| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09367291B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating vector code
An apparatus and method for generating vector code are provided. The apparatus and method generate vector code using scalar-type kernel code, without user's changing a code type or modifying data layout, thereby enhancing user's convenience of use and retaining the portability of OpenCL. |
| US09367290B2 |
Contraction aware parsing system for domain-specific languages
Aspects of the present invention disclose a method, computer program product, and system for parsing a domain-specific language (DSL) statement. The method includes one or more processors accessing a DSL statement that includes contracted phrases. The method further includes one or more processors identifying one or more contracted phrases in the DSL statement utilizing an annotated domain vocabulary for a DSL associated with the DSL statement and grammar rules for the DSL. The method further includes one or more processors determining expanded phrases corresponding to the identified one or more contracted phrases based on the annotated domain vocabulary and the grammar rules. The method further includes one or more processors creating an expanded abstract syntax tree (AST) that is representative of the DSL statement with the determined expanded phrases replacing the identified one or more contracted phrases. |
| US09367289B2 |
Method and apparatus for enabling agile development of services in cloud computing and traditional environments
Prepending a name object or setting a type of a software object to a name and prepending a value object to the software object provides inheritance of a name value pattern by the software object to establish particular types or classes of attributes of the software object without modification of the software object itself that is thus strongly typed and accessible by type. |
| US09367287B2 |
Mixed precision fused multiply-add operator
A circuit for calculating the fused sum of an addend and product of two multiplication operands, the addend and multiplication operands being binary floating-point numbers represented in a standardized format as a mantissa and an exponent is provided. The multiplication operands are in a lower precision format than the addend, with q>2p, where p and q are the mantissa size of the multiplication operand and addend precision formats. The circuit includes a p-bit multiplier receiving the mantissas of the multiplication operands; a shift circuit aligning the mantissa of the addend with the product output by the multiplier based on the exponent values of the addend and multiplication operands; and an adder processing q-bit mantissas, receiving the aligned mantissa of the addend and the product, the input lines of the adder corresponding to the product being completed to the right by lines at 0 to form a q-bit mantissa. |
| US09367286B2 |
Crossing pipelined data between circuitry in different clock domains
An integrated circuit implements a multistage processing pipeline, where control is passed in the pipeline with data to be processed according to the control. At least some of the different pipeline stages can be implemented by different circuits, being clocked at different frequencies. These frequencies may change dynamically during operation of the integrated circuit. Control and data to be processed according to such control can be offset from each other in the pipeline; e.g., control can precede data by a pre-set number of clock events. To cross a clock domain, control and data can be temporarily stored in respective FIFOs. Reading of control by the destination domain is delayed by a delay amount determined so that reading of control and data can be offset from each other by a minimum number of clock events of the destination domain clock, and control is read before data is available for reading. |
| US09367284B2 |
Recording device, recording method, and recording medium
A recording device includes recording unit configured to perform recording; and stop control unit configured to stop the recording in accordance with a recording stop instruction and restarting the recording in accordance with a recording restart instruction. The stop control unit restarts the recording after reproducing a trailing part of a recorded content that is recorded before the stop. |
| US09367279B2 |
Display device and method of controlling therefor
A display device and a method of controlling therefor are disclosed. The display device includes a display configured to include a first touch display area which is arranged to display content toward a first direction and a second touch display area which is arranged to display content toward a second direction corresponding to an opposite direction of the first direction, a sensor unit configured to detect a gripped state of the user and a rotating state of the display device and when it is determined that the second touch display area is facing the first direction at which the user is positioned based on the gripped state and the rotating state, a controller configured to change a display mode within an identical content which is outputted in the second touch display area. |
| US09367276B2 |
Resolution of conflicts between print jobs and printers in a print shop environment
Systems and methods for identifying conflicts between the requirements of an incoming print job and the configuration of a printer that has been requested to print the job. The system receives a request to move a print job to a queue for a printer and identifies a requirement of the print job. The system analyzes a current and a scheduled configuration of the printer to determine whether the current configuration or the scheduled configuration of the printer can handle the print setting. Responsive to determining that the current and scheduled configuration of the printer cannot handle the print setting, the system analyzes configurations of at least one other printer to identify another printer having a current configuration or a scheduled configuration that can handle the print setting. Further, the system provides information identifying the other printer. |
| US09367275B2 |
Retrieving data from a posting server for printing
A printing control server includes an administration section, an acquisition section, and a printing control section. The administration section is configured to associate a printing device with a user of the printing device and administer the printing device as being associated with the user. The acquisition section is configured to acquire posting data from a service offering server that provides a posting service. The printing control section is configured to control the printing device associated with the user of the acquired posting data to perform printing based on the posting data. |
| US09367272B2 |
Image processing apparatus, and method for controlling image processing apparatus
An image processing apparatus that generates image data from a print job and inputs the image data to an image forming apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives information indicating that the image forming apparatus interrupts printing based on the image data and a control unit that shifts a power state of the image processing apparatus from a first power state to a second power state, in which consumed power is less than that in the first power state, based on the received information. |
| US09367267B2 |
Relaying device, image processing device, and system comprising image processing device and relaying device and image data conversion process
A relaying device may be configured to communicate with an image processing device and a server device via a network. The server device may store first type data which cannot be interpreted by the image processing device and second type data which can be interpreted by the image processing device. The relaying device may receive, from the image processing device, data selection instruction information identifying selection data. The relaying device may receive, from the server device, the selection data identified by the received data selection instruction information. The relaying device may execute conversion processing in a case that the received selection data is the first type data. The conversion processing may convert the selection data into converted data which can be interpreted by the image processing device. The relaying device may receive converted data reception information for causing the image processing device to receive the converted data. |
| US09367260B1 |
Dynamic replication system
In one aspect, a method includes replicating a first volume in a data protection system by sending data from the first volume to a replica site, determining whether the replica site should transition from a journal mode to a non-journal mode or transition from the non-journal to the journal mode based on the performance of the data protection system, transitioning the replica site from the journal mode to the non-journal mode if the performance of the data protection system degrades based on a first performance threshold and transitioning the replica site from the non-journal mode to the journal mode if the performance of the data protection system improves based on a second performance threshold. |
| US09367259B2 |
Electronic device mirroring device setting
An electronic device includes a target selection unit, a priority determination unit, and a mirroring execution unit. The target selection unit is configured to select, as a mirroring target, a setting value of each of items of the electronic device if the setting value is different from an initial value. The priority determination unit is configured to determine a priority of mirroring, designated for a setting value serving as the mirroring target. The mirroring execution unit is configured to perform the mirroring so as to cause a setting value, whose determined priority is relatively high, to remain on a priority basis. |
| US09367257B2 |
Techniques for resource location and migration across data centers
An exemplary system includes a front-end component to receive requests for resources in a data center and configured to associate each request with identifying information, to locate one or more resources for each request and to store, in a log file, the identifying information and information about the location of the one or more resources; one or more distributed computation and storage components to acquire log file information and configured to analyze log information to decide if one or more resources associated with one or more requests should be migrated to a data center in a different geographical location; and a location service component to receive decisions made by the one or more distributed computation and storage components and configured to inform the front-end component when a decision causes one or more resources to be migrated to a data center in a different geographical location to thereby allow the front-end component to re-direct future requests for the one or more migrated resources to the data center in the different geographical location. Various other devices, systems and methods are also described. |
| US09367253B2 |
Catastrophic data loss avoidance
Exemplary methods, apparatuses, and systems divide data into a plurality of portions such that the data is recoverable using a subset of the plurality of portions. For each portion of the data, a storage device different than storage devices storing all other portions of the data is selected. The selecting of storage devices includes distributing the portions of data based upon diversity of geographic locations of storage devices and diversity of storage device characteristics. The storage device characteristics include at least one of hardware characteristics, software characteristics, and operating history characteristics. Each portion of the data is stored on a corresponding selected storage device. |
| US09367249B2 |
Determining weight values for storage devices in a storage tier to use to select one of the storage devices to use as a target storage to which data from a source storage is migrated
The present invention relates to a method, system, and computer program product for determining storage device weight values to use to select one of the storage devices to use as a target storage to which data from a source storage is migrated. A determination is made, for each of the storage devices, of static parameter values for static parameters comprising attributes of the storage device and dynamic parameter values for dynamic parameters providing device health information determined by accessing the storage device to determine operational conditions at the storage device. Storage device weight values are determined as a function of the static parameter values and the dynamic parameter values of the device. The determined storage device weight values are used to select one of the storage devices as the target storage to which data from the source storage is migrated. |
| US09367248B2 |
Memory component with pattern register circuitry to provide data patterns for calibration
A memory component includes a memory core comprising dynamic random access memory (DRAM) storage cells and a first circuit to receive external commands. The external commands include a read command that specifies transmitting data accessed from the memory core. The memory component also includes a second circuit to transmit data onto an external bus in response to a read command and pattern register circuitry operable during calibration to provide at least a first data pattern and a second data pattern. During the calibration, a selected one of the first data pattern and the second data pattern is transmitted by the second circuit onto the external bus in response to a read command received during the calibration. Further, at least one of the first and second data patterns is written to the pattern register circuitry in response to a write command received during the calibration. |
| US09367245B2 |
Data access request monitoring to reduce system resource use for background operations
An I/O processing stack includes a proxy that can provide processing services for access requests to initialized and uninitialized storage regions. For a write request, the proxy stores write information in a write metadata repository. If the write is requested for an address in an initialized storage region of the storage system, the proxy performs a write to the initialized region based on region information in the write I/O access request. If the write is requested for an address in an uninitialized storage region of the storage system, the proxy performs an on-demand initialization of the storage region and then performs a write to the storage region based on region information provided by the proxy. |
| US09367244B2 |
Composing a virtual disk using application delta disk images
According to a system and method for composing a virtual disk for a virtual desktop, the virtual desktop is booted from a virtual disk comprised of a base disk image and a user delta disk image that receives all disk writes to the virtual disk. Disk space is allocated on the virtual disk for a file associated with a selected application to be provided to a user of the virtual desktop. Then the virtual desktop is recomposed offline by linking the base disk image, an application delta disk image including the file associated with the selected application, and the user delta disk image. The recomposing includes modifying meta data of the application delta disk and the user delta disk so that the file associated with the selected application is mapped to the disk space previously allocated. |
| US09367243B1 |
Scalable non-uniform storage sizes
A plurality of storage nodes in a single chassis is provided. Each of the plurality of storage nodes has a storage capacity with nonvolatile solid-state memory for user data storage. The plurality of storage nodes is configured to support uniform storage capacities and non-uniform storage capacities among the plurality of storage nodes, as a storage cluster. The plurality of storage nodes is configured to distribute the user data and metadata throughout the plurality of storage nodes such that the plurality of storage nodes can read the user data, using erasure coding, despite loss of two of the plurality of storage nodes. |
| US09367242B2 |
Systems and methods for managing information objects in dynamic data storage based upon relevance of the information objects
According to one aspect, a system for managing information objects in dynamic data storage devices including a first data storage device having a plurality of information objects, a second data storage device operatively connectable to an output device for providing at least some of the information objects to at least one user, and at least one processor operatively coupled to the first data storage device and the second data storage device. The at least one processor is configured to automatically divide the plurality of information objects in the first data storage device to form at least one data subdivision based on division criteria, and repeatedly, in response to a dynamic operating condition determine a relevance value of at least one of the data subdivisions in the first data storage device and the second data storage device indicative of the relevance of those data subdivision to the user, and based on the relevance value, perform at least one of loading those data subdivision to the second data storage, or unloading those data subdivision from the second data storage. |
| US09367240B2 |
Graphical user interface for improved text character entry
A graphical user interface for improved text character entry is disclosed. In some embodiments, the graphical user interface may be displayed on a mobile communications device. The graphical user interface may display a message field, a soft keyboard, and at least one visual foveal echo field. The message field may display text characters of a message being authored by a user interacting with the soft keyboard. The visual foveal echo field may be placed adjacent to a soft keyboard row and contain a portion of the message being authored by the user. |
| US09367238B2 |
Terminal apparatus and input correction method
A terminal apparatus includes a touch panel, a controller to detect a contact position of a first contact on the touch panel, a pressure applied by the first contact, a contact position of a second contact on the touch panel and a pressure applied by the second contact, and a processor executing a process that causes the terminal apparatus to determine whether or not the contact position of the first contact meets a predetermined condition, determine a magnitude relationship between the pressure applied by the first contact and the pressure applied by the second contact, and invalidate the contact position of the first contact when the contact position of the first contact meets the predetermined condition and it is determined that the pressure applied by the first contact is equal to or higher than the pressure applied by the second contact. |
| US09367237B2 |
Shaping device
According to an embodiment, a shaping device includes a setting unit, a shaping unit, and a display control unit. The setting unit is configured to set, when the stroke group constitutes a figure of a first category, a first region in which no stroke is expected to exist and a second region in which a stroke is expected to exist in a circumscribing rectangle circumscribing the stroke group. The shaping unit is configured to shape the stroke group into the figure of the first category when a first feature value and a second feature value satisfy a first condition. The first feature value represents an occupancy condition of the stroke group in the first region. The second feature value represents an occupancy condition of the stroke group in the second region. The display control unit is configured to display a shaping result on a display unit. |
| US09367232B2 |
Portable multifunction device, method, and graphical user interface supporting user navigations of graphical objects on a touch screen display
A portable multifunction device displays a first user interface object and a second user interface object on a touch screen display. Upon detecting a finger-down event at the first user interface object and one or more finger-dragging events on the touch screen display, the device moves the first user interface object on the touch screen display along a path determined by the finger-dragging events until the first user interface object at least in part overlaps the second user interface object. Upon detecting a finger-up event at the second user interface object, the device visually replaces the second user interface object with the first user interface object. |
| US09367231B2 |
Mobile terminal and controlling method thereof
A mobile terminal including a wireless communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate with at least one other terminal; a touch screen display configured to display contents; and a controller configured to receive a touch and drag action across the touch screen display, display a moveable partitioning graphic at a position corresponding to the touch and drag action and partition the displayed contents into first and second display regions, and independently control a function of the contents in the first display region and independently control a function of the contents in the second display region. |
| US09367229B2 |
Touch-enabled device navigation system
A touch-enabled device establishes a two-way connection with a computing device through a network. The computing device has a content authoring program stored therein. Further, the touch-enabled device displays a navigation menu. In addition, the touch-enabled device receives an input indicating a selected item from the navigation menu. The touch-enabled device sends the selected item to the computing device such that the computing device utilizes the selected item in the content authoring program. Further, the touch-enabled device receives, from the computing device, an indication that the computing device is utilizing the selected item in the content authoring program. |
| US09367227B1 |
Chapter navigation user interface
A user interface for a touch-screen display of an electronic book reader device is described. The user interface facilitates chapter navigation among the various chapters in digital content items, such as electronic books, in response to use input via the touch-screen display. Multiple techniques for navigating chapters include actuating a chapter navigation control, selecting a portion of a progress indicator depicted on the touch-screen display, and detecting patterns of multi-directional strokes made on the touch-screen display. |
| US09367223B2 |
Using a scroll bar in a multiple panel user interface
A method for using a scroll bar in a multiple panel user interface. The method includes determining that two or more panels are displayed on a user interface, the two or more panels operated by a same scroll bar. The method includes detecting a cursor movement over the same scroll bar and responsive to the cursor movement over the scroll bar, displaying an icon. The method includes receiving an active panel selection via the icon and indicating the selected panel is active. The method further includes detecting movement of the same scroll bar on the selected panel and scrolling a displayed content of the selected panel corresponding to the movement of the same scroll bar. |
| US09367219B2 |
Processing an infrared (IR) image based on swipe gestures
A method and a system for displaying an infrared (IR) image and/or a related image on a touch screen are provided. For example, a method may include: displaying, on a touch screen, an image of a scene; partitioning the image into a first part and a second part in response to a user indication made on the touch screen; displaying the first part of the image in an IR image mode using an IR image of the scene capture by an IR imaging sensor; and displaying the second part of the image in a non-IR image mode. The non-IR image mode may include a visible light (VL) image mode for displaying a VL image of the scene, or a fusion image mode for displaying a combination of the IR image and the VL image. The partitioning may be adjusted in response to a swipe gesture made on the touch screen. |
| US09367212B2 |
User interface for navigating paginated digital content
Techniques are disclosed for navigating pages of paginated digital content (e.g., an eBook), referred to herein as a go-to mode. The go-to mode may include a page number input field and a keypad. The keypad, which may be presented in response to a reveal command (e.g., tapping on the input field), can be used to provide numerical input to the input field and allow a user to navigate to the input page number. The go-to mode may be configured to disable keys on the keypad when selection of one of the keys would result in an invalid input in the input field. The go-to mode may also be configured to update which keys are disabled and/or enabled when a cursor position in the input field is changed, contents in the input field are selected, or a number is input into or deleted from the input field. |
| US09367210B2 |
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. |
| US09367208B2 |
Move icon to reveal textual information
Techniques are disclosed for providing a content information viewing mode in electronic devices. In an embodiment, in response to a gesture performed on an electronic touch sensitive device, a content icon may be moved from its original location and information about that item of digital content may be displayed to the user. The information may be displayed on the portion of the screen previously occupied by the content icon. Releasing contact with the touch screen allows the icon to return to its original location. Moving the content icon past a certain point, may allow the user to edit the newly displayed content information. An audio and/or visual indicator may be output by the electronic device alerting the user that the newly visible information may now be edited. Movement that extends further may indicate that icon movement is desired, not the information viewing/editing mode. |
| US09367200B2 |
Information processing device, method for controlling information processing device, program and information recording medium
A focus part of an object is displayed in an actual display area, which is a part of a display target area set within a window that is visible on a screen, without changing the size of the focus part and the layout of the display object. A control unit sets a reference point P based on the positions of a display element and the actual display area in a drawing target area (22), in which a Web page is drawn, so that the display element is displayed in the actual display area, which is an area not covered with another window (16a) within a Web page display target area (20). For example, the control unit (a) displays the display element without changing the size and (b) minimizes a blank area that is created when the reference point P is moved, or (c) preferentially displays, from among a plurality of display elements, display elements that are relatively high in priority order in the actual display area. |
| US09367190B2 |
Touch recognition method and system for a capacitive touch apparatus
The present invention discloses a method and system for touch signal recognition adapted to be used in a capacitive touch panel or apparatus. In order to achieve an objection of enhancement of a touch signal for recognition and getting rid of noise impact simultaneously, the present invention discloses a touch recognition method that actually includes two different measurement cycles to acquire two different sample voltage values. Consequently, noise impact can be removed by calculation of a sample voltage value difference between two different sample voltage values, at the same time, and the sample voltage value difference can provide a double magnitude as disclosed in the prior art to enhance accuracy for recognizing a user touch input while preventing from influence of noise. |
| US09367183B2 |
Dual-mode touch device
A touch device is provided. The touch device has a touch mode and a common-electrode mode. The touch device comprises a touch-sensing module, a common-electrode layer, second touch units, second wires, a common-potential circuit and switches. The common-electrode layer comprises first touch units and first wires for connecting first touch units and the touch-sensing module. The first and the second touch units are arranged in an interlace manner. The second wires connect the second touch units and the touch-sensing module. The switch is open during the touch mode such that the first and the second touch units detect, induct and transmit a touch signal to the touch-sensing module to determine a coordinate, strength and variation of a touch. The switch is close during the common-electrode mode such that the first touch units are connected to the common-potential circuit to be further connected to a common voltage. |
| US09367181B2 |
System and method for determining user input and interference on an input device
The embodiments described herein provide devices and methods that facilitate improved performance. In one embodiment, an input device comprises a processing system, a transmitter sensor electrode, and a receiver sensor electrode, where the transmitter sensor electrode and the receiver sensor electrode are capacitively coupled. The processing system is configured to receive a resulting signal from the receiver sensor electrode, where the resulting signal includes responses that correspond to the transmitter signal. The processing system is further configured to separately accumulate, for each cycle of the transmitter waveform, a first portion and a second portion of the resulting signal to respectively produce a first accumulation and a second accumulation, wherein the first accumulation is used for determining user input to the input device and the second accumulation is used for determining interference, and wherein the first portion and the second portion are non-coterminous. |
| US09367180B2 |
Projected capacitive touch panel
A projected capacitive touch panel has a substrate, an X-axis electrode layer formed on a top of the substrate and a Y-axis electrode layer formed on a bottom of the substrate. The X-axis and the Y-axis electrode layers respectively have a plurality of X-axis electrodes and Y-axis electrodes arranged in a matrix form and respectively connected with a plurality of X-axis and Y-axis signal transmission lines. Each of the X-axis signal transmission lines and the Y-axis signal transmission lines is connected with a conversion module. The conversion modules is mounted to be adjacent to the X-axis and Y-axis signal transmission lines, converts analog signals into relatively stable digital signals, and transmits the digital signals to an external controller to determine coordinates being touch. Accordingly, lengths of the X-axis and Y-axis signal transmission lines can be shortened and the size of a control area of the touch panel can be enlarged. |
| US09367176B2 |
Operation detection device, operation detection method and projector
An operation detection device includes: first and second illuminations that irradiate illumination light from different positions onto an operation surface on which a user performs an operation; a camera that captures the operation surface together with an operation part (finger) of the user; a shadow region extraction unit that extracts first and second shadows of the operation part of the user from a captured image obtained by the camera; a contour detection unit that detects contours of each of the first and second shadows extracted; and a touch point detection unit that detects a touch point of the operation part of the user on the operation surface from the distance between the contours. |
| US09367175B2 |
Camera module for optical touchscreen
A camera module for an optical touchscreen includes a body part and a light emitting device coupling part. The body part may be disposed on one side corner of a touch region, provided with a light receiving hole at a portion thereof facing a center of the touch region, and provided with a lens mounted to correspond to the light receiving hole and an image sensor disposed to receive light collected through the lens. The light emitting device coupling part may be formed on at least one side of the body part that faces each edge of the touch region, and configured to be coupled to a light emitting device. |
| US09367174B2 |
Wireless peripheral data transmission for touchscreen displays
Embodiments of the disclosure describe data transmission via a touchscreen display of a mobile computing device. The mobile computing device includes a peripheral component, integrated into a touchscreen display surface housing, and a plurality of photonic pulse transmitters and receivers disposed on edges of the touchscreen display surface. One or more receivers receive pulses from the photonic pulse transmitters for detecting user touch inputs on the touchscreen display surface. A photonic pulse modulator modulates a pulse to be transmitted from one of the photonic pulse transmitters based, at least in part, on peripheral component data. A photonic pulse demodulator demodulates the modulated pulse received by the pulse detector(s) to retrieve the peripheral component data. By utilizing these pulse transmitters/receivers, used for user touch input detection, to also exchange data via modulated light, the bezel area around the touchscreen display surface may be reduced. |
| US09367171B2 |
Touchscreen response method and terminal
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a touchscreen response method and a terminal, the method includes: acquiring center point coordinates of a touch when a touchscreen receives a touch operation; adjusting the center point coordinates of the touch according to a mode of a terminal and a gradient of the touchscreen; and responding to the touch operation according to the adjusted center point coordinates. The method may enable a touchscreen response to the touch operation of a user to meet the actually intended use of the user, increase the accuracy of touch response, improve user touch experience, and enable the terminal to be more intelligent. |
| US09367169B2 |
Method, circuit, and system for hover and gesture detection with a touch screen
According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a touch controller is adapted to be coupled to a touch screen and to a motion sensor. The touch controller is operable in response to a signal from the motion sensor indicating a first motion to switch from a hover event sensing mode of operation to a gesture event sensing mode of operation. In one embodiment, the touch controller is operable in the hover event sensing mode of operation to detect a first hover event and is thereafter operable, in response to the signal from the motion sensor indicating a first motion has occurred, to switch to the gesture event sensing mode of operation and detect a first gesture event. |
| US09367165B2 |
Display device
A display device is configured that the common electrode wiring layer is divided in a source wiring layer direction, the metal wiring layer is disposed above the source wiring layer at a position in contact with the upper part of the common electrode wiring layer, and the metal wiring layer is not disposed at a position where the common electrode wiring layer is divided. Alternatively, the metal wiring layer is not disposed at a position between the same colors as those at the division position of the common electrode wiring layer. |
| US09367163B2 |
In-cell touch array substrate
The present invention provides an in-cell touch array substrate, and which includes alternatively arranged data lines and horizontal gate scanning lines; pixel switches electrically interconnected to the adjacent horizontal gate scanning lines and data lines pixel electrodes electrically interconnected to the pixel switches; and vertical gate scanning lines arranged alternatively between every two adjacent data lines, and being perpendicular to the horizontal gate scanning lines, wherein at lease one via is defined in an intersection between the vertical gate scanning line and the horizontal gate scanning line such that the vertical gate scanning line and the horizontal gate scanning lines are electrically interconnected with each other through the via. With at least one via is defined at the intersections of the vertical gate scanning lines and the horizontal gate scanning lines so as to create an electrical interconnection between the vertical gate scanning line and the horizontal gate scanning line. By this arrangement, both the gate scanning lines and the data lines have the same driving direction. Under the limitation of the requirement of the cell packaging, this also help to realize the purpose of providing the in-cell touch array substrate with narrow-border. As a result, a wider visual experience can be achieved. |
| US09367159B2 |
Control method, display device and electronic system utilizing the same
A display device including a display circuit, a touch panel, a detection circuit, and a sensing circuit is disclosed. The display circuit generates a plurality of driving signals. The touch panel displays an image according to the driving signals. The detection circuit detects the display circuit. When the display circuit stops generating the driving signals, the detection circuit asserts a control signal. The sensing circuit detects the touch panel to obtain whether an area of the touch panel is touched when the control signal is asserted. |
| US09367156B2 |
Touch-control method, device, and electronic device
The purpose of the invention is to provide a touch-control method, apparatus and an electronic device. The touch-control method is applied to an electronic device which has a touch surface and a sensor. The touch-control method includes determining a first contact-area and a second contact-area based on the data acquired by the sensor, the first contact-area and the second contact-area being the area of the contact regions of the touch surface in contact with a pointing object at different time moments; based on the first contact-area and the second contact-area, determining a first instruction-determination-parameter associated with an area-variation amount; based on a pre-stored first correspondence-relationship between an instruction-determination-parameter interval and an instruction-sequence, determining and executing a first instruction-sequence which corresponds to the instruction-determination-parameter interval where the first instruction-determination-parameter locates. |
| US09367155B2 |
Touch panel assembly and electronic device
A touch panel assembly including a touch panel and a flexible printed circuit board is provided. The touch panel includes a sensing area, at least one input element, a bonding area, a plurality of first connecting traces and a plurality of second connecting traces. The sensing area has a sensing array. The input element is located at a side of the sensing area. The bonding area is located between the sensing area and the input element. The first connecting traces and the second connecting traces are connected with the sensing array and the input element respectively and extend into bonding area. The flexible printed circuit board has a bonding portion. The flexible printed circuit board is attached to the bonding area through the bonding portion, and is electrically connected to the first connecting traces and the second connecting traces. An electronic device is also provided. |
| US09367152B2 |
Interactive projection system and interactive image-detecting method
An interactive projection system includes an electronic device, a projection device and an interactive module. The projection device is connected with the electronic device for receiving a first image signal generated by the electronic device and accordingly projecting a first image. The interactive module includes a processing unit, a storage unit connected with the processing unit for storing a calibration data, an image capture unit connected with the processing unit for capturing the first image and a light point image, and a communication unit connected with the electronic device and the processing unit for transmitting an absolute coordinate information computed and generated by the processing unit according to the light point image and the calibration data to the electronic device. An output signal is generated by the electronic device with the absolute coordinate information. Therefore, the present invention avoids the repeating image calibration and reduces labor cost and time cost. |
| US09367151B2 |
Touch pad with symbols based on mode
A multifunctional handheld device capable of operating in different modes includes a single input arrangement that provides inputs for each mode of the multifunctional handheld device. The single input arrangement includes at least an input pad that provides signals when touched or pressed. The input pad may for example be a touch pad. The input pad is divided into one or more input areas that change in accordance with the current mode of the multifunctional handheld device. The multifunctional handheld device also includes a display device that presents graphical elements to indicate the configuration of the input areas at the input pad. Each mode of the multifunctional handheld device provides a different configuration of input areas and graphical elements associated therewith. |
| US09367145B2 |
Intelligent display image orientation based on relative motion detection
Techniques for display rotation are disclosed. In one aspect, raw angular motion sensor (AMS) data can be accessed. A motion state of the mobile device can be determined based at least in part on processing the raw AMS data. AMS data can be further processed to determine whether to perform a rotation of the display image based at least in part on applying at least one pre-defined criterion to the AMS data. |
| US09367141B2 |
Hand-held electronic device with a keyboard optimized for use with the thumbs
A hand-held electronic device with a keyboard optimized for use with the thumbs is disclosed. In order to operate within the limited space available on a hand-held electronic device, the present invention optimizes the placement and shape of the keys, preferably using keys that are oval or oblong in shape, and that are placed at angles designed to facilitate thumb-typing. The angles at which keys on either side of the keyboard are placed is complimentary. |
| US09367139B2 |
Systems, articles, and methods for gesture identification in wearable electromyography devices
Systems, articles, and methods perform gesture identification with limited computational resources. A wearable electromyography (“EMG”) device includes multiple EMG sensors, an on-board processor, and a non-transitory processor-readable memory storing data and/or instructions for performing gesture identification. The wearable EMG device detects signals when a user performs a physical gesture and characterizes a signal vector {right arrow over (s)} based on features of the detected signals. A library of gesture template vectors G is stored in the memory of the wearable EMG device and a respective property of each respective angle θi formed between the signal vector {right arrow over (s)} and respective ones of the gesture template vectors {right arrow over (g)}i is analyzed to match the direction of the signal vector {right arrow over (s)} to the direction of a particular gesture template vector {right arrow over (g)}*. The accuracy of the gesture identification may be enhanced by performing multiple iterations across multiple time-synchronized portions of the EMG signal data. |
| US09367135B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device includes a detection unit that detects movement of at least a housing; an information generation unit that generates vibration information based on a quantity value of a predetermined managed object item and the movement of the housing which is detected by the detection unit; and a vibration unit that vibrates based on the vibration information. |
| US09367134B2 |
Display device and control method thereof
A display device and method for controlling the display device are discussed. In one embodiment, the display device includes a display unit configured to display an object; a tactile feedback unit configured to generate tactile feedback; and a controller configured to: assign first tactile feedback to a first region corresponding to a first object and second feedback to a second region corresponding to a second object; detect a first control input in the first region corresponding to the first object, the first control input controlling the first object displayed on the display unit; generate the first tactile feedback according to properties of the first object; and maintain the first tactile feedback when the first control input is moving from the first region to the second region corresponding to the second object while the first object is controlled by the first control input. |
| US09367133B2 |
Devices, systems, and methods for providing physical feedback in a handheld electronic controller
Devices, systems, and methods are provided for providing physical feedback in a handheld electronic controller. In general, the devices, systems, and methods can allow a handheld controller in an electronic system to provide a shock force or impact force to a user of the controller. In one exemplary embodiment, the controller can be configured to provide the shock or impact force in correspondence with a virtual shock force or impact force in an entertainment system in communication with the controller being controlled by the user. The actual shock force or impact force can be directionally imparted to the controller such that the user feels the actual shock force or impact force in a same direction as the virtual shock force or impact force. |
| US09367130B2 |
Terminal system and flexible terminal
A including a first terminal and a second terminal that are configured to be coupled to each other over a local area wireless communication network, wherein the second terminal senses the amount of transformation of the second terminal and displays different information according to the amount of transformation of the second terminal. |
| US09367121B2 |
Universal serial bus USB 3.0 compatible host with lower operation power consumption and method for reducing operation power consumption of a USB compatible 3.0 host
A USB 3.0 compatible host with low power consumption includes a super speed circuit, a non-super speed circuit, and a control module. The super speed circuit transmits data at a first transmission speed and the non-super speed circuit transmits data at a second transmission speed, a third transmission speed, or a fourth transmission speed wherein the first transmission speed is faster than the second transmission speed, the third transmission speed, and the fourth transmission speed. Further, the control module is coupled to the super speed circuit and the non-super speed circuit for determining to turn on or off the super speed circuit of the USB 3.0 compatible host, during the USB 3.0 compatible host being connected to a USB 3.0 compatible peripheral device, based on whether transmission data quantity between the USB 3.0 compatible host and the USB 3.0 compatible peripheral device is greater than a predetermined value. |
| US09367120B2 |
Electronic device and method of detecting touches on a touch-sensitive display
A method includes applying a first plurality of pulses to scanning electrodes during a first scan to detect touches on a touch-sensitive display, receiving an indication to scan in a reduced power condition, and when in the reduced power condition, applying a second plurality of pulses to scanning electrodes during a second scan to detect touches on the touch-sensitive display, wherein the second plurality of pulses comprises fewer pulses than the first plurality of pulses. |
| US09367116B2 |
Apparatus to reduce idle link power in a platform
A system on a chip (SoC) is provided including processing cores and a root complex. The transaction requests are communicated between a root port of the root complex and a device, the root port including electrical idle (EI) exit detect circuitry and a reference clock source. The root port supports a first link state, in which the reference clock source and EI exit detect circuitry of the root port are disabled but a common mode voltage is maintained, and a second link state, in which the reference clock source and EI exit detect circuitry are disabled and the common mode voltage is not maintained. The root port transitions to the first link state based on a service latency requirement of the device being less than a threshold and to the second link state based on the service latency requirement being greater than or equal to the threshold. |
| US09367114B2 |
Controlling operating voltage of a processor
In an embodiment, a processor includes a core domain with a plurality of cores and a power controller having a first logic to receive a first request to increase an operating voltage of a first core of the core domain to a second voltage, to instruct a voltage regulator to increase the operating voltage to an interim voltage, and to thereafter instruct the voltage regulator to increase the operating voltage to the second voltage. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09367113B2 |
Managing modem power consumption
Methods, systems, and devices are described for managing power consumption in a modem of a mobile device. A receive power associated with a receiver of the modem may be measured during a scheduled power-up of the modem associated with checking for paging messages. A power consumption metric associated with transmitting a pending wireless data transaction at a transmitter of the modem may then be estimated based on the measured receive power associated with the receiver. A determination of whether to transmit the pending wireless data transaction at a first time may then be made based at least in part on the estimated power consumption metric. |
| US09367111B2 |
Fault tolerant power supply incorporating intelligent load switch to provide uninterrupted power
A fault tolerant power supply system includes at least one load switch circuit configured to connect, using a main switch, an input voltage to an output node of the load switch circuit when the load switch circuit is turned on and at least one power channel coupled to the load switch circuit to receive the input voltage. The power channel is configured as a buck converter and includes at least a high-side power switch and a low-side power switch. The fault tolerant power supply system is configured to measure a current flowing through the main switch of the load switch circuit, to determine that the current flowing through the main switch of the load switch circuit has exceeded a current limit threshold, and to disable the main switch of the load switch circuit and the low-side power switch of the power channel in response to the determination that the current flowing in the main switch has exceeded the current limit threshold. |
| US09367110B2 |
Energy lockout in response to a planar catastrophic fault
A computer planar includes an enable signal line for providing an enable signal to an external power supply, wherein the external power supply will not turn on unless the enable signal is active high. During normal operation, an auxiliary power source maintains an active high enable signal on the enable signal line, which includes a fuse. However, a fault protection circuit coupled to the enable signal line can pull down the enable signal line in response to a fault, such that the fuse is permanently opened. Once the fuse is open, the external power supply cannot be enabled and further damage to the computer planar is prevented. |
| US09367108B2 |
Reduction of operational cost using energy storage management and demand response
A method for managing demand or load includes, upon receipt of a demand response signal or a load management request from a utility to change the price of electricity, determining the cost of energy from a local battery, and if the cost of energy from battery is higher than the cost of electricity from the utility, shedding power from one or more devices based on the utility price, and otherwise discharging power from the battery to reduce a net load on the grid without any actual load reduction. |
| US09367106B2 |
Pinout adjustment responsive to system orientation
A unit of information technology equipment (ITE), such as a compute node or a network switch, comprises a system board in communication with network connectors that selectively connect to a network interconnect, a gravity sensor for detecting a first orientation and a second orientation of the system board, and a basic input/output system (BIOS) in communication with the gravity sensor to receive a signal identifying whether the system board is in the first or second orientation. The ITE further comprises a network ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) that inverts the pinout of transmit and receive signals in the network connectors in response to a command from the BIOS indicating that the system board is in the second orientation. A system may comprise a first ITE in a first orientation that interlocks with a second ITE in a second orientation that is inverted 180 degrees from the first orientation. |
| US09367105B1 |
Heat dissipation structure for wearable mobile device
A heat dissipation structure for a wearable mobile device comprises a wearable mobile device and a flexible belt. The wearable mobile device has a receiving space which receives a plurality of electronic components having at least one heat source. The flexible belt is made of rubber or silicone and has a cavity which has at least one wick structure and a working liquid. A wall of the cavity protrudes to form a supporting portion. The flexible belt defines a heat absorbing portion and at least one heat dissipating portion. Two ends of the heat absorbing portion form the heat dissipating portion. The heat absorbing portion contacts the electronic components or the heat source to conduct heat. The present invention provides a heat dissipation structure using a vapor-liquid circulating chamber and structure disposed in a flexible belt for a wearable mobile device to enhance the whole heat dissipation efficiency. |
| US09367102B2 |
Mobile computing device
An electronic apparatus includes a first chamber in which a heat generator is arranged and a second chamber separated with a partition from the first chamber. The electronic apparatus is provided with a first cabinet having the partition and an isolation wall that encloses to seal the first chamber, a second cabinet enclosing the second chamber and having an intake port and an exhaust port, a thermoconductive member arranged in the first chamber and connected thermally to the heat generator and to the partition, a heat collecting-radiating member arranged in the second chamber and connected thermally to the partition, and an air blower arranged in the second chamber so as to circulate the air in the second chamber. |
| US09367098B2 |
Power saving method for handheld mobile electronic device and device using the same
The present disclosure proposes a power saving technique to be used by a handheld mobile electronic device. In particular, the handheld mobile electronic device would execute functions including determining a tilting angle of the handheld mobile electronic device above and relative to a level surface by using a sensor, determining whether the tilting angle exceeds a first angle threshold and falls below a second angle threshold, using a first counting threshold when the tilting angle is above the first angle threshold and is below the second angle threshold, using a second counting threshold which is less than the first counting threshold when the tilting angle falls below the first angle threshold or exceeds the second angle threshold, and darkening a touch screen of the handheld mobile electronic device when the handheld mobile electronic does not receive an input within the first counting threshold or the second counting threshold. |
| US09367095B2 |
Electronic device with wrap around display
A consumer electronic product includes at least a transparent housing and a flexible display assembly enclosed within the transparent housing. In the described embodiment, the flexible display assembly is configured to present visual content at any portion of the transparent housing. |
| US09367094B2 |
Display module and system applications
A display module and system applications including a display module are described. The display module may include a display substrate including a front surface, a back surface, and a display area on the front surface. A plurality of interconnects extend through the display substrate from the front surface to the back surface. An array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are in the display area and electrically connected with the plurality of interconnects, and one or more driver circuits are on the back surface of the display substrate. Exemplary system applications include wearable, rollable, and foldable displays. |
| US09367093B2 |
Transparent electronic device
A method and system for displaying images on a transparent display of an electronic device. The display may include one or more display screens as well as a flexible circuit for connecting the display screens with internal circuitry of the electronic device. Furthermore, the display screens may allow for overlaying of images over real world viewable objects, as well as a visible window to be present on an otherwise opaque display screen. Additionally, the display may include active and passive display screens that may be utilized based on images to be displayed. |
| US09367091B2 |
Adjustable docking device and display device therewith
An adjustable docking device includes a hinge mechanism, a holding base, a guiding member, and a fixing mechanism. The hinge mechanism is installed on a frame. The holding base is pivoted to the frame by the hinge mechanism. The holding base includes a main casing, a first holding casing and a second holding casing. The first holding casing and the second holding casing respectively extends from the main casing. The main casing, the first holding casing, and a second holding casing cooperatively define a clamping slot for holding an electronic device. The guiding member is disposed inside the clamping slot and for guiding the electronic device into the clamping slot. The fixing mechanism is disposed inside the holding base and capable of switching between a locking status and a releasing status, so as to lock or release the electronic device. |
| US09367089B2 |
Electronic apparatus combined with magnetic attraction force
An electronic apparatus combined with a magnetic attraction force includes a first body and a second body. The first body includes at least one first magnetic element, and the second body includes at least one receiving groove, at least one moving assembly, and at least one assistant magnetic element. Each moving assembly is movably disposed in each receiving groove, and each moving assembly includes a second magnetic element. Each assistant magnetic element is fixed in the receiving groove, and the magnetic attraction force between the assistant magnetic element and the second magnetic element is smaller than that between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element. When the second body is combined with the first body, each second magnetic element is attracted by each first magnetic element, such that each moving assembly is driven to move toward the first body. |
| US09367088B2 |
Hand-held computer apparatus and accessory docking thereof
A hand-held computer apparatus includes a tablet having a first connecter and an accessory docking having a second connecter for connecting to the first connecter. The second connecter has a symmetric structure, which allows the first connecter to be plugged to the second connecter in a first or a second direction. The first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other at an angle of 180 degrees. When the tablet is in a first status, in which the tablet is plugged to the accessory docking in the first direction, the tablet enters a notebook mode. When the tablet is in a second status, in which the tablet is plugged to the accessory docking in the second direction, the tablet enters a tablet mode. When the tablet is in a third status, in which the tablet is unplugged from the accessory docking, the tablet enters a regular mode. |
| US09367085B2 |
Portable electronic device and method for controlling operation thereof taking into account which limb possesses the electronic device
A portable electronic device includes a processor and a detection mechanism operable to detect one or more characteristics relating to how a user handles the electronic device. The processor is operably coupled to the detection mechanism and operable in accordance with stored operating instructions to: determine, based on the detected characteristics, which limb of the user possesses the portable electronic device; and control at least one function of the portable electronic device taking into account which limb of the user possesses the electronic device (e.g., which limb of the user is holding or secured to the electronic device). According to one embodiment, the processor may further determine a reference position for the portable electronic device (e.g., a position of the device at rest) and compare one or more of the detected characteristics to the reference position to determine which limb of the user possesses the electronic device. |
| US09367083B2 |
Computing device housing
A computing device housing is described. The housing includes a front shell and a back shell coupled to a mid-frame. An infrared port may be an integral portion of the housing or the mid-frame. |
| US09367072B2 |
AC-DC converters and method with soft-start scheme for AC-DC converters
An AC-DC power converter includes a rectifying unit, an output stage, a controller and a soft-start circuit. The rectifying unit is configured to rectify an AC voltage to a rectified voltage. The output stage is coupled to the rectifying unit and configured to convert the rectified voltage into a DC voltage for a load. The controller is coupled to the output stage and configured to control the output stage. The soft-start circuit is coupled to the rectifying unit to receive the rectified voltage. The soft-start circuit is configured to detect whether the rectified voltage is at or below a predetermined level, and to enable the controller if the rectified voltage is detected to be at or below the predetermined level. |
| US09367068B2 |
Gas/liquid two-phase flow state controlling device and gas/liquid two-phase flow state controlling method
A flow state controlling device controls, to a specified flow state, fluid of a gas/liquid two-phase flow that flows through a flow path. The flow state controlling device includes a pressure acquiring portion that acquires pressure information relating to pressure of the fluid, a mass velocity acquiring portion that acquires mass velocity information relating to a mass velocity of the fluid, a dryness fraction acquiring portion that acquires dryness fraction information relating to the dryness fraction of the fluid, and a controlling portion that controls, based on the pressure information, the mass velocity information and the dryness fraction information, a pressure controlling device that is able to change a pressure of the fluid, a mass velocity controlling device that is able to change a mass velocity of the fluid, and a heat controlling device that is able to change the latent heat of the fluid. |
| US09367066B2 |
Inverted pendulum type vehicle
An inverted pendulum type vehicle capable of dissipating the dissociation of vehicle steering intention of a user and a vehicle motion condition. When a base tilts toward a first designated direction, gravity center shift effect amount Vofs_x is corrected by a gravity center shift correction amount Vdep_x calculated according to the tilting amount. The gravity center shift correction amount Vdep_x with respect to a second designated direction is determined so as to increase as the tilting amount toward the first designated direction of the base. Further, the gravity center shift effect amount Vdep_x determined by tilting toward the first designated direction of the base is controlled to a threshold value or less. |
| US09367056B2 |
Test-operation control apparatus, system, and method
A test-operation control apparatus, system and method are disclosed to reduce time and cost required for test operation by automatically performing test-operation on a control point of facilities installed on site based on a previously established template sequence and operational conditions of the situation on the spot. The test-operation control apparatus includes: a storage unit configured to store a basic sequence with respect to each of one or more control points set in the facilities installed on the spot (or site); an input unit configured to selectively receive one or more of the control points and receive operational conditions of each basic sequence with respect to each of the one or more of the selected control points; and a controller configured to combine the basic sequences with respect to each of the one or more of the selected control points according to the inputted operational conditions to generate a test-operation sequence. |
| US09367054B2 |
Sizing power-gated sections by constraining voltage droop
A method for powering up a circuit comprising a plurality of sections of progressively increasing size is described. The method comprises receiving a signal for powering up the circuit, and, in response to the signal, sequentially powering up the plurality of sections in an order of increasing size. |
| US09367053B2 |
System and method for coordination of building automation system demand and shade control
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for coordinating and controlling a building automation system (such as building HVAC system) and a building shading system so as to provide efficient energy management and other benefits are provided. |
| US09367049B2 |
Fabricating parts from photopolymer resin
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for fabricating parts from photopolymer resin. In one aspect, a method includes iteratively determining a deviation measurement based on a simulated cured geometry and adjusted target geometry data until the deviation measurement is at or less than a threshold. The simulated cured geometry is determined, based in part, on an inhibition model. |
| US09367048B2 |
Vehicle controller
A vehicle controller installed in and controlling a vehicle includes an obtaining part that obtains identification information specific to the vehicle, a communicator that communicates with an information processor located outside the vehicle by transmitting and receiving information, a match judging part that makes a matching judgment on whether a plurality of the identification information obtained at different times are identical, and a judging part that judges whether to permit the control of the vehicle based on the matching judgment. The information processor also can make the matching judgment and only transmit a control command to the vehicle controller when there is a match. |
| US09367047B2 |
Wire electric discharge machine performing turning tool machining, turning tool machining method with wire electric discharge machine, and program creation apparatus for wire electric discharge machine that performs turning tool machining
A measurement program for sequentially measuring measurement points, which are to be measured with a touch sensor, is created on the basis of a machining program, which is read in, for machining a turning tool. Then, the rake face height is measured on each of the measurement points and the measurement data is stored. Subsequently, a calculation method of a correction amount is selected so as to calculate the correction amount, and whether or not the calculated correction amount is smaller than a regulation value is determined. The machining program is modified on the basis of the correction amount when the correction amount is not smaller than the regulation value, while the machining program is modified on the basis of the correction amount in accordance with the selected method when the correction amount is smaller than the regulation value. |
| US09367046B2 |
Motor controller, image processing apparatus including the motor controller, and motor control method
A motor controller, operatively connected to a motor having an output shaft, includes a rotary detector to detect a rotation direction and a rotation amount of the output shaft of the motor to generate an actual rotary signal, a drive controller to generate a control signal based on the actual rotary signal and a target rotary signal indicating a target rotary direction and a target rotary amount, and a driver to supply a driving power to the motor based on the control signal. When the motor is in a hold state, the control signal is reversed periodically for a predetermined reverse time period T2 per a predetermined one reverse cycle T1. When the control signal is not reversed for a certain lock detection time period Tr that is longer than the revere cycle T1 of the control signal, supply of the driving power to the motor is blocked. |
| US09367043B2 |
Satellite signal receiving device, method of controlling satellite signal receiving device, and electronic device
A solar cell, a charge state detection circuit and a voltage detection circuit as a generating state detection circuit that detects the generating state of the solar cell, and a control circuit are provided. The control circuit operates a GPS receiver circuit when a detection value detected by the voltage detection circuit is greater than or equal to a preset threshold value, and resets the threshold value if satellite signal reception by the GPS receiver circuit fails, or if the detection value detected by the voltage detection circuit remains less than the threshold value for a preset generating state detection time or longer. |
| US09367041B2 |
Method for displaying a trend over a timing operation and associated timepiece
Portable timepiece including an hour hand and a minute hand for the current time display, rotating about a central wheel facing a bezel, and also a chronograph module, wherein the timepiece further includes a first analogue trend indicator relating to a measured time interval. |
| US09367040B2 |
Timepiece intended to indicate the power reserve
A horological instrument intended to indicate the power reserve, includes a barrel (1) provided with a drum (2) arranged to turn in one direction during operation of the horological instrument, the drum (2) including around the periphery thereof at least one power reserve scale (4). At least one hand (13) is arranged to turn with the drum (2) and cooperates with a corresponding power reserve scale (4). Furthermore, a mechanism for displacing the hand or hands (13) is arranged to displace the hand or hands by one step with respect to the corresponding scale of the drum (2) with each revolution or with each fraction of revolution of the drum (2) and the hand (13) in order to progressively indicate the power reserve. |
| US09367035B2 |
Digital infrared holograms
Embodiments are directed to an apparatus for creating a scene comprising: a plurality of micro-mirrors configured to rotate between an off position and at least two on positions to generate a plurality of holograms, and a processor configured to select positions for the micro-mirrors based on an input specification of the scene. |
| US09367034B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a suction port, provided in a front side of a main assembly of the image forming apparatus, for sucking air; an air flow guiding portion for guiding the air sucked through the suction port; and a sound source, provided in a rear side of the main assembly so as to oppose a space connected with the air flow guiding portion, for generating a sound used to notify an operator. |
| US09367030B2 |
Rotary cam apparatus and electrophotographic image forming apparatus adopting the same
A rotary cam apparatus including an operation member including a contact portion is provided. The rotary cam includes a cam profile contacting the contact portion to move the operation member, and an elastic member applying an elastic force to the operation member in a direction in which the contact portion contacts the cam profile. The cam profile includes a first cam line separated by a first distance from a rotating center of the rotary cam, a second cam line separated by a shorter second distance from the rotating center, a first conversion line connected to the first cam line from the second cam line, and a second conversion line connected to the second cam line from the first cam line including one or more straight connection lines separated by a distance greater than the second distance and less than the first distance from the rotating center. |
| US09367029B1 |
Resettable separator for electrophotographic components
A reusable and resettable separator for use with electrophotographic components of an imaging device. The separator is installed with the imaging device and includes a spring-biased lift rail and release linkage and is used to move either a developer unit or a photoconductive drum unit between an operative position where a developer roll and a photoconductive drum form a contact nip and a separated position where the two rolls are separated. The separator is initially set using the lift rail to place two rolls in the separated position with the release linkage engaging the lift rail to hold this position. Opening of an access door engages a one-way release arm actuating the release linkage allowing the lift rail to translate moving the two rolls to the operative position. When reshipment of the imaging device is needed, the separator can manually reset placing the two rolls back in the separated position. |
| US09367027B2 |
Photosensitive cartridge having light guide
A photosensitive cartridge includes a photosensitive drum, and a guide member. The guide member is configured to guide light emitted from the light source toward a surface of the photosensitive drum to neutralize charge on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The guide member includes a first part, a second part, and a third part. The first part is configured to receive the light. The first part extends in a direction intersecting an axial direction of the photosensitive drum. The second part faces the photosensitive drum and extends in the axial direction. The third part connects the first part and the second part. The third part is configured to allow the light to pass through the first part toward the second part. |
| US09367026B2 |
Image forming apparatus having casing for maintaining relative positions of photosensitive drums
An image forming apparatus includes a casing, a plurality of photosensitive drums, and a plurality of developing device. The casing includes a first frame and a second frame. The plurality of photosensitive drums is configured to rotate about an axis line extending in an axial direction and juxtaposed at intervals in the casing. The casing defines one side and the other side in the axial direction. Drive force for rotating the plurality of photosensitive drums is inputted to the one side of the plurality of photosensitive drums. The plurality of developing device is provided to correspond to the plurality of photosensitive drums and configured to supply developing agent to the corresponding photosensitive drum. The first frame is made of metal and is configured to support the one side of each of the plurality of photosensitive drums, and the second frame is made of resin and is configured to support the other side of each of the plurality of photosensitive drums. |
| US09367025B2 |
Cartridge including cartridge electrode integrally molded with frame
A cartridge is detachably mountable to an apparatus main assembly of an image forming apparatus. The cartridge includes a cartridge electrode formed on a frame. The cartridge electrode includes a first contact portion provided for being electrically connected to a main assembly contact of the apparatus main assembly and a second contact portion contacted to an electroconductive member. The cartridge electrode is integrally molded with the frame and further includes a portion that (i) is formed in a buffer portion and (ii) is formed from electroconductive resin. |
| US09367023B2 |
Unit and image forming apparatus
A unit for use with an image forming apparatus, includes: a developer accommodating portion, constituted by a frame, for accommodating a developer; a sheet member, provided on the frame in contact with a rotatable member, for preventing the developer from leaking out from a gap between the developer accommodating portion and the rotatable member; and a resin member for fixing the sheet member on the frame, wherein the resin member is formed on the frame by injection molding of a resin material and is fixed to the sheet member by welding. |
| US09367020B1 |
Cleaning member, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
A cleaning member includes a core, and an elastic layer including a strip-shaped elastic member that is spirally wound around a region of an outer peripheral surface of the core ranging from one end to another end of the core, wherein a width W1 of the elastic layer is less than or equal to a radius R of the core and is 1 mm or more. |
| US09367018B1 |
Image forming device having tripod type constant-velocity joint for coupling rotary member with driving source
An image forming device includes a tripod type constant-velocity joint through which a rotary member shaft of a rotary member is connected to the drive shaft of a motor. The constant-velocity joint includes a pair of outer rings each having three axially extending track grooves in its inner periphery, and a tripod member having three protrusions formed on each of the axial ends thereof and axially slidably received in the corresponding track grooves. The outer rings and the tripod member are formed of synthetic resin. One of the outer rings and the tripod member are inseparably coupled to the drive shaft so that the other of the outer rings is always disconnected from the tripod member when the rotary member is pulled away from the motor. |
| US09367009B2 |
Fixing member having a porous elastic layer with a needle-like filler
A fixing member used for fixing a toner image on a recording material includes: a base layer; and a porous elastic layer provided on the base layer and containing a needle-like filler. The elastic layer has a thermal conductivity with respect to a longitudinal direction thereof in a first region where the elastic layer is contactable to the recording material on the fixing member, and the thermal conductivity is 6 times to 900 times a thermal conductivity with respect to a thickness direction in the first region. The elastic layer has a thermal conductivity with respect to the thickness direction thereof in a second region outside the first region with respect to the longitudinal direction, and the thermal conductivity with respect to the thickness direction in the second region is larger than the thermal conductivity with respect to the thickness direction in the first region. |
| US09367008B2 |
Electrophotographic member and heat fixing assembly
The present invention is directed to providing an electrophotographic member including a conductive elastic layer having high thermal insulation properties and excellent dimensional stability. The electrophotographic member having an elastic layer which includes a plurality of voids derived from resin microballoons connected to and made open to each other and contains an ion conducting agent. |
| US09367007B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a rotating member, a bearing and a holding member. The rotating member is configured to fix a toner image on a recording medium. The bearing is configured to support the rotating member so that the rotating member is rotatable around a rotation axis. The holding member is configured to hold the bearing. The holding member has a restricting part configured to face an outside face in the rotation axis direction of the bearing at an interval. |
| US09367004B2 |
Abnormality detection method and abnormality detection device for image forming apparatus, and image forming apparatus
An abnormality detection device for an image forming apparatus detects an abnormality in the image forming apparatus which includes a heating belt looped around a heating roller and a fixing roller. The abnormality detection device for an image forming apparatus includes: thermistors for detecting temperatures of one widthwise end portion and the other widthwise end portion of the heating belt; a temperature difference detection section for determining whether or not a temperature difference between the temperature of the one end portion and the temperature of the other end portion which are detected by the thermistors is greater than a predetermined value; and a judgment section for judging that an abnormality has occurred in the image forming apparatus when it is determined in the temperature difference detection section that the temperature difference is greater than the predetermined value. |
| US09367002B2 |
Image forming apparatus and fixing unit attachable to image forming apparatus
The present invention provides an apparatus having a part of a current detecting circuit configured to detect current to a heater in a fixing unit so that a main body of the image forming apparatus may have one configuration for 100 V and 200 V and provides an equal resolution of current detection for an apparatus for 100 V and an apparatus for 200 V. |
| US09367001B1 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing unit that fixes a toner image on a surface of a recording medium while transporting the recording medium with a contact portion of a first member and a second member, and a moving unit that moves at least one of the first member and the second member toward a direction intersecting with a transport direction of the recording medium, wherein a toner has a sea and island structure of a sea portion containing a binder resin and an island portion containing a release agent, a maximum frequent value in distribution of the eccentricity B of the island portion containing the release agent is in a range of from 0.75 to 0.95, a skewness in the distribution of the eccentricity B is from −1.10 to −0.50, and the eccentricity B is defined in the specification. |
| US09366998B2 |
Belt unit and image formation device
A belt unit is provided with an endless belt, a pair of rollers around which the endless belt is wound, and a regulating member having a flange surface provided at one axial end of at least one of the pair of rollers. The flange surface extends on an outer side with respect to an outer surface of the endless belt wound around the pair of rollers, the flange surface is configured to contact an end, in a width direction, of the endless belt to prevent the endless belt from moving obliquely, and the flange surface is formed with a conical surface which is configured such that a portion closer to a peripheral side of the conical surface is closer to an axial center of the at least one of the pair of rollers. |
| US09366994B2 |
Developer container, cartridge, and image forming apparatus
A developer container configured to contain developer to be used for image formation, includes a first electrode provided in the developer container, a second electrode provided opposing to the first electrode configured to detect an electrostatic capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode, to detect a quantity of the developer, a conveyance member provided between the first electrode and the second electrode and on a bottom surface side inside the developer container, and configured to convey the developer contained in the developer container, and a vibration imparting member configured to impart vibration to the conveyance member, wherein the developer on a developer conveyance surface of the conveyance member contacting the developer is conveyed by the vibration of the conveyance member. |
| US09366993B2 |
Developer cartridge and developing unit provided with the same
A developer cartridge assembled to a developing device defining therein a developing chamber. The developer cartridge includes a first accommodating portion, and a first agitator. The first accommodating portion accommodates therein a developing agent and is positioned beside the developing device. The first accommodating portion includes a first wall part neighboring the developing device. The first wall part is formed with a first through-hole and a second through-hole. The first through-hole is open diagonally downward from the first accommodating portion to the developing device. The second through-hole is open diagonally upward from the first accommodating portion to the developing device. The first through-hole and the second through-hole allow communication between an interior of the first accommodating portion and the developing chamber. The first agitator is rotatably disposed in the first accommodating portion and in sliding contact with the first wall part in a vertical direction. |
| US09366988B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus
A developing device configured to develop an electrostatic image includes a developing member and a carrier recovering member. An outer surface of the developing member includes a plurality of protrusion portions which extend in a direction intersecting a toner particle carrying direction and are aligned with a regular interval between adjacent protrusion portions. The regular interval is equal to or larger than a particle diameter of a toner particle having an average particle diameter from among the toner particles and smaller than a carrier particle diameter of a magnetic carrier particle having an average particle diameter from among the magnetic carrier particles. The protrusion portions protrude from the outer surface of the developing member with a height that is smaller than the average particle diameter of the toner particles, and the developing member contacts with the image bearing member at a developing portion. |
| US09366987B2 |
Developing roller, and image forming apparatus
A developing roller is provided, which is capable of controlling a solid black density and a dot density at higher levels than currently available levels. An image forming apparatus employing the developing roller is also provided. The developing roller (1) includes a tubular base layer (4) of an elastic material, and a surface layer (6) of an elastic material provided on an outer peripheral surface (5) of the base layer (4), wherein the thickness d1 (mm) of the surface layer, the roller resistance R′ (log Ω as measured with an application voltage of 10 V) of the base layer, and the roller resistance R (log Ω as measured with an application voltage of 100 V) of a stack including the base layer and the surface layer satisfy the following expressions (1) to (3): 1.0≦R−R′ (1) 0.1≦d1≦2 (2) 7.5≦R≦8.5 (3) The image forming apparatus incorporates the developing roller. |
| US09366986B2 |
Development device and image formation apparatus
A development device includes a developer carrier, a restriction member to control a layer thickness of the developer on the developer carrier, first and second developer supply members being in contact with the developer carrier. Each of the developer supply members is configured to rotate at a speed having a constant ratio to a rotation speed of the developer carrier. The second developer supply member and the restriction member are arranged in this order downstream of the first developer supply member in a rotating direction of the developer carrier. A peripheral speed (a speed of the outer peripheral surface) of the second developer supply member is set to be slower than that of the first developer supply member. |
| US09366985B1 |
Electric charging-diselectrifying device, process cartridge with electric charging-diselectrifying device, and image forming apparatus with process cartridge
An electric charging-diselectrifying device includes an electric charging member that contacts an image bearer to form an electric charging nip between the electric charging member and the image bear. The electric charging member electrically charges multiple electric charge regions in the image bearer located both upstream and downstream of the electric charging nip in a direction of rotation of the image bearer. An electric charge removing device is provided to remove electric charge borne on the image bearer by irradiating the multiple electric charging regions of the image bearer with light. The electric charging member is made of a material that allows the light emitted from the electric charge removing device to penetrate the electric charging member. |
| US09366982B2 |
Toner, developer, and image forming apparatus
To provide a toner for developing an electrostatic image, the toner including toner particles, wherein the toner particles contain: a non-crystalline resin A; and a crystalline resin, wherein the crystalline resin contains a crystalline resin C containing a urethane bond, or a urea bond, or both thereof, and wherein the toner particles each have a sea-island structure, where the resin C is dispersed in the non-crystalline resin on a cross-section of the toner particle. |
| US09366977B2 |
Semiconductor microlithography projection exposure apparatus
The disclosure relates to an optical correction arrangement including at least one optical element and at least one irradiation mechanism for the targeted local irradiation of the optical element with electromagnetic heating radiation for the targeted local heating of the optical element. The optical correction arrangement also includes a mechanism for dissipating the thermal energy introduced into the optical element by the at least one irradiation mechanism. The disclosure furthermore relates to a projection exposure apparatus for semiconductor lithography including an optical correction arrangement according to the disclosure. |
| US09366974B2 |
Movable body apparatus, pattern forming apparatus and pattern forming method, device manufacturing method, manufacturing method of movable body apparatus, and movable body drive method
A substrate stage and an empty-weight canceling mechanism that supports an empty weight of the substrate stage are made up of separate bodies. Accordingly, the size and weight of the substrate stage (a structure including the substrate stage) can be reduced, compared with the case where the substrate stage and the empty-weight canceling mechanism are integrally configured. Further, due to movement of an X coarse movement stage and a Y coarse movement stage by an X drive mechanism and a Y drive mechanism, the substrate stage is driven in an XY plane and also the empty-weight canceling mechanism that supports the empty weight of the substrate stage is driven. With this operation, the substrate stage can be driven without difficulty even when the substrate stage and the empty-weight canceling mechanism are configured of separate bodies. |
| US09366963B2 |
Resist composition and pattern forming process
A resist composition comprising a polymer comprising recurring units (a) of formula (1) and having a Mw of 1,000-500,000 as base resin is provided. R1 is H or methyl, X is a single bond or —C(═O)—O—R5—, R2 is a single bond or C1-C4 alkylene, R3 is C2-C8 alkylene, R4 is an acid labile group, R5 is a single bond or C1-C4 alkylene, and 0 |
| US09366952B2 |
Lithographic substrate and a device
A lithographic method is disclosed that includes, on a substrate provided with a layer of a resist and a further layer of a material provided on the layer of resist, providing a pattern in the further layer, the pattern defining a space via which an area of the layer of resist may be exposed to radiation, a distance between features of the pattern defining the space, and exposing the layer of resist to radiation having a wavelength greater than the distance between features of the pattern defining the space, such that near-field radiation is generated which propagates into and exposes an area of the resist. |
| US09366950B2 |
Method and projector for projecting an image onto a projection surface
A method for simultaneously projecting two images onto a projection surface may include generating a first and second illumination beam based on first and second image data, which are representative of a first and second image, wherein the first illumination beam has electromagnetic radiation having a first property, wherein the second illumination beam has electromagnetic radiation having a second property, which differs from the first property, and deflecting the first and second illumination beams toward the projection surface so that the first illumination and second beam generates a first and second beam spot on the projection surface, respectively, wherein the first and second beam spot is moved over the projection surface so that with the aid of the first and second beam spot, the first and second image are displayed for a first and second observer on the surface, respectively, and the second image is superimposed on the first image. |
| US09366949B2 |
Pico projection fixing module
A pico projection fixing module includes a bracket main body, at least two collimator lenses, and at least two color light sources. The bracket main body includes an upper part, a lower part, a connecting part and at least two assembling seats. The upper part and the lower part are located at bilateral sides of the connecting part. Each of the assembling seats includes an opening and a clamping part. The opening is formed on the connecting part. The clamping part is disposed on the upper part and the lower part. The at least two collimator lenses are installed on the connecting part and corresponded to the corresponding openings. The at least two color light sources are installed on the corresponding clamping parts and aligned with the corresponding collimator lenses. The clamping parts corresponding to the assembling seats are separated from each other. |
| US09366948B2 |
Light source apparatus and projection apparatus
A light source unit includes a red light source, a first blue-light source, a fluorescent material, a second blue light source and an optical system. The red light source emits light in red wavelength range. The first blue-light source emits light in a first blue-wavelength range. The fluorescent material receives the light in the first blue-wavelength range and emits light in a green wavelength range. The second blue-light source emits light in a second blue-wavelength range whose wavelengths are longer than those in the first blue-wavelength range. An optical system guides the light emitted from the red light source, the light emitted from the second blue-light source, and the light emitted from the fluorescent material, along a unique optical path. |
| US09366942B2 |
IR-cut filter having red absorbing layer for digital camera
An infrared cut filter may be used with an image sensor to remove infrared light components from image light received from a first side of the infrared cut filter prior to the image light reaching the image sensor to be disposed on a second side of the infrared cut filter. The infrared cut filter includes at least one red absorbing layer and an infrared reflector. The at least one red absorbing layer partially absorbs red light components within the image light. The infrared reflector reflects the infrared light components. The infrared reflector is disposed between the red absorbing layer and the first side of the infrared cut filter while the at least one red absorbing layer is disposed between the infrared reflector and the second side of the infrared cut filter. |
| US09366940B2 |
Drive apparatus, drive method, and optical device
Noise produced during phase-difference changes is minimized without decreasing the responsiveness of a vibration-wave motor. A lens-side MCU for a lens barrel (controls a drive apparatus that applies a drive voltage to the vibration-wave motor by outputting an A-phase drive signal and a B-phase drive signal thereto. The lens-side MCU uses, for example, a drive-voltage setting unit and a duty-cycle change unit to change the drive voltage. Also, the lens-side MCU is provided with a phase-difference change unit that changes the phase difference between the A-phase drive signal and the B-phase drive signal. When driving the vibration-wave motor, the lens-side MCU changes the drive voltage to Vreg, and when the phase-difference change unit is changing the aforementioned phase difference, the drive voltage is changed to V1, V1 being greater than zero and less than Vreg. |
| US09366937B2 |
Optical pulse-generator
Provided is an optical pulse-generator capable of efficiently using by a low driving voltage an entire band of an optical frequency comb input to a chirp compensator for the formation of an optical pulse. According to a graph shown in FIG. 4, dispersion compensation amounts (dispersion characteristics) necessary for a chirp (dispersion) compensator to efficiently compress an optical frequency comb which sinusoidally changes become an inverse of a parabolic coefficient. It is found that the dispersion compensation amount required at the center frequency is 2/π of that of a chirp being approximate to a linear chirp, and the required dispersion compensation amount increases as the frequency shift increases. |
| US09366934B2 |
Field sequential color ferroelectric liquid crystal display cell
A field sequential color (FSC) ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) display cell, part of an FSC display, is provided. The FSC FLC display cell includes: two polarizers; an FLC layer, positioned between the two polarizers, the FLC layer comprising FLCs with helix pitch less than the thickness of the FLC layer; and a voltage source, configured to apply an electrical driving voltage to the FLC layer, the electrical driving voltage applied to the FLC layer having an amplitude greater than a threshold voltage for helix unwinding, and wherein the voltage source is further configured to apply electrical driving voltages to light emitting diodes (LEDs) of the FSC display to illuminate pixels of the FSC display. The pixels are illuminated in an FSC manner. The FLC layer is configured to provide a defect-free layer of FLC under the electrical driving voltage applied to the FLC layer. |
| US09366932B2 |
TFT-LCD array substrate manufacturing method and LCD panel/device produced by the same
The present invention teaches a TFT-LCD array substrate manufacturing method: a) forming a gate electrode, a gate electrode insulator layer, an active layer, a source electrode and a drain electrode, a passivation layer, and a passivation layer via on top of the drain electrode on a glass substrate; b) depositing an ITO film on the glass substrate processed by the step a), removing through exposure and development the photo resist in a TFT area outside the passivation layer via and a part of the photo resist in a pixel area where gaps are to be formed, and revealing the ITO film outside the passivation layer via in the TFT area; c) removing a remaining photo resist in the pixel area where gaps are to be formed using a fourth dry etch, so that the ITO film on the gaps to be formed is revealed; d) removing the revealed ITO film using a third wet etch; and e) peeling the photo resist not yet removed, and forming an ITO electrode that is connected to the passivation layer via. The present invention also teaches a LCD panel and a LCD device having a TFT-LCD array substrate manufactured by foregoing method. |
| US09366931B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel
The present invention aims to provide a liquid crystal display panel having a structure in which a plurality of gate electrodes are arranged on a continuous semiconductor layer and still capable of suppressing increase of a parasitic capacitance between a source region and a drain region. The liquid crystal display panel of the invention includes a thin film transistor. The thin film transistor includes: a base insulating film; a semiconductor layer extending linearly at least from a first portion to a second portion; a source electrode; a drain electrode; and gate electrodes, respectively, to cover the semiconductor layer with a gate insulating film therebetween. A light shielding film is arranged to cover each projection region corresponding to projection of the gate electrode. The light shielding film is arranged in the form of a plurality of light shielding film elements. The light shielding film elements each cover one or more projection regions. |
| US09366929B2 |
Display panel and display device
A display panel includes a first substrate on which an electrode line and a switching element are disposed, a second substrate positioned opposite the first substrate, a seal provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, a pad electrode that vertically overlaps the seal and is electrically connected to the electrode line, and a side electrode which is connected to one end of the pad electrode and includes a portion positioned on an exterior facing side of the seal. |
| US09366928B2 |
TFT-LCD array substrate and manufacturing method thereof
A thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) array substrate comprises a display area comprising a gate line, a data line and a common electrode line, a pixel electrode and a first thin film transistor (TFT) formed in each sub-pixel area defined by the gate line and data line which are crossed with each other; and a test area located at the peripheral of the display area and comprising a first test one, a second test line, a testing electrode and a second TFT, and the common electrode line extending to the test area from the display area, wherein a part of the second test line constitutes a gate electrode of the second TFT; the source electrode of the second TFT is electrically connected with the first test line; a drain of the second TFT is electrically connected with the common electrode fine; and the common electrode line is connected with the testing electrode. |
| US09366926B2 |
Pixel unit, array substrate, method for manufacturing array substrate, method for repairing array substrate, and display device
A pixel unit comprises a pixel electrode, a data line and a TFT, and further comprises: a backup TFT, a source electrode of which is isolated from the data line, and a drain electrode of which is isolated from the pixel electrode; a first repair line, one end of the first repair line and the source electrode of the backup TFT being isolated from each other and there being an overlapping region therebetween, and the other end of the first repair line and the data line or a source electrode of the TFT being isolated from each other and there being an overlapping region therebetween; and a second repair line. |
| US09366924B2 |
Electro-optical device and electronic apparatus
In an electro-optical device, a first transistor includes a first gate electrode electrically connected to a scanning line via a first contact hole in an insulating film. A second transistor includes a second gate electrode electrically connected to the scanning line via a second contact hold in the insulating film. A planar size of the first contact hole is different from a planar size of the second contact hole. |
| US09366923B2 |
Array substrate and method of fabricating the same, and display device
The present invention provides an array substrate, a method of fabricating the array substrate, and a display device. The array substrate includes a base substrate and pixel units arranged in a matrix-type manner on the base substrate, a thin film transistor, a first electrode and a second electrode are provided in the pixel unit, the thin film transistor includes a gate, a first insulation layer, an active layer, a source and a drain. The array substrate further includes a black matrix provided above the first electrode, and the black matrix covers a non-display region of each pixel unit. |
| US09366922B2 |
Thin film transistor array and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention provides a thin film transistor (TFT) array substrate and a method for manufacturing the same. A transparent and electrically conductive layer and a first metal layer are deposited on a substrate, and a first multi tone mask is utilized to form gate electrodes and common electrodes. A gate insulating layer, a semiconductor layer and a second metal layer are deposited on the substrate, and a second multi tone mask is utilized to form source electrodes, drain electrodes and pixel electrodes. The present invention can simplify the manufacturing process thereof. |
| US09366919B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method for manufacturing the same
In a wall electrode liquid crystal display device, planar distribution of the wall structure and the electrode is optimized to improve a yield. A liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, each of the pixels having an insulator wall structure formed at a border of pixels, a wall electrode formed at a side surface of the wall structure of the border of the pixels, a source electrode which is continuous with the wall electrode and formed of a planar electrode extending in a planar direction, a first common electrode provided between source electrodes at both sides of the pixel to form a retentive capacitance, and a second common electrode provided between wall electrodes on both sides of the pixel. A slit which becomes a border of the wall electrodes of two adjacent pixels is disposed only on a top of the wall structure. |
| US09366915B2 |
LCD panel, electronic device, and method for producing LCD panel
A liquid crystal display panel (100A) includes: a first substrate (2) and a second substrate (3), a liquid crystal layer (1) retained between the first substrate (2) and the second substrate (3), and plurality of pixels. The liquid crystal layer (1) has a first liquid crystal region (81) and a second liquid crystal region (82) provided outside the first liquid crystal region (81). The first liquid crystal region (81) is essentially composed of a nematic liquid crystal material alone, whereas the second liquid crystal region (82) has a plurality of liquid crystal subregions (11) containing a nematic liquid crystal material and polymer-containing walls (12) formed between adjacent ones of the plurality of liquid crystal subregions (11). The plurality of pixels include pixels accounting for the first liquid crystal region (81) and pixels accounting for the second liquid crystal region (82). |
| US09366914B2 |
Liquid crystal panel and liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal panel and a liquid crystal display device are provided, and the liquid crystal panel comprises a color filter substrate and an array substrate which are bonded by a sealant doped with gold balls, wherein a gate shift register is provided on a side of the array substrate facing the color filter substrate, a conductive electrode connecting a gate electrode and source/drain electrodes is provided in a region of the gate shift register, and a common electrode is provided on a side of the color filter substrate facing the array substrate, and wherein the liquid crystal panel further includes an insulating layer located between the conductive electrode and the common electrode, a projection of the insulating layer on the side of the array substrate facing the color filter substrate covering a projection of the conductive electrode on the side of the array substrate facing the color filter substrate. The above solution provided above is beneficial to realize the slim bezel design of the liquid crystal panel. |
| US09366912B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a substrate, a cover layer which defines a tunnel-shaped cavity on the substrate, a support part which extends from the cover layer and corresponds to an edge of the tunnel-shaped cavity, a liquid crystal layer in the tunnel-shaped cavity, first and second electrode which apply an electric field to the liquid crystal layer, and a sealant layer which seals the tunnel-shaped cavity. |
| US09366911B2 |
Autostereoscopic display device
The present invention provides an autostereoscopic display device including: a display device; and a liquid crystal lens cell arranged on the display device, the liquid crystal lens cell including: a first substrate; a second substrate; a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first electrode arranged on the first substrate on the side of the liquid crystal layer; and a second electrode arranged on the second substrate on the side of the liquid crystal layer, in which the liquid crystal lens cell has a water-absorption layer arranged on at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate on the side of the liquid crystal layer. |
| US09366909B2 |
Image display device and liquid crystal lens
An image display device includes a liquid crystal lens on a display surface side of a display panel. The liquid crystal lens includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, a first alignment film and a second alignment film formed on an interface of the liquid crystal layer. The first alignment film and the second alignment film are alignment films subjected to a rubbing treatment so that liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are aligned in a 90° twist in a first direction by the provision of a pretilt angle. The liquid crystal molecules are aligned, by the addition of a chiral agent to the liquid crystal layer, in a 90° twist in a second direction opposite to the first direction in a state where an electric field is not applied. |
| US09366908B2 |
Optical alignment device and the method thereof
An optical alignment device and method are disclosed. The optical alignment device includes an aligned light source, a carrying mechanism, a masking mechanism, and a transporting mechanism. The carrying mechanism is spaced apart from the aligned light source. The transporting mechanism is for driving the masking mechanism such that when the aligned light source is applied to the substrate carried by the carrying mechanism, the masking mechanism is controlled by the transporting mechanism to block a first area such that the optical alignment process is switched from the first area to a second area. |
| US09366906B2 |
Photoreactive compounds
The present invention relates to photoreactive compounds that are particularly useful in materials for the alignment of liquid crystals. |
| US09366905B2 |
Liquid crystal panel and manufacturing method for the same
The invention relates to a liquid crystal substrate and a manufacturing method for the same. The liquid crystal substrate includes a substrate, a transparent electrode layer formed on the substrate. Slits are formed in the transparent electrode layer, and the transparent electrode layer is also provided below the slits. In the liquid crystal substrate and the manufacturing method thereof, the transparent electrode layer is also provided under the slits, thereby an electric field intensity at the slits is enhanced when a voltage is applied, and further increase a transmittance of a liquid crystal display panel. |
| US09366902B2 |
Display device
A display device capable of emitting sufficient fluorescence is provided without an increase in the thickness of the liquid crystal layer. The device includes: a fluorescent emission layer (23) having fluorescent pigment molecules that absorb light to emit fluorescence; and a liquid crystal layer (4) capable of switching between a transparent state and a scattering state. The fluorescent pigment molecules are dichroic fluorescent pigment molecules (23a) with different emission intensities depending on the direction of emission. The dichroic fluorescent pigment molecules (23a) in the fluorescent emission layer (23) are oriented so as to have transition dipole moments with the same direction. |
| US09366899B2 |
Display with color mixing prevention structures
An electronic device may have a liquid crystal display having a backlight and color mixing prevention structures. The color mixing prevention structures may, in part, be formed from one or more arrays of color filter elements. The liquid crystal display may include first and second transparent substrate layers on opposing sides of a liquid crystal layer. The display may include a first array of color filter elements on the first transparent substrate layer and a second array of color filter elements on the second transparent substrate layer. One or more of the arrays of color filter elements may include a black matrix formed over portions of the color filter elements. The color filter elements may fill or partially fill openings in the black matrix. The display may include a collimating layer on the second transparent substrate layer. The color filter elements may include cholesteric color filter elements. |
| US09366886B2 |
Self-switching microresonator optical switch
An optical switch includes a microresonator comprising a silicon-rich silicon oxide layer and a plurality of silicon nanoparticles within the silicon-rich silicon oxide layer. The microresonator further includes an optical coupler optically coupled to the microresonator and configured to be optically coupled to a signal source. The microresonator is configured to receive signal light having a signal wavelength, and at least a portion of the microresonator is responsive to the signal light by undergoing a refractive index change at the signal wavelength. The optical switch further includes an optical coupler optically coupled to the microresonator and configured to be optically coupled to a signal source. The optical coupler transmits the signal light from the signal source to the microresonator. |
| US09366883B2 |
Using google glass to project a red overlay that enhances night vision
There is provided an apparatus, a method and computer program product for improving a night vision. A pair of eyeglasses comprises: a sensor that detects an intensity of a light near a user; a comparator device that compares the detected light intensity near the user against a dimness threshold; and an onboard projector in the pair of eyeglasses projecting a red light simultaneously into each eye of the user if the detected light intensity near the user becomes lower than the threshold. |
| US09366876B2 |
Lens component and image display device
A lens component 10 comprises K unit lenses 11, each extending in the X direction and having a common structure, arranged in parallel at a minimum period PL in the Y direction. Each unit lens 11 includes two partial lenses 121, 122 sectioned within the minimum period PL in the Y direction and a flat part 13 disposed between the partial lenses 121, 122. The partial lenses 121, 122 have respective optical axes different from each other but parallel to the Z direction and form images of a common point on an object surface onto an image surface A at respective positions different from each other. |
| US09366871B2 |
Microdisplay based immersive headset
An immersive headset device is provided that includes a display portion and a body portion. The display portion may include microdisplays having a compact size. The microdisplays may be movable (e.g., rotational) relative to the body portion and can be moved (e.g., rotated) between a flipped-up position and a flipped-down position. In some instances, when the microdisplays are flipped up, the headset provides an augmented reality (AR) mode to a user, and when the microdisplays are flipped down, the headset provide a virtual reality (VR) mode to the user. In certain implementations, the headset includes an electronics source module to provide power and/or signal to the microdisplays. The electronics source module can be attached to a rear of the body portion in order to provide advantageous weight distribution about the head of the user. |
| US09366868B2 |
See-through computer display systems
Aspects of the present invention relate to providing see-through computer display optics. |
| US09366866B2 |
Image display apparatus
An image display apparatus includes a light source, a display device, an at least one illumination prism, and an at least one eyepiece optic. The light source emits illumination light. The display device modulates the illumination light and emits the modulated light as image light. The illumination light emitted from the light source is incident on the illumination prism. The at least one eyepiece optic transmits the image light emitted from the display device. |
| US09366865B2 |
Wearable electronic device with integrated antenna
The invention discloses a wearable electronic device, comprising a fixing component, at least one display component fixedly provided on the fixing component and a signal transceiver component provided on the display component; when a user wears the wearable electronic device, the fixing component maintains a relative positional relationship between the wearable electronic device and the user's head; the display component includes a transparent module whose light transmittance is greater than a first light transmittance; the signal transceiver component is for receiving and transmitting a signal, is of a slice shape, and has a hollow geometric pattern constituted by two or more lines. |
| US09366862B2 |
System and method for delivering content to a group of see-through near eye display eyepieces
This disclosure concerns an interactive head-mounted eyepiece with an integrated processor for handling content for display and an integrated image source for introducing the content to an optical assembly through which the user views a surrounding environment and the displayed content. The optical assembly includes absorptive polarizers or anti-reflective coatings to reduce stray light. |
| US09366861B1 |
Laser particle projection system
An improved particle effect projector is disclosed that reduces the energy density of a laser beam projected through a movie theater or other entertainment venue, comprising an F-theta lens, a beam expander and a beam focuser with a long focal length that approximates the distance between the particle effect projector and the movie screen or other surface onto which the particle effect beam is being projected. |
| US09366860B1 |
Mirror scanning control system and method
A galvanometer-based optical scanner limits a range of mirror rotation angles and includes posts extending from an adjustable base to define a range of angles for rotation of the mirror and cushioning carried by the posts for softening an impact of the mirror when making contact with the posts. A band of rubber-like material is placed around the posts to provide the cushioning. Operation of the scanner is such that an adjustable mirror stop is provided which does not stop rotation of the rotor itself, but stops rotation of the mirror. |
| US09366858B2 |
Optically-controlled micromirror device
Technologies are generally described for using different wavelengths and/or using different frequencies of light to encode each of information data and control data in a beam of light and to use the encoded control data to route the encoded information data through a network. Routing may be effected using optical switches configured with transmissive and reflective properties, which may allow transmission of certain encoded control data and may allow reflection of certain information data, depending upon the routing for the travel of the light through the network. |
| US09366855B2 |
System and method for online inspection of turbines including temperature and vibration compensating lens mount
Optical camera systems for nondestructive internal inspection of online, operating power generation turbines, including gas turbine combustor and turbine sections that are at high operating temperatures in the range of over 600° C. (1112° F.). The system includes one or more temperature and vibration-compensating lens systems in the optical tube mount. The lens is circumferentially retained within a lens mount, with a mounting ring in contact with only the lens axial face. A biasing element exerts axially oriented biasing force on the first lens face through the first mounting ring, allowing for mount flexure in response to operational turbine vibration and temperature changes. The lens mount is advantageously combined with aspheric lenses capable of withstanding continuous operating temperatures above 600° C. The aspheric lenses, alone or in combination with spherical lenses, establish a wider field of view, and require fewer lenses in combination than lens mounts incorporating only spherical lenses. |
| US09366850B2 |
Microscope objective lens
Provided is a microscope objective lens that sufficiently corrects on-axis and off-axis chromatic aberrations and that has a long working distance. A microscope objective lens OL includes, in order from an object side, a first lens group G1 with positive refractive power and a second lens group G2 with negative refractive power. The first lens group G1 of the microscope objective lens OL includes a diffractive optical element GD including a diffractive optical surface D, and the diffractive optical element GD is arranged at a position closer to the image than a section where a diameter of a light flux passing through the first lens group G1 is the largest. |
| US09366849B2 |
Microscope system and method for microscope system
A desired observation timing is ensured, and simultaneity of observation among different observation positions is ensured. Provided is a microscope system including an electrically powered stage, a scanner, objective lenses, a revolver, an image-acquisition portion, an autofocus portion, a first storage portion that stores one of the focal positions of the low-magnification objective lens as a reference position, a focal-position setting portion that sets a focal position at which an image is acquired with reference to the reference position for the low-magnification objective lens, an acquisition-position setting portion that sets acquisition positions for partial images, and a map-image generating portion that generates a map image based on the partial images acquired at the set focal position, wherein the autofocus portion detects a focal position of the high-magnification objective lens at an observation position set on the map image with reference to the reference position for the low-magnification objective lens. |
| US09366839B2 |
Position adjustment device and position adjustment method
To make it possible to adjust a relative positional relationship between an imaging lens and an image pickup device highly precisely within a short period of time, a position adjusting device includes: an image pickup device rotating and holding section (101) for holding an image pickup device (202) at any one of three or more rotational angles; a relationship information obtaining section (103) for obtaining, for each of respective images captured at the rotational angles, information on a relationship between the corresponding rotational angle and a contrast of the image at a plurality of points or regions in the image; a line approximation section (104) for approximating the relationship with use of an approximation line; and an image pickup device adjusting section (105) for rotating the image pickup device (202) so that the image pickup device (202) is held at a rotational angle corresponding to a position at which a plurality of the approximation lines cross each other. |
| US09366838B2 |
Secure cable housing system for optical communication network
A secure cable housing system for use within a secure fiber optic communications network is provided. The secure cable housing system includes a non-secure cable box and a secure equipment box. The secure network equipment box includes a secure interior cavity, and the non-secure cable box is smaller than the secure interior cavity such that the non-secure cable box fits within the secure interior cavity. The secure network equipment box allows the optical cable to be received into the secure interior cavity without disconnecting the fiber optic cable from the non-secure box. |
| US09366831B2 |
Optical assembly
An optical device has a first frame element and second frame element. At least portions of a plurality of optical fiber pairs of an array each including an exposed end are arranged between the two frame elements. A region is defined between opposing surfaces of the two frame elements to hold the optical fibers. When holding the fibers, the two frame elements cooperate to positionally align and orient the exposed ends of each of the optical fibers for at least one of transmitting and receiving light. An optical system with the device includes a TAP photodiode array such that a portion of light is transmitted from at least a pair of input optical fibers to a corresponding pair of photodiodes of the array, and a portion of light is reflected back from an optical filter to output optical fibers corresponding to the input optical fibers. |
| US09366830B2 |
Hybrid ferrule and fiber optical test device
The present invention is a hybrid ferrule which is able to be connected to both, angle polished and flat polished, MPO connectors; a test device including the above mentioned hybrid ferrule; and a test kit, including the above mentioned test device with hybrid ferrule. The hybrid ferrule of the present invention includes first, second, and third surfaces which are designed in a special way to ensure the high quality connection with SM or MM type connectors. A hybrid fiber connector having an integrated end, a connection end, two sides, a flat center, and an optical fiber embedded in the flat center parallel to and halfway between the two sides. The connection end includes left and right edges and first, second, and third surfaces. The first surface angles upward from said left edge of said connection end to a first point, the second surface extends flat between the first point and a second point, and a third surface angles downward between the second point and the right edge of said connection end. |
| US09366828B2 |
Systems and techniques for improving insertion loss performance of multicore fiber connectors
Structures and techniques are described for aligning multicore optical fibers in a multicore optical fiber cable having a plurality of optical fiber cores, at least one end portion and a protective coating. The protective coating is removed from the end portion of the multicore fiber cable to create an exposed end portion of the multicore fiber. The exposed end portion of the multicore fiber is inserted into a guide hole defined longitudinally through a ferrule subassembly. The cores of the fiber are aligned rotationally, in a predetermined orientation, relative to the ferrule. Each fiber is biased within its respective guide hole in a predetermined orientation relative to the ferrule. The multicore fiber is bonded within the ferrule. The fiber is trimmed at the ferrule tip and the ferrule and fiber end faces are polished, so that a selected alignment of the multicore fiber is achieved. |
| US09366822B1 |
Thermo-optically tuned photonic resonators with concurrent electrical connection and thermal isolation
A photonic resonator system is designed to use thermal tuning to adjust the resonant wavelength of each resonator in the system, with a separate tuning circuit associated with each resonator so that individual adjustments may be made. The common electrical ground connection between the tuning circuits is particularly formed to provide thermal isolation between adjacent resonators by including a capacitor along each return path to ground, where the presence of the capacitor's dielectric material provides the thermal isolation. The use of capacitively coupling necessarily requires the use of an AC current as an input to the heater element (conductor/resistor) of each resonator, where the RMS value of the AC signal is indicative of the amount of heat that is generated along the element and the degree of wavelength tuning that is obtained. |
| US09366819B1 |
Reduced crosstalk for bi-directional arrayed waveguide gratings
Embodiments describe bi-directional AWGs comprising a first input waveguide coupled to a first free propagation region to input light into a dispersive waveguide array, a second input waveguide coupled to a second free propagation region to input light into the dispersive waveguide array, a first plurality of output waveguides coupled to the first free propagation region to output light from the dispersive waveguide array received from the second input waveguide, and a second plurality of output waveguides coupled to the second free propagation region to output light from the dispersive waveguide array received from the first input waveguide. At least one of these FPRs reduces potential crosstalk received at their respective output waveguides by having at least one of their input waveguides or plurality of output waveguides angled offset from a center of the dispersive waveguide array to attenuate carrier waves that can be present at the output waveguides. |
| US09366818B1 |
Broadband silicon nitride polarization beam splitter
A compact polarization beam splitter is formed by cascading two stages of directional couplers each containing two waveguides laid in parallel with a coupling gap. Each waveguide is made by silicon nitride material having a minimum length configured to be comparable with a coupling length for a TE polarization mode being set as twice of a coupling length for a TM polarization mode. A first-stage direction coupler is optimized by making the coupling gap smaller/greater than a nominal value to maximize TE/TM extinction ratio at least for a shorter/longer wavelength window of a designated wavelength band and each of two second-stage directional couplers is optimized by making the coupling gap greater/smaller than the nominal value to maximize TE/TM extinction ratio at least for a complementary longer/shorter wavelength window of the same designated wavelength band. |
| US09366816B2 |
Adiabatic planar waveguide coupler transformer
Methods of depositing materials to provide for efficient coupling of light from a first device to a second device are disclosed. In general, these methods include mounting one or more wafers on a rotating table that is continuously rotated under one or more source targets. A process gas can be provided and one or more of the source targets powered while the wafers are biased to deposit optical dielectric films on the one or more wafers. In some embodiments, a shadow mask can be laterally translated across the one or more wafers during deposition. In some embodiments, deposited films can have lateral and/or horizontal variation in index of refraction and/or lateral variation in thickness. |
| US09366814B2 |
Method for preparing zero-mode waveguide arrays with coated walls
The application relates to methods of manufacture of improved optical containment structures. The invention relates to arrays of zero-mode waveguide structures comprising nanoscale apertures having non-reflective coatings on their walls. The methods provide for selectively coating the walls of the zero mode waveguides, allowing for selective functionalization of the bases. |
| US09366811B2 |
Highly nonlinear optical fiber with improved SBS threshold and moderate attenuation
A highly nonlinear optical fiber having an improved stimulated Brillouin scattering threshold is provided. The fiber includes a central core region made substantially from silica doped with aluminum, a trench region surrounding the central core region, and a silica cladding surrounding the trench region. The refractive index profile of the fiber is optimized. A refractive index difference of the central core region relative to the cladding (Δn+) is less than 26×10−3, and more preferably at or near 21×10−3. A refractive index difference of the trench region relative to the cladding (Δn−) is less than −5×10−3. The trench region is preferably doped with fluorine. The aluminum doping level of the central core region is preferably less than 14 wt % Al. A fiber doped with aluminum having this refractive index profile exhibits a significantly higher figure of merit (PthγLeff) than conventional germanium-doped fibers. |
| US09366810B2 |
Double-clad, gain-producing fibers with increased cladding absoroption while maintaining single-mode operation
The cladding absorption of single-mode, double-clad, gain-producing fibers is increased in fiber designs that includes a trench region disposed between the core and inner cladding regions. Increased cladding absorption is achieved while maintaining single-mode operation. |
| US09366806B2 |
Gain-producing fibers with increased cladding absorption while maintaining single-mode operation
The cladding absorption of a single-mode, gain-producing fibers is increased in fiber designs that includes a trench region disposed between the core and inner cladding regions. Increased cladding absorption is achieved while maintaining single-mode operation. |
| US09366805B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A LED module includes a printed circuit board, LEDs which are vertically mounted on the printed circuit board and which emit light onto a side surface, and a contact member which is provided to come into contact with a light guide plate. The printed circuit board may be movably coupled to a bottom chassis. When the light guide plate undergoes thermal expansion, the LED module may move by pressing of the light guide plate acting on the contact member. Accordingly, a gap between the light guide plate and the LEDs may be uniformly maintained even when the light guide plate undergoes thermal expansion or is returned to an original state. |
| US09366803B2 |
Display device
A display device includes: a light guide member under the display panel and including a light incident surface; a heat discharge member including a heat discharge surface which extends in a first direction opposite to the light incident surface of the light guide member, and a first flat surface which extends in a second direction from the heat discharge surface; and a light source on the heat discharge member, which provides light to the light incident surface and includes a light emitting device on the heat discharge surface and including a light emitting surface opposite to the light incident surface, a circuit board on the first flat surface of the heat discharge member and electrically connected to the light emitting device, and a heat discharge portion on the heat discharge member and which couples the light emitting device to the heat discharge surface of the heat discharge member and discharges a heat generated from the light emitting device. |
| US09366801B2 |
Light emitting module, backlight unit including the light emitting module, and liquid crystal display including the backlight unit
A light emitting module includes at least one light emitting chip mounted on a substrate, a sidewall including a fastener fastened to the substrate and surrounding the light emitting chip, and a transparent resin mixed with phosphor configured to fill a space partitioned by the sidewall. |
| US09366800B2 |
Edge light-type backlight device and light diffusion member
This edge light-type backlight device comprises a light guide plate, a light source disposed at one end part of the light guide plate, a light diffusion sheet and a prism sheet on a light emission face of the light guide plate. The refractive index of the prism sheet exceeds 1.60, a peak of emitted light distribution of the light emission face in a plane parallel to the one end part of the light guide plate and orthogonal to the light emission face is within an angle ranges of 30°˜45° and −30°˜−45° with respect to a normal direction of the light emission face. The emitted light of the light emission face diminishes toward an emission angle −90° or 90° with respect to the normal line from the angle ranges of the peak of the emitted light distribution. High frontal brightness and diffusion are realized. |
| US09366799B2 |
Optical waveguide bodies and luminaires utilizing same
According to one aspect, a luminaire comprises a waveguide body including a central section and first and second separate side sections extending away from the central section along first and second opposed directions, respectively. The central section includes a coupling portion and the waveguide body has a length and includes a plurality of light extraction features that extract light out of the side sections. At least one LED is disposed adjacent the coupling portion and is operated by a power circuit to produce light that is directed into the waveguide body by the coupling portion. At least one structural member extends along the length of the waveguide body for supporting the waveguide body and encloses at least one of the power circuit and the at least one LED. |
| US09366798B2 |
Light guide plate with sharp-edged prisms and side-edge type surface-emission optical apparatus including the same
In a light guide plate having a light incident surface, a light distributing control surface perpendicular to the light incident surface and a light emitting surface opposing the light distributing control surface, a flat mirror-finish portion is provided on a first area of the light distributing control surface, and a prism sequence is provided on a second area of the light distributing control surface where the flat mirror-finish portion is not provided. The prism sequence is protruded with respect to the flat mirror-finish portion. Each prism of the prism sequence has a rising sloped surface opposing the light incident surface, a first falling sloped surface connected to the rising sloped surface, and a second falling sloped surface connected to the first falling sloped surface, A slope of the first falling sloped surface is larger than a slope of the second falling sloped surface. |
| US09366797B2 |
Side type backlight module, method for producing the same and display apparatus
The present disclosure relates to the technical file of display, in particular to a side type backlight module, a method for producing the same and a display apparatus. The backlight module comprises: a LED source; a light guide plate; a wedge-shaped light guide portion located between the LED source and the light guide plate; two reflectors having reflective faces located on a top and a bottom of the wedge-shaped light guide portion and inclined with respect to an upper surface or a lower surface of the light guide plate, for adjusting the light emitting angle of the LED source; and a silicon gel part located between the LED source and the wedge-shaped light guide portion. With the inclined reflectors arranged on the top and the bottom of the silicon gel part, the present disclosure may avoid the light leak, improve the optical efficiency and suppress the light leak and hot spots effects of the light incident end of the light guide plate. |
| US09366795B2 |
Illumination device with an extended useable spectrum
An illumination device for irradiating objects with electromagnetic radiation is provided. The illumination device includes at least one light guide and a radiation source that emits electromagnetic radiation in the spectral region from 320 nm to 420 nm into the light guide. The light guide is formed of a glass that has a spectral transmittance of at least 70% at 350 nm and is selected from the system of lead-free silicate-tin glasses. |
| US09366794B2 |
Light guide and illumination device
A rod-shaped light guide operable to guide light entering a lateral end surface thereof to exit through a surface thereof is provided with: a recess in one lateral end thereof, having a predetermined depth in a longitudinal direction thereof, a bottom of the recess forming the lateral end surface; a positioning boss extending in the longitudinal direction from the one lateral end and inserted into a positioning hole in a substrate with a light source; and an engagement portion formed at the one lateral end to engage the substrate positioned by the positioning boss to the one lateral end so that a front surface of the substrate can abut on the one lateral end and the light source can be accommodated in the recess while being kept at a certain distance from the lateral end surface, the positioning boss and the engagement portion being formed integrally with the light guide. |
| US09366792B2 |
Uniaxially stretched multi-layer laminate film
A uniaxially stretched multi-layer laminate film includes 251 or more layers in which a first layer and a second layer are alternately laminated, wherein the first layer is composed of a polyester containing a 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid component; the second layer is composed of a thermoplastic resin having an average refractive index of 1.60 or more and not more than 1.65 and having negative optical anisotropy or isotropy; an S polarization component has an average reflectance of 90% or more relative to the incident polarized light at an angle of incidence of 0 degree and 50 degrees, respectively; and a P polarization component has an average reflectance of not more than 15% relative to the incident polarized light at an angle of incidence of 0 degree and an average reflectance of 20% or more relative to the incident polarized light at an angle of incidence of 50 degrees. |
| US09366788B2 |
Heat radiation reflective film and method for producing the same, and heat radiation reflector
To provide a heat radiation reflective film which has a high heat radiation reflectance and good adherence property (peel resistance), which can have a large surface area, and which de-emphasizes certain visible reflected lights; and a method for producing the film. And to provide a heat radiation reflector which includes the heat radiation reflective film as described above. A heat radiation reflective film comprising: at least one heat radiation reflective unit on one surface of a support, the unit comprising: at least 6 laminated layers, each layer having a different refractive index from an adjacent layer, wherein a first unit as one of the heat radiation reflective units comprises the layer closest to the support having a thickness which is 3 times or more of the thickness of the layer farthest from the support. |
| US09366786B2 |
Method for manufacturing X-ray/γ-ray focusing optical system using atomic layer deposition
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an X-ray/γ-ray focusing optical system comprising the steps of: providing a capillary substrate; and sequentially accumulating a plurality of alternation layers, each consisting of an X-ray/γ-ray opaque material and an X-ray/γ-ray transparent material, on an inner surface of the capillary substrate in a Fresnel pattern by atomic layer deposition. |
| US09366783B2 |
Silicon thin film solar cell having improved underlayer coating
A silicon thin film solar cell includes a substrate and an undercoating formed over the substrate. The undercoating includes first layer of tin oxide or titania and a second layer having a mixture of oxides of at least two of Sn, P, Si, Ti, Al, and Zr. A conductive coating is over the first coating. The conductive coating includes oxides of one or more of Zn, Fe, Mn, Al, Ce, Sn, Sb, Hf, Zr, Ni, Zn, Bi, Ti, Co, Cr, Si, or In or an alloy of two or more of these materials. A coated article has a substrate and an anti-iridescent layer formed over the substrate. The anti-iridescent layer has a metal oxide film and a homogeneous mixed oxide film. A functional film is over the anti-iridescent layer. |
| US09366780B2 |
Steerable magnetic dipole antenna for measurement while drilling applications
A steerable, magnetic dipole antenna for Measurement-While-Drilling (MWD) or Logging-While-Drilling (LWD) applications. The antenna elements use a hole arrangement in addition to grooves in a steel tool body, which is typically a drill collar. This antenna embodiment is extremely robust, meaning that does not significantly reduce the structural integrity of the tool body in which it is disposed. The antenna embodiment is also relatively wear resistant. The resultant magnetic dipole generated by this antenna is also electrically steerable in inclination angle from a common origin. A variable dipole moment inclination angle combined with independently measured tool rotation orientation during normal drilling allows the antenna to generate a magnetic dipole moment that may be directed at any three dimensional angle and from a common origin point at the centroid of the antenna. |
| US09366777B2 |
Measurement of permeability in borehole in the presence of mudcake
The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for evaluating a porous earth formation. The method may include: generating an acoustic wave in a borehole fluid; measuring an attenuation of the acoustic wave; and estimating a permeability of an earth formation acoustically coupled to the borehole fluid using the estimated attenuation and a theoretical attenuation. The method may also include estimating a theoretical attenuation for the borehole fluid using acoustic properties of the borehole fluid. The apparatus for performing the method may include: an acoustic source, an acoustic sensor, and a processor configured to estimate the attenuation of an acoustic wave generated by the acoustic source. |
| US09366775B2 |
Seismic data processing including internal multiple modeling without subsurface information
A system and method are disclosed for substantially eliminating the influence of internal multiples when seismic mapping under-water geographical areas of interest without a priori knowledge of subsurface information. The system and method iteratively locate multiple-generating horizons for predicting internal multiples and uses a lower-higher-lower relationship between the multiple generating horizons. The system and method provide an appropriate and cost-effective means for internal multiple attenuation without subsurface information. |
| US09366771B2 |
System and method for migration velocity modeling
A method of modifying a seismic image of a subsurface region includes identifying a location within the seismic image that includes a distortion, indicating a structural change associated with the distortion, that is selected to at least partially correct for the distortion, identifying a region causing the distortion in which corrections to a velocity model corresponding to the seismic image are to be applied, performing an inversion for the region in accordance with the indicated structural change, updating the velocity model on the basis of the inversion, and producing a modified seismic image on the basis of the updated velocity model. |
| US09366770B2 |
Earthquake determination system and seismic analysis method
An earthquake determination system which includes a plurality of observation terminal devices are connected by a communication network. When estimated P-wave detection information is received from the plurality of the observation terminal devices, a distance D between the observation terminal devices and a time interval δ between detection times are acquired and when transmission limit distance of local vibration energy is DSL, the minimum propagation speed of the earthquake P waves is SP, and the maximum detection error between detection times by the pair of observation terminal devices is Δt, the seismic analysis processor determines occurrence of an earthquake, if the both of the two pairs of the observation terminal devices satisfy the relationships of 2DSL |
| US09366768B2 |
Radiation detector system and method
A radiation detector system/method that simultaneously detects alpha/beta, beta/gamma, or alpha/beta/gamma radiation within an integrated detector is disclosed. The system incorporates a photomultiplier tube with radiation scintillation materials to detect alpha/beta/gamma radiation. The photomultiplier tube output is then shape amplified and fed through discriminators to detect the individual radiation types. The discriminator outputs are fed to an anti-coincidence and pulse width and timing analysis module that determines whether individual alpha/beta/gamma pulses are valid and should be counted by corresponding alpha/beta/gamma pulse radiation counters. The system may include a radiation detection method to affect alpha/beta/gamma radiation detection in a variety of contexts. The system/method may be implemented in a variety of applications, including but not limited to whole body radiation contamination detectors, laundry radiation scanners, tool/article radiation detectors, and the like. |
| US09366767B2 |
Radiation detecting apparatus and radiation detecting system
A radiation detecting apparatus includes a scintillator and a photoelectric conversion panel. The photoelectric conversion panel includes a frame member disposed on an outer side of a photoelectric conversion section along at least a portion of one side of the photoelectric conversion panel. The frame member includes an inclined surface having a downward slope toward the photoelectric conversion section. The scintillator includes a first scintillator formed continuously on the inclined surface of the frame member and a surface of the photoelectric conversion section, and a second scintillator formed on the first scintillator. The first scintillator has a non-columnar crystal structure, and the second scintillator has a columnar crystal structure. |
| US09366763B2 |
Method and apparatus for position determination with hybrid SPS orbit data
A method and system for a mobile station to determine its position (or velocity) and time using a hybrid combination of satellite orbit data. In one aspect, the mobile station combines predicted orbit data from one satellite and real-time orbit data from another satellite in the determination of a fix. The combination can be made to the satellites in the same or different satellite systems. The mobile station can use the real-time orbit data of a satellite at one time period and the predicted orbit data of the same satellite at another time period. In another aspect, the mobile station can use the real-time orbit data to correct the clock bias in the predicted orbit data. The correction to the clock bias can be made to the same satellite that provides the real-time orbit data, or to a different satellite in the same or in another satellite system. |
| US09366751B2 |
Method and device for ascertaining and compensating for a misalignment angle of a radar sensor of a vehicle
A method for ascertaining and compensating for a misalignment angle of a radar sensor of a vehicle, includes generating a first set of data which contains information about a measured alignment of the radar sensor with respect to an instantaneous movement of the vehicle; generating a second set of data which contains information about a measured alignment of the reference axes defined at the vehicle with respect to the instantaneous movement of the vehicle; ascertaining a misalignment angle by comparing the generated first set of data to the generated second set of data; compensating for the ascertained misalignment angle by changing an emission direction of the main lobe of the antenna characteristic as a function of the ascertained misalignment angle. |
| US09366750B2 |
Radar detection and dynamic frequency selection
A method and apparatus for: receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal on a first channel; determining a radio signal strength of the RF signal; performing a correlation of the RF signal with a predetermined sequence of a wireless data packet to determine whether the RF signal contains the predetermined sequence; in response to the RF signal not containing the predetermined sequence, generating an indication that the RF signal is not a wireless data packet; and determining whether the radio signal strength of the RF signal exceeds a predetermined threshold. In response to i) the radio signal strength exceeding the predetermined threshold and ii) the indication being generated: measuring a parameter associated with the RF signal; determining whether the RF signal is a radar signal based on the parameter; and changing from the first channel in response to the RF signal being determined to be a radar signal. |
| US09366744B2 |
Instrument transformer test equipment and method
A method and apparatus for testing a transformer. A controller generates a switching signal and supplies the switching signal to a solid state switch in circuit with a test load of known magnitude, switching the solid state switch to place the test load in circuit with the transformer. A signal through or across the transformer is then measured. Methods and apparatus for testing a transformer comprise the controller and solid state switch placing a series of test loads of different known magnitudes in circuit with the transformer from the lowest magnitude to the highest, from the highest to the lowest, or both. Additionally, a test load array comprises a plurality of power resistors, a heat sink for accommodating the plurality of power resistors, and a material providing electrical insulation of the power resistors from the heat sink and thermal conductivity between the power resistors and the heat sink. |
| US09366743B2 |
Time domain network analyzer
An apparatus for measuring s-parameters using as few as one pulser and two samplers is described. The apparatus calibrates itself automatically using the internal calibration standards. |
| US09366740B2 |
System and method for vastly undersampled isotropic projection reconstruction with inversion recovery
Described here are a system and method for obtaining a time series of images that depict a subject using an inversion recovery (“IR”) pulse sequence with a unique data acquisition scheme that allows for the retrospective identification of an image having an optimal tissue contrast. Data acquisition is performed using a radial acquisition scheme such as, preferably, a vastly undersampled isotropic projection reconstruction (“VIPR”) scheme. Using VIPR and IR, combined with a unique projection ordering, a series of three-dimensional, high spatial resolution images with multiple different image contrasts can be obtained. |
| US09366737B2 |
Failsafe protection from induced RF current for MRI RF coil assembly having transmit functionality
An electrically-controlled failsafe switch is included in an MRI transmit-and-receive RF coil assembly so as to protect it from induced RF currents in the event it is disconnected from an MRI system, but inadvertently left linked to strong MRI RF fields during imaging procedures using other RF coils. |
| US09366735B2 |
Optical pumping magnetometer
Stable magnetic field measurement is enabled without collapse of polarization or fluctuation of intensity of a laser beam incident on a glass cell of an optical pumping magnetic sensor. Excitation light generated with a light source, having optimized light intensity and polarized wave, through frequency stabilization, intensity control and polarized-wave control, is introduced via a polarized wave holding optical fiber to a magnetic sensor provided in a magnetic shield, and magnetic field measurement is performed by optical pumping using magneto-optical properties of spin-polarized alkali metal. The magnetic sensor has a structure where a lens, a polarization optical device, the glass cell and a photodetector, are integrally accommodated in a non-magnetic case. |
| US09366727B2 |
High density low power scan flip-flop
A scan flip flop includes a partial multiplexer coupled to a master latch. The partial multiplexer is configured to receive a scan enable (SCAN) where the partial multiplexer includes an OR gate coupled to a tri-stated AND gate. A tri-state inverter is coupled to an output of the master latch and a slave latch is configured to receive an output of the tri-state inverter. A delay element is coupled to the slave latch, where the delay element is configured to delay a first output of the slave latch in response to the scan enable to generate a dedicated scan output. |
| US09366722B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing de-skew control
A method and apparatus for performing de-skew control are provided, where the method is applied to an electronic device. The method includes the steps of: performing a symbol detection at a plurality of lanes of the electronic device, respectively, to determine locations of a specific symbol at the plurality of lanes, respectively; according to the locations of the specific symbol at the plurality of lanes, selectively rearranging decoded data in the plurality of lanes to generate a plurality of sets of de-skewed data respectively corresponding to the plurality of lanes; and by buffering the plurality of sets of de-skewed data, selectively delaying output of the plurality of sets of de-skewed data to control beginning of the plurality of sets of de-skewed data to be simultaneously output. |
| US09366712B2 |
Determination of physical connectivity status of devices based on electrical measurement
Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to determination of physical connectivity status of devices based on electrical measurement. An embodiment of a method includes discovering a connection of a first device with a second device, and performing an electrical measurement of the second device by the first device via the connection between the first device and the second device, where performing the electrical measurement includes sensing by the first device of an element of the second device. The method further includes, if the sensing by the first device fails to detect the element of the second device and a predetermined condition for the electrical measurement is enabled, then determining by the first device that the connection with the second device has been lost. |
| US09366709B2 |
Circuit and method for delay difference measurement
A circuit includes a signal generator, a delay pulse generator and a time-to-current converter. The signal generator is configured to generate a first signal including information on a rise delay and a second signal including information on a fall delay. A delay difference exists between the rise delay and the fall delay. The delay pulse generator is configured to provide an additional delay to one of the first and second signals. The time-to-current converter is configured to extract the delay difference. |
| US09366706B2 |
System and method for sensing human activity by monitoring impedance
A system for sensing human activity by monitoring impedance includes a signal generator for generating an alternating current (AC) signal, the AC signal applied to an object, a reactance altering element coupled to the AC signal, an envelope generator for converting a returned AC signal to a time-varying direct current (DC) signal, and an analog-to-digital converter for determining a defined impedance parameter of the time-varying DC signal, where the defined impedance parameter defines an electromagnetic resonant attribute of the object. |
| US09366705B2 |
Condition monitoring by cross-correlation of switching-mode power supplies
A method of monitoring an output signal of a switching-mode power supply for the presence and magnitude of the switching frequency comprises sampling the output signal at a sampling frequency above the minimum Nyquist limit to provide a succession of samples; cross-correlating a reference signal and the samples to provide cross-correlation values; and monitoring the cross-correlation values to ascertain the magnitude of a component of the output signal at or near the frequency of the reference signal. |
| US09366696B2 |
Roll to roll tester and method of testing flexible substrates roll to roll
An apparatus for testing of a plurality of electronic devices on a flexible substrate is described. The apparatus includes at least two rollers configured for guiding the flexible substrate into a testing area along transport direction, at least one prober configured for electrically contacting one or more of the electronic devices, at least one probing support configured for supporting a portion of the flexible substrate during electrical contact with the at least one prober, and a test device for functional testing of one or more of the electronic devices. |
| US09366693B2 |
Variable density scanning
Systems and techniques for varying a scan rate in a measurement instrument. The techniques may be used in scanning probe instruments, including atomic force microscopes (AFMs) and other scanning probe microscopes, as well as profilometers and confocal optical microscopes. This allows the selective imaging of particular regions of a sample surface for accurate measurement of critical dimensions within a relatively small data acquisition time. |
| US09366688B2 |
Apparatuses, systems and methods for determining effective wind speed
Systems and methods for determining an effective wind speed are disclosed. A system includes a first detector, a second detector and a processing unit. The first detector includes a heated temperature-sensing element having a heater and a first temperature sensor, and a first housing at least partially housing the heated temperature-sensing element. The second detector includes a non-heated temperature-sensing element having a second temperature sensor, a second housing at least partially housing the non-heated temperature-sensing element. The processing unit can be adapted to determine the effective wind speed according to a temperature at the heated temperature-sensing element, a temperature at the non-heated temperature-sensing element, and/or a difference between these temperatures and in accordance with an algorithm or table of values. The heated and non-heated temperature-sensing elements and their respective first housing and second housing are collinear, proximal and parallel to the conductor, and protected from precipitation by a shield. |
| US09366680B2 |
Method for evaluating myocardial ischemic state using blood sample
The present invention provides a method and an index capable of less-invasively determining myocardial ischemia such as ischemic heart disease or restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention. The present invention also provides an index that allows the cardiovascular disease other than heart failure to be determined even from a blood sample showing a BNP value from which the cardiovascular disease other than heart failure cannot be determined by a conventional method. A method for determining myocardial ischemia comprising subjecting a blood sample which is derived from a test subject and which contains a BNP molecular group containing at least two selected from the group consisting of BNP 1-32 molecule, BNP 3-32 molecule, BNP 4-32 molecule, BNP 5-32 molecule, and a molecule having a mass number larger than that of BNP 5-32 molecule by 16 Da to a detection process capable of distinguishing and quantifying the individual BNP molecules different in mass number to detect the BNP molecular group, wherein myocardial ischemia in the test subject is determined using, as an index, a ratio between a detected intensity of at least one molecule selected from the BNP molecular group and a detected intensity of at least one other molecule selected from the BNP molecular group. |
| US09366679B2 |
Method for diagnosis of pulmonary involvement in systemic sclerosis
A method for the diagnosis and/or therapy control of systemic sclerosis is disclosed wherein soluble CD90 is detected in body fluids. By measuring the concentration of soluble CD90 certain forms of diseases can be differentiated by applying the ex vivo method. |
| US09366677B2 |
Methods for analyzing biological macromolecular complexes and use thereof
In a first aspect, provided herein is a method of determining assembly, homogeneity and/or thermodynamic stability of biological macromolecular complexes. In particular, the method allows determining maximum stability of the complexes based on fluorescence changes at an appropriate wavelength as a function of temperature whereby the fluorescence changes reflect the status of assembly, homogeneity and/or thermodynamic stability of the biological macromolecular complexes. The method is based on identifying two state and multistate unfolding fluorescence curves as a function of temperature by fitting the curves according to a multistate unfolding model. In addition, a computer program and a computer program storage medium as well as an apparatus and a system is provided for determining the assembly, homogeneity and/or thermodynamic stability of biological macromolecular complexes. |
| US09366676B2 |
Fluorescent chemical compounds having high selectivity for double stranded DNA, and methods for their use
Chemical compounds having a high selectivity for double stranded DNA over RNA and single stranded DNA are disclosed. The chemical compounds are stains that become fluorescent upon illumination and interaction with double stranded DNA, but exhibit reduced or no fluorescence in the absence of double stranded DNA. The compounds can be used in a variety of biological applications to qualitatively or quantitatively assay DNA, even in the presence of RNA. |
| US09366675B2 |
Method for enzyme-mediated signal amplification
The present invention relates to methods and compounds for enzyme-mediated amplification of target-associated signals for visualization of biological or chemical targets in samples, wherein the targets are immobilized, in particular the invention relates to the oxidoreductase-mediated signal amplification for visualization of targets in samples comprising cells. The methods of the invention are particular useful for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of biological markers relating to medical diagnostic and therapy. |
| US09366673B2 |
Porphyromonas gingivalis polypeptides
Provided herein are compositions and methods for eliciting an immune response against Porphyromonas gingivalis. The compositions and methods relate to P. gingivalis polypeptides and fragments and variants thereof and the corresponding polynucleotides which are useful in the diagnosis, prevention and therapy of P. gingivalis infections (e.g. periodontitis). Antibodies against the polypeptides and compositions and methods including these antibodies are also disclosed. The disclosure also describes methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of P. gingivalis infection (e.g. periodontitis). |
| US09366669B2 |
Coated substrates for high energy capture phase binding and methods of production and use thereof
A substrate, which is useful for performing biological, chemical and diagnostic assays, and a method for preparing the substrate are provided. The substrate has an upper surface with a coating disposed thereon. The coating comprises a charged polymer, a non-ionic polyether, and a silicate compound. The substrate can increase capture phase binding and reduce non-specific binding of biomolecules for a biological microarray. |
| US09366664B2 |
Device for measurement of exhaled nitric oxide concentration
Described is a personal device and methods for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a sample of gas. The device and method may utilize a chemically selective sensor element with low power consumption integrated with circuitry that enables wireless communication between the sensor and any suitable electronic readout such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer. In preferred form, the sensor circuitry relies upon the quantum capacitance effect of graphene as a transduction mechanism. Also in preferred form, the device and method employ the functionalization of the graphene-based sensor to determine the concentration of nitric oxide in exhaled breath. |
| US09366663B2 |
Sample cartridge and device for measuring electrical characteristics of liquid sample
A sample cartridge for measuring the electrical characteristics of a liquid sample, which is made by forming an insulating material into a tubular body and is capable of holding the liquid sample in a region that is constituted by the surfaces of electrodes that are respectively inserted from openings of both ends into an inner cavity and the surface of the inner cavity, and in which a narrowing portion located between two facing electrodes and having a narrowed inner cavity is provided in the region. |
| US09366662B2 |
Serum sample quality determination
A method and device for measuring HIL levels in blood serum samples that are disposed in an automated, clinical chemistry analyzer. The device probe can be attached adjacent to a pipette or sample probe of the analyzer and includes fiber optic bundles and a light-reflecting surface. A cutaway portion is provided between the ends of each of the fiber optic bundles and the light-reflecting surface. One of the four fiber optic bundles is optically coupled to a light-emitting source. Each of the other three fiber optic bundles collects and filters reflected light from the reflecting surface. The light filters correspond to the optimal absorption wavelengths for one of hemoglobin, bilirubin, and triglycerides. A light intensity-measuring device is optically coupled to each of the three fiber optic bundles, to measure the intensity of the filtered, reflected light. A processing device receives output data signal from the light intensity-measuring devices; stores the data; and calculates whether a serum sample has elevated levels of one or more of HIL. |
| US09366661B1 |
Fuel markers and methods of producing and using same
A method of determining adulteration of a fuel including subjecting to an analytical technique a marked fuel mixture comprising (a) a fuel; (b) a compound characterized by Formula I: wherein X is carbon, oxygen, or sulfur; when X is O or S, R1 and R2 are lone non-bonding electron pairs; when X is C, R1 and R2 each independently are hydrogen, C1 to C20 alkyl, or C6 to C10 aryl; R3 and R3′ each independently are hydrogen or C1 to C4 alkyl; R4 and R4′ each independently are hydrogen, C1 to C4 alkyl, C4 to C10 cycloalkyl, or C6 to C10 aryl; R5 and R5′ each independently are C4 to C10 alkyl; R6 and R6′ each independently are hydrogen or C1 to C6 alkyl; and R7 and R7′ each independently are hydrogen or C1 to C4 alkyl; and (c) a heavy compound, wherein the heavy compound comprises a compound of Formula I having at least one atom replaced with an isotope tag. |
| US09366660B2 |
Device for analyzing the internal atmosphere of the casing of an electronic rotating machine
The present invention relates to a device for analyzing the internal atmosphere of the casing of an electric rotating machine comprising a housing with an atmosphere inlet opening, a suction pump for drawing the atmosphere within the casing of the electric machine, a pump inlet conduit for placing the atmosphere inlet opening in fluid communication with the suction pump, an atmosphere inlet conduit adapted to place the interior of the casing in fluid communication with the atmosphere inlet opening, transducer means adapted to measure the percentage volume of at least one explosive compound present in the atmosphere drawn by the pump and adapted to generate an electric signal proportional to the percentage volume of the explosive compound. The device also comprises comparison means adapted to compare the percentage volume of at least one explosive compound with a predetermined threshold value of percentage volume. The comparison means are also adapted to generate an electric alarm signal when the predetermined threshold value is exceeded. |
| US09366658B2 |
Apparatus and method for identifying a CO2 content of a fluid
An apparatus and a method for identifying a CO2 content of a fluid. The apparatus includes: an absorber device having a porous material, the absorber device being capable of being brought into contact with the fluid; pores of the porous material having at least one hydrophilic first chemically functional group; the first chemically functional group being joined to the porous material; the first chemically functional group having the property of reacting in alkaline fashion with water; an electrode device that is disposed on the absorber device for electrical contacting of the absorber device; and an evaluation device that is electrically connected to the electrode device and by which an electrical property of the absorber device is measurable to identify the CO2 content of the fluid. |
| US09366655B2 |
Method for ultrasonic inspection of irregular and variable shapes
System and method for enabling ultrasonic inspection of a variable and irregular shape. The system comprises one or more ultrasonic pulser/receivers, one or more ultrasonic transducer arrays, a shoe or jig to hold and position the array(s), data acquisition software to drive the array(s), and data analysis software to select a respective best return signal for each pixel to be displayed. This system starts with information about the general orientation of the array relative to the part and a general predicted part shape. More specific orientation of the transmitted ultrasound beams relative to the part surface is done electronically by phasing the elements in the array(s) to cover the expected (i.e., predicted) surface as well as the full range of part surface variability. |
| US09366652B2 |
Blood coagulation time determination method and apparatus
The invention relates to a method for determining the coagulation time of a sample fluid containing blood components by means of a resonator whose vibration parameters are measured and then used as a basis for determining the sample fluid viscosity change, which resonator has an at least partially adhesive surface contacting said sample fluid. The invention is characterized by preincubation of said surface with a preincubation fluid containing blood components, which preincubation fluid has a known way of interacting with the coagulation system, thus resulting in anchoring sites to be formed on the adhesive areas of said surface. |
| US09366642B2 |
Back scattering inspection systems for human body
A human body back-scattering inspection system is disclosed. The system comprises a flying-spot forming unit configured to output beams of X-rays, a plurality of discrete detectors which are arranged vertically along a human body to be inspected, and a controlling unit coupled to the flying-spot forming unit and the plurality of detectors, and configured to generate a control signal to control the flying-spot forming unit and the plurality of detectors to perform a partition synchronous scan on the human body to be inspected vertically. The present disclosure utilizes the geometry property of the human body back-scattering inspection system, and proposes a multiple-point synchronous scan mechanism which largely accelerates the inspection of human body. |
| US09366639B2 |
Method and device for visually inspecting objects to be tested during the production and/or packaging of cigarettes
A method and a device for the optical testing of objects during the production and/or packaging of cigarettes, in particular of cigarette packs and/or blanks for cigarette packs and/or overprints and/or print substrates on or for cigarette packs, with the aid of a suitable testing device. For at least one feature characterizing the test object, in particular in a visual respect, a set of feature-value alternatives for the corresponding feature that are stored in a memory is displayed on a display means. By means of an input device, one of the displayed feature values of the set of feature-value alternatives is selected. The testing device is automatically set up or preset for the subsequent testing operations, in particular an evaluating device and/or an illuminating device and/or a suitable light detector of the testing device, the selection of the feature value influencing the setting up of the testing device. |
| US09366632B2 |
Digital analyte analysis
The invention generally relates to droplet based digital PCR and methods for analyzing a target nucleic acid using the same. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve forming sample droplets containing, on average, a single target nucleic acid, amplifying the target in the droplets, excluding droplets containing amplicon from the target and amplicon from a variant of the target, and analyzing target amplicons. |
| US09366631B2 |
Integrated systems for the multiplexed amplification and detection of six and greater dye labeled fragments
The present disclosure provides fully integrated microfluidic systems to perform nucleic acid analysis. These processes include sample collection, nucleic acid extraction and purification, amplification, sequencing, and separation and detection. The present disclosure also provides optical detection systems and methods for separation and detection of biological molecules. In particular, the various aspects of the invention enable the simultaneous separation and detection of a plurality of biological molecules, typically fluorescent dye-labeled nucleic acids, within one or a plurality of microfluidic chambers or channels. The nucleic acids can be labeled with at least 6 dyes, each having a unique peak emission wavelength. The present systems and methods are particularly useful for DNA fragment sizing applications such as human identification by genetic fingerprinting and DNA sequencing applications such as clinical diagnostics. |
| US09366629B2 |
Lead assay
Process for metering lead in a sample of original water, in which is placed a sample of the water of which at least a substantial portion of the colloidal and organic material is passed in solution (sample of pretreated water), having: a first stage, starting from a sample of pretreated water with an adjusted pH, the lead is concentrated and the other parasitic ions are at least partially eliminated to obtain a sample of water that is concentrated with lead and substantially lacking in other parasitic ions (sample of lead-concentrated water); and a second stage in which, starting from the sample of lead-concentrated water, the sample of lead-concentrated water is mixed with a selective, lead-sensitive fluorescent probe whose fluorescence intensity/lead metering function is known; then, the thus produced water/fluorescent probe mixture is excited by the light, and the fluorescence intensity of the thus excited water/fluorescent probe mixture is collected optically; finally, starting from the thus detected fluorescence intensity, the lead metering of the sample to be metered is determined based on the fluorescence intensity/lead metering function. |
| US09366625B2 |
Surface measurement device
In conventional technologies in surface measurement and defect inspection, considerations are not made for the following points: (1) coarseness of resolution of spatial frequency; (2) variation of detection signal resulting from anisotropy of microroughness; and (3) variation of background signal resulting from anisotropy of microroughness. The present invention is characterized by acquiring a feature quantity about the anisotropy of the microroughness of the substrate surface. Further, the present invention is characterized by acquiring a surface state in consideration of the anisotropy of the microroughness of the substrate surface. Further the present invention is characterized by detecting a defect over the substrate in consideration of the anisotropy of the microroughness of the substrate surface. |
| US09366623B2 |
Optical analysis method for liquid in a sample container and analysis device for carrying out the method
The invention relates to a method for optically analyzing a sample liquid (34) contained in a sample container (24a-h), wherein the sample liquid (34) contains at least one substance (40) in at least partially dissolved form, comprising the following steps: providing at least one sample container (24a-h) filled with sample liquid (34); illuminating the at least one sample container (24a-h) by means of a light source (18a-h); and recording an image of an identification pattern (32a-h) associated with the at least one sample container (24a-h) by means of an image recording device (22) that produces image data, wherein the optical path (OP) is selected in such a way that the sample liquid (34) contained in the at least one sample container (24a-h) lies at least partially between the image recording plane (36) of the image recording device (22) and the identification pattern (32a-h). The invention further relates to an analysis device for carrying out the method. |
| US09366622B2 |
Heterodyne detection system and method
An active heterodyne detection system comprises a continuously tuneable laser source (1) emitting infra-red radiation, means (8) to split the infra-red radiation into a first part and a second part, means (4) to provide a frequency shift between the first part and the second part, means (8, 9) to direct the first part of the infra-red radiation to a target (2), means (4) to provide the second part of the infra-red radiation as a local oscillator, means (8, 9) to collect a scattered component of the first part of the infra-red light from the target (2), and means (5) to mix the scattered component and the local oscillator and route them to a detector (3) for heterodyne detection over a continuous spectral range. A method of active heterodyne detection over a continuous spectral range is also disclosed. |
| US09366621B2 |
In-furnace retro-reflectors with steerable tunable diode laser absorption spectrometer
A method of monitoring combustion properties in an interior of a furnace is described. A beam of light is projected through a pitch optic including a pitch collimating lens residing outside the boiler interior. The pitch collimating lens projects the beam through a penetration into the boiler interior. The beam of light projected by the pitch collimating lens is reflected from at least one in-furnace retro-reflector, and received with a catch optic substantially identical to the pitch optic residing outside the boiler interior. The pitch optic and the catch optic may be embodied in the same pitch/catch optic. The pitch collimating lens may also be steered toward another of the at least one in-furnace retro-reflectors. Combustion properties may be calculated for each retro-reflector based on retro-reflector zones within the furnace. |
| US09366615B2 |
Apparatus and process for testing filters
In a process for testing filters (4) and (13) of treatment fluid of a hemodiafiltration apparatus (1), each filter has a wet semipermeable membrane (5, 14) which separates a gas-filled first chamber (6 and 15) from a liquid-filled second chamber (7 and 16). The first chambers are pressurized by a pump (19) supplying air, while the second chambers are placed in depression by a drainage pump (17) of used dialysis fluid. A first closed system is formed which includes the first chambers and a second closed system is formed which includes the second chambers. Two pressure gauges (P1 and P2) monitor the pressure in the two closed systems for a predetermined time. The monitoring provides indications relating to the filter integrity. |
| US09366611B2 |
Apparatus for mapping liner wear of a bearing
An apparatus for mapping liner wear of a bearing around the circumference of the bearing which includes a rotary indexer that can hold the bearing, a shaft, a force applying mechanism, a rotating mechanism, a digital displacement indicator, and a recorder. |
| US09366610B2 |
Portable digital display hardness tester
The invention relates to a material hardness testing instrument, specifically to a portable digital display hardness tester, comprising a magnetic chuck, a support, a force measuring device, an indenter, an electronic circuit board, a digital display, and a force applying and indentation depth measuring device consisting of a hand wheel, a rotary encoder and a micrometric screw pair. The support is equipped with the rotary encoder. The micrometric nut is installed in a hole. The digital display is located in the front. The support is fixed on the magnetic chuck. The micrometric nut is internally provided with the micrometric screw. The rotating shaft of the rotary encoder is connected with the micrometric screw and rotates along with the micrometric screw. The upper end of the micrometric screw is connected with the hand wheel, while the lower end is connected with the force measuring device. The lower end of the force measuring device is connected with the indenter. The hand wheel, the micrometric screw, the force measuring device and the indenter are connected and coaxial, capable of moving axially along with the rotation of the hand wheel. The invention is simply structured, convenient in reading, easy to operate, high in accuracy, capable of being applied to the onsite, quick hardness testing of large parts, and capable of testing the Brinell hardness and Vickers hardness through depth measurement. |
| US09366604B2 |
Cytological or histological binding composition and staining methods
A histological and cytological fixing composition, includes at least alcohol, ethylene glycol, dimethyl sulfoxide, water, and sodium chloride. Also, process for preparing this fixer, as well as to its use in particular in processes for staining cells or cellular structures are described. |
| US09366601B1 |
Wafer fabrication monitoring/control system and method
A wafer fabrication monitoring/control system and method is disclosed. The invention utilizes Multiple Internal Reflection Infrared Detection (MIR-IR) to provide a highly sensitive (sub-10 nm, in-situ, ex-situ) on-wafer monitoring and characterization apparatus and method. The disclosed system and method has many practical applications to the development of advanced microfabrication technologies for sub-32 nm node CMOS semiconductor devices and provides support for formulation design, photolithographic patterning, etching/ashing of photoresists, plasma reactive ion etching (RIE) for trench/via patterning of low k dielectric, bottom anti-reflective coatings (BARCs), etch stop layers, and minimization/removal of plasma-etch polymers, development/confirmation of wet cleaning formulations and effectiveness for post CMP and post-etch cleaning. |
| US09366599B2 |
Method for measuring the deformation of a turbo-machine blade during operation of the turbo-machine
A method for measuring the deformation of a turbo-machine blade including: a step of positioning at least one accelerometer onto a local point of the turbo-machine blade; a first step of measuring the centrifugal force, by the accelerometer, at the local point of the turbo-machine blade along the given measurement direction at a first predetermined speed; a second step of measuring the centrifugal, at a second predetermined speed; a step of determining the angular displacement of the measurement direction of the accelerometer relative to the centrifugal direction as a function of the first acceleration measurement and the second acceleration measurement, said angular displacement corresponding to an angular deformation of the local point of the turbo-machine blade. |
| US09366597B2 |
Leak detector
A leak-detecting sensor device (120) for a hose section (105) comprises a sensor (145a, b). The sensor (145a, b) comprises an optical fiber arranged to react to the presence of a fluid. The sensor (145a, b) is housed in a protective sleeve that is arranged for expansion and contraction when the hose section (105) expands and contracts, respectively. A tension mechanism connects a first end of the sensor to the protective sleeve and is arranged to tension the sensor within the sleeve. |
| US09366596B2 |
Pipeline leak detector
The pipeline leak detector is a mobile device having a pressure sensor array for travel within a fluid pipeline for leak detection in the pipe wall. The sensor array is positioned close to the internal surface of the pipe wall and rotates circumferentially about the surface of the pipe wall as the device travels through the pipe, thus describing a helical path along the pipe wall to cover the entire internal surface of the pipe wall with a minimal number of sensors. The sensors comprise tubes with conical mouths, and flexible members and strain gauges within the tubes. Pressure changes due to leaks cause the flexible members to move, with the strain gauges sending signals to a central processor to indicate a leak. The device is supported by a drive wheel, a driven wheel, and an idler wheel bearing against the internal surface of the pipe and evenly circumferentially spaced. |
| US09366594B2 |
Combustion pressure sensor
A combustion pressure sensor (1) includes a housing (2) having an axial hole (23), a flexible member (8) fixed at one end to the housing (2) and being displaceable along the direction of axis (CL1), a pressure transmission body (3) whose outer circumferential surface is fixed to the other end of the flexible member (8), and a sensor element (42) fixed to the housing (2) and outputting a signal on the basis of a pressure applied thereto from the pressure transmission body (3). The housing (2) includes a main body portion (21) having a screw portion (24), and a cap member (22) having a press contact portion (26) which is pressed against the internal combustion engine when the screw portion (24) is screwed into the mounting hole of an internal combustion engine. The one end of the flexible member (8) is fixed to the main body portion (21). |
| US09366593B2 |
Pressure sensor package with integrated sealing
A pressure sensor package includes a lead and a semiconductor die spaced apart from the lead and including a terminal and a diaphragm disposed at a first side of the die. The die is configured to change an electrical parameter responsive to a pressure difference across the diaphragm. The package further includes an electrical conductor connecting the terminal to the lead, a molding compound encasing the electrical conductor, the die and part of the lead, a cavity in the molding compound exposing the diaphragm, and a sealing ring disposed on a side of the molding compound with the cavity. The sealing ring surrounds the cavity and has a lower elastic modulus than the molding compound. Alternatively, the sealing ring can be a ridge of the molding compound that protrudes from the side of the molding compound with the cavity and surrounds the cavity. A package manufacturing method is also provided. |
| US09366592B2 |
Arm type three-dimensional measuring apparatus and deflection correction method in arm type three-dimensional measuring apparatus
An arm type three-dimensional measuring apparatus includes: a multi-jointed arm mechanism including a probe in a distal end; a processing part for computing a position of the probe, the probe being manually moved; a sensor which is formed in each axis of the multi-jointed arm mechanism and detects at least a force in one predetermined direction and torques in two predetermined axial directions generated in an attitude state of the multi-jointed arm mechanism, wherein the processing part computes a deflection amount in each axis of the multi-jointed arm mechanism based on an output of the sensor and sequentially computes a position of the probe based on the deflection amount. |
| US09366588B2 |
Devices, systems and methods to determine area sensor
A weighing scale includes a platform supporting a load. Force transducers beneath the platform output respective transducer force signals of the load. An area sensor above the platform outputs area force signals of load forces applied to respective spatial areas of the platform. A processor is configured to determine the load's weight and location on the platform based on the transducer force signals and the area force signals. A method of weighing the load is also described. A method of monitoring the load includes measuring first transducer force signal(s) and first area force signal(s) of the load, and then repeatedly measuring second force signal(s) of the load using the transducer(s) or area sensor until the first and second signal(s) indicate a change in a weight or location of the load. A changed weight or changed location of the load is then determined using the measured second force signal(s). |
| US09366586B2 |
High temperature uncooled optical probe
An optical probe includes a first end, a second end, an outer housing, an inner housing concentric with the outer housing, flow holes within the inner housing at the first end, and an optics holder within the inner housing between the flow holes and the second end. The optical probe further includes high temperature optical lenses inside the optics holder between the flow holes and the second end, fiber holders inside the optics holder between the high temperature optical lenses and the second end, optical fibers coated in a high temperature material extending from inside fiber holders towards the second end, and a high temperature adhesive for securing the optical fibers, the fiber holders, and the high temperature optical lenses. |
| US09366584B2 |
Portable electronic device
In a portable electronic device components (2) consuming electrical power during operation may generate heat. A temperature sensor (1) for sensing an ambient temperature (TS) of the portable electronic device may as a consequence not supply the correct temperature value. It is suggested to provide a compensator (4) for determining a compensated ambient temperature (TA) dependent on at least the sensed ambient temperature (TS) and information (Pi) related to the electrical power consumed by at least one of the components (2). After a power down and a reactivation of the portable electronic device, actual internal states (x(b)) of the compensation model are estimated dependent on last internal states (x(a)) stored at the power down, dependent on an estimated course of the sensed temperature (T*S) between the interruption and the reactivation, and dependent on an estimated course of the information (P*i) related to the electrical power consumed by the at least one heat source (2) between the interruption and the reactivation. |
| US09366583B2 |
Self-calibration temperature control device and method
A self-calibration temperature control method and device includes a temperature feedback and control unit, a precise temperature measurement unit, and a temperature calibration unit. The temperature feedback and control unit has a negative temperature coefficient thermistor and an analog feedback control circuit that are connected with a controlled heating element. The temperature calibration unit includes a CPU, a data latch circuit with an input end connected with the CPU through a bus, and a digital potentiometer connected with the temperature feedback and control unit, an output end of the data latch circuit being connected with the digital potentiometer through the bus. The CPU includes a judging unit, a calibration parameter storage module, and a digital potentiometer connection step setting module configured to determine an updated calibration parameter value according to historic calibration parameter data, and further to adjust a step value according to a preset resistance value, thereby adjusting a resistance value of the digital potentiometer. |
| US09366575B2 |
Temperature measuring apparatus and temperature measuring method
A temperature measuring apparatus includes: an infrared measuring unit; a guide light emitting unit; an optical unit that (i) allows the guide light emitted by the guide light emitting unit to travel toward the object, and (ii) allows the infrared radiation radiated from the object to enter the infrared measuring unit; a position adjusting unit that makes a position adjustment of irradiating the measurement target region with the guide light emitted by the guide light emitting unit while keeping within a predetermined range a misalignment between an optical axis of the infrared radiation entering the infrared measuring unit from the measurement target region and an optical axis of the guide light emitted by the guide light emitting unit; and a focusing unit that adjusts a focus of the infrared measuring unit and a focus of the guide light emitting unit. |
| US09366574B2 |
Infrared (IR) photon-sensitive spectromicroscopy in a cryogenic environment
A system designed to suppress thermal radiation background and to allow IR single-photon sensitive spectromicroscopy of small samples by using both absorption, reflection, and emission/luminescence measurements. The system in one embodiment includes: a light source; a plurality of cold mirrors configured to direct light along a beam path; a cold or warm sample holder in the beam path; windows of sample holder (or whole sample holder) are transparent in a spectral region of interest, so they do not emit thermal radiation in the same spectral region of interest; a cold monochromator or other cold spectral device configured to direct a selected fraction of light onto a cold detector; a system of cold apertures and shields positioned along the beam path to prevent unwanted thermal radiation from arriving at the cold monochromator and/or the detector; a plurality of optical, IR and microwave filters positioned along the beam path and configured to adjust a spectral composition of light incident upon the sample under investigation and/or on the detector; a refrigerator configured to maintain the detector at a temperature below 1.0K; and an enclosure configured to: thermally insulate the light source, the plurality of mirrors, the sample holder, the cold monochromator and the refrigerator. |
| US09366571B2 |
Photonic crystal sensor apparatus and techniques
Apparatus and methods can include an optical waveguide coupled to a photonic crystal comprising a dielectric material, the photonic crystal located on an exterior surface of the optical waveguide and comprising a first surface including a first array of periodic features on or within the dielectric material, the array extending in at least two dimensions and including an effective dielectric permittivity different from the surrounding dielectric material. In an example, the periodic features include a specified lattice constant, the periodic features configured to extract a portion of propagating optical energy from the waveguide through the photonic crystal, the portion determined at least in part by the specified lattice constant. |
| US09366569B2 |
Method of evaluating luminance of light source and lighting apparatus including the light source
Embodiments provide a method of evaluating luminance of a light source, including acquiring first data including a plurality of luminance values by measuring luminance of the light source, converting the first data into second data corresponding to a plurality of unit cells, acquiring a moving average of the second data, and acquiring a ripple factor. The ripple factor is represented by (Draw−Ma)/Ma, where Draw is the second data and Ma is the moving average. |
| US09366568B2 |
Method and apparatus for assessing a quality of a headlight
In a method of assessing a quality of a headlight of a motor vehicle during travel or operation on a shake bench facility, operation of the headlight is monitored by a camera. A camera image or a chronological sequence of camera images is evaluated as a function of at least one predefined criterion, such as, e.g., a brightness distribution. |
| US09366566B2 |
Offset current compensation for photodiodes
A dark photodiode that is optically isolated from the signal photodiode and having a dark current in the absence of photons. A reference generating circuit configured to produce a reference voltage based on voltage at an anode of the signal photodiode. A voltage regulator circuit configured to regulate dark photodiode voltage at an anode of the dark photodiode based on the reference voltage. A current mirror circuit configured to produce, at an anode connecting to the signal photodiode, a mirrored current that is a mirrored version of a portion of the dark current. |
| US09366562B2 |
Vapor elimination liquid proving system with top or bottom fill and bottom drain prover
A liquid proving system is provided with a small volume liquid prover draining into a liquid holding tank that has capacity for multiple proving measurements. The small volume liquid prover can either be top-filled or bottom-filled, or exclusively bottom-filled. A liquid holding tank baffle assembly contains saturated vapor from an initial number of fills of the liquid holding tank within the small volume prover to improve overall accuracy of the proving measurements. When liquid is pumped into the prover evaporation of the liquid being pumped into the prover, and release of vapors from the prover, is inhibited due to the saturated vapor environment established by a saturated vapor volume in the prover, which results in a more accurate prover measurement of liquid pumped into the prover. The saturated vapor volume is contained with a vapor tank baffle assembly in the liquid holding tank; a vapor conduit connecting the interior of the liquid holding tank to the interior of the prover; and the interior volume of the prover. |
| US09366559B2 |
Coriolis flow meter
A Coriolis flow meter for measuring a liquid volume fraction of a multiphase flow. The Coriolis meter includes a vibrating measurement conduit through which the multiphase flow, a wet gas flow or the like, is flowed and measured and/or analyzed. Operation of the Coriolis flow meter includes obtaining a measure of the input energy required to vibrate the conduit and a measure of the vibrational energy of the conduit, and determining the liquid volume fraction of the wet gas flow from the input energy and the vibrational energy. The liquid volume fraction may be used to correct other measurements made by the Coriolis flow meter such as density or mass flow rate. |
| US09366557B2 |
Thermal flow sensors having isolated membranes
Thermal flow sensors are disclosed. An example thermal flow sensor includes a chip substrate; a heater mounted to a first membrane on the chip substrate; and a temperature sensor mounted to a second membrane on the chip substrate, the second membrane being isolated from the first membrane by material of the chip substrate. |
| US09366554B2 |
Real time retention check tool
A number of variations may include a method that may include providing a first part that may include a snap ring, a second part, and a retention check tool that may include an accelerometer. The method may further include assembling the first part and the second part such that the snap ring abuts the second part thereby producing vibration. The method may further include detecting the vibration of the snap ring and generating a corresponding first signal representing the vibration of the snap ring. The method may further include measuring a difference between the first signal and a predetermined baseline signal via the controller to determine a pass or fail status of the first signal. The method may further include generating a second signal representing the pass or fail status of the first signal and indicating the pass or fail status of the first signal. |
| US09366546B2 |
Projected synthetic vision
Projected synthetic vision methods, systems and computer readable media are disclosed. For example, a system can include one or more sensors, a terrain database, and a projected synthetic vision controller coupled to the one or more sensors and the terrain database, the projected synthetic vision controller configured to generate and project synthetic vision images based on aircraft position, terrain information and aviator boresight information. The system can also include one or more projectors coupled to the projected synthetic vision controller. |
| US09366543B1 |
Intelligent navigation instruction generator
A method includes obtaining a current location and a destination at a user navigation system, obtaining prior route information corresponding to routes taken by the user, generating directions for communication to the user to aid in navigation from the current location to the destination, wherein the directions are modified based on the prior route information to reduce a granularity of the directions, receiving additional information regarding a route between the current location and the destination, and further modifying the modified generated directions based on the received additional information. |
| US09366542B2 |
System and method for selecting and presenting a route to a user
A method and system are provided for selecting and presenting a route to a user. An exemplary embodiment includes storing a plurality of associations, each association between a route taken by a user and at least one safety characteristic of the route. Received from a particular user is a request for at least one recommended route to a destination point. A query is formulated based on user specified parameters, including an origination point, the destination point, and a safety characteristic, to obtain the at least one recommended route. A plurality of routes, including routes from the stored associations, based on a safety characteristic of the routes and related to at least one of the origination point and the destination point is retrieved. At least one recommended route is recommended to the user based on at least one of the retrieved routes that most closely matches the specified parameters. |
| US09366537B2 |
Magnetic field compensation system and method thereof
A compass system configured to compensate for electromagnetic interference in a vehicle is provided that includes an electronic device that is sensitive to electromagnetic interference (EMI), wherein the electronic device is positioned in a vehicle such that the electronic device receives EMI from another accessory in the vehicle, and wherein the electronic device is configured to compensate for the EMI, such that the EMI field caused by the accessory can be detected and added to existing calibration point while the accessory is powered on. |
| US09366536B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing fiber optic gyroscope sensing coil using B-stage adhesive coated optical fiber
An optical fiber with a b-stageable hybrid adhesive coating includes an optical fiber and an outer jacket. The outer jacket includes at least one layer that includes a partially cured b-stageable hybrid adhesive. |
| US09366532B2 |
Illuminating spirit level apparatus
An illuminating spirit level apparatus comprises a spirit level base having a first vial assembly, a second vial assembly, a light, and a battery. The vial assemblies are each filled with a fluid, having a metal ball slidably disposed therein and having a pair of electrodes disposed at the central lengthwise point of on each side of the vial. The battery provides an electrical power source for the light, and the battery, the light, the electrodes of the first vial assembly, and the electrodes of the second vial assembly are electrically connected in series through circuitry wiring. When the spirit level base is placed in a level and/or plumb orientation, the metal ball in the relevant vial assembly moves to the center of that vial assembly contacting and electrically connecting the electrodes on either side of the vial assembly, resulting in the light illuminating with electricity from the battery. |
| US09366530B2 |
Method and system for recommending a default size of a wearable item based on internal dimensions
A system for recommending a size of a wearable item implements a method that includes identifying a reference wearable item and a size for the reference wearable item. The system accesses a wearable item database and retrieves a three-dimensional model of the reference wearable item. The system also receives, via a user interface, a functional requirement. The system accesses the wearable item database and identifies set of candidate objects, each of which satisfies the functional requirement. Based on the size of the reference wearable item, the system will determine a size for each of the candidate objects. The system will select at least one of the plurality of candidate objects as a recommended object and presents each recommended object and the size of each recommended object to a user. |
| US09366520B2 |
Device for measuring surface dimensions of an object
The invention relates to a device for measuring surface dimensions of an object, comprising an elongate flexible material piece, which is supported on a roller in such a way that the material piece can be unwound and on the end of which a probe is provided, wherein the roller is connected to a base of the device in such a way that the roller can be rotated about a vertical axis, and wherein two sensors are provided, by means of which the unwound length of the material piece and the angle of the roller with respect to the base can be detected, wherein the base consists of a planar bottom plate and the roller is arranged on the side facing away from the contact surface of the bottom plate. |
| US09366516B2 |
Resueable polyurethane projectile
Improvements in a reusable polyurethane projectile are presented. The reusable polyurethane projectile performs like a bullet or projectile because the projectile is essentially the same size and shape of a bullet and can be fed through a normal bullet clip into the breach of a gun, fired and ejected. The reusable polyurethane projectile conforms to the rifling of the barrel of the firearm to spin the projectile and provide equivalent accuracy to a metallic bullet. Upon impact the projectile will flatten and then rebound to the original shape. Standard re-loading mechanisms can be used to install the projectile back into a prepared cartridge. The reusable projectile is fabricated from a casting process that increases the resistance of the polyurethane from melting when the hot gun gunpowder pushes the reusable projectile out of the barrel of the gun. |
| US09366513B1 |
Indicator for an arrow
The various embodiments disclosed and pictured illustrate an indicator for determining if and/or where a projectile has struck a target. The illustrative embodiment pictured herein is specifically adapted for application to a shaft, such as a shaft of an arrow. The external surface of the indicator may be textured so as to retain a certain amount of liquid within the target upon striking the target. In one example, the indicator is configured for use with deer hunting such that the external texture of the indicator is configured to retain a specific amount of deer blood so that the hunter may determine, based on blood characteristics retained within the indicator, if and where the arrow to which the indicator is affixed struck the deer. |
| US09366510B1 |
Adaptor assemblies for arrow assemblies and arrow assemblies including adaptor assemblies
Adapter assemblies for arrow assemblies include an insert configured to be received within an arrow shaft and configured to be coupled to a point. The adapter assembly further includes an outer sleeve disposed around at least a portion of the insert. Arrow assemblies include an arrow shaft and an adapter assembly including an insert and an outer sleeve for coupling a point to the arrow shaft. |
| US09366502B2 |
Interlocking turret system
A turret system for use with a firearm scope is provided, wherein the turret system comprises a plurality of turrets connected in an interlocked and telescoping orientation. The system may include a first turret having a hollow body and a second turret that may be at least partially received within the hollow body of the first turret. The first turret can be selectively axially movable relative to the second turret such that the second turret may be at least partially exposed when the first turret is in a raised position and the second turret may be substantially covered when the first turret is in a lowered position. The first turret may include a first set of calibration data thereon tailored to a first set of shooting conditions and the second turret may include a second set of calibration data thereon tailored to a second set of shooting conditions. |
| US09366499B2 |
Toy gun
A toy gun includes a barrel in which bullets travel due to released gas, a magazine that is cylindrically shaped and disposed in parallel with the barrel to house the bullets, a magazine joint that couples the rear end of the magazine to the barrel and allows the bullets to travel therein, a cut portion disposed between the magazine and the magazine joint and positioned toward the barrel, a magazine follower base that slides in the magazine, a pressing member that presses the magazine follower base toward the rear end of the toy gun, a trunk section that is pivotably mounted toward the rear end of the magazine follower base and allows a barrel side end thereof to slide in the magazine joint, and a magazine follower disposed on the barrel side end of the trunk section. |
| US09366495B1 |
Noise suppressor for firearm
Novel durable, lightweight, and accurate noise suppressors to attach to firearms comprised of components made of dissimilar materials, as well as methods to create the same. Disclosed embodiments include using a threaded interface between components made of dissimilar materials to increase the strength of the interface between such components in order to improve the durable of the noise suppressor and the accuracy of the firearm. |
| US09366487B2 |
Heat exchanger having enhanced performance
The invention relates to a heat exchanger including at least one elongate tube (3) adapted for the flow of a coolant, and at least one collection box (5) for such a coolant and into which one end of said tube leads, wherein the collection box includes a collector (9) having an element for receiving the end of said tube, the receiving element including a portion (19) projecting inwardly and shaped into an area for supporting said tube. According to the invention, the receiving element further includes a connection portion (21) for the inwardly projecting portion opposite the collector, and said connection portion protrudes on the side of the collector opposite the collection box such that said inwardly projecting portion (19) and said connection portion (21) have mutually opposite projecting directions. |
| US09366481B2 |
Heat exchanger
The invention describes a method for producing a plate heat exchanger 1. Wavy profiled sheets 9 and separating sheets 10, together with sidebars 11, are stacked one above the other, provided with solder and soldered together in such a way that a block 2 is obtained. The block is closed off outwardly by means of the cover sheets 12. The contours of the intermediate pieces 3 are milled out at the respective positions 4 on the block 2 thus obtained. In a refinement of the invention, frames are used as intermediate pieces 3. The frames 3 are positioned in the milled-out portions at the positions 4, provided with solder and tacked on by means of spot welding. Subsequently, in a second step, the frames 3 are soldered onto the heat exchanger block 2. The headers 5a and 5b are in each case welded onto the frames 3. |
| US09366480B2 |
Cooling tower with geodesic shell
A cooling tower with a self-supported shell, and a cooling apparatus residing inside the shell. The shell includes a base section, a cap section and an annular wall residing between the base section and the cap section, the annular wall including a plurality of geometric bodies that are joined to one another and giving the shell a geodesic configuration. |
| US09366479B2 |
Condensation plume mitigation system for exhaust stacks
An exhaust gas plume mitigation process and system includes either mixing secondary heat into a moisture rich exhaust gas stream, or diverting a moisture rich exhaust gas stream into a primary exhaust stack having hot exhaust gases flowing therethrough. Moisture rich exhaust gas from a liquid concentrator may be diverted into a high temperature exhaust stack of an engine, a generator, or a flare. The high temperature exhaust gases from the engine, the generator, or the flare raise the temperature of the moisture rich exhaust gas from the concentrator. The high temperature exhaust gases from the engine, the generator, or the flare are also lower in moisture content, so that the moisture rich exhaust gas from the concentrator is diluted by the drier high temperature exhaust gas. As a result, the mixed gas is less likely to develop a moisture plume upon exit to the atmosphere. |
| US09366476B2 |
Condenser-reboiler system and method with perforated vent tubes
A system and method for the concurrent condensation of a nitrogen-rich vapor and vaporization of an oxygen-rich liquid in a distillation column based air separation unit is provided. The disclosed system includes a condenser-reboiler heat exchanger located between a lower pressure column and a higher pressure column and configured to condense a nitrogen-rich vapor from the higher pressure column and partially vaporize an oxygen-rich liquid from the lower pressure column. Within the condenser-reboiler heat exchanger, the nitrogen-rich vapor flows in an upward direction such that any non-condensables present in the nitrogen-rich vapor will accumulate proximate the upper portion or top of the condenser-reboiler modules where they can be easily removed through venting by means of a venting apparatus having a plurality of perforated tubes. |
| US09366475B1 |
Frosted beverage chilling and dispensing device and system
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a device for chilling and dispensing a beverage from a bottle is provided. The device comprises mounting rail configured to attach to a bar top structure and having a top rail plate and a rail freezing and chilling mechanism under the top rail plate. The device also includes a dome configured to attach to the top rail plate and having a dome plate, interior storage tank and a dome freezing and chilling mechanism between the dome plate and the interior storage tank. The rail freezing and chilling mechanism and the dome freezing and chilling mechanism are configured to build a layer of frost on top of the top rail plate and along the dome plate from humidity of ambient air. The dome is configured to seat the bottle in an inverted position and chill and dispense the beverage from the interior storage tank. |
| US09366472B2 |
Door assembly and refrigerator having the same
A door coupling and rotation assembly and a refrigerator having the same are provided. The refrigerator may include a main body having a storage compartment, at least one door to open and close the storage compartment, and a door coupling and rotation assembly that rotatably couples the at least one door to the main body. A door opening/closing determination device may determine whether or not a user wishes to open the door, and a controller may drive at least one motor in response a signal sensed by the door opening/closing determination device to open or close the at least one door. The assembly may include a hinge bracket coupled to the main body, a hinge shaft coupled to the hinge bracket and defining an axis of rotation of the door, and a motor coupled to the hinge shaft to rotate the at least one door in a forward or reverse direction. |
| US09366470B2 |
Cantilevered shelving rack
A refrigerator comprises a main body having an enclosable interior compartment, the compartment including at least one wall having and at least one channel recessed into the wall; at least one shelf mounted in the compartment; and a fixing rail mounted to the wall and within the channel so that the fixing rail and portions of the wall adjacent the channel are substantially flush. The fixing rail has a plurality of mounting locations for the shelf to allow adjustable mounting of the shelf relative to the wall. |
| US09366469B2 |
Temperature controlled box system
A box system for keeping medicine and other payloads at a desired temperature for prolonged periods of time is described. The system generally includes three or more insulating materials between a refrigerant and the payload. A box having foldable tabs for securing the materials to each other is also disclosed herein. |
| US09366468B2 |
Food storage system
Multiple food storage systems are disclosed herein. One food storage system includes a main bowl that defines a first food receiving cavity. A secondary bowl is positioned in the first food receiving cavity and defines a second food receiving cavity. The secondary bowl includes a sidewall containing thermal energy storage material therein. A separate food storage system includes a main lid configured for use with a main bowl that defines a first food receiving cavity. A secondary bowl is positioned at least partially on and/or in the main lid. The secondary bowl includes a sidewall containing thermal energy storage material therein. |
| US09366463B2 |
Evaporator
A leeward upper header portion of an evaporator includes first through third sections which communicate with upper ends of heat exchange tubes of first through third tube groups of a leeward tube row. The second tube group, which is an upward flow tube group, and the third tube group, which is a downward flow tube group, form a tube group set. A baffle plate is provided in the second section to be located on the side toward the third section. The baffle plate divides a portion of the interior of the second section into upper and lower spaces and prevents flow of refrigerant toward the upper space. A flow prevention member is provided below the baffle plate so as to prevent flow of refrigerant from the second section into the third section. These two sections communicate with each other in a region above the baffle plate. |
| US09366462B2 |
Compressor assembly with directed suction
A compressor may include a shell assembly, a compression mechanism and a conduit. The shell assembly may include a fitting through which fluid is received from outside of the compressor. The compression mechanism may be disposed within a chamber defined by the shell assembly. The conduit may extend through the chamber between the fitting and a suction inlet of the compression mechanism and transmit at least a portion of the fluid from the fitting to the suction inlet. The conduit may include an inlet that may be spaced apart from the fitting and an outlet that may engage the compression mechanism. |
| US09366461B2 |
System and method for climate control within a passenger compartment of a vehicle
A climate control system and method controls climate at selected regions within a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The thermoelectric system includes a plurality of thermoelectric assemblies. The system includes at least one fluid conduit configured to allow a liquid to flow in the at least one fluid conduit. The system further includes a plurality of thermoelectric assemblies. At least two thermoelectric assemblies of the plurality of thermoelectric assemblies are in thermal communication with the liquid and each of the at least two thermoelectric assemblies has a corresponding region within the passenger compartment. The at least two thermoelectric assemblies are selectively operable to transfer heat between the corresponding region and the liquid, wherein the at least two thermoelectric assemblies are each operable independently from one another. |
| US09366460B2 |
Refrigeration through voltage-controlled entropy change
A method for refrigeration through voltage-controlled entropy change includes applying a voltage signal to a piezoelectric material to generate strain in the piezoelectric material, generating strain in a magnetic material attached to the piezoelectric material, and generating a change in a temperature of the magnetic material in response to the strain in the magnetic material. |
| US09366456B2 |
Concentrated solar tower assembly and method
A concentrated solar tower assembly includes a hollow tower structure defining lower and upper portions. The lower portion includes a closable opening region for configuring a closable opening, and the upper portion includes a top gird having inner and outer top grids. The assembly further includes a solar receiver steam generator entirely installed at the ground level G on the inner top grid simultaneous to erection of the tower. The generator on the inner top grid is slidingly directed within the tower from the closable opening to be entirely accommodated therewithin. Thereafter, the generator on the inner top grid is lifted for being placed along the upper portion of the tower. |
| US09366455B1 |
System and method for indirectly heating a liquid with a laser beam immersed within the liquid
A system including a heatable tube, through which a liquid flows, with at least one opening formed through an outer wall of the tube and a laser directing a laser beam through the opening to an inner surface of the heatable tube to heat the cylinder. The system may be utilized within a hot water heater. A method and a hot water heater system are also disclosed wherein the liquid is indirectly heated with a laser. |
| US09366451B2 |
System and method for the detection of faults in a multi-variable system utilizing both a model for normal operation and a model for faulty operation
A method for detecting faulty operation of a multi-variable system is described. The method includes receiving operational data from a plurality of components of the multi-variable system and processing the operational data in accordance with a plurality of dynamic machine learning fault detection models to generate a plurality of fault detection results. Each fault detection model uses a plurality of variables to model one or more components of the multi-variable system and is adapted to detect normal or faulty operation of an associated component or set of components of the multi-variable system. The plurality of fault detection results are output. |
| US09366444B2 |
Flexible component providing sealing connection
A sealing component (61) for a turbine (15) positionable at an interface between a transition section (21) for carrying exhaust gas and a turbine inlet section (32). A U-shaped section (45) includes first and second legs (67, 69). When the sealing component is positioned at the interface, the legs extend about the turbine axis. A seal flange (75) connects to the U-shaped section. The positioned sealing component extends about the axis and in a direction away from the first leg. The seal flange faces the inner surface (76) of the flange. A flexible strip (79), positioned radially outward with respect to the seal flange, extends about the axis and extends along the axis between the U-shaped section and the flange. The flexible strip acts as a spring member pressing against the outer surface (96) of the flange. |
| US09366436B2 |
Combustion chamber of a gas turbine
A combustion chamber of a gas turbine with an outer combustion chamber wall and with tiles attached to the inner side of said wall or to a combustion chamber of the single-wall design, wherein the combustion chamber has in a center area, relative to the flow direction, a slot extending around the circumference of the combustion chamber and dividing the outer combustion chamber wall and the tiles for the supply of mixing air. |
| US09366434B2 |
Variable air to product ratio well burner nozzle
A well test burner system includes a plurality of burner nozzles. At least one of the burner nozzles includes a well product inlet, an air inlet, an air/well product mixture outlet, and an automatic valve. The automatic valve is configured to automatically adjust a ratio of air and well product supplied to the air/well product mixture outlet based on the well product received via the well product inlet. |
| US09366433B2 |
Control for monitoring flame integrity in a heating appliance
A control apparatus for a gas-fired heating appliance having a burner is provided for sensing burner flame instability. The apparatus includes a sensor for sensing a flame and providing an output of a flame current signal, and a controller in communication with the sensor for sensing flame current. The controller is configured to receive the flame current signal and to detect the occurrence of a flame instability condition. The controller detects flame instability from flame current signal data that is measured and Fourier transformed into a frequency spectrum which changes from a stable to instable spectrum when flame instability is caused by an inadequate air-to-fuel ratio. The controller is configured to respond to flame instability by generating an output signal to increase the speed of a combustion air blower that supplies air to the burner, to thereby increase the air flow relative to fuel flow until normal combustion is attained. |
| US09366432B2 |
Multistaged lean prevaporizing premixing fuel injector
A multistaged lean prevaporizing premixing fuel injector apparatus is provided. The fuel injector may be utilized with a turbogenerator. Preheated combustion air from the turbogenerator's recuperator may be utilized by the fuel injector to prevaporize liquid fuel. The injector may provide for premixing of multiple fuel streams and include multiple stages with a flow distributor plate separating adjacent stages. The injector may include multiple stages, with a pilot tube located in a final stage splitting the fuel stream into a premixed pilot stream and a premixed final fuel and air mixture stream. |
| US09366431B2 |
Method and apparatus for the conveyance, cooling and energy recuperation of hot material
Techniques convey, cool and energy recuperate hot material from a combustion boiler of a combustion plant. Such techniques involve: a) issue of the hot material from a material issue orifice of a combustion boiler into a capture region of a housing, a conveyor belt being arranged in the housing, b) conveyance of the hot material through a cooling region in the housing, c) cooling of the hot material in the cooling region by means of a cooling-air stream moving in the opposite direction to the material, d) removal of at least part of the heated cooling-air stream out of at least one region adjacent to the capture region of the housing, and e) delivery of the removed cooling-air stream to at least one region, carrying combustion exhaust gases, of the combustion plant. |
| US09366430B2 |
Flare system and method for reducing dust therefrom
A ground flare system that can enhance the removal rate of dust and other such impurities contained in exhaust gas to be processed. The ground flare system that performs an incineration process on processing target gas and emits the processed gas to the atmosphere includes: a ground flare that combusts the processing target gas; a knock-out drum that is placed upstream of the ground flare and reduces a flow velocity of the processing target gas introduced thereto; a seal drum for backfire prevention placed upstream of the ground flare; a gas introducing pipe that introduces the processing target gas into the knock-out drum and/or the seal drum; and a water film forming unit that is provided inside of the gas introducing pipe and forms a water film of spray water in a direction that intersects with a flow direction of the processing target gas. |
| US09366428B2 |
Ergonomic torch regulator controller
A torch assembly adapted to be attached to an associated fuel supply, the torch assembly has a housing, a fuel line at least partially contained within the housing, a burn tube extending from the housing and adapted to receive fuel from the fuel line, an attachment member operatively connected to the housing for connecting the torch assembly to the associated fuel supply, the attachment member in fluid communication with the fuel line for delivering fuel from the associated fuel supply to the fuel line; a control apparatus having a trigger for actuating an on/off valve adapted to permit or stop flow through the fuel line, a regulator adapted to at least partially restrict flow in the fuel line, and a controller operatively connected to the regulator to adjust the position of the regulator to vary the flow of fuel through the fuel line. |
| US09366427B2 |
Solid fuel burner with electrodynamic homogenization
A solid fuel burner may include a system for electrodynamic homogenization. One or more electrodes may apply an electric field to burning solid fuel or a region proximate the burning solid fuel. The electric field causes mixing and homogenization of volatilized fractions of the solid fuel, combustion gases, and air. The improved mixing and homogenization may reduce emission of carbon monoxide (CO), reduce emission of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), reduce oxygen in flue gas, increase temperature of flue gas, and/or allow for a larger grate surface. |
| US09366423B2 |
LED illumination device
Disclosed is an LED illumination device of a simple configuration, capable of suppressing thermal resistance to a low level, and of effectively dissipating heat generated from LED elements. Rigidity of a mounting plate is ensured by a wall of a certain height, and thereby the mounting plate now becomes possible to endure saturation vapor pressure of a coolant liquid possibly exerted thereon, and vacuum state or near-vacuum state when the coolant liquid is injected, without being deformed. Since the rigidity of the mounting plate is ensured by the wall, a wall composing a bottom face of recesses may now be thinned, and this is advantageous in view of allowing the heat generated from the LED elements to effectively conduct to the coolant liquid, and of effectively cooling the LED elements. |
| US09366414B2 |
Illumination device for exciting a fluorescent substance
Provided is an illumination device capable of reducing coherence of laser light emitted from a laser irradiation device to ensure safety to the eye at low cost. In the illumination device for exciting a fluorescent substance by irradiating the fluorescent substance with the laser light from the laser irradiation device to emit visible light for use as illumination light, a light scattering material is placed on and around an optical axis of the laser light. |
| US09366413B2 |
Lighting device with pump light source and phosphor arrangement
In various embodiments, a lighting device is provided. The lighting device may include: a pump light source; a phosphor arrangement; and a light control element arranged between the pump light source and the phosphor arrangement; wherein the light control element is configured to split the pump light beam into a reflected part and a transmitted part and for controlling the ratio between reflected part and transmitted part; and wherein the phosphor arrangement includes at least one phosphor which can be irradiated with the reflected part and/or transmitted part of the pump light of the pump light source and emits said pump light again at least partly in a wavelength-converted fashion. |
| US09366406B2 |
Space saving lighting device for vehicles
A lighting device that is designed for vehicles and that comprises a first light emitting unit for generating a first light function and a second light emitting unit for generating a second light function. The second light emitting unit has a flat light guide having a narrow side at the light input face for coupling light into the flat light guide, as well as opposing flat sides. The flat light guide has a rear flat side, which is arranged rearwards seen in the main direction of emission, and a front flat side, which is arranged forwards seen in the main direction of emission. Output elements and/or a reflecting face are associated with the rear flat side of the flat light guide in a light output section of said flat light guide. The flat light guide comprises a light passage section, in which no output elements and no reflecting face are associated with the rear flat side. The reflecting face in the light output section of the flat light guide is integrally molded on the rear flat side of said flat light guide. |
| US09366402B2 |
Electronic lighting device and method for manufacturing same
An electronic lighting device may comprise an enclosure, a flame component, and an electrically powered driving mechanism. The flame component may be movably supported or suspended on the enclosure, and may comprise a first portion which is of a flame-like shape. The first portion may be exposed above the top of the enclosure. Light from a light-emitting element may intersect with the surface of the first portion so that the light projects onto the surface of the first portion. The electrically powered driving mechanism may be disposed adjacent the flame component and can apply a force on the flame component to actuate the flame component to sway or swing. By the present application, a visual experience of true fire can be achieved and an interestedness and appreciation can be improved. |
| US09366401B2 |
Lighting system
The lighting system 1 includes a light emitting unit 4 including light emitting diodes, and a securing member 5 for securing the light emitting unit 4 to a head of a healthcare worker. The radiation of light from the light emitting unit 4 eliminates the need for a shadowless lamp. When the light emitting unit 4 is fixed to the head, the light emitting unit 4 moves with the movement of the healthcare worker, and furthermore, when the healthcare worker moves his or her head, the direction of light radiation can be changed as desired. The use of an auxiliary lighting unit 6 and a camera 22 can provide safe surgery. |
| US09366392B2 |
Straight tube LED lamp using semiconductor light-emitting element and lighting device incorporating the same
A straight tube LED lamp includes a substrate on which semiconductor light-emitting elements are mounted in longitudinal direction, a long metal chassis with a semi-circular cross section, to mount the substrate in a chord portion of the semi-circle, a resin sheet interposed between the chassis and the substrate, a translucent element contacting the chassis to form a circle, made from a resin or glass through which light beams from semiconductor light-emitting elements are transmitted, cap elements to cover both ends of the chassis and the translucent element and connectable to a lamp fitting, and a power supply board on which an electronic component for AC-DC conversion to supply current to the semiconductor light-emitting elements is mounted, contained in the chassis. The resin sheet is made from different materials at least at an overlapping portion and a non-overlapping portion of the power supply board and the substrate in longitudinal direction. |
| US09366389B2 |
System and method for monitoring inefficient flow rates using magnetic sensor in a liquid-flow distribution system
A system and method for monitoring inefficient flow rates in a liquid-flow distribution system, such as that which is used in agricultural liquid application equipment. This may include blockages or punctures in a liquid line. The system generally includes a plurality of gauges for monitoring the supply line flow rate in a liquid application system which are monitored by a number of sensors. Immediate feedback is presented to the operator of the vehicle inside the cab. The system alerts the operator when a blockage, loss, or increase of flow rate has occurred in one of the liquid lines. The system may merely indicate that one of the lines is blocked, or the system may be more sophisticated such that it can indicate which line is blocked and adjust the flow in that line in an attempt to clear the blockage. |
| US09366387B2 |
Process of preparing improved heavy and extra heavy crude oil emulsions by use of biosurfactants in water and product thereof
A process allows working with viscous petroleum referred to as “heavy and extra heavy crudes” such as 20 to 6° API by adding an appropriate biosurfactant to an aqueous phase containing a biosurfactant active compound. The surfactant can be alkyl glycosides, glycerol esters and alkyl betaines. The result is the formation of a stable crude/water emulsion even with salt present therein. |
| US09366385B2 |
Telescopic-cover fixture
A fixing member has such a shape that members that constitute a telescopic cover can be fixed and immovable. The fixing member is secured to the telescopic cover by means of fastening members such as bolts. The fixing member of a telescopic-cover fixture is shaped so that the telescopic cover is maximally contracted when the fixing member is secured to the cover. For example, the fixing member may be L-shaped, U-shaped, or in the shape of a rectangular tube that covers the entire cover member. |
| US09366384B1 |
Oil lubricating process for actuator pivot bearings
A method of lubricating a bearing for an actuator pivot of a storage device, the method including receiving an assembled bearing for an actuator pivot of a storage device, applying a volume of soap-free oil onto a bearing component of the assembled bearing, and dispensing a predetermined volume of soap-containing grease into a bearing cage. |
| US09366383B2 |
Holder for portable electronic
A holder includes a holding member, an attaching member, and a connecting structure. The holding member is configured to hold the portable electronic device thereon. The mounting member can be attached to an object, such as a user's arm or wrist. The connecting structure includes a first connecting member and a second connecting member rotatably coupled to the first connecting member. The first connecting member is coupled to the attaching member; the second connecting member is coupled to the holding member. |
| US09366382B2 |
Regulation and/or locking device for a plate
A regulation and/or locking device (1) of a plate (100) is suitable for cooperating with one of its sides (101, 102) so as to lock it in a predefined position. The device (1) has two gibs (10) facing one another, where each gib (10) has a support surface (11), positioned towards the outside and suitable for resting on the respective face (101, 102) of the plate or on a fixed element, and positioning surfaces (12), inclined with respect to the support surfaces (11). The device also includes positioners (50) interacting with the positioning surfaces (12) in such a way as to move the position of the gibs (10) locking the plate (100) and controllers (60) maneuverable to activate the positioners (50). |
| US09366381B1 |
Animated decoy spreader
A device for spreading fowl decoys on the surface of a body of water. A hub sits below the surface is removably coupleable with up to four arm arrangements. Arm arrangements are jointed, allowing hub and arm arrangements to sit below the surface of the water while decoys float on surface. Hub is connected to an anchor on the bottom of the body of water, and can be displaced horizontally with a pull cord. Cords in the arm arrangements allow for near-random motion of attached decoys, simulating a swimming motion of fowl. Hub can be displaced vertically with a pull cord, causing the decoys to dip head first into the water, simulating a feeding motion of water fowl. Hubs can be combined by coupling arm arrangements from each hub. When displaced horizontally in the water, hubs not attached to the pull cord move semi-randomly, creating more random motion in decoys. |
| US09366380B2 |
Fixture housing using dog ears
Improvements in a fixture housing with dog ears is disclosed that can be installed from one side of a wall or ceiling. This increases the ability of the installer to place the fixture in a desired location as opposed to using a location that provides the best access on stud or joists. Once the ideal location is identified the installer uses a saw to cut an opening in the desired location. The housing is pushed into the opening for installation without requiring access to the back of the wall, ceiling or floor. The fixture housing uses a plurality of spring loaded dogs that are operated from the visible wall or ceiling surface. It is also possible for the fixture to be removed by lifting the locking tabs and sliding securing ears where the entire fixture can then be pulled back through the open hole. |
| US09366378B2 |
Support arm for ultrasound scanning
A transducer connects with a support arm. The support arm supports only some of the weight, even in a locked state. By only supporting a portion or less than all of the weight, the support arm allows downward movement or pressure, but less than the pressure applied without any resistance for the gravity acting on the support arm. The pressure maintains contact between the patient and the transducer for scanning. |
| US09366374B2 |
Closure element for bores subjected to internal pressure
A closure element serves for closing off bores which are subjected to internal pressure, preferably bores in engine or valve blocks or tanks. Said closure element has a sleeve-shaped main body which can be inserted into the bore and the outer circumference of which, in the installed state, bears sealingly against the inner surface (2) of the bore (3). Provided are the main body and an expanding body (4) which is connected to said main body by a bent-over transition region (8). The closure element is firstly inserted into the bore (3) and subsequently pressed into the latter by the application of pressure to the expanding body (4). As the closure element is pressed into the bore (3), the expanding body (4) is pushed into the main body (1) by deformation, so as to push the main body (1) in the radial direction against the inner surface (2) of the bore (3). In this way, said closure element can withstand even relatively high internal pressures and can be produced in a simple manner. |
| US09366372B2 |
Connecting device
In an electrostatic coating apparatus, an electrically conductive coating material is supplied through a coating material supplying path to a coating gun to which a high voltage is applied. The electrostatic coating apparatus is provided with an insulating and separating valve capable of electrically insulating and separating the coating material supplying path into an application side in which the high voltage is applied and a non-application side. The insulating and separating valve is provided with a female coupling member having a first connecting portion and a male coupling member having a second connecting portion. A supplying hole for supplying a cleaning fluid to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion and a discharging hole for discharging the cleaning fluid supplied to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are provided on one of the female coupling member disposed on the non-application side and the male coupling member. |
| US09366369B2 |
Flange assembly
A flange assembly (10 comprising a flange (12) in the form of a disk shaped rim formed on a pipe section (14) for connection to a hose or pipe. The pipe section (14) defines a hollow bore (16) through which flowable material may flow and the flange (12) defines a contact face (18) for engagement, in use, with an opposing flange. The flange (12) defines a gasket seat (20) about an opening of the bore (16) to receive a gasket (22) and the flange assembly (10) further includes a gasket clamp (24a,24b) to releasably retain the gasket (22) in position on the gasket seat (20). |
| US09366363B2 |
Bushing for coupling with a component
This invention relates to a bushing for coupling with a component and a method for avoiding a relative movement between the bushing and the component. The bushing includes a form-fit means which is integrally formed with the bushing. The form-fit means is deformed such that after a deformation the form-fit means is in positive connection with the component, so that a relative movement between the bushing and the component is prevented. |
| US09366356B2 |
Electromagnetic valve and fixing structure
An electromagnetic valve has: a coil; a casing encircling the coil and having a cylinder portion and nail portions; a movable core moving axially in the wound coil; a fixed core set at an opening end of the casing; a valve body fixed to the opening end of the casing together with the fixed core by bending inwards the nail portions; and a spool valve body moving axially in the valve body. The nail portion is provided with a wide width portion at a root side, a narrow width portion at a top side and a stepped portion between the wide width portion and the narrow width portion. The stepped portion is positioned at a substantially same position as an outer edge of one end portion of the valve body, or positioned at a cylinder portion side with respect to the one end portion outer edge of the valve body. |
| US09366354B2 |
Normally closed solenoid valve
A normally closed solenoid valve includes a valve element arranged to be seatable on and unseatable from a valve seat. A movable core is movable with the valve element. A first spring biases the valve element and the movable core toward the valve seat. A coil and a stator core generate an electromagnetic force resistive to a load of the first spring for the movable core. A second spring applies a load smaller than and resistive to the load of the first spring to the valve element and the movable core. The valve further includes a load adjusting mechanism for adjusting the load of the first spring, and a stroke adjusting mechanism for adjusting an unseating stroke of the valve element from the valve seat. |
| US09366353B2 |
Control valve driven by stepping motor
A control valve according to an embodiment includes: a body having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a valve hole that communicates the inlet port and the outlet port together; a valve element configured to open and close a valve section; a drive mechanism configured to drive the valve element; a stepping motor having both a rotor for operating the drive mechanism and a stator for rotationally driving the rotor; and a can that is a cylindrical member covering a space where the valve element and the drive mechanism are arranged and involving the rotor and that defines a pressure space and a non-pressure space. The can is fixed to the body with a ring screw, and the stator is arranged at an outer circumference of the can and fixed to the body with a screw member. |
| US09366352B2 |
Valve assembly for switching and/or regulating a medium flow of an aerospace engine and aerospace engine
A valve assembly for switching and/or regulating a medium flow of an aerospace engine includes a drive, a valve and a flexible separator element. The drive includes one or more electrically actuatable actuators, which change their length in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the valve assembly when a control voltage is applied to the actuators. The valve includes a valve piston, which can be moved back and forth along the longitudinal axis by the drive and which has a valve member. The flexible separator element delimits a working space of the valve from the drive, as a result of which the medium, which flows through the valve or is present in the working space, is hermetically separated from the drive. |
| US09366349B2 |
Slam shut safety device having disc anti-rotation
A slam-shut safety device includes a valve body defining a flow path, a valve disc support, and a valve disc that is mounted on the valve disc support and is movable between an open first position spaced away from the valve seat and a closed second position seated against a valve seat. A reset pin is operatively coupled to the valve disc support and is shiftable between an untripped position placing the valve disc in the open position and a tripped position placing the valve disc in the closed position. An anti-rotation assembly is carried by cooperating portions of the valve disc and the valve disc support, with the anti-rotation assembly comprising at least one protrusion and at least one receiving area sized to receive the protrusion, the anti-rotation assembly arranged to stop rotation of the valve disc relative to the valve disc support. |
| US09366348B2 |
Pressure relief valve
A pressure relief valve (10) includes a housing (12) that has a side wall (18) that defines an air flow passage (24). A valve element (14) has a closed condition that prevents air flow through the air flow passage (24) and an open condition that permits air flow through the air flow passage (24). A first insert (120) is connected to the valve element (14). A second insert (130) is connected to the side wall (18). The first insert (120) and the second insert (130) cooperate using magnetic forces to urge the valve element (14) to the closed condition. At least one of the first insert (120) and the second insert (130) is positioned within the air flow passage (24). |
| US09366344B2 |
Valve device for a combustion engine
A valve device for a combustion engine, comprising a housing with at least two fluid connections, a hollow valve element, being rotatably supported in the housing between at least two rotational positions, the valve element comprising at least two openings, which, dependent on the rotational position of the valve element can be connected with the fluid connections of the housing, and a drive for rotating the valve element. The valve element is connected torque proof with a shaft, the shaft being rotatably supported at two opposing bearings of the housing, and the shaft, at least at one end, being rotatably supported in a bearing bush, the bearing bush being received at one of the bearings torque proof against a rotation about the shaft axis, with the inner surface and/or the outer surface of the bearing bush being formed spherically. |
| US09366343B2 |
Sliding gate regulator
A sliding gate regulator includes a valve body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet connected by a flow corridor. An opening is disposed in the valve body, the opening being oriented substantially perpendicularly to the flow corridor. A stationary plate and a slidable gate are disposed within the flow corridor, the slidable gate and the stationary plate cooperating to control fluid flow through the flow corridor. A removable plug is disposed within the opening in the valve body, the removable plug providing access to the stationary plate and to the slidable gate. |
| US09366339B2 |
Vehicle shift control device
A vehicle shift control device includes: a parking lock device selectively switched by driving of an electric motor between a lock position restraining rotation of wheels and a non-lock position not restraining the rotation of the wheels; and an electronic control device controlling the electric motor, the vehicle shift control device providing a parking lock switching control of selectively switching the parking lock device between the lock position and the non-locking position in an activated state of the electronic control device, wherein if the electronic control device is switched from the deactivated state to the activated state, the vehicle shift control device provides a wall abutment control of driving the parking lock device with the electric motor to a mechanical displacement end before starting the provision of the parking lock switching control, and if a temperature of the electric motor is lower than a predefined low-temperature determination value, the vehicle shift control device provides an electric motor heat generation control of energizing the electric motor without rotating the electric motor after the electronic control device is switched from a deactivated state to an activated state and before starting the provision of the wall abutment control. |
| US09366337B2 |
Hydraulic pressure supply system of automatic transmission
A hydraulic pressure supply system supplies hydraulic pressure generated at a hydraulic pump provided with first and second pump chambers formed therein to a high pressure portion and a low pressure portion of the automatic transmission through a high-pressure regulator valve, first and second switch valves, and a low-pressure regulator valve. |
| US09366336B2 |
Transmission service warm-up feature
A service warm-up feature warms transmission fluid to normal operating temperature faster than normal idle without requiring continuous technician attention. This facilitates checking the transmission fluid level. The feature increases the warm-up rate by commanding an increased line pressure and an increased idle speed, which causes more heat to be generated as the fluid flows through restrictions at an increased flow rate with an increased pressure drop. The warm-up rate may be further increased by holding the turbine shaft stationary to increase torque converter heat generation. Various precautions prevent accidental vehicle movement. |
| US09366334B2 |
Lubrication system and transfer case incorporating the same
The present invention relates to a transfer case (16) lubrication system (42) that includes a housing (44) defining a chamber and having a lower portion (58). A partition (46) extends from the lower portion (58) and is disposed in the chamber so as to define a reservoir for oil, adjacent to the partition (46) and spaced from the chamber. First and second sprocket (50)s are supported in the chamber, with the first sprocket (48) being spaced from the reservoir. The system also includes a pump assembly (52) having an oil pump (78), a pickup (80) in fluid communication with the pump and at least partially disposed in the reservoir, and a spray bar (82) in fluid communication with the pump for directing oil from the reservoir to a predetermined location within the chamber. A chain (54) connects the sprockets and is spaced from the partition (46) so as to generate a windage force for transferring oil from the chamber to the reservoir in operation. |
| US09366330B2 |
Gearbox supporting means of a wind turbine, wind turbine, and method for maintaining a gearbox supporting means
A gearbox supporting device of a wind turbine with a rotor, a substantially horizontally oriented rotor shaft, a gearbox and a main frame. The gearbox supporting device includes at least one rolling bearing arranged between a rotor hub and the gearbox and at least two supports on the gearbox. The supports each have at least one central supporting body, at least one frame and a plurality of flat elastomer bodies that are or can be clamped between the frame and the supporting body. At least two of the supports are fixed bearings for absorbing at least 50% of the rotor thrust acting in the axial direction of the rotor shaft during the operation of the wind turbine. |
| US09366329B2 |
Chain drive and timing assembly of an internal combustion engine having such chain drive
In a chain drive, the wear of a chain having a plurality of links, each of which is provided with a pair of pivot pins parallel to each other and transversally spaced apart from each other and at least three strips parallel to one another and arranged side by side is controlled by means of a detection device adapted to detect the breakage of at least one of the strips and to emit a signal indicating to replace the chain itself. |
| US09366328B2 |
Power transmission unit for vehicle
A power transmission unit for a vehicle is provided. In the power transmission unit, a continuously variable transmission to alter a speed ratio continuously is disposed between an input shaft to which a torque of a prime mover is inputted and an output shaft rotated by the torque transmitted from the input shaft. A first gear train that transmits the torque to propel the vehicle in the forward direction is arranged parallel to a second gear train that transmits the torque to propelling the vehicle backwardly. The power transmission unit is comprised of: a first clutch device that selectively allows a torque transmitting route from the input shaft to the output shaft via the first gear train to transmit the torque therethrough; a dog clutch that switches the torque transmitting route from the input shaft to the output shaft between a continuously variable speed change route in which the torque is transmitted through the continuously variable transmission and a reverse route in which the torque is transmitted through the second gear train; and a second clutch device that connects and disconnects both of the continuously variable speed change route and the reverse route to/from at least any one of the input shaft and the output shaft. |
| US09366326B2 |
Device with a rotation effect
A device with a rotation effect includes an external barrel, a rotation barrel, a rotation mechanism, a pressing mechanism and a deceleration mechanism. The rotation barrel is disposed in the external barrel. The rotation mechanism connects with the rotation barrel for rotating the rotation barrel. The pressing mechanism connects with the external barrel. The deceleration mechanism connects with the rotation barrel to reduce the rotation speed of the rotation barrel. |
| US09366324B2 |
Actuation system
Disclosed is an actuation system for adjusting the rigidity of elastic elements by using two sets of transmission modules together with a link gear and two sets of nonlinear elastic elements. The actuation system actuates an external arm by controlling the two sets of transmission modules to rotate in different directions and adjusts the rigidity of the elastic elements by controlling the two sets of transmission modules to rotate in the same direction, so as to achieve the effects of reducing the number of actuation modules used, minimizing the volume of the actuation system, and reducing production cost. |
| US09366316B2 |
Rotation assembly and surveillance apparatus including the rotation assembly
Provided a rotation assembly including: a base unit; a rotation frame unit rotatably installed on the base unit; a rotation driving unit which drives the rotation unit to rotate; an encoder including a hollow axis installed on the base unit and an encoder main body installed on the rotation frame unit; and a slip ring installed on the base unit, wherein a portion of the slip ring or a portion of a cable connected to the slip ring is disposed in a through hole provided in the hollow axis. |
| US09366314B2 |
Cover fabric for power transmission belt and toothed belt
The present invention relates to a cover fabric for power transmission belt, which covers at least a part of working surface of a power transmission belt coming into contact or engage with a pulley and thereby transmitting power, in which the cover fabric contains a yarn, the yarn contains at least a fluorine-based fiber, and the fluorine-based fiber is formed of at least one slit yarn, and the cover fabric is subjected to an adhesion treatment. |
| US09366313B2 |
Torsional resonance frequency adjustor
Engaging inclined surfaces of an inner ring and an outer ring create wedge action inducing an inward radial force as the rings are forced together longitudinally, holding the adjustor on a rotating body. An inner total arcuate length of each ring is smaller than an outer total arcuate length of a respective target body (inner ring for outer ring, rotating body for inner ring). Arcuate segments of each ring can have inner surfaces with radii of curvature equal to or smaller than that of the target body outer surface, and with a total arcuate length smaller than the circumference of the target body's outer surface. |
| US09366310B2 |
Planar component with vibration damping
A planar component (1), in particular a sheet metal element, which is provided with at least one piezoelectric actuator (7-9) for its active vibration damping, wherein the piezoelectric actuator (7-9) is applied to the inside or the outside (15) of a bead (3-5) formed in the component. |
| US09366308B2 |
Vibration damping device
In a vibration damping device (10), a plurality of pressure-receiving liquid chambers (25, 26) of which portions of wall surfaces are constituted of an elastic body (14) are disposed within the first mounting member (12). The pressure-receiving liquid chambers (25, 26) include a pair of first pressure-receiving liquid chambers (25) that communicate with each other through a first limiting path (27), and a second pressure-receiving liquid chamber (26) that communicates with an auxiliary liquid chamber (28) through a second limiting path. The pair of first pressure-receiving liquid chambers (25) sandwich a second mounting member (13) therebetween. The second pressure-receiving liquid chamber (26) is arranged side by side with the second mounting member (13) in an orthogonal direction (D1) orthogonal to both an axial direction of the first mounting member (12) and a sandwiching direction (D2) in which the pair of first pressure-receiving liquid chambers (25) sandwich the second mounting member (13). The second mounting member (13) extends over the entire length of each of the pair of first pressure-receiving liquid chambers (25) and the second pressure-receiving liquid chamber (26) in the axial direction. The first limiting path (27) does not contact the auxiliary liquid chamber (28). According to the vibration damping device (10), the performance of the elastic body (14) can be easily maintained for a prolonged period of time. |
| US09366305B2 |
Hydrostatic fluid guide device
In a hydrostatic fluid guide device, a damping mechanism is provided. A fluid is supplied to the damping mechanism by a hydrostatic pressure caused by natural fall, instead of being pressurized and supplied. Thus, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the pressure of the fluid in a hydrostatic fluid guide mechanism, and to position a movable body with high accuracy by setting rigidity for load support during linear movement of the movable body to a value substantially equal to a design value. |
| US09366303B2 |
Tractor
A tractor, including: an engine; a forward/backward movement clutch which is provided on a motive power transmission route from the engine to one or more traveling apparatuses, and is configured to carry out changes among forward movement, backward movement, and neutral; one or more brake pedals; and a control unit which is configured to allow, in association with stepping manipulation of the one or more brake pedals, one or more brakes to operate on the one or more traveling apparatuses and allow operating-pressure of the forward/backward movement clutch to lower. |
| US09366301B2 |
Friction pad assembly for disk brake
A disk brake friction pad assembly includes lining assemblies which are oscillatably inserted into the guide hole portions of a guide plate to transmit a braking torque from plate engagement portions to the guide plate and are urged toward the guide plate by spring members, and a link plate for applying pressure from a torque receiving plate to the multiple lining assemblies and also for holding a clearance between the guide plate and torque receiving plate. |
| US09366300B2 |
Caliper brake apparatus
A caliper brake apparatus includes a piston configured to advance and retreat in accordance with a pressure in a pressure chamber of a caliper main body, a guide plate attached to the piston so as to support a brake shoe, and a fastening member configured to fasten the piston to the guide plate. The fastening member includes a tapered seating surface, and at least one of the piston and the guide plate includes a tapered contact portion on which the seating surface of the fastening member is seated. |
| US09366298B2 |
Magnetically actuated clutch assembly
A clutch assembly includes a first clutch including a cam plate, a pocket plate and axially pivoting struts that driveably connect the plates for rotation in a first rotary direction, and disconnect the plates when the cam plate rotates in a second direction relative to the pocket plate, and a second clutch including a first cam plate, a first pocket plate, a coil and first struts that driveably connect the first cam plate and the first pocket plate for rotation in the second direction and disconnect the first cam plate and the first pocket plate when the coil is energized and the first cam plate rotates in the first direction relative to the first pocket plate. |
| US09366296B2 |
Swaging features that lock retaining elements for bearings
Apparatus and methods are provided for locking retaining elements in place. One embodiment is a bearing having an outer race. The race has a first end and a second end. The race includes a flange on the first end that is able to mate with a housing, and the race also includes an annular threaded portion on the second end. The threaded portion receives an annular threaded retaining element that mates with the housing. The race additionally includes an annular protrusion on the second end, concentric with the threaded portion, that is able to be swaged, thereby increasing a diameter of the protrusion to overlap the threaded portion. |
| US09366293B2 |
Cage segment of a tapered roller bearing, and tapered roller bearing
A tapered roller bearing includes cage segments each having a pocket that retains one conical rolling element. The pocket is formed by two mutually-opposing circumferential bridges, which each extend between first and second circumferential ends of the cage segment, and at least two mutually-opposing connecting bridges, which connect the two circumferential bridges. The circumferential and connecting bridges have pocket sides, which delimit the pocket. The connecting bridges disposed in the region of the first and second circumferential ends each have a concavely-shaped first guide surface on their pocket and circumferential sides that partially enclose one rolling element. When a rolling element is disposed between the first circumferential end of one cage segment and the second circumferential end of the adjacent cage segment, the circumferential bridges of the two adjacent cage segments do not touch during operation. |
| US09366292B2 |
Retainer for ball bearing, and ball bearing
A retainer for a ball bearing includes two annular members that face each other in an axial direction thereof. The two annular members include opposed surfaces each having hemispherical pockets that are formed at positions in a circumferential direction of each of the two annular members and configured to receive balls. The opposed surfaces are snap-fitted to each other to couple together the two annular members. The hemispherical pockets each have an inner peripheral surface provided with ball contact and ball non-contact surfaces. The ball contact surface is formed at a central portion in a pocket circumferential direction and at least at a central portion in a pocket axial direction of the inner peripheral surface. The ball non-contact surface includes a recess recessed to an opposite side to a corresponding ball across the ball contact surface and is opened in at least one of pocket axial ends. |
| US09366290B2 |
High strength low friction engineered material for bearings and other applications
A high strength, low friction engineered material includes a low friction material filling interstices of a metal microlattice. The metal typically comprises 5 volume % to 25 volume % and the interstices typically comprise 75 volume % to 95 volume %, based on the total volume of the metal microlattice and the interstices. The low friction material preferably fills 100 volume % of the interstices. The metal microlattice can be formed of a single layer, or multiple layers, for example layers of nickel, copper, and tin. The low friction material is typically a polymer, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyamide (PAI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene (PE), or polyoxymethylene (POM). The low friction material can also include additive particles to modify the material properties. The engineered material can be used in various automotive applications, for example as a bearing, or non-automotive applications. |
| US09366286B2 |
Radial foil bearing
A radial foil bearing (3) that supports a rotating shaft (1). This radial foil bearing (3) is provided with a top foil (10), a back foil (11), and a bearing housing (12) that houses them. A through-slot (13) is formed in the inner circumferential surface of the bearing housing (12), and engagement slots (20) are formed in the through-slot (13) by a fixing tool (16). |
| US09366285B2 |
Retaining device for an instrument
A retaining device is provided for an instrument, including at least one joint having at least two parts, and at least one drive unit associated with the joint designed to move the joint by driving at least one of the parts. The retaining device includes a securing device, which has a locking mechanism associated with the joint and a release unit that can be activated, wherein the locking mechanism interacts with the release unit such that the locking mechanism holds the joint in a locked position as long as the release unit is not activated. The securing device permits motion of the joint out of the particular locked position within a specified range of motion even if the release unit is not activated. A corresponding securing device for a retaining device and to an operating method for the securing device are also provided. |
| US09366283B2 |
Blind rivet nut
Blind rivet nut with a rivet shank and method for forming blind rivet nut. The blind rivet nut includes a set head. a threaded section having a thread, and a deformation section arranged between the set head and the threaded section, having at least one reinforcement region. |
| US09366282B2 |
Torque controlling break screw
A torque controlling break screw is provided for securing a wire or cable within a connector. The break screw comprises a nut, a thin-walled, hollow screw and a torque limiting feature between the nut and the screw. |
| US09366281B2 |
Housing with self-mounting feature
A housing with a self-mounting feature is provided. The housing includes a base that is configured to define a hook that cooperates with a back side of a panel and a first edge of an opening of the panel to secure the housing to a front side of the panel. The housing further includes a retainer that is operable to an un-engaged position and an engaged position. The retainer is configured to define a blocker portion that cooperates with a second edge of the opening to keep the hook adjacent to the first edge when the retainer is in the engaged position. |
| US09366280B2 |
Vehicle expansion retainer
A method and apparatus for retaining accessories to a vehicle. |
| US09366278B2 |
Male fastening tool
A male fastening tool body includes a body part, a flange part which has a seat surface, an annular concave part formed between the body part and the seat surface, and a resinous ring-shaped member disposed at the annular concave part. The annular concave part has an annular concave peripheral edge portion. The resinous ring-shaped member has an annular projected part which fills almost the entire annular concave part and a lower surface of which is projected downward beyond the seat surface and an annular peripheral part, having a tapered bottom surface or a curved bottom surface, which is formed between the annular projected part and the outer edge of the resinous ring-shaped member and becomes gradually thinner, with an outer edge of the resinous ring-shaped member being located at an outer edge of the annular concave peripheral edge portion or slightly toward the side of the body part. |
| US09366275B2 |
Slatwall clamp
A controlled stress slatwall hanger. The slatwall hanger is attached to the slatwall by sandwiching at least one vertical face of a slat between a cover and a clamping member. The cover includes at least one outer lip residing against the front of the vertical face and the clamping member includes at least one inner lip residing against the rear of the vertical face. The clamping member is biased away from the cover by a spring to facilitate insertion of the inner lips between open spaces between consecutive slats. Screws connect the clamping member to the cover and are tightened to grasp the vertical slat face between the lips. |
| US09366274B2 |
Conditioner, apparatus and method
The present invention pertains to a flow conditioner for displacing and mixing fluid flow to minimize the effects of thermal gradients on the accuracy of a transit time ultrasonic flowmeter and defines an envelope in a cross sectional direction in a pipe having a first ramp adapted to be disposed in the pipe and extending from the outside of the envelope inward toward the center of the pipe in a downstream direction with respect to the fluid flow and forming an angle between 0° and 90° relative to the pipe's inner surface. The conditioner has a second ramp adapted to be disposed in the pipe and in juxtaposition with the first ramp, the second ramp extending from the outside of the envelope inward toward the center of the pipe in an upstream direction with respect to the fluid flow and forming an angle between 0° and 90° relative to the pipe's inner surface. An apparatus for determining fluid flow in a pipe having ultrasonic transducer sites. A method for determining fluid flow in a pipe. A method for affecting fluid flow in a pipe. |
| US09366273B2 |
Vapor recovery line flow meter
An improvement in a vapor recovery line in the form of a vortex shedding flow meter installable within such vapor recovery line to monitor the flow rate of vapor being returned through the vapor recovery line, such flow meter including a housing having an inlet flange with an associated inlet connectable to the upstream portion of the vapor recovery line, an outlet flange with an outlet connectable to the downstream portion of the vapor recovery line, a housing for a passageway extending between the inlet and outlet, with a vortex strut extending into the passageway nearer the outlet to generate shed flow vortices and a transmitter-receiver transducer pair positioned nearer the outlet to subject the shed vortices to a sonic beam to effect modulation thereof, and an electronics package within an electronic housing portion for determining from such modulation the flow rate of the vapor passing through the vapor recovery line. |
| US09366265B2 |
Scroll shape of centrifugal compressor
In a scroll shape of a centrifugal compressor, an enlargement rate of a ratio A/R of a cross-sectional area A of a scroll portion 12 to a radius R from an axis L1 of a compressor impeller 3 to a centroid P0 of a cross section of the scroll portion is reduced from a winding start to a winding end of the scroll portion. |
| US09366263B2 |
Bearing apparatus, motor, and blower fan
A bearing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a bearing portion having a bottom and being substantially cylindrical; a shaft inserted in the bearing portion, and arranged to rotate about a central axis relative to the bearing portion; a bearing opposing portion defined in one piece, arranged above the bearing portion, and arranged to hold an upper end portion of the shaft while covering an outer circumferential surface upper portion and an upper end surface of the shaft; and a cylindrical seal portion arranged to extend downward from the bearing opposing portion. An inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical seal portion and an outer circumferential surface of the bearing portion are arranged to together define a seal gap therebetween, the seal gap including a seal portion having a surface of a lubricating oil defined therein. |
| US09366255B2 |
Scroll vacuum pump having external axial adjustment mechanism
A vacuum type of scroll pump includes a frame, a stationary plate scroll, an orbiting plate scroll, a non-energized type of tip seal or seals, an eccentric drive mechanism assembled to and supported by the frame and to which the orbiting plate scroll is assembled so as to be drivable by the eccentric drive mechanism in an orbit about a longitudinal axis of the pump, and a mechanism for adjusting the seal(s) created by the tip seal(s) without having to disassemble any of the frame, plate scrolls or parts of the eccentric drive mechanism from one another, i.e., while a pump head assembly of the pump remains intact. |
| US09366254B2 |
Vehicular scroll compressor having housing arrangements for improved vibration isolation
A scroll-type compressor for a vehicle, comprising a housing, a fixed scroll and a movable scroll provided in the housing, and a drive mechanism that is provided in the housing and that drives the movable scroll in a manner that disables rotating and enables orbit, by rotation of a drive shaft supported at a front end and a rear end by a front bearing device and a rear bearing device, is provided. The housing includes a first housing, a second housing and a third housing. The compressor includes a vibration isolator that is provided between the movable scroll and the first housing, wherein the vibration isolator is made of a vibration absorbing material and is capable of absorbing vibrations generated at the movable scroll to thereby prevent transfer of the vibrations from the movable scroll to the mounting member via the first housing. |
| US09366252B2 |
Pump having a cold starting device
A pump has a suction region, a pressure region, and a pressure space which has an outflow region. A rotor is connected to a shaft in which rotor delivery elements are displacably received. The rotor has expelling regions connected to the pressure region by way of a first fluid path. A cold starting device is prestressed into a first functional position to shutoff a second fluid path from the pressure region to the pressure space, and is configured to be displaced counter to the prestress into a second functional position to open the second fluid path. The cold starting device is arranged in its second functional position at least in regions with a relief face which faces away from the pressure region in a relief receptacle. The relief face is loaded during operation of the pump with a pressure being smaller than a system pressure in the outflow region. |
| US09366250B1 |
Hydraulic device
A hydraulic device includes a cover plate with a cylinder hole opposite an end surface of a rotating shaft of a gear which receives two thrust forces in the same direction. A piston extends through the cylinder hole. A working liquid in a high pressure side acts on a back surface of the piston to press the piston onto the end surface of the rotating shaft, thereby causing a drag that cancels the two thrust forces acting on the gear. |
| US09366246B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling compressor, and refrigerator having the same
A compressor control apparatus and method, and a refrigerator including the same, are provided. In a refrigerator having two compressors, starting of two compressors may be staggered to reduce an effect of the suction pressure and discharge pressure between the two compressors, to provide for stable operation of the compressors, and improve reliability and power consumption. |
| US09366239B2 |
Weather responsive treadle locking means for power generation system
A vehicle energy harvester including a subunit having an upper surface forming a roadway surface; a vehicle activated treadle on the subunit, the vehicle activated treadle moveable between a first position in which an upper surface of the treadle is at an angle with respect to the upper surface of the roadway surface and a second position in which the upper surface of the treadle is flush with the upper surface of the roadway surface; a generator that generates power in response to movement of the vehicle activated treadle; and a treadle locking device that selectively locks the vehicle activated treadle in the second position. |
| US09366236B2 |
Testing an overspeed protection system of a wind turbine
The invention relates to a test tool for testing an overspeed protection system of a wind turbine. The system includes a sensor for sensing a first physical signal having a physical nature and representing a speed of rotation of a rotor of the wind turbine, and for providing a corresponding output signal; means for receiving the output signal from the sensor and for determining, based on the output signal, if the speed of rotation exceeds a threshold of speed of rotation; and means for initiating, if the speed of rotation exceeds the threshold of speed of rotation, an action reducing the speed of rotation. The test tool provides a second physical signal of the same physical nature as the first physical signal, is suitable for supplying the second physical signal to the sensor so as to simulate the rotation of the wind turbine. |
| US09366232B2 |
System for converting wind energy into electrical energy through the flight of power wing profiles tethered to the ground by cables of a fixed length, without passive phases, and with automatic adaptation to wind conditions
Wind energy is converted into electrical or mechanical energy through the flight of at least one power wing profile tethered via one or more cables to a ground unit moved by the power wing profile along a path of alternating displacement for driving a generator, where the path of alternating displacement is orientable so as to set itself in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of the wind. During the phases of flight of the power wing profile in conditions of generation of energy the length of the cables is kept constant. |
| US09366230B2 |
System and method for reducing loads acting on a wind turbine in response to transient wind conditions
A method for reducing loads acting on a wind turbine in response to transient wind conditions may generally include determining an actual value for a blade parameter of a rotor blade of the wind turbine using a first sensor associated with the rotor blade, monitoring a secondary operating parameter of the wind turbine using a second sensor, determining a predicted value for the blade parameter based on the secondary operating parameter, comparing the actual value to the predicted value and performing a corrective action to reduce the loads acting on the wind turbine if the actual value differs from the predicted value by at least a differential threshold. |
| US09366229B2 |
Wind power plant having an adjustable power reserve
A wind power plant, including a generator driven by a rotor in order to generate electrical power and a controller that includes a pitch module for adjusting a pitch angle of blades of the rotor. The controller has an input for a required power reserve and determines a target pitch angle depending on an operating point of the wind power plant. A secondary pitch controller is also provided, which includes a detector for available power and a dynamic offset module. Input signals for the available reserve power determined by the detector, the required reserve power and the generated electrical power are applied to the dynamic offset module, which is designed to determine a value for a pitch angle offset. An activation element varies the target pitch angle by the pitch angle offset. |
| US09366227B2 |
Control of electric output of a wind park
A method of controlling an electric output of a wind park is carried out jointly by wind turbines with their local wind-turbine controllers and a central wind-park controller. The central wind-park controller generates a reference value for a wind turbine, based on the measured value of an electric quantity at a point of common measurement, and provides it to the local wind-turbine controller. The local wind-turbine controller produces a voltage or a reactive-power in the electric grid at the location of the wind turbine corresponding to the reference value, but which is corrected by a local correction. The local correction takes into account a voltage or a reactive-power change expected at the point of common measurement for the electric current supplied by the wind turbine due to the electric impedance of the grid connection to the point of common measurement. |
| US09366220B2 |
Method for operating an internal combustion engine of a hand-guided power tool
In a power tool, an internal combustion engine is coupled by a clutch to a tool member. An ignition control device is provided that for each engine speed of the internal combustion engine specifies at least one ignition timing. For each engine speed of a first engine speed range a correlated first ignition timing is specified, wherein each first ignition timing is an ignition timing of a first ignition timing range. For each engine speed of a second engine speed range, adjoining the first engine speed range, a correlated second ignition timing is specified, wherein each second ignition timing is an ignition timing of a second ignition timing range. The first ignition timing is retarded by at least 5° crank angle relative to the second ignition timing. The first engine speed range extends at least from the coupling engine speed range to the limit engine speed of approximately 7,000 RPM. |
| US09366214B2 |
Starter provided with electromagnetic solenoid integrating rush current suppression function
An electromagnetic solenoid that controls a motor current of a starter includes: a first switch including a pair of first fixed contacts and a first movable contact, intermitting the motor current; a suppression resistor that suppresses the motor current; a second switch including a pair of second fixed contacts and a second movable contact, making a short circuit path to bypass the suppression resistor; a regulation member being driven by a sub solenoid, regulating the second switch being closed and releasing the second switch from being regulated after predetermined time elapses when a plunger is pulled by a main electromagnet. The regulation member is disposed between a regulated position and a released position to regulate the second switch. |
| US09366212B2 |
Method for diagnosing a drift in at least one injector of a common-rail fuel injection system
A method of diagnosis of a drift of at least one injector of an injection system with a common ramp, which includes a pressure regulating control unit and a richness regulating control unit, the pressure and richness regulating control units being driven by an electronic computer according to values of pressure setpoint and of richness setpoint which are recorded in the computer, the method of diagnosis including checking for existence of a drift of the pressure regulating control and checking for existence of a drift of the richness regulating control when the two units operate in closed loop, the drift of the injector being established upon the joint detection of a drift of the pressure regulating control unit and of a drift of the richness regulating control unit. |
| US09366210B2 |
Fuel injection system having a fuel-carrying component, a fuel injector and a connecting device
A connecting device for fuel injection systems is used for connecting a fuel injection valve to a fuel-carrying component. A wire-shaped connecting element is provided in this context, which is fastened, on the one hand, to the fuel-carrying component and, on the other hand, to the fuel injection valve. The wire-shaped connecting element is embodied closed in an annular manner, and, on the one hand, is guided about a shoulder of the fuel-carrying component and, on the other hand, about a shoulder of the fuel injection valve. A fuel injection system having such a connecting device is also provided. |
| US09366207B2 |
Fuel injector
A fuel injector for fuel-injection systems of internal combustion engines. The valve includes an electromagnetic actuating element having a solenoid coil, a fixed core, an outer magnetic-circuit component and a movable armature to actuate a valve-closure member which cooperates with a valve-seat surface provided on a valve-seat member. The valve is characterized by its extremely small outside dimensions. The entire axially movable valve needle, including armature and valve-closure member, has a mass of only m<=0.8 g. The valve is suitable as a fuel injector, especially for use in fuel-injection systems of mixture-compressing internal combustion engines with externally supplied ignition. |
| US09366205B2 |
Pipe system for a fluid, a method and an apparatus for connecting at least one duct part of a pipe system
A pipe system for a fluid, in particular a gas of an intake system (10) or a turbocharger of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method and an apparatus for connecting at least one duct part (12) of a pipe system (10). The pipe system (10) has at least one blow-molded duct part (12) made of plastic and at least one fitting (18) for connecting the at least one blow-molded duct part (12) with another part (20) of the pipe system (10). The fitting (18) is inserted tight in the at least one blow-molded duct part (12). The at least one blow-molded duct part (12) is shrinked onto the at least one fitting (18). |
| US09366203B2 |
Conformable high pressure gaseous fuel storage system having a gas storage vessel with fractal geometry
In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a conformable high pressure gas fuel storage system has a high pressure gaseous storage vessel with a central section disposed between end sections and in fluid communication therewith. The end and central sections have hollow geometric objects. The geometric objects have self-similarity providing the gas storage vessel with a fractal geometry. Each geometric object of each end section branches into a plurality of the geometric objects of the central section. The geometric objects of the central section have a smaller cross-section and thinner outer wall than the geometric objects of the end sections. The geometric objects of at least the central section are formable with bends to a configuration to conform the gas storage vessel to a space in a vehicle in which the gas storage vessel is packaged. |
| US09366197B2 |
Methods and systems for determining a fuel concentration in engine oil using an intake oxygen sensor
Methods and systems are provided for estimating a fuel concentration in engine oil in an engine crankcase. In one example, an engine controller may adjust engine operation such as EGR flow and engine fueling based on the estimated fuel concentration in engine oil. The fuel concentration may be based on an output of an intake oxygen sensor when purge and EGR flow are disabled, engine oil temperature, and fuel composition. |
| US09366193B2 |
Adjusting motor power
An example power management arrangement includes a motor controller configured to communicate power to a motor drive bridge to drive a motor. The motor controller is configurable to selectively receive power from each of a first power supply and a second power supply. The voltage of the power from the first power supply is different than a voltage of the power from the second power supply. An example power adjusting method includes receiving power at a motor controller, adjusting a voltage of the received power using the motor controller, communicating the power with the adjusted voltage from the motor controller to a motor drive bridge to drive a motor. |
| US09366190B2 |
Tapered gas turbine engine liquid gallery
A liquid gallery for a fuel injector of a gas turbine engine includes a gallery body, a liquid gallery scroll, a plurality of atomizer inlets, and a plurality of atomizer bosses. The liquid gallery scroll extends into the gallery body spanning from a first end to a second end in a circumferential direction. The liquid gallery scroll includes a taper with a cross-sectional area of the liquid gallery scroll reducing from the first end to the second end. Each atomizer inlet is in flow communication with the liquid gallery scroll. Each atomizer boss is aligned with one of the plurality of atomizer inlets. |
| US09366187B2 |
Slinger combustor
A slinger combustor has an annular combustor shell defining a combustion chamber having a radially inner fuel inlet for receiving a spray of fuel centrifuged by a fuel slinger. The combustion chamber has a fuel atomization zone extending radially outwardly from the fuel inlet and merging into a radially outwardly flaring expansion zone leading to a combustion zone. A plurality of nozzle air inlets are defined in the fuel atomization zone of the combustor shell. The nozzle air inlets have a nozzle axis intersecting the stream of fuel and a tangential component in a direction of rotation of the fuel slinger. A plurality of dilution holes are defined in the combustor shell and have a dilution axis intersecting the combustion zone. The dilution axis of at least some of the dilution holes has a tangential component opposite to the direction of rotation of the fuel slinger. |
| US09366183B2 |
System for attaching a turbojet engine spinner
A rotor of a turbomachine including a spinner which is attached removably to the upstream end of the rotor by an attachment system is provided. The attachment includes a dog clutch and a rotation-proofing system preventing the spinner from rotating with respect to the rotor. |
| US09366181B2 |
Turbocharger and compressor wheel therefor
The invention relates to a compressor wheel for a turbocharger, in particular in combination with a diesel engine, and to an exhaust gas turbocharger comprising such a compressor wheel. |
| US09366177B2 |
Supercharged internal combustion engine with two-channel turbine and method
A supercharged internal combustion engine comprising a two channel turbine fluidly connects the two channels within the turbine housing by virtue of at least one opening in the housing wall which separates the two channels wherein at least one displaceable wall part is provided which serves for opening up the opening in the housing wall to optimize the performance of the turbine responsive to the exhaust gas flow rate. |
| US09366172B2 |
Particulate filter device monitoring system for an internal combustion engine
A particulate filter device monitoring system for an internal combustion engine includes a particulate accumulation register configured to store an amount of particulate in a particulate filter. The particulate accumulation register includes a particulate accumulation trigger zone having a power limiting mode trigger. A power limiting mode trigger module is configured to limit output power of the internal combustion engine when the amount of particulate accumulation reaches the power limiting mode trigger. A particulate accumulation model module includes a particulate accumulation model configured to calculate changes in particulate accumulation in the particulate accumulation register at a first sampling rate when particulate accumulation is outside the particulate accumulation trigger zone, and at a second sampling rate when particulate accumulation is within the particulate accumulation trigger zone. |
| US09366169B2 |
Seal for an exhaust aftertreatment device in an internal combustion engine
A dosing module (1) for introducing a reducing agent into an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine for exhaust aftertreatment. The dosing module (1) comprises a flange (20). The flange (20) is secured to a connecting flange (11) on an exhaust pipe. A sealing element (22) located between the flange (20) and the connecting flange (11) is designed as a single layer and separates an interior (26) of the exhaust pipe from an exterior (27) of the exhaust pipe. The sealing element (22) is disposed in the area of the center of gravity (42) of the dosing module (1). |
| US09366168B2 |
Deterioration determination system of exhaust emission control device
An object of the present invention is to increase the accuracy of a deterioration determination in a deterioration determination system of an exhaust emission control device having a selective reduction type NOx catalyst, by suppressing false determinations when the deterioration determination is made. The deterioration determination system includes a catalyst having an oxidative capacity downstream of a NOx catalyst using ammonia as a reducing agent. When an amount of ammonia adsorbed by the NOx catalyst is larger than an equilibrium adsorption amount, out of the amount of ammonia flowing into the catalyst having the oxidative capacity, at least one of the amount of ammonia flowing out from the catalyst having the oxidative capacity and the amount of ammonia converted to NOx in the catalyst having the oxidative capacity or a total value of both is calculated. When the value exceeds a threshold, the use of a detection value of an NOx sensor is limited in a deterioration determination or the deterioration determination itself is prohibited. |
| US09366164B2 |
DPF system for an engine generator
A DPF system for an engine generator that performing a recovery process on a filter (DPF) provided to remove particulate matter generated by combustion of fuel when an amount of the particulate matter in the DPF exceeds a predetermined value, the engine generator performing the recovery process by carrying out an automatic recovery operation to raise a temperature of exhaust gas to combust the particulate matter, the system comprising: a dummy load connected to the engine generator when necessary; and control device for allowing the engine to perform a recovery preparation operation in such a manner that, once the amount of the particulate matter exceeds the predetermined value, the recovery operation is performed when the temperature of exhaust gas reaches a reference temperature, and the dummy load is connected to the generator to raise the temperature of exhaust gas when the temperature thereof fails to reach the reference temperature. |
| US09366163B2 |
Valve timing control apparatus of internal combustion engine
In a valve timing control apparatus configured to enable rotary motion of a vane rotor relative to a sprocket in a phase-retard direction or in a phase-advance direction by controlling hydraulic-pressure supply-and-exhaust for each of phase-advance hydraulic chambers and hydraulic-pressure supply-and-exhaust for each of phase-retard hydraulic chambers, first and second lock pins are located in a large-diameter rotor portion rather than a small-diameter rotor portion. The rotary motion of the vane rotor relative to the sprocket from an intermediate lock position between a maximum phase-advance position and a maximum phase-retard position is restricted by engagement of the first lock pin with a first lock hole and by engagement of the second lock pin with a second lock hole. The vane rotor is held at the maximum phase-retard position by engagement of the first lock pin with the second lock hole. |
| US09366156B2 |
Axial sealing gravity based siphon system
A lubrication system for a fan drive gear system includes a lubricant supply and a collection conduit for drawing lubricant from within the lubricant supply. The collection conduit includes a first opening and a second opening for withdrawing lubricant and supplying lubricant to a pump. During normal operation lubricant may be drawn through both first and second openings. During negative G operating conditions a fitting at the second opening blocks the second opening to prevent air from being drawn into the lubricant system and communicated to the pump. |
| US09366148B2 |
Assembly of an axial turbomachine and method for manufacturing an assembly of this type
An assembly of an axial turbomachine includes at least one outlet guide vane of a compressor and a diffuser arranged downstream of the outlet guide vane in the flow direction. The outlet guide vane is connected to the compressor and the diffuser is connected to the combustion chamber, without there being a direct mechanical connection between the diffuser and the outlet guide vane. |
| US09366146B2 |
Closure bucket for turbo-machine
A closure bucket for a turbo-machine. In one embodiment, the turbine closure bucket includes a blade section, and a base section positioned adjacent the blade section. The base section of the turbine closure bucket can engage a dovetail slot of a rotor. The base section includes a body having a first end and a second end. The base section also includes an aperture extending through the body of the base section. Additionally, the base section includes an annularly open threaded opening extending along an outer surface of the body. The annularly open threaded opening of the base section is configured to engage a threaded fastener for securing the turbine closure bucket within the dovetail slot of the rotor. |
| US09366145B2 |
Turbine engine rotor assembly
A turbine engine rotor assembly includes a turbine engine rotor disk that extends axially along a centerline between a first disk end and a second disk end, and radially to an outer disk surface. The rotor disk includes one or more blade retention slots arranged circumferentially around the centerline. A first of the blade retention slots extends axially into the rotor disk from a disk end surface at the first disk end to a slot end surface, and radially into the rotor disk from the outer disk surface to a slot base surface. |
| US09366143B2 |
Cooling module design and method for cooling components of a gas turbine system
A cooling arrangement in a gas turbine system (120). The arrangement includes a plurality of flow network units (208) to transfer heat to cooling fluid, at least one unit including first (218), second (220), and third (222) flow sections between openings (64a) in a first wall (66) and an opening in a second wall (68) to pass cooling fluid through the walls. The first section includes first flow paths, between the openings in the first wall and the second section, extending to the second section. The third section includes third flow paths, between the second section and the opening in the second wall, to effect flow of cooling fluid. The second section includes one or more cooling fluid flow paths between the first section and the third section. The number of flow paths in the second section is fewer than the number of first flow paths and fewer than the number of third flow paths. |
| US09366139B2 |
Repair method of plate member, plate member, combustor, ring segment, and gas turbine
A repair method of a plate member disposed so as to separate a high-pressure space and a low-pressure space and having a cooling passage provided inside thereof along a surface thereof, comprising: removing a damaged portion generated in the plate member so as to expose the cooling passage; primarily filling an area where a material is removed so as to block the cooling passage and form an external shape of the plate member having no missing portion as compared to its original external shape; forming a first opening through which the cooling passage communicates with the low-pressure space on an upstream side, in a flow direction of a refrigerant in the cooling passage, of a position where the cooling passage is blocked; and forming a second opening through which the cooling passage communicates with the high-pressure space on a downstream side of the position where the cooling passage is blocked. |
| US09366135B2 |
Automatic dip picking from wellbore azimuthal image logs
Method for automatically determining a planar event such as a bedding plane from azimuthal wellbore log data (501). The image log may optionally first be filtered using a smoothing filter (502). Then, the image log is inputted to a gradient (first-derivative) filter (503). The image log is also used to find the optimal local sinusoidal trend (or orientation) on the image by determining the best sine wave at each depth among all azimuthal curves from the image using a minimum-variance method (504). Finally, bed boundaries are located based on highest contrast (506) calculated along the sinusoidal lines on the gradient image (505). |
| US09366134B2 |
Wellbore servicing tools, systems and methods utilizing near-field communication
A wellbore servicing system includes a tool node disposed within a wellbore, and a transitory sensing node configured to be communicated through the wellbore, wherein the transitory sensing node is configured to measure a wellbore parameter, and wherein the transitory sensing node communicates with the tool node via a near field communication (NFC) signal. A wellbore servicing method includes positioning a tool node within a wellbore, moving a transitory sensing node through the wellbore such that the transitory sensing node comes into communication with the tool node, wherein the transitory sensing node is configured to measure a wellbore parameter during movement through the wellbore, and wherein the transitory sensing node communicates with the tool node via a near field communication (NFC) signal. |
| US09366132B2 |
Control line space out tool
A control line space out tool for use in identifying the length of control line required to extend between proximal and distal locations in a wellbore is described, the control line space out tool comprises a body having a locator for locating the tool at a proximal location within a wellbore and a passage though which a control line may pass to extend to a distal location, a grip for locking onto a control line, and an actuator for operating the grip to lock onto the control line to thereby indicate the length of control line required to extend between said locations. A method of determining a length of control line required to extend between proximal and distal locations within a wellbore is also described. |
| US09366129B2 |
Expert systems for well completion using bayesian decision networks with a multilateral junction design, and a junction classification decision node
Systems and methods are provided for expert systems for well completion using Bayesian decision networks to determine well completion recommendations. The well completion expert system includes a well completion Bayesian decision network (BDN) model that receives inputs and outputs recommendations based on Bayesian probability determinations. The well completion BDN model includes a treatment fluids section, a packer section, a junction classification section, a perforation section, a lateral completion section, and an open hole gravel packing section. |
| US09366128B2 |
Automated wellbore equipment feeding system
An apparatus for manipulating objects include a plurality of actuators distributed on a rig. The actuators cooperate to orient and move the well equipment. Each actuator may include at least one non-rigid tension member configured to engage the well equipment, and at least one sensor generating a signal representative of at least one parameter of: (i) a length of at least one of the at least one non-rigid tension members, (ii) a tension along at least one of the at least one non-rigid tension members, (iii) a position of at least one of the at least one non-rigid tension members; and (iv) an orientation of at least one of the at least one non-rigid tension members. The actuators may also each include a drum guiding each of the at least one non-rigid tension members and a motor rotating each drum. The apparatus further includes a controller in communication with the actuators, the controller being programmed to move the object based on the at least one sensor signals. |
| US09366125B2 |
Carbonate based slurry fracturing using solid acid for unconventional reservoirs
A method of using a slurry-like fracturing fluid for hydraulic fracturing in an unconventional reservoir: injecting the slurry-like fracturing fluid into the unconventional reservoir, the slurry-like fracturing fluid comprises a particulate portion and a slurry water, the particulate portion comprises a solid acid component, injecting the slurry-like fracturing fluid is operable to generate a network of fractures, the slurry-like fracturing fluid is operable to reduce a reservoir temperature from a resting reservoir temperature, permitting the slurry-like fracturing fluid to cure into a permeable bed, allowing the reservoir temperature to return to the resting reservoir temperature to trigger the hydrolysis of the solid acid, hydrolyzing the solid acid to produce a liquid acid, and stimulating the network of fractures with the liquid acid to increase permeability of the permeable bed in the network of fractures in the unconventional reservoir, the increased permeability operable to create a sweet spot. |
| US09366120B2 |
Bladder stress reducer cap
A submersible pump assembly has modules, including a rotary pump, an electrical motor, and a seal section located between the motor and the pump. The seal section has a tubular housing with a lower adapter secured to the housing and joining the seal section with the motor. An upper adapter is secured to the housing and joins the seal section with another one of the modules. An inlet port in the upper adapter admits well fluid into the housing. A tubular, flexible compensator element has an upper end sealed to the upper adapter and a lower end sealed to the lower adapter. A communication passage in the lower adapter admits lubricant from the motor into the compensator element. A cap is mounted around the upper end of the compensator element. The cap has a skirt extending radially outward to limit upward expansion of the compensator element. |
| US09366118B2 |
Processes and systems for treating oil and gas wells
Systems and processes are provided for removing fluid from a subterranean well and enhancing the production of oil and/or gas are herein disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes an injection conduit, an injection valve, a relief valve, a container, a container valve, a return conduit valve, and a return conduit, all arranged within a subterranean well for removing at least one fluid from the well. The removal of at least one fluid from the well is controlled by the flow of gas into the injection conduit. |
| US09366115B2 |
Jumper tube locking assembly and method
A jumper tube for use with a shunt tube assembly comprises a first tubular member configured to engage a first shunt tube, a second tubular member axially disposed within the first tubular member, and a locking member configured to prevent the second tubular member from axially displacing into the first tubular member. The second tubular member is configured to slidingly engage within the first tubular member, and the second tubular member is configured to engage a second shunt tube. |
| US09366111B2 |
Method for active cooling of downhole tools using the vapor compression cycle
A method of and apparatus for cooling equipment including exposing a fluid to a tool comprising electronic components at a temperature T and pressure P, compressing the fluid to a temperature T1 and pressure P1, exposing the fluid to a surface in communication with liquid or gas or both external to the tool wherein the fluid after exposure to the surface is at a temperature T2 and pressure P2, and allowing the fluid to expand to a temperature T3 and pressure P3 wherein the equipment is a tool in a subterranean formation and T is less than T2 and P is less than P2. Apparatus and methods for cooling oil field services tools including a fluid that conducts heat from the tool to the fluid, a compressor that, a heat exchanger that accepts fluid from the compressor and that rejects heat from the fluid, and a valve or orifice. |
| US09366110B2 |
Multi-level sliding sleeve
A multi-level sliding sleeve including an outer cylinder, an inner sliding sleeve, a combined ball socket, a guider, an expander, an upper gland, a lower gland, and a ball. The outer cylinder includes internal threads in an upper end and external threads in a lower end, and the outer cylinder including an external wall including a plurality of drainage holes along the peripheral direction. The inner sliding sleeve is mounted to an inner wall of the outer cylinder through shear pins. The inner sliding sleeve includes a plurality of square holes in the middle along the peripheral direction, each of which is equipped with a ball socket inside. The ball sockets combine together to form a combined ball socket. The combined ball socket is equipped with the guider in the upper end and the expander in the lower end. |
| US09366109B2 |
Kobe sub, wellbore tubing string apparatus and method
To address concerns of kobe plug cap portions being inadvertently removed, for example, by abutment with strings or tools passing thereby, a shielding structure may be employed to protect the cap against inadvertent removal. The port opening tool useful with the kobe plug is selected to overcome the shielding structure to open the kobe plug. To address concerns of a portion of the kobe plug becoming loose in the tubing string inner bore, a capturing mechanism may be provided that captures the cap portion after it is removed to open the kobe plug and prevented the cap portion from becoming loose in the inner bore of the tubing string. |
| US09366107B2 |
Annular barrier with an expansion detection device
The present invention relates to an annular barrier (1) to be expanded in an annulus (2) between a well tubular structure and an inside wall (4) of a borehole (5) downhole, comprising a tubular part for mounting as part of the well tubular structure, said tubular part (6) having a longitudinal axis; an expandable sleeve (7) surrounding the tubular part and having an outer face (8), each end (9, 10) of the expandable sleeve being fastened to the tubular part by means of a connection part (12), where one of the connection parts is a sliding connection part sliding in relation to the tubular part when the expandable sleeve is expanded; an annular barrier space (13) between the tubular part and the expandable sleeve; an aperture (11) in the tubular part for letting fluid into the annular barrier space to expand the sleeve; and an activatable shut-off valve (14) having an open and a closed position and arranged in the aperture, wherein the annular barrier further comprises a detection device (20) for detecting when the expandable sleeve has been expanded into a contact position, and wherein the detection device is adapted to provide a signal to activate the shut-off valve to bring the shut-off valve from the open to the closed position when detecting that the expandable sleeve is in the contact position. Furthermore, the invention relates to a downhole system comprising a plurality of annular barriers according to the invention and to a method for expanding an annular barrier. |
| US09366100B1 |
Hydraulic pipe string vibrator
A vibrator apparatus to be positioned onto a pipe string is disclosed. The apparatus is comprised of a tubular housing, a tubular stator having a radial fluid opening, and a rotating rotor shaft with a longitudinally extending fluid bore and at least one radially extending fluid passage that intermittently aligns with the stator fluid opening. A rotation generator is provided to rotate the rotor shaft in response to fluid flow. Fluid flow through the fluid bore of the rotor shaft is discharged from the radially extending fluid passage of the rotor as it rotates in response to fluid flow and is intermittently interrupted by the stator as the rotor is rotated past the radial fluid opening in the stator thereby creating pulses in the fluid column and vibrating the pipe string. |
| US09366098B2 |
Engineering plastic / inorganic fiber blends as lost circulation materials
A method for reducing lost circulation in drilling wells employs composite materials containing an engineering thermoplastic polymer and mineral fibers. Optionally the composites may also include other components such as calcium carbonate and blending agents. |
| US09366097B2 |
Power tong for turning pipe
A power tong having a self-contained hydraulic power system within its rotating body converts mechanical energy from at least one mechanical link to hydraulic energy within the self-contained hydraulic power system. Energy applied from the non-rotating portion of the power tong is transferred to the mechanical link that links the fixed portion with the rotating portion of the power tong thus removing the need for rotary seals. The mechanical energy transferred to the self-contained hydraulic power system within the rotating body is used to extend and retract one or more grippers in contact with, for example, a tubular of well equipment drill strings. |
| US09366096B2 |
Joint solidification tool
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a system having a clamping mechanism configured to apply a force on a first tool joint and a second tool joint, wherein the clamping mechanism is configured to transfer a torque from the first tool joint to the second tool joint, and the clamping mechanism is configured to rotate about an axis of the first and second tool joints. |
| US09366092B2 |
Interface and method for wellbore telemetry system
A system for use in a drilling operation that includes uphole electronic equipment and a drill string suspended in an earth borehole, a section of wired drill pipe that is part of a communication link between a downhole tool and the uphole electronic equipment, an interface for communicating between the section of wired drill pipe and a communication source/destination. The system includes a housing having a generally cylindrical outer shape which has a passage there through. The housing has a WDP end connectable to the section of wired drill pipe and a further end connectable to the communication source/destination. The system also includes a WDP circuit module disposed within the housing. The WDP circuit module electrically coupleable with the wired drill pipe section. The system includes a further circuit module, disposed within the housing, which is electrically coupled with the WDP circuit module and electrically coupleable with the communication source/destination. |
| US09366091B2 |
Decommissioning offshore oil and gas wells
Method and structures perform decommissioning of offshore oil and gas platforms with associated wells. By installing on a platform (1) a movable decommissioning rig tower (2) but stripping away most of the other structures and equipment on the platform (1), and specifically not providing supporting resources such as drilling mud and power, accommodation, etc. on the platform, it is possible for both the rig tower (2) and a further rig tower (28) installed on a jack up rig (20) located alongside the platform (1) to access the well bay (5) of the platform. Thereby, two wells may be accessed simultaneously through the same well bay (5) and respective decommissioning operations carried out simultaneously and independently. |
| US09366089B2 |
Cutting element attached to downhole fixed bladed bit at a positive rake angle
In one aspect of the present invention, a downhole fixed bladed bit comprises a working surface comprising a plurality of blades converging at a center of the working surface and diverging towards a gauge of the bit, at least on blade comprising a cutting element comprising a superhard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planer interface, the cutting element being positioned at a positive rake angle, and the superhard material comprising a substantially conical geometry with an apex comprising a curvature. |
| US09366088B2 |
Cutter assemblies, disc cutters, and related methods of manufacture
In an embodiment, a cutter assembly for use on a tunnel boring machine may include a cutter ring extending circumferentially about a central axis. The cutter ring may include a radially inner surface and a radially outer surface. The cutter assembly may also include superabrasive cutting elements distributed circumferentially about the axis. Each of the superabrasive cutting elements may be attached to the cutter ring and may include a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) body having a working surface. At least a number of the cutting elements may extend beyond the outer surface of the cutter ring. |
| US09366086B2 |
Method of forming a bore
A method of forming a supported subterranean well bore in which, in one disclosed embodiment, a first drill bit is mounted on a first string of casing tubulars via a steerable tool, and the drill bit is used to form a first bore. Upon reaching the required depth the casing string is cemented in place to support the formed bore and a second drill bit is mounted on a second casing string and is inserted into the first casing string. The second drill bit is used to drill through the wall of the first casing string and proceed to form a second, deeper bore. Once the second drill bit has reached the required depth, the second casing string is cemented in place to support the second bore. |
| US09366080B2 |
Slatted roller blind
A roller blind is disclosed which provides horizontal slats for directional shading, enabling the application of a screen fabric which allows a greater portion of visible light to pass therethrough. The disclosed slatted roller blind is free from the usage of ladder cords and is simplistic in design. The disclosed slatted roller blind maintains a compact formation of a roller shade when retracted and has greater resistance to skewing along the longitudinal axis of the roller while being retracted. Furthermore, the disclosed slatted roller blind design is capable of being utilized as an outdoor or indoor blind. |
| US09366073B1 |
Connecting adapter for attaching edges of rigid panels over window and door openings
Systems, devices, apparatus, kits and methods of attaching rigid panels over door and window openings of structures such as buildings and houses, with connecting adapters attached to the panels by fasteners, and a security rod slid into holes on the adapters with ends that abut against portions of the adjacent frames and casings about the openings. The fasteners can fasten the adapters to the outside of the rigid panels which cover the outer opening. |
| US09366069B2 |
Device for enhancing a corner structure
In an embodiment, an interchangeable corner hanger to ornament framing protruding corner structures is provided. The interchangeable corner hanger includes a horizontal portion and a vertical portion. The horizontal portion is designed to rest on an exposed edge of a corner structure, and the vertical portion is designed to hang over the corner of the corner structure and rest against a wall upon which the trim is attached. The vertical portion has a length sufficient to stabilize the corner hanger without the use of other adhesives or attachments. In an embodiment, the vertical portion is configured to allow one or more interlocking elements to be suspended from the vertical portion. For example, the vertical portion may include an interlocking pattern configured to accept a complimentary interlocking pattern on an interlocking element. Further interlocking elements may be attached to the interlocking element. |
| US09366065B2 |
Hinge sensor for barrier
Methods and systems are described for determining operation of an openable barrier into a building. A method for determining an open state of a barrier includes confirming a first position for the barrier, the barrier having at least one hinge and a hinge sensor mounted to the at least one hinge, determining with the hinge sensor when the barrier changes position from the first position to a second position, and wirelessly transmitting data concerning the change in barrier position. |
| US09366064B1 |
Hinge structure
A hinge structure for connecting an electronic device and a stand includes a housing mounted to the housing, a cover covering the housing and a lifting member mounted to the stand, wherein a gap is formed between the lifting member and the cover, the lifting member includes an eccentric block movably disposed in the housing, a guiding member is disposed on one end of the eccentric block and includes a arced groove through which a pin movably extending, a positioning pin is positioned in a limiting groove; in another embodiment, the lifting member includes an eccentric block having a arced plate movably disposed in a rear groove and a lateral groove of the housing, whereby the hinge structure is smoothly operated in a small gap. |
| US09366063B2 |
Motor vehicle lock
The invention is directed to a lock for a door arrangement, wherein a catch and a pawl are provided. The catch can be brought into an opening position and into a closed position. The catch may be brought into holding engagement with a lock striker. The pawl may be brought into an engagement position. The pawl may be deflected into a release position. A pawl actuation lever is provided for deflecting the pawl. An engagement arrangement is provided. The engagement arrangement comprises a deflection lever on the side of the pawl actuation lever and a counter contour on the side of the pawl. The deflection lever is configured to engage the counter contour. An actuation movement of the pawl actuation lever can deflect the pawl into the release position. An inertial characteristic of the deflection lever causes a deflection movement along a free-wheeling path. |
| US09366062B2 |
Vehicle door lock actuation prevention apparatus
A vehicle door opening prevention apparatus includes a thin cross-section spacer or flange coupled to a plate attached to a door handle frame in a vehicle door's door handle assembly. One end of the flange is positioned relative to a door lock assembly mounted within the vehicle door to limit the maximum amount of lateral inward movement of the door handle assembly toward the door lock assembly during lateral forces exerted on the vehicle door to prevent movement of an actuator pin to a door lock assembly unlatch position via movement of a fork coupled to a handle and engaged with the actuator pin. |
| US09366059B2 |
Operating device with electronics, at least partially operating as a dynamic balancer
An operating device for a locking device of a motor vehicle, including a movable handle on a door of the motor vehicle, a dynamic balancer that prevents the accelerations acting on the motor vehicle as a consequence of an accident from causing the handle to move out of the door, electronics that respond to the approach of a user and, in case of engagement, trigger a defined function of the locking device, where the electronics comprise a sensor element, integrated in the handle, and remaining electronics, which can be fastened at the inside of the door, with the remaining electronics acting at least partially as a the dynamic balancer. |
| US09366055B1 |
Universal fence section, fence section kit and fence section parts
Various embodiments of an invention regarding universal fence sections are described including a specially shaped fence section connector that may act as an elbow and/or a T-member, a universal fence section kit with parts for assembling a universal fence section including a specially shaped fence section connector, and a universal fence section assembled using a specially shaped fence section connector. |
| US09366054B2 |
Foldable tent
A foldable tent includes a frame coupled to a canopy such that the frame and canopy are collectively collapsible from an open configuration to a folded configuration. The frame includes a plurality of spaced apart hubs positioned at an upper portion of the frame, at least one upper roof pole pivotally coupled with two adjacent hubs, a plurality of lower roof poles pivotally coupled to a corresponding hub and extending radially outward from each respective hub and away from the upper roof pole, and a plurality of collapsible side poles coupled to a corresponding lower roof pole. An eave pole pivotally coupled to a hub extends the canopy to form an eave or an extended roof. |
| US09366053B2 |
Mobile drilling rig with telescoping substructure boxes
A method includes assembling a telescoping substructure box having first and second substructure boxes in a collapsed configuration by nesting at least a portion of the first substructure box inside of a substantially open interior space defined by a plurality of structural elements that comprise the second substructure box. The assembled telescoping substructure box is transported to a drilling site and telescopically raised from the collapsed transportation configuration to a raised operating configuration for performing drilling operations on a wellbore location of the drilling site by telescopically raising one of the first and second substructure boxes relative to the other one of the first and second substructure boxes. A drilling mast is coupled to and raised above the telescoping substructure box, and drilling operations are performed on the wellbore location with the raised drilling mast. |
| US09366052B1 |
Structural support apparatus and method of installation thereof
An apparatus includes a first strap including an upper end and a lower end. A second strap is disposed adjacent to the first strap and includes an upper end and a lower end. The upper and lower ends of the second strap correspond in position with respect to the upper and lower ends of the first strap. A base portion connects the first and second straps between the respective lower ends of the first and second straps. A height adjustment system includes at least one bar disposed adjacent to at least one of the first and second straps, and a lift assist component that engages with the bar. In an orientation where the first and second straps extend vertically with respect to a horizontal plane, a distance between the horizontal plane and the respective upper ends of the first and second straps is adjustable via engagement between the lift assist component and the bar. |
| US09366049B1 |
Jet propelled pool cleaner
A pool cleaner having two tilted pumps pointing in opposite directions, which propel the pool cleaner. In an embodiment, the pumps are turned on alternatively to alternate the direction of travel of the pool cleaner. In an embodiment, each pump has a discharge opening facing upwards at an angle, covered by an adjustable flap. The flap can be adjusted to open to different degrees to change the speed of the pool cleaner. The flap is attached to a ring that rotates and thereby rotates the angle of the orientation of the flap. Adjusting the angle of orientation of the flap of the pool cleaner changes the extent to which the pool cleaner moves sideways while moving forwards or the extent to which the pool cleaner turns. |
| US09366047B2 |
Pool skimmer basket
A pool skimmer basket is provided and includes a top member having an opening for receiving and capturing debris into the pool skimmer basket and a base member having a plurality of apertures. It also includes a collapsible basket portion couples between the top member and the base member and an emptying device operatively coupled between the base member and the top member. The pool skimmer basket is moveable between an extended and collapsed position in response to operation of the emptying device. It also includes a handle coupled to the emptying device and a locking device operatively coupled to the handle, wherein the locking device is moveable between and locked and an unlocked position. The pool skimmer basket is moveable into the collapsed position when the locking device is in the unlocked position and retained in the extended position when the locking device is moved into the locked position. |
| US09366046B1 |
Apparatus and method for cooling swimming pool water
An apparatus and method for cooling water in a swimming pool includes a heat exchanger coupled to a return conduit of the pool filtering system. The heat exchanger is buried in the ground at a depth at which the ground temperature is substantially constant year-round thereby providing a passive heat sink for the heat exchanger. Water from the swimming pool is passed to a three-way valve for directing pool water either directly back to the swimming pool or through the heat exchanger for cooling pool water by heat transfer to the ground heat sink before being returned to the pool. A temperature sensor may be disposed within the pool water to control the operation of the valve at a predetermined pool temperature above which pool water is directed through the heat exchanger for cooling. |
| US09366043B2 |
Safety tether for a hand-held article
A safety tether is able to secure a wide variety of different hand-held articles directly to a user, particularly for overhead work. A resilient bag holds the article and is formed by joining portions of a wire at nodes such that the bag is biased to a collapsed state to form a mesh. Mouth loops of the mesh are circumferentially spaced around a mouth of the bag. A hook fastener includes a hook onto which the mouth loops are inserted to draw the mouth closed and a gate for closing the hook to retain the mouth loops. The hook fastener is connected to one end of a retractable leash, the opposing end of which is attached to the user's apparel. The bag may also have a clip by which it may be hung from a user's apparel. |
| US09366035B2 |
Floor panel
A floor panel includes a substrate and a top layer provided on the substrate. The top layer is composed of a print and a transparent thermoplastic layer having a thickness of 0.5 mm or less and being situated above said print. The floor panel, at least on two opposite edges, is provided with a straight or curved chamfer extending to below the global level of the print. |
| US09366030B2 |
Wall panel system
A wall panel system includes a base track and a plurality of interlocking wall panels. Each wall panel includes a continuous and unitarily formed first panel member and a continuous and unitarily formed second panel member. Each panel member includes a first face portion, an edge portion, and a plurality of connection members. The first and second panel members are interconnected by the plurality of connection member on the first panel member engaging the plurality of connection members on the second panel member. |
| US09366025B2 |
Noise barrier and a method of construction thereof
A noise barrier is described having noise barrier panels capable of being moved by the force of wind from a dosed to an open position to allow passage of wind, so that the noise barrier has limited wind load. The noise barrier can be light weight because wind load on the noise barrier is limited. This provides that the noise barrier is easy to erect, possibly without requiring heavy machinery. The noise barrier panel is mounted on a mounting pole to be slide-able on the mounting pole, so that the noise barrier panel can be pushed from ground up. |
| US09366023B2 |
Insulated reinforced foam sheathing, reinforced vapor permeable air barrier foam panel and method of making and using same
The invention comprises a product. The product comprises a composite panel comprising a foam insulating panel having a first primary surface and an opposite second primary surface, and a first layer of a polymeric elastomeric material on the first primary surface such that at least a portion of a first layer of reinforcing material is at least partially embedded in the polymeric elastomeric material. The composite panel also comprises a fastener for attaching the composite panel to a framing structure, wherein the fastener comprises a washer and wherein at least a portion of the first layer of a polymeric elastomeric material and the first layer of reinforcing material are disposed between the washer and the first primary surface. A method of making and using the composite panel is also disclosed. |
| US09366022B2 |
In-line frame connector assembly and system for large portable frameworks
A frame connector assembly is adapted to releasably secure first and second frame members in line with one another. The connector assembly includes first and second expansion elements elastically interconnected. The second expansion element includes two hollow lobes joined by a web. When the connector assembly is received by the two frame members, threaded rotation of one or more threaded actuators forces the expansion elements apart and into engagement with opposing primary walls of the frame members. The threaded actuator also presses against the web, thereby causing resilient outward rotation of the lobes. This rotation results in compressive engagement between the outboard edges of the second expansion element and respective intermediate walls of the frame members. Thus, the connector assembly imposes locking forces to the frame members along two axes orthogonal to the main axis of the frame connector assembly. The expansion elements may have an identical extrusion cross-section. |
| US09366018B1 |
Long span stadium riser system
An L-shaped module for construction of tiered stadium seating is provided. The module is formed from a plurality of hollow extrusions that are longitudinally welded to form a riser portion and a runner portion. The riser portion rises vertically from a connection to the runner portion. The interior of the extrusions may be used as concealment spaces for hardware or to aid in fluid drainage. Connections to a support structure may be spaced at distances of 20 feet or greater. |
| US09366015B2 |
Method of controlling mixing valve
A method of controlling at least one of the flow rate or temperature of outlet water from a mixing valve having a first control valve configured to receive water at a first temperature and a second control valve configured to receive water at a second temperature higher than the first temperature includes moving at least one of the first or second flow control valves to output a flow of water from the mixing valve having at least one of a desired flow rate or temperature, wherein the force required to actuate the flow control valves is substantially independent of water flow. |
| US09366011B2 |
Work machine management device
A work machine management device includes: a receiving unit that receives, from a work machine, sensor data indicating states of various sections of the work machine, and alarm data indicating that the work machine has determined that an abnormality has occurred in the work machine; and an operating level classifying unit that, based on the sensor data received by the receiving unit, classifies an operating state of the work machine as being any one of a plurality of predetermined operating levels. |
| US09366010B2 |
Slewing-type working machine
In a working machine having an upper slewing body rotated by a slewing electric motor, a controller outputs a command for switching a communication valve, and a command for specifying a torque of the slewing electric motor. The controller includes an abnormal-switching detection section which detects occurrence of abnormal switching in the communication valve, wherein the controller (i) determines, as a target value, a pressure which would be generated in the hydraulic motor if the communication valve was absent, or a torque determined based on the pressure, based on an operation state of a slewing operation device and a slewing state of the upper slewing body; (ii) determines, as an actual value, a pressure actually generated in the hydraulic motor or a torque determined based on the pressure; and (iii) outputs the torque command on the basis of a value obtained by subtracting the actual value from the target value. |
| US09366007B2 |
Construction machine
A first accommodating case (13) which is located more forward than a fuel tank (12) and is small in height dimension (H1) of an upper surface (13E) is provided on the right side of a revolving frame (5). A second accommodating case (16) the position of an upper surface (16E) of which is higher than the upper surface (13E) of the first accommodating case (13) and is lower than an upper surface plate (12E) of the fuel tank (12) is provided on the rear side of the upper surface (13E) of this first accommodating case (13). Moreover, a reducing agent tank (20) is provided in a tank accommodating space (15) in the first accommodating case (13) and articles such as a tool box (23) and the like are accommodated in an article accommodating space (17) in the second accommodating case (16). |
| US09366005B2 |
Swing bracket of construction machine
Provided is a sufficiently reinforced swing bracket of a construction machine. The swing bracket includes a bracket body, a main connection portion connected to an upper slewing body of the construction machine, a swing-cylinder connection portion being protruded from one of right and left side parts of a lower end region of the bracket body to be connected to an end part of the swing cylinder and having a pair of supporting arms vertically opposed to each other with an interval, and a reinforcement portion for reinforcing a basal part of the swing-cylinder connection portion. The reinforcement portion has a main rib briding the supporting arms, and upper, lower, front, and rear ribs each extending from the main rib to an opposite side from the swing-cylinder connection portion. The upper and lower ribs and the front and rear ribs are continuous to form a box-shaped body. |
| US09366003B1 |
Automatic lift and toss shovel
An automatic lift and toss shovel has a bucket, a lift and toss apparatus, a frame support and a maneuvering frame that together gather, push, lift and toss materials. The bucket utilizes sidewalls, a gathering member, and a lifting member to gather and contain materials therein and allow them to be pushed. A lift and toss apparatus attaches the bucket to the frame support. The apparatus utilizes a combination of swing, toss, lift, guide and cross arms/members to support and guide the bucket and provide for automatic lifting and tossing of the bucket contents as the shoveler desires. The frame support has wheels to assist the shoveler in gathering snow and relocating it. The maneuvering frame is attached to the frame support and provides the handles which allow the user to control and operate the lift and toss shovel. |
| US09366002B2 |
Connection structure for blocking settlement of ground
The present invention discloses a connection structure for use in a building for blocking settlement of ground from being transmitted to either a pile foundation or a wall of the building. The connection structure comprises a weight-bearing column, a concrete pile foundation, and an engineering pile connected from top to bottom for bearing weight; the connection structure further comprises a reinforced concrete plate for use as the building's floor, a wall for the building and a ground beam beneath the wall. |
| US09365998B2 |
Elevated equipment assemblies, equipment-supporting platforms, and related methods
An elevated equipment assembly includes operating equipment situated atop a platform above grade. Piles are installed into the ground with free ends thereof extending above grade, and pile caps are coupled to the free ends of the piles. Each pile cap includes a cap plate disposed in a generally horizontal orientation. A platform is situated atop the pile caps and includes two longitudinally-extending structural beams and cross beams spanning between the two structural beams. Attachment members are secured to and extend outwardly from the outboard side of each structural beam. Each attachment member includes a generally flat attachment plate disposed in a generally horizontal orientation and secured to a cap plate of a pile cap. |
| US09365996B2 |
Dimensional wheel body for a compaction machine
A compactor wheel for reducing the amount of material build-up, providing sufficient tractive forces, and effectively holding loose debris to prevent fly-away is disclosed. The compactor wheel includes a hub mountable to an axle of a compaction machine and a rim mounted around an outer circumference of the hub, with the rim including a wrapper having an inner circumferential edge and an outer circumferential edge. The compactor wheel also includes a plurality of cleat pads formed on the wrapper that each extend axially outward from the wrapper, with the plurality of cleat pads being spaced apart from one another on the wrapper such that a valley is formed between each adjacent pair of cleat pads. A plurality of cleats is affixed to each of the plurality of cleat pads and extends radially outward therefrom. |
| US09365995B2 |
Oil skimmer and vacuum recovery apparatus
An oil skimmer and vacuum recovery apparatus providing a method for removing the contaminating oil floating on the surface of a water body is disclosed. The apparatus may be mounted on an oil recovery vessel and includes a vacuum head mounted to a vacuum system. The vacuum head is configured at a desired proximity above a horizontally disposed separation plate that is adjustably positionable to be placed between the water surface and a contaminating layer of floating oil. The vacuum system includes a vacuum pump and motor and an associated vacuum tank configured to a fluids collection chamber that is in communication with a fluids vacuum line attached to the vacuum head. A vacuum force is directed by the vacuum head to the layer of floating oil above the separation plate whereby and the oil layer is skimmed from over the separation plate and drawn through the vacuum head the fluids vacuum line to the fluids collection chamber where it is collected for disposal. |
| US09365992B2 |
Pneumatic fender
A pneumatic fender having a body portion is configured by laminating a plurality of reinforcing layers between the inner layer rubber and the outer layer rubber. Cords of reinforcing layers are laminated adjacent to each other. The cords intersect and are arranged at a predetermined cord angle with respect to the body axial direction. An intermediate rubber layer is interposed between each of the reinforcing layers. In an uninflated, neutral state, the thicknesses of the intermediate rubber layers are 1 mm to 5 mm, and the cord angle is set from 15° to 45°, so when the interior of the fender is filled with air to the prescribed internal pressure, the cord angle increases to a static angle while the intermediate rubber layers deform in shear, and the body portion increases in diameter and inflates. |
| US09365984B2 |
Universal radius tactile warning surface product
An apparatus and method for using a single radial TWS product for a variety of applications is disclosed. Radial TWS products are used for intersections and the like. Often, different applications require radial TWS products of varying dimensions. The present invention includes a radial TWS product, having domes on its upper surface, which are ADAAG compliant. Markings are placed on the bottom surface, which indicate the appropriate places where the TWS product can be cut to achieve a variety of effective radii. These markings are positioned such that, after being cut, the resulting radial TWS product continues to meet the ADAAG required center-to-center spacing between domes of adjacent cut TWS products. In some embodiments, anchor members are used in conjunction with the TWS product to allow simple replacement. |
| US09365983B2 |
Onsite steel rail laser processing vehicle
The invention discloses an on-line laser processing vehicle for a rail, including a chassis, a vehicle body, a steer-control chamber and a container; the steer-control chamber includes a console, a CCD monitoring system and a drive-switching operating system; a dual driving system and switching mechanism, which with a process-operation driving system, a conventional operation driving system and a switching mechanism, is disposed in the container; the process-operation driving system operates to provide driving power for the laser processing vehicle during laser processing, and precisely controls moving speed and distance of the laser processing vehicle; the switching mechanism operates to implement switching between the conventional operation driving system and the process-operation driving system. The invention ensures accurate processing trajectories of the laser processing vehicle during laser processing; facilitates on-line laser processing of a variety of rails, such as the rails of main line, curved rails, guard rails, switch rails and so on, so that wear resistance of the processed rail is greatly improved, and meets requirements of high-speed and heavy haul trains for wear resistance of the rail. |
| US09365980B2 |
Packaging material having moisture barrier and methods for preparing same
An article in the form of recyclable packaging material having a water vapor transportation rate of about 500 g/m2/day or less. The packaging material has a paper substrate of recyclable paper fibers and a print-receptive layer which is positioned over the outer surface of the paper substrate and has a Parker Print Smoothness value of about 1.5 or less. The packaging material also has a moisture barrier layer positioned over the print-receptive layer. The moisture barrier layer is formed from one or more energy-cured polymers. Also, methods for preparing these packaging materials, including printed packaging materials. |
| US09365976B2 |
Endless belt changing apparatus and method
The invention relates to methods and an apparatus useful to installing and removing endless belts in a conveyor system and more preferably continuous fabrics, belts, felts and webs used in the papermaking process. According to the present invention a pair of guide rolls to move a first continuous fabric from a first fabric position to a second fabric position and a second fabric from the second fabric position to the first fabric position, passing the fabrics over one another as the position of the fabrics are exchanged. The movement of the first and second fabrics may be done at the same time so as to further enhance the efficiency of changing fabrics. |
| US09365969B2 |
Steam generator iron
The present application relates to a steam generator iron. The steam generator iron has a steam passageway along which steam flows, the steam passageway having a first section (13) and a second section (16) extending from the first section (13). A flow stabilizing element (24, 35, 38) is disposed at the transition of the steam passageway from the first section (13) to the second section (16). Therefore, the generation of noise at the transition and the flow resistance in the steam passageway is minimized as steam flows along the steam passageway. The present application also relates to an insert for a steam generator iron. |
| US09365965B2 |
Adjustable width steam box for fabric processing and method of using the same
A high efficiency steam box, particularly for the processing of fabrics. The box housing is subdivided into a plurality of steam chambers isolated from each other but communicating with a perforated steam tube which extends throughout the housing. Steam is delivered to the center portions of the steam tube and flows toward the ends. Valve pistons are movably positioned in the opposite end portions of the steam tube to confine the steam. The valve pistons are axially adjustable by a screw shaft extending through the steam tube and can be positioned to isolate outer chambers when processing narrow fabrics to prevent or minimize the discharge of steam from steam discharge slots extending beyond the edges of the fabric. Steam flow control can be integrated with positioning of the valve pistons to provide uniform steam flow per unit length of the discharge slots for optimum efficiency in processing and steam utilization. |
| US09365962B2 |
Method for preparing a tubular manufacture such as a hosiery item or the like for automated pick-up at the end of its formation on a double-cylinder circular machine with at least one feed or drop and double-cylinder circular machine for performing the method
A method for preparing a tubular manufacture such as a hosiery item or the like for automated pick-up at the end of its formation on a double-cylinder circular machine including at least the following steps: —a first step, which consists in transferring or retaining all the needles in the lower needle cylinder; —a second step, which consists in moving all the needles to the tuck-stitch position; —a third step, which consists in pushing upward the portion of the manufacture engaged with the needles; —a fourth step, which consists in disengaging the sinkers from the manufacture; —a fifth step, which consists in lifting the needles into the dropped-stitch position. |
| US09365959B2 |
Knit article of apparel and apparel printing system and method
An article of apparel including a tubular knit textile region is provided, as well as an apparel printing system for printing on regions of the tubular knit textile region and related methods. The article of apparel can include a tubular knit textile region having an internal side and an opposite external side configured to be exposed during use, a plurality of yarns in an arrangement of interlocked loops forming parallel rows and channels therebetween, and a printed ink design on its external side. The printed ink design can be formed from ink applied to the parallel rows of loops and to the channels. An apparel printing system for printing on the article of apparel can include a textile printer having a print head and a tubular platen that includes features on the platen surface to retain and register the tubular knit textile on the platen surface during printing. |
| US09365956B2 |
Fibrous structure for a part made of composite material having one or more archshaped portions
A reinforcing fiber structure for a composite material part is woven as a single piece by multilayer weaving between plural layers of weft yarns and plural layers of warp yarns arranged in adjacent manner between two faces of the structure. The fiber structure includes at least one arcuate portion extending over one of the faces of the fiber structure, the arcuate portion including at least some of the warp yarns continuous with at least two adjacent warp yarn layers present on one of the faces of the structure. The warp yarns of the arcuate portion are of a length that is longer than the warp yarns of at least two underlying warp yarn layers of the structure. In addition, the warp yarns of the arcuate portion are not interlinked with other warp yarns of the fiber structure. |
| US09365955B2 |
Fiber composition comprising 1,3-glucan and a method of preparing same
The present invention is a solution comprising poly(α(1→3) glucan) and an ionic liquid. The solution can further contain a non-solvent that is water or an ionic liquid. The solution is suitable for use as a spinning solution for the preparation of fibers of poly(α(1→3) glucan) without the requirement of first derivatizing the poly(α(1→3) glucan). |
| US09365953B2 |
Ultra-high strength UHMWPE fibers and products
Multi-filament ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fibers can be produced according to processes that result in improved properties. The ultra high molecular weight polyethylene can have an intrinsic viscosity in decalin at 135° C. of at least about 30 dl/g, and can be processed under optimal conditions to achieve a gel spun fiber having a tenacity of greater than about 45 g/denier (40.5 g/dtex). |
| US09365952B2 |
Copolymer fibers and processes for making same
The present invention concerns yarns comprising copolymer derived from the copolymerization of para-phenylenediamine, 5(6)-amino-2-(p-aminophenyl)benzimidazole; and terephthaloyl dichloride wherein the ratio of moles of 5(6)-amino-2-(p-aminophenyl)benzimidazole to the moles of para-phenylenediamine is 30/70 to 85/15. The yarns have a sulfur content greater than 0.1%; and have an effective polymer cation to sulfur content molar ratio of at least 0.3. Additional aspects of the invention concern methods of producing such yarns. |
| US09365951B2 |
Negative polarity on the nanofiber line
A centrifugal spinning system and method for forming a fibrous web containing nanofibers, microfibers, or a combination thereof from a molten polymer composition or an aqueous spinning solution is provided. Through careful control over the arrangement of the system, a fibrous web can be formed that is relatively defect free. To help accomplish this feature, at least two centrifugal spinning chambers, each containing a charged forming plate, are utilized. To minimize the present of defects in the fibrous web, the charge applied to the first spinning chamber has a polarity that is opposite the polarity of the charge applied to the second spinning chamber. |
| US09365949B2 |
Epitaxial growth of crystalline material
A device includes an epitaxially grown crystalline material within an area confined by an insulator. A surface of the crystalline material has a reduced roughness. One example includes obtaining a surface with reduced roughness by creating process parameters which result in the dominant growth component of the crystal to be supplied laterally from side walls of the insulator. In a preferred embodiment, the area confined by the insulator is an opening in the insulator having an aspect ratio sufficient to trap defects using an ART technique. |
| US09365948B2 |
Group III nitride crystal and manufacturing method thereof
A group III nitride crystal containing therein an alkali metal element comprises a base body, a first group III nitride crystal formed such that at least a part thereof makes a contact with the base body, the first group III nitride crystal deflecting threading dislocations in a direction different from a direction of crystal growth from the base body and a second nitride crystal formed adjacent to the first group III nitride crystal, the second nitride crystal having a crystal growth surface generally perpendicular to the direction of the crystal growth. |
| US09365944B2 |
Method of making hydralic tubing
In a method for making hydraulic tubing a low carbon steel tube suitable for use as hydraulic tubing is coated on its inside surface with zinc phosphate and the outside surface is electroplated. The resulting hydraulic tubing will resist rust on the inside and on the outside during storage. |
| US09365942B2 |
Electrolytic copper foil and method for producing the same
An electrolytic copper foil is provided. The electrolytic copper foil has a shiny side and a matte side opposing to the shiny side, wherein the difference in roughness between the shiny side and the matte side is 0.5 μm or less. The electrolytic copper foil has a tensile strength of 45 kg/mm2 or above, and is particularly suitable for applications in a lithium ion secondary battery. |
| US09365935B2 |
Etching solutions
The present invention provides an etching solution for silver or silver alloy comprising one at least ammonium compound represented by the formula (1), (2) or (3) below and an oxidant: wherein each of the variables is as defined herein. |
| US09365934B2 |
Liquid composition used in etching copper- and titanium-containing multilayer film, etching method in which said composition is used, method for manufacturing multilayer-film wiring, and substrate
The present invention provides a liquid composition used for etching a copper- and titanium-containing multilayer film, a method for etching a copper- and titanium-containing multilayer film by using said liquid composition, a method for manufacturing multilayer-film wiring according to said etching method, and a substrate provided with multilayer-film wiring manufactured according to said manufacturing method. According to the present invention, a liquid composition comprising (A) a maleic acid ion source, (B) a copper ion source and (C) a fluoride ion source and having the pH value of 0-7 is used. |
| US09365928B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus, method for manufacturing semiconductor device and computer-readable recording medium
A substrate processing apparatus includes: a substrate mounting table on which a substrate is mounted; an inert gas supply part configured to supply an inert gas on a surface of the substrate from an upper side of the substrate mounting table at a lateral side of the processing gas supply part; and a plurality of gas exhaust parts configured to exhaust a gas supplied on the surface of the substrate to an upper side, between the processing gas supply part and the inert gas supply part. |
| US09365923B2 |
Vapor deposition device and vapor deposition method
The vapor deposition device includes a plurality of vapor deposition masks whose lengths in Y axis and X axis directions are shorter than those of a film formation target substrate. Vapor deposition masks adjacent to each other in the Y axis direction is positionally displaced in the X axis direction. In an overlapping area in which mask opening group areas adjacent to each other in the Y axis direction overlap with each other in the X axis direction, opening lengths in the Y axis direction become shorter toward the outer side of each of the mask opening group areas in the plan view. |
| US09365922B2 |
Formed article, method of producing same, electronic device member, and electronic device
A formed article comprising a gas barrier layer that is formed of a material including at least an oxygen atom, a carbon atom, and a silicon atom, the gas barrier layer including an area (A) where an oxygen atom content rate gradually decreases, and a carbon atom content rate gradually increases in a depth direction from a surface, the area (A) including a partial area (A1) and a partial area (A2), the (A1) having a specific oxygen, carbon and silicon content, and the (A2) having a specific oxygen, carbon and silicon content; a method of producing the same; an electronic device member; an electronic device. The formed article exhibits an excellent gas barrier capability, excellent bendability, excellent adhesion, and excellent surface flatness. |
| US09365920B2 |
Method for depositing film
The method for depositing a film of the present invention comprises the first irradiation step of irradiating particles having energy on a surface of a substrate 101, the first film deposition step of depositing a first film 103 on the surface of the substrate 101 subjected to the first irradiation step by using a dry process, and the second film deposition step of depositing a second film 105 having oil repellency on a surface of the first film 103. According to the present invention, a method for depositing a film enabling production of an oil-repellent substrate comprising an oil-repellent film having abrasion resistance of a practically sufficient level can be provided. |
| US09365914B2 |
Duplex stainless steel superior in corrosion resistance of weld
A nitrogen-rich two-phase stainless steel that has corrosion resistance equal to that of standard type of two-phase stainless steel and is not susceptible to corrosion in a welding heat-affected part, wherein the austenite phase area ratio is 40-70%, the PI value expressed by formula (1) is 30-38, the NI value expressed by formula (2) is 100-140, and the γpre expressed by formula (3) is 1350-1450. (1) PI=Cr+3.3Mo+16N (2) NI=(Cr+Mo)/N. |
| US09365911B2 |
Selective regeneration of isotope-specific media resins in systems for separation of radioactive isotopes from liquid waste materials
Processes, systems, and methods for selectively regenerating an ion exchange resin generally comprises washing the ion exchange resin with an elution agent that encourages only selected contaminants, and especially selected radioactive isotopes, to disengage or decouple from the resin and enter solution in the elution agent, which thereafter is identified as the elution agent solution. The elution agent solution is then passed through a column of isotope-specific media (ISM). When the selected radioactive isotopes within the elution agent solution come into contact with the constituent media isotopes of the ISM, the selected radioactive isotopes are retained on the reactive surface areas of the ISM or within the interstitial spaces of the porous structures of the constituent media isotopes of the ISM. In some embodiments, the constituent media isotopes of the ISM are embedded, impregnated, or coated with the specific radioactive isotope that the particular ISM are adapted to separate. |
| US09365910B2 |
Method for recovering hard material particles
A process for recovering hard material particles which are present in a residue quantity, which is in a free-flowing or pourable form, of a hard metal which has a matrix consisting of a steel, nickel or a nickel alloy, in which the hard material particles are embedded, comprising the following production steps: pouring the residue quantity into an acid bath which contains a strong acid having a pKa value measured at room temperature of <4, adding an oxidant to the acid bath, wherein by adding the oxidant or the acid a redox potential of the acid bath is set which is within a desired range of 300-800 mV, dissolving the matrix of the residue quantity, and depositing of the hard material particles contained in the acid bath after dissolving the matrix. |
| US09365902B2 |
Detection of bisulfite converted nucleotide sequences
The invention is to improved compositions and methods for the detection of target bisulfite converted methylated nucleotide sequences. |
| US09365901B2 |
Monitoring immunoglobulin heavy chain evolution in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
The invention is directed to methods of monitoring B-cell lymphoid proliferative disorders, such as B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias, by measuring the presence, absence and/or levels of correlating, or index, clonotypes and related clonotypes that have evolved therefrom, for example, as part of the disease condition. In one aspect, such methods are implemented by generating sequencing-based clonotype profiles and determining frequencies of correlating, or index, clonotypes present, including new clonotypes that have evolved therefrom, particularly, in the case of B-cell ALL, by VH substitution. The invention also includes use of such monitoring information to modify treatment status of a patient. |
| US09365899B2 |
FIG4 gene mutations in neurodegeneration
The present invention relates to neuropathy, in particular to mutations in the FI G4 gene. The present invention also provides assays for the detection of variant FIG4 alleles, and assays for detecting FIG4 polymorphisms and mutations associated with disease states. |
| US09365897B2 |
Selective enrichment of nucleic acids
Methods for the selective enrichment of nucleic acids. |
| US09365894B2 |
Methods and kits for avoiding amplification of contaminating nucleic acids
A method of amplifying a nucleic acid of interest comprises (i) treating a biological sample chemically or enzymatically to permit conversion of one type of nucleic acid base to another type of base, (ii) purifying the treated biological sample before adding amplification primers and amplification reagents to the biological sample, (iii) adding the amplification primers and amplification reagents to the biological sample, each primer being constituted of three different types of bases and being specific to a converted nucleic acid of interest or to a nucleic acid that is complementary to the converted nucleic acid of interest, and (iv) amplifying the converted nucleic acid of interest provided that the nucleic acid of interest was present in the biological sample. In the method, amplification of contaminating nucleic acids is avoided by converting the one type of nucleic acid base to another type of base prior to adding the amplification reagents to the biological sample. |
| US09365892B2 |
Screening method for trinucleotide repeat sequences
A method for screening for a trinucleotide repeat sequence in a biological sample is provided. The method comprises the step of contacting a nucleic acid sequence obtained or derived from the biological sample under amplification conditions with i) a first primer having a target sequence in a region 3′ or 5′ of a trinucleotide repeat sequence; ii) a second primer having a target sequence within the trinucleotide repeat sequence and a unique 5′ tail sequence; and iii) a third primer, having a target within the unique 5′ tail sequence of the second primer to generate an amplified product comprising a trinucleotide repeat sequence. Primers, kits of primers together with the use of the primers in methods of screening are also provided. |
| US09365889B2 |
PON1 as a marker for heart failure
Provided herein are methods for assessing the risk a test subject with heart failure has of experiencing a major adverse cardiac event, requiring revascularization, requiring a heart transplant, requiring unscheduled hospitalization for heart failure, progression of heart failure status, or any combination thereof. Also provided herein are methods for assessing the risk a test subject has of developing heart failure. The present methods comprise determining the levels of paraoxonase 1 activity in the serum, non-chelated plasma, or both in the test subject and comparing the level of PON1 activity in the test subject's sample with a control or baseline value based on levels of PON1 activity in serum, non-chelated plasma, or both samples from a population of control subjects. Also provided herein are kits useful in assessing such risks. |
| US09365887B2 |
Rational enzyme mining
A method for rational mining for induced enzymes in microbial communities is described. The method is characterized in that a community of microorganisms is provided and that the microbial populations of the community are cultivated in a container under conditions of choice, where the microorganisms are given a defined culturing medium, to eliminate matter deriving from the natural habitat and to allow the microbial community to reach a metabolic steady-state. The method is further characterized in that at least one fraction of microorganisms is taken from the container and transferred into at least two separate containers, where at least one of the fractions of microorganisms is provided with a defined medium which includes an inducing substance and/or a substance against which enzyme/enzymes is/are desired, to induce regulation of expression of the desired enzyme/enzymes, and at least one fraction is provided with a defined medium without said inducing substance and without said substance against which enzyme/enzymes is/are desired, for the purpose of comparison, and the fractions are maintained and/or cultivated. Samples of the two fractions are then withdrawn and analyzed for identification of the induced enzyme/enzymes. |
| US09365883B2 |
Spectroscopic means and methods for identifying microorganisms in culture
A spectroscopic method for spectroscopic detection and identification of bacteria in culture is disclosed. The method incorporates construction of at least one data set, which may be a spectrum, interference pattern, or scattering pattern, from a cultured sample suspected of containing said bacteria. The data set is corrected for the presence of water in the sample, spectral features are extracted using a principal components analysis, and the features are classified using a learning algorithm. In some embodiments of the invention, for example, to differentiate MRSA from MSSA, a multimodal analysis is performed in which identification of the bacteria is made based on a spectrum of the sample, an interference pattern used to determine cell wall thickness, and a scattering pattern used to determine cell wall roughness. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed, one embodiment of which incorporates a multiple sample analyzer. |
| US09365880B2 |
Fermentation process for the production of rapamycin
The present invention provides a novel method for producing rapamycin by submerged fermentation which comprises cultivating Streptomyces hygroscopicus (CBS 773.72) and mutants thereof. The present invention provides a high yielding mutant culture MTCC5681 from Streptomyces hygroscopicus CBS 773.72. This culture is capable of producing rapamycin more efficiently than the cultures Streptomyces hygroscopicus from sources like ATCC, NRRL etc which have been reported so far. |
| US09365879B2 |
UK-2 biosynthetic gene and method for improving UK-2 productivity using the same
The genomic DNA of Streptoverticillium sp. 3-7, which produces UK-2, was analyzed to identify a region expected to be a UK-2 biosynthetic gene cluster. Moreover, by colony hybridization, DNAs in the region were successfully isolated. Further, the DNAs were used to prepare a strain in which the genes present in the region were disrupted. The strain was found not to produce UK-2. It was verified that the genomic region was the UK-2 biosynthetic gene cluster. Furthermore, Streptoverticillium sp. 3-7 was transformed by introduction of a vector in which the isolated UK-2 biosynthetic gene cluster was inserted. It was also found out that the UK-2 productivity by the transformant was improved about 10 to 60 times or more in comparison with that of the parental strain. Moreover, it was revealed that 2 copies of the UK-2 biosynthetic gene cluster were present per cell in these transformants, respectively. |
| US09365877B2 |
Preparation of process of L-methionine
The present invention relates to a method for producing L-methionine using a bio-synthesis process and a specific enzymatic process. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for producing L-methionine with high yield by enzyme conversion reaction from L-methionine precursor in the presence of methyl mercaptan (CH3SH). The process of the present invention enables selective production of L-methionine which may be used in various fields of industry, such as feed- and food-additives, as raw material for medical supplies, pharmaceutical drugs, and the like. |
| US09365874B2 |
Methods for synthesis of olefins and derivatives
The invention provides a method of producing acrylic acid. The method includes contacting fumaric acid with a sufficient amount of ethylene in the presence of a cross-metathesis transformation catalyst to produce about two moles of acrylic acid per mole of fumaric acid. Also provided is an acrylate ester. The method includes contacting fumarate diester with a sufficient amount of ethylene in the presence of a cross-metathesis transformation catalyst to produce about two moles of acrylate ester per mole of fumarate diester. An integrated process for process for producing acrylic acid or acrylate ester is provided which couples bioproduction of fumaric acid with metathesis transformation. An acrylic acid and an acrylate ester production also is provided. |
| US09365873B2 |
Genetically engineered bacterium with altered carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH) activity
The invention provides genetically engineered microorganisms with altered carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH) activity and methods related thereto. In particular, the invention provides a genetically engineered carboxydotrophic acetogenic bacterium having decreased or eliminated activity of CODH1 and/or CODH2. In certain embodiments, the bacterium may also have increased activity of CODH/ACS. The invention further provides a method for producing a product by culturing the bacterium in the presence of a gaseous substrate comprising one or more of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen. |
| US09365872B2 |
Fermentive production of four carbon alcohols
Methods for the fermentative production of four carbon alcohols is provided. Specifically, butanol, preferably isobutanol is produced by the fermentative growth of a recombinant bacterium expressing an isobutanol biosynthetic pathway. |
| US09365871B2 |
Method of using α-amylase from Aspergillus clavatus for saccharification
A fungal α-amylase is provided from Aspergillus clavatus (AcAmy1). AcAmy1 has an optimal pH of 4.5 and is operable at 30-75° C., allowing the enzyme to be used in combination with a glucoamylase in a saccharification reaction. This obviates the necessity of running a saccharification reaction as a batch process, where the pH and temperature must be readjusted for optimal use of the α-amylase or glucoamylase. AcAmy1 also catalyzes the saccharification of starch substrates to an oligosaccharide composition significantly enriched in DP2 and (DP1+DP2) compared to the products of saccharification catalyzed by an α-amylase from Aspergillus kawachii. This facilitates the utilization of the oligosaccharide composition by a fermenting organism in a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process, for example. |
| US09365870B2 |
Integrated processes for anaerobic conversion of hydrogen and carbon oxides to alcohol
Integrated processes are disclosed for reducing the carbon foot print related to the use of non-renewable hydrocarbon gas streams for producing alcohols by anaerobic bioconversion of reformed gas. These processes combine renewable and non-renewable gas sources of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide to produce alcohol. Thus the invention found a highly a practical way to make use of non-renewable carbon oxide sources while still lowering the carbon footprint of such alcohols produced thereby, especially when combined with corn ethanol production. In the case of motor fuel use, the renewable portion of the alcohol produced in this manner provides a reduction in greenhouse gases by 50% or more when compared to gasoline. |
| US09365869B2 |
Process for producing alcohol by fermentation of sugars
A process for increasing a production of alcohol by fermenting sugars may include applying a direct current electrical field to a fermentation broth, which occurs before the fermentation broth inoculates with a concentration of yeasts; and controlling a pH value of said fermentation broth to maintain the pH value with a specific range. |
| US09365868B2 |
Fermentation process for producing isopropanol using a recombinant microorganism
The invention provides, inter alia, methods for the production of acetone, isopropanol and/or precursors of acetone and/or isopropanol by microbial fermentation of substrates comprising CO, genetically modified microorganisms of use in such methods, nucleic acids suitable for preparation of genetically modified microorganisms, a novel alcohol dehydrogenase and nucleic acids encoding same. |
| US09365865B2 |
Vector utilizing borna disease virus and use thereof
Disclosed is a viral vector comprising (a) a cDNA of a recombinant viral RNA having at least the N gene, the X gene, the P gene, and the L gene of a Borna disease virus genome in the same order as that in the Borna disease virus genome, and having a sequence in which a foreign gene is inserted into the untranslated region connected to the downstream of the open reading frame of the P gene, (b) a DNA encoding a ribozyme, and (c) a promoter sequence, each being disposed in a position in which (b) is placed upstream and downstream of (a), and (a) and (b) are placed downstream of (c). |
| US09365864B2 |
Meganuclease recombination system
The invention relates to a set of genetic constructs which allow the efficient and reproducible introduction of a specific nucleotide sequence at a fixed position in the genome by generating a double strand break at a specific position in the genome using a meganuclease and so stimulating a homologous recombination event at this locus between the genomic site and a transfected donor sequence. The present invention also relates to methods using these constructs and to these materials in the form of a kit. |
| US09365863B2 |
Compositions and methods for deploying a transgenic refuge seed blend
Methods and compositions for deploying refuge seeds with transgenic crop seeds comprising event MON 87411 are provided. The refuge seeds can be non-transgenic seeds of a similar variety to that of the transgenic crop seeds, or the refuge seeds can be a transgenic variety, but lack event MON 87411 found in the transgenic crop seeds and serve as a refuge thereto. |
| US09365862B1 |
Herbicide resistant sorghum mutants
This disclosure provides for four different sorghum mutants that exhibit resistance to ALS-inhibiting herbicides. This disclosure also provides for methods of using such sorghum mutants that exhibit resistance to ALS-inhibiting herbicides in breeding methods to make sorghum hybrids, varieties, or lines. The sorghum hybrids, varieties, and lines provided in this disclosure can be used in methods of controlling weeds. |