| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09372448B2 |
Image heating apparatus
An image heating apparatus includes: first and second rollers; an external heating unit including a heating belt, first and second supporting rollers for urging the belt toward the first roller, an urging member for urging the first supporting roller away from the second supporting roller, a holder for the first and second supporting rollers and for permitting movement of the first supporting roller relative to the second supporting roller, and a temperature sensor, provided interposing the belt between itself and the first supporting roller; and a moving mechanism for moving the unit between a first position where the belt contacts the first roller and a second position where the belt does not. The temperature sensor is disposed such that the detected temperature at a predetermined position between the first position and the second position is higher than those at the first position and the second position. |
| US09372446B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum; a charger; an intermediary transfer belt; a transfer member; a constant voltage element; a switch for selectively providing a first state using the constant voltage element and a second state not using the constant voltage element; a voltage source for applying a current to the constant voltage element by applying a voltage of a second polarity opposite the first polarity to the transfer member to form a secondary electric field in the secondary-transfer position and a primary electric field in the primary transfer position; and a controller for executing an adjustment applying the second polarity voltage to the transfer member when neither the primary-transfer operation nor the secondary-transfer is carried out, wherein the controller provides the second state using the switching portion in a period in which the second polarity voltage is applied to the transfer member. |
| US09372444B2 |
Wet type developing apparatus and wet type developing method
A wet type developing apparatus is provided which allows printing in a quality that is stable at an increased printing speed and also with changes in physical property of a liquid developer. The wet type developing apparatus to this end includes a liquid developer feed pathway which comprises a developing roller 7 for feeding the liquid developer onto a photoconductor drum 3; an anilox roller 9 immersed in part in the liquid developer and driven to rotate in rotational contact with the developing roller; and a doctor blade 11 disposed in contact with a surface of the anilox roller for controlling the rate of drawing up of the liquid developer. The developing and anilox rollers have their peripheral surfaces moving in an identical direction and at an identical rate of movement in an area of their rotational contact. A toner charger 12 is disposed opposite to a surface of the anilox roller downstream of an area of contact of the doctor blade with the anilox roller and upstream of an area of rotational contact of the anilox roller with the developing roller in a rotation direction of the anilox roller. |
| US09372442B2 |
Developing cartridge
A developing cartridge includes a housing configured to accommodate a developing agent and including a first frame and a second frame, a developing agent carrying member rotatable on an axial line and configured to carry the developing agent, and a layer thickness regulating member configured to regulate a layer thickness of the developing agent carried by the developing agent carrying member. The first frame has a first facing surface facing the layer thickness regulating member. The second frame has a second facing surface facing the layer thickness regulating member. A welded region where the first frame and the second frame are welded and include a first welded portion extending from the first facing surface in a first direction intersecting with and away from the first facing surface, and a second welded portion extending from the first welded portion inward in a second direction intersecting with the first direction. |
| US09372440B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus
A developing device includes: a developer container section configured to contain therein a two-component developer composed of toner and magnetic carrier; a developer bearing member configured to supply the developer to an image bearing member on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a toner supplying section configured to supply the toner to the developer container section via the toner supply port; a carrier supplying section provided separately from the toner supplying section, the carrier supplying section being configured to supply the carrier to the developer container section via the carrier supply port; and a carrier detection section disposed at a position near the carrier supply port and at a same level as a powder surface of the developer contained in the developer container section, the carrier detection section being configured to detect carrier supplied from the carrier supplying section. |
| US09372432B2 |
Optical print head and image forming device
An optical print head for forming an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive body, including: current-driven light-emitting elements disposed in a line shape; an indicator circuit that outputs indicator current indicating light emission amounts to the light-emitting elements; and for each light-emitting element: a holding circuit that, during a main scanning period, accumulates indicator current during a sample period to generate an indicator potential and holds the indicator potential during a hold period; and a drive circuit that supplies drive current to the light-emitting element according to the indicator potential, wherein each of the sample periods is divided into writing periods, and each of the holding circuits holds the indicator potential corresponding to the holding circuit according to a total of indicator current amounts in the sample period corresponding to the holding circuit, the indicator current amounts each indicative of indicator current during one of the writing periods. |
| US09372430B2 |
Image forming apparatus including lens array optical system, image processing apparatus, program product, and storage medium
An image forming apparatus includes: a photosensitive member; and an exposure unit. The exposure unit includes a lens array optical system in which a plurality of lenses are disposed along a predetermined direction, and a light-emitting unit having a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed so as to expose, through the lens array optical system, every Lth pixel in L scanning lines of the photosensitive member. An interval of locations, in a main arrangement direction, that correspond to adjacent lenses in the lens array optical system is configured to be an interval based on the value of L. |
| US09372429B2 |
Charging member, manufacturing method for charging member, electrophotographic apparatus, and process cartridge
Provided is a charging member capable of suppressing adhesion of smear on its surface and suppressing generation of a C set image as well.The charging member includes: an electroconductive support; and an elastic layer as a surface layer, in which: the elastic layer has at least one local maximum value in a distribution of Young's modulus at respective positions in a depth direction thereof; and “a”, “Tmax” and “b” satisfy the following expressions (1) to (3): (1) 0.8 μm≦Tmax≦2.5 μm, (2) 0.6 MPa≦b≦1.2 MPa, (3) (a−b)/b≧0.40. |
| US09372419B2 |
Electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge, and electrophotographic apparatus
Provided are an electrophotographic photosensitive member in which a residual potential hardly increases at the time of image formation, a pattern memory hardly occurs, and the crack of a conductive layer hardly occurs, and a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus each including the electrophotographic photosensitive member. To this end, the conductive layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member contains a titanium oxide particle coated with tin oxide doped with phosphorus, a tin oxide particle doped with phosphorus, and a binding material, and when a total volume of the conductive layer is represented by VT, a total volume of the titanium oxide particle coated with tin oxide doped with phosphorus in the conductive layer is represented by V1P, and a total volume of the tin oxide particle doped with phosphorus in the conductive layer is represented by V2P, the VT, the V1P, and the V2P satisfy the following expressions: 2≦{(V2P/VT)/(V1P/VT)}×100≦25 and 15≦{(V1P/VT)+(V2P/VT)}×100≦45. |
| US09372418B2 |
Electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge, and electrophotographic apparatus
An electrophotographic photosensitive member in which a leak hardly occurs, and a process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus having the same are provided. The conductive layer in the electrophotographic photosensitive member includes a binder material, a first metal oxide particle, and a second metal oxide particle. The first metal oxide particle is a titanium oxide particle coated with tin oxide doped with phosphorus, tungsten, niobium, tantalum, or fluorine, and the second metal oxide particle is an uncoated titanium oxide particle. The contents of the first and second metal oxide particles in the conductive layer is 20 to 50 vol. % and 1.0 to 15 vol. %, respectively based on the total volume of the conductive layer. The content of the second metal oxide particle in the conductive layer is 5.0 to 30% by volume based on the content of the first metal oxide particle in the conductive layer. |
| US09372417B2 |
Method for producing electrophotographic photosensitive member
A method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member in which leakage hardly occurs is provided. For this, in the method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member according to the present invention, a coating liquid for a conductive layer is prepared using a solvent, a binder material, and a metallic oxide particle having a water content of not less than 1.0% by mass and not more than 2.0% by mass; using the coating liquid for a conductive layer, a conductive layer having a volume resistivity of not less than 1.0×108 Ω·cm and not more than 5.0×1012 Ω·cm is formed; the mass ratio (P/B) of the metallic oxide particle (P) to the binder material (B) in the coating liquid for a conductive layer is not less than 1.5/1.0 and not more than 3.5/1.0; and the metallic oxide particle is selected from the group consisting of a titanium oxide particle coated with tin oxide doped with phosphorus, a titanium oxide particle coated with tin oxide doped with tungsten, and a titanium oxide particle coated with tin oxide doped with fluorine. |
| US09372411B2 |
Projection objective of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus
A projection objective of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus includes a wavefront correction device including a refractive optical element that has two opposite optical surfaces, through which projection light passes, and a circumferential rim surface extending between the two optical surfaces. A first and a second optical system are configured to direct first and second heating light to different portions of the rim surface such that at least a portion of the first and second heating light enters the refractive optical element. A temperature distribution caused by a partial absorption of the heating light results in a refractive index distribution inside the refractive optical element that corrects a wavefront error. At least the first optical system includes a focusing optical element that focuses the first heating light in a focal area such that the first heating light emerging from the focal area impinges on the rim surface. |
| US09372410B2 |
Measuring method, stage apparatus, and exposure apparatus
An exposure apparatus can mitigate the impact of fluctuations in the refractive index of ambient gas, and improve, for example, stage positioning accuracy. An exposure apparatus radiates an exposure illumination light to a wafer on a wafer stage through a projection optical system, and forms a prescribed pattern on the wafer, and comprises: a scale, which is provided to the wafer stage; a plurality of X heads, which detect information related to the position of the scale; a measurement frame that integrally supports the plurality of X heads and has a coefficient of linear thermal expansion that is smaller than that of the main body of the wafer stage (portions excepting a plate wherein the scale is formed); and a control apparatus that derives information related to the displacement of the wafer stage based on the detection results of the plurality of X heads. |
| US09372407B2 |
Exposure apparatus and a method for exposing a photosensitive element and a method for preparing a printing form from the photosensitive element
The invention pertains to an exposure apparatus, a method for exposing a photosensitive element to radiation using the exposure apparatus, and a method for preparing a printing form from the photosensitive element. The exposure apparatus includes a base assembly having an exposure bed that supports the photosensitive element, and a lamp housing assembly having two or more lamps. The lamp housing assembly includes an air distribution assembly having an air chamber that is disposed adjacent to the lamps and pressurized to provide uniform distribution of air exiting the air chamber to impinge a backside of each of the lamps. The air exiting the chamber and impinging the lamps is controlled by monitoring the temperature of the lamps and/or the irradiance emitting from the lamps. |
| US09372405B2 |
Chemical liquid supply method and chemical liquid supply system
The pressure sensor detects a pressure in the operation chamber when the first opening/closing valve is opened at a time of starting a replenishment of the chemical liquid into the chemical liquid pump. The flow rate sensor detects an exhaust flow rate exhausted from the operation chamber. |
| US09372398B2 |
Patterning in the directed assembly of block copolymers using triblock or multiblock copolymers
Provided herein are block copolymer thin film structures and methods of fabrication. The methods involve directing the assembly of ABA triblock copolymers such that desired features are formed by domains of the assembled ABA triblock copolymer. In some embodiments, an ABA triblock copolymer is directed to assemble by a chemical pattern. Chemical patterns with periods much different than the natural period of the ABA triblock copolymer may be used to direct assembly of the ABA triblock copolymer. |
| US09372395B2 |
Method of manufacturing a mask
A method of manufacturing a mask, the method including forming initial ribs such that forming the initial ribs includes forming at least two photoresist patterns such that the at least two photoresist patterns have different widths, are formed on at least one side of a mask substrate, and overlap each other, and performing an etching process at least two times; and forming final ribs such that the final ribs have curved sides having a different curvature radius than a curvature radius of initial curved sides of the initial ribs and have defined slit patterns, forming the final ribs including removing all but one of the at least two photoresist patterns, and performing an etching process. |
| US09372393B2 |
Mask blank, transfer mask, method of manufacturing a transfer mask, and method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
A mask blank for manufacturing a transfer mask adapted to be applied with ArF excimer laser exposure light that has a transparent substrate and a light-shielding film formed into a transfer pattern. The light-shielding film has at least two-layers, one a lower layer composed mainly of a first material containing a transition metal, silicon, and nitrogen, and the other an upper layer composed mainly of a second material containing a transition metal, silicon, and nitrogen. A ratio of a first etching rate of the lower layer to a second etching rate of the upper layer is 1.0 or more and 5.0 or less in etching carried out by supplying a fluorine-containing substance onto a target portion and irradiating charged particles to the target portion. Another ratio satisfies the following formula CN≧−0.00526CMo2−0.640CMo+26.624. |
| US09372392B2 |
Reticles for use in forming implant masking layers and methods of forming implant masking layers
In one example, a reticle disclosed herein includes a body having a center, an arrangement of a plurality of exposure patterns, wherein a center of the arrangement is offset from the center of the body, and at least one open feature defined on or through the body of the reticle. In another example, a method is disclosed that includes forming a layer of photoresist above a plurality of functional die and a plurality of incomplete die, exposing the photoresist material positioned above at least one of the functional die and/or at least one of the incomplete die, performing an incomplete die exposure processes via an open feature of the reticle to expose substantially all of the photoresist material positioned above the plurality of incomplete die, and developing the photoresist to remove the portions of the photoresist material positioned above the incomplete die. |
| US09372389B2 |
Projector and portable terminal
According to one embodiment, a projector includes a light source unit, a light scanning unit, and a focus controller. The light source unit emits laser light. The light scanning unit includes a holder and a reflective surface. The holder is capable of a first rotation operation around a first direction. The reflective surface is held by the holder and is capable of a second rotation operation around a second direction intersecting the first direction. The light scanning unit scans the laser light by the first and second rotation operations. The focus controller is provided between the light source unit and the light scanning unit in an optical path of the laser light to modify a convergence of the laser light. An angle between a plane including the first and second directions, and an image surface is not less than 80 degrees and not more than 100 degrees. |
| US09372387B2 |
Laser projector
A laser projector includes a laser light source to emit laser light modulated in accordance with image information, a scanner to drive the laser light along two axes in horizontal and vertical directions and make scanning two-dimensionally with the laser light, a scanning mirror drive part to produce a drive signal of the scanner, a light source data conversion part to change arrangement in a horizontal direction of data applied to the laser light source and a timing generation part to synchronize the scanning mirror drive part with the light source data conversion part, and a start direction of laser scanning in the horizontal direction is changed every frame of the image information. |
| US09372386B2 |
Projection system, support, and image display method
A projection system includes a first projector and a second projector. The projection system superimposes images projected from the first and second projectors on a projection surface and displays a projected image. The projection system includes a support configured to support the first projector and the second projector. The support supports the first projector and the second projector in positions where projection distances from the first projector and the second projector to the projection surface are different. |
| US09372384B2 |
Camera quick attachment and release mechanism
A quick attachment and release mounting mechanism for a camera. The mechanism includes a clamping base with clamping structure adapted to be secured around an object, such as a paddle, and an adapter. The clamping base includes a receptacle which is trapezoidal and narrower at the top, and also tapers from one end to the other. The receptacle is disclosed forwardly of the clamping structure. The adapter includes a fastener adapted to engage a camera, and a leading portion with a shape that is complementary to that of the receptacle. A latch mechanism is provided to latch the adapter and receptacle together. The latch mechanism is shielded from accidental disengagement by a frame. |
| US09372382B2 |
Rotary mechanism
A rotary mechanism is provided, including a first housing, a second housing, a rotary module, an elastic element, and a speed-reduction module. The rotary module connects to the first housing and extends therefrom to connect with the second housing. The elastic element connects the second housing and the rotary module. The speed-reduction module connects to the rotary module. When an external force is exerted on the second housing, and the second housing rotates relative to the first housing along a first direction, the elastic element stores an elastic potential energy. When the external force is released, the second housing rotates relative to the first housing along a second direction by the elastic force. The second direction is opposite to the first direction, and the speed-reduction module reduces the rotary speed of the second housing relative to the first housing. |
| US09372378B2 |
TFT-LCD array substrate and method of manufacturing the same
An embodiment of the invention provides a thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) array substrate comprising: a gate line and a data line that intersect with each other to define a pixel region; and a pixel electrode and a thin film transistor formed in the pixel region. The thin film transistor comprises: a gate electrode connected with the gate line; a semiconductor island positioned above the gate electrode; and a source electrode and a drain electrode that are formed on the semiconductor island. A surface of the semiconductor island contacting with the source electrode and the drain electrode comprises ohmic contact regions subject to a surface treatment and a region of the semiconductor layer between the source electrode and the drain electrode is covered with a barrier layer. Another embodiment of the invention provides a method of manufacturing a thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) array substrate. |
| US09372377B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
Gate lines are arranged in a first direction. Drain lines are arranged in a second direction. A first electrode has slits formed therein. Aperture regions surrounded by the drain lines and the gate lines include an aperture region including the slits having a first inclined angle and an aperture region including the slits having a second inclined angle, the second inclined angle being different from the first inclined angle. The aperture region including the slits having the first inclined angle and the aperture region including the slits having the second inclined angle are alternately formed in the first direction. Within the aperture regions arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction, a first region and a second region forming a pair by being arranged so as to be opposed to each other via one of the gate lines form one of pixels. |
| US09372373B2 |
Liquid crystal device, driving method thereof, and electronic apparatus capable of improving display quality by suppressing occurrence of display defect
In a liquid crystal device according to the embodiment of the invention, a high potential and a low potential relative to the counter electrode potential are alternately applied to the pixel electrode through the switching element. Here, the counter electrode potential is set to be lower than a reference potential, when the reference potential is an electric potential which is obtained by shifting an average electric potential between the high potential and the low potential by an average value between an amount of change in an electric potential of the pixel electrode, caused by a parasitic capacitance of the switching element when the high potential is being applied to the pixel electrode, and an amount of change in the electric potential of the pixel electrode caused by the parasitic capacitance when the low potential is being applied to the pixel electrode. |
| US09372367B2 |
System for display images
A system for displaying images including a display panel is provided. The display panel has a display area and a peripheral area. The display panel includes a metal layer disposed on a first substrate. A patterned planarization layer is disposed on the metal layer, having at least one opening corresponding to the peripheral area, wherein a portion of the metal layer is disposed in the opening. A second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate. A seal is disposed at the peripheral area and between the first and the second substrates, wherein the seal covers the metal layer through the opening of the patterned planarization layer. A passivation layer disposed on the portion of the metal layer and covering a sidewall of the patterned planarization layer to form a first passivation sidewall, wherein the seal is in contact with the first passivation sidewall. |
| US09372366B2 |
Display device
A first substrate includes a first insulating substrate. A first organic insulating film is arranged on the first substrate in a circumference area outside an active area. The first organic insulating film includes a first surface and a first concave portion in the circumference area. A second substrate includes a second insulating substrate. A circumference color filter is laminated on a circumference shield layer and includes a second concave portion arranged facing the first concave portion. The second concave portion spreads toward the first substrate. A second organic insulating film covers the circumference color filter and includes a second surface and a third concave portion covering the second concave portion. A seal material is arranged between the first surface and the second surface, and between the first concave portion and the third concave portion to attach the first substrate and the second substrate. |
| US09372363B2 |
Method for manufacturing photo-responsive cross-linked liquid-crystalline polymer film
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a photo-responsive cross-linked liquid-crystalline polymer film, containing: a process of preparing a photopolymerizable monomer solution by dissolving in a solvent a polyfunctional liquid-crystalline monomer, a monofunctional liquid-crystalline monomer, a polyfunctional photo-responsive monomer and a photopolymerization initiator; a process of forming a photopolymerizable coating by applying the photopolymerizable monomer solution to a surface of an alignment film by means of a wet coating method and performing removal of the solvent; and a process of forming a film by photopolymerizing the monomers through light irradiation of the photopolymerizable coating under a non-oxygen atmosphere. |
| US09372360B2 |
Touch liquid crystal display device
A touch liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate opposite to each other, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and second substrates. The first substrate includes a touch layer disposed on a surface of the first substrate facing the liquid crystal layer, an insulating layer disposed on a surface of the touch layer and covering the touch layer, and a pixel array structure disposed on a surface of the insulating layer facing away from the touch layer. The touch layer is disposed between the pixel array structure and the first substrate. Only a filming process and a photoetching process of the touch layer and a deposition process of the insulating layer are additionally required to transform a non-touch liquid crystal display device to a touch liquid crystal display device. |
| US09372350B2 |
Cylindrical lens assembly and display device
The present invention provides a cylindrical lens assembly, comprising a cylindrical lens array, a closed hood and a liquid storage tank. A to-be-filled chamber is formed between the cylindrical lens array and the closed hood. The to-be-filled chamber is connected with the liquid storage tank used for storing transparent liquid. The refractive index of the transparent liquid is the same as that of the cylindrical lens array. The transparent liquid can flow between the liquid storage tank and the to-be-filled chamber and fill up the to-be-filled chamber. The top of the closed hood is made of a transparent material. The present invention further provides a display device comprising above cylindrical lens assembly. The cylindrical lens assembly provided by the present invention is simple and easy to operate, and the display device comprising above cylindrical lens assembly can realize a switchover between flat panel display and stereoscopic display, with low cost. |
| US09372349B2 |
Glasses-free 3D display for multiple viewers with a resonant subwavelength lens layer
A light field display for providing continuous 3D images to viewers at multiple views is provided. The light field display includes a pixel layer having a plurality of pixel layer elements, a resonant subwavelength lens layer having a plurality of resonant subwavelength lenses and a circuit board connected to the pixel layer and the resonant subwavelength lens layer. Each resonant subwavelength lens in the resonant subwavelength lens layer is integrated with an element in the pixel layer. The element may be either a pixel or a subpixel, such that each image view may be provided per pixel or subpixel in the pixel layer. |
| US09372344B2 |
Driving information display device
A driving information display device includes a data generator for generating driving information of a vehicle and a display unit linked to the data generator for being supported at a desired location of the vehicle. The display unit provides visualizations regarding driving information to a driver during driving. These visualizations relates to driving data if the user is operating a motorized vehicle, GPS navigational information, etc. These visualizations are then provided at the driver's field of vision, which allows the driver to keep the eyes on the road while still being able to analyze the information. This allows the driver to operate the vehicle safely and in turn enjoy more fulfilled and enjoyable driving experience. |
| US09372337B2 |
Wavelength variable interference filter, manufacturing method of wavelength variable interference filter, optical filter device, optical module, and electronic apparatus
A movable substrate of a wavelength variable interference filter includes a movable portion and a groove which is provided outside of the movable portion, in a plan view when the movable substrate is seen from a substrate thickness direction, the groove includes a bottom surface having an even groove depth dimension and a side surface which is continued to the bottom surface, and the side surface is configured with arc-like first curved surface portion and second curved surface portion, in a cross-sectional view when the movable substrate is cut along the substrate thickness direction. |
| US09372335B2 |
Finder optical system
A finder optical system includes an image inverter optical member and an eyepiece lens system. The eyepiece lens system includes a first lens element, a positive biconvex second lens element, and a meniscus third lens element having a concave surface on the eyepoint side, in that order from the object side. A diopter adjustment operation is performed by moving the second lens element along the optical axis. Conditions (1) and (2) are satisfied: −0.2 |
| US09372326B2 |
Assembly of zoom lens module and zoom imaging module
An assembly of zoom lens module includes a main lens, plural associate lens and a rotator mechanism. The plural associated lens disposed around the mail lens and each associated lens has a shiftable lens element shifted by the rotator mechanism. When the rotator mechanism rotates, plural shiftable lens elements are shifted such that the zoom effects of the plural associate lens can be changed. Therefore, the assembly of zoom lens module may provide plentiful zoom effects without increasing the volume, particularly the total track length, and weight of the zoom lens assembly. |
| US09372321B2 |
Optical element, holding structure therefor, and optical device
An optical element has a first surface, a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface, an optical surface, and a protruding part. The protruding part is held in a prescribed position by being in contact with a holding member. The protruding part comprises a first protruding part and a second protruding part. The first protruding part comprises a first contact part that is a convex circular arc shape on at least one longitudinal plane and partly comes into contact with the holding member. The second protruding part comprises a second contact part that is a convex circular arc shape on at least one longitudinal plane and partly comes into contact with the holding member. A circular arc constitutes the first contact part and a circular arc that constitutes the second contact part are present in at least one cross-section that passes through a contact point between the first contact part and the holding member as well as a contact point between the second contact part and the holding member, and the center of the circular arc that constitutes the first contact part is aligned with the center of the circular arc that constitutes the second protruding part. |
| US09372320B2 |
Datacenter connector systems utilizing feed-through optical cable assemblies
Datacenter connection systems for use in datacenter enclosures are disclosed. In one embodiment, a datacenter connection system includes a first module and a feed-through optical cable assembly. The first module includes a first faceplate having at least one first feed-through opening, a first surface, and at least one first module connector disposed on the first surface. The feed-through optical cable assembly includes an optical cable having at least one optical fiber, a first feed-through attach member coupled to the optical cable, and a first optical connector coupled to a first end portion of the at least one optical fiber. The at least one optical fiber passes through the first feed-through attach member, and the first feed-through attach member is disposed within the at least one first feed-through opening. The first optical connector is coupled to the at least one first module connector. |
| US09372318B2 |
Rack mountable optical fiber enclosure
An optical fiber enclosure includes a generally rectangular housing including mounting tabs, the mounting tabs to secure the optical fiber enclosure to a rack; a plurality of trays slidable relative to the housing, the plurality of trays extendable from a front side of the housing; and a plurality of cable management clips along a front edge of a tray of the plurality of trays, the cable management clips arranged to retain optical fiber cables entering the enclosure. |
| US09372314B2 |
Optical signal processor and optical assembly
An optical signal processor including: optical fibers arranged in a first direction, each optical fiber having a side surface; a flexible holding member covering the side surfaces of the optical fibers; a first optical connector having a first end face and a second end face; a second optical connector having a third end face and a fourth end face; a supporting block disposed under the first optical connector; and an optical integrated circuit including optical couplers facing the third end face of the second optical connector and optical waveguides, the optical couplers being optically coupled to the optical fibers. The optical fibers extend from the second end face in a second direction. The optical fibers extend from the fourth end face in a third direction that intersects with the second direction. The flexible holding member has a bending portion located between the first optical connector and the second optical connector. |
| US09372309B2 |
Method for making a splice between optical fibres in a joint device for electrical cables
A method for making a splice between optical fibers in a joint device suitable for housing the joint between a first electrical cable includes a first optical fiber and a second electrical cable including a second optical fiber. The joint device includes a sleeve having a cylindrical portion. The method includes (i) splicing the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber so as to form the splice and (ii) winding at least a portion of the excess length of the first optical fiber and at least a portion of the excess length of the second optical fiber around the cylindrical portion of the sleeve in a helix substantially coaxial with the cylindrical portion. |
| US09372305B2 |
Alignment of single-mode polymer waveguide (PWG) array and silicon waveguide (SIWG) array of providing adiabatic coupling
A method for fabricating, and a structure embodying, a single-mode polymer wave guide array aligned with a polymer waveguide array through adiabatic coupling. The present invention provides a structure having a combination of (i) a stub fabricated on a polymer and (ii) a groove fabricated on a silicon (Si) chip, with which an adiabatic coupling can be realized by aligning (a) a (single-mode) polymer waveguide (PWG) array fabricated on the polymer with (b) a silicon waveguide (SiWG) array fabricated on the silicon chip; wherein, the stub fabricated on the polymer is patterned according to a nano-imprint process, along with the PWG array, in a direction in which the PWG array is fabricated, and the groove fabricated on the silicon chip is fabricated along a direction in which the SiWG array is fabricated. |
| US09372301B2 |
Backlight module and liquid crystal display including the same
The present disclosure relates to a backlight module and a liquid crystal display using the backlight module. The backlight module comprises an outer frame, a glue frame, a bending heat dissipating plate, and a light guide plate all amounted within the outer frame, a light source lamp facing the light guide plate being arranged on the side wall of the heat dissipating plate at the light-incoming side of the light guide plate. An inserting port is formed on the glue frame, a first positioning hole corresponding to the inserting port is formed on the side wall of the heat dissipating plate at the light-incoming side of the light guide plate, and a second positioning hole corresponding to the first positioning hole is formed on the outer frame. The portion of the outer frame around the second positioning hole is depressed inwards and extends into the inserting port to position the glue frame. The outer frame, the glue frame, and the heat dissipating plate are fixed together by a fixing bolt passing through the first positioning hole and the second positioning hole. The backlight module according to the present disclosure is able to greatly narrow the frame of the liquid crystal display without causing other problems to the liquid crystal display. |
| US09372299B1 |
Hollow-core fiber lamp
Hollow-core capillary discharge lamps on the mm or sub-mm scale are provided. The hollow-core capillary discharge lamps achieve an increased light intensity ratio between 194 mm (useful) and 254 mm (useless) light than conventional lamps. The capillary discharge lamps may include a cone to increase light output. Hollow-core photonic crystal fiber (HCPCF) may also be used. |
| US09372297B2 |
Solar light concentration plate
A solar light concentration plate comprises a first hologram which receives solar light and diffracts incident light in a range of an incident angle, and first and second light guides respectively disposed on both sides of the first hologram, wherein at least one of the first and second light guides has an outer surface substantially inclined to an inner surface of the at least one of the first and second light guides. |
| US09372296B2 |
Optically anisotropic film
An optically anisotropic film which is superior in light leakage suppression in black display is provided. An optically anisotropic film is provided, which has a refractive index relation of nx>nz>ny, wherein nx−nz is less than 0.005, and nz−ny is less than 0.004, wherein nz represents a refractive index in the thickness direction, nx represents an in-plane refractive index in a direction in which a maximum refractive index is generated in the plane of the film, and ny represents a refractive index in a direction perpendicular to the diction of nx direction in the plane of the film. |
| US09372295B2 |
Liquid crystal film
A liquid crystal film (LCF) is provided. The exemplified LCF can be used as a reflective polarization plate, which can improve luminance and light utilization efficiency of a display device, such as an LCD, and the like. |
| US09372291B2 |
Heat blocking system utilizing particulates
A multi-layered coating system for reflecting infrared waves is provided. The multi-layered coating system includes a layer one positioned above a substrate, wherein the layer one includes a plurality of well separated spherical particulates of radius a1 and a plurality of well separated spherical voids of radius b1>a1 that are randomly distributed, and a filler material of refractive index n1 intervening in the spaces between said spherical particulates and spherical voids; and subsequent layers expressible as the following word-equation, “a layer i positioned above the layer i−1, wherein the layer i includes a plurality of well separated spherical particulates of radius ai and a plurality of well separated spherical voids of radius bi>ai (where bi>bi−1) that are randomly distributed, and a filler material of refractive index ni intervening in the spaces between said spherical particulates and spherical voids,” where integer i is greater than one. |
| US09372288B2 |
Cube-corner retroreflective sheeting
In cube-corner retroreflective sheeting 3, cube-corner retroreflective elements in at least two mutually adjacent regions A and B rotate with each other around an axis perpendicular to the sheeting, in which cube-corner retroreflective elements 11 and 12 not in contact with boundaries between the regions A and B are cube-corner retroreflective elements having a hexagonal shape, and cube-corner retroreflective elements 11s, 12s, 11t and 12t in contact with the boundaries between the regions A and B are cube-corner retroreflective elements having a shape obtained by cutting parts of one or two reflective lateral surfaces of the cube-corner retroreflective element having a hexagonal shape where the partly cut reflective lateral surfaces are in contact with the boundaries. |
| US09372287B2 |
Colored, dynamic, and amplified safety film
A colored, dynamic, and amplified security film includes a micro lens array layer, a base material layer, and a micro graphic layer. The layers meet the condition of Moore amplified imaging; the micro graphic layer is formed by a background area and a graphic area; the graphic area is distributed in the background area; the micro graphic layer includes a semi-transparent and semi-reflective metal layer, a medium layer, and a metal film layer successively from top to bottom; the metal film layer is of a planar structure; the thickness of the medium layer in the graphic area is greater than the thickness of the medium layer in the background area; and the thicknesses of semi-transparent and semi-reflective metal layers are consistent. |
| US09372281B2 |
Method for preparing thioepoxy-based optical material and polymerizable composition thereof
The present invention relates to a thioepoxy compound for an optical material, a polymerizable composition including the thioepoxy compound, and a method for producing a thioepoxy optical material by polymerization of the polymerizable composition. The polymerizable composition further includes 4.1 to 15% by weight of 2,3-epoxypropyl(2,3-epithiopropyl)sulfide and/or 2,3-epoxypropyl(2,3-epithiopropyl)disulfide. The thioepoxy optical material is free from color instability, demolding, and polymerization imbalance, which are problems encountered in general thioepoxy optical materials. |
| US09372280B2 |
System and method for in-sea electrode conditioning
Disclosed are methods and systems for conditioning electrodes while deployed in the sea with a marine electromagnetic survey system. An embodiment of the method may comprise deploying electrodes in seawater during a marine electromagnetic survey. The method further may comprise coupling at least one of the electrodes to a controllable current/voltage source while the electrodes are deployed in the seawater. The method further may comprise sending a first conditioning signal from the controllable current/voltage source to the at least one of the electrodes coupled to the controllable current/voltage source. |
| US09372279B2 |
Method of determining petroleum location
The probable location of petroleum deposits is determined by identifying a severe-weather-inducing site from severe weather such as mesocyclones, tornados, funnels aloft, wall clouds or supercells, water spouts, and a high density of multiple lightning ground strikes. Typically the severe-weather-inducing site is located by identifying the initial appearance of the tornado vortex signature in modern Doppler radar or monitoring the severe weather, recording data as to its position and its velocity and acceleration with respect to the ground or water surface if it is moving, and determining the inducing site from such data. The occurrence of multiple severe weather sites in a dense pattern is also used to determine the probable location of petroleum deposits. |
| US09372277B2 |
Neutron porosity downhole tool with improved precision and reduced lithology effects
Systems and methods for neutron porosity well logging with high precision and reduced lithology effects are provided. In accordance with an embodiment, a downhole neutron porosity tool may include a neutron source, a neutron monitor, a neutron detector, and data processing circuitry. The neutron source may emit neutrons into a subterranean formation while the neutron monitor detects a count of neutrons proportional to the neutrons emitted. The neutron detector may detect a count of neutrons that scatters off the subterranean formation. The data processing circuitry may determine an environmentally corrected porosity of the subterranean formation based at least in part on the count rate of neutrons scattered off the subterranean formation normalized to the count rate of neutrons proportional to the neutrons emitted by the neutron source. |
| US09372270B2 |
X-ray line detector and method for the production thereof
An X-ray line detector includes a housing and a predefined number of carrier modules having the same width disposed in the housing. A one-piece printed circuit board, on which a photodiode is arranged, is attached to each carrier module. Each printed circuit board is wider than an active area of pixels constituting the photodiode and ascintillator element is attached to each photodiode. Each scintillator element has a length that exactly covers the active area in the width thereof plus an interspace between two adjacent pixels of a photodiode. The width of each carrier module is at most twice as great as the length of a scintillator element. The carrier modules are arranged in two rows in the housing such that the photodiodes of each row are opposite each other, the scintillator elements abut against each other upon contact, and mutually contacting scintillator elements are arranged in respectively opposite rows. |
| US09372269B2 |
Scintillator panel, radiation image sensor and method of making the same
A scintillator panel includes a substrate having a front side and a rear side. A first scintillator layer is embedded into the front side of the substrate to a first depth. A second scintillator layer is embedded into the rear side of the substrate to a second depth. |
| US09372266B2 |
Cell organization and transmission schemes in a wide area positioning system (WAPS)
A position location system comprises transmitters that broadcast positioning signals. Each broadcasted positioning signal comprises a pseudorandom ranging signal. The position location system includes a remote receiver that acquires and measures the time of arrival of the positioning signals received at the remote receiver. During an interval of time, at least two positioning signals are transmitted concurrently by the transmitters and received concurrently at the remote receiver. The two positioning signals have carrier frequencies offset from one another by an offset that is less than approximately twenty-five percent of the bandwidth of each positioning signal of the two positioning signals. Cross-interference between the positioning signals is reduced by tuning the remote receiver to a frequency of a selected signal of the two positioning signals and correlating the selected signal with a reference pseudorandom ranging signal matched to a transmitted pseudorandom ranging signal of the selected signal. |
| US09372265B2 |
Intermediate two-dimensional scanning with a three-dimensional scanner to speed registration
A method for measuring and registering 3D coordinates has a 3D scanner measure a first collection of 3D coordinates of points from a first registration position. The 3D scanner collects 2D scan sets as 3D measuring device moves from first to second registration positions. A processor determines first and second translation values and a first rotation value based on collected 2D scan sets. 3D scanner measures a second collection of 3D coordinates of points from second registration position. Processor adjusts the second collection of points relative to first collection of points based at least in part on first and second translation values and first rotation value. Processor identifies a correspondence among registration targets in first and second collection of 3D coordinates, and uses this correspondence to further adjust the relative position and orientation of first and second collection of 3D coordinates. |
| US09372264B1 |
Proximity sensor device
Proximity sensor devices are described that integrate a light emitting diode with a light sensor assembly in a single, compact package. The proximity sensor devices comprise a substrate having a surface. The light emitting diode and light sensor assembly are mounted to the substrate proximate to the surface. The light emitting diode is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in a limited spectrum of wavelengths, while the light sensor assembly is configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in the limited spectrum of wavelengths emitted by the light emitting diode. An encapsulation layer is formed on the surface over the light emitting diode and light sensor assembly. A trench is formed in the encapsulation layer to receive electromagnetic radiation blocking material configured to block electromagnetic radiation in the limited spectrum of wavelengths to at least partially mitigate crosstalk between the light emitting diode and the light sensor assembly. |
| US09372263B2 |
Radar system and method
A radar system for discriminating between sources of radar interference and targets of interest. The system includes a transmitter for transmitting radar signals into a region, a receiver for receiving return signals of the radar signals returned from within the region, and a processor for processing the return signals to discriminate between return signals returned from a first object and return signals returned from a second object where the return signals from the second object comprise both zero and non-zero Doppler components and interfere with the return signals from the first object. The radar system is operable for discriminating between the return signals when the return signals are received at a distance from the second object which is less than a proximity limit based on the geometry of the object. |
| US09372258B2 |
Method for electromagnetically characterizing a target
A method for electromechanically characterizing an object placed in a chamber, at least some walls of which have low absorbance at said frequency, one of the chamber walls being provided with an antenna array. In a first step, the parameters S of a first system consisting of the chamber and the antenna array are measured and in a second step, the same parameters S of a second system consisting of the chamber, the object and the antenna array are measured. The parameters S of the first system are subtracted from the parameters S of the second system to obtain a matrix of corrected parameters that is then diagonalized. The eigenvalues of the matrix constitute a characteristic electromagnetic signature of said object. |
| US09372255B2 |
Determining a position of a submersible vehicle within a body of water
Methods and apparatus determining a position of a submersible vehicle within a body of water are provided. A method comprises determining an initial position of the vehicle while the vehicle is at or near a water surface. The method further comprises coupling the vehicle and a base node to a weight and determining a position of the base node once the base node and vehicle have reached the floor of the body of water using acoustic modems of the vehicle and a surface vessel to aid in calculating the position as they descend, and acoustically transferring the at rest position on the seafloor from the vehicle to the node. The method further comprises decoupling the vehicle from the node and weight and determining a position of the vehicle based on the position of the base node and acoustic signals exchanged between acoustic modems of the vehicle and the base node. |
| US09372254B2 |
Position estimation device, position estimation method, program and integrated circuit
A position estimation device which includes: a distance estimation unit which estimates, using a receiving strength of a signal received by a wireless terminal from each of a plurality of base stations communicating with the wireless terminal, distance information indicating a distance from the base station to the wireless terminal; a position estimation unit which estimates a first position to be a current position of the wireless terminal using base station information indicating a position of the base station and the estimated distance information; and a correction unit which corrects the distance information based on an acceleration and a direction of the wireless terminal, the estimated first position, and the base station information. The position estimation unit further estimates a second position to be a current position of the wireless terminal using the base station information and the corrected distance information. |
| US09372247B2 |
NMR detection module
An NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) detection module (such as an NMR probe) mounted in a vacuum vessel permits a transmit/receive coil to be cooled efficiently and to be placed closer to a sample container. The NMR detection module includes a core module (detection module) (54) consisting of a refrigerant block (118) and a transmit/receive coil formed on the inner surface of a detection hole (130). A sleeve (cylindrical partition wall) (122) forming a part of the vacuum vessel is inserted in the detection hole (130). A sample tube (56) is inserted in the sleeve (122). The refrigerant block (118) is connected to a heat exchanger via a support member (82). Since it is not necessary to form a bobbin inside the transmit/receive coil, the distance between the coil and the sample can be set small. The coil is entirely surrounded by the refrigerant block. |
| US09372246B2 |
Flow-through NMR analyzer
The flow-through NMR analyzer comprises: a solution feeding pipe for flowing a sample; a superconducting magnet that encloses a housing space, which is surrounded by a side wall of the solution feeding pipe, around an axis of the solution feeding pipe such that a static magnetic field is generated along the axis of the solution feeding pipe; a vacuum container which houses the superconducting magnet in a cooled state and which encloses the housing space around the axis of the solution feeding pipe; and an RF coil which applies high-frequency electromagnetic waves to the sample inside the housing space and which detects an NMR signal from the sample. The RF coil is integrally formed with the side wall of the solution feeding pipe in a region of the solution feeding pipe that is enclosed by the superconducting magnet and the magnetic field correcting coil. |
| US09372245B2 |
Endogenous magnetization contrast in MRI
An endogenous source of magnetic resonance image contrast of biological tissues is provided by modeling a conventional magnetization transfer (CMT) spectrum using z-spectral data and generating magnetization transfer ratio maps from the magnetization transfer spectrum at a frequency of interest. A contribution by the CMT spectrum from the z-spectral data is removed and a direct water saturation component is modeled using the z-spectral data with removed CMT spectrum (z-spectral). When this modeled direct water saturation component contribution is removed from the z-spectral, then the remaining z-spectra reflects new contrast due to chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) and magnetization transfer/exchange effect from aliphatic protons probably associated with labile proteins, peptides and lipids, named as novel magnetization transfer (NMT). This technique can be used to illustrate subtle changes in biological tissue as a result of diseases states, provide better visibility of brain white matter plaques, provide improved CEST contrast, provide better visualization of proteins, peptides, and lipids in biological tissue using NMT contrast, improve segmentation of white matter and gray matter in brain images, and the like. |
| US09372244B2 |
Magnetic force characteristic computing method, magnetic force characteristic computing device and computer program
A prestored database showing a correspondence of δ (depth)/ΔHcJ (coercivity increment) and a prestored database showing a correspondence of Dy introduction amount/ΔHcJ are used to obtain distribution of an introduction amount in a magnet from shape information of the magnet and information of a Dy introduction face and compute distribution of ΔHcJ in the magnet from the distribution of a Dy introduction amount. Regarding a magnet having a coercivity that is distributed non-uniformly, a J/H curve is computed using the computed distribution of ΔHcJ, and a demagnetizing factor at a predetermined temperature (100° C.) is computed using a temperature coefficient. |
| US09372242B2 |
Magnetometer with angled set/reset coil
A magnetometer with a set/reset coil having portions that cross portions of sensing strips at an angle in order to create a magnetic field in the sensing strip that is at an angle with respect to the easy axis of magnetization of the sensing strip. Each sensing strip may have a portion having a magnetic field created therein that is different from a magnetic field created in another portion of the same sensing strip. As a result, a lower set/reset coil current is needed to initialize the magnetometer. |
| US09372237B2 |
Battery pack having stable measuring unit
Disclosed herein is a battery pack including a battery module having a battery cell stack structure in which at least two electrically connected battery cells or unit modules are stacked, a voltage measuring member that measures voltage at an electrode terminal connection part of the battery cells or the unit modules, a voltage measuring circuit that connects the voltage measuring member to a Battery Management System (BMS), a temperature measuring member that measures temperature of the battery cells or the unit modules, a temperature measuring circuit that connects the temperature measuring member to the BMS and that is separated from the voltage measuring circuit, and the BMS electrically connected to the voltage measuring member to control operation of the battery modules. |
| US09372235B2 |
Methods of estimating rotor magnet temperature and systems thereof
At least one example embodiment discloses a method of estimating a rotor magnet temperature of a motor. The method includes determining an applied voltage during operation of the motor at an operating point, obtaining a reference value associated with the operating point and associated with a reference temperature and determining an estimated rotor magnet temperature based on the applied voltage and the reference value. |
| US09372234B2 |
Detection method of current sensor faults in the e-drive system by using the voltage command error
Systems, apparatus, and methods detect a current sensor error in an FOC electric machine system. A voltage command is monitored to detect the presence of an ac component that indicates that an error has occurred at a current sensor. For example, a sensor fault detection module can be configured to determine the deviation between an actual voltage command and an ideal voltage command to provide a complex deviation vector. By transforming the deviation vector to a reference frame rotating at the fundamental frequency of the command voltage, a dc component of the positive and negative sequences can be filtered, and their amplitudes determined. Error detection can be based on the total amplitude of the fundamental component, determined by positive and negative component amplitudes. Sensor error detection enables an FOC system to operate with two current sensors, rather than three, and provides a dedicated fault diagnostic for a current sensor. |
| US09372222B2 |
System and method for characterizing a process by which a semiconductor device is formed
A semiconductor process sensor to characterize a semiconductor process by which the semiconductor process sensor was formed. The semiconductor process sensor includes a constant reference voltage source to provide a constant reference voltage signal, a process sensing resistor, a constant current source, and an analog-to-digital converter. The process sensing resistor has a first terminal electrically coupled to the constant reference voltage source and a second terminal to provide a sensed voltage signal, the process sensing resistor having a resistance that is dependent on at least one variation in the semiconductor process used to form the semiconductor process sensor. The constant current source is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the process sensing resistor. The analog-to-digital converter is coupled to the second terminal of the process sensing resistor to provide at least one output signal characterizing the semiconductor process by which the semiconductor process sensor was formed. |
| US09372220B2 |
Inverter
In a test of discharging a capacitor by electrically turning on a first switching element and a second switching element that are inserted in series in a conductor connecting a positive electrode and a negative electrode of the capacitor, a discharge current that passes through the first and second switching elements tend to apply stress on the first and second switching elements. In this discharge test, while a first control signal for putting the first switching element into a low resistance state is being applied to the first switching element, a second control signal increasing a voltage thereof over time is applied to the second switching element, and application of one of or both of the first and second control signals is stopped when a current detector detects a current. Since a discharge test ends when a limited discharge current starts flowing, stress associated with the discharge test is reduced. |
| US09372219B2 |
Bad ground and reverse polarity detection for HVAC controls
In exemplary embodiments, HVAC controls and corresponding error detection methods are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, an HVAC control generally includes a digital input configured to receive a digital signal, an analog input configured to receive an analog signal, and an error indicator. The control is configured to receive a neutral signal at the analog input, determine a voltage of the neutral signal with respect to earth ground, and operate the error indicator to indicate a normal state if the voltage is below a first threshold, a bad ground state if the voltage is between the first threshold and a second threshold, and a reverse polarity state if the voltage is above the second threshold. |
| US09372217B2 |
Cable detector
A measuring device for detecting a conductor that carries alternating voltage, includes a voltage source configured to produce two phase-shifted alternating voltages, two complex impedance elements having first connections, which are connected to the alternating voltages, and second connections, which are connected to each other and to which a differential voltage is applied, and a control device configured to control the alternating voltages in such a way that a component of the differential voltage synchronous with the alternating voltages is minimized in magnitude. The control device is configured to detect the conductor if a ratio of the alternating voltages does not correspond to a ratio of the complex impedance elements in the absence of the conductor. The second complex impedance element is changeable with a control voltage. A probe is configured to provide the control voltage as a function of an alternating electromagnetic field induced by the conductor. |
| US09372211B2 |
Electronic apparatus detecting power supply voltage using different levels
An electronic apparatus includes a first voltage detection circuit which detects when a voltage, becomes higher than a first level after the voltage starts to be supplied to a peripheral circuit, and detects when the voltage becomes lower than a second level after a supply of the voltage to the peripheral circuit starts to be interrupted, and a second voltage detection circuit which detects when the voltage becomes lower than a reference level while the peripheral circuit operates. The second level is lower than the reference level. |
| US09372208B2 |
Signal monitoring of through-wafer vias using a multi-layer inductor
According to a method herein, a multi-level inductor is created around a through-silicon-via (TSV) in a semiconductor substrate. A voltage induced in the multi-level inductor by current flowing in the TSV is sensed, using a computerized device. The voltage is compared to a reference voltage, using the computerized device. An electrical signature of the TSV is determined based on the comparing the voltage to the reference voltage, using the computerized device. |
| US09372206B2 |
Testing of semiconductor chips with microbumps
A package includes a semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip includes a test pad, and a plurality of microbump pads, wherein each microbump pad of the plurality of microbump pads is electrically connected to the test pad. The package further includes a substrate; and a plurality of microbumps configured to electrically connect the semiconductor chip to the substrate, wherein each microbump of the plurality of microbumps is electrically connected to a corresponding microbump pad of the plurality of microbump pads. The package further includes a package substrate, wherein the package substrate comprises a bump pad, wherein an area of the bump pad is greater than a combined area of the test pad and the plurality of microbump pads. The package further includes a bump configured to electrically connect the substrate to the package substrate. |
| US09372205B2 |
Universal probe card PCB design
A printed circuit board (PCB) is disclosed. The PCB includes a plurality of first signal pads, a plurality of signal channels, and a plurality of second signal pads. The first signal pads are adjacently disposed to define an opening. At least one of the first signal pads is configured to be electrically connected to at least one of signal traces of a membrane core inserted into the opening. All of the signal channels are electrically connected to all of the first signal pads respectively. All of the second signal pads are electrically connected to all of the signal channels respectively. |
| US09372203B1 |
Actuators for securing probes in a scanning probe microscope
Disclosed are various actuators for probe exchangers for use in scanning probe microscopes (SPMs). The probe exchange actuators are designed so as to impose no net forces on a probe clamp attached to the high resolution piezoelectric positioning mechanism to which the probe is being transferred. These actuators therefore impose no net force on the delicate high resolution piezoelectric positioning mechanism, thus helping protect it from physical damage during the probe exchange process. |
| US09372202B2 |
Packaged device
A packaged device of one embodiment includes a device layer section, and first and second packaging members. The device layer section is one where a movable microdevice including a movable part and a terminal part is formed. The first packaging member is joined to the device layer section, and includes a wiring region provided at a position corresponding to the terminal part and a conductive plug extending through the wiring region. The second packaging member is joined to a side of the device layer section opposite the first packaging member. |
| US09372200B2 |
Rotation speed detecting device and detecting method thereof
A rotation speed detecting device is provided. The rotation speed detecting device is electrically connected to a motor of a color wheel, and includes a phase detecting unit and a time calculating unit. The phase detecting unit is suitable for detecting a reference phase point of a rotation information outputted by the motor, and outputting a phase signal according to the reference phase point. The time calculating unit is electrically connected to the phase detecting unit, and calculates a speed information of the motor according to the phase signal. In this way, the rotation speed of the motor of the color wheel is correctly measured. |
| US09372195B2 |
cMET protein SRM/MRM assay
Specific peptides are provided, and derived ionization characteristics of those peptides, from the Hepatocyte Growth Factor Receptor (cMET) protein. The peptides are particularly and surprisingly advantageous for quantifying by the method of Selected Reaction Monitoring (SRM) mass spectrometry the cMET protein directly in biological samples that have been fixed in formalin, or what can also be termed as Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry. Such biological samples are chemically preserved and fixed where the biological sample is selected from tissues and cells treated with formaldehyde containing agents/fixatives including: formalin-fixed tissue/cells; formalin-fixed/paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue/cells; FFPE tissue blocks and cells from those blocks; and tissue culture cells that have been formalin fixed and or paraffin embedded. A protein sample is prepared from the biological sample using the Liquid Tissue™ reagents and protocol and the cMET protein is quantitated in the Liquid Tissue™ sample by the method of SRM/MRM mass spectrometry by quantitating in the protein sample at least one or more of the peptides described. These peptides can be quantitated if they reside in a modified or an unmodified form. An example of a modified form of a cMET peptide is phosphorylation of a tyrosine, threonine, serine, and/or other amino acid residues within the peptide sequence. |
| US09372194B2 |
Fluorescent dyes, labeled conjugates and analytical methods
There are described novel fluorescent dyes, conjugates which include a radical of a dye and a biological or a synthetic moiety and diagnostic and in vivo assays utilizing such conjugates and other products including the dyes and conjugates. |
| US09372192B2 |
Method and device for combined detection of viral and bacterial infections
A lateral flow assay detects and differentiates between viral and bacterial infections. A combined point of care diagnostic device tests markers for viral infection and markers for bacterial infection, to effectively assist in the rapid differentiation of viral and bacterial infections. In one preferred embodiment, the bacterial marker is CRP. In another preferred embodiment, the viral marker is MxA. In some embodiments, it is unnecessary to lyse the cells in the sample prior to applying it to the device. |
| US09372184B2 |
Method and apparatus for dispensing diagnostic test strips
An apparatus for storing and dispensing a test strip includes a container configured to store a stack of test strips. The container maintains appropriate environmental conditions, such as humidity, for storing the test strips. An engaging member is disposed in the container and is adapted to contact one test strip of the stack of test strips. An actuator actuates the engaging member to dispense the one test strip from the container. Since one test strip is dispensed at a time, the remaining test strips are not handled by the user. Accordingly, the unused test strips remain free of contaminants such as naturally occurring oils on the user's hand. |
| US09372181B2 |
Fluorescent metal ion indicators with large stokes shifts
The present invention provides fluorogenic compounds for the detection of target metal ions wherein the compounds exhibit a Stokes shift greater than 50 nm and the detectable signal is modulated by photoinduced electron transfer (PET). The present compounds consist of three functional elements, the ion sensing moiety (chelating moiety), the reporter moiety (fluorophore or fluorescent protein) and spacer or linker between the sensing and reporter moieties of the present compound that allows for PET upon binding of a metal ion and excitation by an appropriate wavelength. |
| US09372180B2 |
Inspection and recycling of containers
A method for examining filled containers, which are filled with CO2-containing products such as beer or lemonade, for contaminants such as glass fragments, including examining, e.g. by means of a camera, a container for gas bubbles in the product/in the container and/or for gas mists in the container, and sorting out the container, if gas bubbles are determined in the product and/or if CO2 mists are determined in the container, and re-examining the container at a later time. |
| US09372177B2 |
Method and system for detecting exposure of composites to high-temperature
A method of detecting high-temperature exposure of a composite may include applying a composition comprising an adduct suitable for detecting heat and/or mechanical stress in a composite, wherein the adduct reverts to first and second adduct components after exposure of the composition to a temperature of from about 190° C. to about 260° C. to a surface of the composite; exposing the surface to which the composition has been applied to ultraviolet light; and measuring fluorescence of the composition. |
| US09372174B2 |
Ultrasonic inspection tool
An ultrasonic inspection probe comprising: a flexible ultrasonic array, a flexible coupling component arranged to ultrasonically couple the flexible ultrasonic array to a workpiece at a coupling boundary surface, a loading component arranged to apply a pressure to the coupling component to a surface opposite the coupling boundary surface to maintain contact between the coupling boundary surface and a workpiece. |
| US09372172B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting partial discharge in electrical components
A system for detecting partial discharge in electrical components may include a control system that may operate a drive in an industrial automation system. The industrial automation system may include the electrical components being analyzed for partial discharge. The system may also include one or more acoustic sensors that may detect one or more acoustic waveforms generated within at least one of the electrical components. The system may also include a monitoring system that may receive the acoustic waveforms from the acoustic sensors and determine whether the one electrical component is experiencing partial discharge based on the acoustic waveforms. The monitoring system may then send a notification to the control system when the one electrical component is determined to be experiencing partial discharge, such that the notification indicates that the one electrical component is experiencing partial discharge. |
| US09372171B2 |
Nanopore sensor for detecting molecular interactions
A nanosensor for detecting molecule characteristics includes a membrane having an opening configured to permit a charged carbon nanotube to pass but to block a molecule attached to the carbon nanotube. The opening is filled with an electrolytic solution. An electric field generator is configured to generate an electric field relative to the opening to drive the charged carbon nanotubes through the opening. A sensor circuit is coupled to the electric field generator to sense current changes due to charged carbon nanotubes passing into the opening, and to bias the electric field generator to determine a critical voltage related to a force of separation between the carbon nanotube and the molecule. |
| US09372164B2 |
XRF instrument with removably attached window protecting films
Herein disclosed is an x-ray florescence (XRF) test system which comprises an XRF test instrument used for testing a test target's responses to X-rays, the instrument including a test window allowing the X-ray and its responsive energy to pass through, and at least one window protecting film allowing X-rays to pass through and providing protections to the window, the film being configured to be coupled with the window in a fashion to be removed from or applied or reapplied over the window. The corresponding calibration mode can be manually or automatically applied according to the specific film presently in use. |
| US09372163B2 |
Method of conducting an X-ray diffraction-based crystallography analysis
A method of X-ray diffraction-based analysis for determining the structure of a crystal sample is provided. The method comprises conducting pre-experiment to collect a first set of diffraction images including reflections at corresponding intensities. The method also comprises conducting a main experiment to collect a second set of diffraction images, the diffraction images of the second set including the reflections with higher relative intensities than those produced during the first experiment, at least some of the diffraction images of the second set including topped reflections resulting from detector saturation. The method also includes a step of replacing intensities of the topped reflections from the second set of images with intensities obtained for the corresponding reflections from the first set of images. |
| US09372162B2 |
Characterization of subterranean formation properties derived from quantitative X-Ray CT scans of drill cuttings
A method and a system are provided to characterize subterranean formations, which includes extracting drill cuttings from a drilling fluid, and grouping the drill cuttings into a group of cuttings based on a time of arrival of the drill cuttings at the Earth's surface, wherein these steps can be repeated at least once to provide a plurality of groups of drill cuttings that arrive sequentially at different recorded times that correspond to different downhole locations. |
| US09372161B2 |
Ion source, ion gun, and analysis instrument
Provided are an ion source, an ion gun, and an analysis instrument, which are capable of performing sputtering without damage to a surface of a sample and improving detection sensitivity in mass spectroscopy. In the ion source, an emission opening to which ionization liquid is supplied is disposed in an electric field formed in vacuum environment by an extracting electrode so that super large droplet cluster ions are generated from the emission opening. When the sample is irradiated with a super large droplet cluster ion beam, the sample surface is subjected to sputtering without damage, so as to remove contamination substances or to expose a new surface of the sample. In mass spectroscopy, detection sensitivity is improved. |
| US09372156B2 |
System for processing contents of a receptacle to detect an optical signal emitted by the contents
A system is configured to process the contents of one or more receptacles to detect an optical signal emitted by the contents of each receptacle. Each receptacle is held within a receptacle station of a movable receptacle carrier disposed within a temperature-controlled chamber of an incubator. At least one signal detector is configured to detect an optical signal emitted by the contents of a receptacle as the receptacle carrier moves each receptacle into an operative position with respect to the signal detector. A magnet holder is attached to the receptacle carrier and holds one or more magnets adjacent to an associated receptacle station so as to expose the contents of each receptacle carried in the receptacle station to a magnetic field when the receptacle is in the operative position with respect to the signal detector. |
| US09372155B2 |
Roe maturity determination device
Roe W is loaded on a loading tray 6, the roe W is irradiated with light from light irradiation means 11, and an image of at least a part of the roe W irradiated with light from the light irradiation means 11 is taken by image pickup means 12. Image processing of the image Pa taken by the image pickup means 12 is performed to measure a light transmissive value of the light passing through the roe W; and maturity of the roe W is determined based on the measured light transmissive value. This enables a roe maturity determination device and a roe maturity determination method capable of determining precisely roe maturity. |
| US09372146B2 |
Thread plug gauge with maintenance line, thread ring gauge, and method of manufacturing the same
A thread gauge, which allows to reliably know the time for replacement by visual checking and improves the predetermined dimensional accuracy of a thread product has a go-side thread measuring portion extending from one side of a shank portion coaxially with the shank portion or a not-go-side thread measuring portion extending from an other side of the shank portion coaxially with the shank portion, a wear checking gauge line having a predetermined length and a predetermined depth formed on male thread portions and female thread portions formed on the go-side thread measuring portion or the not-go-side thread measuring portion. |
| US09372144B2 |
Particle manipulation system with out-of-plane channel
A particle manipulation system uses a MEMS-based, microfabricated particle manipulation device which has an inlet channel, output channels, and a movable member formed on a substrate. The movable member moves parallel to the fabrication plane, as does fluid flowing in the inlet channel. The movable member separates a target particle from the rest of the particles, diverting it into an output channel. However, at least one output channel is not parallel to the fabrication plane. The device may be used to separate a target particle from non-target material in a sample stream. The target particle may be, for example, a stem cell, zygote, a cancer cell, a T-cell, a component of blood, bacteria or DNA sample, for example. The particle manipulation system may also include a microfluidic structure which focuses the target particles in a particular portion of the inlet channel. |
| US09372142B2 |
Liquid crystal device and method for screening protein stabilizing agents or optimal protein concentrations to prevent unfolding
Methods and devices for assaying the effectiveness of a cleaning composition in removing a protein or a biofilm from a surface are disclosed. Such methods include the steps of providing one or more proteins at an interface between an aqueous phase and a liquid crystal phase or at the surface of a liquid crystal, contacting the interface or liquid crystal surface with a cleaning composition, and observing the orientational ordering of the liquid crystal at the interface or liquid crystal surface. A continuous change in the orientational ordering of the liquid crystal at the interface or liquid crystal surface indicates that the proteins are being removed from the interface, and the rate of change in orientational ordering, the extent of the change in orientational ordering, or both, are correlated with the effectiveness of the cleaning composition. Because the ability of cleaning agents to remove proteins from the interface or liquid crystal surface is correlated with the state and concentration of the protein that is being removed, similar methods and devices can be used to assay the effectiveness of a putative protein stabilizing agent or to assay the optimal concentration of a protein for preventing the unfolding of the protein. |
| US09372133B2 |
Microchemical chip, producing method thereof and method for using the microchemical chip
According to the microchemical chip of the present invention, the sample introducing port 11 is formed as a hole penetrating a face and a back of the first substrate 10, the sample flow path 21 is formed as a slit penetrating a face and a back of the second substrate 20, the sample discharging port 31 is formed as a hole penetrating a face and a back of the third substrate 30, the second substrate 20 is disposed between the first substrate 10 and the third substrate 30, the sample introducing port 11 and the sample discharging port 31 are in communication with each other through the sample flow path 21, and one of ends of the sample flow path 21 is an opening port, and thus, a square hollow groove including an angle having one piece of about 100 microns can be produced as the sample flow path 21. |
| US09372129B2 |
Pressure and flow detection sensor including a carbon-based element
A sensor using a carbon-based element for measuring a flow or a pressure in an environment includes: a substrate; a carbon-based element; and one or more electrodes electrically communicating with the carbon based element, wherein the electrodes are located between the substrate and the carbon-based element so that the electrodes are not exposed to the environment. |
| US09372128B1 |
Printing defect detection using photoelastic measurement device
A method for controlling a printing system adapted to print images on a web of media that is photoelastic and at least partially transparent. One or more printing stations are used deposit a pattern of printing material on a web of media travelling along a web transport path, thereby producing a printed image. A pattern of stress in the web of media is measured using one or more photoelastic measurement devices disposed along the web transport path, wherein the pattern of stress is at least partially induced by the deposited printing material. The measured pattern of stress is analyzed to detect the presence of one or more print defects, and a at least one aspect of the printing system is controlled responsive to detecting a print defect. |
| US09372126B2 |
Low-complexity optical force sensor for a medical device
An apparatus for detecting deformation of an elongate body may comprise a light source configured to sequentially provide light of multiple frequencies, an optical receiver configured to receive light from the light source, and a filter disposed between the light source and the optical detector. The filter may comprise multiple segments, each of the segments configured to filter light at one of the frequencies so as to alter the amount of light incident on said optical receiver. A total amount of light detected by the optical receiver may change during the sequence so as to be indicative of deformation of the elongate body. |
| US09372125B2 |
Load detecting device
A load detecting device for attachment to a structure under load comprises a carrier unit and a plurality of strain gages. The carrier unit comprises a first and a second mounting section arranged along a longitudinal axis and connected by a sensing section, wherein the plurality of strain gages are arranged at the sensing section of the carrier unit. The sensing section includes two connecting elements extending along the longitudinal axis between the first mounting section and the second mounting section, each of the connecting elements being curved and having a convex side, the convex sides of the two connecting elements facing each other. |
| US09372123B2 |
Flexible temperature sensor including conformable electronics
Systems, methods, apparatus and devices are described for monitoring a property of an object or an individual, using a conformal sensor device that substantially conforms to contours of a portion of a surface of the object or the individual. The measurement includes data indicative of a property of a temperature of the portion of the surface and the degree of the conformal contact. An analysis engine is used to analyze the data and to generate at least one parameter indicative of the property of the temperature. Based on a comparison of the at least one parameter to a preset threshold, at least one alert can be issued and/or a command can be transmitted to regulate an environmental condition. The at least one alert can be indicative of a potential risk of harm to the object or individual. |
| US09372122B2 |
Electronic circuit to monitor a temperature of a light emitting diode
An electronic circuit (10) to monitor a temperature of a light emitting diode (1) comprises a current generating circuit (110) to generate a current flow of at least a first and second current (IC1, IC2) through the light emitting diode (1) and a voltage monitoring circuit (120) to monitor a voltage of the light emitting diode (1). The voltage monitoring circuit (120) is further arranged to determine a difference of a respective value of a first and second voltage (Vf1, Vf2) of the light emitting diode (1) to monitor the temperature of the light emitting diode (1), wherein the first voltage (Vf1) and second voltage (Vf2) of the light emitting diode (1) is determined while driving the first and second current (IC2) through the light emitting diode (1). |
| US09372119B2 |
Polarimetric calibration of a remote sensor
Described are methods and systems for vicarious polarimetric calibration and performance validation of a remote sensor. The system includes a plurality of reflective mirrors configured and arranged to reflect radiation from a source of radiation onto the remote sensor with accurately known polarimetric properties. Each of the reflective mirrors are located so that the target images do not overlap. The remote sensor is configured to receive the radiation reflected from the plurality of reflective mirrors and store the received radiation as image data (e.g., the image of each mirror appears as a point target). The system includes a processor configured to process the received data to provide direct calibration and performance validation for each polarimetric or spectral channel of the remote sensor. In addition, the calibration method removes all atmospheric effects except for transmittance and provides reference targets that have high polarimetric contrast, full spectrum performance and easy to deploy. |
| US09372109B2 |
Harvester elevator in-flow weight sensor and methods for the same
A system for measuring crop weight in a harvester elevator includes a receiver and processing node and one or more weight sensing instruments coupled to one or more paddles of the harvested elevator, respectively. The weight sensing instruments each include a weight sensor and a transmitter in communication with a receiver and processing node. The weight sensor is configured to dynamically measure the weight of a static harvested crop, relative to the sensor and corresponding paddle, as it ascends in the harvester elevator. |
| US09372103B2 |
Calibration of grab detection
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving real-time sensor data from N sensors on the computing device. The real-time sensor data corresponds to a transition in a physical state of the computing device caused by a user of the computing device. The method also includes applying a linear function to the real-time sensor data from each of the N sensors; determining a vector based on an N-tuple comprising the derivatives; comparing the vector with a pre-determined hyperplane with N−1 dimensions; and determining based on the comparison whether the transition is an event corresponding to any of one or more pre-determined imminent uses of the computing device by the user or a non-event not corresponding to any of the pre-determined imminent uses of the computing device by the user. |
| US09372097B2 |
Rotation rate sensor and method for calibrating a rotation rate sensor
A rotational rate sensor is provided having a substrate and a Coriolis element, the rotational rate sensor having a drive means for exciting the Coriolis element to a Coriolis oscillation, and the rotational rate sensor having a detection device for producing a sensor signal as a function of a deflection of the Coriolis element relative to the substrate on the basis of a Coriolis force acting on the Coriolis element, and in addition the rotational rate sensor being configured to carry out a self-calibration when a rotational acceleration signal produced as a function of the sensor signal falls below a specified threshold value. |
| US09372096B2 |
Wearable electronic apparatus, data analyzer, and travel record control method
An electronic apparatus refers to location measurement information measured in the past at each time when the latest location measurement information is output from a location measurement module with a predetermined measurement period, if measurement accuracy is good and it is regarded that a direction change has been made, determines the latest location measurement information as saving “necessary” and stores the information. If the measurement accuracy is no good or it is regarded that a positioning point shown by the latest location measurement information is an intermediate point during linear traveling, the latest location measurement information is not saved. Therefore, a data size to be saved is made smaller than that in related art and draining of a battery taken for writing of data is reduced. |
| US09372094B2 |
Method and apparatus for correlating and navigating between a live image and a prerecorded panoramic image
An approach is provided for correlating and navigating between a live camera image and a prerecorded panoramic image. A mapping and augmented reality application correlates at least one live image with a prerecorded panoramic image, when a first location of a device used to capture the at least one live image substantially matches or falls within a predetermined proximity of a second location of a device used to capture the panoramic prerecorded image. The mapping and augmented reality application causes, at least in part, alternating of the at least one live image and the prerecorded panoramic image in a presentation on a screen of the device capturing the at least one live image. |
| US09372091B2 |
User interface for predictive traffic
A navigation device includes a predictive traffic data database to store predictive traffic data at a plurality of times and a map database to store mapping data. A mapping module calculates a route and an estimated time of traversal for a route between a beginning geographic location and an ending geographic location based on the predictive traffic data and the mapping data. A start time modification module monitors for a modification of a start time for the route, with the mapping module recalculating the estimated time of traversal in response to the modification of the start time for the route. |
| US09372090B2 |
Computer-implemented system and method for dynamically coordinating travel
A computer-implemented system and method for dynamically coordinating travel is provided. A plurality of travelers to arrive at a common destination at a common time are identified. A preferred mode of transportation to the destination and a starting location are received for each traveler. An initial route to the destination is generated for each of the travelers based on the received mode of transportation and starting location. Two or more of the travelers are joined by identifying possible pairings between at least two travelers and evaluating a time for each possible pairing of travelers to travel together. A time threshold is applied to the evaluated time for each possible pairing. The travelers of one such possible pairing with an evaluated time that satisfies the threshold are paired. The initial routes of the paired travelers are revised. |
| US09372087B2 |
Method of providing destination information, destination-information providing apparatus and storage medium
A method of providing destination information includes storing route information in which location information identifying locations, coordinate points information, and information of locations adjacent to the locations are associated with each other; storing probability information in which current locations, destinations, and probabilities of moving from the current locations to the corresponding destinations are associated with each other; receiving information indicating a current position of a terminal apparatus; determining a current location corresponding to the current position; determining one or more first destination candidates based on the probability information; determining one or more second destination candidates among the one or more first destination candidates, when a next destination is not uniquely identifiable; determining a nearby location indicating a location adjacent to each second destination candidate and the current location; and determining the next destination among the one or more second destination candidates, by assuming the nearby location as the current location. |
| US09372086B2 |
Control system for indicating if people can reach locations that satisfy a predetermined set of conditions and requirements
Managing routes to meet one or more predetermined conditions, in one aspect, may comprise receiving user information associated with a user via a user's device. Based on the user information, at least a target location to where the user is traveling may be determined. Path information associated with one or more intermediary locations leading to the target location may be received. The path information may be received automatically from one or more sensors installed at the respective intermediary locations for detecting the path information. A route strategy that meets one or more conditions may be estimated by analyzing the user information and the path information. The user information may be obtained automatically from one or more of social network profile data associated with the user, electronic calendar data associated with the user, or historical data associated with the user stored in a user profile database. |
| US09372082B1 |
Method for along-the-cable underwater profile measurement
A method includes: a guide cable and an observation platform is provided, a profiler is mounted, and a trigger gear is set at the bottom of the guide cable; a weight drop-off gear is set at the top of the guide cable, when the observation platform is located at the top of the guide cable, one weight is released by the weight drop-off gear onto the observation platform so that the observation platform descends along the guide cable owing to additional gravity, and when the observation platform descends to the given position of the trigger gear at the bottom of the guide cable, the release gear releases the weight on the observation platform so that the observation platform returns by its own buoyancy to the top along the guide cable; another weight is subsequently released by the weight drop-off gear so that the observation platform repeats the foregoing reciprocating motion. |
| US09372081B2 |
Method and system for geo-referencing at least one sensor image
Various embodiments relate to a method (700) and system for geo-referencing at least one sensor image. The method comprises the steps of: generating at least one sensor image of a first scene with at least one sensor, accessing a 3D model of the environment comprising geo-coded 3D coordinate data and related to at least one second scene, said second scene encompassing said first scene, matching the sensor image with the 3D model find a section of the 3D model where there is a match between the first and the second scenes, geo-referencing the sensor image based on the geo-coded 3D coordinate data of the found section of the 3D model, and determining a measure related to an uncertainty in the matching between the sensor image and the 3D model. |
| US09372080B2 |
Adjustment system for a transfer system in an in-vitro diagnostics system
The invention relates to an adjustment system (3) for a transfer system (1) in an in-vitro diagnostics system. The adjustment system comprises a contact element (4), which is arranged on a movable element (2) of the transfer system (1). The contact element (4) is arranged on the movable element (2) by means of a joint element (5), wherein the joint element (5) has a self-resetting design and wherein a distance measuring sensor (7, 8) is associated with a distance between the contact element (4) and the movable element (2). The adjustment system enables a quick automated adjustment. |
| US09372078B1 |
Detecting thickness variation and quantitative depth utilizing scanning electron microscopy with a surface profiler
A method and system to detect thickness variation of a subject material are described. In an aspect, tribological wear is assessed for a disk drive memory system at the pole tip region of a magnetic head. Images are obtained of a first region and a second region of a subject material utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM images are image processed to obtain a differential contrast between the first region and the second region. An image intensity variation is determined between masked SEM images of the first region and the second region by obtaining a surface profiler image of the first region and the second region, and overlaying and calibrating the SEM images with the surface profiler images. In an aspect, image intensity variation is converted to quantified thickness utilizing a fitted relation obtained from the calibration of the surface profiler images with the SEM images. |
| US09372072B2 |
Particle measuring device and particle measuring method
This particle measuring device includes a stage, a reflected light illuminating device, a transmitted light illuminating device, an illumination control device, an imaging device, and an image processing device. Based on a transmitted light image acquired by imaging an opaque fine particle group using transmitted light and a reflected light image acquired by imaging an opaque fine particle group using reflected light, by associating transmitted light particles present in the transmitted light image and reflected light particles present in the reflected light image with each other using a predetermined method, various characteristics (the position, the size, the brightness level, and the like) of individual particles out of a fine particle group are simultaneously measured. |
| US09372071B2 |
System and method for detecting object in three-dimensional space using infrared sensors
A system for detecting an object in three-dimensional space includes: four emitters defining a rectangular detection area, the emitters being disposed around the four vertices of the rectangular detection area respectively; two receivers being disposed at the midpoints of two edges of the rectangular detection area respectively; and an electronic controller being connected with the emitters and the receivers and configured to control the emitters to radiate light in predetermined wavelengths, to control the receivers to capture light in the predetermined wavelengths reflected by the object and thereby output a plurality of signals, and to convert the signals into coordinates of the object. |
| US09372070B1 |
Target locating device and methods
A target location device has a video camera, a range finder, a self location module and an inertial measurement unit. The device provides a video display including video output of the camera and an object marker such as a cross-hair overlayed on the video output for aiming the camera on a reference point or on a target in the video output. The range finder determines a distance from the device to the target. The self location module identifies the geographic location of the device. The inertial measurement unit includes at least one gyro for providing outputs corresponding to the location of the reference point and the target. Video stabilization may be use to allow accurate placement of the object marker on the target or reference point. Automatic range finder firing and gyroscope error compensation are also provided. |
| US09372065B2 |
Combined steering torque-steering angle sensor having magnetic field sensor elements
A steering torque-steering angle sensor comprising a steering torque sensor module and a steering angle sensor module, wherein the steering torque sensor module operates with a magnetic effective principle and has in this respect a first magnetic encoder and at least one first magnetic field sensor element, wherein the steering angle sensor module has at least a second magnetic field sensor element and a third magnetic field sensor element, wherein the second magnetic field sensor element directly or indirectly senses the magnetic field of the first magnetic encoder, that is to say of the magnetic encoder of the steering torque sensor module, and wherein the third magnetic field sensor element senses the magnetic field of an additional, second magnetic encoder. |
| US09372056B2 |
Broadhead arrowhead with two-stage expansion
Improvements in a broadhead arrow is disclosed where the arrowhead opens in two stages. This provides a broadhead arrow that can be launched with a traditional or compound bow to allow a hunter to bring down large game in an efficient manner. When an arrow is launched the arrow receives a thrust of energy from the string that launches the arrow. The initial thrust partially opens the arrowhead in a first stage of opening to provide a low fight profile that reduces flight air resistance. Regardless of how hard the initial thrust imparted onto the back of the arrow the blades will not open. Because the initial forward launch has no effect on the final opening of the arrow, only minimal impact forces are needed to completely open the broadhead arrow. The broadhead arrow optionally includes at least one side blade that operate with the main blade. |
| US09372054B2 |
Narrowing high strength polymer-based cartridge casing for blank and subsonic ammunition
A high strength polymer-based cartridge casing includes a cartridge body, molded from a polymer, having a first end and an opposing second end, and enclosing a volume. A bullet is removably engaged with the first end and an insert is engaged to the second end. A shoulder portion is located proximate the first end and a propellant chamber formed in the volume. The propellant chamber has a first diameter proximate to the shoulder, a second diameter proximate to the insert and greater than the first diameter, and a linear slope disposed between the first diameter and the second diameter. |
| US09372053B2 |
Autonomous weapon effects planning
A method for autonomous weapon effects planning includes receiving the desired lethality and collateral effects information on a target and autonomously selecting at least one weapon and fuze setting from an inventory of weapons based on the received lethality and collateral effects information. The method further includes autonomously; determining which weapon with fuze setting and terminal elevation and heading angles satisfies the desired lethality and collateral effects; shaping weapon trajectory to satisfy weapon maneuverability, terrain clobber avoidance and guidance requirements and planning weapon launch conditions for the one or more autonomously selected weapons. The weapon launch conditions include at least a launch point or a launch corridor. |
| US09372052B2 |
System and method for decoy management
System and method for determining which decoys should not be deployed based on the locations of the nearby high value units and other considerations. The system and method can visualize and manage the employment of decoys in a multi-platform environment by plotting the predicted path of decoys relative to high value unit (HVU) motion, and highlighting any situations that exist where the decoys (both air-drifting and self-propelled) launched from a platform can direct an incoming threat towards a high value unit. The system and method can develop, display, and automatically transmit a recommendation to launch or not launch a specific decoy. |
| US09372051B2 |
System for automatically aligning a rifle scope to a rifle
A rifle scope includes at least one optical sensor configured to capture optical data corresponding to at least one of a barrel of a firearm and an appendage coupled to the barrel. The rifle scope further includes a controller coupled to the at least one optical sensor and configured to determine an angular position of the barrel in response to capturing the optical data. The controller is configured to automatically determine an alignment of the rifle scope relative to the barrel in response to determining the angular position. |
| US09372049B2 |
Handle sight
A handle sight for a firearm includes a mounting base and a carrying handle. The mounting base has an elongated shape and defining a first end portion and an opposed second end portion, wherein the mounting base is adapted for detachably mounting on the firearm in a reversible orientation to locate the first end portion of the mounting base one of a forward direction and a rearward direction of the firearm. The carrying handle is upwardly extended from the first end portion of the mounting base at a top side thereof, wherein the carrying handle has a hollow structure to define a sight channel for parallelly align with a barrel axis of the firearm so as to enable an operator to aim at a front iron sight of the firearm through the sight channel. |
| US09372045B1 |
Adjustable multi-level archery quiver
An adjustable multi-level archery quiver preferably includes a quiver hood, a quiver frame, a first arrow gripper and a second arrow gripper. The quiver hood includes a plurality of broad head cavities and at least three frame mounting cavities. A centerline of the plurality of broad head cavities are aligned in a straight line. However, depths of adjacent broad head cavities are staggered from each other. An alternative embodiment of a quiver hood includes adjacent broad head cavities that are offset from each other in a Y-axis. The quiver frame includes a first hood mounting leg and a second hood mounting leg extending from one end. The first and second hood mounting legs are retained in the frame mounting openings. The first and second arrow grippers may be attached to the quiver frame to create right or left hand quivers. |
| US09372042B2 |
Magazine carrier for firearms
A magazine carrier for repeating firearms is provided which securely engages a magazine at multiple locations, and which may be easily actuated to remove the magazine, for example, with either the user's trigger hand near the trigger or with the user's other hand while gripping the magazine for removal. In various example embodiments the magazine carrier may comprise a pivoting magazine release member comprising a perimeter frame defining an opening there through, and having an offset pivoting axis and engagement lugs at opposite corners on either side of the axis. Example firearms comprising the magazine carrier are disclosed along with example methods of use. |
| US09372041B1 |
Armorer tool
An armorer tool for distributing the torque associated with assembling and disassembling components of a firearm. |
| US09372040B2 |
Magazine shell of a universal magazine of multiple caliber compatibility for firearms
Various embodiments of a magazine for a firearm are described. In one aspect, a magazine for a firearm may include a magazine shell having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of sidewalls between the first end and the second end. The first end may have an opening and may be configured to attach to the firearm. The second end may include a bottom plate. At least a first primary sidewall of the sidewalls may include a deformable concave area that caves inward with respect to the magazine shell such that the concave area bulges outward with respect to the magazine shell to accommodate one or more ammunition cartridges with of a first caliber and that the concave area does not bulge outward to accommodate one or more ammunition cartridges of a second caliber smaller than the first caliber. |
| US09372033B2 |
Heat exchange element, a heat exchanger comprising the elements, and an equipment for the manufacture of the elements
A heat exchange element of flexible plastic film, a heat exchanger including such elements, and apparatus for manufacturing the elements. The element includes a pair of opposite film sheets bonded by welds to form an expandable bag with inside and outside heat exchange surfaces, an inlet opening for supplying a pressurized heat exchange fluid to the bag, an outlet opening for discharging the fluid from the bag after heat exchange, and an array of welds defining routes for fluid flow inside the bag. There are spot welds in a first zone of the element, parallel extended welds in a second zone of the element, defining fluid flow channels through the second zone, and oblique welds in a third zone of the element, defining channels for fluid flow towards the outlet opening. The heat exchanger includes adjacent elements for heat exchange between a pressurized first fluid. |
| US09372030B2 |
Method of cooling an internal space using a superabsorbent polymer
A method and system for cooling an internal space are provided. A laminate of a hydrophobic membrane and a hydrophilic membrane includes a superabsorbent polymer disposed on or encompassing the hydrophilic membrane. The superabsorbent polymer increases the wicking capacity of the hydrophilic membrane so that water from a source is distributed more rapidly across the hydrophilic membrane. The distributed water is evaporated from the hydrophilic membrane, causing evaporative cooling of the laminate and surrounding air stream(s). The cooled air stream(s) are used to cool the internal space. |
| US09372027B2 |
Refrigerator and shelf assembly for a refrigerator
A refrigerator and a shelf assembly for a refrigerator are provided. The refrigerator may include a cabinet provided with a storage compartment, and a shelf assembly mounted in the storage compartment to adjust a height of a shelf. The shelf assembly may include a shelf mounted to vertically move in the storage compartment, a frame mounted to be vertically movable and support the shelf, at least one rotation gear provided at each of opposite sides of the frame, a pair of guide brackets provided at the opposite sides of the frame, a pair of sliders moved within the pair of guide brackets by the rotation gears, an exterior of each of the pair of sliders being provided with at least one protrusion, a power transmission to transmit rotatory power of the rotation gears to the pair of sliders, at least one guide groove formed on each of opposite inner surfaces of the storage compartment to guide movement of the protrusions, and a rotation device to rotate the rotation gears. |
| US09372022B2 |
Compressor waste heat driven cooling system
Provided in some embodiments is a system that includes a gas compressor including an engine, a compressor driven by the engine, and a vapor absorption cycle (VAC) system driven by waste heat from the compressor, wherein the VAC system is configured to cool at least one medium. In other embodiments is provided a method that includes generating waste heat while compressing a gas, driving a vapor absorption cycle (VAC) system with the waste heat, and cooling at least one medium via the VAC system. |
| US09372020B2 |
Method and apparatus for thermal exchange with two-phase media
In a temperature control system using a controlled mix of high temperature pressurized gas and a cooled vapor/liquid flow of the same medium to cool a thermal load to a target temperature in a high energy environment, particular advantages are obtained in precision and efficiency by passing at least a substantial percentage of the cooled vapor/liquid flow through the thermal load directly, and thereafter mixing the output with a portion of the pressurized gas flow. This “post load mixing” approach increases the thermal transfer coefficient, improves control and facilities target temperature change. Ad added mixing between the cooled expanded flow and a lesser flow of pressurized gas also is used prior to the input to the thermal load. A further feature, termed a remote “Line Box”, enables transport of the separate flows of the two phase medium through a substantial spacing from pressurizing and condensing units without undesired liquefaction in the transport lines. |
| US09372012B2 |
Determining heating element and water heater status based on galvanic current
Systems and methods for determining heating element and water heater status based on galvanic current are provided. An exemplary water heater includes a tank for holding a volume of water and an anode rod extending into the water. The anode rod has a core made of a conductive material. The water heater also includes at least one heating element configured to heat the water when energized. The water heater includes a current measurement circuit configured to generate a feedback signal describing a galvanic current flowing from the core of the anode rod to an electrical ground. The water heater also includes a controller configured to receive the feedback signal from the current measurement circuit and to control one or more operations of the water heater based on the feedback signal. |
| US09372010B2 |
Apparatus, method for controlling one or more outdoor devices, and air conditioning system having the same
An apparatus, a method for controlling one or more outdoor devices, and an air conditioning system are provided. A freezing prevention function for an outdoor device may be activated or deactivated based on weather information received from an external weather information providing server or weather information input by a user, and freezing prevention may be performed using state and operation information of the outdoor device as necessary. Thus, user convenience may be improved, stability of the outdoor device and an air conditioning system having the same enhanced, and operation efficiency improved. |
| US09372007B2 |
Air conditioning system
When the air conditioner implements the temperature controlling operation, the ventilator performs ventilation in a normal ventilation mode where a ventilation amount is set at a certain ventilation amount or more. When the air conditioner implements the operation not intended for temperature control, the ventilator performs ventilation in a ventilation suppressed mode where the number of rotations of an exhaust fan is made greater than that of an air supply fan to place indoor space in a negative pressure and ventilation is performed at an amount smaller than the certain ventilation amount or ventilation is stopped. In the ventilation suppressed mode, a ventilation amount is set to be smaller in response to a greater heating load that is increased by ventilation performed during the operation not intended for temperature control. |
| US09372004B2 |
Filter units, filtration methods, and filtration systems
A filter unit, system and method for removing grease, oil and other particulates from air. The filter unit includes a housing having upstream and downstream walls and a cavity therebetween. The upstream wall has an entrance opening aligned with a downstream wall portion, and the downstream wall has first and second exit openings aligned with first and second upstream wall portions. A heat exchanger is disposed within the cavity and includes first and second upstream conduits within the entrance opening and first and second downstream conduits within the first and second exit opening. The entrance and exit openings are arranged to define S-shaped air flow paths through the housing between the entrance and exit openings, each of which flows around a downstream side of one of the upstream conduits then around an upstream side of one of the downstream conduits before exiting through one of the exit openings. |
| US09372001B2 |
Home cooking appliance with a side swing oven door having an integral self capturing latch
A home cooking appliance with a side swing door is provided. The home cooking appliance includes a self capturing latch mechanism that secures and seals the side swing door in the closed position, the self capturing latch mechanism including a stationary hook and a receiver that receives and draws part of the stationary hook into a secured position within the receiver when the side swing door is moved into the closed position to secure the side swing door in the closed position. The receiver provides a variable closing force that varies from a first closing force at an initial engagement of the receiver with the part of the stationary hook to a predetermined second closing force, which is greater than the first closing force, at a completed engagement of the receiver with the part of the stationary hook to seal the side swing door in the closed position. |
| US09371995B2 |
Pulsed water flush of liquid fuel valves and combustion nozzles
A method of flushing liquid fuel from valves and nozzles in a gas turbine is conducted via a mixing valve including flow passages for fuel and water. In the method, water is flowed through the flow passages, and the flow is interrupted for a period of no flow. This flow profile is repeated such that the water flow is pulsed through the flow passages. |
| US09371994B2 |
Method for Electrically-driven classification of combustion particles
In a combustion system, a charge source is configured to cooperate with a collection plate and a director conduit to cause at least one particle charge-to-mass classification to be reintroduced to a flame for further reaction. |
| US09371993B2 |
Gradual oxidation below flameout temperature
Described herein are embodiments of systems and methods for oxidizing gases. In some embodiments, a reaction chamber is configured to receive a fuel gas and maintain the gas at a temperature within the reaction chamber that is above an autoignition temperature of the gas. The reaction chamber may also be configured to maintain a reaction temperature within the reaction chamber below a flameout temperature. In some embodiments, heat and product gases from the oxidation process can be used, for example, to drive a turbine, reciprocating engine, and injected back into the reaction chamber. |
| US09371989B2 |
Combustor nozzle and method for supplying fuel to a combustor
A combustor nozzle includes a first and second liquid fuel passages that terminate at first and second fuel ports. A first diluent passage terminates at a first diluent outlet radially surrounding the second fuel ports. A second diluent passage terminates at a second diluent outlet between the first diluent outlet and the second fuel ports. A third diluent passage surrounds at least a portion of the first and second diluent passages. A method for supplying fuel to a combustor includes flowing a liquid fuel through a first fuel passage and flowing an emulsified liquid fuel through a second fuel passage. The method further includes flowing a first diluent through a shroud surrounding the second fuel passage to a first diluent passage surrounding at least a portion of the second fuel passage and flowing a second diluent through a second diluent passage radially disposed between the first diluent passage and the second fuel passage. |
| US09371987B2 |
Structure of a super heater
A method for reducing corrosion of a superheater of a steam boiler. The superheater includes a superheater piping. The superheating piping includes a steam pipe where the steam to be superheated is directed. The steam pipe is separated by a protective shell having a surface settling in the flue gas space has a temperature that rises above an upper critical temperature, above which temperature in the flue gas space the compounds from the fuel are substantially in a gaseous form. A superheater of a steam boiler and a circulating fluidized bed boiler. |
| US09371981B2 |
LED lamp having stable structure and easy assembly
An LED lamp includes a heat conductive housing, a light source module and a light-pervious cover. The interior of the heat conductive housing is provided with a heat conductive partition plate capable of dividing the interior of the heat conductive housing thereby forming an accommodation space having a cavity at one end of the heat conductive housing. The light source module is disposed in the accommodation space and includes a circuit board and at least one LED disposed on the circuit board. The light-pervious cover is formed with a sleeve opening, and the periphery of the sleeve opening is protrudingly formed with an annular wall, the outer edge of the annular wall is mated and engaged with the inner edge of the cavity, thereby enabling the circuit board to be pressed by the annular wall so as to be tightly fastened on the heat conductive partition plate. |
| US09371974B2 |
Lighting device, light fixture, and vehicle
A lighting device includes: a circuit board placed on a base; and a transformer provided in the circuit board. The transformer includes: a winding pattern formed on the circuit board; and a core having an outer leg portion. The circuit board has an outer leg insertion portion through which the outer leg portion of the core is inserted, and the circuit board and the base have therebetween a gap which is air space. The base and at least a lateral face of the outer leg portion are bonded together by a first resin that is insertable from the outer leg insertion portion. |
| US09371971B2 |
Flashlight insert for an oil-type lighter
This invention is a removable flashlight insert for fitting into an oil-type cigarette lighter outer case. The flashlight insert contains an LED lamp module with a movable switch element and a battery module contained within a top chamber and a bottom chamber respectively of an outside metal shell. The outside metal shell provides a direct conduction path between a battery terminal in the bottom chamber and the movable switch element in the top chamber. The flashlight insert may contain two different LEDs, where either of the two LEDs may be user selected by a separate switch. A rechargeable flashlight insert is also shown having an electronic circuit contained inside the outer metal shell. Lamp and battery modules are also provided in a kit to transform an oil-type cigarette lighter insert into a flashlight insert. |
| US09371970B2 |
Laser package having multiple emitters configured on a support member
A method and device for emitting electromagnetic radiation at high power using nonpolar or semipolar gallium containing substrates such as GaN, AlN, InN, InGaN, AlGaN, and AlInGaN, is provided. In various embodiments, the laser device includes plural laser emitters emitting green or blue laser light, integrated a substrate. |
| US09371969B2 |
Display device
A display device is provided that is a transparent, colored glass-ceramic with a front-side indication side, a rear-side illumination side, and at least one luminous element disposed in the region of the illumination side. The display device further includes a color compensation filter and a at least partially transparent intermediate layer between the color compensation filter and the glass-ceramic. |
| US09371968B2 |
Lighting device
A lighting device may include: a rod-shaped carrier body with at least one first and one second mounting side and a main direction of extent, first semiconductor light-emitting elements on first mounting faces of the first mounting side, and second semiconductor light-emitting elements on second mounting faces of the second mounting side, wherein the first and the second mounting sides face away from one another, wherein the mounting faces are formed by depressions in the mounting sides, which depressions are arranged so as to be spaced apart along the main direction of extent, and wherein the first semiconductor light-emitting elements are identical to one another and the second semiconductor light-emitting elements are identical to one another. |
| US09371964B2 |
High pressure gas tank and manufacturing method of high pressure gas tank
This high pressure gas tank is a tank in which a fiber-reinforced resin layer is formed around an outer periphery of a tank liner by fibers impregnated with thermosetting resin being wound around the outer periphery of the tank liner. The fiber-reinforced resin layer includes an inside layer formed on the tank liner side, and an outside layer formed on an outer periphery of the inside layer. The inside layer is formed as a dense layer, while the outside layer is formed as a layer that is less dense than the inside layer by forming a larger number of airspaces in the outside layer than there are in the inside layer. |
| US09371951B2 |
Valve, pipe and pipe component repair
In some implementations, an injection system that injects sealant into a pipe, pressure component or valve while containing the pipe, pressure component or valve repair that significantly reduces or eliminates release of hazardous material from inside the pipe, pressure component valve or injection system and thus significantly reduces emission of the hazardous material from inside the pipe, pressure component or valve into the environment and protecting the repair technicians. |
| US09371950B2 |
Method of lining a pipe
A cured in place liner system and associated connections and methods are disclosed. The cured in place pipe system forms a completely rehabilitated, stand-alone, fluid-tight flow path between upstream and downstream portions of an existing pipe system. The rehabilitated flow path is stand-alone in that the liner system does not rely on structure of the portion of the pipe system through which the liner system is installed to define the fluid-tight flow path. The flow path between upstream and downstream portions of the liner system is defined by and made fluid-tight solely by components of the rehabilitation system such as cured in place liners and couplers. The portion of the pipe system through which the rehabilitation system is installed merely provides a path (e.g., through the ground) through which the cured in place liner system can be inserted. After the cured in place liner system is installed, the liner system forms a fluid-tight flow path between an upstream portion of the pipe system and a downstream portion of the pipe system. Various types of connections may be used. In addition, various types of methods may be used in forming the connections, such as using a mold to cure connecting sections of the cured in place liners in desired configurations (e.g., having a generally circular outer profile) for forming connections with the liners. |
| US09371948B2 |
Liquid-tight connector
A liquid-tight connector includes a threaded body, a finger/gland assembly within an annular pocket within the body, and a compression nut that engages a first threaded portion of the body. The finger/gland assembly includes a plurality of fingers attached to a sealing gland in an annular, collet-type fashion. The sealing gland and the fingers may be integral with one another. The sealing gland and the fingers may be co-molded with one another. Tightening the compression nut on the threaded body causes the compression nut to engage the fingers of the finger/gland assembly and bias the fingers toward each other. Such biasing causes the fingers to move inward and compress the sealing gland so that it forms a liquid-tight seal around the entire circumference of a cable within the body of the connector. |
| US09371941B1 |
Exterior ductwork system
An insulated ductwork system particularly adapted for exterior use joins together pre-assembled air circulation duct sections that each have a ductwork passageway that is formed solely with insulation panels of foam insulation material disposed between foil sheets that are in turn covered by additional insulation material and an outer protective jacket to seal the ductwork from weather effects. The air circulation duct sections are used without traditional metal ductwork forming any part of the air circulation duct. Receiving flanges extend from the ends of each air circulation duct section and the duct sections are joined together in abutting relation with at least one slidably engageable sleeve that engages the flanges. A filler insulation is disposed over the sleeve. A closure band is disposed over the filler insulation and joined to exterior surfaces of the air circulation duct sections. |
| US09371938B2 |
Modular construction conduit unit
A modular conduit unit system and method for exemplary uses in routing utility lines and storage management of fluids. The modular conduit units may include independent dome-shaped structures including four orthogonally oriented openings and internal chambers. On connection of many conduit units, multiple passageways are created for routing utility lines through the modular structure. Closure panels may be selectively installed to close off the conduit units and passageways for underground storage of fluids or other materials. The modular units are capable of being encased by materials including concrete for underground and concrete floors and walls of commercial buildings. |
| US09371935B2 |
Adapter for an assembly having a valve and a positioner
An adapter for an assembly having a valve and a positioner, which are configured for pipeless valve mounting according to the guideline VDI/VDE 3847, wherein the adapter is intended to be installed between the valve and the positioner, and the adapter enables a variably adjustable position of the valve relative to the positioner, such that possible collisions between the valve and other parts located near the interface intended for the installation of the valve can be largely avoided. |
| US09371926B2 |
Pressure relief valve with singular body
A pressure relief valve includes a singular body that encloses a seat and a stationary shim, a poppet, within the singular body, that is forced against a seat by a spring attached to the stationary shim, and a pin inserted into the pressure relief valve body to lock the pressure relief valve into a housing bore. The poppet includes a nose extension that extends into a void enclosed by the seat to provide damping. The seat includes a non-threaded stepped region on its outer surface and the singular body includes a complementary stepped region on its inner surface such that when the seat is fit into the singular body, the stepped region of the seat and the complementary stepped region of the singular body interface with each other to prevent movement of the seat toward the spring. The pin includes a coating to reduce friction and galling. |
| US09371920B2 |
Modulating balance ported three way valve
Provided is a three-way valve having and actuator (66) and first (100) and second (102) piston assemblies movable by the actuator (66) and arranged in tandem, wherein each piston assembly (100,102) has a backside (104,106) in fluid communication with a common pressure source for pressure balancing the piston assemblies (100,102). By having the backsides (104,106) in fluid communication with a common pressure source and by isolating the piston assemblies (100,102) from a main chamber, an axial load on the actuator (66) is minimized, thereby allowing for more compact valve designs. |
| US09371915B2 |
Poppet valve with a formed seat, and method of making
A method of forming a poppet valve having a stem, a valve head and a valve seat while concurrently maintaining compressive residual stress without grain coarsening on both the valve body and the valve seat. The method includes forming a rounded cladded part on the valve head of the poppet valve by welding and forming a valve seat surface at a predetermined aperture angle and cutting the cladded part to form a smooth surface which is subjected to uniform contact pressure at a temperature less than the recrystallization temperature of the base material or cladding material, whichever is lower, to enhance the durability of the valve seat. |
| US09371913B2 |
Valve apparatus for high pressure gas containers
A valve apparatus is comprised of a solenoid valve, a manual valve, a pressure relief device, a check valve, an excess flow shut-off device, and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is arranged inside the tank in an ambient atmosphere. The sealing member is prevented from falling off from the recess by a floating seal structure. The sealing effectiveness is improved by employing a double seal configuration and also by a smooth surface roughness. A high pressure seal structure is presented. The improved pressure relief device design for 75 MPa application has been presented. |
| US09371912B2 |
Sliding parts
Sliding parts are provided where a plurality of dynamic pressure-generating grooves for generating dynamic pressure via the relative rotational sliding of the stationary ring and the rotating ring are formed in a circumferential direction on a sealing face of one of a stationary ring and the rotating ring so as to communicate with a sealed fluid-containing space, and pumping areas for generating pumping action via the relative rotational sliding of the stationary ring and the rotating ring are formed within the dynamic pressure-generating grooves. |
| US09371910B2 |
Piston for a radial piston machine
A piston for a radial piston machine includes a metal core that is substantially provided with a casing made of plastic. The casing is configured to be produced from PEEK together with a bearing shell as one piece and injection-molded onto the core. |
| US09371906B2 |
Shift control system for automatic transmission
A shift control device for shift controlling an automatic transmission in a powertrain drivingly connecting a power source, a hydraulic transmission element, and an automatic transmission in the mentioned order, has a hydraulic transmission element required output calculator that calculates a required output to be output from the hydraulic transmission element to the automatic transmission based on the output of the power source obtained from the slip condition between the input and output elements of the hydraulic transmission element and a total efficiency of the hydraulic transmission element, and a hydraulic transmission element total efficiency calculator that calculates, for each output rotation speed of the hydraulic transmission element, a speed ratio and a torque ratio between the input and output elements of the hydraulic transmission element, each being required for achieving the calculated hydraulic transmission element required output. |
| US09371903B2 |
Method for shifting a shift-by-wire transmission without engine power
A vehicle according to the present disclosure includes a shift-by-wire transmission, a pressure source configured to selectively provide hydraulic pressure in the absence of engine power, an internal combustion engine, and a controller. The shift-by-wire transmission includes a hydraulic actuator, and the electric pump is in fluid communication with the actuator. The controller is configured to, in response to a driver input and the engine being off, control the pressure source to provide hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic actuator. |
| US09371901B2 |
Pulley structure of belt type electric power steering gear
Provided is a pulley structure of a belt type electric power steering (EPS) gear, and more particularly, a pulley structure of a belt type EPS gear capable of providing good assemblability using an engineering plastic and a specific structure. The pulley structure of the belt type EPS gear includes an insert ring section coupled to a ball nut, a support section configured to support the insert ring section, a first flange section configured to prevent separation of a belt, a pulley having a driving section configured to receive a driving force of the belt, a support frame disposed at one side surface of the driving section and having a bent shape to have an internal space when coupled to the ball nut, and a second flange section disposed at one side surface of the support frame and configured to prevent separation of the belt. |
| US09371896B2 |
Power transmission unit for vehicle
A power transmission unit including a first clutch device that selectively enables and disables a torque transmitting route from an input shaft to an output shaft via a first gear train to transmit 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 torque is transmitted through a continuously variable transmission and a reverse route in which torque is transmitted through a second gear train, and a second clutch device that selectively enables and disables both of the continuously variable speed change route and the reverse route to transmit torque to the input shaft or the output shaft. The first clutch device and the second clutch device are separately disposed on any of the input shaft and the output shaft in a manner to be situated at different axial positions. |
| US09371893B2 |
Contoured radius continuously variable transmission
A Contoured Radius Continuously Variable Transmission (CRCVT) varies the torque and speed of an output component relative to the torque and speed of the input component by forming the contour of a belt-like component so that the belt-like component's radial distance from the input and/or output axis is gradually altered from being uniform throughout its length to being varied for different periods along its length. |
| US09371892B2 |
Power transmission system of hybrid electric vehicle
A power transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle includes an input shaft a first planetary gear set disposed on the input shaft while having a first sun gear, a first planetary carrier, and a first ring gear, a second planetary gear set having a second sun gear, a second planetary carrier, and a second ring gear, a third planetary gear set having a third sun gear, a third planetary carrier, and a third ring gear, first to sixth rotation shafts and three friction elements selectively connect the respective rotation shafts to each other or selectively connect the respective rotation shafts to the transmission housing. |
| US09371891B2 |
Multi-speed gearbox
A multi-stage transmission in which carrier of first gear set is connected to ring gear of fourth gear set, ring gear of first gear set and carrier of second gear set can be coupled to housing via first brake or to drive shaft via first clutch. Sun of first gear set and sun of second gear set can be coupled to housing via second brake. Sun of third gear set and sun of fourth gear set can be coupled to housing via third brake. Drive shaft can be coupled to ring gear of second gear set via second clutch. Ring gear of third gear set and carrier of fourth gear set can be coupled to drive shaft via third clutch, and output shaft is connected to carrier of third gear set. |
| US09371888B2 |
Toothed wheels and transmission
A pair of toothed wheels that mesh with each other includes a plateau portion. The surface of the plateau portion is a plateau-structure surface formed on each tooth face of each of the pair of the toothed wheels, with peak portions of convexities, out of a plurality of concavities and the convexities provided on the each tooth face, being flat. A reduced valley depth Rvk of the plateau portion of one of the pair of the toothed wheels as defined in JISB0671-2 is greater than the reduced valley depth Rvk of the plateau portion of the other of the pair of the toothed wheels. The area occupied by the concavities in the plateau portion of the one of the toothed wheels is larger than the area occupied by the concavities in the plateau portion of the other toothed wheel. |
| US09371887B2 |
Splicing device for closing a looped material band and material band provided with such splicing device
A splicing device (10) for closing a looped material band (1) comprising two splicing elements (20, 30) intimately linked to the ends (2, 3) of the material band (1), assembled together by fitting two toothings (22, 23) into each other, and locked by a transverse locking rod (15) inserted in the aligned transverse openings (14) of the teeth (13) of each toothing. The splicing elements (20, 30) are made out of a material compatible with that of the material band and comprise a traction core extending longitudinally up to the teeth (13) and surrounding the transverse opening (14) of teeth (13) of each toothing (22, 32) so that, when the splicing device (10) is assembled and locked, the traction cores of the splicing elements ensure the tensile strength of the splicing device (10) while remaining very flexible. |
| US09371885B2 |
Rotational vibration damping arrangement for the drive train of a vehicle
A torsional vibration damping arrangement for the drivetrain of a vehicle includes an input region to be driven in rotation around an axis of rotation (A) and an output region, and a first torque transmission path and parallel thereto a second torque transmission path which proceed from the input region, and a coupling arrangement for superposing the torques guided via the torque transmission paths, which coupling arrangement communicates with the output region, and a phase shifter arrangement for the first torque transmission path for generating a phase shift of rotational irregularities guided via the first torque transmission path relative to rotational irregularities guided via the second torque transmission path. The torsional vibration damping arrangement is formed with an axial distance between the phase shifter arrangement and the coupling arrangement to form a passage space for at least one driveshaft of a vehicle. |
| US09371881B2 |
End member, gas spring assembly and method
An end member for a gas spring assembly includes an end member wall with a first wall portion at least partially defining a substantially-flat surface area in a first plane, a second wall portion at least partially defining an outer peripheral extent of the end member wall and a third wall portion at least partially defining a substantially-flat surface area in a second plane. A valley can extend lengthwise along the third wall portion. A gas spring assembly and method of assembly are also included. |
| US09371880B2 |
Dual-tube shock absorber
A shock absorber for a motor vehicle including an outer cylinder having upper and lower end walls, an inner cylinder disposed within and coaxially relative to the outer cylinder, connected to the upper end wall of the outer cylinder, providing an annular chamber with the outer cylinder and having a partition wall at a lower end thereof spaced from the lower end wall of the outer cylinder, and a piston having a head portion disposed in the inner cylinder and a rod portion extending through the partition wall of the inner cylinder and the lower end wall of the outer cylinder, wherein the annular chamber is filled with a gas, the inner cylinder is filled with a damping fluid and the piston head and the end wall of the inner cylinder are provided with one-way valves. |
| US09371879B2 |
Pseudo-linear hydro-pneumatic spring
A pseudo-linear hydro-pneumatic isolation spring includes a cylinder having an interior partially filled with a hydraulic fluid as well as a piston assembly that is movably disposed within the cylinder including a piston head and a piston rod. A plurality of accumulators are fluidically connected to the interior of the cylinder in parallel, each of the accumulators being charged to a different pressure and size so as to actively engage the cylinder only after a threshold pressure force based on fluid displacement of the piston in the cylinder has been reached. |
| US09371871B2 |
Freewheel device with switchable freewheel
A freewheel device having a switchable freewheel which may include a first race, a second race, locking elements arranged between the first and second races and a locking element cage for receiving the locking elements. The locking element cage may be rotated relative to the first race to a first rotational position in which the first race is in rotationally entraining connection to the second race via the locking elements and to a second rotational position in which the first race is not in rotationally entraining connection to the second race. The switching device may be formed by a first planetary gear, a second planetary gear and a switching drive. |
| US09371870B2 |
Systems for energy recovery and related methods
A vapor transport device can include a tube, a first cap positioned at a first region of the tube, a second cap positioned at a second region of the tube, and a piston positioned between the first cap and the second cap so as to divide the tube into a first chamber of variable size that extends between the first cap and the piston and a second chamber of variable size that extends between the piston and the second cap. The vapor transport device can further include a drive shaft connected to the piston and extending through the second cap, and can also include a plurality of one-way valves. |
| US09371865B1 |
Drive device
A clutch mechanism for a vehicle drive uses a drive gear having an interface element rotatable therewith, and a hub driving an output shaft. A ring is disposed proximate to and selectively engagable with the interface element. An adjustment mechanism moves the ring between an engaged position with the interface element to transfer rotational force from the drive gear to the shaft, and a disengaged position in which the ring is disengaged from the interface element. At least one spring engaged to the hub and the ring biases the ring to the engaged position. |
| US09371864B2 |
Constant velocity joint
The constant velocity joint has the input shaft (1), the output shaft (2), two toothed spherical left arms (4L), two toothed spherical right arms (4R), and the stabilizing mechanism (3). The stabilizing mechanism (3) is made up of stabilizing segments (3.1) and (3.2). Stabilizing segments have limited degrees of freedom except the possibility of partial rotation around the axis of the stabilizing mechanism (3). Each stabilizing segment (3.1) or (3.2) is associated with one toothed spherical left arm (4L) and one toothed spherical right arm (4R) attached by means of bolts (6) and two groups of rolling elements (8) such that they can only rotate around the axes of the bolts (6). The input shaft (1) carries on its body two arms (1.1) and (1.2). The output shaft (2) carries on its body two arms (2.1) and (2.2). In arms of both shafts there are outer rolling paths created for groups of rolling elements (9), which perform the function of radial-axial bearings. The input shaft (1) is attached to the assembly of the stabilizing mechanism and the spherical arms through the two bolts (7), which pass through the radial-axial bearings in the arms of the shaft (1.1) and (1.2), and are attached into spurs on the corresponding spherical arms (4L) and (4R). The output shaft is connected in the same way. |
| US09371860B2 |
Hub-bearing assembly for agricultural use
A hub-bearing assembly including a rolling bearing having an outer ring, at least an inner ring and at least a row of rolling bodies is provided. The rolling bearing including a housing containing the rolling bearing and having an annular cylindrical shape, the housing at one end forming a radial flange, a closing cap, assembled on the housing at the opposite end with respect to the end, where the housing forms the flange, the cap being cup shaped and having a bottom wall, transverse to the rolling bearing axis, and a side wall, constrained to the bottom wall. First assembly means provided on the housing external wall, the first assembly means being fixed and localized in angular correspondence with the ribs and cooperating with second assembly means, movable and realized on the internal surface of the side wall for assembling, in a dismantled way, the cap on the housing. |
| US09371858B2 |
Method and device for manufacturing a down hole motor radial bearing
A down hole motor is used in the oil prospecting industry to drive drill bits for drilling the ground at great depths. The down hole motor (1) includes a drive shaft (5) held in the motor body (3) by an axial thrust bearing (6) and by a radial bearing (7). The radial bearing (7) is a tubular member whose interior surface is coated with an anti-abrasion layer (11) formed by laser-assisted facing directly inside an alloy steel radial bearing body (10). The thickness of the facing layer is then reduced by removing material by the use of a cutting tool. This produces a radial bearing (7) that is relatively insensitive to drilling mud and confers great reliability on the down hole motor (1). |
| US09371845B2 |
Brake or coupling system and method of operating such system
The brake or coupling system (1) comprises a first piston (2) arranged in a first piston cylinder (3) thereby forming a first piston chamber (5) and a second piston (8) arranged in a second piston cylinder (9) thereby forming a second piston chamber (10). The first piston (2) is adapted to be displaced between a braking position and a rest position. The first piston (2) is spring biased in the direction of its rest position, and the second piston (8) is adapted to adjust a distance (X) provided between a friction element (6) and a rotatable element (7) in the rest position of the first piston (2) by means of adjustment of a volume of hydraulic fluid trapped in the second piston chamber (10). At least one spring element is arranged to act between the first and second pistons (2, 8). The first and second pistons (2, 8) are so arranged that a hydraulic pressure in the first and second piston chambers (5, 10), respectively, will urge the first and second pistons (2, 8) in opposite directions, thereby biasing the at least one spring element. |
| US09371842B1 |
Hydraulic motor having a dual brake system
A hydraulic drive unit for use in a vehicle or other application incorporates a motor disposed in a housing and connected to a pump through a porting system, and an output shaft driven by the motor. A mechanical brake is used to brake the motor, while a valve provides a hydraulic brake for preventing flow between the hydraulic motor and the hydraulic pump. A brake actuator is connected to both the mechanical brake and the hydraulic brake, whereby actuation of the brake actuator causes both the mechanical brake and the hydraulic brake to be actuated. |
| US09371841B2 |
Safety arrangement for an integrated heater, pump, and motor for an appliance
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing a safety arrangement for an integrated heater, circulation pump, and motor for an appliance are provided. In an example safety arrangement, the circulation pump assembly includes a heater, a pump, and a motor integrated into a single unit. The circulation pump assembly defines a first end, a second opposite end, and a housing extending therebetween. The safety arrangement includes a hub configured to at least partially surround the first end of the circulation pump assembly and a first shield configured to at least partially surround the housing of the circulation pump assembly. The safety arrangement further includes a second shield configured to at least partially surround the housing of the circulation pump assembly. The hub, the first shield, and the second shield are configured to cooperate with one another to protect the circulation pump assembly from one or more hazardous conditions. |
| US09371839B2 |
Nose dome for a turbomachine blower
A nose dome for a turbomachine blower that has a conical exterior surface and a base, which dome includes: a plurality of removal mechanism, a plurality of fasteners created by machining the exterior surface, the fasteners including a first, blind borehole that is capable of forming a bearing surface; an orifice that passes through the bearing surface and is capable of accommodating threaded fasteners. The removal mechanisms are created by machining the boreholes in the fasteners in a direction designed to enable removal in an axial direction of the dome with the aid of a tool that cooperates with the machined arrangements. |
| US09371838B2 |
Integral scroll and gearbox for a compressor with speed change option
The volute is cast integrally with the gearbox base to allow closer radial tolerances to be used to improve efficiency. In the preferred embodiment, compressors for multi-stage compression are assembled with intercoolers and the integral volute is cast together with the impeller housing and the lower gearbox housing and the associated intercooler. Efficiency increases of 2% or more are achievable. In multistage applications, efficiency gains in the early stages are compounded in each subsequent stage. Speed changes that change center distance between bull gear and pinion are accommodated by an offset opening in the inlet and diffuser that can line up with the impeller shaft as well as an offset opening in the fluid seal despite a pinion gear change, by reorientation and remounting of those parts. |
| US09371834B2 |
Centrifugal pump
A centrifugal pump that includes a casing in which an impeller is arranged. The impeller has a back side that faces a back plate of the centrifugal pump, and one or more vanes for pumping the fluid. The back side of the impeller includes a segmented scraper for scraping from the back plate material that has been deposited from the fluid. The segmented scraper includes multiple protrusions, wherein each protrusion of the multiple protrusions is facing the back plate, and an aggregated radial extension of the protrusions equals a radius of the impeller within an interval of ±10%, ±25% or even up to ±40%. |
| US09371832B2 |
Scroll compressor
A scroll compressor including a fixed scroll having a fixed wrap; and an orbiting scroll having an orbiting wrap engaged with the fixed wrap to form compression chambers, and performing an orbital motion with respect to the fixed scroll, wherein at least one of the fixed wrap and the orbiting wrap has a first constant section, a variable section, and a second constant section consecutively formed in a direction from a wrap final end to a wrap initial end. |
| US09371831B2 |
Refueling method for supplying fuel to hydraulic fracturing equipment
A refueling method for supplying fuel to hydraulic fracturing equipment by installing a main fuel source at a fractionation operation, connecting the main fuel source to hydraulic fracturing equipment to provide downhole fluids to the well, and connecting at least one pressurization unit to the main fuel source. The method includes using a valve element to stop fuel flow from the motor fuel tank when the main fuel source supplies the fuel to the supply coupling device and automatically starts fuel flow from the motor fuel tank to the pump when a system failure prevents the main fuel source from supplying the fuel to the supply coupling device and using the return fuel line with the return coupling device for the transfer of the fuel to the motor fuel tank when a system failure prevents the main fuel source from supplying the fuel to the supply coupling device. |
| US09371830B2 |
Refueling system for supplying fuel to hydraulic fracturing equipment
A refueling system for supplying fuel to hydraulic fracturing equipment. The refueling system having a main fuel source and at least one pressurization unit. The pressurization unit having a pump, a motor, a motor fuel source, a supply coupling device and a return coupling device. The refueling system having sensors in the one or more supply fuel lines and in the one or more return fuel lines for receiving flow rate information and pressure information, wherein the flow rate information and pressure information is compared to preset limits and a message is transmitted when the flow rate information and pressure information falls below or exceeds the preset limits to adjust rates of operation. |
| US09371827B2 |
Diaphragm pump with high suction capacity
A hydraulically-controlled diaphragm pump having a pump head in which a first deformable diaphragm defines a pump chamber, a pump body that co-operates with the first diaphragm to define a hydraulic working chamber, and a piston mounted to move back and forth in the pump body so as to form a controlled movable wall of the working chamber. The movable wall also includes at least one second diaphragm secured to the piston head and to the body of the pump, and providing sealing for the working chamber. |
| US09371825B2 |
Fuel tank arrangements for self-priming floating pumps
An auxiliary fuel tank for portable self-priming floating pumps is configured to float independently of the pump while being retained therewith. The tank features an annular shape having a central opening that is sized to accommodate receipt of the pump, whereby the tank fits around the pump so as to move therewith over the body of water in which the pump is deployed. |
| US09371824B2 |
Dosing device
The present invention relates to a dosing valve and to a dosing device (15) for introducing a liquid medium into an exhaust-gas stream of an internal combustion engine (1) of a motor vehicle. The dosing device (15) has a pump (23) for delivering the liquid medium. The medium is injected into the exhaust-gas stream by means of a dosing valve (13) which can be controlled by way of an electromagnet (65). The dosing device (13) comprises a housing (33) with a stepped bore (34, 34.1, 34.2, 34.3, 34.4), wherein a pump sleeve (47) is guided sealingly in one portion (34.4) of the stepped bore (34). A hollow-bored piston (49) is guided sealingly in a central bore (48) of the pump sleeve (47). In a low-pressure chamber (61), an armature (69) is fastened to the piston (49), and furthermore a magnet sleeve (67) is fastened to the housing (33). A stop sleeve (75) is arranged on a side of the low-pressure chamber (61) situated opposite the magnet sleeve (67), wherein a stroke of the piston (49) is limited by the magnet sleeve (67) and/or by the stop sleeve (75). |
| US09371822B2 |
Wind turbine with bearing support
A wind turbine generator with a bearing system is disclosed. The bearing system includes a lockable connection having a bearing surface and a support surface which surfaces are engaged when the lockable connection is locked. Forces from the shaft are transferred via the bearing into the support through the bearing surface, wherein a support angle of the support surface, relative to a shaft plane formed by rotating the shaft around a first axis, which first axis is perpendicular to the center axis and which first axis is comprised in a vertical plane, is in a range from and including 5 degrees to and including 70 degrees. |
| US09371818B1 |
Cyclonic aeolian vortex turbine
A wind turbine is provided that has a blade encased into a substantially circular portion of a shell, the shell having an interior surface, an exterior surface, a first end, an opposite second end, and an intake opening between the first and the second end, wherein the first end is closed and wherein the shell has an exhaust opening at or near the second end, wherein wind ingested into the shell through the intake opening is forced to become a vortex having a higher speed than the ingested wind and concentrating the ingested wind substantially near the interior surface of the shell into a spiral air stream traveling toward the exhaust opening, in order to increase an amount of energy harvested by the blade from the ingested wind before the ingested wind, devoid of the amount of energy harvested, exits the shell through the exhaust opening. |
| US09371817B2 |
Removable rotor blade tip
One or more embodiments are directed to a rotor blade tip for a rotor blade, in particular for a rotor blade of a wind power installation, which is in the form of an independent portion which can be connected to the rotor blade and has a first connecting surface directed in the direction of the rotor blade to be connected. For making the connection to the rotor blade provided at the connecting surface are first guide element with a guide direction when making the connection to the rotor blade and first locking element for fixing the rotor blade tip to the rotor blade as first component parts of a connecting mechanism. |
| US09371813B2 |
Control device of direct injection engine
Provided is a control device of a direct injection engine, the control device that can prevent the amount of emission of soot from increasing and the exhaust performance from worsening when a restart request is made before an engine is stopped after an idle stop condition is satisfied. When a restart request is made before an engine is stopped after an idle stop condition is satisfied, at least one of the number of fuel injections in one combustion cycle and the air/fuel ratio of an air fuel mixture used for combustion is changed for each cylinder according to a piston position at that time. |
| US09371811B2 |
Methods and systems for operating a gas turbine engine
A method of operating a gas turbine engine may include operating a starter motor to rotate a spool of the gas turbine engine; determining a torque of the starter motor during rotation of the spool; and controlling the rotation of the spool based on the torque. |
| US09371809B2 |
Recoil starter
A recoil starter exemplified in the embodiment includes: a starter case; a rope reel; a recoil rope; a ratchet; and a drive pulley. When the rope reel is rotated by pulling the recoil rope, the ratchet pivots to engage an engaged unit of the drive pulley to thereby transmit a torque of the rope reel to an engine. The rope reel has: a ratchet receiving unit; and a reinforcing unit. The ratchet receiving unit is arranged to receive a front end portion of the ratchet when it is engaged with the engaged unit of the drive pulley. And, the reinforcing unit extends in a circumferential direction of the rope reel with respect to the ratchet receiving unit as its leg portion. |
| US09371807B2 |
Method and device for setting an idle stroke of an actuating drive of an injection valve, and injector assembly
A method and a device for setting an idle stroke of an actuating drive of an injection valve with respect to an actuating element actuated by the actuating drive. The actuating drive is arranged in an injector body and the actuating element is arranged in an actuating-element housing such that it is movable in an axial. An axial stressing force is applied to the injector body and the actuating-element housing such that part of the injector body or actuating-element housing arranged in a force flow path defined the axial stressing force is deformed permanently, until a value of a representative electric variable determined directly or indirectly for the idle stroke of the actuating drive lies in a predefined value range. Further, an injector assembly for an injection valve may include an injector body and/or an actuating-element housing having a contact section elevated in the axial direction. |
| US09371804B2 |
Self cleaning dust box assembly for use with controlled tube assemblies, such as forming a portion of a fresh air replacement line associated with a vehicle fuel tank
A filter box assembly for integrating into a bi-directional vent and air intake line associated with a vehicle fuel tank. The assembly includes an outer shell having an open inserting end and an opposite closed end. An inner communicable component is engageable within the open inserting end of the outer shell and collectively defines a plurality of continuous and reverse flow passageways extending between a plurality of inlet apertures defined upon a base surface of the inner component and a conduit attachment nipple extending from the inner component. |
| US09371803B2 |
Valve assembly
An angle flow valve comprises a housing and a cover. The housing comprises a first recess for receiving a flow restrictor, a second recess for receiving a relief valve, a first port fluidly connected to the first recess, an angled flow path fluidly connected to the first recess and to the second recess, a second port fluidly connected to the angled flow path, and a relief passage between the first recess and the second recess. The first recess is parallel to the second recess, permitting drop-in assembly of the flow restrictor and relief valve. The cover comprises a solenoid assembly, and the cover couples to the housing by adjoining the solenoid against the flow restrictor and by adjoining the cover against the relief valve. A single o-ring seals the leak path between the cover and the housing. |
| US09371800B2 |
Engine for use in an aerial vehicle
This invention relates to an engine (2) for use in aerial vehicle (1) including a rocket (9) and ram jet engine formed from an intake (8) and a combustion chamber (10). The rocket engine (9) includes an oxidiser combustion chamber (21) which exhausts through the combustion chamber (10). The engine also includes a nozzle (12). Both the intake (8) and nozzle (12) include rectilinear ducts which are defined in part by baffles (16) and panels (33) respectively. Both the baffles (16) and panels (33) are adjustable to adjust the airflow characteristics therethrough. |
| US09371795B2 |
Combustion control apparatus of internal combustion engine
During high-load operation of an engine, fuel for initial slow-burning combustion and premixed combustion is injected into a combustion chamber by continuous fuel injection, then fuel injection is paused, and fuel for diffusion combustion is injected after a predetermined interval has elapsed. Also, the fuel injection amount in the continuous fuel injection is set higher than the fuel injection amount for diffusion combustion. A spray autointerference cooling effect is achieved by the continuous fuel injection, thus promoting ignition delay so as to increase the proportion of premixed combustion, thereby suppressing the production of smoke. This enables high-volume EGR to be performed, thus enabling reducing the amount of NOx produced. |
| US09371794B2 |
Method and control unit for controlling an internal combustion engine
A method and control system are disclosed for controlling an internal combustion engine having fuel injector(s), a camshaft for actuating inlet and/or outlet valve(s), a valve-train adjusting device for controllable switchover between different valve actuating characteristics, and optionally a camshaft sensor which supplies a camshaft signal representing the camshaft angle, a crankshaft sensor which supplies a crankshaft signal representing the crankshaft angle, and a control unit which controls the fuel injectors to inject predetermined fuel quantities at predetermined injection instants, wherein these stipulations take place as a function of the switching state of the valve-train adjusting device. To obtain information about this switching state, cylinder pressure signal(s) supplied by a cylinder pressure sensor are evaluated with regard to interference signals, and the evaluation result is used in determining the switching state of the valve-train adjusting device for stipulating the fuel quantities to be injected and/or the injection instants. |
| US09371793B2 |
Method for operating a fuel vapor recirculation system in a motor vehicle
A method for operating a fuel vapor recirculation system in a motor vehicle having a fuel tank. In the method, in the operating strategy of the fuel vapor recirculation system, predictive route data of the motor vehicle are taken into account. |
| US09371785B2 |
Vehicle and method of operating
A method for operating a vehicle is provided with an electric machine connected to a battery of less than 150 volts and coupled to an internal combustion engine such that a crankshaft of the engine rotates at all times the electric machine operates to supply power from the battery and all times the electric machine operates to capture power for storage in the battery. Motive force is provided to the vehicle with power output by the internal combustion engine. During movement of the vehicle, ignition of the engine is ceased in response to an engine load below a specified threshold. Pumping losses and drive train drag are reduced by altering at least one mechanical property of the internal combustion engine. |
| US09371784B2 |
Dual fuel system having a damper
A dual fuel system for an engine is disclosed. The dual fuel system may have a first fuel supply providing a first fuel to the engine, and a second fuel supply providing a second fuel. The dual fuel system may also have a regulator configured to pass the second fuel from the second fuel supply to the engine, with the regulator also in fluid communication with the first fuel supply. The dual fuel system may further have a damper in fluid communication with the first fuel supply and an output of the regulator. |
| US09371777B2 |
Filter assembly including pleat tip shapes
Solutions for efficiently filtering air for a machine are disclosed. In one embodiment, a filter element for a filter assembly of a rotary machine is provided. The filter element includes: a first set of pleats, each pleat including a first tip radius and a first spacing; and a second set of pleats, each pleat including a second tip radius and a second spacing, wherein the first and second set of pleats are positioned upon a continuous filter media. |
| US09371773B2 |
Two-stage supercharging device
A two-stage supercharger for an engine having a radial high-pressure turbine and an axial low-pressure turbine. The high-pressure turbine has a spiral housing with an exhaust-gas inlet connected to an exhaust line and via which exhaust-gas flows from the engine to the high-pressure turbine. A partial flow of the exhaust-gas flows past the high-pressure turbine in a bypass unit and is adjustable by a shut-off valve. The bypass unit includes a branch line and an annular duct housing integral with the spiral housing. The branch line branches off the exhaust-gas inlet at a point where the shut-off valve is arranged and issues into a duct of the annular duct housing. The partial flow flows through the branch line into the duct and an axially arranged annular gap into an exhaust-gas duct. The partial flow merges with a main exhaust-gas flow from the high-pressure turbine and flows into the low-pressure turbine. |
| US09371772B2 |
Supercharged internal combustion engine
A supercharged internal combustion engine may include an exhaust gas turbocharger which is integrated into an exhaust section on the turbine side and into an intake section on the compressor side. An exhaust gas recirculation line may connect the exhaust section and the intake section. The exhaust gas recirculation line may branch off from the exhaust section downstream of a turbine of the exhaust gas turbocharger and opens into the intake section upstream of a compressor. A valve device for performing at least one of open-loop and closed-loop control of an exhaust gas recirculation rate may be arranged in the region of the exhaust gas recirculation line. |
| US09371768B2 |
Exhaust system member
An exhaust system member having an upstream-side opening into which exhaust gas flows and a downstream-side opening from which exhaust gas flows includes: first and second members. The first member includes first facing portions each having a distal end portion bulged radially outward in the exhaust system member, a notch is provided at a boundary between the distal end portion and a proximal end portion radially inward of the distal end portion at each end portion of each first facing portion, adjacent to the corresponding opening. The second member includes second facing portions, each arranged on the radially inner side of the corresponding distal end portion, each second facing portion is welded at a portion overlapped with the corresponding first facing portion, and a distal end face of each second facing portion facing a proximal end-side notch face of the notch in the corresponding first facing portion. |
| US09371766B2 |
Engine-on time predictor for aftertreatment scheduling for a vehicle
A method to control a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) having a compression ignition engine includes operating the engine based on an engine-on request and performing an exhaust aftertreatment procedure based on a completion time for the aftertreatment procedure compared to a predicted engine-on time determined using a driving pattern. An HEV is provided with a compression ignition engine with an aftertreatment system, and a controller. The controller is configured to: (i) operate the engine based on an engine-on request, and (ii) perform an exhaust aftertreatment procedure for the vehicle based on a completion time for the aftertreatment procedure compared to a predicted engine-on time determined using a driving pattern. A computer readable medium having stored data representing instructions executable by a controller to control a vehicle is provided with instructions for operating the engine based on an engine-on request, and instructions for performing an exhaust aftertreatment procedure. |
| US09371758B2 |
Delivery device with protection against freezing, methods for operating and deactivating a delivery device and motor vehicle
A delivery device for delivering reducing agent into an exhaust-gas treatment device includes at least one delivery duct with at least one flexible wall region. The flexible wall region can deform when reducing agent in the delivery duct freezes. The flexible wall region separates the delivery duct from a compressed-air chamber which is connected to a compressed-air source. Methods for operating and deactivating a delivery device and a motor vehicle having a delivery device are also provided. |
| US09371755B2 |
Membrane separation method and system utilizing waste heat for on-board recovery and storage of CO2 from motor vehicle internal combustion engine exhaust gases
A method and system are described for on-board treatment of an exhaust stream containing CO2 emitted by a hydrocarbon-fueled internal combustion engine (ICE) used to power a vehicle in order to reduce the amount of CO2 discharged into the atmosphere which include: a. a first waste heat recovery zone on board the vehicle for receiving the high temperature exhaust gas stream, at least one heat exchanger having an inlet for receiving the hot exhaust gas stream from the ICE for passage in heat exchange relation and a discharge outlet for discharging the exhaust stream at a lower temperature, the heat recovery zone further including at least one heat recovery device for converting the waste heat from the exhaust gas to electrical and/or mechanical energy; b. a membrane separation zone in fluid communication with the exhaust gas stream discharge outlet from the waste heat recovery zone, the membrane separation zone including a membrane module having a permeate side to which CO2 permeates and a retentate side that is contacted by the cooled exhaust gas stream, the retentate side including a treated exhaust gas stream outlet; c. a densification zone in fluid communication with the permeate side of the membrane molecule for receiving permeate CO2, the densification zone including means for reducing the temperature and volume of the CO2 to at least liquefy the CO2, and to produce a treated exhaust gas stream of reduced CO2 content; d. a storage zone for receiving the densified CO2 for temporary storage on board the vehicle; and e. an exhaust gas conduit in fluid communication with the treated exhaust gas stream outlet from the membrane module zone. |
| US09371754B2 |
Diesel particulate filter regeneration control and method
An after-treatment device that includes a diesel particulate filter (DPF) requiring periodic regeneration includes a sensor providing a signal indicative of a soot accumulation and at least one device providing an operating parameter indicative of a work mode of the machine. A controller determines a soot level and a readiness level based on the work mode of the machine, and further classifies the soot level relative to a desired range for initiating a regeneration event and initiates the regeneration event when the soot level falls within the desired range. |
| US09371752B2 |
Rotary disk valve arrangement
The invention relates to a rotary disk valve arrangement having a crankcase for accommodating a crankshaft, wherein the crankcase has an inlet opening for fresh air and at least two rotary disk valves for regulating an ingress of fresh air into the crankcase, wherein the at least two rotary disk valves have in each case one axis of rotation and are mounted so as to be rotatable relative to one another for the purpose of at least partially opening up and closing off the inlet opening, and wherein the at least two rotary disk valves are arranged on the crankcase at a coupling surface of the crankcase. The coupling surface has at least one further inlet opening, and the at least two rotary disk valves comprise in each case at least two rotary valve openings for the purpose of at least partially opening up the at least two inlet openings. |
| US09371751B2 |
Two stroke combustion engine
The invention related to a two-stroke internal combustion engine (1), comprising a crankcase (2), which has an air intake (3), and at least one cylinder (4), which is connected to the crankcase (2) and which, together with a piston (5) arranged therein, defines a combustion chamber (6). The cylinder (4) has at least one air inlet (7), which via an air duct (8) communicates with the crankcase (2), in which a mixture of air and lubricating oil and fuel, if any, is contained. The air duct (8) is connected to the crankcase (2) via a separator (10) for cleaning of air coming from the crankcase (2) from lubricating oil and fuel, if any. The separator (10) has a centrifugal chamber (11), in which the lubricating oil and the fuel, if any, in a circulating motion are thrown outwards to a circumferential wall (12) and thus substantially cleaned air is passed, through a chamber outlet (13), which with respect to said circulating motion is a radially inner outlet, to said air duct (8) to be supplied to the combustion chamber (6) through the air inlet (7). |
| US09371747B2 |
Dual independent phaser with dual-sided locking cover
A dual independent phaser, including: one only single locking cover; a first phaser section including a first stator, a first rotor, a first plurality of chambers formed by a first rotor and the first stator, and first locking pin non-rotatably engaged with the first rotor and axially displaceable to non-rotatably connect the first rotor and the one only single locking cover; and second phaser section including second stator, a second rotor, a second plurality of chambers formed by a second rotor and the second stator, and second locking pin non-rotatably engaged with the second rotor and axially displaceable to non-rotatably connect the second rotor and the one only single locking cover. |
| US09371746B2 |
Bearing member for valve gear
To provide a bearing member for a valve gear capable of reducing friction. A bearing member (34) for a valve gear (1) includes a cam shaft (20). The cam shaft (20) has: a cam (30) for opening/closing at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve; and a plurality of journal parts (36). The bearing member (34) includes: a cam cap (38) supporting the journal part (36) from above, surrounding it; a bearing base part (40) supporting the journal part (36) from below; and a stepped part (46a) provided on an inner peripheral surface of the cam cap (38) facing the journal part (36), overhanging on an inner peripheral side of the inner peripheral surface. An upstream-side end portion (46c) of the stepped part (46a) is positioned more on a downstream side than an upstream-side abutting surface (38a) of the cam cap (38), whereas a downstream-side end portion (46d) of the stepped part (46a) is positioned more on an upstream side than a downstream-side abutting surface (38b) of the cam cap (38). |
| US09371743B2 |
Cap drain plug
A cap assembly includes a plunger mounted to a retainer pin and a latch operable to retract the retainer pin. |
| US09371741B2 |
Turbine blade and gas turbine having the same
A turbine blade of the present invention includes a blade body mounted on a rotor body so as to extend outward from the rotor body in a radial direction of the rotor body and a chip shroud fixed to the outside of the blade body in the radial direction. A cooling passage which extends in the radial direction of the rotor body and in which a cooling medium circulates is formed in the blade body. The chip shroud includes a shroud body where a recess opened to the outside in the radial direction and communicating with the cooling passage is formed on an outer peripheral end face, and a plug that includes a plurality of plug pieces closing an opening of the recess in cooperation with each other by being inserted into mounting grooves formed on side surfaces of the recess. |
| US09371740B2 |
Operation control apparatus and operation control method for steam turbine
A speed controller generates a speed control output signal based on an output target value and a detected speed of a steam turbine, an extraction pressure controller generates an extraction pressure control output signal based on an extraction flow rate target value and a detected extraction pressure of the steam turbine, and when operation signals of a governor valve and an extraction control valve are generated with reference to an extraction map for deriving opening degrees of the valves at an operation point determined depending on the signals, the extraction map is used with a scale of the extraction pressure control output signal in the extraction map being corrected to be multiplied by “extraction flow rate target value/extraction flow rate actual value” based on a regularly detected extraction flow rate actual value of the steam turbine. |
| US09371738B2 |
Variable outer air seal support
A variable outer air seal support system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a case having a plurality of slots, and an extension of a variable outer air seal segment. The extension provides at least one extension aperture. A connector pin is configured to move within the slot to move the variable outer air seal segment from a first position to a second position. The variable outer air seal segment overlaps a circumferentially adjacent variable outer air seal segment more in the first position than in the second position. |
| US09371736B2 |
Method and device for modifying a secondary air system in a gas turbine engine
A method and device for modifying a gas turbine engine is disclosed herein. The method for modifying a gas turbine engine includes accessing a first outward end of a first tube installed in the gas turbine engine, the first tube having a tube axis. Then attaching an extraction tool to the first outward end of the first tube, and applying an axial force to the first tube using the extraction tool, the axial force relative to the tube axis, thus breaking a first interference seal between a first interface surface on a first inward end of the first tube and a receiving member of the gas turbine engine. The method continues with removing the first tube from the gas turbine engine. |
| US09371735B2 |
Gas turbine engine turbine nozzle impingement cover
An impingement cover (460) for fusing to a gas turbine engine turbine nozzle (451) with a nozzle rail (455) includes a body and a plurality of tabs for forming a first fuse with the nozzle rail (455). The body has a plate like shape and includes a plurality of impingement holes (464), a first edge, a second edge, and a first airfoil cooling hole (470). The plurality of tabs includes a first tab (461) extending from the first edge, and a second tab (462) extending from the second edge. The second tab (462) is located in a different quadrant of the body than the first tab (461). |
| US09371734B2 |
Turbine blade
A turbine blade has a profile including a blade suction side line, a blade pressure side line, and a blade trailing edge formed by a curve connecting the rear ends of the blade suction side and pressure side lines to each other, wherein the curve forming the blade trailing edge of the profile is formed by connecting a pressure side curve portion which has an arc shape having a constant radius of curvature and extending from the rear end of the blade pressure side line toward the camber line of the profile, and a suction side curve portion which extends from the rear end of the blade suction side line toward the camber line while passing through a region closer to the camber line than a symmetric curve portion which is line-symmetric to the pressure side curve portion with respect to the camber line. |
| US09371731B2 |
Highwall mining equipment retrieval and extraction apparatus and method
A highwall mining equipment extraction and retrieval apparatus and method is disclosed. It includes remotely operable hydraulic cylinders fixed to the mining head and stabilizing arms which brace the mining platform against the face of a mine. Wire ropes extend from hydraulic cylinders, through channels in the pushbeams, through lockable blocks fixed to the mining platform, and onto storage spools. The hydraulic cylinders operate from an extended to a retracted position. When a mine collapse occurs, an operator can remotely actuate the lockable blocks and the hydraulic cylinders, thereby locking the wire rope to the platform and pulling the mining head and pushbeams towards the platform. If the obstruction remains, the locking blocks can be unlocked, the hydraulic cylinders extended from the retracted position, the excess wire rope pulled from the mine, and the process can then be repeated until the equipment is free from the obstruction. |
| US09371729B2 |
Permeameter probe
A permeameter probe, configured for performing hydraulic conductivity measurements of soil, includes a standpipe having a top section, a transitional section, and a bottom section. The transitional section provides a gradual change in diameter between the larger diameter bottom section and the smaller diameter top section. The standpipe also includes a lower lip for forming a pressure fitting between the standpipe and a casing placed in a borehole. |
| US09371728B2 |
Downhole pressure compensator and method of same
The techniques herein relate to a pressure compensation system for a sensor in a wellbore having a wellbore fluid therein. The system includes a downhole tool (104) and at least one pressure compensator (112) positionable therein. The pressure compensator includes a first compensating fluid section having a first compensating fluid (238) therein, a first pressure compensation section having a first pressure regulation device (226) for adjusting a compensation pressure of the first compensating fluid based on a wellbore pressure of the wellbore fluid, at least one second compensating fluid section having a second compensating fluid (252) therein, and at least one second pressure compensation section having a second pressure regulation device (246) for adjusting a sensor pressure of the second compensating fluid based on the compensation pressure of the first compensating fluid. |
| US09371727B2 |
Well monitoring
Downhole water level detecting apparatus for detecting the level of water in a formation in the region of a well installation. The detecting apparatus includes a transmitter for applying electrical signals to a signaling loop at a first location. The signaling loop includes a downhole metallic structure of the well installation and an earth return. The detecting apparatus also includes a detector for monitoring electrical signals in the signaling loop, and an evaluation unit arranged for determining a level of water in the formation relative to the downhole metallic structure in dependence on the monitored signals. |
| US09371726B2 |
Expert systems for well completion using Bayesian probabilities, and a packers consequence node dependent on wellbore fluids, hydrocarbon types, completion fluids, packers decision, and treatment fluids nodes
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. |
| US09371724B2 |
Multiphase separation system
A system and method for separation of liquids and gases within a multiphase fluid are provided herein. The method includes flowing a multiphase fluid into a number of divisions within a multiphase separation system, wherein the divisions are configured to lower a velocity of the multiphase fluid. The method also includes separating the multiphase fluid among a number of lower pipes and a number of upper pipes, wherein each lower pipe includes an expansion zone configured to lower a pressure within the lower pipe to allow entrained liquids to drain from a corresponding upper pipe via a downcomer. |
| US09371717B2 |
Enhancing well fluid recovery
A system usable with a well includes a waveform generator for enhancing fluid recovery from a reservoir by controlling a production pump or an injection pump downhole in the well with waveform signals to create a pressure wave which propagates into the reservoir and enhances the recovery of the fluid. |
| US09371709B2 |
Downhole severing tool
The pipe cutting capacity of an explosive pipe cutter may be improved by directing colliding shock fronts from opposite axial directions against a disc of metal having a shock impedance substantially corresponding to the shock impedance capacity of the explosive material. |
| US09371708B2 |
Circulation sub and method for using same
Techniques for continuously circulating fluid into a drill string are disclosed. These techniques involve a circulation sub (108) including a tubular and a diverter valve (200A). The tubular has a first end connectable to the drill string, a second end connectable to a pipe segment, and a port (220) therein. The tubular has a fluid path (202) for allowing the fluid to flow from the pipe segment to the drill string and a circulation path (204) for allowing the fluid to flow from the port to the drill string. The diverter valve has a channel therethrough in selective fluid communication with the fluid path. The diverter valve is positionable between a flow through position for selectively allowing the fluid to flow through the fluid path and a diversion position for selectively allowing the fluid to flow through the circulation path whereby the fluid may continuously flow through the drill string. |
| US09371705B2 |
Device for connection and disconnection of an active heave compensator
A device for connecting and disconnecting an active compensator actuator or additional passive compensator actuators from a passive compensated load bearing unit during operation and at static suspended condition. The device comprises a connection arrangement (7), which is operatively connected to a crown block. The connection device (7) is adapted to selectively grip a second end (18) of the heave compensator actuator (1). The device comprises further a safety arrangement (6) which are adapted to selectively grip the second end (18) of the heave compensator actuator (1) when it is not in engagement with the connection arrangement (7), the device comprises also a support arrangement (2), which is adapted to support the heave compensator actuator when it is not connected to the crown block (8). |
| US09371704B2 |
Jacking units and bellows for down hole intervention tools
A device and a method for positioning a tool in a well tubular. The device comprising a housing having jacking arm assemblies with extendable jacking arms for fixating the device inside the well tubular. The device further comprising a tool connected to the housing and bellow assemblies comprising inflatable means for positioning the device substantially in the center of the well tubular. By deflating the inflatable means and simultaneously activating the jacking arms the device is pushed in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the well tubular. |
| US09371703B2 |
Telescoping joint with control line management assembly
A telescoping joint is provided with one or more control lines and is usable for landing a subsea tubing hanger. The telescoping joint can include an outer mandrel, an inner mandrel, and a control line. The inner mandrel can be releasably coupled to the outer mandrel when run in a wellbore of a subterranean formation. At least part of the inner mandrel can be in an area defined by the outer mandrel and can seal an inner area defined by the inner mandrel from an environment exterior to the outer mandrel. The control line can be exterior to an outer surface of the outer mandrel and coiled around at least part of the inner mandrel. |
| US09371695B2 |
Integrated sidetrack drilling tool
An integrated sidetrack drilling tool comprising a milling cone, a whipstock iron and a setting anchor; a liquid guiding pipe communicating the milling cone and the setting anchor is provided inside the whipstock iron; the milling cone presses against an inclined surface of the whipstock iron; an annular groove is provided on a circumference of the milling cone; a portion of the annular groove is an arc shaped clamping slot whose inner side is wider than outer side; other portions of the annular groove constitute a trapezoidal slot whose inner side is narrower than outer side; a portion of the whipstock iron is fixedly provided with a positioning block; an arc shaped clamping edge is provided on the positioning block; the positioning block is held in the arc shaped clamping slot via the arc shaped clamping edge; a positioning screw is provided between the whipstock iron and the milling cone. |
| US09371688B2 |
Motorized operating device intended for operating a movable screen with a windable canvas of a window covering device or a projection screen device
A motorized operating interior device for operating a movable interior screen with a windable canvas of a window covering device or of a projection screen device, the motorized operating interior device configured to be suspended by the canvas and including: a winding tube which is movable around a first axis and on which the canvas is adapted to be wound, an actuator which is disposed at least in part in the tube, a first element for fixing a first end of the canvas to the winding tube, the weight of the motorized operating interior device creating a canvas unwinding torque, wherein said operating device includes an compensating element for compensating for the unwinding torque and which acts exclusively by either interaction with gravity or with the canvas or both. |
| US09371687B2 |
Motorized window shade and method of operating the same
A motorized window shade includes a covering structure arranged between a fixed and a movable rail, an electric motor operable to drive displacement of the movable rail relative to the fixed rail, a control interface operable to control operation of the electric motor, and a motor controller respectively connected with the electric motor and the control interface. The control interface includes a first, a second and a third button, the first and second buttons being respectively operable to cause displacement of the movable rail in two opposite directions. The motor controller can record a current position of the movable rail as a limit position of the movable rail in response to a pressure concurrently applied on the third button and one of the first and second buttons. In some embodiments, methods of operating the motorized window shade are also described. |
| US09371685B2 |
Method and apparatus for hanging doors
A door mounting system for mounting a door includes a door mounting frame and a lifter mount. The door mounting frame is attachable to a door and is removable from that door. The lifter mount is attachable to a propulsion device such as a forklift. The lifter mount is attached to the door mounting frame so that the propulsion device provides a way to transport the door mounting frame and the door to a location where it is desired to install the door. |
| US09371684B2 |
Coated article with IR reflecting layer(s) and method of making same
A coated article is provided with at least one infrared (IR) reflecting layer. The IR reflecting layer may be of silver or the like. In certain example embodiments, a titanium oxide layer is provided over the IR reflecting layer, and it has been found that this surprisingly results in an IR reflecting layer with a lower specific resistivity (SR) thereby permitting thermal properties of the coated article to be improved. |
| US09371681B2 |
Courier package storage apparatus and method for storing courier package deliverable to a customer
An apparatus, and associated method, facilitates delivery of a package to a recipient. A personal package box is installed at a destination location. The box contains a locking device that permits a delivery person to secure the package, once delivered. An identifier is maintained at the personal package box. The delivery person records the delivery of the package, using the identifier to identify the location of the delivery. An indication of the delivery is sent to the recipient to alert the recipient of the delivery. |
| US09371678B2 |
Barrier operator strain detection
A barrier sensor device and associated control device monitor operation of a barrier operator system. The barrier sensor device monitors operation of barrier operators for undesirable amounts of strain without barrier operator force as an input. The barrier sensor device instead detects both motion and tilt of a barrier. By monitoring these two aspects of barrier operation, the barrier sensor device compiles data that can be analyzed by the control device and compared to un-strained or previously compiled barrier operator data to determine whether the barrier operator system is under strain and requires service. |
| US09371671B2 |
Lockable lockset operable by either axial or rotational knob movement
A lockset has an actuator unit, a mounting unit and a latch retractor mechanism. The mounting unit attaches the lockset to a door and supports the actuator unit and latch retractor mechanism. The actuator unit includes inside and outside door knobs and a cam mechanism that move together within the mounting unit. During rotational movement, a first cam of the cam mechanism engages the latch retractor mechanism to retract the latch. The actuator is axially movable along an axis of the actuator unit when one of the knobs is pushed or pulled. During axial movement, a second cam of the cam mechanism engages the latch retractor mechanism to retract the latch. A locking mechanism is selectively actuable to act between the actuator unit and the mounting unit to prevent both rotational and axial movement of the actuator unit relative to the mounting unit, thereby locking the lockset. |
| US09371669B2 |
Remote-activation lock system and method
Remote-activation locks designed to permit unlocking and/or locking of the lock without physical manipulation of the lock are articulated to a product/good in a manner so as to deny one or more benefits associated with the product/good. |
| US09371668B2 |
Magnetic key and locking system
A magnetic key comprising: a body; a segmented magnet housed within the body; and a ferrous element housed above the segmented magnet. A protective cap for a magnetic key comprising a body; and a ferrous element housed within the body. A locking system comprises a magnetic key and protective cap. |
| US09371666B2 |
Fall protection guardrail
A fall protection guardrail system and method used for construction of multi-story wood-framed buildings, which comprises a support bracket comprised of an attachment member and a pole support, and further comprises a pole with integrated rail supports. For a framed wall that is lying in a horizontal position, the support bracket is easily attached to a framing member of the framed wall, and the pole is inserted into the pole support. Then the framed wall is moved into the vertical position and secured to other framing. When the floor or roof is placed atop the framed wall, rails are inserted into the rail supports and secured. When the building is finished, the guardrail support system is easily removed, disassembled, and reusable. In some embodiments, a scaffolding frame may be attached to the support bracket, and the pole inserted into the scaffolding frame. |
| US09371663B2 |
Internally keyed extruded mast system
An extruded mast section for a telescoping tower includes a hollow extrusion having an exterior surface and an interior surface, and a plurality of spaced apart axially aligned internal screw bosses running the length of the mast section. A telescoping tower assembly includes a first extruded mast section having an exterior surface and an interior surface and a plurality of spaced apart axially aligned internal screw bosses running the length of the first mast section along the interior surface. A second extruded mast section disposed within the first mast section has a plurality of spaced apart axially aligned internal screw bosses running the length of the second mast section along the interior surface. Support collars are disposed at the top and bottom ends of the second mast section each having keyways disposed around its outer perimeter and aligned with a different one of the screw bosses of the first extruded mast section. |
| US09371661B2 |
Wind mitigation and wind power device
A wind mitigation system for attachment to a residential or commercial building to mitigate wind suction forces known to damage roof structures, and to harness wind energy to create electricity. The system may comprise one or more rotating cylinders which make use of the Magnus effect, a scientific phenomenon involving air flow over a rotating cylindrical object. Rotating Magnus cylinders are installed on the roof, preferably at or near the roof-wall junction of a building in order to provide the greatest suppression of perpendicular wind forces and resulting vortices. Wind flowing across the Magnus cylinders creates a downward force that is transferred to the roof by structural support brackets. The downward force counters the upward lifting forces generated by high winds so as to prevent uplifting of the roof structure. Electrical energy is generated from oscillations resulting from variations in wind speed. |
| US09371660B2 |
Offset laminate seam system for storage bins
An offset laminate seam system for storage bins for increasing the capacity of bolts in a seam of a storage bin. The offset laminate seam system for storage bins generally includes three or more panels connected together with two or more vertical rows of end fasteners to form a vertical seam. The interconnection of three or more panels continues to form a ring structure. A plurality of the ring structures are stacked upon one another and attached together with fasteners to form the wall of the storage bin and a roof is attached to the uppermost ring structure. |
| US09371659B2 |
Moving and floating pool cleaner apparatus
A moving and floating pool cleaner apparatus includes a circular cap, a basket, a floating container, an attachment tube, and a T-shaped adapter. The moving and floating pool cleaner apparatus attaches with an existing automatic pool cleaner, and cleans the surface of the pool water by removing all of the floating debris. The circular cap is attached to the floating container, and the floating container is attached with the automatic pool cleaner through the attachment tube and the T-shaped adapter. The basket is positioned within the floating container. The pool water with floating debris goes into the floating container and then to the basket, where the basket retains bigger particles while the pool water redirects into the attachment tube. Then the pool water is forwarded into a pool cleaning unit so that the pool water can be thoroughly cleaned before pumps back into the pool. |
| US09371650B2 |
Precast concrete sandwich panels and system for constructing panels
The present invention is a precast concrete sandwich panel utilizing a low density polyethylene channel with basalt fiber rod attached to the side of the channel during construction, and utilizing spray foam insulation as the inner layer between the two concrete outer panels (wythes). |
| US09371647B1 |
Concrete panel apparatus
This invention relates to the lifting of a concrete panel and especially to a composite truss having a pair of spaced apart prestressed concrete panels and having a plurality of built-in lifting eye members in the end portion of one concrete panel positioned for lifting the composite truss. The lifting eyes are integrated into the composite truss to have the strength to support the two concrete panel truss during the lifting thereof without damage to the concrete panels. |
| US09371646B2 |
Thermal break for curtain wall
A curtain wall panel includes frame with a first frame member defining a channel, a cover configured to extend over the first frame member, a spacer formed of a thermally insulating material, the spacer including a first end, a body, and a second end, the first end being configured to be secured in the channel of the first frame member in a cammed interference fit by rotating a body of the spacer, and the second end being configured to form a cammed interference fit with the cover. An insert is supported from the first frame member by the spacer with the cover fit onto the spacer to capture and secure the insert relative to the frame. |
| US09371645B1 |
Wall baffle system
A wall baffle system preferably includes a plurality of girt insulation blocks and a plurality of reflective insulation panels. Each girt insulation block preferably includes a contoured bottom surface, a girt cavity and a retention projection. Each reflective insulation panel includes a foil heat reflective strip and an insulation block. The foil heat reflective strip is affixed to a top or bottom of each insulation block. The girt insulation block is installed under each horizontal girt along a height of the outer wall. The plurality of reflective insulation panels are placed between a floor girt and a bottom of a girt insulation block; between a top of a horizontal girt and a bottom of a girt insulation block; or a top of a horizontal girt and a bottom of an eave girt insulation block. |
| US09371638B2 |
Tear drop toilet plunger
A toilet plunger device facilitates sealed engagement of a plunger around a trap opening in a toilet bowl. The device includes a shaft having a top end and a bottom end. A cup is coupled to the bottom end of the shaft. A bottom edge of the cup has an arcuate portion and a tip positioned opposite the arcuate portion wherein the bottom edge is teardrop shaped and configured for abutting a toilet bowl surrounding a trap opening in the toilet bowl forming a seal between the cup and the toilet bowl. Thus, movement of the cup relative to the toilet bowl produces pressure through the trap opening. |
| US09371636B2 |
Drain strainer
A stopper assembly for a drain system of a fluid basin is provided. The stopper head assembly includes a stopper head having a seal to sealingly engage the drain system of the fluid basin when the stopper assembly is moved from a drain position to a plug position and a strainer to strain fluid passing through the drain system when the stopper head is in a drain position. The stopper head assembly further includes a stopper body operably coupleable to a control element to move the assembly between the drain position and the plug position. The stopper body may be detachably coupled to the stopper head and/or the strainer to enable selective removal of the stopper head and the strainer from the stopper body when the stopper body is installed for use and coupled to the control element. Related methods, systems and components are also provided. |
| US09371634B2 |
Water faucet with a base plate
A water faucet having a housing and a base plate, whereby the housing has an interior space and an inner collar forming a bottom opening. The bottom opening forms at least two different opening widths and the base plate is made in the manner of a crossbar with such a width that in the cross position it can penetrate through the circular bottom opening only in the area of the larger opening width, and further a seat for the base plate is provided in the interior space adjacent to the larger opening width and parallel to the inner collar. Preferably, a bayonet closure is formed between the housing and the base plate. This allows for a simplified production and mounting. |
| US09371631B2 |
Ground engaging wear member and means of mechanical attachment
A wear member assembly has a wear member, a wear member receiver with at least first and second contact portions and at least one aperture to receive at least one wear member locating member of the wear member. An attachment mechanism, releasably attaches the wear member to the receiver has at least one moveable attachment member and at least one respective fastening means. Actuation of each of the fastening means moves the associated attachment member to apply a retaining force to one of the contact portions of the receiver and causes the respective wear member locating member to apply a retaining force to the other of the contact portions of the receiver. At least one of the receiver first and second contact portions has a sloped or tapered face, and the corresponding wear member locating member or attachment member has a slope or taper, such that contact between the wear member locating member slope/taper or attachment member slope/taper and a corresponding one of the wear member receiver sloped/tapered contact portions causes the wear member to positively locate to the receiver when the releasable fastening means is actuated thereby releasably retaining the wear member to the outer surface of the earth moving apparatus member. |
| US09371628B2 |
Control station for a road paver with a step device with automated locking
A control station for a road paver with a step device for providing a standing area for a person comprises a support part that is adapted to be firmly linked to a chassis or a paving screed of the road paver, and a step part with a step surface. The step part is attached to the support part such that the step part is tiltable about a main tilt axis between a transport position and an operating position, wherein the step surface is aligned generally horizontally in the operating position so that the standing area for the person is provided. The control station further includes a locking unit with an engagement element configured to engage the step part when the step part is in the operating position to secure the position of the step part, wherein the engagement element is pre-loaded for a movement into engagement with the step part. |
| US09371627B2 |
Ditching apparatus with divergent V-wing blade configuration
A ditching apparatus features front blade sections fixed to the frame in a V-configuration, and a pull tongue extending over the blade apex to a pivotal connection near a rear of the frame. An actuation mechanism effects relative pivoting between the frame and the pull tongue to adjust an angle between the front blade and the trailer tongue to control a ground-penetration depth of the blade apex. Two rear blade sections on opposing sides of the frame are movable between deployed positions extending rearwardly and laterally outward from the front blade sections, and stowed positions elevated out of the deployed positions. The blade angle and width are thus controllable to achieve a desired depth and width of ditch. A nose cap at the blade apex provides an improved ground breaking action, while internally braced blade structures will roll formed skins provide durability and smooth rolling action of displaced earth. |
| US09371622B2 |
System and method to automatically determine irregular polygon for environmental hazard containment modules
According to some embodiments, an environmental hazard containment module may exchange location information with a plurality of remote containment modules. Hazard location information associated with an environmental hazard may be detected, and a containment configuration may be determined comprising a contiguous arrangement of the containment module and the plurality of remote containment modules such that the hazard location is within an area defined by the containment configuration. A motion portion may be instructed to move the containment module in accordance with the determined containment configuration. According to some embodiments, information associated with the containment configuration may be transmitted to the plurality of remote containment modules. |
| US09371621B2 |
Spreader assembly
A spreader assembly may include a hopper having a receptacle for holding salt, or the like, and at least one chamber formed between the receptacle and an outer surface of the hopper. The chamber may hold a liquid used to pre-wet the salt before it contacts a ground surface. The hopper may be an insert hopper formed as a one piece plastic component in a rotational molding operation. |
| US09371610B2 |
Composition and method for dry-cleaning textile articles
The invention concerns a composition for thy-cleaning textile articles, characterised in that it is anhydrous and in that it comprises, as an active cleaning agent: dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, an amphiphilic solvent A chosen from the group consisting of dipropylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, dipropylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol mono-tert-butyl ether or the mixtures thereof, and at least one dibasic ester B having a KB index higher than 30 and represented by the following general formula (I): R—O—C(═O)—(CH2)n-C(═O)—O—R′ (I) in which n is a whole number between 1 and 9; R and R′ are identical or different, each separately representing an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or an alkenyl group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms. |
| US09371604B2 |
Multiaxial non-crimp fabrics having polymer non-wovens
A non-crimp fabric includes at least two superimposed layers made from multifilament reinforcing yarns arranged parallel to each other, and at least one layer made from a non-woven made from thermoplastic polymer material on and/or between the layers made from multifilament reinforcing yarns, wherein the non-woven includes a first polymer component and a second polymer component whose melting temperatures lie below the melting or decomposition temperature of the reinforcing yarns. The first polymer component has a lower melting temperature than the second polymer component, and the first polymer component is soluble in epoxy matrix resins, cyanate ester matrix resins, benzoxazine matrix resins, or mixtures thereof. The second polymer component is not soluble in epoxy matrix resins, cyanate ester matrix resins, benzoxazine matrix resins, or mixtures thereof. A preform is made from the non-crimp fabric. |
| US09371597B2 |
Device and method for producing silicon blocks
Device for producing silicon blocks for photovoltaic applications, comprising a container for receiving a silicon melt with a base wall and at least one side wall, means for reducing the diffusion of impurities from at least one of the walls of the container into the silicon melt, wherein the means for reducing the diffusion of impurities comprise at least one covering element for the at least partial covering of at least one of the walls of the container. |
| US09371587B2 |
Method of manufacturing fuel system part and fuel system part
A method manufactures a fuel delivery pipe including a crude metal made of forged iron, a nickel-phosphorus plating layer formed on an inner surface of the crude metal, and a nonmetal paint film formed on an outer surface of the crude metal. The method includes coating the outer surface of the crude metal with paint to form the paint film, machining the crude metal with the paint film formed thereon to form a machined surface inside the crude metal, and electroless plating the machined crude metal in nickel-phosphorus plating solution to form the nickel-phosphorus plating layer on the machined surface. |
| US09371586B2 |
Method of manufacturing the silica nanopowders with biocidal properties, especially for polymer composites
Silica nanopowders with biocidal properties, especially for polymer composites, are produced by sol-gel method. The silica sol is produced from the aqueous mixture containing tetraalkoxysilane, in which alkoxy group contains from C1 to C4 carbon atoms, an alcohol or the mixture of aliphatic alcohols from C1 to C4, in the mole ratio of 1:5 to 1:35, in the presence of ammonium compound, used in an amount of from 0.001 to 0.05 mol per 1 mol of tetraalkoxysilane, with introducing, after thorough mixing of components, the silver salt in the form of aqueous solution in an amount from 0.02 to 1 mol per 1 mol of tetraalkoxysilane, and subsequently the aqueous solution of alkali metal hydroxide in an amount from 0.02 to 1 mol of hydroxide per 1 mol of tetraalkoxysilane. |
| US09371584B2 |
Processing chamber and method for centering a substrate therein
A processing chamber and a method for centering a substrate therein is provided. In one embodiment, the processing chamber includes a chamber body, a support structure, lift pins, alignment pins and restriction assemblies. The support structure has an upper surface and is disposed in the chamber body. The lift pins, alignment pins and restriction assemblies are disposed on the upper surface. The lift pins are applied for bearing the substrate. Each of the alignment pins has a conical contact surface which can be extended from the upper surface to contact the edges of the substrate to provide lateral forces to center the substrate on the lift pins. Additionally, when the alignment pins and the lift pins are retracted, the substrate is lowered and placed between the restriction assemblies disposed on the upper surface to prevent the substrate from inadvertently moving laterally from the centered position. |
| US09371580B2 |
Coated body wherein the coating scheme includes a coating layer of TiAl2O3 and method of making the same
A coated cutting insert and a method for making the same. The coated cutting insert has a substrate with a substrate surface. There is a backing coating scheme on the substrate surface, and a TiAl2O3 coating layer wherein the TiAl2O3 coating layer is deposited using chemical vapor deposition from a gaseous composition including AlCl3, H2, TiCl4, CO2 and HCl. |
| US09371578B2 |
Tantalum coil for sputtering and method for processing the coil
Provided is a tantalum coil for sputtering disposed between a substrate and a sputtering target, wherein the tantalum coil has irregularities so that the surface roughness Rz of the tantalum coil is 150 μm or more and the number of threads is 15 to 30 TPI (Threads per inch) in a transverse direction and 10 to 30 TPI in a vertical direction. An object of the present invention is to take measures to prevent the sputtered grains accumulated on the surface of a tantalum coil from flaking so as to prevent the generation of particles and arcing that is caused by the flaking of the sputtered grains accumulated on the surface of the coil disposed between a substrate and a sputtering target, and the adhesion of the scattered flakes onto the substrate surface; and thereby to provide a technology of improving the quality and productivity of electronic components and stably providing semiconductor elements and devices. |
| US09371577B2 |
Fabrication of integrated computational elements using substrate support shaped to match spatial profile of deposition plume
A system includes a computational system to receive a design of an integrated computational element (ICE) including specification of a substrate and a plurality of layers, their respective target thicknesses and complex indices, such that a notional ICE fabricated based on the ICE design is related to a characteristic of a sample. Additionally, the system includes a deposition chamber including a deposition source to provide a deposition plume having a plume spatial profile, and a support to support a plurality of instances of the substrate during fabrication of a plurality of instances of the ICE. The support is spaced apart from the deposition source and has a shape that corresponds to the plume spatial profile, such that when the supported instances of the substrate are distributed over the support, thicknesses of instances of each of the deposited layers are substantially uniform across the plurality of instances of the ICE. |
| US09371572B2 |
Process for manufacture of nanometric, monodisperse, stable metallic silver and a product obtained therefrom
The present invention relates to a procedure for preparation by wet reduction method of nanometric particles of metallic silver, with diameter in the range of 1 to 100 nm and an average diameter of 20 to 40 nm, with monodispersion characteristics, stability greater than 12 months and in a wide range of concentrations. The process comprises 4 steps: a) preparation of the reducing agent solution, taken from the group of tannins and preferably being tannic acid; b) preparation of a solution of a soluble silver salt; c) reaction and, d) solid-liquid separation; the particle size is determined by the nature of the reducing agent and by the pH control of the currents. The final step is designed for separating and concentrating the material after which the user can prepare the product for integration thereof in the desired medium. The particles obtained are redispersable in different media, such as water, alkydalic and phenolic resins, nitrocellulose, polyurethane, vinylics, acrylics, alcohols and in a wide variety of organic and polymeric materials such as high and low density polyethylene, Nylon, ABS and/or mixtures thereof. |
| US09371570B2 |
Mutant calreticulin for the diagnosis of myeloid malignancies
Mutations in calreticulin are discovered to be linked to myeloid malignancies. Disclosed are genomic sequences, cDNA sequences, mRNA sequences and protein sequences of mutant calreticulin that are linked to myeloid malignancies. Also disclosed are methods for diagnosing myeloid malignancy comprising determining the presence of a mutant allele of the calreticulin gene. Also disclosed are related compositions, kits and methods, including the medical use of inhibitors of mutant calreticulin. |
| US09371569B2 |
Detection and prognosis of cervical cancer
The present invention relates to methods and kits for identifying, diagnosing, prognosing, and monitoring cervical cancer. These methods include determining the methylation status or the expression levels of particular genes, or a combination thereof. |
| US09371568B2 |
Markers associated with human double minute 2 inhibitors
The invention provides methods of monitoring differential gene expression of biomarkers to determine patient sensitivity to Human Double Minute inhibitors (MDM2i), methods of determining the sensitivity of a cell to an MDM2i by measuring biomarkers and methods of screening for candidate MDM2i. |
| US09371564B2 |
Methods for plant fiber characterization and identification
Methods are provided for the isolation of biological macromolecules including peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids from mature plant fibers such as cotton fibers and from textiles. The biological macromolecules can be used to characterize the plant fiber (source, origin, genomic composition of producing plant etc.). |
| US09371563B2 |
Nanoreporters and methods of manufacturing and use thereof
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for detection and quantification of individual target molecules in biomolecular samples. In particular, the invention relates to coded, labeled probes that are capable of binding to and identifying target molecules based on the probes' label codes. Methods of making and using such probes are also provided. The probes can be used in diagnostic, prognostic, quality control and screening applications. |
| US09371561B2 |
DNA sequencing using a suspended carbon nanotube
A technique is provided for forming a nanodevice for sequencing. A bottom metal contact is disposed at a location in an insulator that is on a substrate. A nonconducting material is disposed on top of the bottom metal contact and the insulator. A carbon nanotube is disposed on top of the nonconducting material. Top metal contacts are disposed on top of the carbon nanotube at the location of the bottom metal contact, where the top metal contacts are formed at opposing ends of the carbon nanotube at the location. The carbon nanotube is suspended over the bottom metal contact at the location, by etching away the nonconducting material under the carbon nanotube to expose the bottom metal contact as a bottom of a trench, while leaving the nonconducting material immediately under the top metal contacts as walls of the trench. |
| US09371560B2 |
Comprehensive FMR1 genotyping
Disclosed herein are methods for the automated reconstruction of a genotype of a gene, fragment, or genomic region using exhaustive enumeration. The methods can be used to reconstruct the genotype of any GC-rich sequence, such as the CGG repeat region in the 5′ UTR of FMR1 or the CCG repeat region in the 5′ UTR of FMR2. Also disclosed is an apparatus for use in conducting automated genotype reconstruction, as well as methods of diagnosis and treatment using exhaustive enumeration methods to reconstruct and identify genotypes associated with a disease or disorder. |
| US09371558B2 |
Compositions and method for measuring and calibrating amplification bias in multiplexed PCR reactions
Compositions and methods are described for standardizing the DNA amplification efficiencies of a highly heterogeneous set of oligonucleotide primers as may typically be used to amplify a heterogeneous set of DNA templates that contains rearranged lymphoid cell DNA encoding T cell receptors (TCR) or immunoglobulins (IG). The presently disclosed embodiments are useful to overcome undesirable bias in the utilization of a subset of amplification primers, which leads to imprecision in multiplexed high throughput sequencing of amplification products to quantify unique TCR or Ig encoding genomes in a sample. Provided is a composition comprising a diverse plurality of template oligonucleotides in substantially equimolar amounts, for use as a calibration standard for amplification primer sets. Also provided are methods for identifying and correcting biased primer efficiency during amplification. |
| US09371554B2 |
Flocculation method
The present invention relates to a method for harvesting recombinant proteins from mammalian cell culture fluid. The method makes use of cationic polymers, non-ionic polymers and non-ionic surfactants. |
| US09371553B2 |
Genetically modified mice that produce hybrid antibodies
A method for engineering and utilizing large DNA vectors to target, via homologous recombination, and modify, in any desirable fashion, endogenous genes and chromosomal loci in eukaryotic cells. These large DNA targeting vectors for eukaryotic cells, termed LTVECs, are derived from fragments of cloned genomic DNA larger than those typically used by other approaches intended to perform homologous targeting in eukaryotic cells. Also provided is a rapid and convenient method of detecting eukaryotic cells in which the LTVEC has correctly targeted and modified the desired endogenous gene(s) or chromosomal locus (loci) as well as the use of these cells to generate organisms bearing the genetic modification. |
| US09371550B2 |
Processing materials
Biomass feedstocks (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) are processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, novel systems, methods and equipment for conveying and/or cooling treated biomass are described. |
| US09371540B2 |
Method for production of plant imparted with stress tolerance and use thereof
The present invention provides a method for producing a plant with a stress tolerance, comprising the step of inhibiting, in a plant, a function of a first polypeptide including an amino acid sequence represented by any one of SEQ ID NOS: 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. This enables developing a new technique capable of producing a plant with a stress tolerance such as a salt tolerance and a high osmotic pressure tolerance. |
| US09371539B2 |
DNA encoding ring zinc-finger protein and the use of the DNA in vectors and bacteria and in plants
The present inventions relate to compositions and methods for providing stress tolerant transgenic plants comprising a RING domain zinc-finger motif transcription factor protein. More particularly, the invention relates to compositions and methods comprising a RING-H2 domain transcription factor protein for providing drought and salt tolerant plants, in particular comprising a recombinant XERICO gene and protein. |
| US09371538B2 |
Method for increasing photosynthetic carbon fixation using glycolate dehydrogenase multi-subunit fusion protein
The invention relates to a method for stimulating the growth of the plants and/or improving the biomass production and/or increasing the carbon fixation by the plant comprising introducing into a plant cell, plant tissue or plant one or more nucleic acids, wherein the introduction of the nucleic acid(s) results inside the chloroplast of a de novo expression of one or more polypeptides having the enzymatic activity of a glycolate dehydrogenase made up from translationally fused subunits of bacterial multi-subunit glycolate dehydrogenase enzymes. |
| US09371537B2 |
Plants having enhanced yield-related traits resulted from modulated expression of a SGT1 polypeptide and a method for making the same
The present invention relates generally to the field of molecular biology and concerns a method for enhancing yield-related traits in plants by modulating expression in a plant of a nucleic acid encoding an SGT1 polypeptide, or a CLC-pKG polypeptide, or a HD-hydrolase-like polypeptide. The present invention also concerns plants having modulated expression of a nucleic acid encoding an SGT1 polypeptide, or a CLC-pKG polypeptide, or a HD-hydrolase-like polypeptide, which plants have enhanced yield-related traits relative to corresponding wild type plants or other control plants. The invention also provides constructs useful in the methods of the invention. |
| US09371531B2 |
Vectors for directional cloning
The invention provides vectors and methods for directional cloning. |
| US09371530B2 |
Modulation of growth hormone receptor expression and insulin-like growth factor expression
Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of growth hormone receptor and/or insulin like growth factor-I (IGF-I). The compositions comprise oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acid encoding growth hormone receptor. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of growth hormone receptor expression and for diagnosis and treatment of disease associated with expression of growth hormone receptor and/or insulin-like growth factor-I are provided. Diagnostic methods and kits are also provided. |
| US09371527B2 |
Compositions and methods related to protein displacement therapy for myotonic distrophy
Disclosed are compositions and methods related to the interaction of polyCUG and polyCCUG repeat RNA and proteins that bind to these repetitive RNA sequences. Also disclosed are methods of treating DM1 or DM2 comprising inhibiting the interaction of poly(CUG)exp or poly(CCUG)exp RNA with muscleblind proteins, or by causing improvement of spliceopathy in myotonic dystrophy. |
| US09371526B2 |
Synthetic mimics of miR-34
Embodiments concern methods and compositions involving miR-34 mimics, including miR-34a and miR-34c mimics. In some embodiments, there are double-stranded RNA molecules with modified nucleotides having an active strand with a miR-34a sequence and a complementary passenger strand. In additional embodiments, there are double-stranded RNA molecules with modified nucleotides having an active strand with a miR-34c sequence and a complementary passenger strand. |
| US09371525B2 |
Functionalized polypeptides
The invention provides functionalized polypeptides, especially therapeutic polypeptides (e.g., scFv), comprising a linker sequence that can be rapidly and specifically functionalized by the addition of one or functional moieties (e.g., PEG) or binding specificities (e.g., an amino acid sequence with a particular binding specificity). Such functionalized polypeptides are advantageous in that they have improved pharmacokinetic properties (e.g., improved in vivo half-life, tissue penetration and tissue residency time) over non-functionalized polypeptides. Methods for the rapid and reproducible generation of functionalized polypeptides are also provided. |
| US09371524B2 |
Amine compounds for the selective preparation of biological samples
A method for isolating a biological target material from a biological sample is provided, the method including binding the target material to a solid support, wherein impurities are selectively removed from the solid support by washing the latter with a wash buffer containing a cationic amine. A kit for isolating a biological target material from a biological sample is also provided, the kit including a wash buffer containing a cationic amine, and the use of a respective wash buffer. |
| US09371523B2 |
Cell migration regulator
The present invention provides a cell migration regulator capable of promoting or inhibiting cell migration, a method for regulating cell migration, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising such a regulator, etc. The cell migration regulator of the present invention comprises a peptide, a derivative thereof, or a salt of the peptide or the derivative, wherein the peptide comprises the full-length blood coagulation factor IX, a segment derived from the full-length blood coagulation factor IX by removal of the trypsin domain, the light chain of blood coagulation factor IX, or the EGF1 domain of blood coagulation factor IX, or the EGF3 domain of the endothelial cell locus-1 protein. |
| US09371521B2 |
Substituted pyrazinedithiol reducing agents
Substituted dithiol pyrazine compounds useful as reducing agents in biologically relevant media having formula: where variables are defined herein and corresponding oxidized pyrazine dithianes. Reducing agents useful to reduce disulfide bonds, particularly in proteins, or to prevent the formation of disulfide bonds, particularly in proteins, and other biological molecules. Reducing agents useful to regulate protein function in proteins in which a sulfhydryl group is associated with biological activity. Reducing agents useful and suitable for application in a variety of biological applications, particularly as research and synthetic reagents. S-acylated dithiol pyrazine compounds, where R3 is an acyl group, are selectively activated as reducing agents by removal of the S-acyl groups enzymatically or chemically. Dithiol pyrazine reducing agents and corresponding S-acylated dithiol pyrazines, immobilized on surfaces or conjugated to other chemical species, are provided. |
| US09371520B2 |
Fusion proteins comprising type-II cohesin modules, multi-enzyme complexes comprising same and uses thereof
Fusion proteins including a type-II cohesin module that are capable of integrating into native and designer cellulosomes. β-glucosidases modified to include a type-II cohesin module and polynucleotides encoding same. Multi-enzyme complexes including the fusion proteins, and methods for biomass degradation utilizing same. |
| US09371519B2 |
Complex type sugar chain hydrolase
The present invention provides a novel endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (Endo-Om) using a transformant produced by cloning an endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (Endo-Om) gene originated from a methylotrophic yeast Ogataea minuta IFO10746 strain. The Endo-Om according to the present invention has a specific activity 13-fold higher than that of known Endo-M and a Vmax value 55-fold higher than that of the known Endo-M, and is useful for the analysis of the structures of sugar chains, including complex type sugar chains, in glycoproteins and the modification of the sugar chains. Also provided are an endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (Endo-Cp), an endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (Endo-Pa) and an endo-β-N-acetylglucosamimidase (Endo Zr) which are produced from Candida parapolymorpha DL-1 ATCC26012 strain, Pichia anomala ATCC36904 strain and Zygosaccharomyces rouxii ATCC2623 strain, respectively, on the basis of an Endo-Om gene sequence, and each of which has a similar level of complex type sugar chain cleavage activity and a similar level of complex type sugar chain transfer activity to those of Endo-Om. |
| US09371515B2 |
Mesenchymal stem cells and bone-forming cells
The invention relates to a new type of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) which co-express at least one mesenchymal marker, preferably at least CD105 and CD34. Also provided are bone-forming cells having an analogous phenotype. The invention also provides the cells and cell populations, as well as further products comprising such and uses thereof in bone therapy. |
| US09371511B2 |
RNA preparations comprising purified modified RNA for reprogramming cells
The present invention provides compositions and methods for reprogramming somatic cells using purified RNA preparations comprising single-strand mRNA encoding an iPS cell induction factor. The purified RNA preparations are preferably substantially free of RNA contaminant molecules that: i) would activate an immune response in the somatic cells, ii) would decrease expression of the single-stranded mRNA in the somatic cells, and/or iii) active RNA sensors in the somatic cells. In certain embodiments, the purified RNA preparations are substantially free of partial mRNAs, double-stranded RNAs, un-capped RNA molecules, and/or single-stranded run-on mRNAs. |
| US09371510B2 |
Probiotic compositions and methods for inducing and supporting weight loss
A probiotic composition for inducing or supporting weight loss in a subject, the probiotic composition including an effective amount of a bacteria selected from the genus Bacteroides and a carrier for delivering the bacteria to the subject. |
| US09371506B2 |
Cleaning composition
An aqueous cleaning composition comprising a surfactant, a polyamine, and propylene glycol. The combination of the polyamine and propylene glycol will provide low residue and increased shine during wet and dry wiping and will provide anti-fog properties to a substrate after cleaning. The use of either the polyamine alone or the propylene glycol alone will not provide results meeting all three tests. |
| US09371505B2 |
Structured particles comprising an amphiphilic graft copolymer, and granular laundry detergent comprising the same
This invention relates to structured particles suitable for use in granular laundry detergent compositions, which contain an amphiphilic graft copolymer in combination with water-soluble alkali metal carbonate and sulfate particles and which contain little or no zeolite. |
| US09371499B2 |
Friction modifiers and a method of making the same
A lubricating oil additive composition comprising the reaction product of a (a) nitrogen-containing reactant, wherein the nitrogen-containing reactant comprises an alkyl alkanolamide, an alkyl alkoxylated alkanolamide, an alkyl alkanolamine, an alkyl alkoxylated alkanolamine or mixtures thereof, and wherein the nitrogen-containing reactant contains less than 10 mass percent of glycerol alkyl ester; (b) a source of boron; and (c) a hydrocarbyl polyol, having at least three hydroxyl groups. |
| US09371496B2 |
Catalyst and process for hydroconversion of a heavy feedstock
A hydroconversion catalyst comprising a Group VIB metal component, a Group VIII metal component and a carrier material is disclosed wherein said catalyst has a total surface area of 240 to 360 m2/g; a total pore volume of 0.5 to 0.9 cc/g; and a pore volume distribution such that greater than 60% of pore volume are in pores present as micropores of diameter between 55 and 115 Å, less than 0.12 cc/g of pore volume are in pores present at pores of diameter greater than 160 Å and less than 10% of pore volume are in pores present as macropores of diameters greater than 250 Å. |
| US09371495B2 |
Process for the production of naphthenic process oils by hydrogenation
A method for producing naphthenic process oils that have a high content of naphthenic carbon atoms of 20-60 wt % and a low content of polycyclic aromatics of less than 3 wt %, determined in accordance with IP 346, by the hydrogenation of a process oil educt that has a high content of polycyclic aromatics, are provided. The method enables secondary extracts, such as are formed in the production of label-free process oils, even in a mixture with primary extracts, to be utilized in an economically meaningful way. The resulting process oils are likewise label-free, so that the use of PCA-containing process oils can be reduced and less of these substances will get into the environment. By avoiding heating oil, CO2 emissions are also reduced. Also, through the direct hydrogenation of DAE, high value naphthenic process oils are obtained. The process oils that are obtained contain surprisingly high amounts of naphthenic hydrocarbon compounds. |
| US09371490B2 |
Method for extracting bitumen from an oil sand stream
The present invention provides a method for extracting bitumen from an oil sand stream, the method including the steps of: (a) providing an oil sand stream; (b) contacting the oil sand stream with a liquid comprising a solvent thereby obtaining a solvent-diluted oil sand slurry; (c) separating the solvent-diluted oil sand slurry, thereby obtaining a first solids-depleted stream and a first solids-enriched stream; (d) filtering the first solids-enriched stream obtained in step (c), thereby obtaining bitumen-depleted sand and at least a first filtrate; (e) increasing the S/B weight ratio of at least a part of the first filtrate by combining it with a stream having a higher S/B weight ratio thereby obtaining a combined stream; and (f) separating the combined stream, thereby obtaining a second solids-depleted stream and a second solids-enriched stream. |
| US09371489B2 |
Plant-based compositions and uses thereof
The present invention relates to compositions comprising a plant material and methods for using the same. The methods include extracting or removing a substance from a substrate, or remediating a substrate from a substance. The substance can comprise a hydrocarbon-containing substance, a protein, lipid, wax, fatty acid or fatty alcohol, or a combination thereof. |
| US09371488B2 |
Biomass pretreatment for hydrothermal hydrocatalytic conversion
A method for thermo-catalytically producing C4+ hydrocarbons from lignocellulosic biomass solids is provided by reducing the water content of the biomass feed prior to biomass hydrothermal hydrocatalytic conversion. |
| US09371484B2 |
Organic light emitting diode device and liquid crystal type emitting material for the same
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) device includes a first electrode; a second electrode facing the first electrode; an emitting material layer disposed between the first and second electrodes and a horizontally oriented liquid crystal type emitting material. |
| US09371483B2 |
Switch element comprising a liquid-crystalline medium
The present invention relates to a switch element, which is thermoresponsive and which switches between a less transmissive state for radiant energy and a more transmissive state for radiant energy, and which comprises a liquid-crystalline medium. The invention furthermore relates to the use of the switch element for the regulation of radiant energy flow between interior spaces and the environment and for the regulation of the temperature of interior spaces. The invention furthermore relates to a liquid-crystalline medium, characterized in that it comprises 5-60% of a compound of the formula (I), in particular for use in the switch elements according to the invention. |
| US09371481B2 |
Color stable red-emitting phosphors
A process for synthesizing a Mn4+ doped phosphor includes contacting a precursor of formula I, Ax[MFy]:Mn4+ I at any temperature in a range from about 200° C. to about 700° C. with a fluorine-containing oxidizing agent in gaseous form; maintaining the temperature during a contact period of at least one hour; and, after the contact period, reducing the temperature at a rate of ≦5° C. per minute; wherein A is Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, or a combination thereof; M is Si, Ge, Sn, Ti, Zr, Al, Ga, In, Sc, Hf, Y, La, Nb, Ta, Bi, Gd, or a combination thereof; x is the absolute value of the charge of the [MFy] ion; y is 5, 6 or 7. |
| US09371473B2 |
Accelerators for two step adhesive systems
Benzoylthiourea or benzoylthiourethane derivatives as cure accelerators in primers for two step adhesive systems are provided. |
| US09371472B2 |
Abrasion-resistant, woven-fabric adhesive tape
The invention relates to an adhesive tape composed of a carrier and of an adhesive layer applied on at least one side, the carrier being a woven fabric, preferably a woven polyester fabric, characterized in that the ratio of the linear density per unit length of the transverse threads to the linear density per unit width of the longitudinal threads is between 2.2 and 6 and the carrier has a basis weight of greater than or equal to 110 g/m2. |
| US09371471B2 |
Acrylic hot melt adhesives
Radiation curable adhesive compositions comprising an acrylic polymer and a polyolefin find use in the manufacture of pressure sensitive adhesive articles such as, for example, tapes. |
| US09371470B2 |
Two part-cyanoacrylate/free radically curable adjesive systems
Two part cyanoacrylate/free radical curable adhesive systems, are provided. |
| US09371468B2 |
Co-cured gel coats, elastomeric coatings, structural layers, and in-mold processes for their use
Co-cured urethane and vinyl ester, epoxy, or unsaturated polyester gel coats having improved toughness and flexibility compared with conventional polyester gel coats are disclosed. The gel coats, which have 10-50 wt. % urethane content, adhere well to structural layers and can be used in a traditional in-mold process. Co-cured elastomeric coatings comprising from 50 to 95 wt. % of a urethane component and an unsaturated polyester, epoxy, or vinyl ester are also disclosed. Unlike conventional urethane coatings, the elastomeric coatings adhere well to structural layers and can be used in a traditional in-mold process. Castings or structural layers comprising a reinforced thermoset of co-cured urethane and vinyl ester, epoxy, or unsaturated polyester components, including 10-95 wt. % of the urethane component, are also described. The invention includes in-mold processes for making laminates that utilize the gel coats, elastomeric coatings, and/or structural layers. The in-mold process gives flexible, durable, urethane-containing laminates having good interlayer adhesion. |
| US09371465B2 |
Silver ink composition
A silver ink composition Which includes a silver carboxylate having a group represented by a formula iCOOAg, an aliphatic primary amine or secondary amine having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, an acetylene alcohol represented by a general formula (2) shown below, and a hydrocarbon having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, and has a viscosity at 27° C. of 40 mPa-s or less, in the formula, each of R′ and R″ independently represents an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or a phenyl group in which one or more hydrogen atoms may be substituted with a substituent. |
| US09371464B2 |
Aqueous ink composition
An aqueous ink composition including water; a co-solvent; an encapsulated resinous pigment; a polymer latex; and a low molecular weight humectant solute; wherein the total solids content of the aqueous ink is from about 2 to about 25 percent by weight based on the total weight of the aqueous ink composition. |
| US09371463B2 |
Inks and a process for ink-jet printing textile fibre materials
The present invention relates to aqueous inks comprising (A) at least one dye of the formula (1) wherein R1 is C1-C12alkyl, or C2-C12alkyl interrupted by one or more oxygen atoms and/or —COO— groups, and R2, R3, R4 and R5 each independently of the others is hydrogen, C1-C12alkyl, chlorine, bromine, hydroxy or amino; (B) at least one dye of the formula (2) wherein R6 is hydrogen, bromine, chlorine or cyano, R7 is trifluoromethyl, bromine or chlorine, R8 is hydrogen, methyl or acetylamino, R9 and R10 each independently of the other is C1-C4alkyl unsubstituted or substituted by cyano or by acyloxy, one of the C1-C4alkyl radicals R9 and R10 is substituted by cyano or by acyloxy; and (C) at least one dye of the formula (3) wherein R11 is fluoro, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, trifluoromethylsulfonyl or cyano, R12 and R13 each independently of the other represent hydrogen, C1-C12alkyl, C1-C12alkoxy, halogen, cyano, nitro, trifluoromethyl or —CO—OR16, wherein R16 is C1-C12alkyl unsubstituted or substituted by one or more C1-C12alkoxy, hydroxy, amino or halogen, and one of the radicals R14 and R15 denotes hydrogen or CrC6alkyl unsubstituted or substituted by hydroxy, C1-C4acyloxy, C1-C6alkoxy, C1-C4acyloxy-C1-C6alkoxy or hydroxy-C1-C6alkoxy, and the other one of the radicals R14 and R15 denotes C1-C6alkyl unsubstituted or substituted by phenoxy-C1-C6alkoxy, or phenyl that is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituents from the group C1-C12alkyl, C1-C12alkoxy and trifluoromethyl; and to an ink-jet printing process for printing semi-synthetic or synthetic hydrophobic textile fiber materials with the said aqueous inks, wherein the prints obtained have high temperature light fastness and at the same time a high color strength. |
| US09371456B2 |
Digital thermal binder and powder printing
A method of forming a digital print on a surface (2) by applying powder of dry ink (15) including colorants (7) on the surface, bonding a part of the dry ink (15) powder to the surface (2) by a digital heating print head (80) such that the digital print is formed by the bonded dry ink colorants (7) and removing non-bonded dry ink (15) from the surface (2). |
| US09371448B2 |
Imidazo[1,5-a]pyridinium ion fluorophores, and methods of making and using the same
A fluorophore and methods of detecting cations and hydrophobic environments using the fluorophore are disclosed. The fluorophore includes an imidazo[1,5-a]pyridinium ion core and has the formula where R1, R2, R3 and X− are as defined in the specification, and n is an integer from 1 to 4. |
| US09371443B2 |
Process for continuous production of halogen-free thermoplastic elastomer compositions
A continuous process for the production of a dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer comprising a thermoplastic resin and a non-halogenated elastomer with a multiolefin content of greater than 3.5 mol % that has been modified in situ with a carboxylic anhydride. The process provides materials with improved elongation at break and ultimate tensile strength that can be produced economically and with reduced environmental impact. |
| US09371442B2 |
Polyethylene compositions and closures made from them
A dual reactor solution process gives high density polyethylene compositions containing a first ethylene copolymer and a second ethylene copolymer and which have good processability, stiffness, and environmental stress crack resistance. The polyethylene compositions are suitable for compression molding or injection molding applications and are particularly useful in the manufacture of caps and closures for bottles. |
| US09371439B2 |
Protective coatings
A composition for protecting a surface of an organic substrate, such as VCT, wood, or a synthetic laminate material, includes a silicate (e.g., an alkali metal polysilicate or colloidal silica) and a siliconate (e.g., a metal siliconate, such as an alkali metal methyl siliconate, etc.). In addition, the composition may include acrylic latex, a silane coupling agent, and a solvent, such as ethylene glycol monobutyl ether. Such a composition may also include a leveling agent, such as a surfactant. Organic substrates, such as VCT, wood, and synthetic laminate materials, with such a composition on their surfaces are also disclosed. |
| US09371438B2 |
High melting point flame retardant crystal and method for manufacturing the same, epoxy resin composition containing the flame retardant, and prepreg and flame retardant laminate using the composition
Disclosed herein is a method of preparing a high-melting point flame retardant crystal, comprising the steps of: reacting 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide with 1,4-naphthoquinone in an inert solvent having a dielectric constant of 10 or less to reduce a content of by-products, thereby obtaining a reaction composition; and dissolving the reaction composition in any one solvent selected from the group consisting of ethyleneglycol, propyleneglycol, diethyleneglycol, cyclohexanone, benzyl alcohol, acetate ester, benzoate ester and a mixture thereof to recrystallize and refine the reaction composition, thereby obtaining high-melting point retardant crystal, represented by Formula 1, having a start melting point of 280° C. or more and a melting point of 291° C. or more, which are measured by differential thermogravimetric analysis. |
| US09371433B2 |
Additive for enhancing toughness of marble adhesive
An additive for a marble adhesive is disclosed. The additive is selected from the group consisting of R—(C6H4)—CH2OH, R—O—(CH2)2—O—(CH2)2—OH, R—O—CH2—CH(OH)—CH3, R—O—(CH2)2—OH, and a mixture thereof, where R represents hydrogen or alkyl. |
| US09371432B2 |
Natural rubber containing nanocarbon
The invention relates to the use of nanocarbon (carbon nano tubes and/or carbon nano fibers) in the preparation of reinforced natural rubber. It is an object of the invention to provide a simple way to disperse nanocarbon in rubber so as to obtain good physical and mechanical properties, such as hardness, modulus and/or tensile strength. In order to achieve these objects, the invention provides a natural rubber composition comprising 5 parts per hundred of rubber (pphr) or less of nanocarbon, wherein the nanocarbon has not been subjected to an acid treatment before incorporation into the rubber composition. Furthermore, the invention also provides a method of making a natural rubber composition comprising nanocarbon, wherein the method comprises the following steps: (i) providing a dispersion of nanocarbon in a aqueous medium, and (ii) combining the dispersion of nanocarbon with a natural rubber latex; and wherein the nanocarbon is not subjected to an acid treatment before incorporation into the rubber composition and the natural rubber composition comprises 5 pphr or less of nanocarbon. |
| US09371431B2 |
Poly(ether sulfone)s and poly(ether amide sulfone)s and methods of their preparation
Poly(ether sulfones) (PES) and poly(ether amide sulfones) (PEAS) were prepared from post-consumer polycarbonates and polyesters, respectively, using a single vessel in batch mode (all reactants present when heating was initiated). The depolymerization of the initial polymer occurs concurrently with step growth polymerization to form a product polymer having a number average molecular weight of at least 5000. |
| US09371427B2 |
Pattern forming method
A pattern is formed by forming a first pattern on a first film, forming a block copolymer layer including a first block chain and a second block chain on the first pattern, forming a second pattern, forming a second film on the second pattern, selectively removing the second film until the second pattern is exposed, forming a third pattern, and processing the first film using the third pattern as a mask. The second pattern is formed by microphase-separating the block copolymer layer, and removing the first block chain or the second block chain. The second film is formed by applying a material having an etch rate that is less than an etch rate of a material of the first pattern and the second pattern. The third pattern is formed by selectively removing the second pattern and the first pattern using the second film as a mask. |
| US09371425B2 |
Process for manufactuing a filled polymeric materials with modified filler particles
The invention pertains to filler modified with functional particles in a dry-blending process through collisions of sufficient energy to bound, adhere, or otherwise associate the pigment particles to the filler, and a filled polymeric material manufactured with the modified filler. |
| US09371423B2 |
Methods and apparatus for crosslinking a silicon carbide fiber precursor polymer
The present disclosure generally provides methods and apparatus for efficiently crosslinking silicon carbide fiber precursor polymers with electron beam radiation. The methods and apparatus utilize a platform containing silicon carbide fiber precursor polymer. The temperature of the platform is regulated while the silicon carbide fiber precursor polymer is irradiated to thereby regulate the temperature of the irradiated silicon carbide fiber precursor polymer thereon. In this way, the temperature of the irradiated silicon carbide fiber precursor polymer is regulated via the platform both during and after it is subjected to radiation. At least one of the platform and the e-beam radiation mechanism may be translated with respect to the other to irradiate different portions of the silicon carbide fiber precursor polymer and, ultimately, the entirety of the silicon carbide fiber precursor polymer contained on the platform. |
| US09371419B2 |
Polycarbonate-polyorganosiloxane copolymer and method for continuously producing same
Provided are a polycarbonate-polyorganosiloxane copolymer having a carbon tetrachloride concentration of less than 4 ppm by mass, and the following production method for producing the polycarbonate-polyorganosiloxane copolymer. More specifically, provided is a method of continuously producing a polycarbonate-polyorganosiloxane copolymer, the method comprising the steps of: (A) continuously or intermittently taking a polymerization reaction liquid, which is obtained by polymerizing a dihydric phenol compound, a carbonate precursor, and a specific polyorganosiloxane in the presence of an alkaline compound aqueous solution and a water-insoluble organic solvent, out of a reactor; (B) separating the polymerization reaction liquid taken out in the step (A) into an aqueous phase and a water-insoluble organic solvent phase; (C) washing the water-insoluble organic solvent phase separated in the step (B), followed by separation thereof into an aqueous phase and a water-insoluble organic solvent phase; (D) concentrating the water-insoluble organic solvent phase separated in the step (C); and (E) recovering part or all of the water-insoluble organic solvent removed by evaporation in the step (D), followed by distillation purification thereof in a distillation column, the water-insoluble organic solvent obtained in the step (E) being reused as at least part of the water-insoluble organic solvent in the step (A) or as an extraction solvent for the aqueous phase separated in the step (B), or as both thereof, in the step (E), the distillation purification being performed while a concentration of the polycarbonate-polyorganosiloxane copolymer in a column bottom liquid of the distillation column is controlled to 6% by mass or less. |
| US09371418B2 |
Method of copolymerizing ethylene carbonate with one or more cyclic esters
A process for copolymerizing selectively i) ethylene carbonate with ii) one or more cyclic esters can include contacting the ethylene carbonate with the one or more cyclic esters in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst can be a Zn-complex with a diaminophenolate ligand (NNO) or a β-diiminate ligand (BDI). |
| US09371417B2 |
Curable compositions
A curable composition including (a) at least one divinylarene dioxide; (b) at least one phenol, wherein the phenol is unsubstituted at a 2-, 4-, or 6-phenolic ring position; and (c) at least one acid compound-related cure catalyst; and a cured product made from the above curable composition. |
| US09371407B2 |
Catalyst system with three metallocenes for producing broad molecular weight distribution polymers
Disclosed herein are polymerization processes for the production of olefin polymers. These polymerization processes use a catalyst system containing three metallocene components, often resulting in polymers having a reverse comonomer distribution and a broad and non-bimodal molecular weight distribution. |
| US09371406B2 |
Apparatus and process for making high-pressure polyethylene polymers and copolymers
Embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus for the manufacture of polyethylene and polyethylene copolymers. The apparatus includes a primary compressor in fluid communication with a two-stage secondary compressor, the secondary compressor in fluid communication with a heated conduit in fluid communication with a tubular reactor, the tubular reactor including one or more reaction zones having a heating/cooling jacket, said reactor tube including an inner material and an outer material, said outer material being substantially inert in the presence of water under operating conditions, the tubular reactor in fluid communication with a product separator, and at least one conduit for the transfer of recycled ethylene from the product separator to the secondary compressor. Processes for manufacturing polyethylene and polyethylene copolymers using such an apparatus are also described. |
| US09371405B2 |
Nucleation in aqueous polymerization of fluoromonomer
A process is provided for polymerizing fluoromonomer in an aqueous medium, wherein a dispersion of essentially surfactant-free hydrocarbon-containing oleophilic nucleation sites is first formed in the aqueous medium, and then polymerization is commenced to form a dispersion of fluoropolymer particles at the oleophilic nucleation sites, wherein the nucleation sites can be derived from hydrocarbon-containing compound. The surfactant used to stabilize the fluoropolymer dispersion can also be hydrocarbon-containing. |
| US09371404B2 |
System and method for rapid transitioning of polyolefin processes from one product to another
A gas-phase polyolefin reactor system for rapidly transitioning from one polyolefin product to another is disclosed. The reactor system comprises a control valve, a high-flow valve, a polyolefin reactor, a flow meter, a totalizer and an empirical model. During a transition, the empirical model predicts a required amount based upon an initial concentration and a selected ending concentration, the flow meter measures a flow rate, the totalizer determines a totalized amount when the flow rate of the first stream reaches the required amount based upon the measured flow rate and outputs the totalized amount to the empirical model, and the empirical model compares the required amount to the totalized amount and determines a transition endpoint. A method of rapidly transitioning the reactor system from one polyolefin product to another is also disclosed. |
| US09371403B2 |
Hydrogenation of diene-based polymers
This invention relates to a process for the hydrogenation of diene-based copolymers in the presence of catalysts on specific carrier materials containing at least one hyper-branched polymer. |
| US09371401B2 |
Low energy method for the preparation of non-derivatized nanocellulose
A low energy method for the preparation of nanocellulose using selected organic or inorganic swelling agents. The use of these swelling agents allows opening up the intercrystalline structure and partially the intracrystalline structure of cellulosic materials thereby achieving a reduction 5 in the energy required to subsequently process the resultant swollen cellulose material into nanocellulose. |
| US09371400B2 |
Thermal regulating building materials and other construction components containing phase change materials
A material for energy management and peak energy reduction in a building structure, comprises an insulative base material, a first phase change material, and a functional polymeric phase change material that dynamically absorbs and releases heat to adjust heat transfer. The functional polymeric phase change material has at least one phase change temperature in the range between −10° C. and 100° C. and a phase change enthalpy of at least 5 Joules per gram, the functional polymeric phase change material including a plurality of polymer chains that include a backbone chain and a plurality of side chains, wherein a first portion of the plurality of polymer chains are crosslinked to each other, wherein a second portion of the plurality of polymer chains are crosslinked with the first phase change material and a third portion of the plurality of side chains are mechanically entangled with the inorganic insulative base material. |
| US09371399B2 |
Methods for producing alkali cellulose and cellulose ether
A degree of polymerization of cellulose ether is accurately controlled, and quality and a manufacturing process of the cellulose ether are stabilized. There is provided a method for producing depolymerized alkali cellulose having a degree of polymerization controlled, comprising at least a step of depolymerizing, in the presence of an oxygen-containing gas flow, alkali cellulose obtained by bringing a pulp into contact with an alkali solution, while measuring feeding and discharging amounts of oxygen in the oxygen-containing gas flow. There is also provided a method for producing cellulose ether, comprising at least a step of adding an etherifying agent to the depolymerized alkali cellulose having a degree of polymerization controlled. |
| US09371397B2 |
CTLA4-Ig immunoadhesins
The present application relates to CTLA4-Ig immunoadhesins that target CD80 and CD86, and their use, particularly for therapeutic purposes. |
| US09371395B2 |
Anti B7-H3 antibody
An antibody exhibiting antitumor activity that binds to B7-H3, a functional fragment of the antibody, a pharmaceutical composition that includes the antibody or the functional fragment, methods for making the antibody or the functional fragment, methods for treating a tumor using the antibody or the functional fragment, and polynucleotides encoding the antibody or the functional fragment. |
| US09371392B2 |
Treatment of complex regional pain syndrome using denosumab
Disclosed herein are methods of treating pain using comprising RANK/RANKL antagonists. |
| US09371391B2 |
Anti-human IL-23 receptor antibody and encoding polynucleotides
[Problem]An object of the present invention is to provide an anti-human IL-23R antibody having excellent activity and/or cross-reactivity compared to conventional IL-23R antibodies, and means for using the antibody to prevent or treat various diseases such as ophthalmic disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or psoriasis in which human IL-23R is involved in pathogenesis.[Means for Solution]An anti-human IL-23R antibody comprising a heavy-chain variable region consisting of the amino acid sequence shown by SEQ ID NO:10 or 14 and a light-chain variable region consisting of the amino acid sequence shown by SEQ ID NO:6 or 18. |
| US09371385B2 |
Compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating an inflammation
A method of treating a graft rejection disease in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated polypeptide comprising an antigen recognition domain capable of specifically binding a human scavenger receptor, wherein said antigen recognition domain comprises CDR amino acid sequences as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11, 15, 19, 23, 27 and 31, thereby treating the graft rejection disease in the subject. |
| US09371382B2 |
Polyclonal-monoclonal ELISA assay for detecting N-terminus pro-BNP
A specific and sensitive in vitro ELISA assay and diagnostic test kit is disclosed for determining levels of NT-proBNP protein in a variety of bodily fluids, non-limiting examples of which are blood, serum, plasma, urine and the like. |
| US09371381B2 |
Single domain antibodies directed against tumor necrosis factor-alpha and uses therefor
The present invention relates to polypeptides derived from single domain heavy chain antibodies directed to Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha. It further relates to single domain antibodies that are Camelidae VHHs. It further relates to methods of administering said polypeptides. It further relates to protocols for screening for agents that modulate the TNF-alpha receptor, and the agents resulting from said screening. |
| US09371379B2 |
Methods for treating malaria by administering an antibody that specifically binds angiopoietin-2 (ang-2)
The present invention provides methods for treating malaria by administering to a patient in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody that specifically binds human angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2). |
| US09371372B2 |
Human cytomegalovirus neutralizing antibodies and use thereof
The invention relates to neutralizing antibodies, and antibody fragments thereof, having high potency in neutralizing hCMV, wherein said antibodies and antibody fragments are specific for one, or a combination of two or more, hCMV gene UL products. The invention also relates to immortalized B cells that produce, and to epitopes that bind to, such antibodies and antibody fragments. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the antibodies, antibody fragments, and epitopes in screening methods as well as in the diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of disease. |
| US09371370B2 |
Coagulation factor VII polypeptides
The present invention relates to modified coagulation Factor VII polypeptides exhibiting increased resistance to antithrombin inactivation and enhanced proteolytic activity. The present invention also relates to polynucleotide constructs encoding such polypeptides, vectors and host cells comprising and expressing such polynucleotides, pharmaceutical compositions, uses and methods of treatment. |
| US09371367B1 |
Selective delivery molecules and methods of use
Disclosed herein is a selective delivery molecule comprising: (a) an acidic sequence (portion A) which is effective to inhibit or prevent the uptake into cells or tissue retention, (b) a molecular transport or retention sequence (portion B), and (c) a linker between portion A and portion B, and (d) at least one cargo moiety. |
| US09371366B2 |
Influenza virus vaccines and uses thereof
Provided herein are chimeric influenza hemagglutinin (HA) polypeptides, compositions comprising the same, vaccines comprising the same, and methods of their use. |
| US09371364B2 |
Dual-targeted therapeutic peptide for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, nanoparticles carrying same and uses thereof
Disclosed is a dual-targeted therapeutic peptide for nasopharyngeal carcinoma formed by covalently linking a targeted therapeutic peptide for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a peptide linker and a targeted therapeutic peptide with an α-helical structure for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Also disclosed is a nanoparticle containing the peptide. The peptide and the nanoparticle can be used to treat nasopharyngeal carcinoma. |
| US09371363B2 |
Peptides and their use
The invention relates to peptides, and peptide variants thereof, in which substantially all of the amino acids in the amino sequence of said peptide are the same, for use as antibacterial agents. |
| US09371361B2 |
Method of producing FR901228
Depsipeptides and congeners thereof are disclosed having structure (I), wherein m, n, p, q, X, R1, R2 and R3 are as defined herein. These compounds, including FR901228, have activity as, for example, immunosuppressants, as well as for the prevention or treatment of patients suffering or at risk of suffering from inflammatory, autoimmune or immune system-related diseases including graft-versus-host disease and enhancement of graft/tissue survival following transplant. Also provided are methods for inhibiting lymphocyte activation, proliferation, and/or suppression of IL-2 secretion. |
| US09371360B2 |
Homomultivalent and heteromultivalent inhibitors of prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and uses thereof
The present invention provides bivalent and multivalent ligands with a view to improving the affinity and pharmacokinetic properties of a urea class of PSMA inhibitors. The compounds and their synthesis can be generalized to multivalent compounds of other target antigens. Because they present multiple copies of the pharmacophore, multivalent ligands can bind to receptors with high avidity and affinity, thereby serving as powerful inhibitors. The modular multivalent scaffolds of the present invention, in one or more embodiments, contains a lysine-based (α-, ε-)dialkyne residue for incorporating two or more antigen binding moieties, such as PSMA binding Lys-Glu urea moieties, exploiting click chemistry and one or more additional lysine residues for subsequent modification with an imaging and/or therapeutic nuclides or a cytotoxic ligands for tumor cell killing. |
| US09371356B2 |
Separation of biocomponents from manure
A process for separating amino acids and peptides from raw and digested farm manure is disclosed. The raw manure may be recovered from sand bedding used in the cow stalls of some farms. The process involves the steps of precipitating out struvite and separating a stream rich in amino acids and peptides from a mineral rich stream in a dissolved air floatation machine. Struvite precipitation is accomplished by the addition of polydicyandiamide and an acrylate based polymer, while the separation of the stream rich in fibers, amino acids and peptides from a mineral rich streams is accomplished by the addition of an acrylamide chloride copolymer. |
| US09371355B2 |
Process for production of fibrinogen
The present invention relates to a method or process for the manufacture of a virus and prion save native fibrinogen concentrate of high purity and low amounts of fibrinopeptide A and fibronectin. |
| US09371352B2 |
Modified glycolipids and methods of making and using the same
The invention is directed to compositions and methods related to proteins that are physically associated with ceramide-like glycolipids for use as activators of NKT cells. The compositions and methods of the present invention are useful for the prevention and treatment of diseases. |
| US09371350B2 |
Trehalose derivatives and pharmaceutical compositions for treating neurodegenerative diseases
The invented inositol and trehalose derivatives, prepared by introducing multiple units of the guanidine group to the backbone molecules, show excellent blood-brain barrier permeability, and accordingly, it can be easily transported to the brain tissues and utilized for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease. |
| US09371349B2 |
Low temperature, vacuum assisted chlorination of sucrose-6-esters free of overchlorinated by-products as intermediates for the production of the artificial sweetener, sucralose
Disclosed is a method of chlorinating a carbohydrate or derivative thereof, for example, a sucrose-6-ester at the 4,1′, and 6′ positions, with irreversible removal of HCl formed during the reaction to form the chlorinated carbohydrate or derivative thereof, for example, a 4,1′,6′-trichloro-4,1′,6′-trideoxy-6-O-ester of galactosucrose (TGS-6E). The irreversible removal of HCl can be carried out by an irreversible physical process and/or an irreversible chemical process. Sucralose, an artificial sweetener, can be prepared by deesterification of the TGS-6E. The chlorination reaction takes place at low temperatures and the desired chlorinated product is obtained in high yields and in high purities. |
| US09371346B2 |
Preparing a nickel phosphorus ligand complex
The present invention relates to a method of preparing a nickel complex including nickel and at least one phosphorus-containing ligand by reacting at least a portion of a nickel metal with at least one phosphorus-containing ligand. The nickel metal is prepared from a nickel composition including nickel(II). |
| US09371344B2 |
Morphic forms of hexadecyloxypropyl-phosphonate esters and methods of synthesis thereof
The disclosure describes methods of synthesis of phosphonate ester compounds. The methods according to the disclosure allow for large-scale preparation of phosphonate ester compounds having high purity and stability. Also disclosed are morphic forms of phosphonate ester compounds. |
| US09371342B2 |
Isoprene oligomer, polyisoprene, processes for producing these materials, rubber composition, and pneumatic tire
The invention relates to an isoprene oligomer that contains a trans structural moiety and a cis structural moiety, which can be represented by the following formula (1), wherein at least 1 atom or group in the trans structural moiety is replaced by another atom or group. The invention also relates to a polyisoprene, which is biosynthesized using the isoprene oligomer and isopentenyl diphosphate. Further, this invention provides a rubber composition comprising the isoprene oligomer and/or the polyisoprene, and a pneumatic tire, including tire components (e.g., treads and sidewalls) formed from the rubber composition. wherein n represents an integer from 1 to 10; m represents an integer from 1 to 30; and Y represents a hydroxy group, a formyl group, a carboxy group, an ester group, a carbonyl group, or a group represented by the following formula (2): |
| US09371341B2 |
Cyclic aminoorganoxysilane compound and its production method
A method for producing a cyclic aminoorganoxysilane compound is provided. The method comprises the step of conducting dehydrochlorination coupling of a chloroalkylalkoxysilane compound represented by the formula: wherein R1 is a straight or branched divalent C1-10 hydrocarbon group, R2 is hydrogen atom or an unsubstituted or substituted C1-10 monovalent hydrocarbon group, R3 and R4 are respectively a C1-10 monovalent hydrocarbon group, and n is 0, 1, or 2 and an aminoalcohol represented by the formula: wherein R5 is a straight or branched C2-10 divalent hydrocarbon group which may contain a heteroatom and R6 is hydrogen atom or a straight or branched C1-10 monovalent hydrocarbon group, and promoting intramolecular transesterification to thereby produce a cyclic aminoorganoxysilane compound represented by the formula: wherein R1 to R6 and n are as defined above. |
| US09371339B2 |
Saturated and unsaturated silahydrocarbons via iron and cobalt pyridine diimine catalyzed olefin silylation
The present invention relates to processes for the synthesis of saturated and unsaturated silahydrocarbons using iron-containing or cobalt-containing catalysts. The processes of the invention can produce tetraalkylsilanes, phenyltrialkylsilanes, substituted phenyltrialkylsilanes and their mixtures, which are useful as lubricants and hydraulic fluids, as well as alkyl alkenylsilanes, phenyl alkenylsilanes and substituted phenyl alkenylsilanes and their mixtures, which are useful in the synthesis of saturated silahydrocarbons and other organofunctional silanes. |
| US09371336B2 |
Compounds for treating spinal muscular atrophy
Provided herein are compounds, compositions thereof and uses therewith for treating spinal muscular atrophy. |
| US09371335B2 |
Spirothienopyran-piperidine derivatives as ORL-1 receptor antagonists for their use in the treatment of alcohol dependence and abuse
The use of ORL-1 receptor antagonists of the formula: for the treatment of alcohol use disorders is described. |
| US09371334B2 |
Synthesis of substituted salicylaldehyde derivatives
Among other things, the present invention encompasses methods of synthesizing salicylaldehyde derivatives comprising the steps of: a) providing salicylaldehyde or a derivative thereof, b) forming an anhydro dimer of the provided salicylaldehyde compound, c) performing one or more chemical transformations on the anhydro dimer and d) hydrolyzing the anhydro dimer to provide a salicylaldehyde derivative different from that provided in step (a). |
| US09371322B2 |
Bicyclic aza-amides for treatment of psychiatric disorders
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) having a bicyclic aza-amides scaffold, pharmaceutically acceptable salts of these compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing at least one of these compounds together with pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient and/or diluents. Said bicyclic aza-amides compounds can be used for prophylaxis and/or treatment of psychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, disorders and conditions. |
| US09371318B2 |
Compounds having muscarinic receptor antagonist and beta2 adrenergic receptor agonist activity
Compounds of formula (I) described herein act both as muscarinic receptor antagonists and beta2 adrenergic receptor agonists and are useful for the prevention and/or treatment of broncho-obstructive or inflammatory diseases. |
| US09371316B2 |
Pyridine derivatives
The present application provides novel pyridine compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof. Also provided are methods for preparing these compounds. These compounds are useful in inhibiting CYP17 activity by administering a therapeutically effective amount of one or more of the compounds to a patient. By doing so, these compounds are effective in treating conditions associated with CYP17 activity. A variety of conditions can be treated using these compounds and include diseases which are characterized by abnormal cellular proliferation. In one embodiment, the disease is cancer, such as prostate cancer. |
| US09371315B2 |
N-(tetrazol-5-yl)- and N-(triazol-5-yl)arylcarboxamide salts and use thereof as herbicides
Salts of N-(tetrazol-5-yl)- and N-(triazol-5-yl)arylcarboxamides of the general formula (I) are described as herbicides. In this formula (I), W, X, Z and R represent radicals such as hydrogen, organic radicals such as alkyl, and other radicals such as halogen. A and B each represent nitrogen or carbon. M+ represents a cation. |
| US09371305B2 |
Deuterated benzopyran compounds and application thereof
The present invention discloses deuterated benzopyran compounds having structure features as shown in Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or stereoisomers thereof, or prodrug molecules thereof. With excellent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and the capability to inhibit growth of tumor cells, such compounds are novel COX-2 selective inhibitors. The compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof disclosed by the present application can be applied in preparing anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs and drugs for treating or preventing tumors. |
| US09371300B2 |
Catalytic epoxidation process
Methods and compositions are provided for the manufacture of an epoxide. In one embodiment, the invention provides a process for the manufacture of an epoxide including providing an olefin, an oxidant, alkaline earth metal ions, a catalyst component, a buffer component, and water to form a reaction mixture and reacting the olefin with the oxidant in the reaction mixture. |
| US09371298B2 |
Processes for the preparation of isothiazole derivatives
Processes and intermediates for the preparation of compounds of the Formula I and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, solvates and hydrates thereof, wherein R1, R2, and R3 have the definitions provided herein. |
| US09371297B2 |
Macrocyclic ghrelin receptor modulators and methods of using the same
The present invention provides novel conformationally-defined macrocyclic compounds that can function as selective modulators of the ghrelin receptor (growth hormone secretagogue receptor, GHS-R1a and subtypes, isoforms and variants thereof). Methods of synthesizing the novel compounds are also described herein. These compounds are useful as agonists of the ghrelin receptor and as medicaments for treatment and prevention of a range of medical conditions including, but not limited to, metabolic and/or endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular disorders, obesity and obesity-associated disorders, central nervous system disorders, bone disorders, genetic disorders, hyperproliferative disorders and inflammatory disorders. |
| US09371295B2 |
Compounds for use in the treatment of disorders that are ameliorated by inhibition of HDAC
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) and (IV), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, tautomers, stereoisomers thereof, which are inhibitors of histone deacetylase (HDAC). The compounds of the present invention are for use in the treatment of disorders that are ameliorated by inhibition of HDAC such as cancer and hemoglobinopathies like β-thalassemia or sickle cell anemia. |
| US09371294B2 |
Cycloalkenyl aryl derivatives for CETP inhibitor
The present invention relates to cycloalkenyl aryl derivatives, isomers thereof, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, hydrates thereof, or solvates thereof; a method for preparing the derivatives; and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same. The compounds of the present invention show the effect of CETP activity inhibition. It means that the compounds can increase HDL-cholesterol and decrease LDL-cholesterol. |
| US09371292B2 |
Quinazoline derivative, preparation method therefor, intermediate, composition and application thereof
Disclosed are as represented by Formula (I) a quinazoline derivative and a pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof, or, an enantiomer, a non-enantiomer, a tautomer, a racemate, a solvate, a metabolic precursor, or a prodrug of both. Also disclosed are a preparation method therefor, an intermediate, a pharmaceutical composition having the quinazoline derivative, and an application thereof. The quinazoline derivative of the present invention is provided with improved anti-tumor activity. |
| US09371290B2 |
Pyridazinone compounds
The invention relates to pyridazinone and pyridone compounds having formula (I) or (I′), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, and solvates thereof (I) wherein R1/R4 and X and X3 are as defined in the claims. The invention further relates to their use as inhibitors of copper-containing amine oxidases. The present invention also relates to the preparation of the aforementioned compounds and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising as an active ingredient(s) one or more of the aforementioned compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, or solvates thereof. |
| US09371286B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition with enhanced efficacy for inhibiting angiogenesis
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting angiogenesis and a novel sulfonyl amide derivative compound which can be useful for the prevention or treatment of angiogenesis-related diseases or disorders. Since the compound used as an active ingredient in the pharmaceutical composition of the invention is specifically bound to UQCRB and inhibits biological functions thereof, apoptosis is not induced and angiogenic responses are inhibited. Therefore, the compound used as an active ingredient in the pharmaceutical composition of the invention can be useful as an effective and safe angiogenesis inhibitory agent. |
| US09371282B2 |
Somatostatin receptor subtype 4 (SSTR4) agonists
3-aza-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-6-carboxylic acid amide derivatives which are agonists of somatostatin receptor subtype 4 (SSTR4), useful for preventing or treating medical disorders related to SSTR4. |
| US09371278B2 |
Sulfur derivatives as chemokine receptor modulators
The present invention relates to novel sulfur derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals as modulators of chemokine receptors. |
| US09371277B2 |
Benzamide compounds and related methods of use
Benzamide compounds and derivatives thereof, as can be used for selective inhibition of the SIRT2 enzyme and/or therapeutic use in the treatment of Huntington's disease. |
| US09371273B2 |
Ether-amide compounds and preparation and uses thereof
Ether-amide compounds having the formula RaRbC(OR1)—CHRc—CONR2R3 are described. Also described, are processes for the preparation and use thereof, especially as solvents, for example in phytosanitary formulations. |
| US09371271B2 |
Method for manufacturing tertiary amino group-containing lipid
In production of a cationic lipid having at least one methylene group sandwiched between adjacent two cis form double bonds in the molecule, isomerization from a cis form to a trans form is suppressed.A compound represented by the following formula (I): R1—X (I) (in Formula, R1 represents a hydrocarbon group having at least one methylene group sandwiched between adjacent two cis form double bonds in the molecule and having the carbon number of 8 to 24 and X represents a releasing group) is reacted with (B) a compound having at least one of each of tertiary amino group and hydroxyl group in the molecule in a saturated hydrocarbon solvent having the carbon number of 5 to 10 in the presence of an alkali catalyst. |
| US09371270B2 |
Compound for organic light-emitting device and organic light-emitting device including the same
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a compound represented by Formula 1, and to organic light-emitting diodes including the compound. In some embodiments, an organic light-emitting diode includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and an organic layer between the first electrode and the second electrode and including the compound represented by Formula 1 |
| US09371267B2 |
Cerium catalyzed production of secondary alcohols and plasticizers based on the secondary alcohols
A method for preparation of secondary alcohols with a high proportion of hydroxyl group at the C2 position is disclosed. Alkyl carboxylates, high in alpha-methylcarboxylate content, are produced via reaction of an alpha-olefin and a carboxylic acid in the presence of a cerium catalyst. The resultant alkyl carboxylate is hydrolyzed to yield a secondary alcohol with a high 2-hydroxyl content. The secondary alcohol may be used to prepare esters, especially phthalate esters or cyclohexanoate diesters, which are useful as plasticizers. These esters are more effective as plasticizers than esters derived from other secondary alcohols due to their high C2 point of attachment. |
| US09371263B2 |
Protective effects of curcumin against hemorrhagic stroke injury
Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions and methods for preventing and treating diseases such as intracerebral hemorrhage, cancer, or conditions associated with damaged cells, activated lymphocytes, or microbial products. The disclosed compounds are curcumin analogs. The curcumin analogs possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which in part, reduce AP-1 and NF-κB activity. |
| US09371262B2 |
One-step intermolecular electrocyclic rearrangement process
A direct acid catalyzed intermolecular electrocyclic rearrangement process for the preparation of linear and cyclic homoallylic ester and amides. A one step intermolecular electrocyclic rearrangement process includes the step of reacting a beta, gamma-unsaturated aldehyde or ketone, in which the beta, gamma-unsaturation is not part of an aromatic ring, with another aldehyde or a secondary aldimine in the presence of an acid. |
| US09371260B2 |
Method for producing refined glycerin alkyl ether
Provided is a method for producing refined glycerin alkyl ether at a high recovery rate by removing glycerin from a mixture containing glycerin and glycerin alkyl ether. A method for producing refined glycerin alkyl ether comprising the following steps (1) and (2): step (1): bringing a mixture containing glycerin and glycerin alkyl ether into contact with a cation exchange resin; step (2): bringing the cation exchange resin into contact with a solvent having an SP value of from 20.5 to 34 (MPa)1/2 to obtain an eluate. |
| US09371257B2 |
Reactors and processes for the oxidative coupling of hydrocarbons
A method for the oxidative coupling of hydrocarbons includes providing an oxidative catalyst inside a reactor and carrying out the oxidative coupling reaction under a set of reaction conditions. The reactor surfaces that contact the reactants and products do not provide a significant detrimental catalyzing effect. In an embodiment the reactor contains an inert lining or a portion of the reactor inner surface is treated to reduce the detrimental catalytic effects. In an embodiment the reactor contains a lining that includes an oxidative catalyst. |
| US09371255B2 |
Mixed oxide compositions and process for preparing isoolefins
The present invention relates to mixed oxide compositions, to the use thereof as a catalyst for cleavage of alkyl tert-alkyl ethers or tertiary alcohols, and to a process for cleaving alkyl tert-alkyl ethers or tertiary alcohols to isoolefins and alcohol or water. |
| US09371254B2 |
Manufacturing method of honeycomb structure
The manufacturing method of the honeycomb structure has a forming step of forming a forming raw material into a plurality of quadrangular prismatic honeycomb formed bodies each having partition walls, a firing step of firing the plurality of honeycomb formed bodies to form a plurality of quadrangular prismatic honeycomb fired bodies, a sheet-like bonding material attaching step of attaching sheet-like bonding materials to at least part of side surfaces of at least part of the plurality of honeycomb fired bodies, a honeycomb block body preparing step of preparing a honeycomb block body in which the plurality of honeycomb fired bodies are stacked, by assembling the plurality of quadrangular prismatic honeycomb fired bodies while bonding the side surfaces thereof to one another by the bonding materials, and a grinding step of grinding a circumferential portion of the honeycomb block body to obtain the honeycomb structure. |
| US09371253B2 |
High purity powders
This invention relates to high purity yttria or ytterbia stabilized zirconia powders comprising from about 0 to about 0.15 weight percent impurity oxides, from about 0 to about 2 weight percent hafnium oxide (hafnia), from about 6 to about 25 weight percent yttrium oxide (yttria) or from about 10 to about 36 weight percent ytterbium oxide (ytterbia), and the balance zirconium oxide (zirconia). Thermal barrier coatings for protecting a component such as blades, vanes and seal surfaces of gas turbine engines, made from the high purity yttria or ytterbia stabilized zirconia powders, have a density greater than 88% of the theoretical density with a plurality of verticalzA macrocracks homogeneously dispersed throughout the coating to improve its thermal fatigue resistance. |
| US09371252B2 |
Device and system for producing cement clinker
In the method according to the invention for producing cement clinker, raw cement meal is preheated in a preheater, the preheated raw cement meal is precalcined in a calciner and the precalcined raw cement meal is burnt in a kiln, fuel and combustion air having an oxygen content of at least 75 mol % being used in the calciner, and the raw cement meal being precalcined in a fluidized bed in the calciner. The exhaust gases occurring in the kiln are delivered to the preheater, bypassing the calciner, and the exhaust gases of the calciner are delivered to a CO2 preparation device. |
| US09371251B2 |
Method for structuring a surface by means of reactive ion-beam etching, structured surface and uses
A process for forming an array of irregularities or features that are submicron-size in height and that have a characteristic lateral dimension that is micron- or submicron-size, over a surface of a material by reactive-ion etching, the process including: supplying the material with a thickness at least equal to 100 nm, the material being a solid hybrid material that includes: a simple silicon oxide or a mixed silicon oxide, most of the oxides in the case of a mixed oxide being silicon oxide, an oxide molar percentage in the material being at least 40%; and a species, of a different nature to the silicon of the oxide, a molar percentage of the species in the material ranging from 1 mol % or even up to 50 mol % while remaining below the percentage of the silicon oxide, at least most of the species having a largest characteristic dimension smaller than 50 nm, optionally heating the hybrid material before the etching; structuring the surface of the hybrid material, without masking, with etching that lasts less than 30 minutes over an etching area greater than 1 cm2, until the array of features is formed, the structuring optionally being accompanied by heating of the hybrid material. |
| US09371250B2 |
Method for structuring a surface by means of ion-beam etching, structured surface and uses
A process for forming an array of irregularities or features that are submicron-size in height and that have a characteristic lateral dimension that is micron- or submicron-size, over a surface of a material, by ion erosion, the process including: supplying the material with a thickness at least equal to 100 nm, the material being a solid hybrid material that includes: a simple oxide or a mixed oxide of one or more elements, an oxide molar percentage in the material being at least 40%; and a species, of a different nature to the one or more elements of the oxide, a molar percentage of the species in the material ranging from 6 mol % up to 50 mol % while remaining below the percentage of the oxide, most of the species having a largest characteristic dimension smaller than 50 nm, optionally heating the hybrid material before the erosion; structuring the surface of the hybrid material with an erosion that lasts less than one hour over an erosion area greater than 1 cm2, until the array of features is formed, the structuring optionally being accompanied by heating of the hybrid material. |
| US09371249B2 |
Lithium disilicate-apatite glass-ceramic
Lithium disilicate apatite glass-ceramics are described which are characterized by a high chemical stability and can therefore be used in particular as restoration material in dentistry. |
| US09371247B2 |
Fusion formable sodium free glass
A compositional range of fusion-formable, high strain point sodium free, silicate, aluminosilicate and boroaluminosilicate glasses are described herein. The glasses can be used as substrates for photovoltaic devices, for example, thin film photovoltaic devices such as CIGS photovoltaic devices. These glasses can be characterized as having strain points≧540° C., thermal expansion coefficient of from 6.5 to 10.5 ppm/° C., as well as liquidus viscosities in excess of 50,000 poise. As such they are ideally suited for being formed into sheet by the fusion process. |
| US09371245B2 |
Drainless reverse osmosis water purification system
A drainless reverse osmosis (RO) water purification system provides relatively pure water for on-demand dispensing, while recycling brine to a domestic hot water system. The drainless purification system includes a pre-filter catalyst cartridge for removing chlorine-based contaminants from a tap water supply upstream from an RO membrane. The catalyst is regularly refreshed by a high through-flow of water to a conventional cold water dispense faucet, thereby significantly prolonging the service life of the RO membrane. The RO membrane is incorporated into a multi-cartridge unit adapted for facilitated slide-out removal and replacement as needed. A control valve recycles brine from the RO membrane to the hot water system during pure water production, and recirculates tap water through the RO membrane when a pure water reservoir is substantially filled. The multi-cartridge unit may further include an air filtration system for providing a flow of filtered air. |
| US09371244B2 |
Desalination system and process
The present invention pertains to an effective system and method for reducing or eliminating the formation of scale in desalination systems. The system utilizes at least one pair of electrodes in direct contact with a liquid to induce an oscillating electric field directly in a portion of the liquid or a liquid stream of the desalination system. The electric field is capable of inducing bulk precipitation of ions, minerals, salts, particulates, contaminants or a combination thereof from the liquid stream. |
| US09371241B2 |
Process for the production of precipitated calcium carbonate, precipitated calcium carbonate and uses thereof
The present invention relates to a process for the production of precipitated calcium carbonate, comprising the following steps: a) providing a reaction vessel containing an aqueous phase at an initial temperature; b) injecting a carbon dioxide generating compound into the aqueous phase until the pH of the aqueous phase is in the range of around 5 to around 7; and c) subsequently adding a calcium hydroxide slurry at an initial temperature to the reaction vessel while continuing the injection of the carbon dioxide generating compound, in order to obtain an aqueous slurry of the precipitated calcium carbonate. The addition rate of the calcium hydroxide slurry to the reaction vessel in step c) is such that an average electrical conductivity of the reaction contents in the reaction vessel during the reaction is in a range of 100 to 6,000 μS/cm. |
| US09371239B2 |
Tin-containing zeolitic material having an MWW-type framework structure
A tin containing zeolitic material having an MWW-type framework structure (Sn-MWW), having a tin content of at most 2 weight-%, calculated as element and based on the weight of the Sn-MWW, and having an X-ray diffraction pattern comprising peaks at 2 theta diffraction angles of (6.6±0.1)°, (7.1±0.1)°, and (7.9±0.1)°. |
| US09371233B2 |
Polyamide-imides, graphite films and preparation for the graphite film
A polyamide-imide represented by the following formula is provided. A graphite film prepared by performing a thermal treatment process on the polyamide-imide represented by the above-mentioned formula is also provided. In the thermal treatment process, the temperature range of the thermal treatment process ranges from 25° C. to 2,900° C. |
| US09371231B2 |
Apatite crystal
An apatite crystal is a single crystal expressed by a general formula (M2)5(PO4)3X. In this formula, M2 indicates at least one type of element selected from the group consisting of bivalent alkaline-earth metals and Eu, and X indicates at least one type of element or molecule selected from the group consisting of halogen elements and OH. And the single crystal is of a tubular shape. The outer shape of the apatite may be a hexagonal prism. The shape of an opening of a hole formed in the upper surface or lower surface of the hexagonal prism may be a hexagon. |
| US09371228B2 |
Integrated process for production of ozone and oxygen
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for efficiently producing both a low-pressure ozone stream and high-pressure oxygen stream using a single air separation unit. The low-pressure ozone stream and high-pressure oxygen stream can be produced with significant energy savings and can be used in variety of applications, including the extraction of precious metals from ore with aqueous oxidation reactors and high-pressure oxidation reactors. |
| US09371225B2 |
Substrate processing method
A substrate processing method for forming a through-hole in a substrate by reactive ion etching includes preparing a substrate that has a first surface and a second surface and on the first surface side of which a first layer and a second layer are disposed, the second surface being on the opposite side to the first surface, the second layer covering the first layer; and performing reactive ion etching on the substrate from the second surface to form a through-hole extending through the substrate from the first surface to the second surface, the reactive ion etching being performed to reach the first layer. The etching rate of the second layer for the reactive ion etching is lower than that of the first layer. |
| US09371219B2 |
System and method for dispensing a beverage
A method and system for managing the dispensing of beverages from an automatic beverage dispensing unit. The beverages may be comprised of a single or multiple ingredients, including a first plurality of liquids, a second plurality of liquids, and/or a combination of one or more first and second plurality of liquids. In addition, garnishes and sides may be included in the beverage. The beverages are dispensed according to a pouring schema. The pouring schema may be a beverage recipe and may be preprogrammed by a system manager, or alternatively, be chosen by a consumer during operation of the system. The first plurality of liquids may include liquors and the second plurality of beverages may include mixers which are mixed with the liquors to create the beverage. |
| US09371216B2 |
Pipeline pig extractor and transport apparatus with wind guard
A method and apparatus for transporting a pipeline pig provides a housing having an interior. A jacking mechanism is contained within the housing interior. A carriage is supported by the jacking mechanism for movement between an upper extended and a lower retracted position. The carriage has a concave surface that generally cradles a pipeline pig to be transported. A pulling device on the housing enables a pipeline pig to be pulled from a location that is not on the carriage to a position that is on the carriage. The position that is not on the carriage can be for example a pig trap. As part of the method of the present invention, the pulling device pulls the pig from the pig trap or other location to the carriage and then the carriage is retracted into the housing for transport to a remote location. |
| US09371213B1 |
Triangular lift frame with load blocks
A triangular lift frame may include a first load block, a second load block and a third lift block, each load block including a hoist ring at each end. A first frame member extends between the first and second load blocks; a second frame member extends between the second and third load blocks; and a third frame member extends between the first and third load blocks. The frame members are arranged in a triangular fashion. In one embodiment, the triangular fashion may be such that a load force carried by each respective pair of load blocks is transmitted linearly longitudinally along a respective frame member extending between the respective pair of load blocks. |
| US09371211B2 |
Drive frame for an elevator installation
An elevator installation comprises a drive frame and a drive unit, wherein a support element couples an elevator cage with a counterweight, wherein a drive roller and a spacer roller are mounted at the drive frame on a mounting device associated therewith, wherein the support element is guided over the spacer roller of the drive roller, wherein at least one of the mounting devices is fixable to the drive frame at at least two positions so that a horizontal support element spacing is thereby variable and wherein a portion of the support element between the drive roller and the spacer roller is substantially linear. |
| US09371210B2 |
Elevator safety system having multiple buses
An elevator safety system including a controller, and a hoistway safety node arranged at a pit portion of an elevator hoistway. The hoistway node is operatively connected to one of a pit safety device and a lower hoistway device arranged at the elevator pit. A first bus links the hoistway node and the controller. The first bus passes communication signals directly from the hoistway node to the controller. A car node is arranged in an elevator car. The car node is operatively connected to a car safety device arranged at the elevator car. A second bus links the car node and the controller. The second bus passes communication signals directly from the car node to the controller. |
| US09371208B2 |
Systems and methods for implementing an auger-based transport mechanism for vertical transport of image receiving media in image forming systems
A system and method are provided for implementing an auger-based transport device as a vertical compiler in an image forming system. The auger-based transport device includes a plurality of mechanical augers for vertical transport of image receiving media substrates, or sets of substrates in a controlled manner. The disclosed auger-type drive systems leverage comparatively simpler mechanical operations to provide a plurality of auger devices that simplify the motions and mechanisms of the component elements in a vertical transport path in a manner that maintains positive control of each set of image receiving media substrates in a manner that does not disturb the sets as they are lowered vertically, eliminating errors introduced by random dropping of substrates in conventional vertical image receiving media substrate handling mechanisms. The auger components are not particularly limited in number, in pitch (constant or variable), in diameter and/or in use/function. |
| US09371204B2 |
Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus
The sheet feeding apparatus includes a sheet tray on which sheets are stacked, a feeding roller which contacts a top sheet on the sheet tray and feeds the sheet in a sheet feeding direction, and a pair of intermediate conveying rollers which receives the fed sheet and conveys the sheet in a sheet conveying direction. The sheet feeding apparatus further includes a fixed slope portion, a sheet separation member, and an opposite member. The fixed slope portion includes a separation slope which is inclined in downstream of the sheet feeding direction as it is closer to the pair of intermediate conveying rollers, so as to abut against the sheet fed by the feeding roller and separate the sheet one by one. The sheet separation member and the opposite member have a separation nip portion which separates the sheet having passed through the separation slope one by one. |
| US09371201B2 |
Container loader
The invention is directed to a material loader for quickly and easily loading material, particularly bulk material, into a containment apparatus. Material to be loaded is placed inside a bin that is dimensioned to fit inside the containment apparatus. In use the containment apparatus is positioned so that the bin is inside the containment apparatus and the containment apparatus or a vehicle bearing the containment apparatus is connected to a material transfer member inside the bin. Forward movement of the containment apparatus/vehicle causes the material transfer member to hold against the material while the bin slides out of the containment apparatus from the point of view of the containment apparatus, leaving the material behind. In other words, the forward movement of the containment apparatus/vehicle causes the material transfer member to pull the material into the containment apparatus. The invention may also be used for unloading a containment apparatus. |
| US09371197B2 |
Systems and processes for storing resin
Improved systems and processes for storing resins are disclosed herein. These systems and processes are especially useful for reducing the tendency of resins to sinter. In polymerization processes, the improvements disclosed herein can reduce the tendency of resins to sinter while also allowing downstream operations to continue. |
| US09371196B2 |
Transportation method and transportation device of liquid crystal panel
The present invention provides a transportation method and a transportation device of a liquid crystal panel. The method includes (1) providing a transportation device, wherein the transportation device comprises a device body, linear rails mounted to the device body, a plurality of forks mounted in sequence to the linear rails, and servo motors mounted to the device body, the servo motors being coupled to the plurality of forks to drive the plurality of forks to slide along the linear rails; (2) adjusting spacing distance between the plurality of forks according to the size of a liquid crystal panel to be transported; (3) operating the transportation device to move the forks to a location under the liquid crystal panel to be transported in order to have the liquid crystal panel positioned on the plurality of forks; and (4) operating the transportation device to transport the liquid crystal panel to a designated site. |
| US09371193B2 |
Electromagnetically actuated sorter
A sorting conveyor having electromagnetically actuated rollers for sorting articles off one or both sides of the conveyor. A linear stator creates a magnetic flux wave that rotates rotors in the article-supporting rollers and selects their direction of rotation. In one version the magnetic flux wave swivels the rollers to change the sorting direction. In another version the magnetic flux wave causes one set of rollers or another set of orthogonally disposed rollers to contact conveyed articles. |
| US09371190B2 |
Link for a lateral chain for conveyor belts
A lateral chain link for conveyor belts, particularly for food, includes a substantially U-shaped body wherein the front portion is shaped to be inserted between two facing end parts of a rear portion of a facing identical link. The front portion has two longitudinally extending symmetrical slots for the passage and traverse of an end portion of a first rod-like element of a conveyor belt. The rear portion has an opening on one of its end parts, for inserting an end portion of an additional rod-like element. The outer rear end part has a contoured lateral tab for meshing with a toothed wheel, or belt, of associated entrainment means, and has a lower tipping-preventing side wall. The link is constituted by two parts which are mutually joined with a reversible fixing component: a first part includes the U-shaped body, and the second part includes the lateral tab and lower tipping-preventing side wall. |
| US09371187B2 |
Supercharging feed system and method for a belt in tube conveyor
A system and method for supercharging the feed system for a belt in tube conveyor for agricultural products, which enables achieving a full or near full fill level of the conveyor belt entering the intake end of the conveyor tube. The invention uses a crop delivery apparatus operable to propel an airborne flow of the crop material at least largely in a direction of movement of the conveyor belt, onto the belt surface after formation into a concave shape conforming to a lower portion of the conveyor tube. Additional capabilities include the ability to propel the crop material into an intake end of the conveyor tube, and provision of enclosing structure for containing and focusing the crop material flow. The system can accommodate various angles of tilt and sideward pivotal movement of the conveyor. |
| US09371184B1 |
Mobile drive unit charging
Some examples include charging an onboard power source of a mobile drive unit (MDU) of an inventory system while the MDU is operating in the inventory system, rather than removing the MDU from service for recharging. As an example, the MDU may receive instructions to retrieve an inventory holder, and an onboard power source of the MDU may be charged while the MDU and the inventory holder are located at the charging station. |
| US09371182B2 |
Specimen archive
An apparatus for archiving specimens in specimen vessels. The apparatus includes an archive room accessible via a lock for automated feeding of vessels into and out of the room. A storage and restacking system is disposed in the room and includes two side-by-side stacks of trays in a receiving area. Each tray has a receptacle area defining a plurality of receptacles therein, each configured to receive a single vessel. A stacking means forms the stacks of trays. One tray is stacked on another in such a way as to maintain a clearance relative to the receptacle area of the lower tray. A lifting means is provided for vertically lifting trays stacked on a selected tray; and a transfer means is provided for horizontal transfer of a selected tray from one stack to the other, or from one stack to the lock, or from the lock to one of the stacks. |
| US09371180B2 |
System and method for securing a liner within a container
An apparatus including a liner ring, configured with a wall, to fit within the container so that the liner ring remains in place at a defined distance within the container based on a dimension of the container and a dimension of the liner ring, and a sealant attached to an outer surface of the liner ring configured to contact an inner surface of the container and form a seal is disclosed. Arrangement of a liner with an opening having ends being placed around the liner ring provides for the ends to the opening of the liner being located between the ring liner and container within the container. A system and method are also disclosed. |
| US09371178B2 |
Transportation and storage system for wind turbine blades
A transportation and storage system for a wind turbine rotor blade comprises a tip end frame assembly comprising a tip end receptacle and a tip end frame. The tip end receptacle comprises an upwardly open tip end-receiving space for receiving a portion of the tip end of the blade and having a supporting surface for supporting the blade, a lower surface allowing the tip end receptacle to rest upright on a substantially horizontal surface, such as the ground, and releasable retaining means for releasably retaining the tip end of the blade in the receiving space of the tip end receptacle. The tip end frame comprises an upwardly open receptacle-receiving space for receiving the receptacle and provided with positioning means for positioning the receptacle in the tip end frame. A base part defines a bottom surface allowing the tip end frame to rest upright on the ground. |
| US09371177B2 |
Coffee pod having a flexible microporous or microperforated casing
A coffee pod which can be used for machines for preparing and dispensing coffee beverages that comprise at least one extraction chamber, and at least one piston for compacting a predetermined amount of ground coffee inserted into the extraction chamber. The pod includes: a predetermined amount of ground coffee compacted into an aggregate of ground coffee beans, having an outer shape suitable for rolling, and preferably a substantially spherical ball shape; and a filter casing formed of at least one pervious, microporous or microperforated sheet or film, trapping and matching the shape of the compacted coffee aggregate. The sheet or film is flexible, having stretchability properties with an elongation at rupture of at least 30% and an ultimate tensile strength of less than 2,000 N/m, and a thickness of at least 150 μm. |
| US09371176B2 |
Capsule for preparing a beverage or nutritional product
A capsule for preparing a beverage and/or nutritional product is disclosed that includes a body that forms a first compartment for liquid injection and a second compartment for containing beverage and/or nutritional ingredients. A separation wall separates the first and second compartments and includes an aperture for the liquid transfer from the first compartment to the second compartment. A separate liquid injector is inserted in and/or against the separation wall and is arranged for transferring liquid from the first compartment to the second compartment. |
| US09371175B2 |
Capsule for use in a beverage preparation machine
The present invention concerns a capsule (1) defining a closed chamber for enclosing a mass of soluble and/or extractable food material, for use in a beverage preparation machine, comprising: (i) capsule side walls (2), (ii) a top membrane (3) pierceable by injection means (4) of the machine which are adapted to inject an extraction liquid under pressure inside said chamber, and (iii) a bottom wall (5) (iv) means (6, 7) adapted to open said chamber by relative engagement with the bottom wall (5) under the effect of the liquid pressure increase in the chamber during injection of said liquid characterized in that at least the portion of the top membrane surface which is to be pierced by the fluid injection means (4), comprises an elastic material having a tensile strength higher than 1 Mpa, preferably higher than 5 MPa, more preferably higher than 10 MPa and an elongation at break superior to 100%, preferably superior to 500%, such that said top membrane (3) recloses in a leaktight manner, after said fluid injection means (4) have been removed therefrom. |
| US09371174B2 |
Capsule for preparing a pre-determined quantity of beverage
A disposable capsule for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption from an extractable product includes a chamber for enclosing an inner space containing the extractable product and a displaceable body. The chamber includes an entrance area enabling passage of a fluid towards the inner space for interacting with the extractable product for preparing the beverage and an exit area for conducting at least a portion of the beverage away from the capsule. The displaceable body is movable with respect to the entrance area and the exit area for discontinuing the entrance area and the exit area thereby enabling the chamber to pass fluidum therethrough. |
| US09371169B1 |
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for securing cell-based products for transport in thermal isolation
Transport of containers for biologic products in secure thermal isolation may be facilitated by a containment apparatus. The containment apparatus may include a first component and a second component. The first component may comprise one or more sidewalls that may form an enclosed volume of the first component. The enclosed volume may be fluidly sealed from an environment surrounding the first component and at least partially filled with cooling media. The first component may comprise one or more recessed wells configured to receive at least part of individual containers. At least part of individual recessed wells may come into contact with cooling media within the enclosed volume to facilitate heat transfer between the cooling media and individual containers disposed in individual recessed wells. |
| US09371168B1 |
Tamper-resistant container liner
A protective liner for shipping containers having top, bottom and side walls has a plurality of panels each having peripheral dimensions chosen to permit each panel to be positioned proximate an inner surface of a different one of the container walls and to overlie substantially the entire inner surface of the wall. Each panel has a cut-resistant weave layer, which may be of galvanized steel. The weave layer may be sandwiched between protective fabric outer layers, which provide a peripheral flap for the panel allowing it to be joined to other panels. The edges of the weave layer may also be covered with a protective foam edging. |
| US09371166B2 |
Oxygen generating bottle
There is provided a system for delivering an oxygen rich lotion. The system uses a single reservoir dispensing bottle that contains a peroxide-rich liquid. The bottle has an outlet within which is a peroxide decomposition catalyst immobilized on a substrate, so that the peroxide-rich liquid and immobilized catalyst come in contact with each other just as the liquid is leaving the outlet of the bottle. |
| US09371163B2 |
Container, in particular for food use
The invention relates to a container (1) which includes a body (2) forming an opening, a mobile ring (4) capable of pivoting relative to said body (2), and a seal (3) made of a flexible, resilient material, connected to said body (2) as well as to said ring (4), capable of being twisted by pivoting the ring (4). According to the invention, said body (2) includes a circular peripheral wall (10) ending in a free edge that defines said opening, and said ring (4) is intended for being positioned around said wall (10); and one of said peripheral wall (10) or said ring (4) includes a series of grooves (11 and 15) and the other one of said ring (4) or said peripheral wall (10) includes a lug, the movement of said lug in said series of grooves enabling guided axial movement of the ring (4) relative to the wall (10) when the seal (3) starts to twist. |
| US09371160B2 |
Moving device
Disclosed herein is a moving device in the form of a bag having an aperture allowing furniture to be placed therein, a closure for the aperture (such as a “hook and loop” fastener, buttons, a zipper, or other suitable device), and at least one tensioning strap to tighten the bag around the furniture. The bag can be made of a flexible and/or waterproof material, and can include additional padding. In some embodiments, the bag can be shaped as a prism, but can also take other shapes. The tensioning strap(s) can extend partially or entirely around the bag, and can be fastened using a hook and loop fastener, bucket or other suitable device. In some embodiments, at least one longitudinal tensioning strap and at least one lateral tensioning strap are provided. The bag can also include one or more handles, one or more transparent viewing windows, and a document pouch. |
| US09371156B2 |
Accessible storage and display box
An accessible display box employs a front portion attached to a rear portion with a hinge. A front hanger bar receiver is centered in a top rim of the front portion and a rear hanger bar receiver extends from the rear portion aligned with the front hanger bar receiver. A releasable engagement mechanism secures the front portion and rear portion allowing the box to be easily opened for access to the carried product. |
| US09371154B2 |
Folding container
A folding container including a base portion, first and second lower side wall portions, and first and second upper side wall portions having a hinge connection to the lower side wall portions. The folding container including locking tabs in the base portion for engaging notches in the lower side wall portions when the container is in a folded configuration. |
| US09371151B2 |
Container and lifting means for an article
A container is provided, including a box and a lid, and at least one lifting panel for lifting articles, in particular smoking articles, is provided in the container. The at least one lifting panel includes a lifting panel hingedly connected via a first hinge line to the inside of a bottom wall of the box, and a back-folding panel depending from the lifting panel via a second hinge line. The back-folding panel is configured to transfer a movement of the lid to the lifting panel, such that the lifting panel is lifted, when the lid is moved in the open position. The lifting panel further includes at least one cut-out provided in the lifting panel, wherein the at least one cut-out is configured to at least partially receive the articles. A process of lifting the articles in the container using the at least one lifting panel is also provided. |
| US09371149B2 |
Structure of paper cup
An improved structure of paper cup, which comprising: a cup body and bottom; the cup body is designed with an annular side wall, and an outward folded arced cup edge is set on the ring edge at one end; the annular side wall is provided with an annular side wall mated with the annular side wall of the cup body far away from the cup edge to form holding space; the cup body and bottom form a holding space; particularly, an inflexed edge is formed at the annular side walls where the cup body is abutted with the cup bottom, thus reducing the height of the annular side wall for the mating of the cup body and bottom; when a large number of paper cups are stacked, the gap between cups could be reduced, thus increasing the storage amount and saving the storage and transportation cost. |
| US09371147B2 |
Method and arrangement for packing at least one article in a container and plurality of types of containers for shipping articles
An arrangement for packing at least one article in a container comprises an automatic picking list generation means (136) generating a picking list (138) which specifies at least the at least one article to be placed in the container; closing means (142) for closing the container; and inflating means (146) for inflating a dunnage bag provided in the closed container. The invention proposes that the arrangement further comprises automatic bag type selection means (134) for selecting a type of the inflatable dunnage bag to be used, the selection depending at least on a parameter of the container. |
| US09371146B2 |
Aseptic filling packaging machine and aseptic filling packaging method
Provided is an aseptic filling packaging machine that includes film feeder (1), plug feeder (2), welding devices (22, and 55), sterilizer (3), and filling packaging device (5). Film feeder (1) feeds strip film (8). Plug feeder (2) feeds plug (7) to a predetermined position of fed film (8). Primary welding mechanism (22), which serves as a welding device, temporarily welds plug (7) to the predetermined position of film (8). Sterilizer (3) immerses film 8 having plug (7), which has been fed from film feeder (1), in a sterile liquid. While forming film 8 having plug (7), which has been fed from sterilizer (3), into a bag shape, filling packaging device (5) fills the formed film packaging body having the plug with content to seal it. In filling packaging device (5), secondary welding mechanism (55) that serves as a welding device completely welds plug (7) to film (8). |
| US09371144B2 |
Container volume control unit upstream of filling level control unit
A container-handling apparatus includes a filling machine for filling containers, a filling-level-monitoring control unit downstream of the filling machine, a first container-detection element configured to scan and relay at least a partial contour of a relevant container as inspection data, and a control-and-regulating device configured to receive inspection data about containers. The first container-detection element is separated from and upstream of the filling-level-monitoring control unit. The filling-level-monitoring control unit inspects a container and passes inspection data about the container to the control-and-regulating device. The first container-detection element inspects the container independently of the filling-level-monitoring control unit and passes inspection data about the container to the control-and-regulating device. |
| US09371137B2 |
Downed aircraft locating system
A system for locating a downed aircraft is provided. The system includes a canister. The canister has an internal housing and a door. The door covers an opening leading into the internal housing. The present invention includes a plurality of inflatable pods having a light and a battery powering the light. The pods include a deployed position and a stowed position. The stowed position includes the deflated pods within the canister and the deployed position includes the inflated pods released from the canister and inflated. When an aircraft is crashing, the canister may be released from the aircraft, the pods may be released from the canister and inflated, and the light may be powered. |
| US09371122B2 |
Vessel propulsion apparatus
A vessel propulsion apparatus includes an engine main body including a crankshaft that is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the up-down direction, auxiliary machinery mounted on the engine main body, a bracket that couples the auxiliary machinery to the engine main body, and an engine cowling that houses the engine main body, the auxiliary machinery, and the bracket. The bracket includes a first mounting portion mounted on the engine main body, a second mounting portion mounted on the auxiliary machinery, a coupling portion coupling the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion, and a holding portion provided in the coupling portion. The holding portion of the bracket holds piping. |
| US09371121B1 |
High-tailed wing sail
A high-tailed wing sail is provided. A wing sail device includes a wing body including a wing tip and a wing base configured to rotationally couple with a vessel. The wing body is configured to freely rotate with respect to the vessel about a rotational axis. The wing sail device further includes a wing tail coupled to the wing body such that a top end of the wing tail is higher than the wing tip of the wing body. |
| US09371119B2 |
Personal flotation device having selectively inflatable bladders
An improved structure for a personal flotation device that is relatively comfortable to wear when not in use includes a primary bladder that is shaped to extend about a waist of a user. The personal flotation device also includes a secondary bladder that is in fluid communication with the primary bladder and is shaped to extend upwardly from the waist across a stomach of the user. Lastly, the personal flotation device includes a tertiary bladder that is in fluid communication with the secondary bladder and is shaped to is adapted to across the front of a chest of the user. |
| US09371118B2 |
Safety device for improved visibility of water sports participant
Embodiments of the invention provide a water safety device used to increase participant visibility by passing water craft. The device is worn by the participant on his or her wrist and activated upon need at which time a flag is uncoiled and extended above the water. Upon conclusion of the need for visibility, the flag is replaced around the participant's wrist and ready for the next use. |
| US09371115B2 |
Quick detachable fin hold system
A quick detachable fin hold system for quickly removing and changing the fins on kiteboards and wakeboards or the like. Operated by activating a lever that presses against the board surface or another surface attached to the board and pulls against the clip body and the pins attached to the fin. This action positively tightens the fin to the board. To remove simply lift the lever to loosen the assembly, slide the clip body along the slots and the pins pull out of the hole on the clip body and through the holes in the board. |
| US09371113B2 |
Tow line controlling device and method of controlling same
A tow line controlling device and a method of operation of a tow line controlling device in which the tow line controlling device is positioned in a deck of a vessel. The tow line controlling device includes at least two vertical tow pins that are movable between a passive position and at least one active position, and includes a gap between two of the tow pins, and the gap is spanned by a bridge formed by the two tow pins at least when the tow pins are in one of their active positions. The tow line controlling device also includes a lower stopper that is movable between a passive position and at least one active position and is positioned between two of the tow pins. |
| US09371109B2 |
Vehicle having a swivel wheel
A tricycle may be operable between a first mode of operation steerable by a tricycle rider, and a second mode of operation steerable by an individual pushing the tricycle. A rider handle, in the first mode, may be configured to be rotationally coupled with the stem in a manner permitting a tricycle rider to exert forces on the rider handle and thereby turn the fork, and the rider handle in the second mode, being configured to be rotationally uncoupled from the stem, preventing forces on the rider handle from turning the fork. At least one rotation restrictor may be included for preventing the front wheel from turning to a position where the front wheel axis leads the fork axis, and for maintaining the front wheel axis in a position trailing the fork axis both when the tricycle is propelled by a tricycle rider in the first mode and when the tricycle is pushed from behind in the second mode. |
| US09371108B2 |
Folding device with locking means
The disclosure relates to a folding device with locking mechanism for connecting components which is intended for a bicycle and has, on one side, a swing-action articulation and, on the other side, a locking mechanism which contains a locking assembly, which is connected in a rotatable manner to a supporting element and is braced against a curved clamping surface of a clamping element arranged on the opposite side, the clamping surface running eccentrically in relation to the axis of rotation of the locking assembly. The extended axis of rotation of the locking assembly, in the locked state of the folding device, is located within the circle described by the radius of curvature of the clamping surface, and this allows a large clamping displacement. An adjusting nut adjusts the pressure to which the clamping surface is subjected in the locked state by the locking assembly. |
| US09371107B2 |
Stepper
A stepper comprising: a direction controller having a front wheel set and a steering wheel connected to the front wheel set; a rear wheel transmission having a gear transmission and a rear wheel shaft, the gear transmission having an active gear, a chain and a passive gear, the active gear connected to the passive gear via the chain, the rear wheel shaft having a rear wheel set and connected to the passive gear; a supporting shaft connected to the direction controller and the rear wheel transmission; and a foot-hand swinging set having a pedal and a joystick having a handle, the pedal mounted on two sides of the supporting shaft, one end of the pedal connected to the active gear, the joystick connected to another end of the pedal. The present invention can be propelled by only single leg, and can be rehabilitation and locomotion apparatus. |
| US09371104B2 |
Headlight device for motorcycle
A headlight device for a motorcycle that can enhance cooling efficiency inexpensively, without using any special device. In the headlight device for the motorcycle, reflectors are provided with inlet parts through which cooling air is taken into an inside space. In addition, a louver provided on the upper sides of the reflectors is provided, at a position close to an outer lens, with openings through which the air in the inside space is discharged into an inside space. |
| US09371102B1 |
Bicycle seat assembly
A bicycle seat assembly can include a mounting portion, a seat portion, a locking portion, and an actuator portion. The mounting portion can be configured to engage a frame of a bicycle. The seat portion can be pivotally mounted to the mounting portion. The locking portion can be disposed to selectively lock the mounting portion and the seat portion with respect to one another in a plurality of different seat positions. The seat portion can be moveable among the plurality of different seat positions when the locking portion is in an unlocked configuration and can be fixed in one of the plurality of different seat positions when the locking portion is in a locked configuration. The actuator portion can be engaged with the locking portion and operable to shift the locking portion from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration. The actuator portion can be hand-operated. Another bicycle seat assembly can include a mounting portion and a seat portion. The seat portion can be engaged with the mounting portion. The seat portion can include a frame, a fabric member, and at least one tension adjuster. The frame can define a perimeter and an opening within the perimeter. The fabric member can be arranged on the frame and extend across the opening. The at least one tension adjuster can be operably engaged with the fabric member to adjust a tautness of the fabric member in a lateral direction of the seat portion. |
| US09371101B1 |
Bicycle parking rack featuring flexible rope wire
The parking rack is formed of a length of rope wire curved generally into a majority of a circle. The rope wire extends between a first end and a second end. The rope wire is formed of bundles of individual strands of wire with a coating on an outside thereof. The coating is preferably somewhat resilient and at least partially transparent. The ends of the rope wire are fixed to an anchor through a first interface and a second interface. These interfaces are offset laterally so that the rope wire follows somewhat of a helical path to maintain stability while still exhibiting flexibility. Bicycles can thus be parked adjacent to the parking rack and secured thereto with the flexibility characteristics of the parking rack minimizing damage and maximizing convenience in attaching the bicycle to the parking rack. |
| US09371100B2 |
Vehicle body assembling method and vehicle body assembling device
Provided are a vehicle body assembling method and a vehicle body assembling device that are space-saving and economical. The vehicle body assembling method includes: a first holding step (S2) for holding a floor complete 1 by a first jig 9; a second holding step (S3) for holding a roof arch by a second jig; a jig connecting step (S4) for connecting the first jig and the second jig; a third holding step (S5) for holding side inner completes by the first jig and the second jig; and welding steps (S6 to S9) for forming an inner frame by welding. |
| US09371099B2 |
Modular intelligent transportation system
A modular intelligent transportation system, comprising an environmentally protected enclosure, a system communications bus, a processor module, communicating with said bus, having a image data input and an audio input, the processor module analyzing the image data and/or audio input for data patterns represented therein, having at least one available option slot, a power supply, and a communication link for external communications, in which at least one available option slot can be occupied by a wireless local area network access point, having a communications path between said communications link and said wireless access point, or other modular components. |
| US09371096B2 |
System and apparatus for utility vehicle accessory mounting
System and apparatus are disclosed for a cargo bed of a utility vehicle including side wall panels and a clamping device for mounting accessories. The cargo bed side panel includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The clamping device includes a first finger configured to engage the first protrusion and a second finger configured to engage the second protrusion, and an actuator configured to move the first and second fingers effective to secure the clamping device to the side panel. |
| US09371091B2 |
Parking assist system and method
A parking assist system and method that includes a plurality of ultrasonic wave sensors configured to measure a distance between a host vehicle and an external object and an motor driven power steering controller configured to operate steering of the host vehicle. In addition, a controller is configured to detect a parallel parking space based on distances measured from the plurality of ultrasonic wave sensors and to perform an exit from the parallel parking space while operating a steering angle through cooperative control with the MDPS controller. |
| US09371089B2 |
Driver assistance system of a non-track-bound vehicle
A driver assistance system and method of operating same is provided for a non-track-bound. By applying a steering torque to the driver's steering wheel via an electric motor, a direction-oriented steering recommendation is made to the driver. By this steering torque, first, a steering wheel angle in the recommended rotating direction at an angular speed that is greater in its amount is set and subsequently a steering wheel angle is set in the opposite rotating direction at an angular speed that is lower in its amount. Subsequent to the setting of the steering wheel angle having the opposite rotating direction, at a comparatively lower angular speed, a further steering wheel angle can be set, by which the vehicle is changed along a straight course of the road essentially to the orientation held before the making of the direction-oriented steering recommendation. |
| US09371088B2 |
Vehicle steering device
A vehicle steering device including a steering torque detection unit that detects a steering torque, the vehicle steering device controlling an electric current value, which is applied to an electric motor, and applying an assist torque to a steering system based on the steering torque, includes a one-side pull response control unit that detects one-side pull generated at a vehicle, and corrects the current value to restrict the one-side pull. One-side pull response control is restricted or inhibited for a predetermined time after the vehicle ends a turn. |
| US09371087B2 |
Power conversion device and electric power steering device using the same
A power conversion device includes: an inverter that includes high potential side switching elements connected to a high potential side and low potential side switching elements connected to a low potential side, and converts a current for supplying a rotating electric machine; a current detector having a sensor disposed on at least one of a positive bus for connecting the high potential side switching elements and a positive side of a DC power supply or a negative bus for connecting the low potential side switching elements and a negative side of the DC power supply; an energization device that energizes the sensor without passing through the inverter; and a controller that acquires a current detection value from the current detector, and controls the inverter and the energization device. The energization device energizes the sensor when all of high or low potential side switching elements are off. |
| US09371084B2 |
Shopping cart basket and method of manufacture
A shopping cart in one embodiment comprises a uniframe, a mat basket, and a slim-fit cart frame and basket combination, as well as in multiple embodiments, providing individual structural differences and advantages over pre-existing forms of shopping carts. |
| US09371081B2 |
Travel cooler with transitionable U-shaped handle
A travel cooler, includes a body comprising a base, sidewalls, and a lid connected together to define an interior, insulated containment space for holding cooler items. A lengthwise dimension of the cooler extends between opposite ends of the cooler, and the body defines recessed exterior surface slots extending along a lengthwise extent of the cooler. The cooler further includes a U-shaped handle having two legs connected by a handle portion. The cooler is transitionable between a first configuration, in which the legs of the U-shaped handle extend a substantial length from the body of the cooler, and a second configuration, in which the legs of the U-shaped handle are received within the recessed exterior surface slots extending along a lengthwise extent of the cooler, the handle portion extending in close proximity to an end of the body of the cooler. |
| US09371077B1 |
Semi truck on a rail flat car holding device
The invention comprises an improved method and apparatus for securing a tractor-trailer or other powered vehicle to a flatbed railcar (flatcar). The vehicle is driven onto the flatcar until the powered wheels of the vehicle reach a set of rollers. The vehicle then drives these rollers (or a treadmill) which power a mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic system which latches the wheels of the vehicle to the flatcar. |
| US09371076B2 |
Method and apparatus for positioning a vehicle
A method for remotely controlling a plurality of vehicles includes receiving at an external control system, under an indexing mode of operation, a first signal from off-board vehicle indexing equipment. The method further includes establishing in the external control system a positioning mode of operation in response to the first signal. Further, under the positioning mode of operation, and in response to actuation of an interface of the external control system, the method includes sending from the external control system a second signal to a first vehicle of the plurality of vehicles, the second signal comprising a first command to adjust a throttle setting of first vehicle and a second command to idle a throttle of at least one second vehicle of the plurality of vehicles. |
| US09371074B1 |
Method of controlling aspirator motive flow
Methods and systems are provided for controlling an aspirator shut-off valve in an engine of a hybrid vehicle. One example method includes opening the aspirator shut-off valve following a shut-down command to the engine when engine speed is between a first engine speed and a second engine speed, the first engine speed being lower than an idle speed and the second engine speed occurring before an imminent engine stop. The example method further includes not opening the aspirator shut-off valve between the first engine speed and the second engine speed if an oxygen content of an emission control device is at or near a threshold. |
| US09371070B2 |
System to control the torque of an internal combustion engine during a gear change
An electronic control unit executes throttle torque reduction control for decreasing an engine torque by reducing a throttle opening degree during an upshift of an automatic transmission with respect to the throttle opening degree before a start of the upshift. During the upshift of the automatic transmission, the electronic control unit actuates a waste gate valve in a closing direction with respect to a position of the waste gate valve before the start of the upshift in parallel with execution of the throttle torque reduction control. Thus, a decrease in supercharging pressure due to execution of the throttle torque reduction control is suppressed during the upshift, and the engine torque that has been temporarily decreased in an inertia phase of the upshift recovers immediately after the upshift, so it is possible to suppress deterioration of drivability. |
| US09371069B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling engine clutch of hybrid electric vehicle
An apparatus and a method for controlling an engine clutch of a hybrid electric vehicle control a torque of an input shaft of the engine clutch to 0 by using an integrated hybrid starter and generator (HSG) and releases the engine clutch. The method may include: determining whether a release of the engine clutch is required while the hybrid electric vehicle is operating with fuel cut off; calculating an engine friction torque; increasing an output torque of the HSG by an absolute value of the calculated engine friction torque; decreasing a motor torque corresponding to the output torque of the HSG; and releasing the engine clutch when the output torque of the HSG is equal to the engine friction torque. |
| US09371067B2 |
Integrated battery control system
An integrated battery control system incorporates a battery management system and a power control system to reliably and safely provide power to vehicles and other mobile devices. The integrated power control system incorporates safety features to protect the batteries from dropping below a threshold voltage or being overcharged, and from operating the vehicle when it is coupled with an AC power supply. An integrated power control system may be contained in a control enclosure having a computing device, battery power input, an AC power input, a power output switch, a power output, a key-switch interface and a shunt to measure current flow. The power control system regulates electrical power delivery to a drive motor and a pre-charge resistor as a function of the battery state of charge. When a battery unit is below a threshold value, power delivery is disabled to the drive motor and a pre-charge resistor. |
| US09371066B2 |
Adjusting clutch slip based on sensed parameter of transmission shaft to control vehicle NVH
A vehicle powertrain includes a transmission and a clutch. The slip of the clutch is adjusted to a predefined target where a sensed parameter of a shaft of the transmission corresponds to a specified noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) level in the powertrain. The sensed parameter of the transmission shaft may be one of acceleration, speed, and torque of the transmission shaft. The transmission shaft may be one of the input shaft and output shaft of the transmission. |
| US09371065B2 |
Method of controlling a transmission
A method of controlling a transmission includes determining if the transmission is currently executing a first torque controlled shift from a first gear ratio to a second gear ratio. A torque controlled shift is defined as a shift control operation in which the speed of the engine is controlled to perform a shift operation. When a second torque controlled shift is detected while the transmission is currently executing the first torque controlled shift, a dual torque controlled shift strategy is executed, which merges a first shift control strategy for executing the first torque controlled shift with a second shift control strategy for executing the second torque controlled shift. The dual torque controlled shift strategy seamlessly executes the first torque controlled shift and the second torque controlled shift without a time delay and engine torque disruption therebetween. |
| US09371056B2 |
Mobile-radio-based additional electronic immobilizer having a door opener having a theft alarm
The present invention relates to a device and a method for an additional electronic immobilizer (10) having a door-opener and theft-alarm function for a vehicle, comprising: a) a micro-controller; b) a mobile radio interface (1); c) a second interface (2) to a central locking system for doors of the vehicle; d) a near-field radio interface (3) such as RFID or NFC; e) a smart relay interface (4) for transmitting a control signal (S1) for a smart relay (8) and for receiving a receiving signal (S2) of the smart relay (8). |
| US09371050B2 |
Impact tubing for pedestrian protection sensor for automotive vehicle
A sensing and injury mitigation system for a vehicle to identify an object in an impact event is disclosed. The system includes an impact sensing unit comprising an impact sensor and a pressure sensing unit. The impact sensor has fluid-filled first and second tube portions. The pressure sensing unit has a housing and first and second pressure sensors located within the housing. The first tube portion of the impact sensor is attached to the first pressure sensor and the second tube portion of the impact sensor is attached to the second pressure sensor. The pressure sensing unit senses changes in fluid pressure within the tubes. In one embodiment, the tube portions of the impact sensor define a loop. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the first tube portion and at least a portion of the second tube portion share a common axis. |
| US09371046B2 |
Rotary connector with a steering angle sensor
A steering angle sensor (3) includes: a sensor housing (40) that is fixable to a stator (11); idler gears (47) configured to be meshed with a drive gear (30) and rotated by the drive gear (30); a rotatable member (43) configured to be engaged with a sleeve (20) and rotated integrally with the sleeve (20); a detector (34) configured to detect rotation of the rotatable member (43); and a holder (49) configured to hold the detector (34). The sensor housing (40) is opened at its stator (11) side. A second storage space (50) is formed that is enclosed by the sensor housing (40) and the stator (11). The rotatable member (43) is stored in the second storage space (50). The holder (49) is able to hold the detector (34) even in the state where the second storage space (50) is not closed by the stator (11). |
| US09371043B1 |
Vehicle trim panel having storage compartment with biased access openings
A vehicle trim panel is provided including a body. The body has a storage compartment, a first access opening to the storage compartment biased in a first direction and a second access opening to the storage compartment biased in a second direction. |
| US09371039B2 |
Storage assembly with deployable layer
The present invention in one or more embodiments provides a storage assembly, which includes a housing, a tray positioned within the housing and including first and second portions opposing each other, and a track unit supported on the housing including first and second segments to respectively support and guide movement of the first and second portions, the first and second segments being positioned relative to each other with a transverse angle. |
| US09371038B2 |
Removable payload containment systems for platforms, installation methods thereof, and payload integration kits for existing platforms
Embodiments of the invention are directed to removable payload containment systems for platforms, installation methods thereof and payload integration kits for platforms. The removable payload containment system may include: a housing having internal space for components, the housing including at least one connector configured to couple with at least one corresponding connector of the platform when the system is installed in or on the platform; and a latch mechanism that couples to a member of the platform and is configured to maintain the system into substantially non-moving engagement with the platform when engaged therewith, and permit removal of the system from the platform when released. The latch mechanism may be configured to limit movement of the housing with respect to platform in substantially only one direction when one connector couples and uncouples, and is mated, with a corresponding connector of the platform when installing or removing the system from the platform. |
| US09371037B2 |
Lighting device of a motor vehicle
A light module (5, 6) for a lighting device (1) of a motor vehicle includes a plurality of semiconductor light sources (11) in serial connection with each other. A circuit arrangement (12a, 12b, 12c) is assigned to and connected in parallel with at least one of the light sources (11), includes a plurality of detectors (13, 15, 16) for detection of a malfunction of the light source (11), and is adapted for bypassing the light source (11) in case of a malfunction of the light source (11). A lighting device (1) of a motor vehicle includes at least one light module (5, 6) for generation of a predefined light distribution. |
| US09371024B2 |
Air-conditioner for vehicle
An air-conditioner conducts an air-conditioning for a passenger compartment of a vehicle, and has an eco-mode to save energy. The air-conditioner includes a seat temperature control system and a controller. The seat temperature control system is configured to operate to heat or cool a seat in the passenger compartment. The controller automatically activates the seat temperature control system when the eco-mode is set. |
| US09371013B2 |
Lock mechanism for seat track slide device
Seat tracks each include a lower rail, an upper rail, a lock lever, and a handle. When a handle is operated, the lock lever is set in a locking state or an unlocking state by engaging and disengaging the lock lever with and from lock recesses in the lower rail. The lock lever is supported pivotally with respect to the upper rail by pivot support portions, in which support holes in side plates of the upper rail and protrusions on arm plates of the lock lever are fitted together. A torsion coil spring, which interlocks the handle and the lock lever, includes a second stopper, which hooks on first stoppers provided on the arm plates of the lock lever. |
| US09371012B2 |
Spindle drive for longitudinally adjusting a motor vehicle seat
A spindle drive for longitudinally adjusting a motor vehicle seat is provided. The spindle drive comprising an adjustment rail that can be longitudinally adjusted relative to a body mounted rail and an adjusting mechanism that includes a driving worm connected to a driving device as well as a spindle nut, the external teeth of which mesh with the external teeth of the driving worm, and the internal teeth of which mesh with the external thread of a spindle. The spindle nut is formed by a hybrid spindle nut that has a functional part, which is located in the force flux between the driving worm and the spindle, and at least one strengthening part, deflecting crash forces from the adjustment rail into the spindle. |
| US09371011B2 |
Seat cushion extension apparatus
A seat cushion extension apparatus includes an extension motor supported on a cushion frame, an extension mounting bracket holding an extension cushion such that the extension cushion is displaceable forward and backward on a seat cushion, and a power transmission unit connecting between the extension motor and the extension mounting bracket. The power transmission unit receives power from the extension motor and moves the extension mounting bracket forward and backward. A slide device is coupled with the extension mounting bracket, and supports the extension mounting bracket such that the extension mounting bracket is slidable forward and backward in the cushion frame. The front-back length of the seat cushion can be freely extended, and limitations in the thickness of a cushion pad or the like are removed. |
| US09371008B2 |
System, devices and method for charging a battery of an electric vehicle
Energy exchange station for a battery of an electric vehicle, comprising at least one power output for a vehicle, means for determining whether a vehicle coupled to the at least one power output is able to be charged with an AC voltage and/or a DC voltage, a plurality of power inputs, comprising at least one AC power input; and at least one DC power input and at least one controllable switch, for switching the at least one power output to any of the power inputs a controller for the switch, for controlling the switch at least based on the determination. |
| US09371007B1 |
Methods and systems for automatic electric vehicle identification and charging via wireless charging pads
Methods and systems are provided for enabling automatic vehicle charging via wireless charging pads, using a cloud system having one or more servers connected to the Internet. The method includes receiving, at a server, an identification of an electric vehicle that is associated to a user account that is pre-authorized to obtain charge from a charging units (CUs) associated with a network of CUs. The method also includes receiving, at the server, data indicative that the electric vehicle is positioned at least partially over the a charging pad of a CU of the network of CUs. The server sends data to the CU so that the charging pad transfers charge to the electric vehicle automatically if the user account is pre-authorized to obtain the charge from the CU, and the transfer of charge from the charging pad to the electric vehicle occurs without user input at the CU and without user interface input associated with the CU to cause or initiate the transfer of charge. In one example, based on the location of the CU and preferences associated with the user account and merchants local to the CU, certain ones of the discounts are automatically selected and sent to the user, the vehicle display, vehicle computer, user smartphone, user smartwatch, or the like. |