| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09430139B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
An apparatus and method provide logic for processing information. In one implementation, an apparatus includes a display unit configured to display content to a user. The display unit includes a display surface, and the content is associated with at least a portion of a first page of an electronic document. A detection unit is configured to detect a first type of user activation associated with a first-type activation position on the display surface. A control unit is configured to determine whether the first-type activation position falls within a predetermined portion of the display screen, which is visually imperceptible to the user. The control unit is further configured to identify a first successive page of the electronic document based on at least the type of user activation, when the activation falls within the pre-determined portion. |
| US09430138B2 |
Flexible room controls
Control apparatus includes an optical subsystem, which is configured to direct first light toward a scene that includes a hand of a user in proximity to a wall of a room and to receive the first light that is reflected from the scene, and to direct second light toward the wall so as to project an image of a control device onto the wall. A processor is configured to control the optical subsystem so as to generate, responsively to the received first light, a depth map of the scene, to process the depth map so as to detect a proximity of the hand to the wall in a location of the projected image, and to control electrical equipment in the room responsively to the proximity. |
| US09430137B2 |
Touch panel device and display method including dynamically adjusting a magnification ratio
In a multi-functional mobile phone (smartphone), a touch panel is operated to input characters or the like. When an index finger of a user approaches an image key within a predetermined distance, an on-screen keyboard is enlarged with the image key as the center of enlargement such that the size of the image key becomes larger than a contact surface size of the index finger. Touch operation is performed on an enlarged on-screen keyboard displayed. |
| US09430134B1 |
Using split windows for cross-platform document views
A request is sent from a client device to a host device hosting an application capable of providing a split window view of content. Generation of a split window associated with execution of the application on the host device may include at least two split windows. Information regarding the split windows may be sent from the host device to the client device over the communication network. The client device may then use information regarding a first split window to generate an image display corresponding to the first split window. In addition, the client device may process the information regarding a second split window to stitch an image display corresponding to the second split window to the image display corresponding to the first split window. As such, upon scrolling of the display of the client device, the image display corresponding to the second split window may be displayed. |
| US09430128B2 |
Method and apparatus for controls based on concurrent gestures
In an embodiment, a number of parallel gestures are detected, in a particular area on a touch screen interface of a device. A command is identified based at least on the parallel gestures and an action associated with the command is performed. |
| US09430121B2 |
Menu management method and electronic device having menu management function
A first electronic device having a first operating menu communicates with a second electronic device having a second operating menu. The second operated menu is obtained by the first electronic device from the second electronic device and is stored in the first electronic device. Each operating options of the second operating menu is correlated with one of applications of the first electronic devices. When an operating option of the second operation menu stored in the first electronic device is operated, a corresponding application of the first electronic device correlated with the operated option is activated. |
| US09430119B2 |
Systems and methods for organizing and displaying hierarchical data structures in computing devices
Systems and methods for organizing and displaying data structures in computing devices are provided herein. An exemplary method may include generating a graphical user interface (GUI) that includes at least one parent icon arranged into a primary frame according to a layout, receiving a selection of the at least one parent icon, transforming at least one parent icon into a secondary frame within the GUI and shrinking the at least one parent icon, and populating the primary frame with at least one child icon which is linked to the at least one parent icon, the at least one child icon being larger in size compared to the at least one parent icon. |
| US09430114B1 |
Data transformation system, graphical mapping tool, and method for creating a schema map
Graphical mapping interface embodiments and method are provided for creating and displaying a schema map, which may be used by a data transformation system to perform a data transformation between at least one source schema and at least one target schema. According to one embodiment, the graphical mapping interface may comprise a source schema region for displaying a graphical representation of at least one source schema, a target schema region for displaying a graphical representation of at least one target schema, and a mapping region for displaying graphical representations of a plurality of links connecting the source nodes displayed in the source schema region to the target nodes displayed in the target schema region. The plurality of links may comprise at least one control link having at least one ECA rule associated therewith and at least one data link having at least one textual-based target field expression associated therewith. |
| US09430113B2 |
Electrically-conductive article with improved bus region
Electrically-conductive articles are prepared to have electrically-conductive silver metal electrode grids and electrically-conductive silver connector wire patterns (BUS lines) on one or both supporting sides of a transparent substrate. The electrically-conductive silver connector wire patterns are designed with at least one silver main wire that comprises two or more adjacent silver micro-wires in bundled patterns. These bundled patterns and silver micro-wires are designed with specific dimensions and configurations to provide optimal fidelity (or correspondence) to the mask image used to provide such images in a silver halide emulsion layer. The electrically-conductive articles are provided by imagewise exposure, development, and fixing of corresponding silver halide-containing conductive film element precursors containing photosensitive silver halide emulsion layers. The electrically-conductive articles can be used are parts of various electronic devices including touch screen devices. |
| US09430109B2 |
Touch screen panel and method for manufacturing the same, and display device
The present invention discloses a touch Screen panel and a method for manufacturing the same, and a display device. The method comprises: forming a pattern of a touch electrode layer on a substrate; forming a pattern of an insulating layer on the touch electrode layer; and then forming the patterns of a bridging layer and a peripheral wiring on the insulating layer by one patterning process. In the invention, the patterning of the bridging layer and the peripheral wiring is accomplished simultaneously in one patterning process, thereby the number of patterning times during the manufacture process can be reduced, the manufacture efficiency of the touch screen panel can be improved, and the production cost can be lowered. |
| US09430107B2 |
Determining touch locations and forces thereto on a touch and force sensing surface
A projected capacitive touch and force sensor capable of detecting multiple touches thereto and forces thereof is coupled with a digital device having multi-touch and force decoding capabilities. Once a touch has been established, a force thereof may be assigned to the touch based upon the magnitude of change of capacitance values determined during scans of the projected capacitive touch and force sensor. The touch forces applied to the touch sensor from the associated tracked touch points may be utilized in further determining three dimensional gesturing, e.g., X, Y and Z positions and forces, respectively. |
| US09430106B1 |
Coordinated stylus haptic action
A computing device can coordinate haptic action with a stylus. The computing device can receive an indication of the stylus from the stylus and determine that coordinated haptic action is associated with a user input. The computing device can send haptic instructions to the stylus where the haptic instructions are based at least in part on the coordinated haptic action. The stylus can activate its haptic actuator in response to receiving the haptic instruction. The computing device can also activate its haptic actuator based at least in part on the coordinated haptic action. |
| US09430099B2 |
Touch panel, and touch-type input apparatus and control method therefor
A touch panel having a piezoelectric sheet with a first region and a second region, and a surface protection film bonded to the second region of the piezoelectric sheet with a non-curable adhesive. The non-curable adhesive has a larger elasticity than a material that bonds the first region of the piezoelectric sheet to the surface protection film. |
| US09430094B2 |
Optical touch system, method of touch detection, and computer program product
An optical touch system is provided. At least one light source is disposed at a side of a base plane. A first optical sensor and a second optical sensor detect a space in front of the base plane to generate a first signal and a second signal. When two groups of objects approach to or touch the base plane, a processing unit determines at least one first portion of the first signal corresponding to the two groups of the objects and at least one second portion of the second signal corresponding to the two groups of the objects, and converts the at least one first portion and the at least one second portion into a plurality of touch regions, and determines group transformations according to positions corresponding to at least part of touch regions. Additionally, a method of touch detection, and a computer program product are also provided. |
| US09430092B2 |
Event generation based on print portion identification
An optical scanner is configured to scan multiple print portions of a body part such as a finger. The optical scanner identifies a first one of the print portions in an area of an optical surface. An event such as launching an application is generated based on identifying the first print portion in the area of the optical surface. In addition, various events can be generated based on different combinations of print portions in different areas of the optical surface.In a second embodiment, a property detector is configured to identify different properties of a sleeve in different areas of a surface. An event is generated based on the detection of a property of the sleeve in an area of the surface. |
| US09430088B1 |
Touch sensor driving device and display device comprising the same
A touch sensor driving device comprises: a plurality of touch sensing circuits that receive touch sensor sensing signals from touch sensors of a touchscreen through a plurality of receiving channels; and a plurality of discharge circuits connected between the receiving channels and the touch sensing circuits to receive charge eliminating pulse signals and reduce the swing amplitude of the touch sensor sensing signals input into the touch sensing circuits. |
| US09430086B2 |
Display panel, driver circuit, driving method, and electronic apparatus
A display panel includes: display elements; a plurality of drive electrodes; one or more touch detecting electrodes that form a capacitor along with the corresponding drive electrode; a main driver unit that generates a basic drive signal including a pulse part supplied to the drive electrodes; and a first auxiliary driver unit that includes a capacitive element and that exchanges electric charges between the capacitive element and the drive electrodes in synchronization with the pulse part. |
| US09430084B2 |
Apparatus and method for executing functions related to handwritten user input on lock screen
Apparatuses and methods are provided for executing a function corresponding to a handwritten user input at the same time as providing a handwritten unlock command on a lock screen of an electronic device. The apparatus includes a touch screen that displays a lock screen including a first layer for unlocking the lock screen and a second layer that is laid over the first layer, and a controller that verifies that an unlock command is the same as a predetermined unlock command in response to the unlock command being input to the first layer, to display the second layer in response to the unlock command being the same as the predetermined unlock command, and to search for a command corresponding to a handwritten user input that is input to the second layer to execute the command. |
| US09430080B2 |
Touch positioning method, touch screen, touch system, and display
The present invention relates to a touch positioning method, a touch screen, a touch system and a display. The touch positioning method comprises: processing image collected by the first camera to obtain first image data, and processing image collected by the second camera to obtain second image data, wherein the first image data comprise one touch image block, and the second image data comprise at least two touch image blocks; processing the second image data to obtain third image data, the third image data comprising image blocks of two suspected touch objects; obtaining a distance between the two suspected touch objects according to the first image data and the third image data; and obtaining location information of an actual touch object according to the first image data, the third image data and the distance between the two suspected touch objects. The invention may eliminate misjudgment caused by “crack dot” (FIG. 5). |
| US09430077B2 |
Shock mounting cover glass in consumer electronic devices
Apparatus, systems and methods for shock mounting glass for an electronic device are disclosed. The glass for the electronic device can provide an outer surface for at least a portion of a housing for the electronic device. In one embodiment, the shock mounting can provide a compliant interface between the glass and the electronic device housing. In another embodiment, the shock mounting can provide a mechanically actuated retractable. For example, an outer glass member for an electronic device housing can be referred to as cover glass, which is often provided at a front surface of the electronic device housing. |
| US09430075B2 |
Signal enhancement
Technologies and implementations for signal enhancement are generally disclosed. In some examples, a method to enhance a signal may include receiving a determined location of a device on a surface of a touch screen, detecting a first signal and a direction of the first signal from the device with two or more wireless signal detectors, and enhancing a second signal from the device with beamforming. Enhancing the second signal may be based, at least in part, on the location of the device and the detected first signal from the device. |
| US09430070B2 |
Display device, display controlling method, and computer program
A display device, method, computer-readable storage medium and user interface, each of which detects contact to or proximity of an object with respect to a generated image, and responsive to detection of contact to or proximity of the object to the generated image, disables any operational functions associated with a first portion of the generated image. Additionally, operation associated with a second portion of the generated image is allowed responsive to the detection of contact to or proximity of the object to the generated image, where the second portion of the generated image is different from the first portion of the generated image. An indication corresponding to the second portion of the generated image for which operation is enabled may be displayed on the generated image. |
| US09430068B2 |
Touch screen
A touch screen, includes a substrate, a first embossing adhesive layer, a first metal conductive layer, a first electrode lead, a transparent insulating film, a second embossing adhesive layer, a second metal conductive layer and a second electrode lead, and has low material cost since the conductive layers are made of metal materials; a first slot is provided in the transparent insulating film, a second slot is provided in the second embossing adhesive layer, the first slot and the second slot directly face a free end of the first electrode lead, and a free end of the second electrode lead is positioned around the second slot, thus the free ends of the first and second electrode leads are exposed to the same side of the substrate and electrically connected with a circuit board, thus simplifying adhering process and structural design of the circuit board, and reducing manufacturing cost. |
| US09430062B2 |
Capacitive finger puppet for use on touchscreen devices
An apparatus and method for operating a touchscreen device using a device having a rigid or semi-rigid body composed of an exterior side and a hollow interior side. The interior side is sized to receive and substantially surround at least a portion of a finger of a user. One or more contact points are provided on the exterior side of the body element, wherein each contact point when placed into contact with a touchscreen device provides an electrical charge to the touchscreen device making it able to manipulate at least one element on the touchscreen. In certain non-limiting aspects, the device takes the form of a shape, design, animal, humanoid, non-humanoid, object, character, or the like with the contact points being one or more aspects of or protrusions from the device. |
| US09430058B2 |
Touch stylus capable of detecting pressure on a tip and related optical-mechanical system
A touch stylus capable of detecting pressure on its tip is disclosed in the present disclosure. The touch stylus includes a body, a tip, and a pressure sensing module disposed between the body and the tip for detecting a pressure on the tip. The pressure sensing module includes a lighting unit, a pressure sensing unit connected to the tip, and a controller electrically connected to the lighting unit and the pressure sensing unit. The pressure sensing unit detects a movement of the tip relative to the body, and generates a corresponding electrical signal. The controller receives the electrical signal to drive the lighting unit for generating a corresponding optical signal. A scintillating frequency of the optical signal and a value of the electrical signal are in direct proportion, and an optical detector can transform the optical signal into the pressure on the tip. |
| US09430056B2 |
Pointing device for a portable computer
A pointing device for a portable computer is disclosed. The pointing device includes an operation cover for covering a first and second pressure sensors. The pointing device also includes one front operation surface and two rear pressure faces. Detection axes are arranged in a vertical direction, and the pressure faces are so inclined that normal lines will approach each other above the operation surface. The operation surface is applied with depression pressure P1 including a horizontal component Ph and a vertical component Pv. Even when any position on the operation surface is pressed down, pressure P2a detected by the first pressure sensor becomes greater than pressure P3a detected by the second pressure sensor. |
| US09430052B2 |
Method for controlling function using electronic pen and electronic device thereof
A method for controlling a function of an electronic device by using an electronic pen and the electronic device are provided. The method of controlling the function of the electronic device includes determining a motion of an electronic pen inserted into the electronic device and confirming an operation corresponding to the determined motion of the electronic pen to perform the operation. |
| US09430051B2 |
Keyboard with input-sensitive display device
An input/output device is disclosed that includes an input-sensitive display screen and alphanumeric keys for entering characters. The input-sensitive display screen may be positioned proximate the alphanumeric keys and be capable of displaying graphical information and sensing user selection of the graphical information. The input-sensitive display screen may include a combination display/input region and a non-display input region. The touch sensitive display screen may be detachable from the alphanumeric region and may be operable in a detached configuration. The input/output device may usable with a method of input correction. The method may include displaying, on a secondary display, a first text unit, such as a character or a word, which corresponds with a second text unit shown on a primary display screen of a computing device. The method further involves receiving user selection of the first text unit and replacing the first text unit with a second text unit. |
| US09430045B2 |
Special gestures for camera control and image processing operations
An embodiment provides a method, including: receiving at a sensor of an information handling device image input; determining, using one or more processors, a predetermined gesture within the image input; capturing additional gesture input associated with the predetermined gesture; and processing an image rendered on a display device according to the additional gesture input associated with the predetermined gesture. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09430042B2 |
Virtual detents through vibrotactile feedback
Systems and methods for virtual detents through vibrotactile feedback are described. One described method includes receiving an input signal comprising information associated with the manipulation of an input device and generating a signal configured to cause an actuator to provide a vibrotactile effect to the input device, the vibrotactile effect comprising a virtual detent. |
| US09430040B2 |
Eye gaze detection with multiple light sources and sensors
The subject disclosure is directed towards eye gaze detection based upon multiple cameras and/or light sources. The cameras and/or light sources are configured to provide eye gaze detection for a device display at different orientations, at different tilt angles, at different user positions, at different user distances, and so on. Also described is a controller that selectively controls light source power and camera on/off state to provide images of the eye having sufficient quality for eye gaze detection and/or to conserve power. |
| US09430035B2 |
Interactive drawing recognition
Interactive drawing recognition is described. In one example, a command is received indicating a type of drawing and a user drawing is observed. A library of drawing templates associated with the drawing type is accessed based on the command. The observed drawing is compared to the drawing templates to identify the observed drawing, and attributes are assigned to the identified drawing. |
| US09430033B1 |
System wakeup based on changes in physical environment
Methods for controlling power states in a computing device, and apparatus for performing such methods are disclosed. An example method includes monitoring a plurality of sensors included in a computing device. The method further includes detecting, based on the monitoring, occurrence of at least one of a change in physical orientation of the computing device and one or more changes in an ambient environment of the computing device and, responsive to a detected change, activating a controller of the computing device. The method also includes providing, from the sensors to the controller, data corresponding with the at least one of the detected changes. The method still further includes selecting, by the controller, based on the data provided by the sensors, a power state for the computing device and transitioning the computing device to the selected power state. |
| US09430031B2 |
Power conservation based on caching
The present invention relates to a method and device that conserves power. In some embodiments, the device is a battery powered storage device. The invention employs a large cache and aggressive caching algorithm to serve data from the storage media (hard disk or SSD) or write data to the storage media. The cache provides an efficient location from which to serve data, especially multi-media. In one embodiment, the algorithm determines when to place the drive into a lower power state, such as idle, or standby, based on the amount of anticipated idle time provided by the large cache. |
| US09430030B2 |
Status switching method
The present invention provides a status switching method applied to a slave device. The status switching method includes: receiving a command wrapper from a host device; receiving a status query command corresponding to the command wrapper from the host device; transmitting a status wrapper to the host device in response to the status query command; and refusing to enter a low-power status corresponding to a switch status request when the switch status request is received during a specific period, wherein the specific period starts when the command wrapper is received and ends when the status wrapper is transmitted. |
| US09430029B2 |
Systems and methods for low power processing based on location information
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for offloading services and functionalities from a main host central processing unit (CPU) of a computing device to a dedicated power-efficient offload engine, thereby enabling a longer battery life for the device and an enhanced set of features. |
| US09430028B2 |
Systems and method for providing hierarchical computing in wearable processing units
A hierarchical wearable processing unit (HWPU) (102) for WPUs (100) is described. According to an implementation of the present subject matter, the HWPU (102) may include a plurality of hierarchies (106). Each hierarchy (106) from amongst the plurality of hierarchies (106) is determined for a particular performance and power consumption. Further, the HWPU (102) may include a plurality of hosts (104). One or more hosts (104) from amongst the plurality of hosts (104) are associated with each of the plurality of hierarchies (106) based on the particular performance and power consumption of each of the hierarchies (106). Furthermore, the HWPU (102) may include a control unit (118) to configure each of the plurality of hierarchies (106) with functionalities based on allocation of dedicated hardware resources. |
| US09430026B2 |
Electronic control device and microcomputer control method
Provided are an electronic control device and a microcomputer control method not only enabling smooth transmission and reception of signals by using a plurality of microcomputers but also capable of achieving, with a simpler configuration, reduction of power consumed by the microcomputers. As a mode for reducing power consumption, the electronic control device brings microcomputers from which a sleep request has been issued into a sleep state. The electronic control device is equipped with a low power consumption mode for bringing a communication bus driver into the sleep state after all microcomputers constituting the electronic control device have been transferred into the sleep state. |
| US09430024B2 |
Ultra low power apparatus and method to wake up a main processor
An apparatus and method for waking up a main processor (MP) in a low power or ultra-low power device preferably includes the MP, and a sub-processor (SP) that utilizes less power than the MP to monitor ambient conditions than the MP, and may be internalized in the MP. The MP and SP can remain in a sleep mode while an interrupt sensor monitors for changes in the ambient environment. A sensor is preferably an interrupt-type sensor, as opposed to polling-type sensors conventionally used to detect ambient changes. The MP and SP may remain in sleep mode, as a low-power or an ultra-low power interrupt sensor operates with the SP being in sleep mode, and awakens the SP via an interrupt indicating a detected change. The SP then wakes the MP after comparing data from the interrupt sensor with values in storage or with another sensor. |
| US09430023B2 |
Sleep state video interface of an information handling device
An apparatus for a sleep state video interface of an information handling device includes a storage device storing machine-readable code and a processor executing the machine-readable code. The apparatus includes a notification module receiving a sleep notification to place an information handling device into a sleep state. The information handling device receives a video signal. The apparatus includes a sleep module entering the information handling device into the sleep state in response to the notification module receiving the sleep notification. The video signal passes through the information handling device to a display as the information handling device is in the sleep state. |
| US09430018B2 |
Energy-saving control method involving an energy-saving mode
An electronic apparatus includes: a plurality of operation input units configured to receive an operation input and enable operations by processing based on different functions; an operating unit group configured to perform the processing based on the different functions by at least one of operating units operating after the operation input; and an energy-saving control unit configured to perform energy-saving control for shifting one or more of the operating units to an energy-saving mode and reactivating one or more of the operating units from the energy-saving mode, and reactivate one or more of the operating units necessary for the operation after the operation input when the operation input during the energy-saving mode is common to a plurality of functions. |
| US09430013B2 |
Electrical installation having an uninterruptible power supply
An electrically operated installation and method has a plurality of electrical loads, in which the event of a failure of a basic supply voltage the electrical loads are supplied by a backup voltage, wherein a power supply unit exchanges data with several loads via a field bus, the loads each have a software module for communication via the field bus, a software module of a load is configured as a master and the software modules of the other loads are configured as slaves, the power supply unit as a communication partner of the master controls a regulated shutdown procedure of the loads, in the event of a failure of the basic supply voltage the power supply unit reports this to the master via the field bus, and the master and the software modules of the loads perform the shutdown procedure in configurable synchronization stages. |
| US09430004B2 |
Pull tab with exchangeable identification marker for pluggable communications modules
A pull tab with exchangeable identification marker for pluggable communications modules is provided. In general, the pull tab includes an identification region that receives an exchangeable identification marker. The exchangeable identification marker is attached to the pull tab via at least one of compression, fastening, clipping, spring force, and retention features built into the pull tab. This attachment can be permanent, semi-permanent, removable, and combinations thereof. Moreover, the exchangeable identification marker can be attached to, and even removed from, the pull tab while the pluggable communications module is connected to other communications equipment. |
| US09430000B2 |
Information handling system housing lid with synchronized motion provided by a flexible compressive member
An information handling system converts from a closed position to a tablet position by rotating a lid with a display 360 degrees about a hinge having synchronized and continuous motion. The hinge has first and second axles held in a spaced and substantially parallel orientation by a support. A flexible compressive member translates motion of each axle to the other to provide fluid movement of the lid relative to the housing. For instance, ball bearings disposed in guide formed in the support translate rotational motion between a first and second axles. |
| US09429999B2 |
Foldable display device
A foldable display device is disclosed. In one aspect, the foldable display device includes a display panel and a window panel on the display panel. The window panel includes a folding area and a flat area adjacent to at least one side of the folding area. The flat area is less flexible than the folding area. An elastic modulus of the folding area is less than an elastic modulus of the flat area. The window panel includes a plurality of layers including a first layer, wherein a first thickness of the first layer in the folding area is different from a second thickness of the first layer in the flat area. |
| US09429995B2 |
Docking station for electronic devices
A docking station for mechanically supporting and electrically communicating with an electronic device, such as a portable phone, computer, media player, or the like includes a housing with upper and lower housing surfaces, a device mount pivotably coupled to the housing, and an electrical and mechanical connector on the device mount. The upper housing surface defines an opening through which the connector extends. The opening in the upper housing is sized and shaped to correspond to an upper portion of the device mount, which has arcuate surfaces that remain in close proximity or contact with surfaces defining the opening in the upper housing, to limit or preclude the intrusion of contaminants into the housing regardless of the position of the device mount relative to the housing. |
| US09429991B1 |
Wearable memory card holder
A wearable memory card holder for positioning on a limb of a wearer may comprise a band for at least partially encircling the limb of the wearer, and a memory card receptacle integrated with the band and configured to receive a memory card. A transmitter may be mounted on the band and configured to wirelessly transmit data from a memory card when the memory card is inserted into the memory card receptacle. |
| US09429987B2 |
Electronic device capable of rotating display image and display image rotating method thereof
A method, for rotating a display image of an electronic device, includes the following steps. Whether an absolute rotation angle of a display of the electronic device relative to a gravity axis is equal to or greater than a predetermined absolute angle threshold is detected. Whether a relative rotation angle of the display relative to a base of the electronic device is between a first and a second relative angle threshold is detected. The display image is maintained when the absolute rotation angle is equal to or greater than the predetermined absolute angle threshold and the relative rotation angle is between the first and second relative angle thresholds. The display image is rotated when the absolute rotation angle of the display is equal to or greater than the predetermined absolute angle threshold but the relative rotation angle is not between the first and second relative angle thresholds. |
| US09429986B2 |
Electronic device
Disclosed is an electronic device including a first body, a second body connected with the first body, and a connecting member. The connecting member is hinged with the first body via a first hinge shaft and is hinged with the second body via a second hinge shaft, such as to enable the first body and the second body to be switched between an open state and a closed state. The electronic device is configured in such a manner that, in the closed state, a second housing of the first body snuggles against a first housing of the second body, and in the open state, a lower rim of the first body is located at a front portion of the second body; and the lower rim of the first body keeps abutting against the upper surface of the second body while the state of relative position is switched. |
| US09429982B2 |
Configurable last level clock driver for improved energy efficiency of a resonant clock
Systems and methods are directed to a configurable last level driver coupled to a inductor-capacitor (LC) tank or resonant clock, for improving energy efficiency of the resonant clock. In a warm up stage, the last level clock driver can be enabled to store energy in the LC tank, and in a gating stage, the last level clock driver can be fully or partially disabled such that energy stored in the LC tank can be recirculated into a clock distribution network. In a refreshing stage, the last level clock driver can be enabled to replenish the energy lost by the LC tank in the recirculation of energy into the clock distribution network during the gating stage. Programmable counters can be used to control durations of the warm up, gating, and refreshing stages. |
| US09429978B2 |
Passive control stick
A control apparatus includes a first mounting plate, a restoring plate having a first surface disposed adjacent the first mounting plate, and a second surface. The control apparatus also includes an elongate member that includes a first elongate portion, a second elongate portion, an axis member between the first elongate portion and the second elongate portion pivotally mounting the elongate member to the first mounting plate and defining a first axis, a displaceable force plate having a substantially flat surface disposed adjacent the second surface of the restoring plate, and a compliant member providing a biasing force between a retaining portion and the force plate against the second surface of the restoring plate. The mass of the second elongate portion substantially offsets the mass of the first elongate portion about the axis member. |
| US09429976B2 |
Vehicle operation pedal device
In a vehicle operation pedal apparatus, an engagement hook is formed in one end portion of a return spring, an engagement hole or cutout into which the engagement hook is hooked is formed in a bracket plate member disposed on an operation pedal, and a surface direction of a portion of the bracket plate member, in which the engagement hole or cutout is formed, is set such that a contact point at which the engagement hook contacts one of a pair of edges that are ridgelines between an inner wall surface of the engagement hole or cutout and one surface and an other surface of the bracket plate member is a relative pivot point of the return spring that pivots relative to the operation pedal in accordance with a pivoting operation of the operation pedal in an entire operation angle range of the operation pedal. |
| US09429975B2 |
Band-gap reference circuit for biasing an RF device
A voltage reference circuit implemented in GaAs to provide an output voltage component proportional to absolute temperature is described herein. The various embodiments of the voltage reference circuit described here can be used to provide precision voltage to bias a RF device. The voltage reference circuit can be provided on the same die as the RF device. The various embodiments described herein can be implemented in a GaAs material system. |
| US09429967B2 |
High precision resistor and trimming method thereof
An embodiment of an electrically trimmable electronic device, wherein a resistor of electrically modifiable material is formed by a first generally strip-shaped portion and by a second generally strip-shaped portion, which extend transversely with respect to one another and are in direct electrical contact in a crossing area. The first and second portions have respective ends connected to own contact regions, coupled to a current pulse source and are made of the same material or of the same composition of materials starting from a same resistive layer of the material having electrically modifiable resistivity, for example, a phase-change material, such as a Ge—Sb—Te alloy, or polycrystalline silicon, or a metal material used for thin-film resistors. The trimming is performed by supplying a trimming current to the second portion so as to heat the crossing area and modify the resistivity thereof, without flowing longitudinally in the first portion. |
| US09429966B2 |
Integrated circuit device, voltage regulation circuitry and method for regulating a voltage supply signal
An integrated circuit (IC) device is provided that includes at least one internal voltage regulator arranged to receive a voltage supply signal at a first input thereof, receive a control signal at a second input thereof, regulate the received voltage supply signal in accordance with the received control signal, and provide a regulated voltage supply signal at an output thereof. The IC device further includes at least one voltage regulation power control module operably coupled to the second input of the at least one internal voltage regulator and arranged to provide the control signal thereto. The voltage regulation power control module is further arranged to receive at least one IC device conditional indication, and generate the control signal for the at least one internal voltage regulator based at least partly on an available thermal power budget for the IC device corresponding to the at least one IC device conditional indication. |
| US09429964B2 |
Intelligent voltage regulator
A voltage regulator includes a programming interface via which programming instructions may be applied to a processor of the voltage regulator. The voltage regulator operates the processor according to the programming instructions to select one of multiple active internally-generated analog voltage levels to determine an output voltage level of the voltage regulator. |
| US09429961B2 |
Data-driven HVAC optimization
A system and method for data-driven HVAC optimization for outputting HVAC setpoints to a thermostat and determining a predicted HVAC usage of an HVAC unit based on the HVAC setpoints and an outdoor temperature. The system may further determine and output a predicted cost of the HVAC unit heating or cooling a structure based on the HVAC setpoints. The system may further select optimized HVAC setpoints such that the predicted cost is less than or equal to a user defined cost constraint and minimize deviation from user-preferred HVAC setpoints. |
| US09429960B2 |
Integrated information framework for automated performance analysis of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
A computer-implemented method includes, in one aspect, retrieving HVAC system information; converting the retrieved HVAC system information from one or more first data formats to a second data format; storing the converted HVAC system information; identifying first portions of the stored HVAC system information that pertain to a particular component; and generating one or more associations among the identified, first portions of the stored HVAC system information; receiving a request for HVAC system information that is used by a performance analysis algorithm; determining a type of component of the HVAC system that is related to the requested HVAC system information; and identifying one or more items of the stored HVAC system information that is of the requested HVAC system information; and transmitting the identified one or more items of the stored HVAC system information for use in execution of the performance analysis algorithm. |
| US09429957B2 |
Variable capacity fuel tank
A fuel tank assembly is fillable by a fuel pump. The fuel pump is configured such that the existence of a predetermined condition causes the pump to stop delivering fuel. The fuel tank assembly includes a tank defining a chamber, a fill tube, and a fuel pump shut-off system. The fill tube defines an opening configured to receive a nozzle of the pump, and a passageway that provides fluid communication between the opening and the chamber to transfer liquid fuel from the nozzle to the chamber. The fuel pump shut-off system is configured to selectively generate the predetermined condition, and is configured such that whether the predetermined condition exists depends on the total volume of liquid fuel in the chamber and the chemical composition of the liquid fuel in the chamber. |
| US09429956B1 |
Modular check valve system
A modular check valve system for providing back pressure to a fluid flow having a housing with a seating end, a receiving end, a housing annulus, and a housing sealing surface. The modular check valve system can also have at least one cartridge insert fluidly connected to the housing. The cartridge insert can have a poppet engaging a cartridge housing sealing surface, a pair of O-rings positioned on the cartridge housing, and a rod secured to the poppet. The rod is configured to move the poppet from a sealed position to an open position. A spring guide with spring is disposed around the rod. A compression adjustment device is connected to the first rod opposite the spring guide to apply force to the rod sealing the poppet against the cartridge housing sealing surface and creating fluid back pressure in the housing annulus when the spring is decompressed. |
| US09429955B2 |
Control of a personal transporter based on user position
An apparatus controller for prompting a rider to be positioned on a vehicle in such a manner as to reduce lateral instability due to lateral acceleration of the vehicle. The apparatus has an input for receiving specification from the rider of a desired direction of travel, and indicating means for reflecting to the rider a propitious instantaneous body orientation to enhance stability in the face of lateral acceleration. The indicating may include a handlebar that is pivotable with respect to the vehicle and that is driven in response to vehicle turning. |
| US09429951B2 |
Transport management apparatus, transport system, and transport management program
A controller (1) includes: a transfer area setting unit (11) which, when transferring a transported object from a transfer source vehicle of respective transport vehicles to a transfer destination vehicle of the respective transport vehicles, decides a transfer area at a destination to which the transported object is transported by the transfer source vehicle; a transfer vehicle setting unit (12) which decides the transport vehicle that is the transfer destination vehicle on the basis of position information of the transfer area and the position information of the respective transport vehicles; and an instruction unit (14) which instructs the transfer source vehicle to carry out a task of transporting the transported object to the transfer area, and instructs the transfer destination vehicle to carry out a task of transporting the transported object from the transfer area. |
| US09429950B2 |
Method and a robotic work tool system with a charging station and a boundary wire
A robotic work tool system (200), comprising a charging station (210), a boundary wire (250) and a signal generator (240) for generating and transmitting a signal through said boundary wire (250) for demarcating a work area (205), said robotic work tool system (200) further comprising a robotic work tool (100) configured to detect a magnetic field strength (M1, M2) in the work area (205) and said robotic work tool system (200) being configured to adapt a current level of the signal being transmitted through the boundary wire (250) based on the detected magnetic field strength (M1, M2). |
| US09429948B2 |
Humanoid robot having fall-management capabilities, and method for managing said falls
The invention relates to a humanoid robot endowed with particular capabilities for managing falls. The risks of falling limit the development of the mass-market use of humanoid robots. In the prior art, the modalities for detecting falls are not well suited to the case of very dynamic robots since the center of mass is very often outside their support polygons. The modalities for managing falls are also poorly suited to robots which must be economical in their computation resources. According to the invention, the conventional support polygon is supplemented with effectors for which it is determined that they are sufficiently close to the ground. Protection strategies are implemented, chosen from a set of strategies defined by a classification of the angles of fall. |
| US09429947B1 |
Self-driving vehicle systems and methods
Although self-driving vehicles excel under “normal” driving conditions, they sometimes struggle with new situations that often would not be overly difficult for a person. Several embodiments described herein enable a hybrid approach that leverages the exceptional abilities of self-driving vehicles while soliciting human interaction in select situations. The resulting combination of machine intelligence and human intelligence significantly enlarges the potential of self-driving vehicles in a manner that will enable self-driving vehicles to become widespread much faster than would otherwise be the case. |
| US09429946B2 |
Driving control system and dynamic decision control method thereof
A driving control system mounted in a vehicle receives multiple pieces of information through a status detection module and a vehicle safety determination module thereof, performs a safety and collision analysis to predict whether a driving danger exists, when a driving danger exists, instructs an emergency control module to calculate an optimal barrier-avoiding path and send a corresponding control signal to a vehicle control module, and when no driving danger exists, instructs a normal control module to perform an adaptive algorithm according to different road conditions and driver's behavior information and send a control signal to the vehicle control module. Accordingly, the driving control system can instantly plan a barrier-avoiding path according the degree of emergency and collision danger to achieve the goal of enhancing safety and stability of the vehicle and driver in driving. |
| US09429944B2 |
Versatile robotic control module
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide robotic control modules for use in a robotic control system of a vehicle, including structures, systems and methods, that can provide (i) a robotic control module that has multiple functional circuits, such as a processor and accompanying circuits, an actuator controller, an actuator amplifier, a packet network switch, and a power supply integrated into a mountable and/or stackable package/housing; (ii) a robotic control module with the noted complement of circuits that is configured to reduce heat, reduce space, shield sensitive components from electro-magnetic noise; (iii) a robotic control system utilizing robotic control modules that include the sufficiently interchangeable functionality allowing for interchangeability of modules; and (iv) a robotic control system that distributes the functionality and processing among a plurality of robotic control modules in a vehicle. |
| US09429930B2 |
Automated order-picking station for the manual picking of articles from storage containers into an order container
An order-picking station for manual picking of articles from storage containers into at least one order container in accordance with a picking order is disclosed, which may consist of a plurality of different articles, comprising: a rack having a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side being arranged oppositely to the first longitudinal rack side; a plurality of channels comprising feeding channels and at least one discharging channel, wherein each of the feeding channels comprises a transfer end and a provision end; a supply device configured for transporting the storage containers from a warehouse to the transfer ends of the feeding channels, and for transferring the storage containers to the transfer ends, wherein each of the transfer ends is arranged and configured such that the storage containers are transferable in an automated manner by the supply device; a material-flow control device, wherein the material-flow control device is configured to control a material flow of the storage containers within the channels exclusively unidirectionally, wherein the storage containers in the feeding channels are moved oppositely to the storage containers in the discharging channels; an order-picking region in which a picking person manually picks the articles from the storage container and manually puts the articles into the at least one order container; and a transfer region in which the storage containers are transferred between the supply device and the channels, and vice versa; wherein each of the discharging channels comprises a receipt end and a delivery end, wherein each of the delivery ends is arranged and configured to receive the storage containers by the supply device in an automated manner; wherein the channels are arranged in the rack and extend substantially in parallel to each other, wherein the order-picking region is arranged along the first longitudinal rack side, and wherein the transfer region is arranged along the second longitudinal rack side; wherein each of the feeding channels has assigned at least one of the discharging channels in terms of the material flow; and wherein the provision ends and the delivery ends of the channels, which are assigned to each other, are either spatially arranged directly adjacent, or are connected, to each other via at least one push-away location so that the storage containers can be pushed, or conveyed, without lifting by the picking person, from the provision ends to the receipt end of the respectively assigned at lest one discharging channel. |
| US09429929B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling phasing of advancing substrates in absorbent article converting lines
The present disclosure relates to systems and processes for controlling the relative positions or phasing of advancing substrates and/or components in absorbent article converting lines. The systems and methods may utilize feedback from technologies, such as vision systems, sensors, remote input and output stations, and controllers with synchronized embedded clocks to accurately correlate component placement detections and placement control on an absorbent article converting process. The systems and methods may accurately apply the use of precision clock synchronization for both instrumentation and control system devices on a non-deterministic communications network. In turn, the clock synchronized control and instrumentation network may be used to control the substrate position. As such, the controller may be programmed to the relative positions of substrates and components along the converting line without having to account for undeterminable delays. |
| US09429923B2 |
HVAC control system and method
A method of controlling the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a building, the method comprising the steps of: (a) developing an initial thermal model of the building, and continuously updating the thermal model over time; (b) utilising the thermal model to continuously develop a daily HVAC operating plan for the building; and (c) continuously examining a current HVAC operating plan and optimising the alignment of the current HVAC operation with the current HVAC operating plan. |
| US09429918B2 |
Atomic clocks and magnetometers with vapor cells having condensation sites in fluid communication with a cavity to hold a vapor condensation away from an optical path
A vapor cell for installation in an atomic clock or a magnetometer. The vapor cell includes a top plate, a center plate, and a bottom plate defining a cavity for passing light along an optical path. The vapor cell includes one or more condensation sites to trap condensed vapor in order to avoid blockage of the optical path. |
| US09429916B2 |
Isochronous paraxial timepiece resonator
A timepiece resonator including one weight connected by flexible strips to fixed attachment points of a fixed structure, this weight being subjected to a torque and/or a stress, and oscillating with at least two degrees of freedom in translation, and these flexible strips maintain the oscillations of this weight about a virtual pivot. |
| US09429915B2 |
Electronic quartz resonator module provided with shock resistant securing means
The electronic module (1) includes a quartz or MEMS resonator (3), which is confined within a resonator case (5), which is provided with electrical contact pads (15) over at least one external surface for the electrical connection of the resonator. A printed circuit board (6) is also provided for carrying the resonator case (5) and it includes electrical connection terminals (18) for connection to the electrical connection pads (15) of the resonator case. The resonator case (5) is fixedly held inside a case structure (6, 9) of the electronic module (1), via at least one mechanical shock damping element (7). The damping element 7) may be an elastomer element, which includes metal wires (17) for the electrical connection of the resonator case (5) across the printed circuit board (6). |
| US09429909B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a heat-generating component, a power generation device including a thermoelectric element, a heat radiation device, a cooling device, a temperature detector that detects a temperature increase of the heat-generating component, and a controller. The heat radiation device includes a first radiator plate interposed between the heat-generating component and a surface of the thermoelectric element and a second radiator plate attached to another surface of the thermoelectric element. The cooling device cools the first radiator plate. The controller controls operations of the cooling device and the power generation device by operating the cooling device if the detected temperature increase reaches at least a predetermined threshold value, and causing the power generation device to generate power without operating the cooling device to cool the first radiator plate passively if the detected temperature increase falls below the predetermined threshold value. |
| US09429907B2 |
Image forming apparatus having spacing configuration for process cartridge
An image forming apparatus may include: a process cartridge, an apparatus body and a spacing member. The process cartridge may be detachably mountable to the apparatus body and include a photosensitive unit having a photosensitive member, a developing unit having a developing roller, and a driving input part into which a driving force from the apparatus body is configured to be inputted. The apparatus body may include a driving input member which is configured to input the driving force. Additionally or alternatively, the spacing member may be attached to the process cartridge and configured to space the photosensitive member and the developing roller. The spacing member may include a first cover part which is located between the driving input part and the driving input member and covers at least a portion of the driving input part. |
| US09429903B2 |
Image forming apparatus having cartridge
An image forming apparatus includes a casing, a process cartridge and an exposure unit. The casing defines a first direction, a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction. The third direction extends vertically. The process cartridge includes a photosensitive body extending in the first direction and a grip having a portion. The exposure unit is configured to expose the photosensitive body. The exposure unit has a part overlapped with the process cartridge as viewed in the second direction when the process cartridge is mounted in the casing. The portion of the grip is overlapped with the exposure unit as viewed in the third direction when the process cartridge is mounted in the casing. The portion of the grip is disposed above the exposure unit in the third direction. |
| US09429899B2 |
Replaceable unit for an image forming device having a retainer assembly having positioning features for processing circuitry
A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device includes a circuit board mounted within a pocket on a first side of a housing of the replaceable unit. The pocket has an opening facing a front of the housing to permit an electrical connector of the image forming device to enter the pocket and mate with the circuit board. A first guide wall and a second guide wall are each positioned outside the pocket on the first side closer to the front than the opening. The first and second guide walls each include an inclined surface that inclines outward from the first side of the housing in a direction from the front to a rear of the housing to move the electrical connector of the image forming device toward the circuit board during insertion of the replaceable unit into the image forming device. |
| US09429896B2 |
Cover movement mechanism, and image forming apparatus provided with the cover movement mechanism
A cover movement mechanism has a cover, a base part, a holding part configured to contact the cover in a first opened state in which the cover is rotated to open by a first angle with respect to a closed state, thereby holding the cover in the first opened state, two shafts having a common axis and provided to one of the cover and the base part, two bearings configured to receive the two shafts and provided to other one of the cover and the base part, and a releasing mechanism configured to allow at least one of the two shafts to be released from corresponding one of the two bearings when the cover is in a second state in which the cover is rotated to open by a second angle that is smaller than the first angle and an opposing force preventing a rotation of cover acts on the cover. |
| US09429890B2 |
Fixing device, image forming apparatus and fixing method
There is provided a fixing device for fixing a toner image formed on a surface of a recording medium by toner, wherein the toner includes a releasing agent and satisfies Ta |
| US09429889B2 |
Image heating apparatus
An image heating apparatus includes: a heater; a supporting member for supporting the heater; and a high heat-conductive sheet sandwiched between a part of the heater and the supporting member. A recording material on which an image is formed is heated by heat from the heater. The supporting member includes a bearing surface contacting the sheet so as to apply pressure between the heater and the sheet and includes an opposing portion opposing a part of the heater not sandwiching the sheet. In a state in which the pressure is applied between the heater and the sheet, the thickness of the sheet is not less than the height of the stepped portion between the bearing portion and the opposing portion. |
| US09429886B2 |
Image forming apparatus having fixing device and blower for the fixing device
An image forming apparatus that forms a toner image on a recording medium includes an image forming unit that forms an unfixed toner image on a recording medium; a fixing unit that heats the recording medium bearing the unfixed toner image and fixes the unfixed toner image onto the recording medium at a nip portion; a heating member and a pressurizing member that touches the heating member and forms the nip portion therebetween; a first blower that blows air to a non-sheet-passing area of a small-size recording medium in the heating member; and a second blower that blows air to a non-sheet-passing area of a small-size recording medium in the pressurizing member. Upon the temperature of the non-sheet-passing area of the heating member exceeding a threshold temperature, the first blower blows without the second blower blowing, then the two blowers start blowing together. |
| US09429883B1 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus comprises a transfer fixer which secondarily transfers a first toner image on a first intermediate transfer belt onto a first side of a sheet at a first secondary transfer position and fixes the first toner image transferred to the first side of the sheet while secondarily transferring a second toner image on the second intermediate transfer belt onto a second side of the sheet opposite to the first side at a second secondary transfer position and fixing the second toner image transferred to the second side of the sheet. |
| US09429882B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
Damage caused to a transfer medium due to heat when partially using transfer material regions is suppressed. An image forming apparatus (1) includes a transporting unit (4A, 4B) which transports a belt-like transfer medium (4) on which transfer material regions (Y, M, C, OP) of a first size respectively corresponding to transfer materials are arranged in a predetermined order in a repeated manner along a longitudinal direction thereof, and an image forming unit (3) which transfers the transfer materials in sequence by heating the respective transfer material regions and thereby forms on a recording medium an image with the first size or an image with a second size which is not larger than one half the first size. When forming an image with the second size, the image forming unit either uses unused portions of transfer material regions that have already been used to form an image with the second size or uses new transfer material regions on the transfer medium. When forming the image with the second size by using the new transfer material regions, the image forming unit performs the image formation at a slower speed than when forming an image with the first size. |
| US09429878B2 |
Image forming apparatus including a toner conveyance portion with vent holes having filters disposed thereon
An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a toner conveyance portion, a vent hole portion, an air suction portion, and a filter portion. The toner conveyance portion forms a toner conveyance passage between a developing device and a collection container such that toner discharged from the developing device is conveyed in the toner conveyance passage and collected in the collection container. The vent hole portion is formed in the toner conveyance portion and allows inside and outside of the toner conveyance portion to communicate with each other such that air can be ventilated between the inside and the outside of the toner conveyance portion. The air suction portion sucks the air inside the toner conveyance portion via the vent hole portion. The filter portion is disposed on the vent hole portion and traps toner contained in the air sucked by the air suction portion. |
| US09429870B2 |
System and method for magnetic communication between replaceable unit and imaging device
An apparatus includes a housing having a reservoir for storing consumable material and an outlet for exiting the consumable material from the reservoir; a rotatable shaft disposed inside the reservoir and positioned along a length of the housing; and one or more magnetic members disposed within the housing and coupled to the shaft so as to rotate therewith. The one or more magnetic members generate a magnetic field and when rotating indicate information about the replaceable unit. The information is based upon the presence or absence of the one or more magnetic members relative to one or more predetermined locations for receiving a magnetic member within the housing. |
| US09429868B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a controller that executes a collection sequence to collect developer of opposite polarity adhering to a charging member. The controller executes the collection sequence by setting a first potential difference to allow the developer of opposite polarity to move from the charging member to an image bearing member, setting a second potential difference to allow the developer of opposite polarity to move from the image bearing member to a developer bearing member and to allow the developer of regular polarity to move from the developer bearing member to the image bearing member, setting a third potential difference to not allow the developer of regular polarity to move from the image bearing member to the charging member, and setting a fourth potential difference to allow the developer of regular polarity to move from the image bearing member to the developer bearing member. |
| US09429865B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image-bearing member, which is charged by a charge voltage in which direct and alternating-current voltages are superposed on each other. A toner image is formed on the charged image-bearing member. A current flowing through the charging member is detected when the charge voltage is applied to the charging member. A current, in a frequency band including a discharge current component, is extracted from the detected current. The alternating-current voltage is adjusted based on the current extracted by an extraction unit. Environmental information is acquired. Based on the environmental information acquired by an acquisition unit, a frequency band for extraction performed by the extraction unit is set. |
| US09429863B2 |
Liquid developing agent
The object of the present invention is to provide a liquid developing agent for electrophotography or electrostatic recording obtained by utilizing the coacervation method, wherein such liquid developing agent has good abrasion resistance. To this end, a liquid developing agent is provided which is obtained by utilizing the coacervation method, comprising insulating liquid in which colored resin particles formed by at least pigment, pigment dispersant, acid-group-containing resin, binder resin, and resin whose glass transition temperature is −120 to −60° C. are dispersed, wherein the resin whose glass transition temperature is −120 to −60° C. is contained in the colored resin particle by 1.0 to 5.0 percent by mass. |
| US09429862B2 |
Carrier for electrophotographic developer and electrophotographic developer
A method for manufacturing carrier core particles for electrophotographic developer that include manganese, magnesium, and iron as a core composition. The method includes a granulation step (A) of granulating a mixture of raw materials containing manganese, magnesium, and iron with a reducing agent added at a ratio of 0.10% to 1.00% by mass to a total mass of the raw materials containing manganese, magnesium, and iron, and a firing step of firing the granular material granulated in the granulation step. The firing step includes a first heating step (C) of applying heat at a constant temperature ranging from 500° C. to 800° C. in an atmosphere with an oxygen concentration of 1000 ppm to 15000 ppm for a predetermined period of time and a second heating step (D) of applying heat at a temperature higher than 800° C. for a predetermined period of time after the first heating step. |
| US09429858B2 |
Rotary EUV collector
An EUV collector is rotated between or during operations of an EUV photolithography system. Rotating the EUV collector causes contamination to distribute more evenly over the collector's surface. This reduces the rate at which the EUV photolithography system loses image fidelity with increasing contamination and thereby increases the collector lifetime. Rotating the collector during operation of the EUV photolithography system can induce convection and reduce the contamination rate. By rotating the collector at sufficient speed, some contaminating debris can be removed through the action of centrifugal force. |
| US09429856B1 |
Detectable overlay targets with strong definition of center locations
An overlay target for a semiconductor device is disclosed. The overlay measurement target includes a first ring target located on a first measured layer of the semiconductor device. The first ring target includes a plurality of detectable features arranged in a circular manner having a first circumference. The overlay measurement target also includes a second ring target located on a second measured layer of the semiconductor device. The second ring target includes a plurality of detectable features arranged in a circular manner having a second circumference different from the first circumference. The displacement between a detected center of the first ring target and a detected center of the second ring target indicates an overlay error between the first measured layer and the second measured layer. |
| US09429855B2 |
Wavefront modification apparatus, lithographic apparatus and method
A wavefront modification apparatus that has a plurality of acoustic emitters, the acoustic emitters configured to emit acoustic waves which travel at least partially across a radiation beam conduit. The acoustic emitters may be configured to establish a standing acoustic wave which extends at least partially across the radiation beam conduit. The wavefront modification apparatus may be provided in a lithographic apparatus, and may be used to modify the wavefront of a radiation beam which is used by the lithographic apparatus to project a pattern onto a substrate. |
| US09429852B2 |
Microlens exposure system
A microlens exposure system includes a microlenses array and a mask fixed in place a predetermined space apart, wherein the gap between the microlens array and an exposure substrate can easily be adjusted with high precision to an aligned focal point position of the microlenses. Laser light for exposure is irradiated onto a resist film by microlenses of a microlens array. Light from a microscope passes through a hole in a Cr film of a mask, and the light is transmitted through a microlens and radiated onto the resist film. Whether or not the light transmitted through the microlens has an aligned focal point on the resist film is observed through the microscope, whereby the aligned focal point of exposure light made to converge by the microlenses on the resist film can be distinguished. |
| US09429845B2 |
Method of patterning self-organizing material, patterned substrate of self-organizing material and method of producing the same, and photomask using patterned substrate of self-organizing material
A method for performing micro fabrication includes using, as a photomask, a self-organizing material-patterned substrate which is soluble in an organic solvent. A method for emitting light includes emitting the light in a pattern of a nucleic acid which is a self-organizing material immobilized on a self-organizing material-patterned substrate. An immobilization layer containing a binding material capable of binding to a self-organizing material is formed on a substrate. Then this immobilization layer is patterned by transferring a protrusion and recess pattern formed in a mold thereto by the imprint process. The self-organizing material is supplied onto the side having the protrusion and recess pattern of the immobilization layer transferred thereto. Thus, the self-organizing material is immobilized according to the protrusion and recess pattern of the immobilization layer owning to the self-organizing ability of the material per se and the binding ability of the binding material contained in the immobilization layer. |
| US09429844B2 |
Coating compositions for use with an overcoated photoresist
Organic coating composition are provided including antireflective coating compositions that can reduce reflection of exposing radiation from a substrate back into an overcoated photoresist layer and/or function as a planarizing or via-fill layer. Preferred organic coating compositions of the invention comprise one or more resins that can harden upon thermal treatment without generation of a cleavage product. Particularly preferred organic coating compositions of the invention comprise one or more components that comprise anhydride and hydroxy moieties. |
| US09429842B2 |
Positive photosensitive resin composition, photosensitive resin film prepared by using the same, and display device
Disclosed are a positive photosensitive resin composition including (A) an alkali soluble resin, (B) a photosensitive diazoquinone compound, (C) a thermosetting cross-linking agent represented by the following Chemical Formula 1, wherein each substituent of Chemical Formula 1 is the same as defined in the detailed description, and (D) a solvent, a photosensitive resin film using the same, and a display device. |
| US09429839B2 |
Lithography process
A lithography method including: a preparation, during which a resist layer is deposited on a substrate, and a preliminary lithography carried out to define at least one preliminary pattern in the resist layer, and during the preliminary lithography, a formation of at least one positioning mark forming a relief in the resist layer. The method further includes at least one subsequent lithography applied to the resist layer and including: a preliminary positioning including positioning a lithography mechanism as a function of the at least one positioning mark, and at least one formation of additional patterns in the resist layer using the lithography mechanism positioned as a function of the at least one positioning mark. |
| US09429829B2 |
Illumination system and projection apparatus
An illumination system including at least one laser light source, a wavelength conversion device, and a two-dimensional (2D) anisotropic diffusion sheet is provided. The laser light source emits a laser beam, and the wavelength conversion device is located on a transmission path of the laser beam. The 2D anisotropic diffusion sheet is located on the transmission path of the laser beam and between the laser light source and the wavelength conversion device. Besides, the 2D anisotropic diffusion sheet allows the laser beam to have an increasing degree of a divergent angle in a first direction greater than an increasing degree of a divergent angle in a second direction. The first direction is substantially parallel to a slow axis of the laser beam. A projection apparatus is also provided. |
| US09429823B2 |
Bracket for camera
A camera security system including a camera housing having a camera therein, a bracket assembly and at least one non-standard fastener. The bracket assembly has at least two bracket members including a first bracket member configured to be securely connected to a second bracket member, with the bracket assembly securely receiving the camera housing therein such that the camera is exposed, but the camera cannot be removed from the bracket. The at least one non-standard fastener connects the first bracket member to the second bracket member. The first bracket member can be disconnected from the second bracket member by removing the at least one non-standard fastener to thereby allow the camera to be removed from the bracket assembly. |
| US09429818B2 |
Accessory identification and configuration and corresponding accessory
An accessory includes a body including a dial having a surface and multiple sets of optically-recognizable identification marks formed as part of the surface. The identification marks for each set are formed to be recognizable by a sensor having a two dimensional array of pixels. An apparatus includes a body comprising a groove having a first surface configured to align with a second surface of an accessory when a portion of the accessory is placed into the groove and a sensor formed in the first surface. The sensor includes a two dimensional array of pixels. An apparatus captures, with the sensor, an image of one of a set of multiple optically-recognizable identification marks formed as part of a surface of the dial, determines from the captured image a specific one of multiple possible accessories interchangeable for use with the apparatus, and performs configuration operation(s) based on the specific accessory. |
| US09429817B1 |
Modular image capture booth
A modular image capture booth with a plurality of frame members having horizontal and vertical members for assembly into a frame for the modular image capture booth. Each of a plurality of panels attaches to the frame. The plurality of panels forms walls and a ceiling for the modular image capture booth. Each panel has openings adapted to receive a digital camera. Each panel includes a router, and includes one or more lighting fixtures, and wiring from each opening in the panel to the router. The wiring is arranged to connect each digital camera to the router. An image processing computer is connected to of each router. The image processing computer processes the image recorded by each camera to construct a three-dimensional image of an object in the modular image capture booth. In a particular embodiment the modular image capture booth is made from a plurality of interlocking panels. |
| US09429814B2 |
Laser arrangement and method for enhancing the life span of optical elements in a laser arrangement
A laser arrangement has a first optical element, provided and established to convert a first laser beam having a first frequency into a second laser beam having a second frequency, wherein the second frequency is higher than the first frequency, and has a second optical element, which is transmitting for the first laser beam and reflecting for the second laser beam, and which is provided and established to reflect the second laser beam in a direction of reflection. Both the first optical element and the second optical element are movably mounted in such a way that they can be moved relative to a direction of light propagation of the second laser beam. |
| US09429813B2 |
Deep ultraviolet laser generation device and light source device
In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a deep ultraviolet laser generation device 1000 having a first laser source 100 at a first wavelength between 1.87 μm and 2.1 μm, a second laser source 200 at a second wavelength between 1.53 μm and 1.57 μm, a nonlinear wavelength conversion element 3 for generating near-infrared light 31 at a wavelength between 841 nm and 899 nm through a sum-frequency mixing (SFM) process, a nonlinear wavelength conversion element 4 for generating blue light 41 at a wavelength between 420 nm and 450 nm from the near-infrared light through a second harmonic generation (SHG) process, and a third nonlinear wavelength conversion element 5 for generating deep ultraviolet light 51 at a wavelength between 210 nm and 225 nm from the blue light, through another SHG process. The first laser source may be a thulium-doped laser source or a thulium-doped fiber source, and the second laser source may be a semiconductor laser source, an erbium-doped fiber source, or an erbium/ytterbium-doped fiber source. |
| US09429810B2 |
Electrophoresis device and display
An electrophoresis device includes: a plurality of electrophoretic particles included in insulating liquid and configured of a first particle and a second particle, in which the first particle and the second particle have respective charging characteristics that are different from each other; and a porous layer included in the insulating liquid and formed of a fibrous structure. |
| US09429806B2 |
Display device
A display device is provided. The display device includes an array substrate including a substrate and a first electrode having an opening, wherein the opening has an edge. The array substrate further includes a second electrode disposed over the first electrode and including a first finger portion having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The second electrode further includes a connection portion connecting the first finger portion at the edge, wherein the connection portion has a first concavity at the first side and a second concavity at the second side, and a length of the first concavity is greater than a length of the second concavity. The display device further includes an opposite substrate and a display medium. |
| US09429805B2 |
Array substrate, display panel and display device
An array substrate, a display panel and a display device are provided. The array substrate comprises pixel units. The pixel unit comprises four sub-pixel electrodes and at least one thin film transistor for controlling the four sub-pixel electrodes. Domain alignments of the four sub-pixel electrodes within the pixel unit differ from each other, and domain alignments of the four sub-pixel electrodes within the pixel unit have a mirror-symmetrical distribution in up and down directions and in left and right directions. |
| US09429804B2 |
Display device and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention relates to a display device, and a manufacturing method thereof. The display device includes a first insulation substrate; gate lines and data lines positioned on the first insulating substrate. The gate lines and data lines are insulated from each other and crossed each other. A first passivation layer positioned on the gate lines and the data lines, and including a first contact opening. A color filter positioned on the first passivation layer, and including an opening. An organic insulation layer positioned on the color filter, and including a contact hole, in which the first contact opening is larger than the opening. The organic insulation layer covers the color filter and the contact opening. |
| US09429803B2 |
Logo patterning methods for liquid crystal displays
A display may have a thin-film transistor (TFT) layer and a color filter layer. The TFT layer may have a first substrate, a first black masking layer, a planarization layer, and a layer of TFT circuitry on the planarization layer. The color filter layer may have a second substrate and a second black masking layer on the second substrate. A portion of the inactive area may serve as a logo area for displaying desired information to the user. A reflective structure may be formed on the bottom surface of the planarization layer, on the bottom surface of the first substrate, on the bottom surface of the second substrate, or on the upper surface of the first substrate in the logo area. In another embodiment, the logo area may be backlit by transmitting light through one or more openings in the first and second black masking layers in the logo area. |
| US09429800B2 |
Semiconductor device
The present invention intends to realize a narrow flame of a system on panel. In addition to this, a system mounted on a panel is intended to make higher and more versatile in the functionality. In the invention, on a panel on which a pixel portion (including a liquid crystal element, a light-emitting element) and a driving circuit are formed, integrated circuits that have so far constituted an external circuit are laminated and formed. Specifically, of the pixel portion and the driving circuit on the panel, on a position that overlaps with the driving circuit, any one kind or a plurality of kinds of the integrated circuits is formed by laminating according to a transcription technique. |
| US09429798B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
In a liquid crystal display device, a first interlayer insulating film is arranged on a gate line and first, second and third source lines. A first common electrode includes a first sub-common electrode on the first interlayer insulating film and facing the gate line. A second insulating film covers the first common electrode. A first main pixel electrode extends on the second interlayer insulating film between the first source line and the second source line. A second main pixel electrode extends on the second interlayer insulating film between the second source line and the third source line. A second common electrode includes a second sub-common electrode extending on the second interlayer insulating film between the first source line and the second source line so as to face the first sub-common electrode, and is cut out between the second source line and the third source line. |
| US09429797B2 |
Liquid crystal panel comprising first and second liquid crystal capacitors and liquid crystal display having the same
A liquid crystal panel includes multiple pixel units, each pixel unit including a first pixel region and a second pixel region. Besides, the liquid crystal panel comprises a thin-film-transistor (TFT) substrate, a color filter substrate disposed oppositely to the TFT substrate; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the TFT substrate and the color filter substrate; multiple pixel electrodes disposed on the TFT substrate; a common electrode disposed on the color filter substrate; a first insulation layer disposed on the color filter substrate, located in the first pixel region and located between the color filter substrate and the common electrode; and a second insulation layer disposed on the color filter substrate, located in the second pixel region and located above the color filter substrate and the common electrode. The present invention also discloses a liquid crystal display having the above liquid crystal panel. |
| US09429796B2 |
Liquid crystal display and method of manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display includes: a substrate; a thin film transistor comprising one or more terminals and disposed on the substrate; a pixel electrode connected to one of the terminals of the thin film transistor; and a roof layer disposed to face the pixel electrode, wherein a microcavity is formed between the pixel electrode and the roof layer, the microcavity including a liquid crystal material, wherein a plurality of microcavities are disposed along a first row and a second row adjacent to each other, a trench is formed between the first row and the second row, and at least one bridge connecting the first row and the second row is disposed at the trench. |
| US09429790B2 |
Array substrate and liquid crystal display device
An array substrate and a liquid crystal display device are provided. The array substrate (11) comprises a first substrate (110) and a switch element (112) disposed on an inner side of the first substrate (110), and further comprises a polarizing light-emitting layer (111), the polarizing light-emitting layer (111) has an EL mode. In the liquid crystal display device (1), the polarizing light-emitting layer (111) with an EL mode is disposed in the array substrate (11), therefore, no backlight is required and the power consumption of the liquid crystal display device (1) is further reduced. |
| US09429786B2 |
Display apparatus including temperature compensation unit, display module applied therein, and method for controlling temperature of display module
A display module including a liquid crystal panel that displays an input image, a backlight unit that produces light, at least one optical sheet that emits the light produced by the backlight unit toward a rear side of the liquid crystal panel and a temperature compensation unit having a heating sheet that transfers heat to a region of the liquid crystal panel are provided. The heating sheet has a heating wire disposed in a first region of the heating sheet and excluding a second region of the heating sheet superimposed over at least one of a liquid crystal driving board, a processing board, and a power supply unit. |
| US09429784B2 |
Touch display panel and touch display device using the same
A touch display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a display layer, a plurality of scan electrodes, a plurality of data electrodes, a plurality of thin-film transistors, a plurality of driving electrodes and a plurality of sensing electrodes. The display layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The scan electrodes and data electrodes are on the first substrate and cross each other. The thin-film transistors electrically connect to the scan electrodes and the data electrodes. The driving electrodes are disposed between the data electrodes and the second substrate, and overlapped the scan electrodes. The sensing electrodes are disposed on and overlapped the data electrodes. The data electrodes, the scan electrodes, the driving electrodes and the sensing electrodes are electrically insulated from each other. In addition, the value of the voltage input the touching drive electrodes are negative value. |
| US09429780B2 |
Liquid crystal display device comprising a plurality of vertical and horizontal gate lines that directly contact a same upper surface of a same layer
An LCD device includes a plurality of first gate lines and a plurality of data lines vertically formed in a liquid crystal panel, a plurality of second gate lines horizontally formed in the liquid crystal panel, and a plurality of driving ICs disposed in an upper or lower non-display area of the liquid crystal panel, connected to the plurality of first gate lines to supply a scan signal, and connected to the plurality of data lines to supply data voltages. The plurality of first gate lines and the plurality of second gate lines are electrically connected to each other in pairs through a contact in an overlapping area therebetween, and the plurality of first gate lines and the plurality of data lines are formed on different layers. |
| US09429778B2 |
Optical isolator for a wavelength band of 600-800 nm
An optical isolator for use with a wavelength band of 600-800 nm is improved in that it has a Faraday rotator made of an oxide material in which said oxide material contains (TbxR1-x)2O3 such that 0.5≦x≦1.0, and R is scandium, yttrium or any lanthanoid but Tb. |
| US09429777B2 |
Electro-optic modulator
An electro-optic modulator for a laser beam includes an yttrium vanadate crystal cooperative with a double-pass electro-optic switch. A beam to be modulated passes through the yttrium vanadate crystal and makes a forward and a reverse pass through the electro-optic switch. The electro-optic switch returns the beam to the vanadate crystal selectively in one of two polarization orientations at 90 degrees to each other. Depending on the polarization orientation, the returned beam is transmitted by the crystal along a corresponding one of two about-parallel paths spaced apart from each other. |
| US09429774B2 |
Optic modulator and method of manufacturing the same
An optic modulator may include: an optical waveguide including a ridge-shaped portion having a first region and a second region over the first region; a slab-shaped portion being in contact with a first region of the ridge-shaped portion; an optical waveguide electrode forming a Schottky contact with a second region of the ridge-shaped portion; metal plugs being in contact with the slab-shaped portion and the optical waveguide electrode, respectively; and metal pads connected to the respective metal plugs. |
| US09429767B2 |
Imaging optical system
An imaging optical system includes a front lens group including a front lens element and a reflector element which reflects a light bundle that exits from the front lens element; and a rear lens group on the image side of the front lens group. The front lens element is a spherically-swingable lens group which suppresses image shake by spherically-swinging about a predetermined spherical-swing center in accordance with vibrations applied to the imaging optical system. The following conditions (1) and (2) are satisfied: νd>58 (1), and f/y>3 (2), wherein νd designates the Abbe number with respect to the d-line of at least one lens element of the spherically-swingable lens group, f designates the focal length of the imaging optical system, in a state where the focal length is at a maximum, and y designates the maximum image height of the imaging plane. |
| US09429762B2 |
Security device
A lenticular device includes an array of lenticular focusing elements located over a corresponding array of pairs of image strips such that, in a first viewing direction, a first image strip from each pair is viewed by respective ones of the lenticular focusing elements and, in a second viewing direction, different from the first, a second image strip from each pair is viewed by respective ones of the lenticular focusing elements, One of each pair of image strips has portions defining a first image in a first color and a second image in a second color respectively, and the other of each pair of image strips has portions defining the first image in the second color and the second image in the first color respectively, whereby on tilting the device, a color switch is observed between the first and second images. |
| US09429757B1 |
System for providing projected information combined with outside scenery
A system for producing a display image on a transparent, semi-transparent or translucent surface, without the need for an integral light source. The system includes a reflective surface that utilizes external light to project the display image in a selectable direction. A light collecting element collects and directs ambient light to the reflective surface. A display processor creates the display image and transmits the image onto an optical device. The optical device that has a reflective polarizer accepts the projected display image. The optical device selectively reflects light of the projected display image, and while controlling the optical properties of the light from second direction it combines the projected display image with the light from the second direction. |
| US09429756B1 |
Transparent microdisplay in head mountable displays
An optical apparatus includes a transparent microdisplay and a curved mirror. The transparent microdisplay has an array of self-illuminating emitters configured to emit image light propagating in an external direction. The curved mirror is positioned to reflect the image light toward an eye-ward side of the optical apparatus. A first curvature of the curved mirror has an optical power configured to focus the image light reflected by the curved mirror within an eyebox sized area. The transparent microdisplay is disposed between the curved mirror and the eyebox sized area. |
| US09429755B2 |
Wearable device and method for controlling display of the same
A wearable device and a method for controlling display of the same are disclosed. Herein, the method for controlling the wearable device includes the steps of, when a contents or channel change in information currently being viewed through an external device occurs, determining whether or not the contents change corresponds to a change performed by a wearer of the wearable device, and, when it is determined that the contents change corresponds to a change performed by a viewer other than the wearer of the wearable device, displaying a content signal that was previously viewed prior to the contents change to the display means. |
| US09429746B2 |
Micro-optic adapters and tips for surgical illumination fibers
A microstructure optical adapter or tip according to the present disclosure may incorporate precision micro structure optical components engaging the input or output end of light energy delivery devices for customized light delivery of the light energy. The incorporation of precision micro structure optical components in injection molded plastic or glass parts will allow for inexpensive modification of the output light while also serving to protect the end of the illumination device. The micro structure optical components may also be incorporated in an adapter to tailor the light energy to the subsequent device. |
| US09429743B2 |
Systems and methods of polyfocal hyperspectral imaging having a beam splitter with optical channels respectively corresponding to plural image planes
A microscope-based system and method for simultaneous imaging of several object planes, of a three-dimensional (3D) sample, associated with different depths throughout the sample. The system includes a polyfocal optical portion, adapted to create a plurality of optical channels each of which is associated with an image of a corresponding object plane, and a spectrally-selective portion, adapted to transform the spectral distribution of the image-forming beam of light to a corresponding spatial distribution. The image, registered by a detector, includes an image of an object plane and an image of the spatially-coded spectral distribution. The method effectuates the simultaneous multispectral imaging of the several object planes. The required data-acquisition time is several fold shorter than that taken by a conventional multispectral microscope-based imaging system. |
| US09429742B1 |
High power laser imaging systems
An imaging system for use with an input light beam having power of 2 kW or greater and a predetermined intensity profile across at least on axis transverse to a propagation axis thereof, includes a mask disposed in relation to the input light beam, the mask configured to direct selected portions of the input light beam, and an optical relay disposed in relation to the mask and configured to reflectively direct the selected portions of the input light beam to a target. |
| US09429732B2 |
Fiber optic cable crimp assemblies employing integrally connected cable strain relief boots, and related fiber optic connectors, cables, and methods
Embodiments disclosed herein include fiber optic cable crimp assemblies employing integrally connected cable strain relief boots to provide a single component crimp assembly. Related fiber optic connectors, cables, and methods are also disclosed. A fiber optic cable crimp assembly is employed for securing a fiber optic connector assembly to a fiber optic cable to form a terminated fiber optic connector. The fiber optic cable crimp assembly includes a cable strain relief boot configured to receive an end portion of a fiber optic cable to provide bend and strain relief for the end portion of the fiber optic cable. A fiber optic cable crimp band is integrally connected to the cable strain relief boot. The fiber optic crimp assembly is further configured to secure the end portion of the fiber optic cable to a fiber optic connector assembly. |
| US09429731B2 |
Optical fiber cable assembly comprising optical tracer fiber
An optical fiber cable assembly includes an optical tracer fiber, an optical data transmission fiber, and a cable jacket. The optical tracer fiber defines a tracer scattering profile having a scattering loss of >15 dB/km at a tracer wavelength or wavelength range λT that lies in a visible spectrum. The optical tracer fiber is wound about a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber cable assembly and is either physically coupled to the cable jacket or contained within an inside diameter of the cable jacket. The cable jacket may be engineered to generate light at an optically visible shifted tracer wavelength or wavelength range λT* from visible light at the tracer wavelength or wavelength range λT. The cable jacket may include an optically reflective material such that a portion of dispersed visible light from the optical tracer is reflected by the optically reflective material of the cable jacket. |
| US09429729B2 |
Compact storage and distribution module for optical fiber and cable
A storage and distribution module for optical fiber and cable includes a base having a bottom wall, and the bottom wall has a raised boss. A number of spool mounting fingers are arranged and configured on top of the boss to retain a fiber supply spool containing slack windings of an optical fiber. The bottom wall of the base, the boss, and an end face of the spool when retained on the mounting fingers, define a storage region underneath the spool for storing a slack length of a provider cable. A bracket is fixed inside the base, and the bracket is formed to support a connector adapter for connecting a first connector that terminates the slack fiber windings contained on the supply spool when retained on the mounting fingers, with a second connector that terminates the slack length of provider cable stored in the region under the spool. |
| US09429728B2 |
Optical fiber distribution frame with outside plant enclosure
A fiber optic telecommunications frame is provided including panels having front and rear termination locations, the panels positioned on left and right sides of the frame. The frame includes vertical access for the rear cables. The frame further includes left and right vertical cable guides for the front patch cables. The frame further includes cable storage spools for the patch cables. The frame includes a horizontal passage linking the left and right panels and the cable guides. A portion of the frame defines splice tray holders and a central passage from the splice tray holders to the rear sides of the left and right panels. From a front of each panel, access to a rear of the panel is provided by the hinged panels. Alternatively, the panels can form connector modules with front termination locations and rear connection locations for connecting to the rear cables. The modules can house couplers, such as splitters, combiners, and wave division multiplexers. The termination locations can be located on the same side of the frame as the splice tray holders, or on an opposite side. An enclosure of the frame included hinged or otherwise moveable panels to allow access to the terminations or the splice trays. |
| US09429727B2 |
Wafer level packaged optical subassembly and transceiver module having same
An optical subassembly includes: a TSV submount layer carrying an active optical component and a sandwich cap bonded to the TSV submount layer. The sandwich cap includes a bottom spacer layer disposed above the TSV submount layer, a glass layer above the bottom spacer layer, and an upper spacer layer above the glass layer. A cavity is defined in the bottom spacer layer and configured for accommodating the active optical component. At least one first lens is formed on the glass layer and is opposite to the active optical component. An alignment feature is formed in the upper spacer layer. |
| US09429726B2 |
Optical module
An optical module includes a circuit board, a photoelectric conversion element mounted on the circuit board, an optical connector for optically connecting the photoelectric conversion element and an optical fiber, a semiconductor circuit element mounted on the circuit board and electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion element, a pressing member for pressing and fixing the optical connector to the circuit board, and a supporting member for supporting the pressing member. The supporting member includes a heat-absorbing surface and a heat-dissipating surface. The heat-absorbing surface is thermally connected to the semiconductor circuit element. The heat-dissipating surface dissipates heat of the semiconductor circuit element to be absorbed through the heat-absorbing surface. |
| US09429725B2 |
Bidirectional parallel optical transceiver module and a method for bidirectionally communicating optical signals over an optical link
Bidirectional parallel optical transceiver modules for use in optical links and methods for communicating bidirectionally over the links are provided. The bidirectional parallel optical transceiver modules have features that ensure relatively low optical crosstalk, relatively low return loss and relatively high SNR. In addition, the modules have an in-line, zig-zag configuration that allows the modules to be compact and to have high bidirectional channel density for achieving high bandwidth. |
| US09429724B2 |
Stackable interface modules for customized network functions
A function-specific network interface module is provided which includes a housing and a connection interface at opposing ends of the housing configured to connect to another function-specific network interface module in a cascaded manner. The function-specific network interface module further includes one or more circuit components operable to provide a dedicated network function so that a plurality of different network functions is provided when the function-specific network interface module is connected to the other function-specific network interface module via the connection interface. |
| US09429721B2 |
Connector for transitioning multi-core fiber to plural single core fibers
A method and system connects multiple cores within one fiber, e.g., a multi-core fiber (MCF), to multiple fibers with single-cores. The single-core fibers can then be terminated by traditional envelopes, such as a single core LC envelope. A connector holds the single-core fibers into a pattern that matches a pattern of all, or a sub group, of the individual cores of the MCF. The single-core fibers may all be terminated to individual connectors to form a fanout or breakout cable. Alternatively, the single-core fibers may extend to another connector wherein the single-core fibers are regrouped into a pattern to mate with the cores of another MCF, hence forming a jumper. One or more of the single core fibers may be terminated along the length of the jumper to form a jumper with one or more tap accesses. |
| US09429720B2 |
Polishing jig, ferrule, and optical connector
A ferrule includes a ferrule body which can be inserted into a through hole of a holding member of a polishing jig, and a flange which is supported on an upper surface of the holding member when the ferrule body is inserted into the through hole, wherein the flange has cutouts provided in a front surface thereof, which is opposed to the upper surface of the holding member. |
| US09429719B1 |
Fiber optic connector sub-assemblies and related methods
A fiber optic connector sub-assembly includes a ferrule having a front end, a rear end, and a ferrule bore extending between the front and rear ends along a longitudinal axis. The ferrule bore has a first section extending inwardly from the rear end of the ferrule, a second section extending inwardly from the front end of the ferrule and having a width that is less than the first section, and a transition section located between the first and second sections. The fiber optic connector sub-assembly also includes a bonding agent disposed in at least a portion of both the transition section and the second section of the ferrule bore. At least some of the bonding agent in the second section of the ferrule bore has been melted and solidified. |
| US09429717B2 |
Ferrule and ferrule with optical fiber
A ferrule of the present invention includes a positioning mechanism for positioning an optical fiber, and a recess having at least a first inner wall for allowing a front end of the optical fiber portion positioned by the positioning mechanism to protrude, and a second inner wall opposite to the first inner wall. A distance between the first inner wall and the second inner wall is less than or equal to four times the outer diameter of the optical fiber. Adhesive is filled into the recess and cured in a state in which the optical fiber protrudes from the first inner wall and substantially contacts the second inner wall to fix the optical fiber. |
| US09429716B1 |
Mirror systems securing optical fibers to ferrules by thermally securing bonding agents within fiber optic connector housings, and related methods and assemblies
Mirror systems securing optical fibers to ferrules by thermally securing bonding agents within fiber optic connector housings are disclosed, along with related methods and assemblies. A fiber optic connector includes an optical fiber secured within a ferrule by a temperature-sensitive bonding agent to prevent attenuation-causing movement. The bonding agent is activated (e.g., cured) by heat provided by laser energy incident upon the ferrule, which is at least partially disposed within a fiber optic connector housing and which may be damaged by the laser energy. By shaping and disposing at least one mirror of a mirror system, the laser energy may be reflected to be incident upon the ferrule in a controllable intensity distribution. In this manner, the laser energy may be absorbed uniformly or substantially uniformly along a partial length of the ferrule extending into the housing to accelerate securing of the bonding agent while avoiding damage to the housing. |
| US09429712B2 |
Dual-ganged optical switch
An optical switch is configured in a “dual-ganged” switch geometry to provide for the simultaneous switching of a selected transmit/receive pair of optical signal paths between a specific optical communication device and an optical communication network. A biaxially-symmetric signal redirection component may be used to direct the signals between the selected channel and the optical communication device. A specific waveguide (e.g., fiber) array topology within the dual-ganged switch (DGS) breaks the symmetry between the network transmit/receive arrays and a pair of transmit and receive signal paths associated with the communication device to improve isolation and minimize the possibility of cross-talk between non-selected waveguides in the transmit and receive arrays. The possibility of “hits” during switching between channels can be eliminated, and is controlled by dictating the process or switching steps used to rotate the biaxially-symmetric signal redirection element. |
| US09429709B2 |
Stack of light guide plates and method for processing the same
A stack of light guide plates is proposed. Each light guide plate includes a light guide plate body and an incident side, thickness of the incident side is more than thickness of the light guide plate body, two light guide plates are reversely arranged and laminated when the two light guide plates are processed, and then a plurality of a pair of laminated light guide plates are stacked. The present embodiment provides a method for processing light guide plates. Even though the thickness of the incident side or the wedged shape of the incident side changes, the method can be adopted. The stack of light guide plates remain neat and flat using the method. Because a batch of light guide plates are cut and polished using the method, the efficiency in processing light guide plates improves. In this way, utilization of the equipment improves as well. |
| US09429708B2 |
Optical-fiber-spliced portion reinforcing heating device
An optical-fiber-spliced portion reinforcing heating device of the invention includes: a pair of clamps that respectively grasp a coated portion of an optical fiber, the optical fiber including a fusion-spliced portion, the fusion-spliced portion being coated with a sleeve, the coated portion being exposed from the sleeve; at least two or more heaters that are arranged to face each other so as to sandwich the sleeve; a first force-applying member that presses at least one of the paired clamps so as to apply a tension to the optical fiber; and a second force-applying member that applies a pressing force to at least one or more of the heaters via the sleeve by use of one of an elastic member and a magnetic member in accordance with control of a drive source, the heaters being arranged to face each other with the sleeve interposed therebetween. |
| US09429707B2 |
Making fiber axicon tapers for fusion splicers
A method of manufacturing a fiber axicon taper includes, aligning a fiber, splicing the fiber, pulling the fiber, necking the fiber, breaking the fiber, and rounding the edges of the fiber axicon taper. |
| US09429706B2 |
Optical waveguide coupler and method for manufacturing same
An optical waveguide coupler includes a substrate and an optical waveguide of a multi-layer structure of a first clad layer/a first waveguide layer/a second clad layer, at least, on the end surface side of an optical input and output provided on the substrate, characterized in that the first waveguide layer has such a distribution of the refractive index that the refractive index is the highest at the center of the first waveguide layer in the multi-layer structure in the stacking direction, and the first waveguide layer has such a protrusion in a convex form that the center portion having the highest refractive index protrudes in a cross section that is perpendicular to the end surface of the optical input and output and perpendicular to the main surface of the substrate. |
| US09429703B2 |
Illumination apparatus, liquid-crystal display apparatus, and electronic device
An illumination apparatus includes: a light-guiding plate; a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed along a side-end surface of the light-guiding plate that serves as a light-entry portion, each of the plurality of light-emitting elements has a light-emitting surface which faces toward the light entry portion; a light source substrate, disposed and separated with a space from the light entry portion of the light-guiding plate when viewed from above, that includes a mounting surface for the plurality of light-emitting elements, the mounting surface being orthogonal to the side-end surface serving as the light entry portion; and a step portion with which an end portion of the light source substrate located toward the light-guiding plate makes contact. |
| US09429701B2 |
Light emitting diode assembly and liquid crystal display device including the same
A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel; and a backlight unit disposed under the liquid crystal panel and including an LED assembly, wherein the LED assembly includes a frame portion, LED chips arranged in the frame portion in a line and spaced apart from each other, connecting portions each disposed between adjacent LED chips and connected to adjacent LED chips through wire bonding, and a sealing portion including a fluorescent substance and covering the LED chips and the connecting portions, and wherein the sealing portion changes light emitted from the LED chips into a linear light source. |
| US09429699B2 |
Backlight module and display apparatus
The present invention provides a backlight module and a display apparatus. The display apparatus comprises the backlight module and a display panel. The backlight module comprises a light collector, optical fibers, a fiber light-outputting substrate, a light guide plate and fiber fixing collars. The optical fibers are connected between the light collector and the fiber light-outputting substrate. The light guide plate is disposed at one side of the fiber light-outputting substrate. The fiber fixing collars are attached to light-emitting ends of the optical fibers for fixing the optical fibers to the fiber light-outputting substrate. The present invention can use ambient light rays to form a backlight source. |
| US09429697B2 |
Backlight module
A backlight module including a light guide plate, a circuit layer and at least one light source. The light guide plate includes a first surface, a second surface parallel and opposite to the first surface, and a recess disposed at a side edge of the light guide plate and including a third surface parallel to the first surface and the second surface. The circuit layer is integrated with the third surface. The at least one light source is disposed on the third surface to be embedded in the recess and electrically connected to the circuit layer. |
| US09429691B2 |
Light guides having enhanced light extraction
Lightguides, devices incorporating lightguides, processes for making lightguides, and tools used to make lightguides are described. A lightguide includes light extractors arranged in a plurality of regions on a surface of the lightguide. The orientation of light extractors in each region is arranged to enhance uniformity and brightness across a surface of the lightguide and to provide enhanced defect hiding. The efficiency of the light extractors is controlled by the angle of a given light extractor face with respect to a light source illuminating the light guide. |
| US09429690B2 |
Diffusion sheet, backlight, liquid crystal display apparatus, and method of producing a diffusion sheet
A diffusion sheet includes a light-transmissive substrate, a plurality of structures, and a flat portion. The light-transmissive substrate includes a first main surface, and a second main surface. The plurality of structures have convex shapes and are randomly formed on the first main surface. The flat portion is formed among the plurality of structures on the first main surface and has a surface roughness (Ra) of no less than 0.9 μm. |
| US09429686B2 |
Antireflective member, optical element, display device, method of making stamper and method of making antireflective member using the stamper
A method for making a stamper which has an uneven surface pattern, in which unit structures are arranged in x and y directions at respective periods that are both shorter than the shortest wavelength of an incoming light ray, on the surface of a substrate and satisfies the following Inequality (1): Λ x , y λ m i n < 1 ni + ni · sin θ i ma x ( 1 ) where λmin is the shortest wavelength of the incoming light ray, θimax is the largest angle of incidence of the incoming light ray, ni is the refractive index of an incidence medium, Λx is the period of the uneven surface pattern in the x direction, and Λy is the period of the pattern in the y direction. As a result, diffraction of short-wave light components can be reduced in a broad wavelength range. |
| US09429682B2 |
Method for preparing acrylic copolymer resin for optical film and method for fabricating optical film using the same
There is provided a method for preparing an acrylic copolymer resin for an optical film includes: suspension-polymerizing an acrylic monomer containing a benzene ring, an alkyl(meth)acrylate monomer, and a (meth)acrylic acid monomer to prepare a copolymer; and thermally treating the copolymer at a temperature ranging from 240° C. to 300° C. As the method for preparing an acrylic copolymer of the present invention, a resin having an effectively lowered CTE can be manufactured by inducing the formation of a glutaric anhydride structure by using suspension polymerization that facilitates adjustment of the molecular weight of a resin. |
| US09429681B2 |
Light conversion element containing ionic liquid, a process for making same, and an apparatus comprising the light conversion element
To provide a light conversion element which has solved the problems of the reduced intensity of upconverted light, etc., due to the flammability, volatility or high viscosity of a medium used in the conventional photon upconversion elements.A light conversion element is provided which has solved the above problems by using a visually homogeneous and transparent light conversion element, wherein organic photosensitizing molecules and organic light-emitting molecules, which are a combination that exhibits a triplet-triplet annihilation process, are dissolved and/or dispersed in an ionic liquid. |
| US09429679B2 |
Systems and methods for reservoir simulation
Systems and methods for structured and unstructured reservoir simulation using parallel processing on GPU clusters to balance the computational load. |
| US09429677B2 |
High performance and grid computing with fault tolerant data distributors quality of service
High performance computing (HPC) and grid computing processing for seismic and reservoir simulation are performed without impacting or losing processing time in case of failures. A Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard is implemented in High Performance Computing (HPC) and grid computing platforms, to avoid the shortcomings of current Message Passing Interface (MPI) communication between computing modules, and provide quality of service (QoS) for such applications. QoS properties of the processing can be controlled. Multiple data publishers or master nodes of a cluster have access to the same data source. Each of these publishers has an ownership strength quality of service, and the publisher with the highest ownership strength number is the designated publisher of the data to subscriber processor nodes of the cluster. If the designated data publisher prematurely terminates or crashes for some reason, then the publisher node with the next highest ownership strength measure is designated as data publisher and continues publishing data to subscribers. |
| US09429673B2 |
Surface-based NMR measurement
Technologies applicable to surface-based NMR measurement are disclosed. A surface probe is positionable at or above a surface of the Earth and adapted to make NMR measurements of shallow or very shallow subsurface volumes. NMR spectrometer components connected to the surface probe are configured to control electromagnetic pulses produced by the surface probe and to record resulting detected NMR signals from the subsurface volume. |
| US09429669B2 |
Seismic source and method for single sweep intermodulation mitigation
A method for calculating intermodulation noise generated with one or more land seismic sources. The method includes receiving seismic data (g) generated by actuating the one or more land seismic source with a single sweep; selecting a number of detectors (a-f) that detect a subset (ga-gf) of the seismic data (g); estimating earth responses (ha1-hf1) based on (i) the subset seismic data (ga-gf) and (ii) a ground force (gf) of the one or more land seismic source; calculating plural intermodulation noises (noiseA1-noiseF1) for the number of detectors based on the earth responses (ha1-hf1); and removing the plural intermodulation noises (noiseA1-noiseF1) from corresponding detector signals (ga-gf) to mitigate the intermodulation noise effect. |
| US09429665B2 |
Radiation penetration system and calibration of the same
Position errors of the flat-panel detector in the axes system of the radiation penetration system relative to a necessitated position which remain, for example, after a coarse setup of the radiation penetration system are balanced and thus the accuracy of the radiation penetration system is brought almost randomly close to the accuracy which would have resulted if the flat-panel detector had been exactly adjusted mechanically subsequently by executing a geometrical correction of the radiation penetration raw image, so that a change of a projection of the penetrated object in the radiation penetration raw image due to the position error is reduced or corrected. |
| US09429662B2 |
Bulk semiconducting scintillator device for radiation detection
A bulk semiconducting scintillator device, including: a Li-containing semiconductor compound of general composition Li-III-VI2, wherein III is a Group III element and VI is a Group VI element; wherein the Li-containing semiconductor compound is used in one or more of a first mode and a second mode, wherein: in the first mode, the Li-containing semiconductor compound is coupled to an electrical circuit under bias operable for measuring electron-hole pairs in the Li-containing semiconductor compound in the presence of neutrons and the Li-containing semiconductor compound is also coupled to current detection electronics operable for detecting a corresponding current in the Li-containing semiconductor compound; and, in the second mode, the Li-containing semiconductor compound is coupled to a photodetector operable for detecting photons generated in the Li-containing semiconductor compound in the presence of the neutrons. |
| US09429656B2 |
GNSS positioning using pressure sensors
Systems, methods and devices for improving the accuracy of GNSS data are provided. Specifically, embodiments of the invention can advantageously use sensor input to improve the accuracy of position fixes. The use of physical 5 sensors in navigation systems is deemed particularly advantageous, especially where altitude data derived from the pressure sensor is calibrated with and/or blended with GNSS altitude data. |
| US09429641B2 |
Location services
A portable device arranged to repeatedly determine its position, determine when it has been in the same location for a predetermined length of time on the basis of the periodically determined positions and, when it determines that it has been in the same location for the predetermined length of time, keep a record of that location. The device being further arranged to perform said determining and recording continuously and independently of a user. |
| US09429638B2 |
Method of replacing an existing contact of a wafer probing assembly
The contacts of a probing apparatus are elastically supported on a replaceable coupon and electrically interconnected with conductors on a membrane or a space transformer. |
| US09429634B2 |
MRI coil design with volumetric trough-shaped coil elements
A coil for a magnetic resonance imaging device consists of multiple coil elements arranged about an imaging space. Each coil element comprise radiating structures oriented at an angle to a tangent of the imaging space. Angling the radiating structures reduces mutual coupling between coil elements and enhances the penetration of the radio frequency field to the imaging space. |
| US09429631B2 |
Device and method for altering the path of radio waves to record the image information available in said waves
A device and related method for refracting radio waves to enable the temporary or permanent recording of said waves. The device includes a piece of material that is transparent or translucent to radio waves. The piece of material, which may be solid, is selected to have an inherent radio wave refraction index greater than a value of one for either its transparent or translucent state. The radio waves are selectively passed through the material and recorded on a translation medium for observation. |
| US09429629B1 |
Electronic loads
An apparatus for providing a test load includes a current source in series with a resistor circuit. The current source may be a MOSFET, a shunt resistor, and operational amplifier. The resistor circuit includes a plurality of resistors and a plurality of switching semiconductors. The resistors and Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors are arranged so that the Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors can be switched on or off to place the resistors in series, parallel, or both with one another, thereby affecting the resistance of the resistor circuit. A microprocessor or digital signal processor outputs signals to switch the Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors on or off. |
| US09429627B2 |
Electronic device with supervisor circuit for detecting resistance parameter of an energy storage device
An electronic device has an energy storage device and circuitry supplied with a storage device voltage from the energy storage device. A supervisor circuit enables the circuitry in response to the storage device exceeding an enable threshold voltage. The supervisor circuit detects a resistance parameter which is indicative of an internal resistance of the energy storage device and adjusts the enable threshold voltage based on the resistance parameter. |
| US09429625B1 |
Analog signal test circuits and methods
An analog test network includes a conductor. The conductor is coupled to provide a first analog signal from a circuit under test to an analog-to-digital converter circuit. The analog-to-digital converter circuit is operable to generate a first digital signal based on the first analog signal. A control circuit is operable to generate a second digital signal based on the first digital signal. A digital-to-analog converter circuit is operable to generate a second analog signal based on the second digital signal. The conductor is coupled to provide the second analog signal from the digital-to-analog converter circuit to the circuit under test. |
| US09429621B2 |
Implementing enhanced scan chain diagnostics via bypass multiplexing structure
A method and system for implementing enhanced scan chain diagnostics via a bypass multiplexing structure. A full scan chain structure is partitioned into a plurality of separate chains, such as three separate partitioned chains, with bypass multiplexers for implementing enhanced scan chain diagnostics. Each of the separate partitioned chains includes bypass multiplexers with independent controls enabling scan data being routed through multiple different independent scan paths, potentially bypassing failing latches. The information acquired from a combination of full scans and partitioned scans is used for scan failure isolation to enable pinpoint identification of stuck-at-zero (SA0) and stuck-at-one (SA1) faults in the scan chain. |
| US09429619B2 |
Reliability test screen optimization
Methods and systems optimize power usage in an integrated circuit design by sorting the integrated circuit devices after manufacture into relatively slow integrated circuit devices and relatively fast integrated circuit devices to classify the integrated circuit devices into different voltage bins. The methods and systems establish a bin-specific reliability testing processes for each of the voltage bins and test the integrated circuit devices using a tester. This allows the methods and systems to identify as defective ones of the integrated circuit devices that fail the bin-specific integrated circuit reliability testing processes of a corresponding voltage bin. The methods and systems remove the defective ones of the integrated circuit devices to allow only non-defective integrated circuit devices to remain and supply the non-defective integrated circuit devices to a customer. |
| US09429618B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device having function for detecting degradation of semiconductor device and method of driving the same
A semiconductor integrated circuit device having a function for detecting degradation of a semiconductor device and a method of driving the same are disclosed. The semiconductor integrated circuit device includes an NMOS transistor electrically coupled to a PMOS transistor and configured to constitute an inverter together with the PMOS transistor, a first stress application unit electrically coupled to the PMOS transistor and configured to apply stress to the PMOS transistor, and a second stress application unit electrically coupled to the NMOS transistor and configured to apply the stress to the NMOS transistor. |
| US09429613B1 |
Time domain reflectometer
A method of characterizing an electric signal transmission medium as being anomaly free or anomaly containing, involving producing a magnitude vs. time matrix signature by launching a sequence of electric waves thereinto, and accumulating data that show how the electric signal transmission medium reacts to each wave. |
| US09429609B2 |
Ultrasound device testing
Systems and methods disclosed herein provide for the assessment of acousto-electrical probes, such as their connections (e.g., transducer leads) and their response characteristics. An example method of determining a capacitance capability of an electrical lead for an ultrasound device includes discharging stored capacitance of the electrical lead; applying power to the electrical lead; during applying power to the electrical lead, counting clock cycles from a microprocessor; comparing a electrical lead voltage to a reference voltage; stopping counting clock cycles when the electrical lead voltage passes the reference voltage; and processing a number of counted clock cycles, in response to stopping the counting clock cycles to determine a capacitance of the electrical lead. |
| US09429605B2 |
Techniques for determining a resistance value
Some embodiments relate to an integrated circuit (IC). The IC determines a time-variant resistance of an sensing resistor, wherein a resistance of the sensing resistor reflects an ambient environmental condition. The IC includes first and second conditioning circuits, an analog to digital conversion (ADC) element, and a logic circuit. The first conditioning circuit provides a first voltage based on the resistance of the sensing resistor, while the second conditioning circuit provides a second voltage based on a resistance of an on-chip reference resistor. The ADC element provides a multi-bit digital value based on a ratio of the first and second voltages. The multi-bit digital value is indicative of the ambient environmental condition measured by the off-chip sensor. A logic circuit selectively adjusts the first and second voltages based on the multi-bit digital value to limit or avoid saturation of the ADC element. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US09429603B2 |
Method and device for detecting aircraft radio signals transmitted in the same channel simultaneously
A method for detecting at least two amplitude-modulated transmitted signals contained in a received signal within the same frequency channel with respectively different frequency displacements, which determines from the received signal a modified received signal by means of a nonlinear signal processing. Following this, the spectrum of the modified received signal is determined by means of Fourier transform, and at least two transmitted signals contained in the received signal are detected if at least two first spectral lines each associated with carrier signals are significantly distinguishable within the determined spectrum from spectral components associated with noise signals and payload signals. |
| US09429602B2 |
Partial information generating device, power usage amount calculation system, and partial information generating method
According to an embodiment, a partial information generating device includes a receiver, a first generator, and a second generator. The receiver is configured to receive power usage amounts each collected for a unitary time by at least one power meter. The first generator is configured to generate a piece of first partial information from a range that is zero or more and less than a predetermined basal value for each of the power usage amounts. The second generator is configured to generate one or more pieces of auxiliary information and a piece of second partial information for the each of the power usage amounts, by using the each of the power usage amounts, the piece of first partial information, and the basal value. |
| US09429600B2 |
Appliance monitoring and control systems
We describe a system to provide feedback to a user of an appliance for energy saving, the system comprising: means for monitoring an energy consumption of the appliance; means for inferring a mode of use of the appliance from said power consumption; and means for providing feedback to said user responsive to said inferred mode of use to indicate how an amount of energy used by said appliance may be reduced. In some embodiments the means for monitoring power consumption comprises means for identifying one or more periods of operation of the appliance from data representing aggregate power consumption of a plurality of devices including the appliance. In embodiments the means for monitoring the power consumption comprises means for monitoring mains electricity power consumption of the plurality of devices. Alternatively the means for monitoring the power consumption may comprise, for example, a plug-through power sensing device. |
| US09429589B2 |
Physical quantity sensor and electronic apparatus
A physical quantity sensor includes a base section, a movable body having a movable electrode section, pivot sections connected to the movable body, and forming a pivot axis of the movable body, a fixation section fixed to the substrate, and adapted to support the movable body via the pivot sections, and a fixed electrode section disposed on the substrate so as to be opposed to the movable electrode section, and the fixation section is provided with opening sections disposed on a line of the pivot axis. |
| US09429587B2 |
Sensor with laser welded cover
In order to configure a housing of a sensor, in particular of an angle sensor, long term leak tight in the best way possible a cover is not glued into the pot shaped housing or screwed in and sealed, but welded in the housing through a laser. In spite of the sensor chip already being in the housing, the heat induction is so small that the sensor chip is not damaged even though the sensor chip is very small. |
| US09429577B2 |
Anti-uroplakin II antibodies systems and methods
The present invention is related to the anti-Uroplakin II antibodies, kits, cocktails, and use of anti-Uroplakin II antibodies for detection of cancer. |
| US09429575B2 |
DNA aptamer specifically binding to EN2 (engrailed-2) and use thereof
The present invention relates to a DNA aptamer specifically binding to EN2 (Engrailed-2), a biosensor for diagnosing prostate cancer having the same, and a method of diagnosing prostate cancer. A strong binding force and excellent specificity of the DNA aptamer of the present invention and the biosensor using the same with respect to EN2 proteins were identified. A detection specificity problem of a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test used for prostate cancer diagnosis of the related art was addressed. Therefore, the present invention is expected to be beneficially used for early diagnosis of prostate cancer more effectively and increase diagnostic accuracy. |
| US09429568B2 |
Silaanthracene as a red and near infrared sensor and a method to manufacture such a sensor
Silaanthracene compounds and methods of producing silaanthracene compounds, in particular silaanthracene fluorophores for use as red or near infrared sensors, probes, dyes, and tags are provided. |
| US09429566B2 |
Assay for inhibitors of CIP/KIP protein degradation
An assay and system compatible with high throughput screening (HTS) that is capable of identifying inhibitors, such as small-molecule inhibitors, of the degradation of the Cdk inhibitor p21, are described. The assay is based on the use of fusion protein comprising (i) a p2 polypeptide; and (i) a reporter protein linked to the C-terminal of said p21 polypeptide, wherein the fusion protein has a half-life that is similar to that of the p21 polypeptide. Inhibitors identified by this assay may be useful to inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells, and thus for the treatment of cancers. |
| US09429564B2 |
System and method for eluting and testing substance from exhaled aerosol sample
A method recovering one or more nonvolatile compounds from an exhaled aerosol collected on an electrostatic filter membrane (205) comprises eluting the nonvolatile compounds from the filter with a polar solvent and collecting the eluate. The method is useful for processing samples collected from a portable breath analysis device comprising a sampling filter membrane for analysis. |
| US09429561B2 |
Detection of nucleic acid lesions and adducts using nanopores
Methods, systems, and compounds for detecting modified nucleic acid bases are disclosed and described. The methods provide for detecting a nucleic acid lesion and can include directing a nucleic acid adduct into a channel, wherein the nucleic acid adduct includes a nucleic acid having a lesion and a current modulating compound coupled to the nucleic acid at the lesion (110), and measuring a change in current through the channel in response to the current modulating compound to detect the lesion (112). The method can optionally include forming the nucleic acid adduct. Also provided is a method for identifying the number of repeat nucleotides in at least a portion of a nucleic acid strand, a method of assigning a registration marker within a nucleic acid, and a method of obtaining sequence information from a nucleic acid comprising assigning a registration marker on the nucleic acid. |
| US09429553B2 |
Processor-based analysis system and method
The present invention is directed to a processor-based analysis system and method. The technology includes a water analysis computer program, which may be an app for a smart device. Beneficially, an interactive visual display device is in communication with a sensing device. Advantageously, test parameter algorithms may be updated, and use of an auxiliary product with an intended test may be validated. Benefits further include improved accuracy of test results, user customization, and storage, management and output of associated data. |
| US09429549B2 |
Chromatograph mass spectrometer
Segments into which time is divided are set at a point where predicted elution time ranges of compounds in a compound table do not overlap. One or more compounds are allotted to each segment. Subsequently, the dwell time per ion is calculated in each segment, based on the number of assigned compounds, loop time and the like. If the dwell time is shorter than the lower limit value (No in S6), the one segment is forcedly subdivided such that each subdivision include a predetermined number of compounds (S7). A compound having an elution time range trespassing the new segment boundary is allotted as a measurement target to both segments across the boundary (S8). If the dwell time is of at least the lower limit in every segment regenerated by the subdivision (Yes in S9), the process for this segment is finished. Such subdivision and compound reassignment in every segment can automatically create a parameter table for a measurement method capable of achieving high quantitativeness. |
| US09429546B2 |
Phased array ultrasonic bolt inspection apparatus and method
Ultrasonic bolt inspection apparatus and methods facilitate in situ as well as bench non-destructive evaluation (NDE) inspection of fastening bolt distal ends and their mating nuts. The apparatus is coupled to an exposed end of a fastener bolt head, its exposed thread tip or to a mating nut. The apparatus retains a phased array ultrasonic probe that generates inspection scan data and a rotational position encoder that generates rotational position data. The probe is coupled to an ultrasonic inspection system analyzer, which converts scan data into inspection data that characterizes possible defects in the inspected bolt. A system controller is coupled to the analyzer and the rotational position encoder, correlating rotation position data and inspection data, in order to identify location and characteristics of possible defects in the inspected bolt end. |
| US09429542B2 |
Signal extraction circuits and methods for ion mobility tube, and ion mobility detectors
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to substance detection technology, and to signal extraction circuits and methods for ion mobility tubes, and ion mobility detectors, which can solve the problem with the conventional technologies that it is difficult to design and manufacture the leadout circuit for the pulsed voltage on the Faraday plates. A signal extraction circuit for an ion mobility tube includes an DC-blocking module configured to remove a DC voltage contained in a voltage extracted, by a signal leadin terminal, from the Faraday plate, and to output, by a signal leadout terminal, a pulsed voltage contained in the voltage extracted from the Faraday plate. An ion mobility detector includes the signal extraction circuit for an ion mobility tube according to the present invention. A signal extraction method for an ion mobility tube includes extracting a voltage on a Faraday plate in the ion mobility tube, removing a DC voltage contained in the voltage extracted from the Faraday plate, and outputting a pulsed voltage contained in the voltage extracted from the Faraday plate. The present invention is used to extract a pulsed voltage from the Faraday plate. |
| US09429541B2 |
Gas sensor element, gas sensor and control system of gas sensor
In order to compensate for variation in output of sensor elements 10, there is provided a compensating resistor 220 that has a resistance value reflected by correction information. The resistor 220 is connected in parallel with a VS cell 245 through paired electrode leads 236 and 237 and paired electrode pads 232 and 233. The paired electrode leads 236 and 237 are placed at a position electrically isolated from solid electrolyte substrates 120 and 140. |
| US09429538B2 |
Method and apparatus for biochemical sensor array with integrated charge based readout circuitry
A MEMS biochemical sensor configured to sense a target molecule, such as a DNA molecule, a protein molecule, and a viruses molecule. The biochemical sensor may include a cell and a readout module. The cell is configured to be coupled to a probe molecule, to retain a pre-sensing charge before the probe molecule is exposed to the target molecule, and to retain a sensing charge after the probe molecule is exposed to the target molecule. The readout module is coupled to the cell and configured to generate a measurement signal based on the pre-sensing charge and the sensing charge. |
| US09429536B2 |
Airborne contaminant sensor device and method for using the same
The present invention is a nanotechnology-based personal sensor device composed of molecularly imprinted polymers that are interrogated using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for use in simultaneously monitoring airborne contaminants, e.g., of second-hand cigarette smoke. |
| US09429535B2 |
Humidity determining device and environmental tester including the same
A humidity determining device 20 includes first and second humidity determining sensors 17, 18 and a control unit 21. When the first and second humidity determining sensors 17, 18 react with a chemical substance, the humidity determining performance of the first humidity determining sensor 17 and the humidity determining performance of the second humidity determining sensor 18 change with time at different amounts of change. The control unit 21 computes a difference value between a first humidity value and a second humidity value determined by the first and second humidity determining sensors 17, 18. When the difference value is greater than a predetermined reference value, the control unit 21 outputs an anomaly signal indicating that the humidity determining performance of at least one of the first or second humidity determining sensors 17, 18 has been reduced. |
| US09429528B2 |
Determining gas absorption line from separate and alternating RF signals
A method to detect a gas absorption line that includes alternately transmitting and sweeping two radio frequency (RF) signals through an absorption cell, wherein the two RF signals are transmitted at different frequencies separated by a range and are swept across a span of frequencies in a microwave and millimeter wave regions of a frequency spectrum. Receiving the RF signals by a receiver and analyzing the received signals by a closed loop system for relative absorption by a gas due to an absorption line of the gas in the span of the swept frequencies. Detecting the absorption line of the gas when the two RF signals straddle the gas absorption line and the relative absorption by the two RF signals is equal. |
| US09429527B1 |
Automatic optical inspection method of periodic patterns
An automatic optical inspection method for periodic patterns includes defining regular control points in a periodic pattern, forming aligned images surrounded by the control points, obtaining a median image and a deviation image from the aligned images and defining upper- and lower-limit images to form an adaptive model, using the adaptive model to compare each point of all aligned images, defining the point of the aligned image having a gray-scale pixel greater than the upper-limit image or the smaller than the lower-limit image as a defect area. The optical inspection method is applicable for the defect detection of various periodic patterns and users simply need to manually select a first reference point to a fifth reference point from the control points and further select a rectangular range of one of the control points to create an edge image to detect a defect of the periodic pattern. |
| US09429523B2 |
Method and apparatus for the detection of explosives
A method for the colorimetric detection of two compounds in a bulk sample comprises the steps of forming an aqueous solution of the bulk sample, inserting a single dip strip having a pair of test regions each having separate colorimetric indicator reagents for a different one of the two compounds to be tested for into the solution and then removing the dip strip from the solution, and observing the test regions for color changes denoting the presence of the two compounds. The methodology is especially adapted for the colorimetric detection of nitrates and chlorates, two components commonly associated with explosives and particularly homemade explosives. |
| US09429520B2 |
Enrichment and identification of fetal cells in maternal blood and ligands for such use
The present invention relates to enrichment and/or identification of fetal cells of a maternal blood sample using fetal cell specific ligands and/or fetal cell specific hybridization probes wherein the ligand or probes are directed to an endothelial/mesenchymal marker, e.g. CD105, CD146 or CD141, in a first round of enrichment and the ligand or probes, in a second round of enrichment, are directed to an epithelial marker, e.g. a cytokeratin, such as CK7, CK8, CK18 or CK19. Enriched or identified fetal cells may be subjected to steps of detection or diagnosis, wherefore the present invention enables non-invasive 5 prenatal diagnostics. |
| US09429513B2 |
Sensor apparatus and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A sensor apparatus includes an irradiation system with a light source configured to emit linearly polarized light of a first polarization direction onto a sheet-like object, in a direction oblique to a direction orthogonal to a surface of the object, a first photodetector arranged on an optical path of light that is emitted from the irradiation system and then is reflected at the object by regular reflection, a first optical element, arranged on an optical path of light reflected by diffuse reflection from an incidence plane of the object, configured to transmit linearly polarized light of a second polarization direction that is orthogonal to the first polarization direction, a second photodetector configured to receive light that has passed through the first optical element, and a detection unit configured to detect at least one of basis weight and thickness of the object. |
| US09429512B2 |
Microchip, liquid sample supply device, supply method of liquid sample, and analysis device
A microchip which includes, a liquid flow path through which a liquid sample including a sample flows; and a gas flow path in which compressed gas flows, wherein liquid sample inlet which communicates with the starting end of the liquid flow path and a gas supply port which communicates with a terminal of the gas flow path are formed on the same plane, and a sealing material is disposed so as to enclose the liquid sample inlet and the gas supply port. |
| US09429507B2 |
Flow cell, analysis equipment and analysis method using same
All of bio-related substances, such as cells or bacteria, are placed at single and independent positions. A flow cell according to the present invention is used for analyzing a bio-related substance and includes a flow passageway and an injection opening and a discharge opening that are connected to the flow passageway. The flow passageway is provided with trapping structural members for trapping the bio-related substance. The trapping structural members include a structure forming a dead water region in which the bio-related substance is trapped. |
| US09429506B2 |
Apparatus and method of measuring effective porosity using radon
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of measuring effective porosity of various media such as rock or soil using radon that is an inert gas. An apparatus of measuring porosity according to the present invention includes: a gas component detector having two ports and configured to measure a concentration of a predetermined gas; a gas vessel having two ports and configured to accommodate the predetermined gas; a medium vessel having two ports and configured to accommodate a medium, of which the porosity is desirous to be measured; pipe lines connecting the ports of the gas component detector, the gas vessel and the medium vessel; and valves installed on the pipe lines. |
| US09429504B2 |
Testing tool and testing method thereof
A testing tool includes a tool body, a panel imitation member disposed on the tool body, an indicating device, and a probe device. A test panel cover is detachably disposed on the tool body. The probe device is disposed in the panel imitation member and includes a probe and a conductive member disposed under the probe. The probe is elastically disposed through the panel imitation member between initial and triggering positions. When the probe is located at the initial position, the probe extends out from the panel imitation member to abut against the test panel cover. When the test panel cover is sunken inward to contact with the panel imitation member so as to drive the probe to the triggering position, the probe contacts with the conductive member to electrically conduct the indicating device. |
| US09429503B2 |
Method for making test specimen and test equipment to evaluate the safety of piping
Provided herein is a test equipment for evaluating safety of a piping for use in nuclear power plants, the test equipment having a test specimen made of a same material as the piping, and having a notch cut from a first surface which is an end portion of the test specimen, with a crack formed at an end portion of the notch; and a load applier connected to the test specimen to apply a load in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the notch is cut, wherein a pair of pin holes are connected to the load applier such that they are arranged to be distanced from each other along the direction of the load applied to the test specimen, and a central point is provided in a space between a second surface opposing the first surface and an end portion of the crack.Therefore, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a test equipment for evaluating safety of a piping capable of conducting a highly reliable safety evaluation using a test specimen having a same stress gradient as the piping actually constructed when a load is applied. |
| US09429499B2 |
Methods, devices, and systems for controlling the rate of gas depressurization within a vial containing a gas sample
The present invention relates to methods and systems for controlling depressurization of a vial containing a gas sample. The disclosed systems and methods are employed during sampling and/or analysis of the gas sample. One exemplary method for controlling depressurization of a vial containing a gas sample includes establishing fluid communication between a sample loop of a head space sampling device and the head space of the vial. A sample gas pressure is established within the head space of the vial. The sample loop is connected in fluid communication with a lower pressure environment through a ventilation pathway. A ventilation valve within the ventilation pathway is used to vent gas from the vial through the sample loop to the lower pressure environment at a predetermined rate. Devices and systems for depressurizing a vial containing a gas sample at a predetermined rate are also disclosed. |
| US09429492B2 |
Offset correction method for automobile oil pressure sensor
An offset correction method for an automobile oil pressure sensor determines whether or not an engine start signal is applied. An offset value of the oil pressure sensor installed on an oil pressure line connected to an oil pump is detected within a first preset period after the start signal is applied. An output value of the oil pressure sensor is corrected after the offset value is detected. |
| US09429485B1 |
Bolt shear force sensor
A bolt shear force sensor for in-service monitoring is provided in which the sensor includes a deformable ring with channel-like cross-sections and a wire egress hole. The ring surrounds a bolt or fastener to be tested. The channel-like cross sections face exterior to a center of the ring. Strain sensing elements are mounted within the channel cross-sections as an outer circumference of the ring. The sensing elements capture hoop strain from surrounding plates of the operating system which holds the fastener. A signal conditioner operationally connected via wire conductors is used to convert strain sensing signals from the sensing elements to strain output. The strain outputs are then used in conjunction with a calibration curve of shear force versus strain to determine the magnitudes and directions of the resultant shear forces. |
| US09429484B2 |
Determining the heat flow emanating from a heat transporting fluid
The invention relates to a method for determining the heat flow (dQ/dt) emanating from a heat transporting fluid (12), which is a mixture of at least two different fluids, and which flows through a flow space (11) from a first position, where it has a first temperature (T1), to a second position, where it has, due to that heat flow (dQ/dt), a second temperature (T2), which is lower than said first temperature (T1), whereby the density and specific heat of said heat transporting fluid (12) is determined by measuring the speed of sound (vs) in said fluid, and said density and specific heat of said heat transporting fluid (12) is used to determine the heat flow (dQ/dt). |
| US09429482B2 |
Total air temperature probe with low frontal projected area
Deicing performance of a total air temperature (TAT) probe may be improved by reducing the size of a frontal projected area upstream of an inertial bend of the TAT probe. In accordance with various embodiments, a TAT probe may comprise an airflow inlet having a first surface substantially parallel to an incoming airflow, a primary airflow passage through the TAT probe from the airflow inlet to a primary airflow outlet, and a total air temperature sensor assembly disposed within a sensor flow passage. In various embodiments, the sensor flow passage may be oriented perpendicular to a mounting surface of the TAT probe. Further, the first surface may be perpendicular to the sensor flow passage. In various embodiments, the airflow inlet may have a second surface that is inclined relative to the first surface to help facilitate a desirable pressure gradient and boundary bleed passage function. |
| US09429480B2 |
Optical fibre distributed LHD with SMA element for discrete alarm
A temperature sensing system 10 comprises an optical waveguide 102, a shape memory alloy (SMA) element 106a, and an interrogator 12. The SMA element 106a is deformable as a function of temperature and at least partially surrounds the optical waveguide 102. The interrogator 12 is configured to detect distributed temperature along the optical waveguide 102 using spectroscopy and to detect strain in the optical waveguide 102 induced by deformation of the SMA element 106a to identify local hot spots along the optical waveguide 102. |
| US09429479B2 |
Methods, devices, and systems which determine a parameter value of an object or an environment from a voltage reading associated with a common mode signal of a balanced circuit
A method for determining a value of a parameter of an object or an environment includes positioning a device having a balanced circuit in or on an object or within a particular environment, wherein the balanced circuit comprises elements which are operationally sensitive to changes in a parameter of the object or the environment. The method further includes measuring a common mode signal of the balanced circuit and determining, from the common mode signal, a value of the parameter. An exemplary implementation of the method includes determining temperature using a resistive sensor having a Wheatstone bridge circuit with two variable resistors and two fixed resistors. Embodiments of systems and devices configured to employ such methods are provided, particularly medical probes, electronic signal monitoring devices, and systems employing such devices. |
| US09429477B2 |
Method and system for monitoring the performance of a heat exchanger
A system for monitoring the performance of a fluid heat exchanger for use with an engine includes a heat exchanger having a first fluid flow path therethrough and a second fluid flow path therethrough, a first temperature sensor positioned in the first fluid flow path at an exit from the heat exchanger, a second temperature sensor positioned in the second fluid flow path at an entry to the heat exchanger, a processor and an alert generator. The processor is adapted to receive a first temperature measurement value from the first temperature sensor, and a second temperature measurement value from the second temperature sensor, the processor being further adapted to calculate a temperature difference between the first and second temperature measurement values. The alert generator is adapted to generate an alert signal to a user, the alert signal being generated if the temperature difference is greater than a threshold value. |
| US09429476B2 |
Correcting noncontact infrared thermometer data by removing contamination of the intervening atmosphere
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for enhancing data accuracy of a noncontact infrared thermometer. One method includes determining dry atmospheric constituency and water vapor absorption coefficients across the infrared thermometers spectral bandpass and implementing the coefficients in processing with site-based atmospheric temperature and water vapor density profile and pressure measurements to provide corrected target temperature data compensating for contamination in said raw data due to said intervening atmosphere. The method is particularly well adapted for use in correcting data from less expensive but also less accurate wideband infrared thermometers. |
| US09429474B2 |
Fourier transform micro spectrometer based on spatially-shifted interferogram bursts
A spectrometer with improved resolution includes a spectral domain modulator having a periodic response in the spectral domain to modulate a wideband source spectrum and cause one or more shifted bursts in the interferogram. |
| US09429472B2 |
Illumination device and reflection characteristic measuring device
An illumination device is provided with a light source, a photodetector, and a support structure. The light source, which emits light, has light distribution in which a reference axis serves as an axis of symmetry or light distribution in which a plane including the reference axis serves as a plane of symmetry. A first light beam in the light is guided to the object to be illuminated. A second light beam in the light is guided to the photodetector. The photodetector detects intensity of the second light beam. The light source and the photodetector are supported by the support structure in positions and postures that allow the first light beam and the second light beam to be guided in an aforementioned manner. A traveling direction of the first light beam and a traveling direction of the second light beam make the same angle with the reference axis. |
| US09429471B2 |
Photodiode array for spectrometric measurements and spectrometric measurement system
A plurality of photodiodes arrayed in a one-dimensional form are divided into a plurality of groups. The structure of an antireflection coating is changed for each group so that all the surfaces of the photodiodes belonging to each group are covered with an antireflection coating having a transmittance characteristic which shows a maximum transmittance within a range of wavelengths of light to be received by those photodiodes. In particular, a SiO2 coating layer on the silicon substrate and an Al2O3 coating layer are common to all the photodiodes, while the structure of the upper layers are modified with respect to the wavelength. Within an ultraviolet wavelength region, the coating structure is more finely changed with respect to the wavelength. By such a design, the transmittance can be improved while making the best efforts to avoid a complex manufacturing process. |
| US09429469B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring optical component
An apparatus for measuring an optical component (160, 170, 190) of the apparatus, the apparatus comprising a radiation source (130) configured to form a measuring beam in a measuring channel (140), wherein the measured optical component configured to be in a first position outside the measuring channel and in a second position in the measuring channel; a first detector (110) configured to receive beams in the measuring channel; a second detector (150) configured to receive beams in the measuring channel; at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to select at least one of the first detector and the second detector to receive beams in the measuring channel, the measuring channel (140) being integrated to a photometer or a fluorescence channel of the apparatus; receive a first beam, using the selected detector, in the measuring channel, wherein the measured optical component is in the first position; receive a second beam, using the selected detector, in the measuring channel, wherein the measured optical component is in the second position; and determine the characteristics of the optical component based on the first beam and the second beam. |
| US09429465B2 |
Unit consisting of an ultrasonic transducer and a transducer holder
An ultrasonic transducer and a transducer holder for preventing the transmission of housing waves has a decoupling ring between a housing flange of a transducer housing and a holder flange of the transducer holder. Preferably, there is a gasket between the housing flange of the transducer housing and the decoupling ring in addition to a gasket between the decoupling ring and the holder flange of the transducer holder. |
| US09429463B2 |
System and method for measuring moving vehicle information using electrical time domain reflectometry
Systems, apparatus and methods are provided for measuring moving vehicle information. Moving vehicle information may be measured by a sensor configured to respond to one or more wheels of the vehicle, where one or more of the wheels changes the characteristic impedance of the sensor at the wheel's contact location. An electrical time domain reflectometry signal processing system which is capable of measuring the change in the impedance of the sensor and converting the impedance change to a signal may be connected operatively to the sensor. A data-processing system receives the signal and extracts the vehicle information therefrom. |
| US09429461B2 |
Method and device for capacitive fill level measurement of liquids or bulk materials
A method for capacitive fill level measurement of liquids and/or bulk materials in a container using at least one measuring sensor that is connected to a measuring electronics, wherein the measuring sensor is constructed from a plurality of, at least three, electrodes which are electrically insulated from one another and which, for measuring the fill level, are inserted into the container, and in the inserted state extend into the container, and wherein these at least three electrodes are connected to the measuring electronics and are operated in at least one first or in at least one second measuring mode. The invention further relates to a device for capacitive fill level measurement of liquids and/or bulk materials in a container. |
| US09429460B2 |
Liquid level monitoring
A method and an apparatus for filling at least one liquid into at least one cavity. The method comprises filling a predetermined filling volume of the at least one liquid into the at least one cavity and determining if the liquid in the at least one cavity reaches a first liquid level in the at least one cavity. Filling the predetermined filling volume of the at least one liquid and the determining if the first level has not been reached, is repeated until enough volume of the at least one liquid has been added to the cavity or if the first level has been reached. The predetermined filling volume is equal to or smaller than a buffer volume above the first liquid level in the at least one cavity. |
| US09429457B2 |
Nuclear magnetic flowmeter
A nuclear magnetic flowmeter with a measuring tube through which a multiphase medium can flow and which can be connected to an inlet tube which is located in the flow direction of the medium upstream of the measuring tube and to an outlet tube which is located in the flow direction downstream of the measuring tube. The nuclear magnetic flowmeter is, first of all, characterized essentially in that a medium bypass is assigned to the measuring tube, that the medium bypass includes a bypass tube, an inlet valve and/or an outlet valve and that, for a calibration operation, the bypass tube, on the one hand, can be connected to the inlet tube, and on the other hand, to the outlet tube, specifically via the inlet valve, via the outlet valve or via the inlet valve and via the outlet valve. |
| US09429453B1 |
Method and system for managing water usage
A water usage device for sensing, measuring, collecting, and transmitting water usage data to a remote processing device via a cloud-based communication network and a system for and a method of monitoring and managing water usage in commercial and residential settings that include scheduling preventive maintenance based on current and accumulated water usage data and historical data correlating water usage to repairs. |
| US09429452B2 |
Method and apparatus for continuous online monitoring of a pulsating pump
There is described a method for continuous online monitoring of a pulsating pump. A first step involves monitoring discharge pressure patterns caused by each stroke of the pulsating pump. A second step involves using a computer processing unit to analyze each pressure spike in the discharge pressure patterns and arrive at derived calculations for stroke length, stroke frequency and flow rate. A width of the base of the pressure spike is indicative of pump stroke frequency and an area of the pressure spike being indicative of fluid pumped per stroke. The pump's stroke length and the pump flow rate is fluid pumped per stroke multiplied by stroke frequency. |
| US09429451B2 |
Sensor with resin encapsulated terminal separation
A sensor includes: a sensing module furnished with a sensing function; metal terminals transmitting a sensing signal from the sensing module; an insulating fixing portion holding multiple metal terminals separately; and a resin portion encapsulating the metal terminals and the sensing module and also forming a connector portion from which tip ends of the metal terminals are exposed. Protruding portions of the fixing portion are fit into hole portions of the metal terminals before resin encapsulation in a stage where the metal terminals are bonded to the sensing module, so that rigidity of the metal terminals is enhanced to stabilize the locations thereof. |
| US09429438B2 |
Updating map data from camera images
A method of updating map data entails capturing an image using a camera, determining a location of an object in the image, creating new map data to represent the object in the image, and updating a map database to include the new map data for the object in the image. This method may be implemented on a GPS-enabled wireless communications device having an onboard camera which can transmit the new map data to a map server for updating its map database. Determining the position of the object in the image relative to the wireless device may be accomplished using a rangefinder and compass, triangulation of multiple images of the object, or a stereoscopic camera. The accuracy of the GPS position fix may be improved by capturing images of recognizable objects for which location coordinates are available. |
| US09429430B2 |
Course creation support apparatus, computer readable storage medium, course creation support method, and course creation support system
A course creation support apparatus includes an acquisition module configured to acquire at least one of area information indicative of an area and landmark information indicative of a landmark, an identification module configured to identify a component of a circuit course based on the information acquired by the acquisition module, and a creation module configured to create a circuit course includes the component identified by the identification module. |
| US09429428B2 |
Environmentally robust micro-wineglass gyroscope
A method for fabricating an environmentally robust micro-wineglass gyroscope includes the steps of stacking and bonding of at least an inner glass layer and an outer glass layer to a substrate wafer; plastically deforming the inner glass layer into a mushroom-shaped structure and deforming the outer glass layer into a shield capable of extending over the inner glass layer, while leaving the inner and outer glass layers connectable at a central post location; removing the substrate layer and a portion of the inner glass layer so that a perimeter of the inner glass layer is free; and bonding the deformed inner and outer glass layers to a handle wafer. The resulting structure is an environmentally robust micro-wineglass gyroscope which has a double ended supported central post location for the mushroom-shaped structure of the inner glass layer. |
| US09429426B2 |
Adaptive inertial measurement system and method
A control system includes a processor that operates one or more control loops that enable gyroscopic angular measurement for an inertial measurement unit (IMU). Each of the one or more control loops operates over a range of set points defined for each of the respective control loops. A dynamic loop adjuster receives environmental input data to determine environmental conditions for the IMU. The dynamic loop adjuster alters at least one of the set points for at least one of the one or more control loops operated by the processor based on the determined environmental conditions. |
| US09429425B2 |
Aerial image collection
In one embodiment, an aerial collection system includes an image collection field vehicle that travels at street level and an image collection aerial vehicle that travels in the air above the street. The aerial vehicle collects image data including at least a portion of the field vehicle. The field vehicle includes a marker, which is identified from the collected image data. The marker is analyzed to determine an operating characteristic of the aerial vehicle. In one example, the operating characteristic in the marker includes information for a flight instruction for the aerial vehicle. In another example, the operating characteristic in the marker includes information for the three dimensional relationship between the vehicles. The three dimensional relationship is used to combine images collected from the air and images collected from the street level. |
| US09429424B2 |
Angular measurement tool
A right angle square includes a right isosceles triangle shaped right angle square with three sides. The three sides comprise a pitch edge, a hypotenuse, and another side. The right angle square also has a closed and arced angular measurement tube extending along a portion of a circumferential arc between the non-hypotenuse sides and the tube contains a fluid and a bubble that moved through the fluid. The right angle square also has a measurement scale. When the pitch edge is aligned against a slope to be measured, the bubble rises to the highest point in the tube, and the bubble is aligned on the measurement scale at a point along the measurement scale corresponding to the slope being measured. |
| US09429417B2 |
Touch and motion detection using surface map, object shadow and a single camera
A method for receiving user inputs in a system comprising a projector and a camera is provided. The method is based on determining an object's height above a reference surface. A surface map is used for mapping a location on the reference surface and a corresponding location in a camera-captured image having a view of the reference surface. In particular, a camera-observed shadow length, i.e. a length of the object's shadow observable by the camera, estimated by using the surface map, is used to compute the object's height above the reference surface (a Z coordinate). Whether or not the object touches the reference surface is also obtainable. After an XY coordinate is estimated, a 3D coordinate of the object is obtained. By computing a time sequence of 3D coordinates, the motional information, such as velocity and acceleration, is obtainable. |
| US09429410B2 |
Process for producing a beam element of a co-ordinate measuring machine, and measuring machine provided with said beam element
A process for producing a beam element of a co-ordinate measuring machine, comprising the steps of applying a machinable metal coating by spraying on a structural substrate made of ceramic material, impregnating the coating with a resin, and executing on the coating a surface-finishing machining operation and a treatment of surface hardening. |
| US09429409B2 |
Inner diameter measuring device
An inner diameter measuring device (4) for measuring an inner diameter by inserting an inner diameter measuring unit into an inside of a hollow member to be measured, comprises a supporting shaft (18) having the inner diameter measuring unit supported at a forward end, and a supporting mechanism unit (30) for cantilever-supporting the supporting shaft, wherein the supporting mechanism unit has a frame (31), a spherical bearing (33) and a deflection adjusting unit (35), wherein the shaft is supported by the frame via the spherical bearing, an end portion (32) of the supporting shaft is passed through the spherical bearing and is extended, and a position of an end of the end portion in vertical direction is adjusted by the deflection adjusting unit. |
| US09429407B2 |
Lightweight polymer ammunition
One embodiment of the present invention provides a polymeric ammunition comprising: a substantially cylindrical insert; a substantially cylindrical polymeric middle body comprising a substantially cylindrical polymeric bullet-end opposite a substantially cylindrical polymeric coupling end connected by a powder chamber, wherein the substantially cylindrical polymeric coupling end extends over the substantially cylindrical coupling element and covers an circumferential surface and into the primer flash hole aperture to form a primer flash hole; and a substantially cylindrical open-ended polymeric bullet-end component connected to the substantially cylindrical polymeric bullet-end and opposite a bullet-end aperture; a propellant at least partially filling the powder chamber; a primer inserted into the primer flash hole aperture; and a bullet frictionally fitted in the bullet-end aperture, wherein the primer, the propellant and the bullet form a sealed propellant chamber. |
| US09429403B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for autonomous flight termination
A flight safety assembly onboard an aerial vehicle includes a first sensor configured to sense first information related to flight of the aerial vehicle and a second sensor configured to sense second information related to the flight of the aerial vehicle. A sensor input is adapted to receive third information related to the flight of the aerial vehicle. A processor is operably coupled to the first sensor, the second sensor, and the sensor input. The processor is configured to determine three independent instantaneous impact points for the aerial vehicle by independently analyzing each of the first information, the second information and the third information. The processor is also configured to generate three independent onboard flight termination indicators for each of the three independent instantaneous impact points that intersects with a region to be protected. |
| US09429388B2 |
Firearm accessory mounting interface
An accessory mounting interface for a firearm is provided. The accessory mounting interface has a firearm accessory, a first elongated fastener, a second fastener, and an elongated slot in a firearm. The second fastener has two straight edges parallel to each other, and at least one of the two straight edges prevent the second fastener from rotating beyond a closed position once a portion of the second fastener has passed through and at least partially cleared the elongated slot. |
| US09429384B2 |
Archery release aid
An archery release aid is provided. The archery release aid includes a body having a circular inner surface forming a finger opening within. A trigger hook protrudes from an outer surface of the body and is configured to releasably hook onto a string of a bow. The present invention further includes a circular sleeve forming a finger opening within. The circular sleeve is suspended within the circular inner surface of the body and is rotatable relative to the circular inner surface. |
| US09429380B1 |
Firearm suppressor with a heat anodization treatment
Embodiments of a firearm suppressor with a heat anodization treatment are disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, the firearm suppressor with a heat anodization treatment can include a firearm suppressor housing. The firearm suppressor housing can include an outer surface, an inner cavity, and an attachment mechanism that attaches the firearm suppressor housing to a barrel of a firearm. The firearm suppressor housing also can be treated with a heat anodization process to create a design that is a part of the firearm suppressor housing. |
| US09429375B2 |
Systems and methods for improved firearm function
In various embodiments, an AR-15/M-16 style rifle may comprise a lower receiver, a magazine catch spring, a magazine release button, an ambidextrous magazine release button, and a magazine catch. The magazine catch spring may be at least partially installable within the lower receiver. The magazine release button may operatively engage a first end of the magazine catch spring. The magazine release button may be movably installed in the lower receiver. The ambidextrous magazine release button may be pivotally installed within the lower receiver. The ambidextrous magazine release button may be configured to pivot about a pivot screw in the lower receiver. The magazine catch may be moveably installed in the lower receiver. The magazine catch may comprise a first portion that operatively engages the magazine release button and a second portion that operatively engages the ambidextrous magazine release button. |
| US09429373B2 |
Heat exchanger
Provided is a heat exchanger, which includes a plurality of tubes and a plurality of fins. The tubes accommodate respective refrigerant passages through which refrigerant flows. The fins having a plate shape are spaced apart from each other, and include a plurality of through holes through which the tubes pass, respectively. The fin is provided with a condensate water guide part guiding discharge of condensate water generated during heat exchange between air and the refrigerant flowing through the tube. Accordingly, adhesion of the tube and the fin is facilitated, the distance between neighboring fins is maintained, and condensate water is efficiently discharged. |
| US09429371B2 |
Radiator systems
A system of spacecraft radiators comprising pre-formed thermal-transfer modules joined together by at least one solid-state welding process. Critical failure points are eliminated by forming the thermal-transfer modules as a single unitary piece, preferably by an extrusion process. The thermal-transfer modules allow the formation of larger radiator assemblies, which may comprise a wide range of sizes and physical geometries. |
| US09429368B2 |
Temperature-sensing piezoelectric dispenser
Provided is a temperature-sensing piezoelectric dispenser, and more particularly, to a dispenser including a piezoelectric pump dispensing a liquid by using a piezoelectric element as an actuator. According to the temperature-sensing piezoelectric dispenser, a temperature of a piezoelectric actuator is measured and the piezoelectric actuator is cooled based on the measured temperature, thereby accurately controlling a liquid discharged according to an operation of the piezoelectric actuator. |
| US09429362B2 |
Drying apparatus
Provided is a drying apparatus with which, in the case where rotating vane assemblies are vertically arranged in a plurality of stages, and a spacing (clearance) between stages is to be set depending upon a specific one of the various types of materials to be dried, always allows an optimum dimension to be easily provided, thereby an extremely high drying efficiency based on the advantage of the vertical type can be easily implemented.With a drying apparatus 10, rotating vane assemblies 21, 210 each constituted by a plurality of circular-arc vane sections 22, 220 are disposed in a plurality of stages vertically arranged along a rotating axle 20 in a vertical cylindrical drying vessel 11. The clearance F between any two adjoining stages of the plurality of stages of the rotating vane assembly 21, 210 is set at 0 to 15% of the diameter of a circle connecting between the outermost peripheral edges of the adjacent flat surfaces 23, 230 of the circular-arc vane sections 22, 220. |
| US09429361B2 |
Systems and methods for adaptive microwave drying of ceramic articles
Methods of reducing transient temperature variations in a microwave drying process for drying partially dried ceramic logs are disclosed. The methods include sending the logs through an output microwave dryer having multiple applicators, each applicator being capable of generating an adjustable amount of microwave power. A transient drying model is employed based on microwave-drying process parameters to determine a predicted log exit temperature at the output end of the output microwave dryer. The exit temperature of each log is measured. The transient drying model, which is used to control the amount of microwave power applied, is adjusted based on a difference between the predicted and measured log exit temperatures. |
| US09429358B2 |
Vacuum heat insulating material and refrigerator including the same
A vacuum heat insulating material having an improved structure to prevent the heat bridge phenomenon while improving the durability thereof, and a refrigerator having the same, the vacuum heat insulating material including a core material in a vacuum state, a sealing layer surrounding the core material, an inner layer covering the sealing layer, and having a first side and a second side connected to the first side, a protective layer located at an outside of the inner layer, a first blocking layer having at least one portion located between the first side of the inner layer and the protective layer, and a second blocking layer having at least one portion located between the second side of the inner layer and the protective layer. |
| US09429356B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator includes a main body having a storage compartment, a first door that is rotatably disposed in front of the main body and has an opening, a door guard disposed in the opening, a second door that is rotatably disposed in front of the first door, opens/closes the opening, and is rotated in the same direction as the first door, first hinges coupling the first door rotatably to the main body, and second hinges coupling the second door rotatably to the first door, elastic levers coupled to the first door applying an elastic force in a direction in which the first door is closed, and a first stopping member coupled to the first door to limit an angle at which the first door is opened and a second stopping member coupled to the second door to limit an angle at which the second door is opened. |
| US09429352B2 |
Air conditioner and method of controlling the same
An air conditioner and a method for controlling the same for securing reliability and increasing efficiency are provided. The air conditioner and the method of controlling the same detect freezing occurring in the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit, determine a time of the defrosting operation according to a freezing degree such that the defrosting operation is performed, thereby preventing cooling/heating operation efficiency and capability due to a frequent defrosting operation from being deteriorated. The air conditioner and the method of controlling the same according to the present invention provide comfort of a predetermined level to the user to solve deterioration of convenience, and remove freezing due to a defrosting operation to thereby improve efficiency during cooling/heating operations. |
| US09429349B2 |
Device for producing artificial snow, snow cover facility comprising such a device, and method for the operation of such a device
A device (100) for producing artificial snow, provided with a body (101) including a pressurized water supply duct (10) and a pressurized air supply duct (20), at least one spray element (130) for spraying water or a mixture of air and water, at least one control valve (140) for adjusting the pressurized water and/or pressurized air supply of the spray element, and operating elements, in the form of at least one camshaft, for operating the control valve (140). The valve (140) is placed on the pressurized water and air supply ducts (10 and 20), and includes, on the periphery thereof, a water chamber (144) for the pressurized water supply thereof and an air chamber (145) for the pressurized air supply thereof. The valve (140) also includes a fixed body (141) in the general shape of a tube defining an inner receiving region (142) wherein a movable body (142) is housed, the body being translatably movable along a translation axis. |
| US09429346B2 |
Evaporative chiller
An evaporative chiller utilizes an evaporative-cooled gypsum-ceramic casting to chill air passing through a passageway formed within the casting. Placed within an outer housing, the gypsum-ceramic casting has an outer wicking layer that maintains water saturation of the casting. Nano-evaporation from the casting surface into the air passageway cools the casting. Water is provided to the wicking layer from a supply connected to the outer housing. The chiller may be placed in-line within air ductwork, and blowers may be used to enhance the flow of air to be chilled through the evaporative chiller passageway. |
| US09429345B2 |
Heat-pump chiller with improved heat recovery features
A heating and cooling system includes an evaporator, a compressor, and a condenser. A heat exchanger, which may be an outdoor heat exchanger, is configured to receive the refrigerant from the condenser, to selectively extract heat from or to add heat to the refrigerant, and to transfer the refrigerant to the evaporator. First control valving, disposed between the condenser and the heat exchanger, is configured to regulate flow of the refrigerant from the condenser to the heat exchanger in a first mode of operation. Second control valving, disposed between the condenser and the heat exchanger, is configured to regulate flow of the refrigerant from the heat exchanger to the evaporator in a second mode of operation. The system may be operated in a variety of modes by appropriate control of the valving and other system components. |
| US09429340B2 |
Air panel technology and method of use thereof
A device for using solar energy to heat air. The device can include a hot air panel having a box. The box can include a glazing, a collection plate, and a base layer. The collection plate can be disposed between the glazing and the base layer so as to define a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber can be an insulation chamber that can hold air within the box. The second chamber can be a flow chamber that allows air to flow through the box. The box can be further associated with a temperature detection device and a fan. |
| US09429339B2 |
Domestic gas-fired water heater condensing flue system
A domestic gas-fired water heater condensing flue system wherein in one embodiment a blower is secured at the outlet end of the flue pipe to direct the hot flue gases through an external heat exchange flue conduit. The external heat exchange flue conduit has a sealed water channel surrounding a narrow flue gas internal passage. Water from the bottom end of the tank is circulated in the external heat exchange flue conduit and release in the top part of the tank. In a further embodiment, an inverted U-shaped flue pipe is supported vertically in the water tank and the domestic water supply for the tank is disposed in a downward section of the flue pipe to pre-heat the water supply to the tank and cool the flue gases before being released to atmosphere. The water in the tank is heated by the upward and downward sections of the U-shaped flue pie. |
| US09429334B2 |
HVAC personal comfort control
A heating ventilation and cooling system includes a cooling source and/or a heating source, and a controller. The cooling and/or heating sources are configured to respectively cool and heat an enclosed space. The controller is configured to receive an apparent temperature set point. The controller is further configure to operate the cooling and/or heating sources to maintain an absolute air temperature that is different from the apparent temperature set point. |
| US09429333B2 |
Humidifier
A humidifier including a storage chamber configured to store water, an electrolytic unit configured to electrolyze water, a first and second pipe to which the electrolyzed water is introduced, a first and second valve configured to open/close a fluid path of the first pipe and second pipe, a filter unit disposed at the first pipe and configured to filter the electrolyzed water, a humidification chamber configured to be supplied with water from one of the first or the second pipe, and a control unit configured to supply the filtered water to the humidification chamber at a humidification mode by controlling the first valve and supply the electrolyzed water to the humidification chamber at a sterilization mode by controlling the second valve, the humidifier further including a drainage hole and a drainage valve to open/close the drainage hole, and a tray to store the water being discharged through the drainage hole. |
| US09429332B2 |
Desiccant air conditioning methods and systems using evaporative chiller
A desiccant air conditioning system for treating an air stream entering a building space includes a conditioner, an air treatment unit, and a regenerator. The air treatment unit acts as an evaporative chiller in a warm weather operation mode to cool heat transfer fluid used in the conditioner. The evaporative chiller receives at least a portion of a dehumidified air stream exiting the conditioner and heat transfer fluid from the conditioner, and causes the portion of the dehumidified air stream to absorb water from a water source and thereby cool the heat transfer fluid. The regenerator receives liquid desiccant from the conditioner and absorbs water from the liquid desiccant. |
| US09429328B2 |
Cooking appliance and method for operating a cooking appliance
A cooking appliance includes a muffle having walls to delimit a cooking chamber. The muffle has a front face with a loading opening which is delimited peripherally by a front edge of the muffle. A lighting apparatus has at least one first light source for lighting up the cooking chamber and/or for displaying information. The at least one first light source is activated in at least a first operating mode of the cooking appliance, and at least one second light source is activated in a second operating mode of the cooking appliance, with the second operating mode being different from the first operating mode. |
| US09429324B2 |
Fuel injector with radial and axial air inflow
A fuel injector includes: a pilot injector configured to spray fuel so as to form a first combustion region in a combustion chamber; and a main injector provided coaxially with the pilot injector so as to surround the pilot injector and configured to supply a fuel-air mixture that is a mixture of the fuel and air to form a second combustion region in the combustion chamber, wherein the main injector includes: a first inflow channel through which the air having a major flow component in an axial direction is taken; a second inflow channel through which the air having a major flow component in a radial direction is taken and which causes the air therein to meet the air from the first inflow channel; and a main fuel injecting portion configured to inject the fuel only to the second inflow channel. |
| US09429323B2 |
Combustion liner with bias effusion cooling
A system and method for improving the cooling to a portion of a combustion liner of a gas turbine combustor is disclosed. The combustion liner is cooled by supplying air through a plurality of cooling holes arranged in axially spaced rows in an upper and lower portion of the liner. The cooling holes are spaced accordingly so as to direct additional cooling flow to an area of the combustion liner not receiving sufficient flow due to maldistributions of air from the compressor discharge. |
| US09429321B2 |
Electrical circuit for ignition system for jet engine
An electrical circuit for ignition system for jet engines comprises: main inverter, secondary inverter, main Diode, Secondary Diode, main capacitor, secondary capacitor, controller, main transformer, secondary transformer, transistor, wire connection to electrode and wire connections to the power source and switch. |
| US09429319B2 |
Boiler combustion system and operation method therefor
To inhibit corrosion of water wall tubes of a boiler and stabilize combustion on a burner during oxygen combustion operation, a boiler combustion system includes a boiler equipped with a burner and a two-staged combustion gas input port; a flue gas supply fan extracting flue gas from a flue gas treatment system via a flue gas circulation line; a combustion gas supply line, fuel carrier gas supply line, and two-staged combustion gas supply line branched off from the flue gas circulation line downstream of the flue gas supply fan; an oxygen supply line supplying oxygen-rich gas to the combustion gas supply line and fuel carrier gas supply line; combustion air supply fans; a switching unit switching operation between the flue gas supply fan and the combustion air supply fans; and dampers regulating gas flow rates on the combustion gas supply line and the two-staged combustion gas supply line, respectively. |
| US09429316B2 |
Burner arrangement and burner assembly
The invention relates to a burner arrangement comprising a fluid cooled copper block. Further, the invention relates to a burner assembly, a duct element, a gas circulating duct, and a metallurgical furnace comprising said burner arrangement. The burner arrangement (B) comprises a fluid cooled copper block (3) including a cooling conduit (4) for circulation of the cooling fluid, a first end (5) to which the burner unit (1) is releasably attached and a second end (6), and that the burner channel (2) extends inside the fluid cooled copper block (3) from the first end (5) to the second end (6). |
| US09429315B2 |
Method and apparatus of controlling oxygen supply in oxyfuel combustion boiler
Provided are a method and an apparatus of controlling an oxygen supply in an oxyfuel combustion boiler capable of attaining stable oxyfuel combustion even when properties of coal are changed. A boiler-brought-in oxygen density is obtained when coal with a fuel ratio measured by fuel measuring means 39 is burned stably with oxygen in a boiler 4 so that a relationship between the fuel ratio and/or carbon content of the coal and the boiler-brought-in oxygen density is obtained and inputted in advance into the controller. When the coal is changed to the new kind of coal, a total amount of gases recirculated is regulated such that a boiler-brought-in oxygen density becomes accordance with a fuel ratio and/or a carbon content which is measured in advance for the new kind of coal. |
| US09429314B2 |
Tube support system for nuclear steam generators
Apparatus for a steam generator that employs tube support plates within a shroud that is in turn disposed within a shell. The tube support plates are made of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion lower than that of the shroud. The tube support plates are aligned during fabrication, with minimal clearances between components. Using a tube support displacement system, a controlled misalignment is then imposed on one or more tube support plates, as the steam generator heats up. The tube support plate displacement system has only one part, a push rod, which is internal to the steam generator shroud, thereby minimizing the potential of loose parts. The tube support plate displacement system can be used to provide controlled misalignments on one or more tube support plates, in the same or varying amounts and directions, and with one or more apparatus for each individual tube support plate. |
| US09429309B2 |
Device for securing a source of LED light to a heat sink surface
A device for securing a source of LED light to a heat sink includes an LED light source engaging surface that is arranged and configured to engage at least a portion of the source of LED light and which is provided with an integrated force applying spring. Further, the device may include a continuous metallic path extending between the sources of LED light and the surface. |
| US09429306B2 |
DC LED module having bridge rectifying and filtering function
A DC LED module having bridge rectifying and filtering function includes: an insulation seat, formed with a first surface and a second surface, wherein a concave area is formed on the first surface, and an opening and at least one buckle slot are formed at a substantially central portion of the concave area; a reflection cup, formed with at least one buckle structure for being buckled with the at least one buckle slot of the insulation seat; a circuit board, installed with an LED light source, wherein the circuit board is fastened on the second surface of the insulation seat, and the LED light source is aligned with the opening; and a bridge rectifying and filtering member, disposed at the exterior of the insulation seat and electrically coupled to a power input port of the circuit board for providing a DC voltage to the circuit board. |
| US09429300B2 |
Method and apparatus for selective filtering of an illumination device
A filter for use with an illumination device of a type having a reflector with an exit opening and an illumination source mounted within the reflector, the reflector shaped to direct radiation emitted from the illumination source through the exit opening. The filter may include an outer support attached to a periphery of the exit opening; an inner support concentric with the outer support; a filter having a plurality of filter elements extending between and pivotally attached to the inner and the outer supports, the filter elements being shaped and positioned to substantially cover the exit opening to filter the emitted radiation passing through the exit opening when pivoted to a closed position, and to allow the emitted radiation to pass substantially unfiltered through the exit opening when pivoted to an open position; and an actuator connected to pivot the filter elements to the closed and open positions. |
| US09429299B2 |
Optical member with prisms
An illuminating apparatus includes a light source and an optical member that controls light distribution of light emitted from the light source in a forward direction. A plurality of prisms extending in one direction are provided on one principal surface of the optical member in regions on both sides when divided at a virtual plane that includes a reference axis. The plurality of prisms include reflecting prisms that reflect light from a light source that is disposed virtually on the reference axis and emit this light from the optical member. The light source is disposed such that its optical axis is shifted in one direction relative to the reference axis. |
| US09429298B1 |
Three axis adjustment for emergency lights emitting an asymmetric beam pattern to illuminate a path of egress
A light fixture includes a fixture housing and at least one adjustable lighting head assembly coupled thereto. Each lighting head assembly includes a lighting head and a mounting assembly that couples the lighting head to the fixture housing. The lighting head includes a housing, a light source inserted therein, a cover coupled to the distal end of the housing, and an optic lens rotatably disposed between the housing and the cover which produces an asymmetric light output. The mounting assembly includes a rotatable mounting base, a pin head, and a pin extending from the mounting base to the pin head. The pin is inserted through a slot formed within the housing and the pin head slides within the housing along the length of the slot. Hence, the asymmetric light output is adjustable using the rotation of each of the optic lens, the sliding pin head, and the rotatable mounting base. |
| US09429297B2 |
Backlight refraction lens
A backlight refraction lens includes a body formed with an incident face and an emergent face, wherein the incident face has a raised periphery and an axis formed with an angle with an axis of the body, the angle, between the axis of the incident face and the axis of the body, set between 35 degrees to 65 degrees such that the ray light going into the body along an incident angle within 15-45 degrees is mostly projected from the emergent face after being refracted. The backlight refraction lens promotes the visibility and identification of objects on the outdoor kanban board when the outdoor kanban board is in a backlight condition such that the conventional LEDs are unnecessary to the outdoor kanban board that has a series of backlight refraction lens in accordance with the present invention mounted thereon. |
| US09429296B2 |
Modular optic for changing light emitting surface
An LES is a surface from which light emanates from a lighting fixture. The present disclosure relates to a providing a lighting fixture that has an actual light emitting surface (A-LES), which is substantially smaller than the maximum potential LES (M-LES) for the lighting fixture. The M-LES is defined as the theoretical maximum LES for the mounting structure of the lighting fixture, and the A-LES is defined as the actual LES of the lighting fixture, as dictated by the lens or optical structures of the lighting fixture. The A-LES may provide an LES that is not only smaller, but also shaped differently, from the M-LES, to help control the light output of the lighting fixture based on the lighting application. |
| US09429289B2 |
Lighting and/or signaling unit, notably for a motor vehicle
A lighting and/or signaling unit comprising a pair of light sources both cooperating with an optical element in such a way as to form two output light beams, depending on the desired lighting function. The output diopter, notably formed by elliptical portions, is adapted to accommodate the generation of beams from two sources spaced apart.Applicable to the motor vehicle industry. |
| US09429287B2 |
Lighting display device
A wide-angle lighting display and projection device with the features of its original patent application, and further has the bottom of a transparent bottle to be able to be fixed on a positioning hole by spinning, displaying an unlimited extension of an inward serial arrangement of a transparent bottle from the middle with a wider area of visual effects. Also, the transparent bottle thereof is easy for assembling and maintaining. |
| US09429285B2 |
Downlight auxiliary ring
A downlight auxiliary ring device and method of control and use of same is disclosed. Specifically, the downlight auxiliary ring device, comprising light-emitting diodes, allows a dimmable and reduced-glare reflected downlight. It is also an aspect of the present disclosure to provide easy-to-implement and cost-effective methods of control and use of the downlight auxiliary ring device system. |
| US09429284B2 |
Adjustable recessed trim
An adjustable recessed trim for a lighting fixture includes an enclosure with a light output opening and a light source opening provided upward from the light output opening. An adjustable cover piece having a cover piece light source opening is provided over the enclosure in registration with the enclosure light source opening and is adjustable between at least a first position and a second position. |
| US09429283B2 |
Adjustable length articulated LED light fixtures
First and second modules carrying LED circuit boards are interconnected by an interconnection mechanism which enables the modules to both pivot and move linearly with respect to one another such that the distance and angle between the modules may each be varied. |
| US09429277B2 |
Stringed LED capsule lighting apparatus
A plurality of adjacent capsules, each comprising a base component, a body component carrying an LED circuit board, and a lens component, wherein the body and the base snap together and the lens snap-fits to the body. Such capsules are attached to a flexible electrical power cable by electrical connector components internal to the body and which conduct power from the power cable through the body to the LED circuit board. |
| US09429274B2 |
Slurry control system
A system for regulating an amount of fresh lime slurry introduced to a spray dry absorber. The control system includes a controller configured to receive input from a continuous emissions monitoring system (CEMS), a valve in communication with the controller and a spray dry absorber suction pump, the valve adapted to regulate an amount of fresh lime slurry provided to the spray dry absorber suction pump and a valve in communication with the controller and a pre-mix tank, the valve adapted to regulate an amount of fresh lime slurry provided to the pre-mix tank. |
| US09429273B2 |
Vessel apparatus with flow control element
A vessel apparatus includes a pressurized vessel and at least one flow control element. The at least one flow control element is located within the pressurized vessel and has an upwardly-converging wall. |
| US09429270B2 |
Bearing grease packer
A bench top bearing packer tool includes supply means for delivering a controlled amount of grease, support means for locating a bearing in a position where a bearing cage and rollers of the bearing may be lubricated with the grease delivered by the supply means, the supply means having a grease delivery outlet communicating with a grease livery inlet of the support means by a grease flow passageway, and a means for controlling the passage of grease through the inlet to the bearing cage and rollers of the bearing. |
| US09429262B2 |
Conduit coupling apparatus and method
A coupling for conveying fluid between a component of a fluid system and an insertion end of a conduit may include tapered inward protrusions. The coupling may also include a stop surface disposed at a generally perpendicular angle with respect to one or more planar surfaces of the tapered inward protrusions. |
| US09429260B2 |
Pneumatic coupling system and method
Disclosed herein is a fluid coupling system and method. The system may include a supply bladder, a discharge bladder, and a ball valve. The supply bladder having a supply inflation portion, the supply housing having a supply inflation passage that provides fluid communication between a central fluid passage and the supply inflation portion, the discharge bladder having a discharge inflation portion, and the ball valve secured in the supply housing or the discharge housing, wherein the discharge inflation portion may be placed in fluid communication with the central fluid passage by twisting the supply housing while the discharge housing remains stationary, and wherein the ball valve may block the central fluid passage while in a first position and may open a fluid passage through the supply housing and the discharge housing while in a second position. |
| US09429259B2 |
Line connector for media lines
A line connector having a connector piece with at least one junction portion for junction connection to a media line or to an assembly, a transitional portion contiguous to the junction portion, and a flow duct. In at least the region of the transitional portion, an electrical heating element for the media line is provided in an arrangement at least partially surrounding the flow duct. The connector piece, together with the heating element, is surrounded by an outer cladding. At least one of the junction portions is designed as a hollow, cylindrical receptacle for directly plugging in the end of the media line, the media line being capable of being fastened in a materially integral manner. The junction portion including, at least in regions, a material transparent to laser beams in such a way that the media line can be fastened by way of laser welding. |
| US09429257B2 |
Tangle-prevention sleeve for headphone/earphone wire
A method for protecting a length of flexible audio wire. The method includes providing at least one elongated hollow tube with a core and a resiliently-separable slit that provides access to the tube core. The tube is axially-flexible. The method also includes receiving the length of flexible audio wire within the hollow tube core through the resiliently-separable slit. |
| US09429256B2 |
Oxygen barrier film for pipe
The present invention relates to an assembly of pipe surrounded by a multilayer oxygen barrier film wherein the multilayer oxygen barrier film comprises, in the following order, a) a layer comprising 60-100 wt % of LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) and 0-40 wt % of LDPE (low density polyethylene), b) a first tie layer, c) a polar oxygen barrier layer, d) a second tie layer and e) a layer comprising 60-100 wt % of LLDPE and 0-40 wt % of LDPE, preferably wherein the pipe is closer to the layer e) than to the layer a). |
| US09429253B1 |
System and method of securing an apparatus to an opening
A mechanism for securing devices to various openings in tanks, vessels, walls, and the like. The system includes a fastening mechanism, a securing device, and a raised lip. The fastening mechanism functions to hold devices up against the vessel opening where the system is used while the securing device may function to secure hoses that may be utilized with fans or ventilators that are to be utilized with the system. |
| US09429252B2 |
Cable trough
Improved cable troughs and related methods of use are provided. The present disclosure provides improved cable troughs configured to support media cables, and related methods of use. More particularly, the present disclosure provides advantageous systems/methods for the design and use of cable troughs configured to support media cables associated with a rack or the like. Disclosed herein is an advantageous cable trough having front and rear walls extending from a bottom wall, with the front, rear and bottom walls defining a channel that is configured and dimensioned to support and/or at least partially house media cables or the like. The exemplary cable trough includes attachment features/structures that are advantageously configured and dimensioned to releasably mount with respect to a supporting structure. Moreover, the attachment features/structures of the cable trough allow the cable trough to be releasably mounted at various angled positions relative to the supporting structure. |
| US09429247B2 |
Acoustically-monitored semiconductor substrate processing systems and methods
A semiconductor substrate processing system having acoustic monitoring is disclosed. The system includes a process chamber adapted to perform a process on a substrate, a process fluid source, a fluid conduit coupling the fluid source to the process chamber, and a flow control valve located along the fluid conduit and adapted to be operable to control a flow of a process fluid between the process fluid source and the process chamber. The system includes one or more acoustic sensors operable to sense acoustic noise coupled to at least one of the process fluid source, the fluid conduit, and the flow control valve, and an acoustic processor adapted to receive at least one signal from the one or more acoustic sensors. Acoustic monitoring methods are provided, as are other aspects. |
| US09429240B2 |
Valve device
A valve device switching between an open position and a close position, the open position allowing passage of oil through a gap between two ports in a spool bore from a small-diameter portion of a spool via a notch formed in a large-diameter portion of the spool, the close position blocking passage of oil through the gap between the two ports by the large-diameter portion, wherein the notch of the large-diameter portion has an inner bottom face at a portion located on a center side of the spool and is open to an outer peripheral space of the small-diameter portion and an outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion, and is formed such that an opening width of an opening at the outer peripheral surface is larger than a width of the inner bottom face. |
| US09429237B2 |
Sealing device
A sealing device comprising a sealing circular piece, an inner ring and an outer ring, one of the two rings being able to rotate relative to an axis, the circular piece being arranged between the two rings and comprising two circular lips arranged in a groove at right angles to the axis of rotation, a top lip and a bottom lip substantially at right angles to the top lip, the bottom lip has a radius of curvature directed towards the interior, the groove being provided on the outer face of the inner ring and a third circular lip pressing on the outer face of the inner ring, and a part is fixed in an orifice formed in the outer ring. |
| US09429236B2 |
Sealing devices having a non-elastomeric fibrous sealing material and methods of using same
Sealing devices such as packers comprise a sealing element having one or more non-elastomeric fibrous sealing material layers formed by a plurality of fibers. The plurality of fibers may comprise one or more of natural material, metallic material, plastic material, or other non-elastomeric sealing material. The non-elastomeric fibrous sealing material layers may be formed by weaving the plurality of fibers, braiding the plurality of fibers, or forming a fibrous mass of the plurality of fibers. During operation, the non-elastomeric fibrous sealing material layers are radially expanded causing compression of the non-elastomeric fibrous sealing material layers. As a result, at least a portion of the air volume within the non-elastomeric fibrous sealing material layers is displaced by non-elastomeric fibrous sealing material causing the sealing element to engage a sealing surface, thereby forming a seal. |
| US09429231B2 |
Flushing circuit for hydraulic cylinder drive circuit
The present invention provides a flushing circuit for a hydraulic cylinder drive circuit, by which the flushing of the circuit is conducted while protecting precision apparatuses of a control valve unit, because the flushing of a reciprocating hydraulic cylinder and its drive circuit is conducted while bypassing the control valve unit.In a hydraulic oil supply/discharge circuit connecting a tank of hydraulic oil, a hydraulic pump generating pressurized hydraulic oil, and a hydraulic cylinder with one another, a control valve unit in which at least a direction switching valve is provided in the vicinity of the hydraulic pump and the oil tank and a multifunction valve having a bypass circuit in the vicinity of the hydraulic cylinder are provided, and a bypass circuit bypassing the control valve unit is provided to branch from a hydraulic oil supply/discharge circuit between the multifunction valve and the control valve unit. At the time of the flushing of the hydraulic cylinder and the hydraulic oil supply/discharge circuit, contaminated hydraulic oil returns the tank without passing through the control valve unit, with the result that the control valve unit is protected from the contaminated hydraulic oil. |
| US09429230B2 |
Range change device
Provided is a range change device which includes a main motor and an auxiliary motor, a sun gear which is joined to a motor shaft of the main motor, an auxiliary gear which is joined to a motor shaft of the auxiliary motor, a plurality of planetary gears which are engaged with the sun gear, an annular gear in which internal teeth engaged with the planetary gears and external teeth engaged with the auxiliary gear are formed, a carrier which supports the planetary gears in a state where the carrier allows the planetary gears to rotate and revolve and is rotatable on an external circumference of the motor shaft, a small gear which is mounted on the carrier and rotates about an axis of the motor shaft, and a large gear which is engaged with the small gear. |
| US09429229B2 |
Shift control device for continuously variable transmission
A shift control device for a continuously variable transmission includes a downhill control module that executes downhill control in which a gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission is corrected to a low side during driving downhill, and a gear ratio holding module that, in the case where a braking operation is detected while downhill control is executed, the gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission is held at the gear ratio at the time when the braking operation is started. |
| US09429224B2 |
Gearbox lubrication system
A high speed gearbox includes a housing which encloses a rotating gear and a volume which contains oil and air. The gear has an outer first surface exposed to the volume and has a second surface exposed to the environment. A vent arrangement includes first and second passages formed in the gear. The second passage extends axially part way into the gear and has an outer end exposed to the second surface. The first passage extends radially from the first surface to the second passage. A check valve is mounted in the second passage and permits one-way flow of air from the volume to the environment. |
| US09429223B2 |
Power transmission device
A power transmission device in which a motor and a reduction gear are connected through a fluid coupling, includes: a fan for reduction gear cooling provided at an input shaft of the reduction gear; and a protective cover configured to cover the fluid coupling, wherein the protective cover is provided with an air intake for the fan, and a guide unit that guides air drawn in from the air intake to the fan. |
| US09429217B2 |
Continuously variable drive mechanism
A drive mechanism includes an input member rotatable about an input axis of rotation. The input member includes a partial spheroid-shaped input traction surface. The drive mechanism further includes an output member rotatable about an output axis of rotation. The output member includes a partial spheroid-shaped output traction surface. A ring member overlays the input and output members. The ring member is rotatable in a rotational plane and includes a ring traction surface that engages the input traction surface of the input member and the output traction surface of the output member to rotatably couple the input member to the output member. |
| US09429215B2 |
Multi-stage auto transmission for vehicle
A multi-stage auto transmission for a vehicle may include first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets each including first, second and third rotating elements, friction members including first, second and third clutches and first, second and third brakes, an input shaft to which rotation power is inputted, and an output shaft from which the rotation power is outputted. By selectively or continuously connecting the rotating elements of the planetary gear sets to the input shaft, the output shaft or each other, the multi-stage auto transmission implements ten forward speeds and one reverse speed. |
| US09429205B2 |
Elastomeric isolator
Unbonded fiber reinforced elastomeric isolators (FREIs) have desirable characteristics for seismic isolation, but the unbonded application also introduces several design limitations in comparison to bonded elastomeric isolators. Unbonded FREIs are not capable of resisting tensile forces, making this type of isolator inappropriate for situation where overturning is of concern or regions where large vertical accelerations are anticipated. Furthermore, since unbonded FREIs rely on friction to transfer horizontal forces, permanent slip could occur. Concerns over both transfer of tensile forces and permanent displacement can be obviated by partially bonding the FREI to the supports. In this way, partially bonded FREIs (PB-FREIs) retain the beneficial characteristics of an unbonded FREI, but also demonstrate characteristics of a bonded isolator, notably tensile forces can be transferred and potential permanent displacement is inhibited. |
| US09429203B2 |
Disc brake rotor
A disc brake rotor including a friction portion and a cooling fin located radially offset from the friction portion is provided. The cooling fin is configured to deflect due to a change in temperature in the friction portion. |
| US09429201B2 |
Braking device with a brake caliper attachment
The invention relates to braking devices for the wheels of a motor vehicle which can be rotated around axle pins, provided with a brake caliper attachment comprising an axle-sided carrier, which can be fixed to the axle of the vehicle, and a brake-sided carrier, which can be detachably fixed thereon by means of screws, in order to receive the caliper of the brake. Axial and/or radial bearing surfaces of the axle-sided carrier or brake-sided carrier may be located on the same axial or radial plane and/or are respectively located on parallel planes which are offset in relation. The axial and/or radial bearing surfaces may be inclined on one side relative to the axial or radial plane oriented in an inner or outer direction and/or the axial and/or radial bearing surfaces may be in the form of a prism and the carriers on the bearing surfaces thereof are coupled by screws. |
| US09429199B2 |
All-wheel drive disconnect clutch
A wedge clutch, including: an inner hub; an outer race including an axially extending portion; and a plurality of wedge plates radially located between the inner hub and the axially extending portion. In a closed position for the clutch, the plurality of wedges is non-rotatably connected to the inner hub and the axially extending portion. In an open position for the clutch: the plurality of wedge plates is rotatable with respect to the outer race; each wedge plate is separated, in a radial direction, from the axially extending portion by a respective first radial distance; and the respective first radial distance for said each wedge plate is different from the respective first radial distance for each remaining wedge plate in the plurality of wedge plates. |
| US09429198B2 |
Coupling device for a ride lawnmower engine and a rotary pump
A coupling device for a ride lawnmower engine and a rotary pump is a device that is utilized to connect and transmit power between two shafts such as the driveshaft of a ride lawnmower engine and the input sleeve of a rotary pump. The device features a tubular coupling shaft with an axial motor adapter used to connect the driveshaft and the input sleeve. A compression spring is mounted within an open end of the tubular coupling shaft and is able to vertically lower the tubular coupling shaft towards the driveshaft in order to allow the axial motor adapter to engage the driveshaft. Conversely, the compression spring is compressed when the tubular coupling shaft is vertically raised. A height adjusting clamp is utilized to regulate the vertical positioning of the driveshaft coupling device in order to allow manual engagement and disengagement of the ride lawnmower engine and the rotary pump. |
| US09429197B2 |
Food processor
A food processor or a chopper has a rotating blade, a motor, an intermediate shaft driven by the motor and an output shaft driving the blade. A first clutch member is coupled with the intermediate shaft, and a second clutch member is coupled with the output shaft. The clutch members are movable from an engaged position for driving the output shaft from the motor and a disengaged position for disengaging the output shaft from the motor. A safety interlock mechanism enables and disables the motor. A clutch lever is operable with the safety interlock to move the clutch members between the engaged and disengaged positions such that when the motor is enabled the clutch members are engaged for driving the output shaft from the motor and when the motor is disabled the clutch members are disengaged for disengaging the output shaft from the motor. |
| US09429192B2 |
Interlocking bearing
A modular plain bearing is provided. The modular plain bearing includes a first end portion having a terminal edge with a plurality of first fingers and a second end portion having a terminal edge with a plurality of second fingers. The plurality of fingers cooperatively engage to provide a snap fit connection between the parts. For longer plain bearings, a bearing extender is provided. The bearing extender includes at least a first connector having a plurality of first connector fingers. The bearing extender may include either a second connector opposite the first connector having a plurality of second connector fingers. |
| US09429190B2 |
Tolerance ring and method of manufacturing tolerance ring
A tolerance ring that has a ring shape approximately circling along a predetermined direction includes a plurality of projections, wherein the curvature radiuses of end portions in a circling direction are smaller than the curvature radius of a portion other than the end portions in the circling direction. |
| US09429188B2 |
Bearing assemblies, and related methods
Bearing components, bearing assemblies and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a bearing element includes a base layer and a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) layer comprising a plurality of PCD elements coupled with the base layer wherein each PCD element comprising a substrate and a diamond table. The plurality of PCD elements may be fit together to form a substantially continuous bearing surface. For example, the diamond tables may exhibit substantially square or rectangular geometries that are fit together to define the bearing surface. In other embodiments, the bearing elements may be spaced apart from one another. In other embodiments, the bearing element may include a single PCD element formed from a prefabricated PCD compact or cutting tool blank. Various bearing assemblies may incorporate such a bearing element including, for example, thrust bearings, journal bearings, and tilting pad bearing assemblies. |
| US09429185B2 |
Coupling rod of a turbocharger
A coupling rod (1) for a turbocharger has a first rod part (2) which has a ball head (3). The coupling rod (1) further has a second rod part (4) which has a joint socket (5) for holding the ball head (3). A guide element (8, 9) is arranged between an inner peripheral surface (6) of the joint socket (5) and an outer peripheral surface (7) of the ball head (3). The guide element (8, 9) has at least one spring tongue (10, 11) which bears against the outer peripheral surface (7). The guide element (8, 9) is connected to a support section (12, 13) which is supported on the inner peripheral surface (6). |
| US09429183B2 |
Martensitic steel with mixed hardening
The invention relates to a method of producing a martensitic steel comprising a content of other metals such that it can be hardened by intermetallic compound and carbide precipitation, with an Al content of between 0.4% and 3%. The heat shaping temperature of the last heat shaping pass of said steel is lower than the solubility temperature of the aluminum nitrides in the steel, and the treatment temperature for each potential heat treatment after said last heat shaping pass is lower than the solid-state solubility temperature of the aluminum nitrides in said steel. |
| US09429179B2 |
Retaining wave spring
A retaining wave spring includes a first open-loop that has a wall that is substantially planar. The retaining wave spring also includes a second open-loop continuing from an end portion of the first open-loop. The second open-loop has a wall having curved portions. An outer diameter of the first open-loop and an outer diameter of the second open-loop have different sizes. |
| US09429173B2 |
Positioner
A positioner includes: an explosion proof container containing, in an interior space, an electric circuit module and an electropneumatic converter converting, into pneumatic signals, electric signals processed by the electric circuit module; and a pneumatic amplifier, provided outside of the explosion proof container, amplifying the pneumatic signal converted by the electropneumatic converter. The explosion proof container is formed with air flow paths for the air fed into the pneumatic amplifier and the air fed out of the pneumatic amplifier, in a thick portion between inner and outer wall faces of the container that encompasses the surrounding of the interior space. The air flow paths are formed along an inner wall face of the explosion proof container. The inner wall face of the explosion proof container where on the air flow path is formed is arc-shaped or a shape that uses many curved faces of free curve shapes. |
| US09429169B2 |
Turbine engine having a stage of variable-pitch stator vanes with independent control
A turbine engine including a stator including variable-pitch vanes that are controlled stage by stage. An actuator ring connected by crank-arms to the variable-pitch vanes is coupled to at least one adjacent specific drive unit in a general form of an actuator. |
| US09429162B2 |
Axial turbine with sector-divided turbine housing
A statorless or nozzleless axial turbine for a turbocharger has an axial turbine wheel that receives a swirling flow of exhaust gas substantially in an axial direction. The turbine includes a sector-divided turbine housing defining a plurality of separate exhaust gas inlets each for receiving a separate exhaust gas stream from an internal combustion engine, the sector-divided turbine housing further defining a plurality of separate angular sector passageways each of which occupies a fractional part of a circumference surrounding the turbine wheel, each angular sector passageway being supplied with exhaust gas by a respective one of the plurality of exhaust gas inlets. The turbine housing assembly defines a separate sector outlet for each angular sector passageway. The turbine housing assembly can include a separately formed heat shroud, and the sector outlets can be formed at least in part by the heat shroud. |
| US09429161B2 |
Method of controlling compressor system for preventing surge occurrence and compressor system using the same
Provided is a method of controlling a compressor system including measuring variables for generating a performance curve of a compressor, calculating changing rates of the variables; comparing the calculated changing rates with preset changing rate variations; and determining a surge control line different from a preset surge control line according to the calculated changing rates if the calculated changing rates are out of ranges of the preset changing rate variations. |
| US09429160B2 |
Centrifugal pump and method of manufacturing centrifugal pump
A centrifugal blood pump reliably prevents blood from entering between an impeller and a shaft member. Pump 1 includes a pump chamber 24, a housing 2 including a blood inlet 25 and a blood outlet 26, an impeller 3 as a centrifugal force applying member rotatably encased in the pump chamber 24 and applying a centrifugal force to the blood Q by the rotation of the impeller 3. A support mechanism 4 supports impeller 3 rotatably with respect to the housing 2. The support mechanism 4 includes a rod-shaped shaft member 41 disposed at the rotation center of the impeller 3. Shaft member 41 and the impeller 3 are formed integrally with each other, as by insert molding. |
| US09429159B2 |
Pump
A pump includes a pump chamber in which a rotor with gates is supported so that it can rotate, an electric motor for driving the rotor, a muffler that encloses a volume in the area of the pump chamber, wherein the volume is in active connection with an outlet port and a front muffler that is arranged within the muffler. To improve the service life and reliability of the pump in a vehicle with minimal installation expense, it is proposed that a filter is integrated into the front muffler. |
| US09429157B2 |
Compressor having a lower frame and a method of manufacturing the same
A compressor having a lower frame and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The compressor may include a cylindrical shell, a rotational shaft rotatably mounted in the cylindrical shell, a rotor and a stator that rotates the rotational shaft, a compression device driven by the rotational shaft, a lower bearing configured to rotatably support one side of the rotational shaft, a lower frame configured to support the lower bearing, the lower frame being configured to be press-fitted into a lower end portion of the cylindrical shell, and a base configured to seal the lower end portion of the cylindrical shell. The lower frame may include a main body configured to be press-fitted onto an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical shell and a flange that extends from the main body, the flange being configured to limit a press-fit depth by contacting the lower end portion of the cylindrical shell. |
| US09429156B2 |
Compressor
A compressor is provided that may include a cylinder including an outer cylinder portion, an inner cylinder portion, and a vane portion connected between the outer cylinder portion and the inner cylinder portion, which is fixed to a casing. A rolling piston may be slidably coupled to the vane portion to form an outer compression space and an inner compression space while making a turning movement between the outer cylinder portion and the inner cylinder portion. Through this, a weight of a rotating body may be reduced to obtain a low power loss with respect to the same cooling power and a small bearing area, thereby reducing refrigerant leakage as well as easily changing a capacity of a cylinder in an expanded manner. In addition, refrigerant may be discharged in opposite directions to each other in each compression space, thereby reducing vibration noise of the compressor. |
| US09429155B2 |
Tapered sound outlet vane pump
The invention relates to a vane cell pump comprising an electrical pump unit that has a pump chamber into and out of which a fluid can flow and also a rotor with a number of vanes to compress the fluid before flowing out from the pump chamber. The vane cell pump also comprises a sound-damping mechanism into which the fluid can flow after flowing through the pump chamber and that has a sound-damping cover attached to a part of the pump chamber and defining a sound-damping volume. A preliminary sound-damping mechanism with at least one preliminary sound-damping outlet from which the fluid can flow may be arranged within the sound-damping volume, wherein the preliminary sound-damping outlet has a cross-sectional profile tapering in the direction of fluid outflow. |
| US09429152B2 |
Method for controlling variable displacement pump
A method for controlling a variable displacement pump by calculation by a controller using a closed-center-type directional control valve, the method allowing effective utilization of the variable displacement pump while avoiding the risk of engine stall is provided. The method includes determining a first virtual discharge pressure and a second virtual discharge pressure. The method includes controlling the variable displacement pump based on a smaller value of the first virtual discharge pressure and the second virtual discharge pressure. |
| US09429151B2 |
Variable frequency drive heat sink assembly
A heat sink assembly is disclosed for cooling a power electronics module, such as a variable frequency drive. The heat sink assembly includes a housing and a heat sink structure. The housing defines an interior chamber for enclosing the power electronics module and also defines a cooling air flow channel exterior to the interior chamber. The heat sink structure is disposed in conductive heat transfer relationship with the interior chamber and has a heat transfer surface positioned within the exterior cooling air flow channel in convective heat transfer relationship with the cooling air flow. |
| US09429150B2 |
Linear compressor
A linear compressor is provided. The linear compressor includes a machined spring. An inner back iron assembly is fixed to the machined spring at a middle portion of the machined spring. A driving coil is operable to move the inner back iron assembly in order to reciprocate a piston within a chamber of a cylinder assembly. |
| US09429149B2 |
Polyetherimide pump
A positive displacement pump and methods of making a positive displacement pump having a component, the component having a density ranging from more than 0 to 3 g/cm3, a glass transition temperature (Tg) greater than or equal to 150° C., and a yield strength retention greater than 90% after soaking in engine oil for 7 days at 150° C. |
| US09429146B2 |
Pressure intensifier
A pressure intensifier including reciprocating pistons located in respective piston chambers, and a valve mechanism which reciprocates corresponding to movement of the pistons. A pressurized fluid is received by the intensifier and is routed to the piston chambers via movement of the valve mechanism to drive the pistons for boosting pressure of an outgoing fluid. Thus, the pressure of the incoming fluid is used to boost the pressure of the outgoing fluid. |
| US09429143B2 |
Wind power generation unit, wind farm, and arrangement structure and control method of the same
A wind farm includes a plurality of wind power generation units each including a rotation axis, a hub, at least two airfoil blades, a pitch control system and a yaw control system. At least two first-direction wind power generation units are spaced apart longitudinally from each other along a prevailing energy wind direction at a predetermined interval and whose blades are rotated in a same direction. At least one second-direction wind power generation unit that is located between the first-direction wind power generation units and has blades rotating in an opposite direction to a rotational direction of the blades of the first-direction wind power generation units. |
| US09429140B2 |
Wind turbine rotor blade components and methods of making same
Structural preform layers of multiple rigid unidirectional strength elements or rods are constructed and arranged for use in fabricating load-bearing support structures and reinforcements of wind turbine blades. Individual preform layers include multiple elongate unidirectional strength elements or rods arranged in a single layer along a longitudinal axis of the preform layer. Each preform layer includes one or more fibrous carrier layers to which the multiple strength elements or rods are joined and arranged in the single layer. Each strength element or rod is longitudinally oriented and adjacent to other elements or rods. Individual strength elements or rods include a mass of substantially straight unidirectional structural fibers embedded within a matrix resin such that the elements or rods have a substantially uniform distribution of fibers and high degree of fiber collimation. The relative straightness of the fibers and fiber collimation provide strength elements or rods and the preform layers with high rigidity and significant compression strength. |
| US09429134B2 |
Dual coil ignition system
A method of responding to a detected blowout in a coil ignition system is provided in this disclosure. The method includes receiving a characteristic regarding operation of a coil ignition system; determining a blowout condition exists for the coil ignition system based on the characteristic; and providing a command to the coil ignition system based on the determination that the blowout condition exists, wherein the command is structured to reduce a residual charge amount in the coil ignition system. |
| US09429128B2 |
Method for adjusting stroke of fuel injection valve, and fuel injection valve
An objection of the present invention is to provide a fuel injection valve with a reduced variation in an injection amount and, in order to achieve this object, a method for adjusting stroke, the method being able to correct change in an amount of stroke caused by welding. In the method for adjusting the amount of stroke of a movable member of a fuel injection valve including a nozzle member having a seat face, a nozzle holder member to which the nozzle member is joined by welding, and the movable member having a valve seat portion for coming in contact with the seat face, the amount of stroke of the movable member is adjusted by plastically deforming a deformable portion provided to the nozzle holder member after joining the nozzle member and the nozzle holder member by welding. |
| US09429127B2 |
Fuel injector
A fuel injector which injects a gaseous fuel includes a nozzle and a housing. The nozzle has an outlet which injects the gaseous fuel at a flow rate greater than or equal to a predetermined rate. The housing has a mixing chamber which communicates with the outlet. The housing further has an air introducing passage which introduces an outer air into the mixing chamber and an injection hole which injects an air-mixed fuel formed by mixing the gaseous fuel with the outer air. Thus, a mixing of the gaseous fuel and the outer air can be improved, and the gaseous fuel can be efficiently combusted. |
| US09429118B2 |
Fuel pump module
A fuel pump module for a fuel tank having a plurality of fuel tank rooms includes a jet pump with a jet part, a suction part, and a swirling flow formation member that has relatively-small openings that are symmetrically disposed on a center axis of the jet part on one side of the member close to the suction part. The fuel passing through the openings are induced into a swirling flow that is injected into the suction part for transporting the fuel from one tank to an other tank. As a result, fuel may be efficiently transported from the one tank to the other tank without having a fuel pump in the one tank. |
| US09429110B2 |
Method and system for vacuum control
Methods and systems are provided for controlling and coordinating control of a post-catalyst exhaust throttle and an EGR valve to expedite catalyst heating. By closing both valves during an engine cold start, an elevated exhaust backpressure and increased heat rejection at an EGR cooler can be synergistically used to warm each of an engine and an exhaust catalyst. The valves may also be controlled to vary an amount of exhaust flowing through an exhaust venturi so as to meet engine vacuum needs while providing a desired amount of engine EGR. |
| US09429106B2 |
Combustion chamber comprising a condensation-proof barrier on a regenerative circuit
The invention concerns a combustion chamber (10) comprising a neck (15) downstream of the injection (11) of gases, and downstream of this neck a divergent section (20) whereof the outer face of the wall (30), when in operation, is cooled by a cooling system using a cryogenic product and surrounding this outer face. This divergent section (20), on the inner face (32) of its wall (30), comprises a coating (40) acting as temperature compensator so that the temperature of the inner face (42) of the coating (40) is higher than the condensation temperature of the combustion gases on this inner face (42) under operating conditions, such that no condensation is formed on this inner face (42). |
| US09429100B2 |
Cooling duct piston and method for producing the same
A cooling duct piston (1) for combustion engines. The cooling duct piston has a piston basic body (2) that is connected to a lining part (3), which is facing an assigned combustion chamber. Here, the lining part (3) completely forms the piston surface (4) of the cooling duct piston (1) that faces the combustion chamber. An encircling depression (5) is provided in the surface of the piston basic body (2) facing the combustion chamber. The lining part (3) provides a permanent connection at least with the surface of the piston basic body (2) facing the combustion chamber, and thus bridges the encircling depression (5), such that the encircling depression (5), with the lining part (3) that bridges it, forms a cooling duct (6). |
| US09429094B2 |
Module for managing mass flow and dampening pressure pulsations in a gaseous fuel supply line
A module for managing mass flow and dampening pressure pulsations in the supply line of a gaseous fuelled internal combustion engine comprises a hollow body defining an expanded volume that is fluidly connected directly to a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. The module is placed along the supply line of a gaseous fuel engine between a fuel pressure increasing device and the fuel rail that supplies fuel to the engine. The module can comprise a filter that filters the impurities from the gaseous fuel supplied to the engine and an overpressure protection device that can vent some of the gaseous fuel from the module to protect it from over-pressurization. |
| US09429091B2 |
Fuel injection apparatus for internal combustion engine
A fuel injection apparatus for an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders is provided. The fuel injection apparatus includes a fuel injection valve and an in-cylinder pressure sensor disposed for each of the plurality of cylinders. The fuel injection valve injects fuel into a combustion chamber of each cylinder and the in-cylinder pressure sensor detects a pressure in the combustion chamber. The fuel injection apparatus includes a cylinder pair actuating circuit and a noise suppressing circuit. The cylinder pair actuating circuit is provided corresponding to a cylinder pair which is a combination of two cylinders included in the plurality of cylinders, for supplying actuating current to two actuating solenoids of the two fuel injection valves mounted on the cylinder pair. The noise suppressing circuit is provided between the cylinder pair actuating circuit and the actuating solenoids. The noise suppressing circuit includes two output terminals connected respectively to the two actuating solenoids of the two fuel injection valves. When actuating one of the two injection valves, the grounding impedance between the output terminal connected to the actuating solenoid of the other of the two injection valves and the ground, is reduced. |
| US09429090B2 |
Method of estimating catalyst temperature of a multi-displacement internal combustion engine
A method of estimating temperature of a catalyst associated with a cylinder bank of a multi-displacement internal combustion engine having multiple cylinder banks associated with multiple catalysts. A temperature estimate of the catalysts associated with the multiple cylinder banks is set substantially equal to a base model temperature. Deactivation of a cylinder bank of the multiple cylinder banks is determined, and a catalyst cooldown correction is identified for the catalyst associated with the deactivated cylinder bank from a catalyst cooldown model including time elapsed since deactivation of the cylinder bank. The catalyst cooldown correction is applied to the temperature estimate of the catalyst associated with the deactivated cylinder bank to update the temperature estimate of the catalyst. |
| US09429089B2 |
Control device of engine
A control device of an engine includes means for detecting an efficiency of the engine, means for detecting a combustion stability of the engine, means for detecting an HC discharged quantity, and means for executing a notification. The notification is executed when the efficiency of the engine and the combustion stability of the engine do not fall in a predetermined region A1. The predetermined region A1 is a range of the efficiency of the engine and the combustion stability of the engine. The HC discharged quantity at the time of engine start is a predetermined value or less. |
| US09429081B2 |
Cylinder re-activation fueling control systems and methods
An engine control system is described. A cylinder control module selectively activates and deactivates intake and exhaust valves of a cylinder of an engine. A fuel control module disables fueling of the cylinder when the intake and exhaust valves of the cylinder are deactivated and, when the intake and exhaust valves of the cylinder are activated after being deactivated for at least one combustion cycle of the cylinder, adjusts fueling of the cylinder based on a predetermined reactivation fueling adjustment set for the cylinder. |
| US09429080B2 |
Method for controlling a motor-vehicle provided with an internal combustion engine having a system for variable actuation of the intake valves
A motor vehicle provided with an internal combustion engine having a system for variable actuation of the intake valves has a phase of activation of an operating mode with the engine off and the vehicle moving, in which the fuel supply to the engine is cut-off. After the cut-off of the fuel supply to the engine, the system for variable actuation of the intake valves is controlled to vary the opening time and/or closing time and/or the lift of the intake valves so as to control the losses due to the pumping effect which occur within the engine in cut-off condition. |
| US09429077B2 |
Multiple turboshaft engine control method and system for helicopters
Electric power from the low spool of a turboshaft engine is transferred to drive the compressor of an other turboshaft engine. This is used to assist in maintaining the other turboshaft idling while a single engine provides flight power or to increase acceleration for instance. |
| US09429070B2 |
Turbine engine starting system
System and method for starting a turbine engine are disclosed. These systems and methods for starting a turbine engine may be located on a vehicle, such as such as a Class 8 vehicle, equipped with a turbine engine as the prime mover or as a generator in a hybrid powertrain. In that regard, a fluid forcing device may be employed to start the turbine engine, such as an electric pump/compressor. The fluid forcing device may already be located on the vehicle for other purposes, and can include an electrically powered steering pump (also referred to as an electric pump) or an electrically powered air brake compressor (also referred to as an electric compressor). In order to start the turbine engine, the output of the electric pump/compressor drives an associated fluid circuit, which in turn, supplies fluid over a portion of the turbine shaft, wheel or scroll in order to impart rotational motion thereto. The rotational motion imparted to the turbine shaft, wheel or scroll aims to start the turbine engine. Once started, the output of the electric pump/compressor is either inhibited or redirected to power other devices, such as one or more vehicle accessories (e.g., steering gear, air brakes, power take off (PTO), air conditioner, etc). |
| US09429068B2 |
Engine generator assembly
The purpose is to provide an engine generator 1 which can reduce noise and performs cooling efficiently. In the engine generator 1 having an engine 2, a generator 3, a cover 4 and a muffler box 13, external openings 412 and 414 formed in the cover 4 for sucking outside air into the cover 4 and intake ducts 7 for introducing the air sucked via the external opening 412 and 414 into the inside of the cover 4. An opening 71 is formed in the upper side of each of the intake duct 7, and the intake duct 7 is arranged along the side surface of the muffler box 13 and below the upper surface of the muffler box 13 for a predetermined distance. A sponge 17 is provided between the upper side of the intake duct 7 and the side surface of the muffler box 13 so as to cover a part of the opening 71. An air passage 18 is formed above the intake duct 7 by the side surface of the muffler box 13 and the sponge 17. |
| US09429065B2 |
Internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine (1), preferably for a motor vehicle, having at least one cylinder (2) which encloses a combustion chamber (3) and in which a piston (4) is situated in such a way that it may perform a stroke movement, and having at least one injector (5) per cylinder for injecting fuel into the combustion chamber (3). The respective injector (5) has multiple injection openings (9, 10) through which the fuel exits from the injector (5) and enters into the combustion chamber (3).To be able to react more fuel, first injection openings (9) and second injection openings (10) are situated relative to one another in such a way that first injection jets (15) from the first injection openings (9) reach the piston (4) essentially without contacting second injection jets (18) from the second injection openings (10). |
| US09429064B2 |
Coolant control valve apparatus
A coolant control valve apparatus 10 includes a main valve 11 which adjusts a flow rate of a coolant in a main channel 4 to control the flow rate of the coolant in the main channel 4. Further, the coolant control valve apparatus 10 includes a detour channel 67 provided being diverged from the main channel 4 so as to detour the main valve 11. The coolant control valve apparatus 10 includes a valve main body 41 which opens and closes the detour channel 67 and a temperature detection medium 42 which can open and close the valve main body 41 according to a temperature of the coolant. The temperature detection medium 42 is disposed in the diverging part between the detour channel 67 and the bypass channel 5. |
| US09429062B2 |
Method and algorithm for performing an NH3 sensor rationality diagnostic
An example method includes interpreting an NH3 composition value at a position upstream of a selective reduction catalyst (SCR) element fluidly disposed in the exhaust conduit of an engine, interpreting a NOx composition value at a position downstream of the SCR element, and determining an NH3 sensor rationality threshold in response to the upstream NH3 composition value. The method further includes determining an NH3 sensor health value as indicating a sensor failure in response to the downstream NOx composition value exceeding the NH3 sensor rationality threshold. |
| US09429057B2 |
Method and an apparatus for warming a catalyst in an internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine which is provided with a fuel injector which injects fuel into a cylinder, an exhaust purification catalyst, and a secondary air feed device which feeds air to an engine exhaust passage. First catalyst warm-up control performs stratified combustion to retard an ignition timing, while second catalyst warm-up control feeds air to the engine exhaust passage. A first temperature range of engine cooling water at which the first catalyst warm-up control is performed and a second temperature range of engine cooling water at which the second catalyst warm-up control is performed are set. The second temperature range is set to be included inside the first temperature range. |
| US09429056B2 |
NOx reducing device
Provided is a NOx reducing device which is capable of effectively protecting a NOx controller against heat and water, while suppressing an increase in cost of a construction machine and deterioration in assemblability of the NOx controller. The NOx reducing device comprises a device body, a tail pipe provided at an outlet end portion of the device body, a NOx controller, and a mount table supporting the device body. The mount table comprises a top plate and a leg supporting the top plate. The device body and the tail pipe are provided on an upper side of the top plate. The NOx controller is provided with respect to a lower surface of the top plate in such a manner that the NOx controller is entirely covered from thereabove by the top plate. |
| US09429054B2 |
Honeycomb structure
In a honeycomb structure, a bonding material monolithically bonds a plurality of honeycomb segments. The bonding material contains crystalline anisotropic ceramic particle and a particulate pore former. The crystalline anisotropic ceramic particle is 20 mass % or less. An average particle diameter of the pore former in the bonding material is 80 to 200 μm. In the case where a compressive Young's modulus of the bonding material is assumed as E (unit: MPa) and a shear strength of the bonding material is assumed as σ (unit: kPa), σ/E is 5 to 50. |
| US09429051B2 |
Compression-release engine brake system for lost motion rocker arm assembly and method of operation thereof
A compression-release brake system comprises an exhaust rocker arm, an actuation piston slidable in a piston bore in the exhaust rocker arm so as to press an exhaust valve, a supply conduit formed within the exhaust rocker arm, and an exhaust valve reset device mounted to the exhaust rocker arm. The actuation piston defines an actuation piston cavity within the actuation piston bore between the piston bore and the actuation piston. The exhaust valve reset device includes a reset check valve disposed between the supply conduit and the actuation piston cavity to hydraulically lock the actuation piston cavity by closing the reset check valve when a pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the actuation piston cavity exceeds the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the supply conduit. The reset check valve is biased closed by the pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the actuation piston cavity during the brake-on mode. |
| US09429046B2 |
Method for conversion of low temperature heat to electricity and cooling, and system therefore
A method for producing electrical energy is disclosed which uses a heat source, such as solar heat, geothermal heat, industrial waste heat or heat from power production processes, providing heat of 150° C. or below, further comprising an absorber system in which a working gas, primarily carbon dioxide CO2, is absorbed into an absorbent, typically an amine, further comprising a reactor which receives heat from said heat source and in which the absorbent-CO2 mixture is split into CO2 and absorbent, further comprising an expansion machine, an electricity generator and auxiliary equipment such as pumps, pipes and heat exchangers. The system according to the method allows the cost-efficient production of electrical energy and cooling using low value heat source. |
| US09429043B2 |
Gasification power generation plant
A gasifier (101) including a fluid communication channel (131) that communicates a fluid, which undergoes heat exchange in the furnace, and that generates syngas by gasifying fuel; gas purifying equipment that removes impurities contained in the syngas generated by the gasifier (101); a gas turbine that is driven by the gas purified by the gas purifying equipment; and a heat exchanger that heats a fluid with exhaust expelled from the gas turbine. The fluid heated by the heat exchanger is supplied to the fluid communication channel (131) by being pressurized by pressurizing gas when performing warm-up of the gasifier (101). |
| US09429042B2 |
Acoustic damping device for chambers with grazing flow
An acoustic damping device is provided which includes at least one opening for a sealing gas to deflect a grazing gas flow away from the mouth of an acoustic damper. |
| US09429041B2 |
Turbomachine component displacement apparatus and method of use
Various embodiments include apparatuses adapted to displace components from a location within a turbomachine. In some embodiments an apparatus for displacing a component of a gas turbine from a first slot in a spacer disk includes a body including a mounting member configured to affixedly attach to a second slot of the spacer disk, a linear actuator coupled to the body and a displacement arm coupled to the linear actuator, the displacement arm actuatable in a first axial direction by the linear actuator to contact the component and displace the component relative to the first slot. |
| US09429036B2 |
Cooling system for control valve actuators
The present application provides a control valve actuator cooling system for providing a flow of cooling air to a control valve actuator. The control valve actuator cooling system may include a pressurized air source with the flow of cooling air, an air timing valve system, and a cooling air discharge port positioned about the control valve actuator such that the air timing valve system provides the flow of cooling air to the control valve actuator on an intermittent basis. |
| US09429033B2 |
Drive arrangement for a unison ring of a variable-vane assembly
A variable-vane assembly has a nozzle ring supporting an array of pivotable vanes, and a unison ring for pivoting the vanes in unison. A crank mechanism rotatably drives the unison ring, and includes an external crank assembly positioned radially outward of the unison ring, a non-round drive block disposed in a non-round recess in an outer periphery of the unison ring, and a crank arm having a forked end connected to the drive block and an opposite end connected to the external crank assembly. The forked end defines two legs and the drive block is disposed between the legs and is pivotally connected to the legs such that the drive block is pivotable relative to the crank arm about a pivot axis. The crank mechanism is arranged such that the crank arm is caused to swing through an arc of movement, thereby rotating the unison ring. |
| US09429032B2 |
Combustor transition
A combustor transition adapted to guide combustion gases in a hot gas flow path extending between a can combustor and a first stage of turbine in a gas turbine is disclosed. The combustor transition includes a duct having an upstream end adapted for connection to the can combustor and a downstream end adapted for connection to a first stage of a turbine, wherein the downstream end includes an outer wall, an inner wall, a first and a second side wall. At least one side wall has a side wall extension which extends in a downstream direction beyond the outlet. The side wall extension at least partly encloses a first resonator volume and at least one side wall extension includes a resonator hole, which is configured as a neck of a Helmholtz-damper. A method for retrofitting a gas turbine and method for borescope inspection of a GT are disclosed. |
| US09429031B2 |
Hub for radial housing of a helical ring of a turbomachine with variable-pitch blades and assembly comprising such a hub
A helical ring including a polygonal body and a plurality of cylindrical radial housings arranged in the body is provided. Each housing includes a surface adapted to receive a support of a blade of a helix. The surface of each housing is arranged on a radially internal surface of a corresponding hub. Each hub is a separate piece attached to the body of the ring, intended to be received in a radial housing of the body of the ring. The hub includes two projecting pins relative to its external surface to be fastened to the edges of a housing of the annular body, the two projecting pins forming a centering axis. |
| US09429029B2 |
Gas turbine blade and method of protecting same
An airfoil blade of a gas turbine engine includes a root configured for mating attachment with a cooperating rotor hub and an airfoil extending away from the root. The root is composed of a first metal and has a nanocrystalline metal coating, composed of a second metal, over at least a portion thereof. A method of protecting such a blade by applying a nanocrystalline metal coating to a portion of the blade root is also disclosed. |
| US09429024B2 |
Propeller blade with lightweight insert
A propeller blade includes a foam core and a structural layer that surrounds at least a portion of the foam core and includes a face side and a camber side is disclosed. The propeller blade also includes an insert disposed in the foam core in operable contact with the face side and the camber side of the structural layer. |
| US09429023B2 |
Gas turbine engine components and methods for their manufacture using additive manufacturing techniques
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a method for manufacturing a component using additive manufacturing techniques includes providing a 3D design model for the component, adding one or more crack resistant features to the 3D design model of the component to produce an enhanced design model, and manufacturing the component using an additive manufacturing technique in accordance with the enhanced design model. The one or more crack resistant features are provided to reduce or eliminate the incidence of cracking in the manufactured component. |
| US09429022B2 |
Steam turbine
A turbine includes an annular turbine blade body disposed on a flow path, a diaphragm outer ring installed at a tip side of the annular turbine blade body via a clearance, and seal fins formed to protrude from the diaphragm outer ring and configured to form small clearances with the annular turbine blade body, wherein dead water region-filling sections are formed in cavities in which main vortexes are generated, such that a dead water region that the main vortexes cannot reach is filled. |
| US09429021B2 |
Method for welding rotors for power generation
The invention relates to a method for welding rotors for power generation such as gas turbines, steam turbines, and generators having a plurality of rotor discs arranged along a rotor axis. The method includes providing said discs with a weld seam preparation. The weld seam preparation includes a root, a first, gap-like welding section adjoining the root in radial direction, and a second, gap-like welding section adjoining the first welding section in radial direction. The method further includes melting the root by means of a first welding process; making a weld in the first welding section by means of a second welding process; and filling up the second welding section by means of a third welding process. |
| US09429020B2 |
Scroll pump having axially compliant spring element
A scroll pump includes a frame, a stationary plate scroll, an orbiting plate scroll, a non-energized type of tip seal or seals, an eccentric drive mechanism assembled to and supported by the frame and to which the orbiting plate scroll is assembled so as to be drivable by the eccentric drive mechanism in an orbit about a longitudinal axis of the pump, and an axial compliance system including a flexure. The flexure is interposed between a bearing of the eccentric drive mechanism and a flexure-locating surface of the eccentric drive mechanism. The flexure allows the orbiting plate scroll to move away from the stationary plate scroll in the case of an assembly process which would otherwise result in the tip seal(s) being too forcefully engaged with the plate of the opposing plate scroll. |
| US09429018B2 |
Synergistic energy ecosystem
Synergistic Energy Ecosystem using a co-generation system and method wherein waste energy from waste heat producers within an enclosure including an electric generator is reclaimed to supply heat to the cold end of a heat pump within the enclosure for optimized use in space heating a habitat and to the management of the distribution of electricity from the generator so as to supply electricity to the habitat and to neighboring habitats when efficient, cost-effective or required to do so by distribution policies managing the energy eco-system. |
| US09429017B2 |
Method and system of coal mine roof stabilization
The present application relates to a system for supporting a roof of a portion of a mine. The system includes a first plurality of stabilizing members disposed above the roof at a first elevation. The first plurality of stabilizing members originate from a first common location and terminate at a second elevation that is higher than the first elevation. The system further includes a second plurality of stabilizing members disposed above the roof and the first plurality of stabilizing members at a third elevation. The second plurality of stabilizing members originate from a second common location and terminate at a fourth elevation that is higher than the third elevation. The second plurality of stabilizing members are disposed generally perpendicular to the first plurality of stabilizing members. |
| US09429016B2 |
Method for replacing a tunnel boring machine roller cutter, handling device and roller cutter suited to such a method
The invention relates to a method for replacing a disk cutter (1) mounted with preload in a casing (2) attached to the cutting head of a tunnel boring machine, operated using a disk cutter (1) bearing, firmly attached thereto, an element (4) for locking into the housing (2) and preloading means (5), the method involving the steps of: a) removing a worn disk cutter (1) from said housing (2): • clamping a disk cutter (1) handling device (3) onto the housing (2); • taking hold of the disk cutter, • releasing the preload, • unlocking, • extracting the disk cutter (1), • unclamping the device (3), b) fitting a replacement disk cutter (1) in reverse order. |
| US09429012B2 |
Downhole salinity measurement
A downhole salinity measurement and logging sensor system has multiple cells, each to measure conductivity, temperature and pressure of fluids at depths of interest in a wellbore. The multiple cells protect against effects of non-homogeneous wellbore fluids. The system also determines salinity of the liquid in the wellbore from conductance measurements, and stores the salinity data along with the temperature and pressure readings from the well. The sensors of conductivity, temperature and pressure are made using micro-fabrication technologies, and the system is packaged to comply with harsh downhole environments. The system may be deployed in the well with coiled tubing (CT), wireline or vehicles with a robotic system. The system can be deployed with an onboard memory, or with wireline surface access for real time access to measurement data or programming the device. |
| US09429010B2 |
Methods and systems for testing the integrity of components of a hydrocarbon well system
A component of the hydrocarbon well system and a first supply line to the component can be isolated from other components of the hydrocarbon well system. The component and the first supply line can be pressurized to a test pressure with a test fluid. Then, a pressure and a temperature of the test fluid in the component that was pressurized can be measured over a period of time. The pressure and the temperature that were measured can be analyzed and a pressure integrity of the component can be determined based on the analysis. |
| US09429007B2 |
Managed pressure drilling with rig heave compensation
A method for maintaining pressure in a wellbore drilled from a drilling platform floating on a body of water includes pumping fluid at a determined flow rate into a drill string disposed in a wellbore and measuring fluid pressure within a fluid discharge line of fluid returning from the wellbore. The fluid discharge line has a variable length corresponding to an elevation of the floating platform above the bottom of the body of water. The wellbore pressure is determined at a selected depth in the wellbore or at a selected position along a drilling riser or variable length portion of the fluid discharge line using known parameters/methods. The determined wellbore pressure is adjusted for changes in length of the fluid discharge line corresponding to changes in the elevation of the floating platform relative to the bottom of the body of water. |
| US09429004B2 |
In situ retorting and refining of hygrocarbons
A method of producing hydrocarbons in situ from a fixed-bed hydrocarbon formation disposed below a ground surface and having a higher permeability zone substantially parallel to, and between a top lower permeability zone and a bottom lower permeability zone. The steps include providing at least one injection well and first and second production wells in the higher permeability zone, injecting a heated thermal-energy carrier fluid (TECF) into the injection well, circulating the carrier fluid through the zone and creating a substantially horizontal situ heating element (ISHE) between the injection well and the production wells for mobilizing the hydrocarbons. |
| US09429002B2 |
Systems and methods for adjusting operation of an ESP motor installed in a well
Systems and methods for controlling an ESP installed in a well. The ESP is operated at a first voltage, and the current actually drawn by the ESP motor is monitored and compared to an expected current. If the actual current differs from the expected current, the actual horsepower load on the ESP motor is determined by multiplying an expected horsepower load by the ratio of the actual current to the expected current. A load saturation curve for the actual horsepower load is determined, and a voltage is identified on this curve at which the corresponding current is minimized. The ESP motor is then operated at this new voltage to optimize the efficiency of the motor. |
| US09429001B2 |
Synchronized pump down control for a dual well unit with regenerative assist
A dual well pumping unit (12) has two hydraulic ram units (26), one for each well, which are connected together for regenerative assist. Synchronized variable stroke and variable speed pump down control is provided, such that should pump down be encountered in one of the wells, programmable controllers (46) reduce the speed and the stroke of a ram unit (26) for a pumped-down well by the same percentage, to maintain a constant cycle time between upstrokes and down strokes such that the ram unit (26) of the pumped down well will remain synchronized with a ram unit (26) of the other well. Preferably the speed and the stroke of the ram unit (26) of the pumped down well will be decreased by 1.5% per stroke when pump down is detected, and will be increased by 3% per stroke until a constant fluid level is reached. |
| US09429000B1 |
Method and apparatus for dynamically controlling well flow
A system comprising a well flow optimization program and associated control equipment for monitoring changing variables and well conditions and dynamically performing adjustments to one or more established set points. The system is designed to work with a plunger lift system but is also functional on a well that is not running a plunger lift or any type of artificial lift system. The system is also capable of controlling open flow and open flow set points and sales flow and sales flow set points by means of a pneumatic flow control device. The disclosed system also minimizes the time that is needed to optimize a well by a producer/operator. |
| US09428999B2 |
Multiple zone integrated intelligent well completion
A system for use with a well having multiple zones can include multiple well screens which filter fluid flowing between a completion string and respective ones of the zones, at least one optical waveguide which senses at least one property of the fluid as it flows between the completion string and at least one of the zones, multiple flow control devices which variably restrict flow of the fluid through respective ones of the well screens, and multiple pressure sensors which sense pressure of the fluid which flows through respective ones of the well screens. A completion string for use in a subterranean well can include at least one well screen, at least one flow control device which selectively prevents and permits substantially unrestricted flow through the well screen, and at least one other flow control device which is remotely operable, and which variably restricts flow through the well screen. |
| US09428998B2 |
Telemetry operated setting tool
A setting tool for hanging a tubular string includes: a mandrel having an upper portion and a lower portion for extending into the tubular string; a housing connected to the mandrel upper portion; and a bonnet. The bonnet is: for receiving an upper end of the tubular string, disposed along the mandrel, and linked to the housing. The setting tool further includes: an actuator for stroking the bonnet relative to the mandrel and the housing, thereby setting a hanger of the tubular string; an electronics package in communication with the actuator for operating the actuator in response to receiving a command signal; and a latch. The latch is: connected to the mandrel lower portion, operable between an extended position and a retracted position, for being restrained in the retracted position by being disposed in the tubular string, and extendable by being removed from the tubular string. |
| US09428996B2 |
Testing water contamination around oil or gas wells
Testing water contamination around oil or gas wells. To determine a testing zone around an oil or gas well, multiple variables are received by data processing apparatus. The variables include variables associated with an oil or gas well, variables associated with an entity performing hydraulic fracturing in the oil or gas well, and variables associated with inhabitable regions surrounding the oil or gas well, to name a few. The multiple variables are processed by the data processing apparatus. In response to the processing, a zone around the oil or gas well within which to test for contamination due to the hydraulic fracturing in the oil or gas well is determined. |
| US09428992B2 |
Method and apparatus for restricting fluid flow in a downhole tool
A ball seat valve employed in a downhole tool string includes a split-ring baffle that is configured to radially expand and to radially contract to catch a dropped ball. |
| US09428989B2 |
Subterranean well interventionless flow restrictor bypass system
A method of variably restricting flow in a subterranean well can include resisting flow through a flow path, and then selectively opening a pressure barrier which previously prevented flow through another flow path. The flow paths are configured for parallel flow. A flow restrictor system for use with a subterranean well can include at least two flow paths configured for parallel flow, a flow restrictor which resists flow through one flow path, and a pressure barrier which prevents flow through another flow path. The pressure barrier is selectively openable to permit flow through the second flow path. |
| US09428987B2 |
Single packer with a sealing layer shape enhanced for fluid performance
A system and/or a method collects formation fluids using a single packer with expansion rings and/or an irregular sealing layer. The packer may have an expansion ring extending around an outer circumference. The expansion ring may seal a portion of a wellbore to sample fluid from a formation. An irregular sealing layer may facilitate leaking between drains of the packer. The irregular sealing layer may have grooves through which fluid may flow. The irregular sealing layer may be composed of fibers and/or plastic. |
| US09428980B2 |
Hydraulic/mechanical tight hole jar
A jar comprises a housing including an anvil. In addition, the jar comprises a mandrel telescopically disposed within the housing and including a hammer. Further, the jar comprises an annular chamber radially positioned between the mandrel and the housing. Still further, the jar comprises an actuation assembly disposed in the annular chamber. The actuation assembly includes a first collet disposed about the mandrel, a first trigger sleeve disposed about the first collet and adapted to releasably engage the first collet, and a first biasing member adapted to exert an axial force on the mandrel. Moreover, the jar comprises a lock assembly disposed in the annular chamber. The lock assembly includes a second collet disposed about the mandrel, a second trigger sleeve disposed about the second collet and adapted to releasably engage the second collet, and a second biasing member adapted to exert an axial force on the mandrel. |
| US09428977B2 |
Multi-stage locking system for selective release of a potential energy force to set a subterranean tool
An actuation tool uses a lock that when released allows a moving magnet to move into position to repel another magnet. Alternatively a magnetic field can be triggered in a stationary magnet such as one delivered on wireline, for example, to accomplish tool actuation. The repelling force on the second magnet moves it away from a locking position to allow another lock to retract and release the stored potential energy, where the release of the potential energy creates kinetic energy to drive an actuation assembly to set the tool. In a preferred application the tool can be a liner hanger. The release device can be a selectively energized electromagnet or a solenoid that shifts at least one magnet into alignment with at least one second magnet so as to defeat the second magnet from effectively supporting dogs that retain the potential energy whose movement can set the tool. |
| US09428976B2 |
System and method for servicing a wellbore
A wellbore servicing system, comprising a sleeve system comprising a ported case, a sliding sleeve within the case and movable between a first sleeve position in which the sleeve restricts fluid communication via the case and a second sleeve position in which the sleeve does not, a radially divided segmented seat movable between a first seat position in which the seat restricts movement of the sleeve and a second seat position in which the seat does not, and a sheath covering a portion of the seat, the sleeve system being transitionable from a first, to a second, to a third mode, in the first mode, the sleeve is in its first position and the seat in its first position, in the second mode, the sleeve is in its first position and the seat in its second position, and, in the third mode, the sleeve is in its second position. |
| US09428975B2 |
Drilling fluid pump module coupled to specially configured riser segment and method for coupling the pump module to the riser
A pump module for a drilling riser includes at least one pump mounted to a frame, the frame including features to couple the frame to a segment of riser. A fluid inlet is affixed to the frame. The fluid inlet is in fluid communication with an intake of the at least one pump. The fluid inlet has features to make fluid tight hydraulic connection to a fluid outlet of the riser segment when the frame is coupled thereto. |
| US09428972B2 |
Simultaneous clamp and torque drive
A clamping system for making and breaking threaded connections between a first tubular and a second tubular comprises a clamp assembly. The clamp assembly includes a first cam gear, a first plurality of clamp members disposed within the first cam gear, and a torque gear. Each clamp member is pivotally coupled to the torque gear. Each clamp member is configured to pivot between a withdraw position radially spaced apart from the first tubular and a gripping position engaging the first tubular. In addition, the clamping system comprises a clamp actuator. The clamp actuator includes a mounting shaft, a first clamp drive gear rotatably coupled to the mounting shaft, and a torque drive gear rotatably coupled to the mounting shaft. The first clamp drive gear is configured to rotate the first cam gear and the torque drive gear is configured to rotate the torque gear. |
| US09428966B2 |
Cutting elements for earth-boring tools, earth-boring tools including such cutting elements, and related methods
A cutting element for an earth-boring tool includes a volume of superabrasive material having a cutting face and a shaped feature on the cutting face. The shaped feature may include at least one of a recess extending into the volume of superabrasive material from the cutting face and a protrusion extending outward from the cutting face. A first portion of the cutting face may have a first surface roughness, and a second portion of the cutting face may have a second surface roughness greater than the first surface roughness of the first portion of the cutting face. The volume of superabrasive material may be disposed on a substrate. Methods of forming cutting elements may include forming one or more shaped features in a cutting face of the cutting elements. Earth-boring tools may include such cutting elements. |
| US09428964B2 |
Excavating tool
An excavating tool includes a casing pipe that forms a cylindrical shape about an axis line and in which a stepped portion whose inner diameter is decreased by one step is formed in an inner peripheral portion of an distal end; an inner bit where a contact portion which can come into contact with the stepped portion is formed in an outer periphery, which is inserted into the casing pipe, and whose distal end portion protrudes from a distal end of the casing pipe; an engagement convex portion that is disposed on the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the inner bit so as to be retractable; a ring bit that forms an annular shape and is arranged around the distal end portion of the inner bit; and an engagement concave portion that is formed in an inner peripheral portion of the ring bit. |
| US09428954B1 |
Corner pad and entryway having the same
The present disclosure describes a corner pad for an entryway. The corner pad may have a mounting surface configured for attachment to a frame member. The corner pad may also have a sealing surface opposite from the mounting surface. At least a portion of the sealing surface corresponds with a sealing region designed to seal against a stile of a door panel. A profile of the sealing surface within the sealing region is non-linear. Thus the profile creates a varied thickness of the corner pad within the sealing region to provide varying levels of compression when sealing with the stile, and to accommodate variations in a margin between the frame member and the stile. |
| US09428950B2 |
Arrangement for moving a movable furniture part
An arrangement for moving a movable furniture part, in particular a furniture part which is mounted pivotably about an axis, includes at least one ejection device for ejecting the movable furniture part from a closed position into an open position, and the at least one ejection device includes at least one force accumulator. The arrangement further includes a loading device for loading the at least one force accumulator by an opening or closing movement of the movable furniture part. At least one Bowden cable for transmitting force during the loading of the at least one force accumulator is arranged between the at least one ejection device and the loading device. |
| US09428948B2 |
Air spring counterbalance
A fluid-based spring counterbalance mechanism comprising an elastic flexible fluid-based spring disposed between a first plate and a second plate, each plate having a surface in contact with an end of the fluid-based spring. The counterbalance mechanism supports some or all of the weight of a movable barrier. A mechanism is configured to compress the flexible fluid-based spring between the respective surfaces of the two plates in response to motion of the movable barrier. By compressing the fluid-based spring, the counterbalance mechanism provides a force opposed to movement of the movable barrier. |
| US09428947B2 |
Hinge mechanism and panel apparatus
In a state where a panel unit 53 is held at a storing angle with a projecting portion 15 of a click plate 13 fitted in a recessed portion 10 of a bracket 7, the back side of the projecting portion 15 and a pressing piece 20 of a friction plate 18 do not abut on each other, so that only a reaction force of the click plate 13 serves as a resistance. When the panel unit 53 starts turning, the projecting portion 15 abuts on the pressing piece 20 through the elastic deformation at the time when the projecting portion 15 moves out of the recessed portion 10 to get onto a sliding surface 9, so that a sliding resistance is obtained from the reaction forces of the click plate 13 and the friction plate 18 after abutment. |
| US09428943B2 |
Modular latch
A modular latch for an automotive vehicle is provided. It includes a latch core (a housing and a ratchet and pawl rotatably mounted to the housing), a mounting plate that secures the latch core to the vehicle. The latch cure can use any of a plurality of different mounting plates for a lift gate latch, a decklid latch, and a sliding door latch; A latch module is mounted to the latch core to provide different functional including a manual release latch module, a power release latch module, a power lock and unlock latch module, and a power cinching and release latch module. The latch cure may fit a more or less universal envelope. The latch may employ one or more status sensors. Those status sensors may sense striker position, and may not necessarily include any sensors mounted to monitor ratchet position. The latch may include a layered latch core in which one or more sensor members move in different planes from the pawl and ratchet. |
| US09428937B2 |
Multi-point lock having sequentially-actuated locking elements
A lock includes a deadbolt assembly having a deadbolt and a deadbolt actuator. The lock also includes a latch assembly discrete from the deadbolt assembly. The latch assembly includes a shoot bolt and a shoot bolt actuator. A blocking element may block actuation of the shoot bolt from an unlocked position to a locked position when the deadbolt is in a retracted position. Alternatively or additionally, the blocking element may block actuation of the shoot bolt from a locked position to an unlocked position when the deadbolt is in an extended position. |
| US09428933B2 |
Stake system and method for soft material
A stake system and method configured to be used in substantially loose material to anchor an object are provided. In one embodiment, the stake system includes a flexible line and a stake member having an elongated portion and a distal portion. One end of the flexible line couples to the distal portion of the stake member. The distal portion of the stake member and the flexible line are driven into the loose material. The flexible line is moved to extend tautly from the distal portion and through the loose material at an angle such that an end of the flexible line above the loose material couples to the object. |
| US09428931B2 |
Multi-functional utility mat
A multi-purpose mat comprises a circular flat body portion having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface comprises a structural fold pattern. The outer surface comprises a plurality of wing pockets extending from a peripheral edge and spaced at ninety degree intervals that may be folded into a plurality of interior pockets between the outer surface and the inner surface, a drawstring interwoven through a plurality of eyelets along the perimeter, a pair of webbing straps positioned at right angles to each other, and a pair of pole pockets below the pair of webbing straps, a bag clip and a bag handle. A functional strap and a plurality of tent poles allow the multi-purpose mat to be configured into a beach mat, a backpack bag, a surfboard carrier sling and a shade shelter. |
| US09428926B2 |
Prefabricated building and kit
A prefabricated building includes a sheet folded to form a structural member defining an interior space. The structural member defines an upper guide hole that extends from the interior space of the structural member to the exterior of the structural member, and a lower guide hole that extends from the interior space of the structural member to the exterior of the structural member. The prefabricated building also includes a guide member that is fixed relative to a foundation. The structural member is aligned so that the guide member passes through the upper guide hole and the lower guide hole. |
| US09428924B2 |
Exit device mount with closed termination
An exit device includes a rail having opposite first and second ends and a rear portion with a first opening adjacent the first rail end for attachment to the door surface, the first rail end further having a front portion that inhibits access to the first rail opening in a direction normal to the rail rear portion. The method for installing the rail includes securing a mount having a cantilevered portion extending therefrom to the door at the surface first end such that the mount cantilevered portion provides a space between the cantilevered portion and the door and placing the rail against the door surface such that the mount extends through the first rail opening, sliding the rail to engage the rail rear portion adjacent the first rail opening between the mount cantilevered portion and the door and securing the second rail end to the door surface. |
| US09428917B2 |
Combination expansion joint strip
Provided is an improved multi-function expansion joint filler which combines the functions of building element spacer, surface finishing screed, masking attachment tape, sealant groove creation, and sealant groove backing material into a single strip for simplified sealing of building cladding joints, intersections or wall penetrations such as windows, doors, or other exterior facade penetration. |
| US09428915B2 |
Heated roof drainage raceway with self adjusting heating cable cavity
If roof top snow melt water is allowed to refreeze on the colder areas of the roof, an ice dam can be formed. A heated drainage path ensures this water is drained away from the structure's foundation. The various sheet metal raceway products disclosed contain spring-like folded members to securely press against the self-regulating heating cable, thereby maximizing the thermal conduction between the heating cable and the sheet metal raceways. The spring-like members of the raceways ensure a tight thermal contact to heating cables of different thicknesses. The spring-like members compensate for metal fatigue to provide a longer useful life of the installed system. The system also allows easy end of life replacement of the heating cable. |
| US09428912B2 |
PVC membrane with reduced plasticizer migration
The present invention relates to a membrane comprising a bulkhead layer, wherein more than 50% by weight of the bulkhead layer is composed of PVC, and a barrier layer. The barrier layer can, on the one hand, be a barrier layer S1, wherein the barrier layer S1 has a polyvinyl alcohol layer comprising more than 50% by weight of copolymer PA, which is connected to the bulkhead layer by a polyurethane layer, wherein more than 10% by weight of the polyurethane layer is composed of polyurethane PUR. The barrier layer can, on the other hand, be a barrier layer S2, wherein the barrier layer S2 has a composition comprising 5-50% by weight of polyurethane PUR and 50-95% by weight of copolymer PA. The membranes according to the invention have significantly lower plasticizer migration compared to the membranes of the prior art and are distinguished by improved resistance to aging, particularly as regards the adherence of the barrier layer on the bulkhead layer, and imperviousness to damp. |
| US09428909B2 |
Mounting bracket for a window
A mounting bracket (1, 41, 91, 121) for a roof window has a frame mountable member (2, 2a, 93, 123), a roof mountable member (3, 3a, 94, 124) and a hinge arrangement (22, 34, 95, 125) for mechanically coupling the roof mountable member (3, 3a, 94, 124) and the frame mountable member (2, 2a, 93, 123) together so that the roof mountable member (3, 3a, 94, 124) is movable between an out of use storage position and an in use mounting position. The location of the pivotal point of the hinge arrangement (22, 34, 95, 125) is movable. |
| US09428905B2 |
Sound panel and method for assembly of sound panel
A sound panel includes a frame, the frame having a front end and a back end; an absorption member, the absorption member having a front end and a back end; a first board, the first board having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface of the first board facing the front end of the frame and the front end of the absorption member, the first board fastened to one of the front end of the frame or the front end of the absorption member; and a second board, the second board having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface of the second board facing the back end of the frame and the back end of the absorption member, the second board fastened to one of the back end of the frame or the back end of the absorption member. |
| US09428904B2 |
Modular joint barrier retainer assembly and method
A modular joint barrier retainer assembly, including: a barrier including one or more material layers; a retainer strip coupled to the barrier; and an anchor flange selectively coupled to the retainer strip at a first end of the anchor flange, wherein a second end of the anchor flange is configured to be selectively coupled to one or more of an expansion joint cover and a building substrate. The barrier is selectively disposed within an expansion joint or other gap of a building. The retainer strip is coupled to the barrier via one or more mechanical fasteners that are disposed through the one or more material layers and secured to the retainer strip. The anchor flange includes a hook portion that selectively engages a lip portion of the retainer strip. The anchor flange is selectively secured to the retainer strip via one or more mechanical fasteners. |
| US09428900B2 |
Rough-in adapter
A drain assembly includes a drain body connected to a drain pipe such that the drain body is in fluid communication with the drain pipe; and a drain head assembly adjustably connected to the drain body such that the drain head assembly is in fluid communication with the drain body. The drain head assembly includes a shank adjustably connected to the drain body and a strainer assembly connected to the shank. The strainer assembly includes a strainer, an upper frame, and a lower frame connected to each other. The lower frame includes a connection feature that non-threadably and removably connects the strainer assembly to the shank. The drain assembly further includes a cover removably connected to the shank in a position over the shank and to at least partially define a void in a poured concrete slab around the shank. |
| US09428898B1 |
Automatic body eliminations identifying bidet
A bidet automatically washes bodily excretions, such as, feces, urine and or blood, off of a user's front and or back elimination positions, and posterior. Cameras with differing light filters, are used to view the differing excretions. A light projects light of differing wave lengths, to illuminate the differing excretions. The camera detects the different illuminated excretions. Detected excretions on the posterior, are automatically washed by, a computer, directing water on the excretions. A display shows the detection, and washing process of the excretions. Hands free operation of the bidet, lessens the chance of bacteria being transferred to the user's hands, while using the toilet. The display visually assures the user, that excretions are removed from the posterior. |
| US09428897B2 |
Touchless activation of a toilet
A toilet sensor and actuator assembly, having: (a) an infrared sensor configured to detect the presence of an object at a far distance from a toilet; (b) an ultrasonic sensor configured to detect the presence of the object at a near distance from the toilet, wherein the ultrasonic sensor remains in a sleep mode until awakened by a signal from the infrared sensor that the infrared sensor has detected the presence of the object at the far distance; and (c) an actuator mechanism that flushes the toilet in response to a signal from the ultrasonic sensor that the ultrasonic sensor has detected the presence of the object at the near distance. |
| US09428895B2 |
Water conservation device
A water conservation device for use within a toilet is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a connector having a base adapted for connectivity and placement adjacent to a traditional pole assembly and proximate to an opening valve within a tank of the toilet. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a flexible pressure arm integrally formed with the connector base and adapted to couple to the opening valve within the tank of the toilet and adapted to provide a pressure to the opening valve to lessen overall water utilized in each flush of the toilet and thereby conserve water. The water conservation device is adapted for either a total or partial flush of the toilet as selected by a user. |
| US09428889B2 |
Household faucet spray
The present invention relates to a household faucet spray (1) comprising a handle (2), the first end (3) of which is fixed mechanically to a water hose for supplying water inside the handle. The second end (6) is equipped with a sprayer head through which the water is arranged to discharge from the handle (2). The second end (6) is equipped with a water guiding piece (10, 110) which is provided with a plurality of apertures (13, 103). Around the guiding piece (10, 103) can be fitted a water-permeable washing piece (20, 20′, 120) for the object to be washed, the water discharging through the plurality of apertures (13, 103) and the washing piece (20, 20′, 120) being arranged to discharge in a controlled manner on the surface of the object to be washed. |
| US09428887B2 |
Flushing water container system for flushing water of a mobile toilet
A flush water container system for the flush water of a mobile toilet (11), in particular of a mobile vacuum toilet (11), comprising a flush water container (43) having a flush water container inflow (44), characterized in that the flush water container (43) is designed to receive gray water from a washbasin (10), which in particular is a wash hand basin or a shower washbasin, and a metering device (41) is provided, which is in fluidic communication with the flush water container (43) and is designed to treat the gray water by feeding a descaling and/or bactericidal treatment agent, wherein the flush water container (43) is designed to release the treated gray water as flush water to the mobile toilet (11). |
| US09428884B2 |
Articulation covering complete range of steering angles in automatic articulation feature
An controller uses one of several transfer curves to map steering angle of an articulated machine to articulation angle. Because an articulated machine may have a range of steering angles that is much greater than the range of articulation angles, the controller uses one of several techniques to map the full range of steering angles to the full range of articulation angles. One technique involves multiple non-zero slope regions, another technique uses a less than one-to-one linear transfer function of steering angle to articulation angle. |
| US09428874B2 |
Elastomeric plow edge
A plow edge having improved durability and performance is provided which can comprise an elastomeric material, for example, a styrene elastomeric material. The present disclosure provides a plow blade edge system for mounting to a mold board of a plow comprising an adapter blade, at least two elastomeric blade segments wherein each segment is selectively reversible to present first and second edges; a clamp bar wherein the clamp bar is mounted to the adapter blade with the at least two elastomeric blade segments secured therebetween; and, each of the at least two elastomeric blade segments secured selectively in a first orientation or a second orientation. |
| US09428871B1 |
Original caution tape retainer
A unique flat designed caution tape retainer with diamond shape is disclosed. It can be snapped into the top of a traffic safety cone through its two bottom slits and it can hold a caution tape by slipping the caution tape through its side slit into its caution tape slot. Such caution tape retainer can be removed from the traffic cone easily or can stay on the top of the traffic cone when stacking traffic cones. This handy and simple caution tape retainer is easy and inexpensive to manufacture and it solves a persistent problem by neatly holding the caution tape in construction areas or traffic areas without damaging the caution tape or the traffic cone. |
| US09428870B2 |
Pipe racks
A pipe rack and a method for making a pipe rack where the pipe rack may include at least one foundation, two legs, and a horizontal support. The two legs are supported by the at least one foundation. Each of the two legs includes at least one aperture. The horizontal support has two ends. The first end is located in an aperture in a first leg of the two legs and a second end of the horizontal support is located in an aperture in a second leg of the two legs. A rod forms a joint between the foundation and one of the two legs. The rod is located in the aperture in the upper surface of the foundation and in an aperture in a lower surface in the one of the two legs. |
| US09428866B2 |
Segmented railway regulator blade
A blade segment is provided for use on a railway regulator wing, and includes a blade body having a front surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side edge and a second side edge, the blade body having at least one mounting aperture. Each of the first and second side edges having an irregular configuration such that adjacent segments tightly and nestingly engage each other along complementary side edges as they are mounted upon the railway regulator wing. |
| US09428865B2 |
Paper-strength agents and methods for improving pulp products
Paper strength agents comprising a vegetable protein or polysaccharide and a cross linker are disclosed. Methods of preparing such agents and using them to increase the strength of a pulp product are also disclosed. |
| US09428861B2 |
Device for manufacturing a material web
A device for manufacturing, processing or finishing a web-shaped material web, in particular a fiber-material, paper, tissue or cardboard web, includes an interior space and a housing which, at least in part, surrounds the interior space and has an inner face and an outer face. The interior space has a temperature which is different from that of the surroundings of the housing, and the inner face and/or the outer face, at least in partial-regions, is/are provided with a thermal-insulation layer composed of at least one coating. |
| US09428857B2 |
Woven carpet coating compounds, associated methods of use, and articles made therefrom
A method of preparing a woven carpet comprising applying a coating compound as an adhesive layer to the woven carpet to form a coated woven carpet, wherein the coating compound comprises an aqueous dispersion comprising a base polymer, a stabilizing agent, and a liquid medium, wherein the base polymer comprises a polyolefin-based polymer; and a wetting agent. A woven carpet comprising a woven substrate; and an adhesive layer comprising a dehydration product of a coating compound comprising an aqueous dispersion comprising a base polymer, a stabilizing agent, and a liquid medium, wherein the base polymer comprises a polyolefin-based polymer; and a wetting agent. |
| US09428853B2 |
Washing machine
A washing machine having an improved structure which increases washing capacity without increasing the size of the washing machine. The washing machine includes a cabinet including an outer part and a cylindrical inner part connected to the outer part, a spin basket rotatably disposed in the inner part and including a bottom and a side wall extending from the bottom, a pulsator rotatably disposed in the spin basket, a motor provided under the spin basket, a clutch to selectively transmit power of the motor to the spin basket or the pulsator, a base plate to fix the clutch and the motor, and suspension members connecting the base plate to the upper portion of the cabinet. Wash water is stored within the spin basket and is not stored outside the spin basket during a washing cycle. |
| US09428851B2 |
Composite fiber
The fiber cross-section of an island-in-a-sea composite fiber perpendicular to the fiber axis, the island component and sea component are arranged such that the sea component surrounds the island components. The composite cross-section is very consistent, and the fiber has excellent post-processibility. The island-in-a-sea composite fiber wherein diameter of the island component is 10 to 1000 nm, variation of the island component diameter is 1.0 to 20.0%, modification ratio is 1.00 to 1.10, and variation of the modification ratio is 1.0 to 10.0%. |
| US09428847B2 |
Apparatus, methods, and fluid compositions for electrostatically-driven solvent ejection or particle formation
A method comprises introducing a fluid composition into one or more electrically insulating emitters, and applying voltage to the fluid to cause ejection of the solvent from the fluid after it exits the emitter. The fluid composition comprises first material having a dielectric constant greater than ˜25 and polymer mixed into liquid solvent having a dielectric constant less than ˜15, or polymer mixed into solvent having a dielectric constant greater than ˜8. Voltage can be applied to the fluid composition via a conductive electrode immersed in the fluid, or positioned outside and adjacent to the emitters. Conductivity of the fluid composition can be less than ˜100 μS/cm. A composition of matter comprises nanofibers formed by the method. |
| US09428843B2 |
Rare earth oxyorthosilicate scintillation crystals
The use of the effect of crystallographic axis orientation on the effectiveness in annealing in multiple atmospheres and chemical compositions of lutetium oxyorthosilicate crystals and other scintillator crystals is disclosed. By controlling axis orientation an favorable annealing condition can be selected to repair both internal interstitial and vacancy defects through the crystal lattice. Axis orientation can be further utilized to control the uniformity of surface finish of chemically etched crystal. |
| US09428842B2 |
Methods for increasing growth rate during atomic layer deposition of thin films
The present invention generally related to adding Indium precursors to deposition processes for thin films. Indium precursors are added in order to increase the growth rate per cycle of the deposition process. A plurality of deposition processes are disclosed herein which comprising a plurality of deposition cycles and providing an In-precursor pulse before at least one reactant pulse in at least one deposition cycle. The In-precursor can be added for increasing the average growth rate per cycle by at least 50% and in many examples above 500% compared to the growth rate of a similar deposition process without providing an In-precursor. Examples disclosed herein include the deposition of thin films comprising pnictides or chalcogenides, made by atomic layer deposition. |
| US09428841B2 |
Apparatuses, systems and methods that allow for selective removal of a specific metal from a multi-metal plating solution
Disclosed is an apparatus wherein an electric circuit with at least a power source, two electrodes and a plating solution is established. The plating solution comprises a solvent and, dissolved in the solvent, at least a first metal and a second metal. The power source supplies a current to the electric circuit during a plating process. The amount of electric current is above that required to achieve the overpotential for plating the first metal, but below that required to achieve the overpotential for plating the second metal such that only the first metal plates. This apparatus can be implemented, for example, in conjunction with a plating apparatus or an analysis and dosing apparatus of an electrodeposition system. In the case of an analysis and dosing apparatus, additional components further allow for the addition of that specific metal back into the plating solution. Also disclosed herein are associated methods. |
| US09428839B1 |
Electrolysis stack device with adjustable operating capacity
A configuration for an electrolysis stack device with adjustable operating capacity, including a specially shaped polar panel, an electricity connector and a pressing connector. A connection part of the polar panel and a pressing connector ensure that the electrical current can flow smoothly from a power source, via the electricity connector, to the electrolysis stack and back to the power source. In various embodiments, a zigzag track may help an electricity connector move to the correct position to vary the operating capacity of the electrolysis stack device. |
| US09428838B2 |
Plasma processing method and plasma processing apparatus
Disclosed are a plasma processing method and a plasma processing apparatus which collectively perform etching under the same etching conditions while suppressing a shape abnormality. The multilayer film material has a polysilicon layer, a first metal layer formed on the polysilicon layer, and a hard mask layer which contains a tungsten layer formed on the first metal layer. In the method, plasma is generated by a mixed gas of a chloride-containing gas which contains a compound containing chlorine and silicon, a compound containing chlorine and boron, or a compound containing chlorine and hydrogen, a chlorine-containing gas which contains chlorine, and a processing gas which contains carbon and fluorine, and the hard mask layer is used as an etching mask so as to perform the etching from a top surface of the first metal layer to a bottom surface of the polysilicon layer. |
| US09428836B2 |
Electroless deposition of continuous cobalt layer using complexed Ti3+ metal ions as reducing agents
A solution for electroless deposition of cobalt is provided. A reducing agent of Ti3+ ions is provided to the solution. Co2+ ions are provided to the solution. |
| US09428835B2 |
Cobalt base film-forming method, cobalt base film-forming material, and novel compound
A present invention provide a technique for easily forming a high-quality cobalt base film, which have a small specific resistance. The present invention comprises a transportation process of a Co[i-C3H7NC(C2H5)N-i-C3H7]2, and a film formation process by decomposition of the Co[i-C3H7NC(C2H5)N-i-C3H7]2. The film formation process comprises at least a first film formation process and a second film formation process. In the first film formation process, a film formation chamber is supplied with at least NH3 and/or NH3 product compound, and is not virtually supplied with H2. In the second film formation process, the film formation chamber is supplied with at least NH3 and/or NH3 product compound, and H2. An internal pressure of the film formation chamber in the first film formation process is higher than an internal pressure of the film formation chamber in the second film formation process. |
| US09428833B1 |
Method and apparatus for backside deposition reduction by control of wafer support to achieve edge seal
Method and apparatus for reducing backside deposition by controlling one or more wafer supports are disclosed. A processing chamber, such as a processing chamber for atomic layer deposition, can include a pedestal and one or more wafer supports configured to extend from the pedestal. A wafer can be provided over the pedestal, the one or more wafer supports can contact the backside of the wafer to support the wafer, and the one or more wafer supports can be positioned to a height to cause an outer edge of the wafer to sag. The outer edge of the wafer can sag to substantially contact the pedestal or a carrier ring surrounding the pedestal. This can create an edge seal to limit access by process gases to the backside of the wafer during a deposition process. |
| US09428830B2 |
Reverse circulation fluidized bed reactor for granular polysilicon production
A reverse fluidized bed reactor (FBR) is separated by a thermally insulating vertical divider into a pre-reaction heating zone, a reaction zone, and a dehydrogenation zone. The dehydrogenation zone can be distinct, or the heating zone can serve as the dehydrogenation zone. Particles of polysilicon circulate upward through the heating zone and into the top of the reaction zone, where deposition of silicon occurs, and the grown particles slowly settle until they reenter the bottom of the pre-reaction heating zone. Dust formation, wall deposition, and hydrogen content in the product silicon particles are thereby minimized. |
| US09428828B2 |
Film forming method, film forming apparatus and control unit for the film forming apparatus
The invention reduces generation of particles. An embodiment of the preset invention includes a target holder (6) for holding a target (4), a power source (12) for applying a power to the target holder (6), a substrate holder (7), a first shutter (14) capable of opening and closing between the target (4) and the substrate holder (7), a second shutter (19) located closer to the substrate holder (7) than to the first shutter (14), and capable of opening and closing between the target holder (6) and the substrate holder (7), and a controller (con) for controlling the power source (12) and the first and second shutters (14), (19). The controller (con) applies a first power to the target holder (6) in the state where the first shutter (14) is closed, then opens the first shutter (14), and further applies a second power higher than the first power to the target holder (6) in the state where the second shutter (19) is closed. |
| US09428827B2 |
Method of manufacturing electrically conductive mayenite compound with high electron density
A method of manufacturing an electrically conductive mayenite compound, includes (a) preparing a body to be processed, the body to be processed including a mayenite compound or a precursor of a mayenite compound; and (b) performing a heat treatment on the body to be processed under a reducing atmosphere including an aluminum compound and carbon monoxide (CO) gas within a range of 1080° C. to 1450° C., the aluminum compound being a compound that emits aluminum oxide gas during the heat treatment on the body to be processed. |
| US09428820B2 |
Method for producing cobalt sulfate
Provided is a method for producing cobalt sulfate, wherein, on the occasion of separating an acidic solution containing calcium, magnesium and sodium as impurities from a cobalt chloride solution by solvent extraction, when a diluent is added to the extractant to be used to dilute the extractant by 10% to 30% by volume; in Step 1, the operational pH is maintained in the range of 4.0 to 5.0 and the liquid volume ratio of organic phase/liquid phase is maintained in the range of 5.0 to 7.0; in Step 2, the operational pH is maintained in the range of 4.0 to 4.5 and the liquid volume ratio of organic phase/liquid phase is maintained in the range of 5.0 to 10.0; and in Step 3, the pH is maintained in the range of 0.5 to 1.0. |
| US09428819B1 |
Method for synthesizing noble metal nanoparticles using dead cancer cells
A method for preparing noble metal nanoparticles from dead cancer cells includes reacting an aqueous metal ion solution with an aqueous solution including dead cultured cancer cells to obtain a nanoparticle mixture, and isolating the nanoparticles from the mixture. The noble metal nanoparticles can be synthesized by using the dead cultured cancer cells with the media solution thereof or by using dead cancer cells from which cell culture media has been removed. The aqueous metal ion solution can include silver nitrate (AgNO3) and the noble metal nanoparticles formed can be silver nanoparticles. The metal ion solution can include chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) and the noble metal nanoparticles formed can be gold nanoparticles. The dead cultured cancer cells can include TK6 lymphoblastoid cell lines. |
| US09428817B2 |
Footwear and other products incorporating cultured leather
A variety of products may incorporate cultured leather, which is produced in vitro. Examples of products that may incorporate cultured leather include footwear, apparel, athletic equipment, furniture, handbags or any other consumer or industrial product that commonly incorporates conventional leather or synthetic leather. |
| US09428815B2 |
HIV-1 reverse transcriptase codon deletion and its use in the management and treatment of HIV infections
The present invention provides an isolated HIV-1 mutant and isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising HIV-RT coding sequences harboring a novel mutation in the S68 codon, and in particular, deletions of the S68 codon. This novel deletion reduces the sensitivity of HIV to various nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Methods of using this mutation for selecting effective antiretroviral agents in vitro and in vivo, methods for monitoring infection progression in HIV-infected individuals and methods for avoiding the emergence of and/or to treat individuals infected with HIV comprising mutations, including deletions, at the S68 codon of HIV-RT are provided. |
| US09428814B2 |
Methods and materials for detecting viral or microbial infections
This document provides methods and materials for detecting target nucleic acid. For example, methods and materials for detecting the presence or absence of target nucleic acid, methods and materials for detecting the amount of target nucleic acid present within a sample, kits for detecting the presence or absence of target nucleic acid, kits for detecting the amount of target nucleic acid present within a sample, and methods for making such kits are provided. |
| US09428807B2 |
Phase-protecting reagent flow orderings for use in sequencing-by-synthesis
A method for nucleic acid sequencing includes disposing template polynucleotide strands in defined spaces on a sensor array, at least some of the template polynucleotide strands having a sequencing primer and a polymerase operably bound therewith; exposing the template polynucleotide strands to a series of flows of nucleotide species flowed according to a predetermined ordering; and determining, for each of the series of flows of nucleotide species, how many nucleotide incorporations occurred for that particular flow to determine a predicted sequence of nucleotides corresponding to the template polynucleotide strands, wherein the predetermined ordering (a) is not a series of consecutive repetitions of a 4-flow permutation of four different nucleotide species, (b) is not specifically tailored to a particular combination of a particular template polynucleotide strand to be sequenced and a particular sequencing primer to be used, and (c) comprises a phase-protecting flow ordering. |
| US09428804B2 |
DNA/RNA in a Y-shaped nanochannel
A mechanism is provided for ratcheting a double strand molecule. The double strand molecule is driven into a Y-channel of a membrane by a first voltage pulse. The Y-channel includes a stem and branches, and the branches are connected to the stem at a junction. The double strand molecule is slowed at the junction of the Y-channel based on the first voltage pulse being weaker than a force required to break a base pair of the double strand molecule. The double strand molecule is split into a first single strand and a second single strand by driving the double strand molecule into the junction of the Y-channel at a second voltage pulse. |
| US09428803B2 |
DNA/RNA in a Y-shaped nanochannel
A mechanism is provided for ratcheting a double strand molecule. The double strand molecule is driven into a Y-channel of a membrane by a first voltage pulse. The Y-channel includes a stem and branches, and the branches are connected to the stem at a junction. The double strand molecule is slowed at the junction of the Y-channel based on the first voltage pulse being weaker than a force required to break a base pair of the double strand molecule. The double strand molecule is split into a first single strand and a second single strand by driving the double strand molecule into the junction of the Y-channel at a second voltage pulse. |
| US09428802B2 |
Selective-competitive primer and method of use
Disclosed herein is a self-competitive primer for preferentially amplifying a sample nucleic acid based on whether a selected region thereof has a nucleotide variation, in comparison with a selected region of a reference nucleic acid. The self-competitive primer includes a 5′-competing domain and a 3′-elongating domain. Sequences of the 5′-competing domain and the 3′-elongating domain are complementary to a first region and a second region of the reference nucleic acid, respectively. The first region includes the selected region and at least one nucleotide residue immediately downstream of the selected region of the reference nucleic acid. The second region is located downstream of the selected region of the reference nucleic acid and does not comprise the selected region of the reference nucleic acid, and the first region and the second region overlap by at least one nucleotide. Also disclosed herein is a method for preferentially amplifying a variant sample nucleic acid over a non-variant sample nucleic acid. |
| US09428800B2 |
Thermal cycling apparatus and method
A system for holding at least one of sample and reagent for analysis. The system includes a pair of parallel covers, at least one of which is light transmissive, of which pair a light transmissive cover forms a top, and of which pair the other forms a bottom. A frame is disposed between the covers to define, in relation to the covers, an interior volume. The frame and the covers are associated with one another to form a case, the case being substantially tight to liquids. A microfluidic array is disposed in the interior volume. The array includes a sheet of material having a pair of opposed surfaces, a thickness, and a plurality of through-holes running through the thickness between the surfaces, the through-holes containing at least one of sample and reagent. |
| US09428796B2 |
Method for detecting a target particle
The present invention provides a method for indirectly and with high sensitivity detecting a particle dispersed and moving randomly in a solution using a luminescent probe. In the present invention, (a) a solution is prepared that contains a target particle and one or more types of a luminescent probe that directly or indirectly binds to the target particle, (b) a complex is formed that contains the target particle and the luminescent probe in the solution, (c) the complex is recovered by separating luminescent probe not bound to the target particle from the solution containing the complex, followed by (d) dissociating the luminescent probe from the recovered complex and mutually separating and separately recovering the free luminescent probe and target particle, (e) again binding a luminescent probe to the recovered target particle followed by dissociating the luminescent probe and mutually separating and recovering free luminescent probe and the target particle are repeated, followed by preparing a single measurement sample solution containing the total amount of the recovered free luminescent probe, and (f) the number of molecules of the luminescent probes in the measurement sample solution is calculated. |
| US09428794B2 |
Methods of depleting a target nucleic acid in a sample and kits for practicing the same
Provided are methods of depleting a target nucleic acid in a sample. The methods include contacting a target nucleic acid with two or more polymers that specifically hybridize to the target nucleic acid, and cleaving the hybridized regions of the target nucleic acid to deplete the target nucleic acid in the sample. Kits for practicing the subject methods are also provided. |
| US09428790B2 |
Simultaneous measurement of thrombin generation and clot strength in plasma and whole blood
A method for the simultaneous measurement of proteolylic enzyme generation and clot strength in plasma or whole blood or any appropriate biological sample derived from blood. The measurement method encompasses the use of a detectable substrate which includes a moiety that can be released upon reaction with the targeted proteolytic enzyme, and elements for measurement of an increase in viscosity of clot strength. |
| US09428785B2 |
Cationic polymer based wired enzyme formulations for use in analyte sensors
Embodiments of the invention include analyte-responsive compositions and electrochemical analyte sensors having a sensing layer that includes an analyte-responsive enzyme and a cationic polymer. Also provided are systems and methods of making the sensors and using the electrochemical analyte sensors in analyte monitoring. |
| US09428781B2 |
Oscillating amplification reaction for nucleic acids
One embodiment of the present invention provides for a method for amplifying a template of nucleic acid target sequence contained in a sample. The method includes contacting the sample with an amplification reaction mixture containing a primer complementary to the template of nucleic acid target sequence. A temperature of the reaction is oscillated between an upper temperature and a lower temperature wherein the change in temperature is no greater than about 20° C. during a plurality of temperature cycles. The template of nucleic acid target sequence is amplified. |
| US09428777B2 |
Transformant and method for producing same, and method for producing lactic acid
Objects of the present invention are to provide a transformant which can produce lactic acid with high productivity without requiring neutralization with an alkali, a method for producing the same, and a method for producing lactic acid by using the transformant. Namely, they are a transformant, in which Schizosaccharomyces pombe is used as a host, a lactate dehydrogenase gene of Lactobacillus pentosus is introduced, and a part of a gene cluster encoding a pyruvate decarboxylase in the Schizosaccharomyces pombe host is deleted or inactivated; a method for producing the transformant; and a method for producing lactic acid by using the transformant. |
| US09428776B2 |
Fermentation process using specific oxygen uptake rates as a process control
Specific oxygen uptake (OUR) is used as a process control parameter in fermentation processes. OUR is determined during at least the production phase of a fermentation process, and process parameters are adjusted to maintain the OUR within desired ranges. The invention is particularly applicable when the fermentation is conducted using a microorganism having a natural PDC pathway that has been disrupted so that it no longer functions. Microorganisms of this sort often produce poorly under strictly anaerobic conditions. Microaeration controlled by monitoring OUR allows the performance of the microorganism to be optimized. |
| US09428774B2 |
Engineered microorganism producing homo-succinic acid and method for preparing succinic acid using the same
The present invention relates to a mutant microorganism, which is selected from the group consisting of genus Mannheimia, genus Actinobacillus and genus Anaerobiospirillum, producing homo-succinic acid and a method for producing homo-succinic acid using the same, and more particularly to a mutant microorganism producing succinic acid at a high concentration while producing little or no other organic acids in anaerobic conditions, which is obtained by disrupting a gene encoding lactate dehydrogenase (ldhA), a gene encoding phosphotransacetylase (pta), and a gene encoding acetate kinase (ackA), without disrupting a gene encoding pyruvate formate lyase (pfl), as well as a method for producing succinic acid using the same. The inventive mutant microorganism has the property of having a high growth rate and succinic acid productivity while producing little or no organic acids, as compared to the prior strains producing succinic acid. Thus, the inventive mutant microorganism is useful to produce succinic acid for industrial use. |
| US09428772B2 |
Methods and systems for producing fermentation products from carbohydrate-rich substrates
A method for producing fermentation products from lignocellulosic biomass is provided. Lignocellulosic biomass is composed of lignocellulosic fibers which are hollow and primarily contain cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Lignin is concentrated in the outer fiber wall and glues the fibers into bundles, but the inner fiber wall has a much lower concentration of lignin and has more easily accessible cellulose and hemicellulose. This method uses vacuum infusion to infuse enzymes into the lumen (hollow center) of lignocellulosic fibers to hydrolyze the hemicellulose and cellulose to produce sugars and oligomers, and then uses cycles of vacuum pressure to pump these homogeneous reagents and sugars and oligomers into and out of the lumen. These reagents are homogenized by mixing the reagents with process water using turbulent mixing to produce a homogeneous reagent. The sugars may be fermented, such as with yeast, to a fermentation product, such as ethanol or butanol. |
| US09428770B2 |
Over-production of secondary metabolites by over-expression of the VEA gene
The invention provides a general and facile method to obtain secondary metabolites from fungal sources. The invention is based on the discovery that the fungal gene veA and protein encoded thereby regulates the activity of multiple secondary metabolite gene clusters in fungi. Over expression of the gene veA provides increased production of secondary metabolites in engineered cells. In particular, such a method of increasing secondary metabolite production allows the production of improved yields of valuable secondary metabolite products. |
| US09428766B2 |
Protein expression from multiple nucleic acids
The current invention reports a method for the recombinant production of a secreted heterologous immunoglobulin in a CHO cell comprising the following steps: i) providing a CHO cell, which is adapted to growth in suspension culture, adapted to growth in serum-free medium, mycoplasma free, and virus free, ii) providing a vector comprising a prokaryotic origin of replication, a first nucleic acid conferring resistance to a prokaryotic selection agent, a second nucleic acid encoding the heavy chain of said heterologous immunoglobulin, a third nucleic acid encoding the light chain of said heterologous immunoglobulin, a fourth nucleic acid conferring resistance to a eukaryotic selection agent, iii) transfecting said CHO cell, wherein said transfecting comprises a) transfecting said CHO cell with said vector comprising a fourth nucleic acid conferring resistance to a first eukaryotic selection agent, b) selecting a CHO cell by growth in cultivation medium containing said first eukaryotic selection agent, c) transfecting said selected CHO cell with said vector comprising a fourth nucleic acid conferring resistance to a second eukaryotic selection agent different to said first eukaryotic selection agent, d) selecting a CHO cell by selected growth in cultivation medium containing said first and said second eukaryotic selection agent, iv) cultivating said transfected CHO cell in a medium in the presence of said first and second eukaryotic selection agent, under conditions suitable for the expression of said second, and third nucleic acid, and v) recovering said secreted heterologous immunoglobulin from the cultivation medium. |
| US09428764B2 |
Methods for using artificial polynucleotides and compositions thereof to reduce transgene silencing
The materials and methods disclosed provide for polynucleotide molecules sufficiently divergent from polynucleotides naturally contained in plants, or polynucleotides previously introduced into plants as transgenes to permit trait stacking in plant breeding methods or plant transformation methods. The disclosure also provides for methods and compositions to detect the polynucleotides of the invention in plants. |
| US09428763B2 |
Plants having enhanced yield-related traits and a method for making the same
Nucleic acids and the encoded CER2-like polypeptides, At1g68440-like polypeptides or DEAD-box RNA helicase polypeptides are provided. A method of enhancing yield-related traits in plants by modulating expression of nucleic acids encoding CER2-like polypeptides or At1g68440-like polypeptides is provided. A method of enhancing yield-related traits in plants by reducing or substantially eliminating expression of nucleic acids encoding DEAD-box RNA helicase polypeptides and/or the activity of DEAD-box RNA helicase polypeptides in said plants is provided. Plants with modulated expression of the nucleic acids encoding CER2-like polypeptides or At1g68440-like polypeptides have enhanced yield-related traits relative to control plants. Plants with reduction or elimination of the expression of endogenous nucleic acids encoding DEAD-box RNA helicase polypeptides have enhanced yield-related traits relative to control plants. |
| US09428759B2 |
Methods for increasing the production of phenolic compounds from Theobroma cacao
Described herein are methods for enhancing the production of phenolic compounds from Theobroma cacao. For example, the devices and methods described herein increase the production of phenolic compounds from cocoa plants, which has industrial and economic value. The phenolic compounds produced by the devices and methods do not require the ultra purification that is common in conventional or commercial methods. The devices and methods described herein also enhance the growth rate of plants. |
| US09428749B2 |
Control of whole body energy homeostasis by microRNA regulation
The disclosure provides a method of regulating fatty acid or glucose metabolism in a cell by contacting the cell with a modulator of miR-208a and/or miR-208b activity or expression. The disclosure also provides a method of treating or preventing a metabolic disorder, such as obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome, in a subject by administering to the subject an inhibitor of miR-208a and/or miR-208b activity or expression. Also provided is a method of enhancing or improving mitochondrial function and/or redox-homeostasis in a subject by administering to the subject an inhibitor of miR-208a and/or miR-208b activity or expression. |
| US09428744B2 |
Process for preparing a polymer/biological entities alloy
The present invention relates to a process for preparing a polymer/biological entities alloy, comprising a step of mixing a polymer and biological entities that degrade it, during a heat treatment, said heat treatment being performed at a temperature T above room temperature and said biological entities being resistant to said temperature T, characterized in that said biological entities are chosen from enzymes that degrade said polymer and microorganisms that degrade said polymer. |
| US09428742B2 |
Polypeptides having endoglucanase activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having endoglucanase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides. |
| US09428741B2 |
Nucleic acid construct with gene encoding an arabinofuranosidase polypeptide and methods of using same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase activity and isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides, such that the nucleic acid is operably linked to a heterologous control sequence for expression. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2 and fragments of SEQ ID NO: 2. |
| US09428738B2 |
HIV type 1 group O reverse transcriptases that are active at high temperatures
The present invention falls within the field of biotechnology. More specifically, the invention relates to reverse transcriptases expressed and purified in bacteria and having the amino acid sequence of the reverse transcriptase of a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) group O, modified at positions 358, 359 and 360; and variants of this enzyme that contain additional changes at positions 355 and 357 or at 478 or position 69 (in this case accompanied by an insertion of two amino acids). These polymerases have greater activity than the non-mutated enzyme at high temperatures (above 60° C.). In addition, they retain the capacity for DNA synthesis at temperatures greater than 70° C. Moreover, the copying fidelity of these enzymes is not significantly different from that of the non-mutated reverse transcriptase. |
| US09428736B2 |
Vesicular stomatitis viruses
This document provides methods and materials related to vesicular stomatitis viruses. For example, vesicular stomatitis viruses, nucleic acid molecules encoding VSV polypeptides, methods for making vesicular stomatitis viruses, and methods for using vesicular stomatitis viruses to treat cancer are provided. |
| US09428733B2 |
Method for obtaining pancreatic endocrine cells from adipose tissue-origin cells
A method of obtaining pancreatic endocrine cells from cells originating in an adipose tissue characterized by comprising culturing the adipose tissue-origin cells; the pancreatic endocrine cells that can be obtained thereby; a method of treating or preventing a disease caused by the hypofunction in pancreatic endocrine cells wherein the above-described pancreatic endocrine cells are used; a method of screening a substance capable of promoting or inhibiting the differentiation into pancreatic endocrine cells characterized by comprising adding a candidate substance to a medium in the course of culturing adipose tissue-origin cells to obtain the pancreatic endocrine cells; and so on. |
| US09428732B2 |
Compositions and methods for differentiating pluripotent stem cells into primitive blood cells and uses thereof
Compositions and methods that employ various combinations of such factors as retinoic acid signaling inhibitors, antioxidants, BMP4, VEGF, prostaglandin E2 pathway stimulants, TPO, SCF, FLT-3, EPO, TGFβ1, p38 MAPK inhibitors, beta adrenergic receptor agonists, cell cycle inhibitors, RXR agonists, Cripto, and chromatin remodelers to drive differentiation of pluripotent stem cells towards primitive blood cells. Uses of such primitive blood cells are provided. |
| US09428730B2 |
Coatings and culture media for promoting neurogenesis in adipose tissue derived stem cells
Provided herein are coatings for stem cell cultureware comprising poly-L-ornithine and bovine fibronectin and methods for preparing coated stem cultureware comprising contacting cultureware with poly-L-ornithine and contacting the cultureware with bovine fibronectin. Also provided are stem cell culture media comprising epidermal growth factor, beta-fibroblast growth factor and N2 supplement. |
| US09428726B2 |
Modified host cells with efflux pumps
The present invention provides for a modified host cell comprising a heterologous expression of an efflux pump capable of transporting an organic molecule out of the host cell wherein the organic molecule at a sufficiently high concentration reduces the growth rate of or is lethal to the host cell. |
| US09428723B2 |
Micro-incubation systems for microfluidic cell culture and methods
A micro-incubator manifold for improved microfluidic configurations and systems and methods of manufacture and operation for a manifold and automated microfluidic systems. |
| US09428718B2 |
Liquid mixture to clean dielectric barrier discharge surfaces
Disclosed is a liquid cleaning mixture used to remove DMSO and other solvents and compounds that may build up on the surface of dielectric barrier material in a plasma cleaning device, where the DMSO, solvent and compounds have become contaminants. |
| US09428716B2 |
Washing and cleaning compositions with improved performance
The present invention relates to the use of oligohydroxybenzoic acid derivatives in washing and cleaning agents in order to improve washing or cleaning performance with respect to bleachable stains. |
| US09428713B2 |
Oil candle with integrated fragrance deck
An oil candle with integrated aroma deck includes a candle main body, further including a fuel reservoir, an aroma deck with an aroma deck aperture, a flame shield, and aroma deck shoulder, a wick and a wick collar, such that the wick collar is inserted in place in the aroma deck aperture, with the wick extending into the fuel reservoir. The oil candle is refillable with lighting oil, and provides flame protection via the flame shield. The aroma deck is designed to hold a small amount of aromatic oil, which is warmed by a flame from the burning wick, and thereby emits a pleasant fragrance. The flame shield, aroma deck, and fuel reservoir can be made from borosilicate glass or other heat resistant materials. The oil candle can further include an inward protruding rim, and a snap-on cover with an attached wick collar cover. |
| US09428711B2 |
Chromatographic process for the production of highly purified polyunsaturated fatty acids
A process is provided for recovering a first polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) from a feed mixture including at least one additional fatty acid (e.g., a second fatty acid (FA)). The process optionally comprises: performing a main step of chromatographic separation using an aqueous organic eluent and collecting a first stream of eluent enriched in the first PUFA and a second stream of eluent enriched in the second FA; subjecting the second stream of eluent to a partial concentration step to obtain a concentrated portion including the second FA, and a depleted portion comprising eluent, but depleted of the second FA. The process also includes: at least partially recycling the depleted portion for use in the main step of chromatographic separation. |
| US09428707B1 |
Methods for producing fuel compositions
Methods for producing fuel compositions with predetermined desirable properties are disclosed. Feedback control can be employed to meter precise amounts of fuel composition components while monitoring fuel composition properties to obtain fuel compositions having specifically defined properties. |
| US09428706B2 |
Method for low-severity gasification of heavy petroleum residues
A method for co-producing a sulfur-containing raw synthetic gas and an essentially desulfurized solid residue from a sulfur-containing heavy petroleum residue feedstock, comprising feeding a bubbling fluidized-bed gasification reactor with the feedstock, and converting the feedstock to a raw synthetic gas by a partial oxidation reaction in the presence of water at a temperature at or below about 1000° C. and a pressure at or below about 10 atm, thereby also producing an essentially desulfurized solid residue, while the sulfur components are essentially comprised in the raw synthetic gas; and separately recovering the essentially desulfurized solid residue and the sulfur-containing raw synthetic gas. |
| US09428705B2 |
Enhancement of binding characteristics for production of an agglomerated product
A method is provided for preparing a product from a precursor material. The method includes the steps of (a) mixing a particulate material and a binder to form a precursor material and (b) irradiating that precursor material with microwave radiation so as to activate the binder and form the product. |
| US09428703B2 |
Method and apparatus for the making of a fuel
A method (20) of making a fuel is disclosed. The method has a first step of exposing a liquid having biologically derived particles therein to an ultrasonic wave producing cavitation in the liquid and release of a precursor of the fuel from at least some of the particles into the liquid (22). The method also comprises the step of exposing the liquid with another ultrasonic wave insufficient to produce substantial cavitation in the liquid, the another ultrasonic wave providing a reaction between the liquid and the precursor to form the fuel (24). |
| US09428702B2 |
Agglomerator with ceramic matrix composite obstacles
A slag agglomerator includes an inlet, an outlet and a plurality of obstacles. The inlet receives a flow of gas and slag droplets and the outlet allows the flow of gas and slag droplets to exit the agglomerator. The obstacles are oblique or perpendicular to the flow of gas and slag droplets and have an exterior surface containing a ceramic matrix composite. |
| US09428700B2 |
Hydrovisbreaking process for feedstock containing dissolved hydrogen
An improved hydrovisbreaking process for reducing the viscosity of a liquid hydrocarbon feedstock is provided. A substantially single-phase hydrogen-enriched liquid hydrocarbon feedstock is obtained by mixing the feedstock with hydrogen gas and flashing off the excess hydrogen gas. Comparatively smaller reactor vessels can be used without a gas recycle system, thus reducing the capital cost of hydrovisbreaking process. Further the need for cutter stocks can be minimized or eliminated. |
| US09428694B2 |
Liquid crystal medium
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal (LC) medium, to its use for optical, electro-optical and electronic purposes, in particular in LC displays, especially in LC displays of the PS (“polymer sustained”) or PSA (“polymer sustained alignment”) type, and to LC displays, especially PS or PSA displays, comprising said LC medium. |
| US09428691B2 |
Semiconductor structure having nanocrystalline core and nanocrystalline shell pairing with compositional transition layer
Semiconductor structures having a nanocrystalline core and nanocrystalline shell pairing with compositional transition layers are described. In an example, a semiconductor structure includes a nanocrystalline core composed of a first semiconductor material. A nanocrystalline shell composed of a second semiconductor material surrounds the nanocrystalline core. A compositional transition layer is disposed between, and in contact with, the nanocrystalline core and nanocrystalline shell and has a composition intermediate to the first and second semiconductor materials. In another example, a semiconductor structure includes a nanocrystalline core composed of a first semiconductor material. A nanocrystalline shell composed of a second semiconductor material surrounds the nanocrystalline core. A nanocrystalline outer shell surrounds the nanocrystalline shell and is composed of a third semiconductor material. A compositional transition layer is disposed between, and in contact with, the nanocrystalline shell and the nanocrystalline outer shell and has a composition intermediate to the second and third semiconductor materials. In the examples, an insulator coating surrounds and encapsulates the structure. |
| US09428690B2 |
Yellow-green to yellow-emitting phosphors based on terbium-containing aluminates
Yellow-green to yellow-emitting, lutetium aluminate-based terbium (Tb) containing phosphors for use in white LEDs, general lighting, and LED and backlighting displays are disclosed herein. The phosphor may further contain gadolinium (Gd). In one embodiment of the present invention, the phosphor comprises a cerium-activated, yellow-green to yellow-emitting lutetium aluminate-based phosphor having the formula (Lu1-xAx)3Al5O12:Ce wherein A is at least one of Gd and Tb and 0.1≦x≦1.0, wherein the phosphor is configured to emit light having a peak emission wavelength ranging from about 550 nm to about 565 nm, and wherein the phosphor contains at least some Tb. |
| US09428681B2 |
Shaped abrasive particles and methods of forming same
A method of forming a shaped abrasive particle includes applying a mixture into a shaping assembly within an application zone and directing an ejection material at the mixture in the shaping assembly under a predetermined force, removing the mixture from the shaping assembly and forming a precursor shaped abrasive particle. |
| US09428674B2 |
Copolymer latex for adhesives and adhesive composition
A copolymer latex for adhesives contains a copolymer latex obtained by copolymerizing an aliphatic conjugated diene monomer with another monomer copolymerizable with this, an alkali metal salt of a carboxylic acid, and a divalent metal carbonate. |
| US09428671B2 |
Starch-based hot melt adhesive
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides starch-based hot melt adhesive comprised of a composition including starch, a thermoplastic polymer, a tackifier, a plasticizer, and an adhesion promoter. The hot melt adhesive according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention contains about 25 to 55 weight % of the starch which is infinitely renewable biomass, and, thus, it is less harmful and more eco-friendly and has a reduced manufacturing costs and is less sensitive to exhaustion of petroleum-based resources, as compared with the conventional hot melt adhesive mainly containing a petroleum-based material. Further, the hot melt adhesive according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention imparts excellent adhesion strength and workability at the time of adhesion between different kinds of adherends such as a hydrophobic adherend and a hydrophilic adherend and can be applied to various fields such as packaging, bookbinding, construction, woodworking, and textile fields. |
| US09428667B2 |
Member for vehicle and manufacturing process for the same
A member for vehicle according to the present invention includes a resinous substrate, and a protective film being formed on a surface of the resinous substrate partially at least. The protective film is made by curing a curing-type coating-agent composition containing: Component (A) (e.g., an isocyanuric ring-containing urethane (meth)acrylate compound) in an amount of from 20 to 80 parts by mass; Component (B) (e.g., an isocyanuric ring-containing tri(meth)acrylate compound free from any urethane bond) in an amount of from 10 to 70 parts by mass; Component (C) (e.g., a reaction product) between a colloidal silica and an alkoxysilane compound having a maleimide group) in amount of from 1 to 35 parts by mass; a radical-polymerization initiator serving as Component (D) in an amount of from 0.1 to 10 parts by mass; an ultraviolet absorber serving as Component (E) in an amount of from 1 to 12 parts by mass; and an organic solvent serving as Component (F) in an amount of from 10 to 1,000 parts by mass; with respect to a sum of the Component (A), the Component (B), and the Component (C) being taken as 100 parts by mass. Said protective film demonstrates excellent wear resistance and weatherability. |
| US09428665B2 |
Photopolymerizable inkjet ink, ink cartridge, and inkjet recording device
A photopolymerizable inkjet ink including: at least one selected from the group consisting of (meth)acrylic acid esters negative for skin sensitization and (meth)acrylamides negative for skin sensitization; and at least one selected from the group consisting of vinyl ethers negative for skin sensitization, t-butyl methacrylate negative for skin sensitization, n-pentyl methacrylate negative for skin sensitization, and n-hexyl methacrylate negative for skin sensitization. |
| US09428660B2 |
Oil-based ink composition
An oil-based ink composition comprising a colorant, an organic solvent and a polymeric compound, and optionally an alkylamine ethylene oxide derivative as a pH adjusting agent, in which the pH of an aqueous phase is from 5.5 to 10, when ions in the ink composition are transferred to water. This oil-based ink composition prevents corrosion of a nozzle plate and is improved in storage stability, and thus can ensure printer reliability such as ink-jet stability obtainable even after long storage thereof, and can withstand outdoor service environments. |
| US09428658B2 |
Sublimation transfer ink composition
The present invention relates to an aqueous sublimation transfer ink composition. The sublimation transfer ink composition comprises a polysaccharide. The present invention further relates to a method of preparing said ink composition. The present invention also relates to a method for providing an image onto a receiving medium. |
| US09428653B2 |
One part, storage stable polymerizable formulation
A one part, storage stable polymerizable formulation is provided that includes an ethenically unsaturated polymerizable compound intermixed with a free radical polymerization initiator and an organic solvent. The organic solvent provides storage stability and upon evaporation of the solvent, the rate of polymerization of the compound accelerates independent of addition of a second part. The formulation includes at least 30 total weight percent solids upon cure. Optional additives to the formulation include at least one of a cure accelerator, a filler, a plasticizer, a colorant, and a cure inhibitor. A process for forming a polymerized coating on an article involves the application of this formulation to the substrate of an article and allowing sufficient time for the solvent to evaporate to form the polymerized coating on the article. The substrate of the article forms a corrosion barrier even without prior removal of a native corrosion layer on a surface of the substrate of the article. |
| US09428648B2 |
Wheat gluten based compositions and articles made therefrom
Disclosed herein are wheat gluten based compositions having improved mechanical properties as well as articles formed therefrom, and methods of making the same. More particularly, the compositions also include fibrous reinforcing material and may be formed into a variety of products, including but not limited to particle board. |
| US09428645B2 |
Polyalkylene carbonate and polyolefin-based adhesive member and adhesive structure including the same
Disclosed are a polyalkylene carbonate and polyolefin-based adhesive member and an adhesive structure including the same and, more particularly, an adhesive member manufactured using a mixed composition including polyalkylene carbonate, polyolefin, an initiator, and a blending aid, wherein an amount of the polyalkylene carbonate is 35 wt % to 65 wt %, a total amount of the initiator, the blending aid, and the polyolefin is 35 wt % to 65 wt %, and the adhesive member has a co-continuous morphology in which at least a portion of each of the polyalkylene carbonate and the polyolefin is exposed on an outer surface of the adhesive member and an adhesive structure including the same. |
| US09428638B2 |
Strong polyolefin-based thermoplastic elastomeric films and methods of making
Stronger thermoplastic elastomeric films having improved tensile strength and elastic properties are disclosed herein. The thermoplastic elastomeric films include a combination of polyolefin-based thermoplastic elastomers, styrenic block copolymers, and strength-enhancing agents. The films are suitably free of filler particles such as calcium carbonate. |
| US09428636B2 |
Process to produce enhanced melt strength ethylene/α-olefin copolymers and articles thereof
An ethylene/α-olefin copolymer comprising units derived from ethylene; and units derived from at least one α-olefin; wherein the ethylene/α-olefin copolymer has a density in the range of from 0.90 to 0.94 g/cc; a melt index (I2) in the range of from 0.05 to 50 dg/min; an Mw/Mn of from 3 to 5; and from 300 to 500 vinyl unsaturations per 1,000,000 carbon atoms in the ethylene/α-olefin copolymer is provided. Also provided is a process for producing an ethylene/α-olefin copolymer comprising: (1) polymerizing ethylene and one or more α-olefins in a polymerization reactor; (2) thereby producing an enhanced melt strength ethylene/α-olefin copolymer having from 300 to 500 vinyl unsaturation units per 1,000,000 carbon atoms, a density in the range of from 0.90 to 0.94 g/cc; a melt index (I2) in the range of from 0.05 to 50 dg/min; and a Mw/Mn of from 3 to 5. |
| US09428634B2 |
Organosiloxane compositions
A one or more component moisture cure Organosiloxane composition that has strength in an uncured state (commonly referred to in the industry as “green strength”) and its uses. The composition comprises an organopolysiloxane polymer having a viscosity of at least 1000 mPa·s at 25° C. and not less than two silicon-bonded hydroxyl groups and/or silicon bonded hydrolysable groups; a suitable catalyst; a cross-linker adapted to react with organopolysiloxane polymer when catalysed with the catalyst; and optionally one or more rheology modifiers and 0 to 10% by weight of the composition of one or more extenders or plasticisers but in particular the composition contains a precipitated calcium carbonate filler in an amount of from 50 to 70 weight % of the total composition. |
| US09428631B2 |
Iron-based accelerator for curing resins
Accelerator solution suitable for forming a redox system with peroxides, comprising (i) an iron compound selected from iron carboxylates, iron 1,3-dioxo complexes, and iron dicylcopentadienyl complexes, (ii) a compound of a second transition metal; the weight ratio of iron:second transition metal being in the range 3:1 to 200:1, with the proviso that the accelerator solution is essentially free of ascorbic acid. |
| US09428627B2 |
Manufacture of dihydroxy aromatic compounds by alcoholysis of flame retardant-containing polycarbonate compositions
The disclosure provides a method for recovering a dihydroxy aromatic compound and a dialkyl carbonate from a polycarbonate-containing composition comprising a polycarbonate and a phosphorus-containing flame retardant. The method comprises heating the composition in the presence of an alcohol and a transesterification catalyst having non-neutralizable groups at a temperature of 70° C. to 200° C. and a pressure of 50 mbar to 40 bar for a time sufficient to depolymerize the polycarbonate producing a dihydroxy aromatic compound and a dialkyl carbonate. |
| US09428625B2 |
Transparent conductive film, method for production thereof and touch panel therewith
There is provided a transparent conductive film having a transparent conductor layer with a high level of pen input durability and high-temperature, high-humidity reliability. The transparent conductive film of the present invention is a transparent conductive film, comprising: a transparent film substrate; a transparent conductor layer that is provided on one side of the transparent film substrate and has a thickness d of 15 nm to 35 nm and an average surface roughness Ra of 0.37 nm to 1 nm; and at least a single layer of an undercoat layer interposed between the transparent film substrate and the transparent conductor layer. |
| US09428624B2 |
Method for manufacturing a wide film, and wide film
A method for manufacturing a wide film comprises a casting operation, a stretching operation, and a trimming operation. The casting operation is a process of casting a film using a wide casting belt including a central belt, a left belt having a right end formed integrally with a left end of the central belt through a left joint in a length direction of the central belt, and a right belt having a left end formed integrally with a right end of the central belt through a right joint in the length direction of the central belt. The stretching operation is a process of stretching a film stripped off from the wide casting belt using a tenter. The trimming operation is a process of trimming predetermined parts of left and right sides of the stretched film. In the trimming operation, mark parts by the left and right joints are also trimmed. |
| US09428617B2 |
α,ω-functionalized polyoxyalkylene-siloxane polymers and copolymers made therefrom
An α,ω-functionalized polyoxyalkylene-siloxane polymer having the general structural Formula (I): provides improved hydrophilicity and hemocompatibility. The α,ω-functionalized polyoxyalkylene-siloxane polymer may be used to make various polycarbonate/α,ω-functionalized polyoxyalkylene-siloxane copolymers and polymer blends, as well as articles including such copolymers and blends. |
| US09428615B2 |
Silicone composition which can be crosslinked into elastomers and which comprises crosslinkable polyglycol ethers
Silicone elastomers exhibiting high breakdown voltage and improved static decay characteristics are prepared from a crosslinkable silicone composition containing an ethylenically unsaturated polyoxyalkylene polyether which becomes chemically bonded into the elastomer during cure. |
| US09428613B2 |
Process for producing polyamide that is stable during processing
Process for producing polyamides that are stable during processing, by treating the polyamide during the solid-phase postcondensation process with a gas which comprises carrier gas (inert gas), water, and acid, or an anhydride or lactone or a mixture of these or, respectively, comprises ammonia, or amine, or a mixture of these, at a temperature from 130 to 200° C. and at a pressure of from 0.01 to 10 bar. |
| US09428607B2 |
Polylactic acid-polyalkylene glycol copolymer with fast crystallization rate and composition comprising the same
The provided are a polylactic acid-polyalkylene glycol copolymer and a composition comprising the same which have excellent crystallization rate, wherein the polylactic acid-polyalkylene glycol copolymer is prepared by melt-reacting polylactic acid with polyalkylene glycol of which one end group is substituted with a functional group and has improved eco-friendliness, injection moldability, and excellent heat resistance which makes it to be suitably applied to various molded articles requiring great heat resistance, such as disposables, kitchen utensils and containers, electric-electronic parts and automobile parts. |
| US09428598B2 |
Amorphous propylene-ethylene copolymers
Amorphous propylene-ethylene copolymers are described herein that can include high amounts of ethylene and exhibit desirable softening points and needle penetrations. The desirable combinations of softening points and needle penetrations in these propylene-ethylene copolymers allow them to have a broad operating window. Due their broad operating window, the propylene-ethylene copolymers can be utilized in a wide array of applications and products, including hot melt adhesives. |
| US09428595B2 |
Ethylene-based polymers and processes to make the same
The invention provides a process to form an ethylene-based polymer, said process comprising polymerizing ethylene in the presence of at least one free-radical agent, and in the presence of a “metal alkyl-containing compound” selected from the group consisting of the following: i) at least one “Group II metal alkyl-containing compound,” ii) at least one “Group III metal alkyl-containing compound,” or iii) a combination of i) and ii). The invention also provides a composition comprising at least one ethylene-based polymer, prepared from a free-radical polymerization, and wherein the ethylene-based polymer has the following property: y>0.28567x−0.00032, wherein y=vinyl/1000C, as determined by 1H NMR, and x=mol % polymerized α-olefin, as determined by 13C NMR. |