| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09342242B2 |
Input device and input method, information processing device and information processing method, information processing system and program
An input device includes an operation unit that is held by a user and operated in a three-dimensional free space to remotely operate an information processing device, a directional button that is provided on the operation unit and operated by the user to point in a direction, and a transmission unit that, when the directional button is operated while the operation unit is being operated in the free space, transmits information corresponding to the operation in the free space and information corresponding to the operated directional button to the information processing device so that an object image linearly moves by only an amount corresponding to a directional component of the directional button out of an operation amount in the free space after the operation of the directional button. |
| US09342237B2 |
Automated testing of gesture-based applications
A technology for facilitating testing of a web application is provided. In some embodiments, a data file including recorded data of one or more recorded gesture-events is received. A test case is loaded with the recorded data. The one or more recorded gesture events are replayed in the test case and the web application is executed to generate test results. |
| US09342228B2 |
Device and method for filtering messages using sliding touch input
A device and method for filtering messages using sliding touch input are provided. The device comprises a processor; a memory storing messages of different types, at least a subset of the messages designated as unread messages; and a touchscreen including a display. A sliding touch input is detected at the touchscreen, the sliding touch input comprising a first portion in a first direction and a second portion in a second direction such that the sliding touch input includes a change in direction. In response, the messages are filtered according to one or more of a first filtering condition associated with the first portion and a second filtering condition associated with the second portion, to filter the messages according to one or more of type and a read status. |
| US09342227B2 |
Semantic card view
Architecture that enables a card interaction model that can present cards in different ways. When a user performs tasks, new stacked cards (one card on top of another card) corresponding to those tasks open in a left pane over the top of a background canvas (a card overlay of the underlying canvas). Users can scroll through the card stack of the card overlay to retrieve previous cards. Additionally, in an alternative viewing mode, a user can interact with the card overlay via an interactive affordance (an interactive object made available to facilitate a potential action) to enable viewing (e.g., an overview) of the cards in a side-by-side card overlay manner to further enable the opening and quick navigation to one of the previous cards. The architecture has applicability to mapping systems where searches range over many different geographical sites. |
| US09342224B2 |
Social networking web site picture album navigation path
A creator can specify one or more navigation paths through an album of pictures on a social networking web site. Each navigation path has a name and specifies a sequence in which a number of the pictures are to be viewed by a viewer. The viewer can select by name the desired navigation path through the album. A navigation path through the album can also be determined from content in which the viewer is interested from a profile of the viewer on the social networking web site. A navigation path can be determined from users on the social networking web site that are associated with the viewer on the web site. A navigation path can be determined from analysis of an interaction history of the viewer on the social networking web site, apart from the viewer's profile and the viewer's associated users on the web site. |
| US09342223B2 |
System and method for virtual region based access control operations using BIM
A system operates using the steps of a building information model (BIM) of a security system defining a three-dimensional floor plan of a secured area, the BIM receiving a graphical input from a user defining at least one subarea of the secured area, a user input of the security system receiving a selection of the at least one subarea of the secured area, the user input of the security system receiving a change in a parameter from the user of the security system, the parameter is used by a plurality of security devices within the at least one subarea and changing a corresponding parameter within each of the plurality of security devices to match the changed parameter. |
| US09342222B2 |
Accessible chart navigation using object neighborhood
A method, system, and computer program product for accessible chart navigation using object neighborhood are provided. An input is received to navigate a focus away in a direction from a first object, the first object being a member of a set of objects depicted in a graphical visual chart. A set of inputs is designed to access the chart without using a pointing device or requiring visual inspection of the chart and the set of objects. The set of inputs includes the input and a second input to allow return to a previous step in navigating the chart. A second object is identified to which to navigate responsive to the input, the second object being located within a neighborhood of the first object at a shortest neighborhood distance from the first object. Navigation is performed to the second object to keep the focus within the neighborhood. |
| US09342221B2 |
Generating user selectable media event using graphics page
A system and method for controlling a media generation system where a media event may be selected via a stateless software module, the system receiving a media event protocol file corresponding to the selected media event. The media generation system generates the media event based on the received media event protocol file. |
| US09342220B2 |
Process modeling and interface
An instance of an existing data system has one or more processes. Each process has corresponding metadata. In one example method, metadata for a given process is accessed and a visual diagram of the process is automatically generated based on the diagram. The visual diagram is displayed on a user interface display and a user modification input is received on the user interface display modifying the visual diagram to obtain a modified visual diagram. The metadata corresponding to the process is modified based on the modification to the visual diagram. |
| US09342214B2 |
Apparatus and method for setting a two hand mode to operate a touchscreen
A method for setting a two hand mode to operate a touchscreen includes: receiving, via the touchscreen, at least one point of contact on the touchscreen generated by one or more fingers of a user, the touchscreen including a plurality of icons; detecting, by at least one processing device, a total number of the points of contact on the touchscreen and respective coordinates of the points of contact; determining, based on the total number of the points of contact and the respective coordinates of the points of contact, whether the user intends to use two hands to operate the touchscreen; and controlling the touchscreen to display the plurality of icons according to a result of the determining. |
| US09342211B2 |
Managing information about avatars across virtual worlds
Systems, methods and articles of manufacture are disclosed for managing relationship information across virtual worlds. In one embodiment, information about avatars in virtual worlds may be received. A correlation may be derived between two avatars based on the received information. The derived correlation between the two avatars may be stored. Applications may query for derived correlations. |
| US09342209B1 |
Compilation and presentation of user activity information
Features are disclosed for generating presentations of information about activities of users of personal devices. Any number of personal devices may transmit information about activities performed by users associated with the personal devices. The information can be transmitted to a management component configured to compile the information, supplement the information with information from third-party sources, and generate presentations. The presentations may be based on templates associated with particular users or groups of users. The presentations may include, but are not limited to, visual, audio, and textual content. |
| US09342208B2 |
System and method for optimizing window display
A system and method for efficiently displaying multiple windows is disclosed. The system displays two adjacent windows such that adjusting a first window also adjusts a second window adjacent to the first window. For example, the system determines whether to resize or move the first window in response to receiving a window adjustment input. Based on this determination, the system determines a new location for the second window and displays the second window in the new location. |
| US09342207B1 |
Presenting media instances on a communication device
A system is provided for presenting media instances on communication devices. The system includes a processor on a communication device, a source component, and a target component. The source component, when executed by the processor, parses a selected media container to identify a set of media instances of a first type and constructs a media instance list that comprises the identified set of media instances, wherein the selected media container is inaccessible by an activated media presenter. The target component, when executed by the processor, enables the activated media presenter to present at least two of the set of media instances from the media instance list to a user interface without deactivating between presentations. |
| US09342205B2 |
Display method, terminal device and multi-terminal device system
Disclosed are a display method, a terminal device and a multi-terminal device system. The display method is applied to a first terminal device and the first terminal device includes a first display unit. The method includes the first display unit displaying a first display interface; detecting a connection with a second terminal device, and obtaining a detection result, the second terminal device including a second display unit displaying a second display interface, and when the detection result indicating that the first terminal device and the second terminal device are connected, one of the first display unit and the second display unit displaying the first display interface, and the other of the first display unit and the second display unit displaying a third display interface, the third display interface and the first display interface being different. |
| US09342193B2 |
Touch panel with a conductive bridge structure and manufacturing method thereof
A touch panel with a conductive bridge structure has an anti-reflective layer disposed on the conductive bridge. Due to the anti-reflective layer, visual difference of a touch screen can be eliminated and the manufacturing process can be reduced. |
| US09342191B2 |
Electrostatic and piezoelectric touch panel
An electrostatic and piezoelectric touch panel includes a first switching circuit, a second switching circuit, at least one first sensing device, and at least one second sensing device. The first sensing device includes a first transistor and a piezoelectric-transistor. The first transistor and the piezoelectric-transistor are series-connected between a power source and ground. The first switching circuit connects to a connection point between the first transistor and the piezoelectric-transistor. The second sensing device includes a second transistor and two parallel-connected electrostatic to transistors. The second transistor and the two parallel-connected electrostatic transistors are series-connected between a negative power source and ground. The first switching circuit connects to a connection point between the second transistor and the two parallel-connected electrostatic transistors. Gates of the first and second transistors connect to the second switching circuit. The two parallel-connected electrostatic transistors include different types of doped semiconductor materials. |
| US09342189B2 |
Information processing apparatus and information processing method for obtaining three-dimensional coordinate position of an object
A designation position by an operation object is specified based on a captured image that is captured by a capturing unit and reflects distance information between the capturing unit and the operation object. The direction of the operation object is specified based on the captured image. It is determined, based on the image information of a portion corresponding to the designation position out of the captured image and the direction of the operation object, that the distance between the operation object and the target surface is smaller than a predetermined value. |
| US09342187B2 |
Touch-sensitive device
The present invention relates to an optical touch-sensitive device and a method of determining a position and determining a position change of an object contacting an optical touch sensitive device. In particular, the present invention relates to an optical touch pad and a method of determining a position and determining a position change of an object contacting an optical touch pad. A touch-sensitive device, according to the present invention may comprise a light source, a touch-sensitive waveguide, a detector array, and a first light redirecting member, wherein at least a part of the light propagating towards a specific point of the detector array is prevented from being incident upon the specific point of the detector array when an object contacts a touch-sensitive surface of the touch-sensitive waveguide at a corresponding specific contact point. |
| US09342186B2 |
Systems and methods of using interactive devices for interacting with a touch-sensitive electronic display
An interactive device for interacting with a touch-sensitive electronic display is contemplated. In some embodiments, the interactive device includes a registration module that is configured to generate a touch-based registration signal perceptible to the touch-sensitive display. The registration module is coupled to an optical sensor that is configured to receive a communication from the display. The interactive device also includes a configuration module that configures the interactive device to be responsive to the content that is displayed on the touch-sensitive display based on at least one of the registration signal and the communication received from the display. |
| US09342184B2 |
Managing multiple touch sources with palm rejection
For managing multiple touch sources with palm rejection, a method is disclosed that includes detecting an instrument touch on a touch screen of a computing device, the instrument touch performed by a handheld instrument, disabling user touch for a portion of the touch screen, the disabled portion selected in accordance with a usage pattern, and accepting a user touch of the touch screen outside of the disabled portion. |
| US09342180B2 |
Contact tracking and identification module for touch sensing
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device. |
| US09342179B2 |
Strain sensing element, pressure sensor, microphone, blood pressure sensor, and touch panel
According to one embodiment, a strain sensing element includes a film unit, and a sensing unit. The film unit has a film surface and is capable of being deformed. The sensing unit includes a first sensing element and a second sensing element. The first sensing element is provided between a part of the film unit and the second sensing element. The first sensing element includes a first magnetic layer having a changeable magnetization with a deformation of the film unit, a second magnetic layer provided apart from the first magnetic layer, and a first spacer layer provided between the first and second magnetic layers. The second sensing element includes a third magnetic layer having a changeable magnetization with the deformation of the film unit, a fourth magnetic layer provided apart from the third magnetic layer, and a second spacer layer provided between the third and fourth magnetic layers. |
| US09342177B2 |
Display device with integrated touch screen having dummy electrodes
A display device with an integrated touch screen includes a panel divided into a display area and a non-display area and including m (m is a natural number) driving electrodes, m signal lines and dummy electrodes; a display driver IC applying a common voltage or a touch scan signal to the m driving electrodes through the m signal lines; and a touch IC generating the touch scan signal and providing the touch scan signal to the display driver IC, wherein the m driving electrodes are disposed in the display area and the dummy electrodes are disposed in the non-display area, and wherein the dummy electrodes are adjacent to the driving electrodes in a peripheral region of the display area. |
| US09342176B2 |
Organic light emitting display device
An organic light emitting display device having an electrostatic capacitive type touch panel function with reduced thickness and improved luminance. A display panel of the organic light emitting display device includes a substrate, a display unit having a plurality of pixels on the substrate, and a touch sensing unit on the display unit. The touch sensing unit includes an encapsulation substrate and a capacitive pattern layer on a side of the encapsulation substrate facing the display unit. The capacitive pattern layer has a plurality of openings corresponding in position to the plurality of pixels. |
| US09342175B2 |
Touch-window
Disclosed is the structure of a touch window. The touch window includes a transparent window, a touch sensor module on one surface of the transparent window, and a transfer film layer between the transparent window and the touch sensor module. The transfer film layer is provided in the touch sensor module to remove the structure of a printed pattern, so that the conventional problems related to the flatness caused by a printing step are solved, thereby improving the adhesive efficiency and expanding the realization range of various colors. |
| US09342174B2 |
Electronic device
The electronic device is an electronic device (100) having a multilayer structure including a touch panel (12) and a display device (10), the electronic device including a manipulation surface (22A) configured to accept an input from a user, the manipulation surface being provided on a surface closer to the touch panel, and constituting a curved surface such that a central portion of the manipulation surface (22A) is dented relative to an end of the manipulation surface (22A). The most-dented portion of the manipulation surface (22A) is dented relative to an end of the manipulation surface (22A) by a distance of not less than 0.2 mm and not more than 3.0 mm along a direction perpendicular to the panel plane. |
| US09342172B2 |
Method of detecting protection case and electronic device thereof
A method for controlling an electronic device is provided. The method includes detecting at least one conductive materials attached to a protection case, identifying a combination of the detected at least one conductive material corresponding to an arrangement of the at least one conductive material, mapping the combination of the detected at least one conductive material to an operational function of the electronic device according to user control, and storing a mapping result. |
| US09342171B2 |
Touch panel with first and second electrodes extending in the same direction but on opposite surfaces of a substrate
A touch panel includes: a cover window; a first substrate on the cover window; a second substrate on the first substrate; a first sensing electrode extending in a first direction on one surface of the first substrate; a second sensing electrode extending in the first direction on an opposite surface of the first substrate; and a third sensing electrode extending in a second direction other than the first direction on at least one of one surface and an opposite surface of the second substrate, wherein the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode are disposed on a region where the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode are offset from each other. |
| US09342170B2 |
Device and method for delaying adjustment of display content output on a display based on input gestures
The present invention relates to display in an electrical device and a method of enhancing interaction with user. The display comprises: a controller, a content displaying surface, a touch sensitive portion comprising one or several touch sensors, for providing the controller with information about presence of a pointing object close to the surface, a motion sensor for providing motion of the display. The controller is configured to control content output on the displaying surface and adjust the content output with respect to information from the touch sensor and the motion sensor. |
| US09342167B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
Provided is an information processing apparatus including an operation amount acquiring unit that acquires an operation amount of an operation input on a display screen; a depth position computing unit that computes a depth position of a three-dimensionally viewable operation object, on the basis of the operation amount; and a display processing unit that executes processing for adjusting the depth position of the operation object on the basis of the depth position and displaying the operation object on the display screen. |
| US09342166B2 |
Touch substrate and display apparatus having the same
In a touch substrate and a display apparatus, the touch substrate includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a first touch electrode and a blocking layer. The first electrode includes an opaque conductive material and extends along a first direction. The second electrode includes the opaque conductive material, extends along a second direction crossing the first direction, and has a gap through which the first electrode extends. The first touch electrode is formed on the first electrode and is electrically connected to the first electrode. The blocking layer overlaps the first and second electrodes. |
| US09342165B2 |
Interactive imaging systems and methods for motion control by users
In various embodiments, the present invention provides a system and associated methods of calibration and use for an interactive imaging environment based on the optimization of parameters used in various segmentation algorithm techniques. These methods address the challenge of automatically calibrating an interactive imaging system, so that it is capable of aligning human body motion, or the like, to a visual display. As such the present invention provides a system and method of automatically and rapidly aligning the motion of an object to a visual display. |
| US09342164B2 |
Motion detecting device and the method for dynamically adjusting image sensing area thereof
A motion detecting device and the method for dynamically adjusting image sensing area is disclosed. The motion detecting device includes a light source, an image capture unit and a processing unit. The image capture unit is used to capture reference image according to fixed sampling period. The processing unit is used to calculate exposure reference value of the light source and image characteristic value of reference image. The processing unit according to the exposure reference value and the image characteristic value to determine whether the surface is in first rough coefficient range or second rough coefficient range. If rough coefficient of the surface is in the first rough coefficient range, the processing unit defines first search radius or second search radius to increase or decrease the image sensing area. Otherwise, the processing unit defines third search radius or fourth search radius to increase or decrease the image sensing area. |
| US09342160B2 |
Ergonomic physical interaction zone cursor mapping
Users move their hands in a three dimensional (“3D”) physical interaction zone (“PHIZ”) to control a cursor in a user interface (“UI”) shown on a computer-coupled 2D display such as a television or monitor. The PHIZ is shaped, sized, and positioned relative to the user to ergonomically match the user's natural range of motions so that cursor control is intuitive and comfortable over the entire region on the UI that supports cursor interaction. A motion capture system tracks the user's hand so that the user's 3D motions within the PHIZ can be mapped to the 2D UI. Accordingly, when the user moves his or her hands in the PHIZ, the cursor correspondingly moves on the display. Movement in the z direction (i.e., back and forth) in the PHIZ allows for additional interactions to be performed such as pressing, zooming, 3D manipulations, or other forms of input to the UI. |
| US09342159B2 |
Method and apparatus for activating electronic devices with gestures
An electronic device with gesture activation includes a body having at least one infrared (IR) transmissive window, an IR gesture detection sensor aligned with the transmissive window, a processor coupled to the gesture detection sensor and digital memory coupled to the processor. The digital memory includes code segments executable on the processor for starting a timer if a first gesture of an activation gesture sequence including an ordered plurality of gestures is received while at least one process of the electronic device is in an inactive mode, and for activating the at least one process of the electronic device if the remainder of ordered plurality of gestures is received before the timer has elapsed. |
| US09342145B2 |
Cursor control
Certain embodiments provide a computer system for controlling the movement of a displayed cursor, the computer system comprising: a first display region; a second display region; a user input unit configured to measure movements made by a user in association with the user input unit and to output corresponding movement signaling; a vision tracking unit configured to determine a direction in which a user is looking and to output corresponding view-direction signaling; and a cursor control unit arranged to select one of the first display region and the second display region as a selected display region based on the view-direction signaling associated with the vision tracking unit and to control a cursor to move within the selected display region based on the movement signaling associated with the user input unit. |
| US09342141B2 |
Audio/video device, apparatus and method for controlling audio/video device
Disclosed is an apparatus for controlling an AV device, comprising a web browser receiving a structured document to contain a script from the AV device, and providing the same to a user, and a first program module including a function called by the script and transmitting information on a device control command to the AV device through a protocol previously defined by use of the function, wherein the AV device comprises a web server module transmitting the structured document and a second program module receiving the device control command information from the first program module through the protocol and controlling the AV device in response to the command information. |
| US09342139B2 |
Pairing a computing device to a user
A method for automatically pairing an input device to a user is provided herein. According to one embodiment, the method includes receiving an input from an unpaired input device within an observed scene, and calculating a position of the unpaired input device upon receiving the input. The method further includes detecting one or more users within the observed scene via a capture device, creating a candidate list of the one or more detected users determined to be within a vicinity of the unpaired input device, and assigning one detected user on the candidate list to the unpaired input device to initiate pairing. |
| US09342137B2 |
Power excursion tolerant power system
A power excursion tolerant power system includes at least one powered component. A system capacitance and at least one power supply are coupled to the at least one powered component. The at least one power supply is operable as a voltage controlled current source to supply power to the at least one powered component when a system load is below a predetermined threshold. The at least one power supply is operable as a constant current source, and together with the system capacitance, to supply power to the at least one powered component when the system load is above the predetermined threshold. A load reduction mechanism is coupled to the at least one powered component and operable to perform at least one load reduction action when the system load is above the predetermined threshold. |
| US09342132B2 |
Apparatus, method, and system for adaptive compensation of reverse temperature dependence
Described herein are an apparatus, method, and system for adaptive compensation for reverse temperature dependence in a processor. The apparatus comprises: a first sensor to determine operating temperature of a processor; a second sensor to determine behavior of the processor; and a control unit to determine a frequency of a clock signal for the processor and a power supply level for the processor according to the determined operating temperature and behavior of the processor, wherein the control unit to increase the power supply level from an existing power supply level, and/or reduce frequency of the clock signal from an existing frequency of the clock signal when the operating temperature is in a region of reverse temperature dependence (RTD). |
| US09342129B2 |
Computing energy rating for cloud-based software services utilizing configuration parameters
A method for computing the energy rating for cloud-based software services is disclosed. For each of the service, following steps are performed. The method includes identifying configuration parameters impacting the energy consumption. The method further includes determining a value for each configuration parameter. Further, the method includes determining a relative energy rating using a pre-determined equation, based on the values of the configuration parameter. Finally, the method includes assigning a discrete value based on the range of the relative energy rating. |
| US09342126B2 |
Supply voltage control based at least in part on power state of integrated circuit
Disclosed is a switching voltage regulator circuitry controlled to supply a voltage to at least a portion of an integrated circuit (IC). Information corresponding to a current load for a different power state of at least a portion of the IC is received. The switching voltage regulator circuitry is controlled to adjust the voltage to a different value based at least in part on the received information. Disclosed is a voltage received for a power state of at least a portion of an IC having first logic to perform one or more functions and second logic integrated with the first logic. Information corresponding to a current load for a different power state of at least a portion of the IC is sent from the second logic to voltage regulator control logic to adjust the voltage to a different value. |
| US09342123B2 |
Determine voltage supplied to a core
Techniques for determining the voltage to be supplied to a core of a central processing unit are provided. A core of a central processing unit is monitored for errors. The voltage to be supplied to the core is determined based on the monitored errors. The voltage supplied to the core is altered based on the determined voltage. |
| US09342119B1 |
Method and apparatus for dissipating heat in a mobile device
Embodiments include a method for dissipating heat in a mobile device via a heat dissipating component, wherein the mobile device comprises (i) a component that generates heat while the mobile device is operational, and (ii) a port that is thermally coupled to the component, the method comprising activating the mobile device to be operational; and coupling the heat dissipating component to the port of the mobile device, wherein the heat that is generated by the component while the mobile device is operational is dissipated through the heat dissipating component via the port. |
| US09342114B2 |
End-user platform having an integral basin to operationally and physically receive a portable cellular-telephony transceiver
An apparatus comprises at least a first display, an end-user input interface, and a control circuit that operably couples to both this first display and this end-user input interface. The apparatus can further comprise a housing that houses these components. By one approach this housing also has a basin formed therein. This basin is of sufficient size to at least substantially fully receive a portable cellular-telephony transceiver (where, for example, this portable cellular-telephony transceiver has its own display and its own end-user input interface). |
| US09342109B2 |
Asymmetric computer tablet and docking system
A system for docking a computer tablet with a docking station. The computer tablet has an asymmetrical edge that is adapted to rest in a cradle portion of the docking station. While resting in the docking station the computer tablet may be rotated to various angles and still maintain electrical connectivity to the docking station. |
| US09342108B2 |
Protecting an electronic device
An electronic device including a processor, at least one sensor in communication with the processor, wherein the processor is configured to determine an orientation of the device and drop event based on input from the at least one sensor. The electronic device further includes a motor in communication with the processor and a mass operably connected to the motor. The processor is configured to drive the motor when a drop event is determined and the mass is configured to rotate with respect to the motor to alter the orientation of the device. |
| US09342106B2 |
Apparatus and method for accessing components in a folded device
An apparatus comprises a foldable body and a flexible cover coupled to the foldable body. A first edge of the cover is configured to slide from a first position on the foldable body to a second position on the foldable body while transitioning to a folded configuration. |
| US09342105B2 |
Curved display and electronic device including the same
A curved display including an external protective layer with an edge at least a part of which has a certain curvature, an opaque layer disposed at the edge of the external protective layer, and a panel module layer including an electrode trace area aligned under the opaque layer. |
| US09342101B2 |
Biaxial pivot mechanism and portable electronic device thereof
A biaxial pivoting mechanism for rotating a first casing relative to a second casing is disclosed in the present disclosure. The biaxial pivoting mechanism includes at least one fixing component, a first shaft, a first main gear, a second shaft, a second main gear and a transmission gear set. The fixing component includes a first area and a second area. The first shaft and the second shaft are disposed on the first area and the second area and further connected to the first casing and the second casing respectively. The first main gear and the second main gear are respectively disposed on the first shaft and the second shaft. The transmission gear set is engaged with the first main gear and the second main gear. As the first main gear rotates at a first direction, the second main gear synchronously rotates at a second direction opposite to the first direction. |
| US09342100B2 |
Torsional housing rigidity
In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, a device may include a base member formed as a receptacle with a recess defining an interior region configured for receiving internal circuitry. The base member may include first and second sides intersecting orthogonally to define a corner. The device may include a rail member having a first portion coupled to the first side of the base member and a second portion coupled to the second side of the base member. The rail member may be positioned to contact the corner of the base member. The device may include an enclosing member coupled to the first and second portions of the rail member with a plurality of fasteners to thereby enclose the internal circuitry disposed in the recess of the base member between the enclosing member and the base member. |
| US09342098B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a display body, an operation member with an operation portion and a mounting portion, a bracket, and a gripping member. The operation member is slidably mounted on the inside of the bracket. The bracket includes a bracket body and a receiving member with a resisting portion. The gripping member is movably received in the receiving member and includes a gripping body, a pressing portion, and two or mover gripping arms. The mounting portion is positioned between the gripping arms positioning the operation member within the bracket body allowing the operation portion to drive the mounting member and the gripping member to slide. The pressing portion resists the resisting portion so that the gripping arms may be spread to disengage from the mounting portion. |
| US09342094B2 |
Multi-processor system and method for internal time synchronization and event scheduling of multiple processors
Embodiments of a multi-processor system and method for synchronization and event scheduling of multiple processing elements are generally described herein. In some embodiments, timing marks are provided to the processing elements and a start-timer command is broadcasted to the processing elements after an initial timing mark. The start-timer command instructs the processing elements to initiate an internal time reference after receipt of a next timing mark. Each of the processing elements maintains a copy of the internal time reference which may be used for synchronized event scheduling. |
| US09342092B2 |
Method for operating a vehicle with an automatic driving mode
A method for operating a vehicle that can be operated in a manual driving mode and in an automatic driving mode and has at least one foot actuation device, which in the manual driving mode projects from a plane of a resting surface and can be actuated by a vehicle driver, wherein a switch from the manual driving mode to the automatic driving mode is detected and thereupon the at least one foot actuation device and/or the resting surface are moved relative to one another in such a way that the at least one foot actuation device and the resting surface form a substantially continuous plane or the resting surface forms a substantially continuous plane and the foot actuation device is covered by the plane of the resting surface. |
| US09342087B2 |
Voltage regulator circuit
A voltage regulator circuit is provided, which includes a main regulator and at least one auxiliary regulator. The main regulator provides an output voltage and regulates the output voltage according to the output voltage and a reference voltage. Each auxiliary regulator is coupled to the main regulator. Each auxiliary regulator also provides the output voltage and regulates the output voltage according to the output voltage and the reference voltage. Each of the main regulator and the at least one auxiliary regulator provides a branch current of the same magnitude. An output current of the voltage regulator circuit includes the branch currents provided by the main regulator and the at least one auxiliary regulator. |
| US09342085B2 |
Circuit for regulating startup and operation voltage of an electronic device
An electronic device includes a power supply, a ground, and an intermediate ground having a voltage less than a voltage of the power supply and greater than a voltage of the ground. The electronic device also includes an error amplifier having an input stage coupled between the power supply and the ground, and an output stage coupled between the power supply and the intermediate ground. A ballast transistor is coupled to receive an output from the error amplifier. A feedback circuit is coupled to an output of the ballast transistor to generate feedback signals, and the error amplifier operates in response to the feedback signals. |
| US09342084B1 |
Bias circuit for generating bias outputs
In one aspect, an apparatus includes a ready circuit to output a ready indicator when a supply voltage provided to the ready circuit and a voltage regulator is sufficient to operate the voltage regulator. In turn, the voltage regulator is to receive the supply voltage and output a regulated voltage, receive a first current from the ready circuit and control the regulated voltage based on the first current when the ready indicator is inactive. The apparatus further includes a bias circuit to receive the regulated voltage and generate one or more bias currents, which may be provided to an output circuit to output one or more bias outputs to one or more client circuits therefrom. |
| US09342083B2 |
Driving device, flasher device, and projector
A driving device includes a switching regulator and a timing controller. The switching regulator includes a switching element, a smoothing circuit including an inductor connected to the switching element, and a controller that turns on/off the switching element. The switching regulator converts input voltage to output voltage as output of the smoothing circuit by turning on/off the switching element. The timing controller controls the controller to operate and stop operating. The controller performs constant current control by feeding back inductor current, generating a PWM signal based on the fed-back current and a target value, and outputting the PWM signal to the switching element so that the inductor current approximates to the target value. When performing the constant current control, the controller sets the target value to a value different from a reference target value for a steady period. |
| US09342076B2 |
Adjustable speed irrigation system and method of use
The present disclosure is generally directed to an adjustable speed irrigation system having a control panel, at least one water conduit, at least one tower, and a position sensor. A user inputs a user-defined end destination at the user-defined arrival time into the control panel. The control panel receives a current position of the irrigation system from the position sensor. The control panel compares the current position to the user-defined end destination and calculates a new optimum ground speed required to reach the user-defined end destination at the user-defined time based on the current position of the irrigation system. The control panel then sends a signal to a speed control unit to adjust the speed of the irrigation system to match the new optimum ground speed. |
| US09342072B2 |
Methods and apparatus to display process control device information
Example methods and apparatus to display process control information are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving in a processor a first status of a first mode element, the first mode element indicating a current operating condition of an object of a process control device, receiving in the processor a second status of a second mode element, the second mode element indicating a desired operating condition of the object of the process control device, determining a mode of the object based on the first status and the second status, the mode indicating a condition of the object of the process control device, and displaying the mode of the object of the process control device within a user interface as a graphic. |
| US09342071B2 |
Automated process for holding products at predefined points during manufacturing
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to manufacturing production and provide a method, system and computer program product for mass hold management and routing processing. In one embodiment of the invention, a method for halting, initiating or resuming production of a product during a manufacturing process can be provided. The method can include defining criteria that must be met by a work unit and defining a point in the manufacturing process. The method can further include applying the criteria to a plurality of work units currently in the manufacturing process. The method can further include identifying at least one work unit of the plurality of work units that meets the criteria, responsive to said applying the criteria to the plurality of work units, and halting, initiating or resuming manufacturing of the at least one work unit at the point. |
| US09342066B2 |
Robot, robot system, and robot control device
A robot includes a robot arm, a force sensor, and a control unit configured to control the operation of the robot art. The control unit initializes the force sensor while the robot arm is moving at uniform speed. It is preferable that the control unit initializes the force sensor while the robot arm is moving at the uniform speed and the amplitude of a detection value of the force sensor is smaller than a threshold. |
| US09342065B2 |
Path interference and generation device and method
In devices for generating a path of a tool of a processing machine by way of computer simulation, an NC program is created using a generated processing path. The NC program used to be corrected by verification of actually moving the processing machine. In contrast, the disclosed processing path generation device has been constituted to be provided with a means for calculating a closest distance and direction from a relationship of a position and posture between a tool and a work at an arbitrary point upon the processing path; a means for imparting a color determined by the closest distance and the direction calculated at the point upon the processing path; a means for panoramically displaying the color imparted to the work; and a means for correcting the relationship of the a position and posture between the tool and the work on the basis of information from a display device. |
| US09342057B2 |
Motor control apparatus
This disclosure discloses a motor control apparatus including a controller. The controller includes a position controller and a speed controller. The controller is configured to control the inverter on the basis of the torque command. The controller includes a torque limiter configured to start first torque limitation which limits a commanded torque based on the torque command to a first torque or less in a case where the voltage detector detects that the DC voltage falls below a predetermined voltage, and to cancel the first torque limitation in a case where the voltage detector detects that the DC voltage exceeds the predetermined voltage. The controller includes a speed limiter configured to limit a commanded speed based on the speed command to a first speed or less in a case where the torque limiter cancels the first torque limitation. |
| US09342056B2 |
Electronic timepiece and electronic device
An electronic timepiece enables a simple construction, and an electronic device has the electronic timepiece. A wristwatch 1 has a button A 6; a mode setting unit 32 that sets the operating mode of the wristwatch 1 based on an input operation of the button A 6. Based on the continuous input time that the button A 6 is operated continuously, the mode setting unit 32 changes the operating mode between a timekeeping mode that receives satellite signals from one or more GPS satellites and adjusts the internal time information based on time information contained in the received satellite signal(s); and a positioning mode that receives satellite signals from three or more GPS satellites and adjusts the internal time information based on time information and positioning information contained in the received satellite signals. |
| US09342054B2 |
Apparatus and method of keeping time of day over an industrial temperature range
Various embodiments of the invention relate generally to real-time clock circuit, and more particularly to systems, devices and methods of integrating two oscillators in one real-time clock circuit to generate accurate time of day over an industrial temperature range. A primary oscillator is employed to generate a first high precision clock while having a higher frequency and consuming more power; a secondary oscillator is employed to generate a second clock that has a low frequency and consumes less power, but may not meet the time accuracy requirement. When the real-time clock is provided with sufficient power (MSN mode), time of day is constantly tracked by the primary oscillator, but when the real-time clock is powered by a battery (SLEEP mode), time of day is tracked by the secondary oscillator while the primary oscillator is switched on at an update frequency to compensate errors in the time of day. |
| US09342053B2 |
Method for making a timepiece component
A method of manufacturing a timepiece component, such as a balance, an oscillating mass or a wheel, comprises a micro-manufacturing technique, such as the DRIE technique. The method may comprise forming at least one member in or at the periphery of the structure, of a material different from that of the structure. This member is typically metal and is formed by electro-forming using a cavity of the structure as a mold. |
| US09342051B2 |
Watch with a rigid casing-up, and casing-up method
The invention relates to a watch with a rigid casing-up, comprising: a middle (1); a bottom (2); a movement (3, 3bis, 3ter, 3quater, 41); and a casing-up ring (4, 4bis, 4ter, 42) in contact with the middle (1). The casing-up ring (4, 4bis, 4ter, 42) has an inner peripheral face (8, 17) and the movement (3, 3bis, 3ter, 3quater, 41) is secured to an outer peripheral face (7, 13, 18, 18bis), said inner (8, 17) and outer (7, 13, 1, 18bis) peripheral faces being in contact with each other in the Z and Z′ regions thereof. Said watch is characterized in that it also comprises a tightening element (5, 5bis) provided for exerting pressure on the casing-up ring (4, 4bis, 4ter, 42) or the movement (3quater). The invention also relates to a method for casing-up such a watch. |
| US09342049B2 |
Multi-spectral holographic security marker, method for its manufacture and holographic security system
A multi-spectral holographic security marker is made by a novel method according to the invention involving a replay frequency shift to one or more final replay frequencies of a part or parts only of a recorded image plane volume hologram. The marker comprises an optional surface hologram and an image plane volume hologram. The volume hologram is divided into discrete areas which have mutually different final replay frequencies. The security information carried by the marker is a combination of the size and shape of those different replay areas together with the hologram content itself which is spread across the different replay areas. If the marker also includes a surface hologram, then that is preferably aligned with the junctions between the replay areas. Preferably one volume hologram replay frequency is in the visible spectrum and the other is in the invisible part of the spectrum (IR or UV). |
| US09342047B2 |
Movement limiting apparatus for image forming apparatus process cartridge
A cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus having a main assembly electric contact includes: a contact member for receiving pressure by the main assembly electric contact, wherein the contact member has a first surface as a contact portion for receiving the pressure by the main assembly electric contact and has a second surface bent from the first surface toward a side opposite from a side where the main assembly electric contact is provided; a holding member for holding the contact member; a portion to be limited provided at an end of the second surface; and a limiting portion, provided on the holding member, for limiting movement of the portion to be limited. |
| US09342044B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus and method of assembling the fixing device
A fixing unit includes an endless belt accommodating a heat source inside a loop formed by the endless belt, a rotary pressing member rotating in contact with the endless belt in a pressure contact section, and a heat transfer member secured to a side plate within the loop of the endless belt to support and heat the endless belt with heat conducted from the heat source. The heat transfer member has an opening opposite the rotary pressing member. A securing member is disposed in the opening of the heat transfer member in pressure contact with the rotary pressing member via the endless belt. The heat transfer member and the securing member collectively include a pair of latching parts to firmly connect the heat transfer member and the securing member with each other when one of the latching parts is fitted to the other one of the latching parts. |
| US09342038B2 |
Image forming apparatus with shutter for covering a switch opening
An image forming apparatus includes a casing having a first opening and a second opening. The first and second openings each extend between an interior of the casing and an exterior of the casing. A cover has a close position in which the cover covers the first opening and the second opening, and an open position in which cover does not cover the first opening and the second opening. A shutter has a shielding position in which the shutter covers the second opening, and a retracted position. The shutter is operably connected to the cover so as to move between the shielding position and the retracted position in response to movement of the cover. A protrusion extends from the cover, and the protrusion extends through the second opening when the cover is in the close position and the shutter is in the retracted position. |
| US09342037B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a manual operating unit, at least a part of which being exposed to an outside of the apparatus body and a part of which included inside the apparatus body being exposed to the outside by manually operating from the outside, a condensation part to which moist air in the apparatus body contacts to dew-condense to a water droplet, and a recovery container part containing the water droplet generated by the condensation part and being disposed on an inner surface of the manual operating unit included inside the apparatus body. |
| US09342031B2 |
Cleaning blade, image forming apparatus and process cartridge
A cleaning blade cleaning the surface of an object includes a rigid holder; and a strip-shaped elastic body fixed on the holder, having a tip ridgeline to contact the surface of the object. The elastic body has a Martens hardness M1 in the range of from 0.9 to 10.0 N/mm2 at a position 300 μm from the ridgeline on an undersurface of the elastic body including the ridgeline, a Martens hardness M2 at a position 1,000 μm therefrom and a Martens hardness M3 at a position 2,000 μm therefrom, and M1, M2 and M3 satisfy the following relationship: M1>M2>M3. |
| US09342030B1 |
Power supply apparatus for superimposing direct current voltage on alternating current voltage and outputting resulting voltage
An alternating current generation circuit has a transformer and generates an alternating current voltage in accordance with a pulse signal input to the transformer. A clamp circuit has a constant-voltage element and a current limit element connected in series between the transformer, an output end of the alternating current voltage, and a ground. A direct current generation circuit generates a direct current voltage in accordance with a duty cycle of the input pulse signal. The direct current generation circuit converts, into a direct current voltage, a current that flows from the clamp circuit via the ground, and superimposes the direct current voltage on the alternating current voltage, and a voltage obtained by superimposing the direct current voltage on the alternating current voltage is output from the output end. |
| US09342028B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing system, and display method
An information processing apparatus includes: a total amount control unit that applies a total amount controlling process to perform correction such that a sum of density values of all pixels composing the color plane data and clear plane data becomes not larger than a certain value; a clear toner plane generating unit that generates clear toner plane data based on gloss control plane data, the clear plane data and the color plane data; a difference calculating unit that calculates a difference between the density value of a pixel of the clear toner plane data and the density value of the pixel of the clear toner plane data to which the total amount controlling process is applied, for each pixel; and a display unit that displays an inconsistent region composed of a pixel in which the difference is not smaller than a predetermined threshold. |
| US09342026B2 |
Print control apparatus, image forming system, print control method, and printed-matter manufacturing method
A print control apparatus includes a generating unit that generates color image data based on gloss-control image data, the gloss-control image data containing a gloss control value for identifying a type of a surface effect being a visual or a tactile effect applied to the recording medium and for identifying a region to which the surface effect is applied in the recording medium, and generates clear-toner image data based on presence or absence of at least one post processing device connected to the printing device and based on a type of the post processing device; a post-processing control unit that controls the post processing device in accordance with the presence or absence of the post processing device connected to the printing device and the type of the post processing device; and an output unit that outputs the clear-toner image data. |
| US09342022B2 |
Document transporting device and image forming apparatus
A document transporting device includes: a document-accommodating section; a transporting mechanism; a document-discharge section; a holding member that includes an attach-portion that is attached at an upper side of a discharge-port from which a document is discharged to the document-discharge section, and holding portion main-bodies provided such that lower ends are contacted with the document-discharge section, that hold down the document discharged on the document-discharge section from above, a length in a discharge-direction of the document from an attachment-position of the attach-portion to the lower end of the holding portion main-body being longer than a height from the document-discharge section to the attachment-position of the attach-portion; and protruding portions formed in the document-discharge section along a longitudinal direction of the discharge-port such that a top portion of the protruding portion is positioned at a downstream side of the discharge-direction relative to the lower end of the holding portion main-body. |
| US09342018B2 |
Image forming apparatus with automatic size determination
An image forming apparatus includes a medium storing portion storing a recording medium, and a storage unit that stores first size information indicating a size of the stored recording medium. A receiving unit receives print data containing image data and second size information indicating a size relating to the image data. A feeding unit feeds the recording medium from the medium storage portion. An image forming unit forms an image on the recording medium. A detection unit detects a size of the recording medium fed by the feeding unit to obtain third size information. A first determining unit determines whether the first size information corresponds to the second size information. A second determining unit determines whether the third size information corresponds to the second size information. An acquiring unit acquires determination instruction information. A determination control unit causes only the second determining unit to perform determination according to the determination instruction information. |
| US09342016B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming system
An image forming apparatus includes a printing section, a storage section, and a control section. The printing section prints a toner image on paper. The storage section stores prescribed image data for which printing is permitted using disposal-scheduled toner that is scheduled for disposal as waste toner. The control section determines whether or not a preset disposal condition is satisfied. Upon determining that the disposal condition is satisfied, the control section determines whether or not prescribed image data is stored in the storage section. Upon determining that prescribed image data is stored in the storage section, the control section sets the operating mode of the printing section as a waste toner reduction mode in which the printing section uses the disposal-scheduled toner to perform printing based on the prescribed image data. |
| US09342014B2 |
Belt device, fixing device, and image forming apparatus
A belt device includes a support and a support roller that support a belt. A driven gear is mounted on one of a plurality of shafts of the support roller. A driving gear meshing with the driven gear at a mesh position transmits a driving force to the support roller through the driven gear to rotate the support roller. An elastic bearing rotatably bearing each of the plurality of shafts of the support roller has an inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the shaft of the support roller. The bearing includes a slit defining a part of the bearing in a circumferential direction thereof. The slit is disposed upstream from the mesh position in the direction of rotation of the support roller such that the mesh position and the slit define a circumferential angle not smaller than about 20 degrees. |
| US09342011B2 |
Fixing device comprising heat insulating member to cover outer circumference of fixing member and image forming apparatus including the same
A fixing device includes a fixing member, a pressuring member, a heat insulating member and a coil spring. The fixing member is arranged rotatably. The pressuring member is arranged rotatably and configured to come into pressure contact with the fixing member so as to form a fixing nip. The heat insulating member is configured to cover an outer circumference of at least one of the fixing member and the pressuring member and to curve in an arc shape. The coil spring is electrically grounded and configured to come into contact with an outer circumference face of the heat insulating member so as to curve in an arc shape. |
| US09342010B2 |
Image heating apparatus
An image heating apparatus includes: a heater including a substrate and a heat generating element; a supporting member; and a high heat-conductive member. The recording material on which an image is formed is heated by heat from the heater. The supporting member has a bottom region, where the supporting member supports the heater, including a first region where the supporting member contacts the high heat-conductive member so as to apply pressure between the heater and the high heat-conductive member and including a second region where the supporting member is recessed from the high heat-conductive member relative to the first region. At least a part of the first region overlaps, with respect to a movement direction of the recording material, with a region where the heat generating element is provided. |
| US09342005B2 |
Fixing apparatus
A fixing apparatus includes a rotating member including a conductive layer; a helical coil arranged inside the rotating member, a helical axis of the coil extending in a generatrix direction of the rotating member; and a magnetic member provided inside the coil, the magnetic member including a first magnetic member and a second magnetic member arranged in a line extending in the generatrix direction. A toner image is fixed on a recording material by heat which the conductive layer generates by electromagnetic induction. In the generatrix direction, a protruded portion is provided on an end surface of the first magnetic member and a recessed portion is provided in an end surface of the second magnetic member. The protruded portion and the recessed portion are disposed so as to oppose each other and overlap each other in the generatrix direction. |
| US09342002B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a rotary member comprising a heat generation layer; an excitation coil generating magnetic flux, disposed along an axial direction of the rotary member and opposite the rotary member, to heat by induction the heat generation layer; a first demagnetizing coil layered on the excitation coil and generating magnetic flux in a direction reverse to and cancel the magnetic flux that the excitation coil generates; a sheet size detector to obtain a size of a recording sheet on which an image is to be formed by passing through the rotary member; and a drive controller to control driving of the first demagnetizing coil. The drive controller drives the first demagnetizing coil after information including the sheet size information has been obtained. |
| US09341999B2 |
Image forming apparatus which adjusts a time interval between successive recording media and the changing time at which the time interval is changed
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing member, a heat source, a nip forming member, a pressing member, a recording medium conveyor, a first temperature detector to detect a temperature of a non-sheet-passing area of the fixing member through which a recording medium does not pass, a second temperature detector to detect a temperature of the recording medium, and a controller to adjust a time to drive the recording medium conveyer to control a time interval between successive recording media and a changing time to change the time interval, according to a temperature detected by the second temperature detector in response to a temperature rise in the non-sheet-passing area of the fixing member detected by the first temperature detector. |
| US09341997B2 |
Laser fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes: a plurality of laser irradiation sections each of which emits a laser beam whose wavelength exhibits an absorbance of 80% or more with respect to a corresponding toner; and a control device for controlling the plurality of irradiation sections so that in order to fuse a black toner, (i) a laser irradiation section corresponding to the black toner among the plurality of laser irradiation sections irradiates the black toner with a laser beam thereof, and (ii) the other laser irradiation sections irradiate the black toner with laser beams thereof, where the other laser irradiation sections do not correspond to the black toner among the plurality of laser irradiation sections. Therefore, it is possible to provide a laser fixing device which can fix a color toner while preventing an increase in size of the fixing device as much as possible. |
| US09341993B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: an image bearing member; an electrostatic image forming unit; a developing unit; an intermediary transfer member; a rotatable secondary transfer member; a constant voltage element; a voltage source; and a controller. The apparatus is operable in a lowering mode in which a secondary transfer electric field in a trailing end region of a recording material passing through a secondary transfer position with respect to a recording material feeding direction is made lower than the secondary transfer electric field in a region from a leading end to the trailing end region of the recording material. The controller sets a toner image distance so as to be longer than the toner image distance when the operation in the lowering mode is not performed to prevent a toner image from being primary-transferred in a period in which the secondary transfer electric field is lowered. |
| US09341990B2 |
Transfer unit and image forming apparatus including same
A transfer unit detachably mountable relative to an image forming apparatus includes a plurality of rotational supports, an endless-looped belt disposed opposite to an image bearer and movably supported by the plurality of rotational support to contact the image bearer to form a transfer portion at which the toner image is transferred, a contact-and-separation device to move the belt to contact and separate from the image bearer, a base to support the plurality of rotational supports, a belt pressing member disposed facing the belt and detachably mountable relative to the base to contact an end portion of the belt, and a first stopper to prevent the belt pressing member from separating from the base while the belt is in contact with the image bearer by the contact-and-separation device and to allow the belt pressing member to separate from the base while the belt is separated from the image bearer. |
| US09341988B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; an intermediary transfer member; a controller; and a cleaning unit. The cleaning unit includes a cleaning member for collecting a residual toner in contact with the intermediary transfer member, a charging member, which is provided downstream of the cleaning member with respect to a movement direction of the intermediary transfer member, for electrically charging the residual toner, and an accommodating member for accommodating the residual toner. The controller is capable of executing an operation in a discharging mode in which the toner is discharged from the charging member onto the intermediary transfer member. When the operation in the discharging mode is executed, the cleaning unit collects the toner, discharged from the charging member on the intermediary transfer member, by the cleaning member and then accommodates the collected toner in the accommodating member. |
| US09341981B2 |
Printer with integrated toner container
In one example, a printer includes a printer housing, a photoconductor to apply toner to a print substrate, a developer to apply toner to the photoconductor, a light source to expose parts of the photoconductor to light, and a toner container to supply toner to the developer. The toner container housing is integrated into the printer housing as a load bearing structure or as an exterior feature, and/or the light source is integrated into the toner container as a single sub-assembly within the printer housing. |
| US09341980B2 |
Process unit and image forming apparatus
A process unit includes a latent image bearer, a developer bearer, a regulator, a supplier, and at least one voltage applicator. The latent image bearer bears a latent image on a surface thereof. The developer bearer supplies a developer onto the latent image bearer to make the latent image a visible image. The regulator regulates a thickness of a layer of the developer on the surface of the developer bearer. The supplier supplies the developer to the developer bearer. At least one voltage applicator applies a voltage to the developer bearer and the latent image bearer. After the developer bearer rotates with no voltage or a same amount of voltage applied to the developer bearer and the regulator in a non-image-formation period, to perform a removal operation to remove a residual developer from the developer bearer, the developer bearer rotates with a voltage applied to the developer bearer and a latent image bearer rotates with the latent image bearer applied with a voltage and exposed with an irradiator, to perform a delivery operation to deliver the residual developer. |
| US09341978B2 |
Image forming apparatus and exposing apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a light scan head having a plurality of LED elements disposed along a main-scanning direction of a photoreceptor drum and configured to expose the photoreceptor drum with light, a developing device disposed to face the photoreceptor drum in the main-scanning direction and including a development roller configured to supply a developer to the photoreceptor drum, and a non-uniform density correction unit configured to control an intensity of light emitted from the plurality of LED elements of the light scan head based on correction data that corresponds to a tendency pattern of an expected non-uniform image density so as to correct the non-uniform density of an image that is to be formed on a recording medium. |
| US09341977B2 |
Light emission apparatus, optical scanning apparatus having light emission apparatus, and image forming apparatus
A light emission apparatus includes a detection unit, a first drive unit, and a second drive unit. The detection unit detects the state of a detection element. The first drive unit controls the light amount of a light beam to be emitted by a first light emitting element based on the state of the detection element detected by the detection unit. The second drive unit controls the light amount of a light beam to be emitted by a second light emitting element based on the state of the detection element detected by the detection unit. |
| US09341975B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an exposure device configured to expose image bearing members charged by charging devices to form latent images on the image bearing members, and a control unit configured to, in ether one or both of an image forming unit A and an image forming unit B, adjust an amount of exposure by which the image bearing member is exposed and a charging voltage based on information about the image bearing members of the image forming units A and B. The control unit is configured to make the charging voltage and the amount of exposure in the image forming unit A different from the charging voltage and the amount of exposure in the image forming unit B. |
| US09341974B2 |
Liquid application device, image forming system, and method of controlling liquid application device
A liquid application device includes an application roller, a container, a supply roller, a transfer unit, and a controller. The application roller applies a liquid to a target. The container stores the liquid. The supply roller rotates with the supply roller immersed in the container and supplies the liquid to the application roller. The transfer unit contacts the target with the application roller and causes the application roller to apply the liquid to the target. The controller controls an operation of the liquid application device. In a state in which the transfer unit does not contact the target with the application roller, the controller controls the supply roller to rotate and stop at a position different from a pre-rotation position of the supply roller. |
| US09341973B2 |
Magnetic carrier, two-component developer, developer for replenishment, and image forming method
There is provided a magnetic carrier having a resin coating layer formed on the surface of each of particles prepared by putting resin in the pores of porous magnetic particles, wherein (i) the surface roughness Ra of the porous magnetic particles ranges from 0.180 μm to 0.250 μm, (ii) the pore size ranges from 0.40 μm to 1.00 μm, (iii) the amount of the resin held in the pores ranges from 3.0 parts by mass to 5.5 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the porous magnetic particles, (iv) the amount of resin used for forming the coating resin layer ranges from 1.0 parts by mass to 3.0 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the porous magnetic particles, and (v) the surface roughness Ra of the magnetic carrier ranges from 0.160 μm to 0.220 μm. |
| US09341972B2 |
Method for producing toner
A method for producing a toner, includes the steps of: preparing a core having a zeta potential at pH 4 of −5 mV or less; and forming a cationic shell layer on a surface of the core in a solution in which a material of the shell layer having miscibility with a solvent of 250% by mass or more and 1000% by mass or less is dissolved in the solvent. |
| US09341971B2 |
Toner, and developer and image forming apparatus including same
A toner comprised of toner particles including an amorphous resin and a crystalline resin is provided. The coefficient of variation in softening temperature among resin portions in the toner particles is 15% or less when the softening temperature is measured with a scanning probe microscope equipped with a heatable cantilever. |
| US09341967B2 |
Method for producing toner particles
A method for producing toner particles by a suspension polymerization method or a dissolution suspension method comprising: applying an inorganic dispersion stabilizer-containing liquid (liquid A) to a part that can come into contact with a polymerizable monomer composition or toner particle composition, the part being on an inner wall of a vessel used in a polymerization step or a vessel used in a solvent removal step; after the application of the liquid A, carrying out the polymerization step or solvent removal step; discharging the contents of the vessel after the completion of this polymerization step or solvent removal step; and after the contents of the vessel have been discharged, bringing an acidic aqueous solution (liquid B) to dissolve the inorganic dispersion stabilizer into contact with the inner wall of the vessel. |
| US09341966B1 |
Single solvent formulation for preparation of crystalline polyester latex via phase inversion emulsification
A process includes dissolving a polyester resin in a mixture of a single organic solvent, a base and water to form a resin mixture; neutralizing the resin mixture with a neutralizing agent to provide a neutralized resin mixture; adding water to the neutralized resin mixture until phase inversion occurs to form a toner resin emulsion; removing the single solvent to form a polyester latex. |
| US09341965B2 |
Electrophotographic photosensitive member, method for manufacturing the same, electrophotographic apparatus, process cartridge, and hydroxygallium phthalocyanine crystal
A photosensitive layer of an electrophotographic photosensitive member contains a hydroxygallium phthalocyanine crystal of a crystalline form having peaks at Bragg angles 2θ±0.2° of 7.0°, 16.6°, 20.8°, and 26.9° in X-ray diffraction with CuKα radiation. |
| US09341962B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing pattern alignment to die
In a method for patterning a workpiece provided with dies in a direct write machine, pattern data associated with a selected die, or group of dies, is transformed into adjusted circuit pattern data dependent both on the original pattern data and the transformed positions, wherein the adjusted circuit pattern data represents the circuit pattern of the plurality of dies, or group of dies, such that the adjusted circuit pattern is fitted to a plurality of sub-areas of the workpiece area, and wherein each sub-area is associated with a die, or group of dies, among the plurality of dies distributed on the workpiece. A pattern is then written on the workpiece according to the adjusted circuit pattern data. |
| US09341950B2 |
Method of forming patterned layer, method of forming patterned photoresist layer, and active device array substrate
An exposure apparatus is provided and adapted for exposing a photoresist layer on a layer to form a plurality of strip exposed patterns. The exposure apparatus includes a light source, a lens group and a mask. The lens group is disposed between the photoresist layer and the light source and includes a plurality of strip lens parallel to each other, wherein an overlapping region between any two neighboring strip lens is defined as a lens connecting region, and the other regions excluding the lens connecting regions are defined as lens regions. The mask is disposed between the photoresist layer and the lens group and includes a plurality of shielding patterns, wherein an outline of the shielding patterns corresponds to the strip exposed patterns, each shielding pattern has a strip opening, and an extension direction of the strip openings is substantially parallel to an extension direction of the shielding patterns. |
| US09341948B2 |
Photopatternable materials and related electronic devices and methods
Described herein is a solution-processable composition for preparing a photopatternable material. The solution-processable composition generally includes (a) an oligomeric siloxane component that includes, based on its total weight, between about 40% by weight and about 100% by weight one or more cage-structured polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes that are functionalized with one or more crosslinkable moieties such as cycloaliphatic epoxy moieties, (b) a polymerization initiator; (c) one or more thermosettable polymers that collectively are present in an amount between about 1% by weight and about 20% by weight based on the total weight of the oligomeric siloxane component; and (d) a solvent. |
| US09341946B2 |
Photosensitive resin composition, pattern formed using same and display panel comprising same
The present specification provides a photosensitive resin composition comprising an alkali-soluble binder, a crosslinkable compound, a photopolymerization initiator, a solvent, a coloring agent and an epoxy adhesion promoter. The photosensitive resin composition has excellent insulating properties and light-shielding properties and shows excellent chemical resistance in an etching process and a stripping process. Thus, the photosensitive resin composition can be formed into a thin bezel layer having a gradual taper, and thus can provide an integrated touch sensor that makes it possible to prevent short circuits from occurring in metal wiring and minimize any decrease in resistance resulting from high-temperature processing. |
| US09341940B2 |
Reticle and method of fabricating the same
A reticle and a method of fabricating the reticle are provided. In various embodiments, the reticle includes a substrate, a patterned first attenuating layer, a patterned second attenuating layer, and a patterned third attenuating layer. The patterned first attenuating layer is disposed on the substrate. The patterned second attenuating layer is disposed on the patterned first attenuating layer. The patterned third attenuating layer is disposed on the patterned second attenuating layer. A first part of the patterned first attenuating layer, a first part of patterned second attenuating layer, and the patterned third attenuating layer are stacked on the substrate as a binary intensity mask portion. |
| US09341939B1 |
Transmission balancing for phase shift mask with a trim mask
Implementations described and claimed herein include photolithography technology to alleviate the imbalance of transmission intensity induced. In one implementation, a method comprises exposing an alternating phase shift mask (Alt-PSM) and a trim mask, wherein an exposure placement of the trim mask is shifted relative to an exposure placement of the Alt-PSM. |
| US09341936B2 |
Method and system for forming a pattern on a reticle using charged particle beam lithography
A method and system for fracturing or mask data preparation is disclosed in which a desired substrate pattern for a substrate is input. A plurality of charged particle beam shots is then determined which will form a reticle pattern on a reticle, where the reticle pattern will produce a substrate pattern on the substrate using an optical lithography process, wherein the substrate pattern is within a predetermined tolerance of the desired substrate pattern. A similar method and a similar system for forming a pattern on a reticle are also disclosed. |
| US09341928B2 |
Light source device and projector
With a view to providing a light source device and a projector which can rearrange the light collection balance even in the event that the number of illuminated light emitting elements changes as a result of a change in the environment where they are used or in the specifications thereof, a light source device includes a holder 79 having element accommodating portions 79a which each accommodate one of a plurality of light emitting elements and an adjusting portion for moving mechanisms including an optical system such as reflection mirrors and the holder 79 which translate in parallel a center of a whole of optical axes of pencils of light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements when light is not emitted from part of the plurality of light emitting elements. |
| US09341927B1 |
Slide projector housing with mount for detachable lens and strobe
This invention provides a system and method for projection of an image on any surface, employing a lightweight (typically polymer) housing that removably encloses a slide holder allowing for quick change of the slide. The housing includes a central channel, and allows for the mounting of a conventional camera-mounting-base lens at a front end and the insertion of a standard form factor photographic strobe/flash in the rear end. Light from the strobe passes down the channel, through the slide and is projected by the lens onto the surface. This housing is mountable on a standard tripod. The housing is straightforward to use, with the strobe effect being provided directly by the strobe unit. The system and method avoids the need of a camera body and desirably enables the user to employ one or more lenses, which are often less expensive and already available in a photographer's equipment inventory. |
| US09341924B2 |
Electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus includes a first unit, a second unit held by the first unit, and a third unit held by the first unit via the second unit. The first unit has a first rotation regulating portion that regulates the rotation of the second unit in a first direction, a second rotation regulating portion that regulates the rotation of the third unit in the first direction, and a third rotation regulating portion that regulates the rotation of the second unit and the third unit in a second direction opposite to the first direction. |
| US09341922B2 |
Imaging apparatus
A control apparatus controls an imaging apparatus that includes a focus detection unit configured to detect a focus state of an image forming optical system. The control apparatus includes a collectively setting unit configured to read initial setting values corresponding to a selected operation mode from a storage unit, and set setting values of a plurality of setting items to initial setting values, and a setting value changing unit configured to individually change setting values of the setting items set by the collectively setting unit and store the changed setting values in the storage unit. An operation of the focus detection unit is controlled by the operation mode in which the setting values have been changed by the setting value changing unit. |
| US09341921B2 |
Terahertz analog-to-digital converter employing active-controlled spoofed surface plasmon polariton architecture
A high-speed terahertz analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is provided. The ADC is comprised of an interferometer, a modulator and an array of detectors. The interferometer is configured to receive a carrier signal and guide a spoofed surface plasmon polariton (SSPP) wave in each of its two arms. The SSPP waves are emitted from the free end of each arm into a propagation space and combined in the space to form an interference wave. The modulator modulates the carrier signal in at least one of two arms with a modulating signal, where the radiation pattern of the interference wave in a far field of the propagation space is shifted in accordance with the amplitude of the modulating signal. The array of detectors are spatially separated from the interferometer by the propagation space and arranged to receive the interference wave. |
| US09341917B1 |
E-ink displays with an illuminating substance between surfaces of the display screen
An electronic ink display of a device has a set of charged pigment particles suspended within a fluid. The charged pigment particles and the fluid are positioned between a first surface and a second surface of the display. An electrical charge is able to be applied that causes the charged pigment particles to move within the fluid. Movement of the charged particles results in the charged pigment particles being rearranged to form text or images viewable through the first surface. A luminescent substance is positioned between the first surface and the second surface. When activated, the luminescent substance emits visible light that is transmitted through the first surface. |
| US09341915B2 |
Electrophoretic display fluid
The invention is directed to an electrophoretic fluid which can improve display performance such as switching speed, vertical bistability and the ghosting effect, and also reduce display defects. The electrophoretic fluid comprises charged pigment particles dispersed in a mixture of isoparaffins. |
| US09341912B2 |
Multi-zone EC windows
Thin-film devices, for example, multi-zone electrochromic windows, and methods of manufacturing are described. In certain cases, a multi-zone electrochromic window comprises a monolithic EC device on a transparent substrate and two or more tinting zones, wherein the tinting zones are configured for independent operation. |
| US09341908B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
It is an object to provide a liquid crystal display device which has excellent viewing angle characteristics and higher quality. The present invention has a pixel including a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a first resistor, a second resistor, a first liquid crystal element, and a second liquid crystal element. A pixel electrode of the first liquid crystal element is electrically connected to a signal line through the first switch. The pixel electrode of the first liquid crystal element is electrically connected to a pixel electrode of the second liquid crystal element through the second switch and the first resistor. The pixel electrode of the second liquid crystal element is electrically connected to a Cs line through the third switch and the second resistor. A common electrode of the first liquid crystal element is electrically connected to a common electrode of the second liquid crystal element. |
| US09341906B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
In one embodiment, a first substrate includes a gate line extending in a first direction, a source line extending in a second direction orthogonally crossing the first direction, a pixel electrode including a main pixel electrode extending in the second direction, and a first alignment film covering the pixel electrode. A second substrate includes a common electrode having a pair of main common electrodes arranged on both sides sandwiching the main pixel electrode and a second alignment film covering the common electrode. A liquid crystal layer is held between the first alignment film and the second alignment film and includes liquid crystal molecules. The liquid crystal layer is formed of materials having negative dielectric constant anisotropy, and the liquid crystal molecules are initially aligned substantially in parallel with the first direction when electric field is not impressed between the pixel electrode and the common electrode. |
| US09341905B1 |
Array substrate, liquid crystal display panel and liquid crystal display
The present invention discloses an array substrate, which includes a sub-pixel array, a number of data lines, and a number of scanning lines. The sub-pixel array is divided into a number of column groups along the distribution direction of the data lines, and is divided into a number of row groups along the distribution direction of the scanning lines. By designing the layout of the sub-pixels, the data lines and the scanning lines in the array substrate, there are alternately distributed sufficiently charged sub-pixels and insufficiently charged sub-pixels exist in a same column of sub-pixels when a dot inversion driving is used. Therefore, a LCD panel including the array substrate has even brightness uniformity, and the defect of vertical bright-dark lines is alleviated. The present invention also discloses a LCD panel including the above array substrate and a corresponding LCD. |
| US09341904B2 |
Liquid-crystal display apparatus with large viewing angle and high optical transmittance
The TFT substrate (10) of this liquid crystal display device (100) includes: a TFT (11) which is provided for each pixel; an upper electrode (12) which is electrically connected to the TFT's drain electrode (11d); a lower electrode (13) which is arranged under the upper electrode; and a dielectric layer (14) which is arranged between the upper and lower electrodes. Its counter substrate (20) includes a counter electrode (21) which faces the upper electrode. The upper electrode has first and second regions (R1, R2) which have mutually different electrode structures, and a third region (R3) which electrically connects the first and second regions to the drain electrode. The third region of the upper electrode includes a symmetrical connecting portion (12c) that is a conductive film pattern, of which the shape is substantially symmetrical with respect to a virtual line (L1) that splits each pixel into two adjacent regions in a row direction. |
| US09341902B2 |
Fanout zone structure of slim-bezel liquid crystla display
The present invention provides a fanout zone structure of a slim-bezel liquid crystal display, including: a transparent substrate (22), a first metal layer (24) formed on the transparent substrate (22), an insulation layer (26) formed on the first metal layer (24), a second metal layer (27) formed on the insulation layer (26), and a protection layer (28) formed on the second metal layer (27). The first metal layer (24) is electrically connected to the second metal layer (27). The insulation layer (26) includes a first opening (31) formed therein to expose the first metal layer (24). The protection layer (28) includes a second opening (32) formed therein to expose the second metal layer (27). The second opening (32) is arranged to correspond to the first opening (31) so as to form a trough (14) in the fanout zone. |
| US09341898B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate including a cross-shaped pixel electrode which includes a main pixel electrode and a sub-pixel electrode, and a second substrate including a common electrode which includes main common electrodes and sub-common electrodes. A first horizontal inter-electrode distance between the main pixel electrode and the main common electrode is less than a second horizontal inter-electrode distance between the sub-pixel electrode and the sub-common electrode and is greater than a vertical inter-electrode distance between the main pixel electrode and the main common electrode. |
| US09341895B2 |
Liquid crystal display and method of manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display includes a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other, a plurality of first electrodes on the first substrate, a first vertical alignment layer on the first electrodes, a second electrode on the second substrate, a second vertical alignment layer on the second electrode, and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the liquid crystal layer includes liquid crystal molecules having negative dielectric anisotropy, a chiral dopant, and an alignment aiding agent. |
| US09341893B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and electronic device using the same
A liquid crystal display device includes an illuminator and a liquid crystal panel for performing displaying by using light which is emitted from the illuminator. The liquid crystal panel includes a pair of substrates, a liquid crystal layer provided between the pair of substrates, and a pair of alignment films provided on sides of the pair of substrates facing the liquid crystal layer. At least one of the alignment films is a photo-alignment film which is imparted with an orientation regulating force through a photo-alignment treatment, and the illuminator includes a light source causing primary generation of at least blue light, among other light which is used for displaying. |
| US09341892B2 |
Back plate, backlight module using the back plate and display device using the same
The present provides a back plate including a plate and a side wall. The side wall extends out from an edge of the plate, wherein the side wall includes a wall body, a first bending sheet, and a second bending sheet. The first bending sheet is formed by bending outward from a top end of the wall body along a first rotating direction. The second bending sheet is formed by bending an end of the first bending sheet that is away from the top end of the wall body inward along a second rotating direction contrary to the first rotating direction, wherein at least a portion of the second bending sheet overlaps the first bending sheet. The second bending sheet includes a fixing part disposed on a face of the second bending sheet that faces away from the first bending sheet. |
| US09341891B2 |
Splicing liquid crystal panel, assembly method thereof and splicing television including the panel
The present disclosure relates to a splicing liquid crystal panel and a method for assembling the splicing liquid crystal panel, and a splicing television including the splicing liquid crystal panel. The splicing liquid crystal panel comprises a backlight module and a plurality of liquid crystal modules in cooperation with the backlight module. The backlight module comprises a back plate, light source lamps arranged on a first surface of the back plate, a bearing frame surrounding the edges of the back plate, and dismounting members connected between the bearing frame and a second surface of the back plate, wherein, each dismounting member comprises a first connector connected with the bearing frame and a second connector connected with the back plate, the first connector and the second connector form a hinge joint. The backlight of such a splicing liquid crystal panel has a unitary structure which is easy remove and convenient to maintain. |
| US09341890B2 |
Liquid crystal display module for portable terminal
A portable terminal including a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) module is provided. The LCD module includes a reinforcement plate having a bottom surface and a side surface bent to extend from the bottom surface, wherein the reinforcement plate comprises a plurality of molding holes provided in a boundary portion between the bottom surface and the side surface of the reinforcement plate, a backlight unit coupled to an upper part of the reinforcement plate, a frame molded to the reinforcement plate, and an LCD panel coupled to an upper part of the backlight unit, wherein each of the plurality of molding holes extends into both the bottom surface and the side surface from the boundary portion between the bottom surface and the side surface. |
| US09341889B2 |
Curved backlight module and curved LCD device
A curved backlight module comprises a light emitting module which is curved shape and a light conversion module which is curved shape and arranged in opposite to the light emitting components, where the light conversion module transform the light from the light emitting module into the parallel light. Also, a curved LCD device having the curved backlight module is disclosed. The uniform illustration of the curved LCD panel can be improved and the shadow region appeared in the two side of the curved LCD panel is eliminated for improving the display quality of the curved LCD panel. |
| US09341888B2 |
Light reflection sheet, light source device, and display device
A through hole penetrating in a vertical direction and a slot which is separated from the through hole in the direction along the sheet surface and is long in a separating direction are provided on a light reflection sheet supported on a support body supporting a light source for reflecting light emitted from the light source, and there are provided a first shaft member fitted in the through hole for setting a position of the light reflection sheet with respect to the support body, and a second shaft member fitted in the slot to enable a relative movement in a longitudinal direction of the slot for setting the position of the light reflection sheet with respect to the support body. |
| US09341887B2 |
Displays with a backlight incorporating reflecting layer
Displays comprise light control layers (16) in an optical path between a light source (12), such as an array of light emitting diodes and a spatial light modulator (14) such as a liquid crystal display panel. The light control layer comprises an enhanced specular reflector (ESR, 16a) film in optical contact to at least one layer of a transparent or translucent material (16B, 16C). The light control layer transmits light from the light source more readily than the ESR film standing on its own. In some embodiments the display may provide enhanced contrast and peak luminance. |
| US09341882B2 |
Laminate, polarizing plate, liquid crystal display device, and method of manufacturing polarizing plate
Provided is a polarizing plate having improved single plate transmittance under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions, and a liquid crystal display device using the same. A laminate including a polarizer, and an adhesive layer adjoining to at least one surface of the polarizer, the adhesive layer containing a resin and a compound, etc. represented by the formula (1) below. In the formula (1), each of R1 and R3 independently represents a hydrogen atom, C1-20 straight-chain alkyl group, C3-20 branched alkyl group, C3-20 cycloalkyl group, C2-20 alkenyl group or C6-20 aromatic group, and R5 represents a substituent Formula (1) polarizing plate |
| US09341876B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device capable of reducing or preventing display irregularities is provided. In the liquid crystal display device including: an upper frame, a lower frame, a BL resin frame and a liquid crystal display panel and used as a display part as incorporated in an equipment, the liquid crystal display panel is fixed by the upper frame (fixation area). The BL resin frame includes BL resin frame ribs serving as a receiving part to receive a fixing device for fixing the liquid crystal display device to the equipment. |
| US09341872B2 |
Liquid crystal display device with controllable viewing angle and driving method thereof
A liquid crystal display device with controllable viewing angle of the present invention has an upper substrate on which an upper substrate common electrode is disposed, a lower substrate on which a pixel electrode is disposed, and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the upper and the lower substrates. The liquid crystal molecules are vertical to the upper substrate when no voltage is applied, and a plurality of strip-like lower substrate common electrodes are disposed on the lower substrate and arranged in parallel substantially. The upper substrate common electrode and the pixel electrode provide an electric field perpendicular to the upper substrate, to form a first viewing angle mode when a voltage is applied, the lower substrate common electrode and the pixel electrode provide an electric field perpendicular to the upper substrate to form a second viewing angle mode when a voltage is applied. |
| US09341867B1 |
Methods of designing and fabricating custom-fit eyeglasses using a 3D printer
The disclosed technology describes methods for the selection, design and production of custom-fit eyeglasses, using a 3D printer. Embodiments include an eye examination and biometric measurements of a patient. The data can be used to produce custom-fit eyeglass frames. Eyeglass selection is facilitated by the display of a selection of various frames in both digital and physical form. A 3D version of the patient's head may be created from digital images, which can be used to produce a final version of the eyeglass frame. Lens dimensions may be traced and the trace used to modify the eyeglass frame. Half of an eyeglass frame may be generated, from which a mirror image is created, and a final frame produced from the resulting image. Also disclosed is an electronic device system which receives, processes and transmits data for the production of custom-fit eyeglass frames. |
| US09341866B2 |
Spectacles having a built-in computer
Spectacles with a built-in computer that include a curvilinear frame that is defined by a frontal anterior face with opaque panels of high impact materials and another posterior counter-front face. This frame is linked in a solidarity manner with a set of temples that are prolongations on each side of the frame. The frame contains at least two peripheral visors, one upper visor and one lower visor, distant from each other, that define an enclosure together with the concave posterior counter-front face of the frame. This enclosure contains a set of elements defined by: a central printed circuit block, a cooling block, a battery and coolant circulation conduits. In collaboration with the aforementioned elements, the enclosure also contains: at least one LED screen and a convex lens with a bridge that supports the frame on the user's nose. |
| US09341862B1 |
Eyeglasses having nose pad adjusting structure
Eyeglasses having a nose pad adjusting structure is provided, which includes a frame unit, a lens, a nose pad positioning part and a nose pad. The frame unit has a first installation part and a second installation part. The lens is inserted in a first and a second clamping slots of the first and the second installation parts. One end of the nose pad positioning part extends a distance oppositely to the second installation part and then extends curvedly to the second installation part accordingly to form an interval apart from the second installation part. The nose pad positioning part has an internal side wall which a plurality of convex teeth is disposed thereon. Thorn tooth is disposed in a middle portion of the nose pad, and an angle of the nose pad relative to the frame unit is adjusted by engaging the thorn tooth with the convex teeth. |
| US09341858B2 |
Apparatus and method for speckle reduction in laser processing equipment
Embodiments described herein provide apparatus and methods for processing semiconductor substrates with uniform laser energy. A laser pulse or beam is directed to a spatial homogenizer, which may be a plurality of lenses arranged along a plane perpendicular to the optical path of the laser energy, an example being a microlens array. The spatially uniformized energy produced by the spatial homogenizer is then directed to a refractive medium that has a plurality of thicknesses. Each thickness of the plurality of thicknesses is different from the other thicknesses by at least the coherence length of the laser energy. |
| US09341856B2 |
High brightness diode output methods and devices
Devices and methods for maintaining the brightness of laser emitter bar outputs having multiple emitters for coupling and other applications. In some embodiments, at least one brightness enhancement optic may be used in combination with a beam reformatting optic. |
| US09341853B2 |
Stereo image displaying system and stereo image capturing system
A stereo image displaying system including an image displaying apparatus and an imaging element is provided. The image displaying apparatus displays image beams along an optic axis. The imaging element has a curved-surface. The curved-surface receives the image beams and converts the image beams into deformation images. The imaging element transmits the deformation images. Furthermore, a stereo image capturing system is also provided. |
| US09341852B2 |
Cell substrate inspection system and method
According to one embodiment, the system for inspecting a cell substrate is provided. The inspection system includes: a signal generator transmitting to a cell substrate a display signal causing the cell substrate to display a test image; an imaging apparatus capturing the test image displayed on the cell substrate; a parallax image generator arranging the set of parallax image information of the captured test image for each parallax image to generate a parallax image prediction of parallax image which is obtained when the cell substrate is bonded to the lenticular lens; and an interface apparatus displaying the parallax image predictions. |
| US09341848B2 |
Method of 3D modeling
Disclosed is a method for converting a freehand drawing into a 3D model corresponding to the freehand drawing in real time. This method can be used to automatically convert a picture of an object into a 3D model of the object for further interaction. The method can seamlessly be implemented by optical head-mounted computers to convert the picture of the objects located in front of the user into 3D models, even showing parts of the objects that are hidden from the user's direct line of view. |
| US09341847B2 |
Head mount display and display control method
Disclosed is a head mount display including: a user operation section configured to determine one or more coordinates based on a first operation performed by a user via the user operation section while receiving content via the head-mount device; and a controller configured to: superpose, in response to detection of the first operation by the user, upon at least one of one or more display sections of the head-mount device, a screen including one or more items, each of the one or more items of the superposed screen being selectable by the user to control the content being received by the user; and highlight, based on the one or more coordinates determined upon detection of the first operation, at least one of the one or more selectable items of the superposed screen in comparison to other selectable items of the superposed screen. |
| US09341842B2 |
Optical distributor for room lighting
An optical distributor (10) is formed as a reflector with one or more sloping surfaces. The sloping surfaces have varying angles of inclination from a bottom edge (20) to a top edge of the reflector. The sloping surfaces may form a substantially pyramidal or conical frustum-shaped surface. The sloping surfaces may additionally or alternatively form a band of adjacent or contiguous faceted surfaces. The reflector is configured to receive light rays through an opening (32) in a first plane (30) and reflect light rays radially outward and upward at varying angles of reflection (8B) to a bottom surface of the first plane (30) in a manner that illuminates both the bottom surface of the first plane (30) and an area (40) below the first plane (30). The reflected light may illuminate the first plane (30) and the area (40) below in a substantially uniform manner. |
| US09341839B2 |
Electrowetting display device and dye composition for electrowetting display
An electrowetting display device that includes a display member having: a first substrate, at least one surface of which is electroconductive, a second substrate disposed so as to face the electroconductive surface of the first substrate, a hydrophobic insulation film disposed at the side of the electroconductive surface of the first substrate, a non-electroconductive oil provided movably on the hydrophobic insulation film and containing a nonpolar solvent and a porphyrin dye represented by Formula (1), and an electroconductive hydrophilic liquid that contacts the oil. In Formula (I), A1 to A4: N or —C(R1)═; M: metal atom, metal oxide, metal hydroxide, metal halogenide or 2H; R: C4-30 alkyl; X: single bond, O, S or —N(R2)—; R1: H, alkyl, aryl or —X11—R11; R2: H, alkyl or aryl; R11: C4-30 alkyl; X11: single bond, O, S or —N(R12)—; R12: H, alkyl or aryl; and n: 1-8. |
| US09341837B2 |
Wide field of view foveal night vision systems
An optical viewing apparatus may include an objective lens assembly and an one eye piece assembly connected to the objective lens assembly. The optical viewing apparatus may exhibit a field of view in the range of between 40° and, preferably beyond 80°, and an eye-relief of at least 15 mm, and the optical viewing apparatus may exhibit a foveated image for at least one field of view (FOV) wherein the optical on-axis resolution decays toward the periphery of the field of view. |
| US09341832B2 |
Microscope objective lens
A microscope objective lens includes, in order from an object side, a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having positive refractive power, and a third lens group having negative refractive power, and is configured such that the first lens group includes, on the most object side, a positive meniscus lens whose concave surface is directed to the object side, such that the second lens group includes a diffractive optical element having positive refractive power, and such that the diffractive optical element is arranged at a position closer to the image than a portion at which the diameter of a light flux passing through the first lens group and the second lens group is the largest. |
| US09341825B2 |
Zoom lens and photographing apparatus including the same
A zoom lens and a photographing apparatus including the same. The zoom lens includes, in an order from an object side: a first lens group having negative refractive power; a second lens group having positive refractive power; a third lens group having positive refractive power; and a fourth lens group having an iris on a side of the fourth lens group closest to the object side and positive refractive power, wherein, while zooming from a wide angle position to a telephoto position, the first through fourth lens groups are moved such that the interval between the first and second lens groups increases, the interval between the second and third lens groups decreases, and the interval between the third and fourth lens groups decreases, and focusing is performed by moving the third lens group. |
| US09341819B2 |
Mobile device and optical imaging lens thereof
The present invention provides a mobile device and an optical imaging lens thereof. The optical imaging lens comprises a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element, a fifth lens element, and a sixth lens element positioned in an order from an object side to an image side. Through controlling the convex or concave shape of the surfaces and/or the refracting power of the lens elements, the optical imaging lens shows better image performance and the total length of the optical imaging lens is shortened. |
| US09341816B2 |
Mobile device and optical imaging lens thereof
Present embodiments provide for a mobile device and an optical imaging lens thereof. The optical imaging lens comprises four lens elements positioned in an order from the object side to the image side. Through controlling the convex or concave shape of the surfaces of the lens elements, the thickness of the at least one lens element, an air gap between two lens elements, and a sum of all air gaps between all four lens elements along the optical axis satisfying the relations: (T3/G34)>4 and (Gaa/T3)>1, wherein T3 is the thickness of the third lens element, G34 is the air gap between the third lens element and the fourth lens element, and Gaa is the sum of all air gaps between all four lens elements, the optical imaging lens shows better optical characteristics and the total length of the optical imaging lens is shortened. |
| US09341814B2 |
Imaging lens and camera module
Provided is an imaging lens and a camera module, the device including in an orderly way from an object side, a first lens with positive (+) refractive power; a second lens with negative (−) refractive power; a third lens with negative (−) refractive power; a fourth lens with negative (−) refractive power; and a fifth lens with negative (−) refractive power, wherein the lens is concavely formed at an object side surface. |
| US09341811B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjusting-free automatic focus
According to one exemplary embodiment, a method for adjusting-free automatic focus includes: mounting a lens in a lens holder seat with an adhesion scheme; setting focus position of a scene of infinity distance located on a back plane passing through a sensor integrated circuits; and moving the lens a travel distance toward a scene, wherein an image of the scene focuses on a front plane of the sensor integrated circuits. |
| US09341810B2 |
Voice coil motor
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention a rotor including a lens and formed with a first driving unit, a stator formed with a second driving unit driving the rotor in response to electromagnetic interaction with the first driving unit, and a base on which the stator is fixed, wherein the rotor is brought into contact with the base, in a case the lens is in a UP posture, and the rotor is distanced from the base, in a case the lens is in a DOWN posture. |
| US09341809B2 |
Lens focusing device
A lens focusing device includes a lens holder for holding a lens therein, a base, and an electrically conductive spring member elastically connected to between the lens holder and the base. The base is provided on a side wall with two terminal recesses, in which two connecting terminals are disposed. The connecting terminals respectively include a first terminal portion forward extended along a light axis to electrically connect to the spring member, a second terminal portion rearward extended along the light axis, and a connecting portion located between the first and the second terminal portion. The spring member is further electrically connected to two ends of a winding wound around the lens holder, so that external electric current can be supplied to the winding via the connecting terminals and the spring member for driving the lens holder to move relative to the base along the light axis. |
| US09341803B2 |
Device for connecting together tubes for protecting an optical fiber cable, a segment of an optical transmission circuit including such a device, and a sealing element for such a device
A device (1) for connecting together tubes (101, 102) for protecting an optical fiber cable (103), the device comprising a tubular body (2) defining a channel (3) having a first housing (4.1) and a second housing (4.2) each arranged to receive one of the tubes and provided with means (5) for sealed retention of said tube, and an annular step (9) extending between the housings to form an abutment against penetration of the tubes into the housings, an annular sealing element (10) being arranged in the first housing beside a flank of the step and being arranged to be taken, under the effect of axial compression exerted by the tube, from a first state in which the sealing element defines a section through which the cable can pass freely to a second state in which the sealing element defines a section less than a section of the cable. A segment, of an optical transmission circuit including such a connection device. |
| US09341801B2 |
Fiber management assemblies and trays and network interface devices incorporating such assemblies and trays
Fiber management assemblies, trays and network interface devices for use in telecommunications that incorporate such assemblies and trays are described. Fiber management trays can include integrated slack storage systems and mechanical fiber splice devices mounted into integrated splice holding grooves, where the mechanical fiber splice devices are actuated by a fiber splice actuation mechanism positioned over the mechanical fiber splice device, as are network interface devices incorporating such assemblies and trays. |
| US09341799B2 |
Fiber optic assembly and modular tray therefore
The fiber optic assembly can include two fiber optic breadboards hinged to one another along a coinciding hinge axis. Each one of the fiber optic breadboards can have a flat body having two faces and lateral edges, one of which running alongside the hinge axis, and can have a tessellation of tray locations each having a tray attachment. The fiber optic assembly can also include a plurality of fiber optic trays each having a body having a base attachable to at least one of said tray attachments, the body having a size and shape associated to one of a single one of said tray locations and a plurality of adjacent ones of said tray locations on one of said at least one fiber optic breadboards, and having a structure by which an optical fiber having a critical radius of curvature can be confined within at least one optical fiber path. |
| US09341797B2 |
Optical module and method for manufacturing optical module
An optical module includes: at least one optical waveguide provided on a surface of a substrate; a plurality of grooves provided in the optical waveguide on the surface of the substrate and having both a surface orthogonal to the surface of the substrate and an inclined surface; multiple pairs of light-emitting and light-receiving elements aligned with the plurality of grooves in the optical waveguide and provided so as to correspond to light of different wavelengths on the optical waveguide; and a plurality of light-selecting filters each provided on an inclined surface of the plurality of grooves in the optical waveguide and reflecting light of the wavelength corresponding to the light-emitting element in the respective pair of light-emitting and light-receiving elements towards the optical waveguide, and selectively reflecting light of the corresponding wavelength from the light propagating through the optical waveguide towards the corresponding pair of light-emitting and light-receiving elements. |
| US09341794B1 |
Thermal conduction system
A cage within a communication module may have a plurality of receptacles. A cover may cover at least a portion of the cage. A thermal conduction system may include a top wrap, a first side wrap, and a second side wrap. The top wrap may comprise a top wrap top portion covering at least a portion of the cover top side and a top wrap back portion covering at least a portion of the cover back side. The first side wrap may comprise a first side wrap back portion covering at least a portion of the top wrap back portion, a first side wrap side portion covering at least a portion of the cover first side, and first side fingers extending through a first slit in the cover into the cage. A heat sink may be attached to the first side wrap back portion. |
| US09341792B2 |
Vent structures for encapsulated components on an SOI-based photonics platform
An silicon-on-insulator (SOI)-based photonics platform is formed to including a venting structure for encapsulating the active and passive optical components formed on the SOI-based photonics platform. The venting structure is used to allow for the encapsulated components to “breathe” such that water vapor and gasses will pass through the package and not condensate on any of the encapsulated optical surfaces. The venting structure is configured to also to prevent dust, liquids and other particulate material from entering the package. |
| US09341790B2 |
Device and method for micro-electro-mechanical-system photonic switch
In one embodiment, micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) mirror structure includes an electrode plate including a first deflection electrode and a second deflection electrode, where the second deflection electrode is opposite the first deflection electrode, where the first deflection electrode is configured to receive a first drive voltage, and where the second deflection electrode is configured to receive a second drive voltage. The MEMS mirror structure also includes a mirror support pillar disposed on the electrode plate, where the mirror support pillar has a bearing surface and a mirror disposed above the bearing surface of the support pillar, where the mirror has a deflection angle, and where the first voltage is nonzero when the deflection angle is zero. |
| US09341789B2 |
Optical coupling lens and method for testing same
An optical coupling lens includes a first reference portion, a second reference portion and a main portion sandwiched between the first reference portion and the second reference portion. The main portion includes a first surface having at least one first converging lens, a second surface having at least one second converging lenses, and a reflecting surface. The second surface is substantially perpendicular to the first surface forming intersection line. An angle between the reflecting surface and the first surface is about 45 degrees. Each reference portion includes a reference member. The reference member includes a reference point. A connecting line of the reference points of the reference portions is substantially parallel to the intersection line. |
| US09341788B2 |
Optical module
An optical module includes a light emitting element, an optical fiber, a wavelength separating filter that is arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to a longitudinal direction of the optical fiber on a plane including the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, and a lens for focusing light emitted from the light emitting element on the optical fiber via the wavelength separating filter. The light emitting element is arranged while being offset in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of the lens on a plane where the wavelength separating filter has the predetermined angle with respect to the central axis of the lens. |
| US09341786B1 |
Optomechanical assembly for a photonic chip
An optomechanical assembly for a photonic chip is disclosed. The optomechanical assembly may include a planar lightwave circuit optically coupled to a plurality of vertical coupling gratings on the photonic chip, to couple light between an optical connector abutting the planar lightwave circuit and the photonic chip. |
| US09341784B2 |
Optical fiber filter device and method for manufacturing the same
An optical fiber filter device comprises: a first fiber pigtail assembly (110) having a first optical fiber (111), a second fiber pigtail assembly (120) having a second optical fiber (121), a first optical filtering element (114) and a second optical filtering element (124). The first optical filtering element is arranged between a first port (113) of the first optical fiber and a second port (123) of the second optical fiber and is inclined at an angle to an optical axis of the first optical fiber such that a light component within a first wavelength range emitted from the first port is transmitted through the first optical filtering element and enters the second optical fiber via the second port, and a light component within a second wavelength range emitted from the first port is reflected by the first optical filtering element to form a reflected light. The second optical filtering element is arranged such that the reflected light returns to the first optical fiber via the first port after it has been reflected by the second optical filtering element and again by the first optical filtering element 1. |
| US09341783B2 |
Apparatus and methods for producing and/or providing recirculating optical delay(s)
Exemplary apparatus and method can be availed for providing at least one electromagnetic radiation. For example, it is possible to provide at least one first electromagnetic radiation having a frequency that changes over time with a first characteristic period. Further, with at least one hardware arrangement, it is possible to receive and modify the first electromagnetic radiation(s) into at least one second electromagnetic radiation having a frequency that changes over time with a second characteristic period. The second characteristic period can be smaller than the first characteristic period. The hardware arrangement(s) can include a resonant cavity having a round-trip propagation time for the first electromagnetic radiation(s) that can be approximately the same as the first characteristic period. |
| US09341779B2 |
Nanomechanical photonic devices
Devices which operate on gradient optical forces, in particular, nanoscale mechanical devices which are actuable by gradient optical forces. Such a device comprises a waveguide and a dielectric body, with at least a portion of the waveguide separated from the dielectric body at a distance which permits evanescent coupling of an optical mode within the waveguide to the dielectric body. This results in an optical force which acts on the waveguide and which can be exploited in a variety of devices on a nano scale, including all-optical switches, photonic transistors, tuneable couplers, optical attenuators and tuneable phase shifters. |
| US09341778B2 |
Fiber optic splice protector for harsh environments
An optical fiber cable for installation in a subterranean formation, where the temperature could be in excess of 150 degrees C. The optical fiber cable has an outer metallic jacket defining an elongated conduit with an internal elongated channel that receives an optical fiber. The optical fiber has two strands joined by a splice. A splice protector has a body with a passageway receiving the splice. The body has an outer region configured to be joined by a fusion weld to the outer metallic jacket. |
| US09341777B2 |
Optical fiber fusion splicer
An optical fiber fusion splicer includes a base having a fiber groove for containing an optical fiber, a fiber clamp for pressing the optical fiber contained in the fiber groove against the base and load changing means for changing a load for the fiber clamp to press the optical fiber. |
| US09341775B1 |
Thermoplastic reinforced micro-truss materials
A micro-truss fabricated of thermosetting polymer and toughened with a coating of thermoplastic polymer. In one embodiment the thermosetting polymer micro-truss is immersed in a solution of thermoplastic polymer in an organic solvent. The immersion causes the micro-truss to absorb the thermoplastic polymer solution and to become coated with the thermoplastic polymer solution. Subsequent drying of the micro-truss leaves a coating of thermoplastic polymer on the micro-truss, and a layer of thermosetting polymer into which the thermoplastic polymer has penetrated. In another embodiment a thermoplastic monomer solution is allowed to diffuse into, and coat, the thermosetting polymer micro-truss, and the thermoplastic monomer is subsequently polymerized. |
| US09341774B2 |
Optically matched laser array coupling assembly for coupling laser array to arrayed waveguide grating
A laser array optical coupling assembly may be used to couple a laser array to an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG), for example, in an optical transmitter in a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical communication system. The laser array optical coupling assembly may include an optical fiber tip array with polished optical fiber tips providing a reduced mode field diameter to improve coupling efficiency with the laser array. The laser array optical coupling assembly may also include a direct coupling of the laser array to the AWG with modified AWG inputs reducing the mode field diameter to improve coupling efficiency with the laser array. The laser array optical coupling assembly may be used, for example, in an optical line terminal (OLT) in a WDM passive optical network (PON) or in other transmitters or transceivers in a WDM system capable of transmitting and receiving optical signals on multiple channel wavelengths. |
| US09341772B2 |
Integrated semiconductor device
An integrated semiconductor device includes a substrate including first, second and third portions; a first waveguide provided on the first portion, the first waveguide including a first base portion containing a first core layer, and a first ridge portion provided on the first base portion; a second waveguide provided on the second portion, the second waveguide including a second base portion containing a second core layer and a second ridge portion provided on the second base portion; and a third waveguide provided on the third portion, the third waveguide including a stripe-shaped mesa containing a third core layer. The second base portion is connected to the first base portion. The second ridge portion is connected to the first ridge portion and the stripe-shaped mesa. The second core layer is formed integrally with the third core layer and is joined to the first core layer by a butt-joint method. |
| US09341770B2 |
Thermal compensation composition of optical fiber connector containing a fiber Bragg grating
An optical fiber connector embedded with a Bragg grating includes: a ferrule formed with a reception unit for inserting and fixing a temperature compensation connection port from one end, a space unit extended from the reception unit toward inside, and an optical fiber insertion hole penetrating a side surface of the other end along a center of an axial direction from an inclined surface gradually narrowed toward inside of the space unit; the temperature compensation connection port formed with a connection unit contacting with the reception unit of the ferrule, an optical fiber support unit having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the space unit of the ferrule from the connection unit and protruding to be spaced apart from an inlet of the ferrule by a predetermined distance to form a space for accommodating the Bragg grating and support an optical fiber, and the optical fiber insertion hole penetrating both ends along the center of the axial direction to insert the optical fiber; an optical fiber cable having the optical fiber inserted into the optical fiber insertion hole of the temperature compensation connection port and the optical fiber insertion hole of the ferrule and the Bragg grating placed in the space unit of the ferrule; and a socket, one end of which is fixed to the ferrule, and the other end of which is fixed to an optical fiber cladding of the optical fiber cable. |
| US09341769B2 |
Spectral control system
The disclosure is directed to a system and method of controlling spectral attributes of illumination. According to various embodiments, a portion of illumination including an excluded selection of illumination spectra is blocked, while another portion of the illumination including a transmitted selection of illumination spectra is directed along an illumination path. In some embodiments, optical metrology is performed utilizing the spectrally controlled illumination to enhance measurement capability. For instance, the spectral attributes of illumination utilized to analyze different portions of a sample, such as different semiconductor layers, may be selected according to certain measurement characteristics associated with the analyzed portions of the sample. |
| US09341763B1 |
Backlight module and liquid crystal display device
The present invention discloses a backlight module, which includes: a backplane, which has a sidewall; a light guide plate, which is carried on the backplane and includes a light incidence end section, a light exit surface, and a bottom surface opposite to the light exit surface; a light source, which is mounted on the sidewall and adjacent to the light incidence end section; an intermediate frame, which is set on and covers the light guide plate and the light source; a first retention slot, which is formed in the light incidence end section and has an opening facing the intermediate frame; a second retention slot, which is formed in the light incidence end section and close to the first retention slot and has an opening facing the backplane; a first quantum dot strip, which is received in the first retention slot; and a second quantum dot strip, which is received in the second retention slot. The present invention also discloses a liquid crystal display device. The present invention provides an arrangement including quantum dot strips arranged in the light incidence end section in a top-down staggering manner, where the manner of fixing is simple and light emitting from the light source is prevented from directly entering the light guide plate so as to improve the taste of the color of the backlighting. |
| US09341762B2 |
Backlight module
A reflective back cover made of plastic material having micro cellular structures is processed by compression molding and cutting so as to have a monolithical structure. The white material of the reflective back cover reflects lights such that the back cover can be an integral component featuring multiple functions of various components. With the thickness control of the reflective back cover, a concave can be formed at the side of the back cover where a light source is contained and the concave further retains the light source and its flexible printed circuit board. With the incorporation of the reflective back cover, the thickness of the backlight module can be reduced and a reliable and repetitive manufacturing of the backlight module can be introduced. |
| US09341761B2 |
Switchable laser and fiber based lamphouse for optimal power output in different wavelength bands and pixel sizes
Systems and methods for providing laser sustained plasma light sources are disclosed. Different from conventional laser sustained plasma light sources where one fiber size and one wavelength combination is used in the lamphouse to generate light for different bands and pixel sizes, switchable fiber sizes and wavelength combinations are provided for optimal power output in different wavelength bands and pixel sizes. More specifically, switchable fiber configurations are provided where larger fibers with higher pump powers are used for bigger pixel sizes and higher wavelength bands while smaller fibers are used for smaller pixel size and shorter wavelength bands. Additionally and/or alternatively, pumping schemes are provided where pump wavelengths close to the absorption peak of the gas fill are used for bigger pixel sizes while pump wavelengths away from the gas fill absorption peak are used for smaller pixel sizes. |
| US09341758B2 |
Optical laminated body and method for production of optical laminated body
The present invention provides an optical laminated body having a patterning polarizer layer in which a more complicated pattern can be set. The optical laminated body 1A of the present invention has a patterning polarizer layer 3A having at least two polarizing regions 31A and 32A having different single transmittances, and a substrate 2A. The two polarizing regions 31A and 32A are different in thickness. |
| US09341757B2 |
Optical component including interference filter
An optical component including an interference filter which is less likely to generate back reflected light, where the filter is accommodated in a hollow cylindrical housing and is tilted with respect to the optical axis. The housing has front and back openings. First and second collimator lenses respectively face the front and back openings. The housing includes a filter housing section and first and second cylindrical optical path sections extending in the front-back direction respectively from the front and back openings to the filter housing section while maintaining the shape of each opening. The diameter of the opening of the first optical path section is smaller than the apparent diameter of the first collimator lens. When light is input from the front along the optical axis, light of prescribed wavelengths is output to the back. Light reflected by the filter travels toward the inside of the first optical path section. |
| US09341752B2 |
Viewport protector for an extreme ultraviolet light source
A protector for a viewport of a vacuum chamber includes a substrate material that absorbs radiation having a wavelength of an amplified light beam and radiation having a wavelength included in an emission spectra of a target material that produces EUV light when ionized by the amplified light beam. The substrate material transmits one or more of visible or near-infrared light. The protector also includes a layer formed on the substrate material, and the layer reflects radiation having the wavelength of the amplified light beam. |
| US09341749B2 |
Window for display device and display device including the window
A window for a display device and a display device, the window including a first plastic substrate; a second plastic substrate on one side of the first plastic substrate, the second plastic substrate including a cycloolefin polymer; and a third plastic substrate on one side of the second plastic substrate, wherein a refractive index difference between the first plastic substrate and the second plastic substrate is less than or equal to about 0.05. |
| US09341746B2 |
Azo compound, dye-based polarizing film and polarizing plate
The present invention relates to an azo compound represented by the following formula (1), [wherein, A represents a phenyl group which may have a substituent, R1 to R6 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having a carbon atom number of 1 to 5, an alkoxy group having a carbon atom number of 1 to 5, a sulfo group, or an alkoxy group having a sulfo group and a carbon atom number of 1 to 5, and X represents an amino group which may have a substituent, a benzoylamino group which may have a substituent, a phenylamino group which may have a substituent, a phenylazo group which may have a substituent, or a naphthotriazole group which may have a substituent] or/and a salt thereof and to a polarizing film and a polarizing plate which contain it. |
| US09341739B2 |
Apparatus and method for estimating geologic boundaries
A method of estimating a geology of an earth formation includes: receiving gravity measurements from each of a plurality of gravity sensors nsj arrayed along a length of a borehole in an earth formation, each of the sensors nsj generating a gravity measurement gj associated with a location zsj, each of the plurality of sensors separated by a distance h; generating a model of the earth formation that includes approximate geological boundaries Nm having an approximate depth zmk, the geological boundaries defining a number of geologic layers therebetween; assuming that each geological boundary is represented by a minimum density change and each of the geologic layers has a thickness that encompasses two or more of the plurality of sensors nsj; and estimating a location and a density change Δρ of a geologic boundary z between locations zsj and zsj+1 based on the gravity measurements gj and the distance h. |
| US09341734B2 |
Apparatus and method for bed boundary detection
A method for performing detection of a bed boundary can include deploying a tool body with a longitudinal axis in a borehole, modulating the magnetic moments of electromagnetic signals to be transmitted by the first transmitter and the second transmitter, firing the first transmitter and the second transmitter substantially simultaneously, utilizing the receiver to receive and measure the modulated electromagnetic signals from the first transmitter and the second transmitter, and computing the orientation and location of the bed boundary based on the amplitudes and phases of the electromagnetic signals received and measured at the receiver. The tool body can be deployed with a first transmitter, a second transmitter, and a receiver, all of which are oriented in different directions. The vector of the total magnetic moment of the modulated electromagnetic signals can electrically rotate during firing. A corresponding apparatus for detection of a bed boundary is also provided. |
| US09341718B2 |
Method and system for providing integrity for hybrid attitude and true heading
One embodiment is directed towards a method for providing integrity for a hybrid navigation system using a Kalman filter. The method includes determining a main navigation solution for one or more of roll, pitch, platform heading, or true heading for the vehicle using signals from a plurality of GNSS satellites and inertial measurements. Solution separation is used to determine a plurality of sub-solutions for the main navigation solution. The method also includes determining a separation between the main navigation solution and each of the sub-solutions, and a discriminator for each of the separations. The method also includes determining a separation variance between the main navigation solution and each of the sub-solutions, a threshold for detection of a satellite failure based on the separation variances; and a protection limit that bounds error in the main navigation solution based on the threshold. |
| US09341715B2 |
Multi-level digital modulation for time of flight method and system
The modulation scheme disclosed in this invention report allows for utilizing multiple 3D time-of-flight cameras at the same time by exploiting the inherent pseudo noise properties of the optical modulation signals. Compared to recent systems based on pure pseudo noise modulation signals, the stochastic measurement error in a single-camera environment is significantly reduced. The basic concept relies on the generation of a three level optical modulation signal that includes two pseudo noise sequences. |
| US09341711B2 |
Method for detecting traffic infractions in a traffic light zone through rear end measurement by a radar device
A method for detecting a traffic violation in a traffic light zone through rear end measurement by a FMCW radar device (1). A specific position (sP1) assigned to the front of a vehicle (3) and the radial velocity are derived from the measurement signal obtained at a first measurement time (t1), and a first anticipated position (eP1) for the front of the vehicle is calculated by the distance-time rule at the second measurement time (t2) by means of the time period between the first measurement time (t1) and the second measurement time (t2). Through repeated calculation of an anticipated position for the front of the vehicle at further measurement times, an anticipated time when the front of the vehicle crosses a stop line (5) defining the traffic light zone is predicted iteratively with the determined vehicle velocity. |
| US09341707B2 |
Method for classifying moving vehicles
A method for classifying vehicles in which an angle-resolving radar device yields measurement signals which have frequencies corresponding to a Doppler shift and which originate from measured vehicles and from which radial distances, object angles and radial velocities can be derived. The frequencies of the acquired measurement signals are stored as functions over the measurement time period, and a spectrogram is formed for every vehicle therefrom. Subsequently, the spectrograms are checked for assessment regions with maximum bandwidth of the frequency. These assessment regions are compared with assessment regions of stored spectrograms for different vehicle classes and associated with the most similar such that the measured vehicles are classified. |
| US09341703B2 |
System and method for identifying a component
A system for checking the positioning of components is provided. The system includes a reading device for reading in component identification information, which is provided by an identification device in a spatially limited region about a component to be checked, a locating device with at least one stationary reference device, a movement component which is movable relative thereto and a computing unit. The reading device and the locating device can be connected to the computing unit. The computing unit is set up to detect a relative position of the movement component with respect to the at least one reference device in the spatially limited region about the component to be checked and to form a data pair from the detected relative position with component identification information read in by means of the reading device and to compare it with predefined data pairs. |
| US09341702B2 |
Method of distance measurement
A method, device, system and use for determining a distance, location and/or orientation including the at least relative determination of a position of at least one object using at least two active anchors. A first signal is emitted by a first of the two anchors and is received at the object and by a second of said two anchors. A phase measurement is performed at said second anchor and wherein a distance determination with respect to said first anchor is performed and/or the distance from said first anchor to said second anchor is known. A second, particularly electromagnetic, signal is emitted from said second anchor, and information on phase measurement and distance between said first and second anchors is made available to a computation unit and at least one phase measurement respectively of said first and second signal is performed at said object and made available to said computation unit. |
| US09341694B2 |
Method and magnetic resonance system for distortion correction in magnetic resonance imaging
In a method for distortion correction in spiral magnetic resonance imaging, a first MR data set is acquired by scanning raw data space along a spiral trajectory beginning at a first point. A first complex MR image is determined from the first MR data set, which includes first phase information for image points of the first MR image. A second MR data set is acquired by scanning raw data space along the spiral trajectory beginning at a second point that differs from the first point. A second complex MR image is determined from the second MR data set, which includes second phase information for image points of the second MR image. A geometric distortion for image points of the first or second MR image is determined from the first and second phase information, for example with a PLACE method. |
| US09341693B2 |
Motion compensated magnetic resonance reconstruction in real-time imaging
Magnetic resonance reconstruction includes motion compensation. Inverse-consistent non-rigid registration is used to determine motion between shots. The motion is incorporated into reconstruction. The incorporation compensates for the motion resulting from the period over which the MR data is acquired. |
| US09341692B2 |
Magnetization transfer and off-resonance protocols in NMR
A method includes acquiring a signal intensity from a spin system after applying the radio frequency preparation pulses prior to the imaging readout or spectroscopic localization, and acquiring signal intensity starting with magnetization initially rotated to a certain angle by applying an initial pulse before the preparation scheme, and processing the data to generate an image or spectra corresponding to the spin system. The imaging or spectroscopy sequence is configured to provide data based on magnetization transfer or an off-resonance effect. |
| US09341690B2 |
Pole piece
There are disclosed pole piece designs. In embodiments a pole piece comprises a rear face, the rear face comprising at least one channel. In embodiments the pole piece comprises at least one hole for accepting a cooperating shimming rod. There are also disclosed magnet arrays and magnetic resonance apparatuses comprising the pole pieces as well as uses of the pole pieces with magnet arrays according to embodiments. |
| US09341688B2 |
MRT system with a magnetic coil and method for manufacturing a circuit arrangement for switching a coil current
In a magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) system, a current strength of a coil current is controllable by a plurality of semiconductor power switches as a function of a control signal. The plurality of semiconductor power switches receive the control signal at respective control inputs from a control line. In each of at least two semiconductor power switches of the plurality of semiconductor power switches, a compensation resistance element is connected between the control input and the control line. Resistance values of the compensation resistance elements are different. |
| US09341676B2 |
Packet-based propagation of testing information
A packet-based testing capability is provided. The packet-based testing capability is configured to provide a packet-based JTAG (PJTAG) protocol. The PJTAG protocol is an asynchronous protocol configured to support the synchronous JTAG protocol. The PJTAG protocol is configured to convert between JTAG signals and packets configured to transport information of the JTAG signals (e.g., to convert JTAG signals into PJTAG packets at an interface from a JTAG domain to a PJTAG domain and to convert PJTAG packets into JTAG signals at an interface from a PJTAG domain to JTAG domain). |
| US09341675B2 |
Test card for testing one or more devices under test and tester
A test card for testing one or more devices under test includes a plurality of test resources configured to communicate with the one or more devices under test. The test card further includes a matching circuit configured to receive a test sequence of at least two matching instructions followed by one or more processing instructions. The matching instructions define a group of resources which are to operate in accordance with the processing instructions. The matching circuit is configured to determine based on the at least two matching instructions whether a given test resource out of a plurality of test resources belongs to the group or not and to forward the processing instructions to the given test resource if the given test resource belongs to the group and to not forward the processing instructions to the given test resource if the given test resource does not belong to the group. |
| US09341672B2 |
Method and apparatus for interconnect test
A method of testing interconnected dies can include forming a cell for the interconnected dies, applying at least a first input to the cell to perform an open or short defects test, and applying at least a second input to the cell to perform one or more of a resistive defects test or a burn-in-test. Test circuitry for testing an interconnection between interconnected dies can include a wrapper cell embedded within a die where the wrapper cell includes a scannable data storage element, a hold data module, a selection logic, a transition generation module, and one or more additional input ports for receiving inputs causing the wrapper cell to perform an open or short defects test in a first mode and causing the wrapper cell to perform one or more of a resistive defects test in a second mode or a burn-in-test in a third mode. |
| US09341668B1 |
Integrated circuit package testing
A testable circuit arrangement includes an integrated circuit (IC) package. The IC package includes a package substrate, an interposer mounted directly on the package substrate with level 1 interconnects, and at least one IC die mounted directly on the interposer with level 0 interconnects. The package substrate of the IC package is mounted directly on a connector board with a soldered ball grid array of level 2 interconnects. The level 0, level 1, and level 2 interconnects include respective power, configuration, and test interconnects. Power, configuration, and test terminals of the connector board are coupled to the power, configuration, and test interconnects of the level 2 interconnects. |
| US09341667B2 |
Device for detecting and measuring an insulation fault
A device for detecting an insulation fault of a direct voltage source that can induce electrocution, including: first and second input terminals for the voltage source; first and third resistive dipoles connected in series between an electric ground and the second input terminal, the first resistive dipole having a resistance at least ten times higher than that of the third dipole; a second resistive dipole and a switch connected in series between the first input terminal and the electric ground; and a detection circuit connected to the terminals of the third dipole, configured to alternately open and close the switch, measure the voltage at the terminals of the third dipole, and determine the amplitude of an insulation fault according to the measured voltages. |
| US09341666B2 |
Method and device for establishing a fault in connecting lines between a central unit and a plurality of electronic components which are independent of one another
A method for establishing at least one fault in connecting lines between electronic connection units and peripheral units, which are independent of one another, includes: outputting a start signal from the control unit to a first of the connection units, to start the establishment of the fault; applying a test signal to an interface of a first one of the connection units, the application of the test signal being monitored and/or controlled by a non-volatile first algorithm of the first connection unit; registering a cross-coupling of the test signal to an interface of a second connection unit and storing a fault value representing the cross-coupling in a first register, the registration and the storage of the fault value being monitored and/or controlled by a nonvolatile second algorithm of the second connection unit. |
| US09341665B2 |
Method and apparatus for high voltage isolation monitor for a vehicle
An apparatus for monitoring a high voltage isolation in a vehicle. The apparatus comprising a power conversion device for receiving a high voltage on a power bus. The power conversion device is configured to control a first switch for enabling a first known resistance to receive the high voltage and to measure a first voltage between a first node and a ground in response to the first known resistance receiving the high voltage. The power conversion device is further configured to measure a second voltage between a second node and the ground in response to the first known resistance receiving the high voltage and to determine a first leakage resistance between the first node and the ground based on at least the first voltage and the second voltage. The first leakage resistance indicating whether the high voltage is isolated from the ground. |
| US09341662B2 |
Method for performing RF testing
A method for performing RF testing of an electronic device. An RF antenna is received in a base plate. The base plate defines a grid of grooves. One or more guides are received for connection to the base plate for securing the electronic device above the RF antenna. The electronic device is secured on the base plate utilizing the one or more guides to perform the RF testing. |
| US09341653B2 |
Optical sensor assembly for installation on a current carrying cable
An optical sensor assembly, for installation on a current carrying cable, senses the current in the cable and provides an electrical output indicating the current. To sense the current, a magnetic concentrator is placed in close proximity to the cable and creates a magnetic field representing current in the cable. An optical current sensor, within the created magnetic field, exposes a beam of polarized light to the magnetic field. The beam of polarized light is rotated thereby, by Faraday effect, according to the current in the cable. The amount of rotation is analyzed and converted to electrical signals to portray the current in the cable. The electrical signals may be processed, evaluated and analyzed to provide one or more of several elements of quality of the current in the cable. |
| US09341652B2 |
Electronic load module and a method and a system therefor
The present invention relates to an electronic load module and to a method and a system therefor. The method comprises receiving control data (301) from a connectable power controller via a data bus connector (202), and controlling (302) an active load (203) based on the received control data to sink a defined current from a connectable device under test via a first input (204). The method further comprises controlling (303) the activate load (203) based on the received control data by means of a digital control circuit (201) and the connectable power controller to generate and maintain an ambient temperature of the device under test. |
| US09341651B2 |
Probe card and method for manufacturing the same
A probe card for an electric test of a device under test on a working table incorporating a heat source includes a circuit base plate including conductive paths connected to a tester, a probe base plate including conductive paths corresponding to the conductive paths and provided with probes connected to the conductive paths, and a heat expansion adjusting member bonded to the probe base plate, having a different linear expansion coefficient from that of the probe base plate to restrain heat expansion of the probe base plate, and constituting a composite body with the probe base plate. In a case where, when the device under test is at two measuring temperatures, the composite body is at corresponding achieving temperatures, expansion changing amounts of the device under test and the composite body under temperature differences between the respective measuring temperatures and the corresponding achieving temperatures are set to be approximately equal. |
| US09341646B2 |
Bias reduction in force rebalanced accelerometers
A system is provided for the continuous reduction, in real time, of bias in a force rebalanced accelerometers having a proof mass coupled to an accelerometer housing by a flexure suspension. The system comprises a closed loop, force rebalance servo that provides control voltage to the proof mass to null an electrical pickoff signal that indicates the motion of the proof mass with respect to the accelerometer housing, wherein a time varying disturbance signal is injected into the force rebalance servo that results in the generation of a time varying voltage in the output of the force rebalance servo that corresponds to a magnitude of the net positive spring of the combined flexure suspension and electrostatic springs acting on the proofmass. The system also comprises a negative electrostatic spring servo that applies a negative electrostatic spring DC voltage to each of a pair of negative electrostatic forcer electrodes. |
| US09341642B1 |
Laser system for measuring fluid velocity
Apparatus and method for measuring fluid velocity in a conduit or in open space comprises providing a laser which sends a beam through the fluid, measuring how the beam deflects due to the effect of transverse-moving fluid on the beam, and calculating velocity based on the deflection. The laser beam is one which causes thermal blooming within the fluid and that causes the beam to deflect as a function of the velocity of the fluid. The beam deflection is directly or indirectly measured, for example by looking at the movement of a beam spot on a target, or by sensing the change in intensity of the beam at a target. |
| US09341641B2 |
Cartridge for dispensing a fluid
A cartridge for dispensing fluid is presented. The cartridge comprises a valve. The valve comprises a pumping chamber for pumping the fluid. The valve positions a pumping chamber conduit. The pumping chamber conduit is connected to the pumping chamber. The cartridge further comprises a plunger for changing the volume of the pumping chamber. The cartridge further comprises a reservoir conduit for connecting the reservoir with the valve. The valve positions the pumping chamber conduit to connect with the reservoir conduit. The cartridge further comprises an outlet conduit for dispensing the fluid. The valve further rotates the pumping chamber conduit to connect with the outlet conduit. |
| US09341640B2 |
Apparatus for multiple automatic analysis of biosamples, method for autoanalysis, and reaction cuvette
A biosample autoanalyzer including: a sample supply unit having a plurality of biosamples; a first measuring unit fitted with a first optical measuring device; a sample transport capable of transporting the biosamples from the sample supply unit to the reaction cuvettes on the first measuring unit; a second measuring unit fitted with a second optical measuring device; a cuvette transfer device capable of transferring the reaction cuvettes to the second measuring unit; a reagent supply unit having reagents; and (7) a reagent transport device capable of transporting reaction reagents to the reaction cuvettes. The analyzer is operated wherein the reaction cuvettes on the second measuring unit are dispensed with the biosamples on the first measuring unit, subsequently transferred from the first measuring unit to the second measuring unit by the cuvette transfer device, such that different measurements are carried out by the first measuring unit and the second measuring unit. |
| US09341639B2 |
Apparatus for microfluid detection
A apparatus for microfluid detection for detecting a sample fluid including a plurality of magnetic particles is provided. The apparatus for microfluid detection includes a microfluidic chip and a magnetic generating module. The microfluidic chip includes a substrate and microfluidic channels, wherein the sample fluid is carried by a carry surface of the substrate. The magnetic generating module is adapted for providing a positioning magnetic field and a surrounding magnetic field. The magnetic module controls to move the sample fluid and change a distribution of the magnetic particles in the sample fluid through the positioning magnetic field and the surrounding magnetic field. |
| US09341637B2 |
Controlled platelet activation to monitor therapy of ADP antagonists
A method is provided of determining whether an individual has reduced ability to form platelet thrombi due to inhibition of platelet activation initiation, signal transduction and/or GPIIb/IIIa blockade. A blood sample is obtained from the individual being assessed. The blood sample is mixed in combination with 1) an anticoagulant; 2) sufficient buffer to maintain the pH and salt concentration of the anticoagulated blood within a range suitable for platelet aggregation; 3) a platelet GPIIb/IIIa receptor ligand immobilized on a solid surface; 4) one or more agents to enhance a signal transduction pathway and 5) a receptor activator. The combination is incubated under conditions for agglutinating particles. Platelet-mediated agglutination is assessed in the agitated mixture. The absence of agglutination indicates that the individual has a reduced ability to form platelet thrombi. |
| US09341636B2 |
Method and system for characterizing the movement speed of particles contained in a liquid, such as blood particles
The method according to the invention is capable of characterizing a variation in the speed of particles or agglomeration of particles, the particles, such as blood particles, being contained in a liquid (12).The characterization method includes the following steps: introducing the liquid (12) into a fluid chamber (14); lighting the fluid chamber (14) using an excitation light beam (18) emitted by a light source (16), the light beam (18) extending through the fluid chamber (14) in a longitudinal direction (X); acquiring at least one image using a matrix photodetector (20), the image being formed by radiation transmitted by the lighted fluid chamber (14); and calculating, from at least one acquired image, at least one indicator characterizing the variation of the speed or agglomeration of the particles. During the acquisition step, the photodetector (20) is positioned at a distance (D2) smaller than 1 cm from the fluid chamber (14) in the longitudinal direction (X). |
| US09341632B1 |
Ketone measurement system capable of detecting correlations between measurements and user behaviors
Systems and related methods are provided for measuring a ketone in the fluid of a patient or other user. The systems include a portable measurement device for analyzing a plurality of fluid samples and for generating a corresponding plurality of ketone measurement results. The systems also include an electronic or communications device, for example, such as a cell phone or smartphone, configured to communicate with the measurement device. The system further includes a software application. The systems and related methods according to one aspect provide reminders, preferably interactive reminders that facilitate user compliance with a weight management or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) monitoring or prevention program. The systems and related methods according to another aspect incorporate ketone tags and/or trigger points to improve accuracy of results and to advance user compliance. |
| US09341631B2 |
Long wavelength fluorogenic intracellular ion indicators that are well retained in the cytosol
Cell permeable metal ion indicator compounds and methods of their use and synthesis are described. The compound comprises a metal chelating moiety (Mc), a reporter molecule and two or more lipophilic groups (GL) covalently bonded through a linker to the reporter molecule, wherein the lipophilic groups, when present in a live cell, are cleaved resulting in two or more negatively charged groups. An exemplary compound for use as a cell permeable metal ion indicator is represented by the structure: |
| US09341620B2 |
Microfluidics based assay device
A subtractive corrective assay device and methodology, whereby ail required binding and label detection reagents are initially located within the detection zone. Application of a magnetic field is used to selectively remove bound label from the detection zone by means of paramagnetic particles. The relationship between measured label concentration before and after the application of a magnetic field within the detection zone is used to accurately measure analyte concentration within the sample. |
| US09341619B2 |
Hyposialylation disorders
Methods are disclosed for diagnosing a hyposialylation disorder. Methods are also disclosed for determining the effectiveness of a therapeutic agent for treatment of a hyposialylation disorder in a subject. These methods include measuring an amount of monosialylated Thomsen-Friedenreich (ST) antigen and measuring an amount of non-sialylated Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen (T) in a biological sample, such as a serum or plasma sample from the subject and determining the ratio of T to ST. A ratio of T to monosialylated ST of about 0.06 or higher diagnoses the hyposialylation disorder or indicates that the therapeutic agent is not effective for the treatment of the hyposialylation disorder. In other embodiments, a ratio of T to ST less than about 0.06 indicates that the therapeutic agent is effective for the treatment of the hyposialylation disorder, or the subject does not have the hyposialylation disorder. In additional embodiments, these methods can be used to determine the lowest effective dosage of the therapeutic agent of use to treat the subject. |
| US09341616B2 |
Sweet taste receptor chimeric proteins and use thereof
A sweet taste substance or a sweet taste-regulating substance is detected by contacting a test substance with a cell that expresses a chimeric protein of human T1R2 and mouse T1R2, and/or a chimeric protein of human T1R3 and mouse T1R3, and may further express a G protein α subunit, and by detecting an interaction between the chimeric proteins and the test substance. |
| US09341613B2 |
Device for singulating and dispensing rigid and semi-rigid strips
A container device for storing, singulating and dispensing rigid and semi-rigid strips such as diagnostic test strips. A plurality of strips is contained and protected within a transparent container having an internal capture element for capturing and positioning a single strip adjacent a narrow normally-closed dispensing aperture. The aperture is exposed by rotating a spring-loaded container top cap to an open position. A detachable container base cap contains a desiccant and is replaceable. An optional stand stores the device in an upright position, and incorporates a tool to facilitate removal of the base cap for replenishing the container's contents or replacing the desiccant. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag can be incorporated for electronic inventory control. The device can also be used as an integrated test strip container/single strip dispensing means for an automated analyte meter module. |
| US09341612B2 |
System and method for monitoring a fluid
System (18, 28) for inspecting oil, which comprises a cell (280) through which oil (281) flows through a pipe. Inside said cell (280) the system comprises a lighting system (284) based on at least one LED diode and configured to supply a beam of white light to the flow of oil (281); a diffuser (286) situated between the lighting system (284) and the flow of oil (281), configured to provide homogeneous lighting to the lit area; an image capture system (282, 382) situated on the opposite side of the pipe through which the oil (281) flows in respect of the lighting system (284) and configured to capture a sequence of images of the oil which flows inside said pipe; a lens (283) situated between the image capture system (282) and the flow of oil (281), configured to focus the captured images; a calibration device (287) situated between the lens (283) and the flow of oil (281); a processor (2851) configured to process said sequence of images and to determine the presence of particles and bubbles and a degradation value of the oil. |
| US09341611B2 |
Grease test kit and methods of testing grease
A kit for testing grease includes components for testing consistency, oil bleed characteristic and contamination. Consistency of the grease is tested by compressing a sample of the grease between two surfaces (e.g., glass plates), measuring the extent of spread, and comparing the measured spread to a calibrated reference. Oil bleed characteristic is tested by placing a quantity of the used grease on a test medium, heating the test sample, measuring a dimension of the grease quantity on the heated test sample, and determining the bleed characteristic of the used grease by comparing the dimension of the grease quantity to a reference. A contamination test may be performed by further compressing the consistency sample and inspecting the sample both by the naked eye and with a microscope. |
| US09341607B2 |
Compositions for testing smoke detectors
A composition of matter is provided for testing smoke detectors. The composition includes an oligopolymeric siloxane and a fluorinated, propene-based propellant. The composition is non-flammable under all reasonably foreseeable conditions of use. The oligopolymeric siloxane may comprise phenyl trimethicone (INCI) (International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook), as typified by Dow Corning 556 Cosmetic Grade Fluid, Dow Corning 558 Fluid and equivalent siloxane compounds. The fluorinated propene-based propellant may comprise trans 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene. The trans 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene may comprise Honeywell Fluorine Products Division's HFO1,2,3,4ze(E) product. The fluorinated propene-based propellant may be present at from about 94% to 99% by weight. The oligopolymeric siloxane may be present at from about 1% by weight to about 6.0% by weight, ideally 1.5% to 2.0% by weight. Up to about 25% by weight of the composition is may comprise a totally non-flammable propellant or diluent, such as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane or cis/trans 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobut-2-ene or iodotrifluoromethane (CIF3). |
| US09341602B2 |
Ultrasound generating apparatus, and methods for generating ultrasound
Ultrasound generating apparatus (10) comprises an arbitrary waveform generator (12) to provide a waveform output at (14), representing a waveform. A power amplifier (16), which may be an operational amplifier, is operable to amplify the waveform output (14) in power and amplitude to provide a power output (18) for applying to an ultrasonic transducer (20). |
| US09341595B2 |
Electrophoresis gel assembly
An electrophoresis gel assembly comprising a gel slab, at least two sample wells and at least one focusing buffer well arranged between two adjacent sample wells and wherein focusing barriers are arranged between the focusing buffer well and the sample wells. A high conductivity focusing buffer can be applied to the focusing buffer well to obtain a lateral focusing of the sample bands during electrophoresis. |
| US09341592B2 |
Field effect transistor, device including the transistor, and methods of forming and using same
The present disclosure provides an improved field effect transistor and device that can be used to sense and characterize a variety of materials. The field effect transistor and/or device including the transistor may be used for a variety of applications, including genome sequencing, protein sequencing, biomolecular sequencing, and detection of ions, molecules, chemicals, biomolecules, metal atoms, polymers, nanoparticles and the like. |
| US09341590B2 |
Composite metal oxide materials including polycrystalline nanofibers, microparticles, and nanoparticles, gas sensors using the same as a sensing material thereof, and manufacturing methods thereof
Provided are a composite metal oxide material, a method of manufacturing the same, and a gas sensor using the same as a sensing material thereof. The composite metal oxide material may include polycrystalline nanofibers and at least one of microparticles and nanoparticles. The use of the composite metal oxide material makes it possible to improve structural, mechanical, thermal, and lifetime stabilities of the gas sensor. Further, the presence of the microparticles and/or nanoparticles allows the gas sensor to have a base resistance lower than that of a nanofiber-based gas sensor. Since the microparticles and/or nanoparticles are attached to the nanofibers, the composite metal oxide material can have an increased mobility of electrons or holes and an increased surface area, and thus, the gas sensor can have fast response/recovery speeds and high gas sensitivity. |
| US09341589B2 |
Active-electrode integrated biosensor array and methods for use thereof
A method and device for performing DNA sequencing and extracting structural information from unknown nucleic acid strands. The device includes a microwell structure, where identical DNA strands are immobilized within the microwell structure on a surface of a micro-bead, an active electrode or a porous polymer. The device further includes a CMOS-integrated semiconductor integrated circuit, where the CMOS-integrated semiconductor integrated circuit includes metal layers on a silicon substrate, where the metal layers form an active electrode biosensor. In addition, a sensing electrode is formed by creating openings in a passivation layer of the CMOS-integrated semiconductor integrated circuit to hold a single bead, on which the DNA strands are immobilized. |
| US09341584B2 |
Charged-particle microscope device and method for inspecting sample using same
A high-performance image quality improvement process, capable of improving the image quality of low-definition areas (lower layer patterns in a multilayer, bottoms of holes in a hole pattern, etc.), is performed to a captured image. Definition enhancement intensity is calculated using height information included in design data or estimate values of sample height information calculated from the captured image, and the image quality improvement process is performed to the captured image using the definition enhancement intensity. |
| US09341580B2 |
Linear inspection system
Embodiments of the disclosure generally relate to comprehensive, expandable substrate inspection systems. The inspection systems include multiple metrology units adapted to inspect, detect, or measure one or more characteristics of a substrate, including thickness, resistivity, saw marks, geometry, stains, chips, micro cracks, crystal fraction, and photoluminescence. The inspection systems may be utilized to identify defects on substrates and estimate solar cell efficiency of a solar cell produced with the substrate, prior to processing a substrate into a solar cell. Substrates may be transferred through the inspection system between metrology units on a track or conveyor, and then sorted based upon inspection data. |
| US09341576B2 |
Detection of vapor phase compounds by changes in physical properties of a liquid crystal
The present invention relates to the field of detection of components in gas phase, and in particular to detection of nitric oxide exhaled as a component of breath, using a liquid crystal assay format and a device utilizing liquid crystals as part of a reporting system. |
| US09341575B2 |
Use of signal enhancing compounds in electrochemiluminescence detection
The application provides methods for the detection of an analyte in a sample by electrochemiluminescence using certain reagent compositions. Reagent compositions, reagent kits for measuring electrochemiluminescence (ECL) and electrochemiluminescence detection methods using the reagent compositions are disclosed. In particular, the application relates to the use of novel combinations of compounds, which can be used in said measurements to provide improved ECL assay performance. |
| US09341569B2 |
Method for detecting the presence of inhomogeneities in an interior of a turbid medium and device for imaging the interior of turbid media
A method includes performing first and second measurements with a turbid medium to be examined placed in a receiving volume of a device for examining the interior of turbid media. The second measurement is performed after a time interval has passed after the first measurement. Each of the first and second measurements includes subsequently irradiating the turbid medium with light from a light source from a plurality of different source positions and detecting light emanating from the turbid medium in a plurality of different detection positions for each source position, and storing the detected values as measurement results. The method also includes detecting inhomogeneities in the interior of the turbid medium by using the measurement results of one of the first and second measurements as a reference and the measurement results of the respective other of the first and second measurements to determine deviations from the reference. |
| US09341566B2 |
Resin type identification method and resin type identification apparatus
To obtain a resin type identification method and a resin type identification apparatus with which an optimum infrared reflection spectrum for identifying a resin piece can be selected and accurate identification processing can be performed successively on individual resin pieces even when the resin pieces are identified using a single optical detector, at least one identifying signal power is selected by executing signal processing on the basis of signal powers corresponding to infrared reflection intensities obtained by emitting infrared light onto the resin piece, and the resin type of the resin piece is identified on the basis of an infrared reflection spectrum corresponding to the selected identifying signal power. |
| US09341565B2 |
Multiple-wavelength physiological monitor
A physiological monitor for determining blood oxygen saturation of a medical patient includes a sensor, a signal processor and a display. The sensor includes at least three light emitting diodes. Each light emitting diode is adapted to emit light of a different wavelength. The sensor also includes a detector, where the detector is adapted to receive light from the three light emitting diodes after being attenuated by tissue. The detector generates an output signal based at least in part upon the received light. The signal processor determines blood oxygen saturation based at least upon the output signal, and the display provides an indication of the blood oxygen saturation. |
| US09341563B2 |
Aggregate board, light emitting device, and method for testing light emitting element
An aggregate board, comprising: an insulator having a front face and a rear face; a pair of a first front face wiring pattern and a second front face wiring pattern, a plurality of which are arranged on the front face of the insulator; a pair of a first rear face wiring pattern and a second rear face wiring pattern, a plurality of which are arranged on the rear face of the insulator; at least one first inner layer wiring pattern that is separated from the second front face wiring pattern and the second rear face wiring pattern, that is connected to the first front face wiring pattern and the first rear face wiring pattern, and that extends in a first direction in an interior of the insulator; at least one second inner layer wiring pattern that is separated from the first front face wiring pattern and the first rear face wiring pattern, that is connected to the second front face wiring pattern and the second rear face wiring pattern, and that has a part that extends in a second direction which is different from the first direction, in the interior of the insulator; and the first inner layer wiring pattern and the second inner layer wiring pattern being positioned in the same layer. |
| US09341559B2 |
Method and apparatus for analyzing a sample of sub-micron particles
The present invention provides a method of analyzing a sample comprising sub-micron particles, comprising determining first information about the size of particles and number of particles in the sample by nanoparticle tracking analysis; determining second information about average particle size of particles in the sample by dynamic light scattering; determining from the first information third information representing the theoretical effect of the detected particles on results obtainable by dynamic light scattering; and adjusting the second information using the third information to produce fourth information representing adjusted information on average particle size. |
| US09341557B2 |
Method and system for permeability calculation using production logs for horizontal wells, using a downhole tool
A downhole tool for permeability calculation includes a body configured for insertion into and retraction from a horizontal well, and coupled with a computer system that includes an interface operable to receive (i) fluid properties associated with the horizontal well, under downhole production logging conditions; (ii) relative permeability to oil and relative permeability to water, for the horizontal well; and (iii) actual production logging data associated with the horizontal well. The computer system may also include one or more processors that are operable to (i) determine an approximate upper boundary and an approximate lower boundary of the horizontal well; (ii) divide the horizontal well into a plurality of well segments; and (iii) calculate, for each respective well segment, a horizontal permeability. |
| US09341556B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatically testing high pressure and high temperature sedimentation of slurries
A method and apparatus for automatically testing high pressure and high temperature sedimentation of slurries is described. The method includes pumping a sample drilling fluid into a test cell. The sample drilling fluid may be subjected to a pre-determined pressure and a pre-determined temperature for a pre-determined period of time. The test cell may also be oriented at non-vertical angle. The sample drilling fluid may be pumped out of the test cell and the density of the sample drilling fluid automatically measured relative to a displaced fluid volume of the sample drilling fluid. |
| US09341555B2 |
Abrasion wear tester
An apparatus for measuring the anti-wear nature of a surface of given article to test the article or coating thereon for wear and abrasion resistance. A selected abrasive paper strip or tape is pulled under controlled tension from a first feed reel which can control tension on the strip onto another second reel controlled at a selected speed and torque. The test part apparatus is capable of repetitive cycles. For example, a test cycle process may include the steps of pushing a finger probe against the moving selected abrasive paper in contact with a the test sample surface having a selected surface area, holding the finger probe against the paper which between the finger probe and surface of the article for a selected time and distance, and removing the finger probe pressure from the paper and the test article surface. The number of cycles required to wear through the coating on the sample is recorded and compared to other test samples. In one embodiment, the abrasive paper strip is moistened by being pulled through a selected liquid contained in a vessel located just before the paper strip abrades the sample. |
| US09341554B2 |
Hardness tester
A hardness tester has a test force applier generating a test force using an electromagnetic force generated by supplying a current to a drive coil provided in a magnetic field and applies the test force to an indenter to press the indenter into a surface of a sample; a temperature detector detecting a temperature of the test force applier; and a test force corrector correcting the test force generated from the test force applier based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector. |
| US09341549B2 |
Sample preparation apparatus for direct numerical simulation of rock properties
A sample preparation apparatus and method of preparing a rock sample using such an apparatus, as useful in connection with the digital numerical simulation of properties of the rock. The disclosed apparatus includes a fixably mounted diamond wire cutter. Three linear translation stages are coupled to a specimen holder. One of the translation stages moves the specimen in a direction parallel to the plane of the cutting wire. The other two translation stages move the specimen in different directions from one another, and when actuated together, advance the specimen into the wire for short distances in a direction out of the plane of the cutting wire. Short piecewise linear cuts are made in the specimen, to provide a sample of the desired shape with a small cross-section. |
| US09341543B2 |
Method and OTDR apparatus for optical cable defect location with reduced memory requirement
Optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) systems, methods and integrated circuits are presented for locating defects in an optical cable or other optical cable, in which a first optical signal is transmitted to the cable and reflections are sampled over a first time range at a first sample rate to identify one or more suspected defect locations, and a second optical signal is transmitted and corresponding reflections are sampled over a second smaller time range at a higher second sample rate to identify at least one defect location of the optical cable for relaxed memory requirements in the OTDR system. |
| US09341537B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for certifying a brake pressure calibration for an end-of-train device
A system, method, and apparatus for certifying an end-of-train device pressure calibration is provided. The system includes a pressure calibration device configured to output a regulated pressure; and an end-of-train device comprising: a brake pipe interface adapted to receive the regulated pressure from the pressure calibration device; and a pressure sensing device configured to obtain a measured pressure by measuring the regulated pressure. At least one of the pressure calibration device and the end-of-train device comprises at least one controller configured to determine a calibration certification result based at least partially on a difference between the measured pressure and the regulated pressure. |
| US09341532B2 |
Systems and methods for distributed pressure sensing
A pressure sensing cable in one embodiment includes a polarization maintaining (PM) optic fiber having a length; and a Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) pair formed in the PM optic fiber. The FBG pair includes a first FBG formed at a location along the length of the optic fiber. The first FBG defines a first wavelength range at which the first FBG is reflective. The FBG pair also includes a second FBG spaced a distance from the first FBG to define a FBG cavity extending between the first FBG and the second FBG. The second FBG defines a second wavelength range at which the second FBG is reflective. The first wavelength range of the first FBG and the second wavelength range of the second FBG at least partially overlap. |
| US09341531B2 |
Pressure measurement device with automatic position correction
The invention describes a pressure transducer having a pressure measuring cell, a position sensor, and an analysis device which has at least one signal processing device and a position correction device for the purpose of determining a position error, wherein the at least one position sensor is arranged in a stationary position relative to the pressure measuring cell, and the position sensor is electrically connected to the position correction device, wherein a first signal is provided by the signal processing device, said signal being determined from a signal provided by the pressure measuring cell, wherein a second signal is provided by the position sensor, and wherein an output signal is provided by the position correction device, determined from the first and the second signals. |
| US09341522B2 |
Spring-loaded temperature sensor
A temperature sensor includes a temperature probe, an adapter, a resilient device, and a visual indicator. The temperature probe includes a temperature sensing device disposed at a temperature probe tip. The adapter surrounds a portion of the temperature probe such that the temperature probe is movable within the adapter in a lengthwise direction. The adapter includes a physical reference. The resilient device is adapted to produce a force between the adapter and the temperature probe. The force being variable based on a position of the temperature probe within the adapter. The visual indicator is disposed on a surface of the temperature probe. Alignment of the visual indicator with the physical reference corresponds to a desired force produced by the resilient device. |
| US09341519B2 |
Temperature measurement device and temperature measurement method
A temperature measurement device includes a first surface temperature measurement part performing a measurement to be used as a first surface temperature; a first reference temperature measurement part performing a measurement to be used as a first reference temperature; a first external air temperature measurement part performing a measurement to be used as a first external air temperature: a second surface temperature measurement part performing a measurement to be used as a second surface temperature; a second reference temperature measurement part performing a measurement to be used as a second reference temperature; a second external air temperature measurement part performing a measurement to be used as a second external air temperature; a deep-part temperature computation part computing the deep-part temperature of a subject to be measured; and an external air temperature computation part computing the external air temperature of the external air. |
| US09341517B1 |
Optical angular measurement sensors
Systems that enable observing celestial bodies during daylight or in under cloudy conditions. |
| US09341514B2 |
Hyperspectral imaging systems and methods for imaging a remote object
A hyperspectral imaging system and a method are described herein for providing a hyperspectral image of an area of a remote object (e.g., scene of interest). In one aspect, the hyperspectral imaging system includes at least one optic, a rotatable disk (which has at least one spiral slit formed therein), a spectrometer, a two-dimensional image sensor, and a controller. In another aspect, the hyperspectral imaging system includes at least one optic, a rotatable disk (which has multiple straight slits formed therein), a spectrometer, a two-dimensional image sensor, and a controller. In yet another aspect, the hyperspectral imaging system includes at least one optic, a rotatable drum (which has a plurality of slits formed on the outer surface thereof and a fold mirror located therein), a spectrometer, a two-dimensional image sensor, and a controller. |
| US09341509B2 |
Frequency modulation continuous wave radar level meter and signal-tracking and phase-locking method for the same
An FMCW radar level meter has an RF signal processing module, an intermediate frequency (IF) signal processing module, and a computation and display module. A signal generator of the RF signal processing module generates a first RF signal, which is radiated by an antenna to a measured object. The antenna received a second RF signal reflected by the measured object. The IF signal processing module processes the second RF signal and compares the first RF signal with the second RF signal. The computation and display module calculates and displays a distance between the FMCW radar level meter and the measured object. Using the RF signal processing module and the IF signal processing module to process the second RF signal, the issues of noise and temperature coefficient shift can be resolved. |
| US09341499B2 |
Sensor system
Disclosed is a method for adjusting a sensor signal and a corresponding sensor system comprising a sensor for providing a sensor signal representative of a measure other than temperature, dynamic components of the sensor signal being dependent on temperature. In addition there is provided a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature. Dynamic components in the sensor signal are adjusted subject to the temperature sensed, and a compensated sensor signal is supplied. Such sensor system helps compensating for long response times of sensors. |
| US09341496B2 |
Navigation device
Disclosed is a navigation device which extracts an entrance and exit section which exists ahead of a vehicle and in which a vehicle is permitted to make a lane change between an HOV lane and a normal lane on the basis of position information about the position of the vehicle and map data in which the HOV lane and the normal lane are defined by a single link, extracts a branch point on the HOV lane which exists ahead of the vehicle on the basis of the map data and the position information about the position of the vehicle, determines a guidance time for a lane changing permitted section defined by the extracted entrance and exit section, and another guidance time for the branch point on the HOV lane, and provides exit guidance notifying that the vehicle can exit the HOV lane or entrance guidance notifying that the vehicle can enter the HOV lane at the determined guidance time, or provides branch guidance on the branch on the HOV lane at the determined other guidance time. |
| US09341495B2 |
Mobile terminal apparatus and orientation presentment method
A mobile terminal apparatus including a casing, a plurality of vibrators, and a controller. The plurality of vibrators are provided inside the casing. The controller is configured to judge an orientation from a position of the casing to a target position and cause a vibration for presenting the orientation in the casing by driving at least one of the plurality of vibrators based on a result of the judgment. |
| US09341494B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for managing route navigation via mobile devices
Apparatuses and methods for managing route navigation via mobile devices. A route is calculated between a starting point and a destination point. The route is divided into multiple segments based on the complexity of the calculated route, and navigation features are controlled as a function of the segment that corresponds to the user's current location. The user may opt to identify one or more segments, or one or more route portions independent of whether or not segmentation has occurred, in order to specify a portion(s) of the route where navigation support is not needed. |
| US09341489B2 |
Navigation apparatus
An object of the present invention is to perform continuous guidance in which guidance on a first guidance point which is a guidance point subsequent to a current position and guidance on a second guidance point which is a subsequent guidance point are continuously performed at one time in a navigation apparatus in more suitable circumstances. The navigation apparatus includes continuous a guidance determination part that determines whether or not to cause a display part and an audio guidance part serving as a guidance part to perform the continuous guidance on the first guidance point and the second guidance point based on a distance between the first guidance point and the second guidance point and current date and time acquired by a current date and time acquisition part. |
| US09341486B2 |
Methods and systems for providing geotemporal graphs
Technology for generating geotemporal graphs is disclosed where geotemporal graphs provide representations of areas based on an expected travel time between points, instead of the geographical distance between points. Travel times may vary based on travel conditions, and geotemporal maps may be generated that show travel times that account for travel conditions. Generating geotemporal maps may include obtaining a graph, determining for several points a warp vector indicating graph how each point should be moved to represent a travel time to that point, and warping the graph according to the determined warp vectors. |
| US09341484B2 |
Navigation server and navigation system
Provided is a navigation server which informs a user of the meaning of the search result of a route considering a primary event through a navigation client. According to a navigation server 100, it is recognized whether a first index value e1 indicating the degree of influence of a predetermined primary event on the passage along a searched route connecting a present location p1 and a destination point p2 is greater than a first threshold value ε1. When the first index value e1 of the previous searched route R1 is greater than the first threshold value ε1, a route R2 is re-searched to reduce the first index value e1. When the first index value e1 of the search route R1 or R2 is the first threshold value ε1 or less, “confirmation information” indicating as such and the searched route are transmitted to the navigation client 200 and recognized. |
| US09341479B2 |
Configurable point of interest alerts
Receiving point of interest zones and alerts on user devices comprises communicating, by a user computing device to a remote computing device, a request for point of interest data corresponding to points of interest within a proximity of the user device; presenting the received point of interest data; identifying a particular point of interest; and outputting an alert regarding the particular point of interest. Receiving point of interest zones on user devices comprises communicating a request for point of interest data; receiving the point of interest data from the remote network device wherein a size of the point of interest zone is determined based on a density of points of interest in the proximity of the user, and wherein the shape of the point of interest zone is expanded in a direction of travel and contracted in the opposite direction; and presenting the received point of interest data. |
| US09341475B2 |
Geomagnetism measurement apparatus
In a geomagnetism measurement apparatus, a magnetic sensor detects magnetic data, and a storage unit stores the magnetic data sequentially output from the magnetic sensor. An ellipsoid generation unit calculates each ellipsoidal central point of first, second and third ellipsoids each of which has in the vicinity thereof a plurality of the magnetic data stored in the storage unit. An ellipsoidal central point decision unit decides whether or not a distance between respective ellipsoidal central points is equal to or less than a threshold value. A correction value generation unit calculates an ellipsoidal correction matrix for converting coordinates on an ellipsoid into coordinates on a sphere based on a coefficient matrix representing a shape of one of the first, second and third ellipsoids according to the decision result. |
| US09341474B2 |
Surveying device having a rotation mirror for optically scanning an environment
Some embodiments of the invention relate to a rotation unit for a surveying device, in particular a laser scanner for optically scanning an environment and such a surveying device. The surveying device has a rotation unit having a rotation mirror, for deflecting an emission light beam and a reception light beam, and a rotation body implemented as a cylinder having a on a beveled, free end. The rotation body is implemented as a hollow cylinder having a cylinder bottom and a beveled cylinder wall on its free end. The hollow cylinder is connected coaxially with respect to its cylinder axis in a rotationally-fixed manner to a motor-driven shaft via the cylinder bottom. The rotation mirror is fastened in the region of its free end to the cylinder wall of the hollow cylinder so it is supported thereby. |
| US09341472B2 |
Finger grip spirit level
A device for measuring the level of the end surface of a pipe, comprising a body, a planar reference surface, and a retractable spring-loaded finger extendable through and below the planar reference surface to engage the inside surface of the pipe and secure the level in place. The level body may comprise an elongated body having an elongated chamber and an elongated reference plane, said plane comprising at least one reference surface and at least one opening to the chamber. |
| US09341471B2 |
Calibrated hardware sensors for estimating real-world distances
In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided for assisting a user in determining a real-world distance. Hardware-based sensors (e.g., present in a mobile electronic device) may allow for a fast low-power determination of distances. In one embodiment, one or more telemetry-related sensors may be incorporated into a device. For example, data detected by a frequently-calibrated integrated accelerometer may be used to determine a tilt of the device. A device height may be estimated based on empirical data or based on a time difference between a signal (e.g., a sonar signal) emitted towards the ground and a corresponding detected signal. A triangulation technique may use the estimated tilt and height to estimate other real-world distances (e.g., from the device to an endpoint or between endpoints). |
| US09341469B2 |
Continuous scan type measuring apparatus
A continuous scan type measuring apparatus includes a continuous scan type optical application measuring instrument, a single-axis measuring instrument scanning stage and two carrier stages. The continuous scan type optical application measuring instrument performs a surface shape measurement of a measuring object. The single-axis measuring instrument scanning stage carries the optical application measuring instrument and causes the optical application measuring instrument to perform continuous scanning along a predetermined direction. The two carrier stages are detachably mount respective measuring objects thereon and move independently of each other. The two carrier stages are positioned independently at one of a measurement position within a scanning range of the optical application measuring instrument and a replacement position of the measuring objects. A carrier stage, which is at the measurement position and on which the measuring object subjected to the surface shape measurement is mounted, is fixed during the continuous scanning. |
| US09341465B2 |
Dimension measuring apparatus, dimension measuring method, and program for dimension measuring apparatus
A dimension measuring apparatus is configured by: a movable stage; a measurement setting data storing section that holds feature amount information and measured position information; a low-magnification imaging section that photographs a workpiece with a low magnification; a workpiece detecting section that specifies a position and a posture of the workpiece in the low-magnification image based on the feature amount information; a stage controlling section that controls the movable stage 12 based on the specified location and posture such that the position to be measured of the workpiece stays within the high-magnification field of view; a high-magnification imaging section that photographs with a high magnification the position to be measured; an edge extracting section that extracts an edge of the position to be measured from the high-magnification image; and a dimension value calculating section that obtains a dimension value of the position to be measured. |
| US09341463B2 |
Measuring system
A measuring system having a first magnetic field sensor, an encoder, and an evaluation circuit. The first magnetic field sensor and the second magnetic field sensor and the third magnetic field sensor are connected to the encoder. The evaluation circuit has a logic, which is set up to determine the position of the encoder based on a first measurement signal of a first magnetic field sensor and a second measurement signal of a second magnetic field sensor and a third measurement signal of a third magnetic field sensor. |
| US09341461B2 |
Wall thickness inspection device
A wall thickness inspection device includes an electrostatic capacity detector 4 for detecting the electrostatic capacity of a portion of an object subjected to wall thickness inspection, and an arithmetic and control unit for taking in the electrostatic capacity detected by the electrostatic capacity detector 4 and converting the electrostatic capacity to a wall thickness. The electrostatic capacity detector 4 includes a sensor unit 5 brought into contact with the surface of a portion of the object subjected to the wall thickness inspection, and an elastic body 6 for biasing the sensor unit 5 toward the portion of the object. The sensor unit 5 has a curved surface 50 with the radius of curvature R represented by 2 mm≦R≦10 mm. The curved surface 50 is formed by bonding an electrode sheet 7 made of synthetic resin having each electrode pattern formed thereon to a belt-like attachment substrate 51 so that at least the electrode pattern of a measurement electrode from among the electrode pattern of the measurement electrode and the electrode pattern of an earth electrode is positioned on the surface of a curved portion of the attachment substrate 51. |
| US09341454B1 |
Directed fragmentation weapon
Directed fragmentation weapon including a housing having front, back, top edge, bottom edge and side edge walls defining a closed chamber therein. The front wall is formed as a pellet matrix construction including a plurality of compartments formed as recesses on the surface facing the inside of the chamber. The compartments are substantially similar in shape and size to each other and a plurality of pellets of fixed diameter within the matrix. Each compartment contains one pellet therein. Explosive material is placed into the chamber, which is sufficient to propel the pellets from the matrix, and a detonator arrangement for exploding the material. Depths of a part or all of the compartments measured perpendicularly to the front wall and from the inner surface of the front wall are defined by equation h=C×A (I) wherein equation coefficient C is 0.1-3, and A is the pellet diameter. |
| US09341453B2 |
Mechanical stepper motors for guided munitions and industrial machinery
A method for stepping a first member relative to a second member associated with a projectile. The method including: providing one of the first and second members with one of a plurality of pockets and more than three movable pins offset from each other with a first spacing; providing the other of the first and second members with the other of the plurality of pockets and more than three movable pins offset from each other with a second spacing, where the first spacing is different from the second spacing; and engaging at least one of the movable pins into a corresponding pocket to step one of the first and second members a predetermined linear and/or rotary displacement. Where the engaging includes selectively varying a step size between the first and second member. |
| US09341452B1 |
Gun cartridge
A gun cartridge such as a shotgun shell wherein the pellet load is contained in a projectile consisting of a frangible casing and a MV element wherein the MV element imparts long range travel and accuracy to the projectile and wherein the frangible casing readily breaks apart on impact with the target and allows the pellets to disperse in typical array. |
| US09341447B2 |
Arrow tip mounting apparatus and method
An interface component for engaging an arrow tip to the leading end of an arrow shaft. The device directs impact forces axially and eliminates the shearing and wall collapse of arrow shafts caused by conventional collared arrow head engagement devices which tend to collapse and cut the leading edge of arrow shafts on hard impacts. Engagement to the arrow shaft leading end is provided by an elongated member axially engaged with the bore of the arrow shaft. The exterior surface of the device can be surfaced to interact with passing air during flight of the arrow and increase spin for better accuracy. |
| US09341446B2 |
Oscillating target
An oscillating target includes a base, a stand, and a pendulum. The base includes an electromagnetic coil and a power source. The stand is fixedly coupled to the base and the pendulum is rotatably supported by the stand. The pendulum includes a permanent magnet arranged opposite a target face. The permanent magnet is arranged on the pendulum at a position nearest to the base. The power source is configured to selectively operate the electromagnetic coil to generate a magnetic field to affect the permanent magnet to rotate the pendulum and thereby move the target face. |
| US09341441B2 |
KeyMod quick mounting arrangement
A KeyMod quick mounting arrangement is arranged for detachably coupling an accessory at a firearm having a KeyMod mounting slot, wherein the arrangement includes a mounting body having a first side extended from the accessory to be detachably coupled with the firearm, and a coupling head movably extended from the mounting body between a releasing position and a securing position. The coupling head has a head portion outwardly protruded from an opposed second side of the mounting body, wherein the mounting body is stationary when the coupling head is moved between the releasing position and the securing position. In the releasing position, the head portion of the coupling head is disposed in an enlarged slot portion of the mounting slot. In the securing position, the head portion of the coupling head is slid to a narrower slot portion of the mounting slot for securing the accessory at the firearm. |
| US09341434B2 |
Crossbow cocking crank
In some embodiments, a crossbow crank comprises a housing and a shaft rotatable with respect to the housing. A one-way mechanism is arranged to prevent rotation of the shaft in a first rotational direction, but allow rotation in a second direction. A release mechanism is arranged to disengage the one-way mechanism from the shaft. The release mechanism has a first position and a second position, wherein the release mechanism moves along a length of the shaft between the first position and the second position. |
| US09341433B1 |
Drop away arrow rest system with delayed release mechanism
A drop away arrow rest system comprises a rest and a cord lever operatively connected to the rest for moving the rest to a cocked position for supporting an arrow in relation to a bow upon drawing a bow string and upon releasing the bow string, triggering the release of the rest to a drop away position. A delayed release mechanism comprises an end cap and a torsion spring connecting the end cap to the cord lever. The cord lever is configured to load the torsion spring upon drawing the bow string and upon releasing the bow string, first release the load on the torsion spring without triggering the release of the rest to a drop away position, and then trigger the release of the rest to a drop away position. |
| US09341430B2 |
Self-aligning crossbow interface
In some embodiments, a crossbow comprises a bow portion defining a first central vertical axis and a stock portion defining a second central vertical axis. The bow portion comprises an interfacing portion and the stock portion comprises a complimentary interfacing portion. The interfacing portion and the complimentary interfacing portion are arranged to provide self-alignment of the stock portion with the bow portion, such that the first central vertical axis and the second central vertical axis are coaxial. |
| US09341426B1 |
Muzzle brake for firearm
A firearm muzzle brake may include a substantially cylindrical hollow first portion having a first end and a second end; a pair of opposed rows of slots extending through the first portion, each row extending axially along a side of the first portion; a pair of rows of ports extending through the first portion, each row extending axially along the first portion above one of the rows of slots; and a second portion having a first end received in the second end of the first portion, a second end, a central aperture extending through the second portion and being in fluid communication with the hollow first portion such that a bullet can pass through the first and second portions. |
| US09341425B2 |
Firearm safety system
A firearm safety system and method is described herein. The system may include a tracking system, a smart firearm and/or a smart magazine, and a smart tracking unit. The tracking system is in communication with satellites that monitor specific locations, a smart firearm and a portable electronic device. The tracking system includes an internal geographical database of specific monitored locations. The smart firearm includes a microprocessor and a receiver. The motor operates in response to a signal received, which may indicate that the firearm is approaching a no gun safety zone, whereby the signal causes the microprocessor to operate the automatic safety lock to prevent the apparatus from operating. The receiver monitors signals and receives location data from the satellites. The method of operating a smart firearm includes receiving a signal at the at least one receiver and responding to the signal by locking the automatic safety lock. |
| US09341423B2 |
Dual ejection port firearm
Firearms with improved systems and methods of controlling which side of the firearm shell casings are ejected from, with ejection port covers on both sides of the firearm that open to provide cross ventilation, or both. In some embodiments, the bolt can be installed in one of two different orientations to select whether shell casings are ejected from the left or the right ejection port without a need to replace any parts. In a number of embodiments, spring loaded ejection port covers on both sides open when the firearm is fired or when the bolt or carrier of the firearm moves to provide cross ventilation through a passageway through the firearm to cool the firearm. The covers can be manually closed by the operator when the weapon is not being fired to keep dirt and debris out of the firearm. |
| US09341413B2 |
Cooling tower with fire stop
A cooling tower with a plurality of fill packs has a fire stop with openings disposed below the fill packs, a water distribution system for distributing water onto the fill packs, and a cold water basin disposed below the fire stop for collecting water which has past through said fill packs. The openings in the fire stop occupy at least 80% of the area over which the fire stop extends. The fire stop is made of an intumescent material with an expansion ratio sufficient to close said openings when said material intumesces. |
| US09341408B2 |
Scrubber system with moving adsorbent bed
A regenerative carbon dioxide removal system (38) is provided onboard the container (10) through which air from within the cargo box (12) may be circulated for removing at least a portion of the carbon dioxide present in the air. The regenerative carbon dioxide removal system (38) includes a scrubber module (40) containing a carbon dioxide absorbent material (42), and an actuator (50) for moving the scrubber module (40) to pass the carbon dioxide absorbent material (42) alternately between a first flow of air (32) to be cleaned drawn by the evaporator fan (30) from within the cargo box (12), and a second flow of air (44) drawn from an environment outside the cargo box for regenerating the carbon dioxide adsorbent material (42) by removing collected carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide adsorbent material (42). |
| US09341406B2 |
Refrigerator
Disclosed is a refrigerator, comprising: a refrigerator body having a cooling chamber; a case comprising a case body having therein an accommodation space of which one side is open, and a transformation preventing member formed of a material having a higher strength than that of the case body, the transformation preventing member provided at an open region of the case body and configured to prevent transformation of the case; a drawer accommodated in the case in a withdrawable manner; and a depressurizing device configured to depressurize inside of the drawer and the case to a pressure lower than an atmospheric pressure, when the drawer is accommodated in the case. Under such configuration, transformation of the case can be prevented, and the case can be easily fabricated. |
| US09341405B2 |
Defrost control using fan data
In various implementations, frost in a vapor compression system may be controlled. A property of a fan may be determined. A determination may be made whether a frost event and/or a nonfrost event has occurred based at least partially on the determined fan property. |
| US09341402B1 |
Refrigerator with vented air flap between icemaking compartment and ice storage area
A household refrigerator includes an icemaker in the cabinet and an ice storage area on a door. An ice flow passage extends between the icemaker and the ice storage area. A moveable flap is associated with the ice flow passage to cover an opening in the ice flow passage on the cabinet when the door is open. The moveable flap has an equilibrium position wherein the movable flap substantially covers the ice flow passage. A vent in the flap permits air to flow through the ice flow passage to the ice storage area with the movable flap in the equilibrium position. As ice moves through the ice passage from the icemaker towards the ice storage area, the momentum of the moving ice moves the movable flap from the equilibrium position to the dispensing position to permit the ice to flow to the ice storage area. |
| US09341400B2 |
Mobile hydro geothermal testing systems and methods
A fluid flushing and pressurization apparatus for use with geothermal systems, capable of delivering a reversible high-velocity flow of fluid through a system of buried PE pipe without introducing an overpressure condition or water hammer. The apparatus can be utilized with methods for installing, preparing, flushing, filling, testing, and certifying geothermal heating and cooling systems. A portable pumping and testing apparatus can include a high-volume pump, a high-pressure pump, a flow meter, and pressure sensors in wired or wireless communication with a processor or logic controller such that continuous or periodic monitoring of the system can be recorded. The system can be programmed to operate automatically under computer control such that reversal of the flow through the geothermal system does not shock or damage the equipment or buried piping. |
| US09341399B2 |
Electronic expansion valve
An electronic expansion valve is provided, a sleeve is fixed in a main valve cavity of the electronic expansion valve, and a valve core seat is axially movably provided in the sleeve; a circumferential side wall of the sleeve is provided with a sleeve flow passage, and a circumferential side wall of the valve core seat is provided with a valve core seat side hole; and when the refrigerant flows forward, the valve core seat closes the main valve port to disconnect a communication between the sleeve flow passage and the valve core seat side hole, and the refrigerant flows to the valve core valve port through the sleeve flow passage; and when the refrigerant flows reversely, the valve core seat moves upward to open the main valve port to communicate the valve core seat side hole with the sleeve flow passage. |
| US09341394B2 |
Thermoelectric heat exchange system comprising cascaded cold side heat sinks
A thermoelectric refrigeration system including at least one cooling chamber and a thermoelectric heat exchange system. The thermoelectric heat exchange system includes cascaded heat sinks. The cascaded heat sinks include cascaded cold side heat sinks and a hot side heat sink. The cascaded cold side heat sinks include a first cold side heat sink and a second cold side heat sink. The thermoelectric heat exchange system also includes a first plurality of thermoelectric coolers disposed between the first cold side heat sink and the second cold side heat sink and a second plurality of thermoelectric coolers disposed between the second cold side heat sink and the hot side heat sink. Each thermoelectric cooler is a module including multiple thermoelectric devices. |
| US09341388B2 |
Sliding foundation vent
A foundation vent includes four panels arranged to form a box-shaped vent frame. Ten frame vanes are attached to the box-shaped frame. A vent shutter having ten shutter vanes with elongated oval-shaped finger grips positioned centrally on the shutter vanes is held in a slider channel positioned on the box-shaped vent frame. The slider channel is formed by a series of six tabs centrally positioned in an opening between two adjacent frame vanes. The vent shutter is held in the slider channel so that it slides with respect to the box-shaped vent frame to selectively expose openings in between the frame vanes. A locking mortar track in provided on all four panels of the box-shaped frame to securely hold it in place. The vent is preferably constructed from polypropylene copolymer that is talc reinforced and sized to evenly course with a standard size brick. |
| US09341386B2 |
Vehicular airflow outlet
A vehicular airflow outlet comprising a plurality of outlet units having an airflow unit, a ball joint, and a connection member; a control knob unit including a control knob coupled to a ball joint; and a connection mechanism configured to couple the ball joint of the each of the outlet units and the ball joint of the control knob unit is provided. The airflow outlet allows for the direction of airflow throughout a vehicle passenger compartment without the use of multiple sets of vanes. The airflow outlet directs airflow through the use of a single control knob. Force applied to the face of the control knob is operable to simultaneously pivot the ball joints of each of the plurality of outlet units and the ball joint of the control knob unit in unison to adjust airflow direction, allowing for the direction of air at a variety of angles. |
| US09341385B2 |
Evaporative humidifier
An evaporative humidifier includes a humidifying element having water pockets drawing water up from a tub and then supplying the water to the upper portion of the humidifying element. The water pockets are formed between first and second covers. A first water pocket formation unit is provided on the first cover, a second water pocket formation unit is provided on the second cover, and the first and second water pocket formation units form the water pockets when the first and second covers are coupled. Therefore, the water pockets are formed through molds having a simple structure, as compared to the conventional water pocket, and thus manufacturing costs of the humidifying element assembly are reduced. Further, each water pocket includes plural sub water pockets formed at both sides of an inflow hole formed at the center of each water pocket, and thus carries a large amount of water. |
| US09341384B2 |
Endothermic base-mounted heat pump water heater
An endothermic heat pump water heater has a water tank supported atop a hollow base, a heat pump circuit operable to provide primary heat to water in the tank, and an electric resistance heating element operable to provide secondary heat to the water. The heat pump circuit includes refrigerant tubing in which a compressor disposed within the base, a condenser in heat exchange external contact with the tank, a refrigerant expansion device, and an evaporator disposed within the base are connected in series. A vertical duct, external to the tank, has an inlet adjacent the upper tank end, and a fan is operative to sequentially flow air inwardly through the inlet, downwardly through the duct into the base, across the compressor, across the evaporator, and then outwardly from the base. |
| US09341379B2 |
Portable gas heater
A portable gas heater includes a heater body, a gas burner mounted on a front panel of the heater body, a gas supply arrangement connected between the gas burner inside the heater body and the gas bottle for providing a gas passage including a safety valve, a control button and a connecting tube, a gas bottle positioning arrangement, and a pilot flame arrangement mounted on the heater body near the gas burner and connected to the safety valve through a gas inlet. The pilot flame arrangement includes a thermocouple, a pilot flame unit, and an electrode rod connected to an ignition wire of the safety valve. The pilot flame unit includes a pilot fire nozzle, a mixing tube and a connector connected with each others. The heater is compact, small and light-weighted while ready for immediate use without assembly and disassembly requirements, thereby convenience for indoor and outdoor use. |
| US09341373B2 |
Air blocker ring assembly with blocker ring protrusions
An air blocker ring assembly includes a proximal end, a distal end, a blocker ring, and a blocker ring support. The blocker ring has a first protrusion, a second protrusion, and a third protrusion. The blocker ring support has a recess. The first protrusion of the blacker ring is received in the recess. The blocker ring is circumferentially discontinuous about a circumferential slot. At least a portion of the first protrusion is located circumferentially opposite the slot, and the second and third protrusions terminate at the slot. |
| US09341372B2 |
Tile fastening arrangement of a gas-turbine combustion chamber
The present invention relates to a tile fastening arrangement of a gas-turbine combustion chamber having a combustion chamber wall with tiles fastened to said combustion chamber wall at a distance from the latter, characterized in that the tile is provided with an annular flange arranged on its side assigned to the combustion chamber wall, said flange being dimensioned to match a recess of the combustion chamber wall and fastened to the combustion chamber wall by means of a fastening element which engages in the combustion chamber wall. |
| US09341371B2 |
Corona ignition device
The invention relates to corona ignition device comprising a housing, an insulator surrounded by the housing, an inner conductor leading through the insulator to an ignition tip, and a coil connected to the inner conductor, the coil comprising an elongate coil former and a winding formed from wire wound onto the coil former, wherein the coil former comprises at least one indentation filled with adhesive, and the wire crosses the indention such that wire portions which are arranged above the indentation are adhesively bonded to the coil former by means of the adhesive arranged in the indentation. |
| US09341370B2 |
Gas boiler including output adjusting device, and method of adjusting output of gas boiler
A gas boiler and a method of adjusting output of the gas boiler by adjusting mixture ratio of air and gas for combustion in proportion to an output value of the boiler, and continuously changing the mixture regardless of the boiler output. The gas boiler includes a ventilator, a gas valve, a burner, a combustion chamber, a heat exchanger, and an exhaust gas hood. The inlet of the ventilator includes an output adjusting device having an air inlet; an air adjustment valve; a gas outlet; a gas adjustment valve that adjusts the gas passing through the gas outlet; and a valve driving unit that drives the air adjustment valve and the gas adjustment valve. Output of the burner is continuously adjusted by adjusting distance between the air adjustment valve and the gas adjustment valve, and distance between the air inlet and the gas outlet. |
| US09341367B2 |
Tube sheet of steam generator having anticorrosive layer and manufacturing method thereof
Provided are a tube sheet of a steam generator installed to support a tube of the steam generator, and a manufacturing method thereof, particularly, a tube sheet of a steam generator having an anticorrosive layer and a manufacturing method thereof. |
| US09341360B2 |
Fluorescent lamp holder assembly having a lamp holder body with an opening leading to electrical terminals
Fluorescent lamp holder assembly 10 comprising a lamp holder 15 and a socket 20. The holder 15 houses one pair of electrical terminals, and includes one pair of openings 30 located at a position corresponding to the position of the electrical terminals. The lamp holder 15 includes one pair of parallel spaced-apart legs 35 with one end connected to the terminal and the free end protruding from the body of the holder 15. The socket 20 has one pair of spaced-apart electrical terminals defining insertion inlets 45. The holder 15 can be coupled to the socket 20 by inserting the legs 35 into the corresponding terminals of the socket 20. The holder assembly 10 further comprises releasable, resiliently biased locking means 60 movable between an opening position, in which holder 15 and socket 20 can be unplugged and a locking position, in which holder 15 and socket 20 are held together. |
| US09341358B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling a power controller
In accordance with systems and methods of the present disclosure, an apparatus may include a power converter and a controller. The controller may be configured to monitor a voltage at an input of the power converter, cause the power controller to transfer energy from the input to a load at a target current, decrease the target current responsive to determining that the voltage is less than or equal to an undervoltage threshold, and increase the target current responsive to determining that the voltage is greater than or equal to a maximum threshold voltage. |
| US09341356B2 |
System and method for portable lantern
Provided is a system and method for a portable lantern. The portable lantern includes a collapsible translucent hydration bladder, the bladder having an empty state that is suitable for compact storage and a liquid containing state. The bladder has a bottom section structured and arranged to expand and provide a base in the liquid containing state to support the bladder in a generally upright position. A light source suitable for temporary attachment to the outside of the hydration bladder is also provided, the light source emitting light through the bladder and dispersed by liquid when disposed within the bladder to provide a portable lantern. An associated method of use for a portable lantern is also provided. |
| US09341354B2 |
Linear LED light mounting system
In various embodiments, a system for providing an LED illumination source on a surface includes a light module comprising (i) an illumination area for receiving one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and (ii) slip joints at first and second ends of the light module, each slip joint comprising a slip joint slot, and at least one bracket for mounting the light module to the surface, the at least one bracket having (i) a fitting frictionally receivable within one of the slip joint slots and (ii) a mounting region engageable to the surface. |
| US09341352B2 |
Lighting system that can change light emitting characteristic and lighting device and lamp holder of the lighting system
A lighting system includes a carrier unit, and a lamp holder including a holder plate for mounting of a light emitting unit, and a first positioning plate and a second positioning plate extending from the holder plate and spaced apart from each other. The holder plate is disposable at a first or second position when the first or second positioning plate is connected to the carrier unit. A light emitting characteristic of the light emitting unit when the holder plate is in the first position is different from a light emitting characteristic of the light emitting unit when the holder plate is in the second position. |
| US09341351B2 |
Universal mounting system for pole mounted area lights
A luminaire and method of installing same on a mounting pole including a housing having a flange and a plurality of LEDs. The flange includes formed therein a plurality of spaced apart holes disposed along a line, a slot disposed along the line, and a central hole disposed along the line and between the slot and the spaced apart holes. The plurality of LEDs are attached to or disposed in the housing. The method includes hanging the luminaire on an upper mounting bolt extending from a mounting pole, sliding the upper mounting bolt along the slot so that a conduit hole and the central hole are at least partially aligned to each other and one of the plurality of spaced apart holes is aligned to a lower mounting hole, and installing a lower mounting bolt through a lower mounting hole and the one spaced apart hole aligned therewith. |
| US09341349B1 |
Systems, methods, and devices for providing a torsion spring bracket assembly for use in cylindrical luminaire housings
A mounting bracket assembly includes a mounting base and a plurality of arms extending down from the mounting base. A first arm of the plurality of arms includes a first pair of inwardly facing hooks coupled to the first arm and defining a first torsion spring receiver area. The first arm of the plurality of arms includes a first spring coil ramp disposed along a bottom end of the first arm and extending radially inward from the first arm at a first angle. A second arm of the plurality of arms includes a second pair of inwardly facing hooks coupled to the second arm and defining a second torsion spring receiver area. The second arm of the plurality of arms includes a second spring coil ramp disposed along a bottom end of the second arm and extending radially inward from the second arm at a second angle. |
| US09341345B2 |
Light diffusion member, method of manufacturing same, and display device
A light diffusion member includes a light-transmissive base, a plurality of light diffusion portions, a connecting portion, and a light absorbing layer. The light diffusion portions are arranged on one surface of the base and have light-incident end surfaces each positioned on the side away from the base and having a larger area than a light-emergent end surface thereof. The connecting portion connects at least two adjacent ones of the plural light diffusion portions to each other, and is positioned near the light-incident end surfaces of the adjacent light diffusion portions. The light absorbing layer is formed on the one surface of the base in a region different from a region where the light diffusion portions are formed. A size from the light-incident end surface to the light-emergent end surface of the light diffusion portion is larger than a thickness of the light absorbing layer. |
| US09341344B2 |
Illumination apparatus
An illumination apparatus includes a light source unit which emits primary light, and an optical unit which functions when the primary light emitted from the light source unit is applied to the optical unit. The optical unit includes a reducing portion which is directly provided in a illumination light emitting portion or provided frontward to part of the illumination light emitting portion and which reduces the density of the primary light as the illumination light emitted from the illumination light emitting portion. |
| US09341336B2 |
Vehicle headlamp
A vehicle headlamp has a first light source disposed on a first optical axis that extends in a front-to-rear direction of a vehicle, a first lens that projects light emitted from the first light source to a front of the vehicle, a second lens having a rear focal point on a second optical axis that is parallel to the first optical axis and disposed adjacent to the first lens, a second light source disposed on the second optical axis rearwards of the first light source, a reflector that reflects light emitted from the second light source towards the rear focal point of the second lens, and a sub-reflector disposed such that the sub-reflector does not interfere with an optical path which extends from the reflector to the second lens and that causes part of light emitted from the first light source to be incident on the second lens. |
| US09341334B2 |
Optical film
An optical film includes a plurality of transparent layers configured to transmit light and a plurality of reflection layers configured to reflect light. The plurality of transparent layers are disposed at spaced intervals to each other in a first direction orthogonal to a thickness direction of the optical film; each of the plurality of reflection layers is interposed between the transparent layers that are next to each other of the plurality of transparent layers; and the plurality of transparent layers include a first transparent layer and a second transparent layer that has a smaller index of refraction than that of the first transparent layer. |
| US09341331B2 |
Twinkling door hanger
A twinkling door hanger mainly includes: a main body, being 3D body modeling, a front side thereof having a pair of slots opposite to each other, a wall of each slot being configured with a light transmissive hole; at least two light guiding plates, stacked together and inserted in the slots in a separable way, each thereof having a light incidence face corresponding to the light transmissive hole, and a plate face of each light guiding plate perpendicular to the light incidence face having a decorative pattern, and the decorative pattern of each light guiding plate being staggered; and a circuit unit, fixed to one side of the main body, having a control circuit in connection with a battery and providing electricity, at least having two light-emitting elements and a control circuit adapted to control each light-emitting element to wink in sequence, each light-emitting element illuminating toward the corresponding light incidence face. Whereby, allowing the present invention to achieve an effect of the staggered twinkle of the decorative patterns. |
| US09341329B2 |
Mechanical bypass light unit
A light unit includes a bulb having a light source with lead wires and a separator, a switch member that includes a support member and a pair of spring terminals, and a socket having two or more conductive terminals and adapted to receive the bulb and the switch member. The switch member is adapted to cause the pair of spring terminals to contact one another to form an electrical short circuit across the pair of conductive terminals and the light source when the bulb is completely or partially removed from the socket. The lead wires form an electrical connection across the conductive terminals and the separator breaks contact between the pair of spring terminals when the bulb is seated in the socket. |
| US09341328B2 |
Method of producing a light emitting diode arrangement and light emitting diode arrangement
A method for producing a light emitting diode arrangement. A plurality of LED modules are provided, which in each case comprise at least one radiation emitting semiconductor component on a carrier body. At least one separately fabricated connection carrier is provided. The LED modules are arranged in such a way that they are adjacent to one another in pairs. A mechanically stable and electrically conductive connection between the carrier bodies of two LED modules is produced by means of the connection carrier. Furthermore, a light emitting diode arrangement is disclosed. |
| US09341320B2 |
Cover bottom and display device using the same
Disclosed are a cover bottom, which includes a plurality of LED frames with an LED array adhered thereto and a plurality of reinforcing frames coupled to the LED frames in a lattice type, and a display device using the same. The cover bottom includes at least two or more light emitting diode (LED) frames, to which an LED array is adhered, and at least two or more reinforcing frames coupled to the LED frames in a lattice type. |
| US09341319B2 |
Lamp tube
A lamp tube is provided, including a cover, a heat sink, a reflecting structure, a light bar, and a driving circuit. The cover is joined with the heat sink to form a tube body. The heat sink includes a first portion and a second portion symmetrical to a reference plane. The reflecting structure is disposed above the second portion, wherein the reflecting structure and the second portion of the heat sink define a receiving space with the driving circuit disposed therein. The light bar is disposed on the first portion of the heat sink. |
| US09341316B2 |
Leak detection, containment and cuttoff system for a pipeline or other conduit
A pipeline leak detection, containment and cutoff system features a flexible tubular jacket fitted circumferentially around the pipeline for expansion by leaking fluid. A coil is wrapped on the jacket and has a terminal fitting that normally resides in an engaged position maintain a predetermined state of a control circuit that connected to a valve installed on the pipeline. When the jacket expands under the action of fluid leaking from the pipeline, this increases the coil diameter a the expanding area of the jacket, which pulls the terminal fitting from its engaged position, thereby changing the state of the control circuit and causing the valve to close the pipeline and prevent further leakage from same. Preferably multiple valves installed along the pipeline are wired in series such that control circuit closes all the valves under a change in the control circuit by any one of the coils. |
| US09341313B2 |
Gas hood for gas regulator
A gas hood for a gas regulator comprises a housing for covering a gas regulator, an opening for receiving the gas regulator and semi-sealing the space between the housing and the gas regulator, and a gas inlet for constantly introducing gas into the space, wherein parts of the gas escapes from the opening so that the space can maintain a micro-positive pressure. |
| US09341312B2 |
Gas cylinder with hand wheel for actuating a residual pressure valve and a shut-off valve
A tap for a pressurized gas cylinder that includes a body with a gas inlet, a gas outlet, a gas passage connecting the inlet to the outlet, a device for maintaining residual pressure arranged on the gas passage, and a shut-off valve for closing the gas passage, downstream from the device for maintaining residual pressure. A wheel for controlling the tap acts on the shut-off valve and on the device for maintaining residual pressure via control rods. The wheel comprises sliding tracks for the control rods and a first position for filling the cylinder wherein the device for maintaining residual pressure is deactivated and the shut-off valve is open, a second position for closing the cylinder wherein the device for maintaining residual pressure is activated and the shut-off valve is closed, and a third position wherein the device for maintaining residual pressure is activated and the shut-off valve is open. |
| US09341311B2 |
Compressed air supply apparatus
A compressed air supply apparatus includes an air compressor for compressing air to at least atmospheric pressure, a tank for storing the compressed air and supplying the compressed air, via a supply port, to various devices that use the compressed air as a working fluid, a first pipe that connects the air compressor to the tank, a heat pump including an evaporator for cooling at least a part of the first pipe, a selection device for selecting whether a cool air cooled by the evaporator, which is fluidly distinct from the compressed air, is introduced into a vehicle interior or discharged outside of the vehicle interior, and a control device configured to control the selection device so that the cool air is introduced into the vehicle interior when an air conditioner switch is turned ON and discharged outside of the vehicle interior when the air conditioner switch is turned OFF. |
| US09341309B1 |
Oil soluble additive injection apparatus
A lubricant additive dispensing apparatus comprising a tubular housing extending between a fluid supply side and a fluid discharge side, wherein each side is sealed by a respective end wall. A volume of fluid additive is stored within a fluid additive storage cavity formed within the tubular housing. Fluid enters the lubricant additive dispensing apparatus, wherein a first portion of the fluid passes therethrough and a second portion of the fluid is directed towards a piston cap attached to a compression spring. The second fluid portion applies a compression force to the piston, interacting with the generated expansion force of the spring to cause the piston cap to oscillate. The piston cap is in communication with the fluid additive, applying an oscillating pressure thereto, causing a controlled volumetric rate of dispensing of the additive into the fluid. |
| US09341305B2 |
Tensile switchable supporting frame
A tensile switchable supporting frame is provided. The supporting frame with an adjustable tensile structure includes at least two elastic modules, which are composed of a plurality of tension springs to achieve the objective of multi-stage adjustment. According to the weight of the loaded device, the user is capable of selecting the suitable elastic module to appropriately activate the amount of tension springs. The proper tension also provides the user with a better operative experience. |
| US09341303B1 |
Pigging pole
A multi-sectional portable pigging pole to retrieve a pig from a pipe. The pole having a first shaft member and a second shaft member configured to interlock so as to form a shaft that extends reach into the pipe to retrieve the pig from therein. |
| US09341300B2 |
Inflatable purge dam apparatus
An inflatable purge dam apparatus for use with pipes of different nominal pipe size (NPS) includes first and second inflatable purge bladders, and an intermediate bridge conduit. In a first aspect, the purge bladders each comprise an expandable inner purge gas retaining liner and a heat-resistant stretchable outer protective cover. The protective covers comprise a heat-resistant stretchable material that is constructed to undergo variable stretching to increase the size of the purge bladders as they are inflated with purge gas to a desired sealing pressure, thereby allowing the purge bladders to form an effective weld zone seal in pipes of different NPS. In a second aspect, an air vent conduit extends between first and second ports located proximate to a longitudinal centerline of the first purge bladder. The air vent conduit provides a vent pathway for venting air from the weld zone through the first purge bladder. |
| US09341296B2 |
Heater jacket for a fluid line
A heater jacket for a fluid line including a tube having an inner surface and an outer surface; a spacer disposed within the tube between the inner surface and the fluid line; and wherein the spacer includes a hole for receiving the fluid line therein and spaces the fluid line from the tube inner surface. |
| US09341293B2 |
Connection having communication between biopharmaceutical containers and/or conduits
A connection part providing communication between biopharmaceutical containers and/or conduits, includes a connection sheath (32) and two connection skirts (38a, 38b). The connection sheath (32) and both connection skirts (38a, 38b) have resiliency such that the connection part (30), from a disassembled state, is transversely stretchable, at the site of both connection skirts (38a, 38b) thereof, until transversely widened without loss of integrity so as to be made threadable through both collars (14, 24). Then, due to the resiliency thereof, the connection part contacts, with resilient clamping for support and with sealability, the coupled portion of the outer surface of both collars (14, 24). Moreover, from the assembled state, the connection part is transversely stretchable, at the site of both connection skirts (38a, 38b) thereof, until transversely widened so as to be capable of being unthreaded from both collars (14, 24) and thus be converted to the disassembled state. |
| US09341292B2 |
Inside corner pull elbow fitting
An inside corner pull elbow fitting comprising a body having a first hub dimensioned for receipt of an electrical conduit, a second hub dimensioned for receipt of an electrical conduit, and an elbow portion positioned between said first and second hubs. The elbow portion has a wall defining a hollow interior that extends between the hubs, each end of the elbow portion having extension, the elbow portion including a cutout region positioned between said first and second ends and in an inner curved region of the elbow portion, the cutout region having a perimeter defining an opening to the hollow interior of the elbow portion; and a cover having a surface substantially corresponding to the perimeter defining the opening of the elbow portion, the cover further having tabs depending from first and second ends of the cover, the tabs dimensioned to be resiliently secured to the extensions. |
| US09341291B2 |
Damper access assembly
A damper access assembly includes an adapter and a removable damper access duct section for use in a ventilation duct system to access a damper. The adapter includes a radially outwardly directed flange. Each of the ends of the damper access duct section includes a radially outwardly directed flange. The flange of the adapter is configured to be operatively and releasably coupled to one of the flanges of the damper access duct section. The other second flange at the other end of the damper access duct section is configured to be operatively and releasably coupled to the ductwork. A technician may release the damper access duct section from the adapter and from the ductwork and remove the damper access duct section to access the damper. The damper access assembly may include one or more clamps that cooperate with the flanges of the adapter and the removable access duct section. |
| US09341288B2 |
Flexible pipe for conveying hydrocarbons having a high corrosion resistance, and method for making same
A flexible tubular duct for conveying corrosive fluids and used in the filed of petroleum extraction at sea. A flexible tubular duct includes at least one inner carcass (2) and a polymer sealing sheath (3). The inner carcass has a reinforcement metal profile (7) that is helically wound. The reinforcement metal profile (7) is made of an alloy having the following weight composition: 30 to 32% of Ni; 26 to 28% of Cr; 6 to 7% of Mo; 0.10 to 0.3% of N; 0.015% of C; 2% at most of Mn; 0.5 to 1.5% of Cu; 0.5% at most of impurities, the remainder consisting of Fe. |
| US09341286B1 |
Sprinkler reducer fixing bracket
The present invention relates to a sprinkler reducer fixing bracket including: a body having an insertion space portion fitted to a horizontal bar, a first mounting portion to which a reducer is fitted, first shaft holes formed on one side of the first mounting portion, a through hole formed at the center of a wall portion defining the insertion space portion, protruding portions protruding backwardly from the top and underside of the through hole, and long holes formed on the protruding portions; a locking pin having a shape of ‘U’ fitted to the long holes; a hook having a second mounting portion to which the reducer is fitted, second shaft holes formed on one side of the second mounting portion, and a plurality of inclined teeth formed at a position pushing one side of the locking pin on the rear side thereof when turned around a shaft member and becomes at a closed position; and the shaft member coupled to the first shaft hole and the second shaft hole. |
| US09341284B2 |
Microfluidic devices with mechanically-sealed diaphragm valves
This invention provides a fluidic device comprising a diaphragm valve having a fluidics layer, an actuation layer and an elastic layer between the fluidics layer and the actuation layer, the elastic layer having a diaphragm that is mechanically sealed against the fluidics layer and the actuation layer by a sealing ring in the actuation layer. |
| US09341279B2 |
Magnetic rotary actuator
An automated impactor turn wheel capable of being activated and used to turn valves from a remote location. In certain instances, the impactor turn wheel is contemplated to turn a ball valve. The improved impactor turn wheel will generate increased torque which will allow improved operation of a ball valve in high pressure applications. |
| US09341269B2 |
Control valve with pairs of petals with different shape and sizes and with different closing speed for separable connection units for flexible hoses
A control valve for connection units for flexible hoses comprises a plurality of petals rotatable between a position of complete opening and a position of complete closing. The petals consist of pairs of petals with different shape and sizes, alternately arranged along the circumference of the connection unit. The petals of smaller size are controlled to close more slowly than those of larger size. The upstream surface of the petals of smaller size is provided with a pair of fins laterally protruding from the upstream surface so as to rest on the upstream surface of the petals of larger size to oblige the latter to close before the petals of smaller size. |
| US09341264B2 |
Toroidal continuously variable transmission
A variator has an input shaft (18), an input disc (10) mounted coaxially with the input shaft and rotatable by the input shaft, an output disc (12) facing the input shaft (18) and being mounted coaxially with the input disc, a toroidal cavity defined between the input and output discs and a plurality of rollers (14, 16) located in the toroidal cavity, in rolling contact with the input and output discs (10, 12), each of the rollers being mounted on a roller carriage (17). The variator has means (34) for applying an end load to the variator to urge the rollers (14, 16) into contact with the input and output discs (10, 12) and resiliently deformable means for applying a reaction force to each of the roller carriages. |
| US09341262B2 |
Method and apparatus for driveline softening in a vehicle
A vehicle includes a power source, such as an engine, an electric machine, or combination thereof. A torque converter is selectively coupled to the power source such that drive torque can be altered before being distributed into a transmission of the vehicle. A torque converter bypass clutch enables torque from the power source to selectively transmit directly to the transmission with little or no torque altering provided by the torque converter. At least one controller in the vehicle is in communication with a storage device. The controller sends road condition data to the storage device regarding a road segment. During a subsequent drive to or over the road segment, the controller receives the road condition data and enables the torque converter bypass clutch to slip to dampen driveline disturbances when the vehicle passes over the road segment. |
| US09341259B2 |
Multistage transmission gear shift operation device, and vehicle mounted with same
A gear shifting method and device of a multistage transmission in which gear shift of a main transmission and an auxiliary transmission is mechanically operated by operation of one shift lever The device is provided with: a cam mechanism that has a select operation output member and a shift operation output member, which separate, into shift operation and select operation for each direction, operation by operation of one shift lever that moves along at least one H-shaped shift pattern, a first cam groove that operates by the select operation, and operates a shift mechanism for the auxiliary transmission that shifts a shift fork for the auxiliary transmission, and a second cam groove that operates a select mechanism that selects a target shift fork from among a plurality of shift forks for the main transmission; and a shift mechanism for the main transmission that operates by the shift operation, and shifts the shift fork for the main transmission selected by the select operation. |
| US09341255B2 |
V-belt type continuously variable transmission
Provided is a V-belt type continuously variable transmission constructed such as to accommodate in a transmission case a transmission mechanism including: a drive shaft connected to an engine flywheel and provided with a drive pulley; a driven shaft provided with a driven pulley; and a V-belt wound around between the drive pulley and the driven pulley, the V-belt type continuously variable transmission comprising: an air intake chamber for introducing cooling air to surroundings of the drive shaft; and a flywheel cover for covering at least a periphery of the flywheel located in the air intake chamber. |
| US09341251B2 |
Supporting and guiding disk in a planetary gear train
A gear unit combination including a differential transmission, a planetary gear stage, a common planet carrier, a plurality of planet sub-carriers arranged to have at least one external planet sub-carrier and to form the common planet carrier in a rotationally fixed manner, a bearing sleeve arranged within the at least one external planet sub-carrier, and at least one spur gear, wherein the bearing sleeve is arranged to radially position the at least one spur gear. |
| US09341250B1 |
Hydrokinetic torque coupling device having turbine-piston lockup clutch, and related methods
A hydrokinetic torque coupling device includes an impeller, a casing having a first engagement surface, a turbine-piston hydrodynamically drivable by the impeller, and a bearing device. The turbine-piston is axially displaceable into and out of a lockup mode. The bearing device includes a non-axially oriented spring and a substantially incompressible rolling member urged by the spring against an oblique contact surface associated with the turbine-piston to thereby exert a variable axial force against the turbine-piston shell for biasing the turbine-piston out of the lockup mode. The variable axial force exerted by the bearing device against the turbine-piston shell decreases as the turbine-piston is axially displaced towards the lockup mode. |
| US09341249B2 |
Spacer for rolling bearing, notably used in a wind turbine
A spacer for a rolling bearing, most notably for use in a wind turbine is provided. The spacer is adapted for a rolling bearing having an inner ring, an outer ring and at least one row of angular contact rollers disposed between raceways provided on the rings. The spacer includes two opposite faces 17, 18 having a concave profile adapted to the rollers, each face comprising at least a contact surface 17a, 18a with the associated roller having the shape of a cylinder segment. The axes of the cylinder segments of the contact surfaces converge. |
| US09341248B2 |
Linear actuator
A linear actuator includes a driver (1), a transmission rod assembly (2), a mechanical motion conversion assembly (3) linked between the driver (1) and the transmission rod assembly (2), and a housing (4) covered onto the driver (1), the transmission rod assembly (2), and the mechanical motion conversion assembly (3). The housing (4) includes a lower part (40) and an upper part (41), and the lower part (40) sequentially includes a first containing portion (400) for receiving and installing the driver (1), a second containing portion (401) for receiving and installing the mechanical motion conversion assembly (3), and a third containing portion (402) for receiving and installing the transmission rod assembly (2), and the upper part (41) is covered on top of the first and second containing portions (401, 402), and the first, second and third containing portions (401, 402, 403) are integrally formed as a whole. |
| US09341242B2 |
Gear device having at least one electrical variator for the continuous variation of a transmission and comprising power split
A transmission device with at least one electrical variator for the continuous variation of a transmission ratio and with power branching. A planetary gear unit is coupled to a transmission input shaft and to a shaft of the electrical variator, and also to a change-speed gearbox, in the area of which, in combination with the electrical variator, a number of transmission ratio ranges can be produced. Within the transmission ratio ranges, the transmission ratio of the transmission device can in each case be varied continuously by the electrical variator. Along the power path, between the shaft of the electrical variator connected to the planetary gear unit and the planetary gear unit itself, a mechanism is provided where at least part of the torque transmitted along the power path, between the electrical variator and the planetary gear unit, can be reinforced. |
| US09341234B2 |
Friction drive belt
A vehicle periphery monitoring system is provided, in which by matching a behavior of a semitransparent tire image with an operation from a driver's viewpoint, a feeling of strangeness is reduced, an intuitive space perception is assisted and also a moving direction and a behavior of a vehicle can be easily perceived. In a side-view monitor system an image processing controller converts a real camera image including a blind spot into an image to be viewed from a driver's viewpoint to generate a blind spot image, and superimposes a semitransparent vehicle image which is obtained by making a vehicle viewed from the driver's viewpoint semitransparent and a semitransparent tire image which is obtained by making a tire semitransparent and displaying a behavior following a handle operation viewed from the driver's viewpoint on the blind spot image. |
| US09341233B2 |
V-ribbed belt and method for manufacturing same
A V-ribbed belt that includes a ribbed surface covered with fabric is provided. The fabric is stretchable in two predetermined directions. A method for manufacturing the V-ribbed belt is also provided. The method includes placing a belt matrix about a mandrel, placing a fabric about the external circumference of the belt matrix which wraps around the mandrel, placing the mandrel inside a shell having a plurality of grooves on the internal circumference, expanding the belt matrix and the fabric toward the internal circumference of the shell and thus pressing the fabric onto the internal circumference having the multi-ribbed structure, and curing the belt matrix with the fabric. The fabric is stretchable to accommodate itself to the multi-ribbed structure. |
| US09341229B1 |
Automated sampling device
A dampening device for an automated sampling/dispensing device is described. In an example implementation, the dampening device includes a cylindrical body. The cylindrical body includes a first end and a second end, a first opening being defined within the first end and a second opening being defined within the second end. Further, the cylindrical body may include an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of an automated sampling/dispensing device sample probe. During operation, the dampening device moves out of phase with the automated sampling/dispensing device sample probe allowing sample probe vibrations to be dampened during operation. The dampening device is configured to be magnetically attracted to the sampling/dispensing device. For example, the dampening device and/or the sampling/dispensing device can include a permanent magnetic material, a ferromagnetic material, a ferrimagnetic material, and/or an electromagnet. |
| US09341228B2 |
Fan noise and vibration elimination system
A fan noise and vibration elimination system includes a sound wave sensor, a vibration sensor, a computing controller, a sound wave generator and a vibration generator. The sound wave sensor and the vibration sensor respectively receive noise and vibration produced by a fan during operation thereof to generate corresponding sound wave detection signal and vibration detection signal to the computing controller. Based on the received sound wave detection signal and vibration detection signal, the computing controller generates a sound wave cancel-out signal and a vibration cancel-out signal to the sound wave generator and the vibration generator, respectively, for the latter to generate a phase-inverted sound wave and a reverse vibration frequency to cancel the noise and the vibration produced by the operating fan. |
| US09341227B2 |
Fluid-filled vibration damping device
A fluid-filled vibration damping device including an elastic buffer body supported by a partition member and arranged in a housing space such that at least one of wall inner surfaces of the housing space on sides of a pressure-receiving chamber and an equilibrium chamber is covered by the elastic buffer body. Windows are formed to penetrate the elastic buffer body at portions corresponding to communication holes formed in walls of the housing space so that the communication holes are narrowed by the windows of the elastic buffer body, and a ratio (a/l) of an opening area (a) of the windows to a penetration length (l) thereof is made smaller than a ratio (A/L) of an opening area (A) of the communication holes to a penetration length (L) thereof. |
| US09341223B2 |
Spring and manufacture method thereof
A spring with superior fatigue resistance is provided by decreasing the material cost while simplifying the production process. Disclosed is a spring including: a composition consisting of, by mass %, 0.5 to 0.7% of C, 1.0 to 2.0% of Si, 0.1 to 1.0% of Mn, 0.1 to 1.0% of Cr, not more than 0.035% of P, not more than 0.035% of S, and the balance of Fe and impurities; a structure including not less than 95% of tempered martensitic structure; a compressive residual stress layer formed to a depth of 0.35 mm to D/4, in which D (mm) is a diameter; the compressive residual stress layer having maximum compressive residual stress of 800 to 2000 MPa; a center portion with Vickers hardness of 550 to 700 HV; and a high hardness layer with greater hardness than the center portion. |
| US09341219B2 |
Fixing interface for a machinery brake, and a machinery brake
A mechanical fixing interface for fixing a machinery brake in a hoisting machine, a machinery brake, and a method for installing the machinery brake are disclosed. The fixing interface is formed in the frame part of the hoisting machine. The fixing interface includes two fixing surfaces for receiving the fixing lugs of the machinery brake, and between the fixing surfaces is a space for the machinery brake. |
| US09341218B2 |
Method for adapting a separating clutch in a drive train system of a vehicle and drive train system
A method for adapting a separating clutch in a drive train system of a vehicle, the drive train system having an electric machine, an internal combustion engine as well as an automatic transmission having an hydraulic torque converter and a torque-converter lockup clutch, and the separating clutch lying between the electric machine and the internal combustion engine, and the internal combustion engine being started by the electric machine while the electric machine drives the vehicle, having the following steps: in a time interval, the separating clutch is operated in slip operation for cranking up the internal combustion engine, in the time interval an expected rotary speed change of the electric machine is calculated, the rotary speed change expected by calculation is compared to the actually occurring rotary speed change for deviation and the deviation ascertained is used to adapt the separating clutch. |
| US09341214B2 |
Sleeve, fluid dynamic pressure bearing including the sleeve, spindle motor including the fluid dynamic pressure bearing and electronic equipment including the spindle motor
A porous oil-impregnated sleeve is used for a fluid dynamic pressure bearing. The sleeve includes an inner surface, a first axial end face, a first recessed portion, and a first dynamic pressure generating groove. The first recessed portion is positioned on the other side of a line segment, which connects one-side end portion of the inner surface with an inner end portion of the first axial end face, in a cross-section including the central axis. A bottom portion of the first recessed portion, which has the longest distance between itself and the line segment, is positioned closer to the other side than a bottom portion of the first dynamic pressure generating groove in the axial direction. |
| US09341213B2 |
Quick release roller sleeve mounting hub
A quick release roller sleeve and mounting hub assembly is described for use with high speed roller machines. The assembly includes an outer flange plate that can be detached from the assembly in order for the roller sleeve to be dismounted and a new roller sleeve mounted as the existing roller sleeve becomes worn and needs to be replaced. The quick release permits the mounting hub and other parts of the assembly to remain in their aligned configuration and positions while only exchanging the roller sleeve portion of the assembly. |
| US09341211B2 |
Structured dirt depository in sliding bearing surfaces
The invention relates to a sliding bearing and to a method for producing a sliding bearing, having at least one groove formed on the sliding surface which extends at least partially in the axial direction of a mounted shaft, ends on at least one end before the edge of the bearing and is deeper than 80 μm and/or wider than 150 μm, so that dirt and/or particles can be embedded. |
| US09341209B2 |
Squeegee retainer clip
A retainer clip for a squeegee assembly comprises top and bottom clip members each having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface of the top clip member includes a first channel portion adjacent to a first end and a first interlocking feature adjacent to a second end. The interior surface of the bottom clip member includes a second channel portion adjacent to a first end and a second interlocking feature adjacent to a second end. Mating the first interlocking feature with the second interlocking feature positions the first channel portion adjacent to the second channel portion to form a pin receiving channel. |
| US09341204B2 |
Fastening clip for mounting a component
A fastening clip (10) for mounting a component part (28), especially an airbag or an airbag module, on a support (30) includes a head portion (12), a clip body (14) and retaining elements (16) laterally projecting from the clip body (14) which are elastically deflectable. The clip body (14) defines an interior and includes windows (20) through which the retaining elements (16) protrude outwardly from the interior. An assembly having such fastening clip (10) furthermore includes a support (30) having a mounting aperture (34) matching with the dimensions of the clip body (14). |
| US09341200B2 |
Work vehicle and control method for same
The target input shaft torque determination unit determines a target input shaft torque. The target output shaft torque determination unit determines a target output shaft torque so that a deceleration force for decelerating the vehicle is generated on the output shaft of the power transmission device in a state in which connection and disconnection states of the forward travel clutch and the reverse travel clutch are maintained at the state before the start of the shuttle action when the shuttle action is started. The torque-balance information is stored in a storage unit and defines a relationship between the target input shaft torque and the target output shaft torque to achieve a balance of the torques of a power transmission device. The command torque determination unit uses the torque-balance information to determine torque commands for the motor from the target input shaft torque and the target output shaft torque. |
| US09341192B2 |
Compact fan assembly with thrust bearing
A fan assembly for a computing device is disclosed. The fan assembly can include an impeller having a number of blades and a motor for turning the blades. The motor can turn the blades via a magnetic interaction between the impeller and the motor. A fluid dynamic thrust bearing can be used to control a position of the impeller relative to the motor. In particular, the impeller can be configured to rotate around an axis and the thrust bearing can be used to control movement of the impeller in a direction aligned with the rotational axis. In one embodiment, the thrust bearing can be configured to stabilize the impeller when vibratory forces act upon the fan assembly. More particularly, parameters associated with the thrust bearing can be selected to counteract vibratory forces emitted by a speaker system. |
| US09341190B2 |
Thermal control system based on nonlinear zonal fan operation and optimized fan power
An approach is provided in which a cooling manager retrieves pre-characterization data corresponding to a fan that electronic components included in a computer system. The pre-characterization data includes operational zones based upon fan power measurements and fan speed settings. The cooling manager sets the fan to a first speed setting within a first operational zone, and detects that one of the components generates a temperature change value that exceeds a specified temperature change value corresponding to the component. In turn, the cooling manager selects a second operational zone and sets the fan to a second speed setting within the second operational zone. |
| US09341189B2 |
Fan
A fan includes a motor and an impeller. The motor includes a stationary portion and a rotating portion rotatably supported by the stationary portion. The stationary portion includes a stator and a bearing portion arranged inside of the stator. The rotating portion includes a rotor magnet arranged radially outside the stator; a shaft inserted in the bearing portion, and having an upper portion fixed to the impeller directly or through one or more members; and a thrust portion arranged axially opposite the bearing portion, and including an annular surface arranged around the shaft. |
| US09341185B2 |
Surface treating agent for wear-resistance surface, manufacturing method thereof and compressor using the same
The present disclosure relates to a wear-resistant surface treating agent, a manufacturing method thereof, and a compressor using the same. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the surface treating agent includes an organic solvent, nanodiamond powder and carbon nanotube powder dispersed in the organic solvent, and a PTFE solution mixed with the organic solvent, wherein the organic solvent is an amide-based organic solvent. |
| US09341180B2 |
Connection plate for a hydrostatic piston machine
A connection plate for a hydrostatic piston machine includes two connection openings on opposite lateral surfaces of the connection plate. The connection openings are arranged at an offset from a main axis of the connection plate on a common side. Two slotted recesses are formed from an inner face of the connection plate. The slotted recesses are each connected in the area of the first end section of the slotted recesses to one of the connection openings in order to connect the piston machine to a hydraulic circuit. A valve cartridge is inserted in an installation bore of the connection plate. The installation bore is formed opposite the plate axis in the connection plate with respect to the connection openings and extends approximately parallel to axes of the connection openings. The valve cartridge is hydraulically connected to one of the slots. |
| US09341178B1 |
Energy optimization for variable speed pumps
A system includes a pump for connecting to a fluid source. The system also includes an adjustable-speed drive coupled with the pump. The system further includes a flow meter coupled with the pump. The system also includes a processor coupled with the adjustable-speed drive and the flow meter for receiving an approximately instantaneous power consumption and an approximately instantaneous pumping rate. The processor is configured to select an optimal pumping rate for operating the pump based upon a comparison of metrics representing approximately instantaneous pumping rates and approximately instantaneous power consumptions. |
| US09341176B2 |
Diaphragm pump
A diaphragm pump includes a motor having a recess in an outer circumferential portion, a crank which rotates together with a motor output shaft, a driving member including a driving element which reciprocates in accordance with the crank rotation, and a diaphragm which forms a pump chamber which expands and contracts in accordance with the reciprocating driving element. The pump also includes a suction passage which draws a fluid into the pump chamber, a discharge passage which discharges the fluid, a suction valve formed in the suction passage to regulate a reverse flow of the fluid to the suction passage, a discharge valve formed in the discharge passage to regulate a reverse flow of the fluid to the pump chamber, and an elastically deformable cylindrical member which holds the diaphragm and includes a projection which engages with the recess of the motor. |
| US09341175B2 |
Pump seal
A seal for a pump includes a seal housing configured to be received in a housing of the pump and a seal assembly received in the seal housing. The seal further includes a seal holder receiving at least a portion of the seal assembly, the seal holder being configured to rotate with respect to the seal housing. The seal also includes a guide coupled to the seal housing and retaining the seal holder, such that the seal holder rotates with respect to the seal housing, wherein during operation of the pump, the seal holder and a portion of the seal assembly rotate. A pump includes the pump seal, and a method for refurbishing a pump seal includes removing and replacing at least a portion of a seal assembly of the pump seal, wherein refurbishing the pump seal does not require removing a pump shaft from the pump. |
| US09341170B2 |
Axial piston machine
An axial piston machine includes a housing part, a drive shaft, which is mounted in the housing part, and a cylinder drum, which is connected to the drive shaft in a rotationally fixed manner and which accommodates a plurality of pistons. Each of the pistons bound a working chamber and are supported on a swashplate. The working chambers can be connected in alternation to a high-pressure channel and to a low-pressure channel, which extend in the housing part. An insert part is rigidly inserted into the housing part. A control surface of the insert part is directly opposite the cylinder drum. The insert part has a high-pressure channel section and a low-pressure channel section, which have approximately kidney-shaped opening areas in the control surface. The other openings of the high-pressure and low-pressure channel sections opposite the opening area in the control surface are formed radially on the insert part. |
| US09341169B2 |
Acoustic determination of piston position in a modular dynamics tester displacement pump and methods to provide estimates of fluid flow rate
A method for determining a piston position in a downhole tool, having steps of providing a transducer in the downhole tool, wherein the tool has a piston used to create a vacuum for the downhole tool, providing a transducer tone burst to provide acoustic energy toward the piston, reflecting the transducer tone burst by a surface of the piston, receiving the transducer tone burst at a receiver, calculating time of flight for the transducer tone burst and determining the piston position in the downhole tool based upon the calculated time of flight of the transducer tone burst. |
| US09341168B2 |
Device for applying a directed contact pressure force to a multitude of samples
A device for applying a directed contact pressure force to a multitude of samples. A first part of the device includes a multitude of sample receptacles that receive a multitude of joining surface modules of the same kind, and a second part of the device is connected to the first part in such a manner that a multitude of fluidically intercommunicating hydraulic cylinders in one of the two parts can load the joining surface modules simultaneously in a loading direction at a predetermined force that is substantially identical in respect to all samples. |
| US09341167B2 |
Vehicle speed detection means for power generation system
A vehicle energy harvester including a subunit having an upper surface forming a roadway surface; a vehicle activated treadle on the subunit, the vehicle activated treadle moveable between a first position in which an upper surface of the treadle is at an angle with respect to the upper surface of the roadway surface and a second position in which the upper surface of the treadle is flush with the upper surface of the roadway surface; a generator that generates power in response to movement of the vehicle activated treadle; and a vehicle speed detection device that detects a speed of a vehicle travelling over the roadway surface based on a speed of movement of the vehicle activated treadle. |
| US09341166B2 |
Electrostrictive composite and electrostrictive element using the same
An electrostrictive composite includes a flexible polymer matrix and a carbon nanotube film structure. The carbon nanotube film structure is at least partially embedded into the flexible polymer matrix through a first surface. The carbon nanotube film structure includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes combined by van der Waals attractive force therebetween. |
| US09341165B2 |
Power generation system and method of use thereof
A power generation system comprising a first vessel, a second vessel, a pump operably connected to the first vessel and the second vessel, and a turbine manifold assembly operably connected to the first vessel and the second vessel, wherein the pump creates a positive pressure in the first vessel to force a fluid in a first direction through the turbine manifold assembly and into the second vessel to a pre-determined level by a negative pressure in the second vessel, wherein, once the fluid reaches the pre-determined level in the second vessel, the pump creates a positive pressure in the second vessel to force the fluid in an opposing second direction through the turbine manifold assembly and back into the first vessel by a negative pressure in the first vessel to complete a cycle is provided. Furthermore, associated methods and a turbine manifold assembly is also provided. |
| US09341161B2 |
Apparatus for extracting power from fluid flow
An apparatus for extracting power includes a track and an airfoil coupled to the track. The track includes first and second elongate sections, where the first elongate section is positioned above the second elongate section. The airfoil includes a suction surface lying between a pressure surface and the track, and is moveable in opposite directions when alternately coupled to the first elongate section and second elongate section. |
| US09341159B2 |
Methods for controlling wind turbine loading
Methods are provided for controlling wind turbine loading. In one embodiment, a method includes the steps of determining a current thrust value for the wind turbine, calculating a thrust differential based on the current thrust value and a predetermined maximum thrust value, calculating a desired pitch offset value based on the thrust differential and a thrust sensitivity value, and adjusting a pitch of the wind turbine utilizing the pitch offset value. |
| US09341158B2 |
Quiet wind turbine blade
Noise produced by the blades of a wind turbine electric generator is reduced by creating randomly varied serrations on the trailing edge of the blade, thereby creating vortices of varying size, energy, and distance from the trailing edge. This configuration creates vortices that tend to cancel one another while avoiding the creation of adjacent, mutually reinforcing vortices. |
| US09341156B2 |
Glow plug, new glow plug determination method, and glow plug driving control device
A glow plug is provided that can be easily determined as to whether or not it is a new article. An additional circuit formed by connecting a diode, a fuse, and an adjusting resistor in series in this order is connected in parallel to a heating element of a glow plug. The diode is provided so as to have an anode located on the positive electrode side of the heating element and a cathode located on the fuse side. In the case of a unit inspection, by applying a positive voltage for test to a heating element negative electrode connecting portion, it is possible to determine whether or not the glow plug is normal without blowing the fuse before the glow plug is used in a vehicle. |
| US09341148B2 |
Evaporative emissions fuel system
An engine includes a fuel tank with a fuel tank body defining an internal fuel tank volume for containing a fuel, a vent conduit integrally formed with the fuel tank body, and an air cleaner system including an air cleaner housing defining an internal air cleaner volume. The vent conduit extends between an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture. The inlet aperture is in fluid communication with the internal fuel tank volume. An opening is formed in the air cleaner housing and the vent conduit extends through the opening. The outlet aperture of the vent conduit is positioned within the internal air cleaner volume and the vent conduit provides fluid communication between the internal fuel tank volume and the internal air cleaner volume. |
| US09341143B2 |
Method of organizing the working procedure in a spark ignition gas piston engine
A piston engine intakes, at the compression stage, lean gas-air mixture from a cylinder to the ignition chamber. The residual gases are at 500° C. to 700° C., and are composed of: carbon dioxide 6.7% to 5.6%, oxygen 6.6% to 8.8%, water vapor 12.8% to 19.8% with the air excess factor 1.5 to 1.8, are preserved in the ignition chamber and are used for initiating, at the contact, and mixing with the gas-air mixture, the reactions of combined conversion of the lowermost alkanes (methane, ethane, propane, butane, etc.), into hydrogen and carbon monoxide; intensifying reactions of combined conversion in the compression cycle, by increasing pressure and, therefore, temperature of the gas-air mixture in the cylinder and in the ignition chamber, up to 5-5.5 MPa and 500-600° C., at the moment of the spark. The ignition chamber can be made of catalytic material, e.g., nickel heat-resistant steel. |
| US09341141B2 |
Variable jet engine outlet with a mainly circle sector-formed cross section
The present invention relates to a low signature jet engine outlet comprising movable border segments forming at least one circular arc and being movable radially for controlling the form and area of the outlet, at least one stationary border element for defining the form and area of the outlet, and movable coupling means for connecting the at least one circular arc to the at least one stationary border element. The coupling means are movable along a connection part of the at least one stationary border element, and the connection part of the at least one stationary border element is substantially flat and extending in a substantially radial direction of the at least one circular arc. |
| US09341139B2 |
Drive device driven by buoyancy and thermal energy
Provided is a drive device efficiently converting thermal energy of a vertical high-temperature tank and a vertical low-temperature tank into a drive force. The volume variable container (11) at a vertical high-temperature tank (1) side is supported on the forward side of a horizontal communication pipe (7) in the travel direction, and the volume variable container (12) at a vertical low-temperature tank (2) is supported on the rear side of the horizontal communication pipe (7) in the travel direction, and enclosed gas is transferred by a pressure difference between the volume variable container (11) and the volume variable container (12). A travel belt 4 travels with respect to an insulation wall (3) due to a total buoyancy difference (F1−F2) between the total buoyancy (F1) of the buoyancy of the volume variable container (11) and the total buoyancy (F2) of the buoyancy of the volume variable container (12). |
| US09341133B2 |
Exhaust gas recirculation control systems and methods
A fuel control system of a vehicle includes an injection control module and a command module. The injection control module determines a first target amount of fuel for a combustion event of an engine. A command module selectively command the injection control module to provide two fuel injections when a torque request decreases. In response to the command, the injection control module: determines second and third target amounts of fuel based on the first target amount; provides a first fuel injection during the combustion event based on the second target amount; and provides a second fuel injection during a compression stroke of the combustion event based on the third target amount. |
| US09341131B2 |
Smart vehicle sensor
Various systems and methods are described for controlling operation of a motor vehicle based on a sensor. One example method comprises receiving sensed parameter data from the sensor, receiving calibration data from the sensor, and adjusting a vehicle operating parameter in response to the sensed parameter data and the calibration data. |
| US09341128B2 |
Fuel consumption based cylinder activation and deactivation control systems and methods
A cylinder control method includes: generating a torque request for an engine based on at least one driver input; based on the torque request, determining a target number of activated cylinders of the engine; determining possible sequences for activating and deactivating cylinders of the engine to achieve the target number of activated cylinders; determining predicted fuel consumption values for the possible sequences, respectively; identifying first ones of the possible sequences having predicted fuel consumption values that are less than a predetermined amount from a lowest one of the predicted fuel consumption values; selecting one of the first ones of the possible sequences; setting a selected sequence for activating and deactivating cylinders of the engine to the selected one of the first ones of the possible sequences; based on the selected sequence, one of activating and deactivating a next cylinder in a predetermined firing order of the cylinders. |
| US09341123B2 |
Exhaust system having EGR through compression valve
An exhaust system is disclosed for use with an engine. The exhaust system may have a compression relief valve associated with an engine cylinder. The exhaust system may also have an exhaust gas recirculation passage extending from the compression relief valve to an intake of the engine cylinder. |
| US09341122B2 |
Exhaust brake
An exhaust brake may include an exhaust pipe configured to include an exhaust upstream and an exhaust downstream, a butterfly configured to be mounted between the exhaust upstream and the exhaust downstream in the exhaust pipe, a bypass pipe configured to include a bypass upstream starting between the exhaust upstream and the butterfly and a bypass downstream ending between the butterfly and the exhaust downstream, and a check valve configured to be mounted between the bypass upstream and the bypass downstream. The piston head of a piston of the check valve may be disposed at the bypass downstream and a direction in which the piston head moves to the bypass downstream is a direction in which the check valve is opened. |
| US09341121B2 |
Gas turbine engine with intercooling turbine section and intercooling turbine section bypass
A gas turbine engine includes an intercooling turbine section to selectively cool the core flow. An intercooling turbine section bypass is also included to selectively bypass at least a portion of a core flow through an intercooling turbine section bypass path around the intercooling turbine section. |
| US09341118B2 |
Various layered gas turbine engine component constructions
A gas turbine engine component is disclosed having a construction that permits a working fluid to flow from one side of the component to the other. In one embodiment the construction includes multiple layers, and in one particular embodiment the construction includes three layers. One or more layers can have different properties. Additionally, one or more layers of the construction can include a cellular structure. In one embodiment the component is a gas turbine engine combustor liner. |
| US09341115B2 |
Valve for controlling flow of a turbomachine fluid
An exemplary valve device for controlling flow of a turbomachine fluid includes a housing having a first inlet at a first elevation, a second inlet at a second elevation higher than the first elevation, and an outlet. A flow control member is within the housing. The flow control member in a positive g-force environment is biased toward a first position that permits flow through the first inlet to the outlet. The flow control member in a negative g-force environment is biased toward a second position that restricts flow through the first inlet to the outlet. |
| US09341114B2 |
Gas power plant
A method for operating a gas power plant is provided, having a gas turbine which has a compressor stage and a turbine stage, and is connected to a generator via an axle, wherein the generator is designed to also be operated as a motor, wherein the method involves the operation of the generator as a motor for the rotatory operation of the axle, as well as a simultaneous discharge of the heated gas flow exiting from the turbine stage and routing of said gas flow to a first heat exchanger for the transfer of thermal energy from the gas flow to a heat exchanger fluid, wherein the heat exchanger fluid is provided to either discharge thermal energy to a heat accumulating medium or it can be used an accumulating medium itself for temporary storage. |
| US09341113B2 |
Atomizing air heat exchange for heating attemperation feed water in a combined cycle turbine
An attemperation system and an atomizing air system are integrated for a combined cycle turbine including a gas turbine and a steam turbine. The atomizing air system receives compressor discharge air for fuel atomization. The atomizing air system includes an atomizing air cooler that serves to cool the compressor discharge air. A heat recovery steam generator receives exhaust from the gas turbine and generates steam for input to the steam turbine via an attemperation system. A feed water circuit draws feed water from the heat recovery steam generator and communicates in a heat exchange relationship with the atomizing air cooler to heat the feed water. The feed water circuit communicates the heated feed water to the attemperation system of the heat recovery steam generator. |
| US09341112B2 |
Combination air pressure system and plasma ion gas generator system for turbocharged diesel engine
A combination air pressure system and a plasma ion gas generator system adapted for mounting next to an intake manifold of a turbocharged diesel engine. The system includes a water holding tank for supplying water to a plasma ion gas generator. The gas generator includes a housing with a plurality anode and cathode electrode plates. The system also includes an on/off switch and amp meter. The on/off switch is connected to the vehicle's battery. When the system is turned “on”, power is supplied to the gas generator for generating combustible gases. The air pressure system includes an air line connected to a vehicle's high pressure air line. The system's air line is connected to the water holding tank for pressurizing the gas mixture before it's introduced in the intake manifold. |
| US09341110B2 |
Internal combustion engine with improved fuel efficiency and/or power output
An internal combustion engine may include a bushing defining an external circumferential diameter and an aperture defining an internal circumferential diameter. A center defined by the external circumferential diameter and a center defined by the internal circumferential diameter are offset with respect to one another. The internal circumferential diameter is operably coupled to a crankpin, and the external circumferential diameter is operably coupled to a connecting rod, thereby operably coupling the connecting rod to the crankpin. The engine may further include a bushing control assembly, wherein the bushing control assembly is configured to delay initiation of a power stroke of the engine until a crankshaft of the engine has rotated at least about 15 degrees beyond a first stroke termination angle of a compression stroke of the engine. |
| US09341108B2 |
Vortex generator device
A plate-shaped butterfly valve is rotatable to throttle intake airflow, which is to be drawn into an internal combustion engine, and to direct the intake airflow toward a specific periphery in a cross section of a passage. The passage has a passage wall defining a passage wall step. The passage wall step is located on the downstream side from a rotation locus of the butterfly valve relative to intake airflow. The passage wall step has a raised side and a depressed side, which are located on the downstream side and on the upstream side, respectively, relative to intake airflow. |
| US09341107B2 |
Thermostat valve arrangement with magnetic locking device and a cooling system for combustion engine driven vehicles
A thermostatic valve aggregate for a motor vehicle cooling system, having a valve housing containing a valve seat, further having an expansible drive element which is configured in the valve housing and is coupled to a valve element, and a spring biasing the valve element against the valve seat, one coolant hookup on each side of the valve seat, a bypass valve element prestressed by a bypass valve spring in the direction of a bypass valve seat in order to selectively link one bypass hookup to the valve housing to one of the other hookups, characterizedin that an electromagnet is mounted on the valve housing and comprises a core extending as far as the bypass valve seat, in that the bypass valve element is fitted with a magnetically effective armature element resting against or nearly reaching the core when the bypass valve rests against the bypass valve seat. |
| US09341096B2 |
Exhaust gas treatment device for use near an engine and motor vehicle having the device
An exhaust gas treatment device includes at least a housing and a second exhaust gas treatment unit which is disposed at a distance from the housing and extends into the housing. The housing has an opening that is disposed laterally relative to the second exhaust gas treatment unit and extends laterally at least across 50% of the second exhaust gas treatment unit which extends into the housing. A motor vehicle having the exhaust gas treatment device is also provided. |
| US09341093B2 |
Control valve
A control valve have a main channel, a channel cross section adjustment spool, a downstream side branching channel, a communication channel, a channel open and close spool, a channel open and close valve, and a upstream side branching channel. In a low rotation speed region of an engine, the channel open and close valve blocks the communication channel. In a medium rotation speed region, the channel open and close spool allows the communication between the downstream side branching channel and the communication channel, and the channel open and close valve allows the communication channel to communicate to slide and move the channel cross section adjustment spool in a direction. In a high rotation speed region, the channel open and close spool blocks the communication between the downstream side branching channel. |
| US09341091B2 |
Hydraulic valve for pivot motor adjustment device of a camshaft
A hydraulic valve for a pivot motor adjustment device of a camshaft, the hydraulic valve including a valve housing with a longitudinal axis and a valve piston that is axially moveable in the valve housing along the longitudinal axis, wherein a first operating connection of the valve housing and a second operating connection of the valve housing is openable and closable by the valve piston, wherein the first operating connection and the second operating connection are axially offset from one another; and a supply connection of the valve housing, wherein the supply connection supplies the hydraulic valve with hydraulic fluid fed by a feed device, wherein the hydraulic fluid flows through the hydraulic valve on different paths defined by a flowable channel system of the valve piston. |
| US09341087B2 |
Arrangement and method for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy
An arrangement and a method for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy. The arrangement has a line circuit (3), circulation device (4) for circulating a zeotropic refrigerant mixture in the line circuit (3), an evaporator (6) in which the refrigerant mixture is vaporized by a heat source (7), a turbine (9) driven by the vaporized refrigerant mixture, and a condenser (12) which cools the refrigerant mixture so that it condenses. A control unit assesses whether the refrigerant mixture does not become fully vaporized in the evaporator (6) and, leads incompletely vaporized refrigerant mixture leaving the evaporator to a separating device (14) in which a liquid portion of the refrigerant mixture is separated from the gaseous portion, after which only the gaseous portion proceeds towards the turbine (9). |
| US09341083B2 |
Turbojet engine nacelle with downstream section
A turbofan engine nacelle has a downstream section which includes at least one front frame. The front frame is attached to a stationary portion of the nacelle, and the downstream section is provided with at least one rail or slide which extends in a longitudinal direction of the nacelle and is capable of engaging with at least one corresponding slide or rail of an attachment pylon of the turbofan engine. The front frame is connected to the rail or slide of the downstream section by means of at least one swiveled connecting rod. |
| US09341082B2 |
Pipe having an upstream core having a sharp curvature
A turbine engine pipe having a longitudinal axis, which, at an upstream end thereof, includes an outer wall and a core, only an upstream portion of which is surrounded by the outer wall. The boundary between the upstream portion and a downstream portion is defined by the intersection between the core and the surface formed by bisectors of acute angles formed by straight lines perpendicular to the outer wall and straight lines perpendicular to an outer surface of the core passing through the downstream end of the outer wall. The outer surface of the downstream portion of the core has a sharply curved convex region close to the boundary, the region having a radius of curvature in a radial plane of less than 30 times the radius of the core at the boundary, and a first slightly curved region between the boundary and the sharply curved convex region. |
| US09341074B2 |
Active clearance control manifold system
Active clearance control systems for gas turbine engines are disclosed. An example active clearance control system may include a generally circumferentially mounted spray tube comprising a plurality of impingement holes arranged to impinge thermal control air on a clearance control component of a case; a rigid mounting assembly substantially rigidly coupling the spray tube to the case; and/or a sliding mounting assembly coupling the spray tube to the case while permitting limited relative movement between the spray tube and the case in a direction generally parallel with an engine axis. The sliding mount may be coupled to the case generally axially forward of the rigid mount. A ratio of the stand-off distance to the impingement hole diameter may be less than about 8. A ratio of the arc spacing to the impingement hole diameter may be less than about 15. |
| US09341072B2 |
Seal between static turbine parts
The invention relates to a seal between static components of a turbine. The seal includes at least one middle piece, which has at its opposite ends end pieces. The end pieces are arranged in a respective groove of the static components and adjoining the inside surfaces of the grooves. The middle piece has at least two parts. The middle piece parts are rotatably coupled to one another via a pivot. The pivot is an annular ring in cross section formed by at least two cylinder elements being coaxially interfitted and slidable relative to each other. The inner surface of the pivot is wrapped with metallic cloth material. Advantages of the invention are higher flexibility due to the pivoting to accommodate larger relative movements of the turbine components and reduced wear with aging while maintaining good sealing performance. |
| US09341069B2 |
Gas turbine
A gas turbine includes a rotor having a rotor groove and a rotor bore extending through the rotor, the rotor bore having a diffuser-shaped rotor bore exit. A blade is attached to the rotor and includes a blade tip having at least one dust hole. An airfoil has a leading edge and a trailing edge extending along a longitudinal axis of the blade between a lower end of the airfoil and the blade tip. A blade root is disposed at the lower end of the airfoil and is configured to be removably disposed in the rotor groove. The blade root includes a blade inlet having a cross sectional area that exceeds a cross sectional area of the rotor bore in at least one direction. A hollow blade core is disposed in the airfoil and extends along the longitudinal axis of the blade between the blade root and the blade tip. |
| US09341066B2 |
Turbine compressor blade tip resistant to metal transfer
A gas turbine engine having an engine casing extending circumferentially about an engine centerline axis; and a compressor section, a combustor section, and a turbine section within said engine casing. At least one of said compressor section and said turbine section includes at least one airfoil and at least one seal member adjacent to the at least one airfoil, wherein a tip of the at least one airfoil is metal having a thin film ceramic coating and the at least one seal member is coated with an abradable. |
| US09341065B2 |
Dual element turbine blade
A method of manufacturing a turbine blade includes providing a core element having a base portion, a tip portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the base portion and the tip portion. The intermediate portion has a non-uniform cross-section and is a high-strength fiber material. The method also includes surrounding the core element with a shell, the volume between the core element and the shell forming a void. |
| US09341061B2 |
Method of opening a mine door leaf
A method of opening a mine door leaf installed in a mine passageway having a high pressure zone and a low pressure zone. The method includes the steps of operating a variable-throw crank mechanism in a first configuration having a first crank length to apply a first force to the mine door leaf to move at a first speed, operating the variable-throw crank mechanism in a second configuration having a second crank length less than the first crank length to apply a second force greater than the first force to the mine door leaf to move at a second speed slower than the first speed, and using a resistance pressure associated with the high and low pressure zones in the mine passageway to convert the variable-throw crank mechanism from the first configuration to the second configuration. |
| US09341052B2 |
Thickened viscoelastic fluids and uses thereof
The present invention generally relates to a viscoelastic fluids, thickened acid compositions and the like and to methods of using said gelled compositions. The thickened compositions of the present invention can usefully be employed in methods of stimulating and/or modifying the permeability of underground formations, in drilling fluids, completion fluids, workover fluids, acidizing fluids, fracturing, gravel packing and the like. |
| US09341047B2 |
Actuation lockout system
An actuation system, including a first member having a first profile engagable with a tool operatively arranged for actuating the member from an initial configuration to an actuated configuration. A second member is included that is movable relative to the first member. The second member has a lockout feature configured to prevent engagement of the first member with the tool while the second member is located proximate to the first member. A method of selectively actuating a system is also included. |
| US09341042B2 |
Stop loss tool for wellheads
The present application includes a tool configured to prevent bidirectional passage through a pipe or wellhead. The tool includes at least a housing and a latch. The housing is coupled to the wellhead. The housing has an interior volume in communication with an interior volume of the wellhead through an aperture. The wellhead has a central axis. The latch is pivotally coupled to the interior of the housing and oriented so as to pivot within a plane parallel to the central axis. The latch is configured to selectively enter and exit the interior of the wellhead between a first orientation and a second orientation. The tool may further include a tube to be coupled in axial alignment with the wellhead or pipe. |
| US09341038B2 |
Tool for extracting an object engaged in a fluid exploitation pipe, extraction device and related method
The tool includes a bearing member (70), a traction assembly (72) of the object (28), movably mounted in a first direction relative to the bearing member (70). It includes a plurality of hooking members (160), mounted radially mobile relative to the traction assembly (72) between a contracted configuration and a deployed configuration. The tool comprises means (164; 166) for keeping each hooking member (160) in its deployed configuration. It includes unlocking means (168; 170) that include an elastic stressing member (202; 222) applied on the holding means (164; 166). The elastic stressing member (202; 222) is capable of being compressed to cause the unlocking of the holding means (164; 166) and the passage of the hooking members (160) from their deployed configuration to their contracted configuration. |
| US09341035B2 |
Apparatus for, and method of, landing items at a well location
An apparatus for, and method of, lowering items from a drilling rig to a well located below it through the use of a landing string comprised of drill pipe having an enlarged diameter section with a shoulder, in combination with upper and lower holders having wedge members with shoulders that engage and support the drill pipe at the shoulder of the enlarged diameter section, the shoulder of the drill pipe and the shoulders of the wedge members being rotatable with respect to each other. |
| US09341031B2 |
Riser support
Apparatus and method for supporting a riser are disclosed. The apparatus includes an anchoring element (420) for anchoring a riser to a fixed structure, and a supporting portion (412) configured to support a section of flexible pipe (406), the supporting portion having a bearing surface for the section of flexible pipe to bear against to thereby restrain the flexible pipe from upward movement. |
| US09341027B2 |
Expandable reamer assemblies, bottom-hole assemblies, and related methods
Expandable reamer assemblies include an expandable reamer module and an activation module. An outer tubular body of the activation module is rigidly coupled to a tubular body of the expandable reamer module, and an activation member of the activation module is coupled to a sleeve of the expandable reamer module, the sleeve is coupled to at least one blade and configured to move the at least one blade into an extended position. The sleeve moves axially responsive to axial movement of the activation member. Bottom-hole assemblies include an expandable reamer module and an activation module. The activation module is coupled to the expandable reamer module and configured to provide a motive force to the sleeve to move the sleeve opposite a direction of flow of drilling fluid. Methods of using expandable reamer modules include pairing two substantially identical expandable reamer modules and two respective different activation modules. |
| US09341026B2 |
Apparatus and method for modifying the sidewalls of a borehole
The present invention concerns an apparatus for modifying sidewalls of a borehole. The apparatus includes a longitudinal housing adapted to fit inside the borehole. The housing includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a side portion between said end portions, adapted to face the sidewalls of the borehole. Means are provides on the side of the housing for removing material from said borehole sidewall. The housing is adapted to be rotated with a controlled rotational speed in relation to said borehole sidewalls and to be fed in a controlled rate of longitudinal motion in relation to said borehole. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for making a borehole with internal, helical grooves. |
| US09341025B2 |
Floating offshore facility and a method for drilling a well
A floating offshore facility for offshore hydrocarbon production, comprising an upper deck, a lower deck, a well bay comprising a plurality of drilling slots and a plurality of production slots surrounding said drilling slots, a cart (20) supporting a drilling riser and being movable together with said drilling riser inside the opening of the plurality of the drilling slots, and a drilling rig movable above the well bay to drill the well through the drilling riser. |
| US09341021B2 |
Integrated rolling curtain window
The present invention provides an integrated rolling curtain window. The integrated rolling curtain window of the invention includes a profile window. The integrated rolling curtain window further comprises a rolling curtain assembly having a window curtain cover assembly mounted on the top of the profile window, two windproof rails positioned on the front surface of both sides of the profile window, a first connection piece for removably mounting the window curtain cover assembly to the top of the profile window and a second connection piece for removably connecting the said two windproof rails to the front surface of both sides of the profile window respectively. The window curtain cover assembly has a curtain cloth component which could be rolled out and in, and both sides of the curtain cloth component move within the said two windproof rails respectively when the curtain cloth component is rolled out. |
| US09341013B2 |
Automatic door sensor device
There is provided an automatic door sensor device (1) capable of preventing a door (3) which is transitioning from an open position to a closed position from being erroneously detected as an object by temporarily changing a detection area (A, C2, C3). The automatic door sensor device (1) includes a doorway area sensor (7a) that detects the presence of an object in a doorway area (B) which includes at least a portion of an area defined by the path of a door (3), detectors (6, 7b) that detect the presence and/or the movement of an object in changeable detection areas (A, C2, C3), and a detection area changer (31) that changes the detection areas (A, C2, C3) when it is determined, by using the doorway area sensor (7a), that the door (3) is transitioning from an open position to a closed position. |
| US09341009B2 |
Multi-axis clip hinge
One aspect is a multi-axis clip hinge with a rotatable member having a spherical portion with a greatest outer diameter and a coupling portion for articulating said member. A clip is provided having an arm defining an inside diameter and comprising a connecting portion. The inside diameter of the arm is less than the greatest outer diameter of the spherical portion of the rotatable member and is engaged therewith such that it interferes with and grips the outside diameter of the spherical portion. A housing is configured to engage the connection portion of the clip thereby securing the clip to the housing. At least one of the clip and the housing prevents relative translational movement of the clip relative to the spherical portion yet allows the spherical portion to rotate in three axes of rotation relative to the clip. |
| US09341008B1 |
Hinge assemblies for a cowl of an outboard motor
A hinge assembly is for a cowl of an outboard motor. The hinge assembly is configured to connect a first portion of the cowl to a second portion of the cowl. The hinge assembly comprises an arm that is connected to one of the first and second cowl portions and a retainer that is connected to the other of the first and second cowl portions. The arm is movable with respect to the retainer between a registered position wherein the arm is retained by and pivotable with respect to the retainer to thereby pivotably connect the first portion of the cowl to the second portion of the cowl and an unregistered position wherein the arm is separated from the retainer so that the first portion of the cowl is separated from the second portion of the cowl. |
| US09341007B2 |
Structure improvement of attraction plate of electromagnetic doorlock
The main features of the structure improvement of attraction plate of electromagnetic doorlock, comprises a positioning assembly positioned on a mounted body at the position close to both ends of the attraction plate, an attraction surface having a recessed portion below the horizontal plane of 0.06 mm to 0.26 mm at a central region thereof, and the recessed portion extending towards both ends to form an arc surface, so that a concave-arc surface is formed with both ends lower than the central region. The present invention uses the concave arc design of the attraction surface to maintain the normal current of the electric magnet while the attraction plate is pulled by the curved internal stress structure for saving energy and enhancing the security access control. |
| US09341003B2 |
Latch for storage case
Illustrative embodiment of latches for storage cases are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, a latch may comprise a first component coupled to a first tab extending from a case, where the first component includes a plurality of first engagement sections and each of the plurality of first engagement sections has a first aperture formed therein, a second component including a plurality of second engagement sections, where each of the plurality of second engagement sections has a second aperture formed therein and each of the plurality of first engagement sections is engaged with one of the plurality of second engagement sections such that the first and second apertures are aligned along a common axis, and a hinge pin positioned through the first and second apertures, such that the second component is pivotable about the common axis. |
| US09341002B2 |
Locking system and application
The present invention relates to a locking system (1) for locking of compartments or boxes including containers to which the access mainly consists of double doors or gates A, B, where the locking system (1) comprises a bar (2), which at one end is fitted with a primarily cylindrical shaft (3) around which the bar (2) can be rotated horizontally and which at the opposite end is fitted with an angled lock cover (12). The locking system (1) further comprises a fitting (4) that can be fitted in gate A, and which can partially enclose the cylindrical shaft (3). The locking system further comprises a fitting (11) that can be fitted in the second gate B, and which covers a lock (22) on four sides and onto which the lock cover (12) can be locked. By using this invention, e.g. containers can be locked effectively and safely. |
| US09341001B2 |
Inventory control system
An inventory control system comprising a dispensing module; a horizontal blocking bar proximate the front portion of the dispensing module; a dispensing module sliding base comprising having a roll pin affixed thereto, and a right side wall having a roll pin affixed thereto; a left rocker arm and a right rocker arm each having a slot; and wherein the roll pin of the left side wall passes through the slot of the left rocker arm and the roll pin of the right side wall passes through the slot of the right rocker arm. |
| US09340999B2 |
Manually driven electronic deadbolt assembly with free-spinning bezel
A manually driven electronic deadbolt assembly configured with an electromechanical coupling mechanism to selectively couple a manually operable bezel to a torque blade for operation of a deadbolt mechanism. The electro-mechanical coupling mechanism is configured such that in a locked condition the manually operable bezel is drivably decoupled from the torque blade, such that the manually operable bezel is free-spinning when rotated so as to be rendered incapable of rotating the torque blade to operate the deadbolt mechanism. Also, the electro-mechanical coupling mechanism is configured to drivably couple the manually operable bezel to the torque blade when a valid code is input to a code input mechanism to facilitate the unlocked condition, such that a rotation of the manually operable bezel effects a rotation of the torque blade to operate the deadbolt mechanism. |
| US09340998B2 |
Electronic lock with movable in-line locking lug
A lock assembly is disclosed to lock a moveable structure to a fixed structure. The lock assembly includes an electric actuator operable to move a locking lug between first and second axial positions to correspond with a locked and unlocked configuration of the lock assembly. A resilient member can couple the locking lug to the electric actuator and drive the locking lug between the first and second positions. |
| US09340996B2 |
Adjustable strike plate assemblies and systems and methods including the same
Adjustable strike plate assemblies and systems and methods including the same are disclosed herein. The assemblies include a cover plate that defines a lock-facing side, an opposed striker-facing side, and a striker opening. The assemblies further include a striker that defines a bolt receptacle that is sized to receive a bolt of a lock. The bolt receptacle is aligned within the striker opening to define a bolt-receiving portion of the strike plate assembly. The assemblies further include an alignment structure that aligns the striker with the cover plate to define a plurality of orientations of the bolt receptacle relative to the striker opening. In operation, the striker-facing side of the cover plate generally faces toward the striker and the alignment structure. The assemblies further include a fastening structure that selectively retains the bolt receptacle in a selected orientation of the plurality of orientations. |
| US09340993B2 |
Self-bracing shelter
A self-bracing shelter includes a frame and a skin. First and second subframes are arranged in vertical planes, each including first and second feet and a central portion. A ridge beam extends axially between the first and second subframes and includes opposite first and second ends that extend axially beyond the first and second subframes, respectively, such that the opposite ends of the beam are located outside a footprint of a planform defined by the feet of the subframes. A first pair of outer tension members is connected between the first end of the beam and the first subframe on opposite sides of the beam. A second pair of outer tension members is connected between the second end of the beam and the second subframe on opposite sides of the beam. |
| US09340990B2 |
Guardrail post
A guardrail post includes a post body, a first sleeve secured to the post body, a locking mechanism, a second sleeve, a slider, a first fastener, a limiting seal cover, and a first hanging rod. The locking mechanism includes a locking tube, a locking sleeve, and four clamping pieces. The second sleeve extends into the locking sleeve. The slider slidably is received in the second sleeve. The limiting seal cover is positioned on the second sleeve. The first hanging rod extends into the limiting seal cover. The locking tube extends into the first sleeve and defines four first through holes, the locking sleeve is sleeved on the locking tube. The four clamping pieces are respectively positioned in the four first through holes, the locking sleeve resists the four clamping pieces inwardly. The first fastener rotatably connects the locking tube with the first hanging rod. |
| US09340989B2 |
Lightweight insulating spa cover
A lightweight insulating spa cover for a heated spa with an open top, the spa cover constructed with a substantially rigid perimeter frame with a plurality of cross supports in the form of tension bands that encompass the frame in a crisscross pattern to form a support for an outer casing that encases the frame with the outer casing being fabricated of a breathable weatherproof fabric that is stretched over a layer of reflective bubble wrap material that provides a cushion and added insulation for the hollow lightweight cover. |
| US09340986B2 |
Decking gauge
A multi spacing decking tool allows comprising an elongated planar body provided with a plurality of spacers which have V-shaped teeth allows the installer to achieve the even gaps between decking planks and boards by accommodating up to six decking boards at a time, cutting the time it takes to achieve the gaps between boards. The V-shaped teeth enable the gauge to smoothly slot in between each plank or board and will set the same even gap throughout the work surface. The multi spacing decking tool allows the installer to achieve a faster installation of the decking boards. |
| US09340984B2 |
Micro lock mortise riveted joint frame two ply solid wood hybrid engineered flooring
Disclosed is a new type of two-ply solid hybrid wood flooring system that utilizes an improved, more dimensional and stable solid wood backing layer or foundation with continuous solid structural edge beams made out of many small pieces of finger jointed solid wood strips and bonded together in such a way which eliminates waste of raw material, uses less adhesive and yields the maximum structural stability. The present invention combines the dimensional stability characteristics of a traditional perpendicular-grain engineered flooring product with the benefit of the thickness of the traditional solid wood flooring. |
| US09340983B2 |
Entrance floor system
An entrance floor system is provided. The entrance floor system includes a base mat and a plate. The base mat has opposing bottom and top surfaces. The bottom surface of the base mat is configured to rest on a floor surface. The plate has opposing bottom and top surfaces. The bottom surface of the plate is configured to rest on the top surface of the base mat. The top surface of the plate has a border region and a non-border region. The non-border region is substantially parallel with the bottom surface of the plate and the non-border region has a pattern machined therein. The pattern includes a plurality of slots. At least one slot is configured to receive fluid and debris. The top surface of the plate in the border region includes a transition from the floor surface to the non-border region of the top surface of the plate. |
| US09340982B2 |
Patterned tiles and floor coverings comprising same
A tile having a contrast pattern intermixed with a portion of a background pattern. The contrast pattern is positioned proximate a selected corner of the tile and has a contrast color different than the colors of the background pattern. Within a surface covering, the rotational position of the tile can be varied to thereby achieve a desired visual appearance with respect to the contrast patterns of adjacent tiles. |
| US09340978B2 |
Ductile chord connectors for use in concrete rods in structures
Provided herein are connectors for use in assembling reinforced concrete structures, as well as methods of assembly using the connectors. In one embodiment, the connectors and methods provide for secure and easy connection to the butt end of any rebar rod, as well as attachment of an opposite end to another metal structure. For example, a butt portion of a connector slides over the butt portion of a rebar rod, and can include one or more sidewall openings to allow welding onto rebar that is enclosed within the butt portion of the connector. The opposite second end can include a faceplate for attaching a weld plate, thus permitting a series of connections using connectors and weld plates, among other things. The connectors provide selected properties that differ from the rebar, welds, and weld plates, such as stretch, yield strength, ultimate strength, and transfer of stress and vibration, among other things. |
| US09340975B2 |
Method of casting in-situ ferrocement ribbed slab with spliced rack and suspended formwork
Disclosed is a method of casting in-situ a ferrocement ribbed slab with a spliced rack and a suspended formwork. The method comprises the following specific steps: step 1: machining at a plant a transverse plane truss girder, an incomplete longitudinal plane truss girder and an incomplete longitudinal plane truss; step 2: making a bottom formwork; step 3: splicing and constructing an on-site truss in a grid shape; step 4: suspending the bottom formwork; step 5: laying reinforcing mesh pieces; and step 6: performing in-situ casting. In the present method of casting in-situ a ferrocement ribbed slab with a spliced rack and a suspended formwork, the interspaced rack becomes a spliced rack and is applied to in-situ casting of floor slabs, such that a ferrocement ribbed slab is directly cast on site, and is cast as one with beams and columns, enabling the range of use of ferrocement ribbed slabs to be extended to the floor slabs of various buildings. |
| US09340973B2 |
Assemblies for a structure
An assembly for a structure comprises a support and a panel. The panel may be a glass panel. The assembly further comprises a structural adhesive, which couples the panel to the support. The structural adhesive may comprise a silicone. The structural adhesive h a first coupling surface facing the support and a second coupling surface spaced from the first coupling surface and facing the interior surface of the panel. The structural adhesive has a substantially right-trapezoidal cross-section, which is oriented in a certain direction relative to the panel and the support. The first coupling surface is sloped relative to the second coupling surface of the structural adhesive thereby reducing stress in the assembly due to environmental load subjected on the structure, such as wind load. Other supports and assemblies are also provided. The assembly may be used to form curtain walls, window walls, sky-lights, etc. |
| US09340969B1 |
Crush zone dowel tube
A slip dowel tube and elongate dowel are disclosed herein which allow for transverse and longitudinal movement of two adjacent concrete slabs and also limit vertical movement of the two concrete slabs. The slip dowel tube is housed within a sheath that provides a void to allow for transverse movement of the slip dowel tube when the first and second slabs move transversely with respect to each other. The elongate dowel is slidably disposed within the main tube to allow for longitudinal movement or movement which brings the two slabs closer to or further away from each other. This system also limits vertical movement between the two adjacent slabs. |
| US09340966B1 |
Metal reinforced concrete beam and metal reinforced buildings incorporating such beams
The present invention contemplates a reinforced concrete beam comprising a longitudinally extending concrete beam including a plurality of I-beam receptacles spaced apart along the length thereof and wherein each of the I-beam receptacles has a depth and a width to accommodate an end of an I-beam having an upper and lower metal flange of about equal width and a central metal web connecting the flanges, and in the building a hard rubberlike elastomer spacer is disposed between the I-beam receptacles and an end of an I-beam. The beams further include one to three longitudinally extending metal rods disposed underneath the I-beam receptacles and surrounded by concrete. |
| US09340963B2 |
Transportable restroom
A transportable restroom comprises a skid; a clean water tank and a waste water tank disposed on the skid, the clean water tank and said waste water tank being joined together to form a base; walls extending from the base including a door; roof supported by the walls; and a toilet disposed over the waste water tank. |
| US09340962B2 |
Operating device for flush water tank assembly
An operating device of the present invention includes: an operating member configured to be rotationally moved according to a rotational operation performed by a user; a rotary shaft; and a drive unit disposed above a level of flush water within a flush water tank, and configured to displace a coupling member according to a rotational movement of the rotary shaft, the coupling member coupling the drive unit and a water discharge valve together, and capable of opening and closing the water discharge valve by means of its own displacement, wherein the drive unit comprises a rotation mechanism configured to be rotated at a radius of rotation greater than that of the rotary shaft, the drive unit being operable to roll up the coupling member along its own rotational direction. |
| US09340958B2 |
Mixing valve
A mixing valve includes a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and an outlet, first and second flow control valves for controlling the flow of hot and cold water. Each of the first and second flow control valves include a valve inlet, first and second valve outlets communicating with the outlet, and a valve member assembly to control the flow of water through the first and second valve outlets. Each valve member assembly includes a first valve member configured to engage with a first valve seat and a second valve member configured to engage with a second, separate, valve seat. The first valve member is configured to be urged closed by water entering through the valve inlet and the second valve member is configured to be urged open by water entering through the valve inlet such that water exerts substantially no net force on the valve members. |
| US09340955B2 |
Hydraulic control device for work vehicle
A hydraulic control device for a work vehicle includes: a hydraulic pump that supplies pressure oil; an arm drive actuator that drives, with pressure oil supplied from the hydraulic pump, an arm attached to the work vehicle so as to swing the arm; a bucket drive actuator that drives, with pressure oil supplied from the hydraulic pump, a bucket attached to a front end of the arm, so as to swing the bucket; an arm drive pressure oil control valve that controls drive of the arm drive actuator by controlling pressure oil supplied from the hydraulic pump to the arm drive actuator; a bucket drive pressure oil control valve that controls drive of the bucket drive actuator by controlling pressure oil supplied from the hydraulic pump to the bucket drive actuator; an arm operation unit that controls the arm drive pressure oil control valve; a bucket operation unit that controls the bucket drive pressure oil control valve; an operating state detection unit that detects operating states of the arm drive actuator and the bucket drive actuator; and a flow control valve that restricts pressure oil to be supplied to the arm drive actuator as combined operation of the arm drive actuator and the bucket drive actuator is detected via the operating state detection unit. |
| US09340952B2 |
Construction machine
Provided is a construction machine including an upper slewing body slewably mounted on a lower travelling body and an electric component attached to the upper slewing body. The upper slewing body includes an operator seat, a seat stand including a top plate portion having an upper surface on which the operator seat is placed, an engine disposed below the top plate portion, a heat exchanger disposed, with a space between the heat exchanger and the seat stand, on one outer side of the seat stand in a width direction; and a partition member disposed in the space to vertically partition the space so as to block upward transmission of heat of the engine. The electric component is disposed above the partition member and on the one outer side of the seat stand inside the upper slewing body. |
| US09340949B2 |
Shovel with passive tilt control
A mining shovel adapted to dig a bank of material includes a boom having an end, a hoist rope extending over the end of the boom, an elongated member movably coupled to the boom, a dipper for engaging the bank of material, a bail assembly, and a pitch brace. The member includes a first end and a second end. The dipper is coupled to the second end of the member and includes a digging edge. The bail assembly includes a first end pivotably coupled to the dipper and a second end coupled to the hoist rope passing over the boom. The pitch brace includes a first end pivotably coupled to the bail assembly and a second end pivotably coupled to the member. |
| US09340948B2 |
Explosion mitigating vault
A controlled pressure release vault panel assembly is capable of functioning as a second, or auxiliary, relief port to allow the escape of fluid from the vault in the event of pressure build-up inside the vault or in an explosion event. The vault panel assembly may define an opening that includes a manhole cover assembly. The manhole cover assembly may also be vented, and may function as a primary vent. The vault panel assembly may include a retention assembly extending from the vault panel underneath a portion of the vault, enabling a limited range of motion of the vault panel for the escape of fluid and allowing the reseating of the vault pane on the vault once the pressure inside the vault approaches ambient pressures. |
| US09340942B2 |
Method for installing a device for recovering hydrocarbons
A method for installing an assembly (10) for recovering hydrocarbons escaping from an underwater facility (21), including a first bottom assembly (25) including a rigid canopy having a large surface area, and a second top assembly (26) for raising fluids up to a surface facility (13). The steps of towing the fluid-raising top assembly are carried out concurrently during the installation of the fluid-raising top assembly (26). |
| US09340941B2 |
Floating standoff collection basin
A collection basin for use adjacent a vessel or structure in open water for collecting material from the vessel or structure to prevent its dissemination in the water. The collection basin includes a floating boom spaced from the vessel, and a tension cable to deploy the basin. At respective ends, flaps are formed to prevent escape of the captured material out of the ends of the basin. The flaps are formed with connection means such as flexible magnets that attach to the ferrous material of the vessel or structure to provide a fluid seal and maintain the basin in place. |
| US09340938B2 |
Snow thrower with chute control mechanism
A snow thrower comprising a frame, a handle coupled to the frame, a chute coupled to the frame and rotatable between a plurality of positions about a chute axis, and a chute control assembly. The chute control assembly comprises an actuator assembly including an actuator movable between a plurality of positions, a rotatable flexible cable having first and second ends, and a gear assembly comprising at least one gear. The first end is coupled to the actuator assembly in a manner that causes the cable to rotate when the actuator is moved between the plurality of positions. The gear is coupled to the second end in a manner that causes the gear to rotate when the cable rotates. The chute is coupled to the gear in a manner that causes the chute to rotate about the chute axis when the gear rotates. |
| US09340937B2 |
Wheelbarrow wagon conversion
A wheelbarrow conversion kit is used to convert a wheelbarrow structure to accommodate a push blade. The handles of the wheelbarrow provide, in combination with the wheels of the wheelbarrow, considerable mechanical advantage for pushing and lifting snow. The push blade assembly is removably attached to the frame of the wheelbarrow at a front edge thereof and can be removed if not required. |
| US09340936B2 |
Utility type surface cleaning vehicle
A utility type surface cleaning vehicle comprises a unitary frame utility type tractor defining a longitudinal axis and having front and back ends, left and right driven rear wheels, at least one steerable front wheel and a trailing unit connecting mechanism. A debris hopper is removably connectable in trailing relation to the utility type tractor via the trailing unit connecting mechanism. A pick-up head is operatively mountable on the unitary frame utility type tractor on the unitary frame utility type tractor forwardly of the rear wheels, and has a debris outlet. An air and debris transfer duct has an inlet connected in debris receiving relation to the debris outlet of the pick-up head and an outlet connected in debris depositing relation to the debris hopper. The air and debris transfer duct extends rearwardly from the pick-up head beneath the rear axle of the unitary frame utility type tractor. |
| US09340933B2 |
Telescoping concrete form assembly
A telescoping concrete form assembly is provided. The concrete form assembly includes a hollow, first member assembly with an elongated hollow body and a generally planar vertical first sidewall, as well as a second member assembly including an elongated body with a medial portion having an outer cross-sectional shape corresponding to the first body inner cross-sectional shape. The second member assembly is slidably disposed within the first member assembly and is structured to move between a retracted first position, wherein the second member assembly is substantially disposed within the first member assembly, and a second position, wherein the second member assembly extends from the first member assembly. |
| US09340930B2 |
Apparatus and method for servicing pavement
A removable and serviceable paving apparatus including an access port for providing access to the interior of the slab. The access port is operable to improve access to components of the paving system prior to, during, and/or after installation. The paving apparatus further includes a removable fastener for improving removability and serviceability. The removable fastener attaches the paving apparatus to its neighboring structures to form a paving surface, may be disengaged from the neighboring structures for removal, repair and/or service of the paving apparatus, and may be re-engaged upon re-installation of the paving apparatus. |
| US09340929B2 |
Components of a railway rail fastening assembly
An anchoring device for use in a railway rail fastening assembly which employs a resilient railway rail fastening clip to fasten a railway rail, comprises a body having a front portion which is configured to provide a first load bearing surface extending alongside the rail foot when the device is in use, and first and second side faces respectively located on opposite sides of the body and configured to extend transversely away from the first portion. The device comprises first and second projecting portions, the first projecting portion extending outwardly from the first side face of the body and providing a first additional load bearing surface which is set back from the first load bearing surface, and the second projecting portion extending outwardly from the second side face of the body and providing a second additional load bearing surface which is set back from the first load bearing surface. |
| US09340928B2 |
Tearing tape for severing a paper web in a papermaking installation
A tearing tape which is composed of paper for severing a paper web which moves from a system for producing paper and is wound up on drums, in order as a result to make it possible for it to be wound onto an empty drum. Here, the tearing tape, in cross-section, has a central tape part and two lateral tape parts. The central tape part has a thickness that is at least 1.5 times greater than a thickness of the lateral tape parts. |
| US09340926B2 |
Wire guide and flyer bow comprising said wire guide
A wire, strand, or cable guide element (EG) for a flyer bow for assembling/twisting/braiding the wire, strand, or cable has an inner surface (SI) which defines the travel path of the wire, strand, or cable (PF) and which consists of alternating adjacent micro-bumps (MB) and micro-recesses (MC). The flyer bow at least partially or entirely surrounds the wire, strand, or cable by means of a member (C) and has a longitudinal orifice or inner tube (O) in the mass of said member (C), said orifice or inner tube (O) extending along the entire length of the bow. The wire, strand, or cable guide element (EG) is accommodated within said orifice (O) so as to guide the longitudinal travel of the wire, strand, or cable. |
| US09340924B2 |
Cable with electrical conductor included therein
The invention is directed to a braided chemical fibre cable in which at least one electric conductor is contained, in which the cable is thermally stretched together with the conductor contained therein. |
| US09340914B2 |
Fibrous structures and methods for making same
Fibrous structures and more particularly to fibrous structures that have a surface containing a surface pattern having a plurality of parallel line elements, such as sinusoidal parallel line elements, and methods for making same are provided. |
| US09340912B2 |
Method for stitching vehicle interior components and components formed from the method
A method of applying stitching to an interior component is provided herein. The interior component having only a single layer of a substrate layer. The method including the steps of: a) penetrating substrate layer with an awl to form a piercing therethrough; b) retracting the awl from the substrate layer; c) inserting a needle of a robotic sewing head through the piercing through the substrate layer to grasp a thread positioned on a show surface of the outer skin layer; d) pulling the thread through the substrate layer; e) looping the thread with a previous stitch passed through the substrate layer; f) advancing the robotic sewing head to another position with respect to the interior component, wherein a backside of the substrate layer is free of obstructions; and g) repeating steps a-f until a predetermined amount of stitches are applied to the interior component. |
| US09340906B2 |
Method for preparing high-grade and casual fabric with special leather feel using biologically corn-based fibres
A method for preparing high-grade and casual fabric with special leather feel using a corn-based fiber that comprises the steps of: 1) selecting 0.3-0.5 D/PF ultrafine corn-based polymeric fiber, i.e., DuPont™ SORONA®, and 0.2-0.4 D/PF long porous bright polyester yarns as raw materials; 2) compositing by air-jet texturing: having the above raw materials composited by low tension air-jet texturing in an air texturing machine, with the tension force controlled in the range of 4.5-6.0 cN, so as to form ATY yarns with a denier number of 120-180 D; 3) weaving, which includes yarn sizing, preliminary drying, oil applying and plain weaving; 4) dyeing and finishing, which include treating a fabric by pre-treating, presetting, splitting and alkali detaching, water washing and dehydrating, dyeing, water repellent treatment, instant ultrahigh temperature treatment, and one-sided lustering. |
| US09340905B2 |
Carbon fibers having improved strength and modulus and an associated method and apparatus for preparing same
The invention is directed to carbon fibers having high tensile strength and modulus of elasticity. The invention also provides a method and apparatus for making the carbon fibers. The method comprises advancing a precursor fiber through an oxidation oven wherein the fiber is subjected to controlled stretching in an oxidizing atmosphere in which tension loads are distributed amongst a plurality of passes through the oxidation oven, which permits higher cumulative stretches to be achieved. The method also includes subjecting the fiber to controlled stretching in two or more of the passes that is sufficient to cause the fiber to undergo one or more transitions in each of the two or more passes. The invention is also directed to an oxidation oven having a plurality of cooperating drive rolls in series that can be driven independently of each other so that the amount of stretch applied to the oven in each of the plurality of passes can be independently controlled. |
| US09340904B2 |
Fabrication method of composite carbon nanotube fibers/yarns
The present invention provides a method of making a carbon nanotubes fiber by providing a polyethylene terephthalate substrate; contacting the polyethylene terephthalate substrate with a polyvinyl alcohol polymer solution to form a polyvinyl alcohol polymer layer on the polyethylene terephthalate substrate; contacting the polyvinyl alcohol polymer layer with a carbon nanotube solution, wherein the carbon nanotubes solution comprises one or more carbon nanotubes; forming a nanotube layer on the polyvinyl alcohol polymer layer; delaminating the polyvinyl alcohol polymer layer from the polyethylene terephthalate substrate to release a composite fiber layer; stretching the composite fiber layer; and drying the composite fiber layer. |
| US09340896B2 |
Purification of a metalloid by consumable electrode vacuum arc remelt process
A metalloid such as silicon in the form of a preheated solid electrode is purified by a CEVAR purification process by producing an ingot with controlled heating and cool down after the preheated electrode is melted in a CEVAR furnace system using a short CEVAR open-bottomed crucible. |
| US09340891B2 |
Plating method and plating apparatus
A plating method includes holding a substrate with a substrate holder while bringing a sealing member into pressure contact with a peripheral portion of the substrate to form an enclosed internal space in the substrate holder; performing a first-stage leakage test of the substrate holder by producing a vacuum in the internal space and checking whether pressure in the internal space reaches a predetermined vacuum pressure within a certain period of time; and if the substrate holder has passed the first-stage leakage test, performing a second-stage leakage test of the substrate holder by closing off the internal space after producing the vacuum therein and checking whether a change in the pressure in the internal space reaches a predetermined value within a certain period of time. |
| US09340888B2 |
Electrolytic bath for electrodeposition and method for producing same
An electrolytic bath for electrodeposition includes nickel salt, phosphoric acid, phosphonic acid, and boric acid in solution. A method for producing an electrolytic bath includes the steps of mixing a nickel salt, phosphoric acid, phosphonic acid, and boric acid, and adding nickel carbonate in order to increase the pH value. |
| US09340887B2 |
Systems and methods of protecting electrolysis cells
Broadly, the present disclosure relates to sidewall features (e.g. inner sidewall or hot face) of an electrolysis cell, which protect the sidewall from the electrolytic bath while the cell is in operation (e.g. producing metal in the electrolytic cell). |
| US09340885B1 |
Negative reactive circuit for a hydrogen generation system
A hydrogen generation system includes a signal generation system configured to generate a driver signal. A signal processing system is configured to process the driver signal and generate a chamber excitation signal. A hydrogen generation chamber is configured to receive the chamber excitation signal and generate hydrogen from a feedstock contained within the hydrogen generation chamber. The signal processing system includes a negative reactive circuit coupled to a cathode of the hydrogen generation chamber. |
| US09340881B2 |
Hydrogen/oxygen on-demand system, high speed efficient hydrogen reactor system and methods therefor
A system for improving efficiency in which water or aqueous solution is broken into its core molecules of hydrogen and oxygen using a 12 volt power source, and of which this gas vapor can improve the efficiency of an engine of a vehicle in a catalytic fashion once combining with a fossil fuel, and includes a reactor housing containing at least one reactor unit having electrodes slotted in an insulated container, a solution supply system that regulates the aqueous solution in the system; and an air handling system that regulates the decomposed hydrogen and oxygen gas in the system. The reactor unit being immersed in an liquid or aqueous solution produces hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis. |
| US09340864B2 |
Vacuum evaporation apparatus and evaporation method
The present invention provides a vacuum evaporation apparatus. The apparatus comprises a vacuum chamber; an evaporation source disposed in the interior of the vacuum chamber, and having an inner heat unit and an outer heat unit located outside; a material container formed at an inner wall of the inner heat unit; a vacuum intermediate layer formed between an outer wall of the inner heat unit and the inner wall of the outer heat unit; a first branch at the inner heat unit for allowing a vapor to pass through; and a second branch at the outer heat unit for allowing the vapor to pass through. The device can overcome the influence of the color purity of light by gap forming by the deformation at the middle of the mask by the gravity, and increase the heating uniformity of the evaporation material and the stability of the evaporation rate. |
| US09340862B2 |
Powder for thermal spraying
Disclosed is a thermal spray powder of granulated and sintered cermet particles, which contains tungsten carbide or chromium carbide, and a silicon-containing iron-based alloy. The content of the alloy in the thermal spray powder is preferably 5 to 40% by mass. In this case, the alloy contains silicon in a content of 0.1 to 10% by mass. |
| US09340861B2 |
Double beam for sink roll
The present invention relates to an installation for the hot-dip coating of a metal strip (11) with a liquid metal, comprising a pot (4) containing a bath of liquid metal, an immersed sink roll (1) for deflecting the strip entering the bath to a vertical exit path and at least one additional roll (2, 3) for controlling the strip flatness, the axes of said sink and additional rolls (1, 2, 3) being supported by arms (16) connected to a main metal frame (8, 8A) itself connected to a base on each side of the pot by means of supports (9, 10), characterized in that the metal frame is a double beam made of a removable beam (8A) connected to an intermediate beam (13) itself anchored to the base by the supports (9, 10). |
| US09340860B2 |
Cold-rolled steel sheet and galvannealed steel sheet
A high strength cold-rolled steel sheet and a high strength plated steel sheet which have an excellent surface appearance required for outer panels of automobiles and which have an extremely high r value in a direction at 45° with respect to the rolling direction and which have excellent press formability and a tensile strength of at least 340 MPa and a process for their manufacture are provided. The steel sheets have a chemical composition consisting essentially of, in mass %, C: 0.0005-0.025%, Si: at most 0.2%, Mn: 0.3-2.5%, P: at most 0.15%, S: at most 0.02%, N: at most 0.006%, sol. Al: less than 0.005%, Ti: 0.005-0.05%, and Nb: 0.020-0.200% with the mass ratio (Nb/Ti) of the contents of Nb and Ti being at least 2, and a remainder of Fe and impurities, and they have an r value in a direction at 45° with respect to the rolling direction (r45) of at least 1.80 and/or a mean r value (rm) of at least 1.60, and a tensile strength of at least 340 MPa. |
| US09340859B2 |
Method for manufacturing high strength galvanized steel sheet having excellent stability of mechanical properties, formability, and coating appearance
A method of manufacturing a high strength galvanized steel sheet has a first heating step including heating to 400° C. to 750° C. in an atmosphere containing O2: 0.1 to 20 percent and H2O: 1 to 50 percent and heating to 600° C. to 850° C. in an atmosphere containing O2: 0.01 to less than 0.1 percent and H2O: 1 to 20 percent is applied to a steel sheet, a second heating step includes holding the steel sheet in an atmosphere containing H2: 1 to 50 percent and having a dew point of 0° C. or lower at 750° C. to 900° C. for 15 to 600 s, cooling to a temperature of 450° C. to 550° C., and holding is performed at that temperature for 10 to 200 s, and a galvanization treatment is applied. |
| US09340858B2 |
Method of alloying reactive components
Metal ingots for forming single-crystal shape-memory alloys (SMAs) may be fabricated with high reliability and control by alloying thin layers of material together. In this improved method, a reactive layer (e.g., aluminum) is provided in thin flat layers between layers of other materials (e.g., copper and layers of nickel). When the stacked layers are vacuum heated in a crucible to the melting temperature of the reactive layer, it becomes reactive and chemically bonds to the other layers, and may form eutectics that, as the temperature is further increased, melt homogeneously and congruently at temperatures below the melting temperatures of copper and nickel. Oxidation and evaporation are greatly reduced compared to other methods of alloying, and loss of material from turbulence is minimized. |
| US09340855B2 |
Vanadium-containing powder metallurgical powders and methods of their use
Iron-based metallurgical powders comprising vanadium are described, as well as compacted articles made thereof These articles have improved mechanical properties. |
| US09340848B2 |
Screw made of low-alloy carbon steel, and method for producing such a screw
The invention relates to a screw having a head, an adjoining retaining section and a functional tip for use as a self-tapping screw. The functional tip is of greater hardness than the retaining section. The entire screw is made of hardened low-alloy carbon steel. The special feature of this screw is that its functional tip has a higher carbon and/or nitrogen content than its retaining section. |
| US09340845B2 |
Method for surface processing a zirconium or hafnium alloy, and component processed in this manner
A method for surface processing at least a portion of a component of zirconium or hafnium alloy, including at least one operation of nanostructuring a surface layer of the alloy so as to confer on the alloy over a thickness of at least 5 μm a grain size which is less than or equal to 100 nm, the nanostructuring being carried out at a temperature which is less than or equal to that of the last thermal processing operation to which the component was previously subjected during its production.Component of zirconium or hafnium alloy processed in this manner. |
| US09340843B2 |
Wire for refining molten metal and associated method of manufacture
A molten metal refining wire is disclosed which comprises a metal sheath encapsulating a core of refining material, wherein the core is sealed within the sheath in a fluid-tight manner and wherein the thickness of the sheath is greater than about 0.6 mm. The core refining material apparent density ratio is at least about 95% of the theoretical solid core equivalent. The core refining material comprises calcium metal and silicon metal. A method of manufacturing a molten refining wire is also disclosed. |
| US09340832B2 |
Methods for enriching a variant nucleic acid from a nucleic acid population in a sample
This invention provides methods and kits for enriching and/or detecting a nucleic acid with at least one variant nucleotide from a nucleic acid population in a sample. Methods employ the use of enriching primers and bridge-probes for enriching and detecting target nucleic acids. Extension of the enriching primer permits amplification of the target nucleic acid having the variant nucleotide. |
| US09340830B2 |
Optimization of multigene analysis of tumor samples
A method of analyzing a tumor sample comprising: (a) acquiring a library comprising a plurality of tumor members from a tumor sample; (b) contacting the library with a bait set to provide selected members; (c) acquiring a read for a subgenomic interval from a tumor member from said library; (d) aligning said read; and (e) assigning a nucleotide value (e.g., calling a mutation) from said read for the preselected nucleotide position, thereby analyzing said tumor sample. |
| US09340829B2 |
Method of detecting target material, sensor chip, and detecting device
A method of detecting a target material (3) includes: a step of preparing a complex (11), the complex including an aptamer (1) to which a target material (3) in a specimen specifically binds, a first nucleic acid fragment (2) that has a base sequence complementary to the aptamer (1), and a fixing member (4) to which a part of the aptamer (1) and a part of the first nucleic acid fragment (2) are fixed, in which the aptamer (1) has a double strand-forming site (5) capable of forming a double strand with the first nucleic acid fragment (2); a step of separating the first nucleic acid fragment 92) from the double strand-forming site (5) of the aptamer (1) by binding the target material (3) to the aptamer (1); and a step of detecting the cleavage of the double strand. |
| US09340828B2 |
Purification of nucleic acid
The present invention relates to a simple and efficient method to isolate and purify nucleic acids, preferably genomic DNA, from complex samples compared with available methods, by using a ligand which relies on hydrogen bonding to purify the nucleic acids. Preferably the ligand is bound to magnetic beads/particles. More closely the method comprises adding a sample comprising nucleic acid to a polymer having neutral charge; reversibly binding said nucleic acid to said polymer by hydrogen bonding under pH conditions <5; washing said polymer; and eluting said nucleic acid from said polymer under conditions of pH >5. The method is very suitable for sample preparation of nucleic acids, for example for PCR applications. |
| US09340827B2 |
DNA polymerases with increased 3′-mismatch discrimination
Disclosed are mutant DNA polymerases having increased 3′-mismatch discrimination relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The mutant polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the mutant DNA polymerases. |
| US09340824B2 |
Immunohistochemistry detection method
The invention provides compositions and methods for the detection of targets in a sample; in particular, an immunohistochemistry (IHC) sample. Probes and detectable labels may be provided in multiple layers in order to increase the flexibility of a detection system, and to allow for amplification to enhance the signal from a target. The layers may be created by incorporating probes and detectable labels into larger molecular units that interact through nucleic acids base-pairing, including peptide-nucleic acid (PNA) base-pairing. Optional non-natural bases allow for degenerate base pairing schemes. The compositions and methods are compatible with immunohistochemistry (IHC), but also could be used in immunocytochemistry (ICC), in situ hybridization (ISH), flow cytometry, enzyme immuno-assays (EIA), enzyme linked immuno-assays (ELISA), blotting methods (e.g. Western, Southern, and Northern), labeling inside electrophoresis systems or on surfaces or arrays, and precipitation, among other general detection assay formats. The invention is also compatible with many different types of targets, probes, and detectable labels. |
| US09340823B2 |
Gene expression signature for classification of kidney tumors
The present invention provides a method for classification of kidney tumors through the analysis of the expression patterns of specific microRNAs and nucleic acid molecules relating thereto. Classification according to a microRNA expression framework allows optimization of treatment, and determination of specific therapy. |
| US09340821B2 |
Specific fluorescent probe based on albumin pseudo-esterase hydrolysis reaction and use thereof
A pseudo-esterase activity-based fluorescent probe for specific detection of albumin, which has a carboxylic ester bond that can be selectively cleaved by human serum albumin (HSA), therefore forming a hydrolysate, which has a fluorescence emission spectrum significantly different from that of the fluorescent probe. According to the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescent probe and hydrolysate, we can detect the content of HSA in a biological sample. |
| US09340818B2 |
Diagnostic apparatus and diagnostic method using the same
Provided is a diagnostic apparatus. The diagnostic apparatus includes a microfluidic chip including first and second measurement parts for respectively measuring an amount of hemoglobin and an active degree of an enzyme within a blood sample. The second measurement part of the microfluidic chip analyzes the active degree of the enzyme within the blood sample using voltammetry. |
| US09340815B2 |
Spontaneously immortalized avian cell line
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a spontaneously immortalized avian cell line, designated ZS-1. Immortalized avian cell line, ZS-1 is derived from primary chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF). The ZS-1 cell line is free of endogenous retroviruses, including Avian Leukosis Viruses (ALV), and particularly ALV sub-group E. Moreover, the ZS-1 cell line susceptible to all subgroups of ALV, including subgroup E. Cells of the ZS-1 cell line and sub-clones thereof may be used for inter alia the production of viral agents, including recombinant viral agents, expression of recombinant proteins, and diagnostic assays. |
| US09340813B2 |
Methods of intracellular conversion of single-chain proteins into their di-chain form
The present specification discloses expression constructs comprising single-chain proteins comprising a di-chain loop region comprising an exogenous protease cleavage site and a protease that can cleave the exogenous protease cleavage site located within the di-chain loop, cell compositions comprising such expression construct, and intracellular methods of converting the single-chain protein into its di-chain form. |
| US09340812B2 |
Large scale enzymatic synthesis of oligosaccharides
A novel UDP-Gal regeneration process and its combined use with a galactosyltransferase to add galactose to a suitable acceptor substrate. Also described herein are synthetic methods for generating Globo-series oligosaccharides in large scale, wherein the methods may involve the combination of a glycosyltransferase reaction and a nucleotide sugar regeneration process. |
| US09340810B2 |
Polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention provides isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also provides nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides. |
| US09340809B2 |
Microbial conversion of sugar acids and means therein
A DNA molecule comprising a fungal gene encoding an enzyme protein capable of converting L-galactonic acid into L-threo-3-deoxy-hexulosonic acid has been cloned and heterologously expressed. The enzyme is involved in the metabolic conversion of sugar acids, which are present in biological waste material such as sugar beet pulp and other pectin comprising material. A microorganism genetically modified to effectively express said enzyme may be used in fermenting biomaterial to desired end products such as ethanol. Alternatively, microorganisms in which the gene has been inactivated may be used to produce L-galactonic acid, which accumulates when the expression of the gene is prevented. |
| US09340807B2 |
Polynucleotide conferring acid tolerant property to yeast cell and method of producing a product by using the yeast cell
A polypeptide conferring an acid-tolerant property on a yeast cell, a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide, a yeast cell including an increased amount of the polypeptide, a method of producing a product by using the yeast cell, and a method of producing an acid-tolerant yeast cell are provided. |
| US09340796B2 |
AP2 domain transcription factor ODP2 (ovule development protein 2) and methods of use
Methods and compositions for modulating plant development are provided. Nucleotide sequences and amino acid sequences encoding Ovule Development Protein 2 (ODP2) proteins are provided. The sequences can be used in a variety of methods including modulating development, developmental pathways, altering oil content in a plant, increasing transformation efficiencies, modulating stress tolerance, and modulating the regenerative capacity of a plant. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seed are also provided. |
| US09340794B2 |
Method for ordering and introducing multiple genes into a genome
Described is a method of introducing multiple nucleic acid molecules into the genome of a cell. The method includes providing a plurality of nucleic acid molecules, each of the plurality of nucleic acid molecules containing (a) a nucleic acid sequence operatively linked to a promoter sequence at the 5′ end of the nucleic acid molecule, and (b) an overlapping sequence at the 3′ end of the nucleic acid molecule. |
| US09340793B2 |
Recombinant yeast and substance production method using the same
Substance productivity is improved by introducing a metabolic pathway for synthesis of acetyl-CoA or acetic acid from glucose-6-phosphate into yeast. Acetic acid productivity, acetyl-CoA productivity, and productivity of a substance made from acetyl-CoA-derived are improved by attenuating genes involved in the glycolytic system of yeast and introducing a phosphoketolase gene into the yeast. |
| US09340792B2 |
Recombinant Lactobacillus with decreased lipoteichoic acid to reduce inflammatory responses
Methods and compositions for treating or preventing inflammatory disorders are provided. The compositions of the invention comprise a recombinant bacterium genetically modified to decrease the display of lipoteichoic acid on the cell surface. Methods of the invention comprise administering to a subject a recombinant bacterium modified to decrease the display of lipoteichoic acid on the cell surface. Administration of the recombinant bacterium promotes a desired therapeutic response. The recombinant bacterium may be administered in a single dose or series of doses. Methods of the invention find use in treating or preventing a variety of inflammatory disorders including, for example, treating or preventing inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, or Crohn's disease. |
| US09340786B2 |
RNA interference in dermal and fibrotic indications
The present invention relates to RNAi constructs with improved tissue and cellular uptake characteristics and methods of use of these compounds in dermal and fibrotic applications. |
| US09340784B2 |
Methods and compositions for modulating alpha-1-antitrypsin expression
Disclosed herein are methods for decreasing AIAT mRNA and protein expression and treating, ameliorating, preventing, slowing progression, or stopping progression of fibrosis. Disclosed herein are methods for decreasing AIAT mRNA and protein expression and treating, ameliorating, preventing, slowing progression, or stopping progression of liver disease, such as, AIATD associated liver disease, and pulmonary disease, such as, AIATD associated pulmonary disease in an individual in need thereof. Methods for inhibiting AIAT mRNA and protein expression can also be used as a prophylactic treatment to prevent individuals at risk for developing a liver disease, such as, AIATD associated liver disease and pulmonary disease, such as, AIATD associated pulmonary disease. |
| US09340780B2 |
Innovative discovery of therapeutic, diagnostic, and antibody compositions related to protein fragments of seryl-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. |
| US09340775B2 |
Induced pluripotent stem cell produced by transfecting a human neural stem cell with an episomal vector encoding the Oct4 and Nanog proteins
Methods and compositions for the generation and use of footprint-free human induced pluripotent stem cells are provided. |
| US09340774B2 |
Tumor-initiating cells and methods for using same
Isolated and enriched tumor-initiating cell populations, methods for preparing the same, and uses thereof. |
| US09340771B2 |
FGF having enhanced stability
Methods are provided that exploit thermostable FGF-1 proteins for support of human pluripotent stem cell cultures. Also provided are compositions containing thermostable FGF-1 for culturing of human pluripotent stem cells. |
| US09340763B2 |
Temperature controlling surfaces and support structures
A heat exchange module for use in a chemical, pharmaceutical or biological reactor system can include a body configured to be disposed in the reactor system having an inner replaceable reactant container is disclosed. The body can further include at least one thermally conductive surface adapted to contact the inner replaceable reactant container to facilitate heat transfer. Furthermore, the heat exchange module can include a heat exchanger disposed within the module body and can include a fluid circulation path through which a heat exchange fluid can be circulated. |
| US09340761B2 |
Substrate processing method and substrate processing apparatus
A substrate processing method includes an SPM supplying step of supplying SPM having high temperature to an upper surface of a substrate, a DIW supplying step of supplying, after the SPM supplying step, DIW having room temperature to the upper surface of the substrate to rinse off a liquid remaining on the substrate, and a hydrogen peroxide water supplying step of supplying, after the SPM supplying step and before the DIW supplying step, hydrogen peroxide water of a liquid temperature lower than the temperature of the SPM and not less than room temperature, to the upper surface of the substrate in a state where the SPM remains on the substrate. |
| US09340757B2 |
Fragrance materials
The present application relates to perfume raw materials, perfumes, perfume delivery systems and consumer products comprising such perfume raw materials, perfumes and/or such perfume delivery systems, as well as processes for making and/or using such perfume raw materials, perfume delivery systems and consumer products. Such perfume raw materials, perfumes, perfume delivery systems and consumer products can reduce the impact of certain harsh odors. |