| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09436471B2 |
Efficient recording and replaying of non-deterministic instructions in a virtual machine and CPU therefor
The output of a non-deterministic instruction is handled during record and replay in a virtual machine. An output of a non-deterministic instruction is stored to a buffer during record mode and retrieved from a buffer during replay mode without exiting to the hypervisor. At least part of the contents of the buffer can be stored to a log when the buffer is full during record mode, and the buffer can be replenished from a log when the buffer is empty during replay mode. |
| US09436459B2 |
Generating cross-mapping of vendor software in a cloud computing environment
A compatibility service can determine the compatibility of different software programs provide by different vendors in a cloud. The compatibility service can identify the software programs provided by different vendors in the cloud and which of the identified software programs are compatible. The compatibility service can generate and store a record of the compatible software programs and provide identification, tracking, and mapping services based on the record. |
| US09436457B2 |
Generating and applying patches to computer program code concurrently with its execution
A method and data processing system are disclosed for concurrently loading a plurality of new modules while code of a plurality of modules of an original (i.e., currently running) computer program is loaded and executed on a computer system. The method may include allocating a module thread local storage (TLS) block for each thread within an initial computer program, wherein the allocated module TLS blocks are large enough to hold all module thread variables that are loaded or to be loaded. The method further may include providing constant offsets between module TLS block pointers corresponding to the module TLS blocks and the module thread variables for all of the threads. The disclosed method may be used to add modules to the original computer program and/or to apply a concurrent patch by replacing one or more of the plurality of original computer program modules. |
| US09436454B1 |
Scalable systems and methods for providing ordered update delivery
Scalable systems and methods for delivering ordered data updates from a plurality of data sources are provided. A described method includes receiving, a data update from a data source and assigning a global sequence identifier and a previous global sequence identifier to the data update. The global sequence identifier indicates a position of the data update in a sequence of data updates received from a plurality of data sources. The previous global sequence identifier is a global sequence identifier assigned to a preceding data update received from the same data source. The method further includes determining whether the preceding data update from the same data source has been delivered by comparing the previous global sequence identifier with a low water mark. The low water mark is an upper bound on a range of global sequence identifiers associated with data updates that have been delivered. |
| US09436453B2 |
Method and system for initializing optional components after self-booting of a customized product
There is provided a product that includes (i) a component, (ii) a storage device that holds a configuration code that indicates that the component is installed in the product, (iii) a processor, and (iv) a memory that contains instructions that are readable by the processor and that control the processor to (a) read the configuration code from the storage device, (b) determine from the configuration code that the component is installed in the product, thus yielding a determination, and (c) execute an operation in response to the determination. |
| US09436446B1 |
System for automating calculation of a comprehensibility score for a software program
A method, a computer program product, and a computer system for automating calculation of a comprehensibility score for a software program. An analytics engine on a computer matches tokens of the software program with a language dictionary, a domain specific vocabulary, and a language grammar. The analytics engine determines a comprehensibility score for the software program, based on matching tokens. The analytics engine provides the comprehensibility score to a reviewer evaluating the software program. |
| US09436444B2 |
Method and system to determine component deprecation
A method and system of marking the deprecation status of components, such as services, processes, operations, and data types that may be used in a computing application, and displaying this status to developers within the computing application is provided. Components may be marked as deprecated, or they may include information reflecting a sunset policy, which consists of either a specific date or an upcoming version number of the application or programming language the computing application supports. The sunset policy determines when a component has reached its end of life and is either no longer supported or will be removed from the underlying product. Using this deprecation status information, the computing application may be configured to dynamically notify developers of when components will be deprecated. The computing application may further be configured to provide automated migration support by recommending alternative components and assisting in their configurations. |
| US09436443B2 |
Software defined network controller
Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for providing and using a software defined network controller. A software defined network controller can be provided by a computing system that includes a processor. A service model that represents a service can be obtained. A network model that represents network resources that support the service can be obtained. Resources that support the service can be determined. Templates can be accessed to identify templates that relate to the resources. The templates identified can be assembled to obtain a template-based representation of the service. The template-based representation can be executed to determine if the service is ready for deployment. |
| US09436441B1 |
Systems and methods for hardware resource sharing
A system and method optimizes hardware description generated from a graphical program or model having oversampling constraints automatically. The system may include a streaming optimizer, a resource sharing optimizer, a delay balancing engine, and a global scheduler. The streaming optimizer may transform vector data paths to scalar or smaller-sized vector data paths. The resource sharing optimizer may replace multiple, functionally equivalent blocks with a single shared block. The delay balancing may insert one or more elements to correct for data path misalignment. The global scheduler may place portions of the program or model into conditional execution sections and create control logic that controls the model sample times or steps that the portions are enabled. A validation model, a report, or hardware description code that utilizes fewer hardware resources may be generated from a modified version of the model that is created. |
| US09436435B2 |
Apparatus and method for vector instructions for large integer arithmetic
An apparatus is described that includes a semiconductor chip having an instruction execution pipeline having one or more execution units with respective logic circuitry to: a) execute a first instruction that multiplies a first input operand and a second input operand and presents a lower portion of the result, where, the first and second input operands are respective elements of first and second input vectors; b) execute a second instruction that multiplies a first input operand and a second input operand and presents an upper portion of the result, where, the first and second input operands are respective elements of first and second input vectors; and, c) execute an add instruction where a carry term of the add instruction's adding is recorded in a mask register. |
| US09436433B2 |
Method, apparatus and instructions for parallel data conversions
Method, apparatus, and program means for performing a conversion. In one embodiment, a disclosed apparatus includes a destination storage location corresponding to a first architectural register. A functional unit operates responsive to a control signal, to convert a first packed first format value selected from a set of packed first format values into a plurality of second format values. Each of the first format values has a plurality of sub elements having a first number of bits. The second format values have a greater number of bits. The functional unit stores the plurality of second format values into an architectural register. |
| US09436431B2 |
Anonymously tailoring environments to the preferences of physically proximate users
Systems and methods may detect a proximity of one or more client devices to a venue that provides ambient music and generate an anonymous playlist based on preference data associated with the one or more client devices. Additionally, the anonymous playlist may be sent to the venue. In one example, one or more additional venue suggestions are sent to at least one of the one or more client devices based on the preference data and one or more playlists associated with the one or more additional venues. |
| US09436428B2 |
Methods, apparatus, and system for mobile piggybacking
Methods, systems, and apparatus for providing assistance to a user of a mobile application are described. A request for assistance from the user is detected and a request is issued to a remote device for establishment of a remote assistance session. Information describing a state of the mobile device is periodically transmitted to the remote device and one or more commands may be received from the remote device. The commands may be executed on the mobile device. |
| US09436427B2 |
Augmented reality system and method for on-site construction process
The present invention relates to an augmented reality system for use in an on-site construction process. The augmented reality system includes a plurality of mobile devices, each of which is operable by an authorized user, includes a private information accessible to the authorized user and has a tangible touch-display screen for showing the private information; and a central processing station electrically connected with each of the plurality of mobile devices, including a public information accessible to all of the authorized users and having a tangible touch-display interface for showing the public information, wherein when the private information included in one of the plurality of mobile devices and accessible to the authorized user is transmitted to the central processing station, it is regarded as the public information and accessible to all of the authorized users. |
| US09436426B2 |
Computer-readable storage medium, information processing apparatus, information processing system and information processing method
A game system has at least two modes of operation, that is, a monitor game mode and a terminal device game mode. In the monitor game mode, a main game image is displayed on a monitor and a sub game image is displayed on an LCD of a terminal device. In the terminal device game mode, the main game image is displayed on the LCD of the terminal device. The mode of operation can be switched in accordance with a mode switching instruction from a user. |
| US09436425B2 |
Claiming real estate in panoramic or 3D mapping environments for advertising
Techniques for identifying groups of features in an online geographic view of a real property and replacing and/or augmenting the groups of features with advertisement information are described. The techniques include providing a geographic view of a property within an online property management system, identifying a region of interest in the geographic view, analyzing the geographic view to locate one or more promotional features within the geographic view positioned upon a real property region, providing a user-selectable link associated with the region of interest in the geographic view, receiving a request for the region of interest in the geographic view via the user-selectable link, receiving data to alter at least one of the behavior or the appearance of the region of interest, storing the data in association with the geographic view, and updating the region of interest within the geographic view based upon the received data. |
| US09436423B2 |
Cloud printing system permits unauthorized user to use MFP without exceeding constraints set for correlated quest account
A cloud server includes a constraint setting portion configured to set at least one authorized account with which login operation is allowed and with which use of the information device is allowed, and to set constraints in use of the information device for each authorized account; and a use restriction portion configured to permit a user who has performed login operation with the authorized account to use the information device without exceeding constraints set for the authorized account. |
| US09436419B2 |
Selectively printing portions of a web page based on user selection
To reduce the workload involved in rearranging and printing a Web page in a desired layout, style sheets for realizing desired print layouts are saved in association with the URLs of Web pages, and when subsequently printing a Web page having the same domain name or a similar URL, a print layout to which a saved style sheet has been applied is presented as a candidate, and applied when printing the Web page. |
| US09436417B1 |
Printing system capable of printing in any one of plural image forming apparatuses over network, image forming apparatus, and printing method
In general, a printing system of an exemplary embodiment includes a client terminal connected via a network, and a plurality of image forming apparatuses each including an operating unit which receives an operation input of a user. A first image forming apparatus that receives a print file from the client terminal transmits metadata of the print file to a second image forming apparatus. The second image forming apparatus displays a list of print files which are on standby for printing based on the metadata, and obtains a print file from the first image forming apparatus when a print instruction and a selection of a desired print file from the list of print files are received through the operating unit, and performs printing based the print file. |
| US09436410B2 |
Replication of volumes on demands using absent allocation
A method, non-transitory computer readable medium and programmed apparatus that receives a request to replicate a volume from a source to a destination. The volume includes data and metadata including information descriptive of the data. The method includes determining a first set of blocks and a second set of blocks associated with the source, where the first set of blocks is associated with the metadata, and where the second set of blocks is associated with the data. The method includes initiating, based on the first set of blocks, replication of the volume from the source to the destination to generate a replicated volume at the destination. The replicated volume includes replicated metadata generated based on the replicated first set of blocks and includes absent allocated data corresponding to the data included in the volume storage at the source storage system. |
| US09436405B2 |
Complex partitioning of storage library resources
Systems and methods are described for logical partitioning of library resources (e.g., storage media resources and/or media drive resources in storage libraries) across a complex of multiple, physically distinct, but logically interconnected data storage libraries. For example, a user selects complex-wide resources to add to one or more library partitions via a graphical user interface displayed on a local console of one of the storage library systems. The partitions can be validated and converted into a partition definition. In some implementations, the partition definition is redundantly stored as a predefined short format in local storage of some or all the storage library systems in the complex. This can minimize the resources used to store the partition definition, provide redundancy for added configuration options and/or in case of certain failures, speed up processing of resource queries, and/or provide other features. |
| US09436402B1 |
Methods and apparatus for pattern matching
Methods and apparatus for pattern matching are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, pattern checking is accomplished by reading a page of memory, and comparing the read page with the pattern to be searched in a logic operation. In at least one other embodiment, a pattern to be searched is stored in registers where each bit of the pattern is stored using two register entries and each bit of the array data is stored using two cells of the array. |
| US09436395B2 |
Mechanisms to save user/kernel copy for cross device communications
Central processing units (CPUs) in computing systems manage graphics processing units (GPUs), network processors, security co-processors, and other data heavy devices as buffered peripherals using device drivers. Unfortunately, as a result of large and latency-sensitive data transfers between CPUs and these external devices, and memory partitioned into kernel-access and user-access spaces, these schemes to manage peripherals may introduce latency and memory use inefficiencies. Proposed are schemes to reduce latency and redundant memory copies using virtual to physical page remapping while maintaining user/kernel level access abstractions. |
| US09436393B2 |
Secure redundant storage device and secure read/write method on such a device
Redundant storage devices in particular suitable for so-called SSD electronic disks. A data storage system is proposed based on a plurality of redundant physical storage disks in which the read/write commands intended to be sent to the redundant disks are subjected to a transfer function before being sent to at least one of the disks so that the actual commands sent to at least two disks are different. The values returned by the disks that received the commands that had undergone the transfer function are subjected to the inverse transfer function. Thus, a design error in the control module of the disks will be detected, since the control modules of the disks will not be called identically. |
| US09436392B1 |
Access-based eviction of blocks from solid state drive cache memory
Methods and systems are presented for allocating CPU cycles among processes in a storage system. One method includes operations for maintaining segments in a first memory, each segment including blocks, and for maintaining a block temperature for each block in a second memory. The first memory is a read-cache where one segment is written at a time, and each block is readable from the first memory without reading the corresponding complete segment. The block temperature is based on the frequency of access to the respective block, and a segment temperature is based on the block temperature of its blocks. Additionally, the segment with the lowest segment temperature is selected for eviction from the second memory, and blocks in the selected segment with a block temperature greater than a threshold temperature are identified. The selected segment is evicted, and a segment with the identified blocks is written to the first memory. |
| US09436389B2 |
Management of shared storage I/O resources
Automated management of shared I/O resources involves use of a policy engine for implementing I/O scheduling group I/O policies. The I/O policies are used for determining whether corresponding I/O requests should be issued to a shared storage system immediately or should be delayed via corresponding policy-based queues. In the context of database systems, a database administrator can specify policies regarding how I/O resources should be used and the database system itself enforces the policies, rather than requiring the database administrator enforce the I/O usage of the database and of the individual users. |
| US09436387B2 |
System and method for calibration of a memory interface
A system includes memory unit having one or more storage arrays, and a memory interface unit that may be coupled between a memory controller and the memory unit. The memory interface unit may include a timing unit that may generate timing signals for controlling read and write access to the memory unit, and a control unit that may calibrate the timing unit at predetermined intervals. However, in response to an occurrence of a given predetermined interval, the memory interface unit may be configured to calibrate the timing unit using a number of partial calibration segments. |
| US09436386B2 |
Shared reference counters among a plurality of virtual storage devices
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for implementing shared reference counters among a plurality of virtual storage devices. The method includes the steps of allocating a first portion of a real storage device to store data, wherein the first portion is divided into a plurality of blocks of memory and allocating a second portion of the real storage device to store a plurality of reference counters that correspond to the plurality of blocks of memory. The reference counters may be updated by two or more virtual storage devices hosted in one or more nodes to manage the allocation of the blocks of memory in the real storage device. |
| US09436385B2 |
Invocation control over keyboard user interface
A touch-based device provides invocation control over a keyboard user interface (UI). The device displays a keyboard UI overlaid on an application UI to allow a user to interact with the application UI. A dismissal UI is displayed adjacent to the keyboard UI to allow the user to dismiss the keyboard UI. The keyboard UI is dismissed in response to detecting a user action on the dismissal UI. The device presents a lock UI and an invocation UI adjacent to the lock UI. In response to detecting another user action on the lock UI, the user is prevented from invoking the keyboard UI. |
| US09436378B2 |
Terminal and method of controlling the same
A mobile terminal including a wireless communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate with at least one other terminal, a touch screen, and a controller configured to display a first group of touch-available icons in response to a first touch-drag in a first direction on the touch screen, in response to a selection of a specific touch-available icon included in the first group of touch-available icons, execute a function corresponding to the specific touch-available icon, and display a second group of touch-available icons in response to a second touch-drag in a second direction on the touch screen, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the second group of touch-available icons correspond to terminal setting relevant icons, and wherein the second group of touch-available icons disappear in response to a third touch-drag in a third direction opposite to the second direction. |
| US09436376B2 |
Load required to cancel an input on a touch sensor is adjusted when the slide of a touch object is detected
An electronic device for receiving an input based on a pressure load that reduces a risk of ending a drag operation despite a user's intention is provided.The electronic device includes a touch sensor configured to detect a touch by a touch object, a load detection unit configured to detect a pressure load on a touch face of the touch sensor, and a control unit configured to enter or cancel an input receiving state for receiving an input based on the pressure load detected by the load detection unit. The control unit, in the input receiving state, controls to make a standard load for canceling the input receiving state when a slide of the touch object touching the touch face is detected and a standard load for canceling the input receiving state when the slide of the touch object touching the touch face is not detected different from each other. |
| US09436373B2 |
Method, apparatus, and computer program for scrolling a document on a touch panel
In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes displaying a segment on a touch panel, the segment having a starting point and an end point corresponding to a first page and a last page, respectively, of a document, in response to a predetermined manipulation by a user. An indication is received that the user has performed at least one of touching a point on the segment and sliding a point on the segment. The document is scrolled to reach a page corresponding to the position of the point on the segment, in response to the indication. The document is scrolled, by a computer processor, on a page-by-page basis, in response to the user sliding the point in a direction perpendicular to the segment. |
| US09436371B2 |
Mobile application management systems and methods
An exemplary mobile application management system detects a first user input provided by a user while a first user interface associated with a first feature of a mobile application is displayed within an application display area of a display screen of a mobile computing device executing the mobile application. The first user input represents a request to transform the first user interface into a minimized widget associated with the first feature of the mobile application. The mobile application management system directs, in response to the first user input, the mobile computing device to concurrently display, in place of the first user interface, the minimized widget within a first region of the application display area and a second user interface associated with one or more additional features of the mobile application within a second region of the application display area. |
| US09436362B2 |
OData service provisioning on top of GenIL layer
The disclosure generally describes computer-implemented methods, software, and systems for allowing provisioning of open data protocol (OData) services on top of a generic interaction layer (GenIL). One computer-implemented method includes receiving an OData-compliant request for data, determining a GenIL data provider to receive the OData-compliant request for data, determining the memory location of the data, requesting the data from the determined memory location, receiving the requested data from the determined memory location, converting, using at least one computer, the received data into an OData-compliant format, rendering an OData-compliant response, and transmitting the OData-compliant response. |
| US09436360B2 |
Capturing and sharing visual content via an application
Systems and method for capturing content for sharing are disclosed. In some aspects, a content capturing application is instantiated on a first computing device. A visual output providing application is instantiated for execution within the content capturing application. The visual output providing application does not execute independently of the content capturing application. The visual output providing application is configured to display an image. The image displayed by the visual output providing application is provided for presentation via the first computing device. At least a portion of the image displayed by the visual output providing application is captured via operation of the content capturing application. The captured at least the portion of the image displayed by the visual output providing application is transmitted via a network to a second computing device. |
| US09436359B2 |
Methods and systems for enhancing television applications using 3D pointing
Systems and methods according to the present invention provide a control framework for organizing, selecting and launching media items including graphical user interfaces coupled with an optional 3D control device for collection of the basic control primitives of point, click, scroll, hover and zoom which permit for easy and rapid selection of media items, e.g., movies, songs etc., from large or small collections. The remote control maps natural hand movements and gestures into relevant commands while the graphical display uses images, zooming for increased/decreased levels of detail and continuity of GUI objects to provide easy organization, selection and navigation among the media items by a user. |
| US09436358B2 |
Systems and methods for editing three-dimensional video
Various embodiments are disclosed for editing a video sequence. One embodiment, among others, is a method for editing a video in a video editing system. The method comprises obtaining a video sequence and identifying objects in the video sequence with corresponding depth information, displaying the video sequence in a display panel in a user interface, and facilitating insertion of an object into the video sequence by displaying in the user interface, a timeline and a control panel including a graphical representation for each of the identified objects with corresponding depth information. The graphical representations are arranged relative to the timeline and based on the corresponding depth information. The method further comprises obtaining input from a user positioning the object into the video sequence relative to the identified objects with corresponding depth information. |
| US09436357B2 |
System and method for creating and viewing comic book electronic publications
A system and method for enhancing electronic comic book reading by dynamically expanding text bubbles (“bubbles”) to make them easier to read, especially on a small mobile device. The methods include skimming a sequence of expanded bubbles, flinging through a sequence of expanded bubbles and positioning expanded bubbles so as not to hide the comic character(s) uttering the phrase. The methods are performed with irregular bubble outlines (like curly, bumpy, or jagged text bubbles commonly found in comics). Further the method includes pre-processing the content in an automated fashion to enable skimming and flinging through the sequences of expanded bubbles. |
| US09436355B2 |
Method and device for composing a menu
Multimedia content of exchangeable storage media, such as optical discs, may be extended by bonus content that is downloaded via Internet connection and stored on a local storage device. An improved method for integration of different menu items relating to on-disc content and downloaded content provides flexibility and a simple, low cost solution. The method for integration of downloaded bonus content into a menu comprises defining one or more placeholders within a menu, determining a storage location or naming convention for bonus content, declaring for each placeholder an attribute providing a unique association to a specific type of bonus content, providing a button image, detecting presence of bonus content data, replacing the associated placeholder by the associated button image and enabling an associated action to be taken when said button is selected. |
| US09436351B2 |
System and method for user modification of metadata in a shell browser
A system and method for user modification of metadata in a shell browser. A group of items and associated metadata values are displayed in a window of the shell browser. An edit control permits user modification of metadata values displayed in the window. The user can modify metadata associated with a welcome pane, a selected item, or multiple selected items. A data structure stored on one or more computer-readable media contains metadata associated with items displayed in a shell browser, including user modifiable metadata which is also displayed in the shell browser. |
| US09436341B2 |
Haptic feedback devices
A haptic feedback device (20, 20′, 20″) comprises a stationary frame (40); a carrier (42) configured for at least one degree of motion relative to the stationary frame; a user interface (44) mounted on the carrier and configured to receive a human impulse; a set (46) of pole pieces; and, a suspension system (48). The haptic actuator (46) comprises a first pole piece (80) mounted to the stationary frame (40); a second pole piece (82) mounted to the carrier (42); and, an electromagnetic coil (84) carried by one of the first pole piece and the second pole piece. The first pole piece and the second pole piece are separately mounted to define an air gap (90) therebetween in a first direction when the electromagnetic coil is not energized, the first direction corresponding to the at least one degree of motion. The suspension system (48) is mechanically separated from both the first pole piece (80) and the second pole piece (92). |
| US09436337B2 |
Switched capacitance techniques for input sensing
Examples of the present disclosure generally relate to a switched capacitance technique for input sensing with an input device. A processing system includes an operational amplifier having a non-inverting input, an inverting input, and an output. The processing system further includes a first capacitor coupled between the output and the inverting input to form a feedback path, and a second capacitor. The processing system further includes a first switch coupled to the second capacitor. The first switch has a first state and a second state, where the first state couples the second capacitor to the first capacitor, and the second state couples the second capacitor to a measurement circuit. The processing system further includes a determination module coupled to the measurement circuit and configured to determine a capacitance measurement at the inverting input based on an amount of charge received by the second capacitor. |
| US09436334B2 |
Touch panel substrate with floating electrode pattern
Provided is an in-cell touch panel having improved display quality. An opposite substrate relating to one embodiment of the present invention is provided with a black matrix, first electrodes, which are disposed in the Y direction, and second electrodes, which are disposed in the X direction. The first electrodes and the second electrodes are formed such that the boundaries therebetween are positioned in regions that coincide with the black matrix in a planar view. |
| US09436327B2 |
Embedded capacitive touch display panel and embedded capacitive touch display device
An embedded capacitive touch display panel is disclosed. The display panel includes a first transparent substrate, and a grid-shaped metal conductive layer formed on the first transparent substrate. The grid-shaped metal conductive layer includes first metal electrodes extending in a first direction, and second metal electrodes extending in a direction intersecting the first direction. Each of the second metal electrodes is divided into multiple sections by openings, through which the first metal electrodes extend. In addition, the first and second metal electrodes are separated from each other by gaps. The display panel also includes a color filter layer, including a plurality of red, green, and blue color resist units, and a green color resist bar. The gaps include a first gap part, parallel to the green color resist bar, where the first gap part is not overlapped by the green color resist bar. |
| US09436324B2 |
Electronic device including touch-sensitive display and method of detecting touches
A touch-sensitive display includes first electrodes and second electrodes coupled to a first controller to detect touches by self-capacitance touch sensing. The touch-sensitive display also includes third electrodes coupled to a second controller to detect touches by mutual-capacitance touch sensing utilizing the third electrodes and the second electrodes. The first electrodes are different from the third electrodes. |
| US09436317B2 |
Touch sensor and touch sensitive display including the same
A touch sensor includes a touch panel, a driver for supplying a driving signal to each of driving lines of the touch panel, and a sensor electrically connected to sensing lines of the touch panel, for detecting capacitance of a node capacitor of the touch panel, wherein the sensor includes a first amplifier including a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal, the first input terminal being connected to the corresponding sensing line, a feedback capacitor connected between the output terminal and the first input terminal of the first amplifier, and an inverting amplifier for invert-amplifying an output signal of the output terminal of the first amplifier and supplying the invert-amplified output signal to the second input terminal of the first amplifier. |
| US09436313B1 |
Route stabilization scrolling mode
An approach for a route stabilization scrolling mode is provided. The approach displays a map window, wherein the map window includes a visible region of a map, the map including a plotted route originating at a source location and ending at a destination location. The approach receives one or more swipe gestures within the map window. The approach determines whether the one or more swipe gestures exceeds an escape velocity threshold. Responsive to a determination that the one or more swipe gestures exceeds the level of intensity to progress the map window into an area of the map away from the plotted route, the approach generates one or more custom pegs, wherein the one or more custom pegs is a compressed snapshot of a last position on the plotted route prior to exceeding the escape velocity threshold. |
| US09436310B2 |
Touch display and driving method thereof
A touch display includes a plurality of pixels, a plurality of scan lines, a plurality of data lines, a plurality of first conducting layers, and a plurality of third conducting layers. The plurality of scan lines are coupled to the plurality of pixels. The plurality of data lines are coupled to the plurality of pixels and the plurality of first conducting layers to provide a touch driving signal. Each first conducting layer of the plurality of first conducting layers is configured to receive the touch driving signal. The plurality of third conducting layers is configured to output a touch sensing signal according to the touch driving signals outputted by the plurality of first conducting layers. |
| US09436307B2 |
Modulated back plate for capacitive sensing
Embodiments described herein include an input device comprising a display device having an integrated capacitive sensing device, a processing system, and a method for detecting presence of an input object. In each of these embodiments, a modulation source provides modulation signals between a back plate and a system ground of the input device. Other embodiments include a display device having a capacitive sensing device, a processing system and a method for detecting presence of an input object using a capacitive sensing device, wherein the capacitive sensing device includes a matrix of discrete sensor electrodes. |
| US09436306B2 |
Portable terminal device and program
The present invention is to enable a portable telephone capable of switching to a power conservation state so as to reduce power consumption by limiting the supply of power, in which the limit on the supply of power can be partially removed immediately before the portable telephone is used, without the necessity of cancelling the power conservation mode through a mechanical button operation to restore the normal power state. In the case while the supply of power to a predetermined peripheral device (touch panel) is being limited by a power conservation mode, an acceleration sensor detects vibrations applied to the portable telephone as a first state and a brightness sensor detects the ambient brightness of the portable telephone as a second state, a CPU removes the limit on the supply of power to the predetermined peripheral device on the basis of the first state and the second state. |
| US09436305B2 |
Touch display apparatus
A touch display apparatus comprises a display panel and a touch panel. The display panel includes a first substrate and a second substrate disposed oppositely. The first substrate has a first side, the second substrate has a second side corresponding to the first side, and the first side is disposed beyond the second side. The touch panel includes a touch substrate. The second substrate is disposed between the touch substrate and the first substrate, and the area of the touch substrate is less than or equal to that of the second substrate. |
| US09436304B1 |
Computer with unified touch surface for input
In one general aspect, a method can include receiving a plurality of indicators of interactions of a user with a plurality of locations of a touch-sensitive surface of an input area included in a base portion of a computing device. The method further includes receiving a plurality of indicators of pressure associated with at least a portion of the plurality of interactions, selecting a first interaction profile based on a first portion of the plurality of indicators of interactions and based on a first portion of the plurality of indicators of pressure, associating a first input mode with the first portion of the plurality of indicators of interactions based on the first interaction profile. The method still further includes associating a second input mode with a second portion of the plurality of indicators of interactions based on a second interaction profile different from the first interaction profile. |
| US09436299B2 |
Inner-sensor based pointing device
An inner-sensor based pointing device is presented. The pointing device includes a central housing having an aperture and a sleeve disposed surrounding a portion of the central housing, the sleeves rotatable about the portion of the central housing and slidable along a generally horizontal axis about the portion of the central housing. The pointing device further includes a sensor disposed in the central housing and aligned with the aperture, the sleeve positioned surrounding the sensor, wherein the sensor is capable of detecting rotational movement of the sleeve relative to the central housing and wherein the sensor is capable of detecting axial movement of the sleeve relative to the central housing. Additionally, the pointing device has a circuit in communication with the sensor, the circuit disposed within the central housing, the circuit capable of transmitting data to a computer regarding the movement of the sleeve. |
| US09436296B2 |
Color control
The description relates to color information. One example can include a computing device having a display and a digital stylus configured to capture colors from an operating environment. The digital stylus can be configured to wirelessly communicate data relating to an individual color from the operating environment to the computing device. The computing device can be configured to identify a context of the communicated individual color and to control the computing device based upon the individual color and the context. |
| US09436295B2 |
Alternate dynamic keyboard for convertible tablet computers
Systems and methods may provide for detecting an event on a computing device having an embedded keyboard with a default mapping of keys to functions and disabling a first subset of keys on the embedded keyboard in response to the event. Additionally, a second subset of keys on the embedded keyboard may be re-mapped to one or more different functions if an application running on the computing device supports keyboard re-mapping. In one example, re-mapping the second subset of keys includes grouping two or more keys in the second subset into a common function. |
| US09436291B2 |
Method, system and computer program product for operating a keyboard
In response to a user selecting a key on a keyboard in a first manner, a first alphanumeric character is displayed on a display device. In response to the user selecting the key on the keyboard in a second manner, a virtual key of a diacritic is displayed on the display device. In response to the user selecting the virtual key of the diacritic on the display device, the diacritic is displayed at a location of a second alphanumeric character on the display device. |
| US09436288B2 |
Cursor mode switching
Methods and systems for processing input from an image-capture device for gesture-recognition. The method further includes computationally interpreting user gestures in accordance with a first mode of operation; analyzing the path of movement of an object to determine an intent of a user to change modes of operation; and, upon determining an intent of the user to change modes of operation, subsequently interpreting user gestures in accordance with the second mode of operation. |
| US09436286B2 |
Method and apparatus for tracking orientation of a user
An apparatus for data processing, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure, includes a processing system configured to communicate with at least one of a plurality of reference nodes worn on body parts to obtain body positioning data relating to relative position between the body parts, and provide body tracking based on the body positioning data. The body positioning data relates to ranging and/or angular position between each of the reference nodes and a reference plane defined by one or more of the reference nodes. |
| US09436280B2 |
Simulation of three-dimensional touch sensation using haptics
An apparatus includes a processing system, a display, and a plurality of haptic actuators. The display and the haptic actuators are coupled to the processing system. The processing system is configured to control the haptic actuators to simulate movement in a particular direction corresponding to movement in the particular direction in a visual depiction in the display. |
| US09436275B2 |
Transmissive display apparatus and operation input method
A transmissive display apparatus includes an operation section that detects an operational input issued through an operation surface, an image output section for the left eye and an image output section for the right eye that output predetermined image light, an image pickup section that visually presents the predetermined image light in an image pickup area that transmits externally incident light, a sensor that outputs a signal according to a positional relationship between the operation surface and the image pickup area, and a determination section that detects overlap between an optical image of the operation surface that has passed through the image pickup area and the predetermined image in the image pickup area based on the signal according to the positional relationship and receives the operational input when the optical image of the operation surface overlaps with the predetermined image. |
| US09436272B2 |
Providing indirect data addressing in an input/output processing system where the indirect data address list is non-contiguous
A computer program product for processing input/output (I/O) data is provided for performing a method, which includes receiving a control word having an indirect data address including a starting location of a list of storage addresses, gathering the data and transmitting gathered data to a control unit in the I/O processing system. Gathering includes accessing an entry of the list, the entry located at an entry storage location and including an address. Based on the entry of the list indicating that the address is a data address, data is gathered from a data storage location, and a next entry of the list is accessed. Based on the entry of the list indicating that the address is an address of a next entry of the list, the next entry of the list is obtained from another storage location that is located non-contiguously to the entry storage location. |
| US09436268B2 |
System power control using a power supply to provide voltage to subsystems in which a subsystem determines its operating state based on the voltage received by the subsystem
A power control unit 16 controls the power consumed by a system 10 having a plurality of electrical power consumption states including an active state and at least one power saving state. The system comprises a plurality of subsystems 12 each having a plurality of subsystem power states including an active state and at least one power saving state. The electrical power consumption states of the system correspond to respective different configurations of subsystem power states of the subsystems and the power control unit is arranged for signal interface with the subsystems and a power supply unit 14 of the system for controlling the subsystem power states of each of the subsystems and the power supplied to each of the subsystems by the power supply unit dependent on the required power consumption state of the system. |
| US09436265B2 |
Information processing apparatus and load control method
An information processing apparatus includes a processor that is capable of switching a performance level to one of a plurality of performance levels with different power consumption, and a storage unit that stores a program for controlling the performance level of the processor. The processor executing the program detects the periodicity of load variation of the information processing apparatus, and changes, according to the periodicity of the load variation, a determination interval for determining whether to switch the performance level of the processor. |
| US09436264B2 |
Saving power when in or transitioning to a static mode of a processor
A method for reducing power utilized by a processor including the steps of determining that a processor is transitioning from a computing mode to a mode is which system clock to the processor is disabled, and reducing core voltage to the processor to a value sufficient to maintain state during the mode in which system clock is disabled. |
| US09436261B2 |
Battery management system, and method of managing the same
A battery management system includes a plurality of slave controllers, each slave controller of the plurality of slave controllers being coupled to a respective battery module, each of the slave controllers having a slave controller identifier, the respective slave controller identifiers being allocated by a slave controller identifier allocation operation performed by the plurality of slave controllers, and a master controller, the master controller being coupled to each of the slave controllers, the master controller receiving the slave controller identifiers from the slave controllers. |
| US09436257B2 |
Power supply engagement and method therefor
A system includes power supply units (PSUs) to supply power to components. For each PSU, a power conversion efficiency profile is determined. A maximum amount of power consumed during operation of the components is determined. A minimum number of PSUs capable of providing the maximum amount of power is determined. A first amount of power consumed at inputs of the minimum number of PSUs is calculated based on the maximum amount of power and based on the determined power conversion efficiency profile of each of the PSUs. A first number of PSUs to engage is determined, the first number greater than the minimum number of PSUs, wherein a total amount of power consumed at inputs of the first number of PSUs during operation of the system is less than the first amount of power, the determining based on the power conversion efficiency profile of each PSU. |
| US09436255B2 |
DC-powered system side control of AC-DC adapter primary side switching circuitry
Systems and methods are provided for enabling control of adapter primary side switching circuitry of an AC-DC adapter by a DC-powered information handling system that is connected to the AC-DC adapter for receiving DC power from the AC-DC adapter. |
| US09436250B1 |
Apparatus for improving power consumption of communication circuitry and associated methods
An integrated circuit (IC) includes communication circuitry, a body bias generator, and a controller. The communication circuitry includes a physical medium attachment (PMA) and a physical coding sublayer (PCS). The body bias generator provides body bias signals to the PMA and PCS. The controller controls the body bias generator such that the body bias signals are controlled to improve a power consumption of the communication circuitry. |
| US09436246B2 |
Semiconductor apparatus and retaining voltage levels
A semiconductor apparatus includes a reference voltage generation unit configured to generate a reference voltage. The semiconductor apparatus also includes an internal voltage generation unit configured to generate an internal voltage which corresponds to a voltage level of the reference voltage. In addition, the semiconductor apparatus includes a noise generation unit configured to generate noise in the reference voltage according to noise of the internal voltage. |
| US09436239B1 |
Cooling device for electronic device
A cooling device for coupling to an electronic device that provides for cooling of the electronic device. The cooling device includes an inner side with a plurality of projections for coupling to a corresponding side or portion of the electronic device. The cooling device includes side walls extending about at least a portion of the back portion and from the inner side. The side walls include an inner surface for coupling to sides or portions of the electronic device. The side walls include a plurality of cooling apertures therethrough, and cooling channels recessed in the second inner surface extending from each cooling aperture to at least the back portion. When the cooling device is coupled with the electronic device, the plurality of projections, cooling channels, and portions of the electronic device proximate thereto form a plurality of cooling pathways that extend between the plurality of cooling apertures. |
| US09436233B2 |
Redundant power supply motherboard assembly
A redundant power supply motherboard assembly connects control segments of a fieldbus-type control system to a host computer. The assembly has a compact design with pairs of power supply modules mounted in nests on the motherboard. The nests securely hold the modules to prevent contact impairment due to vibrations, shocks and handling. |
| US09436232B2 |
Smart hot plug retaining mechanism
A computer system includes a removable computer module. The computer module includes a retaining mechanism securing the computer module within a computer system chassis of the computer system. The computer module further includes a retaining mechanism protection device preventing access to the retaining mechanism. To remove the computer module from the computer system chassis, a user must move the retaining mechanism protection device. Upon notification of movement of the retaining mechanism protection device, the CPU takes the appropriate operations to disable the functionality of the computer module and allow safe removal thereof without powering down the computer system. |
| US09436230B2 |
Dynamic moveable hinge
A hinge which may be used for example in portable electronic devices may raise the upper body of the device from the lower body in response to rotation of the upper body about the hinge. The need to include a half-pipe section on the upper surface of the lower body maybe avoided. Thus more internal space of the lower body may be used without having to accommodate for the hinge. In an exemplary embodiment, the hinge may include a cam surface. The cam surface may be configured to shift a longitudinal axis of the hinge on response to the rotation of the upper body. In some embodiments, the shift of the longitudinal axis may be away from the lower body allowing a rear edge of the upper body to move across a rear edge of an upper surface of the lower body. |
| US09436229B2 |
Foldable computing apparatus and method of erecting display unit
A foldable computing apparatus includes a display unit having a touch screen, a first body rotatably disposed in an end of the display unit, and a second body rotatably disposed in an end of the first body opposite to the display unit, the second body having a keyboard. The first body is rotated so that a rear surface of the display unit and a rear surface of the first body are close to each other, and then the second body is rotated with respect to the first body so as to support the display unit. |
| US09436224B2 |
Display device and method for sensing a bending of the device
The present invention relates to a display device including a panel which includes a plurality of electrodes which are arranged in parallel to each other, and a bending sensing unit that senses a bending of the panel by using a change in a capacitance between at least two electrodes among the plurality of electrodes. |
| US09436218B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device and methods are disclosed. The electronic device comprises a plurality of display screens, an operation module, and a control module. The operation module is operable to be operated by a user, and the control module is electrically coupled to the display screens and the operation module, and comprises an operation display module. The operation display module is operable to display an active application from among a plurality of applications running on a first display screen from among the display screens. The operation display module is further operable to display operable information related to the active application on a second display screen, when the operation module is operated by the user. |
| US09436217B2 |
Windows position control for phone applications
Methods and devices for selectively presenting a user interface for a phone application are provided. More particularly, a change in the display mode of a multiple screen device can be determined after the device is rotated. More particularly, a presentation of a user interface for a call log of a phone application can be retained after receiving a signal indicating the rotation of the device. However, based on the direction of the rotation, the call log detail window may be moved from a first screen to a second screen, the call log detail window is changed to a landscape orientation, and the call log detail window is expanded to cover the first and second screens. |
| US09436216B2 |
Information processing apparatus
There is provided an information processing apparatus including a case which is provided with an opening. Two or more functional units are allocated to the opening. |
| US09436210B1 |
Control—mechanism for selectively shorting clock grid by electrically connecting and disconnecting clock branches once per clock cycle
Systems, methods, and other embodiments are described that are associated with selective shorting of clock branches. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a selective shorting device connected between a first clock branch that conducts a slow clock signal having a first frequency and a second clock branch that conducts a fast clock signal having a second frequency that is an integer multiple of the first frequency. The selective shorting device is configured to electrically connect and disconnect the first clock branch and the second clock branch. The selective shorting control mechanism is configured to control the selective shorting device to electrically connect the clock branches during a controlling portion of the slow clock signal. |
| US09436209B2 |
Method and system for clock recovery with adaptive loop gain control
A method for phase recovery in a system that includes a clock recovery unit and an estimation unit. The clock recovery unit of the system has a first phase detector unit. The estimation unit has a second phase detector unit and it is configured to estimate a gain of the second phase detector unit. The estimation unit and the clock recovery unit are configured to operate in parallel. |
| US09436207B2 |
Operation device and electric mobility
There is provided an operation device provided with: an operation member displaceable by an operator; a two-dimensional support mechanism in which a pair of one-dimensional support mechanisms that individually displaceably supports the operation member 11 in mutually crossing two directions are connected in series; and a pair of potentiometers that individually biases the operation member 11 toward a neutral position of displacement by the respective one-dimensional support mechanisms, in which biasing forces that the pair of potentiometers applies to the operation member against displacement of the operation member are different from each other, and in which a command signal according to the displacement of the operation member of the respective one-dimensional support mechanisms is output. |
| US09436199B2 |
Controlling the setback and setback recovery of a power-consuming device
Systems and methods are provided for controlling a setback mode of a power-consuming device, and for controlling setback recovery of power-consuming devices, in order to make setback and setback recovery more dynamic based on current environmental parameters and previous observed operating parameters, in order to enable more efficient operation of power-consuming devices resulting in reduced energy costs and increased power efficiency. |
| US09436197B1 |
Adaptive opamp compensation
Aspects of the disclosure provide a circuit having an amplifier and a load current based control circuit. The amplifier is configured to detect a difference between a feedback voltage and a reference voltage, and control, based on the difference, a pass device to regulate an output voltage for supplying power to load devices. The feedback voltage is indicative of the regulated output voltage from the pass device. The load current based control circuit is configured to sense a load current output from the pass device to the load devices and generate a control signal to adjust a compensation capacitance based on the sensed load current to adjust a zero frequency of the circuit. |
| US09436196B2 |
Voltage regulator and method
A device includes a voltage buffer, a load compensation circuit, and a closed-loop current feedback circuit. The voltage buffer is configured to output an output voltage and an output current. The output current is the sum of a load current and a bias current. The load compensation circuit is configured to output the bias current at a variable level based on a variation in the load current. The closed-loop current feedback circuit is configured to feedback a voltage level based on the variation to the load compensation circuit. |
| US09436193B2 |
Electric system comprising a load driving apparatus by auto-recovery mode, and method of operating the apparatus
A driver for an electric load includes a power device having a control terminal and an output terminal for an output current, and a control module. The control module is configured to drive the power device in an auto-recovery mode by switching between activation and deactivation in the occurrence of an overcurrent condition, wherein the output current reaches a threshold current. The control module is also configured to evaluate a first time interval between a time wherein the overcurrent condition occurs, and a first time, and generate a limit signal when the time interval is equal to a time threshold. The power device is driven in a switching-off condition at least as a function of the limit signal. |
| US09436190B2 |
Sensor circuit for detecting the setting of an integrated circuit
Methods and apparatus selecting settings for circuits according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a measurement element connected to the circuit. The circuit may include a voltage source adapted to supply a voltage to the measurement element. The voltage may be substantially independent of the characteristics of the measurement element. The circuit may further include a measurement sensor responsive to a current in the measurement element. The measurement sensor may generate a control signal according to the current in the measurement element. |
| US09436189B2 |
Thermoregulator
An apparatus for regulating temperature is presented. The apparatus comprises: a shell comprising a first cavity and a second cavity; and an inner valve body and an outer valve body disposed in the shell between the first cavity and the second cavity, wherein the inner valve body is movable relative to the outer valve body, and the outer valve body is movable within the shell. Depending on the temperature inside the shell, the inner valve body and the outer valve body can substantially seal the first cavity from the second cavity. The inner valve body and the outer valve body can also provide, respectively, a first flow path and a second flow path between the cavities, depending on the temperature. |
| US09436186B2 |
Cleaning robot, home monitoring apparatus, and method for controlling the cleaning robot
A cleaning robot is provided. The cleaning robot includes a main body, a moving assembly to move the main body around a home, an imaging unit to obtain images around the main body, a controller to generate a map of the home using the obtained images, and a communication unit to transmit the generated map to a home monitoring apparatus. A procedure to match location and type information of electric devices to a two-Dimensional (2D) or three-Dimensional (3D) map of the home may be automated. As described above, the map of the home may be realistically generated by utilizing a map generated by the cleaning robot and inconvenience experienced by a user to manually register electric devices located in each room of the home may be solved by automatically registering the electric devices. |
| US09436182B2 |
Autonomous vehicles
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a vehicle for maneuvering a passenger to a destination autonomously. The vehicle includes one or more computing devices and a set of user input buttons for communicating requests to stop the vehicle and to initiate a trip to the destination with the one or more computing devices. The set of user input buttons consisting essentially of a dual-purpose button and an emergency stopping button different from the dual-purpose button configured to stop the vehicle. The dual-purpose button has a first purpose for communicating a request to initiate the trip to the destination and a second purpose for communicating a request to pull the vehicle over and stop the vehicle. The vehicle has no steering wheel and no user inputs for the steering, acceleration, and deceleration of the vehicle other than the set of user input buttons. |
| US09436178B2 |
Parameter adjustment support device having function for supporting parameter adjustment
A parameter adjustment support device configured to effectively adjust an acceleration/deceleration parameter of a drive axis, even when an operator thereof is inexperienced. The Support device includes: an actual acceleration/deceleration characteristic obtaining part which obtains an actual acceleration/deceleration characteristic curve relating to a velocity and an acceleration of the drive axis, from a numerical controller or an external storing device; a parameter setting part which sets or changes the parameter based on an external input; an acceleration/deceleration characteristic displaying part which generates a commanded acceleration/deceleration characteristic curve relating to the velocity and the acceleration of the drive axis based on the setup or updated parameter, and contrastively displays the obtained actual curve and the generated commanded curve; and a setting information outputting part which outputs the setup or updated parameter to the numerical controller. |
| US09436175B2 |
Method for controlling the movement of a component or machine element inhibited by friction
A method for controlling the movement of a component or machine element inhibited by friction, an adaptive pilot control being carried out, in which a variable pilot control value is applied to the manipulated variable to compensate for a friction influence, the change of the pilot control value being determined as a function of an actual value. |
| US09436174B2 |
Kalman filters in process control systems
A control technique that enables the use of received process variable values in a Kalman filter based control scheme without the need to change the control algorithm includes a controller, such as a PID controller, and a Kalman filter, coupled to receive feedback in the form of, for example, process variable measurement signals from a process. The Kalman filter is configured to produce an estimate of the process variable value from slow or intermittent process feedback signals while providing a new process variable estimate to the controller during each of the controller execution cycles to enable the controller to produce a control signal used to control the process. The Kalman filter is also configured to compensate the process variable estimate for process noise with non-zero mean value that may be present in the process. The Kalman filter may apply this compensation to both continuously and intermittently received process variable values. |
| US09436160B2 |
Character display mechanism for a timepiece
The character display mechanism for a timepiece includes a first indicator member disposed underneath a mask and arranged to rotate in steps about an axis, the first indicator member bearing a series of intertwined figures distributed over a circular track, the mask including a display area having a plurality of first openings, the figures being intended to appear successively through the first openings during the rotation of the first indicator member, and the first openings being disposed such that only one figure at a time appears in the display area. The first indicator member is pierced with second openings, said second openings being arranged to stop directly underneath one of said first openings during the step-by-step rotation of the first indicator member. The display mechanism includes a second indicator member at least partially superposed on the first indicator member in the display area. The second indicator member bears a pattern comprising segments. |
| US09436159B2 |
Apparatus and method for displaying holographic three-dimensional image
An apparatus for displaying a holographic three-dimensional (3D) image is provided. The apparatus includes: a holographic pattern generation unit; a spatial optical modulation device including a phase transition layer formed of a phase transition material, a phase of which is changed by a temperature. A holographic pattern generated by the holographic pattern generation unit is optically addressed on the spatial optical modulation device. The apparatus also includes a heat source for applying heat to the phase transition layer; a control unit for controlling the heat source according to holographic pattern information generated by the holographic pattern generation unit; and a reproduction light source for irradiating light for image reproduction onto the spatial optical modulation device. |
| US09436158B2 |
Volume holographic imaging system (VHIS) endoscope
Provided are modular volume holographic imaging system (VHIS) endoscopic systems, comprising: an endoscope attachment module having a microscope objective lens, a single or cascaded compensated relay system configured to preserve an optical wavefront for use with a single or multiplexed volume hologram to select wavefronts originating from different object depths, and a system aperture; and a handle module configured to be reversibly attachable for operative communication with the endoscope attachment module, and having a beam splitter; a relay having adjustable spacing for object space focus compensation, and a single or multiplexed volume hologram suitable in operation to select wavefronts originating from different object depths, and wherein the handle module is further configured for operative communication with an illumination source and imaging optics. Preferably, an illumination module and an imaging module are configured to be in operative, reversibly attachable communication with the handle module. Flexible tip endoscopic embodiments are provided. |
| US09436157B2 |
Image forming apparatus provided with process cartridge
An image forming apparatus includes a housing; a process cartridge; and a protective member. The process cartridge is detachably attached to the housing and includes a drum unit; and a developing unit. The drum unit includes a photosensitive member. The developing unit includes a developing roller; and a first wall. The developing roller defines a first axis extending in an axial direction and is configured to rotate about the first axix. The first wall has a first surface; and a second surface opposite thereto. The first surface extends in the axial direction and faces the developing roller. The protective member is detachably attached to the process cartridge and includes a spacer. The drum unit includes a second wall. The second wall has a third surface. The third surface extends in the axial direction and faces the second surface. The spacer is disposed between the second surface and the third surface. |
| US09436154B2 |
Sheet containing apparatus having a containing portion with lock mechanism and an image forming apparatus having a containing portion with lock mechanism
An image forming apparatus which includes: a containing portion configured to contain a sheet on which an image is to be formed; a pair of guide rails facing in an up-down direction, the guide rails guiding a slide movement of the containing portion; an engaging portion provided in the guide portion that is guided by the guide rails; a first stopper which abuts the engaging portion so as to regulate removal of the containing portion from an apparatus main body; and a second stopper, wherein the first stopper is movable in a sliding direction. |
| US09436150B2 |
Interlock mechanism in image forming apparatus and electrical device
An opening and closing portion is opened and closed. A switch is turned off when a voltage applied to a drive terminal is smaller than a first voltage and to be turned on when the voltage is greater than or equal to a second voltage. A drive unit generates a drive voltage. A first line applies the drive voltage to the switch. A second line is arranged such that at least a part thereof is near the first line. A voltage drop element provided on the first line drops a voltage applied from the second line through the first line to the drive terminal when the first line and the second line short-circuit in a state where the portion is open, to lower the voltage applied to the drive terminal to be smaller than the first voltage. |
| US09436149B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a speed reduction device including a first gear and a second gear meshing each other. A ratio between teeth of the first gear and teeth of the second gear is an integer. One of the first gear and the second gear has a large diameter, and the other has a small diameter. The entire gear or the teeth of the gear having the large diameter is formed of a material having a higher modulus of longitudinal elasticity than a modulus of longitudinal elasticity of the gear having the small diameter. |
| US09436146B2 |
Regulation device, image forming apparatus using the same, and a method thereof
An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus, in a case in which a toner on a transfer belt is checked through a sensing unit, is capable of preventing a rotation of a guide roller, which is configured to guide the transfer belt, by use of a regulation device, so that a check error occurring due to vibration of the guide roller is reduced. Thus, the toner on the transfer belt is checked with increased accuracy and precision. |
| US09436145B2 |
Image forming apparatus including correction unit that corrects tone correction table
An image forming apparatus includes: a forming unit configured to form an image on an image carrier; a holding unit configured to hold a reference table and a tone correction table that convert a plurality of input image data values into corresponding output image data values; and a correcting unit configured to control the forming unit to form a first test pattern including a plurality of images having different densities on the image carrier using the tone correction table, and correct the tone correction table by detecting densities of the plurality of images. The correcting unit is further configured to correct the tone correction table by updating the tone correction table using the detected densities of the plurality of images and then interpolating the updated tone correction table using the reference table. |
| US09436142B1 |
Image forming apparatus, control method for the same, and storage medium storing program therein
An application amount of developer on a printing medium on which a page that is to be processed has been formed is obtained based on image data that includes a plurality of pages, and based on the image data, a coverage ratio of the developer on a printing medium on which a predetermined page has been formed is obtained. Then, setting temperatures of the heater that respectively correspond to the application amount and the coverage ratio are obtained, and the temperature of the heater is controlled based on the measured actual temperature of the heater and the obtained setting temperatures of the heater, thereby performing control to subject the printing medium on which the page that is to be processed has been formed to fixing. |
| US09436141B2 |
Fixing device comprising controller which judges whether or not fixing belt is rotating and image forming apparatus including same
A fixing device includes a fixing belt, a pressuring member, a heat source, a pressing member, a temperature sensor and a controller. A detected region whose temperature is detected by the temperature sensor is formed in the fixing belt, and an elastic layer of the detected region is provided with a hole in a part thereof in a circumferential direction. The controller judges that the fixing belt is rotating in a case where the temperature detected by the temperature sensor alternately increases and decreases in a state that the heat source is heating the fixing belt, and judges that the fixing belt is not rotating in a case where the temperature detected by the temperature sensor does not alternately increase and decrease in the state that the heat source is heating the fixing belt. |
| US09436140B2 |
Fixing device controlling frequency of AC current caused to flow through helical coil causing electroconductive layer of rotatable member to generate heat through electromagnetic induction
A fixing device includes: a rotatable member; a helical coil; a magnetic core; and a controller for controlling the frequency of an AC current caused to flow through the coil. The AC current is caused to flow through the coil to cause an electroconductive layer of the rotatable member to generate heat through electromagnetic induction heating, thereby heating and fixing the toner image on the recording material by heat of the rotatable member. The controller controls the frequency in a period so that when the frequency is f and a resistance of the electroconductive layer with respect to a circumferential direction is R, f/R is substantially constant. |
| US09436137B2 |
Intermediate transfer members
An intermediate transfer member that contains a mixture of a polyimide, an optional conductive component, and a fluoroaliphatic phosphate. |
| US09436135B2 |
Toner pattern density correction in an image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an endless belt-shaped image bearer that is rotatably supported and entrained around rollers; a transfer member positioned to contact an outer surface of the image bearer; a transfer device to transfer a toner image conveyed while being carried on the outer surface of the image bearer onto a transfer medium conveyed between the image bearer and the transfer member; a toner image sensor to detect the toner image transferred onto the transfer medium; and a conveyance speed controller to fine-tune a conveyance speed of the transfer medium. Based on fine-tuning data of the conveyance speed controller, a detection result of the toner image sensor is corrected and image forming conditions are corrected based on the corrected detection result. |
| US09436127B2 |
Toner container and manufacturing method for toner container
A toner container includes a cylindrical container body, having a first opening in a first end thereof and a notch in a circumferential surface thereof continuous with the first opening in the first end, a flange member to engage the first opening and the notch in the container body and having a toner outlet therein through which toner in the container body is discharged, a shutter member disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the container body, a conveyance member, rotatably installed inside the container body to convey the toner from a second end of the container body opposite the first end to the toner outlet in the flange member, and a recessed portion in the container body that projects inward into the interior of the toner container 5 mm or less from an inner surface of the container body. |
| US09436125B2 |
Powder container and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A powder container, storing powder used for an image forming apparatus, includes a container body, an opening, and a shutter. The opening discharges or introduces the powder, and the shutter opens and closes the opening. The shutter includes a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion. The first engaging portion engages a shutter switch, provided to an apparatus body of the image forming apparatus, in a first trajectory. The second engaging portion engages the shutter switch in a second trajectory different from the first trajectory. The shutter approaches and contacts the shutter switch in the first trajectory or the second trajectory to open and close the opening. |
| US09436123B2 |
Systems, methods and apparatuses for authorized use and refill of a printer cartridge
A chip for a cartridge with dispensable material may be provided. In one aspect, the chip may comprise a non-volatile memory for storing a number tracking amount of dispensable material in the cartridge, a key storage for storing an encryption key, a signature verification module and circuit components. The circuit components may be configured to receive and process a first message, receive and validate a second message, and update the amount of dispensable material if the validation of the second message succeeds. The first message may comprise a first command and an operation input value for a print job at the cartridge, and to process the first message may comprise decreasing the amount of dispensable material. The second message may comprise a second command to increase the amount of dispensable material, and may be validated using the signature validation module and the encryption key. |
| US09436121B2 |
Driving apparatus, image forming apparatus, method of driving control and program
There is provided a driving apparatus comprising: a driving unit configured to rotate a driving shaft; a speed setting unit for setting a rotational speed of the driving shaft; a driving shaft joint connected with the driving shaft to rotate with the driving shaft for transmitting driving-force to a driven apparatus, the driving shaft joint being fitted into a driven shaft joint connected with the driven apparatus that is made detachable; a rotational position detection unit configured to detect a predetermined rotational position of the driving shaft joint; and a driving control unit configured to control the driving unit; wherein upon the driven apparatus being detached, the driving control unit controls the driving unit to stop the rotating driving shaft based on a detection result of the rotational position detection unit after the speed setting unit sets the rotational speed of the driving shaft to be a first rotational speed. |
| US09436119B1 |
Image forming apparatus having a removable unit with a driving portion
An image forming apparatus includes the following elements. A housing includes a mounting unit. A removable unit includes at least a photoconductor drum and is mounted on and dismounted from the mounting unit. An exposure device includes a light-emitting source and is fixed to the mounting unit such that the exposure device pivots about a pivot point in directions in which it approaches and separates from the photoconductor drum. The exposure device includes a driven portion at an end on an upstream side in an inserting direction of the removable unit. The driven portion is driven to move the exposure device in a direction in which it approaches the photoconductor drum. The removable unit includes a driving portion at the end on the upstream side. The driving portion contacts and drives the driven portion to move the exposure device in the direction in which the exposure device approaches the photoconductor drum. |
| US09436117B2 |
Image forming apparatus configured to modify a reference voltage correction amount
An image forming apparatus, includes an image carrier; a power supply; a charging member, to which the power supply applies a direct current (DC) charging voltage, to charge a surface of the image carrier; and a controller. The controller causes the power supply to apply, to the charging member, the DC charging voltage of a sum of a reference voltage VC and a correction amount α, so that a charged potential VD of the surface of the image carrier assumes a target value that is substantially equal to the reference voltage VC; and to increase an absolute value of the correction amount α to be added to the reference voltage VC in inverse proportion to an absolute value of the reference voltage VC, when the absolute value of the reference voltage VC is smaller compared to a case in which the absolute value of the reference voltage VC is greater. |
| US09436113B2 |
Electrostatic charge image developing toner, liquid developer, and toner cartridge
An electrostatic charge image developing toner includes a toner particle that contains a binder resin and is surface-modified by a polymer obtained by polymerizing a monomer containing dicyandiamide and diethylenetriamine, wherein toner particles have positive charging properties. |
| US09436109B2 |
Method of manufacturing resin particles, apparatus for manufacturing resin particles, and image forming apparatus
A method of manufacturing resin particles uses a microreactor to mix first and second stock solutions, and to aggregate resin fine-particles to obtain resin particles. The microreactor includes stationary and rotating discs that are two discoid discs and that are disposed so that a gap is formed between circular surfaces of the two discs when the resin particles are manufactured, a first stock solution feed part that feeds the first stock solution from an end of the gap into the gap, and one or more second stock solution feed parts that are formed at the opposite side of the first stock solution feed part based on the center of the circular surface of the stationary disc by spatially connecting top and bottom surfaces of the stationary disc, and that feed the second stock solution containing an aggregating agent from the top surface side of the stationary disc to the gap. |
| US09436107B2 |
Method of producing electrophotographic photosensitive member, and emulsion for a charge transporting layer
A method of producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member includes: preparing a solution including a charge transporting substance, and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a fluorine-atom-containing polyacrylate, a fluorine-atom-containing polymethacrylate, a polycarbonate having a siloxane bond, a polyester having a siloxane bond, a polystyrene having a siloxane bond, a silicone oil, a polyolefin, an aliphatic acid, an aliphatic acid amide and an aliphatic acid ester; preparing an emulsion by using the solution and water; forming a coat of the emulsion on a support; and heating the coat to form a charge transporting layer. |
| US09436099B2 |
Lithographic focus and dose measurement using a 2-D target
In order to determine whether an exposure apparatus is outputting the correct dose of radiation and its projection system is focusing the radiation correctly, a test pattern is used on a mask for printing a specific marker onto a substrate. This marker is then measured by an inspection apparatus, such as a scatterometer, to determine whether there are errors in focus and dose and other related properties. The test pattern is configured such that changes in focus and dose may be easily determined by measuring the properties of a pattern that is exposed using the mask. The test pattern may be a 2D pattern where physical or geometric properties, e.g., pitch, are different in each of the two dimensions. The test pattern may also be a one-dimensional pattern made up of an array of structures in one dimension, the structures being made up of at least one substructure, the substructures reacting differently to focus and dose and giving rise to an exposed pattern from which focus and dose may be determined. |
| US09436096B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A lithographic apparatus with a cover plate formed separately from a substrate table and means for stabilizing a temperature of the substrate table by controlling the temperature of the cover plate is disclosed. A lithographic apparatus with thermal insulation provided between a cover plate and a substrate table so that the cover plate acts as a thermal shield for the substrate table is disclosed. A lithographic apparatus comprising means to determine a substrate table distortion and improve position control of a substrate by reference to the substrate table distortion is disclosed. |
| US09436095B2 |
Exposure apparatus and measuring device for a projection lens
A microlithographic projection exposure apparatus includes a projection lens that is configured for immersion operation. For this purpose an immersion liquid is introduced into an immersion space that is located between a last lens of the projection lens on the image side and a photosensitive layer to be exposed. To reduce fluctuations of refractive index resulting from temperature gradients occurring within the immersion liquid, the projection exposure apparatus includes heat transfer elements that heat or cool partial volumes of the immersion liquid so as to achieve an at least substantially homogenous or at least substantially rotationally symmetric temperature distribution within the immersion liquid. |
| US09436092B2 |
Semiconductor fabrication utilizing grating and trim masks
Disclosed are a method for fabricating a semiconductor device and the associated semiconductor structure. The method includes exposing a photoresist layer disposed on a semiconductor wafer utilizing a grating mask having a plurality of grating lines to produce exposed lines and unexposed lines in the photoresist layer. The method further includes exposing the photoresist layer utilizing a trim mask having a blocking portion situated over a selected one of the unexposed lines. The photoresist layer may be developed after exposing the photoresist layer utilizing the trim mask. A line may then be etched into the semiconductor wafer where the selected one of the unexposed lines was blocked by the blocking portion of the trim mask. The width of the unexposed lines may be controlled by adjusting an exposure time or an exposure power for the photoresist layer while utilizing the grating mask. |
| US09436091B2 |
Patterning method using surface plasmon
A method for forming a fine pattern includes forming an etching target material layer on a substrate, forming a first photoresist layer on the etching target material layer, forming a metal pattern on the first photoresist layer, the metal pattern having a plurality of lines and thin film lines alternately arranged, the lines having predetermined linewidth and thickness and are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, exciting surface plasmons in the metal pattern by light irradiation to produce a surface plasmon resonance that exposes a fine first pattern shape in the first photoresist layer, forming a first photoresist pattern by removing the metal pattern and developing the first photoresist layer, and etching the etching target material layer by using the first photoresist pattern as a mask. |
| US09436088B2 |
Un-supported polymeric film with embedded microbeads
The present invention relates to polymer-bead composites having a single layer planar, crystalline assembly of encoded beads embedded in a hydrophilic polymeric matrix. The composite may be unattached to a solid support. The encoded beads have different biomolecules attached to their surfaces, and the encoding permits distinguishing beads having different biomolecules attached thereto. The present invention also relates to a systematic process for the creation of functionally organized, spatially patterned assemblies of polymer-microparticle composites, including the AC electric field-mediated assembly of patterned, self-supporting organic (polymeric) films and organic-polymer-microparticle composites of tailored composition and morphology. The present invention also relates to the application of such functional assemblies in materials science and biology. Additional areas of application include sensors, catalysts, membranes, and micro-reactors, and miniaturized format for generation of multifunctional thin films. |
| US09436087B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus with a cleaning processing section for cleaning a chemical liquid processing section
Each chemical processing section includes a chemical liquid bottle, a buffer tank, a pump, a filter, a discharge valve and a discharge nozzle. A chemical liquid stored in the chemical liquid bottle is led to the discharge nozzle and is discharged from the discharge nozzle to a substrate. A cleaning processing section includes a solvent bottle, a cleaning liquid bottle, the buffer tank and the pump. A solvent stored in the solvent bottle, a cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid bottle and a gas supplied from a gas supply source are selectively led to the discharge nozzle in each chemical liquid processing section. |
| US09436083B2 |
Chemically-amplified negative resist composition and resist patterning process using the same
The present invention provides a chemically-amplified negative resist composition including a sulfonium salt capable of providing a pattern having an extremely high resolution with reduced line edge roughness, and also provides a resist patterning process using the same.The present invention was accomplished by a chemically-amplified negative resist composition including (A) a salt represented by the following general formula (1) and (B) a resin containing one or more kinds of repeating unit represented by the following general formulae (UN-1) and (UN-2) and a resist patterning process using the same. |
| US09436081B2 |
Methods of modifying masking reticles to remove forbidden pitch regions thereof
A method is provided, in which a masking reticle including a plurality of pattern blocks is modified, the modifying including: identifying a first pattern block and a second pattern block of the plurality of pattern blocks where at least a first portion of the first pattern block and a second portion of the second pattern block are in parallel relation; and reducing a length of the first portion of the first pattern block when a transverse separation S between corresponding length edges of the first portion of the first pattern block the second portion of the second pattern block falls within a pre-defined forbidden pitch range for the masking reticle. The method may include repeating the identifying and reducing of pairs of pattern blocks on the mask reticle to remove portions of pattern block pairs spaced apart by a transverse separation falling within a forbidden-pitch range. |
| US09436077B2 |
Method of fabricating a pellicle frame
A pellicle frame, including aluminum, aluminum oxide, and a transition metal. |
| US09436076B2 |
Multi-projection system for extending visual element of main image
The present invention provides a multi-projection system for extending a visual element of a main image, the system including a main projection surface on which a main image is reproduced and an auxiliary projection surface arranged around the main projection surface, in which a visual element associated with the main image is displayed on the auxiliary projection surface. |
| US09436075B2 |
Imaging device and mounting apparatus
An imaging device includes a lens, a light pipe, a cover, and a mounting base. The cover can be coupled to the mounting base. The cover defines a groove and includes a latching plate and a mounting plate. The latching plate and the mounting plate are located at two opposite sides of the groove. The mounting plate defines a mounting hole. The mounting base defines a slot, a limiting slot corresponding to the latching plate, and a plurality of securing holes. When the imaging device is assembled, the latching plate is engaged in the limiting slot, a fastener is inserted into the mounting hole and engaged in the corresponding securing hole. The lens and the light pipe are received in the slot and the groove. |
| US09436069B2 |
Light source unit and projector
A light source unit including: a light source; a reflector configured to reflect light emitted from the light source; a light source housing configured to accommodate the light source and the reflector, and including an inflow port through which cooling air enters, and a first flow channel and a second flow channel guiding the cooling air entering from the inflow port to an upper portion and a lower portion of the light source respectively; and a rectifying unit configured to rotate and allow the cooling air entering from the inflow port to flow in the first flow channel, wherein the rectifying unit is provided with an opening configured to allow part of the cooling air entering from the inflow port to flow in the second flow channel. |
| US09436067B2 |
Movable bracket and camera device having the movable bracket
A movable bracket includes a fixing component, a covering component, a movable component and a fastening ring. The fixing component includes a main body, a first interposing part and a first screwing part. The first interposing part and the first screwing part are located at the main body. The covering component includes a second interposing part and a first pressing part. The covering component covers the first interposing part to form a pivoting space between the first interposing part and the second interposing part. The covering component has an adjusting groove connected to the pivoting space. The movable component includes a pivotal part and an assembling part that are opposite. The movable component passes through the adjusting groove. The fastening ring includes a ring body, a second pressing part and a second screwing part. The second pressing part is connected to the ring body surrounding the main body. |
| US09436066B1 |
Leaf shutter system for interchangeable lens cameras
A camera system, including: an interchangeable lens; an internal shutter configured to open and close; and a lens detector coupled to the internal shutter and capable of accepting the interchangeable lens, the lens detector configured to detect the presence of a leaf shutter within the interchangeable lens, wherein the lens detector generates a shutter signal to keep the internal shutter open when the presence of the leaf shutter within the interchangeable lens is detected. Key words include interchangeable lens and leaf shutter. |
| US09436065B2 |
High-strength titanium copper foil and method for producing same
To provide a high-strength titanium-copper foil that is more suitable as a conductive spring material that can be used in electronic device components such as an autofocus camera module. A titanium copper foil containing Ti in an amount of 2.0 to 4.0 mass %, a remainder being copper and unavoidable impurities, said foil having a 0.2% yield strength of 1000 MPa or more and a spring limit value of 800 MPa or more in both directions parallel and perpendicular to a rolling direction, wherein no cracking occurs at bending radius/foil thickness=2 when a W bending test in conformity with JIS H3130: 2012 is performed at a width of 0.5 mm in a direction perpendicular to the rolling direction. |
| US09436059B2 |
Using reflectance properties
A method includes applying at least one medium to a substrate with a printing device to form a symbol. The perceived reflectance properties of the symbol are provided by an amount of the at least one medium applied to the substrate. |
| US09436058B2 |
Electrophoretic display film for anti-counterfeit application
The present invention is directed to an electrophoretic display film which can be controlled to malfunction permanently within a period of time. It provides an elegant method to utilize an electrophoretic film for anti-counterfeit purposes. The concept involves the removal of strong barrier layer(s) from the film to allow the solvent in the electrophoretic fluid within the film to evaporate through weak barrier layer(s), and within a period of time, the performance of the display film will be significantly degraded and the film cannot be re-used. |
| US09436052B2 |
Liquid crystal display and manufacturing method thereof
A liquid crystal display includes: a first and second substrates disposed opposite to each other; a gate line and a divided reference voltage line on the first substrate; a gate insulating layer on the gate line and the divided reference voltage line; a semiconductor layer on the gate insulating layer; a data line on the semiconductor layer; a passivation layer on the data line; a pixel electrode on the passivation layer; and a common electrode on the second substrate, where the divided reference voltage line and the data line are connected to a data driving line extension and a divided reference voltage driving line extension at a side of the first substrate, a common voltage driving line extension is at a side of the first substrate, the divided reference, common and data voltage driving line extensions are linearly connected to each other through resistors having different resistances. |
| US09436047B2 |
Semi-transmissive liquid crystal display device and electronic apparatus
According to an aspect, a semi-transmissive liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, a plurality of reflective electrodes, a counter electrode facing the reflective electrode, and a liquid crystal layer. The reflective electrodes are provided for each of the pixels, and each of them includes a plurality of electrodes, with a combination of the areas of which area coverage modulation is performed by using n bits. The electrodes are configured such that a ratio of the sum of the perimeter(s) of electrode(s) corresponding to each bit of the n bits satisfies 1:2: . . . :2n−1. The liquid crystal layer is provided between the reflective electrode and the counter electrode. The semi-transmissive liquid crystal display device is configured to carry out reflective display using the reflective electrode and carry out transmissive display using at least a space of the reflective electrode between the pixels. |
| US09436044B2 |
Array substrate, driving method of array substrate, and display device
Disclosed are an array substrate, a driving method of the array substrate, and a display device. The array substrate includes gate lines (12), data lines (11), and pixel units, each of the pixel units includes a common electrode (2, 3) and a pixel electrode (5). The common electrode (2, 3) includes a first common electrode (2) and a second common electrode (3). The first common electrode (2) includes a plurality of first strip electrodes and the second common electrode (3) includes a plurality of second strip electrodes. The first strip electrodes and the second strip electrodes are arranged alternately configured to form electrical fields with the pixel electrode (5) respectively. By disposing the first and second common electrodes forming multi-dimensional electric fields with the pixel electrode respectively, the transmittance of the display device is improved. |
| US09436035B2 |
Methods and apparatus to construct an ultrathin display panel
A display system, with a structural part, including a rear panel, and a light emitting device physically attached to the rear panel over a surface of the rear panel, where the surface of the rear panel comprises the entire surface to be illuminated by the light emitting device and a pixelated spatial light modulator part, coupled between the light emitting device, and a viewing area, modulating a light created by said light emitting device. |
| US09436033B2 |
Liquid-crystal lens
Provided is a liquid-crystal lens with low wavefront aberration. A liquid-crystal lens (1) includes a liquid crystal layer (11), a first electrode (21), a second electrode (22), and a high-resistivity layer (41). The first electrode (21) includes: a first electrode portion (21a) including a circular opening (21a1) and a communicating cutout (21a2) formed therein, the communicating cutout (21a2) allowing the circular opening (21a1) to communicate with the outside; and a second electrode portion (21b) including a circular main electrode portion (21b1) disposed within the opening (21a1) and a leading electrode portion (21b2) connected to the main electrode portion (21b1) and disposed within the communicating cutout (21a2). The second electrode (22) faces the first electrode (21) with the liquid crystal layer (11) in between. The high-resistivity layer (41) is disposed between at least the second electrode portion (21b) of the first electrode (21) and the liquid crystal layer (11). The high-resistivity layer (41) has a shape rotationally symmetric about a central axis of the main electrode portion (21b1). |
| US09436031B2 |
Liquid crystal display and manufacturing method thereof
A liquid crystal display including: a substrate; a thin film transistor disposed on the substrate; a pixel electrode connected to the thin film transistor; a lower insulating layer facing the pixel electrode; and a touch sensor disposed on the lower insulating layer, the touch sensor including a first transparent conductive layer and a second transparent conductive layer. A plurality of microcavities is formed between the pixel electrode and the lower insulating layer.The microcavities form a liquid crystal layer including a liquid crystal material, the lower insulating layer has a matrix shape including a horizontal portion and a vertical portion, and the second transparent conductive layer overlaps the vertical portion of the lower insulating layer. |
| US09436027B2 |
Display device and television receiver device
A display device is provided with an LED; a rectangular liquid crystal panel that uses light from the LED for display; a bezel; and a frame. The bezel forms a rectangular frame following along the outer peripheral edges of the liquid crystal panel, and is configured such that a length thereof in a first direction is variable, or lengths thereof in a first direction and a second direction are variable. The frame forms a rectangular frame following along the outer peripheral edges of the liquid crystal panel, and together with the bezel clamps the outer peripheral edges of the liquid crystal panel. |
| US09436024B2 |
Lateral electric field type liquid crystal display device
To acquire a fine viewing angle property from oblique view fields in a lateral electric field type liquid crystal display device having liquid crystal initial alignment directions in two orthogonal directions. The absorption axis of the incident-side polarization plate and the absorption axis of the exit-side polarization plate are orthogonal to each other in both of the region I and the region II, and the liquid crystal layer, the in-cell retarder as an optical compensation layer, the A-plate, and the C-plate sandwiched therebetween are in parallel to either one of the absorption axes or orthogonal to the substrates. Therefore, the transmittance can be suppressed to be low and a fine black display can be acquired even when the display surface is viewed from the oblique view fields. |
| US09436022B2 |
Modulated light source
A modulated light source includes: a reflective film which is formed at one end of an optical amplifier; a light wavelength filter which has band-pass characteristics and modulates a transmission center wavelength; a light reflection mechanism which feeds back light having passed through the light wavelength filter to the optical amplifier and an optical resonator is formed between which and the reflective film; and a wavelength adjustment mechanism which adjusts the transmission center wavelength to coincide with a specific oscillation wavelength when light oscillation selectively occurs at the specific oscillation wavelength depending on the band-pass characteristics of the light wavelength filter. |
| US09436017B2 |
Image stabilizing apparatus that corrects image blur caused by hand shake, lens barrel, and optical apparatus
An image stabilizing apparatus includes a fixed member, a shift member that holds an image stabilizing lens and are movable in a plane orthogonal to an optical axis, a plurality of shift drivers that are disposed at positions different from each other in the plane orthogonal to the optical axis, a gel that is held by one of the shift member and the fixed member, and a protrusion that is provided on the other one of the shift member and the fixed member. Each of the plurality of shift drivers includes a magnet held by one of the shift member and the fixed member, a coil that is held by the other one of the shift member and the fixed member, and a yoke that is held by the other one of the shift member and the fixed member, and a portion of the protrusion is immersed in the gel. |
| US09436016B2 |
Liquid crystal shutter eyeglass
A liquid crystal shutter eyeglass that can solve the problem in which the provision of excellent images cannot be kept if the situation of the viewer varies is provided. A liquid crystal shutter (2) has a light transmitting and shading region in which a state can change between a light transmitting state in which light is caused to transmit and a light shading state in which light is caused to be shaded. A driving section (51) changes the state between the light transmitting state and the light shading state of a driving region that is at least part of the light transmitting and shading region. A controlling means (52) adjusts at least one of a size and a position of the driving region of which the driving section (51) changes the state. |
| US09436006B2 |
See-through computer display systems
Aspects of the present invention relate to providing see-through computer display optics. |
| US09436003B2 |
Robust index correction of an angular encoder in a three-dimensional coordinate measurement device
A 3D measurement device sends a beam of light to a point on an object, receives the reflected light, and determines a distance and two angles to the point, one of the angles measured by an angular encoder, which includes a disk having incremental marks and an index mark. Light from the 3D device is rotated to reflect light from a reference reflector to produce a first synchronization signal. A first difference angle is determined based on counts of the incremental marks and on the first synchronization signal. Light from the 3D device is rotated to reflect light from the reference reflector to produce a second synchronization signal. A second difference angle is determined based on counts of the incremental marks and on the second synchronization signal. The reference correction value of the index mark is determined based on the first and second difference angles. |
| US09436002B2 |
Multichannel optical power meter using a synchronous scanner
Optical scanning systems and methods of controlling a resonant scanning mirror are disclosed. A rotatable mirror may oscillate about a rotation axis in response to a drive signal. A reference source may provide a reference light beam directed to the rotatable mirror. A reference detector may be disposed to receive the reference light beam reflected from the rotatable mirror twice during each oscillation of the rotatable mirror. A controller may set both an amplitude and a frequency of the drive signal based on an output of the reference detector. |
| US09435997B2 |
Multidimensional rotary motion apparatus moving a reflective surface and method of operating same
A rotary motion controller controlling the motion of a mirror in a projection system is described having a mounting element coupled to a support member. A two-axis coupling is provided with at least two input shafts coupled to two drive mechanisms. A channeled portion is provided in a second of the two input shafts through which the support member extends there through and is guided thereby and where the at least one support member is coupled to the first input shafts via an input coupling coupled to and driving the support member and a control input controlling the position of the at least two input shafts. A method of controlling a mirror in an underwater projection system is also provided along with a method of operating a controller for an underwater projection system and a further embodiment for providing movement of a mirror in an underwater projector. |
| US09435995B2 |
Medical devices with internal motors
A medical device includes an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, a body extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a lumen located within the body, and a rotor rotatably supported in the lumen, the rotor having an opening for allowing light to pass theretherough, wherein the rotor is rotatable about an axis that extends through the opening, wherein the elongate member further has a region for allowing an output light to exit therethrough. |
| US09435993B2 |
Three dimensional microscopy imaging
A system and method for creating three dimensional images using probe molecules is disclosed and described. A sample is mounted on a stage. The sample has a plurality of probe molecules. The sample is illuminated with light, causing the probe molecules to luminesce. The probe luminescence can be split into at least four paths corresponding to at least four detection planes corresponding to object planes in the sample. The at least four detection planes are detected linearly via an sCMOS camera. Object planes in corresponding recorded regions of interest are recorded in the camera. A signal from the regions of interest is combined into a three dimensional image. |
| US09435991B2 |
Manipulation of topography of large-format glass slides
System and method for correcting a topography of an object being imaged by a multi-array microscope system. The object is forced to conform to a surface of the substrate supporting the object with a suction force and the topography of the chosen object surface is determined. The supporting substrate is bent with the use of force applied to the substrate with at least one actuator such as to reduce the deviations of the determined topography of the object's surface from a pre-determined reference surface by transferring the changes in the curvature of the supporting substrate to the object. In particular, the chosen surface of the object can be substantially flattened for ease of simultaneous imaging of this surface with multiple objectives of the multi-array microscope. |
| US09435990B2 |
Upright and inverted microscope
A dual-configuration microscope is provided. The microscope may be converted into an upright configuration or an inverted configuration. The microscope includes a base. The microscope further includes a body having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the body is rotatably coupled to the base at a rotational coupling. The microscope further includes one or more objectives coupled to the first portion of the body, a condenser coupled to the second portion of the body and a stage positioned between the one or more objectives and the condenser. The stage includes a first specimen supporting surface and a second specimen supporting surface, wherein the second specimen supporting surface is positioned opposite the first specimen supporting surface. |
| US09435989B1 |
Light processing system
A system is provided for photo-processing of a material using incident light with an optical element that includes a plurality of concentric bands of optical prisms concentric around a focal axis. The system includes a target receiver positioned on the focal axis and holds the material to be photo-processed. The optical prisms concentrate incident light on the target receiver. The system may include a tracking assembly for orienting the optical element toward the source of the incident light. The optical prisms may be selected in accordance with Snell's Law of Refraction. The system may include a delivery mechanism for delivery of semisolid and granular material for processing. |
| US09435986B2 |
Optical image capturing system
An optical image capturing system includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element, a fifth lens element, a sixth lens element and a seventh lens element. The first, the second and the third lens elements all have refractive power. The fourth lens element with refractive power has both surfaces being aspheric. The fifth lens element with refractive power has both surfaces being aspheric. The sixth lens element with refractive power has an image-side surface having at least one convex shape at a peripheral region thereof and both surfaces being aspheric. The seventh lens element with refractive power has an image-side surface having at least one convex shape at a peripheral region thereof, wherein both surfaces being aspheric, and at least one surface has at least one inflection point thereon. |
| US09435984B2 |
Imaging lens system
This invention provides an imaging lens system including, in order from an object side to an image side: a first lens with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface; a second lens with negative refractive power; a third lens having a concave image-side surface; a fourth lens with positive refractive power; a fifth lens with negative refractive power having a concave image-side surface, at least one surface thereof having at least one inflection point; and an aperture stop disposed between an imaged object and the third lens. The on-axis spacing between the first lens and second lens is T12, the focal length of the imaging lens system is f, and they satisfy the relation: 0.5<(T12/f)×100<15. |
| US09435983B2 |
Photographing optical lens assembly, image capturing unit and mobile device
A photographing optical lens assembly includes, in order from object side to image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element, a fifth lens element and a sixth lens element. The first lens element has positive refractive power. The second lens element with negative refractive power has an object-side surface being convex in a paraxial region and an image-side surface being concave in a paraxial region. The third and fourth lens elements have refractive power. The fifth lens element with refractive power has an object-side surface being convex in a paraxial region. The sixth lens element with negative refractive power has an image-side surface being concave in a paraxial region, and an object-side surface and the image-side surface of the sixth lens element are aspheric. The image-side surface of the sixth lens element has at least one inflection point. |
| US09435981B2 |
Optical element control using multiple actuators
Methods, apparatuses and a computer program are provided. An apparatus comprises: one or more optical elements, a first actuator and a second actuator. The first actuator may be configured to drive the one or more optical elements from a rest position across a first displacement, and configured to drive the one or more optical elements from the rest position across a second displacement. The second actuator may be configured to assist the first actuator in controlling movement of the one or more optical elements across a portion, and not all, of the first displacement, and configured to assist the first actuator in controlling movement of the one or more optical elements in the second direction across a portion, and not all, of the second displacement. The first and second actuators may be biased such that, when no electrical power is supplied to the first and second actuators, they bring the one or more optical elements to a rest position from which the one or more optical elements are driven. |
| US09435978B1 |
Water-resistant optical fiber cables
Water-resistant optical fiber cables and associated methods for forming water-resistant optical fiber cables are provided. A cable may include an outer jacket that defines a cable core. At least one optical fiber may be positioned within the cable core and encapsulated within a suitable sheath, such as a buffer tube. Additionally, a plurality of discrete water swellable fibers may be loosely positioned within the cable to provide water-resistance for the at least one optical fiber. |
| US09435974B2 |
Adapter panel with lateral sliding adapter arrays
An adapter panel arrangement including a chassis and a panel of adapters. The adapters defining open rearward cable connections and open forward cable connections of the panel arrangement. The adapters being arranged in arrays that slide independently of other adapter arrays to provide access to the open rearward and open forward cable connections. |
| US09435973B2 |
Optical fiber coating to prevent adhesion at high temperatures
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatus for cables having one or more fibers that may function as a sensing device within a wellbore, wherein the fibers do not adhere to each other or to an inner wall of the cable during a high temperature operation, such as in a thermal recovery operation that may last over 30 days. |
| US09435970B2 |
Optical connector
An optical connector is provided. The optical connector includes: an optical fiber line fixing block including an insertion groove in which an end portion of an optical fiber line is inserted; and a submount including first guide-walls determining a position of the optical fiber line fixing block and second guide-walls determining a position of an optical device to be connected to the optical fiber line, wherein the optical fiber line fixing block and the optical device are automatically aligned by the first guide-walls and the second guide-walls. |
| US09435968B1 |
Optical repeater and optical connector device
An optical repeater to be arranged between a substrate and an optical connector, the optical repeater includes: a body part including a plurality of optical paths to transmit an optical signal between the substrate and the optical connector, a substrate-side end-face in which one end of each of the optical paths opposes the substrate, and a connector connecting part to connect another end of each of the optical paths to the optical connector, the body part being configured from a material with a greater coefficient of linear expansion than that of the substrate; and a reinforcing member arranged so as to surround the optical paths in a side to the substrate-side end-face, the reinforcing member being configured from a material with a smaller coefficient of linear expansion than that of the body part. |
| US09435965B2 |
Single mode fiber array connector for opto-electronic transceivers
An apparatus for providing single mode optical signal coupling between an opto-electronic transceiver and a single mode optical fiber array takes the form of a lens array and a ferrule component. The lens array includes a plurality of separate lens element disposed to intercept a like plurality of single mode optical output signal from the opto-electronic transceiver and provide as an output a focused version thereof. The ferrule component includes a plurality of single mode fiber stubs that are passively aligned with the lens array and support the transmission of the focused, single mode optical output signals towards the associated single mode optical fiber array. |
| US09435960B2 |
Optical fiber coupling connector
An optical fiber coupling connector includes an optical coupling lens and a jumper. The optical coupling lens includes a first body having a first top surface and a connected first mounting surface, two plugs protruding from the first mounting surface, and two sliders. The first mounting surface defines two buffer gaps. Each slider is located at one side of a buffer gap away from the first body and defines an engagement groove facing away from the first body. The jumper includes a second body having a second mounting surface and two clamping arms protruding from the second mounting surface. The second mounting surface faces the first mounting surface and defines two plug holes for receiving the plugs. Each clamping arm defines a slide groove with an engagement portion protruding toward the other slide groove. Each engagement portion engages in an engagement groove. |
| US09435957B1 |
Cyclic demultiplexer with grating and mirror array
A demultiplexer includes an input optical link to receive an input signal. A grating receives the input signal from the input optical link and generates individual optical wavelength signals. A mirror array operative as a beam steering engine receives the individual optical wavelength signals and redirects them to the grating. Output optical links receive the individual optical wavelength signals from the grating. |
| US09435952B2 |
Integration of a MEMS beam with optical waveguide and deflection in two dimensions
A high density, low power, high performance information system, method and apparatus are described in which an integrated circuit apparatus includes a plurality of deflectable MEMS optical beam waveguides (e.g., 190) at each die edge which are each formed with an optical beam structure (193) which is encapsulated by a waveguide beam structure (194) to extend into a deflection cavity (198) and which is surrounded by a plurality of deflection electrodes (195-197) that are positioned on walls of the deflection cavity (198) to provide two-dimensional deflection control of each deflectable MEMS optical beam waveguide in response to application of one or more deflection voltages to provide optical communications (e.g., 184) between different die. |
| US09435950B2 |
Semiconductor optical device
A semiconductor optical device including: a substrate including a first region and a second region; a first optical waveguide disposed on the first region, the first optical waveguide including a core layer and a cladding layer disposed on the core layer, the cladding layer including a first cladding region and a semiconductor layer disposed on the first cladding region, the first optical waveguide extending from an end facet of the semiconductor optical device to a boundary between the first region and the second region; a second optical waveguide disposed on the second region; and a region disposed on the cladding layer, the region having a lower refractive index than that of the first cladding region. The semiconductor layer has a higher refractive index than that of the first cladding region. The thickness of the core layer monotonically increases from the end facet toward the boundary. |
| US09435946B2 |
Interlayer light wave coupling device
An interlayer light wave coupling device includes a substrate; a first core disposed on the substrate and having a first acute structure; a third core spatially set apart from the first core and having a second acute structure; and a second core disposed between the first core and the third core and having a smaller index of refraction than the first core and the third core. The acute structures of the first core and the third core are disposed so as to have no overlap as viewed from above. |
| US09435943B1 |
Optical device
0.5377×r2−7.7≦V2/V1≦0.5377×r2−5.7, 3≦r2/r1≦5 are satisfied, where a radius of the inner core before tapered in diameter is defined as r1, a radius of the outer core before tapered in diameter is defined as r2, a refractive index volume formed of a product of a cross sectional area of the inner core and a relative refractive index difference of the inner core to the cladding before tapered in diameter is defined as V1, and a refractive index volume formed of a product of a cross sectional area of the outer core and a relative refractive index difference of the outer core to the cladding before tapered in diameter is defined as V2. |
| US09435938B2 |
Edge-lit surface light source device
LED light source substrates (140) in an edge-light type surface light source device are disposed with a light guide plate interposed therebetween. A length of each of the LED light source substrates is shorter than a length of a plane of incidence of the light guide plate. The chromaticity of light from a central part (141) is uniform, and the chromaticity of light from ends (142) is more shifted toward blue than the chromaticity of light from the central part (141). |
| US09435928B2 |
Light guiding system, edge-lighting backlight module and LCD device
A light guiding system includes an ambient light gathering system, multiple light guiding devices and a wedge light guiding bar. The ambient light gathering system facing ambient light is used for absorbing the ambient light. Each light guiding device absorbs the absorbed light. The wedge light guiding bar has a light-out surface and a light-in surface coupled to the light-out surface. The light-in surface is a wide surface coupled to an inclined surface. The light-out surface is opposite to the inclined surface and next to a light-in side of a light guide plate. The wedge light guiding bar for use in the light guiding system, an edge-lighting backlight module and an LCD device can reduce cost of material and weight. Also, the light uniformity of the light output end is improved and the optical quality of the edge-lighting backlight module is raised. |
| US09435927B2 |
Guide plate and backlight assembly including the same
Disclosed is a light guide plate including a base sheet and a first light transmissive adhesive layer disposed on a surface of the base sheet. The first light transmissive adhesive layer together with the base sheet define a light entrance portion. The thickness of the first light transmissive adhesive layer becomes gradually smaller from the light entrance portion toward a center portion of the base sheet. A backlight assembly includes the light guide plate. |
| US09435925B2 |
Optical fiber cable connecting structure
An optical fiber cable connecting structure includes: a substrate having a through hole; an optical element on a first surface of the substrate and having a light emitting unit such that the light emitting unit faces the substrate; an optical fiber cable on a second surface of the substrate opposite to the first surface, an end face of the optical fiber cable on a substrate side being covered with a jacket; a guide positioning part that has an insertion hole into which the optical fiber cable is inserted, and is configured to position the optical fiber cable and the optical element; and an abutting part that has a taper-shaped opening and is configured to position the optical element and the optical fiber cable so as to be separated by a specified distance by fixing an outer periphery of the end face of the optical fiber cable by the opening. |
| US09435922B2 |
Image sensor and method using near infrared signal
An image sensor capable of ensuring high sensitivity image and minimizing color distortion is provided. The image sensor includes a first filter unit, a second filter unit formed at a lower part of the first filter unit and a sensor unit formed at a lower part of the second filter unit. The first filter unit is configured to pass light corresponding to a visible light region, pass light corresponding to a first region of a longer wavelength than the light corresponding to the visible region and cut off light corresponding to a second region of a longer wavelength than the light corresponding to the first region. The second filter unit is configure to pass light having a predetermined wavelength in a wavelength range corresponding to the visible light region among the light passing through the first filter unit and pass light corresponding to the first region. The sensor unit is configured to detect the light passing through the second filter unit. |
| US09435917B2 |
Laser-processed grin lenses and optical interface devices and assemblies using same
Laser-processed gradient-index (GRIN) lenses and optical interface devices and assemblies that utilize the laser-processed GRIN lenses are disclosed. A GRIN lens assembly includes a cylindrical central section having a GRIN index profile, planar front and back surfaces, an outer surface, and a diameter D1 where 200 micrometers≦D1≦420 micrometers. An annular cladding of outer diameter D2 surrounds the central section outer surface and has front and back annular surfaces and a constant or a varying refractive index. One or both of the front and back annular surfaces may be curved. An optical fiber is optically coupled to the central section at the planar back surface. An optical interface device is formed by operably supporting at least one GRIN lens assembly with a support member. An optical interface assembly is formed by interfacing two optical interface devices. |
| US09435915B1 |
Antiglare treatment for glass
Provided in one embodiment is an article, comprising: a glass material; and an antiglare material covering at least partially the glass material; wherein the antiglare material comprises at least one alkali silicate. |
| US09435909B2 |
Imaging using directional resistivity measurements
The present disclosure relates to a method to produce an image of a subsurface formation using directional measurements. A downhole logging tool having one or more transmitters and one or more receivers, and being capable of making directional measurement, is used to measure the voltage in a particular receiver due to a particular transmitter for one or more transmitter/receiver pairs, at least one of those voltage measurements being a directional measurement. The complex (phasor) voltage recorded on a receiver coil is divided by the complex voltage recorded at another reference receiver coil. Alternatively, we can use the ratio of a receiver voltage at a particular rotation angle of the tool divided by the voltage on the same receiver when the tool has rotated by an angle of 180 degrees. The information in those ratios is combined to produce images of the resistivity of the subsurface formation surrounding the tool. |
| US09435907B2 |
Phase synchronized buried object locator apparatus, systems, and methods
Buried object locator systems including transmitters and associated buried object locators using phase-synchronized signals are disclosed. A transmitter may generate output current signals that are phase-synchronized such that an associated locator may receive magnetic field signals from the output current signal and determine information about the current flow based on independent phase-synchronization timing information. |
| US09435904B2 |
Method of correcting velocity for complex surface topography
Embodiments of a method for correcting velocity models for complex topographies are disclosed herein. In general, embodiments of the method utilize velocity corrections based on geomechanical effects to correct a velocity model to take into account complex surface topographies. In particular, embodiments of the method use a nucleus strain theory to determine the velocity corrections. Further details and advantages of various embodiments of the method are described in more detail herein. |
| US09435903B2 |
System and method for regularizing seismic data
A system and method for regularizing irregularly sampled 5D seismic data by assigning each trace to a common midpoint bin and mapping each trace to an offset vector tile (OVT) with a calculated center azimuth; assembling an azimuth sector with all offsets of interest and a narrow range of the center azimuths from the OVTs; rotating the azimuth sector to align with an inline direction and a crossline dimension; selecting a subset of traces with a single crossline value to create an irregular 3D volume; regularizing the irregular 3D volume; and repeating as necessary to generate a regularly sampled seismic dataset. The regularization may include interpolation by an algorithm such as an anti-leakage Fourier interpolator. The regularly sampled seismic dataset may be used to characterize the subsurface by further processing such as tomography. |
| US09435896B2 |
Radiation detector based on charged self-assembled monolayers on nanowire devices
Radiation detectors having nanowires with charged, radiation-labile coatings configured to change the electrical properties of nanowires are provided. In one aspect, a radiation detection device is provided. The radiation detector device includes at least one nanowire having a radiation-labile coating with charged moieties on a surface thereof, wherein the radiation-labile coating is configured to degrade upon exposure to radiation such that the charged moieties are cleaved from the radiation-labile coating upon exposure to radiation and thereby affect a transconductance of the nanowire. |
| US09435895B2 |
Multi-modality dosimeter for use with arc-based radiotherapy quality assurance phantom
A dosimeter that is configured to assist with patient-specific quality assurance (“QA”) in arc-based radiotherapy, such as stereotactic radiotherapy, is provided. The dosimeter facilitates acquiring multiple different dosimetric measurements simultaneously. For instance, the dosimeter can be configured to acquire dosimetric measurements from multiple different modalities, including gel dosimetry and film dosimetry, and is configured for simultaneous use with a diode-array QA phantom. |
| US09435893B2 |
Digital beam-forming apparatus and technique for a multi-beam global positioning system (GPS) receiver
An advanced multiple-beam GPS receiving system is achieved that is capable of simultaneously tracking multiple GPS satellites independently, detecting multiple interference signals individually, and suppressing directional gain in the antenna pattern of each beam in the interference directions. The GPS receiving system can be used for both planar and non-planar receiving arrays, including arrays that are conformally applied to the surface of a platform such as an aircraft. The GPS receiver combines spatial filtering and acquisition code correlation for enhanced rejection of interfering sources. Enhanced gain in the direction of GPS satellites and the ability to shape the beam patterns to suppress gain in the direction of interfering sources make the GPS receiving system largely insensitive to interfering and jamming signals that plague conventional GPS receivers. |
| US09435892B2 |
Method and tracking device for tracking movement in a marine environment with tactical adjustments to an emergency response
The present invention relates to devices and methods for tracking movement in a marine environment. At least one tracking device that is adapted to be deployed on a surface of the water, wherein the tracking device is capable of moving along the same trajectory of a desired object. Data from the tracking devices are received by at least one satellite, transmitted to a database, and used to determine the forecasted trajectory of the desired object. All data collected from deployed tracking devices may be integrated into a spatial data repository for analysis and reporting using GIS and associated information technologies, thereby allowing for more accurate decision-making and asset deployment during a fluid spill or similar marine contamination event. The present invention also allows for the collection and modeling of accurate localized sea current data, which may assist with marine and coastal engineering works such as shoreline protection and port dredging. |
| US09435883B2 |
Antenna, radar apparatus and signal processing method
There is provided an antenna. A third transmission antenna is provided at a position shifted in a short direction of a first transmission antenna. A second transmission antenna is provided at a position between the first and third transmission antennas so that a portion of the second transmission antenna in a longitudinal direction is overlapped with a portion of the first and third transmission antennas in the longitudinal direction. A fourth transmission antenna is provided at a position point-symmetrical with respect to the position of the second transmission antenna, about the position of the third transmission antenna. A plurality of reception antennas are provided so that a portion of each of the reception antennas in the longitudinal direction is overlapped with a portion of the second transmission antenna in the longitudinal direction. |
| US09435880B2 |
Pulse transponder countermeasure
A pulse transponder countermeasure device, comprising: a central processing unit (CPU); an optical receiver adapted to receive detection signals from a speed measuring device; at least one optical transmitter adapted to transmit jamming signals to the speed measuring device; at least one software controlled driver configured to drive the optical transmitter and memory storing a database of measuring devices signature signals and reflective signals, the CPU configured to identify the speed measuring device in its database according to the received detection signal's signature and calculate a response time for sending a jamming signal to the speed measuring device so as to change the speed perceived by the speed measurement device. |
| US09435873B2 |
Sound source localization using phase spectrum
An array of microphones placed on a mobile robot provides multiple channels of audio signals. A received set of audio signals is called an audio segment, which is divided into multiple frames. A phase analysis is performed on a frame of the signals from each pair of microphones. If both microphones are in an active state during the frame, a candidate angle is generated for each such pair of microphones. The result is a list of candidate angles for the frame. This list is processed to select a final candidate angle for the frame. The list of candidate angles is tracked over time to assist in the process of selecting the final candidate angle for an audio segment. |
| US09435872B2 |
Labeling area determining apparatus, magnetic resonance apparatus and method for determining tilt of labeling area
A labeling area determining apparatus is provided. The labeling area determining apparatus includes a detecting device configured to detect a tilt of a head relative to a body axial direction of a subject to be imaged by an arterial spin labeling method, and a determining device configured to determine a tilt of a labeling area of spins relative to the body axial direction of the subject, based on the tilt of the head detected by the detecting device. |
| US09435870B2 |
Methods, systems and computer programs for assessing CHD risk using adjusted HDL particle number measurements
Methods, computer program products and apparatus determine a subject's risk of having or developing CHD using a calculated HDL particle risk number and/or a mathematical model of risk associated with HDL particles that adjusts concentrations of at least one of the subclasses of small, medium and large HDL particle measurements to reflect predicted CHD risk. A calculated LDL particle risk number may also be generated as well as a lipoprotein particle index derived from the ratio of RLDL/RHDL. |
| US09435864B2 |
Apparatus for measuring excitation parameters of induction motor and method thereof
The present invention relates to the technical field of motor control, and discloses an apparatus for measuring excitation parameters of an induction motor and a method thereof. The method comprises: maintaining the induction motor static, and inputting a test current to a test phase of the induction motor; and calculating, based on a voltage of the test phase of the induction motor, a stator flux linkage of the test phase of the induction motor corresponding to a magnitude of the test current. The disclosure can conveniently and accurately measure excitation parameters of the induction motor. |
| US09435862B2 |
Integrated circuit device and method therefor
An integrated circuit device comprising at least one self-test component arranged to execute self-testing within at least one self-test structure during a self-test execution phase of the IC device, and at least one clock control component arranged to provide at least one clock signal to the at least one self-test component at least during the self-test execution phase of the IC device. The at least one clock control component is further arranged to receive at least one indication of at least one power dissipation parameter for at least a part of the IC device, and modulate the at least one clock signal provided to the at least one self-test component based at least partly on the received at least one power dissipation parameter for at least a part of the IC device. |
| US09435860B2 |
Gated state machine circuitry having three clock 2 enable states
Testing of integrated circuits is achieved by a test architecture utilizing a scan frame input shift register, a scan frame output shift register, a test controller, and a test interface comprising a scan input, a scan clock, a test enable, and a scan output. Scan frames input to the scan frame input shift register contain a test stimulus data section and a test command section. Scan frames output from the scan frame output shift register contain a test response data section and, optionally, a section for outputting other data. The command section of the input scan frame controls the test architecture to execute a desired test operation. |
| US09435856B2 |
Position adjustable probing device and probe card assembly using the same
A position adjustable probing device adapted for being mounted to a circuit board includes a frame, a probe head, a space transformer module and an elevation adjusting structure. The frame has a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a first opening penetrating through the first and second surfaces. The probe head is coupled to the frame. The space transformer module is disposed in the first opening. The elevation adjusting structure is provided at the frame and has a plurality of spacers for adjusting a position of the frame relative to a reference surface in a vertical direction. |
| US09435853B2 |
Socket device for an IC test
Disclosed herein is a socket device for an integrated circuit (IC) test. The device includes: a socket which is provided with a pin guide plate that can guide and protect a spring contact so as to prevent damage to or breakage of the spring contact that electrically connects an IC lead to a PCB; and an IC insert provided with a guide plate. According to said configuration, ball grid array (BGA) ICs in which IC leads are balls can be more efficiently tested. Particularly, contact pins of the socket and the IC leads can be mechanically and electrically more precisely positioned for narrow pitches of the IC leads such as 0.4 mm, 0.35 mm, and 0.3 mm. Thereby, damage to or breakage not only of the ICs to be tested but also of the socket can be minimized. |
| US09435850B2 |
Apparatus and method for power cycle test
Provided are a power cycle test apparatus and a power cycle test method that can efficiently reproduce nearly a level of stress that may occur in failure mode in actual environments, the apparatus which is a test apparatus for performing a power cycle test for a power semiconductor device to be tested by applying a thermal stress to the power semiconductor device through the application of a stress current thereto in predefined ON/OFF cycles executes a thermal cycle test in temperature rise-fall cycles longer than the ON/OFF cycles by using an apparatus configured to change an external environmental temperature and further executes the power cycle test while executing the thermal cycle test in synchronization with execution phases of the thermal cycle test. |
| US09435845B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting an arc in a DC circuit
The disclosure relates to a method for detecting an arc in a DC circuit. The method includes measuring and analyzing an AC component (IAC) of a current (I) flowing in the circuit and determining at least one parameter of the AC component (IAC). The level of a DC component (IDC) of the current (I) is varied and a degree of correlation between the level of the DC component (IDC) of the current (I) flowing in the DC circuit and the at least one parameter of the AC component (IAC) is determined. An arc is detected and selectively signaled based on the degree of the determined correlation. The disclosure also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method and to an inverter comprising such an apparatus. |
| US09435842B2 |
Circuit and method for detection of IC connection failure
The invention provides a testing circuit for testing a connection between a chip and external circuitry. A current source is used to inject a DC current towards the connection to be tested from the chip side. On-chip ESD protection is provided giving a path between the connection to be tested and a fixed voltage line. A shunt path is also coupled to the connection to be tested on the external circuitry side. It is determined if the current source current flows through the ESD protection circuit, and this can be used to determine whether or not the connection to be tested presents an open circuit for the DC test current. |
| US09435841B2 |
Integrated circuit protection during high-current ESD testing
A method of protecting devices within an integrated circuit during electro-static discharge (ESD) testing using an ESD test system is provided. The method includes applying a direct current (DC) bias voltage to an input of at least one device of the integrated circuit and applying an ESD simulated signal to at least one other input of the integrated circuit. The applied ESD simulated signal is conducted along a first current path to a first ground, while a low-current signal associated with the at least one device is conducted along a second current path to the second ground. The DC bias voltage is maintained between the input of the at least one device and the second ground at a substantially constant value in response to a signal variation on the second ground that results from the applied ESD simulated signal. |
| US09435837B2 |
Sensor and method for detecting an object
The invention relates to a sensor for detecting an object. The sensor includes a probe electrode for forming a measuring capacitance with the object to be detected, a charging generator for generating an alternating charging voltage, wherein the probe electrode is charged by means of the alternating charging voltage, an amplifier for amplifying a voltage across the measuring capacitance, wherein the amplifier includes a first supply connection and a second supply connection, electronic means for processing signals outputted at an output of the amplifier to form at least one output signal and at least one sensor output for outputting the at least one output signal. According to the invention, the sensor is characterized in that a DC voltage in the form of a second supply voltage is connectable to the second supply connection, and that a first supply voltage having an AC voltage portion is connectable to the first supply connection, wherein a supply voltage generator is available for generating the DC voltage portion. The invention also relates to a method for detecting an object. |
| US09435832B2 |
Electronic component, in particular current sensor
The invention relates to an electronic component (1), in particular a current sensor, having a resistance element (5) made of a resistance material, a first connection part (3) made of a conductor material for introducing an electrical current into the resistance element (5), and a second connection part (4) made of a conductor material for discharging the electrical current from the resistance element (5). According to the invention, the component (1) has a temperature-measuring device (8) for measuring a temperature difference between the resistance element (5), on the one hand, and at least one of the two connection parts (3, 4), on the other hand, in order to derive the current from the temperature difference. |
| US09435831B2 |
Current sensor
A current sensor includes a magnetic sensor module including a plurality of magnetic sensor units connected in series. The magnetic sensor units each include a first magnetic sensor element and a second magnetic sensor element which have sensitivity axes oriented in opposite directions. A first terminal of the first magnetic sensor unit is connected to a first potential source. A third terminal of the first magnetic sensor unit is connected to a second potential source. A second terminal and a fourth terminal of the last magnetic sensor unit are connected to constitute a sensor output terminal. The first terminal of each of the magnetic sensor units excluding the first magnetic sensor unit is connected to the second terminal of the next magnetic sensor unit and the third terminal thereof is connected to the fourth terminal of the next magnetic sensor unit. |
| US09435830B2 |
Implantable medical device depth estimation
A method includes applying a signal to a primary coil of an external charging device. The signal causes the primary coil to inductively couple to a secondary coil of an implantable medical device that is implanted within tissue of a patient. The method also includes measuring a current at the primary coil. The method further includes estimating a depth of the implantable medical device within the tissue of the patient based on the measured current. |
| US09435824B2 |
Circuit to extend frequency response of accelerometer
A compensation circuit connected to an accelerometer's output extends the frequency response of the accelerometer, while reducing noise produced by the accelerometer. The compensation circuit has a gain as a function of frequency that is (i) constant up to a first frequency that is less than the accelerometer's natural resonance frequency, and (ii) reduced to approximately zero at a second frequency that is greater than the accelerometer's natural resonance frequency. |
| US09435821B1 |
Single-axis accelerometer
A single-axis accelerometer includes a housing defining a sleeve. An object/mass is disposed in the sleeve for sliding movement therein in a direction aligned with the sleeve's longitudinal axis. A first piezoelectric strip, attached to a first side of the object and to the housing, is longitudinally aligned with the sleeve's longitudinal axis. The first piezoelectric strip includes a first strip of a piezoelectric material with carbon nanotubes substantially aligned along a length thereof. A second piezoelectric strip, attached to a second side of the object and to the housing, is longitudinally aligned with the sleeve's longitudinal axis. The second piezoelectric strip includes a second strip of the piezoelectric material with carbon nanotubes substantially aligned along a length thereof. A voltage sensor is electrically coupled to at least one of the first and second piezoelectric strips. |
| US09435820B1 |
Rotation-rate detector for spinning top
A rotation-rate detector detects a rotation rate of a spinning top and is fixed to or detachably attached to a launcher. The launcher applies a rotational force to the spinning top to launch the spinning top. The rotation-rate detector includes a detachment detector that detects detachment and attachment of the spinning top. The rotation rate of the spinning top is detected after the detachment detector detects attachment of the spinning top. |
| US09435818B2 |
Sample transport systems and methods
Sample transport systems are described that move a sample carrier from one station to a next station in a sample processing systems. The systems include: a translating member; two or more sample carrier retaining devices attached to the translating member, wherein each of the two or more sample carrier retaining devices can include a retainer portion to temporarily retain one or more sample carriers; and a movement mechanism to move the translating member and the attached sample carrier retaining devices between a first position and a second position; wherein the sample carrier retaining devices are controlled and moved simultaneously to retain a sample carrier when the translating member reaches the first position and to release a sample carrier when the translating member reaches the second position to successively advance sample carriers in the sample processing systems. |
| US09435802B2 |
Sensor, a sensor array, and a method of operating a sensor
A sensor device has an arrangement of plural sensors for sensing an analyte which is in at least one of liquid phase or a suspension or a gel. Each sensor includes a nano-electrode and is configured to sense the presence of a particle localized to or bound to the nano-electrode. The sensor is configured to discriminate in real-time the binding of particles to respective nano-electrodes. |
| US09435800B2 |
Sample assembly with an electromagnetic field to accelerate the bonding of target antigens and nanoparticles
Described are embodiments of an invention for a sample assembly with an electrical conductor for generating an electromagnetic field to speed up the tagging of target antigens with antiparticles for detection of the antigens by electromagnetic read heads. A sample assembly includes a surface with a first set of antibodies bonded thereon. Target antigens are bonded with the first set of antibodies. A second set of antibodies bonded to nanoparticles are exposed to the sample surface to bond with the target antigens. The electrical conductor generates an electromagnetic field that moves the nanoparticle-labeled antibodies toward the antigens to shorten the time to complete their bonding process. |
| US09435799B2 |
Methods and reagents for improved selection of biological materials
Methods, apparatus and compositions for separating a desired or undesired population or subpopulation from a biological sample are disclosed herein. The selection procedure is based on ferromagnetic, dense particles in a preferred size range from about 0.8 to about 1.2 microns. Specific binding agents are bound to the particles that recognize and bind to specific molecules on the targeted population or subpopulation, and the particles are mixed with the sample in such a way as to promote movement of the particles relative to the sample, promoting binding to the targeted population or subpopulation without non-specifically binding to non-targeted populations in the sample. Because of the large particle density, the bound population is separated from the fluid sample by gravity. Alternatively, the sample, including the bound, targeted population, is placed in a magnetic field such that the particles separate from the sample by evenly distributing over the vessel wall thus limiting non-specific trapping of the non-targeted population. |
| US09435798B2 |
Heat-transfer resistance based analysis of bioparticles
A bio-sensing device suitable for the detection and/or characterization of target bioparticles and corresponding method is described. The bio-sensing technique is based on the impact on the heat transfer resistivity value of bioparticles binding in binding cavities of a structured substrate. By sensing temperatures and determining a heat transfer resistivity value based thereon, a characteristic of the target bioparticles can be derived. |
| US09435796B2 |
Cyanine dyes
The invention provides a novel class of cyanine dyes that are functionalized with a linker moiety that facilitates their conjugation to other species. Also provided are conjugates of the dyes, methods of using the dyes and their conjugates and kits including the dyes and their conjugates. |
| US09435793B2 |
Modular point-of-care devices, systems, and uses thereof
The present invention provides devices and systems for use at the point of care. The methods devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device are modular to allow for flexibility and robustness of use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical applications. |
| US09435791B2 |
Method for using nanodiamonds to detect nearby magnetic nanoparticles
An imaging agent for detecting analytes in an environment includes functionalized nanodiamonds and functionalized magnetic particles that can selectively interact with an analyte. Each functionalized nanodiamond contains at least one color center configured emit light in response to illumination. At least one property of the light emitted by the color centers is related to the proximity of the functionalized magnetic particles to the color centers. This property can be detected to determine that the functionalized nanodiamonds are proximate to the functionalized magnetic particles, to determine that the functionalized nanodiamonds and the functionalized magnetic particles are interacting with the analyte, or other applications. Devices and methods for detecting properties of the analyte by interacting with the functionalized nanodiamonds and functionalized magnetic particles are also provided. |
| US09435790B2 |
Cell separation technique
In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method of removing non-viable cells from a cell population, said method comprising contacting a cell population with a compound under conditions suitable to permit binding between the compound and any non-viable cells present in the cell culture and removing at least some of the compound from said cell population. The invention further provides compositions suitable for use in these methods, further uses of such compositions and various other systems and kits. |
| US09435785B2 |
Methods for analyzing cysteamine compositions
Methods of analyzing purity of compositions comprising cysteamine and detecting impurities in cysteamine compositions are described. |
| US09435784B2 |
Methods for detecting film formation potential in food products
The present disclosure provides methods for determining the film forming potential of food products. In a general embodiment, a method for determining the film forming potential of a food product is provided and includes providing a temperature-control device having a processor and a computer readable medium storing instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to cycle an interior temperature of the temperature-control device between different temperatures in a predetermined amount of time. The methods further include placing a packaged food product in the temperature-control device, and causing the processor to execute the stored instructions. |
| US09435779B2 |
Method for quantitation of acid sites in acidic ionic liquids using silane and borane compounds
A method of quantifying an amount of Brønsted acid sites in an acidic ionic liquid is described. The method involves adding a known amount of at least one silane or borane compound to the acidic ionic liquid being analyzed. The Brønsted acid sites in the acidic ionic liquid react with the silane or borane compound to form a silyl or boryl compound, resulting in an ionic liquid phase and a hydrocarbon phase which contains the silyl or boryl compound. The amount of silyl or boryl compound in the hydrocarbon phase is measured. From the measured amount of silyl or boryl compound formed, the amount of Brønsted acid sites can be determined. |
| US09435778B2 |
Methods and systems for experimental set-up and data analysis in targeted proteomics applications
A method of the analysis of compounds with mass spectrometry and to instruments, substances, and methods for polypeptide analysis, in particular in targeted proteomics applications and based on indexed retention times as peptide specific property. The method of chemical analysis comprises the steps of: a) providing a first sample comprising peptides; b) performing LC-MS and determining the empirical retention time values of the peptides; c) translating the empirical retention time values into the indexed retention time scale and associating a reference indexed retention time value; d) providing a second complex sample comprising peptides; e) performing LC-MS and determining the empirical retention time values; f) translating the empirical retention time values of the peptides into the indexed retention time scale by numerically adapting the transformation function; and g) determining the predicted empirical retention time value of the peptides by using the numerically adapted transformation function determined in step f). |
| US09435776B2 |
Immunosorbent and immunoaffinity column for aflatoxin M1 nanobody and preparation method thereof
An aflatoxin M1 nanobody, an immunosorbent and an immunoaffinity column. The aflatoxin M1 nanobody 2014AFM-G2 has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:7, is encoded by the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:8, has a 50% inhibiting concentration IC50 to aflatoxin M1 of 0.208 ng/mL, and has cross reaction rates with aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 of 9.43%, 5.93%, 4.87% and 6.17%, respectively. The immunosorbent includes a solid phase carrier and aflatoxin M1 nanobody 2014AFM-G2 coupled with the solid phase carrier. The immunoaffinity column is loaded with the aflatoxin M1 nanobody immunosorbent. It can be used for purifying and concentrating an extracting solution of a sample before loading to a machine for detection and the immunoaffinity column can be used repeatedly for many times. |
| US09435774B2 |
Gas chromatograph apparatus
A gas chromatograph having a column which separates respective components contained in a gas sample introduced via a carrier gas over time, wherein an analysis mode and a standby mode can be switched and executed. The gas chromatograph apparatus comprises: a carrier gas flow path, a column protection gas flow path, a flow path switching part provided between the carrier gas flow path and the column protection gas flow path and a column so that only one of the carrier gas or a column protection gas is introduced into the column, and a flow path control part for controlling the flow switching part so as to introduce the carrier gas into the column at the time of the analysis mode and introduce the column protection gas into the column at the time of the standby mode. |
| US09435770B2 |
Method of making a flexible delay line, a flexible delay line and a transducer
A method of making a flexible delay line for a transducer, a flexible delay line, and a transducer are provided. The method includes providing a mold having a desired geometry, applying a flexible material to the mold, curing the flexible material in the mold, and removing the cured material from the mold. The cured material forms a flexible delay line having a geometry conforming to a face of the ultrasonic transducer. The flexible delay line for a transducer includes a flexible material having an aperture shaped to receive a face of the transducer. The flexible delay line is operable to conform to a flat or an irregular surface. |
| US09435769B2 |
Ultrasonic testing sensor and ultrasonic testing method
The transmission sensor 1T and the reception sensor 1R are disposed so as to sandwich a testing target 301 therebetween. The reception sensor 1R receives a false signal arising from a GL generated upon ML scanning by a scanning angle equal to or greater than a minimum scanning angle Φmin but equal to or smaller than a maximum scanning angle Φmax. |
| US09435765B2 |
Cartridge and system for manipulating samples in liquid droplets
A cartridge manipulates samples in liquid droplets with an electrode array when a working film is placed on the array. The cartridge has a body with lower surface and wells to hold samples, each with a bottom opening to release liquid. A piercable bottom structure seals the bottom openings. A working film below the body has a hydrophobic upper surface. A peripheral spacer connects the working film to the body and forms a gap is between the body and surface. A top piercing system located in at least one of the wells has a piston and a piercing element, the piston being movable in the well and the piercing element piercing the piercable bottom structure for releasing a sample from a well into the gap. |
| US09435764B2 |
Transient signal error trap for an analyte measurement determined from a specified sampling time derived from a sensed physical characteristic of the sample containing the analyte
Various embodiments for methods, systems, and meters that allow for a more accurate analyte concentration with a biosensor by determining at least one physical characteristic of the sample and determining whether at least one output transient signal of the biosensor is erroneous by monitoring the biosensor and flagging an error if the signal outputs of the biosensor do not meet certain criteria. |
| US09435760B2 |
Detector for detecting sodium hypochlorite concentration
A detector for detecting sodium hypochlorite concentration includes a first electrode, a second electrode and a processing unit. The first electrode and the second electrode are disposed opposite each other, and are soaked in a sodium hypochlorite solution under detection. An electrical path is formed among the first electrode, the sodium hypochlorite solution and the second electrode. The processing unit, electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, measures a plurality of ions in the sodium hypochlorite solution transmitted in the electrical path to obtain a conductivity of the sodium hypochlorite solution and to accordingly calculate concentration of the sodium hypochlorite solution. Compared to a conventional measurement apparatus adopting an optical detector, the invention not only can be fabricated at low production costs, but also can instantly obtain the detected concentration without involving analysis of an externally connected computer. |
| US09435758B2 |
Bidirectional ballast
An analyzer with a combustion furnace includes a flow path of byproducts of combustion coupled to a bidirectional ballast chamber by valves which are sequentially actuated for alternately filling and exhausting byproducts of combustion from opposite sides of the chamber during combustion. Alternately, a plurality of low volume ballast chambers are employed. A method of determining the concentration of elements in a sample includes the steps of combusting a sample; and alternately collecting and exhausting the byproduct gases of combustion in opposite sides of a bidirectional ballast. The bidirectional ballast chamber has an outer wall defining a chamber with sealed enclosures at opposite ends of the wall, a movable piston positioned within the chamber, and gas ports associated with the chamber on opposite sides of the piston. |
| US09435757B2 |
Sample viscosity and flow control for heavy samples, and X-ray analysis applications thereof
An x-ray analysis system having an x-ray engine with an x-ray source for producing an x-ray excitation beam directed toward an x-ray analysis focal area; a sample chamber for presenting a sample stream to the x-ray analysis focal area, the analysis focal area disposed within a sample analysis area defined within the chamber; an x-ray detection path for collecting secondary x-rays and directing the x-rays toward a detector; an x-ray transparent barrier on a wall of the chamber through which the x-rays pass; and a blocking structure partially blocking the sample analysis area, for creating sample stream turbulence in the sample analysis area and over the barrier. The blocking structure may be disposed asymmetrically about a central axis of the x-ray analysis focal area and/or the sample analysis area; and may be a rounded pin. A heating element may be used to heat the sample stream for improving flow. |
| US09435756B2 |
Method for analysis using X-ray fluorescence
The present invention is a method to quantify biomarkers. The method uses an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to perform an X-ray fluorescence analysis on the sample to obtain spectral features derived from the biomarker; and quantifying the X-ray fluorescence signal of the biomarker. |
| US09435754B2 |
Flat panel type X-ray generators and X-ray imaging systems including the same
An X-ray generator may comprise: an electron emission device comprising a plurality of electron emission units configured to emit electrons; an X-ray emission device configured to emit X-rays due to the electrons emitted from the electron emission device; and/or a parallel light extraction member configured to extract X-rays having directivity from among the X-rays emitted from the X-ray emission device and to allow the extracted X-rays having directivity to pass through the parallel light extraction member. |
| US09435752B2 |
Systems and methods for scanning objects
The present application discloses scanner systems that have a radiation generator arranged to generate radiation to irradiate an object, a detector arranged to detect the radiation after it has interacted with the object and generate a sequence of detector data sets as the object is moved relative to the generator, and processors arranged to process each of the detector data sets thereby to generate a control output. |
| US09435749B2 |
System and method for inspection of roll surface
A system and method that includes, in an embodiment, a prism, a camera, a light source, and a plate. The system, in an embodiment, is configured for scanning a roll and generating an image of the roll surface. The prism, in an embodiment, is positioned below the camera and above the plate. In an embodiment, the plate is positioned below the prism and above the roll surface. In an embodiment, the light source is positioned above the prism. In an embodiment, the light source and the prism are positioned to provide light to the roll surface at an angle of at least 75 degrees measured from a line normal to the roll surface. In an embodiment, the prism is configured to refract light from the light source, the camera is a line scan camera that includes a row of pixel sensors, and the light source includes light emitting diodes. |
| US09435736B2 |
System for blood separation with shielded extraction port and optical control
A centrifugal blood separation system comprising a rotor, a light source, an optical sensor, a control system, a separation vessel, and an optical cell on the separation vessel. The optical cell has a first extraction port extending radially outwardly into the optical cell, a red blood cell extraction port downstream from the first extraction port and extending into the optical cell beyond the first extraction port; and a dam between said first extraction port and said red blood cell extraction port, having an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein the first extraction port and the red cell extraction port are radially between the upper edge and the lower edge of the dam. Also, a first extraction port having a bore having a first diameter, a lumen having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and a frustro-conical passageway coupling the bore to the lumen. |
| US09435732B2 |
Hyperspectral identification of egg fertility and gender
A hyperspectral method for detecting the present condition of an avian egg is disclosed in which a neural network algorithm is used to compare the spectrum of a test egg against a spectral library. The method can detect fertility with greater than 90% reliability on the day of laying and the gender of the chick with greater than 75% reliability on the 12th day after laying. |
| US09435731B2 |
State determining method, state imparting system, and state determining program
A state determination method is provided that is capable of determining at least one of the state of degradation of oil in a machine and the state of breakage of the machine with higher accuracy than conventional methods. A state determination method for determining the state of degradation of lubricating oil in a speed reducer and the state of breakage of the speed reducer is characterized by: transmitting white light emitted by a white LED through the lubricating oil, causing an RGB sensor to detect the color of the light transmitted through the lubricating oil by the white LED, and calculating the brightness of the color detected by the RGB sensor (S201); calculating a color component maximum difference that is the difference between a maximum value and a minimum value among the R value, G value, and B value of the color detected by the RGB sensor (S202); and determining the states on the basis of the brightness calculated in S201 and the color component maximum difference calculated in S202 (S203, S207). |
| US09435723B2 |
In situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method
An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. The reaction conditions for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide. |
| US09435720B2 |
Multiple slide processing apparatus
A slide processing apparatus comprises a slide or processing station which may include a plurality of cuvettes, each cuvette configured to receive a slide. A reagent fluid supply is coupled to each cuvette to deliver and apply reagent for treatment of the slide. A slide gripper is disposed above the slide processing station and is configured to move the slide in and out of the cuvettes. A screw assembly is disposed adjacent the slide processing station, the screw assembly configured to receive a plurality of slides, wherein rotation of the screw assembly advances the plurality of slides for engagement by the slide gripper. |
| US09435718B2 |
Automated pelletized sample decanting apparatus and methods
An automated sample tube decanting system having one or more decanting grippers, a decant waste receptacle, a transporter, and means for rotating the decanting gripper. Each decanting gripper has a respective holder configured to selectively mate with a respective interface on a tube strip. The one or more decanting grippers are rotatable between a first position in which the tube strip is upright and a second position in which the tube strip is inverted. The transporter is configured to move the one or more decanting grippers in a lateral direction from a starting location to a location above the decant waste receptacle. |
| US09435715B2 |
Method for characterizing the behaviour of a vehicle and use in the selection of the tyres of the vehicle
To characterize a behavior of a vehicle, a subjective behavior test is conducted on a given configuration of a suspension device and a wheel disc of the vehicle to determine whether the vehicle's behavior is acceptable. Modifications are made to the given configuration so as to sweep through pairs of values corresponding to a lateral force Fy and a lateral offset Dy of the wheel in straight-line running. For each modified configuration of the suspension device and/or the wheel disc, the subjective behavior test is conducted again. For each configuration of the suspension device and the wheel disc tested, a determination is made of a pair of values of the lateral force Fy and the lateral offset Dy of the wheel in straight-line running. Areas Z of acceptable behavior of the vehicle in a plane Fy, Dy are determined. |
| US09435713B2 |
System and method for identifying fiber sequence in a multi-fiber optical cable
A system, method and apparatus for identifying fiber sequence in a multi-fiber optical cable are disclosed. The system may include an OTDR device, a receiver, and a launch box. The receiver may comprise a plurality of receiver-fibers differentiated from each other by length. Each receiver-fiber is connected to a fiber of the cable. The launch-box enables the connection of the OTDR device to each of the fibers. A user may connect the output of the OTDR to each of the front ports of a front-connector and collects a trace for each front port. The traces may comprise a marker identifying, by length, the receiver-fiber connected to the fiber. A computer program may be used to compare the traces with each other and to determine a fiber sequence in the tested multi-fiber cable. The determined sequence may be displayed on the OTDR display. |
| US09435710B2 |
Lining tube and method for checking the curing through of a lining tube of resin-impregnated fiber material
A lining tube of resin-impregnated curable fiber material, which after being pulled in and made to expand within a conduit, is cured from the inside by irradiating with electromagnetic radiation and/or heat. A device for checking the curing through of the fiber material contains a first and second electrical conductor, which extend parallel to one another over a length of the lining tube and arranged between which is a portion in strip form of a reaction resin that has a higher electrical conductivity in the liquid state than in the cured state of the same. A method checks the curing through of the lining tube for the final check on the complete curing through of the reaction resin, the electrical resistance is recorded at two adjacent ends of the first and second electrical conductors and after that the recorded resistance value is compared with a predetermined resistance setpoint value. |
| US09435709B2 |
Degradation monitoring system for hose assembly
A system and method for detecting hose degradation are disclosed. In one aspect, a hose degradation monitoring system includes a hose assembly including a hose having a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer, and a monitoring circuit in electrical communication with the first and second conductive layers. The degradation monitoring circuit includes a circuit element having a non-linear electrical property in response to changed voltage. |
| US09435708B1 |
Devices and methods to enhance accuracy of magnetoelastic torque sensors
This invention concerns magnetoelastic torque sensor systems and methods that computationally compensate in real-time for magnetic hysteresis in signals output from sense elements that are indicative of a torque parameter sensed from a remanently circumferentially magnetized region of an associated torque-transmitting member when it experiences an applied torque. In preferred embodiments, temperature effects can also be compensated for by such methods and systems. |
| US09435707B2 |
Intra-cylinder pressure sensor fault diagnostic device and intra-cylinder sensor sensitivity correction device provided with same
An intra-cylinder pressure sensor fault diagnostic device that ensures an opportunity for fault diagnosis in a wide operation region, and can accurately detect an intra-cylinder pressure with a high S/N ratio. The fault diagnostic device for an intra-cylinder pressure sensor, which outputs a value corresponding to an intra-cylinder pressure of an internal combustion engine delays ignition timing so that firing timing comes after a compression top dead center to generate peaks of the intra-cylinder pressure before firing and after firing respectively. When the ignition timing is delayed, at least one of an output value of the intra-cylinder pressure sensor in the peak of the intra-cylinder pressure before firing (hereinafter, called a pre-firing output peak value) and a crank angle thereof is detected. A fault of the intra-cylinder pressure sensor is determined by using at least one of the pre-firing output peak value and the crank angle thereof. |
| US09435706B2 |
Membrane for a pressure dome
A membrane for a pressure dome is configured to cooperate with a pressure sensor, and includes a resilient circular wall and a circular rim. The resilient circular wall is configured to close one side of the pressure dome so as to define a partition between the inside of the pressure dome and the outside. The circular rim is configured to be housed in a main body of the pressure dome. The membrane is configured such that the resilient circular wall, when there is no difference between the pressures acting respectively on the inner surface and on the outer surface, has an outwardly convex form. |
| US09435705B2 |
Switching type six-axis force-torque sensor and six-axis force-torque measuring apparatus using the same
A switching type six-axis force-torque sensor is provided which includes: a sensor substrate attached to a structural body to be measured. A first measuring unit is installed at one side in respect to a central portion of the sensor substrate and measures strain and a second measuring unit is installed on the sensor substrate at a position that faces the first measuring unit in respect to the central portion and measures strain. Further, a third measuring unit is installed at a position that is orthogonal to a connecting line, which connects the first measuring unit and the second measuring unit, and measures strain and a fourth measuring unit is installed at a position that faces the third measuring unit in respect to the central portion and measures strain. |
| US09435702B2 |
Method and apparatus for optical strain sensing
Mechanical parameters of an object subjected to a force or condition are measured. A curved portion of a multicore optical fiber is attached to the object, and the multicore optical fiber includes a center core and plural off-center cores. A distributed, optically-based sensing technique is used to obtain information at each of multiple points along the curved portion from multiple ones of the cores of the multicore optical fiber. A curvature associated with the fiber attached to the object is determined using the information obtained from multiple ones of the cores. Strain information is obtained for the center core without having to obtain strain information for the off-center cores. Mechanical parameters are determined based on the strain information obtained for the center core and the curvature information obtained from the multiple ones of the cores. |
| US09435701B2 |
Optical fiber strain sensor system and method
An optical fiber strain sensor system and method are provided that use pixels of a three-dimension (3-D) pixel sensor to sense the respective light beams passing out of the ends of a reference fiber and a measurement fiber and for converting the respective light beams into respective electrical signals. Because 3-D camera pixels have photodiodes that are directly connected by switches to integrators within the same die, the need to use separate TIAs and phase detection circuitry in each receive channel is eliminated, which reduces system complexity and overall cost. In addition, omitting the separate TIAs and phase detection circuitry for each channel eliminates the phase uncertainty that can occur when using those components, and thus improves measurement precision. |
| US09435685B2 |
Part holding head assembly for chip mounting device
There is provided a part holding head assembly of a part mounting device including: a rotary head; a spindle configured to rotate in a first direction T with respect to a central axis of the spindle and configured to move in a second direction Z substantially parallel with an extending direction of the central axis of the spindle; a nozzle provided at a first end of the spindle; a raising part configured to move the spindle to in the second direction Z; and a contact detecting sensor configured to sense the nozzle contacting a part or the part held by the nozzle contacting a substrate and configured to generate a contact sensing signal according to the sensing. |
| US09435682B2 |
Systems and methods for remote testing of a flow switch
Systems and methods for the remote testing of a paddle-type flow detector, such as are common in fire protection systems. Specifically, the systems and methods provide for mechanical movement of the vane to test activation of the flow detector under a flow condition, and which measure the amount of time the vane takes to return to the ready position to verify the presence of a paddle on the vane. |
| US09435675B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring, communicating, and analyzing the amount of fluid in a tank
A device for monitoring the mass of a fluid remaining in a tank as the fluid periodically or continuously leaves the tank includes a housing comprising an inlet adapted to be attached to an outlet of the tank and to receive fluid from the tank. A flow meter measures a plurality of flow rate measurements of the fluid as it leaves the tank. At least one processor is configured to determine a mass of the fluid that has left the tank during at least one measurement period, determine a mass of the fluid remaining in the tank based at least partially on an initial mass of the fluid in the tank and the determined mass of the fluid that has left the tank, and generate, based on the mass of the fluid remaining, an indication. |
| US09435672B2 |
Measurement transducer for process instrumentation, and method for monitoring the state of its sensor
A measurement transducer for process instrumentation includes a sensor for detecting a physical or chemical quantity, where a supply voltage to the sensor is regulated by a cross regulator to a constant value, and the current intensity of the current adjusted by the cross regulator and flowing parallel to the sensor is determined and monitored to maintain a specified criterion in order to detect a sensor error such that error conditions of the sensor can be determined in a particularly simple and effective way. |
| US09435667B2 |
Position detecting apparatus, and lens apparatus and image pickup apparatus including the position detecting apparatus
A position detector, includes: a scale having pattern arrays formed in different cycles in a movement direction an obtaining unit which obtains signals in accordance with the pattern arrays; a first deriving unit which derives a temporal position of the scale relative to the obtaining unit based on the signals; a second deriving unit which derives a displacement amount of the scale relative to the obtaining unit based on one or more signals of the signals; and a determinates which determines a determined position of the scale relative to the obtaining unit based on the temporal position and the displacement amount, wherein the determinator determines the determined position based on a result of comparison between a difference between first and second temporal positions respectively calculated by the first and second deriving units at first and second positions and a displacement amount from the first position to the second position. |
| US09435661B2 |
Systems and methods for attitude fault detection based on air data and aircraft control settings
Systems and methods for attitude fault detection based on air data and aircraft control settings are provided. In one embodiment, a sensor monitor for an aircraft attitude measurement system comprises: an aircraft model configured to model a plurality of states, the plurality of states including at least an aircraft attitude state, an aircraft velocity state, a sink rate error state, and a wind velocity state; a propagator-estimator configured to utilize the plurality of states of the aircraft model to process air data measurements and attitude measurements from a first inertial measurement unit of the aircraft attitude measurement system; and a residual evaluator configured to input residual error values generated by the propagator-estimator, wherein the residual evaluator outputs an alert signal when the residual error values exceed a predetermined statistical threshold. |
| US09435658B2 |
Routing with data version stitching
Systems and methods are provided for the determination of routes from, for instance, travel segment network data associated with different data versions. More particularly, a request can be received for a route from an origin to a destination. Graph data modeling a travel segment network for a geographic region associated with the origin and for a geographic region associated the destination can be accessed. The graph data can preserve boundary nodes for visiting during a search (e.g. a contraction hierarchies style search) for a shortest path through the graph data. The reach value of a boundary segment can be considered in identifying boundary segments to be visited during the shortest path search through the graph data. The route can be determined based at least in part on the shortest path. |
| US09435655B2 |
Coordinated crowd dispersal navigation
Various systems and methods for coordinating crowd dispersal are described herein. A system for coordinating crowd dispersal includes a user module to: identify a plurality of parties at a venue, each party having at least one person associated with it; and identify a location of each of the plurality of parties within the venue; a route module to calculate a traffic dispersion plan designed to disperse the plurality of parties from the venue, the traffic dispersion plan including a route for each of the plurality of parties; and a communication module to communicate routes from the traffic dispersion plan to respective parties of the plurality of parties. |
| US09435653B2 |
Sensor-aided vehicle positioning system
A method and system for localizing a vehicle in a digital map includes generating GPS coordinates of the vehicle on the traveled road and retrieving from a database a digital map of a region traveled by the vehicle based on the location of the GPS coordinates. The digital map includes a geographic mapping of a traveled road and registered roadside objects. The registered roadside objects are positionally identified in the digital map by longitudinal and lateral coordinates. Roadside objects in the region traveled are sensed by the vehicle. The sensed roadside objects are identified on the digital map. A vehicle position on the traveled road is determined utilizing coordinates of the sensed roadside objects identified in the digital map. The position of the vehicle is localized in the road as a function of the GPS coordinates and the determined vehicle position utilizing the coordinates of the sensed roadside objects. |
| US09435648B2 |
Map matching device, system and method
A map matching device for a positioning device includes an inertial detect module, measuring a moving signal generated from the positioning device, a movement estimation module, estimating location information of the positioning device according to the moving signal, a map data storage module, storing a plurality of types of map feature information of an environment where the positioning device is located, and a matching module, matching the location information with the plurality of types of map feature information for performing map matching processes, and providing a positioning coordinate. |
| US09435645B2 |
Coordinate measuring machine (CMM) and method of compensating errors in a CMM
The present invention relates to a coordinate measuring machine comprising a stationary base, a probe head, at least one linear drive mechanism for moving in a first direction, the linear drive mechanism having a linear guide and a movable member being supported for movement along the guide by bearings. The linear drive mechanism further comprises at least a first pre-calibrated integral sensor-package having at least two displacement sensors each for measuring a distance from the movable member to the guide in a direction being non-parallel with respect to the first direction, wherein the sensed distances indicate a translational displacement of the movable member from an ordinary bearing position in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and a rotational displacement of the movable member. |
| US09435644B2 |
Digital compensation for non-linearity in displacement sensors
Systems, apparatuses and methods for digital compensation for total harmonic distortion in a displacement sensor. The methods can include determining a total harmonic distortion compensation function for a displacement sensor; using the displacement sensor to measure a displacement by generating an output signal with total harmonic distortion; digitizing the distorted output signal to generate distorted output data; applying the total harmonic distortion compensation function to the distorted output data to generate undistorted output data; and outputting the undistorted output data. |
| US09435643B2 |
Presumably defective portion decision apparatus, presumably defective portion decision method, fabrication method for semiconductor device and program
Disclosed herein is a presumably defective portion decision apparatus, including: an arithmetic operation section configured to divide a level difference included in level difference data which indicate a level difference distribution on the surface of a semiconductor device into two or more unit level differences in the depthwise direction of the level difference and determine, for each of the unit level differences obtained by the division, a relationship between the height of a contour line at a level difference position of an upper face and an area of an opening surrounded by the contour line to decide presence or absence of a presumably defective portion. |
| US09435641B2 |
Optical angle measurement
An optical detector may include an epitaxial layer having a continuous surface provided on a surface of a substrate. Two or more electrodes may be arranged at different positions in the epitaxial layer so that the electron-hole pairs generated in the epitaxial layer from incident light passing through the aperture and reaching the epitaxial layer have a varying probability of being collected by each of the electrodes as the angle of the incident light changes. The electrodes may be arranged at different depths in the epitaxial layer. The epitaxial layer may be continuous and have a continuous aperture-facing surface between each of the electrodes associated with a particular aperture to ensure that more light passing through the aperture is absorbable in the epitaxial layer and subsequently detectable by the electrodes. This may result in improved light detection capabilities. |
| US09435632B2 |
Stator of resolver and method for assembling stator assembly
A stator of a resolver includes a stator body including multiple magnetic pole portions; multiple stator windings respectively wound around the magnetic pole portions; multiple terminal pins each including a stator winding connecting portion around which the corresponding stator winding is wound; and an external cable connecting portion to be connected with an external cable; and a terminal pin holding portion that holds the terminal pins. The stator winding connecting portion of each terminal pin is formed in a double layer by folding a metal piece and has a fold formed when the metal piece is folded. The fold of the stator winding connecting portion of each terminal pin is formed along a longitudinal direction of the stator winding connecting portion. |
| US09435631B2 |
Discrete magnetic angle sensor device, a magnetic angle sensor arrangement, a method for generating an angle signal and a method for providing a sensor signal
A discrete magnetic angle sensor device according to an embodiment includes a first magnetic field gradiometer and a second magnetic field gradiometer. The first magnetic field gradiometer and the second magnetic field gradiometer are of different types of a group of gradiometer types. An embodiment may improve an accuracy of a determination of a rotation angle. |
| US09435624B2 |
Safety arming system for an explosive charge
The invention relates to a safety arming system for an explosive charge. According to the invention, the system comprises: an arming actuator (4) for moving a sleeve (19), supporting a detonator (20), from a fixed safety position to a fixed armed position; and a disarming actuator (5) arranged opposite the arming actuator (4) and capable of returning the sleeve (19) from the fixed arming position to the fixed safety position. |
| US09435622B1 |
Aquatic vessel fiber optic network
Disclosed is a communication network for aquatic vessels. The network comprises an unmanned aquatic vehicle (UAQV) having a warhead. A fiber optic cable is bi-directional and in a closed ring configuration enabling communication within the network and to the UAQV. A power grid cable is in a closed ring configuration and coupled to a generator providing power. A node is coupled to the fiber optic cable and to the power grid cable. A relay station is coupled to the node and in communication with the UAQV. A control center is in communication with the UAQV and facilitates remote control of the UAQV, and programming of a navigational plan for the remote control of the UAQV prior to launch. The fiber optic cable, power grid cable, node and relay station are capable of being located underwater during operation. The UAQV is capable of being launched underwater from open water. |
| US09435621B1 |
Arrowhead assembly structure
An arrowhead assembly structure is connected with a front end of an arrow rod and includes: an arrowhead member, a first end of the arrowhead member being fitted on a front end of the arrow rod, the arrowhead member having a support flange and a hub section, the hub section axially extending from the support flange toward a second end of the arrowhead member, the hub section having a diameter smaller than outer diameter of the support flange; at least one first cushion member formed with a central through hole, by means of the central through hole, the first cushion member being fitted around the hub section, one end of the first cushion member being adhered to the support flange of the arrowhead member; and at least one second cushion member, a first end of the second cushion member being adhered to a second end of the first cushion member. |
| US09435614B2 |
Ballistic vest system with ballistic vein component
Embodiments of ballistic vest system including a ballistic vest having a soft body armor component with a ballistic vein component positioned behind and adjacent the soft armor component for providing structural support to the ballistic vest and provide further dissipation of forces generated by the impact of a ballistic projectile and/or shrapnel against the soft body armor component. Other embodiments of a ballistic vest system having a ballistic vein component may be described and claimed. |
| US09435613B2 |
Semi-active laser seeker synchronization
A system for semi-active laser seeker synchronization includes a laser target designator configured to emit a laser pulse signal and a seeker configured to detect the emitted signal from the laser target designator. The laser target designator and the seeker are operatively connected to synchronize the emission of the laser pulse signal and the detection of the seeker. |
| US09435611B1 |
Combination gun sight with single eyepoint
This invention describes an ergonomic combination sight for small arms. According to one embodiment, the combination sight comprises a reflector sight mounted on top of a telescopic sight. A refracting wedge prism is included in the optical layout of the telescopic sight to tilt the viewing axis of the telescopic sight towards the viewing axis of the reflector sight. This feature provides better ergonomics since a shooter can aim through the reflector sight or the telescopic sight using the same head position. |
| US09435600B2 |
Thermal mirage reduction accessory for firearms
A thermal mirage reducing device for firearms is disclosed and described. The thermal mirage reducing device includes a heat control shell oriented along a horizontal longitudinal axis corresponding to a bore line of a firearm. A cross-sectional profile of the heat control shell taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is asymmetrical about a vertical plane dividing the heat control shell along the longitudinal axis. The cross-sectional profile has a heat-directing portion protruding on one side of the vertical plane. The heat-directing portion extends to a high point that is vertically higher than any other point in the cross-sectional profile and laterally offset from the vertical plane. The cross-sectional profile does not intersect the line of sight of the firearm. |
| US09435597B2 |
Methods and system for controlling the use of firearms
According to certain aspects, a system for controlling use of firearms can include a circuitry coupled to a firearm and in communication with a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit. The circuitry may be configured to: determine, using the GPS unit, coordinates of a current location of the firearm; transmit the coordinates of the current location of the firearm to a remote server, wherein the remote server comprises a database including a plurality of coordinates associated with a plurality of locations at which the firearm should be enabled or disabled; receive from the remote server information relating to whether the firearm should be disabled at the coordinates of the current location of the firearm; and in response to determining that the firearm should be disabled based on the information from the remote server, initiate disabling of the firearm. |
| US09435595B2 |
Tactical takedown assist tool
The invention is directed toward a magnetized takedown tool for removing pins from an assault rifle. The magnetic element of the magnetized takedown tool allows the tool to be removably secured to an assault rifle. In addition, the invention is directed toward a docking unit which may be removably secured to the assault rifle and to which the magnetized takedown tool can be removably secured during use. |
| US09435594B2 |
Low ammunition warning switch
An ammunition magazine, including a container configured to hold ammunition and dispense the ammunition to a weapon, and an indicator disposed in the container and configured to create a signal indicative of a predetermined amount of ammunition remains in the container. In one example embodiment, the indicator includes a sensor member configured to engage with the ammunition when more than the predetermined amount of ammunition remains in the container, and configured to not engage with the ammunition when less than the predetermined amount of ammunition remains in the container. A signal generator is coupled to the sensor member and configured to provide an electrical signal indicative of whether the sensor member is engaging the ammunition, or is not engaging the ammunition. |
| US09435592B2 |
Firearm having slide stop support mechanism
To prevent inertial forces from inadvertently releasing the slide of a semi-automatic pistol into battery, a slide stop retention mechanism is mounted on the frame. A finger extends from the mechanism and pivots under the force of a biasing spring into engagement with the slide stop when the slide is in the open position. The finger supports the slide stop. A force applied to the slide stop, either manually or via a cam on the slide when the slide is pulled back and released, will move the finger out of its supporting position and allow the slide to move to battery. |
| US09435591B2 |
Heat exchanger pivotable for clean-out
A machine has a mount, a support mounted pivotally to the mount to pivot relative to the mount about a first pivot axis between a first support position and a second support position, and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is mounted pivotally to the support to pivot relative to the support about a second pivot axis between a first exchanger position and a second exchanger position. |
| US09435590B2 |
Thin heat transfer device for thermal management
A thin design heat transfer device for thermal management is described herein. The heat transfer device uses a cold plate that is independent or “floating” relative to a spring mechanism employed to generate contact pressure with a heat-generating device. A bridge component associated with the spring mechanism is designed to span over the cold plate and contact the cold plate when the spring deforms, which therefore allows the cold plate to be independent of the spring mechanism. The independence between the cold plate and the spring mechanism enables deformation in the spring mechanism to drive contact pressure while eliminating or reducing corresponding deformation in the cold plate. Consequently, components of the heat transfer device may be made relatively thin and have less stiffness than traditional designs, but still provide acceptable contact pressure and quality for effective thermal management. |
| US09435589B2 |
Method for manufacturing a tube sheet and heat exchanger assembly for a pool reactor or pool condenser; corresponding tube sheet and heat exchanger assembly
The present application relates to a method of manufacturing a tube sheet (7) and heat exchanger assembly for a pool reactor or pool condenser for use in the production of urea from ammonia and carbon dioxide, wherein the method comprises manufacturing of the tube sheet (7) from a carbon steel material grade and providing said tube sheet (7) with corrosion protective layers (8, 9) of an austenitic-ferritic duplex stainless steel grade, wherein the heat exchanger comprises at least one U-shaped tube (13) of an austenitic-ferritic duplex stainless steel grade, the method further comprises inserting at least two sleeves (11) of an austenitic-ferritic duplex stainless steel grade through the tube sheet (7) such that both ends of the sleeve (11) extend in a direction away from the tube sheet (7), the method further comprises connecting the sleeves (11), at least the opposing ends thereof, to at least the protective layers (8,9) of the tube sheet (7) and finally, connecting both ends of the at least one U-shaped tube (13) to the respective sleeves (11). |
| US09435586B2 |
Controlled nucleation during freezing step of freeze drying cycle using pressure differential ice crystals distribution from condensed frost
A method of controlling and enhancing the nucleation of product in a freeze dryer, wherein the product is maintained at a predetermined temperature and pressure in a chamber of the freeze dryer, and a predetermined volume of condensed frost is created on an inner surface of a condenser chamber separate from the product chamber and connected thereto by a vapor port. The opening of the vapor port into the product chamber when the condenser chamber has a pressure that is greater than that of the product chamber creates gas turbulence that breaks down the condensed frost into ice crystals that rapidly enter the product chamber for even distribution therein to create uniform and rapid nucleation of the product in different areas of the product chamber. |
| US09435585B2 |
Microwave dryer and microwave drying method
A microwave dryer and a microwave drying method are provided to evaporate water by using the penetrability of microwave. A wind screen (14) arranged in a dryer body (6) is used as a heat storage body to store heat temporarily when the material in the dryer body (6) is heated. Hot air in the dryer body (6) is extracted by an air discharging system and redelivered to the dryer body (6) from the bottom of the dryer. The specific weight of the material after water is evaporated is reduced, so the dried material can be carried out of the dryer body (6) if enough wind power is provided. |
| US09435584B2 |
Device and method for separating, at least partially drying and inspecting electronic components
The invention relates to a device for separating, at least partially drying and inspecting electronic components, comprising: separating means, a carrier for the electronic components, a heating source for generating radiant heat, displacing means for displacing the carrier for the electronic components relative to the heating source, and visual inspection means. The heating source is configured to generate radiant heat in order to selectively heat and evaporate moisture present on the separated electronic components. |
| US09435582B2 |
Method and apparatus for liquefying a gas or cooling a feed gas at supercritical pressure
The invention relates to a method for liquefying a feed gas or cooling a feed gas at supercritical pressure, in which the feed gas mixed with a cycle gas is condensed or cooled in order to form a supercritical gas or liquid at the first pressure, the liquid at the first pressure is cooled in a first heat exchanger (E2), the cooled liquid is removed from the first exchanger and expanded up to a second pressure that is lower than the first pressure in order to form an expanded flow, at least one portion of the expanded flow is cooled in a second heat exchanger, the expanded flow is removed from the second heat exchanger (E2), said flow is split into at least two portions, including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the expanded flow constituting the liquefied product, the second portion and preferably a third portion being vaporized in the second heat exchanger and the thus-formed at least one cycle gas is then mixed with the feed gas and compressed in a compressor, before or after being mixed with the feed gas. |
| US09435578B2 |
Storage apparatuses and related methods for storing temperature-sensitive items
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to apparatuses and methods for storing temperature-sensitive items. More specifically, embodiments include a storage apparatus that may store the temperature-sensitive items. For example, the storage apparatus may include a storage compartment that may be maintained at a predetermined temperature or temperature range. |
| US09435575B2 |
System and method for retrofitting a refrigeration systems from HCFC to HFC refrigerant
A system and method for retrofitting a refrigeration system containing an HCFC refrigerant and a compatible lubricant, with an HFC refrigerant, comprising providing a transport container containing a mixture of a miscible lubricant and the HFC refrigerant, removing the HCFC refrigerant from the refrigeration system while maintaining at least a portion of a lubricant immiscible with the HFC refrigerant, and charging the refrigeration system with the mixture. The polyol ester lubricant may be present in a range exceeding about 5-15% by weight, e.g., 8%. |
| US09435574B2 |
Compositions and methods for injection of sealants and/or drying agents into air conditioning and refrigeration systems
A method for maintaining a charged and pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system, such method including introducing into the system fluid of the air conditioning or refrigeration system a hydrolytic drying agent, and distributing the hydrolytic drying agent throughout the system fluid; methods of maintaining a charged and pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system including introducing a hydrolytic drying agent and a sealing agent; devices for maintaining a charged and pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system which include a sealed vessel containing a hydrolytic drying agent and a sealant; kits for the same. |
| US09435568B2 |
Device and method for fixing objects, in particular solar panels, to a roof
A device for fixing objects, in particular solar panels, to a roof, the device comprising at least one base element connectable to the roof and a top structure connectable to the base element for fixing to an object, wherein the base element and the top structure can be mutually coupled by means of a snap connection. A process for assembling such devices. |
| US09435567B2 |
Heating container
Provided is a heating container simply cooks or heats foods using a heater without help of a heating device required for cooking during the outdoor leisure activation such as climbing or fishing. The heating container includes a main body in which a heater is inserted and water is poured, a built-in container inserted into the main body, the built-in container providing a space for cooking foods therein, and a sealing cover sealing an opened upper portion of the built-in container, the sealing cover being coupled to the main body when the built-in container is sealed. Each of the main body and the built-in container is formed of a rigid material, and vapor generated when water within the main body is boiled is discharged between the main body and the built-in container to the outside. |
| US09435566B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting and compensating for sediment build-up in tank-style water heaters
A method for detecting and compensating for sediment build-up in a tank style water heater is disclosed. An illustrative but non-limiting example may include monitoring a temperature of water within a water storage tank of a water heater over time, resulting in a monitored temperature profile. The method may then include determining if the monitored temperature profile includes one or more features that indicate sediment build up in the water storage tank, and if so, provide an output that indicates sediment build up is present. |
| US09435562B2 |
Electric heating device for heating fluids
The invention relates to a electric heating device for heating fluids, comprising at least one heating resistor, a screw, which defines a helical flow channel, and a tube housing, which surrounds the screw. In accordance with this disclosure, the screw has a core in which the at least one heating resistor is arranged. |
| US09435559B2 |
Power management in energy buffered building control unit
A thermostat includes a plurality of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) wire connectors for receiving a plurality of HVAC control wires corresponding to an HVAC system. The thermostat also includes a thermostat processing and control circuit configured to at least partially control the operation of the HVAC system and a powering circuit coupled to the HVAC wire connectors and configured to provide an electrical load power to the thermostat processing and control circuit. The powering circuit has a power extraction circuit configured to extract electrical power from one or more of the plurality of received HVAC control wires up to a first level of electrical power, a rechargeable battery, and a power control circuit. The power control circuit is configured to provide the electrical load power using power from the power extraction circuit and the rechargeable battery. |
| US09435558B2 |
Air conditioner
Disclosed is an air conditioner with spatial recognition and detection functions for deciding room shape by determining, based on temperature difference information between the floor and walls occurring during air conditioning operation, a human body detection position log, and a capacity zone of the air conditioner. In an embodiment, an infrared sensor detects a temperature of an area of the room by scanning the area and a control unit acquires thermal image data of the area scanned by the infrared sensor and then calculates a temperature of a wall of the room from the acquired thermal image data. The control unit detects a human body in the room from the thermal image data, calculates a distance between the body and the wall, and calculates a radiation temperature from the wall for the body based on the calculated temperature of the wall and the distance between the body and the wall. |
| US09435557B2 |
Control unit for an HVAC system comprising an economizer and method for operating such control unit
A control unit (22) for an HVAC system (10) comprises an economizer (EC), which economizer (EC) is configured to introduce outdoor air (OA) into the HVAC system (10) for cooling and/or ventilation purposes in a manner controlled by said control unit (22), said control unit (22) comprising a base module (23) with: a control circuit (24), a man machine interface (25) connected to said control circuit (24), and first I/O means for connecting at least one sensor (32, . . . , 36) of said HVAC system to said control circuit (24) and for delivering at least one control signal from said control circuit (24) to control the operation of said economizer (EC).Said base module (23) is configured to optionally receive at least one extension module (26, 27, 28), which can be snapped on and electrically connected to said base module (23) for expanding the functionality of said control unit (22). |
| US09435555B2 |
Misting fan system and method
A fan system for use on oil and gas rigs. The system includes a hydraulic motor for generating a rotational force from a hydraulic fluid, a water pump member for pumping water, a control member for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid and water. The system also includes a fan device having a plurality of individual blades for providing an airflow, with the fan device being operatively connected to the hydraulic pump member and a nozzle connected to the water pump member for spraying a mist, with the nozzle containing a variable opening for varying the pressure and volume of water discharged. A leak path is provided for capturing and channeling leaking fluids so that fluids are contained within the fan device not in the air stream. |
| US09435553B2 |
Method and system for maximizing thermal properties of a thermoelectric cooler and use therewith in association with hybrid cooling
A cooling system including a first cooling apparatus thermally exposed to a space to be cooled. The cooling system further includes a second cooling apparatus thermally exposed to the space to be cooled and thermally exposed to the first cooling apparatus. Heat discharged from the second cooling apparatus powers the first cooling apparatus. |
| US09435552B2 |
Air filtration and handling for nuclear reactor habitability area
A system for circulating and conditioning air within a nuclear reactor habitability area is provided. The system may include an upper plenum formed between a lowered ceiling partition within the habitability area and a ceiling of the habitability area and a lower plenum formed between a raised floor partition within the habitability area and a floor of the habitability area. The system can additionally include at least one recirculation air handling unit located within the habitability area, the at least one recirculation air handling unit operable to generate a recirculation air flow within the habitability area by circulating air between the lower and upper plenums absent any air carrying ductwork routed through the ceiling, floor or walls of the habitability area. |
| US09435549B2 |
Air-conditioning apparatus with relay unit
To provide an air-conditioning apparatus which achieves improvement of safety and further achieves saving of energy without circulating a refrigerant in or near an indoor unit. The air-conditioning apparatus includes one expansion device disposed on an outlet side of a heat exchanger related to the heat medium on the heating side. Another expansion device is disposed on an inlet side of a heat exchanger related to the heat medium on the cooling side such that the expansion devices are directly connected through a connecting pipe. |
| US09435541B2 |
Systems and apparatus relating to downstream fuel and air injection in gas turbines
A gas turbine that includes: a combustor coupled to a turbine that together define an interior flowpath, the interior flowpath extending aftward about a longitudinal axis from a primary air and fuel injection system that defines a forward end, through an interface at which the combustor connects to the turbine, and through a row of stator blades in the turbine that defines an aft end; and a downstream injection system that includes two injection stages, a first stage and a second stage, that are axially spaced along the longitudinal axis of the interior flowpath. The first stage and the second stage each includes multiple injectors configured to inject an air and fuel mixture into the interior flowpath. |
| US09435540B2 |
Fuel injector with premix pilot nozzle
An apparatus for injecting premixed fuel and air through a center body and into the combustion zone of a gas turbine includes a fuel injector nozzle with a premix pilot nozzle having a plurality of premix passages in fluid communication with an air supply and a fuel supply that premixes air and fuel within the premix passages. The apparatus has either an active or passive fuel feed control. Fuel can be fed to the apparatus either conventionally or as a breech load circuit integrated into the oil cartridge. Fuel can be supplied passively via a fuel channel connecting the swozzle fuel plenum to the premix passages. Alternatively, fuel can be injected from the oil cartridge into the premix passages. |
| US09435536B2 |
Gas turbine combustor equipped with heat-transfer device
An object of the present invention is to provide a gas turbine combustor that can suppress an increase in pressure loss while improving product reliability. The gas turbine combustor includes a combustor liner, an air transfer casing installed on the outer circumference of the combustor liner, the combustor liner and the air transfer casing defining an annular passage therebetween adapted to allow a heat-transfer medium to flow therethrough, and a plurality of vortex generating devices disposed on an inside surface of the air transfer casing, the vortex generating devices generating longitudinal vortices each having a rotational axis extending in a flow direction of a heat-transfer medium. The plurality of vortex generating devices are arranged in paired manner, with each pair of devices generating vortices having rotational directions opposed to each other. |
| US09435535B2 |
Combustion liner guide stop and method for assembling a combustor
A combustor for a gas turbine including a casing, a flow sleeve at least partially disposed within the casing, a combustion liner at least partially disposed within the flow sleeve, a liner stop feature extending from the combustion liner, and a liner guide stop including a first end separated from a second end, the second end configured to be at least partially engaged with the liner stop feature, wherein the liner guide stop extends through the casing and the flow sleeve. |
| US09435532B2 |
Burner of a gas turbine
The burner of a gas turbine includes two or more part cone shells arranged offset with respect to one another and defining a cone shaped chamber with longitudinal tangential slots for feeding air therein. A lance carrying a liquid fuel nozzle arranged centrally in the cone shaped chamber is also provided. A portion of the nozzle facing the cone shaped chamber is divergent in shape. A diffuser angle (α) between the wall of the nozzle and a longitudinal axis of the cone shaped chamber is less than 5°. A diverging portion of the nozzle has a diffuser length to nozzle diameter ratio comprised between 2-6. The nozzle diameter is the smaller diameter of the diverging portion. |
| US09435530B2 |
Optothermal LED lighting for high lumen extraction and extended lifetime
A lighting system has a dielectric cooling fluid which directly contacts with an LED chip; contacts with the heat sink base by moving towards the heat sink base, i.e. upwards, with the decreasing density as a result of the increased temperature due to the high temperature formed in the LED chip; at the same time the temperature thereof decreasing upon contacting with the heat sink base; moves towards the LED chip, and reduces the temperature of the LED chip by contacting the LED chip upon said movement; and movement channels through which the cooling fluid in gaseous or liquid phase passes during the movement of said cooling fluid. |
| US09435528B2 |
LED lamp with LED assembly retention member
A LED lamp includes an at least partially optically transmissive enclosure and a base. A LED assembly having a plurality of LEDs is located in the enclosure where the LEDs are operable to emit light when energized through an electrical path from the base. A heat sink has a heat dissipating portion that is at least partially exposed to the ambient environment and a heat conducting portion that is thermally coupled to the at least one LED assembly. The LED assembly is mounted on the heat conducting portion under radial tension. A retention member restrains the LED assembly from moving in an axial direction relative to the heat conducting portion. |
| US09435521B2 |
Antenna element for a directional lighting fixture
A directional lighting fixture is disclosed. The directional lighting fixture includes a first housing, a lighting element, an optical element, and a driver board. The lighting element is located within the first housing and substantially aligned with a central axis of the directional lighting fixture. The lighting element is configured to generate visible light. The optical element is positioned directly in front of the lighting element. The optical element is configured to direct the visible light generated by the lighting element in a specific direction. The driver board is electrically coupled to the lighting element and includes an antenna element. The driver board is offset from the central axis of the directional lighting fixture. The antenna element is positioned to be at least flush with the lighting element. |
| US09435518B2 |
Lightweight unitary display
A lightweight display includes a plurality of display modules having a plurality of pixels carried by a display mounting frame. A support frame integral with the display mounting frame provides support. An electronic support member carries electrical components electrically communicating with the plurality of display modules for controlling the display of an image. Wherein the depth of the plurality of display modules, display mounting frame, support frame and electronic support member is less than four inches when defining a display assembly. Also wherein the display assembly has a screen size measured diagonally in a range of 114 inches to 224 inches and a weight in the range of 90 pounds to 120 pounds and wherein the display assembly has an aspect ratio ranging from 1.67 to 1.82. |
| US09435516B2 |
Fixing strip for a light-source band
Fixing strip (1) for a light-source band, which light-source band (100) includes light-emitting light sources (101) and a device for conducting current to the light sources (101), which fixing strip (1) is at least partly transparent and/or photoconductive, and includes a space (2) for at least one light-source band (100). The fixing strip (1) includes a light-storing substance (5), which emits light for at least a certain time after the light sources (101) of the light-source band (100) arranged in the space (2) are not in operation. |
| US09435515B2 |
Near-field lens with convex hyperbolic surface
A near-field lens is provided. The lens includes a lens body positioned about an optical axis. The lens body includes an input surface for receiving light from a light source and defined by a focusing surface and a convex hyperbolic surface. The lens body also includes an output surface through which light exits the lens body and a lateral surface extending between the convex hyperbolic surface and the output surface. The focusing surface is configured to collimate light along the optical axis towards the output surface and the convex hyperbolic surface is configured to substantially collimate light towards the lateral surface to be internally reflected towards the output surface. |
| US09435513B2 |
Light source device having optical members for changing one or more characteristics of excitation light from an excitation light source
A light source device includes a first excitation light source which emits first excitation light having a wavelength in a first wavelength region, a first optical member, a second optical member and a holding member which holds the first optical member and the second optical member. The first optical member converts at least part of the first excitation light to emit first wavelength converted light, and increase divergence angle of the transmitted first excitation light by a first incremental angle. A second optical member is disposed in a region including an optical axis of the first excitation light, and increases the divergence angle of the transmitted first excitation light by a second incremental angle larger than the first incremental angle. |
| US09435511B1 |
Corrugated lens LED light band
An LED light band has a thin elongated housing with an open front face covered by an elongated transversely corrugated polycarbonate lens having crests and nadirs spaced at a first predetermined interval. A linear array of LEDs extending behind and along the bottom edge of the lens are spaced at a second predetermined interval different from the first. Because of the difference in the intervals, the light dispersion from the lens appears to the eye to be random so that, for example, a red lens can be used to suggest the presence of licking flames. The polycarbonate lens can be made by pressing long narrow lengths of flat polycarbonate in a sheet metal press. |
| US09435506B2 |
Lighting device in a motor vehicle having a plate-shaped light conductor and a rod-shaped light conductor
The present invention relates to a lighting device in a motor vehicle. The lighting device includes a light source for emitting light and at least one plate-shaped light conductor, which is made in form of a block optics. The block optics includes two boundary surfaces which run opposite towards each other at a certain distance, a totally reflective side surface between the boundary surfaces, and a light coupling-out area arranged between the boundary surfaces. A coupling-in section is arranged on at least one of the boundary surfaces. The lighting device further includes at least one substantially rod-shaped light conductor with a light output area which extends along the longitudinal extension of the light conductor in addition to the at least one block optics. |
| US09435505B2 |
Tilt sensor housing case and vehicle lamp system
A tilt sensor housing case includes a main body part including a housing space and an opening portion and a lid part configured to close the opening portion. The lid part has a first engaging portion extending along an outer surface of the main body part. The main body part has a second engaging portion on the outer surface corresponding to the first engaging portion. The lid part is mounted to the main body part by a snap-fit coupling using the elasticity of the lid part and locked to the main body part by the engagement of the first and second engaging portions. The main body part has a first protrusion and a second protrusion that are positioned to sandwich the first engaging portion between them, and each of the first and second protrusions protrudes at least up to the same height as the first engaging portion. |
| US09435503B2 |
Automotive lamp
An automotive lamp includes a first light source for emitting the red laser light, a second light source for emitting the green laser light a third light source for emitting the blue laser light, a light condensing unit for collecting at least the red laser light, the green laser light and the blue laser light so as to generate the white laser light, and a light distribution unit for distributing the white laser light so as to form a predetermined light distribution pattern. |
| US09435497B2 |
Lighting device and system for wireless calibration and controlling of lighting device
Present invention relates to modular lighting devices and systems as may be used for film, television and photography. Semiconductor technology based lighting device is mobile and miniature by its dimensions. Device consists of lighting modules, that may be grouped together, power supply and control module and a controller unit, that enables to use light sources of different colors and temperatures. Housing includes a parabolic curve shaped element located under the active cooler to improve the efficiency of the active cooling by re-directing the cooling stream under an angle. The system for wireless calibration and controlling of lighting device provides software functionality to a light system and consists of a ‘virtual spectrometer’ feature, that takes into account user and ambient variables, uses interpolation curves, and that could be further refined by using external hardware; navigation is included on a touchscreen-enabled device for said feature. The system also includes a ‘gray card ambient light detection’ feature. |
| US09435494B2 |
LED lamp
An LED lamp A1 includes an LED unit 1 in the shape of a straight tube with a plurality of LED modules 12 fixed therein, and also includes a pair of bases 2 that receive electric power from outside and are attached to the ends of the LED unit 1 spaced in the longitudinal direction of the LED unit. The LED unit 1 and the bases 2 are rotatable relative to each other about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction. With this arrangement, the direction of light emission can be changed, with the LED lamp attached to a general-use fluorescent lighting fixture. |
| US09435486B2 |
Hand-held refillable gas container and filling nozzle thereof
The present invention relates to a hand-held refillable gas container, which includes a metal can body for storing liquid gas, and the top and the bottom of the can body are respectively installed with a gas discharge part and a filling nozzle; wherein the gas discharge part includes a connection ring and a discharge nozzle disposed in the connection ring; and the filling nozzle is able to be connected to a discharge nozzle of a conventional canned gas, thereby allowing liquid gas to be filled and stored in the can body. Accordingly, the gas container provided by the present invention has advantages of allowing a user to easily hold and carry around for satisfying different combustion requirements and various operation environments. |
| US09435482B2 |
Duct assessment and leak sealing method for ducts transporting gas
The present invention relates to a method of assessing the condition of a duct along which a gas is flowing. The method comprises producing one or more sensor carrying elements, wherein the elements are formed to have selected parameters; introducing the sensor carrying elements into the flowing gas; and selecting the parameters of the sensor carrying elements such that the elements are transported along the duct by saltation. The present invention also relates to a method of reducing leakage through a leak in the duct. In this respect, the method comprises producing sealing elements, wherein the sealing elements are formed to have selected parameters; introducing a plurality of the sealing elements into the flowing gas; and selecting the parameters of the sealing elements such that the elements are transported along the duct by saltation and such that, at the locality of the leak, at least one of said sealing elements is captured by a pressure differential associated with the leak and is thereby drawn to and held in position at the leak for stemming or sealing it. |
| US09435481B2 |
Steam generator heating tube repair device and repair method
A steam generator heating tube repair sleeve has an encircling flange, conical region, and a straight region. The encircling flange merges into a conical region that tapers on the outside in the direction of the other sleeve end and which is adjoined to the straight region. A steam generator heating tube repair method is used to repair a steam generator heating tube that is installed in a steam generator having a defective tube end. The method includes conical milling out of the defective tube end, inserting a steam generator heating tube repair sleeve into the conically milled-out defective tube end, rolling in the steam generator heating tube repair sleeve, and welding the flange region. |
| US09435469B2 |
Coupling with notched projections having gasket pocket of varying depth
A mechanical coupling for joining pipe elements has segments joined end to end, each segment having a pocket of varying depth for receiving a ring gasket. The varying depth of the pocket is used to control the distortion of the ring gasket between a round shape and a non-round shape when the segments are arranged in spaced apart relation around the ring gasket, the spacing between the segments being sufficient to permit insertion of the pipe elements without disassembly of the coupling. Notches in the projections which engage the pipe elements facilitate insertion of pipe elements and provide for a compact coupling design. |
| US09435468B2 |
Construction of pipes
An elongate hollow structure and method of constructing the hollow structure is described, the hollow structure including a radially inner portion and a radially outer portion merging together to form a tubular wall structure. The method includes providing the radially inner portion, assembling the radially outer portion about the radially inner portion, and radially expanding the inner portion. The outer portion comprises an outer layer of fiber reinforced composite construction surrounded by a flexible outer casing. A space is provided between the radially inner portion and flexible outer casing. The outer layer includes reinforcement and a binder. The flexible outer casing resists radial expansion of the reinforcement, subjecting it to radial compression. The radially expanding inner portion cooperates with the flexible outer casing to cause the volume of the space to progressively decrease, causing the binder to spread through the space between the radially inner portion and flexible outer casing. |
| US09435465B1 |
Bracket for utilities support hardware
A bracket for utilities hangers and sway braces suspended below a fluted deck includes a bracket plate having attachment holes therethrough spaced apart by the known pitch of the fluting on the deck. A mount is positioned in the plate. One or more flute keys extend perpendicular to the mounting plate and have two sides which are tapered away from the plate toward one another to fit within one or more flutes in the deck. |
| US09435464B2 |
Line guide made of multi-axially angle-adjustable links
The invention relates to a cable guide (1) comprising links (2) that are each angle-adjustable multi-axially relative to each other and connected to each other in articulated fashion, where each link (2) displays an inner part (3) with corresponding, multi-axially angle-adjustable, articulated connectors (5, 6) and a casing part (4) for peripheral delimitation of at least one guiding duct (7), and the casing part (4) encompasses at least one segment (10), which is connected to the inner part (3) by a web (20), in a manner permitting it to be pivoted open for accessing the associated guiding duct (7) on the peripheral side. To facilitate the insertion and removal of lines, and to increase their protection, it is proposed that the casing parts (4) of adjacent links (2) overlap in the longitudinal direction (L), and that a joint arrangement (30) having at least two degrees of freedom be provided between the at least one segment (10) and the web (20), by means of which the segment (10) is mounted in such a way that it can move outwards transversely to the longitudinal direction (L) while being pivoted open. |
| US09435463B2 |
Sealed gimbal for ocean thermal energy conversion cold water pipe
A gimbal that provides for passive vertical latching and unlatching of a Cold Water Pipe (CWP) in a floating vessel such as an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) facility is sealingly connected to a cold water sump on the floating vessel. The CWP gimbal is capable of reacting all static and dynamic forces of the suspended CWP at angles on the order of +/−20 degrees while remaining sealed at high differential pressures. |
| US09435462B2 |
Valve with latching return spring
A valve according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a return spring. A latch mechanism includes a first magnet and a second magnet. One of the first and second magnets magnetically latches to the other first and second magnets in response to a control signal to minimize decompression of said return spring. |
| US09435461B2 |
Controller of electromagnetic valve driving circuit and abnormality diagnosing method for electromagnetic valve driving circuit
A controller of an electromagnetic valve driving circuit include a switching element connected to an electromagnetic valve solenoid, a cutoff circuit for cutting off a connection between a power supply and the switching element, and a current detecting unit for detecting a current flowing in the solenoid. The controller includes an abnormality diagnosing unit for outputting a cutoff command to the cutoff circuit for cutting off the connection between the power supply and the switching element, and outputting a switching command causing the switching element to perform a switching operation when a predetermined diagnosis condition is satisfied, and determining that the cutoff circuit normally operates when the solenoid current is less than a threshold value and determining that the cutoff circuit operates abnormally when the solenoid current is greater than or equal to the threshold value while outputting the cutoff command and the switching command. |
| US09435455B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for monitoring, regulating, or controlling fluid flow
An apparatus, system and method for regulating fluid flow are disclosed. The apparatus includes a flow rate sensor and a valve. The flow rate sensor uses images to estimate flow through a drip chamber and then controls the valve based on the estimated flow rate. The valve comprises a rigid housing disposed around the tube in which fluid flow is being controlled. Increasing the pressure in the housing controls the size of the lumen within the tube by deforming the tube, therefore controlling flow through the tube. |
| US09435454B2 |
Fluid end with carbide valve seat and adhesive dampening interface
A tungsten carbide seat for high-pressure oilfield well service pumps is disclosed. A bonding agent, in conjunction with an interference tapered fit between the valve seat and fluid end housing eliminates stresses created in prior art interference fits. Three interface embodiments are disclosed: a shallow taper combined with a shoulder, a steep taper without a shoulder, and a compound surface in which the seat has an external concave surface and the housing surface that mates with the seat has a convex surface. |
| US09435448B2 |
Relief valve
A relief valve configured such that a plunger configured to be pushed forward by an elastic member to block communication between an inflow opening and an outflow opening moves rearward by an increase in pressure of the inflow opening against an elastic force of the elastic member to cause the inflow opening and the outflow opening to communicate with each other; and a piston configured to push a rear end of the elastic member forward moves forward by the increase in the pressure of the inflow opening to compress the elastic member, the elastic member includes a first elastic member and a second elastic member arranged in series, and the second elastic member has a smaller elastic constant than the first elastic member. |
| US09435442B2 |
Tubular diaphragm
Embodiments include tubular diaphragm valves with a preformed mechanical closure point and optionally concave or convex convolution areas located near the flanges. These mechanical closure points and convolution areas give the embodiments an extended operational life, as compared to that of conventional cylindrical diaphragms. |
| US09435441B2 |
Anti-cavitation throttle valve and method of operating the same
A throttle housing having an inlet end and an outlet end includes a shuttle housing disposed within the throttle housing. The shuttle housing has a first end cap at a first end and an orifice array therethrough. The shuttle housing comprises a shuttle housing therein. The shuttle has an opened position and a closed position relative to the shuttle housing. The shuttle defines a varying control volume between the end cap, the shuttle and the shuttle housing. The control inlet fluidically communicates a control fluid to the control volume to control the position of the shuttle in the shuttle housing. |
| US09435440B2 |
Valve with a loading varying mechanism, and method of operating the same
A valve is provided. The valve includes a body provided with fluid passages for circulating fluid therein. The body has a body interface with ports connected to the fluid passages. The valve also includes a valve element having a valve element interface facing the body interface. The valve element can move between different positions so as to permit or obstruct communication between the fluid passages. A biasing element biases the valve element interface against the body interface. A load varying mechanism is provided to load the biasing element with different sealing load forces according to the different positions of the valve element. The sealing load force applied on the rotor is thus decreased during rotation, reducing friction between the valve body and the valve element. |
| US09435437B2 |
Rotating sealing device and sealing ring for such device
The invention relates to rotating sealing device for the passage of a fluid, including at least one seal positioned between a fixed support and a crown mounted able to rotate with respect to the support. This device is characterized in that the seal is constituted by a ring mounted able to slide in a groove in the fixed support and which incorporates a front face intended to come into contact with a bearing surface of the rotating crown, the incorporating on each of its internal and external cylindrical surfaces at least one ring-shaped groove intended to accommodate an O-ring seal. The ring can, additionally, by pressed against the bearing surface by positioning means exerting a thrust force on the rear face of the ring. The invention applies in particular for a system to inflate the tires of vehicles. |
| US09435435B2 |
Universal secondary safety system including a riser and screen
Systems for providing universally installable secondary safety systems for use, in one embodiment, with a riser for a septic tank are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes the following: a riser extending from a system of interest located underground, a retainer ring installed within said riser, and a safety screen to prevent access to the underground system and lower portions of the riser from above. |
| US09435431B1 |
Clutch and torque converter control for a continuously variable transmission
A hydraulic control system with clutch and torque converter control for a CVT includes a pressure regulator subsystem, a cooler subsystem, a manual valve assembly, and a torque converter control valve assembly connected to the torque converter clutch (TCC) and the cooler subsystem. A boost valve assembly is connected to the pressure regulator subsystem, the manual valve assembly, and the torque converter clutch control valve assembly. A clutch control solenoid is configured to move the boost valve to the boost position and the control valve to the release position and to control a pressure of the hydraulic fluid provided to the manual valve assembly. A TCC control solenoid is configured to move the boost valve to the boost position and to control a pressure of the hydraulic fluid provided to the torque converter control valve assembly. |
| US09435429B2 |
Actuating device for an automated dual clutch transmission of a motor vehicle, and method for controlling an actuating device of said type
An actuating device for an automated dual clutch transmission of a motor vehicle drivetrain in manual-shift mode includes first and second shift elements disposed in a region of a steering column, the first shift element being configured to effect an upshift and the second shift element being configured to effect a downshift of the dual clutch transmission. Simultaneous operation of the shift elements is configured to effect idle operation of an engine with at least one open transmission clutch. The idle operation is present only while the first and second shift elements are actuated. The shift elements are configured to transmit a torque via a closed transmission clutch when at least one of the shift elements is released. A control device is configured to initiate rotational speed adaptation of the engine as a function of an actuation of the first and second shift elements. |
| US09435427B2 |
Shift device and manufacturing method therefor
In the present invention, an operation knob is provided with a knob outer section that forms an outer shell, and a knob inner section into which one edge of a lever section is inserted. The knob inner section has a claw section that allows insertion when the lever section is inserted, and once the lever section has been inserted, hooks the lever section towards the inner side of the knob inner section. A groove section is formed in the lever section and extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis direction of the lever section. The knob outer section is made up of two parts, which are an outer casing and a knob cover. The knob cover is provided with protruding sections, which protrude towards the outer casing and fit into the groove section when the lever section is attached to the knob inner section. |
| US09435426B2 |
Shifting-operation detection unit
In a shifting-operation detection unit, a first detection unit has a first resistor connected in series to a first switch and a second resistor connected in parallel to the first switch and the first resistor, a second detection unit has a third resistor connected in series to a second switch and a fourth resistor connected in parallel to the second switch and the third resistor, and the first detection unit and the second detection unit are connected in series to be connected to correspond to a power supply terminal and a ground terminal of an external device and apply a divided voltage of a voltage of the power supply terminal to the external device via an electric wire, the divided voltage having voltage values corresponding to a shift-up operation and a shift-down operation, respectively. |
| US09435425B2 |
Haptic feedback transmission shifting apparatus
An automotive transmission that selects a shift position based on various shift patterns without changing the structure of the automotive transmission. The automotive transmission includes a controller configured to input a selection value based on a shift pattern selected from a plurality of shift patterns and operate a shift lever to move through a moving path based on the selected shift pattern when a shift intention is sensed. When the selection value is input, the shift position is set at an initial position based on the selected shift pattern and actuation power is generating according to the movement of the shift lever. The controller is configured to operate the moving path of the shift pattern based on the selected shift pattern and sense a position of the shift lever using a positing sensing unit. |
| US09435419B2 |
Gear, motor-gear unit, vehicle and generator with a gear and force transmitting element
A vehicle has a motor-gear unit, a trailing wheel of the vehicle being connected the output shaft of the gear and an input shaft of the gear being connected to a motor. The gear has an outer wheel, an inner wheel and a traction means extending between the outer wheel and the inner wheel. A revolving transmitter is also provided which lifts the traction means off the outer periphery of the inner wheel and pushes it against the inner periphery of the outer wheel. |
| US09435418B2 |
Wave generator of strain wave gearing
A wave generator of a hollow strain wave gearing has a rigid plug and a needle roller bearing. The needle roller bearing has an inner ring trajectory surface formed in the plug external peripheral surface, a flexible outer ring, an outer ring trajectory surface formed in an inner peripheral surface of the outer ring, and needle rollers. An inner ring trajectory groove is formed in the plug external peripheral surface, and the inner ring trajectory surface is formed in a groove bottom surface of the inner ring trajectory groove. Inner-ring-side restricting surfaces for restricting the needle rollers from moving in the center axis direction are formed in groove side surfaces on both sides of the inner ring trajectory groove. A wave generator can be obtained, which is suitable for increasing the hollow diameter of a strain wave gearing. |
| US09435417B1 |
Automatic torque compensating drive system
An automatic torque compensating drive system for a hydrostatic transmission, having a torque compensating control mechanism adjusting the swash plate of the hydraulic motor, the swash plate being spring biased to a low-torque, high-speed position and rotatable through a range of positions to a high-torque, low-speed position in response to increasing hydraulic system pressure. When used with a pair of transmissions, a linkage may join the control mechanisms of each transmission to synchronize their torque adjustments. |
| US09435415B2 |
Electric drive for a motor vehicle
An electric drive for a motor vehicle comprises a first gear stage, driveable by the electric motor, a second gear stage, driveable by the first gear stage, and a differential drive, driveable by the second gear stage. The first gear stage has a driving wheel and an output wheel, wherein the driving wheel is arranged coaxially to the output shaft of the electric motor and is rotatingly driveable by the electric motor around a first rotational axis A. The output wheel is drivingly connected to the driving wheel and is rotatingly driveable around a second rotational axis B, wherein the second rotational axis B is arranged parallel off-set to the first rotational axis A. The second gear stage and the differential drive are arranged coaxially to the second rotational axis B. |
| US09435408B2 |
Tensioner for a camshaft-camshaft chain drive
A tensioner, for a camshaft-camshaft chain drive with a drive chain and camshaft bearing bridge for fastening camshaft bearings to an engine block, comprises a tensioner housing with a guiding-side guide shoe, a tensioning piston slidably guided in a piston bore of the tensioner housing and provided with a tensioning-side tensioning shoe, and a fastening flange projecting laterally from the tensioner housing and having a mounting surface facing the tensioning side. A mounting plane defined by the mounting surface of the fastening flange intersects the tensioner housing at an axial distance from the guiding surface of the guide shoe at most 40% of axial transport length of the tensioner between the guiding surface of the guide shoe and the tensioning surface of the tensioning shoe. The camshaft bearing bridge has a contact surface for the fastening flange, to be in contact with the mounting surface of the fastening flange. A camshaft-camshaft chain drive for an internal combustion engine comprising such a tensioner is provided, where the camshaft bearing bridge can be attached to an engine block component. |
| US09435404B2 |
Multiple speed transmission
A family of transmission gearing arrangements produces nine forward and one reverse speed ratio by selective engagement of various combinations of three clutches or brakes. Each transmission gearing arrangement includes a front shiftable gearing arrangement configured to establish a variety of speed ratios between an intermediate shaft and an input shaft. These speed ratios include a reverse speed ratio, a zero speed ratio, two underdrive ratios, and a direct ratio. Each transmission also includes a rear shiftable gearing arrangement configured to selectively establish particular speed relationships among the input shaft, the intermediate shaft, and an output shaft. Engagement of a clutch in the rear shiftable gearing arrangement establishes an underdrive ratio between the output shaft and the intermediate shaft. Engagement of another clutch in the rear shiftable gearing arrangement constrains the speed of the input shaft to be a weighted average between the speed of the intermediate shaft and the output shaft. |
| US09435403B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
A transmission gearing arrangement produces at least nine forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio by selective engagement of three shift elements in various combinations. One embodiment includes four simple planetary gear sets, three clutches, and three brakes. Another embodiment includes four axis transfer gear pairs, two simple planetary gear sets, five clutches, and one brake. |
| US09435399B2 |
Reduction gear
Provided is a reduction gear with which allowable output can be further increased and a reduction in size can be achieved. A reduction gear (1) has a case (2), a speed reduction mechanism (3) accommodated within the case (2), a shaft portion (51) to which output of the speed reduction mechanism (3) is transmitted, and a pinion (52) coupled to the shaft portion (51). The speed reduction mechanism (3) has an external tooth gear (15) to which output of an electric motor (100) is transmitted, and a carrier (17) holding the external tooth gear (15). The pinion (52) and the shaft portion (51) are integrally formed, and the shaft portion (51) and the carrier (17) are spline-coupled to each other. A pair of main bearings (32, 33) are held by the case (2), and rotatably support the carrier (17). |
| US09435392B2 |
Parking brake control device for transport vehicle
A parking brake control device for a transport vehicle is attached to a vehicle body including a parking brake (17) of a negative control type for maintaining a state in which rotation of wheels is stopped, the parking brake control device including a control unit (32) for controlling movement of a spool (21) for magnetizing or demagnetizing a solenoid valve (25) to release or actuate the parking brake (17). The control unit (32) includes a stop determining section (33) that determines whether the vehicle body stops traveling, an actuation command section (34) that actuates the parking brake (17) when the stop determining section (33) determines that the vehicle body is stopped, and a release command section (35) that releases the parking brake (17) after elapse of a preset setting time after the actuation of the parking brake (17) is started by the actuation command section (34). |
| US09435390B2 |
Limiting torque clutch in an input damper
The present disclosure provides an input damper for coupling to a torque-generating mechanism. The damper includes an outer cover, a hub, and a carrier assembly coupled to the hub. The carrier assembly is movably disposed within the cover. A clutch assembly moves between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The input damper further includes an angular displacement mechanism operably coupled to the clutch assembly for moving the clutch assembly between the engaged position and disengaged position. A damper spring is disposed between the outer cover and the clutch assembly. The outer cover is coupled to the carrier assembly in the engaged position. |
| US09435387B2 |
Device and apparatus for controlling the operating mode of a coupling assembly, coupling and control assembly and electric motor disconnect and pass through assemblies
Device and apparatus for controlling the operating mode of a coupling assembly, coupling and control assembly and electric motor disconnect and pass through assemblies are provided. The device is a switchable linear actuator device to control the operating mode of a coupling assembly. A plurality of magnetic sources produce corresponding magnetic fields to create a net translational force. A stator structure includes at least one electromagnetic source and a translator structure includes a permanent magnet source magnetically coupled to the stator structure across a radial air gap. The translator structure is supported for translational movement relative to the stator structure along an axis between first and second stable axial end positions which correspond to first and second operating modes of the coupling assembly and an unstable axial equilibrium position between the end positions. The translator structure translates along the axis between the different positions upon experiencing the net translational force. |
| US09435386B2 |
Fluid friction clutch
A fluid friction clutch includes a drivable housing having a working chamber and a reservoir, at least one opening between the reservoir and the working chamber configured to provide fluid communication between the reservoir and the working chamber, a driven disk supported for rotation in the working chamber, and a rotor mounted in the reservoir and rotatably coupled to the driven disk for rotation about an axis of rotation, the rotor having a plurality of arms, separated by a plurality of gaps, projecting away from its axis of rotation. |
| US09435385B2 |
Device which is operated by an electromagnet and has an encapsulated threaded connection
Object: Device comprising an electromagnet (1) and an actuating element (2) which is operated by said electromagnet and may be, for example, a valve or a clutch, wherein said components are connected to one another by means of threads (4) and (5), with protection of functional spaces in the components or of elastomeric seals against damage and adverse effects on functioning by particles from the threads.Solution: The electromagnet-side thread (4) and actuating element-side thread (5) are axially adjacent in both directions of chambers (6) and (7) which are closed off on in each case the side which is averted from the threads by overlapping cylinder surfaces (11) and (12) on one side and also by further overlapping cylinder surfaces (13) and (14) on the other side.Application: Actuating elements which are operated by an electromagnet. |
| US09435380B2 |
Bearing device
An inner ring has a plurality of grooves which are formed on its inner peripheral face and extended from an end thereof in an axial direction. The grooves are extended from both ends in the axial direction of the inner ring inwardly in the axial direction, and closed in a middle part in the axial direction of the inner peripheral face of the inner ring. The grooves are formed in plurality at an equal interval in a circumferential direction. |
| US09435378B1 |
Roller bearing outer race for hydraulic unit
A roller bearing outer race of a hydraulic unit has a body comprising a central section having an exterior curved portion, an exterior angled portion, and a circular inner portion, wherein a central aperture defining a first axis passes through the circular inner portion of the central section, a first arm extending from a first side of the central section, and a second arm extending from a second side of the central section. A race within the circular inner portion of the central section, the race defined by a first race wall and a second race wall and wherein a thickness of the first arm and the second arm is about 0.450 inches (1.143 cm) and a radial distance of an exterior surface of the exterior curved portion from the first axis is about 0.657 inches (1.669 cm). |
| US09435376B2 |
Multi-layered plain bearing
The invention relates to a multi-layered plain bearing (1) comprising a sliding layer (5) made from a tin-based alloy, which contains between 1 wt. % and 8 wt. % Sb, between 8 wt. % and 20 wt. % Cu and if necessary at least one of the elements Si, Cr, Ti, Zn, Ag and Fe, wherein the proportion of each of these elements is between 0.1 wt. % and 2 wt. %, the total content of all of the alloy elements is a maximum of 30 wt. % and remainder is formed by Sn, wherein at least a proportion of the Cu with Sn is present as a copper-rich deposit in the tin matrix with a maximum particle size of 50 nm and/or in addition contains at least one further element from a second group consisting of Al, Bi and Ni, wherein the proportion of the at least one further element is between 0.1 wt. % and 5 wt. % for each of said elements, and wherein the sliding layer (5), which contains at least one element of the second element group, is deposited by a PVD-method when the particle size of the nanoparticles is greater than 50 nm. |
| US09435370B2 |
Locking fastener
A locking fastener is provided that may be automatically unlocked and locked by sliding a wrench onto the nut and removing the wrench. The fastener includes a biased arm extending outward from a wrench bearing surface that presses against a pawl. The pawl includes ratchet teeth that engage ratchet teeth of a retainer to lock the fastener. The fastener is unlocked by compressing the arm with a wrench. |
| US09435366B2 |
Method for establishing a nail connection and nails therefor
A method is described for establishing a nail connection between two components as well as a nail therefor. The nail is driven through the non-prepunched components in the joining area at a high speed such that the nail tip fully penetrates both components and forms a toric-shaped material bulge in the nail-head-side component, which protrudes into a circular groove of the nail head, and a crater-shaped material bulge is formed in the component facing away from the nail head, which protrudes in the opposite direction. |
| US09435365B2 |
Rivet sealing washer
A rivet sealing washer that includes a washer body with an outer surface and an inner surface and a rivet aperture. Additionally, the rivet washer includes a membrane with at least one raised high pressure point skirt or rib and at least one recessed trough that provides a continuous seal over the outer surface of the washer body, the rivet body, and the mandrel head, and is sealably and continuously connected to the perimeter of the washer body and optionally a circumferential portion of the outer surface. |
| US09435364B2 |
Telescopic supporting device and telescopic supporting post
A telescopic supporting device is provided, which includes a plurality of hollow kits and a plurality of stoppers. Each of the plurality of hollow kits has the same outline but different size. The plurality of first grooves are provided on the outer wall. The plurality of second grooves are provided on the inner wall. Each of the plurality of first grooves and each of the plurality of second grooves are adjacent to each other and are alternatively configured on each of the plurality of hollow kits. Each of the plurality of first grooves of each of the plurality of hollow kits of inner side is correspondingly combined with each adjacent one of the plurality of second grooves of each of the plurality of hollow kits of outer side to form a plurality of stopper containing parts. |
| US09435362B2 |
Bolt and nut assembly with plastic cover for controlled sealing compression
A fastener has a head with an exterior end surface and a compression ledge. A projection extends from the compression ledge and a contact shoulder is formed at an intersection of the projection and the compression ledge. The shoulder has a thickness measured axially from the compression ledge and extends radially outward from the projection to the intersection of the shoulder and the compression ledge. A compressible sealing component encapsulates the exterior end surface of the head and partially overlaps an area entirely around the compression ledge. The compressible sealing component at the area of the compression ledge has an uncompressed axial thickness greater than the shoulder thickness measured from the compression ledge. A rotation preventer is formed on the projection and is configured to allow axial movement of the projection into a hole and to restrict rotation of the fastener when the projection extends into the hole. |
| US09435361B2 |
Steering device
A back cover includes an opening configured to penetrate the back cover throughout between an exterior surface and an interior surface of the back cover, lock receivers capable of engaging respectively with hook-shaped lock portions of a switch unit, and fastening portions capable of fastening the switch unit to the back cover. The lock receivers and the fastening portions are arranged near a peripheral edge of the opening at positions with the opening interposed between the lock receivers and the fastening portions. |
| US09435360B2 |
Vacuum powered lifting mechanism
A vacuum powered system for moving a movable component, such as for raising and lowering a stowage container, includes a vacuum actuator connected between a fixed structure and a movable component. The vacuum actuator includes one or more intake ports that are configured to connect with a source of vacuum for moving the movable component in a first direction to a first position, and one or more bleed valve ports for venting the vacuum actuator to move the movable component in a second direction to a second position. The vacuum actuator may be an air bellows, a single acting linear vacuum actuator, or a dual acting linear vacuum actuator. A guiding system is further provided that includes elongated tracks in a stationary stowage container housing that houses the movable component, and corresponding guide elements on the movable component that slidably engage with the elongated tracks for moving the movable component. |
| US09435359B2 |
Adaptive hydraulic cylinder with floating seal interface
In one possible implementation, a misalignment-tolerant hydraulic actuator, e.g., for a submersible hydraulic diaphragm insert pump (HDI), has a floating piston that can reciprocate while decoupled from collinearity with a cylinder barrel and a central feed rod that slides through a central axis of the piston. The floating seal can be integrated or provided by a separate insert and provides a pivotable interface between the piston and center rod, allowing these components freedom of motion to avoid elastic deformation, friction, power loss, and early wear when misalignment or transverse forces on an external end of the piston rod are present. Bearing placement can also be selected to eliminate over-constraint. |
| US09435353B1 |
Hanger and fan box assembly for rain tight mounting of a fan box
A hanger assembly and electrical box combination for enabling rain-tight mounting of a light fixture, paddle fan, or similar electrical device from an overhead support structure. The hanger assembly includes sliding tubular members with end flanges for spanning between adjacent overhead joists. A mounting plate, bracket, and fastener combination enables connection of a rain-proof electrical box may to the hanger assembly while locking the tubular members with respect to one another. A medallion connectable to the electrical box in a rain-tight fit includes a wide flange for directing rain and water away from the electrical box assembly. Adjoining planar surfaces on the electrical box and medallion enable a flush, rain-tight fit between the medallion and the electrical box. |
| US09435352B2 |
Drive lever arrangement
A drive lever arrangement is provided. The drive lever arrangement includes a unison ring which has a groove; a drive lever having connection means for connecting the drive lever to the unison ring; a drive lever pin having a transversal throughbore hole; and a clip, wherein the drive lever pin connects the drive lever to the unison ring, and wherein the clip is inserted in the groove through the throughbore hole of the drive lever pin, and engages with the groove of the unison ring. |
| US09435347B2 |
Turbopump, in particular for feeding rocket engines
A turbopump for feeding a low-thrust rocket engine comprises a pump, a turbine, and a common rotary shaft connected to the pump and to the turbine. First and second bearings closer respectively to the pump and to the turbine serve to support the common shaft. The second bearing is a hydrodynamic bearing connected to a gas supply source, and the turbopump also includes at least one dynamic sealing gasket around the shaft and interposed between the first and second bearings. |
| US09435346B2 |
Compressor housing for supercharger and method for manufacturing the same
In a compressor housing, a scroll piece includes a cylindrical intake port forming section, a scroll wall surface forming section that forms an air-intake side wall surface of a discharge scroll chamber, and a scroll outer circumferential section that covers an outer circumferential side of the discharge scroll chamber. A shroud piece of the housing includes a cylindrical shroud press fitted section press fitted into the intake port forming section, and a shroud wall surface forming section that forms an inner circumferential side wall surface of the discharge scroll chamber and also forms a shroud surface that opposes an impeller and a diffuser surface. An outer circumferential annular piece of the housing includes an outer circumferential annular press fitted section press fitted inside the scroll outer circumferential section, and an outer circumferential annular wall surface forming section that forms an outer circumferential side wall surface of the discharge scroll chamber. |
| US09435322B2 |
Valveless reciprocating compressor
A system, in certain embodiments, includes a compression cylinder configured to mount to a reciprocating compressor. The compression cylinder includes an intake port and a discharge port. The system also includes a piston assembly disposed within the compression cylinder. The piston assembly includes a piston configured to selectively block the intake port upon movement of the piston assembly relative to the compression cylinder. |
| US09435321B2 |
Seawater resistant grout material composition and method for constructing offshore wind turbine structure using same
The present invention provides a seawater resistant grout material composition and a method for constructing an offshore wind turbine structure using the same, the seawater resistant grout material composition comprising: 2˜10 wt % of high strength admixture; 25˜35 wt % of type I Portland cement; 30˜45 wt % of silica sand having a particle size of 30˜60 mesh; 5˜15 wt % of silica sand having a particle size of 60˜100 mesh; and 5˜10 wt % of silica sand having a particle size of 100˜200 mesh, wherein the high strength admixture is obtained by mixing and pulverizing 45˜99 wt % of slag and 1˜55 wt % of anhydrite, thus the present invention has excellent seawater resistance, excellent strength development characteristics at a low temperature, and increased compressive strength and durability to allow withstanding cyclic loads due to wind and wave pressure. |
| US09435319B2 |
Wind power generation assembly
A wind power generation assembly having a rotatable base. Attached to the base are a plurality of arcuate panels that surround a turbine assembly. The center axis of the base and the center axis of the turbine assembly are offset. The panels are positioned to capture the wind and redirect the wind energy to the turbine assembly. |
| US09435318B2 |
Liquid ring system and applications thereof
The present disclosure concerns liquid ring systems, including (i) a fixed or rotating casing adapted to contain a liquid, (ii) a rotor located within the casing and having at least one impeller, (iii) a liquid ring formed by rotation of the rotor or the casing, and (iv) a plurality of gas cells formed between the inner surface of the liquid ring and vanes of the impeller. For example, at least one compressing gas cell is in fluid connection with at least one expanding gas cell integrated with the rotor. A liquid valve may include a small gas cell with a reciprocating liquid surface and at least two fluid connections having a free pathway between the connections during an angle of rotation of the rotor and a closed pathway between the connections during 360° minus the angle of rotation. |
| US09435317B2 |
System and method for renewable electrical power production using wave energy
Wave energy conversion to produce electricity uses wave-engaging articulated, forward and after barges connected to a center inertial barge. A damper plate attached to the central barge minimizes heaving to increase stability. The barges use composite materials, steel or other materials that can withstand the impact and wear caused by a corrosive weather environment. A movable ballast weight in each barge adjusts the mass moment of inertia, and changes the natural pitching frequency. Electrical energy is generated from the motions of the barges and the movement of the movable ballast weights being converted by linear induction motor/generators and/or Pelton Wheel hydraulic systems connected to electrical generators. A dynamic computer control system controls the energy generating system to keep the forward/after barges and the movable ballast moving in phase with the wave excitation force. During dangerous wave action, the system is submerged and then re-surfaced when the waves have subsided. |
| US09435316B2 |
Wave power generation system and motion control module thereof
A wave power generation system comprises a heavy plate; an expansion pipe installed on a top of the heavy plate; a motion module installing on a top of the expansion pipe; a buoy installing on a top of the motion module, a top end of the motion module through the buoy and the top end connected to the buoy; and a motion control module having a base installing in the heavy plate; a driving unit installed in the base; and multiple blades coupled to the driving unit. |
| US09435313B2 |
Starter arrangement
A starter arrangement for starting a motor vehicle engine, having a starter ring for connecting to a drive shaft, a starter unit for introducing a starter torque into the starter ring via a starter pinion acting on the starter ring, and a clutch connected to the starter ring for coupling the drive shaft to at least one transmission input shaft of a transmission. The clutch is spaced apart in the axial direction from the starter ring by an axial distance s, a forming reserved installation space for positioning an electric machine for a hybrid drive. The starter unit is positioned at least partially, preferably in large part, within the reserved installation space. A smaller installation space requirement for positioning a drive train in a motor vehicle body is possible by the sharing of the reserved installation space provided for the electric machine. |
| US09435312B2 |
Diagnostic system and method for vehicle starter
A diagnostic system and method for a vehicle with a starter-based stop-start system. At least one diagnostic check is performed before stopping the engine as a function of the stop-start system. Both diagnostic checks may be performed. If a diagnostic check indicates a failure of the starter motor or solenoid, operation of the stop-start system is suspended. The system utilizes a sensor to determine if the starter shaft is rotating when the shaft is in a position wherein a gear on the shaft is disengaged. Operability of the starter motor is checked by energizing and then de-energizing the motor without engaging the gear and determining if the shaft rotates. Operability of the solenoid is checked by sensing the rotation of the starter shaft and then energizing the solenoid to move the shaft into a position where the sensor cannot detect rotation of the shaft. |
| US09435310B2 |
Hydraulic start-of-injection detecting system and method
This disclosure provides system and method that can determine hydraulic start of injection (SOI) in engines using an in-cylinder pressure sensor. The system and method iteratively perform a wavelet transform on a signal based on the pressure information provided by the in-cylinder pressure sensors to determine a detail coefficient corresponding to a frequency band containing frequencies of pressure pulsations excited from a fuel jet injected into the cylinder. Hydraulic SOI is determined at the timing when the amplitude of the determined detail coefficient satisfies a predetermined threshold. The system and method provide diagnostic, control, and/or compensation opportunities for fuel injector operation in high pressure fuel rail engine systems without use of expensive or complex fuel injector components. |
| US09435308B2 |
Fuel injection valve, internal combustion engine and fuel injection method
It is an object of the present invention to reduce the penetration of a fuel spray directed toward a certain area in a cylinder, thereby reducing oil dilution that increases sliding resistance in the engine, reducing fuel adhesion or the like onto the cylinder liner, and also reducing the adverse effect of a fuel spray having an increased penetration.A fuel injection valve that has a plurality of injection holes and injects fuel into a cylinder 3 of an internal combustion engine includes: injection holes a2 and a6 having a larger diameter for injecting fuel toward a ring-shaped space T1 including areas A2 and A6 of strong tumble flow T formed in the cylinder; and injection holes a1, a4, a3 and a5 having a smaller diameter for injecting fuel toward a space including areas A1, A4, A3 and A5 of weak tumble flow formed in the cylinder 3. A fuel spray from an injection hole having the larger diameter has a penetration force to the tumble flow larger than the penetration force of a fuel spray from an injection hole having the smaller diameter. |
| US09435306B2 |
Fuel supply pump
A fuel supply pump in which even when a tappet slides at high speed, a sliding balance of the tappet is maintained and improved durability is achieved by preventing one-sided contact between the tappet and a cylinder hole.The tappet is configured to have a cylindrical tappet body and a roller, and a cylindrical guide ring is fixed into the cylinder hole. In the tappet body and a cylindrical portion of the guide ring, a tappet side guide portion and a guide ring side guide portion which can be fitted thereto in an axial direction are provided in at least two locations at equal intervals. |
| US09435305B2 |
Valve assembly for an injection valve and injection valve
A injection valve assembly includes a valve body having a central longitudinal axis and a cavity with a fluid inlet portion and a fluid outlet portion, a valve needle axially movable in the cavity between a closing position that prevents a fluid flow through the fluid outlet portion and further position that release the fluid flow, an electro-magnetic actuator unit that actuates the valve needle and includes an armature that is axially movable in the cavity and which includes a main body and a hydraulic damper fixedly coupled to the main body. The hydraulic damper includes an inner surface facing the main body and arranged for contact with the valve needle. The hydraulic damper also has a first opening and second opening (s), wherein the valve needle extends through the first opening, and the second opening (s) provide a fluid passage from the fluid inlet portion to the fluid outlet portion. |
| US09435302B2 |
Threshold condition indication in vehicle fuel system
A fuel system component may include a body arranged for use in storing or moving fuel within the fuel system, and an indicator associated with the body to provide an indication when the body is subjected to a condition outside of a threshold. The indicator may be responsive to one or more environmental or system conditions outside of a threshold. For example without limitation, the indicator may be responsive to one or more of temperature, pressure, corrosion and electrical conditions to provide an indication when at least one condition exceeds a threshold for that condition. |
| US09435299B2 |
Fluid system and method of making and using the same
A number of variations may include a product including a housing including at least one phase change material and a medium constructed and arranged for thermal energy transfer to or from a vehicle fuel. |
| US09435298B2 |
Dedicated EGR engine with dynamic load control
An internal combustion engine comprises a first engine bank and a second engine bank. A first intake valve is disposed in an intake port of a cylinder of the first engine bank, and is configured for metering the first flow of combustion air by periodically opening and closing according to a first intake valve lift and duration characteristic. A variable valve train control mechanism is configured for affecting the first intake valve lift and duration characteristic. Either a lift or duration of the first intake valve is modulated so as to satisfy an EGR control criterion. |
| US09435291B2 |
Energy transfer machines
A novel engine for producing power from a temperature differential with additional benefits of low cost, high efficiency, quiet operation minimal wear of components, and the ability to produce power or cooling from low grade heat sources. |
| US09435290B2 |
Opposed-piston engine structure with a split cylinder block
An engine structure for a multi-cylinder, opposed-piston engine includes a cylinder block with a plurality of inline cylinders. Each cylinder has ends with an outside diameter and an intermediate portion between the ends of a relatively larger outside diameter than the ends. The cylinder block includes a bearing web structure that positions bearing web elements outside of a plane that longitudinally bisects all of the cylinders. The cylinder block is split into two sections so as to permit cylinder liners to be inserted into and removed from cylinder tunnels in the cylinder block. |
| US09435287B2 |
Method for fuel injection control
Methods and systems are described for controlling fuel injection in an engine equipped with a dual injector system including a port injector and a direct injector. A ratio of port injected fuel to direct injected fuel is adjusted based at least on intake valve temperature. The proportion of fuel port injected into a cylinder is increased as the intake valve temperature for the given cylinder increases to improve fuel vaporization in the intake port. |
| US09435284B2 |
In-range sensor fault diagnostic system and method
An internal combustion engine includes an electronic controller programmed to determine, for at least one combustion event in a combustion chamber, a theoretical polytropic constant, a measured polytropic constant, and a difference between the theoretical polytropic constant and the measured polytropic constant. The electronic controller is further programmed to calculate an adjusted pressure signal based on the pressure signal and the difference such that the adjusted pressure signal compensates for changes to an accuracy of the pressure sensor over time. |
| US09435282B2 |
Fuel supplying controller
In a fuel supplying controller detecting a clogging of a fuel filter, a timer count portion includes a steady count portion and an unsteady count portion. The steady count portion adds a steady count value to a timer counter in a steady state where a vehicle-state value is less than a threshold. The unsteady count portion adds an unsteady count value that is greater than the steady count value to the timer counter in an unsteady state where the vehicle-state value is greater than or equal to the threshold. |
| US09435281B2 |
Method for reducing performance variation of an electromagnetically-activated actuator
A method for reducing performance variation of an electromagnetically-activated actuator having an electrical coil and an armature includes providing actuator activation signals to the electromagnetically-activated actuator. The signals include current driven through the electrical coil in a first direction. The method detects unacceptable response variations in the armature to equivalent actuator activation signals. And, subsequent to detection of unacceptable response variations in the armature, current is driven through the electrical coil in a direction opposite that of the first direction following actuator activation signals. |
| US09435276B2 |
Exhaust gas purification system for an internal combustion engine
In an exhaust gas purification system for an internal combustion engine provided with a particulate filter and an SCR catalyst arranged downstream of the particulate filter, the present invention is intended to decrease an amount of NOx discharged into the atmosphere in a suitable manner. According to the present invention, in an exhaust gas purification system for an internal combustion engine provided with a particulate filter, an SCR catalyst arranged downstream of the particulate filter, a reducing agent supply device and an EGR device, when the temperature of the particulate filter is equal to or higher than a PM oxidation starting temperature, and when an amount of PM trapped in the particulate filter is equal to or less than an upper limit amount, an amount of EGR gas is made to increase, whereas when the temperature of the particulate filter belongs to a temperature range in which oxidation reduction reaction of NO2 and PM is promoted, and when the temperature of the SCR catalyst belongs to an NOx reduction window, an amount of NO2 in exhaust gas is made to increase. |
| US09435275B2 |
Vehicle control apparatus
A brake override system (BOS) (1) prioritizes braking when both an accelerator and a brake are operated simultaneously by reducing the required accelerator operation amount value that is used to control drive force so that it is lower than the actual accelerator operation amount. The BOS (1) thus achieves a balance between hill-start performance after operation by the BOS (1) is cancelled and stopping performance during operation of the BOS (1) by increasing the required accelerator operation amount value at the time at which the return of the required accelerator operation amount value to the actual accelerator operation amount is initiated when the simultaneous operation of the accelerator and the brake ends. |
| US09435273B2 |
Dual fuel selector switch
A fuel selector for use with a dual fuel generator includes a selector plate, a first fuel valve assembly positioned adjacent the selector plate and actuatable between an ON position and an OFF position to selectively control a first fuel flow to an engine of the dual fuel generator, and a second fuel valve assembly positioned adjacent the selector plate and actuatable between an ON position and an OFF position to selectively control a second fuel flow to the engine of the dual fuel generator. A selector switch coupled to the selector plate is linearly translatable from a first position to a second position, so as to enable positioning of only one of the first fuel valve assembly and the second fuel valve assembly in the ON position at a given time, such that the first and second fuel valve assemblies cannot be in the ON position concurrently. |
| US09435268B2 |
Methods of Si based ceramic components volatilization control in a gas turbine engine
A method of controlling volatilization of silicon based components in a gas turbine engine includes measuring, estimating and/or predicting a variable related to operation of the gas turbine engine; correlating the variable to determine an amount of silicon to control volatilization of the silicon based components in the gas turbine engine; and injecting silicon into the gas turbine engine to control volatilization of the silicon based components. A gas turbine with a compressor, combustion system, turbine section and silicon injection system may be controlled by a controller that implements the control method. |
| US09435267B2 |
Integrated health management approach to propulsion control system protection limiting
A real-time engine management system having a controller system configured to control demand on a first component of an engine. The controller system is also configured to access a first set of prognostic data about the first component, where the first set of prognostic data includes a remaining lifespan approximation of the first component operating at a present operating condition. The controller system is also configured to identify a temporal length of an engine procedure operating at the present operating condition, alter a current limit constant associated with the first component to increase the remaining lifespan approximation of the first component beyond the temporal length, and implement the current limit constant associated with the first component so that the first component does not fault during the engine procedure. |
| US09435265B2 |
Gas combustor installed and detachable ignition module thereof
The present invention relates to a gas combustor, which includes a casing unit of the gas combustor and a detachable ignition module, the detachable ignition module is to have an igniter being modularized as a single unit, thereby being enabled to be inserted in or removed from an insertion slot preformed on a surface of the casing unit of the gas combustor, and a cathode connecting joint and a anode connecting joint of the detachable ignition module are respectively in contact with or separated from an electric conductive wire installed in the insertion slot, thereby establishing or terminating an electric connection, so the inconvenience and possible danger of replacing the igniter by the user himself is avoided. |
| US09435264B2 |
Thermal stress reduction in aircraft motor controllers
A thermal stress reduction method includes ramping an electric power generator to start an aircraft engine, for a time period associated with the aircraft engine start sequence toggling a three-level inverter switch array to a three-level pulse width modulation mode, determining if a first time interval in the three-level pulse width modulation mode exceeded a predetermined three-level pulse width modulation mode interval, in response to the first time interval exceeding the three-level pulse width modulation mode interval, toggling the three-level inverter switch array to a two-level pulse width modulation mode, determining if a second time interval in the two-level pulse width modulation mode exceeded a predetermined two-level pulse width modulation mode interval and in response to the second time interval exceeding the two-level pulse width modulation mode interval, toggling the three-level inverter switch array to the three-level pulse width modulation mode. |
| US09435261B2 |
Redundant cooling for fluid cooled systems
A fluid cooled system includes a first heat generating component. A first airflow pathway directs a first flow of air across a first heat exchanger. A second airflow pathway directs a second flow of air across a second heat exchanger. A first working fluid is flowed from the first heat generating component, through the first heat exchanger and through the second heat exchanger and returned to the first heat generating component. |
| US09435256B2 |
Control apparatus for an internal combustion engine
A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a first exhaust passage through which an exhaust gas of a first cylinder group flows, a second exhaust passage through which an exhaust gas of a second cylinder group flows, a third exhaust passage formed by merging of the first exhaust passage and the second exhaust passage, a centrifugal supercharger equipped with a turbine arranged in the third exhaust passage, an exhaust gas purification device arranged in the third exhaust passage at a location downstream of the turbine of the centrifugal supercharger, a bypass passage branching from the first exhaust passage, and merging into the third exhaust passage at a location upstream of the exhaust gas purification device, and a waste gate valve for switching opening and closing of the bypass passage, wherein when inter-cylinder-group imbalance processing is carried out, the bypass passage is made to open. |
| US09435253B2 |
Exhaust gas turbocharger module and internal combustion engine outfitted therewith
An exhaust gas turbocharger module and internal combustion engine outfitted therewith are disclosed. The exhaust gas turbocharger modules have an individual turbocharging assembly with a low-pressure exhaust gas turbocharger with a low-pressure turbine and a low-pressure compressor which have a common first turbocharger axis. A high-pressure exhaust gas turbocharger is provided with a high-pressure turbine and a high-pressure compressor which have a common second turbocharger axis extending perpendicular to the first turbocharger axis. The low-pressure turbine is connected downstream of the high-pressure turbine via an exhaust gas connection line, and the high-pressure compressor is connected downstream of the low-pressure compressor via a charge air connection line. A housing receives the low-pressure turbine, the high-pressure turbine and the exhaust gas connection line. The low-pressure compressor, the high-pressure compressor, and the charge air connection line are arranged outside of the housing. |
| US09435251B2 |
Method for estimating charge air cooler condensation storage and/or release with an intake oxygen sensor
Methods and systems are provided for estimating water storage in a charge air cooler (CAC). In one example, an amount of water in charge air exiting the CAC may be based on an output of an oxygen sensor positioned downstream of the CAC. Further, engine actuators may be adjusted to increase combustion stability and/or reduce condensate formation based on the amount of water exiting the CAC. |
| US09435250B2 |
Engine system having turbocharger
An engine system having a turbocharger may include a cylinder head, at which an intake manifold and an exhaust manifold may be positioned, the turbocharger which may be connected to the exhaust manifold, an intake line formed between the turbocharger and the intake manifold to transmit compressed air compressed by the turbocharger, through the cylinder head, an intercooler disposed to be adjacent to the intake manifold to cool the compressed air supplied through the intake line, an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) line connecting the exhaust manifold and the intake manifold to recirculate the exhaust gas, to the intake manifold through the cylinder head, and an EGR cooler disposed to be adjacent to the intake manifold, wherein a low-temperature coolant supplied from a low temperature radiator to pass through the cylinder head to cool the compressed air and the EGR gas that pass through the cylinder head. |
| US09435247B2 |
Exhaust pipe structure of motorcycle
An exhaust pipe structure of a motorcycle allowing exhaust air of an exhaust pipe having a branching part to flow into the respective exhaust pipes on the downstream side of the branching part uniformly and smoothly. In an exhaust pipe structure of a motorcycle having an engine attached to a vehicle body frame, an exhaust pipe is connected to an exhaust port of the engine and is provided with a branching pipe that branches into a left-rear-portion exhaust pipe and a right-rear-portion exhaust pipe. A muffler is connected to the left-rear-portion exhaust pipe. A muffler is connected to the right-rear-portion exhaust pipe. The branching pipe is located on a lateral side of a cylinder unit of the engine and above a crankcase cover. |
| US09435240B2 |
Perforated mixing pipe with swirler
An aftertreatment system may include an exhaust pipe and a mixing pipe. The exhaust pipe receives exhaust gas from an engine. The mixing pipe is disposed in the exhaust pipe and may include a tubular portion and a plurality of blades extending from a longitudinal end of the tubular portion. The tubular portion may include a plurality of openings extending through inner and outer diametrical surfaces of the tubular portion. The tubular portion and the plurality of blades may define an integrally formed unitary body. |
| US09435239B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatuses related to vehicles with reduced emissions
This disclosure relates generally to vehicles with reduced emissions. More particularly, this disclosure relates to systems, methods, and apparatuses related to vehicles with reduced carbon dioxide emissions. The carbon dioxide emissions may be stored in a carbon dioxide clathrate. |
| US09435231B2 |
Method for operating an internal combustion engine with electrohydraulic valve control means
A method for operating an internal combustion engine (4) with an electrohydraulic valve train (1) for variable-lift drive of a gas exchange valve (3), including a camshaft (6) and a hydraulic system arranged in a drive path between the camshaft and the gas exchange valve, said hydraulic system being connected to a pressure medium supply (14) of the internal combustion engine, a first hydraulic piston (8) which is driven by a cam (5) of the camshaft and a second hydraulic piston (9) which drives the gas exchange valve in an opening direction, a variable-volume pressure chamber (10) which is delimited by the hydraulic piston and a control channel (12) which connects the pressure chamber to a pressure relief chamber (11), an electrically actuated hydraulic valve (15) which is arranged in the control channel and which, in an open position, permits a flow of hydraulic medium through the control channel and, in a closed position, blocks a flow of hydraulic medium through the control channel, and an electronic controller (16) for the actuation of the hydraulic valve as a function of operating parameters of the internal combustion engine. To improve the cold-start behavior of the internal combustion engine, it is provided that, during the starting phase, the hydraulic valve is closed and opened again at least once between two immediately successive lifts of the first hydraulic piston. |
| US09435230B2 |
Fuel cell hybrid system
Provided is a fuel cell hybrid system. The fuel cell hybrid system includes a heat engine including a compression unit for compressing an oxidizer supply gas including air and an expansion unit for expanding the oxidizer supply gas to generate mechanical energy, a fuel cell including an anode for receiving a fuel gas, a cathode for receiving the oxidizer supply gas, and a catalytic combustor for burning a non-reaction fuel gas of an anode exhaust gas exhausted from the anode to heat the oxidizer supply gas, a first heat exchanger heat-exchanging the oxidizer supply gas discharged from the compression unit with a cathode exhaust gas exhausted from the cathode, and a second heat exchanger heat-exchanging the oxidizer supply gas discharged from the first heat exchanger with the oxidizer supply gas discharged from the catalytic combustor. The oxidizer supply gas discharged from the second heat exchanger is supplied into the catalytic combustor via the expansion unit, and the oxidizer supply gas discharged from the catalytic combustor is supplied into the cathode via the second heat exchanger. |
| US09435227B2 |
Gas-to-liquid heat exchange system with multiple liquid flow patterns
Systems and methods for the design of a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) or similar system that is designed to extract heat from hot gases flowing through a duct which utilizes an external liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger for preheating feedwater. The systems and methods allow for multiple water flow patterns to adjust the temperature of the feedwater into the gas duct. |
| US09435224B2 |
Method for cooling a thermal protection floor of an aft aerodynamic fairing of a structure for mounting an aircraft propulsion system
A propulsion system for an aircraft, including a dual-flow turbojet and a mounting structure for mounting this turbojet on the wing surface or on the fuselage of an aircraft. The mounting structure includes an aft aerodynamic fairing including a thermal protection floor to protect the mounting structure from the heat of a primary airstream channelled by an exhaust nozzle of the turbojet, as well as an air inlet provided in a longitudinal aerodynamic wall washed by a secondary airstream of the turbojet and delimiting together with an other similar wall a cavity isolated from the secondary airstream for extracting a cooling airstream from the secondary airstream, and air circulation means fed by the air inlet and having at least one outlet aperture emerging in a space between the thermal protection floor and the exhaust nozzle. |
| US09435221B2 |
Turbomachine airfoil positioning
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to turbomachines and, more particularly, to the positioning of airfoils to reduce pressure variations entering a diffuser. One embodiment includes a turbomachine comprising a diffuser, a plurality of airfoil rows, including a first airfoil row adjacent the diffuser, the first airfoil row being of a first type selected from a group consisting of stationary vanes and rotating blades, a second airfoil row adjacent the first airfoil row, the second airfoil row being of a second type different from the first type, and a third airfoil row of the first type adjacent the second airfoil row, wherein at least one of the plurality of airfoil rows is clocked, relative to another airfoil row of the turbomachine, reducing variations in airflow circumferential pressure at at least one spanwise location in the diffuser adjacent the first airfoil row in an operative state of the turbomachine. |
| US09435220B2 |
Turbocharger control linkage with reduced heat flow
The life of an actuator such as a turbocharger VTG actuator is extended by reducing heat conduction from the turbine housing along the control linkage to the actuator link and into the actuator, thereby protecting sensitive electronic components. To this end, the control linkage may be equipped with cooling fins, or be made hollow rather than solid, or be made of a thermal energy retarding material in order to retard heat from the turbine housing assembly reaching the actuator. |
| US09435219B2 |
Gas turbine inlet system and method
A gas turbomachine inlet system includes a duct member having an inlet portion fluidically coupled to an outlet portion through an intermediate portion. The inlet portion, outlet portion, and intermediate portion define a fluid flow zone. A throttling system is arranged in the duct member at one of the inlet portion, outlet portion and intermediate portion. The throttling system is configured and disposed to selectively establish a pressure drop through the fluid flow zone. A method of controlling inlet pressure drop through an inlet system for a gas turbomachine is also described herein. |
| US09435217B2 |
Swirl interruption seal teeth for seal assembly
A seal assembly for sealing between a rotating component and a stationary component in a turbomachine. The seal assembly includes a plurality of radially inwardly projecting, axially spaced teeth extending from the stationary component, wherein at least one of the plurality of teeth has at least one axially extending hole therethrough. Axial flow of an operating fluid through the holes acts as an air-curtain to interrupt swirl flow in a seal cavity, therefore reducing steam force that could act to destabilize rotordynamics. |
| US09435216B2 |
Sealing arrangement in an axial turbomachine
A sealing arrangement (100) in an axial turbomachine between, on the one hand, a rotor (1) and, on the other hand, a stator (3) and/or a housing, including a support device (7, 7′) and a sealing element, whereby the support device (7, 7′) extends essentially in the radial direction (r). In the axial direction (u) of the turbomachine, the support device (7, 7′) has an axial contour that effectuates a stiffening effect for the support device (7, 7′). |
| US09435215B2 |
Gas turbine structure
A gas turbine structure includes a guide vane. The gas turbine structure (further includes a first housing and a second housing and the guide vane extends from the first housing to the second housing. The guide vane includes a leading edge and a trailing edge and the guide vane extends from the leading edge to the trailing edge along a mean camber line. The guide vane includes a first attachment structure, a first fastening arrangement and a second fastening arrangement. Moreover, the first attachment structure includes a stiffening member extending over at least a portion of a circumference of the first housing. Furthermore, the stiffening member includes a stiffening member center point as measured along the mean camber line. |
| US09435211B2 |
Method for forming components using additive manufacturing and re-melt
A method of manufacturing a component includes additively manufacturing a crucible; directionally solidifying a metal material within the crucible; and removing the crucible to reveal the component. A component for a gas turbine engine includes a directionally solidified metal material component, the directionally solidified metal material component having been additively manufactured of a metal material concurrently with a core, the metal material having been remelted and directionally solidified. |
| US09435205B2 |
Apparatus for broaching repair of turbine rotor steeples
A broaching apparatus includes; a broach having a cross-section corresponding to a geometry of slot between adjacent steeples of a turbine rotor, and a mechanism which moves the broach through the slot in a direction substantially parallel to a direction of extension of the slot. |
| US09435201B2 |
Detecting sump depth of a miner
Systems and methods for operating a mining machine. One system includes a controller, a stationary object, and a radar device. The radar device transmits radio waves toward the stationary object and detects reflections of the radio waves. The controller obtains timing information regarding the radio waves and the reflections. Based on the timing information, the controller is configured to determine a first distance between the radar device and the stationary object before sumping the mining machine into material and a second distance between the radar device and the stationary object after sumping the mining machine into the material. The controller is also configured to determine a sump depth of the mining machine based on the first distance and the second distance, compare the determined sump depth to a predetermined sump depth, and perform at least one automatic action when the determined sump depth does not satisfy the predetermined sump depth. |
| US09435198B2 |
Maintaining shale stability by pore plugging
Compositions and methods for improving wellbores stability of a hydrocarbon bearing shale formation using nanoparticles to decrease swelling and plug pore throats. |
| US09435195B2 |
Wireline apparatus
A wireline apparatus comprises a sheave for accommodating a wireline and a sheave mounting configured for coupling to a wireline stuffing box. The apparatus includes a sensor for measuring at least one of wireline tension and deployed wireline length at the sheave. |
| US09435193B2 |
Sonde with integral pressure sensor and method
Generally, a sonde, associated components and methods are described which can be used in conjunction with an inground tool having an inground tool housing that defines an inground tool cavity such that the inground tool cavity is exposed to an ambient pressure environment which surrounds the inground tool during an inground operation. A sonde housing assembly includes an exterior configuration that is receivable within the inground tool cavity. The sonde housing assembly at least partially defines a sonde interior and is further configured for receiving the pressure sensor body of a pressure sensor in a pressure sealed engagement. A sonde electronics package is supported within the sonde interior and is at least configured to receive the pressure signal and transfer a corresponding pressure signal from the sonde. |
| US09435186B2 |
Sub sea processing system
A sub-sea processing system for the production of oil and/or gas from one or more production wells (1), especially wells producing heavy oil in deep water and with high viscosity. The system includes, beyond the production wells (1), one or more injection wells (2) for the injection of produced water, a separator (3), a production pump (4), a water injection and circulation pump (5) and a heating arrangement (6). A water circulation and injection pipe loop (7) is provided to interconnect the separator (3), the injection and circulation pump (5), the heating arrangement (6), the flow control device (11), and the wells (1, 2) enabling circulation of heated water to the wells (1, 2) via the separator (3) and heating arrangement (6). |
| US09435183B2 |
Steam environmentally generated drainage system and method
A steam environmentally generated drainage system and method for producing hydrocarbons from a formation using in situ steam generation and gravity drainage. The system and method includes a first well as a circulation and production well, a second well as a circulation, injection and combustion well, and a third well as an injection well. The second well is configurable to have a fuel tubing, a gas tubing, and an igniter. The third tubing injects a vaporizable fluid into the formation so as to be vaporized by combustion gases created by the in situ combustion in the second well. Hydrocarbon fluids are produced from the first well and lifted to the surface for process. The third well can be configured to also produce combustion gases so as to control a gas chamber pressure of a gas chamber created by the rising combustion gases. |
| US09435182B2 |
System and method of assessing a wellbore servicing fluid or a component thereof
A wellbore servicing fluid assessment method comprising introducing test organisms into a first section of a first tub, allowing organisms less than a first size to pass into a second section of the first tub, allowing organisms less than the first size to flow into a first section of a second tub, allowing organisms less than a second size to pass into a second section of the second tub, allowing organisms less than the second size to flow into a first section of a third tub, allowing organisms less than a third size to pass into a second section of the third tub, selecting test organisms of a desired testing size, dividing the selected test organisms into a control group and test group, subjecting the test group to the wellbore servicing fluid or a component, and assessing the acceptability of the wellbore servicing fluid or component. |
| US09435180B2 |
Annular gas lift valve
A system for producing hydrocarbons may include a production control device positioned along a production flow line. The production control device may include an enclosure having an interior space and an isolation device disposed in the interior space. The isolation device may divide the interior space into an upper interior space and a lower interior space. The production control device may also include a first flow control device positioned in the upper interior space, and a second flow control device positioned in the upper interior space. The first flow control device may be responsive to a control signal transmitted via a control line from a surface location. The second flow control device may reactively block fluid flow from the lower interior section to the upper interior section when a pressure differential between the upper interior space and the lower interior space falls below a preset value. |
| US09435177B2 |
Intervention workover control systems
An apparatus for use in providing an intervention workover control system for an underwater well, comprising a first structure for connecting to a hydraulic flying lead, a first support for supporting at least one electrical flying lead, a second support for supporting the hydraulic flying lead, a second structure, a third structure, and a third support for supporting the at least one electrical flying lead, the second and third structures can be connected to respective ones of opposite sides of the first structure. The structures are configured to provide an intervention workover control system of a first configuration, wherein the first structure is usable with the second and third structures connected to the first structure, and to provide an intervention workover control system of a second configuration, wherein the first structure is usable without the second and third structures connected to the first structure. |
| US09435176B2 |
Deburring mill tool for wellbore cleaning
A wellbore cleaning tool for removing irregularities along the inner surface of a wellbore tubular may include a top sub, a cutting assembly, and a bottom sub. The tool is operable to remove irregularities, such as debris, burrs, and jagged edges, along the inside of the wellbore tubular, and thereby provide a clean, inner surface finish. The tool may be actuated into a retracted position, an extended position, and/or a deactivated position. |
| US09435174B2 |
System and method for injecting a treatment fluid into a wellbore and a treatment fluid injection valve
The invention provides a valve and method for injecting a treatment fluid into a production zone of a hydrocarbon production well. The valve comprises a tubular housing comprising an axial fluid passage, a fluid inlet in fluid communication therewith, and a lateral fluid outlet; a sleeve having a sleeve fluid passage and at least one lateral fluid opening, the sleeve being fixedly arranged within the housing and aligned with the housing fluid passage, wherein the fluid opening is aligned with the fluid outlet; and a piston moveably disposed within the sleeve fluid passage between closed and open positions, wherein the piston when closed blocks treatment fluid flow from the housing fluid passage toward the sleeve fluid passage, and wherein the piston when open permits treatment fluid flow from the fluid inlet through the housing fluid passage, the sleeve fluid passage, and the fluid opening toward the fluid outlet. |
| US09435168B2 |
Downhole activation assembly and method of using same
A downhole activation assembly for activating a downhole component of a downhole tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The activation assembly includes a housing operatively connectable to the downhole tool, a spring-loaded sleeve, and a ball catcher. The sleeve slidably positionable in the housing, and having a flow channel therethrough and an outer surface defining a chamber between the sleeve and the housing. The sleeve having inlets therethrough about a sleeve end thereof to permit fluid from the flow channel to pass therethrough. The ball catcher slidably positionable in the housing, and having a catcher end engageable with the sleeve end to selectively divert the fluid thereabout and a ball seat therein to receivingly engage a ball passing through the sleeve whereby the ball catcher selectively moves the downhole component between activation positions. |
| US09435164B2 |
Closed-loop hydraulic running tool
A method and apparatus for setting an inner wellhead member in a subsea wellhead housing includes connecting an inner wellhead member to a running tool and running the running tool and wellhead member through a tubular member to a wellhead housing. A plurality of pistons urge fluid through a closed-loop hydraulic system. That fluid actuates a locking mechanism to lock the inner wellhead member into the wellhead housing, and also actuates a release mechanism to release the running tool from the inner wellhead member. The pistons are moved from one position to another in response to fluid pressure from the running string to which the running tool is connected, fluid pressure from the tubular member in which the running tool is located, or in response to fluid in the closed-loop hydraulic system that is being moved in response to the other one of the pistons. |
| US09435158B2 |
Use of tungsten carbide tube rod to hard-face PDC matrix
A hardfaced infiltrated matrix downhole tool and a method for hardfacing such items. The hardfaced infiltrated matrix downhole tool includes a body, an intermediate base coat coupled to at least a portion of the surface of the body, and a hardfacing material coupled to at least a portion of the intermediate base coat. The body is composed of at least a carbide material and an infiltrating binder material. The intermediate base coat bonds to the surface of the body and to the hardfacing material. The method includes obtaining an infiltrated matrix downhole tool, applying and bonding the intermediate base coat to at least a portion of the surface of the infiltrated matrix downhole tool, and applying and bonding the hardfacing material to at least a portion of the intermediate base coat. |
| US09435156B2 |
Dual track ladder with brake mechanism that is automatically applied to the upper tracks to hold the ladder in place during use
A ladder system includes an overhead track system, a ladder, a latch and a carriage. The overhead track system includes a first guide track and a second guide track. The carriage is operatively configured to move longitudinally along the first and second guide tracks and to move laterally between the first and second guide tracks. The ladder is pivotally mounted to the overhead track system. A lateral carriage brake is provided which prevents lateral movement of the ladder, and a longitudinal carriage brake is provided to prevent longitudinal movement of the ladder. The latch is operatively configured to affix the ladder to the carriage. |
| US09435155B2 |
Stepladder having a ladder top with conduit holder slot and method
The present invention pertains to a stepladder. The stepladder includes a ladder top having a plane having a front side and a rear side and a left side and a right side and a front side flange and a rear side flange and a left side flange and a right side flange. The stepladder includes a conduit holder slot for holding tubing, pipe and conduit. The conduit holder slot extends along the entire length of the top and in the right side and the left side. The conduit holder slot has a cross-section in the ladder top which is non-symmetrical. The stepladder includes a front section. The stepladder includes a rear section. A method for cutting a tube. |
| US09435151B2 |
Cover assembly for attaching to a hinge arm
A cover assembly for attaching to a vehicle hinge arm including an elongate body and including one or more clips supported upon an inner facing surface which are adapted to engage the hinge arm. A two piece structure formed upon the inner surface of the body includes a first component integrally formed with or otherwise secured upon the body and a second component affixed upon the first component and configured to receive a mounting location of the clip. |
| US09435144B2 |
Locking device for product display hooks, showcases, cabinets, fixtures, and casework
Locking devices that may be used with product display hooks, cabinets, and drawers are provided. A locking device according to one implementation comprising a housing and a shell. The housing includes an outer wall that defines an interior. The housing further includes a channel extending at least partially through the interior of the housing. The shell includes a projection. The shell is at least partially disposed within the interior of the housing and is moveable in a longitudinal direction within the interior of the housing. In an unlocked position, the projection is biased away from the first channel. In a locked position, the projection is maintained in the first channel. |
| US09435142B2 |
Method of operating an access control system
A method of operating an access control system connectable to a power supply, including the steps of comparing the supplied power voltage to a threshold power supply voltage, determining a power-good condition when the supplied power voltage exceeds the threshold power supply voltage, determining a power-fail condition when the supplied power voltage does not exceed the threshold power supply voltage, and in response to the power-good condition: charging a capacitor to a capacitor charge not less than a threshold charge, and thereafter powering an electromechanical actuator, transitioning the access control system to a first state selected from locked and unlocked states wherein the capacitor charge is not less than the threshold charge upon completion of the transitioning, and in response to the power-fail condition: powering with the capacitor the electromechanical actuator and transitioning the access control system to the another of the locked and unlocked states. |
| US09435137B2 |
Device for securing an essential component of a motor vehicle handle
Provided is a device for securing an essential component, in particular a lock cylinder, a lock cylinder catch or the like, of a handle of a motor vehicle, the device having a carrier, which can be secured on the inside to a movable part, in particular to a lid, tailgate or door. A blocking unit is arranged on the carrier and comprises movable gear elements, by means of which the blocking unit can be moved between a blocking position and a release position, the component being located in a detached manner in the carrier in the release position and the component being held securely on the carrier in the blocking position. |
| US09435136B2 |
Fence system
In a fence having a plurality of posts, vertically-spaced rails extend across the posts. Horizontally-spaced union strips are extended across the rails, and sheeted infill material is positioned within the open faces of the union strips, so that the sheeted infill material extends from the first union strip to the second union strip. |
| US09435135B1 |
Adjustable fence systems
A privacy fence includes a lower base portion and a telescopically extendable upper portion that is vertically movable relative to the lower base portion to provide a privacy fence that has a selectively adjustable height. The lower base portion is formed of a panel section extending between two spaced apart posts. The upper telescopic portion also includes a panel member extending between two post members wherein the panel member is received within the interior of the base panel portion and the two post members are received within the posts and connected to an actuation mechanism. As desired, the actuation mechanism can be operated to move the post members vertically, which in turn raises the panel member telescopically out of the base panel portion. Optional flower pots can be mounted on top of the post members to be movable therewith, or to provide flower pots on conventional fence posts. |
| US09435133B2 |
Individual shooter shelter and mat
A shooter shelter includes a mat, and a tent portion integrally connected to the mat. |
| US09435132B1 |
Pool sweeper
A pool sweeper for removing debris from underwater. The pool sweeper has a pump housing and a pump shaft movably mounted in the pump housing. The pool sweeper has a plunger attached to the pump shaft. The pool sweeper has a bag extension attached to a connection port of the pump housing. The pool sweeper has a first collection one-way valve which opens during pulling of the pump shaft. The pool sweeper has a collection port connected to the bag extension between the first collection one-way valve and a second end of the bag extension. The pool sweeper has a second collection one-way valve which opens during pushing of the pump shaft. The pool sweeper has a container connected to the exit of the collection port. |
| US09435131B2 |
Portable and reusable connection device having secure anchor point
A mounting bracket to be utilized in a fall protection system. The mounting bracket includes an adjustable securing means to anchor to structural members of varying sizes and an adjustable anchor point to receive and secure a post therein. The adjustable securing means includes a first bracket and a second bracket capable of being secured together in different configurations (based on different heights of the structural member) to anchor the adjustable securing means to the structural member. The adjustable anchor point is to receive the post within a defined distance from the structural member and may include one or more open-ended receiving stanchions. The adjustable anchor point is capable of securing the post in different configurations. The post includes a plurality of brackets capable of holding railings in order to create a guardrail. The posts may include other items and be utilized in other systems. |
| US09435129B1 |
Cement lap siding handling and installation tools and method of using
A tool kit makes it possible for one person to pick up one or more frangible elongate workpieces such as strips of cement lap siding using a first part of the invention, and properly position each one on, and affix it to, a vertical surface such as an exterior wall using a second part of the invention. |
| US09435128B2 |
Overlap arrangement of at least two decking planks
An overlap arrangement of at least two decking planks, for example for construction scaffolding, includes first and second decking planks. Each decking plank has a decking surface composed of sheet metal, which is provided with essentially round passage holes, which are delimited, in each instance, by a beaded and circumferential hole edge. The first decking plank and the second decking plank are braced, relative to one another, in releasable manner, using a locking screw composed of metal, to prevent displacement relative to one another in a displacement plane that runs parallel to their decking surfaces, and to prevent lift-off from one another. |
| US09435124B2 |
Cementitious exterior sheathing product having improved interlaminar bond strength
The present invention provides exterior building products, such as roofing and siding, shake, shingles, siding, sheathing, panels, planks, vertical siding, soffit panels, fencing, decking, fascia, corner posts, column corners and trim boards in which a plurality of cementitious layers are provided with an improved interlaminar bond by employing a resinous bond promoter, a rheological agent, mechanical means to distribute fibers in a direction which is perpendicular to the machine direction so as to bridge between layers in the product, or a combination thereof. These techniques help to increase interlaminar bond strength to improve the mechanical properties of the product. When certain resinous bond promoters are used, the additional benefits of water absorption resistance and pigmentation throughout the product can be provided with minimal expense. Improvements in interlaminar bond strength of about 10 46% were observed with a percent elongation improvement of about 7%. |
| US09435120B2 |
Acoustic ceiling popcorn texture materials, systems, and methods
An actuator for forming a texture layer on a target surface has a housing, a trigger, and an adapter. The housing supports the trigger for pivoting movement between first and second trigger positions. The housing supports the adapter member for sliding movement between first and second adapter positions. The trigger engages the adapter to displace the adapter from the first adapter position to the second adapter position as the trigger moves from the first trigger position to the second trigger position. The adapter engages a valve assembly such that the valve assembly is in closed and open configurations when the adapter is in the first and second adapter positions. |
| US09435119B2 |
Structural support spacer
This disclosure relates to building trades where precise spacing between structural members ensures support via use of a plurality of elongate spacers. The spacers include at least one intermediate transit tacking member and a pair of nail- or screw-receiving apertures on opposing ends of thereof. One of the opposing ends serves as a pivoting end and the opposite end includes one or more relatively shorter member near the aperture formed therein. These member(s) can be driven into an adjacent trust or other support member while a final precise position is determined. To determine the final precise position to affix a given spacer one or more indicia is provided. Such indicia can include end edges, one or more cut-out features and/or one or more cut-out features and/or numbered or lettered (or other symbols) indicating the relative spacing from one end of the elongate spacer to the other. |
| US09435115B2 |
Structural element for heat-insulating purposes
Structural element for heat-insulating purposes between two structural parts, in particular between a building and a projecting exterior part, formed of an insulating body, which is to be arranged between the two structural parts, and of reinforcing elements at least including a load-bearing element which, with the structural element in the installed state, runs through the insulating body substantially horizontally and transversely to the substantially horizontal longitudinal extent of the insulating body, and can be connected at least indirectly to the two structural parts. The load-bearing element has an additional element which encloses the load-bearing element at least in sub-regions, and at least indirectly, and the load-bearing element is produced using a lost mold (1), and the additional element is formed, at least in part, of the lost mold, and wherein the additional element is formed in two or more parts. |
| US09435112B2 |
Artificial surface divider
An artificial surface divider comprising a floor having a plurality of pads spaced apart from one another, the plurality of pads being mounted to a longitudinal housing having an overhang at least partially defining a longitudinal channel and a longitudinal gap that is open to the longitudinal channel, the longitudinal gap extending between an edge of the overhang and a floor of the longitudinal housing, where a longitudinal dimension of the artificial surface divider is the dominant dimension. |
| US09435108B2 |
Showerhead or aerator containing pressure compensation device
Pressure compensators for stabilizing the flow of water are disclosed including at least one flow orifice (10) passing through a pressure compensator body (1) and at least one flexible flow controller (2) which can at least partially block the orifice (10) to provide it with a predetermined flow area whereby the flow controller flexes and reduces the flow area at increased water pressures. Flow controllers are also disclosed for controlling the flow of water including a revolving body (5) for selectively opening and closing a number of flow openings (17) therethrough. |
| US09435107B2 |
Shape memory faucet
A shape memory faucet has a base configured to be coupled to a surface, a spray head configured to direct a spray of fluid, and a faucet spout disposed between the base and the spray head, the faucet spout comprising a waterway and at least one elongated member formed from a shape memory alloy material. The faucet spout having the elongated member(s) formed from the shape memory alloy material is deformable from an initial shape corresponding to a rest position to a displaced shape corresponding to a deployed position. The elongated member(s) formed from the shape memory alloy material are operable to return the faucet spout to the rest position when released from the deployed position. |
| US09435105B2 |
Method and system for controlling pump outlet pressure between different operating modes
The present disclosure provides a method of controlling a work implement of a machine. The machine includes a controller for controlling the implement, a sensor, a hydraulic pump for producing a fluid pressure, and a valve disposed in communication with the pump. The method includes selectively operating the machine according to a first operating mode, wherein in the first operating mode the hydraulic pump is operably controlled to produce a fluid pressure between a first pressure and a second pressure, the second pressure being greater than the first pressure. The method also includes sending a signal to the controller, the signal corresponding to a request for a fluid pressure greater than the second pressure. The method further includes transitioning from the first operating mode to a second operating mode and increasing the fluid pressure from the second pressure to a third pressure during the transition. |
| US09435098B1 |
Floating precast manhole and catch basin cover systems
A floating manhole cover system to be installed on a manhole shaft and a road base. The system comprising a precast ring having an inner diameter sized to align with the inner diameter of the manhole shaft; an outer diameter being larger than the outer diameter of the manhole shaft; a top surface to engage with the road top finish (asphalt or concrete); a bottom surface to engage with the road base through cast in place concrete and to allow the precast-ring to move with a heave action of the road base and road. The system further having a manhole cover receiving means casted in to receive a manhole cover, and a leveling means casted in to engage with the manhole shaft to level said precast-ring with the road. |
| US09435096B2 |
Underwater support concrete structure construction method
Disclosed is a construction method of a foundation for an underwater support structure, which is capable of rapidly installing the foundation of a large-scale structure on a sea floor, and also sufficiently ensuring a horizontal load supporting capability. The construction method includes installing a pile having a head part, in which a catching groove is formed, in a sea floor G; fabricating the foundation for the underwater support structure, in which a buried guide tube is formed to protrude downwardly from a lower surface of the foundation for an underwater support structure, and settling the foundation for the underwater support structure on the sea floor, such that the head part of the pile is inserted into the guide tube; and anchoring the pile into the guide tube using an elastically protruding settlement device formed in the guide tube. |
| US09435091B2 |
Snow removal machine
A snow removal machine including a travel unit frame having travel units, and an auger housing liftable, lowerable and rollable relative to the travel unit frame. The machine also includes: a frame inclination angle detection section for detecting an inclination angle of the travel frame relative to a ground surface; a housing inclination angle detection section for detecting an inclination angle of the auger housing relative to the travel unit frame; and an overall inclination angle evaluation section for evaluating an overall inclination angle of the auger housing relative to the ground surface on the basis of the inclination angles detected by the two detection sections. The two detection sections are provided on a part of the machine which does not make rolling motion together with the auger housing. |
| US09435087B2 |
Spherical bearing and plastic block with spherical surface for the same
A spherical bearing is disclosed, which is easy to make, can be made small, and does not have a sticking problem of a spherical block. The spherical bearing includes a plastic spherical block made of plastic and including a convex spherical surface, a spherical groove member including a spherical groove with which the convex spherical surface engages and surface-contacts and allowing rotation with respect to the plastic spherical block, and a weight-delivering member installed opposite to the spherical groove member with the plastic spherical block in the middle, and wherein a frictional surface of the plastic spherical block rubbing against the spherical groove member or the weight-delivering member is made of engineering plastic such as PA, POM etc. having a hardness of 75D through 95D. |
| US09435079B2 |
Uncoated recording media
An uncoated recording medium includes a blend of hardwood fibers and softwood fibers. The total fiber content is at least 80 wt % of a total wt % of the uncoated recording medium. A filler is present in the uncoated recording medium in an amount ranging from about 3 wt % to about 10.2 wt % of the total wt % of the uncoated recording medium. The uncoated recording medium has i) a weight ranging from about 50 g/m2 to about 70 g/m2, and ii) a machine direction Lorentezen & Wetter 5 degree bending stiffness ranging from about 0.19 mNm to about 0.27 mNm and a cross direction Lorentezen & Wetter 5 degree bending stiffness ranging from about 0.09 mNm to about 0.12 mNm, and iii) an ISO brightness of at least 86. |
| US09435075B2 |
Ink for ink jet textile printing, ink jet textile printing method, and ink jet textile printing apparatus
An ink for ink jet textile printing according to the invention which is used for recording on cloth includes a pigment, a resin, and a 2-pyrrolidone-based solvent, in which the pH is in the range of 9.2 to 10.5. Coating elongation of the resin may be in the range of 400% to 1200%, and the resin may be a urethane-based resin. |
| US09435074B2 |
Fire resistant composite material and fabrics made therefrom
The present invention relates to fire resistant composite materials and to fire resistant fabric materials and mattresses made therefrom. The composite materials include (a) a substrate selected from the group consisting of cotton, rayon, lyocell, wool, silk and blends thereof; and (b) a coating consisting essentially of water, ammonium polyphosphate, binder material and cellulose filler material. The binder material bonds the ammonium polyphosphate and cellulose filler materials together and to the substrate such that the substrate is coated with the coating. |
| US09435073B2 |
Electrochemical textile-washing process
The present invention relates to a washing machine comprising an electrochemical cell, to a process for electrochemical cleaning of fibers, to laundry detergents for electrochemical cleaning of fibers and to the fibers thus cleaned. |
| US09435072B1 |
Apparel fastener assembly
An apparel fastener assembly includes an article of apparel that may be worn on a user. A gun may engage the article of apparel. A fastener cartridge is removably coupled to the gun. A lock cartridge is removably coupled to the gun. A plurality of fasteners is positioned within the fastener cartridge so the gun may selectively dispense one of the fasteners. A plurality of locks is positioned within the lock cartridge so the fastener may engage a selected one of the locks. |
| US09435071B2 |
Leg retaining clip
In one embodiment, the present invention provides an ironing board having a leg-retaining clip adapted for use with at least one adjustable leg. The board includes a plate secured in a spaced relationship from the board. The leg-retaining clip includes a base having a first side and a second side. The clip also includes a base member having a first section adapted to engage one side of the plate and a second section adapted to engage another side of the plate. The base may also include at least one opening that receives a locking member located on the plate to retain the base on the plate. At least one leg-locking clip is attached to the base to releasably engage one or more adjustable legs. |
| US09435070B2 |
Clothing dryer
A clothing dryer includes a cabinet, a drying tub positioned at an inner side of the cabinet and configured to accommodate laundry, a plurality of moisture detecting sensor units provided at an inside the drying tub to detect moisture of laundry, and a sensor partition wall provided in between the plurality of moisture detecting sensor units to prevent a foreign substance from being stuck in between the plurality of moisture detecting sensor units. Through the structure as such, the accuracy in detecting dryness of laundry is enhanced, and an optimal controlling of the clothing dryer may be possible. |
| US09435068B2 |
Laundry treating apparatus
The laundry treating apparatus includes a door to open and close the introduction port about a first rotational or a second rotational axis which is different from first rotational axis. A first switching unit is provided in the door to allow rotation of door about the first rotational axis, and a second switching unit is provided in the door to allow rotation of the door about the second rotational axis. A lock fixes a position of at least one of the first switching unit or second switching unit when the door opens the introduction port. As can be appreciated, the mechanism used for the laundry apparatus may be applicable to other home appliances or non-home appliances where two different rotational axes may be needed to open and close a door. |
| US09435067B2 |
Wall-mounted washing machine
A wall-mounted washing machine includes a main body configured to be detachably mounted on a wall, a recess along a peripheral rear surface of the main body and configured to face the wall, and a removable seal in the recess and having a free end configured to contact the wall and block water from outside the washing machine from entering the main body. |
| US09435066B2 |
Water supply apparatus and washing machine having the same
Disclosed is a water supply apparatus for washing machines having a simplified structure. The water supply apparatus is usable in a washing machine, which has a drum to accommodate laundry, and a detergent supply apparatus including a dispenser provided with a plurality of channels to supply water to a plurality of detergents to be supplied to the drum, and includes at least one water supply pipe extending from the rear portion of the washing machine to the detergent supply apparatus to supply water to the dispenser, a nozzle provided with one end connected to the at least one water supply pipe and the other end disposed adjacent to entrances of the plurality of channels, and being rotatable to supply water selectively to one of the plurality of channels, a drive unit generating drive force to rotate the nozzle, and a rotation control device to control rotation of the drive unit. |
| US09435065B2 |
Household appliance for wall mounting
A wall-mount household appliance (100) includes a washing assembly with a washing tub (200) rotatably housing a rotatable drum (201). The household appliance is configured to be mounted to a wall (105), characterized by including a wall-mounting frame (215; 215′) configured to be fixed to the wall, and elastic coupling elements (235, 240) elastically coupling the washing tub (200) to the wall-mounting frame (215; 215′). The said elastic coupling elements (235, 240) are connected at a respective one end thereof to a cylindrical lateral wall of the washing tub (200). |
| US09435063B2 |
Washing machine and control method thereof
A washing machine and control methods thereof to enhance washing quality, even when using eco-friendly natural soap-based detergent. Controlling a rinse water temperature based on a wash water temperature to reduce a temperature difference therebetween prevents gelation caused by natural soap-based detergent and maximizes washing quality when using this type of detergent. |
| US09435059B2 |
Fusible bicomponent spandex
Included are multiple component elastic fibers prepared by a solution-spinning process such as dry spinning or wet spinner of spandex fibers including polyurethaneurea and polyurethane compositions. These fibers have a cross-section including at least two separate regions with definable boundaries wherein at least one region defined by the boundaries of the cross-section includes a polyurethaneurea or polyurethane composition. One region of the fiber includes a fusibility improvement additive to enhance adhesion to itself or to a substrate. |
| US09435050B2 |
Method of making a porous TiO2 photonic film
A porous titanium dioxide film having photonic properties is made by etching a titanium substrate in an electrolyte solution in the presence of an electric field. The electrolyte solution can be an organic electrolyte solution. Etching involves providing an electrolyte solution in contact with a pair of electrodes and passing an electric current through the electrolyte solution. The titanium substrate can be one of the pair of electrodes. The current has a wave profile selected from a group consisting of a periodic square profile, a sine wave, a linear profile, or a quintic profile, and is provided either parallel to or perpendicular to a plane of the substrate. |
| US09435047B2 |
Process for corrosion protection of iron containing materials
The present invention relates to a process for corrosion protection of an iron-containing substrate wherein a first zinc-nickel alloy layer, a second zinc-nickel alloy layer and a black passivate layer are deposited onto the substrate. The nickel concentration in the second zinc-nickel alloy layer is higher than the nickel concentration in the first zinc-nickel alloy layer. The substrate surface obtained is homogenously black with an appealing decorative appearance and both resistance against white rust and red rust are improved. |
| US09435045B2 |
Reaction products of guanidine compounds or salts thereof, polyepoxides and polyhalogens
Reaction products of guanidine compounds or salts thereof, polyepoxide compounds and polyhalogen compounds may be used as levelers in metal electroplating baths, such as copper electroplating baths, to provide good throwing power. Such reaction products may plate with good surface properties of the metal deposits and good physical reliability. |
| US09435041B2 |
Method and regeneration apparatus for regenerating a plating composition
A method and apparatus for regenerating a plating composition which is suitable for depositing at least one first metal on a substrate where the plating rate in the plating composition is very low, where the concentration of the at least one first metal in the plating composition cannot be easily set at a constant level, and where plating-out of the at least one first metal from the plating composition takes place. The method and apparatus for regenerating a plating composition is suitable for depositing at least one first metal on a substrate at a sufficiently high plating rate, while offering the opportunity to easily adjust the concentration of the at least one first metal in the plating composition at a constant level and to provide the plating composition with sufficient stability against decomposition thereof in order to safeguard the regeneration cell from plated-out first metal. |
| US09435040B2 |
Water electrolysis system
A water electrolysis system includes a water electrolysis stack that electrolyzes water and generates hydrogen, a dehumidification device that adsorbs and removes moisture contained in the hydrogen generated by the water electrolysis stack, a wet line that supplies the hydrogen generated by the water electrolysis stack to the dehumidification device, a compression device that gradually increases pressure of the hydrogen whose moisture is removed in the dehumidification device, and a purge line that takes out a part of the hydrogen whose pressure is being increased, in the compression device, allows it to pass through the dehumidification device, and allows it to join the wet line. |
| US09435037B2 |
Method for treating elongate metal tension member with volatile corrosion inhibitors
A volatile corrosion inhibiting agent is provided for dispersion of a vapor phase corrosion inhibitor in a vapor stream that is passed into a sheath or other casing enclosing a metal bar, cable, or other tension member to protect said tension member from corrosion. |
| US09435034B2 |
Manufacturing method for steel sheets for containers
A manufacturing method for steel sheets for containers produces steel sheets with excellent film adhesion qualities. In a method for manufacturing steel sheets upon which is formed a chemical conversion coating having a metal Zr content of 1-100 mg/m2 and F content of no more than 0.1 mg/m2, the chemical conversion coating is formed on the steel sheet by subjecting the steel sheet to immersion in or electrolytic treatment with a treatment solution containing Zr ions and F ions, and subsequently, the steel sheet upon which the chemical conversion coating has been formed is washed with water having a temperature of at least 80° C. and dried. |
| US09435030B2 |
Radical reactor with inverted orientation
A radical reactor including an elongated structure received within a chamber of a body of the radical reactor. Radicals are generated within a radical chamber formed in the elongated structure by applying a voltage signal across the elongated structure and an electrode extending within the radical chamber. The radicals generated in the radical chamber are routed via a discharge port of the elongated structure and a conduit formed in the body of the radical reactor onto the substrate. The discharge port and the conduit are not aligned so that irradiation generated in the radical chamber is not directed to the substrate. |
| US09435029B2 |
Wafer chucking system for advanced plasma ion energy processing systems
Systems, methods and apparatus for regulating ion energies in a plasma chamber and chucking a substrate to a substrate support are disclosed. An exemplary method includes placing a substrate in a plasma chamber, forming a plasma in the plasma chamber, controllably switching power to the substrate so as to apply a periodic voltage function to the substrate, and modulating, over multiple cycles of the periodic voltage function, the periodic voltage function responsive to a desired distribution of energies of ions at the surface of the substrate so as to effectuate the desired distribution of ion energies on a time-averaged basis. |
| US09435027B2 |
Splashguard and inlet diffuser for high vacuum, high flow bubbler vessel
The present invention is a bubbler having a diptube inlet ending in a bubble size reducing outlet and at least one baffle disc positioned between the outlet of the diptube and the outlet of the bubbler to provide a narrow annular space between the baffle disc and the wall of the bubbler to prevent liquid droplets from entering the outlet to the bubbler. The bubble size reducing outlet is an elongated cylindrical porous metal frit situated in a sump of approximately the same dimensions. A metal frit is placed at the inlet of the outlet of the bubbler. The present invention is also a process of delivering a chemical precursor from a bubbler vessel having the above structure. |
| US09435023B2 |
Method for producing Cu-Ga alloy powder, Cu-Ga alloy powder, method for producing Cu-Ga alloy sputtering target, and Cu-Ga alloy sputtering target
Provided are a method for producing a Cu—Ga alloy powder, by which a high quality Cu—Ga alloy powder to be produced readily; a Cu—Ga alloy powder; a method for producing a Cu—Ga alloy sputtering target; and a Cu—Ga alloy sputtering target. Specifically, a Cu—Ga alloy powder is produced by stirring a mixed powder containing a Cu powder and a Ga in a mass ratio of 85:15 to 55:45 at a temperature of 30 to 700° C. in an inert atmosphere thereby accomplishing alloying. Also a Cu—Ga alloy sputtering target is produced by molding the Cu—Ga alloy powder followed by sintering. |
| US09435021B2 |
Co-deposition methods for the fabrication of organic optoelectronic devices
A method for fabricating an OLED by preparing phosphorescent metal complexes in situ is provided. In particular, the method simultaneously synthesizes and deposits copper (I) complexes in an organic light emitting device. Devices comprising such complexes may provide improved photoluminescent and electroluminescent properties. |
| US09435020B2 |
Thin film deposition apparatus and method of forming thin film using the same
A thin film deposition apparatus includes: a chamber; a mask stage in the chamber and configured to support a mask; a jig in the chamber and above the mask stage, the jig being configured to move in a direction of the mask stage; and a rail in the chamber and configured to support the movement of the jig. Another thin film deposition apparatus includes a chamber, a mask stage positioned within the chamber and configured to support a mask, a camera part proximate to a side of the mask stage, and a jig above the mask stage and configured to move in a direction of the mask stage and over the camera part. The jig is further configured to radiate laser beams in a downward direction from the jig to obtain first scanning data regarding the mask stage and second scanning data regarding the camera part. |
| US09435019B2 |
Mask
A mask includes a plate-shaped body including openings, and a modified portion including at least one first curved portion protruding from the plate-shaped body in a first direction and longitudinally extending in a second direction. |
| US09435018B2 |
Method for carburizing tantalum container
Provided is a method for carburizing a tantalum container which can easily control the carburization thicknesses of various portions of the tantalum container and carburize the tantalum container with a uniform thickness. A method for carburizing a tantalum container 1 made of tantalum or a tantalum alloy to allow carbon to penetrate the tantalum container 1 includes the steps of: supporting the tantalum container 1 on a support member 5, 6 provided in a chamber 3 and setting the tantalum container 1 in the chamber 3; and reducing the pressure inside the chamber 3 and heating the interior of the chamber 3, wherein a carbon source is placed in the vicinity of a portion of the tantalum container 1 hard to carburize. |
| US09435016B2 |
Cu-Ni-Si-based copper alloy plate having excellent deep drawing workability and method of manufacturing the same
The Cu—Ni—Si-based copper alloy plate contains 1.0 mass % to 3.0 mass % of Ni, and Si at a concentration of ⅙ to ¼ of the mass % concentration of Ni with a remainder of Cu and inevitable impurities, in which, when the average value of the aspect ratio (the minor axis of crystal grains/the major axis of crystal grains) of each crystal grains in an alloy structure is 0.4 to 0.6, the average value of GOS in the all crystal grains is 1.2° to 1.5°, and the ratio (Lσ/L) of the total special grain boundary length Lσ of special grain boundaries to the total grain boundary length L of crystal grain boundaries is 60% to 70%, the spring bending elastic limit becomes 450 N/mm2 to 600 N/mm2, the solder resistance to heat separation is favorable and deep drawing workability is excellent at 150° C. for 1000 hours. |
| US09435015B2 |
Heat treatment method and heat treatment apparatus
A heat treatment method according to the present invention includes a preliminary-state-generating step of heat-treating an alloy that undergoes multiple-step transformation with temperature by bringing the alloy in contact with a contact-type heating element for 0.01 sec or more and 3.0 sec or less, the contact-type heating element being adjusted to a particular temperature within a preliminary-state-generating temperature region determined on the basis of a first temperature related to a particular first transformation of the alloy and a second temperature, which is higher than the first temperature, related to a particular second transformation of the alloy so as to generate a preliminary state in the alloy. |
| US09435007B2 |
Titanium metal production apparatus and production method for titanium metal
A titanium metal production apparatus is provided with (a) a first flow channel that supplies magnesium in a state of gas, (b) a second flow channel that supplies titanium tetrachloride in a state of gas, (c) a gas mixing section in which the magnesium and titanium tetrachloride in a state of gas are mixed and the temperature is controlled to be 1600° C. or more, (d) a titanium metal deposition section in which particles for deposition are arranged so as to be movable, the temperature is in the range of 715 to 1500° C., and the absolute pressure is 50 kPa to 500 kPa, and (e) a mixed gas discharge section which is in communication with the titanium metal deposition section. |
| US09435004B2 |
Waste handling methods and apparatus
Apparatus and a method of handling a molten metal processing by-product are provided in which the by-product is placed in a container unit and put in the apparatus, the apparatus including an element having a first position outside of the container and a second position in which at least a part of the element is in the container so as to compress the by-product and exclude oxygen from it. The element also serves to transfer heat from the contents of the container unit to the element and so provide cooling. The element can then be returned to the first position, the container unit be removed and placed at a cooling location for final cooling. |
| US09435003B2 |
Machine and method for hair or bristle removal
Devices and methods for removal of animal hair are provided. The devices and methods can include one or more rotating bodies that form pinch regions for mechanical removal of animal hair. |
| US09435000B2 |
Primate T-lymphotropic viruses
Disclosed are compositions and methods related to the isolation and identification of the primate T-lymphotropic viruses, HTLV-3 and HTLV-4. The diversity of HTLVs was investigated among central Africans reporting contact with NHP blood and body fluids through hunting, butchering, and keeping primate pets. Herein it is shown that this population is infected with a variety of HTLVs, including two retroviruses; HTLV-4 is the first member of a novel phylogenetic lineage that is distinct from all known HTLVs and STLVs; HTLV-3 falls within the genetic diversity of STLV-3, a group that has not previously been seen in humans. The present disclosure also relates to vectors and vaccines for use in humans against infection and disease. The disclosure further relates to a variety of bioassays and kits for the detection and diagnosis of infection with and diseases caused by HTLV-3 and HTLV-4 and related viruses. |
| US09434999B1 |
Specific detection of organisms derived from a sample
Methods, materials, and kits for distinguishing a population of cells or organisms truly present in a clinical specimen from contaminating cells or organisms is disclosed. The methods and kits use a suppressor to avoid false positive detection of contaminants in nucleic acid amplification reactions. |
| US09434997B2 |
Methods, compounds and systems for detecting a microorganism in a sample
Methods to identify a set of probe polynucleotides suitable for detecting a set of targets and in particular methods for identification of primers suitable for detection of target microorganisms related polynucleotides, set of polynucleotides and compositions, and related methods and systems for detection and/or identification of microorganisms in a sample. |
| US09434993B2 |
Systems for identifying cosmetic agents for skin care compositions
A system for identifying connections between a cosmetic agent and at least one gene associated with a skin aging condition. The system includes a computer readable medium having stored thereon a plurality of instances and a skin aging gene expression signature. Each instance comprises an ordered list of identifiers representing a plurality of differentially expressed genes generated as a result of contact between the cosmetic agent and a human fibroblast cell or a human keratinocyte cell. The computing device includes computer-readable instructions for accessing the plurality of instances and the skin aging gene expression signature stored on the computer readable medium, comparing each of the instances to the skin aging gene expression signature, and assigning a connectivity score to each of the instances based on the comparison. |
| US09434988B2 |
RNase H-based assays utilizing modified RNA monomers
The present invention provides methods of cleaving a nucleic acid strand to initiate, assist, monitor or perform biological assays. |
| US09434987B2 |
Lab on chip cartridge
A cartridge for an optical analysis, including a supporting body, having a first face and a second face opposite to one another; a plurality of wells adapted to receive a biological solution to be analyzed, the wells extending in the supporting body on the first face; at least one biocompatible layer extending inside each well; an anti-reflection layer extending on the first face outside the wells; and a reflection layer extending inside each well. Methods of using same are also provided. |
| US09434984B2 |
Composition comprising an array which further comprises chimeric compositions
This invention provides novel compositions and processes for analyte detection, quantification and amplification. Nucleic acid arrays and libraries of analytes are usefully incorporated into such compositions and processes. Universal detection elements, signaling entities and the like are employed to detect and if necessary or desirable, to quantify analytes. Amplification of target analytes are also provided by the compositions and processes of this invention. |
| US09434983B2 |
Nano-sensor array
In one embodiment, a method is provided for the manufacture of a nano-sensor array. A base having a sensing region is provided along with a plurality of nano-sensors. Each of the plurality of nano-sensors is formed by: forming a first nanoneedle along a surface of the base, forming a dielectric on the first nanoneedle, and forming a second nanoneedle on the dielectric layer. The first nanoneedle of each sensor has a first end adjacent to the sensing region of the base. The second nanoneedle is separated from the first nanoneedle by the dielectric and has a first end adjacent the first end of the first nanoneedle. The base is provided with a fluidic channel. The plurality of nano-sensors and the fluidic channel are configured and arranged with the first ends proximate the fluidic channel to facilitate sensing of targeted matter in the fluidic channel. |
| US09434981B2 |
Assay methods using nicking endonucleases
Assay methods and apparatus for the analysis of biopolymers are disclosed. The assays employ nicking endonucleases to enable the generation of flaps on target biomolecules which are detected in nanopore or fluidic channel devices. Identification of flap locations enables a map of the target biomolecule to be derived. |
| US09434978B2 |
Culture medium for screening or enrichment of methicillin-resistant S. aureus
The invention relates to culture medium for screening or enrichment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which medium comprises a combination of at least two cephalosporins. |
| US09434977B2 |
Rapid identification of organisms in bodily fluids
There is provided a lateral flow assay that can provide an indication of Gram negative (GN) or Gram positive (GP) infection (or both) within 30 minutes, and desirably in less than 15 minutes. The immediate result would signal the presence of Gram negative bacteria, Gram positive bacteria, both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, or no bacteria detected. The detection level would be above a specific bacterial concentration threshold that is clinically significant infection source (e.g. 10^3 cfu/ml) versus the presence of a colonizing bacteria that is not a part of the active infection. |
| US09434968B2 |
Transaminase reactions
The present disclosure relates to methods of using transaminase polypeptides in the synthesis of chiral amines from prochiral ketones. |
| US09434967B2 |
Microbial culture medium and cultural method
The present invention discloses a microbial culture medium and a cultural method. The culture medium comprises a combination of strong acid-weak alkali salts and strong alkali-weak acid salts so that pH value thereof can be regulated and controlled in a stable and suitable range by itself, thus decreasing or eliminating an operable regulation on pH value via an external device in fermentation process and a risk of contaminations resulted from it in fermentation process as well, accordingly greatly improving the controllability and stability of the fermentation process. Meanwhile the ammonium salts acting as strong acid-weak alkali salts can be used as a nitrogen source to replace yeast cream to realize a decreased amount of nitrogen resource of high price, therefor sharply reducing the cost of the culture medium. |
| US09434964B2 |
Microorganisms for the production of 1,4-butanediol and related methods
The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms comprising a 1,4-butanediol (BDO) pathway comprising at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a BDO pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce BDO and further optimized for expression of BDO. The invention additionally provides methods of using such microbial organisms to produce BDO. |
| US09434963B2 |
Process for butanol production
This invention comprises a process for the bioconversion of a fermentable carbon source to n-butanol by a microorganism, wherein the microorganism is deficient in at least one gene or protein involved in the four-carbon compounds pathway regulation to improve the four-carbon compounds pathway, particularly by inactivation of the transcriptional repressor rex. |
| US09434959B2 |
Virus-like particles for treatment of viral infections
The invention provides virus-like particles for treatment of viral infections based on the virus causing the infection. The virus-like particles comprise the virus recombinant proteins that form a capsid, recombinant virus membrane proteins attached to the capsid and vRNA packaged within said capsid. The vRNA is generated from a DNA sequence encoding a polypeptide capable of specifically binding to a constant region of a nonstructural protein of the virus that is essential for propagation of the virus. |