphalt mixes
The present disclosure relates to industrial equipment for the hot recycling of asphalt mixes. The industrial equipment may comprise a portable bank of hoppers which may be used to meter RAP and unadulterated petrous materials and may be mounted on a supporting structure, along with gear motors which control the metering and send a signal to a flow indicator in a control panel where it may be recorded and controlled. A conveyor belt may be provided below the hopper bank in order to receive the material and transport same to a rotary cylinder comprising an industrial open-flame burner that may be used to transmit heat energy indirectly to the RAP and to the supply of unadulterated petrous material. In some embodiments, the present disclosure may also comprise: a tank for storing a mixture of asphalt and rejuvenating agent enhanced with polymers, which may be metered using a volumetric gear pump through a pipe towards the rotary cylinder, the outlet of said cylinder comprising a temperature sensor that may send a signal to the recycled asphalt mix temperature indicator in the control panel; a recycled asphalt mix lifting system which may convey said mix to a discharge silo; a combustion gas extractor which may discharge combustion gases from the burner; a fuel storage tank which may be used in the industrial burner; and a weight measuring element which may be at the inlet of the rotary drum. |
| US09322136B2 |
Sanitary tissue products
Sanitary tissue products employing fibrous structures that exhibit novel compressibility properties alone and in combination with plate stiffness properties and methods for making same. |
| US09322134B2 |
Nanocellulose production using lignosulfonic acid
Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity nanocellulose with low mechanical energy input. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with lignosulfonic acids, to generate cellulose-rich solids; and mechanically treating the cellulose-rich solids to form nanofibrils and/or nanocrystals. The strong lignosulfonic acids created during delignification give a pH less than 1 and hydrolyze preferentially the amorphous regions of cellulose. The total mechanical energy may be less than 500 kilowatt-hours per ton. The crystallinity of the nanocellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. The nanocellulose material may include nanofibrillated cellulose, nanocrystalline cellulose, or both. In some embodiments, the nanocellulose material is hydrophobic via deposition of lignin onto the cellulose surface. Optionally, sugars derived from amorphous cellulose and hemicellulose may be separately fermented to co-products. |
| US09322130B2 |
Textile fabric sheet having stain and liquid resistance and the preparation method thereof
Provided are a textile fabric sheet having stain and liquid resistance including (a) a fabric substrate, (b) a first polyurethane coating layer formed on a first surface of the fabric substrate; (c) a second aqueous acrylic coating layer formed on the first coating layer of the polyurethane coating layer; and (d) a third stain-resistant coating layer formed on the second aqueous acrylic coating layer and a method of preparing the same. Thus, a texture characteristic of the fabric substrate itself can be exhibited, and due to the polyurethane coating layer, the aqueous acrylic coating layer and the stain-resistant coating layer stacked in three steps, excellent water resistance, stain resistance and air permeability can be exhibited. |
| US09322128B2 |
Laundry press apparatus and method
A method and apparatus for pressing fluid from laundry articles employs a receiving vessel that holds a batch of articles that are wetted with fluid. Fabric articles are compressed with a press to discharge fluid from the articles. The press includes a diaphragm that can be pressured with fluid. The diaphragm flexibly conforms to an upper surface portion of the batch of fabric articles. After the fabric articles are pressed of fluid, the diaphragm elevates with the press and is rotated. A specially configured linkage rotates the diaphragm and the press as the diaphragm moves from a lower position to an upper position. |
| US09322125B2 |
Method for dispensing an enzyme in a laundry treating appliance
A method for treating laundry in a laundry treating appliance having an air supply system and a heating system both operably coupled to and controlled by a controller to supply heated air to a rotatable drum defining a treating chamber including the application of a lipase solution to the laundry during a cycle of operation. |
| US09322124B1 |
Portable drier for personal articles
The portable drier for personal articles includes a wheeled cabinet having vertically oriented front and rear compartments. The front compartment is open at the front and provides for the hanging of damp or wet clothing and the like therein. A lower shelf extends across the front of the front compartment, for drying other articles. The shelf includes a series of receptacles for holding umbrellas and the like. The rear compartment includes a sinusoidal steam pipe array, with a fan or blower in the lower portion of the cabinet drawing air through the open front and blowing the air up past the steam pipes and through a louvered panel to dry articles in the front compartment. The drier may include additional features, such as an ultraviolet light for bactericidal and fungicidal cleansing, an air circulation filter, an ironing board and steam iron, and an electronic scent dispenser. |
| US09322117B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing fibre yarn
A method and apparatus for producing fibre yarn is provided. The novel apparatus includes a first transportation and pressing element (1) and a second transportation and pressing element (5) arranged adjacent to the first transportation and pressing element (1) as well as elements for driving the transportation and pressing elements (1, 5). The first and second transportation and pressing elements (1, 5) are arranged to form a nip therebetween. The apparatus also includes a nozzle (9) for feeding fibre suspension (6), such as pulp fibre suspension, to the nip between the first and second transportation and pressing elements (1, 5). |
| US09322111B2 |
Bismuth-substituted rare-earth iron garnet crystal film and optical isolator
A bismuth-substituted rare-earth iron garnet crystal film (RIG) which has an insertion loss of less than 0.60 dB and which can be produced in a high yield, as well as an optical isolator, which is grown by liquid phase epitaxy on a non-magnetic garnet substrate represented by a chemical formula of Gd3(ScGa)5O12, wherein the bismuth-substituted rare-earth iron garnet crystal film is represented by a chemical formula of La3-x-yGdxBiyFe5O12 (provided that 0 |
| US09322110B2 |
Vanadium doped SiC single crystals and method thereof
A sublimation grown SiC single crystal includes vanadium dopant incorporated into the SiC single crystal structure via introduction of a gaseous vanadium compound into a growth environment of the SiC single crystal during growth of the SiC single crystal. |
| US09322109B2 |
Electro-chemically machining with a motor part including an electrode
A method includes rotating a first motor part around a first structure substantially similar to a second motor part. The method also includes applying a first current to the first structure to electro-chemically machine the first motor part. |
| US09322098B2 |
Valve-cell vacuum deposition apparatus including a leak detection device and method for detecting a leak in a vacuum deposition apparatus
The leak detection device is adapted to test the tightness of an inner tank (24) of a valve cell (20) of the vacuum deposition apparatus, either at its filling flange (25) or at its inner tank valve (28). A vacuum deposition apparatus equipped with a helium detector (51) mounted as a by-pass of the output of a high-flow-rate turbomolecular pump (42) which is connected to the vacuum deposition chamber (30) of the vacuum deposition apparatus by a slide gate valve (43). A valve-cell vacuum deposition apparatus equipped with a helium-based leak detection device including gas injection elements (52, 53) adapted to inject a gaseous mixture into the outer enclosure, the gaseous mixture being consisted of pure helium and an inert gas, and a method for detecting a leak in a valve-cell vacuum deposition apparatus are also described. |
| US09322095B2 |
Film-forming apparatus
A film-forming apparatus includes a plurality of target electrodes, a substrate holder for holding a substrate, a first shutter member rotatably provided between the plurality of target electrodes and the substrate holder and having a plurality of openings, first separating walls provided on a surface of the first shutter member, the surface being on the target electrode side; and second separating walls provided between the first shutter member and the target electrodes, wherein the first separating walls are provided so as to sandwich each of the plurality of openings of the first shutter member. |
| US09322091B2 |
Galvanized steel sheet
There is provided a high-strength galvanized steel sheet including, on a mass percent basis, C: more than 0.060% and 0.13% or less, Si: 0.01% or more and 0.7% or less, Mn: 1.0% or more and 3.0% or less, P: 0.005% or more and 0.100% or less, S: 0.010% or less, sol.Al: 0.005% or more and 0.100% or less, N: 0.0100% or less, Nb: 0.005% or more and 0.10% or less, Ti: 0.03% or more and 0.15% or less, and the balance comprising Fe and incidental impurities, satisfying the relationship of (Nb/93+Ti*/48)/(C/12)>0.08 (wherein Ti*=Ti−(48/14)N−(48/32)S). The high-strength galvanized steel sheet has a structure including ferrite and martensite. The ferrite has an average grain diameter of 15 μm or less and an area percentage of 80% or more. The martensite has an area percentage of 1% or more and 15% or less. |
| US09322090B2 |
Components formed by controlling grain size in forged precipitation-strengthened alloys
Components and methods of processing such components from precipitation-strengthened alloys so that the components exhibit desirable grain sizes following a supersolvus heat treatment. The method includes consolidating a powder of the alloy to form a billet having an average grain size. The billet is then forged at a temperature below the solvus temperature to form a forging having an average grain size of not coarser than the grain size of the billet. The billet is then forged at a total strain of at least 5%, after which at least a portion of the forging is heat treated at a temperature below the solvus temperature to pin grains within the portion. The entire forging can then be heat treated at a temperature above the solvus temperature of the alloy without coarsening the grains in the portion. |
| US09322089B2 |
Nickel-base alloy for gas turbine applications
A nickel-based alloy suitable for casting gas turbine components having a lower density and basic heat treating process while achieving improved strength is disclosed. Multiple embodiments of the alloy are disclosed capable of providing both directionally-solidified and equiaxed castings. Also disclosed is a method of making a cast and heat treated article utilizing the improved nickel-base alloy. |
| US09322087B2 |
Stainless steel for oil well, stainless steel pipe for oil well, and method of manufacturing stainless steel for oil well
The chemical composition of a stainless steel in accordance with the present invention consists of C: not more than 0.05%, Si: not more than 0.5%, Mn: 0.01 to 0.5%, P: not more than 0.04%, S: not more than 0.01%, Cr: more than 16.0 and not more than 18.0%, Ni: more than 4.0 and not more than 5.6%, Mo: 1.6 to 4.0%, Cu: 1.5 to 3.0%, Al: 0.001 to 0.10%, and N: not more than 0.050%, the balance being Fe and impurities, and satisfies Formulas (1) and (2). Also, the micro-structure thereof contains a martensitic phase and a ferritic phase having a volume ratio of 10 to 40%, and the ferritic phase distribution ratio is higher than 85%. Cr+Cu+Ni+Mo ≧25.5 (1) −8 ≦30(C+N)+0.5Mn+Ni+Cu/2+8.2−1.1(Cr+Mo) ≦−4 (2) |
| US09322086B2 |
Aluminum pressure casting alloy
Aluminum alloy for components having increased strength with a yield point Rp0.2>120 MPa and at the same time an elongation at break A>7% in the cast state, a yield point Rp0.2>200 MPa and at the same time an elongation at break A>6% after a T5 heat treatment or a yield point Rp0.2>200 MPa and at the same time a high elongation at break A>9% after a T6 heat treatment, in particular for structural and chassis parts of a motor vehicle. |
| US09322085B2 |
High-strength brass alloy for sliding members, and sliding members
A high-strength brass alloy for sliding members, consists of, by mass %, 17 to 28% of Zn, 5 to 10% of Al, 4 to 10% of Mn, 1 to 5% of Fe, 0.1 to 3% of Ni, 0.5 to 3% of Si, and the balance of Cu and inevitable impurities. The high-strength brass alloy has a structure that includes a matrix of a single phase structure of the β phase and includes at least one of Fe—Mn—Si intermetallic compounds in the form of aciculae, spheres, or petals dispersed in the β phase. |
| US09322083B2 |
Technologies of twice dissolved by hydrochloric acid for waste rare earth luminescent materials
The invention belongs to the field of recycling of resources, in particular to a method for waste rare earth luminescent material by dual hydrochloric acid. First hydrochloric acid was used to dissolve the red phosphor powder (Y2O3:Eu) priority, and yttrium-rich rare earth chloride solution and residue were obtained after filtered. Residue's major components were green and blue phosphor powder, and the removal of Ca2+ in filtrate was conducted by using Na2SO4, and CaSO4 precipitation separation was conducted to get rich rare earth chloride solution, europium and yttrium. Residue was mixed with alkali to perform alkaline fusion at high temperature to decompose green and blue powder, then sodium aluminate, magnesium, barium and rare earth oxides were obtained. Alkaline fusion products were washed with water, and filtered, and then sodium aluminate solution and residues containing rare earth oxides were obtained. |
| US09322078B2 |
Method of feeding fuel gas into the reaction shaft of a suspension smelting furnace and a concentrate burner
The invention relates to a method of feeding a fuel gas into the reaction shaft of a suspension smelting furnace and to a concentrate burner for feeding a reaction gas and fine solid matter into the reaction shaft of the suspension smelting furnace. In the method, fuel gas (16) is fed by the concentrate burner (4) to constitute part of the mixture formed by the pulverous solid matter (6) and the reaction gas (5), so that a mixture containing the pulverous solid matter (6), reaction gas (5) and fuel gas (6) is formed in the reaction shaft (2). The concentrate burner (4) comprises fuel gas feeding equipment (15) for adding the fuel gas (16) to constitute part of the mixture that is formed by fine solid matter (6) and reaction gas (5). |
| US09322075B2 |
High-strength and high-toughness ultrafine wire rod
Provided is an ultra-fine grained, high-strength, high-toughness carbon steel wire rod manufactured through control of a microstructure by process control without addition of relatively expensive alloying elements. More particularly, the material provided is an ultra-fine grained, high-strength, high-toughness carbon steel wire rod having a microstructure including a ferrite structure having an area fraction of 60% or more and a cementite structure as a remainder, wherein an average grain diameter of ferrite grains is 15 μm or less. Also provided is a method of manufacturing the wire rod. |
| US09322066B2 |
Predictors for cancer treatment
The present invention provides methods of predicting a response to a cancer treatment by determining CD68 level or PSMB1 (P11A) polymorphism in a biological sample and the presence or quantity of a second biomarker in the patient. The invention also provides kits and methods for treating cancer. |
| US09322064B2 |
Nucleic acids, methods and kits for the diagnosis of DYT6 primary torsion dystonia
This invention relates generally to the THAP1 gene and mutations in this gene, as well as the THAP1 protein and mutations in this protein, that are associated with dystonia. The invention relates to the identification, isolation, cloning and characterization of the DNA sequence corresponding to the wild type and mutant THAP1 genes, as well as isolation and characterization of their transcripts and gene products. The invention further relates to methods and kits useful for detecting mutations in THAP1 that are associated with dystonia, as well as to methods and kits useful for diagnosing dystonia. The present invention also relates to therapies for treating dystonia, including gene therapeutics and protein/antibody based therapeutics. |
| US09322059B2 |
Methods for nucleic acid manipulation
A method for replicating and amplifying a target nucleic acid sequence is described. A method of the invention involves the formation of a recombination intermediate without the prior denaturing of a nucleic acid duplex through the use of a recombination factor. The recombination intermediate is treated with a high fidelity polymerase to permit the replication and amplification of the target nucleic acid sequence. In preferred embodiments, the polymerase comprises a polymerase holoenzyme. In further preferred embodiments, the recombination factor is bacteriophage T4 UvsX protein or homologs from other species, and the polymerase holoenzyme comprises a polymerase enzyme, a clamp protein and a clamp loader protein, derived from viral, bacteriophage, prokaryotic, archaebacterial, or eukaryotic systems. |
| US09322056B2 |
Fluid identification system and production and use thereof
A fluid identification system comprising a plurality of particles, each particle encapsulating therein at least one tracer material having an identifiable DNA, the at least one tracer material being encapsulated by an encapsulation material, wherein the particles are adapted to retain the at least one tracer material in an encapsulated form after exposure of the particles to a temperature of at least 75° C. and/or a pressure of at least 1000 psi (6.9×106 N/m2). |
| US09322054B2 |
Microfluidic cartridge
A microfluidic cartridge can include at least one nucleic acid analysis portion. Each nucleic acid analysis portion can include a fluidic network being configured for micro-liter volumes or less, a sample input at the beginning of the fluidic network, a plurality of vent ports and fluidic channels in the fluidic network configured to effectuate hydrodynamic movement within the fluidic network, an extraction mixture reservoir in the fluidic network, a mixing chamber in the fluidic network, an amplification chamber in the fluidic network, and a separation channel in the fluidic network. A nucleic acid analyzer can be capable of performing nucleic acid analysis using the microfluidic cartridge. A nucleic acid analysis method can be performed using the microfluidic cartridge. |
| US09322053B2 |
Compositions and methods for monitoring in real time a nicking amplification reaction comprising a primer oligonucleotide with a 3′—terminal region comprising A2′—modified nucleotide
The present invention features compositions and methods for quantifying detection of a target oligonucleotide in a sample in real time comprising one or more primer oligonucleotides comprising a 5′ nicking enzyme recognition site and a 3′-terminal region comprising a 2′-modified nucleotide. These methods are compatible with amplification of target oligonucleotides in a test sample, including biological samples, using a nicking amplification reaction. |
| US09322052B2 |
Cartridge for conducting a chemical reaction
A cartridge for conducting a chemical reaction includes a body having at least one flow path formed therein. The cartridge also includes a reaction vessel extending from the body for holding a reaction mixture for chemical reaction and optical detection. The vessel comprises a rigid frame defining the side walls of a reaction chamber. The frame includes at least one channel connecting the flow path to the chamber. The vessel also includes flexible films or sheets attached to opposite sides of the rigid frame to form opposing major walls of the chamber. In addition, at least two of the side walls are optically transmissive and angularly offset from each to permit real-time optical detection of analyte in the reaction chamber. |
| US09322051B2 |
Probing of biological samples
Disclosed are high throughput methods of probing multiple targets in a biological sample where the recurrent time-consuming antibody incubation steps and individual signal modification and activation steps are replaced by simultaneous hybridization of biomarkers and sequential detection by combining signal removal and activation into a single step. Also disclosed are images obtained by such methods. |
| US09322049B2 |
Activation and activators of SirT6
The invention provides a method of increasing a deacetylated activity of SIRT6 by contacting SIRT6 with an agent that binds SIRT6 and reduces the Km of SIRT6 for a substrate, thereby increasing the deacetylase activity of SIRT6. The invention also provides compounds of the formulas (II) and (III). |
| US09322045B2 |
Host cell for the production of a compound of interest
The present invention relates to a recombinant host cell for the production of a compound of interest. The invention further relates to a method for the production of such host cell. The invention further relates to the production of a compound of interest. The invention further relates to isolated polynucleotides and vectors and host cells comprising said polynucleotides. |
| US09322042B2 |
Thermostable cellulases, and mutants thereof, capable of hydrolyzing cellulose in ionic liquid
The present invention provides for a composition comprising an ionic liquid and a thermostable cellulose, and a method of hydrolyzing a cellulose, comprising: (a) providing a composition comprising a solution comprising an ionic liquid and a cellulose, and (b) introducing a thermostable cellulase to the solution, such that the cellulose is hydrolyzed by the cellulase. The present invention also provides for a Thermatoga maritima thermostable cellulase mutant with increased cellulase activity. |
| US09322041B2 |
Genetically modified microorganisms capable of producing beta-glucans and methods for producing beta-glucans
The present invention relates to genetically modified microorganisms capable of producing beta-glucans, characterized in that the genetically modified microorganism overexpresses (i) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having 1,3-β-D-glucan synthase-activity, and/or (ii) a polypeptide having 1,3-β-D-glucan synthase-activity, compared to a corresponding non-modified control microorganism of the same strain. The present invention also relates to the use of a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having 1,3-β-D-glucan synthase-activity or the use of such a polypeptide for producing β-glucans. Furthermore, the present invention relates to methods for producing β-glucans comprising the introduction of a promoter upstream of a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having 1,3-β-D-glucan synthase-activity thereby increasing the expression of the polynucleotide, or a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having 1,3-β-D-glucan synthase-activity into a microorganism being able to synthesize β-glucans. |
| US09322037B2 |
Cas9-FokI fusion proteins and uses thereof
Some aspects of this disclosure provide compositions, methods, and kits for improving the specificity of RNA-programmable endonucleases, such as Cas9. Also provided are variants of Cas9, e.g., Cas9 dimers and fusion proteins, engineered to have improved specificity for cleaving nucleic acid targets. Also provided are compositions, methods, and kits for site-specific nucleic acid modification using Cas9 fusion proteins (e.g., nuclease-inactivated Cas9 fused to a nuclease catalytic domain). Such Cas9 variants are useful in clinical and research settings involving site-specific modification of DNA, for example, genomic modifications. |
| US09322036B2 |
Methods and compositions for inactivating alpha 1,6 fucosyltransferase (FUT8) gene expression
Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for inactivating a FUT8 gene, using fusion proteins comprising a zinc finger protein and a cleavage domain or cleavage half-domain. Polynucleotides encoding said fusion proteins are also provided, as are cells comprising said polynucleotides and fusion proteins. |
| US09322035B2 |
Recombinant IgG4 monovalent antibodies
The invention relates to novel non-human transgenic animals, which upon antigenic stimulation are capable of producing monovalent antibodies binding to a selected antigen, modified heavy chain transgenes, methods for producing the non-human transgenic animals, methods for immunizing the non-human transgenic animals for as well as monovalent antibodies obtainable by such immunization methods. |
| US09322034B2 |
Compositions and methods for detecting and modulating cell death by a translation regulated gene expression system
The technology relates to a nucleic acid expression cassette comprising a TR element encoding an mRNA molecule that is translated in stressed and/or dying cells, and a nucleotide sequence operably linked to the TR element, that is a first open reading frame (ORF) sequence and encodes a polypeptide or a fragment thereof and is co-translated with the TR element. The technology further relates to mammalian cells and a transgenic animal comprising such expression cassette. Further included are kits comprising the expression cassette, and methods for determining toxicity, and killing a target cell. |
| US09322033B2 |
Proteins toxic to hemipteran insect species
The present invention discloses Hemipteran insect inhibitory proteins, methods of using such proteins, nucleotide sequences encoding such proteins, methods of detecting and isolating such proteins, and their use in agricultural systems. |
| US09322031B2 |
Transgenic plants with enhanced agronomic traits
This invention provides transgenic plant cells with recombinant DNA for expression of proteins that are useful for imparting enhanced agronomic trait(s) to transgenic crop plants. This invention also provides transgenic plants and progeny seed comprising the transgenic plant cells where the plants are selected for having an enhanced trait selected from the group of traits consisting of enhanced water use efficiency, enhanced cold tolerance, increased yield, enhanced nitrogen use efficiency, enhanced seed protein and enhanced seed oil. Also disclosed are methods for manufacturing transgenic seed and plants with enhanced traits. |
| US09322026B2 |
Substitution mutant receptors and their use in a nuclear receptor-based inducible gene expression system
This invention relates to the field of biotechnology or genetic engineering. Specifically, this invention relates to the field of gene expression. More specifically, this invention relates to novel substitution mutant receptors and their use in a Group H nuclear receptor-based inducible gene expression system and methods of modulating the expression of a gene in a host cell for applications such as gene therapy, large scale production of proteins and antibodies, cell-based high throughput screening assays, functional genomics and regulation of traits in transgenic organisms. |
| US09322025B2 |
Methods and DNA constructs for high yield production of polypeptides
The invention provides an inclusion body fusion partner to increase peptide and polypeptide production in a cell. |
| US09322024B2 |
Aptamers screening method based on graphene without target immobilization and the aptamers obtained from the method
Provided is aptamers screening method based on graphene without target immobilization and the aptamers obtained from the method, and more particularly, a new GO-SELEX method without target immobilization in which a single-stranded nucleic acid pool may react with a non-bound target material or a counter-target material, after which a single-stranded nucleic acid which has not been bound to the target or counter-target may be separated by using the graphene. Also, the specific aptamer obtained through the above-described method may be used for diagnosing target related diseases. |
| US09322023B2 |
Constructs and methods for the assembly of biological pathways
The present invention is directed to a synthetic nucleic acid scaffold comprising one or more subunits, each subunit comprising two or more different protein-binding sequences coupled together. The present invention further relates to systems and methods for assembling a synthetic biological pathway and producing a biological pathway product or a precursor product using the synthetic nucleic acid scaffold. |
| US09322022B2 |
Inhibition of DNA2 in fanconi anemia
Inhibition of DNA2 in Fanconi anemia (FA) cells remedies the over-resection of DNA, thereby stabilizing the FA cells. Inhibition of DNA2 in FA cells allows for safe treatment of cancers in FA patients, a decrease in the lethality of FA cells, a decrease in bone marrow failure of FA patients, and a means for decreasing the incidence of cancer for FA patients. |
| US09322012B2 |
Enzyme compositions
The present technology provides for enzyme compositions with enhanced enzyme activity, thermophilic and psychrophilic stability. |
| US09322009B2 |
Innovative discovery of therapeutic, diagnostic, and antibody compositions related to protein fragments of Lysyl-tRNA synthetases
Provided are compositions comprising newly identified protein fragments of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, polynucleotides that encode them and complements thereof, related agents, and methods of use thereof in diagnostic, drug discovery, research, and therapeutic applications. |
| US09322006B2 |
Evaluation and improvement of nuclease cleavage specificity
Engineered nucleases are promising tools for genome manipulation and determining off-target cleavage sites of these enzymes is of great interest. We developed an in vitro selection method that interrogates 1011 DNA sequences for their ability to be cleaved by nucleases. The method revealed hundreds of thousands of DNA sequences that can be cleaved in vitro by two ZFNs, CCR5-224 and VF2468, which target the endogenous human CCR5 and VEGF-A genes, respectively. Analysis of the identified sites in cultured human cells revealed CCR5-224-induced mutagenesis at nine off-target loci. Similarly, we observed 31 off-target sites cleaved by VF2468 in cultured human cells. Our findings establish an energy compensation model of ZFN specificity in which excess binding energy contributes to off-target ZFN cleavage and suggest strategies for the improvement of future nuclease design. It was also observed that TALENs can achieve cleavage specificity similar to or higher than that observed in ZFNs. |
| US09322003B2 |
Cloning, expression and use of acid phospholipases
The invention relates to a DNA sequence, which codes for a polypeptide having phospholipase activity essentially without lipase activity, characterized in that the DNA sequence is selected from a) DNA sequences that comprise a nucleotide sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 1, b) DNA sequences that comprise the coding sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 1, c) DNA sequences that code for the protein sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2, d) DNA sequences that are coded for by the plasmid pPL3940-Topo2.5 with the restriction map according to FIG. 7, which is deposited under accession number DSM 22741, e) DNA sequences that hybridize under stringent conditions with one of the DNA sequences according to a), b), c) or d), f) DNA sequences that are related to the DNA sequences according to a), b), c), d) or e) due to the degeneration of the genetic code, and g) complementary strands to the sequences according to a) to f), wherein the DNA sequence is preferably derived from Aspergillus, and more preferably from Aspergillus fumigatus, and a polypeptide having phospholipase activity essentially without lipase activity selected from a) a polypeptide which is coded for by the coding part of a DNA sequence as defined above, b) a polypeptide having the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2 or a sequence derived therefrom, which may be obtained by substitution, addition, deletion of one or more amino acid(s), c) a polypeptide having a sequence that has at least 83% identity with the amino acids 1 to 299 of SEQ ID NO: 2, d) a polypeptide which is coded for by a nucleic acid sequence which hybridizes under stringent conditions with (i) nucleotides 55 to 1106 of SEQ ID NO: 1, (ii) the cDNA sequence contained in nucleotides 55 to 1106 of SEQ ID NO: 1, (iii) a partial sequence of (i) or (ii) composed of at least 100 nucleotides, or (iv) a complementary strand of (i), (ii) or (iii), e) a variant of the polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 2, comprising a substitution, deletion and/or insertion of one or more amino acid(s), f) allelic variants to amino acid sequences a) to e). |
| US09322001B2 |
Cytochrome P450 oxygenases
Nucleic acids encoding cytochrome P450 variants are provided. The cytochrome P450 variants of have a higher alkane-oxidation capability, alkene-oxidation capability, and/or a higher organic-solvent resistance than the corresponding wild-type or parent cytochrome P450 enzyme. A preferred wild-type cytochrome P450 is cytochrome P450 BM-3. Preferred cytochrome P450 variants include those having an improved capability to hydroxylate alkanes and epoxidate alkenes comprising less than 8 carbons, and have amino acid substitutions corresponding to V78A, H236Q, and E252G of cytochrome P450 BM-3. Preferred cytochrome P450 variants also include those having an improved hydroxylation activity in solutions comprising co-solvents such as DMSO and THF, and have amino acid substitutions corresponding to T235A, R471A, E494K, and S1024E of cytochrome P450 BM-3. |
| US09322000B2 |
Methanol dehydrogenase enzymes from Bacillus
The present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which encodes a polypeptide having alcohol dehydrogenase activity, in particular methanol dehydrogenase activity, comprising having a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: (i) a nucleotide sequence as set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1 (mdh2-MGA3), 3 (mdh3-MGA3), or 5 (mdh2-PB1); (ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least 90% sequence identity, more particularly at least 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98 or 99% sequence identity, with a nucleotide sequence as set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3 or 5; (iii) a nucleotide sequence which is degenerate with any one of the nucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3 or 5; (iv) a nucleotide sequence which is a part of the nucleotide sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3 or 5, or of a nucleotide sequence which is degenerate with a sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3 or 5; (v) a nucleotide sequence encoding all or part of a polypeptide whose amino acid sequence is set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 2 (Mdh2-MGA3), 4 (Mdh3-MGA3) or 6 (Mdh2-PB1); and (vi) a nucleotide sequence encoding all or part of a polypeptide which has an amino acid sequence having at least 90% sequence identity, preferably at least 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98 or 99% sequence identity, with an amino acid sequence as set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 4 or 6; or a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to the nucleotide sequence of any one of (i) to (vi). Also provided are recombinant constructs, vectors and host cells comprising such a nucleic acid molecule and polypeptides encoded thereby. Such molecules may advantageously be used in the genetic modification of host cells, for example to introduce or modify methanol dehydrogenase activity. |
| US09321996B2 |
Serum-free mammalian cell culture medium, and uses thereof
The present invention provides a cell culture medium formulation that supports the in vitro cultivation, particularly in suspension, of mammalian cells, particularly epithelial cells and fibroblast cells, and methods for cultivating mammalian cells in suspension in vitro using these media. The media comprise a basal medium and a polyanionic or polyanionic compound, preferably a polysulfonated or polysulfated compound, and more preferably dextran sulfate. The present invention also provides chemically defined, protein-free eukaryotic cell culture media comprising an iron chelate and zinc, which is capable of supporting the growth (and particularly the high-density growth of mammalian cells) in suspension culture, increasing the level of expression of recombinant protein in cultured cells, and/or increasing virus production in cultured cells. |
| US09321995B2 |
Stem cell culture medium and its applications as well as a stem cell culture method
The present invention discloses a stem cell culture medium and its applications as well as a stem cell culture method. The said stem cell culture medium contains no serum. The said stem cell culture medium contains amino acids, vitamins, salts, lipids, cytokines and protein polypeptides. The said stem cell culture medium is suitable for rapid culture of stem cells derived from human and mammalian tissues, including but not limited to, adipose mesenchymal stem cells, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and umbilical cord blood stem cells. The said culture medium can increase the proliferation speed of the stem cells 3-5 times, without any affects on their differentiation potentials. Comparing the said stem cell culture medium to a routine culture medium, the said culture medium is not only able to proliferate stem cells derived from different sources more rapidly and achieve more proliferation generations, but also keep their differentiation potentials well. |
| US09321994B1 |
Induction medium and methods for stem cell culture and therapy
Novel MSC stem-cell culture and therapy methods and culture medium compositions for the purpose of inducing, activating, or priming discrete uniform cell phenotypes to selectively promote or suppress inflammation and immunity, yielding polarized, primed, activated, or induced cells used in cell-based therapy. |
| US09321991B2 |
Methods for inducing the differentiation of blood monocytes into functional dendritic cells
Methods are provided for treating blood monocytes to produce functional antigen presenting dendritic cells. An extracorporeal quantity of a subject's blood is treated to separate the blood into a plasma component containing proteins, a platelet component and a buffy coat component. A plastic treatment device is provided having plastic channels that allow transmittance of light to the interior of the plastic device and a light source that produces light of a wave length selected to activate the photoactivatable agent. The plasma component containing proteins is first pumped through the plastic treatment device, followed by the platelet component and finally the buffy coat component. The resulting treated cells may be incubated or reinfused directly to the subject. |
| US09321990B2 |
Systems and methods for identifying and disrupting cellular organelles
This invention relates to optomechanical systems and methods for altering, modifying or disrupting a target object. Such systems and methods are used for, for example, ablating the endogenous nucleus in a cell. |
| US09321989B2 |
Filter device for facilitating characterizing behavior of cells
A filter device is provided which includes a well, at least one top access opening to the well, and a horizontally-disposed filter. The well, which includes an inner surface at least partially defining the well, also includes a first well chamber to accommodate a fluid and a second well chamber to accommodate a fluid. The first well chamber and the second well chamber are separate chambers, and the inner surface at least partially defines the first well chamber and at least partially defines the second well chamber. The at least one top access opening provides independent top access to the first well chamber and the second well chamber, and the horizontally-disposed filter is positioned between and at least partially separates the separate first well chamber and second well chamber of the well. |
| US09321986B2 |
Combinations of 1-aza-3,7-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane compounds and silicic acid esters and the use of same as pro-fragrances
The invention relates to combinations of 1-aza-3,7-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane compounds with silicic acid esters, methods for producing same, the use of same as pro-fragrances, as well as washing and cleaning agents, fabric softeners and cosmetics that contain same. The invention also relates to a method for prolonging the perception of fragrance in such agents. |
| US09321985B1 |
Laundry detergents based on compositions derived from natural oil metathesis
Laundry detergents useful for cold-water cleaning and boosted bargain detergents are disclosed. The detergents include a surfactant composition derived from a metathesis-derived C10-C17 monounsaturated acid, octadecene-1,18-dioic acid, or their ester derivatives. For fatty alkyl ester sulfonate-containing detergents, the composition is selected from C10 betaines, C12 or C16 amidoamines, C12 ethanolamine amides, C16 amidoamine sulfonates, C18 diamidoamine dioxides, quaternized C18 diamidoamine betaines, sulfonated C18 low-EO fatty ester alkoxylates, C18 amidoamine carboxylates, and amidoamine oxides and sulfobetaines derived from cross-metathesis of palm or soybean oil. The bargain detergents include a performance booster selected from C12 low-EO fatty ester alkoxylate sulfonates, C18 amidoamine oxide esters, C18 amidoamine oxide carboxylates, and amidoamine sulfobetaines made from self metathesized palm or soybean oil. |
| US09321984B2 |
Method for processing rice-oil
According to the present invention there is provided a method of processing rice oil comprising the steps of removing one or more phosphorus compounds from the rice oil; heating the rice oil to a temperature of between 200° C.-260° C.; applying a pressure of between 0.1-1 kgf/cm2 to the rice oil; extracting a by-product from the rice oil. |
| US09321983B2 |
Methods for degumming oils
Processes and systems are provided for effectively degumming vegetable oils with the use of an acid and base pretreated mixture of vegetable oil. The pretreated mixture is subjected to compression and one or more intervals of explosive decompression of the compressed mixture to form a degummed vegetable oil. Also provided are compression and decompression rates and conditions that can be used to effectively degum vegetable oil to achieve reduced levels of phosphorus and metals such as iron, calcium and magnesium. |
| US09321982B2 |
Threaded joint for pipes
In a threaded joint for pipes constituted by a pin and a box, each having a contact surface comprising a threaded portion and an unthreaded metal contact portion, the contact surface of the pin has a solid corrosion protective, preferably transparent coating based on a UV-curable resin and the contact surface of the box has a solid lubricating coating having plastic or viscoplastic rheological behavior which is preferably formed by the hot melt technique from a composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer, a wax, a metal soap, a corrosion inhibitor, a water-insoluble liquid resin, and a solid lubricant. |
| US09321980B2 |
Lubricant and functional fluid additive package, and lubricants and functional fluids containing same
The present invention is a lubricant or functional fluid additive for a polyolefin oil blend, comprising a mixture of: (a) an anti-wear component consisting essentially of 95% isopropylated triarylphosphate and 5% dodecyl phosphate, the dodecyl phosphate being only partially esterified, the anti-wear component present in the polyolefin oil blend in a range of from about 0.75 percent to about 2.00 percent by weight; (b) an antioxidant component selected from the group consisting of alkylated phenyl-alpha-naphthylamine, phenyl-alpha-naphthylamine and mixtures thereof, and present in the polyolefin oil blend in a range of from about 0.75 percent to about 2.00 percent by weight; (c) an anti-rust component comprising an alkylated succinic acid ester anti-rust agent, and present in the polyolefin oil blend in a range of from about 0.050 percent to about 0.125 percent by weight; and (d) a metal deactivator component comprising a tolytriazole derivative, and present in the polyolefin oil blend in a range of from about 0.050 percent to about 0.125 percent by weight. |
| US09321979B2 |
Friction modifier composition for lubricants
Combining a metal based friction modifier, such as a molybdenum dialkyldithiocarbamate, and certain esters of hydroxy carboxylic acids, such as short chain alkyl esters of citric or tartaric acid, e.g., tributyl citrate, has a synergistic effect on lowering the friction coefficient of lubricating oils allowing one to reduce the amount of metal based friction modifier needed to adequately formulate a lubricant with low friction characteristics. |
| US09321977B2 |
Methods for making and distributing batches of butane-enriched gasoline
Disclosed are automated methods and systems for certifying the volatility of butane-enriched gasoline downstream of a butane blending operation. Such automated methods and systems provide significant advantages to comply with volatility requirements imposed by EPA or state regulations. |
| US09321975B2 |
System and method for cooling syngas within a gasifier system
A vessel for use in a gasification system is provided. The vessel includes a shell and a heat exchange structure positioned within the shell. The heat exchange structure defines a central cavity configured to receive and to direct a syngas to a quenching portion positioned downstream of the central cavity along a syngas path. A passageway is disposed between the shell and the heat exchange structure. A liquid seal is positioned upstream of the quenching portion, and the liquid seal is configured to block transport of at least one of the syngas between from the quenching portion into the passageway and inert gas from the passageway into the quenching portion. |
| US09321973B2 |
Process for the hydrocracking of hydrocarbon cuts using a catalyst based on heteropolyanions trapped in a mesostructured oxide support
A process for the hydrocracking a hydrocarbon-containing feedstock in which at least 50% by weight of the compounds have an initial boiling point above 340° C. and a final boiling point below 540° C., using a catalyst having, in its oxide form, at least one metal selected from the metals of groups VIB, VIII and VB, said metals being present in the form of at least one polyoxometallate of formula (HhXxMmOy)q−, said polyoxometallates being present within a mesostructured matrix based on oxide of at least one element Y, said matrix having a pore size between 1.5 and 50 nm and having amorphous walls of thickness between 1 and 30 nm, said catalyst being sulphurized before used in said process. |
| US09321970B2 |
Production of paraffin fuels using renewable materials by a continuous hydrotreatment comprising a pre-treatment step
A process for hydrotreatment of a feed from renewable sources such as vegetable oils for the production of paraffinic hydrocarbons comprising pre-treatment by crystallisation and/or precipitation allowing the elimination of insoluble inorganic impurities under hydrotreatment conditions. The flow of the total feed is divided up into a certain number of different, part flows equal to the number of catalytic zones in the reactor, and the different part flows are injected in the successive catalytic zones in increasing proportions to produce an effluent containing paraffinic hydrocarbons. |
| US09321960B2 |
Nematic liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device using same
A composition containing a compound represented by general formula (i) and a compound represented by general formula (ii): in the formulas, each of Xi1 to Xi6 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom or a chlorine atom, and each of Xii1 to Xii4 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom or a chlorine atom. |
| US09321958B2 |
Yellow light emitting phosphor and light emitting device package using the same
Disclosed are phosphors and, more particularly, yellow light emitting phosphors and light emitting device packages using the same. The yellow light emitting phosphor includes a first phosphor to emit light having a central wavelength located within a band of 510 nm to 550 nm, a second phosphor adapted to be mixed with the first phosphor to emit light having a central wavelength located within a band of 560 nm to 600 nm, and a third phosphor adapted to be mixed with the first and second phosphors to emit light having a central wavelength located within a band of 610 nm to 630 nm, the third phosphor having a light absorption rate of 50% or less at a wavelength of 550 nm. |
| US09321957B2 |
Scintillator and radiation detector including the scintillator
A radiation detector can include a solid organic/plastic scintillator that enables neutron and gamma interactions to be readily distinguished via pulse-shape discrimination. Embodiments make use of a scintillator including a polymer matrix with a dispersed scintillation material exhibiting thermally activated delayed fluorescence. The scintillation material can include an organic luminescent material that is free of heavy metals and in which excited triplet states are efficiently promoted into excited singlet states by thermal energy, the excited singlet states then generating a delayed fluorescence when decaying to ground state. As a result, the scintillation material, when exposed to ionizing radiation, can produce a combination of prompt and delayed fluorescence sufficient to enable neutron and gamma interactions to be readily distinguished via pulse-shape discrimination techniques. |
| US09321956B2 |
Methods for hindering the settling of particulates in a subterranean formation
Embodiments herein include a method comprising proving a treatment fluid comprising an activator and providing gas-forming particulates comprising coating particulates with a binding agent, wherein the binding agent holds a gas-generating chemical onto the particulates. The gas-forming particulates are suspended in the treatment fluid and the treatment fluid comprising the gas-forming particulates is introduced into a subterranean formation. The gas-generating chemical and the activator then react to generate gas-formed particulates. |