Document Document Title
US09354901B2 Method and computer system for introducing client devices into a client-server network
The invention relates to a method for converting generic application instructions stored on a server to a client specific application for a client device, wherein the server and the client device are arranged in a client-server network. The method comprises selecting a suitable plug-in based on a rating system and using the selected rendering plug-in to convert generic application instructions to a client specific application. By means of the invention it is provided a flexible solution for introducing new client devices to the client-server network, since any discrepancies between different types of client devices may be resolved by the rendering plug-in.
US09354897B2 Dynamic configuration of an apparatus based upon policy and cost function considerations
The invention relates to a method for processing information in an apparatus having one or more interfaces to one or more peripheral components, said method comprising obtaining information about resources of the one or more peripheral components from at least one peripheral component, forming a policy basing at least partly on the information about the resources of the at least one peripheral component, forming a cost function basing at least partly on the information about the resources of the at least one peripheral component, determining an entry combination of the resources forming the cost function such that the entry combination is at least in part compliant with the policy and changing configuration of the apparatus to at least partly comply with the determined entry combination.
US09354894B2 Pluggable cloud enablement boot device and method that determines hardware resources via firmware
A pluggable cloud enablement boot device (PCEBD) is a bootable device that includes all information needed to automatically provision hardware and software to create a computing solution that meets customer requirements. This allows for quickly deploying a computing solution in a manner that eliminates many manual steps that are typically performed today. The PCEBD uses firmware to verify a given platform has sufficient resources to deploy the PCEBD. The computing solution, once provisioned and running, can be modified, and these modifications may be reflected in the definition of the PCEBD. In addition, a computing solution may include multiple resources provisioned from multiple PCEBDs, which can be packaged into a PCEBD that will include other PCEBDs. The result is a way to deploy computing solutions that is much more efficient than the manual methods used in the prior art.
US09354893B2 Device for offloading instructions and data from primary to secondary data path
Provided is an information processing device including an instruction cache, a data cache, first and second arithmetic unit groups including a plurality of arithmetic units capable of parallel operation, a first arithmetic-control circuit that generates one or more operation instructions for the first arithmetic unit group, and a second arithmetic-control circuit that generates one or more operation instructions for the second arithmetic unit group based on an instruction code of a fixed instruction register. The first arithmetic unit group sets the instruction code to the fixed instruction register according to an operation instruction generated based on a first specific instruction code by the first arithmetic-control circuit, and provides data to the second arithmetic unit group according to an operation instruction generated based on a second specific instruction code by the first arithmetic-control circuit. The second arithmetic unit group repeats operations based on the operation instructions by the second arithmetic-control circuit.
US09354881B2 Systems, apparatuses, and methods for generating a dependency vector based on two source writemask registers
Embodiments of systems, apparatuses, and methods of performing in a computer processor dependency index vector calculation in response to an instruction that includes a first and second source writemask register operands, a destination vector register operand, and an opcode are described.
US09354874B2 Scalable decode-time instruction sequence optimization of dependent instructions
Producer-consumer instructions, comprising a first instruction and a second instruction in program order, are fetched requiring in-order execution, the second instruction is modified by the processor so that the first instruction and second instruction can be completed out-of-order, the modification comprising any one of extending an immediate field of the second instruction using immediate field information of the first instruction or providing a source location of the first instruction as an additional source location to source locations of the second instruction.
US09354870B2 Maintaining integrity of output of code generators
A processor-implemented method, system, and/or computer program product maintain integrity of output of a code generator. One or more processors determine a generated output that has been generated by a specific code generation application based on an original model, where the original model is a structured model used to construct a software program. The generated output is analyzed to infer contents of an inferred version of the original model. The inferred version of the original model is compared with a current version of the original model to detect differences in source elements. Detected differences are thus used to identify redundant elements in the generated output.
US09354869B2 Building a pattern to define a topology and application environment using software components and software updates/fixes from external repositories from multiple vendors
A method, system and computer program product for building a pattern. An external framework engine identifies the software components, as well as code updates and/or code fixes, from the external repositories associated with different vendors. The framework engine then generates metadata using the identified software components and code updates and/or code fixes which may be used to determine the relationships between the software components. Furthermore, the framework engine generates configuration metadata to successfully link software components with a relationship. The framework engine then displays the software components available to be used to build the pattern, including the relationship linkages between the software components with a relationship along with the configuration metadata required to make a successful linkage. In this manner, the user will be able to build a pattern using software components provided from different vendors and be able to understand the relationship linkages between the software components.
US09354864B2 Package header system and method to facilitate streaming a single firmware file upgrade
The disclosed system and method provides a software package header that includes a copy of a firmware file header for a firmware file constituent of the software package. The package header is provided to a network service device such as a gateway as an initial portion of a software package to perform a firmware installation. The package header content is used to validate firmware files expected to be received and installed by the network service device. The package header structure permits all firmware files to be validated prior to the installation of any of the firmware files, while avoiding the use of additional network service device resources.
US09354863B2 Sharing of portable initialized objects between computing platforms
A sub-process is performed on a first computing platform to create a portable initialized object. The portable initialized object is communicated to a second computing platform. The second computing platform uses the portable initialized object to replace performing the sub-process.
US09354859B2 Efficiently updating multiple devices on a private network
Systems and methods for a device connected to a private network to efficiently retrieve a software/firmware update. The device may retrieve an update scheme that defines an external Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) for a resource external to the private network and a primary URI for a primary resource connected to the private network. The device may compare own Internet Protocol address and the primary URI to determine whether or not the device is the primary resource. When the device is the primary resource, the device may retrieve the software/firmware update from the external URI.
US09354858B2 Desktop image management for virtual desktops using on-demand stub creation
A desktop image management system is described that can efficiently distribute updates to virtual desktops running on host servers in a data center. The system is comprised of a central server and multiple agents, each agent installed on a virtual machine. When a VM receives an update from the central server, the files are stored in a single instance store on the host server. On a first request to open the directory containing the files on the VM, corresponding stub files are created on-demand for each file in the single instance store. The stub files are marked to indicate that they are mapped to the single instance store. Subsequently, when the guest operating system requests to read the stub file, the virtual disk layer of the host server detects that the requested block has been marked and fetches the content of the file from the single instance store.
US09354856B2 Software installation method and device
Disclosed are a software installation method and device. The software installation method comprises: dividing all the files of a to-be-installed software into core files and non-core files, wherein the core files are files used to achieve an active trigger function, and the non-core files are files used to achieve a passive trigger function; generating an installation sub-package of the core files and an installation sub-package of the non-core files; upon installing the to-be-installed software, using the installation sub-package of the core file to install the core files and run the core files, so that the active trigger function of the to-be-installed software operates normally. By means of the present application, the time for users to wait for software installation is shortened, and the user experience is improved.
US09354852B2 Satisfying application dependencies
The dependencies of an application are identified by intercepting application programming interface calls made by an application. A determination is then made at the runtime of the application as to whether the dependencies of the application are present. If the dependencies are not present, a client device upon which the application is executing is configured such that the dependencies are present and are made available only to the authorized application. If the dependencies are present and the application is authorized to interact with the dependencies, the application is permitted to execute.
US09354850B2 Method and apparatus for instruction scheduling using software pipelining
A method for scheduling loop processing of a reconfigurable processor includes generating a dependence graph of instructions for the loop processing; mapping a first register file of the reconfigurable processor on an arrow indicating inter-iteration dependence on the dependence graph; and searching for schedules of the instructions based on the mapping result.
US09354843B2 Apparatus and method for generating partial product for polynomial operation
An apparatus and a method for generating a partial product for a polynomial operation are provided. The apparatus includes first encoders, each of the first encoders configured to selectively generate and output one of mutually exclusive values based on two inputs. The apparatus further includes a second encoder configured to generate and output two candidate partial products based on an output from a first one of the first encoders that is provided at a reference bit position of the inputs, an output from a second one of the first encoders that is provided at an upper bit position of the inputs, and a multiplicand. The apparatus further includes a multiplexer configured to select one of the candidate partial products output from the second encoder.
US09354841B2 Wirelessly communicating configuration data for interactive display devices
Systems, devices, and methods are provided for wirelessly communicating configuration data from mobile devices for use by interactive display devices. In some aspects, a processing device can identify two or more mobile devices participating in a session for utilizing an interactive display device. The processing device can receive configuration data from each of the mobile devices via a wireless transceiver. The processing device can configure an interactive display device to present outputs during the session using attributes that the processing device identifies from the received configuration data. In additional or alternative aspects, a processing device can identify at least one mobile device participating in a session for utilizing an interactive display device. The processing device can associate outputs presented by the interactive display device with an entity that is identifiable from configuration data that is received from the mobile device.
US09354840B2 Automatic detection method of video wall arrangement and video wall system using the same
An automatic detection method of an arrangement of a video wall including a plurality of monitors and a video wall system are provided. The method includes: calling, by a control computer, identification information of a first monitor of the plurality of monitors; sending, by the first monitor, a response signal to the control computer and sending, by a second monitor which does not correspond to the called identification information, a detecting signal including a received direction of the response signal to the control computer; and receiving, by the control computer, the detecting signal, and determining the arrangement of the plurality of monitors according to the received detecting signal.
US09354837B2 Methods and apparatus for interfacing a host device to a peripheral device in order to increase consumption of consumable products by the peripheral device
Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method comprising providing an apparatus, wherein the apparatus is configured to be coupled to (i) a peripheral device and (ii) a host device. The apparatus includes memory configured to store logic, wherein the logic is configured to (i) allow the host device and the peripheral device to communicate with each other and (ii) operate the peripheral device. The apparatus further includes a processor configured to execute the logic. The method further comprises bundling the apparatus with a consumable product for sale with the consumable product, wherein the consumable product is configured to be consumed by the peripheral device.
US09354831B2 Mediation server and image processing apparatus capable of mediating network communication for accessing a service provision server
A mediation server for mediating target service provision from a service provision server to an image processing apparatus, including a processor causing the mediation server to supply specific information for displaying a condition setting screen to an external apparatus, receive a plurality of selected setting values from the external apparatus, supply, to the image processing apparatus, a determination execution instruction including the plurality of selected setting values and for executing a determination about validity of a combination of the plurality of selected setting values, receive a result of the determination from the image processing apparatus, and when the result indicates that the combination is valid, supply, to the image processing apparatus, a processing execution instruction including the plurality of selected setting values and being for executing the target image processing in accordance with the determined processing condition.
US09354828B2 Print system, print server, control method thereof, and program
A client terminal transmits a request to a printing apparatus for a registration web page for registering, in a print server, a printing apparatus used in a print service provided by the print server. The printing apparatus collects configuration information of the printing apparatus in response to reception of the request, and creates link information which contains the collected configuration information and is used to access the print server. The printing apparatus then generates a registration web page containing the created link information, and transmits it to the client terminal. The print server receives the configuration information of the printing apparatus transmitted from the client terminal via the registration web page transmitted to the client terminal. The print server creates printing apparatus information which associates the configuration information with user information of the user of the client terminal, and manages it in a storage medium.
US09354827B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus to effectively reduce power consumption of an image forming apparatus in a sleep mode by reducing current consumed in an operating panel microcomputer by operating parts by constituting the parts so that a power voltage is continually supplied to the parts to indicate that the image forming apparatus is in a power-on state while stopping the operation of the operating panel microcomputer of an operating panel part in a sleep mode.
US09354823B2 Memory system including variable write burst and broadcast command scheduling
A system includes a host device that may be configured to initiate memory requests to a system memory. The system also includes a memory controller that may be configured receive the memory requests and to format the memory requests into memory transactions that are conveyed to the memory device via a memory interface. The memory transactions include a memory write burst command having a first frame that includes a corresponding opcode positioned in one of a first command slot or a second command slot. The memory write burst command may also include a number of subsequent frames for conveying a data payload, as specified for example, by the opcode. The control unit may be configured to generate a number of concurrent sequential memory write operations to the memory in response to receiving the memory write burst command.
US09354820B2 VSAM data set tier management
Embodiments of the disclosure are directed toward a method, a system, and a computer program product for managing virtual storage access method (VSAM) data sets on performance tiers. The method can be used with VSAM data sets. The method can include determining a usage metric for a particular control area from the plurality of control areas. The method can also include prioritizing the particular control areas based on a determined usage metric. The method can also include assigning a prioritized control area to a performance tier of the plurality of tiers as a function of a prioritization of the particular control area and a performance criteria for the performance tier by moving the prioritized control area to the performance tier and updating an index record that associates the prioritized control area to the performance tier.
US09354818B2 Memory device and data storing method
According to one embodiment, a data storing method includes saving data stored in a memory device to a host device and verifying validity or accuracy of the data saved in the host device.
US09354817B2 Disk storage apparatus and data storage method
According to one embodiment, a disk storage apparatus includes a disk, a detector, and a controller. The disk includes a first recording area for recording with a first track density, and a second recording area for recording with a second track density lower than the first track density. The detector is configured to detect a variation of an outside environment. The controller is configured to select a nonvolatile memory or the second recording area as a storage destination of write data transferred from a host, based on a content of the variation of the outside environment detected by the detector, and a state of capability or incapability of storage of the nonvolatile memory.
US09354815B2 Computer realizing high-speed access and data protection of storage device, computer system, and I/O request processing method
In a computer, a logical partition for calculation in which an OS and an application operate and a logical partition for storage for providing a storage function are constructed. In the logical partition for calculation, a device corresponding to a storage device is provided, while the logical partition for storage provides a volume. A memory space that can be shared by the both logical partitions is prepared, and management information describing a sorting destination or a sorting method of an I/O request issued by an application is provided in the memory. If the logical partition for calculation receives an I/O request from the application, the partition refers to the management information and sorts the I/O request to the storage device or the logical partition for storage. The logical partition for storage processes the received I/O request by the storage function and transmits the result to the storage device.
US09354812B1 Dynamic memory utilization in a system on a chip
Various embodiments of methods and systems for dynamically managing the capacity utilization of a memory component in a system on a chip (“SoC”) are disclosed. Memory utilization is optimized in certain embodiments through dynamic compression and decompression within a memory subsystem. Based on parameters of the SoC that are indicative of a quality of service (“QoS”) level, a memory controller may determine that the format of the data in a write request should be converted and stored in a relinked memory address. Subsequently, a primary memory address associated with the data may be released for storage of different data. Similarly, embodiments may return data requested in a write request in a format different than that which was requested.
US09354810B2 Letter input system and method using touch pad
A letter input system and method using a touch pad are provided to improve the function of inputting letters with an operation system within a vehicle. The system includes a touch pad that receives a writing from a user and a controller that recognizes a letter from the writing based on a transmission signal from the touch pad and outputs the recognized letter in a setting image on a display unit. The display unit displays the recognized letters in a predetermined section on the setting image based on a transmission signal from the controller.
US09354808B2 Display control device, display control method, and program
A display control device including a display control unit that displays a decoration image on a display unit, the decoration image being different from images used for operation, a detection unit that detects a user's touch operation made on the display unit, and a processing unit that executes a process associated with the touch operation involving a predetermined trajectory. When the touch operation involving the predetermined trajectory is detected while the decoration image is displayed, the display control unit displays a feedback image that is made up of the decoration image and indicates that the touch operation involving the predetermined trajectory has been detected.
US09354807B2 Method, apparatus and computer program to designate content retrieval on an interactive display
Disclosed is a system configured, in response to a user placing one or more markings at a first location on a display screen, to create a mapping between data representing the one or more markings; to save the data in a file that is identified at least in part by the mapping; and in response to the user inputting a command to retrieve the markings, to retrieve the data from the file based on the mapping and to render markings on the display screen at a second location specified by the user.
US09354806B2 Method and apparatus for providing an interface for triggering device action
An approach is provided for causing, at least in part, an identification of one or more triggering devices. A processor may then cause, at least in part, an association of the one or more actions with the one or more triggering devices based, at least in part, on the identification wherein the one or more actions are initiated based, at least in part, on a detection of the one or more triggering devices.
US09354804B2 Touch event anticipation in a computing device
Systems and methods for anticipation of touch events in a computing device are provided. The computing device may include a multi-touch sensitive display including a sensor configured to sense a position and/or movement of a hand. A graphical user interface (GUI) may be displayed, having a state including a plurality of possible touch inputs. The computing device may further include a touch event prediction module configured to compute one or more anticipated touch inputs based on the sensed hand position and/or movement, and the state of the GUI with the plurality of possible user inputs. The computing device may further include a preprocessing module configured to preprocess data for each anticipated touch input, and upon the detection of an actual touch input received from the user that matches one of the anticipated touch inputs, displaying the preprocessed data for the actual touch input on the GUI.
US09354803B2 Scrolling list with floating adjacent index symbols
Movement of a user's point of contact with a touch-sensitive display is determined. In response to the movement, a list of information items on the touch-sensitive display is scrolled. The list of information items may include a sequence of information item subsets corresponding to a sequence of index items. While scrolling through respective information subsets, an index symbol is displayed in conjunction with each respective information item subset.
US09354801B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium storing program
According to the invention, an image and an object indicating a candidate area, to be processed, in the image are displayed on a display screen. Whether a position designated by a user in the display screen on which the displaying is executed, is outside the object is determined. In a case where it is determined that the position is outside the object, an object moves to an area, in the display screen, corresponding to the position designated by a user. The area to which the object area is moved is decided as a candidate to be processed.
US09354795B2 Refining manual input interpretation on touch surfaces
A computer system displays an object on a touch surface and detects multiple touch points on the touch surface in proximity to the displayed object. Next, the computer system detects one or more touch point movements originating from one or more of the plurality of touch points and determines a type of sector in which each of the touch point movements enters. In turn, when one of the touch point movements enters a rotate sector, the computer system performs a rotate command on the object.
US09354793B2 Cloud computing system and application provision method
In a cloud computing system having a plurality of computational resources that are connected via a network, a table display section displays, on a terminal used by a user using the cloud computing system, a table showing a list of thumbnail movies of execution screens of applications that can be provided on arbitrary dates and times to the user, the table assigning the thumbnail movies to specified dates and times. A movie selection acceptance section acquires the user's selection from the thumbnail movies shown in the table. An application provision part provides an application, associated with the thumbnail movie selected by the user, to the user.
US09354789B2 Virtual systems for spatial organization, navigation, and presentation of information
Organizing information around a specific spatial domain facilitates managing objects presented in visualization layers of the spatial domain. A first portion of a first program for organizing and mapping information around a specific spatial domain is executed by a first virtual system that is created in a program execution environment operable on a network server. In response to the first virtual system invoking a continuation, a second virtual system is created to execute a second portion of the first program. Invoking the continuation in the program execution environment facilitates each of the first and second virtual systems providing only the capabilities necessary to execute their respective portion of the first program. Optionally, executing the first program includes interpreting the first program with a second program.
US09354788B2 Mobile terminal and control method thereof
This specification related to a mobile terminal and a control method thereof. The mobile terminal includes a display unit to output an electronic document page including at least one object, and a controller to select one area on the page in response to a touch input applied onto the display unit, and control the display unit to display the selected one area in a distinguishing manner from the page.
US09354787B2 Remote user interface for media player
A portable media player communicates with a host computer for enabling a user of the player to manage media distribution using the control software of the host computer. The host computer can send a GUI that is displayed on the otherwise “dumb” player, and the user can view the GUI and press a single button to command the control software to download a media title to the player. The host computer can periodically poll the player to determine its status.
US09354785B1 Text entering with remote control system
A system for entering text into a computing device is disclosed, the system includes an on-screen displayed (OSD) keypad having a first predetermined number of lines of keys, and a remote control unit having the same predetermined number of shift buttons, each of the shift buttons corresponding to a unique one of the lines of keys, wherein a press of one of the shift buttons immediately causes a selection of a key in the line of keys corresponding to the pressed shift button regardless which key is previously selected.
US09354783B2 Method for representing animated menu buttons
Optical storage media often contain data structures for a menu suitable for selection of a title, a chapter, a parameter or others. Such menus usually comprise a number of buttons to be displayed, with each button having a state. Possible states of buttons are “unselected”, “selected” or “activated”. According to the invention, the representation of a menu button may vary, depending on its state. An image or an image sequence, e.g. cartoon, may be associated to a buttons state, providing user animation. Further, a sound or sound sequence, e.g. melody or click, may be associated to a buttons state, and may be played back when the button enters this state. A data structure is disclosed which allows storage of such menu data e.g. on a Blu-ray disc.
US09354782B2 Social exposure management system and method
The invention describes and claims a system and a method of computer-implemented social exposure management, intended for expeditious and near-simultaneous alteration of user's privacy characteristics across a plurality of social media environments. The system comprises a GUI interface for setting user's preferences, a processing component for transforming the user's preferences and commands into an action command sequence, an execution component for implementation of the user-selectable preferences and commands, and a feedback system for providing a report of the system's actions in altering of user's privacy characteristics.
US09354781B2 Systems and methods for creating photobooks
A method for producing a photo album includes providing a library of page layouts, selecting a first group of one or more images to be placed in the first page of the photo album, selecting a second group of one or more images to be placed in the second page of the photo album, graphically displaying the first group of one or more images within a first border that represents a first page, graphically displaying the second group of one or more images within a second border that represents a second page, automatically selecting a first page layout from the library of page layouts, and automatically placing the first group of one or more images into the one or more image receiving areas in the first page layout to produce the first page in the photo album.
US09354778B2 Smartphone-based methods and systems
The present disclosure generally concerns sensor-equipped consumer electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablet computers. One implementation is directed toward a smartphone configured to operate in an image discovery mode. Results from the image discovery mode may be displayed on a smartphones display screen. The smartphone may concurrently operate an audio discovery mode. Results from the audio discovery mode are added to a discovery history, but are not displayed on the smartphone's display screen while operating in the image discovery mode. Of course, many other combinations and implementations are provided as well.
US09354777B2 Method for creating a peer-to-peer immediate messaging solution without using an instant messaging server
A messaging method in a system including a wireless network, a routing server, and a plurality of mobile stations. A first mobile station has first communications applications and a first PIN and a second mobile station has second communications applications and a second PIN. The method includes sending an invitation including the first PIN from the first mobile station to the second mobile station using one of the first communications applications, and sending an acceptance including the second PIN from the second mobile station to the first mobile station using one of the second communications applications. The method further includes creating first messages including the second PIN and sending them to the second mobile station through the wireless network, and creating second messages including the first PIN and sending them to the first mobile station through the wireless network. The routing server routes the messages based on the PINs.
US09354775B2 Interaction method for dynamic wallpaper and desktop component
An interaction method for a dynamic wallpaper and a desktop component including providing a dynamic wallpaper and at least one desktop component on a terminal screen, with the dynamic wallpaper including a background image, providing a screen capturing module for capturing the background image loaded with the desktop component to form a buffer file, and coding the same as an image format for storage, providing an edge detection module for performing pixel scanning comparison on the background image and the stored buffer image, circularly performing pixel scanning comparisons until the edge location data of the at least one desktop component is obtained, and changing the dynamic effects of the dynamic wallpaper according to the data obtained.
US09354772B2 Method and device for movement of image object
Provided is a method for the movement of an image object. In the method: A. determining the direction of movement of an image object to be moved, and a module X corresponding to same; B. moving the module X along the direction of movement by one unit; determining whether or not an overlap exists between the module X and another module; if no overlap exists, making the post-movement state as a movement result, and terminating the process; if an overlap exists, restoring the module X to the original position; determining a minimum mirror area comprising the module X; flipping the minimum mirror area; C. determining whether or not the module X can continue to move along the direction of movement; if not, then the movement has failed, terminating the process; if yes, then moving the module X upwards by one unit from the direction of movement; determining whether or not an overlap exists between module X and another module; if no overlap exists, making the post-movement state as the movement result, and terminating the process; if an overlap exists, repeating step C. Also provided is a device for the movement of the image object. The user experience is enhanced by using the method and the device.
US09354769B1 Electronically controlling commitment of a change to stored information
A technique electronically controls commitment of a change to stored information. The technique involves accessing a reviewer database to ascertain a set of reviewers assigned to review proposed changes to the stored information. The technique further involves electronically notifying the set of reviewers to review a particular proposed change to the stored information after the set of reviewers is ascertained. Each reviewer is able to electronically approve or reject the particular proposed change to the stored information. The technique further involves (i) electronically preventing commitment of the particular proposed change to the stored information while less than a predefined number of electronic approvals has been received from the set of reviewers and (ii) electronically enabling commitment of the particular proposed change to the stored information upon receipt of the predefined number of electronic approvals from the set of reviewers.
US09354765B2 Text input mode selection method
Text input mode selection method is implemented in a device with a plurality of keys. If an input mode switching key is activated by a first operation matching a first input pattern, options of the key is provided in a default arrangement. If the key is activated by a second operation matching a second input pattern, options of the key is provided in an altered arrangement. Activation of the key according to a selected option activates one of a plurality of character input methods associated with the selected option. Each of the character input methods is associated with a virtual keyboard layout.
US09354763B2 Multi-modal collaborative web-based video annotation system
A video annotation interface includes a video pane configured to display a video, a video timeline bar including a video play-head indicating a current point of the video which is being played, a segment timeline bar including initial and final handles configured to define a segment of the video for playing, and a plurality of color-coded comment markers displayed in connection with the video timeline bar. Each of the comment markers is associated with a frame or segment of the video and corresponds to one or more annotations for that frame or segment made by one of a plurality of users. Each of the users can make annotations and view annotations made by other users. The annotations can include annotations corresponding to a plurality of modalities, including text, drawing, video, and audio modalities.
US09354760B2 Touch sensor
According to one embodiment, a touch sensor has a first edge and a second edge approximately perpendicular to the first edge. The touch sensor includes a first plurality of electrodes approximately parallel to the first edge, and a second plurality of electrodes. Each of the second plurality of electrodes has a spine that is approximately parallel to the second edge and a plurality of conductive elements that are approximately parallel to the first edge and in physical contact with the spine. At least one electrode of the second plurality of electrodes is adjacent to the second edge. The spine of the one electrode of the second plurality of electrodes that is adjacent to the second edge has a width that is greater than a width of the spine of at least one of the other electrodes of the second plurality of electrodes.
US09354758B2 Mutual capacitive touch panel
The present invention provides a mutual capacitive touch panel, including: a plurality of driving lines; a plurality of sensing lines intersecting with the plurality of driving lines; a signal output unit disposed at input ends of the driving lines is configured to output driving signals with different frequencies to all the driving lines; a preamplifier disposed at output ends of the sensing lines is configured to capture sensing signals from the sensing lines, and amplify and then output the sensing signals to a signal separation unit; the signal separation unit connected to the preamplifier is configured to separate the sensing signals with different frequencies and obtain addresses of the driving lines corresponding to the sensing signals. In the present invention, driving signals with different frequencies are outputted by the signal output unit to all the driving lines, respectively.
US09354757B2 Touch sensor system, and electronic device
A touch sensor system includes a driver which drives on the basis of code sequences which are orthogonal to one another and include +1 or −1 and each of which has a length N. A decoding section estimates on the basis of a first inner product operation of the outputs and the code sequences a first capacitance value and on the basis of a second inner product operation of the outputs and the code sequences a second capacitance value. A touch panel has a two-dimensional region including a hand placing region and a remainder region and processing sections.
US09354755B2 Projected capacitive touch panel with a silver-inclusive transparent conducting layer(s)
A projected capacitive touch panel, including a substrate, a silver-inclusive transparent conductive coating which forms a plurality of row electrodes, a plurality of column electrodes, and a plurality of conductive traces, and a signal processor which sequentially measures a capacitance between each of row electrodes and an adjacent column electrode. The row electrodes, the plurality of column electrodes, and the plurality of traces are on a plane substantially parallel to the substrate. Each of the row electrodes is electrically connected to the signal processor by one of the plurality of conductive traces. The plurality of traces are at least partially substantially parallel to the column electrodes.
US09354754B2 Touch devices having driving unit for detecting a touch point position and touch point position detection methods thereof
A detection method for detecting a touch point on a touch panel is provided. The detection method includes: (1) providing a touch panel which is capable of being divided into even unit regions; (2) defining a plurality of unit regions as a detection region by a control unit; (3) detecting the detection region to obtain a position of the touch point in the corresponding unit region by a driving unit; (4) when the detecting is failed to obtain the position, re-defining the number of unit regions consisting of the detection region by the control unit; and (5) when the position is detected, memorizing the position into a memory unit. The number of unit regions defined in the step (4) is equal to a half of the number of unit regions defined in the step (2).
US09354751B2 Input device with optimized capacitive sensing
An input device is disclosed that can improve input detection associated with sensor elements that exhibit a weaker response at the lower end of their dynamic range than their counterparts. This can be advantageous when implementing input reporting rules that rely on a sufficient response at the lower end of a sensor element's dynamic range. The input device can compensate for a weak sensor element at the low end of its dynamic range by increasing its sensitivity in certain situations, such as when an adjacent sensor provides a strong input signal, or after the weak sensor element provides a signal level exceeding a noise threshold for example. The sensitivity of the weak sensor element can be increased in a variety of ways, such as by reducing a noise threshold associated with the sensor element or boosting a signal level associated with the sensor element for example.
US09354750B2 Digitizer for multi-display system
A multi-display system that uses back lights and light guides of an electronically addressable display to provide position-unique signals that both uniquely identify positions on a given display, but also uniquely identify displays within a multi-display system.
US09354749B2 Optical touch system with brightness compensation and brightness compensation method thereof
There is provided an optical touch system including a touch surface, a plurality of image sensors and a plurality or compensation light sources, wherein each of the image sensors is adjacent to one of the compensation light sources. When one of the image sensors is capturing an image frame, the compensation light source not adjacent to and within a field of view of the image sensor which is capturing the image frame irradiates so as to compensate a brightness distribution of the image frame.
US09354746B2 Capacitive touch panel
A plurality of detection electrodes S(n) are allocated to any one of two or more detection electrode groups SG(k) so that the detection electrodes S(n) to be allocated to each of the detection electrode groups SG(k) are disposed at equal intervals and spaced apart from each other by at least one detection electrode S(n) in the direction of detection. In each of the two or more detection electrode groups SG(k), the detection electrodes S(n) allocated to the detection electrode group SG(k) are sequentially selected in the direction of detection so as to compare the detection voltage levels R(n) that each appear on a set of detection electrodes S(n) and S(n+1) that are adjacent to each other in the direction of detection.
US09354739B2 Self-capacitive touch control apparatus and control method thereof
A self-capacitive touch control apparatus includes a plurality of electrodes, a plurality of sensors, and a number determining module. The sensors detect capacitance changes in the electrodes to generate a plurality of sensing results. The number determining module calculates a total sensing amount according to the sensing results, and determines the number of touch points according to the total sensing amount.
US09354735B2 Light sensitive display
A light sensitive display.
US09354731B1 Multi-dimension touch input
A computing device can use a combination of input technologies in order to provide for more accurate input determinations, as well as to reduce the number of false inputs determined. A capacitance-sensing approach, which can be self- or mutual-capacitance in nature, can be combined with a force- or pressure-sensing approach. The approaches can share at least some components, such as one or more electrodes, in order to conserve space on the device and reduce cost. An input at one or more locations in one or more modes then can be accepted only if the input is determined to be valid for both approaches, which can prevent false input resulting from keys or other metallic objects being detected by the capacitance components, as well as objects applying pressure to the device as detected by the force sensing components.
US09354727B2 Multi-sensor hand detection
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving real-time sensor data from a number of sensors of different sensor types on a computing device. The real-time sensor data corresponds to a transition in a physical state of the computing device caused by a user of the computing device. The method also includes correlating the real-time sensor data from the number of sensors of different sensor types on the computing device; determining based on the correlation an intended imminent use of the computing device by the user; and automatically initiating based on the determination a pre-determined function of the computing device.
US09354726B2 Audio/visual device graphical user interface submenu
A user interface for an audio/visual device incorporates one or both of a touch sensor having a touch surface on which is defined a racetrack surface having a ring shape and a display element on which is displayed a racetrack menu also having a ring shape, and where the user interface incorporates both, the ring shapes of the racetrack surface and the racetrack menu are structured to generally correspond such that the position of a marker on the racetrack menu is caused to correspond to the position at which a digit of a user's hand touches the racetrack surface. A user interface for an audio/visual device incorporates a display element on which is displayed a racetrack menu having a ring shape, where the selection of a menu item positioned along the racetrack menu is responded to with the display of a submenu positioned within a display area on the display element that is surrounded by the racetrack menu, and where the manner in which menu items of the submenu are selected in substantially the same manner as menu items positioned along the racetrack menu.
US09354722B2 Low power management of multiple sensor integrated chip architecture
A method, device, system, or article of manufacture is provided for low-power management of multiple sensor chip architecture. In one embodiment, a method comprises, at a computing device that includes a first processor, a second processor and a third processor, receiving, by the first processor operating at a first clock rate, first sensor data from a first sensor operating at a first data rate; determining, by the first processor, a movement of the computing device using the first sensor data; in response to determining the movement of the computing device, performing, by the first processor, a first motion state algorithm to determine whether a modality of the computing device is a first motion state; and, in response to determining that the modality of the computing device is not the first motion state, changing, by the first processor, at least one of the first processor to operate at a second clock rate sufficient to perform a second motion state algorithm and changing the first sensor to operate at a second data rate sufficient to perform the second motion state algorithm, wherein the second motion state algorithm is used to determine whether the modality of the computing device is a second motion state.
US09354721B2 Movement based image transformation
In some implementations, an image can be presented in an image editing interface and the image can be edited based on movement of the mobile device. In some implementations, the mobile device can be configured to provide a plurality of types edits (e.g., filters, effects, etc.) that can be applied to the image, a selection of one or more edit types can be received, movement sensor data can obtained describing movement of the mobile device, and the selected edits can be applied to the image based on the sensor data.
US09354719B2 Optical navigation devices
An optical navigation device is provided for detecting movement of a pointer, such as a finger, in three dimensions. A sensor obtains images of the pointer which have been illuminated by an illumination source, and an image scaling module determines the difference in size between images acquired by the image sensor to determine the difference in height of the pointer between images.
US09354718B2 Tightly coupled interactive stereo display
Modifying perspective of stereoscopic images provided by one or more displays based on changes in user view, user control, and/or display status. A display system may include a housing, a display comprised in the housing, and one or more tracking sensors comprised in the housing. The one or more tracking sensors may be configured to sense user view and/or user control position and orientation information. The one or more tracking sensors may be associated with a position and orientation of the display. The user view and/or user control position and orientation information may be used in generating the rendered left and right eye images for display.
US09354714B2 Keypad with integrated touch sensitive apparatus
A touch sensitive keypad device (101) for an electronic device (100) includes one or more keys (106,107,108,109,110) situated in a keypad carrier (206). One or more conductive layers (115,116,117,118) span the keys. One or more transverse conductive layers (119,120,121,122,123,124) are integrated with a non-key component, such as the keypad carrier (205). A capacitance sensing circuit (126) detects changes in capacitance between the conductive layers and the transverse conductive layers to detect user input, thereby allowing a user (1990) to use a matrix (1902) of keys as a touch pad.
US09354708B2 Information display device, information display method, and storage medium
While an information display device is initially placed at a standstill, a CPU stores acceleration responsive to gravitational force acquired by an acceleration sensor into a RAM. The CPU acquires acceleration in compliance with fixed timing acquired by the acceleration sensor and resulting from motion on the information display device. The CPU accumulates the acceleration acquired in compliance with the fixed timing within each prescribed period. Then, the CPU makes the accumulated acceleration agree with acceleration responsive to gravitational force stored in the RAM, thereby correcting a posture parameter. Based on the corrected posture parameter, the CPU determines whether a temporal image is to be displayed on a display unit.
US09354706B2 Storage medium having stored therein information processing program, information processing apparatus, information processing system, and method of calculating designated position
An example of an information processing apparatus calculates a first position using imaging information based on an image captured by an imaging device. The information processing apparatus calculates a second position using a detection result of a sensor. The information processing apparatus repeatedly determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied, the predetermined condition including a condition regarding a relationship between the first position and the second position. A designated position on a predetermined plane is calculated using the first position and/or the second position. In a satisfaction period after the predetermined condition has been satisfied, the information processing apparatus calculates the designated position by making an influence of the second position relatively great as compared to an unsatisfaction period before the predetermined condition is satisfied.
US09354703B2 Tactile control arrangement for electrical or electronic devices integrated in a textile support
A tactile control arrangement (10) for at least one electronic device (W, P) including a touch control interface (12) based on a capacitive sensor matrix (S) and a electronic processing module (16) associated to the sensor matrix (S) and arranged to receive therefrom a plurality of electrical signals indicative of the touch or the pressure of an external body on at least one sensor (S) of the matrix and consequent commands to be transmitted towards the above-mentioned electronic device (W, P) is described. The sensor matrix (S) comprises a plurality of active sensor electrodes (E) and a corresponding plurality of conductive tracks (T) for the connection of the active electrodes (E) with the processing module (16). The sensor matrix (S) is formed by a plurality of flexible functional layers (32-48) including a first layer (32) of conductive elastomeric material forming the active electrodes (E) and a second layer (42) of conductive elastomeric material forming the conductive tracks (T) on a plane parallel to the layer (32) of active electrodes (E), which first and second layers (32, 42) of conductive elastomeric material are separated by a flexible layer (40) of insulating material comprising a non-conductive fabric bearing a plurality of vias at the active electrodes (E) of the first layer (32) and the corresponding conductive tracks (T) of the second layer (42), wherein the layers (32, 42) of active electrodes (E) and conductive tracks (T) are deformed so as to directly contact through the vias of the non-conductive textile layer (40).
US09354702B2 Manipulation of virtual object in augmented reality via thought
A system and method for manipulating a virtual object based on thought is described. A reference identifier from a physical object is captured. Brain activity data of a user is received to obtain a brain activity data. The reference identifier and the brain activity data are communicated via a network to a remote server. The remote server selects a virtual object based on the reference identifier and the brain activity data. A communication from the server identifying the virtual object is received. The virtual object is displayed in a virtual landscape.
US09354700B1 System and method for modifying a game state of a player of a social game
A system, computer-readable storage medium, and a method for modifying a game state of a player of a social game are presented. A first location of a first virtual object and a second location of a second virtual object in a virtual world of the social game are identified. The first virtual object is associated with a first social contact of the player of the social game and the second virtual object is associated with a second social contact of the player of the social game. A location adjacency metric for the first virtual object and the second virtual object is determined using the first location and the second location. A social adjacency metric for the first virtual object and the second virtual object is determined. A game state for the player is modified using the location adjacency metric and the social adjacency metric.
US09354694B2 Controlling processor consumption using on-off keying having a maximum off time
In an embodiment, a processor includes a logic to cause at least one core to operate with a power control cycle including a plurality of on times and a plurality of off times according to an ON-OFF keying protocol, where the off times each correspond to a maximum off time for a platform including the processor. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09354690B1 Systems and methods for adjusting core voltage to optimize power savings
A system for adjusting core voltage of an integrated circuit to optimize power savings has a ring oscillator on the integrated circuit for providing a ring oscillator signal. The system also has compare logic on the integrated circuit configured to compare the ring oscillator signal with a clock signal from a clock external to the integrated circuit. The compare logic is configured to make a determination whether a frequency of the clock signal is within a predefined margin of a frequency of the ring oscillator and to adjust the core voltage of the integrated circuit based on the determination. Through such adjustments, the core voltage is lowered while ensuring that the core voltage does not reach a point that causes timing errors.
US09354688B2 Image forming apparatus and print system
An image forming apparatus monitors sleep-cancelling events, and when a sleep-cancelling event occurs, stores an identifier and a sleep-cancellation time of the event. If a start time of a sleep mode is reached when (i) the apparatus is in a standby mode and (ii) one or more sleep-cancelling events specifying sleep-cancellation times later than the start time have been stored, the apparatus calculates power consumption required to maintain the standby mode for a period from the start time to the earliest sleep-cancellation time, as a power-saving amount savable during the period. Also, a recovery power amount required for recovery from the sleep mode to the standby mode is calculated on the assumption that the sleep mode is started at the start time and is cancelled at the earliest sleep-cancellation time. Switching to the sleep mode is performed only when the power-saving amount is greater than the recovery power amount.
US09354685B2 Communication and control for powered devices
A first device (such as a power supply) may detect a power anomaly and provide a warning to a second device that is powered by the first device. For example, if there are conditions indicating an increased likelihood of a power outage (e.g., a brownout period, one or more voltage spikes, etc.), then the first device may notify the second device, and in response, the second device may take protective action. Examples of protective action may include, but are not limited to, saving certain data (e.g., critical data) to non-volatile data storage, initiating a shut-down procedure, warning a user of the second device, etc. As the warning and/or other communications between the power supply and powered device may be wireless, various example techniques for wirelessly pairing the devices are also disclosed.
US09354681B2 Protected power management mode in a processor
In an embodiment, a processor includes a plurality of cores. Each core includes a core power unit to detect one or more power management events, and in response to the one or more power management events, initiate a protected power management mode in the core. Software interrupts to the core may be disabled during the protected power management mode. The core is to execute power management code during the protected power management mode. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09354680B2 Image forming apparatus, control method for image forming apparatus, and storage medium having a firmware update function
An image forming apparatus includes an update unit configured to execute firmware update processing, a storage unit configured to store information relating to a change in a setting value of the image forming apparatus produced by the firmware update processing, a selection unit configured to select a specific update history entry from a firmware update history, and a display unit configured to display information relating to the change in the setting value produced by the firmware update processing corresponding to the specific update history entry selected by the selection unit based on the information stored in the storage unit.
US09354679B2 System and method for causing reduced power consumption associated with thermal remediation
Particular embodiments described herein can offer a method that includes receiving a signal indicating whether at least one device is in a low power mode, determining that the at least one device is in a first thermally benign state based, at least in part, on the signal, and performing a first operation associated with a reduced thermal remediation power consumption.
US09354677B2 Speaker cooling
Embodiments are provided for cooling one or more components of a playback device using speaker vibrations that result from inaudible audio. Movement of air molecules arising from the speaker vibrations may disperse heat away from the one or more components of a playback device. The playback device may include a thermal sensor to determine the temperature on or around one or more components. If the playback device is no longer playing audible audio and temperature on or around one or more components rises above a first predetermined threshold, the playback device may play inaudible audio. Playback of inaudible audio may result in movement of air molecules and the dispersion of heat away from the one or more components. Playback of the inaudible audio may stop if the playback device begins playing audible audio or if the temperature on or around one or more components drops below a second predetermined threshold.
US09354676B2 System and method for cooling information handling resources
A method may comprise causing a fluid to flow from a first fluidic column primary quick disconnect fluid fitting through a first fluidic column, the first fluidic column primary quick disconnect fluid fitting fluidically coupled to the first fluidic column and configured to couple to a first quick disconnect fluid fitting of a fluid network port. The method may also comprise causing the fluid to flow from the first fluidic column through at least one first fluidic column secondary quick disconnect fluid fitting having a fluidic network of corresponding information handling resource fluidically coupled thereto, the at least one first fluidic column secondary quick disconnect fluid fitting fluidically coupled to the first fluidic column and the fluidic network having one or more fluid conduits for conveying the fluid proximate to the information handling resource.
US09354675B1 Server
A server comprises two mainboards, disposed on a base plate. The mainboards comprise a plurality of expander cards and an electrical module. The electrical module is provided with at least one first storage device. Each mainboard further comprises a daughter card disposed between the base plate and the electrical module. The expander card or the daughter card is served as a system-tray of the electrical module by the at least one first storage device of the electrical module, so as to manage a disk array for a plurality of second storage devices of the server. This ensures that when the storage device of the mainboard is malfunctioned, it doesn't need to turn off the server for repairing. Under a condition of not affect normal function of the server, more electrical elements are provided to a limited space so as to increase or upgrade the function of the server.
US09354674B2 Transportation, storage and stabilization device for electronic equipment
An equipment saddle is provided. The equipment saddle may include a plurality of cases attached to a drapable skirt. Each case forms a compartment for retaining and stabilizing electronic equipment, such as an external hard drive, wherein at least one case provides a port aperture for sliding a data wire therethrough for interconnecting the electronic equipment and a computer while the electronic equipment is positioned within the compartment. The equipment saddle may provide at least one cinching strap so that the skirt can be as easily draped and secured to, say, the corners of the computer's screen as they are draped and secured to the shoulders of a user. As a result, the equipment saddle facilitates the stabilization, storage and transportation of electronic equipment from computer to computer without the need to take such electronic equipment out of the plurality of cases.
US09354671B2 Touch device and manufacturing method thereof
A manufacturing method for forming a touch device is disclosed. A substrate having a viewing region is provided. A plurality of first sensing electrodes are spaced apart from each other on the substrate corresponding to the viewing region. An insulating layer is formed on the plurality of first sensing electrodes. A plurality of second sensing electrodes are transfer-printed onto the insulating layer, wherein the plurality of second sensing electrodes are spaced apart from each other, and wherein the plurality of first sensing electrodes are in a staggered arrangement with the plurality of second sensing electrodes and insulated from the plurality of second sensing electrodes by the insulating layer. A touch device is also disclosed.
US09354670B2 Apparatus and method for pivot attachment
A modular device and method are disclosed. The modular device includes individual modular units. A first modular unit includes a pivot member and a connector and a second modular unit includes a matching connector and a first mating point. The first mating point is configured to fit a portion of the pivot member. A third modular unit may also be included, where the third modular unit has a second mating point which is configured to fit another portion of the pivot member. The matched connectors align and connect when the second modular unit is rotated about the pivot member into contact with the first modular unit. The third modular unit can also be rotated about the same pivot member with or without the second modular unit connected. The second and third modular units can be rotated independently and/or removed independently.
US09354669B2 Electronic device
An electronic device includes a first body, a second body, and a linking assembly. The first body has a first side and a second side opposite to each other, and a sliding slot located at the first side. The first body and the second body are pivoted to the linking assembly. The second body rotates relative to the first side of the first body to open or close and drives the linking assembly, such that the electronic device stands on a platform with the first side or the second side of the first body. The linking assembly has a supporting block movably coupled to the sliding slot. When the second body rotates to an angle relative to the first side, the supporting block protrudes out of the first side so that the electronic device stands on the platform with the first side.
US09354668B2 Hinge assembly
In one embodiment chassis for an electronic device comprises a first section and a second section and an assembly to connect the first section of the chassis to the second section of the chassis for an electronic device, comprising a first hinge assembly to be coupled to the first section of the chassis for the electronic device, a second hinge assembly to be coupled to the second section of the chassis for the electronic device, a first rigid connecting member to be coupled to the first hinge assembly and the second hinge assembly, a first resistance element to provide a first rotational resistance between the first hinge assembly and a first end of the first rigid connecting member and a first resistance element to provide a second rotational resistance between the second hinge assembly and a second end of the first rigid connecting member. Other embodiments may be described.
US09354667B2 Supporting mechanism and electronic device therewith
A supporting mechanism for supporting a first module on a second module is disclosed. The first module is pivoted to the second module via a hinge assembly. The supporting mechanism includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a sliding end slidably installed on the first module. The second member is connected to the first member in a relatively slidable manner. The second member includes a pivoting end pivoted to the second module. When the first module is rotated along an expanding direction with respect to the second module, the sliding end of the first member slides along a first direction toward the hinge assembly such that the first member slides along a second direction further away from the second member.
US09354666B2 Electronic device and operating method thereof
An electronic device including a first body, an input module and a second body is provided. The first body has a positioning structure. The input module is slidably disposed on the first body and positioned at a first position by the positioning structure. The second body is pivoted with the first body. When the second body is expanded relative to the first body to obtain a first included angle between the first body and the second body, the second body drives the positioning structure to release the input module, such that the input module is capable of sliding from the first position to a second position relative to the first body and separating from the positioning structure.
US09354665B2 Electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus includes a cover panel and a case, and at least a board disposed therebetween. A plurality of components are disposed on a board and have heights different from one another. A gap reduction member is disposed so as to face the plurality of components. Steps are formed on the gap reduction member in accordance with the heights of the plurality of components which faces the plurality of components to reduce breakage of a cover panel of the electronic apparatus.
US09354658B2 Method for asynchronous gating of signals between clock domains
An apparatus for synchronizing a signal from a first clock domain into a second clock domain is disclosed. The apparatus may include circuitry, a synchronization circuit, and a clock gate circuit. The circuitry may de-assert a first enable signal dependent upon a first clock signal. The synchronization circuit may generate a second enable signal synchronized to a second clock signal and may de-assert the second enable signal in response to de-asserting the first enable signal. The clock gate circuit may generate a third clock signal dependent upon the second clock signal, and may disable the third clock signal responsive to de-asserting the second enable signal. The circuitry may further disable the second clock signal in response to determining a predetermined period of time has elapsed since de-asserting the first enable signal.
US09354654B2 High voltage ring pump with inverter stages and voltage boosting stages
A multi-stage device for boosting an input voltage is discussed. Each stage of the device comprises a stage of a ring oscillator and a charge pump. An oscillating signal, generated by the ring oscillator within the device, drives the charge pump in each stage of the device. The charge pumps of the stages are serially connected. A final stage of the multi-stage device is adapted to provide voltage to a load circuit. The multi-stage device is applicable for generation of different bias voltages from one or more source voltages.
US09354652B2 Maximum power point tracking method and device, and photovoltaic power generation system
A maximum power point tracking method, device and a photovoltaic power generation system. The maximum power point tracking method involves sampling a present voltage and a present current of a photovoltaic array and obtaining a present power based on the present voltage and the present current. The maximum power point tracking using a difference between the present power and a power for a previous sampling time as a present perturbation power, and based on a ratio of the present perturbation power to a perturbation power for a previous sampling time obtain a gradient perturbation voltage step ratio. Further, the maximum power point tracking obtains a perturbation voltage step based on the gradient perturbation voltage step ratio and the voltage difference between the present voltage and the voltage for the previous sampling time, and control an output voltage based on the perturbation voltage step.
US09354650B2 Switching power supply circuit
A switching power supply circuit includes a pair of input nodes to which an input voltage is applied, a pair of output nodes from which an output voltage is outputted and to which a load is connected, a cascode element and a coil connected between the input node and the output node, and a control circuit outputting a drive signal that controls a conduction state of the cascode element. The control circuit controls the conduction state of the cascode element in response to a potential of a point connecting a normally-on type transistor and a normally-off type transistor that constitute the cascode element.
US09354646B2 Internal voltage generator and contactless IC card including the same
A voltage generator of a contactless integrated circuit (IC) card includes a regulator configured to generate a first internal voltage based on an input voltage and a first reference voltage, the input voltage being received through an antenna of the contactless IC card. The voltage generator includes an internal voltage generator configured to generate a second internal voltage, the second internal voltage being used to operate an internal circuit of the contactless IC card. The voltage generator includes a reference voltage generator configured to generate a second reference voltage based on the first internal voltage, the second reference voltage being generated without regard to a fluctuation component of the first internal voltage. The voltage generator includes a switching unit configured to provide one of the first and second internal voltages as the first reference voltage in response to first and second switching control signals.
US09354643B2 Smart dimming solution for LED light bulb and other non-linear power AC loads
A dimmer is provided that includes an MCU, a first power switch, and a pair of second power switches. The MCU is coupled to and configured to control the first power switch and the pair of second power switches, wherein the MCU is configured to activate the first power switch to conduct current to a load during a first continuous period of time. The MCU is also configured to alternately activate the pair of second power switches to conduct current to the load during a second continuous period of time. The MCU is configured to deactivate the pair of second power switches during the entire first period of time, and the MCU is configured to deactivate the first power switch during the entire first period of time. The first and second continuous periods do not overlap in time.
US09354642B2 Load adaptive loop based voltage source
Systems and methods are provided for a power supply. A first output stage is configured to supply power from a power source at a target voltage to a device in an integrated circuit in response to a power demand of the device. Load detector circuitry is configured to detect a load resulting from operation of the device, and a supplemental output stage is configured to selectively supply supplemental power from the power source to the device, in addition to the power provided by the first output stage, in response to detection of an additional load resulting from operation of the device.
US09354639B2 Balanced regulator with inlet pressure sensing tube
A balanced pressure regulator includes a valve body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet connected by a fluid passageway. A valve seat is disposed within the fluid passageway. A valve plug is at least partially disposed within the fluid passageway, the valve plug interacting with the valve seat to selectively open or close the fluid passageway. A retainer operatively connects the valve plug to a valve stem. A diaphragm separates a chamber from the fluid passageway and a balancing passage fluidly connects the fluid passageway with the chamber. A balancing tube extends outward, away from the retainer, fluidly connecting the fluid passageway with the balancing passage.
US09354638B2 Double port pressure regulator with floating seat
A double port regulator assembly includes a first fluid port and a second fluid port. A fixed valve seat assembly is disposed proximate the first fluid port and a floating valve seat assembly is disposed proximate the second fluid port. A first valve plug cooperates with the fixed valve seat assembly to open and close the first fluid port and a second valve lug cooperates with the floating valve seat assembly to open and close the second fluid port. The floating valve seat assembly includes a floating valve seat that is movable with respect to the fixed valve seat.
US09354632B2 Systems and methods for signal selection and fault detection
A signal selection and fault detection system is provided. The system includes four input equalization circuits each configured to receive an input signal from an associated sensor, wherein the input signal is indicative of a parameter measured by the associated sensor, and output an equalized signal based on the received input signal. The system further includes a five-input output selection circuit coupled to the four input equalization circuits, the five-input output selection circuit configured to receive an equalized signal from each of the four input equalization circuits, receive a previous frame output signal, and select an output signal from the four equalized signals and the previous frame output signal.
US09354631B2 Handheld device rendering of plant model portion based on task
A method of operating an industrial plant having processing units on a production floor which includes a wireless network including a network server having stored a two-dimensional (2D) plantwide model and a 3D plantwide model showing the processing units. At least a first worker is on the production floor. The first worker is provided a first handheld computing device having a wireless transceiver, a processor programmed to implement a model rendering algorithm stored in an associated memory, and a display. Based on a task defined for the first worker to execute involving at least a first processing unit of the processing units, a model portion of the 2D plantwide model or 3D plantwide model involved in the task including the first processing unit is identified. An image representation of the model portion is then rendered on the display.
US09354628B2 Component mounting device and component mounting method
A mounting turn that is going to be performed from now on and the identifiers of the feeders that are the supply sources of the components for the mounting turn are read out from a mounting program, and it is determined whether there is a non-supply feeder which does not supply a component to the component supply position 13p in the feeders corresponding to the identifiers that are read out, based on the output from the component detecting sensors provided in the feeders corresponding to the identifiers that are read out. As a result, when there is not a non-supply feeder, the mounting turn that is read out is performed, and when there is a non-supply feeder, the performing of the mounting turn that is read out is suspended and another mounting turn is read out.
US09354624B2 Method of simulating engine operation
A method of creating a simplified computer implementable engine model includes obtaining a complete computer implementable engine model and selecting, from the complete engine model, elements defining the simplified engine model. The method further includes obtaining from a library of rules at least one computer implementable model creation rule corresponding to the selected elements and using that at least one rule to create the simplified computer implementable engine model.
US09354622B2 Method of controlling a rotating electric machine, control system and rotating electric machine corresponding thereto
The method of controlling a polyphase rotating electric machine, the machine operating as a generator and being linked to an electrical network (1), is of the type of those consisting in short-circuiting at least one phase winding in the event of load shedding. A short-circuit command (SAND) is generated for the phase winding when a first measurement voltage V of a voltage B+ of the network exceeds a first predetermined threshold value V1 and when a phase current (IΦ) in the phase winding vanishes and changes direction. The first measurement voltage V may be obtained by filtering the voltage B+ of the network with a predetermined time constant TF.
US09354621B2 Systems and methods for control of an adaptive-cycle engine with power-thermal management system
A control system for an adaptive-power thermal management system of an aircraft having at least one adaptive cycle gas turbine engine includes a real time optimization solver that utilizes a plurality of models of systems to be controlled, the plurality of models each being defined by algorithms configured to predict changes to each system caused by current changes in input to each system. The real time optimization solver is configured to solve an open-loop optimal control problem on-line at each of a plurality of sampling times, to provide a series of optimal control actions as a solution to the open-loop optimal control problem. The real time optimization solver implements a first control action in a sequence of control actions and at a next sampling time the open-loop optimal control problem is re-posed and re-solved.
US09354617B2 Magnetic field communication arrangement and method for a tractor-trailer
An automotive communication method includes installing a sensor within a vehicle such that the sensor is submerged in a liquid during operation of the vehicle and/or substantially surrounded by a metallic structure during operation of the vehicle. A long wave magnetic signal is transmitted from the sensor. The signal is indicative of a condition sensed by the sensor. The signal is wirelessly received at a controller disposed within the vehicle. Receipt of the signal at the controller is responded to by adjusting a display and/or a setting within the vehicle.
US09354615B2 Device, operating method and computer-readable recording medium for generating a signal by detecting facial movement
A device for generating signal by detecting facial movement and operating method thereof is provided, which includes: an image capture unit, and a processing unit. The image capture unit for obtaining an image series. The processing unit receives the images series from the image capture unit, wherein the processing unit includes an image background removal module, an image extracting module, and a comparator, wherein the image background removing module processes each of the image series respectively to obtain a facial image, wherein the feature location module determines a location of a pair of nostrils in the facial image, defines a mouth searching frame, and acquires a data of mouth movements through the mouth searching frame, wherein the comparator compares the data of mouth movements with predetermined facial information, and generates a designated signal according to the comparison result.
US09354611B2 Event driven signal converters
In some implementations, a method comprises: generating, by an event system of an integrated circuit, a first event signal in response to a clock signal; distributing the first event signal to a first digital converter, where the first event signal triggers conversion of a first analog signal to a first digital value by the first digital converter; generating, by the event system, a second event signal in response to the clock signal; and distributing the second event signal to a second digital converter, where the second event signal triggers conversion of a second analog signal to a second digital value.
US09354607B2 Frequency regulation of a timepiece resonator via action on the active length of a balance spring
Method for maintaining and regulating the frequency of a timepiece resonator mechanism around its natural frequency (ω0) Includes a regulator device acting on the resonator with a periodic motion which requires a periodic modulation of at least the resonant frequency of said resonator, by requiring at least a modulation of the active length of a spring in the resonator mechanism, with a regulation frequency (ωR) that is between 0.9 times and 1.1 times the value of an integer multiple of the natural frequency (ω0). The integer is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 10.
US09354605B2 Apparatus and method for forming 3-dimensional holographic image using scattering layer
A method for forming a three-dimensional holographic image includes identifying a transmission matrix of a scattering material, calculating an incident wave-front corresponding to wave-front information for forming a three-dimensional holographic image, using the identified transmission matrix, and forming the calculated incident wave-front by controlling a wave-front control to modulate a light projected from a light source and forming a three-dimensional holographic image.
US09354604B2 Optically addressable spatial light modulator divided into plurality of segments, and holographic three-dimensional image display apparatus and method using the light modulator
Provided are an optically addressable spatial light modulator (OASLM) divided into a plurality of segments, and an apparatus and method for displaying a holographic three-dimensional (3D) image using the OASLM. The holographic 3D image display apparatus includes a first light source which emits a write beam, an electric addressable spatial light modulator (EASLM) which modulates the write beam emitted from the first light source according to hologram information regarding a 3D image, a second light source which emits a read beam, an OASLM which receives the write beam modulated by the EASLM and modulates the read beam emitted from the second light source according to hologram information included in the modulated write beam, a scanning optical unit which projects the write beam modulated by the EASLM onto the OASLM, and a Fourier lens which focuses the read beam modulated by the OASLM onto a predetermined space to form the 3D image.
US09354600B2 Process cartridge capable of suppressing developer from leaking out of developer cartridge, and image forming apparatus provided with the same
A process cartridge includes: a developer cartridge; and a photosensitive-member cartridge. A casing of the photosensitive-member cartridge includes: a photosensitive-member accommodating portion; and a cartridge-accommodating portion disposed next to the photosensitive-member accommodating portion in a first direction. The cartridge-accommodating portion includes a first wall and a first portion. The first wall extends in the first direction and confronts the developer cartridge in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first wall has a first end and a second end positioned farther away from the photosensitive-member accommodating portion in the first direction than the first end from the photosensitive-member accommodating portion. The first portion extends from the second end in the second direction and protrudes further than the developer cartridge in the second direction. The photosensitive-member accommodating portion includes a second portion protruding in the second direction further than a center region in the axial direction of the developer cartridge.
US09354599B2 Drum unit capable of grounding photosensitive drum and cleaning member
A drum unit includes: a photosensitive drum; a side plate; a cleaning member; a support member; a frame; and a connecting member. The photosensitive drum has an axis extending in an axial direction. The photosensitive drum has a surface. The side plate has electrical conductive properties. The side plate is configured to support the photosensitive drum. The side plate includes a contact portion configured to contact an external member having electrical conductive properties. The cleaning member is configured to clean the surface of the photosensitive drum. The support member has electrical conductive properties and is configured to support the cleaning member. The frame has electrical insulating properties. The frame is configured to support the support member and fixed to the side plate. The connecting member is configured to electrically connect the support member to the side plate.
US09354598B2 Image forming apparatus provided with cartridge
An image forming apparatus includes a cartridge; and a drawer frame. The cartridge includes first and second frames; and first and second engagement portions. The first frame supports a photosensitive drum. The second frame supports a developing roller and moves relative to the first frame between a contact position where the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum and the second engagement portion disengages from the first engagement portion and a separated position where the developing roller is spaced away from the photosensitive drum and the second engagement portion engages with the first engagement portion. The drawer frame is configured to move between an inside position inside a housing and an outside position outside the housing, and has a releasing part configured to release engagement of the first and second engagement portions so as to move the second frame from the separated position to the contact position.
US09354593B2 Cabinet structure, electronic equipment, and image forming apparatus
A cabinet structure includes multiple cover members configured to spatially partition an inside from an outside of a cabinet, and a clearance communicating between the inside and the outside of the cabinet is left between two cover members, the two cover members being adjacent to each other, of the cover members, and a passage defined by the clearance and leading from the inside to the outside of the cabinet through the clearance has a shape with multiple bends.
US09354591B2 Waste toner collecting structure of an image forming apparatus
A waste toner collecting structure of an image forming apparatus includes a waste toner collector to be removably installed in a main body of an image forming apparatus to collect waste toner that is exhausted through exhaust holes of at least one waste toner exhaust parts installed in the main body a negative pressure generator to form negative pressure around shutters of the waste toner exhaust parts that open and close the exhaust holes, to form an intake air current into the waste toner collector and a waste toner separator to be connected to the waste toner collector to separate some of the waste toner, which flows into the waste toner collector and then moves toward the negative pressure generator, from air in order to collect the waste toner.
US09354588B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method that remove toner from a cleaning blade for an image bearer by inversely rotating the image bearer
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearer rotating in a first direction while bearing a toner image thereon in a normal image forming operation; a toner image forming device to form the toner image on the image bearer; a transferring device to transfer the toner image to a recording medium eventually; a cleaning blade to block toner remaining on image bearer without being transferred; and a controller. The controller controls the image bearer to perform an inverse rotation operation in which the image bearer rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction after controlling the toner image forming device to perform a special image forming operation such that the amount of toner input to the cleaning blade in the special image forming operation is greater than the amount of toner input to the cleaning blade in the normal image forming operation, and then stopping the image bearer.
US09354586B2 Communication connector and image forming apparatus
The present invention provides a communication connector arranged on an image-forming apparatus body to provide communications with an information storage device including a guide portion and installed on a detachable device. The connector includes a body terminal which, when the detachable device is attached to the apparatus body, contacts a contact terminal of the information storage device, and a body projection extending in a moving direction of the detachable device and having a slope at its distal end. The body terminal is arranged on the body projection and configured not to project further than the slope, to be exposed to outside from a portion other than the slope, and to contact the contact terminal inside the guide portion when the body projection is inserted thereinto. An inclination angle θ of an end portion of the slope is not smaller than an inclination angle θ1 of the slope.
US09354584B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus (100) forms an image on a recording medium. The image forming apparatus (100) includes image forming units (110). Of the image forming units (110), one or more image forming units are intermediate image forming units, and one or more image forming units adjacent to a side of the intermediate image forming units and one or more image forming units adjacent to an opposite side of the intermediate image forming units are side image forming units. The image forming units (110) each include a photosensitive drum (120), a light emitting element (162) performing static elimination on the photosensitive drum (120), and a heating element (163) heating the photosensitive drum (120). The heating elements (163) of the intermediate image forming units receive supply of electric power different in quantity from that of which supply the heating elements (163) the side image forming units receive.
US09354582B2 Print control apparatus, printing system, and print control method
A print control apparatus includes a generating unit that generates clear-toner plane data based on gloss-control plane data, which contains a gloss control value for specifying a type of a surface effect being a visual or a tactile effect applied to the recording medium and for specifying a region to which the surface effect is applied in the recording medium, and clear plane data, which contains a density value for specifying a transparent image other than the surface effect; and an outputting unit that outputs the clear-toner plane data. When a region where the gloss control value is specified in the gloss-control plane data and a region where the density value is specified in the clear plane data overlap each other, the generating unit sets a value of the clear-toner plane data to the gloss control value or the density value, based on a predetermined condition.
US09354580B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body including an opening, an image forming unit, a storage portion, a moving unit, and a control unit. The control unit switches between a first state and a second state, the first state being a state where the moving unit is prohibited from moving and exposing a first sheet when information about a second user different from a first user who has instructed to print a first sheet is received, and the second state being a state where the moving unit is permitted to move and expose the first sheet if information about the second user is received.
US09354574B2 Method of controlling performance of auto color registration and image forming apparatus using the same
A method of controlling performance of auto color registration (ACR) of a color image forming apparatus, and an image forming apparatus using the same are provided. The method of controlling performance of ACR includes forming a composite black image on a transfer belt, sensing the composite black image by using a sensor, measuring the sensed composite black image, and performing ACR correction when a measured width of the composite black image is greater than a previously set value. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent unnecessary performance of ACR control when no color misregistration has occurred. In this way, ACR control is performed in as short a time as possible so that performance of the image forming apparatus may be improved. Also, it is possible to prevent waste of ACR performance time and life span reduction of a driving source for ACR.
US09354573B2 Fusing device and image forming apparatus having the same
A fusing device and an image forming apparatus having the same are provided. The fusing device includes a position regulating device to regulate a position of a side frame which rotatably supports a fusing belt, thereby fixing a position of a fusing nip defined between the fusing belt, inside of which a heat source is placed, and a pressure roller arranged to face the fusing belt. The fusing device prevents shift of a recording medium delivery path due to deformation of the pressure roller.
US09354571B2 Electrophotographic member and fixing apparatus
The present invention relates to an electrophotographic member having electroconductivity for suppressing peeling offset and also having a high cracking resistance. The electrophotographic member has an endless belt shape, and includes a cylindrical or columnar substrate, a rubber elastic layer that covers a periphery of the substrate, and a fluororesin tube that covers a periphery of the rubber elastic layer, wherein the fluororesin tube is crystalline-orientated in a substantially axial direction of the substrate and includes a fluororesin and carbon black dispersed in the fluororesin, and a primary average particle diameter of the carbon black is 50 nm or more and 100 nm or less.
US09354568B2 Method and system for controlling a fuser assembly using temperature feedback
A method and apparatus for providing a relatively short period of time for a fuser assembly to be ready to perform a fusing operation. Included is a fusing assembly having a heat transfer member and a backup member positioned to engage the heat transfer member so as to define a fusing nip therewith; and a controller coupled to the fuser assembly, wherein during a period of time when the fuser assembly is not performing a fusing operation, the controller causes the backup member to rotate at one or more relatively slow speeds relative to a fusing speed of the fuser assembly while activating the heat transfer member. At least one of a beginning and an ending of the period of time being based upon an actual temperature in the fuser assembly.
US09354567B2 Fixing device, fixing device control method, and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a rotatable fuser member a heater, a rotatable pressure member, a thermometer, and a feedback controller. The rotatable fuser member is subjected to heating. The heater heats the fuser member to a heating temperature. The rotatable pressure member is disposed opposite the fuser member. The fuser member and the pressure member are pressed against each other to form a fixing nip therebetween, through which the recording medium is conveyed, so as to fix the toner image in place under heat and pressure. The thermometer is disposed adjacent to the pressure member to detect an operational temperature of the pressure member. The feedback controller is operatively connected with the thermometer to control the heating temperature according to the detected operational temperature, so that the recording medium exhibits a substantially constant post-fixing temperature downstream from the fixing nip regardless of the heat capacity of the recording medium.
US09354562B2 Image heating apparatus and image forming apparatus
An image heating apparatus includes: an image heating unit including a pair of rotatable members between which a sheet is nipped and fed while heating a toner image thereon; and a retracting unit retractable from the image heating unit. The retracting unit includes an air discharging portion configured to discharge air for separating the sheet from the rotatable member, and a feeding portion provided with a pair of rotatable members and configured to nip and feed therebetween the sheet heated by the image heating unit.
US09354560B2 Drive transmission device and image forming apparatus
A drive transmission device includes: a first output gear and a second output gear which are rotatable about the same rotational axis; and a single intermediary member to be rotated about the rotational axis by a driving source. The intermediary member is provided between the first output gear and the second output gear with respect to an axial direction of the rotational axis. The intermediary member moves in a first axial direction of the rotational axis to rotate in engagement with the first output gear when the driving source rotates in a first direction, and moves in a second axial direction of the rotational axis opposite to the first axial direction to rotate in engagement with the second output gear when the driving source rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
US09354559B2 Cleaning blade, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
Disclosed is a cleaning blade of which a contact portion brought into contact with at least a member to be cleaned is formed of a polyurethane member that includes a polyurethane material containing a hard segment and a soft segment and has a ratio of an area occupied by a hard segment aggregate having a diameter of 0.3 μm to 0.7 μm in a cross section being in a range of 2% to 10%.
US09354557B2 Intermediate transfer member and image recording method
The invention provides an intermediate transfer member for use in an image recording method including the steps of applying a reaction liquid to the intermediate transfer member, applying an ink to the intermediate transfer member so as to overlap with at least a part of a region to which the reaction liquid has been applied, thereby forming an intermediate image, and transferring the intermediate image to a recording medium, wherein an average of a surface area per unit area of a surface of the intermediate transfer member is 1.2 or more and 10.0 or less.
US09354555B2 Toner supplying device and image forming apparatus
It is enabled to prevent packing of toner and supply toner stably. A toner supplying device has a toner cartridge attached to an upper part thereof a storage tank in which toner supplied from the toner cartridge is stored temporarily and discharges the toner from a toner discharge port provided in a lower end of the storage tank. A conveyance screw for discharging the toner from the toner discharge port is provided inside the storage tank and the storage tank has a shaft support hole for supporting a shaft of the conveyance screw that coincides with a rotational center axis of the conveyance screw. The shaft support hole is formed as along hole in which the shaft is able to be displaced in one direction or a direction opposite to the one direction.
US09354554B2 Image forming apparatus having toner collection
An image forming apparatus includes a first feeding path configured to feed toner collected from an image forming station, a collection container detachably mountable to the image forming apparatus and configured to accommodate the collected toner fed through the first feeding path, and a shutter unit including a second feeding path movably connected with the first feeding path and capable of connecting with the collection container. A shutter is configured to open and close a connecting portion between the second feeding path and the collection container by sliding in a direction crossing with the second feeding path in response to mounting and demounting of the collection container.
US09354552B2 Cartridge with flexible container for accommodating developer
A cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus includes: a frame; a flexible container, provided with an opening at a side thereof and provided inside the frame, for accommodating a developer; and a sealing member for sealing the opening. The sealing member is removable when being used. The flexible container includes a bottom portion forming a bottom thereof. The bottom portion is provided vertically above a lower end of the opening in a state in which the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly.
US09354550B2 Developer supply container and developer supplying system
A developer supply container includes a developer accommodating chamber configured to accommodate developer, a feeding portion configured and positioned to feed the developer in the developer accommodating chamber by rotation thereof, and a developer discharging chamber provided with a discharge opening configured to permit discharging of the developer fed by the feeding portion. In addition, a rotatable gear rotates the feeding portion, a pump portion acts upon at least the developer discharging chamber, with the pump portion having a volume which changes with reciprocation, and a drive converting portion converts a rotational force generated by rotation of the gear to a force for operating the pump portion.
US09354549B1 Developer supply container, developer supplying apparatus and image forming apparatus
A developer supply container, the developer supply container includes a developer accommodating chamber; a rotatable feeding portion; a developer discharging chamber including a discharge opening; a driving force receiving portion for receiving a rotational force for rotating the feeding portion; an pump capable of changing an inside volume of the accommodating chamber in a longitudinal direction of the container to apply a pressure to the discharge opening; a driving force converter for converting the rotational force into a feeding driving force for feeding the developer by an operation of the pump in a longitudinal direction of the container; and wherein an expansion and contraction stroke of the pump provided by the converter in a initial predetermined number of rotations in a initial stage is different from that in a subsequent stage after the initial stage.
US09354547B2 Developer container with detection sensor to detect developer in storage space and image forming apparatus including the same
A developer container includes a container body, a movable wall, and a detection sensor. The container body includes an inner surface defining a cylindrical internal space. The internal space is in the form of a cylinder extending in a first direction. The container body is formed with a developer discharge port communicating with the internal space. The movable wall includes an outer surface and a conveying surface. The outer surface is disposed in close contact with the inner surface of the container body. The conveying surface defines a storage space configured to contain the developer in cooperation with the inner surface of the container body. The movable wall moves in the first direction from one end side to the other end side of the internal space. The detection sensor is provided on the container body near the developer discharge port and detects the developer in the storage space.
US09354546B2 Method to operate a printer given exchange of a reservoir
In a method to operate a printer or copier to print to a printing substrate, or in such a printer or copier, toner concentrate is extracted from a toner concentrate reservoir and carrier fluid is extracted from a carrier fluid reservoir. The extracted toner concentrate and carrier fluid are supplied to a mixer where mixing occurs to form a developer mixture. The developer mixture is applied to a developer roller with aid of an electrical field. Given an exchange of least one of the toner concentration reservoir and the carrier fluid reservoir, a strength of the electrical field is modified such that a predetermined desired inking of the printing substrate is maintained even given a change of a toner concentration in the developer mixture due to the exchange.
US09354542B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes at least one developing device which may include a photoconductor and a developing roller, a light source configured to generate light to form an electrostatic latent image, a light scanner including a light window through which the light generated by the light source is transmitted, a shutter configured to open or close the light window, and a pressure member moved in response to the opening or closing operation of the shutter or the contact or separation between the photoconductor and the developing roller. The image forming apparatus can easily control the shutter without additional structures, resulting in implementation of a simplified structure.
US09354534B2 Electrostatic latent image developing toner, method for manufacturing electrostatic latent image developing toner, and method for fixing electrostatic latent image developing toner
An electrostatic latent image developing toner includes toner particles. Each toner particle includes a toner core containing a binder resin, a shell layer coating a surface of the toner core, and particulates having a higher hardness than the shell layer. Each shell layer contains a thermosetting resin, and the particulates are present within the shell layer. Preferably, the content of the particulates having a higher hardness than the shell layer is 0.1% by mass or more and 5.0% by mass or less with respect to a total amount of the toner particles.
US09354529B2 Arrangement for use in a projection exposure tool for microlithography having a reflective optical element
An arrangement for use in a projection exposure tool (100) for microlithography comprises a reflective optical element (10; 110) and a radiation detector (30; 32; 130). The reflective optical element (10; 110) comprises a carrier element (12) guaranteeing the mechanical strength of the optical element (10; 110) and a reflective coating (18) disposed on the carrier element (12) for reflecting a use radiation (20a). The carrier element (12) is made of a material which upon interaction with the use radiation (20a) emits a secondary radiation (24) the wavelength of which differs from the wavelength of the use radiation (20a), and the radiation detector (30; 32; 130) is configured to detect the secondary radiation (24).
US09354521B2 Photoresist system and method
A system and method for photoresists is provided. In an embodiment the photoresist is exposed in a photoresist track system and developed in an offline developing system. After the photoresist is exposed, the photoresist may be idled for a time period prior to being developed in the offline developing system.
US09354520B2 Method of making a lithographic printing plate
A method of making a lithographic printing plate includes the steps of a) image-wise exposing a lithographic printing plate precursor, including a support including a hydrophilic surface or a hydrophilic layer and, thereon, a light or heat sensitive coating including a photopolymerizable composition, b) processing the precursor, consecutively, with a first solution and a second solution, to remove the coating from the support in the non-printing areas, wherein the first and second solutions are provided by a cascade system, the second solution overflows into the first solution and the first solution overflows into a container to be treated as waste, and the second solution is regenerated by adding a replenishing solution or a mixture of replenishing solutions at a rate of at least 5 ml/m2 of treated precursor and at most 100 ml/m2 of treated precursor.
US09354516B2 Resist composition
A resist composition of the present invention is a resist composition containing a resist base material and a solvent. The resist base material contains a specific stereoisomer. A content of the specific stereoisomer in the resist base material is 50 to 100% by mass.
US09354514B2 Photosensitive transparent composition for color filter of solid-state imaging device, and production method of color filter of solid-state imaging device, color filter of solid-state imaging device, and solid-state imaging device, each using the same
There is provided a photosensitive transparent composition for a color filter of a solid-state imaging device, containing (A) a photopolymerization initiator, (B) a polymerizable compound, and (C) an alkali-soluble resin, wherein the cured film obtained from the photosensitive transparent composition has a refractive index of 1.60 to 1.90 for light at a wavelength of 633 nm.
US09354509B2 Mask blank, transfer mask, method of manufacturing a transfer mask, and method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
A mask blank is used for manufacturing a binary mask adapted to be applied with ArF excimer laser exposure light and has a light-shielding film for forming a transfer pattern on a transparent substrate. The light-shielding film has a laminated structure of a lower layer and an upper layer and has an optical density of 2.8 or more for the exposure light. The lower layer is made of a material containing tantalum and nitrogen and has a thickness of 33 nm or more. The upper layer is made of a material containing tantalum and oxygen and has a thickness of 3 nm or more. The phase difference between the exposure light transmitted through the light-shielding film and the exposure light transmitted in air for a distance equal to the thickness of the light-shielding film is 60 degrees or less.
US09354500B2 Screen for reflective projector
A screen for displaying an image received from a projector includes an anisotropic base diffusion layer having a fine pattern; a lens layer formed on a rear surface of the anisotropic base diffusion layer; a reflection layer deposited on a rear surface of the lens layer; and a surface protection layer coupled with a front surface of the anisotropic base diffusion layer. The screen for a projector enables a viewer to view an image from a single focus projector inside a bright room, brightness to be uniformly distributed throughout the screen, and a desirable viewing angle to be obtained.
US09354496B2 Projector and light dimming device including a light blocking member
A projector includes a light source, an image forming system adapted to form an image using light from the light source, a projection system adapted to project the image formed by the image forming system, and a dimming device including a light-blocking member adapted to move into and out of a light path between an exit end surface of the projection system and the light source, and adapted to control an intensity of the light emitted from the light source. The light-blocking member includes a first movable section having at least one light-transmitting section and a light-blocking section, and a second movable section adapted to block the light passed through the light-transmitting section. At least one radiator plate is provided to either one or both of the first movable section and the second movable section.
US09354493B2 Projection system
A projection system includes a light source, an imaging unit, a control unit, and a projecting unit. The light source applies a light beam having a predetermined wavelength. The imaging unit captures a subject to which the light beam is applied. The control unit generates image data for projection based on the captured image. The projecting unit projects a projection image onto the subject. The imaging unit captures the projection image together with an image of a region responding to the light beam. The control unit corrects the image data for projection to additionally display the projection image on a region which responds to the light beam and does not overlap a region onto which the projection image is projected, and to erase the projection image in a region onto which the projection image is projected and does not overlap the region responding to the light beam.
US09354489B2 Robust autofocus algorithm for multi-spectral imaging systems
An autofocus metric approach for focusing video images, automatically, based on images taken during a focus sweep in which a focus cell is repositioned for each of the images is provided. The approach includes, given an edge detected image from the focus sweep and an associated focus cell position in the focus sweep, an autofocus engine dividing the edge detected image into sub-images. For each sub-image, the autofocus engine calculates a normalized edge detection strength and compares it to a threshold. Based on the comparison, the autofocus engine determines whether an edge is present in the sub-image. Based on the determinations of edges in the sub-images, the autofocus engine calculates an autofocus metric associated with the given focus cell position. The autofocus engine provides the autofocus metric together with autofocus metrics associated with other focus cell positions to focus the video images.
US09354488B2 Methods, apparatuses, systems and software for focusing a camera
Methods, apparatuses, systems and software for focusing a camera are disclosed. The camera focusing system includes a distance measuring device, a video receiver that receives video/images, a graphics overlay unit, and a monitor. The distance measuring device includes an emitter that emits a radiation beam, a detector that detects reflected radiation, and logic that determines and processes distance information for subject(s) or object(s) in detection zones from the reflections. The graphics overlay unit receives video/image information from the video receiver and the distance information from the distance measuring device, and includes a video overlay and data processing unit that generates graphics indicating a field of detection and position for each detection zone and a direction and/or magnitude of a change in focus setting(s) to bring subjects or objects within each detection zone into focus. The monitor displays the video/image and the graphics overlaid thereon.
US09354485B2 Optical frequency ruler
The present invention relates to frequency rulers. At least one embodiment includes a mode locked pump source operated at pulse repetition rate, and a pump output having a pump carrier envelope offset frequency. A nonlinear optical system outputs a frequency ruler spectrum comprising individual frequency modes. The frequency modes may be characterized by a frequency spacing which is an integer multiple of the repetition rate and by distinct ruler carrier envelope offset frequencies which exhibit at least one discontinuity across the frequency output. The ruler carrier envelope offset frequencies are substantially locked to the carrier envelope offset frequency of the pump laser. One preferred embodiment includes a frequency doubled, doubly resonant, non-degenerate OPO (DNOPO), a supercontinuum generation (SC) stage and at least one reference laser arranged downstream from a Tm fiber-based pump source. A plurality of beat signals generated therefrom provide for stabilization of the system.
US09354484B2 Terahertz continuous wave emitting device
Provided herein is terahertz continuous wave emitting device having: a plurality of laser light sources generating a plurality of laser lights; and an absorption area formed between the plurality of laser light sources in order to adjust interaction of the plurality of laser lights, wherein the absorption area is configured to have a photo diode, an antenna integrated into the photo diode.
US09354482B2 Circular display
A circular display includes a carrier and a display medium layer that is located on the carrier. The display medium layer has two display edges opposite to each other. The carrier has two carrying edges opposite to each other. The display edges are respectively aligned to the carrying edges. The carrier and the display medium layer are bent together to form a closed ring. The display edges of the display medium layer are connected to each other. The carrying edges of the carrier are connected to each other.
US09354477B2 Liquid crystal display and method of manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display includes a substrate, a thin film transistor, a first protection layer, a pixel electrode, a light blocking layer, a second protection layer, and a roof layer. The thin film transistor is disposed on the substrate. The first protection layer is disposed on the thin film transistor. The pixel electrode is disposed on the first protection layer. The light blocking layer is disposed on the pixel electrode to cover the thin film transistor. The second protection layer is disposed on the light blocking layer. The roof layer is disposed to face the pixel electrode, wherein a plurality of microcavities having injection holes are formed between the pixel electrode and the roof layer. The microcavities comprise liquid crystal molecules, and the first protection layer and the second protection layer have different etch rates.
US09354474B2 Array substrate and liquid crystal display device
An embodiment of the present invention provides an array substrate comprising a plurality of pixel units, each of the pixel units including a thin film transistor and a insulating layer, wherein a first pixel electrode and a first common electrode are disposed on an upper surface of the insulating layer, a second common electrode aligned to the first common electrode and a second pixel electrode aligned to the first common electrode are disposed on a lower surface of the insulating layer.
US09354473B2 Liquid crystal display apparatus
A liquid crystal display apparatus comprises a first substrate, a second substrate and a first spacer. The first substrate includes a transparent substrate, a metal layer, an insulating layer and a first electrode layer. The metal layer is disposed on the transparent substrate. The insulating layer is between the metal layer and first electrode layer, and covers the metal layer. The insulating layer has a first indentation. A surface of the first substrate has a second indentation corresponding to the first indentation and having a first width. The second substrate is opposite to the first substrate. The first spacer is on the second substrate and has a top surface opposite to the second indentation. The top surface and the second indentation at least partially overlap, and the top surface has a second width larger than the first width.
US09354468B2 Liquid crystal display and manufacturing method thereof
A liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a first display panel and a second display panel which are opposite to each other, a driving unit connection line which is formed in the first display panel, a driving circuit portion which is connected to the driving unit connection line, a backlight unit which is disposed so as to be adjacent to the first display panel, a polarizer which is disposed on a surface of the second display panel and overlaps the driving unit connection line and the driving circuit portion, and a reinforcement unit that overlaps the driving unit connection line, and the polarizer may be disposed on the reinforcement unit.
US09354467B2 Electro-optical device and electronic apparatus
A microlens array substrate is provided on which a plurality of microlenses is arranged, and the collection efficiency of a first microlens is lower than the collection efficiency of a second microlens positioned further to the outside edge sides than the first microlens.
US09354466B2 Transparent liquid crystal display panel and transparent liquid crystal display
The present disclosure provides a transparent liquid crystal display panel and a transparent liquid crystal display. The transparent liquid crystal display panel includes a backlight module, a color filter substrate and a TFT array substrate which are cell-assembled. Liquid crystal is filled between the color filter substrate and the TFT array substrate. Each pixel unit of the color filter substrate includes a sub-pixel unit and a transparent pixel unit. A region on the TFT array substrate that corresponds to the transparent pixel unit is transparent. A region between the color filter substrate and the TFT array substrate that corresponds to the transparent pixel unit is provided with a transparent resin spacer. A region in the backlight module that corresponds to the transparent pixel unit is a transparent region.
US09354464B2 Liquid crystal display apparatus having improved light leakage characteristics
A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a display panel, a light source module configured to provide light to the display panel, a receiving container receiving the light source module therein, and an adhesion member disposed between the display panel and the receiving container to couple the display panel to the receiving container. The adhesion member includes a base layer with a hollow pocket therein and an adhesion layer disposed on both surface of the base layer. When the display panel is deformed, the adhesion member conforms thereto. Thus, light-leakage of the display panel may be prevented and light characteristics of the liquid crystal display apparatus may be improved.
US09354463B2 Display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
A display apparatus includes a display panel, a polarizing plate, and a patterned retarder. The display panel includes a first substrate including a signal line and a pixel. A second substrate faces the first substrate. An image display device is disposed between the first and second substrates. The first substrate is disposed in a position to which external light is incident. The polarizing plate is disposed above the first substrate of the display panel. The patterned retarder is disposed between the polarizing plate and the signal line. The patterned retarder retards the external light such that the external light reflected by the signal line does not pass through the polarizing plate.
US09354462B2 Image display device
A method for manufacturing an image display device includes the step of forming a cured resin layer by interposing a photo-curable resin composition between a protection member and a display-side panel including an image display unit and a frame member and then photo-curing the photo-curable resin composition, with the photo-curable resin composition being disposed across between the image display unit and the frame member. In the manufacturing method, a high-viscosity resin composition having a viscosity of 3000 mPa·s or more and 12000 mPa·s or less is used as the photo-curable resin composition. Alternatively, after a gap between the image display unit and the frame member is sealed with a sealing film, a photo-curable resin composition is interposed between the display-side panel and the protection member.
US09354458B2 Voltage compensation circuit of gate driver and method thereof and liquid crystal display device
A voltage compensation circuit includes a voltage detection unit, a digital comparison correction unit, and a voltage adjustment unit. The voltage detection unit detects input voltage of the gate driver and conducts the input voltage to the digital comparison correction unit. The digital comparison correction unit compares the input voltage with reference voltage supplied by a controller for generating a correction controlling signal and conducting the correction controlling signal to the voltage adjustment unit. The voltage adjustment unit adjusts the input voltage and outputs a target voltage according to the correction controlling signal. The gate driver conducts the target voltage to an LCD panel. In this way, a scanning voltage conducted to a gate driver is adjusted. Therefore, a voltage drop will not exist between output voltages of different gate drivers, not only preventing mura from occurring in the LCD panel but also improving display quality of the LCD panel.
US09354455B2 Controlling designs using a polygonal design
A method and device for calculating design parameters of a design of a progressive spectacle lens on the basis of a predetermined design polygon. The design parameters are calculated by specifying a point within the design polygon, in which the specified point defines the progressive spectacle lens design, and then determining a value of each design parameter at the specified point by an interpolation of at least part of the predetermined values at the corner points and, optionally, of at least part of the predetermined values of the design parameter at the at least one additional point.
US09354451B2 Image display device using diffractive lens
The present invention relates to an image display device using a diffractive lens. An image display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a display panel displaying an image, and a diffractive lens for the image of the display panel to be recognized as a two-dimensional (2D) image or a three-dimensional (3D) image, wherein the diffractive lens modifies a path of light by using an optical principle of a Fresnel zone plate.
US09354449B2 Image display device and liquid crystal lens
An image display device includes: a display panel having a plurality of pixels disposed in a matrix; and a liquid crystal lens disposed on the side of a display surface of the display panel, wherein the pixels of the display panel are divided into a plurality of pixel groups each including two or more pixels, the liquid crystal lens forms, by application of an electric field, a lens array having a plurality of lens portions each corresponding to each of the pixel groups, the lens portion is configured to have a first area having a constant refractive index and a second area having a distribution of refractive index, the second area is disposed at a side portion of the lens portion, and the first area is disposed closer to the center than the second area.
US09354448B2 Lighting apparatus
The invention relates to a lighting apparatus comprising a laser source (2) for emitting laser light (3). The lighting apparatus further comprises a first laser light modification unit (7) for modifying an optical characteristic of the laser light, which first laser light modification unit (7) is situated at a first location, and a second laser light modification unit (8) for modifying an optical characteristic of the laser light, which second laser light modification unit (8) is situated at a second location. The lighting apparatus further comprises a laser light distribution modification unit (4) for modifying a laser light distribution (5, 6) directed onto at least one of the first and second laser light modification units (7, 8) from a first to a second laser light distribution which is different from the first laser light distribution.
US09354446B2 Modular heads-up display system removable from a headgear frame
A Heads-Up Display (HUD) system comprises a processor, a power source, and one or more sensors coupled to a frame connector. The processor is configured to receive signals from the one or more sensors and output image data. A display is mounted on a display arm extending from the frame connector. The display is configured to display images based on the image data. A goggles frame is configured to releasably receive the frame connector. The display is located within a field of view of a user wearing the goggles frame when the frame connector is received by the goggles frame.
US09354442B2 Optical scanning device and scanning inspection apparatus
A scanning rate is increased without causing the light utilization efficiency to decrease. An optical scanning device includes a polarization switching unit that switches the polarization direction of a beam at a predetermined switching timing; at least one polarization beam splitter that splits the beam into two optical paths in accordance with the polarization direction switched by the polarization switching unit; a reflecting optical system that causes the beams split by the polarization beam splitter to have relative angles in the same plane so as to make the beams meet at the same location; and a scanner that scans the beams made to meet at the same location by means of the reflecting optical system in a direction parallel to the plane in synchronization with the switching timing of the polarization switching unit.
US09354440B2 Display device and method for manufacturing the display device
A display device and a method for manufacturing the same, for discharging static electricity generated in the manufacturing process of a display device using a mechanical shutter and thus preventing the mechanical shutter from being deformed by the static electricity are provided. The display device includes a TFT substrate having thin film transistors thereon respectively provided with a plurality of mechanical shutters located in a matrix and also having terminals thereon for supplying a signal to the thin film transistors from outside; and a counter substrate joined with the TFT substrate. Along at least one of an edge of the TFT substrate and an edge of the counter substrate, an injection opening for injecting an insulating liquid into an area between the TFT substrate and the counter substrate and a ground electrode for covering at least a part of an inner surface of the injection opening are provided.
US09354439B2 3D image display apparatus including electrowetting lens array and 3D image pickup apparatus including electrowetting lens array
Provided are an integral imaging type 3-dimensional (3D) image display apparatus and a 3D image pickup apparatus for increasing a depth by using an electrowetting lens array. The 3D image display apparatus includes a display panel and an electrowetting lens array having an electrically adjustable variable focal distance. The 3D image display apparatus displays a plurality of images having different depths on different focal planes and thus a depth of a 3D image by using one display panel.
US09354438B2 Adjustment turret
The invention relates to an adjustment turret comprising a base, a rotary control element, which can be rotated relative to the base about an axis of rotation, a display element, which can be rotated about the axis of rotation, and a mechanical coupling mechanism coupling the rotary control element together with the display element, the mechanical coupling mechanism being configured such that the display element can be rotated about the axis of rotation by the rotary control element into at least one rotational position of the rotary control element, wherein the coupling mechanism is configured such that during a full rotation of the rotary control element about the axis of rotation the display element can be rotated by the rotary control element relative to the base only about an angle of rotation which corresponds to part of a full rotation.
US09354435B2 Protection device and microscope system
Provided is a protection device including a cover member that is disposed on a stage of a microscope main unit, which is provided with a shutter that can block the entry of laser light into an objective lens from a total-reflection illumination optical system, so as to cover a specimen, and that can be opened and closed; and an open/close sensor that detects open and closed states of the cover member and that outputs a drive signal that causes the shutter to block the laser light when the cover member is detected to be in the open state, wherein the cover member has an opening at, in the closed state, a position away from a track along an optical path of the laser light that has been focused by the total-reflection illumination optical system and that has passed through the specimen.
US09354432B2 Lens with discontinuous sub-light emerging faces
A lens includes a bottom face, a light incident face defined in the bottom face, a light emerging face opposite to the bottom face and a lateral face connecting the light emerging face with the bottom face. An optical axis extends through centers of the light incident face and the light emerging face. The light emerging face includes a plurality of sub-light emerging faces discontinuous from each other. Each sub-light emerging face has a concave face adjacent to the optical axis, and a convex face away from the optical axis.
US09354429B2 Optical imaging lens
An optical imaging lens includes an aperture stop and an optical assembly, the optical assembly includes, in order from the object side to the image side: a first lens element with a refractive power; a second lens element with a negative refractive power; a third lens element with a positive refractive power; a fourth lens element with a negative refractive power; a fifth lens element with a refractive power; wherein a focal length of the optical imaging lens is f, focal lengths of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth lens elements are f1, f2, f3, f4, f5, respectively, a radius of curvature of an image-side surface of the first lens element is R2, satisfying: |f3|≦|fn|, wherein n=1, 2, 4 and 5; −1
US09354426B2 Optical image lens system
An optical image 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, a fifth lens element and a sixth lens element. The first lens element has positive refractive power. The second lens element has positive refractive power. The third lens element has refractive power. The fourth lens element has refractive power. The fifth lens element with refractive power has a convex object-side surface, wherein at least one of two surfaces of the fifth lens element is aspheric. The sixth lens element with negative refractive power has a concave image-side surface, wherein at least one of two surfaces of the sixth lens element is aspheric, and the sixth lens element has at least one inflection point on at least one of the surfaces thereof.
US09354421B2 Method of manufacturing advanced grid structure, advanced grid structure, and space telescope using advanced grid structure
Provided is an advanced grid structure manufactured by a lamination step of laminating a first tape prepreg group, a second tape prepreg group, and a third tape prepreg group repeatedly in the stated order on a forming die, in which grooves (2, 3, 4) in a lattice shape are formed in three directions, so as to provide crossing regions (7, 8, 9) in which two tape prepreg groups overlap each other, and a heating forming step of forming a laminate by heating under pressure. In the lamination step, the first tape prepreg group, the second tape prepreg group, and the third tape prepreg group are respectively laminated as one layer in crossing regions (7, 8, 9) so that a tape width is maintained, and laminated in non-crossing regions (2a, 3a, 4a) in a state of being folded as two layers in a width direction thereof.
US09354416B2 Slidable fiber optic connection module with cable slack management
A fiber optic telecommunications device includes a frame and a fiber optic module including a rack mount portion, a center portion, and a main housing portion. The rack mount portion is stationarily coupled to the frame, the center portion is slidably coupled to the rack mount portion along a sliding direction, and the main housing portion is slidably coupled to the center portion along the sliding direction. The main housing portion of the fiber optic module includes fiber optic connection locations for connecting cables to be routed through the frame. The center portion of the fiber optic module includes a radius limiter for guiding cables between the main housing portion and the frame, the center portion also including a latch for unlatching the center portion for slidable movement. Slidable movement of the center portion with respect to the rack mount portion moves the main housing portion with respect to the frame along the sliding direction.
US09354415B2 Fiber distribution hubs
A fiber distribution hub (FDH) can include an enclosure defining an interior region and a frame body having a longitudinal axis. The frame body is rotatably mounted within the interior region of the enclosure such that the frame body can rotate about the longitudinal axis relative to the enclosure. The FDH further includes a plurality of splitters coupled to the frame body. Each splitter module has at least one splitter input and at least two splitter outputs. The FDH also includes a first plurality of adapters coupled to the frame body. The first plurality of adapters is configured to optically couple to splitter output cables. Additionally, the FDH can also include a storage retaining structure coupled to the frame body, the storage retaining structure being configured to selectively secure connectorized ends of splitter output cables.
US09354413B2 Polymeric yarns for use in communications cables and methods for producing the same
In some aspects, polymeric yarns and communications cables incorporating the same are provided herein. Additionally, in some aspects, methods of producing polymeric yarns and communications cables incorporating the same are provided.
US09354412B2 Optical interconnect fabrics and optical switches
Optical interconnect fabrics and optical switches are disclosed. In one aspect, an optical interconnect fabric comprises one or more bundles of optical broadcast buses. Each optical broadcast bus is optically coupled at one end to a node and configured to transmit optical signals generated by the node. The optical fabric also includes a number of optical tap arrays distributed along each bundle of optical broadcast buses. Each optical tap array is configured to divert a portion of the optical power associated with the optical signals carried by a bundle of optical broadcast buses to one of the nodes.
US09354411B2 Receiver optical assemblies (ROAs) having photo-detector remotely located from transimpedance amplifier, and related components, circuits, and methods
Embodiments disclosed herein include receiver optical assemblies (ROAs) having a photo-detector remotely located from a differential transimpedance amplifier (TIA). Related components, circuits, and methods are also disclosed. By providing the photo-detector remotely located from a TIA, additional costs associated with design constraints of providing the photo-detector intimate with a TIA may be avoided, thereby reducing cost of the ROA. In this regard as a non-limiting example, the ROAs according to the embodiments disclosed herein allow shorter haul active optical cable applications for use in consumer applications from a cost standpoint with the added benefits of increased bandwidth and low noise performance of optical fiber. In this regard, the ROAs disclosed herein provide higher input impedance differential TIA circuits and transmission circuits inhibiting or reducing ringing effects and maintain a sufficiently low resistance-capacitance (RC) time constant for differential TIA circuit to allow for higher bandwidth operation of the ROA.
US09354408B2 Via for electrical contact passing through layers of optical waveguide in multilayer structure including electrical substrate and laminated layers of optical waveguide
A structure is formed which is prepared as a via for electrical contact passing through layers of an optical waveguide, in a multilayer structure including an electrical substrate and the laminated layers of the optical waveguide. The surface of an electrode pad is plated with solder. The layers of the optical waveguide are formed above the portion plated with solder are removed to expose the portion plated with solder. A device is prepared having both a light-emitter or photoreceptor in optical contact with the optical waveguide, and a stud (pillar). The stud (pillar) is inserted into the portion in which layers of the optical waveguide have been removed, and the plated solder is melted to bond the electrode pad on top of the electrical substrate to the tip of the inserted stud (pillar).
US09354407B2 Biasing assembly for a latching mechanism
An example embodiment includes a communication module. The communication module includes a shell, a printed circuit board assembly (“PCBA”) at least partially positioned within the shell, an optical transmitter electrically coupled to the PCBA, an optical receiver electrically coupled to the PCBA, and a biasing assembly. The biasing assembly includes a latch cover configured to be attached to the shell, a slider, and a spring. The slider is configured to operate a latching mechanism that releasably connects the module to a host device through a mechanical connection. The slider includes a main body including a first end, an arm extending from the first end, and a stopper feature extending from the arm. The spring is positioned between the latch cover and the stopper feature to bias the latching mechanism.
US09354401B2 Optical connector having a cleaning element
An optical connector includes a lens assembly that has at least one lens and a surface. A cleaning element is provided to clean the surface or a surface of another optical connector.
US09354400B2 Optical signal coupling assembly
An clip-together optical signal coupling assembly includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a first main body and first optical coupling lenses. The second connector includes a plurality of second optical coupling lenses. The first connector includes a cover matched with the first main body, the first main body comprising a first top surface, a first bottom surface and a first outside surface connecting the first top surface and the first bottom surface together. The first top surface defines a first recess, with a first inner side surface defining a first fixing portion. The cover includes a second outside surface with a second fixing portion which functions with the first fixing portion to fix the cover to the first main body.
US09354396B2 Large bandwidth multi-mode interference device
A multi-mode interference device may include a body having an optical axis and configured to generate a stationary optical interference pattern from an incoming optical wave. The body may include ribs being parallel to the optical axis and being spaced apart to define a pitch and cause an optical coupling between the ribs.
US09354391B2 Overvoltage protection component and an assembly of integrated circuit chips having said overvoltage protection component
A device includes integrated circuit chips mounted on one another. At least one component for protecting elements of a second chip is formed in a first chip. The chips may be of the SOI type, with the first chip including a first SOI layer having a first thickness and the second chip including a second SOI layer having a second thickness smaller than the first thickness. The first chip including the component for protecting may include an optical waveguide with the component for protecting formed adjacent the optical waveguide.
US09354386B2 Solid state area light and spotlight with light guide and integrated thermal guide
A solid state area light and spotlight having a solid state light source such as LEDs, tapered light guides, and external thermal guides. The area light includes a flared light guide, and the spotlight includes a light guide with a closed end. The light guides are coupled to the light source for receiving and distributing light from the light source with the distribution being based in part upon the shape and taper of the light guides. The thermal guide provides for thermal conduction from the light source and dissipating heat through convection and radiation for cooling the light.
US09354384B2 Display device comprising a heat dissipation member having a stand-up portion projecting toward a display panel and television device
A liquid crystal display device 10 includes an LED 17, a liquid crystal panel 11, a light guide plate 16 including a light exit surface 16a, an opposing surface 16c, and a light entrance surface 16b, a chassis 14 having a bottom plate 14a, a frame 13, an LED board 18, a heat dissipation member 19 having heat dissipation properties, and a fixing screw 40. The heat dissipation member 19 includes a contact portion 19c being in contact with an end portion of the opposing surface 16c on a light entrance surface 16b side, a bottom portion 19b arranged on and along the bottom plate 14a and a stand-up portion 19a projecting from the bottom portion 19b toward the liquid crystal panel 11. The LED board 18 is mounted on a surface of the stand-up portion 19a. The fixing screw 40 is passed through the contact portion 19c and a tip portion thereof is fixed in the opposing surface 16c such that the stand-up portion 19a and the LED board 18 are fixed relative to the light guide plate 16.
US09354383B2 Display device including an adhesive member
A display device is disclosed. In one aspect, the display device includes a protective member, a display panel accommodated in the protective member, a light guide member including a light incident surface, a heat discharge member including a support surface facing the light incident surface, and a light source disposed on the support surface to supply light to the light incident surface. The light source includes a light-emitting device disposed on one surface of a circuit board, the circuit board including a first area substantially overlapping the light-emitting device and a second area adjacent to the first area, a first adhesive member disposed between the other surface of the circuit board and the support surface and substantially overlapping the first area, and a second adhesive member disposed to substantially overlap the second area. The first adhesive member has a higher heat conductivity than the second adhesive member.
US09354382B2 Backlight assembly and display apparatus having the same
A backlight assembly includes a light source unit configured to generate light, a lower receiving container having a bottom portion and a side wall and being configured to receive the light source unit, the lower receiving container shaped to cover a lower surface of the light source unit and a mold frame formed directly on the lower receiving container and having a cut portion, the cut portion having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion and the second end portion spaced apart from each other and facing each other with a gap therebetween.
US09354380B2 Light diffusion plate and backlight module using same
A light diffusion plate includes a light-emitting region and an atomization reinforcing region connected to the light-emitting region. Light passing through the atomization reinforcing region is more greatly diffused than light passing through the light-emitting region.
US09354378B2 Illuminating device and display
An illuminating device includes a light source which outputs light, a light guide member having an incident surface on which the light from the light source is incident, an output surface through which the light is output from the light guide member, and a light deflection surface on which light deflection elements are formed such that the light is guided toward the output surface, and an isotropic light diffusion member positioned over the output surface of the light guide member. The light guide member has the incident surface extended in an X direction and includes a unit lens formed on the output surface and extended in a Y direction orthogonal to the X direction. A light-deflection element density D representing a number of the light deflection elements per unit area increases as the light deflection elements are positioned farther away from the incident surface.
US09354371B2 Azo compounds, and dye-based polarizing films and polarizing plates comprising the same
Azo compounds represented by formula (1) or (2) (In the formulas, A represents a phenyl group or naphthyl group that has at least 1 substituent. R1-R4 represent a hydrogen atom, lower alkyl group or lower alkoxy group, with at least one of R1-R4 being a lower alkoxy group that has a sulfone group. X represents an optionally substituted amino group, optionally substituted benzoylamino group, optionally substituted phenylamino group, optionally substituted phenyl azo group or optionally substituted naphthotriazole group) and salts thereof.
US09354369B2 Optical filter and sensor system
An optical filter having a passband at least partially overlapping with a wavelength range of 800 nm to 1100 nm is provided. The optical filter includes a filter stack formed of hydrogenated silicon layers and lower-refractive index layers stacked in alternation. The hydrogenated silicon layers each have a refractive index of greater than 3 over the wavelength range of 800 nm to 1100 nm and an extinction coefficient of less than 0.0005 over the wavelength range of 800 nm to 1100 nm.
US09354366B2 Resonator-enhanced optoelectronic devices and methods of making same
Optical resonators that are enhanced with photoluminescent phosphors and are designed and configured to output light at one or more wavelengths based on input/pump light, and systems and devices made with such resonators. In some embodiments, the resonators contain multiple optical resonator cavities in combination with one or more photoluminescent phosphor layers or other structures. In other embodiments, the resonators are designed to simultaneously resonate at the input/pump and output wavelengths. The photoluminescent phosphors can be any suitable photoluminescent material, including semiconductor and other materials in quantum-confining structures, such as quantum wells and quantum dots, among others.
US09354364B2 Coloring forgery prevention structure and coloring forgery prevention medium
A forgery prevention structure configured by layering at least a relief forming layer, a first reflection layer, a functional thin film layer, and a second reflection layer, in this order, wherein the relief forming layer has, on one side, a relief structure which has an effect of diffracting, scattering, absorbing, and polarizing/separating at least a part of a wave-length range of visible light; the first reflection layer and the functional thin film layer are provided along a whole surface of an uneven area of the relief structure; the second reflection layer is provided in an arbitrary area which covers a part of the uneven area of the relief structure.
US09354363B2 Controlling phase response in a sub-wavelength grating lens
A sub-wavelength grating device having controlled phase response includes a grating layer having line widths, line thicknesses, line periods, and line spacings selected to produce a first level of control in phase changes of different portions of a beam of light reflected from the grating layer. The device also includes a substrate affixed to the grating layer that produces a second level of control in phase changes of different portions of a beam of light reflected from the grating layer, the second level of control being accomplished abrupt stepping of the substrate in a horizontal dimension, ramping the substrate in a horizontal dimension, or changing the index of refraction in a horizontal dimension.
US09354360B2 Erecting equal-magnification lens array unit, image reading device and image forming device
An erecting equal-magnification lens array unit includes a first lens array and a second lens array. The first lens array includes a plurality of first lenses. The second lens array includes a plurality of second lenses. The optical axes of the second lenses overlap with the optical axes of the first lenses. Each first lens and second lens with overlapping optical axes form a unit optical system. Each unit optical system is an erecting equal-magnification optical system. Each unit optical system is substantially telecentric on at least the object side. The imaging position, by each first lens, of an object is positioned between the first lens array and the second lens array.
US09354359B2 Precursor sol of aluminum oxide and method for manufacturing the same, method for manufacturing optical member, optical member, and optical system
A precursor sol of aluminum oxide includes particles containing a hydrolysate and/or a condensate of an aluminum compound, a solvent, and an organo aluminum compound. When a pulsed-NMR T2 relaxation curve of nuclide 1H of the precursor sol of aluminum oxide includes two components with different T2 relaxation times and the component with the longer T2 relaxation time has an abundance level of CL (%) and the component with the shorter T2 relaxation time has an abundance level of CS (%), the relative proportion RCS (%) defined by [{CS/(CS+CL)}×100] is in the range of 23.5% to 50.0%, both inclusive.
US09354358B2 Light guiding liquid glue and a touch sensitive display using the same
A light guiding liquid glue and a touch sensitive display using the same are provided. The light guiding liquid glue includes a liquid glue and a plurality of light guiding particles dispersed in the liquid glue, wherein volume percent of the light guiding particles in the light guiding liquid glue ranges between 10% and 50%. The light guiding particles have a light scattering property, which can transfer a linear light into a flat light, and therefore the light guiding liquid glue of the present disclosure has a light guiding property. The touch sensitive display includes a display panel and a touch panel. The light guiding liquid glue is disposed between the display panel and the touch panel, which can transmit evenly lights emitted from the display panel to outside of the touch sensitive display.
US09354356B2 Polymer film, and optically-compensatory film, polarizer and liquid-crystal display device comprising the same
A polymer film that has an in-plane retardation Re(λ) and a thickness-direction retardation Rth(λ) satisfying formula (i) and (ii), and that further has a surface energy of at least one surface is from 50 mN/m to 80 mN/m: 0≦Re(630)≦10, and |Rth(630)|≦25;  (i) and |Re(400)−Re(700)|≦10, and |Rth(400)−Rth(700)|≦35.  (ii) in the formulae, Re(λ) and Rth(λ) are measurement values at the wavelength of λ nm, and an optically-compensatory film, an optical material such as a polarizer and a liquid-crystal display device using the polymer film.
US09354354B2 Loose packed phoxonic crystals and methods of formation
Processes of forming an irreversibly loose packed structure of particulate material useful as a photonic or phononic crystal are provided. Matrix material is infilled between particles and extends above the particles to form a particulate free matrix layer. Removing the matrix layer causes deformation of or exposes the spacing between the particles. The spaces are infilled by additional matrix material that when cured produces a supported and irreversibly loose packed crystalline structure of particles producing differing bandgaps and transmissive properties relative to the original structure. The processes provided allow for economical tuning of the transmissive properties of photonic or phononic crystals.
US09354352B2 Photoelectric sensor
Provided is a photoelectric sensor that detects a workpiece by measuring light transmission time. A photoelectric sensor includes: a light emitting element which repeatedly generates detection light; a light receiving element which receives reflected light of the detection light; a binarization processing section which binarizes a light receiving signal; a waveform detection section which detects waveform data indicating a temporal change of the binarized light receiving signal; a waveform integration section which matches light emitting timing of the light receiving element to integrate two or more pieces of waveform data and generates integrated waveform data; and a workpiece discrimination section which discriminates presence or absence of a workpiece based on the integrated waveform data, whereby the reflected light is sampled at a high speed while a circuit scale is suppressed, to detect the workpiece.
US09354350B2 Magnetic field sensing tool with magnetic flux concentrating blocks
A magnetometer includes a sensor housing having an internal bore formed therethrough and a magnetic field sensor disposed within the internal bore of the sensor housing. The magnetic field sensor is fixedly mounted within the internal bore of the sensor housing. A magnetic flux concentrating block is disposed proximate to an end of the at least one magnetic field sensor. An electronics unit is disposed within the internal bore of the sensor housing and is operatively and communicatively connected to the magnetic field sensor. The electronics unit is configured to receive a signal from the magnetic field sensor.
US09354348B2 Method of measuring parameters of a porous medium using nanoparticle injection
The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for evaluating a porous earth formation. The method may include estimating at least one parameter of interest of the earth formation using a displacement velocity of nanoparticles injected into the porous earth formation and exposed to an alternating magnetic field. The method may include using at least one processor to estimate the value of the at least one parameter. The apparatus may include an alternating magnetic field source, nanoparticles responsive to a magnetic field, and a sensor configured to measure the motion of the nanoparticles.
US09354341B2 Deghosting measured survey data
Propagation of wavefields are simulated along paths in a survey environment, where the simulated propagation includes an influence of a reflection at an interface that causes ghost data in measured survey data. Deghosting of the measured survey data is performed using the simulated wavefields.
US09354337B2 System, machine, and computer-readable storage medium for forming an enhanced seismic trace using a virtual seismic array
Embodiments of a system are provided for forming enhanced seismic array traces using virtual seismic sensors in addition to the real seismic sensors to form a virtual seismic array. The system receives the signal responses from the real sensors, processes the signal responses from the sensors to define virtual signals using a narrowband decomposition of the complex envelope of the sensor signal responses, calculates second- and fourth-order statistics to derive steering vectors for the array of real sensors, and forms a virtual seismic array in response thereto. Machines, computer program product, and computer-implemented methods are provided for forming enhanced seismic array traces by receiving the array responses from sensors, processing the signals to define virtual sensor signals and a virtual seismic array, and forming an array response for the virtual seismic array to form a seismic trace of enhanced resolution.
US09354334B2 Detector assembly for a scintillation article
A detector assembly includes a cap assembly configured to close an end of a detector housing that is configured to contain a sensor therein, the cap assembly has a radially expandable member configured to expand radially within the detector housing and lock the position of the cap assembly relative to the detector housing.
US09354327B1 Radiation detection package
Radiation detection is disclosed. A radiation detection package includes a radio-photoluminescent glass (RPLG), an EMR source and a photodetector. The EMR source includes an input lead, and is configured to emit first energy in a predetermined band of EMR in a downstream direction toward the RPLG in response to receipt of an input signal on the input lead of the EMR source. The photodetector has an output lead, and is configured to detect second energy that is emitted by the RPLG in an emission band of EMR in response to the receipt of the first energy in the predetermined band of EMR, and generate a first output signal on the output lead indicative of an amount of the second energy.
US09354325B2 Apparatus and method for acquiring the position of a portable terminal
An apparatus for acquiring a position of a portable terminal includes a position estimating unit for estimating a position of a portable terminal based on prestored reference information, and a control unit for detecting—the position of the portable terminal using information from a server, wherein when there is a failure to acquire the position information of the portable terminal using the information from the server, the position estimating unit acquires the position of the portable terminal based on the estimated position of the portable terminal.
US09354321B2 Method for position determination with measurement stitching
A mobile communications device uses a method for determining position that involves a positioning filter, such as a Kalman filter, which is initialized with measurements from reference stations such as satellite vehicles and/or base stations which may be acquired during different epochs. Accordingly, the positioning filter may be used for position estimation without the need to first acquire at least three different signals during the same measurement epoch.
US09354318B1 Optical spread spectrum detection and ranging
Example implementations may relate to an obstacle detection system. In particular, an example device may include a light emitter, a line-image sensor, and a controller that are mounted on a rotatable component. In an example embodiment, the line-image sensor may receive light signals emitted from the light emitter. The controller may be communicatively coupled to the light emitter and line-image sensor and configured to determine a multipath signal based on the time of flight of the light signal and the position along the line-image sensor at which the line-image sensor received the given reflected light signal.
US09354317B2 Simultaneous forward and inverse synthetic aperture imaging LADAR
Devices and techniques for combined forward and inverse synthetic aperture imaging LADAR (combined SAL) include scanning a non-stationary target with an optical signal emitted from a non-stationary laser source, receiving reflections of the signal on a receiver, and determining the combined synthetic aperture.
US09354316B2 Polarized tracker system and method for tracking movement
A system and method are provided for leveraging emitted polarized electromagnetic radiation as a means to track relative orientation and position of an object with regard to another object. Six basic degrees of freedom including three angular and three translational are determined based on making multiple polarization-based measurements and then determining the corresponding geometry that would yield those measurements.
US09354315B2 Device for measuring wind speed
A device comprises: an emitting element for emitting a laser beam, referred to as an emitted beam; a focusing element for focusing the emitted beam at a predetermined focal distance (D); a receiving element for receiving the emitted beam after being reflected by a particle in the air (18), referred to as a reflected beam; a transmitting element for transmitting the signal of interference occurring between the emitted beam and the reflected beam to a signal processor in order to deduce the speed of the particle therefrom. The emitting element includes a laser diode and the receiving element is combined with the laser diode by self-mixing. The focal distance is between 5 cm and 2 m.
US09354311B2 Real-time processing system and method for phased array three-dimensional acoustics image pickup sonar
This invention discloses a real-time phased array 3D acoustic imaging sonar processing system and method. The system comprises a 3D sonar dot data collection module, a 3D sonar dot data uploading module and a real-time 3D sonar dot data processing module of PC terminal; the method includes the following content: make use of two-stage FPGA signal processing to realize real-time formation of electronic focusing wave beam, and acquire 3D sonar dot data; further transmit 3D sonar dot data to PC terminal for setting and acquisition of directives; PC terminal aims to receive 3D sonar dot data for real-time processing: This includes real-time single-frame multilayer reconstruction, image registration and splice, 3D visualization and real-time saving of data. This invention features in compact structure, high real-time precision, clear image, easy alternation and high extendibility, which has effectively realized the real-time 3D processing of sonar targets.
US09354305B2 Method for producing at least information for track fusion and association for radar target tracking, and storage medium thereof
A method for producing at least information for track association and fusion includes: collecting measurement values of targets for each sensing period; predicting state variables for the targets and error covariances for the state variables by using the collected measurement values and tracking the targets by using a reformed target tracking algorithm; transmitting track information including only data of the error covariance largest occupied among the error covariances to a fusion center; calculating similarity between the pre-stored fused track and the transmitted track information; sorting the track information by using the calculated similarity; and carrying out the track fusion based on the sorted track information.
US09354304B2 Method for cyclically measuring distances and velocities of objects using an FMCW radar sensor
In a method for cyclically measuring distances (d) and relative velocities (v) of objects using an FMCW radar sensor, the frequency (f) of a transmitted signal of the radar sensor is periodically modulated, each period (P) including at least two differing modulation patterns, a relationship between distance (d) and velocity (v) of the object being derived from a signal received for a single modulation pattern, and the signals received for multiple modulation patterns being adjusted to one another in order to determine one value each for the distance and the velocity per each measuring cycle. For the adjustment between a signal obtained for a modulation pattern in the instantaneous measuring cycle and the signal(s) obtained for other modulation patterns, the signals from at least one previous measuring cycle are utilized.
US09354303B2 Signal processing device, radar apparatus, target object method
A signal processing device is provided. The device includes an echo signal input unit for receiving echo signals resulted from transmission signals reflected on an object. The transmission signals are transmitted from a transmission source at transmission timings at predetermined time intervals, at least one of the transmission timings shifted from the other timings in time. The device includes a complex reception signal generator for generating complex reception signals, a phase calculator for calculating a phase change amount of the complex reception signals with respect to a reference phase, a phase corrector for phase-correcting the complex reception signals and outputting the corrected signals, and a Doppler processor for performing Doppler processing on the corrected signals and outputting the Doppler-processed signals as Doppler echo signals of the object.
US09354301B2 Method and apparatus for ultrasound diagnosis that reduces interference and restores missed signals
A method and apparatus for ultrasound diagnosis that reduces interference and restores missed signals, is provided. The method of ultrasound diagnosis includes operations of receiving a Doppler signal having at least one gap; respectively obtaining model parameter sets of first and second Doppler signals by using Doppler signal periods before and after a start of the at least one gap; synthesizing first and second Doppler information by respectively using the model parameter sets of the first and second Doppler signals; and generating Doppler information for the at least one gap by cross-fading the synthesized first and second Doppler information. The apparatus includes a transformer for transforming received I and Q signals into stereo audio signals using a Hilbert transform; and a source separator which removes interference from the stereo audio signals by performing source separation on the stereo audio signals.
US09354299B2 Radar apparatus and signal processing method
There is provided a radar apparatus. A derivation unit derives target information which is information relating to a target detected on the basis of a transmission signal of which a frequency changes with a predetermined cycle and a reception signal corresponding to a reflected wave coming from an object at which a transmission wave corresponding to the transmission signal is reflected. A determination unit determines reliability of the target information. A decision unit decides whether the detected target is true or false, based on the target information. The decision unit changes a method of deciding whether the target is true or false in accordance with a determination result of the reliability by the determination unit.
US09354298B2 Low power, space combined, phased array radar
A radar system including a plurality of mini radars may be conformable to a structure that it is attached or built into. A radar system includes a clock, a plurality of frequency modulated/continuous wave (FM/CW) radar units in signal communication with the clock and a processor in signal communication with the plurality of FM/CW radar units. Each of the plurality of FM/CW radar units includes a row of antenna elements.
US09354295B2 Systems, methods, and apparatus for estimating direction of arrival
Systems, methods, and apparatus for matching pair-wise differences (e.g., phase delay measurements) to an inventory of source direction candidates, and application of pair-wise source direction estimates, are described.
US09354294B2 Solar tracking system in real time including a light-resistant box with a loophole at a top surface being smaller than each convex lens in a conex lens plane array located within the light-resistant box
A real-time solar tracking system includes: a microcontroller, a light-resistant box, a motor for changing a direction angle of a solar collection board, and a diver for controlling operating condition of the motor. The light-resistant box has a loophole disposed at a top surface of the light-resistant box, a convex lens plane array is disposed parallel to a bottom surface of the light-resistant box, and a photosensitive element array is disposed at a bottom of the light-resistant box. The microcontroller is used for calculating a solar direction angle according to a solar direction angle signal obtained from the photosensitive element array, and sending directions to the driver. With advantages of high detecting accuracy, high degree of automation and intelligence, well environmental adaptability, high reliability, low cost, the present invention is particularly suitable for solar power system.
US09354291B2 Dynamically self-adjusting magnetometer
A dynamically self-adjusting magnetometer is disclosed. In one embodiment, a first sample module periodically generates an electronic signal related to at least one magnetic field characteristic of a monitored environment. A second sample module periodically generates an electronic signal related to at least one magnetic field characteristic of a monitored environment. A summing module sums the absolute value of the electronic signal from the first sample module and the electronic signal from the second sample module. A delta comparator module receives the electronic signals from each of the first sample module, the second sample module and the summing module and compares each of the electronic signals with a previously received set of electronic signals to establish a change, wherein an output is generated if the change is greater than or equal to a threshold.
US09354288B2 Magnetic resonance apparatus and method using thereof
A magnetic resonance apparatus is provided. The magnetic resonance apparatus includes a scanner configured to execute a plurality of pulse sequences each including a plurality of RF pulses for generating magnetization transfer of protons and a data acquisition sequence for acquiring data from a region in which proton magnetization transfer occurs, wherein the phases of the plurality of RF pulses are cycled so as to make a phase difference between the phase of a pth RF pulse of the plurality of RF pulses and the phase of a p+1th RF pulse of the plurality of RF pulses different for each pulse sequence, and a controller configured to control operations that include processing for determining a spectrum indicative of a relationship between a signal intensity of each signal obtained from the region and the associated phase differences based on data obtained by executing the plurality of pulse sequences.
US09354286B2 Local coil arrangement having integrated shim conductor
When a portion of a structure enclosing a local coil is inserted in a homogeneity region of a basic magnetic field of a magnetic resonance system, the local coil is operable to receive magnetic resonance signals originating from a specific detection zone for the local coil arrangement. At least one conductor is arranged in the structure. Field lines of a compensation magnetic field generated by current encircling the conductor form a compensation magnetic field angle with the basic magnetic field in an edge area of the detection zone. Return conductors complete an electric circuit containing the conductor and extend in the direction of the basic magnetic field and/or are arranged such that field lines of an interfering magnetic field counteracting the compensation magnetic field encircle the respective return conductor and form an interfering magnetic field angle with the basic magnetic field in the edge area.
US09354285B2 Magnetic measurement device
A magnetic measurement device which measures coercivity and coercivity distribution in a microregion of a thin plate magnetic sample with high coercivity. A magnetic sample is applied with a magnetic field in a first direction and magnetized, a second magnetic field is applied in a direction opposite to the first, a measuring part scans the sample, measuring magnetic flux leakage due to remnant magnetization in the sample. The intensity of the second magnetic field is gradually increased while the measuring part repeats the measurement to obtain the second magnetic field wherein the magnitude of the leakage from the sample reaches the maximum level, and when a magnetic field equivalent to the coercivity is applied to the sample and about half of the magnetization is reversed, the sample's coercivity is obtained based on the determination that the demagnetizing field Hd reaches the minimum level and the leakage reaches the maximum level.
US09354284B2 Magnetic field sensor configured to measure a magnetic field in a closed loop manner
A magnetic field sensor for sensing an external magnetic field includes at least one magnetic field sensing element for measuring a magnetic field produced by a first magnetic field generating source and a current generator configured to receive one or more drive current signals at an input thereof and to generate a drive current signal having a periodic waveform and an amplitude offset at an output thereof. Also included is a second magnetic field generating source configured to receive the drive current signal at an input thereof and in response thereto, provide a magnetic field to the at least one magnetic field sensing element. Additionally included is a comparator configured to receive a reference voltage as a first input and an output signal from the at least one magnetic field sensing element as a second input, and in response thereto to generate a comparator output signal having a duty cycle. Further included is a compensation circuit configured to receive the comparator output signal having a duty cycle at an input thereof and to generate an offset signal for correcting the duty cycle to a predetermined duty cycle as an output. A corresponding method is also provided.
US09354283B2 Sensor and method of controlling the same
According to embodiments of the present invention, a sensor is provided. The sensor includes a substrate, a beam suspended from the substrate, and a plurality of conductive lines arranged on the beam, wherein the beam is adapted to be displaced in response to a current flowing through the plurality of conductive lines, and a magnetic field interacting with the beam, and wherein the sensor is configured to determine a property of the magnetic field based on the displacement of the beam. According to further embodiments of the present invention, a method of controlling a sensor is also provided.
US09354282B2 Method and device for compensation in a measurement of a magnetic field, object-localizing method and system, recording medium for these methods
This method of compensation in the measurement of a magnetic field comprises: the determining of a position and of a magnetic moment of an image of the source situated on the other side of the magnetic disturber using one or more measurements of the emitted magnetic field, performed by at least one magnetic sensor whose position and orientation relatively to the source are known, and the subtraction of the magnetic field emitted by this image from the measurement of the magnetic field made by the sensor in the presence of the magnetic disturber to obtain compensation in this measurement.
US09354266B2 Universal jitter meter and phase noise measurement
A device and method for measuring jitter includes a capacitive element capable of being selectively charged, wherein the selection is made by a received signal from which an accumulated jitter value is to be determined. An analog-to-digital converter is coupled to the capacitive element to determine a voltage across the capacitive element after a number of cycles of the received signal. A determination module is coupled to the analog-to-digital converter to output the accumulated jitter value of the received signal using the voltage, wherein the accumulated jitter value is accumulated over the number of cycles.
US09354264B2 Transcapacitive sensor devices with seams
A processing system for a transcapacitive sensing device comprises a plurality of sensor electrodes sectioned by a seam, a first sensor electrode integrated circuit, and a second sensor electrode integrated circuit. The plurality of sensor electrodes comprises a plurality of transmitter electrodes intersecting a plurality of receiver electrodes. The first sensor electrode integrated circuit is communicatively coupled to a first subset of the plurality of sensor electrodes. The second sensor electrode integrated circuit is communicatively coupled to a second subset of the plurality of sensor electrodes. The first sensor electrode integrated circuit and the second sensor electrode integrated circuit are configured to operate the plurality of sensor electrodes in synchrony to transmit with the plurality of transmitter electrodes a set of transmitter signals and receive with the plurality of receiver electrodes a set of responses corresponding to the set of transmitter signals.
US09354262B2 Passive intermodulation measurement apparatus
A method and apparatus are described for generally passive intermodulation measurement to specify a location and strength of an intermodulation source of a passive component in a transmission line. Beneficially, the apparatus and method are comparatively simple and inexpensive.
US09354259B2 Wireless energy transmission apparatus and method, and wireless energy reception apparatus
A wireless energy transmission apparatus wirelessly transmits energy through resonance between a source resonator and a target resonator. The apparatus scans an amount of energy stored in the source resonator for a scanning period, calculates a total amount of energy stored in the source resonator and the target resonator during an off-resonant interval between the source resonator and the target resonator based on the amount of energy scanned, and estimates an amount of energy induced in the target resonator based on the amount of energy stored in the source resonator and the total amount of energy calculated.
US09354257B2 Systems and methods for use in measuring current through a conductor
Systems, methods and devices for use in measuring current through a conductor are provided. One example current device includes a first sensor configured to measure a first magnetic flux provided from a conductor and to generate a first signal proportional to the first magnetic flux, and a second sensor configured to measure a second magnetic flux provided from the conductor and to generate a second signal proportional to the second magnetic flux. The second sensor is spaced apart from the first sensor by a predetermined distance. The current device further includes a processor configured to determine, based on the first signal, the second signal and the predetermined distance, a radius between the conductor and at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor.
US09354253B2 Probe module
A probe module includes a substrate having a through hole, and at least four probe-needle rows arranged on the substrate. The probe-needle rows are arranged from a first side to a second side along a first direction. Each of the probe-needle rows has at least two needles arranged along a second direction. Each of the needles has a contact segment and an arm segment having an included angle with the contact segment. An end of the arm segment is connected to the substrate, and the other end of which extends toward the through hole to connect the contact segment. The lengths of the contact segments of the needles of each of the probe-needle rows are the same. The included angles of the needles of the probe-needle rows along the first direction are gradually increased from the first side to the second side.
US09354248B2 Method for measuring vibration characteristic of cantilever
A method for measuring vibration characteristic of a cantilever is proposed in this disclosure. The method includes: measuring vibration amplitude V of a cantilever installed in a scanning probe microscope when vibration with a resonant frequency f1 (Hz) is applied to the cantilever; obtaining a time Th (second) when the vibration amplitude V is equal to or more than 0.90 of a stationary amplitude V0; and calculating a Q value by using the following Expression: Q value=f1×Th.
US09354246B2 MEMS resonant accelerometer having improved electrical characteristics
A MEMS resonant accelerometer is disclosed, having: a proof mass coupled to a first anchoring region via a first elastic element so as to be free to move along a sensing axis in response to an external acceleration; and a first resonant element mechanically coupled to the proof mass through the first elastic element so as to be subject to a first axial stress when the proof mass moves along the sensing axis and thus to a first variation of a resonant frequency. The MEMS resonant accelerometer is further provided with a second resonant element mechanically coupled to the proof mass through a second elastic element so as to be subject to a second axial stress when the proof mass moves along the sensing axis, substantially opposite to the first axial stress, and thus to a second variation of a resonant frequency, opposite to the first variation.
US09354242B2 Glass bead flow rates to facilitate immunodiagnostic test element manufacture
A method of preparing a glass bead mixture using inert nanoparticles to improve flow rates of the glass beads for purposes of manufacturing an immunodiagnostic test element, such as a column agglutination test cassette, and a test element made in accordance with the method.
US09354236B2 Method for identifying peptides and proteins from mass spectrometry data
The present invention relates to a method of identifying peptides and proteins from mass spectrometry data using multiple search engines, wherein: a) the scores calculated on each engine are modeled; b) the presence of matching parameters is included, c) the distribution of meta-scores using distribution functions is modeled, d) scores of peptide and precursor protein are built. Among the main advantages of the invention it is worth mentioning its flexibility to be applied to an arbitrary number of engines, the use of matching parameters that add additional information not available with a single engine, the increase in the number of peptides-proteins identified or its versatility to incorporate other additional sources of information, depending on the type of experiment being examined.
US09354233B2 A+ biomarker assays
Disclosed herein assay methods which comprise detecting the presence, absence or amount of at least one antibody which specifically binds a first biomarker or an epitope thereof and at least one second biomarker in a sample which comprises a single reaction step whereby both a first capture reagent for the antibody and a second capture reagent for the second biomarker are together contacted with the sample, and detecting the presence, absence or amount of the antibody, and detecting the presence, absence or amount of the second biomarker. Also disclosed are assay methods for prostate cancer.
US09354232B2 PODXL in bladder cancer
There is provided a method for determining whether a mammalian subject having a bladder cancer belongs to a first or a second group, wherein the prognosis of subjects of the second group is worse than the prognosis of subjects of the first group, comprising the steps of: a) evaluating an amount of PODXL in at least part of a sample earlier obtained from the subject and determining a sample value corresponding to the evaluated amount; b) comparing said sample value with a predetermined reference value; and if said sample value is higher than said reference value, c1) concluding that the subject belongs to the second group; and if said sample value is lower than or equal to said reference value, c2) concluding that the subject belongs to the first group.
US09354230B2 Methods and apparatus for conducting multiple measurements on a sample
Multiplexed test measurements are conducted using an assay module having a plurality of assay domains. In preferred embodiments, these measurements are conducted in assay modules having integrated electrodes with a reader apparatus adapted to receive assay modules, induce luminescence, preferably electrode induced luminescence, in the wells or assay regions of the assay modules and measure the induced luminescence.
US09354229B2 Systems and methods for characterization of molecules
The present invention generally provides systems and methods for the detection, identification, or characterization of differences between properties or behavior of corresponding species in two or more mixtures comprised of molecules, including biomolecules and/or molecules able to interact with biomolecules, using techniques such as partitioning. The experimental conditions established as distinguishing between the mixtures of the molecules using the systems and methods of the invention can also be used, in some cases, for further fractionation and/or characterization of the biomolecules and/or other molecules, using techniques such as single-step or multiple-step extraction, and/or by liquid-liquid partition chromatography. The methods could also be used for discovering and identifying markers associated with specific diagnostics, and can be used for screening for such markers once discovered and identified during diagnostics screening.
US09354227B2 Dual migrating indicator
An indicator for a sterilization process is configured to function for two different sterilization conditions. The indicator includes two pass zones to indicate whether an acceptable sterilization has occurred after a sterilization process at a first condition or after a sterilization process at a second condition.
US09354222B2 Diagnostic method of cardiovascular disease
Biological metabolites LysoPC (18:0), LysoPC (20:3), fatty acid (16:1), fatty acid (18:0), fatty acid (18:1), fatty acid (18:2) and fatty acid (22:6) according to the present disclosure allow for simple and accurate diagnosis of a cardiovascular disease since their level in the blood of a subject increases or decreases if the subject has a cardiovascular disease such as myocardial infarction or angina. In addition, whereas the existing biomarkers can diagnose only whether myocardial infarction occurs or not, the biological metabolites according to the present disclosure can diagnose not only myocardial infarction but also unstable angina occurring prior to the onset of myocardial infarction stage by stage.
US09354214B2 Gas sensor
A gas sensor instrument comprises a housing formed of two parts (102, 10) and a diffusion chamber inside the housing. The diffusion chamber is formed from two parts (106, 108) and at least one of the diffusion chamber parts is formed integrally with one of the housing parts. This allows a reduction in size of the instrument without compromising the size of the diffusion chamber. Additionally, a tubular projection is formed integrally with one of the housing parts to form part of a Faraday cage for shielding an amplifier circuit of the instrument.
US09354210B2 Plate-type capillary column, capillary column unit, and chromatograph using same
A plate-type capillary column has extensibility that enables a capillary to be extended as a whole to improve resolution of a chromatograph by stacking respective plate-type capillary columns. The capillary column is provided with a plate having first and second face plate parts that face each other; a capillary that is formed inside the plate; a first bottom-equipped hole connected to one end part of the capillary and formed to open in the first face plate part; and a second bottom-equipped hole connected to the other end part and formed to open in the second face plate part, wherein as viewed from a direction vertical to the first face plate part or the second face plate part, on a capillary column first virtual circle, passing through the second bottom-equipped hole, one or more through-holes penetrating through the first face plate part and the second face plate part are formed.
US09354206B2 Floating ultrasonic transducer inspection system and method for nondestructive evaluation
A method for inspecting a structural sample using ultrasonic energy includes positioning an ultrasonic transducer adjacent to a surface of the sample, and then transmitting ultrasonic energy into the sample. Force pulses are applied to the transducer concurrently with transmission of the ultrasonic energy. A host machine processes ultrasonic return pulses from an ultrasonic pulser/receiver to quantify attenuation of the ultrasonic energy within the sample. The host machine detects a defect in the sample using the quantified level of attenuation. The method may include positioning a dry couplant between an ultrasonic transducer and the surface. A system includes an actuator, an ultrasonic transducer, a dry couplant between the transducer the sample, a scanning device that moves the actuator and transducer, and a measurement system having a pulsed actuator power supply, an ultrasonic pulser/receiver, and a host machine that executes the above method.
US09354205B2 Method and sensor mount for measuring seam peaking in pipes by means of ultrasonic inspection
For ultrasonic measurement of pipe seam peaking, optionally with simultaneous ultrasonic wall thickness measurement using ultrasonic probes mounted on sensor holders on a sensor mount, it is proposed to use a sensor mount with sensor holders mounted on movable skids, which are pressed outward by spring elements and bear against the internal pipe surface, and skids having a large skid breadth greater than the seam peak breadth measured in the pipe's circumferential direction in the region of a measured seam peak, and sensor holders equipped with sensors only in a measuring region situated half way between two skid contact surfaces, wherein the measuring region breadth is less or equal to half of the skid breadth such that the stand off deviation of the sensors resulting in the seam peak region remains below a threshold value.
US09354204B2 Ultrasonic tomography systems for nondestructive testing
A system including a segmented transducer probe is provided. The segmented transducer probe includes a plurality of transducer segments adapted to transmit ultrasonic excitation signals into a test specimen and to receive echo signals resulting from the interaction of the ultrasonic excitation signals and the test specimen. The system also includes a processing system adapted to receive data from the segmented transducer probe that corresponds to the received echo signals and to utilize tomographic reconstruction methods to reconstruct an image corresponding to at least one volumetric slice of the test specimen.
US09354194B2 Orientation independent meter
An analyte meter with a test strip port that detects an orientation of a test strip inserted therein. A control circuit of the test meter is configured to apply a first predetermined analyte measurement signal to a test strip electrode in response to detecting a first orientation of the test strip, and a second predetermined analyte measurement signal to the same, or a different, electrode in response to detecting a second orientation of the test strip.
US09354185B2 3D imaging with multiple irradiation frequencies
Imaging methods, apparatus and systems are provided for using different irradiation frequencies to generate a composite three-dimensional image. One exemplary method for imaging a semiconductor device involves irradiating the semiconductor device with a first frequency of electromagnetic radiation, obtaining a first radiation response from the semiconductor device in response to the first frequency of electromagnetic radiation, irradiating the semiconductor device with a second frequency of electromagnetic radiation, obtaining a second radiation response from the semiconductor device in response to the second frequency of electromagnetic radiation, and generating a composite image of the semiconductor device based at least in part on the first radiation response and the second radiation response.
US09354183B2 Method to optimize run lengths and product quality in coking processes and system for performing the same
System to detect coking in at least one component of refinery equipment is provided. The system includes a fiber optic assembly having at least one optical fiber operably coupled with the component, the fiber optic assembly further including a light source to transmit light having a known parameter through the optical fiber and a receiver to receive the light from the optical fiber, and a processor in communication with the fiber optic assembly to identify a shift in the parameter received by the receiver, the shift corresponding to an operating characteristic of the component. Method also provided for detecting coking using the system to detect coking disclosed herein.
US09354181B2 Analytical devices for detection of low-quality pharmaceuticals
An analytical device, in particular, a paper analytical device (PAD), for detection of at least two chemical components indicative of a low quality pharmaceutical product is provided. The analytical device can include a porous, hydrophilic medium, at least two assay regions associated with the porous, hydrophilic medium, at least one assay reagent or precursor thereof in the assay regions, and at least one optically readable information zone.
US09354179B2 Optical detection system for liquid samples
A tip for use in an optical detection system to analyze an analyte in a fluid sample drawn into the tip, using light reflected from a detection surface inside the tip that the analyte binds to, comprising a first detection surface and a second detection surface located in a same flow path with no controllable valve separating them, wherein the first and second detection surfaces have different surface chemistries.
US09354173B2 Microtiter plate reader apparatus and dynamic filter storage
An apparatus for optically measuring samples, including a radiation source configured to form an excitation beam in an excitation channel, a detector configured to detect an emission beam in an emission channel and a filter configured to be located, in an excitation position, in the excitation channel, and in an emission position, in the emission channel. The apparatus further includes a first filter storage comprising a first set of filter storage positions, a second filter storage comprising a second set of filter storage positions, and a filter transfer mechanism configured to move the filter between the excitation position, the emission position, the first set of filter storage positions and the second set of filter storage positions.
US09354163B2 Methods to increase the number of filters per optical path in a downhole spectrometer
Downhole spectrometer tools are provided with two ways to increase the number of filters on an optical path. A first approach employs multiple filter wheels that rotate alternately in a common plane to intersect the optical path. Portions of the wheels are cut out to avoid mechanical interference between the wheels. A second approach drives the one or more filter wheels with a wobble that causes the filters to trace one or more hypocycloidal curves that each intersect the optical path.
US09354162B2 Method using laser ellipsometry for determining the quality of liquid product containing polyphenols
The objective is to develop a method for determining the quality of a liquid product containing polyphenols. The present invention is a method that is a significant improvement over existing methods that use conventional laboratory instrumentation to study the quality of liquid products. The method uses an adsorption cell with a small mirror as a reflecting surface and acts as a substrate for the adsorption of the liquid's polyphenols on its surface. The polyphenol's film thickness is measured by laser ellipsometry. Light from a monochromatic light source is reflected from the thin film of polyphenol, which changes the light's optical properties and are sensed using the principles of ellipsometry. The changes in state of polarized light are translated into graphical illustrations of measured and computed parameters that can be recognized and interpreted as distinctive properties of liquid product quality.
US09354155B2 Cell counting systems and methods
An automated system captures multiple digital images of a sample, from different viewing areas of the sample. The images are analyzed and a test result may be reported based on the count of cells in all of the digital images. The system may be especially applicable to the testing of samples having low cell concentrations, as the variability between tests may be reduced as compared with a system that bases its test results on only a single image of the sample. The system may count the cells in a first digital image of the sample, and may capture or analyze one or more additional digital images only when it is recognized that additional measurements are needed to ensure adequate accuracy and repeatability of the test.
US09354154B2 Particulate matter amount detection system
A porous structure including a pair of electrodes disposed in a flow direction of exhaust gas and a solid electrolyte interposed between the electrodes is arranged in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine, and the amount of a particulate matter in exhaust gas is specified based on a potential difference generated between the electrodes.
US09354150B2 Test apparatus for a flexible device
A test apparatus for a flexible device includes a rotational driving unit, a first support, and a second support. The rotational driving unit is configured to generate a rotational force. The first support is coupled to the rotational driving unit, and is configured to rotate in response to the rotational force and support a first portion of the flexible device. The second support is disposed adjacent to the first support and is configured to support a second portion of the flexible device.
US09354145B2 In situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining apparatus and method
Contemplated herein is an automated microscope slide antigen recovery and staining apparatus and method that features a plurality of individually operable miniaturized pressurizable reaction compartments for individually and independently processing a plurality of individual microscope slides. The apparatus preferably features independently movable slide support elements each having an individually heatable heating plate. Each slide support element preferably supports a single microscope slide. Each microscope slide can be enclosed within an individual pressurizable reaction compartment. Pressures exceeding 1 atm or below 1 atm can be created and maintained in the reaction compartment prior to, during or after heating of the slide begins. Because of the ability to pressurize and regulate pressure within the reaction compartment, and to individually heat each slide, each slide and a liquid solution or reagent thereon can be heated to temperatures that could not be obtained without the enclosed pressurized environment of the reaction compartment. A reagent dispensing strip having a plurality of reconfigurable reagent modules may also be used.
US09354143B2 Device and method for the automated isolation and transfer of at least one microscopic sample from a sample carrier to a collecting system
A device for the automated isolation and transfer of at least one microscopic sample from a sample carrier to a collecting system for subsequent automatic analysis is provided. The device comprises a selection unit for selecting at least one sample located on the sample carrier, a controllable isolation unit for the automated isolation of the at least one selected sample, a controllable transfer unit, which has carrier means for the defined receiving and deposition of the at least one selected isolated sample, for an automated and defined transfer of the at least one selected isolated sample from the sample carrier to the collecting system, and a control unit, which has a data link to the selection unit, the isolation unit and the transfer unit, for an automated isolation and transfer operation.
US09354141B1 Turbine liquid fuel simulator
A turbine liquid fuel simulator exposes the components of a liquid fuel system in a turbine engine to the same fuel flows and pressures that the liquid fuel system would endure in an actual startup and run sequence, without burning or otherwise emitting the liquid fuel from the system. A fuel porting mechanism, such as a direction control valve, is installed in each combustor of the turbine engine. The fuel porting mechanism is movable from a first position, wherein liquid fuel is delivered to the combustor nozzle to be burned in normal operation, to a second position, wherein the liquid fuel is diverted to return lines that deliver the liquid fuel back to the fuel tank. To simulate the actual pressures and flows, pressure differential orifices can be installed in the return fuel lines. The orifices includes structures that modify the liquid fuel flow to mimic delivery to the nozzle.
US09354140B2 Method for determining characteristics of an automatic transmission
A method of determining a fill current value of a converter lock-up clutch of an automatic transmission. The automatic transmission comprises a hydrodynamic converter, at which a speed ratio arises, and an output shaft. In a control sequence with the output shaft being stationary, the speed ratio is influenced by changing the control current, and the fill current value is determined from the progression of the speed ratio arising, during the control sequence, in conjunction with the progression of the control current.
US09354137B2 Systems and methods for determining oscillations of a tire
Methods and systems are provided for determining frequencies associated with tire crown bending. The system includes a vibration generating device configured to excite vibrations through a tire. The system further includes a vibration sensing arrangement configured to sense vibrations at a plurality of sensing points on the tire. A computer is in communication with the vibration sensing arrangement and configured to determine a first frequency associated with bending of the crown of the tire based at least partially on phase differences between the sensed vibrations at the plurality of points on the tire.
US09354134B2 In-situ load system for calibrating and validating aerodynamic properties of scaled aircraft in ground-based aerospace testing applications
An In-Situ Load System for calibrating and validating aerodynamic properties of scaled aircraft in ground-based aerospace testing applications includes an assembly having upper and lower components that are pivotably interconnected. A test weight can be connected to the lower component to apply a known force to a force balance. The orientation of the force balance can be varied, and the measured forces from the force balance can be compared to applied loads at various orientations to thereby develop calibration factors.
US09354133B2 Self-heated pressure sensor assemblies
The present invention provides a self-heated pressure sensor assembly and method of utilizing the same. The self-heated pressure sensor assembly regulates and maintains the temperature of the pressure sensor, regardless of the external temperature environment, without an external heater as in prior art embodiments. Exemplary embodiments of the pressure sensor assembly incorporate a resistance heater that is built into the sensing chip of the pressure sensor assembly. The pressure sensor assembly also utilizes the resistance of the pressure sensing elements to monitor the temperature of the assembly, which works alongside the resistance heater to maintain a stable temperature within the pressure sensor assembly.
US09354132B2 Jointless pressure sensor port
A jointless pressure sensor port which includes a body portion, a flange portion integrally formed with the body portion, and a cylindrical portion integrally formed with and extending away from the flange portion. The port also includes an aperture having a first area, where the aperture is formed as part of the cylindrical portion. A channel is located along an axis and has at least one channel region. The channel at least partially extends through the cylindrical portion, the flange portion, and the body portion. A diaphragm includes a second area which is larger than the first area, the diaphragm also has a top surface and a bottom surface. A pressure sensor is disposed on the top surface, and the diaphragm is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the channel. The body portion, flange portion, and cylindrical portion form a jointless and seamless pressure sensor part.
US09354130B2 Torque measurement device for steering wheel
A measuring device for steering wheel torque includes a magnetic sensor to measure a rotational torque of the steering wheel. The measuring device for steering wheel torque has the advantages of high measuring precision, non-contact, high reliability and low cost.
US09354129B2 Torque meter device for a cycle
The present invention involves device for measuring the drive torque and/or the driving power delivered on a hub shell by a freewheel body connected to the hub shell by a freewheel mechanism, the device including at least one deformation and/or stress sensor on or integrated to at least one ratchet of said mechanism and a drive torque and/or driving power determination circuit, connected to the sensor.
US09354127B2 Device for measuring temperature distribution of fuel cell
Disclosed is a device for measuring a temperature distribution of a fuel cell includes: a base member formed to come into contact with at least a portion of a fuel cell and having at least one accommodating portion; a heat transfer tube accommodated in the accommodating portion; and a thermocouple inserted into a hollow of the heat transfer tube and measuring a temperature of heat transmitted through the heat transfer tube.
US09354126B2 Calibrating thermal behavior of electronics
A method includes determining a relationship between indirect thermal data for a processor and a measured temperature associated with the processor, during a calibration process, obtaining the indirect thermal data for the processor during actual operation of the processor, and determining an actual significant temperature associated with the processor during the actual operation using the indirect thermal data for the processor during actual operation of the processor and the relationship.
US09354125B2 Highly-reliable micro-electromechanical system temperature sensor
A sensor arrangement for wirelessly measuring temperature and vibration is disclosed. The sensor arrangement includes a sensor element and a sensor coil affixed on the device. A readout coil is configured to be magnetically coupled to the sensor coil configured to energize the sensor coil with an energizing signal, configured to provide the natural frequency of the sensor element, the sensor coil, and the readout coil, and configured to provide amplitude modulations of the energizing signal, the amplitude modulations being induced by changes in the coupling factor of the readout coil and the sensor coil. An energizing circuit is configured to energize the readout coil with the energizing signal. A readout circuit is configured to store or display information regarding the natural frequency and the amplitude modulations.
US09354124B2 Temperature/voltage detection circuit
A circuit includes a comparator unit, a capacitive device, and a switching network. The comparator unit is configured to set a control signal at a first logical value when an output voltage reaches a first voltage value from being less than the first voltage value, and to set the control signal at a second logical value when the output voltage reaches a second voltage value from being greater than the second voltage. The capacitive device provides the output voltage. The switching network is configured to charge or discharge the capacitive device based on the control signal.
US09354123B2 Systems and methods for processing temperature data or other signals
In an embodiment, a circuit is configured to produce a magnetic field signal having a frequency spectrum. The circuit may also produce a temperature signal. A modulation circuit may modulate the temperature signal with a frequency outside the frequency spectrum of the magnetic field signal. The modulated signal and the magnetic field signal may be combined to produce a combined signal. A separation circuit may be configured to separate component signals from the combined signal. The separation circuit may include a first filter, which, when applied to the combined signal, produces a filtered signal; a modulation circuit configured to shift the data representing the temperature signal to a baseband frequency; and a second filter configured to separate the data representing the temperature signal from the combined signal.
US09354120B2 Autocorrelator for the measurement of the pulse width of ultrafast pulse
Disclosed is an autocorrelator for generating an autocorrelation signal for an ultrashort pulse to measure the ultrashort pulse. The autocorrelator comprises: a light source unit for generating an optical pulse; a double wedge interferometer in which a first wedge and a second wedge serving as a wedge-shaped optical medium are arranged such that facing surfaces of the first and second wedges are parallel to each other, so as to separate the optical pulse provided by the light source unit to generate two optical pulses; a harmonic light medium for receiving the generated two optical pulses to generate second harmonic light; and a measurement unit for detecting the second harmonic light to generate an autocorrelation signal. Thus, the time width of an ultrashort pulse can be measured by an interferometer using only two wedge-shaped optical components.
US09354116B1 Optical forms for multi-channel double-pass dispersive spectrometers
A multi-channel double-pass imaging spectrometer based on a reimaging or relayed all-reflective optical form, such as a four-mirror anastigmat (4MA) or five-mirror anastigmat (5MA). In one example, such a spectrometer includes a slit through which incident electromagnetic radiation enters the spectrometer, an imaging detector positioned at an image plane of the spectrometer co-located with the slit, and double-pass all-reflective reimaging optics configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation from the slit and to output a collimated beam of the electromagnetic radiation, and further configured to produce a reimaged pupil positioned between the double-pass all-reflective reimaging optics and the image plane. The spectrometer further includes at least one dispersive element configured to spectrally disperse the infrared electromagnetic radiation in each channel and being oriented to direct the dispersed output through the double-pass all-reflective reimaging optics to the image plane.
US09354111B2 Wafer level lens in package
A wafer level optical device, system, and method are described that include a substrate, an electronic device disposed on the substrate, an illumination source disposed on the electronic device, an enclosure disposed on the substrate, where the enclosure includes at least one optical surface and covers the electronic device and the illumination source, and at least one solder ball disposed on a side of the substrate distal from the electronic device. In implementations, a process for using the wafer level optical device and lens-integrated package system that employ the techniques of the present disclosure includes receiving a substrate, placing an electronic device on the substrate, placing an illumination source on the electronic device, and placing an enclosure on the substrate, where the enclosure covers the electronic device and the illumination source, and the enclosure and a wall structure form a first compartment and a second compartment.
US09354110B2 Photo-electric converting module having opposite cavities
An optical-electric converting module includes a printed circuit board (PCB), a bracket and an optical-electric coupling element. The PCB includes a supporting surface, at least one laser diode and at least one photo diode. The at least one laser diode and the at least one photo diode are positioned on the supporting surface and electrically connected to the PCB. The bracket includes a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface. The first surface rests on the supporting surface. The bracket defines a through window running through the first surface and the second surface. The bracket is detachably connected to the supporting surface of the PCB, with the at least one laser diode and the at least one photo diode being received in the through window. The optical-electric coupling element is detachably connected to the second surface of the bracket.
US09354108B2 Electronic balance
The electronic balance has a load detector for supporting a scale pan and outputting the load value of a load placed on the scale pan. A weight change calculating program calculates changes in the weight of a sample to be measured based on sample load measurement values ouput from the load detector when the sample is placed on the scale pan at two different points in time and load-free measurement values output from the load detector in the load-free state before and after the respective sample load measurements values are output. Also, minute changes in the weight of a light-weight sample are measured accurately since the load-free weight is measured before and after sample measurements even if the sensitivity or zero drift changes due to changes in the environment conditions, and the sample weight is further corrected using measurements of the load of a reference weight.
US09354106B2 Combination weigher with discharge timings based on conveying length
A combination weigher includes a collecting conveyor, a plurality of weighing conveyors, a control section which finds one combination of the weighing conveyors in which a total weight of the objects falls within a target weight range, and a manipulation setting display device which pre-inputs a desired value of a conveying length of the objects, and the control section finds start timings of conveying operation of the weighing conveyors selected to make up the discharge combination such that the conveying length of the objects becomes the desired value pre-input by the input unit and the objects discharged from the weighing conveyors selected to make up the discharge combination are at different positions on the collecting conveyor, and causes the weighing conveyors to start the conveying operation at the found timings.
US09354105B2 Strip scale technology
A strip scale suitable for use in connection with high speed in motion weighing or other weighing applications. The scale has a base, a load cell, an intermediary member and a platform. Also disclosed are load cells for use with the scale, and systems for using the scales.
US09354104B2 Reject bin interlock system and method of securing objects rejected by an inspection device
A combination of a hardware-secured reject bin and a programmed controller that together function to create an interlock that limits access to a reject bin to only those users with specific access rights. Access is gained by entering a user ID or some other authorized reject bin user access information into the user interface of a checkweigher controller or another controller in communication with a checkweigher controller. Access attempts and events may be tracked and the removal of objects from an interlocked bin may be recorded to provide for improved object traceability.
US09354100B2 Device and method for determining media characteristics and container characteristics
A fill-level measuring device includes a self-learn device that is able to automatically determine the length of the dome shaft of the container. To this effect the self-learn device uses a multiple echo classified as such by a multiple-echo detection device. In this manner the result of fill level measuring may be improved.
US09354093B2 Method for determining the flow rate of fluids using the ultrasonic transit time method
In a method for determining the flow rate of fluids using the ultrasonic transit time method, the flow speed and therefrom the flow rate of the fluid is determined from the transit time of ultrasound signals through the measurement section. In order to take into account the change in the transmission function of the ultrasonic converters, which change acts as a drift of the measurement variable, the transmission function of the measurement section is determined at least approximately, and at least one ultrasonic transit time is corrected by means of a correction value that is determined from the group transit time of the transmission function.
US09354087B2 Single track three-channel encoder with differential index
An optical encoder is disclosed. Specifically, a three-channel encoder is disclosed which utilizes a single track for all three channels. An index channel is provided on the same optical track as the first and second channels which are used to determine incremental angular position. Thus, a more compact and simple three-channel encoder is provided.
US09354083B2 Home area networking (HAN) with low power considerations for battery devices
Disclosed are apparatus and methodology subject matters for providing communications to battery powered metrology devices within an Advanced Metering System (AMS). The battery powered metrology devices may be associated with AC supplied devices that are configured with mailboxes for their associated battery powered devices. The battery powered metrology devices may include such as water and gas meters collocated with electricity meters. Communications between the battery powered devices and their associated mailbox containing electricity meters may be by way of direct wired or radio frequency connections for providing reliable message transport between communications system coupled components in an Advanced Metering System.
US09354079B2 Control moment gyroscopes including torsionally-stiff spoked rotors and methods for the manufacture thereof
Embodiments of control moment gyroscopes (CMGs) are provided, as are embodiments of a method for fabricating CMGs. In one embodiment, a CMG includes a stator housing, an inner gimbal assembly (IGA), and a torque motor coupled to the stator housing and configured to rotate the IGA about a gimbal axis to selectively generate a desired output torque during operation of the CMG. The IGA includes, in turn, an IGA support structure rotatably coupled to the stator housing, a monolithic CMG rotor rotatably mounted to the IGA support structure, and a spin motor coupled to the IGA support structure and configured to rotate the monolithic CMG rotor about a spin axis.
US09354073B2 Eye gaze enabled navigation system
A navigation system is configured to generate a sequence of driving instructions for directing a driver of a vehicle from a current location to a final destination. The navigation system is configured to capture sensor data that reflects the field of view of the driver and to identify objects in that field of view. The navigation system then customizes the driving instructions to reference specific objects, thereby generating context-specific driving instructions. The navigation system is also configured to identify particular objects upon which the driver is focused, and to generate context-specific driving instructions relative to such objects of focus. The navigation system may also provide correction information to the driver upon determining that the driver has incorrectly focused on a different object than an object referenced in a context-specific driving instruction.
US09354072B2 Method and system for obtaining emission and fuel consumption data
A method is presented for obtaining emission and/or fuel consumption data associated with a road segment. The method comprises the steps of receiving (S1) at least position data from a vehicle, determining (S2) a respective value for at least a first and a second parameter indicative for a movement of the vehicle, storing (S3) a frequency distribution having classes for combinations of value ranges for said at least a first and a second parameter, updating (S4) a frequency count for a class of said frequency distribution corresponding to the determined values for said at least a first and a second parameter, repeating (S5) the previous steps calculating (S6) an expected emission and/or fuel consumption for a typical vehicle on said road segment on the basis of an emission or fuel consumption model that indicates the emission or fuel consumption as a function of the value of the at least a first and a second parameter weighted by the relative frequencies with which said values occur in the frequency distribution.
US09354069B2 Method and system for dynamic estimation and predictive route generation
The preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and systems for dynamic route estimation and prediction using discrete sampled location updates from various mobile devices for the purpose of providing a graphical representation of a mobile device's route along a known network path of map data. The embodiments also provide supplemental route metrics, such as traveled distance, elapsed time, etc., and the capability to assign destination points for the purpose of providing the ability to modify location update points in an application, such as a route planner, and/or to store the dynamically generated route based on various preferences for later retrieval.
US09354068B2 System and method for dynamically downloading and displaying map data
Dynamically downloading map data to a wireless communications device is achieved by determining a map data density for an area of interest and then dynamically downloading and optionally also dynamically displaying the map data for the area of interest based on the map data density. For areas of interest with low map data density, this technology has the effect of downloading more map data so that the map is displayed with more detail than would conventionally be obtained. Conversely, for areas of interest with excessively high map data density, dynamic downloading and display can reduce the onscreen map density for a less crowded map.
US09354067B2 System, method and/or devices for aligning a movement path with an indoor routing graph
Disclosed are systems, methods, and devices for aligning a path of movement of a mobile device with an indoor routing graph. In one particular embodiment, a mobile device may trace a path of movement from a starting point to a point of intersection with a routing graph that defines feasible movement within an area. Responsive to a detecting a point of intersection, a mobile device may estimate a contiguous route from one or more locations of the routing graph to a starting point.
US09354066B1 Computer vision navigation
A system for computer-aided visual recognition of products may help a customer navigate to a selected product in a retail store. A customer can direct a mobile computing device camera at one or more targeted products displayed on store shelves. Image recognition operations can be carried out to compare the targeted product image(s) against images from a prepopulated product image store of known products. Upon a positive match, shelf location information of the identified targeted product(s) may be used to determine the current location of the customer. An in-store destination location is defined by the shelf location for the selected product. A route may be calculated to navigate the customer from the current location to the destination location.
US09354060B2 Vibrating element, gyro sensor, electronic apparatus and moving object
A vibrating element includes first and second pairs of vibrating arms extending in opposite directions from a base. A pair of first suspension arms extends from the base via first connecting parts and are connected to a fixed portion attached to a container for the vibrating element so that the base, the pair of first suspension arms and the fixed portion surround the pair of first vibrating arms. A pair of second suspension arms extends from the base via second connecting parts and are connected to the fixed portion so that the pair of second suspension arms is located outside of the pair of first vibrating arms and the pair of first suspension arms.
US09354057B2 Electronic rod reader and field notebook
An electronic rod reader and field notebook is disclosed. In one embodiment, the electronic rod reader and field notebook comprises an image capture device for capturing an image through the eyepiece of an auto-level. The electronic rod reader and field notebook further comprises logic implemented by a processor of the electronic rod reader for automatically recognizing a crosshair viewed through the eyepiece of the auto-level, for automatically comparing the crosshair against a scale of a standard grade rod viewed through the eyepiece of the auto-level, and for automatically determining an elevation of the standard grade rod based upon the comparing. The electronic rod reader and field notebook further comprises a non-transitory computer readable data storage medium coupled with the processor for storing the elevation as a first reading.
US09354049B2 Shape measurement method, and system therefor
A model based measurement method is capable of estimating a cross-sectional shape by matching various pre-created cross-sectional shapes with a library of SEM signal waveforms. The present invention provides a function for determining whether or not it is appropriate to create a model of a cross-sectional shape or a function for verifying the accuracy of estimation results to a conventional model based measurement method, wherein a solution space (expected solution space) is obtained by matching library waveforms and is displayed before measuring the real pattern by means of model based measurement. Moreover, after the real pattern is measured by means of model based measurement, the solution space (real solution space) is obtained by matching the real waveforms with the library waveforms and is displayed.
US09354048B2 Method for measuring a lithography mask or a mask blank
A method for measuring a substrate in the form of a lithography mask or a mask blank for producing a lithography mask comprises the alignment of a substrate coordinate system (SKS), predetermined by a first marker structure, relative to a position measurement system, a measurement of actual position data (IST) of a second marker structure with predetermined intended position data (POS) in the substrate coordinate system (SKS), and an establishment of a transformation (T) of the substrate coordinate system (SKS) into a transformed substrate coordinate system (tSKS), wherein the transformation (T) is established in such a way that deviations between the actual position data (IST) and the intended position data (POS) of the second marker structure are reduced.
US09354040B2 Scanning device for low coherence interferometry
A system for lateral scanning of a sample using optical coherence tomography is presented. The low coherence interferometry system includes a first multiplexing unit and a second multiplexing unit. The first multiplexing unit is configured to receive a first beam of radiation and includes a first plurality of optical delay elements configured to introduce a group delay to the first beam of radiation based on an optical path traversed by the first beam of radiation among a first plurality of optical waveguides. The second multiplexing unit is configured to receive a second beam of radiation. The second multiplexing unit includes a second plurality of optical modulating elements configured to differentiate the second beam of radiation among a second plurality of optical waveguides to produce one or more output radiation beams. The second plurality of optical waveguides is configured to guide the one or more output radiation beams towards a sample.
US09354035B2 Device and method for evaluating the capacitance of a sensor electrode of a proximity sensor
A method for evaluating a capacitance of a sensor electrode of a proximity sensor includes charging the electrode with a charge voltage. Simultaneously, a compensation capacitance is charged by coupling the compensation capacitance between a reference voltage and ground. The sensor electrode and the compensation capacitance are decoupled from voltage sources and a state of charge of the sensor electrode and of the compensation capacitance is maintained. The sensor electrode is coupled to the compensation capacitance and the charges are balanced; then decoupled from the compensation capacitance and the charge is maintained. The compensation capacitance is then coupled to an evaluation network. The charge of a hold capacitance in the evaluation network is reversed by a charge-reversal current which is dependent on the current flow of the compensation capacitance. The charge of the hold capacitance is evaluated after one or more such cycles.
US09354034B2 Positive location system for a locomotive consist
A positive location system is disclosed for a locomotive consist including at least two locomotives. The system may include a first locator element on a first locomotive and a second locator element on a second locomotive. Each locator element may include a receiving device and a transmitting device communicatively coupled with each other locator element. Each locator element may be configured to determine its own location, relay information on its location to at least one other locator element on another locomotive, receive location information on the at least one other locator element, and determine its own location relative to the location of the at least one other locator element. Each locator element may also provide location information for the at least one other locator element as though it were the at least one other locator element when the at least one other locator element is non-functional.
US09354033B2 Smart electromagnetic sensor array
An array of induction coil sensors is used to monitor, from multiple locations, the strength of a magnetic field generated by a wire to be traced. The magnetic field strength data is used to determine the location and orientation of the wire. In one embodiment, the sensor array is incorporated into a test instrument. The screen of the test instrument provides a graphical user interface that shows the orientation of the wire and indicates the location of the wire relative to the instrument.
US09354026B2 Electrode for electronic weaponry that dissipates kinetic energy
An electronic weapon with an installed deployment unit, from which at least one tethered electrode is launched, provides a stimulus current through a target to inhibit locomotion by the target. The wire tether, also called a filament, conducts the stimulus current. The one or more electrodes, according to various aspects of the present invention, perform one or more of the following functions in any combination: binding the filament to the electrode, deploying the filament from the deployment unit, coupling the electrode to the target, and distributing a current density with respect to a volume of target tissue. An electrode may include a spear comprising a material with integrated conductive and insulative substances (e.g., conductive fibers in insulative composite material) and a geometry to dissipate kinetic energy after impact with the target.
US09354023B1 Holder for body mounted armor
An assembly structured for removably mounting armor on a user's body in a protective orientation including a base having an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion is structured to retain the armor, preferably but not exclusively, in the form of an armor plate on the base in substantially facing relation to the body of the user, wherein the outer portion is disposed in overlying, covering relation to the armor. Preferably the base is formed of a rigid material and an attachment assembly is connected to the base and structured to facilitate the operative and removable mounting of the base and the armor on the user in a predetermined protective orientation. The attachment assembly may also include a plurality of connectors and a common release mechanism, wherein the base and the armor can be quickly and easily removed from its protective orientation and operative mounting on the user.
US09354014B2 Charging handle accessory for firearm
An externally mounted firearm accessory and a method of operating the accessory. The firearm accessory includes a mounting clamp and a collar offset extending from the mounting clamp on the side of the firearm on which the bolt catch/release is located, a shaft that is slidably mounted on the collar, a handle at the forward end of the shaft, and a slot at the rear end of the shaft that receives and holds the charging handle of the firearm accessory. The slot is positioned in relation to the charging handle so that, in operation, a user of the firearm accessory pulls rearward on the handle of the shaft of the firearm accessory to push the charging handle rearward and, thereby, depress and open the latch of the charging handle of the firearm. At this point, the user can then push the handle of the firearm accessory forward to pull the charging handle of the firearm into a closed and latched position. A biased spring mechanism associated with the charging handle can also act to push the charging handle forward.
US09354008B1 Magazine loading device
A magazine loading device comprises an ammunition delivery interface, a shuttle or escapement, an orientation gate, a staging gate, a plunger, and a magazine receiver. The ammunition may be supplied to the ammunition delivery interface in a number of ways, including utilization of a hopper. The ammunition may be guided into an opening in the shuttle or escapement, which may then transfer the ammunition to an orientation gate. The geometry of the orientation gate is such that the ammunition will always drop through the orientation gate with the projectile down, which in this case is the desired orientation for loading into the magazine. A plunger may then push the ammunition into the magazine.
US09354007B2 Firearm magazine having nose-dive-control spring
A cartridge magazine for housing a plurality of stacked cartridges and successively dispensing and guiding the uppermost one of the stacked cartridges from the magazine forward toward an inclined ramp leading to a chamber of a barrel of a firearm, the magazine comprising a housing portion and a nose-dive control spring. The nose-dive control spring comprises a resilient shank portion and a bullet-engageable end portion. The shank portion extends from one of the front and side walls to the bullet-engageable end portion. The nose-dive control spring is adapted and configured to prevent an uppermost cartridge from moving into a nose-dive orientation as a breech face of the firearm pushes the cartridge forward toward the inclined ramp of the firearm.
US09354003B2 Heat sink fastening device and thermal module assembly using same
A heat sink fastening device includes an operating member and a retaining member axially extended through the operating member and associated with the latter via a pivot shaft. The operating member includes a cylindrical cam portion, which has an elastic element received therein to provide the cam portion with an elastic force. The cam portion has an upper end formed into a pair of cam surfaces, on which the pivot shaft is rested. The operating member can be horizontally rotated about an axis thereof. When the operating member is rotated, the cam surfaces rotate and cause the pivot shaft to move from a higher to a lower position on the cam surfaces or vice versa, so that the retaining member associated with the operating member via the pivot shaft is brought by the pivot shaft to axially move downward to a released position or upward to a fastened position.
US09354000B2 Heat exchange device
A heat-exchange device comprises a first heat exchanger defining an upper end and a lower end. A second heat exchanger defines an upper end connected to the upper end of the first heat exchanger and a lower end spaced apart from the lower end of the first heat exchanger in a substantially longitudinal direction such that a predetermined angle between the first heat exchanger and second heat exchanger is between about 0 and 180°. A wind-guide member is disposed between the first heat exchanger and second heat exchanger for guiding wind toward the first heat exchanger and second heat exchanger.
US09353997B2 Heat exchanger
Provided is a heat exchanger, which includes a plurality of flat tubes in which refrigerant flows, a fin including tube couplers in which the flat tubes are inserted, wherein the refrigerant exchanges heat with a fluid through the fin, and a header coupled to at least one side portion of the flat tubes and distributing the refrigerant to the flat tubes. The fin includes a first fin coupled to a part of the flat tubes, the part of the flat tubes constituting a first row, and a second fin provided on a side portion of the first fin and coupled to another part of the flat tubes, the another part of the flat tubes constituting a second row.
US09353988B2 Shelf assembly and refrigerator comprising the same
A shelf assembly and a refrigerator including the same. The shelf assembly includes: a shelf plate having first to fourth mounting members, and first to fourth brackets each having a fitting slot, in which the first and second brackets are disposed at a left and right side of the shelf plate respectively. The fitting slot of each of the first and second brackets includes a first sliding groove and a plurality of first receiving grooves. The first and second mounting members are slidable within the first sliding groove of the first and second brackets along the vertical direction so as to selectively fit within one of the plurality of the first receiving grooves. The third and fourth mounting members are fitted within the fitting slot of the third and fourth brackets and a position of the third and fourth mounting members are adjustable along the vertical direction.
US09353984B2 Refrigerator having double doors
A refrigerator includes a first door that is rotatably provided so as to open/close a storage compartment, a second door that is rotatably provided in the front of the first door so as to open/close the first door, and a door anti-opening unit that prevents or allows opening of the second door depending on whether the first door is opened or closed. The door anti-opening unit prevents the second door from being unintentionally opened when the first door is opened.
US09353980B2 Climate-control system having multiple compressors
A system may include first and second compressors and first, second and third heat exchangers. The first heat exchanger may receive working fluid discharged from the first and second compressors. The second heat exchanger may be disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger and may provide working fluid to the first compressor. The third heat exchanger may be disposed between the first and second heat exchangers and may include an inlet and first and second outlets. The first outlet may provide working fluid to the second heat exchanger. The second outlet may provide working fluid to the second compressor.
US09353974B2 Solar collecting device
A solar collector having two axis control and cogeneration capabilities is provided. The solar collector may have a primary collecting mirror, a second reflecting mirror, and a solar collector positioned adjacent to the primary mirror. The collector may realize both direct solar to electricity production via photovoltaic cells or the like, as well as heat collection generated by the collected solar energy. The collected heat may be transferred to a fluid which may be transferred for productive uses such as electricity production, heating, cooling, and the like.
US09353973B2 Concentrating photovoltaic-thermal solar energy collector
Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide electricity or a combination of heat and electricity are disclosed herein. Examples of solar energy receivers are disclosed that may be used to collect concentrated solar radiation.
US09353971B2 Solar generator unit
A solar generator unit for converting sunlight, having a mirror array, a light converter, support designed to hold the mirror array, and a tracking unit for causing the mirror array to track the sun position. The light converter is arranged above the mirror array and the concentrated light strikes a receiver surface of the light converter. The support has an essentially horizontal first shaft with a first radial bearing point and a second radial bearing point arranged on mutually opposite sides of the mirror array. A third radial bearing point accommodates a second shaft that is essentially perpendicular to the first shaft is flange-mounted between the first bearing point and the second bearing point so that the axis of rotation of the second shaft is pivoted along with a rotation of the first shaft, and the mirror array is connected in a non-positive way to the second shaft.
US09353965B1 Automated display adjustment for smart-home device based on viewer location or other sensed viewer-related parameters
A thermostat may include a user interface configured to display at least a first graphical display and a second graphical display, a first proximity sensor having a first responsive range, and a second proximity sensor having a second responsive range. A processing system may be programmed to control the user interface by receiving an indication of a user presence within the second responsive range from the second proximity sensor while not receiving an indication of a user presence within the first responsive range from the first proximity sensor and causing the user interface to display the second graphical display. The processing system may also be programmed to receive an indication of a user presence within the first responsive range from the first proximity sensor and an indication of the user presence within the second responsive range from the second proximity sensor and cause the user interface to transition from the second graphical display to the first graphical display.
US09353964B2 Systems and methods for wirelessly-enabled HVAC control
Various forms of wirelessly-enabled thermostats for multi-area HVAC control are presented. Such a thermostat may include: a controller; a temperature sensor included in the wireless-enabled thermostat that is in communication with the controller; a user input device that permits a user to input a setpoint temperature and an area priority, and a wireless communication system included in the wireless-enabled thermostat that is in communication with the controller. The controller may be configured to communicate temperature readings to a remotely-located central system and receive, from the user input device, the setpoint temperature and the area priority. The controller may be configured to communicate the setpoint temperature and the area priority to the central system.
US09353962B2 Roof vent
A roof vent used to cover a vent opening in the ridge of a roof that includes a base portion configured to extend generally longitudinally along the ridge of a roof; a plurality of vent extension members extending down from the base portion, the vent extension members forming vent passages to vent air exiting the vent opening and direct the air beneath and out of the sides of the vent, the vent extension members set at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the vent; and generally V-shaped filter members attached to said vent with the small end of the V adjacent said base portion.
US09353959B2 Humidity regulating apparatus
A humidity regulating apparatus comprises a hygroscopic wheel for absorbing moisture and water surrounding the hygroscopic wheel, a wetting means controlled to supply moisture or water to the hygroscopic wheel; a heating means for heating the moisture and water absorbed within the hygroscopic wheel to evaporate into vapor; a transporting means having a vapor inlet opening, a humidifying outlet opening, and a dehumidifying outlet opening, the vapor inlet opening is connected with the heating means for importing the vapor thereto, the transporting means is configured to switch between a state that the vapor inlet opening interconnects with the humidifying outlet opening with which the target environment is interconnected and a state that the vapor inlet opening interconnects with the dehumidifying outlet opening; and a condensing means, connected with the dehumidifying outlet opening, thus regulating the relative humidity in the target environment.
US09353956B2 Hot water recirculation system technologies
Technologies for use with a hot water recirculation system containing a hot water source, a flow sensor downstream from the source, a booster pump downstream from the sensor, and a plumbing fixture downstream from the pump are provided. The technologies enable a controller to couple to the sensor and the pump, and operate in a calibration mode and a control mode. Such operations can increase energy efficiency of the pump and increase operational longevity of the pump.
US09353954B2 Apparatus for preparing food
The application relates to an apparatus for preparing food. The apparatus includes a housing (1), a food preparation chamber (4) in the housing (1) having an inner wall (5) defining a food receiving space (6) with an air entry aperture (10) and an air discharge aperture (13), a fan (14) for moving a flow of hot air successively through the air entry aperture (10), the food receiving space (6) and the air discharge aperture (13), and an air guide passage (7) for returning the flow of air from the air discharge aperture (13) towards the air entry aperture (10) separate from the food receiving space (6). The housing (1) comprising a cooling air channel (30) and a hot air vent (20) for exhausting the flow of hot air from the food preparation chamber (4) to outside the housing (1) with a constricted section (29) having a reduced cross-sectional area such that a venturi effect is generated in the hot air vent (20). An outlet (35) to the cooling air channel (30) communicates with the hot air vent (20) at the constricted section (29) such that a region of low pressure is formed at the outlet (35) and a flow of cooling air is drawn along the cooling air channel (30) and into the hot air vent (20).
US09353953B1 Horizontal venturi burner construction
A horizontal venturi burner has at least one burner ring, if not several, supplied by respective ports which supply air/fuel mixture thereto. The ports are directed at orifice holders which are received in receivers preferably formed in cast top and bottom pots. The receivers may have openings on either side which allow single direction installation of the holders and preferably prevent rotation by having adjacent and cooperating flats/faces therein, as well as openings which properly position the holders in a desired axial arrangement.
US09353940B2 Combustor systems and combustion burners for combusting a fuel
Systems and methods for an oxy-fuel type combustion reaction are provided. In one or more embodiments, a combustion system can include at least two mixing zones, where a first mixing zone at least partially mixes oxygen and carbon dioxide to produce a first mixture and a second mixing zone at least partially mixes the first mixture with a fuel to produce a second mixture. The combustion system can also include a combustion zone configured to combust the second mixture to produce a combustion product. In one or more embodiments, the first mixture can have a spatially varied ratio of oxygen-to-carbon dioxide configured to generate a hot zone in the combustion zone to increase flame stability in the combustion zone.
US09353939B2 Lighting including integral communication apparatus
A light for use in a light fixture includes a light source adapted to produce light in an area including the light and a connector configured for connection to the fixture. The light further includes a communication apparatus configured to generate one or more signals indicative of a presence of a person in the area, and a controller that is operative to control the light source in a normal mode in response to the one or more signals.
US09353938B2 Illuminated wind indicator
An illuminated wind indicator including a wind chime assembly with a moveable pendulum assembly. The pendulum assembly includes a suspension member to support moveable suspension of the pendulum assembly proximate the wind chime assembly and further includes a component configuration of components including power and control circuitry, at least one solar panel, at least one light source and a striker, wherein each of the components has a distance relationship to the suspension member, where the power and control circuitry, the at least one solar panel and the at least one light source is electrically connected to form an illumination circuit that is separate and spaced apart from the wind chime assembly.
US09353933B2 Lighting device with position-retaining element
A lighting device comprising a first element that comprises an electrical connector, a second element that comprises at least a first light source, and a position-retaining element (or means) that holds the second element in any of at least two positions relative to the first element. Also, a lighting device comprising a first element that comprises an electrical connector, a second element that comprises at least a first trim element, and a position-retaining element (or means) that holds the second element in any of at least two positions relative to the first element. The electrical connector is electrically connected to at least a first light source, and the second element is movable relative to the first element among the positions while maintaining electrical connection between the electrical connector and at least the first light source.
US09353931B2 Lighting device
A lighting device may be provided that includes a housing; a coupling member coupled to the housing; a reflector disposed between the housing and the coupling member; a light source unit connected to the coupling member; and an optical member connected to the light source unit, wherein the optical member transmits a part of light emitted from the light source unit and reflects the other part of the light to the reflector.
US09353930B2 Light duct tee extractor
The disclosure generally relates to highly efficient light duct light extractors that are capable of extracting a portion of the light propagating within a light duct with nearly 100 percent efficiency. In particular, the described light extractors are configured in a “Tee” shape with a reflective diverter element.
US09353928B2 Reflective lighting system
A reflective lighting system for illuminating a subject includes a diffusion panel and a reflector. The diffusion panel is arranged and configured to be illuminated by a light source. The reflector is arranged and configured to receive light from the diffusion panel and redirect the light toward the subject.
US09353926B2 Optical film
An optical film includes a substrate, a plurality of first prism structures, and a plurality of second prism structures. The substrate includes a first surface and a second surface opposite thereto. The first prism structures are disposed on the first surface. Each of the first prism structures has plurality sets of first optical surfaces. The first optical surfaces belonging to the same set have the same absolute value of slope, and the first optical surfaces belonging to different sets have different absolute values of slopes, respectively. The second prism structures are disposed on the second surface. Each of the second prism structures has plurality sets of second optical surfaces. The second optical surfaces belonging to the same set have the same absolute value of slope, and the second optical surfaces belonging to different sets have different absolute values of slopes, respectively.
US09353925B2 Vehicular lamp with optical member having thermal stress absorption features
An optical member formed of resin includes a fixation portion, via which the optical member is fixed to a supporting member on which a light emitting element is supported, a reflective surface having a reflective region configured to reflect light from the light emitting element, and a thermal deformation absorbing portion configured to absorb thermal deformation of the optical member.
US09353918B2 System and method for communication among linear light modules in a lighting system
Light source systems and methods of operating the light source systems are disclosed. A light source system may include a combination of two lighting modules in communication with each other. The lighting modules can operate in concert, in parallel, or as master or slave. A printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) of the light source system includes electrical circuitry to drive a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The PCBA can include a communication interface for communication amongst the lighting modules. The PCBA can also include an optical sensor to provide color spectrum feedback to a controller module for self calibration. A master PCBA can receive sensor feedbacks, such as thermal and optical feedbacks from a slave PCBA. The sensor feedbacks can then be used to tune a color spectrum of a slave lighting module including calibrating the slave lighting module.
US09353913B2 LED track lighting
A light member includes a housing having a top side and a bottom side. The top side faces away from a space to be lit, and the bottom side faces the space to be lit. A lighting control region is disposed on the bottom side of the housing that illuminates the space and has a first control channel, a second control channel, and a neutral channel. A first light-emitting module is electrically connected to the first control channel and the neutral channel and a second light-emitting module is electrically connected to the second control channel and the neutral channel. A switch assembly is coupled to the housing and is operable to selectively deliver power to the first control channel and the second control channel.
US09353912B2 Method and system for refuelling
A dispensing system and a method for dispensing a fluid such as hydrogen to a hydrogen powered vehicle. The dispensing system contains a source of fluid, a valve block, a programmable logic controller and a dispenser. The dispensing system can be expandable by including a second valve block which during normal operation remains closed. When the operator desires to add a second dispenser, the second valve block is opened and connects the fluid source with the second dispenser. The dispensing system can be set up and operated as set up and operated both indoors and outdoors.
US09353911B2 Blanket installation method
Provided is a blanket installation method, which includes a transporting step of transporting a blanket unit (1), in which the blanket (2) and a transport jig (3) are coupled in one body, between an inner tank (60) and an outer tank in a double shell tank, in a suspended condition, and a mounting step of mounting the blanket unit on a shell plate of the inner tank. According to the method, in the event of installing work of the blanket, the improvement in work efficiency and safety can be achieved.
US09353904B2 Rotatable stand
A rotatable stand comprising a front body and a rear body. The front body has a containment slot, a connecting portion and a stopping portion, the rear body has an engaging portion, a positioning column and a hollow portion. The stopping portion of the front body further has a first positioning slot and a second positioning slot. By engaging the connecting portion of the front body and the engaging portion of the rear body, the positioning column of the rear body is capable of being rotated between the first positioning slot and the second positioning slot.
US09353900B2 Lining element for the rehabilitation of a pipeline
A lining element for the rehabilitation of a pipeline, including a substrate layer made of an expansible resin-absorbing material and a multiple layer system, the multiple layer system being formed from silicone.
US09353899B2 Water hammer recognizing and energy saving water hammer prevention system and method for controlling the same
The present invention relates to a water hammer recognizing and energy saving water hammer prevention system and a method for controlling the same that is configured wherein in case of the selective on/off operations of a plurality of pumps in a pipe system in accordance with the change of the use environment, the pressure variation and level variation of an air chamber caused by water hammer are compared with reference values and set values, and they are divided into a normal mode and a safe mode, thereby controlling the air intake and exhaust of the air chamber and preventing energy consumption from unnecessarily occurring.
US09353896B2 Non-rotating mechanical joint for a hose coupling
A hose coupling and method of manufacturing same are disclosed. The hose coupling includes a stem to which is staked a ferrule. The stem includes a radially inwardly directed groove into which a radially inwardly directed wedge of the ferrule is staked. The wedge includes a width that is greater than the width of the groove before staking. Moreover, the groove includes a bottom surface from which first and second canted sides extend at a first angle, while the wedge includes an inner surface from which first and second canted sides extend at a second angle. The first and second angles are not parallel but within five degrees of one another. The stem and ferrule form at least six distinct regions of surface contact to guard against rotation of the ferrule relative to the stem.
US09353895B2 Aseptic connector for a free-flowing food
A reusable aseptic connector is provided. The connector may be used to provide fluid communication between a bag-in-box (BIB) container and a beverage dispenser. The connector may provide aseptic properties of the connection by insulation of an inner volume of a first part and an inner volume of a second part, with the beverage component kept from contacting any of the part of the connector structure that are exposed to the environment and have a risk of induced contamination. The connector may comprise a resilient membrane and a sliding tube wherein the sliding tube is configured to have a portion move toward and through the resilient membrane to establish fluid communication between the first part and the second part, and for the portion to move away from the resilient membrane to destablish fluid communication between the first part and the second part when desired.
US09353889B2 Modular frame system and method for holding subsea equipment
A modular subsea equipment assembly including a modular base frame and a plurality of modular superstructure devices for selective attachment to the modular base frame for supporting various components and for attachment to underwater cables. The modular base frame includes a frame member forming an outer periphery of the base frame, and a plurality of cross bars extending between opposite portions of the frame member in one or more directions, the frame member and cross bars having at least upper surfaces each having a plurality of connection points for attaching selected modular devices of the assembly to the base frame in a plurality of different possible configurations.
US09353885B1 Foot-operated, portable faucet
The foot-operated, portable faucet includes a faucet spout that extends vertically from a housing. The housing includes at least one mounting bracket thereon such that said housing is adapted to be secured to a ground surface. The housing includes a female garden hose connection that is in fluid communication with a water valve. The water valve is also in fluid communication with the faucet spout. The water valve is controlled via a foot pedal that is pivotably engaged with respect to a side surface of the housing. When in use, the foot pedal is depressed in order for the water valve to open fluid communication from the female garden hose connection to the water spout. An alternative embodiment may include an auxiliary male garden hose connection. Other embodiments may utilize a faucet spout of varying heights that extend upwardly from the housing.
US09353878B2 Dual plate backflow and breakaway check valve
A dual plate backflow and breakaway check valve that features a warning system to alert individuals when fire hydrants are dislocated. The dual plate check valve comprises an upper surge protection valve assembly and a lower backflow protection valve assembly. When fire hydrant or pipes conveying fluids are damaged, the locking mechanism enables a plurality of upper witness stream holes to generate at least one plume of fluid to indicate and readily visualize location of damage and allows an upper barrel assembly to operate in a closure mode. In this mode, a high pressure spray of fluid emits from the upper valve barrel and an optimum inclination of the lower portion of the upper valve barrel enables the upper witness stream holes to collide with an inner side wall of the upper valve barrel which causes the plurality of upper witness stream holes to disperse into a warning signaling mist.
US09353872B1 Monitor valve
A monitor valve contains: a body, at least one monitoring assembly, a stop ball, an inlet connector, and a transmission device. The body is hollow and includes an inlet channel, an outlet channel, at least one orifice, a chamber, a neck opening, a plurality of trenches, and a first hole. The at least one monitoring assembly is mounted in the at least one orifice of the body. The stop ball is accommodated in the chamber of the body and includes a first close ring, a first aperture, and two second apertures. The inlet connector is locked in the inlet channel of the body and includes a guiding portion, a second close ring. The guiding portion has a central passage and plural passages, and each passage has an inlet. The transmission device is rotatably fixed in the first hole of the body to control the stop ball to rotate.
US09353871B2 Close only expansive gate valve
A system, including a first flow control element configured to couple to a stem, and a second flow control element coupled to the first flow control element, wherein the first and second flow control elements are configured to expand relative to one another to create a seal in a closed position between a chamber and a flow path in a valve body, and wherein the first and second flow control elements are configured to enable fluid flow between the chamber and the flow path in an open position.
US09353864B2 Oil ring for internal combustion engine
An oil ring for an internal combustion engine is provided that can prevent adhesion and deposition of oil sludge even during long-time operation of the engine, can thereby prevent the occurrence of sticking of the oil ring components to each other, and can maintain a good oil control function. At least part of the surface of the oil ring for an internal combustion engine is coated with a metal coating having a surface free energy of 40 mJ/m2 or less and a hydrogen bonding strength of 1.0 mJ/m2 or less. A coating of Ni, Cu, or an alloy containing Ni or Cu is used as the metal coating.
US09353862B2 Piston for a reciprocating hermetic compressor
The piston is provided with a pair of radial holes opened to an external circumferential recess and lodging and retaining one respective end of a pin, to which is coupled a driving mechanism to reciprocate the piston inside a cylinder. The radial holes are completely sealed in order that the axial extension of a bottom radial gap provided by a bottom bearing surface of the piston work together with the axial extension of a top radial gap provided by a top bearing surface to provide the required leakage restriction of the refrigerant gas and also the required bearing of the piston inside the cylinder. The axial extension of each of the top bearing surface and of the bottom bearing surface is insufficient to provide by itself said required leakage restriction of the refrigerant gas.
US09353859B2 Park lock mechanism
A park lock mechanism having first and second actuator assemblies for selectively moving a cam against a cam follower to engage a pawl to a dog ring. The first actuator assembly can be selectively operated to coordinate movement of the cam between first and second cam positions. The second actuator assembly can be selectively operated to drive the cam from the first cam position to the second cam position.
US09353854B2 Hydraulic pressure supply system of automatic transmission
A hydraulic pressure supply system supplies hydraulic pressure generated at a hydraulic pump having two pump chambers to a low pressure portion and a high pressure portion and performs mode conversion from a full discharge mode to a two circuit mode or a half discharge mode according to variable control pressure of a solenoid valve.
US09353853B2 Control of transmission latch valve
A transmission includes a latch valve with latched and de-latched states. In the de-latched state, the latch valve directs a control pressure to a clutch apply circuit. In the latched state, which is entered in response to a control pressure higher than a latch pressure, the latch valve directs a line pressure to the clutch apply circuit. A controller manages the transition from latched to de-latched differently depending upon the transmission input torque and gear state. At high transmission input torque, the controller first reduces the control pressure to rapidly accelerate a spool in the latch valve, and then increases the control pressure to prevent clutch slip. At low torque, the controller reduced the pressure to an intermediate value during the transition and then reduces it again. At moderate torques, the controller reduces the pressure directly to a target pressure in a single step.
US09353848B2 Spline lubrication system
A gearbox assembly for use in a gas turbine engine includes a gearbox housing and first and second shafts. The first shaft is rotatably mounted in the gearbox housing. The first shaft has a first set of splines and defines a central cavity. The second shaft has a second set of splines engaged with the first set of splines. A scupper is positioned on an inner surface of the gearbox housing proximate the first shaft so as to direct liquid from the scupper through the central cavity of the first shaft to the first and second sets of splines.
US09353846B2 Power transmitting component with torque transfer device configured with fluid evacuation and lubrication system
A power transmitting component can include a differential, a first sump, a clutch assembly, a reservoir, a pump, and a fluid circuit. The pump can operate in a first mode to pump fluid from a reservoir to the piston chamber to move the piston to a second position. The pump can operate in a second mode to pump fluid from the piston chamber to the reservoir to move the piston to a first position. The fluid circuit can fluidly couple the reservoir to the first sump when the piston is in the first position and the pump is operated in the second mode. The pump can be configured to pump fluid from the first sump through the fluid circuit when the fluid circuit fluidly couples the first sump and the reservoir.
US09353841B2 Drive device for a self-propelled machine and corresponding method
The invention relates to a drive device (10) for an automotive work machine, wherein the drive device (10) includes a first hydraulic motor (12a) coupled to a driven shaft (16), a second hydraulic motor (12b) and a coupling device (18), by means of which the second hydraulic motor (12b) can be coupled to the driven shaft (16) for torque addition in a first shift state, and can be decoupled from the driven shaft (16) in a second shift state. The coupling device (18) in turn includes at least one synchronizing body (20) with a conical friction surface (22) coupled to the second hydraulic motor (12b) and a gear wheel (24) with a corresponding friction surface (26) movable relatively to the synchronizing body (20) and coupled to the driven shaft (16).
US09353838B2 Electric linear actuator
An electric linear actuator has a housing, an electric motor, a speed reduction mechanism, and a ball screw mechanism. The ball screw mechanism has a nut and a screw shaft. The nut is rotationally supported by bearings on the housing but is axially immovable. The screw shaft is rotationally supported on the nut and is axially movable with respect to the housing. The housing has a first housing and a second housing abutting against one another. Bores contain the screw shaft in the housing. The speed reduction mechanism has an input gear, an intermediate gear, and an output gear, secured on the nut, mating with the intermediate gear. The intermediate gear is rotationally supported, via a bearing, on a shaft. The shaft is supported at its opposite ends on the first and second housings.
US09353837B2 Electric linear motion actuator
An electric linear motion actuator includes: a rotary shaft to be driven by an electric motor; a plurality of planetary rollers kept in rolling contact with a cylindrical surface formed on an outer periphery of the rotary shaft; a carrier which retains the planetary rollers such that the planetary rollers are rotatable about axes thereof while revolving around the rotary shaft, and of which axial movement is restricted; and an outer ring member surrounding the planetary rollers and supported so as to be slidable in an axial direction. Helical ribs are formed on an inner periphery of the outer ring member; and circumferential grooves are formed on an outer periphery of each of the planetary rollers so as to be engaged with the helical ribs. A rotation of the rotary shaft is thus converted to a linear motion of the outer ring member.
US09353835B2 Continuously variable transmission device
A continuously variable transmission device includes an input shaft, an output shaft, an input roller, an output ring, a transmission ring, a plurality of planetary rollers including a first conical portion externally contacted to the input roller and internally contacted to the output ring and a second conical portion internally contacted to the transmission ring, a movable holder which holds the plurality of planetary rollers to be capable of rotating about each rotating axis line and revolving about the center axis line, and a loading cam mechanism (CM1, CM2) which generates a thrust load. The input roller, the output ring, and the transmission ring are formed so that each face being contacted to the planetary roller is formed to have a convex curved face. The planetary rollers are supported by the movable holder so that an inclination angle of a rotation axis line against the center axis line is variable.
US09353834B2 Transmission for a motor vehicle
A transmission includes a drive shaft, an output shaft, a housing, three planetary gear sets, six shift elements, comprising a first brake, a second brake along with a first clutch, a second clutch, a third clutch and a fourth clutch. The shift elements are selectively actuated, by which nine forward gears and one reverse gear are realized. The drive shaft and the output shaft are arranged in a manner axially offset to each other, and the drive shaft is connectable through the first clutch to the second brake and through the second clutch to the sun gear of the second planetary gear set and to the sun gear of the third planetary gear set, whereas the sun gear of the second planetary gear set and the sun gear of the third planetary gear set are also connected to each other.
US09353833B2 Multi-speed gearbox
The multi-speed transmission comprises four planetary gear sets eight rotatable shafts and six shifting elements. The sun gear of the first planetary gear set is connected to the fifth shaft, which is attachable to the housing through a third brake. The input shaft is, through a first coupling, connectable to the seventh shaft connected to the sun gear of the third planetary gear set, which is connected to the bar of the first planetary gear set and is connectable to the fourth shaft through a third coupling, which is connected to the sun gear of the second planetary gear set and is attachable to the housing through a second brake. The input shaft is, through a second coupling, connectable to the eighth shaft connected to the sun gear of the fourth planetary gear set and the third shaft is connected to the ring gear of the first planetary gear set, the bar of the second planetary gear set, and the ring gear of the fourth planetary gear set, and is attachable to the housing through a first brake. The sixth shaft is connected to the ring gear of the second planetary gear set and the ring gear of the third planetary gear set. The output shaft is connected to the bar of the third planetary gear set and the bar of the fourth planetary gear set.
US09353832B1 Apparatus with the multi-stage power shifting means applied to a machine tool
An apparatus with the multi-stage power shifting means applied to a machine tool includes a housing body, a first transmission device and a second transmission device disposed in the housing body, a coupling device connected to the transmission devices and a controller controlling the gear shifting motion of the transmission devices. The controller includes two control units pivotally connected to respective engaging parts of the transmission devices and a driving system capable of moving the control units. When a power is sequentially transmitted from an external power source to the first transmission device, the coupling device, the second transmission device and then to a power transmission mechanism, the controller adjusts the mode of meshing the engaging parts with other correlated elements in the transmission devices to attain different output torque and speed values, the multi-stage shifting effect and the torque multiplying effect without increasing the bulk.
US09353831B2 Control method for dual clutch transmission, dual clutch transmission, and vehicle loaded with same
A method for controlling a dual clutch transmission, a dual clutch transmission, and a vehicle equipped with the same. A first input shaft is connected to a first clutch and a second input shaft is connected to a second clutch. A set of odd-numbered gears and a set of even-numbered gears are arranged respectively across the first input shaft and second input shaft and an output shaft. Two of the gears are set as a start gear and a support gear, respectively. A one-way clutch is provided between the support gear and the first input shaft to let the support gear freewheel when a vehicle is started by synchronously engaging the start gear and the support gear to the second input shaft and the first input shaft, respectively, and simultaneously bringing each of the first clutch and the second clutch into a connected state. A third clutch connects the first input shaft and the second input shaft and rotates them together when the vehicle is started.
US09353830B2 Link-plate chain for continuously variable transmission
A link-plate chain for a continuously variable transmission, having a plurality of link plates interconnected in a chain circumferential direction and a chain transverse direction to be wound around an input pulley and an output pulley, by a plurality of rocker pins inserted to extend in the traverse direction through pin holes formed in the link plates, and attached with retainer pins for preventing detachment of the link plates from the rocker pins at ends in the transverse direction of the rocker pins, wherein: the retainer pins of the inside rocker pins sandwiched between the outer side rocker pins in the longitudinal direction among the rocker pins inserted through the link plates located at outermost ends in the transverse direction are configured to be attached more outward in the transverse direction than the retainer pins of the front and rear end side rocker pins.
US09353828B1 Device and method for joining cords or ropes
A device for joining two or more cords or ropes together, or for tightening or connecting a single rope or cord to itself or to a surface, without the need to tie or untie a knot is disclosed. The device can also be used to adjust the lengths of cords or ropes. The device can be used with cords and ropes of any sizes or lengths.
US09353821B2 Fluid damper assembly with gas cup lubrication chamber
A gas cup (36) is slidably disposed in the main chamber (34) of a housing (20) and a piston (50) is disposed spaced apart from the gas cup (36). The gas cup (36) includes a volume reducing device (110) for forcing a lubricant from a closed lubricant chamber (112) through a lubricant passage (108) to a lubricant reservoir (106) in response to a sliding movement of the piston (50). A flexible diaphragm (116) flexes into the closed lubricant chamber (112) in response to the sliding movement of the piston (50). A seal cap (118) sandwiches the flexible diaphragm (116) between the seal cap (118) and an annular projection (114) and the seal cap (118) includes a plurality of seal ports (120) for forcing the lubricant to flow from the closed lubricant chamber (112) through the lubricant passage (108) to the lubricant reservoir (106). The seal cap (118) includes a skirt (122) retained on the annular projection (114). A fluid seal (104) is disposed about the skirt (122) and spaced apart from the gas cup (36) to define the lubricant reservoir (106).
US09353820B2 Elastomeric damper with heater
A damper system includes a damper and a heater operably associated with the damper. The method includes heating the damper with heat energy from the heater and then monitoring and regulating the heat energy to the damper with a sensor and control subsystem.
US09353817B2 Isolation system and method thereof
An isolation system includes a platform, a plurality of isolators for the platform electronically switchable between a soft mode of isolation resulting in a first natural frequency and a stiff mode of isolation resulting in a second natural frequency, and a controller responsive to a signal representing the frequency of a machine on the platform and configured to switch the isolator to the stiff mode of operation when the frequency of the machine approaches or reaches, the first natural frequency to avoid resonance magnification, and otherwise switch the isolation to the soft mode of operation.
US09353816B2 Low cost, high density aircraft friction materials utilizing low fiber volume nonwoven preforms with pitch densification
Method of making a carbon-carbon composite brake disc or pad by: needling a plurality of layers of fibrous fabric segments to one another to form a brake disc or pad preform; carbonizing the fibrous preform to provide a carbon fiber brake disc or pad preform having a fiber volume fraction in the range 17% to 30% in the brake disc or pad preform; densifying the resulting carbonized needled fibrous fabric preform with pitch (isotropic or anisotropic) or with pitch and CVD/CVI; carbonizing the resulting pitch-infiltrated carbon fiber disk to carbonize the pitch therein; heat-treating the resulting pitch-densified carbon brake disc or pad; and subjecting the carbon brake disc or pad to a final cycle of CVD/CVI processing in order to produce a carbon-carbon composite brake disc or pad having a density of at least 1.70 g/cc and having a uniform through-thickness density. Benefits over conventional processing are obtained by increasing the needling rate used to manufacture the preform and reducing the amount of fiber used in the preform. In addition, the use of pitch in combination with CVI/CVD to densify the carbon fiber preform enables higher final densities to be achieved. This carbon-carbon composite manufacturing method also benefits from lowered manufacturing cycle time.
US09353811B2 Electric park brake for a multiple piston caliper
A brake system comprising: (a) a body assembly comprising: (i) an outboard side, (ii) an inboard side, (iii) a bridge extending between and connecting the inboard side and the outboard side, and (iv) two or more piston assemblies located entirely on the outboard side, entirely on the inboard side, or located both on the inboard side and the outboard side; and (b) an electric brake assembly comprising: (i) one or more differential assemblies in communication with the body assembly and each of the two or more piston assemblies; wherein the one or more differential assemblies provide power equally to each of the two or more piston assemblies so that each of the piston assemblies are moved axially in unison until a resistance of one of the two or more piston assemblies becomes higher than a remainder of the two or more piston assemblies and the one or more differential assemblies transfer power from the piston assembly with the higher resistance to the remainder of piston assemblies with a lower resistance so that the piston assembly with the higher resistance ceases to move and additional power is supplied to the remainder of the piston assemblies.
US09353810B2 Disc brake assembly with non-rotatable vehicle component and method for producing same
A disc brake assembly comprises an anchor bracket having a pair of arms, a caliper supported on the bracket and a non-rotatable vehicle component having a pair of lugs, each of the lugs provided with a non-threaded opening formed therethrough. The non-threaded openings receive fasteners installed in threaded openings of the bracket to secure the vehicle component to the bracket. The bracket includes on at least one of the arms a first shoulder at a transition between the first and second portions thereof. The vehicle component includes on at least one of the lugs a second shoulder having a shape which is generally complimentary to the shape of the first shoulder. When the vehicle component and bracket are secured together, selected surfaces of the first and second shoulders contact each other to substantially prevent movement of the bracket relative to the vehicle component.
US09353807B2 Starting clutch control system for vehicles
According to the present invention, a starting clutch control system is configured to stop the engine while disengaging the clutch upon satisfaction of a predetermined condition when the vehicle is running, and restart the stopping engine while engaging the clutch upon satisfaction of a predetermined restarting condition. The starting clutch control system applied to a vehicle is configured: to estimate a turbine torque of the torque converter based on engine speed, and capacity coefficient and a torque ratio of the torque converter, when the engine is required to increase a power to be restarted; to increase a torque transmitting capacity of the clutch in accordance with the estimated turbine torque; to estimate the turbine torque based on an air intake of the engine and an engine speed after a completion of an engagement of the clutch; and control the torque transmitting capacity of the clutch with the estimated turbine torque.
US09353805B2 Spatial wedging friction overrunning clutch
An overrunning clutch is provided with a spatial wedge-shaped mechanism including a rotation guide mechanism (G) and a traction friction mechanism (F1). The traction friction mechanism (F1) has a friction member. A guide member of the rotation guide mechanism (G) preferably has a helical tooth guide surface. The rotation guide mechanism (G) and the traction friction mechanism (F1) are rigidly, axially linked by a common annular intermediate member, which has complementary guide surfaces and a rotation friction surface. The lead angle of the guide surfaces is less than the maximum value of the lead angle which is capable of ensuring self locking of the friction pairs between the guide surfaces, so that the intermediate member can be wedged between the guide member and the friction member, and then transfer torque therebetween. The invention has many advantages such as fully surface contact, a simple structure, no disperse and asymmetry rotation members, and various beneficial operating conditions can be achieved conveniently by the direction controllable scheme.
US09353804B2 Harmonic drive assembly with selective disconnect and method
A harmonic drive assembly with selective disconnect includes a motor with a motor drive shaft, a harmonic drive operatively coupled to the motor drive shaft, and a wave generator operatively coupled to the motor drive shaft and a flex gear of the harmonic drive. Also included is a ring gear of the harmonic drive operatively coupled to the flex gear with a plurality of ring gear teeth configured to mesh with a plurality of flex gear teeth. Further included is an output shaft operatively coupled to the harmonic drive. Yet further included is a retracting mechanism configured to selectively retract the motor drive shaft and the wave generator to decouple the motor drive shaft and the wave generator from the harmonic drive, wherein a clearance between the ring gear teeth and the flex gear teeth is established upon retraction of the motor drive shaft and the wave generator.
US09353803B2 Power transmitting apparatus
A power transmitting apparatus comprising a switching device for switching an urging device between an urging force applying position wherein an abutment between the other end of the urging device and the pressure member is kept to apply the urging force of urging device to the pressure member when the intermediate member is moved toward the pressure member, and an urging force cutting-off position wherein the other end of the urging device is separated from the pressure member to cut-off the urging force of urging device to the pressure member when the intermediate member is moved toward the pressure member. In some embodiments, the urging device is set at the urging force applying position while the intermediate member is stopped when the vehicle is stopped and the urging device is set at the urging force cutting-off position while the intermediate member is rotated when the vehicle is running.
US09353802B2 Disconnect for a switchable wedge clutch
A wedge clutch, including: an inner hub; an outer race; and a conical outer race: including a first portion aligned with the outer race in a radial direction orthogonal to an axis of rotation for the wedge clutch and in an axial direction, and a second portion aligned with the outer race in an axial direction parallel to the axis. The conical outer race is axially displaceable with respect to the outer race to bring the first and second portions into contact with the outer race to non-rotatably connect the inner hub and the outer race and to separate the first and second portions from the outer race to enable relative rotation of the inner hub and the outer race. The wedge clutch includes a wedge plate radially located between the inner hub and the conical outer race and engaged with the inner hub and the conical outer race.
US09353796B2 Sensor-bearing unit and apparatus comprising such an unit
A sensor-bearing unit, adapted for implementation in an oil lubricated environment and comprising: a bearing including at least one rotating ring movable in rotation around a central axis, and a detection device for tracking the rotation of the rotating ring. The detection device is locked to the bearing and includes at least one target and at least one sensor associated with the target. At least one axial side of the bearing includes a passage opened along an axial direction parallel to the central axis and allowing an oil flow through the bearing. The detection device includes an air gap defined radially to the central axis between a maximum outer radius of the target and a minimum inner radius of the sensor.
US09353795B2 Rolling bearing
A rolling bearing includes inner and outer races rotatable relative to each other, a plurality of rolling elements interposed between the inner and outer races, and a retainer arranged between the inner and outer races for retaining the plurality of rolling elements equiangularly. Flange portions are formed on a radially inner side and a radially outer side of an axial end portion of the retainer so as to extend radially. Recessed grooves are formed in a region of the inner race and a region of the outer race corresponding to the respective flange portions so as to form labyrinths together with the flange portions. Inner side surfaces of the flange portions and axial end surfaces of the recessed grooves, which are opposed to the inner side surfaces of the flange portions, are inclined radially so as to generate a flow of lubricant.
US09353793B1 Method and structure for improving the dynamic characteristics of a linear roller guideway
A method and structure improves the dynamic characteristics of a linear roller guideway for precision machine tool, robot or automation equipment by: adding a nonlinear component to the linear roller guideway to provide better dynamic stiffness and damping effects. The nonlinear component has a nonlinear contact characteristic of hardening so that during mounting or in a quick movement of the slide units of the linear roller guideway, the nonlinear component has a relatively lower stiffness to reduce its friction with the rail surface; on the other hand, when bearing a load or during a cutting work, the nonlinear component has a relatively higher stiffness. The nonlinear component also provides a planar contact, overcoming the drawbacks of low damping of point or line contact of the slide units of the nonlinear roller guideway, and enhancing the cutting precision of the machine tool.
US09353784B2 Method of installing fastener to secure metal panel to wood structural element
Fasteners are provided that include a head and having a head, a tip end having a tip, a first body portion having first threads having a pitch angle, and a second body portion having second threads, the second threads having a different pitch than the first threads. The first body portion is adjacent to the tip end of the fastener and extends a first distance along a length of the fastener towards the head end. The second body portion is adjacent to the first body portion, and extends the head end of the fastener and extending a second distance along the length of the fastener towards the head end.
US09353780B2 Device for connecting two parts and needle system for such a device
The invention relates to a device to connect two parts, which is characterized by at least two needles which are connected on a base side to separate carriers, of which at least one carrier is operatively connected to the drive element for adjusting the needles, wherein in an initial position of the needles the needle tip are axially displaced with respect to one another and in a bracing position the needle tips are opposite one another in such a way that the supporting areas thereof are situated at the same axial level. The needles have in the region of their tips relative to their mutually facing areas integrated elevations and depressions in order to thereby control the spreading of the needle tips when the needles are actually displaced with respect to one another.
US09353779B2 Molded encapsulated retainer
An encapsulated retainer comprises a barrel that defines a fastener-securing void. The barrel has a flange that extends about its periphery. The encapsulated retainer further comprises an outer shell that has a top wall with a fastener-receiving aperture and a bottom wall that has a barrel-receiving aperture. The barrel extends into the barrel-receiving aperture. The encapsulated retainer further comprises first and second side walls which connect the top wall with the bottom wall. A connecter connects the outer shell with the flange.
US09353774B2 Fluid actuator
A fluid is supplied and discharged to and from a cylinder. A body portion is fixed to a fixed-side structure, and the cylinder is provided integrally with the body portion. A piston defines a cylinder chamber inside the cylinder and slides on an inner wall of the cylinder. A rod is provided integrally with the piston and is displaced so as to extend from and contract into the cylinder. A link member is installed parallel to the axial direction of the cylinder or installed so as to extend obliquely to a direction parallel to the axial direction of the cylinder, and a first end of the link member is pivotably connected to a movable-side structure. A connecting member is fixed to the rod, and a second end of the link member is pivotably connected to the connecting member.
US09353767B2 Stator anti-rotation device
A stator vane assembly for a gas turbine engine is disclosed and includes a plurality of vanes received within channels defined within a case. An anti-rotation plate extends from a flange of the case between adjacent ones of the plurality of vanes for preventing rotation of the plurality of vanes relative to the case.
US09353766B2 Containment structure for an actuation unit for immersion pumps, particularly for compact immersion pumps to be immersed in wells
A containment structure for an actuation unit for compact immersion pumps for wells having a box-like casing, which is fitted over an electric actuation, motor for pumps, which it encloses hermetically, a cartridge, which accommodates a driving device of the motor and has a radial space occupation that is substantially smaller than, or equal to, the radial space occupation of the casting, and quick-coupling connectors provided at a head of the cartridge and at a bottom of the casing, adapted for the quick and reversible connection of the cartridge to the casing, the connectors comprising at least one power supply connector, adapted to electrically connect the driving device to an electric power supply, with which the casing is equipped, and at least one control connector, which is adapted for the functional connection of the driving device to the motor for driving it.
US09353760B2 Speed sensor insert with bearing spacer indexing for a turbocharger
A turbocharger bearing housing, including a bearing bore having two journal bearings located in the bearing bore and a tubular bearing spacer having first and second axial ends for spacing apart said journal bearings. The tubular bearing spacer having at least one radial opening and a mounting bore for receipt of a turbocharger shaft. The mounting bore further being capable of receiving a generally tubular insert mounted therein and extending into the at least one radial opening of the bearing spacer. The tubular insert further including an indexing surface to assist in setting the depth of insertion for a rotational speed sensor mounted therein via threaded fitting or friction fit and creating a set air gap between an end of the speed sensor and the rotating shaft.
US09353756B2 Method for the controlling and feeding of a power plant and power plant
The subject of the invention is a method for the controlling and feeding of power plants, in particular coal fired power plants comprising a steam turbine connected to a turbogenerator. The method consists in that in periods of low power consumption the power is transferred from the turbine shaft to a compressor and the air compressed therein is pumped by compressors to the tanks of a compressed air terminal until a pressure close to the pressure of steam fed to turbine blades is reached. When energy demand increases, compressed air from the tanks is fed through nozzles onto the turbine blades along with superheated steam produced in a boiler. The subject of the invention is also a system for collecting compressed air and feeding it to the turbine.
US09353744B2 Vane-type hydraulic device having vane formed with engaging groove
A vane pump (1) includes: a front side vane case (40), a rear side vane case (50), a pump housing (60), a pump cover (70), a drive shaft (30), a rotationally driven rotor (10), and vanes (20) provided in slot sections (13), wherein engaging groove sections and guide protrusions (46, 52), which engaging one another, are provided in the vanes (20), the front side vane case (40) and the rear side vane case (50), the engaging groove sections and guide protrusions (46, 52) are composed in such a manner that the vanes (20) move following a proximal inner peripheral surface (42b) in a state where the vane is proximate to the proximal inner peripheral surface (42b), in accordance with rotation of the rotor (10), and pump chambers are demarcated by the vanes (20) situated in proximity with the proximal inner peripheral surface (42b).
US09353739B2 Multi-pressure gas compressor having simultaneous running and charging systems
A multi-pressure compressor that includes a roll-cage frame, first and second compressor assemblies mounted in the roll-cage frame, a tank coupler, which is in fluid communication with the second compressor and is configured to be coupled to an auxiliary tank that is rated for an internal pressure in excess of 2500 psi, a bracket that is coupled to the roll-cage frame and configured to receive the auxiliary tank therein, and at least one controller for operating the first and second compressor assemblies.
US09353738B2 Compressor crankcase heating control systems and methods
A first switching device includes a first and second inputs connected to first and second power lines, respectively, the first and second power lines for receiving a first voltage. The first switching device selectively connects and disconnects the first and second inputs to and from first and second nodes, respectively. A second switching device includes a third input connected to the first node, includes a fourth input connected to a third power line, and includes a first output connected to a first end of a stator winding. A third switching device includes a fifth input connected to the second node and includes a sixth input connected to a fourth power line, the third and fourth power lines for receiving a second voltage that is less than the first voltage. The third switching device further includes a second output connected to a second end of the stator winding. A compressor crankcase heating control module controls the second and third switching devices to control compressor crankcase heating.
US09353735B2 Pump for metering and dispensing a liquid or viscous product
Provided is a device for metering and dispensing a liquid or viscous product. The device includes an inlet opening at a lower longitudinal end for the passage of the product from a container, an outlet opening at an upper longitudinal end for the dispensing of the product from the device, and a main chamber accommodating a piston that moves lengthwise with respect to the main chamber.
US09353729B2 Aerodynamic hub assembly for a wind turbine
An aerodynamic hub assembly for a wind turbine is disclosed. The hub assembly may include a hub extension, a rotor blade having a blade root and a blade tip, and a hub airfoil section mounted at least partially over the hub extension. The hub airfoil section may be fixed relative to the rotor blade or may be configured to rotate about a common pitch axis with the rotor blade. The hub extension may be connected to and extend radially from a center of the hub assembly. Further, the hub assembly may include a pitch bearing having an inner race and an outer race, wherein the pitch bearing may be coupled between the hub extension and the blade root. Additionally, the hub assembly may also include an aerodynamically-shaped spinner, wherein the spinner may house at least a portion of a root structure extending radially from the center of the hub assembly.
US09353727B2 Method of in situ calibrating load sensors of a wind turbine blade
A method of in situ calibrating load sensors of a horizontal axis wind turbine is described. The method comprises the steps of: a) determining a rotor azimuth angle of a first wind turbine blade, b) determining a pitch angle of the first wind turbine blade, c) measuring loads in a first cross-section of the first wind turbine blade using the first load sensors, d) calculating theoretical loads based on at least the rotor azimuth angle and the pitch angle of the blade determined in steps a) and b), e) comparing the loads measured in step c) with the theoretical loads calculated in step d), and f) calibrating the first load sensors based on the comparison of step e), wherein the calibration are based only on measurements carried out, when the generator is cut out.
US09353725B2 Watercraft and electricity generator system for harvesting electrical power from wave motion
This disclosure provides improved nautical craft that can travel and navigate on their own. A hybrid vessel is described that converts wave motion to locomotive thrust by mechanical means, and also converts wave motion to electrical power for storage in a battery. The electrical power can then be tapped to provide locomotive power during periods where wave motion is inadequate and during deployment. The electrical power can also be tapped to even out the undulating thrust that is created when locomotion of the vessel is powered by wave motion alone.
US09353722B2 Ignition coil for internal combustion engine
An ignition coil includes a primary coil, a secondary coil, a center core, a case, and a filler resin. A connection terminal is connected to a high-voltage-side winding end portion of the secondary coil. A cylindrical high-voltage tower section is formed projecting outside the case. A high-voltage terminal connected to the connection terminal is disposed within the high-voltage tower section. The connection terminal has a contacting portion and a conducting portion. The contacting portion comes into contact with the high-voltage terminal. The conducting portion ensures electrical conduction with the high-voltage terminal. The contacting portion comes into contact with and presses against the high-voltage terminal in an axial direction of the high-voltage tower section. The contacting section is pressed against the high-voltage terminal in the axial direction such that the conducting portion is pressed against and placed in contact with the high-voltage terminal in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.
US09353720B2 Starter adapted to idle stop system of vehicle
An electromagnetic solenoid that controls a motor current of a starter includes: a first switch including first fixed contacts and a first movable contact, intermitting the motor current; a suppression resistor that suppresses the motor current; a second switch including second fixed contacts and a second movable contact, making a short circuit path to bypass the suppression resistor; a first regulation member being driven by a first solenoid, regulating the first switch being closed and releasing the first switch from being regulated after predetermined time elapses; and a second regulation member being driven by a second solenoid, regulating the second switch being closed and releasing the second switch from being regulated after predetermined time elapses when the first switch is released from regulated state. The first and second regulation members are disposed between a regulated position and a released position to regulate the first and second switches.
US09353719B2 Power supply device, on-vehicle electronic system, and method for controlling boosting circuit
A power supply device is mounted in a vehicle capable of starting an engine with power supplied from a battery, and includes a booster configured to boost voltage supplied from the battery, a detecting unit configured to detect an engine start, a counting unit configured to count an engine start count based on the detecting unit, and a control unit configured to control the booster. The control unit outputs a control signal to permit the booster to boost the voltage in response to the engine start when the engine start count counted by the counting unit within a timer period does not exceed an allowable number of times.
US09353717B2 Engine control unit for driving an electric circuit and method
An engine control unit for driving an electric circuit, e.g., a starter in a vehicle, includes at least a first element for making a first signal, particularly an ignition signal, available, a second element for making a voltage available for the electric circuit, a third element for connecting the electric circuit, a first switch which is disposed between the second and third elements to control the electric circuit, and a fourth elements for generating a second signal, the first signal cooperating with the second signal to form a virtual second switch for turning the electric circuit on or off with the aid of the first switch.
US09353714B2 Multi-layer piezoelectric element, and injection device and fuel injection system using the same
There are provided a multi-layer piezoelectric element which suppresses damage or separation of an external electrode and improves durability, as well as an injection device and a fuel injection system using the multi-layer piezoelectric element. A multi-layer piezoelectric element includes a stacked body including stacked piezoelectric bodies and internal electrodes, a conductor layer disposed coveringly on a side surface of the stacked body so as to be elongated in a stacking direction of the stacked body to electrically connect with ends of the internal electrodes, which are extended to the side surface of the stacked body, and an external electrode disposed on the conductor layer, one end in the stacking direction of the external electrode being a feeding end, a bonded region of the external electrode which is bonded to the conductor layer in an area near the feeding end being covered with a resin.
US09353710B2 Carbon heating element for evaporative emission canister
An evaporative emissions control system for reducing the amount of fuel vapor emitted from a vehicle includes a canister containing a sorbent material and a cartridge heater disposed at least partially within the canister in direct contact with the sorbent material. Electrical terminals for applying power to a heating element within the heater are disposed external to the canister. At least one heat sink may be included within the canister in direct contact with the heater. A method of manufacturing an evaporative emission control system that includes a cartridge heater disposed in a canister is also presented.
US09353706B2 Actuator and valve arrangement
A number of variations may include an actuator and valve arrangement.
US09353704B2 Air inlet arrangement and method of making the same
An inlet arrangement is disclosed herein for use with a supersonic jet engine configured to consume air at a predetermined mass flow rate when the supersonic jet engine is operating at a predetermined power setting and moving at a predetermined Mach speed. The air inlet arrangement includes, but is not limited to, a cowl having a cowl lip and a center body coaxially aligned with the cowl. A protruding portion of the center body extends upstream of the cowl lip for a length greater than a conventional spike length. The protruding portion is configured to divert air flowing over the protruding portion out of a pathway of an inlet to the supersonic jet engine such that a remaining airflow approaching and entering the inlet matches the predetermined mass flow rate.
US09353702B2 Top deck surface coating of engine block
A method of manufacturing an engine block is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes providing an engine block including a cylinder bore and a top deck with a head face including a predetermined surface roughness. The method also includes masking the cylinder bore with a masking plug, the masking plug being located at a predetermined insertion distance measured from a masking plug outer surface to the head face. The method further includes applying a corrosion resistant coating to the top deck over the head face and machine finishing the engine block including the coating to the engine block specifications.
US09353697B2 Control unit for internal combustion engine
A control unit for an internal combustion engine includes a load detector to detect a load on the engine, an injection volume calculator to calculate a cylinder injection volume indicating a volume of fuel injected from a direct injector, a first controller to perform a first control for increasing the frequency of the injection by the direct injector upon a reduction in the cylinder injection volume, a second controller to perform a second control for increasing a port injection volume indicating a volume of fuel injected from a port injector upon a reduction in the cylinder injection volume, and a switching controller to switch between the first control with the first controller and the second control with the second controller depending on the load.
US09353696B2 Combustion controller for internal combustion engine
According to one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling combustion in an internal combustion engine having a fuel delivery system includes a cylinder contents prediction module configured to predict at least one condition within a combustion cylinder of the internal combustion engine. The apparatus also includes a fueling parameter selection module configured to generate a fuel command for the fuel delivery system. The fuel command is based at least partially on the predicted at least one condition within the combustion cylinder.
US09353692B2 Start-up strategy for hybrid powertrain
A start-up method for a hybrid powertrain in which hydraulic pressure is generated in a casual start-up by an electric oil pump motor where certain predetermined conditions are satisfied and the casual start-up is abandoned and hydraulic pressure is generated by an engine where the predetermined conditions are not satisfied. The casual start-up is also abandoned where a vehicle operator seeks propulsion shortly after start-up and before an oil pump is rotating within a predetermined threshold of an oil pump target RPM.
US09353691B2 Fuel routing system of a gas turbine engine and method of routing fuel
A fuel routing system of a gas turbine engine includes a primary fuel circuit in communication with a fuel source and a fuel distribution manifold. Also included is a secondary fuel circuit extending from the primary fuel circuit to a plurality of fuel nozzles configured to direct fuel to a plurality of combustor chambers. Further included is a main fuel flow control valve disposed in the primary fuel circuit for restricting a fuel flow to the fuel distribution manifold upon removal of an electrical load operably coupled to the gas turbine engine. Yet further included is a plurality of check valves disposed between the secondary fuel circuit and the primary fuel circuit for restricting the fuel flow between the secondary fuel circuit and the primary fuel circuit.
US09353687B1 Gas turbine engine with liquid metal cooling
A gas turbine engine with a closed-loop liquid metal cooling fluid system for cooling stator vanes within the turbine, in which the stator vanes are made of a metallic material that will not react with the liquid metal cooling fluid. The stator vane may be made from a typical metal material such as ferrous metal alloys, nickel alloys or cobalt (Co) alloys, and an insert or liner made of molybdenum or tantalum may be placed inside to protect the outer vane material from reacting with a liquid metal such as bismuth, lead (Pb), indium, or alloy mixtures of thereof. In the case where the liquid coolant is bismuth, the liquid bismuth must be purged from the cooling system before the fluid cools and solidifies so the solidified bismuth does not expand and break the vanes.
US09353680B2 Rotary internal combustion engine with pilot subchamber
A rotary engine with an outer body having an insert located in the peripheral offset from the rotor cavity such that a portion of the peripheral wall extends between the insert and the cavity. The insert has a pilot subchamber defined therein and the portion of the peripheral wall has at least one opening defined therethrough in communication with the at least one outlet opening of the insert and with the cavity. A method of combusting fuel into a rotary engine is also discussed.
US09353679B2 Internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine includes at least one compression chamber, formed by a housing and therein compressor rotary pistons rotating on a shaft with compressor sealing strips, on which optionally movable toggle sealing strips are arranged. The compression chamber is in gas connection with at least one ignition chamber and this ignition chamber is in gas connection with at least one expansion chamber. This chamber is formed by the housing and by an expansion rotary piston rotating in this chamber on a shaft. An at least one flywheel rotating in the housing on a shaft provided for the power transfer together with the compressor rotary piston forms a compression chamber and together with the expansion rotary piston forms an expansion chamber. The ignition chamber is equipped with a device for igniting a compressed gas mixture.
US09353676B2 Actuating device and joint
An actuating device for bi-directionally adjusting an actuator may include an actuator drive and a coupling device drive-connected to the actuator drive and the actuator. The coupling device may include a first coupling member, a second coupling member and a joint connecting the first coupling member and the second coupling member to each other in an articulated manner. The joint may have a housing which is fixedly connected to the first coupling member. The housing may define a bearing chamber having a first bearing face facing away from the first coupling member. The joint may include a bearing shell fixedly connected to a shaft of the second coupling member. The bearing shell may be arranged in the bearing chamber and have a first counter bearing face facing the first coupling member. The bearing shell may have a second counter bearing face facing away from the first coupling member.
US09353674B2 Turbulent jet ignition pre-chamber combustion system for spark ignition engines
An ignition system for an internal combustion engine having at least one combustion chamber where the ignition system includes a housing, an ignition device, an injector, and a pre-chamber having a nozzle disposed spaced from the proximal portion of the pre-chamber. The igniter portion of the ignition device and the nozzle of the injector are operatively supported in the proximal portion of the pre-chamber and disposed flush therewith. The igniter portion ignites the fuel in pre-chamber such that partially combusted pre-chamber products are forced through orifices in the pre-chamber nozzle and extinguish, but dispersed through the combustion chamber so as to ignite the main fuel charge therein.
US09353670B2 Exhaust gas recirculation system for an internal combustion engine
An exhaust gas recirculation system for an internal combustion engine comprising an exhaust gas recirculation conduit fluidly connecting an exhaust manifold to an intake manifold of the internal combustion engine, first and second exhaust gas coolers located in series in the exhaust gas recirculation conduit, each of the first and second exhaust gas coolers comprising an inlet and an outlet fluidly connected to a first and a second coolant circuit respectively, wherein the second coolant circuit comprises a radiator having a coolant inlet in fluid communication with the coolant outlet of the second exhaust gas cooler, a pump having a coolant inlet in fluid communication with a coolant outlet of the radiator and a coolant outlet in fluid communication with the coolant inlet of the second exhaust gas cooler, and an additional conduit fluidly connecting the coolant outlet of the exhaust cooler.
US09353669B2 Error releasing device for work vehicle and error releasing method for work vehicle
An error releasing device for a work vehicle to release an error related to an exhaust gas treatment system when the error related to the exhaust gas treatment system has occurred includes: an input unit configured to input at least temporary input information; an authentication unit including a processing algorithm common with a processing algorithm of an external device that generates the temporary input information, and configured to authenticate the input temporary input information by using the processing algorithm; and an error release processing unit configured to release the error related to the exhaust gas treatment system when the temporary input information acquired from the external device by using inquiry information obtained through a predetermined operating procedure is input and further the temporary input information is authenticated by the authentication unit.
US09353662B2 Fabricated media line and use in an SCR catalyst system
An assembled media line, or a section of a media line, for connecting a tank to a dosing unit in order to add a reducing agent into a SCR catalyst system of an internal combustion engine. The fluid line has electric heating in some sections for heating of the fluid. The fluid line is additionally provided, at least in some areas, with fluid tempering. In use, the media line connects a tank to a dosing unit in order to add a reducing agent in a SCR catalyst system of an internal combustion engine, and wherein the engine coolant is used as tempering fluid. The tempering is achieved by inclusion of at least one tempering line running alongside the fluid line. A line connector for such a media line includes a connecting housing in which the fluid line and two tempering lines can be connected.
US09353658B2 Crankcase ventilation filter assembly; components; and methods
Crankcase ventilation filter arrangements and components therefore are described. Example arrangements are described. In one, a serviceable filter cartridge includes a check valve therein, for protection during vehicle rollover. Handle arrangements are also described. Methods of use are described.
US09353657B2 Air cleaner; replaceable filter cartridges; and, methods
The disclosure concern air cleaners. Preferred air cleaners are shown which include a housing and a removable and replacement primary filter cartridge. Optional and advantageous features are shown. An optional mechanical interlock, operated with a non-threaded, movement of the cartridge, is provided between the primary filter cartridge and the housing. The preferred primary filter cartridge is conical in shape. A preferred optional safety or secondary filter cartridge is shown. Preferred methods of assembly and use are provided.
US09353656B2 Plate heat exchanger
A plate heat exchanger may include a plurality of trough-shaped heat exchanger plates stacked one on top of each other. Each plate may define a plurality of openings configured to receive a first fluid and a second fluid separated from the first fluid. An upper cover plate may have crossed embossed recesses aligned with and arranged on the openings of the heat exchanger plate in a sealed manner.
US09353654B2 Fixed chain type engine braking device
A fixed chain engine braking device includes a brake box, a driving mechanism and a braking mechanism. One upright blind hole and one horizontal blind hole are placed in the brake box, and the upright blind hole intersects the horizontal blind hole orthogonally. The driving mechanism includes a rolling ball and/or a driving piston placed in the horizontal blind hole, the braking mechanism includes a braking plunger placed in the upright blind hole. A fluid passage is placed in the brake box, and the fluid passage is communicated with the entry of the horizontal blind hole.
US09353650B2 Steam turbine plant and driving method thereof, including superheater, reheater, high-pressure turbine, intermediate-pressure turbine, low-pressure turbine, condenser, high-pressure turbine bypass pipe, low-pressure turbine bypass pipe, and branch pipe
A steam turbine plant includes: a superheater; a reheater; a high-pressure turbine; an intermediate-pressure turbine; a low-pressure turbine; a condenser; a bypass pipe that branches off a main steam pipe and includes a high-pressure turbine bypass valve; a bypass pipe that branches off a high-temperature reheat steam pipe, is connected to the condenser, and includes a low-pressure turbine bypass valve; and a branch pipe that branches off a low-temperature reheat steam pipe, is connected to the condenser, and includes a ventilator valve. At the time of turbine start up, the ventilator valve, the high-pressure turbine bypass valve, and the low-pressure turbine bypass valve are fully opened to allow steam to be circulated simultaneously into the high-pressure turbine and the intermediate-pressure turbine.
US09353644B2 Synchronizing ring surge bumper
A bumper assembly includes a bracket and a pad. The pad is connected to the bracket by a first rivet. Additionally, a synchronizing ring assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a ring section and a bumper assembly. The bumper assembly is connected to a side surface of the ring section and extends axially adjacent an inner radial surface of the ring. The bumper assembly is disposed adjacent a gap at an end of the ring section.
US09353642B2 Rotary wing aircraft having two main engines together with a less powerful secondary engine, and a corresponding method
An aircraft (1) having a rotary wing (2) and turboshaft engines (11, 12, 13) for driving said rotary wing (2). The aircraft then includes two main engines (11, 12) that are identical, each capable of operating at at least one specific rating associated with a main power (maxTOP, OEIcont), and a secondary engine (13) capable of operating at at least one specific rating by delivering secondary power (maxTOP′, OEIcont′) proportional to the corresponding main power (maxTOP, OEIcont) in application of a coefficient of proportionality (k) less than or equal to 0.5, said aircraft having a control system (20) for driving the rotary wing by causing each main engine (11, 12) to operate continuously throughout a flight, and by using the secondary engine (13) as a supplement during at least one predetermined specific stage of flight.
US09353634B2 Turbine blade equipped with means of adjusting its cooling fluid flow rate
A turbine blade cooled by an automatically variable internal flow of cooling fluid. The blade includes orifices situated under the blade root via which the cooling fluid penetrates, and an adjustment plate including holes situated in register with the orifices, the adjustment plate having a coefficient of expansion that is different from the coefficient of expansion of the blade root.
US09353629B2 Turbine blade apparatus
A turbine blade is disclosed. The turbine blade may include a platform, an airfoil extending from one side of the platform, and a neck extending from another side of the platform, wherein the neck includes a forward buttress and an aft buttress. The turbine blade may further include a root extending from the neck, a pocket defined by a plurality of walls and located between the forward buttress and the aft buttress, and a variable radius fillet. The variable radius fillet may be disposed within the pocket and extend between the forward buttress and the aft buttress, wherein a radius of the variable radius fillet increases from the forward buttress to the aft buttress.
US09353627B2 Blade for a wind turbine
A blade for a wind turbine comprising a blade root portion, the blade root portion defining an annular mounting surface for coupling to a hub or extender of the wind turbine and comprising a plurality of first holes provided with an internal bushing, wherein at least one first internal bushing comprises at least one first securing member, and at least one second internal bushing comprises at least one second securing member, the first and second bushings being located in or near substantially opposite positions of the annular mounting surface, and wherein said first and second securing members are adapted to receive connecting means for connecting the first securing member with the second securing member.
US09353626B2 Rotor assembly
A rotor assembly for a gas turbine engine, with an annular sleeve having an inner member connected around the shaft to rotate together therewith and having an outer member with a first end connected to the inner member, the outer member defining an annular continuous frustoconical inner surface angled such as to extend closer to the central axis near the first end. A rotor disc includes an annular protuberance extending radially inwardly of the outer member and forced toward the first end, and having an annular continuous frustoconical outer surface complementary to the inner surface of the outer member and in torque-transmitting engagement therewith. The assembly includes means for axially pressing the sleeve and the disc against one another to maintain the complementary frustoconical surfaces in torque-transmitting engagement. A method of engaging a rotor disc to a driving shaft in a gas turbine engine is also provided.
US09353625B2 Device for cleaning oxidized or corroded components in the presence of a halogenous gas mixture
A device for cleaning oxidized or corroded components (26), especially gas turbine components which are exposed to hot gases, in the presence of a halogenous gas, includes a cleaning retort which is designed in the shape of a boiler or cylinder and into which, indirectly or directly, leads a feed line which is connected via a flow control unit to a gas reservoir which stores the halogenous gas, and in which a device for gas distribution is integrated. The flow control unit has a gas volume control valve (5), a heat exchanger unit (9), and also a gas volume measuring unit (6) in sequence along the throughflow direction of the halogenous gas which flows through the feed line. Furthermore, a gas distribution in the retort directs the halogenous gas directly to the components which are to be cleaned.
US09353624B2 Scroll compressor
In a motor-driven scroll compressor of the present invention, a double-sided sliding bearing is provided a space between a drive bush and a boss portion. The double-sided sliding bearing has a cylindrical outer sliding member that is provided in the boss portion, and a cylindrical inner sliding member that is provided in the bush portion. In an outer boundary zone of an inner circumferential surface of the boss portion and an outer circumferential surface of the outer sliding member, and an inner boundary zone of an inner circumferential surface of the inner sliding member and an outer circumferential surface of the bush portion, relative rotation is generated. The outer sliding member and the inner sliding member have different lengths in an axial direction, and thereby form a first and a second steps at both ends in the axial direction.
US09353619B2 Method to estimate pore pressure uncertainty from trendline variations
Disclosed is a method for estimating a pore pressure of an earth formation penetrated by a borehole and an associated uncertainty. The method includes: conveying a carrier through the borehole; performing formation measurements at a plurality of depths in the borehole using a downhole tool coupled to the carrier; defining a first depth interval and a second depth interval deeper than the first depth interval, the first depth interval including a first set of formation measurement points and the second depth interval including a second set of formation measurement points; establishing a plurality of trendlines of depth versus formation measurements using a processor with each trendline in the plurality of trendlines extending from a point in the first depth interval through a point in the second depth interval; and calculating a pore pressure line and associated uncertainty using the plurality of trendlines.
US09353616B2 In-line sand screen gauge carrier and sensing method
A wellbore sensing system comprises a wellbore tubular string comprising at least one gauge carrier and at least one adjacent component, and at least one gauge disposed in the gauge carrier. The at least one gauge carrier is configured to provide an annular fluid communication between a housing and a mandrel, and the at least one gauge carrier is sealingly engaged with the at least one adjacent component. The at least one adjacent component comprises at least one of a filter element or a production sleeve, and the at least one gauge is configured to sense at least one parameter within a wellbore.
US09353603B2 Landing string compensator
Apparatus and methods for compensating a landing string due to movement of a floating rig platform are provided. In one aspect, a compensation system for use with a landing string is provided. The compensation system includes a slip joint member attachable to the landing string, the slip joint member having an upper portion and a lower portion. The compensation system further includes a first lock assembly configured to connect the upper portion of the slip joint member to a floating rig. Additionally, the compensation system includes a second lock assembly configured to connect the lower portion of the slip joint member to a riser disposed below the floating rig. In another aspect, a method for compensating a landing string due to movement of a floating rig is provided.
US09353601B2 Articulation festoon cabling beams
The cable handling apparatus includes a trolley beam, where the trolley beam is adapted to allow a cable trolley to slide thereon and an articulating arm. The articulating arm is hingedly coupled to the trolley beam, and the articulating arm is hingedly coupled to a piece of wellsite equipment. The articulating arm is repositionable between a retracted position and an extended position.
US09353595B2 Method and system for containing uncontrolled flow of reservoir fluids into the environment
Systems and methods for quick access and control of a blown-out well or well that is flowing uncontrollably into the environment. Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a re-entry of the casing of the blown-out well below the mud line and the inoperable blowout preventer. The present invention also provides a method to re-enter a production, or injection well, either subsea below the mud line or above the mud line for surface facility applications. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a miniature wellbore is created from the outer casing through the various smaller casing strings into the final wellbore to protect the structural integrity of the well. Once the casing is safely penetrated, coil tubing and or kill weight fluid can be introduced to stop the uncontrolled flow of reservoir fluid. The well can then be sealed with cement and abandoned as normal practice dictates.
US09353591B2 Self-draining production assembly
A production assembly includes a tree body, in which the tree body includes a main production bore formed about an axis and a wing bore extending through the tree body from the main production bore. The tree body may further include a wing valve in fluid communication with the wing bore to control the flow of fluid through the wing bore, in which at least a portion of the wing bore is angled from perpendicular with respect to the axis of the main production bore.
US09353589B2 Multi-cycle pipe cutter and related methods
A downhole cutting tool includes a tool body and a plurality of cutter knife sets, each of the plurality of cutter knife sets configured to extend outwardly to separately perform a pipe cutting operation. A first cutter knife set has a diameter in an extended position larger than a diameter in an extended position of a second cutter knife set. A method includes running the downhole cutting tool into a wellbore, deploying the first set of expandable cutting arms to an extended position and engaging the extended expandable cutting arms with a first work piece, rotating the downhole cutting tool and cutting the first work piece, deploying the second set of expandable cutting arms during a single trip into the wellbore to an extended position and engaging the extended expandable cutting arms with a second work piece, and rotating the downhole cutting tool and cutting the second work piece.
US09353588B2 Device and a system and a method of examining a tubular channel
The invention relates to a device for examining a tubular channel, the device comprising a three-way valve, buoyancy means, pressure means, a vent line, at least one sensor and computation means; wherein the three-way valve controls the fluid flow between the pressure means and the buoyancy means and between the buoyancy means and the vent line; the computation means is communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor and adapted to generate a control signal based on data received from the at least one sensor; and wherein the pressure means is fluidly coupled to the buoyancy means via the three-way valve such that a fluid may flow from the pressure means to the buoyancy means or from the buoyancy means to the surroundings of the device via the vent line; and wherein the computation means is communicatively coupled to the three-way valve and controls said three-way valve via the control signal. Thereby, the invention is able to examine e.g. oil wells containing obstructions such as wash-outs and/or side tracks and/or non-linear parts in open hole completions of the well.
US09353586B2 Control panel, and digital display units and sensors therefor
According to one aspect, a digital display unit includes a microcontroller to process digital information received from one or more sensors, a display, and a switch in electrical communication with the microcontroller so that the microcontroller displays an output on the display that is specific to a type of sensor. The type of sensor may be selected from a position sensor, a pressure sensor, and a stroke counter. The digital display unit may be part of a choke control panel. The microcontroller and the display may be disposed in an enclosure, and an electrical power source may be disposed in the enclosure to supply electrical power to the microcontroller and the one or more sensors. A digital hydraulic choke position sensor assembly and a digital pressure sensor assembly are also described, one or both of which may be used in a system for drilling an oil or gas well.
US09353583B2 Single upset landing string running system
Systems, apparatus, and methods for longitudinally moving or running a tubular, with the system including an elevator suspended from a rig. The elevator includes a body defining a bore to receive a tubular and wedges defining channels therebetween, with the wedges being configured to engage the tubular. The system may also include a spider including a body defining a bore to receive the tubular and wedges defining channels therebetween. The wedges of the spider may be configured to engage the tubular, and the wedges of the elevator may be configured to slide axially at least partially in the channels of the spider. The wedges of the spider may be configured to slide axially at least partially in the channels of the elevator.
US09353576B2 Hammer bit
A hammer bit is herein described with tapered lateral sides and a modified face section. The tapered lateral sides taper inward towards a rear portion of the hammer bit. The modified face section includes a gauge portion and a larger angled or heel portion. The hammer bit provides improved penetration and directional control for drilling into the earth.
US09353569B1 Connectors for a flood vent
According to one embodiment, a flood vent includes a frame, a door, and at least one connector. The frame forms a fluid passageway through an opening in a structure. Furthermore, the frame extends into the opening in the structure in a first direction. The door is pivotally mounted to the frame in the fluid passageway, and allows a fluid to flow through the fluid passageway. The at least one connector is positioned between an outer perimeter of the frame and an inner perimeter of the opening. Furthermore, each of the at least one connector is configured to apply pressure to the inner perimeter of the opening in a second direction that is at least generally orthogonal to the first direction.
US09353566B2 Power door actuation system
A power door actuation system for moving a vehicle door relative to a vehicle body between an open position and a closed position includes a motor assembly connectable to one of the vehicle door and the vehicle body that is configured to generate a rotational force. A drive shaft is interconnected to the motor assembly and extends from a first end disposed adjacent the motor assembly to a second end. The second end of the drive shaft is rigidly attached to one of a body strap or a door strap of a hinge for transferring the rotational force from the motor assembly to the respective rigidly attached strap to rotate the respective rigidly attached strap relative to the other of the door strap and the body strap for automatically moving the vehicle door between the open and closed positions.
US09353563B2 Hinge device for doors, shutters or the like
A hinge device for rotatably moving a closing element includes a fixed element anchorable to a stationary support structure coupled to a movable element anchorable to the closing element for rotating around a first longitudinal axis between an open position and a closed position. The device further includes at least one slider movable along a second axis between a compressed and an extended position. One between the movable element and the fixed element includes at least one operating chamber defining the second axis so as to slidably house the slider, the other element including a pivot defining the first axis. The pivot and the slider are reciprocally coupled so that to the rotation of the movable element around the first axis corresponds the sliding of the slider along the second axis and vice versa.
US09353560B2 Smart variable torque display
In one example an electronic device comprises a controller, a chassis comprising a first section and a second section, and a hinge assembly to connect the first section of the chassis to the second section of the chassis comprising a shaft rotatable about a first axis, a brake selectively engageable with a portion of the shaft, and an electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator coupled to the brake, wherein the EAP actuator selectively engages the brake with a portion of the shaft in response to a signal from the controller. Other examples may be described.
US09353549B1 Combination lock with rotary latch
A combination lock is provided, the combination lock having a rotary latch configured for rotation between a locked position and an unlocked position, the rotary latch rotating in a first plane; and a bolt configured for movement between a first position and a second position along a second plane the second plane being oriented at a different location than the first plane, the bolt engaging the rotary latch in the first position such that rotation of the rotary latch from the locked position to the unlocked position is prevented.
US09353544B2 Column base fitting and column base structure using it
A column base fitting 42 includes a bottom plate 42c having an approximately square plate shape and a support base 42f inside from the peripheral part of an upper surface 42d of the bottom plate 42c. A first bolt insertion holes 42a is formed in each four corner portions of the bottom plate 42c and a second bolt insertion hole 42b is formed at two positions closer to the center part than the first bolt insertion hole 42a, in the length direction of each four sides of the bottom plate 42c. A corner built-up portion 42r is formed at both ends in the length direction of the side surface 42h of the support base 42f, having a shape protruding outward in the perpendicular direction from the side surface 42h and filling the corner portion between the side surface 42h and an upper surface of the bottom plate 42c.
US09353537B2 Apparatus, system and method for lifting a building
An apparatus, system and method for raising and lowering a building, wherein a yoke receives the end of a building lifting beam and travels vertically on a vertical guide. The yoke is connected to a jack, and the yoke and jack are provided with independently releasable locking means. In operation, the jack is locked on the guide at an initial supporting position to allow the yoke to move, and then the yoke is locked on the guide to allow the jack to move to a new supporting position on the guide, allowing the yoke to climb up and down the guide through alternating component lockings and movements.
US09353536B2 Reinforcing structure for concrete column
A reinforcing structure for a concrete column is provided, which is capable of preventing the concrete column from being destroyed. A reinforcing structure for a concrete column comprises: a plurality of steel plates 6, overlapping portions of which are arranged to be slidable with each other by vibration due to an external force; grout material 7 filled into a space portion 3 formed in between the plurality of steel plates 6 and a concrete column 1; and a reinforcing sheet 5 with adhesive wound around an outer circumference of the plurality of steel plates 6, wherein: the plurality of steel plates 6 are bound by the reinforcing sheet with adhesive. Preferably, a restricting portion 12 is provided for restricting sliding movement of the overlapping portions, at the overlapping portions of the plurality of steel plates 6.
US09353532B2 Deck drainage systems
A deck drainage system includes a bracket. The bracket has three parts selectively separable from each other. These parts include a first portion, a second portion, and a central portion joining the first and second portions. The first portion has a first leg and a first arm disposed at an angle to the first leg. The second portion has a second leg and a second arm disposed at an angle to the second leg. The central portion is generally flat.
US09353530B2 Outer wall mounting member and outer wall structure
An outer wall structure of the invention includes an outer wall mounting member composed of a supporting plate and a plurality of securing members. The supporting plate includes a plate body and a positioning portion. With this outer wall structure, the plate body is fixed to a horizontal furring strip member and a frame member in an upside portion and a downside portion of a sash body of a window sash at a second distance away from an outer surface of the sash body. The securing members are fixed to the plate body at a third distance away from the outer surface of the sash body. In this outer wall structure, the position at the second distance is farther away from the outer face than the position at a distance from the outer surface of the sash body to a distal end portion of a flange of the sash body.
US09353529B2 Modular awning assembly
A modular awning assembly incorporating a flexible sheet; a shade frame fitted for supporting the flexible sheet, the shade frame having left and right arms and having a cross beam spanning between the left and right arms; sheet fasteners interconnecting the flexible sheet and the shade frame; left and right vertical support columns; shade attaching joints pivotally connecting the shade frame's left and right arms to the left and right vertical support columns; and column mounting brackets operatively connected to the left and right vertical support columns, the column mounting brackets being adapted for moveably attaching the left and right vertical support columns to a structure selected from the group consisting of vehicles, recreational vehicle side walls, vehicle hitches, boats, boat deck rails, building side walls, and fences.
US09353528B2 Rain gutter system
A rain gutter system including a gutter and at least one internal hanger, wherein the gutter includes a front wall and a back wall interconnected through a bottom and spaced-apart to cooperatively define a water-collecting channel therebetween, the front wall including a lip extending in the direction toward the back wall and a drip edge extending in a direction away from the back wall, the back wall extending upward vertically beyond the height of the front wall, and wherein the at least one hanger is positioned in the channel spaced-apart from the bottom and includes a forward flange extending upwardly from a base for being captured beneath the lip and a rear flange extending upwardly from the base and defining a support surface sloped in a direction toward the drip edge.
US09353526B2 Shingle with reinforcement layer
A shingle, a method of making it, and a roof embodying the shingle is provided, in which an exterior surface of the shingle is provided with an attached reinforcement layer through which fasteners may be applied when the shingle is applied to a roof.
US09353523B2 Insulated wall panel
The invention is an insulated wall panel system having structural elements that may be used as an exterior façade to a building. The insulated wall panel system provides a finished exterior surface, a structural component, and an insulation factor. The wall panel system may be used in new construction or in existing buildings. The wall panel system has an insulation layer, a middle cement layer, and an outer veneer layer. The outer veneer layer may include brick, stone, tile, or other material as a finished surface. The insulated wall panels may be attached directly to the studs or other structural element of a building.
US09353521B2 Ceiling-mounted baffle system
A ceiling-mounting baffle system including vertical panels. In one embodiment, the system includes a suspension bar mountable from a ceiling or other overhead structure and a vertical panel mountable to the suspension bar. The suspension bar includes a plurality of mounting segments spaced axially along the bar. To mount the panels to the suspension bar, the panel includes a hook element which may be disposed proximate to a top of the panel. The hook is configured to detachably engage a mounting segment to secure the panel to the suspension bar. In one embodiment, the hook element is associated with a recurved mounting slot integrally formed in the panel which receives the mounting segment of the suspension bar. The mounting segment is movable through the slot to hook the panel to the suspension bar.
US09353519B2 Automated apparatus for constructing assemblies of building components
A system for constructing wall panels comprising a plurality of structural members includes: a source of structural members of predetermined size; a horizontal table configured to support planks as they are being formed into a wall panel, the table including a stationary section and a movable carriage that is configured to move in a longitudinal direction toward and away from the stationary section; an articulated arm unit having a gripper, the articulating arm unit positioned to retrieve boards from the source with the gripper and place them on the table; at least one first clamping unit mounted to the stationary section for clamping structural members thereto; at least one second clamping unit mounted to the movable carriage for clamping structural members thereto; and a controller that controls the movement of the articulating arm unit and the movable carriage.
US09353518B2 Noise reduction system for composite structures
A method and apparatus comprising a composite panel and a number of structures to reduce noise radiation from the composite panel. The composite panel has a first face sheet, a second face sheet, and a core located between the first face sheet and the second face sheet. The number of structures is associated with the first face sheet. The number of structures has a mass with a configuration to reduce a speed of waves propagating in the composite panel such that noise radiating from the composite panel is reduced.
US09353517B2 External wall and roof systems
A ventilated exterior wall or roof system comprises frame including a plurality of frame members, and a double envelope structure attached to the exterior of the frame. The double envelope structure comprises a water resistant membrane, an exterior sheathing material disposed on the exterior side of and spaced from the water resistant membrane, and one or more air channels between the water resistant membrane and the exterior sheathing.
US09353515B2 Masonry tie
Masonry tie is provided having a base and a retainer plate. The base has back plate and a shaft extending from the back plate. The shaft has a plurality of teeth. The retainer plate has a receiving opening configured to receive the shaft. The retainer plate has a locking arm adjacent the receiving opening. The locking arm is biased to engage at least one of the plurality of teeth when the at least one of the plurality of teeth is adjacent the locking arm to releasably prevent the retainer plate from moving in at least one direction. The shaft has a mounting passage extending transversely through the shaft.
US09353513B2 Toilets with improved trapways
A toilet has a trapway extending between a bowl opening and a toilet outlet opening. A heel links and provides a bend between a down leg and an out leg of the trapway. The heel has a cross-sectional profile having a major dimension and a minor dimension. The major dimension increases as the down leg transitions into the heel and reduces as the heel transitions into the out leg. This heel configuration in the trapway forms a siphon during a flushing action of the toilet.
US09353511B2 Dual mode flush actuator
A flush actuator for engaging a flush valve. The flush actuator provides a mechanism assembly for automatically flushing the flush valve. A sensor provides a presence detection to trigger the automatic flushing. A reduced flush or standard flush cycle may be initiated.
US09353506B2 Installation structure for a water inlet pipe
An installation structure for a water inlet pipe includes a first water inlet pipe and a second water inlet pipe disposed adjacent one another, a water inlet base with a first water inlet hole configured to receive the first water inlet pipe, and a second water inlet hole configured to receive the second water inlet pipe, a shell substantially surrounding the first water inlet pipe and the second water inlet pipe, and having a first end configured to engage the water inlet base, and a limiting device formed from a resilient material and disposed within the shell, the limiting device having a first limiting groove that receives the first water inlet pipe and a second limiting groove that receives the second water inlet pipe for limiting displacement of the first water inlet pipe and the second water inlet pipe within the shell.
US09353505B2 Earth working bucket and connector assembly securing wear member thereto
The connector assembly is used in securing a wear member to a support structure of the earth working bucket in an engaged position in which corresponding apertures of the wear member and the support structure are aligned and form a connector passage. The connector assembly is engaged into the connector passage and comprises: an endless screw extending in the connector passage and having an externally operable head, abutment portions facing opposite walls of the connector passage, and a movement transfer mechanism operable to transform rotary movement of the endless screw into a transversal movement of one abutment portion relative the other, to push the abutment portions against corresponding opposite walls of the connector passage.
US09353504B2 Revolving apparatus for work vehicle
A revolving apparatus for a work vehicle includes a drive unit, a brake unit under the drive unit, a deceleration unit under the brake unit, and an output unit under the deceleration unit. The brake unit has a brake main body that stops revolution, a housing, a piston and a spring. The housing has a first face with a first concave component. The piston has a second face opposite the first face with a second concave component. The piston is disposed between the brake main body and the housing, and is movable with respect to the housing in order to actuate the brake main body. The spring member has two ends held in the first and second concave components. The first and second concave components have cylindrical shapes. The inside diameter of the first concave component is greater than the inside diameter of the second concave component.
US09353503B2 Work vehicle
A wheel loader is provided with an engine compartment, a cooling compartment, a radiator, a cooling fan, a partition wall, a first duct body part, and a top plate. A first end part of the first duct body part is positioned inside the engine compartment. A second end part of the first duct body part is positioned inside the cooling compartment in front of the radiator and the cooling fan. A first outdoor air intake port formed in the top plate is formed in front of the radiator and the cooling fan.
US09353501B2 Subsea excavation systems and methods
Novel subsea excavation apparatus and methods that exert force between a subsea anchor point and an excavator using a subsea actuator. In some examples the subsea actuator is attached to an anchor point on the seabed and the excavator directly. In other examples, a guide frame is anchored to the seabed to provide anchor points fixed relative to the seabed and the subsea actuators are attached to the guide frame and the excavator. In further examples, the subsea actuators can be attached to the excavator through a carrier frame or other excavator guides rather than directly to the excavator.
US09353496B2 Fluid-fillable barrier
A fluid-fillable barrier which includes a flexible, tubular, impermeable membrane and at least two internal tension members. The membrane has opposite ends, a middle, fluid-fillable section, an upper attachment area, and a lower attachment area. The tension members secure between, and extend from, the upper attachment area to the lower attachment area. The tension members have a length which is less than one-half the perimeter of the membrane, the length and perimeter being measured at a common cross-section, taken perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the membrane. One of the tension members is longer than the other, so that it is in a relaxed, limp state under normal operating conditions. The tension members are thermally bonded to, and sewn with a double sew line to, the attachment areas. The barrier further includes lifting loops at each end, connection cleats on the sides and ends, and venting/drainage standpipes.
US09353491B2 Ejector for a mobile ground preparation machine
Described is an ejector unit for a milling drum of a mobile ground preparation machine comprising a discharge side and a reverse side that is opposite to the discharge side. It comprises a basic unit on the drum and an ejector plate, which is held on the basic unit by means of screw-threaded bolts. There is a positive fit between the basic unit and the ejector plate, which positive fit involves at least one pin, on the one hand, and at least one complementary cylindrical counterbore on the other hand, whereby the at least one pin and the at least one ejector are oriented so as to be coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the screw-threaded bolts. Preferably, a shoulder is also provided along the base of the basic unit on its side facing the ejector plate, and the ejector plate has at least one complementary shoulder, whereby the shoulder on the basic unit and the at least one shoulder on the plate have meshing regions, which in the mounted state prevent transverse displacements in three directions.
US09353489B1 Apparatus and method for asphalt control system
A system for controlling the production of an asphalt mix. The preferred system comprises a recycled asphalt pavement source, a recycled asphalt pavement sensor, a liquid asphalt cement source, a liquid asphalt cement meter, and a controller. The recycled asphalt pavement sensor communicates the amount of recycled liquid asphalt cement and the amount of RAP moisture contained in the amount of recycled asphalt pavement to the controller, the liquid asphalt cement meter communicates the amount of liquid asphalt cement provided by the liquid asphalt cement source to the controller, and the controller controls the amount of recycled asphalt pavement provided by the recycled asphalt pavement source and the amount of the liquid asphalt cement provided by the liquid asphalt cement source. A method comprising controlling the amount of recycled asphalt pavement and the amount of liquid asphalt cement provided to the asphalt mix substantially continuously and substantially in real time.
US09353487B1 Securely interconnectable modules for use in constructing a pathway for traffic
A module for use in constructing a pathway for traffic comprises a base member having a perimeter edge. The base member defines a lateral groove disposed at the perimeter edge and a tongue structure disposed at the perimeter edge and shaped and dimensioned to be received in the lateral groove. The tongue structure comprises a plurality of tongue portions, and includes a first type of tongue portion and a second type of tongue portion disposed in alternating relation generally along the length of the tongue structure, to thereby define a throughpassage for receiving a securing rod therethrough. To form a pathway for traffic, the modules are placed in perimeter-edge to perimeter-edge relation one to the next, with the tongue structure of the modules inserted into the lateral groove of an adjacent module, and are secured together by the securing rod.
US09353484B2 Fruit fiber article and manufacturing thereof
An article including a first fiber derived from a first natural source and a second fiber derived from a fruit. A method of manufacturing an article may include combining a first and second fiber to form a fiber mixture, where the first and second fibers are obtained from discrete materials, and where at least one of the fibers is derived from an edible fruit of a plant. The article may be formed from the fiber mixture.
US09353480B2 Sterilizable and printable nonwoven packaging materials
Sterilizable and printable, wet-laid non-woven substrate exhibiting high-strength and temperature resistance above 140° C., providing sufficient airflow to relieve pressure in a package formed from the substrate during sterilization, providing a significant barrier to penetration by bacteria and debris, and which is sealable to itself and to thermoplastic films, comprises blends of nanofibrillated lyocell fibers, microfibers, fibers having a flat, rectangular cross-section and binder fibers.
US09353477B2 Laccases for bio-bleaching
Provided herein are isolated laccase enzymes and nucleic acids encoding them. Also provided are mediators for laccase reactions. Also provided herein are methods for using laccases to oxidize lignins and other phenolic and aromatic compounds, such as for bio-bleaching and decolorization of wood pulp under high temperature and pH conditions to facilitate a substantial reduction in use of bleaching chemicals, as well as for treatment of fibers.
US09353471B2 Washing machine having balancer
A washing machine with a balancer that may be commonly used irrespective of the size of a drum. The washing machine includes a cabinet, a drum rotatably disposed in the cabinet, an annular recess provided at the drum, and a balancer assembly mounted to the recess. The balancer assembly includes a balancer to offset unbalanced load generated in the drum during rotation of the drum and at least one balancer guide coupled to an outer circumference of the balancer to constitute the balancer assembly, the balancer guide being mounted to the recess along with the balancer so that an outer diameter of the balancer assembly corresponds to the recess.
US09353469B2 Independently controlled rollers for take-down assembly of knitting machine
A knitting machine includes a take-down assembly that includes a first take-down roller and a second take-down roller. The first take-down roller is configured to rotatably contact and apply tension to a first portion of a knit component. The second take-down roller is configured to rotatably contact and apply tension to a second portion of the knit component. The knitting machine further includes a first actuator that actuates to selectively adjust tension applied by the first take-down roller on the first portion of the knit component. Furthermore, the knitting machine includes a second actuator that actuates to selectively adjust tension applied by the second take-down roller on the second portion of the knit component. Additionally, the knitting machine includes a controller that is operably coupled to the first actuator and the second actuator to selectively and independently control actuation of the first actuator and the second actuator.
US09353458B2 Base substrate for epitaxial diamond film, method for producing the base substrate for epitaxial diamond film, epitaxial diamond film produced with the base substrate for epitaxial diamond film, and method for producing the epitaxial diamond film
The present invention provides a base substrate for epitaxial diamond film capable of epitaxially growing a large area of high quality diamond, having a diameter of 1 inch (2.5 cm) or more, on an iridium base by using the CVD method, a method for producing the base substrate for epitaxial diamond film, an epitaxial diamond film produced with the base substrate for epitaxial diamond film and a method for producing the epitaxial diamond film. An iridium (Ir) film is formed by epitaxial growth on a single crystal magnesium oxide (MgO) substrate or a single crystal sapphire (α-Al2O3) substrate by means of a vacuum deposition method or a sputtering method, and a bias nucleus generation process of forming epitaxial diamond nuclei is applied to the surface of the iridium (Ir) base formed as a film by exposing an ion-containing direct current plasma to the surface of the iridium (Ir) base formed as a film.
US09353457B2 Weir method for improved single crystal growth in a continuous Czochralski process
A method is disclosed for continuous CZ crystal growing wherein one or more crystal ingots are pulled into a growth chamber from a crystal/melt interface defined in a crucible containing molten crystalline material that is continuously replenished by crystalline feedstock. The method includes separating the molten crystalline material, controlling the flow of the molten crystalline material and defining an annular space with respect to sidewalls of a heat shield in the chamber.
US09353456B2 Process for obtaining a charge of hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane crystals having a rounded morphology; charge and corresponding energetic material
The present invention provides a process for obtaining a charge of hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane crystals having rounded morphology. It also provides said charge, the energetic material comprising it, and a process for manufacturing said material. Said process for obtaining said charge comprises: preparing a saturated solution of any polymorphic form of hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane in a mixture comprising both an organic solvent for said hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane and an organic nonsolvent for said hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane, said solvent being more volatile than said nonsolvent; seeding this saturated solution with a few hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane crystals; and then concentrating the seeded, saturated solution by at least partial evaporation of the solvent, said evaporation of the solvent being performed at a temperature of between 35° C. and 15° C. and at a pressure adjusted, to plus or minus 12 mbar, to the boiling pressure of the solvent in said solution, throughout the process of evaporating said solvent from said solution.
US09353451B2 Hydrolysis system and method for a vehicle engine
A hydrolysis system for a vehicle engine includes an electrolysis unit having a plurality of spaced, generally parallel, conductive plates and an electrolyte between the plates that produce fuel gas including hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis; a reservoir that receives the fuel gas from the electrolysis unit and stores the fuel gas and electrolyte; an electric pump that pumps the electrolyte from the reservoir to the electrolysis unit; a pulse width modulator that provides DC power to the conductive plates and to the pump; a dryer having a filter that removes water from the fuel gas; an expansion tank having an interior cavity that expands the fuel gas and a conduit within the cavity that heats the fuel gas with circulating hot water; and a spray tube that outputs the fuel gas. Methods include preparing and using the hydrolysis system.
US09353449B2 Method for producing NbON film
The NbON film of the present invention is a NbON film in which a photocurrent is generated by light irradiation. The NbON film of the present invention is desirably a single-phase film. The hydrogen generation device (600) of the present invention includes: an optical semiconductor electrode (620) including a conductor (621) and the NbON film (622) of the present invention disposed on the conductor (621); a counter electrode (630) connected electrically to the conductor (621); a water-containing electrolyte (640) disposed in contact with a surface of the NbON film (622) and a surface of the counter electrode (630); and a container (610) containing the optical semiconductor electrode (620), the counter electrode (630), and the electrolyte (640). In this device, hydrogen is generated by irradiating the NbON film (622) with light.
US09353440B2 Dual-direction chemical delivery system for ALD/CVD chambers
Provided are gas distribution apparatus with a delivery channel having an inlet end, an outlet end and a plurality of apertures spaced along the length. The inlet end is connectable to an inlet gas source and the outlet end is connectible with a vacuum source. Also provided are gas distribution apparatus with spiral delivery channels, intertwined spiral delivery channels, splitting delivery channels, merging delivery channels and shaped delivery channels in which an inlet end and outlet end are configured for rapid exchange of gas within the delivery channels.
US09353439B2 Cascade design showerhead for transient uniformity
An apparatus for use in semiconductor processing operations to distribute process gases across a semiconductor wafer. The apparatus may include one or more annular baffles arranged in a stack of annular baffle layers within a plenum volume of the apparatus. Each annular baffle may have a mid-diameter substantially equal to and inner diameter or outer diameter of a baffle in the annular baffle layer above it. The annular baffles may be arranged in a cascading fashion.
US09353438B2 Substrate processing apparatus, non-transitory computer-readable recording medium thereof and semiconductor manufacturing method by employing thereof
Embodiments of the invention relate to a substrate processing apparatus. In one embodiment, a substrate processing apparatus includes a plurality of process units. The process unit includes a process chamber for processing a substrate, an exhaust conduit connected to the process chamber and an exhaust pump arranged in the path of the exhaust conduit. The substrate processing apparatus further includes a connecting conduit connected to the exhaust conduits of the process units in the upstream of the exhaust pump and a switching unit which switches an exhaust path of the process chamber to the other exhaust pump in the other process unit via the connecting conduit.
US09353434B2 Methods for providing prophylactic surface treatment for fluid processing systems and components thereof
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for creating a diffused thin film surface treatments on one or more interior surfaces of closed or partially closed fluid transport or processing systems providing improved surface prophylaxis against fouling. The method involves contacting the interior surfaces to be treated with a metal compound composition, and converting the metal compound composition to metal oxide for example by heating the surfaces to the desired temperature after all or a part of the system has been assembled. Embodiments of the present invention can be performed in situ on existing fluid processing or transport systems, which minimizes the disruption to the surface treatment created by welds, joints, flanges, and damage caused by or during the system assembly process.
US09353422B2 USP37 inactivation as a treatment for PLZF/RARA-associated acute promyelocytic leukemia
Method of regulating the stability and/or the level of the fusion protein PLZF/RARA are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for identifying an agent as a regulator of the stability and/or the level of the fusion protein PLZF/RARA. Methods for identifying a therapeutic agent for treating PLZF/RARA-associated acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is also disclosed.
US09353420B2 Method to predict or diagnose a gastointestinal disorder or disease
The disclosure provides methods and compositions useful for identifying a subject's predisposition to a gastrointestinal disease or disorder.
US09353419B2 Biomarkers for IAP inhibitor therapy
A method of selecting a subject having cancer for treatment with an IAP inhibitor.
US09353415B2 Methods for functional analysis of high-throughput experimental data and gene groups identified therefrom
The present invention relates generally to groups of genes that can be used to diagnose and differentiate between types of specific diseases such as breast cancer. The groups of genes can be further used to develop diagnostic kits for the specific diseases. The diagnostic kits can also differentiate between sub-categories of a disease to help identify the appropriate treatment regimen for a patient.
US09353411B2 Nucleic acid sequencing technique using a pH-sensing agent
The invention relates to a composition, method and apparatus for determining the sequence of a nucleic acid strand utilizing a pH-sensing agent.
US09353410B2 Micro-reactor device
In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a magnetic rack comprising a lateral movement structure and/or a longitudinal movement structure. In particular embodiments, the lateral movement structure and/or longitudinal movement structure move one or more magnets to or away from a reaction tube, in order to control the magnetic forces exerted on microbeads in the reaction tube. The microbeads are attracted onto the reaction tube wall, thereby facilitating separation of the microbeads from a solution in the tube. In particular embodiments, the magnetic rack is used to extract or purify nucleic acid from a sample.
US09353409B2 Compositions and methods for RT-PCR
The present invention relates to methods and compositions having trehalose and DNA polymerase for facilitating the rapid and efficient amplification of nucleic acid molecules and the detection and quantitation of RNA molecules, and for increasing the detection sensitivity and reliability through generation of secure cDNA molecules prior to gene-specific primer dependent amplification. The reagent mixture comprises a ready to use reagent solution, wherein the solution comprises: (a) trehalose in a concentration between about 5% and about 35%; (b) a viral reverse transcriptase; and (c) at least one DNA polymerases, in a buffer suitable for use in a reverse transcription reaction, wherein the buffer comprises a co-factor metal ion and nucleoside triphosphates.
US09353407B2 Methods, kits and reaction mixtures for analyzing single-stranded nucleic acid sequences
Provided herein are fluorescence detection methods for nucleic acid sequences and to kits for performing such methods.
US09353396B2 System for determining drug resistance in microorganisms
The present invention is based on the discovery that drug resistance in microorganisms can be rapidly and accurately determined using mass spectrometry. A mass spectrum of an intact microorganism or one or more isolated biomarkers from the microorganism grown in drug containing, isotopically-labeled media is compared with a mass spectrum of the intact microorganism or one or more isolated biomarkers from the microorganism grown in non-labeled media without the drug present. Drug resistance is determined by predicting and detecting a characteristic mass shift of one or more biomarkers using algorithms. The characteristic mass shift is indicative that the microorganism is growing in the presence of the drug and incorporating the isotopic label into the one or more biomarkers, resulting in change in mass.
US09353395B2 Glucose dehydrogenase/cytochrome fusion protein
A fusion protein of pyrroloquinoline quinone glucose dehydrogenase (PQQGDH) and a cytochrome is disclosed. PQQGDH is, for example, a water-soluble PQQGDH derived from Acinetobacter calcoaceticus. The cytochrome is, for example, an electron transfer domain of quinohemoprotein ethanol dehydrogenase from Comamonas testosteroni. The fusion protein of the present invention shows intramolecular electron transfer from PQQ, a redox center, to the cytochrome, which allow construction of a direct electron transfer-type glucose sensor which requires no electron mediators.
US09353393B2 Methods and kits for reducing non-specific nucleic acid amplification
Methods and kits for efficient amplification of nucleic acids are provided. The disclosure generally relates to methods and kits for nucleic acid amplification of target nucleic acids of interest. The methods described herein promote the synthesis of the target nucleic acid (i.e., template nucleic acid) by reducing the production of undesirable primer-dimer structures and chimeric nucleic acid products during the amplification process by using novel modified primers.