| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09348587B2 |
Providing code sections for matrix of arithmetic logic units in a processor
The present invention relates to a processor having a trace cache and a plurality of ALUs arranged in a matrix, comprising an analyzer unit located between the trace cache and the ALUs, wherein the analyzer unit analyzes the code in the trace cache, detects loops, transforms the code, and issues to the ALUs sections of the code combined to blocks for joint execution for a plurality of clock cycles. |
| US09348586B2 |
Method and system for migrating a plurality of processes in a multi-platform system based on a quantity of dependencies of each of the plurality of processes to an operating system executing on a respective platform in the multi-platform system
Embodiments of the claimed subject matter are directed to methods and a system that allows the reduction of costs attributed to executing applications on a multi-platform system (such as a mainframe) by migrating certain processes operating on one platform to another platform in the system. In one embodiment, the reduction of cost is achieved by a method for migrating an application executing in a partition operating a proprietary operating system to a second partition operating an alternate operating system and leveraging special purpose processors unavailable to the proprietary operating system, which can be much less costly to purchase and/or rent and license. |
| US09348584B1 |
Hierarchical, self-describing function objects
A self-describing function object may be dynamically created based on a set of user provided parameters. In an implementation, a device may receive a request to create the function object based on one or more parameters and determine a number of ordered and hierarchical operations that correspond to the function object. The device may determine textual descriptions corresponding to what is performed by at least one of the ordered and hierarchical operations. The device may output documentation of the ordered and hierarchical operations included in the function object, the documentation including the textual descriptions arranged based on the determined order of the plurality of ordered and hierarchical operations. |
| US09348582B2 |
Systems and methods for software dependency management
Techniques for managing software dependencies are described. For example, a dependency specification that pertains to a first product is accessed. The product may be a collection of artifacts and may provide a software functionality. A determination may be made, based on the dependency specification, that the first product has a dependency on a second product. Metadata pertaining to the second product may be accessed. A valid version of the second product may be identified based on the metadata. The valid version may be usable at build time of the first product. |
| US09348580B2 |
Processing streaming data with open executors
Processing streaming data with open executors includes receiving input data at a computation dataflow station where the computation dataflow station contains a computation file and an open executor that accepts code plug-ins, converting contents of the computation file into a program string with the code plug-ins from a system library, and launching the program string together with the input data to calculate an output with a graphics processing unit. |
| US09348578B2 |
Information processing apparatus capable of updating firmware, control method therefor, and storage medium storing control program therefor
An information processing apparatus that is capable of shortening downtime caused by updating firmware. A setting unit sets obtaining time at which update firmware for updating firmware of the information processing apparatus is obtained and update time at which the firmware of the information processing apparatus is updated. An obtaining unit obtains the update firmware from an external apparatus at the obtaining time. A development unit develops the update firmware obtained to a predetermined area. A determination unit determines whether the development unit has completed development of the update firmware at the update time. The information processing apparatus changes to the update starting state from the normal starting state when the update firmware has been developed. And the information processing apparatus cancels the developed update firmware and changes to the update starting state from the normal starting state after cancelling when the update firmware has not been developed. |
| US09348573B2 |
Installation and fault handling in a distributed system utilizing supervisor and dependency manager nodes
The present disclosure relates to in-memory databases or search engines using a dependency manager or configuration manager for maintaining configuration in the database system. The system may include a supervisor that may request and receive data from dependency manager, where the supervisor may be linked to other components in the system. The dependency manager may be used as a container for data metadata, and software components, which may be used in the system configuration. The configuration may be developed through a dependency system, where the dependency manager may keep an entire dependency tree for all software and data in the system. Similarly, dependency manager may create a deployable package to guarantee deployment integrity and to ensure a successful execution of any suitable software and data in the system. |
| US09348569B1 |
Method and system for a configurable automation framework
A configurable automation framework includes a computer that executes an execution driver, a parser, a volume population engine, a configuration checker, an execution engine, and a logger. The execution driver receives user input that specifies configuration options and populates a test case suite based on each combination of the configuration options. The configuration options include operating system options, multipathing software options, volume options, array options, snapshot type options, and/or dataset options. The parser parses the test case to identify script instructions to test an application for each combination. The volume population engine creates volumes based on user input that specifies volume options. The execution engine executes the script instructions to test the application if the configuration checker determines that the computer is setup for each combination. The logger logs a result of executing the script instructions for each combination and outputs the result. |
| US09348567B2 |
Profile guided optimization in the presence of stale profile data
Profile guided optimization (PGO) in the presence of stale profile data as described herein can be based on path profiling, whereby different paths through a program's call graph are uniquely identified. Stale profile data is data collected in a training run of a previous version of the program. Profile data can be collected along these paths and optimization decisions can be made using the collected data. The paths can be numbered using an algorithm that assigns path increments to all the callees of a function. The path increment assignments (which can be stored in the profile database) can be used to locate the profile data for that path and to make corresponding optimization decisions. PGO optimizations along call graph paths involving edited functions can be performed. |
| US09348562B2 |
Correcting non-compliant source code in an integrated development environment
Approaches presented herein enable correction of source code that fails to comply with an established coding standard in a code base within an Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Specifically, a non-compliant segment of code, which requires correction, and that was coded by a first developer, is assembled into a stand-alone artifact that is dispatched to a second developer. The code segment is then corrected by the second developer, and the artifact containing the corrected segment is merged back into the code base from whence the segment originated. In one approach, the artifact comprises the code segment, dependent code classes of the segment, unit tests results, and test data. In another approach, the second developer is identified utilizing a skill-matching algorithm. In yet another approach, the corrected segment is unit-tested prior to being merged back into the code base. |
| US09348558B2 |
Processor with efficient arithmetic units
A processor includes a carry save array multiplier. The carry save array multiplier includes an array of cascaded partial product generators. The array of cascaded partial product generators is configured to generate an output value as a product of two operands presented at inputs of the multiplier. The array of cascaded partial product generators is also configured to generate an output value as a sum of two operands presented at inputs of the multiplier. |
| US09348555B2 |
In-vehicle access of mobile device functions
In-vehicle access of mobile device functions is provided wherein a vehicle is coupled to the mobile device, and obtains a list of apps installed thereon. A user manipulates vehicle controls to operate a select app and the vehicle modifies its display based on the app. |
| US09348554B2 |
Managing playback of supplemental information
A computing device may provide an interface that enables a user to playback audio content including supplemental information. The supplemental information may correspond, for example, to endnotes, footnotes, glossaries, appendices, commentary from an author, editor, or other party, or to additional supplemental information. During playback of the audio content, a user may indicate that an item of supplemental information associated with a current playback position of the audio content should be played. In some embodiments, this indication may be in response to an indication to the user that supplemental information is available. The device may then playback the supplemental information associated with the current playback position. |
| US09348552B2 |
Network appliance for transcoding or enriching virtual desktop infrastructure desktop images
Disclosed in an example embodiment herein is an apparatus that comprises an interface for receiving image data from a hosted virtual desktop and sending a desktop image to a client device and graphical processing logic coupled with the interface. The graphical processing logic receives the image data via the interface and performs a graphical processing operation on the image data to create a desktop image. The graphical processing logic employs the interface to provide the desktop image to the client device. |
| US09348542B2 |
Display processing apparatus, display processing method, and computer-readable recording medium
A display processing apparatus includes a first acquisition unit for acquiring light source information including a first relative position of a light source with respect to a display unit, a detection unit for detecting posture information of the display unit, a second acquisition unit for acquiring the posture information, a third acquisition unit for acquiring document data, a calculation unit for calculating a second relative position of the light source with respect to the display unit, a generation unit for generating a document display surface where a state in which a document surface displaying the document data is disposed in a virtual three-dimensional space and also the light source is disposed at the second relative position with respect to the document surface is converted to a two-dimensional image, and a display control unit for executing control to display a preview image on the display unit. |
| US09348537B2 |
Ascertaining command completion in flash memories
Ascertaining command completion in flash memories is disclosed. An exemplary aspect includes eliminating the software lock and the outstanding requests variable and replacing them with a transfer request completion register. The transfer request completion register may be mapped to the universal flash storage (UFS) Transfer Protocol (UTP) Transfer Request List (UTRL) slots. The controller of the host—a hardware component—may set the bit in the transfer request completion register on transfer request completion at the same time the doorbell register is cleared. After this bit has been read, the bit in the transfer request completion register is cleared. |
| US09348536B1 |
Flexible sequence design architecture for solid state memory controller
In some implementations, a method includes receiving information in a storage device controller from one or more storage devices in a solid state drive system over one or more channels; and for information received over each of the one or more channels, determining whether a condition for sending the information received over the channel to a host device is satisfied, and sending the information received over the channel to the host device when the condition for sending the information is satisfied. |
| US09348534B2 |
Backup method and computer system thereof
A backup method for a computer system includes a backup module, a storage device, a south bridge circuit and a serial-advanced-technology-attachment to universal-serial-bus (SATA-to-USB) transmission line. The backup method includes when the computer system is operated in a turned off status, determining whether the backup module is coupled to a stable voltage source; when the backup module is coupled to the stable voltage source, determining a voltage level of a detection point; and when the voltage level of the detection point is a low level, initiating a backup operation of the backup module to read a plurality of data in the storage device via the SATA-to-USB transmission line. |
| US09348529B1 |
Peak power efficient data storage drives
To provide enhanced operation of data storage devices and systems, various systems, apparatuses, methods, and software are provided herein. In a first example, a hard disk drive is provided. The hard disk drive includes rotating storage media for storing data and read/write heads positioned over the storage media and configured to write the data to the storage media and read the data from the storage media. The hard disk drive includes a storage control system configured to identify acceleration characteristics associated with the read/write heads. The storage control system is configured to execute storage operations using the read/write heads when the acceleration characteristics indicate a power consumption for the hard disk drive outside a peak power consumption range, and cache the storage operations when the acceleration characteristics indicate the power consumption for the hard disk drive within the peak power consumption range. |
| US09348525B2 |
Systems and methods for a storage array-managed initiator cache
A system and method for performing protected-mode data transactions using an initiator cache is provided. In some embodiments, a protected-mode data transaction is received from an initiator. It is determined that the initiator includes an initiator cache having a cache entry associated with the data transaction. A storage controller of a storage system performs the data transaction in conjunction with a storage device such that the performing of the data transaction is initiated before any writing of the data transaction to a cache of any storage controller of the storage system other than the storage controller based on the determination that the initiator includes the cache entry. In some such embodiments, when it is determined the data transaction failed to complete, a request is provided to the initiator to recreate the transaction from the cache entry in the initiator cache. |
| US09348521B2 |
Semiconductor storage device and method of throttling performance of the same
A semiconductor storage device and a method of throttling performance of the same are provided. The semiconductor storage device includes a non-volatile memory device; and a controller configured to receive a write command from a host and program write data received from the host to the non-volatile memory device in response to the write command. The controller inserts idle time after receiving the write data from the host and/or after programming the write data to the non-volatile memory device. |
| US09348520B2 |
Lifetime extension of non-volatile semiconductor memory for data storage device
Lifetime extension of a non-volatile semiconductor memory (NVSM) for a data storage device (DSD) includes determining a write amplification factor based on an amount of data previously written to the NVSM and at least one of an amount of data previously requested to be written to the DSD, and an amount of data previously requested to be written to the NVSM. At least a portion of the amount of data to be written to the NVSM is directed or redirected to the disk based on the determined write amplification factor. |
| US09348515B2 |
Computer system, management computer and storage management method for managing data configuration based on statistical information
A storage apparatus comprises a storage device storing data which is read/written by a host computer and a control device for controlling data writing to the storage device. The control device provides a predetermined storage area of the storage device to the host computer as one or more volumes and, in response to the request from the management computer, provides statistical information relating to the storage areas to the management computer. the management computer comprises a storage device storing a storage area management table for managing the storage area of a plurality of storage apparatuses and a control device for managing the configuration of the storage areas of the storage apparatuses. The control device manages the data configuration of the plurality of storage apparatuses on the basis of the statistical information relating to the storage areas of the storage apparatuses which is provided by the plurality of storage apparatuses. |
| US09348513B2 |
SAS virtual tape drive
A serial attached small computer system interface (SAS) expander for providing a virtual tape drive. The expander includes a virtual tape manager to generate a virtual tape virtual PHY capable of being part of a zone group wherein the virtual tape virtual PHY comprises drive bays which support disk drives for emulation of tape drives. |
| US09348512B2 |
Methods for facilitating text entry
A system and method controlling the location of a text insertion cursor that marks a location where content is to be added to a content accumulator. The system automatically maintains one or more active cursor locations that mark where content has been sequentially added at one or more different positions in the content accumulator. The system receives a command to move the insertion cursor to a location of a previously created active cursor location. In one embodiment, active cursor locations are stored in a list and the insertion cursor can be moved to each active cursor location in the list. Therefore, if the user enters content in the content accumulator non-sequentially, the method may maintain one active cursor following each sequentially entered text string. Upon receiving an active cursor recalling command from the user, the method recalls an active cursor by relocating the content insertion cursor to the active cursor. |
| US09348509B2 |
Property modification of an application object
A method, system, and device for controlling a mobile device with a touch screen are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a mobile terminal comprises a display unit configured to display an object associated with an application, a sensing unit configured to sense a touch on the object, and a controller. The controller is configured to execute the application in response to a first type of touch on the object and execute an edit mode to modify property data of the object in response to a second type of touch applied to the object. |
| US09348507B2 |
Controlling electronic equipment with a touching-type signal input device
Electronic equipment is controlled with a touching-type signal input device. An inputted navigator-calling request is received. A request mode of the inputted navigator-calling request is compared with a predefined request mode. It is determined whether the request mode of the inputted navigator-calling request matches with the predefined request mode. A navigator is displayed in response to determining there is a match. The navigator has a set of tabs distributed on at least part of a closed structure. |
| US09348504B2 |
Multi-display apparatus and method of controlling the same
A multi-display apparatus includes a first body on which a first display is provided, a second body on which a second display is provided, a hinge configured to connect the first body and the second body, a storage configured to store control operation information which is matched with a rotated state of the first body and the second body, a sensor configured to sense a folding gesture to rotate at least one of the first body and the second body on a basis of the hinge, and a controller configured to perform, when the folding gesture is sensed, an operation corresponding to the folding gesture using the control operation information corresponding to the rotated state of a rotated body from among the first body and the second body. |
| US09348502B2 |
Dimming method and display apparatus using the same
There is provided a dimming method of a display apparatus, including calculating a velocity of a content object that is displayed on the display apparatus, and adjusting the light output of a content object area at which the content object is displayed on the display apparatus or of an entire display area including the content object area, according to the velocity of the content object. |
| US09348499B2 |
Sharing objects that rely on local resources with outside servers
To prevent potential confusion when referencing an object by name, a party may supplementary or alternatively include referential metadata, other than the name by which the object is known to the party, that describes the referenced object. A party receiving information that includes such referential metadata for an object may utilize the referential metadata to identify a local object that matches or may substitute for the object referenced by the sending party. For example, a broker operating a financial system may generate a chart based on a first named object. The broker may wish to send the chart to another broker operating a different financial system. Since the first name object may be known by a different name in the different financial system, the financial system may replace the name of the object with referential metadata prior to sending the chart. |
| US09348496B2 |
Selecting content based on performance of a content slot
In one aspect, a method includes receiving a request for content to be presented in a specified content slot of a specified content page; calculating an active view scroll distance of the specified content slot with respect to the specified content page, the active view scroll distance corresponding to a measurement of a distance that the specified content page would have to be scrolled to change visibility of content displayed in the specified content slot by a specified amount; performing an auction of content items utilizing in part the active view scroll distance; and providing one or more content items in response to the request and as a result of the auction. |
| US09348495B2 |
Control of large screen display using wireless portable computer and facilitating selection of audio on a headphone
A multi-window user interface (UI) on a control device such as a tablet computer communicates commands to a display controller, which may be implemented by a game console. The controller controls presentation on a large screen display according to the commands. A tertiary device such as a wireless phone can obtain an application listing audio feeds associated with various videos presented on the display so that a user can listen via headphones to a first audio stream associated with a first video window on the display when the display speakers are playing audio associated with a second video window on the display. |
| US09348492B1 |
Methods and systems for providing access to specific vehicle controls, functions, environment and applications to guests/passengers via personal mobile devices
Methods and systems for providing access to specific vehicle controls, functions, environment and applications for guests/passengers of a vehicle via mobile devices of the passengers. One method includes receiving a request to access a vehicle computer of a vehicle using a mobile device of a passenger of the vehicle. The method also includes identifying a seat in the vehicle that is associated with the passenger and providing a user interface to the mobile device. The user interface exposing a plurality of vehicle systems that are interfaced with the vehicle computer. The plurality of vehicle systems include systems that relate to an environment zone in which the seat is located in the vehicle, and the user interface further includes controls for enabling setting inputs to one or more of the plurality of vehicle systems. The method further includes receiving setting inputs from the user interface of the mobile device of the passenger, such that the setting inputs instruct the vehicle computer to make changes to the one or more of the plurality of vehicle systems. |
| US09348491B2 |
Method and system to layout applications on multiple platforms
A method and apparatus for providing applications to computing devices, where each application is provided with a user interface which is suited for the display characteristics of the computing device. The user interface data is correlated with an identifier associated to the display characteristics of the computing device. The user interface data is provided such that the same executable file may have different user interfaces. |
| US09348488B1 |
Methods for blatant auxiliary activation inputs, initial and second individual real-time directions, and personally moving, interactive experiences and presentations
Methods for specifying and using objects, paths, initial and second individual real-time directions, and audio and video recordings entice users to create, share, and explore personally moving presentations and exhibits, without infringing copyrights. Similarly produced shows may comprise rich, interactive, graphical user interfaces, (GUIs), for additional services, applications, and content. Shows may be re-purposed to influence lighting devices and mechanical movements.Methods for implementing auxiliary activation inputs that are blatantly displayed provide productivity boosts without memorization, efficient display utilization one fullscreen at a time, and efficacious use of available device inputs. |
| US09348483B2 |
Modeling system for graphic user interface
A modeling system for universal specification of user interfaces. The system provides a means for defining user interfaces, including highly complex and dynamic user interfaces, in a manner that is independent of any implementation context. The modeling system leads from a user-friendly visual representation of the user interface, through progressively detailed specifications of structural and behavioral aspects of the user interface parts, until a rigorous definition of the user interface in all its contexts of use is achieved. Using the information captured in the model, tools that automatically generate the fully working user interface code can be built. |
| US09348482B2 |
Modeling system for graphic user interface
A modeling system for universal specification of user interfaces. The system provides a means for defining user interfaces, including highly complex and dynamic user interfaces, in a manner that is independent of any implementation context. The modeling system leads from a user-friendly visual representation of the user interface, through progressively detailed specifications of structural and behavioral aspects of the user interface parts, until a rigorous definition of the user interface in all its contexts of use is achieved. Using the information captured in the model, tools that automatically generate the fully working user interface code can be built. |
| US09348480B1 |
Providing user-defined parameters to an activity assistant
Disclosed herein is an “activity assistant” and an “activity assistant user interface” that provides users with dynamically-selected “activities” that are intelligently tailored to the user's world. For example, a graphical UI includes selectable context elements, each of which corresponds to a user-attribute whose value provides a signal to the activity assistant. In response to selecting a parameter associated with at least one of the selectable context elements, a first signal is generated and provided to the activity assistant. In response to providing the signal, one or more activities are populated and ordered based, at least in part, on the signal, and subsequently displayed. The parameters may include a current mood of a user, a current location of the user, associations with other users, and a time during which the user desires to carry out the activity in some examples. |
| US09348477B2 |
Methods and systems for detecting a position-based attribute of an object using digital codes
Methods, systems and devices are described for detecting a position-based attribute of a finger, stylus or other object with a touchpad or other sensor having a touch-sensitive region that includes a plurality of electrodes. Modulation signals for one or more electrodes are produced as a function of any number of distinct digital codes. The modulation signals are applied to an associated at least one of the plurality of electrodes to obtain a resultant signal that is electrically affected by the position of the object. The resultant signal is demodulated using the plurality of distinct digital codes to discriminate electrical effects produced by the object. The position-based attribute of the object is then determined with respect to the plurality of electrodes from the electrical effects. |
| US09348474B2 |
Display device integrated with touch screen panel
A display device integrated with a touch screen panel includes upper and lower substrates; the upper substrate comprising a major surface; a display area and a non-display area next to the display area when viewed in a viewing direction perpendicular to the major surface; and a sealing material formed between the upper and lower substrates and in the non-display area when viewed in the viewing direction. The display further includes a sensing cell structure formed over the upper substrate and in the display area; conductive lines formed over the upper substrate and in the non-display area, and connected to the sensing cell structure. The conductive lines overlap with the sealing material; and an optical layer is formed between two immediately neighboring conductive lines among the conductive lines. |
| US09348470B2 |
Projected capacitance touch panel with reference and guard electrode
A mutual capacitance touch panel device includes a substrate, and an array of electrode elements formed on the substrate. Each electrode element includes a drive electrode, a sense electrode and a reference electrode, the reference electrode arranged between the drive electrode and the sense electrode. A first mutual coupling capacitance is formed between the drive electrode and the reference electrode of each electrode element, wherein the drive electrode and reference electrode are configured such that the first mutual coupling capacitance is substantially insensitive to an object touching the surface of the touch panel. |
| US09348469B2 |
Patterned conductive layers for sensor assembly and method of making the same
An ITO sensor design and method for making the same is optimized to minimize noise from an LCD. The design includes a two layer sensor design having a transmitter line (Tx) placed in a first layer and a receiver line (Rx) placed in a second layer in a diamond-shaped pattern. The diamond shape maximizes the sensitivity of the sensor. |
| US09348465B2 |
Input method, input device, and storage medium
An input method that is executed by a computer includes obtaining a first image of an object using an imaging device, detecting a first feature point of the object based on a shape of the object in the first image, calculating a first angle of the object with respect to a plane on which a pressing operation is performed based on the first feature point and information on a first area of the object in the first image, and selecting a first input item from a plurality of input items based on the first angle. |
| US09348460B2 |
Touch sensor integrated type display device
Touch sensor integrated type display device improving touch sensibility. The touch sensor integrated type display device includes a plurality of gate lines and data lines configured to cross over each other, a plurality of thin film transistors disposed at crossings of the gate lines and the data lines, a plurality of pixel electrodes configured to be respectively connected to the thin film transistors and disposed between the data lines so that each of the gate lines crosses over pixel electrodes disposed on a same line, a plurality of touch electrodes configured to overlap the gate lines and the data lines without contacting and overlapping the pixel electrodes, a plurality of touch routing wires configured to be respectively connected to the touch electrodes and arranged in parallel with each other, and a common electrode configured to overlap the data lines, the gate lines, the pixel electrodes and the touch electrodes. |
| US09348456B2 |
Determination of bezel area on touch screen
An end device may include a touch screen; a touch screen manager configured to: determine a first area and a second area on the touch screen, and determine at least one of a display property or a touch sensing property of the first area to be different from that of the second area; and a processor configured to: display an image on the first area and the second area. |
| US09348454B2 |
Electronic device with touch screen and method and system for protecting same
An electronic device comprises a touch screen, a distance determining module, a touch determining module, and a warning control module. The distance determining module determines whether a distance between the touch screen and an object in front of the touch screen is less than or equal to a distance limit. The touch determining module determines whether a touch action is applied to the touch screen within a first predetermined time when the distance between the touch screen and the object is less than or equal to the distance limit. The warning control module controls the electronic device to send a warning to a user when no touch action is applied to the touch screen within the first predetermined time. |
| US09348447B2 |
3-dimensional flat panel display with built-in touch screen panel
A 3-dimensional (3D) flat panel display with a built-in touch screen panel includes a first substrate, a plurality of pixels on the first substrate, a plurality of first electrode patterns spaced apart from one another at a first predetermined interval along a first direction, the plurality of first electrode patterns for driving the plurality of pixels, a second substrate positioned to face the first substrate, and a plurality of barrier patterns formed on an outer surface of the second substrate and spaced apart from one another at a second predetermined interval along a second direction, intersecting the first direction. At least one of the plurality of first electrode patterns and at least one barrier pattern of the plurality of barrier patterns serve as electrodes for the built-in touch screen panel. |
| US09348446B1 |
Bezel for vehicular touchscreen displays
An apparatus and system for a vehicular touchscreen system. The apparatus includes a bezel configured to surround a touchscreen of a vehicular touchscreen device. The bezel includes an outwardly extending bezel portion. The outwardly extending bezel portion extends outwardly in a direction at least partially having a component direction perpendicular to a surface of the touchscreen. |
| US09348441B2 |
Electronic device and method of controlling the same
The present invention relates to an electronic device and a method of controlling the same. The present invention provides a new user interface for selecting, executing and controlling an item displayed on a touch screen included in the electronic device. Particularly, the present invention provides an electronic device and a method of controlling the same to manipulate the touch screen included in the electronic device while hardly changing the positions of the hands of a user when the touch screen is manipulated with both hands of the user. |
| US09348440B2 |
Touch screen device for a portable terminal
A touch screen device for a portable terminal includes an Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) film providing a touch screen feature; a light guide film attached onto one surface of the ITO film; and a light emitting device attached onto one surface of the ITO film and disposed in one side of the light guide film, wherein light output from the light emitting device provides lighting to an area where the light guide film is attached, while passing through the light guide film, and wherein the light guide film and the light emitting device are installed on the ITO film by a surface mounting process, thus reducing manufacturing costs and making it possible to secure more space capable of mounting other parts which in turn contribute in miniaturizing portable terminals. |
| US09348436B2 |
Mouse having an adjustable grip
This invention discloses a mouse having an adjustable grip, including a mouse base; a first grip housing installed in the mouse base and a front end of the first grip housing pivotally connected with a front end of the mouse base; a second grip housing installed on the mouse base and rear of the first grip housing; an adjustable grip mechanism installed on the mouse base and having an actuator assembly, a first linkage assembly, and a second linkage assembly. The actuator assembly is pivotally connected with the first linkage assembly and the second linkage assembly, respectively. A user is able to operate the actuator assembly to generate force to drive the first linkage assembly and the second linkage assembly, so as to adjust both positions of the first grip housing and the second grip housing simultaneously and meet different user's grip habits. |
| US09348432B2 |
Transmittance based sensor
A device may include an image sensor configured to capture an image of an object in front of the image sensor, an image analyzer configured to analyze the captured image to calculate a transmittance of a light that is transmitted from outside of the object to the image sensor via the object, a command mapper configured to translate the transmittance into a command, and an executor configured to execute the command. |
| US09348429B2 |
Method and apparatus for word prediction using the position of a non-typing digit
Methods and apparatuses are provided for improving word prediction in an electronic device. User input of one or more characters is received via a capacitive physical keyboard having a plurality of input members. Concurrently, the device determines the location of a non-typing digit, such as the user's finger or a stylus. Word prediction candidates are generated and weighted, and candidates that have subsequent characters associated with the input member proximal to the location of the non-typing digit are given more weight. The word prediction candidates are displayed, a second user input is then received comprising a selection of one of the candidates, and the device displays the selected word prediction candidate on the display. |
| US09348426B2 |
Method and apparatus pertaining to web-coupled keyboard keys
A plurality of keyboard keys are grouped into at least a first group of keyboard keys and a second group of keyboard keys. Webbing serves to physically couple together the keyboard keys of the first group of keyboard keys. Similarly, but discretely, webbing also serves to physically couple together the keyboard keys of the second group of keyboard keys. So configured, the keyboard keys of the first group are not physically coupled via such webbing to any keyboard keys of the second group. By one approach the aforementioned webbing comprises an integral part of the keyboard keys and comprises, for example, a part of a film that conformally overlies adjacent ones of the keyboard keys. These teachings will accommodate forming such a film and the main body of the keyboard keys using thermoforming and injection molding processes to form-in-place such keys. |
| US09348423B2 |
Integrated processor for 3D mapping
A device for processing data includes a first input port for receiving color image data from a first image sensor and a second input port for receiving depth-related image data from a second image sensor. Processing circuitry generates a depth map using the depth-related image data. At least one output port conveys the depth map and the color image data to a host computer. |
| US09348421B2 |
Gesture and touch-based interactivity with objects using 3D zones in an interactive system
An interactive, zone-based installation enables a user to interact with an object, such as a retail product, an appliance, a food item, a poster, a non-touch screen monitor, an object of nature, or any other of a number of various items. A user approaches the object and reaches for it. The installation displaying the object has a sensor such as a camera. The sensor is coupled to a processor and continuously feeding an image depth buffer stream. Within the field of view of the sensor is a 3D zone. The zone is strategically positioned near or around the object. When a user reaches for the object there is a change in the depth buffer data stream. If this change exceeds time and sensitivity thresholds implying an intentional gesture by the user, an output event is triggered by the processor. |
| US09348410B2 |
Perception based predictive tracking for head mounted displays
There is disclosed a method of and apparatus for predictive tracking for a head mounted display. The method comprises obtaining one or more three-dimensional angular velocity measurements from a sensor monitoring the head mounted display and setting a prediction interval based upon the one or more three-dimensional angular velocity measurements such that the prediction interval is substantially zero when the head mounted display is substantially stationary and the prediction interval increases up to a predetermined latency interval when the head mounted display is moving at an angular velocity of or above a predetermined threshold. The method further includes predicting a three-dimensional orientation for the head mounted display to create a predicted orientation at a time corresponding to the prediction interval, and generating a rendered image corresponding to the predicted orientation for presentation on the head mounted display. |
| US09348408B2 |
Adaptive power conservation in storage clusters
Each node and volume in a storage cluster makes a decision whether to reduce power consumption based on lack of requests from client applications and nodes over a time period. Node configuration parameters determine how long to wait until idling a node or volume, and how long to wait while idle before performing integrity checks. A bid value is calculated by each node and reflects how much it will cost for that node to write a file, read a file, or keep a copy. A node with the lowest bid wins, and nodes that are idle have a premium added to each bid to ensure that idle nodes are kept idle. In an archive mode, writes bids are reversed, nodes with less capacity submit lower bids, fuller nodes fill up faster and are then idled, while empty or near empty nodes may remain idle before winning a write bid. |
| US09348403B2 |
Semiconductor device and automobile control system
Even after power-down, distinction between a transition from a PLL normal-oscillation state and a transition from a PLL self-oscillation is allowed.A semiconductor device includes a first region which, after having transited from a power-supply state to a power-down state, returns to the power-supply state again, a second region which holds a power source voltage regardless of power-down of the first region, and an oscillator which generates a first clock signal supplied to the first region. The first region includes a PLL circuit. The second region includes an information holding unit capable of holding information which can distinguish whether the operation mode of the PLL circuit is a PLL normal-oscillation mode or a PLL self-oscillation mode, and determines the operation mode of the PLL circuit when the first region has returned from the power-down state to the power-supply state, according to the information held in the information holding unit. |
| US09348402B2 |
Multiple critical paths having different threshold voltages in a single processor core
A processor having a multi-Vt critical path is provided that includes both low-Vt devices and high-Vt devices. If the processor is operating in a high performance mode, the multi-Vt critical path is controlled so as to use the low-Vt devices. Conversely, if the processor is operating in a low power mode, the multi-Vt critical path is controlled so as to use the high-Vt devices. In this fashion, the complication of multiple processing cores is avoided in that a single processor core can operate in both the high performance mode and in the low power mode. |
| US09348400B2 |
Method for saving power on multi-channel devices
A method for turning a multi-channel link into a power saving mode may include detecting one or more events including a drop in a data throughput of the multi-channel link. In response to the detection of one or more events, data communication through one or more channels of the multi-channel link may be transferred to one or more other channels. The characteristics of the one or more channels may be adjusted to achieve power saving. Data communication through the one or more channels may be resumed at a reduced rate. Some of the one or more other channels of the multi-channel link may be configured to operate in a low-power or shut-down mode while the channels with adjusted characteristics are communicating data at the reduced rate. |
| US09348397B2 |
Method of power management, portable system and portable power bank
A method of power management is to be implemented by a portable electronic device coupled to a portable power bank. The portable power bank is further coupled to an electrical appliance. In the method, the portable electronic device receives power information from the portable power bank, and controls the portable power bank to operate in one of a first mode, in which electrical power is provided to the electrical appliance, and a second mode, in which electrical power is not provided to the electrical appliance, based on whether or not the portable power bank has sufficient amount of power. |
| US09348396B2 |
Computer system, connection device, power supply control method, and power supply control program recording medium
A host monitoring unit in a host connection device (301) detects a change in a connection status between a host device (101) and the host connection device (301) based on a change in power status of the host device (101), and notifies a host connection controller. The host connection controller notifies an I/O connection controller in an I/O connection device (401) connected with an I/O device (201) having a power linking permitted of the change in the connection status, and sets or cancels an interconnection. After the completion of the setting or cancellation of the interconnection, the I/O connection controller notifies an I/O power supply controller of the change in the connection status, and the I/O power supply controller controls an I/O power supply (20). |
| US09348391B1 |
Managing resource power states in shared environments
Customers in a multi-tenant environment can obtain power consumption information for a set of resources or other computing components used by those customers, including time-accurate accounting for various components of those resources utilized on behalf of the customer. A customer can also have the ability to specify how the resources are to be operated when used for the customer, in order to manage the amount of power consumption. The accounting can be performed even when the resources are shared among multiple users or entities. Various hardware components or agents can be used to provide detailed power consumption information for those components that is associated with a particular customer. The information can be used not only for accounting and monitoring purposes, but also to make dynamic adjustments based on various changes in usage, power consumption, or other such factors. |
| US09348387B2 |
Providing per core voltage and frequency control
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a processor having a plurality of cores and a control logic to control provision of a voltage/frequency to a first core of the plurality of cores independently of provision of a voltage/frequency to at least a second core of the plurality of cores. In some embodiments, the voltages may be provided from one or more internal voltage regulators of the processor. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09348385B2 |
Hybrid computing module
A hybrid system-on-chip provides a plurality of memory and processor die mounted on a semiconductor carrier chip that contains a fully integrated power management system that switches DC power at speeds that match or approach processor core clock speeds, to enable transfer of data between off-chip physical memory and processor die. |
| US09348383B2 |
Apparatus for starting up switching voltage regulator
Described is a soft-start scheme for a voltage regulator. The apparatus comprises: a first voltage regulator to provide regulated voltage to an output node coupled to a load, the first voltage regulator operable to be in open loop via a bypass unit, the first voltage regulator including a comparator; and a second voltage regulator, coupled to the first voltage regulator, operable to be in closed loop, via the bypass unit, to provide a reference voltage for the comparator of the first voltage regulator. |
| US09348380B2 |
Dynamic thermal budget allocation for memory array
Embodiments of the present inventive concept relate to systems and methods for dynamically allocating and/or redistributing thermal budget to each memory group in a memory array from a total memory thermal budget based on the workload of each memory group. In this manner, the memory groups having a higher workload can receive a higher thermal budget. The allocation can be dynamically adjusted over time. Thus, the individual and overall memory group performance increases while efficiently allocating the total thermal budget. By dynamically sharing the total thermal budget of the system, the performance of the system as a whole is increased, thereby lowering, for example, the total cost of ownership (TCO) of datacenters. |
| US09348377B2 |
Thermal isolation techniques
Various embodiments described herein include systems, methods and/or devices used to dissipate heat generated by electronic components in an electronic system (e.g., a memory system that includes closely spaced memory modules). In one aspect, an electronic assembly includes a first circuit board with one or more heat generating components coupled thereto. The electronic assembly further includes a second circuit board with one or more heat sensitive components coupled thereto. The electronic assembly also includes a thermal barrier interconnect. The thermal barrier interconnect electrically couples the first circuit board to the second circuit board. In some embodiments, thermal barrier interconnect is a flexible interconnect with a lower thermal conductivity than the first circuit board and the second circuit board. The thermal barrier interconnect forms a thermal barrier between the first and second circuit boards which protects the heat sensitive components from the heat generating components. |
| US09348374B2 |
Hard disk mounting mechanism
A hard disk mounting mechanism can be used for assembling a hard disk into a housing defining an opening. The hard disk can be inserted into the housing via the opening. The hard disk mounting mechanism can include a mounting bracket and a slidable carrier. The mounting bracket can include a cover and a slidable carrier. The cover can be rotatably connected to the housing for covering the opening. The slidable carrier can be located in the housing adjacent to the opening, and has a first surface facing the opening. A first heat conductive pad can be arranged on the first surface of the slidable carrier. The hard disk can be assembled on the slidable carrier. The hard disk can contact with the first heat conductive pad from the opening when the cover is rotated to cover the opening. |
| US09348371B2 |
Protective case for a portable computing device
A protective case for a portable computing device may include a rigid component comprising an upper surface and a cavity therein for receiving a portable computing device. The protective case may also include a cover having a surface area that is larger than the area of the upper surface that is open to the cavity. At least a central area of the cover may be transparent. The cover may be positioned over the cavity, and may also be positioned over part of the upper surface of the rigid component. The protective case may also include a pliable component molded around at least a portion of the rigid component and over a portion of the cover that is in contact with the upper surface of the rigid component, thereby forming a waterproof seal between the cover and the upper surface of the rigid component. |
| US09348368B2 |
Entertainment apparatus
An entertainment apparatus for a passenger of a vehicle is provided with a casing having a top edge region, a bottom edge region and two respective side edge regions interconnecting the top and bottom edge regions. The four such edge regions frame and define a front side of the entertainment apparatus, the front side being provided with a monitor screen. The apparatus plays optically-readable discs, and is provided with an opening in the bottom edge region of its casing for receiving and ejecting optically-readable discs in a generally vertical plane. The apparatus is adapted to be mounted to a more forward seat of a vehicle for use by a passenger when seated behind the more forward seat of the vehicle. |
| US09348366B2 |
Protective case with keyboard for portable electronic device
A protective case for a tablet device having a back face and a front face, a touchscreen on its front face, and one or more control buttons and ports on its perimeter walls. The case comprises a shell having front and back sides wherein the front side is configured to receive and retain the tablet device while providing user access to the touchscreen and user access to one or more of the control buttons, said shell including a back wall that is configured to cover at least a portion of the back face of the tablet. The protective case further includes a front cover that includes a tray, a wireless keyboard and keyboard housing. The tray includes opposing side rails and the keyboard housing includes opposing grooves on opposing side walls that are concealed and configured to engage the rails to allow the keyboard housing to slide in and out from the tray in a defined manner. The tray, keyboard and shell may each include magnets to facilitate the positioning of the case in the various open and closed positions. |
| US09348357B2 |
Stitchable global clock for 3D chips
A stitchable clock mesh, a dual operation mode method, and a master clock stratum are provided for a 3D chip stack. The stitchable clock mesh includes at least one clock mesh, on each of the two or more strata, having a plurality of sectors for providing a global clock signal. The stitchable clock mesh further includes mesh data sensors, on each of the two or more strata, for collecting mesh data for the at least one mesh. The mesh data includes measured functional data and measured performance data for a current system configuration. The stitchable clock mesh further includes mesh segmentation and joining circuitry for selectively performing a segmentation operation or a joining operation on the least one mesh or one or more portions thereof responsive to the mesh data and the current system configuration selectable from a plurality of system target configurations. |
| US09348351B2 |
Switch circuit
The present disclosure relates to a switch circuit. The switch circuit comprises: a plurality of storing elements and a plurality of switch elements. The plurality of switch elements coupled the plurality of storing elements for generating a step-down mode. Moreover, the switch elements, controllers and parts of resistors in the present disclosure are integrated in an integrated circuit so as to effectively reduce size and weight of the driving circuit, advance the circuit suitability, and decrease the development cost of the circuit. |
| US09348347B2 |
Voltage generator with current source compensated for an error current operable over a wide voltage range
In one embodiment, a regulator circuit for generating a regulated output voltage Vout has an error amplifier using a pair of bipolar transistors at its front end. The error amplifier compares the regulated output voltage to a reference voltage Vref. A precision current source draws a first current through a user-selected set resistance to generate the desired Vref. The regulator circuit controls a power stage to cause Vout to be equal to Vref. The base current into one of the bipolar transistors normally distorts the current through the set resistance. A base current compensation circuit is coupled to the current source to adjust the first current by a value equal to the base current to offset the base current. Therefore, Vref is not affected by the base current. The error amplifier may be in a linear regulator or a switching regulator. The compensation circuit may be used in other applications. |
| US09348334B2 |
Control interface for a semi-autonomous vehicle
The invention provides a control interface configured to cooperate with a vehicle, such as a wheelchair or mobile robot, said interface comprising at least one sensor is adapted to detect the presence of at least one finger of a user and to act as a switching mechanism between manual and autonomous control of the vehicle. The invention provides a highly intuitive and effective means of switching between automatic and manual vehicle control-no user training required. The control interface allows for user to be comfortable in an autonomous vehicle—users can instantly gain full control when needed. |
| US09348328B2 |
Building management system with active building skin, an environmental resource collector for use in such a system and a method of managing resources used in a building
A building management system comprises a measurement system for measuring a demand for resources inside the building and a collecting system for harvesting natural resources available outside the building. The building management system is further provided with a storage system for storing surplus resources and a sensor system for measuring resource availability outside the building and/or resources stored in the storage system. Further, a controller arranged to receive data from the measurement system, the sensor system and the storage system is provided. The controller controls the collecting system based on said data to tune the collection of resources by the collection system to a present and/or an expected demand for resources. |
| US09348327B2 |
Work machine
To provide a work machine with high stability in which a dynamic balance can be evaluated easily while the influence of a sudden stop of an travel base, an upperstructure and a work front is taken into consideration.A stabilization control calculation unit (60a) and a command value generating unit (60i) are provided in a control device (60) of the work machine. The stabilization control calculation unit (60a) uses a sudden stop model and position information of each movable portion of the travel base and a machine body including the work front (6) to predict a change of stability until reaching a complete stop when a control lever (50) in an operating state is instantaneously brought back to a stop command position, and calculates a motion limit needed to prevent destabilization from occurring at any time instant until reaching the stop. The command value generating unit (60i) corrects the command information to a drive actuator on the basis of the calculation result of the stabilization control calculation unit (60a). |
| US09348326B2 |
System and method for upgrading the remote control functionality of a device
A system and method for upgrading a remote control application resident on a device. Information identifying a controllable appliance is caused to be uploaded to a remote server device and the uploaded information is used to automatically display user-selectable, downloadable data files relevant to the control of the controllable appliance. Downloaded data files, which may include command codes and/or graphical user interface elements, may be used within the device to upgrade the ability of the remote control application to communicate with the controllable appliance. The information uploaded to the server may also be used to generate demographic data regarding consumer preferences. |
| US09348322B2 |
Smart device including biometric sensor
An apparatus can include a wrist worn device configured to be worn on a wrist of a user. The apparatus can include a controller. The apparatus can include a power supply. The apparatus can include a light emitter that can emit light from a user side of the wrist worn device to a wrist of the user. The apparatus can include a light detector that can detect light reflected from the wrist of the user from the first light emitter and can send a detector signal to the controller. The detector signal can be based on the detected light. The apparatus can include a lens coupled to a user side of the wrist worn device external to the light emitter and light detector. The lens can include an opaque section. The lens can also include light transmissive section that transmits light from the light emitter to the user. |
| US09348319B1 |
Chronograph mechanism and timepiece comprising the chronograph mechanism
A chronograph mechanism includes an intermediate chronograph mobile which is provided for transmitting a drive to first and second sweep-hand mobiles. A first and a second return device are configured to return the first sweep-hand mobile to a first predetermined angular position relative to the intermediate chronograph mobile, in the absence of angular immobilization of the first sweep-hand mobile by a first brake, and the second sweep-hand mobile to a second predetermined angular position relative to the intermediate chronograph mobile, in the absence of angular immobilization of the second sweep-hand mobile by a second brake. A control system includes a coordination device arranged to maintain the first and second brakes alternately in two opposite configurations, in each of which one of the first and second brakes is in an inactive state and the other is in an active state. |
| US09348314B2 |
Assembly between a dial and a timepiece movement
Dial (1) for a timepiece, comprising a disc (2) intended to be positioned substantially parallel to a timepiece, and a skirt (3) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the disc (2) of the dial, characterized in that the skirt (3) comprises at least one elastic element (10) which extends partially over the height of the skirt to retain the dial axially on a timepiece movement. |
| US09348313B2 |
Anti-adhesion device for a balance spring on a bar
The invention relates to a timepiece movement including a resonator formed by the cooperation of a balance with a balance spring, said resonator being pivotally mounted between a bar and another part such as a bar or a main plate. According to the invention, the timepiece movement further includes a device preventing adhesion of said balance spring against said bar including a surface decreasing means formed on the bar for limiting the contact surface when the faces of said balance spring and of said bar touch each other. |
| US09348312B2 |
Timepiece lever
Timepiece lever for the transmission of motion between a transmitter wheel set and a receiver wheel set pivoting about distinct first and second axes of the lever which includes a pivoting plate carrying a transmission means remote from the first axis and of variable angular position relative to the first axis and which includes a control finger-piece or a transmission wheel set, the lever also including a frictional connection between a first friction surface of the transmitter wheel set and a second friction surface of the pivoting plate, the element carrying the first friction surface is elastic and the element carrying the second friction surface is elastic. |
| US09348304B2 |
Process cartridge
A process cartridge includes: a photoconductor having a peripheral surface; a first roller having a peripheral surface to be pressed against the peripheral surface of the photoconductor and configured to rotate around a first axis of rotation; a second roller having a peripheral surface to be pressed against the peripheral surface of the first roller and configured to rotate around a second axis of rotation which is parallel to the first axis of rotation; a first urging member configured to urge the first roller and the second roller in a first direction toward the photoconductor; and a second urging member configured to urge the second roller in a second direction toward the first roller. The second urging member is arranged such that the second direction is parallel to the first direction. |
| US09348299B2 |
Developing cartridge and process cartridge for stably rotating developing roller
A developing cartridge includes: a housing having first and second sidewalls through which respective end portions of a developing roller shaft are rotatably inserted; a developing gear, which is arranged outside of the first sidewall, and which is fixed to the end portion of the developing roller shaft; a transmission gear, which is arranged outside of the first sidewall, and which transmits driving force to the developing gear; a first cover member, which is attached to the first sidewall, and which covers the transmission gear; and a second cover member, which is attached to the first sidewall, and which covers the developing gear from an outer side in the axis line direction. The second cover member is formed separately from the first cover member and is arranged side by side with the first cover member outside of the first sidewall. |
| US09348296B2 |
Method of controlling image forming apparatus connected to external device via external device interface unit and image forming apparatus using the same
A method of controlling an image forming apparatus by driving a control unit by using power supplied from an external device via an external device interface unit, even when main power is not supplied to the image forming apparatus, and an image forming apparatus using the same is provided. |
| US09348294B2 |
Image forming apparatus, image forming system, and image forming method
An image forming apparatus that forms an image to which a plurality of various surface gloss effects are given by overlaying clear toner to be fixed for a plurality of times on a recording material on which color toner has been transferred, the image processing apparatus comprises a determining unit that determines number of times of fixing clear toner onto the recording material for each image region, according to a surface gloss effect of an image region that is indicated by input image data; and a clear-image forming unit that generates a clear toner plane for each image region having been determined that the number of times of fixing clear toner is same by the determining unit, and forms a clear image. |
| US09348288B2 |
Image forming apparatus forming a plurality of displaced test latent image parts
An image forming apparatus includes a latent image bearer, a toner image forming unit, and a transfer device. The toner image forming unit includes a charger, a latent image forming device, and a developing device, and is configured to form a test latent image pattern on a surface of the latent image bearer, and to develop the test latent image pattern into a test toner pattern. The test latent image pattern includes a plurality of test latent image parts partly offset from one another in a main scanning direction. The image forming apparatus also includes a developing current detector and a processor to detect uneven image density in the main scanning direction using the test latent image pattern, based on the developing current detected by the developing current detector, to adjust the uneven image density in the main scanning direction. |
| US09348287B2 |
Detecting device and image forming apparatus
A detecting device for detecting a surface potential of a photosensitive member includes a first electrode adapted to be positioned with a space relative to a surface of the photosensitive member; a second electrode adapted to be positioned relative to the surface of the photosensitive member at the distance from the first electrode away from the surface; a first detecting portion configured to detect induced charge in the first electrode; a second detecting portion configured to detect induced charge in the second electrode; a calculating portion configured to calculate a surface potential of the photosensitive member on the basis of an output of the first detecting portion and an output of the second detecting portion. |
| US09348286B2 |
Printing apparatus, printing apparatus control method, and storage medium for performing background color removal
An offset image that can occur at a time when reading images printed on both sides of a sheet is automatically removed by a simple operation. |
| US09348284B2 |
Sheet conveyor and image forming apparatus incorporating the sheet conveyor
A sheet conveyor, which is incorporated in an image forming apparatus, includes a first conveyor to convey a sheet via a first sheet conveying path and move in a direction intersecting a sheet thickness direction, a second conveyor to convey the sheet via a second sheet conveying path and include a third conveyor and a fourth conveyor bringing either one close to and away from the other via the second sheet conveying path in the sheet thickness direction, a first attaching part provided to the first conveyor to attach the first conveyor to the sheet conveyor, and a state changer to change a state of one of the first attaching part to a movement allowed state and the second conveyor to a sheet releasing state in conjunction with a releasing action of the other of the first attaching part and the second conveyor. |
| US09348282B2 |
Fixing member
A fixing member, includes: a base layer; and a porous elastic layer provided on the base layer and configured to contain a needle-like filler. The elastic layer has a thermal conductivity, with respect to a longitudinal direction thereof, which is 6 times to 900 times a thermal conductivity with respect to a thickness direction thereof. The elastic layer has an open cell rate larger at longitudinal end portions than at a longitudinal central portion. |
| US09348276B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a pressurizer constituted of a rotating body, and a heater including a heat source, a fixing belt heated by the heat source, and a pressing portion disposed inside the fixing belt sandwiched between the pressing portion and the pressurizer disposed outside the fixing belt. The fixing device further includes a non-contact type temperature detector for measuring surface temperature of the fixing belt, a displacement detector for detecting a displacement of a measurement target position of the fixing belt with respect to the temperature detector, and a controller configured to adjust amount of heat generation of the heat source on the basis of the temperature detected by the temperature detector and the displacement detected by the displacement detector, so as to perform temperature adjustment of the surface temperature of the fixing belt. |
| US09348273B2 |
Self lubricating fuser and method of operation
A belt fuser assembly which dispenses lubricant oil or other depleted lubricant component to the inner surface of the fuser belt. The belt fuser assembly may include a lubricant dispenser positioned to be heated by the heating element of the fuser assembly for dispensing a lubricant oil to the inner surface of the fuser belt. The lubricant dispenser may include a reservoir containing the lubricant oil and an exit port for delivering the lubricant oil from the reservoir to the inner surface of the fuser belt upon the reservoir being heated by the heating element at a temperature above the fusing temperature of the belt fuser assembly. |
| US09348270B2 |
Image forming apparatus controlling light exposure based on applied bias
When a toner image formed on the surface of a photosensitive drum is transferred onto an intermediate transfer belt, a transfer bias is applied to a primary transfer portion. When a patch formed in an upstream image forming station and transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt and a patch formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum pass through the primary transfer portion, a passing bias different from the transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer portion. A control section controls a laser beam scanner as an exposure member not to expose the surface of the photosensitive drum to which the passing bias is applied. |
| US09348267B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: an intermediary transfer member; an image forming unit; a transfer member; a cleaning member; and a setting portion for setting an absolute value of the first cleaning voltage applied to the cleaning member when a region of the intermediary transfer member, passed through the transfer portion where a higher transfer voltage is applied to the transfer member during passing of the recording material through the transfer portion, passes through the cleaning portion and for setting an absolute value of the second cleaning voltage applied to the cleaning member when a region of the intermediary transfer member, passed through the transfer portion where a lower transfer voltage is applied to the transfer member during passing of the recording material through the transfer portion, passes through the cleaning portion. The absolute value of the second cleaning voltage is higher than that of the first cleaning voltage. |
| US09348260B2 |
Developer container and image forming apparatus including the same
A toner container includes a container body, a toner discharge outlet, and a moveable wall. The container body includes an inner circumferential section having a tubular shape extending in a first direction and an internal space. The toner discharge outlet passes through the container body. The moveable wall includes a conveying surface and an outer circumferential section in sealed contact with the inner circumferential section of the container body. The moveable wall moves in the first direction along a shaft while conveying developer toward the toner discharge outlet. The shaft includes a moveable wall support section that supports the moveable wall when the moveable wall reaches a final position. |
| US09348259B2 |
Toner housing container and image forming apparatus
A toner housing container includes a container body housing a toner; a conveying portion conveying the toner from one end of the container body, in a longer direction of the container body, to its other end at which a container opening portion is provided; a pipe receiving port receiving a conveying pipe fixed to a toner conveying device; and an uplifting portion moving the toner toward a toner receiving port of conveying pipe. Such toner has a molecular weight distribution having a peak in a range of 103 to 104, and has C/R of from 0.03 to 0.55 between peak height C attributed to crystalline polyester resin and R attributed to non-crystalline resin when measured by FT-IR after stored at 45° C. for 12 hours. |
| US09348255B2 |
Layer thickness regulating member, developing device and process cartridge
A layer thickness regulating member regulates an amount of developer carried on a surface of a developer carrying member and includes a base portion and a layer thickness regulating portion. The base portion includes an upstream base portion and a downstream base portion. A reinforcing rib portion projects from a rear side of the base portion and includes a first reinforcing rib and a second reinforcing rib disposed in a direction crossing the first reinforcing rib. The base portion, the layer thickness regulating portion, and the reinforcing rib portion are integrally molded. The layer thickness regulating portion and the first reinforcing rib are provided at positions spaced from each other with respect to a tangential direction of the developer carrying member. |
| US09348254B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a developer bearing body and first and second supplying members. An image bearing body and the first and second supplying members are disposed around the developer bearing body in this order. The developer bearing member rotates, and supplies a developer material to the image bearing body. The first and second supplying members rotate in contact with the developer bearing body and supply the developer material to the developer bearing body. The image bearing body is upstream of the second supplying member with respect to rotation of the developer bearing body, and the second supplying member is upstream of the first supplying member. The ratio of the circumferential speed of the first supplying member to that of the developer bearing body is larger than that of the circumferential speed of the second supplying member to circumferential speed of the developer bearing body. |
| US09348252B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus has a photosensitive member configured to transport a developer containing a compound that causes cis-trans isomerization reaction by light absorption to induce phase transition; a first exposure device configured to emit ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 300 nm-400 nm to a developer image; and a pressing member configured to press a recording sheet holding a developer image exposed by the first exposure device thereon. It is possible to achieve conservation of energy during image formation. |
| US09348249B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming and decoloring system
According to one embodiment, there is provided an image forming apparatus which forms an decolorable image and an non-decolorable image by fixing a toner image including a decolorable toner and a toner image including a non-decolorable toner or a medium. The decolorable toner has a first peak of a loss tangent tan δ at a temperature TE1, and the non-decolorable toner has a first peak of a loss tangent tan δ at a temperature TU1. A difference between the temperature TE1 and the temperature TU1 is within 20° C. |
| US09348243B2 |
Electrophotographic photosensitive member
An electrophotographic photosensitive member includes a photosensitive layer containing a naphthalenediimide derivative represented by the following general formula (1). In the general formula (1), R1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms and optionally having an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an aralkyl group having 7 to 12 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. R2 and R3, independently from each other, each represent an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a halogen group, or a cyano group. |
| US09348238B2 |
Position measurement method, position control method, measurement method, loading method, exposure method and exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method
An exposure apparatus exposes an object with an exposure beam. The apparatus includes first and second stages, a measurement device and a controller. The first stage mounts the object. The second stage is movable relative to the first stage. The measurement device obtains position information of an outer periphery edge of the first stage. The controller controls at least one of a position of the first stage and a position of the second stage based on the position information of the outer periphery edge so that the first and second stages do not touch each other. |
| US09348236B2 |
Electrostatic clamp, lithographic apparatus and method of manufacturing an electrostatic clamp
An electrostatic clamp for use in a lithographic apparatus includes burls and an electrode surrounded by an insulator and/or a dielectric material between adjacent burls. In an embodiment, two or more layers of dielectric material are provided between adjacent burls and surround an electrode provided between adjacent burls. The electrostatic clamp may be used to clamp an object to an object support in a lithographic apparatus. |
| US09348234B2 |
Microlithographic apparatus
A projection objective of a microlithographic projection apparatus has a wavefront correction device (42) comprising a mirror substrate (44; 44a, 44b) that has two opposite optical surfaces (46, 48), through which projection light passes, and a circumferential rim surface (50) extending between the two optical surfaces (46, 48). A first and a second optical system (OS1, OS2) are configured to direct first and second heating light (HL1, HL2) to different portions of the rim surface (50) such that at least a portion of the first and second heating light enters the mirror substrate (44; 44a, 44b). A temperature distribution caused by a partial absorption of the heating light (HL1, HL2) results in a refractive index distribution inside the mirror substrate (44; 44a, 44b) that corrects a wavefront error. At least the first optical system (OS1) comprises a focusing optical element (55) that focuses the first heating light in a focal area (56) such that the first heating light emerging from the focal area (56) impinges on the rim surface (50). |
| US09348233B2 |
Laser device, and exposure device and inspection device provided with laser device
A laser device includes: a laser light output unit that outputs a fundamental wave laser light; a wavelength conversion unit that performs wavelength conversion of the fundamental wave laser light and outputs a converted laser light; an output detector that detects a power of the converted laser light; a power feedback circuit that controls the power of the fundamental wave laser light such that the power of the converted laser light is in constant; a phase matching adjustment configuration that adjusts a quantity of state at the wavelength conversion optical element; and a phase matching control circuit that controls an operation the phase matching adjustment configuration, wherein in a state that the power of the converted laser light is controlled in constant, the phase matching control circuit adjust the quantity of state in a predetermined range such that the power of the fundamental wave laser light is minimized. |
| US09348232B2 |
Illumination system for a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus
An illumination system for a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus includes a mirror arranged in a multi-mirror array and capable of being tilted via at least one actuator. The illumination system also includes drive electronics, which include a coarse digital-to-analogue converter with a first resolution, and a fine digital-to-analogue converter with a second resolution, and an adder. The second resolution is higher than the first resolution. The adder can add output quantities that are output by the two digital-to-analogue converters to yield an overall quantity that is capable of being applied at least indirectly to the at least one actuator of the mirror. |
| US09348229B2 |
Hardmask composition and method of forming patterns using the hardmask composition
A hardmask composition includes a polymer including a moiety represented by the following Chemical Formula 1 and a solvent. In the above Chemical Formula 1, A and B are as defined in the specification. |
| US09348228B2 |
Acid-strippable silicon-containing antireflective coating
A silicon-containing antireflective coating formulation comprising: (i) an aqueous base insoluble organosilicon component having a multiplicity of hydrocarbon groups derivatized with hydroxy groups in the absence of Si—O—C and Si—O—H moieties; (ii) a vinylether component having a multiplicity of vinylether groups; and (iii) a casting solvent. Also disclosed is a method for converting the silicon-containing antireflective coating formulation into a crosslinked silicon-containing antireflective film comprising organosilicon units interconnected by acetal or ketal groups. The method entails (a) coating a substrate with the silicon-containing antireflective coating formulation and (b) heating the coated substrate to a temperature at which crosslinking between the organosilicon silicon component and vinylether component occurs. Further disclosed is a method for patterning an antireflective coating on a substrate using the crosslinked silicon-containing antireflective film in a lithographic patterning process wherein the crosslinked silicon-containing antireflective film is situated between the substrate and a photoresist. |
| US09348226B2 |
Radiation-sensitive resin composition
A radiation-sensitive resin composition comprising an acid-labile group-containing resin obtained by living radical polymerization having a specific structure which is insoluble or scarcely soluble in alkali, but becomes alkali soluble by the action of an acid, and a photoacid generator, wherein the ratio of weight average molecular weight to number average molecular weight (weight average molecular weight/number average molecular weight) of the acid-labile group-containing resin is smaller than 1.5. |
| US09348220B2 |
Photoacid generators and photoresists comprising same
New methods are provided for synthesis of photoacid generator compounds (“PAGs”), new photoacid generator compounds and photoresist compositions that comprise such PAG compounds. In a particular aspect, photoacid generators that comprise 1) a SO3− moiety; 2) one or more fluorinated carbons; and 3) one or more of the fluorinated carbons either directly or indirectly substituted by an ester keto group. |
| US09348212B2 |
Image projection system and image projection method
An image projection system projects a plurality of same images on a plane of projection by superimposition. The image projection system includes a plurality of projectors configured to have mutually different resolutions and project the plurality of same images on the plane of projection, and an image data output device configured to output to the plurality of projectors image data corresponding to the plurality of same images with the resolutions of the plurality of projectors, respectively. |
| US09348205B2 |
Illumination apparatus
An illumination apparatus having an illumination function and an image projection function includes a light source for illumination, an image projection section including a light source portion having a light source for image projection different from the light source for illumination, an image formation portion that modulates light from the light source portion based on image information to be projected to form an image, and a projection lens that enlarges and projects the image, a connection section electrically connectable to an illumination apparatus fixture, a lamp cover attached to the connection section, accommodating the light source for illumination and the image projection section, and having a light transmissive portion that transmits illumination light from the light source for illumination and the image projected from the image projection section, and a control section having a function of controlling the light source for illumination and the image projection section. |
| US09348204B2 |
Light source module with wavelength conversion module and projection apparatus
A light source module including an exciting light source, a wavelength conversion module, and a light combining unit is provided. The exciting light source is capable of providing an exciting light beam. The wavelength conversion module includes at least one wavelength conversion reflecting portion and a wavelength conversion portion which cut into the transmission path of the exciting light beam alternately. When the wavelength conversion portion cuts into the transmission path of the exciting light beam, part of the exciting light beam which passes through the wavelength conversion portion is a first color light beam and another part of the exciting light beam is converted into a second color light beam by the wavelength conversion portion. The color of the second color light beam is different from that of the exciting light beam. A projection apparatus is also provided. |
| US09348203B2 |
Lighting device comprising pump light source, phosphor arrangement and filter arrangement
A lighting device (1) comprising a pump light source, wherein the spectral composition of the useful light of the lighting device can be controlled by the control of the phase relationship between a rotating phosphor wheel and a filter wheel rotating synchronously therewith. The control of the phase relationship controls the temporal overlap of the conversion light coming from a phosphor element of the phosphor wheel with a filter element of the filter wheel, i.e. the extent of the spectral filtering of the conversion light by the filter element. |
| US09348202B2 |
Lamp unit and projector employing same
Cooling air conveyed through a cooling duct 3 is supplied to a discharge lamp 10 via a cooling air exit 21 having a plurality of flow paths 23a to 23c partitioned by a partition plate 22. An air flow direction changeover section 24 changes a flow path through which the discharge lamp is supplied with the cooling air from the cooling air exit. An air flow blocking ball 25 in the air flow direction changeover section moves by its own weight through a guide portion 26 to thereby block the flow path of the cooling air exit. This allows the cooling air to be directed specifically toward an upper side 11a in a direction of gravity of a lamp bulb of the discharge lamp to eliminate a temperature difference, even if a mounting style of the discharge lamp is varied among desk mounting, ceiling mounting, and vertical mounting. |
| US09348201B2 |
Image projection apparatus
An image projection apparatus includes a light source unit including a light source detachable from a main body, an image forming part to form an image with a light from the light source, a projection optical system to project the image, an openable cover to open and close an opening formed for attaching and detaching the light source unit to and from the main body, an abutting member on which the light source unit abuts when the light source unit is attached to the main body, and a pressing member to press the light source unit to the abutting member, in conjunction with a fix operation of the openable cover to the main body. |
| US09348198B1 |
Mirrored photographing system
A mirrored photographing system is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a mirrored photographing system comprises a back plate, a mirror, and a camera. The mirror is mounted to the back plate, which provides structural support. The mirror has a viewing aperture and a reflective surface covering at least a portion of the front surface of the mirror for self-viewing by a subject standing in front of the mirror. The camera is positioned between the back plate and the mirror and aligned with the viewing aperture for the camera to view the subject therethrough. The camera is configured for electronic wireless communication with a remote electronic device to at least one of (i) receive directions therefrom and (ii) to forward captured photographs thereto. |
| US09348193B2 |
Dispersion liquid for electrophoretic display, display medium, and display device
There is provided a dispersion liquid for electrophoretic display, containing a dispersion medium 50, a colored electrophoretic particle group 34 that is dispersed in the dispersion medium and migrates in the dispersion medium according to an electric field, a non-electrophoretic particle group 36 that is dispersed without migrating in the dispersion medium and has a color different from that of the electrophoretic particle group, and a compound having a neutral polar group and a hydrophobic group, which is contained in the dispersion medium in a ratio of about 0.01 to about 1 mass % based on the entire dispersion liquid. |
| US09348192B2 |
Controlling transitions in optically switchable devices
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling transitions in an optically switchable device. In one aspect, a controller for a tintable window may include a processor, an input for receiving output signals from sensors, and instructions for causing the processor to determine a level of tint of the tintable window, and an output for controlling the level of tint in the tintable window. The instructions may include a relationship between the received output signals and the level of tint, with the relationship employing output signals from an exterior photosensor, an interior photosensor, an occupancy sensor, an exterior temperature sensor, and a transmissivity sensor. In some instances, the controller may receive output signals over a network and/or be interfaced with a network, and in some instances, the controller may be a standalone controller that is not interfaced with a network. |
| US09348182B2 |
Active matrix substrate and display device
An active matrix substrate (5) is provided with mounting terminals (DT1), draw-out lines (22r) connecting the mounting terminals (DT1) and data bus lines (D), first common wires (24) connected in common to the plurality of data bus lines (D), and second thin-film transistors (second switching elements) (23a) connected between the draw-out lines (22r) and the first common wires (24). In the mounting terminals (DT1), upper-layer terminal electrodes (34) and lower-layer terminal electrodes (36a, 36b) are connected via terminal contact holes (H2a). The upper-layer terminal electrodes (34) are provided so as to cover at least portions of second thin-film transistors (26a). |
| US09348181B2 |
Alignment material, alignment layer, liquid crystal display device and manufacturing method thereof
A liquid crystal display device and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, a liquid crystal display device and a method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate that has a first electrode formed thereon, a second substrate that faces the first substrate, a liquid crystal layer that is formed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a first alignment layer that is formed on the first substrate and is in contact with the liquid crystal layer. Here, the first alignment layer includes a first alignment base layer that is photoaligned, and a first alignment controlling layer that is extended from the inside of the first alignment base layer. |
| US09348180B2 |
Method for fabricating LCD panel
The present invention relates to a method for fabricating an LCD panel. The method includes the steps of: (A) forming a black matrix layer on a color filter substrate; and (B) attaching the color filter substrate to a corresponding array substrate for forming a liquid crystal cell, and applying a voltage on the black matrix layer for liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal cell being arranged at a pretilt angle. The fabricating method of the present invention can realize photo alignments on multiple partitions without demand in shapes of the pixel electrodes. |
| US09348179B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer, a first polarizer, a second polarizer and a first electrode layer. The liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first and the second substrates, and comprises a liquid crystal mixture comprising a chiral dopant. The first and the second polarizers are disposed on the first and the second substrates, respectively. The first polarizer has a first absorption axis. The first electrode layer is disposed on one of the first and second substrates, and has a first trunk, a second trunk and a plurality of branches. The first and the second trunks intersect to form at least a first area. A first angle θj is formed between the branches and the first trunk, and a second angle θp is formed between the first absorption axis and the first trunk. |
| US09348176B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device that is excellent in production efficiency, achieves a high CR, and significantly improves the viewing angle characteristics (reduces the gamma shift), while suppressing an image blur. The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device at least including: an anisotropic collimating backlight; a lower polarizing plate; a liquid crystal panel; an upper polarizing plate; and an anisotropic diffusion element, the anisotropic collimating backlight having a light distribution anisotropy of a specific angle being combined with the anisotropic diffusion element having a diffusion anisotropy of a specific angle. |
| US09348174B2 |
Rigid LCD assembly
Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein provide a rigid LCD assembly including a LCD having a perimeter, a first layer of tape around the perimeter of the LCD, and a diffusing plate attached to the later of tape so as to create a cavity defined by the space between the LCD, tape, and diffusing plate. One or more optical films may be inserted into the cavity, and while constricted in directions perpendicular to the films, the films may be free to move slightly in the directions parallel to the films. A U-shaped backlight wall may attach to the diffusing plate and would contain a backlight. An optional thermal plate can be attached to the backlight wall, which can be used with a second thermal plate to define a channel for accepting cooling air. |
| US09348171B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of fabricating the same
A liquid crystal display device includes first and second substrates spaced apart from and facing each other, gate and data lines on an inner surface of the first substrate and crossing each other to define a pixel region, a thin film transistor adjacent to the crossing of the gate and data lines, a pixel electrode in the pixel region and including a plurality of slits, an island pattern over the gate line, a black matrix on an inner surface of the second substrate, the black matrix corresponding to the gate line, a color filter layer on the black matrix, a common electrode on the color filter layer, a plurality of ribs on the common electrode corresponding to the pixel electrode; and a spacer on the common electrode corresponding to the black matrix. |
| US09348170B2 |
Color filter substrate and display device
A color filter substrate and a display device are provided, and the color filter substrate comprises a base substrate; a color filter layer, disposed on the base substrate and comprising a plurality of sub-pixels; and a touch electrode, disposed on a side of the color filter layer away from the base substrate. A plurality of first concave portions are disposed in the color filter layer on the side away from the base substrate, and the touch electrode covers surfaces of the plurality of the first concave portions. |
| US09348163B2 |
Liquid crystal display and method of manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display is provided. A passivation layer is disposed on a substrate. A first microcavity is disposed on the passivation layer. A second microcavity is disposed on the passivation layer and spaced apart from the first microcavity at a first spacing and along a first direction. A fixing member is disposed between the first microcavity and the second microcavity. A roof layer is disposed on the first and the second microcavities and the fixing member, wherein the first and the second microcavities include liquid crystal molecules. |
| US09348162B2 |
Liquid crystal display and narrow bezel structure thereof
A narrow bezel structure of a LCD is disclosed. The narrow bezel structure of the LCD comprises a liquid crystal module, a front cover, a middle cover, and a back cover. An external layer of the liquid crystal module is a polarizer film, and the polarizer film is spaced apart from an edge of the liquid crystal module to form a step. The front cover comprises a first horizontal part, a first perpendicular part, a second horizontal part, and a second perpendicular part that are integrally formed and sequentially connected. The first horizontal part is attached to the step. The second horizontal part and the second perpendicular part form a second step. The second perpendicular part is fixedly connected to the back cover. The present invention further provides a LCD utilizing the narrow bezel structure. |
| US09348160B2 |
Display backlights with adjustable narrow viewing angle
Display components (e.g., liquid crystal displays (LCDs)) are viewable at different viewing angles, for example, by a first user positioned directly in front of the display and by a second user positioned to one side of the display. Many displays present a consistent display across a wide range of viewing angles, but these displays may consume energy and/or compromise user privacy. Presented herein are configurations of backlights for display devices featuring an adjustable viewing angle, such that a user may select a narrower viewing angle in usage scenarios involving power consumption or privacy, and may select a wider viewing angle in usage scenarios involving plentiful power and fewer privacy concerns. Such configurations may include multiple banks of backlight lamps generating backlight at different viewing angles; an electrowetting electrode as an adjustable collimator; adjustable diffusers that may adjustably scatter light passing therethrough; and/or a combination of such adjustable elements. |
| US09348158B2 |
Method and system for producing liquid crystal panel
An object of the invention is to provide a method and a system for manufacturing a liquid crystal panel, which allow more successful bonding of an optical film to a liquid crystal cell. A pressing force Fa per unit area applied when the optical film is pressed by the first roller and a pressing force Fb per unit area applied when the liquid crystal cell is pressed by the second roller satisfy the relation Fa>Fb. On the first roller side, the feed may fail to be stabilized due to the influence of tension fluctuations or vibration acting on the first optical film, so that air bubbles may occur. When the second roller side, where such an influence does not occur, contributes more to the feed of the liquid crystal cell, the liquid crystal cell can be successfully fed in the process of bonding the optical film thereto. |
| US09348152B2 |
Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses, in particular for reading, includes integrated lighting means and corresponding means for activation and de-activation of the lighting means which comprise a gyroscopic sensor of the micro-electromechanical type provided for fading automatically an intensity of the light emitted by the lighting means when, in use, the eyeglasses are moved angularly upwards with respect to a reference position. |
| US09348151B2 |
Molded lens with nanofilaments and related methods
A method includes molding a lens, the lens including a front portion and a rear portion and an intermediate portion therebetween, the rear portion adapted to be disposed in the direction of the back of the eye, the front portion adapted to be disposed in the direction of the front of an eye, wherein molding the lens includes disposing conductive parallel nanofilaments on or within the lens. A molded contact lens includes a rear portion adapted to be disposed in the direction of the back of the eye, and a front portion that is adapted to be disposed in the direction of the front of the eye. The molded lens includes conductive parallel nanofilaments located on or within a central region of the molded lens. |
| US09348145B2 |
Naked-eye 3D liquid crystal display panel and driving method for the same
A naked-eye 3D liquid crystal display panel and a driving method for the same are provided. The naked-eye 3D liquid crystal display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate disposed oppositely, and a liquid crystal layer. A side of the first substrate adjacent to the liquid crystal layer provides with a driving electrode layer. A side of the second substrate adjacent to the liquid crystal layer provides with a common electrode layer. The driving electrode layer and the common electrode layer respectively receive an AC voltage driving signal, which are the same in frequency and opposite in polarity such that the liquid crystal layer is tilted to form a 3D display. Accordingly, the voltage output requirement of the driving circuit of the 3D liquid crystal display panel 10 when displaying 3D is reduced such that the driving stability and load capacity of the driving circuit is improved. |
| US09348140B2 |
Virtual image display device
A virtual image display device includes: an image projection device that projects an image light; a diverging element on which the image light emitted from the image projection device is incident, spreading the image light out over a range of a predetermined angle; and a light branching element that reflects the image light emitted from the diverging element, while transmitting the incident light from the surface other than the reflecting surface. The image light from the image projection device is formed into an image on the diverging element. A virtual image of the image formed on the diverging element is generated on an extension line in the opposite direction to the emission direction of the image light reflected from the light branching element. Further, an optical axis converting element is provided to convert the optical axis of the image light emitted from the image projection device, into a predetermined direction. |
| US09348137B2 |
Optical scanning apparatus, system and method
An optical scanning apparatus, a system and a method of optical scanning independently determine illumination spot size and spacing. The apparatus includes an array of optical emitters to provide a plurality of optical beams and a plurality of microlenses to receive the optical beams. The microlenses form an intermediate image of the array at substantially unity array magnification. The apparatus further includes an adjustable collimator to receive the plurality of optical beams from the intermediate image, a beam scanner to scan the optical beams in an in-scan direction, and a scan lens to focus the scanned optical beams. An arrangement of illumination spots forms an image of the array. |
| US09348133B2 |
Image projection method and MEMS image projection apparatus
An image projection method and a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) image projection apparatus are provided. The image projection method controls a MEMS scanning mirror swinging around a first swing axis to project an image light beam. The image projection method includes following steps. A resonance frequency and a damping coefficient of the MEMS scanning mirror at swinging are measured to calculate a first amplitude scale and a first maintaining period, and a periodic wave signal is generated accordingly. The periodic wave signal is output to the MEMS scanning mirror for controlling the MEMS scanning mirror to swing, and a swing speed error thereof is recorded. By adjusting the first amplitude scale and the first maintaining period, the periodic wave signal is also adjusted, and the corresponding swing speed error is recorded. According to the recorded swing speed errors, the corrected periodic wave signal is generated for controlling the MEMS scanning mirror. |
| US09348132B1 |
Pixel wall and spacer configuration for an electrowetting display
A method for fabricating an electrowetting display may include forming pixel electrodes on a support plate; depositing a first layer on the pixel electrodes; etching portions of the first layer to form pixel walls that partition pixel regions; depositing a second layer on the pixel electrodes and the pixel walls; etching portions of the second layer to form spacers on tops of the pixel walls; and depositing a hydrophobic layer to at least partially cover the pixel electrodes. |
| US09348130B2 |
Device for holding filters for microscopes
A device for holding filters for a microscope includes a filter wheel (20) rotatable about an axis of rotation (16) and a drive unit (14) for rotating the filter wheel (20). The filter wheel (20) comprises a basic body (44) rotatable about the axis of rotation (16) and at least one segment (46-54) selectively connectable to the basic body. The segment (46-54) comprises at least two housing areas (58, 59) each holding at least one filter (11). Another housing area may provide a transmission range (36, 59) for unfiltered transmission of light. A second rotatable filter wheel may be arranged at a location displaced along the axis of rotation relative to the filter wheel, and may have its own respective transmission range for unfiltered transmission of light, whereby a filter on either filter wheel may be aligned with the transmission range on the other filter wheel. |
| US09348127B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for structured illumination microscopy
In structured illumination microscopy, the multiple recording of images with different phase positions of the structuring requires a high stability in the optical arrangement and sample throughout the entire measuring process. Also, the structuring must be projected into the sample in a highly homogeneous manner. The current invention optimizes recording of individual images in order to achieve the best possible resolution in the result image even in problematic samples. An optimization of this kind can be carried out in different ways, for example, by determining an optimal adjustment for at least one illumination parameter or recording parameter or by pulsed illumination such that an excitation from a triplet state of the fluorescent dye to a higher triplet state is reduced, or by illuminating the sample with depletion light for depopulating a triplet state of the fluorescent dye, which reduces bleaching. |
| US09348126B2 |
Derived all-reflective afocal optical system with aspheric figured beam steering mirror
An all-reflective afocal optical system including an aspheric beam steering mirror positioned at an exit pupil of the afocal optical system. In one example, an all-reflective afocal optical imaging system includes a sensor, a afocal optical apparatus including a plurality of mirrors optically coupled together and configured to receive light rays through an entrance pupil of the afocal optical imaging system and to substantially collimate the light rays to provide a collimated optical beam to an exit pupil, and an aspheric beam steering mirror positioned at the exit pupil and configured to receive the collimated optical beam and to direct the collimated optical beam to the sensor. |
| US09348125B2 |
Zoom lens system, interchangeable lens apparatus and camera system
A zoom lens system comprising: a negative first lens unit including at least one positive lens element; a positive second lens unit including at least one negative lens element; and subsequent lens units including an aperture diaphragm, wherein the subsequent lens units include a most-image-side lens unit fixed to an image surface in focusing, a first focusing lens unit is provided between the aperture diaphragm and the most-image-side lens unit, and the conditions: 1.0 |
| US09348124B2 |
Projection system and projection-type image display apparatus
A projection lens is a zoom lens and formed of a first group to an N-th group sequentially arranged from an image enlargement side (that is, screen side), where N is 6 or 7. The first group includes a first A group and a first B group sequentially arranged from the image enlargement side. The first A group is formed of two positive lenses, and the first B group is formed of a cemented lens formed of a positive lens and a negative lens. The second group includes at least two negative lenses. In magnification changing action, at least the first group and the N-th group are fixed, and at least the third group to the (N−1)-th group are moved along an optical axis. In focusing action, the first A group on the image enlargement side in the first group is solely moved along the optical axis. |
| US09348122B2 |
Projection lens including first lens group and second lens group and projection device including planar reflector
A projection lens provided is for projecting an image beam. The projection lens is disposed on a transmission path of the image beam and includes a first group of lenses and a second group of lenses. The first group of lenses includes a first spherical lens and a first aspheric lens. After the image beam passes through the first group of lenses, an intermediate image is formed between the first group of lenses and the second group of lenses, in which the first aspheric lens is the lens in the first group of lenses closest to the second group of lenses. A projection device using the projection lens is also provided. The projection device further includes a planar reflector on the transmission path of the image beam. |
| US09348117B1 |
Photographing optical lens assembly, image capturing unit and electronic device
A photographing optical lens assembly includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element and a fifth lens element. The first lens element with positive refractive power has a convex object-side surface, wherein the object-side surface and an image-side surface thereof are aspheric. The second lens element has negative refractive power, wherein an object-side surface and an image-side surface thereof are aspheric. The third lens element has refractive power, wherein an object-side surface and an image-side surface thereof are aspheric. The fourth lens element has positive refractive power, wherein an object-side surface and an image-side surface thereof are aspheric. The fifth lens element with negative refractive power has a concave image-side surface, wherein an object-side surface and the image-side surface thereof are aspheric. |
| US09348116B1 |
Mobile device and optical imaging lens thereof
Present embodiments provide for a mobile device and an optical imaging lens thereof. The optical imaging lens may comprise an aperture stop and six lens elements positioned sequentially from an object side to an image side. Through controlling the convex or concave shape of the surfaces of the lens elements and designing parameters satisfying several equations, the optical imaging lens may show desirable optical characteristics and the total length of the optical imaging lens may be shortened. |
| US09348115B1 |
Photographing lens system, image capturing device and electronic terminal
A photographing lens system includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element and a fifth lens element. The first lens element with negative refractive power has a concave image-side surface. The second lens element has refractive power. The third lens element with positive refractive power has a convex object-side surface and a convex image-side surface. The fourth lens element with negative refractive power has a concave image-side surface, wherein an object-side surface and the image-side surface of the fourth lens element are aspheric. The fifth lens element with positive refractive power has a convex object-side surface and a convex image-side surface, wherein the object-side surface and the image-side surface of the fifth lens element are aspheric. |
| US09348110B2 |
Lens barrel and imaging apparatus
A lens barrel is provided that includes a lens holding unit configured to hold a lens; and a cam cylinder that is provided with a cam groove for engaging with the lens holding unit on the inner circumference thereof and of which rotation causes the lens holding unit to move in an optical axis direction. A projection is provided at the end of the cam cylinder on an imaging side, a first gear for transmitting the power for rotating the cam cylinder is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the projection, and the cam groove is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the projection. |
| US09348109B2 |
Optical device
An optical device includes a first lens frame bearing a first lens set and having a plurality of rods, a first cam barrel rotating to move the first lens frame along a first axis, a second lens frame bearing a second lens set and having a plurality of holes corresponding to the rods, and a second cam barrel rotatably disposed around the first cam barrel to rotate the first cam barrel and move the second lens frame along a second axis parallel to the first axis, wherein the first axis is substantially coincident with the second axis with the rods inserted into the holes. |
| US09348108B2 |
Lens driving device
The present invention aims to provide a lens driving device which can prevent a lens support from being suspended in an inclined state and can correspond to energizing amount and carry out appropriate linear movement action. A front side primary coil and a rear side primary coil are respectively wound around an axis parallel to an optical axis in a manner of being coaxial to a secondary coil and are combined with each other through electromagnetic induction. The secondary coil is such disposed that its two coil terminals are connected with two ends of a diode respectively. The secondary coil and a permanent magnet assembly are arranged opposite to each other at an interval along the radial direction and a driving current is supplied to the primary coils. |
| US09348105B2 |
Splice chips for optical fiber splice cassettes
A splice chip includes a base, separation members extending upwardly from the base to define a plurality of rows, and latching fingers extending upwardly from the base to further define the rows. At least one of the rows includes at least a first latching finger, a second latching finger, and a third latching finger. The third latching finger is shorter than the first and second latching fingers. The second latching finger is shorter than the first latching finger. The row also may include a fourth latching finger that is the same height as the first latching finger. |
| US09348101B2 |
Latch mechanisms for modules
Latch mechanisms for modules are disclosed. A module includes a housing and a release slide. The housing includes a first rib located on a first side of the housing and a second rib located on a second side of the housing. The release slide is slidingly positioned on the housing. The release slide includes a release slide base, a first release slide arm extending from the release slide base, and a second release slide arm extending from the release slide base. A first flange extending from the first release slide arm is positioned at least partially over the first rib. A second flange extending from the second release slide arm is positioned at least partially over the second rib. |
| US09348100B2 |
Optical communication module
According to one embodiment, an optical communication module includes an optical unit and an optical connector. The optical unit includes an optical semiconductor element and a base. The optical semiconductor element has a first optical axis. The base has a first surface and a mounting portion to mount an optical connector. The first surface is perpendicular to the first optical axis. The base is provided with the optical semiconductor element. The optical connector is mounted at the mounting portion and is capable of rotating around the first optical axis. The optical connector includes a first housing and a light-guiding body. The first housing has a second surface facing the first surface and a second axis crossing the first optical axis at a first angle. The light-guiding body is provided inside the first housing and has an end plane perpendicular to the second axis. |
| US09348097B2 |
Architecture for a fiber optic network
The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic network architecture that uses outside plant fan-out devices to distribute optical signals between fiber distribution hubs and multi-service terminals. The network architecture can also include collector boxes positioned at selected locations of the network architecture. Additionally, patching systems can be used in facilitating upgrading the capacity of the fiber optic network. |
| US09348091B2 |
Multiplexer/demultiplexer based on diffraction and reflection
Transmissive diffraction grating(s), reflector(s), and multiple optical sources/receivers are arranged such that each one of multiple optical signals at corresponding different wavelengths co-propagating along a multiplexed beam path would: (i) be transmissively, dispersively diffracted at a multiplexed transmission region of a grating; (ii) propagate between the multiplexed transmission region and multiple demultiplexed transmission regions of a grating undergoing reflection(s) from the reflector(s); (iii) be transmissively, dispersively diffracted at the demultiplexed transmission regions; and (iv) propagate between the demultiplexed transmission regions and the sources/receivers along multiple demultiplexed beam paths. |
| US09348089B2 |
Optical module
An optical module (1) of the invention includes a circuit substrate (24) on which light receiving and emitting elements (52) are mounted, a connector component (54) for holding optical fibers (7), and a lens array component (55) which is fixed on the circuit substrate (24) and optically connects the optical fibers (7) to the light receiving and emitting elements (52) on the circuit substrate (24), and the circuit substrate (24) has a lens array mounting region (A1) in which the lens array component (55) is fixed and a connector component opposed region (A2) opposed to the connector component (54), and thermal insulation space is formed between the connector component (54) and the connector component opposed region (A2). |
| US09348088B2 |
Systems and methods for passive alignment of opto-electronic components
A method for aligning an opto-electronic component in an IC die with an optical port is disclosed. This is achieved, in various embodiments, by forming alignment features in the IC die that can mate with complementary alignment features of the optical port. The formation of alignment features can be performed at the wafer level during fabrication of the IC die. An optical signal carrier may be optically coupled to the optical port such that the signal carrier may communicate optically with the opto-electronic component. |
| US09348081B2 |
Illumination device and display device
Provided is an illumination device capable of improved illumination quality. This back-light unit (illumination device) (20) is provided with a light source, and a light guide (23) which guides light from the light source. The light guide (23) includes an incidence surface (light incidence surface (23a)) where light from the light source is incident, an end region (22b) on the light source side, and a light emitting region (22a) arranged on the side opposite of the light source with respect to the end region (22b). Prisms (23e) which reflect the light entering the light guide (23) are provided in the light emitting region of the light guide (23). These prisms (23e) are configured to begin from a position (L1) separated by a predetermined distance (D30) from the light incidence surface (23a) in the end region (22b). |
| US09348079B2 |
Display assembly and display apparatus using the same
The display assembly includes: a light source configured to emit light; a light guide plate disposed to receive light emitted from the light source on a lateral side; and a color transformer disposed proximate to an edge of the light guide plate, and configured to change a color of light incident to the color transformer. |
| US09348077B2 |
Method of manufacturing retarder
A method of manufacturing a patterned retarder includes forming a retarder material layer by applying a retarder material to a substrate; drying the retarder material layer at a first temperature; exposing the retarder material layer to linearly-polarized UV, wherein the retarder material layer has an optical anisotropic property; and heat treating the retarder material layer at a second temperature higher than the first temperature to increase the optical anisotropic property of the retarder material layer. |
| US09348076B2 |
Polarizer with variable inter-wire distance
A wire grid polarizer comprising an array of parallel, elongated nano-structures disposed over a surface of a substrate. Each of the nano-structures can include a pair of parallel, elongated wires (or top ribs), each oriented laterally with respect to one another. There can be a first gap disposed between the pair of wires (or top ribs). Each of the nano-structures can be separated from an adjacent nano-structure by a second gap disposed between adjacent nanostructures, and thus between adjacent pairs of wires. A first gap width of the first gap can be different than a second gap width of the second gap. Also included are methods of making wire grid polarizers. |
| US09348074B2 |
Method for producing optical laminate
A method for producing an optical laminate including a film substrate and a polarizing layer which comprises the steps of: (A) laminating a re-releasable film on one main surface of the film substrate to obtain a laminate film substrate; B) performing a rubbing treatment on the other main surface of the film substrate of the laminate film substrate; C) coating the rubbing-treated surface of the film substrate with a solution containing a lyotropic liquid crystal compound and a solvent; and D) detaching the re-releasable film from the laminate film substrate. |
| US09348073B2 |
Photoreactive material layer and method of manufacturing the same
A photoreactive material layer includes an upper portion and a lower portion each including a uniformly aligned crosslinked photoreactive material, wherein the upper portion includes a first portion of the crosslinked photoreactive material and a second portion of the crosslinked photoreactive material, wherein the first portion of the photoreactive material and the second portion of the crosslinked photoreactive material are crosslinked with each other and aligned in a first direction, and the lower portion includes a third portion of the crosslinked photoreactive material and a fourth portion of the crosslinked photoreactive material, wherein the third portion of the crosslinked photoreactive material and the fourth portion of the crosslinked photoreactive material are crosslinked with each other and aligned in the first direction. |
| US09348072B2 |
Optical filter device and electronic apparatus
An interference filter is fixed with respect to a base substrate by a fixing member which is disposed on one portion which is on the outer side of a filter region. Accordingly, since the periphery end of the interference filter, other than a portion (end portion) in which the fixing member is disposed, becomes a floated state (free end), it is possible to suppress the warping of the interference filter even when there is the difference in coefficients of thermal expansion with the base substrate. Further, spacer portions which are lower than the height of the fixing member are formed outside the filter region and on the portion separated from the fixing member. At the time of the impact, since the spacer portions come in contact with the base substrate to function as stoppers, it is possible to suppress occurrence of peeling-off or cracks on the fixing member. |
| US09348069B2 |
Article having a plurality of optical structures
An article having optical structures disposed on a base material element. Optical structures include lenticular lens structures and discrete coloring elements. Lenticular lens structure has several lens layers. The article has a different appearance when an observer views the article at various angles. The appearance may differ in terms of coloring scheme. |
| US09348065B2 |
Multivariate color system with texture application
Implementations of the present invention relate to a translucent and/or transparent polymer-based panel system that incorporates multi-colored insert layers that enable manipulation of color, transparency or light transmission of the finished panel system. Implementations of the present invention also relate to the construction of such panels to avoid the capture and retention of air within the panels through the use of textured surfaces at the lamination interfaces. In addition, implementations of the present invention provide a method of quantifying the optical response achieved in a given panel system and describes types of construction that enable the multiplicity of color and optic manipulation. Furthermore, implementations of the present invention provide methods for applying texture in an efficient, uniform manner. |
| US09348059B2 |
Fast modeling using interpolated starting points
Techniques are disclosed relating to forward and inverse modeling of geophysical formations using interpolation. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a system of equations based on a background model that describes a geophysical formation. In this embodiment, the method also includes generating a first set of solutions for the system of equations using an initial set of base points from geophysical survey data obtained from the geophysical formation and interpolating, using the first set of solutions, to produce a set of solution approximations for a second set of data points from the geophysical survey data. In this embodiment, the method also includes generating a model of the geophysical formation, using the second set of data points and the set of solution approximations, where the model includes a second set of solutions for the system of equations. |
| US09348058B2 |
Method for determining the profile of an inflow and the parameters of a well-surrounding area in a multipay well
A method for the determination of an inflow profile and bottom-hole area parameters (perforation zone parameters, bottom-hole area pollution parameters) in a multipay well comprises changing a production rate and measuring a temperature of a fluid flowing into the well as a function of time for each pay zone. Then a derivative of this temperature with respect to a logarithm of a time passed after the well production rate has been changed for each pay zone is determined. An inflow profile and other parameters are calculated based on a value of said derivative when it becomes constant and on a time after which the value of the derivative becomes constant. |
| US09348057B2 |
Method and apparatus for calibrating sensors that detect wafer protrusion from a wafer cassette
A calibration gauge, an apparatus and a method for calibrating sensors that detect wafer protrusion from a wafer cassette using the calibration gauge. The calibration gauge includes a disk having a first region which is a circular sector of central angle A1 having a constant radius R1 about a center and an integral second region of increasing radius about the center, the increasing radius increasing from R1 to R2 through a central angle A2, wherein R2 is greater than R1 and A1+A2 equals 360°. |
| US09348052B2 |
Analytic estimation apparatus, methods, and systems
In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to record a plurality of acoustic waveforms corresponding to acoustic waves received at azimuthally orthogonal dipole receiver arrays surrounded by a geological formation, the waves being generated by azimuthally orthogonal transmitter arrays. Further activity may include analytically estimating a global minimum of a predefined objective function with respect to an azimuth angle at a point in an auxiliary parameter space associated with a set of auxiliary parameters, minimizing the objective function at the analytically estimated angle with respect to the auxiliary parameters, removing existing ambiguities associated with the fast and slow principal flexural wave axes, and determining at least one property of the geological formation based on the global minimum. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US09348051B2 |
Device and method for deblending simultaneous shooting data using annihilation filter
A device, medium and method for deblending seismic data associated with a subsurface of the earth. The method includes receiving an input dataset generated by first and second sources S1 and S2 that are operating as simultaneous sources; arranging the input dataset based on the firing times of source S1; applying with a computing system an annihilation filter to the arranged input dataset to estimate cross-talk noise; convolving the cross-talk noise estimate with an operator to form a signal estimate using the firing times of S1 and S2; and generating an image of the subsurface based on the signal estimate. |
| US09348048B2 |
Seismic data processing and apparatus
There is a method of seismic data processing that includes receiving seismic data that includes a set of seismic traces, each trace including a signal recorded by a sensor after having been propagated in a subsurface area; migrating the seismic data according to a first velocity model; picking from the time-migrated seismic data one or more events corresponding to one or more subsurface reflectors so as to obtain a set of facets locally approximating the event; kinematic demigrating the picked set of facets so as to obtain simplified seismic data that includes the set of facets and a set of attributes associated with the set of facets; migrating the set of facets based on a second velocity model; and updating the initial velocity model based on an alignment of migrated points within the set of facets. |
| US09348045B2 |
Field correlation for real-time passive seismic surveillance
There is provided herein a method of passive seismic acquisition that utilizes real time or near real time computation to reduce the volume of data that must be moved from the field to the processing center. Much of the computation that is traditionally applied to passive source data can be done in a streaming fashion. The raw data that passes through a field system can be processed in manageable pieces, after which the original data can be discarded and the intermediate results accumulated and periodically saved. These saved intermediate results are at least two, more likely three, orders of magnitude smaller than the raw data they are derived from. Such a volume of data is trivial to store, transport or transmit, allowing passive seismic acquisition to be practically used for continuous near-real-time seismic surveillance. |
| US09348042B2 |
Buried pressurized volumetric source and method
A seismic source configured to generate seismic waves underground. The source includes a tank configured to be buried underground, the tank having a cavity; an actuation mechanism provided inside the cavity, wherein the actuation mechanism is configured to have at least one movable part that moves back and forth to generate a seismic wave having a desired frequency; and a first fluid provided inside the cavity and around the actuation mechanism and configured to transform the back and forth movement of the at least one movable part into a varying pressure that directly acts on walls of the tank. |
| US09348039B2 |
Direction-position sensing fast neutron detector
A directional-position sensing fast neutron sensor system is disclosed. The system includes one or more acoustically tensioned metastable fluid detector (ATMFD) for determining the direction of the source of incident neutron radiation. The system has been used to detect the position of a 1 Ci Pu—Be neutron radiation source. The ATMFD detector is comparable in technical performance with directional fast neutron detector-bank technologies but is significantly more economical, smaller, and has little to no interference from nonneutron background radiation. The ATMFD detector can be used to locate hidden neutron sources and has been used in blind tests to do so. Specifically an ATMFD system (with a 6×10 cm cross-sectional area) provides directional information for incoming neutron radiation from an 8 kg Pu source from a distance of 25 m with a resolution of 11.2° at a 68% confidence within 60 seconds. Position and neutron source image sensing were also demonstrated using two ATMFDs. |
| US09348036B2 |
Method and apparatus for supplying bias voltage to radiation detector
A radiation detecting apparatus includes a radiation detector, a power source, a current detector, and a bias voltage adjuster. The detector includes a semiconductor layer having a compound semiconductor directly converting incoming radiation photons to electric charges and a pair of electrode layers stacked individually on both surfaces of the semiconductor layer. One layer of the paired electrode layers has plural collecting electrodes which enable the semiconductor layer to have one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally arrayed pixels. The power source applies a direct-current bias voltage between the electrodes such that the electric charge is collected to one electrode of the electrodes. The current detector detects current supplied from the power source when the power source applies the bias voltage between the electrodes. The bias voltage adjuster changes a value of the bias voltage applied by the power source depending on a value of the current detected by the current detector. |
| US09348034B2 |
Indirect radiographic imaging systems including integrated beam detect
A wireless X-ray detector for a digital radiography system with remote detection of impinging radiation from the system X-ray source onto a sensor panel having amorphous or crystalline silicon photodiodes or metal insulated semiconductor (MIS) sensors. Certain exemplary embodiments described herein can provide a digital radiography detector including a housing having first and second spaced members and side walls defining a cavity; a radiographic image detector assembly mounted within the cavity for converting a radiographic image to an electronic radiographic image, wherein the detector assembly includes a scintillator screen and a detector imaging array; and a light guiding element positioned proximate the radiographic image detector assembly to detect a start of exposure, a termination of the exposure, dose for the exposure or rate of dose for the exposure using light generated by the scintillator screen. |
| US09348033B2 |
Positron CT apparatus
A positron CT apparatus of this invention includes a first detecting device and a first image processing device for acquiring a 3D image of a first site of interest. Further, a second detecting device and a second image processing device are provided for acquiring a real planar image of the first site of interest and a second site of interest. A calculated planar image calculating device calculates, based on the 3D image, data corresponding only to the first site of interest projected to the real planar image. A correcting device provides a corrected planar image corresponding only to the second site of interest by subtracting the calculated planar image from the real planar image. Thus, the 3D image corresponding to the first site of interest and the corrected planar image with a projection of the second site of interest can be acquired at the same time through one diagnosis. |
| US09348030B2 |
Hybrid satellite positioning receiver
A satellite positioning receiver. The receiver comprises: an RF front end, for receiving satellite positioning signals; an analog to digital converter, for sampling the received signals to generate signal samples; a memory; and a processor, for processing the signal samples to derive code-phases and pseudo-ranges and to calculate a position fix. The processor has a first mode in which it is operable to process the samples as they are generated, to calculate the position fix. It also has a second mode in which it is operable to store the samples or the code-phases or pseudo-ranges in the memory for later processing. |
| US09348025B2 |
Device and method for lateral environment detection of a motor vehicle
A device for lateral environment detection of a motor vehicle and a method for the substantially simultaneous operation of a parking support device and a door protection device is provided. The parking support device and the door protection device perform an environment detection with structurally identical environmental sensors. In order to be able to operate these simultaneously or overlapping in time, without interference by cross echo pulse occurring, it is provided to operate the simultaneously operated environmental sensors at frequencies that are shifted relative to one another and of which at least one of the frequencies is also shifted with respect to a resonance frequency of the environmental sensors. |
| US09348024B2 |
Active sonar apparatus, active sonar signal processing method, and recording medium storing signal processing program thereof
An active sonar apparatus which emits a sound wave and detects a target object based on a sound reflected by this target object including an FFT part which performs the fast Fourier transform of the received sound wave to derive a frequency spectrum and outputs this as an FFT signal, a normalization part which normalizes the FFT signal and outputs this signal as a normalized signal, and a noise elimination unit which performs a plurality of smoothing processes to the normalized signal, combines the signals to which the smoothing processes are performed to generate a combined signal, and outputs the combined signal in which a noise received together with the reflected sound is suppressed. |
| US09348017B2 |
Method and device for ascertaining a misalignment of a radar sensor of a vehicle
A method for ascertaining a misalignment of a radar sensor of a vehicle ascertains a misalignment angle of the misalignment using a weighted averaging of calculated differences between first and second angles of radar reflectors relative to various axes. Also described is a device for ascertaining this misalignment. |
| US09348013B2 |
Item hanger arrangement, system, and method
A system for supporting and tracking at least one item includes a plurality of support structures adapted to support at least one item, at least one signal receiving arrangement associated with the plurality of support structures, at least one indicator arrangement associated with the plurality of support structures, and at least one controller in communication with the at least one signal receiving arrangement and the at least one indicator arrangement. The at least one signal receiving arrangement is configured to receive data from a transponder associated with the at least one item. The controller is programmed and/or configured to control the plurality of indicator arrangements based at least partially on at least a portion of the data received from the at least one signal receiving arrangement. |
| US09348010B1 |
Acoustic survey methods in weapons location system
A survey method giving improvements in weapons fire location systems is disclosed. In an urban system with a distributed array in the midst of many buildings that block signal paths or create echoes, methods are provided to measure signal propagation. A survey or tour of the covered region uses a moving signal source to probe propagation inside the region. Survey results may indicate where more or fewer sensors are needed. Survey results plus current measured noise gives prediction of instantaneous system sensitivity. In addition, multipath propagation may be used to determine a location even when only one or two sensors detect the signal. In such exemplary cases, triangulation may be replaced or augmented by pattern recognition. Further, signals of the survey need not be acoustic impulses such as gunfire, but may be RF signals, or coded continuous signals so that gunfire-like sounds would not disturb citizens in the area. |
| US09348006B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes an acquiring unit, a detecting unit, a deriving unit, and an imaging controller. The acquiring unit acquires three-dimensional image data including a target organ. The detecting unit detects an upper end position and a lower end position of the target organ in the three-dimensional image data. The deriving unit derives an imaging range of subsequent imaging performed after acquisition of the three-dimensional image data based on the upper end position and the lower end position of the target organ. The imaging controller controls performance of the subsequent imaging in accordance with the imaging range. |
| US09348005B2 |
Interventional or non-interventional instrument for use in an MRI apparatus
An interventional or a non-interventional instrument like a catheter, a surgical device, a biopsy needle, a pointer, a stent or another invasive or non-invasive device, like a position marker, or a surface or local coil like a head coil is disclosed, wherein these instruments are provided with an MR-safe RF transmission line or cable (2, 3) for connecting the instrument with related RF transmit/MR receive units or other signal processing units for operating the instrument during an MR imaging or MR examination of an examination object. Basically, MR safety is obtained or increased by means of a plurality of fuses (6) which are serially connected into the transmission line or cable (2, 3). |
| US09348003B2 |
Measuring system
A measuring system having a first magnetic field sensor, a second magnetic field sensor, a third magnetic field sensor, an encoder, and an evaluation circuit to which the first magnetic field sensor, the second magnetic field sensor, and the third magnetic field sensor are connected. The evaluation circuit is configured to determine the position of the encoder based on a first measurement signal of the first magnetic field sensor and a second measurement signal of the second magnetic field sensor and a third measurement signal of the third magnetic field sensor. |
| US09348002B2 |
DLA rotor flux density scan method and tool
A method of measuring flux density and run out to accommodate rotors of different diameters, evaluate intrinsic properties of magnet material and the magnetization process. Circular run out measurement capability is also used to evaluate bearing journal “ovality.” The method includes the use of a scan tool, or a DLA Rotor Flux Density Scan Fixture, which evaluates the electromagnetic field strength (gauss), combined with surface run out and presents the data in a scalable pictorial format. The scan tool includes a probe which measures a magnetic field strength and circular run out of the perimeter of the magnet. Simultaneously, a non-contact measurement sensor is used to measure the rotor surface for subtle variations. The resulting sine wave gauss data and the surface dimension data are manipulated into a scalable “radar” plot. The radar plot correlates magnetic pole field strength and surface circular run out variation to the index position. |
| US09348000B1 |
Magneto optic kerr effect magnetometer for ultra-high anisotropy magnetic measurements
A resistive electromagnet assembly comprises a pair of coils with a gap defined between the coils. The resistive electromagnet assembly is configured to generate a field having a magnetic flux density of at least about 4 Tesla and at a sweep rate to complete a hysteresis loop in less than about 1 minute. A support assembly is configured to support a sample of magnetic material within the gap. An optics module is configured to expose a test region of the magnetic material sample to an optical beam probe while the test region is subjected to the field and to receive a reflected beam from the test region. A processor is coupled to the optics module and configured to measure one or more properties of the magnetic material using the received reflected beam. |
| US09347998B2 |
System and method for measuring battery voltage
An apparatus and method for measuring battery voltage includes a first capacitor configured to receive a charge from a battery. A first switch may be configured to selectively couple the first capacitor to the battery. A second capacitor may be coupled to a reference potential. A second switch may be configured to selectively couple the second capacitor to the first capacitor to transfer at least a portion of the charge on the first capacitor to the second capacitor. |
| US09347996B2 |
Remaining life determining system for stationary storage battery, and method of determining remaining life of stationary storage battery
A remaining life determining system for a stationary storage battery has a detecting unit configured to detect an evaluation value indicative of a deterioration level of the stationary storage battery, a first storage unit configured to store a usage history of the stationary storage battery, a second storage unit configured to store remaining life information associated with usage information of the stationary storage battery, a third storage unit configured to store remaining life basic information of the stationary storage battery, and a controller configured to estimate the remaining life of the stationary storage battery, from the usage history, the evaluation value, and the remaining life information. |
| US09347995B2 |
System and method for detecting battery failure during a non-operating event
A system is provided for monitoring an energy-storing apparatus during a non-operating event of a mechanism that draws energy from the energy-storing apparatus, which includes a plurality of energy-storing cells. The system includes a plurality of sensing units, each of which is coupled to a subset of the plurality of cells and is configured to monitor conditions of the corresponding subset of cells during the non-operating event. The system further includes a wireless communication unit and a power source. The wireless communication unit is coupled to each of the sensing units and configured to communicate a signal indicative of one of the monitored conditions of the corresponding subset of cells to a computing device. The power source provides energy to the sensing units and the wireless communication unit during the non-operating event. |
| US09347991B1 |
Scan throughput enhancement in scan testing of a device-under-test
Systems and methods for enabling scan testing of device-under-test (DUT) are disclosed. In an embodiment, a test system for scan testing the DUT, including P scan input ports and Q scan output ports, includes tester and adapter module. Tester operates at clock frequency F1 and includes M tester Input/Output (I/O) ports for providing M scan inputs and N tester I/O ports for receiving N scan outputs at F1. Adapter module is coupled to tester and configured to receive M scan inputs at F1 and, in response, provide P scan inputs at clock frequency F2 to P scan input ports, and to receive Q scan outputs at F2 from Q scan output ports and, in response, provide N scan outputs at F1 to N tester I/O ports, where ratio of M to P equals ratio of N to Q, and where each of M, N, P and Q are positive integers. |
| US09347989B2 |
Test device for testing a PoP stacked-chip
A test device is provided for testing a bottom chip of a package-on-package (PoP) stacked-chip. An upper surface of the bottom chip has a plurality of soldering points for electrically connecting a plurality of corresponding soldering points of a top chip of the PoP stacked-chip. The test device includes a test head and a plurality of test contacts. The test head has the top chip installed inside. The plurality of test contacts is installed on a lower surface of the test head and electrically connected to the plurality of corresponding soldering points of the top chip inside the test head. When the lower surface of the test head contacts the upper surface of the bottom chip, the plurality of test contacts is electrically connected to the plurality of soldering points for testing the bottom chip. |
| US09347981B2 |
Test method for interposer
A test method for an interposer is provided. The interposer includes a plurality of conductive lines therein and a plurality of connecting contacts thereon, wherein the connecting contacts are electrically connected to the conductive lines. The test method for an interposer provides a passive transponder device. The passive transponder device includes a first circuit including an open/short test circuit and at least a pair of connecting contacts. The test method for an interposer includes contacting the connecting contacts of the first circuit in the passive transponder device with the selected contacts on the interposer to form a checking area and conducting an open-circuit or short-circuit test for the interposer through the checking area. |
| US09347975B2 |
Auto-numbering of measurements in digital multimeter
A digital multimeter stores multiple sequential measurements of physical or electrical parameters. Each of the sequential measurements has a name including an automatically generated descriptor. The descriptor for each sequential measurement may indicate a relative position of the measurement within the sequence. For instance, the descriptor may indicate whether the measurement was obtained before or after other measurements in the sequence. |
| US09347973B2 |
Stress control assembly and methods of making the same
A stress control apparatus for managing effects caused by electrical stress in a high voltage environment, and methods of manufacturing the apparatus. A dielectric tube with a central bore coated with a conductive material has an outer conductive coating on a lower section that is grounded. The central bore carries a high voltage potential from a current-carrying conductor. The grounded coating transitions to the exposed outer dielectric surface along a gradually tapered transition. A conductive insert connects to the central bore and forms an electric field in a space between the insert and the grounded coating. When coated with an epoxy and inserted into the central bore, the insert forms a small gap between an outer surface of the insert and part of the central bore, such that there is no zero potential difference in the gap. Any epoxy that oozes out during insertion will collect in the gap. |
| US09347969B2 |
Compound microscope
A compound microscope of an optical microscope and a scanning probe microscope includes a stage to support a sample substrate holding a sample, and a cantilever chip having a substrate, a cantilever supported by the substrate, and a probe provided at the free end of the cantilever. The compound microscope further includes a scanner to hold the cantilever chip so that the probe faces the sample substrate and so that the substrate is inclined with respect to the sample substrate and to three-dimensionally scan the cantilever chip with respect to the sample substrate, a displacement sensor to optically detect the displacement of the cantilever, and an illumination light source to apply illumination light for observation by the optical microscope to the sample through the space between the substrate and the sample substrate. |
| US09347965B1 |
Autosampler with enhanced expansion capability
A chemical autosampler is disclosed having a main control unit with a processing circuit that communicates with various electronic modules using wireless communications signals, which allows for easy expansion of the capabilities of the basic autosampler unit. The main control unit resides on a longitudinal rail module that allows many various accessory modules to be physically mounted to the rail. There is a head module that includes the sampling syringe, and also includes transport motors that allow the head module to move in three axes. The head module includes its own processing circuit to control various solenoids and valves to properly move liquids and gasses for the sampling procedures, and to control the various transport motors. The autosampler also includes a control routine to automatically detect and calibrate the position of each of the accessory modules that are installed by a user on the rail module. |
| US09347962B2 |
Handheld diagnostic system with chip-scale microscope and automated image capture mechanism
A handheld diagnostic system may include a disposable sample holder for receiving and containing a biological sample and an analysis module having a chip-scale microscope. The sample holder may include a plurality of uniformly spaced tick marks. The analysis module may include a sensor for detecting the tick marks as the sample holder is inserted into the analysis module. The chip-scale microscope may include an image sensor for capturing images of the sample. Each time the sensor detects a tick mark, control circuitry may issue a control signal to the image sensor to capture an image of the biological sample. This type of automated image capture mechanism ensures that images are captured at a uniform spatial distribution even when the sample holder is inserted into the analysis module at variable speed. The analysis module may transmit sample imaging data to a portable electronic device. |
| US09347958B2 |
Device and method for determination of an analyte in blood
A sample acquiring device, an apparatus and a method for spectrophotometric measurement of high density lipoprotein (HDL) and at least one of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and glucose (FPG). |
| US09347954B2 |
Antibody capable of binding to specific region of periostin, and method of measuring periostin using the same
The present invention provides a method and a reagent for measuring periostin contained in a sample with improved accuracy, a method for improving accuracy in measurement of periostin, and a method of testing for pulmonary fibrosis or interstitial pneumonia with improved accuracy. The antibody of the present invention binds to at least one region selected from the group consisting of an EMI region, an R1 region, an R2 region, and an R3 region of periostin or a cleavage product thereof. The method and the reagent for measuring periostin and the method for improving accuracy in periostin measurement of the present invention is characterized by detecting at least one region selected from the group consisting of an EMI region, an R1 region, an R2 region, and an R3 region of periostin. The method of testing for pulmonary fibrosis or interstitial pneumonia of the present invention includes the steps of a) measuring the amount or concentration of periostin in a sample derived from a subject, which measuring includes detecting at least one region selected from the group consisting of an EMI region, an R1 region, an R2 region, and an R3 region of periostin and b) comparing the amount or concentration of the periostin in the sample derived from the subject with an amount or concentration of periostin in a sample derived from a living body not suffering from pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial pneumonia. |
| US09347953B2 |
Method for the diagnosis of a carcinoma and uses thereof
The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing a carcinoma or a residual disease associated thereto, or for the prognosis of a carcinoma, or for monitoring the effectiveness of an anti-tumour therapy directed against a carcinoma, or for monitoring the follow-up of an individual affected by a carcinoma, in particular colorectal carcinoma, carcinoma of the stomach, mammary carcinoma, pulmonary carcinoma or carcinoma of the prostate, carcinoma of the liver, carcinoma of the ovary, carcinoma of the kidney, carcinoma of the thyroid, carcinoma of the bladder or carcinoma of the pancreas. The method of the invention consists in placing adult stem cells in contact with a sample of a haemo-derivative of the individual to be analyzed and in verifying the expression of at least an epithelial marker in the stem cells by means of immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, ELISA or RT-PCR. |
| US09347948B2 |
Phenyl glyoxal probes
Novel phenyl-glyoxal based anti-citrulline probes and methods of synthesis are provided. Methods of use, such as, the development of methods for monitoring substrate citrullination over time; for identifying citrullinated proteins from cells are described. |
| US09347944B2 |
Method for detecting pneumonia causative bacteria using nucleic acid chromatography
Provided are a method and a kit for accurately and rapidly detecting ten types of targeting pneumonia bacteria: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Moraxella catarrhalis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Staphylococcus aureus. A set of primer pairs directed to their respective target regions contained in the DnaJ gene, etc., of the ten types of pneumonia causative bacteria is designed for the ten bacterial strains and used to amplify gene products. A set of bacterial strain-specific probe pairs is further designed for the ten bacterial strains such that the probe pairs hybridize with the amplification products via sequences in the respective target regions differing from the sequences hybridized by the set of primer pairs. A first probe-bound labeled high molecular carrier in which plural types of first probes for the pneumonia bacteria are bound to a labeled high molecular carrier and a solid-phase second probe-carrying developing support are used as the set of probe pairs to perform nucleic acid chromatography. |
| US09347938B2 |
Methods for detecting multiple analytes with a single signal
Compositions, methods, and devices for the detection of multiple analytes with a single signal are provided. |
| US09347937B2 |
Vaccine comprising Amb a 1 peptides for use in the treatment of ragweed allergy
The present invention relates to compositions for preventing or treating allergy to ragweed by tolerization. The compositions are based on combinations of peptide fragments derived from the major allergen in ragweed pollen, Amb a 1. The invention also relates to products, vectors and formulations which may be used to provide polypeptides of the invention in combination. The invention further relates to in vitro methods for determining whether T cells recognize a polypeptide of the invention, and for determining whether an individual has or is at risk of a condition characterized by allergic symptoms in response to a ragweed allergen. |
| US09347931B2 |
Lateral flow assay device for coagulation monitoring and method thereof
The present invention is directed to a lateral flow assay device for the monitoring and measuring of coagulation and method thereof. Ideally, the invention is directed to a lateral capillary flow device for the monitoring and/or measurement of coagulation in a liquid sample wherein the device comprises a non-porous substrate with a zone for receiving a sample and a defined flow path zone wherein a clotting agent is deposited on at least part of the defined flow path zone to accelerate the coagulation of the liquid sample, enable the formation of an evenly distributed clot along the defined flow path zone and to result in the change in flow rate or cessation of flow of the liquid sample along the defined flow path zone. |
| US09347930B2 |
Dispensing mechanism for test strips
A dispensing mechanism for dispensing measurement strips is presented having a strip cartridge with an enclosure for retaining a plurality of measurement strips and a dispensing slot for dispensing one measurement strip at a time, a spring rotatably arranged with respect to the strip cartridge, the spring comprising at least one engagement section adapted to engage one of the measurement strips at a time and move it out of the dispensing slot when the spring is rotated, and a guide slot arranged in the strip cartridge for guiding the engagement section of the spring as the spring is rotated. |
| US09347929B2 |
Controlling translocation through nanopores with fluid wall
Improved resolution and detection of nanoparticles are achieved when a nanopore connecting liquid compartments in a device running on the Coulter principle is provided with fluid lipid walls. The fluid lipid walls are made of a lipid bilayer, and preferably include lipid anchored mobile ligands as part of the lipid bilayer. By varying the nature and concentration of the mobile ligand in the lipid bilayer, multifunctional coatings of lipids are provided. |
| US09347927B2 |
Systems and methods for implementing advanced agent monitoring using a heated vaporizer inlet apparatus
A system and method are provided for implementing an advanced monitoring scheme to detect a localized presence of particular target substances, including toxic chemical agents, in a space, and particularly for detecting and monitoring a presence of chemical agents that are absorbed into porous or semi-porous products and surfaces in the space when it is determined that potential chemical agent exposure has occurred. A heated vaporizer inlet apparatus provides a sensor source that is optimized for the detection of less volatile chemical agents, and particular less volatile chemical agents, that have been absorbed by materials with porous compositions or surfaces. The heated vaporizer inlet apparatus is used for heating architectural surfaces that were exposed to chemical agents in an effort to substantially increase a vapor pressure of a target substance disposed on or absorbed in a particular target surface. |
| US09347926B2 |
Exhaust sampling system and method for synchronizing time alignment and dilation
A system and method is provided for synchronizing a first and second signal of an exhaust sampling system. The first signal is generated by a first instrument and includes an exhaust flow rate component and a first instrument time stamp component. The second signal is generated by a second instrument and includes a pollutant concentration component and a second instrument time stamp component. The second instrument also generates a tertiary signal that has been influenced by the first signal and includes a second instrument time stamp component. A synchronization module determines a time relationship for synchronizing the first signal and the second signal by comparing the first flow rate component and the first instrument time stamp component of the first signal to the tertiary signal and the second instrument time stamp component of the tertiary signal. The synchronization provides accurate calculation of a pollutant mass flow rate. |
| US09347922B2 |
Method and apparatus for analyzing alkalinity conditions in aqueous liquids
Method for analyzing the alkalinity conditions in aqueous liquids, comprising: sampling a known amount of the aqueous liquid and placing it in a container of known volume, measuring pH in the sampled liquid and pressure in the container, adding a known amount of CO2 to the sampled liquid, and measuring pH in the sampled liquid and the pressure in the container, and finally calculating the total alkalinity based on the values from the performed measurements. An apparatus for conducting the method is also described as well as a method for controlling chemistry of a glycol containing liquid in a system for recovery of glycol. |
| US09347921B2 |
Method for filtering a chromatogram
Low-complexity, application-independent fixation of a chromatogram is achieved by a) determining a limit frequency under the assumption that the shape of the peaks in the chromatogram corresponds approximately to a Gaussian function having a standard deviation and the Fourier transform of the Gaussian function describes the frequency spectrum of a peak, at which limit frequency the Fourier transform has decreased to a predetermined limit value, b) determining the height, width, and retention time of each individual peak from the chromatogram, or a chromatogram taken previously under the same conditions, c) determining a constant factor based on a first predetermined relationship, d) determining the functional dependency of the limit frequency on the retention time as a variable quantity based on a second predetermined relationship, and e) filtering the chromatogram with the limit frequency depending on the retention time as the variable quantity using a low-pass filter. |
| US09347920B2 |
Analytical instruments, assemblies, and methods
Person-portable mass analysis instrumentation configured to perform multidimensional mass analysis is provided. Mass analysis instrumentation can include a housing encompassing components of the instrumentation with the housing of the instrumentation defining a space having a volume of equal to or less than about 100,000 cm3. Instrument assemblies are also provided that can include a housing coupled to an instrument component isolation assembly, wherein the component isolation assembly is isolated from an environment exterior to the housing. Exemplary instrument assemblies can include at least first and second components configured to provide analysis with a housing of the instrument at least partially encompassing the first and second components and the first component being rigidly affixed to the housing. An isolation assembly can also be provided that is rigidly affixed to the second component with the isolation assembly being isolated from received inputs of the housing. |
| US09347919B2 |
Gas-liquid contact extraction method and apparatus
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for rapidly extracting the analyte existing in the liquid phase in analyzing an analyte “having a large partition coefficient in gas-liquid equilibrium”, “having a high water solubility”, or “having a low olfactory threshold” by a gas-liquid contact extraction method, and further provides, a method and apparatus for unmanned continuous sample introduction of the analyte to a GC or the like for a long time. In the present invention, using a gas-liquid contact extractor to which a sample liquid is continuously introduced from above and a purge gas from beneath, the analyte in the sample liquid is extracted by gas-liquid contact between the sample liquid and the purge gas. A discharge pipe is connected to the bottom of the gas-liquid contact extractor, the pipe having a liquid sump through which the sample liquid is discharged, while blocking the outflow of the purge gas from the liquid sump. |
| US09347916B2 |
Process for determining mycotoxin production from a specific chemical fingerprint
The present invention relates to a process for determining mycotoxin production in an interior environment which includes a search for a chemical fingerprint comprising at least one target molecule that is a VOC, optionally cyclic, associated with mycotoxin production, preferably selected from the group comprising cububene, cadiene, copaene, ylangene, D germacrene, muurolane, 1,1-dimethylbutylbenzene, 1,1,2-trimethyl-propyl-benzene, 1-hexyltetradecylbenzene, tetratetracontane, 1-ethyldecylbenzene, hydroxytoluene butylate, 1-butyloctylbenzene, 1-propylnonylbenzene, 2-methylisoborneol and at least one sesquiterpene. |
| US09347912B2 |
Sensor adapter, method for the manufacture thereof, method for the use of a sensor in this sensor adapter and bioreactor with this sensor adapter
A sensor adapter is described for the noninvasive positioning of a sensor, especially of an electrochemical sensor, in a medium. The sensor adapter comprises an accommodating channel, in which the sensor can be positioned and the one end region of which is closed off by a semipermeable membrane. Moreover, the sensor adapter comprises a hollow cylindrical sealing structure, which is disposed within the accommodating channel coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the latter and with which the sensor can be disposed gas tight adjacent to the semipermeable membrane. |
| US09347911B2 |
Fluid sensor chip and method for manufacturing the same
A fluid sensor chip includes an isolator substrate including amorphous carbon, an electrical conductor including graphite and an active material including graphene or carbon nanotubes. |
| US09347909B2 |
Sample-retainable biosensor test strip
A biosensor test strip includes: a first working electrode and a second working electrode formed on a base plate, having the second working electrode circumferentially surrounding the first working electrode to define a reaction pool within the second working electrode having a biological reagent provided in the reaction pool. Upon feeding a liquid sample of a user or patient into the reaction pool, the liquid sample will be well retained in the reaction pool to be reacted with the reagent to produce a signal which is then converted to be a readable data as displayed on a measurement apparatus or meter. |
| US09347908B2 |
Molecular imprinted nanosensors
A molecular recognition sensor system is provided incorporating a molecular imprinted nanosensor device. |
| US09347902B2 |
Tester for measuring insulating properties of cross-linked polyethylene
A tester for measuring insulating properties of cross-linked polyethylene, the tester including: a housing including a control panel; a high voltage chamber including an insulating cover, a fixed frame, an insulating oil cup, a high voltage electrode, a ground electrode, and a temperature control device; and a test circuit including a high voltage power supply, a voltmeter, a timer, an overcurrent protection device, and a digital thermometer. The high voltage chamber and the test circuit are arranged inside the housing. The control panel is arranged on the housing. The insulating cover is disposed on the high voltage chamber. The fixed frame is disposed inside the high voltage chamber. The insulating oil cup is mounted on the fixed frame. The high voltage electrode and the ground electrode are disposed oppositely inside the insulating oil cup. The temperature control device is disposed beneath the insulating oil cup. |
| US09347900B2 |
Real-time redox sequencing
Real time redox sequencing methods, devices, and systems are described. Arrays of redox devices comprising one or two electrodes are used to provide sequence information about a template nucleic acid in a polymerase-template complex bound proximate to the electrode(s). A sequencing reaction mixture comprising nucleotide analogs comprising redox labels is introduced to the array of redox devices under conditions of polymerase mediated nucleic acid synthesis. The time sequence of incorporation of nucleotide analogs is determined by electrochemically identifying the redox labels of the nucleotide analogs that are incorporated into the growing strand. |
| US09347899B2 |
Thermographic inspection techniques
A system may include a fluid source fluidically coupled to a plenum; a thermal camera; at least one flow meter; and a computing device communicatively connected to the at least one flow meter and the thermal camera. The computing device may be configured to receive flow rate values from the at least one flow meter relating to flow testing of a first component fluidically coupled to the plenum; receive thermographic image data captured by the thermal camera during flowing thermographic testing of a second component fluidically coupled to the plenum; and associate the flow rate values with the thermographic image data to produce quantitative flowing thermographic image data. |
| US09347898B1 |
Measuring thermal properties of layered structure in situ
An in situ method for deriving the thermal properties of a layered structure represents physical layers by effective thermal layers. The method requires access to only one side of a structure and performs a series of tests wherein a periodic heat flux is applied to the surface of the structure. Each test employs a unique frequency, which is associated with an effective thermal layer of the structure. During the tests the temperature of the surface is monitored and a record of transient temperature is kept. A thermal model of effective layers is created based on the number of tests/frequencies available. The values of the applied heat fluxes are incorporated into this thermal model of effective layers. An optimization technique is used to find the thermal capacity and thermal resistance of the effective layers by best matching the predicted response to that of the measured transient temperature response. |
| US09347896B2 |
Cross-section processing-and-observation method and cross-section processing-and-observation apparatus
A cross-section processing-and-observation method, including a cross-section exposure step in which a sample is irradiated with a focused ion beam to expose a cross-section of the sample, and a cross-sectional image acquisition step in which the cross-section is irradiated with an electron beam to acquire a cross-sectional image of the cross-section. The cross-section exposure step and the cross-sectional image acquisition step are repeatedly performed along a predetermined direction of the sample at a setting interval to acquire multiple cross-sectional images of the sample. The method also includes a specific observation target detection step in which a predetermined specific observation target from the cross-sectional image acquired a the cross-sectional image acquisition step is detected. In the specific observation target detection step, after a predetermined specific observation target is detected, the setting interval of the cross-section exposure step is set to be shorter than that before the specific observation target is detected. |
| US09347894B2 |
Methods and systems for producing visible light and x-ray image data
An imaging system may include a main enclosure having at least one access door that defines a substantially light-tight imaging compartment when the access door is in a closed position. An object platform provided within the main enclosure holds an object to be imaged. A camera system positioned on a first side of the object platform is operable to capture a visible light image of the object. A radiation detector positioned on the first side of the object platform is moveable from a first position to a second position across a field of view of the camera system. The radiation detector is operable to capture a radiographic image of the object by moving the radiation detector from the first position to the second position while detecting radiation from the object. |
| US09347891B2 |
Wafer and reticle inspection systems and methods for selecting illumination pupil configurations
In an optical inspection tool, an illumination aperture is opened at each of a plurality of aperture positions of an illumination pupil area one at a time across the illumination pupil area. For each aperture opening position, an incident beam is directed towards the illumination pupil area so as to selectively pass a corresponding ray bundle of the illumination beam at a corresponding set of one or more incident angles towards the sample and an output beam, which is emitted from the sample in response to the corresponding ray bundle of the incident beam impinging on the sample at the corresponding set of one or more incident angles, is detected. A defect detection characteristic for each aperture position is determined based on the output beam detected for each aperture position. An optimum aperture configuration is determined based on the determined defect detection characteristic for each aperture position. |
| US09347890B2 |
Low-noise sensor and an inspection system using a low-noise sensor
A method of inspecting a sample at high speed includes directing and focusing radiation onto a sample, and receiving radiation from the sample and directing received radiation to an image sensor. Notably, the method includes driving the image sensor with predetermined signals. The predetermined signals minimize a settling time of an output signal of the image sensor. The predetermined signals are controlled by a phase accumulator, which is used to select look-up values. The driving can further include loading an initial phase value, selecting most significant bits of the phase accumulator, and converting the look-up values to an analog signal. In one embodiment, for each cycle of a phase clock, a phase increment can be added to the phase accumulator. The driving can be performed by a custom waveform generator. |
| US09347886B2 |
Apparatus for monitoring deposition rate, apparatus provided with the same for depositing organic layer, method of monitoring deposition rate, and method of manufacturing organic light emitting display apparatus using the same
An apparatus for monitoring deposition rate, an apparatus including the same, for depositing an organic layer, a method of monitoring deposition rate, and a method of manufacturing an organic light emitting display apparatus using the same, are provided. The deposition rate monitoring apparatus for measuring deposition rate of a deposition material discharged from a deposition source, includes: a light source for irradiating light having a wavelength within a photoexcitation bandwidth of the deposition material; a first optical system for irradiating the light emitted from the light source toward the discharged deposition material; a second optical system for collecting the light emitted from the deposition material; and a first light sensor for detecting the amount of the light which is emitted from the deposition material and collected in the second optical system. |
| US09347880B2 |
Method and apparatus for imaging of semi-transparent matter
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring the spatial and velocity distribution of scattering structures of a sample in semi-transparent matter. The acquired spectral data I(k, t) are transformed in two steps to image data I(z, v). A Doppler shift is imposed on the light to a separate real and mirror images in the v space to suppress the complex ambiguity artifact. |
| US09347879B2 |
Apparatus and methods for detecting overlay errors using scatterometry
Disclosed is a scatterometry mark for determining an overlay error, critical dimension, or profile of the mark. The mark includes a first plurality of periodic structures on a first layer, a second plurality of periodic structures on a second layer, and a third plurality of periodic structures on a third layer that is underneath the first and second layer. The third periodic structures are perpendicular to the first and second structures, and the third periodic structures have one or more characteristics so as to result in a plurality of lower structures beneath the third periodic structures being screened from significantly affecting at least part of a spectrum of a plurality of scattered signals detected from the first and second periodic structures for determining an overlay error, critical dimension, or profile of the first and second periodic structures or at least one of such detected scattered signals. |
| US09347878B2 |
Method and apparatus for external cavity laser absorption spectroscopy
Method and apparatus for external cavity laser absorption spectroscopy There is disclosed an apparatus, and corresponding methods, for determining one or more characteristics of a sample in an absorption cell using laser absorption spectroscopy. For example, the characteristic may be concentration of a species in the sample. The apparatus comprises an external cavity semiconductor laser comprising a semiconductor gain medium within an optical resonator. The absorption cell is located within the optical resonator of the external cavity semiconductor laser so as to be optically coupled with the gain medium. A controller is arranged to provide a varied injection current to the semiconductor gain medium. A photodetector is arranged to detect laser light output by the external cavity semiconductor laser. An analyzer is arranged to determine one or more characteristics of the sample from behavior of the detected laser light output as a function of the varied injection current. |
| US09347876B2 |
Infrared optical sensor incorporating a transmission measuring cell
Disclosed is an infrared optical sensor for the continuous analysis of a liquid flowing in a pipe. The sensor includes, in a housing, a central section of duct through which the liquid to be analyzed flows, and a spectral analysis device using a light beam, including an infrared source which emits a signal which is received by a receiving device having passed through the liquid, an optical component which allows the light beam to pass through the liquid, and a support plate which carries the infrared source and the receiving device. The liquid to be analyzed circulates through a loop formed by walls in the form of an arch of the optical component and by a projection of the housing in the optical component. A sealing gasket is compressed between the optical component and the housing, in order to prevent any diffusion of liquid on the interior of the housing. |
| US09347868B2 |
Methods and systems for rapidly testing adhesion
Adhesion testing systems, methods of fabrication, and methods of testing are disclosed. Test systems include test coupons with non-metallic test adherends. Test coupons are configured to test bonds to the non-metallic test adherends under peeling stress and/or shearing stress. Test methods are simplified and rapid as compared to standard adhesion tests and include methods of accelerated environmental testing. Test methods also are adapted for qualitative and quantitative measurement of bond performance. |
| US09347862B2 |
Setting up a wafer inspection process using programmed defects
Methods and systems for setting up a wafer inspection process using programmed defects are provided. One method includes altering a design for a dummy area of a production chip such that printing of the dummy area on a wafer results in printing of a variety of defects. Two or more of the defects have different types, one or more different characteristics, different contexts in the design, or a combination thereof. The dummy area printed on a wafer may then be scanned with two or more optical modes of an inspection system to determine which of the optical mode(s) are better for defect detection. Additional areas of the wafer may then be scanned with the optical mode(s) that are better for defect detection to determine noise information. The noise information may then be used to select one or more of the optical modes for use in a wafer inspection process. |
| US09347861B2 |
Fluid sample holders with piston valve
Disclosed is a fluid sample holder 20 for delivering or receiving a fluid sample to or from fluid processing equipment such as a chromatography column 5 (FIG. 1). The sample holder 20 comprises: a sample fluid reservoir 15; a sample fluid port 23; a buffer fluid port 21; and a sliding seal 25 within the reservoir 15 having an external area 258 (FIG. 3) which generally sealing engages with a wall of the reservoir 15 thereby defining first 22 and second 24 fluid separated regions in the reservoir 15. The sliding seal 25 is displaceable within the reservoir 15 by means of a working fluid pressure differential between the first 22 and second 24 regions to thereby change the respective volumes of the first and second regions, and the external area at least is formed from a plastics molded material which elastically flexes when subjected to a pressure differential greater than the working fluid pressure differential and when so flexed allows fluid flow between the first and second regions. |
| US09347857B2 |
Microtome with surface orientation sensor to sense orientation of surface of sample
A sample sectioning device includes a cutting mechanism, a sample holder, a drive system, and a surface orientation sensor. The sample holder is operable to hold a sample. The cutting mechanism is operable to cut sections from the sample. The drive system is coupled with the sample holder. The drive system is operable to drive movement between the sample held by the sample holder and the cutting mechanism. The surface orientation sensor is operable to sense an orientation of a surface of the sample held by the sample holder. |
| US09347855B2 |
Inspection arrangement
An inspection arrangement including an inspection element and a positioning tool for positioning the inspection element, the inspection element being attachable to the positioning tool by an attachment arrangement, and having a fixing element to present the inspection element in use, the fixing element including a plurality of radially extending resilient elements. |
| US09347852B1 |
Microscope illumination diagnostic cube
Modern implementations of Kohler illuminated epi illumination microscope systems provide state of the art performance in various scientific fields such as clinical practice and biological research. While modern microscope performance has increased by use of high performance components, modern microscopes now degrade over time and exhibit inconstant performance. New systems comprise new illumination cubes that replace existing components and contain optical components that provide users with a diagnostic image of the epi illumination. |
| US09347851B2 |
Signal processing of lamb wave data for pipe inspection
The invention relates to systems and methods for conducting an ultrasonic, nondestructive evaluation and inspection of a pipe using Lamb-type wave transducers to detect the presence of defects, flaws, discontinuities and the like. The transducers are positioned within the interior space of the pipe. Two transducers are positioned facing each other such that the ultrasonic beam emitted from each of the transducers is directed toward the other transducer and the portion of pipe to be inspected. The coverage of the transducers is verified and the results are processed using a combination of a cross correlation filter and a signal processing tool. |
| US09347849B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining the thermal status of fuel in a line leak detection system
A method of determining the thermal status of fuel in a fuel distribution system (10) includes pressurizing the distribution line (16) by activating a submersible pump (14) in an underground storage tank (12). Once the distribution line (16) is pressurized, the pump (14) is switched off, and the reverse flow rate out of the distribution line back into the tank (12) is monitored. The test is repeated after a period of time, and the reverse flow rates of the separate tests are compared to determine if the fuel in the distribution line (16) is in thermal stability with the surrounding environment based on flow rate changes between tests. |
| US09347848B1 |
Marine probe with no moving parts for a marine tank
A marine probe with no moving parts for use in one or more tanks on a floating vessel. The marine probe has pressure transducers, temperature sensors, an inclinometer, and a probe processor electrically connected to the pressure transducers, temperature sensors, inclinometer and a probe data storage. The marine probe controls the temperature sensors and pressure transducers to produce bidirectional signals and calculate at least one physical property, performs adaptive measurement for dynamic and static synchronized and non-synchronized measurement, identifies temperature sensors and pressure transducers not covered by the fluid, measures multiple parameters of the fluid in the tank, calibrates pressure transducers in a vapor space of the tank when the pressure transducers are no longer in the fluid, and creates bidirectional signals using values from the inclinometer transferring the bidirectional signals to a client device via a network. |
| US09347845B2 |
Magneto-elastic sensor, load pin, ball-joint and tow coupling comprising this sensor, method of determining a direction of a load vector
A magneto elastic sensor having a longitudinally extending shaft like member which is subject to a load, is provided. A magneto-elastically active region is directly or indirectly attached to or forming a part of the member in such a manner that the mechanic stress is transmitted to the active region. A magnetically polarized region of the active region becomes increasingly helically shaped as the application stress increases. A magnetic field sensor is arranged approximate the magneto-elastically active region for outputting a signal corresponding to a stress induced magnetic flux emanating from the magnetically polarized region. The magnetic sensor determines one out of a shear stress and a compressive stress. The magnetic sensor can include at least one direction sensitive magnetic field sensor, which is arranged having a predetermined and fixed spatial coordination with the member. |
| US09347843B2 |
Low-height sensor for measuring torque angle
A sensor for measuring a torque angle. The sensor includes a magnet, a first stator, a second stator, a first collector, a second collector, and a magnetic sensing element. The first stator includes a first horizontal ring section located on a first plane, and a plurality of first teeth extended from the first horizontal ring section, the plurality of teeth located on a second plane. The second stator includes a second horizontal ring section located on the second plane, and a plurality of second teeth extended from the second horizontal ring section, the plurality of second teeth located on the second plane. The first collector is located proximate the first horizontal ring section and the second collector is located proximate the second horizontal ring section. The magnetic sensing element is magnetically coupled to the first collector the second collector. |
| US09347841B2 |
Optical fiber coupled photonic crystal slab strain sensor, system and method of fabrication and use
The present disclosure is generally directed to a strain sensor, system and method of fabrication and use that includes an optical fiber, an optical signal generator that transmits an optical signal through the optical fiber, at least two photonic crystal slabs within the optical fiber separated by a first segment of optical fiber, a photo-detector that detects a reflected optical signal from the at least two photonic crystal slabs, and a processor that computes a mechanical strain over the first segment of optical fiber based on the reflected optical signal detected by the photo-detector. |
| US09347836B2 |
Dynamic voltage reference for sampling delta based temperature sensor
A system and method for measuring integrated circuit (IC) temperature. An integrated circuit (IC) includes a thermal sensor and data processing circuitry. The thermal sensor utilizes switched currents provided to a reference diode and a thermal diode. The ratios of the currents provided to each of these diodes may be chosen to provide a given delta value between the resulting sampled diode voltages. At a later time, a different ratio of currents may be provided to each of these diodes to provide a second given delta value between the resulting sampled diode voltages. A differential amplifier within the data processing circuitry may receive the analog sampled voltages and determine the delta values. Other components within the data processing circuitry may at least digitize and store one or both of the delta values. A difference between the digitized delta values may calculated and used to determine an IC temperature digitized code. |
| US09347834B2 |
Infrared sensor array based temperature monitoring systems for data centers and related methods
Temperature monitoring systems for data centers include a plurality of ceiling-mounted infrared sensor arrays. Each infrared sensor array includes a two-dimensional array of infrared emission sensors, and at least some of the infrared emission sensors have field of view patterns that project onto aisle faces of equipment racks that are mounted in rows in the data center. These systems may further include a controller that is remote from at least some of the infrared sensor arrays and that is in communications with the infrared sensor arrays, the controller configured to provide a two-dimensional thermal map of the aisle faces of the equipment racks based at least in part on temperature data received from the infrared sensor arrays. |
| US09347833B2 |
Infrared touch and hover system using time-sequential measurements
A touch and hover-sensitive sensor system is provided. The system may include a planar light guide that has a plurality of light sources located along a first edge of the light guide and a plurality of light sensors located along a second edge of the light guide orthogonal to the first edge. The light guide may include light-turning arrangements that are configured to redirect light passing through a first side of the light guide from/along orthogonal directions within the light guide. A controller may illuminate proper subsets of the light sources; light that is emitted from the first side and that encounters an object, e.g., a fingertip, may be reflected back into the first side and then redirected to the light sensors. Depending on the light sensors that detect the highest redirected reflected light intensity and the active light sources, the controller may determine the XY/XYZ location of the object. |
| US09347821B1 |
Refuse container with weight indicator and danger alerting
A refuse container provides an indication of the weight of the refuse stored therein and provides a danger alert when the weight of the refuse nears or exceeds a predetermined maximum. A display can display a value based on the weight of the refuse held in the refuse container. Further, one or more light sources can provide an indication of the weight of the refuse held in the refuse container. For example, the number of light source lit can provide an indication of the weight of the refuse held in the refuse container. A scale in the refuse container measures the weight of the refuse held therein. A controller uses the weight of the refuse held in the refuse container to determine the value to display on the display and whether to activate the light sources. |
| US09347817B2 |
Surgical object and comprehensive fluid monitoring system having capability of mobile monitoring and having highly sensitive and reliable detection of objects being placed in a container
A surgical sponge and comprehensive fluid monitoring system and method are provided. The system includes a support ring for securely supporting a container with at least one port opening for receiving surgical sponges placed into the container. A hollow spine structure includes a channel and a rod that can move in the channel. The rod transfers weight force from the support ring to a weight force sensing device. A flexure maintains the rod vertically aligned in the channel with a gap separating the length of the rod from the channel walls. A processor receives an information signal indicative of at least one of urine outflow, suction fluid outflow, irrigation fluid intake; and intravenous fluid intake, of a surgical patient. The processor accumulates a total amount of estimated net fluid volume loss for the patient from the surgical sponge, and from other measured fluid outflow and intake. |
| US09347815B2 |
Single-protein nanomechanical mass spectrometry in real time
Methods and devices relating to measuring a landing position and mass of an analyte adsorbed to a nanomechanical resonator by resolving adsorbate-induced frequency shifts in at least two modes of a resonator resonance frequency, where during the resolving of the frequency shifts in the at least two modes analysis is so that the transformation (G) from the fractional-frequency shift pair to the analyte mass-position pair is one-to-one. Complex protein mixtures can be analyzed at high sensitivity and resolution. |
| US09347812B1 |
Adjustable volumetric measuring utensil
An adjustable volumetric measuring utensil has an adjustable inner member including a repositionable dam member and an outer member including a fixed wall having an incurvate interior surface forming a non-horizontally oriented channel, such that the interior surface of the channel mates with the dam member at a plurality of locations to form a measuring chamber of variable volume, the channel having a full measure indicator defining a horizontal upper boundary plane delimiting from above the measuring chamber of variable volume and defining the correct positioning of the horizontal upper surface of a measured material, whereby the dam member can be positioned partly above and partly below the horizontal upper boundary plane and whereby a variable portion of the upstream face of the dam member is in contact with the measured material, depending on its positioning, the utensil including a series of volumetric measuring indicia or recipe conversion indicia. |
| US09347811B2 |
Dropper assembly
A dropper assembly includes a dropper mechanism that includes a locking connector, an adjusting cap, and a press button. The locking connector has at least one dosage guide unit with a plurality of dosage guide grooves having different depths. The press button has at least one alignment rib portion insertable into one of the dosage guide grooves. The press button is driven by the adjusting cap to rotate between a locked position, where the alignment rib portion abuts against a top end of the locking connector and is thereby limited from being pressed downward, and a pressable position, where the alignment rib portion is aligned with one of the dosage guide grooves to enable pressing movement of the press button. |
| US09347804B2 |
Test head manipulator
A test head manipulator system comprising a base structure, a main arm unit configured to support a test head and to be moved relative to the base structure, an actuator having a range of motion of L, and an enhancement mechanism positioned between the main arm unit and the actuator and configured such that movement of the actuator a first distance causes the main arm unit to move a second distance that is greater than the first distance. Additionally, a fluid control system for controlling a test head manipulator system. The pneumatic control system includes a regulator configured to controllably provide an output pressure to the main fluid actuator, and a second fluidly controlled actuator configured to adjust the regulator to modify the output pressure provided to the main fluid actuator. The second actuator is configured to be positively positioned in at least four operating modes with each operating mode causing the regulator to provide a different output pressure to the main fluid actuator. |
| US09347800B2 |
Sensor and sensor element
Sensor with a one-layer or multi-layer sensor element operating in a contact-free manner and a housing 14 comprising an electric/electronic connection and, in given cases, electronic components, where the sensor element comprises a coil arrangement 1 whose windings 3 have a defined line width 5, line thickness 6, and line spacing 7 per layer 2 and whose layers 2 have a defined layer thickness 8b and, in given cases, a defined layer spacing 8a, characterized in that the sensor element is built up from ceramic layers in the sense of multi-layer ceramics and that with respect to traditional coil arrangements the layer thickness 8b or the layer spacing 8a is reduced and the number of windings per cross-sectional surface area is increased. |
| US09347796B1 |
Wireless remote sensing power meter
A remote radio frequency (RF) power sensing unit including a first module and a second module. The first module may be configured to generate a digital output representative of a power level of a radio frequency (RF) signal. The second module may be configured to convert the digital output of the first module to a digital signal communicating the power level and transmit the digital signal communicating the power level over a wireless communication channel using a wireless protocol. |
| US09347791B2 |
Methods and systems for operating a touch screen display
A method for operating a touch screen display for a cartographic device is described. The method includes sensing a touch on the touch screen display of the cartographic device, the cartographic device operable to display a map, causing at least one toolbar to be displayed at an edge of the touch screen display in response to the sensed touch, sensing a finger movement along one of the displayed toolbars on the touch screen display, and changing a configuration of the displayed map based on the sensed finger movement. |
| US09347788B2 |
Navigation method of mobile terminal and apparatus thereof
A mobile terminal and an method searches a point of interest (POI). The navigation apparatus of a mobile terminal includes a storage unit configured to store map data, a display unit configured to display the map data, and a controller configured to search a destination from the map data, display the searched destination on the display unit, and display an icon for searching points of interest near the destination. |
| US09347783B2 |
Pet friendly search, meeting, social profile mapping system
A method and system for assisting users with determining a convenient location for a meeting between at least two users having dogs, the method and system including providing an initial location (via GPS) for a first user and dog, providing an initial location (via GPS) for a second user and dog, determining a meeting point between the first users and the second user, and providing directions to the meeting point to the first user and the second user, via electronic devices. Preferably the meeting point is a dog friendly point of interest. The system may also provide social profiles of users, including dogs and their owners. The system provides search, social networking, and mapping for dog owners. |
| US09347782B1 |
System and method for sharing a travel itinerary with a protective detail
A system for sharing a travel itinerary with a plurality of members of a protective detail tasked with protecting the security of an individual, includes one or more processors, one or more computer-readable tangible storage devices, and program instructions stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices for execution by at least one of the one or more processors. The program instructions include first program instructions to receive and storing data representative of an itinerary comprising at least one destination an individual intends to travel to. The program instructions further include second program instructions to identify a landmark based on the received itinerary. The program instructions further include third program instructions to associate the identified landmark with the itinerary. The program instructions further include fourth program instructions to communicate data representative of the itinerary and the associated landmark to members of a security detail. |
| US09347779B1 |
Method and apparatus for determining a position of a vehicle based on driving behavior
An approach is provided for determining a position of a vehicle relative to a travel path based on driving behavior. An estimation platform processes driving information associated with a vehicle, mapping information associated with a segment of the travel path in use by the vehicle, or a combination thereof to determine a behavior trace to associate with the vehicle. The estimation platform also determines an offset between the behavior trace of the vehicle and the behavior trace of one or more other vehicles based on a matching between the behavior trace of the vehicle and the behavior trace of the one or more other vehicles relative to the segment of the travel path. |
| US09347778B2 |
Managing differences between geographic database versions
A method and system for managing differences between geographic database versions is disclosed. A user registers his version of a geographic database with a map management application and thereafter enters a destination on a graphical user interface. The map management application checks to see if data representing the destination is located in the user's version of the geographic database and a more current version of the geographic database. If the data representing the destination is located in the more current version but not the user's version of the geographic database, the map management application provides the user with options, including upgrading to a more current version of the geographic database. |
| US09347777B2 |
Mission planning system and method
A system and method for planning missions is provided. The system includes at least one client computer coupled to a network, and a server, coupled to the network, that includes a processor coupled to a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, perform a method for planning missions that includes providing a graphical user interface (GUI) to the client computer, creating a mission including a plan, updating the plan and providing the updated plan to the client computer. |
| US09347776B2 |
Vibrating element and manufacturing method for the same, gyro sensor, electronic apparatus and moving object
A vibrating element includes a vibrating arm for detection. An electrode is provided on the vibrating arm for detection. A wiring line is connected to the electrode. The wiring line is arranged on a piezoelectric body of a base portion. At least a part of the wiring line is an electrode for adjustment. The electrode for adjustment generates an electrical signal with an opposite phase to an output signal of leak vibration of the vibrating arm for detection. |
| US09347768B1 |
In line ellipsometer system and method of use
A system for monitoring, in real time, relatively large samples as they are caused to pass by an ellipsometer or the like system, and method of its use. |
| US09347766B2 |
Method of supporting an item in a mounting apparatus
A method of supporting an item in a mounting apparatus includes providing an item having first, second, and third members that are at least partially-spherical. The method additionally includes supporting the first member with a first mount configured to constrain the first member against movement along three mutually-orthogonal directions. The method also includes supporting the second member with a second mount configured to constrain the second member against movement along exactly two of the directions, and supporting the third member with a third mount configured to constrain the third member against movement along exactly one of the directions. |
| US09347765B2 |
Real time SD-OCT with distributed acquisition and processing
The present invention relates to distributed computing system to acquire, process, and display OCT images at real-time frame rates. |
| US09347760B2 |
Combination gauge tool
A combination gauge tool and a method of measuring are provided. The combination gauge tool includes a processing module having a sensor. The combination gauge tool includes at least two of a brake pad thickness gauge, a tire treads depth gauge, and a rotor thickness gauge each coupled to the processing module at one or more inputs of the sensor and configured to provide measurement data to the sensor. |
| US09347759B2 |
Method to fixture and inspection contoured aerodynamic surfaces
A method to fixture and inspect contoured aerodynamic surfaces of a part, such as an engine inlet lip skin, is provided. A controlled preload is applied to one or more discrete locations along the contoured surface to constrain the lip skin at the locations the lip skin would be constrained upon assembly on the airplane. The contoured surfaces are then inspected to dimensional requirements. The controlled preload can be applied by use of magnets or elastic bumpers. |
| US09347754B1 |
Fuze shock transfer system
A munition has a fuze that is mounted nonparallel to the axis of the munition, for example having a largest extent that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the munition. Shocks from the fuze are transferred through a shock transfer device that is in contact with the fuze, to an initiation device that is also in contact with the shock transfer device. Shocks passing through the shock transfer device to the initiation coupler pass through a relatively narrow neck of the shock transfer device. In the shock transfer device the shock is concentrated and located precisely at the neck, before spreading out again and being transferred to the initiation device. In the initiation device the shock may detonate a high explosive material, which in turn is used to detonate a main explosive of the munition, such as a warhead. |
| US09347751B2 |
Mechanical broadhead device
A mechanical broadhead device which includes a plurality of blades pivotably attached to a shaft, where the plurality of blades and the shaft are disposed within a tapered cover, and an arrow comprising the mechanical broadhead device attached to an arrow shaft has an aerodynamic profile in flight that mimics an aerodynamic profile of an arrow comprising a target or field point. |
| US09347748B1 |
Mobile ballistic defense shield with enhanced user protection
A mobile ballistic defense shield with enhanced protection for a user includes a base frame with swivel castors to contact a ground surface, a ballistic main plate with at least one shooting port and a viewing port, the ballistic main plate affixed to the base frame and oriented to enable the main plate to extend upward from the ground surface, a ballistic foot plate pivotably mounted to a bottom portion of the ballistic main plate, and a handle affixed to the ballistic foot plate and connected to a support assembly affixed to the base frame. The handle adjusts to a first position to enable the ballistic foot plate to contact the ground surface. The handle adjusts to a second position to enable the ballistic foot plate to pivot away from the ground surface, thereby permitting the base frame to travel along the ground surface. |
| US09347747B2 |
Variable ballistic shield system
A ballistic shield may include multiple ballistic plates. The first plate may be permanently connected to a second plate and drop vertically downward from the first plate. After dropping down, the second plate would overlap the first plate such that no gap exists between the two plates. A third plate may similarly drop with respect to the second plate. Side folding ballistic plates may be attached to the first and second plates to lock them in position and provide ballistic protection to the sides of the user. These side ballistic plates may overlap the first and second plates. The side plates can have another ballistic plate mounted on their unconnected ends such that another assembly of first, second and side ballistic plates identical as above may also be connected. After connecting this second assembly, the user(s) would have full 360 degree ballistic coverage. |
| US09347744B2 |
Camouflage for day and night use
Camouflage articles are formed of arrangements of portions of different colors. The lighter colored portions or parts thereof are formed of reflective ink in that particular color. This arrangement provides the article with a camouflage appearance, altering depth perception by animals in daylight, and reflectivity at night for safety. |
| US09347741B2 |
Holster mechanism
Holster mechanism techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an apparatus comprises a holster configured to secure a device, a hood connected to the holster, and a locking mechanism. The hood comprises a biasing portion configured to receive a force to cause the hood to move between a closed position and an open position. The locking mechanism comprises a first locking portion and a second locking portion configured to engage the first locking portion to secure the hood in the closed position or the open position. |
| US09347739B2 |
Automatic adjustable buttstock for small arms
An automatic adjustable buttstock system for a small arms weapon including a buttstock and a pair of parallel rails adapted to slidably mount the buttstock on a body of the weapon, each rail having a plurality of female locking slots along its length. A lock block is employed having a pivotable spring-loaded locking lever and a pair of locking tabs adapted to engage the female locking slots disposed along the length of each rail. A volute spring disposed between a rear wall of the lock block and a cavity in the buttstock is adapted to rearwardly bias the buttstock towards a fully extended position. The locking lever is adapted to be pivoted to disengage the pair of locking tabs from the female locking slots for displacement of the buttstock between a fully shortened configuration, in which the volute spring is fully compressed, to the fully extended position as urged rearwardly by the volute spring. The locking lever is adapted to be released causing the locking tabs to engage the female locking slots at a desired position along the parallel rails to lock the buttstock. |
| US09347736B2 |
Firing switch of the single/continuous firing air soft gun
In a firing switch of the single/continuous firing air soft gun, the air soft gun includes a gun body and a barrel fixed in the gun body, and the firing switch includes a piston seat and a firing switch device, wherein the piston seat is disposed in the gun body and capable of reciprocally moving in horizontal with respect to the barrel; and the firing switch device is installed on the piston seat, and includes a stop piece and a toggle piece connected with the stop piece, and the stop piece is disposed corresponding to the trigger assembly. |
| US09347734B2 |
Gear checked construction for toy guns
A gear checked construction for a toy gun comprises a gun body, a piston, a driving gear, and a check assembly. The piston is mounted inside the gun body and a rack is formed on the bottom of the piston. The driving gear engages with the rack to drive the piston and includes a clamping part. The check assembly comprises a hinge and a check bar. The hinge is mounted inside the gun body and the check bar is set around the hinge and comprises a forward part and a reverse part. The clamping part touches on the forward part and bursts through the check bar when the driving gear rotates in one direction to drive the piston, and the clamping part engages with the reverse part to stop the driving gear's rotation when the driving gear rotates in the other direction. |
| US09347730B2 |
Adjustable pulley assembly for a compound archery bow
A pulley assembly for a compound bow comprises a draw cable pulley rotatable about a first axis, a mounting member attached to the draw cable pulley and adjustable among multiple positions, and a power cable pulley attached to the mounting member and adjustable among multiple positions about a second axis. Movement of the mounting member shifts the second axis relative to the first axis. Movement of one or both of the mounting member or power cable pulley alters one or more of the bow's draw force curve, draw length, draw weight, or stored energy. |
| US09347727B1 |
Automatic weapon suppressor
A suppressor for rapid fire weapons designed to rapidly bleed down the weapon pressure and thereby minimizing gas blowback to the operator and to the weapon's gas operating system; while also creating a shear gas flow about the exiting bullet's gas flow to mask the flash thereof. The suppressor is configured within a generally cylindrical housing, having: (1) a central core of unported K-baffles located about a central bulletway; (2) a bypass located between the cylindrical housing and the unported K-baffled central core—providing a generally forward subsonic high gas flow area to an endcap closing the cylindrical housing; (3) said endcap having a series of vent ports for the bypass, which also create a shear flow about the centrally exiting bullet; and (4) wherein the series of unported K-baffles are spaced away from the weapon's bore end to allow the propellant gasses to expand into the bypass. |
| US09347725B2 |
Semiautomatic rifle trigger mechanism
Methods and apparatus are provided for a semiautomatic rifle with a trigger in a receiver portion of the rifle positioned substantially forward of a back end of the rifle barrel, and a hammer assembly that includes a pivotally mounted sear, a disconnector, and a hammer mounted in the receiver behind the back end of the barrel. A hammer linkage proximate the hammer assembly has a first end connected to the trigger by a pull rod, and a second end configured to push a back end of the sear in an upward direction. |
| US09347724B2 |
Firearm barrel plug
A training/safety plug for use in firearms is provided. In one implementation, the plug comprises a chamber end and a shaft extending away from the chamber end. The chamber end is adapted to fit within a chamber of a designated firearm, the chamber end has a cross-sectional dimension sufficient to prevent the chamber end from extending into a barrel of the designated firearm and further comprises a strike surface for receiving an impact of a firing pin of the designated firearm and a proximal end dimension such that the chamber end is not engaged by an ejector mechanism of the firearm. The shaft comprises a barrel end coupled to and extending distally from the generally cylindrical chamber end; the barrel end of the generally cylindrical shaft further adapted to extend from the chamber end into the barrel of the designated firearm. |
| US09347718B2 |
Apparatus for cleaning tubes of a heat exchanger
An apparatus is disclosed for supporting, rotating and advancing a rigid lance when cleaning the interior of a tube of a heat exchanger. The apparatus comprises a longitudinally extending aluminium body 10 defining a closed conduit 12 and a C-shaped channel 14 sharing a common partition wall and a rigid lance is located within the C-shaped channel. A first motor assembly 20 rotates the lance 26 and feeds water under pressure into the lance 26 through a rotary coupling 30. The first motor assembly 20 is slidable along, and guided by, the C-shaped channel 14, by a second motor assembly 30 which serves to advance and retract the lance 26. The second motor assembly 30 is connected to pull the first motor assembly in both directions along the C-shaped channel by a flexible drive element 34 having a run housed in the closed conduit 12. |
| US09347717B2 |
Method for a circuit with heat accumulator
The invention relates to a method for operating a circuit having a heat accumulator, having a coolant circuit, having a heat accumulator in a line of the circuit and having at least one valve and one pump, wherein, when the valve is open, the heat accumulator can be charged with coolant from the coolant circuit by means of the pump, or coolant can be discharged from the heat accumulator into the coolant circuit, wherein the charging or discharging of the heat accumulator takes place in an open-loop-controlled or closed-loop-controlled manner as a function of a temperature difference of a temperature of the coolant in the circuit and a temperature of the coolant in the heat accumulator. |
| US09347715B2 |
Vapor compression system
An evaporator (168) in a vapor compression system (14) (168) includes a shell (76), a first tube bundle (78); a hood (86); a distributor (80); a first supply line (142); a second supply line (144); a valve (122) positioned in the second supply line (144); and a sensor (150). The distributor (80) is positioned above the first tube bundle (78). The hood (88) covers the first tube bundle (78). The first supply line (142) is connected to the distributor (80) and an end of the second supply line (144) is positioned near the hood (88). The sensor (150) is configured and positioned to sense a level of liquid refrigerant (82) in the shell. The valve (122) regulates flow in the second supply line in response to the level of liquid refrigerant (82) from the sensor (150). |
| US09347707B2 |
Rotary drum for use in a vacuum freeze-dryer
A rotary drum (302) for use within a vacuum chamber (212) in a vacuum freeze-dryer (204) for the bulkware production of freeze-dried particles is provided. The drum (302) is in open communication with the vacuum chamber (212) and comprises a main section (304) terminated by a front plate (306) and a rear plate (308), the rear plate (308) is adapted for connection with a rotary supporting shaft (312) for rotary support of the drum (302), and the rear plate (308) is permeable for sublimation vapor from freeze-drying the particles. |
| US09347706B2 |
Reduced pressure drying method and device of a substrate
A reduced pressure drying method and device for a substrate are presented. Firstly, a substrate is placed in a sealed space; then the surface to-be-dried of the substrate is partitioned into a predetermined number of sealed regions; thereafter, the sealed regions are subjected to pressure reduction through gas extraction; finally, the sealed regions are dried through gas insufflation, and then the substrate is taken out from the sealed space. The method can perform reduced pressure drying to various-sized substrates, ensuring uniform pressure and humidity and avoiding formation of reduced pressure drying speckles. |
| US09347704B2 |
Refrigerated drawer and divider assembly therefor
A divider assembly for a refrigerated drawer includes a plurality of dividers to form a plurality of adjustable storage compartments. Each of the dividers has a slot formed therein to receive a guide portion of another divider. The guide portions of a first divider are configured to slidably engage the guide portions of a second divider. The slots form openings which allow a cooling airflow to circulate between the storage compartments. |
| US09347702B2 |
Handle assembly for a refrigerator
A handle assembly for mounting to a door of a refrigerator includes a main body member having first and second end portions separated by an intermediate portion. Each of the first and second end portions includes a cavity adapted to receive an end insert formed of soft material. Each of the end inserts includes an attachment member. The handle is mounted to a front face of the door through interengagment of the attachment members and base members provided on the door without scratching the surface of the door. |
| US09347698B2 |
System and method for creating a glass with an ice lining
An ice mold configured to be placed into a glass or cup such that a side wall void is created between the outer wall of the ice mold and the interior wall of the glass or cup. The exterior shape of the ice mold generally mirrors the interior shape of the cup or glass. Liquid such as water or juice is placed into the glass or cup after the ice mold is inserted, thereby forcing the liquid into the side wall void, following which the combination of the ice mold and glass or cup are frozen. Once the liquid freezes, the ice mold is then removed leaving an ice wall on the interior wall of the glass or cup. The ice mold may feature one or more attachment mechanisms or an outer rim in order to secure the mold to an upper rim of the glass or cup. |
| US09347696B2 |
Compact ampoule thermal management system
Apparatus for thermal management of a precursor for use in substrate processing are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for thermal management of a precursor for use in substrate processing may include a body having an opening sized to receive a storage container having a liquid or solid precursor disposed therein, the body fabricated from thermally conductive material; one or more thermoelectric devices coupled to the body proximate the opening; and a heat sink coupled to the one or more thermoelectric devices. |
| US09347695B2 |
Trans-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene for use in chiller applications
The present invention relates to refrigerant compositions containing trans-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (1233zd(E)) useful for chiller applications and processes using 1233zd(E). |
| US09347693B2 |
Supporting assembly
A supporting assembly for a solar cell lamination includes a frame member, a column member, and an adapter member. The frame member includes a first flange, a second flange, and a first wall. The second flange is substantially parallel with the first flange. The first flange, the second flange and the first wall cooperate to define a space for accommodating the solar cell lamination. The column member is used for supporting the frame member, in which the column member has an end surface facing the frame member. The end surface has a proximal half portion and a distal half portion respectively proximal and distal to a central axis of the frame member, and a location of a vertical projection of the first wall on the end surface falls on the distal half portion. The adapter member is used for connecting the column member and the frame member. |
| US09347689B1 |
Apparatus and method for renewable energy system
A renewable energy system comprising a solar panel that is adapted to be mounted on a structure and convert solar energy into electrical energy, a windmill that is adapted to be mounted on the structure and convert wind energy into electrical energy, and a means for shutting down the renewable energy system that is adapted to automatically shut down the system in the event of an emergency. A method for a renewable energy system comprising providing a renewable energy system and converting renewable energy into electrical energy. |
| US09347683B2 |
Hot water supply apparatus associated with heat pump
A hot water supply apparatus associated with a heat pump is provided. The hot water supply apparatus performs a hot water supply operation using a high temperature refrigerant that has been discharged from a compressor, and simultaneously performs an indoor heating operation using a two-stage refrigerant cycle. This allows the apparatus to supply hot water while simultaneously providing heating/cooling to an indoor space. |
| US09347677B2 |
Inerting method for preventing and/or extinguishing fire as well as inerting system to realize the method
The invention relates to an inerting method as well as an inerting system (1) to set and/or maintain a reduced oxygen content in an enclosed room (2), wherein a gas separation system (3.1, 4.1; 3.2, 4.2; 3.3, 4.3) is provided which separates off at least a portion of the oxygen from an initial gas mixture provided in a mixing chamber (6) and by so doing, provides a nitrogen-enriched gas mixture. In order to optimize the operation of the inerting system (1), the invention provides for a portion of the air to be withdrawn from the enclosed room (2) and admixed with fresh air in the mixing chamber (6). |
| US09347676B2 |
Enhanced dehumidification control with variable condenser reheat
An air conditioning system comprising an air mover for circulating air to a space; a vapor compression circuit including a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion device; an evaporator; an air-reheat heat exchanger; and a control system. In one embodiment, the evaporator receives refrigerant from the vapor compression circuit and provides a cooled stream of air to the space. The air-reheat heat exchanger is positioned to receive the cooled stream of air. In one embodiment, the vapor compression circuit, the evaporator, and the air-reheat heat exchanger are operable in combination to provide a plurality of modes of operation. In a preferred embodiment, the control system is configured to compute a Sensible cooling-to-Total cooling (S/T) process ratio and to control an operation of at least one of the vapor compression circuit, the evaporator, and the air-reheat heat exchanger. A method of manufacturing the air conditioning system is also provided. |
| US09347674B2 |
Household appliance having a mounting system for door skin outer glass
A household cooking appliance include a housing having an oven chamber accessible through an opening, the opening having a seal surrounding a perimeter of the opening, and a door covering the opening and moveable about a hinge between an open position and a closed position. The door includes an outer door skin forming an outer surface of the door, the outer door skin including an outer glass panel, a full glass inner panel forming an inner surface of the door, the full glass inner panel abutting the seal when the door is in a closed position, a middle glass panel disposed between the outer glass panel and the inner glass panel, and outer glass support means for supporting the outer glass panel on the outer door skin. |
| US09347672B2 |
Apparatus for a cooktop having a camera for recognition of operating gestures
A cooktop includes a boundary element which borders the cooktop at least on one side, and a camera for recognition of operating gestures, wherein the camera is arranged in a recess of the boundary element. |
| US09347671B2 |
Household appliance having a warming drawer with a thermally conductive layer
A household appliance includes a warming drawer housing having an interior chamber and a warming drawer module in the interior chamber. The warming drawer module includes a glass heating element forming a floor surface of the warming drawer module for receiving items to be warmed, a thermostat having a sensor measuring a temperature of the glass heating element, the thermostat being disposed under the glass heating element, and a thermally conductive layer disposed between an underside of the glass heating element and the sensor of the thermostat. |
| US09347668B2 |
End cover configuration and assembly
A system includes an end cover for a multi-tube fuel nozzle. The end cover includes a first side, a second side disposed opposite the first side, a plurality of fuel injectors disposed on the first side, and at least one pre-orifice disposed within a passage within the end cover between the first and second sides. The pre-orifice is configured to be removed through the end cover from the second side. |
| US09347667B2 |
Injector for the combustion chamber of a gas turbine having a dual fuel circuit, and combustion chamber provided with at least one such injector
A starting injector usable in all flight modes without additional cost or weight. The starting injector includes a dual fuel circuit and an air circuit. An injector for a combustion chamber of a gas turbine includes a dual fuel injection circuit including a starting fuel circuit for ignition and then for all the flight modes, and a main fuel circuit for all the flight modes after starting. The circuits include parallel pipes in a common tube having an axis. The pipe of the starting circuit is substantially in communication with a center of a spherical injector body. At the end, the pipe accommodates an injection manifold coupled to a central channel passing through a central wall of a swirler. The pipe of the main circuit is in communication with an annular channel opposite jet channels. An air circuit is guided between two portions shaped as concentric spheres. |
| US09347664B2 |
Gradual oxidation with heat control
Described herein are embodiments of systems and methods for oxidizing gases. In some embodiments, a reaction chamber is configured to receive a fuel gas and maintain the gas at a temperature within the reaction chamber that is above an autoignition temperature of the gas. The reaction chamber may also be configured to maintain a reaction temperature within the reaction chamber below a flameout temperature. In some embodiments, heat and product gases from the oxidation process can be used, for example, to drive a turbine, reciprocating engine, and injected back into the reaction chamber. |
| US09347659B2 |
Automotive headlamp, heat radiating mechanism, light-emitting apparatus and light source fixing member
In an automotive headlamp, a light-emitting module is configured such that a light-emitting element and a control circuit unit for controlling the lighting of the light-emitting element are structured integrally with each other. A control circuit unit in a position anterior to the light-emitting element in a lamp unit is located below a shade section so that the control circuit unit can be clear of the path of light used to form a low beam light distribution pattern of the light emitted by the light-emitting element. In this setting, the light-emitting element is so located that a main optical axis Ax2 is perpendicular respect to an optical axis Ax1 of the lamp unit and that a light-emitting portion of the light-emitting element protrudes higher than the control circuit unit in the direction of the main optical axis Ax2. |
| US09347658B2 |
Lighting device
A lighting device may be provided that comprises: a heat sink comprising a top surface and coupling structures which comprise a first coupling structure and a second coupling structure formed on a side surface of the heat sink; a light source disposed on the top surface of the heat sink; a lens unit disposed on the light source and comprising a first coupling portion which is coupled to the first coupling structure of the heat sink; and a cover unit comprising an optical member which is disposed on the lens unit, and a second coupling portion which is coupled to the second coupling structure of heat sink. |
| US09347655B2 |
Rotatable lighting device
A lighting device includes an outer body having a base, a medial portion, and an upper portion. The lighting device may also include an electronic device carrying assembly to carry an assembly base, an assembly top, a heat sink that matingly engages a portion of the assembly top, and a driver circuit. The assembly top may comprise a bottom portion, sidewalls, and a top portion. The bottom portion of the assembly top may include an assembly base connector member that may pivotally engage a portion of the assembly base. The electronic device carrying assembly may be configured to rotate about a first rotational axis and second rotational axis. The first and second rotational axes may be perpendicular to one another. |
| US09347653B2 |
Light source device, artificial sunlight radiation apparatus, and method for maintaining light source device
A light source device (10) according to the present invention includes a first light source (1) and a first condensing member (2) that has a first opening (24) and that outputs output light from the first light source (1) through the first opening (24). The first condensing member (2) is constituted of a front condensing member (2a) that includes the first opening (24) and a rear condensing member (2b) that does not include the first opening (24). The rear condensing member (2b) is detachable from the first condensing member (2). |
| US09347648B2 |
Lighting apparatus with transmission control
A lighting apparatus having a light source, a wavelength converter, a transmission adjustor and a circuit is disclosed. The transmission adjustor is optically coupled between the light source and the wavelength converter to control an amount of light from the first light source entering the wavelength converter. In another embodiment, a lighting apparatus with a light source, first and second wavelength converters, first and second transmission attenuators, and a circuit is disclosed. The color point of the lighting apparatus is controlled through the first and second transmission attenuators. In yet another embodiment, a lighting fixture having a body with an aperture, a light source, a first transmission adjustor, and a wavelength converter is disclosed. The lighting fixture may have an additional aperture with additional wavelength converter and additional transmission adjustor. |
| US09347647B2 |
OLED display with reduced power consumption
An OLED display with a plurality of pixels for displaying an image having a target display white point luminance and chromaticity, each pixel including three red, green and blue gamut-defining emitters defining a display gamut and a magenta emitter with two of cyan, yellow or white emitters as three additional emitters which emit light within the display gamut; the display including a means for receiving a three-component input image signal; transforming the three-component input image signal to a six component drive signal; and providing the drive signal to display an image corresponding to the input image signal. One embodiment is where the pixels have red, green, blue, cyan, magenta and yellow colored subpixels. |
| US09347646B2 |
Light emitting device providing controlled color rendition
A light emitting device for controlled color rendition includes a support unit; a luminous element mounted on the support unit; and a wavelength conversion unit formed on the support unit. The wavelength conversion unit covers the luminous element as an encapsulant containing first light wavelength converters emitting light of a first wavelength and second light wavelength converters emitting light of a second wavelength, where the first wavelength is larger than the second wavelength. The wavelength conversion unit includes a first mixture region adjacent to the luminous element and a second mixture region above the first mixture region. The first light wavelength converters are concentratively distributed in the first mixture region, and the second light wavelength converters are concentratively distributed in the second mixture region. |
| US09347645B2 |
Illumination unit and display apparatus using the same
An illumination unit, can include first and second reflectors, and at least one light source module disposed between the first and second reflectors, wherein the second reflector includes at least one inclined surface including at least one inflection point, and at least one first flat surface disposed close to the at least one light source module and being parallel to the first reflector. |
| US09347644B2 |
Lens and light source unit
A lens cap (3) is arranged to cover a light-emitting surface (23) of a light source (2), the lens thereby guiding light from the light source (2) in oblique directions relative to the light source (2). The lens cap (3) includes, in a planar view, a light transmitting region (33) and a light blocking region (34), the light transmitting region (33) divided into a plurality of light transmitting regions by the light blocking region (34) so that the light from the light source (2) passes through the plurality of light transmitting regions (33) and is separated into beams traveling in different directions. |
| US09347643B2 |
Light flux controlling apparatus
A light flux controlling member has: a light control/emission surface that controls a traveling direction of light; a concavity that allows a main beam to be incident inside; and a back surface that extends in a radial direction from an opening rim part of the concavity and that allows sub-beams to be incident inside. One of a grid convex part which arranges a plurality of strips of convex parts in a grid pattern and a grid concave part which arranges a plurality of strips of concave parts in a grid pattern is formed in the back surface of the light flux controlling member. |
| US09347642B2 |
Faceted optics for illumination devices
Faceted optics for use in conjunction with (typically planar) arrangements of discrete light sources (e.g., an array of multiple LED dies) improve or optimize the trade-off between beam divergence and beam non-uniformity, and between non-uniformities resulting from the imaging of the extended light source and artifacts introduced by the optic itself. |
| US09347641B2 |
Optical film
An optical film including a substrate and a first material layer is provided. The first material layer includes a plurality of first optical structures and a plurality of first auxiliary optical structures. Each of the first optical structures includes a first base portion and a first rounded portion. The first base portion has a first bottom surface connected to the substrate and a first top surface opposite to the first bottom surface. The first rounded portion is disposed on the first top surface, and the first rounded portion has a first arc surface. Each of the first auxiliary optical structures has a first auxiliary arc surface. The first optical structures and the first auxiliary optical structures extend along a first extending direction and being alternately arranged on the substrate in an arranging direction perpendicular to the first extending direction. |
| US09347640B2 |
Illuminating device
An illuminating device is provided. The illuminating device includes a light source and a lampshade. The light source provides a first light beam and a second light beam. The lampshade includes a first curved surface and a second curved surface. The first light beam is refracted by the first curved surface. The second light beam is reflected by the second curved surface, and a curvature of the first curved surface differs from a curvature of the second curved surface. |
| US09347638B2 |
Vehicular lamp
A vehicular lamp includes: a lamp body having an opening portion; an outer cover that closes the opening portion and that, together with the lamp body, forms a lamp chamber between the outer cover and the lamp body; a light emission portion disposed within the lamp chamber; a vapor deposition sheet that is disposed within the lamp chamber and that covers the lamp body with at least a portion of the light emission portion exposed; and an engaging portion that at least one of the outer cover and the lamp body has and that is capable of engaging with the vapor deposition sheet and holding the vapor deposition sheet in a shape that substantially conforms to the outer cover or the lamp body. |
| US09347635B2 |
Headlight system incorporating adaptive beam function
A light source system comprising projection optics, which are capable of producing a far-field image of a light source. The light source comprises a fluorescent medium that when illuminated by light from laser emitters of a first waveband emits light of a second or more wavebands of longer wavelength. The resulting light emission produces a colour perceived as white. The light source is illuminated by a plurality of laser emitters arranged to illuminate the light source in an array-like manner. Control of the output of one or more of the laser emitters results in a variation of the spatial emission distribution from the light source and hence a variation of the far-field beam spot distribution. Further, fine variation of the far-field beam spot distribution may be achieved by re-direction of the laser beams by separate control methods. |
| US09347629B2 |
Inflatable solar-powered light
An inflatable solar-powered light is disclosed. In some embodiments, the inflatable solar-powered light includes the following: an expandable bladder including a plurality of surfaces; a solar-powered light assembly positioned on at least one of the plurality of surfaces of the bladder; and one or more cover portions positioned over the assembly and joined with the at least one of the plurality of surfaces of the bladder around its edges, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the at least one or more cover portions is substantially transparent and each of the one or more cover portions forms a substantially waterproof envelope with the at least one of the plurality of surfaces of the bladder in which the solar-powered light assembly is contained. |
| US09347628B2 |
Light-emitting device, electronic device, and lighting device
A light energy reuse type light-emitting device with low power consumption is provided by converting light from a light-emitting device into electric power efficiently for reuse. Also, a light energy reuse type light-emitting device with high yield is provided. A light-blocking film of the light-emitting device is replaced to a photoelectric conversion element, so that light is converted into electric power. That is, conventionally, light is not emitted in a portion of a light-blocking film. In the disclosed invention, light which is not emitted can be converted into electric power by a photoelectric conversion element, and can be reused. Therefore, a light-emitting device with low power consumption is realized. |
| US09347627B2 |
Battery powered light with alignment mechanism
A portable lamp is provided that is powered by a plurality of batteries. The lamp includes a housing having a battery compartment with a removable closure. The closure includes a plurality of electrically conductive contacts configured to contact batteries in the battery compartment. The battery compartment and the closure comprise mating alignment elements adapted to align the contacts on the closure with batteries in the battery compartment. The alignment element on the closure is configured to move relative to the closure when the closure is twisted relative to the battery compartment to connect the closure to the housing. The lamp also incorporates a valve that may be integrally formed with a sleeve on the housing. |
| US09347624B2 |
Lighting apparatus having improved light output uniformity and thermal dissipation
The present disclosure involves a lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus includes a photonic device that generates light. The lighting apparatus includes a printed circuit board (PCB) on which the photonic device is located. The lighting apparatus includes a diffuser cap having a curved profile covering the PCB and the photonic device. The diffuser cap has a textured surface for scattering light generated by the photonic device. The lighting apparatus includes a thermally conductive cup that surrounds the diffuser cap and thermal conductively coupled to the PCB. The cup has a reflective inner surface that reflects light transmitting through the diffuser cap. The lighting apparatus includes a heat dissipation structure for dissipating heat generated by the photonic device. The heat dissipation structure is thermally coupled to the cup. |
| US09347623B2 |
Reflector device and lighting device comprising such a reflector device
A reflector device comprising a reflector (106), having an inner surface (120, 122), and at least one solid state light emitting element (114). The inner surface of the reflector comprises first and second surface portions (120, 122), which are flat and which extend in planes intersecting at an angle. The at least one solid state light emitting element (114) is mounted at at least one of said first and second surface portions (120,122) such that a major part of the light emitted from said at least one solid state light emitting element (114) illuminates the other one of said first and second surface portions (120,122). |
| US09347621B2 |
Light emitting module and lighting device using the same
A light emitting module includes a circuit board having a plurality of reflective portions arranged in one direction and connection portions connecting the plurality of reflective portions, light emitting devices mounted on the plurality of reflective portions, and lens units disposed to cover the light emitting devices within boundaries of surfaces, of the plurality of reflective portions, on which the light emitting devices are mounted. A width of each of the connection portions in the other direction, perpendicular to the one direction thereof, is smaller than a diameter of each of the lens units, thus reducing a generation of a dark portion. |
| US09347613B2 |
Air pump with a biasable head
An air pump with a biasable head is disclosed to include a head connectable to an air valve of an inflatable object, a cylinder providing an air output end, and a flexible air guide tube haying a front end thereof fixedly connected to the head and an opposite rear end thereof connected to the air output end of the cylinder. Subject to the arrangement of the flexible air guide tube, the air pump does not vibrate the connected air valve during its operation. Further, the flexible air guide tube has a short length, and can positively maintain the head in connection with the cylinder during delivery, avoiding disconnection of the head from the cylinder. |
| US09347611B2 |
Semi-submersible offshore structure having storage tanks for liquefied gas
Disclosed herein is a semi-submersible offshore structure having storage tanks for liquefied gas, which is constructed so as to improve workability in marine offloading of the liquefied gas stored in the storage tanks while reducing an influence of sloshing. The offshore structure is anchored at sea and has liquefied gas. The offshore structure includes a storage tank storing liquefied gas, a plurality of columns partially submerged under the sea level and each having the storage tank therein, and an upper deck located on the plurality of columns to connect the columns to each other. |
| US09347610B1 |
Techniques for making pressure vessels as unitary structures of composite materials
A method for making large pressure vessels using a composite over-wrap process and a soluble mandrel structure that is scalable to a much larger vessel size than can normally be accommodated by the over-wrap process. The method allows the production of very large, lightweight vessels with no seams and no metal liners. Extensions of the method provide for the fabrication of fully embedded threaded or non-threaded bosses of composite materials, and fully embedded longitudinal and circumferential stringers or stiffeners. |
| US09347607B2 |
Seed processing device
A sorting and sizing machine is disclosed having a frame comprising laterally spaced opposing guide rails. A plurality of sizing members are disposed between a top and bottom of each opposing guide rail. Within the opposing guide rails, individual members of a plurality of sizing brackets are disposed between individual members of a plurality of sizing spring members. A plurality of sizing rollers are disposed between opposing guide rails. Each of the sizing rollers is rotatably coupled to and disposed between an opposing pair of sizing brackets. |
| US09347606B2 |
Holding device for flat elements
The invention relates to a holding device for securing at least one flat element, in particular a facade element, comprising at least one substructure securing means, at least one flat element securing means and at least one transversal force absorbing means which interconnects the substructure securing means and the flat element securing means and which absorbs forces that are effective in the plane defined by the flat elements, characterized in that the holding device comprises at least one to energy absorbing means which absorbs energy that is introduced into the holding device by forces that act perpendicularly to the plane defined by the flat elements. |
| US09347605B2 |
Hanging module
A hanging module includes a first hanging mechanism. The first hanging mechanism includes first and second slot disks, first and second hook disks, a first sliding member, and a first guiding member. The first and second hook disks are disposed on first and second displayers respectively. A first hook of the first hook disk and a second hook of the second hook disk are used for hooking a first protruding slot of the first slot disk and a second protruding slot of the second slot disk respectively. The first sliding member has a first pivot portion and a first rod portion. The first guiding member has a second pivot portion and a first slot portion. The first and second pivot portions are pivoted onto the first and second protruding slots respectively. The first rod portion is slidably disposed in the first slot portion. |
| US09347601B2 |
Supporting device
A supporting device is provided, including a longitudinal main body, a connecting member, and a longitudinal supporting member. The connecting member is pivotally connected to the main body, such that the main body is rotatable relative to the connecting member along a first axis. The main body is extended along the first axis. The supporting member is pivotally connected to the connecting member, such that the supporting member is rotatable relative to the connecting member along a second axis. The first axis is substantially perpendicular to the second axis. |
| US09347597B2 |
Aircraft tool
A guidance tool for restricting the potential angular misalignment between the axial centerlines of a pipe end and a corresponding socket arrangement during a pipe installation process. The guidance tool may include a sleeve and a clamp configured to removably engage the sleeve with an external surface of a pipe end, such that at least part of the sleeve and pipe end may be inserted into a corresponding socket arrangement. |
| US09347596B2 |
Apparatus for heating a pipeline
The invention relates to an apparatus for heating a pipeline system, comprising at least two pipelines (1), along which in each case one electrical resistance heating element extends, wherein a potential close to the ground potential is set at each electrical resistance heating element at at least one end (3, 5), and the electrical resistance heating element is connected to a terminal of a DC source or to in each case one phase (7) of an n-phase AC source (9) at a position remote from this end (3, 5), where, when using an n-phase AC source (9), n is an integer equal to or greater than 2. |
| US09347593B2 |
Coupling device for fluid lines
A coupling device for fluid lines includes a female part having a rotatable locking arm with a cam, and a male part defining a longitudinal channel and a circumferential groove on its external surface, The male part is inserted into the female part by rotating the locking arm to its unlocked position, aligning the longitudinal channel with the cam, and sliding the cam within the longitudinal channel. The male part is locked into the female part by rotating the cam within the circumferential groove away from the longitudinal channel, and rotating the locking arm into its locked position so that the cam protrudes further into the circumferential groove. Even when the locking arm is rotated to its unlocked position, the cam engages the circumferential groove to retain the male part within the female part unless the cam is rotated within the circumferential groove into alignment with the longitudinal channel. |
| US09347587B2 |
Duct mounting system and kit
A duct mounting system. The system includes a support saddle having a duct surface shaped to accommodate and support a duct, a first support ear defined in a first extremity of the support saddle and a second support ear defined in a second extremity of the support saddle, a retaining strap connectable between the first and second support ears, a first support leg having an extremity connectable to an external structure, and a first saddle connector that couples the first support leg to the first support ear. The support saddle has a stiffening stem. The retaining strap is shaped to clamp a duct onto the duct surface. |
| US09347583B2 |
Valve position indicator
A valve position indicator assembly is disclosed herein. The valve position indicator assembly includes a gearing assembly operable to transmit an input rotation to an output rotation. The gearing assembly includes a first gearing member driven to the output rotation by the input rotation. A rate of the output rotation is a fraction of and less than a rate of the input rotation. The valve position indicator assembly includes: a position indicia engaged with the first gearing member such that the indicia and the first gearing member move together; a scale plate including a plurality of graduated indicia defining a scale of rotation movement of the first gearing member; and a mounting bracket comprising a first slot having a length extending between a first end and a second end. |
| US09347582B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for optimizing the flow rate through detention and surge facilities
A flow control system for a body of water includes a floating portion that is covered by a shroud and includes a buoyant member. The floating portion has an inlet portion within the shroud and the inlet portion is suspended distal from the floating portion forming a gap. A stationary portion is interfaced to a containment surface of the body of water and is in fluid communication with a drainage system. An extendable member is interfaced to the inlet portion, fluidly interfacing an orifice of the inlet portion to the stationary portion, and therefore to the drainage system. When in use, fluid from below a surface of the body of water flows through the gap, into the orifice, through the extendable member, and out through the drainage system. The flow rate of the fluid is constant through a range of depths of the body of water. |
| US09347579B2 |
Flux bypass for solenoid actuator
An electromagnetic solenoid actuator comprises a ferromagnetic core and a ferromagnetic plunger. The ferromagnetic core supports a plurality of windings, and is oriented along an axis. The ferromagnetic plunger is aligned axially with the ferromagnetic core, and is translatable along the axis to vary a width of an air gap separating the ferromagnetic plunger from the ferromagnetic core. The ferromagnetic plunger and the ferromagnetic core overlap axially at a flux bypass that provides an alternative flux path that diverts increasing flux away from the air gap as the width of air gap decreases. |
| US09347576B2 |
Pressure relief device having laser-defined line of opening
A pressure relief device and method of making the same are provided. The pressure relief device includes an over-pressure relief area with a plurality of co-linear spaced apart recesses located thereon. Gap segments are interspersed between the recesses to define a line of opening having desired performance characteristics during opening of the over-pressure relief area. |
| US09347571B2 |
Diverter valve
Provided is a diverter valve including a housing assembly having a plurality of ports and a drum assembly disposed in the housing. The drum assembly including a plurality of passages for selectively coupling the ports, wherein an axial position of the drum assembly with respect to the ports determines which ports are active and which parts are dormant. Further provided is a method of operating a diverter valve, including disposing a drum of the diverter valve in a first position, wherein the first position is configured to provide a first passage from an inlet of the diverter valve to a first outlet of the diverter valve, the first passage comprising a first bend-pipe extending crosswise to an axis of the drum and comprising a first radius of curvature that is at least five times an internal diameter of the first bend-pipe, and moving the drum along the longitudinal axis through the diverter valve to a second position, wherein the second position is configured to provide a second passage from the inlet of the diverter valve to a second outlet of the diverter valve, the second passage comprising a second bend-pipe extending crosswise to the axis of the drum and comprising a second radius of curvature that is at least five times an internal diameter of the second bend-pipe. |
| US09347570B2 |
Fluid filtering unit and system
Provided is a fluid filtration assembly including a housing configured with one or more filter units extending in fluid flow between a raw fluid inlet port and a filtered fluid outlet port, a filter rinsing assembly being in fluid communication with a rinsing fluid inlet port, and propulsion fluid inlet port being in flow communication with a propulsion mechanism for propelling one or both of the filter rinsing assembly and the filter unit with respect to one another. Further provided is a thread tensioning mechanism for controlling tension of coiled threads of a thread-type filtering cartridge. |
| US09347568B2 |
Valve and diaphragm for a valve
A valve has a valve housing with a first port and a second port, and has a closing member movable along an axial direction. When in a closed position, the closing member interacts sealingly with a valve seat to block a fluid connection between the first and second ports. An fluid-impermeable diaphragm comprises a central opening through which a closing member arrangement including the closing member extends, and a clamping section that runs in a clamping gap. The diaphragm is held with sealing action between the closing member arrangement and a holding arrangement on the housing. The diaphragm has a first section and a second section adjoining the first section. The first section is held in the holding arrangement with a force fit, the second section is guided in the holding arrangement, and the first and second sections are arranged at an angle relative to one another. A form fit is generated by the first section, second section and holding arrangement. |
| US09347566B2 |
Sliding component
A sliding component is characterized in that dimples are provided on one sealing face of a pair of sliding parts that mutually slide relative to each other, and stripe-shaped projections with directionality are provided in a cavitation formation area in each dimple. The sliding component can prevent leakage regardless of the level of differential pressure between the inner periphery and outer periphery of the sealing face by controlling the streak-like flow of fluid due to cavitation that occurs in a dimple or other concaved part formed on the sealing face. |
| US09347561B2 |
Seal structure using metal gasket
A seal structure has a metal gasket arranged between a pair of casings. The metal gasket is provided with a bead portion in an inner peripheral side of a planate outer peripheral portion, and a bent portion in an outer peripheral side. When the metal gasket is pinched by a pair of casings, the bead portion elastically deforms so as to reduce its height and the outer peripheral portion elastically deforms on the basis of the elastic deformation of the bead portion, and comes into contact its outer peripheral end portion with one casing, whereby any gap in which salt water stays is not formed between one casing and the outer peripheral portion, and the bent portion comes into contact with the other casing, whereby any gap in which the salt water stays is not formed between the other casing and the outer peripheral portion. |
| US09347560B2 |
Temperature regulating device for a pressure vessel
A pressure vessel is disclosed, the pressure vessel having an outer shell, an inner shell, and a temperature regulating device, the temperature regulating device adapted to regulate the temperature of a fluid stored in the inner shell during operation of the pressure vessel and to minimize curing time during manufacture of the pressure vessel. |
| US09347559B2 |
Piston ring
A high-thermal-conductivity piston ring having excellent scuffing resistance and wear resistance, which can be used in a high-heat-load environment in engines is provided. Also, to provide a piston ring with low friction for contributing to the improvement of fuel efficiency, a TiN coating as thick as 10-60 μm, in which the texture coefficient of a (111) plane is 1.2-1.65 in X-ray diffraction on the coating surface, with the texture coefficient of a (111) plane>the texture coefficient of a (220) plane>the texture coefficient of a (200) plane, is formed under the optimized ion plating conditions on a peripheral surface of the piston ring. Further, to obtain excellent sliding characteristics with low friction without losing excellent thermal conductivity of TiN, a hard amorphous carbon coating is formed on the TiN coating. |
| US09347557B2 |
Transmission gear shift indication adjustment
Methods and systems are provided for operating a vehicle with a transmission. In one example approach, a method for a vehicle comprises, during a transmission shift having a first engine speed profile, adjusting a transmission shift indication provided to a vehicle operator based on a desired perceived shift time and a desired engine deceleration rate. |
| US09347555B2 |
Variator lockout valve system
A variator lockout valve system for a continuously variable transmission includes a pair of shift valves. Each shift valve has at least one port that is fluidly coupled to a variator of the continuously variable transmission. Electro-hydraulic actuators control the position of each of the shift valves. When the shift valves are in one position, pressure control valves supply fluid pressure to the variator. If one of the shift valves is in another position, one of the pressure control valves is blocked from supplying fluid pressure to the variator. |
| US09347554B2 |
Hydrostatic drive system
A hydrostatic drive system for a machine is disclosed. The hydrostatic drive system includes a pump, a hydraulic motor configured to receive a pressurized fluid from the pump and a controller operably connected to the pump and the hydraulic motor. The controller is configured to receive an input signal indicative of a current machine speed and a desired machine speed. Further, the controller is configured to output a motor displacement command signal and a pump displacement command signal to adjust a displacement of the hydraulic motor and the pump respectively based on the input signal to maintain at least one of constant machine speed or constant acceleration or constant deceleration during adjustment of the pump displacement and the motor displacement. |
| US09347550B2 |
Shift lever device using magnetism detection switch
A magnetic field generating portion is provided to a moving unit moving together with an operating unit. Two magnets are disposed in the magnetic field generating portion with a gap between in the direction of movement. A detection unit is provided to a fixed portion. The detection unit includes a first magnetoresistive device and a second magnetoresistive device and outputs of different combinations are obtained depending which of a first detection position, a second detection position, and an intermediate detection position, the moving unit has moved to. |
| US09347549B2 |
Gear engagement mechanism
A shifting assembly for a vehicular transmission includes a shift rail having a yoke coupled thereto. A lever may be provided having portions forming an L-shaped slot. The yoke may engage the lever through the slot. The shift rail may be configured to shift the transmission into a forward gear ratio and a reverse gear ratio. The shift rail may be configured to translate along a primary axis in a first direction and in an opposite second direction. A shift fork may be coupled to the shift rail, which is configured to cause the transmission to shift into a forward gear ratio when the shift rail is translated in the first direction to a forward gear engagement position. The yoke may be configured to cause the transmission to shift into a reverse gear ratio when the shift rail is translated in the second direction to a reverse gear engagement position. |
| US09347548B2 |
Shutter member for a motor vehicle control lever, and tunnel console provided with such shutter member
A shutter member that has a shutter with a substantially rigid wall. The shutter has a substantially arc-shaped side profile that is provided with a hole which is adapted to be engaged by a motor vehicle control lever. The substantially rigid wall is supported by a fastening device, fixing the shutter member to the control lever. The shutter has a tab, which defines a longitudinal extension of the substantially rigid wall and is elastically flexible. |
| US09347543B2 |
Gearbox supporting means of a wind turbine, wind turbine, and method for maintaining a gearbox supporting means
A gearbox supporting device of a wind turbine that has a rotor, a substantially horizontally oriented rotor shaft, a gearbox, and a main frame. The gearbox supporting device includes at least one rolling bearing arranged between a rotor hub and the gearbox and at least two supports on the gearbox. The supports each have at least one central supporting body, at least one frame and a plurality of flat elastomer bodies that are clamped between the frame and the central supporting body. The central supporting body is supported only on one side. |
| US09347541B2 |
Modular power transfer unit assembly for a vehicle
A power transfer unit assembly for transferring torque from a differential carrier to a propeller shaft includes an input shaft configured to be rotatably driven by the transmission differential carrier about a first axis of rotation of the differential carrier. A first bevel gear is engaged with a second bevel gear. The first bevel gear is annular and concentrically surrounds the input shaft. The second bevel gear is configured to rotatably drive the propeller shaft about a second axis of rotation of the propeller shaft that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. The power transfer unit assembly has a compound planetary gear set concentric with the first axis of rotation. The compound planetary gear set is configured to transfer torque from the input shaft to the first bevel gear at a reduction ratio. Modular power transfer unit assemblies having common components are disclosed. |
| US09347540B2 |
Flexible shaft drive system for centrifuge with pivoting arms
A drive assembly for a centrifugal processing system is provided for rotating the yoke assembly (36) about a first axis at a first angular velocity and rotating the chamber assembly (30) coaxially with the yoke assembly at a second angular velocity A drive motor (60) is provided for rotating the yoke assembly at the first angular velocity A stationary gear (70) is mounted coaxially with the yoke assembly, with a drive linkage (72) comprising a shaft (74) secured to the yoke assembly so as to be rotatable therewith. The shaft is operatively connected on its first end to the stationary gear (70), so that the shaft rotates about its axis as the yoke assembly (36) rotates relative to the stationary gear. The shaft (74) is rotatably connected on its second end to the chamber assembly (30), so that when the shaft is rotated, the shaft rotates the chamber assembly. Preferably, the yoke assembly (36) comprises a first arm (38) and a second arm (40), with the chamber assembly (30) being rotatably secured to the first arm and the first arm being pivotably connected to the second arm, and the shaft (74) being flexible. |
| US09347539B2 |
Continuously variable transmission with chain output
A multi-mode continuously variable transmission in a powertrain of a motor vehicle includes a continuously variable unit connected to a planetary gear set arrangement. The planetary gear set arrangement generally includes two planetary gear sets, two brakes, and one clutch and provides multiple modes of ratio selection between the continuously variable unit and a transmission output member. The transmission output member is connected to a chain driven final having only three axes of rotation. |
| US09347538B2 |
Continuously variable transmission with chain output
A multi-mode continuously variable transmission in a powertrain of a motor vehicle includes a continuously variable unit connected to a planetary gear set arrangement. The planetary gear set arrangement generally includes two planetary gear sets, two brakes, and one clutch and provides multiple modes of ratio selection between the continuously variable unit and a transmission output member. The transmission output member is connected to a chain driven final having only three axes of rotation. |
| US09347537B2 |
Multi-mode continuously variable transmission with selectable transfer gears
A multi-mode continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a motor vehicle includes a transmission input member, a transmission output member, a planetary gear set, a forward clutch, a brake, and a continuously variable unit having a first pulley, a second pulley, and an endless member wrapped around the first pulley and the second pulley. A first transfer gear set is connected to the transmission output member. A second transfer gear set is connected to the transmission output member. A dual clutch assembly is provided having a first clutch and a second clutch, wherein the first clutch selectively connects the second pulley to the first transfer gear set and the second clutch selectively connects the second pulley to the second transfer gear set. The dual clutch assembly provides two modes or ranges of continuously variable speed ratios between the transmission input member and the transmission output member. |
| US09347536B2 |
Spindle nut for a ball screw
A spindle nut for a ball screw with a nut part on whose inner periphery there is a spiral ball groove that winds around a spindle axis for the rolling of balls and with two deflection elements, the balls are deflectable into the curved deflection channel of each deflection element and the nut part has two recesses that are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction and one of the deflection elements is arranged in each recess. The nut part is provided with a straight return channel for the balls, and the straight return channel is connected to the two deflection channels. The balls are movable along a ball track in the curved deflection channel and in the straight return channel, and the straight return channel is arranged within a wall thickness of the spindle nut and is arranged at an angle relative to the spindle axis. |
| US09347527B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft receiving torque, an output shaft disposed in parallel with and apart from the input shaft, a first planetary gear set having at least three rotation elements, a second planetary gear set having at least three rotation elements, a first rotation shaft, a second rotation shaft, a third rotation shaft, and a fourth rotation shaft. |
| US09347526B2 |
Multi-ratio transmission
A multistage transmission with eight forward and one reverse gear, including input and output shafts, planetary gearsets, gear stages, shift elements and shafts. Input shaft couples the carrier of gearset (P1) and, via clutch (15), can couple shaft (5) that couples the sun gear of gearset (P3) and, via clutch (58), can couple shaft (8) connected to the ring gear of gearset (P2). The ring gear of gearset (P1) couples shaft (6) connected to the sun gear of gearset (P2). Shaft (3) couples the sun and ring gears of respective gearsets (P1, P3) and can couple, via brake (03), housing (G). The carrier of gearset (P2) couples shaft (4) which couples gear stage (S1) and can couple the output shaft. The carrier of gearset (P3) couples shaft (7) which can couple, via gear stage (S2) and clutch (27), the output shaft. Clutch (56) can couple shafts (5 and 6). |
| US09347525B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are each selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish a plurality of forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. |
| US09347519B2 |
Strap mounting for pendulum dampers
A pendulum damper fixed to a rotating element of an engine comprises a pendulum anchor, a pendulum, and a flexible metal strap attaching the pendulum and pendulum anchor. The strap is wound around the pendulum and pendulum anchor to define a bifilar pendulum. A pendulum clamp is attached to the pendulum such that part of the strap is captured between the pendulum clamp and the pendulum. A pendulum anchor clamp is attached to the pendulum anchor such that a portion of the strap is captured between the pendulum anchor clamp and the pendulum anchor. The pendulum includes a pendulum anchor-facing, flexible strap-supporting cam surface. The pendulum anchor includes a pendulum-facing, flexible strap-supporting cam surface. The surfaces of the pendulum and the pendulum anchor that face each other are mutually conjugant so that at all positions of normal pendulum motion there is only a small running clearance between the two surfaces. |
| US09347515B2 |
Reduced noise decoupler
A reduced noise decoupler has a perimeter with a wavy form. This provides a significant reduction in the initial contact noise. Hydraulic pressure deforms the wavy edges, pressing the wavy edge flat and creating the necessary seal. The edge geometry is created such that pressure will flatten the decoupler perimeter without creasing, ensuring a proper seal without losses. This is achieved by drawing the wavy detail from the perimeter to an interior of the decoupler body in alternating fashion to create a pattern of peaks and troughs bounded by thicker sections, allowing the edges to easily deform without creasing. |
| US09347514B2 |
Magnetic viscous fluid damper and manufacturing method of coil assembly used therefor
A magnetic viscous fluid damper includes: a cylinder; a piston that is slidably interposed within the cylinder; two fluid chambers that are partitioned by the piston; a hollow rod that is coupled to the piston; an electromagnetic coil that is formed with a magnet wire wound around the piston; two lead wires that extend from both ends of the magnet wire; and a coil assembly in which the electromagnetic coil and the two lead wires are embedded in a mold resin. The piston includes a hollow first core coupled to the rod and a second core that sandwiches the coil assembly with the first core. The two lead wires are passed through the inside of the first core and are electrically continuous with an electric wire passed through the inside of the rod. |
| US09347513B2 |
Hydraulic damper for electrical switching apparatus and method
A hydraulic damper for an electrical switching apparatus includes a damper enclosure including an inner wall. Also included is a chamber defined by the inner wall, the chamber having a first end, a second end. Further included is a tapered portion of the chamber extending from a tapered portion initial end to a tapered portion terminal end, the tapered portion angled inwardly in a direction from the first end toward the second end of the chamber. Yet further included is a press rod at least partially disposed within the chamber. Also included is a piston having a piston outer surface and disposed within the chamber and having an initial position adjustable in a longitudinal direction of the chamber. Further included is a gap defined by the piston outer surface and the inner wall, wherein adjustment of the piston in the longitudinal direction adjusts the gap. |
| US09347511B2 |
Continuous damping control shock absorber of dual solenoid valve structure
Provided is a continuous damping control shock absorber of a dual solenoid valve structure. The continuous damping control shock absorber of the dual solenoid valve structure includes a rebound solenoid valve and a compression solenoid valve. In the continuous damping control shock absorber, a separator tube for interworking prevention is installed to form a connection chamber at a position where the rebound separator tube and the compression separator tube are connected, thereby preventing interworking of the rebound solenoid valve and the compression solenoid valve 40. A communication hole is formed in the compression separator tube to communicate with the connection chamber. The separator tube for interworking prevention is configured such that the fluid discharged from the rebound solenoid valve flows into not the low-pressure reservoir chamber but the high-pressure compression chamber during the compression stroke, thereby improving the operational independence of the rebound solenoid valve and the compression solenoid valve. Therefore, it is possible to solve the problem that the compression damping force and the rebound damping force are interworked by the opening of the passage of the rebound solenoid valve during the compression stroke, and to effectively prevent a reduction in the compression damping force. |
| US09347505B2 |
Disc brake caliper and base member
A disc brake caliper comprises a caliper main-body. The caliper main-body includes a facing surface and an attachment structure. The facing surface is configured to face a mounting portion of a bicycle frame to which the disc brake caliper is attached. A connecting member is to be attached to the attachment structure. The connecting member is configured to be connected to a fluid hose. The attachment structure is provided on the facing surface. |
| US09347498B2 |
Clutched device with thrust ring
A clutched device that includes a driving member, a driven member and a clutch assembly that is disposed between the driving and driven members. The clutch assembly includes a carrier, a wrap spring and a spacer. The carrier is configured to coupled the wrap spring to one of the driving and driven members to permit the transmission of rotary power there between. The spacer is configured to limit elongation of the wrap spring in an axial direction. |
| US09347495B2 |
Bearing assembly and bearing seal having RFID function
A bearing assembly having an RFID (radio frequency identification) function, which can implement a communication and has a capability of accomplishing information communication on a non-contact basis. This bearing assembly includes an inlet, including an IC chip and an antenna connected with such IC chip, and a magnetic sheet, both of which are embedded in overlapped relation to each other in a bearing seal for sealing a bearing space. |
| US09347491B2 |
Hard film, hard film formed body, and rolling bearing
The present invention provides a hard film which has high wear resistance and excellent peeling resistance and can be prevented from peeling off a base material over a long period of time and a hard film formed body on which the hard film is formed. A hard film (8) has a structure composed of a first mixed layer (8a), consisting mainly of Cr and WC, which is formed directly on a raceway surface (2a) of an inner ring (2) (base material) of a rolling bearing, a second mixed layer (8b), consisting mainly of WC and DLC, which is formed on the first mixed layer (8a), and a surface layer (8c), consisting mainly of DLC, which is formed on the second mixed layer (8b). In the first mixed layer (8a), a content rate of the Cr becomes continuously or stepwise lower and that of the DLC becomes continuously or stepwise higher from a side of the base material toward a side of the second mixed layer (8b). In the second mixed layer (8b), a content rate of the WC becomes continuously or stepwise lower and that of the DLC becomes continuously or stepwise higher from a side of the first mixed layer (8a) toward a side of the surface layer (8c). A content of hydrogen in the second mixed layer (8b) is set to 10 to 45 atomic percent. |
| US09347489B2 |
Magnetic bearing device and vacuum pump
A predetermined timing is a timing at which the sampling timing is in a vicinity of a maximum peak position of the carrier wave signal and a timing at which the sampling timing is in a vicinity of a minimum peak position. The demodulation arithmetic section outputs, as the demodulation calculated result, a value d3 calculated with d3=(d1−d2)/2 when a data value of the digital signal sampled in the vicinity of the maximum peak position is denoted by d1 and a data value of the digital signal sampled in the vicinity of the minimum peak position is denoted by d2. |
| US09347477B2 |
Slatwall display fastener and connector and system therefore
The invention relates to a reusable fastener designed to secure material such as promotional posters, displays, and brackets to slatwall or peg board or other backing in a retail environment. The fastener has a head designed to receive display material without removal, and includes brackets and other items as part thereof. |
| US09347471B2 |
Floating fastener mounting structure
A floating fastener mounting structure includes a metal panel member defining a convex wall portion and a mounting through hole at the convex wall portion, a mounting socket including an axially extended center hole, an annular step and a stop flange extended around the periphery at different elevations and an annular locating groove defined between the annular step and the stop flange. The mounting socket is riveted to the metal panel member to force the annular locating groove into engagement with the convex wall portion, enabling the convex wall portion to be tightly stopped between the annular step and the stop flange. The annular step defines a downwardly and outwardly sloping top surface for guiding the convex wall portion of the metal panel member into engagement with the annular locating groove of the mounting socket in the rivet operation. |
| US09347469B2 |
Mechanical locking system for floor panels
Floor panels with a flexible tongue in an insertion groove, the flexible tongue is designed to cooperate, in a connected state with a tongue groove of another panel, the panels are adapted to be locked together by vertical folding, the flexible tongue has a projection portion which, in a connected state projects outside the insertion groove and cooperates with the tongue groove, said projecting portion has a beveled and/or rounded sliding surface and the panels have a sliding surface adapted to cooperate therewith during vertical folding, the flexible tongue during the vertical folding is displaced twice in the horizontal direction, a first displacement is effected by the vertical folding of the fold panel whereby at least a part of the flexible tongue is bent, a second displacement of the flexible tongue towards its initial position is accomplished substantially by a spring effect caused by said bending of said flexible tongue. |
| US09347467B2 |
Method for controlling flow rate of attachment for construction equipment
A method of controlling a flow rate of an attachment for construction equipment of the present disclosure, in which an engine and a pump are connected to a control device to which various control information according to equipment characteristics, user setting information from an instrument panel, engine rpm adjustment information through an engine control dial, or the like is inputted, and an attachment is connected to the pump so as to perform specific work, includes selecting, on the instrument panel, an attachment to perform work and an optimum engine rpm according to the attachment; adjusting the flow rate by controlling an angle of a swash plate of the pump; and adjusting additionally a supply flow rate of the attachment by resetting an engine rpm when adjustment to the flow rate is necessary while performing the attachment work. |
| US09347457B2 |
Liquid pump with axial thrust washer
A liquid pump, in particular a water pump, comprises a pump housing, which has a thrust bearing seat, a bearing bolt and a bearing mounted on the bearing bolt. In this case, a thrust washer is arranged between the thrust bearing seat of the pump housing and the bearing. Furthermore, a flexible washer is arranged between the thrust bearing seat and the thrust washer. |
| US09347455B2 |
Ejector assembly
A recirculation flow collector for a fan includes an arcuate housing; a first face with a first circular opening to receive flow; a second face with a second circular opening to allow flow in a normal fan operating condition; and an outlet in a bottom of the arcuate housing to allow recirculation flow. |
| US09347453B2 |
Method for controlling air volume
A method for controlling air volume output by a motor. The method includes: 1) establishing functional relation formulas for air volume in a low torque interval and a high torque interval; 2) inputting a target air volume into a microprocessor control unit; 3) starting a motor under a torque to enable the motor to reach a steady state; 4) acquiring an adjustment coefficient under the torque, and calculating the air volume; 5) comparing the target air volume with the calculated air volume; 6) re-recording a steady rotational speed after the motor reaches a new steady state under an increased or reduced torque, and recalculating the air volume in the new steady state; and 7) repeating steps 5) and 6) to adjust the torque until the calculated air volume is equal or equivalent to the target air volume. |
| US09347450B2 |
Centrifugal compressor
A centrifugal compressor, including: a housing, the housing including: an inlet, a flow channel, an impeller outlet, and an air diffusing channel; a centrifugal impeller disposed inside the housing; a rotating wall, the rotating wall including a front cascade; and a rotating disc, the rotating disc including a rear cascade. The impeller outlet is disposed adjacent to a rear part of the centrifugal impeller and is connected to the flow channel via the air diffusing channel. The rotating wall is disposed between the centrifugal impeller and the housing. The front cascade is disposed inside the front part of the rotating wall and is connected to a dynamic driving device. The rotating disc is disposed inside the housing adjacent to the air diffusing channel and is in a rigid connection with the rotating wall. |
| US09347438B2 |
Hall-effect thruster
A Hall effect thruster includes at least one tank of gas under high pressure, a pressure regulator module, a gas flow rate control device, an ionization channel, a cathode placed in a vicinity of an outlet from the ionization channel, an anode associated with the ionization channel, an electrical power supply unit, an electric filter, coils for creating a magnetic field around the ionization channel, and an additional electrical power supply unit for applying a pulsating voltage between the anode and the cathode. |
| US09347435B2 |
System and method for identifying the likelihood of a tower strike where a rotor blade strikes the tower of a wind turbine
A system for identifying the likelihood of a wind turbine rotor blade striking a wind turbine tower comprises a device for sensing bending of a wind turbine rotor blade and a device for sensing bending of a wind turbine tower. In a preferred embodiment Long Period Grating (LPG) sensors are used to measure bending of the tower. Preferably a plurality of LPG sensors is provided along the length of the blade. In one embodiment at least one of the LPG sensors comprises two sensing elements arranged to sense in perpendicular directions. In another embodiment a plurality of LPG sensors are provided each on different sides of the wind turbine tower. A processor uses the sensed blade and tower bending to determine whether the distance between the blade and the tower will be below a predetermined minimum value. If the distance is determined to be below the predetermined minimum value a controller may be used to adjust a wind turbine variable to reduce loading on the blade and thereby reduce the likelihood of a tower strike. |
| US09347433B2 |
Wind turbine installation and advance double counter-rotating blades, 90° drive assembly with lower generator mounting system
A Wind Power system employing a three-tube tower, double, counter-rotating blades and a means to carry the wind energy power to a remotely located generator. The system employs a method to transmit the power from a horizontal vector to a vertical vector by means of a 90° magnetic translating method which delivers the power with no power loss.The system, by the physical placement of the generator, transformer, switches and controls, provide a great reduction in tower support weight and further provides for a cost efficient system. To further the overall efficiency of the system, special designs of the leading edge of the blades are fitted with tubercles which allow the blades to be pitched at greater angles, thereby increasing the power which can be gathered.This system, due to the teachings of this invention, can be constructed, installed and maintained at a substantially lower cost than that of a wind system currently being employed in the industry. |
| US09347429B2 |
Reactive power control during loss of communication
A method of operating a wind turbine of a wind park is provided. In a first step a status of a communication connection to a wind park controller is checked. When the status of the communication connection is positive, the wind turbine will be operated in accordance with at least one reference set point received from the wind park controller. When the status of the communication connection is negative, a substitute reference set point will be determined as a function of a present power output of the wind turbine and the wind turbine will be operated in accordance with the substitute reference set point. |
| US09347424B2 |
Water-based power generation installations
A water-based power generating installation includes a water based power generating device operable to derive power from a body of water, and to export that power via a power export cable, and an infrastructure arrangement for providing a power export connection from the installation, and including infrastructure equipment for the installation, which infrastructure equipment serves to connect the power generating device with the power export connection. |
| US09347420B2 |
Barrier discharge device
An object of the present invention is to provide a barrier discharge device capable of increasing the combustion efficiency of an engine while overcoming the problems of the cumbersome replacement of the electrodes and the commercialization of the device. The barrier discharge device of an engine includes a dielectric body and at least two barrier discharge electrodes which are held inside the dielectric body and to which voltages for barrier discharge are applied, wherein each of the barrier discharge electrodes are not exposed to the inside of a cylinder bore and are arranged so as to surround the cylinder bore. |
| US09347416B2 |
Engine starting device for vehicle
A vehicle engine starting device includes a drive starter gear provided on an output shaft of a transmission and a driven starter gear provided on a crankshaft of an engine are meshed, not only is it possible to start the engine by cranking the crankshaft by means of the driving force transmitted from a driven wheel without requiring a starter motor, but it is also possible to prevent the dragging of the transmission since the driving force is not transmitted to the crankshaft via the transmission. Further, since the gear ratio of the drive starter gear and the driven starter gear is set so that the rotational speed of the crankshaft attains a rotational speed that can start the engine when the vehicle speed reaches a predetermined vehicle speed for starting the engine, it is possible to reliably start the engine by cranking the crankshaft at an optimum speed. |
| US09347410B2 |
Fuel injection device of direct injection engine
A fuel injection device of a direct injection engine is provided. The device includes an engine body, a fuel injection valve, and a controller for controlling a fuel injection by the fuel injection valve. The fuel injection valve has a nozzle hole, a valve body for opening and closing the nozzle hole, and first and solenoid coils for stroking the valve body by first and second stroke amounts, respectively. The controller performs the fuel injection by the first solenoid coil in an intake stroke period within an engine operating range with an engine load below a predetermined load. The controller performs the fuel injection with a fuel pressure of 40 MPa or above by the second solenoid coil in a period between a compression stroke late stage and an expansion stroke early stage within a low-engine-speed range with an engine speed below a predetermined speed within a high-engine-load range. |
| US09347408B2 |
Saddle type vehicle
A saddle type vehicle including a frame of a monocoque structure having an air cleaner wherein the sealing property can be secured. An air cleaner includes a filter element disposed in a hollow main frame to partition the main frame into a dirty side region and a clean side region. An intake path member connects an engine below the main frame to the clean side region. A communicating opening for communicating with the engine is formed on a lower face side of the clean side region. The communicating opening is covered with a lid member. The lid member includes a first plate member with a communicating hole in which the intake path member to the engine is inserted, a second plate member for surrounding an outer periphery of the first plate member, and an elastic member provided between the first plate member and the second plate member. |
| US09347406B2 |
Air cleaner device for vehicle
A compact air cleaner device with a secure intake capacity. An internal combustion engine includes the air cleaner device mounted on a vehicle body frame. The air cleaner device includes an air cleaner case having a filter element therein, and being partitioned into a dirty side chamber and a clean side chamber with a plurality of intake ducts for leading an outside air into the dirty side chamber, the intake ducts being provided so as to form a left-right pair. The intake ducts have intake ports opened outside side portions of the air cleaner case. Paths of the intake ducts leading to discharge ports are housed within the dirty side chamber with bent portions. The discharge ports of the intake ducts forming the left-right pair are disposed so as to be oriented to a central side of the air cleaner case and offset from each other in a forward-rearward direction. |
| US09347404B2 |
Filter arrangement for a tank ventilation system of a fuel tank
A tank ventilation system of a fuel tank (2) has at least one housing (20) with a tank-side fuel vapor inlet opening (22), an engine-side fuel vapor outlet opening (26) and an atmosphere opening (24). The housing (20) has at least one first adsorption region (32) and a second adsorption region (34) upstream of the fuel vapor outlet opening (26). The second adsorption region (32) has a substantially lower absorption capacity than the first adsorption region (32), which is placed in a direction of flow toward the atmosphere opening (24). |
| US09347403B2 |
Fuel tank
The present invention enables a canister in a fuel tank with the canister to be separately subjected to a product inspection and enables the canister to be replaced.The fuel tank according to the present invention includes: a tank body (10m) configured by joining a plurality of shells (12) and (14) to each other; and a canister (20) configured to enable absorption of fuel vapor generated in the tank body (10m), wherein, in one (12) of the shells that constitute the tank body (10m), and engaging portion (120) formed to be integral with the shell (12) is provided, and the canister (20) is configured to be mounted to the tank body (10m) by engaging an engaged portion (20r) of the canister (20) with the engaging portion (120). |
| US09347401B2 |
Lambda feedback control for robust particulate emissions performance
Methods are disclosed for reducing the variability of particulate emissions in an exhaust stream from an internal combustion engine using a lambda error and/or a NOx error to control an exhaust gas recirculation fraction and/or a mass charge flow control. The methods include operating a controller to adjust the engine gas recirculation fraction and/or the mass charge flow control. |
| US09347398B2 |
Actuator support system and apparatus
A cascade support structure for a cascade type thrust reverser system is provided. One or more cascades may comprise one or more flanges. One or more actuators may also comprise one or more flanges. The cascades may be coupled to and/or supported by the actuators via the flanges. The cascades and/or actuators may also be configured to couple to one or more track beams via the ore or more flanges. |
| US09347397B2 |
Reflex annular vent nozzle
A gas turbine engine includes a core defining an engine central longitudinal axis. An inner-fixed structure is radially outward of the core. A core cowl extends from the inner-fixed structure to a trailing edge. A thrust reverser is spaced radially outward of the core cowl to define a fan flow path. A vent has a core cowl inner surface formed as part of the core cowl and a vent inner surface that is spaced radially inward of the core cowl inner surface to define a vent flow path. A reflex member extends from a trailing edge of the core nacelle to impede mixing of the fan flow path and the vent flow path. |
| US09347392B2 |
Control system and control method of gasoline direct injection engine
A control system and a control method of a gasoline direct injection engine may include determining whether the engine is stopped and can improve NVH of a vehicle by keeping the fuel high-pressure pump input valve of the high-pressure pump operating for a predetermined time and preventing fuel from flowing backward to the low-pressure pump. |
| US09347391B2 |
Air-fuel ratio control device for internal combustion engine for outboard motor, air-fuel ratio control method, and program product
An air-fuel ratio control device has an open loop controller which controls an air-fuel ratio to be a target air-fuel ratio, a feedback controller that shifts the target air-fuel ratio to a logical air-fuel ratio, and feedback controls the air-fuel ratio to be the logical air-fuel ratio by using a feedback correction coefficient determined based on an output of an O2 sensor, an average value calculator that calculates an average value of the feedback correction coefficient when the output of the O2 sensor reverses from a lean side to a rich side and from the rich side to the lean side in a feedback control by the feedback controller, and a learned value calculator that calculates a learned value based on the average value at a time when the average value calculated by the average value calculator becomes substantially constant. |
| US09347387B2 |
Device and method for operating a motor vehicle
A device for operating a motor vehicle includes a drive unit configured to drive the motor vehicle in order to make available adjustable starting assistance. A sensing unit is configured to sense a brake pressure of a brake arrangement of the motor vehicle, where the brake pressure is adjustable using a brake pedal. A control unit is configured to set a degree of starting assistance that is made available when the brake pressure, which is sensed during a stationary state of the motor vehicle, exceeds a predefined threshold value. |
| US09347384B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine
A control device for an internal combustion engine is provided with: a variable valve driving mechanism capable of changing a working angle of an intake valve while keeping a maximum magnitude of lift and opening timing constant; a reduction catalyst which absorbs nitrogen oxide in exhaust during lean combustion and reduces the nitrogen oxide absorbed during rich combustion; and a control unit changing, according to a load on the internal combustion engine, an amount of advance of closing of the intake valve at the time of switching to rich combustion. |
| US09347377B2 |
Gas turbine and gas-turbine plant having the same
The invention provides a gas-turbine fuel nozzle that includes a plurality of fuel supply channels to which fuel is supplied, a plurality of fuel/sweep-fluid supply channels to which fuel or a sweep fluid for sweeping the fuel is supplied, and a plurality of injection holes that are provided at downstream ends of the fuel supply channels or the fuel/sweep-fluid supply channels and that inject the fuel guided from the fuel supply channels or the fuel/sweep-fluid supply channels; a sweep-fluid supply channel that is connected to the fuel/sweep-fluid supply channels to guide the sweeping; and sweep-fluid cooling means for cooling the sweep-fluid to a temperature lower than a self-ignition temperature of the fuel. |
| US09347371B2 |
Instant entropy system
The instant invention is to a new fuel system, which will allow operation of large scale electrical power generating facilities at a fraction of the cost of coal or natural gas fueled facilities and will not produce significant heat, exhaust emission gases, or particulate pollution. Because of the nature of the chemical reaction exploited in the system, it is denominated an instant entropy system (“IES”). The fuel used by the inventive IES produces gas expansion, but not from an oxidation/combustion reaction, and it does not produce oxidative exothermic heat. The IES utilizes a material first developed in the early part of the twentieth century—triacetone triperoxide (TAP). |
| US09347367B2 |
System having dual-volute axial turbine turbocharger
A turbocharger is disclosed for use with an engine system. The turbocharger may have a housing at least partially defining a compressor shroud and a turbine shroud. The turbine shroud may form a first volute and a second volute, each having an inlet configured to receive exhaust from an exhaust manifold of the engine in a tangential direction, and an axial channel disposed downstream of the inlet. The turbocharger may also have a turbine wheel disposed within the turbine shroud and configured to receive exhaust from the axial channels of the first and second volutes, a compressor wheel disposed within the compressor shroud, and a shaft connecting the turbine wheel to the compressor wheel. The turbocharger may further have a nozzle ring in fluid communication with the axial channels of the first and second volutes at a location upstream of the turbine wheel. |
| US09347365B2 |
Air turbine driven EGR pump for diesel engines
A power plant is provided and may include an exhaust gas recirculation passage and a turbo machine having a first turbine rotationally coupled to a pump. The first turbine may include an expanded air passage. The pump may be arranged in the exhaust gas recirculation passage. A pre-cooler may be arranged in the expanded air passage and in the exhaust gas recirculation passage upstream from the pump. |
| US09347362B2 |
Adjustable mounting system for aftertreatment or exhaust components
A mounting system for an exhaust system component may include one or more end mounting brackets and one or more intermediary mounting brackets. Each of the one or more end mounting brackets and the one or more intermediary mounting brackets may each include a vertical member, a horizontal member, one or more attachment openings, and an attachment strap configured to secure a component of an exhaust system to the respective end mounting bracket or intermediary mounting bracket. The one or more end mounting brackets and the one or more intermediary mounting brackets may be configured to be selectively attached and detached from a mounting surface via one or more surface attachment members and the one or more attachment openings. |
| US09347355B2 |
In-line flow diverter
An exhaust gas treatment system for reducing emissions from an engine includes an exhaust conduit adapted to supply an exhaust stream from the engine to an exhaust treatment device. The conduit includes an aperture. An injector injects a reagent through the aperture and into the exhaust stream. A flow modifier is positioned within the exhaust conduit upstream of the injector. The flow modifier includes a diverter for increasing the velocity of the exhaust gas at a predetermined location within the conduit relative to the injected reagent. |
| US09347354B2 |
Reduction-catalyst-coated diesel particle filter having improved characteristics
An SCR-catalytically active diesel particle filter having a ceramic wall flow filter substrate with inflow channels, outflow channels, walls separating the inflow and outflow channels, and two coatings. The first coating is applied in inflow channels, is composed of high-melting point materials, and closes the inflow sides of pores in walls connecting the inflow channels and outflow channels to soot particles without preventing passage of gaseous exhaust gas constituents. The second coating is within the walls between inflow channels and outflow channels, and effectively catalyzes the selective reduction of nitrogen oxides when in the presence of a reducing agent. The particle filter displays excellent banking-up pressure properties combined with high filtration efficiency and good regeneration properties; and displays good aging stability of NOx conversion activity. |
| US09347352B2 |
Correction device for air/fuel ratio sensor
A correction device for an air/fuel ratio sensor in the present invention, the sensor issuing an output according to an air/fuel ratio and installed on the downstream from catalyst of the exhaust passage, has air/fuel ratio control means for controlling an air/fuel ratio of an exhaust gas on the upstream side from a catalyst to switch between a rich air/fuel ratio which is richer and a lean air/fuel ratio which is leaner than a stoichiometric air/fuel ratio. Moreover, correction means for correcting an output of the sensor in accordance with a difference between the output of the sensor during a predetermined period during air/fuel ratio control by the air/fuel ratio control means, and a reference output corresponding to a stoichiometric air/fuel ratio, is provided. |
| US09347339B2 |
System and method for converting heat energy into electrical energy through and organic rankine cycle (ORC) system
A system and method for converting otherwise wasted energy produced in the form of heated gases as a byproduct of an industrial process into electrical energy. At least some waste gases are diverted from a typical exhaust structure through a heat exchanger and back into the exhaust structure. The amount of gases flowing through the heat exchanger is monitored and regulated by a controller. A heat source liquid is simultaneously circulated under pressure through the heat exchanger and through an organic Rankine cycle system. The amount of heat source liquid being circulated is also monitored and regulated by the controller. The ORC system converts the heat from the heat source liquid into electricity. |
| US09347337B2 |
Gas turbine engine mounting arrangements
A clamp suitable for use in an anti-icing system of a gas turbine engine is provided is disclosed. The clamp has a clasping portion for clasping a heating element. Two resilient arms extend from the clasping portion to a substantially rigid outer collar. Translational movement of the clasping portion, which may be created by radial expansion of an annular heating element being clasped thereby, can be accommodated by the clamp by elastic deformation of the resilient arms. This allows radial expansion of the heating element to be accommodated without relative rotation between the clasping portion and the heating element. |
| US09347336B2 |
Steam valve apparatus
According to one embodiment, there is provided a steam valve apparatus including a main throttle valve, a steam control valve arranged on a downstream side of the main throttle valve, and an intermediate flow-channel part which connects the main throttle valve and the steam control valve. The intermediate flow-channel part is a circular pipe flow channel forming a circular arcuate shape so as to change a flow of steam, which has flowed out of the main throttle valve, from a perpendicular direction into a direction of flowing out into the inlet part. An outlet part is open upward, and a valve rod penetrates a lower part of a casing downward. |
| US09347335B2 |
Tank having an inclined partition provided at its ends with through-holes for continuous supply of a supply liquid to a turbine engine
The tank for a turbine engine comprises a partition separating a first compartment from a second compartment of the tank , the partition having a first end and a second end, the second end being closer to the bottom of the tank than the first end, the partition being inclined from the first end to the second end in the first direction and in the direction of the first outlet to the second outlet , the partition comprising at least one first Through-hole near the first end and at least one second through-hole closer to the second end than the first hole. |
| US09347333B2 |
Brush ring seal
A brush ring seal device for installation within a packing case of a turbine includes: a brush seal carrier having a substantially ring-shaped body portion having a front face, a rear face, an inner circumferential groove, and an outer circumferential groove; a brush seal mounted within the inner circumferential groove of the brush seal carrier; and a ring-shaped spring mounted within the outer circumferential groove of the brush seal carrier. The rear face of the brush seal carrier is coated with an anti-friction coating, thereby allowing movement of the brush ring seal device within the packing case. |
| US09347332B2 |
Dynamo with columnar oscillator
The dynamo of the present invention is provided in the flow field of a fluid, and has: a columnar oscillating body, one end of the oscillating body being supported in the flow field of the fluid by a shaft that is parallel to the flow direction of the fluid, and the oscillating body being moved reciprocally by self-excited oscillation about the shaft; and an electricity generation unit for generating electrical energy in response to the reciprocal oscillation of the oscillating body. |
| US09347330B2 |
Finger seal
An assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a component and a finger seal. The component has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface has an elevation that differs from an elevation of the second surface. The finger seal is connected to the first surface and extends above the second surface. The disposition of the second surface relative to the finger seal creates a cavity below a curved portion of the finger seal. |
| US09347322B2 |
Gas turbine including belly band seal anti-rotation device
A sealing band located in opposing seal band receiving slots of adjacent turbine disks to seal an annular gap therebetween. An anti-rotation body including a base portion is located between edges of the sealing band within the annular gap, and a pin portion extends axially from the base portion for engagement with a cut-out portion of at least one of the disks. A pair of spaced projections extend from the base portion and into through openings in the sealing band at a location within the annular gap. The projections define an attachment structure attaching the anti-rotation body to the sealing band. |
| US09347318B2 |
Method and device for welding workpieces made of high-temperature resistant super alloys
A method of welding workpieces of high-temperature superalloys is provided. Welding filler is applied in a plurality of layers to a surface of the workpiece via a heat input zone and a supply zone for supplying the welding filler into the heat input zone. The heat input zone and the supply zone on the one hand and the workpiece surface on the other hand are moved in relation to one another. A polycrystalline weld seam is generated by remelting a previously applied layer of the plurality of layers. Welding parameters are chosen such that a cooling rate during a solidifying of the material is at least 8000 Kelvins per second. Further, a welding apparatus for carrying out such a method is provided. |
| US09347314B2 |
System and method for quantifying uncertainty of predicted petroleum fluid properties
A system includes a downhole formation fluid sampling tool. The system also includes an optical spectrometer of the downhole formation fluid sampling tool and a processor. The optical spectrometer is able to measure an optical characteristic of a formation fluid flowing through the downhole formation fluid sampling tool over a plurality of wavelengths. The optical spectrometer is designed to generate optical spectra data indicative of the optical characteristic. The processor is able to receive the optical spectra data generated by the optical spectrometer, to predict a parameter corresponding to one component of multiple components of the formation fluid based on the optical spectra data, and to calculate an uncertainty in the predicted parameter based on the optical spectra data. |
| US09347313B2 |
Hydraulic fracture monitoring using active seismic sources with receivers in the treatment well
A method for obtaining information about a hydraulic fracturing operation in a fracture zone in a well, comprises a) providing at least one acoustic sensor in the well and at least one acoustic source, b) injecting fracturing fluid into the well so as to cause fractures in a fracture zone in the surrounding formation, c) using the acoustic source to send an acoustic signal and using the acoustic receiver to receive the signal, d) repeating step c) at least once, and e) processing the received signals using a microprocessor so as to obtain information about the fractures. The source may be at the earth's surface or in a second well. Step e) may comprise measuring first-arriving acoustic waves or measuring reflected or diffracted acoustic waves. The information gained in step e) may be used to control the injection of fracturing fluid or detect out-of-zone water injection. |
| US09347306B2 |
System and method for the autonomous drilling of ground holes
A system and method for the drilling of ground holes by a track steer drill rig. The system and method include a drilling arrangement that permits the speed of drilling holes to be balanced against the stability of the hole thus formed. The system and method allow for the autonomous drilling of ground holes and, particularly, although not exclusively, for the purposes of exploration, mining, and/or construction. In particular, the system and method relate to the autonomous drilling of ground holes which are used for subsequent blasting. |
| US09347303B2 |
Produced fluid heating and separation
An apparatus and method for heating produced fluid from a well, the heating apparatus comprising a produced fluid pathway; a heat generation system comprising a diesel engine, a heated hydraulic fluid pathway, and an engine coolant pathway; and a heat transfer system disposed between the produced fluid pathway and the heat generation system to transfer thermal energy from the heat generation system to a produced fluid contained within the produced fluid pathway. |
| US09347302B2 |
Resistive heater for in situ formation heating
The disclosure concerns methods for heating a subsurface formation using an electrical resistance heater. Preferably, the subsurface formation is an organic-rich rock formation, including, for example, an oil shale formation. The method may include providing an electrically conductive first member in a wellbore in a subsurface fornation, an electrically conductive second member in the wellbore, and an electrically conductive granular material in the wellbore. The granular material is positioned so as to provide an electrical connection between the first member and the second member. An electrical current is established across the first member, the granular material and the second member so as to generate resistive heat within the granular material. The surrounding subsurface formation is thereby conductively heated so as to cause formation hydrocarbons in the formation to be heated, and in some cases, pyrolyzed to form hydrocarbon fluids. |
| US09347301B2 |
Pneumatic fracturing method and system for exploiting shale gas
A pneumatic fracturing method for exploiting shale gas, the method including: 1) applying a compressed gas for a first period of time at a first pressure to a shale formation; 2) applying the compressed gas for a second period of time at a second pressure to the shale formation; and 3) repeating steps 1) and 2) to produce fissures in the shale formation. A temperature of the compressed gas is at least 80° C. A maximum pressure of the compressed gas is at least 25 megapascal, and a minimum pressure of the compressed gas is between ¼ and ⅓ of the maximum pressure. |
| US09347298B2 |
High pressure tie back receptacle and seal assembly
A tie back assembly and method of use is presented. In one method, a tie back seal mandrel is inserted into a tie back receptacle. Both the inner surface of the tie back receptacle and the outer surface of the seal mandrel are tapered to cooperate when mated. A seal assembly forms an annular seal between the tapered surfaces when the mandrel is inserted into the receptacle. Preferably the seal assembly has a burst seal and a collapse seal carried on one of the tapered surfaces, where the seals are spaced apart longitudinally. The seals are positioned at locations along the tapered surfaces to provide adequate wall thickness for support at pressure. Hydrostatic fluid in the wellbore increases the force necessary to withdraw the seal mandrel dues to creation of a lower pressure zone between the spaced apart seals. |
| US09347296B2 |
Lining of well bores with expandable and conventional liners
Reducing the diameter of a well bore has many advantages. To achieve this a subsurface well bore is provided comprising one or more expandable sleeve components, preferably expandable liners (27, 271), each expandable sleeve component being fully overlapped by one or more non expandable sleeve component, preferably conventional liners (28, 29), such that the interior of the well bore is cased entirely by non expandable sleeve components (28, 29). In addition the through holes (34a) for downhole lines can be provided within the well head (34) rather than the tubing hanger (33). As the tubing hanger does not need to provide space for through holes and associated mounting couplings, its diameter can be reduced, thus reducing the internal diameter of the well bore by several inches. |
| US09347295B2 |
Filtration system and method for a packer
Filtration systems, methods and/or apparatuses for use on a packer system are provided. Filtration assemblies and/or filters may prevent mud, gravel, and/or other solids from clogging and/or entering drains on a packer. The filters and/or filtration assemblies may have multiple dynamic components to prevent debris from entering the packer system. Rotary filters, cylindrical filters, and/or belt filters may be used to clear fluid obstructions from sampling drains. Helices and/or turbines may harness power of fluid flowing through the drains and/or flowlines to operate moving dynamic components of systems and/or apparatuses. The filters and/or filtration assemblies may be interchangeable such that various filters may be used on a single packer system. |
| US09347287B2 |
Wellbore treatment tool and method
A wellbore treatment tool for setting against a constraining wall in which the wellbore treatment tool is positionable, the wellbore treatment tool including: a tool body including a first end formed for connection to a tubular string and an opposite end; a no-go key assembly including a tubular housing and a no-go key, the tubular housing defining an inner bore extending along the length of the tubular housing and an outer facing surface carrying the no-go key, the no-go key configured for locking the no-go key and tubular housing in a fixed position relative to the constraining wall, the tubular housing sleeved over the tool body with the tool body installed in the inner bore of the tubular housing; and a sealing element encircling the tool body and positioned between a first compression ring on the tool body and a second compression ring on the tubular housing, the sealing element being expandable to form an annular seal about the tool body by compression between the first compression ring and the second compression ring. |
| US09347286B2 |
Flow stop valve
A flow stop valve (200, 300, 400) for placement in a downhole tubular operating in a dual fluid density system, wherein the flow stop valve is arranged such that it is in communication with a pressure difference between one of: fluid outside the downhole tubular and inside the downhole tubular at the flow stop valve; and fluid above and below the flow stop valve inside the downhole tubular, wherein the flow stop valve comprises a first valve element (226′, 326′, 424) arranged such that the pressure difference acts across at least a portion of the first valve element and that the first valve element is movable between open and closed positions under action of said pressure difference so as to selectively permit flow through the downhole tubular, wherein the first valve element comprises a first passage (212, 312, 446) arranged so as to transmit fluid from a first port (213, 313, 447) in a first side of the first valve element to a second side of the first valve element, the first port being positioned such that it is adjacent to a low pressure flow region (290) when the flow stop valve is in an open position. |
| US09347285B2 |
Method and system for controlling a compressor at a rock drilling apparatus and a rock drilling apparatus
The present invention relates to a control of a compressor (8) at a rock drilling apparatus, said rock drilling apparatus including a power source for driving a compressor (8) at a rock drilling process, said compressor (8) being arranged to operate according to a first mode and according to a second mode, wherein, in said first mode, the work produced by the compressor (8) is arranged to be controlled by controlling the rotation speed of said compressor (8), and wherein, in said second mode, the work produced by the compressor (8) is arranged to be controlled by controlling the air flow at the compressor inlet. The method includes determining a parameter value representing a demand of work from said compressor (8), controlling the compressor (8) according to said first mode when said parameter value representing a demand of work from said compressor (8) exceeds a first demand, and controlling the compressor (8) according to said second mode when said parameter value representing a demand of work from said compressor is lower man said first demand. The invention also relates to a system and a rock drilling apparatus. |
| US09347284B2 |
Slug mitigation system for subsea pipelines and risers
A slug mitigation system for subsea pipelines includes a riser located between a low level and an upper (above sea-) level of a pipeline, where an inline separator, e.g. an “I-SEP”, is located upstream of a first stage separator. A throttling valve or fixed restriction is located downstream or upstream in series with the inline separator. Further aspects may also include a surface jet pump upstream of the in-line separator and/or a cyclonic separator downstream of the in-line separator. |
| US09347278B2 |
Load cross-over slip-joint mechanism and method of use
A downhole tool assembly is presented for use in a wellbore, the tool having a mandrel assembly for substantially bearing the tensile and rotational loads placed on the tool assembly during run-in to the wellbore, a displacement assembly for substantially bearing displacement loads and for providing relative movement to the mandrel assembly, the displacement assembly for actuating a actuable tool attached to the mandrel assembly. The mandrel assembly has an upper mandrel positioned radially outward of the displacement assembly and a lower mandrel positioned radially inward of the displacement assembly. A load cross-over mandrel transfers the tensile and rotational loads between the upper and lower mandrels. The load cross-over mandrel has a plurality of passages which allow corresponding rods of the displacement assembly to slide therethrough. The rods transfer the displacement loads from actuators above the rods to an actuable tool below the rods. |
| US09347275B2 |
Fixed cutter drill bit with core fragmentation feature
A drill bit has a plurality of blades that include a coring blade, a plurality of flow courses that include an evacuation slot disposed between the plurality of blades, and a conical insert disposed on or proximate a bit centerline of the drill bit. Coring blade includes a first cutting element disposed at a first radial position from the bit centerline. Also, coring blade includes a substantially vertical surface and an angled surface. During drilling, first cutting element cuts formation to generate a core sample fragment at bit centerline. Core sample fragment is then broken away from formation using angled surface or conical insert after core sample fragment reaches a certain length. Core sample fragment then exits drill bit via an evacuation slot, from where core sample fragment is transported via an annulus to the surface of formation for testing and analysis. |
| US09347272B2 |
Method and assembly for forming a supported bore using a first and second drill bit
A method of forming a supported subterranean well bore in which, in one disclosed embodiment, a first drill bit is mounted on a first string of casing tubulars via a steerable tool, and the drill bit is used to form a first bore. Upon reaching the required depth the casing string is cemented in place to support the formed bore and a second drill bit is mounted on a second casing string and is inserted into the first casing string. The second drill bit is used to drill through the wall of the first casing string and proceed to form a second, deeper bore. Once the second drill bit has reached the required depth, the second casing string is cemented in place to support the second bore. |
| US09347269B2 |
Adjustable bend assembly for a downhole motor
A downhole motor for directional drilling includes a driveshaft assembly including a driveshaft housing and a driveshaft rotatably disposed within the driveshaft housing. In addition, the downhole motor includes a bearing assembly including a bearing housing and a bearing mandrel rotatably disposed within the bearing housing. The bearing mandrel has a first end directly connected to the driveshaft with a universal joint and a second end coupled to a drill bit. Further, the downhole motor includes an adjustment mandrel configured to adjust an acute deflection angle θ between the central axis of the bearing housing and the central axis of the driveshaft housing. The adjustment mandrel has a central axis coaxially aligned with the bearing housing, a first end coupled to the driveshaft housing, and a second end coupled to the bearing housing. |
| US09347267B2 |
Horizontal drilling device
A horizontal drilling device according to the invention includes a linear drive, a rotary drive that can be displaced by means of the linear drive, a drill rod assembly and a rod assembly pipe receiver, the drill rod assembly being hollow and the rod assembly receiver being designed as a receiving mandrel, which allows the drill rod assembly to be placed on the receiving mandrel. |
| US09347261B2 |
Adjustment mechanisms for shades
A motorized shading system may include a housing, a roller tube, a sheer shade material, and a bottom bar. The shading system may be configured such that opposed ends of the roller tube are adjustable relative to the housing. The shading system may include first and second sliding members that couple opposed ends of the roller tube to the housing and that are configured to translate along first and second rails defined by the housing. The bottom bar may define a cross-sectional profile such that when the shade material is in a closed position, a first lower most edge of the bottom bar is spaced from the roller tube by a first distance, and when the shade material is in a view position, a second lower most edge of the bottom bar is spaced from the roller tube by a second distance that is substantially equal to the first distance. |
| US09347260B1 |
Curtain controller capable of preventing pull cord from jumping away
A curtain controller capable of preventing pull cord from jumping away. The curtain controller is applied to a lower rail to prevent the pull cord from jumping away. The front end of the controller main body has a connection seat main body. A stopper bar is transversely rotatably connected with the connection seat main body. The stopper bar can be rotated to block or unblock the space above the pull cord winder so as to prevent the pull cord from jumping out of the pull cord winder and facilitate the winding of the pull cord on the pull cord winder. The pull cord winder is assembled with the controller main body by an inclination angle so as to lower the height of the pull cord winder. In this case, the curtain controller can be mounted on a lower rail to speed the assembling process. |
| US09347257B2 |
Lifting door having a movable door leaf guide
The invention relates to a lifting door, comprising a movable door leaf made of slats, the slats being connected to one another so as to bend, and comprising structure-mounted frames. Lateral guides for the door leaf having a vertical section and a lintel section, and frame sealing elements of a sealing assembly are arranged thereon, which close a gap between the door leaf and a section of the frames facing the door opening when the lifting door is closed. The lintel sections of the guides, together with the vertical sections of the guides, are displaceably mounted on the frames, wherein the guides can only be displaced in a direction that is diagonal to the door leaf plane, but not in a moving direction of the door leaf. Thus, an improved lifting door having greater operational safety, and at the same time an improved sealing effect between the door leaf and the door opening can be achieved. |
| US09347255B2 |
Movable channel reinforcement apparatus for window assemblies
Channel reinforcements configured to move between open and closed location along with a window sash are described herein. The channel reinforcements may provide reinforcement to window jambs proximate the latch bolts that extend into jamb channels in the window jambs. The channel reinforcements may be coupled or uncoupled to the balances located in the window jambs. |
| US09347254B2 |
Command priority levels for an access controller apparatus
An access controller apparatus and method for controlling physical access to an area are provided to determine a current priority level setting of the access controller and to ignore a received command in response to a comparison of the priority level of the received command to the current priority level setting of the access controller. Thus, a prioritized response to commands is provided such that commands of certain priority levels can be acted upon in certain situations. This helps allow for proper responses to multiple conflicting commands and for prioritized responses to commands of greater importance or of universal impact. |
| US09347242B2 |
Systems and methods to automatically detect a door state
A door lock/unlock system for a building automatically controls locking and unlocking of a door. A door lock controller interfaces with an electronic door lock and receives messages including door lock commands from a local receiver. In turn, the local receiver interfaces with a hub device through a mesh network. The hub applies a rule set to make lock operation decisions, and sends messages comprising commands to operate the door lock through the mesh network to the local receiver. The local receiver decodes the messages and passes the commands to the door lock controller to automatically control the electronic door lock. A door state device checks the state of the door. When the checking mechanism indicates that the message was not received or the lock operation failed, the system alerts the user to take appropriate lock action. |
| US09347239B2 |
Systems and methods for storage
In accordance with one embodiment, a system for storing commodities is provided. The system may include a tarpaulin. The tarpaulin may further have an internal strapping. In accordance with one embodiment, a method for storing commodities is provided. The method may include providing a tarpaulin. In one embodiment, the method for storing commodities may include configuring the tarpaulin to provide internal strapping. |
| US09347238B2 |
Shelter lift attachment for a portable human transport system
A shelter configuration for a portable human transport system comprises a canopy attachment, optionally with a rain-fly closure, for protecting a casualty from inclement weather or external interference by pests or animals. The attachment enables aerial lifting or elevation of the patient in a fully enclosed transport system. |
| US09347236B2 |
Wind turbine and tower or tower segment and door frame therefor
The invention relates to a tower or a tower segment of a wind turbine, having a door for entering the inside of the tower, comprising a door frame, which has a door opening that is preferably closed by a door leaf. The Invention further relates to a door frame for a door of a tower of a wind turbine, said frame having a door opening that is preferably closed by a door leaf, and to a wind turbine having a tower, a door provided for entering the inside of the tower, and a staircase leading to the door on the outside of the tower, preferably of a tower described above. The underlying object of the invention is to provide an air passage opening in at least one advantageous location. This object is achieved according to the invention in that the door frame has at least one air passage opening, particularly an air inlet opening. |
| US09347234B2 |
Pool skimmer basket assembly with adapter
An improved pool skimmer basket assembly with skimmer vent tower adapter for mounting a skimmer vent tower on a pool skimmer basket allows for the existing design of a skimmer vent tower to be retrofitted with any pool skimmer basket and/or any pool skimmer. The adapter is reversibly secured between any pool skimmer basket available on the market and the skimmer vent tower without requiring modifications to either part. Applicant's assembly utilizes the substantially centrally positioned skimmer vent tower of an existing design to provide a means by which water is vented through the basket, even when the strainer orifices are clogged. When the user requires a different size of basket and/or a new basket, he can easily remove the adapter attached to the inner bottom portion of the basket and place it on another basket without forgoing the use of the skimmer vent tower altogether. Ease of removing the adapter and either attaching it to a new basket of the same or a differing size not only prevents additional expense but takes advantage of the skimmer vent tower and, ultimately, all advantages offered by it. |
| US09347222B2 |
Welded roof for modular building units
Disclosed is a roof assembly for a modular building unit that comprises a roofing sheet that is welded to the frame of the modular building unit to form a unitary, continuous sealed weld between the roofing sheet and the generally horizontal structural frame of the modular building unit, and that is pitched to downwardly direct water toward one end of the modular building unit. The welded roof assembly prevents water infiltration into the modular building unit, and such watertight structure may then receive any gutter configuration the user wishes to implement without risking water infiltration into the building unit. The welded roofing sheet avoids the use of screws or other fasteners, and the associated possibility of water leakage around the screws and into the building unit. The welded roof also is able to employ a single slope all of the way through the full span of the roof, thus avoiding the need for a centrally pitched roof assembly, and its unitary construction avoids the tiling effect that results from the use of multiple, overlapping roofing sheets. The welded roof also avoids the need for silicon or other filler agents between the unitary roofing sheet and the frame of the modular building unit. |
| US09347221B2 |
Lightweight structural panel
A lightweight structural panel which comprises a planarly extended outer skin having a thickness and stiffening elements which are connected to the outer skin and arranged at a distance from one another. The outer skin is formed by component layers which are each extended in the planar direction of the lightweight structural panel and complement one another to form the thickness of the outer skin and are interconnected, the stiffening elements being formed in one piece with one of the component layers. |
| US09347213B1 |
Fitting for channel framing
A fitting for use with channel framing including an outer surface and a fitting groove formed in the outer surface includes a base comprising an inner face, an outer face, and sides extending between the inner face and outer face. The base is configured for insertion into the fitting groove of the channel framing. A spring member is mounted on the base and disposed generally above the outer face of the base. The spring member is configured to engage the outer surface of the channel framing when the base is inserted into the fitting groove. The base and the spring member form a clamp for securing the fitting in the fitting groove. |
| US09347211B2 |
Suction coupling
The invention relates to a suction device (1) for removing a mixed fluid, in particular fecal matter, from a collecting tank (2), in particular from a sewage tank of a railway vehicle, comprising a mixed fluid inlet (4) for receiving the mixed fluid, said mixed fluid inlet (4) being fluidically connectable to a connection port of said collecting tank (2), a mixed fluid outlet (8) for discharging the mixed fluid, said mixed fluid outlet (8) being fluidically connectable to a suction line, and a flow channel (14) extending between said inlet and said outlet.The invention relates in particular to a constriction member (10) which is adapted to reduce a cross-section of the flow channel (14) in sections thereof or along the entire length thereof.The invention further relates to a suction station for removing a mixed fluid, and to such a method. |
| US09347210B2 |
Applicator for an adhesive lavatory treatment composition
Disclosed is an applicator for an adhesive lavatory treatment composition. The applicator comprises a quantity of an adhesive lavatory composition, a piston part moveably engageable with a base part, wherein the piston part includes a piston plate and a grip element, the base part includes an upper cavity, and a lower cavity, wherein the piston plate is fitted within the upper cavity of the base part and is moveable within the upper cavity of the base part. The applicator may be a single use applicator adapted to dispense only a single dose of an adhesive lavatory treatment composition, or may be a multi-use applicator which may be refilled and reused to deliver plural doses of an adhesive lavatory treatment composition. |
| US09347208B2 |
Bracket for showerhead with integral flow control
A showerhead bracket having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a valve and a valve housing. the valve may be operably connected between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The valve includes a valve inlet port, a low flow exit port and a high flow exit port. The valve housing is disposed between the fluid inlet and the valve inlet port. And the valve can selectively rotate within the valve housing. |
| US09347207B2 |
Faucet assembly
A touch-free faucet provides control over flow and/or temperature by detecting object presence in one or more detection zones. In one embodiment, the faucet provides for continuous-flow water flow wherein the spout of the faucet pours water for a period of time regardless of whether an object is detected in a detection zone, such as the sink, during that time. The faucet may initiate continuous-flow based on the detection of an object in another detection zone, and may cause continuous-flow operation for a determined period of time based on the amount of substantially uninterrupted time during which an object is detected in a detection zone associated with initiating continuous-flow mode. Furthermore, the faucet may provide for user-programmable sensitivity affecting the amount of continuous-flow time that is determined based on the amount of time that the faucet detects object in the continuous-flow mode detection zone. |
| US09347204B2 |
Integrated control apparatus and method for engine and hydraulic pump in construction machine
An integrated control apparatus for an engine system including an engine, a hydraulic pump driven by the engine, a control valve for controlling hydraulic oil discharged from the pump and a hydraulic actuator operated by the oil from the control valve. The apparatus includes a power mode determiner calculating an auto mode change index as a function of a first state value representing a work load of the pump and a second state value representing a work speed required by an operator to determine whether a current power mode of the pump is to be changed, a pump power determiner determining a power mode of the pump based on a result of whether the current power mode of the pump is to be changed, and an engine speed determiner determining an engine speed based on the result of whether the current power mode of the pump is to be changed. |
| US09347203B2 |
Electric drive unit for construction machine
An electric drive unit for a construction machine is capable of increasing the operating time of the construction machine. The electric drive unit has an electricity storage device, a hydraulic pump of the fixed displacement type which is driven by a motor/generator, a plurality of directional control valves which respectively control the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied to a plurality of hydraulic actuators, a bidirectional converter which performs variable control on the revolution speed of the motor/generator, and an LS control device which controls the bidirectional converter so that LS differential pressure Pls equals a target value Pgr. The bidirectional converter performs regeneration control for converting the inertial force of the rotor of the motor/generator into electric power thereby charging the electricity storage device when the revolution speed of the motor/generator is decreased in response to an excess of the LS differential pressure Pls over the target value Pgr. |
| US09347200B2 |
Fluid control system for work vehicle
A fluid control system including a variable displacement pump having a load system control and configured to operate in an open center mode. A pump control is operable between a first arrangement and a second arrangement. The pump control receives pressurized fluid from a first load sensor pressure in fluid communication with the pump and an actuator return pressure in fluid communication with an actuator configured to operate using pressurized fluid from the system, the pump control providing a selective pump control pressure to the pump load system control. When the system is operating in a standby mode, the pump operates in a first minimized displacement condition. When the system is in a stall mode, the pump operates in a second minimized displacement condition. |
| US09347199B2 |
Support frame for an implement
A frame for supporting an implement (e.g. a plow) on a vehicle is disclosed. The support frame extends longitudinally and generally comprises, at its rear end, a rear attachment mechanism for removably mounting the support frame to the underside of the vehicle, and at its front end, a front attachment assembly for supporting the implement. The frame comprises a rear section and a front section hingedly connected together such that the front section can pivot upwardly with respect to the rear section. The support frame also comprises a biasing assembly or mechanism, generally comprising a resilient member engaging the front and rear sections, such as to downwardly bias the front portion. By overcoming the downward bias of the biasing assembly, the front section can be further raised with respect to the ground surface, thereby providing greater clearance. |
| US09347195B2 |
System and method for splicing precast pre-stressed concrete piles
A system and method for splicing precast pre-stressed concrete piles and bringing pre-stress forces to each end of the piles with splice plates and with sockets cast in the splice plates to receive pre stressing strands, strand wedges to engage the strands in the sockets and transfer the pre stress forces to the ends of the piles after re-stressing, with alignment pins, alignment sockets and connecting channels to join splice plates. |
| US09347193B2 |
System for changing ice resurfacer blades
A blade for an ice resurfacer having mounting holes is disclosed and has: one or more indexing holes; threaded sockets provided one for each mounting hole; and an operative position whereat each socket is contiguous with its hole. In use, a locating pin is threaded in a socket and received by the hole for said socket. Also provided is a tray, a jack and an indexing pin for each indexing hole. The tray holds the blade. Each indexing pin is received in use by its hole. The jack moves the tray between first and second positions associated with first and second configurations of the jack. In the first configuration, the assembly can move a loading position. In the second configuration, when the blade is held by the tray and the apparatus is in the loading position, the locating pins are received by mounting holes and the blade is operatively positioned. |
| US09347191B2 |
Structural tube based vehicle crash fence
A vehicle crash barrier constructed primarily of structural tube members having an energy-absorbing connection between horizontal rail members and vertical post members. Horizontal rail members are provided with one or more deformable flanges adjacent to each end to be connected to a vertical post member. Vertical post members include a channel adjacent a top end for receiving the rail end and flange. The rails are connected to the vertical members by downwardly sliding the flanged end into the vertical channel until the rail rests upon a bottom stop. A reinforcing cap is positioned on the top end of the vertical member to prevent upward movement of the rail and to strengthen the vertical post structure. Shims may be installed between the flange and the channel walls to limit horizontal rail movement. |
| US09347189B2 |
Safety cone caution tape holder
A caution tape holder for removable attaching a length of caution tape to a prior art safety cone. The caution tape holder is comprised of a top portion and a body portion, wherein said top portion extends at least partially out of an opening in a safety cone and has an opening therein for receipt of a length of caution tape. The caution tape holder of the present invention can be used in conjunction with a variety of different sized safety cones and will not damage the safety cone or the length of caution tape used therewith, nor does it necessitate the threading of the tape through a narrow opening. Additionally, the caution tape holder will not unduly interfere with the stacking and storage of prior art safety cones in a nesting fashion. |
| US09347188B2 |
Devices, systems and methods for reinforcing a traffic control assembly
Reinforcement devices and systems for holding a traffic control assembly in compression are provided. The traffic control assembly includes a traffic signal disconnect hanger and/or a traffic signal and a first span wire positioned above the traffic control assembly. In some embodiments, the reinforcement device includes an upper support device connected to the first span wire where the upper support device has a length that is greater than a width of the traffic control assembly and the upper support device is configured to spread the load of the traffic signal assembly to the first span wire. The reinforcement device includes a lower support device operably connected to the traffic signal, a first vertical support member, and a second vertical support member where the first and second vertical members are tensioned when the upper support device, the lower support device and the first and second vertical support members are connected together. |
| US09347185B2 |
Method and apparatus for scanning and repairing road damage
An apparatus includes a multidirectional positioning system, a scanner, a filling head and a scrubbing head. The scanner scans the volume of a three-dimensional road damage, and the scanner is attached to the multidirectional positioning system. The scrubbing head prepares the surface of the three-dimensional road damage, and the scrubbing head is affixed to the multidirectional positioning system. A processor receives volume data of the three-dimensional road damage and stores the volume data in a data storage memory. The filling head is attached to the multidirectional positioning system, and the filling head is controlled to move with respect to a shape of the three-dimensional road damage based on the volume data stored in the processor so as to fill in the three-dimensional road damage with a filling material. |
| US09347184B2 |
Temporary road mat with membrane
A temporary road mat configured as a timber mat including one or two layers of longitudinally oriented elongated timbers arranged in parallel at even intervals; one layer of transversally oriented elongated timbers arranged in parallel at even intervals and perpendicular to the longitudinally oriented elongated timbers; at least one membrane extending over an entire main surface of the timber mat, wherein the timbers are drilled and bolted together at intersections. |
| US09347181B2 |
Method for increasing paper strength
The present invention provides a method for increasing paper strength in papermaking process comprising adding to a pulp a composition comprising an anionic polyacrylamide (APAM) and a high charge cationic glyoxylated polyacrylamide (GPAM). The present invention also provides paper obtained with said method. |
| US09347180B2 |
Device and method for producing a material web
The invention relates to a device for dewatering a fibrous web with a press zone which is formed by a mating element with a curved surface and a permeable press belt which wraps at least partially around the curved surface and has a running side and a contact side contacting a second side of the fibrous web. A permeable carrier belt arranged between the mating element and the fibrous web guides the fibrous web through the press zone. The device is configured so a fluid can flow through the press belt, the fibrous web, and the permeable carrier belt at least in a part region of the press zone. The permeable press belt is configured to generate a pressing pressure in the press zone when a tensile stress of at least 20 kN/m is applied and the contact side is adapted to a quality of the fibrous web produced. |
| US09347178B2 |
Biomass treatment for hydrothermal hydrocatalytic conversion
A selective removal of chlorine and phosphorus that are detrimental to subsequent hydrothermal hydrocatalytic conversion from the biomass feed prior to carrying out catalytic hydrogenation/hydrogenolyzis/hydrodeoxygenation of the biomass in a manner that does not reduce the effectiveness of the hydrothermal hydrocatalytic treatment while minimizing the amount of water used in the process is provided. |
| US09347176B2 |
Processes for producing cellulose pulp, sugars, and co-products from lignocellulosic biomass
The GreenBox+ technology is suitable to extract hemicellulose sugars prior to pulping of biomass into pulp products. The revenue obtainable from the sugar stream can significantly improve the economics of a pulp and paper mill. An initial extraction and recovery of sugars is followed by production of a pulp product with similar or better properties. Other co-products such as acetates and furfural are also possible. Some variations provide a process for co-producing pulp and hemicellulosic sugars from biomass, comprising: digesting the biomass in the presence of steam and/or hot water to extract hemicellulose into a liquid phase; washing the extracted solids, thereby generating a liquid wash filtrate and washed solids; separating the liquid wash filtrate from the washed solids; refining the washed solids at a refining pH of about 4 or higher, thereby generating pulp; and hydrolyzing the hemicellulose to generate hemicellulosic fermentable sugars. |
| US09347171B2 |
Method and device for cleaning a component, particularly an evaporator of a condenser device, and washer/dryer or dryer having such a device
A device for cleaning an evaporator of a condenser with condensation water. The device includes a condensation water pan that collects condensation water condensed from process air by the evaporator, and a collection container above the evaporator that receives the condensation water from the condensation water pan and that dispenses the condensation water with a gush onto the evaporator from a rinsing chamber of the collection container with a sudden opening of a closure part through a downpipe. |
| US09347167B2 |
Home appliance, home appliance system, and method for operating same
The present invention relates to a home appliance, to a home appliance system, and to a method for operating same, wherein the home appliance and a mobile terminal are connected to one another to add or update data in the home appliance through the mobile terminal connected thereto, diagnose the state of the home appliance by means of the mobile terminal, and supplement the function of the home appliance by means of the mobile terminal, thus expanding the functions of the home appliance to enable the easy control of the home appliance, and more conveniently controlling the home appliance. |
| US09347166B2 |
Clothes mover for an automatic washer
A washing machine for treating laundry comprising a basket rotatable about a first rotational axis, having a peripheral side wall extending upwardly from a bottom wall to at least partially define a treating chamber; a clothes mover proximate the bottom wall, having a base with a centrally located hub concentric with a second rotational axis about which the clothes mover reciprocally rotates; and at least one vane having an elongated body extending away from the hub and projecting upwardly from the clothes mover to terminate in a tip. |
| US09347164B2 |
Washer
A washing machine comprises a casing; a tub disposed inside the casing; a drum rotatably provided inside the tub, for accommodating laundry therein; and a spiral nozzle for rotating supplied water in a predetermined direction and then spraying the water into the drum through discharge hole, wherein the spiral nozzle comprises an impingement surface formed in front of the discharge hole so that the water discharged from the discharge hole is distributed by impinging on the impingement surface. |
| US09347163B2 |
Gas carrying threading device of sewing machine
An engaging clutch for respectively transmitting power from a sewing machine motor to a drive shaft driving a stitch forming device including the looper at the time of the stitch formation or to the gas supply source at the time of the looper threading comprises a structure which is moved to one of a gas supply drive member which transmits the power to the gas supply source and a stitch forming drive member which is fastened to one end of the drive shaft and transmits the power to the stitch forming device so that approach/separation becomes free depending on a manual operation of a looper threading/stitch forming changeover manual operating portion and transmits the power from the sewing machine motor through a clutch hollow shaft and retains a connecting state when connecting to the gas supply drive member. |
| US09347159B2 |
Method of producing a nonwoven textile comprising a barrier and an antistatic treatment
A method of producing nonwoven textile by a spunmelt process of a polymer, the basis of which is at least one polyolefin, comprising a barrier and antistatic treatment, especially for protective garments for industry and health care. A polyolefin polymer which is suitable for forming fibers is mixed with a first additive capable of modifying a surface property and capable of migration through the polymer, then the mixture is used for producing at least one layer of the nonwoven textile by a spun-melt process, and prior to the termination of the migration of the first additive and to the stabilizing of the final barrier properties on the surface of the fibers a second additive is applied to the layer, the second additive being capable of modifying the antistatic property of the material, and then the nonwoven textile is exposed to a temperature and relative humidity conditions for a time period such that the first additive migrates towards the surface and the second additive undergoes changes on said surface. |
| US09347150B2 |
Filament positioning control device for composite spinning of filaments and staple fibers
A filament positioning control device for composite spinning of filaments and staple fibers comprises a fixed shaft and a hollow shaft mounted thereon. Left and right spiral wheels with left and right spiral grooves are mounted on the hollow shaft. Left and right positioning plates are provided on outer sides of left and right spiral wheels, each having a guide pin engaged in a spiral groove. Each positioning plate has a guide block engaged in a guide rail. As the hollow shaft is rotated, the spiral wheels rotate accordingly and the guide pins on the left and right positioning wheels move along with the spiral grooves. Because spiral grooves on two spiral wheels have different directions, when the spiral wheels rotate, the distance between positioning grooves on the two positioning plates increases or decreases, thereby changing the distance between two filaments guided by grooves on the positioning plates. |
| US09347144B2 |
Dark colored chromium based electrodeposits
An aqueous acidic trivalent chromium electrolyte comprising trivalent chromium ions and a complexing agent for maintaining the trivalent chromium ions in solution is provided in which the aqueous electrolyte comprises additives capable of producing a coating on a substrate having a desired dark hue. The additives typically comprise a dispersion of colloidal silica and an additional additive selected from thiocyanate ions and/or iron ions. The electrolyte is used in a method of producing the desired dark-hued decorative chromium coating on a substrate by electrodeposition. |
| US09347140B2 |
System and method for preparation of antimicrobial solutions
A system to prepare an antimicrobial solution by the electrolysis of brine is presented where the antimicrobial solution is a solution comprising HOCl that contains a HOCl concentration of 100 ppm or more at a pH of approximately 6.5. The system includes an electrolysis cell that is provided with a constant current by a digital DC power supply controlled by a microprocessor and a controlled brine concentration at a controlled rate, which can also be controlled by the microprocessor to deliver a fluid that is continuously observed by a pH probe and an ORP probe that provides input to the microprocessor to adjust voltage, pump rate and/or flow rate in a programmed manner by the microprocessor. A method to produce the antimicrobial solution, including a sporicidal solution, by the novel system is presented. |
| US09347136B2 |
Method for applying a coating to a substrate
A method for applying a coating to a substrate surface is provided. The method involves cold spraying a coating material against the surface of the substrate at a first velocity. The first velocity is lower in magnitude than a critical velocity. The method also involves cold spraying the coating material against the surface of the substrate at a second velocity. The second velocity is greater in magnitude than the critical velocity. The critical velocity is a threshold velocity below which the coating material is substantially deflected by the surface of the substrate and above which the coating material substantially adheres to the surface of the substrate. |
| US09347134B2 |
Corrosion resistant metallate compositions
A composition for application to a metal substrate comprising at least one metallate compound comprising hexafluorzirconate, zirconyl nitrate, and/or yttrium nitrate is provided. The composition may further comprise additives that promote corrosion resistance of the metal substrate, or the adhesion of subsequent coatings, such as one or more rare earth element salts; allontoin, polyvinylpyrrolidone, surfactants, and other additives and co-inhibitors. A metal substrate such as an aluminum or an aluminum alloy substrate coated with a metallate composition according to the present invention is also provided. A process for preparing a coating on a metal substrate to improve the corrosion resistance of the substrate or improve the adhesion of a subsequent coating is also provided. The process comprises treating the metal substrate with an aqueous solution comprising a metallate compound. The process may further comprise one or more pre-treating the substrate, coating the metal substrate with an oxidizing agent and/or coating the metal substrate with one or more rare earth element salts. A process for preparing the metallate coatings of the invention is also provided. |
| US09347132B2 |
Optical endpoint detection system
Methods and apparatus for determining an endpoint of a process chamber cleaning process are provided. In some embodiments, a processing system having an endpoint detection system may include a process chamber having internal surfaces requiring periodic cleaning due to processes performed in the process chamber; and an endpoint detection system that includes a light detector positioned to detect light reflected off of a first internal surface of the process chamber; and a controller coupled to the light detector and configured to determine an endpoint of a cleaning process based upon the detected reflected light. |
| US09347127B2 |
Film deposition assisted by angular selective etch on a surface
An ion etch assisted deposition apparatus deposits a thin film upon a substrate having a three dimensional feature, using an ion etching source and deposition source arranged at similar angles relative to the substrate and at an angle α relative to each other. The angle α is selected to be substantially equal the supplement of the angle α′ formed between the three dimensional feature on the substrate and the substrate surface. In this configuration the relative flux of energetic etch ions and deposition atoms is adjusted to prevent the growth of poor quality deposited material. |
| US09347123B2 |
Mg-base alloy
The quasicrystal phase and/or quasicrystal-like phase particles, which is composed of the Mg—Zn—Al, are dispersed into Mg-base alloy material for strain working. The microstructure in this material does not include the dendrite structure, and the size of the magnesium matrix is 40 μm or less than 40 μm. The present invention shows that the quasicrystal phase and/or quasicrystal-like phase is able to form by addition of the Zn and Al elements except for the use of rare earth elements. In addition, the excellent trade-off-balancing between strength and ductility and reduction of the yield anisotropy, which are the serious issues for the wrought processed magnesium alloys, is able to obtain by the microstructure controls before the strain working process. |
| US09347121B2 |
High strength, corrosion resistant austenitic alloys
An austenitic alloy may generally comprise, in weight percentages based on total alloy weight: up to 0.2 carbon; up to 20 manganese; 0.1 to 1.0 silicon; 14.0 to 28.0 chromium; 15.0 to 38.0 nickel; 2.0 to 9.0 molybdenum; 0.1 to 3.0 copper; 0.08 to 0.9 nitrogen; 0.1 to 5.0 tungsten; 0.5 to 5.0 cobalt; up to 1.0 titanium; up to 0.05 boron; up to 0.05 phosphorus; up to 0.05 sulfur; iron; and incidental impurities. |
| US09347120B2 |
Composite member including substrate made of composite material
A composite member has a substrate made of a composite material having SiC combined with magnesium or a magnesium alloy, and has a warpage degree of not less than 0.01×10−3 and not more than 10×10−3, the warpage degree being defined as lmax/Dmax, where lmax being a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value of surface displacement of one surface of composite member measured along a longest side thereof, and Dmax being a length of the longest side. Thereby, a composite member capable of efficiently dissipating heat to an installation object, a heat-dissipating member using the composite member, and a semiconductor device having the heat-dissipating member are provided. |
| US09347114B1 |
Method of synthesizing silver nanoparticles from waste film
A method of synthesizing silver nanoparticles from waste film includes providing waste film including a silver halide salt and gelatin, mixing the waste film with an alkaline solution to form a mixture, heating the mixture, and subjecting the mixture to ultracentrifugation to isolate silver nanoparticles in the mixture. The film can include waste radiographic or photographic film pieces. Glucose and/or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) may be added to the mixture. The nanoparticles can have an average particle size of about 2 nm to about 10 nm. The silver nanoparticles can be resistant to synthetic stomach fluid and showed high antimicrobial activity. |
| US09347113B2 |
Precious metals recovery
Discloses a hydrometallurgical process and system for the recovery of precious metals; specifically palladium, rhodium, and platinum metals, at high purity and with limited waste and environmental fouling. |
| US09347112B2 |
Pretreatment method for chelate resin having pyridine ring used for collecting catalyst in terephthalic acid production process
In pretreating a pyridine ring-containing chelate resin which is used in the step for adsorption and collection of a heavy metal ion and a bromide ion derived from a catalyst from the oxidation reaction mother liquid in the process of producing a terephthalic acid, there may occur phenomena such as swelling of the resin, heat generation of the resin, and air bubbles generation, thereby causing fracture and deterioration of the resin. As a first treatment, Br− conversion, under a certain condition, of a pyridine ring-containing chelate resin with an aqueous solution of hydrobromic acid is performed, and then as a second treatment, replacement with acetic acid solvent is performed, thereby making it possible to prevent fracture and deterioration of the resin. |
| US09347109B2 |
Combined pre-treatment process for enabling feed material to be charged in direct reduction processes
An improved method and apparatus for pretreatment of solid lump feed material for gas and pellet/lump-based direct reduction processes, by initially storing the lump feed in stockpiles for stress release, followed by pre-drying the feed material prior to charging into the reduction furnace and finally increasing the average temperature of the reduction furnace, in order to reduce the amount of reduction at low temperatures, thereby minimizing the formation of fines within the furnace. |
| US09347106B2 |
Multiplex assay for the detection of citrus pathogens
The present invention provides methods and compositions for detecting multiple citrus pathogens using a multiplex branched DNA signal amplification reaction. |
| US09347098B2 |
Reaction mixtures for quantitative amplification and detection over a wide dynamic range
Disclosed are compositions and methods for making differentiable amplicon species at unequal ratios using a single amplification system in a single vessel. The number of differentiable amplicons and their ratios to one another are chosen to span the required linear dynamic range for the amplification reaction and to accommodate limitations of the measuring system used to determine the amount of amplicon generated. Unequal amounts of distinguishable amplicon species are generated by providing unequal amounts of one or more amplification reaction components (e.g., distinguishable amplification oligomers, natural and unnatural NTP in an NTP mix, or the like). The amount of target nucleic acid present in a test sample is determined using the linear detection range generated from detection of one or more amplicon species having an amount within the dynamic range of detection. |
| US09347087B2 |
Methods and compositions for exosome isolation
Disclosed are methods, compositions and kits for the isolation of exosomes from biological fluids and tissues. Volume-excluding polymers are used to precipitate exosomes from biological samples thereby allowing exosome isolation by low-speed (benchtop) centrifugation or filtration. Further fractionation of exosomes after precipitation is also described. |
| US09347086B2 |
Method and system for sample preparation
A method for preparing a sample by utilizing a shearing force in the presence of a size stabilizer to break apart the sample to obtain nucleic acid molecules in a usable size range. Once nucleic acid molecules are obtained, magnetic nanoparticles are used to concentrate and clean the nucleic acid molecules for further testing. |
| US09347085B2 |
Methods and compositions for reducing amyloid beta levels
The present invention provides methods for reducing the level of amyloid beta protein in a cell or tissue, the methods generally involving contacting the cell or tissue with an agent that reduces cystatin C levels and/or activity. The present invention provides methods for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD), and methods for treating cerebral angiopathy, in an individual, the methods generally involving administering to an individual having AD a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that reduces cystatin C levels and/or activity. The present invention further provides methods for identifying an agent that reduces cystatin C levels and/or activity. |
| US09347083B2 |
Culture medium containing a spore germination inhibiting or delaying compound
A medium for the culture and detection of target microorganisms, having at least one natural or synthetic specific substrate configured to detect at least one enzyme activity or metabolic activity of the target microorganisms and at least one compound that inhibits or delays the germination of spores of microorganisms, other than the target microorganisms, that are capable of interfering with the culture and detection of the target microorganisms. |
| US09347081B2 |
Cartilage product
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a cartilage product comprising a protein hydrolysate with a degree of hydrolysis comprised between 0.5% and 3.0%, at least one glycosaminoglycan and at least one growth factor. The present invention also relates to the cartilage product obtainable through said method. Said cartilage product is useful in the treatment or prevention of wounds, ulcers, burns, psoriasis, osteoarthritis, synovitis, osteoporosis, osteopenia, diseases of the tendons and ligaments, periodontal diseases, signs of skin aging, the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation exposure or stretch marks. |
| US09347079B2 |
Production of highly purified sodium hyaluronate (HANa) with controlled molecular weight
Disclosed is a process for the production of sodium hyaluronate with a molecular weight of between 60 and 2400 kDa and low polydispersity (1.4 Mw/Mn), which comprises: a) a step of fermentation of Streptococcus equi subsp. Zooepidemicus CNCM 1-4645 in a suitable culture medium; b) a step of ultrafiltration of the cell-free filtered solution; by concentrating and diafiltering the solution under differential pressure conditions (ΔP) of 1.0-5.0 bar(g) and transmembrane pressure (TMP) of 0.5-4 bar(g). |
| US09347078B2 |
Method for the fermentative production of L-cysteine and derivatives of said amino acid
The invention relates to a method for producing L-cysteine and its derivatives L-cystine and thiazolidine by fermenting a cysteine-producing microorganism strain in a fermentation medium. The invention is characterized in that L-methionine, L-isoleucine, or L-threonine in respective concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10 g/L are added to the fermentation medium in the main culture. |